JP2020074341A - Branch connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a branch connector which is connected to an electric wire with a pressure in an end part of the electric wire.SOLUTION: A branch connector 1 comprises: a first housing 21 having three or more fitting concave parts 22; a second housing 31 which is fitted into each fitting concave part 22, and to which an electric wire is connected; a tab terminal 24 arranged in the first housing 21; a pressure contact terminal metal fitting 50 which is arranged in a second housing 31, is contacted to the electric wire with a pressure, is conducted to the tab terminal 24 when the second housing 31 is fitted with the first housing 21; an electric wire seal 38 that seals between the electric wire and the second housing 31; and a housing seal 41 that seals between the second housing 31 and the fitting concave part 22 when the second housing 31 is fitted with the first housing 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

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

The branch connector for branching the electric wire includes, for example, each end edge of the housing formed in a T shape (
There is one that functions as a waterproof branch connector by inserting a socket to which an electric wire is connected to a hood and sealing the space between the hood and the socket with a sealing member to ensure watertightness (for example, see Patent Document 1). ). A waterproof connector using a seal member is generally configured by using a crimp terminal for crimping and connecting an electric wire (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In addition, some connectors are configured by using a pressure contact terminal for pressure-connecting an electric wire instead of a crimp terminal. As a waterproof branch connector using a pressure contact terminal, there is a connector configured to branch connect the pressure contact terminal to an electric wire arranged so as to pass through 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 the type using a crimp terminal, when attempting to branch an electric wire using the waterproof branch connector, it is necessary to crimp the wire to the crimp terminal. for that reason,
Since it is necessary to remove the coating of the electric wire at the work site and the coating dust of the electric wire is generated, it cannot be said that it is preferable in terms of man-hours and work efficiency.
Further, in the conventional product of the type using the pressure contact terminal, it is necessary to previously insert the electric wire into the sealing material, so that 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 the existing electric wire is branched, it may be difficult to insert the electric wire into the sealing material. As described above, the conventional waterproof branch connector using the pressure contact terminal lacks versatility in 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 that can sufficiently secure versatility in using the connector. The purpose is to do.

According to one aspect of the invention,
A first housing configured as a waterproof container having three or more fitting recesses;
A second housing that forms a fitting protrusion that fits in the fitting recess;
A pressure contact terminal fitting arranged in the second housing and pressure-connected to an electric wire;
The second member disposed in the first housing and fitted into each of the three or more fitting recesses.
A tab terminal for electrically connecting the pressure contact terminal fittings of the housing to each other,
Between the electric wire inserted in the opening and the second housing, the opening is inserted in the second housing, and the electric wire press-connected to the press-connecting terminal fitting of the second housing is inserted. A wire seal that seals
When the second housing, which is arranged annularly on either the first housing side or the second housing side and constitutes 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 in the case of branching an electric wire while ensuring waterproofness, workability for branching is good, and moreover, versatility of connector utilization can be sufficiently ensured.

It is a perspective view of the branch connector concerning one embodiment of the present 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 showing a housing (the 2nd housing body) which constitutes a female connector of a branch connector concerning one embodiment of the present 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 contact terminal metal fittings concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the modification of the pressure contact part of a pressure contact terminal metal fitting.

<One Embodiment of the Present Invention>
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(1) Configuration 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 sectional view of the branch connector 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the female connector 30 that constitutes the branch connector 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a housing (second housing body 32) that constitutes the female connector 30. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a housing (cover portion 44) forming 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 respective core wires 11 are joined, and may be another cable including a plurality of core wires, and It may be an electric wire with a coating or an electric wire without a coating. Furthermore, it does not necessarily have to be configured to include a plurality of core wires, and may be applied to a single core wire.

(A. Overall structure)
The branch connector 1 is arranged at the branch point of the flat cable 10 and
Female connector 30 connected to the end of the female connector and male connector 2 into which the female connector 30 is fitted
0 and. More specifically, the branch connector 1 includes, for example, two female connectors 30 connected to ends of a flat cable 10 (main line cable) forming a main line circuit and a flat cable 10 (branch line cable) forming a branch line circuit. It has one female connector 30 connected to the end and one male connector 20 into which each female connector 30 is fitted.
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). Note that the latch mechanism may be one that uses a known technique, so detailed description thereof will be omitted, and illustrations other than FIG. 1 will also be omitted.

(B. Configuration of male connector)
As shown in FIG. 2, the male connector 20 includes a first housing 21 and tab terminals 24.
(B-1. Structure of first housing)
The first housing 21 is configured as a waterproof container. That is, the first housing 21 has a configuration in which other openings (holes and the like) are not formed except for the opening of the fitting recess 22 described later. The first housing 21 is, for example, a polybutylene terephthalate (
It is formed of a resin material such as PBT).

The first housing 21 includes three fitting recesses 22. The first housing 21 includes two fitting recesses 22 that are open to 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. One fitting concave portion 22 that is open to the other side opposite to the side. A female connector 30 is provided in each fitting recess 22.
Are fitted.

