Patent Publication Number: US-11031724-B2

Title: Stacked connector and wire harness

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a national phase of PCT application No. PCT/JP2017/009602, filed on 9 Mar. 2017, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a short circuit in a wire harness. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventionally, a joint connector is known as a means for forming a short circuit (also referred to as a splice circuit) for shorting a plurality of electric wires included in a wire harness or the like of an automobile. Such a joint connector is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. 
     The joint connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an insulating housing and a bus bar that is provided in the insulating housing and connects a plurality of male terminals. The insulating housing is provided with a plurality of terminal receiving chambers and one housing fitting portion. The terminal receiving chambers are each capable of receiving a first female terminal connected to an end portion of an electric wire. The housing fitting portion is capable of receiving a female connector provided with a plurality of terminal-equipped electric wires to which second female terminals are connected. The plurality of female terminals are shorted via the bus bar. 
     PRIOR ART DOCUMENT 
     Patent Document 
     Patent Document 1: JP 2014-049399A 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved 
     Here, in recent years, the number of splice circuits described above has been on the rise following an increase in the number of circuits in a vehicle. Thus, if the number of joint connectors is increased, accordingly, the installation space increases, and because there is a limit on space in the vehicle in which the wire harness can be arranged, there is a demand for a decrease in the space used for arrangement from the viewpoint of arrangement in the vehicle. It is conceivable to, as a means for realizing a decrease in the space used for arrangement, increase the number of poles in one joint connector and make them more concentrated. 
     On the other hand, from the viewpoint of manufacturing a wire harness, wire harnesses are more easy to manufacture when the connectors are dispersed during a manufacturing process, and thus dispersion is desired during the manufacturing process. 
     In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique by which a space in a vehicle where a wire harness including a plurality of splice circuits is arranged can be reduced, and good manufacturability at the time of manufacture can be achieved. 
     Means to Solve the Problem 
     In order to resolve the above-described issues, a stacked connector according to a first aspect is a stacked connector formed by joining a plurality of split connectors to each other, in which the split connectors each include a split connector housing provided with a plurality of terminal receiving chambers, and a plurality of terminal-equipped electric wires that each include a terminal received in the terminal receiving chamber, and an electric wire to which the terminal is connected, and at least one of the split connector housings is provided with a locking portion having a protruding shape that protrudes outward to be capable of locking the terminal-equipped electric wire received in the split connector housing of a joining counterpart. 
     A stacked connector according to a second aspect is the stacked connector according to the first aspect, in which the split connectors are stacked in three or more layers, and two surfaces of at least one of the split connector housings located at an intermediate position in a stacking direction are provided with the locking portions. 
     A stacked connector according to a third aspect is the stacked connector according to the first or second aspect, in which a pair of the split connectors that are adjacent to each other include a pair of split connectors that are provided with the locking portions that are capable of locking the terminal-equipped electric wires received in the counterpart split connector housing, and through holes for receiving the counterpart locking portions, the locking portions and the through holes being located in an alternating manner in a direction intersecting the stacking direction. 
     A wire harness according to a fourth aspect includes the stacked connector according to any one of the first to third aspects, and a joint connector that includes a joint terminal provided with a linking piece and a plurality of tab terminals protruding in parallel to each other from the linking piece, and a joint connector housing in which the joint terminal is housed and by which the joint terminal is supported, the joint connector being capable of being fitted to the stacked connector. 
     A wire harness according to a fifth aspect is the wire harness according to the fourth aspect, in which a plurality of the stacked connectors are connected to the one joint connector, and the split connector housing located in one surface layer of each of the plurality of stacked connectors is provided with erroneous fitting restricting ribs having different shapes. 
     A wire harness according to a sixth aspect is the wire harness according to the fifth aspect, in which the split connector housings located in layers other than the one surface layer of each of the plurality of stacked connectors are formed in the same shape. 
     A wire harness according to a seventh aspect is the wire harness according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, in which a plurality of the stacked connectors are connected side-by-side to the one joint connector from one side, and the joint connector housing is capable of receiving, in one receiving space, connector housings of a plurality of the stacked connectors to be connected to the joint connector housing from one side. 
     A wire harness according to an eighth aspect is the wire harness according to the seventh aspect, in which a plurality of the stacked connectors are connected to the one joint connector from one side, and a plurality of the stacked connectors are connected to the one joint connector from another side. 
     Effect of the Invention 
     According to the first to third aspects, as a result of having a split form, the connectors can be dispersed at the time of manufacture. Also, as a result of having a stacked form, the connectors can be concentrated at the time of arrangement in a vehicle. At this time, the locking portion is capable of locking the terminal-equipped electric wire received in a joining counterpart, and thus it is possible to reduce the size of the stacked connector. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a space in a vehicle in which a wire harness including a plurality of splice circuits is arranged and achieve good manufacturability at the time of manufacture. 
     In particular, according to the second aspect, even if split connector housings are stacked in three or more layers, terminal-equipped electric wires of each layer can be locked by the locking portions. 
     In particular, according to the third aspect, terminal-equipped electric wires of two counterpart split connectors can be locked by the locking portions. 
     According to the fourth to eighth aspects, as a result of the stacked connector having a split form, the connectors can be dispersed at the time of manufacture. Also, as a result of the stacked connector having a stacked form, the connectors can be concentrated at the time of arrangement in a vehicle. At this time, the locking portion is capable of locking the terminal-equipped electric wire received in a joining counterpart, and thus it is possible to reduce the size of the stacked connector. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a space in a vehicle in which a wire harness including a plurality of splice circuits is arranged and achieve good manufacturability at the time of manufacture. 
     In particular, according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to suppress erroneous fitting between the joint connector and the plurality of stacked connectors. 
     In particular, according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of types of components. 
     In particular, according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of connectors while making them more concentrated. At this time, the connector housings of the plurality of stacked connectors connected from one side are received in one receiving space. Thus, walls for partitioning the plurality of stacked connectors are omitted, and thus it is possible to reduce the external size of the joint connector housing. 
     In particular, according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of connectors while making connectors more concentrated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view showing a wire harness according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view showing the wire harness according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing a stacked connector. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded front view showing the stacked connector. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating surfaces of the stacked connector that face each other in a joined state. 
