JP2761840B2 - Connector housing with rattling prevention mechanism - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector housing with a play preventing mechanism which is fixed to a connector mounting panel by being inserted into a connector mounting hole of the connector mounting panel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A connector housing for accommodating and holding connection terminals is used as a connector to be used for connection of electric wiring of an automobile or the like. Various types have been proposed which are fixed to the connector mounting panel by being inserted into the mounting holes.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a conventional example of such a connector housing. The connector housing 1 shown here is disclosed in JP-A-53-1496.
No. 63, etc., a housing main body 4 formed by molding a synthetic resin and having a tip end side (a lower end side in FIG. 8) inserted through the connector mounting hole 3 of the connector mounting panel 2; When the insertion depth of the tip of the housing main body 4 into the connector mounting hole 3 reaches a predetermined value, the housing main body 4 is engaged with the connector mounting panel 2 and the housing main body 4 is connected to the connector. The housing body 4 is provided with a terminal accommodating hole 7 for accommodating and holding the connection terminal 6.

The locking means 5 is formed to project from a base end (the upper end in FIG. 8) of the housing main body 4 so that a front end of the housing main body 4 is connected to the connector mounting hole 3. When the insertion depth reaches a predetermined value, it comes into contact with the surface of the connector mounting panel 2 and the insertion direction (arrow (a) in FIG. 7)
Panel holding piece 9 for restricting the movement of the housing main body 4 in the same direction) and the connector mounting hole 3 through the connector mounting hole 3 together with the front end of the housing main body 4. And a panel thickness direction locking piece 10 which comes out of the connector mounting hole 3 by an elastic restoring force when the insertion depth into the connector mounting panel 3 reaches a predetermined value, and comes into contact with the rear end of the connector mounting panel 2 at the tip. That is, the locking means 5 includes the panel pressing piece 9 and the panel thickness direction locking piece 10.
Thus, the connector housing 1 is fixed to the connector mounting panel 2 by the clamping force of the above.

[0005]

However, when the connector housing 1 is mounted on a panel or the like of a vehicle, the connector mounting panel to which the connector housing 1 is mounted due to vibration or the like acting on the vehicle body during traveling. There is a problem that rattling occurs in the surface direction of No. 2 and unpleasant noise is generated.

[0006] In addition, the connector mounting panel 2 is formed by repetition of rattling due to vibration or the like acting on the vehicle body during traveling.
The connector housing 1 falls out of the connector mounting panel 2 due to the fatigue of the locking means 5 as a fixing means for fixing to the connector terminal 2, or the engagement between the lance (locking projection) in the terminal receiving hole 7 and the connection terminal 6. There is also a risk that inconveniences such as disconnection of the connection terminal 6 and electrical connection failure may occur.

The above problem or disadvantage is that the connector mounting hole 3 is formed to be considerably larger than the outer shape of the distal end of the connector housing 1 so that the distal end of the connector housing 1 can be easily inserted into the connector mounting hole 3. In a state where the housing body 4 is actually assembled in the connector mounting hole 3, as shown in FIG. 8, there is a gap between the outer peripheral surface on the distal end side of the housing main body 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the connector mounting hole 3. This is due to the fact that a relatively large gap S remains, and the clamping force of the connector mounting hole 3 by the locking means 5 is weak.

[0008] Therefore, the problems or disadvantages described above are:
The dimension of the connector mounting hole 3 is increased to the outer dimension of the housing main body 4 so that a gap S is not formed between the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body 4 inserted through the connector mounting hole 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the connector mounting hole 3. The problem can be solved by matching the accuracy or by increasing the holding force by the locking means 5.