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

The fitting recesses 22 are formed in the same shape, and the female connectors 30 of the same shape are formed in the fitting recesses 22, respectively.
Are configured to be fitted together. Therefore, any female connector 30 that can be fitted in one fitting recess 22 can also be fitted in another fitting recess 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, a convex portion 23 that restricts the orientation of the female connector 30 is arranged on a predetermined surface of each fitting concave portion 22. That is, the convex portion 23 prevents the female connector 30 from being fitted in the wrong direction. Therefore, it is assumed that the female connector 30 is provided with a concave portion 37 that engages with the convex portion 23, as described later.
Further, the convex portion 23 is arranged in each of the fitting concave portions 22. However, the first housing 2
In the fitting concave portion 22 on one side of the longitudinal direction of 1 and the fitting concave portion 22 on the other side, the forming positions of the convex portions 23 are set so that the orientations of the female connectors 30 fitted therein are reversed. They are different from each other. Specifically, as an example, the right fitting recess 22 shown in FIG.
Then, the convex portion 23 is arranged on the lower surface. Further, in the fitting concave portion 22 on the left side shown in FIG. 2, the convex portion 23 is arranged on the upper surface. On the other hand, each female connector 30 has a convex portion 2 at the same position.
A concave portion 37 that engages with the groove 3 is formed. Therefore, the female connector 30 with the recess 37 facing downward is fitted in the fitting recess 22 on the right side shown in FIG. Further, the female connector 30 with the recess 37 facing upward is fitted in the fitting recess 22 on the left side shown in FIG.

The cores 11 of the flat cable 10 are connected in the same order to the female connectors 30 fitted in the fitting recesses 22 of the first housing 21. Therefore, by inverting the front and back sides of the female connectors 30 facing each other, the core wires 11 in the same order come to face each other when the female connectors 30 are fitted. Here, the order is, for example, a number for identifying the core wire 11.

(B-2. Configuration of tab terminal)
When the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20, the tab terminal 24 shown in FIG.
The electric wires connected to the female connectors 30 are electrically connected to each other. More specifically, the tab terminal 24
When a plurality of female connectors 30 are fitted to the male connector 20, each female connector 30
Among the flat cables 10 connected to, the core wires 11 of the same rank are electrically connected. That is, the tab terminal 24 is arranged for each core wire 11 that constitutes the flat cable 10. In the present embodiment, since the flat cable 10 has four core wires 11, there are four tab terminals 24.

Each tab terminal 24 includes a tip portion 25 that projects into each fitting recess 22, and a connecting portion 26 that connects the tip portions 25 that project into each fitting recess 22. The tip portion 25 engages with the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 in the female connector 30 fitted into each fitting recess 22, as will be described later in detail. In addition, the connecting portion 26 connects the tip end portions 25 to each other so that the pressure contact terminal fittings 50 engaging with the tip end portions 25 are electrically connected to each other.
The tab terminal 24 including the tip portion 25 and the connecting portion 26 is formed of, for example, a metal plate member, and is formed of, for example, copper or a copper alloy plated with tin, or the like.
It is arranged in the first housing 21.

(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, and may be the same as the total number of trunk cables and branch cables, that is, the same as the number of fitting recesses 22, Alternatively, the number may be smaller than the number of fitting recesses 22. Depending on the sales form of the branch connector 1, the number of female connectors 30 may be smaller than the number of fitting recesses 22.

Each female connector 30 includes a second housing 31. The second housing 31 constitutes a fitting protrusion that fits in the fitting recess 22.
Further, each female connector 30 includes an electric wire seal 38 and a housing seal 41.

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

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

The second housing main body 32 includes four first hole portions 34, into which the distal end portion 25 of the tab terminal 24 can be inserted, at the other end portion 32b opposite to the one end portion 32a in the longitudinal direction. That is, when the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20, the first hole 34 is provided with the tab terminal 2
4 is arranged at a position facing the front end portion 25 of No. 4. When the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20, the tip portion 25 of the tab terminal 24 is inserted into the second housing 31 via the first hole portion 34. The first holes 34 are formed in the same number as the tab terminals 24.

The second housing body 32 includes a guide groove 35 on the bottom surface of the body opening 33. The guide groove 35 serves as a groove for restricting the position of the core wire 11 inserted through the opening formed in the one end portion 32a in the longitudinal direction of the second housing body 32. That is, the guide groove 35 is a groove for holding the position of the core wire 11 in order to arrange the core wires 11 in parallel at a predetermined interval. Guide groove 3
The number 5 is the same as the number of the first holes 34. A wall with which the 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.

In each of the guide grooves 35, the core wire 11 in the second housing 31 is provided from outside the second housing 31.
An electric wire confirmation hole portion 36 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) for confirming is confirmed. Wire confirmation hole 3
When the core wire 11 is inserted into the second housing main body 32, 6 is arranged at a position facing the core wire 11. The wire confirmation hole portion 36 is provided 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 portion 44 described later are temporarily assembled, and when the second housing body 32 is covered with the cover portion 44. After engaging with, it becomes a window for confirming the core wire 11. 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 first core wire 11 is inserted into the second housing 31. 2 Even when the cover portion 44 is engaged with the housing body 32, the wire confirmation hole portion 3
6 is a window portion for confirming the core wire 11.

Further, the above-mentioned recess 37 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that engages with the projection 23 formed in the fitting recess 22 is formed on the outer surface of the second housing body 32 on the side of the other end 32b. There is. 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. If the orientation of the female connector 30 inserted into the fitting recess 22 can be regulated, the projection 23 and the recess 37 can be formed.
It is not limited to the example of.

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

The opening 39 has a convex shape formed continuously in the circumferential direction and has a convex shape.
Equipped with 0. That is, the first convex shaped portion 40 is formed so as to go around the opening 39 once. A plurality of the first convex shaped portions 40 are formed along the axial direction of the opening 39.

