Connection system, connector, and method for manufacturing wiring structure

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of suppressing an increase in contact resistance between terminals when a connector is replaced.SOLUTION: A connection system 100 includes a male connector 101, a first female connector 102a, and a second female connector 102b. When the first female connector 102a is connected to the male connector 101, the first female terminal 40a contacts a first contact area of the male terminal 20, and when the second female connector 102b is connected to the male connector 101, a second female terminal 40b contacts a second contact area of the male terminal 20 that is offset from the first contact area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connection systems, connectors, and methods of manufacturing wiring structures. [Background technology]

[0002] The connector has a configuration in which terminals (terminal fittings) provided at the ends of electric wires are accommodated in cavities provided in a connector housing (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-002074 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in a vehicle such as an automobile, various devices mounted on the vehicle may be connected to devices on the vehicle body via connectors. In this case, for example, when the on-board device is replaced (for example, when a new version of the device is released due to the addition of new device functions after the purchase of the vehicle, and the old version of the device is replaced with the new version), the connector is replaced. When the connector is replaced, it is required that the contact resistance between the terminals is kept low without increasing even after the replacement.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that can suppress an increase in contact resistance between terminals when a connector is replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connection system disclosed herein comprises a male connector having a male terminal and a male housing in which the male terminal is accommodated, a first female connector having a first female terminal and a first female housing in which the first female terminal is accommodated, and a second female connector having a second female terminal and a second female housing in which the second female terminal is accommodated, wherein when the first female connector is connected to the male connector, the first female terminal contacts a first contact area of ​​the male terminal, and when the second female connector is connected to the male connector, the second female terminal contacts a second contact area of ​​the male terminal that is offset from the first contact area.

[0007] The connector of the present disclosure is a connector comprising a female terminal and a female housing in which the female terminal is accommodated, wherein the female housing has a regulating surface that contacts a male housing and regulates the connection position of the female housing relative to the male housing, and wherein the connection position is regulated by the regulating surface, so that an area of ​​contact with the female terminal of the male terminal accommodated in the male housing is shifted from an area of ​​contact with the female terminal when the connection position is not regulated by the regulating surface.

[0008] The manufacturing method of the wiring structure disclosed herein includes a removal step of removing a first female connector having a first female terminal and a first female housing in which the first female terminal is housed from a male connector having a male terminal and a male housing in which the male terminal is housed, and a connection step of connecting a second female connector having a second female terminal and a second female housing in which the second female terminal is housed to the male connector from which the first female connector has been removed, and contacting the second female terminal with a second contact area of ​​the male terminal that is positioned offset from the first contact area with which the first female terminal was in contact. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an increase in contact resistance between terminals when a connector is replaced can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connection system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the connection system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first female connector is connected to the male connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first female connector is connected to the male connector. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second female connector is connected to the male connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second female connector is connected to the male connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a connection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first female connector is connected to the male connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second female connector is connected to the male connector. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connection system according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a connection system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0012] The connection system of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0013] (1) A connection system comprising: a male connector having a male terminal and a male housing in which the male terminal is accommodated; a first female connector having a first female terminal and a first female housing in which the first female terminal is accommodated; and a second female connector having a second female terminal and a second female housing in which the second female terminal is accommodated, wherein when the first female connector is connected to the male connector, the first female terminal contacts a first contact area of ​​the male terminal, and when the second female connector is connected to the male connector, the second female terminal contacts a second contact area of ​​the male terminal, the second contact area being offset from the first contact area.

[0014] When the connector to be connected to the male connector is replaced, for example, from the first female connector to the second female connector, even if the plating of the first contact area is peeled off, the second female terminal is more likely to be able to contact the male terminal in the area where the plating is not peeled off. Therefore, when the connector is replaced, an increase in contact resistance between the terminals is suppressed.

[0015] (2) In the connection system of (1), at least a part of the second contact area may be located closer to the base end of the male terminal than the first contact area. In this case, when a connector to be connected to a male connector is replaced, for example, from a first female connector to a second female connector, even if the plating of the area of ​​the male terminal closer to the tip end than the first contact area peels off, the second female terminal is more likely to be able to contact the male terminal in the area where the plating has not peeled off. Therefore, when the connector is replaced, the contact resistance between the terminals is not particularly likely to increase.

[0016] (3) In the connection system of (1) or (2), the second contact area may be an area that does not entirely overlap with the first contact area. In this case, even if the plating of the first contact area peels off when the connector to be connected to the male connector is replaced, for example, from the first female connector to the second female connector, the second female terminal is likely to be able to contact the male terminal in the area where the plating has not peeled off. Therefore, when the connector is replaced, the contact resistance between the terminals is not particularly likely to increase.

[0017] (4) In the connection system according to any one of (1) to (3), the first female housing may have a restricting surface that contacts the male housing to restrict a connection position of the first female housing to the male housing to a position shifted from a connection position of the second female housing to the male housing. In this case, the first contact area and the second contact area can be shifted with a simple configuration.

[0018] (5) In the connection system of (4), the first female terminal and the second female terminal may have the same shape. In this case, the first female terminal and the second female terminal can be formed from a common part, so that the number of types of parts used in the entire connection system can be reduced.

[0019] (6) In the connection system of (4) or (5), the first female housing may include a protrusion having the regulating surface. In this case, the connection position of the first female housing relative to the male housing can be regulated without complicating the shape of the first female housing.

[0020] (7) In the connection system of any one of (4) to (6), the regulating surface may contact an end face of the male housing into which the first female housing is inserted. In this case, the connection position of the first female housing relative to the male housing can be regulated without complicating the shape of the male housing.

