Angled terminal wire, wire harness, and method for manufacturing angled terminal wire

The angled terminal wire design addresses the issue of terminal holder reuse by incorporating a twisted covering portion, enabling flexibility in connector compatibility and reducing the need for redesign.

JP2026054691APending Publication Date: 2026-03-30YAZAKI CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-17
Publication Date
2026-03-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing connectors with intersecting wire insertion directions require redesign of the terminal holder due to rotation of the terminal-equipped wire, making it less likely to be reused.

Method used

An angled terminal wire design with a core wire, covering portion, and terminal portion, featuring a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a bent portion, allowing the covering portion to be twisted, facilitating the reuse of the terminal holder.

Benefits of technology

The angled terminal wire design enables easy reuse of the terminal holder by allowing the position of the terminal portion to adapt to different inclination directions, maintaining compatibility with various connector configurations.

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Abstract

The present invention provides an electric wire with angled terminals that facilitates the reuse of terminal holders, a wire harness, and a method for manufacturing an electric wire with angled terminals. [Solution] The wire with a terminal comprises a core wire, a covering portion that exposes the core wire at its end and covers the core wire, and a terminal portion assembled to the end of the wire, wherein the covering portion includes a first extension portion extending in a first direction toward the terminal portion, a second extension portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a bent portion connecting the first extension portion and the second extension portion, and the covering portion is twisted in at least one of the first extension portion, the bent portion, and the second extension portion.
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Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wire with an angled terminal, a wire harness, and a method for manufacturing a wire with an angled terminal.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to perform wiring by bending a wire with a terminal.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector including a wire with a terminal in which a terminal is connected to a wire, a main body case that houses a connection portion of the wire and the terminal, and a terminal holder that holds the terminal in a state of being attached to the main body case. The main body case is provided with an outer bending portion, an inlet-side straight portion on the base end side of the outer bending portion, and an outlet-side straight portion on the tip side of the outer bending portion. In a connector in which the insertion direction of the wire with a terminal inserted into the inlet hole of the main body case and the insertion direction of the wire with a terminal inserted into the outlet hole of the main body case intersect, an inner bending portion is formed by a first inner wall surface on the outlet hole side in the inlet-side straight portion and a second inner wall surface on the inlet hole side in the outlet-side straight portion. A bending portion is provided at an intermediate portion of the wire with a terminal facing the inner bending portion, which wraps around the inner bending portion and extends to the inside of the outlet-side straight portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, the insertion direction of the wire inserted into the inlet hole of the main body case and the insertion direction of the wire with a terminal inserted into the outlet hole of the main body case intersect. Therefore, the degree of freedom in wiring the wire with a terminal is improved.

[0006] However, in a plane intersecting the insertion direction of the terminal-equipped wire inserted into the exit hole, the insertion direction of the wire inserted into the inlet hole may be rotated from the aforementioned intersecting state. This rotation of the terminal-equipped wire requires a redesign of the terminal holder. Consequently, the terminal holder is less likely to be reused.

[0007] One embodiment aims to provide an electric wire with an angled terminal that facilitates the reuse of the terminal holder, a wire harness, and a method for manufacturing an electric wire with an angled terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An angled terminal wire according to one embodiment comprises a wire including a core wire and a covering portion that exposes the core wire at its end and covers the core wire, and a terminal portion assembled to the end of the wire, wherein the covering portion includes a first extension portion extending in a first direction toward the terminal portion, a second extension portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a bent portion connecting the first extension portion and the second extension portion, and the covering portion is twisted in at least one of the first extension portion, the bent portion, and the second extension portion.

[0009] A method for manufacturing an angled terminal wire according to one embodiment includes the steps of preparing a terminal wire comprising a core wire, a covering portion that exposes the core wire at its end and covers the core wire, and a terminal portion assembled to the end of the wire, and rotating the terminal portion or the wire to twist the covering portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment, the terminal holder is easily reusable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing a wire harness of an embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the wire harness of the embodiment, seen from the shield shell side. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view of the wire harness of the embodiment, partially disassembled. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the wires of the embodiment. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of line XX in Figure 2. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process for manufacturing an electric wire with an angled terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the terminal-equipped wire of the embodiment, seen from the shield shell side. [Figure 8] A front view showing a wire with terminals according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] A front view showing an electric wire with an angled terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] A perspective view of the wire with angled terminals of the embodiment, seen from the shield shell side. [Figure 11] A front view showing the angled terminal wire of the embodiment being held in the first wire holder. [Figure 12] A rear view showing the angled terminal wire of the embodiment being held by the terminal holding member and the first wire holder. [Figure 13] A rear view showing the terminal holding member of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings and specific configurations used in each embodiment should not be used to interpret the disclosure. In all drawings, identical or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and common descriptions are omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of a wire harness 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the wire harness 100 of an embodiment partially disassembled. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an electric wire of an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of the wire harness 100. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a method for manufacturing the angled terminal-attached electric wire 1 of an embodiment. FIGS. 7 and FIG. 8 are views showing the terminal-attached electric wire 1B of an embodiment. FIGS. 9 to FIG. 12 are views showing the angled terminal-attached electric wire 1 of an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a rear view showing a terminal holding member 22 of an embodiment.

