TWI624117B - Crimp connector and housing using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention can more reliably suppress the occurrence of breakage in the case of mounting a plurality of crimp connectors having a covered electric wire.

The housing 3 of the crimp connector 1 has a plurality of wire holding portions 600, 700. The wire holding portions 600 and 700 are arranged side by side in a predetermined array direction E1, and the corresponding covered electric wires 101a and 101b are held. The wire holding portions 600, 700 have a pair of wire holding pieces 605, 607; 705, 707, and the wire holding pieces 605, 607; 705, 707 are oppositely arranged to form the wire holding groove 604 for receiving the covered electric wires 101a, 101b. 704. The housing 3 has a first rigidity reducing portion 81. The first rigidity reducing portion 81 is disposed between the two second electric wire holding pieces 607 and 707 adjacent to the array direction E1.

Description

Crimp connector and housing using the same

The present invention relates to a crimp connector that is electrically connected to a covered wire and a housing that uses the crimp connector.

The crimp connector is electrically connected to the covered wire. In particular, the crimp connector has a joint. The joint has a blade portion for cutting the covering portion of the covered electric wire, and a contact portion that comes into contact with the core portion of the covered electric wire by the portion where the covering portion is cut.

The above joint is held by the housing. This casing is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. This case has a structure in which a covered electric wire is held (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-260803 (Fig. 1)).

The casing described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-260803 has a wire holding portion that holds a covered electric wire. The wire holding portion has a plurality of anti-drop projections arranged in a lateral arrangement. A U-shaped groove portion is formed by the adjacent two anti-drop protrusions. The covered wire is inserted into this groove. The covered electric wire inserted into the groove portion is sandwiched by the anti-dropping projection. The front end of the anti-drop projection is formed by a pressing piece. The pressing piece extends toward the groove portion to narrow the width of the groove portion. When the coated electric wire is inserted into the groove portion, the interval between the groove portions is enlarged by bending a pair of pressing pieces between the pair of pressing pieces. Then, after the coated electric wire passes between the pair of pressing pieces, the pair of pressing pieces are returned to the original configuration by the elastic restoring force of the pair of pressing pieces.

Here, consider a case where, for example, a covered electric wire is simultaneously inserted into each of the groove portions of the adjacent two groove portions. In this case, the two covered electric wires are respectively inserted into the corresponding groove portions. At this time, each of the covered electric wires is inserted into the groove portion while being displaced so as to sandwich the anti-drop projection between the two groove portions. Therefore, the anti-drop protrusions sandwiched by the two covered wires cannot be flexed. Therefore, the pressing piece provided on the falling prevention projection needs to release the force from the above-mentioned covered electric wire by the flexural deformation of the pressing piece itself.

However, the tablet is a tiny protrusion and the amount of deflection is limited. Therefore, the pressing piece of the anti-dropping protrusion sandwiched between the two covered electric wires cannot sufficiently release the force from the covered electric wire, and is broken and broken. If the tablet is broken, the covered wire inserted into the groove cannot be pressed by the tablet. Therefore, the covered electric wire is easily detached from the groove portion. The problem of tablet breakage is particularly easy to occur in a small crimp connector having a side of a few mm. This is because the tablet is small and it is difficult to sufficiently ensure the flexibility of the tablet itself.

In order to prevent such a drawback, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-260803 discloses a method of inserting a covered electric wire into a groove portion at a position away from each other when a plurality of coated electric wires are simultaneously inserted into the groove portion. Thereby, when the covered electric wire is inserted into the groove portion, in addition to the pressing piece, the anti-shedding projection is also deflected to reduce the load acting on the pressing piece.

However, even in such a configuration, for example, when the step of inserting the covered electric wire into the groove portion is mistaken, the two covered electric wires are simultaneously inserted into the adjacent groove portions, and as a result, the pressed piece is broken.

In particular, crimp connectors have been miniaturized in recent years. It is required that the amount of deflection of the tablet can be small. Therefore, it is difficult to release the force acting on the tablet, and the tendency of the tablet to be easily broken is strong.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to more reliably suppress the occurrence of breakage in the case of mounting a plurality of crimp connectors having a covered electric wire and a casing using the crimp connector.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, a crimp connector according to a certain aspect of the present invention is connected to a plurality of covered electric wires each having a structure in which a core portion is covered by a covering portion, and includes a plurality of joints, and the like. Provided corresponding to each of the plurality of covered electric wires of the covered electric wire, for cutting the covering portion and contacting the core portion; and a casing for holding a plurality of the joints; the casing having a plurality of a plurality of electric wire holding portions for holding the corresponding covered electric wires are provided corresponding to the respective covered electric wires of the covered electric wire, and the plurality of electric wire holding portions are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction in which the plurality of covered electric wires are arranged Each of the electric wire holding portions has a pair of electric wire holding pieces that are disposed to face each other to form a wire holding groove for receiving the covered electric wire, and the casing has a rigidity reducing portion that is adjacent to the arrangement direction The wire holding portion is disposed between two predetermined wire holding pieces adjacent to the arrangement direction.

With this configuration, the two predetermined wire holding pieces can be displaced toward the rigidity reducing portion when subjected to loads in directions opposite to each other. Thereby, when the covered electric wires are simultaneously inserted into the two electric wire holding grooves adjacent to the arrangement direction, the two predetermined electric wire holding pieces are subjected to the load from the covered electric wires and can be displaced to the rigidity reducing portion. Therefore, it can suppress excessive negative The charge acts on each of the wire holding portions. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the occurrence of breakage in mounting a plurality of crimp connectors having a covered electric wire.

(2) Preferably, each of the electric wire holding portions has a protruding portion that protrudes from the electric wire holding piece toward the electric wire holding groove.

With this configuration, the protruding portion can be prevented from falling off the wire holding groove by receiving the covered electric wire inserted into the groove portion. Further, when the covered electric wire is inserted into the electric wire holding groove, the covered electric wire contacts the protruding portion in such a manner as to repel the protruding portion. At this time, the load acting on the protruding portion from the covered electric wire is transmitted to the electric wire holding piece, and as a result, the electric wire holding piece is displaced toward the rigidity reducing portion. Thereby, the load acting on the protruding portion from the covered electric wire is released, and the protrusion portion can be prevented from being damaged. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the coating electric wire from falling off from the electric wire holding groove due to the breakage of the protruding portion.

(3) More preferably, the protruding portion and the rigidity reducing portion are arranged in the array direction.

With this configuration, the wire holding piece is easily displaced by the load received by the protruding portion from the covered electric wire. Thereby, the effect of releasing the load acting on the protrusion from the covered wire can be more strongly exhibited.

(4) Preferably, the rigidity reducing portion has a space forming portion formed between the two predetermined wire holding pieces.

With this configuration, the rigidity reduction portion can be realized by such a simple configuration that a space is formed between the two predetermined electric wire holding sheets.

(5) It is preferable that the wire holding groove is configured to be open in a direction opposite to a predetermined insertion direction which is a direction in which the sheath wire is inserted, and to receive the covered electric wire which is displaced in the insertion direction, and the space is The space formed by the forming portion is in the opposite direction open.

With this configuration, the rigidity reduction portion can be realized by a simple configuration in which one of the slits is formed between the two predetermined electric wire holding sheets. Further, the rigidity reduction portion is opened in the opposite direction. Thereby, the two established wire retaining pieces are more easily deflected. As a result, damage to the casing can be more reliably suppressed.

(6) It is preferable that the rigidity reduction portion is formed of a material having a higher elasticity than that of the housing base material.

With this configuration, the rigidity reducing portion can bury at least a portion of the area between the two predetermined electric wire holding sheets. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably suppress foreign matter such as dust from entering the inside of the casing from the outside of the casing.

(7) Preferably, the length of the electric wire holding groove is set to be larger than the length of the rigidity reducing portion in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and parallel to a direction in which the electric wire holding groove extends.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress an excessive increase in the amount of deflection of the two predetermined electric wire holding pieces.

(8) Preferably, the casing has a partition portion disposed between the two joints adjacent to the array direction; and a second rigidity reduction portion formed on the wire adjacent to the partition portion The holding piece is interposed between the aforementioned partition.

With this configuration, by providing the partitions, it is possible to suppress the joints arranged in the arrangement direction from coming into contact with each other. Further, a second rigidity reducing portion is formed between the electric wire holding piece adjacent to the partition portion and the partition portion. Thereby, the flexibility of the wire holding piece can be made larger. Therefore, when the covered wire is inserted into the wire holding groove, excessive force can be suppressed from acting on Wire holding portion.

(9) Preferably, the plurality of electric wire holding portions have end wire holding pieces disposed at end portions of the plurality of electric wire holding portions in the arrangement direction, and the casing has a wall portion and the end wire The holding piece is disposed adjacent to each other; and the third rigidity reducing portion is disposed between the end wire holding piece and the wall portion.

