Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
  • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
  • H01R4/2416—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
  • H01R4/242—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members being plates having a single slot
  • H01R4/2425—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates
  • H01R4/2429—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base
  • H01R4/2433—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base one part of the base being movable to push the cable into the slot
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
  • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
  • H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
  • H01R12/65—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal
  • H01R12/67—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals
  • H01R12/675—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals with contacts having at least a slotted plate for penetration of cable insulation, e.g. insulation displacement contacts for round conductor flat cables

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a connector that allows a branch cable to be branched from a trunk cable.
• Connectors are conventionally used in bus wiring to allow a branch cable to be branched from a trunk cable.
• the connectors are provided at branch positions of the branch cable and the trunk cable that is connected to the main unit and the trunk cable and the branch cable are electrically connected.
• Patent Document 1 , Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 describe connection of cables between a control unit and a plurality of input/output devices in factory automation (FA) to allow transmission of signals between the control unit and the plurality of input/output devices via the cables, and a parallel multicore cable interconnecting connector for electrically connecting parallel multicore trunk cable and parallel multicore branch cable.
• FA factory automation
• Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H8-222291
• Patent Document 2 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H7- 18357
• Patent Document 3 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-35554
• the inventors found the following issues. Specifically, in the case that the connector is to be used in a small device or the like, the trunk cable and branch cable naturally become thinner as a size of the connector is reduced. When cables become thinner, a contact area between the connection terminals and cable is reduced and there is a risk that the connections between the connection terminals and cables will be unreliable and cause contact faults to occur. To prevent such contact faults, it is necessary to accurately press the cables onto the contact terminals. In the factory automation and the like mentioned above, there is no need to consider this type of problem in the case that connectors are used with cables having a certain thickness, and such problems have not been considered in connectors of the prior art.
• a connector according to the present invention includes: a first holding portion that is formed from two members including an upper portion and a lower portion and holds a first cable including at least one first covered lead wire so that the first cable extends from two ends of the first holding portion and a periphery of the first cable is surrounded; a second holding portion that includes an upper portion and a lower portion and holds at least one second covered lead so that the at least one second covered lead extends from at least one end of the second holding portion and a periphery of the second covered lead is surrounded; a body portion that couples the first holding portion and the second holding portion and includes a predetermined number of terminals for: connecting to at least one conductor of the at least one first covered lead LI via at least one first aperture portion provided in the lower portion of the first holding portion, and connecting to at least one conductor of at least one second covered lead via the
• the first holding portion includes a bottom cover provided on a first side of the first cable and a bottom sub-cover provided on a second side of the first cable and having formed therein the first aperture portions in which the terminals will be inserted, wherein the first side and the second side of the first cable are holdable between the bottom cover and the bottom sub-cover; and the second holding portion includes: a top cover provided on a first side of the second covered lead wire and a top sub-cover provided on a second side of the second covered lead wire and having formed therein the second aperture portions in which the terminals will be inserted, wherein the second covered wire lead is holdable from the first side and the second side between the top cover and the top sub-cover.
• the first covered lead wire and the second covered lead wire are held by the first holding portion and the second holding portion having the upper and lower portions and the first covered lead wire and the terminals are connected via the first aperture portion provided in the lower portion of the first holding portion and the second covered lead wire and the terminals are connected via the second aperture provided in the upper portion of the second holding portion.
• the connector includes the first holding portion that holds a trunk cable, the second holding portion that holds the second covered lead wire, and the body portion that couples the first and second holding portions in a vertical direction.
• the connector can be assembled by arranging the first holding portion, the body portion, and the second holding portion in that order and applying a force in the vertical direction.
• the trunk cable and a branch cable are electrically connected by arranging respective parts and pressing in the vertical direction.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 1.
• FIGS. 4a-4b are perspective views illustrating a first holding portion.
• FIGS. 5a-5b are perspective views illustrating a bottom cover that constructs the first holding portion.
• FIGS. 6a-6b are perspective views illustrating a bottom sub-cover that constructs the first holding portion.
• FIGS. 7a-7b are perspective views illustrating a second holding portion.
• FIGS. 8a-8b are perspective views illustrating a top cover that constructs the second holding portion.
• FIGS. 9a-9b are perspective views illustrating a top sub cover that constructs the second holding portion.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a body portion.
• FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view through a-a (FIG. 1) illustrating a state prior to the coupling of the first holding portion and the second holding portion in the body portion.
• FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view through a-a (FIG. 1) illustrating a state after coupling of the first holding portion and the second holding portion with the body portion.
• FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a use of the connector.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective illustrating a use of the connector.
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a connector according to a second embodiment.
• FIGS. 16a- 16b are perspective views illustrating a second holding portion.
• FIGS. 17a- 17b are perspective views illustrating a top cover that constructs the second holding portion illustrated in FIGS. 16a- 16b.
• FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to a third embodiment.
• FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 18.
• FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state prior to coupling a first holding portion and a second holding portion in a body portion.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according the first embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector illustrated in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 1.
