JP2006332033A - Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector easy in confirming a complete engagement state while being a low-insertion force connector, and easy in engagement work without requiring a new additional component. <P>SOLUTION: The connector has, on a rotating member, a locking arm having a locking piece which is capable of elastic deformation and, when a complete engagement is formed and the elastic deformation is released, engages with an engaging part provided in the connector main part and prohibits rotation in engagement releasing direction of the rotating member. A guiding part which, according to the rotation of the rotating member after initial engagement, contacts the locking piece and by making the locking arm elastic deform, and guides the locking piece to the engaging part for releasing the elastic deformation of the locking arm at the time of complete engagement is provided at the connector main part. The rotating member is provided with a lock arm which at normal time prohibits elastic deformation of the locking arm and, at operation time, releases prohibition of elastic deformation of the locking arm by inclining, and is maintained in inclined state while the elastic deformation of the locking arm is maintained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector such as a waterproof connector for automobiles, and more particularly to a connector with low insertion force, space saving, low cost, and high reliability.

  Since the waterproof connector for automobiles has a watertight structure formed by packing with rubber or the like when the connector is fitted, generally a larger insertion force is required than a connector that is not waterproof. Furthermore, recently, with the increase in the number of poles, more electrical connections are formed at the time of mating, so a larger insertion force is required, and the mating cannot be completed sufficiently, resulting in incomplete or insufficient electrical connections. There was a greater risk that a watertight structure would not be formed.

  For this reason, the bayonet-type or spigot-type one connector is initially fitted by turning a turning member that is rotatably supported by one connector after first fitting a pair of connectors. A connector such as a waterproof multipolar connector that originally requires a large force by moving the other connector or both of these connectors in the mating direction and completely mating the pair of connectors. A technique has been used that enables a fitting operation with a relatively small force by a rotating operation.

  Here, in the technique proposed by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-132178 (Patent Document 1), as shown in FIG. 9, the male and female connectors 40 and 41 accommodate the connection terminals 42 and 43, respectively. A locking hood 44 (rotating member) is engaged with the male connector 40 and is rotatably supported. When these connectors 40 and 41 are initially fitted, the protrusion 45 on the inner wall of the locking hood 44 is positioned at the open end of the spiral groove 46 provided on the outer surface of the female connector 41.

  When the locking hood 44 is rotated in the initial fitting state of the male and female connectors 41 and 40, the protrusion 45 comes into contact with the wall forming the spiral groove 46 and presses the wall, so that the female connector 41 is fitted. When the projection 45 moves to the end direction and reaches the end of the spiral groove 46, the male and female connectors 41 and 40 are completely fitted and electrically connected.

  Since the rotational force of the locking hood 44 is enlarged by the inclined surface of the spiral groove 46 and becomes a force in a large fitting direction, there is an advantage that the labor for fitting the connectors 40 and 41 is reduced.

  At this time, confirmation of complete fitting is performed by a change in rotational torque that operates the rotating member that occurs when the connectors are completely fitted together. However, this is a tactile confirmation, and there is a possibility that incomplete fitting may occur due to variations in worker recognition.

  By the way, in the above connector, the connector is completely fitted by rotating the rotating member so that the protrusion reaches the terminal end of the spiral groove. Since the rotating member cannot be rotated when reaching the end portion, the rotating member is rotated until it cannot be rotated. In this way, whether or not it is completely fitted is often recognized by the rotational torque feeling (moderation feeling), and since it was difficult to visually confirm the fully fitted state, for example, If the rotation member is not fully rotated due to some problem, but the rotation member is sufficiently rotated, and the rotation of the rotation member is stopped (projected to the end of the spiral groove) If the rotation of the rotating member is stopped without reaching the part), the connector may not be completely fitted, and the watertight structure may not be formed, so that water may enter the inside.

  In addition, even after complete mating, the rotating members loosen due to external stress or vibrations from automobiles, resulting in incomplete mating, poor electrical connection due to water intrusion from the outside, or connector mating. There is also a risk that it will completely shift.

  In order to solve such a problem, the electrical connector proposed in US Pat. No. 5,980,293 is rotatably supported by the male connector 50 after the male and female connectors are initially fitted, as shown in FIG. The rotating member 51 is rotated, the rotating member 51 and the female connector are engaged, the female connector 50 is moved in the fitting direction, and the male and female connectors 50 are completely fitted and electrically connected. In addition, a detection tool 52 is provided as an additional member so that it can be confirmed whether or not the male and female connectors 50 are completely fitted. In other words, when the detection tool 52 is inserted and received in the storage portion 53 of the male connector 50, if the male and female connectors 50 are completely fitted by the rotation of the rotation member 51, the engagement protrusion of the detection tool 52 is engaged. When the portion 54 is fitted into the fitting recess 55 of the turning member 51 and the turning of the turning member 51 is insufficient and not fully fitted, the engaging projection 54 is not fitted into the fitting recess 55. . For this reason, after the rotation of the rotation member 51 is completed, the engagement state is easily confirmed by whether or not the engagement protrusion 54 of the detection tool 52 and the engagement recess 55 of the rotation member 51 can be engaged. be able to.

