以下、添付図面を参照しながら本発明の一実施形態について説明する。初めに、充填剤を装填していない状態の分岐コネクタの構造について主に説明する。なお、以下の説明中の前後、左右、及び上下の方向は、図中の矢印の方向を基準としている。
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the structure of the branch connector in a state where no filler is loaded will be mainly described. In the following description, front and rear, left and right, and up and down directions are based on the directions of arrows in the figure.
図１は、本発明の一実施形態の絶縁ハウジング１５が展開状態にある分岐コネクタ１０、第１ケーブル６０、及び第２ケーブル６５の斜視図である。図２は、図１のII−II矢線に沿う断面図である。本実施形態の分岐コネクタ１０は、大きな構成要素として絶縁ハウジング１５と中継コンタクト５０とを具備している。
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the branch connector 10, the first cable 60, and the second cable 65 with the insulating housing 15 according to the embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. The branch connector 10 of this embodiment includes an insulating housing 15 and a relay contact 50 as large components.
絶縁ハウジング１５は、例えば絶縁性の合成樹脂材料により構成した成形品である。絶縁ハウジング１５は、第１分割ハウジング１６、第２分割ハウジング３０、並びに第１分割ハウジング１６と第２分割ハウジング３０とを接続する連結部としての第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７を一体的に成形して備えている。
The insulating housing 15 is a molded product made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material. The insulating housing 15 integrally includes a first divided housing 16, a second divided housing 30, and a first connecting portion 46 and a second connecting portion 47 as a connecting portion that connects the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30. It is molded and prepared.
図３は、中継コンタクト５０を具備しない状態の第１分割ハウジング１６のみを拡大した斜視図である。図３を参照して、第１分割ハウジング１６の構造を詳細に説明する。
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of only the first divided housing 16 in a state where the relay contact 50 is not provided. With reference to FIG. 3, the structure of the 1st division | segmentation housing 16 is demonstrated in detail.
第１分割ハウジング１６の厚み方向の一方の面（図３の上面）の外周縁部は、外周壁１７により形成される。第１分割ハウジング１６の外周壁１７より内周側は、第１分割ハウジング１６の上面より（図３の下方へ）一段凹んだ内周側凹部１７ａにより構成してある。内周側凹部１７ａの底面（図３の上面）は、第１分割ハウジング１６の上面と平行な平面からなる内周側第１対向面１７ｂにより構成してある。この内周側第１対向面１７ｂより内周側に位置する中央部分は、内周側第１対向面１７ｂより（図３の下方へ）一段凹んだ中央第１凹部１７ｃにより構成してある。中央第１凹部１７ｃの底面（図３の上面）は、内周側第１対向面１７ｂと平行な平面からなる中央第１対向面１７ｄにより構成してある。中央第１凹部１７ｃと中央第１対向面１７ｄとにより、コンタクト取付溝１８が形成される。コンタクト取付溝１８は、固定部１８ａと、固定部１８ａの左右方向中間に位置し、固定部１８ａの前後幅を狭めて固定部１８ａを左右一対に区切る中間凸部１８ｂと、を有している。一対の固定部１８ａの底面（中央第１対向面１７ｄ）には略円柱形状の位置決め突起１８ｃが突設してある。
The outer peripheral edge portion of one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 3) in the thickness direction of the first divided housing 16 is formed by the outer peripheral wall 17. The inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral wall 17 of the first divided housing 16 is constituted by an inner peripheral concave portion 17a that is recessed by one step from the upper surface of the first divided housing 16 (downward in FIG. 3). The bottom surface (upper surface in FIG. 3) of the inner circumferential recess 17 a is configured by an inner circumferential first opposing surface 17 b that is a plane parallel to the upper surface of the first divided housing 16. The central portion located on the inner peripheral side from the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b is constituted by a central first concave portion 17c that is recessed by one step from the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b (downward in FIG. 3). The bottom surface (upper surface in FIG. 3) of the central first concave portion 17c is configured by a central first opposing surface 17d formed of a plane parallel to the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b. A contact mounting groove 18 is formed by the central first recess 17c and the central first opposing surface 17d. The contact mounting groove 18 has a fixed portion 18a and an intermediate convex portion 18b that is located in the middle in the left-right direction of the fixed portion 18a and narrows the front-back width of the fixed portion 18a to divide the fixed portion 18a into a pair of left and right. . A substantially cylindrical positioning projection 18c is projected from the bottom surface (center first facing surface 17d) of the pair of fixing portions 18a.
第１分割ハウジング１６の外周壁１７には、一方の固定部１８ａの前後両側に位置しかつ互いに同一直線上に位置する一対の第１ケーブル取付溝１９と、他方の固定部１８ａの前後両側に位置しかつ互いに同一直線上に位置する（第１ケーブル取付溝１９と平行をなす）一対の第２ケーブル取付溝２０と、が凹設してある。第１ケーブル取付溝１９及び第２ケーブル取付溝２０の正面形状は半円形である。第１分割ハウジング１６の外周壁１７の前後面には、一対の第１ケーブル取付溝１９の最深底面から下方に向かって外側に傾斜する一対の傾斜面１９ａが設けられている。同様に、第１分割ハウジング１６の外周壁１７の前後面には、一対の第２ケーブル取付溝２０の最深底面から下方に向かって外側に傾斜する一対の傾斜面２０ａが設けられている。また、第１分割ハウジング１６の外周壁１７の前後面には、前後の傾斜面１９ａ、２０ａより下方位置から前後方向に延びた平板状の蓋部２１、２２が設けられている。蓋部２１、２２の対向面２１ａ、２２ａ（図３の上方の面）は、傾斜面１９ａ、２０ａの最下部と同一の高さに位置する。
The outer peripheral wall 17 of the first divided housing 16 has a pair of first cable mounting grooves 19 located on both front and rear sides of one fixed portion 18a and on the same straight line, and on both front and rear sides of the other fixed portion 18a. A pair of second cable mounting grooves 20 that are positioned and collinear with each other (parallel to the first cable mounting groove 19) are recessed. The front shapes of the first cable mounting groove 19 and the second cable mounting groove 20 are semicircular. On the front and rear surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 17 of the first divided housing 16, a pair of inclined surfaces 19 a that are inclined outward from the deepest bottom surface of the pair of first cable attachment grooves 19 are provided. Similarly, on the front and rear surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 17 of the first divided housing 16, a pair of inclined surfaces 20 a that are inclined outward from the deepest bottom surface of the pair of second cable attachment grooves 20 are provided. Further, on the front and rear surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 17 of the first divided housing 16, flat lid portions 21 and 22 extending in the front-rear direction from lower positions than the front and rear inclined surfaces 19 a and 20 a are provided. Opposing surfaces 21a and 22a (upper surfaces in FIG. 3) of the lid portions 21 and 22 are located at the same height as the lowermost portions of the inclined surfaces 19a and 20a.
第１分割ハウジング１６の外周壁１７の左右両側面には、弾性を有する一対の第１ロック部２５が形成される。各第１ロック部２５と外周壁１７の前後面との間には、一対の凹部２５ａが形成される。各第１ロック部２５は、第１分割ハウジング１６の側面から外側に突出する第１ロック用突起２６を備える。第１ロック用突起２６は、前後方向に延在している。各第１ロック用突起２６は、下方に向かうに従って第１分割ハウジング１６の外側に傾斜する傾斜面２６ａを有する。また、第１ロック部２５は、内面の上縁部に形成され、下方に向かうに従って第１分割ハウジング１６の内側に傾斜する傾斜面２６ｂを有する。
A pair of first lock portions 25 having elasticity are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 17 of the first divided housing 16. A pair of recesses 25 a is formed between each first lock portion 25 and the front and rear surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 17. Each first lock portion 25 includes a first locking protrusion 26 that protrudes outward from the side surface of the first divided housing 16. The first locking protrusion 26 extends in the front-rear direction. Each of the first locking protrusions 26 has an inclined surface 26 a that is inclined outward from the first divided housing 16 as it goes downward. The first lock portion 25 is formed on the upper edge portion of the inner surface, and has an inclined surface 26b that is inclined inward of the first divided housing 16 as it goes downward.
図４は、第２分割ハウジング３０のみを拡大した斜視図である。図４を参照して、第２分割ハウジング３０の構造を詳細に説明する。
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of only the second divided housing 30. The structure of the second divided housing 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
第２分割ハウジング３０の厚み方向の一方の面（図４の上面）の外周縁部には外周壁３１が突設してある。第２分割ハウジング３０の外周壁３１より内周側に位置する部分は外周壁３１より一段凹んだ内周側凹部３１ａにより構成してある。内周側凹部３１ａの一方の面（図４の下面）は、第２分割ハウジング３０の上面と平行な平面からなる内周側第２対向面３１ｂにより構成してある。内周側第２対向面３１ｂには、左右一対の断面Ｕ字形の第１押圧溝３２ａ及び第２押圧溝３２ｂを有するケーブル押圧突起３２が突設してある。ケーブル押圧突起３２は、中央突起３２ｃと、中央突起３２ｃの左右方向両側に突起３２ｄ、３２ｅを有する。中央突起３２ｃと一方の突起３２ｄとの間に第１押圧溝３２ａが形成される。中央突起３２ｃと他方の突起３２eとの間に第２押圧溝３２ｂが形成される。
An outer peripheral wall 31 protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 4) in the thickness direction of the second divided housing 30. A portion of the second divided housing 30 located on the inner peripheral side from the outer peripheral wall 31 is configured by an inner peripheral concave portion 31 a that is recessed by one step from the outer peripheral wall 31. One surface (the lower surface in FIG. 4) of the inner circumferential recess 31 a is configured by an inner circumferential second opposing surface 31 b that is a plane parallel to the upper surface of the second divided housing 30. A cable pressing protrusion 32 having a pair of left and right U-shaped first pressing grooves 32a and second pressing grooves 32b protrudes from the inner peripheral second opposing surface 31b. The cable pressing protrusion 32 has a center protrusion 32c and protrusions 32d and 32e on both left and right sides of the center protrusion 32c. A first pressing groove 32a is formed between the central protrusion 32c and one protrusion 32d. A second pressing groove 32b is formed between the central protrusion 32c and the other protrusion 32e.