[0021] (8) In the connection system of (6) or (7), the male housing may have a groove, the protrusion is accommodated in the groove, and the regulating surface may contact an end face of the groove in an extending direction. Since the male housing and the first female housing are allowed to be connected only when the position of the groove corresponds to the position of the protrusion, connection errors are unlikely to occur.

[0022] (9) In the connection system of any one of (1) to (3), the first female housing may have a first restriction surface that contacts the male housing to restrict the connection position of the first female housing to the male housing to a first position, and the second female housing may have a second restriction surface that contacts the male housing to restrict the connection position of the second female housing to the male housing to a second position shifted from the first position. In this case, the positions of the first contact area and the second contact area can be defined independently.

[0023] (10) In the connection system of any one of (1) to (9), when the first female housing is inserted into the recess of the male housing and the first female connector is connected to the male connector, a gap may be provided between the innermost surface of the recess and the opposing end surface of the first female housing. By providing such a gap, the first contact area can be shifted toward the tip of the male terminal by the size of the gap.

[0024] (11) The connector of the present disclosure is a connector including a female terminal and a female housing in which the female terminal is accommodated, wherein the female housing has a regulating surface that contacts a male housing and regulates a connection position of the female housing relative to the male housing, and wherein the connection position is regulated by the regulating surface, so that an area of ​​contact with the female terminal of the male terminal accommodated in the male housing is shifted from an area of ​​contact with the female terminal when the connection position is not regulated by the regulating surface.

[0025] For example, when a connector to be connected to a male connector is replaced from a connector whose connection position is restricted by a restricting surface to a connector whose connection position is not restricted by a restricting surface, even if the plating of the area where the female terminal of the connector before the replacement was in contact has peeled off, the female terminal of the replaced connector is more likely to be able to contact the male terminal in the area where the plating has not peeled off. Therefore, when the connector is replaced, an increase in contact resistance between the terminals is suppressed.

[0026] (12) Furthermore, the manufacturing method for a wiring structure disclosed herein includes a removal step of removing a first female connector having a first female terminal and a first female housing in which the first female terminal is housed, from a male connector having a male terminal and a male housing in which the male terminal is housed, and a connection step of connecting a second female connector having a second female terminal and a second female housing in which the second female terminal is housed, to the male connector from which the first female connector has been removed, and contacting the second female terminal with a second contact area of ​​the male terminal that is positioned offset from a first contact area with which the first female terminal was in contact.

[0027] Even if the plating of the first contact area peels off when the second female connector is connected to the male connector, the second female terminal is more likely to be able to contact the male terminal in the area where the plating has not peeled off. Therefore, in a wiring structure manufactured by replacing the connectors, an increase in contact resistance between the terminals is suppressed.

[0028] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the connection system, connector, and method of manufacturing the wiring structure of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0029] [Embodiment 1] <1. Configuration of the connection system> The configuration of a connection system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view that shows a schematic view of the connection system 100. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view that shows a schematic view of the connection system 100.

[0030] The connection system 100 is a system for electrically connecting various devices, and includes a male connector 101, a first female connector 102a, and a second female connector 102b. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the first female connector 102a and the second female connector 102b, they will simply be referred to as "female connector 102."

[0031] (i) Basic configuration The male connector 101 includes a terminal (male terminal) 20 provided at an end of the electric wire 10, and a connector housing (male housing) 30 in which the male terminal 20 is accommodated. The female connector 102 includes a terminal (female terminal) 40 provided at an end of the electric wire 10, and a connector housing (female housing) 50 in which the female terminal 40 is accommodated. The electric wire 10 and the terminals 20, 40 provided at its end are sometimes called a terminal-attached electric wire. The terminal-attached electric wire and the connector housings 30, 50 in which the terminals 20, 40 are accommodated are sometimes called a connector-attached electric wire, a wire harness, or the like.

[0032] (Electric wire) The electric wire 10 is, for example, an insulated electric wire, and is configured to include a core wire 11 and an insulating coating 12 surrounding the core wire 11. The core wire 11 is a conductive member (conductor) and is made of various conductive materials (e.g., copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.). The insulating coating 12 is a non-conductive, flexible coating and is made of various synthetic resin materials (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), etc.).

[0033] (Terminal) Both the male terminal (male terminal fitting) 20 and the female terminal (female terminal fitting) 40 are conductive members and include a base portion and a plating (plating layer) covering the base portion. The base portion is formed of, for example, copper, brass, copper alloy, etc. The plating is formed of, for example, tin (Sn), tin alloy (for example, tin alloy with silver, copper, bismuth, etc. added to tin), precious metal (for example, gold, silver), etc. By providing the plating, an increase in contact resistance between the terminals is suppressed. That is, by providing the plating, for example, an oxide film is less likely to form on the surface of the base portion, and therefore an increase in film resistance (and therefore contact resistance) is suppressed.

[0034] A coating connection part 21 and a core wire connection part 22 are provided on one end side (base end side) of the male terminal 20. Similarly, a coating connection part 41 and a core wire connection part 42 are provided on one end side (base end side) of the female terminal 40. The coating connection parts 21, 41 are mechanically connected to the end of the insulating coating 12. The connection between the coating connection parts 21, 41 and the insulating coating 12 is realized by an appropriate method (e.g., crimping, etc.). In addition, the core wire 11 extends from the end of the insulating coating 12 by a certain length (i.e., the insulating coating 12 is peeled off from around the core wire 11 by a certain length to expose the core wire 11), and the core wire connection parts 22, 42 are mechanically and electrically connected to the extending core wire 11. The connection between the core wire connection parts 22, 42 and the core wire 11 is realized by an appropriate method (e.g., crimping, ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, soldering, etc.).