With this configuration, a third rigidity reducing portion is formed between the end wire holding piece and the wall portion. Thereby, the flexibility of the end wire holding piece can be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, when the covered electric wire is inserted into the electric wire holding groove formed by the end wire holding piece, excessive force can be suppressed from acting on the end electric wire holding piece.

(10) Preferably, the casing has a stopper portion that is disposed adjacent to the end wire holding piece, and the stopper portion is configured to restrict a deformation amount of the end wire holding piece in the arrangement direction.

With this configuration, for example, a large force such as a case where foreign matter contacts the end wire holding piece during the conveyance of the crimp connector acts on the end wire holding piece, and the wire retaining piece is excessively displaced. Limited. Therefore, it is possible to suppress plastic deformation, breakage, and the like of the wire holding piece.

(11) In order to solve the above problems, a casing according to an aspect of the present invention is used for a casing of a crimping connector, and the crimping connector is formed by cutting a core portion with a covering portion by cutting And the plurality of covering portions of the electric wire are covered with the core portion exposed from the covering portion, and the housing is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of covered electric wires of the covered electric wire for holding Corresponding to the aforementioned covered wire A plurality of wire holding portions. a plurality of the electric wire holding portions are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction in which the plurality of the covered electric wires are arranged, and each of the electric wire holding portions has a pair of electric wire holding pieces that are arranged to face the electric wire holding grooves that receive the covered electric wires. The casing has a rigidity reducing portion which is disposed between the two predetermined electric wire holding pieces adjacent to the arrangement direction in the two electric wire holding portions adjacent to the arrangement direction.

With this configuration, the two predetermined wire holding pieces can be displaced toward the rigidity reducing portion when subjected to loads in directions opposite to each other. Thereby, when the covered electric wires are simultaneously inserted into the two electric wire holding grooves adjacent to the arrangement direction, the two predetermined electric wire holding pieces are subjected to the load from the covered electric wires and can be displaced to the rigidity reducing portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an excessive load from acting on each of the electric wire holding portions. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the occurrence of breakage in mounting a plurality of crimp connectors having a covered electric wire.

According to the present invention, it is possible to more reliably suppress the occurrence of breakage in mounting a plurality of crimp connectors having a covered electric wire.

1A, 1B‧‧‧ Crimp Connector

2a, 2b‧‧‧ crimp joints

3, 3A, 3B‧‧‧ shell

42‧‧‧ partition wall (separation)

48, 49‧‧‧ wall portion (wall portion arranged adjacent to the end wire holding piece)

81‧‧‧First Rigid Reduction Department

82‧‧‧Second Rigid Reduction Department

83‧‧‧ Third Rigid Reduction Department

84‧‧‧First Space Formation Department

91, 92‧‧‧ Stopping Department

101a, 101b‧‧‧ covered wire

103‧‧‧Covering Department

104‧‧‧core department

600, 700, 800‧‧‧Wire Maintenance Department

604, 704‧‧‧ wire retention slot

605, 705‧‧‧First wire holding piece (end wire holding piece)

606, 608, 706, 708‧‧‧ wire pressing (protrusion)

705, 707‧‧‧Second wire holding piece (two established wire holding pieces)

D1‧‧‧ insertion direction

D2‧‧‧ opposite direction

E1‧‧‧Arranged direction

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a crimping connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is electrically connected to a plurality of target side joints.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the crimp connector, each of the object side joints, and the respective covered wires are separated from each other.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the crimp connector showing each covered wire and each The object side joint is connected to the state of the crimp connector.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the crimp joint.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the crimp joint, showing one of the covered wires and one of the object side joints.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the crimp connector unit, showing the state of the crimp connector as seen from the upstream side in the insertion direction.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the crimp connector unit, showing the state of the crimp connector as seen from the downstream side in the insertion direction.

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the crimp connector unit.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the main portion of the crimp connector as seen from the side of the wire holding portion.

Figure 10 is a plan view of the main portion of the crimp connector.

Fig. 11 is a side view showing the crimp connector in a state before the covered electric wire and the object side joint are connected.

Fig. 12 is a side view showing a state in which the covered electric wire is inserted into the electric wire holding portion, and a part of the cross section is shown.

Fig. 13 is a side view showing a state in which the covered electric wire is inserted into the electric wire holding portion, and a part of the cross section is shown.

Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a main portion of a state in which a covered electric wire is connected to a crimp connector.

Fig. 15 is a plan view showing the main part of a state in which the covered electric wire and the object side joint are connected to the crimping connector.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a crimp connector according to a first modification of the present invention, showing a state in which the crimp connector is viewed from the side of the wire holding body.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing the main body of the crimp connector of the first modification of the present invention. A perspective view of the main part shows the state of the crimp connector as seen from the side of the joint holding portion.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a crimp connector of a second modification of the present invention, showing a state in which the crimp connector is seen from the side of the wire holding body.

Figure 19 is a side view showing a crimp connector according to a second modification of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a side view showing a casing according to another modification of the present invention.

[Formation of the Invention]

Hereinafter, the form for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the present invention can be widely applied to various applications as a crimp connector.

[Configuration of crimp connector]

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the crimping connectors 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention are electrically connected to the covered electric wires 101a and 101b corresponding to the plurality of target side joints 102a and 102b. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the crimp connector 1, the respective object side joints 102a and 102b, and the respective covered electric wires 101a and 101b are separated from each other.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the crimp connector 1 is placed on, for example, a portable electronic device. As such an electronic device, a digital camera, a video camera, a portable telephone, a smart phone, and a PDA (personal digital assistant) can be exemplified. In the present embodiment, the size, width, and thickness of the crimp connector 1 are each about 2 to 3 mm. Thus, the crimp connector 1 is extremely small. Further, the crimp connector 1 is a crimp type electrical connector by cutting off the covering portions of the covered electric wires 101a and 101b. 103 is in contact with the core portion 104 inside each of the covering portions 103.

The crimp connector 1 is provided to electrically connect the core portion 104 (first conductive member) of each of the covered electric wires 101a and 101b and the corresponding object side joints (second conductive members) 102a and 102b.

Each of the object side joints 102a and 102b is formed using a conductive material such as metal. In the present embodiment, each of the object side joints 102a and 102b is formed in a thin plate shape. In addition, at least one of the target side joints 102a and 102b is exposed in advance, and in the present embodiment, all of them are exposed in advance. Each of the target side joints 102a and 102b is fixed to a circuit board (not shown) by soldering, and is electrically connected to the circuit board. Each of the covered electric wires 101a and 101b is electrically connected to an electric device such as a battery.

3 is a plan view of the crimp connector 1 and shows a state in which the respective covered electric wires 101a and 101b and the respective object side joints 102a and 102b are connected to the crimp connector 1. Referring to Fig. 3, each of the covered electric wires 101a and 101b has a covering portion 103 and a core portion 104.

The covering portion 103 is a tubular member formed using an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The covering portion 103 covers the core portion 104 over the entire area in the circumferential direction of the core portion 104.

The core portion 104 is formed using a conductive material such as metal. One end of the core portion 104 is in contact with a corresponding crimp joint 2a, 2b (described later) of the crimp connector 1.

The crimp connector 1 is formed in a flat block shape as a whole. In the following, the longitudinal direction of the crimp connector 1 is referred to as the longitudinal direction X1. Further, the direction in which the crimp connector 1 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X1 is the width direction Y1. In addition, it is said that both the length direction X1 and the width direction Y1 are positive. The direction of intersection is the thickness direction Z1.

In a state where each of the covered electric wires 101a and 101b and each of the target side joints 102a and 102b are attached to the crimping connector 1, one end of each of the covered electric wires 101a and 101b is arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction X1, and each of the object side joints is disposed. 102a and 102b are also arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction X1.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, the crimp connector 1 has a plurality of crimp joints 2a, 2b and a casing 3 holding the crimp joints 2a, 2b.

The crimping joints 2a and 2b are provided corresponding to the respective coated electric wires of the plurality of covered electric wires 101a and 101b, and the covering portions 103 of the corresponding covered electric wires 101a and 101b are cut, and are exposed to be exposed from the covering portion 103. The core portion 104. The crimping joints 2a, 2b are in direct contact with the core wire portions 104 of the corresponding covered electric wires 101a, 101b and the corresponding object side joints 102a, 102b. Thereby, the core portion 104 of each of the covered electric wires 101a and 101b and the corresponding object side joints 102a and 102b are electrically connected.

In the present embodiment, the two crimping joints 2a and 2b have the same shape as each other. Therefore, the structure of the one crimping joint 2a will be mainly described below.

