JP2002305828A - Structure for fixing connector housing to electrical junction box - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure which can surely fix connector housings to an electrical junction box. SOLUTION: Connector housings 12 are contained in a connector containing unit 31 provided on a case body 22. One connector housing 12 can slidably be attached to the other connector housing 12. A locking plate 41 is engaged with a guided protrusion 18 while the connector housings 12 are contained in the connector containing unit 31. Further, the locking plate 41 is fixed to the case body 22. With such a constitution, the connector housings 12 are retained so as to be incapable of being drawn out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a structure for fixing an electric junction box and a connector housing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an electric connection box mounted on an automobile has a mounting portion for mounting electric components such as relays and fuses, and a connector housing portion for connecting a connector mounted on a terminal of a wire harness. It has. The connector accommodating portion has a lock structure having a frame shape for internally fitting and locking the connector, and having a locking portion for locking to a lock arm of the connector. Each connector accommodating portion has a structure for fitting and fixing a corresponding single connector.

[0003]

Incidentally, as a connector attached to the wire harness, a so-called united type connector in which a plurality of connectors are combined in an arbitrary number and integrated is sometimes used. However, as described above, the lock structure between the connector accommodating portion of the electric connection box and the connector fitted to the connector accommodating portion is such that only the corresponding single connector can be fitted and fixed. For this reason, it has not been possible to accommodate a case where it is necessary to accommodate an integrated connector in which an arbitrary number is selected and combined in one connector accommodation section.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a structure capable of securely fixing an electric connection box and a connector housing.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric connection box having a connector accommodating portion provided in a case body, and an electric connection box accommodated in the connector accommodating portion. A connector housing, wherein the connector housing allows a plurality of connector housings to be assembled in the thickness direction and has a convex portion on a side portion, while the connector housing portion includes a plurality of the connector housings. In a state where the connector housing is selectively or individually accommodated in the connector accommodating portion, the connector housing is inserted from a side of the accommodating portion and engages with the convex portion of the connector housing. The gist of the present invention is to provide a lock member for holding the connector housing so as not to come out.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the lock member includes a base and a pair of arms respectively extending from both ends of the base. The gist of the invention is that the connector housing is inserted into a first through hole provided in a wall portion of the connector housing portion and engages with convex portions on both side portions of the connector housing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, a fitting fits with a fitting portion provided on the base portion on a wall portion of the connector housing portion where the base portion abuts. A joint portion is provided, and a second through-hole into which the tip portions of the pair of arms are inserted is provided in a wall portion of the connector housing portion opposite to the wall portion with which the base portion abuts. A gist is provided on the inner side surface of the portion, the guide means extending along the insertion direction of the arm portion.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, an inner surface of a wall portion with which the side surface of each of the arms abuts in the connector accommodating portion,
The gist of the invention is to provide a guide means extending along the insertion direction of the arm portion, and a guide groove into which the projection is inserted and which extends along the housing direction of the connector housing.

The "action" of the present invention will be described below. According to the first aspect of the invention, the lock member is inserted from the side of the connector accommodating portion and engages with the convex portion on the side of the connector housing. Therefore, the connector housing is prevented from moving in the attaching / detaching direction, and the connector housing is held so as not to come out. Therefore, the connector housing can be reliably fixed to the electric connection box in a state where the connector housing is selectively housed alone or in a plurality. Further, there is no need to provide a means for engaging the connector housing portion in the connector housing as in a conventional connector. Further, the half-fitting of the connector housing can be detected by the lock member.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the pair of arms are inserted into the first through holes to engage with the protrusions on both sides of the connector housing, so that the connector housing cannot be pulled out by the lock member. It is held down. For this reason, the connector housing is more reliably and uniformly pressed down than when only one arm is provided. Therefore, the connector housing can be more reliably fixed to the electric connection box. In addition, since the lock member is inserted from the side of the connector housing, a simple structure is sufficient. Therefore, the connector housing can be fixed to the electric connection box with a simple configuration.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the lock member is inserted from the side of the connector accommodating portion, the arm portion is securely inserted into the second through hole. Therefore, rattling of the arm is prevented by the second through hole. Further, since the fitted portion provided on the base portion fits into the fitting portion provided on the wall portion, it is possible to prevent the lock member from coming off the connector housing portion. Therefore, the connector housing can be more securely fixed.

According to the present invention, when the lock member is inserted from the side of the connector accommodating portion, the arm portion is surely guided to the second through hole by the guide means. Further, the connector housing is guided into the connector accommodating portion by inserting the convex portion into the guide groove. Therefore,
The connector housing can be easily fixed.

