Connector unit and wire harness

Abstract

To provide a connector unit and a wire harness that enable proper fastening of terminals.SOLUTION: A connector unit includes a first connector 10, a second connector 20, and a fastening member 30. The fastening member 30 has: a bolt 31; a collar 32 which is supported slidably along a fastening direction Z between a fastening position P1 in contact with a first connection terminal 11 and a fastening release position P2 away from the first connection terminal 11; a nut 33 to which a shaft portion 31b of the bolt 31 is fastened while sandwiching the first connection terminal 11, a second connection terminal 21, and the collar 32 between the head 31a of the bolt 31 and the nut 33; and an engaging member 34 which is provided on the bolt 31 and is engaged with the collar 32, moves the collar 32 from the fastening release position P2 to the fastening position P1 along with fastening operation of the bolt 31, and moves the collar 32 from the fastening position P1 to the fastening release position P2 along with fastening release operation of the bolt 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a technology related to a connector unit of a conventional wire harness, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector unit including a first connector having a first connection terminal, a second connector having a second connection terminal, and a fastening member for fastening the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the connector unit described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, for example, there is room for further improvement in properly performing the fastening operation of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal by the fastening member.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a connector unit and a wire harness capable of properly performing the fastening operation between terminals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the connector unit according to the present invention comprises a first connector having a first connection terminal, a second connector having a second connection terminal electrically connected to the first connection terminal and fitted to the first connector along the axial direction, and a fastening member for fastening the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, wherein the fastening member comprises a bolt extending along a fastening direction intersecting the axial direction, and a sliding bolt along the fastening direction between a fastening position in contact with one of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal aligned along the fastening direction and a release position separated from the one. The device comprises a conductive collar that is movably supported; a nut that abuts against the other of the first and second connecting terminals, and fastens the shaft of the bolt with the first and second connecting terminals and the collar sandwiched between the head of the bolt and the nut; and an engaging member provided on the bolt that engages with the collar and moves the collar from the fastened position to the fastened position together with the bolt as the bolt is fastened, and moves the collar from the fastened position to the fastened position together with the bolt as the bolt is fastened. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the connector unit and wire harness according to the present invention, the fastening member is provided on the bolt and engages with the collar, and moves the collar from the fastened position to the fastened position together with the bolt as the bolt is fastened, and also moves the collar from the fastened position to the fastened position together with the bolt as the bolt is fastened. With this configuration, the connector unit and wire harness can, for example, bring the collar into contact with one of the first and second connection terminals by moving the collar from the fastened position to the fastened position using the engaging member, while moving the collar from the fastened position to the fastened position can separate the collar from one of the first and second connection terminals. As a result, the connector unit and wire harness have the effect of being able to properly fasten terminals together. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a connector unit applied to a wire harness according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a connector unit applied to a wire harness according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of the first connector of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the first connector according to the embodiment, perpendicular to the width direction. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the first connector according to the embodiment, perpendicular to the fastening direction. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an illustrative perspective view of the second connector of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exemplary perspective view (partially a cross-sectional view) of the vicinity of the locking piece of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exemplary perspective view of the first connector according to the embodiment, showing the slide cover in the open position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the retraction projection of the connector unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of the second connector and fastening member according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a connector unit according to an embodiment, showing the state before fastening of the fastening member. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a connector unit according to an embodiment, showing the state after the fastening members have been fastened. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an illustrative perspective view of the bolt and engaging member of the fastening member according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an illustrative perspective view of the collar of the fastening member according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a fastening member according to an embodiment, showing the collar in the fastening position. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a fastening member according to an embodiment, showing the collar in the release position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments described below include those that are easily substituted or substantially identical to those that are easily substituted by those skilled in the art. In this specification, ordinal numbers are used solely to distinguish parts, components, locations, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0010] [Embodiment] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector unit 1 applied to a wire harness WH according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit 1. The connector unit 1 of this embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is incorporated into a wire harness WH routed in a vehicle such as an automobile. Here, the wire harness WH is, for example, a bundle of wiring materials W used for power supply and signal communication to connect various devices mounted on a vehicle, and the wiring materials W are connected to each device with connectors or the like. The wire harness WH of this embodiment comprises a plurality of conductive wiring materials W and a connector unit 1 provided at the end of the plurality of wiring materials W. The connector unit 1 is composed of, for example, a first connector 10 provided on the wiring material W side, a second connector 20 provided on the terminal block 2 side, and a fastening member 30 (see Figure 2) that fastens the first connection terminal 11 of the first connector 10 and the second connection terminal 21 of the second connector 20, which will be described later. Furthermore, the wire harness WH may also be composed of various other components, such as grommets and fasteners.

