JP2001297820A - Connector device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector device that prevents contact failure at the connection portion by eliminating tear and wear due to micro-vibration between the connector terminals and that is small size and of low cost. SOLUTION: A playing gap 36 is formed between the first connector 24 and the receiving portion 22 so that the first and the second connector 24, 30 to be fitted with each other and the first connector inserted in the receiving portion 22 may move to the vertical direction to the fitting direction of the first and second connector. The interval range where the first and second terminals 26, 32 of both connectors 24, 30 are electrically connected is established at a prescribed rage from the position before and to the fitting termination of both connectors 24, 30. When the engagement position of both connectors is in the above prescribed range of electrical connection, the vibration absorbing locking part 34 locking the second connector 30 is unlocked, and this locking part 34 locks the first connector 24 so that it may move in the vertical direction to the fitting direction of both connectors against the receiving portion 22.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector device used for wiring inside a vehicle or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in wiring in a car, in a process of assembling a device in which one connector to be fitted with each other is mounted in advance to a device in which the other connector is mounted in advance (for example, a device on a vehicle body). Connector devices are used in which the connectors are adapted to be fitted together.

As this type of connector device, for example,
There are those shown in FIGS. The device comprises first and second housings 10, 11 coupled to each other and housing 1
0, a first connector 13 housed in the connector holder 12 so as to be movable in the coupling direction of the housing, and a connector holder 12 formed in the second housing 11. , A second connector 15 housed in the cavity 14, and a second connector 1
A spring-biased stopper 16 for holding the housing 5 in the cavity 14 so as not to move in the coupling direction of the housing, a releasing means 18 for the stopper 16 provided at a distal end of the connector holder 12, A spring member (17) for pushing the connector (13) to the second connector (15) with a force larger than a force required for fitting the two connectors, and the first and second housings (10, 11);
When the connector holder 12 is inserted into the cavity 14 in the process of joining the first and second connectors 13 and 15, the spring member 17 is compressed from a state before the connector is fitted. The release means 18 releases the stopper 16, and thereafter, the connection of the first and second housings 10, 11 is completed.

[0004]

By the way, the connector device is often mounted on an automobile or the like and often receives various vibrations. In such a case, in the connector device, the first and second connectors 13 and 15 fitted and connected to each other are connected.
Are movably housed in the connector holder 12 in the housing coupling direction (connecting direction of the connector) and are urged by a spring member 17. Therefore, even if different vibrations act on the first and second housings 10 and 11 of the connector device in the fitting direction (front-back direction) of the connectors 13 and 15, the vibrations between the connectors 13 and 15 are generated. Is unlikely to occur.

However, in this connector device, the connector holder 12 is tightly connected to the second housing 11 and moves in a direction perpendicular to the connecting direction, that is, in the vertical and horizontal directions (front and back of the paper). Being restrained. The tip of the holder 12 also engages with the stopper 16 held by the second housing 11 so that movement in the coupling direction and the vertical direction is similarly restricted. For this reason, the first and second housings 10,
When different vibrations act on the connector 11 in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the connectors 13 and 15,
Vibration shift occurs between the five. Therefore, in this device, there is a possibility that abrasion or the like may occur between the terminals of the first and second connectors 13 and 15 due to microvibration, the connection portion may be damaged, a contact failure may occur, and a stable electrical connection may not be maintained. there were.