4 and 5 are perspective views of the crimp joint 2a, respectively, and in Fig. 5, one coated electric wire 101a and one object side joint 102a are collectively shown.

Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the crimp joint 2a is formed using a material having electrical conductivity. More specifically, the crimp joint 2a is made of, for example, a copper alloy. Further, a plating treatment such as tin plating or gold plating is applied to the surface of the crimp joint 2a.

The crimp joint 2a has the function and function as a crimp joint The function of the contact connector. In the present embodiment, the term "pressure bonding" means that the crimping joint 2a is in contact with the core portion 104 exposed by cutting the covering portion 103 of the covered electric wire 101a. The crimping joint 2a and the core portion 104 of the target side joint 102a and the object side joint 102a are in direct contact with each other.

In the present embodiment, the crimp joint 2a is formed by press working and bending a flat plate member having the above conductivity. That is, the entire crimp joint 2a is integrally formed using a single material. In the present embodiment, the crimp joint 2a is formed in a saddle shape. Further, in the present embodiment, the crimp joint 2a is formed in a symmetrical shape in the width direction Y1.

The core portion 104 of the covered electric wire 101a displaced along the predetermined insertion direction D1 is inserted into the crimp joint 2a. Further, the object side joint 102a displaced in the insertion direction D1 is inserted into the crimp joint 2a. In the present embodiment, the insertion direction D1 and the thickness direction Z1 are parallel.

The crimping joint 2a has a crimping portion 4, a first connecting portion 5, a contact portion 6, a second connecting portion 7, and a wire holding portion 8. The wire holding portion 8, the second connecting portion 7, the crimping portion 4, the first connecting portion 5, and the contact portion 6 are arranged in this order in the longitudinal direction X1.

The crimping portion 4 is provided to cut the covering portion 104 of the covered electric wire 101a and to be in contact with the core portion 104 of the covered electric wire 101a. The crimping portion 4 is formed in a U shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1. The crimping portion 4 is formed with a first slit 10 opened in the opposite direction D2 opposite to the insertion direction D1, and is in contact with the covered electric wire 101a displaced along the insertion direction D1. The first slot 10 receives the covered electric wire 101a. The crimping portion 4 extends orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X1.

Formed at both end portions of the crimping portion 4 in the width direction Y1 First fixing portions 16a, 16b. The first fixing portions 16a and 16b are projection-shaped portions, and are press-fitted and fixed to the joint holding portion 44a of the casing 3 (described later in detail).

The intermediate portion of the first slot 10 in the thickness direction Z1 has a pair of crimping blades 14a, 14b. The crimping blades 14a and 14b are provided to cut the covering portion 103 of the covered electric wire 101a. The crimping blades 14a and 14b are formed in a small piece shape that protrudes in a direction in which they approach each other, and protrude into a space in which the core wire portion 104 is inserted. The crimping blades 14a and 14b cut the covering portion 103 to expose the core portion 104. The exposed core portion 104 is in contact with the crimp portion 4. The first joint portion 5 extends from the crimp portion 4 to one of the longitudinal directions X1.

The first connecting portion 5 is provided to integrally connect the crimping portion 4 and the contact portion 6. The first joint portion 5 has a pair of arm portions 17a and 17b.

The pair of arm portions 17a and 17b are provided as beam portions as the crimp joint 2a, and extend in the longitudinal direction X1. The pair of arm portions 17a and 17b connect both end portions of the crimping portion 4 in the width direction Y1 and both end portions of the contact portion 6 in the width direction Y1.

The contact portion 6 is formed in a U shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1. The contact portion 6 is formed with a second slit 20 that opens in the opposite direction D2 opposite to the insertion direction D1. The second slot 20 and the first slot 10 are arranged in the longitudinal direction X1. The second slot 20 receives the object side joint 102a.

The contact portion 6 is configured to be in contact with the target side joint 102a by sandwiching the object side joint 102a. The contact portion 6 is a flat portion and extends to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X1. The downstream end portion of the contact portion 6 in the insertion direction D1 extends in the width direction Y1. The downstream side end portions have second fixing portions 26a and 26b at both end portions in the width direction Y1. Second fixing portion 26a And 26b is press-fitted into the joint holding portion 44a fixed to the casing 3.

The intermediate portion of the contact portion 6 in the insertion direction D1 has a pair of contact convex portions 24a and 24b. The contact convex portions 24a and 24b are formed in a small piece shape that protrudes toward the second slit 20, and protrude in directions toward each other. In a state where the object side joint 102a is inserted into the second slit 20, the pair of contact convex portions 24a, 24b elastically sandwich the object side joint 102a.

The electric wire holding portion 8 of the crimping joint 2a is provided to suppress the falling of the covered electric wire 101a from the crimping joint 2a. The wire holding portion 8 holds the covered electric wire 101a in order to maintain the contact state between the core portion 104 and the crimping portion 4. Thereby, it is suppressed that the core wire portion 104 falls off from the crimping portion 4 in the opposite direction D2. The wire holding portion 8 is disposed adjacent to the crimping portion 4.

The wire holding portion 8 is formed in a U shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1, and is formed with a third slit 30 that is open in the opposite direction D2. The width of the third slit 30 in the width direction Y1 is set to be smaller than, for example, the diameter of the covering portion 103 of the covered electric wire 101a and larger than the diameter of the core portion 104. With such a configuration, the wire holding portion 8 can sandwich the covering portion 103 of the covered electric wire 101a with a predetermined holding force. The third fixing portions 31a and 31b are formed on the downstream end portion of the electric wire holding portion 8 in the insertion direction D1.

The third fixing portions 31a and 31b are projection-like portions formed on both end portions of the electric wire holding portion 8 in the width direction Y1, and are press-fitted and fixed to the joint holding portion 44a of the casing 3. The downstream end portion of the electric wire holding portion 8 in the insertion direction D1 is coupled to the crimping portion 4 via the second connecting portion 7 .

The second connecting portion 7 is provided to integrally connect the crimping portion 4 and the wire holding portion 8 . In the present embodiment, the second coupling portion 7 is formed in a U shape in a side view and has a shape that protrudes in the insertion direction D1. have The crimp joint 2a of the above configuration is held by the casing 3.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the single body of the crimp connector 1, showing the state in which the connector 1 is crimped as seen from the upstream side in the insertion direction D1. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the single body of the crimp connector 1, showing the state in which the connector 1 is crimped as seen from the downstream side in the insertion direction D1. Figure 8 is a side view of the single body of the crimp connector 1.

Referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, the casing 3 is formed using an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The casing 3 is a single member formed by injection molding or the like. In the present embodiment, the casing 3 holds the two crimping joints 2a, 2b.

The casing 3 is formed in a flat block shape, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view (a state seen from the thickness direction Z1). Further, the casing 3 is formed in a symmetrical shape in the width direction Y1.

The casing 3 has an outer peripheral wall 41, a partition wall (separator) 42, a bottom wall 43, joint joint portions 44a and 44b, and wire holding portions 600 and 700.

The outer peripheral wall 41 is provided as a wall portion surrounding a plurality of crimping joints 2a, 2b. The outer peripheral wall 41 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The outer peripheral wall 41 has a first wall portion 46, a second wall portion 47, a third wall portion 48, and a fourth wall portion 49.

The first wall portion 46 and the second wall portion 47 are provided as portions extending in the width direction Y1. The first wall portion 46 and the second wall portion 47 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X1. One end of the first wall portion 46 and one end of the second wall portion 47 in the width direction Y1 are connected to the third wall portion 48. Further, the other end portion of the first wall portion 46 and the other end portion of the second wall portion 47 in the width direction Y1 are connected to the fourth wall portion 49.

The third wall portion 48 and the fourth wall portion 49 are provided as portions extending in the longitudinal direction X1. The third wall portion 48 and the fourth wall portion 49 are arranged to be spaced apart in the width direction Y1. The partition wall 42 is disposed to extend in parallel with the third wall portion 48 and the fourth wall portion 49.

The partition wall 42 is provided in the casing 3 as a partition portion disposed between the crimp joints 2a, 2b adjacent to the width direction Y1. The number of the partition walls 42 is a value which is decremented by one from the number of crimping joints 2a, 2b of the crimp connector 1. That is, in the present embodiment, two crimping joints 2a and 2b are provided, and the number of the partition walls 42 is one.

In the present embodiment, one end portion of the partition wall 42 in the longitudinal direction X1 is disposed apart from the first wall portion 46. Further, the other end portion of the partition wall 42 in the longitudinal direction X1 is connected to the second wall portion 47. The partition wall 42 is disposed between the crimp joints 2a and 2b adjacent to the predetermined array direction E1.

