Multi-terminal connector assembly and housing

Abstract

To improve the durability of a carrier in a multi-terminal connector assembly with a multi-terminal formed by connecting terminal bodies together with a carrier.SOLUTION: A multi-terminal connector assembly 100 includes a multi-terminal 50 and a housing 60. The housing 60 contains the multi-terminal 50. The multi-terminal 50 has a plurality of terminal bodies 1 and a carrier 2. The terminal bodies 1 are thin and long in a first direction D1 and are lined in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The carrier 2 connects the terminal bodies 1 to each other. In the housing 60, the terminal bodies 1 are nearly parallel to each other. The carrier 2 is in the housing 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-terminal connector assembly and a housing. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, connecting terminals for electrically connecting a plurality of terminals have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses such a connecting terminal.

[0003] In the continuous terminal structure of Patent Document 1, an electrical contact portion is provided at one end of a substrate, and a barrel for connecting an electric wire is provided at the other end of the substrate. A female locking piece protrudes from one side of the middle portion of the substrate. An adjacent male locking piece is locked to the female locking piece of the terminal, allowing for electrical connection and continuous connection in parallel. These terminals are inserted into respective terminal accommodating chambers of a fuse box or joint box. The terminals are continuous by sequentially locking the male locking pieces with the female locking pieces protruding from the terminal insertion chambers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-329207 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in that the male and female locking pieces, which are the connecting parts between the terminals, are exposed to the outside from the terminal insertion chamber and are therefore directly subjected to external impacts.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve the durability of the carrier in a multi-terminal connector assembly having multi-terminals in which terminal bodies are connected to each other by the carrier.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be explained.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connecting terminal connector assembly having the following configuration. Specifically, this connecting terminal connector assembly comprises a connecting terminal and a housing. The housing accommodates the connecting terminal. The connecting terminal comprises a plurality of terminal bodies and a carrier. The terminal bodies are formed elongated in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The carrier connects the terminal bodies to each other. A plurality of the terminal bodies are arranged approximately parallel within the housing. The carrier is arranged inside the housing.

[0009] This allows the housing to protect the carrier from external impacts.

[0010] The multi-terminal connector assembly preferably has the following configuration: the housing is open on one side in a third direction, which is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The housing has a first wall that separates the terminal bodies. A recess that opens the open side of the housing is formed in the first wall at a midpoint in the first direction so as to recess in the third direction. The carrier is disposed in the recess.

[0011] This prevents the recess into which the carrier is inserted when the connecting terminal is attached to the housing from significantly reducing the strength of the first wall.

[0012] The multi-terminal connector assembly preferably has the following configuration: each of the terminal bodies includes a pressure contact portion for pressure-contacting the terminal body to an electric wire, and the pressure contact portions of adjacent terminal bodies are offset in the first direction.

[0013] This allows for efficient use of the metal plate when manufacturing the carrier and multiple terminal bodies integrally by punching and bending a single conductive metal plate. Also, since the pressure-contact portions of adjacent terminal bodies are positioned apart, the work of crimping the wires can be easily performed.

[0014] In the above-described multi-terminal connector assembly, the carrier is preferably formed to be bent.

[0015] This increases the spacing between the terminal bodies in the expanded shape after punching when the carrier and the terminal bodies are integrally manufactured from a conductive metal plate, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the shape of the terminal bodies to be molded.

[0016] The above-mentioned multi-terminal connector assembly is preferably configured as follows: the housing has a second wall, which protrudes from the inside of the recess toward the open side of the housing.

[0017] The housing can be shared whether a multi-terminal is used or multiple regular terminals without a carrier are used. When multiple regular terminals are attached to the housing, the second wall makes it difficult for short circuits to occur due to contact between the terminals inside the housing.

[0018] The multi-terminal connector assembly preferably has the following configuration: the protruding length of the second wall in the third direction is smaller than the protruding length of the first wall, and the thickness of the second wall is smaller than the thickness of the first wall.

[0019] This allows the second wall to be realized at low cost.

[0020] The above-mentioned multi-terminal connector assembly is preferably configured as follows: the housing has a protrusion, the protrusion protruding from the inside of the recess toward the open side of the housing, and at least a portion of the protrusion is disposed inside the bent carrier.

