JP2016134231A

JP2016134231A - Branch connector

Info

Publication number: JP2016134231A
Application number: JP2015006640A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 茂樹大原; Shigeki Ohara; 徹弥畑; Tetsuya Hata
Original assignee: Kyocera Connector Products Corp
Current assignee: Kyocera Connector Products Corp
Priority date: 2015-01-16
Filing date: 2015-01-16
Publication date: 2016-07-25

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a branch connector capable of improving contact reliability between each cable and a relay contact, although this is a type in which a plurality of cables are brought into pressure contact with one relay contact.SOLUTION: A branch connector 10 for allowing a plurality of cables 60, 65 formed by covering the peripheral parts of conductive core wires 61, 66 with insulating coatings 62, 67 to mutually conduct electricity includes a first divided housing 16, a second divided housing 30, a first connection part 46 extending from the first divided housing, a second connection part 47 extending from the second divided housing, a rotary connection part 48 rotatable around a rotation axis 48a, and a relay contact 50 which is supported on the first divided housing, and which can be connected to the core wires of the respective cables. Flexural rigidity of at least a part of either one of the first connection part and the second connection part is made smaller than the other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

本発明は分岐コネクタに関する。 The present invention relates to a branch connector.

電子機器や電気機器に接続してある既存のケーブル（電線）に対して、当該電線とは別のケーブル（電線）を接続するための分岐コネクタは従来から知られている。 A branch connector for connecting a cable (electric wire) different from the electric wire to an existing cable (electric wire) connected to an electronic device or an electric device is conventionally known.

特許文献１、２は分岐コネクタの従来技術の一例である。
これらの分岐コネクタは、絶縁性（合成樹脂製）のハウジングと、ハウジングに支持した導電性（金属製）の中継コンタクトと、を具備している。ハウジングは、第一分割ハウジングと、第二分割ハウジングと、第一分割ハウジングと第二分割ハウジングを互いに接離可能として接続する接続部と、第一分割ハウジングと第二分割ハウジングが接触したときにこの接触状態を保持するロック手段と、を一体的に備えている。中継コンタクトは二つのケーブル接続部を有している。一方のケーブル接続部は、中継コンタクトの外周縁部に凹設した直線的に延びる圧接用溝により構成してあり、他方のケーブル接続部は、塑性変形可能な圧着片により構成してある。
この分岐コネクタに対して二本のケーブルを接続するには、まずハウジングから分離させた中継コンタクトに対して一方のケーブル（電子機器や電気機器に接続していない方のケーブル）の一端を接続する。各ケーブルは、金属製の芯線の外周面を絶縁性の被覆によって覆ったものである。一方のケーブルは、その被覆の一端を破って芯線の一端を露出させて、芯線の露出した一端に対して専用工具を用いて圧着片を塑性変形させながらかしめる（圧着する）ことにより、中継コンタクトに対して接続する。
次いで、一方のケーブルの一端と一体化した中継コンタクトを第二分割ハウジングから離間している第一分割ハウジングに取り付け、さらに中継コンタクトの圧接用溝の入口側端部に対して他方のケーブル（電子機器や電気機器に接続している方のケーブル）の中間部を嵌め込む（圧接用溝の入口側端部で他方のケーブルの被覆を支持する）。そして汎用工具（例えばプライヤー等）を用いて接続部を屈曲させながら第一分割ハウジングと第二分割ハウジングを接近方向に相対回転させる。すると第二分割ハウジングが他方のケーブルの中間部を圧接用溝の奥側に押し込むので、圧接用溝の内面によって他方のケーブルの被覆が破られ、圧接用溝の内面が芯線に接触する（圧接する）。そのため分岐コネクタの内部において二本のケーブルどうしが互いに電気的に導通する。
そして第二分割ハウジングと第一分割ハウジングが接触したときに、ロック手段がこの接触状態を保持するので、二本のケーブルどうしの導通状態が保持される。 Patent documents 1 and 2 are examples of the conventional technology of a branch connector.
These branch connectors comprise an insulating (synthetic resin) housing and a conductive (metal) relay contact supported by the housing. The housing includes a first divided housing, a second divided housing, a connecting portion that connects the first divided housing and the second divided housing so as to be able to come into contact with each other, and a contact between the first divided housing and the second divided housing. And a locking means for maintaining the contact state. The relay contact has two cable connections. One cable connecting portion is configured by a linearly extending pressure welding groove that is recessed in the outer peripheral edge portion of the relay contact, and the other cable connecting portion is configured by a plastically deformable crimping piece.
To connect two cables to this branch connector, first, connect one end of one cable (the cable that is not connected to the electronic device or electrical device) to the relay contact separated from the housing. . Each cable is obtained by covering the outer peripheral surface of a metal core wire with an insulating coating. One cable breaks one end of its sheath to expose one end of the core wire, and then crimps (crimps) the crimped piece while plastically deforming the crimped piece to the exposed end of the core wire using a dedicated tool. Connect to contacts.
Next, the relay contact integrated with one end of one cable is attached to the first split housing separated from the second split housing, and the other cable (electronic) is connected to the inlet side end of the press contact groove of the relay contact. Insert the middle part of the cable that is connected to the device or electrical device (support the cover of the other cable at the inlet side end of the groove for pressure welding). Then, the first divided housing and the second divided housing are relatively rotated in the approaching direction while bending the connecting portion using a general-purpose tool (for example, pliers). Then, the second split housing pushes the middle part of the other cable into the depth side of the pressure welding groove, so that the coating of the other cable is broken by the inner surface of the pressure welding groove, and the inner surface of the pressure welding groove comes into contact with the core wire (pressure welding). To do). Therefore, the two cables are electrically connected to each other inside the branch connector.
When the second divided housing and the first divided housing come into contact with each other, the lock means maintains this contact state, so that the conductive state between the two cables is maintained.

しかしながらこのタイプの分岐コネクタは、一方のケーブルと中継コンタクトを専用工具を用いて事前に圧着する必要があるので、ケーブルどうしの接続作業に要する工数や使用可能な工具に関する制限が多かった。
図１７に示すタイプの分岐コネクタは、この問題を解決可能なものである。
この分岐コネクタの中継コンタクトには、互いに平行をなしながら直線的に延びる二つの圧接用溝が凹設してある。この分岐コネクタに対して二本のケーブルを接続するには、まず第二分割ハウジングから離間している第一分割ハウジングに対して中継コンタクトを取り付け、中継コンタクトの各圧接用溝の入口側端部で各ケーブルの中間部を支持する。そして接続部の中間部を屈曲させながら第一分割ハウジングと第二分割ハウジングを互いに接触するまで相対回転させる。すると第二分割ハウジングが各ケーブルの中間部を対応する圧接用溝の奥側に押し込み、中継コンタクトの各圧接用溝の内面に対して（被覆が破られた）各ケーブルの芯線が接触する（圧接する）。さらに第一分割ハウジングと第二分割ハウジングが接触したときに、ロック手段がこの接触状態を保持する。
このように図１７に示すタイプの分岐コネクタは、第一分割ハウジングと第二分割ハウジングを接触させる（閉じる）だけで二本のケーブルどうしを接続できるので、ケーブルどうしの接続作業が容易である。 However, since this type of branch connector needs to crimp one cable and the relay contact in advance using a dedicated tool, there are many restrictions on the man-hours required for connecting the cables and the tools that can be used.
A branch connector of the type shown in FIG. 17 can solve this problem.
The relay contact of this branch connector is provided with two recesses for pressure contact that extend linearly while being parallel to each other. In order to connect two cables to the branch connector, firstly, a relay contact is attached to the first divided housing that is separated from the second divided housing, and the inlet side end portion of each pressure contact groove of the relay contact To support the middle part of each cable. Then, the first divided housing and the second divided housing are rotated relative to each other while the intermediate portion of the connection portion is bent. Then, the second divided housing pushes the intermediate portion of each cable into the back side of the corresponding pressure contact groove, and the core wire of each cable (with the coating broken) contacts the inner surface of each pressure contact groove of the relay contact ( Pressure contact). Further, when the first divided housing and the second divided housing come into contact with each other, the lock means maintains this contact state.
In this way, the branch connector of the type shown in FIG. 17 can connect two cables by simply contacting (closing) the first divided housing and the second divided housing, so that the connection work between the cables is easy.

特許第３０２８９８８号公報Japanese Patent No. 3028988 実用新案登録願第２６０５２７５号公報Utility Model Registration Application No. 2605275

しかしながら図１７の分岐コネクタには以下の問題がある。
即ち、図１７に示すように、第二分割ハウジングが各ケーブルを押圧し始めるときに、第二分割ハウジングは第一分割ハウジングに対して大きく傾斜しかつ一方のケーブル（接続部側に位置するケーブル）に接触した後に他方のケーブルに対して接触する。その結果、第二分割ハウジングによる各ケーブル（特に接続部側に位置するケーブル）の押圧方向が圧接用溝の延長方向に対して大きく傾斜するため、圧接用溝に対してケーブルの芯線が均等に接触しないおそれがある。即ち、例えばケーブルの両側部（圧接用溝の内面との対向部）の一方が圧接用溝と過度に強く当たることにより芯線の両側部の一方が切断されるおそれがある。仮に芯線の一部が切断されるとケーブルの機械的強度が低下するため、ケーブルに対して小さな引張力が掛かっただけで、ケーブル（芯線）が完全に切断するおそれがある。その一方で、ケーブルの両側部の他方は圧接用溝に対する当りが弱いため、被覆が破られず芯線が圧接用溝と接触できないおそれがある。また、ケーブルの両側部の他方の被覆が破られたとしても、その破られる領域が小さく、芯線と圧接用溝の接触抵抗が安定しなくなるおそれがある。 However, the branch connector of FIG. 17 has the following problems.
That is, as shown in FIG. 17, when the second divided housing starts to press each cable, the second divided housing is largely inclined with respect to the first divided housing and one cable (the cable located on the connection portion side). ) And then contact the other cable. As a result, the pressing direction of each cable (especially the cable located on the connection portion side) by the second divided housing is greatly inclined with respect to the extending direction of the pressure contact groove, so that the core wire of the cable is evenly distributed with respect to the pressure contact groove. May not touch. That is, for example, if one of the two side portions of the cable (the portion facing the inner surface of the pressure welding groove) abuts against the pressure welding groove excessively, one of the two side portions of the core wire may be cut. If a part of the core wire is cut, the mechanical strength of the cable is lowered. Therefore, the cable (core wire) may be completely cut only by applying a small tensile force to the cable. On the other hand, since the other of the two side portions of the cable has a weak contact with the pressure welding groove, the coating may not be broken and the core wire may not be in contact with the pressure welding groove. Moreover, even if the other coating on both sides of the cable is broken, the area to be broken is small, and the contact resistance between the core wire and the pressure contact groove may not be stable.

