Connector and wiring harness

Abstract

To provide a connector and a wiring harness which allows sharing of a terminal holder.SOLUTION: A connector 10 has a terminal holder 13 for holding one of a female terminal 11 and a male terminal 21. The terminal holder 13 includes: a cylindrical part 13a; cutout parts 13d, 13e which are provided on one end in an axial direction X of the cylindrical part 13a, and which extend along the axial direction X; and a locking part 13i, provided on the one end in the axial direction X of the cylindrical part 13a, which protrudes radially inward of the cylindrical part 13a from the one end, and whose one end surface 13i1 in the axial direction X is locked to flange parts 11a1, 21a1 formed on an outer peripheral surface of one of the terminals. The terminal holder is configured such that it can be shared by: the female terminal 11 having an outer peripheral surface with a first outer diameter D2 smaller than an inner diameter D1 of the locking part 13i; and the male terminal 21 having an outer peripheral surface with a second outer diameter D3 larger than the inner diameter D1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As a conventional technique relating to a connector for a wire harness, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector including one of a female terminal and a male terminal, a terminal holder that holds the one terminal, and a housing that accommodates the one terminal and the terminal holder. The terminal holder has multiple notches that extend along the axial direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-72046 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the connector described in Patent Document 1 above has room for further improvement in terms of, for example, sharing a terminal holder between female terminals and male terminals having different diameters.

[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 and a wire harness that allow the use of a common terminal holder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the connector of the present invention comprises one of a female terminal and a male terminal extending along an axial direction, a terminal holder that holds the one terminal, and a housing that accommodates the one terminal and the terminal holder inside, wherein the terminal holder comprises a tubular portion having a terminal insertion hole inside which the one terminal is inserted along the axial direction, a notch that is provided at one end of the tubular portion in the axial direction and extends along the axial direction, and a locking portion that is provided at the one end of the tubular portion in the axial direction and protrudes radially inward from the one end of the tubular portion, and whose one end face in the axial direction is engaged with a flange portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the one terminal, and is configured to be compatible with the female terminal having the outer peripheral surface of a first outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the locking portion, and the male terminal having the outer peripheral surface of a second outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the connector and wire harness according to the present invention, the terminal holder includes a notch provided at one axial end of the tubular portion and extending along the axial direction, and a locking portion provided at the axial end of the tubular portion and protruding radially inward from the one end of the tubular portion, the one axial end surface of which is adapted to engage with a flange portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of one of the terminals. With this configuration, the connector and wire harness can be inserted into a terminal insertion hole of the tubular portion, even if the female terminal and the male terminal have different outer diameters. When the flange portion contacts the other axial end surface of the locking portion as the female terminal and the male terminal are inserted into the terminal insertion hole of the tubular portion, the notch acts to deflect the locking portion radially outward, thereby allowing the flange portion and the axial end surface of the locking portion to engage with each other. As a result, the connector and wire harness can share the same terminal holder. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a connector unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a mating connector of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a connector of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary side view of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary side view of the mating connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a mating connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary perspective view of a terminal holder of a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary perspective view of a terminal holder of a mating connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a terminal holder according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exemplary perspective view of a female terminal of a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a female terminal of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exemplary perspective view of a male terminal of a mating connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a mating connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exemplary side view of a female terminal and a terminal holder of a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exemplary front view of a female terminal and a terminal holder of a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a female terminal and a terminal holder of a connector according to an embodiment, illustrating a first insertion step of the terminal holder. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a female terminal and a terminal holder of a connector according to an embodiment, illustrating a second insertion step of the terminal holder. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a female terminal and a terminal holder of a connector according to an embodiment, illustrating a third insertion step of the terminal holder. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a female terminal and a terminal holder of a connector according to an embodiment, illustrating a fourth insertion step of the terminal holder. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exemplary side view of the male terminal and the terminal holder of the mating connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an exemplary side view of the male terminal and the terminal holder of the mating connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a male terminal and a terminal holder of a mating connector according to an embodiment, illustrating a first insertion step of the terminal holder. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a male terminal and a terminal holder of a mating connector according to an embodiment, illustrating a second insertion step of the terminal holder. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the male terminal and the terminal holder of the mating connector according to the embodiment, illustrating a third insertion step of the terminal holder. 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 an exploded perspective view of a connector unit 1 according to an embodiment. The connector unit 1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated into a wire harness WH to be installed in a vehicle such as an automobile. Here, the wire harness WH is, for example, a bundle of wiring materials W used for power supply and signal communication to connect various devices installed in 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, for example, a plurality of conductive wiring materials W, a connector 10 provided at an end of a first shielded electric wire W1 among the plurality of wiring materials W, and a mating connector 20 provided at an end of a second shielded electric wire W2 among the plurality of wiring materials W and electrically and mechanically connected to the connector 10. Note that the wire harness WH may be configured to further include various other components such as grommets and fixtures.

[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 "height direction Z." Here, the axial direction X, width direction Y, and height 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 connector 10 and the mating connector 20, and the extension direction of the female terminals 11 and male terminals 21 described below. The width direction Y typically aligns with the width direction of the connector 10 and the mating connector 20, etc. The height direction Z typically aligns with the height direction (up-down direction) of the connector 10 and the mating connector 20, etc. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the directions used in the following description will be described as directions when the connector 10 and the mating connector 20 are assembled to a vehicle.

