Connector unit and wire harness

Abstract

The invention provides a connector unit and a wire harness capable of properly fastening terminals to each other. A connector unit (1) is provided with a first connector (10), a second connector (20), and a fastening member (30). The fastening member has: a bolt (31); a collar (32) supported so as to be slidable in a fastening direction (Z) between a fastening position (P1) in contact with the first connection terminal (11) and a fastening release position (P2) separated from the first connection terminal; a nut (33) that fastens a shaft portion (31b) of the bolt in a state in which the first and second connection terminals (21) and the collar are sandwiched between the nut and a head portion (31a) of the bolt; and an engagement member (34) that is provided to the bolt, engages with the collar, moves the collar from a fastening release position (P2) to a fastening position (P1) in accordance with the fastening operation of the bolt, and moves the collar from the fastening position (P1) to the fastening release position (P2) in accordance with the fastening release operation of the bolt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector unit and a wiring harness. Background Art

[0002] As a technology related to a conventional connector unit for a wiring harness, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector unit comprising: a first connector having a first connection terminal; a second connector having a second connection terminal; and a fastening member that fastens the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-96310 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, the connector unit described in Patent Document 1 has room for further improvement, for example, in terms of appropriately performing the fastening operation between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal using the fastening member.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector unit and a wire harness in which a fastening operation of terminals can be appropriately performed.

[0009] Technical means to solve the problem

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the connector unit involved in the present invention comprises: a first connector, the first connector having a first connection terminal; a second connector, the second connector having a second connection terminal electrically connected to the first connection terminal and being engaged with the first connector along an axial direction; and a fastening component, the fastening component fastening the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, the fastening component comprising: a bolt, the bolt extending along a fastening direction intersecting the axial direction; a collar, the collar having conductivity and being supported so as to be able to slide along the fastening direction between a fastening position and a fastening release position, the fastening position being a position where the collar is fastened to the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal arranged along the fastening direction. The bolt is fixed to a position where the first and second connecting terminals abut against one of the two terminals, the tightening release position being a position separated from one of the first and second connecting terminals; a nut abutting against the other of the first and second connecting terminals to tighten the shaft of the bolt while clamping the first and second connecting terminals and the collar between the nut and the head of the bolt; and an engaging member, the engaging member being provided on the bolt and engaging with the collar, causing the collar to move together with the bolt from the tightening release position to the tightening position as the bolt is tightened, and causing the collar to move together with the bolt from the tightening position to the tightening release position as the bolt is tightened.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] In the connector unit and wiring harness according to the present invention, a fastening component includes an engaging member, which is provided on a bolt and engages with a collar. The collar moves along with the bolt from a tightening release position to a tightening position as the bolt is tightened, and from a tightening position to an unfastening release position as the bolt is unfastened. With this structure, the connector unit and wiring harness, for example, can move the collar from a tightening release position to a tightening position using the engaging member, thereby bringing the collar into contact with one of the first and second connection terminals. Furthermore, the collar can be separated from one of the first and second connection terminals by moving the collar from a tightening position to an unfastening release position. As a result, the connector unit and wiring harness achieve the effect of properly fastening the terminals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is an exemplary perspective view of a connector unit applied to a wire harness according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a connector unit applied to a wire harness according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a first connector of the connector unit according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view perpendicular to the width direction of the first connector according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view perpendicular to the fastening direction of the first connector according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of a second connector of the connector unit according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is an exemplary perspective view (partial cross-sectional view) of the vicinity of the locking piece of the connector unit according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 1 is an exemplary perspective view of the first connector according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the sliding cover is in an open position.

[0021] Figure 9 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the pull-back protrusion of the connector unit according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of the second connector and the fastening member according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the connector unit according to the embodiment, showing a state before fastening of the fastening member.

[0024] Figure 12 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the connector unit according to the embodiment, showing a state where the fastening member has been fastened.

[0025] Figure 13 It is an exemplary perspective view of a bolt and an engaging member of a fastening member according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 This is an exemplary perspective view of a collar of a fastening member according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the fastening member according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the collar is located at the fastening position.

[0028] Figure 16 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the fastening member according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the collar is located at a fastening release position.

