Connector

Abstract

To suppress generation of electric corrosion without excessive cost increases.SOLUTION: A connector includes a wire 10 with terminal, a holding member 60, a housing 40, and a cover 50, the wire with terminal including a terminal fitting 30 connected to an end of a wire 20, the holding member attached to the terminal of the wire 20 to hold it and capable of suppressing application of a load to the terminal fitting 30 from the terminal of the wire 20, the housing respectively housing and holding the wire 10 with terminal and the holding member 60, and having a first opening 40a to allow the wire 20 to be drown outwards, and the cover attached to the housing 40 and covering a second opening 40b of the housing 40. The holding member 60 is made of an inexpensive material in comparison with a metal material forming the terminal fitting 30, and is formed such that electric corrosion of a core wire 22 of the wire 20 is suppressed.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 not desirable 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, conventional connectors prepare a holding member separately from the terminal fittings, and the terminal fittings and the holding member are separately assembled to the electric wire, which may lead to a rise in costs in terms of the assembly work, etc. Furthermore, conventional connectors may cause galvanic corrosion (electrical corrosion) in the core wire of the electric wire or the holding member, whichever has a greater tendency to ionize, depending on the selection of the metal material constituting the holding member.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion while suppressing increases in cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention comprises an electric wire with a terminal having a terminal fitting connected to an end of the electric wire, a retaining member that is assembled to the end of the electric wire to hold the end of the electric wire and suppress the input of load from the end of the electric wire to the terminal fitting, a housing that accommodates and holds the electric wire with terminal and the retaining member and allows the electric wire to be pulled outward from a first opening, and a cover that is assembled to the housing to close a second opening of the housing, wherein the retaining member is formed from a material that is cheaper than the metal material constituting the terminal fitting and is capable of suppressing electrolytic corrosion of a core wire of the electric wire. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The connector according to the present invention can suppress the input of load from the electric wire to the terminal fittings by holding the end of the electric wire with the holding member, and therefore can prevent the input of overload to the terminal fittings. The connector can be provided with a function of preventing the input of overload to the terminal fittings to suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion while suppressing a rise in cost. [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 showing the male connector of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an electric wire with a terminal of a female connector. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an electric wire with a terminal of a male connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the locking portions of the female housing and the cover. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the locking portions of the male housing and the cover. 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 in Figures 1 and 2 indicates one connector of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the "female connector"). Reference numeral 2 in Figures 1 and 3 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 and 4). The male connector 2 includes an electric wire with terminal 110 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 5).

[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 and 4). 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. 3 and 5). 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 shown here is provided with a terminal connection portion (hereinafter referred to as "female terminal connection portion") 31 that is physically and electrically connected to a male terminal fitting 130 as a mating terminal fitting, and is also provided with two electric wire connection portions 32 each having a pair of pressure-connecting blades 32a (FIGS. 2 and 4). An end of an electric wire 20 is inserted between the pair of pressure-connecting blades 32a in each electric wire connection portion 32. At the end of the electric wire 20, the pair of pressure-connecting blades 32a cuts through the coating 21, while the pair of pressure-connecting blades 32a bites into the core wire 22, thereby physically and electrically connecting the core wire 22 to the female terminal fitting 30 (FIGS. 2 and 4). The core wire 22 may be a columnar solid-wire conductor, or may be a twisted wire formed by bundling a plurality of elemental wires.

[0015] The male terminal fitting 130 shown here is provided with a terminal connection portion (hereinafter referred to as "male terminal connection portion") 131 that is physically and electrically connected to the female terminal fitting 30 as the mating terminal fitting, and is also provided with two electric wire connection portions 132 each having a pair of pressure-connecting blades 132a (FIGS. 3 and 5). An end of the electric wire 120 is inserted between the pair of pressure-connecting blades 132a in each electric wire connection portion 132. At the end of the electric wire 120, the pair of pressure-connecting blades 132a cuts through the coating 121, while the pair of pressure-connecting blades 132a bites into the core wire 122, thereby physically and electrically connecting the core wire 122 to the male terminal fitting 130 (FIGS. 3 and 5). The core wire 122 may be a columnar solid-wire conductor, or may be a twisted wire formed by bundling a plurality of wires.

