JP2017126548A - Joint connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a joint connector that is able to firmly receive force applied to each terminal during fitting or separation of a mating connector.SOLUTION: A joint connector 1 comprises: a connector housing 2 for fitting a mating connector thereto; a circuit board 6; a plurality of terminals 12 to 14 bent in the shape of L, one ends 12a to 14a of which are arranged in the connector housing and the other ends 12b to 14b of which are connected to the circuit board; and a terminal hold block 8 fixed to the circuit board and having terminal insertion parts 9 to 11 into which the plurality of the other terminals are inserted. External faces 12b2 to 14b2 of the plurality of the other terminals in the respective fitting directions of the mating connectors thereof are in contact with the internal faces 41e to 43e of the terminal insertion parts in the respective fitting direction of the mating connectors thereof. The external faces 12b1 to 14b1 of the plurality of the other terminals in the respective separating directions of the mating connectors thereof are in contact with the external faces 41d to 43d of the terminal insertion parts in the respective separating direction of the mating connectors thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a joint connector for jointly connecting electric wires of a wire harness, for example.

  Conventionally, for example, a joint connector is used to joint each circuit of a wire harness. The joints of the circuits are used for common grounding and common power supply.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 (not shown), as a joint connector, a connector housing in which a plurality of fitting chambers having a front opening are arranged in parallel, a circuit board accommodated in a rear opening of the connector housing, There is described a device including a plurality of terminals which are solder-connected to a circuit board and located in each fitting chamber, and a cover which covers a rear opening.

  Patent Document 2 (not shown) discloses a connector housing having front and rear connector connection chambers (fitting chambers) partitioned by a central partition, and each hole of the partition in a state of being connected by a common bus bar. A joint connector including a plurality of terminals press-fitted and fixed to is described.

  Patent Document 3 (not shown) is not related to the joint connector, but penetrates the L-shaped terminals, one of which is soldered to the circuit board, and the other through the hole in the back wall. A board connector including a connector housing disposed in a fitting chamber is described.

  For example, the joint connector described in Patent Document 1 is also called a vertical type and tends to be enlarged in the direction in which the fitting chambers are arranged. Therefore, when used for a wire harness, for example, there is a concern that a large space is required when mounted on a vehicle.

  The joint connector described in Patent Document 2 is also referred to as a horizontal type, and the fitting chambers are arranged at the front and back, so that the thickness can be reduced and the concern about the mounting space is eliminated.

  11 to 12 show an embodiment of a conventional horizontal type joint connector.

  The joint connector 71 includes a pair of front and rear connector housings 72, 73, L-shaped terminals 75, one of which is press-fitted and fixed to each hole portion of the back wall 74 of each connector housing 72, 73, And a circuit board 76 that is soldered through the other through the through hole. The solder is, for example, jet solder in a jet solder tank.

  One of the terminals 75 is integrally connected by a horizontal connecting plate 77 in the left-right direction. This is the same in the front and rear connectors (represented by reference numerals 72 and 73). A pair of front and rear projections 78 shown in FIG. 13 are provided on the left and right ends of the connecting plate 77 in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the force at the time of mating connector insertion (insertion) into the connector 72 shown by the arrow F1 in FIG. 12 and the force at the time of detachment of the mating connector shown by the arrow F2 are received. These forces F1 and F2 are mainly generated by a fitting frictional force between the terminal (male terminal) 75 and the terminal (female terminal) on the mating connector side. The connector is composed of connector housings 72 and 73 and terminals 75 arranged on the connector housings 72 and 73.

  The other of the terminals 75 penetrating each through hole of the circuit board 76 is connected and fixed to the land following the circuit (not shown) by soldering on the back surface (lower surface in FIG. 12) side of the circuit board 76. Each connector housing 72, 73 is screwed to, for example, a circuit board 76 or a cover (not shown) that accommodates the circuit board 76, for example, on both side portions (two locations in total, indicated by a surrounding chain line 80 in FIG. 11). It is fixed by that.

JP 2006-216501 A JP 2003-243112 A JP 2002-305048 A

  However, in the conventional joint connector 71 shown in FIGS. 11 to 12, the terminal 75 is held against the force (frictional force between the male and female terminals) F1 and F2 when the mating connector is disengaged. For this purpose, for example, a pair of front and rear projections 78 for holding must be provided side by side in the terminal longitudinal direction (the mating connector fitting / removing direction) as described above. The pair of protrusions 78 in the longitudinal direction of the terminal instead of one increases the length of the terminal 75 and increases the thickness of the back wall 74 of the connector housings 72 and 73, whereby the joint connector 71 is moved back and forth. The size of the equipment for press-fitting the terminal 75 into the hole of the back wall 74 of the connector housings 72 and 73 increases. Resulting in a concern.

  Furthermore, in the joint connector in which L-shaped terminals are arranged in a plurality of layers as in the conventional joint connector 71 shown in FIGS. 11 to 12, there are the following problems in addition to the problem of the enlarged connector described above. . That is, in this type of joint connector, since the lengths of the terminals are different for each layer, a plurality of types of terminals are necessary, and there is a problem that costs such as mold costs increase, and inventory management becomes complicated. there were.

  In view of the above points, the present invention provides a joint connector that can firmly receive the force acting on each terminal when mating the connector is detached, and can be compact in the mating connector mating direction, for example. The first purpose is to provide it. It is a second object of the present invention to provide a joint connector that can reduce costs.

  In order to achieve the first object, a joint connector according to the present invention includes a connector housing for fitting a mating connector, a circuit board, and an L-shaped bend. A plurality of terminals connected to the circuit board, and a terminal holding block fixed to the circuit board and having a terminal insertion part through which the other of the plurality of terminals is inserted, and the mating connector fitting of the terminal insertion part The outer surface of the plurality of terminals in the other mating connector fitting direction is in contact with the inner surface in the direction, and the outer surface of the other terminal in the mating connector detaching direction is in contact with the inner surface of the terminal insertion portion in the mating connector detaching direction. It is characterized by that.