[0012] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mating connector 20 of the connector unit 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the mating connector 20 includes, for example, a male terminal 21, a housing 22, a terminal holder 23, a wire seal cover 24, and a wire seal 25. The male terminal 21 is a male terminal fitting made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the female terminal 11 (see Fig. 3) of the connector 10. The male terminal 21 extends along the axial direction X and includes, for example, an electrical connection portion electrically connected to the female terminal 11 and a wire crimping portion electrically connected to an end of the second shielded electric wire W2. The male terminal 21 is also referred to as a crimp terminal or the like.

[0013] The housing 22 holds the male terminals 21, the terminal holders 23, and the like therein. The housing 22 has terminal accommodating chambers 22c that penetrate along the axial direction X and accommodate the male terminals 21, the terminal holders 23, and the like. When the male terminals 21, the terminal holders 23, and the like are attached to the housing 22, one end of the terminal accommodating chamber 22c in the axial direction X is closed by a wire seal cover 24, while the male terminals 21 are exposed from the other end of the terminal accommodating chamber 22c in the axial direction X. The housing 22 has, for example, a first locking portion 22a that engages with the wire seal cover 24 and a second locking portion 22b that engages with the connector 10. The first locking portion 22a and the second locking portion 22b are each formed in a claw shape on the outer surface of the housing 22. The housing 22 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0014] The terminal holder 23 holds the male terminal 21 therein. The terminal holder 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape that follows the outer peripheral surface of the male terminal 21 and engages with the outer peripheral surface of the male terminal 21. The terminal holder 23 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 22c of the housing 22 while being integrated with the male terminal 21. The terminal holder 23 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0015] The wire seal cover 24 covers the terminal accommodating chambers 22c of the housing 22 and the wire seal 25 from one end side in the axial direction X. The wire seal cover 24 has a wire insertion hole through which the second shielded electric wire W2 is inserted along the axial direction X, and a locked portion 24a that is locked with the first locking portion 22a of the housing 22. The locked portion 24a is formed in the shape of a locking hole at a position corresponding to the first locking portion 22a of the wire seal cover 24. With the wire seal cover 24 covering the terminal accommodating chambers 22c of the housing 22, it is integrated with the housing 22 by a so-called snap fit where the locked portion 24a is locked with the first locking portion 22a. The wire seal cover 24 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0016] The wire seal 25 prevents moisture and other foreign matter from entering the housing 22. The wire seal 25 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin. The wire seal 25 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape that follows the outer circumferential surface of the second shielded electric wire W2 and is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the second shielded electric wire W2. When the second shielded electric wire W2 is attached inside the housing 22, the wire seal 25 is interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the second shielded electric wire W2 and the inner circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 22c of the housing 22.

[0017] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 10 of the connector unit 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the connector 10 includes, for example, a female terminal 11, a housing 12, a terminal holder 13, a wire seal cover 14, a wire seal 15, and a packing 16. The female terminal 11 is a female terminal fitting made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the male terminal 21 of the mating connector 20 described above. The female terminal 11 extends along the axial direction X and includes, for example, an electrical connection portion electrically connected to the male terminal 21 and a wire crimping portion electrically connected to an end of the first shielded electric wire W1. The female terminal 11 is also referred to as a crimp terminal or the like.

[0018] The housing 12 holds the female terminals 11, the terminal holder 13, etc., inside. The housing 12 is provided with terminal accommodating chambers 12c that penetrate along the axial direction X and accommodate the female terminals 11, the terminal holder 13, etc. When the female terminals 11, the terminal holder 13, etc. are attached to the housing 12, the other end of the terminal accommodating chamber 12c in the axial direction X is closed by a wire seal cover 14, while the female terminals 11 are exposed from one end of the terminal accommodating chamber 12c in the axial direction X. The housing 12 has, for example, a locking portion 12a that locks with the wire seal cover 14 and a locked portion 12b that locks with the second locking portion 22b of the mating connector 20. The housing 12 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0019] The terminal holder 13 holds the female terminal 11 therein. The terminal holder 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape that conforms to the outer peripheral surface of the female terminal 11 and engages with the outer peripheral surface of the female terminal 11. The terminal holder 13 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 12c of the housing 12 while being integrated with the female terminal 11. The terminal holder 13 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0020] The wire seal cover 14 covers the terminal accommodating chambers 12c of the housing 12 and the wire seal 15 from the other end side in the axial direction X. The wire seal cover 14 has a wire insertion hole through which the first shielded electric wire W1 is inserted along the axial direction X, and a locked portion 14a that locks with the locking portion 12a of the housing 12. The locked portion 14a is formed in the shape of a locking hole at a position corresponding to the locking portion 12a of the wire seal cover 14. With the wire seal cover 14 covering the terminal accommodating chambers 12c of the housing 12, it is integrated with the housing 12 by a so-called snap fit where the locked portion 14a locks with the locking portion 12a. The wire seal cover 14 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0021] The wire seal 15 prevents moisture and other foreign matter from entering the housing 12. The wire seal 15 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin. The wire seal 15 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape that follows the outer peripheral surface of the first shielded electric wire W1 and is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the first shielded electric wire W1. When the first shielded electric wire W1 is attached inside the housing 12, the wire seal 15 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the first shielded electric wire W1 and the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 12c of the housing 12.

