Coupler device

Abstract

To provide a coupler device which can reduce the number of components and enables wire connection, and which can ensure water cut-off performance.SOLUTION: A coupler device 1 includes: a first terminal 2, fitted to an end of a first wire W1, which has a first lance 25 protruding on a lateral part; a second terminal 3, fitted to an end of a second wire W2, which has a second lance 35 protruding on a lateral part and is connected to the first terminal 2; a body part 4 which forms an insertion space 41 extending along an extension direction, a first opening 411 opened on one side of the insertion space 41 and allowing the first terminal 2 to be inserted thereinto, a first communication hole 42 provided in the insertion space 41 and allowing the first lance 25 to be hooked thereon, a second opening 412 opened on the other side of the insertion space 41 and allowing the second terminal 3 to be inserted thereinto, and a second communication hole 44 provided in the insertion space 41 and allowing the second lance 35 to be hooked thereon; a first water cutoff valve 5 which is fitted into the first communication hole 42 from the outside; and a second water cutoff valve 6 which is fitted into the second communication hole 44 from the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, a coupler device is known in which, when connecting two electric wires, a male terminal attached to one electric wire is connected to a male coupler, and a female terminal attached to the other electric wire is connected to a female coupler, and the male coupler and female coupler are connected to connect the electric wires. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-162892 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of coupler device, there is room for improvement in terms of the number of parts. In other words, when it is not necessary to attach and detach the female coupler and the male coupler, it is desirable to develop a coupler device that can connect electric wires with a simple structure and reduce the number of parts. It is also desirable to ensure watertightness according to the environment in which the coupler device is used.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a coupler device that can connect electric wires while reducing the number of parts and ensures waterproofing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] That is, the coupler device of the present invention is configured to include a first terminal attached to an end of a first electric wire and having a first lance protruding from its side, a second terminal attached to an end of a second electric wire and having a second lance protruding from its side and connecting to the first terminal, a main body forming an insertion space extending along the extension direction, a first opening opening on one side of the insertion space and allowing the first terminal to be inserted, a first communication hole connecting the insertion space to the outside and for engaging the first lance, a second opening opening opening on the other side of the insertion space and allowing the second terminal to be inserted, and a second communication hole connecting the insertion space to the outside and for engaging the second lance, a first stop valve fitted from the outside into the first communication hole, and a second stop valve fitted from the outside into the second communication hole. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the coupler device of the present invention, the number of parts can be reduced, electric wires can be connected, and waterproofing can be ensured. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a coupler device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the coupler device when connected. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of electric wire connections in the coupler device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of electric wire connections in the coupler device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of electric wire connections in the coupler device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the attachment of a stop cock to the coupler device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, the components in the following embodiments include those that are replaceable and easy for a person skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same.

[0010] [Embodiment] This embodiment relates to a coupler device. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the coupler device according to the embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the coupler device when connected. Figs. 3 to 5 are explanatory diagrams of terminal connections in the coupler device according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of attachment of a stopcock in the coupler device according to the embodiment.

[0011] In the following description, of the first, second, and third directions that intersect with one another, the first direction is referred to as the "connection direction X," the second direction is referred to as the "width direction Y," and the third direction is referred to as the "height direction Z." Here, the connection direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z are perpendicular to one another. The connection direction X corresponds to the connection direction of the terminals, or the extension direction of the terminals and the main body. The width direction Y and height direction Z correspond to intersecting directions that intersect with the connection direction X. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, each direction used in the following description represents a direction in which each part is assembled to each other. Note that orthogonal here includes nearly orthogonal.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the coupler device 1 includes a first terminal 2, a second terminal 3, a main body 4, a first stop valve 5, and a second stop valve 6. The coupler device 1 is a device that connects the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 within the main body 4, and by connecting the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3, it is possible to connect a first electric wire W1 to which the first terminal 2 is attached and a second electric wire W2 to which the second terminal 3 is attached. The coupler device 1 is mounted on, for example, a vehicle. The first electric wire W1 and the second electric wire W2 constitute, for example, electric wires, cables, etc. of a control system or power system in the vehicle.