[0014] In the present disclosure, the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction are defined as follows. The +X direction is the direction in which the first extension portion extends toward the terminal portion. The -X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. Hereinafter, when the +X direction and the -X direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "X direction". The +Y direction is the direction in which the terminals are arranged from one terminal portion 11L toward the other terminal portion 11R. The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. Hereinafter, when the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z direction and -Z direction are directions that intersect (for example, are orthogonal) to the X direction and the Y direction. Hereinafter, when the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Z direction". The X direction is an example of the "first direction".

[0015] Note that the above expression is for convenience of explanation and does not limit the direction in which the electric wire 10 drawn from the lead-out port 20c of the connector 2 is routed.

[0016] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the wire harness 100 of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the wire harness 100 comprises at least one angled terminal wire 1 and a connector 2. The wire harness 100 is a wire with a connector 2 attached to the end of the angled terminal wire 1. At least one angled terminal wire is inserted into the connector 2, depending on the number of poles the connector 2 has. For example, in this embodiment, the wire harness 100 comprises two angled terminal wires 1 and a 2-pole connector 2.

[0017] (Configuration of wires with angled terminals) The angled terminal wire 1 comprises a wire 10, a terminal portion 11, and a processed portion 12. The wire 10 includes a conductor core wire 101 and a covering portion 102 that covers the core wire 101. As shown in Figure 4, in the core wire exposed portion 10e of the wire 10, the covering portion 102 at the end of the core wire 101 is partially stripped, exposing the core wire 101.

[0018] (Construction of the covering) As shown in Figure 5, the covering portion 102 includes a first extended portion 102A, a second extended portion 102B, and a bent portion 102C. The first extended portion 102A extends in a first direction toward the terminal portion 11. The second extended portion 102B extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The bent portion 102C connects the first extended portion 102A and the second extended portion 102B. For example, in this embodiment, the first extended portion 102A extends in the X direction. The second extended portion 102B extends along a direction inclined in the -Z direction with respect to the -Y direction (hereinafter referred to as the "inclination direction D") (see Figures 1 to 3). In the angled terminal wire 1, as the second extension portion 102B extends along the inclination direction D, the covering portion 102 is twisted in at least one of the first extension portion 102A, the bent portion 102C, and the second extension portion 102B. In this embodiment, the processed second extension portion 102B' is shown instead of the second extension portion 102B.

[0019] (Terminal section configuration) The terminal portion 11 is formed from a conductive material such as metal. For example, the terminal portion 11 is formed into a predetermined shape by bending or cutting a metal plate used as the base material, or by press forming.

[0020] This terminal portion 11 has a terminal connection portion 110 and a wire connection portion 112. The terminal connection portion 110 is matable with the mating terminal connection portion 511 of the mating terminal fitting 510. The wire connection portion 112 is electrically connected to the exposed core wire 101 at the core wire exposed portion 10e.

[0021] The terminal connector 110 is electrically connected to the mating terminal fitting 510 by fitting the mating terminal connector 511 along the first direction (X direction). The terminal connector 110 has spring properties and can maintain the connection state between the contacts by applying a spring force between it and the mating terminal connector 511. This spring force acts in a direction intersecting the first direction. Examples of terminal connectors 110 on which this spring force acts include the following: For example, if the terminal connector 110 has a cylindrical female terminal shape, the terminal connector 110 may have spring properties by separately assembling a contact spring inside the cylinder. Also, if the cylindrical portion of the terminal connector 110 is curved, the terminal connector 110 may have spring properties by providing a slit in the cylindrical portion. For example, in this embodiment, the terminal connector 110 has a cylindrical female terminal shape, and a contact spring is separately assembled inside this cylinder. In accordance with the shape of the terminal connector 110, the mating terminal connector 511 is formed as a shaft-shaped male terminal that fits inside the terminal connector 110. The axis of the terminal connector 110 is aligned with the first direction.

[0022] The terminal connection portion 110 has a locking projection 110p on its outer circumferential surface, and the projection 110p is locked in an opening 221ex provided in the first cylindrical portion 221 included in the terminal holding member 22.

