JP2005353363A - Electrical connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a non-fitting state and to relax dimensional restriction to restrain the complication of a mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: A connecting connector element 2 supports female connection terminals 6 electrically connected to terminals 12 to be connected, and inserted into an opening 13 formed in a connector element 11 to be connected. A hooking element 3 is slidably hooked to the connecting connector element 2, and interferes with the connector element 11 to be connected inserted into the connecting connector element 2. An elastic member 4 is locked to the connecting connector element 2 and holds the hooking element 3. The hooking element 3 is moved toward the inside of the opening 13 and its tip side is plunged therein by being energized in its insertion direction by the elastic member 4 to release its interference when interfering with the connector element 11 to be connected in inserting the connecting connector element 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical connection device connected to a connector element to be connected that supports a male connected terminal.

  Conventionally, applied to a squib connector for a squib that is ignited by energizing a gas generator in an automotive airbag system as an electrical connection device connected to a connector element to be connected that supports a male connected terminal. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The squib connector described in Patent Document 1 is such that a male squib connector is inserted and connected to an opening formed in the female squib connector. The female squib connector supports a male connected terminal formed in a pin shape, and the male squib connector has a female electrically connected to the male connected terminal. The connecting terminal of the mold is supported.

  The male squib connector is provided with an end portion that protrudes so as to engage with the edge portion of the recess formed in the opening of the female squib connector. On the other hand, the female squib connector is electrically connected until the end of the male squib connector is engaged with the edge of the recess of the female squib connector when the male squib connector is inserted. A coil spring, which is a spring for preventing connection, is arranged around the male connected terminal. As a result, until the engagement between the end of the male squib connector and the edge of the recess of the female squib connector is completed, the drag of the coil spring acts and the male squib is engaged. The connector is biased in a direction that prevents its insertion. For this reason, it can be confirmed whether it became an appropriate connection state, and it can prevent becoming a non-fitting state. The male squib connector has a latching element that is slidably latched on the male squib connector. By moving the latching element, the male squib connector has a latching element. The position of the end of the male squib connector is regulated from the inside in a state where the end and the edge of the recess of the female squib connector are engaged.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0146942

  In the squib connector described in Patent Document 1, the coil spring is disposed around the male connected terminal in the opening of the female squib connector, and biased in a direction that prevents insertion of the male squib connector. Can be done. However, in this way, it is necessary to provide a large coil spring disposed around the male connected terminal in the opening of the female squib connector, which causes a large dimensional restriction. At the same time, the mechanism becomes complicated. In addition, from the viewpoint of alleviating dimensional constraints, it is conceivable to arrange a plurality of small coil springs. However, this increases the number of parts and complicates the mechanism.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has been able to confirm whether or not an appropriate connection state has been established for an electrical connection device connected to a connector element for connection that supports a male connected terminal. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connection device that can prevent a fitting state and further reduce the dimensional constraints and suppress the complexity of the mechanism.

Means and effects for solving the problems

The electrical connection device of the present invention relates to an electrical connection device connected to a connector element for connection that supports a male contact terminal.
And this invention has the following some features in order to achieve the said objective. That is, the present invention comprises the following features alone or in combination as appropriate.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first feature of the electrical connection device of the present invention is to support a female connection terminal electrically connected to the connected terminal and to form the connected connector element. A connecting connector element to be inserted into the opened opening, and slidably latched to the connecting connector element, and when the connecting connector element is inserted into the connected connector element A latching element arranged to interfere with the connected connector element, and an elastic member that is latched to the connecting connector element and holds the latching element with respect to the connecting connector element, The latching element is connected to the connecting member by the elastic member when the connecting connector element is inserted into the opening and interferes with the connected connector element. Wherein by being urged in the inserting direction of the connector element is that its distally interference with the female connector component is released to move toward in the opening is pushed.

  According to this configuration, the latching element slides relative to the connecting connector element by interfering with the connected connector element when the connecting connector element is inserted into the connected connector element. When the latching element interferes with the connector element to be connected, the latching element is urged toward the insertion direction from the elastic member latched by the connector element for connection, and the leading end side of the latching element is in the opening. Will be pushed into. For this reason, whether or not the connector element for connection is in an appropriate connection state with respect to the connector element to be connected can be confirmed depending on whether or not the latching element is pushed into the opening. It can prevent becoming a state. And the electrical connection apparatus which can prevent a non-fitting state can be obtained with a simple structure of providing an elastic member that holds the latching element on the connector element for connection while locking to the connector element for connection. That is, it is not necessary to arrange a large coil spring or a plurality of small coil springs arranged around the connected terminal in the opening of the connected connector element. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the dimensional constraints and prevent the mechanism from becoming complicated.

  A second feature of the electrical connection device according to the present invention is that the latching element includes a protrusion that interferes with a shoulder of the opening when the connector element for connection is inserted into the connector element for connection. The projecting portion is connected to the shoulder portion by biasing the latching element in the insertion direction by the elastic member when the connecting connector element is inserted into the opening. Interference is released and pushed into the opening.

  According to this configuration, the latching element forms a convex portion that interferes with the shoulder portion of the opening portion when the connecting connector element is inserted into the connected connector element, thereby interfering with the opening portion. At the same time, the configuration of the latching element that is pushed into the opening by the biasing force of the elastic member can be easily realized.

  The 3rd characteristic in the electrical connection apparatus of this invention is that the said convex part engages with the recessed part currently formed in the said opening part when the said convex part is pushed in in the said opening part.

  According to this configuration, when the convex portion of the latching element is pushed into the opening portion by the biasing force of the elastic member when the connecting connector element is inserted, the convex portion is engaged with the concave portion formed in the opening portion. Therefore, the latching element can be held and the electrical connection device can be more securely prevented from coming off.

