JP6653623B2 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical connector including a contact configured to fix a mating conductive member such as a crimp terminal.

  The contact of the electric connector may be fixed to the crimp terminal (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  The connector device described in Patent Literature 1 has an L-shaped female terminal held by a housing (first base). One end of the female terminal has a fitting portion to be inserted into the male terminal. A nut is provided on the other end of the female terminal. This nut fixes the crimp terminal in cooperation with a male screw member screw-connected to the nut.

  The terminal block described in Patent Literature 2 has a terminal fitting extending in a predetermined direction and having an L-shaped tip. A female screw portion is formed at the tip of the terminal fitting. The female screw part fixes the crimp terminal to the tip of the terminal fitting by screw connection with a male screw member.

  The L-shaped connector described in Patent Document 3 has a cylindrical terminal fitting. One end of a cylindrical portion of the terminal fitting is closed, and a male screw shaft projects coaxially with the cylindrical portion from the closed portion. The crimp terminal is fixed to the terminal fitting by cooperation of the male screw shaft and a nut screwed to the male screw shaft.

JP-A-7-226249 JP-A-11-121064 JP 2014-107127 A

  There is a demand for further miniaturization of electrical connectors. However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the female terminal is formed in an L-shape, and is wide. Further, in the configuration described in Patent Literature 2, the terminal fitting is formed in an L shape, and is wide. Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 3, the male screw portion extends coaxially with the terminal fitting, and the overall length is likely to be long.

  Also, contacts such as terminal fittings are usually housed in a housing. Then, in a state where the contact is accommodated in the housing, an operation of fixing a mating conductive member such as a crimp terminal to the contact is performed. In the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the screw member for fixing the crimp terminal to the contact faces in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the contact. Therefore, a space for disposing a tool such as a screwdriver for fixing the screw member to the contact is required along the axial direction of the contact. Therefore, a long space is required in the axial direction of the contact.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to realize a more compact electric connector having a contact fixed to a mating conductive member and to further reduce the space required for mounting the electric connector. I do.

  (1) In order to solve the above problem, an electrical connector according to an aspect of the present invention has a contact configured to be oriented in an intersecting direction intersecting a predetermined axial direction and to be in contact with a predetermined mating conductive member. A contact extending along the axial direction, a receiving portion for receiving the contact portion, and a tool opening formed so as to face the cross direction, wherein the mating conductive member is And a housing having a tool opening through which a fixing tool for fixing to the contact portion can pass.

  According to this configuration, the contact extends along the predetermined axial direction. Thereby, the width of the contact (the length in the direction intersecting with the axial direction) can be reduced. Further, the contact portion is oriented in a direction intersecting the axial direction. For this reason, when the mating conductive member is fixed to the contact, the amount of the mating conductive member projecting from the contact in the axial direction can be reduced. Therefore, the overall length of the contact and the mating conductive member can be further reduced. Further, the housing is formed with a tool opening capable of passing a fixing tool for fixing the mating conductive member to the contact portion so as to face in the cross direction. Accordingly, it is not necessary to perform the fixing operation using the fixing tool in a state where the fixing tool is extended in the axial direction, and the space required for mounting the electrical connector can be made thinner. As described above, the size of the electrical connector having the contact fixed to the mating conductive member can be further reduced, and the space required for mounting the electrical connector can be reduced.

  (2) Preferably, the electrical connector is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrical connector by being coupled to a predetermined second electrical connector, and the contact is configured to be in contact with the contact portion. A second contact portion integrally provided with a single material for contacting a contact of the second electrical connector.

  According to this configuration, the number of components of the electrical connector can be further reduced. In addition, since the contact can be formed in a straight line, it may not be necessary to perform bending or the like on the base material of the contact when the contact is formed. In this case, the labor of manufacturing the electrical connector can be further reduced by reducing the number of contact processing steps.

  (3) Preferably, the electric connector further includes a fixing member for fixing the mating conductive member to the contact portion, and the fixing member is configured to be able to pass through the tool opening.

  According to this configuration, by using the fixing member, the coupling strength between the mating conductive member and the contact can be further increased. Further, the fixing member can reach the fixing portion between the mating conductive member and the contact portion through the tool opening. Thus, for example, after the mating conductive member is made to follow the contact portion, an operation of fixing the mating conductive member and the contact portion using the fixing member can be performed. Also, there is no need to provide a dedicated opening for inserting the fixing member into the housing. Therefore, further downsizing of the housing can be realized.

  (4) More preferably, the fixing member includes a screw member for fastening the contact of the electrical connector to the mating conductive member.

  According to this configuration, the mating conductive member can be fixed to the contact by a simple operation of screwing the screw member to the contact or the like. Further, the screw member extends in an intersecting direction intersecting with the axial direction of the contact. Therefore, it is not necessary to form a long female screw hole extending along the axial direction in the contact. Therefore, the total length of the contact can be further reduced. This makes it possible to further reduce the size of the electrical connector.

  (5) Preferably, the housing has an insertion opening which is opened in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the axial direction of the mating conductive member and is capable of passing the mating conductive member. I have.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to easily insert the mating conductive member into the housing through the insertion opening.

  (6) Preferably, the housing has an insertion opening that is opened in each of the axial direction and a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and that allows the mating conductive member to pass therethrough, And at least one of a first cover and a second cover for closing the opening for use. The first cover includes a conductive flexible member connected to the mating conductive member and extending in the orthogonal direction. The insertion opening is configured to be closed while allowing the passage from the inside to the outside of the housing, and the second cover is connected to the mating conductive member and extends along the axial direction. The insertion opening can be closed while allowing the conductive flexible member to pass from inside to outside of the housing.

  According to this configuration, in the case of a layout in which the flexible member extends from the housing in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the first cover can be used to close the insertion opening of the housing. In the case of a layout in which the flexible member extends from the housing along the axial direction, the second cover can be used to close the insertion opening of the housing. With such a configuration, one housing can cope with the case where a plurality of directions of the flexible member extending from the insertion opening can be set. Thereby, the versatility of the housing can be increased.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the electrical connector which has the contact fixed to the other party conductive member, more miniaturization can be implement | achieved and the space required for mounting of an electrical connector can be thinner.

It is a perspective view of a connection device. It is an exploded perspective view of a connection device. It is a perspective view which expands and shows a part of 1st connector side among connection devices. It is a bottom view of a connection device. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the first connector. It is a top view which decomposes | disassembles and shows a part of 1st connector. It is a bottom view of a 1st connector. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. It is a side view of a 1st connector. It is a perspective view which expands and shows a part of 2nd connector side among connection devices. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a main part of a modification of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a main part of another modified example of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing about the principal part of another modification of the present invention. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the principal part of another modification of this invention. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a first connector including a second cover shown in FIG. 15. (A) and (b) are each a perspective view of the 1st connector shown in FIG. 15, and has shown the state in which the 2nd cover was attached to the housing. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the first connector shown in FIG. 15, showing a state where a first cable is connected.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention can be widely applied to various uses as an electrical connector.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connection device 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connection device 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the connection device 1 on the first connector 4 side. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the connection device 1. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the first connector 4. FIG. 7 is an exploded plan view showing a part of the first connector 4. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the first connector 4. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view of the first connector 4. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the connection device 1 on the second connector 5 side.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, the connection device 1 is provided as a high-current connection device. The connection device 1 is provided, for example, for electrically connecting a drive motor and a battery in a moving body such as an automobile or a train. In addition, the connection device 1 is not limited to the use of the moving body, and may be used as another connection device for a large current, or may be used as a connection device for a small current.

  The connection device 1 includes a fixing plate 2, first cables 3a and 3b, a first connector 4 as a male electrical connector, a second connector 5 as a female electrical connector, and second cables 6a and 6b. have.

  The connection device 1 has a configuration in which the first connector 4 is attached to the fixing plate 2, and the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 are configured to be detachable. The two connectors 5 are electrically connected. The first connector 4 is electrically and mechanically connected to the first cables 3a and 3b. The second connector 5 is electrically and mechanically connected to the second cables 6a and 6b.

