Connector

Abstract

To provide a preferable function of suppressing the application of an overload to a terminal fitting.SOLUTION: A terminal fitting 30 includes: a wire connector 32 physically and electrically connected to a terminal of a wire 20; a wire holder 33 assembled to the terminal of the wire to hold the terminal of the wire and suppress application of a load from the terminal of the wire to the wire connector; and a coupler 34 coupling them. The coupler is formed such that a moment of inertia of a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the terminal of the wire is smaller than a moment of inertia of a cross-section perpendicular to the axis at the wire connector and smaller than a moment of inertia of a cross-section perpendicular to the axis at the wire holder and the moment of inertia of a cross-section perpendicular to the axis is smaller than a moment of inertia of a cross-section perpendicular to the axis at the wire connector and smaller than a moment of inertia of a cross-section perpendicular to the axis at the wire holder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector. [Background technology]

[0002] In a connector, an electric wire with a terminal is accommodated in a housing. The electric wire with a terminal has a terminal metal fitting connected to the end of the electric wire, and a load may be applied from the electric wire to the terminal metal fitting. For example, in an electric wire with a terminal, the electric wire is pulled out of the housing, and when a load (e.g., a tensile load in the axial direction or a torsional load around the axis, etc.) is applied to the electric wire outside the housing, the load may be transmitted to the terminal metal fitting. In addition, for example, in some electric wires with terminals, the electric wire is bent and routed in the housing, and the reaction force of the bent part of the electric wire may be transmitted as a load to the terminal metal fitting. In a connector, if an excessive load is applied from the electric wire to the terminal metal fitting, it is undesirable in terms of ensuring the durability of the electric wire with a terminal. For this reason, in conventional connectors, the electric wire pulled out from the terminal metal fitting is held in the housing to prevent the input of an overload from the electric wire to the terminal metal fitting. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a connector provided with a holding member for holding the electric wire. The holding member inserts the electric wire between a pair of pressure contact blades while cutting through the insulation displacement coating, and holds the electric wire with each of the pressure contact blades. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-331982 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional connectors, a holding member is prepared in addition to the terminal fittings, and unless the holding member is fixed to, for example, a housing, when a load is applied from the electric wire to the holding member, the holding member moves relative to the terminal fittings, and the load from the electric wire is also applied to the terminal fittings. Therefore, conventional connectors have room for improvement in terms of preventing the application of an overload to the terminal fittings.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that is capable of providing a suitable function for preventing the input of an overload to a terminal fitting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention includes an electric wire with a terminal having a terminal fitting connected to an end of the electric wire, a housing that accommodates and holds the electric wire with the terminal and allows the electric wire to be drawn outward from a first opening, and a cover that is attached to the housing and closes a second opening of the housing, the terminal fitting having an electric wire connecting portion that physically and electrically connects the electric wire to the end of the electric wire, an electric wire holding portion that is attached to the end of the electric wire to hold the end of the electric wire and suppresses input of a load from the end of the electric wire to the electric wire connecting portion, and a connecting portion that connects the electric wire connecting portion and the electric wire holding portion, the electric wire connecting portion, the connecting portion, and the electric wire holding portion being The connecting portions are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the ends of the electric wires, and the connecting portions are formed in a shape such that a second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the ends of the electric wires is smaller than a second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis at the wire connection portion and is smaller than a second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis at the wire holding portion, and further, a second polar moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis is smaller than a second polar moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis at the wire connection portion and is smaller than a second polar moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis at the wire holding portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The connector according to the present invention holds the end of the electric wire with the electric wire holding portion of the terminal fitting, thereby suppressing the input of a load from the end of the electric wire to the electric wire connection portion, and thus suppresses the input of an overload to the terminal fitting. Therefore, the connector according to the present invention can maintain the quality of the electrical connection between the end of the electric wire and the terminal fitting. Furthermore, when an overload greater than expected is applied from the end of the electric wire to the electric wire holding portion, the connector according to the present invention breaks the connecting portion, thereby suppressing the input of an overload from the connecting portion to the wire connection portion and maintaining the electrical connection between the end of the electric wire and the terminal fitting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a female connector and a male connector of an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the female connector of the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the female connector of the embodiment as viewed from a different angle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the male connector of the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the male connector of the embodiment as viewed from a different angle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an electric wire with a terminal of a female connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an electric wire with a terminal of a male connector. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a locking portion of the cover of the female connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a locking portion of the cover of the male connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0010] [Embodiment] One embodiment of a connector according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] Reference numeral 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 indicates one connector of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the "female connector"). Reference numeral 2 shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5 indicates the other connector of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the "male connector"). The female connector 1 and the male connector 2 are electrically connected to each other by mating them together.