[0022] The packing 16 prevents moisture and other foreign matter from entering the housing 12. The packing 16 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin. The packing 16 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular tubular shape that conforms to the outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 12g (see FIG. 5) of the housing 12, and is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 12g. When the connector 10 and the mating connector 20 are connected, the packing 16 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 12g and an open end 22g (see FIG. 7) of the terminal accommodating chamber 22c of the mating connector 20. The open end 22g is provided with the above-mentioned second locking portion 22b.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of the connector 10, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 10. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a lance portion 12d and a punch-through prevention wall 12e are provided in the terminal accommodating chamber 12c of the housing 12. The lance portion 12d is configured to lock the female terminal 11 and the terminal holder 13 along the axial direction X. The lance portion 12d is connected to, for example, an outer tubular portion 12g of the housing 12 and extends parallel to the inner surface of the outer tubular portion 12g. That is, the lance portion 12d is provided in the terminal accommodating chamber 12c so as to protrude along the axial direction X, and one end face in the axial direction X is locked with the female terminal 11 and the terminal holder 13. The lance portion 12d is provided, for example, partially along the circumferential direction of the outer tubular portion 12g.

[0024] The punch-through prevention wall 12e prevents the female terminal 11 and the terminal holder 13 from protruding from the terminal accommodating chamber 12c in the axial direction X. The punch-through prevention wall 12e protrudes, for example, in the height direction Z (radial direction) from the inner cylindrical portion 12h of the housing 12. The inner cylindrical portion 12h is a cylindrical wall positioned inside the outer cylindrical portion 12g, and is the portion into which the tip portions of the female terminal 11 and the terminal holder 13 are inserted. The punch-through prevention wall 12e does not overlap the lance portion 12d in the height direction Z, but is positioned offset toward one end of the lance portion 12d in the axial direction X. The punch-through prevention wall 12e is provided at the other end of the inner cylindrical portion 12h in the axial direction X (the end opposite the open end), and is formed, for example, in the shape of a flange that is continuously provided along the circumferential direction of the inner cylindrical portion 12h.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view of the mating connector 20, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the mating connector 20. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the terminal accommodating chamber 22c of the housing 22 is provided with a lance portion 22d and a penetration prevention wall 22e, similar to the connector 10. The lance portion 22d engages the male terminal 21 and the terminal holder 23 along the axial direction X. The lance portion 22d is connected to, for example, an outer tubular portion 22h of the housing 22 and extends parallel to the inner surface of the outer tubular portion 22h. That is, the lance portion 22d is provided in the terminal accommodating chamber 22c so as to protrude along the axial direction X, and the other end face in the axial direction X engages with the male terminal 21 and the terminal holder 23. The lance portion 22d is provided, for example, partially along the circumferential direction of the outer tubular portion 22h.

[0026] The punch-through prevention wall 22e prevents the male terminal 21 and the terminal holder 23 from protruding from the terminal accommodating chamber 22c in the axial direction X. The punch-through prevention wall 22e protrudes, for example, in the height direction Z (radial direction) from a portion of the outer tubular portion 22h of the housing 22 opposite to the lance portion 22d. The punch-through prevention wall 22e does not overlap with the lance portion 22d in the height direction Z but is positioned offset toward the other end of the lance portion 22d in the axial direction X. The punch-through prevention wall 22e is provided, for example, partially along the circumferential direction of the outer tubular portion 22h.

[0027] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the terminal holder 13 of the connector 10, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the terminal holder 23 of the mating connector 20, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal holders 13, 23. As shown in Figs. 1 to 10, in this embodiment, the terminal holder 13 of the connector 10 and the terminal holder 23 of the mating connector 20 are configured using the same components. That is, the specifications of the terminal holder 13 are the same as those of the terminal holder 23, and they can be used interchangeably. The terminal holders 13, 23 are configured to include, for example, cylindrical portions 13a, 23a, locking protrusions 13b, 23b, first notches 13d, 23d and second notches 13e, 23e as notches, positioning ribs 13f, 23f, stopper portions 13g, 23g, ribs 13h, 23h, and locking portions 13i, 23i.

[0028] The cylindrical portions 13a, 23a hold the above-mentioned female terminal 11 or male terminal 21 therein. The cylindrical portions 13a, 23a are provided with terminal insertion holes 13c, 23c that penetrate along the axial direction X and into which the female terminal 11 or male terminal 21 is inserted. The cylindrical portions 13a, 23a are formed in a cylindrical shape that follows the outer peripheral surface of the female terminal 11 or male terminal 21, and are engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the female terminal 11 or male terminal 21.

[0029] The locking protrusions 13b, 23b are engaged with the lances 12d, 22d formed inside the housings 12, 22. The locking protrusions 13b are provided at one end of the cylindrical portion 13a in the axial direction X and protrude radially outward from the end. The locking protrusions 23b are provided at the other end of the cylindrical portion 23a in the axial direction X and protrude radially outward from the other end. That is, the terminal holders 13, 23 are assembled into the terminal accommodating chambers 12c, 22c of the respective housings 12, 22 (see FIGS. 14 and 15 ) in positions inverted relative to each other along the axial direction X. The other end surface 13b1 of the locking protrusion 13b in the axial direction X is engaged with the lance portion 12d of the housing 12, and the one end surface 23b1 of the locking protrusion 23b in the axial direction X is engaged with the lance portion 22d of the housing 22.