[0011] In the following description, among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction that intersect each other, the first direction is referred to as the "axial direction X", the second direction is referred to as the "width direction Y", and the third direction is referred to as the "fastening direction Z". Here, the axial direction X, the width direction Y, and the fastening direction Z are substantially orthogonal to each other. The axial direction X typically follows the extending direction of a plurality of cable members W, the fitting direction (insertion direction) between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 of the connector unit 1, and the like. The width direction Y typically follows the width direction of the connector unit 1 and the like. The fastening direction Z typically follows the height direction (vertical direction) of the connector unit 1, the fastening direction of the fastening member 30 of the connector unit 1, and the like. In addition, each direction used in the following description will be described as the direction in the state where the connector unit 1 is assembled to the vehicle unless otherwise specified.

[0012] The cable member W includes, for example, a linear conductor portion W1 having conductivity (see FIG. 5) and an insulating coating W2 having insulation that covers the outside of the conductor portion W1. The cable member W is an insulated wire in which the conductor portion W1 is covered with the insulating coating W2. The conductor portion W1 of the present embodiment is a core wire formed by bundling a plurality of metal strands having conductivity, but may be a stranded core wire in which the plurality of metal strands are twisted. The insulating coating W2 is an electric wire coating that covers the outer peripheral side of the conductor portion W1. The insulating coating W2 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding an insulating resin material or the like.

[0013] The cable members W each extend linearly along the axial direction X and are formed to extend with substantially the same diameter with respect to the axial direction X (extending direction). Further, the cable member W is formed such that, for example, the cross-sectional shape of the conductor portion W1 (the cross-sectional shape intersecting the axial direction X) is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the insulating coating W2 is substantially annular, and the overall cross-sectional shape is substantially circular. At at least one terminal of the cable member W, the insulating coating W2 is peeled off, and the first connection terminal 11 is crimped to the conductor portion W1 exposed from the insulating coating W2.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector 10 of the connector unit 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first connector 10 includes, for example, a first connection terminal 11, a first housing 12, a slide cover 13, a rear holder 14, a shield shell 15, a shield ring 16, and a plurality of packings 17, 18. In the present embodiment, the first connection terminal 11 and each of the packings 17, 18 are provided in pairs corresponding to a pair of wire harnesses W.

[0015] The first connection terminal 11 is a terminal fitting made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the second connection terminal 21 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) of the second connector 20 The first connection terminal 11 includes, for example, an electrical connection portion electrically connected to the second connection terminal 21 and a wire crimping portion electrically connected to the end of the wire harness W. The first connection terminal 11 is also referred to as a crimp terminal or the like.

[0016] The first housing 12 holds the first connection terminal 11 therein. The first housing 12 is formed, for example, in a substantially cylindrical shape with both sides in the axial direction X open. In a state where the first connection terminal 11 is attached inside the first housing 12, the first connection terminal 11 protrudes from one opening in the axial direction X, while the other opening in the axial direction X is closed by the rear holder 14. The first housing 12 is formed, for example, of a resin material having insulating properties.

