JP2004031186A - Connector device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To protect a connector in an unused condition in a connector device that is composed of a male-type connector at which a terminal block is installed and a female-type connector at which a fitting space is formed, and that is joined since the terminal block is fitted into the fitting space. <P>SOLUTION: In the connector device 1, a first covering material 7 to which the covering behavior of a first terminal member 5 is given is slidably combined with a male-type connector 2 in the fitting direction, and a second covering member 18 in which the occlusion behavior to the fitting space 17a is given to a female-type connector 3 and which is combined slidably in the fitting direction and covers a second terminal member 16 is installed, the male-type connector 2 and the female-type connector 3 are surely engaged mechanically and electrically and reliability is improved, and since the slide operation of the covering material 7 is unnecessary, operability is improved. Furthermore, in the connector device 1, by further reducing sizes of terminal members of the male-type connector 2 and the female-type connector 3 and by minute pitching, downsizing can be attained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector device comprising a male connector provided with a terminal block and a female connector provided with a fitting space, and connected by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space, and in particular, The present invention relates to a connector device having a protection mechanism for protecting each terminal member in a non-coupled state.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Many electronic information devices generally have a function of transmitting and receiving various data such as image data and audio data, control signals, and power by being connected to other electronic devices and the like via a connector device. . In such a connector device, for example, a female connector is attached to a main body of an electronic device, and a male connector provided on a cable connected to an external device or the like is connected to the female connector.
[0003]
The connector device generally has a fitting space formed on the female connector side and a terminal block protruding from the housing on the male connector side, and is fitted by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space. The female connector and the male connector are mechanically connected. In the connector device, a large number of terminal members are provided in a fitting space portion of the female connector and a terminal block of the male connector, respectively. When the terminal members come into relative contact with each other in a connected state, electrical connection is established. Various data and control signals are exchanged between the devices.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the connector device, generally, the terminal members of the male connector are respectively provided in a state of being exposed from the housing. In addition, connector devices tend to have a large number of pins having many terminal members for transmitting and receiving various information, signals, or power between devices, and these terminal members have become finer with the reduction in size and weight. It has a fine pitch.
[0005]
In the connector device, when the male connector collides with something when not in use, each miniaturized terminal member may be damaged or bent. Further, in the connector device, dust or the like easily adheres to each terminal member of the female connector or the male connector due to static electricity or the like. In the connector device, if each terminal member is bent or dust is attached, when the female connector and the male connector are connected, an electrical connection failure or a short circuit between the terminal members occurs and various data and In some cases, transmission and reception of control signals and the like were not performed normally.
[0006]
In the connector device, measures such as covering the joint portion of the female connector and the male connector with a cap member when not in use, for example, are provided for the above-mentioned problems. However, there is a problem that such a cap member is troublesome because it is necessary to perform an attaching / detaching operation each time it is used, and the cap member is easily lost when removed.
[0007]
In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention covers and protects the terminal members of the male connector and the female connector when not in use, and releases the covering state of each terminal member when in use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector device which has improved reliability or operability by preventing damage or breakage of a terminal member or adhesion of dust and the like by providing the terminal device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a connector device according to the present invention includes a male connector having a plurality of first terminal members and having a terminal block protruding from a housing, and a first terminal member. And a female connector provided with a fitting space portion in which a plurality of second terminal members respectively corresponding to the inside are provided. The male connector and the female connector connect the terminal block to the fitting space portion. The first terminal member and the second terminal member facing each other are brought into contact with each other to be electrically connected and coupled. In the connector device, the male connector arranges the first terminal member along at least one side surface of the terminal block in the fitting direction with the female connector, and opens and closes the side surface of the terminal block to form the first terminal member. A first cover member for covering and opening the terminal member is slidably combined with the housing.
[0009]
According to the connector device of the present invention configured as described above, when the male connector and the female connector are not connected to each other, the first terminal member of the male connector is covered and protected by the first cover member. This prevents breakage, bending, and the like caused by external force, and suppresses adhesion of dust and the like. According to the connector device, when the terminal block is fitted into the fitting space and the male connector and the female connector are connected, the first cover material abuts against the opening edge of the fitting space and is locked. The first terminal member is exposed. According to the connector device, the first terminal member provided on the terminal block is connected to the second terminal member provided inside the fitting space in a state where the male connector and the female connector are connected. An electrical connection is made.
[0010]
Therefore, according to the connector device, since the breakage, bending, or adhesion of dust to the first terminal member is suppressed, the male connector and the female connector are electrically reliably connected, and the reliability is improved. It is planned. Further, according to the connector device, the first terminal members can be arranged minutely and minutely to increase the number of pins, thereby achieving miniaturization. Further, according to the connector device, since the first cover member slides from the state where the first terminal member is covered to the state where the first terminal member is exposed by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space portion, the sliding operation is performed. No operation is required, and operability is improved.
[0011]
In addition, a connector device according to the present invention that achieves the above-described object includes a second cover member that is provided with a closing behavior with respect to an opening of a fitting space in which a terminal block of a male connector is fitted. Is done. By fitting the terminal block into the fitting space, the connector device is operated from the state where the second cover member is pressed by the terminal block and the opening is closed to the state where it is opened.
[0012]
According to the connector device of the present invention configured as described above, the female connector closes the opening of the fitting space with the second cover member when the male connector and the female connector are not connected. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a foreign substance or the like invades from the opening and damages the second terminal member, and suppresses dust or the like entering from the opening from adhering to the second terminal member. I do. According to the connector device, when the terminal block is fitted into the fitting space portion and the male connector is connected to the female connector, the first cover material abuts against the opening edge of the fitting space portion and is locked. The first terminal member is exposed. According to the connector device, in a state where the male connector and the female connector are connected, the second terminal member provided in the fitting space contacts the first terminal member on the male connector side to electrically connect. The connection is made.