  In the connector proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-6814 (Patent Document 3), when both male and female connectors are fitted, both connectors are pressed in the axial direction, and both male and female connectors are separated. Discloses that a lock mechanism is provided in a connector that is formed by rotating a meshing ring (Patent Document 3).

  That is, in FIG. 11, a cylindrical plug 60, a counter plug 61 combined with the plug 60, and a housing 63 of the counter plug 61 for locking the plug 60 to the counter plug 61 are rotatable. An electrical plug connector having an attached bayonet ring 62, in order to lock the plug connector in the insertion direction of the plug 60, the bayonet ring 62 is at least one locking device of the bayonet ring 62. The bayonet ring 62 is pushed against the housing 64 of the plug 60 until it engages with the housing 64 of the plug 60, and the bayonet ring 62 is inserted into the housing 63 of the counter plug 61 in order to unlock the plug connector. Plug that can be rotated around A Kuta, during connecting operation terminates rotation of the bayonet ring 62 is an additional member by the strap 65 is locked.

However, the confirmation of complete fitting with such an additional member increases the number of parts and increases the work itself by one action, leading to an increase in manufacturing cost and a decrease in productivity.
JP-A-4-132178 US Pat. No. 5,980,293 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-6814

  The present invention improves the above-mentioned conventional problems, that is, it is a low insertion force connector, but it is easy to check the complete fitting state, and no additional parts are required, and the fitting work is also easy. An object is to provide a simple connector.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the connector of the present invention comprises a rotating member rotatably supported by the connector main part, and the rotating member after initial fitting with the mating connector. By rotating the mating connector, the mating connector is moved in the mating direction, and the connector that is completely mated with the mating connector is elastically deformable, and the complete mating is formed to release the elastic deformation. A locking arm having a locking piece that engages with an engaging portion provided in the connector main portion to prevent the rotation member from rotating in the fitting release direction. The engagement member releases the elastic deformation of the locking arm when fully engaged while abutting the locking piece and elastically deforming the locking arm according to the rotation of the rotating member after initial fitting. The guiding part for guiding the locking piece to the joint part In addition to being provided in the main part of the nectar, the rotating member normally prevents elastic deformation of the locking arm, and tilts during operation to release the elastic deformation of the locking arm. The connector is characterized in that a lock arm is provided so that the tilted state is maintained while elastic deformation is maintained.

  Further, the connector according to the present invention is a connector according to claim 2, wherein the connector according to claim 1 is provided with a protection portion for preventing an accidental erroneous operation around the lock arm operation portion. is there.

  According to the connector of the present invention according to claim 1, the connector is a low insertion force connector, and it is easy to confirm a complete fitting state, and does not require a new additional part, and can be easily fitted. can do. In addition, it is possible to easily confirm complete fitting only by confirming the state of the lock arm (tilting or not) by the operator.

  According to the connector of the present invention according to claim 3, in addition to the effect of the connector of the present invention according to claim 1 or claim 2, due to an erroneous operation or due to the fully fitted connector hitting another article, Since unlocking is prevented, erroneous operation is prevented, and the complete fitting is more reliably maintained.

  The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings showing an example thereof. FIG. 1 shows a connector (male connector in this example) A according to the present invention. FIG. 1A is a perspective view seen from the counterpart connector connection side, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view seen from the terminal insertion port side.

  2 is a cross-sectional view of the surface including the lock arm 21 of the connector A (the left side in the drawing is the mating connector connection side), and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the mating connector 3 that is fitted to the connector A. FIG. 4 is a front view of the connector A as viewed from the counterpart connector side, and FIG. 5 is a side view from a position where the lock arm can be seen. 6 (a) to 6 (c) are explanatory views for explaining the state of the rotating member (bayonet ring) 2, the locking arm, and the lock arm of the connector A before fitting, FIG. FIGS. 8A to 7C are explanatory diagrams for explaining the states of the rotating member 2, the locking arm, and the lock arm of the connector A in the middle of fitting, and FIGS. ) Is an explanatory diagram for explaining states of the rotating member 2, the locking arm, and the lock arm of the connector A after fitting.

