Coupler device
The coupler device addresses the complexity of conventional couplers by integrating terminals and main bodies with lances and locking mechanisms, achieving efficient wire connections with fewer parts and improved handling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YAZAKI CORP
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
Smart Images
Figure 0007882763000001 
Figure 0007882763000002 
Figure 0007882763000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a coupler device.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, as a coupler device, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, 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 the female coupler are connected to connect the electric wires.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In such a coupler device, there is room for improvement in that the number of parts increases. That is, when the attachment and detachment of the female coupler and the male coupler are not required, it is desirable to develop a coupler device that can connect electric wires with a simple structure, reduce the number of parts, and connect the electric wires. Further, when connecting a large number of electric wires with a plurality of couplers, it is desirable to develop a technology that facilitates the handling of the connected plurality of electric wires.
[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a coupler device that reduces the number of parts and facilitates the handling of a plurality of connected electric wires.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] In other words, the coupler device according to the present invention includes a first terminal attached to the end of a first electric wire and having a first lance protruding from its side, a second terminal attached to the end of a second electric wire and having a second lance protruding from its side and connecting to the first terminal, a first insertion space extending along the extending direction, a first opening on one side of the first insertion space into which the first terminal can be inserted, a first locking part provided in the first insertion space for locking the first lance, a second opening on the other side of the first insertion space into which the second terminal can be inserted, and a first main body forming a second locking part provided in the first insertion space for locking the second lance, and a third lance attached to the end of a third electric wire and protruding from its side The device comprises a third terminal having a lance, a fourth terminal attached to the end of a fourth electric wire and having a fourth lance protruding from its side and connected to the third terminal, a second insertion space extending along the direction of extension, a third opening on one side of the second insertion space into which the third terminal can be inserted, a third locking part provided in the second insertion space for locking the third lance, a fourth opening on the other side of the second insertion space into which the fourth terminal can be inserted, and a second main body forming a fourth locking part provided in the second insertion space for locking the fourth lance, wherein the first main body has a first connecting part for connecting parallel to the second main body, and the second main body has a second connecting part that locks to the first connecting part. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] The coupler device according to the present invention reduces the number of parts and facilitates the handling of multiple connected wires. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coupler device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler device connected in line II-II of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the main body parts in the coupler device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the wire connection in the coupler device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the wire connection in the coupler device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the wire connection in the coupler device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the coupler device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler device connected at point VIII-VIII in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the main body parts in the coupler device shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the coupling portion in the coupler device according to the second embodiment. [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 by these embodiments. Furthermore, some of the components in the following embodiments may be easily substituted or substantially identical to those that are easily substituted by those skilled in the art.
[0010] [Embodiment] First, a coupler device according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the coupler device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler device when connected at line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the main body parts in the coupler device of Figure 1. Figures 4 to 6 are explanatory diagrams of the wire connection in the coupler device according to the first embodiment.
[0011] In the following explanation, of the three intersecting directions, the first direction will be referred to as the "connection direction X," the second direction as the "width direction Y," and the third direction as the "height direction Z." Here, the connection direction X, the width direction Y, and the height direction Z are mutually orthogonal. The connection direction X corresponds to the connection direction of the terminal, or the extension direction of the terminal and the main body. The width direction Y and the height direction Z correspond to the intersecting directions that intersect with the connection direction X. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the directions used in the following explanation represent the directions when each part is assembled to each other. Note that "orthogonal" here includes approximately orthogonal.
[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the coupler device 1 comprises a first terminal 2, a second terminal 3, a first main body 4, a first connecting part 5, a third terminal 102, a fourth terminal 103, a second main body 104, and a second connecting part 105. The coupler device 1 is a device that allows multiple main body parts to be connected and connects terminals within each main body part. For example, the coupler device 1 connects the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 within the first main body 4, connects the third terminal 102 and the fourth terminal 103 within the second main body 104, and connects the first main body 4 and the second main body 104 to form a single unit. By connecting the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3, the first wire W1 to which the first terminal 2 is attached and the second wire W2 to which the second terminal 3 is attached can be connected, and by connecting the third terminal 102 and the fourth terminal 103, the third wire W3 to which the third terminal 102 is attached and the fourth wire W4 to which the fourth terminal 103 is attached can be connected. The coupler device 1 is mounted, for example, on a vehicle. The first wire W1, the second wire W2, the third wire W3, and the fourth wire W4 constitute, for example, wires, cables, etc., of the control system or power system in the vehicle.
