WO2013051528A1

WO2013051528A1 - Connector

Info

Publication number: WO2013051528A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/075454
Authority: WO
Inventors: 伊藤　大輔; 和裕麻生; 詩朗西田
Original assignee: 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所; 住友電装株式会社; 住友電気工業株式会社
Priority date: 2011-10-07
Filing date: 2012-10-02
Publication date: 2013-04-11
Also published as: JP2013084429A

Abstract

A connector (10) is provided with: a plurality of terminals (11) having an engaging part (17) which engages with a mating terminal and which extends in the axial line direction; a housing (12) in which the plurality of terminals (11) are stored horizontally in the direction that is roughly orthogonal to the axial line direction; a plurality of wires (18) derived from the housing (12); and a wire connection part (19) of which the end on the opposite side of the engaging part (17) in the axial line direction extends in the direction that is roughly orthogonal to the axial line direction, and which is disposed on each of the plurality of terminals (11) and is connected to the plurality of wires (18). The wires (18) are derived from the housing (12) towards the direction in which the terminals (11) are arranged, and are arranged in parallel within a virtual wire arrangement plane (48) which is roughly orthogonal to a virtual terminal arrangement plane (47) on which the terminals (11) are arranged.

Description

connector

The present invention relates to a connector.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Conventionally, the thing of patent document 1 is known as a connector. This connector includes a fitting terminal that fits with the mating terminal on an axis, and a housing that accommodates the fitting terminal. An electric wire is connected to the fitting terminal at an end on the opposite side in the axial direction from the fitting portion to be fitted to the mating terminal. The electric wire is led out of the housing along the axial direction.

JP 2009-70754 A

According to the above configuration, the fitting terminal is fitted to the mating terminal on the axis. For this reason, in order to ensure electrical connection with the mating terminal, a certain length in the axial direction is required. In addition, the fitting terminal needs a structure for connecting an electric wire at the end portion on the opposite side in the axial direction to the fitting portion to be fitted to the mating terminal. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to miniaturize the fitting terminal in the axial direction. Furthermore, since the electric wire connected to the fitting terminal is led out from the housing along the axial direction, there is a concern that the connector as a whole is enlarged in the axial direction. When the diameter of the wire is relatively large, it becomes difficult to bend and wire the wire, and therefore, it may be more problematic that the housing as a whole is enlarged in the axial direction.

The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a miniaturized housing.

The present invention relates to a connector, wherein a plurality of terminals fitted with mating terminals and having an axially extending fitting portion, and the plurality of terminals are accommodated side by side in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction. A housing, a plurality of electric wires drawn from the housing, and a plurality of terminals, wherein an end opposite to the fitting portion in the axial direction is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction And a wire connection portion connected to the plurality of wires, wherein the plurality of wires are led out from the housing in a direction along the direction in which the plurality of terminals are arranged, and The terminals are arranged side by side in a virtual wire array plane which is substantially orthogonal to the virtual terminal array plane in which the terminals are arrayed.

According to the present invention, since the wire connection portion of the terminal extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction, the terminal can be miniaturized in the axial direction. Further, since the electric wire is led out from the housing in the direction along the arranging direction of the plurality of terminals, the connector can be miniaturized in the direction substantially orthogonal to the arranging direction of the plurality of terminals. Further, since the plurality of electric wires are arranged in a virtual plane substantially orthogonal to the virtual plane in which the plurality of terminals are arranged, the plurality of electric wires are arranged so as to overlap in the axial direction. In comparison, a plurality of electric wires can be compactly arranged in the axial direction. Thereby, the connector can be miniaturized as a whole.

The following aspects are preferable as an embodiment of this invention. It is preferable that the terminal be formed by fixing the fitting portion and the wire connection portion which is separately formed from the fitting portion.

According to said aspect, compared with the case where a fitting part and a wire connection part are integrally formed, the cost reduction of a connector can be aimed at.