[0035] The other end (tip) of the male terminal 20 is provided with a contact portion 23 that is electrically connected to a mating terminal. The contact portion 23 of the male terminal 20 has an elongated shape (e.g., rod-like, tab-like, pin-like, etc.). Similarly, the other end (tip) of the female terminal 40 is provided with a contact portion 43 that is electrically connected to a mating terminal. The contact portion 43 of the female terminal 40 includes, for example, a cylindrical portion 431 and a spring piece 432 having a spring structure formed therein. The lower surface of the spring piece 432 is provided with, for example, a protrusion 433.

[0036] (Male housing) The male housing 30 is a housing made of an insulating material such as resin, and is formed, for example, by mold molding. The male housing 30 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a recess 31 is provided on one end face (inserted face) 301. The male housing 30 is also provided with one or more terminal accommodating chambers (cavities) 32 (six in the illustrated example) that penetrate from the other end face (back face) 302 to the inner face 303 of the recess 31. Each terminal accommodating chamber 32 accommodates a male terminal 20 individually. The male terminal 20 is, for example, inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 32 from the back face 302, and is fixed (for example, fixed by locking) to the terminal accommodating chamber 32 with the coating connection portion 21 and the core wire connection portion 22 accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 32 and the contact portion 23 extending into the recess 31. The electric wires 10 extending from the back face 302 may be tied with a tie 13 formed of an adhesive tape, a cable tie, or the like.

[0037] (female housing) The female housing 50, like the male housing 30, is a housing made of an insulating material such as resin, and is formed, for example, by mold molding. The female housing 50 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and is provided with one or more terminal accommodating chambers (cavities) 51 (six in the illustrated example) that penetrate from one end face (insertion face) 501 to the other end face (rear face) 502. Each terminal accommodating chamber 51 individually accommodates a female terminal 40. The female terminal 40 is, for example, inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 51 from the rear face 502, and is fixed (for example, fixed by engagement) to the terminal accommodating chamber 51 in a state where the female terminal 40 is entirely accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 51. Each electric wire 10 extending from the rear face 502 may be tied with a tie 13 formed of an adhesive tape, a cable tie, or the like.

[0038] (ii) a first female connector and a second female connector As described above, the connection system 100 includes two female connectors 102 (i.e., the first female connector 102a and the second female connector 102b). The first female connector 102a and the second female connector 102b differ in the presence or absence of a protrusion 52. That is, the protrusion 52 is provided on a surface (side surface) 503 intersecting with the insertion surface 501 of the female housing 50 of the first female connector 102a (hereinafter also referred to as the "first female housing 50a"). On the other hand, the protrusion 52 is not provided on a side surface 503 of the female housing 50 of the second female connector 102b (hereinafter also referred to as the "second female housing 50b").

[0039] The first female connector 102a and the second female connector 102b are the same except for the presence or absence of a protrusion 52. That is, the female terminal 40 of the first female connector 102a (hereinafter also referred to as the "first female terminal 40a") and the female terminal 40 of the second female connector 102b (hereinafter also referred to as the "second female terminal 40b") have the same shape. Moreover, the first female housing 50a and the second female housing 50b have the same shape except for the presence or absence of a protrusion 52. Furthermore, the position (accommodated position) of the first female terminal 40a relative to the first female housing 50a and the position of the second female terminal 40b relative to the second female housing 50b are the same.

[0040] <2.Connecting the connector> (Connection of first female connector 102a) The connection between male connector 101 and first female connector 102a will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a perspective view that shows a schematic state in which first female connector 102a is connected to male connector 101. Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view that shows a schematic state in which first female connector 102a is connected to male connector 101.

[0041] When connecting the first female connector 102a to the male connector 101, first, the plugged surface 301 of the male housing 30 and the plugging surface 501 of the first female housing 50a are arranged to face each other. Then, the first female housing 50a is moved relatively to approach the male housing 30, and the first female housing 50a is inserted (pushed) into the recess 31 from the plugged surface 301 side of the male housing 30. When the first female housing 50a is inserted into the recess 31 by the first insertion amount Da, the protrusion 52 (specifically, the side surface (regulating surface) 521 on the plugging surface 501 side of the protrusion 52) abuts (contacts) against the plugged surface 301 of the male housing 30, and the first female housing 50a is not inserted any deeper. At this stage, the connection between the male connector 101 and the first female connector 102a is completed.

[0042] When the first female connector 102a is connected to the male connector 101, the inner surface 303 of the recess 31 of the male housing 30 and the opposing insertion surface 501 of the first female housing 50a are not yet in contact with each other, and a gap G is provided between the two surfaces 303, 501. When the first female connector 102a is connected to the male connector 101, the first female terminal 40a contacts the first contact area Qa of the male terminal 20. Specifically, the spring piece 432 of the first female terminal 40a is elastically biased downward, so that the protruding end of the convex portion 433 provided on the lower surface of the spring piece 432 contacts the first contact area Qa of the contact portion 23. This electrically connects the male terminal 20 and the first female terminal 40a.

[0043] (Connection of second female connector 102b) Next, the connection between male connector 101 and second female connector 102b will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a perspective view that shows a schematic state in which second female connector 102b is connected to male connector 101. Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view that shows a schematic state in which second female connector 102b is connected to male connector 101.