[0013] The first terminal 2 is a terminal attached to the end of the first electric wire W1, and is, for example, a crimp terminal that is crimped to the end of the first electric wire W1. The first terminal 2 has an electric wire connection portion 21, a connecting portion 22, and an electrical connection portion 23. The electric wire connection portion 21, the connecting portion 22, and the electrical connection portion 23 are made of conductive metal and are integrally formed, for example, by pressing and bending a single sheet of metal that has been punched out into shapes corresponding to each portion. The first terminal 2 is formed in the order of electric wire connection portion 21, connecting portion 22, and electrical connection portion 23 in the extending direction (connection direction X) and is interconnected with one another.
[0014] The first electric wire W1 is constructed, for example, by providing an insulating coating on the outer circumference of the conductor portion, with the end portion exposing the conductor portion, and the first terminal 2 is attached to that end. That is, the 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 together. The connecting portion 22 is the part that connects the wire connection portion 21 and the electrical connection portion 23. The electrical connection portion 23 is the part 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 26 is formed in the electrical connection portion 23 for inserting the terminal portion 36 of the second terminal 3. The connection hole 26 extends from the end face of the electrical connection portion 23 in the direction of extension of the second terminal 3.
[0015] As shown in Figure 2, a terminal portion 27 is formed on the electrical connection portion 23 of the first terminal 2. The terminal portion 27 is, for example, two contact pieces formed in the connection hole 26, and connects to the terminal portion 36 of the second terminal 3 by sandwiching it between them. A first lance 25 is formed on the first terminal 2. The first lance 25 is a member that fixes the first terminal 2 inserted into the first main body portion 4 and prevents it from coming out. The first lance 25 is formed, for example, by bending the side of the electrical connection portion 23 outward. That is, the first lance 25 is provided by cutting out the side of the electrical connection portion 23, lifting the first wire W1 side of this cut-out portion, and making it protrude outward at an acute angle, and is elastically deformable with respect to 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 first main body portion 4 and restricting its retraction.
[0016] In FIG. 1, the second terminal 3 is a terminal attached to the end of the second electric wire W2. For example, it is a crimp terminal crimped and attached to the end of the second electric wire W2. The second terminal 3 has a wire connection portion 31, a connection portion 32, and an electrical connection portion 33. The wire connection portion 31, the connection portion 32, and the electrical connection portion 33 are made of a conductive metal. For example, they are integrally formed by pressing and bending a single sheet metal punched into a shape corresponding to each part. The second terminal 3 is formed in the order of the wire connection portion 31, the connection portion 32, and the electrical connection portion 33 in the extending direction (connection direction X) and is interconnected.
[0017] The second electric wire W2 is configured, for example, by providing an insulating coating on the outer periphery of the conductor portion, with the end being in a state where the conductor portion is exposed, and the first terminal 2 is attached to the end. That is, the wire connection portion 31 of the second terminal 3 is attached by clamping and crimping the conductor portion and the insulating coating of the second electric wire W2. The connection portion 32 is a part that connects the wire connection portion 31 and the electrical connection portion 33. The electrical connection portion 33 is a part that is electrically connected to the first terminal 2 and is formed in a box shape, for example. The second terminal 3 is a male terminal and forms a terminal portion 36 that is connected to the terminal portion 27 of the first terminal 2 in the electrical connection portion 33. The terminal portion 36 is a tab-shaped terminal extending from the end face of the electrical connection portion 33 in the extending direction of the second terminal 3 and is made of a plate body or a rod body, for example.
[0018] In FIG. 2, a second lance 35 is formed on the second terminal 3. The second lance 35 is a member that fixes the second terminal 3 inserted into the first main body portion 4 and prevents it from coming out. The second lance 35 is formed, for example, by bending the side portion of the electrical connection portion 33 outward. That is, the second lance 35 cuts out the side portion of the electrical connection portion 33, lifts the portion on the side of the second electric wire W2 of the cut-out part, and projects it outward at an acute angle, being elastically deformable in the height direction Z. The second lance 35 is tapered toward the tip side of the second terminal 3, allowing the second terminal 3 to enter the first main body portion 4 and restricting its retreat.
[0019] In Figure 1, the first main body 4 is a component for inserting and connecting the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3, and is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped. The first main body 4 is a non-divisible, elongated body along the extending direction, and is not a structure that can be divided, nor is it a structure made by joining two or more members. For this reason, the first main body 4 has a simple structure and can be easily manufactured at low cost by resin molding or the like.
[0020] The first main body portion 4 forms a first insertion space 41 along its extending direction. The first insertion space 41 is a hole that penetrates the first main body portion 4 in the extending direction, and is formed to be, for example, circular in cross-section and large enough to insert the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3. In other words, the first insertion space 41 allows the first terminal 2 to be inserted through one first opening 47 and the second terminal 3 to be inserted through the other second opening 48. The first insertion space 41 includes a first terminal housing chamber 41A in which the first terminal 2 is housed, and a second terminal housing chamber 41B in which the second terminal 3 is housed. The first terminal housing chamber 41A is the space for housing the first terminal 2, and is, for example, the space from the first opening 47 to the guide portion 46 within the first insertion space 41. The second terminal housing chamber 41B is the space for housing the second terminal 3, and is, for example, the space from the second opening 48 to the guide portion 46 within the first insertion space 41.