[0013]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a structure for fixing an electric connection box for a vehicle and a connector housing according to the present invention; FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a junction box 21 as an electric connection box is constituted by a case body 22 composed of an upper case and a lower case, and has a substantially box shape. On the component mounting surface 22a of the case body 22, a plurality of connector mounting portions 23 (in this embodiment,
Location). In each connector mounting part 23,
A connector (not shown) is mounted. Further, a connector housing portion 31 is formed on the component mounting surface 22a. A block body 11 configured by sliding and assembling a plurality of (in the present embodiment, nine) connector housings 12 into the connector housing portion 31.
Is to be mounted. The connector housing 12 may be housed in the connector housing 31 alone or at an interval without assembling a plurality of housings. Each connector housing 12 is formed of a synthetic resin. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each connector housing 12 is provided with a plurality of terminal receiving holes 13 along the sliding direction of the connector housing 12. As shown in FIG. 4, each terminal accommodating hole 13 has an opening end 13a,
Both ends are opened at 13b. A tab lead-out hole 13c is provided near each opening end 13b.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a terminal 14 is inserted into each terminal receiving hole 13 through each opening end 13a. Each terminal 14 is formed by bending a conductive metal plate. An electric wire 17 constituting a wire harness is connected to a base end of each terminal 14. Each electric wire 17 is configured to extend to the outside of the connector housing 12 via the opening end 13a.

As shown in FIG. 4, a flexible piece 14a is formed at the distal end of each terminal 14 in a substantially elliptical shape. Further, a tab 14b is formed at the tip of each terminal 14 by bending a metal plate. Each tab part 14
b protrudes out of the connector housing 12 through the tab portion lead-out hole 13c. Each tab part 14
The protruding portion b is bent or cut into a substantially U-shape. Each bent tab portion 14b
Is the open end 13b of the adjacent connector housing 12.
Is inserted into the terminal accommodating hole 13. At this time, each tab portion 14b is pressed against the flexible piece 14a of the terminal 14 housed in the adjacent connector housing 12. As a result, the terminals 14 in the connector housing 12 are electrically connected to the adjacent terminals 14 via the tab portions 14b. In addition, each tab part 14
b is cut as needed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, grooves 15 are formed on both sides of the first surface 12a of each connector housing 12.
Extend along the sliding direction of the connector housing 12. Each groove 15 has a substantially L-shaped cross section.
On both sides of the second surface 12 b of each connector housing 12, ridges 16 extend in the sliding direction of the connector housing 12. Each ridge 16 is substantially L-shaped in cross section.
It is shaped like a letter. Each ridge 16 is inserted into the groove 15 of the adjacent connector housing 12. As a result, the connector housing 12 is stacked in the thickness direction to form the block body 11. In addition, the first surface 1
The second surface 2a and the second surface 12b are surfaces located on opposite sides of the connector housing 12 with respect to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a third surface 12c as an outer surface of each connector housing 12 and a fourth surface 12c are provided.
Guided projections 18 as projections are provided at a plurality of locations (five locations in this embodiment) on the surface 12d. Each guided projection 18 is disposed along the sliding direction of the connector housing 12. Each of the guided projections 18 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is arranged at a predetermined interval.

As shown in FIG. 2, the connector housing 3
Tab insertion holes 35 are provided at a plurality of locations on one bottom surface 31c. From each tab insertion hole 35, a tab portion bent from a bus bar (not shown) accommodated in the case main body 22 or a tab portion of a press contact terminal pressed against an electric wire laid in the case main body 22 projects. It has become. These tab portions are inserted into the terminal receiving holes 13 through the respective open end portions 13b of the connector housing 12. Each tab section is the tab section 1
4b is inserted into the terminal accommodating hole 13 through the open end 13b into which the terminal 4b is not inserted. As a result, each tab portion is electrically connected to the flexible piece 14a of each terminal 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, the connector housing 3
1 is constituted by being surrounded by walls 36, 37, 38, 39. The connector housing 31
Guide grooves 3 as guide portions are provided on the inner side surfaces 31a and 31b of the
3 are arranged in parallel. Each guide groove 33 is engaged with the guided convex portion 18 so that the block 1
1 is guided into the connector housing portion 31. A rib 33a is formed between adjacent guide grooves 33.