[0012] The female connector 1 includes an electric wire with terminal 10 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 6). The male connector 2 includes an electric wire with terminal 110 (FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 7).

[0013] The electric wire with terminal 10 comprises an electric wire 20 and a terminal fitting (hereinafter referred to as a "female terminal fitting") 30 connected to an end of the electric wire 20 (Figs. 2, 3 and 6). The electric wire with terminal 110 comprises an electric wire 120 and a terminal fitting (hereinafter referred to as a "male terminal fitting") 130 connected to an end of the electric wire 120 (Figs. 4, 5 and 7). The electric wire 20 and the female terminal fitting 30 may be connected in any manner. Similarly, the electric wire 120 and the male terminal fitting 130 may be connected in any manner.

[0014] The female terminal fitting 30 has a terminal connection portion (hereinafter referred to as the "female terminal connection portion") 31 which is physically and electrically connected to the male terminal fitting 130 as the mating terminal fitting, and an electric wire connection portion 32 which is physically and electrically connected to the end of the electric wire 20 (Figures 2, 3 and 6).

[0015] The electric wire connecting portion 32 shown here is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape having a gap for clamping the end of the electric wire 20. This electric wire connecting portion 32 has a pair of clamping portions 32a that form the gap (FIG. 6). The end of the electric wire 20 is inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping portions 32a. The pair of clamping portions 32a are arranged opposite each other across the gap, and each has a pressure contact blade 32b that cuts through the coating 21 of the end of the electric wire 20 inserted into the gap and bites into the core wire 22 of the end of the electric wire 20 (FIG. 6). In the female terminal fitting 30 shown here, two of these electric wire connecting portions 32 are arranged side by side along the axial direction of the end of the electric wire 20. Each electric wire connection portion 32 cuts the coating 21 at the end of the electric wire 20 inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping portions 32a with the pair of pressure-connecting blades 32b, while causing the pair of pressure-connecting blades 32b to bite into the core wire 22, thereby physically and electrically connecting the core wire 22 to the female terminal fitting 30 and holding the end of the electric wire 20. The core wire 22 may be a columnar solid-wire conductor or a twisted wire formed by bundling a plurality of elemental wires.

[0016] The male terminal fitting 130 has a terminal connection portion (hereinafter referred to as the "male terminal connection portion") 131 which is physically and electrically connected to the female terminal fitting 30 as the mating terminal fitting, and an electric wire connection portion 132 which is physically and electrically connected to the end of the electric wire 120 (Figures 4, 5 and 7).

[0017] The electric wire connecting portion 132 shown here is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape having a gap for clamping the end of the electric wire 120. This electric wire connecting portion 132 has a pair of clamping portions 132a that form the gap (FIG. 7). The end of the electric wire 120 is inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping portions 132a. The pair of clamping portions 132a are arranged opposite each other across the gap, and each has a pressure contact blade 132b that cuts through the coating 121 of the end of the electric wire 120 inserted into the gap and bites into the core wire 122 of the end of the electric wire 120 (FIG. 7). In the male terminal fitting 130 shown here, two of these electric wire connecting portions 132 are arranged side by side along the axial direction of the end of the electric wire 120. Each electric wire connection portion 132 cuts the coating 121 at the end of the electric wire 120 inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping portions 132a with a pair of pressure-connecting blades 132b, while causing the pair of pressure-connecting blades 132b to bite into the core wire 122, thereby physically and electrically connecting the core wire 122 to the male terminal fitting 130 and holding the end of the electric wire 120. The core wire 122 may be a columnar solid-wire conductor or a twisted wire formed by bundling a plurality of elemental wires.

