connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of preventing an output terminal from vibrating even when electric power is branched off to a plurality of supply destinations and a fuse function is actualized for each branch circuit.SOLUTION: A connector has: an input-side terminal 22 and an output-side terminal 23; a fusible link which connects the input-side terminal and output-side terminal electrically through a fusible body; a housing 10 which has a front wall 111 and a rear wall (cover 30) opposed to the front wall, the housing having a fusible link storage chamber 13 which houses the fusible link in the front wall and a terminal retention part (bottom wall 13a) which retains the input-side terminal and output-side terminal so that they protrude at least in part into the fusible link storage chamber, and the rear wall being made open at least in part; and a cover 30 which closes at least the part and presses at least the output-side terminal against the front wall from behind.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In a vehicle, power supplied from a power source is distributed to various power supply targets via a wire harness. When adding or changing the settings of a fusible link circuit due to a change in the power supply target, it is usually necessary to change the shape of molded parts such as a power block. Therefore, a connector unit that has a fuse function in the connector has been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-4875 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-63457 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is only one output terminal, and even if power can be supplied to multiple branch circuits, the input and output sides are connected by a single fuse, so it is not possible to monitor whether the current of each branch circuit is above the rated value. In order to monitor the current of each branch circuit, it is possible to provide multiple output terminals and input terminals and connect a fusible element between each input / output terminal. However, if multiple output terminals are provided and held in a housing, the output terminals may be affected by vibrations, etc.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a connector that can prevent vibration of the output terminal even when power is branched to multiple destinations and a fuse function is provided for each branch circuit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the connector according to the present invention has the following features (1) to ( 3 ) is its feature. (1) an input terminal and an output terminal; a fusible link electrically connecting the input terminal and the output terminal via a fusible element; A housing having a front wall and a rear wall opposite the front wall, a fusible link accommodating chamber in the front wall that accommodates the fusible link; a terminal holding portion that holds the input terminal and the output terminal so that a portion of the terminal protrudes into the fusible link accommodating chamber, a housing, the rear wall of which is at least partially open; a cover that closes at least the portion and presses at least the output side terminal against the front wall from a rear side, Each of the input terminal and the output terminal has an L-shaped portion including a flat tab portion and a flat base portion connecting the tab portion at a right angle to the tab portion, The tab portion of each of the input terminal and the output terminal protrudes into the fusible link accommodating chamber, At least the base portion of the output terminal is pressed against the front wall from behind by a rib provided on the cover and protruding toward the front wall. 、 The housing is open with an opening provided in a portion of the rear wall, the cover has a flat plate portion having a shape corresponding to a shape of the opening, and is fitted into the opening to close the opening; The base portions of the input terminals as well as the base portions of the output terminals are pressed against the front wall from behind by a rib provided on the cover and protruding toward the front wall. connector. ( 2 ) the input terminal includes a plurality of input terminals that branch an input current from an input wire into a plurality of paths, the output terminal includes a plurality of output terminals electrically connected to the plurality of output wires, The fusible link includes a plurality of the fusible elements, Each of the plurality of input side terminals and each of the plurality of output side terminals are connected in a one-to-one relationship via each of the plurality of fusible elements. The plurality of output terminals are configured separately from each other. (1) Above To The connector as described. ( 3 ) input terminal, a housing having a hollow cylindrical portion and accommodating the input terminal, The input terminal is an input side connection portion electrically connected to the input side electric wire; A plurality of output side connection parts electrically connected to the plurality of output side electric wires, respectively; a plurality of fusible elements disposed between the input connection portion and the plurality of output connection portions, the fusible elements being provided corresponding to the plurality of output connection portions, respectively; a fixing member that protects the plurality of fusible elements and fixes the plurality of output side connection parts to the input side connection part, the input side connection portion includes a flat base portion extending parallel to an arrangement direction of the plurality of output side connection portions, and a flat extension portion extending from an edge portion of the base on an opposite side to the output side connection portion to the opposite side and electrically connected to the input side electric wire, The housing has an opening provided in a part of the hollow cylindrical portion, a locking member that is fitted into the opening to close the opening and presses the extension portion of the input side connection portion against an inner wall of the hollow cylindrical portion from behind. connector.

[0007] According to the connector having the configuration (1) above, the fusible element of the fusible link is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, so that vibration of the output terminal can be prevented even when the power supply is branched to multiple destinations and a fuse function is realized for each branch circuit. Furthermore, according to the connector having the configuration (1) above, by fitting the cover into the opening in the rear wall of the housing, the input terminals and output terminals can be pressed against the front wall, thereby fixing the input terminals and output terminals to the housing and preventing vibration.

[0010] the above( 2According to a connector having the above configuration, it is possible to prevent vibration of the output terminal, branch the power supply to a plurality of destinations, and realize a fuse function for each branch circuit.

[0011] the above( 3 According to a connector having the configuration of (1), the input terminal has a fixing member that protects the multiple fusible elements and fixes the multiple output connection parts to the input connection parts, and the housing has a locking member that presses the input connection part of the input terminal against the inner wall of the housing. With this configuration, it is possible to branch the power supply to multiple supply destinations while preventing vibration of the multiple output connection parts, and to realize the fuse function of each branch circuit. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, even when the power supply is branched to a plurality of supply destinations and a fuse function is provided for each branch circuit, vibration of the output terminal can be prevented.

