Wire-to-wire connector

Abstract

To provide a wire-to-wire connector having an improved flexibility in dividing an electrical circuit into a small part.SOLUTION: A male connector set 10 included in a wire-to-wire connector includes a plurality of connector elements 11 to 15 arranged in a first direction D1. In each of the connector elements 11 to 15, a male terminal 1 is arranged side by side in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and an electric wire is connected to the male terminals 1. A female connector set 60 having a female terminal 2 to which an electric wire is connected includes a plurality of connector elements 61 to 65 in the same manner as the male connector set 10. In both the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60, at least one connector element among the plurality of connector elements 11 to 15 and 61 to 65 is configured as a split connector element including a first sub-connector element including a first split housing 7 on one side of the second direction D2 and a second sub-connector element including a second split housing 8 on the other side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wire-to-wire connector for connecting bundles of electric wires together. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, stacked connectors in which connector housings are stacked have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses this type of stacked connector.

[0003] The stacked connector of Patent Document 1 connects twisted pair electric wires used for wire harnesses installed in automobiles, etc. This stacked connector is configured with a plurality of connector housings stacked vertically in multiple levels. The connector housings are provided with a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers arranged side by side to accommodate connection terminals to which electric wires are connected. At least one connector housing is an assembled connector housing made up of a plurality of small housing bodies. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-85497 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The configuration of Patent Document 1 above is thought to enable electrical circuits to be formed in small housing units and then combined to form a stacked connector. However, the mating connector to which the stacked connector is connected is configured such that a large number of rod-shaped male terminals corresponding to the connecting terminals of the stacked connector are arranged and supported by a plate-shaped circuit formation body. Therefore, in the mating connector, it is not possible to divide the circuit as is realized in the stacked connector.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to realize a wire-to-wire connector that has improved flexibility in dividing an electric circuit into smaller parts.

[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 an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wire-to-wire connector having the following configuration. That is, the wire-to-wire connector includes a first connector set and a second connector set that are connectable to each other. The first connector set includes a plurality of connector elements arranged in a first direction, and in each of the connector elements, terminals are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and electric wires are connected to the terminals. The second connector set includes a plurality of connector elements arranged in the first direction, and in each of the connector elements, terminals are arranged in the second direction, and electric wires are connected to the terminals. In each of the first connector set and the second connector set, at least one of the plurality of connector elements is configured as a split connector element including a first sub-connector element and a second sub-connector element. The first sub-connector element holds one of the terminals or a plurality of the terminals arranged in the second direction in a first split housing. The second sub-connector element holds one of the terminals or a plurality of the terminals arranged in the second direction in a second split housing. In the divided connector element, the first sub-connector element and the second sub-connector element are arranged side by side in the second direction.

[0009] This allows circuits to be divided into sub-connector element units in both the first and second connector sets, thereby increasing the flexibility of circuit division in both of, for example, two bundles of electric wires connected using a wire-to-wire connector.

[0010] In the wire-to-wire connector, when the first connector set and the second connector set are connected, at least one of the split connector elements included in the first connector set and at least one of the split connector elements included in the second connector set can be connected so that their split boundaries in the second direction coincide with each other.

[0011] This results in a layout in which division boundaries where terminals cannot be arranged correspond in position to each other, making it possible to make effective use of space.

[0012] In the wire-to-wire connector, when the first connector set and the second connector set are connected, at least one of the split connector elements included in the first connector set and at least one of the split connector elements included in the second connector set can be connected so that the split boundary in the second direction is shifted.

[0013] This allows for greater flexibility in connection of the split connector elements, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in circuit design.

[0014] The wire-to-wire connector may have the following configuration: In at least one of the first connector set and the second connector set, some of the multiple connector elements are non-divided connector elements that hold all of the multiple terminals aligned in the second direction in a single housing. When the first connector set and the second connector set are connected, at least one of the divided connector elements included in at least one of the first connector set and the second connector set is connected to the non-divided connector element of the mating connector set.

[0015] This allows for greater flexibility in connection of the split connector elements, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in circuit design.

[0016] In the wire-to-wire connector, at least one of the first divided housing and the second divided housing preferably includes a positioning portion for positioning the first divided housing and the second divided housing relative to each other.

[0017] This allows the terminals held in the first and second separate housings to be positioned accurately.

[0018] In the wire-to-wire connector, it is preferable that the first divided housing and the second divided housing are connected to each other via a locking structure consisting of a locking portion and a locked portion.

[0019] This allows the first and second separate housings to be locked in a connected state, improving handling during manufacturing.