[0029] Description of Reference Numerals

[0030] 1 Connector unit

[0031] 10 First connector

[0032] 11 First connection terminal

[0033] 12. First shell

[0034] 13 Sliding cover

[0035] 13b Locking piece

[0036] 13d front end

[0037] 20 Second connector

[0038] 21 Second connection terminal

[0039] 22 Second shell

[0040] 22b protrusion

[0041] 22d opening

[0042] 22g contact part

[0043] 30 Fastening parts

[0044] 31 bolts

[0045] 31a Head

[0046] 31b Shaft

[0047] 32 rings

[0048] 32a Large diameter part

[0049] 32b small diameter section

[0050] 32c groove

[0051] 33 Nut

[0052] 34 snap-fit parts

[0053] 34a snap-on piece

[0054] W Wiring Material

[0055] WH wiring harness

[0056] P1 fastening position

[0057] P2 tightening release position

[0058] P11 closed position

[0059] P12 open position

[0060] X-axis direction

[0061] Y width direction

[0062] Z tightening direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention in detail based on the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. The components of the embodiments described below include elements that can be easily substituted by a person skilled in the art, or elements that are substantially the same. In this specification, ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish between elements, components, locations, positions, directions, and the like, and do not indicate order or priority.

[0064] [Implementation Method]

[0065] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a connector unit 1 applicable to a wire harness WH according to the embodiment. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit 1 . Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The connector unit 1 of the present embodiment shown is assembled into a wiring harness WH laid in a vehicle such as an automobile. Here, the wiring harness WH, for example, bundles wiring materials W for power supply and signal communication as a collective component in order to connect various devices installed in the vehicle, and connects the wiring materials W to the various devices through connectors and the like. The wiring harness WH of the present embodiment has a plurality of wiring materials W having conductivity and a connector unit 1 provided at the ends of the plurality of wiring materials W. The connector unit 1 is configured to include, for example: a first connector 10 provided on the wiring material W side; a second connector 20 provided on the terminal block 2 side; and a fastening component 30 (see Figure 2 ), which fastens the first connection terminal 11 of the first connector 10 and the second connection terminal 21 of the second connector 20 described later. In addition, the wire harness WH may also be configured to further include various components such as grommets and fixings.

[0066] In addition, in the following description, the first direction among the first direction, the second direction and the third direction that intersect each other is referred to as the "axial direction X", the second direction is referred to as the "width direction Y", and the third direction is referred to as the "fastening direction Z". Here, the axial direction X, the width direction Y and the fastening direction Z are approximately orthogonal to each other. The axial direction X is typically along the extension direction of the plurality of wiring materials W, the fitting direction (insertion direction) of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 of the connector unit 1, etc. The width direction Y is typically along the width direction of the connector unit 1, etc. The fastening direction Z is typically along the height direction (up and down direction) of the connector unit 1, the fastening direction of the fastening component 30 of the connector unit 1, etc. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the directions used in the following description are described as directions in the state where the connector unit 1 is assembled to the vehicle.

[0067] The wiring material W is configured to include, for example, a conductive linear conductor portion W1 (see Figure 5 ) and an insulating sheath W2 covering the outer side of the conductor W1. The wiring material W is an insulated wire formed by covering the conductor W1 with the insulating sheath W2. The conductor W1 in this embodiment is a core wire formed by bundling multiple conductive metal wires, but may also be a stranded core wire formed by twisting these multiple metal wires. The insulating sheath W2 is a wire sheath covering the outer circumference of the conductor W1. The insulating sheath W2 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding of an insulating resin material.

[0068] The wiring material W is formed to extend linearly along the axial direction X, with approximately the same diameter relative to the axial direction X (the direction of extension). Furthermore, the wiring material W has a generally circular cross-sectional shape (a cross-sectional shape intersecting the axial direction X) such that, for example, the conductor portion W1 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape, while the insulating coating W2 has a generally annular cross-sectional shape, resulting in a generally circular cross-sectional shape overall. The insulating coating W2 is stripped from at least one end of the wiring material W, and a first connection terminal 11 is crimped onto the conductor portion W1 exposed from the insulating coating W2.

[0069] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector 10 of the connector unit 1. Figure 3 As shown, the first connector 10 includes, for example, first connection terminals 11, a first housing 12, a sliding cover 13, a rear retainer 14, a shield shell 15, a shield ring 16, and a plurality of seals 17 and 18. In this embodiment, a pair of first connection terminals 11 and each seal 17 and 18 is provided corresponding to a pair of wiring members W.