In the above-mentioned device, after the fitting (electrical connection) of the first and second connectors 13 and 15 is completed,
The stopper member 16 is unlocked by compressing the spring member 17 having a force larger than the force required for fitting the connector and pushing the connector holder 12 further forward. This is because the stopper 16 is unlocked before the fitting of the connectors 13 and 15 is completed by providing a time difference between the two operations of the fitting of the connectors 13 and 15 and the unlocking of the stopper 16. This is to prevent inconvenience from occurring. For this reason, at least the components of the spring member 17 and the connector holder 12 are required, and there is a problem that the connector device becomes large and inconvenient to handle, and the cost is significantly increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems. Even if different vibrations act on the connector device in the fitting direction and the vertical direction of the first and second connectors, vibrations between the first and second connectors are generated. An object of the present invention is to provide a connector device which is small in size and low in cost, by preventing a shift from occurring, preventing abrasion or the like due to microvibration between terminals of a connector, eliminating a contact failure at a connector connecting portion, and having a small structure.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A connector device according to the present invention comprises a first connector and a second connector fitted to each other, and an insertion hole formed in a standby portion, into which the first connector is inserted. A second connector housed in the insertion hole and a first connector.
And a vibration absorbing and locking member that locks the second connector so as not to be pulled out in the insertion hole in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second connector is inserted into the insertion hole before the second connector is fitted; And a loosely-fitting gap formed between the first connector and the standby portion so that the first connector inserted into the insertion hole of the first connector can move in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector. And the first and second connectors fit in a range of an energized portion where the first terminal incorporated in the first connector and the second terminal incorporated in the second connector are in an electrically connected state. Set to a predetermined range from before the end to the end of the fitting,
When the first and second connectors are mated, the first connector is inserted into the insertion hole of the waiting portion to start mating the first and second connectors, and the first and second connectors are mated. When the position is within a predetermined range of the energized portion, the locking of the vibration absorbing and locking member that locks the second connector is released, and the vibration absorbing and locking member connects the first connector. This is characterized in that it is locked so that it can move in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first and second connectors with respect to the standby portion.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 show a state before the first and second connectors are fitted and the structure of each part, and FIGS. 6 to 10 show a fitting process and an assembled state of the first and second connectors. ing. In FIG. 1 to FIG.
Is a mounting portion to a housing for accommodating an electric device (not shown),
Reference numeral 22 denotes a standby unit that accommodates another electric device (not shown) connected to the electric device. The standby unit 22 is, for example,
First and second connectors 2 which are composed of a frame-shaped member attached to an instrument panel of an automobile and will be described later.
An insertion hole 28 for inserting the fourth and the fourth 30 is provided. The size of the insertion hole 28 is such that the connectors 24 and 30 can move freely in a fitted state.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a first connector having a mounting portion 20 to be attached to the housing, for example, a male connector. First
The connector 24 is, for example, as shown in FIGS.
A total of ten terminal storage ports 24a arranged in five rows and five rows are formed, and the first terminals 26 formed of, for example, male terminals are incorporated in the terminal storage ports 24a. Reference numeral 30 denotes a second connector formed of, for example, a female connector housed in the insertion hole 28. The second connector 30 is, for example,
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a total of 1 arranged in 2 rows and 5 columns
Zero terminal storage ports 30a are formed.
A second terminal 32 formed of, for example, a female terminal is incorporated in Oa.

The standby portion 22 is provided with a pair of vibration absorbing and locking members 34 for sandwiching the second connector 30 from both sides. This vibration absorbing and locking member 34 is provided with cut grooves provided in both upper and lower stages on both sides of the standby portion 22 as shown in FIGS. 1 (a), (b), 3 and 4 (a), for example. It is composed of the formed movable rib 34a and a claw 34b protruding inward from the tip thereof. On both sides of the second connector 30, a cross section 3 for locking with the claw 34b of the vibration absorbing locking member 34 is provided.
An angular projection 30b is formed. Note that the vibration absorbing and locking member 34 may have a structure like the spring-biased stopper 16 shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the second connector 30 is inserted into the insertion hole 28 of the standby portion 22, and the projection 30b is formed on the vibration absorbing and locking member formed on the standby portion 22. 34, the connector 30 can be locked.
Is not pulled out in the direction opposite to the direction of insertion.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5 show a state before the first connector 24 and the second connector 30 previously inserted into the standby portion 22 are fitted. When assembling the connector device of the present invention from such a state, first, the first connector 24 is moved toward the second connector 30 and is inserted into the insertion hole 28, so that the second connector 3
0 is inserted into the first connector 24, and the first connector 24 and the second connector 30 are fitted (FIG. 6).
(See (a) and (b).) In this case, the insertion hole 2 of the standby portion 22
8 is inserted into the insertion hole 28 so that the first connector 24 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first and second connectors 24 and 30.
A loose fit gap 36 is formed between the fourth and standby portions 22.

Next, with the first connector 24 and the second connector 30 fitted together, the first connector 24
Into the standby unit 22. Then, FIG.
In (b), when the first terminal 26 incorporated in the first connector 24 and the second terminal 32 incorporated in the second connector 30 reach a current-carrying part where electrical connection is established, The distal end of the first connector 24 abuts on the claw 34b of the vibration absorbing and locking member 34, and releases the locking between the claw 34b and the projection 30b of the second connector 30 as described later.

In the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the range of the current-carrying portion where the first terminal 26 and the second terminal 32 are electrically connected is limited to the first and second connectors 24 and 24. ,
30 is a predetermined range A from before the end of the fitting to the end of the fitting.
Is set to That is, in the configuration shown in the upper part of FIG.
7, the lower part of FIG. 7 and FIG. 6 show that the current-carrying parts are the first and second connectors 24 and 30.
The predetermined range A is in front of the end of the fitting of the first connector 24 by a predetermined range A, and the predetermined range A is between the bottom surface of the second connector insertion hole formed in the first connector 24 and the tip of the second connector 30. The figure shows a state in which a corresponding gap is formed. Since the energized portion is set in the range A, the first terminal 26 and the second terminal 3
2 is maintained in a stable electrical connection state. The predetermined range A is set to a range that can absorb a slight shift of the energized portion of the first and second connectors 24 and 30 from the connector fitting end position.