The wire connection portion is preferably made of a metal plate, and at least one of the plurality of wire connection portions is preferably bent in the wire arrangement plane.

According to the above aspect, since at least one of the plurality of wire connection portions is bent in the wire arrangement plane, interference between the plurality of wire connection portions can be avoided. Thus, since the wire connection portions can be arranged in the wire arrangement plane, the wires can be reliably arranged in the wire arrangement plane. This reliably downsizes the connector as a whole.

A cover is attached to the housing at a position opposite to the fitting portion in the axial direction, and the terminal and the electric wire are in the direction opposite to the fitting portion in the axial direction by the cover. It is preferable to be restricted from moving.

According to the above aspect, the housing does not have to be provided with a configuration for restricting the movement of the terminal and the wire in the direction opposite to the fitting portion in the axial direction, so the housing can be miniaturized. Thereby, the connector can be miniaturized as a whole.

It is preferable that a lead-out port from which the wire connection portion is led out be formed in the cover in a direction substantially orthogonal to the terminal alignment plane.

According to the above aspect, the wire connection portion can be derived from the lead-out port in a direction substantially orthogonal to the terminal array plane. Thus, the electric wire can be reliably derived in the direction substantially orthogonal to the terminal array plane. This reliably downsizes the connector as a whole.

According to the present invention, the connector can be miniaturized.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connector. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the fitting portion, the nut, and the holding member. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the fitting portion. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector showing the cover and the housing. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the first resin member. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the first wire connection portion. FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the first resin member. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second resin member. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second wire connection portion. FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the second resin member. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a bolt cap. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover is removed from the connector. FIG. 14 is a rear view showing a state in which the cover is removed from the connector. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a connector. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a connector. FIG. 17 is a front view showing a connector. FIG. 18 is a side view showing the connector. FIG. 19 is a rear view showing the connector. FIG. 20 is a front view showing a cover.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The connector 10 according to the present embodiment is attached to a vehicle (not shown) such as an electric car or a hybrid car, and is used as the connector 10 for charging. The connector 10 includes a plurality of terminals 11 made of metal and a housing 12 made of synthetic resin in which the terminals 11 are accommodated. In the following description, the lower side in FIG. 2 is the front, and the upper side is the rear. Further, the left side in FIG. 2 is referred to as the left side, and the right side is described as the right side.

As shown in FIG. 1, in a housing 12 made of synthetic resin, a signal line 13 to which a signal current is supplied and a signal terminal 14 connected to the signal line 13 are accommodated. The signal line 13 and the signal terminal 14 are restricted from moving rearward by a retainer 15 attached to the housing 12 from the rear.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the housing 12, terminal accommodating portions 16 in which a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) terminals 11 are accommodated are formed side by side in the left-right direction. The terminal accommodating portion 16 is open in the front-rear direction. A relatively large charging current flows in the terminal 11.

The terminal 11 includes a fitting portion 17 to be fitted to a mating terminal (not shown) and a wire connection portion 19 connected to the wire 18. The fitting portion 17 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the axis of the fitting portion 17 extends in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the two terminals 11 are arranged in a direction (left-right direction) substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the axis extends (axial direction). The mating terminal is fitted to the fitting portion 17 from the front. On the other hand, the wire connection portion 19 is formed to extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction. The fitting portion 17 and the wire connection portion 19 are screwed with a bolt 20.

A plurality of slits 21 are formed rearward from the front end toward the front end of the fitting portion 17 (see FIG. 3). Thus, when the mating terminal enters into the fitting portion 17, the plurality of elastic pieces 22 divided by the slit 21 elastically contact the mating terminal. Thereby, the other party terminal and the terminal 11 are electrically connected.