本発明の目的は、一つの中継コンタクトに対して複数のケーブルを圧接させるタイプでありながら、各ケーブルと中継コンタクトの接触信頼性を高めることが可能な分岐コネクタを提供することにある。 An object of the present invention is to provide a branch connector capable of improving the contact reliability between each cable and the relay contact while being of a type in which a plurality of cables are pressed against one relay contact.

本発明の分岐コネクタは、導電性の芯線の外周部を絶縁性の被覆で覆った複数のケーブルどうしを、上記芯線の延長方向に対して直交する方向に並べた状態で互いに導通させるための分岐コネクタにおいて、第一分割ハウジングと、上記第一分割ハウジングとの相対位置が所定位置となったときに上記第一分割ハウジングとの間で上記各ケーブルの上記被覆を挟持する第二分割ハウジングと、上記第一分割ハウジングから外側に向かって延びかつ撓むことが可能な第一接続部と、上記第二分割ハウジングから外側に向かって延びかつ撓むことが可能な第二接続部と、上記第一接続部と上記第二接続部を上記延長方向と平行な回転軸まわりに回転可能として接続し、上記第一接続部と上記第二接続部を相対回転させることにより上記第一分割ハウジングと上記第二分割ハウジングを相対移動させる回転接続部と、上記第一分割ハウジングと上記第二分割ハウジングの相対位置が上記所定位置となったときに、上記第一分割ハウジングと上記第二分割ハウジングの位置を固定するロック手段と、上記第一分割ハウジングに支持した、上記各ケーブルの上記芯線と接続可能な中継コンタクトと、を備え、上記中継コンタクトが、上記第一分割ハウジングに対して接近する方向に相対回転した上記第二分割ハウジングによって押圧された上記ケーブルが進入したときに、上記被覆を破って上記芯線を上記中継コンタクトに接触させる、上記第二分割ハウジングとの対向面に凹設した複数の圧接用溝を有し、上記第一接続部と上記第二接続部の一方の少なくとも一部の曲げ剛性を他方より小さくしたことを特徴としている。 The branch connector of the present invention is a branch for electrically connecting a plurality of cables in which the outer periphery of a conductive core wire is covered with an insulating coating in a state in which the cables are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the core wire. In the connector, when the relative position between the first divided housing and the first divided housing reaches a predetermined position, the second divided housing sandwiches the covering of each cable between the first divided housing, A first connecting portion extending outward from the first divided housing and capable of bending; a second connecting portion extending outward from the second divided housing and capable of bending; and the first connecting portion. One connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the extending direction, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are rotated relative to each other to thereby rotate the first divided portion. A rotary connecting portion that relatively moves the ging and the second divided housing, and when the relative position of the first divided housing and the second divided housing reaches the predetermined position, the first divided housing and the second divided housing Lock means for fixing the position of the housing, and a relay contact supported by the first split housing and connectable to the core wire of each cable, the relay contact approaching the first split housing When the cable pressed by the second divided housing rotated relative to the direction in which it enters, the coating is broken and the core wire is brought into contact with the relay contact, and is recessed on the surface facing the second divided housing. A plurality of pressure welding grooves, and the bending rigidity of at least a part of one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion is smaller than the other. It is characterized in that the.

上記第一分割ハウジングから離間した上記第二分割ハウジングと上記中継コンタクトの上記対向面とで上記ケーブルの上記被覆を挟持したときに、上記第一分割ハウジングと上記第二分割ハウジングの離間状態を仮保持する仮保持手段を備えてもよい。 When the cover of the cable is sandwiched between the second divided housing separated from the first divided housing and the facing surface of the relay contact, the separated state of the first divided housing and the second divided housing is temporarily set. Temporary holding means for holding may be provided.

上記第一接続部と上記第二接続部の一方の撓み方向の厚みを他方の撓み方向の厚みより小さくしてもよい。 You may make thickness of one bending direction of said 1st connection part and said 2nd connection part smaller than the thickness of the other bending direction.

上記第一接続部と上記第二接続部の一方の撓み方向に対して直交する幅を他方の撓み方向に対して直交する幅より小さくしてもよい。 You may make the width orthogonal to one bending direction of the said 1st connection part and said 2nd connection part smaller than the width orthogonal to the other bending direction.

本発明の分岐コネクタは、第一分割ハウジングから外側に向かって延びかつ撓むことが可能な第一接続部と、第二分割ハウジングから外側に向かって延びかつ撓むことが可能な第二接続部と、を回転接続部によって回転可能に接続しており、さらに第一接続部と第二接続部の一方の曲げ剛性を他方より小さくしている。
そのため第一分割ハウジングに支持した中継コンタクトに載せた各ケーブルを、第一分割ハウジング側に回転させた第二分割ハウジングによって各圧接用溝の奥側に押し込むときに、第一接続部を撓ませることにより第二分割ハウジングによる各ケーブルの押圧方向を圧接用溝の延長方向に近づけることが可能になる。そのため各ケーブルの移動方向と圧接用溝の延長方向の差が小さくなるので、被覆が圧接用溝によって均等且つ確実に破られる可能性が高い。
従って、第一分割ハウジングと第二分割ハウジングが接触したときに、各ケーブルの芯線を対応する圧接用溝の内面に対して均等且つ確実に接触させ易い。即ち、各ケーブルと中継コンタクトの接触信頼性を高めることが可能である。 The branch connector of the present invention has a first connection portion that can be extended and bent outward from the first divided housing, and a second connection that can be extended and bent outward from the second divided housing. And the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion have a bending rigidity smaller than that of the other.
Therefore, when each cable placed on the relay contact supported by the first divided housing is pushed into the depth side of each pressure welding groove by the second divided housing rotated to the first divided housing side, the first connecting portion is bent. As a result, the pressing direction of each cable by the second divided housing can be brought close to the extending direction of the pressing groove. For this reason, the difference between the moving direction of each cable and the extension direction of the pressure welding groove is reduced, so that there is a high possibility that the coating is equally and reliably broken by the pressure welding groove.
Therefore, when the first divided housing and the second divided housing come into contact with each other, the core wire of each cable can be easily and reliably brought into contact with the inner surface of the corresponding pressure welding groove. That is, it is possible to improve the contact reliability between each cable and the relay contact.

本発明の一実施形態の絶縁ハウジングが展開状態にある分岐コネクタとケーブルの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a branch connector and a cable in which the insulating housing of one embodiment of the present invention is in an unfolded state. 図１のII−II矢線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the II-II arrow line of FIG. 展開状態にある絶縁ハウジングと中継コンタクトの分離状態の上方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view seen from the upper part of the isolation | separation state of the insulation housing in a deployment state, and a relay contact. 展開状態にある絶縁ハウジングと中継コンタクトの分離状態の下方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view seen from the downward direction of the isolation | separation state of the insulation housing in a deployment state, and a relay contact. 展開状態にある絶縁ハウジングの平面図である。It is a top view of the insulation housing in an unfolded state. 展開状態にある絶縁ハウジングの第一接続部、回転接続部、及び第二接続部の拡大底面図である。It is an enlarged bottom view of the 1st connection part of the insulation housing in a deployment state, the rotation connection part, and the 2nd connection part. 絶縁ハウジングを閉じ始めたときの分岐コネクタ及び第一、第二ケーブルの上方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view seen from the upper part of a branch connector and a 1st, 2nd cable when it begins to close an insulation housing. 絶縁ハウジングを閉じ始めたときの分岐コネクタ及び第一、第二ケーブルの下方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view seen from the lower part of the branch connector and the 1st, 2nd cable when it begins to close an insulation housing. 図７のIX−IX矢線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the IX-IX arrow line of FIG. 絶縁ハウジングが仮保持状態にあるときの分岐コネクタ及び第一、第二ケーブルの上方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view seen from the upper part of a branch connector and a 1st, 2nd cable when an insulation housing exists in a temporary holding state. 図１０のXI−XI矢線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the XI-XI arrow line of FIG. 絶縁ハウジングがロック状態にあるときの分岐コネクタ及び第一、第二ケーブルの上方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view seen from the upper part of a branch connector and a 1st, 2nd cable when an insulation housing is in a locked state. 絶縁ハウジングがロック状態にあるときの分岐コネクタ及び第一、第二ケーブルの下方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view seen from the lower part of a branch connector and a 1st, 2nd cable when an insulation housing is in a locked state. 図１２のXIV−XIV矢線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the XIV-XIV arrow line of FIG. 第一の変形例の分岐コネクタの要部の図２と同じ位置で切断した断面図である。It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected in the same position as FIG. 2 of the principal part of the branch connector of a 1st modification. 第二の変形例の連結部の拡大正面図である。It is an enlarged front view of the connection part of the 2nd modification. 比較例の分岐コネクタの断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the branch connector of a comparative example.