  According to a fourth feature of the electrical connecting apparatus of the present invention, the latching element is formed with a pair of flexible leg portions that project, and the convex portions are respectively formed on the distal ends of the pair of flexible leg portions. Is formed so as to protrude toward the opposite side and the opposite side.

  According to this configuration, when the urging force of the elastic member acts on the latching element when the connecting connector element is inserted, the pair of flexible legs are bent inward, so that the convex part of the latching element is opened. It becomes easy to push into the part. Then, after the convex portions are pushed into the openings, the convex portions projecting outward from the distal ends of the pair of flexible legs move to positions corresponding to the concave portions in the openings. The convex part is engaged with the concave part by the elastic recovery of the flexure of the flexible leg part. Therefore, the structure which makes it easy to push the convex portion into the opening and ensures the engagement with the concave portion can be realized with a simple mechanism.

  A fifth feature of the electrical connection device of the present invention is that the connecting connector element restricts movement of the convex portion inward in the opening when the connecting connector element is inserted into the opening. Is formed.

  According to this configuration, when the leading end side of the latching element is pushed into the opening and the convex portion engages with the concave portion in the opening, the engaging portion is engaged with the concave portion by the restricting portion formed in the connector element for connection. The movement of the convex portion in the release direction is restricted. For this reason, the latching element can be held and the electrical connection device can be more securely prevented from coming off.

  A sixth feature of the electrical connection device of the present invention is that the convex portion is formed with a tapered shape in which a surface that interferes with the shoulder portion is inclined with respect to the insertion direction.

  According to this configuration, when the urging force of the elastic member acts on the latching element when the connecting connector element is inserted, the convex portion provided on the latching element is a tapered shape that is inclined with respect to the insertion direction. Since it interferes with a shoulder part via the surface formed in this, the convex part of a latching element can be made easy to push in in an opening part.

  According to a seventh feature of the electrical connecting device of the present invention, the latching element is formed with a first strip or a first groove, and the connecting connector element is in sliding contact with the first strip. A second groove portion or a second strip portion that is in sliding contact with the first groove portion is formed, and the latching element is slidably supported by the connecting connector element.

  According to this structure, the structure which latches and latches the latching element with respect to the connector element for connection stably slidably can be implement | achieved with a simple mechanism.

  An eighth feature of the electrical connecting device of the present invention is that the elastic member is a spring element having at least a bent leaf spring.

  According to this configuration, the elastic member that is locked to the connecting connector element by the spring element having at least the bent leaf spring and holds the latching element with respect to the connecting connector element has a very simple structure. realizable. Further, the spring constant can be easily adjusted by appropriately setting the material and dimensions of the leaf spring.

  A ninth feature of the electrical connecting device of the present invention is that the spring element includes only a single leaf spring formed by bending.

  According to this configuration, since the spring element is composed of only one leaf spring, it is possible to realize an elastic member having a very simple structure and composed of one component.

  According to a tenth feature of the electrical connection apparatus of the present invention, the leaf spring includes a locking portion that locks the connection connector element, and a contact portion that contacts the latching element, The portion is disposed on the opposite side of the connecting portion in the insertion direction with respect to the engaging portion, and when the connecting connector element is inserted into the opening, the latching element is It is energizing in the insertion direction.

  According to this configuration, when the latching element interferes with the connected connector element when the connecting connector element is inserted, the locking portion of the leaf spring arranged on the connected connector element side is locked with the connecting connector element. Then, the contact portion of the leaf spring arranged on the opposite side biases the latching element so as to draw it in the insertion direction. For this reason, the operation | movement which pushes a latching element toward an opening part by the leaf | plate spring formed by bending can be performed stably.

  According to an eleventh feature of the electrical connection device of the present invention, the locking portion is disposed so as to be stretched over a rib formed to protrude from the connection connector element, and the abutting portion includes the plate. It is formed at both ends of the spring and biases the latching element in the insertion direction.

  According to this configuration, the latching portion of the leaf spring arranged on the connected connector element side is latched with the connector element for connection, and the abutting portion of the leaf spring arranged on the opposite side is the latching element. It is possible to easily realize a structure for urging to draw in the insertion direction.

  A twelfth feature of the electrical connecting device of the present invention is that both end portions of the leaf spring are formed to be bent in a mountain shape.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to easily form a leaf spring including a locking portion that is stretched over a rib that is formed to protrude from the connected connector element, and an abutting portion that is urged in the fitting insertion direction at both end portions. Can do. Moreover, the spring constant of the leaf | plate spring can be easily adjusted by setting suitably the length and angle of the edge | side which comprise a mountain shape.

  A thirteenth feature of the electrical connecting device according to the present invention is that both end portions of the leaf spring are formed in a curved shape.

  According to this configuration, since both end portions of the leaf spring constituting the contact portion are formed in a curved surface, the frictional resistance at the contact surface when contacting the latching element and urging in the insertion direction Can be reduced. For this reason, the latching element can be efficiently urged by the elastic force of the leaf spring without causing loss due to frictional resistance.

  A fourteenth feature of the electrical connection device of the present invention is that it has a pair of halves formed so as to sandwich the connecting connector element and the latching element from both sides, and the pair of halves are combined. In this case, a cover element that partially covers the connector element for connection and the latching element is further provided.

  According to this configuration, the cover element that partially covers the connector element for connection and the latching element can be easily formed with a simple structure.

  According to a fifteenth feature of the electrical connection device of the present invention, the electrical connection device is used as an electrical connection device for energizing an ignition device of a gas generator in an automobile airbag assembly, and is connected to the connector element to be connected. Thus, the ignition device can be energized.