  With this configuration, when the mating connector is mated to the connector consisting of the connector housing and each terminal, each terminal receives a force (compression force) in the mating connector mating direction. The inner surface in the connector fitting direction supports the outer surface of each terminal in the mating connector fitting direction and firmly receives the force. Also, when the mating connector is detached from the connector, each terminal receives a force (tensile force) in the mating connector detachment direction, but the mating connector detachment direction inner surface of the terminal insertion part of the terminal holding block is the mating connector detachment of each terminal Support the outer surface of the direction and take the force firmly. The term “contact” means that contact may be made with a slight gap, or contact may be made without a gap.

  In the joint connector, it is preferable that the plurality of terminals are arranged in a plurality of layers, and the terminal insertion portion is formed in a plurality of stages.

  With this configuration, a plurality of terminals are held by the terminal insertion part of each stage of the terminal holding block for each layer, and the force in the mating connector fitting / removing direction acting on the terminal for each layer is firmly secured at the terminal insertion part of each stage. It is accepted. The terminal insertion portion is arranged so as to be shifted in the mating connector fitting / removing direction for each step with respect to the circuit board.

  In the joint connector, it is preferable that two of the connector housing and the block portion having the terminal insertion portion of the terminal holding block are arranged in a 180 ° direction.

  With this configuration, when the two mating connectors are fitted to or detached from the respective connector housings, the respective terminal insertion portions of the respective block portions of the terminal holding block firmly receive the force in the mating connector fitting / detaching direction. Electric wires are led out from the two mating connectors in the 180 ° direction (the opposite directions). “Two” means at least two, including two or more.

  In the joint connector, it is preferable that the terminal insertion portion includes a plurality of terminal insertion holes, and the pair of protrusions press-fitted into the terminal insertion holes are provided symmetrically in the other width direction of the terminal.

  With this configuration, each terminal is inserted into each terminal insertion hole, and is press-fitted and fixed to the terminal insertion hole by a pair of protrusions. Then, for example, the position of the terminal is maintained against the pressure (which is small) of the jet solder when the terminal is solder-connected to the circuit board. Since a pair of protrusions are arranged in the other width direction of the terminal (direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction), the other length of the terminal is defined to be short, and the direction orthogonal to the mating connector fitting / removing direction of the joint connector ( Circuit board thickness direction) can be made compact.

  Furthermore, in order to achieve the second object, the joint connector according to the present invention is the joint connector according to claim 2, wherein the lower layer side terminal and the upper layer side terminal have the same developed shape and overall length. The bent portion in the middle of the terminal on the upper layer side is located on the upper side of the bent portion in the middle of the terminal on the lower layer side and away from the mating connector.

  In the joint connector, the connector housing is provided for each layer of the plurality of terminals, and the fitting opening of the upper connector housing is above the fitting opening of the lower connector housing and the mating connector. It is preferable that a mark for identifying a mating connector to be fitted is provided on the upper surface of the connector housing.

  According to the present invention, each inner surface of the terminal insertion portion of the terminal holding block firmly receives the force acting on each terminal when the mating connector is fitted and detached, and the terminal of the circuit board is suppressed by suppressing the movement of each terminal. It is possible to prevent a harmful force from acting on the connecting portion (soldering portion). In addition, since it is not necessary to fix each terminal to the back wall of the connector housing as in the past, each terminal is shortened and the back wall of the connector housing is made thin so that the joint connector can be moved in the mating direction of the mating connector. It can be made compact.

  In addition, since the plurality of terminals are arranged in a plurality of layers and the terminal insertion portions are formed in a plurality of stages, the force in the mating connector fitting / removing direction acting on the terminals of each layer can be applied to the terminal insertion portions of each stage. I can take it firmly.

  In addition, two connector housings and two block portions having the terminal insertion portions of the terminal holding blocks are arranged in the 180 ° direction, so that the two mating connectors are opposed to each connector housing from the opposite direction. The force acting on each terminal when fitted or detached can be firmly received by the terminal insertion portion of each block portion.

  The terminal insertion portion includes a plurality of terminal insertion holes, and the pair of protrusions press-fitted into the terminal insertion holes are provided symmetrically with respect to the other width direction of the terminal, so that the terminal is inserted into the terminal insertion hole. The joint connector can be made compact in a direction (circuit board thickness direction) orthogonal to the mating connector fitting / removing direction by shortening the other terminal.

  In addition, the unfolded shape and the overall length of the lower layer side terminal and the upper layer side terminal are equal, and the bent portion in the middle of the terminal on the upper layer side is separated from the mating connector above the bent portion in the middle of the terminal on the lower layer side. By being located on the side, the mold used when manufacturing the lower layer side terminal and the upper layer side terminal can be made common, and the cost can be reduced. Moreover, by holding the semi-finished product of the terminal punched from the conductive metal plate with this mold (the state before bending) as an inventory, the types of inventory can be reduced and inventory management can be facilitated. .

  In addition, the connector housing is provided for each layer of the plurality of terminals, and the fitting opening of the connector housing on the upper layer side is above the fitting opening of the connector housing on the lower layer side and away from the mating connector Are provided on the upper surface of the connector housing to identify the mating connector to be mated. Can be prevented.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (AA sectional drawing of FIG. 2) which shows one Embodiment of the joint connector of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which similarly shows a joint connector. It is a perspective view which shows the internal component of a joint connector. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the internal component of FIG. It is BB sectional drawing of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the comparative example with respect to the terminal of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of the joint connector of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the internal component of FIG. FIG. 10 is a development view of the terminals of FIG. 9. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the principal part of one form of the conventional joint connector. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the principal part of the conventional joint connector. It is a perspective view which shows the terminal of the conventional joint connector.