However, the solution by increasing the processing accuracy of the connector mounting hole 3 leads to new problems such as an increase in processing cost of the connector mounting panel 2 and a decrease in product yield due to the higher precision. In the case of solving the problem by increasing the holding force of the locking means 5, a large insertion force is required to insert the housing body 4 into the connector mounting hole 3, and the mounting workability is reduced. A new problem arises.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to make the dimensions of the connector mounting hole match the external dimensions of the housing body inserted through the connector mounting hole with high accuracy, or to provide a connector mounting panel. The rattling of the connector mounting panel can be prevented in both the thickness direction and the surface direction without taking measures to unnecessarily increase the holding force of the locking means for holding the connector. , While maintaining good mounting workability and product yield while preventing the increase in processing cost,
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector housing with an excellent rattling prevention mechanism that does not cause rattling that causes abnormal noise.

[0011]

The above-mentioned object is achieved.
For this purpose, the present invention provides a housing body formed by molding a synthetic resin and having a front end portion inserted into a connector mounting hole of a connector mounting panel, and a housing body integrally formed with the housing main body to form the front end portion of the housing main body. Locking means for engaging the connector mounting panel when the insertion depth into the connector mounting hole reaches a predetermined value and fixing the housing main body to the connector mounting panel; and wherein the housing main body has connection terminals. A connector housing with a rattling preventing mechanism for an electrical wiring connection connector provided with a terminal receiving hole for receiving and holding the housing main body, wherein the housing main body is formed as a protrusion at a base end portion of the housing main body as the locking means. When the insertion depth of the front end of the connector mounting hole reaches a predetermined value, it comes into contact with the surface of the connector mounting panel and is inserted in the insertion direction. A panel holding piece for restricting the movement of the housing body, and the connector mounting hole is inserted together with the distal end of the housing main body so that the insertion depth of the distal end of the housing main body into the connector mounting hole becomes a predetermined value. When it reaches, it comes off from the connector mounting hole by elastic restoring force, comes into contact with the back surface of the connector mounting panel, and cooperates with the panel pressing piece to hold the connector mounting panel in the panel thickness direction locking piece; and the tip of the housing body When the insertion depth of the portion into the connector mounting hole reaches a predetermined value, a part of the inner peripheral surface of the connector mounting hole is pressed to restrict the movement of the housing body in the direction along the surface of the connector mounting panel. First and second panel surface direction locking pieces which are provided, the first and second panel surface direction locking pieces restrict the movement of the housing body by an elastic biasing force. And the biasing direction is different from each other.

Also, the present invention provides a method for preventing the connection terminal from falling off.
For use, the terminal housing is formed by projecting into the terminal receiving hole.
First terminal locking piece for locking the connection terminal inserted into the container hole
Locked in place by the first terminal locking piece.
And a second terminal locking piece for locking the connection terminal
A double locking structure, wherein the second terminal locking piece has a locking piece holder.
And is provided in the terminal housing so that it can protrude into the terminal receiving hole.
Of the first and second panel surface direction locking pieces.
At least one is provided on the locking piece holder
It is characterized by.

[0013]

According to the above construction of the present invention, the distal end of the housing body is inserted into the connector mounting hole of the connector mounting panel, and the insertion depth of the distal end of the housing body into the connector mounting hole reaches a predetermined value. Then, the panel pressing piece and the panel thickness direction locking piece provided on the housing body sandwich the connector mounting panel, thereby restricting the movement of the housing body panel in the sheet thickness direction. The first and second panel surface direction locking pieces provided on the housing main body respectively press a part of the inner peripheral surface of the connector mounting hole to function as a rattling prevention mechanism in the direction. It functions as a rattling preventing mechanism in the direction along the surface of the connector mounting panel by restricting movement in the direction along the surface. Moreover, the directions in which the first and second panel surface direction locking pieces restrict movement (ie, play) are different directions intersecting each other.