[0020] The wire-to-wire connector preferably has the following configuration: In at least one of the first connector set and the second connector set, three or more connector elements are arranged side by side in the first direction. The connector elements arranged at both ends in the first direction are non-divided connector elements that hold multiple terminals arranged side by side in the second direction in a single housing. The divided connector element is located midway in the first direction.

[0021] This allows the non-divided connector element to function as a kind of strength member, making it possible to favorably maintain the overall shape of the first connector set or the second connector set.

[0022] In the wire-to-wire connector, in at least one of the first connector set and the second connector set, all of the connector elements arranged side by side in the first direction can be configured as split connector elements.

[0023] This allows for greater flexibility in connection of the split connector elements, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in circuit design.

[0024] The wire-to-wire connector preferably includes an outer housing that accommodates at least a portion of the first connector set and the second connector set that are connected to each other.

[0025] This makes it possible to protect the first connector set and the second connector set from the outside, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0026] The wire-to-wire connector preferably has the following configuration: At least one of the first connector set and the second connector set includes a guide protrusion, and a guide groove into which the guide protrusion can be inserted is formed on the inner wall of an accommodating space formed in the outer housing.

[0027] This makes it possible to realize electrical connection between the first connector set and the second connector set while guiding the first connector set or the second connector set to the correct position using the guide grooves.

[0028] The wire-to-wire connector preferably has the following configuration: at least one of the first connector set and the second connector set includes an end cover fixed to an end of a plurality of connector elements arranged in the first direction, and the end cover is provided with a restricting portion that prevents the first connector set or the second connector set from coming off the outer housing.

[0029] This allows the first connector set or the second connector set to be prevented from coming off with a simple configuration. Because the prevention function is achieved by the end cover, the configuration of the split connector element or the non-split connector element can be easily simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a wire-to-wire connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a perspective view illustrating in detail an example of a non-split connector element included in a male connector pair. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a perspective view illustrating in detail an example of a split connector element included in a male connector pair. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of joining a first divided housing and a second divided housing in a divided connector element. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a detailed perspective view illustrating an example of a non-split connector element included in a female connector pair. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a detailed perspective view illustrating an example of a split connector element included in a female connector pair. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of attaching the male connector assembly to the outer housing. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of attaching the female connector assembly to the outer housing. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection relationship between connector elements in the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] 1 is a connector that electrically connects bundles of electric wires to each other. The wire-to-wire connector 150 is used, for example, to connect wire harnesses in an automobile.

[0033] The wire-to-wire connector 150 includes a male connector assembly (first connector assembly) 10, a female connector assembly (second connector assembly) 60, and an outer housing 110.

[0034] The outer housing 110 is hollow and has a connector accommodating space 111 formed therein. The connector accommodating space 111 can accommodate most of the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60 that are electrically connected to each other. In Fig. 1, the outer housing 110 is drawn see-through with chain lines to clearly show the interior of the outer housing 110.

[0035] 1 and 2, the male connector assembly 10 includes five connector elements 11 to 15. The five connector elements 11 to 15 are arranged in a straight line and attached to the outer housing 110. Hereinafter, the direction in which the connector elements 11 to 15 are arranged may be referred to as the first direction D1. The five connector elements 11 to 15 are arranged in the order of connector element 11, connector element 12, ... from one end of the first direction D1.

[0036] Each of the connector elements 11 to 15 includes a plurality of male terminals 1 made of a good electrical conductor. In each of the connector elements 11 to 15, the male terminals 1 are arranged linearly in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Hereinafter, the direction in which the male terminals 1 are arranged in each of the connector elements 11 to 15 may be referred to as the second direction D2.

[0037] Each male terminal 1 is formed to be elongated in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the male terminal 1 may be referred to as a third direction D3.

[0038] The five connector elements 11 to 15 are configured so that the dimensions in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are all equal, which makes it easier to standardize parts and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0039] Of the connector elements 11 to 15, the connector element 11 located at one end in the first direction D1 includes one connector element housing 21. The connector element housing 21 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped and is elongated in the second direction D2 when viewed in the third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector element housing 21 has a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) accommodating spaces 3 formed side by side in the second direction D2. Each accommodating space 3 is open on one side of the connector element housing 21 in the first direction D1. Male terminals 1 are arranged in each of the plurality of accommodating spaces 3.

[0040] Each male terminal 1 has a pin extending in the third direction D3. This pin protrudes to the outside of the connector element housing 21. An electric wire 9 is connected to the end of the male terminal 1 on the opposite side in the third direction D3 from the direction in which the pin protrudes.

[0041] 4, fixing ribs (guiding protrusions) 22 protrude outward in the second direction D2 from both end surfaces in the second direction D2 of the connector element housing 21. Each fixing rib 22 is formed elongated along the third direction D3.

