WO2019049805A1 - Shield connector and method of assembling it - Google Patents

Shield connector and method of assembling it Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019049805A1
WO2019049805A1 PCT/JP2018/032523 JP2018032523W WO2019049805A1 WO 2019049805 A1 WO2019049805 A1 WO 2019049805A1 JP 2018032523 W JP2018032523 W JP 2018032523W WO 2019049805 A1 WO2019049805 A1 WO 2019049805A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shield
connecting portion
housing
partly
conductive material
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2018/032523
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ventsislav Mironov
Hiroyuki Kodama
Original Assignee
Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. filed Critical Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
Publication of WO2019049805A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019049805A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding  
    • H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
    • H01R13/6591—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members
    • H01R13/6592—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members the conductive member being a shielded cable
    • H01R13/6593—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members the conductive member being a shielded cable the shield being composed of different pieces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H01R4/62—Connections between conductors of different materials; Connections between or with aluminium or steel-core aluminium conductors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
    • H01R13/504—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces different pieces being moulded, cemented, welded, e.g. ultrasonic, or swaged together
    • H01R13/5045—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces different pieces being moulded, cemented, welded, e.g. ultrasonic, or swaged together different pieces being assembled by press-fit

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a shield connector, in particular, a shield connector including a shield housing (shield shell) and a shield member connected to the shield housing, and method of assembling it.
  • WO 2016/135229 A1 relates to a high-voltage cable set, in particular for a vehicle electrical system, comprising a plurality of cables, which are surrounded by a common shield, and a connector, which consists of a conducting material and is electrically connected to the shield.
  • a contact sleeve is slid onto the connector in a longitudinal direction and the shield is clamped between a first clamping face of the connector and a second clamping face of the contact sleeve.
  • WO 2016/135230 A1 relates to a high-voltage cable set, in particular for a vehicle electrical system, comprising a plurality of cables, which are surrounded by a common shield, and a connector, which consists of a conducting material and is electrically connected to the shield.
  • a contact sleeve is integrated into the connector, the shield being fastened to the contact sleeve.
  • WO 2013/118320 A1 relates to a shield shell which comprises: a first member to be covered by the front end of a tubular braided shield member; and a second member that is made of an endless annular body to be fitted and fixed around the outer periphery of the first member which is covered with the tubular braided shield member.
  • a braided shielding (such as braided wires) may be made of copper (Cu) and connected to a shield housing (shield shell) made of, e.g., aluminum (Al). In such a case, contact corrosion may occur between the shield housing and the braided shielding.
  • An object of the present invention relates to safely electrically connecting a shield housing and a shield member.
  • a shield connector including: a shield housing made of a first conductive material; a connecting portion to be attached to the shield housing and made of a second conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing; and a shield member to be connected to the connecting portion and made of a third conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing and the second conductive material of the connecting portion.
  • the connecting portion at least partly is provided between the shield housing and the shield member.
  • the shield member is separated from the shield housing by the connecting portion. Hence, contact corrosion between the shield member and the shield housing is reduced.
  • the shield connector can have a safe/reliable electric connection between the shield housing and the shield member.
  • the connecting portion at least partly is press-fitted into the shield housing.
  • an oxide layer of the shield housing is removed at a part to be connected to the connecting portion when inserting the connecting portion into the shield housing. Hence, the conductivity between the connecting portion and the shield housing can be improved.
  • the shield housing has a substantially cylindrical portion, and the connecting portion is press-fitted into the cylindrical portion.
  • a substantially cylindrical shape of overall connection is more advantageous than an oval of squared shape in view of applying uniform forces when connecting the shield housing and the connecting portion so that the shield housing and the connecting portion are firmly fixed.
  • the conductivity between the connecting portion and the shield housing can be improved.
  • the connecting portion at least partly is circumferentially provided with one or more projections/teeth configured to cut into the shield housing.
  • the one or more projections/teeth allow for an improvement of an electric connection between the shield housing and the connecting portion.
  • the connecting portion is a plating at least partly provided on a part of the shield housing.
  • the shield connector further includes an intermediate plating at least partly on a connecting surface provided between the connecting portion and the shield housing, and made of a material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing and the second conductive material of the connecting portion.
  • the shield connector further includes a solder ring at least partly on a connecting surface provided between the connecting portion and the shield member.
  • the connecting portion and the shield member can be firmly and conductively fixed by soldering. Furthermore, since the solder has a ring shape, it is facilitated to put the solder on the connecting portion and/or the shield member.
  • the shield connector further includes a crimping member at least partly provided on the shield member and crimping the shield member.
  • the connecting portion and the shield member can be firmly and easily fixed by crimping the shield member.
  • a material of the crimping member and the first conductive material of the shield housing are identical.
  • the difference between the thermal expansion rates of the crimping member and the shield housing is reduced. Hence, a crimping force for crimping the shield member is prevented from decreased. Thus, the shield member is prevented from moving.
  • the shield connector further includes a tube at least partly covering the connecting portion.
  • the shield housing at least partly is made of aluminum.
  • the connecting portion is made of any one of copper, brass, tin, zinc, silver, and gold or an alloy thereof.
  • the shield member at least partly is made of copper.
  • a method of assembling a shield connector includes: providing a shield housing made of a first conductive material; providing a connecting portion to be attached to the shield housing and made of a second conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing; and providing a shield member to be connected to the connecting portion and made of a third conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing.
  • the connecting portion at least partly is provided between the shield housing and the shield member.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shield connector according to one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the shield connector
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the shield connector
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view of section IV-IV in Fig. 2
  • FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view of Fig. 4
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rear shell with a spring member
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rear shell without the spring member
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of the rear shell
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a front shell
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the front shell
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a shield connector according to the first embodiment in a disassembled state
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the shield connector according to the first embodiment in an assembled state
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a connecting portion according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 14 is a side view of the connecting portion according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 15 is a partial enlarged view of part C in Fig. 14
  • FIG. 16 is a sectional view of section A-A in Fig. 14
  • FIG. 17 is a top view of the shield connector according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 18 is a sectional view of section A-A in Fig. 17
  • FIG. 19 is a partial enlarged view of part B in Fig. 18
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a shield connector according to the second embodiment in a disassembled state;
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the shield connector according to the second embodiment in an assembled state
  • FIG. 22 is a top view of the shield connector according to the second embodiment
  • FIG. 23 is a sectional view of section A-A in Fig. 22
  • FIG. 24 is a partial enlarged view of part B in Fig. 23
  • FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a shield connector according to the third embodiment in a disassembled state
  • FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the shield connector according to the third embodiment in an assembled state
  • FIG. 27 is a top view of the shield connector according to the third embodiment
  • FIG. 28 is a sectional view of section A-A in Fig. 27
  • FIG. 29 is a partial enlarged view of part B in Fig. 28
  • FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a shield connector according to the fourth embodiment in a disassembled state
  • FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the shield connector according to the fourth embodiment in an assembled state
  • FIG. 32 is a top view of the shield connector according to the fourth embodiment
  • FIG. 33 is a sectional view of section A-A in Fig. 32
  • FIG. 34 is a partial enlarged view of part B in Fig. 33.
  • the shield connector 10 is preferably to be connected to a device 80, e.g., an inverter, a converter and/or an electric motor of an automobile, e.g., a hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle, and/or a fuel cell vehicle.
  • the shield connector 10 is preferably to be fixed and electrically connected to a shield case 81 of the device 80 by a fixing member such as a bolt B, a clamp or the like.
  • the shield connector 10 includes one or more terminals 25 to be fixed to one or more ends of one or more, particularly a plurality of wires 20 (e.g. three wires 20 in this embodiment), respectively.
  • the shield connector 10 further particularly includes a wire retainer 30 and/or a shield shell 15.
  • the shield shell 15 particularly includes a rear shell 40 (as an example of a shield housing) and a front shell 50.