In other words, according to the above configuration, the connector mounting hole is formed to be larger than the outer dimensions of the housing body inserted into the connector mounting hole, and the connector housing is mounted in the connector mounting hole. At this time, even when a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the housing body and the inner peripheral surface of the connector mounting hole, the connector housing is provided with a panel orthogonal to the thickness direction of the connector mounting panel. A total of 3 in two directions crossing each other on the surface
It is possible to obtain the effect of preventing rattling due to the pressing of the locking pieces in the direction. In addition, a second terminal locking piece is provided.
The panel surface direction locking piece is mounted on the locking piece holder
The panel surface direction locking piece is
Played a role in restricting the movement of the
At the same time, push the second terminal locking piece toward the connection terminal.
And the second terminal locking piece comes off the connection terminal.
Will also play a role in preventing
The double locking of the connection terminal is made more securely and firmly.
Due to vibrations acting on the connector mounting panel, etc.
The effect of preventing the connection terminals from coming off can be improved.
Wear.

[0015]

1 to 5 show an embodiment of a connector housing with a play preventing mechanism according to the present invention. The connector housing 12 of this embodiment is a so-called male connector housing, and together with a female connector housing (not shown) forming a pair of male and female, constitutes a connector used for connection of electric wiring of an automobile or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the connector housing 12 is formed by molding a synthetic resin, and has a housing body 15 whose front end is inserted into a connector mounting hole 14 of a connector mounting panel 13; The housing body 15 is formed integrally with the housing body 15.
Locking means 16 for engaging with the connector mounting panel 13 and fixing the housing body 15 to the connector mounting panel 13 when the insertion depth of the tip of the connector into the connector mounting hole 14 reaches a predetermined value. The housing main body 15 has a terminal accommodation hole 18 for accommodating and holding the connection terminal 17 arranged in two stages.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a female connector housing (not shown) forming a male and female pair with the connector housing 12 is engaged with the upper surface of the distal end portion of the housing body 15. A projection 20 to be used is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the connector housing 12 is formed so as to protrude into the terminal receiving hole 18 and to be inserted into the terminal receiving hole 18 to prevent the connection terminal 17 from coming off. 17. A first terminal locking piece (lance) 22 for locking the connection terminal 17 and a second terminal locking further locking the connection terminal 17 locked in a predetermined position by the first terminal locking piece 22. A double locking structure including a piece 23 is provided.

Here, the first terminal locking piece 22 is protruded from a position facing the terminal receiving hole 18 from the beginning. However, since the second terminal locking piece 23 is further engaged with the connection terminal 17 which has been completely engaged by the first terminal locking piece 22, as shown in FIGS. In addition, it protrudes on the locking piece holder 24 provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the base end side of the housing body 15.

The upper and lower locking piece holders 24 are formed integrally with the housing main body 15. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing is formed by a band-shaped hinge member 26. It is configured to be hingedly connected to the main body 15, and is capable of performing a predetermined rotation operation with respect to the housing main body 15. The second terminal locking piece 23 mounted on the locking piece holder 24 on the upper surface on the base end side of the housing main body 15 is attached to the upper terminal receiving hole 18.
The second terminal locking piece 23 provided on the locking piece holder 24 on the lower surface on the base end side of the housing main body 15 is for locking the connection terminal 17 inserted into the This is for locking the connection terminal 17 inserted into the terminal receiving hole 18.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second terminal locking pieces 23 provided on each locking piece holder 24 move the locking piece holder 24 to the outer peripheral surface side of the housing body 15. When the connection terminal 17 is folded down, it is inserted into the terminal accommodating hole 18 through a locking piece insertion slit 27 formed through the outer wall of the housing body 15 to lock the step portion of the connection terminal 17. Is to prevent slipping out.

The locking piece holder 24 is of a substantially flat plate shape.
Stepwise operation is possible. First, in order to make the second terminal locking piece 23 protrude into the terminal accommodating hole 18 from each of the locking piece insertion slits 27, the front edge of the locking piece holder 24 is used. This is a rotating operation in which the portion 28 is brought into an inverted posture in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body 15, and by this operation, the distal end of the second terminal locking piece 23 protrudes into a predetermined position in the terminal receiving hole 18. The state is obtained. In the second stage operation, following the first stage operation, the rear edge of the locking piece holder 24 is moved to the housing body 1.
5 is a pivoting operation of bringing the housing 5 into engagement with the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body 15 by tilting the outer peripheral surface of the housing 5. FIG. 2 and FIG.
When the operation up to the stage is completed, the second terminal locking piece 2
3 shows a state where the locking of the connection terminal 17 by No. 3 is completed.

