JP2015038834A - Conducting path and connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to be compatible with a plural kinds of electric wires of different outer diameter dimensions without increasing the number of kinds of seal members in which a seal hole is formed.SOLUTION: A second conducting path 20b (a conducting path) includes: a second electric wire 26b (an electric wire) that is inserted in a seal hole 15 in a fluid-tight state; a diameter increased layer 29b made of a photo-curing resin, formed so as to enclose the second electric wire 26b in a state of being close contact with an outer peripheral of the second electric wire 26b in a fluid-tight state, whose outer diameter dimension D of an outer peripheral surface is matched to an inner diameter dimension of the seal hole 15.

Description

  The present invention relates to a conductive path and a connector.

  A waterproof conductive path is disclosed in which a terminal metal fitting is connected to the front end of an electric wire, and a cylindrical individual rubber plug whose inner periphery is a sealing hole is attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire in a liquid-tight manner. The front end portion of the conductive path, that is, the terminal fitting, the front end portion of the electric wire, and the individual rubber plug are individually inserted into the plurality of terminal accommodating chambers formed in the housing from the rear. In the inserted state, the outer periphery of the individual rubber plug is elastically in close contact with the inner peripheral sealing surface of the terminal accommodating chamber, and water intrusion into the gap between the sealing surface and the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire is prevented.

JP 2011-014421 A

In the above connector structure, when multiple types of conductive paths with different outer diameters of the electric wires are to be attached to a common housing, in order to eliminate the incompatibility between the outer diameter of the electric wires and the inner diameter of the sealing hole, Since it is necessary to prepare a plurality of types of individual rubber plugs having different diameter dimensions, the number of types of individual rubber plugs increases. In addition, even when waterproofing using a batch rubber plug having a plurality of seal holes, in order to eliminate the incompatibility between the outer diameter of the wires and the inner diameter of the seal holes, the seal holes should be matched to the outer diameter of each wire. Since it is necessary to prepare a plurality of types of batch rubber plugs having diameters set, the number of types of batch rubber plugs increases.
The present invention has been completed based on the above-described circumstances, and can cope with a plurality of types of electric wires having different outer diameter dimensions without increasing the number of types of seal members in which seal holes are formed. For the purpose.

The conductive path of the first invention is
An electric wire inserted in a liquid-tight manner into the seal hole;
A diameter-enlarging layer made of a photocurable resin, which is formed so as to be surrounded in a liquid-tight manner around the outer periphery of the electric wire and has an outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface adapted to an inner diameter of the seal hole. It has a characteristic where it exists.

The connector of the second invention is
A housing in which a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers are formed;
A batch rubber stopper in which a plurality of seal holes corresponding to the terminal accommodating chambers are formed;
A first electric wire having an outer diameter set to a size suitable for an inner diameter of the seal hole, and a first terminal fitting connected to the first electric wire and inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber, the first electric wire Is inserted through the batch rubber plug, the first conductive path is configured such that the outer peripheral surface of the first electric wire and the inner peripheral surface of the seal hole are in direct liquid-tight contact;
A second conductive path having a second terminal fitting inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber and a second electric wire having an outer diameter set to be smaller than the first electric wire and inserted through the batch rubber plug;
A diameter-enlarging layer made of a photocurable resin, which is formed so as to be surrounded in a liquid-tight manner in an outer periphery of the second electric wire, and whose outer peripheral surface is in a liquid-tight contact with an inner peripheral surface of the seal hole; It has the feature in having.

The connector of the third invention is
A housing in which a terminal accommodating chamber is formed;
Cylindrical individual rubber plugs that can be liquid-tightly adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating chamber, and whose inner periphery is a seal hole;
A first electric wire having an outer diameter set to a size suitable for an inner diameter of the seal hole, and a first terminal fitting connected to the first electric wire and inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber, the first electric wire Is inserted through the individual rubber plug, the first conductive path is configured such that the outer peripheral surface of the first electric wire and the inner peripheral surface of the seal hole are in direct liquid-tight contact with each other,
A second conductive path having a second terminal fitting inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber, and a second electric wire having an outer diameter set to be smaller than that of the first electric wire and inserted through the individual rubber plug;
A diameter-enlarging layer made of a photocurable resin, which is formed so as to be surrounded in a liquid-tight manner in an outer periphery of the second electric wire, and whose outer peripheral surface is in a liquid-tight contact with an inner peripheral surface of the seal hole; It has the feature in having.

  In the first invention, when a plurality of types of electric wires having different outer diameter dimensions are inserted into the common seal hole, the inner diameter dimension of the seal hole is set so as to match the electric wire having the maximum outer diameter. Then, for the electric wire having an outer diameter smaller than that of the thickest electric wire, a diameter-increasing layer having a predetermined thickness is formed in consideration of the difference in diameter from the sealing hole, and the outer peripheral surface of the increasing diameter layer is set to the inner periphery of the sealing hole. Adhere to. According to the first invention, even when a plurality of types of electric wires having different outer diameter dimensions are inserted into the seal hole, an appropriate sealing performance can be ensured without increasing the number of types of seal members in which the seal holes are formed. Can do.

  According to the second invention, the outer diameter of the increased diameter layer formed on the outer periphery of the second electric wire is set to the inner periphery of the seal hole with respect to the second electric wire having a smaller outer diameter than the seal hole of the collective rubber plug. By closely contacting the surface, the gap between the seal hole and the second electric wire is sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Therefore, even if the inner diameter dimension of the plurality of seal holes formed in the collective rubber plug is uniform, it is possible to ensure proper sealing performance for both the first electric wire and the second electric wire having different outer diameter dimensions. Therefore, according to the second invention, it is not necessary to increase the number of types of batch rubber stoppers.