第２分割ハウジング３０には、前後面から突出するケーブル支持腕部３５、３６が形成してある。ケーブル支持腕部３５、３６の上面（図４において上方の面）には、第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａと第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂが設けてある。前方側のケーブル支持腕部３５及び後方側のケーブル支持腕部３６は、第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ及び３６ａの前端側部分及び後端側部分（図４の前方側及び後方側）が、左右に空隙により分離分割した一対の突出片３７ａ及び一対の突出片３８ａによって形成してある。同様に前方側のケーブル支持腕部３５及び後方側のケーブル支持腕部３６は、第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ及び３６ｂの前端側及び後端側部分（図４の前方側及び後方側）が、左右に空隙により分離分割した一対の突出片３７ｂ及び一対の突出片３８ｂによって形成してある。各一対の突出片３７ａ、３８ａ、３７ｂ、３８ｂ、特にケーブル支持腕部３５、３６の左右外側の突出片は、左右方向に弾性的に撓み、隣接する突出片同士の間隔が可変である。各一対の突出片３７ａ、３８ａ、３７ｂ、３８ｂは、前後端部の下端部から、互いに対向する爪部が突設してある。
The second divided housing 30 is formed with cable support arm portions 35 and 36 protruding from the front and rear surfaces. First cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b are provided on the upper surfaces (upper surfaces in FIG. 4) of the cable support arm portions 35 and 36. The front cable support arm 35 and the rear cable support arm 36 have front and rear end portions (front side and rear side in FIG. 4) of the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a left and right. It is formed by a pair of protruding pieces 37a and a pair of protruding pieces 38a separated and divided by a gap. Similarly, the front cable support arm 35 and the rear cable support arm 36 have front and rear end portions (front and rear sides in FIG. 4) of the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b. Are formed by a pair of protruding pieces 37b and a pair of protruding pieces 38b separated and divided by a gap. Each pair of projecting pieces 37a, 38a, 37b, 38b, in particular, the projecting pieces on the left and right outer sides of the cable support arm portions 35, 36 are elastically bent in the left-right direction, and the interval between adjacent projecting pieces is variable. Each pair of protruding pieces 37a, 38a, 37b, and 38b has a claw portion that protrudes from the lower end of the front and rear ends.
第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂは、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５を全径に渡って挿入保持する（全径が収まる）深さの溝である。第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａは、外側に向かうに従って上方に傾斜する傾斜面３５ｅ、３６ｅを有する。すなわち、第１ケーブル６０が、第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａに挿入保持されると、第１ケーブル６０は、図１に示すように、第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａの傾斜面３５ｅ、３６ｅに沿って、対応するケーブル部分が上下斜め方向に傾斜する。同様に、第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂは、傾斜面３５ｆ、３６ｆを有し、第２ケーブル６５も、第１ケーブル６０と同様の態様で、第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂに挿入保持される。
The first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b are grooves having a depth for inserting and holding the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 over the entire diameter (the entire diameter can be accommodated). The first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a have inclined surfaces 35e and 36e that are inclined upward toward the outside. That is, when the first cable 60 is inserted and held in the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a, the first cable 60 is inclined by the inclined surfaces 35e and 36e of the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a as shown in FIG. A corresponding cable portion is inclined in an obliquely up and down direction. Similarly, the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b have inclined surfaces 35f and 36f, and the second cable 65 is inserted and held in the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b in the same manner as the first cable 60. The
第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａの前後端部の上方開口部寄り（突出片３７ａ、３８ａの各対向面）には、一対の脱落防止突起３５ｃと一対の脱落防止突起３６ｃとが設けてある。同様に第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂの前後端部の上方開口部寄り（突出片３７ｂ、３８ｂの各対向面）には、一対の脱落防止突起３５ｄと一対の脱落防止突起３６ｄとが設けてある。脱落防止突起３５ｃ、３６ｃ及び３５ｄ、３６ｄは、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５が第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂに挿入されるのを許容する。この時、各一対の突出片３７ａ、３８ａ及び各一対の突出片３７ｂ、３８ｂは、左右方向の間隔（一対の脱落防止突起３５ｃ、３６ｃ及び３５ｄ、３６ｄの間隔）が広がるように撓む。
A pair of drop-off prevention protrusions 35c and a pair of drop-out prevention protrusions 36c are provided near the upper opening portions of the front and rear end portions of the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a (the opposing surfaces of the protruding pieces 37a and 38a). Similarly, a pair of drop-off prevention protrusions 35d and a pair of drop-out prevention protrusions 36d are provided near the upper opening portions of the front and rear ends of the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b (opposite surfaces of the protruding pieces 37b and 38b). is there. The drop prevention protrusions 35c, 36c and 35d, 36d allow the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 to be inserted into the first cable holding grooves 35a, 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b, 36b. At this time, the pair of projecting pieces 37a and 38a and the pair of projecting pieces 37b and 38b bend so that the space in the left-right direction (the space between the pair of drop-off preventing projections 35c, 36c and 35d, 36d) is widened.
第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５が第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂに挿入されると、一対の脱落防止突起３５ｃ、３６ｃ及び３５ｄ、３６ｄが第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５を挟圧するように、各一対の突出片３７ａ、３８ａ及び各一対の突出片３７ｂ、３８ｂは、弾性的に左右方向の間隔が狭まる方向に撓む。したがって、第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂに挿入された第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５がケーブル延長方向に移動しようとするのを抵抗を与えつつ許容し、かつ第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂから離脱しようとする力に抵抗を与えて容易に抜けないように抜け止めとして作用しつつ、一定以上の外力による離脱を可能とする。この抜止作用は、第２分割ハウジング３０の上下（表裏）を反転させても維持される。
When the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are inserted into the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b, the pair of drop-off preventing protrusions 35c, 36c and 35d, 36d are connected to the first cable 60. The pair of protruding pieces 37a and 38a and the pair of protruding pieces 37b and 38b are elastically bent in a direction in which the distance between the left and right directions is narrowed so as to sandwich the second cable 65. Accordingly, the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 inserted in the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b are allowed to move in the cable extension direction while giving resistance, In addition, it is possible to detach from the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b by applying an external force exceeding a certain level while acting as a stopper so as not to easily come off by giving resistance to the force to be released. And This retaining action is maintained even if the upper and lower sides (front and back) of the second divided housing 30 are reversed.
第２分割ハウジング３０の外周壁３１の左右両側面には、一対の第２ロック部３９が形成される。一対の第２ロック部３９は、第２分割ハウジング３０の内面に形成される。各第２ロック部３９は、第２分割ハウジング３０の側面から内側に突出する第２ロック用突起４０を備える。各第２ロック部３９の前後両端には、上下方向に延在する一対の凸壁４１が形成される。各第２ロック用突起４０は、略直方体形状であり、一対の凸壁４１間に亘るように、第２分割ハウジング３０の内面に形成される。すなわち、第２ロック用突起４０は、前後方向に延在する。
A pair of second lock portions 39 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 31 of the second divided housing 30. The pair of second lock portions 39 is formed on the inner surface of the second divided housing 30. Each second lock portion 39 includes a second locking protrusion 40 that protrudes inward from the side surface of the second divided housing 30. A pair of convex walls 41 extending in the vertical direction is formed at both front and rear ends of each second lock portion 39. Each of the second locking protrusions 40 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is formed on the inner surface of the second divided housing 30 so as to extend between the pair of convex walls 41. That is, the second locking protrusion 40 extends in the front-rear direction.
図５は、中継コンタクト５０を具備しない状態の絶縁ハウジング１５全体を示す斜視図である。図６は、図２に示した破線囲み部を拡大した図である。
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the entire insulating housing 15 without the relay contact 50. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the encircled broken line shown in FIG.
第１分割ハウジング１６と第２分割ハウジング３０とは、第１分割ハウジング１６側から直線的に延びる前後一対の第１接続部４６と、第２分割ハウジング３０側から直線的に延びる前後一対の第２接続部４７と、第１接続部４６と第２接続部４７とを接続する屈曲容易部４８と、によって連結されている。前後一対の第１接続部４６と前後一対の第２接続部４７とは、展開状態で互いに同一平面上に位置する。
The first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are a pair of front and rear first connecting portions 46 linearly extending from the first divided housing 16 side, and a pair of front and rear first extending linearly from the second divided housing 30 side. The two connecting portions 47 and the easy-to-bend portion 48 that connects the first connecting portion 46 and the second connecting portion 47 are connected. The pair of front and rear first connection portions 46 and the pair of front and rear second connection portions 47 are located on the same plane in the deployed state.
図２及び図５に示すように屈曲容易部４８は、前後の第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７より薄肉としてある。前後の第１接続部４６と第２接続部４７とは、前後方向に延びる屈曲容易部４８を折曲げ線として、図１、図５等において谷折り（第１分割ハウジング１６と第２分割ハウジング３０とが接近する方向に折曲げ）可能（容易）である。さらに第１接続部４６は、第２接続部４７より曲げ剛性が小さく設定されている。
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the bendable portion 48 is thinner than the front and rear first connecting portions 46 and second connecting portions 47. The first connecting part 46 and the second connecting part 47 in the front and rear are folded in the valley (in the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing in FIG. 1, FIG. 5, etc.) with the bendable part 48 extending in the front-rear direction as a fold line. 30) (possible to be folded in a direction approaching 30). Furthermore, the first connecting portion 46 is set to have a lower bending rigidity than the second connecting portion 47.
第１分割ハウジング１６、第１接続部４６、屈曲容易部４８、第２接続部４７、及び第２分割ハウジング３０は、図１及び図５に示す展開状態にしたときに、自律的にこの展開状態を維持する程度の強度（剛性）を備えている。
The first divided housing 16, the first connecting portion 46, the bendable portion 48, the second connecting portion 47, and the second divided housing 30 autonomously expand when they are in the expanded state shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. It has strength (rigidity) to maintain the state.
