JP2018014216A - Branch connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a branch connector performing pressure contact connection with a wire at the end thereof.SOLUTION: A branch connector 1 includes a first housing 21 having three or more fitting recesses 22, a second housing 31 fitted in the fitting recesses 22, and connected with a wire, a tab terminal 24 arranged in the first housing 21, a pressure contact terminal fitting 50 arranged in the second housing 31 and performing pressure contact connection with a wire, and when the second housing 31 is fitted to the first housing 21, conducting with the tab terminal 24, a wire seal 38 sealing between the wire and the second housing 31, and a housing seal 41 for sealing between the second housing 31 and fitting recesses 22, when the second housing 31 is fitted to the first housing 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a branch connector that branches an electric wire.

  For the branch connector for branching the electric wire, for example, a socket with the electric wire connected to each end edge (hood) of the T-shaped housing is inserted, and the hood and the socket are sealed with a sealing member. There is one that functions as a waterproof branch connector by ensuring water tightness (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A waterproof connector using a seal member is generally configured using a crimp terminal that crimps and connects an electric wire (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In addition, some connectors are configured using not a crimp terminal but a press contact terminal for press-connecting an electric wire. As a waterproof branch connector using a press contact terminal, there is one configured to branch-connect a press contact terminal to an electric wire arranged to penetrate a sealing material (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2013-45631 A JP 2008-210658 A JP 2003-203709 A

In a waterproof branch connector of a type using a crimp terminal, when the electric branch is to be branched using the waterproof branch connector, an operation of crimping the electric wire to the crimp terminal is required. For this reason, it is necessary to remove the coating of the electric wire at the work site, and it also leads to the formation of a covering of the electric wire, which is not preferable in terms of the number of work steps and work efficiency.
Moreover, in the conventional product of the type using the press contact terminal, since it is necessary to insert the electric wire through the sealing material in advance, there are restrictions on the connector installation location, the end treatment of the electric wire, and the like. For example, when the electric wire is long or when an existing electric wire is branched, it may be difficult to insert the electric wire through the sealing material. Thus, the conventional waterproof branch connector using the pressure contact terminal lacks the versatility of using the connector.

  The present invention provides a branch connector that has good workability for branching even when branching an electric wire while ensuring waterproofness, and can sufficiently ensure the versatility of using a connector. The purpose is to do.

According to one aspect of the invention,
A first housing having three or more fitting recesses and configured as a waterproof container;
A second housing that constitutes a fitting projection that fits into the fitting recess;
A press-contact terminal fitting disposed in the second housing and press-connected to the electric wire;
A tab terminal arranged in the first housing and electrically connecting the press contact terminal fittings of the second housing fitted in each of the three or more fitting recesses;
There is an opening through which an electric wire arranged in the second housing and press-connected to the press-contact terminal fitting of the second housing is inserted, and between the electric wire inserted into the opening and the second housing An electric wire seal that seals
When the second housing that is arranged annularly on either the first housing side or the second housing side and that forms the fitting convex portion is fitted in the fitting concave portion of the first housing A housing seal that seals between the first housing and the second housing;
A branch connector is provided.

  According to the present invention, even when the electric wire is branched while ensuring waterproofness, workability for the branching is good, and versatility of using the connector can be sufficiently secured.

It is a perspective view of the branch connector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the branch connector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the female connector which comprises the branch connector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the housing (2nd housing main body) which comprises the female connector of the branch connector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the housing (cover part) which comprises the female connector of the branch connector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the press-contacting terminal metal fitting which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the modification of the press-contact part of a press-contact terminal metal fitting.

<One Embodiment of the Present Invention>
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Structure of branch connector FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a branch connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the branch connector 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the female connector 30 constituting the branch connector 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a housing (second housing body 32) constituting the female connector 30. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a housing (cover portion 44) constituting the female connector 30.

  In the present embodiment, a flat cable 10 in which a plurality of (for example, four) core wires 11 are arranged in parallel will be described as an example of an electric wire connected to the branch connector 1. However, in the present invention, the electric wire is not limited to the flat cable 10 in which the core wires 11 are joined, and may be another cable configured with a plurality of core wires, An electric wire having a coating or an electric wire having no coating may be used. Furthermore, it does not necessarily need to be configured with a plurality of cores, and can also be applied to those configured with a single core.

(A. Overall configuration)
The branch connector 1 includes a female connector 30 that is arranged at a branch point of the flat cable 10 and is connected to an end of the flat cable 10, and a male connector 20 into which the female connector 30 is fitted. More specifically, the branch connector 1 includes, for example, two female connectors 30 connected to ends of a flat cable 10 (main line cable) constituting a trunk circuit and a flat cable 10 (branch cable) constituting a branch line circuit. One female connector 30 connected to the end and one male connector 20 into which each female connector 30 is fitted are provided.
The male connector 20 and each female connector 30 may be formed with a latch mechanism for preventing the female connector 30 from coming off (see FIG. 1). Since the latch mechanism may be any one that uses a known technique, detailed description thereof is omitted, and illustrations other than those in FIG. 1 are also omitted.

(B. Configuration of male connector)
As shown in FIG. 2, the male connector 20 includes a first housing 21 and a tab terminal 24.
(B-1. Configuration of first housing)
The first housing 21 is configured as a waterproof container. That is, the first housing 21 has a configuration in which no other opening (hole or the like) is formed except for an opening of the fitting recess 22 described later. As an example, the first housing 21 is formed of a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

  The first housing 21 includes three fitting recesses 22. The first housing 21 has two fitting recesses 22 opened on one side in the longitudinal direction (the depth direction of the fitting recess 22 or the axial direction in which the flat cable 10 extends (left and right direction in FIG. 2)), and one of the longitudinal directions. And one fitting recess 22 opened on the other side opposite to the side. A female connector 30 is fitted in each fitting recess 22.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the first housing 21 includes three fitting recesses 22 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and four or more fittings are performed depending on the number of branches. A recess 22 may be provided.