以下、添付図面を参照しながら本発明の一実施形態について説明する。なお、以下の説明中の前後、左右、及び上下の方向は、図中の矢印の方向を基準としている。
本実施形態の分岐コネクタ１０は、大きな構成要素として絶縁ハウジング１５と中継コンタクト５０を具備している
絶縁ハウジング１５は絶縁性の合成樹脂材料により構成した一体成形品であり、第一分割ハウジング１６、第二分割ハウジング３０、及び第一分割ハウジング１６と第二分割ハウジング３０を接続する連結部４５、を一体的に具備している。
第一分割ハウジング１６の厚み方向の一方の面（図１の上面）の外周縁部には外周側凹部１７が形成してあり、外周側凹部１７の底面（図１の上面）は平面からなる外周側第一対向面１７ａにより構成してある。第一分割ハウジング１６の外周側凹部１７（外周側第一対向面１７ａ）より内周側に位置する部分は外周側第一対向面１７ａより（図１の上方へ）一段突出した内周側凸部１７ｂにより構成してあり、内周側凸部１７ｂの一方の面（図１の上面）は外周側第一対向面１７ａと平行な平面からなる内側第一対向面１７ｃにより構成してある。内側第一対向面１７ｃの中央部にはコンタクト取付溝１８が凹設してある。コンタクト取付溝１８は一対の固定部１８ａと、一対の固定部１８ａどうしを接続しかつ前後幅が固定部１８ａより狭い中間部１８ｂと、を有している。固定部１８ａの底面には略円柱形状の位置決め突起１８ｃが突設してある。第一分割ハウジング１６の一方の面には、一方の固定部１８ａの前後両側に位置しかつ互いに同一直線上に位置する一対の第一ケーブル取付溝１９と、他方の固定部１８ａの前後両側に位置しかつ互いに同一直線上に位置する（第一ケーブル取付溝１９と平行をなす）一対の第二ケーブル取付溝２０と、が凹設してある。前側の第一ケーブル取付溝１９及び第二ケーブル取付溝２０は第一分割ハウジング１６の前面において開口しており、後側の第一ケーブル取付溝１９及び第二ケーブル取付溝２０は第一分割ハウジング１６の後面において開口している。第一ケーブル取付溝１９及び第二ケーブル取付溝２０の断面形状は半円形である。第一分割ハウジング１６には、前後の第一ケーブル取付溝１９を横断する計４つの半円状突起２１と、前後の第二ケーブル取付溝２０を横断する計４つの半円状突起２２が設けてあり、半円状突起２１、２２の内面（図１、図３の上面）は第一ケーブル取付溝１９と第二ケーブル取付溝２０の内面をそれぞれ構成している。第一分割ハウジング１６の側面には一つのロック用突起２５（ロック手段）と、２つの仮ロック用突起２６（仮保持手段）とが突設してある。さらに第一分割ハウジング１６の当該側面と反対側の側面には一つのロック用突起２７が突設してある。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, front and rear, left and right, and up and down directions are based on the directions of arrows in the figure.
The branch connector 10 of the present embodiment includes an insulating housing 15 and a relay contact 50 as large components. The insulating housing 15 is an integrally molded product made of an insulating synthetic resin material. The second divided housing 30 and the connecting portion 45 that connects the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are integrally provided.
An outer peripheral recess 17 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of one surface in the thickness direction of the first divided housing 16 (upper surface in FIG. 1), and the bottom surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) of the outer peripheral recess 17 is a flat surface. It is comprised by the outer peripheral side 1st opposing surface 17a. A portion of the first divided housing 16 located on the inner peripheral side from the outer peripheral concave portion 17 (outer peripheral first opposing surface 17a) protrudes one step (upward in FIG. 1) from the outer peripheral first opposing surface 17a. It is comprised by the part 17b, and one surface (upper surface of FIG. 1) of the inner peripheral side convex part 17b is comprised by the inner side 1st opposing surface 17c which consists of a plane parallel to the outer peripheral side 1st opposing surface 17a. A contact mounting groove 18 is formed in the center of the inner first facing surface 17c. The contact mounting groove 18 includes a pair of fixing portions 18a and an intermediate portion 18b that connects the pair of fixing portions 18a and has a narrower front-rear width than the fixing portion 18a. A substantially cylindrical positioning projection 18c projects from the bottom surface of the fixed portion 18a. On one surface of the first divided housing 16, a pair of first cable mounting grooves 19 located on both front and rear sides of the one fixing portion 18a and on the same straight line, and on both front and rear sides of the other fixing portion 18a. A pair of second cable mounting grooves 20 that are positioned and collinear with each other (parallel to the first cable mounting groove 19) are recessed. The first cable mounting groove 19 and the second cable mounting groove 20 on the front side are open on the front surface of the first divided housing 16, and the first cable mounting groove 19 and the second cable mounting groove 20 on the rear side are the first divided housing. 16 is open on the rear surface. The cross-sectional shapes of the first cable mounting groove 19 and the second cable mounting groove 20 are semicircular. The first divided housing 16 is provided with a total of four semicircular protrusions 21 that cross the front and rear first cable mounting grooves 19 and a total of four semicircular protrusions 22 that cross the front and rear second cable mounting grooves 20. The inner surfaces (upper surfaces in FIGS. 1 and 3) of the semicircular protrusions 21 and 22 constitute the inner surfaces of the first cable mounting groove 19 and the second cable mounting groove 20, respectively. One locking protrusion 25 (locking means) and two temporary locking protrusions 26 (temporary holding means) protrude from the side surface of the first divided housing 16. Furthermore, one locking projection 27 is provided on the side surface of the first divided housing 16 opposite to the side surface.

第二分割ハウジング３０の厚み方向の一方の面（図１の上面）の外周縁部には外周壁３１が突設してあり、外周壁３１の一方の面（図１の上面）は平面からなる外周側第二対向面３１ａにより構成してある。第二分割ハウジング３０の外周壁３１（外周側第二対向面３１ａ）より内周側に位置する部分は外周壁３１より一段凹んだ内周側凹部３１ｂにより構成してあり、内周側凹部３１ｂの一方の面（図１の上面）は外周側第二対向面３１ａと平行な平面からなる内側第二対向面３１ｃにより構成してある。内側第二対向面３１ｃには、断面Ｕ字形の押圧溝３２ａを有する左右一対のケーブル押圧突起３２が突設してある。さらに内側第二対向面３１ｃには、各ケーブル押圧突起３２の前後両側に左右一対としてぞれぞれ形成した計８つの金具進入溝３２ｂが凹設してある（図３、図５参照）。内側第二対向面３１ｃには、一方のケーブル押圧突起３２の前後両側に位置しかつ互いに同一直線上（及びケーブル押圧突起３２の押圧溝３２ａと同一直線上）に位置する一対の第一ケーブル取付溝３３と、他方のケーブル押圧突起３２の前後両側に位置しかつ互いに同一直線上（及びケーブル押圧突起３２の押圧溝３２ａと同一直線上）に位置する（第一ケーブル取付溝３３と平行をなす）第二ケーブル取付溝３４が凹設してある。前側の第一ケーブル取付溝３３及び第二ケーブル取付溝３４は第二分割ハウジング３０の外周壁３１の前壁を貫通しており、後側の第一ケーブル取付溝３３及び第二ケーブル取付溝３４は外周壁３１の後壁を貫通している。第一ケーブル取付溝３３及び第二ケーブル取付溝３４の断面形状は半円形である。第二分割ハウジング３０には、前後の第一ケーブル取付溝３３を横断する計４つの半円状突起３５と、前後の第二ケーブル取付溝３４を横断する計４つの半円状突起３６が設けてあり、半円状突起３５、３６の内面（図１、図３の上面）は第一ケーブル取付溝３３と第二ケーブル取付溝３４の内面をそれぞれ構成している。第二分割ハウジング３０の側面には第一突片３９が突設してあり、第一突片３９に形成した貫通孔４０の内面には係合突起４１（ロック手段）が突設してある。第一突片３９のケーブル押圧突起３２側の面には、貫通孔４０の前後両側縁部とそれぞれ連続する前後一対の仮ロック溝３９ａ（仮保持手段）が凹設してある（図１、図３、図９、図１１、図１４参照）。仮ロック溝３９ａは第一突片３９の突出方向（図１では上下方向）に沿って延びており、その係合突起４１側の端部（図１では上端部）は閉塞している。さらに第二分割ハウジング３０の第一突片３９と反対側の側面には第二突片４２が突設してあり、第二突片４２には貫通孔４３が形成してある。この第二突片４２の突出量（図１、図３の上下寸法）は第一突片３９より小さい。 An outer peripheral wall 31 projects from the outer peripheral edge of one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 1) in the thickness direction of the second divided housing 30, and one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 1) of the outer peripheral wall 31 is flat. It is comprised by the outer peripheral side 2nd opposing surface 31a which becomes. A portion of the second divided housing 30 located on the inner peripheral side from the outer peripheral wall 31 (outer peripheral second opposing surface 31a) is configured by an inner peripheral concave portion 31b that is recessed by one step from the outer peripheral wall 31, and the inner peripheral concave portion 31b. One surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) is constituted by an inner second opposing surface 31c formed of a plane parallel to the outer peripheral second opposing surface 31a. A pair of left and right cable pressing protrusions 32 having pressing grooves 32a having a U-shaped cross section project from the inner second facing surface 31c. Furthermore, a total of eight metal fitting entry grooves 32b formed as a pair on the left and right sides on the front and rear sides of each cable pressing projection 32 are formed in the inner second facing surface 31c (see FIGS. 3 and 5). A pair of first cable attachments located on the front and rear sides of one cable pressing protrusion 32 and on the same straight line (and on the same straight line as the pressing groove 32a of the cable pressing protrusion 32) on the inner second facing surface 31c The groove 33 is located on both front and rear sides of the other cable pressing projection 32 and is located on the same straight line (and on the same straight line as the pressing groove 32a of the cable pressing projection 32) (parallel to the first cable mounting groove 33). ) A second cable mounting groove 34 is recessed. The first cable mounting groove 33 and the second cable mounting groove 34 on the front side pass through the front wall of the outer peripheral wall 31 of the second divided housing 30, and the first cable mounting groove 33 and the second cable mounting groove 34 on the rear side. Passes through the rear wall of the outer peripheral wall 31. The cross-sectional shapes of the first cable mounting groove 33 and the second cable mounting groove 34 are semicircular. The second divided housing 30 is provided with a total of four semicircular protrusions 35 that cross the front and rear first cable mounting grooves 33 and a total of four semicircular protrusions 36 that cross the front and rear second cable mounting grooves 34. The inner surfaces of the semicircular projections 35 and 36 (upper surfaces in FIGS. 1 and 3) constitute inner surfaces of the first cable mounting groove 33 and the second cable mounting groove 34, respectively. A first protrusion 39 protrudes from the side surface of the second divided housing 30, and an engagement protrusion 41 (locking means) protrudes from the inner surface of the through hole 40 formed in the first protrusion 39. . A pair of front and rear temporary locking grooves 39a (temporary holding means) that are respectively continuous with the front and rear side edges of the through hole 40 are recessed in the surface of the first protrusion 39 on the side of the cable pressing protrusion 32 (FIG. 1, (See FIGS. 3, 9, 11, and 14). The temporary locking groove 39a extends along the protruding direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1) of the first protruding piece 39, and the end portion (upper end portion in FIG. 1) on the side of the engaging protrusion 41 is closed. Further, a second projecting piece 42 projects from the side surface of the second divided housing 30 opposite to the first projecting piece 39, and a through hole 43 is formed in the second projecting piece 42. The projecting amount of the second projecting piece 42 (the vertical dimension in FIGS. 1 and 3) is smaller than the first projecting piece 39.