[0030] The first notch 13d, 23d and the second notch 13e, 23e control the amount of deflection (deformation) of the terminal holder 13, 23. The first notch 13d, 23d and the second notch 13e, 23e are provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 13a, 23a on the lock protrusion 13b, 23b side, and extend along the axial direction X. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 13a, 23a is provided with one first notch 13d, 23d and three second notches 13e, 23e spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 13a, 23a. The length L2 (see FIG. 10) of the second notch 13e, 23e along the axial direction X is longer than the length L1 of the first notch 13d, 23d along the axial direction X.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first notch 13d, 23d is provided in an upper region T1, which serves as a first region, closer to the one end than the center in the height direction Z at one end or the other end of the cylindrical portion 13a, 23a when viewed from the width direction Y. Meanwhile, the three second notches 13e, 23e are provided in a lower region T2, which serves as a second region, closer to the other end than the center in the height direction Z at one end or the other end of the cylindrical portion 13a, 23a when viewed from the width direction Y. In this embodiment, in addition to the first notch 13d, 23d described above, the upper region T1 is provided with locking protrusions 13b, 23b, positioning ribs 13f, 23f, stopper portions 13g, 23g, and the like. The locking portions 13i, 23i and the ribs 13h, 23h are provided across the upper region T1 and the lower region T2. In this manner, in this embodiment, by providing first notches 13d, 23d and multiple second notches 13e, 23e in the terminal holders 13, 23, the amount of deflection (amount of deformation) is configured to differ between the upper region T1 and the lower region T2 of the tubular portions 13a, 23a.

[0032] The positioning ribs 13f, 23f (see FIGS. 8 and 9) function as guides when the terminal holders 13, 23 are inserted into the respective housings 12, 22. The positioning ribs 13f, 23f are provided at both ends of the first cutout portions 13d, 23d in the width direction Y, and protrude radially outward from the both ends of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a. When the terminal holders 13, 23 are inserted into the respective housings 12, 22, the positioning ribs 13f, 23f are aligned with the above-mentioned lance portions 12d, 22d (see FIGS. 14 and 15), thereby positioning the terminal holders 13, 23 with respect to the respective housings 12, 22 along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a.

[0033] The ribs 13h, 23h (see FIG. 10) function to center the female terminal 11 or the male terminal 21 toward the center of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a. The ribs 13h, 23h are provided at one end or the other end of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a in the axial direction X, and protrude radially inward from the upper region T1 and the lower region T2 of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a. That is, in this embodiment, the terminal holders 13, 23 are provided with a plurality of ribs 13h, 23h spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a.

[0034] The locking portions 13i, 23i are engaged with flange portions 11a1, 21a1 (see FIGS. 11 and 13) formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the female terminal 11 or male terminal 21, which will be described later. The locking portions 13i, 23i are provided at one end or the other end of the axial direction X of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a, and protrude radially inward of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a from the upper region T1 and the lower region T2. ​​That is, the locking portions 13i, 23i are formed in a substantially annular shape along the inner peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a. The locking portions 13i, 23i are divided circumferentially of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a at the portions where the above-mentioned second notches 13e, 23e are provided. The locking portions 13i and 23i are provided, for example, at the tip portions (bottom portions of the first notch portions 13d) of the locking protrusions 13b and 23b on the stopper portion 13g and 23g side. One end surface 13i1 of the locking portion 13i in the axial direction X is locked with the flange portion 11a1, and the other end surface 23i1 of the locking portion 23i in the axial direction X is locked with the flange portion 21a1. The locking portions 13i and 23i abut against the flange portions 11a1 and 21a1 to restrict movement of the female terminal 11 or the male terminal 21 along the axial direction X relative to the tubular portions 13a and 23a.

[0035] The stopper portions 13g, 23g are engaged with the flange portions 11a1, 21a1 (see FIGS. 11 and 13). The stopper portions 13g, 23g are provided at one end or the other end of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a in the axial direction X, and protrude from the upper region T1 toward the radially inward direction of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a. That is, the stopper portions 13g, 23g are partially provided in the upper region T1 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portions 13a, 23a, and are positioned apart from the engaging portions 13i, 23i in the axial direction X. The other end surface 13g1 of the stopper portion 13g in the axial direction X is engaged with the flange portion 11a1, and the one end surface 23g1 of the stopper portion 23g in the axial direction X is engaged with the flange portion 21a1. That is, stopper portions 13g, 23g lock flange portions 11a1, 21a1 so as to sandwich them between stopper portions 13i, 23i in axial direction X. Stopper portions 13g, 23g abut against flange portions 11a1, 21a1, thereby restricting movement of female terminal 11 or male terminal 21 along axial direction X relative to tubular portions 13a, 23a.

[0036] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the female terminal 11 of the connector 10, and Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the female terminal 11 of the connector 10. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the female terminal 11 includes, for example, an outer terminal 11a, an inner terminal 11b, an inner housing 11c, and a sleeve 11d. The outer terminal 11a is a shield terminal that is conductively connected to the braided body Wc of the first shielded electric wire W1 (see Fig. 15) and functions to shield the inner terminal 11b. The outer terminal 11a is provided with an inner terminal accommodating space 11a3 that accommodates the inner terminal 11b therein.