• the X direction is the width direction (right-left direction)
• the Y direction is the length direction (front- back direction)
• the Z direction is the height direction (vertical direction).
• a connector 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 is a component that electrically connects a trunk cable LI (first cable) and a branch cable L2 that branches from the trunk cable LI .
• the connector 1 is a wiring means to allow the branch cable L2 to be branched from the trunk cable LI that is, for example, connected to a control unit to enable signals to be transmitted or the like between the control unit and an address unit (input/output unit) connected to the branch cable L2.
• the connector 1 is used in a small electrical device. More specifically, the connector 1 is used in branch wiring in electronic devices including office automation devices such as printers and FAX machines, inside of electronic devices such as vending machines, medical devices, and domestic electrical appliances, in sensor networks, air conditioning control, or vehicle sensor systems.
• the connector 1 includes a first holding portion 2 that holds the trunk cable LI, a second holding portion 3 that holds the branch cable L2 and a body portion 4 that electrically connects the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 and couples the first holding portion 2 and the second holding portion 3.
• Approximate external dimensions of the connector 1 in the state illustrated in FIG. 1 in which the first holding portion 2 and the second holding portion 3 are coupled by the body portion 4 may, for example, be: length 9.4 mm, width 1 1.4 mm and height 7.3 mm.
• any of various resins may be used, including polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, denaturated polyphenyleneether, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, syndiotactic polystyrene, acrystalline polyarylate, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyphenylenesulfide, polyetheretherketone, polyamide, polyether imide, fluorocarbon polymer, and liquid crystal polymer.
• the connector may be formed from a transparent material (including opalescent transparency, colored transparency, or the like).
• trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 are parallel multicore cables constructed to include a plurality of covered lead wires (first covered lead wire and second covered lead wire) and arranged with the plurality of covered lead wires in a single integrated body separated by insulating covers.
• the external diameter of the covered lead wires is, for example, approximately ⁇ 0.8 to 1.4 mm.
• FIGS. 4a-4b are perspective views illustrating a first holding portion.
• FIGS. 5a-5b are perspective views illustrating a bottom cover that constructs the first holding portion.
• FIGS. 6a-6b are perspective views illustrating a bottom sub-cover that constructs the first holding portion.
• the first holding portion 2 is constructed from a bottom cover 20 and a bottom sub-cover 21.
• the bottom cover 20 includes a rectangular base portion 23 and a pair of sidewall portions 24a and 24b vertically provided at two edges of the base portion 23.
• the base portion 23 includes a flat first surface 23 a and a second surface 23b on an opposite side to the first surface 23 a.
• a plurality (here, four) of guide grooves 25 is provided on the second surface 23b side.
• the guide grooves 25 have a semicircular cross-sectional profile, extend along a length direction of the base portion 23, and are disposed in parallel over the width direction (parallel to the opposing directions of the pair of sidewall portions 24a and 24b) of the base portion 23. In other words, the guide grooves 25 are formed from one length direction edge of the base portion 23 to the other. The guide grooves 25 are formed to correspond in number and external form with the covered lead wires of the trunk cable LI .
• insertion holes 26 are provided penetrating the base portion 23 in a thickness direction.
• a plurality (here, four) of insertion holes 26 is provided in the base portion 23 in proximity to corners of the base portion 23.
• the insertion holes 26 are arranged with the guide grooves 25 therebetween and at opposing positions in the length direction of the base portion 23.
• the base portion 23 is provided with a plurality (here, four) of concave portions 27.
• the concave portions 27 have a rectangular form when seen in plan view and are arranged in staggered form.
• the concave portions 27 receive tip portions of connection terminals 63 described later.
• the sidewall portions 24a and 24b are provided along the length direction of the base portion 23 at the two width direction edges of the base portion 23.
• a height of the sidewall portions 24a and 24b is substantially the same as a thickness of a base portion 30 of the bottom sub-cover 21 described later.
• grooves 28a and 28b are respectively provided along the height direction.
• a depth of the grooves 28a and 28b is substantially the same as the thickness of the sidewall portions 24a and 24b.
• gaps are formed at central portions of the sidewall portions 24a and 24b.
• engaging catches 29a and 29b are provided on the sidewall portions 24a and 24b at respective leading edges of the height direction.
• the engaging catches 29a and 29b protrude from external surfaces of the sidewalls 24a and 24b and are arranged to be separated by the grooves 28a and 28b.
• the engaging catches 29a and 29b have a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile and include a sloping face that tapers toward the leading edge of the sidewall portions 24a and 24b.
• the engaging catches 29a and 29b engage with catch receiving portions 65a and 65b of the body portion 4 described later.
• the bottom sub-cover 21 is formed from the rectangular base portion 30 and a plurality (here, four) of protrusions 31 vertically provided on the base portion 30.
• the base portion 30 includes a flat first surface 30a and a second surface 30b on an opposite side to the first surface 30a.
• a plurality (here, four) of guide grooves 32 is provided in the second surface 30b.