[0016] 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, with the ends of the electric wires 20 protruding from the openings at the ends of the sheath 25 (FIGS. 2 and 4). 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, with the ends of the electric wires 120 protruding from the openings at the ends of the sheath 125 (FIGS. 3 and 5). Here, three electric wires 120 are housed in the sheath 125.

[0017] 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 and 2). 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 and 3). The female housing 40 and the male housing 140 are each molded from an insulating material such as a synthetic resin material.

[0018] The female housing 40 has a first opening 40a through which the electric wire 20 is pulled out to the outside, and a second opening 40b that is perpendicular to and connected to the first opening 40a (FIG. 2). 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.

[0019] 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 and 2). 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.

[0020] 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. 6).

[0021] The female housing 40 has a locking portion (hereinafter referred to as a "first locking portion") 44 that locks the female terminal fitting 30 when the end of the electric wire 20 is pulled toward the first opening 40a (FIG. 6). This first locking portion 44 is provided in the accommodating portion 42. This first locking portion 44 may be molded as a separate part from the female housing 40 and assembled to the female housing 40, or may be molded together with the female housing 40 as a part of the female housing 40.

[0022] Furthermore, the first locking portion 44 may be formed as something similar to the locking portion 52 of the cover 50 described later. That is, the first locking portion 44 may be formed as something that pinches the end of the electric wire 20 from above the coating 21 at a specified position on the wiring path and presses it against the cover 50 side to align the end of the electric wire 20.

[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 (FIG. 3). In this 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 and 3). 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. 7).

[0026] Male housing 140 has a locking portion (hereinafter referred to as a "first locking portion") 144 that locks male terminal fitting 130 when the end of electric wire 120 is pulled toward first opening 140a (FIG. 7). This first locking portion 144 is provided in accommodating portion 142. This first locking portion 144 may be molded as a separate part from male housing 140 and assembled to male housing 140, or it may be molded together with male housing 140 as a part of male housing 140.

[0027] Furthermore, the first locking portion 144 may be formed as something similar to the locking portion 152 of the cover 150 described later. In other words, the first locking portion 144 may be formed as something that pinches the end of the electric wire 120 from above the coating 121 at a specified position on the wiring path and presses it against the cover 150 side to align the end of the electric wire 120.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The fitting portion 41 of the female housing 40 is provided with a first engagement portion 45 to maintain the fitted and connected state with the fitting portion 141 of the male housing 140 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The fitting portion 141 of the male housing 140 is provided with a second engagement portion 145 to maintain the fitted and connected state with the fitting portion 41 of the female housing 40 (FIGS. 1 and 3). 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 45 and the second engagement portion 145 maintain the fitted and connected state by, for example, hooking a claw portion of one onto the other.

[0030] 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 and 4). 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. 3 and 5).

[0031] The female connector 1 includes a cover 50 that is assembled to the female housing 40 to close the second opening 40b (FIGS. 1 and 2). 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 and 2). The male connector 2 includes a cover 150 that is assembled to the male housing 140 to close the second opening 140b (FIGS. 1 and 3). 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 and 3). The covers 50 and 150 are each molded from an insulating material such as a synthetic resin material.

[0032] In the female connector 1, the input of a load from the electric wire 20 to the female terminal fittings 30 is suppressed by holding the end of the electric wire 20 in the female housing 40. Similarly, in the male connector 2, the input of a load from the electric wire 120 to the male terminal fittings 130 is suppressed by holding the end of the electric wire 120 in the male housing 140. Therefore, the female connector 1 is provided with a holding member 60 that is assembled to the end of the electric wire 20 to hold the end of the electric wire 20 and can suppress the input of a load from the end of the electric wire 20 to the female terminal fittings 30 (FIGS. 2 and 4). In addition, the male connector 2 is provided with a holding member 160 that is assembled to the end of the electric wire 120 to hold the end of the electric wire 120 and can suppress the input of a load from the end of the electric wire 120 to the male terminal fittings 130 (FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0033] The holding member 60 is attached to the end of the electric wire 20, closer to the female terminal fitting 30 than the bent portion 23. The holding member 60 is accommodated in the female housing 40. The female housing 40 has a locking portion (hereinafter referred to as a "second locking portion") 46 that locks the holding member 60 when the end of the electric wire 20 is pulled toward the first opening 40a (FIG. 6). The second locking portion 46 is provided in the accommodation portion 42. The second locking portion 46 may be molded as a separate part from the female housing 40 and assembled to the female housing 40, or may be molded together with the female housing 40 as a part of the female housing 40.

