JP3725337B2 - Connector device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a connector device including a detection tool that detects half-fitting between one connector and the other connector.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  As this type of connector device, one connector incorporating the first contact, the other connector incorporating the second contact connected to the first contact, and half-fitting of these connectors And a connector lock protrusion protruding on the outer surface of the connector housing of one connector, and the connector lock protrusion on the outer surface of the connector housing of the other connector when the two connectors are properly fitted. There is a structure in which a connector lock arm that is locked to each other and locks between the connectors is projected in a cantilever manner.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  In such a conventional connector device, when one connector is disconnected from the other connector during maintenance, inspection, etc., the base of the connector lock arm existing on the outer surface of the connector housing is used. While maintaining the state where the connector lock arm is removed from the connector lock projection by continuously pressing the end side with a finger, there is a problem in that workability is poor because the mutual connector must be pulled off. In particular, when there are a large number of contacts to be connected, the force to pull off the mutual connectors must be strengthened, and at this time, the operation of maintaining the unlocked state of the mutual connectors with fingers is also performed. It was difficult to perform these operations in a small installation space. Further, in the conventional connector device, the connector lock arm has to be provided on the outer surface of the connector housing so that it can be easily operated with a finger or the like from the outside. was there. Further, in the conventional connector device, depending on the installation location, the connector lock arm existing on the outer surface of the connector housing may be damaged by hitting an object in the course of work, etc. There was also a possibility that the lock could be disabled.
[0004]
  An object of the present invention is to provide a connector device that can easily perform an operation of disengaging the mutual connectors.
[0005]
  Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector device that can unlock the mutual connectors by operating a detection tool that detects half-fitting of the connectors.
[0006]
  Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector device in which a connector lock protrusion and a connector lock arm can be incorporated in a mutual connector housing.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention incorporates one connector incorporating the first contact and the second contact connected to the first contact.One of the connectors is fitted insideThe other connector,Removably mated to one connector along the mating direction of the connectorsA detection tool for detecting the half-fitting of these connectors, and in the connector housing of one connectorProjected in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectorsConnector lock protrusionEstablishedThe other connector in the connector housingIs mated to the fully mated positionDuring regular matingInserted into one connector from the other connector side,The present invention improves the connector device in which a connector lock arm that is locked to the connector lock protrusion and locks the connectors mutually is provided in a cantilevered manner.
[0008]
  In the connector device according to claim 1, the detection tool is used when the mutual connectors are properly fitted.In one connectorConnector lock protrusionInserted into the one connector in the crossing directionConnector lock armAlong the sideA lock arm detachment operation arm provided in a cantilevered manner is provided. At the tip of the arm for detaching the lock arm, the side opposite to the side where the connector lock arm is present when the mutual connectors are properly fittedInA lock arm detachment operation projection is provided in a protruding direction. On the inner wall surface of the connector housing of one connector, in the middle of the path through which the lock arm release operation projection of the detection tool passes,When the detection tool is pulled out from one connector to the specified positionLock arm release operation projectionRideAn unlocking protrusion is provided so as to bend and bend the connector lock arm in a direction in which the distal end of the connector lock arm is disengaged from the connector lock protrusion.
[0009]
  In the connector device having such a structure, the detection tool is moved from a state in which the mutual connectors are normally fitted and the detection tool is fitted in the normal state.Unplug from one connector to the specified positionThe lock arm release operation projection provided at the tip of the lock arm release operation arm of the detector rides on the lock release projection of the connector housing of one connector, and the connector lock arm is moved by the lock arm release operation projection. The tip is bent in a direction away from the connector lock projection. By this operation, the connector lock arm is detached from the connector lock projection. More detection toolsUnplug from one connectorAs long as there is no such condition, this state is maintained. In this state, the connectors can be easily separated by simply pulling the connectors away. That is, when the fitting between one connector and the other connector is disengaged, the connector lock arm is kept pressed with a finger on the base end side of the connector lock arm existing on the outer surface of the connector housing as in the prior art. Without having to remove the connector from the connector lock protrusion, and without having to pull out the mutual connector.Unplug from one connector to the specified positionThe lock is released and the state is maintained by the operation, and then the mutual connectors can be separated, the workability is good, and the work of removing the mutual connectors is easily performed even in a narrow work space. be able to.