         FIG. 6  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the stacked connector. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating how the stacked connector is formed by combining split connectors. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view showing a joint connector. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view showing the joint connector. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded plan view showing the joint connector. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view cut along line XI-XI shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating one manufacturing example of a wire harness. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a variation of a stacked connector. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION TO EXECUTE THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments 
     The following will describe a stacked connector according to an embodiment and a wire harness that includes the stacked connector.  FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view showing a wire harness  10  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a front view showing the wire harness  10  according to the embodiment. Note that terminal-equipped electric wires  15  are not shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Also, the terminal-equipped electric wires  15  may not be shown in  FIG. 3  onward. 
     The wire harness  10  includes a plurality of stacked connectors  12 , and a joint connector  40  to which the plurality of stacked connectors  12  are to be connected. Here, in the wire harness  10 , circuits of the plurality of stacked connectors  12  are shorted by being connected to the joint connector  40 . 
     Stacked Connector 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing a stacked connector  12 .  FIG. 4  is an exploded front view showing the stacked connector  12 .  FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating surfaces of the stacked connector  12  that face each other in a joined state.  FIG. 6  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the stacked connector  12 .  FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating how the stacked connector  12  is formed by combining split connectors. 
     The stacked connector  12  is formed by joining a plurality of split connectors  14  to each other. Here, the split connectors  14  are stacked in three layers to form the stacked connector  12 . The split connectors  14  may be stacked in two layers, or may be stacked in four or more layers. 
     The split connectors  14  each include a split connector housing  24  provided with a plurality of terminal receiving chambers  25 , and a plurality of terminal-equipped electric wires  15  that include terminals  20  received in the terminal receiving chambers  25  and electric wires  16  to which the terminals  20  are connected. At least one of the split connector housings  24  is provided with a locking portion (a second terminal locking portion  28  here) formed in a protruding shape that protrudes outward and is capable of locking the terminal-equipped electric wire  15  received in the split connector housing  24  of a joining counterpart. 
     Here, the terminal-equipped electric wire  15  will be described first. Here, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the terminal-equipped electric wire  15  is formed with the terminal  20  being connected to a leading end of an electric wire  16 . 
     The electric wire  16  includes a core wire  17  and an insulating coating  18  covering the core wire  17 . The core wire  17  is made of a material such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy. The core wire  17  may be constituted by one wire, or may also be constituted by a plurality of wires. If the core wire  17  is constituted by a plurality of wires, the wires may or may not be twisted. The insulating coating  18  is formed by extruding a resin such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride around the core wire  17 , for example. The electric wires  16  are each provided with a core wire exposure portion where the core wire  17  is exposed, at an end portion thereof. The terminals  20  are connected to the core wire exposure portions. 
     The terminal  20  is made of any metal material such as copper or a copper alloy. The terminal  20  may be plated with any metal such as tin or nickel. The terminal  20  is formed by pressing a metal plate material into a predetermined shape and bending the resulting material, for example. The terminal  20  includes an electric wire connection portion  21  and a counterpart connection portion  22 . 
     The electric wire connection portion  21  is formed in a shape including a crimping portion in which a crimping piece is crimped to the electric wire  16 . The example shown in  FIG. 6  includes a core wire crimping piece that is crimped to the core wire  17  as the crimping piece, and a coating crimping piece that is crimped to the insulating coating  18 , but the electric wire connection portion  21  may also be constituted by only a core wire crimping piece. Naturally, the shape of the electric wire connection portion  21  is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal  20  may also be joined to the core wire  17  through welding or the like. Also, for example, the terminal  20  may be formed in a so-called pressure-contact terminal shape in which the terminal  20  pierces through the insulating coating  18  and is connected to the core wire  17 . 
     The counterpart connection portion  22  is connected to a counterpart connection member. Here, the terminal  20  is connected to a tab terminal  64  of a joint terminal  60 , which will be described later, in the joint connector  40 . Specifically, the counterpart connection portion  22  is formed in a box shape and a so-called female terminal shape according to which the counterpart connection portion  22  is connected to the counterpart tab terminal  64  inserted into this box. Thus, the tab terminal  64  of the joint terminal  60  that is to be connected to the terminal  20  is formed in a male terminal shape. 
     Here, the counterpart connection portion  22  formed in a box shape is provided with a lance engaging portion (not shown) that engages with a lance formed in the split connector housing  24 . 
     Next, the split connector housing  24  will be described. 
     Both surfaces of at least one of the split connector housings  24  located at an intermediate position in the stacking direction are provided with second terminal locking portions  28 . Also, pairs of split connectors  14  that are adjacent to each other include at least a pair of split connectors  14  that are provided with second terminal locking portions  28  capable of respectively locking terminal-equipped electric wires  15  received in the counterpart split connector housing  24 , and through holes  29  for receiving the counterpart locking portions, in a manner in which the second terminal locking portions  28  and the through holes  29  are located in an alternating manner in a direction intersecting the stacking direction. 
     Also, the split connector housings  24  located in one surface layer of each of the plurality of stacked connectors  12  are provided with erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  having different shapes. Also, the split connector housings  24  located in layers other than the one surface layer of each of the plurality of stacked connectors  12  are formed in the same shape. 
     More specifically, as described above, here, three split connectors  14  are stacked to form one stacked connector  12 . The three split connectors  14  will be distinguished from each other as needed below, and the split connectors  14  will be referred to as an upper connector  14 A, a middle connector  14 B, and a lower connector  14 C in this order from the one surface layer side. 