  Each fitting recess 22 is formed in the same shape, and is configured such that the female connector 30 having the same shape is fitted into each fitting recess 22. For this reason, if it is the female connector 30 which can be fitted in one fitting recessed part 22, it is also possible to make it fit in the other fitting recessed part 22. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, a convex portion 23 that regulates the orientation of the female connector 30 is disposed on a predetermined surface in each fitting concave portion 22. That is, the convex part 23 prevents the female connector 30 from being fitted in an incorrect direction. Therefore, it is assumed that the female connector 30 has a concave portion 37 that engages with the convex portion 23 as described later.
Moreover, the convex part 23 is distribute | arranged to each fitting recessed part 22, respectively. However, in the fitting recess 22 on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 21 and in the fitting recess 22 on the other side, the projections are so arranged that the direction of the female connector 30 to be fitted to each other is reversed. 23 are formed at different positions. Specifically, as an example, in the right fitting recess 22 shown in FIG. Further, in the left fitting recess 22 shown in FIG. 2, a protrusion 23 is arranged on the upper surface. On the other hand, each female connector 30 is formed with a concave portion 37 that engages with the convex portion 23 at the same position. Therefore, the female connector 30 with the concave portion 37 facing downward is fitted into the right fitting concave portion 22 shown in FIG. Further, the female connector 30 with the concave portion 37 facing upward is fitted into the left fitting concave portion 22 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the core wire 11 which comprises the flat cable 10 is connected to each female connector 30 fitted to the fitting recessed part 22 of the 1st housing 21 in the same order. For this reason, by reversing the front and back of the female connectors 30 facing each other, the core wires 11 having the same rank are opposed to each other in a state in which these female connectors 30 are fitted. Here, the rank is a number for identifying the core wire 11, for example.

(B-2. Configuration of tab terminal)
The tab terminal 24 shown in FIG. 2 makes the electric wires connected to each female connector 30 conductive when the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20. More specifically, when the plurality of female connectors 30 are fitted to the male connector 20, the tab terminal 24 conducts the core wires 11 having the same rank among the flat cables 10 connected to the female connectors 30. That is, the tab terminal 24 is arranged for each core wire 11 constituting the flat cable 10. In this embodiment, since there are four core wires 11 of the flat cable 10, there are four tab terminals 24.

Each tab terminal 24 includes a tip portion 25 protruding into each fitting recess 22 and a connection portion 26 connecting the tip portions 25 protruding into each fitting recess 22. As will be described in detail later, the distal end portion 25 engages with a press-contact terminal fitting 50 in the female connector 30 that fits into each fitting recess 22. Moreover, the connection part 26 connects the front-end | tip parts 25, and mutually connects the press-contacting terminal metal fittings 50 engaged with each front-end | tip part 25 mutually.
The tab terminal 24 including the tip portion 25 and the connection portion 26 is formed of, for example, a metal plate-like member. For example, the tab terminal 24 is formed of copper or a copper alloy plated with tin, and the like in the first housing 21. Arranged.

(C. Configuration of female connector)
The female connector 30 shown in FIG. 3 is fitted to the male connector 20, and is provided with three in this embodiment. In the present invention, the number of female connectors 30 is not limited to three, but may be the same number as the total number of trunk cables and branch cables, that is, the same number as the number of fitting recesses 22, Alternatively, the number may be smaller than the number of the fitting recesses 22. In addition, the case where the number of the female connectors 30 is few in the number of the fitting recessed parts 22 by the sales form of the branch connector 1 can be considered.

Each female connector 30 includes a second housing 31. The second housing 31 constitutes a fitting convex portion that fits into the fitting concave portion 22.
Each female connector 30 includes an electric wire seal 38 and a housing seal 41.

(C-1. Configuration of second housing)
The second housing 31 includes a second housing body 32 (see FIG. 4) and a cover portion 44 (see FIG. 5). As an example, the second housing body 32 and the cover portion 44 are formed of a resin material such as PBT.

(C-2. Configuration of the second housing body)
As shown in FIG. 4, the second housing main body 32 constitutes a container in which a main body opening 33 is formed by opening one surface. That is, the second housing body 32 is open at the top in FIG. Further, the second housing main body 32 has a longitudinal direction (the axial direction of the connected core wire 11 (in FIG. 4, the direction from the lower left (upper right) to the upper right (lower left)) one end portion 32 a passes through the core wire 11. An electric wire seal 38 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) is disposed in the opening so as to be in close contact with the wall surface (second housing body 32) of the opening.

  The second housing body 32 includes four first hole portions 34 through which the distal end portion 25 of the tab terminal 24 can be inserted into the other end portion 32b opposite to the one end portion 32a in the longitudinal direction. That is, the first hole 34 is disposed at a position facing the tip 25 of the tab terminal 24 when the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20. When the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20, the distal end portion 25 of the tab terminal 24 is inserted into the second housing 31 through the first hole 34. The same number of first holes 34 as the number of tab terminals 24 are formed.

  The second housing body 32 includes a guide groove 35 on the bottom surface of the body opening 33. The guide groove 35 is a groove that regulates the position of the core wire 11 inserted through the opening formed in the one end portion 32 a in the longitudinal direction of the second housing body 32. That is, the guide groove 35 is a groove that holds the position of the core wire 11 in order to arrange the core wires 11 in parallel at a predetermined interval. The number of guide grooves 35 is the same as the number of first holes 34. A wall with which the end edge of the core wire 11 abuts is disposed on the side of the guide groove 35 opposite to the opening of the second housing body 32.

  Each guide groove 35 is formed with an electric wire confirmation hole 36 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) for confirming the core wire 11 in the second housing 31 from the outside of the second housing 31. When the core wire 11 is inserted into the second housing body 32, the electric wire confirmation hole 36 is disposed at a position facing the core wire 11. The wire confirmation hole 36 is formed when the core wire 11 is inserted into the second housing body 32 in a state where the second housing body 32 and a cover part 44 described later are temporarily assembled, and when the core wire 11 is inserted into the second housing body 32. After engaging, the window portion for confirming the core wire 11 is formed. Instead of inserting the core wire 11 into the second housing body 32 in a state where the second housing body 32 and the cover portion 44 are temporarily assembled, the core wire 11 is inserted into the second housing 31 and Even when the cover portion 44 is engaged with the two housing main body 32, the wire confirmation hole portion 36 becomes a window portion for confirming the core wire 11.

  In addition, the above-described concave portion 37 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that engages with the convex portion 23 formed in the fitting concave portion 22 is formed on the outer surface of the second housing body 32 on the other end portion 32 b side. Yes. That is, the concave portion 37 is formed at a position facing the convex portion 23 formed in the fitting concave portion 22 when the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20. In addition, as long as the direction of the female connector 30 inserted in the fitting recessed part 22 can be controlled, it is not limited to the example of the convex part 23 and the recessed part 37. FIG.