• the guide grooves 32 have a similar construction to the guide grooves 25 formed in the base portion 23 of the bottom cover 20.
• the guide grooves 32 have a semicircular cross-sectional profile, extend along a length direction of the base portion 30, and are disposed in parallel over the width direction of the base portion. In other words, the guide grooves 32 are formed from one length direction edge of the base portion 30 to the other.
• the base portion 30 is formed a plurality (here, four) of aperture portions (first aperture portions) 33 in which the connection terminals 63 provided on the body portion 4 will be inserted.
• the aperture portions 33 have a rectangular form and are arranged in staggered form in the base portion 30.
• the two aperture portion 33 groups in parallel straight lines along the width direction of the base portion 30 are arranged in front and back positions in the length direction of the base portion 30.
• the front aperture portion 33 group is arranged toward one width direction edge of the base portion 30 and the back aperture portion 33 group is arranged toward the other width direction edge of the base portion 30.
• the protrusions 31 have a circular profile and are arranged in positions corresponding to the insertion holes 26 of the bottom cover 20.
• the protrusions 31 are arranged in proximity to corners of the base portion 30.
• the protrusions 31 are arranged with the guide grooves 32 therebetween and at opposing positions in the length direction of the base portion 30.
• the tips of the protrusions 31 are tapered so as to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the insertion holes 26.
• the diameter of the protrusions 31 at the base side is approximately 20% larger than the diameter of the insertion holes 26 of the bottom cover 2. This allows the protrusions 31 of the bottom cover 21 to be pressed into the insertion holes 26 of the bottom cover 20.
• the first holding portion 2 constructed from the bottom cover 20 and the bottom sub-cover 21 are constructed to enable sandwiching of the trunk cable LI .
• the trunk cable LI is arranged with a lower side (second side) on the bottom cover 20 and an upper side (first side) on the bottom sub-cover 21.
• the trunk cable LI is then vertically sandwiched by the bottom cover 20 and the bottom sub-cover 21 with the protrusions 31 of the bottom sub-cover 21 pressed into the insertion holes 26 of the bottom cover 20.
• the trunk cable LI is held by the guide grooves 25 of the bottom cover 20 and the guide grooves 32 of the bottom sub-cover 21, and the trunk cable LI is held sandwiched by first holding portion 2.
• the trunk cable LI extends from two length direction edges of the first holding portion 2. Moreover, edge surfaces of the sidewall portions 24a and 24b of the bottom cover 20 are in substantially a same plane as the first surface 30a of the base portion 30 of the bottom sub-cover 21.
• the trunk cable LI held in the first holding portion 2 is restricted in width direction movement and has an alignment thereof (pitch) that is adjusted by the guide grooves 25 and 32. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 4a-4b, the first holding portion 2 is slidable by moving the guide grooves 25 and 32 along the trunk cable LI . Hence, the first holding portion 2 and the trunk cable LI are mutually movable (relative position is changeable) in an extension direction of the trunk cable LI .
• the second holding portion 3 is described with reference to FIGS. 7a through 9b.
• FIGS. 7a- 7b are perspective views illustrating the second holding portion.
• FIGS. 8a-8b are perspective views illustrating a top cover that constructs the second holding portion.
• FIGS. 9a-9b are perspective views illustrating a top sub-cover that constructs the second holding portion.
• the second holding portion 3 is constructed from a top cover 40 and a top sub-cover 41.
• the top cover 40 includes a rectangular base portion 43 and sidewall portions 44a, 44b, and 44c vertically provided on the base portion 43.
• the base portion 43 includes a flat first surface 43 a and a second surface 43b on an opposite side to the first surface 43 a.
• a plurality (here, four) of guide grooves 45 is provided on the second surface 43b side.
• the guide grooves 45 have a semicircular cross-sectional profile, extend along a length direction of the base portion 43, and are disposed in parallel over the width direction (parallel to the facing directions of the pair of sidewall portions 44a and 44b) of the base portion 43.
• the guide grooves 45 are formed to correspond in number and external form with the covered lead wires of the branch cable L2.
• insertion holes 46 are provided penetrating the base portion 43 in a thickness direction.
• a plurality (here, four) of insertion holes 46 is provided in the base portion 43 in proximity to corners of the base portion 43.
• the insertion holes 46 are arranged with the guide grooves 45 therebetween and at opposing positions in the length direction of the base portion 43.
• the base portion 43 is provided with a plurality (here, four) of concave portions 47.
• the concave portions 47 have a rectangular form when seen in plan view and are arranged in staggered form.
• the concave portions 47 receive tip portions of connection terminals 63 described later.
• the sidewall portions 44a and 44b are provided along the length direction of the base portion 43 at the two width direction edges of the base portion 43.
• the sidewall portion 44c is provided along the width direction of the base portion 43 at length direction edge of the base portion 43, and is separated by a gap from the sidewall portions 44a and 44b. Further, a rectangular through hole 48 is provided between the sidewall portion 44c and one end of the guide grooves 45.
