EP0777302B1

EP0777302B1 - A wire end connection assembly

Info

Publication number: EP0777302B1
Application number: EP19960119196
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yoshinao c/o Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd Kobayashi; Yuji C/O Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd. Watanabe
Original assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Priority date: 1995-12-01
Filing date: 1996-11-29
Publication date: 2002-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 2016-11-29
Also published as: DE69622668T2; EP0777302A1; CN1057876C; CN1158506A; DE69622668D1

Description

The present invention relates to a wire end connector assembly for the connection of the wire with an equipment.
The internal combustion engine of a vehicle is provided with a distributor with which a spark coil or the like is connected via a high voltage resistive wire.
The construction for the above connector assembly is as shown in FIG. 11. Specifically, a distributor 1 is formed with a tubular receptacle 2 in the middle of which an externally threaded rod as a male terminal fitting 3 projects. At the end of a high voltage resistive wire, a female terminal fitting 5 is mounted. Further, a tubular seal member 6 is mounted at the end of the high voltage resistive wire such that the female terminal fitting 5 projects in the middle of the hollow space of the seal member 6.
In order to connect the wire 4 with the distributor 1, the female terminal fitting 5 is connected with the male terminal fitting 3 while the seal member 6 is fitted into the receptacle 2.
However, in the above construction, since the seal member made of rubber is easily deformable, the female terminal tends to be slanted or displaced from the center position, making it difficult to connect the female and male terminal fittings. Further, since the opening of the receptacle is sealed by the seal member before the female terminal fitting is connected with the male terminal fitting, the position of the male terminal fitting cannot be confirmed after an intermediate stage, making the connection even more difficult.
EP 0 602 698 A1 discloses an ignition cable assembly comprising a terminal attached to an end of a cable, a cable seal and a tower seal for enclosing a terminal, the cable seal insulating a portion of the terminal, the tower seal including an elastomeric boot radially spaced from a contact of the terminal for engaging sealingly an insulation tower of a mating terminal. Such a connector is furthermore described in the preamble of claim 1.
EP 0 565 465 A1 discloses an electric connector in which the female terminal comprises an open inwardly tapered end-portion for accommodating a corresponding male terminal.
It is the object of the invention to provide a wire end connector assembly which ensures an easier connection.
This object is fulfilled by a wire end connector assembly having the features disclosed in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims.
According to the invention, there is provided a wire end connector assembly comprising a first terminal fitting connected with a wire, a second terminal fitting disposed in a terminal chamber provided at or on an equipment, a seal member mounted on the end of the wire and at least one guide portion provided on the first terminal fitting for guiding the first terminal fitting substantially to a position where it is connectable with the second terminal fitting by coming into contact with an inner wall surface of the terminal chamber upon or during the insertion of the first terminal fitting into the terminal chamber, wherein the seal member is formed with the guide portion, wherein the terminal chamber has a substantially tubular shape and wherein the seal member and the guide portion have preferably concentric substantially tubular shapes and are substantially disposed along the same center axis as the terminal chamber at least in their connected state, and wherein the guide portion is formed into a hollow substantially tabular shape characterized in that the outer diameter of the guide portion is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the terminal chamber; the guide portion has such a substantially tubular shape that it substantially covers the first terminal fitting; and the leading end of the guide portion is tapered to form a guide surface.
A tubular shape according to the invention might have a substantially circular, elliptic, square or rectangular cross sectional shape.
Further more the guide portion has such a substantially tubular shape that it substantially covers (i.e. it has at least the same longitudinal extension) the first terminal fitting and its outer surface preferably comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the terminal chamber when both terminal fittings are connected or are to be connected, and in particular acts as a seal member for sealing the opening of the terminal chamber, preferably watertight.
Still further preferably, a clearance for permitting the deformation of the guide portion is defined substantially between the guide portion and the first terminal fitting.
The terminal chamber is formed by a substantially tubular wall projecting from the equipment, and preferably wherein the seal member comprises an outer sealing portion which is, in particular watertightly, substantially fitted to or on the outer surface of the tubular wall and/or an inner sealing portion which is, in particular watertightly inserted into the tubular wall, wherein in particular the inner and outer sealing portions are displaced with respect to each other along an insertion direction, in particular of the sealing portions into or on the tubular wall or along a connection direction of the terminal fittings.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the seal member is formed with an insertion hole into which the first terminal fitting connected with the wire is inserted, and/or a retaining portion for engaging the first terminal fitting to retain it in a specified or predetermined or predeterminable position.
Preferably, the first terminal fitting comprises a securing portion with which the wire is to be connected and/or a connection portion with which the second terminal fitting is to be connected, and preferably wherein the guide portion is formed between the securing portion and the connection portion.
Further preferably, the guide portion is formed into a preferably hollow substantially cylindrical shape.
According to the invention, the wire end connector assembly, has one or more seal portions or guide portion extending substantially in parallel to the first terminal fitting, wherein at least one seal portion is arranged in the radial direction between the first terminal fitting and the terminal chamber, the seal portion extending in particular substantially along the full or complete longitudinal extension or length of the first terminal fitting.