[0021] In Figure 2, the first main body portion 4 has a first latch portion 42 formed thereon. The first latch portion 42 is the part that latches the first lance 25 of the first terminal 2 and is formed in the first terminal housing chamber 41A of the first insertion space 41. The first latch portion 42 is a hole that connects the first terminal housing chamber 41A of the first insertion space 41 to the outside of the first main body portion 4 and is formed according to the position and orientation in which the first lance 25 enters. When the first latch portion 42 is formed as a connecting hole, it becomes easier to demold the first main body portion 4 when it is formed by resin molding. Also, since the formation position of the first latch portion 42 can be confirmed from the appearance of the first main body portion 4, the orientation of the first terminal 2 can be aligned with the first main body portion 4, making it easier to properly insert the first terminal 2. The first latch portion 42 may also be configured as a recess that is recessed on the inner surface of the first insertion space 41 toward the outside of the first main body portion 4.
[0022] Furthermore, a first tapered portion 43 is formed in the first main body portion 4. The first tapered portion 43 is a part that facilitates the insertion of the first terminal 2 into the first insertion space 41, and is formed within the first insertion space 41. That is, the first tapered portion 43 is formed by inclining the inner surface of the first insertion space 41, and is formed so that the inner surface of the first insertion space 41 tapers towards the insertion direction of the first terminal 2 from the first opening 47 side along the extending direction. The first tapered portion 43 is formed on the insertion path of the first terminal 2 in the first insertion space 41, and is formed closer to the first opening 47 than to the second opening 48. By forming the first tapered portion 43, the first terminal 2 can be guided to the appropriate insertion position when the first terminal 2 is inserted into the first main body portion 4, and the insertion of the first terminal 2 can be made smooth.
[0023] A second locking portion 44 is formed in the first main body portion 4. The second locking portion 44 is the part that locks the second lance 35 of the second terminal 3 and is formed in the second terminal housing chamber 41B of the first insertion space 41. The second locking portion 44 is a hole that connects the second terminal housing chamber 41B of the first insertion space 41 to the outside of the first main body portion 4 and is formed according to the position and orientation in which the second lance 35 enters. When the second locking portion 44 is formed as a connecting hole, it becomes easier to demold the first main body portion 4 when it is formed by resin molding. In addition, since the formation position of the second locking portion 44 can be confirmed from the external appearance of the first main body portion 4, the orientation of the second terminal 3 can be aligned with the first main body portion 4, making it easier to properly insert the second terminal 3. The second locking portion 44 may also be configured as a recess that is recessed on the inner surface of the first insertion space 41 toward the outside of the first main body portion 4.
[0024] Furthermore, a second tapered portion 45 is formed in the first main body portion 4. The second tapered portion 45 is a part that facilitates the insertion of the second terminal 3 into the first insertion space 41, and is formed within the first insertion space 41. That is, the second tapered portion 45 is formed by inclining the inner surface of the first insertion space 41, and is formed so that the inner surface of the first insertion space 41 tapers towards the insertion direction of the second terminal 3 from the second opening 48 side along the extending direction. The second tapered portion 45 is formed on the insertion path of the second terminal 3 in the first insertion space 41, and is formed closer to the second opening 48 than to the first opening 47. By forming the second tapered portion 45, the second terminal 3 can be guided to the appropriate insertion position when the second terminal 3 is inserted into the first main body portion 4, and the insertion of the second terminal 3 can be made smooth.
[0025] A guide portion 46 is formed on the first main body portion 4. The guide portion 46 is a part that guides the terminal portion 36 of the second terminal 3 toward the first terminal housing chamber 41A within the first insertion space 41, and is formed within the first insertion space 41. That is, the guide portion 46 is a projection that protrudes from the inner surface of the first insertion space 41 toward the center of the first insertion space 41, and two guide portions are formed so as to sandwich the terminal portion 36 from above and below. In other words, the two guide portions 46 are located between the first terminal housing chamber 41A and the second terminal housing chamber 41B, and are projected from the ceiling and floor surfaces on the inner surface of the first insertion space 41 toward their respective formation positions.
[0026] The guide portion 46, like the second tapered portion 45, is provided projecting from the inner surface of the first insertion space 41, tapering towards the insertion direction of the second terminal 3. This allows the terminal portion 36 to be guided to the appropriate position and supported in the appropriate position when the second terminal 3 is inserted into the first main body portion 4. 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 36 of the second terminal 3. By setting the distance between the two guide portions 46 in this way, the terminal portion 36 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 insertion of the terminal portion 36. In addition, the guide portion 46 can function as a stopper when the first terminal 2 is inserted.