[0013] The first terminal 2 is a terminal attached to an end of the first electric wire W1, for example, a crimp terminal that is crimped and attached to the end of the first electric wire W1. The first terminal 2 has an electric wire connecting portion 21, a linking portion 22, and an electrical connection portion 23. The electric wire connecting portion 21, the linking portion 22, and the electrical connection portion 23 are made of a conductive metal, and are integrally formed, for example, by pressing and bending a single sheet of metal punched into a shape corresponding to each portion. The first terminal 2 is formed in the extension direction (connection direction X) of the electric wire connecting portion 21, the linking portion 22, and the electrical connection portion 23 in this order and connected to each other.

[0014] The first electric wire W1 is, for example, configured with an insulating coating on the outer periphery of a conductor portion, with an end portion in a state in which the conductor portion is exposed, and the first terminal 2 is attached to the end portion. That is, the electric wire connection portion 21 of the first terminal 2 is attached by crimping the conductor portion and the insulating coating portion of the first electric wire W1. The connecting portion 22 is a portion that connects the electric wire connection portion 21 and the electrical connection portion 23. The electrical connection portion 23 is a portion that is electrically connected to the second terminal 3, and is formed, for example, in a box shape. The first terminal 2 is a female terminal, and a connection hole 231 is formed in the electrical connection portion 23 to insert the terminal portion 331 of the second terminal 3. The connection hole 231 extends from the end face of the electrical connection portion 23 in the extension direction of the second terminal 3.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the electrical connection portion 23 of the first terminal 2 is formed with a terminal portion 232. The terminal portion 232 is, for example, two contact pieces formed in the connection hole 231, and is connected to the terminal portion 331 of the second terminal 3 by sandwiching the terminal portion 331. The first terminal 2 is formed with a first lance 25. The first lance 25 is a member that fixes the first terminal 2 inserted into the main body portion 4 and prevents it from coming out. The first lance 25 is formed, for example, by bending a side portion of the electrical connection portion 23 outward. That is, the first lance 25 is provided by cutting out a side portion of the electrical connection portion 23, lifting the first electric wire W1 side of the cutout portion, and protruding outward at an acute angle, and is elastically deformable in the height direction Z. The first lance 25 is tapered toward the tip side of the first terminal 2, allowing the first terminal 2 to enter the main body portion 4 and restricting it from retracting.

[0016] A first seal member 7 is attached to the first electric wire W1. The first seal member 7 is inserted into the insertion space 41 of the main body 4 together with the first electric wire W1, and serves to seal between the first electric wire W1 and the main body 4. The first seal member 7 is cylindrical and has an insertion hole 73 through which the first electric wire W1 is inserted. The first seal member 7 has a seal portion 71 and an attachment portion 72, and is configured by connecting the seal portion 71 and the attachment portion 72 in the axial direction (connection direction X). The attachment portion 72 is a portion for attaching the first seal member 7, and is attached to the first terminal 2 by, for example, crimping the first electric wire W1 together with the electric wire connection portion 21. When the seal portion 71 is inserted into the insertion space 41 of the main body 4, the outer peripheral surface of the seal portion 71 is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion space 41 to seal between the first electric wire W1 and the main body 4. The seal portion 71 has a plurality of lips formed on its outer periphery, each of which has a mountain-shaped cross section in the radial direction.

[0017] 1, the second terminal 3 is a terminal attached to an end of the second electric wire W2, for example, a crimp terminal that is crimped and attached to the end of the second electric wire W2. The second terminal 3 has an electric wire connecting portion 31, a linking portion 32, and an electric connection portion 33. The electric wire connecting portion 31, the linking portion 32, and the electric connection portion 33 are made of a conductive metal, and are integrally formed, for example, by pressing and bending a sheet of metal that has been punched into a shape corresponding to each portion. The second terminal 3 is formed in the extension direction (connection direction X) of the electric wire connecting portion 31, the linking portion 32, and the electric connection portion 33 in this order and connected to each other.