[0044] When connecting the second female connector 102b to the male connector 101, first, the plugged surface 301 of the male housing 30 and the plugging surface 501 of the second female housing 50b are arranged to face each other. Then, the second female housing 50b is moved relatively to approach the male housing 30, and the second female housing 50b is inserted into the recess 31 from the plugged surface 301 side of the male housing 30. Since the second female housing 50b does not have a protrusion 52, the second female housing 50b is inserted into the recess 31 beyond the first plugging amount Da (deeper). When the second female housing 50b is inserted into the recess 31 by the second plugging amount Db (i.e., the second plugging amount Db larger than the first plugging amount Da), the plugging surface 501 abuts (contacts) against the surface 303 at the back of the recess 31, and the second female housing 50b is not inserted any deeper. At this stage, the connection between male connector 101 and second female connector 102b is completed.

[0045] In a state where the second female connector 102b is connected to the male connector 101, the second female terminal 40b contacts the second contact area Qb of the male terminal 20. Specifically, the spring piece 432 of the second female terminal 40b is elastically biased downward, so that the protruding end of the convex portion 433 provided on the lower surface of the spring piece 432 contacts the second contact area Qb of the contact portion 23. This electrically connects the male terminal 20 and the second female terminal 40b. However, the second contact area Qb is in a position shifted from the first contact area Qa. That is, as described above, here, the restricting surface 521 provided on the first female housing 50a contacts the insertion surface 301, so that the connection position of the first female housing 50a to the male housing 30 is restricted to a position shifted from the connection position of the second female housing 50b to the male housing 30 (specifically, a position where the insertion amount is relatively small (shallow)). Therefore, the second contact area Qb is shifted from the first contact area Qa. Specifically, at least a part of the second contact area Qb is located closer to the base end of the male terminal 20 (the end of the contact portion 23 connected to the core wire connecting portion 22) than the first contact area Qa.

[0046] <3. Replacing the connector> Next, a description will be given of a mode of use of the connection system 100. The connection system 100 is used, for example, in a vehicle such as an automobile, to connect a device mounted on the vehicle (a device mounted on the vehicle) to a device on the vehicle body side. In this case, for example, a male connector 101 is used as a connector for the device on the vehicle body side (i.e., a connector provided at an end of the electric wire 10 extending from the device on the vehicle body side), and a female connector 102 is used as a connector for the device on the vehicle side (i.e., a connector provided at an end of the electric wire 10 extending from the device on the vehicle side).

[0047] The on-board device may be replaced. For example, when a new version of the device is released due to the addition of a device function after the purchase of the vehicle, the device (old version device) that has been installed in the vehicle since its shipment is replaced with the new version device. In addition, for example, during maintenance, the old device may be replaced with a new device. In this case, for example, the first female connector 102a is used as the connector of the device before replacement, and the second female connector 102b is used as the connector of the replaced device. In other words, the first female connector 102a is used as the connector of the device that is expected to be replaced with a new device in the future, and the second female connector 102b is used as the connector of the new device that will replace the existing device.

[0048] For example, when a vehicle is shipped, the device before replacement is assembled in the vehicle. In this state, the first female connector 102a is connected to the male connector 101, so that the device before replacement and the device on the vehicle body side are electrically connected. That is, a wiring structure including the first female connector 102a and the male connector 101 connected thereto is formed (FIGS. 3 and 4). Thereafter, when a new version of the device is released, the device on the vehicle side is replaced with a new device. At this time, the connector connected to the male connector 101 is replaced from the first female connector 102a to the second female connector 102b. Specifically, first, the first female connector 102a is removed from the male connector 101 (removal process). Then, the second female connector 102b is connected to the male connector 101 from which the first female connector 102a has been removed (connection process). This electrically connects the device after replacement and the device on the vehicle body side. That is, a wiring structure including second female connector 102b and male connector 101 connected thereto (wiring structure after device replacement) is formed (FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0049] As described above, when the first female connector 102a is connected to the male connector 101, the first female terminal 40a is in contact with the first contact area Qa of the male terminal 20 (FIG. 4). If a relatively long time (e.g., several years) passes while the first female connector 102a is connected to the male connector 101, the male terminal 20 and the first female terminal 40a may become fixed to each other. If the fixed terminals 20, 40a are forcibly pulled apart when the first female connector 102a is removed from the male connector 101, the plating of the first contact area Qa may peel off. In addition, when the first female connector 102a is removed from the male connector 101, the spring piece 432 of the first female terminal 40a moves toward the tip side of the male terminal 20 while being elastically biased by the male terminal 20. For this reason, the first contact region Qa and the region further forward than this are subject to friction (adhesion friction force, digging friction force), and the plating of the region may peel off (disappear due to wear).In addition, while the first female connector 102a is connected to the male connector 101, the first female terminal 40a may repeatedly slide slightly against the male terminal 20 due to vibrations while the vehicle is running, external impacts, thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, and the like, and this may cause the plating of the first contact region Qa to peel off (disappear due to wear).

[0050] If the plating of the first contact area Qa has peeled off when the first female connector 102a is removed from the male connector 101, when a new connector is connected to the male connector 101 (i.e., in the updated wiring structure), there is a risk of an increase in contact resistance between the terminals if the terminal of the new connector comes into contact with the area of ​​the male terminal 20 where the plating has peeled off. In other words, even if there is no peeling of the plating on the terminal of the new connector, if there is peeling of the plating on the male terminal 20 side, for example, an oxide film may be formed at that location, and the contact resistance between the terminals may increase.