[0042] In the connector element housing 21, a connecting protrusion 23 and a connecting recess 24 are respectively arranged on both end surfaces in the second direction D2. The connecting protrusion 23 and the connecting recess 24 are provided on the housing of each of the five connector elements 11 to 15. The connecting protrusion 23 can be connected to the connecting recess 24 provided on the housing of the connector element adjacent on one side in the first direction D1. This allows the housings of the five connector elements 11 to 15 to be connected one after another in the first direction D1.

[0043] A plurality of accommodating spaces 3 are also formed in the connector elements 12 to 15 other than the connector element 11, and male terminals 1 are arranged in each accommodating space 3. Fixing ribs 22, connecting protrusions 23, and connecting recesses 24 are formed in the housings that make up the connector elements 12 to 15. The configurations of these accommodating spaces 3, male terminals 1, fixing ribs 22, connecting protrusions 23, and connecting recesses 24 are the same as those of the connector element 11. The pitch at which the accommodating spaces 3 are arranged in the second direction D2 is substantially equal in the five connector elements 11 to 15. The five connector elements 11 to 15 are connected with the open sides of the accommodating spaces 3 facing the same side.

[0044] Similarly, in connector element 15, which is located at the opposite end in the first direction D1 from connector element 11, eight accommodating spaces 3 are formed in one connector element housing 21 lined up in the second direction D2, and a male terminal 1 is arranged in each accommodating space 3.

[0045] Hereinafter, connector elements such as connector elements 11 and 15, in which all of the multiple male terminals 1 or female terminals 2 arranged in the second direction D2 are arranged in a single connector element housing 21, may be referred to as non-split connector elements.

[0046] Each of the connector elements 12, 13, and 14 arranged at locations other than the ends in the first direction D1 is configured as a split connector element, which means a connector element in which multiple male terminals 1 or female terminals 2 arranged in the second direction D2 are split into multiple parts and arranged in different housings.

[0047] Taking the connector element 12 as an example, as shown in Fig. 5, the connector element 12 includes a first sub-connector element 5 and a second sub-connector element 6. The first sub-connector element 5 and the second sub-connector element 6 correspond to the connector element 12 divided into two in the second direction D2.

[0048] The first sub-connector element 5 includes a first divided housing 7. The first divided housing 7 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) accommodating spaces 3 formed side by side in the second direction D2, and a male terminal 1 is disposed in each of the accommodating spaces 3.

[0049] The second sub-connector element 6 includes a second divided housing 8. The second divided housing 8 has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) accommodating spaces 3 formed side by side in the second direction D2, and a male terminal 1 is arranged in each of the accommodating spaces 3.

[0050] The first sub-connector element 5 and the second sub-connector element 6 are arranged side by side in the second direction D2. The first sub-connector element 5 and the second sub-connector element 6 are joined to each other and arranged side by side with other connector elements.

[0051] The first split housing 7 has a block-shaped protrusion (positioning portion) 25 formed on the end closer to the second split housing 8. The second split housing 8 has a similar block-shaped protrusion (positioning portion) 26 formed on the end closer to the first split housing 7. The two protrusions 25, 26 face each other in the first direction D1 and can come into contact with each other. When the first split housing 7 and the second split housing 8 are joined together, the protrusions 25, 26 position the first split housing 7 and the second split housing 8 relative to each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0052] A positioning recess (positioning portion) 27 is formed in the first split housing 7, and a corresponding positioning protrusion (positioning portion) 28 is formed in the second split housing 8. When the first split housing 7 and the second split housing 8 are joined, the positioning protrusion 28 fits into the positioning recess 27, thereby positioning the first split housing 7 and the second split housing 8 relative to each other in the third direction D3.

[0053] However, the shape of the joint between the first split housing 7 and the second split housing 8 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in the modified example of FIG. 6, a recess (locked portion) 45 can be formed in the first split housing 7, and a claw (locking portion) 46 can be formed in the second split housing 8. By inserting and hooking the claw 46 into the recess 45 in the first direction D1, the first split housing 7 and the second split housing 8 can be relatively positioned in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3. In this way, the recess 45 and the claw 46 also function as positioning portions. The configuration of FIG. 6 differs from that of FIG. 5 in that it has a locking structure in which the recess 45 and the claw 46 interlock with each other. Therefore, the first split housing 7 and the second split housing 8 can be maintained in a connected state so that they cannot be separated in the second direction D2, which improves ease of handling when manufacturing the connector element.