[0037] The outer terminal 11a is provided with a flange portion 11a1. The flange portion 11a1 is provided on a wall surface 11a4 of the outer terminal 11a that defines the inner terminal accommodating space 11a3, and protrudes from the wall surface 11a4 in an annular (ring-shaped) shape radially outward from the outer terminal 11a. In this embodiment, the outer terminal 11a does not have a hole or the like that penetrates the cylindrical wall surface 11a4 in the radial direction, and the wall surface 11a4 radially shields the inner terminal 11b accommodated in the inner terminal accommodating space 11a3 from the external space.

[0038] The outer terminal 11a also has a pair of barrel pieces 11a2. The pair of barrel pieces 11a2 are crimped onto the end of the first shielded electric wire W1. The pair of barrel pieces 11a2 are integrally formed with the wall surface 11a4 and the flange portion 11a1. The pair of barrel pieces 11a2 have a substantially U-shaped cross section before the outer terminal 11a is crimped.

[0039] The inner terminal 11b is a normal terminal that is conductively connected to the conductor portion Wa (see FIG. 15) of the first shielded electric wire W1. The inner terminal 11b is held by the inner housing 11c. The inner housing 11c holds the inner terminal 11b therein. The inner housing 11c has a terminal insertion hole that penetrates along the axial direction X and into which the inner terminal 11b is inserted. The inner housing 11c is inserted into the inner terminal accommodating space 11a3 of the outer terminal 11a while being integrated with the inner terminal 11b. The inner housing 11c is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0040] The sleeve 11d functions as, for example, a shield ring (crimping ring) that is crimped to the braid Wc of the first shielded electric wire W1. The sleeve 11d is formed by pressing a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The sleeve 11d is formed, for example, in substantially the same manner as the pair of barrel pieces 11a2 described above. That is, the sleeve 11d has a substantially U-shaped cross section before being crimped. The female terminal 11 is also called a female terminal assembly, etc.

[0041] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the male terminal 21 of the mating connector 20. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the mating connector 20. As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the male terminal 21, like the female terminal 11, is configured to include an outer terminal 21a, an inner terminal 21b (see Fig. 14), an inner housing 21c, and a sleeve. The outer terminal 21a is conductively connected to the braided body Wc of the second shielded electric wire W2 and is a shield terminal that functions to shield the inner terminal 21b. The outer terminal 21a is provided with an inner terminal accommodating space 21a3 that accommodates the inner terminal 21b therein.

[0042] The outer terminal 21a is provided with a flange portion 21a1. The flange portion 21a1 is provided on a wall surface 21a4 of the outer terminal 21a that defines the inner terminal accommodating space 21a3, and protrudes from the wall surface 21a4 in an annular (ring-shaped) shape radially outward from the outer terminal 21a. In this embodiment, the outer terminal 21a does not have a hole or the like that penetrates the cylindrical wall surface 21a4 in the radial direction, and the wall surface 21a4 radially shields the inner terminal 21b accommodated in the inner terminal accommodating space 21a3 from the external space.

[0043] The outer terminal 21a also has a pair of barrel pieces 21a2. The pair of barrel pieces 21a2 are portions that are crimped and attached to the end of the second shielded electric wire W2. The pair of barrel pieces 21a2 are formed integrally with the wall surface 21a4 and the flange portion 21a1. The pair of barrel pieces 21a2 have a substantially U-shaped cross section before the outer terminal 21a is crimped.

[0044] The inner terminal 21b is a normal terminal that is conductively connected to the conductor portion Wa (see FIG. 14) of the second shielded electric wire W2. The inner terminal 21b is held by the inner housing 21c. The inner housing 21c holds the inner terminal 21b therein. The inner housing 21c has a terminal insertion hole that penetrates along the axial direction X and into which the inner terminal 21b is inserted. The inner housing 21c is inserted into the inner terminal accommodating space 21a3 of the outer terminal 21a while being integrated with the inner terminal 21b. The inner housing 21c is formed, for example, from an insulating resin material.

[0045] The sleeve functions as, for example, a shield ring (crimping ring) that is crimped to the braided body Wc of the second shielded electric wire W2. The sleeve is formed in substantially the same manner as the sleeve 11d of the female terminal 11 described above. The male terminal 21 is also referred to as a male terminal assembly, etc. The braided body Wc is formed by weaving a conductive metal material and is assembled with a portion of the second shielded electric wire W2 housed inside. The braided body Wc includes, for example, an outer shield portion and an inner shield portion connected to the outer shield portion via a folded-back portion. In this embodiment, the inner shield portion covers the conductor portion Wa and the insulating coating Wb of the second shielded electric wire W2 over substantially the entire length of the second shielded electric wire W2, thereby configuring the wiring material W as the second shielded electric wire W2.

[0046] Here, in the present embodiment, when the male terminal 21 and the terminal holder 23 are assembled to the housing 22, one end surface 23b1 in the axial direction X of the locking protrusion 23b is engaged with the lance portion 22d of the housing 22, and the other end surface 23i1 in the axial direction X of the locking portion 23i is engaged with the flange portion 21a1 of the male terminal 21. That is, in the present embodiment, the male terminal 21 is engaged with the lance portion 22d of the housing 22 at two locations along the axial direction X: the other end surface 23i1 of the locking portion 23i and the one end surface 23b1 of the locking protrusion 23b. This increases the holding force of the male terminal 21, and ultimately prevents the male terminal 21 from coming loose from the housing 22 when the second shielded wire W2 is pulled along the axial direction X.