第一分割ハウジング１６と第二分割ハウジング３０に対して両端がそれぞれ固定状態で接続する前後一対の連結部４５は、互いに同一平面上に位置しかつ第一分割ハウジング１６側から直線的に延びる前後一対の第一接続部４６と、互いに同一平面上に位置しかつ第二分割ハウジング３０側から直線的に延びる前後一対の第二接続部４７と、第一接続部４６と第二接続部４７を接続する回転接続部４８と、を具備している。
図６等に示すように前後の第一接続部４６の先端と前後の第二接続部４７の先端どうしは、第一接続部４６及び第二接続部４７より薄肉の回転接続部４８（図６に図示した二本の一点鎖線Ｌ１、Ｌ２の間に位置する部位）により接続してある。回転接続部４８の中央部には前後方向（第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５の分岐コネクタ１０に支持された部位の延長方向と平行又は略平行な方向。特許請求の範囲の「平行」は「略平行」も含む概念である）に延びる曲げ癖４８ａ（回転軸）が形成してある。前後の連結部４５（第一接続部４６、第二接続部４７）は各回転接続部４８（曲げ癖４８ａ）を中心に折り曲げ（回転）可能である。
第一接続部４６及び第二接続部４７の全長は同一であり、共に撓むこと（弾性変形すること）が可能である。第一接続部４６及び第二接続部４７の先端部の一部は平面視略凹形状かつ回転接続部４８と同じ厚みの薄肉先端部４６ａ、４７ａにより構成してあり、薄肉先端部４６ａ、４７ａを除く部分全体は薄肉先端部４６ａ、４７ａより厚肉の厚肉部４６ｂ、４７ｂにより構成してある。厚肉部４６ｂ、４７ｂの先端部は半円形の半円厚肉部４６ｂ１、４７ｂ１により構成してある。第一接続部４６の厚肉部４６ｂの半円厚肉部４６ｂ１より基端側に位置する部分の横断面形状はいずれの長手方向位置においても同一形状の矩形であり、第二接続部４７の厚肉部４７ｂの半円厚肉部４７ｂ１より基端側に位置する部分の横断面形状はいずれの長手方向位置においても同一形状の矩形である。第一接続部４６と第二接続部４７の前後幅はいずれの長手方向位置においても同一である。但し、図２等に図示するように厚肉部４６ｂの（撓み方向の）厚み（図１の上下寸法）は厚肉部４７ｂより小さい。即ち、第一接続部４６（図６の一点鎖線Ｌ１より第一分割ハウジング１６側）と、第二接続部４７（図６の一点鎖線Ｌ２より第二分割ハウジング３０側）とを比べると、それぞれの基端からの距離が互いに等しい位置における断面二次モーメント（Ｉ）及び曲げ剛性（ＥＩ：Ｅはヤング率）は第一接続部４６の方が第二接続部４７より小さい。
また絶縁ハウジング１５を図１−図６に示す展開状態（第一分割ハウジング１６、第二分割ハウジング３０、及び連結部４５が同一平面上に位置する状態）にしたときに、絶縁ハウジング１５が自律的にこの展開状態を維持する程度の強度（剛性）を第一分割ハウジング１６、第二分割ハウジング３０、及び連結部４５は備えている。 A pair of front and rear connecting portions 45 whose both ends are fixedly connected to the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are located on the same plane and extend linearly from the first divided housing 16 side. A pair of first connection portions 46, a pair of front and rear second connection portions 47 that are located on the same plane and extend linearly from the second divided housing 30 side, and the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47. And a rotary connecting portion 48 to be connected.
As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the front end of the front and rear first connection portions 46 and the front end of the front and rear second connection portion 47 are thinner than the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 (see FIG. 6). 2 are connected by two dash-dot lines L1 and L2. The central portion of the rotary connecting portion 48 has a front-rear direction (a direction parallel to or substantially parallel to the extending direction of the portion of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 supported by the branch connector 10. A bending rod 48a (rotating shaft) extending in a manner including "substantially parallel" is formed. The front and rear connecting portions 45 (the first connecting portion 46 and the second connecting portion 47) can be bent (rotated) around each rotating connecting portion 48 (bending rod 48a).
The first connecting portion 46 and the second connecting portion 47 have the same overall length, and can be bent (elastically deformed) together. A part of the front end portions of the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 is configured by thin end portions 46a and 47a having a substantially concave shape in plan view and the same thickness as the rotary connection portion 48, and the thin end portions 46a and 47a. The entire portion excluding is formed by thick portions 46b and 47b which are thicker than the thin end portions 46a and 47a. The tip portions of the thick portions 46b and 47b are constituted by semi-circular semi-circular thick portions 46b1 and 47b1. The cross-sectional shape of the portion located on the proximal side of the semicircular thick portion 46b1 of the thick portion 46b of the first connection portion 46 is a rectangle having the same shape at any longitudinal position, and the second connection portion 47 The cross-sectional shape of the portion located on the proximal side of the semicircular thick portion 47b1 of the thick portion 47b is a rectangle having the same shape at any longitudinal position. The front-rear width of the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 is the same at any longitudinal position. However, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the thickness (in the bending direction) of the thick portion 46b (the vertical dimension in FIG. 1) is smaller than the thick portion 47b. That is, when comparing the first connection portion 46 (on the side of the first divided housing 16 from the one-dot chain line L1 in FIG. 6) and the second connection portion 47 (on the side of the second divided housing 30 from the one-dot chain line L2 in FIG. 6), respectively. The first connecting portion 46 is smaller in the first connecting portion 46 than the second connecting portion 47 in terms of the secondary moment of inertia (I) and the bending rigidity (EI: E is Young's modulus) at positions where the distances from the base ends are equal.
When the insulating housing 15 is in the unfolded state shown in FIGS. 1-6 (the first divided housing 16, the second divided housing 30, and the connecting portion 45 are located on the same plane), the insulating housing 15 is autonomous. In particular, the first divided housing 16, the second divided housing 30, and the connecting portion 45 have such strength (rigidity) as to maintain the developed state.

中継コンタクト５０はばね弾性を備えた銅合金（例えばリン青銅、ベリリウム銅、チタン銅）やコルソン系銅合金の薄板を順送金型（スタンピング）を用いて図示形状に成形加工したものであり、表面にニッケルメッキで下地を形成した後に、錫銅めっきや錫めっき（あるいは金めっき）を施している。
中継コンタクト５０は、左右方向に延びる平板状の基片５１と、基片５１の前後両側縁部の一方の端部に突設した基片５１に対して直交する方向に延びる平板状をなす一対の第一ケーブル圧接片５２と、基片５１の前後両側縁部の他方の端部に突設した基片５１に対して直交する方向に延びる平板状をなす一対の第二ケーブル圧接片５４と、を一体的に備えている。基片５１の左右二か所には円形の位置決め孔５１ａが形成してある。基片５１の長手方向の中央部は左右両端部に比べて前後幅が狭い狭幅中間部５１ｂにより構成してある。また前後の第一ケーブル圧接片５２と第二ケーブル圧接片５４の（上下方向及び左右方向に対して傾斜する）略Ｖ字状の傾斜面からなる先端面５２ａ、５４ａ（対向面）の中央部（図１−図４の下端部）には、基片５１側に向かって直線的に延びるスリットからなる第一圧接用溝５３と第二圧接用溝５５がそれぞれ形成してある。 The relay contact 50 is formed by processing a thin plate of a copper alloy (for example, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, titanium copper) having a spring elasticity or a Corson copper alloy into a shape shown in the drawing using a progressive die (stamping). After the base is formed by nickel plating, tin copper plating or tin plating (or gold plating) is applied.
The relay contact 50 is a pair of flat plate-like base pieces 51 extending in the left-right direction and a flat plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the base pieces 51 protruding from one end of both front and rear side edges of the base piece 51. A first cable pressure contact piece 52 and a pair of second cable pressure contact pieces 54 having a flat plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the base piece 51 projecting from the other end of the front and rear side edges of the base piece 51. Are integrally provided. Circular positioning holes 51 a are formed at two positions on the left and right of the base piece 51. A central portion in the longitudinal direction of the base piece 51 is configured by a narrow intermediate portion 51b having a narrow front-rear width compared to the left and right end portions. Further, the central portions of the front end surfaces 52a and 54a (opposing surfaces) formed of substantially V-shaped inclined surfaces (inclined with respect to the vertical and horizontal directions) of the front and rear first cable pressure contact pieces 52 and the second cable pressure contact pieces 54 A first press-contacting groove 53 and a second press-contacting groove 55 each formed of a slit extending linearly toward the base piece 51 side are formed on each (lower end portion of FIGS. 1 to 4).

中継コンタクト５０は、第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５が接続するものである。
第一ケーブル６０と第二ケーブル６５は、導電性及び可撓性を有する材料（例えば銅やアルミニウム）からなる芯線６１、６６（撚り線や単線）の表面をチューブ状かつ可撓性及び絶縁性を有する被覆６２、６７でそれぞれ覆ったものである。第一ケーブル６０は配線対象物（例えば自動車等）の内部に最初から配線しかつ配線対象物の電源と接続するケーブルである。一方、第二ケーブル６５は第一ケーブル６０に対して後から追加で接続するケーブルであり、その一端（前端）には電子機器や電気機器（例えばカーナビゲーションシステム）等が接続してある。 The relay contact 50 is connected to the first cable 60 and the second cable 65.
The first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are tubular, flexible, and insulating on the surfaces of core wires 61 and 66 (twisted wires and single wires) made of a conductive and flexible material (for example, copper or aluminum). Are covered with coverings 62 and 67 having, respectively. The first cable 60 is a cable that is wired from the beginning inside a wiring object (for example, an automobile or the like) and connected to the power source of the wiring object. On the other hand, the second cable 65 is a cable that is additionally connected to the first cable 60 later, and an electronic device or an electric device (for example, a car navigation system) is connected to one end (front end) thereof.