[0013]
Therefore, according to the connector device, the male terminal and the female terminal are reliably connected electrically by preventing breakage, bending, or adhesion of dust to the second terminal member, thereby improving reliability. It is planned. Further, according to the connector device, the second terminal members can be arranged minutely and minutely to increase the number of pins, so that the size can be reduced. Further, according to the connector device, since the second cover member slides from the state in which the second terminal member is covered to the state in which the second terminal member is exposed by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space, the sliding operation is performed. No operation is required, and operability is improved.
[0014]
Further, in the connector device according to the present invention that achieves the above-described object, the first terminal members are arranged on at least one side surface of the terminal block in parallel with each other along the fitting direction with the female connector. A male connector in which a first cover member provided with a coating behavior of the first terminal member is slidably combined with a side surface of the terminal block in a fitting direction, and an opening in a fitting space portion And a female connector provided with a second cover member that is slidably combined in the fitting direction of the male connector and covers the second terminal member.
[0015]
According to the connector device of the present invention configured as described above, by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space and coupling the male connector and the female connector, the first cover member is The first terminal member is exposed by being abutted against the opening edge of the fitting space on the mold connector side to expose the first terminal member, and the second cover member is slid by being pressed by the terminal block on the male connector side. To expose the second terminal member in the fitting space. According to the connector device, in a state where the male connector and the female connector are connected, the first terminal member exposed from the terminal block contacts the second terminal member exposed inside the fitting space. Electrical connection is made.
[0016]
According to the connector device, the first terminal member of the male connector and the second terminal member of the female connector are covered and protected by the first cover member and the second cover member in an unused state, respectively, so that the external force is reduced. In addition, the occurrence of breakage or bending due to the above is prevented, the adhesion of dust and the like is suppressed, and the male connector and the female connector are securely connected to each other, thereby improving reliability. Further, according to the connector device, since the first terminal member and the second terminal member can be arranged minutely and minutely to increase the number of pins, the size can be reduced. Become. Furthermore, according to the connector device, the first terminal member and the second terminal member are fitted by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space without the need for sliding the first cover member or the second cover member during use. The operability is improved by changing the terminal member from the covered state to the exposed state.
[0017]
Further, in the connector device according to the present invention that achieves the above-described object, the first terminal members are arranged on at least one side surface of the terminal block in parallel with each other along the fitting direction with the female connector. A male connector in which a first cover member provided with a coating behavior of the first terminal member is slidably combined with a side surface of the terminal block in a fitting direction, and an opening in a fitting space portion And a female connector provided with a second cover member that is rotatably combined with the second terminal member and is provided with a closing behavior with respect to the second terminal member.
[0018]
According to the connector device of the present invention configured as described above, by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space and coupling the male connector and the female connector, the first cover member is The first terminal member is exposed by being abutted against the opening edge of the fitting space on the mold connector side to expose the first terminal member, and the second cover member is pressed by the terminal block on the male connector side to rotate. Then, the second terminal member is exposed in the fitting space. According to the connector device, in a state where the male connector and the female connector are connected, the first terminal member exposed from the terminal block contacts the second terminal member exposed inside the fitting space. Electrical connection is made.
[0019]
According to the connector device, the first terminal member of the male connector and the second terminal member of the female connector are covered and protected by the first cover member and the second cover member in an unused state, respectively, so that the external force is reduced. In addition, the occurrence of breakage or bending due to the above is prevented, the adhesion of dust and the like is suppressed, and the male connector and the female connector are securely connected to each other, thereby improving reliability. Further, according to the connector device, since the first terminal member and the second terminal member can be arranged minutely and minutely to increase the number of pins, the size can be reduced. Become. Further, according to the connector device, the terminal block is fitted into the fitting space without the need for sliding or rotating the first cover member or the second cover member during use. The operability is improved by changing the state of the member and the second terminal member from the covered state to the exposed state.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a connector device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 will be described in detail as a first embodiment of the present invention. The connector device 1 transmits and receives various data such as image data and audio data, control signals, power, and the like by being connected to a cable, for example, a personal computer and its peripheral devices, a television receiver and a video game machine or an audio device. It is used as an interface device between various electronic devices such as devices and video devices.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the connector device 1 includes a pair of a male connector 2 and a female connector 3 that are mechanically coupled and electrically connected by a relative fitting operation. . In the connector device 1, a female connector 3 is generally attached to a connector portion provided on the device side, and a male connector 2 is attached to a cable connecting the devices. Of course, the connector device 1 is also used when the male connector 2 is assembled on the device side and the female connector 3 is assembled on the cable side, or the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 are assembled on the cable.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the male connector 2 includes a housing 4, a terminal block 6 having a large number of terminal members (first terminal members) 5, a first cover member 7, and a coil. A spring 8 and the like are provided. The housing 4 is formed of a synthetic resin material into a substantially rectangular tube shape, and has a first terminal block 6 assembled in the internal space protruding outward from the upper opening 4a. The housing 4 is configured as a connecting portion by projecting the lower end portions 5a of the first terminal members 5 from the lower openings 4b and bending the first terminal members 5 toward both side surfaces in the width direction.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the housing 4 is formed integrally with spring receiving portions 9 located on both sides in the longitudinal direction at the bottom of the internal space. The spring receiving portion 9 includes a substantially semicircular bottom plate portion 9a and a columnar receiving portion 9b integrally protruding from the bottom plate portion 9a toward the upper opening 4a. The housing 4 has a positioning projection 10 formed integrally with a bottom plate 9 a of each spring receiving portion 9. The housing 4 is provided with an earth plate 11 having one end fixed to the spring receiving portion 9 with a free end protruding from a side surface in the longitudinal direction.