[0051] If the second female connector 102b is the new connector to be connected to the male connector 101 after the first female connector 102a is removed, such a situation is unlikely to occur. That is, when the second female connector 102b is connected to the male connector 101, the second female terminal 40b contacts the second contact area Qb of the male terminal 20, which is located at a position shifted from the first contact area Qa (FIG. 6). Therefore, even if the plating of the first contact area Qa is peeled off, the second female terminal 40b is likely to be able to contact the male terminal 20 in the area where the plating is not peeled off. In particular, if at least a part of the second contact area Qb is located closer to the base end of the male terminal 20 than the first contact area Qa, the second female terminal 40b is likely to be able to contact the male terminal 20 in the area where the plating is not peeled off, even if the plating of the area closer to the tip end than the first contact area Qa is peeled off. The second female terminal 40b contacts the male terminal 20 in an area where the plating has not peeled off, thereby preventing an increase in contact resistance between the terminals 20, 40b.

[0052] <4. Effects, etc.> The connection system 100 configured as above includes the male connector 101, the first female connector 102a, and the second female connector 102b. When the first female connector 102a is connected to the male connector 101, the first female terminal 40a contacts the first contact area Qa of the male terminal 20, and when the second female connector 102b is connected to the male connector 101, the second female terminal 40b contacts the second contact area Qb of the male terminal 20, which is located at a position shifted from the first contact area Qa. Therefore, when the connector connected to the male connector 101 is replaced, for example, from the first female connector 102a to the second female connector 102b, even if the plating of the first contact area Qa has peeled off, the second female terminal 40b is more likely to be able to contact the male terminal 20 in the area where the plating has not peeled off. Therefore, when the connector is replaced, an increase in the contact resistance between the terminals 20 and 40b is suppressed.

[0053] Furthermore, in the connection system 100, at least a part of the second contact area Qb is located closer to the base end of the male terminal 20 than the first contact area Qa. In this case, when the connector to be connected to the male connector 101 is replaced, for example, from the first female connector 102a to the second female connector 102b, even if the plating of the area of ​​the male terminal 20 closer to the tip end than the first contact area Qa has peeled off, the second female terminal 40b is more likely to be able to contact the male terminal 20 in the area where the plating has not peeled off. Therefore, when the connector is replaced, the contact resistance between the terminals 20, 40b is not particularly likely to increase.

[0054] In the connection system 100, the second contact area Qb may be an area that does not entirely overlap with the first contact area Qa, or may be an area that does not entirely overlap with the first contact area Qa (i.e., an area that overlaps with the first contact area Qa in a portion, but does not overlap with the first contact area Qa in the remaining portion). However, if the second contact area Qb is an area that does not entirely overlap with the first contact area Qa, even if the plating of the first contact area Qa peels off when the connector to be connected to the male connector 101 is replaced, for example, from the first female connector 102a to the second female connector 102b, the possibility that the second female terminal 40b can contact the male terminal 20 in the area where the plating is not peeled off is sufficiently increased. Therefore, when the connector is replaced, the contact resistance between the terminals 20 and 40b is not particularly likely to increase.

[0055] Furthermore, the connection system 100 includes a restriction surface 521 in which the first female housing 50a comes into contact with the male housing 30 to restrict the connection position of the first female housing 50a relative to the male housing 30 to a position shifted from the connection position of the second female housing 50b relative to the male housing 30. In this case, the first contact area Qa and the second contact area Qb can be shifted with a simple configuration. Also, the amount of shift between the first contact area Qa and the second contact area Qb can be easily adjusted by the position of the restriction surface 521.

[0056] Furthermore, in the connection system 100, the first female terminal 40a and the second female terminal 40b have the same shape. In this case, the first female terminal 40a and the second female terminal 40b can be formed from common parts, so that the number of types of parts used in the entire connection system 100 can be reduced. This makes the manufacturing process of the connection system 100 more efficient and reduces the manufacturing cost of the connection system 100.

[0057] In addition, in the connection system 100, the first female housing 50a includes a protrusion 52 having a regulating surface 521. In this case, the connection position of the first female housing 50a relative to the male housing 30 can be regulated without complicating the shape of the first female housing 50a. In this case, the first female housing 50a and the second female housing 50b can be made to have the same shape, except for the presence or absence of the protrusion 52. By making most of the shape common, most of the design of one female housing 50a can be used in the design of the other female housing 50b. This makes the manufacturing process of the connection system 100 more efficient and reduces the manufacturing cost of the connection system 100.

[0058] In addition, in the connection system 100, the restriction surface 521 contacts an end surface (insertion surface) 501 of the male housing 30 on the side where the first female housing 50a is inserted. In this case, the connection position of the first female housing 50a relative to the male housing 30 can be restricted without complicating the shape of the male housing 30.

[0059] In the connection system 100, when the first female housing 50a is inserted into the recess 31 of the male housing 30 and the first female connector 102a is connected to the male connector 101, a gap G is provided between the inner surface 303 of the recess 31 and the opposing end surface (insertion surface) 501 of the first female housing 50a. By providing such a gap G, the first contact area Qa can be shifted toward the tip side of the male terminal 20 by the size of the gap G.

[0060] Also, focusing on the first female connector 102a, the first female connector 102a has a first female housing 50a which comes into contact with the male housing 30 and has a restriction surface 521 which restricts the connection position of the first female housing 50a relative to the male housing 30, and by restricting the connection position by the restriction surface 521, the region (first region) Qa with which the first female terminal 40a of the male terminal 20 accommodated in the male housing 30 contacts is shifted from the region (second region) Qb with which the first female terminal 40a contacts when the connection position is not restricted by the restriction surface 521. Therefore, when the connector connected to the male connector 101 is replaced, for example, from the first female connector 102a whose connection position is restricted by the restriction surface 521 to a connector (for example, the second female connector 102b) whose connection position is not restricted by the restriction surface 521, an increase in the contact resistance between the terminals 20, 40b is suppressed.

