JP2022029620A - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a connector that can improve the ease of assembly to a mating terminal.SOLUTION: A connector 30 includes a connection terminal 40 connected to a mating terminal 200, a connector housing 50 that holds the connection terminal 40, and a cover 100 attached to the connector housing 50. The tip of the connection terminal 40 projects from the end face of the connector housing 50. The tip of the connection terminal 40 has an end surface 43 on the side facing the mating terminal 200. The cover 100 includes a support portion 120 that supports the end surface 43 of the connection terminal 40. The support portion 120 extends along a direction in which the tip of the connection terminal 40 extends.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to connectors.

Conventionally, a connector mounted on a case of an electric device mounted on a vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of connector has a terminal fitting connected to the end of an electric wire and a connector housing for holding the terminal fitting. The tip of the terminal fitting protrudes from the end face of the connector housing to the outside of the connector housing. The tip of the terminal fitting is connected to the mating terminal provided in the case.

JP-A-2015-130300

By the way, in the above-mentioned connector, it is desired to improve the assemblability of the connector to the mating terminal, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of improving assembling property to a mating terminal.

The connector of the present disclosure has a connection terminal connected to the mating terminal, a connector housing for holding the connection terminal, and a cover attached to the connector housing, and the tip of the connection terminal is the connector housing. The tip of the connection terminal has an end surface on the side facing the mating terminal, and the cover has a support portion for supporting the end surface of the connection terminal. Extends along the direction in which the tip of the connection terminal extends.

According to the connector of the present disclosure, there is an effect that the assembling property to the mating terminal can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a wire harness of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector and a case of one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a connector of one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a connector of one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connector mounted on the case of one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a cover of one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing the connector of the modified example. FIG. 8 is a schematic front view showing the connector of the modified example. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view showing the connector of the modified example.

[Explanation of Embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
[1] The connector of the present disclosure has a connection terminal connected to a mating terminal, a connector housing holding the connection terminal, and a cover attached to the connector housing, and the tip of the connection terminal has a tip. It protrudes from the end face of the connector housing, the tip end of the connection terminal has an end face on the side facing the mating terminal, and the cover has a support portion for supporting the end face of the connection terminal. The support portion extends along the direction in which the tip end portion of the connection terminal extends.

According to this configuration, since the end surface of the tip of the connection terminal protruding from the end surface of the connector housing on the side facing the mating terminal is supported by the support portion, it is possible to prevent the connection terminal from tilting toward the mating terminal. .. This makes it possible to prevent the tip of the connection terminal from colliding with the mating terminal or the terminal block holding the mating terminal, for example, when the connector is inserted into the case of the mating partner. Therefore, the connector insertion work can be smoothly performed, and the connection work between the connection terminal and the mating terminal can be smoothly performed. As a result, the ease of assembling to the mating terminal can be improved.

Here, "opposing" as used herein means that the faces or members are in front of each other, not only when they are completely in front of each other, but also when they are partially in front of each other. Including the case of being in position. Further, "opposite" in the present specification is both a case where a member different from the two parts is interposed between the two parts and a case where nothing is interposed between the two parts. including.

[2] The support portion preferably has a main body portion facing the end surface of the connection terminal and a rib protruding from the main body portion in a direction in which the main body portion and the connection terminal face each other. According to this configuration, the strength of the entire support portion can be improved by providing the ribs in the main body portion. Therefore, the connection terminal can be suitably supported by the support portion, and the connection terminal can be suitably suppressed from tilting toward the mating terminal.

[3] The tip of the connection terminal is formed in a flat plate shape, and the tip of the connection terminal is between the end face, the opposite surface on the opposite side of the end face, and the end face and the opposite surface. It has a pair of side surfaces provided in the above, and the ribs preferably face the side surfaces of the connection terminal. According to this configuration, since the rib is provided so as to face the side surface of the connection terminal, it is possible to prevent the connection terminal from tilting in the width direction orthogonal to the side surface of the connection terminal.

[4] The main body portion extends over the entire length of the connection terminal in the width direction orthogonal to the side surface, and the support portion is a pair of the ribs provided at both ends of the main body portion in the width direction. It is preferable to have. According to this configuration, the strength of the entire support portion can be improved by providing the pair of ribs on the main body portion. Therefore, the connection terminal can be suitably supported by the support portion, and the connection terminal can be suitably suppressed from tilting toward the mating terminal. Further, since the ribs are provided facing each of the pair of side surfaces, it is possible to suitably suppress the connection terminal from tilting in the width direction.

[5] The support portion is annular, and the support portion is connected to the pair of ribs and has a facing wall facing the main body portion with the connection terminal in between, and the facing wall is , It is preferable that the connection terminal faces the opposite surface. According to this configuration, the support portion is formed in an annular shape by the main body portion, the pair of ribs, and the facing wall. This makes it possible to improve the strength of the entire support portion. Therefore, the connection terminal can be suitably supported by the support portion, and the connection terminal can be suitably suppressed from tilting toward the mating terminal. Further, since the outer circumference of the connection terminal can be surrounded over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, the connection terminal can be suitably protected.