A large-diameter portion 23 larger in diameter than the fitting portion 17 is formed at the rear of the fitting portion 17. A rubber ring 24A is externally fitted on the outer surface of the large diameter portion 23. When the outer surface of the rubber ring 24A is in close contact with the inner surface of the terminal accommodating portion 16, the terminal 11 and the housing 12 are sealed in a liquid tight manner.

At the rear of the large diameter portion 23, an insertion portion 25 into which the bolt 20 is inserted is formed. The insertion portion 25 is formed with an insertion hole 26 which extends forward from the rear end of the insertion portion 25 and into which the bolt 20 is inserted (see FIG. 4). An attachment hole 28 to which a nut 27 is attached is formed on a side surface of the large diameter portion 23 so as to extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the front-rear direction (axial direction) (see FIG. 3). The mounting holes 28 are bottomed holes. A nut 27 is accommodated in the mounting hole 28 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The opening of the mounting hole 28 is closed in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 by the holding member 29 made of synthetic resin in a state where the nut 27 is accommodated in the mounting hole 28. The nut 27 is held inside the mounting hole 28 by the holding member 29. The holding member 29 is configured not to be pulled out of the mounting hole 28 by coming into contact with the inner surface of the terminal accommodating portion 16 (see FIG. 2). The above-mentioned bolt 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 26 and screwed with the nut 27.

As shown in FIG. 5, a cover 30 made of synthetic resin is attached to the rear end of the housing 12. The cover lock portion 31 formed in the housing 12 and the cover lock receiving portion 32 formed in the cover 30 elastically engage, whereby the cover 30 and the housing 12 are assembled integrally.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first resin member 33 is attached to the rear end portion of the right fitting portion 17, and the second resin member 34 is attached to the left fitting portion 17.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first resin member 33 is made of synthetic resin and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. On the front surface of the first resin member 33, a cylindrical first cylindrical portion 35 projecting forward is formed. A rubber ring 24 </ b> B is externally fitted to the outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 35. When the outer surface of the rubber ring 24B is in close contact with the inner surface of the terminal accommodating portion 16, the first resin member 33 and the housing 12 are sealed in a liquid tight manner.

As shown in FIG. 7, inside the first resin member 33, a first electric wire connection portion 19A (electric wire connection portion 19) formed by pressing a metal plate material into a predetermined shape is insert-molded. A through hole 36A into which the bolt 20 is inserted is formed at one end of the first wire connection portion 19A. Further, at the other end of the first wire connection portion 19A, a barrel portion 37A crimped to the core wire exposed from the end of the wire 18 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the rear surface of the first resin member 33, a circular first window hole 38 is opened rearward. The first wire connection portion 19A is exposed from the first window hole 38. The head of the bolt 20 is inserted through the first window hole 38.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second resin member 34 is made of a synthetic resin, and has a substantially L-shaped bent at a right angle. The front surface of the second resin member 34 is formed with a cylindrical second cylindrical portion 39 projecting forward. A rubber ring 24C is externally fitted on the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 39. The second resin member 34 and the housing 12 are sealed in a fluid-tight manner by bringing the outer surface of the rubber ring 24C into intimate contact with the inner surface of the terminal accommodating portion 16.

As shown in FIG. 10, inside the second resin member 34, a second electric wire connection portion 19B (electric wire connection portion 19) formed by pressing a metal plate material into a substantially L shape is insert-molded. A through hole 36B through which the bolt 20 is inserted is formed at one end of the second wire connection portion 19B. Further, at the other end of the second electric wire connection portion 19B, a barrel portion 37B to be crimped to the core wire exposed from the end of the electric wire 18 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the rear surface of the second resin member 34, a circular second window hole 40 is opened rearward. The second wire connection portion 19B is exposed from the second window hole 40. The head of the bolt 20 is inserted through the second window hole 40.

