Connector unit and wire harness

Abstract

To provide a connector unit and a wire harness that enable proper fastening of terminals.SOLUTION: A connector unit includes a first connector 10, a second connector 20, and a fastening member 30. The fastening member 30 has: a bolt 31; a collar 32 which is supported slidably along a fastening direction Z between a fastening position P1 in contact with a first connection terminal 11 and a fastening release position P2 away from the first connection terminal 11; a nut 33 to which a shaft portion 31b of the bolt 31 is fastened while sandwiching the first connection terminal 11, a second connection terminal 21, and the collar 32 between the head 31a of the bolt 31 and the nut 33; and an engaging member 34 which is provided on the bolt 31 and is engaged with the collar 32, moves the collar 32 from the fastening release position P2 to the fastening position P1 along with fastening operation of the bolt 31, and moves the collar 32 from the fastening position P1 to the fastening release position P2 along with fastening release operation of the bolt 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector unit and a wire harness. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technology relating to a connector unit of a conventional wire harness, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector unit including a first connector having a first connection terminal, a second connector having a second connection terminal, and a fastening member that fastens the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-96310 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the connector unit described in Patent Document 1 above has room for further improvement in terms of, for example, properly performing the fastening operation between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal with the fastening member.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector unit and a wire harness that enable proper fastening of terminals to each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a connector unit according to the present invention includes a first connector having a first connection terminal, a second connector having a second connection terminal electrically connected to the first connection terminal and fitted to the first connector along an axial direction, and a fastening member fastening the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, the fastening member including a bolt extending along a fastening direction intersecting the axial direction, and a fastening member sliding along the fastening direction between a fastening position where the fastening member abuts against one of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal arranged along the fastening direction, and a fastening release position where the fastening member is separated from the one of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. the nut is provided on the bolt and engages with the collar, and moves the collar together with the bolt from the release position to the fastening position as the bolt is tightened, and moves the collar together with the bolt from the release position to the fastening position as the bolt is tightened, and moves the collar together with the bolt from the fastening position to the release position as the bolt is tightened, and moves the collar together with the bolt from the fastening position to the release position as the bolt is loosened. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the connector unit and wire harness according to the present invention, the fastening member includes an engaging member that is provided on the bolt and engages with the collar, moving the collar together with the bolt from the release position to the fastened position as the bolt is fastened, and moving the collar together with the bolt from the fastened position to the release position as the bolt is fastened. With this configuration, for example, the connector unit and wire harness can abut the collar against one of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal by using the engaging member to move the collar from the release position to the fastened position, and can separate the collar from one of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal by moving the collar from the fastened position to the release position. As a result, the connector unit and wire harness exhibit the effect of enabling proper fastening of terminals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of a connector unit applied to a wire harness according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a connector unit applied to a wire harness according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a first connector of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional view perpendicular to the width direction of the first connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to an exemplary fastening direction of the first connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary perspective view of the second connector of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary perspective view (partial cross-sectional view) of the vicinity of the locking piece of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary perspective view of the first connector according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the slide cover is in an open position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the pull-back protrusion of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of the second connector and the fastening member according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the connector unit according to the embodiment, showing a state before fastening members are fastened. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the connector unit according to the embodiment, showing a state after fastening of the fastening members. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exemplary perspective view of a bolt and an engaging member of a fastening member according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exemplary perspective view of a collar of a fastening member according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a fastening member according to an embodiment, showing the collar in a fastened position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a fastening member according to an embodiment, showing the collar in an unclamped position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily replaceable by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially identical. Note that in this specification, ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish between parts, members, portions, positions, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0010] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector unit 1 applied to a wire harness WH according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit 1. The connector unit 1 of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is incorporated into a wire harness WH to be routed in a vehicle such as an automobile. Here, the wire harness WH is, for example, a composite component made up of wiring materials W used for power supply and signal communication to connect various devices mounted on the vehicle, and the wiring materials W are connected to the various devices using connectors or the like. The wire harness WH of this embodiment includes a plurality of conductive wiring materials W and a connector unit 1 provided at the ends of the plurality of wiring materials W. The connector unit 1 includes, for example, a first connector 10 provided on the wiring material W side, a second connector 20 provided on the terminal block 2 side, and a fastening member 30 (see FIG. 2) that fastens a first connection terminal 11 of the first connector 10 to a second connection terminal 21 of the second connector 20, which will be described later. The wire harness WH may further include various other components such as grommets and fixing devices.