[0070] The first connection terminal 11 is a terminal fitting made of a conductive metal material and is connected to the second connection terminal 21 (see FIG. Figure 11 、 Figure 12 ) is electrically connected. The first connection terminal 11 is configured to include, for example, an electrical connection portion electrically connected to the second connection terminal 21 and a wire crimping portion electrically connected to the end of the wiring material W. The first connection terminal 11 is also referred to as a crimping terminal.

[0071] The first housing 12 holds the first connection terminal 11 within it. The first housing 12 is, for example, formed into a generally cylindrical shape with openings on both sides in the axial direction X. When the first connection terminal 11 is mounted within the first housing 12, the first connection terminal 11 protrudes from the opening on one side in the axial direction X, while the opening on the other side in the axial direction X is closed by the rear retainer 14. The first housing 12 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0072] The sliding cover 13 is supported relative to the first housing 12 so as to be movable in a closed position P11 (see FIG. 1 ) in which the sliding cover 13 covers the first connection terminal 11. Figure 2 ) and the open position P12 (refer to Figure 8 ) along the axial direction X. The sliding cover 13 is formed, for example, in a generally rectangular cylindrical shape with openings on both sides in the axial direction X. When in the closed position P11, the sliding cover 13 covers the periphery of the first connection terminal 11 from both sides in the width direction Y and from both sides in the tightening direction Z. The sliding cover 13 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0073] The rear retainer 14 closes the opening of the first housing 12 from the other side in the axial direction X. The rear retainer 14 is configured, for example, to include a pair of split members that can be split along the fastening direction Z. The pair of split members are formed with a plurality of insertion holes for inserting wiring material W along the axial direction X. With the pair of split members blocking the opening of the first housing 12, the rear retainer 14 is integrated with the inner circumferential surface of the first housing 12 through a so-called snap-fit mechanism, such as a claw-fitting mechanism. The rear retainer 14 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0074] The shield shell 15 covers the first connection terminals 11 and the wiring material W, thereby preventing noise generated from the first connection terminals 11 and the wiring material W from leaking outside the first connector 10. The shield ring 16 is, for example, crimped to a braid (not shown) of the wiring material W. The shield shell 15 and the shield ring 16 are, for example, cylindrically formed along the outer circumference of the first housing 12. The shield shell 15 and the shield ring 16 are formed, for example, from a conductive metal material.

[0075] The seals 17 and 18 prevent foreign matter such as moisture from entering the interior of the first shell 12. The seals 17 and 18 are formed of elastically deformable components such as rubber and resin. The seal 17 is formed, for example, into a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape along the outer peripheral surface of the first connection terminal 11 and is fitted with the outer peripheral surface of the first connection terminal 11. The seal 18 is formed, for example, into a cylindrical shape along the outer peripheral surface of the wiring material W and is fitted with the outer peripheral surface of the wiring material W. When the wiring material W is installed in the interior of the first shell 12, the seal 18 is between the outer peripheral surface of the wiring material W and the inner peripheral surface of the first shell 12 (see Figure 5 )between.

[0076] Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the width direction Y of the first connector 10. Figure 4 As shown, a pair of first pockets 12a are provided at both ends of the first housing 12 in the fastening direction Z. When the sliding cover 13 is moved from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 (see FIG. Figure 8 ) When the first pockets 12a slide, the pair of first pockets 12a accommodate the upper and lower walls of the sliding cover 13. The pair of first pockets 12a are provided with openings that open toward one side in the axial direction X, that is, toward the sliding cover 13 at the closed position P11.

[0077] Furthermore, a pair of latching claws 13a are provided on the upper and lower walls of the sliding cover 13 to latch with the latching holes 12c of the first housing 12. The latching claws 13a are formed in a claw shape at the other end of the upper and lower walls of the sliding cover 13 in the axial direction X. The latching holes 12c are formed in the upper and lower walls of the first housing 12 at positions closer to the side in the axial direction X than the first pockets 12a. The latching claws 13a have latching surfaces that face one end of the latching holes 12c in the axial direction X. By latching with the one end in the axial direction X, the sliding cover 13 is locked in the closed position P11 relative to the first housing 12.