Since the core wire 11 inserted into the opening 39 is obtained by dividing the flat cable 10, unevenness of the coating may be formed on the divided surface (broken surface). Even if there is such unevenness of the coating, in order to ensure the sealing function, the opening 39 has a plurality of first convex shaped portions 40.
Are formed. The number of the first convex shaped portions 40 is larger than that in the case where a flat surface is in close contact.

(C-4. Structure of housing seal)
In addition, the second housing main body 32 is an annular housing seal 4 that is arranged in close contact with the outer surface.
1 is provided. When the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20, the housing seal 41 comes into 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 shaped portion 42 formed on the annular inner peripheral surface side and a third convex shaped portion 43 formed on the annular outer peripheral surface side.
The second convex shaped 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 shaped portion 42 is formed so as to go around the housing seal 41 once. The plurality of second convex shaped portions 42 are formed in the annular axial direction of the housing seal 41.
The third convex shaped 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 shaped portion 43 is formed so as to go around the housing seal 41 once. A plurality of third convex shaped portions 43 are formed in the annular axis direction of the housing seal 41.
The housing seal 41 is in close contact with the inside of 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 shaped portions 42 and the third convex shaped portions 43 is smaller than that in the case where the surfaces are uneven.

That is, the first convex shape portion 40 of the electric wire seal 38 is in close contact with the core wire 11 having the unevenness, while the second convex shape portion 42 and the third convex shape portion 43 of the housing seal 41.
Sticks to a flat surface. Therefore, the number of the first convex shaped portions 40 is larger than the number of each of the second convex shaped portions 42 and the third convex shaped portions 43. Here, as an example, the first convex shaped portion 4
The number of 0 is four, and the number of the second convex shaped portions 42 and the number of the third convex shaped portions 43 are three.

(C-5. Structure of cover part)
As shown in FIG. 5, the cover portion 44 constitutes a container having a cover opening portion 45 formed by opening one surface. That is, the cover portion 44 is open at the upper side in FIG. 5 and constitutes a container having a concave cross-section. Pressure contact terminal fittings 50, which will be described later, are arranged in parallel on the cover portion 44 in the same direction. The number of the pressure contact metal fittings 50 is the same as the number of the first hole portions 34.

A pressure contact portion 52 of the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 is arranged on one end side 44 a of the cover portion 44. The press contact portion 52 is press connected to the core wire 11. To the side wall of the one end side 44a of the cover part 44, the core wire 11 can be press-contacted to the press-contact part 52, and the core wire 11 connected by pressure contact can pass through the side wall. A groove 46 having a character shape or a U shape is formed.

The leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 of the press-connecting terminal fitting 50 is arranged on the other end side 44b of the cover part 44 opposite to the one end side 44a. The leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 is configured such that the tip end portion 25 of the tab terminal 24 can be inserted and removed, and is electrically connected to the tab terminal 24 when the tip end portion 25 is inserted. Pressure contact metal fitting 50
Are arranged on the cover portion 44 such that the direction in which the core wire 11 is press-fitted into the pressure contact portion 52 is directed toward the opening of the cover opening portion 45. On the side wall of the other end side 44b of the cover portion 44, the leaf spring terminal portion 6 is provided.
A second hole portion (not shown) for inserting the tip end portion 25 of the tab terminal 24 into the cover portion 44 is provided in order to electrically connect the 0 and the tab terminal 24. That is, when the cover portion 44 is engaged with the second housing body 32, the second hole portion is arranged at a position facing the first hole portion 34.

The cover portion 44 is inserted into the main body opening portion 33 with the cover opening portion 45 facing the main body opening portion 33 side of the second housing main body 32. At this time, one end side 44 of the cover portion 44
“A” is arranged on one end side 32a of the second housing body 32 in the longitudinal direction. Then, when inserted into the main body opening 33 of the second housing main body, the cover portion 44 is positioned so as to close the main body opening 33, and in that state, engages with the second housing main body 32 by a latch mechanism (not shown). To meet.

When the cover portion 44 engages with the second housing body 32, the core wire 1 in the second housing 31
The second housing body 32 and the cover portion 44 are configured to have respective shapes and positional relationships so that 1 is pressure-contacted and connected to the pressure-contact terminal metal fitting 50 arranged on the cover portion 44.

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

(D. Overall configuration)
The pressure contact terminal fitting 50 includes a bottom surface portion 51, a pressure contact portion 52 arranged on one end side of the bottom surface portion 51, and a leaf spring terminal portion 60 arranged on the other end side opposite to the one end side of the bottom surface portion 51. , Is provided. 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 formed. The leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 and the bottom surface portion 51 are integrally molded. Here, the metal plate is, for example, a plate of copper or a copper alloy plated with tin or the like.

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

(D-2. Structure of pressure contact portion)
Two pressure contact portions 52 standing upright from the bottom surface portion 51 are arranged on one end side of the bottom surface portion 51. The two pressure contact portions 52 are provided separately along the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface portion 51 (the long side direction of the above-described rectangle (direction of arrow A)) so that the flat plate portion 55 described later is parallel or substantially parallel. ing. The number of the press contact portions 52 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

The press contact portion 52 includes a flat plate portion 55 and a side edge portion 57. The flat plate portion 55 and the side edge portion 57 are also integrally formed by bending the above metal plate. The flat plate portion 55 has a pressure contact groove 56 that opens upward in FIG. The flat plate portion 55 sandwiches the core wire 11 based on the core wire 11 being press-fitted into the press-contact groove 56 from 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 pressure contact groove 56, the flat plate portion 55 breaks the coating of the core wire 11 by the pressure 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. As a result, the press contact portion 52 facilitates insertion of the core wire 11 into the press contact groove 56.