  The fixed plate 2 is formed of, for example, a metal plate. The fixing plate 2 has an insertion hole 2a and female threads 2b, 2b. The insertion hole 2a is provided as a portion into which the housing 14 of the first connector 4 described later is inserted. The insertion hole 2a is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the housing 14 of the first connector 4 to be fitted into the insertion hole 2a.

  Female screw portions 2b, 2b are formed around the insertion hole 2a. Each female screw portion 2b is provided for fixing the housing 14 of the first connector 4, and for example, a pair is provided so as to sandwich the insertion hole 2a. The first connector 4 fixed to the fixing plate 2 is connected to a pair of first cables 3a and 3b.

  Each of the first cables 3a and 3b includes a covered electric wire 7 and a crimp terminal (a mating conductive member) 8 fixed to one end of the covered electric wire 7.

  The covered electric wire 7 has a tubular covering portion 9 made of an insulating material and an electric wire 10 covered by the covering portion 9. One end of the electric wire 10 is exposed from one end of the coating 9. A crimp terminal 8 is fixed to one end of the electric wire 10. The crimp terminal 8 is an integrally molded product formed using a conductive member such as a metal plate.

  The crimp terminal 8 has a caulking portion 11 and a tongue piece 12 extending from the caulking portion 11. The caulking portion 11 has a pair of caulking pieces extending from a pair of edges of the base plate of the caulking portion 11. One end of the electric wire 10 is caulked and fixed to the caulked portion 11 by these caulking pieces interposing one end of the electric wire 10 in cooperation with the base plate. The tongue piece 12 is a flat plate-like portion extending from the base plate of the caulking portion 11. The tongue piece 12 has a rectangular base end extending from the base plate, and has a semicircular tip. The tongue piece 12 has a through-hole 12 a formed at the tip side. The tongue piece 12 of each of the first cables 3a and 3b having the above-described configuration is fixed to corresponding contacts 13a and 13b (details will be described later) of the first connector 4.

  1 to 3 and 7, the first connector 4 forms a connector unit in cooperation with the second connector 5, and is connected to the second connector 5, whereby the first connector 4 is connected to the first connector 4. 4 and the second connector 5 are electrically connected. The second connector 5 is supported by the fixed plate 2 via the first connector 4. The first connector 4 is formed in a shape symmetrical in the width direction Y1 of the first connector 4.

  In the present embodiment, the length direction X1 of the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 is simply referred to as “length direction X1”. The width direction Y1 orthogonal to the length direction X1 of the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 is simply referred to as “width direction Y1”. The thickness direction Z1 orthogonal to both the length direction X1 and the width direction Y1 of the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 is simply referred to as “thickness direction Z1”. The thickness direction Z1 is also a facing direction in which the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 face each other.

  The first connector 4 has contacts 13a and 13b, a housing 14, a cover 15, and fixing members 16a and 16b.

  In the present embodiment, the first connector 4 constitutes a two-pole electrical connector having two contacts 13a and 13b. These contacts 13a and 13b are arranged side by side in the width direction Y1.

  Each contact 13a, 13b is a conductive member having conductivity, and is electrically connected to the tongue piece 12 of the corresponding first cable 3a, 3b and the corresponding contact 73a, 73b (described in detail later) of the second connector 5. It is configured to be connected to each other. Each of the contacts 13a and 13b is provided, for example, as a processed body (forged body, cut body) in which at least one of forging and cutting is formed on a rod-shaped metal member.

  In the present embodiment, each of the contacts 13a and 13b has a configuration in which a cap member is attached to the tip of an integrally formed product formed entirely of a single material using a single material. Each of the contacts 13a and 13b is formed in a pin shape in which the diameter at one end is set to be larger than the diameter at the other end. Each of the contacts 13a and 13b extends straight along a predetermined axial direction L1. In the present embodiment, the axial direction L1 is along the thickness direction Z1.

  Each of the contacts 13a and 13b includes a head 20 including a head main body 18 and a head end 19, a first contact portion 21 provided on the head main body 18, a male pin portion 22, and a male pin portion 22. And a second contact portion 23 provided.

  The head 20 is provided as a portion to which the tongue piece 12 of the crimp terminal 8 in the corresponding first cable 3a, 3b is fixed. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the head main body 18 has portions including a part of the cylindrical surface at both ends in the length direction X1, and a pair of the cylindrical surface portions is orthogonal to the width direction Y1. Are formed in a shape connected by a flat surface.

  In other words, the head main body 18 is formed in an oval shape when viewed from the thickness direction Z1 (in the state shown in FIG. 7). In the thickness direction Z <b> 1, the entire length of the head main body 18 is set longer than the entire length of the head end 19. With the above configuration, one of the pair of side surfaces facing the width direction Y1 of the head main body 18 of each head 20 forms the first contact portion 21 (contact portion).

  The first contact portions 21 of the contacts 13a and 13b face a cross direction C1 (in the present embodiment, a width direction Y1 orthogonal to the axial direction L1) crossing the axial direction L1 and correspond to the corresponding first cables 3a and 13b. It is configured to be in contact with the crimp terminal 8 of 3b. The first contact portion 21 of each of the contacts 13a and 13b faces the outside of the first connector 4 in the width direction Y1. That is, the first contact portion 21 of the contact 13a and the first contact portion 21 of the contact 13b are arranged in opposite directions along the width direction Y1.

  The head main body 18 is formed with a through-hole penetrating the head main body 18 in the width direction Y1. A female screw portion 18a is formed in the through hole. The tongue piece 12 of the crimp terminal 8 of the corresponding first cable 3a, 3b is arranged along the first contact portion 21 of each of the contacts 13a, 13b so as to make surface contact.

  Further, the male screw portions of the fixing members 16a and 16b formed by using the male screw members pass through the corresponding washers 25 and the through-hole portions 12a of the corresponding tongue pieces 12 of the first cables 3a and 3b. , And are screwed to female screw portions 18a, 18a of corresponding contacts 13a, 13b.

  With the above configuration, the tongue piece 12 of the crimp terminal 8 of each first cable 3a, 3b is fixed to the first contact portion 21 of the corresponding contact 13a, 13b by the corresponding fixing member 16a, 16b. It is electrically connected to the contacts 13a and 13b. That is, the fixing members 16a and 16b constitute screw members for fastening the contacts 13a and 13b to the corresponding crimp terminals 8. The heads of the fixing members 16a and 16b face the outside of the first connector 4 along the width direction Y1.

  A head end 19 is formed at one end of the head main body 18 of the contacts 13a and 13b having the above configuration. The head end portion 19 is provided as a portion extending from the head main body 18 toward the male pin portion 22. A portion of the head end portion 19 adjacent to the male pin portion 22 is formed in a tapered shape such that the diameter decreases toward the male pin portion 22 by cutting or the like. A groove 24 is formed at an intermediate portion of the head end 19 in the axial direction L1. The groove 24 is an annular groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the head end 19, and is fitted to an annular convex 53 f formed in the housing 14 so as to face the groove 24. As a result, the contacts 13a and 13b are fixed to the housing 14.

  Each of the male pin portions 22 is provided as a portion that is electrically connected to the contacts 73a and 73b of the second connector 5 by being fitted into a female pin portion 82 of the second connector 5 which will be described later. Each male pin portion 22 is formed in a columnar shape, and extends straight from the head end portion 19 along the axial direction L1. In the present embodiment, the entire length of the male pin portion 22 is set longer than the entire length of the head 20.

  In the present embodiment, the tip portion of the male pin portion 22 is formed by a cap member that is formed in a hemispherical shape and thus has a smooth shape, and is smoothly inserted into the female pin portion 82 of the second connector 5. It is possible to The outer peripheral portion of the male pin portion 22 has a second contact portion 23 for contacting the corresponding contact 73a, 73b of the second connector 5. The second contact part 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape by being a part of the male pin part 22.