On the other hand, the first and second connectors 24 and 30
In the fitting process, a protrusion 30c (see FIGS. 3 and 1A) formed of a movable rib provided on one side surface of the second connector 30 was formed on one side surface of the first connector 24. The second connector 30 is inserted into the horizontally long hole 24b from the inside and locked (see FIGS. 3 and 5).
From the connector 24. Further, a movable rib-like inner protrusion (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) formed inside the waiting portion 22 is inserted into the horizontally long hole 24b from the outside and locked, so that the first connector 24 is connected. It is prevented from falling out of the standby unit 22.

In this embodiment, the projection 30c of the second connector 30 is locked in the elongated hole 24b of the first connector 24. When the second connector 30 is locked by such a horizontally long hole 24b, the first connector 24
In contrast, it is possible to move both connectors in the fitting direction (length direction). Therefore, both connectors 24, 30 may be damaged due to a manufacturing error of the two connectors 24, 30 or a poor fitting state.
In the event that the energized parts of the first and second terminals 26 and 32 incorporated in the connector 0 are out of the predetermined range A, the second connector 30 is moved to the first connector 24 side. In addition, it is easy to put the energized portion within the predetermined range A, and it is possible to eliminate poor energization of both connectors and maintain a stable electric connection state.

Next, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6 and FIG.
When the second connector 24, 30 is located a predetermined range A before the end of the fitting, the first and second terminals 26, 32 reach the energized portion, and the tip of the first connector 24 is After contacting the claw 34b of the vibration absorbing and locking member 34,
Push in the tip of the first connector 24. And FIG.
(A) As shown in (b), the tip of the vibration absorbing and locking member 34 is brought into contact with the inner inclined surface of the vibration absorbing and locking member 34, and
Of the movable rib 34a is spread right and left. This allows
Claw 34b of vibration absorbing and locking member 34 and second connector 30
Is released from the projection 30b. Further, the first connector 24 is pushed in, and the claws 34 b of the vibration absorbing and locking member 34 are pressed.
This time, as shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b), the first connector 24 is inserted into a vertically long hole 24c formed in advance and locked.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show that the first and second connectors 24 and 30 are fitted by the above fitting process,
2 shows the connector device supported by the connector device 2. According to this, in a state where the first and second connectors 24 and 30 are fitted together, the first connector 24 is supported by the vibration receiving and locking member 34 on the standby portion 22. Therefore, even if vibration is applied to this connector device from the outside in the fitting direction (front-back direction) of the first and second connectors 24 and 30, the two connectors vibrate integrally, so that the terminals of the connectors are not connected. Wear due to micro-vibration hardly occurs.

The timing for releasing the locking of the vibration absorbing locking member 34 locking the second connector 30 is as follows.
Not only when the fitting positions of the first and second connectors 24 and 30 reach the energized parts as shown in the lower part of FIGS. 6 and 7, but also when the fitting is completed (the fitting state in the upper part of FIG. 7). Or at any fitting position within the predetermined range A of the energized portion. Thus, the first terminal 26
The first and second connectors 24 and 30 are set in a predetermined range A from before the end of the fitting to the end of the fitting by setting the range of the energized site where the second terminal 32 and the second terminal 32 are electrically connected, The energized portion is widened, and when the first and second connectors 24 and 30 are arbitrarily positioned within this range, the second connector 3
The locking of the vibration absorbing locking member 34 locking the “0” is released. Then, even if a slight shift occurs at the fitting end point of the first and second connectors 24 and 30, when the vibration absorbing and locking member 34 is unlocked with respect to the second connector 30, the two connectors are already released. 24 and 30 reach the energized portion and become electrically connected. Therefore, it is not necessary to employ a time lag mechanism for the fitting of the two connectors and the unlocking operation of the vibration absorbing and locking member, so that parts such as the conventional spring member and the connector holder are not required, and the structure is reduced in size and the cost is reduced. Reduction can be achieved.

Further, in the present invention, the first connector 24 is locked to the standby portion 22 by the vibration absorbing and locking member 34, but the first connector 24 is inserted into the insertion hole 28 of the standby portion 22. Since the loose fitting space 36 is formed between the first connector 24 and the waiting portion 22, the first connector 24 is perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first and second connectors 24 and 30 with respect to the waiting portion 22. To move in different directions. Therefore, even when different vibrations act on the connector device in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (front-rear direction) of the first and second connectors 24 and 30, the first and second connectors 24 and 30 can be used. ,
Vibration is less likely to occur between the 30s.