[0023] The wire connector 112 is electrically connected to the exposed core wire 101 at the core wire exposed portion 10e. During connection, the axis of the core wire 101 at the core wire exposed portion 10e is aligned with the first direction (X direction). The wire connector 112 is assembled to the end of the wire 10 by crimping the core wire exposed portion 10e with the wire connector 112, or by welding the core wire exposed portion 10e to the wire connector 112. When the wire connector 112 is assembled to the end of the wire 10, the wire connector 112 and the core wire exposed portion 10e are electrically connected. For example, in this embodiment, the wire connector 112 crimps the core wire exposed portion 10e.

[0024] (Configuration of the processing section) In the processing section 12, as the second extension portion 102B of the angled terminal wire 1 extends along the inclination direction D, at least one of the terminal portion 11, the first extension portion 102A, the bent portion 102C, and the second extension portion 102B is rotated to twist the covering portion 102. For example, in this embodiment, the processing section 12 is a part of the processed second extension portion 102B'. For example, the processing section 12 may be a part of the processed first extension portion 102A'. For example, the processing section 12 may be a part of the processed bent portion 102C'.

[0025] (Connector configuration) Connector 2 engages with the mating mating portion (not shown) by inserting its mating portion 20a in the +X direction. Through this engagement, connector 2 is electrically connected to the mating terminal fitting 510 (Figure 5). The mating terminal fitting 510 is mounted on the terminal block or connector of the mating device. The electrical connection between connector 2 and the mating terminal fitting 510 electrically connects the wire harness 100 to the mating device. Connector 2 comprises a connector housing 20, at least one wire holder 21, at least one terminal holding member 22, a sealing member 24, a sealing member 25, a terminal-side sealing member 26, a braided-side sealing member 27, a shield shell 28, a braided member 29, a sealing ring 31, and a rubber boot 32. Connector 2 has multiple combinations of wires 10 and terminal portions 11. For example, the connector 2 in this embodiment has two terminal holding members 22, thereby providing two sets of this combination (see Figure 3). In the connector 2, two terminal sections 11 (terminal section 11L, terminal section 11R) are arranged side by side in the Y direction. In addition, in this connector 2, two electric wires 10 are arranged side by side and run parallel to each other.

[0026] In the following, the insertion direction of the mating portion 20a of connector 2 into the mating portion is the +X direction. The removal direction of the mating portion 20a of connector 2 into the mating portion is the -X direction.

[0027] The connector housing 20 is insulating and houses the electric wire 10 and terminal portion 11. The connector housing 20 is molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The connector housing 20 comprises a front holder 20U, a housing body 20V, and a cover member 20W.

[0028] The front holder 20U covers the outer circumferential surface of the fitting portion 20a of the housing body 20V. The front holder 20U is a rectangular tubular component. The front holder 20U and the fitting portion 20a are assembled by mechanical fastening such as a snap fit.

[0029] The housing body 20V is a frame that opens in the X direction. The housing body 20V and the cover member 20W are assembled by mechanical fastening such as a snap fit. The housing body 20V includes a fitting portion 20a, a flange portion 20b, an outlet 20c, at least one first housing portion 20d, at least one second housing portion 20e, a locking portion 20f, and a fixing portion 20g. A threaded portion is formed at the end of the housing body 20V on the outlet 20c side, to which a fastening member 72 (e.g., a screw or bolt) can be fastened.

[0030] The cover member 20W has an opening facing the +X direction and covers the housing body 20V with this opening. The cover member 20W includes an outlet 20c and at least one first housing portion 20d.

[0031] The mating portion 20a is a cylindrical member having an axis in the insertion / removal direction relative to the mating mating portion. For example, in this embodiment, the mating portion 20a is formed in a rectangular tubular shape. As described above, the front holder 20U and the mating portion 20a are assembled by mechanical joining such as a snap fit.

[0032] The flange portion 20b limits the engagement length of the mating portion 20a with the mating portion when the connector 2 is mated with the mating portion. The flange portion 20b protrudes outward from a part of the outer circumferential surface of the mating portion 20a.

[0033] For example, connector 2 is configured such that a fitting portion 20a can be fitted in the insertion direction into a perforated mating fitting portion having an inner circumferential wall surface. In this connector 2, the fitting portion 20a is inserted into and removed from the perforated mating fitting portion along the axial direction of the hole of the mating fitting portion. The mating fitting portion is formed, for example, with a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the hole. Alternatively, the mating fitting portion may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the fitting portion 20a can be fitted into the space inside it. In this case, the flange portion 20b may have an annular groove surrounding the fitting portion 20a on the surface facing the -Z direction, and a sealing member 23 may be provided in the groove (see Figure 5). The sealing member 23 fills the gap between the flange portion 20b and the peripheral wall surface of the mating fitting portion, and has waterproof and dustproof functions in the mating portion of connector 2. The sealing member 23 is molded from an elastic material such as synthetic rubber. The sealing member 23 is then fitted into the flange portion 20b in a state where it protrudes from the groove formed therein.