[0017] The slide cover 13 is supported so as to be slidable along the axial direction X between a closed position P11 (see FIG. 2) where it covers the first connection terminal 11 and an open position P12 (see FIG. 8) where the first connection terminal 11 is exposed with respect to the first housing 12. The slide cover 13 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape with both sides in the axial direction X open. In a state where the slide cover 13 is positioned at the closed position P11, it covers the periphery of the first connection terminal 11 from both sides in the width direction Y and from both sides in the fastening direction Z. The slide cover 13 is formed, for example, of a resin material having insulating properties.

[0018] The rear holder 14 closes the opening of the first housing 12 from the other side in the axial direction X. The rear holder 14 is composed of, for example, a pair of divisions that can be separated along the fastening direction Z. The pair of divisions have a plurality of through holes through which the cable material W is inserted along the axial direction X. With the pair of divisions closing the opening of the first housing 12, the rear holder 14 is integrated with the inner circumferential surface of the first housing 12 by a so-called snap fit, such as a claw fit. The rear holder 14 is formed of, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0019] The shield shell 15 covers the first connection terminal 11 and the wiring material W, thereby suppressing noise generated from the first connection terminal 11 and the wiring material W from leaking to the outside of the first connector 10. The shield ring 16 is crimped to, for example, a braided structure (not shown) of the wiring material W. The shield shell 15 and the shield ring 16 are formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape along the outer circumferential surface of the first housing 12. The shield shell 15 and the shield ring 16 are formed, for example, from a conductive metal material.

[0020] The packings 17 and 18 prevent foreign matter such as moisture from entering the interior of the first housing 12. The packings 17 and 18 are made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin. Packing 17 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape along the outer circumferential surface of the first connection terminal 11 and is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the first connection terminal 11. Packing 18 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape along the outer circumferential surface of the cable guide W and is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the cable guide W. When the cable guide W is installed inside the first housing 12, packing 18 is interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the cable guide W and the inner circumferential surface of the first housing 12 (see Figure 5).

[0021] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector 10 perpendicular to the width direction Y. As shown in Figure 4, a pair of first pocket portions 12a are provided at both ends of the first housing 12 in the fastening direction Z. The pair of first pocket portions 12a accommodate the upper and lower walls of the slide cover 13 when the slide cover 13 slides from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 (see Figure 8). The pair of first pocket portions 12a are provided with openings that are open toward one side in the axial direction X, i.e., toward the slide cover 13 located in the closed position P11.

[0022] Furthermore, the upper and lower walls of the slide cover 13 are provided with a pair of locking claws 13a that engage with the locking holes 12c of the first housing 12. The pair of locking claws 13a are formed in a claw shape at the other ends in the axial direction X of the upper and lower walls of the slide cover 13. The pair of locking holes 12c are formed on one side in the axial direction X of the pair of first pockets 12a in the upper and lower walls of the first housing 12. The pair of locking claws 13a have a locking surface that faces one end surface in the axial direction X of the locking hole 12c, and the slide cover 13 is locked in the closed position P11 relative to the first housing 12 when the locking surface and the end surface are engaged in the axial direction X.

[0023] Furthermore, an inclined surface 12c1 is provided on the other end face of the pair of locking holes 12c in the axial direction X. The inclined surface 12c1 is inclined so that as it moves toward the other side in the axial direction X (towards the pair of first pocket portions 12a), it moves toward both ends in the fastening direction Z of the first housing 12. The inclined surface 12c1 allows the slide cover 13 to move from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 (towards the pair of first pocket portions 12a) when the locking between the slide cover 13 and the pair of locking pieces 13b (see Figure 5), which will be described later, is released.

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the fastening direction Z of the first connector 10. As shown in Figure 5, a pair of second pocket portions 12b are provided at both ends of the first housing 12 in the width direction Y. The pair of second pocket portions 12b accommodate a pair of side walls of the slide cover 13 when the slide cover 13 slides from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 (see Figure 8). Similar to the pair of first pocket portions 12a, the pair of second pocket portions 12b are provided with openings that are open toward one side in the axial direction X, i.e., toward the slide cover 13 located in the closed position P11.