• a height of the sidewall portions 44a, 44b, and 44c is substantially the same as a thickness of a base portion 51 of the top sub-cover 41 described later.
• grooves 49a and 49b are respectively provided along the height direction.
• a depth of the grooves 49a and 49b is substantially the same as the thickness of the sidewall portions 44a and 44b.
• gaps are formed at central portions of the sidewall portions 44a and 44b.
• engaging catches 50a and 50b are provided on the sidewall portions 44a and 44b at respective leading edges of the height direction. The engaging catches 50a and 50b protrude from external surfaces of the sidewalls 44a and 44b, and are arranged to sandwich the grooves 49a and 49b, and are separated by a gap that is larger than the gap between the engaging catches 29a and 29b of the bottom cover 20.
• the engaging catches 50a and 50b have a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile and include a sloping face that tapers toward the leading edge of the sidewall portions 44a and 44b.
• the engaging catches 50a and 50b engage with catch receiving portions 67a and 67b of the body portion 4 described later.
• the top sub-cover 41 is formed from the rectangular base portion 51 and a plurality (here, four) of protrusions 52 vertically provided on the base portion 51.
• the base portion 51 includes a flat first surface 51a and a second surface 51b on an opposite side to the first surface 51a.
• a plurality (here, four) of guide grooves 53 is provided on the second surface 51b side.
• the guide grooves 53 have a similar construction to the guide grooves 45 formed in the base portion 43 of the top cover 40.
• the guide grooves 53 have a semicircular cross-sectional profile, extend along a length direction of the base portion 51 , and are disposed in parallel over the width direction. In other words, the guide grooves 53 are formed from one length direction edge of the base portion 51 to the other.
• the base portion 51 is formed a plurality (here, four) of aperture portions (second aperture portions) 54 in which the connection terminals 63 provided on the body portion 4 will be inserted.
• the aperture portions 54 have a rectangular form and are arranged in staggered form in the base portion 51.
• two aperture portion 54 groups on parallel straight lines along the width direction of the base portion 51 are arranged in front and back positions in the length direction of the base portion 54.
• the front aperture portion 54 group is arranged toward one width direction edge of the base portion 51 and the back aperture portion 54 group is arranged toward the other width direction edge of the base portion 51.
• positions of the aperture portions 54 of the top sub-cover 41 are the same as positions of the aperture portions 33 of the bottom sub-cover 21 in a state in which the first surface 51 a of the base portion 51 of the top sub-cover 41 is arranged to be opposite the first surface 30a of the base portion 30 of the bottom sub-cover 21.
• the protrusions 52 have a circular profile and are arranged in positions corresponding to the insertion holes 46 of the top cover 40.
• the protrusions 52 are arranged in proximity to corners of the base portion 51.
• the protrusions 52 are arranged with the guide grooves 53 therebetween and at opposing positions in the length direction of the base portion 51.
• the tips of the protrusions 52 are tapered so as to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the insertion holes 46.
• the diameter of the protrusions 52 at the base side is approximately 20% larger than the diameter of the insertion holes 46 of the bottom cover 20. This allows the protrusions 52 of the top sub-cover 41 to be pressed into the insertion holes 46 of the top cover 40.
• the second holding portion 3 constructed from the top cover 40 and the top sub-cover 41 are constructed to enable sandwiching of the branch cable L2.
• the branch cable L2 is arranged with lower sides on the top sub-cover 41 and upper sides on the top cover 40.
• the branch cable L2 is then vertically sandwiched by the top cover 40 and the top sub-cover 41 with the protrusions 52 of the top sub-cover 41 pressed into the insertion holes 46 of the top cover 40.
• the branch cable L2 is held by the guide grooves 45 of the top cover 40 and the guide grooves 53 of the top sub-cover 41, and the branch cable L2 is held sandwiched by the second holding portion 3. Since in this state, as illustrated in FIGS.
• branch cable L2 contacts the sidewall portion 44c of the top cover 40, the branch cable L2 extends from one end of the second holding portion 3.
• the branch cable L2 held in the second holding portion 3 is restricted in width direction movement and has an alignment thereof (pitch) that is adjusted by the guide grooves 45 and 53.
• edge surfaces of the sidewall portions 44a and 44b of the top cover 40 are in substantially the same plane as the first surface 51 a of the base portion 51 of the top sub-cover 41.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the body portion.
• the body portion 4 includes a plate-like coupling portion 60, first sidewall portions 61a and 61b and second sidewall portions 62a and 62b.
• a length of the coupling portion 60 is substantially the same as the lengths of the base portion 23 of the bottom sub-cover 21 and the base portion 51 of the top sub-cover 41.
• the coupling portion 60 includes a flat first surface 60a and a second surface 60b on an opposite side to the first surface 60a.
• the plate-like connection terminals 63 are provided on the coupling portion 60.
• the connection terminals 63 are provided penetrating the body portion 4 in a thickness direction, and protruding outward from the first surface 60a and the second surface 60b.