     The split connector housings  24  are formed through injection molding using a synthetic resin as a material, for example. The split connector housings  24  are provided with terminal receiving chambers  25  for receiving the terminals  20  of the terminal-equipped electric wires  15 . The terminal receiving chambers  25  are formed in a manner to be recessed in a hole shape from one side surface of the split connector housing  24  toward another side surface. Although an example in which six terminal receiving chambers  25  are formed in one split connector housing  24  will be described here, the number of terminal receiving chambers  25  formed in one split connector housing  24  is not limited thereto. The number of terminal receiving chambers  25  formed in one split connector housing  24  may be five or less. Alternatively, the number of terminal receiving chambers  25  may also be seven or more. Also, a wall portion defining a terminal receiving chamber  25  is provided with a recessed surface corresponding to the external shape of the electric wire  16 . This narrows the pitch of terminal receiving chambers  25 , and thus it is possible to form portions of the terminal receiving chambers  25  other than the recessed surfaces in a shape that is slightly smaller (e.g., smaller by about 0.1 to 0.3 mm) than a conventional shape thereof without reducing the thickness of wall portions for partitioning the terminal receiving chambers  25  as much as possible (without making the wall portions other than the recessed surface smaller). Accordingly, the width of the split connector housing  24  can be reduced while an electric wire  16  having the same diameter as a conventional electric wire can be received by the terminal receiving chamber  25 . 
     Also, a wall surface of each split connector housing  24  located forward of the terminal receiving chambers  25  (another side surface of the split connector housing  24 ) is provided with insertion holes  26 . The insertion holes  26  are formed to allow passage of the tab terminals  64  of the joint terminal  60  in the joint connector  40 . As a result of the tab terminals  64  inserted into the insertion holes  26  coming into contact with the terminals  20  received in the terminal receiving chambers  25 , the joint terminal  60  and the terminal-equipped electric wires  15  are electrically connected to each other. 
     Also, the split connector housings  24  are provided with first terminal locking portions  27  for locking the terminals  20  housed in the terminal receiving chambers  25 . The first terminal locking portions  27  are portions referred to as a so-called lance. Here, the first terminal locking portions  27  are formed integrated with the split connector housing  24 . Thus, the first terminal locking portions  27  are made of resin. Specifically, the first terminal locking portion  27  is formed to be capable of locking to a peripheral edge of a locking hole (not shown) serving as a lance engaging portion formed in a box-shaped counterpart connection portion  22  provided at the leading end of the terminal  20 . The first terminal locking portion  27  is formed in a cantilever shape, for example, and is elastically deformable to pivot about the base end portion thereof. In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , the first terminal locking portion  27  extends toward the back side of the terminal receiving chamber  25  with a portion on the opening side of the terminal receiving chamber  25  being supported. The first terminal locking portion  27  is pressed by the terminal  20  inserted through the opening of the terminal receiving chamber  25  and elastically deforms to retract from the terminal receiving chamber  25 , and when the terminal  20  is inserted to a predetermined position of the terminal receiving chamber  25 , the first terminal locking portion  27  elastically returns and locks the terminal  20 . 
     Also, at least one of the split connector housings  24  is provided with the second terminal locking portions  28  for locking the terminals  20  housed in the terminal receiving chambers  25  of the joining counterpart. The second terminal locking portions  28  are portions that are referred to as a so-called retainer. Here, the second terminal locking portions  28  are formed integrated with the split connector housing  24 . Thus, the second terminal locking portions  28  are made of resin. Specifically, the second terminal locking portions  28  are formed in a protruding shape protruding toward the counterpart split connector housing  24 . At this time, the counterpart split connector housing  24  is provided with through holes  29  for receiving the second terminal locking portions  28 . The through holes  29  are formed in all of the split connector housings  24 . 
     More specifically, here, the second terminal locking portion  28  is formed so as to fit into a half region of one terminal receiving chamber  25  in the width direction. Also, the second terminal locking portion  28  can protrude into the terminal receiving chamber  25  through the through hole  29 . The second terminal locking portion  28  locks a rear end side of the terminal  20  that is located rearward of a portion of the terminal  20  that locks to the first terminal locking portion  27 . Here, the second terminal locking portion  28  is formed to catch on and lock a rear edge portion of the counterpart connection portion  22  formed in a box shape. 
     Here, the second terminal locking portions  28  are formed on a lower surface of the upper connector housing  24 A, and upper and lower surfaces of the middle connector housing  24 B. Also, the through holes  29  are formed in the lower surface of the upper connector housing  24 A, the upper surface of the middle connector housing  24 B, and the upper surface of the lower connector housing  24 C. Also, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the second terminal locking portions  28  formed on the lower surface of the upper connector housing  24 A protrude into the terminal receiving chambers  25  of the middle connector housing  24 B through the through holes  29  formed in the upper surface of the middle connector housing  24 B, and lock the terminals  20  housed in the terminal receiving chambers  25  of the middle connector housing  24 B. Similarly, the second terminal locking portions  28  formed on the upper surface of the middle connector housing  24 B protrude into the terminal receiving chambers  25  of the upper connector housing  24 A through the through holes  29  formed in the lower surface of the upper connector housing  24 A, and lock the terminals  20  housed in the terminal receiving chambers  25  of the upper connector housing  24 A. Also, the second terminal locking portions  28  formed on the lower surface of the middle connector housing  24 B protrude into the terminal receiving chambers  25  of the lower connector housing  24 C through the through holes  29  formed in the upper surface of the lower connector housing  24 C, and lock the terminals  20  housed in the terminal receiving chambers  25  of the lower connector housing  24 C. 
     At this time, as for one housing, the lower surface of the upper connector housing  24 A is provided with the second terminal locking portions  28  and the through holes  29  in an alternating manner in the width direction. Similarly, the upper surface of the middle connector housing  24 B is also provided with the second terminal locking portions  28  and the through holes  29  in an alternating manner in the width direction. Also, at this time, as for the second terminal locking portions  28 , the second terminal locking portions  28  formed on the upper connector housing  24 A and the second terminal locking portions  28  formed on the upper surface of the middle connector housing  24 B are formed in an alternating manner in the width direction. At this time, out of the second terminal locking portions  28  formed on the upper connector housing  24 A and the second terminal locking portions  28  formed on the upper surface of the middle connector housing  24 B, a second terminal locking portion  28  located at an end portion in the width direction is formed to have a size capable of locking one terminal  20 , and a second terminal locking portion  28  located at an intermediate position in the width direction is formed to have a size capable of locking two terminals  20 . Also, as for the through holes  29 , the through holes formed in the upper connector housing  24 A and the through holes formed in the middle connector housing  24 B are formed in an alternating manner in the width direction. At this time, out of the through holes  29  formed in the upper connector housing  24 A and the through holes formed in the upper surface of the middle connector housing  24 B, a through hole  29  located at an end portion in the width direction is formed to have a size corresponding to one terminal receiving chamber  25 , and a through hole  29  located at an intermediate position in the width direction is formed to have a size spanning two terminal receiving chambers  25 . 