Here, the "ring" in the present specification means a structure in which the whole is connected to form a continuous ring, that is, an endless structure in which the start point and the end point coincide with each other. Further, the "ring" in the present specification is a circular ring having a circular outer edge shape, an elliptical or oval ring having an outer edge shape, a polygonal ring having a polygonal outer edge shape, and a polygonal ring having a rounded outer edge shape. Including, the outer edge shape consists of any closed shape connected by a straight line or a curve. The "ring" is a shape having a through hole in a plan view, and the outer edge shape and the inner circumference shape of the through hole are the same shape, or the outer edge shape and the inner circumference shape of the through hole are different shapes. including. The "ring" includes a ring having a predetermined length extending along an axial direction in which a central axis passing through the center of the through hole extends, and the length thereof may be large or small. In addition, the "ring" in the present specification may be regarded as a ring as a whole, and includes a C-shaped object having a notch, a slit, or the like in a part thereof.

[6] The connector housing has an accommodation space and a locking piece that is elastically deformable toward the accommodation space and engages with the connection terminal, and the cover is accommodated in the accommodation space. It is preferable that the retainer portion is further provided, and the retainer portion is configured to be in contact with the locking piece.

According to this configuration, the retainer portion is brought into contact with the locking piece in the accommodation space. This restricts the locking piece from elastically deforming toward the accommodation space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the locking piece from being unintentionally released from the connection terminal. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connection terminal from coming off the connector housing. Further, since the retainer portion is provided on the cover that regulates the tilt of the connection terminal, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts.

[7] The retainer portion preferably extends along the assembling direction of the cover with respect to the connector housing. According to this configuration, the retainer portion of the cover can be inserted into the accommodation space together with the operation of assembling the cover to the connector housing.

[8] The cover further has a fixing portion fixed to the connector housing, the fixing portion has a plate-shaped closing portion for closing the opening of the connector housing, and the retainer portion has the closing portion. The support portion extends from the first end surface of the portion facing the connector housing along the assembly direction, and the support portion is opposite to the assembly direction from the second end surface of the closed portion opposite to the first end surface. It preferably extends along the direction. According to this configuration, since the opening of the connector housing is closed by the closing portion, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the connector housing.

[Details of Embodiments of the present disclosure]
Specific examples of the connectors of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. In addition, the dimensional ratio of each part may differ in each drawing. The term "parallel" or "orthogonal" in the present specification includes not only the case of strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also the case of being substantially parallel or orthogonal within the range in which the action and effect in the present embodiment are exhibited. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is indicated by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

(Overall configuration of wire harness 10)
The wire harness 10 shown in FIG. 1 electrically connects two or three or more electric devices (equipment). The wire harness 10 electrically connects an inverter 11 installed at the front of a vehicle V such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle and a high-pressure battery 12 installed behind the vehicle V with respect to the inverter 11. The inverter 11 is connected to a wheel drive motor (not shown) that is a power source for traveling the vehicle. The inverter 11 generates AC power from the DC power of the high-voltage battery 12, and supplies the AC power to the motor. The high voltage battery 12 is, for example, a battery capable of supplying a voltage of several hundred volts.

The wire harness 10 includes a plurality of electric wires 20 (two in the present embodiment), an exterior member 25 that collectively surrounds the plurality of electric wires 20, and a pair of connectors 30 attached to both ends of the electric wires 20. is doing. One end of the electric wire 20 is connected to the inverter 11 via the connector 30, and the other end of the electric wire 20 is connected to the high voltage battery 12 via the connector 30. The electric wire 20 is, for example, a high-voltage electric wire capable of dealing with a high voltage and a large current. The exterior member 25 protects the electric wire 20 housed therein from flying objects and water droplets.

As shown in FIG. 2, each connector 30 is fixed to a conductive case 15 included in an electric device such as an inverter 11 and a high-voltage battery 12 (see FIG. 1). Each connector 30 is electrically connected to, for example, a mating terminal 200 (see FIG. 5) provided in the case 15. As the material of the case 15, for example, a metal material such as iron-based or aluminum-based can be used.

(Structure of case 15)
The case 15 has a box-shaped case main body 16 and an annular mounting portion 17 that is integrally provided with the case main body 16 and protrudes to the outside of the case main body 16. The mounting portion 17 is formed in an annular shape by having a mounting hole 17X penetrating the mounting portion 17.

The mounting hole 17X is formed so as to communicate the internal space of the case body 16 and the external space of the case body 16. The mounting hole 17X is formed, for example, into a flat shape having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction when viewed from the penetrating direction. In the present specification, the "flat shape" includes, for example, a rectangle, an oval shape, an ellipse shape, and the like. As used herein, an "oval" is a shape consisting of two parallel lines of substantially equal length and two semicircles. The mounting hole 17X of the present embodiment is formed in an oval shape when viewed from the penetrating direction.

In each drawing, the X-axis in the XYZ axes represents the axial direction (front-back direction) of the connector 30, the Y-axis represents the width direction (horizontal direction) of the connector 30 orthogonal to the X-axis, and the Z-axis is in the XY plane. It represents the height direction (vertical direction) of the connector 30 that is orthogonal to the connector 30. In the following description, for convenience, the direction extending along the X axis is referred to as the front-back direction X, the direction extending along the Y axis is referred to as the left-right direction Y, and the direction extending along the Z axis is referred to as the up-down direction Z. Further, in the following description, the direction of the X arrow in FIG. 2 is defined as forward, and the direction of the Z arrow is defined as upward.