[0011] In the following description, of the first, second, and third directions that intersect with one another, the first direction will be referred to as the "axial direction X," the second direction will be referred to as the "width direction Y," and the third direction will be referred to as the "fastening direction Z." Here, the axial direction X, the width direction Y, and the fastening direction Z are approximately perpendicular to one another. The axial direction X typically aligns with the extension direction of the multiple wiring materials W, the mating direction (insertion direction) of the first connectors 10 and the second connectors 20 of the connector unit 1, etc. The width direction Y typically aligns with the width direction of the connector unit 1, etc. The fastening direction Z typically aligns with the height direction (up-down direction) of the connector unit 1, the fastening direction of the fastening members 30 of the connector unit 1, etc. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the directions used in the following description will be described as directions when the connector unit 1 is assembled to a vehicle.

[0012] The wiring material W is configured to include, for example, a conductive linear conductor portion W1 (see FIG. 5) and an insulating coating W2 that has insulating properties and covers the outside of the conductor portion W1. The wiring material W is an insulated electric wire in which the conductor portion W1 is covered with the insulating coating W2. The conductor portion W1 in this embodiment is a core wire in which multiple conductive metal wires are bundled together, but it may also be a twisted core wire in which the multiple metal wires are twisted together. The insulating coating W2 is a wire coating that covers the outer periphery of the conductor portion W1. The insulating coating W2 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding an insulating resin material or the like.

[0013] The wiring materials W each extend linearly along the axial direction X and are formed to extend with approximately the same diameter in the axial direction X (extension direction). In addition, the wiring material W has, for example, a substantially circular cross-sectional shape (cross-sectional shape intersecting the axial direction X) of the conductor portion W1 and a substantially annular cross-sectional shape of the insulating coating W2, so that the wiring material W has an approximately circular cross-sectional shape as a whole. At least one end of the wiring material W has the insulating coating W2 stripped off, and the first connection terminal 11 is crimped to the conductor portion W1 exposed from the insulating coating W2.

[0014] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector 10 of the connector unit 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the first connector 10 includes, for example, a first connection terminal 11, a first housing 12, a slide cover 13, a rear holder 14, a shield shell 15, a shield ring 16, and a plurality of gaskets 17 and 18. In this embodiment, the first connection terminal 11 and each of the gaskets 17 and 18 are provided in pairs corresponding to a pair of wiring materials W.

[0015] The first connection terminal 11 is a terminal fitting made of a conductive metal material, and is electrically connected to the second connection terminal 21 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) of the second connector 20. The first connection terminal 11 is configured to include, for example, an electrical connection portion electrically connected to the second connection terminal 21, and an electric wire crimp portion electrically connected to the end of the wiring material W. The first connection terminal 11 is also called a crimp terminal or the like.

