JP2021047993A - Connector device - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow a user to visually determine if two housings constituting a connector device are in a properly fitted state.SOLUTION: A connector device 1 includes a first connector 2 and a second connector 3 connected to the first connector. The second connector 3 has a slide plate which is received in a guide groove 26 provided on a second housing 8 of the second connector, and which is displaceable between an inserted position and a retreated position. Between the second housing and the slide plate, there is provided a cam mechanism which drives the slide plate from the inserted position to the retreated position upon completion of the fitting between a first housing and the second housing. At least one visible part is provided at an end on the retreated position side of the slide plate. A peripheral wall of the first housing of the first connector is provided with at least one viewing hole which allows a user to externally view the visible part of the slide plate at the retreated position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a connector device.

Conventionally, connector devices provided on electric wires, electronic components, circuit boards, and the like and electrically connecting them to each other have become widespread. This type of connector device is composed of, for example, a male connector having a plurality of male terminals and a male housing containing them, and a female connector having a plurality of female terminals and a female housing containing them. .. Workers who handle connector devices perform connector device connection work by fitting (fitting) the male side housing and female side housing when electrically connecting electric wires, electronic components, circuit boards, etc. to each other. I do.

In such a connection operation, it is not easy for the operator to visually judge whether the male housing and the female housing are fitted or not. Therefore, the operator may mistakenly think that the work has been completed normally even though the fitting of the housings is incomplete (hereinafter referred to as semi-fitting). Further, when the work is completed in such a semi-fitted state, even if the electrical connection between the male terminal and the female terminal can be temporarily confirmed by the inspection after the work, the unintended male side housing and the later Trouble such as separation of the female side housing (that is, electrical disconnection of the female terminal and the female terminal) may occur.

Therefore, in order to detect such semi-fitting, for example, a locking hole is formed in the connector inserted portion behind the connector insertion port of the connector to be inserted, and is engaged with the locking hole when the connector is fitted. A matching locking protrusion is projected onto the insertion side connector, and a distortion sensor is provided at the edge between the connector insertion port and the locking hole, which is pressed by the locking protrusion when the connector is inserted, and the insertion side connector is provided. There is known a connector with a semi-fitting detection function that detects the distortion of the edge where the locking projection abuts when the connector is inserted into the connector insertion portion, and detects the time of this distortion detection as half-fitting (patented). Reference 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-222323

However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a strain sensor on one of the housings (here, the insertion side connector) to be fitted to each other, and further, the housing provided with the sensor has a sensor. A new electrical structure such as wiring for the housing is required. Further, in the connection work of the connector device, the housings may be fitted in an inappropriate direction (hereinafter referred to as diagonal fitting) deviating from the normal fitting direction. In the prior art, prevention of such diagonal fitting is not considered at all.

The present invention has been devised in view of such problems of the prior art, and makes it possible to visually determine that the two housings constituting the connector device are normally fitted. The main purpose is to provide a connector device.

In the first aspect of the present invention, a first connector (2) including a plurality of first terminals (5) and a first housing (6) accommodating the plurality of first terminals, and the plurality of first terminals. A plurality of second terminals (7) that can be electrically connected to each of the terminals, a second housing (8) that accommodates the plurality of second terminals and can be fitted to the first housing, and the first housing. It is received by a guide groove (26) provided in the second housing so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction with the housing, and the approach position into the guide groove and a partial portion from the guide groove. A connector device including a second connector (3) provided with a slide plate (9) displaceable from a protruding exit position, wherein the second housing and the slide plate are spaced from each other. With the completion of fitting of the first housing and the second housing, a cam mechanism (17, 38, 37, 60) for driving the slide plate from the entry position to the exit position is provided, and the slide plate is provided. At least one visible portion (36A-36C) is provided at the end of the second housing on the exit position side, and the peripheral wall of the first housing in which at least a portion of the second housing provided with the guide groove is accommodated. (12) is configured to be provided with at least one viewing hole (15A-15C) that makes the visible portion of the slide plate at the exit position visible from the outside.

According to this, the operator who connects the connector device visually confirms the visible portion of the slide plate exposed from the visual hole of the first housing, and thereby has two housings (the first housing and the second housing). Can be visually determined to be in a normally fitted state.

In the second aspect of the present invention, at least one of the visible portions is provided so as to project outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the first housing when viewed from the fitting direction at the exit position. The configuration is as follows.

According to this, the operator can easily determine that the two housings are in a normally fitted state without significantly changing the working posture.

In the third aspect of the present invention, the second housing is internally cut out at a portion corresponding to a position where at least one of the visual holes of the first housing is provided when viewed from the fitting direction. It is configured to have notches (85A, 85B).

According to this, it is possible to realize a visually recognizable part that is easily visible to the operator while suppressing the visible part of the slide plate from protruding outward from the outer edge of the connector device (that is, increasing the size of the connector device). Can be done.

In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the at least one visible portion is provided with a first visible portion arranged in the middle portion of the slide plate in the left-right direction orthogonal to the fitting direction with the first housing. (36A) and the second and third visible portions (36B, 36C) arranged on both end sides of the slide plate so as to sandwich the first visible portion in the left-right direction are included. ..

According to this, the operator can easily and surely determine that the two housings are in a normally fitted state by the three visual recognition portions arranged in the left-right direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. It becomes.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the visible portions is composed of an engaging claw (36A), and when the slide plate is in the approaching position, the engaging claw is inside the guide groove. When the slide plate is in the retracted position, the engaging claw is locked to the outer wall of the second housing that defines the opening of the guide groove.