(C-3. Structure of wire seal)
As shown in FIG. 2, the wire seal 38 includes an opening 39 through which the core wire 11 is inserted. When the core wire 11 is inserted through the opening 39, the wire seal 38 seals between the core wire 11 and the second housing 31. The same number of openings 39 as the number of first holes 34 are formed.

  The opening 39 includes a first convex shape portion 40 having a convex shape formed continuously in the circumferential direction. That is, the first convex shape portion 40 is formed so as to go around the opening 39 once. A plurality of first convex shaped portions 40 are formed along the axial direction of the opening 39.

  Since the core wire 11 inserted through the opening 39 is obtained by dividing the flat cable 10, unevenness of the coating may be formed on the divided surface (fracture surface). In order to ensure the sealing function even when there is such a coating unevenness, a plurality of first convex shaped portions 40 are formed in the opening 39. The number of the first convex shape portions 40 is larger than the case where the first convex shape portions 40 are in close contact with a flat surface.

(C-4. Configuration of housing seal)
The second housing body 32 includes an annular housing seal 41 disposed in close contact with the outer surface. When the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20, the housing seal 41 is in close contact with the fitting recess 22 and seals between the second housing 31 (second housing body 32) and the fitting recess 22. .

The housing seal 41 includes a second convex shape portion 42 formed on the annular inner peripheral surface side and a third convex shape portion 43 formed on the annular outer peripheral surface side.
The second convex shape portion 42 has a convex shape and is formed continuously in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the housing seal 41. The second convex shape portion 42 is formed so as to go around the housing seal 41 once. A plurality of second convex shape portions 42 are formed in the annular axial direction of the housing seal 41.
The third convex shape portion 43 has a convex shape and is formed continuously in the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the housing seal 41. The third convex shape portion 43 is formed so as to go around the housing seal 41 once. A plurality of third convex shape portions 43 are formed in the annular axial direction of the housing seal 41.
The housing seal 41 is in close contact with the fitting recess 22 and the second housing body 32. Since the surfaces of the fitting concave portion 22 and the second housing 31 are flat, the number of the second convex shape portions 42 and the third convex shape portions 43 is reduced as compared with the case where the surfaces are uneven.

  That is, the first convex shape portion 40 in the electric wire seal 38 is in close contact with the core wire 11 having irregularities, whereas the second convex shape portion 42 and the third convex shape portion 43 in the housing seal 41 are flat surfaces. Close contact with. Therefore, the number of the first convex shape portions 40 is larger than the number of each of the second convex shape portions 42 and the third convex shape portions 43. Here, as an example, the number of first convex shape portions 40 is four, the number of second convex shape portions 42 and the number of third convex shape portions 43 are three.

(C-5. Configuration of cover part)
As shown in FIG. 5, the cover part 44 comprises the container in which the cover opening part 45 was formed by opening one surface. That is, the cover portion 44 is open at the top in FIG. A pressure contact terminal fitting 50 described later is arranged in parallel in the cover portion 44 in the same direction. The number of the press contact terminal fittings 50 is the same as the number of the first holes 34.

  A press contact portion 52 of the press contact terminal fitting 50 is disposed on one end side 44 a of the cover portion 44. The pressure contact portion 52 is pressure connected to the core wire 11. For example, the core wire 11 can be press-connected to the press-contact portion 52 on the side wall of the one end side 44a of the cover portion 44, and the core wire 11 press-connected can pass through the side wall, for example. A groove 46 having a letter shape or a U-shape is formed.

  On the other end side 44b opposite to the one end side 44a of the cover portion 44, the leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 of the press contact terminal fitting 50 is disposed. The leaf spring-like terminal portion 60 is configured such that the tip portion 25 of the tab terminal 24 can be inserted and removed, and is electrically connected to the tab terminal 24 in a state where the tip portion 25 is inserted. The press contact terminal fitting 50 is arranged on the cover portion 44 so that the direction in which the core wire 11 is press-fitted into the press contact portion 52 faces the opening of the cover opening portion 45. On the side wall of the other end side 44 b of the cover portion 44, a second hole portion (in which the distal end portion 25 of the tab terminal 24 is inserted into the cover portion 44 in order to make the leaf spring-like terminal portion 60 and the tab terminal 24 conductive) (Not shown). That is, when the cover portion 44 is engaged with the second housing body 32, the second hole portion is disposed at a position facing the first hole portion 34.

  The cover 44 is inserted into the main body opening 33 with the cover opening 45 facing the main body opening 33 of the second housing main body 32. At this time, the one end side 44 a of the cover portion 44 is disposed on the one end side 32 a in the longitudinal direction of the second housing body 32. When inserted into the main body opening 33 of the second housing main body, the cover portion 44 is located in a state of closing the main body opening 33, and in this state, the cover portion 44 is engaged with the second housing main body 32 by a latch mechanism (not shown). Match.

  When the cover portion 44 is engaged with the second housing main body 32, the second housing main body 32 and the cover are arranged so that the core wire 11 in the second housing 31 is press-connected to the press-contact terminal fitting 50 disposed in the cover portion 44. Each part 44 has a shape and a positional relationship.

(2) Configuration of the press contact terminal fitting Next, the press contact terminal fitting 50 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pressure contact terminal fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(D. Overall configuration)
The press contact terminal fitting 50 includes a bottom surface portion 51, a press contact portion 52 disposed on one end side of the bottom surface portion 51, and a leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 disposed on the other end side opposite to the one end side of the bottom surface portion 51. . The press-contact terminal fitting 50 is formed by bending a metal plate having a predetermined thickness (for example, a constant thickness within a range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm, more preferably about 0.4 mm), so that the press-contact portion 52 is bent. The leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 and the bottom surface portion 51 are integrally formed. Here, as an example, the metal plate is obtained by performing tin plating or the like on copper or a copper alloy.

(D-1. Configuration of bottom surface portion)
The press-contact terminal fitting 50 has a substantially rectangular bottom surface portion 51. That is, the bottom surface portion 51 is a rectangle having a long side along the axial direction in which the core wire 11 to be press-connected is extended, for example.