[0061] Moreover, a method of manufacturing a wiring structure using the connection system 100 includes a removal step of removing the first female connector 102a from the male connector 101, and a connection step of connecting the second female connector 102b to the male connector 101 from which the first female connector 102a has been removed, and bringing the second female terminal 40b into contact with the second contact area Qb of the male terminal 20, which is positioned away from the first contact area Qa with which the first female terminal 40a was in contact. Therefore, in a wiring structure manufactured by replacing the connectors (for example, a wiring structure after update), an increase in contact resistance between the terminals 20, 40b is suppressed.

[0062] [Embodiment 2] <1. Configuration of the connection system> The configuration of a connection system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a perspective view that shows a schematic view of the connection system 200. In the following, the elements that have been described in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0063] The connection system 200 is a system for electrically connecting various devices together, and includes a male connector 201, a first female connector 202a, and a second female connector 202b.

[0064] The male connector 201 includes a male terminal 20 provided at the end of the electric wire 10, and a male housing 30 that accommodates the male terminal 20. A groove 33 extending from an insertion surface 301 toward the back of the recess 31 is provided on the inner wall surface of the recess 31 of the male housing 30.

[0065] The first female connector 202a includes a first female terminal 40a provided at an end of the electric wire 10, and a first female housing 50a in which the first female terminal 40a is accommodated. A rib-shaped protrusion (first protrusion) 53a extending from a back surface 502 toward an insertion surface 501 is provided on a side surface 503 of the first female housing 50a at a position corresponding to the groove 33. On the other hand, the second female connector 202b includes a second female terminal 40b provided at an end of the electric wire 10, and a second female housing 50b in which the second female terminal 40b is accommodated. A rib-shaped protrusion (second protrusion) 53b extending from a back surface 502 toward an insertion surface 501 is provided on a side surface 503 of the second female housing 50b at a position corresponding to the groove 33.

[0066] The first female connector 202a and the second female connector 202b differ in the length of the protrusions 53a, 53b. For example, the second protrusion 53b is shorter than the first protrusion 53a in the extension direction. In other words, the distance Lb from the insertion surface 501 of the second female housing 50b to the tip surface 531b (the end surface on the insertion surface 501 side) in the extension direction of the second protrusion 53b is greater than the distance La from the insertion surface 501 of the first female housing 50a to the tip surface 531a in the extension direction of the first protrusion 53a.

[0067] The first female connector 202a and the second female connector 202b are the same except for the length of the protrusions 53a, 53b (i.e., the positions of the tip surfaces 531a, 531b). That is, the first female terminal 40a and the second female terminal 40b have the same shape. Moreover, the first female housing 50a and the second female housing 50b have the same shape except for the protrusions 53a, 53b. Furthermore, the position of the first female terminal 40a relative to the first female housing 50a and the position of the second female terminal 40b relative to the second female housing 50b are the same.

[0068] <2.Connecting the connector> (Connection of first female connector 202a) The connection between male connector 201 and first female connector 202a will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 4. Figure 8 is a perspective view that shows a schematic state in which first female connector 202a is connected to male connector 201. Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view that shows a schematic state in which first female connector 202a is connected to male connector 201.

[0069] When connecting the first female connector 202a to the male connector 201, first, the plugged surface 301 of the male housing 30 and the plugging surface 501 of the first female housing 50a are arranged to face each other. Then, the first female housing 50a is moved relatively to the male housing 30 so as to approach the male housing 30, and the first female housing 50a is inserted into the recess 31 from the plugged surface 301 side of the male housing 30. At this time, one end side in the extension direction of the first protrusion 53a provided on the side surface 503 of the first female housing 50a moves in the extension direction while being accommodated in the groove 33 provided on the inner wall surface of the recess 31. When first female housing 50a is inserted into recess 31 by first insertion amount Da, tip surface (first restriction surface) 531a in the extension direction of first protrusion 53a abuts (contacts) end surface (back surface of groove 33) 331 in the extension direction of groove 33, and first female housing 50a is not inserted any deeper. At this stage, the connection between male connector 201 and first female connector 202a is completed.

[0070] When the first female connector 202a is connected to the male connector 201, the innermost surface 303 of the recess 31 of the male housing 30 and the opposing insertion surface 501 of the first female housing 50a are not yet in contact with each other, and a gap G is provided between the two surfaces 303, 501. Furthermore, when the first female connector 202a is connected to the male connector 101, the first female terminal 40a contacts the first contact area Qa of the male terminal 20. This electrically connects the male terminal 20 and the first female terminal 40a.

[0071] (Connection of second female connector 202b) The connection between male connector 201 and second female connector 202b will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 6. Figure 9 is a perspective view that shows a schematic state in which second female connector 202b is connected to male connector 201. Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view that shows a schematic state in which second female connector 202b is connected to male connector 201.

[0072] When connecting the second female connector 202b to the male connector 201, first, the plugged surface 301 of the male housing 30 and the plugging surface 501 of the second female housing 50b are arranged to face each other. Then, the second female housing 50b is moved relatively to the male housing 30 so as to approach the male housing 30, and the second female housing 50b is inserted into the recess 31 from the plugged surface 301 side of the male housing 30. At this time, one end side in the extension direction of the second protrusion 53b provided on the side surface 503 of the second female housing 50b moves in the extension direction while being accommodated in the groove 33 provided on the inner wall surface of the recess 31. When the second female housing 50b is inserted into the recess 31 by the second insertion amount Db, the tip surface (second restriction surface) 531b in the extension direction of the second protrusion 53b abuts (contacts) the end surface (the surface at the back side of the groove 33) 331 in the extension direction of the groove 33, and the second female housing 50b is not inserted any deeper. At this stage, the connection between the male connector 201 and the first female connector 202a is completed. In this state, the back surface 303 of the recess 31 of the male housing 30 and the opposing insertion surface 501 of the second female housing 50b may or may not abut each other.