In the case of this embodiment, the locking means 16 for fixing the connector housing 12 to the connector mounting panel 13 is formed so as to protrude from the base end of the housing main body 15 so as to form the housing. Body 15
A panel pressing piece 30 that abuts against the surface of the connector mounting panel 13 when the insertion depth of the distal end of the connector mounting hole 14 into the connector mounting hole 14 reaches a predetermined value, thereby restricting the movement of the housing body 15 in the insertion direction; When the insertion depth of the distal end portion of the housing main body 15 into the connector mounting hole 14 reaches a predetermined value when the connector mounting hole is inserted together with the distal end portion of the housing main body 15, the connector mounting hole is elastically restored. 1
4, a panel thickness direction locking piece 33 which abuts on the back surface of the connector mounting panel 13 and cooperates with the panel pressing piece 30 to clamp the connector mounting panel 13, and the connector at the tip end of the housing body 15. When the insertion depth into the mounting hole 14 reaches a predetermined value, the connector mounting hole 1
And first and second panel surface direction locking pieces 34 and 35 for pressing a part of the inner peripheral surface of the housing body 4 to restrict the movement of the housing body 15 in the direction along the surface of the connector mounting panel 13. Configuration.

The first panel surface direction locking piece 3 of the first and second panel surface direction locking pieces 34, 35 is used.
4 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body 15, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, while the second panel surface direction locking piece 35 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body 15. The left and right side surfaces are integrally provided with the panel thickness direction locking piece 33. In this way, since the mounted positions are different from each other, the directions for restricting the movement of the housing body 15 are different from each other. The connector mounting panel 13 is provided by the panel surface direction locking pieces 34 and 35.
The movement in the two orthogonal directions above is restricted.

More specifically, the panel surface direction locking piece 34 is mounted on the locking piece holder 24,
When the second terminal locking pieces 23 on the locking piece holder 24 are engaged with the connection terminals 17, the second terminal locking pieces 23 project from the upper and lower surfaces of the housing body 15.

Further, the second panel surface direction locking piece 35
In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector mounting panel 13 is integrated with the panel thickness direction locking piece 33 protruding from the outer surface of the housing body 15. A flat surface 38 contacting the rear surface of the connector serves as the panel thickness direction locking piece 33, and a portion extending from the flat surface 38 to the proximal end side presses the inner peripheral surface of the connector mounting hole 14. It functions as the second panel surface direction locking piece 35.

The panel holding piece 30, the panel thickness direction locking piece 33, and the panel surface direction locking pieces 34, 35 are dimensioned so as to come into contact with the connector mounting panel 13 with an appropriate elastic force.

In the case of this embodiment, of the panel surface direction locking pieces 34 provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the housing body 15, the panel surface direction locking pieces 34 provided on the upper surface side are:
Presents a wedge-shaped projection that is relatively resistant to elastic deformation,
The panel surface direction locking piece 34 provided on the lower surface side of the housing main body 15 has a tongue-like shape that is relatively easily elastically deformed. The two projections 32 protruding at a position close to the panel thickness direction locking piece 33 are to be fitted into notches 14a and 14b formed at the edge of the connector mounting hole 14, and these projections are provided. 32 and notches 14a, 14
The fitting structure with b is, for example, a projection for preventing erroneous insertion set to an appropriate size so that the housing main body 15 cannot be inserted from the back side of the panel.