[0034] In the female housing 40, the distance between the second locking portion 46 and the retaining member 60 is narrower than the distance between the first locking portion 44 and the female terminal fitting 30. Therefore, in the electric wire with terminal 10, when the end of the electric wire 20 is pulled toward the first opening 40a, the retaining member 60 is locked to the second locking portion 46 before the female terminal fitting 30 is locked to the first locking portion 44. Therefore, in the electric wire with terminal 10, the input of a load from the electric wire 20 to the female terminal fitting 30 can be suppressed.

[0035] Furthermore, the second locking portion 46 may be formed as something similar to the locking portion 52 of the cover 50 described later. In other words, the second locking portion 46 may be formed as something that pinches the end of the electric wire 20 from above the coating 21 at a specified position on the wiring path and presses it against the locking portion 52, thereby aligning the end of the electric wire 20 with the locking portion 52.

[0036] 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 holding member 60 when the end of the electric wire 20 is pulled toward the first opening 40a (FIGS. 2 and 6). 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 holding member 60 via the end of the electric wire 20, and the holding member 60 is pressed against the female housing 40. Therefore, when the female housing 40 and the cover 50 are in a completely assembled state, the electric wire with terminal 10 is held in position with the end of the electric wire 20 and the holding member 60 sandwiched between the female housing 40 and the locking portion 52 of the cover 50. 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.

[0037] Furthermore, when the female housing 40 and the cover 50 are in a state where assembly is complete, the locking portion 52 is disposed at a position equivalent to the second locking portion 46 of the female housing 40, and locks the holding member 60 together with the second locking portion 46 when the end of the electric wire 20 is pulled toward the first opening 40a. Also, when the second locking portion 46 and the locking portion 52 are formed as similar to each other as described above, the electric wire with terminal 10 is sandwiched between the second locking portion 46 and the locking portion 52 and held in that position when the female housing 40 and the cover 50 are in a state where assembly is complete.

[0038] The holding member 160 is attached to the end of the electric wire 120, closer to the male terminal fitting 130 than the bent portion 123. The holding member 160 is then housed in the male housing 140. The male housing 140 has a locking portion (hereinafter referred to as a "second locking portion") 146 that locks the holding member 160 when the end of the electric wire 120 is pulled toward the first opening 140a (FIG. 7). The second locking portion 146 is provided in the housing portion 142. The second locking portion 146 may be molded as a separate part from the male housing 140 and assembled to the male housing 140, or may be molded together with the male housing 140 as a part of the male housing 140.

[0039] In the male housing 140, the distance between the second locking portion 146 and the retaining member 160 is narrower than the distance between the first locking portion 144 and the male terminal fitting 130. Therefore, in the electric wire with terminal 110, when the end of the electric wire 120 is pulled toward the first opening 140a, the retaining member 160 is locked to the second locking portion 146 before the male terminal fitting 130 is locked to the first locking portion 144. Therefore, in the electric wire with terminal 110, the input of a load from the electric wire 120 to the male terminal fitting 130 can be suppressed.

[0040] Furthermore, the second locking portion 146 may be formed as something similar to the locking portion 152 of the cover 150 described later. That is, the second locking portion 146 may be formed as something that pinches the end of the electric wire 120 from above the coating 121 at a specified position on the wiring path and presses it against the locking portion 152, thereby aligning the end of the electric wire 120 with the locking portion 152.