図６に示すとおり、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７は、第１分割ハウジング１６の近傍及び第２分割ハウジング３０の近傍において、第１接続部４６の最厚部及び第２接続部４７の最厚部よりもそれぞれ薄肉であるのが好適である。例えば、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７は、第１分割ハウジング１６の近傍及び第２分割ハウジング３０の近傍において、屈曲容易部４８の近傍に位置するそれぞれの最厚部よりも薄肉である。特に、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７の表面には、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０が嵌合した状態で第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７を除去するための第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａがそれぞれ形成される。一例として、第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａは、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７の下面にそれぞれ形成される。また、第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａは、屈曲容易部４８を挟む位置に形成されるのが好適である。このように、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７の表面、特に下面には、一対の凹部が形成される。また、第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａは、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７の延伸方向、すなわち左右方向に沿った断面視において、略半円状に形成される。
As shown in FIG. 6, the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 are the thickest portion and the second connection portion of the first connection portion 46 in the vicinity of the first divided housing 16 and in the vicinity of the second divided housing 30. It is preferable that each of them is thinner than the thickest portion of 47. For example, the first connection part 46 and the second connection part 47 are thinner than the respective thickest parts located in the vicinity of the bendable part 48 in the vicinity of the first divided housing 16 and in the vicinity of the second divided housing 30. is there. Particularly, in order to remove the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 in a state where the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are fitted to the surfaces of the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47. The first recess 46a and the second recess 47a are respectively formed. As an example, the first recess 46 a and the second recess 47 a are formed on the lower surfaces of the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47, respectively. Further, it is preferable that the first concave portion 46a and the second concave portion 47a are formed at positions sandwiching the easily bendable portion 48. As described above, a pair of recesses is formed on the surface, particularly the lower surface, of the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47. In addition, the first recess 46a and the second recess 47a are formed in a substantially semicircular shape in a cross-sectional view along the extending direction of the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47, that is, the left-right direction.
第１凹部４６ａは、第１接続部４６において、第１分割ハウジング１６の近傍に形成される。特に、第１分割ハウジング１６の近傍に形成された第１凹部４６ａと第１分割ハウジング１６との間には、第１接続部４６の一部が介在しないのが好適である。すなわち、第１凹部４６ａは、第１分割ハウジング１６の外壁と隣接するように形成される。
The first recess 46 a is formed in the vicinity of the first divided housing 16 in the first connection portion 46. In particular, it is preferable that a part of the first connection portion 46 is not interposed between the first recessed portion 46 a formed in the vicinity of the first divided housing 16 and the first divided housing 16. That is, the first recess 46 a is formed so as to be adjacent to the outer wall of the first divided housing 16.
同様に、第２凹部４７ａは、第２接続部４７において、第２分割ハウジング３０の近傍に形成される。特に、第２分割ハウジング３０の近傍に形成された第２凹部４７ａと第２分割ハウジング３０との間には、第２接続部４７の一部が介在しないのが好適である。すなわち、第２凹部４７ａは、第２分割ハウジング３０の外壁と隣接するように形成される。
Similarly, the second recess 47 a is formed in the vicinity of the second divided housing 30 in the second connection portion 47. In particular, it is preferable that a part of the second connecting portion 47 is not interposed between the second recessed portion 47 a formed in the vicinity of the second divided housing 30 and the second divided housing 30. That is, the second recess 47 a is formed so as to be adjacent to the outer wall of the second divided housing 30.
図７は、中継コンタクト５０単体の斜視図である。図７を参照して、中継コンタクト５０の構造を詳細に説明する。
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the relay contact 50 alone. The structure of the relay contact 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
中継コンタクト５０は、ばね弾性を備えた銅合金（例えばリン青銅、ベリリウム銅、チタン銅）又はコルソン系銅合金の薄板を順送金型（スタンピング）を用いて図示形状に成形加工したものである。中継コンタクト５０の表面には、ニッケルメッキで下地を形成した後に、錫銅めっき又は錫めっき（あるいは金めっき）が施される。
The relay contact 50 is formed by processing a thin plate of a copper alloy (for example, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, titanium copper) having a spring elasticity or a Corson copper alloy into a shape shown in the drawing using a progressive die (stamping). On the surface of the relay contact 50, a base is formed by nickel plating, and then tin copper plating or tin plating (or gold plating) is performed.
中継コンタクト５０は、左右方向に延びる平板状の基片５１と、基片５１の前後両側縁部の一方の端部に突設した、基片５１に対して直交する方向に延びる平板状の一対の第１ケーブル圧接片５２と、基片５１の前後両側縁部の他方の端部に突設した、基片５１に対して直交する方向に延びる平板状の一対の第２ケーブル圧接片５４と、を一体的に備えている。基片５１の左右二か所には円形の位置決め孔５１ａが形成してある。前後の第１ケーブル圧接片５２と第２ケーブル圧接片５４とには、基片５１側に向かって直線的に延びるスリットからなる第１圧接用溝５３と第２圧接用溝５５とがそれぞれ形成してある。第１圧接用溝５３の上端開口部は、先端部５２ａにより上方に向かって広がる略Ｖ字状に形成される。第２圧接用溝５５の上端開口部は、先端部５４ａにより上方に向かって広がる略Ｖ字状に形成される。
The relay contact 50 includes a flat plate-like base piece 51 extending in the left-right direction and a pair of flat plate-like shapes extending in a direction perpendicular to the base piece 51 and projecting from one end of both front and rear edges of the base piece 51. The first cable pressure contact piece 52, and a pair of flat second cable pressure contact pieces 54 that project from the other ends of the front and rear side edges of the base piece 51 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the base piece 51. Are integrally provided. Circular positioning holes 51 a are formed at two positions on the left and right of the base piece 51. The first and second first and second cable pressure contact pieces 52 and 54 are respectively formed with a first pressure contact groove 53 and a second pressure contact groove 55 formed by slits extending linearly toward the base piece 51 side. It is. The upper end opening of the first pressure contact groove 53 is formed in a substantially V shape that widens upward by the tip 52a. The upper end opening of the second pressure contact groove 55 is formed in a substantially V shape that widens upward by the tip end portion 54a.
前後一対の第１ケーブル圧接片５２と第２ケーブル圧接片５４とは、幅狭部（くびれ部）５２ｂと５４ｂとを介して基片５１と接続されている。左右方向に位置する第１ケーブル圧接片５２と第２ケーブル圧接片５４との対向縁部の間隔は、幅狭部５２ｂと５４ｂとの対向縁部の間隔より狭い。幅狭部５２ｂと５４ｂとの間には、遊び部５１ｂが設けてある。第１ケーブル圧接片５２と第２ケーブル圧接片５４との間には、インシュレータ等、他の部材が介在しない。
The pair of front and rear first cable pressure contact pieces 52 and second cable pressure contact pieces 54 are connected to the base piece 51 via narrow portions (constriction portions) 52b and 54b. The distance between the opposed edge portions of the first cable pressure contact piece 52 and the second cable pressure contact piece 54 positioned in the left-right direction is narrower than the distance between the opposed edge portions of the narrow portions 52b and 54b. A play part 51b is provided between the narrow parts 52b and 54b. No other member such as an insulator is interposed between the first cable pressure contact piece 52 and the second cable pressure contact piece 54.
中継コンタクト５０は、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５を導通接続するものである。
The relay contact 50 is used to electrically connect the first cable 60 and the second cable 65.
第１ケーブル６０と第２ケーブル６５は、導電性及び可撓性を有する材料（例えば銅又はアルミニウム）からなる芯線６１、６６（撚り線又は単線）の表面をチューブ状かつ可撓性及び絶縁性を有する被覆６２、６７でそれぞれ覆ったものである。第１ケーブル６０は配線対象物（例えば自動車等）の内部に最初から配線しかつ配線対象物の電源と接続するケーブルである。一方、第２ケーブル６５は第１ケーブル６０に対して後から追加で接続するケーブルであり、その一端（前端）には電子機器又は電気機器（例えばカーナビゲーションシステム）等が接続してある。
The first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are tubular, flexible, and insulative on the surfaces of core wires 61 and 66 (stranded wires or single wires) made of a conductive and flexible material (for example, copper or aluminum). Are covered with coverings 62 and 67 having, respectively. The first cable 60 is a cable that is wired from the beginning inside a wiring object (for example, an automobile or the like) and is connected to a power source of the wiring object. On the other hand, the second cable 65 is a cable that is additionally connected to the first cable 60 later, and an electronic device or an electric device (for example, a car navigation system) is connected to one end (front end) thereof.
図８は、絶縁ハウジング１５が展開状態からロック状態に遷移する段階の分岐コネクタ１０、第１ケーブル６０、及び第２ケーブル６５の斜視図である。図９は、絶縁ハウジング１５がロック状態にあるときの分岐コネクタ１０、第１ケーブル６０、及び第２ケーブル６５の斜視図である。図１０は、図９のX−X矢線に沿う断面図である。図１１は、図９のXI−XI矢線に沿う断面図である。
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the branch connector 10, the first cable 60, and the second cable 65 at a stage where the insulating housing 15 transitions from the deployed state to the locked state. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the branch connector 10, the first cable 60, and the second cable 65 when the insulating housing 15 is in a locked state. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG.