A bolt cap 41 made of synthetic resin is fitted into the inside of the first window hole 38 of the first resin member 33 and the inside of the second window hole 40 of the second resin member 34, respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, the bolt cap 41 has a substantially plate shape. A lock receiving portion 42 is formed on the bolt cap 41. When the lock receiving portion 42 elastically engages with the lock portion 43 formed on the first resin member 33 and the second resin member 34, the bolt cap 41 can be configured to be the first resin member 33 and the second resin member. 34 is assembled integrally.

On the front surface of the bolt cap 41, a waterproof cylindrical portion 44 having a cylindrical shape that protrudes forward is formed. A rubber ring 24D is externally fitted to the outer surface of the waterproof cylindrical portion 44. The bolt cap 41 and the first resin member are brought into close contact with the outer surface of the rubber ring 24D, the inner surface of the first window hole 38 of the first resin member 33, and the inner surface of the second window hole 40 of the second resin member 34. 33 and between the bolt cap 41 and the second resin member 34 are sealed in a liquid tight manner (see FIG. 13).

As shown in FIG. 14, a wire cap 45 made of synthetic resin is fitted to a portion where the wire 18 is led out from the first resin member 33. A packing 46 is accommodated inside the wire cap 45 (see FIG. 2). When the packing 46 is in close contact with the outer surface of the wire 18 and the inner surface of the wire cap 45, the gaps between the wire 18, the first resin member 33 and the wire cap 45 are sealed in a liquid tight manner.

The wire cap 45 is also fitted to the second resin member 34 in the same manner as the first resin member 33. A packing 46 is accommodated inside the wire cap 45 (see FIG. 2). The packing 46 is in close contact with the outer surface of the wire 18 and the inner surface of the wire cap 45, so that the spaces between the wire 18, the second resin member 34, and the wire cap 45 are sealed in a liquid tight manner.

As shown in FIGS. 15 to 19, two wires 18 are led out to the right from the rear end of the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 17, since the two terminals 11 according to the present embodiment are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, the two electric wires 18 are led out in the direction along the direction in which the terminals 11 are arranged. .

As shown in FIG. 17, the two terminals 11 are arranged side by side on a surface of a virtual terminal line plane 47 which is substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction. The first resin member 33 and the electric wire 18 drawn from the first resin member 33 are drawn from the housing 12 on the surface of the terminal line plane 47.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, the second resin member 34 and the electric wire 18 led out from the second resin member 34 are drawn rightward from a position slightly below the terminal alignment plane 47. .

Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the two electric wires 18 are arranged side by side on a surface of a virtual electric wire arranging plane 48 substantially orthogonal to the terminal arranging plane 47.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the second resin member 34 and the second wire connection portion 19B are in a shape that is bent in the wire alignment plane 48.

As shown in FIG. 16, a cover 30 is attached to the rear surface of the housing 12. The first resin member 33 and the second resin member 34 are supported from the rear by the cover 30 so that the first resin member 33 and the second resin member 34 move backward (in the direction opposite to the fitting portion 17 with respect to the axis line) It is regulated to move.

As shown in FIG. 20, the side wall of the cover 30 is formed with a first outlet 49 (outlet) from which the first resin member 33 is derived. Further, the lower wall of the cover 30 is formed with a second outlet port 50 (outlet port) from which the second resin member 34 is led out.

(Operation and effect of the present embodiment)
Subsequently, the operation and effects of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, since the first wire connection portion 19A and the second wire connection portion 19B of the terminal 11 extend in the direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction, the terminal 11 can be miniaturized in the axial direction. .

Moreover, since the electric wire 18 is derived from the housing 12 in the direction along the arranging direction of the plurality of terminals 11, the connector 10 can be miniaturized in the direction substantially orthogonal to the arranging direction of the plurality of terminals 11.