[0018] The second electric wire W2 is, for example, configured by providing an insulating coating portion on the outer periphery of the conductor portion, and the end portion is in a state in which the conductor portion is exposed, and the first terminal 2 is attached to the end portion. That is, the electric wire connection portion 31 of the second terminal 3 is attached by crimping the conductor portion and the insulating coating portion of the second electric wire W2. The connecting portion 32 is a portion that connects the electric wire connection portion 31 and the electric connection portion 33. The electric connection portion 33 is a portion that is electrically connected to the first terminal 2, and is formed, for example, in a box shape. The second terminal 3 is a male terminal, and forms a terminal portion 331 that is connected to the terminal portion 232 of the first terminal 2 on the electric connection portion 33. The terminal portion 331 is a tab-shaped terminal that extends from the end face of the electric connection portion 33 in the extension direction of the second terminal 3, and is, for example, a plate body or a rod body.

[0019] In FIG. 2, the second terminal 3 is formed with a second lance 35. The second lance 35 is a member that fixes the second terminal 3 inserted into the main body 4 and prevents it from slipping out. The second lance 35 is formed, for example, by bending a side of the electrical connection portion 33 outward. That is, the second lance 35 is provided by cutting out a side of the electrical connection portion 33, lifting the second electric wire W2 side of the cutout portion, and protruding outward at an acute angle, and is elastically deformable in the height direction Z. The second lance 35 is tapered toward the tip side of the second terminal 3, and allows the second terminal 3 to enter the main body 4 and restricts it from retracting.

[0020] The second seal member 8 is attached to the second electric wire W2. The second seal member 8 is inserted into the insertion space 41 of the main body 4 together with the second electric wire W2, and is a member that performs watertightness between the second electric wire W2 and the main body 4. The second seal member 8 is cylindrical and forms an insertion hole 83 through which the second electric wire W2 is inserted. Here, the cylindrical shape includes a substantially cylindrical shape and an annular shape. The second seal member 8 has a seal portion 81 and an attachment portion 82, and is configured by connecting the seal portion 81 and the attachment portion 82 in the axial direction (connection direction X). The attachment portion 82 is a portion for attaching the second seal member 8, and is attached to the second terminal 3, for example, by being crimped together with the second electric wire W2 by the electric wire connection portion 31. When the seal portion 81 is inserted into the insertion space 41 of the main body 4, the outer peripheral surface of the seal portion 81 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion space 41 to perform watertightness between the second electric wire W2 and the main body 4. The seal portion 81 has a plurality of lips formed on the outer periphery, the lips having a mountain-shaped radial cross section.

[0021] 1, the main body 4 is a member into which the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 are inserted to connect them, and is, for example, a cylindrical body. The main body 4 is an elongated body along the extension direction with a non-divisible structure, and is not divided, nor is it a structure in which two or more members are joined together. Therefore, the main body 4 has a simple structure and can be easily manufactured at low cost by resin molding or the like.

[0022] The main body 4 forms an insertion space 41 along the extending direction. The insertion space 41 is a hole penetrating the main body 4 in the extending direction, and is, for example, circular in cross section and formed with a size that allows the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 to be inserted. That is, the insertion space 41 allows the first terminal 2 to be inserted from one first opening 411, and the second terminal 3 to be inserted from the other second opening 412. The insertion space 41 includes a first terminal accommodating chamber 41A in which the first terminal 2 is accommodated, and a second terminal accommodating chamber 41B in which the second terminal 3 is accommodated. The first terminal accommodating chamber 41A is a space that accommodates the first terminal 2, and is, for example, a space from the first opening 411 to the guide portion 46 in the insertion space 41. The second terminal accommodating chamber 41B is a space that accommodates the second terminal 3, and is, for example, a space from the second opening 412 to the guide portion 46 in the insertion space 41.

[0023] In FIG. 2, the main body 4 is formed with a first communication hole 42. The first communication hole 42 is a portion for latching the first lance 25 of the first terminal 2, and is formed in the first terminal accommodating chamber 41A of the insertion space 41. The first communication hole 42 is a hole that communicates the first terminal accommodating chamber 41A of the insertion space 41 with the outside of the main body 4, and is formed according to the position and direction in which the first lance 25 enters. The first communication hole 42 is formed by radially connecting the first latching chamber 42A and the first accommodating chamber 42B. The first latching chamber 42A is a space for latching the first lance 25, and is formed in communication with the first terminal accommodating chamber 41A. The first accommodating chamber 42B is a space for accommodating the first stopcock 5, and is formed in communication with the outside of the main body 4. The first latching chamber 42A is formed smaller than the first accommodating chamber 42B in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the communication direction of the first communication hole 42. For example, the first hanging chamber 42A is formed shorter than the first storage chamber 42B in the extension direction of the main body 4. This prevents the first stopcock 5 fitted into the first storage chamber 42B from entering the first hanging chamber 42A. Since the first communication hole 42 opens on the surface of the main body 4, the formation position of the first communication hole 42 can be confirmed from the outside of the main body 4. This makes it easier to align the posture of the first terminal 2 with respect to the main body 4, and makes it easier to properly insert the first terminal 2.