絶縁ハウジング１５、中継コンタクト５０、第１ケーブル６０、及び第２ケーブル６５を一体化して、第１ケーブル６０と第２ケーブル６５とを電気的に接続しながら分岐コネクタ１０を組み立てるには、まず組み立て作業者が手等により図１、図５に示す展開状態にある第１分割ハウジング１６のコンタクト取付溝１８に対して中継コンタクト５０の下部を嵌合する。具体的には、遊び部５１ｂを中間凸部１８ｂに嵌合させながら基片５１をコンタクト取付溝１８の底部に嵌合し、さらに第１ケーブル圧接片５２の基片５１側の半部（図１、図２では下半部）を対応する固定部１８ａに嵌合しかつ第２ケーブル圧接片５４の基片５１側の半部を対応する固定部１８ａに嵌合する。すると基片５１の一対の位置決め孔５１ａに対して第１分割ハウジング１６の一対の位置決め突起１８ｃが嵌合するので（図２、図１０）、中継コンタクト５０が第１分割ハウジング１６に対して位置決めされる。中継コンタクト５０を第１分割ハウジング１６に取り付けると、前後の第１ケーブル取付溝１９を通る軸線上に前後の第１圧接用溝５３が位置し、かつ、前後の第２ケーブル取付溝２０を通る軸線上に前後の第２圧接用溝５５が位置する。
To assemble the branch connector 10 while integrating the insulating housing 15, the relay contact 50, the first cable 60, and the second cable 65 and electrically connecting the first cable 60 and the second cable 65, first assemble. An operator manually fits the lower portion of the relay contact 50 into the contact mounting groove 18 of the first divided housing 16 in the expanded state shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Specifically, the base piece 51 is fitted to the bottom of the contact mounting groove 18 while the play portion 51b is fitted to the intermediate convex portion 18b, and the half portion of the first cable pressure contact piece 52 on the base piece 51 side (see FIG. 1, the lower half portion in FIG. 2 is fitted into the corresponding fixing portion 18a, and the half portion on the base piece 51 side of the second cable pressure contact piece 54 is fitted into the corresponding fixing portion 18a. Then, since the pair of positioning projections 18c of the first divided housing 16 are fitted into the pair of positioning holes 51a of the base piece 51 (FIGS. 2 and 10), the relay contact 50 is positioned with respect to the first divided housing 16. Is done. When the relay contact 50 is attached to the first divided housing 16, the front and rear first pressure contact grooves 53 are positioned on the axis passing through the front and rear first cable attachment grooves 19 and pass through the front and rear second cable attachment grooves 20. The front and rear second pressure contact grooves 55 are positioned on the axis.
続いて、組み立て作業者が手等により、前後の脱落防止突起３５ｃと３６ｃ、３５ｄと３６ｄによる抵抗に抗して第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５を押込む（図１参照）。その際、各突出片３７ａ、３８ａ、３７ｂ、３８ｂは弾性力に抗して撓み、対向する脱落防止突起３５ｃと３６ｃ、３５ｄと３６ｄの間隔を広げる。第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５が第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂに押し込まれると、対向する脱落防止突起３５ｃと３６ｃ、３５ｄと３６ｄの間隔が狭まる。これにより、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５は、第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａの底部及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂの底部と脱落防止突起３５ｃと３６ｃ及び３５ｄと３６ｄとの間に挟持される。これにより第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５は、ケーブル延長方向の移動が抵抗を受けながら可能なので、図１及び図２に示した展開状態の分岐コネクタ１０に対する第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５の延長方向の位置調整が可能である。第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５が第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂから離脱しようとすると、離脱を阻止する抵抗を受けるので、分岐コネクタ１０を上下逆さまにしても、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５が、第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂから容易に抜け落ちない。また、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５は、一定以上の付勢力により第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂから離脱させることが可能なので、分岐コネクタ１０の交換、分岐コネクタ１０に着脱する第１、第２ケーブルの変更が容易である。
Subsequently, the assembly operator pushes the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 against the resistance by the front and rear drop-off preventing projections 35c and 36c, 35d and 36d by hand (see FIG. 1). At that time, the projecting pieces 37a, 38a, 37b, and 38b bend against the elastic force and widen the gaps between the anti-drop-off projections 35c and 36c and 35d and 36d. When the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are pushed into the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b, the gaps between the drop-off preventing projections 35c and 36c and 35d and 36d facing each other are narrowed. Accordingly, the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are provided between the bottoms of the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the bottoms of the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b and the drop-off preventing projections 35c and 36c and 35d and 36d. It is pinched. As a result, the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 can move in the cable extension direction while receiving resistance. Therefore, the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 corresponding to the unfolded branch connector 10 shown in FIGS. The position in the extending direction can be adjusted. When the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 try to detach from the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b, the branch connector 10 is turned upside down because it receives resistance to prevent the detachment. However, the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 do not easily fall out of the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b. Further, since the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 can be separated from the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b with a certain biasing force, the branch connector 10 can be replaced, The first and second cables attached to and detached from the branch connector 10 can be easily changed.
第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５を左右方向に並べ、第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂに嵌合保持した状態のまま、前後の屈曲容易部４８を中心に第２分割ハウジング３０（前後の第２接続部４７）を第１分割ハウジング１６（前後の第１接続部４６）に対して接近するように回転させる。すると、第１分割ハウジング１６側の第２ロック用突起４０が、対応する第１ロック用突起２６の傾斜面２６ａに当接する。さらに回転させると、当該第２ロック用突起４０が対応する傾斜面２６ａを下方に摺動しつつ、対応する第１ロック用突起２６が、第１分割ハウジング１６の内側方向に弾性変形する。一方で、第２接続部４７側に位置するケーブル押圧突起３２の第２押圧溝３２ｂが、第２ケーブル６５の中間部を、第２圧接用溝５５の奥側（下方）に僅かに押し込むことで、第２ケーブル６５の中間部が、前後の第２ケーブル圧接片５４の間の空間に入り込む。
The first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are arranged in the left-right direction, and are fitted and held in the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b. The second divided housing 30 (front and rear second connecting portions 47) is rotated so as to approach the first divided housing 16 (front and rear first connecting portions 46). Then, the second locking projection 40 on the first divided housing 16 side comes into contact with the inclined surface 26 a of the corresponding first locking projection 26. When further rotated, the corresponding first locking protrusion 26 is elastically deformed in the inner direction of the first divided housing 16 while the second locking protrusion 40 slides downward on the corresponding inclined surface 26a. On the other hand, the second pressing groove 32b of the cable pressing protrusion 32 located on the second connecting portion 47 side slightly pushes the intermediate portion of the second cable 65 into the back side (downward) of the second pressure welding groove 55. Thus, the intermediate portion of the second cable 65 enters the space between the front and rear second cable pressure contact pieces 54.
手等により第２分割ハウジング３０を前後の屈曲容易部４８を中心に第１分割ハウジング１６に対して接近する方向にさらに回転させると、第２接続部４７と反対側に位置するケーブル押圧突起３２の第１押圧溝３２ａが、第１ケーブル６０の中間部を第１ケーブル圧接片５２の先端部５２ａに対して第１圧接用溝５３の延出方向又はこれに近い方向に押し当てるので、第１ケーブル６０が先端部５２ａとケーブル押圧突起３２とによって挟持される。
When the second divided housing 30 is further rotated by the hand or the like around the front and rear bendable portions 48 in a direction approaching the first divided housing 16, the cable pressing protrusion 32 positioned on the opposite side of the second connecting portion 47. The first pressing groove 32a presses the intermediate portion of the first cable 60 against the distal end portion 52a of the first cable pressing piece 52 in the extending direction of the first pressing groove 53 or a direction close thereto. One cable 60 is sandwiched between the distal end portion 52 a and the cable pressing protrusion 32.
第１ケーブル６０と第２ケーブル６５とを中継コンタクト５０の先端部５２ａ、５４ａに載置した後に、図示を省略した一般的な工具（例えば、プライヤー）によって第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０を、互いに接近する方向に略平行に押圧すると、各第２ロック用突起４０が、対応する第１ロック用突起２６に対して係合する。さらに、第２ロック部３９の各凸壁４１が、対応する凹部２５ａと嵌合する。これにより、第１分割ハウジング１６が第２分割ハウジング３０内に収容され、第１ロック部２５と第２ロック部３９とは、嵌合した第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の内側で係合する。
After the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are placed on the tip portions 52a and 54a of the relay contact 50, the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing are used by a general tool (for example, a pliers) (not shown). When 30 is pressed substantially in parallel with each other, the second locking projections 40 are engaged with the corresponding first locking projections 26. Furthermore, each convex wall 41 of the 2nd lock part 39 fits with the corresponding recessed part 25a. Thus, the first divided housing 16 is accommodated in the second divided housing 30, and the first lock portion 25 and the second lock portion 39 are located inside the fitted first divided housing 16 and second divided housing 30. Engage.
その後、嵌合した第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の外側に向かって突出する第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７を、第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａの位置にて除去する。例えば、作業者は、ニッパー、ペンチ、又は手などによって、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７を折り取るように除去してもよい。除去後の破断面が略平坦となるためには、除去作業は、ニッパーなどによる切断過程を含むのが好適である。
Thereafter, the first connecting portion 46 and the second connecting portion 47 that protrude toward the outside of the fitted first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are removed at the positions of the first concave portion 46a and the second concave portion 47a. To do. For example, the operator may remove the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 by using nippers, pliers, hands, or the like. In order for the fracture surface after removal to be substantially flat, the removal operation preferably includes a cutting process using a nipper or the like.
ケーブル押圧突起３２は、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５の中間部を第１圧接用溝５３及び第２圧接用溝５５の奥側（底面側）にさらに押し込むので、第１ケーブル６０が先端部５２ａから第１圧接用溝５３の略中央部まで押し込まれかつ第２ケーブル６５が先端部５４ａから第２圧接用溝５５の略中央部まで押し込まれる。このとき、ケーブル押圧突起３２の第１押圧溝３２ａと第２押圧溝３２ｂとによる第１ケーブル６０と第２ケーブル６５との押圧方向が上下方向（第１圧接用溝５３及び第２圧接用溝５５の延長方向）と略平行となる。これにより、第１圧接用溝５３の内面（左右両面）によって第１ケーブル６０の被覆６２の左右両側部が破られかつ第２圧接用溝５５の内面（左右両面）によって第２ケーブル６５の被覆６７の左右両側部が破られる。従って、絶縁ハウジング１５が閉状態に保持されたときに、第１圧接用溝５３の内面（一対の対向面）が芯線６１の両側部に対して均等且つ確実に接触（圧接）し、かつ第２圧接用溝５５の内面（一対の対向面）が芯線６６の両側部に対して均等且つ確実に接触（圧接）し、分岐コネクタ１０の内部において第１ケーブル６０の芯線６１と第２ケーブル６５の芯線６６とが中継コンタクト５０を介して互いに電気的に導通する。
The cable pressing protrusion 32 further pushes the intermediate portion of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 into the back side (bottom surface side) of the first pressure contact groove 53 and the second pressure contact groove 55, so that the first cable 60 is The second cable 65 is pushed from the portion 52a to the substantially central portion of the first pressure contact groove 53 and the second cable 65 is pushed from the distal end portion 54a to the substantially central portion of the second pressure contact groove 55. At this time, the pressing direction of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 by the first pressing groove 32a and the second pressing groove 32b of the cable pressing protrusion 32 is the vertical direction (the first pressing groove 53 and the second pressing groove). 55 (extension direction of 55). As a result, both the left and right sides of the covering 62 of the first cable 60 are broken by the inner surface (left and right both sides) of the first pressure welding groove 53 and the second cable 65 is covered by the inner surface (left and right both sides) of the second pressure welding groove 55. The left and right sides of 67 are broken. Therefore, when the insulating housing 15 is held in the closed state, the inner surfaces (a pair of opposing surfaces) of the first pressure contact groove 53 are in uniform and reliable contact (pressure contact) with both sides of the core wire 61, and the first The inner surfaces (a pair of opposing surfaces) of the two pressure contact grooves 55 are in uniform and reliable contact (pressure contact) with both side portions of the core wire 66, and the core wire 61 of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are inside the branch connector 10. Are electrically connected to each other via the relay contact 50.