絶縁ハウジング１５、中継コンタクト５０、第一ケーブル６０、及び第二ケーブル６５を一体化して、第一ケーブル６０と第二ケーブル６５を電気的に接続しながら分岐コネクタ１０を組み立てるには、まず組み立て作業者が手等により図１−図６に示す展開状態にある第一分割ハウジング１６のコンタクト取付溝１８に対して中継コンタクト５０の下部を嵌合する。具体的には、狭幅中間部５１ｂを中間部１８ｂに嵌合させながら基片５１をコンタクト取付溝１８の底部に嵌合し、さらに第一ケーブル圧接片５２の基片５１側の半部（図１−図４では下半部）を対応する固定部１８ａに嵌合しかつ第二ケーブル圧接片５４の基片５１側の半部を対応する固定部１８ａに嵌合する。すると基片５１の一対の位置決め孔５１ａに対して第一分割ハウジング１６の一対の位置決め突起１８ｃが嵌合するので（図２、図９、図１１、図１４）、中継コンタクト５０が第一分割ハウジング１６に対して位置決めされる。中継コンタクト５０を第一分割ハウジング１６に取り付けると、前後の第一ケーブル取付溝１９を通る軸線上に前後の第一圧接用溝５３が位置し、かつ、前後の第二ケーブル取付溝２０を通る軸線上に前後の第二圧接用溝５５が位置する。 To assemble the branch connector 10 while integrating the insulating housing 15, the relay contact 50, the first cable 60, and the second cable 65 and electrically connecting the first cable 60 and the second cable 65, first, an assembly operation A person fits the lower part of the relay contact 50 into the contact mounting groove 18 of the first divided housing 16 in the unfolded state shown in FIGS. Specifically, the base piece 51 is fitted to the bottom portion of the contact mounting groove 18 while the narrow intermediate portion 51b is fitted to the intermediate portion 18b, and the half portion on the base piece 51 side of the first cable pressure contact piece 52 ( 1-4, the lower half part) is fitted into the corresponding fixing part 18a, and the half part on the base piece 51 side of the second cable press-contacting piece 54 is fitted into the corresponding fixing part 18a. Then, since the pair of positioning projections 18c of the first divided housing 16 are fitted into the pair of positioning holes 51a of the base piece 51 (FIGS. 2, 9, 11, and 14), the relay contact 50 is divided into the first division. Positioned relative to the housing 16. When the relay contact 50 is attached to the first divided housing 16, the front and rear first pressure contact grooves 53 are positioned on the axis passing through the front and rear first cable attachment grooves 19, and pass through the front and rear second cable attachment grooves 20. The front and rear second pressure welding grooves 55 are located on the axis.

続いて、組み立て作業者が手等により、共に前後方向に延びるように左右方向（第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５の分岐コネクタ１０によって支持される部位の延長方向に対して直交又は略直交（特許請求の範囲の「直交」は「略直交」も含む概念である）する方向）に並べた第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５の中間部に対して第一分割ハウジング１６を下方から接近させ、一対の第一ケーブル圧接片５２の先端面５２ａに第一ケーブル６０の中間部を載置しかつ一対の第二ケーブル圧接片５４の先端面５４ａに第二ケーブル６５の中間部を載置する。次にこの状態を保持したまま、前後の曲げ癖４８ａを中心に前後の第二接続部４７（第二分割ハウジング３０）を前後の第一接続部４６（第一分割ハウジング１６）に対して接近するように回転させて分岐コネクタ１０を図７−図９に示す状態にする。すると、第一突片３９より突出量（上下寸法）が小さい第二突片４２の第一突片３９側先端に形成した傾斜面がロック用突起２７の上部に形成した傾斜面に当接し、さらに第二接続部４７側に位置するケーブル押圧突起３２の押圧溝３２ａが、第二ケーブル６５の中間部を第二ケーブル圧接片５４の第二圧接用溝５５の奥側（下方）に僅かに押し込みながら前後の第二ケーブル圧接片５４の間の空間に入り込む。 Subsequently, the assembly operator manually or by the left and right direction so as to extend in the front-rear direction (perpendicular or substantially orthogonal to the extension direction of the portion supported by the branch connector 10 of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 ( The term “orthogonal” in the claims is a concept including “substantially orthogonal”), and the first divided housing 16 is approached from below with respect to the intermediate portion of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 arranged in the direction). The intermediate portion of the first cable 60 is placed on the distal end surface 52a of the pair of first cable press contact pieces 52, and the intermediate portion of the second cable 65 is placed on the distal end surface 54a of the pair of second cable press contact pieces 54. . Next, while maintaining this state, the front and rear second connection portions 47 (second divided housing 30) approach the front and rear first connection portions 46 (first divided housing 16) with the front and rear bending rods 48a as the center. The branch connector 10 is brought into the state shown in FIGS. Then, the inclined surface formed at the tip of the first protruding piece 39 side of the second protruding piece 42 having a smaller protruding amount (vertical dimension) than the first protruding piece 39 comes into contact with the inclined surface formed on the upper portion of the locking protrusion 27, Further, the pressing groove 32 a of the cable pressing protrusion 32 located on the second connection portion 47 side slightly places the intermediate portion of the second cable 65 on the back side (downward) of the second pressing contact groove 55 of the second cable pressing piece 54. While pushing, it enters the space between the front and rear second cable pressure contact pieces 54.

手等により前後の第二接続部４７（第二分割ハウジング３０）を前後の曲げ癖４８ａを中心に前後の第一接続部４６（第一分割ハウジング１６）に対して接近する方向にさらに回転させると、第二突片４２は左方向（ロック用突起２７が突出する方向）への微小な弾性変形を伴いながらロック用突起２７の傾斜面を左斜め下方へ摺動し、第一接続部４６及び第二接続部４７が弾性変形し始める。その際、第二接続部４７に比べて弾性変形し易い（撓み易い）第一接続部４６の先端が上方に変位するため、曲げ癖４８ａの位置（折り曲げ位置）も上方に移動して第二分割ハウジング３０が第一分割ハウジング１６と略平行状態となりながら第一分割ハウジング１６側に接近する。
さらに第二接続部４７と反対側に位置するケーブル押圧突起３２（図１−図３では左側のケーブル押圧突起３２）の押圧溝３２ａが、第一ケーブル６０の中間部を第一ケーブル圧接片５２の先端面５２ａに対して第一圧接用溝５３の延出方向又はこれに近い方向に押し当てるので、第一ケーブル６０が先端面５２ａとケーブル押圧突起３２とによって挟持される。 The front and rear second connection portions 47 (second divided housing 30) are further rotated by hands or the like in a direction approaching the front and rear first connection portions 46 (first divided housing 16) around the front and rear bending rods 48a. Then, the second projecting piece 42 slides on the inclined surface of the locking projection 27 diagonally to the left and with the slight elastic deformation in the left direction (the direction in which the locking projection 27 protrudes), and the first connection portion 46. And the 2nd connection part 47 begins to elastically deform. At that time, since the tip of the first connection portion 46 that is easily elastically deformed (easy to bend) as compared with the second connection portion 47 is displaced upward, the position (bending position) of the bending rod 48a is also moved upward. The divided housing 30 approaches the first divided housing 16 side while being substantially parallel to the first divided housing 16.
Furthermore, the pressing groove 32a of the cable pressing protrusion 32 (the cable pressing protrusion 32 on the left side in FIGS. 1 to 3) located on the opposite side of the second connecting portion 47 is connected to the first cable pressure contact piece 52 at the intermediate portion of the first cable 60. The first cable 60 is clamped by the distal end surface 52a and the cable pressing protrusion 32 because the first press contact groove 52 is pressed against the distal end surface 52a in the extending direction of the first press contact groove 53 or a direction close thereto.

第二接続部４７（第二分割ハウジング３０）を第一接続部４６（第一分割ハウジング１６）側へさらに回転させると、第一分割ハウジング１６の前後の仮ロック用突起２６が第一突片３９の前後の仮ロック溝３９ａに嵌合して仮ロック溝３９ａの下端面と係合する（図示略）。このように前後の仮ロック用突起２６と仮ロック溝３９ａが係合することにより第一分割ハウジング１６と第二分割ハウジング３０は図１０及び図１１に示す仮保持状態となる（図１０では第一接続部４６の先端側の図示を省略している）。これにより、圧接前（中継コンタクト５０に対して芯線６１、６６が接触する前）の第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５が第二分割ハウジング３０と中継コンタクト５０の先端面５２ａ、５４ａとにより挟持されるとともに、第二分割ハウジング３０が第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５から受ける反力によって第一分割ハウジング１６に対して開いてしまうことを防止できる。 When the second connecting portion 47 (second divided housing 30) is further rotated toward the first connecting portion 46 (first divided housing 16), the temporary locking protrusions 26 on the front and rear sides of the first divided housing 16 become the first protruding pieces. It fits in the temporary lock groove 39a before and behind 39, and engages with the lower end surface of the temporary lock groove 39a (not shown). Thus, the front and rear temporary locking projections 26 and the temporary locking grooves 39a are engaged, whereby the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are in the temporary holding state shown in FIGS. The illustration of the tip end side of one connecting portion 46 is omitted). As a result, the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 before the press contact (before the core wires 61 and 66 come into contact with the relay contact 50) are held between the second divided housing 30 and the end faces 52a and 54a of the relay contact 50. In addition, the second split housing 30 can be prevented from opening with respect to the first split housing 16 due to the reaction force received from the first cable 60 and the second cable 65.