  According to the third invention, the outer diameter of the increased diameter layer formed on the outer periphery of the second electric wire is set to the inner periphery of the seal hole with respect to the second electric wire having a small outer diameter size and incompatible with the seal hole of the individual rubber plug. By closely contacting the surface, the gap between the seal hole and the second electric wire is sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Therefore, even if the inner diameter dimension of the seal hole of the individual rubber plug is constant, it is possible to ensure proper sealing performance for both the first electric wire and the second electric wire having different outer diameter dimensions. Therefore, according to the third invention, it is not necessary to increase the number of types of individual rubber plugs.

Sectional drawing of the connector of Example 1 Partial enlarged view of FIG. Sectional view of the first conductive path Sectional view of the second conductive path Sectional view of the third conductive path Sectional view of the fourth conductive path Sectional drawing showing the state which inserted the 1st conductive path in the housing in the connector of Example 2. Partial enlarged sectional view of FIG. Sectional drawing showing the state which inserted the 2nd conductive path in the housing Partial enlarged sectional view of FIG. Sectional view of the first conductive path Sectional view of the second conductive path

<Example 1>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The connector A according to the first embodiment includes a housing 10, a collective rubber plug 14, a rear holder 17, and first to fourth conductive paths 20a to 20d.

<Housing 10>
In the housing 10, four terminal accommodating chambers 11 elongated in the front-rear direction are formed so as to be aligned vertically and horizontally. A housing space 12 that opens to the rear end surface of the housing 10 is formed at the rear end of the housing 10. The rear ends of the four terminal storage chambers 11 are open at the back end surface (front end surface) of the storage space 12. The inner peripheral surface of the accommodation space 12 is a seal surface 13.

<Batch rubber stopper 14>
The collective rubber plug 14 is attached to the housing 10 in a state of being housed in a front end side region in the housing space 12. The seal rubber plug 14 is formed with four seal holes 15 penetrating in the front-rear direction. The four seal holes 15 are arranged vertically and horizontally so as to correspond to the four terminal housing chambers 11. The four seal holes 15 have a true circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis. The inner diameter dimensions of the four seal holes 15 are all set to the same dimension. A lip portion 16 is formed on the outer periphery of the collective rubber plug 14, and the lip portion 16 is in close contact with the sealing surface 13 in a liquid-tight state in an elastically deformed state. Thereby, the space between the outer periphery of the positioning hole and the inner periphery of the accommodation space 12 is sealed.

<Rear holder 17>
The rear holder 17 is attached to the housing 10 in a state of being accommodated in a rear end side region in the accommodating space 12. The rear holder 17 is disposed behind the collective rubber plug 14, thereby restricting the collective rubber plug 14 in the accommodation space 12 from being displaced rearwardly or detached from the accommodation space 12. The rear holder 17 is formed with four through holes 18 corresponding to the four seal holes 15. Terminal fittings 21a to 21d and electric wires 26a to 26d, which will be described later, are inserted into the through holes 18, respectively.

<First conductive path 20a>
The first conductive path 20a includes a first terminal fitting 21a and a first electric wire 26a connected to the rear end portion of the first terminal fitting 21a. The first terminal fitting 21a is formed into a shape that is elongated in the front-rear direction as a whole by bending a copper plate material. A square tube portion 22 is formed on the front end side of the first terminal fitting 21a, and an open barrel-like crimping portion 23 is formed on the rear end side of the first terminal fitting 21a. The crimping portion 23 includes a wire barrel portion 24 disposed on the front side and an insulation barrel portion 25 disposed on the rear side. The insulation barrel portion 25 is located at the rear end portion of the first terminal fitting 21a.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first electric wire 26a has a well-known configuration in which the outer circumference of the first conductor 27a having a substantially circular cross section is concentrically surrounded by a cylindrical first insulating coating 28a. . The 1st conductor 27a consists of a strand of the known form which twisted together the strand (illustration omitted) made from aluminum or copper. The first insulating coating 28a is made of a synthetic resin material. At the front end portion of the first electric wire 26a, the first insulating coating 28a is stripped and the first conductor 27a is exposed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front end portion of the first electric wire 26 a is connected to the rear end portion of the first terminal fitting 21 a by being crimped at the crimping portion 23. That is, the exposed conductor is fixed to the wire barrel portion 24 so as to be conductive by being caulked. Further, the front end portion of the region surrounded by the first insulating coating 28 a in the first electric wire 26 a is fixed by being caulked to the insulation barrel portion 25. The crimping of the first electric wire 26a and the first terminal fitting 21a is performed using an applicator (automatic machine).

  The outer diameter D of the first electric wire 26 a (first insulating coating 28 a) is set to a dimension that is larger than the inner diameter of the seal hole 15 of the batch rubber plug 14, that is, a dimension adapted to the inner diameter of the seal hole 15. The front end portion of the first conductive path 20a (that is, the entire first terminal fitting 21a and the front end portion of the first electric wire 26a) penetrates the through hole 18 and the seal hole 15 from the rear of the housing 10 to the terminal accommodating chamber. 11 is accommodated. In a state where the front end portion of the first conductive path 20a is accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 11, the first electric wire 26a penetrates the seal hole 15, and the outer periphery of the first electric wire 26a is in a state where the inner periphery of the seal hole 15 is elastically deformed. In close contact with liquid. Thereby, the clearance gap between the inner periphery of the seal hole 15 and the outer periphery of the 1st electric wire 26a is sealed.