[0024]
A coil spring 8 is mounted on the receiving portion 9b with the lower end of the spring receiving portion 9 placed on the receiving portion 9b. The coil spring 8 has a length sufficient to protrude greatly from the housing 4 in a natural state, and is compressed by a first cover member 7 attached to the housing 4 to store elastic force as described later. Energize. The coil spring 8 urges the first cover member 7 upward by this elastic force.
[0025]
The first terminal block 6 is formed of a synthetic resin material as a rectangular block having a cross section slightly smaller than the internal space of the housing 4, and is assembled to the housing 4 with its upper part protruding from the upper opening 4 a. Block member 12. The block member 12 is formed with a large number of terminal assembling grooves 12a, which are recessed through both sides in the longitudinal direction so as to penetrate in the height direction, and are arranged in parallel with each other. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the terminal assembling grooves 12 a has an opening 12 b on the side surface at a portion protruding from the housing 4.
[0026]
The first terminal members 5 are formed, for example, by punching a metal elastic plate into a predetermined shape, and are respectively assembled in the terminal assembly grooves 12 a formed in the block member 12. The first terminal member 5 may be integrally assembled to the block member 12 by, for example, insert molding or the like. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first terminal member 5 has a contact portion 5b formed by bending a portion near the upper end into a substantially rectangular shape, and each contact portion 5b has an opening. It protrudes outward from 12b and is assembled to the block member 12. The first terminal member 5 has the lower end 5a bent at a substantially right angle and protrudes from the side surface of the housing 4, thereby forming the connection portion as described above. In a state where the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 are connected as described later, the first terminal member 5 is pressed as shown by an arrow in FIG. 5 and the contact portion 5b is elastically displaced inward.
[0027]
The first terminal block 6 is covered by the first cover member 7 when the male connector 2 is not used with the female connector 3 in a non-coupled state. The first cover member 7 has a cross-sectional shape slightly smaller than the internal space of the housing 4 by a synthetic resin material, has an outer dimension sufficient to cover the first terminal block 6, and has a ceiling portion 7a. It is formed into a cylindrical shape. The first cover member 7 is formed with a rectangular opening 7b having an opening dimension enough to allow the first terminal member 5 to penetrate the ceiling 7a. As shown in FIG. 6, the first cover member 7 has a shaft hole 7c with a bottom in the height direction on the inner surface in the longitudinal direction. The spring receiving portion 9 mounted on the receiving portion 9b of the coil spring 8 is fitted into the shaft hole 7c of the first cover member 7 when the first cover member 7 is assembled to the housing 4.
[0028]
The first cover member 7 is assembled into the internal space of the housing 4 from the upper opening 4a by compressing the coil spring 8. The first cover member 7 is slidable in the height direction in the internal space of the housing 4, and is attached in a direction protruding from the upper opening 4 a by the elastic force of the coil spring 8 fitted in the shaft hole 7 c. Urged. The base end of the first cover member 7 is prevented from being removed by a retaining mechanism (not shown) in a state where each terminal member 5 is positioned inside the opening 7b of the ceiling 7a. The first cover member 7 is attached to the housing 4 with the coating behavior of the first terminal block 6 given by the elastic force of the coil spring 8.
[0029]
The first cover member 7 is slid from a position where the first terminal block 6 is covered to an exposed position by coupling the male connector 2 to the female connector 3 as described later. The first cover member 7 returns to a state in which the first terminal block 6 is covered by the elastic force of the coil spring 8 by removing the male connector 2 from the female connector 3.
[0030]
In the male connector 2 configured as described above, the first cover member 7 is pushed up by the elastic force of the coil spring 8 and the first terminal block 6 is not coupled to the female connector 3 as described above. To protect the first terminal member 5. Therefore, even when the male connector 2 is hit by something or is carried, the first cover member 7 does not directly apply an external force to the first terminal member 5 so that the male connector 2 may be damaged or bent. The occurrence is prevented. In the male connector 2, adhesion of dust and the like to the first terminal member 5 is suppressed by the first cover member 7. Since the male connector 2 covers the first terminal member 5 with the first cover member 7, it is possible to form the first terminal member 5 with minute and fine pitches, thereby achieving miniaturization. .
[0031]
In the male connector 2, the first terminal block 6 protruding from the housing 4 is fitted with the female connector 3. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the female connector 3 includes a housing 15, a second terminal block 17 having a large number of terminal members (second terminal members) 16, and a second cover member 18. And a coil spring 19 and the like. The housing 15 is formed of a synthetic resin material into a generally rectangular tube shape having a cross section slightly smaller than the housing 4 of the male connector 2 described above.
[0032]
In the housing 15, the upper opening 15a forms a fitting portion of the male connector 2, and the lower end of a second terminal member 16 described later is drawn out of the lower opening 15b to form a connecting portion. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the housing 15 has a slide guide groove 15c in the height direction formed on the inner surface in the longitudinal direction. The housing 15 allows the second cover member 18 to be slidably assembled by the slide guide grooves 15c, as described in detail later. 7 and 8, a shield case 20 which also serves as a decorative plate is attached to the outer periphery of the housing 15.
[0033]
The second terminal block 17 is attached to the housing 15 in a state where the second terminal block 17 is prevented from being pulled out. The second terminal block 17 is formed of a synthetic resin material in the shape of a square tube with an overall bottom. The second terminal block 17 has an outer shape substantially equal to the internal space of the housing 15 and is slightly larger than the outer shape of the first terminal block 6 of the male connector 2 and slightly larger than the outer shape of the first cover member 7. It has a fitting space 17a having a small opening shape. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a pair of spring receiving recesses 17c are formed in the bottom plate 17b of the second terminal block 17 so as to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. In the second terminal block 17, a pair of positioning projections 17d are integrally formed on the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 17b so as to be spaced apart in the length direction.