The case 15 has one or more (two in this embodiment) fixing portions 18 for fixing the connector 30 to the case 15. The two fixing portions 18 are provided on both sides of the mounting portion 17 in the left-right direction Y, for example. Each fixing portion 18 is formed so as to project to the outside of the case body 16, for example. Each fixing portion 18 is formed with a bolt fixing hole 18X that penetrates the fixing portion 18 in the vertical direction Z.

(Configuration of connector 30)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connector 30 has a plurality of connection terminals 40 and a connector housing 50 that holds the plurality of connection terminals 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector 30 includes, for example, rubber rings 91, 92, 93 mounted on the outer periphery of the connector housing 50, a cover 100, a rubber stopper 150 mounted on the end of the electric wire 20, and a back. It has a retainer 160 and a shield shell 170 that covers the connector housing 50 from the outside.

(Configuration of connection terminal 40)
As shown in FIG. 5, each connection terminal 40 has, for example, a wire connection portion 41 connected to the end of the wire 20 and a terminal connection portion 42 connected to the mating terminal 200. Each connection terminal 40 is, for example, a single component formed by connecting the electric wire connection portion 41 and the terminal connection portion 42 in the axial direction (here, the front-rear direction X) of the connection terminal 40. As the material of each connection terminal 40, for example, a metal material such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or stainless steel can be used. The connection terminal 40 can be formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate having excellent conductivity.

(Structure of electric wire connection portion 41)
The electric wire connecting portion 41 is electrically connected to the end portion of the electric wire 20. Here, the electric wire 20 is a coated electric wire having a core wire 21 made of a conductor and an insulating coating 22 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 21. The electric wire connecting portion 41 is connected to, for example, the end portion of the core wire 21 exposed from the insulating coating 22. The electric wire connecting portion 41 is connected to the core wire 21 by, for example, crimping or ultrasonic welding. As a result, the electric wire connecting portion 41 and the core wire 21 are electrically and mechanically connected.

(Structure of terminal connection portion 42)
The terminal connection portion 42 is formed in a flat plate shape, for example. The terminal connection portion 42 is formed with, for example, a through hole 42X into which the bolt B1 is inserted. The through hole 42X is formed so as to penetrate the terminal connection portion 42 in the plate thickness direction (here, the vertical direction Z). The terminal connection portion 42 is electrically and mechanically connected to the mating terminal 200 by, for example, a bolt B1. The mating terminal 200 is fixed to the terminal block 201, for example. The terminal connection portion 42 has an end surface 43 (here, a lower surface) on the side facing the mating terminal 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal connection portion 42 has, for example, an opposite surface 44 provided on the opposite side of the end surface 43 and a pair of side surfaces 45 provided between the end surface 43 and the opposite surface 44. ing. The end surface 43 and the opposite surface 44 are provided, for example, at intervals in the plate thickness direction (here, the vertical direction Z) of the terminal connection portion 42. The pair of side surfaces 45 are provided at intervals in the width direction (here, the left-right direction Y) of the terminal connection portion 42 orthogonal to both the axial direction of the connection terminal 40 and the plate thickness direction of the terminal connection portion 42. ing. Here, the plate thickness direction of the terminal connection portion 42 is a direction orthogonal to the end surface 43 and the opposite surface 44. The width direction of the terminal connection portion 42 is a direction orthogonal to the side surface 45. In the terminal connection portion 42, for example, a locking hole 42Y that penetrates the terminal connection portion 42 in the plate thickness direction is formed between the through hole 42X and the electric wire connection portion 41.

(Structure of connector housing 50)
As shown in FIG. 2, the connector housing 50 has, for example, an annular shape extending in the front-rear direction X. The connector housing 50 is formed, for example, in a flat shape that is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the up-down direction Z. The connector housing 50 has an insertion portion 51 inserted into the mounting hole 17X of the case 15, and an outer arrangement portion 70 arranged outside the case 15. The insertion portion 51 is inserted (fitted) into the mounting hole 17X from the rear to the front along the front-rear direction X. The connector housing 50 is, for example, a single component in which the insertion portion 51 and the outer arrangement portion 70 are integrally formed by being connected in the axial direction (here, the front-rear direction X) of the connector housing 50. As the material of the connector housing 50, for example, an insulating material such as synthetic resin can be used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the insertion portion 51 is formed so as to project forward from the front end of the outer arrangement portion 70, for example. The insertion portion 51 is formed in an annular shape having an outer peripheral surface having a shape corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 17X (see FIG. 2). The insertion portion 51 is formed, for example, in a flat shape that is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the up-down direction Z. The insertion portion 51 of the present embodiment is formed in an oval ring shape.

(Structure of insertion portion 51)
As shown in FIG. 2, an accommodating groove 51X is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. The accommodating groove 51X is formed so as to be recessed in the radial direction of the insertion portion 51 from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. The accommodating groove 51X is formed, for example, over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51 in the circumferential direction. A rubber ring 91 is fitted in the accommodating groove 51X. The rubber ring 91 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the connector housing 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the case 15.

A housing groove 51Y is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. The accommodating groove 51Y is provided, for example, behind the accommodating groove 51X. The accommodating groove 51Y is formed so as to be recessed in the radial direction of the insertion portion 51 from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. The accommodating groove 51Y is formed, for example, over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51 in the circumferential direction. A rubber ring 92 is fitted in the accommodating groove 51Y. The rubber ring 92 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the connector housing 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the case 15.