[0021] The housing can be used both when using a connecting terminal and when using multiple regular terminals without a carrier. When the connecting terminal is attached to the housing, the protrusions can be prevented from interfering with the carrier.

[0022] The above-mentioned inter-terminal connector assembly preferably includes a housing cover corresponding to the housing.

[0023] This makes it possible to more securely protect the carrier of the connecting terminal.

[0024] The multi-terminal connector assembly preferably has the following configuration: the housing has an accommodating space that is elongated in the first direction and capable of accommodating the terminal body, and the housing cover has a restricting portion that is contactable with the terminal body at an end of the accommodating space in the first direction.

[0025] This allows the restricting portion to prevent the terminal body from moving in the first direction and coming out of the housing.

[0026] The multi-terminal connector assembly preferably has the following configuration: the housing has an accommodating space that is elongated in the first direction and capable of accommodating the terminal body; the housing is open on one side in a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first and second directions; and the housing cover has a protrusion that protrudes in the third direction toward the interior of the accommodating space and is capable of contacting the terminal body.

[0027] This allows the protrusion to prevent the terminal body from moving in the first direction and coming out of the housing.

[0028] In the multi-terminal connector assembly, the housing preferably includes a claw portion that projects in the second direction and fixes the terminal body in a state where the terminal body is accommodated inside the housing.

[0029] This allows the claw portion to prevent the terminal body from moving in the third direction and coming out of the housing.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing having the following configuration. Specifically, this housing is capable of accommodating a plurality of terminal bodies formed elongated in a first direction. The housing has a plurality of accommodating spaces elongated in the first direction, which are arranged side by side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The housing is open on one side in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. A first wall is formed to separate adjacent accommodating spaces. The first wall is formed with a recess in which a carrier connecting adjacent terminal bodies can be placed.

[0031] This makes it possible to protect the carrier of the connecting terminal from external impact when the connecting terminal is housed in the housing.

[0032] The housing preferably has the following configuration. That is, the recess is formed in a midpoint of the first wall in the first direction so as to open the open side of the housing and to be recessed in the third direction. A second wall is formed in the recess, protruding toward the open side of the housing. The protruding length of the second wall is smaller than the protruding length of the first wall. The thickness of the second wall is smaller than the thickness of the first wall.

[0033] This prevents the strength of the first wall from decreasing, and also allows the second wall to be realized at low cost.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing having the following configuration: The housing is capable of accommodating a plurality of terminal bodies, and is formed therein with recesses in which bent carriers connecting adjacent terminal bodies can be placed, or with protrusions that can be inserted into the bent carriers.

[0035] This makes it possible to protect the bent carrier of the connecting terminal from external impact when the connecting terminal is housed in the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a multi-terminal connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the connecting terminal is assembled to the housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a case where a plurality of normal terminals are attached instead of the connecting terminals. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a modified example of the multi-terminal connector assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting terminal connector assembly 100 includes a connecting terminal 50, a housing 60, and a housing cover 80.

[0039] First, the connecting terminal 50 will be described. In this embodiment, the connecting terminal 50 is configured as a two-connected connecting terminal. The connecting terminal 50 is configured by integrally forming two terminal bodies 1 and one carrier 2. The connecting terminal 50 is configured by punching and bending a metal plate, which is a good conductor of electricity.

[0040] In this embodiment, each terminal body 1 is configured as a male terminal. Each terminal body 1 is formed in a linear, elongated shape, and the two terminal bodies 1 are arranged parallel to each other. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the terminal body 1 may be referred to as the first direction D1.

[0041] The two terminal bodies 1 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Hereinafter, the direction in which the two terminal bodies 1 are arranged may be referred to as the second direction D2. The two terminal bodies 1 are arranged with an appropriate gap between them in the second direction D2.

[0042] The carrier 2 is disposed between the two terminal bodies 1 in the second direction D2. The carrier 2 connects the two terminal bodies 1. This electrically connects the two terminal bodies 1 to each other.

[0043] Next, a detailed description will be given of the terminal body 1. Since the configurations of the two terminal bodies 1 are similar, the terminal body 1 shown on the left side of Figures 1 and 2 will be representatively described below.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the terminal body 1 includes a cylindrical portion 3, a pin 4, a base plate 5, a conductive portion 6, and a crimped portion (insulation-displacement portion) 7.