<Second conductive path 20b>
The second conductive path 20b includes a second terminal fitting 21b having the same shape and dimensions as the first terminal fitting 21a of the first conductive path 20a, and a second electric wire 26b connected to the rear end portion of the second terminal fitting 21b. And a second diameter-increasing layer 29b formed on the outer periphery of the second electric wire 26b. As shown in FIG. 4, the second electric wire 26b has a form in which the second conductor 26b made of a stranded wire is surrounded by a second insulating coating 28b made of synthetic resin, and the cross-sectional shape is a perfect circle, like the first electric wire 26a. It is. At the front end portion of the second electric wire 26b, the second insulating coating 28b is stripped and the second conductor 26b is exposed. The front end portion of the second electric wire 26b is connected to the crimping portion 23 of the second terminal fitting 21b by an applicator.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the outer diameter of the second electric wire 26 b is smaller than the outer diameter D of the first electric wire 26 a, that is, a dimension that is incompatible with the inner diameter of the seal hole 15. As a means for eliminating the nonconformity of the outer diameter Dx of the second electric wire 26b, a second increased diameter layer 29b is formed. The second diameter increasing layer 29b has a cylindrical shape and is formed so as to concentrically surround the outer periphery of the second electric wire 26b. The inner peripheral surface of the second increased diameter layer 29b is in liquid-tight contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second insulating coating 28b over the entire region. Due to this close contact action, the second diameter-increasing layer 29b is restricted from relative displacement in the length direction (axial direction) and the circumferential direction with respect to the second electric wire 26b. The outer peripheral surface of the second increased diameter layer 29b has a surface roughness comparable to that of the second insulating coating 28b. The outer diameter of the second increased diameter layer 29b is set to the same dimension D as the outer diameter of the first electric wire 26a. Therefore, the outer diameter dimension D of the second increased diameter layer 29 b is an appropriate dimension with respect to the inner diameter of the seal hole 15. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the formation region of the second increased diameter layer 29 b in the length direction (axial direction) of the second electric wire 26 b is a region corresponding to the seal hole 15.

<Third conductive path 20c>
The third conductive path 20c includes a third terminal fitting (not shown) having the same shape and dimensions as the first terminal fitting 21a of the first conductive path 20a, and a third electric wire connected to the rear end portion of the third terminal fitting. 26c and a third diameter-increasing layer 29c formed on the outer periphery of the third electric wire 26c. Similar to the first electric wire 26a, the third electric wire 26c has a form in which a third conductor 27c made of a stranded wire is surrounded by a third insulating coating 28c made of synthetic resin, and the cross-sectional shape is a true circle. At the front end portion of the third electric wire 26c, the third insulating coating 28c is stripped and the third conductor 27c is exposed. The front end portion of the third electric wire 26c is connected to a crimping portion (not shown) of the third terminal fitting by an applicator.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the outer diameter of the third electric wire 26c is smaller than the outer diameter D of the first electric wire 26a and is different from the outer diameter Dx of the second electric wire 26b, that is, the inner diameter of the seal hole 15. The dimensions are incompatible. As a means for eliminating the nonconformity of the outer diameter Dy of the third electric wire 26c, a third increased diameter layer 29c is formed. The third diameter-increased layer 29c has a cylindrical shape and is formed so as to concentrically surround the outer periphery of the third electric wire 26c over the entire circumference. The thickness dimension in the radial direction of the third increased diameter layer 29c is different from the thickness dimension of the second increased diameter layer 29b. The outer diameter D of the third increased diameter layer 29c is the same as the outer diameter D of the first electric wire 26a and the outer diameter D of the second increased diameter layer 29b. Therefore, the outer diameter D of the third increased diameter layer 29 c is an appropriate dimension with respect to the inner diameter of the seal hole 15. In addition, the formation region in the axial direction of the third increased diameter layer 29 c is a range corresponding to the seal hole 15.

<Fourth conductive path 20d>
The fourth conductive path 20d includes a fourth terminal fitting (not shown) having the same shape and dimensions as the first terminal fitting 21a of the first conductive path 20a, and a fourth electric wire connected to the rear end portion of the fourth terminal fitting. 26d and a fourth increased diameter layer 29d formed on the outer periphery of the fourth electric wire 26d. Similarly to the first electric wire 26a, the fourth electric wire 26d has a form in which a fourth conductor 27d made of a stranded wire is surrounded by a fourth insulating coating 28d made of synthetic resin, and the cross-sectional shape is a true circle. At the front end portion of the fourth electric wire 26d, the fourth insulating coating 28d is stripped and the fourth conductor 27d is exposed. The front end portion of the fourth electric wire 26d is connected to the crimping portion 23 (not shown) of the fourth terminal fitting by an applicator.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the outer diameter Dz of the fourth electric wire 26d is smaller than the outer diameter D of the first electric wire 26a and is different from the outer diameters Dx and Dy of the second electric wire 26b and the third electric wire 26c. The dimensions are incompatible with the inner diameter of the seal hole 15. As a means for eliminating the incompatibility of the outer diameter Dz of the fourth electric wire 26d, a fourth increased diameter layer 29d is formed. The fourth increased diameter layer 29d has a cylindrical shape and is formed so as to concentrically surround the outer circumference of the fourth electric wire 26d. The thickness dimension in the radial direction of the fourth increased diameter layer 29d is different from the thickness dimension of the second increased diameter layer 29b and the thickness dimension of the third increased diameter layer 29c. The outer diameter D of the fourth increased diameter layer 29d is the same as the outer diameter D of the first electric wire 26a, the outer diameter D of the second increased diameter layer 29b, and the outer diameter D of the third increased diameter layer 29c. . Therefore, the outer diameter D of the fourth increased diameter layer 29 d is an appropriate dimension with respect to the inner diameter of the seal hole 15. In addition, the formation region in the axial direction of the fourth increased diameter layer 29 d is a range corresponding to the seal hole 15.