[0013] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading the following description of the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiment") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state before a fusible link is attached to the connector shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state before the fusible link, the input connector, and the output connector are fitted into the connector shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the main connector shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state before the female connector is fitted into the male connector shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is an exploded perspective view of the male connector shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the main connector shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. An example will be described below in which a connector with a fuse function is added to a wire harness that has been routed in a vehicle along a predetermined path. In the following embodiments, for convenience of explanation, the "front-rear direction", "left-right direction", and "up-down direction" are defined as shown in the drawings. The "front-rear direction", "left-right direction", and "up-down direction" are mutually perpendicular.

[0016] First embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state before a fusible link FL is attached to the connector 1 shown in FIG. 1, as seen through a housing 10. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view at the center position in the left-right direction of the connector 1 shown in FIG. 1. Note that the fusible link FL is not shown in FIG. 2. Also, one or more conductors of each of the electric wires WI, WO1 to WO3 are covered with an insulator, but the conductors are not shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0017] The connector 1 of the first embodiment includes an input wire WI, three output wires WO1, WO2, and WO3 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as output wires WO), a housing 10, and a fusible link FL.

[0018] The input wire WI has a round terminal 21 at one end of a wire body, and an input terminal 22 at the other end. The round terminal 21 is connected to a power source. The input terminal 22 has three rectangular tabs 221 electrically connected to the three terminals (+ side) of the fusible link FL by contact, and a rectangular base 222 connecting the three tabs 221 at approximately right angles to the tabs 221. The input terminal 22 further has an electric wire crimping portion 223 connected to the base 222 and crimped to the electric wire body, and has a substantially L-shape when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0019] The output electric wire WO has an output terminal 23 at one end of the electric wire body, and a load such as an electrical component mounted on the vehicle is connected to the other end. The number of output electric wires WO is not limited to three, and may be one or two. The output terminal 23 has a rectangular tab 231 electrically connected to one of the three terminals (- side) of the fusible link FL by contact, and a base 232 connected to form a substantially right angle with the tab 231. The output terminal 23 further has an electric wire crimping portion 233 connected to the base 232 and crimped to the electric wire main body, and has a substantially L-shape when viewed in the left-right direction. The output terminals 23 are configured separately from each other.

[0020] The housing 10 has a housing main body 11 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a fusible link accommodating wall 12 having a substantially hollow rectangular tube shape provided at a substantially central position in the up-down direction of a front wall 111 of the housing main body. The inside of the fusible link accommodating wall 12 forms a fusible link accommodating chamber 13 that accommodates a fusible link FL.

[0021] The housing main body 11 has a rectangular plate-shaped front wall 111, a first side wall 112 and a second side wall 113 standing upright from a first end portion and a second end portion of the front wall 111 that face each other, and a rear wall facing the front wall 111 is formed by a cover 30, which will be described later. In other words, the housing 10 has an entire rear wall that is open and is closed by the cover 30. By closing (closing) the space between the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 113 by the cover 30, an input side terminal accommodating chamber CI that accommodates the input side terminal 22 and an output side terminal accommodating chamber CO that accommodates the output side terminal 23 are formed between the front wall 111 and the cover 30.

[0022] The front wall 111 has a first portion 111a extending from the upper end of the housing body 11 to the lower end of the fusible link accommodating chamber 13, and a second portion 111b disposed forward of the first portion 111a. That is, the front wall 111 has a wider space between the cover 30, which functions as a rear wall, and the second portion 111b than between the cover 30 and the first portion 111a, and can accommodate an input wire WI that is thicker than the output wire WO.

[0023] In the area (bottom wall 13a) of the front wall 111 surrounded by the fusible link accommodating wall 12, three openings 13b, 13c (see FIG. 4) are provided for allowing a portion of each of the input side terminals 22 and the output side terminals 23 to protrude into the fusible link accommodating chamber 13. In other words, the bottom wall 13a functions as a terminal holding portion that holds the input side terminals 22 and the output side terminals 23 so that a portion of each of them protrudes into the fusible link accommodating chamber 13.

[0024] The cover 30 is provided to be rotatable relative to the first side wall 112 via a hinge portion provided on a side edge of the first side wall 112. As an example, the hinge portion is formed by a thin portion of the first side wall 112. The cover 30 includes an input side cover 31 that covers the input side terminals 22 and an output side cover 32 that covers the output side terminals 23.

[0025] The input-side cover 31 has a rectangular flat plate 311, ribs 312 and 314, and two standing walls 313. The ribs 312 and 314 extend in the left-right direction on the flat plate 311, and protrude from the flat plate 311 into the input-side terminal accommodating chamber CI when the input-side cover 31 is closed. The height of the rib 312 is lower than that of the rib 314, and the rib 314 presses the base 222 of the input-side terminal 22 against the front wall 111 from behind. The standing wall 313 is an L-shaped member that is higher than the rib 314, and is disposed so as to surround the lower corner of the flat plate 311. The left and right sides of the base 222 of the input-side terminal 22 abut against the left-right extending portions of the two standing walls 313. The wire crimping portion 223 of the input-side terminal 22 is disposed between the up-down extending portions of the two standing walls 313.