[0078] Furthermore, an inclined surface 12c is provided on the other end surface of the pair of locking holes 12c in the axial direction X. The inclined surface 12c is inclined so as to be directed toward both end portions of the first housing 12 in the fastening direction Z as it moves toward the other side of the axial direction X (the pair of first pocket portions 12a). Figure 5 ) is released from the engagement with the first housing 12, the inclined surface 12c allows the sliding cover 13 to move from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 side (toward the pair of first pocket portions 12a).

[0079] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the fastening direction Z of the first connector 10. Figure 5As shown, a pair of second pockets 12b are provided at both ends of the first housing 12 in the width direction Y. When the sliding cover 13 is moved from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 (see FIG. Figure 8 ) When the sliding cover 13 slides, the pair of second pockets 12b accommodates the pair of side walls of the sliding cover 13. Similar to the pair of first pockets 12a, the pair of second pockets 12b are provided with openings that open toward one side in the axial direction X, that is, toward the sliding cover 13 in the closed position P11.

[0080] Furthermore, a pair of locking tabs 13b are provided on a pair of side walls of the sliding cover 13 to engage with the first housing 12 along the axial direction X. The pair of locking tabs 13b are formed in a cantilever spring-like shape on the pair of side walls of the sliding cover 13. Specifically, the pair of locking tabs 13b are configured as free ends, with one end in the axial direction X connected to the sliding cover 13, while the other end in the axial direction X is elastically deformable along the width direction Y. The pair of locking tabs 13b have locking surfaces that face one end surface of the first housing 12, namely, the pair of second pockets 12b, in the axial direction X. These locking surfaces engage with the one end surface in the axial direction X, thereby restricting movement of the sliding cover 13 from the closed position P11 toward the open position P12 (the pair of second pockets 12b).

[0081] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second connector 20 of the connector unit 1, Figure 7 1 is a perspective view (partial cross-sectional view) of the vicinity of the locking piece 13b of the connector unit 1. Figure 6 、 Figure 7 As shown, the second connector 20 is provided with a fitting opening 22a into which the sliding cover 13 of the first connector 10 fits. The fitting opening 22a is formed into a recessed portion of a size and shape adapted to the outer shape of the sliding cover 13, and here, the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction X is formed into a generally rectangular shape. An opening is provided at the bottom of the fitting opening 22a, which allows the first connection terminal 11 to enter and communicates with an opening 22d into which the fastening member 30, described later, is inserted.

[0082] In addition, a pair of protrusions 22b for releasing the engagement between the pair of locking pieces 13b and the first housing 12 are provided at both ends of the fitting opening 22a in the width direction Y. The pair of protrusions 22b protrude from the bottom of the fitting opening 22a toward the other side (sliding cover 13 side) in the axial direction X. The pair of protrusions 22b protrude from the front end 13d (refer to FIG. 1 ) on one side of the axial direction X of the sliding cover 13. Figure 7) is inserted into the opening 13e of the sliding cover 13. Furthermore, as the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated, the pair of protrusions 22b come into contact with the pair of locking pieces 13b, causing the locking pieces 13b to deform toward both sides in the width direction Y. This releases the locking between the pair of locking pieces 13b and the first housing 12.

[0083] In addition, an abutting portion 22g that abuts against the front end portion 13d of the sliding cover 13 is provided at the bottom of the fitting opening portion 22a. The abutting portion 22g is an end surface (bottom surface) that is opposite to the front end portion 13d of the sliding cover 13 along the axial direction X. As the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together, the abutting portion 22g abuts against the front end portion 13d of the sliding cover 13 in a state where the locking of the above-mentioned pair of locking pieces 13b and the first shell 12 is released, thereby moving the sliding cover 13 from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 relative to the first shell 12. As a result, the pair of locking pieces 13b are accommodated in the pair of second pockets 12b (refer to Figure 8 ), and the above-mentioned pair of locking claws 13a are accommodated in a pair of first bag portions 12a.