[0041] Here, 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 holding member 160 when the end of the electric wire 120 is pulled toward the first opening 140a (FIGS. 3 and 7). 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 from the locking portion 152 is transmitted to the holding member 160 via the end of the electric wire 120, and the holding member 160 is pressed against the male housing 140. Therefore, when the male housing 140 and the cover 150 are in a completely assembled state, the end of the electric wire 120 and the holding member 160 of the terminal-fitted wire 110 are sandwiched between the male housing 140 and the locking portion 152 of the cover 150 and held in that position. The locking portion 152 aligns the end of the electric wire 120 on the male terminal fitting 130 side rather than the bent portion 123.

[0042] Furthermore, when the male housing 140 and the cover 150 are in the assembled state, this locking portion 152 is disposed at a position equivalent to the second locking portion 146 of the male housing 140, and locks the holding member 160 together with the second locking portion 146 when the end of the electric wire 120 is pulled toward the first opening 140a. Also, when the second locking portion 146 and the locking portion 152 are formed as similar to each other as described above, the terminal-attached electric wire 110 is sandwiched between the second locking portion 146 and the locking portion 152 and held in that position when the male housing 140 and the cover 150 are in the assembled state.

[0043] The holding member 60 is formed from a material that is less expensive than the metal material constituting the female terminal fittings 30, and is formed to be capable of suppressing electrolytic corrosion of the core wire 22 of the electric wire 20. Similarly, the holding member 160 is formed from a material that is less expensive than the metal material constituting the male terminal fittings 130, and is formed to be capable of suppressing electrolytic corrosion of the core wire 122 of the electric wire 120. For example, the holding member 60 is formed from a material that is less expensive on the market than the metal material constituting the female terminal fittings 30. Also, the holding member 160 is formed from a material that is less expensive on the market than the metal material constituting the male terminal fittings 130.

[0044] For example, the core wire 22 and the female terminal fitting 30 are each formed from a metal material having the same ionization tendency (so-called homogeneous metal material). The core wire 122 and the male terminal fitting 130 are each formed from a metal material having the same ionization tendency (homogeneous metal material). The holding member 60 is formed from a metal material having a different ionization tendency from the female terminal fitting 30 (so-called dissimilar metal material) among metal materials that are less expensive on the market than the metal material constituting the female terminal fitting 30. The holding member 160 shown here is formed from a metal material having a different ionization tendency from the male terminal fitting 130 (dissimilar metal material) among metal materials that are less expensive on the market than the metal material constituting the female terminal fitting 30.

[0045] Here, the core wires 22, 122, the female terminal fittings 30, and the male terminal fittings 130 are formed from the same metal material, and the holding members 60, 160 are formed from the same metal material. For example, the core wires 22, 122, the female terminal fittings 30, and the male terminal fittings 130 are formed from copper or a copper alloy as a raw material. The holding members 60, 160 are formed from a metal material (e.g., aluminum or an aluminum alloy) that is less expensive than the copper or copper alloy in the market and has a different ionization tendency from the female terminal fittings 30 and the male terminal fittings 130. Depending on the market conditions, the metal material used for the core wires 22, 122, the female terminal fittings 30, and the male terminal fittings 130 may be interchanged with the metal material used for the holding members 60, 160.

[0046] The holding member 60 made of a metal material is formed into a rectangular flat plate having a gap for holding the end of the electric wire 20. The holding member 60 has a pair of clamping parts 61 that form the gap (FIG. 4). The end of the electric wire 20 is inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping parts 61. The pair of clamping parts 61 are disposed opposite to each other across the gap, and each has a pressure-connecting blade 62 that bites into the core wire 22 of the end of the electric wire 20 inserted into the gap (FIG. 4). The pair of pressure-connecting blades 62 are similar to the pair of pressure-connecting blades 32a of the female terminal fitting 30. The holding member 60 holds the end of the electric wire 20 by cutting through the insulation 21 of the end of the electric wire 20 inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping parts 61 with the pair of pressure-connecting blades 62 and by causing the pair of pressure-connecting blades 62 to bite into the core wire 22. Similarly, the holding member 160 made of a metal material is formed into a rectangular flat plate having a gap for holding the end of the electric wire 120. The holding member 160 has a pair of clamping parts 161 that form the gap (FIG. 5). The end of the electric wire 120 is inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping parts 161. The pair of clamping parts 161 are arranged opposite to each other across the gap, and each has a pressure-connecting blade 162 that bites into the core wire 122 of the end of the electric wire 120 inserted into the gap (FIG. 5). The pair of pressure-connecting blades 162 are similar to the pair of pressure-connecting blades 132a of the male terminal fitting 130. The holding member 160 holds the end of the electric wire 120 by cutting through the insulation 121 of the end of the electric wire 120 inserted into the gap formed by the pair of clamping parts 161 with the pair of pressure-connecting blades 162 and by causing the pair of pressure-connecting blades 162 to bite into the core wire 122.