The side edge portion 57 is a direction intersecting the groove width direction of the press contact groove 56 in the flat plate portion 55 (specifically, the axial direction of the core wire 11 (direction of arrow A) and the press-fitting direction of the core wire 11 (direction of arrow B)). (In the direction of arrow C)), the flat plate portion 55 is extended from at least one of both side edges, and the connection portion with the flat plate portion 55 is bent. By arranging the side edge portions 57 in the pressure contact portion 52 in this manner, it can be considered that the area of the flat plate portion 55 is expanded by the side edge portion 57, and the pressure contact groove 5 is formed.
It is possible to reinforce the flat plate portion 55 in the groove width direction of 6 (make it difficult to deform).
The flat plate portion 55 needs to have 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,
Even if the flat plate portion 55 is made thinner than in the case where the side edge portion 57 is not provided, it is possible to prevent excessive deformation due to press fitting of the core wire 11.

The side edge portions 57 extend in the direction along the bottom surface portion 51 from the left and right side edges of the flat plate portion 55 in FIG. 6. Then, the side edge portion 57 and the flat plate portion 55 are formed in a bent portion at a connecting portion, and have a U-shape when viewed from the press-fitting direction of the core wire 11 (direction of arrow B: plan view). That is,
The width of the press contact portion 52 (width in the arrow C direction) is the same as the length (width) in the direction (arrow C direction) intersecting the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 51 (arrow A direction) or more than the width of the bottom portion 51. It is getting narrower. This makes it possible to dispose the pressure contact terminal metal fitting 50 on the cover portion 44 while suppressing an increase in the area where the pressure contact terminal metal fitting 50 is arranged.

Of the two pressure contact portions 52, the pressure contact portion 52 (first pressure contact portion 53) arranged at one end of the bottom surface portion 51.
Is connected to the bottom surface portion 51 on the lower surface of the flat plate portion 55. In addition, of the two pressure contact portions 52, the pressure contact portion 52 (second pressure contact portion 54) disposed on the other end side of the bottom surface portion 51 is one side edge portion 57 a of the two side edge portions 57. Is connected to the bottom surface portion 51 on the lower surface of the. That is, the second pressure contact portion 54 is connected to the bottom surface portion 51 in a cantilever manner. The second pressure contact portion 54 is supported in a cantilever manner at one side edge portion 57 because the pressure contact portion 52, the leaf spring 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 on one side edge 57a. The side edge opening 58 is, for example,
It is formed by a hole or a notch. In FIG. 6, an example in which a hole is formed as the side edge opening 58 is described. When the side edge opening 58 is not provided in the one side edge portion 57a, the second pressure contact portion 54 is supported in a cantilever manner, so that one of the flat plate portions 55 is supported by the bottom surface portion 51. There is a possibility that the strength of the surface on the side edge portion 57a side and the strength of the surface on the other side edge portion 57b side not supported by the bottom surface portion 51 are different. In this case, when the core wire 11 is inserted into the second pressure contact portion 54, the surface of the flat plate portion 55 having a weaker strength (the other side edge portion 57 not supported by the bottom surface portion 51).
The surface (b side) may be deformed. Therefore, one side edge portion 57a of the flat plate portion 55 is formed.
In order to make the strength of the side surface and the strength of the surface on the side of the other side edge portion 57b approximately the same, one side edge portion 57
The side edge opening 58 is formed in a so as to suppress the deformation of the flat plate portion 55. The side edge opening 58 is formed at an appropriate position, for example, by conducting an appropriate experiment. Further, the number of the side edge openings 58 is not limited to one and may be plural.

Further, a standing portion 59 standing upright from the bottom surface portion 51 is arranged at a position adjacent to the other side edge portion 57b of the second pressure contact portion 54 which is not supported by the bottom surface portion 51. The standing portion 59 has the second pressure contact portion 54.
And has a height substantially the same as that of the second pressure contact portion 54 when viewed from the direction of the arrow B. By arranging the standing portion 59 close to the other side edge portion 57b, for example, when the core wire 11 is pressure-connected to the second pressure contact portion 54, a force is applied to the core wire 11 and the second pressure contact portion is applied. 54 (
In particular, even when the other side edge portion 57b side is inclined in the axial direction of the core wire 11 (direction of arrow A), the upright portion 59 can support the second pressure contact portion 54. In addition, the second pressure contact portion 54 and the standing portion 59 form a U-shape when viewed from the direction of the arrow B, so that the core wire 11 is pressed into the pressure contact groove 56.
It can play the role of a guide when press-fitting into, and can also prevent the movement of the core wire 11. The upright portion 59 is provided between the first press contact portion 53 and the second press contact portion 54.
You may arrange | position near the 2nd press contact part 54.

(D-3. Structure of leaf spring-shaped terminal portion)
The leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 is arranged on the other end side of the bottom surface portion 51. The leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 is formed so as to extend inward from the side walls 61 on both sides along the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow A) of the bottom surface portion 51 in a leaf spring-like manner (that is, with elasticity). To be done. The leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 guides the tip end portion 25 of the tab terminal 24 when the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20, and has elastic force from both sides to the tip end portion 25 of the tab terminal 24. It comes in contact.

The leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 preferably has a thin plate spring-shaped portion. This is because if the plate thickness is thin, the length of the plate spring-shaped portion can be shortened. That is, for example, in the case where the plate spring-shaped portion has a thin plate thickness and the plate spring has a large thickness, when the displacement amount, elastic coefficient, spring width, etc. of the plate spring-shaped portion are the same, The thinner the plate thickness, the shorter the length of the leaf spring-shaped portion. Therefore, the leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60 can be easily reduced in size when the plate thickness is reduced.

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

That is, according to the pressure contact terminal metal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve the strength of the pressure contact portion 52 and the size reduction of the leaf spring terminal portion 60 together with these contradictory matters.

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

First, the female connector 30 is connected to the end of the flat cable 10 at the location where the flat cable 10 is desired to branch. That is, the branch connector 1 is connected to a location where the trunk cable is branched and the branch cable is desired to be connected. At this time, when branching one branch cable from the trunk cable, the female connector 30 is connected to each of the 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 arranged in the second housing body 32, and is arranged in parallel in the second housing body 32 using the guide groove 35. When inserting the core wire 11 into the second housing body 32, the core wire 11 is inserted until it reaches the wall at the back of the guide groove 35. The order of arranging the core wires 11 in the second housing main body 32 is the same in all three second housing main bodies 32. As an example, in the case where there are the core wires 11 having the ranks 1 to 4, all the three second housing main bodies 32 have the second housing main body 32.
No. 1 to No. 4 core wires 11 are arranged in order from the left end to the right end.

When the core wire 11 is inserted into the second housing main body 32, the core wire 11 may be inserted with the second housing main body 32 and the cover portion 44 temporarily assembled. In this case, the guide groove 35
Since the position of the core wire 11 is regulated by the above, the core wire 11 can be arranged at an appropriate position. Moreover, the insertion position of the core wire 11 can be confirmed by the electric wire confirmation hole portion 36. For example, whether the core wire 11 reaches the back of the guide groove 35 via the wire confirmation hole portion 36,
Also, it is possible to confirm whether the core wire 11 is not displaced from the guide groove 35.

Next, the cover portion 44 in which the plurality of pressure contact terminal fittings 50 are arranged in parallel is attached to the pressure contact portion 52 and the core wire 1.
The first housing 32 and the first housing 32 are engaged with each other so that the first housing 1 and the second housing 1 face each other. At this time, the press contact portion 52
Has a U-shape in plan view, so that 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 body 32, the core wire 11 is prevented from moving in the width direction of the guide groove 35. And
The core wire 11 enters the press contact groove 56. Then, the core wire 11 is formed by the press contact groove 56.
The coating of is broken 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 portions 57, it is less likely that the flat plate portion 55 will be deformed when the core wire 11 is press-fitted into the press contact groove 56. ..

When the cover portion 44 is engaged with the second housing body 32, and after the cover portion 44 is engaged with the second housing body 32, the core wire 11 is confirmed through the electric wire confirmation hole portion 36. It is possible to confirm whether or not the core wire 11 has moved (movement in the length direction of the guide groove 35 and in a direction intersecting the length direction), that is, whether or not the pressure contact portion 52 appropriately performs pressure contact connection. .. If the core wire 11 cannot be confirmed through the wire confirmation hole portion 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 pressure connected. be able to.

Further, all the core wires 11 constituting the flat cable 10 are inserted into the second housing body 32, and the cover portion 44 in which the same number of the pressure contact terminal fittings 50 as the number of the core wires 11 are arranged is attached to the second housing body 32. Therefore, all the core wires 11 can be press-connected to the press-contact portion 52 in a single operation. This completes the connection of the flat cable 10 to the female connector 30.

Next, the female connector 30 is fitted to the male connector 20. At this time, the male connector 2
The projection 23 formed in the fitting recess 22 of 0 and the recess 37 formed in the female connector 30 are engaged. That is, the female connectors 30 are fitted into the male connectors 20 so that the front and back of the female connectors 30 facing each other are opposite to each other. This allows the flat cable 10
Those having the same order of the core wires 11 constituting the above will be electrically connected via the branch connector 1.

Further, 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.
By fitting the connector to the male connector 20, the branch connector 1 has a waterproof function.

(4) Effects obtained by this embodiment According to this embodiment, one or more of the following effects can be obtained.

(A) The branch connector 1 of the present embodiment includes a first housing 21, a second housing 31, and
The tab terminal 24 and the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 are provided. The second housing 31 fits into the first housing 21. When the second housing 31 is fitted into the first housing 21, the tab terminal 24 brings the core wires 11 connected to the second housing 31 into conduction with each other. Pressure contact terminal fitting 5
0 is electrically connected to the tab terminal 24 when the core wire 11 is pressure-connected and the second housing 31 is fitted to the first housing 21.
Accordingly, the branch connector 1 can branch the flat cable 10.
Further, since the branch connector 1 is pressure-connected to the core wire 11, it is not necessary to remove the coating of the core wire 11 at the time of connection unlike the crimp connection, and the coating scrap of the core wire 11 is not generated. Therefore, it is very preferable in terms of man-hours and work efficiency.
Further, since the branch connector 1 is connected to the end portion of the flat cable 10, it can be easily attached to the flat cable 10 having a long length or the existing flat cable 10. That is, even when the press contact terminal is used, it is possible to sufficiently secure the versatility of using the connector.