     At this time, the terminals  20  inserted into the upper connector housing  24 A and the terminals  20  inserted into the middle connector housing  24 B face away from each other about the axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the electric wires  16 , as per the relationship between positions where the second terminal locking portions  28  are provided. More specifically, the core wires  17  of the terminals  20  inserted into the upper connector housing  24 A are exposed downward. Accordingly, the second terminal locking portions  28  of the middle connector housing  24 B located below the terminals  20  inserted into the upper connector housing  24 A can lock the terminals  20  inserted into the upper connector housing  24 A. Also, the core wires  17  of the terminals  20  inserted into the middle connector housing  24 B are exposed upward. 
     Accordingly, the second terminal locking portions  28  of the upper connector housing  24 A located above the terminals  20  inserted into the middle connector housing  24 B can lock the terminals  20  inserted into the middle connector housing  24 B. Note that the terminals  20  inserted into the lower connector housing  24 C and the terminals  20  inserted into the middle connector housing  24 B face each other. 
     Also, the split connector housing  24  is provided with a function of joining two counterpart split connector housings  24  and maintaining a joined state. Here, one of two counterpart split connector housings  24  is provided with leading end side protrusions  30 , and the other of the two counterpart split connector housings  24  is provided with leading end side grooves  32  in which the leading end side protrusions  30  are to be housed. Similarly, one of two counterpart split connector housings  24  is provided with rear end side protrusions  33 , and the other of the two counterpart split connector housings  24  is provided with rear end side grooves  34  in which the rear end side protrusions  33  are to be housed. 
     Specifically, here, the leading end side protrusions  30  are formed on the leading end side (the insertion hole  26  side) of side surfaces that are located on both sides of the upper connector housing  24 A and the middle connector housing  24 B in the width direction and are oriented outward in the width direction, in a manner in which the leading end side protrusions  30  have a protruding shape oriented outward in the width direction. Also, the middle connector housing  24 B and the lower connector housing  24 C are provided with protruding side wall portions  31  that protrude upward from the upper surfaces thereof at both end portions in the width direction. A leading end side groove  32  is formed in a shape recessed in the width direction on the leading end side (the insertion hole  26  side) of a width-direction inward surface of this protruding side wall portion  31 . The front portion of the leading end side groove  32  is open in a direction in which the terminal  20  is inserted. The leading end side protrusion  30  can be inserted into the leading end side groove  32  through this opening. As shown in  FIG. 7 , counterpart split connector housings  24  can pivot in a state in which the leading end side protrusions  30  are housed in the leading end side grooves  32  and the rear end side protrusions  33  are not housed in the rear end side grooves  34 . This is achieved due to the leading end side protrusions  30  being formed shorter than the rear end side protrusions  33  and surfaces of the leading end side protrusions  30  that face the leading ends in the terminal inserting direction and extend from a side surface to a lower surface thereof being curved. 
     Here, the leading end side protrusions  30  and the leading end side grooves  32  are portions housed in a housing receiving portion  43  of the joint connector  40 . At this time, in order to avoid an increase in the size, in the width direction, of portions of the stacked connector  12  in which the leading end side protrusions  30  and the leading end side grooves  32  are formed, peripheral portions of the leading end side protrusions  30  of side surfaces oriented outward in the width direction in the split connector housings  24  are recessed, thus forming the leading end side protrusions  30 . Also, a portion of the wall of the width-direction inward surface of the protruding side wall portion  31  that defines the leading end side groove  32  protrudes from the peripheral portion, thus forming the leading end side groove  32 . 
     Also, here, the rear end side protrusions  33  are formed on the rear end side (the opening side of the terminal receiving chamber  25 ) of side surfaces that are located on both sides of the upper connector housing  24 A and the middle connector housing  24 B in the width direction and are oriented outward in the width direction, in a manner in which the rear end side protrusions  33  have a protruding shape that is oriented outward in the width direction. Also, the rear end side grooves  34  formed in a shape recessed in the width direction are formed on the rear end side (the opening side of the terminal receiving chamber  25 ) of the width-direction inward surfaces in the protruding side wall portions  31  of the middle connector housing  24 B and the lower connector housing  24 C. As described above, as shown in  FIG. 7 , counterpart split connector housings  24  can pivot in a state in which the leading end side protrusions  30  are housed in the leading end side grooves  32  and the rear end side protrusions  33  are not housed in the rear end side grooves  34 . Also, in the split connector housing  24  that has been pivoted, the rear end side protrusions  33  can be fitted to the rear end side grooves  34 . Here, this is achieved through elastic deformation of peripheral edge portions of the rear end side protrusions  33  and the rear end side grooves  34 . At this time, the surface of the rear end side protrusion  33  that extends from a width-direction outward side surface to the lower surface thereof is a curved surface. Accordingly, the rear end side protrusions  33  can be easily fitted to the rear end side grooves  34 . 
     Here, the leading end side protrusions  33  and the leading end side grooves  34  are portions that are not housed in the housing receiving portion  43  of the joint connector  40 . Thus, the need to avoid an increase in the size of the rear end side protrusions  33  and the rear end side grooves  34  in the stacked connector  12  in the width direction is less than that of the leading end side protrusions  30  and the leading end side grooves  32 . Thus, the rear end side protrusions  33  protrude more outward in the width direction than the leading end side protrusions  30 . Also, a portion of the width-direction inward surface of the protruding side wall portion  31  is recessed from the peripheral portion thereof, thus forming the rear end side groove  34 . 