[0045] The tubular portion 3 is formed to be elongated in the first direction D1. The tubular portion 3 is formed in a hollow rectangular tubular shape, and a cross section of the tubular portion 3 cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is rectangular.

[0046] The pin 4 is formed to protrude from one end of the tubular portion 3 in the first direction D1. The pin 4 can be inserted into a terminal (not shown) of a mating connector to connect it. In this embodiment, the terminal body 1 is formed as a male type, but it may also be formed as a female type.

[0047] The base plate 5 is formed in the shape of a long, narrow plate extending in the first direction D1. The base plate 5 is connected to the end of the tubular portion 3 located on the opposite side from the pin 4. The base plate 5 is formed so that one of the four faces of the rectangular tubular portion 3 extends from one end of the tubular portion 3 in the first direction D1.

[0048] In the base plate 5, a conductive portion 6 and a crimped portion 7 are arranged side by side in the first direction D1.

[0049] The conductive portion 6 has a pair of pressure-connecting blades 11. Each pressure-connecting blade 11 is formed on the edge of a pair of protruding walls 12 that protrude perpendicularly from both ends of the base plate 5 in the second direction D2. The pair of pressure-connecting blades 11 are arranged to face each other in the second direction D2. Each pressure-connecting blade 11 is formed in an inclined shape, and the distance between the pressure-connecting blades 11 becomes smaller as they approach the base plate 5.

[0050] The insulated electric wire 90 is inserted between the insulation displacement blades 11, and the electric wire 90 is pushed closer to the base plate 5, whereby the insulation displacement blades 11 penetrate through the insulated portion of the electric wire 90 and come into contact with the internal conductor. This allows electrical continuity between the electric wire 90 and the terminal body 1.

[0051] The crimping portion 7 includes a pair of crimping pieces 13. Each crimping piece 13 is formed to protrude perpendicularly from both ends of the base plate 5 in the second direction D2. The direction in which the pair of crimping pieces 13 protrude from the base plate 5 is the same as the direction in which the pair of protruding walls 12 protrude from the base plate 5. The pair of crimping pieces 13 are arranged at an interval in the second direction D2.

[0052] The electric wire 90 can be fixed to the crimping portion 7 by inserting the electric wire 90 between the pair of crimping pieces 13 and crimping each of the crimping pieces 13 so that it is bent inward. An appropriate crimping tool (pressure welding tool) is used for the crimping work. The drawing shows how the crimping pieces 13 are plastically deformed by crimping.

[0053] Next, carrier 2 will be described in detail.

[0054] The carrier 2 is formed so as to connect the base plates 5 of the two terminal bodies 1 on the sides closer to the tubular portion 3. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 3, the carrier 2 is formed by bending in a V-shape or a U-shape along a linear fold so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the base plates 5 between the two base plates 5. This fold is parallel to the first direction D1.

[0055] The direction in which the carrier 2 protrudes from the base plate 5 is the same as the direction in which the protruding wall 12 and the crimping piece 13 protrude from the base plate 5 .

[0056] Next, the housing 60 that accommodates the connecting terminal 50 will be described in detail.

[0057] The housing 60 has two elongated accommodating spaces 61. The accommodating spaces 61 are formed in a groove shape. As shown in FIG. 1, each accommodating space 61 can accommodate a portion of the terminal body 1 excluding the pin 4.

[0058] When the connecting terminal 50 is accommodated in the housing 60, the longitudinal direction of the accommodation space 61 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the terminal body 1, and the direction in which the two accommodation spaces 61 are arranged coincides with the direction in which the two terminal bodies 1 are arranged. Therefore, the longitudinal direction of the accommodation space 61 can be referred to as a first direction D1, and the direction in which the accommodation spaces 61 are arranged can be referred to as a second direction D2.

[0059] 2, the housing 60 includes one base wall 65, two outer walls 66, one partition wall (first wall) 67, and two restriction walls 68. The housing 60 can be made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0060] The base wall 65 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is elongated in the first direction D1.

[0061] The outer walls 66 are formed so as to protrude perpendicularly from both ends of the base wall 65 in the second direction D2. Two storage spaces 61 are arranged between the two outer walls 66.