Further, 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
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 branching the branch cable 10 from the main cable while ensuring waterproofness, workability for branching is good, and moreover, The versatility of using the connector can be sufficiently ensured.

(B) Further, a flat cable 10 having a plurality of core wires 11 arranged in parallel is connected to the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment. The core wires 11 are connected in the same order in each of the plurality of female connectors 30.
For branch connectors, if the order of connecting the core wires to the female connector is different between the female connectors, connect the core wires to the female connector in the wrong order, and also fit the female connector to the male connector. It is possible that the female connectors are fitted in the wrong positions and the cores having the same rank are not electrically connected to each other.
However, in the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment, the core wires 11 are connected in the same order in each of the plurality of female connectors 30, so the connection work is facilitated.

(C) In addition, in the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment, when the plurality of second housings 31 are fitted in the fitting recesses 22 so as to face each other along the length direction of the flat cable 10, the plurality of second housings 31 are provided. The housing 31 is fitted into the fitting concave portion 22 with the front and back reversed.
Thereby, the branch connector 1 can connect the core wires 11 having the same rank to each other even if the core wires 11 are connected in the same order in each of the plurality of female connectors 30.

(D) In the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment, the number of the first convex shaped portions 40 formed in the opening 39 of the electric wire seal 38 is equal to the number of the second convex shaped portions 42 formed in the housing seal 41. And the number of the third convex shaped portions 43 is greater than the respective numbers.
Thereby, even if the branch connector 1 has irregularities in the coating of the core wire 11,
The sealing function can be secured by closely adhering to the core wire 11, and as a result, the waterproof function can be enhanced more than in the case where the numbers are the same.

(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 portion 44, and the second housing body 3
By inserting the cover portion 44 into and engaging the cover portion 2, the plurality of core wires 11 are pressure-connected to the pressure-contact terminal fitting 50.
Thereby, the branch connector 1 can press-connect the plurality of core wires 11 to the press-connecting portions 52 of the press-connecting terminal fittings 50 by one operation. That is, the number of work steps can be significantly reduced as compared with the case where the work of individually pressure-connecting each core wire 11 is performed.

(F) Further, the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment includes the electric wire confirmation hole portion 36 for confirming the position of the core wire 11.
Thereby, in the branch connector 1, when the core wire 11 is inserted in a state where the second housing body 32 and the cover portion 44 are temporarily assembled, and when the cover portion 44 is inserted and engaged in the second housing body 32. , Or after the cover portion 44 is engaged with the second housing body 32,
The core wire 11 can be confirmed from the outside of the second housing 31 by using the electric wire confirmation hole portion 36. That is, since it is possible to determine whether or not the core wire 11 is correctly connected using the wire confirmation hole portion 36, it is possible to improve reliability as a connector as compared with the case where the wire confirmation hole portion 36 is not provided. You can

(G) Further, the branch connector 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the guide groove 35 that restricts the position of the core wire 11 in the second housing body 32.
Accordingly, the branch connector 1 can guide the core wire 11 to an appropriate position even when the core wire 11 is inserted into the second housing 31 in a state where the second housing body 32 and the cover portion 44 are temporarily assembled. ..

(H) The press contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment includes the press contact portion 52 and the leaf spring terminal 60, and the press contact portion 52 further includes the flat plate portion 55 and the side edge portion 57. Then, the side edge portion 57 is
The pressure contact groove 56 formed in the flat plate portion 55 extends from at least one of both side edges of the flat plate portion 55 in the groove width direction, and a connection portion with the flat plate portion 55 is bent.
As described above, in the pressure contact terminal fitting 50, it is possible to consider that the flat plate portion 55 is apparently formed wide by disposing the side edge portion 57 in the pressure contact portion 52. Therefore, the pressure contact part 5
When the core wire 11 is pressure-connected to the second core 2, the core wire 11 is connected to the entire pressure contact part 52 (the flat plate part 55 and the side edge part 5
Since it is supported by 7), the flat plate portion 55 is reinforced (hardly deformed) in the groove width direction of the pressure contact groove 56, and the possibility that the pressure contact portion 52 is deformed can be reduced. Moreover, since the strength of the press contact portion 52 is increased, even the thicker core wire 11 can be connected to the press contact portion 52 by press contact.
Further, in the pressure contact terminal fitting 50, the side edge portion 57 is arranged on the pressure contact portion 52, so that the pressure contact portion 5 is provided.
2 becomes stronger. Therefore, even when the plate thickness is thinned to shorten the length of the leaf spring-shaped portion of the leaf spring-shaped terminal portion 60, the strength of the pressure contact portion 52 can be sufficiently ensured, and the pressure contact portion can be secured. Excessive deformation due to press-fitting of the core wire 11 into the core 52 can be suppressed. That is, according to the pressure contact terminal metal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve the strength of the pressure contact portion 52 and the size reduction of the leaf spring terminal portion 60 together with these contradictory matters.
Therefore, according to the press-connecting terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the press-connecting portion 52 will have a problem when the core wire 11 is press-connecting to the press-connecting portion 52.