According to this, the state in which the slide plate is in the retracted position (indicating that the two housings are in a normally fitted state) is stably maintained.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the engaging claw has an inclined surface (41A) that inclines so as to be displaced by the fitting direction side from the entry position side to the exit position side, and the inclination. At least a part of the surface is located in the viewing hole when the slide plate is in the retracted position, and the second housing moves in the anti-fitting direction with the first housing. It is configured to be pressed in the fitting direction by the edge or peripheral surface (91, 92) of the viewing hole.

According to this, when the second housing moves in the direction opposite to the first housing (that is, the first housing and the second housing are disengaged), the inclined surface is the edge of the viewing hole or Since the peripheral surface presses the slide plate in the fitting direction, the operator applies a force for releasing the fitting of the first housing and the second housing to the approach position side through the inclined surface and the viewing hole. It can also act as a driving force. As a result, the operator can release the fitting of the first housing and the second housing without having to directly operate the slide plate.

In the seventh aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of second terminals is located in the guide groove in a state of being normally housed in the second housing, so that the slide plate in the approach position is located. It is configured to have a locked portion (68A, 68B) that is locked while receiving a part (69,71).

According to this, before the fitting of the first housing and the second housing is completed, the operator puts the slide plate in the approach position so that the plurality of second terminals are normally accommodated in the second housing. You can confirm that it is.

In the eighth aspect of the present invention, the state in which the locked portion receives a part of the slide plate is released when the fitting of the first housing and the second housing is completed.

According to this, when the fitting of the first housing and the second housing is completed (that is, when the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected), the locks of the second terminals are released. As a result, the second terminal is in a floating state (non-fixed state), the degree of freedom in its posture is improved, and an appropriate connection with the first terminal is realized.

On the ninth side surface of the present invention, a protrusion (38) constituting the cam mechanism is further provided on the approach position side of the slide plate, and the first housing is fitted with the second housing. At the time, the cam mechanism is configured together with the protrusion, and the cam mechanism is provided with a drive wall (17D) that applies a force for driving the slide plate to the exit position side with respect to the protrusion.

According to this, when the first housing and the second housing are fitted, the protrusion of the slide plate is driven to the exit position side by the drive wall of the first housing, so that the operator can move the second housing to the first housing. The force for fitting the housing can also be applied as a force for driving the slide plate toward the exit position side via the cam mechanism. As a result, the operator can fit the first housing and the second housing without having to directly operate the slide plate.

In the tenth aspect of the present invention, the second housing has a plate insertion hole (27) that communicates with the guide groove and through which the protrusion is inserted when the slide plate is in the entry position. The protrusion protrudes from the plate insertion hole to the outside of the second housing when the slide plate is in the entry position, and is located in the guide groove when the slide plate is in the exit position. And.

According to this, with a simple configuration, the force of the operator for fitting the second housing to the first housing can be applied as a force for driving the slide plate toward the exit position side.

In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the drive wall is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the fitting direction, and the first housing extends in the fitting direction so as to be continuous with the left and right sides of the drive wall. It further has a pair of vertical walls (17A, 17B), and at the protrusion, a pair of elastic arms (51A) separated from each other in the left-right direction orthogonal to the fitting direction at a wider interval than the pair of vertical walls. , 51B), and the pair of elastic arms are formed with a slope (81B) that engages with the upper edge of the pair of vertical walls so as to elastically deform in a direction approaching each other.

According to this, when the first housing and the second housing are fitted, the slopes of the pair of elastic arms are elastically deformed in a direction in which the elastic arms are brought closer to each other by engaging with the upper edge of the vertical wall. Let me. As a result, when the operator tries to fit the housings in an improper direction that deviates from the normal fitting direction, the elastic arms cannot be elastically deformed in a direction that brings them closer to each other. The fitting of the 1st housing and the 2nd housing is hindered (that is, the diagonal fitting can be prevented). It should be noted that the configuration in which the elastic arms are elastically deformed in the direction of approaching each other generates an appropriate repulsive force against the force applied by the operator to fit the first housing and the second housing (that is,). It can cause an inertial locking action).

In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral wall of the first housing has a substantially rectangular outer peripheral surface when viewed from the fitting direction, and the pair of vertical walls are formed as a part of the peripheral wall. A part of the convex wall (17) provided so as to project outward from the substantially rectangular outer peripheral surface when viewed from the fitting direction is formed, and the driving wall is formed on the convex wall. The bottom wall (17D) that closes the opening on the mating direction side is formed.

According to this, with a simple configuration, the force of the operator for fitting the second housing to the first housing can be applied as a force for driving the slide plate toward the exit position side.

In the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the protrusion has a pair of arm locking claws (52A, 52B) provided at the tips of the pair of elastic arms, respectively, and the slide plate is in the retracted position. In this case, the pair of arm locking claws are elastically deformed in the direction in which the pair of elastic arms approach each other, so that the pair of arm locking claws can be inserted into the plate insertion hole, and the slide plate is in the entry position. In addition, the pair of arm locking claws project from the plate insertion hole to the outside of the second housing, and the opening of the plate insertion hole is defined by the recovery of elastic deformation of the pair of elastic arms. The configuration is such that it is locked to the outer wall of the housing.

According to this, the state in which the pair of arm locking claws protrude from the plate insertion hole to the outside of the second housing (that is, the state in which the slide plate is in the approach position) is stably maintained.

In the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a pair of side pieces (37) constituting the cam mechanism are further provided at both ends of the slide plate in the left-right direction orthogonal to the fitting direction, and the first one is provided. The housing comprises a pair of engaging pieces (60) that form the cam mechanism together with the pair of side pieces and each apply a force for driving the slide plate to the exit position side to the pair of side pieces. It has a configuration to have.