  According to this configuration, in the electrical connection device for energizing the ignition device of the gas generator in the airbag assembly of the automobile, the occurrence of the unfitted state is prevented, and the dimensional constraints are alleviated. It can suppress complicating.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is suitable for an automotive airbag system when applied as an electrical connection device for an ignition device (squib) that ignites by energizing a gas generator in the airbag assembly. Embodiments are described, but a wider range of applications are possible and can be applied to many different environments and various purposes.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above, and FIG. 2 is a diagram in which the electrical connection device 1 is turned upside down (the bottom is turned up). It is a perspective view of a state. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical connection device 1 is configured as a plug connected to a connector element to be connected (see FIG. 6) in the form of a socket. The electrical connection device 1 is provided with a pair of female connection terminals 6 and 6 (see FIG. 2), and the electrical connection device 1 is connected to the pair of connection terminals 6 and 6 in the electrical connection device 1. A pair of electric wires 8 and 8 are connected to each other. The other ends of the pair of electric wires 8 and 8 are connected to an airbag control system (not shown).

  FIG. 6A is a longitudinal sectional view showing an electrical connection device 1 in the form of a plug and a connector element 11 to be connected in the form of a socket to which the electrical connection device 1 is connected. As shown in FIG. 6, the connected connector element 11 supports a pair of male connected terminals 12 and 12 formed in a pin shape. The connected connector element 11 is provided as a part of an airbag ignition device (squib) (not shown). By fitting the electrical connection device 1 to the connector element 11 to be connected, the electrical connection device 1 and the connector element 11 to be connected are mechanically and electrically connected. That is, as will be described later, the electrical connection device 1 and the connector element for connection 11 are engaged, and the pair of connection terminals 6 and 6 and the pair of connection terminals 12 and 12 are in contact with each other. The squib can be energized by connecting the electrical connecting device 1 to the connector element 11 to be connected. The squib burns when sufficient electric energy is applied through the conductors 8 and 8 based on a command from the airbag control system in a state where the squib can be energized. By this combustion, the gas generating material is ignited and the airbag is deployed.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connection device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the electrical connection device 1 includes a connection connector element 2, a latch element 3, a leaf spring 4, and a cover. An element 5 and a pair of connection terminals 6 (6a, 6b) are provided. The connecting connector element 2, the latching element 3, and the cover element 5 are made of, for example, a non-conductive resin material, and the leaf spring 4 is made of, for example, a steel material.

  The pair of connection terminals 6 and 6 are formed as female connection terminals that are respectively electrically connected to the pair of male connection terminals 12 and 12 supported by the connector element 11 to be connected. . The pair of connection terminals 6 and 6 are crimped to the bare ends of the electric wires 8 respectively. In addition, about one connection terminal 6b of a pair of connection terminals 6 * 6, the coil 7 for electromagnetic wave noise removal is provided in the middle. The noise removal function by the coil 7 prevents a noise current from flowing into the squib due to various electromagnetic waves from the outside such as various electric wires outside the vehicle, various electronic devices inside the vehicle, radio, mobile phone, etc. The

  As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting connector element 2 includes a base portion 21, a terminal support portion 22, and a fitting portion 23. The connecting connector element 2 supports the pair of connecting terminals 6 and 6 and is inserted into the opening 13 formed in the above-described connected connector element 11 (see FIG. 6A). . The base 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The terminal support portion 22 is formed so as to protrude upward from the base portion 21. On the other hand, the fitting part 23 is formed so as to protrude downward from the base part 21. In the following description, with respect to the electrical connection device 1, the side from which the electric wire 8 is drawn (the side on which the terminal support portion 22 is disposed) is the upper side, and the side to be inserted into the connected connector element 11 (fitting The side on which the portion 23 is disposed will be described as the lower side.

  The terminal support portion 22 of the connector element 2 for connection is provided with terminal insertion openings 24 (24a, 24b) for inserting a pair of connection terminals 6 and 6 supported to the connector element 2 for connection. The first terminal support part 22a and the second terminal support part 22b are provided. The first terminal support portion 22a is formed with a terminal insertion port 24a into which the connection terminal 6a is inserted and supported. On the other hand, the second terminal support portion 22b is formed with a terminal insertion port 24b into which the connection terminal 6b is inserted and supported. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the connection terminals 6a and 6b are inserted and supported in the terminal insertion openings 24a and 24b, respectively.

  Further, the above-described second terminal support portion 22b is provided with a slit (not shown) extending in the vertical direction, and a coil support portion 28 for supporting the coil 7 is formed adjacent thereto. Thus, when the connection terminal 6b is inserted into the terminal insertion port 24b, the portion of the connection terminal 6b that protrudes from the terminal insertion port 24b passes through a slit (not shown), and the coil 7 is supported along the coil support portion 28. It will be. Moreover, the groove part 25 is formed in the up-down direction in each side surface (side surface opposite to the mutually adjacent side) of the 1st terminal support part 22a and the 2nd terminal support part 22b, As mentioned later, The latching element 3 can be slidably supported.

  The base portion 21 of the connector element 2 for connection is provided with two ribs 26 and 26 formed so as to protrude perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the terminal support portion 22 so that the leaf spring 4 can be locked. It is like that. Moreover, the fitting part 23 of the connector element 2 for connection is comprised by the substantially cylindrical shape, and a pair of connecting terminal 6 * 6 is accommodated in the inside. The fitting portion 23 is inserted into the opening 13 of the connected connector element 11 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the latching element 3 includes a base portion 29, a flexible leg portion 30, a strip portion 31, and a hanging portion 32, and is latched and slidable with respect to the connecting connector element 2. The base 29 includes a portion formed in a substantially flat plate shape and a pair of arm-shaped portions projecting in parallel from the flat plate portion. In addition, on the inner side of the pair of arm-like portions of the base portion 29 (sides facing each other), a strip portion 31 is formed. Further, a pair of flexible leg portions 30, 30 are formed so as to protrude downward from the arm-shaped portion of the base portion 29, while the hanging portion 32 extends downward from the flat-plate portion of the base portion 29. It is formed so as to protrude toward.