[0062] The partition wall 67 is formed so as to protrude perpendicularly from the center of the base wall 65 in the second direction D2. The partition wall 67 is formed so as to separate the storage spaces 61 into two spaces.

[0063] The outer wall 66 and the partition wall 67 protrude from the same side of the base wall 65, and their protruding directions are parallel. The directions in which the outer wall 66 and the partition wall 67 protrude from the base wall 65 are perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 described above. Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 may be referred to as the third direction D3.

[0064] When viewed in the third direction D3, the outer wall 66 and the partition wall 67 are both elongated in the first direction D1. The housing 60 has an E-shaped cross section, with one end in the third direction D3 being an open side. Two terminal bodies 1 can be inserted into the accommodating spaces 61 from this open side.

[0065] The partition wall 67 has a recess 71 that opens the same side as the open side of the housing 60. The recess 71 is arranged so as to divide the partition wall 67 midway along the longitudinal direction when viewed along the third direction D3. The recess 71 is formed so as to penetrate the partition wall 67 in the thickness direction. The two storage spaces 61 formed in the housing 60 are connected to each other via the recess 71.

[0066] When the connecting terminal 50 is attached to the housing 60, the carrier 2 is disposed in the recess 71. As a result, the carrier 2 can be covered and protected by the housing 60 and the housing cover 80.

[0067] The base wall 65 is formed with a plate-shaped protrusion (second wall) 72 that protrudes toward the open side of the housing 60. The direction in which the protrusion 72 protrudes from the base wall 65 is the same as the direction in which the partition wall 67 protrudes from the base wall 65. When viewed in a direction along the third direction D3, the protrusion 72 is formed to be elongated in the first direction D1.

[0068] The length by which the protrusion 72 protrudes from the base wall 65 in the third direction D3 is smaller than the length by which the partition wall 67 protrudes from the base wall 65 in the third direction D3. Furthermore, the dimension of the protrusion 72 in the second direction D2 is smaller than the dimension of the partition wall 67 in the second direction D2. In other words, the thickness of the protrusion 72 is smaller than the thickness of the partition wall 67. This allows the protrusion 72 to be easily inserted inside the bent carrier 2 when the carrier 2 is placed in the recess 71, as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0069] 2, a guide tapered portion 73 is formed in the partition wall 67 near the open end of the recess 71, and is inclined so that the length of the recess 71 in the first direction D1 increases as it approaches the open side of the housing 60. This allows the carrier 2 of the connecting terminal 50 to be easily inserted into the recess 71.

[0070] The two restricting walls 68 are arranged at one longitudinal end of the two storage spaces 61. Each restricting wall 68 is arranged at one end of the base wall 65 in the first direction D1, and connects the outer wall 66 and the partition wall 67. Both of the two restricting walls 68 are formed to protrude perpendicularly from the base wall 65.

[0071] Each of the restriction walls 68 has a V-shaped notch 75 formed therein, which opens the same side as the open side of the housing 60. Connected to the bottom of this notch 75, the restriction wall 68 has a passage recess 76 formed therein, which allows the pin 4 to pass through.

[0072] In each of the accommodating spaces 61, an end opposite to the restricting wall 68 in the first direction D1 is open. This allows the electric wire 90 to pass from the outside of the housing 60 into the accommodating space 61.

[0073] On each of the outer wall 66 and the partition wall 67 that face each other across the accommodation space 61, a claw portion 77 is formed near the open side of the housing 60. Each claw portion 77 is formed to protrude in the second direction D2. The claw portions 77 are arranged in pairs to face each other across the accommodation space 61. Because the claw portions 77 have appropriate inclined surfaces, when the terminal body 1 is assembled into the accommodation space 61, the tubular portion 3 elastically deforms the housing 60 so as to widen the gap between the claw portions 77. In the state of FIG. 1 where the tubular portion 3 has climbed over the claw portion 77, the claw portion 77 restricts movement of the tubular portion 3, so that the terminal body 1 will not move in the third direction D3 and be unexpectedly detached from the housing 60.

[0074] Next, the housing cover 80 will be described in detail. The housing cover 80 is made of synthetic resin, just like the housing 60. The housing cover 80 is formed in a plate shape and is fixed to the open side of the housing 60. The fixing mechanism is not shown, but a known combination of a claw and a recess, for example, can be used.

