Patent ID: 12191606

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

[Description of Embodiments of Present Disclosure]

First, embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described.

[1] The connector of the present disclosure is provided with three or more first terminals to be electrically connected to wires, and a housing for holding the three or more first terminals, wherein the three or more first terminals are arranged along a first direction, each of the first terminals includes a first wire connecting portion to be connected to the wire, a first terminal connecting portion to be connected to a mating terminal and a first intermediate portion provided between the first wire connecting portion and the first terminal connecting portion, three or more of the first terminal connecting portions are arranged at first intervals along the first direction, three or more of the first wire connecting portions are arranged at second intervals along the first direction, the first intervals and the second intervals are different from each other, three or more of the first intermediate portions are formed to have mutually different shapes according to differences between the first intervals and the second intervals, and the three or more first terminals include identifying portions for mutual identification.

According to this configuration, each first terminal includes the first wire connecting portion, the first terminal connecting portion and the first intermediate portion, the three or more first terminal connecting portions are arranged at the first intervals, and the three or more first wire connecting portions are arranged at the second intervals different from the first intervals. Further, the three or more of the first intermediate portions are formed to have mutually different shapes according to the differences between the first intervals and the second intervals. Thus, the three or more first terminals have mutually different shapes. In this case, if the three or more first terminals are identified based only on shape differences of the first intermediate portions, such as when the connector is assembled, a lot of time is required for identification. In this way, the assembling workability of the connector is reduced. In contrast, in the connector of the present disclosure, the identifying portions for mutual identification are provided in the three or more first terminals. In this way, even if the three or more first terminals have mutually different shapes, the three or more first terminals can be easily identified based on the identifying portions. Thus, a time required to identify the three or more first terminals can be shortened and the assembling workability of the connector can be improved.

[2] Preferably, the three or more first terminal connecting portions are arranged at regular first intervals along the first direction, the three or more first wire connecting portions are arranged at regular second intervals along the first direction, deviation amounts in the first direction between the first wire connecting portions and the first terminal connecting portions in the three or more first terminals increase in an arithmetic progression according to the differences between the first intervals and the second intervals, and the three or more first intermediate portions are formed to have mutually different shapes according to the deviation amounts in the corresponding first terminals.

According to this configuration, the three or more first terminal connecting portions are provided side by side at the regular first intervals, and the three or more first wire connecting portions are provided side by side at the regular second intervals. Further, the three or more first intermediate portions are formed to have mutually different shapes according to the deviation amounts in the first direction between the first wire connecting portions and the first terminal connecting portions. Thus, the differences between the first intervals and the second intervals can be absorbed by the shapes of the respective first intermediate portions. That is, the differences between the first intervals and the second intervals can be absorbed only by the structures of the first terminals. For example, the differences between the first intervals and the second intervals can be absorbed only by the structures of the first terminals without setting lengths of the wires to be connected to the first terminals to mutually different lengths.

[3] Preferably, each of the first terminals has a width extending in the first direction, and the differences between the first intervals and the second intervals are smaller than the width of the first terminal.

According to this configuration, the differences between the first intervals and the second intervals are smaller than the width of the first terminal. Thus, a change amount of the deviation amount in the first direction between the first wire connecting portion and the first terminal connecting portion, specifically a change amount of the deviation amount in two first terminals adjacent in the first direction, is smaller than the width of the first terminal. In this way, a degree of shape change in the first intermediate portions becomes smaller in the two first terminals adjacent in the first direction. As a result, it becomes more difficult to identify the three or more first terminals only by the shape differences. Thus, as the differences between the first intervals and the second intervals become smaller, an effect brought about by providing the identifying portion in each first terminal more notably appears.

[4] Preferably, the identifying portion is provided in a part of the first terminal not covered by the housing.

According to this configuration, the identifying portion is provided in the part of the first terminal not covered by the housing. Thus, the identifying portion can be confirmed, for example, even in a state where the first terminal is held by the housing. Therefore, the three or more first terminals can be easily identified based on the identifying portions even in the state where the first terminals are held by the housing.

[5] Preferably, the housing includes an opening, each of the first terminals includes the first wire connecting portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction toward inside of the opening, the first intermediate portion extending along a penetration direction of the opening from the inside of the opening, and the first terminal connecting portion extending toward a side opposite to the first wire connecting portion from the first intermediate portion in the second direction, and the identifying portion is provided on a surface of the first intermediate portion extending along the penetration direction.

According to this configuration, the identifying portion is provided on the surface of the first intermediate portion extending along the penetration direction of the opening. Thus, the identifying portion is easily visually confirmed through the opening, for example, even in the state where the first terminal is held by the housing. Therefore, the three or more first terminals can be easily identified based on the identifying portions.

[6] Preferably, the identifying portion is printing formed on the first terminal.

According to this configuration, the identifying portion is formed by printing. Thus, the interference of, for example, the finger of a worker, who is assembling the connector, with the identifying portion can be suppressed. In this way, the assembling workability of the connector can be improved. Further, an increase in the size of the first terminal due to the provision of the identifying portion can be suitably suppressed.

[7] Preferably, the connector is further provided with a second terminal provided side by side with the three or more first terminals along the first direction, and an interlock connector provided between the first terminal and the second terminal in the first direction, the second terminal including the identifying portion.

According to this configuration, the interlock connector is provided between the first terminal and the second terminal in the first direction. Whether or not the connector is connected to a connection object at a proper position can be easily detected by this interlock connector. Further, since the second terminal is also provided with the identifying portion, the first terminals and the second terminal can be easily identified based on the identifying portions.

