Block, press-fit connector and manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a block, a crimp connector, and a manufacturing method that facilitate the insertion of terminals into an electrical junction box. [Solution] The block housing 16A has a first housing portion 161A and a second housing portion 162A that are divided in the left-right direction. The crimp terminal 14A is housed in the first housing portion 161A and has a crimp portion 143A that crimps into the electric wire L1. As a result, the electric wire L1 can be connected to the crimp terminal 14A using the crimp mechanism, and the terminal insertion work into R / B4 can be easily performed.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a block, a press - connection connector, and a manufacturing method.

Background Art

[0002] Automobiles are equipped with an electrical connection box that houses electronic components such as fuses and relays (Patent Document 1). However, in conventional electrical connection boxes, since the blocks for housing electronic components and the terminals connected to the electronic components have special structures, they cannot be mounted on automobiles, and all terminal insertion operations are performed manually by humans. Therefore, there has been a problem that the terminal insertion operation into the electrical connection box cannot be easily performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above - described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a block, a press - connection connector, and a manufacturing method capable of easily performing a terminal insertion operation into an electrical connection box.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to achieve the above - described object, the block according to the present invention is characterized as follows. A block housed in an electrical connection box that houses an electronic component having a main body portion and a first terminal and a second terminal protruding from the main body portion, a third terminal connected to the first terminal of the electronic component, a fourth terminal connected to the second terminal of the electronic component, a first electric wire electrically connected to the third terminal, A second wire electrically connected to the fourth terminal, The device comprises a housing that accommodates the third terminal and the fourth terminal, The housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which are divided in the direction of the alignment of the first terminal and the second terminal. The third terminal is housed in the first housing and has a crimp contact portion that crimps into the first electric wire. The fourth terminal is housed in the second housing portion. Being a block.

[0006] Furthermore, in order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the crimp connector according to the present invention has the following features. A pressure-fit connector that fits into an electrical connection box which houses an electronic component having a main body and first and second terminals protruding from the main body, A third terminal connected to the first terminal of the aforementioned electronic component, A fourth terminal connected to the second terminal of the aforementioned electronic component, The first wire connected to the third terminal, The second wire connected to the fourth terminal, The device comprises a housing that accommodates the third terminal and the fourth terminal and fits into the electrical connection box, The housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which are divided in the direction of the alignment of the first terminal and the second terminal. The third terminal is housed in the first housing and has a crimp contact portion that crimps into the first electric wire. The fourth terminal is housed in the second housing portion. It must be a pressure-displacement connector.

[0007] Furthermore, in order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized by the following: A manufacturing method for producing the above-mentioned block, A step of housing the third terminal through an opening in the first housing portion that is opposite to the second housing portion, A step of inserting the first electric wire through the opening and crimping the first electric wire to the crimping portion of the third terminal. It is a manufacturing method.

[0008] Also, in order to achieve the above-described object, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized by the following. A manufacturing method for manufacturing the above-described crimp connector, A step of accommodating the third terminal through an opening facing the second housing portion of the first housing portion, A step of inserting the first electric wire through the opening and crimping the first electric wire to the crimping portion of the third terminal. It is a manufacturing method.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the block, the crimp connector, and the manufacturing method according to the present invention, there is an effect that the operation of inserting the terminal into the electrical connection box can be easily performed.

[0010] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through the embodiments (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") for carrying out the invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an electrical configuration diagram of a power supply system incorporating a block and a crimp connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fuse block shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state in which the block housing of the fuse block shown in FIG. 2 is opened. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the FL block shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the FL shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state in which the connector housing of the pressure contact connector shown in FIG. 4 is opened. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the relay block shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the relay block shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the connector housing of the pressure contact connector shown in FIG. 7 is opened. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a wire harness structure incorporating the block and the pressure contact connector in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a state before assembly of the wire harness structure of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the pressure contact connector shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pressure contact connector shown in FIG. 12.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the respective figures. For the sake of convenience in the following description, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, the "front-back direction", the "left-right direction", and the "up-down direction" are defined. The "front-back direction", the "left-right direction", and the "up-down direction" are orthogonal to each other. Note that the left-right direction corresponds to the "arrangement direction" of the present invention.

[0013] (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an electrical configuration diagram of a power supply system incorporating the block and the pressure contact connector of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the power supply system 1 includes a battery 2, a BFT (Battery Fuse Terminal) 3 that branches the power supply from the battery 2, and an R / B (Relay / BOX) 4 that further branches the power supply branched from the BFT 3.

[0014] In this embodiment, the BFT3 is directly connected to the battery 2. The BFT3 branches the power from the battery 2 into three. The BFT3 is provided with four FLs (Fusible Links) 5, one for the power line before branching and one for each of the three power lines after branching.