(D-2. Configuration of pressure contact portion)
On one end side of the bottom surface portion 51, two pressure contact portions 52 erected from the bottom surface portion 51 are arranged. The two pressure contact parts 52 are provided apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface part 51 (the above-described rectangular long side direction (arrow A direction)) so that a flat plate part 55 described later is parallel or substantially parallel. ing. Note that the number of the press contact parts 52 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

  The pressure contact portion 52 includes a flat plate portion 55 and side edge portions 57. The flat plate portion 55 and the side edge portion 57 are also integrally formed by bending the metal plate. The flat plate portion 55 has a pressure contact groove 56 opened upward in FIG. The flat plate portion 55 sandwiches the core wire 11 from the press-contact groove 56 when the core wire 11 is press-fitted in a direction (arrow B direction) intersecting the axial direction (arrow A direction) of the core wire 11. Hold. Specifically, when the core wire 11 is press-fitted into the press contact groove 56, the flat plate portion 55 breaks the coating of the core wire 11 by the press contact groove 56 and comes into contact with the conductor of the core wire 11. The pressure contact groove 56 has a large opening on the upper side and a substantially U-shaped shape on the lower side of the opening. Thereby, the press contact part 52 is easy to insert the core wire 11 into the press contact groove 56.

The side edge portion 57 intersects the groove width direction of the pressure contact groove 56 in the flat plate portion 55 (specifically, the direction intersecting the axial direction of the core wire 11 (arrow A direction) and the press-fit direction of the core wire 11 (arrow B direction)). (Arrow C direction)) is extended from at least one of both side edges of the flat plate portion 55, and a connection portion with the flat plate portion 55 is bent. Thus, by arranging the side edge portion 57 in the pressure contact portion 52, it can be considered that the area of the flat plate portion 55 is increased by the amount of the side edge portion 57, and the flat plate portion 55 is formed with respect to the groove width direction of the pressure contact groove 56. It becomes possible to reinforce (make it difficult to deform).
The flat plate portion 55 needs an appropriate plate thickness in order to prevent excessive deformation due to a load when the core wire 11 is press-fitted into the press-contact groove 56. However, as described above, if the side edge portion 57 is extended from the flat plate portion 55, the flat edge portion 55 is reinforced by the side edge portion 57, and thus the configuration without the side edge portion 57. Even if the flat plate portion 55 is made thinner than the above case, excessive deformation due to press-fitting of the core wire 11 can be suppressed.

  Further, the side edge portion 57 extends from the left and right side edges of the flat plate portion 55 in the direction along the bottom surface portion 51 in FIG. 6. The side edge portion 57 and the flat plate portion 55 are bent at connection portions, and are U-shaped when viewed from the press-fitting direction of the core wire 11 (arrow B direction: plan view). That is, the width (width in the direction of arrow C) of the press contact portion 52 is the same as the length (width) in the direction (arrow C direction) intersecting the longitudinal direction (arrow A direction) of the bottom surface portion 51 or the width of the bottom surface portion 51. It is narrower than. Accordingly, it is possible to arrange the press contact terminal fitting 50 on the cover portion 44 while suppressing an increase in the area where the press contact terminal fitting 50 is disposed.

  Of the two press contact parts 52, the press contact part 52 (first press contact part 53) disposed at one end of the bottom face part 51 is connected to the bottom face part 51 on the lower surface of the flat plate part 55. Of the two press contact parts 52, the press contact part 52 (second press contact part 54) disposed on the other end side from one end of the bottom surface part 51 is one side edge part 57 a of the two side edge parts 57. The bottom surface 51 is connected to the bottom surface portion 51. That is, the second pressure contact portion 54 is connected to the bottom surface portion 51 in a cantilevered manner. The reason why the second pressure contact portion 54 is cantilevered at one side edge portion 57 is that the pressure contact portion 52, the leaf spring-like terminal portion 60 and the bottom surface portion 51 are formed by bending a single metal plate. is there.

  A side edge opening 58 is formed in one side edge 57a. The side edge opening 58 is formed by, for example, a hole or a notch. FIG. 6 shows an example in which holes are formed as the side edge openings 58. When the side edge opening 58 is not provided in one side edge 57a, the second pressure contact portion 54 is supported in a cantilevered manner, and thus one of the flat plate portions 55 supported by the bottom surface portion 51. The strength of the surface on the side edge 57a side and the surface on the other side edge 57b side not supported by the bottom surface 51 may be different. In this case, when the core wire 11 is inserted into the second pressure contact portion 54, the weak surface of the flat plate portion 55 (the surface on the other side edge portion 57b side that is not supported by the bottom surface portion 51) may be deformed. There is. For this reason, in order to make the intensity | strength of the surface of the side edge part 57a side of the flat plate part 55 and the surface of the other side edge part 57b side comparable, side edge opening is carried out to one side edge part 57a. A portion 58 is formed to suppress deformation of the flat plate portion 55. Note that the side edge opening 58 is formed at an appropriate position, for example, by performing an experiment or the like as appropriate. Further, the number of side edge openings 58 is not limited to one, and may be plural.

  Further, a standing portion 59 that stands up from the bottom surface portion 51 is disposed at a location adjacent to the other side edge portion 57 b that is not supported by the bottom surface portion 51 of the second pressure contact portion 54. The standing portion 59 has substantially the same height as the second pressure contact portion 54 and forms a U-shape together with the second pressure contact portion 54 when viewed from the arrow B direction. By arranging the standing portion 59 in the vicinity of the other side edge portion 57b, for example, when the core wire 11 is press-connected to the second press-contact portion 54, a force is applied to the core wire 11 so that the second press-contact portion Even when 54 (especially, the other side edge 57b side) is inclined in the axial direction (arrow A direction) of the core wire 11, the second press contact portion 54 can be supported by the standing portion 59. Further, by forming a U-shape when viewed from the direction of the arrow B by the second pressure contact portion 54 and the standing portion 59, it can serve as a guide when press-fitting the core wire 11 into the pressure contact groove 56. It is also possible to suppress the movement of the core wire 11. Note that the standing portion 59 may be disposed between the first press contact portion 53 and the second press contact portion 54 in the vicinity of the second press contact portion 54.

(D-3. Configuration of leaf spring-shaped terminal portion)
A leaf spring-like terminal portion 60 is disposed on the other end side of the bottom surface portion 51. The leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 is formed so as to extend in a leaf spring shape (that is, with elasticity) from the side walls 61 on both sides along the longitudinal direction (arrow A direction) of the bottom surface portion 51. Is done. When the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20, the leaf spring-like terminal portion 60 introduces the distal end portion 25 of the tab terminal 24, and the distal end portion 25 of the tab terminal 24 has elasticity from both sides. It comes to contact.