  • Fig. 4 (fixing direction to the device 80) is referred to as a front, and the right side of Fig. 4 is referred to as a back (rear).
  • Up-down and left-right directions correspond to up-down and left-right directions of Fig. 2, respectively.
  • the device 80 comprises the conductive shield case 81 which at least partly accommodates a device main body (not shown in the drawings) and one or more, particularly a plurality of device side terminals 83, preferably three device side terminals 83, which extend from the device may body.
  • the one or more device side terminals 83 preferably substantially have a plate shape, and arranged in the lateral direction (left-right direction) particularly with a constant interval or pitch between adjacent device side terminals 83.
  • the device side terminals 83 are preferably held by or on, e.g., a terminal board.
  • the (particularly each of) the device side terminal(s) 83 has a bolt hole penetrating the device side terminal 83 in a thickness direction (e.g. the up-down direction).
  • the shield case 81 has one or more mounting holes 85 opened at the side wall of the shield case 81.
  • the one or more mounting holes 85 substantially correspond to the one or more (e.g. three) device side terminals 83, respectively.
  • a plurality of (e.g. three) mounting holes 85 are formed to be substantially aligned and penetrate through the side wall of the shield case 81 substantially in the front-back direction.
  • a female screw hole, which is to be engaged with the bolt B, is formed near the mounting holes 85.
  • the wire 20 has an insulating layer or coating at least partly covering a conductive member or core.
  • the terminal 25 is to be electrically connected to the conductive member or core of the wire 20, particularly at an end thereof.
  • the individual one or more wires 20 particularly have no shield layer.
  • the one or more wires 20 are to be inserted through a shield member 23.
  • the shield member 23 is preferably formed by or comprises a braided mesh of thin conductive (particularly metal) wires. Alternatively or additionally, the shield member 23 may comprise one or more layers of a conductive sheet or planar material. The shield member 23 is preferably formed to substantially be in tubular shape. One portion (particularly end) of the shield member 23 is to be connected to the shield shell 15.
  • the shield member 23 is made of a conductive material or metal (as a particular third conductive material) other than the conductive material or metal (as a particular first conductive material) of the shield shell 15. Specifically, the shield member 23 is preferably made of copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof and/or the shield shell 15 is made of aluminum (AL) or an alloy thereof.
  • the terminal 25 has at least one terminal connecting portion 27 formed to substantially have plate-like shape at the front end.
  • the terminal 25 has a press contacting portion 29 formed to have substantially circular or round or oval shape at or near the rear end of the terminal 25.
  • At least one connection portion (particularly a bolt hole 27A) is formed in the terminal connecting portion 27 so that the terminal connecting portion 27 is or can be fixed to the device side terminal 83 via the connection portion, preferably by means of a fixing member such as a bolt, pin, clamp or the like.
  • the wire retainer 30 is provided in or on the front shell 50 of the shield shell 15.
  • the wire retainer 30 is preferably made of synthetic resin.
  • the wire retainer 30 holds the one or more (e.g. three) wires 20 by sandwiching or clamping e.g. in a lateral direction such as substantially in up-down directions.
  • the wire retainer 30 is to be provided between the terminal 25 of the wire 20 and the shield member 23.
  • the wire retainer 30 has mating portions (particularly substantially cylindrical portions) which sandwich the one or more wires 20.
  • the wire retainer 30 preferably has one or more bridges 31 connecting adjacent cylindrical portions.
  • the shield shell 15 includes the rear shell 40, the front shell 50, and at least one spring member 70.
  • the rear shell 40 and the front shell 50 are made of a conductive material (as a particular first conductive material), preferably ametal such as aluminum (Al) or an alloy thereof.
  • the rear shell 40 and the front shell 50 are preferably made by casting.
  • the spring member 70 is preferably made of a conductive material, e.g., stainless steel, having resilient properties.
  • the spring member 70 is preferably made by press forming.
  • the rear shell 40 particularly has substantially a tubular shape comprising a bottom or base portion.
  • the rear shell 40 has an opening at the front side (the side facing to the front shell 50).
  • the front end portion of the rear shell 40 particularly has substantially an oval shape oblong or extending in the left-right direction.
  • the front end portion of the rear shell 40 protrudes outward from a rear main body 41 to form an outer fitting portion 43.
  • the rear end portion of the front shell 50 is to be fitted to (particularly the inner surface of) the outer fitting portion 43.
  • One or more bolt fixing portions 44 are preferably provided in or on the outer fitting portion 43.
  • the one or more bolt fixing portions 44 particularly protrude outward from the outer fitting portion 43.
  • Each of the bolt fixing portions 44 has a bolt through hole 44A through which the bolt B shown in Fig. 1 is or can be at least partly inserted.
  • the bolt fixing portion(s) 44 protrude(s) substantially forward from (particularly the front edge of) the outer fitting portion 43.
  • the one or more bolt fixing portions 44 are to be contacted with the shield case 81 as shown in Fig. 4 particularly so as to establish an electrical contact therewith.
  • a hole 41A is provided at the rear end portion (particularly the bottom portion) of the rear main body 41.
  • the hole 41A is preferably formed to have substantially a circular shape.
  • a connecting portion 45 is provided such that the connecting portion 45 extends substantially rearward from the hole 41A.
  • the connecting portion 45 is attached to the shield shell 15, preferably to the rear shell 40.
  • the connecting portion 45 is made of a conductive material or metal other than a material of the rear shell 40.
  • the connecting portion 45 is preferably made of any one of copper (Cu), brass, tin (Zn), silver (Ag), and gold (Au) or an alloy thereof.
  • the shield member 23 is to be connected to the shield shell 15, specifically the rear shell 40, via the connecting portion 45.
  • One or more spring accommodating portions 47 are provided at or near the front end portion of the rear main body 41.
  • One or more holding protrusions 49 are provided at one or more positions substantially corresponding to the respective spring accommodating portion(s) 47.
  • One or more side end protrusions 49A are formed at (particularly both side end portions of the rear end portion of the holding protrusion 49. The side end protrusions 49A particularly protrude substantially laterally e.g. in the up-down direction.
  • the front shell 50 comprises a main body 51, one or more protrusions 55, an accommodating portion 59, and one or more substantially cylindrical portions 60.
  • the main body 51 comprises a portion 51A which configured to at least partly cover the opening of the outer fitting portion 43 of the rear shell 40 and/or a portion 51B to which a seal ring 53 is to be mounted (see Fig. 5).
  • the one or more protrusions 55 are configured to substantially protrude rearward from the main body 51 to come into or substantially reach an inside of the rear shell 40.
  • the one or more protrusions 55 are provided at the one or more positions corresponding the one or more positions of the one or more spring accommodating portions 47, respectively.
  • An engaging hole 55A and a hole 55B for forming the engaging hole 55A particularly are provided in the protrusion 55.
  • the accommodating portion 59 substantially protrudes rearward from the main body 51.
  • the accommodating portion 59 is to be at least partly fitted or inserted into the rear main body 41.
  • the substantially cylindrical portions 60 are formed to substantially protrude forward from (peripheries of) one or more (e.g. three) substantially circular through holes 51C, respectively.
  • the cylindrical portion(s) 60 is/are capable of being at least partly inserted into to the mounting hole(s) 85.
  • the terminal(s) 25 and the wire(s) 20 are capable of being inserted through the cylindrical portion(s) 60.
  • each of the cylindrical portions 60 is provided with a seal groove 63 and a flange 67.
  • a seal member 61 such as an O-ring, is provided or mounted into the seal groove 63.
  • a resilient connecting portion 65 is arranged toward or adjacent to the flange 67.
  • the resilient connecting portion 65 is preferably a ring shaped coil.
  • the spring member 70 particularly substantially is symmetric in the up-down direction.
  • the spring member 70 comprises a crimping portion 71 and one or more protrusions 73.
  • the leading end of the crimping portion 71 particularly substantially is located between the side end protrusions 49A.
  • the protrusion 73 of the spring member 70 has a tip portion 73A at which the protrusion 73 is bent inward.
  • the protrusion 73 of the spring member 70 is also bent outward at a portion 73B specifically at a distal portion 73B.
  • the protrusion 73 protrudes laterally (e.g. in the up-down direction) and is deformable so that a protrusion length (or protrusion height) is changed.
  • the tip portion 73A is capable of engaging the front shell 50, particularly by being at least partly inserted into the engaging hole 55A of the protrusion 55 of the front shell 50.
  • the rear shell 40 and the front shell 50 particularly are fixed by engaging the spring member 70 of the rear shell 40 with the engaging hole 55A of the front shell 50.
  • the shield connector 10 includes an insert 45 formed as the connecting portion 45.
  • the insert 451 (connecting portion 45) is formed separately from the rear shell 40.
  • the insert 451 at least partly is to be inserted into a housing portion 40A of the rear shell 40.
  • the insert 451 at least partly has a shape corresponding to that of the housing portion 40A.
  • the insert 451 at least partly is to be inserted into a housing portion 40A so that the outer surface of the insert 451 contacts with the inner surface of the housing portion 40A.
  • the insert 451 at least partly is made of a conductive material or a metal (as a particular second conductive material) other than the conductive material or the metal of the rear shell 40 and the conductive material or the metal of the shield member 23.
  • the insert 451 at least partly is preferably made of copper or brass or an alloy thereof, and to be press-fitted into the housing portion 40A.
  • the rear shell 40 particularly is provided with the housing portion 40A.
  • the housing portion 40A at least partly is integrally or unitarily formed with the rear shell 40.
  • the housing portion 40A is preferably formed to be substantially cylindrical. At least one stopper/abutment may be provided inside of the housing portion 40A to limit insertion of the insert 451.
  • the insert 451 may also or alternatively be provided with and abutment flange/projection(s) to limit insertion into the housing portion 40A.
  • the shield member 23 at least partly is to be connected to the insert 451.
  • the insert 451, i.e., the connecting portion 45 is (directly or indirectly) provided between the rear shell 40, i.e., housing portion 40A, and the shield member 23.
  • the shield member 23 is connected to the rear shell 40 by the insert 451.