[0015] R / B4 is located between the three current paths branched by BFT3 and an electronic device (not shown) that operates on power supplied from battery 2. In this embodiment, R / B4 comprises two fuse blocks 6A, 6A, an FL block 6B, a relay block 6C, and a case 7 that houses these blocks 6A to 6C.

[0016] Fuse block 6A branches the power lines branched by BFT3 and detachably houses fuses 10A that are connected to each branched power line. FL block 6B branches the power lines branched by BFT3 and detachably houses FL10B that are connected to each branched power line. Relay block 6C detachably houses relays 10C that are connected to the power lines branched by fuse block 6A and FL block 6B.

[0017] <Fuse block 6A> Next, the fuse block 6A will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The fuse block 6A houses the fuses 10A. In this embodiment, an example in which five fuses 10A are housed in the fuse block 6A will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the fuse 10A has a main body 11A and two terminals 12A (first terminal) and terminal 13A (second terminal) protruding from the main body 11A. In this embodiment, the fuse 10A is housed in the fuse block 6A with terminals 12A and 13A arranged in the left-right direction. Terminals 12A and 13A are provided in a plate shape perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the fuse block 6A comprises a crimp terminal 14A (third terminal), a busbar 15A, wires L1 (first wire) and L2 (second wire), and a block housing (housing) 16A that houses these. The crimp terminal 14A is mechanically connected to terminal 12A of the fuse 10A. There are five crimp terminals 14A, the same number as the fuse 10A.

[0019] The crimp terminal 14A has a terminal connection portion 141A, a base plate 142A, and a crimp contact portion 143A. The terminal connection portion 141A is connected to the terminal 12A of the fuse 10A, sandwiching it in the front-to-back direction. The base plate 142A extends downward from the terminal connection portion 141A in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the electric wire L1). The base plate 142A is perpendicular to the left-to-right direction. The crimp contact portion 143A has a pair of crimp blades 144A, 144A erected to the right of the base plate 142A. The pair of crimp blades 144A, 144A are arranged side by side with a gap in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, three crimp contact portions 143A are arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the base plate 142A.

[0020] The wire L1 is inserted between the pair of crimping blades 144A, 144A. The insulation of the wire L1 is cut by the pair of crimping blades 144A, 144A. As a result, the core wire of the wire L1 is pressed between the pair of crimping blades 144A, 144A, and the wire L1 is connected to the crimping terminal 14A.

[0021] Busbar 15A constitutes a branching circuit that further branches the power lines branched by BFT3. A single busbar 15A is provided with five fuse terminals 151A (fourth terminal) connected to terminal 13A of fuse 10A, and one wire terminal 152A (fifth terminal) connected to wire L2. Fuse terminals 151A are connected across the thickness direction of terminal 13A of fuse 10A. Wire terminal 152A is provided, for example, in a tab shape and is connected to wire L2 by mating with terminal 100 attached to the end of wire L2.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, wire L2 is connected between BFT3 and fuse block 6A. Wire L1 is connected between fuse block 6A and electronic equipment or relay block 6C (not shown).

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the block housing 16A is provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with openings 17A and 18A on both sides in the vertical direction (length direction of the cylinder). A fuse 10A can be inserted through the upper opening 17A of the block housing 16A. Electrical wires L1 and L2 can be pulled out through the lower opening 18A of the block housing 16A. The block housing 16A has a first housing section 161A and a second housing section 162A that are divided in the left-right direction.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the first housing portion 161A is provided with an upper opening 163A which forms part of the upper opening 17A of the block housing 16A, a lower opening 164A which forms part of the lower opening 18A of the block housing 16A, and a right opening 165A provided on the right side opposite the first housing portion 161A in the left-right direction. Multiple crimp terminals 14A are housed in the first housing portion 161A arranged in a row, with the terminal connection portion 141A facing the upper opening 163A and the crimp portion 143A facing the lower opening 164A, and furthermore, a pair of crimp blades 144A, 144A are erected from the bottom plate 142A toward the right opening 165A. Multiple crimp terminals 14A are housed in the first housing portion 161A arranged in a row in the front-rear direction.

[0025] The second housing section 162A, like the first housing section 161A, is provided with an upper opening 166A that forms part of the upper opening 17A, a lower opening 167A that forms part of the lower opening 18A, and a left opening 168A provided on the left side opposite the first housing section 161A in the left-right direction. The busbar 15A is housed in the second housing section 162A such that the fuse terminal 151A faces the upper opening 166A and the wire terminal 152A faces the lower opening 167A.

[0026] <FLブロック6B> Next, the FL block 6B will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. As shown in Figure 4, the FL block 6B accommodates the FL10B. In this embodiment, an example in which five FL10B are accommodated in the FL block 6B will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the FL10B has a main body 11B and two terminals 12B (first terminal) and terminal 13B (second terminal) protruding from the main body 11B. In this embodiment, the FL10B is housed in the FL block 6B with terminals 12B and 13B arranged in the left-right direction. The terminals 12B and 13B are provided in a plate shape perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the FL block 6B includes a crimp connector 19B and a block housing 20B. As shown in Figure 6, the crimp connector 19B includes a crimp terminal 14B (third terminal), a busbar 15B, wires L1 and L2, and a connector housing (housing) 16B that accommodates them. The crimp terminal 14B is mechanically connected to terminal 12B of the FL 10B. There are five crimp terminals 14B, the same number as on the FL 10B.