Thus, according to the invention, the sealing properties of the wire end connector are improved, in particular against the infiltration of moisture./Furthermore the sealing portion can serve also as a guide portion for substantially guiding the first fitting to a coupling position with the second fitting, thus providing according to the invention a double function of improved sealing and of improved connectability.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a wire end connection construction in which one of terminal fittings connectable with each other is connected with an end of a wire and the other terminal fitting is disposed in a terminal chamber formed at an equipment, the one terminal fitting is connected with the other terminal fitting by inserting the end of the wire into the terminal chamber through an opening of the terminal chamber, comprising:
a seal member provided at the end of the wire for sealing the opening of the terminal chamber watertight when both terminal fittings are connected, the seal member being formed with a guide portion for guiding the one terminal fitting to a position where it is connectable with the other terminal fitting by coming into contact with the opening edge of the terminal chamber when the end of the wire is inserted into the terminal chamber.
Accordingly, the end of the wire is connected with the equipment by inserting the end of the wire into the terminal chamber formed at the equipment and connecting the one terminal fitting with the other terminal fitting. At this time, if the one terminal fitting is inserted while being displaced from its proper insertion position, the guide portion comes into contact with the opening edge of the terminal chamber, thereby guiding the one terminal fitting to the proper insertion position. In other words, the one terminal fitting can be securely connected with the other terminal fitting by being guided to the proper insertion position. Simultaneously, the opening of the terminal chamber is sealed by the seal member.
Accordingly, by forming the guide portion at the seal member, even if the one terminal fitting is displaced from its proper insertion position, it can be guided to and connected with the other terminal fitting. "Therefore, the terminal fittings can be easily and securely connected.
The terminal chamber has a tubular shape, and the seal member and the guide portion have preferably concentric tubular shapes and are disposed along the same center axis as the terminal chamber.
Accordingly, if the one terminal fitting is displaced from its proper insertion position when both terminal fittings are connected, the guide portion and the seal member are displaced from the center axis of the terminal chamber, with the result that the guide portion comes into contact with the opening edge of the terminal chamber. Accordingly, while being inserted, the one terminal fitting is gradually guided to its proper insertion position, and the terminal fittings are securely connected. Simultaneously, the opening of the terminal chamber is sealed by the seal member.
The guide portion has such a tubular shape that it covers the one terminal fitting and its outer surface preferably, comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the terminal chamber when both terminal fittings are connected, and acts as a seal member for sealing the opening of the terminal chamber watertight.
Accordingly, the guide portion guides the one terminal fitting to its proper insertion position when the terminal fittings are connected, and seals the opening of the terminal chamber watertight after the terminal fittings are connected by coming into contact with the inner wall surface of the terminal chamber. Since the guide portion has a sealing function as well as a guiding function, it is not necessary to separately form the seal member. As a result, the construction of the guide portion can be simplified.
Still further preferably, a clearance for permitting the deformation of the guide portion is defined between the guide portion and the one terminal fitting.
Accordingly, the guide portion which also acts as the seal member is deformed when coming into contact with the inner wall surface of the terminal chamber. Accordingly, an insertion force can be reduced, making the insertion of the guide portion into the terminal chamber easier. As a result, the terminal fittings can be easily connected while the terminal chamber is securely sealed.
Still further preferably, the seal member comprises an outer sealing portion which is watertightly fitted to the outer surface of the tubular wall and the guide portion as an inner sealing portion which is watertightly inserted into the tubular wall.
Accordingly, when the terminal fittings are connected, the outer sealing portion is, in particular watertightly fitted to the outer surface of the tubular wall while the inner sealing is watertightly inserted into the tubular wall. Since the terminal chamber is sealed by both inner and outer sealing portions, a sealing performance can be enhanced.
Most preferably, the inner and outer sealing portions are displaced with respect to an insertion direction.
Accordingly, since the inner and outer sealing portions are displaced with respect to the insertion direction, they are pressed against the tubular wall not simultaneously, but with a delay when the terminal fittings are connected. Accordingly, an insertion resistance can be reduced. Further, since the terminal chamber is sealed by both inner and outer sealing portions, a sealing performance can be enhanced.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the seal member is formed with an insertion hole into which the one terminal fitting connected with the end of the wire is inserted, and a retaining portion for engaging the one terminal fitting to retain it in a specified position.
Accordingly, the one terminal fitting can be retained by the retaining portion of the seal member. Accordingly, the one terminal fitting does not wobble when the terminal fittings are connected, thereby making the connection of the terminal fittings easier.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a section of a first embodiment,
FIG. 2 is a section showing a state where a guide surface is in contact with a receptacle in the first embodiment,
FIG. 3 is a section showing a state where female and male terminal fittings are connected in the first embodiment,
FIG. 4 is a section of a second embodiment,
FIG. 5 is a section of a third embodiment,
FIG. 6 is a section of a fourth embodiment,
FIG. 7 is a front view of a fourth embodiment,
FIG. 8 is a front view of a fifth embodiment,
FIG. 9 is a section of a sixth embodiment,
FIG. 10 is a section of a seventh embodiment, and
FIG. 11 is a section of a prior art connection construction.