[0010]
  In the connector device according to claim 2, in claim 1, the detector and the connector housing of one connector includeThe connectors are mated to one connector until the final position where the mutual fitting of the connectors and the detector can be fitted, and the connector lock arm of the other connector is fitted to the connector lock projection of one connector. The detector is pulled out from one connector to the required position.Temporary locking means is provided for temporarily locking the detector to the connector housing of one of the connectors when the lock arm disengaging operation protrusion rides on the unlocking protrusion.
[0011]
  in this wayThe connectors are mated to one connector to the final position where the mutual connectors are properly fitted and the detector can be fitted, and the connector lock arm of the other connector is connected to one connector. The detector is pulled out from one connector to the required position from the state where it is fitted to the connector lock protrusion on the connector.Providing temporary locking means for temporarily locking the detector to the connector housing of one connector when the lock arm release operation protrusion rides on the unlocking protrusion, the connector lock arm is maintained in a state of being disconnected from the connector lock protrusion. And the reliability of operability can be improved.
[0012]
  In the connector device according to claim 3, in a part of the connector housing of one connector,Along the mating direction of the connectorsA detector assembly portion for inserting and incorporating the detector is provided. The part of the connector housing of the other connector has a detector built-in part for one connector.Along the mating direction of the connectorsA fitting portion having a fitting recess for fitting is provided. The detector built-in part of one connector has the detector built-in part.entranceA detection tool insertion hole for inserting the detection tool from the side is provided through the first surface of the inner wall of the detection tool insertion hole.Projected in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectorsConnector lock protrusionEstablishedIt is. On the bottom surface of the insertion recess of the other connector insertion portion, a frame-shaped connector lock arm whose front end is locked to the connector lock projection protrudes in a cantilever manner.
[0013]
  The detector is inserted in the detector insertion hole.From the entrance sideA detector base body in which the cross-sectional shape to be fitted is substantially square and has the first to fourth surfaces in the periphery;Along the mating direction of the connectorsAn operation knob integrally provided on the base end side in the operation direction of the detection tool base and a first surface side facing the connector lock projection at the front end in the operation direction of the detection tool base are positioned close to each other. Cantilevered so that it protrudes from the tip of the detector baseWhen the two connectors are properly mated with each other, they exist along the side surface of the connector lock arm that is inserted into the one connector in a direction crossing the connector lock projection in the one connector.At the tip of the lock arm release operation arm and the lock arm release operation armProvided to protrude to the opposite side of the connector lock arm when the mating connectors are properly matedThe lock arm detachment operation projection and the tip of the detection tool base in the operation direction are shifted to the third surface side opposite to the first surface and cantilevered at both ends in the width direction of the third surface. A pair of detection tool locking arms that are supported and project in the direction of the distal end of the operation direction of the detection tool base, and the tip of these detection tool locking arms is the same as the third surface of the detection tool base. A first locking projection projecting from a portion positioned on the side, and a tip positioned on one end of each detector locking arm on a portion positioned on the same side as the second surface of the detector base, and the other And a second locking projection projecting from a portion located on the same side as the fourth surface of the detector base, and a second and a fourth of the detector base. Third surfaces respectively projecting at different positions in the operation direction of the detector base and different positions in the width direction of these surfaces. A locking projection and a fourth locking projection, the detection device bodyThird sideAnd a detection tool locking projection provided on the projection.