(Structure of rubber rings 91 and 92)
The rubber rings 91 and 92 are configured to be elastically deformable. The rubber rings 91 and 92 are, for example, O-rings. The rubber rings 91 and 92 are formed, for example, in a continuous annular shape over the entire circumference of the insertion portion 51 in the circumferential direction. The rubber rings 91 and 92 of the present embodiment are formed in an oval ring shape whose inner peripheral shape and outer peripheral shape form an oval shape.

(Structure of insertion portion 51)
As shown in FIG. 4, the insertion portion 51 has, for example, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) holding holes 52 arranged in the left-right direction Y. Each holding hole 52 is formed so as to penetrate the insertion portion 51 in the front-rear direction X. A connection terminal 40 is held inside each holding hole 52. The plurality of connection terminals 40 held inside the holding hole 52 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 51 when viewed from the front-rear direction X.

As shown in FIG. 5, a locking piece 53 is provided inside each holding hole 52. A storage space 60 is formed above each locking piece 53. Each accommodation space 60 is composed of a gap formed between the upper surface of the locking piece 53 and the inner peripheral surface of the holding hole 52. Each accommodation space 60 is formed so as to open forward.

For example, inside each holding hole 52, each locking piece 53 projects downward from the inner peripheral surface at the rear end portion of the holding hole 52, and then extends forward along the front-rear direction X inside the holding hole 52. Is formed in. Each locking piece 53 has a base end portion (here, a rear end portion) connected to the inner peripheral surface of the holding hole 52 as a fixed end, and a tip end portion (in this case, a tip end portion) located on the opposite side in the front-rear direction X from the base end portion. Here, it is formed in a cantilever shape with the front end) as the free end. Each locking piece 53 has a spring property. Each locking piece 53 is configured to be elastically deformable so that the tip end portion of the locking piece 53 is displaced in the vertical direction Z with respect to the base end portion of the locking piece 53 inside the holding hole 52. Each locking piece 53 is configured to be able to bend in the vertical direction Z due to elastic deformation, for example. Each locking piece 53 is configured to be elastically deformable toward, for example, the accommodation space 60. At the tip of each locking piece 53, a locking convex portion 54 projecting downward from the lower surface of each locking piece 53 is formed. The locking convex portion 54 is formed so as to project in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the connection terminal 40 (in the present embodiment, the front-rear direction X).

Each connection terminal 40 is inserted into each holding hole 52 from the rear side. For example, the terminal connection portion 42 of each connection terminal 40 is inserted into each holding hole 52. The terminal connection portion 42 is arranged below the locking piece 53, for example, inside the holding hole 52. The connection terminal 40 is held inside the holding hole 52, for example, by fitting the locking convex portion 54 of the locking piece 53 into the locking hole 42Y of the terminal connecting portion 42. Here, when the connection terminal 40 is inserted into the holding hole 52, each locking piece 53 is pushed up by the terminal connection portion 42 of the connection terminal 40 and retracts into the accommodation space 60. That is, when the connection terminal 40 is inserted, each locking piece 53 is pressed by the terminal connection portion 42, elastically deforms, bends upward, and retracts into the accommodation space 60. After that, when the connection terminal 40 is inserted to the normal position, each locking piece 53 elastically returns and locks to the connection terminal 40. Specifically, when the locking hole 42Y of the terminal connecting portion 42 is inserted to a position where it overlaps with the locking convex portion 54 in the vertical direction Z, the locking piece 53 elastically returns and the locking convex portion 54 is locked. It is fitted in the hole 42Y, and the locking convex portion 54 is locked in the locking hole 42Y.

The tip end portion (here, the front end portion) of the terminal connection portion 42 is formed so as to protrude from the end surface of the connector housing 50. For example, the tip portion of the terminal connection portion 42 in which the through hole 42X is formed is formed so as to project forward from the front end surface of the insertion portion 51. That is, the tip of the terminal connection portion 42 is exposed to the outside of the insertion portion 51.

A cover 100 is attached to the front end of the insertion portion 51. The cover 100 is attached to the front end portion of the insertion portion 51 from the front along the assembly direction D1, for example. The cover 100 is a separate component from the connector housing 50.

(Structure of cover 100)
The cover 100 has, for example, a fixing portion 110, one or more (two in this embodiment) support portions 120, and one or more (two in this embodiment) retainer portions 130. is doing. The cover 100 is, for example, a single component in which the fixing portion 110, the support portion 120, and the retainer portion 130 are continuously and integrally formed. As the material of the cover 100, for example, an insulating material such as a synthetic resin can be used.

(Structure of fixed portion 110)
The fixing portion 110 is fixed to the connector housing 50. The fixing portion 110 is fixed to, for example, the front end portion of the insertion portion 51. The fixing portion 110 is fitted, for example, to the outer periphery of the front end portion of the insertion portion 51.

The fixing portion 110 has, for example, a closing portion 111 that closes the opening at the front end of the inserting portion 51. The closed portion 111 is formed in a plate shape, for example. As shown in FIG. 4, the closed portion 111 is formed, for example, so that the planar shape seen from the assembly direction D1 corresponds to the insertion portion 51. The closed portion 111 of the present embodiment has an oval shape as seen from the assembly direction D1.