(I) Further, in the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, the pressure contact portion 52 is U-shaped when viewed from the press fitting direction of the core wire 11.
As a result, the pressure contact terminal metal fitting 50 is required for disposing the pressure contact terminal metal fitting 50 in a plan view as compared with the case where the pressure contact portion is not U-shaped and the flat plate portion and the entire side edge portion are flat. The area can be reduced. That is, for example, when viewed in a plan view, from the bottom surface portion 51 to the pressure contact portion 52.
By preventing the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 from being protruded, it is possible to suppress an increase in the area required for disposing the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 in the cover portion 44.
Further, in the pressure contact terminal fitting 50, when the pressure contact portion 52 is U-shaped, the pressure contact portion 52 can have a bilaterally symmetrical shape. Therefore, even if the pressure contact portion 52 is deformed when the core wire 11 is pressure-contacted to the pressure contact portion 52, the deformation of the pressure contact portion 52 can be substantially left-right symmetrical.
Compared to the case where only the left side or the right side of the pressure contact portion 52 is deformed, the possibility that the pressure contact portion 52 is damaged can be reduced.

(J) In the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, the pressure contact portion 52 is formed by integrally molding at least one side edge portion 57 of both side edges and the bottom surface portion 51.
Accordingly, the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 can form the plurality of pressure contact portions 52 even when a single metal plate is bent and integrally molded.

(K) Further, in the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, the pressure contact portion 52 is supported in a cantilever manner, and the side edge opening 58 is provided at the one side edge portion 57a supporting the pressure contact portion 52. is there.
In this way, when the pressure contact portion 52 is supported in a cantilever manner, the other side edge portion 57b is in a floating state. Among the flat plate portions 55, one side edge portion 57a side and the other side edge portion 57b side have different strengths (resistance to deformation). Therefore, in the pressure contact terminal fitting 50, the side edge opening 58 is formed in the one side edge portion 57a to weaken the strength of the one side edge portion 57a side of the flat plate portion 55, so that one side of the flat plate portion 55 is formed. It is possible to make the side edge 57a side and the other side edge 57b side have the same strength.
As a result, even when the core wire 11 is pressure-connected to the cantilever-shaped pressure contact portion 52, the flat plate portion 55
It is possible to reduce the possibility that only the surface of the other side edge portion 57b side is deformed and reduce the possibility that the press contact portion 52 is damaged.

(L) Further, the press contact terminal metal fitting 50 of the present embodiment includes the standing portion 59 formed in the press contact portion 52 adjacent to the side edge portion 57b.
As a result, the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 allows the pressure contact portion 5 to be inclined even if the pressure contact portion 52 may tilt.
2 can be prevented from inclining, and the core wire 11 can be securely pressure-connected to the pressure-contact portion 52.

(M) In the pressure contact terminal fitting 50 of the present embodiment, a plurality of pressure contact portions 52 are provided along the axial direction of the core wire 11.
As a result, in the press contact terminal fitting 50, the contact area between the press contact portion 52 and the core wire 11 can be increased, and the force for holding the core wire 11 can be increased.

<Other Embodiments>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist thereof.

In the above-described embodiment, the pressure contact portion 52 is described as an example of a U-shape in plan view, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating a modified example of the shape of the press contact portion. FIG. 7A shows an example in which the pressure contact portion has an L shape when viewed in a plan view. FIG. 7 (B) shows an example in which the press contact portion includes a curved portion and a side edge portion.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the pressure contact portion 101 has a flat plate portion 102 having a pressure contact groove 103 and a side edge portion 104 extending from only one side edge of the flat plate portion 102, and has a flat surface. When viewed, it forms an L-shape. Even with such a configuration, since the press contact portion 101 has the side edge portion 104,
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 pressure contact portion 111 includes the bending portion 112 having the pressure contact groove 113, and the bending portion 11.
2 has a side edge portion 114 extending from at least one side edge thereof. Note that in FIG. 7B, the side edge portions 114 extend from the side edges on both sides of the curved portion. Curved portion 112 and side edge portion 1
The connection point with 14 is bent. Even when the press contact portion 111 has the curved portion 112, the curved portion 112 can be reinforced because the side edge portion 114 is integrally formed with the curved portion 112.

Further, 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 inside of the fitting recess of the male connector. Even in the case of this modified example, the housing seal can be brought into close contact with the female connector when the female connector is fitted to the male connector to seal 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 into the male connector. This ensures continuity between the main cables. Since the branch cable will be connected in the future, the branch cable should not be connected to the female connector (branch side female connector).
However, in order to ensure the waterproofness of the branch connector, a sealing material that seals the opening is inserted into the opening of the wire seal of the branch side female connector. The sealing material can be removed when connecting the branch cable to the branch-side female connector. Then, the branch line side female connector having the sealing material inserted in the opening is fitted to the male connector. As a result, the female connector is fitted in all the fitting recesses of the male connector, and the flat cable that serves as the main line is connected to each female connector, or the sealing material is inserted in the opening. The branch connector can ensure waterproofness.
When branching of the trunk cable becomes necessary in the future, the sealing material arranged on the branch side female connector is removed, and the branch line cable is connected to the branch line side female connector. The trunk cable can be branched by fitting the branch-side female connector to which the branch cable is connected to the male connector.
As a result, when branching of the trunk cable becomes necessary, the trunk cable can be branched simply by connecting the branch cable to the branch-side female connector. That is, the trunk cable can be branched with less work compared to the case where all the trunk cables and the branch cables 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 configured as a waterproof container having three or more fitting recesses;
A second housing that forms a fitting protrusion that fits in the fitting recess;
A pressure contact terminal fitting arranged in the second housing and pressure-connected to an electric wire;
The second member disposed in the first housing and fitted into each of the three or more fitting recesses.
A tab terminal for electrically connecting the pressure contact terminal fittings of the housing to each other,
Between the electric wire inserted in the opening and the second housing, the opening is inserted in the second housing, and the electric wire press-connected to the press-connecting terminal fitting of the second housing is inserted. A wire seal that seals
When the second housing, which is arranged annularly on either the first housing side or the second housing side and constitutes 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 pressure contact terminal fittings that are pressure contact 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 into each of the three or more fitting recesses, and
Regarding the fitting recesses that are arranged so as to face each other along the direction in which the core wire extends, the second housings that are fitted in the fitting recesses may be fitted in the fitting recesses with their front and back reversed. It is configured.