[0026] The output-side cover 32 has a rectangular flat plate 321, ribs 322 and 324, and two partition walls 323. The ribs 322 and 324 extend in the left-right direction on the flat plate 321, and protrude from the flat plate 321 into the output-side terminal accommodating chamber CO when the output-side cover 32 is closed. The height of the rib 324 is lower than that of the rib 322, and the rib 324 presses the base 232 of the output-side terminal 23 against the front wall 111 from the rear. The partition walls 323 extend in the up-down direction on the flat plate 321, and divide the output-side terminal accommodating chamber CO into three so that each output-side terminal 23 is accommodated therein. The left and right sides of the base 222 of the input-side terminal 22 abut against the left-right extending portions of the two standing walls 313. Between the vertically extending portions of the two standing walls 313, the wire crimping portion 223 of the input terminal 22 is disposed.

[0027] The input side cover 31 and the output side cover 32 are both rotatably fixed to the first side wall 112 via hinge portions. When the input side cover 31 and the output side cover 32 are closed, the rib 312 of the input side cover 31 and the rib 322 of the output side cover 32 come into contact with each other to prevent rattling.

[0028] The fusible link FL has a first terminal and a second terminal electrically connected to the input terminal 22 and the output terminal 23, respectively, and a fusible element provided between the first terminal and the second terminal. The fusible link FL has three first terminals and three second terminals and three fusible elements, and in a steady state, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected to each other, and when a current equal to or greater than a rated current flows, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically disconnected. The fusible link FL has three fusible elements provided for each pair of the first terminal and the second terminal, and each of the three tabs 221 and each of the three tabs 231 are connected one-to-one through each of the multiple fusible elements of the fusible link FL. Thus, when the power source from the input wire WI is supplied to the three branch circuits, the current flowing through each of the output terminals 23 can be monitored.

[0029] The assembly of the connector 1 will be described. First, as shown in Fig. 2, with the cover 30 open, the input terminal 22 and the output terminal 23 are brought close to the front wall 111 from the rear of the housing body 11. The three tabs 221 are inserted into the three openings 13b, respectively, and the tabs 231 are inserted into the three openings 13c, respectively, so that the tabs 221, 231 protrude into the fusible link accommodating chamber 13 (in front of the housing body 11). In other words, the input terminal 22 and the output terminal 23 are held by the bottom wall 13a.

[0030] Next, the input side cover 31 is rotated to close the opened lower part of the rear wall of the housing 10, and the ribs 314 press the input side terminals 22 against the front wall 111. Similarly, the output side cover 32 is rotated to close the opened upper part of the rear wall of the housing 10, and the ribs 314 press the input side terminals 22 against the front wall 111.

[0031] As described above, according to the connector 1 of this embodiment, since the fusible element of the fusible link FL is connected between the input terminal 22 and each output terminal 23, a fuse function can be realized for each branch circuit when branching the power supply to a plurality of supply destinations. According to this connector 1, it is possible to add or change the setting of fusible link circuits without changing the shape of molded parts such as a power supply block. Also, since the number of branch circuits can be changed by changing the number of output electric wires WO connected to the connector 1, the degree of freedom of installation in a vehicle is improved.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the connector 1 of this embodiment, by closing the rear wall of the housing 10 with the cover 30, the input side terminals 22 and the output side terminals 23 are pressed from behind against the front wall 111. Therefore, the input side terminals 22 and the output side terminals 23 are fixed to the housing 10, and vibration of the input side terminals 22 and the output side terminals 23 can be prevented.

[0033] Second Embodiment Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a connector 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state before a fusible link FL, an input connector 90, and an output connector 70 are fitted into the connector 2 shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the main connector 80 shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view at the center position in the left-right direction of the connector 2 shown in Fig. 5. Note that the fusible link FL is omitted in Fig. 7. Also, one or more conductors of each of the electric wires WIA, WO1A to WO3A are covered with an insulator, but the conductors are omitted in Figs. 5 to 8.

[0034] The connector 2 of the second embodiment includes an input connector 90, an output connector 70, a main connector 80, and a fusible link FL.

[0035] The input connector 90 has a female terminal 91 (see FIG. 8) at one end and an input side electric wire WIA connected to a power source at the other end, and a housing 92 for holding the female terminal 91.

[0036] The output connector 70 has three output electric wires WO1A, WO2A, WO3A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as output electric wires WOA) and a housing 72 that holds three female terminals 71 (see FIG. 8). Each of the output electric wires WOA has the female terminal 71 at one end of the electric wire body, and is connected to a load such as an electrical component mounted on a vehicle at the other end. The number of output electric wires WOA is not limited to three, and may be one or two.

[0037] The main connector 80 includes a housing 81, an input bus bar 85 (input terminal), an output bus bar 86 (output terminal), and a cover 87.