<Photocurable resin>
The second increased diameter layer 29b, the third increased diameter layer 29c, and the fourth increased diameter layer 29d are made of a photocurable resin. The photocurable resin includes a monomer, an oligomer, a photopolymerization initiator (photoinitiator), and various additives. The photocurable resin is cured by light energy when irradiated with light in a liquid state. As the additive, a material is selected that can provide the same hardness and surface roughness as the insulating coatings 27a to 27d after curing. In addition, the photocurable resin is roughly classified into an ultraviolet curable resin and a visible light curable resin. In Example 1, an ultraviolet curable resin is used as a material for the increased diameter layers 29b, 29c, and 29d. Yes.

  The reason why the ultraviolet curable resin is used as the material of the increased diameter layers 29b, 29c, 29d is as follows. The crimping process of the electric wires 26a to 26d and the terminal fittings 21a and 21b is automated by an applicator. By using an automatic machine (not shown) provided with a photo-curing facility on the applicator, It is possible to automate the photocuring process for continuously forming the increased diameter layers 29b, 29c, and 29d. Since the crimping process is performed in a short time, it is desirable to shorten the time required for the photocuring process in order to continuously and automatically process these processes. The curing time of the photocurable resin is shorter as the density of received light energy is higher. Since ultraviolet light has a higher light energy density than visible light, an ultraviolet curable resin having a shorter curing time than the visible light curable resin was used.

<Manufacturing process of second to fourth conductive paths 20b to 20d by automatic machine>
A manufacturing process of the second to fourth conductive paths 20b to 20d by an automatic machine (not shown) will be described. Manufacture is performed through a peeling process, a photocuring process, and a pressure bonding process in order. In the skinning process, the insulating coatings 28b to 28d at the front ends of the electric wires 26b to 26d are removed to expose the front ends of the conductors 27b to 27d. In the photocuring step, first, the electric wires 26b to 2d are supplied to a mold (not shown) and set in a state of being positioned in the length direction. Next, a liquid photocurable resin (ultraviolet curable resin) is injected into the mold, and then the liquid photocurable resin in the mold is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The photocurable resin is cured by the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, and the increased diameter layers 29b to 29d are molded in a state of being in liquid-tight contact with the outer periphery of the insulating coatings 28b to 28d.

  In the crimping step after the photocuring step, the terminal fittings 21b to 21d are supplied to a predetermined crimping position and placed on the anvil, and then the front end portions of the electric wires 26b to 26d are set on the crimping portion 23 of the terminal fitting 21b. The After the electric wires 26b to 26d are set in the crimping portion 23, the crimper descends and the electric wires 26b to 26d and the terminal fitting 21b are crimped. The 2nd-4th conductive paths 20b-20d are manufactured by the above process.

  The front end portions of the first to fourth conductive paths 20 a to 20 d (the whole terminal fittings 21 a and 21 b and the front end portions of the electric wires 26 a to 26 d) pass through the through hole 18 and the seal hole 15 from the rear of the housing 10 to accommodate the terminals. It is inserted into the chamber 11. In a state where the first conductive path 20a is correctly inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 11, the liquid-tight state is obtained in a state where the inner periphery of the seal hole 15 is appropriately elastically deformed with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the first electric wire 26a (first insulating coating 28a). The gap between the first conductive path 20a and the seal hole 15 is sealed with high reliability. In a state where the second to fourth conductive paths 20b to 20d are correctly inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 11, the inner periphery of the seal hole 15 is appropriately elastically deformed with respect to the outer peripheral surfaces of the second to fourth increased diameter layers 29b to 29d. In close contact with the liquid-tight state. Here, the outer diameter D of the second to fourth increased diameter layers 29b to 29d is set to be the same as the outer diameter D of the first electric wire 26a, and the outer peripheral surface of the second to fourth increased diameter layers 29b to 29d. Since the hardness is approximately the same as that of the first insulating coating 28a, the gap between the second to fourth conductive paths 20b to 20d and the seal hole 15 is sealed with high reliability.

<Operation and Effect of Example 1>
The second to fourth conductive paths 20b to 20d of the first embodiment are the outer circumferences of the second to fourth electric wires 26b to 26d that are inserted into the seal hole 15 in a liquid-tight manner and the second to fourth electric wires 26b to 26d. The second to fourth diameter-increasing layers 29b to 29 made of a photo-curing resin, which are formed so as to be surrounded in a liquid-tight state and have an outer diameter D of the outer peripheral surface adapted to an inner diameter of the seal hole 15. 29d. The seal rubber plug 14 is formed with four seal holes 15 having a uniform inner diameter dimension D. The seal holes 15 have a plurality of first to first types having different outer diameter dimensions D, Dx, Dy, Dz. Four electric wires 26a to 26d are inserted. The inner diameter of the seal hole 15 is set to fit the first electric wire 26a having the largest outer diameter dimension D.

  And about the 2nd-4th electric wires 26b-26d whose outer diameter is smaller than the 1st electric wire 26a of the largest diameter, the 2nd-4th diameter increase of predetermined thickness is considered in consideration of the diameter dimension difference with the seal hole 15. Layers 29 b to 29 d are formed, and the outer peripheral surfaces of these second to fourth increased diameter layers 29 b to 29 d are brought into close contact with the inner periphery of the seal hole 15. Therefore, even when four types of electric wires 26a to 26d having different outer diameters D, Dx, Dy, and Dz are inserted into the seal hole 15, without increasing the number of types of the collective rubber plugs 14 formed with the seal holes 15, Appropriate sealing performance can be ensured.