[0024] Further, the main body 4 is formed with a first tapered portion 43. The first tapered portion 43 is a portion that facilitates the insertion of the first terminal 2 into the insertion space 41, and is formed in the insertion space 41. That is, the first tapered portion 43 is formed by inclining the inner surface of the insertion space 41, and is formed so as to taper the inner surface of the insertion space 41 from the first opening 411 side toward the insertion direction of the first terminal 2 along the extension direction. The first tapered portion 43 is formed on the insertion path of the first terminal 2 in the insertion space 41, and is formed at a position closer to the first opening 411 than the second opening 412. By forming the first tapered portion 43, the first terminal 2 can be guided to an appropriate insertion position when the first terminal 2 is inserted into the main body 4, and the first terminal 2 can be smoothly inserted.

[0025] The main body 4 has a second communication hole 44. The second communication hole 44 is a portion for latching the second lance 35 of the second terminal 3, and is formed in the second terminal accommodating chamber 41B of the insertion space 41. The second communication hole 44 is a hole that communicates the second terminal accommodating chamber 41B of the insertion space 41 with the outside of the main body 4, and is formed according to the position and direction in which the second lance 35 enters. The second communication hole 44 is formed by radially connecting the second latching chamber 44A and the second accommodating chamber 44B. The second latching chamber 44A is a space for latching the second lance 35, and is formed in communication with the second terminal accommodating chamber 41B. The second accommodating chamber 44B is a space for accommodating the second stopcock 6, and is formed in communication with the outside of the main body 4. The second latching chamber 44A is formed smaller than the second accommodating chamber 44B in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the communication direction of the second communication hole 44. For example, the second hanging chamber 44A is formed shorter than the second storage chamber 44B in the extension direction of the main body 4. Therefore, the second stopcock 6 fitted into the second storage chamber 44B is prevented from entering the second hanging chamber 44A. Since the second communication hole 44 opens on the surface of the main body 4, the formation position of the second communication hole 44 can be confirmed from the outside of the main body 4. Therefore, it becomes easier to align the posture of the second terminal 3 with respect to the main body 4, and it becomes easier to properly insert the second terminal 3.

[0026] Further, the main body 4 is formed with a second tapered portion 45. The second tapered portion 45 is a portion that facilitates the insertion of the second terminal 3 into the insertion space 41, and is formed in the insertion space 41. That is, the second tapered portion 45 is formed by inclining the inner surface of the insertion space 41, and is formed so as to taper the inner surface of the insertion space 41 from the second opening 412 side toward the insertion direction of the second terminal 3 along the extension direction. The second tapered portion 45 is formed on the insertion path of the second terminal 3 in the insertion space 41, and is formed at a position closer to the second opening 412 than the first opening 411. By forming the second tapered portion 45, the second terminal 3 can be guided to an appropriate insertion position when the second terminal 3 is inserted into the main body 4, and the second terminal 3 can be smoothly inserted.

[0027] A guide portion 46 is formed on the main body 4. The guide portion 46 is a portion that guides the terminal portion 331 of the second terminal 3 toward the first terminal accommodating chamber 41A in the insertion space 41, and is formed in the insertion space 41. That is, the guide portion 46 is a protrusion that protrudes from the inner surface of the insertion space 41 toward the center position of the insertion space 41, and two guide portions 46 are formed to sandwich the terminal portion 331 from above and below. That is, the two guide portions 46 are located between the first terminal accommodating chamber 41A and the second terminal accommodating chamber 41B, and protrude from the ceiling surface and floor surface of the inner surface of the insertion space 41 toward their respective formation positions.