[8] Preferably, the second terminal includes a second wire connecting portion to be connected to the wire, a second terminal connecting portion to be connected to the mating terminal and a second intermediate portion provided between the second wire connecting portion and the second terminal connecting portion, an interval between the first terminal connecting portion and the second terminal connecting portion adjacent in the first direction is larger than the first intervals, and an interval between the first wire connecting portion and the second wire connecting portion adjacent in the first direction is equal to the second intervals.

According to this configuration, the interval between the first terminal connecting portion and the second terminal connecting portion adjacent in the first direction is set larger than the first intervals. Thus, the interlock connector can be, for example, suitably provided between the first terminal connecting portion and the second terminal connecting portion.

[9] Preferably, the number of the first terminals is five or more.

According to this configuration, since five or more first terminals having mutually different shapes are provided, the types of components increase. In this case, it becomes cumbersome to identify the five or more first terminals. Thus, as the number of the first terminals increases, the effect brought about by providing the identifying portions in the respective first terminals more notably appears.

[10] The wiring harness of the present disclosure is provided with a first connector including three or more first terminals and a housing for holding the three or more first terminals, a second connector including three or more third terminals, and three or more wires for electrically connecting the respective first terminals and the respective third terminals, wherein the three or more first terminals are arranged along a first direction, each of the first terminals includes a first wire connecting portion to be connected to the wire, a first terminal connecting portion to be connected to a mating terminal and a first intermediate portion provided between the first wire connecting portion and the first terminal connecting portion, the three or more third terminals are arranged along the first direction, each of the third terminals includes a third wire connecting portion to be connected to the wire, three or more of the first terminal connecting portions are arranged at first intervals along the first direction, three or more of the first wire connecting portions are arranged at second intervals along the first direction, three or more of the third wire connecting portions are arranged at the second intervals along the first direction, the first intervals and the second intervals are different from each other, three or more of the first intermediate portions are formed to have mutually different shapes according to differences between the first intervals and the second intervals, and the three or more first terminals include identifying portions for mutual identification.

According to this configuration, each first terminal includes the first wire connecting portion, the first terminal connecting portion and the first intermediate portion, the three or more first terminal connecting portions are arranged at the first intervals, and the three or more first wire connecting portions are arranged at the second intervals different from the first intervals. Further, the three or more of the first intermediate portions are formed to have mutually different shapes according to the differences between the first intervals and the second intervals. Thus, the three or more first terminals have mutually different shapes. In this case, if the three or more first terminals are identified based only on shape differences of the first intermediate portions, such as when the first connector and the wiring harness are assembled, a lot of time is required for identification. In this way, the assembling workability of the wiring harness is reduced. In contrast, in the wiring harness of the present disclosure, the identifying portions for mutual identification are provided in the three or more first terminals. In this way, even if the three or more first terminals have mutually different shapes, the three or more first terminals can be easily identified based on the identifying portions. Thus, a time required to identify the three or more first terminals can be shortened and the assembling workability of the wiring harness can be improved.

[11] Preferably, the respective wires have the same length.

According to this configuration, the respective wires have the same length. Thus, an increase in the types of components can be suppressed as compared to the case where the respective wires have different lengths.

[12] Preferably, one of the first connector and the second connector is electrically connected to an inverter, the other of the first connector and the second connector is electrically connected to a motor, and the three or more wires are high-voltage wires to which a high voltage is applied.

According to this configuration, the wiring harness can be applied to an electrically conductive path between the inverter and the motor, to which a high voltage is applied.

[Details of Embodiment of Present Disclosure]

Specific examples of a connector and a wiring harness of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, some of components may be shown in an exaggerated or simplified manner for the convenience of description. Further, a dimension ratio of each part may be different in each figure. XYZ axes orthogonal to each other are shown in each figure. “Orthogonal” in this specification means not only strictly orthogonal, but also substantially orthogonal within a range in which functions and effects in this embodiment are achieved. Further, in this specification, “along” preferably means that an angle between a reference direction and an extending direction of an object is 10° or less. In this case, the angle between the reference direction and the extending direction of the object is preferably 5° or less, more preferably 1° or less and most preferably 0°, i.e. these directions are parallel. Note that the present invention is not limited to these illustrations and is intended to be represented by claims and include all changes in the scope of claims and in the meaning and scope of equivalents.

(Configuration of Wiring Harness10)

As shown inFIG.1, a wiring harness10includes a connector20having three or more terminals30. The three or more terminals30are provided side by side along a first direction D1. The first direction D1of this embodiment is a direction along the Y axis. The wiring harness10includes a connector80having three or more terminals90. The three or more terminals90are provided side by side along the first direction D1. The wiring harness10includes, for example, three or more wires110for electrically connecting the respective terminals30and the respective terminals90. The wiring harness10is for electrically connecting electrical devices for vehicle such as a motor and an inverter. The connector20is, for example, electrically connected to the inverter. The connector80is, for example, electrically connected to the motor.

(Configuration of Wires110)

As shown inFIG.2, each wire110includes a core wire111having an electrical conductivity and an insulation coating112surrounding the outer periphery of the core wire111and having an insulating property. Each wire110is, for example, a high-voltage wire to which a high voltage is applied. The “high-voltage wire” in this specification is a wire specified in “JASO D624(2015)”. A rated voltage of the high-voltage wire is 30 V or more and 600 V or less in the case of an alternating current voltage, and is 60 V or more and 750 V or less in the case of a direct current voltage.

Each wire110includes a first connecting portion120to be connected to the terminal30. The first connecting portion120is provided on one end in a longitudinal direction of the wire110. In the first connecting portion120, an end part of the core wire111is exposed from the insulation coating112. In the first connecting portion120, the end part of the core wire111exposed from the insulation coating112is connected to the terminal30. As shown inFIG.1, each wire110includes a second connecting portion130to be connected to the terminal90. The second connecting portion130is provided on an end part opposite to the first connecting portion120in the longitudinal direction of the wire110. In the second connecting portion130, an end part of the core wire111(seeFIG.2) is connected to the terminal90as in the first connecting portion120.