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

(Appendix 5)
The branch connector according to any one of appendices 2 to 4,
The second housing is
A second housing body in which a container having a body opening is formed by opening one surface, and in which the electric wire seal is arranged;
A container that can be inserted into the main body opening, forms a cover opening by forming an opening on one surface, and includes a cover part in which the plurality of pressure contact terminal fittings are arranged in parallel,
When the cover portion is inserted into the main body opening portion of the second housing main body in a state where the plurality of core wires are inserted into the second housing main body via the electric wire seal, the cover portion is arranged in the cover portion. The press-connecting terminal fitting is configured to press-connect with the plurality of core wires in the second housing body.

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

(Appendix 7)
The branch connector according to appendix 5 or 6,
When the core wire is inserted into the second housing body, the second housing body is
A guide groove for restricting the position of the core wire is arranged.

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

(Appendix 9)
The branch connector according to appendix 8,
The press contact portion is formed in a U shape or an L shape when viewed from the press fitting direction of the electric wire.

(Appendix 10)
The branch connector according to appendix 8 or 9,
A bottom surface portion formed integrally with the pressure contact portion and the leaf spring terminal portion by bending the metal plate, the pressure contact portion being disposed on one end side, and the leaf spring terminal portion being disposed on the other end side. Prepare,
The press contact portion has the side edge portion that is bent and formed so as to be connected to the bottom surface portion.

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

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

(Appendix 13)
The pressure contact terminal fitting according to any one of appendices 8 to 12,
A plurality of the pressure 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 Recessed 24 Tab Terminal 30 Female Connector 31 Second Housing 32 Second Housing Body 33 Body Opening 35 Guide Groove 36 Wire Check Hole 38 Wire Seal 39 Opening 40 First Convex Shaped Part 41 Housing Seal 42 Second Convex Shaped Part 43 Third Convex Shaped Part 44 Cover Opening Part 50 Pressure Contact Terminal Fitting 51 Bottom Part 52 Pressure Contact Part 55 Flat Plate Part 56 Pressure Contact Groove 57 Side Edge Part 58 Side edge opening 59 Standing part 60 Leaf spring terminal part

Claims (6)

A first housing configured as a waterproof container having three or more fitting recesses;
A second housing that forms a fitting protrusion that fits in the fitting recess;
A crimp terminal fitting arranged in the second housing and crimp connected to a core wire forming an electric wire;
Tab terminals that are disposed in the first housing and that engage with the pressure contact terminal fittings of the second housing that are fitted into the three or more fitting recesses to electrically connect the pressure contact terminal fittings to each other,
Between the electric wire inserted in the opening and the second housing, the opening is inserted in the second housing, and the electric wire press-connected to the press-connecting terminal fitting of the second housing is inserted. A wire seal that seals
When the second housing, which is arranged annularly on either the first housing side or the second housing side and constitutes 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,
Equipped with
The second housing is
A second housing body in which a container having a body opening is formed by opening one surface, and in which the electric wire seal is arranged;
A container that can be inserted into the main body opening, forms a cover opening by forming an opening on one surface, and includes a cover part in which the plurality of pressure contact terminal fittings are arranged in parallel,
When the cover portion is inserted into the main body opening portion of the second housing main body in a state where the plurality of core wires are inserted into the second housing main body through the electric wire seal, the cover portion is arranged in the cover portion. The press-connecting terminal fitting is configured to press-connect with the plurality of core wires in the second housing body,
The housing seal is farther from the first housing than the cover portion of the second housing when the second housing forming the fitting protrusion is fitted in the fitting recess of the first housing. Branch connector arranged so that it is located on the side. The branch connector according to claim 1, wherein the electric wire is configured to include a plurality of core wires. In the second housing, the pressure contact terminal fittings that are pressure contact 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 into each of the three or more fitting recesses, and
Regarding the fitting recesses that are arranged so as to face each other along the direction in which the core wire extends, the second housings that are fitted in the fitting recesses may be fitted in the fitting recesses with their front and back reversed. The branch connector according to claim 2, which is configured. The opening of the electric wire seal includes a plurality of first convex shaped portions that are continuous in the circumferential direction of the opening along the axial direction of the opening,
The housing seal is formed so as to be continuously formed in the circumferential direction on the annular inner peripheral surface side of the housing seal, and continuously formed in the circumferential direction on the annular outer peripheral surface side of the housing seal. And a plurality of the second convex shaped portions and the third convex shaped portions are arranged along the annular axial direction of the housing seal.
The branch connector according to claim 2, wherein the number of the first convex shaped portions is larger than the number of each of the second convex shaped portions and the third convex shaped portions. The branch connector according to claim 1, wherein an electric wire confirmation hole portion for confirming an end portion of the core wire is arranged in the second housing body. The guide groove for restricting the position of the core wire when the core wire is inserted into the second housing body is arranged in the second housing body. Branch connector.

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