[0028] The crimp terminal 14B has a terminal connection portion 141B, a base plate 142B, and a crimp contact portion 143B. The terminal connection portion 141B is connected to the terminal 12B of FL10B across its front-to-back direction. The crimp contact portion 143B extends downward from the terminal connection portion 141B. The base plate 142B is perpendicular to the left-to-right direction. The crimp contact portion 143B has a pair of crimp blades 144B, 144B erected to the right of the base plate 142B. The pair of crimp blades 144B, 144B are arranged side by side with a gap in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, three crimp contact portions 143B are arranged side by side vertically on the base plate 142B.

[0029] The wire L1 is inserted between the pair of crimping blades 144B, 144B. The insulation of the wire L1 is cut by the pair of crimping blades 144B, 144B. As a result, the core wire of the wire L1 is pressed between the pair of crimping blades 144B, 144B, and the wire L1 is connected to the crimping terminal 14B.

[0030] Busbar 15B constitutes a branching circuit that further branches the power lines branched by BFT3. A single busbar 15B is provided with five FL terminals 151B (fourth terminal) connected to terminal 13B of FL10B, and one wire terminal 152B (fifth terminal) connected to wire L2. The FL terminals 151B are connected across the thickness direction of terminal 13B of FL10B. The wire terminal 152B is, for example, provided in a tab shape and mating with terminal 100 attached to the end of wire L2 to connect to wire L2.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, wire L2 is connected between BFT3 and FL block 6B. Wire L1 is connected between FL block 6B and electronic equipment or relay block 6C (not shown).

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the connector housing 16B is provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with openings 17B and 18B on both sides in the vertical direction (in the direction of the cylindrical length). The electric wires L1 and L2 are pulled out from the lower opening 18B of the connector housing 16B. The connector housing 16B has a first housing section 161B and a second housing section 162B which are divided in the left-right direction.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the first housing portion 161B is provided with an upper opening 163B which forms part of the upper opening 17B of the connector housing 16B, a lower opening 164B which forms part of the lower opening 18B of the connector housing 16B, and a right opening 165B provided on the right side opposite the first housing portion 161B in the left-right direction. Multiple crimp terminals 14B are housed in the first housing portion 161B with the terminal connection portion 141B facing the upper opening 163B and the crimp portion 143B facing the lower opening 164B, and furthermore, a pair of crimp blades 144B, 144B are erected from the bottom plate 142B toward the right opening 165B. Multiple crimp terminals 14B are housed in the first housing portion 161B in a row in the front-rear direction.

[0034] The second housing section 162B, like the first housing section 161B, is provided with an upper opening 166B that forms part of the upper opening 17B, a lower opening 167B that forms part of the lower opening 18B, and a left opening 168B provided on the left side opposite the first housing section 161B in the left-right direction. The busbar 15B is housed in the second housing section 162B such that the FL terminal 151B faces the upper opening 166B side and the wire terminal 152B faces the lower opening 167B side.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the block housing 20B is provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with openings 21B and 22B on both sides in the vertical direction (length direction of the cylinder). The FL10B can be inserted through the upper opening 21B of the block housing 20B. The pressure-fit connector 19B can be fitted through the lower opening 22B of the block housing 20B.

[0036] <Relay Block 6C> Next, the relay block 6C will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. As shown in Figure 7, the relay block 6C houses the relays 10C. In this embodiment, an example in which five relays 10C are housed in the relay block 6C will be described. As shown in Figure 8, the relay 10C has a main body 11C and four contact terminals 12C (first terminal), contact terminal 13C (second terminal), and coil terminals 23C and 24C protruding from the main body 11C.

[0037] In this embodiment, the relay 10C is housed in the relay block 6C with the contact terminals 12C and 13C arranged in the left-right direction and the coil terminals 23C and 24C arranged in the front-back direction. The contact terminals 12C and 13C are connected to both ends of the relay contacts and are provided in a plate shape perpendicular to the front-back direction. The coil terminals 23C and 24C are connected to both ends of the relay coil and are provided in a plate shape perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the relay block 6C has a crimp connector 19C and a block housing 20C. As shown in Figure 9, the crimp connector 19C has a crimp terminal 14C (third terminal), a crimp terminal 25C (fourth terminal), a wire L1 (first wire), a wire L3 (second wire), and a connector housing (housing) 16C that accommodates them. The crimp terminals 14C and 25C are mechanically connected to the contact terminals 12C and 13C of the relay 10C. There are five crimp terminals 14C and 25C, the same number as the relay 10C.