  • the insert 451 at least partly is circumferentially provided with one or more projections/teeth 451A to cut into the housing portion 40A to form a fit connection when the insert 451 is fitted (particularly press-fitted) into the housing portion 40A. Accordingly, the projections/teeth 451A allow for an improvement of an electric connection between the rear shell 40 and the insert 451. Further, since aluminum, which may be the conductive material of the rear shell 40 and the housing portion 40A, is softer than copper or brass, which may be the material of the insert 451, the housing portion 40A can be easily cut, particularly without producing chips.
  • an oxide layer of the housing portion 40A in a connection area can be broken/cut by the insert 451, particularly by the one or more projections/teeth 451A of the insert 451.
  • the outer diameter of the one or more projections/teeth 451A is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the housing portion 40A. According to the insert 451 as described above, a cheap and efficient connection may be achieved.
  • the insert 451 is firmly and stably arranged inside of the housing portion 40A due to thermal expansion, because the thermal expansion coefficient of copper is 16.6 *10 ⁇ 6 m/mK, the thermal expansion coefficient of brass is 18.7 *10 ⁇ 6 m/mK, and the thermal expansion coefficient of aluminum is 22.2 *10 ⁇ 6 m/mK.
  • the insert 451 particularly has a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • the cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape of overall connection is more advantageous than oval or squared shape in view of applying more uniform forces and expanding the braided wires used as the shield member 23 in order to arrange the shield member 23 onto the insert 451, particularly when the shield member 23 is coated.
  • the shield connector 10 further includes a crimp bracket 110 (an example of crimping member).
  • the crimp bracket 110 at least partly is preferably made of a material identical to the material of the rear shell 40, i.e., the material of the housing portion 40A.
  • the crimp bracket 110 at least partly is preferably made of aluminum.
  • the crimp bracket 110 may be made of a material other than aluminum.
  • the crimp bracket 110 may be made of stainless steel or brass.
  • the crimp bracket 110 is provided on the shield member 23 and crimps the shield member 23.
  • the shield member 23 at least partly is coated with an insulating material (such as silicone) and the crimp bracket 110 presses over the insulating material (silicone) layer of the coated shield member 23. Since the crimp bracket 110 does not directly contacts with the braided wires made of copper, no contact corrosion is caused when crimping the shield member 23 by the crimp bracket 110.
  • the shield connector 10 further includes a tube 120 at least partly covering the insert 451.
  • the tube 120 particularly covers a part of the housing portion 40A, the insert 451, and a part of the shield member 23. Further particularly, the crimp bracket 110 is covered by the tube 120.
  • the tube 120 is preferably a heat shrinkable tube.
  • the tube 120 is provided to cover the insert 451 for fluid- or waterproofing. According the tube 120, no water of substantially no water comes into a gap between the housing portion 40A and the insert 451 so that no contact corrosion is caused.
  • the shield member 23 is separated from the rear shell 40 (or indirectly connected to the rear shell 40) by the insert 451. Hence, contact corrosion between the shield member 23 and the rear shell 40 is reduced. In particular, contact corrosion between the shield member 23 made of copper and the rear shell 40 made of aluminum is reduced. Thus, the shield connector 10 can have a safe/reliable electric connection between the rear shell 40 and the shield member 23.
  • the insert 451 at least partly is inserted into the rear shell 40, an oxide layer of the rear shell 40 is removed at a part to be connected to the insert 451 when inserting the insert 451 into the rear shell 40. Hence, the conductivity between the insert 451 and the rear shell 40 can be improved.
  • the cylindrical shape of overall connection is more advantageous than an oval of squared shape in view of applying uniform forces when connecting the rear shell 40 and the insert 451 so that the rear shell 40 and the insert 451 are firmly fixed. Hence, the conductivity between the insert 451 and the rear shell 40 can be improved.
  • the insert 451 and the shield member 23 can be firmly and easily fixed by crimping the shield member 23.
  • the material of the crimp bracket 110 and the material of the rear shell 40 are identical, the difference between the thermal expansion rates of the crimp bracket and the rear shell 40 is reduced. Hence, a crimping force for crimping the shield member 23 is prevented from decreased. Thus, the shield member 23 is prevented from moving.
  • the tube 120 covers the insert 451, a part at which the insert 451 and the shield member 23 contact is waterproofed. Hence, contact corrosion due to humidity and/or water is reduced.
  • the second particular embodiment differs from the first particular embodiment in that the shield connector 10 includes a solder 112 instead of the crimp bracket and an end part 23A of the shield member 23 is stripped so that the braided wires are exposed.
  • the solder 112 is preferably a solder ring.
  • the rear shell 40, the housing portion 40A, the insert 451 and the tube 120 of the second embodiment are identical to those of the first embodiment, respectively.
  • the solder 112 is provided at least partly on connection surface between the insert 451 (connecting portion 45) and the shield member 23.
  • the shield member 23 at least partly is connected to the insert 451 by soldering.
  • the shield member 23 is stripped off preferably 10 to 30 mm from the end of the shield member 23 by removing the silicone layer.
  • the braided wires of the shield member 23 are preferably plated (coated) by tin.
  • the solder 112 at least partly is arranged over the insert 451.
  • the solder ring used as the solder 112 is cut to be opened and easily arranged over the insert 451.
  • the solder 112 is preferably a lead-free solder.
  • the stripped part 23A of the shield member 23 is arranged outside of the solder 112.
  • the solder 112 is heated and melted.
  • reflow-soldering is used and the solder 112 is heated at a reflow-soldering temperature.
  • the temperature at which the solder 112 is heated is preferably below the melting point of silicone.
  • the solder 112 is heated at around 300 °C since silicone can withstand with the heat about 300 °C for a short period of time.
  • the insert 451 and the shield member 23 can be firmly and conductively fixed by soldering. Further particularly, since the solder has a ring shape, it is facilitated to put the solder 112 on the insert 451.
  • the third particular embodiment differs from the second particular embodiment in that the connecting portion 45 is formed by a plating 452 at least partly provided on a part of the rear shell 40.
  • the rear shell 40 is provided with a substantially cylindrical projection which is integrally or unitarily formed with the rear shell 40, and the plating 452 at least partly is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical projection in order to form the connecting portion 45.
  • the part 23A of the shield member 23, the solder 112 (the solder ring), and the tube 120 of the third embodiment are similar or substantially identical to those of the second embodiment, respectively.
  • the plating 452 (connecting portion 45) is preferably made of any one of copper, tin, zinc, silver, and gold or an alloy thereof.
  • An intermediate plating may at least partly be provided on a connecting surface between the plating 452 (formed as the connecting portion 45) and the rear shell 40.
  • Such an intermediate plating may at least partly be made of a material other than the conductive material or the metal of the rear shell 40 and the conductive material or the metal of the plating 452.
  • an intermediate plating made of chromium (Cr) may be provided between the plating 452 made of copper and the rear shell 40 made of aluminum.
  • the intermediate plating e.g. of chromium is advantageous to form the plating 452 (e.g. comprising the copper layer) on the rear shell 40 (e.g., made of aluminum).
  • the thickness of the plating is preferably about 0.5 µm to about 6 µm.
  • electrochemical reactions advantageously are avoided from occurring between the plating 452 (particularly made of copper) and the rear shell 40 (particularly made of aluminum), specifically in the case where humidity/water reaches the gap between the plating 452 and the rear shell 40.
  • conductivity of the rear shell 40 is advantageously improved by, e.g., removing an aluminum-oxide layer on the rear shell 40.
  • the shield connector 10 having the plating 452 as (part of) the connecting portion 45, the shield member 23 is separated from the rear shell 40 by the plating 452.
  • contact corrosion between the shield member 23 and the rear shell 40 advantageously is reduced.
  • contact corrosion between the shield member 23 made of copper and the rear shell 40 e.g. made of aluminum
  • the shield connector 10 can have a safe/reliable electric connection between the rear shell 40 and the shield member 23.
  • by plating a desired portion of the rear shell 40 contact corrosion at the desired portion is reduced.
  • the plating 452 and the shield member 23 can be firmly and conductively fixed by soldering. Further particularly, since the solder has a ring shape, it is advantageously facilitated to put the solder 112 on the plating 452.
  • the tube 120 covers the plating 452 as shown in Figs. 26 to 29, a part at which the plating 452 and the shield member 23 contact is fluid- or waterproofed. Hence, contact corrosion due to humidity and/or water is reduced.
  • the fourth particular embodiment differs from the third particular embodiment in that the shield connector 10 includes the crimp bracket 110, which is described in the first particular embodiment, instead of the solder 112.
  • the fourth particular embodiment differs from the first particular embodiment in that the connecting portion 45 is the plating 452 provided on the part of the rear shell 40, as described in the third particular embodiment.
  • the rear shell 40, the plating 452, and the tube 120 of the fourth particular embodiment are identical to those of the third particular embodiment, respectively.
  • the crimp bracket 110 and the shield member 23 of the fourth particular embodiment are identical to those of the first particular embodiment, respectively. As shown particularly in Fig. 34, since the crimp bracket 110 is at least partly provided on the shield member 23, the plating 452 and the shield member 23 can be firmly and easily fixed by crimping the shield member 23.
  • shield connector 15 shield shell 20 wire 23 shield member 23A end part (stripped part) 25 terminal 27 terminal connecting portion 27A bolt hole 29 press contacting portion 30 wire retainer 31 bridge 40 rear shell (shield housing) 40A housing portion 41 rear main body 41A hole 43 outer fitting portion 44 bolt fixing portion 44A bolt through hole 45 connecting portion 47 spring accommodating portion 49 holding protrusion 49A side end protrusion 50 front shell 51 main body 51A portion 51B portion 53 seal ring 55 protrusion 55A engaging hole 55B hole 51C circular through hole 59 accommodating portion 60 cylindrical portion 61 seal member (O-ring) 63 seal groove 65 resilient connecting portion 67 flange 70 spring member 71 crimping portion 73 protrusion 73A tip portion 73B portion (distal portion). 80 device 81 shield case 83 device side terminal 85 mounting hole 110 crimp bracket (crimping member) 112 solder 120 tube 114 seal member 451 insert 451A projections/teeth 452 plating B bolt