[0025] Furthermore, a pair of locking pieces 13b are provided on the pair of side walls of the slide cover 13, which lock with the first housing 12 along the axial direction X. The pair of locking pieces 13b are formed in a cantilever spring shape on the pair of side walls of the slide cover 13. That is, one end of the pair of locking pieces 13b is connected to the slide cover 13 in the axial direction X, while the other end in the axial direction X is configured as a free end that can elastically deform along the width direction Y. The pair of locking pieces 13b have a locking surface that faces one end surface in the axial direction X of the first housing 12, i.e., the pair of second pocket portions 12b, and the locking surface and the one end surface are locked in the axial direction X, thereby restricting the movement of the slide cover 13 from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 side (the side of the pair of second pocket portions 12b).

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second connector 20 of the connector unit 1, and Figure 7 is a perspective view (partial cross-sectional view) of the vicinity of the locking piece 13b of the connector unit 1. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second connector 20 is provided with a mating opening 22a into which the slide cover 13 of the first connector 10 described above is fitted. The mating opening 22a is formed as a recess of a size and shape that allows the slide cover 13 to be fitted according to the external shape of the slide cover 13, and here the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction X is formed to be approximately rectangular. At the bottom of the mating opening 22a is provided an opening into which the first connection terminal 11 described above enters and which communicates with an opening 22d into which the fastening member 30 described later is inserted.

[0027] Furthermore, a pair of projections 22b are provided at both ends of the mating opening 22a in the width direction Y, which release the locking between the pair of locking pieces 13b and the first housing 12. The pair of projections 22b protrude from the bottom of the mating opening 22a toward the other side in the axial direction X (towards the slide cover 13). The pair of projections 22b are inserted into the opening 13e of the slide cover 13 from the tip 13d (see Figure 7) on one side of the slide cover 13 in the axial direction X. Then, as the mating operation of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 occurs, the pair of projections 22b come into contact with the pair of locking pieces 13b, deforming the locking pieces 13b toward both sides in the width direction Y. This releases the locking between the pair of locking pieces 13b and the first housing 12.

[0028] Furthermore, a contact portion 22g is provided at the bottom of the mating opening 22a, which contacts the tip portion 13d of the slide cover 13. The contact portion 22g is an end face (bottom face) that faces the tip portion 13d of the slide cover 13 along the axial direction X. As the mating operation of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 is performed, the contact portion 22g contacts the tip portion 13d of the slide cover 13 with the locking of the pair of locking pieces 13b described above released from the first housing 12, thereby moving the slide cover 13 from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 relative to the first housing 12. As a result, the pair of locking pieces 13b are housed in the pair of second pocket portions 12b (see Figure 8), and the pair of locking claw portions 13a described above are housed in the pair of first pocket portions 12a.

[0029] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the first connector 10, showing the slide cover 13 in the open position P12, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the pull-back projection 22c of the connector unit 1. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the upper wall of the slide cover 13 is provided with a locking hole 13c that engages with the pull-back projection 22c of the second connector 20. The pull-back projection 22c (see Figures 6 and 9) is formed in a claw shape at the upper end of the fitting opening 22a described above, and the locking hole 13c is formed as a locking hole that penetrates the upper wall of the slide cover 13 along the fastening direction Z. The locking hole 13c is also provided at one end in the axial direction X of the upper wall of the slide cover 13 and is configured to engage with the pull-back projection 22c when the slide cover 13 moves from the closed position P11 to the open position P12.

[0030] As shown in Figure 9, the pull-back projection 22c has a locking surface that faces one end surface in the axial direction X of the locking hole 13c. When the first connector 10 is removed from the second connector 20 to the other side in the axial direction X, the pull-back projection 22c locks the locking surface and one end surface in the axial direction X, moving the slide cover 13 from the open position P12 to the closed position P11 relative to the first housing 12. As a result, the pair of locking claws 13a are pulled back to the outside of the pair of first pockets 12a, and the pair of locking pieces 13b (see Figure 8) are pulled back to the outside of the pair of second pockets 12b.