[0018] The female connector 1 shown here includes a cable (so-called VVF cable: vinyl insulated vinyl sheathed flat-type cable) 10A in which a plurality of electric wires 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axis and housed in a cylindrical sheath 25, and an end of each electric wire 20 protrudes from an opening at the end of the sheath 25 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 6). Here, three electric wires 20 are housed in the sheath 25. The male connector 2 shown here includes a cable (so-called VVF cable) 110A in which a plurality of electric wires 120 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axis and housed in a cylindrical sheath 125, and an end of each electric wire 120 protrudes from an opening at the end of the sheath 125 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 7). Here, three electric wires 120 are housed in the sheath 125.

[0019] The female connector 1 has a housing (hereinafter referred to as the "female housing") 40 that accommodates and holds the electric wire with terminal 10 (Figs. 1 to 3). The male connector 2 has a housing (hereinafter referred to as the "male housing") 140 that accommodates and holds the electric wire with terminal 110 (Figs. 1, 4 and 5). The female housing 40 and the male housing 140 are each molded from an insulating material such as a synthetic resin material.

[0020] The female housing 40 has a first opening 40a through which the electric wire 20 is drawn outward, and a second opening 40b that is perpendicular to and connected to the first opening 40a (FIGS. 2 and 3). In the female housing 40, the first opening 40a and the second opening 40b serve as insertion openings for accommodating the electric wire 20 and the female terminal fittings 30 inside. The second opening 40b allows the ends of the electric wire 20 and the female terminal fittings 30 inside the female housing 40 to be exposed.

[0021] The female housing 40 has a cylindrical fitting portion 41 that accommodates the female terminal connecting portion 31, and an accommodating portion 42 that accommodates the end of the electric wire 20 and the electric wire connecting portion 32 (FIGS. 1 to 3). The first opening 40a and the second opening 40b are formed in the accommodating portion 42. Therefore, the second opening 40b can expose the end of the electric wire 20 and the electric wire connecting portion 32 in the accommodating portion 42.

[0022] An end of the cable 10A is accommodated in the female housing 40. Here, the ends of the electric wires 20, the female terminal fittings 30, and the sheaths 25 are accommodated in the female housing 40, and the electric wires 20 are pulled outward together with the sheaths 25 from the first openings 40a. In the accommodating section 42, partition walls 43 are provided between the female terminal fittings 30 (FIG. 2).

[0023] The male housing 140 has a first opening 140a through which the electric wire 120 is pulled outward, and a second opening 140b that is perpendicular to and connected to the first opening 140a (FIGS. 4 and 5). In the male housing 140, the first opening 140a and the second opening 140b serve as insertion openings for accommodating the electric wire 120 and the male terminal fittings 130 inside. The second opening 140b allows the ends of the electric wire 120 and the male terminal fittings 130 inside the male housing 140 to be exposed.

[0024] The male housing 140 has a cylindrical fitting portion 141 that accommodates the male terminal connecting portion 131, and an accommodating portion 142 that accommodates the end of the electric wire 120 and the electric wire connecting portion 132 (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5). The first opening 140a and the second opening 140b are formed in the accommodating portion 142. Therefore, the second opening 140b can expose the end of the electric wire 120 and the electric wire connecting portion 132 in the accommodating portion 142.

[0025] An end of cable 110A is accommodated in male housing 140. Here, the ends of each electric wire 120 and the ends of each male terminal fitting 130 and sheath 125 are accommodated in male housing 140, and each electric wire 120 is pulled outward from first opening 140a together with sheath 125. Partition walls 143 are provided between each male terminal fitting 130 in accommodating section 142 (FIG. 4).

[0026] Here, the fitting portion 41 of the female housing 40 is formed in a square tube shape, and the fitting portion 141 of the male housing 140 is formed in a square tube shape into which the fitting portion 41 of the female housing 40 fits. Also, here, each of the accommodating portions 42, 142 is formed to have a rectangular shaped accommodation chamber, and the first openings 40a, 140a and the second openings 40b, 140b form rectangular openings.