[0039] Each of the crimp terminals 14C and 25C has a terminal connection portion 141C, a base plate 142C, and a crimp portion 143C. The terminal connection portion 141C is connected to the contact terminals 12C and 13C of the relay 10C, sandwiching them in the front-to-back direction. The crimp portion 143C extends downward from the terminal connection portion 141C. The base plate 142C is perpendicular to the left-to-right direction. The crimp portion 143C has a pair of crimp blades 144C, 144C that are erected from the base plate 142C in the left-to-right direction. The pair of crimp blades 144C, 144C are arranged side by side with a gap in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, three crimp portions 143C are arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the base plate 142C.

[0040] The wires L1 and L3 are inserted between the pair of crimping blades 144C, 144C. The insulation of the wires L1 and L3 is cut by the pair of crimping blades 144C, 144C. As a result, the core wires of the wires L1 and L3 are pressed between the pair of crimping blades 144C, 144C, and the wires L1 and L3 are connected to the crimping terminals 14B and 25C.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, the connector housing 16C is provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with openings 17C and 18C on both sides in the vertical direction (in the direction of the cylindrical length). The electric wires L1 and L3 are pulled out from the lower opening 18C of the connector housing 16C. The connector housing 16C has a first housing section 161C and a second housing section 162C which are divided in the left-right direction.

[0042] As shown in Figure 9, the first housing portion 161C is provided with an upper opening 163C which forms part of the upper opening 17C of the connector housing 16B, a lower opening 164C which forms part of the lower opening 18C of the connector housing 16C, and a right opening 165C provided on the right side opposite the first housing portion 161C in the left-right direction. Multiple crimp terminals 14C are housed in the first housing portion 161B with the terminal connection portion 141C facing the upper opening 163C and the crimp portion 143C facing the lower opening 164C, and furthermore, a pair of crimp blades 144C, 144C are erected from the bottom plate 142C toward the right opening 165C. Multiple crimp terminals 14C are housed in the first housing portion 161C in the front-rear direction.

[0043] The second housing section 162C, like the first housing section 161C, is provided with an upper opening 166C that forms part of the upper opening 17C, a lower opening 167C that forms part of the lower opening 18C, and a left opening 168C on the left side opposite the first housing section 161C in the left-right direction. Multiple crimp terminals 25C are housed in the second housing section 162C, with the terminal connection portion 141C facing the upper opening 166C and the crimp portion 143C facing the lower opening 167C, and a pair of crimp blades 144C, 144C erected from the bottom plate 142C toward the left opening 168C. ​​Multiple crimp terminals 25C are housed in the second housing section 162C in a row in the front-rear direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the block housing 20C is provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with openings 21C and 22C on both the upper and lower sides (in the direction of the cylinder length). The relay 10C can be inserted through the upper opening 21C of the block housing 20C. The crimp connector 19C can be fitted through the lower opening 22B of the block housing 20C.

[0045] <Manufacturing method for fuse block 6A> Insert the pressure contact terminal 14A through the right opening 165A of the first housing part 161A and accommodate the pressure contact terminal 14A within the first housing part 161A. This operation may be performed manually or using a robot arm.

[0046] Next, convey the first housing part 161A to the automatic pressure contact mechanism. The automatic pressure contact mechanism collectively holds a plurality of electric wires L1. The automatic pressure contact mechanism inserts the collectively held electric wires L1 through the right opening 165A into the first housing part 161A and presses them toward between the pair of pressure contact blades 144A, 144A for pressure contact.

[0047] Next, align the right opening 165A of the first housing part 161A and the left opening 168A of the second housing part 162A in which the bus bar 15A and the electric wire L2 are accommodated to complete the fuse block 6A.

[0048] <Manufacturing method of the FL block 6B> Insert the pressure contact terminal 14B through the right opening 165B of the first housing part 161B and accommodate the pressure contact terminal 14B within the first housing part 161B. Next, convey the first housing part 161B to the automatic pressure contact mechanism. The automatic pressure contact mechanism collectively holds a plurality of electric wires L1. The automatic pressure contact mechanism inserts the collectively held electric wires L1 through the right opening 165B into the first housing part 161B and presses them toward between the pair of pressure contact blades 144B, 144B for pressure contact.

[0049] Next, align the right opening 165B of the first housing part 161B and the left opening 168B of the second housing part 162B in which the bus bar 15B and the electric wire L2 are accommodated to complete the pressure contact connector 19B. Next, fit the pressure contact connector 19B into the block housing 20B to complete the FL block 6B.