Landscapes

  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

A shield connector (10) includes: a shield housing (40) made of a metal; a connecting portion (45; 451; 452) attached to the shield housing (40) and made of a metal other than a material of the shield housing (40); and a shield member (23) connected to the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) and made of a metal other than the material of the shield housing (40). The connecting portion (45; 451; 452) is provided between the shield housing (40) and the shield member (23).

Description

SHIELD CONNECTOR AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING IT
The present invention relates to a shield connector, in particular, a shield connector including a shield housing (shield shell) and a shield member connected to the shield housing, and method of assembling it.
It is well-known to provide a shield shell covering the end of a wire in order to shut noise comes from the wire.
DE 10 2015 109 964 B3 relates to a connector shielding at least two separate electrical conductors.
WO 2016/135229 A1 relates to a high-voltage cable set, in particular for a vehicle electrical system, comprising a plurality of cables, which are surrounded by a common shield, and a connector, which consists of a conducting material and is electrically connected to the shield. A contact sleeve is slid onto the connector in a longitudinal direction and the shield is clamped between a first clamping face of the connector and a second clamping face of the contact sleeve.
WO 2016/135230 A1 relates to a high-voltage cable set, in particular for a vehicle electrical system, comprising a plurality of cables, which are surrounded by a common shield, and a connector, which consists of a conducting material and is electrically connected to the shield. A contact sleeve is integrated into the connector, the shield being fastened to the contact sleeve.
WO 2013/118320 A1 relates to a shield shell which comprises: a first member to be covered by the front end of a tubular braided shield member; and a second member that is made of an endless annular body to be fitted and fixed around the outer periphery of the first member which is covered with the tubular braided shield member.
DE 10 2015 109 964 B3 WO 2016/135229 A1 WO 2016/135230 A1 WO 2013/118320 A1
A braided shielding (such as braided wires) may be made of copper (Cu) and connected to a shield housing (shield shell) made of, e.g., aluminum (Al). In such a case, contact corrosion may occur between the shield housing and the braided shielding.
An object of the present invention relates to safely electrically connecting a shield housing and a shield member.
This object is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claim. Particular embodiments of the invention are subject of the dependent claims.
According to one aspect, there is provided a shield connector, including: a shield housing made of a first conductive material; a connecting portion to be attached to the shield housing and made of a second conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing; and a shield member to be connected to the connecting portion and made of a third conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing and the second conductive material of the connecting portion. The connecting portion at least partly is provided between the shield housing and the shield member.
According to the above shield connector, the shield member is separated from the shield housing by the connecting portion. Hence, contact corrosion between the shield member and the shield housing is reduced. Thus, the shield connector can have a safe/reliable electric connection between the shield housing and the shield member.
Particularly, the connecting portion at least partly is press-fitted into the shield housing.
According to the above particular shield connector, an oxide layer of the shield housing is removed at a part to be connected to the connecting portion when inserting the connecting portion into the shield housing. Hence, the conductivity between the connecting portion and the shield housing can be improved.
Further particularly, the shield housing has a substantially cylindrical portion, and the connecting portion is press-fitted into the cylindrical portion.
According to the above particular shield connector, a substantially cylindrical shape of overall connection is more advantageous than an oval of squared shape in view of applying uniform forces when connecting the shield housing and the connecting portion so that the shield housing and the connecting portion are firmly fixed. Hence, the conductivity between the connecting portion and the shield housing can be improved.
Further particularly, the connecting portion at least partly is circumferentially provided with one or more projections/teeth configured to cut into the shield housing.
According to the above particular shield connector, the one or more projections/teeth allow for an improvement of an electric connection between the shield housing and the connecting portion.
Further particularly, the connecting portion is a plating at least partly provided on a part of the shield housing.
According to the above particular shield connector, by plating a desired portion of the shield housing, contact corrosion at the desired portion is reduced.
Further particularly, the shield connector further includes an intermediate plating at least partly on a connecting surface provided between the connecting portion and the shield housing, and made of a material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing and the second conductive material of the connecting portion.
According to the above particular shield connector, plating on the shield housing is facilitated.
Further particularly, the shield connector further includes a solder ring at least partly on a connecting surface provided between the connecting portion and the shield member.
According to the above particular shield connector, the connecting portion and the shield member can be firmly and conductively fixed by soldering. Furthermore, since the solder has a ring shape, it is facilitated to put the solder on the connecting portion and/or the shield member.
Further particularly, the shield connector further includes a crimping member at least partly provided on the shield member and crimping the shield member.
According to the above particular shield connector, the connecting portion and the shield member can be firmly and easily fixed by crimping the shield member.
Further particularly, a material of the crimping member and the first conductive material of the shield housing are identical.
According to the above particular shield connector, the difference between the thermal expansion rates of the crimping member and the shield housing is reduced. Hence, a crimping force for crimping the shield member is prevented from decreased. Thus, the shield member is prevented from moving.
Further particularly, the shield connector further includes a tube at least partly covering the connecting portion.
According to the above particular shield connector, a part at which the connecting portion and the shield member contact is waterproofed. Hence, contact corrosion due to humidity and/or water is reduced.
Further particularly, the shield housing at least partly is made of aluminum. The connecting portion is made of any one of copper, brass, tin, zinc, silver, and gold or an alloy thereof. The shield member at least partly is made of copper.
According to the above particular shield connector, contact corrosion between the shield member made of copper and the shield housing made of aluminum is reduced.
According to another aspect, a method of assembling a shield connector includes: providing a shield housing made of a first conductive material; providing a connecting portion to be attached to the shield housing and made of a second conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing; and providing a shield member to be connected to the connecting portion and made of a third conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing. The connecting portion at least partly is provided between the shield housing and the shield member.