  The contacts 13a and 13b having the above configuration are housed in the housing 14.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, housing 14 is formed using an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The housing 14 is an integrally molded product in which the whole is integrally formed by a single member by injection molding or the like. The housing 14 is provided as a portion for accommodating the contacts 13a, 13b and for accommodating one ends of the first cables 3a, 3b (the crimp terminal 8 and one end of the insulated wire 7). Further, the housing 14 is provided as a portion for housing the fixing members 16a, 16b and washers 25, 25 for the fixing members 16a, 16b.

  The housing 14 includes a first peripheral wall portion 31, a second peripheral wall portion 32, a flange portion 33, a contact accommodating portion 34 for accommodating the contacts 13a and 13b including the first contact portion 21, and a fitting recess 35 for a cover. And

  The first peripheral wall portion 31 is provided as a portion surrounding the periphery of the contact accommodating portion 34. Further, the first peripheral wall portion 31 is provided as a portion surrounding one end of each of the first cables 3a and 3b. The first peripheral wall portion 31 is formed around a central axis (not shown) extending along the thickness direction Z1. The first peripheral wall portion 31 extends from the flange portion 33 along the thickness direction Z1.

  The first peripheral wall portion 31 has a distal end portion 31 a in the thickness direction Z <b> 1 opened to the outside of the housing 14, and forms a part of the insertion opening 36. The insertion opening 36 is open in at least one of the longitudinal direction (length direction X1) of the crimp terminal 8 and the axial direction L1. In the present embodiment, the insertion opening 36 is open both in the longitudinal direction of the crimp terminal 8 and in the axial direction L1. In other words, the insertion opening 36 is opened in each of the axial direction L1 and the direction (in the present embodiment, the length direction X1) orthogonal to the axial direction L1. The insertion opening 36 is provided for passing the crimp terminal 8 of the first cable 3a, 3b or the like (a part of the first cable 3 housed in the housing 14).

  The first peripheral wall portion 31 has a front wall 37, a rear wall 38, and a pair of side walls 39 and 40.

  The front wall 37 and the rear wall 38 are arranged apart from each other in the length direction X1, and are arranged substantially parallel to the width direction Y1. In the front wall 37, through holes 41, 41 through which the first cables 3a, 3b pass are formed.

  The through holes 41, 41 are formed in a concave shape from the front end side of the front wall 37 toward the flange portion 33, and the covered electric wires 7 of the corresponding first cables 3a, 3b pass therethrough. Thus, the first cables 3a, 3b extend from the outside of the housing 14 to the inside of the housing 14 through the corresponding through holes 41, 41. Each of the through holes 41 is open to the distal end portion 31 a side of the first peripheral wall portion 31. Each through hole 41 forms an insertion opening 36 in cooperation with the distal end 31 a of the first peripheral wall 31.

  The rear wall 38 is provided as a wall portion that closes the space in the first peripheral wall portion 31 from one side in the length direction X1. One end of the rear wall 38 and one end of the front wall 37 in the width direction Y1 are connected by one side wall 39, and the other end of the rear wall 38 and the other end of the front wall 37 in the width direction Y1. The ends are connected by the other side wall 40. The pair of side walls 39 and 40 are arranged apart from each other in the width direction Y1, and are arranged substantially in parallel along the length direction X1.

  Each of the side walls 39 and 40 has a tool opening 42, a lock piece 43, and a guide piece 44.

  Each tool opening 42 is an opening formed so as to face the width direction Y1 (cross direction C1), and is used for fixing each crimp terminal 8 to the first contact portion 21 of the corresponding contact 13a, 13b. An opening through which the fixing tool 45 (plus screwdriver in this embodiment) can pass. Each of the tool openings 42 is open to the front end portion 31a of the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the corresponding side walls 39 and 40, and is formed in a shape that is recessed from the front end portion 31a toward the flange portion 33 side. I have. In the present embodiment, each tool opening 42 forms a rectangular opening when viewed from the width direction Y1. In addition, each tool opening 42 does not need to be open to the tip part 31a of the corresponding side wall 39,40.

  Each tool opening 42 is arranged closer to the rear wall 38 of the front wall 37 and the rear wall 38. Each of the tool openings 42 is formed in a size that allows the corresponding fixing members 16a and 16b to pass from the outside of the housing 14 to the inside of the housing 14 along the width direction Y1. That is, when viewed in the width direction Y1, the size of the opening formed by each tool opening 42 is formed to be large enough to pass through the heads of the corresponding fixing members 16a and 16b. Further, in the present embodiment, each tool opening 42 is open to the front end 31a of the corresponding side wall 39, 40 along the thickness direction Z1. Accordingly, each of the fixing members 16a and 16b can pass through the tool opening 42 along the thickness direction Z1.

  In the present embodiment, each tool opening 42 is formed in a pair of side walls 39 and 40 of the housing 14 arranged in the width direction Y1. The head of one fixing member 16a is arranged between the first contact portion 21 of the contact 13a and the one side wall 39. The head of the other fixing member 16b is arranged between the first contact portion 21 of the contact 13b and the other side wall 40. With such an arrangement, the heads of the fixing members 16a and 16b are not disposed between the pair of contacts 13a and 13b. As a result, the substantial creepage distance between the contacts 13a and 13b can be increased. A lock piece 43 is provided adjacent to each tool opening 42.

  The lock piece 43 is a small piece formed on the outer surface of each of the side walls 39 and 40, and is configured to be coupled to a lock claw 58 of the cover 15, which will be described later. In the present embodiment, each lock piece 43 is disposed at a position from the corresponding tool opening 42 toward the front wall 37 along the thickness direction Z1. A pair of guide pieces 44 are provided so as to sandwich the lock piece 43 in the length direction X1.

  The pair of guide pieces 44 are small pieces formed on the outer surfaces of the side walls 39 and 40, and are arranged so as to sandwich the lock claw 58 of the cover 15. Each pair of guide pieces 44 is formed in a shape extending along the displacement direction (thickness direction Z1) of the cover 15 when the cover 15 is mounted on the housing 14. In the first peripheral wall portion 31, a fitting recess 35 for a cover is formed at a position adjacent to the front wall 37.

  The fitting concave portion 35 is provided as a portion that fits into a fitting convex portion 61 of the cover 15 described later. The fitting concave portion 35 is formed in a quadrangular cylindrical shape substantially at the center of the first peripheral wall portion 31 in the width direction Y1, and extends along the thickness direction Z1. The flange portion 33 is disposed at the base end of the first peripheral wall portion 31 having the above configuration.

  The flange portion 33 is formed as a portion of the housing 14 fixed to the fixed plate 2. The flange portion 33 is a plate-like portion extending from the base end of the first peripheral wall 31 and the base end of the second peripheral wall 32 in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction Z1. In the present embodiment, the flange portion 33 has a substantially hexagonal outer peripheral portion. The first peripheral wall 31 of the housing 14 is inserted into the insertion hole 2 a of the fixing plate 2. Further, one side surface of the flange portion 33 is along one side surface of the fixed plate 2. Insertion holes 33a are formed in the flange 33 at locations facing the female threads 2b of the fixing plate 2, respectively.

  Then, fixing members 46, 46, which are screw members for fixing the flange portion 33 and the fixing plate 2, penetrate the corresponding washers 47, 47 and the corresponding insertion holes 33a, 33a. 2 corresponding female screw portions 2b, 2b. Thereby, the flange portion 33 is fixed to the fixing plate 2. The second peripheral wall portion 32 extends from the flange portion 33 along a direction opposite to the direction in which the first peripheral wall portion 31 extends from the flange portion 33.

  The second peripheral wall portion 32 is provided as a portion surrounding the periphery of the contact accommodating portion 34. The second peripheral wall portion 32 is formed around an axis (not shown) extending along the thickness direction Z1. As viewed from the thickness direction Z1, the second peripheral wall portion 32 has a substantially rectangular outer shape. Further, the second peripheral wall portion 32 is disposed closer to the rear wall 38 of the front wall 37 and the rear wall 38 of the first peripheral wall portion 31.