The three or more wires110are provided side by side along the first direction D1. Each wire110extends, for example, along the X axis. Each wire110extends, for example, straight along the X axis. For example, the respective wires110have the same length. In this specification, “same” means not only a perfectly identical case, but also a case where objects to be compared are slightly different in the range of manufacturing tolerances or assembling tolerances.

(Configuration of Connector20)

As shown inFIG.2, the connector20is mounted on a case200of the inverter. The case200has an opening201.

As shown inFIG.1, the connector20includes a housing50for holding the three or more terminals30.

The housing50is integrally provided with a plate made of metal and projecting outward from the outer periphery of the housing50. The plate60includes a plurality of mounting holes61. Unillustrated bolts for mounting the plate60on the case200(seeFIG.2) are inserted into the respective insertion holes61. By mounting the plate60on the case200, the connector20is mounted on the case200.

(Configuration of Housing50)

The housing50includes, for example, a tubular portion51having a tubular shape and a holding portion52for holding the plurality of terminals30. The housing50is, for example, a single component in which the tubular portion51and the holding portion52are integrally formed. The housing50is, for example, made of a resin material having an insulating property.

As shown inFIG.2, the tubular portion51includes an opening53penetrating therethrough. A penetration direction of the opening53is, for example, a direction along the Z axis. As shown inFIG.1, the opening53has, for example, an oval shape.

The holding portion52projects radially outwardly of the tubular portion51from the tubular portion51. The holding portion52projects, for example, downward inFIG.1from the tubular portion51toward the wires110. The holding portion52is, for example, provided at a position deviated from a center of the tubular portion51in the first direction D1. For example, a center of the holding portion52in the first direction D1is deviated from the center of the tubular portion51in the first direction D1in one direction (leftward direction inFIG.1in this embodiment) along the first direction D1.

The holding portion52holds parts of the terminals30and parts of the wires110including the first connecting portions120. For example, the plurality of terminals30connected to the plurality of wires110and the housing50are integrated by insert molding. A part of each terminal30and each first connecting portion120are, for example, embedded in the holding portion52.

As shown inFIG.2, a groove54surrounding the opening53is provided in a part of the housing50facing the case200. A ring-shaped sealing member55for sealing between the housing50and the case200is provided in the groove54.

A guide portion56projecting, for example, in a direction away from the tubular portion51, specifically toward the case200, is provided in the part of the housing50facing the case200. The guide portion56is, for example, inserted into an opening201of the case200along the inner peripheral surface of the opening201. The guide portion56has a guide function of guiding the terminals30into the opening201in mounting the housing50on the case200.

(Configuration of Terminals30)

As shown inFIG.1, each terminal30projects in a second direction D2intersecting the first direction D1from the holding portion52toward the inside of the opening53. The second direction D2of this embodiment is a direction along the X axis and orthogonal to the first direction D1.

Each terminal30includes a wire connecting portion31, a terminal connecting portion32and an intermediate portion33provided between the wire connecting portion31and the terminal connecting portion32. Each terminal30is a single component in which the wire connecting portion31, the terminal connecting portion32and the intermediate portion33are integrally formed. Each terminal30is, for example, formed of a metal material such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy or stainless steel. Note that each terminal30has a width extending in the first direction D1. That is, the first direction D1coincides with a width direction of each terminal30. Further, a longitudinal direction of each terminal30is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of each terminal30and is an arrangement direction of the wire connecting portion31, the intermediate portion33and the terminal connecting portion32.

As shown inFIG.2, the first connecting portion120of the wire110is electrically connected to each wire connecting portion31. The core wire111exposed from the insulation coating112is joined to the wire connecting portion31. Crimping, welding such as ultrasonic welding or laser welding, or another known joining method can be used as a joining method for the wire connecting portion31and the core wire111.

As shown inFIG.1, each wire connecting portion31includes a bent portion34bent in a direction intersecting both the first direction D1and the second direction D2on an XY plane. A bending amount of the bent portion34is set according to a deviation amount between the center of the tubular portion51in the first direction D1and that of the holding portion52in the first direction D1.

As shown inFIG.2, a first end part31A in the longitudinal direction of the wire connecting portion31connected to the intermediate portion33projects into the opening53. Here, each wire connecting portion31is covered from a part joined to the core wire111to the bent portion34, for example, by the housing50. Further, the first end part31A of the wire connecting portion31projects toward the inside of the opening53from the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion51and is exposed from the tubular portion51and the holding portion52.

As shown inFIG.2, the intermediate portion33is, for example, plate-like. The intermediate portion33is bent from the first end part31A of the wire connecting portion31and extends toward the opening201of the case200along a third direction D3. The third direction D3of this embodiment is a direction along the Z axis and orthogonal to both the first direction D1(seeFIG.1) and the second direction D2. The third direction D3of this embodiment coincides with the penetration direction of the opening53. The intermediate portion33projects, for example, from the opening53. A longitudinal part of the intermediate portion33projects, for example, in the third direction D3from the opening53. For example, a longitudinal end part of the intermediate portion33connected to the terminal connecting portion32is located outside the opening53and inside the opening201of the case200.

The terminal connecting portion32is provided on an end part opposite to the wire connecting portion31in the longitudinal direction of the terminal30. The terminal connecting portion32is, for example, plate-like. The terminal connecting portion32is bent from the intermediate portion33and extends toward a side opposite to the wire connecting portion31in the second direction D2. The terminal connecting portion32extends, for example, in the second direction D2. The terminal connecting portion32is, for example, located outside the opening53and inside the opening201of the case200.