The fixing portion 110 has, for example, a peripheral wall 112 protruding from the outer peripheral edge of the closing portion 111 along the assembly direction D1. The peripheral wall 112 is continuously formed, for example, over the entire circumference of the closed portion 111 in the circumferential direction. The peripheral wall 112 protrudes rearward from the first end surface (here, the rear end surface in this case) of the closed portion 111 on the side facing the insertion portion 51. The peripheral wall 112 is fitted, for example, to the outside of the front end portion of the insertion portion 51.

The fixing portion 110 has, for example, one or more (two in this embodiment) locking portions 113. Each locking portion 113 is locked with, for example, a locking portion 55 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. Here, each locking portion 55 is formed so as to project, for example, from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51 to the outside in the radial direction of the insertion portion 51. Each locking portion 55 of the present embodiment is a locking projection. The plurality of locking portions 55 are provided, for example, one on each side surface of the insertion portion 51 in the vertical direction Z. Each locking portion 113 is provided at a position corresponding to each locking portion 55.

As shown in FIG. 6, each locking portion 113 is formed, for example, on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 112 and is formed on the closed portion 111. Each locking portion 113 is formed so that, for example, a part of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 112 is recessed toward the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 112. Each locking portion 113 is formed so as to penetrate, for example, the closing portion 111 in the plate thickness direction (here, the front-rear direction X). Each locking portion 113 of the present embodiment is a locking hole. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 100 is fixed to the insertion portion 51 by engaging the locking portion 113, which is a locking hole, with the locking portion 55, which is a locking projection.

As shown in FIG. 5, the closed portion 111 is formed with a through hole 114 through which the terminal connecting portion 42 is passed. The through hole 114 is formed so as to penetrate, for example, the closed portion 111 in the plate thickness direction (here, the front-rear direction X). The through hole 114 communicates with, for example, the holding hole 52. The through hole 114 is formed, for example, so that the planar shape of the through hole 114 when viewed from the through direction is smaller than that of the holding hole 52.

(Structure of support portion 120)
The support portion 120 supports the end surface 43 of the terminal connection portion 42. The support portion 120 extends along a direction in which the tip end portion of the terminal connection portion 42 extends (here, the front-rear direction X). The support portion 120 extends from, for example, a second end surface (here, a front end surface) opposite to the first end surface of the closed portion 111 along the opposite direction of the assembly direction D1. The support portion 120 protrudes from the second end surface of the closed portion 111 on the side facing the mating terminal 200 toward the mating terminal 200, for example. The support portion 120 projects, for example, along the projecting direction of the terminal connection portion 42 from the front end surface of the connector housing 50. The support portion 120 of the present embodiment extends forward along the front-rear direction X. The support portion 120 is provided at least below the terminal connection portion 42. The support portion 120 regulates that the terminal connection portion 42 is tilted toward the mating terminal 200.

As shown in FIG. 3, the support portion 120 has, for example, an annular shape extending in the front-rear direction X. The support portion 120 is formed so as to surround the outer circumference of the terminal connection portion 42 over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, for example. The support portion 120 is formed, for example, in a shape along the outer circumference of the terminal connection portion 42. The support portion 120 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape as viewed from the assembly direction D1.

The support portion 120 has, for example, a main body portion 121, a pair of ribs 122, and a facing wall 123 facing the main body portion 121. The support portion 120 has a through hole 124 through which the terminal connection portion 42 penetrates. The through hole 124 is composed of, for example, a space surrounded by a main body portion 121, a pair of ribs 122, and a facing wall 123. The through hole 124 is formed so as to penetrate, for example, the support portion 120 in the projecting direction (here, the front-rear direction X) of the support portion 120. The through hole 124 is formed, for example, so that the planar shape seen from the penetration direction of the through hole 124 corresponds to the outer circumference of the terminal connection portion 42. In the present embodiment, the planar shape of the through hole 124 seen from the through direction of the through hole 124 is formed in a rectangular shape. The support portion 120 of the present embodiment is formed in an annular shape having an outer edge shape and an inner peripheral shape of the through hole 124 having a rectangular shape.

As shown in FIG. 5, the through hole 124 communicates with, for example, the through hole 114. The through hole 124 is formed, for example, so that the planar shape of the through hole 124 as viewed from the through direction is the same as that of the through hole 114. The support portion 120 is provided, for example, on the front end surface of the closing portion 111 constituting the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 114.

The main body 121 supports the end surface 43 of the terminal connection portion 42. The main body portion 121 supports the end surface 43 of the terminal connection portion 42 projecting forward from the front end surface of the connector housing 50. The main body portion 121 faces, for example, the end surface 43 of the terminal connection portion 42. As shown in FIG. 4, the main body portion 121 extends, for example, along the width direction (here, the left-right direction Y) of the terminal connection portion 42. The main body portion 121 extends, for example, over the entire length of the terminal connection portion 42 in the width direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, each rib 122 extends, for example, along a direction in which the main body portion 121 and the end surface 43 face each other (here, the vertical direction Z). Each rib 122 extends upward from the upper surface of the main body 121 along the vertical direction Z, for example. Each rib 122 faces, for example, each side surface 45 of the terminal connection portion 42. Each rib 122 extends, for example, over the entire length of the terminal connection portion 42 in the plate thickness direction (here, the vertical direction Z). The pair of ribs 122 are provided, for example, one at each end of the upper surface of the main body 121 in the width direction.