[0027] The fitting portion 41 of the female housing 40 is provided with a first engagement portion 44 to maintain the fitted and connected state with the fitting portion 141 of the male housing 140 (FIGS. 1 to 3). The fitting portion 141 of the male housing 140 is provided with a second engagement portion 144 to maintain the fitted and connected state with the fitting portion 41 of the female housing 40 (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5). When the fitting portion 41 of the female housing 40 and the fitting portion 141 of the male housing 140 are in a fitted and connected state, the first engagement portion 44 and the second engagement portion 144 maintain the fitted and connected state by, for example, hooking a claw portion of one onto the other.

[0028] Here, in the electric wire with terminal 10, the distance between adjacent female terminal fittings 30 is determined by regulations. Therefore, in the accommodating section 42, the ends of the electric wires 20 of each electric wire with terminal 10 are appropriately bent in order to ensure the legal distance between the adjacent female terminal fittings 30. Here, the end of the electric wire 20 arranged in the center is not bent, but the ends of the electric wires 20 at both ends are bent in a crank shape. That is, the ends of the electric wires 20 at both ends have bent portions 23 bent in a crank shape (FIGS. 2, 3, and 6). Similarly, in the electric wire with terminal 110 in the male connector 2, the distance between adjacent male terminal fittings 130 is determined by regulations. Therefore, in the accommodating section 142, the ends of the electric wires 120 of each electric wire with terminal 110 are appropriately bent in order to ensure the legal distance between the adjacent male terminal fittings 130. Here, the end of the electric wire 120 arranged in the center is not bent, but the ends of the electric wires 120 at both ends are bent into a crank shape. In other words, the ends of the electric wires 120 at both ends have bent portions 123 bent into a crank shape (FIGS. 4, 5, and 7).

[0029] The female connector 1 includes a cover 50 that is assembled to the female housing 40 to close the second opening 40b (FIGS. 1 to 3). The cover 50 has a lock arm 51 that hooks a claw portion onto the female housing 40 when assembly is complete, thereby maintaining the assembly to the female housing 40 in a complete state (FIGS. 1 to 3). The male connector 2 includes a cover 150 that is assembled to the male housing 140 to close the second opening 140b (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5). The cover 150 has a lock arm 151 that hooks a claw portion onto the male housing 140 when assembly is complete, thereby maintaining the assembly to the male housing 140 in a complete state (FIGS. 1, 4, and 5). The covers 50 and 150 are each molded from an insulating material such as a synthetic resin material.

[0030] In the female connector 1, the input of a load from the electric wire 20 to the female terminal fitting 30 is suppressed by holding the end of the electric wire 20 in the female housing 40. Thus, the female terminal fitting 30 has an electric wire holding portion 33 that is assembled to the end of the electric wire 20 to hold the end of the electric wire 20 and suppresses the input of a load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire connection portion 32, and a connecting portion 34 that connects the electric wire connection portion 32 and the electric wire holding portion 33 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 6). The electric wire connection portion 32, the connecting portion 34, and the electric wire holding portion 33 are arranged in the axial direction of the end of the electric wire 20. In the electric wire with terminal 10, the electric wire 20 is held by the electric wire holding portion 33 of the female terminal fitting 30, so that the input of a load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire connection portion 32 of the female terminal fitting 30 can be suppressed. The electric wire holding portion 33 is attached to the end of the electric wire 20 on the female terminal fitting 30 side relative to the bent portion 23 .