As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the tip of the housing body 15 is inserted into the connector mounting hole 14 of the connector mounting panel 13 and the housing body 15 is inserted.
When the insertion depth of the front end of the connector body into the connector mounting hole 14 reaches a predetermined value, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the panel holding piece 30 provided on the housing body 15 is locked with the panel thickness direction. The piece 33 sandwiches the connector mounting panel 13 to restrict the movement of the housing body 15 in the thickness direction of the panel, and functions as a rattling prevention mechanism in the thickness direction of the panel. At the same time, the housing body 1
5, the first and second panel surface direction locking pieces 34, 35 respectively press a part of the inner peripheral surface of the connector mounting hole 14 to make two orthogonal directions on the surface of the connector mounting panel 13. Movement of the connector mounting panel 13
Function as an anti-rattle mechanism in two orthogonal directions along the surface.

In other words, for example, the connector mounting hole 14 is formed to be larger than the outer dimensions of the housing main body 15 inserted into the connector mounting hole 14, and the connector housing 12 is mounted in the connector mounting hole 14. In this state, even when a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body 15 and the inner peripheral surface of the connector mounting hole 14, the connector housing 12 is kept in the thickness direction of the connector mounting panel 13, It is possible to obtain an effect of preventing rattling due to the pressing of the locking pieces 33, 34, 35 in a total of three directions of two directions orthogonal to each other on the panel surface orthogonal to the direction.

Accordingly, the connector mounting hole 14 of the connector mounting panel 13 is set large enough to allow the housing body 15 of the connector housing 12 to be easily inserted therethrough, and the locking means 16 of the connector housing 12 for clamping the connector mounting panel 13. Is the connector mounting panel 13
It can be set to an appropriate elastic strength that does not require a large insertion force when it is attached to the device, thereby maintaining good mounting workability and product yield while preventing increase in processing cost As a result, it is possible to obtain an excellent performance in which rattling that causes abnormal noise does not occur.

In the case of the above-described embodiment, the panel surface direction locking piece 34 is mounted on the locking piece holder 24 having the second terminal locking piece 23. The surface direction locking piece 34 functions to restrict the movement of the housing body 15 in the panel surface direction, and at the same time, presses the second terminal locking piece 23 against the connection terminal 17 side, thereby
Also serves to prevent the terminal locking pieces 23 from being detached from the connection terminals 17, whereby the double locking of the connection terminals 17 is more reliably and firmly performed, and the connector mounting panel The effect of preventing the connection terminal 17 from coming off due to vibration or the like acting on the connection terminal 13 is improved.

In the above-described embodiment, of the panel surface direction locking pieces 34 provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the housing body 15,
Only the panel surface direction locking piece 34 provided on the lower surface side has a tongue-like form that is easily elastically deformed. However, as shown in FIG. You may make it form.

Further, in the connector housing 12 of the above-described embodiment, the connection terminal 17 inserted into the terminal receiving hole 18 is provided with the first terminal locking piece 22 and the locking piece holder 24 hinged to the housing body 15. Although the double locking structure is shown in which the terminal locking piece 23 is double locked, the locking piece holder is not limited to such a configuration, and is formed separately from the housing body. For example, in a comb-shaped locking piece holder in which a plurality of terminal locking pieces extend from the base end, the base end (when the locking piece holder is mounted on the housing body, A structure in which a panel surface direction locking piece is provided in a portion located at).

In the case of the above-described embodiment, locking pieces 33, 34, 35 for restricting the panel from moving in the plane direction are provided on the upper and lower surfaces and both side surfaces of the base end of the housing body 15. However, the positions at which the locking pieces 33, 34, 35 are provided are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the positions can be appropriately selected according to the outer shape of the housing body 15, and the like. it can.