The facing wall 123 is connected to, for example, the upper ends of the pair of ribs 122. The facing wall 123 faces the main body 121, for example, with the terminal connection portion 42 in between. The facing wall 123 faces, for example, the opposite surface 44 of the terminal connecting portion 42. The facing wall 123 extends, for example, along the width direction (here, the left-right direction Y) of the terminal connection portion 42. The facing wall 123 extends, for example, over the entire width direction of the terminal connection portion 42.

(Structure of retainer unit 130)
As shown in FIG. 5, each retainer portion 130 is accommodated in each accommodation space 60. Each retainer portion 130 extends from, for example, the first end surface (rear end surface) of the closing portion 111 facing the connector housing 50 along the assembly direction D1. Each retainer portion 130 projects from, for example, the first end surface of the closing portion 111 toward the connector housing 50. Each retainer portion 130 of the present embodiment extends rearward along the front-rear direction X. Each retainer portion 130 is provided above, for example, through holes 114, 124 and each locking piece 53. Each retainer portion 130 is provided, for example, at a position overlapping each accommodation space 60 in the assembly direction D1. Each retainer portion 130 is configured to be in contact with the locking piece 53 in each accommodation space 60. For example, the lower surface of each retainer portion 130 is in contact with the upper surface of the locking piece 53. Each retainer portion 130 restricts the locking piece 53 from elastically deforming toward the accommodation space 60.

As shown in FIG. 6, each retainer portion 130 is formed in a flat plate shape, for example. Each retainer portion 130 has, for example, a predetermined thickness in the vertical direction Z. Each retainer portion 130 is formed, for example, longer in the front-rear direction X than in the left-right direction Y. Each retainer portion 130 has a base end portion (front end portion) connected to the first end surface of the closed portion 111 as a fixed end, and a tip portion (rear end portion) located opposite to the base end portion in the front-rear direction X. It is formed in a cantilever shape with a free end.

For example, one or a plurality (two in this embodiment) rib 131 is provided on the lower surface of each retainer portion 130. Each rib 131 is formed so as to project downward from the lower surface of each retainer portion 130. The two ribs 131 are provided at both ends of each retainer portion 130 in the width direction (here, the left-right direction Y), for example. Each rib 131 extends, for example, along the assembly direction D1. Each rib 131 is formed so as to extend over the entire length of each retainer portion 130 in the front-rear direction X, for example. A recess 132 is formed on the lower surface of each retainer portion 130 by, for example, two ribs 131. For example, the locking piece 53 shown in FIG. 5 is inserted into the recess 132. For example, the locking piece 53 (see FIG. 5) is inserted between the pair of ribs 131.

(Structure of outer arrangement portion 70)
As shown in FIG. 4, the outer arrangement portion 70 is formed so as to project rearward from the rear end of the insertion portion 51, for example. The outer arrangement portion 70 has, for example, an annular shape in which the shape seen from the front-rear direction X is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the up-down direction Z. The outer shape of the outer arrangement portion 70 is formed smaller than the outer shape of the insertion portion 51, for example.

The outer arrangement portion 70 has, for example, a plurality of (here, two) accommodating holes 71 arranged in the left-right direction Y. Each accommodating hole 71 is formed so as to penetrate the outer arrangement portion 70 in the front-rear direction X. Each accommodating hole 71 has, for example, an annular shape extending in the front-rear direction X.

As shown in FIG. 5, each accommodating hole 71 communicates with each holding hole 52. Inside each accommodation hole 71, for example, a connection portion between the electric wire connecting portion 41 and the core wire 21 of the electric wire 20 is accommodated. Inside the accommodating hole 71, for example, the end portion of the insulating coating 22 of the electric wire 20 is accommodated.

At the rear end of each accommodating hole 71, for example, an annular rubber stopper 150 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the insulating coating 22 is accommodated. The rubber stopper 150 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating hole 71. For example, a back retainer 160 is accommodated in the rear end of each accommodating hole 71. The back retainer 160 is provided, for example, so as to come into contact with the rear end surface of the rubber stopper 150. The back retainer 160 has a through hole 160X through which the electric wire 20 penetrates in the front-rear direction X.

A housing groove 70X is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer arrangement portion 70. The accommodating groove 70X is formed, for example, over the entire circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the outer arrangement portion 70. A rubber ring 93 is fitted in the accommodating groove 70X. The rubber ring 93 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the connector housing 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the shield shell 170.

(Structure of rubber ring 93)
The rubber ring 93 is configured to be elastically deformable. The rubber ring 93 is, for example, an O-ring. The rubber ring 93 is formed, for example, in a continuous annular shape over the entire circumference of the outer arrangement portion 70 in the circumferential direction. The rubber ring 93 of the present embodiment is formed in an oval ring shape whose inner peripheral shape and outer peripheral shape form an oval shape.

(Structure of shield shell 170)
The shield shell 170 has, for example, a covering portion 171 that covers the outer periphery of the outer arrangement portion 70, and a fixing portion 172 that is integrally formed with the covering portion 171. As the material of the shield shell 170, for example, a metal material such as copper-based or aluminum-based can be used.

The covering portion 171 is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the outer arrangement portion 70 over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, for example. The covering portion 171 is formed in an annular shape having an inner peripheral surface having a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the outer arrangement portion 70, for example. The covering portion 171 of the present embodiment is formed in an oval ring shape.