  The strip portion 31 is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction inside the pair of arm-shaped portions in the base portion 29, and is provided at a position corresponding to the upper portion of the flexible leg portion 30. Note that two strips 31 are formed on each of the pair of arm-shaped portions of the base portion 29, but two are provided, but only one of them is shown in FIG. The strip 31 is formed so as to have a dimension capable of sliding contact with the groove 25 that is recessed along the vertical direction in the connector element 2 for connection. Thus, when the latching element 3 is latched to the connector element 2 for connection, the pair of strips 31 and 31 are brought into sliding contact with the pair of grooves 25 and 25 from both sides, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the latching element 3 is supported so as to be slidable with respect to the connector element 2 for connection. In addition, the strip part 31 provided in the latching element 3 comprises the 1st strip part in this embodiment, and the groove part 25 in the connector element 2 for a connection comprises the 2nd groove part in this embodiment. . About the relationship between this 1st stripe part and a 2nd groove part, you may comprise reversely. That is, the first groove portion may be formed in the latching element 3 and the second strip portion may be formed in the connecting connector element 2.

  In FIG. 3, the pair of flexible leg portions 30, 30 in the latching element 3 protrude downward from the arm-shaped portion of the base portion 29, and are formed to be freely bent. The pair of flexible leg portions 30 and 30 are formed such that a convex portion 33 protrudes toward the opposite side to the side facing each other on the distal end side (free end side). When the latching element 3 is latched on the connecting connector element 2, the distal end side of the flexible leg 30 projects downward from the base 21 of the connecting connector element 2. That is, the base portion 21 of the connector element 2 for connection is formed with through holes not shown in FIG. 3 inside the edges 35 and 35 formed along the two parallel sides. The pair of flexible legs 30 and 30 can pass through the holes without interfering with each other. Therefore, in a state where the latching element 3 is latched to the connecting connector element 2, the convex portion 33 of the flexible leg 30 is formed outside the fitting portion 23 of the connecting connector element 2, as shown in FIG. Is located.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the hanging portion 32 of the latching element 3 is formed in a flat plate shape that is hung downward from the base portion 29. When the latching element 3 is latched to the connecting connector element 2, the latching element 3 is inserted without interfering with the hole 34 formed through the base 21 of the connecting connector element 2. As will be described later, the hanging portion 32 constitutes means for releasing a short circuit formed between the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12 in the connected connector element 2 (see FIG. 9). . Moreover, the hanging part 32 is arrange | positioned so that it may be located in the approximate vertex of the isosceles triangle which makes the base the line | wire which connects the two strip parts 31 * 31 in planar view. In addition to the fitting between the strip portions 31 and 31 and the groove portions 25 and 25, the hanging portion 32 inserted into the hole 34 of the connector element 2 for connection is arranged in this manner, so that the latching element 3 is connected. It is possible to ensure that the connector element 2 is supported more stably and slidably.

  Further, as shown in the longitudinal sectional view of the electrical connection device 1 and the connector element 2 to be connected shown in FIG. 7A, the latching element 3 latched on the connector element 2 is connected to this connector. The element 2 is arranged so as to interfere with the connector element 11 to be connected when the element 2 is inserted into the connector element 11 to be connected. In other words, the convex portion 33 formed on the flexible leg 30 of the latching element 3 is inserted into the connected connector element 11 of the connecting connector element 2 and the opening 13 of the connected connector element 11. It interferes with the shoulder portion 36 which is an edge portion. In addition, as shown to Fig.7 (a), as for the convex part 33 in the flexible leg part 30, the surface which interferes with the shoulder part 36 of the opening part 13 inclines with respect to the insertion direction of the connector element 2 for a connection. It is formed in a taper shape.

  In FIG. 3, the leaf spring 4 is composed of only one leaf spring formed by bending. The leaf spring 4 constitutes an elastic member of the present embodiment which is locked to the connecting connector element 2 and holds the latching element 3 against the connecting connector element 2. The leaf spring 4 also constitutes a spring element of the present embodiment having at least a bent leaf spring.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the plate spring 4 is formed such that both end sides thereof are bent in a mountain shape. The leaf spring 4 includes a locking portion 37 that locks with the connecting connector element 2 and a contact portion 38 that contacts the latching element 3. The locking portion 37 is formed in a flat plate shape, and the abutting portion 38 is formed on each tip side of both end portions that are bent and formed in a mountain shape. In addition, the both ends which comprise the contact part 38 are formed in the curved surface shape. The leaf spring 4 is slid along the upper surface of the base portion 21 of the connecting connector element 2 after the latching element 3 is latched on the connecting connector element 2, so that Will be attached.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the leaf spring 4 is attached to the connecting connector element 2 in a state where the latching element 3 is not latched. As shown in FIG. 5, the locking portion 37 of the leaf spring 4 is arranged so as to be stretched over the rib 26 formed to protrude from the connecting connector element 2, and the locking portion 37 is formed by the rib 26. It is designed to be locked. That is, with such an arrangement, the leaf spring 4 is locked to the connecting connector element 2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the leaf spring 4 attached to the connecting connector element 2 to which the latching element 3 is latched is an upper surface of the base 29 of the latching element 3 at its abutting portions 38 and 38. 29a (see FIG. 3). As described above, in the electrical connection device 1, the leaf spring 4 including the locking portion 37 that is locked to the rib 26 of the connecting connector element 2 and the abutting portion 38 that contacts the base portion 29 of the latching element 3. Is arranged. Therefore, when the connecting connector element 2 is inserted into the opening 13 of the connected connector element 11 and the connected connector element 11 and the latching element 3 interfere with each other, the locking portion 37 and the contact portion The latching element 3 can be urged in the insertion direction of the connecting connector element 2 by the elastic recovery force of the leaf spring 4 generated between the connection connector element 2 and the plate 38. The abutting portion 38 of the leaf spring 4 is disposed on the opposite side to the connected connector element 11 in the insertion direction of the connecting connector element 2 with respect to the locking portion 37. Then, when the connecting connector element 2 is inserted into the opening 13 of the connected connector element 11, the elastic recovery force of the leaf spring 4 generated between the locking portion 37 and the contact portion 38, The latching element 3 is biased so as to be pulled in the insertion direction of the connecting connector element 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover element 5 includes a pair of halves 5a and 5a formed so as to sandwich the connecting connector element 2 and the latching element 3 latched on the connector element 2 from both sides. 5b. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover element 5 is configured to partially cover the connection connector element 2 and the latching element 3 by combining the pair of halves 5a and 5b. Has been. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, each half portion 5a and 5b of the cover element 5 is formed with a strip 39 provided so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (in FIG. 3). Only the strip 39 on the half portion 5b side is shown). When the pair of halves 5a and 5b are combined, the strip 39 is combined while being slidably contacted with the groove 27 formed on the side surface portion of the base 21 of the connector element 2 for connection. become. Thereby, the cover element 5 can be integrated in a state where the pair of halves 5a and 5b and the connecting connector element 2 are accurately positioned. The halved portion 5b is formed with a protruding portion 40 provided so as to protrude perpendicularly to the vertical direction, and is fitted to the connecting connector element 2.