The terminal connecting portion32includes an insertion hole35penetrating through the terminal connecting portion32in the third direction D3. The insertion hole35has, for example, a circular shape. An axial direction in which a center axis of the insertion hole35extends coincides with the penetration direction of the opening53. In a plan view from the third direction D3, the insertion hole35entirely overlaps the opening53.

Each terminal30is, for example, formed into a crank shape. Each terminal30has, for example, a cranked cross-sectional shape cut by an XZ plane. Each terminal30is, for example, formed into the crank shape by the wire connecting portion31extending in the second direction D2, the intermediate portion33bent from the wire connecting portion31and extending in the third direction D3and the terminal connecting portion32bent from the intermediate portion33and extending in the second direction D2.

The plurality of terminals30are respectively electrically connected to a plurality of mating terminals202made of metal and provided inside the opening201of the case200. Although not shown, the plurality of mating terminals202are arranged side by side along the first direction D1(seeFIG.1), similarly to the plurality of terminals30. The mating terminal202includes a through hole203penetrating therethrough in the third direction D3. The through hole203has, for example, a circular shape. A nut204communicating with the through hole203is, for example, attached to the mating terminal202. By screwing a bolt205inserted through the insertion hole35of the terminal30and the through hole203of the mating terminal202into the nut204, the terminal30and the mating terminal202are fastened.

As shown inFIG.3, the three or more terminals30include a total of six terminals, i.e. terminals30A,30B,30C,30D,30E and30F. The six terminals30A to30F have mutually different shapes. The six terminals30A to30F are, for example, formed such that the intermediate portions33have mutually different shapes. Specifically, the intermediate portion33A of the terminal30A, the intermediate portion33B of the terminal30B, the intermediate portion33C of the terminal30C, the intermediate portion33D of the terminal30D, the intermediate portion33E of the terminal30E and the intermediate portion33F of the terminal30F are formed to have mutually different shapes. Each of the six intermediate portion33A to33F extends toward the end part of the terminal connecting portion32from the first end part31A of the wire connecting portion31while being bent in a direction orthogonal to both the first direction D1and the third direction D3. In the six intermediate portions33A to33F, bending amounts in the direction orthogonal to the first direction D1and the third direction D3are mutually different.

As shown inFIG.1, in the six terminals30A to30F, structures other than the intermediate portions33, i.e. the structures of the wire connecting portions31and the terminal connecting portions32are, for example, formed to have the same shape and the same size. For example, in the six terminals30A to30F, the bending amounts of the bent portions34of the wire connecting portions31are set to be equal. In other words, the six terminals30A to30F are mutually different, for example, only in the structures of the intermediate portions33. Further, the wire connecting portions31in the six terminals30A to30F are all provided at the same position in the second direction D2. The terminal connecting portions32in the six terminals30A to30F are all provided at the same position in the second direction D2.

(Configuration of Identifying Portions40)

As shown inFIG.3, the six terminals30A to30F include identifying portions40for mutual identification. The identifying portions40are, for example, provided at visible positions. The identifying portions40are, for example, provided at positions visible from the outside of the housing50with the terminals30A to30F held by the housing50. The identifying portions40are, for example, provided in parts of the terminals30A to30F not covered by the housing50. The identifying portions40are, for example, provided in the intermediate portions33A to33F. For example, the identifying portion40is provided on the surface of the intermediate portion33A to33F extending along the third direction D3coinciding with the penetration direction of the opening53, out of each terminal30A to30F. As shown inFIG.2, the identifying portion40is provided on a surface facing in the second direction D2, out of the surface of the intermediate portion33. The identifying portion40is, for example, provided on the surface facing in the second direction D2and facing toward the terminal connecting portion32, out of the surface of the intermediate portion33. As shown inFIG.3, the identifying portion40is, for example, provided in a part of the intermediate portion33A to33F projecting to the outside of the opening53. The identifying portion40is, for example, formed by printing on the surface of the intermediate portion33A to33F. The identifying portions40of this embodiment are symbols such as “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E” and “F” respectively printed on the surfaces of the intermediate portions33A to33F. Note that the symbols to be printed as the identifying portions40are not particularly limited. The symbols to be printed as the identifying portions40are preferably, for example, symbols having sequentiality. For example, symbols “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5” and “6” may be respectively printed as the identifying portions40on the surfaces of the intermediate portions33A to33F.

(Configuration of Cover Unit70)

As shown inFIG.4, the connector20includes, for example, a cover unit70to be mounted on the housing50. The cover unit70includes a cover71, an interlock connector72and an electromagnetic shielding cover73.

The cover71closes one end side of the opening53in the third direction D3. The cover71closes, for example, a side of the opening53opposite to a side facing the case200(seeFIG.2). The cover71includes, for example, a fitting portion74to be fit into the opening53. The fitting portion74closes the opening53. A sealing member75is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion74. The sealing member75seals between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion74and the inner peripheral surface of the opening53. The cover71is, for example, made of a resin material having an insulating property. The cover71is, for example, fixed to the electromagnetic shielding cover73by screws or the like.

The interlock connector72is for electrically detecting whether or not the connector20is connected to the case200(seeFIG.2) of the inverter as a connection object at a proper position. If the connector20is connected to the case200at the proper position, the interlock connector72is connected to an unillustrated standby connector provided inside the case200. An interlock circuit is constituted by the interlock connector72and the standby connector. If the interlock connector72is connected to the standby connector, the connector20and the inverter become electrically conductive.

The interlock connector72projects from the fitting portion74toward the opening53. The interlock connector72extends from the fitting portion74toward the terminals30A to30F in the third direction D3. The interlock connector72is, for example, arranged between the terminals30A and30B in the first direction D1. When the cover unit70is mounted on the housing50, the interlock connector72is provided in parallel with the six terminals30A to30F in the first direction D1.