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that even though embodiments are separately described, single features thereof may be combined to additional embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shield connector according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the shield connector; FIG. 3 is a side view of the shield connector; FIG. 4 is a sectional view of section IV-IV in Fig. 2; FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view of Fig. 4; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rear shell with a spring member; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rear shell without the spring member; FIG. 8 is a front view of the rear shell; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a front shell; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the front shell; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a shield connector according to the first embodiment in a disassembled state; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the shield connector according to the first embodiment in an assembled state; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a connecting portion according to the first embodiment; FIG. 14 is a side view of the connecting portion according to the first embodiment; FIG. 15 is a partial enlarged view of part C in Fig. 14; FIG. 16 is a sectional view of section A-A in Fig. 14; FIG. 17 is a top view of the shield connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a sectional view of section A-A in Fig. 17; FIG. 19 is a partial enlarged view of part B in Fig. 18; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a shield connector according to the second embodiment in a disassembled state; FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the shield connector according to the second embodiment in an assembled state; FIG. 22 is a top view of the shield connector according to the second embodiment; FIG. 23 is a sectional view of section A-A in Fig. 22; FIG. 24 is a partial enlarged view of part B in Fig. 23; FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a shield connector according to the third embodiment in a disassembled state; FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the shield connector according to the third embodiment in an assembled state; FIG. 27 is a top view of the shield connector according to the third embodiment; FIG. 28 is a sectional view of section A-A in Fig. 27; FIG. 29 is a partial enlarged view of part B in Fig. 28; FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a shield connector according to the fourth embodiment in a disassembled state; FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the shield connector according to the fourth embodiment in an assembled state; FIG. 32 is a top view of the shield connector according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 33 is a sectional view of section A-A in Fig. 32; and FIG. 34 is a partial enlarged view of part B in Fig. 33.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 10, the overview of a shield connector 10 according to one embodiment of the invention is described. As shown in Fig. 4, the shield connector 10 is preferably to be connected to a device 80, e.g., an inverter, a converter and/or an electric motor of an automobile, e.g., a hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle, and/or a fuel cell vehicle. The shield connector 10 is preferably to be fixed and electrically connected to a shield case 81 of the device 80 by a fixing member such as a bolt B, a clamp or the like.
The shield connector 10 includes one or more terminals 25 to be fixed to one or more ends of one or more, particularly a plurality of wires 20 (e.g. three wires 20 in this embodiment), respectively. The shield connector 10 further particularly includes a wire retainer 30 and/or a shield shell 15. The shield shell 15 particularly includes a rear shell 40 (as an example of a shield housing) and a front shell 50.
Hereinafter, with respect to a front-back direction, the left side of Fig. 4 (fixing direction to the device 80) is referred to as a front, and the right side of Fig. 4 is referred to as a back (rear). Up-down and left-right directions correspond to up-down and left-right directions of Fig. 2, respectively.
As shown in Fig. 4, the device 80 comprises the conductive shield case 81 which at least partly accommodates a device main body (not shown in the drawings) and one or more, particularly a plurality of device side terminals 83, preferably three device side terminals 83, which extend from the device may body.
The one or more device side terminals 83 preferably substantially have a plate shape, and arranged in the lateral direction (left-right direction) particularly with a constant interval or pitch between adjacent device side terminals 83. The device side terminals 83 are preferably held by or on, e.g., a terminal board. Specifically, the (particularly each of) the device side terminal(s) 83 has a bolt hole penetrating the device side terminal 83 in a thickness direction (e.g. the up-down direction).
The shield case 81 has one or more mounting holes 85 opened at the side wall of the shield case 81. The one or more mounting holes 85 substantially correspond to the one or more (e.g. three) device side terminals 83, respectively. Specifically, a plurality of (e.g. three) mounting holes 85 are formed to be substantially aligned and penetrate through the side wall of the shield case 81 substantially in the front-back direction. A female screw hole, which is to be engaged with the bolt B, is formed near the mounting holes 85.
Referring to Fig. 1, the wire 20 has an insulating layer or coating at least partly covering a conductive member or core. The terminal 25 is to be electrically connected to the conductive member or core of the wire 20, particularly at an end thereof. In contrast to a shield wire, the individual one or more wires 20 particularly have no shield layer. The one or more wires 20 are to be inserted through a shield member 23.
The shield member 23 is preferably formed by or comprises a braided mesh of thin conductive (particularly metal) wires. Alternatively or additionally, the shield member 23 may comprise one or more layers of a conductive sheet or planar material. The shield member 23 is preferably formed to substantially be in tubular shape. One portion (particularly end) of the shield member 23 is to be connected to the shield shell 15. The shield member 23 is made of a conductive material or metal (as a particular third conductive material) other than the conductive material or metal (as a particular first conductive material) of the shield shell 15. Specifically, the shield member 23 is preferably made of copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof and/or the shield shell 15 is made of aluminum (AL) or an alloy thereof.
The terminal 25 has at least one terminal connecting portion 27 formed to substantially have plate-like shape at the front end. The terminal 25 has a press contacting portion 29 formed to have substantially circular or round or oval shape at or near the rear end of the terminal 25. At least one connection portion (particularly a bolt hole 27A) is formed in the terminal connecting portion 27 so that the terminal connecting portion 27 is or can be fixed to the device side terminal 83 via the connection portion, preferably by means of a fixing member such as a bolt, pin, clamp or the like.
As shown in Fig. 4, the wire retainer 30 is provided in or on the front shell 50 of the shield shell 15. The wire retainer 30 is preferably made of synthetic resin. The wire retainer 30 holds the one or more (e.g. three) wires 20 by sandwiching or clamping e.g. in a lateral direction such as substantially in up-down directions. The wire retainer 30 is to be provided between the terminal 25 of the wire 20 and the shield member 23. The wire retainer 30 has mating portions (particularly substantially cylindrical portions) which sandwich the one or more wires 20. Specifically, the wire retainer 30 preferably has one or more bridges 31 connecting adjacent cylindrical portions.
As shown in Fig. 4, the shield shell 15 includes the rear shell 40, the front shell 50, and at least one spring member 70. The rear shell 40 and the front shell 50 are made of a conductive material (as a particular first conductive material), preferably ametal such as aluminum (Al) or an alloy thereof. The rear shell 40 and the front shell 50 are preferably made by casting. The spring member 70 is preferably made of a conductive material, e.g., stainless steel, having resilient properties. The spring member 70 is preferably made by press forming.
As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the rear shell 40 particularly has substantially a tubular shape comprising a bottom or base portion. The rear shell 40 has an opening at the front side (the side facing to the front shell 50). The front end portion of the rear shell 40 particularly has substantially an oval shape oblong or extending in the left-right direction. The front end portion of the rear shell 40 protrudes outward from a rear main body 41 to form an outer fitting portion 43. The rear end portion of the front shell 50 is to be fitted to (particularly the inner surface of) the outer fitting portion 43. One or more bolt fixing portions 44 are preferably provided in or on the outer fitting portion 43. The one or more bolt fixing portions 44 particularly protrude outward from the outer fitting portion 43. Each of the bolt fixing portions 44 has a bolt through hole 44A through which the bolt B shown in Fig. 1 is or can be at least partly inserted. The bolt fixing portion(s) 44 protrude(s) substantially forward from (particularly the front edge of) the outer fitting portion 43. The one or more bolt fixing portions 44 are to be contacted with the shield case 81 as shown in Fig. 4 particularly so as to establish an electrical contact therewith. A hole 41A is provided at the rear end portion (particularly the bottom portion) of the rear main body 41. The hole 41A is preferably formed to have substantially a circular shape.
A connecting portion 45 is provided such that the connecting portion 45 extends substantially rearward from the hole 41A. The connecting portion 45 is attached to the shield shell 15, preferably to the rear shell 40. The connecting portion 45 is made of a conductive material or metal other than a material of the rear shell 40. The connecting portion 45 is preferably made of any one of copper (Cu), brass, tin (Zn), silver (Ag), and gold (Au) or an alloy thereof. The shield member 23 is to be connected to the shield shell 15, specifically the rear shell 40, via the connecting portion 45.