  One end of the second peripheral wall portion 32 in the thickness direction Z1 (the end portion remote from the flange portion 33) is open to the outside of the housing 14, and forms a connection opening 48. The connection opening 48 is an opening into which a part of the second connector 5 is inserted.

  The contact accommodating portion 34 is arranged so as to be surrounded by the first peripheral wall portion 31 and the second peripheral wall portion 32 having the above configuration. The contact accommodating portion 34 is provided as a portion for accommodating the contacts 13a and 13b. In the present embodiment, the contact accommodating portion 34 is disposed closer to the rear wall 38 of the front wall 37 and the rear wall 38 of the first peripheral wall portion 31. The contact accommodating portion 34 is formed so as to penetrate the housing 14 along the thickness direction Z1.

  The contact accommodating portion 34 has a first block portion 51 for accommodating each head 20 of the contacts 13a and 13b, and a second block portion 52 for accommodating the male pin portions 22 of the contacts 13a and 13b. .

  Most of the first block portion 51 is surrounded by the first peripheral wall portion 31. Further, the remaining part of the first block portion 51 is surrounded by the second peripheral wall portion 32. The first block portion 51 is disposed substantially at the center between the pair of side walls 39 and 40 of the first peripheral wall portion 31 in the width direction Y1.

  The first block portion 51 has head receiving portions 53a and 53b.

  Each head accommodating portion 53a, 53b is configured to accommodate the head 20 of the corresponding contact 13a, 13b. The head housing portions 53a and 53b are arranged in a pair so as to be arranged in the width direction Y1, and the heads 20 of the corresponding contacts 13a and 13b are positioned along the thickness direction Z1 on the tip end 31a side of the first peripheral wall portion 31. It is configured to be inserted from. Each head accommodating portion 53a, 53b is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the head 20 of the corresponding contact 13.

  More specifically, each of the head storage portions 53a and 53b is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the head main body 18 in a plan view (in a state viewed from the thickness direction Z1). In the present embodiment, each of the head accommodating portions 53a and 53b is formed such that both ends in the length direction X1 are substantially semicircular in plan view (the state shown in FIG. 7), and both ends in the width direction Y1. Are formed in a linear shape extending along the length direction X1.

  The total length of each head accommodating portion 53a, 53b in the thickness direction Z1 is formed substantially the same as the total length of the head 20 of the corresponding contact 13a, 13b. As described above, the convex portion 53f that fits into the groove portion 24 is formed in an intermediate portion between the head accommodating portions 53a and 53b. In addition, a through-hole 53c through which the male pin portion 22 is formed is formed on the bottom surface of each of the head storage portions 53a and 53b. In addition, the bottom surface of each head accommodating portion 53a, 53b includes a receiving portion 53d capable of receiving the head end portion 19 of the corresponding contact 13a, 13b. The heads 20 of the contacts 13a and 13b are housed in the housings 14 so as not to protrude from the first peripheral wall 31 in the thickness direction Z1 by being housed in the corresponding head housings 53a and 53b.

  Each of the head accommodating portions 53a and 53b is open to the distal end portion 31a side of the first peripheral wall portion 31 along the thickness direction Z1. Each of the head storage portions 53a and 53b has a fixing opening 53e at a position opposite to a position where the pair of head storage portions 53a and 53b face each other in the width direction Y1. The fixing opening 53e is an opening provided for fixing the contacts 13a, 13b and the corresponding crimp terminals 8 of the first cables 3a, 3b to each other. The fixing opening 53e is formed so that the corresponding contacts 13a and 13b are exposed outside the housing 14 in the width direction Y1.

  In the present embodiment, each fixing opening 53e is formed in a streak shape extending in the thickness direction Z1, and the first contact portion 21 of the corresponding contact 13a, 13b is positioned outside the first block portion 51 in the width direction Y1. Exposed to the public. Further, each fixing opening 53e is arranged in the width direction Y1 with the corresponding tool opening 42. Thus, when the cover 15 is not mounted on the housing 14, each fixing opening 53 e can be visually recognized from the outside of the housing 14 through the corresponding tool opening 42.

  The second block 52 is provided so as to be arranged in the thickness direction Z1 with the first block 51 having the above configuration. Most of the second block portion 52 is surrounded by the second peripheral wall portion 32. Further, the remaining part of the second block portion 52 is surrounded by the first peripheral wall portion 31.

  The outer peripheral portion of the second block portion 52 is formed in an asymmetric shape in the length direction X1. Specifically, in the outer peripheral portion of the second block portion 52, a convex portion is formed on one side portion in the length direction X1, and a concave portion is formed on the other side portion in the length direction X1. . Further, the second block portion 52 is arranged near one end of the second peripheral wall portion 32 in the length direction X1. Thus, it is possible to prevent the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 from being coupled in a state where the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 are fitted in the wrong direction. The tip of the second block 52 protrudes from the tip of the second peripheral wall 32.

  The second block portion 52 has pin receiving portions 54a and 54b.

  Each pin accommodating portion 54a, 54b is provided as a portion for accommodating the male pin portion 22 of the corresponding contact 13a, 13b. Each pin accommodating portion 54a, 54b accommodates a corresponding male pin portion 22. Each of the pin housings 54a and 54b forms a substantially columnar space. Each of the pin accommodating portions 54a and 54b is coaxially continuous with the corresponding through-hole portion 53c of the first block portion 51.

  The cover 15 is mounted on the housing 14 having the above configuration.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, cover 15 is provided as a first cover for closing insertion opening 36. The cover 15 is formed using an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The housing 14 is an integrally molded product in which the whole is integrally formed by a single member by injection molding or the like. The cover 15 is provided to cover a space surrounded by the first peripheral wall 31 of the housing 14. The cover 15 suppresses the worker's body and dust from coming into contact with the contacts 13a and 13b through which a large current flows.

  The cover 15 has a top wall 55, a pair of side walls 56, 56, a pair of lock claws 58, 58, an end wall 60, and a fitting protrusion 61.

  The top wall 55 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, and covers the distal end portion 31 a of the first peripheral wall portion 31. A pair of side walls 56 extend from both ends of the top wall 55 in the width direction Y1. The pair of side walls 56, 56 are wall portions along the pair of side walls 39, 40 of the first peripheral wall portion 31, and extend substantially orthogonal to the width direction Y1. The pair of side walls 56, 56 cover the corresponding tool opening 42. Thus, when the cover 15 is mounted on the housing 14, each tool opening 42 is closed by the corresponding side wall 56. A pair of lock claws 58, 58 are provided adjacent to the pair of side walls 56, 56.

  The pair of lock claws 58, 58 are provided for locking the cover 15 to the housing 14. Each lock claw portion 58 is formed in a U-shape extending from the top wall 55 along the thickness direction Z1. Each lock claw portion 58 extends along the housing 14 so as to be sandwiched between a pair of corresponding guide pieces 44, 44 of the housing 14. The tip of each lock claw 58 is received by a corresponding lock piece 43 of the housing 14.

  The end wall 60 of the cover 15 is provided as a wall disposed along the inner surface of the rear wall 38 of the first peripheral wall 31. The end wall 60 extends from the top wall 55 in a direction orthogonal to the length direction X1. A fitting projection 61 is arranged at a position separated from the end wall 60 in the length direction X1. The fitting protrusion 61 is, for example, a square tubular member that protrudes from the top wall 55 toward the fitting recess 35. The fitting protrusion 61 is arranged to fit into the fitting recess 35 of the housing 14. The cover 15 is formed such that the through holes 41 of the housing 14 are not closed. As a result, the cover 15 is a flexible member that is connected to the crimp terminal 8 and that is a conductive flexible member that extends in the length direction X1 orthogonal to the axial direction L1. The opening 36 for the insertion is closed while permitting the passage from the inside to the outside.