  1 to 2 show an embodiment of the joint connector of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the joint connector 1 is of a horizontal type, and is disposed horizontally along the synthetic resin cover 4 including the front and rear connector housings 2 and 3 and the inner surface of the bottom wall 5 of the cover 4. Circuit board 6, a synthetic resin terminal holding block 8 fastened and fixed to the upper surface of the circuit board 6 with a screw member 7, and vertical (vertical direction) terminal insertion portions 9 to 11 of the terminal holding block 8. L-shaped made of conductive metal that is soldered to the circuit board 6 in a state of being inserted into the circuit board 6 (not shown) and bent horizontally toward the connector housings 2 and 3 at the upper ends of the terminal insertion portions 9 to 11. A plurality of (multiple layers) terminals 12 to 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front and rear connector housings 2 and 3 are formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction. The rear end of the front connector housing 2 is integrally connected to the vertical wall portion 16 of the small first cover portion 15, and the vertical wall portion 16 is integrally connected to the frame wall 17 on the rear side of the cover portion 15. The front end of the connector housing 3 on the rear side is integrally connected to the vertical wall portion 19 of the large second cover portion 18, and the vertical wall portion 19 has a rectangular cross section that is long in the front-rear direction including the bottom wall 5 of the cover portion 18. The peripheral wall 20 is integrally connected. The front portion of the peripheral wall 20 is locked to the frame wall 17 by a locking portion 21 (FIG. 2). The first cover portion 15 and the second cover portion 18 constitute the cover 4.

  In the specification, the directions of front, rear, left, right, up and down are for convenience of explanation, and do not always coincide with the usage direction of the joint connector 1. For example, the joint connector 1 shown in FIG. 2 can be used by being arranged vertically instead of horizontally, or by being inverted 90 ° to 180 °. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. The front-rear direction, that is, the mating connector fitting / removing direction is the 180 ° direction.

  Each connector housing 2, 3 is arranged on the same horizontal line (180 ° direction), and the upper wall 22 of each connector housing 2, 3 is located on the same plane as the upper wall 24 of the second cover part (cover body) 18. The bottom wall (lower wall) 5 of the cover portion 18 is positioned below the lower wall 25 of each connector housing 2, 3, and a circuit is provided between the vertical walls 16, 19 before and after the cover 4 following the bottom wall 5. A substrate housing portion 27 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front and rear end portions 6 a and 6 b of the circuit board 6 are positioned and fixed by engaging with the respective concave groove portions 28 formed on the inner surface sides of the front and rear vertical walls 16 and 19 of the cover 4. Between the bottom wall 5 of the cover 4 and the lower surface of the circuit board 6, a space (accommodating part) 27 for accommodating the head of the screw member 7 and the board connecting parts (soldering parts) 29 of the terminals 12 to 14 is formed. Has been. The circuit board 6 includes a board body made of insulating resin and a circuit made of conductive metal formed in a required pattern on the board body.

  The front and rear vertical walls 16 and 19 of the cover 4 extend upward and are integrated with the vertical rear walls 30 of the connector housings 2 and 3. In each back wall 30, in this example, terminal insertion holes 31 are provided at equal pitches in three stages in the vertical direction. A plurality of terminal insertion holes 31 at each stage are also provided at equal pitches in parallel in the left-right direction. A block housing space 32 is formed by being surrounded by the front and rear rear walls 30, the upper wall 24 of the cover 4, and the upper surface of the circuit board 6.

  Further, guide ribs 34 for the mating connector (not shown) are provided horizontally on the inner surfaces of the left and right side walls 33 (FIG. 2) of the connector housings 2 and 3. A connector fitting chamber 35 is formed by being surrounded by the upper, lower, left and right walls of the connector housings 2 and 3 and the back wall 30.

  3 and 4 show a terminal assembly connection body (excluding the cover 4 in FIG. 1), which is an internal component of the joint connector 1, which includes the circuit board 6, the terminal holding block 8, and the three layers of terminals 12 to 14. (Part) 36 is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal holding block 8 includes front and rear symmetrical stepped block portions 37 and 38 and a pair of left and right low-profile connecting walls 39 that integrally connect the block portions 37 and 38 on the bottom side. I have. Each block part 37 and 38 is formed in three steps, and each step part 41-43 is arrange | positioned at equal pitch in the vertical direction and the horizontal (horizontal) direction. Each terminal insertion part 9-11 is provided in the downward direction from the upper surface of each step part 41-43 (penetrating to the lower surface). The terminal insertion portions 9 to 11 are continuous in a slit shape in the direction in which the terminals 12 to 14 of each stage are arranged, that is, in the horizontal direction, from the upper opening to the vicinity of the circuit board 6. There is a space between the pair of connecting walls 39.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the vertical surface 41 a at the front end of the lowest first step portion 41 of the stepped block portion 37 on the front side follows the horizontal surface (support surface) 41 b at the upper end, and is connected to the horizontal surface 41 b and the second step. Between the vertical surface 42a on the front side of the step portion 42, the first-stage terminal insertion portion 9 is provided along the vertical surface 42a. The upper horizontal surface 41b continues to the front inner surface 41d (FIG. 4) of the first-stage terminal insertion portion 9 via the curved surface 41c (FIG. 4). The inner surface 41e (FIG. 4) on the rear side of the terminal insertion portion 9 continues on the same surface as the vertical surface 42a on the front side of the second stepped portion 42 (also serves as the vertical surface 42a).

  Similarly, the vertical surface 42a on the front side of the stepped portion 42 of the second step surface follows the upper horizontal surface (support surface) 42b, and is vertically between the horizontal surface 42b and the vertical surface 43a on the front side of the third stepped portion 43. A second-stage terminal insertion portion 10 is provided along the surface 43a. The upper horizontal surface 42b continues to the front inner surface 42d (FIG. 4) of the terminal insertion portion 10 via the curved surface 42c (FIG. 4). An inner surface 42e (FIG. 4) on the rear side of the terminal insertion portion 10 continues on the same surface as the vertical surface 43a on the front side of the third stepped portion 43 (also serves as the vertical surface 43a).

  The vertical surface 43a at the front end of the third step 43 is connected to the horizontal surface (support surface) 43b at the upper end of the front half 43A, and the third step between the rear half 43B having the same height as the front half 43A. The terminal insertion part 11 is provided vertically. The upper horizontal surface 43b continues to the front inner surface 43d (FIG. 4) of the terminal insertion portion 11 via the curved surface 43c (FIG. 4). An inner surface 43e on the front side of the latter half step portion 43B is an inner surface 43e on the rear side of the terminal insertion portion 11. A vertical surface 43f (FIG. 4) at the rear end of the rear half step portion 43B continues orthogonally to the upper surfaces of the left and right connecting walls 39 in FIG. The curved surfaces 41c to 43c can be inclined surfaces.