[0047] In this way, the holding member 60 brings the pair of pressure-connecting blades 62 into contact with the core wire 22 at the end of the electric wire 20, which has a different ionization tendency. The holding member 160 also brings the pair of pressure-connecting blades 162 into contact with the core wire 122 at the end of the electric wire 120, which has a different ionization tendency. Therefore, the holding member 60 is surface-treated with a metal material having the same ionization tendency as the core wire 22 and the female terminal fitting 30 in order to suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion between the holding member 60 and the core wire 22. The potential difference between the holding member 60 and the core wire 22 is reduced by this surface treatment. Therefore, between the holding member 60 and the core wire 22, the occurrence of corrosion can be suppressed on the side of the metal material having a higher ionization tendency. The holding member 160 is surface-treated with a metal material having the same ionization tendency as the core wire 122 and the male terminal fitting 130 in order to suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion between the holding member 60 and the core wire 122. This surface treatment reduces the potential difference between the holding member 160 and the core wire 122. Therefore, between the holding member 160 and the core wire 122, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of corrosion on the side made of a metal material having a high ionization tendency.

[0048] For example, here, since the holding members 60, 160 are formed from aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the surfaces of the holding members 60, 160 are anodized or tin-plated.

[0049] Here, instead of such a surface treatment, the holding member 60 may be coated with a synthetic resin material on its surface in order to suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion between the core wire 22. This eliminates the potential difference caused by metal-to-metal contact between the holding member 60 and the core wire 22, so that the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion in the core wire 22 can be suppressed. Also, instead of such a surface treatment, the holding member 160 may be coated with a synthetic resin material on its surface in order to suppress the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion between the core wire 122. This eliminates the potential difference caused by metal-to-metal contact between the holding member 160 and the core wire 122, so that the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion in the core wire 122 can be suppressed.

[0050] The holding members 60, 160 themselves may be made of synthetic resin material. The holding members 60, 160 correspond to the above-mentioned examples made of metal material with the pressure contact blades 62, 162 removed from the pair of clamping portions 61, 161.

[0051] The holding member 60 made of synthetic resin material may, for example, have a gap between the pair of clamping parts 61 (a gap between the pair of clamping parts 61) narrower than the wire diameter of the electric wire 20, and clamp the end of the electric wire 20 inserted into the gap with the pair of clamping parts 61 from above the coating 21. The holding member 60 made of synthetic resin material may also, for example, have a gap between the pair of clamping parts 61 (a gap between the pair of clamping parts 61) narrower than the wire diameter of the core wire 22 of the electric wire 20, and clamp the core wire 22 of the end of the electric wire 20 inserted into the gap with the pair of clamping parts 61. Even in this case, there is no potential difference between the holding member 60 and the core wire 22 due to contact between metals, so that the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion in the core wire 22 can be suppressed. Similarly, the holding member 160 made of synthetic resin material may have a gap between the pair of clamping parts 161 (a gap between the pair of clamping parts 161) narrower than the wire diameter of the electric wire 120, and clamp the end of the electric wire 120 inserted into the gap between the pair of clamping parts 161 from above the coating 121. The holding member 160 made of synthetic resin material may have a gap between the pair of clamping parts 161 (a gap between the pair of clamping parts 161) narrower than the wire diameter of the core wire 122 of the electric wire 120, and clamp the core wire 122 at the end of the electric wire 120 inserted into the gap between the pair of clamping parts 161. Even in this case, there is no potential difference between the holding member 160 and the core wire 122 due to contact between metals, so that the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion in the core wire 122 can be suppressed.