  The above is the schematic configuration of the first cables 3a and 3b and the first connector 4. Next, a schematic configuration of the second cables 6a and 6b and the second connector 5 will be described. The second cables 6a, 6b and the second connector 5 have substantially the same configurations as the corresponding first cables 3a, 3b and the first connector 4, respectively. Therefore, the detailed description of the second cables 6a and 6b and the second connector 5 is partially omitted.

  Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 11, each of second cables 6 a and 6 b has a covered electric wire 67 and a crimp terminal 68 fixed to one end of this covered electric wire 67. .

  The covered electric wire 67 has a tubular covering portion 69 formed of an insulating material and an electric wire 70 covered by the covering portion 69. One end of the electric wire 70 is exposed from one end of the covering portion 69. A crimp terminal 68 is fixed to one end of the electric wire 70. The crimp terminal 68 is a member having the same configuration as the crimp terminal 8.

  The crimp terminal 68 has a caulking portion 71 and a tongue piece 72 extending from the caulking portion 71. One end of the electric wire 70 is fixed to the caulking portion 71 by caulking. The tongue pieces 72 of the second cables 6a and 6b having the above configuration are fixed to the contacts 73a and 73b of the second connector 5.

  The second connector 5 is formed in a shape symmetrical in the width direction Y1 of the second connector 5.

  The second connector 5 has contacts 73a and 73b, a housing 74, a cover 75, and fixing members 76a and 76b.

  In the present embodiment, the second connector 5 constitutes a two-pole electrical connector having two contacts 73a and 73b. These contacts 73a and 73b are arranged side by side in the width direction Y1.

  Each of the contacts 73a and 73b is a conductive member having conductivity, and can be electrically connected to the corresponding tongue piece 72 of the second cable 6a or 6b and the corresponding contact 13a or 13b of the first connector 4. It is configured. Each contact 73a, 73b is formed in a pin shape. Each of the contacts 73a and 73b extends straight along a predetermined axial direction L1.

  Each contact 73a, 73b has a head portion 80 and a female pin portion 82.

  The head 80 is provided as a portion to which the tongue piece 72 of the crimp terminal 68 of the corresponding second cable 6a, 6b is fixed. The side face of the head 80 facing outward in the width direction Y1 of the second connector 5 is formed as a flat surface.

  The head 80 of each contact 73a, 73b is configured to contact the corresponding crimp terminal 68. The head 80 has a through-hole that penetrates the head 80 in the width direction Y1, and a female screw portion is formed in the through-hole. The tongue piece 72 of the corresponding crimp terminal 68 is in contact with the head 80 of each of the contacts 73a and 73b so as to make surface contact. In this state, the male screw portions of the fixing members 76a and 76b formed by using the male screw members penetrate the corresponding washers 85 and the corresponding tongue pieces 72, and further, the female screw portions of the corresponding contacts 73a and 73b. Screw connection.

  With the above configuration, the tongue piece 72 of each crimp terminal 68 is fixed to the corresponding contact 73a, 73b by the corresponding fixing member 76a, 76b and is electrically connected to the contact 73a, 73b. From the head 80, a female pin portion 82 extends in the axial direction L1.

  The female pin portions 82 are provided as portions that are electrically connected to the contacts 13a and 13b by fitting into the male pin portions 22 of the corresponding contacts 13a and 13b of the first connector 4. The female pin portion 82 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

  The male pin portions 22 of the corresponding contacts 13a, 13b are inserted into the female pin portions 82. A contact member 82a is provided in a portion of the female pin portion 82 surrounding the male pin portion 22. The contact member 82a has a pair of cylindrical portions arranged at both ends, and a plurality of elongated belt-like portions connecting the pair of cylindrical portions are arranged along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. In each of the belt-shaped portions, the intermediate portion is located radially inward of the cylindrical portion as compared with both end portions, and is in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the corresponding contacts 73a and 73b. With the above configuration, the female pin 82 forms a multi-contact. Thus, each of the contacts 73a and 73b comes into contact with the second contact portion 23 of the male pin portion 22 of the corresponding contact 13a and 13b. Thereby, each contact 13a, 13b is electrically connected to the corresponding contact 73a, 73b. The contacts 73a and 73b having the above configuration are housed in the housing 74.

  The housing 74 is formed using an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The housing 74 is an integrally molded product formed entirely by a single member by injection molding or the like. The housing 74 is provided as a portion for accommodating the contacts 73a, 73b and for accommodating one ends of the second cables 6a, 6b (the crimp terminals 68 and one end of the insulated wire 67). Further, the housing 74 is provided as a portion for housing the fixing members 76a and 76b and the washers 85 and 85.

  The housing 14 has a first peripheral wall portion 91, a second peripheral wall portion 92, and a contact accommodating portion 93.

  The first peripheral wall portion 91 is provided as a portion surrounding the periphery of the contact accommodating portion 93. Further, the first peripheral wall portion 91 is provided as a portion surrounding the one end of each of the second cables 6a and 6b. The first peripheral wall portion 91 is formed around a central axis (not shown) extending along the thickness direction Z1.

  In the first peripheral wall portion 91, a through hole for allowing the second cables 6a and 6b to pass therethrough is formed on one side wall in the length direction X1. Thus, each of the second cables 6a and 6b extends from the outside of the housing 74 to the inside of the housing 74 along the length direction X1. A second peripheral wall portion 92 extends from the first peripheral wall portion 91 having the above configuration.

  The second peripheral wall portion 92 is provided as a portion surrounding the periphery of the contact accommodating portion 93. Further, the second peripheral wall portion 32 is provided as a portion inserted between the second peripheral wall portion 32 of the first connector 4 and the second block portion 52. The second peripheral wall portion 92 is formed around an axis (not shown) extending along the thickness direction Z1. The shape of the outer peripheral portion of the second peripheral wall portion 92 is formed so as to conform to the shape of the inner peripheral portion of the second peripheral wall portion 32 of the first connector 4. Further, the shape of the inner peripheral portion of the second peripheral wall portion 92 is formed in a shape conforming to the shape of the outer peripheral portion of the second block portion 52 of the first connector 4.

  The contact accommodating portion 93 is arranged so as to be surrounded by the first peripheral wall portion 91 and the second peripheral wall portion 92 having the above configuration. The contact accommodating portion 93 is provided as a portion for accommodating the contacts 73a and 73b. The contact accommodating portion 93 is formed with a pair of accommodating holes 113 that are a pair of through holes penetrating the housing 74 along the thickness direction Z1. The accommodation holes 113 and 13 extend along the thickness direction Z1 so as to be surrounded by the first peripheral wall 91 and the second peripheral wall 92, respectively. The corresponding contacts 73a, 73b are accommodated in the accommodation holes 113, 113, respectively.

  In each of the receiving holes 113, 113, at a position surrounded by the first peripheral wall portion 91, at a position on the opposite side of the pair of receiving holes 113, 113 in the width direction Y1, opposite to the opposite position. An opening 114 is formed. Each fixing opening 114 is an opening provided for fixing the contacts 73a, 73b and the corresponding crimp terminals 68 of the second cables 6a, 6b to each other. Each fixing opening 114 is formed so that the corresponding contact 73a, 73b is exposed outside the housing 14 in the width direction Y1. In the present embodiment, each of the fixing openings 114, 114 is formed in a stripe shape extending in the thickness direction Z1.

  The outer peripheral portion of the portion surrounded by the second peripheral wall portion 92 in the contact accommodating portion 93 is formed in a shape conforming to the shape of the inner peripheral portion of the second block portion 52 of the first connector 4. Fitted to the periphery. The cover 75 is mounted on the housing 74 having the above configuration.