[0054] In connector element 13, first sub-connector element 5 holds three male terminals 1, and second sub-connector element 6 holds four male terminals 1. In connector element 14, first sub-connector element 5 holds two male terminals 1, and second sub-connector element 6 holds five male terminals 1. Except for the above, the configurations of connector elements 13 and 14 are substantially the same as the configuration of connector element 12, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] A closure cover 36 is attached to the connector element 11. As shown in Fig. 4, the closure cover 36 is provided with a coupling recess 24. This coupling recess 24 is arranged to correspond to the coupling protrusion 23 provided on the connector element 11. The closure cover 36 is fixed to the connector element 11 so as to close the accommodating space 3 of the connector element 11. The closure cover 36 is arranged at the end of the connector elements 11 to 15 arranged in the first direction D1.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a plurality of restricting protrusions 31 are formed on the surface of each of the five connector elements 11 to 15 opposite the open side of the accommodation space 3. The restricting protrusions 31 are formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped block and are formed so as to protrude from the connector elements 11 to 15 in the first direction D1. The restricting protrusions 31 are arranged side by side in the second direction D2. The spacing between the restricting protrusions 31 is substantially equal to the spacing between the accommodation spaces 3.

[0057] Focusing on connector element 11, as shown in Fig. 2, connector element 12 is disposed adjacent to connector element 11 on the side opposite to the open side of accommodating space 3 formed in this connector element 11. As connector element 11 and connector element 12 are connected, restricting protrusion 31 formed on connector element 11 protrudes into accommodating space 3 (see Fig. 5) formed in the adjacent connector element 12, as shown in Fig. 4. Movement of male terminal 1 held by connector element 12 in third direction D3 is restricted by restricting protrusion 31. This prevents male terminal 1 from being accidentally removed from connector element 12.

[0058] The restricting protrusions 31 are provided on each of the five connector elements 11 and the closing cover 36. Therefore, it is possible to prevent all of the male terminals 1 belonging to the male connector set 10 from coming off. As shown in FIG. 5, the aforementioned protrusions 26 provided on the second split housing 8 are formed with notches 32 to avoid interference with the aforementioned restricting protrusions 31.

[0059] 1 and 3, the female connector set 60 includes five connector elements 61 to 65. The five connector elements 61 to 65 are arranged in a straight line and attached to the outer housing 110.

[0060] The configuration of connector elements 61 to 65 in female connector set 60 is substantially the same as that of connector elements 11 to 15 described above, except that the terminals accommodated are female terminals 2 rather than male terminals 1.

[0061] 7, a closure cover (end cover) 86 is attached to the connector element 61. Similar to the closure cover 36 described above, the closure cover 86 is fixed to the connector element 61 via the coupling recess 24. The closure cover 86 is disposed at the end of the connector elements 61 to 65 aligned in the first direction D1.

[0062] The closing cover 86 is formed with a locking protrusion (restriction portion) 33. This locking protrusion 33 can be hooked into a recess 35 formed in the inner wall of the outer housing 110, as shown in Figure 10. This makes it possible to lock the female connector set 60 so that it does not come off the outer housing 110.

[0063] In this embodiment, the function of preventing the female connector set 60 from coming off is provided in the closing cover 86, not in the connector elements 61 to 65. Therefore, the configuration of the connector elements 61 to 65 can be simplified and made compact easily.

[0064] A release lever 34 is formed on the closing cover 86. The lock protrusion 33 described above is disposed on the release lever 34. By operating the release lever 34 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 7 to elastically deform it, the lock protrusion 33 can be retracted from the recess 35, thereby releasing the lock.

[0065] The outer housing 110 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. As shown in Fig. 1, a connector accommodating space 111 formed in the outer housing 110 is open on both sides in the third direction D3. The male connector set 10 can be inserted into the connector accommodating space 111 from one side in the third direction D3, and the female connector set 60 can be inserted into the connector accommodating space 111 from the other side.

[0066] 3, guide grooves 41 corresponding to the connector elements 11 to 15, 61 to 65 are formed on the inner walls on both sides in the first direction D1 of the connector accommodating space 111 of the outer housing 110. The fixing ribs 22 of the connector elements 11 to 15, 61 to 65 can be inserted into these guide grooves 41.

[0067] By coupling one connector element 11 belonging to the male connector set 10 with one connector element 61 belonging to the female connector set 60, the male terminals 1 and female terminals 2 held therein are electrically connected. The fixing ribs 22 of the corresponding set of connector elements 11, 61 are inserted into a common guide groove 41. The same applies to the other sets of connector elements (connector elements 12, 62, connector elements 13, 63, ...).