One crimp joint 2a is disposed between the partition wall 42 and the third wall portion 48. The other crimping joint 2b is disposed between the partition wall 42 and the fourth wall portion 49. The bottom wall 43 is disposed at a position advancing from the partition wall 42 and the outer peripheral wall 41 toward the downstream side in the insertion direction D1. The bottom wall 43 is disposed in an opening that partially blocks the downstream side of the outer peripheral wall 41 in the insertion direction D1.

A plurality of joint holding portions 44a and 44b are formed by the bottom wall 43, the outer peripheral wall 41, and the partition wall 42. The joint holding portions 44a and 44b are provided to hold the crimp joints 2a and 2b. The joint holding portions 44a, 44b hold the corresponding crimp joints 2a, 2b. The joint holding portions 44a and 44b are arranged in the width direction Y1.

One of the joint holding portions 44a is formed by using the first to third wall portions 46 to 48, the partition wall 42, and the bottom wall 43, and surrounds one of the crimp joints 2a. The other joint holding portion 44b is formed by using the first wall portion 46, the second wall portion 47, the fourth wall portion 49, the partition wall 42, and the bottom wall 43, and surrounds the other crimp joint 2b.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 6, one of the joint holding portions 44a is held by press-fitting and holding one of the crimp joints 2a. Specifically, the first fixing portions 16a and 16b, the second fixing portions 26a and 26b, and the third fixing portions 31a and 31b of the crimping joint 2a are press-fitted and fixed to the inner side surface of the third wall portion 48 and the partition wall 42. One side.

Further, one of the joint holding portions 44a has a slit 52a that is inserted into the object side joint 102a. The slit 52a is formed in the second wall portion 47 of the casing 3, and penetrates the casing 3 in the longitudinal direction X1. The slit 52a and the second slit 20 of the contact portion 6 are arranged in the longitudinal direction X1.

Further, the housing 3 has a stopper portion 53a extending from the bottom wall 43 of the housing 3. The stopper portion 53a is a wall portion that is disposed adjacent to the second slit 20 of one of the crimping joints 2a. The object side joint 102a inserted into the second slit 20 is restricted from being retracted into the joint holding portion 44a by being received by the stopper portion 53a. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the object side joint 102a from coming into contact with the covered electric wire 101a.

Next, the other joint holding portion 44b will be described. The other joint holding portion 44b has the same structure as the one joint holding portion 44a.

The other joint holding portion 44b holds and holds the other crimp joint 2b by press fitting. Specifically, the first solid of the crimp joint 2b The fixed portions 16a and 16a, the second fixing portions 26a and 26b, and the third fixing portions 31a and 31b are press-fitted and fixed to the other side surface of the partition wall 42 and the inner side surface of the fourth wall portion 49.

Further, the other joint holding portion 44b has a slit 52b that is inserted into the object side joint 102b. The slit 52b is formed in the second wall portion 47 of the casing 3, and penetrates the casing 3 in the longitudinal direction X1. The second slit 20 of the contact portion 6 of the slit 52b and the other crimping joint 2b is arranged in the longitudinal direction X1.

Further, the housing 3 has a stopper portion 53b extending from the bottom wall 43 of the housing 3. The stopper portion 53b is a wall-like portion that is disposed adjacent to the second slit 20 of the other crimping joint 2b. The object side joint 102b inserted into the second slit 20 is restricted from being retracted into the joint holding portion 44b by being received by the stopper portion 53b. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the object side joint 102b from coming into contact with the covered electric wire 101b.

The wire holding body 50 is formed to be adjacent to the joint holding portions 44a, 44b having the above configuration.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the main portion of the crimp connector 1 as seen from the side of the wire holding body 50. Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the main part of the crimp connector 1. Referring to Figs. 8 to 10, the wire holding body 50 is provided to hold a plurality of covered electric wires 101a and 101b. In the present embodiment, the wire holding body 50 constitutes one of the first wall portions 46, and the joint holding portions 44a and 44b are arranged in the longitudinal direction X1. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the electric wire holder 50 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X1 is the same.

The wire holding body 50 has a plurality of wire holding portions 600, 700.

The wire holding portions 600 and 700 are configured to hold the corresponding covered electric wires 101a and 101b. In other words, the electric wire holding portions 600 and 700 are provided corresponding to the respective covered electric wires of the plurality of covered electric wires 101a and 101b, and are configured to hold the corresponding covered electric wires 101a and 101b. The number of the wire holding portions 600, 700 is the same as the number of the covered electric wires 101a, 101b. The plurality of wire holding portions 600 and 700 are arranged side by side in a predetermined array direction E1 as a direction in which the covered electric wires 101a and 101b are arranged. In the present embodiment, the array direction E1 is also the width direction Y1.

In the present embodiment, the electric wire holding portions 600 and 700 are formed in a symmetrical shape in the array direction E1. The wire holding portions 600 and 700 receive one end portion of the corresponding covered electric wires 101a and 101b that are displaced in the insertion direction D1.

The wire holding portion 600 is formed in a substantially U shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1. The wire holding portion 600 includes one end portion of the wire holding body 50 in the array direction E1. The wire holding portion 600 and one of the joint holding portions 44a are arranged in the longitudinal direction X1. Thereby, one end portion of the covered electric wire 101a connected to one of the crimping joints 2a is held by the electric wire holding portion 600 while being disposed in a straight state.

The wire holding portion 600 has a base portion 601, a first body 602 and a second body 603 as a pair of bodies, and a wire holding groove 604. The first body 602 and the second body 603 are disposed to cooperate to maintain the covered electric wire 101a.

The base portion 601 is provided as a base portion of the wire holding portion 600. The base portion 601 is a portion extending in the width direction Y1 and is connected to the bottom wall 43 of the casing 3. The first body 602 and the second body 603 are separated from the base portion 601 extend.

The first body 602 is disposed at one end of the wire holding body 50 in the arrangement direction E1. In the present embodiment, the first body 602 is disposed adjacent to the third wall portion 48 of the casing 3. The second body 603 is disposed adjacent to the partition wall 42 of the casing 3. The first body 602 and the second body 603 are each formed in a hook shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1.

The first body 602 has a first wire holding piece 605 and a first pressing piece 606 protruding from the first wire holding piece 605. Likewise, the second body 603 has a second wire holding piece 607 and a second pressing piece 608 protruding from the second wire holding piece 607.

The first wire holding piece 605 and the second wire holding piece 607 are examples of the "a pair of wire holding pieces" of the present invention. The first wire holding piece 605 and the second wire holding piece 607 are arranged to face each other to form the wire holding groove 604 that receives the covered electric wire 101a. The first wire holding piece 605 and the second wire holding piece 607 are formed in a columnar shape extending in the opposite direction D2, respectively. In the present embodiment, the first electric wire holding piece 605 is inclined to approach the second electric wire holding piece 607 as it goes in the opposite direction D2. Further, the second wire holding piece 607 extends in parallel with the opposite direction D2. As seen from the longitudinal direction X1, in the present embodiment, the width of the second electric wire holding piece 607 is set to be smaller than the width of the first electric wire holding piece 605. With this configuration, the rigidity of the second wire holding piece 607 is set smaller than the rigidity of the first wire holding piece 605. That is, the second electric wire holding piece 607 has sufficient flexibility.

A first electric wire pressing piece 606 is formed at a position where the first electric wire holding piece 605 is at the front end portion. Similarly, a second electric wire pressing piece 608 is formed at a position where the second electric wire holding piece 607 is at the front end portion.

The first electric wire tab 606 and the second electric wire pressing piece 608 are provided to cooperate to suppress the covered electric wire 101a from falling off from the electric wire holding groove 604. The first electric wire pressing piece 606 and the second electric wire pressing piece 608 are examples of the "protrusion portion" of the present invention.

The first electric wire pressing piece 606 and the second electric wire pressing piece 608 are respectively formed in a protruding shape protruding from the corresponding electric wire holding pieces 605 and 607 toward the electric wire holding groove 604, and can withstand the corresponding covered electric wire 101a. In this manner, the first electric wire pressing piece 606 and the second electric wire pressing piece 608 protrude from the corresponding electric wire holding pieces 605 and 607 in the width direction Y1, respectively. In the present embodiment, the first electric wire pressing piece 606 and the second electric wire pressing piece 608 are each formed in a triangular shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1. Further, the size of the first electric wire pressing piece 606 and the size of the second electric wire pressing piece 608 are set to be substantially the same as seen from the longitudinal direction X1.

The rigidity of the electric wire pressing pieces 606, 608 is set such that when the load acts on the electric wire pressing pieces 606, 608 from the coated electric wire 101a in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction E1, the amount of deflection of the electric wire pressing pieces 606, 608 is smaller than that of the electric wire holding piece 605 , the amount of deflection of 607.