[0038] The housing 81 has a housing main body 81a having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a fusible link accommodating wall 82 having a substantially hollow rectangular tube shape provided at a substantially central position in the up-down direction on a front wall 81b of the housing main body 81a. The inside of the fusible link accommodating wall 82 forms a fusible link accommodating chamber 83 that accommodates the fusible link FL.

[0039] The housing main body 81a has a rectangular plate-shaped front wall 81b, a rear wall 81c facing the front wall 81b, and left and right side walls 81d connecting the front wall 81b and the rear wall 81c, and has an opening 84 in a part of the rear wall 81c. By fitting a cover 87 into the opening 84 and closing it, an input side accommodating chamber that accommodates the input connector 90 and an output side accommodating chamber that accommodates the output connector 70 are formed between the front wall 81b and the rear wall 81c covered with the cover 87.

[0040] In the area (bottom wall 82a) of front wall 81b surrounded by fusible link accommodating wall 82, three openings 83c, 83d (see FIG. 8) are provided for allowing a portion of each of input side bus bar 85 and output side bus bar 86 to protrude into fusible link accommodating chamber 83. In other words, bottom wall 82a functions as a terminal holding portion that holds input side bus bar 85 and output side bus bar 86 such that a portion of each of them protrudes into fusible link accommodating chamber 83.

[0041] The input bus bar 85 has three rectangular tabs 85a which electrically connect to the three terminals (+ side) of the fusible link FL by contact, and a rectangular connection portion 85b which connects the three tabs 85a at a substantially right angle to the tabs 85a. The input bus bar 85 further has a female terminal contact portion 85c which extends downward from the center in the left-right direction of the connection portion 85b and is inserted into and electrically connected to a female terminal 91 of the input connector 90, and has a substantially L-shape when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0042] The output side bus bar 86 has a rectangular tab 86a which electrically connects with one of the three terminals (- side) of the fusible link FL by contact, and a base 86b which extends at a substantially right angle to the tab 86a and is inserted into and electrically connected to the female terminal 71 of the output connector 70. The upper part of the base 86b is narrower than the lower part, making it easier to insert it into the female terminal 71. The output side terminal 23 is substantially L-shaped when viewed in the left-right direction. The output side bus bars 86 are configured separately from each other.

[0043] The cover 87 has a rectangular flat plate 87a with both corners of one side cut out, i.e., a generally T-shaped plate, ribs 87b, 87c, and 87d extending in the left-right direction, and three ribs 87e, 87f, and 87g extending in the up-down direction. The flat plate 87a has a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 84 provided in the rear wall 81c of the housing body 81a. The ribs 87b, 87c, 87d and the ribs 87e, 87f, 87g all protrude from the flat plate 87a into the housing main body 81a when the cover 87 is closed.

[0044] The upper surface of the rib 87b abuts against the lower surface of the output connector 70. The rib 87b has recesses in three places, and the base portion 86b of the output side bus bar 86 is placed in these recesses. Rib 87c is located between input bus bar 85 and output bus bar 86, and abuts against the rear surface of bottom wall 82a to prevent rattling. The lower surface of the rib 87d abuts against the upper surface of the input connector 90. The rib 87d has a recess in the center in the left-right direction, and the female terminal contact portion 85c of the input side bus bar 85 is placed in this recess.

[0045] The three ribs 87e are disposed at approximately equal intervals in the left-right direction of the flat plate 87a, and come into contact with the rear surface of the housing 72 of the output connector . The three ribs 87f are taller than the ribs 87e and are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the left-right direction of the flat plate 87a, and press the base 86b of the output-side bus bar 86 against the front wall 81b from behind. The three ribs 87g have the same height as the ribs 87f, are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the left-right direction of the flat plate 87a, and press the connection portion 85b of the input side bus bar 85 from behind against the front wall 81b.

[0046] The fusible link FL has a first terminal and a second terminal electrically connected to the input bus bar 85 and the output bus bar 86, respectively, and a fusible element provided between the first terminal and the second terminal. The fusible link FL has three first terminals and three second terminals and three fusible elements, and in a steady state, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected to each other, and when a current equal to or greater than a rated current flows, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically disconnected. The fusible link FL has three fusible elements provided for each pair of the first terminal and the second terminal, and each of the three tabs 85a and each of the three tabs 86a are connected one-to-one through each of the multiple fusible elements of the fusible link FL. Thus, when the power source from the input connector 90 is supplied to the three branch circuits, the current flowing through each of the output wires WOA can be monitored.

[0047] The assembly of the connector 2 will be described. First, as shown in Fig. 7, with the cover 87 removed, the input bus bar 85 and the output bus bar 86 are brought close to the front wall 81b from the rear of the housing body 11. The three tabs 85a are inserted into the three openings 83c, respectively, and the tabs 86a are inserted into the three openings 83d, respectively, so that the tabs 85a, 86a protrude into the fusible link accommodating chamber 83 (in front of the housing body 81a). In other words, the input bus bar 85 and the output bus bar 86 are held by the bottom wall 82a. Next, cover 87 is fitted into opening 84 to close it, with rib 87g pressing input bus bar 85 against front wall 111 and rib 87f pressing output bus bar 86 against front wall 81b.