[0068] As shown in Fig. 9, in each of the connector elements 11 to 15 belonging to the male connector set 10, a recess 29 recessed in the second direction D2 is formed in the middle of the fixing rib 22. Correspondingly, movable protrusions 42 protruding in the second direction D2 are formed inside guide grooves 41 formed in the outer housing 110. The movable protrusions 42 are arranged in pairs facing each other. Each movable protrusion 42 is arranged at the tip of an elastically deformable elongated arm portion formed in the outer housing 110. In this embodiment, the movable protrusions 42 are formed in only some of the multiple guide grooves 41, but they may be formed in all of the guide grooves 41.

[0069] When the male connector assembly 10 is inserted into the connector accommodating space 111 in the direction of arrow A1 in Figure 9, the movable protrusions 42 are pressed by the fixed ribs 22, causing the periphery of the movable protrusions 42 to elastically deform so as to widen the gap between the opposing movable protrusions 42. When the recesses 29 reach the position of the movable protrusions 42, the movable protrusions 42 protrude into the recesses 29. This allows the male connector assembly 10 to be fixed so as not to move in the third direction D3 relative to the outer housing 110. In this state, the entire pins of the male connector assembly 10 are located inside the accommodating space 3 of the outer housing 110.

[0070] Thereafter, the female connector assembly 60 is inserted into the connector accommodating space 111 in the direction of arrow A2 in Figure 10. When the insertion is complete, the male connector assembly 10 and the female connector assembly 60 are electrically connected. When the locking protrusion 33 reaches the position of the recess 35, the locking protrusion 33 protrudes into the recess 35. This makes it possible to fix the female connector assembly 60 so that it does not move in the third direction D3 relative to the connector accommodating space 111.

[0071] In this way, the wire-to-wire connector 150 of this embodiment is constructed by assembling the male connector set 10 and then the female connector set 60 to the outer housing 110. The numerous pins of the male connector set 10 are structurally prone to bending, but by attaching the male connector set 10 to the outer housing 110 first, the opportunity to protect the pins from external impacts can be increased.

[0072] When the male connector assembly 10 and the female connector assembly 60 are inserted into the outer housing 110, the fixing rib 22 and the guide groove 41 guide them so that they are inserted in the correct direction. The closure covers 36, 86 also have a shape that fits along the inner wall of the accommodation space 3, and similarly guide the male connector assembly 10 and the female connector assembly 60. This ensures a smooth insertion operation into the outer housing 110.

[0073] The locking projection 33 has an inclined surface that protrudes more toward the front in the insertion direction of the female connector assembly 60. As a result, during the process of inserting the female connector assembly 60 into the outer housing 110, the locking projection 33 is pressed against the inner wall of the accommodating space 3, causing the release lever 34 to automatically elastically deform and retract the locking projection 33. This makes it easy to insert the female connector assembly 60 into the outer housing 110. Once the insertion of the female connector assembly 60 is complete, the locking projection 33 protrudes into and engages with the recess 35, and at the same time, the elastic deformation of the release lever 34 is released. This ensures that the female connector assembly 60 is locked securely so that it does not come off the outer housing 110.

[0074] Next, the connection relationship between the connector elements will be described in detail.

[0075] 11, both connector elements 12 and 62 are split connector elements made up of a first split housing 7 and a second split housing 8. The same is true for connector elements 13 and 63 and connector elements 14 and 64.

[0076] Therefore, the electric circuits (in other words, the electric wires 9) can be grouped in units of sub-connector elements 5 and 6, which are smaller than the units of connector elements 11 to 15 and 61 to 65. This allows more flexible handling of bundles of electric wires on both sides connected via wire-to-wire connector 150.

[0077] 11 shows the connection relationship between the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60 in this embodiment. In Figure 11 and subsequent figures, the closing covers 36, 86 and the outer housing 110 are omitted for clarity of the drawings.

[0078] 11, connector element 12 belonging to male connector set 10 of this embodiment is a split connector element, and correspondingly, connector element 62 belonging to female connector set 60 is also a split connector element. The two connector elements 12, 62 are electrically connected to each other so that the connection portions of first split housing 7 and second split housing 8 (in other words, the split boundaries of connector elements 12, 62) face each other in third direction D3. The same is true for connector elements 13, 63 and connector elements 14, 64.

[0079] 11, of the connector elements 11 to 15 arranged in the first direction D1 in the male connector assembly 10, the connector elements 11 and 15 at both ends are non-divided connector elements with high mechanical strength. Therefore, the shape of the male connector assembly 10 including the divided connector elements (connector elements 12 to 14) can be stably maintained. The same is true for the female connector assembly 60.

[0080] 12 shows the connection relationship between the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60 in the first modified example. In this first modified example, the connector element 12 belonging to the male connector set 10 is a divided connector element, while the connector element 62 belonging to the female connector set 60 is a non-divided connector element. In this way, a configuration in which the divided connector element and the non-divided connector element are electrically connected to each other is also possible.