[0075] By fixing the housing cover 80 to the housing 60, the portions of the connecting terminal 50 other than the two pins 4 can be held housed in the housing 60. In Fig. 1, the housing cover 80 is drawn transparently with a chain line to clearly show the internal state.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the housing cover 80 includes a cover base 85, two restricting portions 88, and two protruding portions 89.

[0077] The cover base 85 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is elongated in the first direction D1.

[0078] The two restricting portions 88 are arranged at one end of the cover base 85 in the first direction D1. The two restricting portions 88 are arranged side by side in the second direction D2, corresponding to the two restricting walls 68 of the housing 60. Each restricting portion 88 is formed in a V-shape, corresponding to the aforementioned cutout portion 75. Both of the two restricting portions 88 are formed so as to protrude perpendicularly from the cover base 85 (in the third direction D3).

[0079] The two protrusions 89 are arranged to correspond to approximately the centers of the two storage spaces 61 in the longitudinal direction. The two protrusions 89 are arranged side by side in the second direction D2. Each protrusion 89 is formed in a block shape and is formed so as to protrude from the cover base 85. The direction in which the protrusions 89 protrude from the cover base 85 is the same as the direction in which the restricting portion 88 protrudes from the cover base 85.

[0080] When the housing cover 80 is fixed to the housing 60, the restricting portion 88 is connected to the restricting wall 68 at one end of the accommodation space 61, and the convex portion 89 protrudes into the accommodation space 61. As a result, the cylindrical portion 3 of the terminal body 1 is inserted between the restricting portion 88 (restricting wall 68) and the convex portion 89, preventing the terminal body 1 from moving in the first direction D1.

[0081] Next, the effect of forming the carrier 2 in the connecting terminal 50 by bending it will be described.

[0082] As described above, the connecting terminal 50 is manufactured by punching and bending a single metal plate. As shown in FIG. 3, the carrier 2 is formed in a bent shape, so that the dimensions of the carrier 2 in the punched shape (unfolded shape before bending) increase in the second direction D2, which is the direction in which the terminal bodies 1 are arranged. Therefore, the spacing between the terminal bodies 1 increases in the shape punched from the metal plate, increasing the degree of freedom in the shape of the terminal bodies 1 to be molded. For example, a three-dimensional shape such as a cylindrical portion 3 can be easily realized. Because the carrier 2 is bent during molding, the spacing between the terminal bodies 1 can be reduced, making it easy to miniaturize the connecting terminal connector assembly 100.

[0083] Next, a case where a normal terminal 1a, rather than the connecting terminal 50, is accommodated in the housing 60 in this embodiment will be described.

[0084] For example, to accommodate a variety of different specifications for devices installed in automobiles, there is a need to use two terminals 1a that are not electrically connected, instead of a connecting terminal 50 in which two terminal bodies 1 are electrically connected. Figure 4 shows a case in which two terminals 1a without a carrier 2 are accommodated in a housing 60.

[0085] The housing 60 and the housing cover 80 of this embodiment can accommodate both the case where the connecting terminal 50 is accommodated as shown in Fig. 2 and the case where the normal terminal 1a without the carrier 2 is accommodated as shown in Fig. 4. This allows for the use of common parts and reduces costs.

[0086] 4, when normal terminals 1a are accommodated, the protrusion 72 has the function of separating the two terminals 1a, similar to the partition wall 67. This makes it possible to prevent the two terminals 1a from coming into contact with each other unintentionally.

[0087] In this embodiment, specifications requiring electrical connection between two terminal bodies 1 are met by using a connecting terminal 50. On the other hand, if normal terminals 1a are used uniformly regardless of the specifications and electrical connection between multiple terminals 1a is required, a method can be used in which a short-circuit connector with a bus bar is interposed between the connector assembly and the mating connector assembly. In this embodiment, electrical connection can be achieved inside the housing 60 without using a short-circuit connector, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0088] Next, the effects of the configuration of this embodiment compared with the modified example shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

[0089] The modified example shown in Fig. 5 has a configuration in which the connecting terminal 50 is attached to and assembled with the housing 60x in the first direction D1. Two elongated accommodation spaces 61 are formed inside the housing 60x in the first direction D1. The accommodation spaces 61 are configured as holes with one end in the longitudinal direction open. Unlike the configuration in Fig. 2, in the modified example in Fig. 5, the housing 60x does not have one side open in the third direction D3.