One or more spring accommodating portions 47 are provided at or near the front end portion of the rear main body 41. One or more holding protrusions 49 are provided at one or more positions substantially corresponding to the respective spring accommodating portion(s) 47. One or more side end protrusions 49A are formed at (particularly both side end portions of the rear end portion of the holding protrusion 49. The side end protrusions 49A particularly protrude substantially laterally e.g. in the up-down direction.
As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the front shell 50 comprises a main body 51, one or more protrusions 55, an accommodating portion 59, and one or more substantially cylindrical portions 60. The main body 51 comprises a portion 51A which configured to at least partly cover the opening of the outer fitting portion 43 of the rear shell 40 and/or a portion 51B to which a seal ring 53 is to be mounted (see Fig. 5).
The one or more protrusions 55 are configured to substantially protrude rearward from the main body 51 to come into or substantially reach an inside of the rear shell 40. The one or more protrusions 55 are provided at the one or more positions corresponding the one or more positions of the one or more spring accommodating portions 47, respectively. An engaging hole 55A and a hole 55B for forming the engaging hole 55A particularly are provided in the protrusion 55. As shown in Fig. 10, the accommodating portion 59 substantially protrudes rearward from the main body 51. The accommodating portion 59 is to be at least partly fitted or inserted into the rear main body 41.
As shown in Figs. 5 and 9, the substantially cylindrical portions 60 are formed to substantially protrude forward from (peripheries of) one or more (e.g. three) substantially circular through holes 51C, respectively. The cylindrical portion(s) 60 is/are capable of being at least partly inserted into to the mounting hole(s) 85. The terminal(s) 25 and the wire(s) 20 are capable of being inserted through the cylindrical portion(s) 60. Specifically, each of the cylindrical portions 60 is provided with a seal groove 63 and a flange 67. A seal member 61 such as an O-ring, is provided or mounted into the seal groove 63. A resilient connecting portion 65 is arranged toward or adjacent to the flange 67. The resilient connecting portion 65 is preferably a ring shaped coil.
As shown in Figs. 5 and 6 the spring member 70 particularly substantially is symmetric in the up-down direction. The spring member 70 comprises a crimping portion 71 and one or more protrusions 73. The leading end of the crimping portion 71 particularly substantially is located between the side end protrusions 49A.
The protrusion 73 of the spring member 70 has a tip portion 73A at which the protrusion 73 is bent inward. The protrusion 73 of the spring member 70 is also bent outward at a portion 73B specifically at a distal portion 73B. The protrusion 73 protrudes laterally (e.g. in the up-down direction) and is deformable so that a protrusion length (or protrusion height) is changed. The tip portion 73A is capable of engaging the front shell 50, particularly by being at least partly inserted into the engaging hole 55A of the protrusion 55 of the front shell 50. The rear shell 40 and the front shell 50 particularly are fixed by engaging the spring member 70 of the rear shell 40 with the engaging hole 55A of the front shell 50.
Hereinafter, the details of the connecting portion 45 is described.
<First embodiment>
Referring to Fig. 11, according to a first particular embodiment, the shield connector 10 includes an insert 45 formed as the connecting portion 45. The insert 451 (connecting portion 45) is formed separately from the rear shell 40. The insert 451 at least partly is to be inserted into a housing portion 40A of the rear shell 40. Particularly, the insert 451 at least partly has a shape corresponding to that of the housing portion 40A. Further particularly, the insert 451 at least partly is to be inserted into a housing portion 40A so that the outer surface of the insert 451 contacts with the inner surface of the housing portion 40A.
The insert 451 at least partly is made of a conductive material or a metal (as a particular second conductive material) other than the conductive material or the metal of the rear shell 40 and the conductive material or the metal of the shield member 23. The insert 451 at least partly is preferably made of copper or brass or an alloy thereof, and to be press-fitted into the housing portion 40A.
The rear shell 40 particularly is provided with the housing portion 40A. The housing portion 40A at least partly is integrally or unitarily formed with the rear shell 40. The housing portion 40A is preferably formed to be substantially cylindrical. At least one stopper/abutment may be provided inside of the housing portion 40A to limit insertion of the insert 451. The insert 451 may also or alternatively be provided with and abutment flange/projection(s) to limit insertion into the housing portion 40A.
As shown particularly in Fig. 19, the shield member 23 at least partly is to be connected to the insert 451. The insert 451, i.e., the connecting portion 45, is (directly or indirectly) provided between the rear shell 40, i.e., housing portion 40A, and the shield member 23. In other words, the shield member 23 is connected to the rear shell 40 by the insert 451.
Referring to Figs. 13 to 16, the insert 451 at least partly is circumferentially provided with one or more projections/teeth 451A to cut into the housing portion 40A to form a fit connection when the insert 451 is fitted (particularly press-fitted) into the housing portion 40A. Accordingly, the projections/teeth 451A allow for an improvement of an electric connection between the rear shell 40 and the insert 451. Further, since aluminum, which may be the conductive material of the rear shell 40 and the housing portion 40A, is softer than copper or brass, which may be the material of the insert 451, the housing portion 40A can be easily cut, particularly without producing chips.
When cutting into or engaging the housing portion 40A by fitting the insert 451 into the housing portion 40A, an oxide layer of the housing portion 40A in a connection area can be broken/cut by the insert 451, particularly by the one or more projections/teeth 451A of the insert 451.
The outer diameter of the one or more projections/teeth 451A is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the housing portion 40A. According to the insert 451 as described above, a cheap and efficient connection may be achieved.
Particularly, the insert 451 is firmly and stably arranged inside of the housing portion 40A due to thermal expansion, because the thermal expansion coefficient of copper is 16.6 *10^6 m/mK, the thermal expansion coefficient of brass is 18.7 *10^6 m/mK, and the thermal expansion coefficient of aluminum is 22.2 *10^6 m/mK.
The insert 451 particularly has a substantially cylindrical shape. The cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape of overall connection is more advantageous than oval or squared shape in view of applying more uniform forces and expanding the braided wires used as the shield member 23 in order to arrange the shield member 23 onto the insert 451, particularly when the shield member 23 is coated.
As shown particularly in Figs. 11 and 19, the shield connector 10 further includes a crimp bracket 110 (an example of crimping member). The crimp bracket 110 at least partly is preferably made of a material identical to the material of the rear shell 40, i.e., the material of the housing portion 40A. In other words, the crimp bracket 110 at least partly is preferably made of aluminum. The crimp bracket 110 may be made of a material other than aluminum. For example, the crimp bracket 110 may be made of stainless steel or brass.
As shown in Fig. 19, the crimp bracket 110 is provided on the shield member 23 and crimps the shield member 23. Preferably, the shield member 23 at least partly is coated with an insulating material (such as silicone) and the crimp bracket 110 presses over the insulating material (silicone) layer of the coated shield member 23. Since the crimp bracket 110 does not directly contacts with the braided wires made of copper, no contact corrosion is caused when crimping the shield member 23 by the crimp bracket 110.
As shown in Figs. 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19, the shield connector 10 further includes a tube 120 at least partly covering the insert 451. The tube 120 particularly covers a part of the housing portion 40A, the insert 451, and a part of the shield member 23. Further particularly, the crimp bracket 110 is covered by the tube 120. The tube 120 is preferably a heat shrinkable tube. The tube 120 is provided to cover the insert 451 for fluid- or waterproofing. According the tube 120, no water of substantially no water comes into a gap between the housing portion 40A and the insert 451 so that no contact corrosion is caused.
According to the shield connector 10 having the insert 451 as the connecting portion 45, the shield member 23 is separated from the rear shell 40 (or indirectly connected to the rear shell 40) by the insert 451. Hence, contact corrosion between the shield member 23 and the rear shell 40 is reduced. In particular, contact corrosion between the shield member 23 made of copper and the rear shell 40 made of aluminum is reduced. Thus, the shield connector 10 can have a safe/reliable electric connection between the rear shell 40 and the shield member 23.