[0014]
  On the inner surface of the detector insertion hole provided in the detector built-in part of one connector,
  Provided in the middle of the passage through which the lock arm release operation projection of the detector passesWhen the detection tool is pulled out from one connector to the specified positionA lock release protrusion that the lock arm release operation protrusion rides upon the connector release operation, and the lock arm release operation protrusion bends the connector lock arm in a direction in which the tip of the lock lock release operation protrusion is detached from the connector lock protrusion;
  Cantilever support is supported in a paired manner so that the tip exists on both sides in the width direction of the passage through which the lock arm release operation protrusion of the detection tool passes with the unlocking protrusion in betweenIn a direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectorsA protruding connector lock protrusion,
  These detection tools are provided in the middle of the passages through which the pair of first locking protrusions of the detection tool pass, so that the detection tool does not advance in the insertion direction when the lock arm release operation protrusion rides on the unlocking protrusion. A pair of first locking protrusion locking portions that temporarily lock each of the locking protrusions;
  A detection tool that is provided at each end of the passage through which the pair of second locking projections of the detection tool passes and that is incorporated in the detection tool insertion hole of one of the connectors does not come out from the front end side of the detection tool insertion portion. A pair of second locking protrusion locking portions for locking the second locking protrusions of the detector;
  Provided in the middle of the path through which the pair of third locking projections of the detection tool passes,Unplug from one connector to the specified positionThese detection tools are arranged so that the pulling operation of the detection tool can be stopped when the lock arm release operation protrusion rides on the lock release protrusion and the connector lock arm is removed from the connector lock protrusion during the connector release operation. A pair of third locking protrusion locking portions for temporarily locking the third locking protrusions to one connector,
  The detection tool provided on the entrance side of the passage through which the pair of fourth locking protrusions of the detection tool passes is incorporated into the detection tool insertion hole of one connector, and does not come out from the base end side of the detection tool incorporation portion. Thus, a pair of fourth locking protrusion locking portions for locking the fourth locking protrusions of the detector is provided.
[0015]
  The connector housing of one connector is provided with a detecting tool lock arm that locks the detecting tool lock projection of the detecting tool when the one connector and the other connector are properly fitted to each other so as to be swingable at the pivot portion. ing.
[0016]
  Furthermore, the connector housing of one connector has a pair of second locking projections of the detection tool locked with the pair of second locking projection locking portions of the one connector. A pair of slits for exposing the pair of first locking projections so as not to be surrounded by the connector housing of the one connector are provided in the connector housing of the one connector so as to open at the tip thereof.
[0017]
  On the inner surface of the fitting recess of the connector housing of the other connector, a pair of second locking protrusions of the detection tool are respectively locked to the pair of second locking protrusion locking portions of the one connector. When the one connector and the other connector are fitted in a normal fitting state in a state where they are being pressed, the distal end portions of the pair of detector locking arms are pressed so that the second locking projections are respectively A pair of second locking projection removal operation portions for performing an operation of removing each of the two locking projection locking portions is provided.
[0018]
  In such a connector device,The connectors are mated to one connector until the final position where the mutual fitting of the connectors and the detector can be fitted, and the connector lock arm of the other connector is fitted to the connector lock projection of one connector. Remove the detector from one connector to the required position.The lock arm release operation protrusion provided at the tip of the lock arm release operation arm of the detector rides on the lock release protrusion of the connector housing of one connector, and the connector lock arm is moved by the lock arm release operation protrusion. The distal end portion is bent in a direction away from the connector lock projection. By this operation, the connector lock arm is detached from the connector lock projection. More detection toolsDo not disconnect from one connectorAs long as this state is maintained. In this state, the connectors can be easily separated by simply pulling the connectors away. That is, when the fitting between one connector and the other connector is disengaged, the connector lock arm is kept pressed with a finger on the base end side of the connector lock arm existing on the outer surface of the connector housing as in the prior art. Without having to remove the connector from the connector lock protrusion, and without having to pull out the mutual connector.Unplug from one connector to the required positionThe lock is released and the state is maintained by the operation, and then the mutual connectors can be separated, the workability is good, and the work of removing the mutual connectors is easily performed even in a narrow work space. be able to.
[0019]
  In particular, in the connector device according to the third aspect of the invention, the detection tool is provided with the first and third locking projections, and the connector housing of one connector is provided with the first and third locking projection locking portions. Therefore, when the lock arm disengagement operation protrusion rides on the unlocking protrusion, the detector can be temporarily locked so as not to move in the insertion direction and the pulling operation direction with respect to one connector. There is an advantage that it is possible to temporarily hold the state in which the protrusion is unlocked and rides on the protrusion, and no holding operation by the operator is required.
[0020]
  In the connector device of the third invention, the detection tool is provided with the second and fourth locking projections, and the connector housing of one connector is provided with the second and fourth locking projection locking portions. Therefore, before fitting with the other connector, the detector incorporated in the detector insertion hole of one connector may be temporarily locked with respect to the one connector so as not to move in the insertion direction and the pulling operation direction. There is an advantage that the holding operation by the operator is not required.