     Also, here, surfaces of the split connector housings  24  that are to face each other on the rear end side (the opening side of the terminal receiving chamber  25 ) are provided with width-direction protruding portions  35  that protrude toward counterparts and extend in the width direction, and width-direction recessed portions  36  in which the counterpart width-direction protruding portions  35  are housed in the joined state. The width-direction protruding portions  35  and the width-direction recessed portions  36  are formed substantially spanning the width thereof in the width direction. As a result of the width-direction protruding portions  35  of the two counterpart split connector housings  24  being housed in the width-direction recessed portions  36  in the joined state, positions of the joined two split connector housings  24  are unlikely to shift in the direction in which the terminals  20  are inserted. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the lower surface of the upper connector housing  24 A is provided with the two width-direction protruding portions  35  at an interval, and a portion between the two width-direction protruding portions  35  is provided with the width-direction recessed portions  36 . Also, the upper surface of the middle connector housing  24 B is provided with two width-direction recessed portions  36  at an interval, and a portion between the two width-direction recessed portions  36  is provided with a width-direction protruding portion  35 . The lower surface of the middle connector housing  24 B and the upper surface of the lower connector housing  24 C are also provided with protruding portions and recessed portions that are similar to the width-direction protruding portions  35  and the width-direction recessed portions  36  that are provided on the lower surface of the upper connector housing  24 A and the upper surface of the middle connector housing  24 B. Note that here, in order to avoid an increase in the size in the stacking direction in the stacked connector  12 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , in a state in which the split connector housing  24  is a single unit, the terminal receiving chambers  25  are exposed at portions to be provided with the width-direction recessed portion  36 . The exposed portions are covered by the width-direction protruding portions  35  of the joining counterpart. 
     The plurality of stacked connectors  12  are each provided with the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38 . In order to avoid a mistake in which the positions at which the plurality of stacked connectors  12  are fitted to the joint connector  40  shift, the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  are formed at positions that are different from each other. Here, the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  are formed on the upper connector housing  24 A. Also, here, the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  are laterally arranged, and are provided at different positions of two upper connector housings  24 A 1  and  24 A 2  that are connected to the joint connector  40  from one side. 
     More specifically, the upper surfaces of the upper connector housings  24 A 1  and  24 A 2  are provided with two erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  that are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. As shown in  FIG. 2 , in the upper connector housing  24 A 1  of the stacked connector  12  to be connected to the joint connector  40  on the left side when viewed from the front, the left erroneous fitting restricting rib  38  is formed at the same position as the left rear end side protrusion  33  in the width direction, and the right erroneous fitting restricting rib  38  is formed inward in the width direction of the right rear end side protrusion  33  in the width direction. On the other hand, in the upper connector housing  24 A 2  of the stacked connector  12  to be connected to the joint connector  40  on the right side when viewed from the front, the left erroneous fitting restricting rib  38  is formed inward in the width direction of the left rear end side protrusion  33  in the width direction, and the right erroneous fitting restricting rib  38  is formed at the same position as the right rear end side protrusion  33  in the width direction. Note that the middle connector housing  24 B and the lower connector housing  24 C in the stacked connector  12  to be connected to the joint connector  40  on the left side when viewed from the front have the same shape as the middle connector housing  24 B and the lower connector housing  24 C in the stacked connector  12  to be connected to the joint connector  40  on the right side when viewed from the front. 
     Also, the upper surface of the upper connector housing  24 A is provided with the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38 , whereas the lower surface of the lower connector housing  24 A is not provided with the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38 . Accordingly, the upper and lower sides of the stacked connector  12  can be determined. As a result, the stacked connector  12  is kept from being connected upside down to the joint connector  40 . 
     Note that the upper connector housings  24 A 1  and  24 A 2  of the two stacked connectors  12  connected from the opposite side to the front view shown in  FIG. 2  have the same shape as the upper connector housings  24 A 1  and  24 A 2  of the two stacked connectors  12  shown in  FIG. 2 . Naturally, all of the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  formed on the plurality of stacked connectors  12  connected to one joint connector  40  may be formed in different forms. This will be described later in detail. 
     Also, the stacked connector  12  is provided with a locking protrusion  39  for locking to the joint connector housing  42  after insertion. The locking protrusion  39  can be inserted into and locked to a locking receiving portion  45  formed in the joint connector housing  42 . Here, one locking protrusion  39  is formed at a position close to the center of the upper surface of the upper connector housing  24 A. The locking protrusion  39  can be easily inserted into the locking receiving portion  45  due to the front surface thereof in the insertion direction being an inclined surface  39   a . Also, the rear surface of the locking protrusion  39  in the insertion direction is a catching surface  39   b  that catches on the locking receiving portion  45  in a state in which the locking protrusion  39  is inserted into the locking receiving portion  45 . Here, a cantilever-shaped operation portion that can be operated by an operator to release locking and can easily deform elastically is omitted from the locking protrusion  39 . This reduces the size of a portion in the wire harness  10  where the joint connector  40  and the stacked connector  12  are fitted to each other. 
     Joint Connector 
     Next, the joint connector  40  will be described.  FIG. 8  is a front view showing the joint connector  40 .  FIG. 9  is a rear view showing the joint connector  40 .  FIG. 10  is an exploded plan view showing the joint connector  40 .  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view cut along line XI-XI in  FIG. 8 . 
     The joint connector  40  is formed to be capable of being fitted to the stacked connectors  12 . The plurality of stacked connectors  12  are connected to one joint connector  40 . Specifically, here, a plurality of stacked connectors  12  are connected side-by-side to one joint connector  40  from one side. Specifically, here, two stacked connectors  12  are connected to one joint connector  40  from one side, and two stacked connectors  12  are also connected thereto from the other side. At this time, the stacked connectors  12  are formed to be capable of being independently fitted to the joint connector  40 . Specifically, the joint connector  40  includes a joint connector housing  42  and joint terminal  60 . 
     The joint connector housing  42  receives and supports the joint terminals  60 . Also, the joint housing is provided with a receiving space  44   a  for receiving the stacked connectors  12 . Here, the joint connector housing  42  can receive the connector housings of a plurality (two, here) of stacked connectors  12  to be connected thereto from one side in one receiving space  44   a . Also, the joint connector housing  42  can receive the connector housings of a plurality (two, here) of stacked connectors  12  to be connected thereto from the other side in one receiving space  44   a . Specifically, the joint connector housing  42  includes the housing receiving portions  43 , the locking receiving portions  45 , and joint terminal support portions  52 . 
     The housing receiving portion  43  is a portion for receiving the connector housing of the stacked connector  12 . Here, the joint connector housing  42  is provided with two receiving spaces  44   a  that are open in opposite directions, thus forming the housing receiving portion  43 . Each receiving space  44   a  can receive the connector housings of two stacked connectors  12  disposed side-by-side. Also, the receiving spaces  44   a  are partitioned by a wall portion  50 , and the wall portion  50  is provided with the joint terminal support portions  52 . 