The electromagnetic shielding cover73is, for example, made of a conductor such as a metal. The electromagnetic shielding cover73covers a side of the housing50opposite to a side facing the case200(seeFIG.2). The electromagnetic shielding cover73is, for example, fixed to the plate50by fastening bolts.

(Configuration of Connector80)

As shown inFIG.1, the connector80is mounted on a case of the unillustrated motor. The connector80includes a housing100for holding the three or more terminals90. The connector80includes, for example, six terminals90. The six terminals90are provided side by side along the first direction D1. The respective six terminals90have, for example, the same shape.

(Configuration of Housing100)

The housing100includes, for example, a tubular portion101having a tubular shape and a holding portion102for holding the plurality of terminals90. The housing100is, for example, a single component in which the tubular portion101and the holding portion102are integrally formed. The housing100is, for example, made of a resin material having an insulating property.

The tubular portion101includes an opening103penetrating therethrough. A penetration direction of the opening103is, for example, a direction along the Z axis. The opening103has, for example, an oval shape.

The holding portion102projects radially outwardly of the tubular portion101from the tubular portion101. The holding portion102projects, for example, upward inFIG.1from the tubular portion101toward the wires110. The holding portion102holds parts of the terminals90and parts of the wires110including the second connecting portions130. The plurality of terminals90connected to the plurality of wires110and the housing100are integrated by insert molding. A part of each terminal90and each second connecting portion130are, for example, embedded in the holding portion102.

(Configuration of Terminals90)

Each terminal90projects from the holding portion102toward the inside of the opening103. Each terminal90extends in the second direction D2intersecting the first direction D1.

Each terminal90includes a wire connecting portion91and a terminal connecting portion92. Each terminal90is a single component in which the wire connecting portion91and the terminal connecting portion92are integrally formed. Each terminal90is, for example, formed of a metal material such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy or stainless steel. Note that each terminal90has a width extending in the first direction D1. That is, the first direction D1coincides with a width direction of each terminal90. Further, a longitudinal direction of each terminal90is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of each terminal90and an arrangement direction of the wire connecting portion91and the terminal connecting portion92.

The second connecting portion130of the wire110is electrically connected to each wire connecting portion91. The core wire111(seeFIG.2) of the wire110is joined to the wire connecting portion91.

The terminal connecting portion92is, for example, plate-like. The terminal connecting portion92projects, for example, from the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion101toward the inside of the opening103and is exposed from the housing100.

The terminal connecting portion92includes an insertion hole93penetrating therethrough in a direction along the Z axis. The insertion hole93has, for example, a circular shape. An axial direction in which a center axis of the insertion hole93extends coincides with the penetration direction of the opening103. In a plan view from the direction along the Z axis, the insertion hole93entirely overlaps the opening103.

The plurality of terminals90are electrically connected to a plurality of mating terminals made of metal and provided inside the case of the unillustrated motor. The terminal connecting portion92of the terminal90and the mating terminal are, for example, fastened by an unillustrated bolt.

(Specific Structure of Wiring Harness10)

Next, the configuration of the wiring harness10is more specifically described with reference toFIG.5.FIG.5is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship of the three or more terminals30, the three or more terminals90and the three or more wires110.

The six terminals30A to30F are provided in parallel along the first direction D1. The terminal connecting portions32(first terminal connecting portions) in five terminals30B to30F are arranged at intervals P1along the first direction D1. Here, the intervals P1are intervals between the terminal connecting portions32of the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1. The intervals P1are, for example, distances along the first direction D1between widthwise centers of the terminal connecting portions32in the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1. At this time, the widthwise center of the terminal connecting portion32coincides with the position of the center axis of the insertion hole35in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the terminal connecting portions32in the five terminals30B to30F are arranged at regular intervals P1along the first direction D1. That is, in the five terminals30B to30F, all of two or more (here, four) intervals P1are set to an equal distance. Specifically, the interval P1between the terminal connecting portions32of the terminals30B and30C, the interval P1between the terminal connecting portions32of the terminals30C and30D, the interval P1between the terminal connecting portions32of the terminals30D and30E and the interval P1between the terminal connecting portions32of the terminals30E and30F are all an equal distance.

The interlock connector72is provided between the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30A and the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30B adjacent in the first direction D1. The terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30A is provided away from the interlock connector72so as not to interfere with the interlock connector72. Thus, the terminal connecting portion32(second terminal connecting portion) of the terminal30A (second terminal) is provided at an interval P2larger than the interval P1from the terminal connecting portion32(first terminal connecting portion) of the terminal30B adjacent in the first direction D1. Here, the interval P2is an interval between the terminal connecting portions32of the terminals30A,30B adjacent in the first direction D1. The interval P2is, for example, a distance along the first direction D1between widthwise centers of the terminal connecting portions32in the terminals30A,30B adjacent in the first direction D1. The interval P2is larger than the intervals P1by as much as the interlock connector72is avoided.

The wire connecting portions31(first wire connecting portions) in the five terminals30B to30F are arranged at intervals P3along the first direction D1. Here, the intervals P3are intervals between the wire connecting portions31of the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1. The intervals P3are, for example, distances along the first direction D1between widthwise centers of the wire connecting portions31in the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the wire connecting portions31in the five terminals30B to30F are arranged at regular intervals P3along the first direction D1. That is, in the five terminals30B to30F, all of two or more (here, four) intervals P3are set to an equal distance. Specifically, the interval P3between the wire connecting portions31of the terminals30B and30C, the interval P3between the wire connecting portions31of the terminals30C and30D, the interval P3between the wire connecting portions31of the terminals30D and30E and the interval P3between the wire connecting portions31of the terminals30E and30F are all an equal distance.