[0016] The first housing 12 holds the first connection terminal 11 therein. The first housing 12 is formed, for example, in a substantially cylindrical shape with both sides open in the axial direction X. When the first connection terminal 11 is attached inside the first housing 12, the first connection terminal 11 protrudes from the opening on one side in the axial direction X, while the opening on the other side in the axial direction X is closed by a rear holder 14. The first housing 12 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0017] The slide cover 13 is supported on the first housing 12 so as to be slidable along the axial direction X between a closed position P11 (see FIG. 2) in which the slide cover 13 covers the first connection terminals 11 and an open position P12 (see FIG. 8) in which the slide cover 13 exposes the first connection terminals 11. The slide cover 13 is formed, for example, in the shape of a substantially rectangular cylinder with both sides open in the axial direction X. When positioned at the closed position P11, the slide cover 13 covers the periphery of the first connection terminals 11 from both sides in the width direction Y and from both sides in the fastening direction Z. The slide cover 13 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0018] The rear holder 14 closes the opening of the first housing 12 from the other side in the axial direction X. The rear holder 14 is configured to include, for example, a pair of divided bodies that can be separated along the fastening direction Z. The pair of divided bodies have a plurality of insertion holes through which the wiring material W is inserted along the axial direction X. With the pair of divided bodies closing the opening of the first housing 12, the rear holder 14 is integrated with the inner circumferential surface of the first housing 12 by so-called snap fit using claw engagement or the like. The rear holder 14 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0019] The shield shell 15 covers the first connection terminal 11 and the wiring material W, thereby preventing noise generated from the first connection terminal 11 and the wiring material W from leaking outside the first connector 10. The shield ring 16 is, for example, crimped to a braid (not shown) or the like of the wiring material W. The shield shell 15 and the shield ring 16 are, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape that fits along the outer peripheral surface of the first housing 12. The shield shell 15 and the shield ring 16 are, for example, formed from a conductive metal material.

[0020] The packings 17 and 18 prevent foreign matter such as moisture from entering the inside of the first housing 12. The packings 17 and 18 are formed of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin. The packing 17 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular tubular shape that follows the outer peripheral surface of the first connection terminal 11 and is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the first connection terminal 11. The packing 18 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape that follows the outer peripheral surface of the wiring material W and is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the wiring material W. When the wiring material W is attached inside the first housing 12, the packing 18 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the wiring material W and the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 12 (see Figure 5).

[0021] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the width direction Y of the first connector 10. As shown in Fig. 4, a pair of first pockets 12a are provided at both ends of the first housing 12 in the fastening direction Z. The pair of first pockets 12a accommodate the upper and lower walls of the sliding cover 13 when the sliding cover 13 slides from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 (see Fig. 8). The pair of first pockets 12a are provided with openings that are open toward one side in the axial direction X, i.e., toward the sliding cover 13 positioned at the closed position P11.

[0022] The upper and lower walls of the slide cover 13 are provided with a pair of locking claws 13a that are locked with the locking holes 12c of the first housing 12. The pair of locking claws 13a are formed in a claw shape at the other end in the axial direction X of the upper and lower walls of the slide cover 13. The pair of locking holes 12c are formed on one side in the axial direction X of the pair of first pockets 12a in the upper and lower walls of the first housing 12. The pair of locking claws 13a have locking surfaces that face one end faces in the axial direction X of the locking holes 12c, and the locking surfaces and the one end faces are locked in the axial direction X, thereby locking the slide cover 13 in the closed position P11 with respect to the first housing 12.

[0023] In addition, an inclined surface 12c1 is provided on the other end surface in the axial direction X of the pair of locking hole portions 12c. The inclined surface 12c1 is inclined toward both end sides of the first housing 12 in the fastening direction Z as it approaches the other side in the axial direction X (the pair of first pocket portions 12a side). The inclined surface 12c1 allows the slide cover 13 to move from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 side (the pair of first pocket portions 12a side) when the lock between a pair of locking pieces 13b (see FIG. 5) of the slide cover 13, which will be described later, and the first housing 12 is released.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the fastening direction Z of the first connector 10. As shown in Fig. 5, a pair of second pockets 12b are provided at both ends of the first housing 12 in the width direction Y. The pair of second pockets 12b accommodate a pair of side walls of the sliding cover 13 when the sliding cover 13 slides from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 (see Fig. 8). Like the pair of first pockets 12a, the pair of second pockets 12b are provided with openings that are open toward one side in the axial direction X, i.e., toward the sliding cover 13 positioned at the closed position P11.