[0028] The guide portion 46 is provided so as to protrude in such a manner that the inner surface of the insertion space 41 is tapered toward the insertion direction of the second terminal 3, like the second tapered portion 45. This allows the terminal portion 331 to be guided to an appropriate position when the second terminal 3 is inserted into the main body portion 4, and the terminal portion 331 can be supported at an appropriate position. In addition, the distance between the tips of the two guide portions 46 is, for example, narrower than the thickness of the electrical connection portion 23 of the first terminal 2 and wider than the thickness of the terminal portion 331 of the second terminal 3. By setting the distance between the two guide portions 46 in this manner, the terminal portion 331 can be inserted between the guide portions 46, but the electrical connection portion 23 cannot be inserted between the guide portions 46. Therefore, the guide portion 46 can guide the terminal portion 331. In addition, the guide portion 46 can function as a stopper when the first terminal 2 is inserted.

[0029] 1 and 2, the first stopcock 5 is a plug member that blocks the first communication hole 42, and is formed, for example, from an elastically deformable member. The first stopcock 5 is formed to a shape that matches the shape of the first communication hole 42. For example, the first stopcock 5 is formed to be the same size as or slightly larger than the cross section of the first communication hole 42, and prevents liquids such as water from entering the inside of the main body 4 through the first communication hole 42. The first stopcock 5 is used by being fitted into the first communication hole 42 from the outside.

[0030] The second stop valve 6 is a plug member that blocks the second communication hole 44, and is formed, for example, from an elastically deformable member. The second stop valve 6 is formed to a shape that matches the shape of the second communication hole 44. For example, the second stop valve 6 is formed to be the same size as or slightly larger than the cross section of the second communication hole 44, and prevents liquids such as water from entering the inside of the main body 4 through the second communication hole 44. The second stop valve 6 is used by being fitted into the second communication hole 44 from the outside.

[0031] Next, connection of electric wires by the coupler device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0032] The coupler device 1 is used to connect the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 and electrically connect the first electric wire W1 and the second electric wire W2. To connect electric wires using the coupler device 1, first, the first terminal 2 is inserted into the main body 4 as shown in Fig. 3. The first terminal 2 is inserted into the insertion space 41 from the first opening 411 and is inserted toward the back of the insertion space 41. At this time, since the first tapered portion 43 is formed in the insertion space 41, the first terminal 2 is smoothly inserted into the insertion space 41 without getting caught in the insertion space 41.

[0033] Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when the first lance 25 of the first terminal 2 reaches the position of the first communicating hole 42, the first lance 25 is engaged with the first communicating hole 42. That is, the first lance 25 enters the first communicating hole 42, and the movement of the first terminal 2 toward the first opening 411 is restricted. As a result, the first terminal 2 does not come off from the main body 4, and the first terminal 2 is fixed in the main body 4. At this time, since the first communicating hole 42 is a hole that communicates with the outside of the main body 4, it can be visually confirmed from the outside of the main body 4 that the first lance 25 is engaged with the first communicating hole 42 and the first terminal 2 is inserted to an appropriate position in the main body 4. When it is desired to pull out the first terminal 2 from the main body 4, the engagement of the first lance 25 can be released by inserting a rod or the like into the first communicating hole 42 and pushing out the first lance 25 from the first communicating hole 42. Therefore, it is possible to pull out the first terminal 2 from the main body 4 without deforming or damaging the first terminal 2 and the first electric wire W1.

[0034] Additionally, the first seal member 7 is inserted into the insertion space 41 together with the first terminal 2. The seal portion 71 of the first seal member 7 is disposed in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first electric wire W1 and the inner circumferential surface of the main body 4. Therefore, the first seal member 7 provides a watertight seal between the first electric wire W1 and the main body 4, and inhibits liquids such as water from entering the connection portion between the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 through the first opening 411.

[0035] 5, the second terminal 3 is inserted into the main body 4. The second terminal 3 is inserted into the insertion space 41 from the second opening 412, and is pushed toward the back of the insertion space 41. At this time, since the second tapered portion 45 is formed in the insertion space 41, the second terminal 3 is smoothly inserted into the insertion space 41 without getting caught in the insertion space 41.