[0027] As shown in Figure 3, a first connecting portion 5 is formed on the first main body portion 4. The first connecting portion 5 is a part for connecting the first main body portion 4 in parallel with the second main body portion 104, and is formed on the side of the first main body portion 4. For example, the first connecting portion 5 is formed on the lower surface 40A and the upper surface 40B of the first main body portion 4, and has a first projection 51 and a first holding portion 52. The first projection 51 is provided projecting downward from the lower surface 40A of the first main body portion 4. For example, the first projection 51 is formed by connecting a connecting portion 51A and an enlarged portion 51B. The connecting portion 51A is a part for positioning the enlarged portion 51B spaced apart from the lower surface 40A, and is formed extending downward from the lower surface 40A. The connecting portion 51A is formed to be narrower than the enlarged portion 51B in the width direction Y. The enlarged portion 51B is a rectangular plate, connected to the tip side of the connecting portion 51A, and formed parallel to the lower surface 40A. The first holding portion 52 is provided on the upper surface 40B of the first main body portion 4 and is a portion that holds the enlarged portion 51B of the first projection 51 of the second main body portion 104 or the other main body portion, thereby connecting it to the second main body portion 104 or the other main body portion. For example, the first holding portion 52 has two hook portions 52A at left and right positions in the width direction Y. The two hook portions 52A extend vertically from the upper surface 40B and are bent in a direction parallel to the upper surface 40B and facing each other to form a hook shape. The first projection 51 and the first holding portion 52 of the first connecting portion 5 are provided at both ends in the extending direction of the first main body portion 4, respectively, and are formed within a predetermined range from the position of the end of the first main body portion 4 in the extending direction.
[0028] The third terminal 102, the fourth terminal 103, the second main body portion 104, and the second connecting portion 105 are formed with the same shape and structure as the first terminal 2, the second terminal 3, the first main body portion 4, and the first connecting portion 5 described above.
[0029] The third terminal 102 is insertable into the second main body 104 and attached to the third wire W3. The third terminal 102 has the same shape and structure as the first terminal 2, with the third lance 125 corresponding to the first lance 25 and the connection hole 126 corresponding to the connection hole 26. The fourth terminal 103 is insertable into the second main body 104 and attached to the fourth wire W4. The fourth terminal 103 has the same shape and structure as the second terminal 3, with the fourth lance 135 corresponding to the second lance 35 and the terminal portion 136 corresponding to the terminal portion 36.
[0030] The second main body 104 includes a second insertion space 141 extending along the direction of extension, a third opening 147 opening on one side of the second insertion space 141 into which the third terminal 102 can be inserted, a third locking portion 142 provided within the second insertion space 141 for locking the third lance 125, a fourth opening 148 opening on the other side of the second insertion space 141 into which the fourth terminal 103 can be inserted, and a fourth locking portion 144 provided within the second insertion space 141 for locking the fourth lance 135. The second main body 104 connects the third terminal 102 and the fourth terminal 103 within the second insertion space 141 when the third lance 125 is locked to the third locking portion 142 and the fourth lance 135 is locked to the fourth locking portion 144. The second main body 104 has the same shape and structure as the first main body 4, with the second insertion space 141 corresponding to the first insertion space 41, the third opening 147 corresponding to the first opening 47, the third latching part 142 corresponding to the first latching part 42, the fourth opening 148 corresponding to the second opening 48, and the fourth latching part 144 corresponding to the second latching part 44. In addition, in the second main body 104, the second guide part 146 corresponds to the guide part 46, the third tapered part 143 corresponds to the first tapered part 43, and the fourth tapered part 145 corresponds to the second tapered part 45.
[0031] The second connecting portion 105 has the same shape and structure as the first connecting portion 5, with the second projection 151 corresponding to the first projection 51 and the second retaining portion 152 corresponding to the first retaining portion 52. The second projection 151 is formed by connecting the connecting portion 151A and the enlarged portion 151B. The second retaining portion 152 forms two hook portions 152A.
[0032] Next, the connection of electric wires using the coupler device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
[0033] The coupler device 1 connects the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 to electrically connect the first wire W1 and the second wire W2, and connects the third terminal 102 and the fourth terminal 103 to electrically connect the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4.