[0090] Even in this configuration, the carrier 2 can be protected by accommodating the carrier 2 in the housing 60x. On the other hand, in the modified example of Fig. 5, in order to accommodate the carrier 2 inside the housing 60x, it is necessary to form a slit (recess) 79 for passing the carrier 2 in the partition wall 78 located between the two accommodation spaces 61. In order to position the carrier 2 at a predetermined position inside the housing 60x, the slit 79 must be formed to be considerably long in the first direction D1, as indicated by the length L1, which significantly reduces the strength of the partition wall 78.

[0091] 2, since the terminal body 1 is attached to the housing 60 in the third direction D3, it is sufficient to provide the recess 71 in the partition wall 67 with a length corresponding to the length of the carrier 2 in the first direction D1. This effectively prevents the strength of the housing 60 from being reduced.

[0092] Next, the effect of the difference in the lengths of the base plates 5 of the two terminal bodies 1 in the connecting terminal 50 will be described.

[0093] 1 and other figures, the two terminal bodies 1 constituting the connecting terminal 50 are configured to be substantially symmetrical except for the fact that the lengths of the base plates 5 in the first direction D1 are different. Because the lengths of the base plates 5 are different between the two terminal bodies 1, the positions of the conductive portions 6 and the crimped portions 7 are different in the first direction D1 between the two terminal bodies 1. As a result, the conductive portions 6 and the crimped portions 7 of the two terminal bodies 1 are arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed in the second direction D2.

[0094] In this way, the conductive portions 6 and the crimped portions 7 are arranged offset in the first direction D1 between adjacent terminal bodies 1, so that the conductive portions 6 and the crimped portions 7 do not overlap when punched out of the metal plate. Furthermore, when crimping the electric wire 90 to each crimped portion 7, the crimped portion 7 of the other adjacent terminal body 1 is less likely to come into contact with the crimping tool. This makes the electric wire connection work easier.

[0095] As described above, the connecting terminal connector assembly 100 of this embodiment includes the connecting terminal 50 and the housing 60. The housing 60 accommodates the connecting terminal 50. The connecting terminal 50 includes a plurality of terminal bodies 1 and a carrier 2. The terminal bodies 1 are formed elongated in a first direction D1 and are arranged in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The carrier 2 connects the terminal bodies 1 to each other. The plurality of terminal bodies 1 are arranged approximately parallel within the housing 60. The carrier 2 is disposed inside the housing 60.

[0096] With this configuration, the housing 60 can protect the carrier 2 from external impacts.

[0097] In the multi-terminal connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the housing 60 is open on one side in a third direction D3, which is perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The housing 60 has a partition wall 67 that separates the terminal bodies 1. A recess 71 that opens the open side of the housing 60 is formed in the partition wall 67 at a midpoint in the first direction D1 so as to be recessed in the third direction D3. A carrier 2 is disposed in the recess 71.

[0098] This prevents the recess 71 into which the carrier 2 is inserted when the connecting terminal 50 is attached to the housing 60 from significantly reducing the strength of the partition wall 67.

[0099] In the multi-terminal connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, each terminal body 1 has a crimping portion 7 for pressing the terminal body 1 into contact with the electric wire 90. The crimping portions 7 of adjacent terminal bodies 1 are arranged to be offset in the first direction D1.

[0100] This allows for efficient use of the metal plate when punching and bending a single conductive metal plate to integrally manufacture the carrier 2 and multiple terminal bodies 1. Since the crimping portions 7 of adjacent terminal bodies 1 are positioned apart, the crimping work to the electric wire 90 can be easily performed.

[0101] In the terminal-connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the carrier 2 is formed to be bent.

[0102] This means that when the carrier 2 and multiple terminal bodies 1 are manufactured integrally from a single conductive metal plate, the spacing between the parts of the terminal body 1 in the punched-out expanded shape becomes larger, thereby increasing the freedom in the shape of the molded terminal body 1.

[0103] In the multi-terminal connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the housing 60 has a protrusion 72. The protrusion 72 protrudes from the inside of the recess 71 toward the open side of the housing 60.