絶縁ハウジング１５が仮保持状態になると、第二接続部４７及び第二分割ハウジング３０が水平面（第一分割ハウジング１６の外周側第一対向面１７ａ及び内側第一対向面１７ｃ）と略平行になるので、このときの第二接続部４７と反対側のケーブル押圧突起３２の押圧溝３２ａによる第一ケーブル６０の押圧方向は第二接続部４７側のケーブル押圧突起３２の押圧溝３２ａによる第二ケーブル６５の押圧方向と略平行となる。より詳細には、左右のケーブル押圧突起３２の押圧溝３２ａによる第一ケーブル６０と第二ケーブル６５の押圧方向は上下方向と略平行となる。このように第二接続部４７及び第二分割ハウジング３０が水平面と略平行になった状態で仮ロック用突起２６と仮ロック溝３９ａが係合すると、第一分割ハウジング１６に対して第二分割ハウジング３０が大きく傾斜する場合と比べて、第一ケーブル６０と第二ケーブル６５が中継コンタクト５０によって安定した状態で略均等に支持される。また、第一ケーブル６０と第二ケーブル６５はコネクタ１０によって仮保持されており、作業者が工具を取る等の別作業の準備のためにコネクタ１０（絶縁ハウジング１５）から手を離したとしても上記仮保持状態が解除されることがないので、（仮保持されない場合と比べて）コネクタ１０の組立作業性（第一ケーブル６０と第二ケーブル６５の接続作業性）が良好である。
さらにこの仮保持状態では、第一分割ハウジング１６（外周側第一対向面１７ａ、１７ｃ）及び第二分割ハウジング３０（外周側第二対向面３１ａ、内側第二対向面３１ｃ）の自由端（連結部４５と反対側の端部）は互いに離れた状態にあるため、作業者は第一ケーブル６０と第二ケーブル６５が中継コンタクト５０の先端面５２ａ、５４ａに正しく載置されているか否かを、第一分割ハウジング１６（外周側第一対向面１７ａ、内側第一対向面１７ｃ）及び第二分割ハウジング３０（外周側第二対向面３１ａ、内側第二対向面３１ｃ）の自由端の間に形成された隙間から視認できる。 When the insulating housing 15 is temporarily held, the second connecting portion 47 and the second divided housing 30 are substantially parallel to the horizontal plane (the outer peripheral side first opposing surface 17a and the inner first opposing surface 17c of the first divided housing 16). Therefore, the pressing direction of the first cable 60 by the pressing groove 32a of the cable pressing projection 32 on the side opposite to the second connecting portion 47 at this time is the second cable by the pressing groove 32a of the cable pressing projection 32 on the second connecting portion 47 side. It becomes substantially parallel to the pressing direction of 65. More specifically, the pressing direction of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 by the pressing grooves 32a of the left and right cable pressing protrusions 32 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction. When the temporary locking projection 26 and the temporary locking groove 39a are engaged with the second connecting portion 47 and the second divided housing 30 being substantially parallel to the horizontal plane in this way, the first divided housing 16 is divided into the second divided portion. Compared to the case where the housing 30 is largely inclined, the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are supported substantially uniformly by the relay contact 50 in a stable state. Further, the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are temporarily held by the connector 10, and even if the operator releases his / her hand from the connector 10 (insulating housing 15) in preparation for another operation such as taking a tool. Since the temporary holding state is not released, the assembling workability of the connector 10 (the workability of connecting the first cable 60 and the second cable 65) is good (compared to the case of not being temporarily held).
Furthermore, in this temporary holding state, the free ends (connections) of the first divided housing 16 (the outer peripheral side first opposing surfaces 17a and 17c) and the second divided housing 30 (the outer peripheral side second opposing surface 31a and the inner second opposing surface 31c). Since the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are correctly placed on the front end surfaces 52a and 54a of the relay contact 50, the operator determines whether the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are correctly placed. Between the free ends of the first divided housing 16 (the outer peripheral first opposing surface 17a and the inner first opposing surface 17c) and the second divided housing 30 (the outer peripheral second opposing surface 31a and the inner second opposing surface 31c). Visible from the formed gap.

第一ケーブル６０と第二ケーブル６５が中継コンタクト５０の先端面５２ａ、５４ａに載置されていること（第一圧接用溝５３と第二圧接用溝５５の真上に位置すること）を確認した後に、図示を省略した一般的な工具（例えば、プライヤー）によって第一分割ハウジング１６及び第二分割ハウジング３０をその自由端どうしが接近する方向に略平行に押圧して、係合突起４１をロック用突起２５に対して係合させかつ第二突片４２の上端とロック用突起２７の下端とを係合させる（第一分割ハウジング１６のロック用突起２７を第二突片４２の貫通孔４３に係合させる）（図１３、図１４参照）。これにより第一分割ハウジング１６と第二分割ハウジング３０は外周側第一対向面１７ａと内側第二対向面３１ｃが面接触し（または微小隙間を形成しながら対向し。このように接触または微小隙間を形成しながら対向するときの第二分割ハウジング３０の第一分割ハウジング１６に対する相対位置が特許請求の範囲の「所定位置」）かつ内側第一対向面１７ｃと内側第二対向面３１ｃが面接触する（または微小隙間を形成しながら対向し。このように接触または微小隙間を形成しながら対向するときの第二分割ハウジング３０の第一分割ハウジング１６に対する相対位置が特許請求の範囲の「所定位置」）し、さらに自由状態（直線状態）に復帰した第一接続部４６と第二接続部４７の対後面どうしが面接触する。その結果絶縁ハウジング１５は、前後の第一ケーブル取付溝１９、３３と第二ケーブル取付溝２０、３４が第一ケーブル６０の被覆６２と第二ケーブル６５の被覆６７の二つの部位にそれぞれ嵌り込んだ（接触した）閉状態に保持（ロック）される。 Confirm that the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are placed on the end faces 52a and 54a of the relay contact 50 (positioned immediately above the first pressure contact groove 53 and the second pressure contact groove 55). After that, the first split housing 16 and the second split housing 30 are pressed substantially parallel to the direction in which the free ends approach each other by a general tool (for example, a pliers) (not shown), and the engagement protrusion 41 is pressed. Engage with the locking protrusion 25 and engage the upper end of the second protrusion 42 and the lower end of the locking protrusion 27 (the locking protrusion 27 of the first divided housing 16 is inserted into the through hole of the second protrusion 42. 43 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). Accordingly, the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are opposed to each other while the outer peripheral side first facing surface 17a and the inner second facing surface 31c are in surface contact (or forming a minute gap). The relative position of the second divided housing 30 with respect to the first divided housing 16 when facing each other while forming a “predetermined position” in the claims) and the inner first facing surface 17c and the inner second facing surface 31c are in surface contact. (Or opposed while forming a minute gap. The relative position of the second divided housing 30 with respect to the first divided housing 16 when contacting or opposed while forming a minute gap in this way is “predetermined position” in the claims. ”), And the rear surfaces of the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 that have returned to the free state (straight state) come into surface contact with each other. As a result, the front and rear first cable mounting grooves 19 and 33 and the second cable mounting grooves 20 and 34 of the insulating housing 15 are respectively fitted into two portions of the covering 62 of the first cable 60 and the covering 67 of the second cable 65. It is held (locked) in the closed state (contacted).

さらに左右のケーブル押圧突起３２が第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５の中間部をコンタクト取付溝１８の奥側（底面側）にさらに押し込むので、第一ケーブル６０が先端面５２ａから第一圧接用溝５３の略中央部まで押し込まれかつ第二ケーブル６５が先端面５４ａから第二圧接用溝５５の略中央部まで押し込まれる。そしてこのとき、左右のケーブル押圧突起３２の押圧溝３２ａによる第一ケーブル６０と第二ケーブル６５の押圧方向が上下方向（第一圧接用溝５３及び第二圧接用溝５５の延長方向）と略平行となる。さらにこのとき、第一ケーブル圧接片５２及び第二ケーブル圧接片５４の先端部（図１−図４では上端部）が第二分割ハウジング３０の各金具進入溝３２ｂに嵌合するので、金具進入溝３２ｂの内面によって、第一ケーブル圧接片５２及び第二ケーブル圧接片５４の第一圧接用溝５３と第二圧接用溝５５の両側に位置する部位の外側（互いに離れる方向）への開き動作（第一圧接用溝５３と第二圧接用溝５５の幅が広がる）のが規制される。そのため、第一圧接用溝５３の内面（左右両面）によって第一ケーブル６０の被覆６２の左右両側部が確実に破られかつ第二圧接用溝５５の内面（左右両面）によって第二ケーブル６５の被覆６７の左右両側部が確実に破られる。従って、絶縁ハウジング１５が閉状態に保持されたときに、第一圧接用溝５３の内面（一対の対向面）が芯線６１の両側部に対して均等且つ確実に接触（圧接）しかつ第二圧接用溝５５の内面（一対の対向面）が芯線６６に対して均等且つ確実に接触（圧接）し、分岐コネクタ１０の内部において第一ケーブル６０の中間部と第二ケーブル６５の中間部が互いに電気的に導通する。
また、芯線６１、６６の両側部の一方に対して第一圧接用溝５３や第二圧接用溝５５の内面が過度に強く当たることがないので、芯線６１、６６の一部が第一圧接用溝５３や第二圧接用溝５５によって切断されることがない。そのため芯線６１、６６の機械的強度が低下しないので、第一ケーブル６０や第二ケーブル６５に引張力が掛かっても芯線６１、６６が完全に切断するおそれは小さい。
従って、第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５と中継コンタクト５０の接触信頼性を高めることが可能である。 Further, the left and right cable pressing protrusions 32 push the intermediate portion of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 further into the back side (bottom surface side) of the contact mounting groove 18, so that the first cable 60 is used for the first pressure contact from the distal end surface 52 a. The second cable 65 is pushed to the substantially central portion of the groove 53 and the second cable 65 is pushed from the distal end surface 54 a to the substantially central portion of the second pressure welding groove 55. At this time, the pressing direction of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 by the pressing grooves 32a of the left and right cable pressing protrusions 32 is substantially the vertical direction (extending direction of the first pressing groove 53 and the second pressing groove 55). Parallel. Further, at this time, the tip end portions (upper end portions in FIGS. 1 to 4) of the first cable pressure contact piece 52 and the second cable pressure contact piece 54 are fitted in the respective metal fitting entry grooves 32 b of the second divided housing 30. By the inner surface of the groove 32b, the first cable pressure contact piece 52 and the second cable pressure contact piece 54 are opened outward (in a direction away from each other) from the portions positioned on both sides of the first pressure contact groove 53 and the second pressure contact groove 55. (The widths of the first pressure contact groove 53 and the second pressure contact groove 55 are increased). Therefore, the left and right side portions of the covering 62 of the first cable 60 are reliably broken by the inner surface (left and right both sides) of the first pressure welding groove 53 and the second cable 65 is broken by the inner surface (left and right both sides) of the second pressure welding groove 55. The left and right sides of the covering 67 are reliably broken. Therefore, when the insulating housing 15 is held in the closed state, the inner surfaces (a pair of opposed surfaces) of the first pressure contact groove 53 are in contact (pressure contact) with both sides of the core wire 61 evenly and reliably. The inner surface (a pair of opposing surfaces) of the pressure contact groove 55 is in uniform and reliable contact (pressure contact) with the core wire 66, and the intermediate portion of the first cable 60 and the intermediate portion of the second cable 65 are located inside the branch connector 10. They are electrically connected to each other.
In addition, since the inner surfaces of the first pressure contact groove 53 and the second pressure contact groove 55 do not excessively hit against one of the both side portions of the core wires 61 and 66, a part of the core wires 61 and 66 is in the first pressure contact. It is not cut by the use groove 53 or the second pressure contact groove 55. Therefore, since the mechanical strength of the core wires 61 and 66 does not decrease, there is little possibility that the core wires 61 and 66 are completely cut even when a tensile force is applied to the first cable 60 and the second cable 65.
Therefore, the contact reliability between the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 and the relay contact 50 can be improved.