[0050] <Manufacturing method of the relay block 6C> The crimp terminals 14C and 25C are inserted through the right opening 165C of the first housing section 161C and the left opening 168C of the second housing section 162C, respectively, with the crimp terminal 14C housed in the first housing section 161C and the crimp terminal 25C housed in the second housing section 162C. Next, the first housing section 161C and the second housing section 162C are transported to the automatic crimping mechanism. The automatic crimping mechanism holds multiple electric wires L1 and L3 together. The automatic crimping mechanism inserts the held electric wires L1 and L3 into the first housing section 161C and the second housing section 162C through the right opening 165C and the left opening 168C, and presses them toward the pair of crimping blades 144C, 144C to perform crimping.

[0051] Next, the right opening 165C of the first housing section 161C and the left opening 168C of the second housing section 162C are joined together to complete the crimp connector 19C. Then, the crimp connector 19C is fitted into the block housing 20C to complete the relay block 6C.

[0052] According to the embodiment described above, the block housing 16A and connector housings 16B and 16C have first housing sections 161A to 161C and second housing sections 162A to 162C that are divided in the left-right direction, and the crimp terminals 14A to 14C are housed in the first housing sections 161A to 161C and have crimp sections 143A to 143C that crimp with the electric wires L1 and L3. As a result, the electric wires L1 and L3 can be connected to the crimp terminals 14A to 14C using an automatic crimp mechanism, and the terminal insertion work into R / B4 can be easily performed.

[0053] According to the embodiment described above, multiple fuse terminals 151A and FL terminals 151B are provided on a single busbar 15A, 15B, and the electric wire L2 is connected to the electric wire terminals 152A, 152B provided on the busbars 15A, 15B. As a result, the second housing portions 162A, 162B can accommodate the fuse terminals 151A, FL terminals 151B and electric wire terminals 152A, 152B provided on the busbars 15A, 15B, for which an automatic crimping mechanism cannot be used.

[0054] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a block diagram of a wire harness structure incorporating the block and crimp connector of this embodiment. In this figure, parts equivalent to those described in Figures 1 to 9 in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0055] As shown in the figure, the wire harness structure 30 includes R / B4, a plurality of electric wires L4 (third electric wires) drawn out from R / B4, a crimp connector 31 provided at the end of R / B4 of the electric wire L4, a box 32 into which the crimp connector 31 is fitted, an electric wire L5 (fourth electric wire) connected between the box 32 and electronic equipment (not shown), and a connector 33 provided at one end of the electric wire L5 and fitted into the box 32.

[0056] Since R / B4 is equivalent to that in the first embodiment described above, a detailed explanation is omitted here. In the first embodiment, R / B4 was connected to BFT3 which was directly attached to battery 2, but in the second embodiment, it is connected to junction box (J / B) 40 instead of BFT3. J / B40, like BFT3, branches off power from battery 2.

[0057] Multiple wires L4 are connected between R / B4 and electronic equipment (not shown). In this embodiment, wire L4 is composed of the wires L1 and L3 described above. The crimp connector 31 is provided at the end of wire L4 away from R / B4.

[0058] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the crimp connector 31 comprises a connector housing 31A and a crimp terminal 31B housed in the connector housing 31A. The connector housing 31A is provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with openings 31C and 31D on both sides in the direction of the cylinder length. For simplicity of explanation, in Figures 13 and 14, the direction of the cylinder length will be described as the front-rear direction. The electric wire L4 is pulled out from the rear opening 31D of the connector housing 31A. The connector housing 31A has a first housing section 311A ​​and a second housing section 312A that are divided in the vertical direction.

[0059] As shown in Figure 14, the first housing portion 311A ​​is provided with a front opening 313A which forms part of the front opening 31C of the connector housing 31A, a rear opening 314A which forms part of the rear opening 31D of the connector housing 31A, and a lower opening 315A which is provided on the lower side surface that is vertically opposite to the first housing portion 311A.

[0060] The second housing portion 312A, like the first housing portion 311A, is provided with a front opening 316A that forms part of the front opening 31C, a rear opening 317A that forms part of the rear opening 31D, and an upper opening 318A provided on the upper side surface that is vertically opposite to the first housing portion 311A.

[0061] The crimp terminal 31B has a connection portion 311B, a base plate 312B, and a crimp portion 313B. The connection portion 311B is connected to a busbar, which is a connection circuit housed in a box 32, described later. The base plate 312B extends from the connection portion 311B to the rear in the front-to-back direction (the longitudinal direction of the electric wire L4). The base plate 312B is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The crimp portion 313B has a pair of crimp blades 314B, 314B erected below the base plate 312B. The pair of crimp blades 314B, 314B are arranged side by side with a gap in the left-to-right direction. In this embodiment, three crimp portions 313B are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction on the base plate 312B.

[0062] The wire L4 is inserted between the pair of crimping blades 314B, 314B. The insulation of the wire L4 is cut by the pair of crimping blades 314B, 314B. As a result, the core wire of the wire L4 is pressed between the pair of crimping blades 314B, 314B, and the wire L4 is connected to the crimping terminal 31B.