[0104] Consider using the housing 60 both when using the connecting terminal 50 and when using multiple regular terminals without a carrier 2. When multiple regular terminals 1a are attached to the housing 60 as shown in Figure 4, the protrusions 72 can make it less likely that a short circuit will occur due to contact between the terminals 1a inside the housing 60.

[0105] In the multi-terminal connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the protruding length of the protruding portion 72 in the third direction D3 is smaller than the protruding length of the partition wall 67. The thickness of the protruding portion 72 is smaller than the thickness of the partition wall 67.

[0106] This allows the protrusions 72 to be realized at low cost.

[0107] In the multi-terminal connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the housing 60 has a protrusion 72. The protrusion 72 protrudes from the inside of the recess 71 toward the open side of the housing 60. At least a portion of the protrusion 72 is disposed inside the carrier 2, which is provided so as to be bent.

[0108] Consider using the housing 60 both when using the connecting terminal 50 and when using multiple regular terminals without the carrier 2. When the connecting terminal 50 is attached to the housing 60, the protrusion 72 can be prevented from interfering with the carrier 2.

[0109] The terminal connector assembly 100 of this embodiment includes a housing cover 80 that corresponds to the housing 60 .

[0110] This makes it possible to more securely protect the carrier 2 of the connecting terminal 50.

[0111] In the multi-terminal connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the housing 60 has an accommodating space 61 that is elongated in the first direction D1 and capable of accommodating the terminal body 1. The housing cover 80 has a restricting portion 88 that can come into contact with the terminal body 1 at an end of the accommodating space 61 in the first direction D1.

[0112] As a result, the restricting portion 88 can prevent the terminal body 1 from moving in the first direction D1 and coming out of the housing 60.

[0113] In the multi-terminal connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the housing cover 80 has a protrusion 89 that protrudes in the third direction D3 toward the inside of the accommodating space 61 and is capable of coming into contact with the terminal body 1.

[0114] As a result, the protrusion 89 can prevent the terminal body 1 from moving in the first direction D1 and coming out of the housing 60.

[0115] In the multi-terminal connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the housing 60 includes claw portions 77 that protrude in the second direction D2 and fix the terminal body 1 in a state where it is accommodated inside the housing 60.

[0116] As a result, the claw portion 77 can prevent the terminal body 1 from moving in the third direction D3 and coming out of the housing 60.

[0117] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows. Each modification may be made alone, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0118] The shape of the carrier 2 may be, for example, a flat plate instead of a curved shape.

[0119] The housing 60 and the housing cover 80 may be integrally formed. For example, it is conceivable to configure the housing 60 and the housing cover 80 to be integrally connected via a thin hinge portion.

[0120] As shown in the modified example of FIG. 5, the connecting terminal 50 may be inserted into the housing 60x in the first direction D1.

[0121] 2, the depth to which the recess 71 is formed in the partition wall 67 is equal to the length by which the partition wall 67 protrudes from the base wall 65. However, the depth of the recess 71 may be smaller than the length by which the partition wall 67 protrudes.

[0122] The shape of the protrusion 72 is not limited. For example, the thickness of the protrusion 72 can be greater than the thickness of the partition wall 67. Instead of the plate-shaped protrusion 72, for example, a plurality of round bar-shaped protrusions can be formed and arranged in the first direction D1. The protrusion 72 may be omitted.

[0123] At least one of the restricting portion 88 and the protruding portion 89 may be omitted.

[0124] It is also possible to change the position of the carrier 2 in the connecting terminal 50. In this case, the position of the recess 71 in the housing 60 may be changed to correspond to the carrier 2.

[0125] In the terminal body 1, a welded portion or a fitting portion may be provided instead of the crimped portion .

[0126] The terminal body 1 may have any shape, and for example, the cylindrical portion 3 may be omitted.

[0127] The position of the claw portion 77 is arbitrary, and for example, it can be modified so that the claw portion 77 contacts the tube portion 3 instead of the protrusion 89 to restrict movement. The claw portion 77 may be omitted.

[0128] The crimped portions 7 of the adjacent terminal bodies 1 do not have to be arranged with deviation in the first direction D1.

[0129] The entire protrusion 72 may not be located inside the curved carrier 2 , and a part of the protrusion 72 may be located outside the carrier 2 .