According to this, when the first housing and the second housing are fitted, the pair of side pieces of the slide plate are driven to the exit position side by the pair of engaging surfaces of the first housing, so that the operator can use the first housing. The force for fitting the second housing to the one housing can also be applied as a force for driving the slide plate toward the exit position side via the cam mechanism. As a result, the operator can fit the first housing and the second housing without having to directly operate the slide plate.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to visually determine that the two housings constituting the connector are in a normally fitted state.

An exploded perspective view of the connector device according to the embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows a series of connection operation of a connector device Explanatory drawing which shows the state of the connector device 1 between FIGS. Explanatory drawing which shows the state of the connector device 1 between FIG. 3 and FIG. 2 (C) FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. VI-VI line sectional view in FIG. VII-VII line sectional view in FIG. VIII-VIII sectional view in FIG. 2 (C) IX-IX line sectional view in FIG. 2 (C) Cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2 (C) Explanatory drawing which shows the operation of the protrusion of the slide plate at the time of connecting a male side connector and a female side connector. Explanatory drawing of advancing and retreating operation of slide plate 9 Explanatory drawing which shows the exposure operation of the visible part of a slide plate in a plan view Explanatory drawing which shows the state of diagonal fitting of a male side connector and a female side connector Explanatory drawing which shows the main part of the slide operation of a slide plate in the separation operation of a connector device Explanatory drawing which shows the main part of the slide operation of a slide plate in the separation operation of a connector device

Hereinafter, the connector device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, for convenience, the directions with respect to the connector device and its components follow the directions (front-back, left-right, up-down) indicated by arrows in each figure. However, the practical arrangement of the connector device is not limited to those directions.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the connector device 1 according to the embodiment. 2 (A)-(C) are explanatory views showing a series of connection operations of the connector device 1 (male side connector 2 and female side connector 3). FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the connector device 1 between FIGS. 2 (B) and 2 (C). In FIG. 1, the female connector 3 (see FIG. 2A) is not shown.

The connector device 1 is used as an electrical connector, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a male connector (first connector) 2 and a female connector (second connector) 3 that are detachably connected to each other are connected to each other. Be prepared.

The male connector 2 includes a plurality of male terminals (first terminal) 5 and a male housing (first housing) 6 accommodating the plurality of male terminals 5. On the other hand, the female connector 3 is slidably provided in the plurality of female terminals (second terminals) 7, the female housing (second housing) 8 accommodating the plurality of male terminals 5, and the female housing 8. A slide plate 9 is provided.

Each male terminal 5 has the same shape as each other. Similarly, each female terminal 7 has the same shape as each other and has a shape that can be electrically connected to each male connector 2. Each male terminal 5 and each female terminal 7 are manufactured by pressing a metallic coil material.

In the male housing 6, a plurality of male terminals 5 are arranged so as to be arranged in the left-right direction at predetermined intervals. Here, the plurality of male terminals 5 are arranged in two rows in the front and rear. Similarly, in the female side housing 8, a plurality of female terminals 7 are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of male terminals 5. The lower portion 5A of each male terminal 5 is exposed from the lower portion of the male side housing 6 and is fixed to a circuit board (not shown) by soldering.

The male side housing 6 and the female side housing 8 each have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and are formed of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin.

The male housing 6 has a substantially rectangular outer peripheral surface in a plan view, and both the front and rear and left and right side walls 12A-12D (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "peripheral wall 12") and the peripheral wall 12 are female side connectors. It has a bottom wall 13 that defines a storage space for 3 (female side housing 8).

On the front side wall 12A, a substantially rectangular central hole 15A, a left hole 15B, and a right hole 15C (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "visual hole 15") are provided at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. Each is formed. The central hole 15A is arranged at the center of the front side wall 12A in the left-right direction. The left hole 15B and the right hole 15C are arranged on the left and right sides of the side wall 12A so as to sandwich the central hole 15A. Further, the left hole 15B and the right hole 15C have the same shape (a substantially rectangular shape long in the left-right direction) and have a size larger in the left-right direction than the central hole 15A. As will be described later, in the visual hole 15, an operator or the like who performs the connection work of the connector device 1 (male side connector 2 and female side connector 3) normally fits the male side housing 6 and the female side housing 8. It is used for visual confirmation (that is, visual judgment).

It should be noted that a plurality of visual viewing holes 15 of the peripheral wall 12 do not necessarily have to be formed, and at least one hole (for example, only the central hole 15A) may be formed. Further, at least one of the visual recognition holes 15 does not have to be a strict hole, and may be, for example, a notch having a similar function.

Further, the side wall 12B on the rear side of the peripheral wall 12 is outside from the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the peripheral wall 12 having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the fitting direction (here, above) of the male side connector 2 and the female side connector 3. A convex wall 17 is provided so as to project in the direction.

The convex wall 17 has left and right vertical walls 17A and 17B, a horizontal wall 17C, and a bottom wall (driving wall) 17D. The internal space of the convex wall 17 communicates with the internal space of the main body of the peripheral wall 12 through a front opening between the vertical walls 17A and 17B. Further, the convex wall 17 has an upper opening formed by the vertical walls 17A and 17B and the horizontal wall 17C.

The vertical walls 17A and 17B have a substantially rectangular plate shape, and project rearward in a state of being separated from the main body of the peripheral wall 12. The vertical walls 17A and 17B are arranged substantially vertically in the left-right direction. The horizontal wall 17C connects the trailing edges of the vertical walls 17A and 17B to each other. As a result, the lateral wall 17C is arranged substantially vertically in the front-rear direction. The bottom wall 17D closes the lower opening formed by the vertical walls 17A, 17B and the horizontal walls 17C. As a result, the bottom wall 17D is arranged substantially vertically in the vertical direction (fitting direction). As will be described later, the convex wall 17 constitutes a part of the first cam mechanism provided between the female side housing 8 and the slide plate 9.

On the other hand, the female side housing 8 has a housing main body 21 and a flange portion 22 provided on the upper portion of the housing main body 21.