The first electric wire pressing piece 606 has a first guiding inclined surface 609 and a first electric wire regulating surface 610. Likewise, the second electric wire pressing piece 608 has a second guiding inclined surface 611 and a second electric wire regulating surface 612.

The first guiding inclined surface 609 and the second guiding inclined surface 611 are provided as a motion converting portion for converting the force from the covered electric wire 101a displaced along the insertion direction D1 into the enlarged electric wire holding groove 604. The force of the groove width.

The first guiding inclined surface 609 and the second guiding inclined surface 611 are The upstream end portion of the electric wire holding portion 600 in the insertion direction D1 is disposed to extend in the insertion direction D1. The first guide inclined surface 609 and the second guide inclined surface 611 are disposed to face the opposite direction D2 side. The first guide inclined surface 609 and the second guide inclined surface 611 are formed in a shape inclined with respect to the insertion direction D1, and as the advancement in the insertion direction D1, the interval between them becomes narrow. In the present embodiment, the first guide inclined surface 609 and the second guide inclined surface 611 are each formed in a flat shape.

A first electric wire regulating surface 610 is formed at a position advancing from the first guiding inclined surface 609 toward the insertion direction D1. Similarly, a second electric wire regulating surface 612 is formed at a position advancing from the second guiding inclined surface 611 toward the insertion direction D1.

The first electric wire regulating surface 610 and the second electric wire regulating surface 612 are configured to cooperate to prevent the covered electric wire 101a inserted into the electric wire holding groove 604 from coming off the electric wire holding groove 604.

The first electric wire regulating surface 610 and the second electric wire regulating surface 612 are disposed to face the insertion direction D1 side. The first electric wire regulating surface 610 and the second electric wire regulating surface 612 extend in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1, and in the present embodiment, are formed by a flat surface orthogonal to the insertion direction D1. Furthermore, the first electric wire regulating surface 610 and the second electric wire regulating surface 612 may not be orthogonal to the insertion direction D1, or may be a surface inclined with respect to the insertion direction D1. With the above configuration, the covered electric wire 101a inserted into the electric wire holding groove 604 is caught by the electric wire holding groove 604, and is prevented from coming off from the electric wire holding groove 604 by the electric wire regulating faces 610, 612.

A wire holding groove 604 is formed between the first body 602 and the second body 603 having the above configuration. The wire holding groove 604 is set as The groove portion of the covered electric wire 101a is kept. The wire holding groove 604 is formed using the first body 602, the second body 603, and the base portion 601. More specifically, the wire holding groove 604 constitutes both end portions in the width direction Y1 by the inner side faces of the first body 602 and the second body 603, and the bottom surface of the base portion 601 is constituted by the bottom portion.

In the present embodiment, the electric wire holding groove 604 is formed in a U shape as seen in the longitudinal direction X1, and is opened in the opposite direction D2. With such a configuration, the wire holding groove 604 is configured to receive the covered electric wire 101a displaced in the insertion direction D1. The bottom of the wire holding groove 604 is formed in an arc shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1. The groove width setting of the wire holding groove 604 is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the covered electric wire 101a as seen from the longitudinal direction X1.

The electric wire holding portion 600 having the above-described structure is disposed adjacent to the electric wire holding portion 700 in the arrangement direction E1.

As described above, the wire holding portion 700 is configured to hold the covered electric wire 101b. Further, the wire holding portions 600 and 700 are formed in a symmetrical shape in the arrangement direction E1.

The wire holding portion 700 is formed in a substantially U shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1. The wire holding portion 700 includes the other end portion of the wire holding body 50 in the array direction E1. The wire holding portion 700 and the joint holding portion 44b are arranged in the longitudinal direction X1. Thereby, one end portion of the covered electric wire 101b connected to the other crimping joint 2b is held by the electric wire holding portion 700 in a state where it is disposed in a straight state.

The wire holding portion 700 has a base portion 701, a first body 702 and a second body 703 as a pair of bodies, and a wire holding groove 704. First A body 702 and a second body 703 are provided to cooperate to maintain the covered electric wire 101b.

The base portion 701 is provided as a base portion of the wire holding portion 700. The base portion 701 is a portion extending in the width direction Y1 and is connected to the bottom wall 43 of the casing 3 and the base portion 601. The first body 702 and the second body 703 extend from the base portion 701.

The first body 702 is disposed at the other end of the wire holding body 50 in the array direction E1. In the present embodiment, the first body 702 is disposed adjacent to the fourth wall portion 49 of the casing 3. The second body 703 is disposed adjacent to the partition wall 42 of the housing 3. The first body 702 and the second body 703 are each formed in a hook shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1.

The first body 702 has a first wire holding piece 705 and a first pressing piece 706 that protrudes from the first wire holding piece 705. Likewise, the second body 703 has a second wire holding piece 707 and a second pressing piece 708 protruding from the second wire holding piece 707.

The first wire holding piece 705 and the second wire holding piece 707 are examples of the "a pair of wire holding pieces" of the present invention. The first wire holding piece 705 and the second wire holding piece 707 are arranged to face each other to form the wire holding groove 704 that receives the covered electric wire 101b. The first wire holding piece 705 and the second wire holding piece 707 are respectively formed in a columnar shape extending in the opposite direction D2. In the present embodiment, the first electric wire holding piece 705 is inclined to approach the second electric wire holding piece 707 as it goes in the opposite direction D2. Further, the second wire holding piece 707 extends in parallel with the opposite direction D2. As seen from the longitudinal direction X1, in the present embodiment, the width of the second electric wire holding piece 707 is set to be smaller than the width of the first electric wire holding piece 705. With this configuration, the second wire protects The rigidity of the holding piece 707 is set to be smaller than the rigidity of the first wire holding piece 705. That is, the second electric wire holding piece 707 has sufficient flexibility.

A first electric wire pressing piece 706 is formed at a position where the first electric wire holding piece 705 is at the front end portion. Similarly, a second electric wire pressing piece 708 is formed at a position where the second electric wire holding piece 707 is at the front end portion.

The first electric wire tab 706 and the second electric wire pressing piece 708 are provided to cooperate to suppress the covered electric wire 101b from falling off from the electric wire holding groove 704. The first electric wire pressing piece 706 and the second electric wire pressing piece 708 are examples of the "protrusion portion" of the present invention.

The first electric wire pressing piece 706 and the second electric wire pressing piece 708 are respectively formed in a protruding shape protruding from the corresponding electric wire holding pieces 705 and 707 toward the electric wire holding groove 704, and can withstand the corresponding covered electric wire 101b. In this manner, the first electric wire pressing piece 706 and the second electric wire pressing piece 708 protrude from the corresponding electric wire holding pieces 705 and 707 in the width direction Y1, respectively. In the present embodiment, the first electric wire pressing piece 706 and the second electric wire pressing piece 708 are each formed in a triangular shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1. The size of the first electric wire pressing piece 706 and the size of the second electric wire pressing piece 708 are set to be substantially the same as seen from the longitudinal direction X1.

The rigidity of the electric wire pressing pieces 706, 708 is set such that when the load acts on the electric wire pressing pieces 706, 708 from the coated electric wire 101b in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction E1, the amount of deflection of the electric wire pressing pieces 706, 708 is smaller than that of the electric wire holding piece 705 , the amount of deflection of 707.

The first electric wire pressing piece 706 has a first guiding inclined surface 709 and a first electric wire regulating surface 710. Likewise, the second electric wire pressing piece 708 has a second guiding inclined surface 711 and a second electric wire regulating surface 712.

The first guiding inclined surface 709 and the second guiding inclined surface 711 are provided as motion converting portions for converting the force from the covered electric wire 101b displaced along the insertion direction D1 into a force for enlarging the groove width of the electric wire holding groove 704.

The first guide inclined surface 709 and the second guide inclined surface 711 are arranged to extend from the upstream end portion of the electric wire holding portion 700 in the insertion direction D1 in the insertion direction D1. The first guiding inclined surface 709 and the second guiding inclined surface 711 are disposed to face the opposite direction D2 side. The first guide inclined surface 709 and the second guide inclined surface 711 are formed in a shape inclined with respect to the insertion direction D1, and as the advancement in the insertion direction D1, the interval between them becomes narrow. In the present embodiment, the first guide inclined surface 709 and the second guide inclined surface 711 are each formed in a flat shape.

A first electric wire regulating surface 710 is formed at a position advancing from the first guiding inclined surface 709 toward the insertion direction D1. Similarly, a second electric wire regulating surface 712 is formed at a position advancing from the second guiding inclined surface 711 toward the insertion direction D1.

The first electric wire regulating surface 710 and the second electric wire regulating surface 712 are configured to cooperate to prevent the covered electric wire 101b inserted into the electric wire holding groove 704 from coming off the electric wire holding groove 704.