  The connector A according to the first embodiment includes a housing 10 in which four terminal accommodating chambers 11 are formed, a collective rubber plug 14 in which four seal holes 15 corresponding to the terminal accommodating chambers 11 are formed, and a collective rubber plug 14. And the first to fourth conductive paths 20a to 20d inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 11. The first conductive path 20a includes a first electric wire 26a having an outer diameter set to a dimension D adapted to the inner diameter of the seal hole 15, and a first terminal fitting connected to the first electric wire 26a and inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 11. 21a, and the outer peripheral surface of the first electric wire 26a and the inner peripheral surface of the seal hole 15 are in direct liquid-tight contact. The second to fourth conductive paths 20b to 20d are set to dimensions Dx, Dy, Dz whose outer diameter is smaller than that of the first electric wire 26a and the second to fourth terminal fittings 21b inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 11. And the second to fourth electric wires 26b to 26d inserted through the collective rubber plug 14. The outer circumferences of the second to fourth electric wires 26b to 26d are formed so as to surround the second to fourth diameter-increasing layers 29b to 29d made of a photocurable resin in a liquid-tight state, The outer peripheral surfaces of the second to fourth increased diameter layers 29 b to 29 d are in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the seal hole 15 in a liquid-tight manner.

  According to this connector A, regarding the second to fourth electric wires 26b to 26d, which have small outer diameters Dx, Dy, and Dz with respect to the seal hole 15 of the batch rubber plug 14, the second to fourth electric wires 26b to 26d are not suitable. The gap between the seal hole 15 and the second to fourth electric wires 26b to 26d is obtained by bringing the outer peripheral surfaces of the second to fourth increased diameter layers 29b to 29d formed on the outer periphery of the 26d into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the seal hole 15. Is sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Therefore, even if the inner diameter dimensions of the four seal holes 15 formed in the collective rubber plug 14 are uniform, appropriate sealing performance is ensured for all of the first to fourth electric wires 26a to 26d having different outer diameter dimensions. be able to. Therefore, if the connector A of the first embodiment is used, it is not necessary to increase the number of types of the collective rubber plugs 14.

<Example 2>
A second embodiment embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The connector B according to the second embodiment includes a housing 30, a first conductive path 33a, and a second conductive path 33b. The first conductive path 33a and the second conductive path 33b are inserted into the housing 30 from the rear.

<Housing 30>
A plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 31 elongated in the front-rear direction are formed in the housing 30. In each terminal accommodating chamber 31, the front end portion of the first conductive path 33a or the front end portion of the second conductive path 33b is inserted. The inner periphery of the rear end of each terminal accommodating chamber 31 is a seal surface 32.

<First conductive path 33a>
The first conductive path 33a includes a first terminal fitting 34a, a first electric wire 40a connected to the rear end portion of the first terminal fitting 34a, and an individual rubber plug 43 attached to the front end portion of the first electric wire 40a. It is configured. The first terminal fitting 34a is formed into a shape that is elongated in the front-rear direction as a whole by subjecting a copper plate material to bending or the like. A square tube portion 35 is formed on the front end side of the first terminal fitting 34a, and an open barrel-shaped crimping portion 36 is formed on the rear end side of the first terminal fitting 34a. The crimping portion 36 includes a wire barrel portion 37 disposed on the front side and an insulation barrel portion 38 disposed on the rear side. The insulation barrel portion 38 is located at the rear end portion of the first terminal fitting 34a.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the 1st electric wire 40a is a thing of the known form which surrounded the outer periphery of the 1st conductor 41a of the substantially circular cross section concentrically over the perimeter by the cylindrical 1st insulation coating 42a. . The 1st conductor 41a consists of a strand of the known form which twisted together the strand (illustration omitted) made from aluminum or copper. The first insulating coating 42a is made of a synthetic resin material. At the front end portion of the first electric wire 40a, the first insulating coating 42a is stripped and the first conductor 41a is exposed.

  The front end portion of the first electric wire 40 a is connected to the rear end portion of the first terminal fitting 34 a by being crimped to the crimping portion 36 together with the individual rubber plug 43. That is, the exposed first conductor 41a is fixed to the wire barrel portion 37 so as to be conductive by being caulked. Further, the front end portion of the region surrounded by the first insulating coating 42 a in the first electric wire 40 a is fixed by being caulked to the insulation barrel portion 38. The crimping of the first electric wire 40a and the first terminal fitting 34a is performed using an applicator (automatic machine).

  The individual rubber plug 43 has a cylindrical shape, and concentrically surrounds the front end portion of the first insulating coating 42a. A front end side portion of the individual rubber plug 43 serves as a connecting portion 44, and a rear end side portion of the individual rubber plug 43 serves as a sealing function portion 45. In a state where the individual rubber plug 43 is attached to the first electric wire 40a, the front end of the individual rubber plug 43 is located in the vicinity of the front end of the first insulating coating 42a. The connection part 44 is crimped | bonded to the insulation barrel part 38 with the front-end part of the 1st electric wire 40a. The individual rubber plug 43 is integrated with the first terminal fitting 34a by the crimping of the connecting portion 44.