  The cover 75 is formed using an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The cover 75 is an integrally molded product formed entirely by a single member by injection molding or the like. The cover 75 is provided to cover a space surrounded by the first peripheral wall portion 91 of the housing 74. The cover 75 suppresses contact of the worker's body and dust with the contacts 73a and 73b through which a large current flows. The cover 75 has the same configuration as the cover 15 of the first connector 4, and is configured to be detachable from the first peripheral wall 31 of the housing 74.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, each of the contacts 13a and 13b extends along the predetermined axial direction L1. Thereby, the width (the length in the direction intersecting the thickness direction Z1) of each of the contacts 13a and 13b can be reduced. The first contact portions 21 of the contacts 13a and 13b are oriented in a cross direction C1 intersecting with the axial direction L1. Therefore, when the crimp terminals 8 corresponding to the contacts 13a and 13b are fixed, the amount of protrusion of the crimp terminals 8 from the corresponding contacts 13a and 13b in the axial direction L1 can be reduced. Therefore, the overall length of the contacts 13a, 13b and each crimp terminal 8 as a whole can be further reduced. Further, in the housing 14, tool openings 42, 42 that can pass through a fixing tool 45 for fixing the crimp terminal 8 to the first contact portion 21 are formed so as to face the cross direction C1. Accordingly, it is not necessary to perform the fixing operation by the fixing tool 45 in a state where the fixing tool 45 extends long in the axial direction L1, and the space required for mounting the first connector 4 can be made thinner. As described above, in the first connector 4 having the contacts 13a and 13b fixed to the crimp terminal 8, the size can be further reduced, and the space required for mounting the first connector 4 can be made thinner.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the width (the length in the thickness direction Z1) of the tongue piece 12 of the crimp terminal 8 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the covered electric wire 7. According to this configuration, the size of the first connector 4 can be made constant regardless of the outer diameter of the insulated wire 7 (the size of the allowable current of the wire 10). Thereby, the versatility of the first connector 4 can be increased. Note that the width of the tongue piece 12 of the crimp terminal 8 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the covered electric wire 7. Further, the outer diameter of the insulated wire 7 and the allowable current need not necessarily be in a proportional relationship.

  According to the present embodiment, the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 23 of the contacts 13a and 13b are formed by a single component. Therefore, the number of parts of the first connector 4 can be further reduced. Further, since the contacts 13a and 13b can be formed linearly, it is not necessary to perform a bending process or the like on the base material of the contacts 13a and 13b when forming the contacts 13a and 13b. In this case, the manufacturing process of the first connector 4 can be further reduced by reducing the number of processing steps of the contacts 13a and 13b.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, each fixing member 16a, 16b is configured to be able to pass through the corresponding tool opening 42, 42 of the housing 14. According to this configuration, by using the fixing members 16a and 16b, the bonding strength between the respective crimp terminals 8 and 8 and the corresponding contacts 13a and 13b can be further increased. In addition, through the tool opening 42, each fixing member 16a, 16b can reach a fixing position between the corresponding crimp terminal 8, 8 and the corresponding first contact portion 21, 21. Thus, for example, after the crimp terminals 8 corresponding to the respective first contact portions 21 are made to extend along, the operation of fixing the crimp terminals 8 and the first contact portions 21 using the fixing members 16a and 16b can be performed. it can. Further, there is no need to provide a dedicated opening for inserting the fixing members 16a and 16b into the housing 14. Therefore, further downsizing of the housing 14 can be realized.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, each fixing member 16a, 16b is a screw member for fastening the contacts 13a, 13b to the corresponding crimp terminals 8, 8. According to this configuration, each crimp terminal 8 can be fixed to the corresponding contact 13a, 13b by a simple operation of screwing the screw member to the female screw portion 18a of the corresponding contact 13a, 13b. Further, each of the fixing members 16a and 16b extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction L1 of the corresponding contact 13a and 13b. Therefore, there is no need to form a long female screw hole extending in the axial direction L1 in each of the contacts 13a and 13b. Therefore, the total length of the contacts 13a and 13b can be further reduced. Thereby, the further miniaturization of the first connector 4 can be realized.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the housing 14 is opened in both the longitudinal direction X1, which is the longitudinal direction of the crimp terminal 8 (first cable 3a, 3b), and the axial direction L1, and the crimp terminals 8, 8 are opened. Has an insertion opening 36 through which the light can pass. According to this configuration, the crimp terminal 8 of each of the first cables 3a and 3b can be easily inserted into the housing 14 through the insertion opening 36.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the cover 15 for closing the insertion opening 36 of the housing 14 is a covered wire 7 connected to the crimp terminal 8 and extending the covered wire 7 extending in the length direction X1 of the housing 14. The insertion opening 36 is closed while allowing passage from the inside to the outside. According to this configuration, the cover 15 can be used to close the insertion opening 36 of the housing 14 in a layout in which the covered electric wire 7 extends from the housing 14 in the length direction X1 orthogonal to the axial direction L1.

[Modification]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, the present invention may be modified as follows. In the following, a configuration different from the above embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those in the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the fixing members 16a and 16b corresponding to the female screw portions 18a and 18a formed on the contacts 13a and 13b were formed. However, this need not be the case. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, nuts 118, 118 for fixing the crimp terminals 8, 8 to the corresponding contacts 13a, 13b may be used. In this case, of the contacts 13a and 13b, the holes into which the screw shafts of the corresponding fixing members 16a and 16b are inserted are not screwed to the fixing members 16a and 16b. Instead, each fixing member 16a, 16b is screwed to a corresponding nut 118,118. Thus, the crimp terminals 8, 8 are fastened to the first contact portions 21, 21 of the corresponding contacts 13a, 13b by cooperation of the fixing members 16a, 16b and the corresponding nuts 118, 118. The nuts 118, 118 are housed in nut housings 119, 119 formed in the first block 51. The nut housing portions 119, 119 are arranged between the head housing portions 53a, 53b in the first block portion 51. A partition plate 120 is disposed between the nut housings 119, 119.

  (2) Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the crimp terminals 8, 8 corresponding to the contacts 13a, 13b may be fixed by one fixing member 16A and one nut 118. In this case, since the fixing member 16A is formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin, a short circuit at the contacts 13a and 13b can be prevented. In this case, the screw shaft of the fixing member 16A passes through both of the through holes formed in the heads 20 of the two contacts 13a and 13b. The head of the fixing member 16A is received by the first contact portion 21 of the one contact 13a via the washer 25 and the crimp terminal 8. The nut 118 is received by the first contact portion 21 of the other contact 13 b via the washer 25 and the crimp terminal 8.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the contacts 13a, 13b and the corresponding crimp terminals 8, 8 were fixed using the fixing members 16a, 16b. However, this need not be the case. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, without using the fixing members 16a, 16b, for example, by bonding using welding or the like, the corresponding crimp terminals 8A, 8A of the first cables 3a, 3b and the corresponding contacts 13a, 8A are formed. 13b may be fixed to each other. In this case, for example, a rod-shaped fixing tool 45A for spot welding is passed through the corresponding tool opening 42 and the corresponding crimp terminal 8A. Then, using the fixing tool 45A, each crimp terminal 8A is fixed to the corresponding contact 13a, 13b by spot welding, for example.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the contact 13a, 13b has been described as an example formed by cutting. However, this need not be the case. For example, the contact may be formed by pressing a metal plate.

  (5) The number of poles of each of the connectors 4 and 5 may be one or three or more.

  (6) In the above-described embodiment and the modified examples, the form in which the cover 15 is used for the first connector 4 has been described as an example. However, this need not be the case. For example, referring to FIG. 15 which is an exploded perspective view of a main part of still another modified example of the present invention, a second cover 121 for closing the insertion opening 36 is used instead of the cover 15. You may be.

  FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector 4B including the second cover 121 shown in FIG. FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views of the first connector 4B, respectively, showing a state where the second cover 121 is attached to the housing 14. FIG. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the first connector 4B to which the first cables 3a and 3b are connected.