[0048] The input connector 90 is fitted from below the main connector 80 assembled as described above, electrically connecting the input wire WIA and the input bus bar 85. The output connector 70 is fitted into the main connector 80 from above, electrically connecting the output wire WOA and the output bus bar 86. By fitting the input connector 90 and the output connector 70 into the main connector 80 in this manner, the connector 2 can connect the input wire WIA and each output wire WOA via the fusible link FL.

[0049] As described above, according to the connector 2 of this embodiment, the fusible element of the fusible link FL is connected between the input bus bar 85 and the output bus bar 86, so that when the power source is branched to a plurality of supply destinations, a fuse function can be realized for each branch circuit. According to this connector 2, it is possible to add or change the setting of fusible link circuits without changing the shape of molded parts such as a power source block. Also, since the number of branch circuits can be changed by changing the number of output wires WOA connected to the output connector 70, the degree of freedom in vehicle installation is improved.

[0050] Furthermore, according to connector 2 of the present embodiment, opening 84 of housing 81 is closed with cover 87, whereby input bus bar 85 and output bus bar 86 are pressed against front wall 81b from behind. Thus, input bus bar 85 and output bus bar 86 are fixed to housing 81, and vibration of input bus bar 85 and output bus bar 86 can be prevented.

[0051] (Third and fourth embodiments) In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the connectors 1 and 2 are described in which a fusible link FL is provided between the input terminal and the output terminal, but a terminal with a fusible element or a bus bar with a fusible element can be used instead of the fusible link FL. In the following, a connector with a terminal with a fusible element will be described in a third embodiment, and a connector with a bus bar with a fusible element will be described in a fourth embodiment.

[0052] Third embodiment Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a connector 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state before a female connector is fitted to the male connector shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the male connector shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view at the center position in the left-right direction of the connector shown in Fig. 9. Note that, although one or more conductors of each of the electric wires WIB, WO1B to WO3B are covered with an insulator, the conductors are not shown in Figs. 9 to 12.

[0053] The connector 3 of the third embodiment includes a male connector 40 and a female connector 60.

[0054] The female connector 60 has three output wires WO1B, WO2B, WO3B (hereinafter sometimes referred to as output wires WOB) and a housing 61 that holds three female terminals 53 (see FIG. 12). Each of the output wires WOB has the female terminal 53 at one end of the wire body, and is connected to a load such as an electrical component mounted on a vehicle at the other end. The number of output wires WOB is not limited to three, and may be one or two.

[0055] The male connector 40 includes a housing 41, an electric wire WIB having a fusible terminal 52, a transparent cover 45, and a locking member 46.

[0056] The housing 41 has a hollow rectangular tubular shape, and has an accommodating portion 42 for accommodating the female connector 60 and an accommodating portion 43 for accommodating the fusible element-equipped terminal 52 . The accommodating portion 42 is partitioned inside the housing 41 by a bottom wall 42a (see FIG. 12) extending in the left-right and front-rear directions. The bottom wall 42a is provided with three openings 42b into which the three tabs 521 of the fusible element terminal 52 are respectively inserted. The housing 41 has an opening 41b that connects the front surface to parts of both side surfaces, in the center in the up-down direction below the storage section 42. The opening 41b has a rectangular shape when viewed in the front-to-rear direction, and a transparent cover 45 is fitted into the opening 41b, making the inside of the housing 41 visible from the outside. The housing 41 has an opening 41a below the opening 41b, the opening 41a being connected from the rear surface to parts of both side surfaces. The opening 41a has a rectangular shape when viewed in the front-rear direction, and is closed by fitting a locking member 46 into it.

[0057] The electric wire WIB has a round terminal 51 at one end of the electric wire body, and a fusible terminal 52 at the other end. The round terminal 51 is connected to a power source.

[0058] The fusible terminal 52 is a conductive member and has three rectangular tabs 521 (output side connection portion), a wire crimping portion 522 (input side connection portion) that is crimped to the wire body of the wire WIB, and a rectangular base 523 that connects to the wire crimping portion 522. The three tabs 521 electrically connect to the three female terminals 53 of the female connector 60, respectively, through contact.

[0059] The fusible element-equipped terminal 52 further has three fusible elements 524 provided between the base 523 and each of the three tabs 521, and a protective component 525 (fixing member) that protects the three fusible elements 524 and fixes the three tabs 521 to the base 523. The protective component 525 is made of a mold made of transparent resin or a separate transparent component. Since the three tabs 521 are fixed to the base 523 by the protective component 525, vibration of the three tabs 521 can be suppressed by fixing a part of the fusible element-equipped terminal 52 inside the housing 41.

[0060] The three fusible elements 524 provide electrical continuity between the base 523 and each tab 521 in a steady state, and melt when a current equal to or greater than the rated current flows, electrically cutting off the connection between the base 523 and each tab 521. The terminal 52 with fusible element has the three fusible elements 524 provided between the base 523 and each of the three tabs 521, and each tab 521 is electrically connected to a corresponding female terminal 53 of the female connector 60. Thus, when power from the input wire WIB is supplied to the three branch circuits, the current flowing through each of the three female terminals 53 can be monitored.