  The rear stepped block portion 38 is formed and arranged symmetrically with the front stepped block portion 37 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the vertical surface 41a at the rear end of the lowest step portion 41 of the stepped block portion 38 on the rear side follows the upper horizontal surface (support surface) 41b, followed by the horizontal step 41b and the second step. Between the vertical surface 42a on the rear side of the portion 42, the first-stage terminal insertion portion 9 is provided along the vertical surface 42a. The upper horizontal surface 41b continues to the rear inner surface 41d of the first-stage terminal insertion portion 9 via a curved surface. An inner surface 41e on the front side of the terminal insertion portion 9 also serves as a vertical surface 42a on the rear side of the second stepped portion 42. Hereinafter, the second and third step portions 42 and 43 of the rear stepped block portion 38 are similarly formed in the second and third step portions 42 and 43 of the front stepped block portion 37. 43 is arranged symmetrically in the front-rear direction.

  The connecting wall 39 that connects the front and rear block portions 37 and 38 has, for example, a female screw member (nut) (not shown) with respect to the male screw member (bolt) 7 of FIG. 4 or a female screw hole into which the male screw member 7 is screwed. And has a male screw member screwing portion. 11 to 12, a total of four screw members (portion indicated by reference numeral 80) are used to fix the front and rear connector housings 72 and 73 to the circuit board 76 and the like. Since the front and rear block portions 37 and 38 of the block 8 are integrally connected by a connecting wall 39, two screw members 7 in total are required to fix the terminal holding block 8 to the circuit board 6. In this way, the number of screw members 7 and the tightening work load are reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the front inner surface 41 d of the first-stage terminal insertion portion 9 in the stepped block portion 37 on the front side of the terminal holding block 8 is in contact with the outer surface 12 b 1 on the front side of the vertical portion 12 b of each first-stage terminal 12. Similarly, the rear inner surface 41e of the terminal insertion portion 9 is in contact with the rear outer surface 12b2 of each vertical portion 12b. Similarly, the front inner surface 42d of the second-stage terminal insertion portion 10 is in contact with the front outer surface 13b1 of the vertical portion 13b of each second-stage terminal 13, and the rear inner surface 42e of the terminal insertion portion 10 is also vertical. The front inner surface 43d of the third-stage terminal insertion portion 11 is in contact with the outer outer surface 14b1 of the vertical portion 14b of each third-stage terminal 14, and is in contact with the rear outer surface 13b2 of the portion 13b. The rear inner surface 43e is in contact with the rear outer surface 14b2 of each vertical portion 14b.

  An inner surface 41d on the front side of the first-stage terminal insertion portion 9 is a rear surface of the vertical front wall portion 41A of the first-stage step portion 41, and an inner surface 41e on the rear side of the terminal insertion portion 9 is the second-stage inner surface 41e. This is the front surface of the vertical wall portion 42A of the stepped portion 42. An inner surface 42d on the front side of the second-stage terminal insertion portion 10 is a rear surface of the rear wall portion 42B perpendicular to the second-stage step portion 42. Similarly, an inner surface 42e on the rear side of the terminal insertion portion 10 is This is the front surface of the vertical wall 43A1 of the step 43 of the step. An inner surface 43d on the front side of the third-stage terminal insertion portion 11 is a rear surface of the rear wall 43A2 of the front half wall portion 43A of the third-stage step portion 43. Similarly, an inner surface 43e on the rear side of the terminal insertion portion 11 is This is the front surface of the vertical wall 43B in the latter half of the third step 43.

  With the above structure, when the mating connector is fitted to the front connector (substitute with reference numeral 2) of the joint connector 1, the horizontal portions (one portion) 12a of the terminals 12 to 14 at each stage as shown by the arrow F1 in FIG. When a force F1 in the mating connector fitting direction (rearward) is applied to .about.14a, the terminals 12 of each stage are applied to the inner surfaces 41e, 42e, 43e in the mating connector fitting direction (rear side) of the respective terminal insertion portions 9-11. The outer surfaces 12b2 to 14b2 in the mating connector fitting direction (rear side) of the vertical portions (the other portions) 12b to 14b of -14 come into contact with each other, and the force F1 in the mating connector fitting direction is firmly received.

  At this time, the outer surfaces 12b2 and 13b2 on the rear side of the upper portions of the vertical portions 12b and 13b of the first and second terminals 12 and 13, that is, the outer surfaces 12b2 and 13b2 in the vicinity of the rear ends of the horizontal portions 12a and 13a And the rear outer surface 14b2 of the upper portion of the vertical portion 14b of the third stage terminal 14, that is, the horizontal portion 14a. The rear outer surface 14b2 in the vicinity of the rear end is in contact with the rear inner surface 43e on the upper opening side of the third-stage terminal insertion portion 11, and the force F1 in the mating connector fitting direction is firmly received. Is preferred. The same applies to a stepped block 38 on the rear side described later.

  Further, as shown by an arrow F2 in FIG. 4, when a force in the mating connector detaching direction (forward) is applied to the horizontal portions 12a to 14a of the terminals 12 to 14 in each stage, the mating connector detachment of each terminal insertion portion 9 to 11 is performed. Direction (front side) inner surfaces 41d to 43d abut the mating connector detachment direction (front side) outer surfaces 12b1 to 14b1 of the vertical portions 12b to 14b of the terminals 12 to 14 of each stage, and the force F2 in the mating connector detachment direction is firmly It is accepted.

  At this time, the front outer surfaces 12b1 to 14b1 above the vertical portions 12b to 14b of the first to third terminals 12 to 14, that is, the front outer surfaces 12b1 to 14b1 in the vicinity of the rear portions of the horizontal portions 12a to 14a are the first steps. The force F2 in the mating connector removal direction can be firmly received by contacting the front inner surfaces 41d to 43d (including the curved surfaces 41c to 43c) on the upper opening side of the third-stage terminal insertion portions 9 to 11. preferable. The same applies to a stepped block 38 on the rear side described later.

