Wire equipped with a connector

Abstract

Wire (1) equipped with a terminal, comprising: a connector connection (2) which is to be arranged in an insertion hole (71) which is provided in a connector housing (7); a wire (3) which is formed by bundling a plurality of conductors (31); a relay conductor (4) which consists of a conductor, wherein the relay conductor (4) electrically connects the connector terminal (2) and the wire (3); and a sealing element (5) which is to be mounted on an outer circumference of the relay conductor (4), wherein the sealing element (5) is arranged in the insertion hole (71) to close a free space (S1) between the sealing element (5) and the relay conductor (4) and a free space (S2) between the sealing element (5) and the insertion hole (71).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal-equipped wire in which a connector terminal is provided at an end portion of a wire. State of the art

[0002] For example, terminal-equipped wires are used for wiring to a control device in various electronic devices used in automobiles and the like. The terminal-equipped wire is constructed by a connector terminal to be inserted into a connector housing and a wire connected to the connector terminal, which is formed by bundling a plurality of conductors. Some electronic devices wired using terminal-equipped wires are exposed to liquid such as oil or water.In this case, when the liquid contacts an end part of the wire connected to the electronic device, this liquid is known to penetrate between the conductors of the wire by a capillary phenomenon, as shown in Patent Literature 1, for example.

[0003] The liquid that has penetrated between the conductors from the end part of the wire on the electronic device side penetrates to an opposite end part of the wire and will further penetrate into the control device. Accordingly, in Patent Literature 1, a core exposed portion in which a core made of a plurality of strands (conductors) is exposed is formed on the end part of the wire on the control device side, a waterproofing agent is filled between the strands of the exposed core portion, and the exposed core portion filled with the waterproofing agent is covered by a waterproofing sheet.The penetration of the liquid to the connector terminal provided on the end part of the wire is prevented by the waterproofing agent, thereby preventing the liquid from entering the control device. Literature listPatent literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP 2009-272 188 A

[0005] JP 2000-173370 A discloses an insulator that penetrates a device housing and in which a conductor disposed therein is insulated from the device housing. A through-hole is formed in the axial direction, and a stopper step portion formed at a required position in the through-hole is provided with an engagement portion for preventing the central conductor from rotating in the axial circumferential direction in cooperation with the engagement portion of the central conductor.

[0006] US 2016 / 0 111 809 A1 discloses a waterproof connector with sealing elements, wherein a first sealing element is arranged in a plate portion of an intermediate portion of a terminal. Furthermore, a second sealing element is arranged in an insulator of one end of a high-voltage electrical wire.

[0007] WO 2009 / 139220 A1 describes a water stop structure for a wiring harness, wherein, when an electronic control unit and a device are connected by a wiring harness, water is prevented from passing between electrical wire elements constituting the wiring harness and penetrating into the interior of the electronic control unit. In the water stop structure, a wiring harness is divided into sections in a wiring direction, and terminals are connected to the ends of the electrical wires of the divided wiring harness. The terminals are attached to first and second connectors. The water stop device includes a relay terminal having first and second terminal fittings with a partition wall therebetween, and the first and second connectors are mounted in the first and second connector fitting portions.Relay terminals are provided in the partition of the relay connector so that they penetrate the partition. Summary of the inventionTechnical problem

[0008] However, in Patent Literature 1, an insulation coating at an intermediate position of the wire must be removed to form the exposed portion of the core. This removal is performed while the insulation coating remains on the end part of the wire, and workability is poor. Furthermore, in Patent Literature 1, a process of curing the waterproofing agent and coating the exposed portion of the core filled with the waterproofing agent with the waterproofing sheet is necessary after the waterproofing agent is filled between the strands of the exposed portion of the core. Thus, many man-hours are required to manufacture the terminal-equipped wire, and productivity is poor.

[0009] The present invention has been developed in consideration of such a problem and aims to provide a terminal-equipped wire capable of preventing penetration of a liquid to a connector terminal between conductors of a wire and improving workability and productivity during manufacturing. Solution to the problem

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a terminal-equipped wire comprising a connector terminal to be disposed in an insertion hole provided in a connector housing, a wire formed by bundling a plurality of conductors, a relay conductor composed of a conductor, the relay conductor electrically connecting the connector terminal and the wire, and a sealing member to be mounted on an outer periphery of the relay conductor, the sealing member being disposed in the insertion hole to close a clearance between the sealing member and the relay conductor and a clearance between the sealing member and the insertion hole. Effects of the invention

[0011] In the terminal-equipped wire of the above aspect, the connector terminal and the wire formed by bundling the plurality of conductors are electrically connected using the relay conductor, and penetration of a liquid to the connector terminal from the wire and the relay conductor is prevented by the sealing member mounted on the outer periphery of the relay conductor.

[0012] When a liquid such as oil or water penetrates between the conductors of the wire from the end of the wire on the electronic device side in the terminal-equipped wire, and this liquid permeates to the end of the wire on the connector terminal side through a capillary phenomenon, the following functions and effects can be achieved. Specifically, since the relay conductor is formed by one conductor, no gap is formed in the conductor, and the phenomenon of liquid permeating between conductors does not occur.