[0034] As a method of connecting electric wires using the coupler device 1, first, as shown in Figure 3, the first main body 4 and the second main body 104 are connected. For example, the first main body 4 and the second main body 104 are arranged in parallel and offset with respect to the extending direction (connection direction X). As the first main body 4 and the second main body 104 slide relative to each other in the extending direction, the first projection 51 of the first main body 4 is hooked onto the second holding part 152 of the second main body 104. This connects the first main body 4 and the second main body 104. In this embodiment, the second projection 151 of the second main body 104 can be connected to the first holding part 52 of the first main body 4. In this case, the coupler device 1 can be used with the second main body 104 functioning as the first main body and the first main body 4 functioning as the second main body. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, when the first projection 51 of the first main body 4 and the second holding portion 152 of the second main body 104 are engaged to connect the first main body 4 and the second main body 104, it is possible to connect a main body other than the first main body 4 and the second main body 104 to either the first main body 4 or the second main body 104. In this case, the coupler device 1 can be used with the first main body 4 functioning as the second main body and the second main body 104 functioning as the first main body.
[0035] Then, as shown in Figure 4, the first terminal 2 is inserted into the first main body 4. The first terminal 2 is inserted from the first opening 47 into the first insertion space 41 and is pushed towards the back of the first insertion space 41. At this time, since the first tapered portion 43 is formed inside the first insertion space 41, the first terminal 2 is smoothly inserted into the first insertion space 41 without getting caught.
[0036] Then, as shown in Figure 5, when the first lance 25 of the first terminal 2 reaches the position of the first locking part 42, the first lance 25 is locked into the first locking part 42. That is, the first lance 25 enters the first locking part 42, restricting the movement of the first terminal 2 toward the first opening 47. As a result, the first terminal 2 cannot be removed from the first main body 4, and the first terminal 2 is fixed inside the first main body 4. At this time, since the first locking part 42 is a hole that communicates with the outside of the first main body 4, it is possible to visually confirm from the outside of the first main body 4 that the first lance 25 is locked into the first locking part 42 and that the first terminal 2 has been inserted to the correct position in the first main body 4. Furthermore, if it is necessary to remove the first terminal 2 from the first main body 4, the locking of the first lance 25 can be released by inserting a rod or the like into the first locking part 42 and pushing the first lance 25 out of the first locking part 42. Therefore, it becomes possible to pull out the first terminal 2 from the first main body 4 without deforming or damaging the first terminal 2 or the first electric wire W1.
[0037] Then, as shown in Figure 6, the second terminal 3 is inserted into the first main body 4. The second terminal 3 is inserted from the second opening 48 into the first insertion space 41 and is pushed towards the back of the first insertion space 41. At this time, since the second tapered portion 45 is formed inside the first insertion space 41, the second terminal 3 is smoothly inserted into the first insertion space 41 without getting caught.
[0038] Then, the terminal portion 36 of the second terminal 3 passes between the two guide portions 46 and is inserted into the connection hole 26 of the first terminal 2. At this time, the guide portions 46 guide the terminal portion 36 along the correct path, allowing the terminal portion 36 to be smoothly inserted into the connection hole 26. The terminal portion 36 is then inserted between the two terminal portions 27 of the first terminal 2 and connected to the terminal portion 27.
[0039] On the other hand, in Figure 2, when the second lance 35 of the second terminal 3 reaches the position of the second locking portion 44, the second lance 35 is locked into the second locking portion 44. That is, the second lance 35 enters the second locking portion 44, restricting the movement of the second terminal 3 toward the second opening 48. As a result, the second terminal 3 cannot be removed from the first main body portion 4, and the second terminal 3 is fixed inside the first main body portion 4. At this time, since the second locking portion 44 is a hole that communicates with the outside of the first main body portion 4, it is possible to visually confirm from the outside of the first main body portion 4 that the second lance 35 is locked into the second locking portion 44 and that the second terminal 3 has been inserted to the correct position in the first main body portion 4. Furthermore, if it is necessary to remove the second terminal 3 from the first main body portion 4, the locking of the second lance 35 can be released by inserting a rod or the like into the second locking portion 44 and pushing the second lance 35 out of the second locking portion 44. Therefore, it becomes possible to pull out the second terminal 3 from the first main body 4 without damaging the second terminal 3 or the second wire W2.
[0040] When the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 are attached to the first main body 4, the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 become connected within the first main body 4. This electrically connects the first wire W1 and the second wire W2. Since the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 can be used in the same way as terminals commonly used in wire harnesses, no special processes or special materials are required.
[0041] Then, the third terminal 102 and the fourth terminal 103 are inserted into and connected to the second main body 104. The insertion and connection of the third terminal 102 and the fourth terminal 103 to the second main body 104 is performed in the same manner as the insertion and connection of the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 to the first main body 4. As shown in Figure 2, when the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 are connected and the third terminal 102 and the fourth terminal 103 are connected, the first wire W1 and the second wire W2 are connected, and the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4 are connected. This completes the wire connection by the coupler device 1.