[0025] Furthermore, a pair of locking pieces 13b are provided on a pair of side walls of the sliding cover 13 and are engaged with the first housing 12 along the axial direction X. The pair of locking pieces 13b are formed in a cantilever spring shape on the pair of side walls of the sliding cover 13. That is, one end of each of the pair of locking pieces 13b in the axial direction X is connected to the sliding cover 13, while the other end in the axial direction X is configured as a free end that is elastically deformable along the width direction Y. The pair of locking pieces 13b have locking surfaces that face one end surfaces of the first housing 12, i.e., the pair of second pocket portions 12b, in the axial direction X. By engaging the locking surfaces with the one end surfaces in the axial direction X, movement of the sliding cover 13 from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 side (toward the pair of second pocket portions 12b) is restricted.

[0026] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the second connector 20 of the connector unit 1, and Fig. 7 is a perspective view (partial cross-sectional view) of the vicinity of the locking piece 13b of the connector unit 1. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the second connector 20 is provided with a fitting opening 22a into which the above-mentioned sliding cover 13 of the first connector 10 fits. The fitting opening 22a is formed as a recess of a size and shape that allows the sliding cover 13 to fit in accordance with the outer shape of the sliding cover 13, and in this case, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction X is formed into a substantially rectangular shape. An opening is provided at the bottom of the fitting opening 22a, into which the above-mentioned first connection terminal 11 enters and which communicates with an opening 22d into which a fastening member 30, described later, is inserted.

[0027] Furthermore, a pair of protrusions 22b that release the engagement between the pair of locking pieces 13b and the first housing 12 is provided at both ends of the fitting opening 22a in the width direction Y. The pair of protrusions 22b protrude from the bottom of the fitting opening 22a toward the other side in the axial direction X (the sliding cover 13 side). The pair of protrusions 22b are inserted into the opening 13e of the sliding cover 13 from a tip end 13d (see FIG. 7) on one side of the sliding cover 13 in the axial direction X. As the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated, the pair of protrusions 22b come into contact with the pair of locking pieces 13b and deform the locking pieces 13b toward both sides in the width direction Y. This releases the engagement between the pair of locking pieces 13b and the first housing 12.

[0028] Further, a contact portion 22g that contacts the tip end 13d of the sliding cover 13 is provided at the bottom of the mating opening 22a. The contact portion 22g is an end surface (bottom surface) that faces the tip end 13d of the sliding cover 13 along the axial direction X. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated with each other, the contact portion 22g comes into contact with the tip end 13d of the sliding cover 13 in a state in which the engagement between the pair of locking pieces 13b and the first housing 12 is released, thereby moving the sliding cover 13 from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 relative to the first housing 12. As a result, the pair of locking pieces 13b are accommodated in the pair of second pockets 12b (see FIG. 8), and the pair of locking claws 13a are accommodated in the pair of first pockets 12a.

[0029] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the first connector 10 with the sliding cover 13 in the open position P12, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the retraction protrusion 22c of the connector unit 1. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the upper wall of the sliding cover 13 is provided with a locking hole 13c that engages with the retraction protrusion 22c of the second connector 20. The retraction protrusion 22c (see Figs. 6 and 9) is formed in a claw shape at the upper end of the fitting opening 22a, and the locking hole 13c is formed in the shape of a locking hole that penetrates the upper wall of the sliding cover 13 along the fastening direction Z. The locking hole 13c is also provided at one end of the upper wall of the sliding cover 13 in the axial direction X, and is configured to engage with the retraction protrusion 22c when the sliding cover 13 moves from the closed position P11 to the open position P12.

[0030] 9, the return projection 22c has a locking surface that faces one end surface of the locking hole 13c in the axial direction X. When the first connector 10 is detached from the second connector 20 to the other side in the axial direction X, the return projection 22c locks the locking surface and the one end surface in the axial direction X, thereby moving the slide cover 13 from the open position P12 to the closed position P11 with respect to the first housing 12. As a result, the pair of locking claws 13a are pulled back to the outside of the pair of first pockets 12a, and the pair of locking pieces 13b (see FIG. 8) described above are pulled back to the outside of the pair of second pockets 12b.