  When assembling the electrical connection device 1, first, a pair of connection terminals 6, 6 that are respectively crimped to the electric wires 8 against the terminal insertion ports 24, 24 of the terminal connection portion 22 in the connector element 2 for connection. Are inserted and supported. Then, the strip portion 31 of the latching element 3 is fitted into the groove portion 25 of the connecting connector element 2 while sliding. As a result, the latching element 3 is latched so as to be slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the connecting connector element 2. After the latching element 3 is latched, the leaf spring 4 is slid along the upper surface of the base 21 of the connecting connector element 2 so as to be locked to the connecting connector element 2. It is done. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 4 is obtained. And finally, each half part 5a * 5b of the cover element 5 is combined from the both sides so that the connector element 2 for connection and the latching element 3 may be covered. Thereby, the assembly of the electrical connection device 1 is completed, and the state shown in FIG. 1 is obtained.

  Next, the operation of the electrical connection device 1 when the electrical connection device 1 described above is connected to the connector element 11 to be connected will be described with reference to FIGS. Each of FIGS. 6A to 8A is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 1 and the connector element 11 to be connected in the connection step. b) The figure is an enlarged sectional view showing a part (region surrounded by a circle) in each figure (a).

  FIG. 6A shows a state before the electrical connecting device 1 is connected to the connected connector element 11. In this state, the latching element 3 latched by the connection connector element 2 is urged by the leaf spring 4 so that the base portion 29 is located below the cover element 5, and the connection connector element 2. Is held against. That is, the upper surface 29a of the base portion 29 of the latching element 3 is urged by the abutting portion 38 of the leaf spring 4 locked to the rib 26 of the connecting connector element 2 by the locking portion 37. As shown by the thick arrow, the base 29 is pressed against the rib 26.

  Further, the connecting connector element 2 is formed with a restricting portion 41 that restricts the movement of the latching element 3 in the direction of the inner side of the flexible leg portion 30 (toward the fitting portion 23). In the state before connection shown in FIG. 6A, the convex portion 33 of the flexible leg 30 is located at a position corresponding to the restricting portion 41 as shown in the enlarged sectional view of FIG. Thus, the movement of the convex portion 33 in the inner direction (arrow direction in the figure) is restricted.

  FIG. 7A shows a state in which the electrical connecting device 1 has started to be connected to the connected connector element 11. In the initial stage of connection of the electrical connecting device 1 to the connector element 11 to be connected, first, the tip of the fitting portion 23 of the connector element 2 for connection is inserted into the opening 13 of the connector element 11 to be connected. (See FIGS. 6 and 7). And when the front-end | tip of the fitting part 23 begins to be inserted in the opening part 13, as shown to Fig.7 (a), the contact part 33 of the flexible leg part 30 of the latching element 3 will be the next. The tapered surface interferes with the tapered surface of the shoulder 36 of the opening 13. For this reason, when the connecting connector element 2 is inserted into the opening 13, the latching element 3 has a reaction force from the shoulder 36 of the opening 13 in the direction indicated by the thick arrow in FIG. Will occur.

  When the reaction force indicated by the thick arrow in FIG. 7A is applied to the latching element 3, the latching element 3 is latched to the connecting connector element 2 that moves in the insertion direction (downward direction). The element 3 moves relative to the insertion direction (the direction toward the upper side). Therefore, in the leaf spring 4, the locking portion 37 is pushed down by the rib 26 of the connecting connector element 2, and the abutting portion 38 is pushed up by the upper surface 29 a of the base portion 29 of the latching element 3. As a result, the elastic recovery force of the leaf spring 4 acts on the base 29 of the latching element 3, so that the latching element 3 is fitted into the opening 13 of the connecting connector element 2 and elastically restored by the leaf spring 4. The force is biased in the insertion direction.

  Further, the convex portion 33 of the flexible leg portion 30 of the latching element 3 interferes with the shoulder portion 36 of the opening portion 13 through the tapered surface. For this reason, when the urging force of the leaf spring 4 against the latching element 3 is generated, as shown in the enlarged sectional view of FIG. 7B, the projection 33 is flexibly moved in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. The force which bends the leg part 30 will act. At this time, the latching element 3 is in a state of moving relative to the connecting connector element 2 upward as compared with the case shown in FIG. The movement in the direction of the arrow 7 (b) is not restricted by the restricting portion 41 (the flexible leg 30 does not interfere with the restricting portion 41).