[0081] 12, connector element 13 belonging to male connector set 10 is a split connector element, and connector element 63 belonging to female connector set 60 is also a split connector element, but the split boundaries of connector elements 13 and 63 are arranged to be offset from each other in second direction D2. In this way, the split boundaries of split connector elements that are connected to each other do not need to coincide.

[0082] As described above, in the split connector element, protrusions 25, 26 are arranged at the connection portion (division boundary) between the first split housing 7 and the second split housing 8. In this embodiment, a space equivalent to one male terminal 1 or one female terminal 2 is used to arrange these protrusions 25, 26. In the example of FIG. 12 , no male terminal 1 is arranged in the accommodating space 3 of the connector element 13 corresponding to the division boundary of the connector element 63. This prevents the male terminal 1 of the connector element 13 from interfering with the protrusions 25, 26 at the division boundary of the connector element 63.

[0083] 13 shows the connection relationship between a male connector set 10 and a female connector set 60 in a second modified example. In this second modified example, all of the connector elements 11 to 15 that make up the male connector set 10 are split connector elements, and all of the connector elements 61 to 65 that make up the female connector set 60 are split connector elements. In this way, a configuration in which no non-split connector elements are used at all is also possible.

[0084] However, as the number of devices installed in an automobile increases, the number of electric wires included in a single wire harness also increases, often reaching several hundred. Manufacturing such wire harnesses all at once is unrealistic from the standpoint of production efficiency, etc. Therefore, a wire harness is typically manufactured by appropriately dividing a wire harness into a plurality of sub-wire harnesses, and the sub-wire harnesses are combined in a final process to complete the wire harness.

[0085] In this regard, according to the configuration of this embodiment, split connector elements are included in both the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60. Therefore, as described below, flexible subdivision using split connector elements is possible not only in one but also in both of the two wire harnesses connected by the wire-to-wire connector 150.

[0086] More specifically, two wire harnesses can be manufactured as follows. That is, consider a case where a male connector set 10 is disposed at the end of a first wire harness and a female connector set 60 is disposed at the end of a second wire harness. The first wire harness is realized by combining a plurality of sub-wire harnesses, and the aforementioned non-divided connector element or sub-connector element is disposed at the end of each sub-wire harness. As the sub-wire harnesses are combined, the sub-connector elements and the like are assembled to form the male connector set 10. Similarly, in the second wire harness, a non-divided connector element or sub-connector element is disposed at the end of the sub-wire harness, and the sub-connector elements and the like are assembled to form the female connector set 60.

[0087] According to the present invention, a wide variety of connection variations can be realized as shown in Figures 11 to 13. This means that each of the two wire harnesses connected via the wire-to-wire connector 150 can be divided into sub-wire harnesses with a high degree of freedom so as to reflect the individual requirements. Therefore, the overall efficiency of wire harness manufacturing can be improved.

[0088] As described above, the wire-to-wire connector 150 of this embodiment includes a male connector set 10 and a female connector set 60 that are connectable to each other. The male connector set 10 includes a plurality of connector elements 11-15 aligned in a first direction D1. In each of the connector elements 11-15, the male terminals 1 are aligned in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and electric wires 9 are connected to the male terminals 1. The female connector set 60 includes a plurality of connector elements 61-65 aligned in the first direction D1. In each of the connector elements 61-65, the female terminals 2 are aligned in the second direction D2, and electric wires 9 are connected to the female terminals 2. In the male connector set 10, at least one connector element among the plurality of connector elements 11-15 is configured as a divided connector element including a first sub-connector element 5 and a second sub-connector element 6. In the female connector set 60, at least one connector element among the multiple connector elements 61 to 65 is configured as a split connector element including a first sub-connector element 5 and a second sub-connector element 6. Focusing on connector element 12 as an example of a split connector element, in this connector element 12, the first sub-connector element 5 holds a plurality of male terminals 1 arranged in the second direction D2 in a first split housing 7. The second sub-connector element 6 holds a plurality of terminals arranged in the second direction D2 in a second split housing 8. In the connector element 12, the first sub-connector element 5 and the second sub-connector element 6 are arranged side by side in the second direction D2.

[0089] This allows the circuit to be divided into sub-connector element units in both the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60. Therefore, for example, the flexibility of circuit division can be increased in both of the two wire harnesses connected using the wire-to-wire connector 150.

[0090] 11, when the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60 are connected, the connector element 12, which is a divided connector element included in the male connector set 10, and the connector element 62, which is a divided connector element included in the female connector set 60, are connected so that their division boundaries in the second direction D2 coincide with each other. The same applies to the connection between the connector elements 13 and 63 and the connection between the connector elements 14 and 64.