  On the outer periphery of the sealing function portion 45, two outer peripheral lip portions 46 are formed so as to protrude radially outwardly in a rib shape over the entire periphery with an interval in the axial direction. The outer peripheral side lip portion 46 can be elastically deformed so as to be crushed in the radial direction and to expand in the axial direction. The maximum outer diameter size of the outer peripheral lip portion 46 in a state where the sealing function portion 45 including the outer peripheral lip portion 46 is not elastically deformed is set to be larger than the inner diameter size of the seal surface 32 of the terminal accommodating chamber 31. . Therefore, when the front end portion of the first conductive path 33a is correctly inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 31, the gap between the outer periphery of the individual rubber plug 43 and the seal surface 32 is sealed with high reliability.

  The hollow of the seal function part 45 is a seal hole 47. On the inner periphery of the seal hole 47, two inner peripheral lip portions 48 are formed at intervals in the axial direction so as to protrude radially inward along the entire circumference. Similarly to the outer lip 46, the inner lip 48 can be elastically deformed so as to be crushed in the radial direction and expanded in the axial direction. The minimum inner diameter dimension of the inner peripheral lip portion 48 (that is, the inner diameter dimension of the seal hole 47) in a state where the sealing function portion 45 including the inner peripheral lip portion 48 is not elastically deformed is the outer diameter of the first insulating coating 42a. The dimension is set to be smaller than the dimension Da. That is, the outer diameter dimension Da of the first electric wire 40 a is set to an appropriate dimension with respect to the inner diameter of the seal hole 47. Thereby, the clearance gap between the outer periphery of the 1st electric wire 40a and the inner periphery of the seal hole 47 is sealed with high reliability.

<Second conductive path 33b>
The second conductive path 33b includes a second terminal fitting 34b, a second electric wire 40b connected to the rear end portion of the second terminal fitting 34b, a diameter increasing layer 49 formed at the front end portion of the second electric wire 40b, An individual rubber plug 43 attached to the front end of the electric wire 40b is provided. The second terminal fitting 34b has the same shape and dimensions as the first terminal fitting 34a.

  The 2nd electric wire 40b is a thing of the known form which surrounded the outer periphery of the 2nd conductor 41b of a substantially circular cross section concentrically over the perimeter by the cylindrical 2nd insulation coating 42b. The 2nd conductor 41b consists of a strand of the known form which twisted together the strand (illustration omitted) made from aluminum or copper. The second insulating coating 42b is made of a synthetic resin material. At the front end portion of the second electric wire 40b, the second insulating coating 42b is peeled off and the second conductor 41b is exposed. Like the first electric wire 40a, the front end portion of the second electric wire 40b is crimped to the crimping portion 36 of the second terminal fitting 34b together with the individual rubber plug 43 and the increased diameter layer 49 by using an applicator (automatic machine). Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the outer diameter Db of the second electric wire 40 b is smaller than the outer diameter Da of the first electric wire 40 a, that is, a dimension that is incompatible with the inner diameter of the seal hole 47. As a means for eliminating the nonconformity of the outer diameter Db of the second electric wire 40b, the second conductive path 33b is provided with an increased diameter layer 49. The diameter increasing layer 49 has a cylindrical shape and is formed so as to concentrically surround the outer periphery of the second electric wire 40b over the entire circumference. The inner peripheral surface of the increased diameter layer 49 is in liquid-tight contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second insulating coating 42b over the entire region. By this close contact action, the diameter-increasing layer 49 is restricted from relative displacement in the length direction (axial direction) and the circumferential direction with respect to the second electric wire 40b.

  The outer peripheral surface of the increased diameter layer 49 has a surface roughness comparable to that of the second insulating coating 42b. The outer diameter dimension Da of the second increased diameter layer 49 is set to the same dimension as the outer diameter dimension Da of the first electric wire 40a. Therefore, the outer diameter Da of the increased diameter layer 49 is an appropriate dimension with respect to the inner diameter of the seal hole 47. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, the formation area of the diameter increasing layer 49 in the length direction (axial direction) of the second electric wire 40b is as follows. The front end of the formation region of the increased diameter layer 49 is substantially the same position as the front end of the insulation barrel portion 38 and the front end of the individual rubber plug 43. The rear end of the formation region of the increased diameter layer 49 is substantially the same position as the rear end of the individual rubber plug 43. That is, the formation region of the increased diameter layer 49 includes a region corresponding to the seal hole 47 of the individual rubber plug 43.

  The individual rubber plugs 43 constituting the second conductive path 33b have the same shape and dimensions as the individual rubber plugs 43 constituting the first conductive path 33a. The individual rubber plug 43 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the increased diameter layer 49 so as to surround the entire circumference. Since the outer diameter Da of the increased diameter layer 49 is set to an appropriate dimension with respect to the inner diameter of the seal hole 47 as with the outer diameter of the first electric wire 40a, the outer diameter Da of the second electric wire 40b (the increased diameter layer 49) The gap with the inner periphery of the seal hole 47 is sealed with high reliability.

<Photocurable resin>
The diameter increasing layer 49 is made of a photocurable resin. The photocurable resin includes a monomer, an oligomer, a photopolymerization initiator (photoinitiator), and various additives. The photocurable resin is cured by light energy when irradiated with light in a liquid state. As the additive, a material is selected such that after curing, the same hardness and surface roughness as the first insulating coating 42a can be obtained. In addition, the photocurable resin is roughly classified into an ultraviolet curable resin and a visible light curable resin. In the second embodiment, an ultraviolet curable resin is used as a material for the diameter-increasing layer 49.