  The plate spring-like terminal portion 60 preferably has a thin plate spring-like portion. This is because if the plate thickness is thin, the length of the plate spring-like portion can be shortened. That is, for example, when the plate spring-like portion has the same plate thickness, the plate spring-like portion has the same displacement, elastic modulus, spring width, etc. The length of the leaf spring portion can be shortened by reducing the plate thickness. Therefore, the leaf spring-like terminal portion 60 can be easily reduced in size when the plate thickness is reduced.

By the way, the leaf spring-like terminal portion 60 is formed integrally with the press contact portion 52. Therefore, if the plate thickness of the leaf spring-like terminal portion 60 is reduced, the plate thickness of the press contact portion 52 is also reduced accordingly.
However, the press contact portion 52 includes the flat plate portion 55 and the side edge portion 57 as described above, and the flat plate portion 55 is reinforced by the side edge portion 57. Therefore, even when the plate thickness is reduced in order to shorten the length of the leaf spring-like portion of the leaf spring-like terminal portion 60, it is possible to sufficiently ensure the strength of the pressure contact portion 52, and the pressure contact portion. Excessive deformation accompanying press-fitting of the core wire 11 into 52 can be suppressed.

  That is, according to the press contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve the strength of the press contact portion 52 and the downsizing of the leaf spring-like terminal portion 60 by combining these conflicting matters.

(3) Usage Method of Branch Connector and Pressure Contact Terminal Fitting Next, a usage method of the branch connector 1 and the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 will be described.

  First, the female connector 30 is connected to the end of the flat cable 10 where the flat cable 10 is to be branched. That is, the branch connector 1 is connected to a location where the trunk cable is branched and the branch cable is to be connected. At this time, when one branch cable is branched from the trunk cable, the female connector 30 is connected to each of two ends of the trunk cable and one end of the branch cable.

  Specifically, first, the end portion of the flat cable 10 is divided into the core wires 11. Next, each core wire 11 is inserted into the opening 39 of the electric wire seal 38 disposed in the second housing main body 32 and arranged in parallel in the second housing main body 32 using the guide groove 35. When the core wire 11 is inserted into the second housing body 32, the core wire 11 is inserted until the core wire 11 reaches the wall behind the guide groove 35. The order in which the cores 11 are arranged in the second housing body 32 is the same in all the three second housing bodies 32. As an example, in the case where there are the cores 11 with the ranks from 1st to 4th, in all three second housing bodies 32, the 1st to 4th cores 11 are sequentially arranged from the left end to the right end of the second housing body 32. Arrange.

  When inserting the core wire 11 into the second housing main body 32, the core wire 11 may be inserted in a state where the second housing main body 32 and the cover portion 44 are temporarily assembled. In this case, since the position of the core wire 11 is regulated by the guide groove 35, the core wire 11 can be disposed at an appropriate position. Further, the insertion position of the core wire 11 can be confirmed by the electric wire confirmation hole 36. For example, it is possible to confirm whether the core wire 11 has reached the back of the guide groove 35 and whether the core wire 11 is not displaced from the guide groove 35 via the electric wire confirmation hole 36.

  Next, the cover portion 44 in which the plurality of press contact terminal fittings 50 are arranged in parallel is engaged with the second housing body 32 so that the press contact portion 52 and the core wire 11 face each other. At this time, since the press contact portion 52 has a U-shape in plan view, the core wire 11 arranged inside the U-shape is prevented from moving in the width direction of the press contact portion 52. Further, since the guide groove 35 is formed in the second housing main body 32, the core wire 11 is prevented from moving in the width direction of the guide groove 35. Then, the core wire 11 enters the pressure contact groove 56. Then, the sheath of the core wire 11 is broken by the press contact groove 56, and the conductor of the core wire 11 and the press contact groove 56 come into contact with each other. That is, the flat plate portion 55 holds the core wire 11 so as to be sandwiched from both sides. Further, since the flat plate portion 55 is reinforced by arranging the side edge portion 57, the possibility that the flat plate portion 55 is deformed when the core wire 11 is press-fitted into the press contact groove 56 is reduced. .

  When the cover 44 is engaged with the second housing main body 32 and after the cover 44 is engaged with the second housing main body 32, the core wire 11 is confirmed through the electric wire confirmation hole 36. It can be confirmed whether the core wire 11 has not moved (moved in the length direction of the guide groove 35 and in the direction intersecting the length direction, or the like), that is, whether or not the pressure contact portion 52 is appropriately pressure-connected. . In addition, if the core wire 11 cannot be confirmed via the electric wire confirmation hole 36, it is determined that the core wire 11 has moved and the core wire 11 and the press contact portion 52 are not properly press-connected. be able to.

  Further, all the core wires 11 constituting the flat cable 10 are inserted into the second housing main body 32, and the cover portion 44 in which the same number of press contact terminal fittings 50 as the number of the core wires 11 is arranged is used as the second housing main body 32. Therefore, it is possible to press-connect all the core wires 11 to the press-contact portion 52 in a single operation. Thereby, the connection of the flat cable 10 to the female connector 30 is completed.

  Next, the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20. At this time, the convex part 23 formed in the fitting concave part 22 of the male connector 20 and the concave part 37 formed in the female connector 30 are engaged. That is, each female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20 so that the opposite sides of the female connector 30 facing each other are reversed. As a result, the core wires 11 constituting the flat cable 10 are connected to each other through the branch connector 1 in the same order.

  Moreover, since the wire seal 38 seals between the second housing 31 and the core wire 11 and the housing seal 41 seals between the second housing 31 and the fitting recess 22, the female connector 30 is connected to the male connector. By fitting to 20, the branch connector 1 has a waterproof function.

(4) Effects obtained by the present embodiment According to the present embodiment, one or more effects shown below can be obtained.

(A) The branch connector 1 of the present embodiment includes a first housing 21, a second housing 31, a tab terminal 24, and a press contact terminal fitting 50. The second housing 31 is fitted into the first housing 21. The tab terminal 24 conducts the cores 11 connected to the second housing 31 when the second housing 31 is fitted to the first housing 21. The press-contact terminal fitting 50 is electrically connected to the tab terminal 24 when the core wire 11 is press-connected and the second housing 31 is fitted to the first housing 21.
Thereby, the branch connector 1 can branch the flat cable 10.
Moreover, since the branch connector 1 is press-contacted with the core wire 11, it is not necessary to remove the covering of the core wire 11 at the time of connection unlike the crimping connection, and the covering waste of the core wire 11 does not occur. Therefore, it becomes very preferable in terms of work man-hours and work efficiency.
Further, since the branch connector 1 is connected to the end of the flat cable 10, it can be easily attached to the case where the length of the flat cable 10 is long or the existing flat cable 10. That is, even when the press contact terminal is used, the versatility of using the connector can be sufficiently ensured.