Hereafter, a first embodiment of the wire end connection construction according to the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
This wire end connection construction is adapted to connect an end of a high voltage resistive wire with e.g. a distributor or a spark coil in the internal combustion engine of a vehicle.
As shown in FIG. 1, this connection construction is provided with a male terminal fitting 11 and a female terminal fitting 12 which are connectable with each other. The male terminal fitting 11 is disposed in a receptacle 15 projecting from a side surface of a casing 14 of a distributor 13. The receptacle 15 has a tubular shape, and the inner diameter thereof is considerably larger than the diameter of the male terminal fitting 11. The male terminal fitting 11 is an externally threaded rod, and projects along a center axis of the receptacle 15 by such a distance that the leading end thereof is located slightly inward of an opening edge 15a of the receptacle 15. Through unillustrated, the male terminal fitting 11 is connected with a distribution circuit within the distributor 13.
On the other hand, the female terminal fitting 12 is connected with an end of a wire 16. The female terminal fitting 12 includes a barrel portion 17 and a connection portion 18 formed at the leading end of the barrel portion 17 and engageable with the male terminal fitting 11. The barrel portion 17 includes one or more, in particular three pairs of deformable portions 19 along its longitudinal direction. After the end of the wire 16 is placed on the barrel portion 17, the deformable portions 19 are bent to retain the wire 16, thereby connecting the end of the wire 16 with the barrel 17. The leading end of each deformable portion 19 is serrated like saw teeth, so that it cuts in the insulation coating of the wire 16 when being bent, thereby making the connection more secure. The connection portion 18 is formed by bending a metal strip into a hollow cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction, and the inner diameter thereof is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the male terminal fitting 11. A C-shaped elastic member 20 is fitted on the leading end of the connection portion 18 to join a seam formed when the metal strip is bent. The elastic member 20 applies a biasing force to narrow the opening of the connection portion 18, and the male terminal fitting 11 is pressed into the narrowed opening of the connection portion 18. Between the barrel portion 17 and the connection portion 18, a stopper wall 25 is formed by bending the material. When the wire 16 is connected, the leading end thereof comes into contact with the stopper wall 25 to be positioned.
A seal member 21 of insulating and/or sealing material, e.g. of rubber is mounted on the end of the wire 16. At the front side of the seal member 21, there is formed a sealing tubular portion 22 fittable to the outer surface of the receptacle 15. The sealing tubular portion 22 has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the receptacle 15, and is watertightly fittable to the receptacle 15. A through hole 23 is so formed as to extend from the rear end surface of the seal member 21 to the inside of the sealing tubular portion 22. The rear part of the through hole 23 has a diameter slightly smaller than the that of the wire 16, and the front part thereof is formed to have a slightly larger diameter (slightly smaller than the barrel portion 17) than that of the rear part, thereby forming a retaining portion 26. The barrel portion 17 of the female terminal fitting 12 connected with the wire 16 is fitted into the retaining portion 26 through the through hole 23, with the result that the female terminal fitting 12 is retained with the connection portion 18 projecting into the sealing tubular portion 22.
Inside the sealing tubular portion 22, a guide portion 24 projects such that it coats the outer surface of the female terminal fitting 12. The guide portion 22 has a tubular shape, and the outer diameter thereof is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the receptacle 15. The leading end of the guide portion 24 is tapered to form a guide surface 24a. More specifically, when the female terminal fitting 12 is inserted into the receptacle 15 while being displaced from its proper insertion position (center axis of the receptacle 15), the guide surface 24a comes into contact with the opening edge 15a of the receptacle 15, thereby guiding the female terminal fitting 12 to the proper insertion position. An opening edge 22a of the tubular portion 22 is also tapered to make it easier to fit the tubular portion 22 on the receptacle 15.
Next, the action of this embodiment is described. In order to connect the end of the wire 16 with the distributor 13, the female terminal fitting 12 is inserted into the receptacle 15 while the seal member 21 is fitted on the receptacle 15. At this time, if the female terminal fitting 12 is obliquely inserted while being displaced from its proper insertion position as shown in FIG. 2, the guide surface 24a of the guide portion 24 comes into contact with the opening edge 15a of the receptacle 15. Accordingly, while being pressed into the receptacle 15, the female terminal fitting 12 is guided to its proper insertion position, and consequently connected with the male terminal fitting 11. As a result, the terminal fittings 11, 12 are securely connected, and the opening of the receptacle 15 is sealed watertight (see FIG. 3).
Since the seal member 21 is formed with the guide portion 24 in this embodiment, the terminal fittings 11, 12 can be securely connected even if the female terminal fitting 12 is obliquely inserted while being displaced from its proper insertion position. In other words, since the terminal fittings 11, 12 can be securely connected only by inserting the female terminal fitting 12 into the receptacle 15, the connection can be very easily made. Further, since the female terminal fitting 12 can be retained by the retaining portion 26 of the seal member 21, the female terminal fitting 12 does not wobble when the terminal fittings 11, 12 are connected. As a result, the connection can be more easily made.