The housing body 21 has a plurality of terminal accommodating holes 25 for accommodating each female terminal 7. The plurality of terminal accommodating holes 25 are arranged so as to be arranged in the left-right direction at predetermined intervals. Here, the plurality of terminal accommodating holes 25 are arranged in two rows in the front and rear. Each terminal accommodating hole 25 extends so as to substantially penetrate the housing body 21 in the vertical direction. Further, the housing main body 21 has an intermediate wall 23 extending in the left-right direction so as to partition the front and rear rows of the terminal accommodating holes 25 in a plan view.

Further, the housing body 21 is formed with a guide groove 26 for receiving the slide plate 9. The guide groove 26 is provided at a predetermined depth from the front surface to the rear surface of the housing body 21. The guide groove 26 extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction (fitting direction). Further, the guide groove 26 opens in a part (front side) of the front surface and the left and right side surfaces of the housing main body 21. Further, the guide groove 26 is formed so as to vertically divide a part (at least the front row) of the terminal accommodating holes 25.

Further, the housing body 21 is formed with a plate insertion hole 27 (see FIG. 3) extending from the rear surface (corresponding to the bottom surface of the guide groove 26) defining the guide groove 26 to the rear surface of the housing body 21.

The flange portion 22 is formed so as to project outward from the upper peripheral edge of the housing main body 21, and forms an annular shape having a substantially rectangular outer edge in a plan view viewed from the fitting direction (here, above). Engagement pieces 31 extending downward are provided on the left and right side portions of the flange portion 22. At the tip (here, the lower end) of each engaging piece 31, a housing locking claw 32 extending outward is formed. Each housing locking claw 32 is locked to the corresponding locking portion 33 formed inside the left and right side walls 12C and 12D of the male housing 6 when the male housing 6 and the female housing 8 are fitted. Will be done. Each corresponding locking portion 33 is provided as a groove extending in the front-rear direction so as to be able to receive the housing locking claw 32, but the form thereof can be changed in various ways.

The slide plate 9 is received by the guide groove 26 of the housing body 21, and has an approach position (see FIG. 2B) that has entered the guide groove 26 and an exit position that partially protrudes rearward from the guide groove 26 (FIG. 2). (See (A)) can be displaced in the front-back direction. The slide plate 9 has a plate main body 35, a plurality of visible portions 36A-36C, a pair of left and right side pieces 37, and a protrusion 38.

The plate body 35 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and has a plurality of terminal insertion holes 40 through which at least a part of the plurality of female terminals 7 (here, female terminals 7 forming the front row) are inserted. .. Each terminal insertion hole 40 of the slide plate 9 has substantially the same shape as each terminal accommodating hole 25. Further, each terminal insertion hole 40 is vertically overlapped with each terminal accommodating hole 25 in a state where the slide plate 9 is received by the guide groove 26 (see FIG. 2A) (that is, by the guide groove 26). It is arranged (to complement the portion of the female side housing 8 which is divided into upper and lower parts).

The visible portion 36A (first visible portion) is arranged in the intermediate portion of the slide plate 9 in the left-right direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. The visible portion 36A is formed as an engaging claw that can be engaged with the female side housing 8. The engaging claw is formed so as to project upward, and has an inclined surface 41A that is inclined so as to be displaced downward (fitting direction side) from the rear (entrance position side) to the front (exit position side). ..

The visible portions 36B and 36C (the second visible portion and the third visible portion) have substantially the same shape (symmetrical shape), and the slide plate 9 sandwiches the visible portion 36A in the left-right direction. It is placed on both ends. The visible portions 36B and 36C each have inclined surfaces 41B and 41C that are inclined so as to be displaced downward from the front edge of the upper surface of the plate body 35 toward the front. The lengths of the inclined surfaces 41B and 41C in the left-right direction are set to be smaller than the inclined surfaces 41A of the visible portion 36A. Further, the inclination angle of the inclined surfaces 41B and 41C with respect to the horizontal direction is set to be smaller than the inclined angle of the inclined surface 41A of the visible portion 36A.

Each side piece 37 is provided at each of the left and right ends of the slide plate 9. Each side piece 37 constitutes a part of the visible portions 36B and 36C (inclined surfaces 41B and 41C), respectively. Each side piece 37 extends rearward from a portion including the inclined surfaces 41B and 41C, respectively, so that the rear end portion 45 thereof forms a free end. Each rear end portion 45 is formed with an inclined surface 47 that is inclined so as to be displaced upward from the front to the rear.

The protrusion 38 is provided so as to project rearward from the trailing edge of the plate body 35. The protrusion 38 is located in the middle of the slide plate 9 in the left-right direction. Further, the protrusion 38 has a pair of elastic arms 51A and 51B that are elastically deformable and are separated from each other in the left-right direction. Arm locking claws 52A and 52B are provided at the tips (rear ends) of the elastic arms 51A and 51B, respectively. The protrusion 38 is a state in which the slide plate 9 is received in the guide groove 26 of the housing body 21 (see FIG. 2A and FIG. 8 described later) and is inserted into the plate insertion hole 27 of the housing body 21. Become. As will be described later, the protrusion 38 (particularly, the lower rear surface 82B described later) is provided with the convex wall 17 (particularly the bottom wall 17D) and the first cam mechanism provided between the female side housing 8 and the slide plate 9. To configure.

The lower portion of the housing body 21 is accommodated in the peripheral wall 12 of the male housing 6 when the male housing 6 and the female housing 8 are fitted. The housing body 21 may be configured such that at least a portion provided with the guide groove 26 is housed in the peripheral wall 12.

The operator who handles the connector device 1 can perform the connection work of the male side connector 2 and the female side connector 3 by the following procedure, for example.