  When the connecting connector element 2 is further inserted into the opening 13 from the state shown in FIG. 7A, the urging force by the leaf spring 4 acting on the latching element 3 increases, and the flexible leg portion 30 will bend and the convex part 33 will move inside. For this reason, interference with the convex part 33 and the shoulder part 36 of the opening part 13 is cancelled | released. As described above, the interference between the convex portion 33 and the shoulder portion 36 is released by the urging force of the leaf spring 4, so that the distal end side of the latching element 3, that is, the convex portion 33 moves toward the opening portion 13. Will be pushed in.

  FIG. 8A shows that the latching element 3 moves downward (in the direction of the arrow in the figure), and the convex portion 33 on the tip side is pushed into the opening 13 of the connector element 11 to be connected. 2 shows a state in which the connection between the electrical connecting device 1 and the connector element 11 to be connected is completed. The opening 13 of the connector element 11 to be connected is provided with a recess 14 formed in the inner peripheral wall thereof. When the connection is completed, the projection 33 of the latching element 3 is connected to the opening 13. It engages with the recess 14. Further, in a state where the convex portion 33 is engaged with the concave portion 14, the restricting portion 41 is located inside the flexible leg portion 30 as in the case of FIG. Accordingly, in a state where the convex portion 33 and the concave portion 14 are engaged, the movement of the convex portion 33 in the opening 13 is restricted.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection state when the electrical connection device 1 is connected to the connector element 11 to be connected. 9A to 9C correspond to the states of FIGS. 6 to 8, respectively. Further, the lower cross-sectional views in (a) to (c) are cross-sectional views showing the connector element 11 to be connected and the inside of the fitting portion 23 of the connector element 2 for connection. On the other hand, the upper cross-sectional views of (a) to (c) correspond to the cross section taken along the dotted line in the lower cross-sectional view.

  For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9A, the connected connector element 11 includes a short-circuit element 42 disposed in the opening 13. The short-circuit element 42 is formed of a non-conductive resin material or the like, and is formed in a shape that can be fitted into the opening 13. In a state where the short-circuit element 42 is fitted in the opening 13, the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12 are in an extended state so as to pass through the opening 44 formed in the short-circuit element 42. The short-circuit element 42 supports a short-circuit clip 43 formed of a steel material. The tip portion of the short-circuit clip 43 is formed so as to be deflected toward each of the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12, and when the short-circuit clip 43 contacts both of the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12, In the meantime, an electrical short circuit can be formed. The short-circuit clip 43 is provided as a safety means for preventing the airbag assembly from being operated due to a leaked charge or an erroneous connection during manufacture of the airbag assembly.

  As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9A, naturally, in the state before the electrical connecting device 1 and the connector element 11 to be connected are connected, the electrical connecting device 1 and the connector element to be connected are naturally. 11 is in a state where mechanical engagement with 11 is not established (lock is in an OFF state), and electrical connection is not established (in an OFF state in which the connection terminal 6 and the connected terminal 12 are not in contact). )It has become. On the other hand, the short-circuit clip 43 supported by the short-circuit element 42 is in contact with the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12. As a result, a closed short circuit is formed between the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12 (the short circuit is in the CLOSE state).

  Next, when the connection of the electrical connecting device 1 to the connector element 11 to be connected is started, the latching element 3 and the connector element 11 to be connected interfere with each other as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. It becomes a state. In this state, the mechanical connection between the electrical connecting device 1 and the connected connector element 11 is not established, but the contact between the pair of connecting terminals 6 and 6 and the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12 is not achieved. Be started. And it will transfer to the state in which the electrical connection state was materialized. The short-circuit clip 43 remains in a state in which a short circuit is formed in contact with the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12.

  Finally, the interference between the latching element 3 and the connector element 11 to be connected is released, and the convex portion 33 of the flexible leg 30 and the concave portion 14 of the opening 13 are engaged with each other in FIG. The state shown in the sectional view is obtained. In this state, the mechanical connection between the electrical connecting device 1 and the connector element 11 to be connected is established (the lock is on), and the electrical connection is established (terminals are connected to each other). Is in the ON state where the contact is made. Further, in the state where the interference between the latching element 3 and the connector element 11 to be connected is released, the leading end side of the latching element 3 is moved into the opening 13, so that the leading end side of the hanging part 32 is also It extends toward the inside of the opening 13. At this time, the tip portion of the hanging portion 32 extends while pushing the short-circuit clip 43 deflected toward the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12 away from the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12. Become. As a result, the short circuit between the pair of connected terminals 12 and 12 by the short circuit clip 43 is opened and released (the short circuit is in the OPEN state).

  Thus, in the connection between the electrical connection device 1 and the connector element 11 to be connected, the connection between the connection terminal 6 and the connection terminal 12 is ensured first, and then a pair of connections by the short-circuit clip 43. The short circuit between the terminals 12 and 12 is released. Thereby, the electrical connection is always ensured.

  According to the electrical connection device 1 described above, the latching element 3 interferes with the connected connector element 11 when the connecting connector element 2 is inserted into the connected connector element 11, so that the connecting connector Slide relative to element 2. When the latching element 3 interferes with the connector element 11 to be connected, the latching element 3 is biased in the insertion direction from the leaf spring 4 latched to the connector element 2 for connection. 3 is pushed into the opening 13. For this reason, it is possible to confirm whether or not the connecting connector element 2 is in an appropriate connection state with respect to the connected connector element 11 depending on whether or not the latching element 3 is pushed into the opening 13. Can be prevented from becoming unfitted. An electrical connection device capable of preventing a non-fitted state with a simple configuration in which a leaf spring 24 is provided so as to be engaged with the connection connector element 2 and hold the latching element 3 on the connection connector element 2. Can be obtained. That is, it is not necessary to arrange a large coil spring or a plurality of small coil springs disposed around the connected terminal 12 in the opening 13 of the connector element 11 to be connected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the dimensional constraints and prevent the mechanism from becoming complicated.