[0052] A retaining member 60 is provided for each electric wire 20 of the cable 10A. The female housing 40 has a first locking portion 44 and a second locking portion 46 for each electric wire 20. The cover 50 has a locking portion 52 for each electric wire 20. A retaining member 160 is provided for each electric wire 120 of the cable 110A. The male housing 140 has a first locking portion 144 and a second locking portion 146 for each electric wire 120. The cover 150 has a locking portion 152 for each electric wire 120.

[0053] The electric wires 20, 120 shown here are the same products having the same electric wire diameter. Therefore, the holding members 60, 160 shown in this example are the same products, regardless of the material used.

[0054] As described above, the female connector 1 of the present embodiment can suppress the input of a load from the electric wire 20 to the female terminal fittings 30 by holding the end of the electric wire 20 with the holding member 60, and can therefore suppress the input of an overload to the female terminal fittings 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 fittings 30. The female connector 1 can be provided with a function of suppressing the input of an overload to the female terminal fittings 30, which suppresses the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion while suppressing a rise in the cost. Similarly, the male connector 2 of the present embodiment can suppress the input of a load from the electric wire 120 to the male terminal fittings 130 by holding the end of the electric wire 120 with the holding member 160, and can therefore suppress the input of an overload to the male terminal fittings 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 fittings 130. Furthermore, this male connector 2 can be provided with a function for preventing the input of an overload to the male terminal fittings 130, which suppresses the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion while suppressing a rise in cost.

[0055] In addition, in the female connector 1 of this embodiment, the end of the electric wire 20 is held by the holding member 60 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 holding member 160 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.

[0056] In addition, in the female connector 1, a plurality of holding members 60 may be provided to increase the holding force for the terminals of the electric wires 20. Similarly, in the male connector 2, a plurality of holding members 160 may be provided to increase the holding force for the terminals of the electric wires 120. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 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) 40 Female housing (housing) 40a First opening 40b 2nd opening 46 Second locking portion (locking portion) 50,150 Cover 52,152 Locking part 60,160 Retaining member 62,162 Pressure blade 130 Male terminal fitting (terminal fitting) 140 Male housing (housing) 140a 1st opening 140b 2nd opening 146 Second locking portion (locking portion)

Claims

1. A terminal-attached electric wire having a terminal metal fitting connected to an end of the electric wire; a holding member that is attached to an end of the electric wire to hold the end of the electric wire and suppress the input of a load from the end of the electric wire to the terminal fitting; a housing that accommodates and holds the electric wire with terminal and the holding member 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 connector is characterized in that the retaining member is formed from a material that is cheaper than the metal material that constitutes the terminal fittings and is capable of suppressing electrical corrosion of the core wire of the electric wire.

2. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is made of a material that is commercially cheaper than a metal material that constitutes the terminal fittings.

3. The core wire and the terminal metal fitting are formed from metal materials having the same ionization tendency, the holding member is made of a metal material having an ionization tendency different from that of the terminal metal fitting, and has a pair of pressure contact blades that bite into the core wire, 3. A connector as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining member is surface-treated with a metal material having the same ionization tendency as the core wire and the terminal fittings, or is surface-coated with a synthetic resin material.

4. 3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is made of a synthetic resin material.

5. the housing has a locking portion that locks the holding member when the end of the electric wire is pulled toward the first opening, the cover has a locking portion that aligns the end of the electric wire when the cover is completely assembled to the housing and locks the holding member together with the locking portion of the housing when the end of the electric wire is pulled toward the first opening side, 3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the assembly is completed, the terminal of the electric wire and the retaining member are clamped between the housing and the locking portion of the cover and held in that position.

6. a cable in which a plurality of the electric wires are arranged in a direction perpendicular to an axis and housed in a cylindrical sheath, and an end of each of the electric wires protrudes from an opening at an end of the sheath, 3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is provided for each of the electric wires.

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