First, an operator (not shown) attaches the slide plate 9 to the guide groove 26 of the female side housing 8 as shown by an arrow A in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2A, the locking claw forming the visible portion 36A of the slide plate 9 engages with the outer wall on the front side defining the guide groove 26 of the female side housing 8 (housing body 21). It will be in a stopped state. At this time, the slide plate 9 is in the exit position, and further entry into the guide groove 26 is blocked by locking the visible portion 36A. As a result, the slide plate 9 is stably held at the exit position. At this time, the operator attaches a plurality of male terminals 5 to the male housing 6. Further, each male terminal 5 may be soldered to a circuit board (not shown).

Next, as shown by an arrow B in FIG. 2A, the operator inserts each female terminal 7 connected to each of the plurality of lead wires 55 into each terminal accommodating hole 25 of the corresponding female side housing 8. .. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2B, all the female terminals 7 are housed in the female housing 8.

After that, in the state shown in FIG. 2B, the operator presses the inclined surface 41A of the slide plate 9 downward with a finger to elastically deform the slide plate 9, and the visible portion 36A with respect to the outer wall of the female housing 8 Unlock. In that state, the operator pushes the slide plate 9 forward and moves it to the approach position (see FIG. 5 described later). At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the arm locking claws 52A and 52B of the protrusion 38 are in a state of protruding rearward of the housing body 21 from the plate insertion hole 27 of the housing body 21.

Subsequently, the operator inserts the female side housing 8 into the peripheral wall 12 of the male side housing 6 as shown by an arrow C in FIG. 2 (B). As a result, as shown in FIG. 2C, the connection of the male side connector 2 and the female side connector 3 is completed.

Although details will be described later, between FIGS. 2 (B) (FIG. 3) and FIG. 2 (C), the slide plate 9 is driven toward the exit position side by engagement with the male side housing 6, and finally. In addition, the male side connector 2 and the female side connector 3 shown in FIG. 2C are moved to the exit position when the connection is completed.

Here, the female connector 3 is moved toward the male connector 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when connecting them, the operator is required to use at least one of the female connector 3 and the male connector 2. Should be moved relative to the other.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state of the connector device 1 between FIGS. 3 and 2 (C) (in the middle of inserting the female housing 8 into the male housing 6). FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. Note that in FIGS. 4 to 7, the female terminal 7 is not shown.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the housing body 21 of the female housing 8 is halfway inserted into the peripheral wall 12 of the male housing 6, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the protrusion of the slide plate 9 at the approach position The portion 38 is inserted into the convex wall 17 of the male side housing 6 from above.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the left and right side pieces 37 (rear end portion 45) of the slide plate 9 are provided inside the left and right side walls 12B and 12C of the male side housing 6 corresponding to them. It comes into contact with the left and right engaging pieces 60. More specifically, each of the inclined surfaces 47 of the slide plate 9 abuts on the engaging surfaces 61 formed on the engaging pieces 60 of the male housing 6. The engaging surface 61 of each engaging piece 60 is inclined so as to be displaced downward from the rear to the front so as to face the inclined surface 47 of each side piece 37, and together with the inclined surface 47, the female side. It constitutes a second cam mechanism provided between the housing 8 and the slide plate 9.

As a result, when the female housing 8 is further inserted downward (male housing 6 side) from the state shown in FIG. 4, the slide plate 9 is driven forward (exit position side) via the second cam mechanism. Will be done.

Next, the internal configuration of the connector device 1 shown in FIG. 2C when the connection is completed will be described. FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 2 (C). FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 2 (C). FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2 (C). Note that in FIGS. 8 to 10, the female terminal 7 is not shown.

As shown in FIG. 2C, when the connection of the connector device 1 is completed, the slide plate 9 moves to the exit position as shown in FIGS. 8-10. At this time, the visible portions 36A-36C of the slide plate 9 are inserted into the central hole 15A, the left hole 15B, and the right hole 15C formed in the side wall 12A of the male side housing 6 from the inside. .. As a result, the operator can visually check the visible portions 36A-36C exposed from the central hole 15A, the left hole 15B, and the right hole 15C, and the male side housing 6 and the female side housing 8 are normally displayed. It is possible to visually determine that the mated state is present.

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the protrusion 38 of the slide plate 9 at the exit position escapes from the convex wall 17 by moving the slide plate 9 forward, and the plate insertion hole is formed. It will be in a state of being housed in 27.

Further, at this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the left and right side pieces 37 of the slide plate 9 at the exit position are disengaged from the left and right engaging pieces 60 by moving forward. It becomes.

11 (A) and 11 (B) are explanatory views showing an mode of locking operation of the female terminal 7 by the slide plate 9 in the female side connector 3.

As shown in FIG. 11 (A), when the slide plate 9 is in the exit position (that is, the state shown in FIG. 2 (B)), each of the female terminals in the front row (here, indicated by reference numeral 7A) is , It is inserted (freely fitted) into each terminal insertion hole 40 of the corresponding slide plate 9 (plate body 35). At this time, each female terminal 7A is locked upward (that is, by each housing lance 65 provided inside the front side wall 12A of the male side housing 6 so as to correspond to each terminal insertion hole 40. , Escape direction from the male side housing 6) is restricted. On the other hand, each of the female terminals in the back row (here, designated by reference numeral 7B) is located in front of the slide plate 9 (plate body 35). At this time, each female terminal 7B is locked by each housing lance 66 having the same configuration as the housing lance 65, so that the upward movement is restricted. Each housing lance 66 is provided on the rear side of an intermediate wall 23 that defines a part of the terminal insertion hole 40.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the female terminals 7A and 7B are provided with locking recesses 68A and 68B (locked portions) that can receive a part of the slide plate 9, respectively. When the slide plate 9 is in the entry position (that is, the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 5), the locking recess 68A of the female terminal 7A in the front row is a hole defining each terminal insertion hole 40 in the slide plate 9. The edge portion (front edge portion) 69 is fitted from the front. As a result, the vertical movement of each female terminal 7A is restricted. Similarly, the trailing edge 71 of the plate body 35 of the slide plate 9 is fitted into the locking recess 68B of the female terminal 7B in the rear row from the front. As a result, the vertical movement of each female terminal 7B is restricted.