  Referring to FIGS. 15 to 18, in the present embodiment, the first cables 3 a and 3 b respectively extend from the insertion opening 36 of the housing 14 along the axial direction L <b> 1. More specifically, the crimp terminals 8, 8 of the first cables 3a, 3b are fixed to the first contact portions 21 of the corresponding contacts 13a, 13b using the corresponding fixing members 16a, 16b. The covered electric wire 7 extends along the axial direction L1 at a location surrounded by the housing 14 and the second cover 121.

  The second cover 121 connects the covered electric wire 7 (the conductive electric wire 10), which is a flexible member connected to the crimp terminal 8 (the mating conductive member) and extends along the axial direction L <b> 1, to the inside of the housing 14. It is configured to close the insertion opening 36 while permitting the passage from the outside to the outside.

  The second cover 121 is configured to be detachable from the housing 14. The second cover 121 is formed using an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The second cover 121 is provided to cover the insertion opening 36 (the space surrounded by the first peripheral wall 31) of the housing 14. The second cover 121 suppresses the contact of the worker's body and dust with the contacts 13a and 13b through which a large current flows.

  The second cover 121 is formed by combining the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 so as to be separable from each other. Each of the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 is an integrally molded product formed by injection molding or the like. The first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 are arranged so as to face each other in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction L1 (in the present embodiment, the length direction X1).

  The first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 are each formed in a block shape. The entire second cover 121 is also formed in a block shape.

  The second cover 121 has a proximal end 124 surrounding the first peripheral wall 31 of the housing 4 and a distal end 125 continuous with the proximal end 124. The base end portion 124 is formed in a substantially quadrangular prism shape. The distal end portion 125 is formed in a tapered shape, and the outer shape in a cross section orthogonal to the axial direction L1 is reduced as the distal side portion 125 is further away from the housing 14 along the axial direction L1.

  As a configuration for fixing the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 to each other, a positioning unit 126 and a fixing mechanism 127 are provided.

  The positioning portion 126 is a portion for positioning the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 arranged on the distal end side portion 125 of the second cover 121. The positioning portion 126 has a fitting projection 128 formed on the first divided body 122 and a fitting recess 129 formed on the second divided body 123. The fitting convex portion 128 and the fitting concave portion 129 are formed on opposed portions 131 and 132 where the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 face each other.

  The fitting convex portion 128 is formed in a projecting shape protruding from the facing portion 131, and in the present embodiment, is formed in a square pillar shape. The fitting recess 129 is a recess formed in the facing portion 132, and is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the fitting protrusion 128 (a square pillar-shaped recess in the present embodiment). When the fitting projection 128 and the fitting recess 129 are fitted, the positions of the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 in the distal end portion 125 are defined.

  The fixing mechanism 127 has a pair of lock pieces 133 a and 133 b provided on the first divided body 122 and a pair of lock receiving parts 134 a and 134 b provided on the second divided body 123. In the present embodiment, the pair of lock pieces 133a and 133b are spaced apart in the width direction Y1. Each of the lock pieces 133a and 133b is a cantilevered arm that extends toward the second divided body 123 along the length direction X1, and has flexibility. A claw is formed at the tip of each lock piece 133a, 133b. On the other hand, the pair of lock receiving portions 134a and 134b are arranged at locations where the tips of the corresponding lock pieces 133a and 133b are joined. In the present embodiment, the pair of lock receiving portions 134a and 134b are spaced apart in the width direction Y1.

  Each of the lock receiving portions 134a and 134b is formed at one end of the second divided body 123 in the length direction X1, and is capable of inserting the tip end of the corresponding lock piece portion 133a or 133b. Then, after the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 are opposed to each other so as to sandwich the first peripheral wall 31 of the housing 14, the tips of the lock pieces 133 a and 133 b corresponding to the lock receiving parts 134 a and 134 b are provided. Are engaged with each other, the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 are fixed to each other. The lock receiving portions 134a and 134b are exposed to the outside of the second divided body 123 through the open holes 137a and 137b formed in the second divided body 123. This allows the operator to remove the claws of the lock pieces 133a and 133b from the corresponding lock receiving parts 134a and 134b with an elongated tool or the like. Thus, the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 can be separated from each other. Note that the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123 only need to be connected to each other, and are not limited to the above-described connection form.

  As described above, the second cover 121 has the proximal end 124 adjacent to the housing 14 and the distal end 125 continuous with the proximal end 124.

  The proximal end portion 124 is provided as a portion that covers the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the housing 14 and is coupled to the first peripheral wall portion 31.

  The base end portion 124 has a peripheral wall portion 135 and a top wall portion 136.

  The peripheral wall 135 is provided as a portion surrounding the first peripheral wall 31 of the housing 14. The peripheral wall portion 135 includes a first side wall 141 and a second side wall 142 as a pair of side walls facing the width direction Y1, and a third side wall 143 and a fourth side wall 144 as a pair of side walls facing the length direction X1. In.

  The first side wall 141 includes one wall 145 a and one lock piece 133 a formed on the first divided body 122, and the other wall 146 a formed on the second divided body 123.

  The one wall portion 145a and the one lock piece portion 133a are portions adjacent to the outer surface of the side wall 39 of the first peripheral wall portion 31. One wall portion 145a is arranged at the base end of the second cover 121, and extends in the length direction X1. A cutout 147a is formed in one wall 145a at a position facing the second divided body 123, and one lock piece 133a is arranged in the cutout 147a. Thus, one lock piece 133a also serves as a part of the first side wall 141.

  The other wall portion 146a is configured to cooperate with the one wall portion 145a and the one lock piece portion 133a so as to cover the front end portion of the outer surface of the side wall 39 of the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the housing 14. I have. The other wall portion 146a is disposed so as to face the one wall portion 145a in the length direction X1, and abuts each other. One lock piece 133a extends along the inner surface of one wall 145a, and is coupled to the one lock receiving portion 134a provided on the inner surface of the other wall 146a. ing. The second side wall 142 is provided symmetrically in the width direction Y1 with the first side wall 141 having the above configuration.

  The second side wall 142 includes one wall 145b and the other lock piece 133b formed on the first divided body 122, and the other wall 146b formed on the second divided body 123.

  The one wall portion 145b and the other lock piece portion 133b are portions adjacent to the outer surface of the side wall 40 of the first peripheral wall portion 31. One wall portion 145b is arranged at the base end of the second cover 121, and extends in the length direction X1. A cutout 147b is formed in one wall 145b at a position facing the second divided body 123, and the other lock piece 133b is arranged in the cutout 147b. Thus, the other lock piece 133b also serves as a part of the second side wall 142.

  The other wall portion 146b is configured to cooperate with the one wall portion 145b and the other lock piece portion 133b so as to cover the front end portion of the outer surface of the side wall 40 of the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the housing 14. I have. The other wall portion 146b is arranged so as to face the one wall portion 145b in the length direction X1, and abuts each other. The other lock piece portion 133b extends along the inner surface of the other wall portion 146b, and is coupled to the above-mentioned other lock receiving portion 134b provided on the inner surface of the other wall portion 146b. ing.

  The first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 are further provided with a retaining portion 148 for restricting the housing 14 from coming off. The retaining portion 148 includes a first receiving portion 151 formed at a base end of the second cover 121 of the first side wall 141 and a second receiving portion 151 formed at a base end of the second cover 121 of the second side wall 142. 2 receiving part 152. The first receiving portion 151 is a protruding portion formed on one wall portion 145a and the other wall portion 146a of the first side wall 141 and extending in the length direction X1, and is formed on the inner side surface of the first side wall 141. . The second receiving portion 152 is a protruding portion formed on one wall portion 145b and the other wall portion 146b of the second side wall 142 and extending in the length direction X1, and formed on the inner side surface of the second side wall 142. ing.

  The first receiving portion 151 is arranged so as to be received by guide pieces 44, 44 formed on the outer surface of the side wall 39 of the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the housing 14. Similarly, the second receiving portion 152 is arranged so as to be received by guide pieces 44, 44 formed on the outer surface of the side wall 40 of the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the housing 14. As a result, when the second cover 121 receives a load so as to come off the housing 14, the first receiving portion 151 and the second receiving portion 152 are hooked on the corresponding guides 44, 44. As a result, the second cover 121 is prevented from falling out of the housing 14.