[0063] The crimp terminals 31B are arranged in a row within the first housing section 311A ​​and the second housing section 312A, with the connecting portion 311B facing the front openings 313A and 316A, the crimp portion 313B facing the rear openings 314A and 317A, and a pair of crimp blades 314B, 314B erected from the bottom plate 312B toward the lower opening 315A and the upper opening 318A. The crimp terminals 31B are arranged in a row within the first housing section 311A ​​and the second housing section 312A, arranged in a left-right direction.

[0064] <Manufacturing method for press-fit connector 31> The crimp terminal 31B is inserted through the lower opening 315A and upper opening 318A of the first housing section 311A ​​and the second housing section 312A, respectively, to house the crimp terminal 31B inside the first housing section 311A ​​and the second housing section 312A. This operation may be performed manually or using a robotic arm.

[0065] Next, the first housing section 311A ​​and the second housing section 312A are transported to the automatic crimping mechanism. The automatic crimping mechanism holds multiple electric wires L4 together. The automatic crimping mechanism inserts the held electric wires L4 into the first housing section 311A ​​and the second housing section 312A through the lower opening 315A and the upper opening 318A, and presses them toward the pair of crimping blades 314B, 314B to perform crimping.

[0066] Next, the lower opening 315A of the first housing portion 311A ​​and the upper opening 318A of the second housing portion 312A are joined together to complete the crimp connector 31.

[0067] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the box 32 is fitted with the aforementioned crimp connector 31 and the connector 33 attached to the electric wire L5. Multiple boxes 32 are provided and arranged in various parts of the vehicle. In this embodiment, for example, the boxes 32 are provided inside the passenger compartment and in the left and right areas of the engine compartment, which is outside the passenger compartment. A busbar (not shown), which is a connection circuit, is provided inside the box 32, and when the crimp connector 31 and connector 33 are fitted together, the electric wire L4 and the electric wire L5 are connected.

[0068] The wire L5 is connected between the box 32 and the electronic equipment in the area surrounding the box 32. The wire L5 described above can be manufactured using a general-purpose automatic terminal insertion machine.

[0069] According to the wire harness structure 30 with the configuration described above, the R / B4 and wire 4 connected using an automatic crimping machine are dispensed and assembled into the vehicle, and the crimp connector 31 attached to the wire 4 is fitted into the box 32. In addition, the wire L5 is connected between the box 32 and the electronic equipment. This allows the entire assembly from R / B4 to just before the box 32 to be manufactured using an automatic crimping machine, thereby improving productivity and reducing labor costs.

[0070] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0071] The relay block 6C had a crimp connector 19C, but it is not limited to this. As with the fuse block 6A, the crimp connector 19C may be eliminated, and the block housing 20B may be divided into two parts, each housing crimp terminals 14C and 25C.

[0072] In the second embodiment described above, the busbar constituted the connection circuit, but this is not the only possible configuration. For example, the connection portion 311B constituting the crimp connector 31 may be made from a splice terminal, and multiple wires L5 may be directly connected to the splice terminal.

[0073] In the second embodiment described above, the box 32 simply connected the wires L4 and L5, but it is not limited to this. As with R / B4, the box 32 may be provided to allow connection of electronic components such as fuses and FLs, and the wires L4 and L5 may be connected via these electronic components.

[0074] Herein, the features of the embodiments of the block, pressure connector, and manufacturing method according to the present invention described above are briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to

[10] .

[0075] [1] A block (6A) housed in an electrical connection box (4) which houses an electronic component (10A) having a main body (11A) and a first terminal (12A) and a second terminal (13A) protruding from the main body (11A), The third terminal (14A) is connected to the first terminal (12A) of the aforementioned electronic component (10A), The fourth terminal (151A) is connected to the second terminal (13A) of the aforementioned electronic component (10A), The first wire (L1) is electrically connected to the third terminal (14A), The second wire (L2) is electrically connected to the fourth terminal (151A, 151B, 25C), The device comprises a housing (16A) that accommodates the third terminal (14A) and the fourth terminal (151A), The housing (16A) has a first housing portion (161A) and a second housing portion (162A) which are divided in the direction of the alignment of the first terminal and the second terminal (left-right direction), The third terminal (14A) is housed in the first housing portion (161A) and has a crimp contact portion (143A) that crimps into the first electric wire (L1). The fourth terminal (151A) is housed in the second housing portion (162A), Block (6A).

[0076] According to the block (6A) of the configuration described in [1] above, the first wire (L1) can be connected to the third terminal (14A) using an automatic crimping mechanism. This makes it easy to insert the terminal into the electrical junction box (4).

[0077] [2] In block (6A) described in [1], The aforementioned electronic component (10A) is housed in multiple locations. Multiple of the aforementioned fourth terminals (151A) are provided on a single busbar (15A). The second electric wire (L2) is connected to the fifth terminal (152A) provided on the busbar (15A). Block (6A).