Further, in the present embodiment, the claw 34b of the vibration absorbing and locking member 34 is inserted and locked in the vertically long hole 24c of the first connector 24. The length of the vertically long hole 24c in the vertical direction is as described above. The claw 34b is formed longer than the vertical length. By locking the claw 34b of the vibration absorbing and locking member 34 with such a vertically long hole 24c, the first connector 24 is fitted to the standby portion 22 in the fitting direction of the first and second connectors 24 and 30. Vertical direction (vertical direction)
It is preferable because the degree of freedom in the direction of movement of the connector 24 is expanded, and even if combined vertical, horizontal and horizontal vibrations are applied, the displacement of the vibrations can be more reliably prevented.

[0023]

According to the present invention, as described above, the first and second connectors are inserted in a state where the first and second connectors are fitted together with a loose fitting gap in the waiting portion, and the first connector vibrates. The absorbing and locking member is configured to be able to freely move in the direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first and second connectors with respect to the standby portion, so that the first and second connectors can be connected to the outside from the outside. Even if different vibrations act in the fitting direction or the vertical direction, the vibration is less likely to be displaced between the first and second connectors, and therefore, wear and the like due to minute vibrations are less likely to occur between the terminals of the connector, It is possible to reliably prevent poor contact by preventing damage to the connector connection portion, and to maintain stable electrical connection.

The range of the energized portion where the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected to each other is defined as a predetermined range from before the end of the first and second connectors to the end of the engagement. Therefore, even if a slight shift occurs at the fitting end point of the first and second connectors, when releasing the locking of the vibration absorbing locking member with respect to the second connector, both connectors are connected. Reaching the energized part, it is electrically connected. Therefore, it is not necessary to employ a time lag mechanism for the fitting of the two connectors and the unlocking operation of the vibration absorbing and locking member, which eliminates the need for the conventional components such as the spring member and the connector holder, thus reducing the size of the structure. Cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a connector device according to the present invention, in which (a) is a plan sectional view and (b) is a side sectional view.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first connector in the connector device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second connector is inserted into the standby unit of FIG. 1;

4A and 4B are views showing a state before the first and second connectors of FIG. 1 are fitted, wherein FIG. 4A is a plan sectional view, and FIG. 4B is a side sectional view (first and second terminals). ).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the state shown in FIG. 4;

6 is a view showing a state in which the first and second connectors are fitted from the state shown in FIG. 4, (a) is a plan sectional view,
(B) is a side sectional view (excluding the first and second terminals).

FIG. 7 shows the first and second connectors in the connector device of the present invention.
This shows two types of examples where the positions of the energized parts in the connector are assembled with a certain width, and the upper example shows a case where the energized part is at the end of fitting of the first and second connectors.
The example in the lower part is a plan sectional view in a case where the energized portion is located a predetermined range before the end of the fitting of the first and second connectors.

8 is a diagram showing a state in which the fitting positions of the first and second connectors have reached the energized portion and the locking of the vibration absorbing locking member has been released in the state shown in FIG. () Is a plan sectional view, and (b) is a side sectional view (excluding the first and second terminals).

FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the first connector is locked by the vibration absorbing and locking member from the state of FIG. 8, and the first and second connectors are fitted and assembled; Sectional view,
(B) is a side sectional view (excluding the first and second terminals).

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the state shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows first and second connectors in a conventional connector device.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state before the connector is fitted.

12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state after the first and second connectors of FIG. 11 have been fitted.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 Housing mounting portion 22 Standing portion 22a Inner protrusion 24 First connector 24a Terminal storage opening 24b Horizontal hole 26 First terminal 28 Insertion hole 30 Second connector 30a Terminal storage opening 30b, 30c Projection 32 Second Terminal 34 Vibration absorbing and locking member 34a Movable rib 34b Claw 36 Free fit gap

Claims (1)

[Claims] A first connector and a second connector which are fitted to each other, an insertion hole formed in a waiting portion, into which the first connector is inserted, and a second connector housed in the insertion hole. And a vibration absorbing locking member for locking the second connector in the insertion hole so as not to be pulled out in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second connector is inserted into the insertion hole before the first and second connectors are fitted to each other. The first connector is formed between the first connector and the standby portion so that the first connector inserted into the insertion hole of the standby portion can move in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector. A first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal and the second terminal being provided in the first connector.
The range of the energized region where the second terminal incorporated in the connector is electrically connected is set to a predetermined range from before the end of the first and second connectors to the end of the fit,
When the first and second connectors are mated, the first connector is inserted into the insertion hole of the waiting portion to start mating the first and second connectors, and the first and second connectors are mated. When the fitting position is within a predetermined range of the energized portion, the locking of the vibration absorbing locking member that locks the second connector is released, and the vibration absorbing locking member The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector are locked with respect to each other in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first and second connectors.