[0091] This results in a layout in which division boundaries where terminals cannot be arranged correspond in position to each other, making it possible to make effective use of space.

[0092] 12, when male connector assembly 10 and female connector assembly 60 are connected, connector element 13, which is a divided connector element included in male connector assembly 10, and connector element 63, which is a divided connector element included in female connector assembly 60, are connected so that their division boundaries in second direction D2 are misaligned. The same applies to the connection of connector elements 14 and 64.

[0093] This allows for greater flexibility in connection of the split connector elements, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in circuit design.

[0094] 12, connector element 62 is a non-split connector element that holds multiple female terminals 2 arranged in second direction D2 in a single connector element housing 21. When male connector set 10 and female connector set 60 are connected, connector element 12, which is a split connector element, is connected to connector element 62, which is a non-split connector element.

[0095] This allows for greater flexibility in connection of the split connector elements, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in circuit design.

[0096] In the wire-to-wire connector 150 of this embodiment, the first divided housing 7 and the second divided housing 8 are provided with protrusions 25, 26 for relative positioning when joined.

[0097] This allows the male terminals 1 or female terminals 2 held in the first divided housing 7 and the second divided housing 8, respectively, to be positioned accurately.

[0098] In the modification shown in FIG. 6, a first divided housing 7 and a second divided housing 8 are connected to each other via a locking structure consisting of a claw portion 46 and a recessed portion 45.

[0099] This allows the first split housing 7 and the second split housing 8 to be locked in a connected state, improving handling during manufacturing.

[0100] In a wire-to-wire connector 150 of this embodiment shown in Figure 11, five connector elements 11 to 15 constituting a male connector set 10 are arranged side by side in a first direction D1. The connector elements 11 and 15 arranged at both ends in the first direction D1 are both non-divided connector elements. The connector elements 12 to 14 located midway in the first direction D1 are all divided connector elements. The same applies to the five connector elements 61 to 65 constituting a female connector set 60.

[0101] This allows the non-divided connector elements to function as a type of strength member, thereby favorably maintaining the overall shapes of the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60. Therefore, the insertion work as shown in Figures 9 and 10 can be performed smoothly.

[0102] 13, all of the five connector elements 11 to 15 constituting the male connector set 10 can be split connector elements. The same applies to the five connector elements 61 to 65 constituting the female connector set 60.

[0103] This allows for greater flexibility in connection of the split connector elements, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in circuit design.

[0104] The wire-to-wire connector 150 of this embodiment includes an outer housing 110 that houses at least a portion of the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60 that are connected to each other.

[0105] This makes it possible to protect the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60 from the outside, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0106] In the wire-to-wire connector 150 of this embodiment, each of the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60 has a fixing rib 22. A guide groove 41 into which the fixing rib 22 can be inserted is formed on the inner wall of a connector accommodating space 111 formed in the outer housing 110.

[0107] As a result, the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60 can be electrically connected while the guide grooves 41 guide the male connector set 10 and the female connector set 60 to the correct positions.

[0108] In the wire-to-wire connector 150 of this embodiment, the female connector set 60 includes a closing cover 86 that is fixed to the ends of the multiple connector elements 61 to 65 that are aligned in the first direction D1. The closing cover 86 is provided with a locking protrusion 33 that prevents the female connector set 60 from coming off the outer housing 110.

[0109] This makes it possible to achieve with a simple structure the prevention of the female connector set 60 from coming off. Furthermore, since the prevention function is achieved by the closing cover 86, the structure of the connector elements 61 to 65 can be easily simplified.

[0110] The preferred embodiment and modifications of the present invention have been described above, but the above configurations can be modified, for example, as follows. Each modification may be made alone, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0111] The number of connector elements that make up the male connector set 10 is not limited to 5, but may be 2, 3, 4, or 6 or more. The same applies to the female connector set 60.

[0112] The maximum number of male terminals 1 or female terminals 2 that can be held by each of the connector elements 11 to 15 and 61 to 65 is not limited to eight, but may be two or more and seven or less, or nine or more.

[0113] A locking mechanism may be disposed on the closure cover 36 to prevent the male connector set 10 from being removed from the outer housing 110 .

[0114] The closing covers 36 and 86 may be provided with fixing ribs 22 that can be inserted into the guide grooves 41 .

[0115] At least one of the fixing rib 22, the connecting protrusion 23, and the connecting recess 24 may be omitted. At least one of the two closing covers 36, 86 may be omitted.

[0116] The male terminals 1 or female terminals 2 may be arranged in only a portion of the accommodating spaces 3 formed side by side in the first divided housing 7. The same applies to the second divided housing 8 and the connector element housing 21.