[0073] In a state where the second female connector 202b is connected to the male connector 201, the second female terminal 40b comes into contact with the second contact area Qb of the male terminal 20. This electrically connects the male terminal 20 and the second female terminal 40b. However, the second contact area Qb is shifted from the first contact area Qa. That is, as described above, the first restriction surface 531a provided on the first female housing 50a comes into contact with the end surface 331 of the groove 33 provided on the male housing 30, so that the connection position of the first female housing 50a relative to the male housing 30 is restricted to the first position P1 (FIG. 8). In addition, the second restriction surface 531b provided on the second female housing 50b comes into contact with the end surface 331 of the groove 33 provided on the male housing 30, so that the connection position of the second female housing 50b relative to the male housing 30 is restricted to the second position P2 (FIG. 9). Since the separation distance La from the insertion surface 501 to the first restriction surface 531a is smaller than the separation distance Lb from the insertion surface 501 to the second restriction surface 531b, the first position P1 is a position shifted from the second position P2 (specifically, a position where the insertion amount is relatively small (shallow)). Therefore, the second contact area Qb is a position shifted from the first contact area Qa. Specifically, at least a portion of the second contact area Qb is located closer to the base end of the male terminal 20 than the first contact area Qa.

[0074] <3. Effects, etc.> In the connection system 200 configured as described above, as in the connection system 100 of embodiment 1, when the connector connected to the male connector 201 is replaced, for example, from the first female connector 202a to the second female connector 202b, an increase in contact resistance between the terminals 20, 40b is suppressed.

[0075] Moreover, in the connection system 200, the male housing 30 has a groove 33, the first protrusion 53a is accommodated in the groove 33, and the first restriction surface 531a contacts the end surface 331 in the extending direction of the groove 33. Only when the position of the groove 33 corresponds to the position of the first protrusion 53a, the connection between the male housing 30 and the first female housing 50a is permitted, so that connection errors are unlikely to occur.

[0076] Furthermore, in the connection system 200, the first female housing 50a has a first restriction surface 531a that contacts the male housing 30 and restricts the connection position of the first female housing 50a to the male housing 30 to a first position P1, and the second female housing 50b has a second restriction surface 531b that contacts the male housing 30 and restricts the connection position of the second female housing 50b to the male housing 30 to a second position P2 displaced from the first position P1. In this case, the positions of the first contact area Qa and the second contact area Qb can be determined independently.

[0077] [Variations] In the connection systems 100, 200 according to the first and second embodiments, the manner in which the first contact area Qa and the second contact area Qb are positioned to be offset from each other is not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0078] For example, in the connection system 100 according to the first embodiment, the protrusion 52 is provided on the side surface 503 of the first female housing 50a, but as in the connection system 300 illustrated in FIG. 10, the protrusion 54 may be provided on the insertion surface 501 of the first female housing 50a. In this case, when the first female housing 50a is inserted into the recess 31 by the first insertion amount Da, the protrusion 54 (specifically, the end surface (regulating surface) 541 on the protruding side of the protrusion 54) abuts against the innermost surface 303 of the recess 31 of the male housing 30, and the first female housing 50a is not inserted any deeper. At this stage, the connection between the male connector 101 and the first female connector 102a is completed. That is, in this case, the connection position of the first female housing 50a relative to the male housing 30 is regulated by the contact of the restricting surface 541 with the innermost surface 303 of the recess 31.

[0079] In the connection system 200 according to the second embodiment, two grooves may be provided in the male housing 30. The first protrusion 53a of the first female housing 50a may be provided at a position corresponding to one of the grooves, and the second protrusion 53b of the second female housing 50b may be provided at a position corresponding to the other groove. In this case, at least one of the lengths of the protrusions 53a and 53b (i.e., the positions of the regulating surfaces 531a and 531b) and the lengths of the two grooves (i.e., the positions of the end faces of the grooves) is made different from each other, so that the connection position of the first female housing 50a to the male housing 30 and the connection position of the second female housing 50b to the male housing 30 are shifted from each other. Furthermore, the first contact area Qa and the second contact area Qb are shifted from each other.

[0080] In addition, in the connection system 200 according to the second embodiment, the female housings 50a, 50b are provided with convex structures (rib-shaped protrusions 53a, 53b), and the male housing 30 is provided with a concave structure (groove 33). However, the female housings 50a, 50b may be provided with a concave structure, and the male housing 30 may be provided with a convex structure. That is, a convex structure (e.g., a rib-shaped protrusion) provided on the inner wall surface of the recess 31 of the male housing 30 may be housed in a concave structure (e.g., a groove) provided on the side surface 503 of each of the female housings 50a, 50b, and the connection position may be regulated by these end faces coming into contact with each other.

[0081] 11, the position (accommodated position) of the first female terminal 40a relative to the first female housing 50a and the position of the second female terminal 40b relative to the second female housing 50b may be different from each other, so that the first contact area Qa and the second contact area Qb are shifted from each other. Specifically, for example, the tip position of the second female terminal 40b relative to the second female housing 50b may be closer to the insertion surface 501 than the tip position of the first female terminal 40a relative to the first female housing 50a. In this case, the second contact area Qb is shifted toward the base end side of the male terminal 20 from the first contact area Qa.