The first electric wire regulating surface 710 and the second electric wire regulating surface 712 are disposed to face the insertion direction D1 side. The first electric wire regulating surface 710 and the second electric wire regulating surface 712 extend in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1, and in the present embodiment, are formed by a flat surface orthogonal to the insertion direction D1. Further, the first electric wire regulating surface 710 and the second electric wire regulating surface 712 may not be orthogonal to the insertion direction D1, or may be a surface inclined with respect to the insertion direction D1. borrow With the above configuration, the covered electric wire 101b inserted into the electric wire holding groove 704 is caught by the electric wire holding groove 704, and is prevented from coming off from the electric wire holding groove 704 by the electric wire regulating faces 710, 712.

A wire holding groove 704 is formed between the first body 702 and the second body 703 having the above configuration. The wire holding groove 704 is provided as a groove portion that holds the covered electric wire 101b. The wire holding groove 704 is formed using the first body 702, the second body 703, and the base portion 701. More specifically, the wire holding groove 704 is formed at both end portions in the width direction Y1 by the inner side faces of the first body 702 and the second body 703, and the bottom surface is constituted by the inner side surface of the base portion 701.

In the present embodiment, the electric wire holding groove 704 is formed in a U shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1, and is opened in the opposite direction D2. With such a configuration, the wire holding groove 704 is configured to receive the covered electric wire 101b displaced in the insertion direction D1. The bottom of the wire holding groove 704 is formed in an arc shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1. When viewed in the longitudinal direction X1, the groove width setting of the wire holding groove 704 is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the covered electric wire 101b.

In the electric wire holder 50 having the above configuration, a structure for reducing the load acting on the casing 3 as the covered electric wires 101a, 101b are inserted into the casing 3 is provided.

Specifically, the casing 3 has a first rigidity reducing portion 81, a second rigidity reducing portion 82, and a third rigidity reducing portion 83.

The first rigidity reduction portion 81 is disposed between the two second wire holding pieces 607 and 707 adjacent to the arrangement direction E1 in the two wire holding portions 600 and 700 adjacent to the arrangement direction E1. The first rigidity reducing portion 81 is It is configured to increase the flexibility of the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707. The two second electric wire holding pieces 607 and 707 are examples of the "two predetermined electric wire holding pieces" of the present invention.

The first rigidity reducing portion 81 has a structure in which the rigidity of a partial region between the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 of the casing 3 is reduced. More specifically, the first rigidity reducing portion 81 is disposed between the second electric wire holding pieces 607 and 707 in the array direction E1.

The first rigidity reducing portion 81 has a first space forming portion 84. The first space forming portion 84 is formed with a first slit 85. The first slit 85 is formed to extend from the front end portion of the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 in the insertion direction D1 and to the opposite direction D2.

In the present embodiment, the first slit 85 extends in parallel with the insertion direction D1 and is elongated in the insertion direction D1. Further, in the insertion direction D1 (thickness direction Z1), the depth L1 of the first slit 85 is set to be smaller than the depth L2 of the wire holding groove 604 (704). In the present embodiment, the depth L1 of the first slit 85 is set to be 50% or more of the depth L2 of the wire holding grooves 604 and 704 and less than 100%. Thus, in the thickness direction Z1 orthogonal to the arrangement direction E1 and parallel to the direction in which the wire holding grooves 604, 704 extend, the depth L2 (length) of the wire holding grooves 604, 704 is set larger than the depth L1 of the first rigidity reducing portion 81. . The downstream end portion of the first slit 85 in the insertion direction D1 is formed in a smooth circular arc shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction X1, and has a shape in which stress concentration is less likely to occur in the first space forming portion 84. In the present embodiment, in the array direction E1 (width direction Y1), the width (length) of the first slit 85 is set to be smaller than the width of each of the second wire holding pieces 607 and 707. The width of the first slit 85 is appropriately set to correspond to the electric wire When the covered electric wires 101a, 101b of the electric wire holding grooves of the holding grooves 604, 704 are simultaneously inserted, the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 are not in contact with each other with excessive force.

The wire holding groove 604, the first slit 85, and the wire holding groove 704 are arranged in the arrangement direction E1. That is, the first slits 85 are disposed between the wire holding grooves 604 and 704. More specifically, the first slits 85 are disposed between the two second electric wire holding pieces 607 and 707 in the arrangement direction E1 and disposed between the two electric wire pressing pieces 608 and 708. The second rigidity reducing portion 82 is disposed adjacent to the first rigidity reducing portion 81 having the above-described configuration in the longitudinal direction X1.

The second rigidity reducing portion 82 is configured to increase the flexibility of the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707. The second rigidity reducing portion 82 is formed between the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 adjacent to the partition wall 42 and the partition wall 42. The second rigidity reducing portion 82 is formed such that the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 can be flexibly deformed independently of the partition wall 42. More specifically, the second rigidity reducing portion 82 is formed with a space 86 that isolates the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 from the partition wall 42.

By forming this space 86, the partition wall 42 is connected to the base portions 601 and 701 of the electric wire holding portions 600 and 700, but is disposed to be spaced apart from the second electric wire holding pieces 607 and 707. The second rigidity reducing portion 82 having the above-described configuration is provided with the third rigidity reducing portion 83 (831, 832) in the arrangement direction E1.

The third rigidity reducing portion 83 (831, 832) is configured to increase the flexibility of each of the first wire holding pieces 605, 705. The first wire holding pieces 605 and 705 are an example of the "end wire holding piece" of the present invention, and are disposed at both end portions of the plurality of wire holding portions 600, 700 in the array direction E1.

The third rigidity reducing portion 831 is disposed between the first wire holding piece 605 and the third wall portion 48 of the wire holding portion 600, and the wire holding piece 605 can be flexibly deformed independently of the third wall portion 48. The third rigidity reducing portion 832 is disposed between the first wire holding piece 705 and the fourth wall portion 49 of the wire holding portion 700, and the wire holding piece 705 can be flexibly deformed independently of the fourth wall portion 49. The wire holding portions 600 and 700 are examples of the "end wire holding portion of the end portion of the plurality of wire holding portions arranged in the array direction" of the present invention. In addition, each of the third wall portion 48 and the fourth wall portion 49 is an example of the "wall portion disposed adjacent to the end wire holding piece" of the present invention.

More specifically, the third rigidity reducing portions 831 and 832 are formed with slits 87 and 88 between the first electric wire holding pieces 605 and 705 and the corresponding third wall portion 48 and fourth wall portion 49.

By forming the slit 87, the third wall portion 48 is connected to the base portion 601 of the electric wire holding portion 600, but is not connected to the first electric wire holding piece 605. Similarly, the fourth wall portion 49 is connected to the base portion 701 of the electric wire holding portion 700 by the slit 88, but is not connected to the first electric wire holding piece 705.

The above is a schematic configuration of the crimp connector 1.

[Connection work of the crimped wire and the object side joint of the crimp connector]

Next, an operation of connecting the covered electric wires 101a and 101b and the object side joints 102a and 102b to the crimping connector 1 will be described. Fig. 11 is a side view showing the crimp connector 1 in a state before the covered electric wire 101a and the object side joint 102a are connected. Fig. 12 is a side view showing a state in which the covered electric wires 101a and 101b are inserted in the middle of the electric wire holding portions 600 and 700. The face shows a part.

Fig. 13 is a side view showing a state in which the covered electric wires 101a, 101b are inserted into the electric wire holding portions 600, 700, and a part of the cross section is shown. Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a main portion in a state in which the covered electric wires 101a, 101b are connected to the crimp connector 1. Fig. 15 is a plan view showing a main portion in a state in which the covered electric wires 101a and 101b and the object side joints 102a and 102b are connected to the crimp connector 1.

Referring to Fig. 11, when the crimping connector 1 is connected, the operator first causes the crimping connector 1 and the covered electric wires 101a and 101b to face each other in the thickness direction Z1. Further, the operator causes the crimp connector 1 to face the object side joints 102a and 102b in the thickness direction Z1.

Next, the operator inserts the covered electric wires 101a and 101b in the insertion direction D1 in a collective manner, and inserts the covered electric wires 101a and 101b into the crimping connector 1. At this time, as shown in Fig. 12, the covered electric wires 101a and 101b are displaced to the corresponding electric wire holding portions 600 and 700. Thereby, the covered electric wire 101a contacts the guiding inclined faces 609, 611 of the first and second electric wire pressing pieces 606, 608, and enlarges the interval between the guiding inclined faces 609, 611. Similarly, the covered electric wire 101b contacts the guide inclined surfaces 709, 711 of the electric wire pressing pieces 706, 708, and enlarges the interval between the guiding inclined surfaces 709, 711. That is, the covered electric wires 101a and 101b enlarge the interval between the corresponding electric wire holding grooves 604 and 704.