[0034] The outlet 20c is an opening for drawing out the electric wire 10, which is routed from the second housing section 20e to the first housing section 20d, to the outside of the connector 2. The cover member 20W is also provided with an outlet 20c. When the housing body 20V and the cover member 20W are assembled, the routing direction of the electric wire 10 from the inside to the outside of the connector 2 is determined at the outlet 20c.

[0035] The first housing section 20d houses the wire holder 21. At least one first housing section 20d is provided on the housing body 20V. The housed wire holder 21 is positioned inside the connector 2 beyond the terminal-side sealing member 26. The cover member 20W also has a first housing section 20d. When the housing body 20V and the cover member 20W are assembled, the movement of the wire holder 21 in the connector 2 is prevented by the first housing section 20d.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, the connector housing 20 accommodates the terminal portion 11 of the electric wire 10 in the second housing portion 20e located inside the connector 2, and allows the electric wire 10 to be pulled out from the outlet 20c to the outside of the connector 2 in a direction (inclined direction D) that intersects with the insertion / removal direction of the connector 2.

[0037] The second housing section 20e houses the terminal holding member 22. At least one second housing section 20e is provided on the housing body 20V. The housed terminal holding member 22 is held inside the mating section 20a. At this time, a part of the first cylindrical section 221, described later, protrudes from the periphery of the mating section 20a. When the terminal holding member 22 is held by the second housing section 20e and the locking section 20f, described later, the movement of the terminal holding member 22 in the connector 2 is suppressed by the second housing section 20e.

[0038] For example, as shown again in Figures 1-3, when the connector 2 has multiple terminal sections 11 arranged in one direction, the housing body 20V may have a partition 20P. The partition 20P prevents a predetermined wire 10 routed from the first housing section 20d to the second housing section 20e from becoming entangled with other wires 10.

[0039] The locking portion 20f holds the terminal holding member 22 housed in the second housing portion 20e. For example, in this embodiment, the locking portion 20f is a fitting claw, and the locking state of the fitting claw is maintained by the locked portion 223 provided on the terminal holding member 22. The fitting claw and the locked portion 223 are assembled by snap-fit.

[0040] For example, in this embodiment, the housing body 20V has a locking portion 20f for each terminal holding member 22. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the housing body 20V having a pair of locking portions 20f and a pair of locked portions 223 makes it easier for the terminal holding member 22 to be held in the second housing portion 20e. For example, in this embodiment, the pair of locking portions 20f are aligned along the Z direction.

[0041] The fixing portion 20g is a mounting portion for assembling the first shield shell member 281. The fixing portion 20g has a through hole through which a fastening member 71 (for example, a screw or bolt) can be inserted.

[0042] The wire holder 21 holds the wire 10. The wire holder 21 is housed in the first housing section 20d. The wire holder 21 is molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The wire holder 21 may be provided for each wire 10, or it may be provided as a single component capable of holding multiple wires 10. For example, in this embodiment, the wire holder 21 is provided as a single component capable of holding two wires 10. The position of the wire holder 21 is fixed in the first housing section 20d, so that the wire holder 21 holds the wire 10 in a twisted state with the terminal-attached wire 1B.

[0043] Here, the terminal-equipped wire 1B will be described in detail. The terminal-equipped wire 1B is a wire that is drawn out from the wire connection part 112 of the terminal part 11 and bent at the bending part 102C. The terminal-equipped wire 1B also comprises a first extension part 102A and a second extension part 102B adjacent to the bending part 102C. The angled terminal-equipped wire 1 is a wire in which the insulation part 102 is twisted at least one of the first extension part 102A, the bending part 102C, and the second extension part 102B.

[0044] The wire holder 21 (first wire holder 21A, second wire holder 21B) comprises a first piece 211 and a second piece 212. The first piece 211 and the second piece 212 are assembled by mechanical fastening such as a snap fit. The first piece 211 and the second piece 212 are provided with notches through which the electric wire 10 can be inserted and held. When the first piece 211 and the second piece 212 are assembled with respect to the electric wire 10, the electric wire 10 is clamped in the first housing portion 20d. In the inclined direction D, the second wire holder 21B is provided separately from the first wire holder 21A. The second wire holder 21B is in contact with the bottom of the cylindrical portion 282b of the second shield shell member 282, which will be described later.