[0047] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 10. As shown in Fig. 15, in this embodiment, the braid Wc of the first shielded electric wire W1 is also formed by weaving a conductive metal material and is assembled with a portion of the first shielded electric wire W1 housed inside. The braid Wc includes, for example, an outer shield portion and an inner shield portion connected to the outer shield portion via a folded-back portion. In this embodiment, the inner shield portion covers the conductor portion Wa and the insulating coating Wb of the first shielded electric wire W1 over substantially the entire length of the first shielded electric wire W1, and the wiring material W is thereby configured as the first shielded electric wire W1.

[0048] In the present embodiment, when the female terminal 11 and the terminal holder 13 are assembled to the housing 12, the other end surface 13b1 in the axial direction X of the locking protrusion 13b is engaged with the lance portion 12d of the housing 12, and one end surface 13i1 in the axial direction X of the locking portion 13i is engaged with the flange portion 11a1 of the female terminal 11. That is, in the present embodiment, the female terminal 11 is engaged with the lance portion 12d of the housing 12 at two locations along the axial direction X: one end surface 13i1 of the locking portion 13i and the other end surface 13b1 of the locking protrusion 13b. This increases the holding force of the female terminal 11, and ultimately prevents the female terminal 11 from coming loose from the housing 12 when the first shielded wire W1 is pulled along the axial direction X.

[0049] Fig. 16 is a side view of the female terminal 11 and terminal holder 13 of the connector 10, and Fig. 17 is a front view of the female terminal 11 and terminal holder 13 of the connector 10. As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, in this embodiment, the female terminal 11 is inserted along the axial direction X into a terminal insertion hole 13c formed inside the terminal holder 13. At this time, in this embodiment, the upper region T1 of the tubular portion 13a is provided with the above-mentioned one first notch 13d, the locking protrusion 13b, the pair of positioning ribs 13f, the pair of stopper portions 13g, etc. Meanwhile, the lower region T2 of the tubular portion 13a is provided with three second notches 13e that are longer in the axial direction Z than the above-mentioned first notch 13d and are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 13a.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, the upper region T1 is less likely to bend in the radial direction of the tubular portion 13a than the lower region T2. ​​That is, the upper region T1 functions as a portion with a relatively small amount of bending (deformation), and the lower region T2 functions as a portion with a relatively large amount of bending (deformation). Note that, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned ribs 13h and locking portions 13i (see FIG. 18) are provided across the upper region T1 and the lower region T2. ​​Therefore, the locking portions 13i provided in the upper region T1 are less likely to bend than the locking portions 13i provided in the lower region T2.

[0051] 18 to 21 are cross-sectional views of the female terminal 11 and terminal holder 13 of the connector 10, with Fig. 18 showing a first insertion step of the terminal holder 13, Fig. 19 showing a second insertion step of the terminal holder 13, Fig. 20 showing a third insertion step of the terminal holder 13, and Fig. 21 showing a fourth insertion step of the terminal holder 13. First, in the first insertion step of the terminal holder 13 (see Fig. 18), the tip end of the female terminal 11 is inserted from the open end on the other end side of the terminal insertion hole 13c in the axial direction X. In this state, the locking portion 13i and the tip end of the female terminal 11 are spaced apart along the axial direction X.

[0052] Next, in a second insertion step of the terminal holder 13 (see FIG. 19), the tip of the female terminal 11 is inserted into the locking portion 13i. In this state, the female terminal 11 is inserted without contacting the outer peripheral surface of the tip with the inner surface of the locking portion 13i. That is, in this embodiment, the tip of the female terminal 11 has an outer peripheral surface with a first outer diameter D2 that is smaller than the inner diameter D1 (see FIG. 18) of the locking portion 13i. In this embodiment, a flange portion 11a1 is provided so as to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the female terminal 11.

[0053] Next, in the third insertion step of the terminal holder 13 (see FIG. 20), the tip of the female terminal 11 is inserted inside the stopper portion 13g. In this state, the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the female terminal 11 is inserted without contacting the inner surface of the stopper portion 13g. That is, in this embodiment, the first outer diameter D2 of the tip of the female terminal 11 is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter of the stopper portion 13g. This allows the female terminal 11 to be inserted without contacting the stopper portion 13g.

[0054] Next, in a fourth insertion step (see FIG. 21 ) of the terminal holder 13, the flange portion 11a1 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the female terminal 11 is engaged with one end surface 13i1 of the locking portion 13i in the axial direction X and the other end surface 13g1 of the stopper portion 13g in the axial direction X. In this state, the flange portion 11a1 climbs over the locking portion 13i, causing the locking portion 13i to return to its free state, and the flange portion 11a1 is sandwiched between the locking portion 13i and the stopper portion 13g. Also, in this state, the female terminal 11 is centered toward the center of the tubular portion 13a by the multiple ribs 13h. In this embodiment, the locking portion 13i and the stopper portion 13g provided in the upper region T1 are less likely to bend than the locking portion 13i provided in the lower region T2, so that the holding force of the female terminal 11 in the terminal holder 13 is ensured.