[0013] Furthermore, when the liquid that has permeated between the conductors of the wire reaches the relay conductor, this liquid will further permeate to the connector terminal along the outer periphery of the relay conductor. At this time, since the gap between the inner periphery of the sealing member and the outer periphery of the relay conductor and the clearance between the outer periphery of the sealing member and the inner periphery of the insertion hole are closed by the sealing member, the liquid cannot permeate to the connector terminal. Thus, the penetration of the liquid to a control device or the like from the connector terminal and the connector housing is prevented.

[0014] Furthermore, the connector terminal and the wire can be electrically connected via the relay conductor by various means, such as crimping, welding, and soldering. Furthermore, the number of processes involved in mounting the sealing member on the outer periphery of the relay conductor is reduced. This improves workability during electrical connection and assembly, and also improves productivity for manufacturing the terminal-equipped wire.

[0015] Therefore, according to the terminal-equipped wire of the above aspect, penetration of a liquid to the connector terminal from between the conductors of the wire can be prevented, and workability and productivity during manufacturing can be improved.

[0016] It should be noted that a wiring harness part used in a motor vehicle or the like can be formed by using a plurality of terminal-equipped wires and a connector housing provided with a plurality of insertion holes. The wiring harness part is formed by bundling the respective terminal-equipped wires, which are inserted into the respective insertion holes of the connector housing, together. Short description of the drawing Fig. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a terminal-equipped wire according to a first embodiment, Fig. Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing the terminal-equipped wire according to the first embodiment being inserted into an insertion hole of a connector housing, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing each component of the terminal-equipped wire according to the first embodiment, Fig. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a terminal-equipped wire according to a second embodiment, Fig. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing each component of the terminal-equipped wire according to the second embodiment, Fig. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a terminal-equipped wire according to a third embodiment, Fig. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a terminal-equipped wire according to a fourth embodiment, Fig. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing another terminal-equipped wire according to the fourth embodiment, which is inserted into an insertion hole of a connector housing, Fig. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the other terminal-equipped wire according to the fourth embodiment, Fig. 10 is a plan view showing another terminal-equipped wire according to the fourth embodiment inserted into the insertion hole of the connector housing, Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the other terminal-equipped wire according to the fourth embodiment, Fig. 12 is a plan view showing another terminal-equipped wire according to the fourth embodiment inserted into the insertion hole of the connector housing, Fig. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the other terminal-equipped wire according to the fourth embodiment, Fig. 14 is a plan view showing another terminal-equipped wire according to the fourth embodiment inserted into the insertion hole of the connector housing, Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the other terminal-equipped wire according to the fourth embodiment, Fig. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a terminal-equipped wire according to a fifth embodiment, and Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing each component of the terminal-equipped wire according to the fifth embodiment. Embodiments of the invention

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the above terminal-equipped wire will be described with reference to the drawings. <Erste Ausführungsform>

[0018] A terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment includes a connector terminal 2, a wire 3, a relay conductor 4, and a sealing member 5, as shown in Fig. 1 to 3. The connector terminal 2 is arranged in an insertion hole 71 provided in a connector housing 7. The wire 3 is formed by bundling a plurality of conductors 31. The relay conductor 4 is composed of one conductor and electrically connects the connector terminal 2 and the wire 3. The sealing member 5 is mounted on the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4 and arranged in the insertion hole 71, and closes a clearance S1 between the inner periphery of the sealing member 5 and the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4 and a clearance S2 between the outer periphery of the sealing member 5 and the inner periphery of the insertion hole 71.

[0019] The terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail below. (Wire equipped with a terminal)

[0020] The terminal-equipped wire 1 is used to wire an electronic device, such as an actuator or a sensor, used in a motor vehicle, such as a four-wheel drive vehicle or a two-wheel drive vehicle, with a control device for controlling the electronic device. A plurality of terminal-equipped wires 1 are mounted in the connector housing 7. Then, a wiring harness part in which the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 1 and the connector housing 7 are integrated is formed.

[0021] The terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment is used to connect an automatic transmission serving as the electronic device installed in the motor vehicle to an electronic control unit (ECU) serving as the control device. Oil (working oil) for a control operation of automatic shifting is used in the automatic transmission. An end portion of the wire 3 on the electronic device side in the terminal-equipped wire 1 is connected to a valve body of the automatic transmission. This end portion of the wire 3 on the electronic device side is immersed in the oil. The valve body serves to control an operation in a hydraulic circuit of the automatic transmission and includes a plurality of solenoid valves.Solenoid valves serving as actuators, and a plurality of spool valves configured to slide by turning on and off a power supply to the solenoid valves. (Connector housing 7)

[0022] The connector housing 7, into which the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 1 are mounted, is arranged on the automatic transmission or the like and mounted on a mating connector provided on the electronic control unit. The connector housing 7 is formed with a plurality of insertion holes 71 arranged side by side, and the connector terminals 2 are inserted and held in the insertion holes 71. The mating connector is provided with conductor pins for connecting to the respective connector terminals 2.