[0031] As in the female connector 1, in the male connector 2, the input of a load from the electric wire 120 to the male terminal fitting 130 is suppressed by holding the end of the electric wire 120 in the male housing 140. The male terminal fitting 130 has an electric wire holding portion 133 that is assembled to the end of the electric wire 120 to hold the end of the electric wire 120 and suppresses the input of a load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire connection portion 132, and a connecting portion 134 that connects the electric wire connection portion 132 and the electric wire holding portion 133 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 7). The electric wire connection portion 132, the connecting portion 134, and the electric wire holding portion 133 are arranged in the axial direction of the end of the electric wire 120. In the electric wire with terminal 110, the electric wire holding portion 133 of the male terminal fitting 130 holds the end of the electric wire 120, so that the input of a load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire connection portion 132 of the male terminal fitting 130 can be suppressed. The electric wire holding portion 133 is attached to the end of the electric wire 120 , closer to the male terminal fitting 130 than the bent portion 123 .

[0032] Here, in the female connector 1, since the female terminal fitting 30 is provided with the electric wire holding portion 33, when the input load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire holding portion 33 increases, the input load cannot be fully absorbed by the electric wire holding portion 33, and the load from the end of the electric wire 20 may be transmitted to the electric wire connection portion 32. Similarly, in the male connector 2, since the male terminal fitting 130 is provided with the electric wire holding portion 133, when the input load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire holding portion 133 increases, the input load cannot be fully absorbed by the electric wire holding portion 133, and the load from the end of the electric wire 120 may be transmitted to the electric wire connection portion 132.

[0033] Therefore, in the female connector 1, the load from the end of the electric wire 20 is absorbed by the connecting portion 34, thereby suppressing the input of the load to the electric wire connection portion 32. Thus, the connecting portion 34 is formed in a shape capable of bending deformation within an elastic range and twisting deformation within the elastic range when the input load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire holding portion 33 is equal to or less than a first input load, and has bending rigidity and twisting rigidity capable of breaking when the input load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire holding portion 33 is a second input load that exceeds the first input load. Specifically, in order to provide such bending rigidity and torsional rigidity, the connecting portion 34 is formed in a shape such that the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 20 is smaller than the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 20 at the wire connecting portion 32 and smaller than the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 20 at the wire holding portion 33, and further, the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 20 is smaller than the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 20 at the wire connecting portion 32 and smaller than the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 20 at the wire holding portion 33.

[0034] For example, the first input load is the maximum input load, including overload, that is assumed in the normal use of the female connector 1. The second input load is an input load that is not assumed in the normal use.

[0035] The electric wire holding portion 33 shown here is formed in the same shape as the electric wire connecting portion 32. Therefore, the electric wire holding portion 33 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape having a gap for clamping the end of the electric wire 20 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 6). This electric wire holding portion 33 has a pair of clamping portions 33a that form the gap (FIG. 6). The end of the electric wire 20 is inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping portions 33a and is held by being clamped between the pair of clamping portions 33a. The pair of clamping portions 33a shown here are disposed opposite each other across the gap, and each has a pressure contact blade 33b that cuts through the coating 21 of the end of the electric wire 20 inserted into the gap and bites into the core wire 22 of the end of the electric wire 20 (FIG. 6). The wire holding portion 33 holds the end of the wire 20 by cutting the insulation displacement blades 33b through the insulation coating 21 at the end of the wire 20 inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping portions 33a while causing the pair of insulation displacement blades 33b to bite into the core wire 22.

[0036] The connecting portion 34 is formed in an axial shape aligned with the axis of the end of the electric wire 20 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 6). The connecting portion 34 shown here is formed in a prismatic axial shape.

[0037] In the electric wire with terminal 10, when the input load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire holding part 33 is equal to or less than the first input load, the end of the electric wire 20 can be held by the electric wire holding part 33 without bending or twisting the connecting part 34. Therefore, in the electric wire with terminal 10, the input of a load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire connection part 32 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the electric wire with terminal 10, when the input load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire holding part 33 is equal to or less than the first input load, even if the connecting part 34 is bent or twisted, the deformation remains within the elastic range. Therefore, in the electric wire with terminal 10, the deformation amount of the connecting part 34 can be suppressed to a small amount, and even if a load is input from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire holding part 33 due to bending or twisting deformation of the connecting part 34, the magnitude of the load can be suppressed to a low level. In this way, in the electric wire with terminal 10, the input of load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the wire connecting portion 32 can be suppressed until the input load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the wire holding portion 33 exceeds the first input load (that is, within the range of normal usage), so that the quality of the electrical connection between the end of the electric wire 20 and the female terminal fitting 30 can be maintained.