Hereafter, a second embodiment of the wire end connection construction according to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 4.
Although the guide portion 24 of the first embodiment has its leading end tapered, a guide portion of the second embodiment has a tapered projected portion formed at its leading end.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a guide portion 31 is formed such that its outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of a receptacle 32, a front part of its outer surface projects more outward than a base part, and this projected portion 33 is tapered toward the leading end of the guide portion 31. The outer diameter of the projected portion 33 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the receptacle 32 so that, when the guide portion 31 is inserted into the receptacle 32, the projected portion 33 is compressed to be in close contact with the inner wall surface of the receptacle 32. Where the projected portion 32 is tapered, there is formed a guide surface 33a. When a female terminal fitting 34 is displaced from its proper insertion position, the guide surface 33a comes into contact with an opening edge 32a of the receptacle 32, thereby guiding the female terminal fitting 34 to the proper insertion position. Since the other construction is similar or same as that of the first embodiment, no description is given by identifying the corresponding or same elements by the same reference numerals.
Thus, even if the female terminal fitting 34 is inserted while being displaced from its proper insertion position, it is guided to the proper insertion position by the guide surface 33a. Accordingly, the terminal fittings 34, 35 can be easily and securely connected as in the first embodiment. Further, as the terminal fittings 34, 35 are connected, the opening of the receptacle 32 is sealed watertight by both the sealing tubular portion 22 and the projected portion 33, further enhancing a sealing performance.

Hereafter, a third embodiment of the wire end connection construction according to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 5.
Although the depth of the sealing tubular portion 22 is set substantially equal to the projecting distance of the receptacle 32 in the second embodiment, a sealing tubular portion 61 has a short depth as shown in FIG. 5 and can cover only the leading end of the receptacle 32 in this embodiment. Since the other construction is similar or same as that of the second embodiment, no description is given by identifying the corresponding or same elements by the same reference numerals.
In such a case, when the terminal fittings 34, 35 are connected, the projected portion 33 is inserted into the receptacle 32 while being compressed and then the sealing tubular portion 61 is fitted to the outer surface of the receptacle 32. Accordingly, the projected portion 33 and the sealing tubular portion 61 are not simultaneously pressed against the receptacle 32, thereby reducing an insertion resistance. Further, since the opening of the receptacle 32 can be sealed by both the sealing tubular portion 61 and the projected portion 33, a sealing performance can be further enhanced.