  In these drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a connector main part (front holder in this example) 1, and reference numeral 2 denotes a rotating member 2 that is rotatably supported by the connector main part 1. These are made of an insulating material.

The rotating member 2 has a lock arm 21. 1 (a), 1 (b), and 2, the rotating member of the connector A is in a rotating position (hereinafter referred to as "initial fitting position") provided for initial fitting with the mating connector 3. It has become.

  A terminal storage chamber 11 for inserting and storing a connector terminal (not shown) is provided inside the connector main portion 1, and the end main storage chamber 11 is connected to a mating connector (in this example, a female connector) 3 of the connector main portion 1. It is possible to connect to a connector terminal (not shown) of the counterpart connector 3 through the connection side.

  The connector A is provided with a packing 12, and when the mating with the mating connector 3 is finished, the electrical connection formed by these connectors is watertight.

  The substantially cylindrical rotating member 2 has a flexible (flexible) locking arm 22 that is elastically deformed toward the terminal insertion side end so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the circumferential direction of the rotating member 2. In this example, it is provided as one body, and the number of parts does not increase.

  Furthermore, a locking piece 23 of the rotating member 2 is provided on the terminal insertion side at the tip of the locking arm 22 so as to protrude from the terminal insertion side end of the rotating member 2. The locking arm 22 base side surface is formed substantially perpendicular to the locking arm 23 longitudinal direction, and the locking arm 22 tip side surface of the locking piece 23 is formed obliquely.

  On the other hand, the connector main portion 1 is provided with a guide portion 14 that protrudes in a bowl shape along the cylindrical side surface of the rotating member 2 when the rotating member 2 is rotatably supported. The guide portion 14 is provided with a locking piece retracting portion 13 at one end thereof (a base side end with respect to the locking arm 23) and a locking piece 23 with respect to the other end (locking arm 22). On the other side, an engaging portion 15 is formed. As shown in FIG. 1B, when the rotating member 1 is in the initial fitting position, the locking piece 23 provided protruding from the locking arm 22 is located in the locking piece retracting portion 13, Since the locking piece 23 does not come into contact with the guiding portion 14 and the locking arm 22 is not elastically deformed (bent), if the rotating member 2 is set at the initial fitting position, the locking piece 23 can be used for a long time. Even if left unattended, undesirable plastic deformation of the locking arm 22 is prevented.

  On the other hand, a lock arm 21 is formed on the side surface of the rotating member 2 integrally with the rotating member 2 via a lock arm connecting portion 21d as shown in FIG. Since the lock arm 21 is formed integrally with the rotating member 2 in this way, the number of parts is reduced and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

  Further, the lock arm 21 can be tilted with respect to the rotating member 2 by the elastic deformation of the lock arm connecting portion 21d by the operation of the finger or the like of the lock arm operation portion 21c. When the insertion side end 21a is always close to or in contact with the side surface of the connector main portion 1 (referred to as "locked state"), and during the tilting operation to bring the mating connector side end 21b close to or in contact with the side surface of the connector main portion 1 (" One of "unlocked state") can be selected. The lock arm 21 is kept in the locked state at all times, that is, when the tilting operation is not performed.

  However, the lock arm is formed as a separate part, attached to the rotating member 2 so as to be tiltable (rotatable) by means such as a shaft stop, and urged by a spring member, etc. A normal state may be set, and the “unlocked state” may be entered only by a tilting operation.

  Here, when the connector is connected, the operator operates the lock arm operation portion 21c near the mating connector side end 21b of the lock arm 21, and the mating connector side end 21b is brought close to the side surface of the rotating member 2. In the unlocked state in which contact is made, the locking arm 22 can be elastically deformed (the transition from the restored state to the bent state is possible). Furthermore, this unlocked state is maintained when the locking arm 21 is in a bent state.

  On the other hand, the locked state is possible only when the locking arm 22 is in a restored state in which it is not elastically deformed (flexed), and at this time, the locking arm 22 cannot be plastically deformed (flexed) (from the restored state). The transition to the elastic deformation state is impossible).

  Further, the protection unit 24 protrudes from the side surface of the rotating member 2 so as to be approximately the same height as the lock arm operating unit 21c of the lock arm 21 in the normally locked state, around the lock arm operating unit 21c. 2 and one. The lock 24 is prevented from being released due to an inadvertent misoperation or by a completely fitted connector hitting another article by the protector 24, so that complete fitting is more reliably maintained.