[0130] The multi-terminal connector assembly 100 is not limited to a two-terminal type, but can also be applied to a three-terminal or more-terminal type multi-terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1 Terminal body 2. Career 7 Crimping part (pressure welding part) 50 consecutive terminals 60,60x housing 61 Containment Space 67 Partition Wall (1st Wall) 71 Recess 72 Protrusion (second wall) 77 Claw 80 Housing cover 88 Regulatory Department 89 Convex 90 Electric wire 100-terminal connector assembly D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 3rd direction

Claims

1. A connecting terminal and a housing for accommodating the connecting terminal; Equipped with The connecting terminal is a plurality of terminal bodies each elongated in a first direction and arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a carrier connecting the terminal bodies to each other; Equipped with A plurality of the terminal bodies are provided in the housing in a substantially parallel arrangement, The multi-terminal connector assembly is characterized in that the carrier is provided inside the housing.

2. 2. The multi-terminal connector assembly according to claim 1, The housing is open on one side in a third direction, which is a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, The housing has a first wall that separates the terminal bodies, a recessed portion that opens the open side of the housing is formed in the first wall at a midpoint in the first direction and recessed in the third direction; a multi-terminal connector assembly, wherein the carrier is disposed in the recess;

3. 2. The multi-terminal connector assembly according to claim 1, Each of the terminal bodies includes a pressure contact portion for pressure-contacting the terminal body to an electric wire, The multi-terminal connector assembly is characterized in that the pressure contact portions of the adjacent terminal bodies are arranged to be offset in the first direction.

4. 2. The multi-terminal connector assembly according to claim 1, 2. A multi-terminal connector assembly, wherein the carrier is formed to be bent.

5. 3. The multi-terminal connector assembly according to claim 2, the housing has a second wall; The second wall projects toward an open side of the housing within the recess.

6. 6. The multi-terminal connector assembly according to claim 5, a protruding length of the second wall in the third direction is smaller than a protruding length of the first wall; A multi-terminal connector assembly, wherein the thickness of said second wall is smaller than the thickness of said first wall.

7. 3. The multi-terminal connector assembly according to claim 2, the housing has a protrusion; the protrusion protrudes from the inside of the recess toward the open side of the housing, A multi-terminal connector assembly, characterized in that at least a portion of the protrusion is disposed inside the carrier, which is provided so as to be bent.

8. 2. The multi-terminal connector assembly according to claim 1, a housing cover corresponding to said housing;

9. 9. The multi-terminal connector assembly according to claim 8, the housing has an accommodating space that is elongated in the first direction and that can accommodate the terminal body; The multi-terminal connector assembly is characterized in that the housing cover has a restricting portion that is capable of contacting the terminal body at an end of the accommodating space in the first direction.

10. 9. The multi-terminal connector assembly according to claim 8, the housing has an accommodating space that is elongated in the first direction and that can accommodate the terminal body; The housing is open on one side in a third direction, which is a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, The multi-terminal connector assembly is characterized in that the housing cover has a protrusion that protrudes in the third direction toward the interior of the accommodating space and is capable of contacting the terminal body.

11. 3. The multi-terminal connector assembly according to claim 2, The housing has a claw portion that projects in the second direction and fixes the terminal body in a state where the terminal body is accommodated inside the housing.

12. A housing capable of accommodating a plurality of terminal bodies formed elongated in a first direction, A plurality of storage spaces elongated in the first direction are arranged side by side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The housing is open on one side in a third direction, which is a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, A first wall is formed to separate adjacent storage spaces, The housing is characterized in that a recess is formed in the first wall, in which a carrier connecting adjacent terminal bodies can be placed.

13. 13. The housing of claim 12, the recess is formed in a midway portion of the first wall in the first direction so as to open an open side of the housing and to be recessed in the third direction, a second wall protruding toward an open side of the housing is formed in the recess; a protruding length of the second wall is smaller than a protruding length of the first wall; The housing is characterized in that the thickness of the second wall is smaller than the thickness of the first wall.

14. A housing capable of accommodating a plurality of terminal bodies, A housing characterized in that a recess in which a bent carrier connecting adjacent terminal bodies can be placed, or a protrusion that can be inserted into the bent carrier, is formed inside the housing.

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