[0045] The terminal holding member 22 holds the terminal portion 11. The terminal holding member 22 is an example of a "terminal holder". The terminal holding member 22 is housed in the second housing portion 20e. The terminal holding member 22 is molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The terminal holding member 22 is capable of housing the terminal portion 11 inside in a manner that allows insertion and removal of the mating terminal connection portion 511. The terminal holding member 22 is held inside the fitting portion 20a. The terminal holding member 22 may be provided for each electric wire 10, or it may be provided as a single component capable of holding multiple terminal portions 11. For example, in this embodiment, the terminal holding member 22 is provided for each terminal portion 11. The position of the terminal holding member 22 is fixed in the second housing portion 20e, thereby holding the electric wire 1B with the terminal attached in a twisted state.

[0046] When the terminal-equipped wire 1B is housed in the connector housing 20, the terminal-equipped wire 1B is held in a twisted state by the wire holder 21 and the terminal holding member 22.

[0047] The terminal holding member 22 includes a cylindrical first cylindrical portion 221 that accommodates the terminal connection portion 110, a rectangular second cylindrical portion 222 that accommodates the electric wire connection portion 112, and a locking portion 223. The second cylindrical portion 222 has a body that is radially larger outward than the first cylindrical portion 221. The locking portion 223 is responsible for maintaining the locked state of the locking portion 20f.

[0048] The first cylindrical portion 221 is provided with an opening 221ex, and the projection 110p of the terminal connection portion 110 is locked into the opening 221ex.

[0049] When the terminal holding member 22 is inserted into the housing body 20V from the +X direction to the -X direction, it is locked by the locking portion 20f and the terminal holding member 22 is held in the second housing portion 20e.

[0050] The sealing member 24 fills the gap between the front holder 20U and the housing body 20V, providing waterproofing and dustproofing at the connector 2 assembly location. The sealing member 24 is assembled to the outer circumferential surface of the mating portion 20a. The sealing member 24 is molded from an elastic material such as synthetic rubber.

[0051] The sealing member 25 fills the gap between the housing body 20V and the cover member 20W, providing waterproofing and dustproofing at the assembly location of the connector 2. The sealing member 25 is assembled to the outer circumferential surface of the mating portion 20a. The sealing member 25 is molded from an elastic material such as synthetic rubber. The sealing member 25 is molded into an annular shape and is sandwiched between the housing body 20V and the cover member 20W. The sealing member 25 may also be molded as a single component integrated with the terminal-side sealing member 26 described below.

[0052] The terminal-side sealing member 26 fills the gap between the inner wall of the housing body 20V on the outlet 20c side and the electric wire 10, providing waterproofing and dustproofing at the connector 2 assembly location. The terminal-side sealing member 26 is molded from an elastic material such as synthetic rubber. The terminal-side sealing member 26 may be provided for each electric wire 10, or it may be provided to fill the gap between the inner wall of the housing body 20V on the outlet 20c side and multiple electric wires 10. For example, in this embodiment, the terminal-side sealing member 26 is provided to fill the gap between the inner wall of the housing body 20V on the outlet 20c side and two electric wires 10.

[0053] The braided sealing member 27 fills the gap between the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 282b of the second shield shell member 282 (described later) and the electric wire 10, and provides waterproofing and dustproofing functions at the assembly location of the shield shell 28. The braided sealing member 27 is molded from an elastic material such as synthetic rubber. The braided sealing member 27 may be provided for each electric wire 10, or it may be provided to fill the gap between the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 282b and multiple electric wires 10. For example, in this embodiment, the braided sealing member 27 is provided to fill the gap between the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 282b and two electric wires 10.

[0054] The shield shell 28 prevents noise generated outside the connector 2 from entering the connector 2. The shield shell 28 covers a portion of the connector housing 20 so that the wires 10 and / or terminals 11 inside the connector housing 20 are less susceptible to noise. The shield shell 28 is formed from a conductive material such as metal.

[0055] The shield shell 28 comprises a first shield shell member 281 and a second shield shell member 282, which can be assembled together in the direction of the electric wire 10's exit. The first shield shell member 281 has an opening in the +X direction, and this opening covers the cover member 20W. The first shield shell member 281 is provided with two fixing parts 281c. The fixing parts 281c have screw threads formed on them, and the housing body 20V is provided with a fixing part 20g corresponding to the fixing parts 281c for attachment to the fixing parts 281c.

[0056] The second shield shell member 282 covers a portion of the electric wire 10 that is drawn out from the first housing portion 20d toward the outside of the connector 2. The second shield shell member 282 has a cylindrical portion 282b and a flange portion 282c provided at one end of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion 282b is a cylindrical member having a bottom, with a portion of the bottom open in the direction in which the electric wire 10 is drawn out. The flange portion 282c is partially bent and is in contact with the end of the housing body 20V on the exit side 20c. The electric wire 10 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 282b. A through hole is formed in the fixing portion 20g of the flange portion 282c through which a fastening member 72 (for example, a screw or bolt) can be inserted.