[0117] The number of sub-connector elements included in each divided connector element is not limited to two, and it can be divided into three or more sub-connector elements. The number of terminals held in each sub-connector element can also be any number as long as it is one or more.

[0118] The guide groove 41 may be omitted from the outer housing 110. The female connector set 60 may be attached to the outer housing 110 first, and then the male connector set 10 may be attached. The outer housing 110 may also be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 male terminal (terminal) 2 female terminals (terminals) 3. Containment space 5. First Sub-Connector Element 6 Second sub-connector element 7 First housing section 8 Second split housing 9 Electric wire 10 Male connector set (first connector set) 11~15 Connector elements 22 Fixed rib (guiding protrusion) 25,26 Convex part (positioning part) 27 Positioning recess (positioning part) 28 Positioning protrusion (positioning part) 33 Locking protrusion (restriction part) 41 Guide groove 45 Recess (engaged portion) 46 Claw portion (locking portion) 60 Female connector set (second connector set) 61~65 Connector elements 86 Closure cover (end cover) 110 outer housing 150 Wire-to-Wire Connector D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction

Claims

1. A wire-to-wire connector including a first connector set and a second connector set connectable to each other, the first connector set includes a plurality of connector elements arranged in a first direction, terminals of each of the connector elements arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and electric wires connected to the terminals; the second connector set includes a plurality of connector elements arranged in the first direction, terminals of each of the connector elements arranged in the second direction, and electric wires connected to the terminals; In both the first connector set and the second connector set, At least one connector element of the plurality of connector elements comprises: a first sub-connector element that holds one of the terminals or a plurality of the terminals arranged in the second direction in a first divided housing; a second sub-connector element that holds one of the terminals or a plurality of the terminals arranged in the second direction in a second divided housing; a split connector element including: A wire-to-wire connector, characterized in that in the split connector element, the first sub-connector element and the second sub-connector element are arranged side by side in the second direction.

2. 2. The wire-to-wire connector of claim 1, A wire-to-wire connector characterized in that when the first connector set and the second connector set are connected, at least one split connector element included in the first connector set and at least one split connector element included in the second connector set are connected so that their split boundaries in the second direction coincide with each other.

3. 2. The wire-to-wire connector of claim 1, A wire-to-wire connector characterized in that when the first connector set and the second connector set are connected, at least one of the split connector elements included in the first connector set and at least one of the split connector elements included in the second connector set are connected so that the split boundary in the second direction is shifted.

4. 2. The wire-to-wire connector of claim 1, In at least one of the first connector set and the second connector set, some of the plurality of connector elements are non-divided connector elements that hold all of the plurality of terminals arranged in the second direction in a single housing, A wire-to-wire connector characterized in that when the first connector set and the second connector set are connected, at least one of the split connector elements included in at least one of the first connector set and the second connector set is connected to the non-split connector element of the mating connector set.

5. 2. The wire-to-wire connector of claim 1, A wire-to-wire connector, characterized in that at least one of the first divided housing and the second divided housing is provided with a positioning portion for positioning the first divided housing and the second divided housing relative to each other.

6. 2. The wire-to-wire connector of claim 1, A wire-to-wire connector, characterized in that the first divided housing and the second divided housing are connected to each other via a locking structure consisting of a locking portion and a locked portion.

7. 2. The wire-to-wire connector of claim 1, In at least one of the first connector set and the second connector set, three or more of the connector elements are arranged side by side in the first direction, the connector elements disposed at both ends in the first direction are non-divided connector elements that hold all of the plurality of terminals arranged in the second direction in a single housing, The wire-to-wire connector is characterized in that the split connector element is located midway in the first direction.

8. 2. The wire-to-wire connector of claim 1, A wire-to-wire connector, characterized in that in at least one of the first connector set and the second connector set, all of the connector elements arranged side by side in the first direction are split connector elements.

9. 2. The wire-to-wire connector of claim 1, A wire-to-wire connector comprising an outer housing that houses at least a portion of the first connector set and the second connector set that are connected to each other.

10. 10. The wire-to-wire connector of claim 9, At least one of the first connector set and the second connector set includes a guide protrusion, A wire-to-wire connector, characterized in that a guide groove into which the guide protrusion can be inserted is formed on an inner wall of an accommodating space formed in the outer housing.

11. 10. The wire-to-wire connector of claim 9, At least one of the first connector set and the second connector set includes an end cover fixed to an end of a plurality of connector elements arranged in the first direction, The wire-to-wire connector is characterized in that the end cover is provided with a restricting portion that prevents the first connector set or the second connector set from coming off the outer housing.

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