[0036] Then, the terminal portion 331 of the second terminal 3 passes between the two guide portions 46 and is inserted into the connection hole 231 of the first terminal 2. At this time, the guide portions 46 allow the terminal portion 331 to be inserted along an appropriate path, so that the terminal portion 331 can be smoothly inserted into the connection hole 231. Then, the terminal portion 331 is inserted between the two terminal portions 232 of the first terminal 2 and is connected to the terminal portions 232.

[0037] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, when the second lance 35 of the second terminal 3 reaches the position of the second communication hole 44, the second lance 35 is engaged with the second communication hole 44. That is, the second lance 35 enters the second communication hole 44, and the movement of the second terminal 3 toward the second opening 412 side is restricted. As a result, the second terminal 3 does not come off from the main body 4, and the second terminal 3 is fixed in the main body 4. At this time, since the second communication hole 44 is a hole that communicates with the outside of the main body 4, it can be visually confirmed from the outside of the main body 4 that the second lance 35 is engaged with the second communication hole 44 and the second terminal 3 is inserted to a proper position in the main body 4. When it is desired to pull out the second terminal 3 from the main body 4, the second lance 35 can be released from the engagement by inserting a rod or the like into the second communication hole 44 and pushing out the second lance 35 from the second communication hole 44. Therefore, it is possible to pull out the second terminal 3 from the main body 4 without damaging the second terminal 3 and the second electric wire W2.

[0038] Additionally, the second seal member 8 is inserted into the insertion space 41 together with the second terminal 3. The seal portion 81 of the second seal member 8 is disposed in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the second electric wire W2 and the inner circumferential surface of the main body 4. Therefore, the second seal member 8 provides a watertight seal between the second electric wire W2 and the main body 4, and inhibits liquids such as water from entering the connection portion between the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 through the second opening 412.

[0039] When the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 are attached to the main body 4, the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 are connected inside the main body 4. That is, when the first lance 25 is engaged with the first communication hole 42 and the second lance 35 is engaged with the second communication hole 44 inside the main body 4, the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 are connected inside the insertion space 41. This electrically connects the first electric wire W1 and the second electric wire W2. The first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 can be used in the same way as terminals generally used in wire harnesses, and therefore no special process or special members are required.

[0040] Then, the first stopcock 5 and the second stopcock 6 are attached. As shown in FIG. 6, the first stopcock 5 is fitted into the first storage chamber 42B from the outside of the main body 4. As a result, the first communication hole 42 is blocked by the first stopcock 5, and liquids such as water are prevented from entering the inside of the main body 4 through the first communication hole 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the second stopcock 6 is fitted into the second storage chamber 44B from the outside of the main body 4. As a result, the second communication hole 44 is blocked by the second stopcock 6, and liquids such as water are prevented from entering the inside of the main body 4 through the second communication hole 44. After the attachment of the first stopcock 5 and the second stopcock 6 is completed, the electric wire connection by the coupler device 1 is completed.

[0041] As described above, in the coupler device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first terminal 2 is inserted into the main body 4 from one side, and the second terminal 3 is inserted into the main body 4 from the other side, and the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 are connected inside the main body 4. Therefore, the coupler device according to the present embodiment does not require a female coupler and a male coupler, and the first electric wire W1 and the second electric wire W2 can be connected with a reduced number of parts. In addition, the coupler device 1 according to the present embodiment can reduce the number of parts, and therefore can reduce costs. In addition, in the coupler device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first stopcock 5 is fitted into the first communication hole 42, and the second stopcock 6 is fitted into the second communication hole 44. Therefore, the intrusion of liquids such as water into the main body 4 through the first communication hole 42 and the second communication hole 44 is suppressed, and water stopping can be ensured.

[0042] Moreover, in the coupler device 1 according to this embodiment, the first stopper chamber 42A is formed smaller than the first storage chamber 42B, and the first stopper cock 5 fitted into the first storage chamber 42B is prevented from entering the first stopper chamber 42A. Therefore, the coupler device 1 according to this embodiment can prevent the first lance 25 from being released from the latch due to the fitting of the first stopper cock 5. Furthermore, in the coupler device 1 according to this embodiment, the second stopper chamber 44A is formed smaller than the second storage chamber 44B, and the second stopper cock 6 fitted into the second storage chamber 44B is prevented from entering the second stopper chamber 44A. Therefore, the coupler device 1 according to this embodiment can prevent the second lance 35 from being released from the latch due to the fitting of the second stopper cock 6.