また、芯線６１、６６の両側部の一方に対して第１圧接用溝５３及び第２圧接用溝５５の内面が過度に強く当たることがないので、芯線６１、６６の一部が第１圧接用溝５３及び第２圧接用溝５５によって切断されることがない。そのため芯線６１、６６の機械的強度が低下しないので、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５に引張力が作用しても芯線６１、６６が完全に切断するおそれは小さい。従って、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５と中継コンタクト５０との接触信頼性を高めることが可能である。
In addition, since the inner surfaces of the first pressure contact groove 53 and the second pressure contact groove 55 do not excessively hit against one of the both side portions of the core wires 61 and 66, a part of the core wires 61 and 66 is in the first pressure contact. The groove 53 and the second pressure contact groove 55 are not cut. Therefore, since the mechanical strength of the core wires 61 and 66 does not decrease, there is little possibility that the core wires 61 and 66 are completely cut even if a tensile force is applied to the first cable 60 and the second cable 65. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the contact reliability between the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 and the relay contact 50.
第１分割ハウジング１６と第２分割ハウジング３０とが閉状態に（嵌め合わされて）保持（ロック）された状態では、第１分割ハウジング１６の蓋部２１、２２の対向面２１ａ、２２ａが、第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａと第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂの開口部（図４の上方の開口部）の一部を塞いでいる。さらに、図１１に示すとおり、第１ケーブル６０は、第１分割ハウジング１６の一対の傾斜面１９ａ、及び対応する第２分割ハウジング３０の傾斜面３５ｅ、３６ｅによって上下方向から挟まれる。より具体的には、第１ケーブル６０は、前後両側で第１分割ハウジング１６の第１ケーブル取付溝１９と、第２分割ハウジング３０の傾斜面３５ｅ、３６ｅの外端とによってそれぞれ保持される。すなわち、２つの第１ケーブル取付溝１９は、それぞれ第１ケーブル６０を保持するための第１保持部２９の役割を果たす。同様に、傾斜面３５ｅ、３６ｅの外端は、それぞれ第１ケーブル６０を保持するための第２保持部４４の役割を果たす。第１ケーブル６０の対応する表面は、第１保持部２９及び第２保持部４４と当接する。第１ケーブル６０は、第１保持部２９と第２保持部４４との間で、第１分割ハウジング１６の傾斜面１９ａ及び対応する第２分割ハウジング３０の傾斜面３５ｅ、３６ｅによって上下方向から挟まれる。なお、第２ケーブル６５についても同様に、２つの第２ケーブル取付溝２０がそれぞれ第１保持部２９の役割を果たし、傾斜面３５ｆ、３６ｆの外端がそれぞれ第２保持部４４の役割を果たす。以下では、第１ケーブル６０の後側に着目して第１保持部２９及び第２保持部４４の説明を行うが、同様の説明が、第１ケーブル６０の前側及び第２ケーブル６５の前後両側にも適用される。
In a state where the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are held (fitted) in the closed state (fitted), the facing surfaces 21a and 22a of the lid portions 21 and 22 of the first divided housing 16 are Part of the openings (the upper openings in FIG. 4) of the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b are closed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the first cable 60 is sandwiched between the pair of inclined surfaces 19 a of the first divided housing 16 and the corresponding inclined surfaces 35 e and 36 e of the second divided housing 30 from above and below. More specifically, the first cable 60 is held by the first cable mounting groove 19 of the first divided housing 16 and the outer ends of the inclined surfaces 35e and 36e of the second divided housing 30 on both front and rear sides. That is, the two first cable attachment grooves 19 function as first holding portions 29 for holding the first cables 60, respectively. Similarly, the outer ends of the inclined surfaces 35e and 36e serve as the second holding portion 44 for holding the first cable 60, respectively. The corresponding surface of the first cable 60 comes into contact with the first holding part 29 and the second holding part 44. The first cable 60 is sandwiched between the first holding part 29 and the second holding part 44 by the inclined surface 19a of the first divided housing 16 and the corresponding inclined surfaces 35e and 36e of the second divided housing 30 from above and below. It is. Similarly for the second cable 65, the two second cable attachment grooves 20 each serve as the first holding portion 29, and the outer ends of the inclined surfaces 35f, 36f each serve as the second holding portion 44. . Hereinafter, the first holding unit 29 and the second holding unit 44 will be described focusing on the rear side of the first cable 60, but the same description applies to the front side of the first cable 60 and both the front and rear sides of the second cable 65. Also applies.
図１１に示すとおり、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０が嵌合した状態で、第１保持部２９の位置と第２保持部４４の位置とは、第１ケーブル６０の延長方向、すなわち前後方向に異なっている。また、第１保持部２９の位置と第２保持部４４の位置とは、第１ケーブル６０の延長方向に垂直な方向、すなわち上下方向にも異なっている。より具体的には、第２保持部４４の前後方向の位置は、第１保持部２９の前後方向の位置よりも外側である。また、第２保持部４４の上下方向の位置は、第１保持部２９の上下方向の位置よりも上側である。さらに、第１ケーブル６０と第１圧接用溝５３との接点の上下方向位置は、第１保持部２９及び第２保持部４４それぞれの上下方向位置よりも上側である。すなわち、上下方向に沿って上側から下方向（圧接方向）に向かって、第１ケーブル６０と第１圧接用溝５３との接点、第２保持部４４、及び第１保持部２９の順にそれぞれが配置される。言い換えると、第１ケーブル６０は、第１保持部２９の周辺位置から第２保持部４４の周辺位置にかけて、第１ケーブル６０と第１圧接用溝５３との接点よりも下方向に屈曲する。
As shown in FIG. 11, in the state where the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are fitted, the position of the first holding part 29 and the position of the second holding part 44 are the extension direction of the first cable 60, That is, they are different in the front-rear direction. Further, the position of the first holding part 29 and the position of the second holding part 44 are also different in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first cable 60, that is, in the vertical direction. More specifically, the position of the second holding portion 44 in the front-rear direction is outside the position of the first holding portion 29 in the front-rear direction. Further, the vertical position of the second holding portion 44 is above the vertical position of the first holding portion 29. Further, the vertical position of the contact point between the first cable 60 and the first pressure contact groove 53 is above the vertical position of each of the first holding part 29 and the second holding part 44. That is, the contact point between the first cable 60 and the first pressure contact groove 53, the second holding portion 44, and the first holding portion 29 are arranged in this order from the upper side to the lower direction (pressure contact direction) along the vertical direction. Be placed. In other words, the first cable 60 is bent downward from the contact point between the first cable 60 and the first pressure contact groove 53 from the peripheral position of the first holding part 29 to the peripheral position of the second holding part 44.
さらに、第１保持部２９は、第１方向、例えば第１ケーブル６０の圧接方向と反対方向（上方向）から第１ケーブル６０を保持する。一方で、第２保持部４４は、第２方向、例えば第１ケーブル６０の圧接方向（下方向）から第１ケーブル６０を保持する。この時、第１ケーブル６０の第１方向の反対側には、第１空隙２９ａが設けられ、第１ケーブル６０の第２方向の反対側には、第２空隙４４ａが設けられる。すなわち、第１空隙２９ａは、第１ケーブル６０の上側に設けられ、第２空隙４４ａは、第１ケーブル６０の下側に設けられる。
Furthermore, the 1st holding | maintenance part 29 hold | maintains the 1st cable 60 from the 1st direction, for example, the direction (upward direction) opposite to the press-contact direction of the 1st cable 60. FIG. On the other hand, the second holding unit 44 holds the first cable 60 from the second direction, for example, the pressure contact direction (downward direction) of the first cable 60. At this time, a first gap 29a is provided on the opposite side of the first cable 60 in the first direction, and a second gap 44a is provided on the opposite side of the first cable 60 in the second direction. That is, the first gap 29 a is provided on the upper side of the first cable 60, and the second gap 44 a is provided on the lower side of the first cable 60.
以下では、充填剤７０を装填した状態の分岐コネクタ１０について主に説明する。充填剤７０は、防水用ゲル、ＵＶ硬化樹脂、又は接着剤等、任意の材料であってよいが、以下では、充填剤７０は、防水用ゲル又はＵＶ硬化樹脂等の防水機能を実現できる防水部材７０であるものとして説明する。
Hereinafter, the branch connector 10 loaded with the filler 70 will be mainly described. The filler 70 may be any material such as a waterproof gel, UV curable resin, or an adhesive. However, in the following, the filler 70 is waterproof so that a waterproof function such as a waterproof gel or UV curable resin can be realized. The description will be made assuming that the member 70 is used.
図１２は、展開状態における絶縁ハウジング１５に防水部材７０を装填した様子を示した斜視図である。図１３は、防水部材７０を装填した分岐コネクタ１０のロック状態を示した図１０に対応する断面図である。図１４は、防水部材７０を装填した分岐コネクタ１０のロック状態を示した図１１に対応する断面図である。
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the waterproof member 70 is loaded in the insulating housing 15 in the developed state. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 10 showing a locked state of the branch connector 10 loaded with the waterproof member 70. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 11 showing a locked state of the branch connector 10 loaded with the waterproof member 70.