[0084] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the first connector 10, showing the sliding cover 13 in the open position P12. Figure 9 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the retracting protrusion 22c of the connector unit 1. Figure 8 、 Figure 9 As shown, a locking hole portion 13c is provided on the upper wall of the sliding cover 13 to be locked with the pull-back protrusion 22c of the second connector 20. Figure 6 、 Figure 9 The upper end of the fitting opening 22a is formed into a claw shape, and the locking hole 13c is formed into a locking hole shape that penetrates the upper wall of the sliding cover 13 along the tightening direction Z. Furthermore, the locking hole 13c is provided at one end of the upper wall of the sliding cover 13 in the axial direction X, and is locked with the retracting protrusion 22c when the sliding cover 13 moves from the closed position P11 to the open position P12.

[0085] like Figure 9 As shown, the retraction protrusion 22c has a locking surface facing one end surface of the locking hole portion 13c in the axial direction X. When the first connector 10 is removed from the second connector 20 to the other side in the axial direction X, the locking surface and the one end surface of the retraction protrusion 22c are locked in the axial direction X, thereby moving the sliding cover 13 from the open position P12 to the closed position P11 relative to the first housing 12. As a result, the pair of locking claws 13a are pulled back to the outside of the pair of first pockets 12a, and the pair of locking pieces 13b (see Figure 8 ) is pulled back to the outside of a pair of second pockets 12b.

[0086] Figure 10 : is an exploded perspective view of the second connector 20 and the fastening component 30. Figure 10 As shown, the second connector 20 includes, for example, second connection terminals 21, a second housing 22, a front retainer 23, and a unit seal 24. Furthermore, the fastening component 30 includes, for example, a bolt 31, a collar 32, nuts 33 and 35, a locking component 34, and sealing components 36 and 37. In this embodiment, a pair of second connection terminals 21 and a fastening component 30 are provided corresponding to the pair of first connection terminals 11 of the first connector 10.

[0087] The second connection terminal 21 is a terminal fitting made of a conductive metal material and is connected to the first connection terminal 11 (see FIG. Figure 11 、 Figure 12 ). The second connection terminal 21 is configured to include, for example, a first electrical connection portion electrically connected to the first connection terminal 11, a second electrical connection portion electrically connected to the external terminal, and a coupling portion connecting the first and second electrical connection portions. The second connection terminal 21 has a generally U-shaped cross-section that opens toward the other side in the axial direction X, as a result of the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, and the coupling portion.

[0088] The second housing 22 holds the second connection terminals 21 within it. The second housing 22 is provided with an opening 22d for inserting the second connection terminals 21, the fastening member 30, and the like along the fastening direction Z. In this embodiment, the second housing 22 has a pair of openings 22d arranged side by side along the width direction Y. With the second connection terminals 21 mounted within the pair of openings 22d, the fastening member 30 is inserted from the opening end on the other side in the fastening direction Z. The opening end on one side in the fastening direction Z is closed by the front retainer 23. The second housing 22 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0089] The front retainer 23 closes the pair of openings 22d of the second housing 22 from one side in the fastening direction Z. The front retainer 23 is a member for retaining the unit seal 24 between it and the second housing 22, for example. The front retainer 23 is formed into a cylindrical shape that extends along the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion of the second housing 22 and fits into the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion. The front retainer 23 is integrated with the second housing 22 by means of a claw engagement, for example, while sandwiching the unit seal 24 between them.

[0090] The unit seal 24 prevents foreign matter, such as moisture, from entering the interior of the second housing 22. The unit seal 24 is formed from an elastically deformable member, such as rubber or resin. For example, the unit seal 24 is formed into a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape that conforms to the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion of the second housing 22 and is fitted onto the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion. For example, when the terminal block 2 is connected to an external device, the unit seal 24 resides between the second housing 22 and the external device.

[0091] Figure 11 1 is a cross-sectional view of the connector unit 1, showing a state before the fastening member 30 is fastened. Figure 12 1 is a cross-sectional view of the connector unit 1, showing a state where the fastening member 30 is fastened. Figure 11 、 Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated, the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 21 are arranged along the fastening direction Z. Each of the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 21 is provided with a mounting hole for inserting a bolt 31 of the fastening component 30 along the fastening direction Z. Furthermore, the mounting hole of the second connection terminal 21 is provided with a threaded hole for a nut 33 so as to communicate with one side in the fastening direction Z, and the mounting hole of the first connection terminal 11 is provided with a center hole for a collar 32 so as to communicate with the other side in the fastening direction Z. Furthermore, the first and second connection terminals 11, 21, and the collar 32 are fastened together by being sandwiched between the head 31a of the bolt 31 and the nut 33.