  Also in the rear stepped block portion 38 in FIG. 1, the rear inner surface 41 d of the first stage terminal insertion portion 9 is a vertical portion of each terminal 12 in the first step, symmetrically with the front stepped block portion 37. 12b is in contact with the rear outer surface 12b1, and the front inner surface 41e of the terminal insertion portion 9 is in contact with the front outer surface 12b1 of each vertical portion 12b. Similarly (hereinafter, detailed symbols are omitted), the inner surface on the rear side of the second stage terminal insertion portion 10 is in contact with the outer surface on the rear side of the vertical portion of each terminal 13 on the second stage, and the front side of the terminal insertion portion 10. The inner surface of each of the vertical portions is in contact with the outer surface on the front side of each vertical portion, and the inner surface on the rear side of the third-stage terminal insertion portion 11 is in contact with the outer surface on the rear side of the vertical portion of each third-stage terminal 14. The front inner surface is in contact with the front outer surface of each vertical portion.

  The rear inner surface 41 d of the first-stage terminal insertion portion 9 in the rear stepped block portion 38 is the front surface of the vertical front wall portion of the first-stage step portion 41 and is also the front side of the terminal insertion portion 9. The inner surface 41e is a rear surface 42a of the vertical rear wall portion of the second step portion 42. The rear inner surface of the second-stage terminal insertion portion 10 is the front surface of the vertical front wall portion of the second-stage step portion 42, and the front inner surface of the terminal insertion portion 10 is also the third-stage step. It is a rear surface of the wall portion on the vertical rear side of the portion 43. The inner surface on the rear side of the third-stage terminal insertion portion 11 is the front surface of the second vertical wall portion of the third-stage step portion 43. Similarly, the inner surface on the front side of the terminal insertion portion 11 is the third-stage step. It is a rear surface of a vertical wall portion in the first half of the portion 43.

  With the above configuration, when the mating connector is fitted to the connector on the rear side of the joint connector 1 (represented by reference numeral 3), a force in the mating connector fitting direction (forward) acts on the horizontal portion of the terminals 12 to 14 at each stage. When this is done, the front outer surfaces of the vertical portions of the terminals 12 to 14 of each step abut the inner surfaces of the respective terminal insertion portions 9 to 11 in the mating connector fitting direction (front side). It is received firmly. Further, when a force in the mating connector detaching direction (rearward) is applied to the horizontal portion of the terminals 12 to 14 in each stage, the inner surface of each terminal insertion part 9 to 11 in the mating connector detaching direction (rear side) The outer surfaces of the rear sides of the vertical portions of the terminals 12 to 14 come into contact with each other, and the force in the mating connector removal direction is firmly received.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the inner width in the front-rear direction of the slit portion 45 (FIG. 5) on the upper half side in each of the terminal insertion portions 9-11 is based on the thickness in the front-rear direction of the vertical portions 12b-14b of the terminals 12-14. The vertical portions of the terminals 12 to 14 can be smoothly and easily inserted into the slit portions 45 (FIG. 5). The inner width in the front-rear direction of the terminal insertion hole 46 following the slit portion 45 (FIG. 5) is defined to be smaller than the inner width in the front-rear direction of the slit portion 45, and front and rear of the vertical portions 12b-14b of the terminals 12-14. The vertical thicknesses 12b to 14b of the terminals 12 to 14 can be positioned in the front-rear direction.

  As shown in the BB cross section of FIG. 4 in FIG. 5, the first-stage terminal insertion portion 9 has one slit portion 45 through which the upper half side portion of the vertical portion 12b of each terminal 12 in the first step (first layer) is inserted. And each insertion hole (terminal insertion hole) 46 that extends downward from the slit portion 45 and allows the lower half side portion of the vertical portion 12b of each terminal 12 to be inserted therethrough. Each insertion hole 46 is formed in a rectangular shape matching the cross-sectional shape of each terminal 12 and is arranged at an equal pitch in the left-right direction.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 6 is a circuit board, 7 is a male screw member, 42 is a second stepped portion, 43 is a third stepped portion, and 42 a is a rear inner surface 41 e ( The front surface 43a of the second step 42 that also serves as FIG. 4) is the front surface of the third step 43 that also serves as the rear inner surface 42e of the second terminal insertion portion 10 (FIG. 4). A surface 13 indicates each terminal of the second stage (second layer), and 14 indicates each terminal of the third stage (third layer). FIG. 5 shows the engagement state of each terminal 12 and the terminal insertion portion 9 in the first stage, but the relationship between the terminals 13 and 14 and the terminal insertion portions 10 and 11 in the second and third stages. Since the form is the same as that in the first stage, illustration and description are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the vertical portion 12 b of the terminal 12 is formed following the tip portion (substrate connecting portion) 29 that slightly penetrates the through hole 48 of the circuit board 6 and the upper side of the tip portion 29. The terminal insertion hole 46 formed in the bottom wall 49 of the holding block 8 is press-fitted into a lower half 46a that is narrow in the left-right direction, and is formed on the upper side of the press-fitting part 50. Similarly, the terminal insertion hole 46, and a wide stopper portion 51 inserted into the upper half portion 46b wide in the left-right direction. The through hole 48 is formed with a diameter larger than the front-rear width of the terminal insertion portion 9.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of left and right (one by one) press-fitting protrusions 52 are provided integrally and symmetrically on the press-fit portion 50 of each terminal 12. The left and right are the plate width direction (width direction) orthogonal to the plate thickness direction of the terminal 12, and the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the terminal 12 into the terminal insertion hole 46. The outer width formed by the pair of left and right protrusions 52 of the press-fit portion 50 of the terminal 12 is defined to be larger than the inner width in the left-right direction of the narrower lower half 46 a of the terminal insertion hole 46 of the terminal holding block 8. The terminal 12 is bent in an L shape in the plate thickness direction, and each projection 52 is disposed in the plate width direction of the terminal 12. The plate thickness of the terminal 12 is equal to the plate thickness of the conductive metal plate when the plurality of terminals 12 are formed by press punching from a conductive metal plate (base material) (not shown). In FIG. 6, for the sake of convenience, the protrusion 52 and the lower half 46a of the insertion hole 46 are shown in dimensions before press-fitting.