[0043] Furthermore, by including the first seal member 7 and the second seal member 8, the coupler device 1 according to this embodiment can prevent liquids such as water from entering the connection portion between the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 from the first opening 411 and the second opening 412. This can improve the waterproofing property of the coupler device 1.

[0044] Moreover, in the coupler device 1 according to this embodiment, the main body 4 is an elongated body with a non-divided structure, and the main body 4 that connects the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 can have a simple structure. This makes it easy to manufacture the main body 4.

[0045] In addition, the coupler device 1 of this embodiment can smoothly insert the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 into the main body portion 4 by forming the first tapered portion 43 and the second tapered portion 45 in the insertion space 41 of the main body portion 4.

[0046] Furthermore, the coupler device 1 of this embodiment can guide the terminal portion 331 to an appropriate position when the second terminal 3 is inserted into the main body portion 4 by forming a guide portion 46 in the insertion space 41 of the main body portion 4.

[0047] The coupler device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The coupler device according to this embodiment may be configured by appropriately combining the components of the above-described embodiments and modified examples.

[0048] For example, in the coupler device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 6 are separate bodies, but the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 6 may be connected and integrated. For example, the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 6 may be connected and integrated by a connecting piece provided along the connection direction X. In this case, the first stop valve 5 and the second stop valve 6 can be integrated into a single component, thereby reducing the number of components of the coupler device 1.

[0049] For example, the coupler device 1 according to the above embodiment has been described as being mounted on a vehicle, but may be used without being mounted on a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1: Coupler device 2: First terminal 3:Second terminal 4: Main body 5: First stop valve 6: Second stop valve 7: First sealing member 8: Second sealing member 25: First Lance 35: Second Lance 41: Insertion space 41A: First terminal housing 41B: Second terminal housing 42:First series of holes 42A: First hanging room 42B: First Containment Cell 43: First taper section 44:Second communication hole 44A:Second hanging room 44B: Second Containment Cell 45: Second taper section 46: Guide section 331:Terminal section 411: First opening 412: Second opening W1: First electric wire W2: Second electric wire

Claims

1. a first terminal attached to an end of the first electric wire and having a first lance protruding from a side portion of the first terminal; a second terminal attached to an end of a second electric wire, the second terminal having a second lance protruding from a side thereof, and connected to the first terminal; a main body portion forming an insertion space extending along an extension direction, a first opening portion opening on one side of the insertion space and allowing the first terminal to be inserted, a first communication hole connecting the insertion space to the outside and engaging the first lance, a second opening portion opening on the other side of the insertion space and allowing the second terminal to be inserted, and a second communication hole connecting the insertion space to the outside and engaging the second lance; A first stop valve that is fitted into the first communication hole from the outside; a second stop valve that is fitted into the second communication hole from the outside, the first communication hole forms a first retaining chamber formed on the insertion space side and communicating with the insertion space to retain the first lance; and a first accommodation chamber formed on the exterior side of the main body and communicating with the exterior to accommodate the first stop valve, The first hanging chamber is formed smaller than the first storage chamber in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to a communication direction of the first communication hole, the second communication hole forms a second retaining chamber formed on the insertion space side and communicating with the insertion space to retain the second lance, and a second accommodation chamber formed on the exterior side of the main body portion and communicating with the exterior of the main body portion to accommodate the second stop valve, The second retaining chamber is formed smaller than the second storage chamber in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the communication direction of the second communication hole. Coupler device.

2. the main body portion connects the first terminal and the second terminal within the insertion space when the first lance is engaged with the first communication hole and the second lance is engaged with the second communication hole. The coupler device according to claim 1 .

3. a first seal member having a cylindrical shape, attached to an outer periphery of the first electric wire, and inserted into the insertion space together with the first electric wire to seal between the first electric wire and the main body; a second seal member having a cylindrical shape, attached to an outer periphery of the second electric wire, and inserted into the insertion space together with the second electric wire to seal off water between the second electric wire and the main body.

3. The coupler device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The main body portion is an elongated body having a non-divided structure along the extension direction, 3. The coupler device according to claim 1 or 2.

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