[0055] In this embodiment, in a state between the third insertion step (see FIG. 20) and the fourth insertion step (see FIG. 21) of the terminal holder 13, the flange portion 11a1 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the female terminal 11 is inserted inside the locking portion 13i. In this state, the outer diameter of the flange portion 11a1 is larger than the inner diameter of the locking portion 13i, and therefore, the locking portion 13i is deflected radially outward of the tubular portion 13a due to contact between the flange portion 11a1 and the locking portion 13i. In this state, in this embodiment, the locking portion 13i provided in the lower region T2 is more easily deflected than the locking portion 13i provided in the upper region T1. This ensures ease of insertion of the female terminal 11 into the terminal holder 13 compared to a case in which the amount of deflection of the locking portions 13i is the same in the upper region T1 and the lower region T2.

[0056] Fig. 22 is a side view of the male terminals 21 and terminal holder 23 of the mating connector 20, and Fig. 23 is a front view of the male terminals 21 and terminal holder 23 of the mating connector 20. As shown in Figs. 22 and 23, in this embodiment, the male terminals 21 are inserted along the axial direction X into terminal insertion holes 23c formed inside the terminal holder 23. At this time, in this embodiment, like the terminal holder 13, the upper region T1 on the first notch portion 23d side of the terminal holder 23 is less likely to bend along the radial direction of the tubular portion 23a relative to the lower region T2 on the second notch portion 23e side. The terminal holder 23 is composed of the same parts as the terminal holder 13.

[0057] 24 to 26 are cross-sectional views of the male terminal 21 and terminal holder 23 of the mating connector 20, with Fig. 24 showing a first insertion step of the terminal holder 23, Fig. 25 showing a second insertion step of the terminal holder 23, and Fig. 26 showing a third insertion step of the terminal holder 23. First, in the first insertion step of the terminal holder 23 (see Fig. 24), the tip end of the male terminal 21 is inserted from the open end on one end side in the axial direction X of the terminal insertion hole 23c. In this state, the locking portion 23i and the tip end of the male terminal 21 are spaced apart along the axial direction X.

[0058] Next, in a second insertion step (see FIG. 25) of the terminal holder 23, the tip end of the male terminal 21 is inserted into the locking portion 23i. In this state, the outer peripheral surface of the tip end of the male terminal 21 contacts the inner surface of the locking portion 23i. That is, in this embodiment, the tip end of the male terminal 21 has an outer peripheral surface with a second outer diameter D3 that is larger than the inner diameter D1 (see FIG. 24) of the locking portion 23i. In this embodiment, the locking portion 23i is deflected radially outward from the tubular portion 23a due to contact between the tip end of the male terminal 21 and the locking portion 23i. At this time, in this embodiment, the locking portion 23i provided in the lower region T2 is more easily deflected than the locking portion 23i provided in the upper region T1. Therefore, the insertability of the male terminal 21 into the terminal holder 23 is ensured compared to a case where the amount of deflection of the locking portions 23i is the same in the upper region T1 and the lower region T2.

[0059] Furthermore, in the second insertion step of the terminal holder 23 (see FIG. 25), the tip of the male terminal 21 abuts against the locking portion 23i, causing the stopper portion 23g to bend radially outward of the tubular portion 23a together with the locking portion 23i. At this time, in this embodiment, the pair of positioning ribs 23f extend along the axial direction X and are connected to the stopper portion 23g, thereby assisting the force that lifts the stopper portion 23g radially outward. This allows the tip of the male terminal 21 to pick up the stopper portion 23g and insert the male terminal 21 inside without coming into contact with the stopper portion 23g.

[0060] Next, in the third insertion step of the terminal holder 23 (see FIG. 26 ), the flange portion 21a1 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male terminal 21 is engaged with the other end surface 23i1 of the locking portion 23i in the axial direction X and the one end surface 23g1 of the stopper portion 23g in the axial direction X. In this state, the flange portion 21a1 climbs over the locking portion 23i, causing the locking portion 23i to return to its free state, and the flange portion 21a1 is sandwiched between the locking portion 23i and the stopper portion 23g. In this state, the male terminal 21 is centered toward the center of the tubular portion 23a by the multiple ribs 23h. In this embodiment, the locking portion 23i and the stopper portion 23g provided in the upper region T1 are less likely to bend than the locking portion 23i provided in the lower region T2, so that the holding force of the male terminal 21 in the terminal holder 23 is ensured. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the flange portion 21a1 is configured to be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the second outer diameter of the tip end portion of the male terminal 21.

[0061] As described above, in the connector 10 and the wire harness WH of this embodiment, the terminal holder 13 includes the tubular portion 13a, the notches 13d and 13e provided at one end of the axial direction X of the tubular portion 13a and extending along the axial direction X, and the locking portion 13i provided at one end of the axial direction X of the tubular portion 13a and protruding radially inward from the one end of the tubular portion 13a, with one end face 13i1 in the axial direction X engaging with the flange portions 11a1 and 21a1 formed on the outer peripheral surface of one of the terminals, and is configured to be compatible with both the female terminal 11 having an outer peripheral surface with a first outer diameter D2 smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the locking portion 13i and the male terminal 21 having an outer peripheral surface with a second outer diameter D3 larger than the inner diameter D1. With this configuration, even if the female terminals 11 and male terminals 21 have different outer diameters, when the connector 10 and the wire harness WH are inserted into the terminal insertion holes 13c of the cylindrical portion 13a, the flange portions 11a1 and 21a1 come into contact with the other end faces of the locking portions 13i in the axial direction X, causing the notches 13d and 13e to act and deflect the locking portions 13i radially outward, so that the flange portions 11a1 and 21a1 can be inserted into the locking positions where they are locked with the one end faces 13i1 in the axial direction X of the locking portions 13i. As a result, the connector 10 and the wire harness WH can share the terminal holder 13.