[0023] It should be noted that each connector terminal 2 disposed in the connector housing 7 can be connected to the electronic control unit via the mating connector and a wire. Furthermore, the connector housing 7, which has the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 1 mounted therein, and the mating connector can also be used as relay conductors for electrically connecting the valve body and the electronic control unit. (Connector port 2)

[0024] The connector terminal 2 is made of a conductive metal material. The connector terminal 2 is formed by a bent plate. The connector terminal 2 includes an inlet hole 20 into which the connector pin provided in the mating connector is inserted, and functions as a female terminal. Note that the connector terminal 2 may be formed as a male terminal, such as a connector pin, and a female terminal into which the male terminal is inserted may be provided in the mating connector.

[0025] Furthermore, as stated in Fig. 1, the connector terminal 2 is formed with a first terminal connecting portion 21 connected to the outer periphery of a tip part of the relay conductor 4, and a second terminal connecting portion 22 adjacent to the first terminal connecting portion 21 and connected to the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4. The first and second terminal connecting portions 21, 22 of this embodiment are formed as crimping portions. The first and second terminal connecting portions 21, 22 are formed to surround the relay conductor 4 in a circumferential direction from both sides.

[0026] A biting portion 211 configured to bite into the outer periphery of the tip portion of the relay conductor 4 is formed on an end portion of the first terminal connecting portion 21. The connector terminal 2 of this embodiment is configured as a crimping terminal to be crimped onto the relay conductor 4. The connector terminal 2 can be connected to the relay conductor 4 by welding, soldering, or the like, in addition to crimping. (Wire 3)

[0027] As this is Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the wire 3 is constituted by a stranded wire in which the plurality of bundled conductors 31 are completely stranded. An insulation coating layer 32 made of an insulating rubber, resin, or the like is provided on the entire outer peripheries of the plurality of conductors 31. The insulation coating layer 32 is removed on an end part of the wire 3 to be connected to the relay conductor 4, and a conductor portion 310 in which the outer peripheries of the plurality of conductors 31 are exposed is formed on this end part. Note that the exposure of the plurality of conductors 31 means that the plurality of conductors 31 constitute an outermost peripheral part of the wire 3 when the wire 3 is considered as a single component.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a state before a conductor connecting portion 42 of the relay conductor 4 is connected to the conductor portion 310 of the wire 3. Actually, the conductor connecting portion 42 is crimped onto the conductor portion 310, and the conductor 310 and the conductor connecting portion 42 are in contact with each other. (Relay conductor 4)

[0029] As this is Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the relay conductor 4 is made of a conductive metal material. The relay conductor 4 includes a mounting shaft portion 41 on which the connector terminal 2 and the sealing member 5 are mounted, and the conductor connecting portion 42 connected to the end part of the wire 3 on the relay conductor 4 side. Since the relay conductor 4 includes the conductor connecting portion 42, the relay conductor 4 and the wire 3 can be easily connected without using another terminal member or the like. The conductor connecting portion 42 of this embodiment is formed as a crimping portion.

[0030] Furthermore, the relay conductor 4 is formed as a shaft member having a circular cross-sectional shape. A flange portion 43, which protrudes toward an outer peripheral side of the mounting shaft portion 41, is formed on the outer periphery of the mounting shaft portion 41 to hold the sealing member 5 between the conductor connecting portion 42 and the flange portion 43. The conductor connecting portion 42 is in the form of a closed drum and has a bottomed hollow cylindrical shape. The conductor connecting portion 42 is formed with a bottomed arranging hole 421 along an axial direction of the relay conductor 4 for arranging the end part of the wire 3. Since the conductor connecting portion 42 includes the bottomed arranging hole 421, a liquid that penetrates between the conductors 31 of the wire 3 can be prevented from seeping into the housing.passes through can be easily collected in the arrangement hole 421 and can be made less likely to penetrate to the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4.

[0031] The conductor connecting portion 42 has an outer diameter larger than that of the mounting shaft portion 41. The end part of the wire 3 is inserted into the arrangement hole 421, and the conductor connecting portion 42 is deformed to reduce the outer diameter, thereby connecting it to the outer peripheries of the conductor portion 310 and the insulation coating layer 32 on the end part of the wire 3. The sealing member 5 is mounted between the flange portion 43 and the conductor connecting portion 42 on the outer periphery of the mounting shaft portion 41.