[0082] Also, for example, the first contact area Qa and the second contact area Qb may be shifted from each other by making the shapes of the first female terminal 40a and the second female terminal 40b different from each other. Specifically, for example, the length of the contact portion 43 of the first female terminal 40a in the extending direction may be shorter than the length of the contact portion 43 of the second female terminal 40b in the extending direction. Alternatively, the formation position of the convex portion 433 with respect to the spring piece 432 of the first female terminal 40a may be shifted toward the base end side of the contact portion 43 from the formation position of the convex portion 433 with respect to the spring piece 432 of the second female terminal 40b. In either case, the second contact area Qb is shifted toward the base end side of the male terminal 20 from the first contact area Qa.

[0083] In the connection systems 100 and 200 according to the above-described first and second embodiments, the second contact area Qb may be shifted in any direction relative to the first contact area Qa. For example, at least a portion of the second contact area Qb may be located closer to the tip of the male terminal 20 than the first contact area Qa.

[0084] In the connection systems 100, 200 according to the first and second embodiments, the connector first connected to the male connector 101 may be the first female connector 102a, 202a or the second female connector 102b, 202b. That is, the connector connected to the male connector 101 may be replaced from the first female connector 102a, 202a to the second female connector 102b, 202b, or from the second female connector 102b, 202b to the first female connector 102a, 202a. In either case, when the connector is replaced, an increase in contact resistance between the terminals is suppressed.

[0085] The connection systems 100, 200 according to the first and second embodiments described above may be used for connecting devices mounted on a vehicle, or may be used for connecting various other devices.

[0086] The configurations described in the first and second embodiments and the modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10 Electric wire 11 Core Wire 12 Insulation coating 13 Binding device 20 Male terminal 21 Covered joint 22 Core Wire Connection 23 Contact part Qa 1st contact area Qb 2nd contact area 30 Male housing 31 Recess 32 Terminal housing 33 Groove 301 Inserted surface 302 Back 303 Back surface of the recess 331 End face of groove 40a 1st female terminal 40b 2nd female terminal 41 Covered joint 42 Core Wire Connection 43 Contact part 431 Cylinder part 432 Spring Piece 433 Convex 50a 1st female housing 50b 2nd female housing 51 Terminal chamber 52,54 Protrusion 53a 1st protrusion 53b 2nd protrusion 501 Insertion surface 502 Back 503 Side 521,541,531a,531b Regulatory aspects 101,201 Male Connector 102a, 202a 1st female connector 102b, 202b 2nd female connector 100, 200, 300, 400 connected systems Da 1st insertion amount Db Second insertion amount G Gap P1 1st position P2 2nd position

Claims

1. a male connector including a male terminal and a male housing in which the male terminal is housed; a first female connector including a first female terminal and a first female housing in which the first female terminal is housed; a second female connector including a second female terminal and a second female housing in which the second female terminal is housed; Equipped with When the first female connector is connected to the male connector, the first female terminal comes into contact with a first contact area of ​​the male terminal, When the second female connector is connected to the male connector, the second female terminal comes into contact with a second contact area of ​​the male terminal, the second contact area being shifted from the first contact area. Connection system.

2. 2. The connection system of claim 1, At least a portion of the second contact region is located closer to the base end of the male terminal than the first contact region. Connection system.

3. A connection system according to claim 1 or 2, The second contact area does not entirely overlap with the first contact area. Connection system.

4. A connection system according to claim 1 or 2, The first female housing is a restricting surface that comes into contact with the male housing and restricts a connection position of the first female housing to the male housing to a position shifted from a connection position of the second female housing to the male housing; A connection system comprising:

5. 5. The connection system of claim 4, The first female terminal and the second female terminal have the same shape. Connection system.

6. 5. The connection system of claim 4, The first female housing includes a protrusion having the regulating surface. Connection system.

7. 7. A connection system according to claim 6, comprising: The restriction surface comes into contact with an end surface of the male housing on a side into which the first female housing is inserted. Connection system.

8. 7. A connection system according to claim 6, comprising: The male housing has a groove; The protrusion is received in the groove, and the restricting surface contacts an end surface of the groove in an extending direction. Connection system.

9. A connection system according to claim 1 or 2, The first female housing is a first restriction surface that contacts the male housing and restricts a connection position of the first female housing relative to the male housing to a first position; Equipped with The second female housing is a second restriction surface that contacts the male housing and restricts a connection position of the second female housing to the male housing at a second position shifted from the first position; A connection system comprising:

10. A connection system according to claim 1 or 2, When the first female housing is inserted into the recess of the male housing and the first female connector is connected to the male connector, a gap is provided between a back surface of the recess and an end surface of the first female housing facing the back surface of the recess. Connection system.

11. A connector comprising a female terminal and a female housing in which the female terminal is housed, The female housing is a restricting surface that contacts the male housing and restricts a connection position of the female housing relative to the male housing; Equipped with The connection position is restricted by the restricting surface, so that an area of ​​the male terminal accommodated in the male housing with which the female terminal comes into contact is shifted from an area with which the female terminal comes into contact when the connection position is not restricted by the restricting surface. connector.

12. a removal process of removing a first female connector including a first female terminal and a first female housing in which the first female terminal is housed, from a male connector including a male terminal and a male housing in which the male terminal is housed; a connecting step of connecting a second female connector, which includes a second female terminal and a second female housing in which the second female terminal is accommodated, to the male connector from which the first female connector has been removed, and bringing the second female terminal into contact with a second contact area of ​​the male terminal that is positioned offset from a first contact area with which the first female terminal has been in contact; A method for manufacturing a wiring structure comprising:

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