[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the coupler device 1 connects the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 within the first body 4 by inserting the first terminal 2 into the first body 4 from one side and the second terminal 3 into the second body 4 from the other side. In addition, in this embodiment, the coupler device 1 connects the third terminal 102 and the fourth terminal 103 within the second body 104 by inserting the third terminal 102 into the second body 104 from one side and the fourth terminal 103 into the second body 104 from the other side. Therefore, the coupler device 1 in this embodiment does not require female and male couplers, etc., and can connect the first wire W1 and the second wire W2 and the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4 while reducing the number of parts. Furthermore, since the number of parts is reduced, the coupler device 1 in this embodiment can be made more cost-effective. In addition, in this embodiment, the coupler device 1 can connect the first body 4 and the second body 104 by forming a first connecting part 5 on the first body 4 and a second connecting part 105 on the second body 104. Therefore, the coupler device 1 according to this embodiment can bundle multiple wires connected by the first main body 4 and the second main body 104, making it easier to handle the wires. For example, when winding and securing multiple wires to the main line of a wire harness, there is no need to bundle the multiple wires by hand, making them easier to handle.
[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coupler device 1 has a long, non-divisible structure for the first body portion 4 and the second body portion 104, allowing the first body portion 4 and the second body portion 104 to have a simple structure. This makes it easier to manufacture the first body portion 4 and the second body portion 104.
[0044] Next, a coupler device according to the second embodiment will be described.
[0045] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the coupler device according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler device at the connection point VIII-VIII in Figure 7. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the main body parts in the coupler device of Figure 7. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the connection part in the coupler device according to the second embodiment.
[0046] The coupler device 1 according to the first embodiment described above connects the first main body 4 and the second main body 104 by sliding them in the extending direction. However, the coupler device 1A according to the second embodiment differs in that it connects the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A by arranging them parallel to each other and bringing them close together. Furthermore, in the coupler device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the first main body 4 and the second main body 104 were connected in the same orientation in the height direction. However, the coupler device 1A according to the second embodiment differs in that the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A are connected with the first locking part 42 and the third locking part 142 facing each other, and the second locking part 44 and the fourth locking part 144 facing each other. In other words, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A are connected with the first lance 25 of the first terminal 2 and the third lance 125 of the third terminal 102 facing each other, and the third lance 125 of the second terminal 3 and the fourth lance 135 of the fourth terminal 103 facing each other.
[0047] The first main body portion 4A of this embodiment is configured in substantially the same way as the first main body portion 4 of the first embodiment. The first main body portion 4A differs from the first main body portion 4 of the first embodiment in that a first storage chamber 49 is formed in communication with the first locking portion 42 and the second locking portion 44, and the first connecting portion 6 has a different structure from the first connecting portion 5 of the first embodiment. The second main body portion 104A of this embodiment is configured in substantially the same way as the second main body portion 104 of the first embodiment. The second main body portion 104A differs from the second main body portion 104 of the first embodiment in that a second storage chamber 149 is formed in communication with the third locking portion 142 and the fourth locking portion 144, and the second connecting portion 106 has a different structure from the second connecting portion 105 of the first embodiment.
[0048] Sealing members 8 are attached to the first wire W1, the second wire W2, the third wire W3, and the fourth wire W4. The sealing members 8 are inserted together with each wire W1 to W4 into the first insertion space 41 of the first main body 4A or the second insertion space 141 of the second main body 104A, and are members that seal water between each wire W1 to W4 and the first main body 4A or the second main body 104A. The sealing members 8 are made of an elastic material, have a cylindrical shape, and are attached to the outer circumference of the wires W1 to W4 by inserting the wires W1 to W4 through them. The sealing members 8 are attached by crimping, for example, by the first terminal 2, the second terminal 3, the third terminal 102, and the fourth terminal 103. By attaching the sealing members 8 to each wire W1 to W4, the watertightness in the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A can be improved.
[0049] As shown in Figure 8, a first housing chamber 49 is formed in the first main body 4A, and a second housing chamber 149 is formed in the second main body 104A, with the stopcock 7 housed in the first housing chamber 49 and the second housing chamber 149. The stopcock 7 is a component that seals the first locking portion 42 and the second locking portion 44 of the first main body 4A to stop water flow, and seals the third locking portion 142 and the fourth locking portion 144 of the second main body 104A to stop water flow. The stopcock 7 is formed, for example, from an elastically deformable material and is provided sandwiched between the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A, and is housed by being fitted halfway into the first housing chamber 49 of the first main body 4A and the second housing chamber 149 of the second main body 104A.