Further, since the plurality of electric wires 18 are arranged side by side in the electric wire arranging plane 48 substantially orthogonal to the terminal arranging plane 47 in which the plurality of terminals 11 are arranged, the plural electric wires 18 are arranged overlapping in the axial direction A plurality of electric wires 18 can be compactly arranged in the axial direction as compared with the case of FIG. Accordingly, the connector 10 can be miniaturized as a whole.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the second wire connection portion 19B is bent in the wire alignment plane 48. Thereby, interference between the first wire connection portion 19A and the second wire connection portion 19B in the wire alignment plane 48 can be avoided. Thus, the first wire connection portion 19A and the second wire connection portion 19B can be disposed in the wire alignment plane 48, so that the wires 18 can be reliably arranged in the wire alignment plane 48. . As a result, the connector 10 can be miniaturized as a whole.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the cover 30 is attached to the housing 12 at a position opposite to the fitting portion 17 in the axial direction, and the terminal 11 and the electric wire 18 are in the axial direction by the cover 30 The movement in the opposite direction to the fitting portion 17 is restricted. As a result, the housing 12 need not be provided with a configuration for restricting the movement of the terminals 11 and the wires 18 in the direction opposite to the fitting portion 17 in the axial direction, so that the housing 12 can be miniaturized. Thereby, the connector 10 can be miniaturized as a whole.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the cover 30 has the first lead-out port 49 from which the first wire connection portion 19A is led out, and the second lead-out port 50 from which the second wire connection portion 19B is lead out It is opened and formed in the direction substantially orthogonal to the array plane 47. As a result, the first wire connection portion 19A can be derived from the first outlet 49 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the terminal alignment plane 47, and the second wire connection portion 19B can be aligned from the second outlet 50 as well. It can be derived in the direction substantially orthogonal to the plane 47. Thereby, the electric wire 18 can be reliably derived in the direction substantially orthogonal to the terminal alignment plane 47. As a result, the connector 10 can be miniaturized as a whole.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the terminal 11 is formed by fixing the fitting portion 17 and the wire connection portion 19 separately formed from the fitting portion 17 with the bolt 20. Thereby, cost reduction of the connector 10 can be achieved compared with the case where the fitting part 17 and the wire connection part 19 are integrally formed.

Other Embodiments
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) Three or more terminals 11 and wires 18 may be provided.
(2) Both the first wire connection portion 19A and the second wire connection portion 19B may be bent in the wire alignment plane 48.
(3) The terminal 11 may be configured to integrally form the fitting portion 17 and the wire connection portion 19.
(4) In the present embodiment, although the fitting portion 17 has a tubular female shape, the present invention is not limited to this. The fitting portion 17 may have a rod-like or plate-like male shape.

Reference Signs List 10: connector 11: terminal 12: housing 17: fitting portion 18: electric wire 19A: first electric wire connecting portion 19B: second electric wire connecting portion 20: bolt 30: cover 47: terminal line plane 48: electric line line plane 49: fifth 1 outlet (outlet)
50: Second outlet (outlet)

Claims

A plurality of terminals fitted in the mating terminal and having an axially extending fitting portion;
A housing in which the plurality of terminals are horizontally arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction;
A plurality of wires derived from the housing;
A wire connection portion provided on each of the plurality of terminals, the end portion on the opposite side to the fitting portion extending in the direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction and being connected to the plurality of electric wires , And
The plurality of electric wires are derived from the housing in a direction along the arranging direction of the plurality of terminals, and are virtually orthogonal to a virtual terminal array plane in which the plurality of terminals are arranged. Connectors arranged side by side in the wire alignment plane.
The connector according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is formed by fixing the fitting portion and the wire connection portion separately formed from the fitting portion with a bolt.
The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wire connection portion is formed of a metal plate material, and at least one of the plurality of wire connection portions is bent in the wire alignment plane.
A cover is attached to the housing at a position opposite to the fitting portion in the axial direction;
The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal and the electric wire are restricted from moving in the direction opposite to the fitting portion in the axial direction by the cover.
The connector according to claim 4, wherein a lead-out port through which the wire connection portion is led out is formed in the cover in a direction substantially orthogonal to the terminal line plane.