Furthermore, the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment includes an electric wire seal 38 that seals between the core wire 11 and the second housing 31, and a housing seal 41 that seals between the second housing 31 and the fitting recess 22. And comprising.
Thereby, the branch connector 1 can have a waterproof function.

  As described above, according to the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment, even when the branch cable 10 is branched from the trunk cable while ensuring waterproofness, workability for the branch is good, The versatility of using the connector can be sufficiently secured.

(B) Moreover, the flat cable 10 in which the several core wire 11 is arrange | positioned in parallel is connected to the branch connector 1 of this embodiment. The core wires 11 are connected in the same order in each of the plurality of female connectors 30.
For the branch connector, if the order of connecting the core wire to the female connector is different between the female connectors, the core wire is connected to the female connector in the wrong order, and the female connector is fitted to the male connector. In some cases, the female connectors are fitted in the wrong positions, and the cores having the same rank may not be conducted.
However, since the core wire 11 is connected to the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment in the same order in each of the plurality of female connectors 30, connection work is facilitated.

(C) Moreover, when the branch connector 1 of this embodiment fits the 2nd housing 31 in the fitting recessed part 22 so that it may mutually face along the length direction of the flat cable 10, several 2nd housing | casing 22 is carried out. The housing 31 is fitted into the fitting recess 22 in the direction in which the front and back are reversed.
Thereby, even if the branch connector 1 connects the core wires 11 in the same order in each of the plurality of female connectors 30, the core wires 11 having the same rank can be conducted.

(D) Further, in the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment, the number of the first convex shape portions 40 formed in the opening 39 of the wire seal 38 is set to the second convex shape portion 42 formed in the housing seal 41. And the number of the third convex shape portions 43 is larger than the number of each.
Thereby, even if the branch connector 1 has an unevenness | corrugation in the coating | cover of the core wire 11, for example, it can contact | adhere to the core wire 11 and can ensure a sealing function, As a result, each is the same number than the case Can also enhance the waterproof function.

(E) Further, in the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment, the second housing 31 constituting the female connector 30 includes the second housing body 32 and the cover part 44, and the cover part 44 is attached to the second housing body 32. By inserting and engaging, a plurality of core wires 11 are press-connected to the press-contact terminal fitting 50.
Thereby, the branch connector 1 can press-connect the some core wire 11 to the press-contact part 52 of each press-contact terminal metal fitting 50 by one operation | work. That is, the number of work steps can be greatly reduced as compared to the case where the work of individually press-connecting each core wire 11 is performed.

(F) Moreover, the branch connector 1 of this embodiment is provided with the electric wire confirmation hole part 36 for confirming the position of the core wire 11. FIG.
Thereby, the branch connector 1 has a case where the core wire 11 is inserted in a state where the second housing body 32 and the cover portion 44 are temporarily assembled, and a case where the cover portion 44 is inserted and engaged with the second housing body 32. Alternatively, after the cover portion 44 is engaged with the second housing main body 32, the core wire 11 can be confirmed from the outside of the second housing 31 using the electric wire confirmation hole portion 36. That is, since it can be determined whether or not the core wire 11 is correctly connected using the electric wire confirmation hole 36, the reliability as a connector is improved as compared with the case where the electric wire confirmation hole 36 is not provided. Can do.

(G) Further, the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment includes a guide groove 35 that regulates the position of the core wire 11 in the second housing body 32.
Thereby, even when inserting the core wire 11 in the 2nd housing 31 in the state which temporarily assembled the 2nd housing main body 32 and the cover part 44, the branch connector 1 can guide the core wire 11 to an appropriate position. .

(H) The press contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment includes a press contact portion 52 and a leaf spring-like terminal 60, and the press contact portion 52 further includes a flat plate portion 55 and a side edge portion 57. The side edge portion 57 extends from at least one of both side edges of the flat plate portion 55 in the groove width direction of the press contact groove 56 formed in the flat plate portion 55, and the connection portion with the flat plate portion 55 is bent. .
In this way, the press-contact terminal fitting 50 can be considered to have the flat plate portion 55 formed to have a wide width by arranging the side edge portion 57 in the press-contact portion 52. Therefore, when the core wire 11 is press-connected to the press contact portion 52, the flat plate portion 55 is reinforced in the groove width direction of the press contact groove 56 in order to support the core wire 11 with the entire press contact portion 52 (the flat plate portion 55 and the side edge portion 57). Therefore, the possibility that the pressure contact portion 52 is deformed can be reduced. In addition, since the strength of the press contact portion 52 is increased, even the thicker core wire 11 can be press connected to the press contact portion 52.
Further, the press-contact terminal fitting 50 is provided with the side edge portion 57 in the press-contact portion 52, whereby the strength of the press-contact portion 52 is increased. Therefore, even when the plate thickness is reduced in order to shorten the length of the leaf spring-like portion of the leaf spring-like terminal portion 60, it is possible to sufficiently ensure the strength of the pressure contact portion 52, and the pressure contact portion. Excessive deformation accompanying press-fitting of the core wire 11 into 52 can be suppressed. That is, according to the press contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve the strength of the press contact portion 52 and the downsizing of the leaf spring-like terminal portion 60 by combining these conflicting matters.
Therefore, according to the press-contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, when the core wire 11 is press-connected to the press-contact portion 52, the possibility that a problem occurs in the press-contact portion 52 can be reduced.

(I) Further, in the press-contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, the press-contact portion 52 has a U-shape when viewed from the press-fit direction of the core wire 11.
As a result, the press-contact terminal fitting 50 is necessary for the arrangement of the press-contact terminal fitting 50 in a plan view as compared with the case where the press-contact portion is not U-shaped and is flat on the entire flat plate portion and side edge portion. The required area can be reduced. That is, for example, by preventing the press contact portion 52 from protruding from the bottom surface portion 51 in plan view, an area required for the placement when the press contact terminal fitting 50 is placed on the cover portion 44 is suppressed. be able to.
Further, when the press contact portion 52 is formed in a U shape, the press contact terminal fitting 50 can be formed into a symmetrical shape. For this reason, even if the press contact portion 52 is deformed when the core wire 11 is press contacted to the press contact portion 52, the deformation of the press contact portion 52 can be made substantially symmetrical on the left and right, or only the left side of the press contact portion 52 or Compared with the case where only the right side is deformed, the possibility that the pressure contact portion 52 is damaged can be reduced.