[0031] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector 20 and the fastening member 30. As shown in Figure 10, the second connector 20 is composed of, for example, a second connection terminal 21, a second housing 22, a front holder 23, and a unit packing 24. The fastening member 30 is composed of, for example, a bolt 31, a collar 32, nuts 33, 35, an engaging member 34, and sealing members 36, 37. In this embodiment, the second connection terminal 21 and the fastening member 30 are provided in pairs, corresponding to the pair of first connection terminals 11 of the first connector 10.

[0032] The second connection terminal 21 is a terminal fitting made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the first connection terminal 11 of the first connector 10 (see Figures 11 and 12). The second connection terminal 21 is composed of, for example, a first electrical connection part electrically connected to the first connection terminal 11, a second electrical connection part electrically connected to an external terminal, and a connecting part that connects the first electrical connection part and the second electrical connection part. The second connection terminal 21 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section that is open toward the other side in the axial direction X by the first electrical connection part, the second electrical connection part, and the connecting part.

[0033] The second housing 22 holds the second connection terminal 21 inside. The second housing 22 is provided with an opening 22d into which the second connection terminal 21, fastening member 30, etc., are inserted along the fastening direction Z. In this embodiment, the second housing 22 is provided with a pair of openings 22d arranged in the width direction Y. With the second connection terminal 21 installed inside, the fastening member 30 is inserted from the other opening end in the fastening direction Z, while one opening end in the fastening direction Z is closed by the front holder 23. The second housing 22 is formed of, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0034] The front holder 23 closes a pair of openings 22d of the second housing 22 from one side in the fastening direction Z. The front holder 23 is also a member for holding, for example, the unit packing 24 between itself and the second housing 22. The front holder 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion of the second housing 22 and is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. The front holder 23 is integrated with the second housing 22 by claw fitting or the like, with the unit packing 24 sandwiched between it and the second housing 22.

[0035] The unit packing 24 prevents foreign matter such as moisture from entering the interior of the second housing 22. The unit packing 24 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin. The unit packing 24 is formed, for example, in a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape along the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion of the second housing 22 and is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. The unit packing 24 is interposed between the second housing 22 and the external device when the terminal block 2 is connected to the external device.

[0036] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connector unit 1 showing the state before fastening the fastening member 30, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the connector unit 1 showing the state after fastening the fastening member 30. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in this embodiment, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together, the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 21 are aligned along the fastening direction Z. The first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 21 are each provided with mounting holes into which the bolt 31 of the fastening member 30 is inserted along the fastening direction Z. In addition, the mounting hole of the second connection terminal 21 is provided with a screw hole for a nut 33 communicating with one side of the fastening direction Z, and the mounting hole of the first connection terminal 11 is provided with a central hole for a collar 32 communicating with the other side of the fastening direction Z. The first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 21 and the collar 32 are fastened together by being sandwiched between the head 31a of the bolt 31 and the nut 33.

[0037] In this embodiment, the collar 32 is supported so as to be slidable along the fastening direction Z between a fastening position P1 (see Figure 12) in contact with the first connecting terminal 11 and a release position P2 (see Figure 11) separated from the first connecting terminal 11. That is, when the collar 32 is positioned at the release position P2, a gap G is formed between it and the first connecting terminal 11 along the fastening direction Z, and when it is positioned at the fastening position P1, no gap G is formed between it and the first connecting terminal 11. In this way, in this embodiment, by supporting the collar 32 so as to be slidable along the fastening direction Z with respect to the opening 22d of the second housing 22, electrical contact between the collar 32 and the first connecting terminal 11 is maintained at the fastening position P1, while electrical contact between the collar 32 and the first connecting terminal 11 is suppressed at the release position P2.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a flange wall 22e is provided on the inner surface of the opening 22d to support the collar 32 in the unlocked position P2. The flange wall 22e protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the opening 22d. The collar 32 has a locking surface that faces the flange wall 22e along the fastening direction Z, and the contact between the locking surface and the flange wall 22e prevents the collar 32 from moving (coming loose) to the other side in the fastening direction Z relative to the opening 22d. In this embodiment, the flange wall 22e is provided with openings that allow the intrusion of a pair of engaging pieces 34a (see Figure 13) of the engaging member 34, which will be described later. That is, the flange wall 22e is provided intermittently along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the opening 22d.