[0032] A minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the relay conductor 4 is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor portion 310 (plural conductors 31) in the wire 3. In other words, cross-sectional areas of the mounting shaft portion 41 and the conductor connecting portion 42 of the relay conductor 4 are larger than that of the conductor portion 310 in the wire 3. Here, the cross-sectional area is an area of ​​a cross section normal to a longitudinal direction (axial direction) L of the relay conductor 4 and the wire 3. Since the relay conductor 4 is formed of a conductor similar to a single-core wire, the liquid does not penetrate into the interior of the relay conductor 4. The longitudinal direction L means an extending direction of the relay conductor 4. (Sealing member 5)

[0033] As this is Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the sealing member 5 is made of a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or resin. A sealing portion 51, which is to be brought into contact with the insertion hole 71 of the connector housing 7 over the entire circumference, is provided on the outer periphery of the sealing member 5. A central hole 52, into which the mounting shaft portion 41 of the relay conductor 4 is inserted, is formed in a central part of the sealing member 5. An outer diameter of the sealing portion 51 of the sealing member 5 is the largest in the entire terminal-equipped wire 1. A maximum width of the connector terminal 2 in a direction normal to the longitudinal direction (axial direction) L is smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing portion 51. (Manufacturing process)

[0034] The wire 1 equipped with a terminal can be manufactured (assembled) as follows.

[0035] First, the sealing member 5 is mounted on the outer periphery of the mounting shaft portion 41 of the relay conductor 4. At this time, the clearance S1 between the inner periphery of the sealing member 5 and the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4 is closed. Further, when mounted, the sealing member 5 is resiliently deformed, enlarged in diameter, and mounted at a position between the flange portion 43 and the conductor connecting portion 42 on the mounting shaft portion 41 from a tip part of the mounting shaft portion 41. Subsequently, the tip part of the mounting shaft portion 41 of the relay conductor 4 is inserted into the first and second terminal connecting portions 21, 22 of the connector terminal 2, and the respective terminal connecting portions 21, 22 are tightened using a tool or the like.deformed and crimped onto the outer circumference of the tip part of the mounting shaft section 41.

[0036] Further, the insulation coating layer 32 on the end part of the wire 3 on the connector terminal 2 side is removed to expose the plurality of conductors 31 on this end part as the conductor portion 310. Then, the end part of the wire 3 on the relay conductor 4 side, in which the conductor portion 310 is exposed, is inserted into the arrangement hole 421 of the conductor connecting portion 42 of the relay conductor 4, and the conductor connecting portion 42 is crimped onto the outer periphery of the end part of the wire 3 on the relay conductor 4 side by deforming it using a tool or the like. In this way, the terminal-equipped wire 1 is manufactured, in which the connector terminal 2, the relay conductor 4, and the sealing member 5 are provided on the end part of the wire 3.

[0037] Thereafter, the end portion of each terminal-equipped wire 1 having the connector terminal 2, the relay conductor 4, and the sealing member 5 provided thereon is inserted into the insertion hole 71 of the connector housing 7. At this time, the gap S2 between the outer periphery of the sealing member 5 and the inner periphery of the insertion hole 71 is closed. Further, the sealing member 5 is compressed by the insertion hole 71, thereby keeping the inner periphery of the sealing member 5 and the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4 in closer contact with each other. It should be noted that the assembly of the terminal-equipped wire 1 and the mounting of the terminal-equipped wire 1 into the connector housing 7 are performed by a worker or a control machine such as a robot. (Functions and Effects)

[0038] Next, functions and effects of the terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0039] In the terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment, the connector terminal 2 and the wire 3 are electrically connected using the relay conductor 4, and penetration of a liquid from the wire 3 and the relay conductor 4 to the connector terminal 2 is prevented by the sealing member 5 mounted on the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4.

[0040] The end portion of the wire 3 on the electronic device side in the terminal-equipped wire 1 is connected to the actuator in the valve body, and this end portion is immersed in the oil serving as the fluid used in the valve body. Furthermore, small gaps are formed between the plurality of conductors 31 in the wire 3, and the oil enters these small gaps (inside the wire 3) from the end portion of the wire 3 on the electronic device side. At this time, the oil passes toward the relay conductor 4 (toward the control device) between the conductors (inside the wire 3) through a capillary phenomenon and reaches the arrangement hole 421 of the conductor-connecting portion 42 of the relay conductor 4 from the end portion of the wire 3 on the relay conductor 4 side.

[0041] Since the relay conductor 4 is formed of one conductor, no clearance is formed therein. The oil that has reached the arrangement hole 421 does not penetrate into the relay conductor 4. Thus, the oil that has reached the arrangement hole 421 passes through to the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4 from the arrangement hole 421 and then penetrates to the connector terminal 2 along the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4.

[0042] At this time, as stated in Fig. 2, the clearance S1 between the inner periphery of the sealing member 5 and the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4 and the clearance S2 between the outer periphery of the sealing member 5 and the inner periphery of the insertion hole 71 are closed by the sealing member 5, whereby the oil cannot pass through to either an inner periphery side of the sealing member 5 or an outer periphery side of the sealing member 5. Thus, the oil cannot pass through to the connector terminal 2. In this way, the penetration of the liquid into the electronic control unit from the connector terminal 2 and the connector housing 7 is prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, the connector terminal 2 and the wire 3 can be electrically connected via the relay conductor 4 by crimping the respective terminal connecting portions 21, 22 of the connector terminal 2 and crimping the conductor connecting portion 42 of the relay conductor 4. Furthermore, the sealing member 5 can be mounted on the outer periphery of the mounting shaft portion 41 of the relay conductor 4 by being resiliently deformed and can be easily mounted on the outer periphery of the mounting shaft portion 41. The sealing member 5 can be assembled by one process, and the number of processes is few. Thus, workability in electrical connection and assembly is improved, and productivity for manufacturing a terminal-equipped wire 1 is also improved.