  Further, a cam is formed on the inner side surface of the cylindrical rotating member 2 together with the fitting guide groove 31 provided on the side surface of the counterpart connector 3 after the initial fitting. A fitting guiding convex portion 25 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) is provided for moving 3 in the fitting direction to completely fit the mating connector. In the present invention, “moving the mating connector in the mating direction” is an expression based on the connector of the present invention. At this time, the connector according to the present invention may be moved in the mating direction, or Both connectors may be moved in the mating direction, and these are included in the present invention.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a rotating member 2 that is rotatably supported by the connector main portion 1, and by rotating the rotating member 2 after initial fitting with the counterpart connector, the counterpart connector Is a connector that is completely fitted to the mating connector and is elastically deformable, and when the complete fitting is formed and the elastic deformation is released, the connector main The rotating member 2 is provided with a locking arm 22 having a locking piece 23 that engages with an engaging portion 15 provided in the portion 1 and prevents the rotating member 2 from rotating in the fitting release direction. In accordance with the rotation of the rotating member 2 after the engagement, the engaging portion 15 that abuts the locking piece 23 and elastically deforms the locking arm 22 and releases the elastic deformation of the locking arm 22 when fully engaged, The connector main portion 1 is provided with a guide portion 14 for guiding the locking piece 23. The rotating member 2 always prevents elastic deformation of the engaging arm 22, and tilts during operation to release the elastic deformation of the engaging arm 22, and the guiding arm 14 elastically deforms the engaging arm 22. In the connector A in which the lock arm 21 that keeps the tilted state is provided and the lock arm 21 is provided integrally with the rotating member 2 while being engaged, from the initial fitting to the complete fitting. The operations and the flow of operations will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C, FIGS. 7A to 7C, and FIGS. 8A to 8C.

  6 (a), 7 (a), and 8 (a) are front views as viewed from the terminal insertion side, and FIGS. 6 (b), 7 (b), and 8 (b) are locks. FIGS. 6 (c), 7 (c), and 8 (c) are partial cross-sectional views of the surface including the lock arm 21, as seen from the front side of the arm 21. 6 (a), 6 (b), and 6 (c) show the initial fitting state, and FIGS. 7 (a), 7 (b), and 7 (c) show the initial fitting state. Thereafter, the rotating member 2 is rotated, and the state before the completion of fitting (referred to as “fitting state”) is shown in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C. It is a figure which respectively shows the state at the time of completion.

  6 (a), 6 (b), and 6 (c), the locking piece 23 of the locking arm 22 is positioned at the locking piece retracting portion 13 of the connector main portion 1 at the time of initial fitting. However, it is not in an elastically deformed (flexed) state but in a restored state.

  Further, since the lock arm 21 is formed integrally with the rotating member 2 so as to be locked at the time of non-tilting operation (always), the terminal insertion side end 21a of the lock arm 21 is the side surface of the connector main portion 1 side. Therefore, there is no space for the locking arm 22 to bend, so that the locking arm 22 cannot be elastically deformed (flexed), and as a result, the locking piece of the locking arm 22 23 remains in the locking piece retracting portion 13 of the connector main portion 1, so that the rotating member 2 is maintained at the initial fitting position, and the rotating member 2 is prevented from being inadvertently rotated. For this reason, since the protection part 24 was provided around the lock arm operation part 21c, once the rotating member 2 is set to the initial fitting position, the state is maintained in normal handling. Connector fitting can be performed more easily and reliably.

Next, a state in the middle of fitting will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. 6C, after the initial fitting, the operator tilts the lock arm operation portion 21c prior to the rotation of the rotating member 2. By operating, the lock arm 21 is tilted to bring the mating connector side end 21b closer to the side surface of the connector main portion 1, and the terminal insertion side end 21a is separated from the side surface of the connector main portion 1 ("unlocked state"). The rotating member 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6A while the locking arm 22 can be elastically deformed. At this time, since the locking arm 22 tip side surface of the locking piece 23 is formed obliquely, the locking piece 23 moves from the locking piece retracting portion 13 to the guiding portion 14 according to the rotation, and the guiding portion 14. Contacts the locking piece 23 of the locking arm 22, and the locking arm 22 rotates while being kept in a plastically deformed state.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 7C, the lock arm 21 contacts the upper surface of the locking arm 22 in the plastically deformed state and cannot return to the locked state, so that the operator operates the lock arm operating portion 21c. Even if it does not continue, the unlocked state is maintained.

  If the rotation of the rotating member 1 is continued as it is, the locking piece 23 of the locking arm 22 is guided by the guiding portion 14 to the engaging portion 15 when the rotating member 1 is in the fully fitted position. The

  When the rotating member 1 is in the fully fitted position, as shown in FIGS. 8 (a), 8 (b), and 8 (c), a locking piece provided on the locking arm 22 23 engages with the end engaging portion 15 formed at the end of the guiding portion 14 by the restoring force in the elastic deformation of the locking arm 22. At this time, the elastically deformed (flexed) state of the locking arm 22 is released to a restored state, and further, the tilted state is released and the lock arm 22 is always in a locked state, that is, a locked state.