  The fixing force (frictional force) when the press-fitting protrusion 52 is press-fitted into the lower half portion 46a of the insertion hole 46, that is, the upward drag resistance of the terminal 12, causes the circuit board 6 into which the terminal has been inserted into the tank of the jet solder (see FIG. It is only necessary to be larger than the solder jet force (which is weak) at the time of dipping in the solder and connecting the solder. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of equipment for press-fitting the terminal 12 into the insertion hole 46 of the terminal holding block 8.

  Further, since the protrusions 52 of the press-fitting part 50 of the terminal 12 may be one each on the left and right, as shown in FIG. 7, the protrusions 52 ′ of the press-fitting part 50 ′ of the terminal 12 ′ are formed in two pairs (two at a time). Compared to the case, the length of the press-fit portion 50 of the terminal 12, that is, the length of the vertical portion 12b can be shortened. In FIG. 7 as well, for the sake of convenience, the protrusion 52 ′ and the press-fit portion 50 ′ are shown in dimensions before press-fitting.

  5 and 6, the press-fit portion 50 of the first-stage terminal 12 has been described. However, the shapes of the protrusions 52 and the stopper portions 51 of the press-fit portions 50 of the second-stage and third-stage terminals 13 and 14 are as follows. Since it is the same as that of the terminal 12 in the first stage, a detailed description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, each of the terminals 12 to 14 is bent in an L shape, and includes one horizontal portion 12a to 14a, the other vertical portion 12b to 14b, and a curved bent portion in the middle direction. Yes. The press-fit portion 50 (FIG. 5) in the vertical portions 12b to 14b has a pair of protrusions 52 (FIG. 5), and a stopper portion 51 (FIG. 5) following the press-fit portion 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 46 of the terminal holding block 8. The insertion stroke of the terminals 12 to 14 is restricted. The horizontal portions 12 a to 14 a of the terminals 12 to 14 are formed in a rectangular pin shape or tab shape, and include an electrical contact portion on the distal end side accommodated in the connector housings 2 and 3. The vertical portions 12b to 14b are formed in a rectangular pin shape.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the forces F1 and F2 acting on the terminals 12 to 14 when the mating connector is detached are received by the inner surfaces 41d to 43d and 41e to 43e before and after the terminal insertion portions 9 to 11 of the terminal holding block 8. Therefore, it is not necessary to press-fit the terminal 75 into the insertion hole of the back wall 74 of the connector housing 72 of FIG. 11 of the prior art (providing a pair of front and rear press-fit portions 78 on the terminal 75), as shown in FIG. The rear walls 30 of the connector housings 2 and 3 are formed thinner than the conventional ones, and the lengths of the horizontal portions 12a to 14a of the terminals 12 to 14 are shortened from the conventional ones, so that the joint connector 1 is fitted and detached. Compact in direction.

  In this example, the connection plates for connecting the terminals 12 to 14 for each layer are not formed, but the terminals 12 to 14 are jointed according to the pattern shape of the circuit (printed circuit) of the circuit board 6, for example. On the other hand, for example, in the slit portion 45 (FIG. 5) of the terminal holding block 8, the vertical portions 12 b to 14 b of the terminals 12 to 14 are integrally connected by a connecting plate (connecting portion) not shown in the left-right direction. It is also possible. A connection joint terminal is comprised by the terminals 12-14 and a connection board.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the total length of the first-layer terminal 12 is the shortest, and the horizontal portion 13 a of the second-layer terminal 13 has a relationship in which the vertical portion 13 b is connected to the circuit board 6 behind the first-layer terminal 12. The vertical portion 13b of the long and second layer terminal 13 is long because the horizontal portion 13a is disposed above the first layer terminal 12. Similarly, the third layer terminal 14 is longer than the second layer terminal 13. Has also been prescribed for a long time. The tips of the horizontal portions 12a to 14a of the terminals 12 to 14 of each layer are positioned on the same virtual vertical plane, and the tips (lower ends) of the vertical portions 12b to 14b of the terminals 12 to 14 of each layer are positioned on the same virtual horizontal plane. To do.

  As an example of a usage pattern (method) of the joint connector 1 of FIG. 1, one joint connector (common joint connector not shown) of one-way wire lead-out type is arranged on one side, and a plurality of (for example, three) not shown An electrical component is disposed on the other side, and a plurality of (for example, three) joint connectors (intermediate joint connectors) 1 in FIG. 1 are disposed in the middle, and the common joint connector, the first intermediate joint connector 1, and the first electrical component. Are connected by the first sub-wire harness (each electric wire), and the common joint connector, the second intermediate joint connector 1 and the second electrical component are connected by the second sub-wire harness (each electric wire). The wire harness is configured by connecting the joint connector, the third intermediate joint connector 1 and the third electrical component with the third sub-wire harness (each electric wire). It is also possible. According to this wire harness, it is possible to reduce the post-fitting work of the joint electric wire and the terminal straddling between the sub-wire harnesses, and to increase the terminal fitting rate.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the example of the bidirectional wire lead-out joint connector 1 having the connectors 2 and 3 at the front and rear has been described. However, for example, it is similar to the one-side connection structure shown in FIG. The one-way connector 2 and the corresponding terminals 12 to 14, the terminal holding block 8, the circuit board 6, and the cover (not shown) can also constitute a one-way wire lead-out joint connector (not shown). It is.

  In this case, any one of the three layers of terminals 12 to 14 in FIG. 4 is on the input (upstream) side, and any other terminal is on the output (downstream) side. In any case, the connector is composed of at least the connector housings 2 and 3 and the terminals 12 to 14 arranged inside thereof. An electric wire is connected (derived) to a terminal (female terminal) in a mating connector (not shown) that is fitted to the joint connector 1, and the direction of the electric wire is horizontal in this example.

  In the above embodiment, the plurality of terminals 12 to 14 are arranged in three layers (three stages). For example, the plurality of terminals 12 are arranged only in one layer (one stage), or the plurality of terminals 12 and 13 are arranged. It is possible to arrange in two layers (two stages), or in four layers (four stages) or more. The number of the step portions 41 to 43 of the terminal holding block 8 is defined according to the number of layers of the terminals 12 to 14.