[0044] Therefore, according to the terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment, penetration of a liquid from between the conductors 31 of the wire 3 to the connector terminal 2 can be prevented, and workability and productivity during manufacturing can be improved.

[0045] The electronic device using the terminal-equipped wire 1 can be any of various devices using a fluid, such as oil or water, besides the automatic transmission. The fluid passing between the conductors 31 of the wire 3 in the terminal-equipped wire 1 can be any of various fluids, such as a coolant (cooling fluid), besides oil.

[0046] Furthermore, when a liquid such as oil or water is splashed onto the connector housing 7 or the terminal-equipped wire 1 from the outside, the sealing member 5 can also prevent this liquid from penetrating or passing through to the connector terminal 2. In this case, the penetration of the liquid into the connector terminal 2 is prevented or hindered on both the inner and outer peripheries of the sealing member 5.

[0047] Furthermore, it is considered that a liquid such as oil permeates not only between the conductors 31, but also between the plurality of conductors 31 and the insulation coating layer 32. Also in this case, the liquid permeating between the plurality of conductors 31 and the insulation coating layer 32 is prevented from permeating to the connector terminal 2 by the configuration of the terminal-equipped wire 1 using the relay conductor 4 and the sealing member 5. <Zweite Ausführungsform>

[0048] A terminal-equipped wire 1 having a structure for electrically connecting a connector terminal 2 and a wire 3 different from that of the first embodiment is shown in this embodiment.

[0049] As this is Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a relay conductor 4 of this embodiment is formed into a shaft shape. The relay conductor 4 is formed by a solid round rod having a substantially constant cross-sectional area along an axial direction thereof. Furthermore, the terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment includes a connecting terminal 6 for connecting (coupling) the relay conductor 4 and the wire 3.

[0050] The connecting terminal 6 includes a first connecting portion 61 for connecting to the relay conductor 4, and a second connecting portion 62 for connecting to a conductor portion 310 on an end part of the wire 3. The first and second connecting portions 61, 62 of this embodiment are formed as crimping portions. The connecting terminal 6 electrically connects a plurality of conductors 31 of the wire 3 and the relay conductor 4. The connecting terminal 6 is made of a conductive metal material. Furthermore, the connecting terminal 6 is formed by a bent plate.

[0051] Furthermore, a third connecting portion 63 for connecting to an insulation coating layer 32 of the wire 3 is formed at a position closer to the wire 3 than the second connecting portion 62. The third connecting portion 63 of this embodiment is formed as a crimping portion. A biting portion 611 configured to bite the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4 is formed on an end part of the first connecting portion 61. A biting portion 621 configured to bite the outer periphery of the conductor portion 310 is formed on an end part of the second connecting portion 62. The third connecting portion 63 is configured to encompass the insulation coating layer 32 of the wire 3 in a circumferential direction from both sides.

[0052] As this is Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the sealing member 5 of this embodiment includes a first connecting outer peripheral portion 53 for connecting to the second terminal connecting portion 22 provided on the connector terminal 2, besides a sealing portion 51 for closing an insertion hole 71 of a connector housing 7. The first connecting outer peripheral portion 53 is provided on an end part of the sealing member 5 and formed to have an outer diameter smaller than that of the sealing portion 51 of the sealing member 5. The first connecting outer peripheral portion 53 of this embodiment is formed as a crimping outer peripheral portion.

[0053] In manufacturing the terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment, the sealing member 5 is mounted on the outer periphery of the relay conductor 4. Subsequently, one end part of the relay conductor 4 is disposed in the first terminal connecting portion 21 of the connector terminal 2, and the first connecting outer peripheral portion 53 of the sealing member 5 is disposed in the second terminal connecting portion 22 of the connector terminal 2. Then, the first terminal connecting portion 21 is crimped onto one end part of the relay conductor 4, and the second terminal connecting portion 22 is crimped onto the first connecting outer peripheral portion 53.

[0054] Further, the other end of the relay conductor 4 is placed in the first connecting portion 61 of the connecting terminal 6, and the first connecting portion 61 is crimped onto the other end of the relay conductor 4. Subsequently, the conductor portion 310 is placed on the end of the wire 3 in the second connecting portion 62 of the connecting terminal 6, and the insulation coating layer 32 is placed on the end of the wire 3 in the third connecting portion 63 of the connecting terminal 6. Then, the second connecting portion 62 is crimped onto the conductor portion 310, and the third connecting portion 63 is crimped onto the insulation coating layer 32. In this way, the terminal-equipped wire 1 is manufactured, in which the connector terminal 2, the relay conductor 4, the sealing member 5, and the connecting terminal 6 are provided on the end of the wire 3.