When the connection between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 is completed (see FIG. 2C), the slide plate 9 is shown again in FIG. 11 (A) from the approach position shown in FIG. 11 (B). Move to the exit position.

12 (A)-(E) are explanatory views of the advancing / retreating operation of the slide plate 9. In (A)-(E), the upper and middle stages are a perspective view and a front view (viewed from the rear) of the protrusion 38 of the slide plate 9 inserted into the plate insertion hole 27 of the female side housing 8, respectively. .. Further, the lower part is a cross-sectional view of the connector device 1 including a cross section of the slide plate 9 cut in the middle in the left-right direction.

FIG. 12A shows a state corresponding to the above-mentioned FIG. 2B, in which the slide plate 9 is on the exit position side. At this time, the protrusion 38 of the slide plate 9 is located in the plate insertion hole 27 of the female side housing 8.

Next, FIG. 12B shows a case where the slide plate 9 moves from the exit position side to the entry position in the state corresponding to FIG. 3 described above. At this time, the protrusion 38 of the slide plate 9 protrudes rearward from the housing body 21 from the plate insertion hole 27 of the housing body 21. At this time, at the protrusion 38, the left and right outer edges of the arm locking claws 52A and 52B viewed from the rear are in the middle of the convex wall 17 (FIGS. 12B-D) of the male housing 6. The elastic arms 51A and 51B are separated from each other so as to be wider than the inner peripheral surfaces of the left and right vertical walls 17A and 17B (indicated by the alternate long and short dash line). Further, the arm locking claws 52A and 52B in the protrusion 38 have a shape protruding downward, and are locked to a portion defining the opening of the plate insertion hole 27 on the outer peripheral surface of the female side housing 8. .. As a result, the movement of the slide plate 9 to the exit position side is restricted.

Next, FIG. 12C shows a state corresponding to FIG. 5 described above, in which the female side housing 8 is inserted into the male side housing 6, so that the protrusion 38 of the slide plate 9 becomes the male side housing. It shows the case where it is inserted from above into the convex wall 17 of No. 6 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in the middle stage in FIGS. 12 (B)-(D)).

Here, the arm locking claws 52A and 52B have substantially the same shape except that they are symmetrical, and have an inner side surface 80, an outer surface 81, a rear surface 82, and a bottom surface 83, respectively. The inner side surface 80 is arranged substantially vertically in the left-right direction. The outer side surface 81 is connected to the outer surface upper portion 81A arranged substantially vertically in the left-right direction and below the outer surface upper portion 81A, and is inclined so as to be displaced inward from the upper side to the lower side. And have. The rear surface 82 is connected to the rear surface upper portion 82A which is inclined so as to be displaced inward from the rear edge of the outer surface upper portion 81A of the outer surface 81 to the rear side, and is connected to the lower side of the rear surface upper portion 82A, and is connected to the lower side from the upper side to the lower side. It has a rear surface lower portion 82B that is inclined so as to be displaced. The bottom surface 83 is connected to the lower ends of the inner side surface 80, the outer surface lower portion 81B, and the rear surface lower portion 82B, respectively, and forms the tip edges (lower end edges) of the arm locking claws 52A and 52B.

Due to the shapes of the arm locking claws 52A and 52B, when the female side housing 8 (slide plate 9) moves downward from the state shown in FIG. 12B described above, the arm locking claws 52A and 52B The lower outer side surface 81B engages (contacts) with the upper edges of the left and right vertical walls 17A and 17B substantially at the same time. After that, as the slide plate 9 moves further downward, the arm locking claws 52A and 52B are subjected to a force in the direction of being displaced inward by the vertical walls 17A and 17B, as shown in FIG. 12C. In addition, it becomes close to each other due to elastic deformation. At this time, the force for moving the female side housing 8 (slide plate 9) downward causes the arm locking claws 52A and 52B to move inward (approaching direction) by the lower outer surface 81B of the arm locking claws 52A and 52B. Converted to force.

Due to the elastic deformation of the arm locking claws 52A and 52B (elastic arms 51A and 51B), the outer shape of the protrusion 38 seen from the rear can pass through the plate insertion hole 27 as shown in FIG. 12 (D). It is reduced to a large size. At this time, the lower rear surface 82B of the arm locking claws 52A and 52B engages (contacts) with the upper surface of the bottom wall 17D of the convex wall 17, respectively. After that, as the slide plate 9 moves further downward, the arm locking claws 52A and 52B are given a force to drive forward (exit position side) by the bottom wall 17D, and move toward the exit position. At this time, the force for moving the female side housing 8 (slide plate 9) downward is converted into a force for moving the slide plate 9 to the exit position side by the lower rear surface 82B of the arm locking claws 52A and 52B.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 12 (E), the slide plate 9 moves to the exit position. FIG. 12 (E) shows a state corresponding to the above-mentioned FIG. 2 (C), in which the male side housing 6 and the female side housing 8 are completely fitted.

13 (A) and 13 (B) are explanatory views showing an exposure operation of a visible portion of the slide plate 9 in a plan view.

FIG. 13A shows a case in which the slide plate 9 is in the approach position in the state corresponding to FIG. 5 described above. At this time, in a plan view viewed from above, the slide plate 9 is immersed in the guide groove 26 of the female side housing 8, and the operator visually confirms the slide plate 9 (visible portion 36A-36C). Can not.