[0031] 10 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector 20 and the fastening member 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the second connector 20 includes, for example, a second connection terminal 21, a second housing 22, a front holder 23, and a unit packing 24. The fastening member 30 includes, for example, a bolt 31, a collar 32, nuts 33 and 35, an engaging member 34, and sealing members 36 and 37. In this embodiment, the second connection terminals 21 and the fastening members 30 are provided in pairs corresponding to the pair of first connection terminals 11 of the first connector 10.

[0032] The second connection terminal 21 is a terminal fitting made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the first connection terminal 11 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) of the first connector 10. The second connection terminal 21 includes, for example, a first electrical connection portion electrically connected to the first connection terminal 11, a second electrical connection portion electrically connected to an external terminal, and a linking portion linking the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion. The second connection terminal 21 has a substantially U-shaped cross section that is open toward the other side in the axial direction X, due to the first electrical connection portion, the second electrical connection portion, and the linking portion.

[0033] The second housing 22 holds the second connection terminal 21 therein. The second housing 22 has openings 22d through which the second connection terminal 21, the fastening member 30, etc. are inserted along the fastening direction Z. In this embodiment, the second housing 22 has a pair of openings 22d arranged side by side in the width direction Y. With the second connection terminal 21 attached inside, the fastening member 30 is inserted from the opening end on the other side in the fastening direction Z of the pair of openings 22d, while the opening end on one side in the fastening direction Z is closed by the front holder 23. The second housing 22 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0034] The front holder 23 closes the pair of openings 22d of the second housing 22 from one side in the fastening direction Z. The front holder 23 is, for example, a member for holding the unit packing 24 between itself and the second housing 22. The front holder 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape that follows the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the second housing 22, and is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The front holder 23 is integrated with the second housing 22 by claw fitting or the like, with the unit packing 24 sandwiched between itself and the second housing 22.

[0035] The unit packing 24 prevents foreign matter such as moisture from entering the inside of the second housing 22. The unit packing 24 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin. The unit packing 24 is formed, for example, in the shape of a substantially elliptical cylinder that follows the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion of the second housing 22 and is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. The unit packing 24 is interposed, for example, between the second housing 22 and an external device when the terminal block 2 is connected to the external device.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connector unit 1, showing a state before the fastening member 30 is fastened, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the connector unit 1, showing a state after the fastening member 30 is fastened. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , in this embodiment, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated, the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 21 are aligned along the fastening direction Z. The first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 21 each have a mounting hole into which the bolt 31 of the fastening member 30 is inserted along the fastening direction Z. The mounting hole of the second connection terminal 21 is provided with a screw hole for a nut 33 that communicates with one side of the fastening direction Z, and the mounting hole of the first connection terminal 11 is provided with a center hole for a collar 32 that communicates with the other side of the fastening direction Z. The first connection terminal 11, the second connection terminal 21, and the collar 32 are fastened together by being sandwiched between the head 31 a of the bolt 31 and the nut 33.

[0037] In this embodiment, the collar 32 is supported to be slidable in the fastening direction Z between a fastening position P1 (see FIG. 12) where the collar 32 abuts against the first connection terminal 11 and a disengaging position P2 (see FIG. 11) where the collar 32 is separated from the first connection terminal 11. That is, when the collar 32 is positioned at the disengaging position P2, a gap G is formed between the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11 in the fastening direction Z, and when the collar 32 is positioned at the fastening position P1, no gap G is formed between the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11. In this way, in this embodiment, by supporting the collar 32 to be slidable in the fastening direction Z with respect to the opening 22d of the second housing 22, electrical continuity is established between the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11 at the fastening position P1, while electrical continuity between the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11 is suppressed at the disengaging position P2.