本発明の実施形態では、図１２に示すように、第１分割ハウジング１６の内周側第１対向面１７ｂ及び第２分割ハウジング３０の内周側第２対向面３１ｂに、防水部材７０を介在（嵌合）させる。
In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12, a waterproof member 70 is interposed on the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17 b of the first split housing 16 and the inner peripheral second opposing surface 31 b of the second split housing 30. (Match).
第１分割ハウジング１６の内周側第１対向面１７ｂに介在させた防水部材７０は、下面の平面形状が内周側第１対向面１７ｂと略同一であって、中継コンタクト５０の周囲を囲む角筒形状に形成されている。防水部材７０の高さは、第１分割ハウジング１６と第２分割ハウジング３０を閉じたときに、それぞれの防水部材７０同士が密着する高さである。
The waterproof member 70 interposed on the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b of the first divided housing 16 has a bottom surface substantially the same as the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b and surrounds the periphery of the relay contact 50. It is formed in a rectangular tube shape. The height of the waterproof member 70 is a height at which the waterproof members 70 are in close contact with each other when the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are closed.
第２分割ハウジング３０の内周側第２対向面３１ｂに介在させた防水部材７０は、下面の平面形状が内周側第２対向面３１ｂと略同一であり、ケーブル押圧突起３２の周囲を囲む角筒形状に形成されている。防水部材７０の高さは、第１分割ハウジング１６と第２分割ハウジング３０を閉じたときに、それぞれの防水部材７０同士が密着する高さである。
The waterproof member 70 interposed on the inner peripheral second opposing surface 31b of the second divided housing 30 has a plane shape of the lower surface that is substantially the same as the inner peripheral second opposing surface 31b, and surrounds the periphery of the cable pressing protrusion 32. It is formed in a rectangular tube shape. The height of the waterproof member 70 is a height at which the waterproof members 70 are in close contact with each other when the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are closed.
図１２に示す展開状態から、分岐コネクタ１０をロック状態に遷移させると、図１３に示すとおり、嵌合した第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の内部全体が防水部材７０により充填される。より詳細には、第１分割ハウジング１６と第２分割ハウジング３０とがロック状態となったときに、防水部材７０は、内周側第１対向面１７ｂと内周側第２対向面３１ｂとに密着して中継コンタクト５０の周囲を密閉する。さらに、防水部材７０は、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５の被覆６２、６７の表面を（中継コンタクト５０との電気的導通を妨げることなく）囲む。また、図１４に示すとおり、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０内に装填された防水部材７０は、中継コンタクト５０と第１保持部２９との間に位置する。
When the branch connector 10 is shifted from the expanded state shown in FIG. 12 to the locked state, the entire interior of the fitted first divided housing 16 and second divided housing 30 is filled with the waterproof member 70 as shown in FIG. . More specifically, when the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are in a locked state, the waterproof member 70 is formed on the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b and the inner peripheral second opposing surface 31b. The periphery of the relay contact 50 is tightly sealed. Furthermore, the waterproof member 70 surrounds the surfaces of the coverings 62 and 67 of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 (without hindering electrical conduction with the relay contact 50). As shown in FIG. 14, the waterproof member 70 loaded in the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 is positioned between the relay contact 50 and the first holding portion 29.
一方で、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０は、充填剤７０が過多の場合に充填剤７０の余剰分が入り込む空間２８及び４３をそれぞれ有する。空間２８及び４３は、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０が嵌合した状態で、一対の第１ロック部２５の内面に沿って形成され、それぞれの充填剤７０の下方及び上方に設けられる。これにより、空間２８及び４３は、ロック時に充填剤７０の余剰分を吸収して溜めこむことができる。従って、分岐コネクタ１０は、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５への押圧力等に対して、個体ごとのばらつきを抑制できる。
On the other hand, the 1st division | segmentation housing 16 and the 2nd division | segmentation housing 30 each have the space 28 and 43 into which the excess part of the filler 70 enters, when the filler 70 is excessive. The spaces 28 and 43 are formed along the inner surfaces of the pair of first lock portions 25 in a state where the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are fitted, and are provided below and above the respective fillers 70. It is done. Thereby, the spaces 28 and 43 can absorb and store the surplus of the filler 70 when locked. Therefore, the branch connector 10 can suppress the variation for each individual against the pressing force to the first cable 60 and the second cable 65.
防水部材７０は、第１分割ハウジング１６の一対の第１ロック部２５の内面と当接する。図１３に示すとおり、第１ロック用突起２６及び第２ロック用突起４０の係合面２７は、その上下方向において、上下方向に沿った防水部材７０の幅内に位置するように構成されることが好適である。さらに、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０を嵌め合わせたときに、第２ロック用突起４０の表面は、第１ロック部２５の外面と当接する。これにより形成される当接面４２は、防水部材７０と当接する第１ロック部２５の内面と略平行であることが好適である。
The waterproof member 70 contacts the inner surfaces of the pair of first lock portions 25 of the first divided housing 16. As shown in FIG. 13, the engaging surfaces 27 of the first locking protrusions 26 and the second locking protrusions 40 are configured to be positioned within the width of the waterproof member 70 along the vertical direction in the vertical direction. Is preferred. Further, when the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are fitted together, the surface of the second locking projection 40 comes into contact with the outer surface of the first lock portion 25. The contact surface 42 formed thereby is preferably substantially parallel to the inner surface of the first lock portion 25 that contacts the waterproof member 70.
以上のような防水部材７０の構成により、水又は埃などが第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５の芯線６１、６６に接触するおそれを低減できる。
With the configuration of the waterproof member 70 as described above, it is possible to reduce the possibility that water or dust contacts the core wires 61 and 66 of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65.
また、防水部材７０が第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５に密着するので、仮に分岐コネクタ１０の外側において加わった外力によって第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５が振られて屈曲したとしても、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５の屈曲に起因する動き又は応力が中継コンタクト５０との圧接部に伝達することを抑止し、接触信頼性を維持できる。
Further, since the waterproof member 70 is in close contact with the first cable 60 and the second cable 65, even if the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 are bent and bent by an external force applied outside the branch connector 10, It is possible to suppress the movement or stress caused by the bending of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 from being transmitted to the pressure contact portion with the relay contact 50, and to maintain the contact reliability.
さらに、防水部材７０が、第１ロック部２５の内面と当接することで、弾性を有する第１ロック部２５は、防水部材７０の膨張又は膨潤による内側から外側への弾性力により、外側に弾性変形しようとする。分岐コネクタ１０では内側でロック部が構成されるので、外側への弾性変形により、分岐コネクタ１０は、第１ロック部２５と第２ロック部３９との係合をさらに強固にすることができる。より詳述すると、第１ロック用突起２６及び第２ロック用突起４０の係合面２７が、防水部材７０と当接する第１ロック部２５の内面の上下方向における幅内にあることで、防水部材７０の膨張力等を効率良く係合力に変換できる。また、当接面４２が防水部材７０と当接する第１ロック部２５の内面と略平行となることで、防水部材７０の膨張力等は、第１ロック部２５及び第２ロック用突起４０の表面に対して略垂直方向に伝わり、防水部材７０の膨張力等をさらに効率良く係合力に変換できる。その結果、分岐コネクタ１０は、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の密着状態をより高めることができる。このように、分岐コネクタ１０は、内側から外側への弾性力が働いた状態であっても、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の開き作用を抑制できる。その結果、分岐コネクタ１０は、防水性を維持できる。当該効果は、常温下においても現れるが、高温下において防水部材７０の膨張が大きくなるほど、より顕著に現れる。
Further, since the waterproof member 70 is in contact with the inner surface of the first lock portion 25, the first lock portion 25 having elasticity is elastic to the outside due to the elastic force from the inside to the outside due to the expansion or swelling of the waterproof member 70. Try to transform. Since the branch connector 10 includes a lock portion on the inner side, the branch connector 10 can further strengthen the engagement between the first lock portion 25 and the second lock portion 39 by elastic deformation outward. More specifically, the engagement surfaces 27 of the first locking projections 26 and the second locking projections 40 are within the width in the vertical direction of the inner surface of the first lock portion 25 that contacts the waterproof member 70, thereby waterproofing. The expansion force or the like of the member 70 can be efficiently converted into the engagement force. Further, since the contact surface 42 is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the first lock portion 25 that contacts the waterproof member 70, the expansion force or the like of the waterproof member 70 is reduced by the first lock portion 25 and the second lock protrusion 40. It is transmitted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface, and the expansion force or the like of the waterproof member 70 can be converted into the engagement force more efficiently. As a result, the branch connector 10 can further enhance the close contact state between the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30. Thus, the branch connector 10 can suppress the opening action of the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 even when the elastic force from the inside to the outside is applied. As a result, the branch connector 10 can maintain waterproofness. The effect appears even at room temperature, but becomes more prominent as the expansion of the waterproof member 70 increases at a high temperature.
また、防水部材７０として粘度が高い部材を使用する場合、分岐コネクタ１０は、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０間の開きをさらに抑制できる。すなわち、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の両側に防水部材７０が配置されることで、ロック状態でそれぞれの防水部材７０が粘着し、当該粘着力が、嵌合した第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の開きに対する抵抗力となる。
Further, when a member having a high viscosity is used as the waterproof member 70, the branch connector 10 can further suppress the opening between the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30. That is, the waterproof members 70 are arranged on both sides of the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30, so that the respective waterproof members 70 adhere to each other in the locked state, and the adhesive force is fitted into the first divided housing in which the fitting is performed. 16 and resistance against the opening of the second divided housing 30.
分岐コネクタ１０は、嵌合した第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の内部にロック機構を形成したため、凹凸又は貫通穴が少ない略平面形状に外周壁３１を形成することができる。これにより、分岐コネクタ１０は、防水性をより高めることができ、粉塵及びオイル等の異物の侵入もさらに抑止できる。
Since the branch connector 10 has a locking mechanism formed inside the fitted first divided housing 16 and second divided housing 30, the outer peripheral wall 31 can be formed in a substantially planar shape with few irregularities or through holes. Thereby, the branch connector 10 can further improve waterproofness, and can further suppress entry of foreign matter such as dust and oil.