  The reason why an ultraviolet curable resin is used as the material of the increased diameter layer 49 is as follows. The crimping step of the second electric wire 40b and the second terminal fitting 34b and the insertion step of inserting the second electric wire 40b through the individual rubber plug 43 are automated by an applicator. By using an attached automatic machine (not shown), it is possible to automate the photocuring process for forming the increased diameter layer 49 continuously with the crimping process and the insertion process. Since the crimping process and the insertion process are performed in a short time, it is desirable to shorten the time required for the photocuring process in order to continuously and automatically process these processes. The curing time of the photocurable resin is shorter as the density of received light energy is higher. Since ultraviolet light has a higher light energy density than visible light, an ultraviolet curable resin having a shorter curing time than the visible light curable resin was used.

<Manufacturing process of second conductive path 33b by automatic machine>
A manufacturing process of the second conductive path 33b by an automatic machine (not shown) will be described. Manufacture is performed through a peeling process, a photocuring process, an insertion process, and a crimping process in this order. In the skinning step, the second insulating coating 42b at the front end of the second electric wire 40b is removed to expose the front end of the second conductor 41b. In the photocuring step, first, the second electric wire 40b is supplied to a mold (not shown) and set in a state of being positioned in the length direction. Next, a liquid photocurable resin (ultraviolet curable resin) is injected into the mold, and then the liquid photocurable resin in the mold is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The photocurable resin is cured by the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays, and the increased diameter layer 49 is molded in a state of being in liquid-tight contact with the outer periphery of the second insulating coating 42b.

  After the photocuring step, the second electric wire 40b is inserted into the individual rubber plug 43 in the insertion step. At this time, the individual rubber plug 43 and the second electric wire 40b are positioned in the axial direction so that the front end of the individual rubber plug 43 is substantially at the same position as the front end of the increased diameter layer 49 and the second insulating coating 42b. In a state where the second electric wire 40 b is inserted through the individual rubber plug 43, the inner peripheral side lip portion 48 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the increased diameter layer 49 in a liquid-tight state while being elastically deformed.

  In the crimping process after the second electric wire 40b is inserted into the individual rubber plug 43, the second terminal fitting 34b is supplied to a predetermined crimping position and placed on the anvil, and then the front end of the second electric wire 40b is the second. It is set in the crimping part 36 of the terminal metal fitting 34b. At this time, the exposed second conductor 41b is disposed on the wire barrel portion 37, and the second insulating coating 42b, the front end portion of the increased diameter layer 49, and the connection portion 44 of the individual rubber plug 43 are disposed on the insulation barrel portion 38. Is done. After the second electric wire 40b is set in the crimping part 36, the crimper is lowered and crimped. At this time, the wire barrel portion 37 is crimped so as to surround the second conductor 41b, and the insulation barrel portion 38 connects the front end portion of the second electric wire 40b and the diameter increasing layer 49 and the connection portion 44 of the individual rubber plug 43. It can be caulked to enclose all at once. The second conductive path 33b is manufactured through the above steps.

  Front end portions of the first conductive path 33a and the second conductive path 33b (the entire first and second terminal fittings 34a and 34b, the entire enlarged diameter layer 49, the entire individual rubber plug 43, the first and the second The front end portions of the two electric wires 40 a and 40 b are inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 31 from the rear of the housing 30. In a correctly inserted state, the outer peripheral lip portion 46 closely adheres to the sealing surface 32 of the terminal accommodating chamber 31 in a liquid-tight state in an elastically deformed state. In addition, the inner peripheral lip portion 48 is in liquid-tight contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first insulating coating 42a or the increased diameter layer 49 in a state where the amount of elastic deformation is increased by the elastic restoring force of the outer peripheral lip portion 46. Maintain state.

<Operation and Effect of Example 2>
The second conductive path 33b according to the second embodiment is formed so as to surround the second electric wire 40b inserted in a liquid-tight manner in the seal hole 47 and the outer periphery of the second electric wire 40b in a state of being tightly attached in a liquid-tight manner. And a diameter-increasing layer 49 made of a photo-curable resin in which the outer diameter Da of the outer peripheral surface is adapted to the inner diameter of the seal hole 47. A seal hole 47 is formed in the individual rubber plug 43 through which the second electric wire 40b is inserted, and the inner diameter of the seal hole 47 is adapted to the outer diameter Da of the first electric wire 40a whose outer diameter is larger than that of the second electric wire 40b. Dimensioned to do.

  And about the 2nd electric wire 40b whose outer diameter dimension Db is smaller than the outer diameter dimension Da of the 1st electric wire 40a, the diameter increase layer 49 of predetermined thickness is formed in consideration of the diameter dimension difference with the seal hole 47. . The outer diameter dimension Da of the increased diameter layer 49 is set to the same dimension as the outer diameter dimension Da of the first electric wire 40 a, and the outer peripheral surface of the increased diameter layer 49 is in close contact with the inner periphery of the seal hole 47. Therefore, even when two types of electric wires 40a and 40b having different outer diameters Da and Db are inserted into the seal hole 47, an appropriate sealing performance is obtained without increasing the number of types of individual rubber plugs 43 in which the seal holes 47 are formed. Can be secured.

  The connector B according to the second embodiment is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 31 through the housing 30 in which the terminal accommodating chamber 31 is formed, the individual rubber plug 43 in which the seal hole 47 is formed, and the individual rubber plug 43. First and second conductive paths 33a and 33b. The first conductive path 33a includes a first electric wire 40a whose outer diameter is set to a dimension Da adapted to the inner diameter of the seal hole 47, and a first terminal fitting connected to the first electric wire 40a and inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 31. 34a, and the outer peripheral surface of the first electric wire 40a and the inner peripheral surface of the seal hole 47 are in direct liquid-tight contact. The second conductive path 33b includes a second terminal fitting 34b inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 31 and a second terminal that is inserted into the individual rubber plug 43 and has an outer diameter smaller than that of the first electric wire 40a. And an electric wire 40b. Further, the outer diameter of the second electric wire 40 b is formed so as to surround the enlarged diameter layer 49 made of a photocurable resin in a liquid-tight state, and the outer circumferential surface of the increased diameter layer 49 is formed inside the seal hole 47. It is in liquid-tight contact with the peripheral surface.