[0078] According to the block (6A) of the configuration described in [2] above, the second housing portion (162A) can accommodate the fourth terminal (151A) and fifth terminal (152A) provided on the busbar (15A) for which a pressure contact mechanism cannot be used.

[0079] [3] In block (6A) described in [1], The fourth terminal has a second crimp contact portion that crimps into the second wire. Block (6A).

[0080] According to the block (6A) of the configuration described in [3] above, the second wire can be connected to the fourth terminal using a pressure contact mechanism. This makes the terminal insertion work into the electrical junction box (4) even easier.

[0081] [4] A press-fit connector (19B, 19C) that fits into an electrical connection box (4) which houses an electronic component (10B, 10C) having a main body (11B, 11C) and first terminals (12B, 12C) and second terminals (13B, 13C) protruding from the main body (11B, 11C), The third terminal (14B, 14C) is connected to the first terminal (12B, 12C) of the aforementioned electronic component (10B, 10C), The fourth terminal (151B, 25C) is connected to the second terminal (13B, 13C) of the aforementioned electronic component (10B, 10C), The first wires (L1, L2) connected to the third terminals (14B, 14C), The second wires (L2, L3) connected to the fourth terminal (151B, 25C), The device comprises a housing (16B, 16C) that accommodates the third terminal (14B, 14C) and the fourth terminal (151B, 25C) and is fitted into the electrical connection box (4), The housing (16B, 16C) has a first housing portion (161B, 161C) and a second housing portion (162B, 162C) which are divided in the direction of the alignment of the first terminal and the second terminal (left-right direction), The third terminal (14B, 14C) is housed in the first housing portion (161B, 161C) and has a pressure contact portion (143B, 143C) that makes pressure contact with the first electric wire (L1, L2), The fourth terminal (151B, 25C) is housed in the second housing portion (162B, 162C). Insulation connectors (19B, 19C).

[0082] With the press-fit connector (19B, 19C) configured as described in [4] above, the wires (L1, L2) can be connected to the third terminals (14B, 14C) using the press-fit mechanism. This makes the process of inserting the terminals into the electrical junction box (4) even easier.

[0083] [5] In the press-fit connector (19B) described in [4], The aforementioned electronic component (10B) is housed in multiple locations. Multiple of the aforementioned fourth terminals (151B) are provided on a single busbar (15B). The second electric wire (L2) is connected to the fifth terminal (152B) provided on the busbar (15B). Insulation connector (19B).

[0084] According to the press-fit connector (19B) with the configuration described in [5] above, the second housing portion (162B) can accommodate the fourth terminal (151B) and fifth terminal (152B) provided on the busbar (15B) for which a press-fit mechanism cannot be used.

[0085] [6] In the press-fit connector (19C) described in [4], The fourth terminal (25C) has a crimp contact portion (143C) that crimps into the second electric wire (L3). Insulation connector (19C).

[0086] According to the crimp connector (19C) with the configuration described in [6] above, the second wire (L3) can be connected to the fourth terminal (25C) using the crimp mechanism. This makes the terminal insertion work into the electrical junction box (4) even easier.

[0087] [7] An electrical junction box (4) housing at least one of the block (6A) described in [1] and the crimp connectors (19B, 19C) described in [4], A third electric wire (L4) is drawn out from the electrical junction box (4) and connected between the electrical junction box (4) and the electronic equipment, A crimp connector (31) is provided at the end of the third electric wire (L4) on the side away from the electrical connection box (4), and the third electric wire (L4) is crimped into it. A box (32) in which the aforementioned pressure connector (31) is housed, The box (32) and the electronic device are connected by a fourth wire (L5), The box (32) contains a connection circuit that connects the third wire (L4) and the fourth wire (L5). Wire harness structure (30).

[0088] According to the wire harness structure (30) described in [7] above, the wires can be manufactured using an automatic crimping machine from the electrical junction box (4) up to the box (32), thereby improving productivity and reducing labor costs.

[0089] [8] In the wire harness structure (30) described in [7], The aforementioned box (32) is arranged in multiple areas of the vehicle. The fourth wire (L5) is connected to the electronic device located in the area corresponding to the box (32) to which it is connected. Wire harness structure (30).

[0090] According to the wire harness structure (30) with the configuration described in [8] above, the wires can be manufactured using an automatic crimping machine from the electrical junction box (4) to the box (32) installed in each area, thereby improving productivity and reducing labor costs.

[0091] [9] A manufacturing method for producing a block (6A) as described in any one of items [1] to [3], A step of housing the third terminal (14A) through an opening (165A) of the first housing portion (161A) that is opposite to the second housing portion (162A), The process includes inserting the first electric wire (L1) through the opening (165A) and pressing the first electric wire (L1) against the crimp contact portion (143A) of the third terminal (14A). Manufacturing method.

[0092] According to the manufacturing method of the configuration described in [9] above, the first electric wire (L1) can be connected to the third terminal (14A) using a pressure connection mechanism. This makes it easy to insert the terminal into the electrical junction box (4).