第一分割ハウジング１６と第二分割ハウジング３０を閉状態にしたときに、第一分割ハウジング１６の外周側第一対向面１７ａや内側第一対向面１７ｃと第二分割ハウジング３０の外周側第二対向面３１ａや内側第二対向面３１ｃとが接触せずに微小な隙間を形成しながら対向する可能性がある。しかし前後の各半円状突起２１と前後の各半円状突起３５の内面が互いに連続する環状空間を形成しながら第一ケーブル６０の被覆６２に対してそれぞれ食い込み、かつ、前後の各半円状突起２２と前後の各半円状突起３６の内面が互いに連続する環状空間を形成しながら第二ケーブル６５の被覆６７に対してそれぞれ食い込むので、半円状突起２１、２２、３５、３６を形成しない場合に比べて、第一ケーブル取付溝１９及び第二ケーブル取付溝２０の前後両端開口から中継コンタクト５０までの（外周側第一対向面１７ａ、内側第一対向面１７ｃ、外周側第二対向面３１ａ、内側第二対向面３１ｃに沿った）沿面距離が長くなる。そのため分岐コネクタ１０の外側にある水や埃などが第一ケーブル取付溝１９及び第二ケーブル取付溝２０から中継コンタクト５０や第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５の中継コンタクト５０との接続部（芯線６１及び芯線６６）に接触するおそれを低減できる。
また、第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５が半円状突起２１、２２、３５、３６の内面で挟持されるため、仮にコネクタ１０の外側において加わった外力によって第一ケーブル６０や第二ケーブル６５が振られて屈曲したとしても、第一ケーブル６０や第二ケーブル６５の屈曲に起因する動きや応力が中継コンタクト５０との圧接部に伝達することを抑止し接触信頼性を維持できる。 When the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are closed, the outer peripheral side first opposing surface 17a and the inner first opposing surface 17c of the first split housing 16 and the second outer peripheral side second of the second split housing 30 are provided. There is a possibility that the opposing surface 31a and the inner second opposing surface 31c do not contact each other while forming a minute gap. However, the inner surfaces of the front and rear semicircular protrusions 21 and the inner surfaces of the front and rear semicircular protrusions 35 bite into the covering 62 of the first cable 60 while forming a continuous annular space. Since the inner surface of each of the protrusions 22 and the front and rear semicircular protrusions 36 bites into the sheath 67 of the second cable 65 while forming a continuous annular space, the semicircular protrusions 21, 22, 35, 36 are Compared to the case where the first cable mounting groove 19 and the second cable mounting groove 20 are not formed, from the front and rear end openings to the relay contact 50 (the outer peripheral side first opposing surface 17a, the inner first opposing surface 17c, the outer peripheral side second The creepage distance (along the opposing surface 31a and the inner second opposing surface 31c) is increased. Therefore, water or dust outside the branch connector 10 is connected from the first cable mounting groove 19 and the second cable mounting groove 20 to the relay contact 50, the first cable 60, and the relay contact 50 of the second cable 65 (core wire). 61 and the core wire 66) can be reduced.
In addition, since the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the semicircular protrusions 21, 22, 35, 36, the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are temporarily applied by an external force applied outside the connector 10. Even if it is bent by being swung, it is possible to prevent the movement and stress due to the bending of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 from being transmitted to the pressure contact portion with the relay contact 50 and maintain the contact reliability.

以上、本発明を上記各実施形態に基づいて説明したが、本発明は上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、様々な変形を施しながら実施可能である。
例えば、第一接続部４６の一部のみの断面二次モーメント及び曲げ剛性を第二接続部４７より小さくしてもよい。
また第一接続部４６の全体又は少なくとも一部の前後幅（撓み方向に対して直交する方向の幅）を第二接続部４７より狭くして第一接続部４６の全体又は少なくとも一部の断面二次モーメント（Ｉ）を第二接続部４７より小さくしたり、第一接続部４６の上面や下面に貫通孔や凹部を形成して第一接続部４６の当該部分（貫通孔や凹部を設けた部分）の断面二次モーメント（Ｉ）を第二接続部４７より小さくすることにより、第一接続部４６の全体又は少なくとも一部の曲げ剛性（ＥＩ）を第二接続部４７より小さくしてもよい。また絶縁ハウジング１５を二色成形するなどして第一接続部４６と第二接続部４７の材質を異ならせて第一接続部４６のヤング率（Ｅ）を第二接続部４７より小さくすることにより、第一接続部４６の全体又は少なくとも一部の曲げ剛性（ＥＩ）を第二接続部４７より小さくしてもよい。さらに第一接続部４６と第二接続部４７の断面二次モーメントとヤング率を共に異ならせることにより、第一接続部４６の全体又は少なくとも一部の曲げ剛性（ＥＩ）を第二接続部４７より小さくしてもよい。
また第一接続部４６と第二接続部４７をそれぞれ一様断面（すべての長手方向位置における断面形状が同一）の突片（片持ち梁）により構成し、いずれの長手方向位置においても第一接続部４６の曲げ剛性（ＥＩ）が第二接続部４７より小さくなるようにしてもよい。
また、第一接続部４６と第二接続部４７の構造や材質を入れ替える等して、第二接続部４７の全体又は少なくとも一部の曲げ剛性（断面二次モーメントやヤング率）を第一接続部よりも小さくしてもよい。 As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on said each embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can implement, giving various deformation | transformation.
For example, the cross-sectional secondary moment and bending rigidity of only a part of the first connection portion 46 may be made smaller than that of the second connection portion 47.
In addition, the whole or at least part of the first connection part 46 is made narrower than the second connection part 47 by making the entire or at least part of the first connection part 46 the front-rear width (width in the direction perpendicular to the bending direction). The second moment (I) is made smaller than that of the second connection portion 47, or through holes and recesses are formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the first connection portion 46 to provide the corresponding portions of the first connection portion 46 (providing through holes and recesses). The bending moment (EI) of the entire first connection part 46 or at least a part of the first connection part 46 is made smaller than that of the second connection part 47 by making the cross-sectional secondary moment (I) of the first connection part 46 smaller than that of the second connection part 47. Also good. Further, the insulating housing 15 is formed in two colors, for example, and the first connecting portion 46 and the second connecting portion 47 are made of different materials so that the Young's modulus (E) of the first connecting portion 46 is smaller than that of the second connecting portion 47. Accordingly, the bending rigidity (EI) of the entire first connection part 46 or at least a part thereof may be smaller than that of the second connection part 47. Further, by making the sectional moment of inertia and Young's modulus of the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 different from each other, the bending rigidity (EI) of the entire first connection portion 46 or at least a part thereof can be set to the second connection portion 47. It may be smaller.
In addition, the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 are each configured by a projecting piece (cantilever beam) having a uniform cross section (the cross-sectional shape is the same in all longitudinal positions), and the first connection section 46 and the second connection section 47 are in any longitudinal position The bending rigidity (EI) of the connecting portion 46 may be smaller than that of the second connecting portion 47.
Further, by changing the structure and material of the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47, the bending rigidity (secondary moment of moment and Young's modulus) of the entire second connection portion 47 or at least a part thereof is connected to the first connection portion 46. You may make it smaller than a part.

図１５に示す変形例のように厚肉部４７ｂ（又は厚肉部４６ｂ）の一部に断面略四角形の切欠き４７ｃを形成することにより、厚肉部４７ｂ（又は厚肉部４６ｂ）の一部を周辺部に比べて薄肉かつ前後方向に直線的に延びる曲げ癖４７ｄ（回転軸）としてもよい。このようにすれば、絶縁ハウジング１５が仮保持状態になったときに、第二接続部４７及び第二分割ハウジング３０を水平面（第一分割ハウジング１６の外周側第一対向面１７ａ及び内側第一対向面１７ｃ）と略平行(又は完全な平行)状態にするのがより容易になる。
図１６に示す変形例のように連結部４５’に断面略三角形の切欠き４５ａを形成することにより、切欠き４５ａの両端間の部位（図１６に図示した二本の一点鎖線Ｌ１、Ｌ２の間に位置する部位）を回転接続部４８’として構成し、回転接続部４８’の左右両側に位置する部位を第一接続部４６’と第二接続部４７’にしてもよい。
さらに図１５の変形例の切欠き４７ｃの断面形状を別の形状（例えば三角形）にしたり、図１６の変形例の切欠き切欠き４５ａの断面形状を別の形状（例えば四角形）にしてもよい。 As in the modification shown in FIG. 15, by forming a notch 47c having a substantially square cross section in a part of the thick part 47b (or thick part 46b), one of the thick part 47b (or thick part 46b) is formed. The portion may be a bending rod 47d (rotating shaft) that is thinner than the peripheral portion and linearly extends in the front-rear direction. In this way, when the insulating housing 15 is temporarily held, the second connecting portion 47 and the second divided housing 30 are placed in a horizontal plane (the outer peripheral side first opposing surface 17a and the inner first side of the first divided housing 16). It becomes easier to make the surface substantially parallel (or completely parallel) to the facing surface 17c).
By forming a notch 45a having a substantially triangular cross section in the connecting portion 45 ′ as in the modification shown in FIG. 16, the portions between both ends of the notch 45a (the two dash-dot lines L1 and L2 shown in FIG. The part located between them may be configured as a rotary connection part 48 ', and the parts located on the left and right sides of the rotary connection part 48' may be the first connection part 46 'and the second connection part 47'.
Further, the cross-sectional shape of the notch 47c of the modification example of FIG. 15 may be changed to another shape (for example, a triangle), or the cross-sectional shape of the notch notch 45a of the modification example of FIG. .