Hereafter, a fourth embodiment of the wire end connection construction according to the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
Although the elastic member 20 fitted on the female terminal fitting 34 is in close contact with the inner surface of the projected portion 33 in the second embodiment, the inner surface of a projected portion 72 formed at the leading end of a guide portion 71 is cut away over the entire circumference to form a clearance 73 between the inner surface of the projected portion 72 and the elastic member 20 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in this embodiment. Since the other construction is similar or same as that of the second embodiment, no description is given by identifying the corresponding or same elements by the same reference numerals.
Thus, the projected portion 72 is deformed if it comes into contact with the opening edge 32a of the receptacle 32 when the terminal fittings 34, 35 are connected, and inserted into the receptacle 32 while guiding the female terminal fitting 34 to its proper insertion position. Accordingly, a force for inserting the guide portion 71 into the receptacle 32 can be reduced, with the result that the terminal fittings 34, 35 can be easily connected and the opening of the receptacle 32 can be easily sealed.

Hereafter, a fifth embodiment of the wire end connection construction according to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 8.
Although the elastic member 20 fitted on the female terminal fitting 34 is in close contact with the inner surface of the projected portion 33 in the second embodiment, the inner surface of a projected portion 82 formed at the leading end of a guide portion 81 is serrated over the entire circumference to form a clearance 83 between the inner surface of the projected portion 82 and the elastic member 20 as shown in FIG. 8 in this embodiment. The clearance 83 is interrupted in the circular direction by projections 82a, which extend inwardly from the projected portion, being in particular unitarily or integrally formed therewith, toward the C-shaped elastic member 20, thus forming a star-like configuration. Since the other construction is similar or same as that of the second embodiment, no description is given by identifying the corresponding or same elements by the same reference numerals.
Thus, the projected portion 82 is deformed if it comes into contact with the opening edge 32a of the receptacle 32 when the terminal fittings 34, 35 are connected, and inserted into the receptacle 32 while guiding the female terminal fitting 34 to its proper insertion position. Accordingly, similar to the fourth embodiment, a force for inserting the guide portion 81 into the receptacle 32 can be reduced. Further, since the inner surface is serrated, the opening of the receptacle 32 can be sealed while preventing the strain caused by the compression of the projected portion 82.

Hereafter, a sixth embodiment of the wire end connection construction according to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 9.
Although the guide portion 24 of the first embodiment has its leading end tapered, a guide portion 41 of the sixth embodiment has a bulging portion 42 formed at its leading end.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, a guide portion 41 is formed such that its diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the receptacle and a leading part of its outer surface bulges outward over the entire circumference. This bulging portion 42 has a round or elliptical or rounded annular shape, and the outer diameter of the most bulging part is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the receptacle. In other words, when the guide portion 41 is inserted into the receptacle, the bulging portion 42 is compressed, thereby being brought into close contact with the inner surface of the receptacle. Further, a slanting surface at the front side of the bulging portion 42 forms a guide surface 42a. When the female terminal fitting is displaced from its proper insertion position, the guide surface 42a comes into contact with the opening edge of the receptacle, thereby guiding the female terminal fitting to the proper insertion position. Since the other construction is similar or same as that of the first embodiment, no description is given by identifying the corresponding or same elements by the same reference numerals.
Thus, similar to the first embodiment, the terminal fittings can be easily and securely connected. Further, since the opening of the receptacle can be sealed watertight by the bulging portion 42 as well, a sealing performance can be further enhanced.