[0057] The braided member 29 is placed in close contact with the cylindrical portion 282b of the second shield shell member 282, covering the electric wire 10 that passes through the cylindrical portion 282b. The braided member 29 is woven into a mesh-like cylindrical shape and is conductive.

[0058] The seal ring 31, when crimped, clamps the braided member 29 together with the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 282b. The seal ring 31 is an annular member that follows the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 282b.

[0059] In this embodiment, the connector 2 is fastened to the mating device using two fixing parts 281d provided on the first shield shell member 281. By electrically connecting the shield shell 28 and the braided member 29 to the mating device, noise directed inward from the connector 2 is suppressed.

[0060] The rubber boot 32 can cover the cylindrical portion 282b of the second shield shell member 282 in a tightly fitted manner and accommodates the braided member 29. The rubber boot 32 has a cylindrical portion that follows the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 282b. For example, the rubber boot 32 is fixed in a tightly fitted manner to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 282b by wrapping a fastening member 33, such as a cable tie, around it from the outside. In this disclosure, the rubber boot 32 is omitted except in Figure 5.

[0061] (Manufacturing method) The method for manufacturing an angled terminal wire in this embodiment will now be described. The method for manufacturing an angled terminal wire in this embodiment is carried out according to the flow chart shown in Figure 6.

[0062] First, the worker prepares a wire with a terminal, which includes a core wire 101, an insulated portion 102, a wire 10, and a terminal portion 11 (step ST10). Two types of wires with terminals are listed below. The first type of wire with a terminal, 1A, is a straight wire drawn out from the wire connection portion 112 of the terminal portion 11. The second type of wire with a terminal, 1B, is a wire drawn out from the wire connection portion 112 of the terminal portion 11 and bent at the bending portion 102C (see Figures 7-8). The wire with a terminal, 1B, also includes a first extension portion 102A and a second extension portion 102B adjacent to the bending portion 102C. When using the first type of wire with a terminal, the worker may bend the wire with a terminal, 1A, to obtain the wire with a terminal, 1B.

[0063] Next, the worker rotates the terminal portion 11 of the terminal-equipped wire or the wire 10 to twist the insulated portion 102. For example, the worker rotates at least one of the terminal portion 11, the first extension portion 102A, the bent portion 102C, and the second extension portion 102B of the terminal-equipped wire 1B to twist the insulated portion 102 (step ST11).

[0064] In step ST11, the worker determines the fixed portion and then twists the insulated portion 102 to form the processed portion 12 on the terminal-equipped wire 1. For example, in the terminal-equipped wire 1 shown in Figure 9, the first extended portion 102A is set as the fixed portion, and the insulated portion 102 is twisted in the second extended portion 102B. As shown in Figure 9, the processed portion 12 in this embodiment is a part of the second extended portion 102B' after processing. As shown in Figure 10, when the terminal portion 11 is set as the fixed portion, the insulated portion 102 is twisted in at least one of the first extended portion 102A, the bent portion 102C, and the second extended portion 102B located on the -X direction side.

[0065] When the first extension portion 102A is set as the fixed portion, the covering portion 102 is twisted in at least one of the bending portion 102C and the second extension portion 102B located on the -X direction side.

[0066] When the bent portion 102C is fixed, the covering portion 102 is twisted at the first extended portion 102A on the +X direction side. Alternatively, when the bent portion 102C is fixed, the covering portion 102 is twisted at the second extended portion 102B on the -X direction side.

[0067] When the second extension portion 102B is fixed, the covering portion 102 is twisted in at least one of the first extension portion 102A and the bending portion 102C located on the +X direction side.

[0068] Thus, the wire with angled terminals 1 is manufactured. (End)

[0069] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) As a comparative example, consider a terminal-equipped wire 1B that extends along the inclination direction D while the second extension portion 102B is pulled out from the outlet 20c toward the outside of the connector. When routing the terminal-equipped wire 1B along the inclination direction D, the connector may be inclined along the inclination direction D. However, the inclination of the connector may cause changes to the fastening points of the connector used for fastening to the mating equipment (for example, the fixing portion 281d). Depending on the mating equipment, it may be difficult to create new fastening points for the connector. Therefore, the design of the connector housing that accommodates the terminal-equipped wire 1B may be modified. However, depending on the orientation of the terminal portion 11 of the terminal-equipped wire 1B, a terminal holding member will be created to hold the terminal portion 11. This is because there is a correspondence between the projection 110p of the terminal portion 11 and the opening provided in the terminal holding member. Since the terminal holding member is molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin, for example, a new mold for molding the terminal holding member may be created. If there are multiple patterns in the inclination direction D, terminal holding members will be created according to each pattern.