各ケーブルの分岐コネクタ１０によって支持された部位の延長方向に対して直交又は略直交（特許請求の範囲の「直交」は「略直交」も含む概念である）する方向に並べた３本以上のケーブルを分岐コネクタ１０で接続してもよい。この場合は一つの中継コンタクトに（左右方向に並んだ）三対以上の圧接用溝を形成してもよい。また、複数の中継コンタクトのそれぞれに圧接用溝を形成し、少なくとも一つの中継コンタクトに二対以上の圧接用溝を形成し、各圧接用溝にケーブル（芯線）を圧接してもよい。
（単一又は複数の）中継コンタクトが３つ以上の圧接用溝を備える場合に、第一分割ハウジングの左右二か所に二つの第二分割ハウジングを連結部４５、４５’を介して回転可能に接続し、少なくとも一方の第二分割ハウジングによって複数のケーブルを押圧（中継コンタクトに対して圧接）するようにしてもよい。 Three or more lines arranged in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the extension direction of the portion supported by the branch connector 10 of each cable (“orthogonal” in the claims is a concept including “substantially orthogonal”) A cable may be connected by the branch connector 10. In this case, three or more pairs of pressure contact grooves (aligned in the left-right direction) may be formed in one relay contact. Alternatively, a pressure contact groove may be formed in each of the plurality of relay contacts, two or more pairs of pressure contact grooves may be formed in at least one relay contact, and a cable (core wire) may be pressure contacted in each pressure contact groove.
When the relay contact (single or multiple) has three or more pressure contact grooves, the two second divided housings can be rotated via the connecting portions 45, 45 ′ at the two left and right sides of the first divided housing. The plurality of cables may be pressed (pressed against the relay contact) by at least one second divided housing.

さらに第一分割ハウジング１６の外周側第一対向面１７ａと第二分割ハウジング３０の外周側第二対向面３１ａの間、又は／及び、第一分割ハウジング１６の内側第一対向面１７ｃと第二分割ハウジング３０の内側第二対向面３１ｃの間にゴム等の弾性材料からなるパッキンを介在させてもよい。このようにすれば分岐コネクタ１０の外側にある水や埃などがコネクタ１０の内部に侵入して中継コンタクト５０や第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５の中継コンタクト５０との接続部（芯線６１及び芯線６６）に接触するおそれをさらに低減できる。
また、第一分割ハウジング１６の外周側第一対向面１７ａと第二分割ハウジング３０の外周側第二対向面３１ａの間、又は／及び、第一分割ハウジング１６の内側第一対向面１７ｃと第二分割ハウジング３０の内側第二対向面３１ｃの間に絶縁性のジェルシートを介在させてもよい。このようにすると第一分割ハウジング１６と第二分割ハウジング３０が閉状態（ロック状態）となったときに、第一ケーブル６０や第二ケーブル６５の芯線６２、６７の表面に（中継コンタクト５０との電気的導通を妨げることなく）付着するので、水や埃などが第一ケーブル６０及び第二ケーブル６５の芯線６２、６７に接触するおそれをさらに低減できる。 Further, between the outer peripheral first opposing surface 17a of the first divided housing 16 and the outer peripheral second opposing surface 31a of the second split housing 30, or / and the inner first opposing surface 17c of the first split housing 16 and the second. A packing made of an elastic material such as rubber may be interposed between the inner second opposing surfaces 31 c of the divided housing 30. In this way, water, dust, etc. outside the branch connector 10 enter the inside of the connector 10 and connect the relay contact 50, the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 to the relay contact 50 (core wire 61 and The possibility of contact with the core wire 66) can be further reduced.
Further, between the outer peripheral side first opposing surface 17a of the first split housing 16 and the outer peripheral side second opposing surface 31a of the second split housing 30, and / or the inner first opposing surface 17c of the first split housing 16 and the first side. An insulating gel sheet may be interposed between the inner second opposing surfaces 31 c of the two-divided housing 30. In this way, when the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are in the closed state (locked state), the surfaces of the core wires 62 and 67 of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 (with the relay contact 50 and Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the possibility of water or dust coming into contact with the core wires 62 and 67 of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65.

１０分岐コネクタ
１５絶縁ハウジング
１６第一分割ハウジング
１７外周側凹部
１７ａ外周側第一対向面
１７ｂ内周側凸部
１７ｃ内側第一対向面
１８コンタクト取付溝
１８ａ固定部
１８ｂ中間部
１８ｃ位置決め突起
１９第一ケーブル取付溝
２０第二ケーブル取付溝
２１２２半円状突起
２５ロック用突起（ロック手段）
２６仮ロック用突起（仮保持手段）
２７ロック用突起
３０第二分割ハウジング
３１外周壁
３１ａ外周側第二対向面
３１ｂ内周側凹部
３１ｃ内側第二対向面
３２ケーブル押圧突起
３２ａ押圧溝
３２ｂ金具進入溝
３３第一ケーブル取付溝
３４第二ケーブル取付溝
３５３６半円状突起
３９第一突片
３９ａ仮ロック溝（仮保持手段）
４０貫通孔
４１係合突起（ロック手段）
４２第二突片
４３貫通孔
４５４５’ 連結部
４６４６’ 第一接続部
４６ａ薄肉先端部
４６ｂ厚肉部
４６ｂ１半円厚肉部
４７４７’ 第二接続部
４７ａ薄肉先端部
４７ｂ厚肉部
４７ｂ１半円厚肉部
４７ｃ切欠き
４７ｄ曲げ癖
４８４８’ 回転接続部
４８ａ曲げ癖（回転軸）
５０中継コンタクト
５１基片
５１ａ位置決め孔
５１ｂ狭幅中間部
５２第一ケーブル圧接片
５２ａ先端面（対向面）
５３第一圧接用溝（圧接用溝）
５４第二ケーブル圧接片
５４ａ先端面（対向面）
５５第二圧接用溝（圧接用溝）
６０第一ケーブル
６１芯線
６２被覆
６５第二ケーブル
６６芯線
６７被覆 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Branch connector 15 Insulation housing 16 1st division | segmentation housing 17 Outer peripheral side recessed part 17a Outer peripheral side 1st opposing surface 17b Inner peripheral side convex part 17c Inner side 1st opposing surface 18 Contact mounting groove 18a Fixing part 18b Intermediate | middle part 18c Positioning protrusion 19 1st Cable mounting groove 20 Second cable mounting groove 21 22 Semicircular protrusion 25 Locking protrusion (locking means)
26 Temporary lock projection (temporary holding means)
27 Locking projection 30 Second divided housing 31 Outer peripheral wall 31a Outer peripheral second opposing surface 31b Inner peripheral concave portion 31c Inner second opposing surface 32 Cable pressing projection 32a Pressing groove 32b Metal fitting entry groove 33 First cable mounting groove 34 Second Cable mounting groove 35 36 Semicircular protrusion 39 First protrusion 39a Temporary lock groove (temporary holding means)
40 through-hole 41 engagement protrusion (locking means)
42 2nd protrusion 43 43 Through-hole 45 45 'Connection part 46 46' 1st connection part 46a Thin tip part 46b Thick part 46b1 Semi-circular thick part 47 47 '2nd connection part 47a Thin tip part 47b Thick part 47b1 Semicircular thick part 47c Notch 47d Bending rod 48 48 'Rotating connection 48a Bending rod (rotating shaft)
50 Relay contact 51 Base piece 51a Positioning hole 51b Narrow intermediate portion 52 First cable pressure contact piece 52a Tip surface (opposing surface)
53 First pressure welding groove (pressure welding groove)
54 Second cable pressure contact piece 54a Tip surface (opposite surface)
55 Second pressure welding groove (pressure welding groove)
60 First cable 61 Core wire 62 Coating 65 Second cable 66 Core wire 67 Coating

Claims

In the branch connector for conducting a plurality of cables in which the outer peripheral portion of the conductive core wire is covered with an insulating coating and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the core wire,
A first split housing;
A second divided housing that sandwiches the covering of each cable with the first divided housing when the relative position with the first divided housing reaches a predetermined position;
A first connection portion extending outward from the first split housing and capable of bending;
A second connecting portion extending outward from the second divided housing and capable of bending;
The first divided housing is configured such that the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected to be rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the extending direction, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are relatively rotated. And a rotary connecting part for relatively moving the second divided housing,
Lock means for fixing the positions of the first divided housing and the second divided housing when the relative position between the first divided housing and the second divided housing reaches the predetermined position;
A relay contact that is supported by the first divided housing and is connectable to the core wire of each cable,
With
When the cable pressed by the second divided housing rotated relative to the first divided housing in a direction approaching the first divided housing enters, the sheath is broken and the core wire is brought into contact with the relay contact. A plurality of pressure welding grooves recessed in a surface facing the second divided housing,
A branch connector, wherein the bending rigidity of at least a part of one of the first connection part and the second connection part is smaller than that of the other.

The branch connector according to claim 1,
When the cover of the cable is sandwiched between the second divided housing separated from the first divided housing and the facing surface of the relay contact, the separated state of the first divided housing and the second divided housing is temporarily set. A branch connector comprising temporary holding means for holding.

The branch connector according to claim 1 or 2,
The branch connector which made thickness of one bending direction of said 1st connection part and said 2nd connection part smaller than the thickness of the other bending direction.

The branch connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The branch connector which made the width | variety orthogonal to one bending direction of said 1st connection part and said 2nd connection part smaller than the width orthogonal to the other bending direction.