By the above operation, the covered electric wires 101a, 101b are pressed into the bottoms of the corresponding electric wire holding grooves 604, 704. At this time, by providing the first rigidity reducing portion 81 and the second rigidity reducing portion 82, the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 are easily bent. Thereby, the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 The front end portions are displaced in directions toward each other. By this action, excessive load can be suppressed from acting on the respective second electric wire pressing pieces 608, 708 from the covered electric wires 101a, 101b. Further, by providing the third rigidity reducing portion 83, the first wire holding pieces 605, 705 are easily deflected, and the front ends of the first wire holding pieces 605, 705 are displaced in directions away from each other. Thereby, excessive load can be suppressed from acting on the first electric wire tabs 606 and 706 from the covered electric wires 101a and 101b.

As soon as the covered electric wires 101a, 101b are inserted into the corresponding electric wire holding grooves 604, 704, as shown in Fig. 13, the covered electric wire 101a is held at the bottom of the electric wire holding groove 604, the first electric wire regulating surface 610, and the second electric wire The restriction surface 612 is opposed to the gap. Similarly, the covered electric wire 101b is held at the bottom of the electric wire holding groove 704, and the first electric wire regulating surface 710 and the second electric wire regulating surface 712 are opposed to each other with a gap therebetween.

Further, as shown in Fig. 14, one portion of the covered electric wires 101a, 101b is inserted into the corresponding first slits 10 of the crimping joints 2a, 2b, and is in contact with the crimping blades 14a, 14b. The crimping blades 14a and 14b cut the covering portions 103 of the corresponding covered electric wires 101a and 101b to expose the core portion 104. Then, the core portion 104 is sandwiched by the crimping portion 4. Thereby, the core portion 104 of the covered electric wires 101a, 101b is in contact with the corresponding crimping portion 4.

Further, a part of the covered electric wires 101a, 101b is inserted into the corresponding third slot 30 of the electric wire holding portion 8 of the crimping joints 2a, 2b. Thereby, the covered electric wires 101a and 101b are sandwiched by the corresponding electric wire holding portions 8.

Next, the operator displaces the target side joints 102a and 102b (not shown in FIG. 14) in the insertion direction D1, and inserts the target side joints 102a and 102b into the corresponding slits 52a and 52b and the second slit 20. With this, As shown in Fig. 15, the object side joints 102a, 102b are sandwiched by one of the contact point projections 24a, 24b of the corresponding contact portions 6 of the crimping joints 2a, 2b. Thereby, the object side joints 102a, 102b are in contact with the corresponding contact portions 6. As a result, the object side joints 102a and 102b are electrically connected to the core wire portions 104 of the corresponding covered electric wires 101a and 101b via the corresponding crimping joints 2a and 2b.

As described above, according to the crimp connector 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the two second electric wire holding pieces 607 and 707 adjacent in the array direction E1 are subjected to loads in directions facing each other, The first rigidity reducing portion 81 is displaced. Thereby, when the covered electric wires 101a, 101b are simultaneously inserted into the two electric wire holding grooves 604, 704 adjacent to the arrangement direction E1, the two second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 are received from the corresponding covered electric wires 101a, 101b. The load can be displaced to the first rigidity reducing portion 81. Therefore, an excessive load can be suppressed from acting on each of the second electric wire holding pieces 607 and 707 and each of the second electric wire pressing pieces 608 and 708. Therefore, in the case where the crimp connector 1 of the plurality of covered electric wires 101a and 101b is mounted, the occurrence of breakage can be more reliably suppressed.

Further, the wire tabs 606 and 608; 706 and 708 are not enlarged or lengthened, and the breakage of the respective wire tabs 606 and 608; 706 and 708 is suppressed. Therefore, further miniaturization of the crimp connector 1 can be achieved by further miniaturization of the wire holding portions 600 and 700. Further, since the covered electric wires 101a and 101b can be collectively inserted into the corresponding electric wire holding grooves 604 and 704, the work of connecting the crimping connector 1 and the covered electric wires 101a and 101b can be performed more quickly.

Further, the electric wire holding portion 600 has electric wire pressing pieces 606, 608 that protrude from the electric wire holding pieces 605, 607 toward the electric wire holding groove 604. In addition The electric wire holding portion 700 has electric wire pressing pieces 706, 708 that protrude from the electric wire holding pieces 705, 707 toward the electric wire holding groove 704. With this configuration, the second electric wire pressing sheets 606, 608; 706, 708 can suppress the covered electric wires 101a, 101b from the electric wire holding grooves 604 by receiving the corresponding covered electric wires 101a, 101b inserted into the electric wire holding grooves 604, 704. 704 falls off. Further, when the covered electric wires 101a, 101b are inserted into the electric wire holding grooves 604, 704, the covered electric wires 101a, 101b come into contact with the second electric wire pressing pieces 608, 708 in such a manner as to repel the second electric wire pressing pieces 608, 708. At this time, the load acting on the second electric wire pressing pieces 608, 708 from the covered electric wires 101a, 101b is transmitted to the corresponding second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707, and as a result, the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 are oriented toward the first rigidity. The reduction portion 81 is displaced. Thereby, the load acting on the second electric wire pressing pieces 608 and 708 from the covered electric wires 101a and 101b is released, and the second electric wire pressing pieces 608 and 708 can be prevented from being damaged. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the damage of the covered electric wires 101a and 101b from the electric wire holding grooves 604 and 704 due to breakage of the second electric wire pressing pieces 608 and 708.

Further, by crimping the connector 1, the second electric wire pressing pieces 608, 708 and the first rigidity reducing portion 81 are arranged in the array direction E1. With this configuration, the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 are easily displaced by the load received from the covered electric wires 101a, 101b by the second electric wire pressing pieces 608, 708. Thereby, the effect of releasing the load acting on the second electric wire pressing pieces 608, 708 from the covered electric wires 101a, 101b can be exerted more strongly.

Further, the first rigidity reducing portion 81 has the first space forming portion 64 formed between the two second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 by the crimp connector 1. With this configuration, the first slit 85 can be formed between the two second wire holding pieces 607, 707. This simple configuration realizes the first rigidity reduction. Lower part 81.

Further, by crimping the connector 1, the wire holding grooves 604, 704 are opened in the opposite direction D2 and configured to receive the covered electric wires 101a, 101b displaced in the insertion direction D1. Further, the first slit 85 formed by the first space forming portion 64 is opened in the opposite direction D2. With this configuration, the first slit 85 can be formed between the two second wire holding pieces 607, 707. This simple configuration realizes the first rigidity reducing portion 81. Further, the first rigidity reducing portion 81 is opened in the opposite direction D2. Thereby, the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 are more easily deflected. As a result, the damage of the casing 3 can be more reliably suppressed.

Further, by the crimp connector 1, the depth (length) L2 of the wire holding grooves 604, 704 is set larger than the depth (length) L1 of the first rigidity reducing portion 81. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the amount of deflection of the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 from becoming excessively large. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently ensure that the second wire holding pieces 607, 707 maintain the force of the corresponding covered electric wires 101a, 101b.

Further, by crimping the connector 1, the casing 3 has a second rigidity reducing portion 82 formed between the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 adjacent to the partition wall 42 and the partition wall 42. With this configuration, by providing the partition walls 42, it is possible to suppress the crimp joints 2a, 2b arranged in the arrangement direction E1 from coming into contact with each other. Further, a second rigidity reducing portion 82 is formed between the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 adjacent to the partition wall 42 and the partition wall 42. Thereby, the flexibility of the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 can be ensured more. Therefore, when the covered electric wires 101a and 101b are inserted into the electric wire holding grooves 604 and 704, excessive force can be suppressed from acting on the electric wire holding portions 600 and 700.

Further, by crimping the connector 1, the wire holding portion 600 A third rigidity reducing portion 831 is formed between the first wire holding piece 605 and the third wall portion 48. Further, a third rigidity reducing portion 832 is formed between the first wire holding piece 705 and the fourth wall portion 49 of the wire holding portion 700. Thereby, the flexibility of the first wire holding pieces 605, 705 can be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, when the covered electric wires 101a, 101b are inserted into the electric wire holding grooves 604, 704 formed by the first electric wire holding pieces 605, 705, excessive force can be suppressed from acting on the first electric wire holding pieces 605, 705.

[Modification]

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, the implementation can be changed as follows. In the following description, the same components as those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same components as those of the above-described embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[First Modification]

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the crimp connector 1A according to the first modification of the present invention, showing a state in which the crimp connector 1A is seen from the side of the electric wire holder 50A. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a main portion of the crimp connector 1A according to the first modification of the present invention, showing a state in which the connector 1A is crimped as seen from the joint holding portion 44a side.