[0038] On the other hand, in the electric wire with terminal 10, when the input load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire holding part 33 is a second input load that exceeds the first input load (i.e., when an overload greater than expected is applied from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire holding part 33), the connecting part 34 is bent or twisted, causing the connecting part 34 to break. As a result, in the electric wire with terminal 10, the input of an overload from the connecting part 34 to the electric wire connection part 32 can be prevented.

[0039] As with the female connector 1, in the male connector 2, the load from the end of the electric wire 120 is absorbed by the connecting portion 134, thereby suppressing the input of the load to the electric wire connection portion 132. Thus, the connecting portion 134 is capable of bending deformation within an elastic range and of twisting deformation within the elastic range when the input load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire holding portion 133 is equal to or less than a first input load, and is formed into a shape having bending rigidity and twisting rigidity capable of breaking when the input load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire holding portion 133 is a second input load that exceeds the first input load. Specifically, in order to provide such bending rigidity and torsional rigidity, the connecting portion 134 is formed in a shape such that the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 120 is smaller than the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 120 at the wire connecting portion 132 and is smaller than the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 120 at the wire holding portion 133, and further, the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 120 is smaller than the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 120 at the wire connecting portion 132 and is smaller than the second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the wire 120 at the wire holding portion 133.

[0040] For example, the first input load is the maximum input load, including an overload, that is assumed in the normal use of the male connector 2. The second input load is an input load that is not assumed in the normal use.

[0041] The electric wire holding portion 133 shown here is formed in the same shape as the electric wire connecting portion 132. Therefore, the electric wire holding portion 133 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape having a gap for clamping the end of the electric wire 120 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 7). This electric wire holding portion 133 has a pair of clamping portions 133a that form the gap (FIG. 7). The end of the electric wire 120 is inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping portions 133a and is held by being clamped between the pair of clamping portions 133a. The pair of clamping portions 133a shown here are disposed opposite each other across the gap, and each has a pressure contact blade 133b that cuts through the coating 121 of the end of the electric wire 120 inserted into the gap and bites into the core wire 122 of the end of the electric wire 120 (FIG. 7). The electric wire holding portion 133 holds the end of the electric wire 120 by cutting the insulation 121 of the end of the electric wire 120 inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping portions 133a with the pair of insulation displacement blades 133b while causing the pair of insulation displacement blades 133b to bite into the core wire 122.

[0042] The coupling portion 134 is formed in an axial shape aligned with the axis of the end of the electric wire 120. The coupling portion 134 shown here is formed in a prismatic axial shape (FIGS. 4, 5, and 7).

[0043] In the electric wire with terminal 110, when the input load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire holding part 133 is equal to or less than the first input load, the end of the electric wire 120 can be held by the electric wire holding part 133 without bending or twisting the connecting part 134. Therefore, in the electric wire with terminal 110, the input of the load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire connection part 132 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the electric wire with terminal 110, when the input load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire holding part 133 is equal to or less than the first input load, even if the connecting part 134 is bent or twisted, the deformation remains within the elastic range. Therefore, in the electric wire with terminal 110, the deformation amount of the connecting part 134 can be suppressed to a small amount, and even if a load is input from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire holding part 133 due to the bending or twisting deformation of the connecting part 134, the magnitude of the load can be suppressed to a low level. In this way, in the electric wire with terminal 110, the input of load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire connection portion 132 can be suppressed until the input load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire holding portion 133 exceeds the first input load (that is, within the range of normal usage), so that the quality of the electrical connection between the end of the electric wire 120 and the male terminal fitting 130 can be maintained.

[0044] On the other hand, in the electric wire with terminal 110, when the input load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire holding part 133 is a second input load that exceeds the first input load (i.e., when an overload greater than expected is applied from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire holding part 133), the connecting part 134 is bent or twisted, causing the connecting part 134 to break. As a result, in the electric wire with terminal 110, the input of an overload from the connecting part 134 to the electric wire connection part 132 can be prevented.