  Thus, in the complete fitting position, the locking arm 22 base side surface of the locking piece 23 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking arm 23, so that the engagement with the engaging portion 15 is engaged with the locking arm 22. Is not released unless it is elastically deformed (bent), and the elastic deformation of the locking arm 22 is prevented by the lock arm 22 being in the locked state. The rotation, i.e., the return to the initial fitting position, is prevented because it is double prevented. In addition, since the lock arm 22 is in the locked state at the fully fitted position, it can be clearly seen that the lock arm 22 is in the fully fitted position by visually observing or touching the non-tilted lock arm 22. Therefore, confirmation work is easy and there is no mistake. Further, since the bending state of the locking arm 22 is released and restored in the fully fitted position, the plasticity of the locking arm 22 is maintained even if the connector A is left in the fully fitted position for a long time. Since the deformation is prevented, the function of the connector A is not impaired.

  Thus, as can be understood from the example of the connector A, the connector according to the present invention is a low insertion force connector, but it is easy to confirm the complete fitting state, and no new additional parts are required. The connector can be easily fitted. In addition, it is possible to easily confirm complete fitting only by confirming the state of the lock arm operating portion by the operator.

  The connector of the present invention can be suitably applied to a connector such as a waterproof connector for automobiles, and more specifically to a connector that requires low insertion force, space saving, low cost, and high reliability.

It is a figure which shows example A of the connector of this invention. (A) It is the perspective view seen from the other party connector connection side. (B) It is the perspective view seen from the terminal insertion port side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a surface including a lock arm 21 of the connector A It is a perspective view which shows the other party connector 3 fitted with the connector A. It is the front view which looked at the connector A from the other party connector side. It is a side view from the position where a ring lock alarm can be seen. In connector A, it is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the state of the rotation member (bayonet ring) 2, the latching arm, and the lock arm of the connector A before a fitting. (A) It is a figure which shows the state of a rotation member (bayonet ring). (B) It is a figure which shows the state of a latching arm. (C) It is a figure for demonstrating the state of a lock arm. In connector A, it is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the state of the rotation member (bayonet ring) 2, the latching arm, and the lock arm of the connector A in the middle of a fitting. (A) It is a figure which shows the state of a rotation member (bayonet ring). (B) It is a figure which shows the state of a latching arm. (C) It is a figure for demonstrating the state of a lock arm. In connector A, it is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the state of the rotation member (bayonet ring) 2, the latching arm, and the lock arm of the connector A after a fitting. (A) It is a figure which shows the state of a rotation member (bayonet ring). (B) It is a figure which shows the state of a latching arm. (C) It is a figure for demonstrating the state of a lock arm. It is explanatory drawing of the connector which concerns on a prior art. It is explanatory drawing of the connector which concerns on a prior art. It is explanatory drawing of the connector which concerns on a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

A Connector 1 according to the present invention Connector main part 11 Terminal storage chamber 12 Packing 13 Locking piece retracting part 14 Guide part 15 Engaging part 13 Locking piece retracting part 2 Rotating member (bayonet ring)
21 Lock arm 21a Terminal insertion side end 21b Mating connector side end 21c Lock arm operation part 22 Locking arm 23 Locking piece 24 Protective part 25 Fitting guiding convex part 3 Mating connector 31 Fitting guiding groove

Claims (2)

The connector main part is provided with a rotating member supported rotatably, and the mating connector is moved in the mating direction by rotating the rotating member after the initial mating with the mating connector. For connectors that are fully mated with
When the elastic member can be elastically deformed and the complete fitting is formed and the elastic deformation is released, the engaging member is engaged with the engaging portion provided in the main portion of the connector to engage the rotating member. The rotating member is provided with a locking arm having a locking piece for preventing rotation in the release direction,
The engaging portion that releases the elastic deformation of the locking arm at the time of complete fitting while abutting the locking piece and elastically deforming the locking arm according to the rotation of the rotating member after the initial fitting. The guide main part is provided with a guide part for guiding the locking piece,
The rotating member normally prevents elastic deformation of the locking arm, tilts during operation to release the elastic deformation of the locking arm, and is elastically deformed by the guide portion. A connector is provided with a lock arm that keeps the tilted state during the operation.   The connector according to claim 1, wherein a protective portion that prevents inadvertent misoperation is provided around the operation portion of the lock arm.

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