The wire connecting portion31(second wire connecting portion) of the terminal30A is provided at an interval P4from the wire connecting portion31(first wire connecting portion) of the terminal30B adjacent in the first direction D1. Here, the interval P4is an interval between the wire connecting portions31of the terminals30A,30B adjacent in the first direction D1. The interval P4is, for example, a distance along the first direction D1between a widthwise center of the wire connecting portion31of the terminal30A and that of the wire connecting portion31of the terminal30B. In this embodiment, the interval P4is a distance equal to the intervals P3. That is, the interval P4between the wire connecting portion31of the terminal30A and the wire connecting portion31of the terminal30B adjacent in the first direction D1is an interval equal to the intervals P3. Thus, the wire connecting portions31in the six terminals30A to30F are arranged at regular intervals P3along the first direction D1.

In this embodiment, the wire connecting portions31in the six terminals30A to30F are formed to have the same shape and the same size. Further, the positions of the wire connecting portions31of the six terminals30A to30F are aligned in the second direction D2. Thus, the intervals P3, P4are an equal distance at any position in the longitudinal direction of the wire connecting portions31. That is, the intervals P3, P4in the first end parts31A of the six wire connecting portions31to be connected to the intermediate portions33and the intervals P3, P4in parts of the six terminal connecting portion31to be connected to the wires110are an equal distance.

The intervals P3, P4are different from the intervals P1. In this embodiment, the intervals P3, P4are smaller than the intervals P1. The intervals P3, P4are different from the interval P2. In this embodiment, the intervals P3, P4are smaller than the interval P2. In each of the five terminals30B to30F, the widthwise center of the wire connecting portion31and that of the terminal connecting portion32are deviated in the first direction D1due to a difference between the intervals P1and P3. Specifically, in each of the five terminals30B to30F, the widthwise center of the first end part31A of the wire connecting portion31and that in the terminal connecting portion32are deviated in position in the first direction D1by a deviation amount a1.

In this embodiment, the deviation amount a1in the first direction D1between the wire connecting portion31and the terminal connecting portion32in the five terminals30B to30F changes in an arithmetic progression. In particular, in the terminal30F, the widthwise center of the first end part31A of the wire connecting portion31and that of the terminal connecting portion32coincide. That is, in the terminal30F, the deviation amount a1in the first direction D1between the first end part31A of the wire connecting portion31and the terminal connecting portion32is 0. In the terminal30E adjacent to the terminal30F, the widthwise center of the first end part31A of the wire connecting portion31and that of the wire connecting portion32are deviated in position in the first direction D1by a distance corresponding to the difference between the intervals P1and P3. That is, the deviation amount a1in the terminal30E is a distance difference between the intervals P1and P3, i.e. (P1−P3). In the terminal30D adjacent to the terminal30E, the widthwise center of the first end part31A of the wire connecting portion31and that of the wire connecting portion32are deviated in position in the first direction D1by twice the difference between the intervals P1and P3. That is, the deviation amount a1in the terminal30D is twice the distance difference between the intervals P1and P3, i.e. (P1−P3)×2. Similarly, the deviation amount a1in the terminal30C adjacent to the terminal30D is three times as much as the distance difference between the intervals P1and P3, i.e. (P1−P3)×3. The deviation amount a1in the terminal30B adjacent to the terminal30C is four times as much as the distance difference between the intervals P1and P3, i.e. (P1−P3)×4. In this way, with the terminal30F as a reference, the deviation amount a1increases by the difference (P1−P3) between the intervals P1and P3toward the terminal30E, the terminal30D, the terminal30C and the terminal30B. That is, in the five terminals30B to30F, a change amount of the deviation amount a1between the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1is the difference (P1-P3) between the intervals P1and P3. Here, the change amount of the deviation amount a1between the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1is, for example, smaller than the width of each terminal30B to30F. For example, the change amount of the deviation amount a1between the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1is, for example, larger than half the width of each terminal30B to30F.

The terminal30A is provided at the interval P2larger than the interval P1from the adjacent terminal30B as described above. However, the interval P4between the wire connecting portion31of the terminal30A and the wire connecting portion31of the terminal30B adjacent in the first direction D1is equal to the interval P3. Thus, in the terminal30A, the widthwise center of the first end part31A of the wire connecting portion31and that of the terminal connecting portion32are deviated in position in the first direction D1by a deviation amount a2. For example, the deviation amount a2in the terminal30A is a total distance of the deviation amount a1in the terminal30B, i.e. four times as much as the distance difference between the intervals P1and P3(P1−P3)×4, and a difference (P2−P4) between the intervals P2and P4.

The six intermediate portions33A to33F are formed to have mutually different shapes according to the differences between the intervals P1and P3. Five intermediate portions33B to33F (first intermediate portions) are formed to have mutually different shapes according to the deviation amounts a1in the corresponding terminals30B to30F. The intermediate portion30A (second intermediate portion) is formed to have a shape different from the intermediate portions33B to33F according to the deviation amount a2in the corresponding terminal30A. The five intermediate portions33B to33F are, for example, formed to have a shape extending in a direction intersecting the first direction D1to absorb the deviation amounts a1in the corresponding terminals30B to30F. The intermediate portion33B to33F is, for example, formed to have a bent shape to extend in the first direction D1by the deviation amount a1in the corresponding terminal30B to30F. In this way, a bending amount in the intermediate portion33B to33F is set according to the deviation amount a1in the corresponding terminal30B to30F, i.e. the difference between the intervals P1and P3. That is, an angle formed by an extending direction of the intermediate portion33B to33F and the first direction D1is set according to the deviation amount a1in the corresponding terminal30B to30F. Thus, in the intermediate portion33B to33F, the bending amount increases as the deviation amount a1in the corresponding terminal30B to30F increases. That is, in the intermediate portions33B to33F, the bending amount gradually increases in the order of the intermediate portion33F→the intermediate portion33E→the intermediate portion33D→the intermediate portion33C→the intermediate portion33B. Here, if the change amount of the deviation amount a1between the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1is small, a difference between the bending amounts of the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1becomes smaller. Thus, if the change amount of the deviation amount a1is small, a degree of shape change between the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1becomes smaller. If the shape differences in the five intermediate portions33B to33F become smaller in this way, identification only by the shape differences of those five intermediate portions33B to33F becomes difficult. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the respective terminals30B to30F are provided with the identifying portions40for identifying the terminals30B to30F from one another.