[0034]
In the second terminal block 17, a large number of terminal mounting grooves are formed on the inner wall in the longitudinal direction so as to be arranged in the height direction, and the second terminal member 16 is mounted in each of the terminal mounting grooves. Has been. The second terminal member 16 is formed, for example, by punching a metal elastic plate into a predetermined shape. The second terminal members 16 may be integrated with each other while being insulated from each other in the terminal mounting grooves of the terminal block 17 by, for example, insert molding. As shown in FIG. 9, the second terminal member 16 has an upper end 16 a facing an opening edge inside the fitting space 17 a of the second terminal block 17 and a part of the inner surface of the fitting space 17 a. It is assembled so as to constitute a part. The second terminal member 16 has a lower end portion 16b protruding from a lower opening 15b of the housing 15 and bent outward to form a connection portion. The second terminal member 16 is provided as a pair with the first terminal member 5 on the male connector 2 side.
[0035]
The second terminal member 16 is covered with a second cover member 18 that closes the upper opening 15 a of the housing 15 in a state where the male connector 2 is not coupled to the female connector 3. The second cover member 18 is formed of a synthetic resin material into a rectangular plate shape having an outer shape sufficient to close the upper opening 15 a of the housing 15. As shown in FIG. 10, the second cover member 18 is formed integrally with guide projections 18a each having a substantially crank-shaped cross section at both ends, and has a pair of spring receiving projections 18b spaced apart in the longitudinal direction on the inner surface. Is protruding.
[0036]
The second cover member 18 is slidably combined with the internal space of the housing 15 by engaging the respective guide projections 18a with the respective slide guide grooves 15c. The second cover member 18 is urged upward by the elastic force of the coil spring 19 assembled in a compressed state between the spring receiving projection 18b and the spring receiving recess 17c on the terminal block 17 side. The second cover member 18 has substantially the same surface as the upper end opening 15a of the housing 15 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 by the guide projection 18a being locked at the upper end of the slide guide groove 15c. And it is stopped.
[0037]
In this state, the second cover member 18 closes the fitting space 17a of the second terminal block 17, and the upper end 16a of the second terminal member 16 facing the upper end opening 15a of the housing 15. Is coated. The second cover member 18 slides the inside of the fitting space 17a downward by connecting the male connector 2 to the female connector 3 as described later, thereby moving the fitting space 17a. The second terminal member 16 is made to face outward through the intermediary.
[0038]
When the female connector 3 configured as described above is not connected to the male connector 2, the second cover member 18 is pushed up by the elastic force of the coil spring 19 as described above, and the second terminal block 17 is pressed. The second terminal member 16 is protected by closing the fitting space 17a. Therefore, the female connector 3 can be prevented from adhering dust and the like to the second terminal member 16 by the second cover member 18, and can be damaged or bent so that no external force is directly applied to the second terminal member 16. Is prevented from occurring.
[0039]
The connector device 1 is configured such that the first terminal block 6 of the male connector 2 is fitted to the second terminal block 17 of the female connector 3 so that the first cover member 7 and the second cover member 18 are respectively provided. Slides so that the first terminal member 5 and the second terminal member 16 facing each other are brought into contact with each other and coupled. In the male connector 2, the distal end of the first terminal block 6 is pushed into the fitting space 17 a of the second terminal block 17 from the upper opening 15 a of the housing 4 with respect to the female connector 3. The male connector 2 has the first terminal block 6 covered with the first cover member 7 as described above, and the distal end of the first cover member 7 has the opening edge of the fitting space 17a. Locked. When the male connector 2 is still pushed in against the elastic force of the coil spring 8, the first terminal block 6 is exposed from the first cover member 7, and the first terminal block 6 is It enters into the fitting space 17a on the mold connector 3 side.
[0040]
In the female connector 3, the fitting space 17a of the second terminal block 17 is closed by the second cover member 18 as described above. It is pressed by the first terminal block 6. When the second cover member 18 slides downward in the fitting space portion 17a against the elastic force of the coil spring 19, the female connector 3 receives the second cover member 18 through the fitting space portion 17a. Terminal member 16 is exposed outward. In the male connector 2, as the first terminal block 6 enters the fitting space 17 a of the female connector 3, the contact portions 5 b of the first terminal members 5 are elastically displaced inward.
[0041]
The connector device 1 is configured such that when the male connector 2 is pushed into the female connector 3, the first terminal block 6 is pushed to a predetermined position in the fitting space 17 a, 5b abuts on the opposing second terminal members 16 to maintain the contact state. The connector device 1 performs the mechanical connection and the electrical connection by fitting the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 like the conventional connector device. The connector device 1 does not require an operation for opening the first cover member 7 of the male connector 2 and the second cover member 18 of the female connector 3.
[0042]
In the connector device 1 shown as the above-described embodiment, the male connector 2 is provided with the first cover member 7 provided with the coating behavior of the first terminal block 6 having the first terminal member 5. At the same time, the female connector 3 is also provided with a second cover member 18 provided with a closing behavior of the fitting space 17a of the second terminal block 17 in which the second terminal members 16 are arranged. However, it is a matter of course that the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Even if the connector device 1 is configured by providing a cover member on at least one of the male connector 2 and the female connector 3, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the occurrence of the above-described inconvenience.
[0043]
Although the connector device 1 uses a coil spring as the urging means for each cover member, the urging means may be constituted by, for example, a leaf spring or an elastic piece integrally formed on a resin housing. . In the connector device 1, the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 are not limited to the individual configurations described in the above-described embodiments, but, for example, the configuration of the terminal members and the like may be appropriately changed.