[0092] Here, in this embodiment, the collar 32 is supported so as to be able to abut against the first connection terminal 11 at the fastening position P1 (see Figure 12 ) and the fastening release position P2 separated from the first connection terminal 11 (refer to Figure 11 ) along the fastening direction Z. That is, when the collar 32 is located at the unfastening position P2, a gap G is formed between the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11 along the fastening direction Z, and when the collar 32 is located at the fastening position P1, no gap G is formed between the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11. In this way, in this embodiment, by supporting the collar 32 so as to be slidable along the fastening direction Z relative to the opening 22d of the second housing 22, electrical conduction is achieved between the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11 at the fastening position P1, and electrical conduction between the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11 is suppressed at the unfastening position P2.

[0093] In addition, in the present embodiment, a flange wall 22e is provided on the inner surface of the opening portion 22d to support the collar 32 at the tightening release position P2. The flange wall 22e protrudes from the inner surface of the opening portion 22d toward the radial inner side of the opening portion 22d. The collar 32 has a stopper surface that is opposite to the flange wall 22e along the tightening direction Z, and the collar 32 is restrained from moving (falling off) to the other side of the tightening direction Z relative to the opening portion 22d by making the stopper surface contact the flange wall 22e. In addition, in the present embodiment, a pair of engaging pieces 34a (see FIG. 2 ) that allow the engaging member 34 described later to be engaged are provided on the flange wall 22e. Figure 13 That is, the flange wall 22e is intermittently provided along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the opening portion 22d.

[0094] Figure 13 3D is a perspective view of the bolt 31 and the engaging member 34 of the fastening member 30. Figure 13 As shown, the bolt 31 has, for example, a head 31a and a shaft 31b, and a resin is insert-molded in the head 31a of the bolt 31. A flange protrudes radially outward from the shaft 31b and is connected to the collar 32 (see FIG. Figure 15 ) abuts against the flange 31a1. The outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 31b is provided with an external threaded portion that screws into the threaded hole of the nut 33. Furthermore, an annular sealing member 37 is fitted into the other end of the shaft portion 31b in the tightening direction Z. The sealing member 37 is formed from an elastically deformable member such as rubber or resin, and serves to seal the gap between it and the center hole of the collar 32.

[0095] The engaging member 34 is configured, for example, to include a pair of engaging pieces 34a and a connecting portion 34b connecting the pair of engaging pieces 34a. The connecting portion 34b is formed into a circular ring with an opening for inserting the head 31a of the bolt 31. The pair of engaging pieces 34a are formed to protrude from both ends of the connecting portion 34b in the width direction Y along the tightening direction Z. The front end 34a on one side of the pair of engaging pieces 34a in the tightening direction Z is formed into a claw shape and engages with the groove 32c of the collar 32. The engaging member 34 is attached to the bolt 31 and is used in an integrated state with the bolt 31. In other words, the engaging member 34 is provided on the bolt 31.

[0096] Figure 14 3 is a perspective view of the collar 32 of the fastening member 30. Figure 14 As shown, the collar 32 is constituted to include, for example, a large diameter portion 32a and a small diameter portion 32b having a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 32a. The large diameter portion 32a is formed when the collar 32 is located at the above-mentioned tightening release position P2 (refer to Figure 16) is located on the side of the flange wall 22e formed on the inner surface of the opening 22d in the tightening direction Z. An annular sealing member 36 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 32a so as to abut against the inner surface of the opening 22d. The sealing member 36 is formed of an elastically deformable member such as rubber or resin, and stops water from flowing between it and the inner surface of the opening 22d.

[0097] The small diameter portion 32b is formed when the collar 32 is in the tightening release position P2 (see Figure 16 ) is located on the other side of the flange wall 22e formed on the inner surface of the opening 22d in the tightening direction Z. The small-diameter portion 32b is provided so as to be exposed from the open end of the opening 22d when the collar 32 is in the tightening release position P2. A groove 32c is provided on the outer circumference of the small-diameter portion 32b, into which the front end portions 34a1 of the pair of engaging pieces 34a of the engaging member 34 engage. The groove 32c is formed, for example, in an annular shape along the outer circumference of the small-diameter portion 32b. The collar 32 is formed, for example, from a conductive metal material.