  According to this connector B, the outer peripheral surface of the increased diameter layer 49 formed on the outer periphery of the second electric wire 40b is applied to the second electric wire 40b having a small outer diameter dimension Db with respect to the seal hole 47 of the individual rubber plug 43. By closely contacting the inner peripheral surface of the seal hole 47, the gap between the seal hole 47 and the second electric wire 40b is sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Therefore, even if the inner diameter dimension of the seal hole 47 formed in the individual rubber plug 43 is uniform, it is possible to ensure proper sealing performance for both the first and second electric wires 40a and 40b having different outer diameter dimensions. it can. Therefore, if the connector B of the second embodiment is used, it is not necessary to increase the number of types of individual rubber plugs 43.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) In Examples 1 and 2 described above, the diameter increasing layer made of the photocurable resin was formed on the electric wire before crimping the electric wire and the terminal fitting, but after the electric wire and the terminal fitting were crimped, the electric wire was made of the photocurable resin. An increased diameter layer may be formed.
(2) In Examples 1 and 2, the increased diameter layer is formed on the outer periphery of the insulating coating. However, the increased diameter layer may be formed on the outer periphery of the conductor from which the insulating coating is removed.
(3) In Examples 1 and 2 above, the material of the diameter-increasing layer is an ultraviolet curable resin, but the material of the diameter-increasing layer may be a visible light curable resin.
(4) In Example 1 above, the formation range of the increased diameter layer is limited to the region corresponding to the seal hole, and the increased diameter layer is not crimped to the crimping portion. You may crimp an extension part to a crimping | compression-bonding part with an electric wire.
(5) In Example 2 above, the front end portion of the increased diameter layer was crimped to the crimping portion together with the electric wire, but the range of formation of the increased diameter layer was limited to the region corresponding to the seal hole, and the increased diameter layer was the crimped portion. It is good also as a form which is not crimped | bonded to.
(6) In Examples 1 and 2, the increased diameter layer is formed concentrically with the electric wire, but the center of the increased diameter layer may be eccentric with respect to the center of the electric wire.
(7) In Example 1 described above, the number of types of conductive paths attached to the housing is four, but the number of types of conductive paths attached to the housing may be three or less, or five or more.
(8) In Example 2, the number of types of conductive paths attached to the housing is two, but the number of types of conductive paths attached to the housing may be three or more.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS A ... Connector 10 ... Housing 11 ... Terminal accommodating chamber 14 ... Collective rubber stopper 15 ... Seal hole 20a ... 1st conductive path 20b ... 2nd conductive path (conductive path)
21a ... 1st terminal metal fitting 21b ... 2nd terminal metal fitting 26a ... 1st electric wire 26b ... 2nd electric wire (electric wire)
29b ... second diameter increasing layer (diameter increasing layer)
B ... Connector 30 ... Housing 31 ... Terminal receiving chamber 33a ... First conductive path 33b ... Second conductive path (conductive path)
34a ... 1st terminal metal fitting 34b ... 2nd terminal metal fitting 40a ... 1st electric wire 40b ... 2nd electric wire (electric wire)
43 ... Individual rubber plug 47 ... Seal hole 49 ... Increased diameter layer

Claims (3)

An electric wire inserted in a liquid-tight manner into the seal hole;
A diameter-enlarging layer made of a photocurable resin, which is formed so as to be surrounded in a liquid-tight manner around the outer periphery of the electric wire, and has an outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface adapted to an inner diameter of the seal hole. A conductive path characterized by being. A housing in which a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers are formed;
A batch rubber stopper in which a plurality of seal holes corresponding to the terminal accommodating chambers are formed;
A first electric wire having an outer diameter set to a size suitable for an inner diameter of the seal hole, and a first terminal fitting connected to the first electric wire and inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber, the first electric wire Is inserted through the batch rubber plug, the first conductive path is configured such that the outer peripheral surface of the first electric wire and the inner peripheral surface of the seal hole are in direct liquid-tight contact;
A second conductive path having a second terminal fitting inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber and a second electric wire having an outer diameter set to be smaller than the first electric wire and inserted through the batch rubber plug;
A diameter-enlarging layer made of a photocurable resin, which is formed so as to be surrounded in a liquid-tight manner in an outer periphery of the second electric wire, and whose outer peripheral surface is in a liquid-tight contact with an inner peripheral surface of the seal hole; A connector characterized by comprising: A housing in which a terminal accommodating chamber is formed;
Cylindrical individual rubber plugs that can be liquid-tightly adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating chamber, and whose inner periphery is a seal hole;
A first electric wire having an outer diameter set to a size suitable for an inner diameter of the seal hole, and a first terminal fitting connected to the first electric wire and inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber, the first electric wire Is inserted through the individual rubber plug, the first conductive path is configured such that the outer peripheral surface of the first electric wire and the inner peripheral surface of the seal hole are in direct liquid-tight contact with each other,
A second conductive path having a second terminal fitting inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber, and a second electric wire having an outer diameter set to be smaller than that of the first electric wire and inserted through the individual rubber plug;
A diameter-enlarging layer made of a photocurable resin, which is formed so as to be surrounded in a liquid-tight manner in an outer periphery of the second electric wire, and whose outer peripheral surface is in a liquid-tight contact with an inner peripheral surface of the seal hole; A connector characterized by comprising:

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