  The third side wall 143 is formed in the first divided body 122, and connects one end of the first side wall 141 and one end of the second side wall 142. The third side wall 143 is disposed so as to cover the front wall 37 of the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the housing 14 from the outer side of the front wall 37. The third side wall 143 covers the through holes 41, 41 formed in the first peripheral wall portion 31 and through which the first cables 3a, 3b pass, and the through holes 41, 41 are formed outside the housing 14. Is invisible to the public.

  In the present embodiment, the third side wall 143 is formed with a strip-shaped notch 150 that is open toward the base end of the second cover 121. The notch 150 is fitted in a streak-like projection 156 formed on the outer surface of the front wall 37. Thereby, more accurate positioning of the second cover 121 with respect to the housing 14 is realized.

  The fourth side wall 144 is formed in the second divided body 123 and connects the other end of the first side wall 141 and the other end of the second side wall 142. The fourth side wall 144 is disposed so as to cover the rear wall 38 of the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the housing 14 from the outer side of the rear wall 38. The fourth side wall 144 has a rib guard 153 formed at the tip of the second cover 121. The rib guard 153 is formed in a shape that avoids contact with a reinforcing rib 154 formed on the outer surface of the rear wall 38 of the housing 14. The top wall portion 136 is adjacent to the peripheral wall portion 135 having the above configuration on the distal end side of the second cover 121.

  The top wall portion 136 is provided as a portion that covers the insertion opening 36 from one side in the axial direction L1. The top wall portion 136 is formed in the first divided body 122 and the second divided body 123, and in the present embodiment, is formed in a planar shape substantially orthogonal to the thickness direction Z1. The top wall section 136 is adjacent to the tip side section 125 of the second cover 121.

  Through holes 155a and 155b are formed in the distal end portion 125 of the second cover 121. The through holes 155a and 155b are provided so that the covered electric wires 7, 7 extending from the crimp terminals 8, 8 along the axial direction L1 extend from the inside to the outside of the second cover 121. The through holes 155a and 155b are arranged so as to sandwich the fitting protrusion 128 and the fitting recess 129, and in the present embodiment, are arranged symmetrically in the width direction Y1.

  Each of the through holes 155a and 155b is formed in a cylindrical shape by combining a semicircular cross section formed in the first divided body 122 and a semicircular cross section formed in the second divided body 123 with each other. The space is formed. The corresponding covered electric wires 7, 7 are passed through the cylindrical space. The diameter of each through-hole 155a, 155b is set to be equal to or larger than the diameter of each of the coated electric wires 7, 7.

  With the above configuration, the outer peripheral portion of the first peripheral wall portion 31 of the housing 14 is surrounded by the first to fourth side walls 141 to 144. The distal end of the first peripheral wall portion 31 is covered with the ceiling wall portion 136 (the ceiling wall portion 136 and the distal end portion 125). Thus, the second cover 121 covers the insertion opening 36.

  According to this modification, the second cover 121 for closing the insertion opening 36 of the housing 14 connects the crimp terminal 8 and extends the covered electric wire 7 extending along the axial direction L1 from the inside of the housing 14 to the outside. The insertion opening 36 is closed while allowing the passage. According to this configuration, the insertion opening 36 of the housing 14 can be closed using the second cover 121 in a layout in which the covered electric wires 7 extend from the housing 14 along the axial direction L1.

  In the above-described embodiment and the modified example, the mode in which one of the cover 15 and the second cover 121 is provided has been described. However, this need not be the case. For example, in the connection device 1, both the cover 15 and the second cover 121 may be provided, and these covers 15, 121 may be used alternatively. With such a configuration, one housing 14 can cope with the case where a plurality of directions of the insulated wire 7 extending from the insertion opening 36 can be set. Thereby, the versatility of the housing 14 can be increased.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be widely applied as an electrical connector.

4 First connector (electric connector)
5 Second connector (second electrical connector)
8.8A crimp terminal (conductive member on the mating side)
10 Electric wires (flexible members)
13a, 13b Contact 14 Housing 15 Cover (first cover)
16, 16A fixing member 21 first contact portion (contact portion)
23 second contact portion 34 contact accommodating portion (accommodating portion)
36 Insertion opening 42 Tool opening 45 Fixed tool 73a, 73b Contact of second electrical connector 121 Second cover C1 Cross direction L1 Axis direction X1 Length direction (direction orthogonal to the axis direction)

Claims (8)

A contact extending in the axial direction, having a contact portion configured to face a predetermined mating conductive member in a cross direction that intersects the predetermined axial direction, and
A receiving portion for receiving the contact portion, and a tool opening formed so as to face the cross direction, and fixing tools for fixing the mating conductive member to the contact portion on both sides in the cross direction. a housing having a tool opening, can pass from
A fixing member for fixing the mating conductive member to the contact portion,
An electrical connector of Ru with a,
The housing has an insertion opening that is opened toward each of the axial direction and a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and that allows the mating conductive member to pass therethrough,
The fixing member is configured to be able to pass through the tool opening,
The electrical connector further includes a first cover for closing the insertion opening,
The first cover covers the insertion opening while allowing the conductive flexible member connected to the mating conductive member and extending in the orthogonal direction to pass from inside to outside of the housing. It is configured to be able to
The first cover, when mounted on the housing, has a top wall closing the insertion opening, and a pair of side walls extending from both ends of the top wall,
The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the pair of side walls are configured to close the tool opening of the housing when the first cover is mounted on the housing . The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein
The electrical connector is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrical connector by being coupled to a predetermined second electrical connector,
The electrical connector, wherein the contact includes a second contact portion provided integrally with the contact portion with a single material for contacting a contact of the second electrical connector. The electrical connector according to claim 1 , wherein
The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member includes a screw member for fastening the contact of the electrical connector to the mating conductive member. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein
The housing has an insertion opening that is opened in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the axial direction of the mating conductive member and that allows the mating conductive member to pass therethrough. , Electrical connectors.   A contact extending in the axial direction, having a contact portion configured to face a predetermined mating conductive member in an intersecting direction intersecting with the predetermined axial direction, and
  A receiving portion for receiving the contact portion, and a fixing tool for fixing the counterpart conductive member to the contact portion, which is a tool opening formed so as to face the cross direction, on both sides in the cross direction. A housing having the tool opening that can pass therethrough;
  A fixing member for fixing the mating conductive member to the contact portion,
  An electrical connector comprising:
  The housing is configured as a peripheral wall portion provided as a portion surrounding the periphery of the housing portion, and is configured as a space surrounded by the peripheral wall portion, and is directed toward the axial direction and a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. Having an insertion opening that is open and allows the mating conductive member to pass therethrough,
  The fixing member is configured to be able to pass through the tool opening,
  The electrical connector further includes a second cover for closing the insertion opening,
  The second cover is connected to the mating conductive member and extends the insertion opening while allowing the conductive flexible member extending along the axial direction to pass from inside to outside of the housing. It is configured to be able to close,
  The second cover includes a first split body and a second split body that are separably combined with each other,
  The first divided body and the second divided body are configured to be sandwiched in a state of being attached to the housing while surrounding the peripheral wall and to close the tool opening of the housing. Characteristic electrical connector.   The electrical connector according to claim 5, wherein
  The electrical connector is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrical connector by being coupled to a predetermined second electrical connector,
  The electrical connector, wherein the contact includes a second contact portion provided integrally with the contact portion with a single material to contact a contact of the second electrical connector.   The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein
  The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member includes a screw member for fastening the contact of the electrical connector to the mating conductive member.   The electrical connector according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
  The housing has an insertion opening that is opened in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the axial direction of the mating conductive member and that allows the mating conductive member to pass therethrough. , Electrical connectors.

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