The intermediate portion33A is formed to have a shape extending in a direction intersecting the first direction D1to absorb the deviation amount a2in the terminal30A. The intermediate portion33A is, for example, formed to have a bent shape to extend in the first direction D1by the deviation amount a2. A bending amount in the intermediate portion33A is largest among the intermediate portions33A to33F.

The six wires110are, for example, provided side by side at the intervals P3along the first direction D1. Here, the intervals P3between the wires110are intervals between adjacent ones of the wires110in the first direction D1. The intervals P3between the wires110are, for example, distances along the first direction D1between center axes of the wires110adjacent in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the six wires110are provided side by side at regular intervals P3along the first direction D1.

The six terminals90are, for example, provided side by side at the intervals P3along the first direction D1. Here, the intervals P3between the terminals90are intervals between the terminals90adjacent in the first direction D1. The intervals P3between the terminals90are, for example, distances along the first direction D1between widthwise centers of the terminals90adjacent in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the six terminals90are provided side by side at the regular intervals P3along the first direction D1. In this way, the six wires110and the six terminals90are arranged at the same intervals P3as the wire connecting portions31of the six terminals30A to30F in the first direction D1. Further, the positions of the wire connecting portions31of the six terminals30A to30F are aligned in the second direction D2. The positions of the six terminals90are aligned in the second direction D2. Thus, lengths of the respective six wires110can be set equal.

Next, functions and effects of this embodiment are described.

(1) Each of the three or more terminals30B to30F includes the wire connecting portion31, the terminal connecting portion32and the intermediate portion33. The terminal connecting portions32in the three or more terminals30B to30F are arranged at the intervals P1along the first direction D1. The wire connecting portions31in the three or more terminals30B to30F are arranged at the intervals P3different from the intervals P1along the first direction D1. Further, the three or more intermediate portions33B of33F are formed to have mutually different shapes according to the differences between the intervals P1and P3. Thus, the three or more terminals30B to30F have mutually different shapes. In this case, if the three or more terminals30B to30F are identified based only on the shape differences of the intermediate portions33B to33F, such as when the connector20is assembled, a lot of time is required for identification. In this way, the assembling workability of the connector20is reduced. In contrast, in the connector20of this embodiment, the identifying portions40for mutual identification are provided in the three or more terminals30B to30F. In this way, even if the three or more terminals30B to30F have mutually different shapes, the three or more terminals30B to30F can be easily identified based on the identifying portions40. Thus, a time required to identify the three or more terminals30B to30F can be shortened and the assembling workability of the connector20can be improved.

(2) The terminal connecting portions32in the three or more terminals30B to30F are arranged at the regular intervals P1, and the wire connecting portions31in the three or more terminals30B to30F are arranged at the regular intervals P3. Further, the three or more terminals30B to30F are formed to have mutually different shapes according to the deviation amounts a1in the first direction D1between the wire connecting portions31and the terminal connecting portions32. Thus, the differences between the intervals P1and P3can be absorbed by the respective shapes of the intermediate portions33B to33F. For example, the differences between the intervals P1and P3can be absorbed only by the structures of the terminals30B to30F, for example, without setting the lengths of the wires110to be connected to the terminals30B to30F to mutually different lengths.

(3) The differences between the intervals P1and P3are smaller than the width of each terminal30B to30F. Thus, the change amount of the deviation amount a1in the first direction D1between the wire connecting portion31and the terminal connecting portion32, specifically, the change amount of the deviation amount a1in the terminals30B to30F adjacent in the first direction D1, is smaller than the width of each terminal30B to30F. In this way, the degree of shape change in the intermediate portions33B to33F adjacent in the first direction D1becomes smaller. As a result, it becomes difficult to identify the three or more terminals30B to30F only by the shape differences of the intermediate portions33B to33F. Thus, as the differences between the intervals P1and P3decrease, the effect brought about by providing the identifying portion40in each terminal30B to30F, i.e. the effect described in (1) described above more notably appears.

(4) The identifying portions40are provided in the parts of the terminals30B to30F not covered by the housing50. Thus, for example, also in a state where the terminals30B to30F are held by the housing50, the identifying portions40can be confirmed. Therefore, also in the state where the terminals30B to30F are held by the housing50, the three or more terminals30B to30F can be easily identified based on the identifying portions40.

(5) The identifying portions40are provided on the surfaces of the intermediate portions33B to33F extending along the penetration direction of the opening53. Thus, for example, also in the state where the terminals30B to30F are held by the housing50, the identifying portions40are easily visually confirmed through the opening53. Therefore, the three or more terminals30B to30F can be easily identified based on the identifying portions40.

(6) The identifying portions40are formed by printing on the surfaces of the terminals30B to30F. Thus, the interference of, for example, the fingers of a worker, who is assembling the connector20, with the identifying portions40can be suppressed. In this way, the assembling workability of the connector20can be improved. Further, an increase in the sizes of the terminals30B to30F due to the provision of the identifying portions40can be suitably suppressed.

(7) The interlock connector72is provided between the terminals30A and30B in the first direction D1. At this time, the interval P2between the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30A and the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30B adjacent in the first direction D1is set larger than the intervals P1. In this way, the interlock connector72can be suitably arranged between the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30A and the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30B while the interference of the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30A with the interlock connector72is suitably suppressed.