[0038] In this embodiment, a flange wall 22e that supports the collar 32 at the release position P2 is provided on the inner surface of the opening 22d. The flange wall 22e protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the opening 22d. The collar 32 has an engagement surface that faces the flange wall 22e along the fastening direction Z, and the engagement surface abuts against the flange wall 22e to prevent the collar 32 from moving (disengaging) from the opening 22d toward the other side in the fastening direction Z. Note that, in this embodiment, the flange wall 22e has an opening that allows a pair of engagement pieces 34a (see FIG. 13) of an engagement member 34, which will be described later, to enter. That is, the flange wall 22e is provided intermittently along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the opening 22d.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bolt 31 and the engaging member 34 of the fastening member 30. As shown in FIG. 13, the bolt 31 has, for example, a head 31a and a shank 31b, and resin is insert-molded into the head 31a of the bolt 31. One end of the head 31a in the fastening direction Z is provided with a flange 31a1 that protrudes radially outward from the shank 31b and abuts against the collar 32 (see FIG. 15). The outer peripheral surface of the shank 31b is provided with a male thread that screws into the screw hole of the nut 33 described above. A ring-shaped seal member 37 is fitted to the other end of the shank 31b in the fastening direction Z. The seal member 37 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin, and seals off water between the shank 31b and the center hole of the collar 32.

[0040] The engaging member 34 includes, for example, a pair of engaging pieces 34a and a connecting portion 34b that connects the pair of engaging pieces 34a. The connecting portion 34b is formed in an annular shape with an opening into which the head 31a of the bolt 31 is inserted. The pair of engaging pieces 34a are formed to protrude along the fastening direction Z from both ends of the connecting portion 34b in the width direction Y. Tip portions 34a1 of the pair of engaging pieces 34a on one side in the fastening direction Z are formed in a claw shape and engage with the groove portion 32c of the collar 32. The engaging member 34 is attached to the bolt 31 and is used in a state where it is integrated with the bolt 31. In other words, the engaging member 34 is provided on the bolt 31.

[0041] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the collar 32 of the fastening member 30. As shown in FIG. 14, the collar 32 includes, for example, a large diameter portion 32a and a small diameter portion 32b formed with a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 32a. The large diameter portion 32a is a portion that is located on one side in the fastening direction Z of the flange wall 22e formed on the inner surface of the opening 22d when the collar 32 is positioned at the above-described fastening release position P2 (see FIG. 16). A ring-shaped seal member 36 that abuts against the inner surface of the opening 22d is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 32a. The seal member 36 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin, and seals off water between the large diameter portion 32a and the inner surface of the opening 22d.

[0042] The small diameter portion 32b is a portion that is located on the other side in the fastening direction Z of the flange wall 22e formed on the inner surface of the opening 22d when the collar 32 is positioned at the fastening release position P2 (see FIG. 16). The small diameter portion 32b is provided so as to be exposed from the open end of the opening 22d when the collar 32 is positioned at the fastening release position P2. The small diameter portion 32b has an outer peripheral surface formed with a groove 32c that engages with the tip ends 34a1 of the pair of engagement pieces 34a of the engagement member 34. The groove 32c is formed, for example, in an annular shape that follows the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 32b. The collar 32 is formed, for example, from a conductive metal material.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening member 30 with the collar 32 in the fastened position P1, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening member 30 with the collar 32 in the released position P2. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , in this embodiment, the engaging member 34 is configured to move the collar 32 together with the bolt 31 from the released position P2 to the fastened position P1 as the bolt 31 is tightened. For example, when the engaging member 34 is integrated with the bolt 31 and the collar 32 is positioned at the released position P2, the tip ends 34a1 of the pair of engaging pieces 34a are engaged with the grooves 32c from the other side in the fastening direction Z. When the collar 32 moves from the released position P2 to the fastened position P1, the pair of engaging pieces 34a enter one side in the fastening direction Z through openings formed in the flange wall 22e.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging member 34 is configured to move the collar 32 together with the bolt 31 from the fastened position P1 to the disengaged position P2 in accordance with the fastening / disengaging operation of the bolt 31. When the collar 32 moves from the fastened position P1 to the disengaged position P2, the pair of engaging pieces 34a move the collar 32 to the other side in the fastening direction Z relative to the first connection terminal 11 due to contact between the claw-shaped tip portions 34a1 and the groove portions 32c. This separates the collar 32 from the first connection terminal 11, thereby preventing electrical continuity between the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11 at the disengaged position P2.