Further, guide projections 7 serving as guide means are provided on inner side surfaces 31a and 31b of the open end of the connector housing portion 31.
3 are provided at a plurality of locations. Each guide projection 73 is provided along the insertion direction of the arm 43. Each guide projection 73 is disposed above each rib 33a on each of the wall portions 37 and 39. Each guide projection 73 has a substantially triangular plate shape, and is arranged in a state of being separated at regular intervals. The protrusion amount of each guide projection 73 is slightly larger than the depth of each guide groove 33.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a pair of second through holes 72 is provided in the wall 38 located on the opposite side of the wall 36 in the connector housing 31. Each of the second through holes 72 is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the wall 38. The height of the lower end edge of each second through hole 72 corresponds to the height of the upper end of each rib 33a in the connector housing portion 31. The height of the upper end edge of each second through-hole 72 corresponds to the height of the lower end of each guide projection 73 in the connector housing 31. Each second
The through hole 72 has a rectangular shape.

As shown in FIG. 3 (a), on the outer surface of the wall portion 36, fitting projections 32 as fitting portions are arranged at a plurality of locations (two locations in this embodiment). Have been.
Each fitting projection 32 is disposed at the center of the wall 36 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially triangular hook portion 32 a is formed at the tip of each fitting projection 32. Each hook 32a protrudes in a direction opposite to each other. A pair of first through holes 71 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the wall portion 36. Each first
The through holes 71 are provided at the same height as each of the second through holes 72. Each first through-hole 71 has a rectangular shape, and has the same size as each second through-hole 72.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 (a) and 6 (b), a lock plate 41 as a lock member is attached to the connector housing portion 31.
The lock plate 41 is made of a synthetic resin.
2 is formed separately. The lock plate 41 is formed in a substantially U-shape as a whole.

The base 42 constituting the lock plate 41
Has a shape such that the entire inner side surface 42 a contacts the outer side surface of the wall portion 36. On the inner side surface 42a side of the base 42, there are provided two lightening portions 45 each having a substantially rectangular shape. Also, at the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 42,
A fitting hole 44 is provided as a fitted portion. The fitting hole 44 has a substantially rectangular shape.
5 are arranged. The width of the fitting hole 44 is slightly larger than the width of the fitting projection 32. Fitting hole 44
A step portion 44a is formed entirely. Step 44a
Are disposed on the inner side surface 42 a side of the fitting hole 44. The thickness of the step portion 44a is set such that the hook portion 32 extends from the base end of the fitting projection 32.
It is slightly smaller than the distance to a. Step 44
In the portion where a is not provided, the length of the fitting hole 44 is slightly larger than the distance between the tips of the hooks 32a. In the portion where the step portion 44a is provided, the length of the fitting hole 44 is smaller than the distance between the tips of the hook portions 32a. Therefore, the fitting hole 44
, The fitting projections 32 are fitted.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B,
From both ends of the base 42, a pair of arms 43 extend in the same direction. The length of each arm 43 is slightly larger than the length of each of the walls 37 and 39. Each arm 43 has the same length. The width of each arm 43 is slightly smaller than the length of each of the first through holes 71 and each of the second through holes 72. Further, the thickness of each arm 43 is slightly smaller than the width of each first through hole 71 and each second through hole 72. Therefore, each arm 43 is inserted into each first through hole 71. Then, the distal end of each arm 43 is inserted into each second through hole 72. The width of each arm 43 is the same as that of the rib 3.
It is slightly smaller than the distance between the upper end of 3a and the lower end of the guide projection 73. Therefore, each arm 43 comes into engagement with the guided projection 18. In addition, each arm 4
Tapered portions 43a are provided on both side portions of the distal end portion 3 respectively. As shown in FIG.
In the portion where “a” is provided, the width of each arm portion 43 decreases toward the tip. These tapered portions 4
3a is for smoothly inserting the tip of each arm 43 into each first through hole 71 and each second through hole 72.

Next, a method of fixing the block body 11 to the junction box 21 will be described. First, terminals 14 each having a base end connected to an electric wire 17 are accommodated in a plurality of connector housings 12. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, each ridge 16 is engaged with each groove 15, and each connector housing 12 is slid and assembled. As a result, a block body 11 as shown in FIG. 1 is configured.

Next, the block body 11 is inserted into the connector housing 31. At this time, the block body 11 is guided by inserting the guided protrusions 18 into the guide grooves 33.