(8) Similarly to the terminals30B to30F, the identifying portion40is also provided in the terminal30A. Thus, the terminals30A to30F can be easily identified based on the identifying portions40.

(9) Five terminals30B to30F are provided side by side at the intervals P1. According to this configuration, since the five terminals30B to30F having mutual different shapes are provided, the types of components in the wiring harness10increase. In this case, it becomes cumbersome to identify the five terminals30B to30F. Thus, as the number of the terminals30increases, the effect brought about by providing the identifying portions40in the respective terminals30, i.e. the effect of (1) described above more notably appears.

(10) The respective wires110have the same length. Thus, an increase in the types of the components in the wiring harness10can be suppressed as compared to the case where the respective wires110have different lengths.

Other Embodiments

The above embodiment can be modified and carried out as follows. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be carried out in combination without technically contradicting each other.

The formation position of the identifying portion40in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, although the identifying portion40is provided in the part of each terminal30not covered by the housing50in the above embodiment, the formation position of the identifying portion40is not limited to this. For example, the identifying portion40may be provided in a part of each terminal30covered by the housing50, e.g. in the wire connecting portion31. Even in this case, the terminal30can be identified based on the identifying portion40, for example, in a state before the terminal30is held by the housing50. Thus, assembling workability in assembling the connector20can be improved. Further, the identifying portion40may be provided in the terminal connecting portion32of each terminal30.

Although the identifying portion40is formed by printing on the surface of each terminal30in the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, if the identifying portions40are structured to be capable of identifying the three or more terminals30from each other, other structures are not particularly limited.

For example, as shown inFIG.6, the identifying portions40may be formed by projections41provided on the respective terminals30. For example, the projection41is provided on the terminal connecting portion32of each terminal30. The projections40are, for example, provided to project outward from mutually different positions of the outer side surfaces of the terminal connecting portions32in the terminal connecting portions32of the six terminals30A to30F. For example, each terminal connecting portion32is formed into a circular shape. The projections41project outward from positions mutually different in circumferential directions of the terminal connecting portions32in the terminal connecting portions32of the six terminals30A to30F. By providing such projections41on the respective terminals30, the six terminals30A to30F can be easily identified based on the formation positions of the projections41.

Although the identifying portions40are provided in all the terminals30A to30F in the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, the identifying portion of the terminal30A may be omitted.

Although the wire connecting portions31of the six terminals30A to30F are formed to have the same shape and the same size in the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, the wire connecting portions31of the six terminals30A to30F may be formed to have mutually different shapes.

Although all the wire connecting portions31in the six terminals30A to30F are provided at the same position in the second direction D2in the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, the terminal connecting portions32of the six terminals30A to30F may be provided at positions mutually different in the second direction D2.

Although the terminal connecting portions32in the six terminals30A to30F are formed to have the same shape and the same size in the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, the terminal connecting portions32in the six terminals30A to30F may be formed to have mutually different shapes.

Although all the terminal connecting portions32in the six terminals30A to30F are provided at the same position in the second direction D2in the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, the terminal connecting portions32of the six terminals30A to30F may be provided at positions mutually different in the second direction D2.

Although the respective three or more wires110have a fixed length in the above embodiment, the respective three or more wires110may have mutually different lengths.

Although two or more intervals P1are all an equal distance in the terminal connecting portions32of the thee or more terminals30B to30F, the two or more intervals P1may be set to mutually different distances.

Although the two or more intervals P3are all an equal distance in the wire connecting portions31of the thee or more terminals30B to30F, the two or more intervals P3may be set to mutually different distances.

Although the intervals P1are set larger than the intervals P3in the above embodiment, the intervals P1may be set smaller than the intervals P3.

The installation position of the interlock connector72in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the interlock connector72may be provided between the terminals30B and30C in the first direction D1. In this case, the interval between the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30B and the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30C is, for example, the interval P2. Further, the interlock connector72may be provided outwardly of the terminal30A in the first direction D1. For example, the interlock connector72may be so provided that the terminal30B, the terminal30A and the interlock connector72are arranged in this order in the first direction D1. In this case, the interval between the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30B and the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30C may be the interval P1.

The interlock connector72in the above embodiment may be omitted.

The shape of the wire connecting portion31in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the bent portion34in the wire connecting portion31may be omitted.

The shape of the terminal connecting portion32in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the insertion hole35in the terminal connecting portion32may be omitted. In this case, a pin-shaped male terminal can be adopted as the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30and a female terminal can be adopted as the mating terminal202. This modification can be similarly applied also to the terminal90.

In the connector20of the above embodiment, the terminal connecting portion32of the terminal30may be located inside the opening53of the housing50. In this case, the mating terminal202is located inside the opening53with the connector20mounted on the case200.

In the above embodiment, the first connecting portions120and the second connecting portions130of the wires110may not be respectively embedded in the housing50and the housing100. In this case, sealing members for sealing between holding portions52,102configured such that the wires110are insertable thereinto and the wires110can be provided for the holding portions52,102.

The number of the terminals30in the connector20of the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate.

The number of the terminals90in the connector80of the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate.

The connector20of the above embodiment may include terminals different from the terminals30. Similarly, the connector80of the above embodiment may include terminals different from the terminals90.

In the above embodiment, the connector20is applied as the connector to be electrically connected to the inverter and the connector80is applied as the connector to be electrically connected to the motor. Without limitation to this, the connector80may be applied as the connector to be electrically connected to the inverter and the connector20may be applied as the connector to be electrically connected to the motor.

Although the wiring harness10is applied as the wiring harness for electrically connecting the inverter and the motor in the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, the wiring harness10may be applied as a wiring harness for electrically connecting two or more electrical devices installed in the vehicle besides the inverter and the motor.

The wires110in the above embodiment may be low-voltage wires to which a low voltage is applied.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.