Referring to Figures 16 and 17, in the first modification, the housing 3A of the crimp connector 1A has a first rigidity reducing portion 81A. The first rigidity reducing portion 81A has a first space forming portion 84 and a low rigidity member 89 disposed in the first space forming portion 84.

In the present modification, the housing 3A has a low rigidity member 89 and Shell body 90.

The case body 90 has the same configuration as the case 3 of the first embodiment. The material of the case body 90, that is, the synthetic resin, is the base material of the case 3A. The low rigidity member 89 is held by the case body 90. The low rigidity member 89 is configured to bury the first slit 85 of the case body 90. In the present modification, the material of the low rigidity member 89 is rubber and is elastically deformable. The rigidity of the material of the low rigidity member 89 is set lower than the rigidity of the material of the case body 90. In other words, the elasticity of the material of the low rigidity member 89 is set higher than the elasticity of the material of the case body 90. That is, the first rigidity reducing portion 81A is formed using a material having a higher elasticity than the base material of the casing 3A.

With the crimp connector 1A described above, the low rigidity member 89 can bury at least a portion of the first slit 85 between the second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably suppress foreign matter such as dust from entering the inside of the casing 3A from the outside of the casing 3A.

[Second Modification]

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the crimp connector 1B according to the second modification of the present invention, showing a state in which the crimp connector 1B is viewed from the side of the electric wire holder 50. Fig. 19 is a side view showing a crimp connector 1B according to a second modification of the present invention.

Referring to Figs. 18 and 19, in the present modification, the casing 3B of the crimp connector 1B has stopper portions 91, 92.

The stoppers 91 and 92 are provided to limit the displacement amounts of the first wire holding pieces 605 and 705 disposed at both end portions of the wire holding body 50 arranged in the array direction E1. The first wire holding pieces 605 and 705 are examples of the "end wire holding piece" of the present invention.

The stopper portion 91 is formed in a small piece shape extending from the third wall portion 48 in one of the longitudinal directions X1, and is disposed adjacent to the first electric wire holding piece 605. The stopper portion 92 is formed in a small piece shape extending from the fourth wall portion 49 to one of the longitudinal directions X1, and is disposed adjacent to the first electric wire holding piece 705.

In a free state in which the external force does not act on the crimp connector 1B, a space K11 is provided between the first wire holding piece 605 and the stopper portion 91 in the array direction E1. The interval K11 is preferably set to be about the same as about half of the width of the first slit 85 of the arrangement direction E1. Similarly, in the free state, a space K12 is provided between the first wire holding piece 705 and the stopper portion 92 in the arrangement direction E1. The interval K12 is preferably set to be about the same as about half of the width of the first slit 85 of the arrangement direction E1. With such a configuration, when the covered electric wires 101a and 101b are inserted into the electric wire holding grooves 604 and 704, the amount of displacement of the front end portions of the respective electric wire holding pieces 605 and 607; 705 and 707 in the arrangement direction E1 can be limited to Roughly the same.

Further, when the covered electric wires 101a and 101b are inserted into the electric wire holding grooves 604 and 704, the stopper portions 91 and 92 may be disposed to receive the corresponding first electric wire holding pieces 605 and 705, or may be disposed so as not to be subjected to corresponding The first wire retains the sheets 605, 705.

With this configuration, for example, when a large force such as a contact with the first wire holding pieces 605, 705 during the handling of the crimp connector 1B acts on the first wire holding pieces 605, 705, the first wire holding piece The excessive displacement of the 605 and 705 is limited by the moving portions 91 and 92. Therefore, plastic deformation, breakage, and the like of the first electric wire holding pieces 605, 705 can be suppressed.

[Other variants]

(1) In the above embodiment and each modification, two electric powers are provided The form of the wire holding portion has been described as an example. However, this form may not be the case. For example, as shown in Fig. 20, a wire holding body 50C having three or more wire holding portions 600, 700, and 800 may be provided. In this case, the electric wire holding portions 600 and 700 at both end portions of the electric wire holder 50C in the array direction E1 have the same structure as the electric wire holding portions 600 and 700 of the first embodiment. Further, the wire holding portion 800 is disposed between the wire holding portions 600 and 700. The wire holding portion 800 has second bodies 603, 703. The second electric wire holding pieces 607, 707 of the electric wire holding portion 800 are adjacent to the corresponding electric wire holding portions 600, 700, 800 via the first slits 85.

(2) Further, in the above-described embodiment and each modification, the configuration in which the second rigidity reducing portion and the third rigidity reducing portion are provided in the casing of the crimp connector has been described as an example. However, this form may not be the case. For example, at least one of the second rigidity reduction portion and the third rigidity reduction portion may be omitted. Even in this case, the flexibility of the second electric wire holding piece can be sufficiently ensured by providing the first rigidity reducing portion.

(3) Further, in the above-described embodiment and each modification, the first slit is opened in the opposite direction as an example. However, this form may not be the case. For example, the first slit may not open in the opposite direction.

(4) In the above-described embodiment and each modification, the core wire portion of the covered electric wire and the plate-shaped object side joint are exemplified as the first conductive member and the second conductive member that are connected to the crimp joint. However, this form may not be the case. The first conductive member and the second conductive member may be both core portions. In addition, for example, a circuit can also be used. Other conductive members such as a substrate, an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable), and an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) are used as one conductive member.

(5) Further, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, various configurations of the crimp connector have been described. However, the housing of the crimp connector of the present invention may have at least two electric wire holding portions adjacent in the arrangement direction, and the other configuration is not limited.

[Industrial availability]

The present invention is widely applicable as a crimp connector and a housing using the crimp connector.

Claims (11)

A crimp connector is connected to a plurality of covered electric wires each having a structure in which a core portion is covered with a covering portion, and is characterized in that: a plurality of joints are provided, and the plurality of the covered electric wires are respectively The covered electric wire is provided correspondingly for cutting the covering portion and contacting the core portion; and the casing holding the plurality of joints; the casing having a plurality of covered wires corresponding to the plurality of covered electric wires And a plurality of electric wire holding portions for holding the corresponding covered electric wires, wherein the plurality of electric wire holding portions are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction in which the plurality of covered electric wires are arranged, and each of the electric wire holding portions has an opposite arrangement Forming a pair of wire holding pieces for receiving the wire holding grooves of the covered electric wires, wherein the casing has a rigidity reducing portion that is disposed adjacent to the two wire holding portions adjacent to the array direction Two predetermined wires in the direction of alignment are held between the sheets. The crimp connector of claim 1, wherein each of the wire holding portions has a projection protruding from the wire holding piece toward the wire holding groove. The crimp connector of claim 2, wherein the protruding portion and the rigidity reducing portion are arranged in the array direction. The crimp connector of claim 1, wherein the rigidity reducing portion has a space forming portion formed between two predetermined wire holding pieces. The crimp connector of claim 4, wherein the wire retaining groove is configured to be oriented in a predetermined insertion direction as a direction in which the sheath wire is inserted. The reverse direction is open, and the covered electric wire that is displaced along the insertion direction is received, and the space formed by the space forming portion is opened in the opposite direction. The crimp connector of claim 1, wherein the rigidity reduction portion is formed using a material having a elasticity more than that of the housing base material. The crimp connector of claim 1, wherein the length of the wire holding groove is set to be larger than a length of the rigidity reducing portion in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and parallel to a direction in which the wire holding groove extends. The crimp connector of claim 1, wherein the housing has a partition disposed between the two joints adjacent to the array direction, and a second rigidity reduction portion formed adjacent to the foregoing The aforementioned wire holding piece of the partition is interposed between the aforementioned partition. The crimp connector of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of wire holding portions have end wire holding pieces disposed at ends of the plurality of wire holding portions in the arrangement direction, the housing having a wall portion disposed adjacent to the end wire holding piece; and a third rigidity reducing portion disposed between the end wire holding piece and the wall portion. The crimp connector of claim 9, wherein the housing has a stopper portion disposed adjacent to the end wire holding piece, and the stopper portion is configured to restrict the end portion of the arrangement direction The wire retains the amount of deformation of the sheet. A housing for use in a crimp connector that contacts the aforementioned covering portion of a plurality of covered wires each having a configuration in which a core portion is covered with a covering portion The core portion exposed by the covering portion is characterized by having a plurality of electric wire holding portions provided corresponding to the respective coated electric wires of the plurality of covered electric wires and holding the corresponding covered electric wires, and the plurality of electric wires The holding portions are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction in which the plurality of covered electric wires are arranged, and each of the electric wire holding portions has a pair of electric wire holding pieces that are arranged to face the electric wire holding grooves that receive the covered electric wires, and the housing has rigidity. The reducing portion is disposed between the two predetermined electric wire holding pieces adjacent to the arrangement direction in the two electric wire holding portions adjacent to the arrangement direction.