[0039] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the bolt 31 and engaging member 34 of the fastening member 30. As shown in Figure 13, the bolt 31 has, for example, a head 31a and a shaft portion 31b, and resin is insert-molded into the head 31a of the bolt 31. One end of the head 31a in the fastening direction Z is provided with a flange 31a1 that protrudes radially outward from the shaft portion 31b and abuts against the collar 32 (see Figure 15). The outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 31b is provided with a male threaded portion that is screwed into the threaded hole of the nut 33 described above. A ring-shaped sealing member 37 is fitted to the other end of the shaft portion 31b in the fastening direction Z. The sealing member 37 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin and seals the space between it and the central hole of the collar 32.

[0040] The engaging member 34 is composed of, for example, a pair of engaging pieces 34a and a connecting portion 34b that connects the pair of engaging pieces 34a. The connecting portion 34b is formed in an annular shape with an opening into which the head 31a of the bolt 31 is inserted. The pair of engaging pieces 34a are formed to protrude from both ends of the connecting portion 34b in the width direction Y along the fastening direction Z. One end 34a1 of the pair of engaging pieces 34a in the fastening direction Z is formed in a claw shape and engages with the groove 32c of the collar 32. The engaging member 34 is mounted on the bolt 31 and used in an integrated state with the bolt 31. That is, the engaging member 34 is provided on the bolt 31.

[0041] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the collar 32 of the fastening member 30. As shown in Figure 14, the collar 32 is composed of, for example, a large-diameter portion 32a and a small-diameter portion 32b which is formed to be smaller in diameter than the large-diameter portion 32a. The large-diameter portion 32a is the portion located on one side in the fastening direction Z from the flange wall 22e formed on the inner surface of the opening 22d when the collar 32 is positioned in the fastening release position P2 (see Figure 16) described above. A ring-shaped sealing member 36 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 32a, which abuts against the inner surface of the opening 22d. The sealing member 36 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or resin, and seals the gap between it and the inner surface of the opening 22d.

[0042] The small-diameter portion 32b is the portion located on the other side in the fastening direction Z from the flange wall 22e formed on the inner surface of the opening 22d when the collar 32 is in the unlocked position P2 (see Figure 16). The small-diameter portion 32b is provided exposed from the open end of the opening 22d when the collar 32 is in the unlocked position P2. The outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter portion 32b is provided with a groove 32c into which the tip portions 34a1 of the pair of engaging pieces 34a of the engaging member 34 are engaged. The groove 32c is formed, for example, in an annular shape along the outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter portion 32b. The collar 32 is made of, for example, a conductive metal material.

[0043] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening member 30, showing the collar 32 in the fastening position P1, and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening member 30, showing the collar 32 in the disengaged position P2. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in this embodiment, the engaging member 34 is configured to move the collar 32 from the disengaged position P2 to the fastening position P1 together with the bolt 31 as the bolt 31 is fastened. For example, with respect to the collar 32 located in the disengaged position P2, the tip portions 34a1 of a pair of engaging pieces 34a engage with the groove portion 32c from the other side in the fastening direction Z, while being integrated with the bolt 31. The pair of engaging pieces 34a enter one side in the fastening direction Z through an opening formed in the flange wall 22e when the collar 32 moves from the disengaged position P2 to the fastening position P1.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging member 34 is configured to move the collar 32 from the fastening position P1 to the disengaging position P2 together with the bolt 31 as the bolt 31 is fastened and disengaged. When the collar 32 moves from the fastening position P1 to the disengaging position P2, the pair of engaging pieces 34a move the collar 32 to the other side in the fastening direction Z relative to the first connecting terminal 11 by contact between the claw-shaped tip portion 34a1 and the groove portion 32c. As a result, the collar 32 and the first connecting terminal 11 are separated, and consequently, electrical contact between the collar 32 and the first connecting terminal 11 at the disengaging position P2 can be suppressed.