In this state, the lock plate 41 is inserted from the first through hole 71 of the connector housing 31. At this time, each arm 43 is connected to the upper end of each rib 33a and the guide projection 7.
3 and between the lower ends. Therefore, each arm 43 is engaged with the guided projection 18. Then, the tip of each arm 43 is inserted through the second through hole 72 and protrudes outside the wall 38. At the same time, the fitting protrusions 32 are engaged with the fitting holes 44 by deforming the tips of the fitting protrusions 32 in directions approaching each other. As a result, the lock plate 41 is fixed to the case main body 22 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the block body 11 is held undetachably by the lock plate 41.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Each arm 43 is inserted from the first through hole 71 of the connector housing portion 31 and engages with the guided convex portion 18 on the third surface 12c and the fourth surface 12d of the block body 11. I do. Therefore, the block body 11 is prevented from moving in the attaching / detaching direction, and the block body 11 is held so as not to come out. Therefore, the connector housing 12 can be securely fixed to the junction box 21 regardless of whether the connector housing 12 is a single unit or a combination thereof. Further, it is not necessary to provide a means for engaging with the connector housing portion 31 such as a conventional connector in the block body 11.

Further, when the connector housing 12 is not completely inserted into the connector housing 31, the connector housing 12 projects upward from the upper end of the connector housing 31, and the position of the guided projection 18 also shifts upward. Therefore, each arm 43 of the lock plate 41 abuts against the guided convex portion 18 of the connector housing 12 in a half-fitted state,
The lock plate 41 cannot be inserted any more. In this case, since the lock plate 41 cannot be fixed to the case main body 22, half-fitting of the block body 11 is detected. Therefore, the lock plate 41 can prevent the block body 11 from being half-fitted.

(2) The pair of arms 43 are inserted through the first through holes 71 to engage with the guided projections 18 on the third surface 12c and the fourth surface 12d of the block body 11. Thereby,
The block body 11 is pressed by the lock plate 41 so as not to come out. Therefore, the block body 11 is more reliably and uniformly pressed down than when there is only one arm portion 43. Therefore, the block body 11 can be more reliably fixed to the junction box 21. Further, since the lock plate 41 is inserted from the side of the connector housing portion 31, a simple structure is sufficient. Therefore, the block body 11 can be fixed to the junction box 21 with a simple configuration.

(3) When the lock plate 41 is inserted from the side of the connector accommodating portion 31, the tip of the arm 43 is securely inserted into the second through hole. Therefore, the arm 43 is
The second through hole 72 prevents the pivotal movement about the contact portion with the through hole 71 as a fulcrum. Also, the base 42
Since the fitting hole 44 provided in the lock member 41 fits into the fitting protrusion 32 provided in the wall portion 36, it is possible to prevent the lock plate 41 from being detached from the connector housing portion 31. Therefore, the block body 11 can be fixed more reliably.

(4) When the lock plate 41 is inserted from the side of the connector accommodating portion 31, the edge of the arm 43 opposite to the edge contacting the guided projection 18 is formed by the guide projection 73. It is suppressed. At the same time, arm 4
The leading end of the second through hole 7 is reliably secured by the guide projection 73.
You will be guided to 2. Further, the block body 11 is guided into the connector accommodating portion 31 by inserting the guided convex portion 18 into the guide groove 33. Therefore, the block body 11 can be easily fixed.

(5) Even if the number of connector housings 12 is changed, the guided projection 18 provided on the block body 11 and the arm 43 are securely engaged. Therefore, even if the number of connector housings 12 is changed, the connector housing 31
The block body 11 can be fixed inside.

The embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows. In the above embodiment, the lock plate 41 includes the base 42 and the pair of arms 43. However, one arm 4
3, the arm 43 may be extended only from one end of the base 42, or the base 42 may be omitted and the lock plate 41 may be configured to include only one arm 43. Good.

In the above embodiment, the lock plate 41
Was fixed to the connector accommodating portion 31 by fitting each fitting projection 32 to each fitting hole 44. But,
The configuration for fixing the lock plate 41 may be changed. For example, the fitting hole 44 may be provided on the connector housing 31 side, and the fitting protrusion 32 may be provided on the lock plate 41 side. Alternatively, the lock plate 41 may be fixed by omitting the fitting hole 44 and the fitting protrusion 32 and press-fitting each arm 43 into each first through-hole 71.

In the above embodiment, the second through hole 72
And at least one of the guide projections 73 may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the inner side surface 31 of the connector housing portion 31
A guide groove 33 is provided in each of a and 31b, and the guided protrusion 18 is engaged with the guide groove 33. However, the guide groove 33 may be changed to a guide protrusion, and the leading end of the guided protrusion 18 may be brought into contact with the leading end of the guide protrusion. Further, the guide groove 33 is omitted, and the connector housing 31 is omitted.
The leading end of the guided convex portion 18 may be brought into contact with the inner side surfaces 31a and 31b of the guide.