[0050] The first housing chamber 49 is formed in the first main body 4A, communicating with the outer sides of the first latch 42 and the second latch 44, and is a communication hole with a larger cross-section than the first latch 42 and the second latch 44. The second housing chamber 149 is formed in the second main body 104A, communicating with the outer sides of the third latch 142 and the fourth latch 144, and is a communication hole with a larger cross-section than the third latch 142 and the fourth latch 144. In the coupler device 1A, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A are arranged with the first latch 42 and the third latch 142 facing each other, and the second latch 44 and the fourth latch 144 facing each other, so that a single stopcock 7 can shut off water from the four first latch 42, second latch 44, third latch 142 and fourth latch 144. Therefore, the coupler device 1A can reduce the number of water-stopping members that need to be installed.
[0051] As shown in Figure 10, the first main body 4A has a first connecting portion 6, and the second main body 104A has a second connecting portion 106. By connecting the first connecting portion 6 and the second connecting portion 106, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A can be connected in parallel. For example, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A have similar shapes and structures and are arranged point-symmetrically around the center of connection (for example, the center of the stopcock 7). In other words, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A are made of the same material, but are arranged with their height direction Z and connection direction X opposite to each other. By making the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A of the coupler device 1A from the same material, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A can be manufactured using the same method, for example, by molding with the same mold, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
[0052] The first connecting portion 6 is formed on the side of the first main body portion 4A and has a first projection 61 and a first retaining portion 62. The first projection 61 is provided protruding from the opposing surface 40C of the first main body portion 4A. The opposing surface 40C is the surface facing the second main body portion 104A. The first projection 61 is a projection with an enlarged tip, extending in the connection direction X and formed as a ridge. This first projection 61 is formed at one end of the first main body portion 4A in the connection direction X, for example, one on the left and one on the right in the width direction Y. The first retaining portion 62 has two retaining pieces 62A spaced apart in the width direction Y. The two retaining pieces 62A have projections facing each other at their tips, and the space between their tip positions is narrow. This first retaining portion 62 is formed at the other end of the first main body portion 4A in the connection direction X, for example, one on the left and one on the right in the width direction Y.
[0053] The second connecting portion 106 is formed on the side of the second main body portion 104A and has a second projection 161 and a second retaining portion 162. The second connecting portion 106 has the same shape and structure as the first connecting portion 6, and the second projection 161 and the second retaining portion 162 have the same shape and structure as the first projection 61 and the first retaining portion 62. The first main body portion 4A and the second main body portion 104A are arranged parallel to each other with the first projection 61 and the second retaining portion 162 facing each other, and the first retaining portion 62 and the second projection 161 facing each other. The first main body portion 4A and the second main body portion 104A are connected when the first projection 61 is pushed into the second retaining portion 162 and the second projection 161 is pushed into the first retaining portion 62.
[0054] Next, the connection of electric wires using the coupler device 1A according to this embodiment will be described.
[0055] Coupler device 1A connects the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 to electrically connect the first wire W1 and the second wire W2, and connects the third terminal 102 and the fourth terminal 103 to electrically connect the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4.
[0056] As for connecting the wires using the coupler device 1A, first, as shown in Figure 9, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A are connected. For example, the stopcock 7 is fitted into the second housing chamber 149 of the second main body 104A. The first main body 4A and the second main body 104A are then arranged in parallel with the first projection 61 and the second holding part 162 facing each other, and the first holding part 62 and the second projection 161 facing each other. Then, as shown in Figure 10, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A are brought closer together along the height direction Z, and the second projection 161 is inserted into the first holding part 62, and the first projection 61 is inserted into the second holding part 162. In this way, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A are connected. At this time, the stopcock 7 is housed in the first housing chamber 49 and the second housing chamber 149, and the first housing chamber 49 and the second housing chamber 149 are closed by a single stopcock 7. Therefore, the first locking part 42 and the second locking part 44 communicating with the first storage chamber 49, and the third locking part 142 and the fourth locking part 144 communicating with the second storage chamber 149, are shut off by a single stopcock 7. Furthermore, since the coupler device 1A can connect the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A by bringing them closer together along the height direction Z, it is also possible to connect the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A after connecting multiple wires. In other words, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A can be connected even if there is no excess length of wire.
[0057] Then, as shown in Figure 8, the first wire W1 and the second wire W2 are connected by inserting and connecting the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 into the first main body 4A. In addition, the third wire W3 and the fourth wire W4 are connected by inserting and connecting the third terminal 102 and the fourth terminal 103 into the second main body 104A. This completes the wire connection by the coupler device 1A.
[0058] As described above, the coupler device 1A according to this embodiment can obtain the same effects and advantages as the coupler device 1 according to the first embodiment described above.
[0059] Furthermore, the coupler device 1A according to this embodiment allows the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A to be connected while being close together in the height direction Z. Therefore, even after connecting the wires to the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A, the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A can be easily connected.