分岐コネクタ１０は、一方向に延在する第１ロック用突起２６及び同方向に延在する第２ロック用突起４０が係合して、係合面２７が同方向に延在した平面を構成することで、係合面２７の面積を広げ、係合をより強固にすることができる。また、分岐コネクタ１０は、係合面２７が図１３に示すように略水平となることで、係合する力を第１ロック用突起２６及び第２ロック用突起４０間で伝えやすくなる。このように、分岐コネクタ１０は、従来の外側に形成されるロック部と比較して、第１ロック用突起２６及び第２ロック用突起４０の幅を広げることができる。これにより、分岐コネクタ１０は、ロック力をより向上させ、ロック状態をより強固にできる。さらに、第１ロック部２５及び第２ロック部３９自体の強度も増すため、分岐コネクタ１０は、ロック部の破損を抑止できる。
The branch connector 10 is configured such that the first locking protrusion 26 extending in one direction and the second locking protrusion 40 extending in the same direction are engaged, and the engaging surface 27 extends in the same direction. By doing so, the area of the engagement surface 27 can be expanded and the engagement can be further strengthened. Further, in the branch connector 10, the engaging surface 27 is substantially horizontal as shown in FIG. 13, so that the engaging force can be easily transmitted between the first locking protrusion 26 and the second locking protrusion 40. In this way, the branch connector 10 can increase the width of the first locking protrusion 26 and the second locking protrusion 40 as compared with the conventional lock portion formed outside. Thereby, the branch connector 10 can improve a locking force more and can make a locked state stronger. Furthermore, since the strength of the first lock portion 25 and the second lock portion 39 itself is increased, the branch connector 10 can prevent the lock portion from being damaged.
分岐コネクタ１０は、第１ロック部２５が傾斜面２６ｂを有することで、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の嵌合時に、第１ロック部２５の先端が粘着性のある防水部材７０に食い込んだり、防水部材７０を削ったりすることを抑止できる。
In the branch connector 10, the first lock portion 25 has the inclined surface 26 b, so that when the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are fitted, the distal end of the first lock portion 25 is adhesive. It is possible to prevent the waterproof member 70 from being digged into the surface.
分岐コネクタ１０は、第１分割ハウジング１６と第２分割ハウジング３０とが閉状態となったときに、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５を屈曲させ、それぞれを保持する位置を前後方向及び上下方向にずらしているので、異なる仕様のケーブルに対しても密閉度を維持できる。すなわち、従来のように同一の位置でケーブルを挟持する機構が形成される場合、例えば当該機構の寸法とケーブルの径とが一致しないと、挟持機構とケーブルとの間に隙間が形成されてしまう。しかしながら、分岐コネクタ１０は、第１保持部２９の位置と第２保持部４４の位置とが前後方向及び上下方向にずれているために第１空隙２９ａ及び第２空隙４４ａが形成されるので、異なる仕様のケーブル間で生じる様々な差異を許容できる。例えば、分岐コネクタ１０は、ケーブル径、並びに被覆の材料、硬度、伸縮率、及び厚みなどの差異を許容できる。また、分岐コネクタ１０は、第１保持部２９及び第２保持部４４によって、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５のそれぞれの片側を対向する方向から２点で確実に保持するので、密閉度を向上できる。これにより、分岐コネクタ１０は、防水性を向上できる。
The branch connector 10 bends the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 when the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are in the closed state, and positions for holding the respective cables are the front-rear direction and the vertical direction. Therefore, the degree of sealing can be maintained even for cables with different specifications. That is, when a mechanism for holding a cable at the same position as in the prior art is formed, a gap is formed between the holding mechanism and the cable, for example, if the dimensions of the mechanism and the diameter of the cable do not match. . However, the branch connector 10 is formed with the first gap 29a and the second gap 44a because the position of the first holding portion 29 and the position of the second holding portion 44 are shifted in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction. Various differences that occur between cables with different specifications can be tolerated. For example, the branch connector 10 can tolerate differences in cable diameter, coating material, hardness, stretch rate, thickness, and the like. In addition, the branch connector 10 reliably holds the one side of each of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 at two points from the opposing direction by the first holding part 29 and the second holding part 44. Can be improved. Thereby, the branch connector 10 can improve waterproofness.
また、分岐コネクタ１０は、図１４のように第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５をそれぞれ下方向に屈曲させて、より外側に配置された第２保持部４４により上側から下方向にケーブルを保持することで、外力による影響を抑止できる。すなわち、分岐コネクタ１０は、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５の外力による屈曲の動き又は応力などが中継コンタクト５０との圧接部に伝達することを抑止し、接触信頼性を高める。さらに、分岐コネクタ１０は、第２保持部４４よりも外側にケーブル支持腕部３５、３６を形成しているので、外力による影響をさらに抑止でき、接触信頼性をより高めることができる。
Further, the branch connector 10 holds the cable from the upper side to the lower side by bending the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 downward as shown in FIG. 14 and by the second holding part 44 arranged on the outer side. By doing so, the influence of external force can be suppressed. That is, the branch connector 10 prevents the bending movement or stress due to the external force of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 from being transmitted to the pressure contact portion with the relay contact 50, and improves the contact reliability. Furthermore, since the branch connector 10 has the cable support arm portions 35 and 36 formed outside the second holding portion 44, the influence of the external force can be further suppressed, and the contact reliability can be further improved.
また、分岐コネクタ１０は、第１保持部２９のさらに内側の第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５の屈曲が小さい領域で防水部材７０により圧接部を囲繞するので、防水性に優れる。さらに、分岐コネクタ１０は、第１保持部２９が半円形状の第１ケーブル取付溝１９及び第２ケーブル取付溝２０により構成されるので、第１保持部２９と円形のケーブル表面との隙間を埋めることができ、防水性を向上できる。
Further, the branch connector 10 is excellent in waterproofness because the pressure contact portion is surrounded by the waterproof member 70 in a region where the bending of the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 further inside the first holding portion 29 is small. Further, in the branch connector 10, the first holding part 29 is constituted by the semicircular first cable attachment groove 19 and the second cable attachment groove 20, so that a gap between the first holding part 29 and the circular cable surface is provided. It can be buried and the waterproofness can be improved.
分岐コネクタ１０は、第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａにより、閉状態において突起状となる第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７を容易に除去、特に折り取ることができる。これにより、閉状態における分岐コネクタ１０の小型化が可能である。また、分岐コネクタ１０は、外壁から突出する突起物が無くなるので、狭いスペースにおける他の部品との干渉を低減できる。これにより分岐コネクタ１０は、作業者の作業効率を向上できる。さらに、突出した第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７を作業者が意図して予め除去するので、分岐コネクタ１０は、突出した第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７が何らかの原因で意図せずに取れてしまうケースを排除できる。
The branch connector 10 can easily remove, in particular, fold off, the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 that are formed in a protruding shape in the closed state by the first recess 46a and the second recess 47a. Thereby, size reduction of the branch connector 10 in a closed state is possible. Further, since the branch connector 10 has no protrusion protruding from the outer wall, it is possible to reduce interference with other parts in a narrow space. Thereby, the branch connector 10 can improve a worker's work efficiency. Further, since the operator intentionally removes the protruding first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 in advance, the branch connector 10 is intended for some reason due to the protruding first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47. Cases that can be removed without doing so can be eliminated.
本発明は、その精神又はその本質的な特徴から離れることなく、上述した実施形態以外の他の所定の形態で実現できることは当業者にとって明白である。従って、先の記述は例示的なものであり、これに限定されるものではない。発明の範囲は、先の記述によってではなく、付加した請求項によって定義される。あらゆる変更のうちその均等の範囲内にあるいくつかの変更は、その中に包含されるものとする。
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be realized in other predetermined forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Some of all changes that fall within the equivalent scope shall be included therein.
図１５は、他の変形例に係る第１ロック部２５と第２ロック部３９との係合部を拡大した、図１３に対応する拡大断面図である。上記では、図１３に示すとおり、第１ロック用突起２６及び第２ロック用突起４０の係合面２７は、前後方向に延在した略水平な平面であるが、これに限定されない。例えば、図１５に示すとおり、当該係合面２７が、嵌合した第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の内側から外側に向けて下方に傾斜していてもよい。分岐コネクタ１０は、当該断面形状により、ロックが外れる可能性をさらに低減できる。
FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 13, in which the engaging portion between the first lock portion 25 and the second lock portion 39 according to another modification is enlarged. In the above, as shown in FIG. 13, the engagement surfaces 27 of the first locking protrusions 26 and the second locking protrusions 40 are substantially horizontal planes extending in the front-rear direction, but are not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the engaging surface 27 may be inclined downward from the inside to the outside of the fitted first divided housing 16 and second divided housing 30. The branch connector 10 can further reduce the possibility of unlocking due to the cross-sectional shape.
図１６は、他の変形例に係る第１凹部４６ａと第２凹部４７ａとを拡大した、図１３に対応する拡大断面図である。図１３では、一対の凹部は、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０が嵌合した状態で、左右方向に異なる位置となるように形成されている。しかしながら、これに限定されず、一対の凹部は、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０が嵌合した状態で対向してもよい。すなわち、図１６に示すとおり、第１凹部４６ａと第２凹部４７ａとは、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０が嵌合した状態で、左右方向に同一の位置となるように形成されてもよい。これにより、分岐コネクタ１０は、閉状態において突起状となる第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７の除去作業をより容易にする。換言すると、作業者は、効率良く除去作業を行うことができる。
FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 13, in which the first recess 46 a and the second recess 47 a according to another modification are enlarged. In FIG. 13, the pair of recesses are formed at different positions in the left-right direction in a state where the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are fitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pair of recesses may face each other in a state where the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are fitted. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the first recessed portion 46a and the second recessed portion 47a are formed to be at the same position in the left-right direction in a state where the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are fitted. May be. Thereby, the branch connector 10 makes the removal operation | work of the 1st connection part 46 and the 2nd connection part 47 which become protrusion shape in a closed state easier. In other words, the operator can perform the removal work efficiently.