[0044]
Next, a connector device 50 shown in FIGS. 11 to 20 will be described in detail as a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the connector device 50 also includes a pair of a male connector 51 and a female connector 52 that are mechanically coupled and electrically connected by a relative fitting operation. . The male connector 51 has substantially the same basic configuration as the male connector 2 of the above-described first embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. A first terminal block 55 having a first terminal member 54, a first cover member 56, a coil spring 57 and the like are provided.
[0045]
The housing 53 is made of a synthetic resin material and has a substantially rectangular tube shape, and the first terminal block 55 assembled in the internal space is protruded outward from the upper opening 53a. The housing 53 is configured as a connecting portion by projecting the lower end portions 54a of the respective first terminal members 54 from the lower openings 53b and bending the first terminal members 54 to both side surfaces in the width direction. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the housing 53 is integrally formed with a height-direction spring storage cylinder 58 located on both sides in the longitudinal direction at the bottom of the internal space. The spring storage cylinder portion 58 is a bottomed cylindrical portion having a circular cross section opened to the upper opening 53a.
[0046]
The coil spring 57 is housed in the spring housing cylinder portion 58. The coil spring 57 has a length sufficient to protrude from the upper opening 53a of the housing 53 in a natural state, and when the first cover member 56 is assembled to the housing 53 as described later, the first spring It is compressed by the cover member 56 and accumulates elastic force. The coil spring 57 urges the first cover member 56 upward by this elastic force.
[0047]
The first terminal block 55 is formed of a synthetic resin material as a rectangular block having a cross section slightly smaller than the internal space of the housing 53, and the upper part thereof is formed from the upper opening 53a as shown in FIGS. It is assembled to the housing 53 so as to protrude. Although not described in detail, the first terminal block 55 has a large number of terminal assembling grooves formed in both sides thereof so as to penetrate in the height direction, and are formed in parallel with each other. As shown in FIG. 16, the first terminal block 55 has wedge-shaped tips at both ends in the length direction, and a pressing portion 55 a for opening a second cover member 63 of the female connector 52 described later. Is composed.
[0048]
In the first terminal block 55, the first terminal members 54 are respectively mounted in the respective terminal mounting grooves, as will be described in detail later. The first terminal member 54 is formed by, for example, punching out a rectangular shape entirely with a metal elastic plate, bending the base end portion at a right angle, and projecting from the side surface of the housing 53 to form the connection portion 54a. . The first terminal member 54 has a cross-sectional shape substantially equal to the groove shape of the terminal mounting groove of the first terminal block 55, and is substantially flush with the side surface of the first terminal block 55 in a state where the first terminal member 54 is mounted in the terminal mounting groove. Make up the same plane. Note that the first terminal member 54 may be integrally assembled to the first terminal block 55 by, for example, insert molding or the like.
[0049]
The first terminal block 55 is covered by a first cover member 56 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 when the male connector 51 is not used and is not connected to the female connector 52. . The first cover member 56 has a cross-sectional shape slightly smaller than the internal space of the housing 53 by a synthetic resin material, has an outer dimension sufficient to cover the first terminal block 55, and has a corner having a ceiling 56 a. It is formed into a cylindrical shape. In the first cover member 56, a rectangular opening 56b having an opening dimension enough to allow the first terminal block 55 to penetrate is formed in the ceiling 56a.
[0050]
The first cover member 56 is assembled in the internal space of the housing 53 from the upper opening 53a by compressing the coil spring 57. The first cover member 56 is slidable in the height direction in the internal space of the housing 53, and is urged in a direction protruding from the upper opening 4 a by the elastic force of the coil spring 57. The base end of the first cover member 56 is prevented by a retaining mechanism (not shown) with the upper end of the first terminal block 55 positioned inside the opening 56b of the ceiling 56a. The first cover member 56 is attached to the housing 53 with a coating behavior of the first terminal block 55 given by the elastic force of the coil spring 57.
[0051]
The first cover member 56 is exposed from a position where the first terminal block 55 is covered as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 by coupling the male connector 51 to the female connector 52 as described later. Sliding operation is performed. By removing the male connector 51 from the female connector 52, the first cover member 56 returns to a state in which the first terminal block 55 is covered by the elastic force of the coil spring 57 as shown in FIGS. I do.
[0052]
In the male connector 51 configured as described above, the first cover member 56 is pushed up by the elastic force of the coil spring 57 as described above in an unused state in which the male connector 51 is not connected to the female connector 52, and the first terminal The first terminal member 54 is protected by covering the block 55. Accordingly, even when the male connector 51 is hit or carried by something, the first cover member 56 is prevented from directly applying an external force to the first terminal member 54, so that the male connector 51 may be damaged or bent. The occurrence is prevented. Further, since the male connector 51 is covered with the first cover member 56, adhesion of dust and the like to the first terminal member 54 is suppressed. Since the male connector 51 covers the first terminal member 54 with the first cover member 56, it is possible to form the first terminal member 54 with minute and fine pitches, thereby achieving miniaturization. .
[0053]
The male connector 51 is coupled by fitting a first terminal block 55 protruding from the housing 53 into the female connector 52. As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, the female connector 52 includes a housing 60, a second terminal block 62 having a plurality of second terminal members 61, a second cover member 63, and a torsion spring. 64 and the like. The female connector 52 has substantially the same basic configuration as the female connector 3 of the connector device 1 shown as the first embodiment described above, but includes a second terminal member 61 and a second cover member 63. Has a feature in the configuration.