Further particularly, since the insert 451 at least partly is inserted into the rear shell 40, an oxide layer of the rear shell 40 is removed at a part to be connected to the insert 451 when inserting the insert 451 into the rear shell 40. Hence, the conductivity between the insert 451 and the rear shell 40 can be improved.
Further particularly, since the insert 451 is inserted into the cylindrical housing portion 40A, a cylindrical shape of overall connection is achieved. The cylindrical shape of overall connection is more advantageous than an oval of squared shape in view of applying uniform forces when connecting the rear shell 40 and the insert 451 so that the rear shell 40 and the insert 451 are firmly fixed. Hence, the conductivity between the insert 451 and the rear shell 40 can be improved.
Further particularly, since the crimp bracket 110 is provided on the shield member 23, the insert 451 and the shield member 23 can be firmly and easily fixed by crimping the shield member 23.
Further particularly, since the material of the crimp bracket 110 and the material of the rear shell 40 are identical, the difference between the thermal expansion rates of the crimp bracket and the rear shell 40 is reduced. Hence, a crimping force for crimping the shield member 23 is prevented from decreased. Thus, the shield member 23 is prevented from moving.
Further particularly, since the tube 120 covers the insert 451, a part at which the insert 451 and the shield member 23 contact is waterproofed. Hence, contact corrosion due to humidity and/or water is reduced.
<Second embodiment>
Referring to Figs. 20 to 24, the second particular embodiment differs from the first particular embodiment in that the shield connector 10 includes a solder 112 instead of the crimp bracket and an end part 23A of the shield member 23 is stripped so that the braided wires are exposed. The solder 112 is preferably a solder ring. The rear shell 40, the housing portion 40A, the insert 451 and the tube 120 of the second embodiment are identical to those of the first embodiment, respectively.
As shown particularly in Fig. 24, the solder 112 is provided at least partly on connection surface between the insert 451 (connecting portion 45) and the shield member 23. The shield member 23 at least partly is connected to the insert 451 by soldering. The shield member 23 is stripped off preferably 10 to 30 mm from the end of the shield member 23 by removing the silicone layer. The braided wires of the shield member 23 are preferably plated (coated) by tin.
The solder 112 at least partly is arranged over the insert 451. Preferably, the solder ring used as the solder 112 is cut to be opened and easily arranged over the insert 451. The solder 112 is preferably a lead-free solder. The stripped part 23A of the shield member 23 is arranged outside of the solder 112.
In order to fix the shield member 23 to the insert 451, the solder 112 is heated and melted. For example, reflow-soldering is used and the solder 112 is heated at a reflow-soldering temperature. The temperature at which the solder 112 is heated is preferably below the melting point of silicone. For example, the solder 112 is heated at around 300 °C since silicone can withstand with the heat about 300 °C for a short period of time.
According to the shield connector 10 having the solder 112, preferably the solder ring, the insert 451 and the shield member 23 can be firmly and conductively fixed by soldering. Further particularly, since the solder has a ring shape, it is facilitated to put the solder 112 on the insert 451.
<Third embodiment>
Referring to Figs. 25 to 29, the third particular embodiment differs from the second particular embodiment in that the connecting portion 45 is formed by a plating 452 at least partly provided on a part of the rear shell 40. Preferably, the rear shell 40 is provided with a substantially cylindrical projection which is integrally or unitarily formed with the rear shell 40, and the plating 452 at least partly is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical projection in order to form the connecting portion 45. The part 23A of the shield member 23, the solder 112 (the solder ring), and the tube 120 of the third embodiment are similar or substantially identical to those of the second embodiment, respectively. The plating 452 (connecting portion 45) is preferably made of any one of copper, tin, zinc, silver, and gold or an alloy thereof.
An intermediate plating may at least partly be provided on a connecting surface between the plating 452 (formed as the connecting portion 45) and the rear shell 40. Such an intermediate plating may at least partly be made of a material other than the conductive material or the metal of the rear shell 40 and the conductive material or the metal of the plating 452. Particularly, an intermediate plating made of chromium (Cr) may be provided between the plating 452 made of copper and the rear shell 40 made of aluminum. The intermediate plating (e.g. of chromium is advantageous to form the plating 452 (e.g. comprising the copper layer) on the rear shell 40 (e.g., made of aluminum). The thickness of the plating is preferably about 0.5 &micro;m to about 6 &micro;m.
According to the above, electrochemical reactions advantageously are avoided from occurring between the plating 452 (particularly made of copper) and the rear shell 40 (particularly made of aluminum), specifically in the case where humidity/water reaches the gap between the plating 452 and the rear shell 40. Moreover, conductivity of the rear shell 40 is advantageously improved by, e.g., removing an aluminum-oxide layer on the rear shell 40.
According to the shield connector 10 having the plating 452 as (part of) the connecting portion 45, the shield member 23 is separated from the rear shell 40 by the plating 452. Hence, contact corrosion between the shield member 23 and the rear shell 40 advantageously is reduced. In particular, contact corrosion between the shield member 23 made of copper and the rear shell 40 (e.g. made of aluminum) is reduced. Thus, the shield connector 10 can have a safe/reliable electric connection between the rear shell 40 and the shield member 23. Further particularly, by plating a desired portion of the rear shell 40, contact corrosion at the desired portion is reduced.
Further particularly, according to the intermediate plating of chromium provided between the plating 452 and the rear shell 40, copper plating on aluminum is advantageously facilitated.
Further particularly, the plating 452 and the shield member 23 can be firmly and conductively fixed by soldering. Further particularly, since the solder has a ring shape, it is advantageously facilitated to put the solder 112 on the plating 452.
Further particularly, since the tube 120 covers the plating 452 as shown in Figs. 26 to 29, a part at which the plating 452 and the shield member 23 contact is fluid- or waterproofed. Hence, contact corrosion due to humidity and/or water is reduced.
<Fourth embodiment>
Referring to Figs. 30 to 34, the fourth particular embodiment differs from the third particular embodiment in that the shield connector 10 includes the crimp bracket 110, which is described in the first particular embodiment, instead of the solder 112. In other words, the fourth particular embodiment differs from the first particular embodiment in that the connecting portion 45 is the plating 452 provided on the part of the rear shell 40, as described in the third particular embodiment.
The rear shell 40, the plating 452, and the tube 120 of the fourth particular embodiment are identical to those of the third particular embodiment, respectively. The crimp bracket 110 and the shield member 23 of the fourth particular embodiment are identical to those of the first particular embodiment, respectively. As shown particularly in Fig. 34, since the crimp bracket 110 is at least partly provided on the shield member 23, the plating 452 and the shield member 23 can be firmly and easily fixed by crimping the shield member 23.
The present invention should not be limited to the above-descried embodiments, and any other modifications and improvements may be applied within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the attached claims.
Reference signs
10 shield connector
15 shield shell
20 wire
23 shield member
23A end part (stripped part)
25 terminal
27 terminal connecting portion
27A bolt hole
29 press contacting portion
30 wire retainer
31 bridge
40 rear shell (shield housing)
40A housing portion
41 rear main body
41A hole
43 outer fitting portion
44 bolt fixing portion
44A bolt through hole
45 connecting portion
47 spring accommodating portion
49 holding protrusion
49A side end protrusion
50 front shell
51 main body
51A portion
51B portion
53 seal ring
55 protrusion
55A engaging hole
55B hole
51C circular through hole
59 accommodating portion
60 cylindrical portion
61 seal member (O-ring)
63 seal groove
65 resilient connecting portion
67 flange
70 spring member
71 crimping portion
73 protrusion
73A tip portion
73B portion (distal portion).
80 device
81 shield case
83 device side terminal
85 mounting hole
110 crimp bracket (crimping member)
112 solder
120 tube
114 seal member
451 insert
451A projections/teeth
452 plating
B bolt