• connection terminals 63 are formed form a conducting member such as a metal and have a fork-shape formed with a slit 63a at both height direction ends.
• the connecting terminals 63 are arranged in staggered form on the coupling portion 60.
• two connection terminal groups on parallel straight lines along a width direction of the coupling portion 60 are arranged in front and back positions in the length direction of the coupling portions 60.
• the front connection terminal 63 group is arranged toward one width direction edge of the coupling portion 60 and the back connection terminal 63 group is arranged toward the other width direction edge of the coupling portion 60.
• the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 are inserted (pressed into) the slits 63a of the connection terminals 63, and the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 are electrically connected at the connection terminals 63.
• the connection terminals 63 cut the covers of the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2, reaching the conductor of the covered lead wires of the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 and making an electrical connection.
• the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b are vertically provided at the two width direction edges of the first surface 60a.
• a height of the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b is substantially the same as the height of the bottom cover 20 and a length of the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b is substantially the same as the length of the coupling portion 60.
• Dimensions of the gap between the pair of first sidewall portions 61a and 61b is substantially the same as a width of the bottom cover 20 of the first holding portion 2.
• a first accommodating space SI for accommodating the first holding portion 2 is formed by the first surface 60a and the pair of first sidewall portions 61a and 61b.
• Guide portions 64a and 64b are provided at respective central portions of the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b.
• the guide portions 64a and 64b are plate-like members protruding inward from inner surfaces of the first sidewall portion 61a and 61b and are provided along a height direction of the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b.
• the guide portions 64a and 64b are inserted into the grooves 28a and 28b of the bottom cover 20.
• the catch receiving portions 65a and 65b are provided on the inner surfaces of the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b.
• the catch receiving portions 65a and 65b are arranged at positions corresponding to the engagement catches 29a and 29b of the bottom cover 20, which is to say separated by the guide portions 64a and 64b.
• the catch receiving portions 65a and 65b engage with the engaging catches 29a and 29b of the bottom cover 20 and limit movement of the bottom cover 20 (first holding portion 2) in the vertical direction.
• the catch receiving portions 65a and 65b and the engaging catches 29a and 29b form a latch mechanism.
• Second sidewall portions 62a and 62b are vertically provided at the two width direction edges of the second surface 60b.
• a height of the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b is substantially the same as the height of the top cover 40 and a length of the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b is substantially the same as the length of the coupling portion.
• the dimensions of the gap between the pair of second sidewall portions 62a and 62b is substantially the same as a width of the top cover 40 of the second holding portion 3.
• a second accommodating space S2 that accommodates second holding portion 3 is formed by the second surface 60b and the pair of second sidewall portions 62a and 62b.
• the edge surfaces of the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b are in substantially the same plane as the first surface 43a of the top cover 40.
• the central portion of the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b is provided in the guide portions 66a and 66b.
• the guide portions 66a and 66b are plate-like members that protrude inward from inner surfaces of the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b and are provided along a height direction of the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b.
• the guide portions 66a and 66b are inserted into the grooves 49a and 49b of the top cover 40.
• the catch receiving portions 67a and 67b are provided on the inner surfaces of the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b.
• the catch receiving portions 67a and 67b are arranged at positions corresponding to the engaging catches 50a and 50b of the top cover 40, which is to say arranged to sandwich the guide portions 66a and 66b and separated by a gap that is larger than the gap between the catch receiving portions 65a and 65b.
• the catch receiving portions 67a and 67b engage with the engaging catches 50a and 50b of the bottom cover 20 and restrict vertical movement of the top cover 40 (second holding portion 3).
• the catch receiving portions 67a and 67b and the engaging catches 50a and 50b form a latch mechanism.
• the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b are formed to be thicker than the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b and protrude farther in the width direction than the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b. Hence, a step is formed between the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b and the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b. As a result, strength in the body portion 4 is secured.
• the step also functions as a mechanism to prevent wiring mistakes by ensuring that the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b are coupled on the trunk cable LI side and the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b are coupled on the branch cable L2 side.
• FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view through a-a (FIG. 1) illustrating a state prior to coupling of the first holding portion and the second holding portion in the body portion. More specifically, FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view along a front surface of the two connection terminals 63 positioned to the front in coupling portion 60 of the body portion 4.
• FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view through a-a (FIG. 1) illustrating a state after coupling of the first holding portion and the second holding portion with the body portion.
• the first holding portion 2 is first attached to the trunk cable LI as illustrated in FIGS. 4a-4b. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 7a-7b, the second holding portion 3 is fitted to the branch cable L2. The body portion 4 is then arranged between the first holding portion 2 and the second holding portion 3.
• the first surface 60a of the coupling portion 60 and the first surface 23a of the bottom sub-cover 21 are arranged in opposition to each other, and the second surface 60a of the coupling portion 60 and the first surface 43 a of the top sub-cover 41 are arranged in opposition to each other.
• a force is applied from above or below the first holding portion 2 and the second holding portion 3 to press the first holding portion 2 into the first accommodating space S 1 and to press the second holding portion 3 into the second accommodating space S2.