[0054]
The housing 60 is formed of a synthetic resin material into a generally rectangular tube shape having a ceiling 60a. In the case 60, an opening 60b in which the first terminal block 55 of the male connector 51 is fitted is formed in the ceiling 60a, and a lower end 61a of a second terminal member 61 to be described later is pulled out from the lower opening 60c. To form a connection. As shown in FIG. 18, the second terminal block 62 is assembled to the housing 60 in a state where the second terminal block 62 is prevented from being removed from the lower opening 60c. The second terminal block 62 is formed of a synthetic resin material into a generally rectangular tube having a substantially horizontally long rectangular shape, and is fitted on the outer periphery of the upper end portion into the lower opening 60c of the housing 60 as shown in FIG. The part 62a is integrally formed around the circumference.
[0055]
The second terminal block 62 has an outer shape substantially equal to the internal space of the housing 55, and is slightly larger than the outer shape of the first terminal block 55 of the male connector 51 and slightly larger than the outer shape of the first cover member 56. It has a fitting space portion 62b having a small opening shape. In the second terminal block 62, a large number of terminal mounting grooves 62c, 62c are formed on the inner walls facing each other in the longitudinal direction so as to be aligned in the height direction. The terminal member 61 is assembled. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the second terminal block 62 has a pair of left and right support shafts 65 rotatably supporting a second cover member 63 on inner surfaces facing each other in the longitudinal direction as described later. , 65 are supported with their axes aligned with each other. The support shafts 65, 65 are arranged at a lower portion of the housing 55 so as to be separated from each other in the width direction.
[0056]
The second terminal member 61 is formed by, for example, punching out a whole rectangular shape from a metal elastic plate, and bending the base end portion at a right angle and projecting from the side surface of the housing 60 to form a connection portion 61a. Become. The second terminal members 61 may be integrated with each other while being insulated from each other in the respective terminal mounting grooves 62c of the second terminal block 62 by, for example, insert molding.
[0057]
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the second terminal member 61 includes a connecting portion 61a, a mounting portion 61b formed of a folded portion, and a contact portion 61c bent substantially U-shaped from the mounting portion 61b. Consists of The second terminal member 61 is inserted into the terminal mounting groove 62c while compressing the mounting portion 61b and accumulating elastic force, whereby the second terminal member 61 is mounted and held on the second terminal block 62. In this state, the connection portions 61a of the second terminal members 61 project sideways from the lower opening 60c of the housing 60, respectively. In this state, the contact portion 61c of the second terminal member 61 protrudes into the fitting space 62b. As shown in FIG. 18, the upper end of the second terminal member 61 is locked by a stopper 62d formed on the second terminal block 62, so that the left and right contact portions 61c, 61c are spaced apart from each other. You. Each second terminal member 61 is provided as a pair with the first terminal member 54 on the male connector 51 side.
[0058]
In the unused state where the male connector 51 is not connected to the female connector 52, the second terminal member 61 closes the upper opening 60a of the housing 60 as shown in FIG. Cover members 63, 63. The second cover member 63 is integrally formed of a synthetic resin material, and has a rectangular plate-shaped shielding portion 63 a having an outer shape sufficient to close one region in the width direction of the upper opening 60 a of the housing 60. The support portion 63b is bent downward from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the portion 63a. The second cover member 63 has shaft holes formed so that the axes of the support portions 63b are aligned with each other, and the support shaft 61 penetrates through the shaft holes to rotate into the second terminal block 62, respectively. It is freely supported.
[0059]
When the pair of left and right second cover members 63 and 63 are combined with the second terminal block 62, opposing side edges of the respective shielding portions 63 a and 63 a abut against each other, and the upper opening of the housing 60 is opened. 60a is closed over the entire area. A guide recess 63c is formed in each shielding portion 63a at the longitudinal end of the side edge. These guide concave portions 63c are formed so as to be inclined toward the distal end side, and form a concave portion having a triangular cross section as shown in FIG. 18 in a state where the left and right shielding portions 63a abut each other. When the male connector 51 is coupled to the female connector 52 as described later, the guide recess 63c causes the pressing portion 55a formed on the terminal block 55 on the male connector 51 side to enter, so that the shielding portion 63a moves left and right. And spread it out.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 19, the second cover member 63 is integrally formed with a spring retaining portion 63d on the side surface of the support portion 63b. The second cover member 63 is provided with a rotation behavior so that the right and left shielding portions 63a are abutted by the torsion spring 64. Both ends of the torsion spring 64 are pulled out from a coil portion mounted on the support shaft 65. One end of the torsion spring 64 is hooked on the spring hooking portion 63 d, and the other end of the torsion spring 64 contacts the inner surface of the second terminal block 62. Touched. Accordingly, the torsion spring 64 imparts the clockwise rotation behavior to the second cover member 63 assembled on the left side in FIG. 19, and counteracts the second cover member 63 assembled on the right side. Gives clockwise rotation behavior.
[0061]
As described above, the pair of left and right second cover members 63, 63 has the upper opening 60 a of the housing 60 when the side edges of the respective shielding portions 63 a, 63 a oppose each other due to the elastic force of the torsion spring 64. The entire area is closed. The second cover member 63 thereby closes the fitting space 62b of the second terminal block 62 and covers the contact portion 61c of the second terminal member 61 facing the fitting space 62b. . The second cover member 63 is engaged with the male connector 51 and the female connector 52 as described later, and is pressed by the pressing portion 55a of the first terminal block 55 to rotate and thereby fit. The contact portion 61c of the second terminal member 61 is made to face outward through the joint space portion 62b.
[0062]
In the female connector 52 configured as described above, in an unused state in which the female connector 52 is not connected to the male connector 51, the second cover member 63 closes the fitting space portion 62b as described above, so that the second terminal The member 61 is protected. Accordingly, the female connector 52 can prevent the dust or the like from adhering to the second terminal member 61 by the second cover member 63, and can prevent the external force from being directly applied to the second terminal member 61, so that the female connector 52 is damaged or bent. Is prevented from occurring. In addition, the female connector 52 can be miniaturized by miniaturizing the second terminal member 61 and achieving miniaturization.