[0061] The transparent cover 45 is a cover made of transparent resin and has a U-shape when viewed from the top to bottom. The transparent cover 45 is fitted into the opening 41b on the front surface of the housing 41 to protect the inside of the housing 41 while allowing it to be viewed from the outside. Since the fusible element 524 fixed by the transparent protective part 525 is disposed at the position of the opening 41b, when the fusible element 524 melts, it can be confirmed from the outside without removing the transparent cover 45.

[0062] The locking member 46 has a generally rectangular flat plate portion 462 with an opening 461 provided at the center of the front side in the left-right direction, and a standing wall portion 463 provided from the rear end edge of the flat plate portion 462 to parts of both side edges and extending downward. The locking member 46 is fitted into the housing 41 from an opening 41a at the rear of the housing 41 to close the opening 41a, and the U-shaped peripheral wall 461a surrounding the opening 461 presses a part of the fusible element-equipped terminal 52 against the inner wall of the housing 41. An edge portion of the flat plate portion 462 where the standing wall portion 463 is not provided abuts against the inner wall of the housing 41.

[0063] The assembly of the connector 3 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 11, with the transparent cover 45 and the locking member 46 removed, the fusible terminal 52 is brought close to the bottom wall 42a from below the housing 41, and the three tabs 521 are inserted into the three openings 42b. That is, the tabs 521 are held by the bottom wall 42a. Next, the locking member 46 is fitted into the opening 41a from the rear to close it. At this time, the peripheral wall 461a presses the area between the base 523 of the fusible terminal 52 and the electric wire crimping portion 522 against the inner wall of the housing 41, and the edge of the locking member 46 where the standing wall portion 463 is not provided abuts against the inner wall of the housing 41. In this way, the fusible terminal 52 is fixed to the housing 41. After that, the transparent cover 45 is fitted into the opening 41b.

[0064] The female connector 60 is fitted from above the male connector 40 assembled as described above, electrically connecting the output wire WOB and the bus bar-equipped terminal 52. By fitting the male connector 40 and the female connector 60 in this manner, the connector 3 can connect the input wire WIB and each output wire WOB via the fusible element 524.

[0065] As described above, according to the connector 3 of this embodiment, the input wire WIB having the fusible terminal 52 is incorporated into the male connector 40. Therefore, by mating the male connector 40 with the female connector 60, a fuse function can be realized for each branch circuit when the power source is branched to a plurality of supply destinations. According to this connector 3, a fusible link circuit can be added or the setting can be changed without changing the shape of a molded part such as a power block. Also, since the number of branch circuits can be changed by changing the number of output wires WOB connected to the female connector 60, the degree of freedom of installation in a vehicle is improved.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the connector 3 of the present embodiment, the three tabs 521 of the fusible element terminal 52 are fixed by the protective component 525, and the fusible element terminal 52 is pressed against the housing 41 by the locking member 46. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the three tabs 521 from vibrating.

[0067] Fourth embodiment Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a connector 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the main connector 100 shown in Fig. 13. The connector 4 is obtained by replacing the main connector 80 and the fusible link FL in the connector 2 of the second embodiment with the main connector 100. In the fourth embodiment, members and parts that are the same as or similar to those shown in Figs. 5 to 8 are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0068] The connector 4 of the fourth embodiment includes an input connector 90, an output connector 70, and a main connector 100.

[0069] The main connector 100 includes a housing 101, a bus bar 110 with a fusible element, a transparent cover 105, and a locking member 106.

[0070] The housing 101 has a hollow rectangular tubular shape, and has an accommodating portion 102 for accommodating the output connector 70 and an accommodating portion 103 for accommodating the bus bar 110 with a fusible element. The accommodating section 102 has a bottom wall extending in the left-right and front-rear directions to partition the inside of the housing 101. This bottom wall is provided with three openings into which the three tabs 1111 of the fusible element bus bar are respectively inserted. Housing 101 has an opening 101b that connects the front surface to parts of both sides, in the center in the up-down direction below storage section 102. Opening 101b has a rectangular shape when viewed in the front-to-rear direction, and a transparent cover 105 is fitted into opening 101b, making the inside of housing 101 visible from the outside. The housing 101 has an opening 101a below the opening 101b, the opening 101a being connected from the rear surface to parts of both side surfaces. The opening 101a has a rectangular shape when viewed in the front-rear direction, and is closed by fitting a locking member 106 into it.

[0071] The fusible element bus bar 110 is a conductive member, and has three rectangular tabs 1111 (output side connection portions) and a rectangular tab 1114 (input side connection portion). The three tabs 1111 each electrically connect through contact with one of the three female terminals of the output connector 70. The tab 1114 electrically connects with a female terminal held in the housing 92 of the input connector 90.