Next, technical ideas grasped by the above embodiment and other examples are listed below. (1) The electric connection box and the connector housing according to claim 1, wherein a guide portion is provided on an inner surface of the connector housing portion to guide the connector housing by engaging with each of the convex portions. Fixed structure. Therefore, according to the technical idea (1), erroneous insertion of the connector housing can be prevented.

(2) The lock member according to claim 1, wherein the lock member comprises: a base portion abutting on a wall portion surrounding the connector accommodating portion;
A structure for fixing an electrical junction box and a connector housing, comprising: an arm portion that penetrates a first through hole provided in the wall portion and engages with a protrusion on a side portion of the connector housing.

(3) A fixing structure of an electric connection box having a connector accommodating portion provided in a case main body and a connector housing accommodated in the connector accommodating portion, wherein the plurality of connector housings are thickened. The connector housing portion has a size capable of accommodating a plurality of the connector housings, and the connector housing portion is singly or selectively accommodated in the connector housing portion. A fixing structure provided between the electric connection box and the connector housing, the fixing means being provided as a member separate from the case body so as to prevent the connector housing from coming out.

(4) A connector housing that allows a plurality of connector housings to be assembled in the thickness direction is housed in a connector housing that can house a plurality of the connector housings, and is locked from a side of the connector housing. A method for fixing an electrical junction box and a connector housing, wherein the connector housing is locked so as not to come out by engaging a side portion of the connector housing by inserting a member. Therefore, according to the technical idea (4), the electric connection box and the connector housing can be securely and easily fixed.

[0043]

As described in detail above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the connector housing can be securely fixed to the electric connection box. Further, the half-fitting of the connector housing can be detected by the lock member.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the connector housing can be more securely fixed to the electric connection box despite its simple configuration. According to the third aspect of the invention, the connector housing can be more securely fixed.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the connector housing can be easily fixed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a fixing structure of a connector housing in the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a junction box.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views of a junction box.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part of the connector housing.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connector housing.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a lock plate, and FIG.
Is a top view of the lock plate.

FIG. 7 is an overall perspective view of the junction box showing a state after the block body is fixed.

[Explanation of symbols]

12: Connector housing, 18: Guided projection as a projection, 21: Junction box as an electrical connection box, 22: Case body, 31: Connector housing, 31
a, 31b ... inner side surface, 32 ... fitting convex part as fitting part,
33: guide groove, 36, 37, 38, 39: wall, 41 ...
Lock plate as lock member, 42... Base, 43
... arm part, 44 ... fitting hole as fitting part, 71 ... first through hole, 72 ... second through hole, 73 ... guide protrusion as guide means.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5E087 EE02 EE03 EE14 FF08 FF14 FF19 FF27 JJ08 JJ09 MM11 QQ04 RR25 RR36 RR41 5G361 AA06 AB12 AC02 AC13 AD01 AE01

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A fixing structure of an electric connection box having a connector accommodating portion provided in a case main body and a connector housing accommodated in the connector accommodating portion, wherein the connector housing is formed by thickening a plurality of connector housings. The connector housing portion has a size capable of accommodating a plurality of the connector housings, while the connector housing portion has a size capable of accommodating a plurality of the connector housings. An electrical connection box, comprising: a locking member that is inserted from a side of the housing portion and engages with a convex portion of the connector housing to hold the connector housing so as not to be able to come out. Fixed structure with connector housing. 2. The lock member includes a base and a pair of arms respectively extending from both ends of the base. Each of the arms is provided with a first through hole provided on a wall of the connector housing. The fixing structure of an electric connection box and a connector housing according to claim 1, wherein the connector housing is inserted into the hole to engage with protrusions on both sides of the connector housing. 3. A fitting portion for fitting to a fitted portion provided on the base portion is provided on a wall portion of the connector receiving portion where the base portion contacts, and the base portion contacts the connector receiving portion. 3. The electric connection box according to claim 2, wherein a second through hole into which the distal ends of the pair of arms are inserted is provided on a wall opposite to the wall. Fixed structure. 4. A guide means extending along an insertion direction of the arm portion is provided on an inner side surface of a wall portion of the connector accommodating portion where the side surface of each of the arm portions abuts, and the convex portion is inserted. The structure for fixing an electric connection box and a connector housing according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a guide groove extending in a housing direction of the connector housing is provided.