• forces may be also applied in the vertical direction to sandwich the first holding portion 2 and the second holding portion 3 together with the body portion 4.
• the bottom ends of the connection terminals 63 are inserted through the aperture portions 33 of the bottom sub-cover 21 and the top ends of the connection terminals 63 are inserted through the aperture portions 54 of the top sub-cover 41.
• the assembly method of the connector 1 may be a method of the following type.
• the bottom cover 20, the trunk cable LI, the bottom sub-cover 21, the body portion 4, the top sub-cover 41, the branch cable L2, and the top cover 40 are arranged in the stated order and a force is applied from above or below or in the vertical direction.
• the first holding portion 2 is formed by the bottom cover 20 and the bottom sub-cover 21 to hold the trunk cable LI
• the second holding portion 3 is formed by the top cover 40 and the top sub-cover 41 to hold the branch cable L2.
• the first holding portion 2 is pressed into the first accommodating space S 1 and the second holding portion 3 is pressed into the second accommodating space S2.
• the bottom ends of the connection terminals 63 are inserted through the aperture portions 33 of the bottom sub-cover 21 and the top ends of the connection terminals 63 are inserted through the aperture portions 54 of the top sub-cover 41.
• the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 are then pressed into the slits 63 a of the connection terminals 63 to electrically connect the connection terminals 63 to the conductors of the covered lead wires of the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2, thereby electrically connecting the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 using the connectors 63.
• the guide portions 64a and 64b of the first sidewall portions 61a and 61b are inserted into the grooves 28a and 28b of the bottom cover 20, and the guide portions 66a and 66b of the second sidewall portions 62a and 62b are inserted into the grooves 49a and 49b of the top cover 40.
• the forward and backward movement of the first holding portion 2 and the second holding portion 3 is restricted in the body portion 4.
• tensile strength in the forward and backward direction is secured by the guide portions 64a and 64b and the guide portions 66a and 66b.
• the connector 1 includes the first holding portion 2 that holds the trunk cable LI by sandwiching it in the vertical direction, the second holding portion 3 that holds the branch cable L2 by sandwiching it in the vertical direction, and the body portion 4 that couples the first holding portion 2 and the second holding portion 3 in the vertical direction.
• the connector 1 can be assembled by arranging the first holding portion 2, the body portion 4, and the second holding portion 3 in that order and applying a force in the vertical direction.
• the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 can be electrically connected by simply arranging the parts and pressing them together in the vertical direction.
• assembly is simplified and operability when assembling on site is improved.
• this effect is particularly marked in the case that wiring is being connected by a machine or like due to a shift to automation.
• the guide grooves 25 and 32 are also formed in the bottom cover 20 and the bottom sub-cover 21 that construct the first holding portion 2.
• the first holding portion 2 and the trunk cable LI are mutually movable in the extension direction of the trunk cable LI .
• a branching position can be decided by first attaching the second holding portion 2 to the trunk cable LI and causing the second holding portion 2 to move.
• the branching position of the branch cable L2 can be easily changed until the second holding portion 2 is coupled to the body portion 4.
• the branching position can be easily set in accordance with the length of the branch cable L2, excess length in the branch cable L2 can be shortened. Consequently, an improvement in wiring space efficiency can be easily realized.
• the first holding portion 2 that holds the trunk cable LI has the guide grooves 25 and 32 formed in the bottom cover 20 and the bottom sub-cover 21, and the second holding portion 3 that holds the branch cable L2 has the guide grooves 45 and 53 formed in the top cover 40 and the top sub-cover 41.
• Arranging the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 along the guide grooves 25, 32, 45, and 53 adjusts the alignment of the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2.
• position of the cables can be set precisely and, as a result, the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 can be accurately pressed into the connection terminals 63. Consequently with the connector 1, connection faults can be prevented even in the case of a miniaturized construction and narrow cables.
• the engagement positions of the engaging catches 29a and 29b of the first holding portion 2 and the catch receiving portions 65a and 65b of the body portion 4 differ from the engagement positions of the engaging catches 50a and 50b of the second holding portion 3 and catch receiving portions 67a and 67b of the body portion 4.
• the second holding portion 3 is mistakenly pressed into the first accommodating space S 1 of the body portion 4
• coupling will not take place.
• no coupling will take place if the first holding portion 2 is pressed into the second accommodating space S2 of the body portion 4.
• the size of the connection terminals in the connector 1 is reduced with miniaturization.
• connection terminals 63 the cross-sectional area and length of the connection terminals 63 is reduced.
• heat generated (cross-sectional area x length) when current flows can be reduced in comparison to connectors of the prior art.
• the connector 1 can support a large current and reduce losses.
• an H-branch configuration in which a plurality (here, two) of branch cables L2 and L3 is branched from the trunk cable LI may also be used.
• the branching positions of the branch cables L2 and L3 on the branch cable LI are set, and the first holding portions 2 are attached to the trunk cable LI accordingly.