[0055] In this embodiment, the relay conductor 4 can be formed by a round rod having a simple shape by using the connecting terminal 6. Furthermore, the axial position of the sealing member 5 on the relay conductor 4 can be fixed by crimping the second terminal connecting portion 22 of the connector terminal 2 onto the first connecting outer peripheral portion 53 of the sealing member 5.

[0056] The other configurations, functions, effects, and the like of the terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, constituent elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. <Dritte Ausführungsform>

[0057] A terminal-equipped wire 1 different from that of the second embodiment in the structures of a sealing member 5 and a connecting terminal 6 is shown in this embodiment. As this is Fig. 6, the sealing member 5 includes a second connecting outer peripheral portion 54 to be connected to a fourth connecting portion 64 provided on the connection terminal 6, in addition to a first connecting outer peripheral portion 53. The first connecting outer peripheral portion 53 is formed on an end part of the sealing member 5 on the connector terminal 2 side, and the second connecting outer peripheral portion 54 is formed on an end part of the sealing member 5 on the connection terminal 6 side.

[0058] The connecting terminal 6 of this embodiment includes the fourth connecting portion 64 for connecting to the second connecting outer peripheral portion 54 of the sealing member 5 at a position closer to the connector terminal 2 than a first connecting portion 61. The fourth connecting portion 64 is formed as a crimping portion. The fourth connecting portion 64 is formed to surround the second connecting outer peripheral portion 54 in a circumferential direction from both sides.

[0059] The terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment is manufactured substantially as in the case of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the second connecting outer peripheral portion 54 is disposed in the fourth connecting portion 64 of the connection terminal 6 while disposing a relay conductor 4 in the first connecting portion 61 of the connection terminal 6. Then, the first connecting portion 61 is crimped onto the relay conductor 4, and the fourth connecting portion 64 is crimped onto the second connecting outer peripheral portion 54. Besides these, the terminal-equipped wire 1 is manufactured as in the case of the second embodiment.

[0060] In this embodiment, the fourth connecting portion 64 of the connecting terminal 6 is connected to the second connecting outer peripheral portion 54 of the sealing member 5, as shown in Fig. 6, whereby end portions of the relay conductor 4 and the sealing member 5 on the connection terminal 6 side have a stronger structure. Thus, stress generated when vibration or the like is applied to the terminal-equipped wire 1 can be made less likely to be concentrated on a part 401 of the relay conductor 4 near the end portion of the sealing member 5 on the connection terminal 6 side. In this way, the relay conductor 4 can be protected from damage.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the axial position of the sealing member 5 relative to the relay conductor 4 can be more firmly fixed by crimping the fourth connecting portion 64 of the connection terminal 6 onto the second connecting outer peripheral portion 54 of the sealing member 5.

[0062] Although not shown, the sealing member 5 may include the second connecting outer peripheral portion 54 without including the first connecting outer peripheral portion 53. Also in this case, the axial position of the sealing member 5 relative to the relay conductor 4 can be fixed.

[0063] The other configurations, functions, effects, and the like of the terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, constituent elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the second embodiment are also the same as those of the second embodiment. <Vierte Ausführungsform>

[0064] A terminal-equipped wire 1 different from that of the second embodiment in the structure of a connecting terminal 6 is shown in this embodiment.

[0065] As this is Fig. As shown in Fig. 7, the connection terminal 6 of this embodiment is formed with projections 65 configured to come into contact with an insertion hole 71 of a connector housing 7. The projections 65 can come into contact with the insertion hole 71 and support the connection terminal 6 in the insertion hole 71. The projections 65 are formed to protrude outward from the connection terminal 6 from a position between first and second connecting portions 61, 62 in the connection terminal 6. Outward means outward in a direction normal to a longitudinal direction L of the connection terminal 6, in other words, outward in a radial direction of the insertion hole 71. Furthermore, the projections 65 are formed by parts of a plate constituting the connection terminal 6 extending toward both sides.It should be noted that the longitudinal direction L means a direction in which a relay conductor 4 and the connection terminal 6 extend.

[0066] It should be noted that when a terminal part of the terminal-equipped wire 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 71, small gaps may be present between the projections 65 and the insertion hole 71. Also in this case, the projections 65 come into contact with the insertion hole 71 due to vibration or the like when the terminal-equipped wire 1 is used.

[0067] The terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment is held in the insertion hole 71 of the connector housing 7 by a sealing portion 51 of a sealing member 5 and the projections 65 of the connection terminal 6. In this way, the terminal-equipped wire 1 can be made less likely to vibrate relative to the connector housing 7. Thus, in particular, a part 401 of the relay conductor 4 near an end portion of the sealing member 5 on the connection terminal 6 side can be made less likely to be damaged.

[0068] Furthermore, the protrusions 65 can be formed into various shapes to contact the inside of the insertion hole 71. The terminal part of the terminal-equipped wire 1 is longer when the connection terminal 6 is used than when the connection terminal 6 is not used. Thus, it is effective to provide the protrusions 65 to make the terminal part of the terminal-equipped wire 1 less likely to be vibrated by vibration transmitted to the terminal-equipped wire 1.