[0045] As described above, in the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH of this embodiment, the fastening member 30 is provided on the bolt 31 and engages with the collar 32, and moves the collar 32 together with the bolt 31 from the fastening / unfastening position P2 to the fastening position P1 as the bolt 31 is fastened, and also has an engaging member 34 that moves the collar 32 together with the bolt 31 from the fastening position P1 to the fastening / unfastening position P2 as the bolt 31 is fastened / unfastened. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH can, for example, bring the collar 32 into contact with the first connection terminal 11 by moving the collar 32 from the fastening / unfastening position P2 to the fastening position P1 by the engaging member 34, while separating the collar 32 from the first connection terminal 11 by moving the collar 32 from the fastening position P1 to the fastening / unfastening position P2. As a result, the connector unit 1 and the wire harness WH can properly fasten the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 21, and consequently, electrical conductivity of the collar 32 at the fastening release position P2 can be suppressed.

[0046] Furthermore, in the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH of this embodiment, the second connector 20 has a second housing 22 provided with an opening 22d into which a bolt 31 and a collar 32 are inserted along the fastening direction Z, and the collar 32 has a large-diameter portion 32a on its outer circumference which is provided with a sealing member 36 that abuts against the inner surface of the opening 22d, and a small-diameter portion 32b which is formed to be smaller in diameter than the large-diameter portion 32a and has a groove portion 32c on its outer circumference into which the tip portion 34a1 of the engaging piece 34a of the engaging member 34 engages. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH can, for example, seal the inner surface of the opening 22d with the sealing member 36 provided on the large-diameter portion 32a of the collar 32, while the engaging piece 34a engaged with the groove portion 32c of the small-diameter portion 32b allows the collar 32 to slide along the fastening direction Z between a fastened position P1 and a released position P2.

[0047] Furthermore, in the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH of this embodiment, the first connector 10 has a first housing 12 that holds the first connection terminal 11 in a position where it protrudes along the axial direction X, and a slide cover 13 that is slidably supported along the axial direction X between a closed position P11 that covers the first connection terminal 11 and an open position P12 that exposes the first connection terminal 11. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH can cover the area around the first connection terminal 11 with the slide cover 13 positioned in the closed position P11, thereby suppressing contact between the first connection terminal 11 and the hands or fingers of an operator.

[0048] Furthermore, in the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH of this embodiment, the slide cover 13 has a cantilever spring-shaped locking piece 13b that locks with the first housing 12 along the axial direction X in the closed position P11, and the second connector 20 has a projection 22b that deforms the locking piece 13b along the width direction Y in conjunction with the mating operation with the first connector 10, thereby releasing the locking between the locking piece 13b and the first housing 12. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH can release the locking between the locking piece 13b and the first housing 12 in conjunction with the mating operation between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 by the projection 22b, and consequently further suppress contact between the first connection terminal 11 and the worker's fingers, etc., during work.

[0049] Furthermore, in the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH of this embodiment, the second connector 20 has a contact portion 22g that, when mating with the first connector 10, releases the locking between the locking piece 13b and the first housing 12 and comes into contact with the tip portion 13d of the slide cover 13, thereby moving the slide cover 13 from a closed position P11 to an open position P12. With this configuration, the connector unit 1 and wire harness WH can, for example, move the slide cover 13 from a closed position P11 to an open position P12 when mating the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 by the contact portion 22g, thereby further suppressing contact between the first connection terminal 11 and the worker's fingers, etc., during work.