[0093]

[10] A manufacturing method for producing a crimp connector (19B, 19C) as described in any one of items [4] to [6], A step of housing the third terminal (14B, 14C) through the opening (165B, 165C) of the first housing portion (161B, 161C) that is opposite to the second housing portion (162B, 162C), The process includes inserting the first electric wires (L1, L2) through the openings (165B, 165C) and crimping the first electric wires (L1, L2) to the crimp contact portions (143B, 143C) of the third terminals (14B, 14C). Manufacturing method.

[0094] According to the manufacturing method of the configuration described in

[10] above, the first electric wires (L1, L2) can be connected to the third terminals (14B, 14B) using a pressure connection mechanism. This makes it easy to insert the terminals into the electrical junction box (4). [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 4 R / B (Electrical Junction Box) 6A fuse block (block) 10A fuse (electronic component) 11A~11C Main body 12A~12C 1st terminal 13A~13C 2nd terminal 14A~14C Crimp connector (third terminal) 15A, 15B Busbar 16A Block Housing (Housing) 16B, 16C Connector Housing (Housing) 19B, 19C Insulation Connectors 25C crimp terminal (4th terminal) 30 Wire harness structure 31. Insulation connector 32 boxes 143A~143C Pressure-welded section 151A Fuse terminal (4th terminal) 151B FL terminal (4th terminal) 152A, 152B Wire terminal (5th terminal) 161A~161C First Housing Section 162A~162C Second Housing Section 165A~165C Right opening (opening) L1 wire (first wire) L2 wire (second wire) L3 wire (second wire) L4 wire (3rd wire) L5 wire (4th wire)

Claims

1. A block housed in an electrical connection box that houses an electronic component having a main body and a first terminal and a second terminal protruding from the main body, A third terminal connected to the first terminal of the aforementioned electronic component, A fourth terminal connected to the second terminal of the aforementioned electronic component, A first wire electrically connected to the third terminal, A second wire electrically connected to the fourth terminal, The device comprises a housing that accommodates the third terminal and the fourth terminal, The housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which are divided in the direction of the alignment of the first terminal and the second terminal. The third terminal is housed in the first housing and has a crimp contact portion that crimps into the first electric wire. The fourth terminal is housed in the second housing portion. block.

2. In the block described in claim 1, The aforementioned electronic component is housed in multiple locations. Multiple of the aforementioned fourth terminals are provided on a single busbar. The second electric wire is connected to a fifth terminal provided on the busbar. block.

3. In the block described in claim 1, The fourth terminal has a crimp contact portion that crimps into the second wire. block.

4. A pressure-fit connector that fits into an electrical connection box which houses an electronic component having a main body and a first terminal and a second terminal protruding from the main body, A third terminal connected to the first terminal of the aforementioned electronic component, A fourth terminal connected to the second terminal of the aforementioned electronic component, The first wire connected to the third terminal, The second wire connected to the fourth terminal, The device comprises a housing that accommodates the third terminal and the fourth terminal and fits into the electrical connection box, The housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which are divided in the direction of the alignment of the first terminal and the second terminal. The third terminal is housed in the first housing and has a crimp contact portion that crimps into the first electric wire. The fourth terminal is housed in the second housing portion. Pressure-displacement connector.

5. In the press-fit connector according to claim 4, The aforementioned electronic component is housed in multiple locations. Multiple of the aforementioned fourth terminals are provided on a single busbar. The second electric wire is connected to a fifth terminal provided on the busbar. Pressure-displacement connector.

6. In the press-fit connector according to claim 4, The fourth terminal has a crimp contact portion that crimps into the second wire. Pressure-displacement connector.

7. An electrical junction box housing at least one of the block described in claim 1 and the crimp connector described in claim 4, A third wire is drawn out from the electrical junction box and connected between the electrical junction box and the electronic equipment, A crimp connector is provided at the end of the third wire that is away from the electrical junction box, and the third wire is crimped into it. A box in which the aforementioned pressure-connector is housed, A fourth wire is connected between the box and the electronic device, The box contains a connection circuit for connecting the third wire and the fourth wire. Wire harness structure.

8. In the wire harness structure according to claim 7, The aforementioned boxes are arranged in multiple areas of the vehicle. The fourth wire is connected to the electronic device located in the area corresponding to the connected box. Wire harness structure.

9. A method for manufacturing a block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A step of housing the third terminal through an opening in the first housing portion that is opposite to the second housing portion, The process includes inserting the first electric wire through the opening and pressing the first electric wire against the crimp contact portion of the third terminal. Manufacturing method.

10. A manufacturing method for manufacturing a crimp connector according to any one of claims 4 to 6, A step of housing the third terminal through an opening in the first housing portion that is opposite to the second housing portion, The process includes inserting the first electric wire through the opening and pressing the first electric wire against the crimp contact portion of the third terminal. Manufacturing method.

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