[0045] As described above, in the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH of this embodiment, the fastening member 30 is provided on the bolt 31 and engages with the collar 32, and has an engaging member 34 that moves the collar 32 together with the bolt 31 from the release position P2 to the fastened position P1 as the bolt 31 is fastened, and moves the collar 32 together with the bolt 31 from the fastened position P1 to the release position P2 as the bolt 31 is released. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can, for example, bring the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11 into contact with each other by moving the collar 32 from the release position P2 to the fastened position P1 using the engaging member 34, and can separate the collar 32 and the first connection terminal 11 from each other by moving the collar 32 from the fastened position P1 to the release position P2. As a result, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can be properly fastened to the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 21, and therefore electrical continuity of the collar 32 at the fastening release position P2 can be suppressed.

[0046] In the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH of this embodiment, the second connector 20 has a second housing 22 provided with an opening 22d through which the bolt 31 and the collar 32 are inserted along the fastening direction Z, and the collar 32 has a large diameter portion 32a provided on its outer circumferential surface with a seal member 36 that abuts against the inner surface of the opening 22d, and a small diameter portion 32b formed with a diameter smaller than the large diameter portion 32a and provided on its outer circumferential surface with a groove 32c into which a tip end 34a1 of an engaging piece 34a of an engaging member 34 engages. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can, for example, waterproof the inner surface of the opening 22d with the seal member 36 provided on the large diameter portion 32a of the collar 32, while allowing the collar 32 to slide along the fastening direction Z between the fastening position P1 and the release position P2 with the engaging piece 34a engaged in the groove 32c of the small diameter portion 32b.

[0047] Furthermore, in the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH of this embodiment, the first connector 10 has a first housing 12 that holds the first connection terminals 11 in a state where they protrude along the axial direction X, and a slide cover 13 that is supported on the first housing 12 so as to be slidable along the axial direction X between a closed position P11 that covers the first connection terminals 11 and an open position P12 that exposes the first connection terminals 11. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can cover the periphery of the first connection terminals 11 with the slide cover 13 positioned in the closed position P11, for example, and thus can prevent contact between the first connection terminals 11 and the fingers of an operator, for example.

[0048] Furthermore, in the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH of this embodiment, the slide cover 13 has a cantilever spring-like locking piece 13b that is locked with the first housing 12 along the axial direction X in the closed position P11, and the second connector 20 has a protrusion 22b that deforms the locking piece 13b along the width direction Y as the first connector 10 is mated to the second connector 20, thereby releasing the locking piece 13b from the first housing 12. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can, for example, release the locking piece 13b from the first housing 12 by the protrusion 22b as the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated, thereby further reducing contact between the first connection terminal 11 and the worker's fingers or the like during work.

[0049] Furthermore, in the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH of this embodiment, the second connector 20 has an abutment portion 22g that abuts against the tip portion 13d of the sliding cover 13 in a state in which the locking piece 13b is disengaged from the first housing 12 in conjunction with the mating operation with the first connector 10, thereby moving the sliding cover 13 from the closed position P11 to the open position P12. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can, for example, move the sliding cover 13 from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 by the abutment portion 22g in conjunction with the mating operation of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, thereby further preventing contact between the first connection terminals 11 and the fingers of the worker during work.