     At this time, the receiving space  44   a  is not provided with a partition wall portion for partitioning two stacked connectors  12  housed side-by-side in the receiving space  44   a . This suppresses an increase in the size of the joint connector housing  42  in the width direction in a case where two stacked connectors  12  are to be housed side-by-side in one receiving space  44   a . The two stacked connectors  12  housed side-by-side in one receiving space  44   a  are formed longer in the width direction than in the height direction. Also, the two stacked connectors  12  are housed in one receiving space  44   a  in a manner in which the two stacked connectors  12  are arranged side-by-side in the lengthwise direction. 
     Also, here, as described above, the two stacked connectors  12  connected to one receiving space  44   a  are each provided with erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  having different shapes. Thus, the receiving spaces  44   a  are formed to be capable of housing the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  corresponding to the corresponding positions. Thus, here, portions of the housing receiving portion  43  serve as rib receiving portions  43   b  for housing the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38 . More specifically, the two housing receiving portions  43  are each provided with four groove-shaped portions  44   b  serving as the rib receiving portions  43   b . Also, two of the four groove-shaped portions  44   b  located on the left side receive the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  of the stacked connector  12  housed on the left side. Also, two of the four groove-shaped portions  44   b  located on the right side receive the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  of the stacked connector  12  housed on the right side. Because the positions of these two sets of the groove-shaped portions  44   b  are different from each other with respect to the center of the stacked connector  12  in the width direction, two stacked connectors  12  can be housed at the corresponding positions in the receiving space  44   a.    
     Note that one of the inward surfaces of the inner circumferential wall portion defining the receiving space  44   a  (here, a surface of the stacked connector  12  that faces the lower connector  14 C) is provided with a positioning rib  44   c  for positioning the two stacked connectors  12 . Here, in the connector housing of the stacked connector  12 , the width of a rear end portion protruding outward from the receiving space  44   a  of the joint connector  40  is set to be larger than the width of a leading end portion housed inside the receiving space  44   a  of the joint connector  40 . Also, the two stacked connectors  12  that are connected side-by-side to one receiving space  44   a  are in a state in which the rear end portions thereof are in contact with each other or are located closer to each other than the leading end portions thereof are. The positioning rib  44   c  is housed in a gap between the leading end portions that is formed at this time. Also, the positioning rib  44   c  has a small height, which is the length of the positioning rib  44   c  that protrudes from the flat surface of the inner surface of the receiving space  44   a . Specifically, here, the height of the positioning rib  44   c  is set to be smaller than or equal to the width (less than the width here) in the width direction of the joint connector housing  42 . Thus, the positioning rib  44   c  is unlikely to be damaged or the like. 
     The locking receiving portion  45  is a portion for receiving the locking protrusion  39 . Here, the locking receiving portion  45  can deform elastically more easily than the locking protrusion  39 . Specifically, the locking receiving portion  45  includes a locking receiving piece  46  and two through holes  47  and  48  formed in the periphery of the locking receiving piece  46 . 
     The locking receiving piece  46  is formed on the joint connector housing  42 . Here, as a result of forming the two through holes  47  and  48  in the upper surface of the joint connector housing  42 , a portion between the two through holes  47  and  48  forms the locking receiving piece  46 . The locking receiving piece  46  is formed in a cantilever shape extending toward the opening of the housing receiving portion  43  due to the first through hole  47  being formed. Also, the locking protrusion  39  is housed in the second through hole  48 . Also, the locking receiving piece  46  is configured such that a force for inserting the locking protrusion  39  thereto is reduced due to the second through hole  48  being formed. 
     More specifically, the first through hole  47  is formed in a U-shape in a plan view, in an outer peripheral area of the locking receiving piece  46  and a portion connected thereto. Also, the second through hole  48  is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, on the inner side of the locking receiving piece  46  and the portion connected thereto. Accordingly, the locking receiving piece  46  includes a pair of protruding pieces  46   a  extending from the main body of the joint connector housing  42 , and a connecting piece  46   b  for connecting the leading ends of the pair of protruding pieces  46   a . The lower surface of the connecting piece  46   b  is provided with a recessed portion  46   c . A gap is formed between the connecting piece  46   b  and the locking protrusion  39  through formation of the recessed portion  46   c . For example, it is conceivable to insert, into this gap, a jig for releasing locking through elastic deformation of the locking receiving piece  46 . Also, portions of the connecting piece  46   b  that are located lateral to the recessed portion  46   c  are portions that catch on the inserted locking protrusion  39 . In the portions of the connecting piece  46   b  that are located lateral to the recessed portion  46   c , a surface oriented on the opening side is an inclined surface  46   d  corresponding to the inclined surface  39   a  of the locking protrusion  39 . Accordingly, the locking receiving piece  46  can easily shift to an elastic deformation state at the time of insertion of the locking protrusion  39 . Also, in the portions of the connecting piece  46   b  that are located lateral to the recessed portion  46   c , the surface that is located opposite to the inclined surface  46   d  is a receiving surface  46   e  that catches on the catching surface  39   b  of the locking protrusion  39 . 
     Note that, in the joint connector housing  42 , an opening edge portion of the receiving space  44   a , that is, the opening edge portion of the surface provided with the locking receiving portion  45  is provided with a locking protrusion passing portion  49  for enabling the groove-shaped locking protrusion  39  to pass through without coming into contact therewith. At this time, in order to secure the thickness of the above-described opening edge portion, a portion of the opening edge portion that is provided with the locking protrusion passing portion  49  protrudes upward more than another portion. 
     The joint terminal support portions  52  are formed on the wall portion  50  for partitioning two receiving spaces  44   a  that respectively house the stacked connectors  12  that are connected thereto from both sides. Specifically, the joint terminal support portions  52  include a linking piece insertion support portion  53  and a through hole  54 . 