[0072] The bus bar 110 with fusible elements further includes a rectangular base 1112 connected to a tab 1114, three fusible elements 1113, and a protective component 1115 (fixing member). The three fusible elements 1113 are provided between the base 1112 and each of the three tabs 1111 . The protective component 1115 protects the three fusible elements 1113 and fixes the three tabs 1111 to the base 1112. The protective component 1115 is formed by molding with transparent resin or a separate transparent component. Since the protective component 1115 fixes the three tabs 1111 to the base 1112, by fixing a part of the fusible element-equipped busbar 110 inside the housing 101, vibration of the three tabs 1111 can be suppressed.

[0073] The three fusible elements 1113 provide electrical continuity between the base 523 and each of the tabs 521 in a steady state, and melt when a current equal to or greater than the rated current flows, electrically cutting off the connection between the base 523 and each of the tabs 521. The terminal 52 with fusible element has three fusible elements 524 provided between the base 523 and each of the three tabs 521, and each of the tabs 521 is electrically connected to a corresponding female terminal 53 of the female connector 60. Thus, when power from the input wire WIB is supplied to the three branch circuits, the current flowing through each of the three female terminals 53 can be monitored.

[0074] Transparent cover 105 is a cover made of transparent resin and has a U-shape when viewed from the top to bottom. Transparent cover 105 is fitted into opening 101b on the front surface of housing 101 to protect the inside of housing 101 while allowing it to be viewed from the outside. Since fusible element 1113 fixed by transparent protective part 1115 is disposed at the position of opening 101b, when fusible element 1113 melts, it can be confirmed from the outside without removing transparent cover 105.

[0075] The locking member 106 has a substantially rectangular flat plate portion 1062 with an opening 1061 provided at the center of the front side in the left-right direction, and a standing wall portion 1063 provided from the rear end edge of the flat plate portion 1062 to parts of both side edges and extending downward. The locking member 106 is fitted into the housing 101 from an opening 101a at the rear of the housing 101 to close the opening 101a, and the U-shaped peripheral wall 1061a surrounding the opening 1061 presses the tab 1114 of the fusible element-equipped bus bar 110 against the inner wall of the housing 101. An edge of the flat plate portion 1062 where the standing wall portion 1063 is not provided abuts against the inner wall of the housing 101.

[0076] The assembly of the connector 4 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 14, with the transparent cover 105 and the locking member 106 removed, the bus bar 110 with fusible elements is brought close to the bottom wall of the housing 101 from below, and the three tabs 1111 are inserted into the three openings. That is, the tabs 1111 are held by the bottom wall. Next, the locking member 106 is fitted into the opening 101a from the rear to close it. At this time, the peripheral wall 1061a presses a part of the tab 1114 located directly below the base 1112 of the bus bar 110 with fusible elements against the inner wall of the housing 101, and the edge of the locking member 106 where the standing wall portion 1063 is not provided abuts against the inner wall of the housing 101. In this way, the bus bar 110 with fusible elements is fixed to the housing 101. After that, the transparent cover 105 is fitted into the opening 101b.

[0077] The input connector 90 is fitted from below the main connector 100 assembled as described above, and the input wires WIA are electrically connected to the tabs 1114. The output connector 70 is fitted from above the main connector 100, and the output wires WOA are electrically connected to the tabs 1111. In this manner, the main connector 100 By fitting the input connector 90 and the output connector 70 to the fusible element 1113, the connector 4 can connect the input wire WIA and each output wire WOA via the fusible element 1113.

[0078] As described above, according to the connector 4 of this embodiment, the bus bar 110 with the fusible element is incorporated in the main connector 100. Therefore, by fitting the input connector 90 and the output connector 70 to the main connector 100, a fuse function can be realized for each branch circuit when the power source is branched to a plurality of supply destinations. According to this connector 4, a fusible link circuit can be added or the setting can be changed without changing the shape of a molded part such as a power block. In addition, the number of branch circuits can be changed by changing the number of output side electric wires WOA connected to the output connector 70, so that the degree of freedom of vehicle installation is improved. In addition, by connecting the input and output with a connector, replacement of the fusible element 1113 when it melts down is facilitated.

[0079] Furthermore, according to connector 4 of the present embodiment, three tabs 1111 of fusible element-equipped bus bar 110 are fixed by protective component 1115, and fusible element-equipped bus bar 110 is pressed against housing 101 by locking member 106. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent vibration of three tabs 1111.