  In the above embodiment, the stepped block portions 37 and 38 before and after the terminal holding block 8 are formed symmetrically in the front-rear direction, and the front and rear terminals 12 to 14 are disposed symmetrically in the front-rear direction. It is also possible to make the number of front and rear terminals 12 to 14 different by making the number of stages 37 different from the number of stages of the rear block 38. For example, when the number of the front terminals 12 to 14 is larger than the number of the rear terminals 12 to 14, any two of the front terminals are connected via a circuit (joint circuit) (not shown) of the circuit board 6. It is interconnected to any one terminal on the rear side.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the connector housings 2 and 3 and the block portions 37 and 38 of the terminal holding block 8 are respectively arranged in the 180 ° direction (opposite directions). The number of 3 can be set as appropriate, such as one to three on the front side and one to three on the rear side.

  Subsequently, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Moreover, in FIGS. 8-10, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as embodiment (FIGS. 1-6) mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  A joint connector 101 shown in FIG. 8 includes a synthetic resin cover 104 including four connector housings 121, 122, 131, 132 on the upper and lower sides, and a circuit board disposed horizontally along the inner surface of the bottom wall of the cover 104. 106, a synthetic resin terminal holding block 108 fixed to the upper surface of the circuit board 106, and the terminal holding blocks 108 and the vertical (longitudinal) terminal insertion portions 9 and 10 inserted into the circuit board 106. A plurality of conductive metal L-shaped terminals 112 and 113 that are soldered and bent horizontally toward the connector housings 121, 122, 131, and 132 at the upper ends of the terminal insertion portions 9 and 10, respectively. It is a thing.

  Similar to the cover 4 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the above embodiment, the cover 104 includes a separable first cover portion 115 and second cover portion 118. The connector housing 121 is disposed on the lower layer side of the first cover portion 115, and the connector housing 122 is disposed on the upper layer side of the first cover portion 115. The connector housing 131 is disposed on the lower layer side of the second cover portion 118, and the connector housing 132 is disposed on the upper layer side of the second cover portion 118. The connector housing 121 and the connector housing 131 are arranged on the same horizontal line (180 ° direction). The connector housing 122 and the connector housing 132 are disposed on the same horizontal line (180 ° direction). These connector housings 121, 122, 131, 132 are formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction.

  In FIG. 8, reference numeral 221 denotes a mating connector fitted to the connector housing 121, numeral 222 denotes a mating connector fitted to the connector housing 122, and numeral 231 denotes a mating connector fitted to the connector housing 131. Reference numeral 232 denotes a mating connector fitted to the connector housing 132. Further, reference numeral 121a is a fitting opening in which the mating connector 221 is fitted, reference numeral 122a is a fitting opening in which the mating connector 222 is fitted, and reference numeral 131a is a fitting opening in which the mating connector 231 is fitted. Numeral 132a is a fitting opening into which the mating connector 232 is fitted.

  FIG. 9 shows a terminal assembly connector (a part excluding the cover 104 in FIG. 8), which is an internal component of the joint connector 101, which is composed of the circuit board 106, the terminal holding block 108, and the two layers of terminals 112 and 113. It is shown.

  The terminal holding block 108 includes front and rear symmetrical stepped block portions 137 and 138 and a connecting wall 139 connecting the block portions 137 and 138. Each of the block portions 137 and 138 is formed in two stages. The terminal insertion portions 9 and 10 are provided downward from the upper surfaces of the step portions 41 and 42 (through the lower surface). Since the configurations of the step portions 41 and 42 and the terminal insertion portions 9 and 10 are the same as those of the above-described embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 6), detailed description thereof is omitted.

  A plurality of terminals 112 and 113 are provided in each layer, and the plurality of terminals 112 and 113 in each layer are arranged at equal pitches in the left-right direction. The terminals 112 and 113 have the same configuration as the terminals 12 and 13 (FIG. 1) of the above embodiment, but unlike the terminals 12 and 13 of the above embodiment, the lower-layer side terminal 112 and the upper-layer side terminal 113 are developed. Shape and total length are equal. As shown in FIG. 9, the terminals 112 and 113 are bent in an L shape, and include one horizontal portion 112a and 113a, the other vertical portion 112b and 113b, and an intermediate bent portion 112c and 113c. I have.

  FIG. 10 is a development view of the terminals 112 and 113. These terminals 112 and 113 are formed by bending semi-finished products punched from a conductive metal plate (base material) with a common die at positions H1 and H2 indicated by two-dot chain lines in FIG. That is, the terminals 112 and 113 are the same (the same shape and the same size) before being bent, and the bending positions to be the bent portions 112c and 113c are different.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the block portion 137, the bent portion 113c of the upper layer side terminal 113 is above the bent portion 112c of the lower layer side terminal 112 and away from the mating connector 222 (on the connecting wall 139 side). Is located. The tip of the horizontal portion 113a of the upper layer side terminal 113 is located on the side farther from the mating connector 222 (on the connecting wall 139 side) than the tip of the horizontal portion 112a of the lower layer side terminal 112. The tips (lower ends) of the vertical portions 112b and 113b of the terminals 112 and 113 of each layer are located on the same virtual horizontal plane.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the block portion 138, the bent portion 113c of the upper layer side terminal 113 is above the bent portion 112c of the lower layer side terminal 112 and away from the mating connector 232 (the connecting wall 139 side). Is located. The tip of the horizontal portion 113a of the upper layer side terminal 113 is located on the side farther from the mating connector 232 than the tip of the horizontal portion 112a of the lower layer side terminal 112 (the connection wall 139 side). The tips (lower ends) of the vertical portions 112b and 113b of the terminals 112 and 113 of each layer are located on the same virtual horizontal plane.

  With the above configuration, a mold used when the lower-layer side terminal 112 and the upper-layer side terminal 113 are manufactured can be shared, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, by holding the semi-finished products (pre-bending state) of the terminals 112 and 113 punched from the conductive metal plate with this mold as inventory items, the types of inventory items can be reduced and inventory management is facilitated. be able to.