(J) Further, in the press contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, the press contact portion 52 has at least one side edge portion 57 and the bottom surface portion 51 of the side edges on both sides connected by integral molding.
Thereby, the press-contacting terminal metal fitting 50 can form a plurality of press-contacting parts 52 even when a single metal plate is bent and integrally formed.

(K) Further, in the press contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, the press contact portion 52 is supported in a cantilever manner, and the side edge opening portion 58 is provided on one side edge portion 57a supporting the press contact portion 52. is there.
Thus, when the press-contact part 52 is supported in a cantilevered manner, the other side edge part 57b is in a floating state. Among the flat plate portions 55, the strength (resistance to deformation) is different between one side edge portion 57a side and the other side edge portion 57b side. Accordingly, the press-contact terminal fitting 50 forms a side edge opening 58 in one side edge portion 57a and weakens the strength of the side edge portion 57a side of the flat plate portion 55, thereby reducing one side of the flat plate portion 55. The strength of the side edge 57a side and the other side edge 57b side can be made comparable.
Thereby, even when the core wire 11 is press-connected to the cantilevered press contact portion 52, the possibility that only the surface on the other side edge 57b side of the flat plate portion 55 is deformed is reduced, and the press contact portion 52 is The possibility of breakage can be reduced.

(L) Moreover, the press-contact terminal fitting 50 according to the present embodiment includes a standing portion 59 formed at a location adjacent to the side edge portion 57 b in the press-contact portion 52.
Thereby, the press-contact terminal fitting 50 can prevent the press-contact portion 52 from tilting even when the press-contact portion 52 may be tilted, and can reliably press-connect the core wire 11 to the press-contact portion 52. .

(M) Further, in the press contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, a plurality of press contact portions 52 are provided along the axial direction of the core wire 11.
Thereby, the press-contact terminal metal fitting 50 can increase the contact area of the press-contact part 52 and the core wire 11, and can strengthen the force holding the core wire 11. FIG.

<Other embodiments>
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described concretely, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, it can change suitably.

In the above-described embodiment, the U-shaped example of the press contact portion 52 in plan view has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view for explaining a modification of the shape of the press contact portion. FIG. 7A shows an example in which the pressure contact portion is L-shaped in plan view. FIG. 7B shows an example in which the pressure contact portion includes a curved portion and a side edge portion.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the press contact portion 101 includes a flat plate portion 102 having a press contact groove 103, and a side edge portion 104 extending from only one side edge of the flat plate portion 102, and is flat. The L-shape is configured. Even in such a configuration, the press contact portion 101 has the side edge portion 104, so that the flat plate portion 102 can be reinforced.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the press contact portion 111 has a curved portion 112 instead of the flat plate portion described above. That is, the press contact portion 111 includes a bending portion 112 having a press contact groove 113 and a side edge portion 114 extending from at least one side edge of the bending portion 112. In FIG. 7B, the side edge 114 extends from the side edges on both sides of the bending portion. A connection portion between the curved portion 112 and the side edge portion 114 is bent. Even when the pressure contact portion 111 has the curved portion 112, the curved portion 112 can be reinforced because the curved portion 112 is integrally formed with the side edge portion 114.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the housing seal 41 is arranged on the female connector 30 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the housing seal may be disposed in close contact with the fitting recess of the male connector. Even in the case of this modification, the housing seal can be in close contact with the female connector when the female connector is fitted to the male connector, thereby sealing the inside of the fitting recess.

The branch connector can be connected in advance to a place where the flat cable is expected to branch.
That is, a female connector is connected to the end of the trunk cable, and the female connector is fitted to the male connector. Thereby, conduction | electrical_connection between trunk cables is ensured. In addition, since the branch cable will be connected in the future, the branch cable is not connected to the female connector (branch side female connector).
However, in order to ensure the waterproof property of the branch connector, a sealing material for sealing the opening is inserted into the opening of the electric wire seal in the branch side female connector. The sealing material can be removed when the branch line cable is connected to the branch line side female connector. And the branch line side female connector by which the sealing material was inserted in the opening part is fitted to a male connector. Thereby, the female connector is fitted in all the fitting recesses of the male connector, and a flat cable serving as a main line is connected to each female connector, or a sealing material is inserted into the opening. The branch connector can ensure waterproofness.
When branching of the main line cable becomes necessary in the future, the sealing material arranged on the branch line side female connector is removed, and the branch line cable is connected to the branch line side female connector. If the branch side female connector to which the branch line cable is connected is fitted to the male connector, the trunk cable can be branched.
Thereby, when branching of a trunk line cable is needed, a trunk line cable can be branched only by the operation | work which connects a branch line cable to a branch line side female connector. That is, the main line cable can be branched with less work compared to the case where all of the main line cable and the branch line cable are connected to the female connector.

<Preferred embodiment of the present invention>
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

(Appendix 1)
A first housing having three or more fitting recesses and configured as a waterproof container;
A second housing that constitutes a fitting projection that fits into the fitting recess;
A press-contact terminal fitting disposed in the second housing and press-connected to the electric wire;
A tab terminal arranged in the first housing and electrically connecting the press contact terminal fittings of the second housing fitted in each of the three or more fitting recesses;
There is an opening through which an electric wire arranged in the second housing and press-connected to the press-contact terminal fitting of the second housing is inserted, and between the electric wire inserted into the opening and the second housing An electric wire seal that seals
When the second housing that is arranged annularly on either the first housing side or the second housing side and that forms the fitting convex portion is fitted in the fitting concave portion of the first housing A housing seal that seals between the first housing and the second housing;
A branch connector is provided.

(Appendix 2)
The branch connector according to appendix 1,
The electric wire includes a plurality of core wires.

(Appendix 3)
The branch connector according to appendix 2,
In the second housing, the press-contact terminal fittings that are press-connected to the core wires are arranged so that the plurality of core wires extend in parallel,
The first housing is
The second housing having the same shape is fitted to each of the three or more fitting recesses,
About the fitting recesses arranged so as to face each other along the direction in which the core wire extends, the second housings to be fitted to each other are fitted into the fitting recesses in the direction reversed from each other. It is configured.