The fixing portion 172 is formed so as to project upward from the front end portion of the covering portion 171 for example. The width of the fixed portion 172 in the left-right direction Y is wider than the width of the covering portion 171 in the left-right direction Y. At both ends of the fixed portion 172 in the left-right direction Y, connecting portions 173 projecting forward along the front-rear direction X are provided. Each connection portion 173 is formed with a fixing hole 173X that penetrates the connection portion 173 in the vertical direction Z.

The shield shell 170 is fitted to the outside of the outer arrangement portion 70 from the rear end side of the connector housing 50. Further, the connecting portion 173 of the fixing portion 172 is overlapped with the fixing portion 18 so that the fixing hole 173X overlaps the bolt fixing hole 18X of the fixing portion 18 in the vertical direction Z, for example. Then, the connecting portion 173 and the fixing portion 18 are fixed by the bolt B2 inserted into the fixing hole 173X and the bolt fixing hole 18X. As a result, the shield shell 170 is fixed to the case 15, and the shield shell 170 is electrically connected to the case 15.

Next, the action and effect of this embodiment will be described.
(1) The cover 100 is provided with a support portion 120 that supports an end surface 43 on the side facing the mating terminal 200 among the tip portions of the terminal connection portion 42 protruding from the end surface of the connector housing 50. According to this configuration, since the end surface 43 of the terminal connection portion 42 is supported by the support portion 120, it is possible to prevent the terminal connection portion 42 from tilting toward the mating terminal 200. As a result, when the connector 30 is inserted into the case 15 which is the connection partner, it is possible to prevent the tip portion of the terminal connection portion 42 from colliding with the partner terminal 200, the terminal block 201 holding the partner terminal 200, or the like. Therefore, the insertion work of the connector 30 can be smoothly performed, and the connection work between the terminal connection portion 42 and the mating terminal 200 can be smoothly performed. As a result, the assembling property of the connector 30 with respect to the mating terminal 200 can be improved.

(2) The support portion 120 has a main body portion 121 facing the end surface 43 of the terminal connection portion 42 and a rib 122 protruding from the main body portion 121 in a direction in which the main body portion 121 and the end surface 43 of the terminal connection portion 42 face each other. It was configured to have. According to this configuration, by providing the rib 122 on the main body portion 121, the strength of the support portion 120 as a whole can be improved, and the rigidity of the support portion 120 can be improved. Therefore, the terminal connection portion 42 can be suitably supported by the support portion 120, and the terminal connection portion 42 can be suitably suppressed from tilting toward the mating terminal 200.

(3) The rib 122 is provided so as to face the side surface 45 of the terminal connection portion 42. According to this configuration, the rib 122 facing the side surface 45 can prevent the terminal connecting portion 42 from tilting in the width direction orthogonal to the side surface 45.

(4) The support portion 120 is composed of a main body portion 121, a pair of ribs 122, and a facing wall 123 which is connected to the pair of ribs 122 and faces the main body portion 121 with a terminal connection portion 42 in between. According to this configuration, the support portion 120 is formed in an annular shape by the main body portion 121, the pair of ribs 122, and the facing wall 123. As a result, the strength of the support portion 120 as a whole can be improved, and the rigidity of the support portion 120 can be further improved. Therefore, the terminal connection portion 42 can be suitably supported by the support portion 120, and the terminal connection portion 42 can be suitably suppressed from tilting toward the mating terminal 200. Further, since the outer circumference of the terminal connection portion 42 can be surrounded over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, the terminal connection portion 42 can be suitably protected.

(6) The cover 100 is provided with a retainer portion 130 configured to be in contact with the locking piece 53 in the accommodation space 60. According to this configuration, the retainer portion 130 is brought into contact with the locking piece 53 in the accommodation space 60. As a result, the locking piece 53 is restricted from being elastically deformed toward the accommodation space 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the locking piece 53 from being unintentionally released from the connection terminal 40. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connection terminal 40 from coming off the connector housing 50. Further, since the retainer portion 130 is provided on the cover 100 that regulates the tilt of the connection terminal 40, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts.

(Other embodiments)
The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

-The shape of the support portion 120 in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the support portion 120 may have any other shape as long as it has a structure capable of supporting the end surface 43 of the terminal connection portion 42.

-For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the facing wall 123 may be omitted from the support portion 120. The support portion 120 in this case is composed of a main body portion 121 and ribs 122. In this case, the support portion 120 is formed, for example, in a U-shape when viewed from the front-rear direction X.

-For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the facing wall 123 and the rib 122 may be omitted from the support portion 120. The support portion 120 in this case is composed of only the main body portion 121.
-For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the support portion 120 may be formed so that the planar shape seen from the front-rear direction X is L-shaped. The support portion 120 in this case is composed of a main body portion 121 and one rib 122. The main body portion 121 of this modification example is provided corresponding to only a part of the terminal connection portion 42 in the width direction (here, the left-right direction Y). The main body portion 121 is provided, for example, corresponding to only one end portion of the widthwise end portions of the terminal connection portion 42. The main body portion 121 of this modification is provided so as to support only the outer end portion of the connector housing 50 in the left-right direction Y among the end portions in the width direction of the terminal connection portion 42. That is, the main body portion 121 of this modification supports the end surface 43 of the terminal connection portion 42 only at the outer end portion in the left-right direction Y.