FIG. 13B shows a state corresponding to the above-mentioned FIG. 2C, in which the slide plate 9 is in the exit position. At this time, in a plan view viewed from above, the left and right visible portions 36B and 36C of the slide plate 9 are located outside the outer edges of the male side housing 6 and the female side housing 8, and the operator can cover them. The visual recognition units 36B and 36C can be visually confirmed. In this way, when the slide plate 9 is in the retracted position, at least one of the plurality of visible portions 36A-36C is made to project outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the male side housing 6 in a plan view. Therefore, the operator can easily determine that the male side housing 6 and the female side housing 8 are in a normally fitted state without significantly changing the working posture.

The flange portion 22 of the female side housing 8 is cut out inward at a portion corresponding to the position where the left hole 15B and the right hole 15C of the male side housing 6 are provided in a plan view, so that the cutout portions 85A and 85B are formed. Is provided. As a result, the visible portions 36B and 36C of the slide plate 9 are prevented from protruding outward from the outer edge of the connector device 1 (that is, the connector device becomes larger), and the visible portions are easily visible to the operator. Can be realized. The female housing 8 may be provided with a through hole that penetrates the female housing 8 (flange portion 22) in the vertical direction instead of the cutout portions 85A and 85B. As a result, the operator can visually recognize the visible portions 36B and 36C of the slide plate 9 at the exit position from the through hole in a plan view.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 are obliquely fitted.

As shown in FIG. 14, the operator deviates the male side housing 6 and the female side housing 8 from the normal fitting direction (here, the vertical direction) in an improper direction (see virtual axis D in FIG. 14). It is assumed that the mating is attempted (diagonal mating).

In that case, unlike the state shown in FIG. 12B described above, when the female side housing 8 (slide plate 9) moves downward, the lower parts of the arm locking claws 52A and 52B (lower outer surface 81B). Does not simultaneously engage (contact) the upper edges of the convex walls 17 (left and right vertical walls 17A, 17B). Here, since the arm locking claw 52B first engages with the upper edge of the convex wall 17, the arm locking claws 52A and 52B do not elastically deform equally on the left and right, and can enter the convex wall 17. Be hindered. As a result, the operator notices that the male side housing 6 and the female side housing 8 are obliquely fitted, and the fitting direction can be corrected to the normal direction.

Further, when the operator obliquely fits the male side housing 6 and the female side housing 8, the engaging pieces 31 (housing locking claws 32) provided on the left and right sides of the female side housing 8 are attached to the male side. It becomes difficult to properly engage with the housing 6. This also allows the operator to notice that the male housing 6 and the female housing 8 are obliquely fitted.

Next, the outline of the separation operation of the connector device 1 will be described. 15 and 16 are explanatory views showing a main part of the slide operation of the slide plate 9 in the separation operation of the connector device 1. Here, FIG. 15 shows a cross section of the connector device 1 in the middle portion in the left-right direction and an enlarged view of the main part thereof, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the cross section of the connector device 1 and the main part thereof on the left end side in the left-right direction. Is shown.

As shown in FIG. 15, the operator can perform a separation operation for disconnecting the connector device 1 in the normally connected state. At this time, the operator presses the inclined surface 41A of the visible portion 36A of the slide plate 9 downward with his / her finger or an appropriate tool. As a result, as shown by the arrow E, the slide plate 9 is elastically deformed and the visually recognized portion 36A moves downward, and the lock on the outer wall on the front side of the female housing 8 is released. In that state, the operator can further push the visible portion 36A rearward (on the approach position side) to disconnect the connector device 1.

Alternatively, when the operator applies a force to pull upward from the male housing 6 to the female housing 8, the inclined surface 41A of the visible portion 36A of the slide plate 9 is the upper edge of the hole defining the central hole 15A. By abutting on 91, it is pressed downward. As a result, the slide plate 9 is elastically deformed and the visible portion 36A moves downward, and the lock on the outer wall on the front side of the female housing 8 is released. Further, the inclined surface 41A of the visible portion 36A converts the force for pulling out the female side housing 8 upward into a force for driving the slide plate 9 toward the approach position side. As a result, the slide plate 9 moves to the approach position, and the operator can disconnect the connector device 1.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, the inclined surface 41B of the visible portion 36B of the slide plate 9 (also in the case of the visible portion 36C) hits the upper edge 92 of the hole defining the left hole 15B. By touching, it is pressed downward. As a result, the force for driving the slide plate 9 toward the approach position is promoted, and the slide plate 9 can be easily moved to the approach position as shown by the arrow F. In this case, since the force is applied to both left and right ends of the slide plate 9 in a well-balanced manner, the slide plate 9 can be stably moved rearward.

Although the present invention has been described above based on specific embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. All the components of the woody biomass power generation system and the power generation method according to the present invention shown in the above-described embodiment are not necessarily all indispensable, and at least those skilled in the art will appropriately select them as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present invention. It is possible.

For example, in the above embodiment, the operator visually determines that the two housings are normally fitted, but the operator does not necessarily have to directly determine, for example, The operator may determine from the captured image of the connector device that the two housings are in a normally fitted state by using an image processing device to which a known image recognition technique is applied.