[0050] In this embodiment, an example is shown where the collar 32 abuts against the first connection terminal 11 and the nut 33 abuts against the second connection terminal 21. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and for example, the collar 32 may abut against the second connection terminal 21 and the nut 33 abuts against the first connection terminal 11. Also, in this embodiment, an example is shown where the first connector 10 is provided with a slide cover 13. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and for example, the first connector 10 may not be provided with a slide cover 13.

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, each configuration, shape, and other specifications (structure, type, direction, form, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be modified as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1 Connector Unit 10. First connector 11. First connection terminal 12 Housing 1 13 Slide cover 13b Locking piece 13d tip 20 Second connector 21 Second connection terminal 22 Second Housing 22b Protrusion 22d opening 22g Contact part 30 Fastening members 31 volts 31a head 31b Shaft 32 colors 32a Large diameter section 32b Small diameter section 32c Groove 33 nuts 34 Engaging member 34a Engagement piece W Routing material WH Wire Harness P1 Fastening position P2 Fastening release position P11 Closed position P12 Open position X-axis direction Y width direction Z fastening direction

Claims

1. A first connector having a first connection terminal, The second connector has a second connection terminal that is electrically connected to the first connection terminal, and is mated with the first connector along the axial direction, The device comprises a fastening member for fastening the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, The fastening member is A bolt extending along a fastening direction intersecting the aforementioned axial direction, A conductive collar is supported so as to be slidable along the fastening direction between a fastening position in contact with one of the first and second connecting terminals, which are aligned along the fastening direction, and a release position separated from the one said to be fastening terminal, A nut that contacts the other of the first and second connecting terminals, and fastens the shaft of the bolt with the first and second connecting terminals and the collar sandwiched between it and the head of the bolt, An engaging member provided on the bolt and engaging with the collar, which moves the collar together with the bolt from the unlocked position to the fastened position as the bolt is fastened, and which moves the collar together with the bolt from the fastened position to the unlocked position as the bolt is fastened, A connector unit having

2. The second connector has a second housing provided with an opening into which the bolt and the collar are inserted along the fastening direction, The collar has a large-diameter portion on its outer circumference that has a sealing member that contacts the inner surface of the opening, and a small-diameter portion that is smaller in diameter than the large-diameter portion and has a groove on its outer circumference into which the engaging piece of the engaging member engages. The connector unit according to claim 1.

3. The first connector includes a first housing that holds the first connection terminal in a position protruding along the axial direction, and a slide cover that is slidably supported along the axial direction between a closed position that covers the first connection terminal and an open position that exposes the first connection terminal. The connector unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The slide cover has a cantilevered spring-shaped locking piece that locks with the first housing along the axial direction in the closed position. The second connector has a projection that deforms the locking piece along the width direction intersecting the axial direction and the fastening direction in conjunction with the mating operation with the first connector, thereby releasing the locking between the locking piece and the first housing. The connector unit according to claim 3.

5. The second connector has a contact portion that, when mating with the first connector, releases the locking between the locking piece and the first housing, and contacts the tip of the slide cover, thereby moving the slide cover from the closed position to the open position. The connector unit according to claim 4.

6. A conductive wiring material, A connector unit is provided at the end of the aforementioned cable material, The connector unit is A first connector having a first connection terminal, The second connector has a second connection terminal that is electrically connected to the first connection terminal, and is mated with the first connector along the axial direction, The device comprises a fastening member for fastening the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, The fastening member is A bolt extending along a fastening direction intersecting the aforementioned axial direction, A conductive collar is supported so as to be slidable along the fastening direction between a fastening position in contact with one of the first and second connecting terminals, which are aligned along the fastening direction, and a release position separated from the one said to be fastening terminal, A nut that contacts the other of the first and second connecting terminals, and fastens the shaft of the bolt with the first and second connecting terminals and the collar sandwiched between it and the head of the bolt, An engaging member provided on the bolt and engaging with the collar, which moves the collar together with the bolt from the unlocked position to the fastened position as the bolt is fastened, and which moves the collar together with the bolt from the fastened position to the unlocked position as the bolt is fastened, A wire harness having

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