[0080] Here, the features of the connector according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [5]. [1] An input terminal (22) and an output terminal (23), a fusible link (FL) electrically connecting the input terminal and the output terminal via a fusible element; A housing (10, 81) having a front wall (111, 81b) and a rear wall (cover 30, rear wall 81c) facing the front wall, a fusible link accommodating chamber (13, 83) in the front wall for accommodating the fusible link; a terminal holding portion (bottom wall 13a, 82a) that holds the input side terminal and the output side terminal so that a part of the terminal protrudes into the fusible link accommodating chamber, a housing (10, 81) having at least a portion of the rear wall open; and a cover (30, 87) that closes at least the portion and presses at least the output side terminal against the front wall from the rear. Connector(1,2). [2] The housing comprises: The front wall is a rectangular plate, a first side wall and a second side wall (112, 113) standing upright from a first side end portion and a second side end portion of the front wall, the first side wall and the second side wall (112, 113) facing each other, the rear wall is the cover that is rotatably provided with respect to the first side wall via a hinge portion provided on a side edge of the first side wall, The cover (30) closes the gap between the first side wall and the second side wall by abutting an edge portion on the opposite side to the side where the hinge portion is provided on the second side wall, and presses the input side terminals in addition to the output side terminals from the rear against the front wall. The connector (1) described in [1] above. [3] The housing is open with an opening (84) in a portion of the rear wall, The cover (87) has a flat plate portion (87a) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening, and when fitted into the opening, closes the opening and presses the input terminals as well as the output terminals from behind against the front wall. The connector (2) described in [1] above. [4] The input terminal includes a plurality of input terminals that branch an input current from an input wire into a plurality of paths, the output terminal includes a plurality of output terminals electrically connected to the plurality of output wires, The fusible link includes a plurality of the fusible elements, Each of the plurality of input side terminals and each of the plurality of output side terminals are connected in a one-to-one relationship via each of the plurality of fusible elements. The plurality of output terminals are configured separately from each other. The connector according to any one of the above [1] to [3]. [5] Input terminal (bus bar with fusible element) and a housing having a hollow cylindrical portion and accommodating the input terminal, The input terminal is An input side connection portion (wire crimping portion 522) electrically connected to the input side wire; A plurality of output side connection portions (tabs 521) electrically connected to the plurality of output side electric wires, respectively; a plurality of fusible elements disposed between the input connection portion and the plurality of output connection portions, the fusible elements being provided corresponding to the plurality of output connection portions, respectively; a fixing member that protects the plurality of fusible elements and fixes the plurality of output side connection parts to the input side connection part, The housing has an opening (41a) provided in a part of the hollow cylindrical portion, a locking member (46) that is fitted into the opening to close the opening and presses the input side connection portion against the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical portion from behind, connector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1, 2, 3, 4 Connector 10, 41, 61, 72, 81, 92, 101 Housing 11 Housing body 12, 82 Fusible link housing wall 13, 83 Fusible Link Containment Room 13a, 42a bottom wall 13b, 13c, 42b opening 22 Input terminal 23 Output terminal 30, 87 Cover 31 Input side cover 32 Output side cover 40 Male Connector 41a, 41b opening 42, 43 Storage section 45, 105 Transparent cover 46, 106 Locking member 60 female connector 70 Output Connector 80 Main Connector 87 Cover 90 Input Connector 100 Main Connector 524 Soluble 525, 1115 Protection parts FL Fusible Link

Claims

1. An input terminal and an output terminal; a fusible link electrically connecting the input terminal and the output terminal via a fusible element; A housing having a front wall and a rear wall opposite the front wall, a fusible link accommodating chamber in the front wall that accommodates the fusible link; a terminal holding portion that holds the input terminal and the output terminal so that a portion of the terminal protrudes into the fusible link accommodating chamber, a housing, the rear wall of which is at least partially open; a cover that closes at least the portion and presses at least the output side terminal against the front wall from a rear side, each of the input terminal and the output terminal has an L-shaped portion including a flat tab portion and a flat base portion connecting the tab portion at a right angle to the tab portion; The tab portion of each of the input terminal and the output terminal protrudes into the fusible link accommodating chamber, At least the base portion of the output terminal is pressed against the front wall from behind by a rib provided on the cover and protruding toward the front wall, The housing is open with an opening provided in a portion of the rear wall, the cover has a flat plate portion having a shape corresponding to a shape of the opening, and is fitted into the opening to close the opening; The base portions of the input terminals as well as the base portions of the output terminals are pressed against the front wall from behind by a rib provided on the cover and protruding toward the front wall. connector.

2. The input terminal includes a plurality of input terminals that branch an input current from an input electric wire into a plurality of paths, the output terminal includes a plurality of output terminals electrically connected to the plurality of output wires, The fusible link includes a plurality of the fusible elements, Each of the plurality of input side terminals and each of the plurality of output side terminals are connected in a one-to-one relationship via each of the plurality of fusible elements. The plurality of output terminals are configured separately from each other. The connector of claim 1 .

3. An input terminal; a housing having a hollow cylindrical portion and accommodating the input terminal, The input terminal is an input side connection portion electrically connected to the input side electric wire; A plurality of output side connection parts electrically connected to the plurality of output side electric wires, respectively; a plurality of fusible elements disposed between the input connection portion and the plurality of output connection portions, the fusible elements being provided corresponding to the plurality of output connection portions, respectively; a fixing member that protects the plurality of fusible elements and fixes the plurality of output side connection parts to the input side connection part, the input side connection portion includes a flat base portion extending parallel to an arrangement direction of the plurality of output side connection portions, and a flat extension portion extending from an edge portion of the base on an opposite side to the output side connection portion to the opposite side and electrically connected to the input side electric wire, The housing includes: An opening provided in a part of the hollow cylindrical portion; a locking member that is fitted into the opening to close the opening and presses the extension portion of the input side connection portion against an inner wall of the hollow cylindrical portion from behind. connector.

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