  Further, according to the electrical connecting device 1, the hooking element 3 is formed with the convex portion 33 that interferes with the shoulder portion 36 of the opening 13 when the connecting connector element 2 is inserted into the connected connector element 11. With this simple configuration, it is possible to easily realize the configuration of the latching element 3 that interferes with the opening 13 and is pushed into the opening 13 by the urging force of the leaf spring 4.

  Further, according to the electrical connection device 1, when the projection 33 of the latching element 3 is pushed into the opening 13 by the urging force of the leaf spring 4 when the connecting connector element 2 is inserted, the projection 33 Engages with the recess 14 formed in the opening 13, so that the latching element 3 can be held and the electrical connection device 1 can be more securely prevented from coming off.

  Further, according to the electrical connecting device 1, when the urging force of the leaf spring 4 acts on the latching element 3 when the connecting connector element 2 is inserted, the pair of flexible legs 30 and 30 bend inward. Therefore, it becomes easy to push the convex portion 33 of the latching element 3 into the opening portion 13. And after the convex part 33 is pushed in in the opening part 13, the convex part 33 which protruded toward each outward in the front end side of a pair of flexible leg part 30 * 30 is a recessed part in the opening part 13 14, the convex portion 33 is engaged with the concave portion 14 by the elastic recovery of the flexure of the flexible leg portion 30. Therefore, in the electrical connection device 1, since the pair of flexible leg portions 30 and 30 are provided and the convex portion 33 is formed thereon, the convex portion 33 can be easily pushed into the opening portion 13 and the concave portion is formed. 14 can be realized with a simple mechanism.

  Further, according to the electrical connection device 1, when the leading end side of the latching element 3 is pushed into the opening 13 and the convex portion 33 engages with the concave portion 14 in the opening 13, The movement of the convex portion 33 in the direction in which the engagement with the concave portion 14 is released is restricted by the formed restricting portion 41. For this reason, by providing the restricting portion 41, the latching element 3 can be held and the electrical connection device 1 can be prevented from coming off more firmly.

  Further, according to the electrical connecting device 1, when the biasing force of the leaf spring 4 acts on the latching element 3 when the connecting connector element 2 is inserted, the convex portion 33 provided on the latching element 3 is It interferes with the shoulder 36 via a tapered surface inclined with respect to the insertion direction. For this reason, the convex part 33 of the latching element 3 can be easily pushed into the opening part 13.

  Further, according to the electrical connection device 1, the strip portion 31 is provided in the latching element 3, and the groove portion 25 that is in sliding contact with the strip portion 31 is provided in the connecting connector element 2. Thereby, the structure which latches and latches the latching element 3 with respect to the connector element 2 for connection stably slidably is realizable with a simple mechanism.

  Moreover, according to the electrical connection apparatus 1, the elastic member of this embodiment is comprised by the leaf | plate spring formed by bending, and is implement | achieved by the very simple structure. Further, the spring constant can be easily adjusted by appropriately setting the material and dimensions of the leaf spring. Furthermore, since it is composed of only one leaf spring, it is possible to realize an elastic member having a very simple structure and composed of one component.

  Further, according to the electrical connecting device 1, when the latching element 3 interferes with the connected connector element 11 when the connecting connector element 2 is inserted, the engagement of the leaf spring 4 disposed on the connected connector element 11 side. The stop portion 37 is engaged with the connector element 2 for connection, and the contact portion 38 of the leaf spring 4 arranged on the opposite side biases the latch element 3 so as to draw it in the insertion direction. For this reason, the operation | movement which pushes the latching element 3 toward an opening part by the leaf | plate spring 4 formed by bending can be performed stably.

  Further, according to the electrical connection device 1, the rib 26 is projected from the connecting connector element 2, and the engaging portion 37 of the leaf spring 4 is arranged over the rib 26. For this reason, the latching portion 37 of the leaf spring 4 disposed on the connected connector element 11 side is latched with the connector component 2 for connection, and the contact portion 38 of the leaf spring 4 disposed on the opposite side thereof. A structure for biasing the latching element 3 so as to be pulled in the insertion direction can be easily realized.

  Moreover, according to the electrical connection apparatus 1, the both ends of the leaf | plate spring 4 are bent and formed in the mountain shape. For this reason, the leaf spring 4 provided with the latching part 37 spanned by the rib 26 which is formed to project from the connector element 2 to be connected, and the abutting part 38 urging in the inserting and inserting direction at both ends is easily provided. Can be formed. Moreover, the spring constant of the leaf | plate spring 4 can be easily adjusted by setting suitably the length and angle of the edge | side which comprise a mountain shape.

  Further, according to the electrical connecting device 1, both end portions of the leaf spring 4 constituting the abutting portion 38 are formed in a curved shape, so that they abut against the latching element 3 and are urged in the inserting direction. The frictional resistance at the contact surface can be reduced. For this reason, the latching element 3 can be efficiently urged by the elastic force of the leaf spring 4 without causing loss due to frictional resistance.

  Further, according to the electrical connecting device 1, the cover element 5 is composed of a pair of halves 5a and 5b to be combined, and therefore the cover element 5 that partially covers the connector element 2 for connection and the latching element 3 is provided. It can be easily formed with a simple structure.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, the following modifications may be made.

(1) In the above embodiment, the pair of flexible legs are provided on the latching element, but this need not be the case. For example, the number of flexible legs may be only one, or three or more legs may be provided. Moreover, the convex part may be provided in the flexible part formed so that bending was possible in forms other than a leg part.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the restricting portion that restricts the movement in the inner direction of the opening of the convex portion formed on the flexible leg portion is provided, but the restricting portion is not necessarily provided. Good.