[0070] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the wire 1 with an angled terminal comprises a wire 10 including a core wire 101, a covering portion 102 that exposes the core wire 101 at the end of the core wire 101 and covers the core wire 101, and a terminal portion 11 assembled to the end of the wire 10. The covering portion 102 includes a first extension portion 102A that extends in a first direction (X direction) toward the terminal portion 11, a second extension portion 102B that extends in a second direction (inclination direction D) that intersects the first direction, and a bent portion 102C that connects the first extension portion 102A and the second extension portion 102B. Furthermore, the covering portion 102 is twisted in at least one of the first extension portion 102A, the bent portion 102C, and the second extension portion 102B.

[0071] With this configuration, in the wire with terminals 1 including the bent portion 102C, the covering portion 102 is twisted in at least one of the first extended portion 102A, the bent portion 102C, and the second extended portion 102B. Because the covering portion 102 is twisted at any point in the wire with terminals 1 including the bent portion 102C, the position of the terminal portion 11 (the position of the projection 110p of the terminal connection portion 110) can be changed according to the opening 221ex provided in the terminal holding member 22 (see Figures 11 to 13). Therefore, the terminal holding member 22 with an opening 221ex provided in a predetermined position can be reused for any inclination direction D. As described above, in the wire with angled terminals 1 according to this embodiment, the terminal holder can be easily reused.

[0072] As shown again in Figures 5, 11 to 13, in this embodiment, the pair of locking portions 20f are aligned along the Z direction. Two terminal portions 11 (terminal portion 11L, terminal portion 11R) are arranged side by side in the Y direction. The projection 110p of each terminal portion 11 protrudes toward the +Y direction. Corresponding to the projection 110p, the opening 221ex is provided on the +Y side of the first cylindrical portion 221. As shown in Figure 11, when viewing the angled terminal wire 1 from the X direction, the second extension portion 102B, which is pulled out from the outlet 20c toward the outside of the connector, extends inclined in the inclination direction D relative to the Z direction in which the pair of locking portions 20f are aligned.

[0073] In this embodiment, the wire harness 100 comprises the angled terminal wire 1 described above and a connector 2 assembled to the angled terminal wire 1. The connector 2 includes a connector housing 20 that houses the terminal portion 11, a wire holder 21 (first wire holder 21A) that holds the wire 10, and a terminal holding member 22 that holds the terminal portion 11. The connector housing 20 includes a first housing portion 20d and a second housing portion 20e. The first housing portion 20d houses the wire holder 21 (first wire holder 21A). The second housing portion 20e houses the terminal holding member 22, and the wire 10 is held in a twisted state by the wire holder 21 (first wire holder 21A) and the terminal holding member 22.

[0074] With this configuration, the twisting of the covering portion 102 allows the position of the terminal portion 11 (the position of the projection 110p of the terminal connection portion 110) to change according to the opening 221ex provided in the terminal holding member 22. Therefore, the terminal holding member 22 with the opening 221ex provided in a predetermined position can be reused for any inclination direction D. As described above, in the angled terminal wire 1 according to this embodiment, the terminal holder is easily reused.

[0075] In this embodiment, the method for manufacturing an angled terminal wire includes the steps of preparing a terminal wire 1B (or terminal wire 1A) comprising a wire 10 including a core wire 101, a covering portion 102 that exposes the core wire 101 at the end of the core wire 101 and covers the core wire 101, and a terminal portion 11 assembled to the end of the wire 10 (step ST10), and rotating the terminal portion 11 or the wire 10 to twist the covering portion 102 (step ST11).

[0076] With this configuration, the twisting of the covering portion 102 allows the position of the terminal portion 11 (the position of the projection 110p of the terminal connection portion 110) to change according to the opening 221ex provided in the terminal holding member 22 (see Figures 11 to 13). Therefore, the terminal holding member 22 with the opening 221ex provided in a predetermined position can be reused for any inclination direction D. Thus, in the method for manufacturing wires with angled terminals according to this embodiment, the terminal holder can be easily reused.

[0077] In this embodiment, the insulated portion 102 of the angled terminal wire includes a first extension portion 102A extending in a first direction (X direction) toward the terminal portion 11, a second extension portion 102B extending in a second direction (inclination direction D) intersecting the first direction, and a bent portion 102C connecting the first extension portion 102A and the second extension portion 102B. In addition, in the step of twisting the insulated portion 102 (step ST11), the insulated portion 102 is twisted by rotating at least one of the terminal portion 11, the first extension portion 102A, the bent portion 102C, and the second extension portion 102B.