[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coupler device 1A can stop water flow to the first main body 4A and the second main body 104A by blocking the first locking part 42, the second locking part 44, the third locking part 142, and the fourth locking part 144 with the stopcock 7. Since one stopcock 7 can block all four locking parts (first locking part 42, second locking part 44, third locking part 142, and fourth locking part 144), the number of parts can be reduced.
[0061] It should be noted that the coupler device according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The coupler device according to this embodiment may be constructed by appropriately combining the components of each embodiment and modified example described above.
[0062] For example, although the coupler device 1 and coupler device 1A according to the embodiments described above were described as having two main body parts, they may also have three or four or more main body parts, or three or four or more main body parts may be connectable. For example, the coupler device according to the present invention may have other main body parts in addition to the first main body part and the second main body part. Furthermore, the coupler device according to the present invention may have only one main body part, for example, either the first main body part or the second main body part may be used as the main body part. Even in this case, it is possible to connect with other main body parts of other coupler devices, and the same effects and advantages as those of the coupler device 1 and coupler device 1A according to the embodiments described above can be obtained.
[0063] Furthermore, although the coupler device 1 and coupler device 1A according to the embodiments described above have been described in the case where they are mounted on a vehicle, they may also be used without being mounted on a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]
[0064] 1: Coupler device 1A: Coupler device 2: First terminal 3:Second terminal 4: First main body (main body) 4A: First main body part 5: First connection part (connection part) 6:First connection part 7: Shut-off valve 25: First Lance 35: Second Lance 41: First insertion space (insertion space) 42:First hook part 44:Second hook part 47:First opening 48:Second opening 49: First Confinement Room 51: First protrusion (protrusion) 61:First protrusion (protrusion) 102: Third terminal 103:Fourth terminal 104:Second body part 104A:Second main body part 105:Second connection part 106:Second connection part 125: Third Lance 135: Fourth Lance 141: Second insertion space 142: Third latch part 144:Fourth hook part 147:Third opening 148:Fourth opening 149: Second Confinement Cell 152:Second holding part (holding part) 162:Second holding part (holding part) W1: First electric wire W2:Second electric wire W3:Third wire W4: Fourth electric wire
Claims
1. A first terminal is attached to the end of the first electric wire and has a first lance protruding from its side, The second terminal is attached to the end of the second electric wire and has a second lance protruding from its side, and connects to the first terminal, A first main body comprising a first insertion space extending along the direction of extension, a first opening on one side of the first insertion space into which the first terminal can be inserted, a first latching portion provided within the first insertion space for latching the first lance, a second opening on the other side of the first insertion space into which the second terminal can be inserted, and a second latching portion provided within the first insertion space for latching the second lance, A third terminal attached to the end of the third wire, having a third lance protruding from its side, The fourth terminal is attached to the end of the fourth electric wire and has a fourth lance protruding from its side, and connects to the third terminal, The device comprises a second insertion space extending along the aforementioned extension direction, a third opening on one side of the second insertion space into which the third terminal can be inserted, a third latching portion provided within the second insertion space for latching the third lance, a fourth opening on the other side of the second insertion space into which the fourth terminal can be inserted, and a second main body portion provided within the second insertion space that forms the fourth latching portion for latching the fourth lance. The first main body has a first connecting portion for connecting it in parallel with the second main body, The second main body has a second connecting portion that is engaged with the first connecting portion, The first latching portion and the second latching portion are holes formed from the first insertion space toward the outside of the first main body portion, The third and fourth latching portions are holes formed from the second insertion space toward the outside of the second main body, The first main body portion forms a first housing chamber that communicates with the first latch portion and the second latch portion on the outside, The second main body forms a second storage chamber that communicates with the third and fourth latching portions on the outside. The first and second containment chambers are further equipped with stopcocks, The first and second main bodies are arranged so that the first and second storage chambers face each other, and the stopcock is housed in the first and second storage chambers, so that one stopcock can block the first, second, third, and fourth latches to stop the water flow. Coupler device.
2. When the first lance is hooked onto the first latching portion and the second lance is hooked onto the second latching portion, the first main body connects the first terminal and the second terminal within the first insertion space. The second main body connects the third terminal and the fourth terminal within the second insertion space when the third lance is engaged with the third latch and the fourth lance is engaged with the fourth latch. The coupler device according to claim 1.
3. The first connecting portion has a projection formed on the side of the first main body portion, The second connecting portion has a holding portion formed on the side of the second main body portion, The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are brought closer together from a state in which the first main body portion and the second main body portion are arranged in parallel, and the projection portion is pushed into the holding portion, thereby engaging the projection portion with the holding portion and connecting the first main body portion and the second main body portion. The coupler device according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The first main body and the second main body each have a non-divisible structure and are elongated bodies along the extending direction. The coupler device according to claim 1 or 2.