(3) In the said embodiment, the shape of the part which interferes with the shoulder part of the opening part in the convex part formed in the flexible leg part does not necessarily need to be formed in the taper shape. For example, it may be formed in a columnar shape or a spherical shape.

(4) In the above embodiment, the elastic member is made of a steel leaf spring, but this need not be the case. For example, it may be formed of rubber or plastic. In this case, it is desirable to select rubber or plastic (such as rubber having excellent heat resistance if the use temperature is high) according to the use environment such as the use temperature of the electrical connection device. In the case of rubber, the elastic member can be easily formed with a simple structure by using a rubber band formed in a ring shape.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, one leaf spring that is bent and formed as the elastic member is provided, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the elastic member may be configured to include a plurality of leaf springs, or may be configured to partially include a leaf spring.

(6) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the spring constant is adjusted by appropriately setting the length and angle of the sides constituting the chevron on both ends of the leaf spring. However, slits are appropriately formed in the leaf spring. The spring constant can be adjusted with.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, the elastic member that urges the hooking element toward the connector element for connection is provided, but this need not be the case. For example, it may be an elastic member that is arranged between the upper portion of the connecting connector element and the latching element and biases the latching element so as to press it toward the connector element to be connected.

(8) In the above embodiment, the cover element is constituted by a pair of separated halves, but this need not be the case. For example, a pair of halves may be integrally formed via a hinge portion.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an electrical connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the electrical connection apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from the lower side. It is a disassembled perspective view of the electrical connection apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where elements other than a cover element are combined in the electrical connection device shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the state which attached the leaf | plate spring with respect to the connector element for a state in which the latching element is not latched in the electrical connection apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing explaining the process of connecting the electrical connection apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to a to-be-connected connector element, Comprising: It is the first figure. It is sectional drawing explaining the process of connecting the electrical connection apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to a to-be-connected connector element, Comprising: It is the 2nd figure. It is sectional drawing explaining the process of connecting the electrical connection apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to the to-be-connected connector element, Comprising: It is the last figure. It is a figure explaining the electrical connection state at the time of connecting the electrical connection apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to the to-be-connected connector element.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrical connection apparatus 2 Connector element 3 Connection latch element 4 Leaf spring (elastic member, spring element)
5 Cover Element 6 Connecting Terminal 11 Connected Connector Element 12 Connected Terminal 13 Opening Portion 14 Concave 30 Pair of Flexible Legs 33 Convex

Claims (15)

An electrical connecting device connected to a connected connector element that supports a male connected terminal,
A connecting connector element that supports a female connection terminal that is electrically connected to the connected terminal, and that is inserted into an opening formed in the connected connector element,
A latch that is slidably latched to the connector element for connection and is arranged to interfere with the connector element to be connected when the connector element is inserted into the connector element to be connected. Elements and
An elastic member that is locked to the connector element for connection and holds the latch element against the connector element for connection;
With
The latching element is biased in the insertion direction of the connecting connector element by the elastic member when the connecting connector element is inserted into the opening and interferes with the connected connector element. The electrical connection device is characterized in that the interference with the connector element to be connected is released, moves toward the opening, and the front end side is pushed in. The latching element is formed with a convex portion that interferes with a shoulder portion of the opening when the connector element for connection is inserted into the connector element for connection.
When the connecting connector element is inserted into the opening, the convex portion is released from interference with the shoulder by the elastic member biasing the latching element in the insertion direction. The electrical connection device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection device is pushed into the opening.   The electrical connection device according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion is engaged with a concave portion formed in the opening when the convex is pushed into the opening.   The latching element is formed with a pair of projecting flexible leg portions, and the convex portions project toward the opposite side and the opposite side to the distal ends of the pair of flexible leg portions, respectively. The electrical connection device according to claim 2, wherein the electrical connection device is formed.   The connecting connector element is formed with a restricting portion for restricting movement of the convex portion inward in the opening when the connecting connector element is inserted into the opening. The electrical connection apparatus of any one of Claim 4.   The surface of the convex portion that interferes with the shoulder portion is formed in a tapered shape that is inclined with respect to the fitting insertion direction. Electrical connection device. The latching element is formed with a first strip or a first groove,
The connecting connector element is formed with a second groove portion that is in sliding contact with the first stripe portion, or a second stripe portion that is in sliding contact with the first groove portion,
The electrical connection device according to claim 1, wherein the latching element is slidably supported by the connection connector element.   The electrical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the elastic member is a spring element having at least a bent leaf spring.   The electrical connection device according to claim 8, wherein the spring element includes only one leaf spring formed by bending.   The leaf spring includes a locking portion that locks with the connecting connector element, and a contact portion that contacts the latching element, and the contact portion is in the insertion direction with respect to the locking portion. The arrangement is provided on a side opposite to the connector element for connection, and the latching element is urged in the insertion direction when the connector element for connection is inserted into the opening. The electrical connecting device according to claim 8 or 9.   The locking portion is disposed so as to be stretched over a rib formed protruding from the connector element for connection, and the abutting portion is formed at both end portions of the leaf spring, and the locking element is The electrical connection device according to claim 10, wherein the electrical connection device is biased in the insertion direction.   The electrical connection device according to claim 11, wherein both end sides of the leaf spring are bent in a mountain shape.   The electrical connection device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein both end portions of the leaf spring are formed in a curved shape.   The connection connector element and the latching element have a pair of halves formed so as to sandwich the connection connector element and the latching element from both sides, and the pair of halves are combined to form the connection connector element and the latching element. The electrical connection device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover element that partially covers the electrical connection device.   It is used as an electrical connection device for energizing an ignition device of a gas generator in an automobile air bag assembly, and is capable of energizing the ignition device by being connected to the connected connector element. The electrical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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