[0045] Here, the cover 50 aligns the end of the electric wire 20 when the assembly to the female housing 40 is complete, and has a locking portion 52 that locks the electric wire holding portion 33 of the female terminal fitting 30 when the end of the electric wire 20 is pulled toward the first opening 40a (FIGS. 3 and 8). The locking portion 52 pinches the end of the electric wire 20 from above the coating 21 at a specified position on the wiring path and presses it toward the female housing 40, aligning the end of the electric wire 20. As a result, when the assembly of the female housing 40 and the cover 50 is complete, the pressing force from the locking portion 52 is transmitted to the electric wire holding portion 33 via the end of the electric wire 20, and the female terminal fitting 30 is pressed against the female housing 40. Therefore, when the female housing 40 and the cover 50 are completely assembled, the electric wire with terminal 10 has the end of the electric wire 20 and the female terminal fitting 30 sandwiched between the female housing 40 and the locking portion 52 of the cover 50 and held in that position. The locking portion 52 aligns the end of the electric wire 20 on the female terminal fitting 30 side relative to the bent portion 23. Note that the locking portion 52 may be provided on the female housing 40 as a portion having the same function.

[0046] Moreover, the cover 150 aligns the end of the electric wire 120 when the assembly to the male housing 140 is complete, and has a locking portion 152 that locks the electric wire holding portion 133 of the male terminal fitting 130 when the end of the electric wire 120 is pulled toward the first opening 140a (FIGS. 5 and 9). The locking portion 152 pinches the end of the electric wire 120 from above the coating 121 at a specified position on the wiring path and presses it toward the male housing 140, aligning the end of the electric wire 120. As a result, when the assembly of the male housing 140 and the cover 150 is complete, the pressing force of the locking portion 152 is transmitted to the electric wire holding portion 133 via the end of the electric wire 120, and the male terminal fitting 130 is pressed against the male housing 140. Therefore, when the male housing 140 and the cover 150 are completely assembled, the electric wire with terminal 110 is held in position with the end of the electric wire 120 and the male terminal fitting 130 sandwiched between the male housing 140 and the locking portion 152 of the cover 150. The locking portion 152 aligns the end of the electric wire 120 on the male terminal fitting 130 side relative to the bent portion 123. Note that the locking portion 152 may be provided on the male housing 140 as a portion having the same function.

[0047] As described above, the female connector 1 of the present embodiment can suppress the input of a load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire connection portion 32 by holding the end of the electric wire 20 with the electric wire holding portion 33 of the female terminal fitting 30, and can therefore suppress the input of an overload to the female terminal fitting 30. Therefore, the female connector 1 of the present embodiment can maintain the quality of the electrical connection between the end of the electric wire 20 and the female terminal fitting 30. When an overload greater than expected is applied from the end of the electric wire 20 to the electric wire holding portion 33, the female connector 1 of the present embodiment breaks the connecting portion 34, thereby suppressing the input of an overload from the connecting portion 34 to the electric wire connection portion 32 and maintaining the electrical connection between the end of the electric wire 20 and the female terminal fitting 30. Similarly, the male connector 2 of the present embodiment can suppress the input of a load from the electric wire 120 to the electric wire connection portion 132 by holding the end of the electric wire 120 with the electric wire holding portion 133 of the male terminal fitting 130, and can therefore suppress the input of an overload to the male terminal fitting 130. Therefore, the male connector 2 of the present embodiment can maintain the quality of the electrical connection between the end of the electric wire 120 and the male terminal fitting 130. When an overload greater than expected is applied from the end of the electric wire 120 to the electric wire holding portion 133, the male connector 2 of the present embodiment breaks the connecting portion 134, thereby suppressing the input of an overload from the connecting portion 134 to the electric wire connection portion 132 and maintaining the electrical connection between the end of the electric wire 120 and the male terminal fitting 130.