     The linking piece insertion support portion  53  is a portion into which the linking piece  62  of the joint terminal  60  is inserted, and that supports the inserted linking piece  62 . Here, the wall portion  50  is provided with two exposure surfaces  51   a  and  51   b . The two exposure surfaces  51   a  and  51   b  face away from each other. The exposure surfaces  51   a  and  51   b  are exposed to the outside through the receiving spaces  44   a . Also, one exposure surface  51   a  is provided with a groove  53   a , as the linking piece insertion support portion  53  that is recessed toward the other exposure surface  51   b . The width of this groove  53   a  is set to be approximately the same (slightly smaller here) as the thickness of the linking piece  62 . Accordingly, the linking piece  62  can be pressed into the groove  53   a , and thus the linking piece  62  into which the linking piece insertion support portion  53  has been pressed can be supported. A peripheral edge of an opening of the groove  53   a  is an inclined surface  53   b , and is wide. Accordingly, it is possible to guide the linking piece  62  that is to be inserted. 
     A plurality of through holes  54  that open into the other exposure surface  51   b  are formed in the bottom of the groove  53   a . The tab terminals  64  of the joint terminal  60  protrude into another receiving space  44   a  through the through holes  54 . 
     Note that a cassette portion  56  is formed on the lower surface of the joint connector housing  42  that faces away from the upper surface thereof provided with the locking receiving portions  45 . Accordingly, it is possible to attach the joint connector housing  42  to a cassette support portion formed on a panel of a vehicle body, for example. Naturally, a configuration in which the joint connector housing  42  is provided with the cassette portion  56  is not an essential configuration, and the cassette portion  56  need not be formed. 
     The joint terminal  60  is a member for shorting a plurality of terminals  20  in the stacked connectors  12  in a state in which the stacked connectors  12  and the joint connector  40  are fitted to each other. The joint terminal  60  is formed by pressing a flat plate made of a conductive material such as metal. The joint terminal  60  includes a linking piece  62  and a plurality of tab terminals  64  that are arranged in parallel to each other and protrude from the linking piece  62 . The linking piece  62  is inserted into and supported by the above-described linking piece insertion support portion  53 . Here, twelve tab terminals  64   a  protrude from one longer linking piece  62  on one side, and twelve tab terminals  64   b  also protrude therefrom on the other side. Six of the twelve tab terminals  64   a  on one side that are located closer to the end portion than the center thereof are connected to one stacked connector  12 . The same applies to the twelve tab terminals  64   b  on the other side. Here, the tab terminals  64   b  on the other side are formed longer, and protrude into the receiving space  44   a  on the other side through the through holes  29 . Here, one joint terminal  60  can short twenty four terminal-equipped electric wires  15  included in one layer. Also, three joint terminals  60  are provided, and the terminal-equipped electric wires  15  included in layers are shorted by the joint terminals  60  disposed in the layers. 
     As described above, here, twenty four terminal-equipped electric wires  15  included in one layer are shorted. Thus, one or more terminal-equipped electric wires  15  in one of the two stacked connectors  12  that are connected to the joint connector  40  from one side and are adjacent to each other and one or more terminal-equipped electric wires  15  in the other stacked connector  12  are shorted. Also, one or more terminal-equipped electric wires  15  in one of the two stacked connectors  12  that are connected to the joint connector  40  from both sides, and one or more terminal-equipped electric wires  15  in the other stacked connector  12  are shorted. At this time, one or more terminal-equipped electric wires  15  in two of the four stacked connectors  12  that are located in an oblique positional relationship are also shorted. 
     Naturally, the type of terminal-equipped electric wires  15  shorted by the joint terminal  60  is not limited thereto. For example, the joint terminal  60  may also be capable of shorting terminal-equipped electric wires  15  in a plurality of groups (three groups in the example indicated by vertical lines in  FIG. 10 ) that are different from each other in one layer, as a result of the joint terminal  60  being cut at positions of the virtual lines (line-double dashed lines) shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Manufacturing Examples 
     One manufacturing example of the wire harness  10  including the above-described stacked connectors  12  and the joint connector  40  will be described.  FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating one manufacturing example of the wire harness  10 . 
     For example, as one method for manufacturing the wire harness  10 , a plurality of sub-harnesses  80  obtained by splitting the wire harness  10 , which is to be the finished product, into several circuits are temporarily manufactured, and these sub-harnesses  80  are assembled. The sub-harnesses  80  can be manufactured relatively easily because the number of circuits is smaller than that of the finished product. Also, even if different types of wire harnesses are manufactured, some sub-harnesses  80  can be used as shared components. Thus, in some cases, the wire harness  10  can be manufactured relatively more easily by way of a plurality of sub-harnesses  80  than in a case where the wire harness  10 , which is to be the finished product, is directly manufactured. 
     However, in a case where the number of poles in one joint connector  40  is increased, if the wire harness  10 , which is to be the finished product, is split into a plurality of sub-harnesses  80  in units that are smaller than the joint connector  40  or units of connectors connected thereto, there is a risk that a post-insertion terminal will be formed. Here, a “post-insertion terminal” refers to a terminal that is not connected to a connector at the time of manufacturing sub-harnesses  80  and is connected to a connector at the time of assembling a plurality of sub-harnesses  80 . If a post-insertion terminal is present, work for inserting the post-insertion terminal into a connector in a separate process, work for separately providing a cover for protecting the post-insertion terminal until the post-insertion terminal is inserted into a connector, and the like are required. 
     In contrast, here, because the stacked connectors  12  are adopted, even if the wire harness  10 , which is to be the finished product, is split into a plurality of sub-harnesses  80  in units of split connectors  14  of the stacked connector  12 , no post-insertion terminal  20  is present. Specifically, here, it is possible to connect two stacked connectors  12  to the joint connector  40  from one side, and thus to make the split connectors  14  smaller. Here, as described above, four stacked connectors  12  that are each constituted by three layers of split connectors  14  are connected to one joint connector  40 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 12 , even if the wire harness  10  is split into twelve sub-harnesses  80  at the maximum, it is possible to prevent formation of a post-insertion terminal. Thus, the above-described problems resulting from a case where a post-insertion terminal is formed are unlikely to arise, and the wire harness  10  can be more easily manufactured by way of sub-harnesses  80 . Note that, although the sub-harnesses  80  are illustrated using a simplified configuration in which one end is provided with the split connectors  14  and the other end is provided with other connectors  82  in the example shown in  FIG. 12 , the circuit configuration of the sub-harnesses  80  is not limited thereto. The sub-harnesses  80  may also be branched as appropriate, or an earth terminal or the like may be connected to the other end, instead of the connectors  82 , for example. Also, although one terminal-equipped electric wire  15  is depicted between the split connector  14  and the connector  82 , a plurality of terminal-equipped electric wires  15  may also be used therebetween. 