[0098] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening component 30, showing the state where the collar 32 is located at the fastening position P1. Figure 16 : is a cross-sectional view of the fastening member 30, showing the state where the collar 32 is located at the fastening release position P2. Figure 15 、 Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, the engaging member 34 is configured to move the collar 32 along with the bolt 31 from the unfastening position P2 to the fastening position P1 as the bolt 31 is tightened. For example, with the collar 32 positioned at the unfastening position P2, the leading end portions 34a of the pair of engaging tabs 34a of the engaging member 34 engage with the groove 32c from the other side in the fastening direction Z in a state integral with the bolt 31. When the collar 32 moves from the unfastening position P2 to the fastening position P1, the pair of engaging tabs 34a enter from the opening formed in the flange wall 22e toward the one side in the fastening direction Z.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging member 34 is configured to move the collar 32 along with the bolt 31 from the tightened position P1 to the unfastened position P2 as the bolt 31 is released. When the collar 32 moves from the tightened position P1 to the unfastened position P2, the pair of engaging pieces 34a, through the contact between the claw-shaped tip portions 34a1 and the grooves 32c, move the collar 32 relative to the first connection terminal 11 toward the other side of the tightening direction Z. This separates the collar 32 from the first connection terminal 11, thereby suppressing electrical conduction between the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11 at the unfastened position P2.

[0100] As described above, in the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH of the present embodiment, the fastening member 30 includes the engaging member 34, which is provided on the bolt 31 and engages with the collar 32. The engaging member 34 moves the collar 32 together with the bolt 31 from the unfastened position P2 to the fastened position P1 as the bolt 31 is tightened, and moves the collar 32 together with the bolt 31 from the fastened position P1 to the unfastened position P2 as the bolt 31 is released. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can, for example, move the collar 32 from the unfastened position P2 to the fastened position P1 using the engaging member 34 so that the collar 32 comes into contact with the first connection terminal 11, and can also separate the collar 32 from the first connection terminal 11 by moving the collar 32 from the fastened position P1 to the unfastened position P2. As a result, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can appropriately perform the fastening operation between the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 21 , and further, can suppress conduction of the collar 32 at the fastening release position P2 .

[0101] In the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH of this embodiment, the second connector 20 includes a second housing 22 having an opening 22d through which a bolt 31 and a collar 32 are inserted in a tightening direction Z. The collar 32 includes a large-diameter portion 32a having a seal member 36 provided on its outer circumference that contacts the inner surface of the opening 22d, and a small-diameter portion 32b having a smaller diameter than the large-diameter portion 32a and a groove 32c provided on its outer circumference that engages a distal end 34a1 of an engaging piece 34a of an engaging member 34. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH can, for example, prevent water from entering the inner surface of the opening 22d by using the seal member 36 provided on the large-diameter portion 32a of the collar 32. Furthermore, the collar 32 can slide in the tightening direction Z between a tightened position P1 and a loosened position P2 by using the engaging piece 34a that engages with the groove 32c of the small-diameter portion 32b.

[0102] Furthermore, in the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH of this embodiment, the first connector 10 includes a first housing 12 that holds the first connection terminal 11 protruding along the axial direction X, and a sliding cover 13 supported relative to the first housing 12 so as to be slidable along the axial direction X between a closed position P11 that covers the first connection terminal 11 and an open position P12 that exposes the first connection terminal 11. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can, for example, cover the periphery of the first connection terminal 11 with the sliding cover 13 in the closed position P11, thereby preventing the first connection terminal 11 from coming into contact with a worker's fingers or the like.

[0103] Furthermore, in the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH of the present embodiment, the sliding cover 13 includes a cantilever spring-shaped locking piece 13b that is locked with the first housing 12 along the axial direction X in the closed position P11. The second connector 20 includes a protrusion 22b. The protrusion 22b deforms the locking piece 13b along the width direction Y as the second connector 20 is mated with the first connector 10, thereby releasing the locking piece 13b from the first housing 12. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can, for example, utilize the protrusion 22b to release the locking piece 13b from the first housing 12 as the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated, thereby further preventing the first connection terminal 11 from coming into contact with the operator's fingers or the like during operation.