[0048] In addition, in the female connector 1 of this embodiment, the end of the electric wire 20 is held by the electric wire holding portion 33 without changing the wiring path of the electric wire 10 with terminal in the female housing 40. In other words, in order to hold the end of the electric wire 20 in the female housing 40, the female connector 1 does not need unnecessary bending other than the wiring path of the end of the electric wire 20. Therefore, the female connector 1 of this embodiment does not need to increase the size of the female housing 40 due to unnecessary bending of the electric wire 20, so that it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the body for holding the end of the electric wire 20 in the female housing 40. Similarly, in the male connector 2 of this embodiment, the end of the electric wire 120 is held by the electric wire holding portion 133 without changing the wiring path of the electric wire 110 with terminal in the male housing 140. In other words, in order to hold the end of the electric wire 120 in the male housing 140, the male connector 2 does not need unnecessary bending other than the wiring path of the end of the electric wire 120. Therefore, the male connector 2 of this embodiment does not require the male housing 140 to be enlarged due to unnecessary bending of the electric wire 120, and therefore the increase in size required to hold the end of the electric wire 120 inside the male housing 140 can be suppressed.

[0049] In the female connector 1, the female terminal fitting 30 may be provided with a plurality of wire holding portions 33 in order to increase the holding force for the end of the electric wire 20. Similarly, in the male connector 2, the male terminal fitting 130 may be provided with a plurality of wire holding portions 133 in order to increase the holding force for the end of the electric wire 120. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 Female connector (connector) 2 Male connector (connector) 10A, 110A cable 10,110 Wire with terminal 20,120 Electric wire 22,122 core wire 25,125 Sheath 30 Female terminal fitting (terminal fitting) 32 Wire connection 32a Clamping part 32b Pressure blade 33 Wire holding part 33a Clamping part 34 Connecting part 40 Female housing (housing) 40a First opening 40b 2nd opening 50,150 Cover 130 Male terminal fitting (terminal fitting) 132 Wire connection 132a Clamping part 132b Pressure blade 133 Wire holding part 133a Clamping part 134 Connection section 140 Male housing (housing) 140a 1st opening 140b 2nd opening

Claims

1. A terminal-attached electric wire having a terminal metal fitting connected to an end of the electric wire; a housing that accommodates and holds the electric wire with terminal and allows the electric wire to be drawn outward from a first opening; a cover that is attached to the housing to close the second opening of the housing; Equipped with the terminal fitting has an electric wire connecting portion that is physically and electrically connected to an end of the electric wire, an electric wire holding portion that is assembled to the end of the electric wire to hold the end of the electric wire and suppress input of a load from the end of the electric wire to the electric wire connecting portion, and a connecting portion that connects the electric wire connecting portion and the electric wire holding portion, The electric wire connection portion, the coupling portion, and the electric wire holding portion are arranged side by side in an axial direction of an end of the electric wire, the connecting portion is formed in a shape such that a second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the end of the electric wire is smaller than a second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis at the wire connection portion and is smaller than a second moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis at the wire holding portion, and further, a second polar moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis is smaller than a second polar moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis at the wire connection portion and is smaller than a second polar moment of area in a cross section orthogonal to the axis at the wire holding portion.

2. the electric wire connection portion is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape having a gap for clamping the end of the electric wire, and has a pair of clamping portions which form the gap and are provided with pressure-connecting blades which bite into the core wire of the end of the electric wire inserted into the gap, 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the wire holding portion is formed into a rectangular flat plate having a gap for clamping an end of the wire, and has a pair of clamping portions that form the gap.

3. 3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is formed in an axial shape aligned with an axis of the end of the electric wire.

4. 3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting portion is capable of bending deformation within an elastic range and twisting deformation within an elastic range when an input load from the end of the electric wire to the wire holding portion is a first input load or less, and is formed into a shape having bending rigidity and twisting rigidity capable of breaking when the input load from the end of the electric wire to the wire holding portion is a second input load that exceeds the first input load.

5. 3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cable in which a plurality of the electric wires are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axis and housed in a cylindrical sheath, and an end of each of the electric wires protrudes from an opening at the end of the sheath.

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