• the first holding portion 2 and the body portion 4 are then coupled.
• the covered lead wires of the trunk cable 1 are pressed into the connection terminals 63, electrically connecting the trunk cable LI and the connection terminals 63.
• the second holding portion 3 that holds the branch cable L2 is coupled to one of the body portions 4, and the second holding portion 3 that holds the branch cable L3 is coupled to the other of the body portions 4.
• the conductors of the covered lead wires of the branch cables L2 and L3 are pressed into the connection terminals 63, thereby electrically connecting the conductors of the branch cables L2 and L3 to the connection terminals 63.
• the trunk cable LI is electrically connected to the branch cables L2 and L3.
• the attachment direction of the second holding portion 3 to the body portion 4 is not set to be a single direction.
• the aperture portions 54 formed in the top cover 41 are arranged for the connection terminals 63 to be inserted irrespective of the direction from which the body portion 4 is pressed.
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a connector according the second embodiment.
• FIGS. 16a- 16b are perspective views illustrating a second holding portion illustrated in FIG. 15.
• FIGS. 17a- 17b are perspective views illustrating a top cover that constructs the second holding portion illustrated in FIGS. 16a- 16b.
• a branch cable L2 extends from both ends of a second holding portion 3A.
• the second holding portion 3A has a top cover 40A that differs from the top cover 40 illustrated in FIGS. 8a-8b but is otherwise similar in construction to the second holding portion 3.
• the top cover 40A illustrated in FIGS. 17a- 17b differs from the top cover 40 illustrated in FIGS. 8a-8b in not having the sidewall 44c that is provided in the top cover 40.
• the top cover 40A includes the rectangular base portion 43, and the sidewall portions 44a and 44b vertically provided on the base portion 43.
• the branch cable L2 is vertically sandwiched by the top cover 40A and the top sub-cover 41 with the protrusions 52 of the top sub-cover 41 pressed into the insertion holes 46 of the top cover 40A.
• the branch cable L2 is held by the guide grooves 45 of the top cover 40A and the guide grooves 53 of the top sub-cover 41, and the trunk cable L2 is held sandwiched by the second holding portion 3A.
• connector 1A according to the second embodiment Similar effects to those of the aforementioned connector 1 can be obtained. Thus, connection faults can be prevented while realizing miniaturization.
• FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to the third embodiment.
• FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 18.
• FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state prior to coupling of the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a body portion.
• a connector IB according to the third embodiment differs from the connector 1 of the first embodiment in being provided with connection terminals 70 that differ from the connection terminals 63.
• a body portion 4B includes a plate-like coupling portion 60A, first sidewall portions 61a and 61b and second sidewall portions 62a and 62b.
• the coupling portion 60A includes a first surface 60Aa and a second surface 60Ab on an opposite side to the first surface 60Aa.
• the plate-like connection terminals 70 are provided on the coupling portion 60A.
• the connection terminals 70 are provided penetrating the body portion 4B in a thickness direction, and protruding outward from the first surface 60Aa and the second surface 60Ab.
• connection terminals 70 are formed from a conducting member such as a metal and have connection ends 70a and 70b.
• the connection terminals 70 are arranged in parallel over the width direction of the coupling portion 60A.
• the connection ends 70a and 70b have a triangular profile with a sharp portion.
• the connection ends 70a and 70b are provided in front or back direction portions of the connection terminals 70.
• a bottom sub-cover 2 IB is constructed from a rectangular base portion 3 OA and the plurality
• the base portion 30A is provided with the plurality (here, four) of guide grooves 32.
• a top sub-cover 4 IB is constructed from a rectangular base portion 51A and the plurality (here, four) of protrusions 52 vertically provided on the base portion 51 A.
• the base portion 51A is provided with the plurality (here, four) of guide grooves 53.
• the base portion 51A In the base portion 51A are formed a plurality (here, four) of aperture portions 54A in which the connection terminals 70 provided on the body portion 4A will be inserted.
• the aperture portions 54A have an extended rectangular form extending in a length direction of the base portion 51A and are arranged in parallel over the width direction of the base portion 51 A.
• connection ends 70a and 70b of the connection terminals 70 are inserted into the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2, thereby electrically connecting the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2.
• connection ends 70a and 70b of the connection terminals 70 cut the covers of the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2, and the connection terminals 63 reach the conductors of the covered lead wires of the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 and make an electrical connection.
• connection faults can be prevented while realizing miniaturization.
• the plate-like connector terminals 70A are provided along the length direction of the coupling portion 60A. Consequently, the connection terminals 70 can be arranged with a narrower pitch than the connection terminals 63, enabling further miniaturization of the connector IB.
• connection terminals 63 may be arranged along a straight line in the width direction on the coupling portion 60.
• the aperture portions 33 of the bottom sub-cover 21 and the aperture portions 54 of the top sub-cover 41 would be arranged accordingly.