[0104] Furthermore, in the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH of the present embodiment, the second connector 20 includes an abutment portion 22g. The abutment portion 22g abuts against the front end portion 13d of the sliding cover 13 when the locking piece 13b is released from the first housing 12 as the second connector 20 is mated with the first connector 10, thereby moving the sliding cover 13 from the closed position P11 to the open position P12. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can utilize the abutment portion 22g to move the sliding cover 13 from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 as the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated, thereby further preventing the first connection terminal 11 from coming into contact with the operator's fingers or the like during operation.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the collar 32 is shown as being in contact with the first connection terminal 11 and the nut 33 is shown as being in contact with the second connection terminal 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the collar 32 may be shown as being in contact with the second connection terminal 21 and the nut 33 as being in contact with the first connection terminal 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sliding cover 13 is shown as being provided on the first connector 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the sliding cover 13 may not be provided on the first connector 10.

[0106] The above examples illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, but the above embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the specifications such as various structures and shapes (structure, type, direction, form, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, configuration, position, material, etc.) can be appropriately changed and implemented.

Claims

1. A connector unit, characterized in that: have: a first connector having a first connecting terminal; a second connector having a second connection terminal electrically connected to the first connection terminal and engaged with the first connector along an axial direction; as well as a fastening member, the fastening member fastening the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal, The fastening component comprises: a bolt extending along a tightening direction intersecting the axial direction; a collar having electrical conductivity and supported so as to be slidable along the tightening direction between a tightening position where the collar abuts against one of the first and second connecting terminals arranged along the tightening direction and a tightening release position where the collar is separated from the one of the first and second connecting terminals; a nut abutting against the other of the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal, the nut fastening the shaft of the bolt in a state where the first connecting terminal, the second connecting terminal, and the collar are sandwiched between the nut and the head of the bolt; and A locking component is provided on the bolt and is engaged with the collar, and as the bolt is tightened, the collar moves together with the bolt from the tightening release position to the tightening position, and as the bolt is tightened, the collar moves together with the bolt from the tightening position to the tightening release position.

2. The connector unit according to claim 1, wherein: The second connector has a second housing, and the second housing is provided with an opening portion for inserting the bolt and the collar along the tightening direction. The collar comprises: a large diameter portion having a sealing member provided on its outer circumference for contact with the inner surface of the opening; and a small diameter portion having a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion and having a groove provided on its outer circumference for engaging with the engaging piece of the engaging member.

3. The connector unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first connector includes: a first shell, which holds the first connecting terminal in a state of protruding along the axial direction; and a sliding cover, which is supported to be able to slide along the axial direction relative to the first shell between a closed position covering the first connecting terminal and an open position exposing the first connecting terminal.

4. The connector unit according to claim 3, wherein: The sliding cover has a cantilever spring-shaped locking piece, and the locking piece is locked with the first housing along the axial direction in the closed position. The second connector has a protrusion that deforms the locking piece in a width direction intersecting the axial direction and the tightening direction as the second connector is mated with the first connector, thereby releasing the locking piece from the first housing.

5. The connector unit according to claim 4, wherein: The second connector includes an abutment portion that abuts against the front end of the sliding cover in a state where the locking piece and the first housing are released from locking in conjunction with the mating operation with the first connector, thereby moving the sliding cover from the closed position to the open position.

6. A wiring harness, characterized in that: have: a wiring material having electrical conductivity; and a connector unit provided at an end of the wiring material, The connector unit comprises: a first connector having a first connecting terminal; a second connector having a second connection terminal electrically connected to the first connection terminal and engaged with the first connector along an axial direction; as well as a fastening member, the fastening member fastening the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal, The fastening component comprises: a bolt extending along a tightening direction intersecting the axial direction; a collar having electrical conductivity and supported so as to be slidable along the tightening direction between a tightening position where the collar abuts against one of the first and second connecting terminals arranged along the tightening direction and a tightening release position where the collar is separated from the one of the first and second connecting terminals; a nut abutting against the other of the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal, the nut fastening the shaft of the bolt in a state where the first connecting terminal, the second connecting terminal, and the collar are sandwiched between the nut and the head of the bolt; and A locking component is provided on the bolt and is engaged with the collar, and as the bolt is tightened, the collar moves together with the bolt from the tightening release position to the tightening position, and as the bolt is tightened, the collar moves together with the bolt from the tightening position to the tightening release position.

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