[0078] With this configuration, the twisting of the covering portion 102 allows the position of the terminal portion 11 (the position of the projection 110p of the terminal connection portion 110) to change according to the opening 221ex provided in the terminal holding member 22 (see Figures 11 to 13). Therefore, the terminal holding member 22 with the opening 221ex provided in a predetermined position can be reused for any inclination direction D. Thus, in the method for manufacturing wires with angled terminals according to this embodiment, the terminal holder can be easily reused.

[0079] (Variation 1) In this modified example, the worker may use the terminal-equipped wire 1A in step ST10, and in step ST11, rotate the terminal portion 11 or the wire 10 to twist the insulated portion 102. When the terminal-equipped wire 1C that has gone through step 11 of this modified example is housed in the connector housing 20, the wire holder 21 and the terminal holding member 22 bend it to form a bent portion 102C, and the terminal-equipped wire 1C is held in a twisted state.

[0080] (Modification 2) In this modified example, the core wire 101 may be a single wire. Alternatively, the core wire 101 may have multiple strands of twisted wire. When the core wire 101 has multiple strands of twisted wire, the core wire 101 becomes more flexible. Consequently, the covering portion 102 becomes more prone to twisting. Therefore, the position of the terminal portion 11 (the position of the projection 110p of the terminal connection portion 110) is more likely to change depending on the opening 221ex provided in the terminal holding member 22.

[0081] One embodiment and its variations have been described above. However, the embodiments and variations are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the embodiments and variations may be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 100 Wire Harness 1. Wire with terminals 1A wire with terminal 1B Wire with terminal 1C wire with terminal 10 Electric wire 10e Exposed core part 101 Core wire 102 Covering part 102X Type 1 Covering 102Y Second type coating 102A First extension section 102A' First extension part 102B Second extension section 102C Bend part 11 Terminal section 11L terminal section 11R terminal section 110 Terminal connection section 110p protrusion 112 Wire connection section 12 Processing Department 2 connectors 20 Connector Housing 20U Front Holder 20V Housing Body 20W Cover component 20a Fitting part 20b Flange section 20c drawer 20d First containment unit 20e Second containment unit 20f Locking part 20g fixed part 20-piece divider 21 Wire holder 21A First wire holder 21B Second wire holder 211 First piece 212 Second piece 22 Terminal holding member 221 First cylinder part 221ex aperture 222 Second cylinder part 223 Locked part 23. Sealing member 24 sealing member 25 sealing member 26 Terminal-side sealing member 27 Braided side sealing member 28 Shield Shell 281 First Shield Shell Member 281c Fixed part 281d Fixed part 282 Second Shield Shell Member 282b Cylinder part 282c Flange section 29 Braided components 31 Seal ring 32 Rubber Boots 33 Fastening members 71 Fastening components 72 Fastening components 510 Mating terminal fitting 511 Mutual terminal connection D Tilt direction

Claims

1. A wire comprising a core wire and a covering portion that exposes the core wire at its terminal and covers the core wire, A terminal portion attached to the end of the aforementioned electric wire, Equipped with, The covering portion includes a first extension portion extending in a first direction toward the terminal portion, a second extension portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a bent portion connecting the first extension portion and the second extension portion. In at least one of the first extended portion, the bent portion, and the second extended portion, the covering portion is twisted. Angled terminal wire.

2. The wire with an angled terminal as described in claim 1, The connector attached to the aforementioned wire with angled terminals, Equipped with, The connector includes a connector housing that accommodates the terminal portion, a first wire holder that holds the wire, and a terminal holding member that holds the terminal portion. The connector housing includes a first housing section and a second housing section, The first housing section houses the first wire holder, The second housing section houses the terminal holding member, The first wire holder and the terminal holding member hold the wire in a twisted state. Wire harness.

3. The second wire holder is further provided in the second direction, separated from the first wire holder. The wire harness according to claim 2.

4. A wire comprising a core wire and a covering portion that exposes the core wire at its terminal and covers the core wire, A terminal portion attached to the end of the aforementioned electric wire, The steps include: preparing a wire with terminals equipped with the following features; The steps include rotating the terminal portion or the electric wire to twist the covering portion, including, A method for manufacturing wires with angled terminals.

5. The covering portion includes a first extension portion extending in a first direction toward the terminal portion, a second extension portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a bent portion connecting the first extension portion and the second extension portion. In the twisting step, the covering portion is twisted by rotating at least one of the terminal portion, the first extended portion, the bent portion, and the second extended portion. A method for manufacturing an electric wire with an angled terminal as described in claim 4.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Connector and assembly method for connector

    JP2022030228A