1: Connector device 2: Male connector (first connector)
3: Female side connector (second connector)
5: Male terminal (1st terminal)
6: Male side housing (first housing)
7: Female terminal (second terminal)
8: Female side housing (second housing)
9: Slide plate 12: Peripheral wall 13: Bottom wall 15A: Central hole (visual hole)
15B: Left hole (visual hole)
15C: Right hole (visual hole)
17: Convex walls 17A, 17B: Vertical wall 17C: Horizontal wall 17D: Bottom wall (driving wall)
21: Housing body 22: Flange part 23: Intermediate wall 25: Terminal accommodating hole 26: Guide groove 27: Plate insertion hole 31: Engagement piece 32: Housing locking claw 33: Corresponding locking part 35: Plate body 36A-36C : Visually visible part 37: Side piece 38: Protruding part 40: Terminal insertion hole 41A-41C: Inclined surface 45: Rear end portion 47: Inclined surface 51A, 51B: Elastic arm 52A, 52B: Arm locking claw 55: Lead wire 60 : Engagement piece 61: Engagement surface 65, 66: Housing lance 68A, 68B: Locking recess (locked portion)
69: Hole edge 71: Trailing edge 80: Inner surface 81: Outer surface 81A: Outer surface upper 81B: Outer surface lower (slope)
82: Rear surface 82A: Rear surface upper surface 82B: Rear surface lower surface 83: Bottom surface 85A, 85B: Notch portion 91, 92: Upper edge

Claims (14)

A first connector having a plurality of first terminals and a first housing accommodating the plurality of first terminals,
A plurality of second terminals that can be electrically connected to each of the plurality of first terminals, a second housing that accommodates the plurality of second terminals and can be fitted to the first housing, and the first housing. An approach position that is received by a guide groove provided in the second housing so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction with the guide groove, and an entry position that enters the guide groove and an exit position that partially protrudes from the guide groove. A connector device comprising a second connector with a slide plate displaceable between and.
Between the second housing and the slide plate, a cam mechanism that drives the slide plate from the entry position to the exit position upon completion of fitting of the first housing and the second housing is provided. Provided,
At least one visible portion is provided at the end of the slide plate on the exit position side.
At least one that makes the visible portion of the slide plate at the exit position visible from the outside on the peripheral wall of the first housing in which at least the portion of the second housing provided with the guide groove is accommodated. A connector device provided with two viewing holes. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the visible portions is provided so as to project outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the first housing when viewed from the fitting direction at the exit position. .. According to claim 2, the second housing has a notch portion in which a portion corresponding to a position where at least one of the visual recognition holes of the first housing is provided when viewed from the fitting direction is cut out inward. The connector device described. The at least one visible portion includes a first visible portion arranged in the intermediate portion of the slide plate in the left-right direction orthogonal to the fitting direction with the first housing, and the first visible portion in the left-right direction. The connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes second and third visible portions arranged on both end sides of the slide plate so as to sandwich the visible portion. At least one of the visible parts consists of engaging claws.
When the slide plate is in the entry position, the engaging claw is located in the guide groove, and when the slide plate is in the exit position, the engaging claw opens the opening of the guide groove. The connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connector device is locked to the outer wall of the second housing to be defined. The engaging claw has an inclined surface that is inclined so as to be displaced by the fitting direction side from the entry position side to the exit position side.
At least a part of the inclined surface is located in the viewing hole when the slide plate is in the exit position, and the second housing moves in the anti-fitting direction with the first housing. The connector device according to claim 5, wherein the connector device is pressed in the fitting direction by the edge or peripheral surface of the visual recognition hole. Each of the plurality of second terminals is positioned in the guide groove in a state of being normally housed in the second housing, so that the plurality of second terminals are locked in a state of receiving a part of the slide plate in the approach position. The connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which has a locked portion to be locked. The connector device according to claim 7, wherein the locked portion receives a part of the slide plate, and the state is released when the fitting of the first housing and the second housing is completed. A protrusion constituting the cam mechanism is further provided on the approach position side of the slide plate.
When the first housing is fitted with the second housing, the first housing constitutes the cam mechanism together with the protrusion, and drives the protrusion to apply a force for driving the slide plate to the exit position side. The connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which has a wall. The second housing has a plate insertion hole that communicates with the guide groove and through which the protrusion is inserted when the slide plate is in the entry position.
Claim that the protrusion protrudes from the plate insertion hole to the outside of the second housing when the slide plate is in the entry position, and is located in the guide groove when the slide plate is in the exit position. 9. The connector device according to 9. The drive wall is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the fitting direction.
The first housing further has a pair of vertical walls extending in the fitting direction so as to be continuous with the left and right sides of the drive wall.
The protrusion includes a pair of elastic arms separated from each other at a wider interval than the pair of vertical walls in the left-right direction orthogonal to the fitting direction.
The connector device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the pair of elastic arms are formed with a slope that engages with the upper edges of the pair of vertical walls so as to elastically deform in a direction approaching each other. The peripheral wall of the first housing has a substantially rectangular outer peripheral surface when viewed from the fitting direction.
The pair of vertical walls are formed as a part of the peripheral wall, and form a part of a convex wall provided so as to project outward from the substantially rectangular outer peripheral surface when viewed from the fitting direction. ,
The connector device according to claim 11, wherein the drive wall forms a bottom wall that closes an opening on the fitting direction side in the convex wall. The protrusion has a pair of arm locking claws provided at the tips of the pair of elastic arms, respectively.
When the slide plate is in the retracted position, the pair of arm locking claws are elastically deformed in a direction in which the pair of elastic arms approach each other, so that the pair of arm locking claws can be inserted into the plate insertion hole.
When the slide plate is in the approach position, the pair of arm locking claws protrude from the plate insertion hole to the outside of the second housing, and the plate insertion is performed by recovering the elastic deformation of the pair of elastic arms. The connector device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the connector device is locked to the outer wall of the second housing that defines the opening of the hole. A pair of side pieces constituting the cam mechanism are further provided at both ends of the slide plate in the left-right direction orthogonal to the fitting direction.
The first housing comprises a pair of engaging pieces that form the cam mechanism together with the pair of side pieces and that apply a force to the pair of side pieces to drive the slide plate toward the exit position. The connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images