Hereafter, a seventh embodiment of the wire end connection construction according to the invention is described with reference to FIG. 10.
Although the guide portion 24 of the first embodiment has a tapered leading end, a guide portion 51 of the seventh embodiment is formed with lips 52.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, a guide portion 51 is formed such that its diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the receptacle, and one or more, in particular three lips 52 are formed one after another along the longitudinal direction at the substantially front part of the outer surface of the guide portion 51. The outer diameter of the lips 52 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the receptacle. The foremost lip 52 is tapered toward the leading end of the guide portion 51, thereby forming a guide surface 52a. Thus, when the guide portion 51 is inserted into the receptacle the lips 52 are compressed to be in close contact with the inner wall surface of the receptacle. When the female terminal fitting is displaced from its proper insertion position, the guide surface 52a comes into contact with an opening edge of the receptacle, thereby guiding the female terminal fitting to the proper insertion position. Since the other construction is similar or same as that of the first embodiment, no description is given by identifying the corresponding or same elements by the same reference numerals.
Accordingly, similar to the foregoing embodiments, the terminal fittings can be easily and securely connected. Further, since the opening of the receptacle can be sealed watertight by the lips 52 as well, a sealing performance can be further enhanced.
The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but may be embodied in the following manners. These embodiments are also embraced by the technical scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.
(1) Although the sealing tubular portion 61 has such a depth that it can cover only the leading end of the receptacle 32 in the third embodiment, it may be completely deleted. More specifically, in FIG. 5, the sealing tubular portion 61 may not be formed and the opening of the receptacle 32 may be sealed only by the projected portion 33, and the displaced female terminal fitting 34 may be guided to its proper insertion position by the guide surface 33a formed at the projected portion 33. The construction can be simplified by deleting the sealing tubular portion 61.
(2) Although the barrel portion 17 includes three pairs of deformable members 19 in the foregoing embodiments, it may include one, two or more than three pairs of deformable members 19. Further, the leading end of each deformable member 19 may not be serrated.
A variety of other changes are possible without departing the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

A wire end connector assembly comprising
a first terminal fitting (12; 34) connected with a wire (16),
a second terminal fitting (11; 35) disposed in a terminal chamber (15; 32) provided at or on an equipment (13),
a seal member (21) mounted on the end of the wire and
at least one guide portion (24; 31; 41; 51; 71; 81) provided on the first terminal fitting for guiding the first terminal fitting (12; 34) substantially to a position where it is connectable with the second terminal fitting (11; 35) by coming into contact with an inner wall surface of the terminal chamber (15; 32) upon or during the insertion of the first terminal fitting (12; 34) into the terminal chamber (15; 32), wherein the seal member (21) is formed with the guide portion (24; 31; 41; 51; 71; 81);
wherein the terminal chamber (15; 32) has a substantially tubular shape and
wherein the seal member (21) and the guide portion (24; 31; 41; 51; 71; 81) have preferably concentric substantially tubular shapes and are substantially disposed along the same center axis as the terminal chamber (15; 32) at least in their connected state, and
wherein the guide portion (24; 31; 41; 51; 71; 81) is formed into a hollow substantially tabular shape
characterized in that
the outer diameter of the guide portion (24; 31; 41; 51; 71; 81) is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the terminal chamber (15; 32);
the guide portion (24; 31; 41; 51; 71; 81) has such a substantially tubular shape that it substantially covers the first terminal fitting (12; 34); and
the leading end of the guide portion is tapered to form a guide surface (24a; 33a; 42a; 52a).
A wire end connector assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the guide portion's (24; 31; 41; 51; 71; 81) outer surface comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the terminal chamber (15; 32) when both terminal fittings (11; 12; 34; 35) are connected or are to be connected, and in particular acts as a seal member (21) for sealing the opening of the terminal chamber (15; 32), preferably watertight.
A wire end connector assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a clearance (73; 83) for permitting the deformation of the guide portion (71; 81) is defined substantially between the guide portion (71; 81) and the first terminal fitting (35).
A wire end connector assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal chamber (15; 32) is formed by a substantially tubular wall projecting from the equipment (13), and preferably wherein the seal member (21) comprises an outer sealing portion (22; 61) which is, in particular watertightly, substantially fitted to or on the outer surface of the tubular wall.
A wire end connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein the guide portion (31) and the outer (61) sealing portion are displaced with respect to each other along an insertion direction.
A wire end connector assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the seal member (21) is formed with an insertion hole (23) into which the first terminal fitting (12; 34) connected with the wire (16) is inserted, and/or a retaining portion (26) for engaging the first terminal fitting (12; 34) to retain it in a predetermined or predeterminable position.
A wire end connector assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first terminal fitting (12; 34; 112; 133) comprises a securing portion (17; 117) with which the wire (16; 116) is to be connected and/or a connection portion (18; 118; 172) with which the second terminal fitting (11; 35; 111) is to be connected, and preferably wherein the guide portion (124; 131; 173) is formed between the securing portion (117) and the connection portion (118; 172).