[0050] While the present embodiment has exemplified a case in which the collar 32 abuts against the first connection terminal 11 and the nut 33 abuts against the second connection terminal 21, the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, the collar 32 may abut against the second connection terminal 21 and the nut 33 may abut against the first connection terminal 11. Furthermore, while the present embodiment has exemplified a case in which the slide cover 13 is provided on the first connector 10, the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, the slide cover 13 may not be provided on the first connector 10.

[0051] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the specifications of each configuration, shape, and the like (structure, type, direction, format, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be modified as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 Connector unit 10 First Connector 11 First connection terminal 12 First Housing 13 Slide cover 13b Locking piece 13d Tip 20 Second Connector 21 Second connection terminal 22 Second Housing 22b Protrusion 22d opening 22g Contact part 30 Fastening members 31 volts 31a head 31b Shaft 32 colors 32a Large diameter section 32b Small diameter section 32c Groove 33 Nut 34 Engagement member 34a Engagement piece W Routing material WH Wire Harness P1 Fastening position P2 Fastening release position P11 Closed position P12 Open position X-axis direction Y width direction Z fastening direction

Claims

1. a first connector having a first connection terminal; a second connector having a second connection terminal electrically connected to the first connection terminal and fitted to the first connector along the axial direction; a fastening member that fastens the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, The fastening member is a bolt extending along a fastening direction intersecting the axial direction; a conductive collar supported slidably along the fastening direction between a fastening position where the collar abuts against one of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal arranged along the fastening direction and a fastening release position where the collar is separated from the one of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal; a nut that abuts against the other of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, and fastens the shank of the bolt with the first connection terminal, the second connection terminal, and the collar sandwiched between the nut and the head of the bolt; an engaging member that is provided on the bolt and engages with the collar, and that moves the collar together with the bolt from the release position to the fastened position as the bolt is fastened, and moves the collar together with the bolt from the fastened position to the release position as the bolt is fastened and released; A connector unit having:

2. the second connector has a second housing provided with an opening through which the bolt and the collar are inserted along the fastening direction; The collar has a large diameter portion provided with a seal member on its outer peripheral surface that abuts against the inner surface of the opening, and a small diameter portion formed with a diameter smaller than the large diameter portion and provided with a groove on its outer peripheral surface that engages with the engaging piece of the engaging member. The connector unit according to claim 1 .

3. The first connector has a first housing that holds the first connection terminals in a state where they protrude along the axial direction, and a slide cover that is supported on the first housing so as to be slidable along the axial direction between a closed position that covers the first connection terminals and an open position that exposes the first connection terminals. The connector unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the slide cover has a cantilever spring-shaped locking piece that is locked to the first housing along the axial direction when in the closed position, the second connector has a protrusion that deforms the locking piece along the axial direction and a width direction intersecting the fastening direction in association with a mating operation with the first connector, thereby releasing the locking piece from the first housing; The connector unit according to claim 3 .

5. the second connector has an abutment portion that abuts against the tip of the slide cover in a state in which the engagement between the locking piece and the first housing is released in association with the mating operation with the first connector, thereby moving the slide cover from the closed position to the open position; The connector unit according to claim 4.

6. A conductive wiring material; A connector unit provided at an end of the wiring material; The connector unit includes: a first connector having a first connection terminal; a second connector having a second connection terminal electrically connected to the first connection terminal and fitted to the first connector along the axial direction; a fastening member that fastens the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, The fastening member is a bolt extending along a fastening direction intersecting the axial direction; a conductive collar supported slidably along the fastening direction between a fastening position where the collar abuts against one of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal arranged along the fastening direction and a fastening release position where the collar is separated from the one of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal; a nut that abuts against the other of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, and fastens the shank of the bolt with the first connection terminal, the second connection terminal, and the collar sandwiched between the nut and the head of the bolt; an engaging member that is provided on the bolt and engages with the collar, and that moves the collar together with the bolt from the release position to the fastened position as the bolt is fastened, and moves the collar together with the bolt from the fastened position to the release position as the bolt is fastened and released; A wire harness comprising:

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