本実施形態では、第１ロック部２５を第１分割ハウジング１６に形成し、第２ロック部３９を第２分割ハウジング３０に形成しているが、これに限定されない。弾性を有する第１ロック部２５が、中継コンタクト５０を備えない第２分割ハウジング３０側に形成され、第２ロック部３９が、中継コンタクト５０を備える第１分割ハウジング１６側に形成されてもよい。また、第１ロック部２５及び第２ロック部３９の第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０における形成位置も、上記に限定されず、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０を嵌合させてロックを保持することが可能であれば、任意の形成位置であってよい。
In the present embodiment, the first lock portion 25 is formed in the first divided housing 16 and the second lock portion 39 is formed in the second divided housing 30, but this is not limitative. The first lock portion 25 having elasticity may be formed on the second divided housing 30 side without the relay contact 50, and the second lock portion 39 may be formed on the first split housing 16 side with the relay contact 50. . Further, the formation positions of the first lock portion 25 and the second lock portion 39 in the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are not limited to the above, and the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30 are fitted. As long as it is possible to hold the lock, the formation position may be arbitrary.
本実施形態では、第１ロック部２５及び第２ロック部３９は、第１ロック用突起２６及び第２ロック用突起４０をそれぞれ備え、第１ロック用突起２６と第２ロック用突起４０とが係合するロック手段を示したが、これに限定されない。第１ロック部２５及び第２ロック部３９は、任意のロック手段を有してもよい。
In the present embodiment, the first lock portion 25 and the second lock portion 39 include a first lock projection 26 and a second lock projection 40, respectively, and the first lock projection 26 and the second lock projection 40 are provided. Although the locking means to be engaged is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. The 1st lock part 25 and the 2nd lock part 39 may have arbitrary locking means.
本実施形態では第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５の脱落を防止する脱落防止突起３５ｃ、３６ｃ及び３５ｄ、３６ｄを第１ケーブル保持溝３５ａ、３６ａ及び第２ケーブル保持溝３５ｂ、３６ｂに設けたが、脱落防止突起は、ケーブル押圧突起３２の第１押圧溝３２ａ及び第２押圧溝３２ｂにそれぞれ設けてもよい。
In the present embodiment, the dropout prevention protrusions 35c, 36c and 35d, 36d for preventing the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 from dropping are provided in the first cable holding grooves 35a, 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b, 36b. The drop prevention protrusions may be provided in the first pressing groove 32a and the second pressing groove 32b of the cable pressing protrusion 32, respectively.
中継コンタクト５０は、第２ケーブル６５を圧接するタイプであるが、第２ケーブル６５を圧着するタイプであってもよい。この場合、第２ケーブル６５は、予め中継コンタクト５０に圧着接続しておき、この状態で中継コンタクト５０を第１分割ハウジング１６に装着する。この実施形態では、中継コンタクト５０の一対の第１圧接用溝５３及び第２圧接用溝５５の一方の代わりに、ケーブル圧着端子を形成する。第２分割ハウジング３０には、残存する圧接用溝に対応させて一つのケーブル支持腕部３５又は３６を設ける。
The relay contact 50 is a type that presses the second cable 65, but may be a type that crimps the second cable 65. In this case, the second cable 65 is crimped and connected to the relay contact 50 in advance, and the relay contact 50 is attached to the first divided housing 16 in this state. In this embodiment, a cable crimping terminal is formed in place of one of the pair of first pressure contact grooves 53 and second pressure contact grooves 55 of the relay contact 50. The second divided housing 30 is provided with one cable support arm 35 or 36 corresponding to the remaining pressure welding groove.
逆に、各ケーブルの分岐コネクタ１０によって支持された部位の延長方向に対して直交又は略直交する方向に並べた３本以上のケーブルを分岐コネクタ１０で接続してもよい。この場合は一つの中継コンタクトに（左右方向に並んだ）三対以上の圧接用溝を形成してもよい。また、複数の中継コンタクトのそれぞれに圧接用溝を形成し、少なくとも一つの中継コンタクトに二対以上の圧接用溝を形成し、各圧接用溝にケーブル（芯線）を圧接してもよい。
Conversely, three or more cables arranged in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the portion supported by the branch connector 10 of each cable may be connected by the branch connector 10. In this case, three or more pairs of pressure contact grooves (aligned in the left-right direction) may be formed in one relay contact. Alternatively, a pressure contact groove may be formed in each of the plurality of relay contacts, two or more pairs of pressure contact grooves may be formed in at least one relay contact, and a cable (core wire) may be pressure contacted in each pressure contact groove.
本実施形態では、第１保持部２９は圧接方向と反対方向から、第２保持部４４は圧接方向から第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５を保持しているが、これに限定されず、密閉度を確保できかつそれぞれのケーブルを保持できる方向であれば、各保持部は、任意の方向からケーブルを保持してもよい。また、第１ケーブル６０及び第２ケーブル６５と第１圧接用溝５３及び第２圧接用溝５５との接点の上下方向位置は、第２保持部４４の上下方向位置と同一であってもよい。
In the present embodiment, the first holding part 29 holds the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 from the direction opposite to the pressing direction, and the second holding part 44 holds the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 from the pressing direction. Each holding unit may hold the cable from an arbitrary direction as long as the degree can be secured and each cable can be held. Further, the vertical position of the contact between the first cable 60 and the second cable 65 and the first pressure contact groove 53 and the second pressure contact groove 55 may be the same as the vertical position of the second holding portion 44. .
第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７には、第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａがそれぞれ形成されるものとして説明したが、これに限定されない。第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７は、閉状態において容易に除去、特に折り取ることが可能であれば、任意の形状であってよい。例えば、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７は、第１分割ハウジング１６の近傍及び第２分割ハウジング３０の近傍の少なくとも一方において、第１接続部４６の最厚部又は第２接続部４７の最厚部よりも薄肉であればよい。より具体的には、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７は、屈曲容易部４８の近傍に位置する最厚部から第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の近傍に向かうにつれて、それぞれ次第に薄くなるように形成されてもよい。また、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７のうちの一方のみが、次第に薄くなるように形成されてもよい。
The first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 have been described as having the first recess portion 46a and the second recess portion 47a, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 may have any shape as long as they can be easily removed, particularly broken off in the closed state. For example, the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 are the thickest portion of the first connection portion 46 or the second connection portion 47 in at least one of the vicinity of the first divided housing 16 and the vicinity of the second divided housing 30. What is necessary is just to be thinner than the thickest part. More specifically, the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 are respectively moved from the thickest portion located in the vicinity of the bendable portion 48 toward the vicinity of the first divided housing 16 and the second divided housing 30. You may form so that it may become thin gradually. Further, only one of the first connection part 46 and the second connection part 47 may be formed so as to become thinner gradually.
第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７に形成される凹部の数は２つに限定されず、任意の数の凹部が形成されてもよい。例えば、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７のいずれか一方に１つの凹部のみが形成されてもよい。また、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７にそれぞれ凹部が形成される構成に限定されず、いずれか一方にのみ凹部が形成されてもよい。すなわち、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７を除去可能であれば、任意の数の凹部が、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７の少なくとも一方に形成されてもよい。
The number of recesses formed in the first connection part 46 and the second connection part 47 is not limited to two, and an arbitrary number of recesses may be formed. For example, only one recess may be formed in one of the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47. Moreover, it is not limited to the structure in which a recessed part is formed in the 1st connection part 46 and the 2nd connection part 47, respectively, and a recessed part may be formed only in any one. That is, as long as the first connection part 46 and the second connection part 47 can be removed, an arbitrary number of recesses may be formed in at least one of the first connection part 46 and the second connection part 47.
さらに、第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａは、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７の板厚方向の片側、特に下側にのみ形成されているが、これに限定されない。第１凹部４６ａ又は第２凹部４７ａは、板厚方向の両側、すなわち上下両側に形成されてもよい。また、第１凹部４６ａ又は第２凹部４７ａは、対応する接続部の側面の片側又は両側に形成されてもよい。
Furthermore, although the 1st recessed part 46a and the 2nd recessed part 47a are formed only in the one side of the plate | board thickness direction of the 1st connection part 46 and the 2nd connection part 47, especially lower side, it is not limited to this. The 1st recessed part 46a or the 2nd recessed part 47a may be formed in the both sides of a plate | board thickness direction, ie, the up-and-down both sides. Moreover, the 1st recessed part 46a or the 2nd recessed part 47a may be formed in the one side or both sides of the side surface of a corresponding connection part.
また、第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａは、第１分割ハウジング１６及び第２分割ハウジング３０の外壁とそれぞれ隣接する構成に限定されない。例えば、分岐コネクタ１０は、第１凹部４６ａと第１分割ハウジング１６との間には第１接続部４６の一部が介在し、第２凹部４７ａと第２分割ハウジング３０との間には第２接続部４７の一部が介在しないように構成されてもよいし、その逆であってもよい。
Further, the first recess 46 a and the second recess 47 a are not limited to the configuration adjacent to the outer walls of the first split housing 16 and the second split housing 30, respectively. For example, in the branch connector 10, a part of the first connection portion 46 is interposed between the first recess 46 a and the first split housing 16, and the second connector 47 is interposed between the second recess 47 a and the second split housing 30. It may be configured such that a part of the two connecting portions 47 is not interposed, and vice versa.
第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａの断面形状は、略半円状として説明したがこれに限定されない。第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａの断面形状は、第１接続部４６及び第２接続部４７を除去可能であれば任意の形状であってよく、例えば三角形状であってもよい。また、第１凹部４６ａ及び第２凹部４７ａの断面形状は、共に同一であってもよいし、同一でなくてもよい。
Although the cross-sectional shape of the 1st recessed part 46a and the 2nd recessed part 47a was demonstrated as substantially semicircle shape, it is not limited to this. The cross-sectional shapes of the first recess 46a and the second recess 47a may be any shape as long as the first connection portion 46 and the second connection portion 47 can be removed, and may be, for example, a triangular shape. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the 1st recessed part 46a and the 2nd recessed part 47a may be the same, and does not need to be the same.