[0036]

According to the connector housing with a rattling preventing mechanism of the present invention, the connector mounting hole is formed to be larger than the outer dimensions of the housing body inserted into the connector mounting hole. When the connector housing is mounted, even if a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body and the inner peripheral surface of the connector mounting hole, the connector housing is mounted in the thickness direction of the connector mounting panel, It is possible to obtain an effect of preventing rattling due to the pressing of the locking pieces in a total of three directions of two directions crossing each other on the panel surface orthogonal to the thickness direction. Therefore, the connector mounting hole of the connector mounting panel is set large enough to easily insert the housing body of the connector housing, and the locking means of the connector housing for clamping the connector mounting panel is large when the connector mounting panel is mounted on the connector mounting panel. It is possible to set an appropriate elastic strength that does not require insertion force, so that it is possible to maintain good mounting workability and product yield while preventing increase in processing cost, It is possible to obtain an excellent performance in which rattling which causes abnormal noise does not occur. Further, the panel surface direction locking piece is mounted on a locking piece holder having a second terminal locking piece .
Therefore, the panel surface direction locking piece plays a role of restricting the movement of the housing body in the panel surface direction,
The second terminal locking piece is pressed against the connection terminal side to also prevent the second terminal locking piece from coming off the connection terminal, thereby providing double locking of the connection terminal. Can be made more reliably and firmly, and the effect of preventing disconnection of the connection terminal due to vibration or the like acting on the connector mounting panel can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state before execution of double locking according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state after execution of double locking according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state after execution of double locking according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state of attachment to the connector attachment panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state of attachment to the connector attachment panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state of attachment to a connector attachment panel according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional connector housing.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a state in which a conventional connector housing is mounted on a connector mounting panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Connector housing 13 Connector mounting panel 14 Connector mounting hole 15 Housing main body 16 Locking means 17 Connection terminal 18 Terminal receiving hole 20 Projection 22 First terminal locking piece 23 Second terminal locking piece 24 Locking piece holder 26 Hinge Member 27 Slit for inserting locking piece 28 Front edge 30 Panel pressing piece 33 Panel thickness direction locking piece 34, 35 Panel surface direction locking piece 38 Flat surface

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A housing main body formed by molding a synthetic resin and having a front end portion inserted into a connector mounting hole of a connector mounting panel, and the connector mounting portion formed integrally with the housing main body and mounted at the front end portion of the housing main body. Locking means for engaging the connector mounting panel when the insertion depth into the hole reaches a predetermined value and fixing the housing main body to the connector mounting panel; and the housing main body accommodates connection terminals. What is claimed is: 1. A connector housing having a rattling prevention mechanism for an electrical wiring connection connector provided with a terminal accommodating hole to be held, wherein said locking means is formed by projecting from a base end of said housing main body and a tip end of said housing main body. When the insertion depth of the portion into the connector mounting hole reaches a predetermined value, it comes into contact with the surface of the connector mounting panel and A panel holding piece that regulates movement of the housing body and the connector mounting hole are inserted together with the tip of the housing body, and the insertion depth of the tip of the housing body into the connector mounting hole reaches a predetermined value. And a panel thickness direction locking piece which comes out of the connector mounting hole by elastic restoring force, abuts against the back surface of the connector mounting panel and cooperates with the panel pressing piece to clamp the connector mounting panel, and a tip of the housing body. When the depth of insertion into the connector mounting hole reaches a predetermined value, a part of the inner peripheral surface of the connector mounting hole is pressed to restrict the movement of the housing body in the direction along the surface of the connector mounting panel. First and second panel surface direction locking pieces are provided in the terminal accommodating hole for preventing the connection terminals from coming off.
The connection terminal, which is protruded and inserted into the terminal receiving hole, is engaged.
A first terminal locking piece to be stopped, and the first terminal locking piece.
To lock the connection terminal locked in place by
A double locking structure including a terminal locking piece;
A terminal retaining piece is provided on the retaining piece holder and the terminal receiving hole is provided.
The first and second panels
At least one of the locking pieces in the surface direction is
It provided Da, the first and second panel surface direction locking piece is, the movement of the housing body regulated by elastic biasing force, and backlash preventing mechanism is characterized in that the urging direction are different from each other With connector housing.