[0069] The projections 65 may be provided at a position farthest from the sealing member 5 in the longitudinal direction L, for example, in an intermediate part of the connection terminal 6 in the longitudinal direction L or in a base end part of the connection terminal 6 in the longitudinal direction L. The base end part means a part close to the wire 3 in the longitudinal direction L of the connection terminal 6.

[0070] Furthermore, the protrusions 65 may be formed into a resiliently deformable shape. In this case, when the protrusions 65 come into contact with the insertion hole 71, a spring force due to resilient deformation can be generated from the protrusions 65 to the insertion hole 71. The protrusions 65 can be resiliently deformed when the terminal part of the terminal-equipped wire 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 71. By causing the protrusions 65 to generate the spring force while maintaining ease of inserting the terminal part of the terminal-equipped wire 1 into the insertion hole 71, the protrusions 65 can more reliably come into contact with the insertion hole 71.

[0071] As this is Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, a projection 65A may be composed of a plurality of strip-like portions 652 formed on both sides of a slit(s) 651 by one or more slits (cutout(s)) 651 along the longitudinal direction L formed in an intermediate part of the connection terminal 6 in the longitudinal direction L. The strip-like portion 652 is in the form of a beam fixed at both ends and having both ends in the longitudinal direction L supported on a body portion of the connection terminal 6. In this case,A protruding upper portion 653 is formed in the intermediate part of the strip-like portion 652 in the longitudinal direction L by causing this intermediate part to bulge outward in a direction normal to the longitudinal direction L, and the strip-like portion 652 may be resiliently deformed. The protruding upper portion 653 may be formed by bending the strip-like portion 652. Furthermore, the protruding upper portion 653 of each strip-like portion 652 protrudes furthest outward in the direction normal to the longitudinal direction L and comes into contact with the insertion hole 71.

[0072] The majority of strip-like sections 652, which in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 is formed at three positions, i.e., on both sides in a width direction normal to the longitudinal direction L and on one side in a height direction normal to the width direction. All of the strip-like portions 652 at the three positions can be resiliently deformed by forming the protruding upper portions 653. Besides this, the resiliently deformable strip-like portions 652 may be formed, for example, only on the two sides in the width direction normal to the longitudinal direction L or only on one side in the height direction.

[0073] Furthermore, as described in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, a reinforcing strip-like portion 654, which does not constitute the protrusion 65A, may be formed between the plurality of strip-like portions 652. The reinforcing strip-like portion 654 may be formed parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The reinforcing strip-like portion 654 may be formed between the strip-like portions 652 in a direction about a central axis along the longitudinal direction L of the connection terminal 6. Further, any one of the plurality of strip-like portions 652 may be the reinforcing strip-like portion 654 that does not constitute the protrusion 65A.

[0074] By forming the slit 651 in the connection terminal 6, an electrical resistance value of the connection terminal 6 can be increased and the strength of the connection terminal 6 can be reduced. Accordingly, by forming the connection terminal 6 with the reinforcing strip-like portion 654 together with the strip-like portions 652, the electrical resistance value of the connection terminal 6 can be maintained low and the strength of the connection terminal 6 can be maintained as high as possible.

[0075] Furthermore, as described in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, a plurality of protrusions 65B may be formed by one or more cutouts 65S formed in a base end of the connection terminal 6 in the longitudinal direction L in a base end part of the connection terminal 6 in the longitudinal direction L. The plurality of protrusions 65B may be formed by being bent in a direction normal to or at an angle to the longitudinal direction L. The plurality of protrusions 65B may be resiliently deformed by having a cantilevered shape having one end supported on the body portion of the connection terminal 6.

[0076] In this case, when tip portions of the projections 65B come into contact with the insertion hole 71 upon insertion of the terminal part of the terminal-equipped wire 1 into the insertion hole 71, the tip portions of the projections 65B can be resiliently deformed. A spring force can be caused to act on the insertion hole 71 from the projections 65B. Furthermore, one, two, or more projections 65B may be formed. A case where three projections 65B are formed is shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 shown.

[0077] Furthermore, as described in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, a projection 65C may be formed as a cantilever beam having one end in the longitudinal direction L supported on the body portion of the connection terminal 6 by cutting a part of the connection terminal 6 through a slit (cutout) 656 in an intermediate part of the connection terminal 6 in the longitudinal direction L. In this case, conductive portions 657 constituting the body portion of the connection terminal 6 are formed on both sides of the projection 65C in a direction normal to the longitudinal direction L.

[0078] In this case, too, the protrusion 65C is resiliently deformable and can come into contact with the insertion hole 71 by generating a spring force. Furthermore, the protrusion 65C protrudes obliquely from the body portion of the connection terminal 6 from a tip side (connector terminal 2 side) toward a base end side (wire 3 side) in the longitudinal direction L to facilitate insertion of the terminal part of the terminal-equipped wire 1 into the insertion hole 71.