[0063]
In the connector device 50 including the male connector 51 and the female connector 52 described above, an operation of fitting the first terminal block 55 of the male connector 51 to the second terminal block 62 of the female connector 52 is performed. As a result, the first cover member 56 slides to expose the first terminal member 54 from the first terminal block 55, and the second cover member 63 rotates to rotate the second terminal member 61. Is exposed. When the male connector 51 is fitted to the female connector 52, the connector device 50 engages the pressing portion 55 a formed on the first terminal block 55 with the guide recess 63 c formed on the shielding portion 63 a of the second cover member 63. Are combined.
[0064]
When the male connector 51 is further pushed in, the connector device 50 pushes the second cover member 63 so that the first terminal block 55 pushes the respective shielding portions 63a right and left against the elastic force of the torsion spring 64. Rotate each. On the other hand, in the connector device 50, the male connector 51 protects the first terminal member 54 by covering the first terminal block 55 with the first cover member 56 as described above. Ceiling portion 56a of the cover member 56 is locked by an opening edge of an upper opening 60b formed in the housing 60 of the female connector 52. The connector device 50 presses the male connector 51 still against the elastic force of the coil spring 57, thereby gradually releasing the first terminal block 55 from being covered by the first cover member 56. Only one terminal block 55 enters into the fitting space 62b of the female connector 52 via the upper opening 60b. In the connector device 50, the first terminal member 54 of the male connector 51 is exposed to the outside in the fitting space 62b.
[0065]
On the other hand, in the connector device 50, the female connector 52 closes the fitting space 62b of the second terminal block 62 with the second cover member 63 as described above. 63 is pressed by the first terminal block 55 on the male connector 51 side. As described above, the connector device 50 causes the second terminal member 61 to move outward in the fitting space 62b as the second cover member 63 pivots against the elastic force of the torsion spring 64 as described above. To face. In the connector device 50, as the first terminal block 55 of the male connector 51 enters the fitting space 62b of the female connector 52, the contact portion 54b of the first terminal member 54 moves to the second terminal member. Each of the contact portions 61c of 61 is elastically displaced to the side.
[0066]
The connector device 50 is configured such that the male connector 51 pushes the first terminal block 55 to the female connector 52 to a predetermined position in the fitting space 62b as shown in FIG. The second terminal member 61 facing the contact portion 54b of the 54 makes contact with the contact portion 61c by elastically displacing the contact portion 61c, and the contact state is maintained. As with the conventional connector device, the connector device 50 engages the male connector 51 and the female connector 52 to perform mechanical coupling and electrical connection. The connector device 50 does not require an operation for opening the first cover member 56 of the male connector 51 and the second cover member 63 of the female connector 52.
[0067]
In the connector device 50 described as the above-described embodiment, the second cover member 63 of the female connector 52 is provided with the covering behavior of the second terminal member 61 by the elastic force of the torsion spring 64. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the elastic force of a tension spring may be applied to the shielding portion 63a.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the connector device of the present invention, the terminal member provided on the male connector or the female connector is covered with the cover member in an unused state and is joined when the cover member is joined. By being configured to be operated to release the covering state and to be connected to each other, it is possible to reliably prevent the terminal member from being damaged or bent due to an external force and to suppress the adhesion of dust and the like. Therefore, according to the connector device, the mechanical and electrical connection between the male connector and the female connector is reliably performed to improve reliability, and the sliding operation of each cover member is not required. Therefore, the operability is improved. Further, according to the connector device, the terminal members of the male connector and the female connector can be miniaturized by further miniaturization and fine pitch.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a male connector and a female connector of a connector device shown as an embodiment of the present invention are connected.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a male connector constituting the connector device.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the male connector.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the male connector.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the male connector.
FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway side view of the male connector.
FIG. 7 is a front view of a female connector constituting the connector device.
FIG. 8 is a side view of the female connector.
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the female connector.
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the female connector.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connector device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a male connector and a female connector are connected.
FIG. 12 is a front view of a male connector constituting the connector device.
FIG. 13 is a side view of the male connector.
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the male connector.
FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the male connector, showing a state where a first cover member opens a first terminal member.
FIG. 16 is a side view of the male connector, showing a state where a first cover member opens a first terminal member.
FIG. 17 is a front view of a female connector included in the connector device, showing a state where a second cover member is opened.
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the female connector.
FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of the female connector.
FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of the female connector, showing a state where a second cover member opens a second terminal member.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Connector device
2 Male connector
3 Female connector
4 Case
5. First terminal member
6 First terminal block
7 First cover member
8 Coil spring
12 Block members
15 Case
16 Second terminal member
17 Second terminal block
18 Second cover member
19 Coil spring
50 Connector device
51 Male connector
52 female connector
53 case
54 First Terminal Member
55 1st terminal block
56 First Cover Member
57 Coil spring
60 case
61 Second Terminal Member
62 Second terminal block
63 Second cover member
64 torsion spring

Claims (11)

A male connector provided with a terminal block having a plurality of first terminal members protruding from a housing, and a plurality of second terminal members respectively corresponding to the first terminal members being fitted therein. A first connector having a mating space portion provided in a housing, wherein the male connector and the female connector face each other by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space portion. In a connector device that connects and couples the member and the second terminal member,
In the male connector, the first terminal member is arranged in a fitting direction with the female connector along at least one side surface of the terminal block, and opens and closes a side surface of the terminal block. A first cover member for covering and opening the first terminal member is slidably combined with the housing in a fitting direction, and the terminal block is fitted to the fitting space. The first cover member abuts against an opening edge of the fitting space portion and is locked to expose the first terminal member, so that the first terminal member is provided inside the fitting space portion. And the second terminal member are connected to each other. The first terminal member is formed of a metal elastic material, a contact portion protruding from the terminal block is formed integrally with a distal end portion, and a base end portion is configured as a connecting portion,
The contact portion is covered with the first cover member and pressed inward of the terminal block when the male connector and the female connector are not coupled to each other, and the male connector and the female connector are And being released from the state of being covered by the first cover member in the coupled state, projecting from the terminal block, and being elastically connected to the second terminal member in the fitting space portion. 2. The connector device according to 1. The first terminal member is formed of a metal elastic material, has a contact portion that forms substantially the same surface as a side surface of the terminal block, and has a base end portion as a connection portion,
The contact portion is released from a state of being covered by the first cover member when the male connector and the female connector are connected to each other, and is exposed to a side surface of the terminal block so that the second portion is formed in the fitting space. 2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal members are connected by elastic contact. A male connector provided with a terminal block having a plurality of first terminal members protruding from a housing, and a plurality of second terminal members respectively corresponding to the first terminal members being fitted therein. A first connector having a mating space portion provided in a housing, wherein the male connector and the female connector face each other by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space portion. In a connector device in which a member and a second terminal member are connected and coupled,
A second cover member for covering the second terminal member by being arranged so as to have a closing behavior with respect to the opening of the fitting space portion in the female connector is provided in the housing. ,
The second cover member is pressed by the terminal block fitted into the fitting space to open an opening of the fitting space, thereby opening the first terminal member in the fitting space. And the second terminal member are connected to each other. A second cover member formed in a substantially cylindrical body having a ceiling surface for closing an opening of the fitting space portion and slidably assembled in the housing in the fitting direction of the terminal block; Elastic means for imparting a closing behavior to the opening of the fitting space portion to the second cover member,
5. The connector device according to claim 4, wherein the second cover member is slid by being pushed by the terminal block fitted into the fitting space portion in the fitting space portion. 6. A second cover member comprising a closing portion for closing the opening of the fitting space portion, and a shaft support portion integrally formed on both sides of the closing portion, and rotatably assembled to the housing; Resilient means for imparting rotational behavior to the second cover member to close the opening of the fitting space,
5. The second cover member is rotated by being pressed by the terminal block fitted into the fitting space to open an opening of the fitting space. 6. 2. The connector device according to claim 1. The second terminal member is formed of a metal elastic material, has a contact portion that is substantially flush with the inner side surface of the housing and faces the fitting space, and has a base end connected to the connection portion. Configured as
The contact portion is released from a state covered by the second cover member when the male connector and the female connector are connected to each other, and is connected to the first terminal member in the fitting space. The connector device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second terminal member is formed of a metal elastic material, and a contact portion protruding into the fitting space portion is formed integrally with a distal end portion and a base end portion is configured as a connection portion,
The contact portion is released from a state of being covered by the second cover member when the male connector and the female connector are joined, and is elastically contacted with the first terminal member in the fitting space. The connector device according to claim 4, wherein: A male connector provided with a terminal block having a plurality of first terminal members protruding from a housing, and a fitting in which a plurality of second terminal members respectively corresponding to the first terminal members are disposed. A first connector having a mating space portion provided in a housing, wherein the male connector and the female connector face each other by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space portion. In a connector device in which a member and a second terminal member are connected and coupled,
In the male connector, the first terminal member is arranged in a fitting direction with the female connector along at least one side surface of the terminal block, and opens and closes a side surface of the terminal block. A first cover member for covering and opening the first terminal member is slidably provided in the housing in a fitting direction with the female connector;
The female connector is formed in a substantially cylindrical body having a ceiling surface closing an opening of the fitting space, and is slidably assembled in the housing in the fitting direction of the terminal block. The second cover member, and elastic means for imparting a closing behavior to the opening of the fitting space portion with respect to the second cover member are provided,
The male connector and the female connector are engaged with the terminal block by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space, so that the first cover material abuts against an opening edge of the fitting space and is locked. The first terminal member is exposed, and the terminal block enters the fitting space while pressing and sliding the second cover member, whereby the first block is inserted into the fitting space. And the second terminal member is connected and coupled. A male connector provided with a terminal block having a plurality of first terminal members protruding from a housing, and a fitting in which a plurality of second terminal members respectively corresponding to the first terminal members are disposed. A first connector having a mating space portion provided in a housing, wherein the male connector and the female connector face each other by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space portion. In a connector device in which a member and a second terminal member are connected and coupled,
In the male connector, the first terminal member is arranged in a fitting direction with the female connector along at least one side surface of the terminal block, and opens and closes a side surface of the terminal block. A first cover member for covering and opening the first terminal member is slidably provided in the housing in a fitting direction with the female connector;
A second cover member rotatably assembled to the housing, wherein the female connector has a pivotal support portion integrally formed on both sides of a closing portion for closing the opening of the fitting space portion, and Elastic means for imparting rotational behavior to close the opening of the fitting space with respect to the second cover member,
The male connector and the female connector are engaged with the terminal block by fitting the terminal block into the fitting space, so that the first cover material abuts against an opening edge of the fitting space and is locked. The first terminal member is exposed, and the terminal block enters the fitting space portion while pressing and rotating the second cover member, so that the terminal block is inserted into the fitting space portion. A connector device, wherein the first terminal member and the second terminal member are connected and coupled. The first terminal member and the second terminal member are each formed of a metal elastic material, and the distal ends thereof are opposed to each other in the fitting space portion in a state where the male connector and the female connector are connected. A contact portion is configured to be in contact with the base portion, and the base portion is configured as a connection portion.
At least one of the contact portion of the first terminal member and the contact portion of the second terminal member is bent so as to protrude from a side surface of the terminal block, or so as to protrude into the fitting space. The connector device according to claim 9, wherein the connector device is formed by being bent.

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