• the insertion holes 26 and 46 are formed in the bottom cover 20 and the top cover 40 respectively and the protrusions 31 and 52 insertion holes 26 and 46 are formed in the bottom sub-cover 21 and the top sub-cover 41 respectively, protrusions may be formed in the bottom cover 20 and the top cover 40 respectively and insertion holes in the bottom sub- cover 21 and the top sub-cover 41 respectively.
• the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 included covered wire leads that were arranged in parallel and integrally covered
• the covered lead wires of the trunk cable LI and the branch cable L2 may be separate entities. Alternatively, there may be just one covered lead wire.
• Embodiment 1 is a connector comprising: a first holding portion that is formed from two members including an upper portion and a lower portion and holds a first cable including at least one first covered lead wire so the first cable extends from two ends of the first holding portion and a periphery of the first cable is surrounded; a second holding portion that is formed from two members including an upper portion and a lower portion and holds at least one second covered lead so that the at least one second covered lead extends from at least one end of the second holding portion and a periphery of the second covered lead is surrounded; and a body portion that couples the first holding portion and the second holding portion and includes a predetermined number of terminals for: connecting to at least one conductor of the at least one first covered lead via at least one first aperture portion provided in the lower portion of the first holding portion, and connecting to at least one conductor of the at least one second covered lead via at least one second aperture portion provided in the upper portion of the second holding portion.
• Embodiment 2 is the connector according to embodiment 1, wherein the first holding portion comprises: a bottom cover provided on a first side of the first cable and a bottom sub-cover provided on a second side of the first cable and having formed therein the first aperture portions in which the terminals will be inserted, wherein the first side and the second side of the first cable are holdable between the bottom cover and the bottom sub-cover; and the second holding portion comprises: a top cover provided on a first side of the second covered lead wire and a top sub-cover provided on a second side of the second covered lead wire and having formed therein the second aperture portions in which the terminals will be inserted, wherein the second covered wire lead is holdable from the first side and the second side between the top cover and the top sub-cover.
• Embodiment 3 is the connector according to embodiment 2, wherein the body portion comprises: a coupling portion that has a first surface and a second surface on an side opposite the second surface and the terminals protruding outward from the first surface and the second surface, wherein the bottom sub- cover of the first holding portion is provided so as to oppose the first surface of the coupling portion and with the terminals inserted into the first aperture portions to allow connection between the first cable and the terminals, and the top sub-cover of the second holding portion is provided so as to oppose the second surface of the coupling portion and with the terminals inserted into the second aperture portions to allow connection between a conductor of the second covered lead wire and the terminals.
• the body portion comprises: a coupling portion that has a first surface and a second surface on an side opposite the second surface and the terminals protruding outward from the first surface and the second surface, wherein the bottom sub- cover of the first holding portion is provided so as to oppose the first surface of the coupling portion and with the terminals inserted into the
• Embodiment 4 is the connector according to embodiment 2 or embodiment 3, wherein the bottom sub-cover is provided with a first protrusion protruding toward the bottom cover side or a first insertion hole, wherein the bottom cover has formed therein a second insertion hole at a position that corresponds to the first protrusion or a second protrusion protruding toward the bottom sub-cover side at a position that opposes the first insertion hole, the bottom cover and the bottom sub-cover are fixedly connectable to each other by the first protrusion being inserted into the second insertion hole or the second protrusion being inserted into the first protrusion hole, the top sub-cover has provided therein a third protrusion protruding toward the top cover side or a third insertion hole, the top cover has formed therein a fourth insertion hole at a position that corresponds to the third protrusion or a fourth protrusion protruding toward the top sub-cover side at a position corresponding to the third insertion hole, and the top cover and the top sub
• Embodiment 5 is the connector according to embodiment 3 and embodiment 4, wherein the body portion comprises: a pair of first sidewall portions provided on two edges of the first surface of the coupling portion and extending from the first surface, and a pair of second sidewall portions vertically provided on two edges of the second surface of the coupling portion and extending from the second surface, wherein, the first holding portion can be accommodated in a space formed by the first surface and the pair of first sidewall portions, and the second holding portion can be accommodated in a space formed by the second surface and the pair of second sidewall portions.
• Embodiment 6 is the connector according to embodiment 5, wherein: the pair of first sidewall portions have formed therein first guide portions protruding inward in opposing directions, the bottom cover has first grooves formed therein at positions corresponding to the first guide portions, the pair of second sidewall portions have formed therein second guide portions protruding inward in opposing directions, and the top cover has second grooves formed therein at positions corresponding to the second guide portions.
• Embodiment 7 is the connector according to embodiment 5 or embodiment 6, wherein the first sidewall portions and the second sidewall portions are each provided with an engagement portion that engages with the first holding portion and the second holding portion in an arrangement direction of the first holding portion and the second holding portion.
• Embodiment 8 is the connector of any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the first cable and the second covered lead wire are pressed into and connected to the terminals.

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• Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
• Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)

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• 2011
  • 2011-04-11 JP JP2011087706A patent/JP5868018B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2012
  • 2012-04-10 WO PCT/US2012/032851 patent/WO2012142011A1/en active Application Filing

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