[0079] It should be noted that the projections 65, 65A, 65B, and 65C are hardly resiliently deformed, rather than resiliently deformable. In this case, a small clearance is formed between the projections 65 and the insertion hole 71 when the terminal part of the terminal-equipped wire 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 71. In other words, the projections need not have spring characteristics, and are not limited to projections that are resiliently deformable and have spring characteristics.

[0080] The projections 65, 65A, 65B, 65C of this embodiment can be provided in the connecting terminals 6 shown in the second and third embodiments. The other configurations, functions, effects, and the like of the terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, constituent elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the second embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment. <Fünfte Ausführungsform>

[0081] A terminal-equipped wire 1 different from that of the second embodiment in the structures of a relay conductor 4 and a sealing member 5 is shown in this embodiment.

[0082] As this is Fig. 16 and Fig.As shown in Fig. 17, a part where the sealing member 5 is to be mounted is formed to have a larger diameter than other parts in the relay conductor 4 of this embodiment. The sealing member 5 is constituted by an O-ring made of rubber and having an annular shape and a circular cross section as a whole. The relay conductor 4 includes a first shaft portion 44 to be connected to a second terminal connecting portion 22 provided in a connector terminal 2, a second shaft portion 45 to be connected to a fourth connecting portion 64 provided in a connection terminal 6, and a diameter-enlarged portion 46 having a larger diameter than the first and second shaft portions 44, 45.Each of the first shaft portion 44, the second shaft portion 45 and the diameter-enlarged portion 46 has a circular cross-section.

[0083] A groove portion 461, which has a smaller diameter so that the O-ring is mounted, is formed in an intermediate part of the diameter-enlarged portion 46 in a longitudinal direction L. The O-ring is positioned in an axial direction of the relay conductor 4 by being arranged in the groove portion 461. A first terminal connecting portion 21 and a second terminal connecting portion 22 of the connector terminal 2 are crimped onto the first shaft portion 44 of the relay conductor 4. A first connecting portion 61 and the fourth connecting portion 64 of the connecting terminal 6 are crimped onto the second shaft portion 45 of the relay conductor 4.

[0084] In this embodiment, the terminal-equipped wire 1 can be manufactured as in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the manufacturing cost of the sealing member 5 can be reduced by using the O-ring, which is a standard product, as the sealing member 5. Furthermore, by using the O-ring, a length of the relay conductor 4 can be made shorter compared to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0085] The other configurations, functions, effects, and the like of the terminal-equipped wire 1 of this embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, constituent elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the second embodiment are also the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various other embodiments may be configured without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention includes various modifications, modifications within the scope of equivalents, and the like.

Claims

[1] Wire (1) equipped with a terminal, comprising: a connector terminal (2) to be arranged in an insertion hole (71) provided in a connector housing (7); a wire (3) formed by bundling a plurality of conductors (31); a relay conductor (4) consisting of a conductor, the relay conductor (4) electrically connecting the connector terminal (2) and the wire (3); and a sealing member (5) to be mounted on an outer periphery of the relay conductor (4), the sealing member (5) being arranged in the insertion hole (71) to close a clearance (S1) between the sealing member (5) and the relay conductor (4) and a clearance (S2) between the sealing member (5) and the insertion hole (71). [2] The terminal-equipped wire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the relay conductor (4) has a mounting shaft portion (41) having the connector terminal (2) and the sealing member (5) mounted thereon, and a conductor connecting portion (42) connected to an end part of the wire (3). [3] A terminal-equipped wire (1) according to claim 2, wherein the conductor connecting portion (42) includes a bottomed arranging hole (421) having the end part of the wire (3) arranged therein. [4] A terminal-equipped wire (1) according to claim 1, wherein: the relay conductor (4) is formed in a shaft shape and the relay conductor (4) and the wire (3) are coupled by a connecting terminal (6) which includes a first connecting portion (21) connected to the relay conductor (4) and a second connecting portion (22) connected to the wire (3). [5] A terminal-equipped wire (1) according to claim 4, wherein the sealing member (5) includes: a connecting outer peripheral portion to be connected to at least one of a terminal connecting portion (21, 22) provided in the connector terminal (2) and a connecting portion (61, 62) provided in the connecting terminal (6); and a sealing portion (51) for closing the insertion hole (71). [6] The terminal-equipped wire (1) according to claim 5, wherein the connecting outer peripheral portion consists of a first connecting outer peripheral portion (53) to be connected to the terminal connecting portion (21, 22) and a second connecting outer peripheral portion (54) to be connected to the connecting portion (61, 62). [7] A terminal-equipped wire (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the connecting terminal (6) is formed with a projection (65A) to come into contact with the insertion hole (71). [8] A terminal-equipped wire (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: the relay conductor (4) includes a first shaft portion (44) to be connected to a terminal connecting portion (21, 22) provided in the connector terminal (6), a second shaft portion (45) to be connected to a connecting portion (21, 22) provided in the connecting terminal (6), and a diameter-enlarged portion (46) having a larger diameter than the first shaft portion (44) and the second shaft portion (45), and the sealing member (5) is formed by an O-ring which is mounted on the enlarged diameter portion (46).

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