Claims (12)

  1. A shield connector (10), comprising:
    a shield housing (40) made of a first conductive material;
    a connecting portion (45; 451; 452) to be attached to the shield housing (40) and made of a second conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing (40); and
    a shield member (23) to be connected to the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) and made of a third conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing (40) and the second conductive material of the connecting portion (45; 451; 452),
    wherein
    the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) at least partly is provided between the shield housing (40) and the shield member (23).
  2. The shield connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) at least partly is press-fitted into the shield housing (40).
  3. The shield connector (10) according to claim 2, wherein
    the shield housing (40) has a substantially cylindrical portion, and
    the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) is press-fitted into the cylindrical portion.
  4. The shield connector (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) at least partly is circumferentially provided with one or more projections/teeth (451A) configured to cut into the shield housing (40).
  5. The shield connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) is a plating at least partly provided on a part of the shield housing (40).
  6. The shield connector (10) according to claim 5, further comprising
    an intermediate plating at least partly on a connecting surface provided between the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) and the shield housing (40), and made of a material other than the first conducive material of the shield housing (40) and the second conductive material of the connecting portion (45; 451; 452).
  7. The shield connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
    a solder ring at least partly on a connecting surface provided between the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) and the shield member (23).
  8. The shield connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
    a crimping member (110) at least partly provided on the shield member (23) and crimping the shield member (23).
  9. The shield connector (10) according to claim 8, wherein a material of the crimping member (110) and the first conductive material of the shield housing (40) are identical.
  10. The shield connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
    a tube (120) at least partly covering the connecting portion (45; 451; 452).
  11. The shield connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
    the shield housing (40) at least partly is made of aluminum,
    the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) is made of any one of copper, brass, tin, zinc, silver, and gold or an alloy thereof, and
    the shield member (23) at least partly is made of copper.
  12. A method of assembling a shield connector (10), comprising:
    providing a shield housing (40) made of a first conductive material;
    providing a connecting portion (45; 451; 452) to be attached to the shield housing (40) and made of a second conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing (40); and
    providing a shield member (23) to be connected to the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) and made of a third conductive material other than the first conductive material of the shield housing (40) and the second conductive material of the connecting portion (45; 451; 452),
    wherein
    the connecting portion (45; 451; 452) at least partly is provided between the shield housing (40) and the shield member (23).

PCT/JP2018/032523 2017-09-06 2018-09-03 Shield connector and method of assembling it WO2019049805A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102017008371.1A DE102017008371B4 (en) 2017-09-06 2017-09-06 Shielding connector and method of assembling same
DE102017008371.1 2017-09-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019049805A1 true WO2019049805A1 (en) 2019-03-14

Family

ID=63667971

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2018/032523 WO2019049805A1 (en) 2017-09-06 2018-09-03 Shield connector and method of assembling it

Country Status (2)

Country Link
DE (1) DE102017008371B4 (en)
WO (1) WO2019049805A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023109353A1 (en) * 2021-12-15 2023-06-22 华为技术有限公司 Connector and communication device

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4614398A (en) * 1984-12-21 1986-09-30 Simmonds Precision Shielded cable terminal connection
EP1608045A2 (en) * 2004-06-17 2005-12-21 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. A shielded connector and method of connecting it with a shielded conductor path
WO2006132391A1 (en) * 2005-06-07 2006-12-14 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Shield shell
WO2013118320A1 (en) 2012-02-08 2013-08-15 住友電装株式会社 Method for fixing tubular braided shielding member to shield shell
DE202015100962U1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2016-05-30 Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme Gmbh HV cable set
WO2016135229A1 (en) 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme Gmbh High-voltage cable set
WO2016142048A1 (en) * 2015-03-10 2016-09-15 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd Shielded wire harness, shielding member and method of producing a shielded wire harness
DE102015109964B3 (en) 2015-06-22 2016-11-03 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Plug for shielding at least two separate electrical conductors

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5240522B2 (en) 2009-04-13 2013-07-17 住友電装株式会社 connector
JP5533591B2 (en) 2010-11-24 2014-06-25 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 Shield conductor
JP5768618B2 (en) 2011-09-21 2015-08-26 住友電装株式会社 Wire harness terminal waterproof structure
JP5952607B2 (en) 2012-03-27 2016-07-13 矢崎総業株式会社 Waterproof shield connector

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4614398A (en) * 1984-12-21 1986-09-30 Simmonds Precision Shielded cable terminal connection
EP1608045A2 (en) * 2004-06-17 2005-12-21 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. A shielded connector and method of connecting it with a shielded conductor path
WO2006132391A1 (en) * 2005-06-07 2006-12-14 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Shield shell
WO2013118320A1 (en) 2012-02-08 2013-08-15 住友電装株式会社 Method for fixing tubular braided shielding member to shield shell
DE202015100962U1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2016-05-30 Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme Gmbh HV cable set
WO2016135229A1 (en) 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme Gmbh High-voltage cable set
WO2016135230A1 (en) 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme Gmbh High-voltage cable set
WO2016142048A1 (en) * 2015-03-10 2016-09-15 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd Shielded wire harness, shielding member and method of producing a shielded wire harness
DE102015109964B3 (en) 2015-06-22 2016-11-03 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Plug for shielding at least two separate electrical conductors

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023109353A1 (en) * 2021-12-15 2023-06-22 华为技术有限公司 Connector and communication device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102017008371B4 (en) 2019-06-13
DE102017008371A1 (en) 2019-03-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2015151904A1 (en) Crimp terminal and connection structure for crimp terminal and wire
EP2698882A1 (en) Shield connector
JP6708025B2 (en) Shielded connector
CN110495053B (en) Inner conductor terminal and shielded connector
JP5074316B2 (en) Electrical connector assembly kit and shielded cable harness
CN113196590B (en) Connector structure and method for manufacturing connector structure
JP5585106B2 (en) Connector device
JP5336263B2 (en) connector
CN111194512B (en) Electric wire holding member
GB2032710A (en) Electrical connector assembly
WO2019049805A1 (en) Shield connector and method of assembling it
WO2020213704A1 (en) Female terminal, connector module, communication cable with connector, and connector assembly
WO2019049806A1 (en) Shield connector and method of assembling it
JP2015018743A (en) Connector and shield connector
JP5913194B2 (en) connector
JP2011060426A (en) Connector
JP6739760B1 (en) Communication cable with connector and connector assembly
JP6748929B1 (en) Communication cable with connector and connector assembly
JP2010170706A (en) Connector
JP6813050B2 (en) Communication cable with connector and connector assembly
JP6013105B2 (en) connector
JP5064983B2 (en) Butt shield connector assembly kit and shield cable harness
JPH10172681A (en) Connector
KR20050084235A (en) Cable connector and method for assembling such a connector
JP3419638B2 (en) Shield connector

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 18773647

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

DPE1 Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 18773647

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1