     Also, because the upper connector housing  24 A, the middle connector housing  24 B, and the lower connector housing  24 C can be easily joined, it is possible to easily manufacture the sub-harnesses  80   b , which are relatively larger units, in which the stacked connector  12  is formed by joining the split connectors  14  to each other, from the sub-harnesses  80   a  that have been split into the split connectors  14  and are relatively smaller units. 
     According to the above-described configuration, because the stacked connectors  12  are adopted, the connectors can be dispersed as a result of the stacked connectors  12  having a split form at the time of manufacture. Also, the connectors can be concentrated as a result of the stacked connectors  12  having a stacked form at the time of arrangement in a vehicle. At this time, the second terminal locking portion  28  is capable of locking the terminal-equipped electric wire  15  received in a joining counterpart, and thus it is possible to reduce the size of the stacked connector  12 . Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a space in a vehicle in which the wire harness  10  including a plurality of splice circuits is arranged and achieve good manufacturability at the time of manufacture. 
     Also, it is possible to connect the plurality of stacked connectors  12  that have been manufactured separately to one joint connector  40 , side-by-side. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of connectors while making connectors more concentrated. Also, it is possible to disperse connectors at the time of manufacture and make connectors more concentrated at the time of arrangement in a vehicle. Accordingly, it is also possible to reduce a space in a vehicle in which the wire harness  10  including a plurality of splice circuits is arranged and achieve good manufacturability at the time of manufacture. At this time, the connector housings of a plurality of stacked connectors  12  connected from one side are received in one receiving space  44   a . Thus, walls for partitioning the plurality of stacked connectors  12  are omitted, and thus it is possible to reduce the external size of the joint connector housing  42 . 
     Also, two surfaces of the middle connector housing  24 B located at an intermediate position in the stacking direction are provided with the second terminal locking portions  28 , and thus the terminal-equipped electric wires  15  in each layer can be locked by the second terminal locking portions  28  even if the split connector housings  24  are stacked in three or more layers. 
     Also, the upper connector housing  24 A is provided with the second terminal locking portions  28  and the through holes  29  in an alternating manner, and the upper surface of the middle connector housing  24 B is provided with the second terminal locking portions  28  and the through holes  29  in an alternating manner, and thus the terminal-equipped electric wires  15  of the two counterpart split connectors  14  can be locked by the second terminal locking portions  28 . 
     Also, it is possible to suppress erroneous fitting between the joint connector  40  and the plurality of stacked connectors  12  due to the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  being formed. 
     Also, shared components can be used as the middle connector housing  24 B and the lower connector housing  24 C in the plurality of stacked connectors  12 , and thus it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of types of components. 
     Also, a plurality of stacked connectors  12  are connected to one joint connector  40  from both sides, and thus it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of connectors while making the connectors more concentrated. 
     Variations 
     Although an embodiment has been described in which two stacked connectors  12  that are provided with the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  and are connected from one side are distinguished, this configuration is not an essential configuration. The erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  need not be provided. Also, if the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  are provided, the erroneous fitting restricting ribs  38  may be formed such that all the stacked connectors  12  to be connected to one joint connector  40  can be distinguished.  FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a variation of the stacked connector  12 . Similarly to the stacked connector  12  according to the embodiment, two erroneous fitting restricting ribs  138  are provided on one stacked connector  112  according to a variation. However, in the stacked connectors  112 , the positions of the two erroneous fitting restricting ribs  138  provided on one stacked connector  112  are respectively disposed selectively at two positions in the width direction, and thus four stacked connectors  112  can be distinguished. 
     In addition, although an embodiment in which the locking receiving portions  45  of the joint connector housing  42  are formed in a cantilever shape has been described, this configuration is not an essential configuration. For example, in an embodiment, a locking protrusion passing portion  49  may be formed and the opening edge portion of the receiving space  44   a  of the joint connector housing  42  may function as the locking receiving portion  45 . In this case, a configuration is conceivable in which a through hole that is the same as the above-described second through hole  48  in which the locking protrusion  39  is received is formed inward of the opening edge portion and adjacent to the opening edge portion. 
     Also, although an embodiment in which the plurality of stacked connectors  12  are connected to one joint connector  40  was described, this configuration is not an essential configuration. A configuration may be adopted in which one stacked connector  12  is connected to one joint connector. Also, a configuration in which a plurality of the stacked connectors  12  are connected to one joint connector  40 , a configuration in which a plurality of the stacked connectors  12  are connected to one side of one joint connector  40 , or a configuration in which a plurality of the stacked connectors  12  are connected to both sides of one joint connector  40  may be adopted. 
     Note that configurations described in the above-described embodiments and variations can be combined as appropriate as long as no contradiction arises therein. 
     Although this invention has been described in detail above, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and this invention is not limited thereto. It will be understood that numerous modifications not illustrated here can be envisioned without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           10  Wire harness 
           12  Stacked connector 
           14  Split connector 
           14 A Upper connector 
           14 B Middle connector 
           14 C Lower connector 
           15  Terminal-equipped electric wire 
           16  Electric wire 
           20  Terminal 
           21  Electric wire connection portion 
           22  Counterpart connection portion 
           24  Split connector housing 
           24 A Upper connector housing 
           24 B Middle connector housing 
           24 C Lower connector housing 
           25  Terminal receiving chamber 
           26  Insertion hole 
           27  First terminal locking portion 
           28  Second terminal locking portion 
           29  Through hole 
           38  Erroneous fitting restricting rib 
           39  Locking protrusion 
           40  Joint connector 
           42  Joint connector housing 
           43  Housing receiving portion 
           44   a  Receiving space 
           45  Locking receiving portion 
           46  Locking receiving piece 
           52  Joint terminal support portion 
           60  Joint terminal 
           62  Linking piece 
           64  Tab terminal 
           80  Sub-harness 
           82  Connector