In the modification shown in FIG. 9, the L-shaped support portion 120 is provided so as to support only the outer end portion of the connector housing 50 in the left-right direction Y among the widthwise end portions of the terminal connection portion 42. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the L-shaped support portion 120 may be provided so as to support only the inner end portion of the connector housing 50 in the left-right direction Y among the widthwise end portions of the terminal connection portion 42. That is, the L-shaped support portion 120 may be provided between the plurality of terminal connection portions 42 in the left-right direction Y.

The L-shaped support portions 120 shown in FIG. 9 may be provided at both ends of the terminal connection portion 42 in the width direction.
In the modification shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the rib 122 may be provided so as to project downward from the lower surface of the main body 121.

-In the above embodiment, the support portion 120 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of connection terminals 40, but the present invention is not limited to this. One support portion 120 that collectively supports a plurality of connection terminals 40 may be provided. In this case, a plurality of connection terminals 40 are supported by one support portion 120.

The retainer portion 130 may be omitted from the cover 100 of the above embodiment.
The shape of the fixing portion 110 of the above embodiment is not particularly limited. The fixing portion 110 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that can be fixed to the connector housing 50, for example.

In the above embodiment, the number of connection terminals 40 held in the connector housing 50 is not particularly limited, and the number of connection terminals 40 can be changed according to the specifications of the vehicle V. For example, the number of connection terminals 40 held in the connector housing 50 may be one or three or more. The number of support portions 120 and retainer portions 130 of the cover 100 can be changed according to the number of connection terminals 40.

The arrangement relationship between the inverter 11 and the high-voltage battery 12 in the vehicle V is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be appropriately changed according to the vehicle configuration. For example, the high voltage battery 12 may be arranged substantially on the floor of the vehicle V.

-In the above embodiment, the inverter 11 and the high voltage battery 12 are adopted as the electric equipment connected by the wire harness 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be adopted as a wire harness for connecting the inverter 11 and the motor for driving the wheels. That is, it is applicable as long as it electrically connects the electric devices mounted on the vehicle.

-In the above embodiment, the electric wire 20 is embodied as a high-voltage electric wire, but the electric wire 20 may be embodied as a low-voltage electric wire.
-The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, not the above-mentioned meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

10 Wire harness 11 Inverter 12 High pressure battery 15 Case 16 Case body 17 Mounting part 17X Mounting hole 18 Fixing part 18X Bolt fixing hole 20 Wire 21 Core wire 22 Insulation coating 25 Exterior member 30 Connector 40 Connection terminal 41 Wire connection part 42 Terminal connection part 42X Through hole 42Y Locking hole 43 End face 44 Opposite face 45 Side 50 Connector housing 51 Insertion part 51X, 51Y Storage groove 52 Holding hole 53 Locking piece 54 Locking convex part 55 Locking part 60 Storage space 70 Outer arrangement part 70X Storage groove 71 Housing holes 91, 92, 93 Rubber ring 100 Cover 110 Fixed part 111 Closing part 112 Peripheral wall 113 Locking part 114 Through hole 120 Support part 121 Main body part 122 Rib 123 Facing wall 124 Through hole 130 Retainer part 131 Rib 132 Recessed part 150 Rubber Plug 160 Back retainer 160X Through hole 170 Shield shell 171 Covering part 172 Fixed part 173 Connection part 173X Fixed hole 200 Opposite terminal 201 Terminal block V Vehicle B1, B2 Bolt D1 Assembly direction

Claims (8)

The connection terminal connected to the other terminal and
The connector housing that holds the connection terminal and
With a cover attached to the connector housing,
The tip of the connection terminal protrudes from the end face of the connector housing.
The tip of the connection terminal has an end face on the side facing the mating terminal.
The cover has a support portion that supports the end face of the connection terminal.
The support portion is a connector extending along a direction in which the tip end portion of the connection terminal extends. The first aspect of claim 1, wherein the support portion has a main body portion facing the end surface of the connection terminal and a rib protruding from the main body portion in a direction in which the main body portion and the connection terminal face each other. connector. The tip of the connection terminal is formed in a flat plate shape.
The tip of the connection terminal has an end surface, an opposite surface on the opposite side of the end surface, and a pair of side surfaces provided between the end surface and the opposite surface.
The connector according to claim 2, wherein the rib faces the side surface of the connection terminal. The main body portion extends over the entire length of the connection terminal in the width direction orthogonal to the side surface.
The connector according to claim 3, wherein the support portion has a pair of ribs provided at both ends of the main body portion in the width direction. The support portion is annular and has an annular shape.
The support portion is connected to the pair of ribs and has a facing wall facing the main body portion with the connection terminal in between.
The connector according to claim 4, wherein the facing wall faces the opposite surface of the connecting terminal. The connector housing has a housing space and a locking piece that is elastically deformable toward the housing space and engages with the connection terminal.
The cover further has a retainer portion accommodated in the accommodation space.
The retainer portion is a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is configured so as to be in contact with the locking piece. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the retainer portion extends along an assembly direction of the cover with respect to the connector housing. The cover further has a fixing portion fixed to the connector housing.
The fixing portion has a plate-shaped closing portion that closes the opening of the connector housing.
The retainer portion extends from the first end surface of the closing portion facing the connector housing along the assembly direction.
The connector according to claim 7, wherein the support portion extends from a second end surface opposite to the first end surface of the closed portion along a direction opposite to the assembly direction.

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