  Also in the joint connector 101 of the present embodiment, as in the joint connector 1 of the above embodiment, the front inner surface of the first-stage terminal insertion portion 9 in the front-side block portion 137 of the terminal holding block 108 is the first-stage terminals 112. The vertical part 112b is in contact with the outer surface on the front side, and the rear inner surface of the terminal insertion part 9 is in contact with the outer surface on the rear side of each vertical part 112b. Similarly, the inner surface on the front side of the second stage terminal insertion portion 10 is in contact with the outer surface on the front side of the vertical portion 113b of each terminal 113 on the second stage, and the inner surface on the rear side of the terminal insertion portion 10 is behind the vertical portion 113b. It touches the outer surface of the side.

  Also in the block part 138 on the rear side of the terminal holding block 108, the rear inner surface of the first stage terminal insertion part 9 is symmetrical to the rear block part 137 on the rear side of the vertical part 112 b of each first stage terminal 112. The inner surface on the front side of the terminal insertion portion 9 is in contact with the outer surface on the front side of each vertical portion 112b. Similarly, the inner surface on the rear side of the second-stage terminal insertion portion 10 is in contact with the outer surface on the rear side of the vertical portion 113b of each terminal 113 on the second stage, and the inner surface on the front side of the terminal insertion portion 10 is on the vertical portion 113b. It touches the outer surface of the front side.

  The connector housings 121, 122, 131, 132 described above are provided for each layer of the plurality of terminals 112, 113. Specifically, the connector housing 121 surrounds the horizontal portion 112 a of the lower layer side terminal 112 held by the block portion 137. The connector housing 122 surrounds the horizontal portion 113 a of the upper layer side terminal 113 held by the block portion 137. The connector housing 131 surrounds the horizontal portion 112 a of the lower terminal 112 held by the block portion 138. The connector housing 132 surrounds the horizontal portion 113 a of the upper layer side terminal 113 held by the block portion 138.

  On the front side of the joint connector 101, the fitting opening 122 a of the upper layer side connector housing 122 is located above the fitting opening 121 a of the lower layer side connector housing 121 and away from the mating connector 222. Also on the back side of the joint connector 101, symmetrically with the front side, the fitting hole 132 a of the upper connector housing 132 is located above the fitting hole 131 a of the lower connector housing 131 and away from the mating connector 232. positioned.

  Marks for identifying the mating connectors 221, 222, 231, 232 to be fitted are provided on the upper surfaces of the connector housings 121, 122, 131, 132 described above. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a mark for identifying the mating connector 221 is transferred to the M1 portion on the top surface of the connector housing 121, and the same mark as the M1 portion is also marked on the M4 portion on the top surface of the mating connector 221. It has been transcribed. Similarly, a mark for identifying the mating connector 222 is transferred to the M2 portion on the upper surface of the connector housing 122, and the same mark as the M2 portion is also transferred to the M5 portion on the upper surface of the mating connector 222. . Similarly, a mark for identifying the mating connector 232 is transferred to the M3 portion on the upper surface of the connector housing 132, and the same mark as the M3 portion is also transferred to the M6 portion on the upper surface of the mating connector 232. . Although not shown, a mark for identifying the mating connector 231 is transferred onto the upper surface of the connector housing 131 by a mold, and the same mark is transferred onto the upper surface of the mating connector 231 as well.

  The mark for identifying the mating connector is, for example, a mating connector part number, a graphic representing the mating connector, the mating connector color, and the like. Further, as means for forming this mark, for example, the above-described mold transfer, printing, and sealing are used.

  With the above marks, the mating connectors 221, 222, 231, 232 to be fitted to the connector housings 121, 122, 131, 132 are clarified, and erroneous fitting can be prevented.

  In the joint connector 101 of the above embodiment, the plurality of terminals 112 and 113 are arranged in two layers, but a plurality of terminals may be arranged in three or more layers.

  In addition, the joint connectors 1 and 101 of the present invention can be appropriately modified according to conventionally known knowledge. As long as the structure of the joint connector 1, 101 of the present invention is still provided by such modification, it is of course included in the scope of the present invention.

  The joint connector of the present invention can be used, for example, as a part of a wire harness mounted on a vehicle or the like in order to achieve compactness and space saving on the mounting side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101 Joint connector 2,3,121,122,131,132 Connector housing 6,106 Circuit board 8,108 Terminal holding block 9-11 Terminal insertion part 12-14,112,113 Terminal 12a-14a, 112a, 113a One side 12b-14b, 112b, 113b The other side 12b1-14b1 Outer surface in mating connector detachment direction 12b2-14b2 Outer surface in mating connector mating direction 37, 38 Block 41d-43d Inner surface in mating connector mating direction 41e-43e Inside 46 Terminal insertion hole 52 Protrusion

Claims (6)

  A connector housing that fits the mating connector, a circuit board, a plurality of terminals that are bent in an L shape, one is disposed in the connector housing, and the other is connected to the circuit board, and is fixed to the circuit board A terminal holding block having a terminal insertion portion through which the other of the plurality of terminals is inserted, and an outer surface of the terminal insertion portion in the mating connector mating direction on the other mating connector mating direction A joint connector, wherein an outer surface of the plurality of terminals in the other connector detaching direction is in contact with an inner surface of the terminal insertion portion in the mating connector detaching direction.   The joint connector according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of terminals are arranged in a plurality of layers, and the terminal insertion portion is formed in a plurality of stages.   3. The joint connector according to claim 1, wherein two of the connector housing and the block portion having the terminal insertion portion of the terminal holding block are arranged in a 180 ° direction. 4.   The terminal insertion portion includes a plurality of terminal insertion holes, and a pair of protrusions press-fitted into the terminal insertion holes are provided symmetrically in the other width direction of the terminals. A joint connector according to any one of the above.   The developed shape and overall length of the lower layer side terminal and the upper layer side terminal are equal, and the bent portion in the middle of the terminal on the upper layer side is above the bent portion in the middle of the terminal on the lower layer side and away from the mating connector. The joint connector according to claim 2, wherein the joint connector is located.   The connector housing is provided for each layer of the plurality of terminals, and the fitting opening of the connector housing on the upper layer side is positioned above the fitting opening of the connector housing on the lower layer side and away from the mating connector. The joint connector according to claim 5, wherein a mark for identifying a mating connector to be fitted is provided on the upper surface of the connector housing.

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