[0062] In the connector 10 and the wire harness WH of this embodiment, the terminal holder 13 includes: a first notch 13d provided in an upper region (first region) T1 of the tubular portion 13a; a second notch 13e provided in a lower region (second region) T2 of the tubular portion 13a and having a length along the axial direction X longer than that of the first notch 13d; a stopper portion 13g protruding radially inward from the upper region T1 of the tubular portion 13a and positioned spaced apart from the locking portion 13i along the axial direction X, the other end surface 13g1 of which in the axial direction X is locked with the flange portions 11a1 and 21a1; and a pair of positioning ribs 13f provided at both ends of the first notch 13d in the width direction Y, protruding radially outward from the both ends of the tubular portion 13a, and aligned with the lance portion 12d formed inside the housing 12. With this configuration, the connector 10 and the wire harness WH can bend the locking portion 13i and the stopper portion 13g by, for example, creating a difference in the amount of bending (deformation) between the upper region T1 and the lower region T2 of the tubular portion 13a due to the first notch 13d and the second notch 13e. As a result, the connector 10 and the wire harness WH can ensure both ease of insertion of the female terminals 11 into the terminal holder 13 and a sufficient holding force.

[0063] In the connector 10 and the wire harness WH of this embodiment, the pair of positioning ribs 13f extend along the axial direction X and are connected to the stopper portion 13g. With this configuration, when the flange portions 11a1, 21a1 of the connector 10 and the wire harness WH come into contact with the locking portion 13i of the upper region T1 and bend radially outward, the pair of positioning ribs 13f connected to the stopper portion 13g assists in lifting the stopper portion 13g radially outward, which may in turn act to easily pick up the tip portion of one of the terminals.

[0064] 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]

[0065] 10 Connectors 11 Female terminal (one terminal) 21 Male terminal (one terminal) 11a1, 21a1 flange part 12, 22 Housing 12c, 22c terminal housing 12d, 22d Lance section 13, 23 Terminal holder 13a, 23a Cylindrical part 13c, 23c Terminal insertion holes 13d, 23d First notch (notch) 13e, 23e Second notch (notch) 13f, 23f positioning rib 13g, 23g stopper part 13g1, 23g1 Other end surface 13h, 23h Ribs 13i, 23i Locking part 13i1, 23i1 One end surface D1 Inner diameter D2 1st outer diameter D3 Second outer diameter T1 upper area (first area) T2 lower area (second area) W Routing material WH Wire Harness X-axis direction Y width direction Z height direction

Claims

1. one of a female terminal and a male terminal extending along an axial direction; a terminal holder that holds the one terminal; a housing that accommodates the one terminal and the terminal holder therein, The terminal holder includes: a cylindrical portion having a terminal insertion hole formed therein into which the one terminal is inserted along the axial direction; a notch provided at one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction and extending along the axial direction; a locking portion provided at one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction, protruding from the one end toward the inside in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion, and having one end surface in the axial direction that is locked with a flange portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the one terminal; The female terminal has an outer peripheral surface with a first outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the locking portion, and the male terminal has an outer peripheral surface with a second outer diameter larger than the inner diameter. connector.

2. The cutout portion is a first notch provided in a first region on the one end side of a center portion in a height direction intersecting with the axial direction at the one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction, and extending along the axial direction; a second notch portion provided in a second region at the one end of the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, the second notch portion being closer to the other end than the central portion in the height direction, the second notch portion extending along the axial direction, and having a length along the axial direction longer than that of the first notch portion, The terminal holder includes: a stopper portion provided at one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction, protruding from the first region toward a radially inward direction of the cylindrical portion and positioned apart from the locking portion along the axial direction, the other end surface of which in the axial direction is locked with the flange portion; a pair of positioning ribs provided at both ends of the first notch in a width direction intersecting the axial direction and the height direction, protruding from the both ends toward the radial outward direction of the cylindrical portion, and aligned with a lance portion formed inside the housing; The connector according to claim 1 .

3. The pair of positioning ribs extend along the axial direction and are connected to the stopper portion. The connector according to claim 2 .

4. A conductive wiring material; A connector provided at an end of the wiring material, The connector comprises: one of a female terminal and a male terminal extending along an axial direction; a terminal holder that holds the one terminal; a housing that accommodates the one terminal and the terminal holder therein, The terminal holder includes: a cylindrical portion having a terminal insertion hole formed therein into which the one terminal is inserted along the axial direction; a notch provided at one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction and extending along the axial direction; a locking portion provided at one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction, protruding from the one end toward the inside in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion, and having one end surface in the axial direction that is locked with a flange portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the one terminal; The female terminal has an outer peripheral surface with a first outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the locking portion, and the male terminal has an outer peripheral surface with a second outer diameter larger than the inner diameter. Wire harness.

Images