(Appendix 4)
The branch connector according to appendix 2 or 3,
The opening portion of the wire seal includes a plurality of first convex shape portions that are continuous in the circumferential direction of the opening portion along the axial direction of the opening portion,
The housing seal is formed continuously in the circumferential direction on the annular outer peripheral surface side of the housing seal, and a second convex shape portion formed continuously in the circumferential direction on the annular inner peripheral surface side of the housing seal. And a plurality of the second convex shape portion and the third convex shape portion are arranged along the annular axial direction of the housing seal,
The number of the first convex shape portions is larger than the number of each of the second convex shape portions and the third convex shape portions.

(Appendix 5)
The branch connector according to any one of appendices 2 to 4,
The second housing is
Constituting a container in which a body opening is formed by opening one surface, and a second housing body in which the wire seal is disposed;
A container that is insertable into the main body opening, forms a cover opening by opening one surface, and includes a cover portion in which a plurality of the pressure contact terminal fittings are arranged in parallel;
When the cover portion is inserted into the main body opening of the second housing body with the plurality of core wires inserted into the second housing body via the wire seal, the cover portion is disposed on the cover portion. The press contact terminal fitting is configured to make press contact with the plurality of core wires in the second housing body.

(Appendix 6)
The branch connector according to appendix 5,
The second housing body is provided with an electric wire confirmation hole for confirming an end of the core wire.

(Appendix 7)
The branch connector according to appendix 5 or 6,
The second housing body is provided with a guide groove for regulating the position of the core wire when the core wire is inserted into the second housing body.

(Appendix 8)
The branch connector according to any one of appendices 1 to 7,
The press contact terminal fitting is
A press-contact portion that has a press-fit groove into which the electric wire is press-fitted, and is electrically connected to the core wire of the electric wire by press-fitting the electric wire into the press-fit groove;
A leaf spring-shaped terminal portion configured such that the tip of the tab terminal that is an external terminal can be inserted and removed;
The pressure contact portion and the leaf spring-like terminal portion are integrally formed by bending a metal plate,
The pressure contact portion is
A flat plate portion in which the pressure contact grooves are formed;
A side edge portion extending from at least one of both side edges of the flat plate portion in the groove width direction of the pressure contact groove, and a connection portion with the flat plate portion is bent;
Have

(Appendix 9)
The branch connector according to appendix 8,
The said press-contact part is formed in U shape or L shape seeing from the press-fit direction of the said electric wire.

(Appendix 10)
The branch connector according to appendix 8 or 9,
A bottom surface formed by bending the metal plate together with the pressure contact portion and the leaf spring-like terminal portion, the pressure contact portion disposed on one end side, and the leaf spring-shaped terminal portion disposed on the other end side. Prepared,
The said press-contact part has the said side edge part bent and formed so that it might connect with the said bottom face part.

(Appendix 11)
The branch connector according to appendix 10, wherein
The press contact portion has a side edge opening formed in the side edge connected to the bottom surface.

(Appendix 12)
The branch connector according to any one of appendices 8 to 11,
A standing portion formed at a location adjacent to the side edge in the pressure contact portion is provided.

(Appendix 13)
The press contact terminal fitting according to any one of appendices 8 to 12,
A plurality of the press contact portions are provided along the axial direction of the electric wire.

1 branch connector 10 flat cable 11 core wire 20 male connector 21 first housing 22 fitting recess 24 tab terminal 30 female connector 31 second housing 32 second housing main body 33 main body opening 35 guide groove 36 electric wire confirmation hole 38 electric wire seal 39 Opening 40 First Convex Shape 41 Housing Seal 42 Second Convex Shape 43 Third Convex Shape 44 Cover Opening 50 Press Contact Terminal Metal 51 Bottom Face 52 Press Contact 55 Flat Plate 56 Press Contact Groove 57 Side Edge Part 58 side edge opening 59 standing part 60 leaf spring-like terminal part

Claims (7)

A first housing having three or more fitting recesses and configured as a waterproof container;
A second housing that constitutes a fitting projection that fits into the fitting recess;
A press-contact terminal fitting disposed in the second housing and press-connected to the electric wire;
A tab terminal arranged in the first housing and electrically connecting the press contact terminal fittings of the second housing fitted in each of the three or more fitting recesses;
There is an opening through which an electric wire arranged in the second housing and press-connected to the press-contact terminal fitting of the second housing is inserted, and between the electric wire inserted into the opening and the second housing An electric wire seal that seals
When the second housing that is arranged annularly on either the first housing side or the second housing side and that forms the fitting convex portion is fitted in the fitting concave portion of the first housing A housing seal that seals between the first housing and the second housing;
Branch connector with The branch connector according to claim 1, wherein the electric wire includes a plurality of core wires. In the second housing, the press-contact terminal fittings that are press-connected to the core wires are arranged so that the plurality of core wires extend in parallel,
The first housing is
The second housing having the same shape is fitted to each of the three or more fitting recesses,
About the fitting recesses arranged so as to face each other along the direction in which the core wire extends, the second housings to be fitted to each other are fitted into the fitting recesses in the direction reversed from each other. The branch connector according to claim 2, which is configured. The opening portion of the wire seal includes a plurality of first convex shape portions that are continuous in the circumferential direction of the opening portion along the axial direction of the opening portion,
The housing seal is formed continuously in the circumferential direction on the annular outer peripheral surface side of the housing seal, and a second convex shape portion formed continuously in the circumferential direction on the annular inner peripheral surface side of the housing seal. And a plurality of the second convex shape portion and the third convex shape portion are arranged along the annular axial direction of the housing seal,
4. The branch connector according to claim 2, wherein the number of the first convex shape portions is greater than the number of each of the second convex shape portion and the third convex shape portion. The second housing is
Constituting a container in which a body opening is formed by opening one surface, and a second housing body in which the wire seal is disposed;
A container that is insertable into the main body opening, forms a cover opening by opening one surface, and includes a cover portion in which a plurality of the pressure contact terminal fittings are arranged in parallel;
When the cover portion is inserted into the main body opening of the second housing body with the plurality of core wires inserted into the second housing body via the wire seal, the cover portion is disposed on the cover portion. The branch connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the press contact terminal fitting is configured to make press contact connection with the plurality of core wires in the second housing body. The branch connector according to claim 5, wherein an electric wire confirmation hole for confirming an end of the core wire is disposed in the second housing body. The branch connector according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second housing body is provided with a guide groove for restricting a position of the core wire when the core wire is inserted into the second housing body.

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