[0021]
  Further, in this connector device, since the connector lock protrusion and the connector lock arm are provided in the mutual connector housing, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom in designing the connector housing is increased unlike the conventional case. In addition, when the connector lock projection and the connector lock arm are provided in the mutual connector housing, the connector lock arm may be damaged by hitting an object in the process of working, etc. Occurrence of a situation where the lock becomes impossible can be avoided.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  1 to 35 show an example of an embodiment of a connector device according to the present invention. In these drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state before one connector having a detection tool set in advance and the other connector which is a mating counterpart thereof, and FIG. 2 is a normal view of the connector device of this example. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a half-fitted state between one connector in which a detection tool is set in advance in the connector device of this example and the other connector which is the mating counterpart, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a non-fitted state before one connector in which a detection tool is set in advance and the other connector which is a mating partner are in a half-fitted state, and FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the process in which one connector which preset the detection tool with the connector apparatus of this example, and the other connector which is the mating partner are made to detach | leave from a regular fitting state. 6 to 16 show the structure of the connector housing of one connector used in this example, and FIGS. 17 to 24 show the structure of the connector housing of the other connector used in this example. 32 shows the structure of the detector used in this example. Further, FIG. 33 to FIG. 35 show the structure in a state in which the detector is incorporated in the connector housing of one connector used in this example.
[0023]
  First, the basic configuration of this connector device will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. In this connector device, one connector 1 made of a resin (for example, nylon or polybutylene terephthalate) incorporating a first contact (for example, a female terminal) (not shown) made of brass or a copper alloy, Made of resin (for example, nylon, polybutylene terephthalate, etc.) incorporating a second contact (for example, male terminal) (not shown) made of brass or copper alloy connected to the first contact.With one connector 1 fitted insideThe other connector 2 ofThe connector 1 and 2 are detachably fitted to one connector 1 along the fitting direction of the connectors 1 and 2.A detection tool 3 made of a resin (for example, nylon, polybutylene terephthalate, or polypropylene) that detects half-fitting of the connectors 1 and 2 is provided. In the connector housing 4 of one connector 1Projected in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectors 1 and 2Connector lock projection 5 is cantileveredEstablishedIn the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2, the mutual connectors 1, 2Is mated to the fully mated positionDuring regular matingThe connector 1 is inserted into the connector 1 from the other connector 2 side.A connector lock arm 7 that is locked to the connector lock protrusion 5 and locks the connectors 1 and 2 is projected in a cantilevered manner.
[0024]
  Front of connector housing 4 of one connector 1(Surface on which detector 3 is inserted)The first contact built-in portion 8 that incorporates and locks many of the first contacts (for example, female terminals) described above is provided on one side when viewed from the side. In the first contact built-in portion 8, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of contact insertion holes 9 are provided through the connector housing 4, and the first contact (not shown) inserted into the contact insertion holes 9 is a lance. 10 is locked.
[0025]
  Front side of the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2(Surface on the side where one connector 1 is inserted)), A second contact built-in portion 11 that incorporates and locks many of the second contacts (for example, male terminals) described above is provided on one side. In the second contact built-in portion 11, as shown in FIG. 22, a large number of contact insertion holes 12 are provided through the connector housing 6, and the second contact (not shown) inserted into the contact insertion holes 12 is a lance. 13 is locked.
[0026]
  Around the upper surface side of the connector housing 4 of one of the connectors 1, the flange portion 14 protrudes in the horizontal direction.
[0027]
  In particular, the configuration of the characteristic part of the connector device of this example will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0028]
  That is, in the connector device of this example, as shown mainly in FIGS. 6 to 10, the side of the one connector 1 opposite to the side where the first contact incorporating portion 8 is provided when viewed from the front of the connector housing 4. This part is provided with a detector incorporating part 15 into which the detector 3 is inserted and incorporated. The detection tool built-in portion 15 is provided with such a length that the protruding lengths of the flange portion 14 upward and downward are substantially equal. In the portion of the connector housing 4 on the side where the detection tool built-in portion 15 does not exist, the flange portion 14 is present at a position near the upper end of the connector housing 4.
[0029]
  As shown mainly in FIGS. 21, 23, and 24, the other connector 2 has a portion opposite to the side where the second contact incorporating portion 11 is provided as viewed from the front of the connector housing 6. A fitting portion 17 having a fitting concave portion 16 for fitting a lower portion of the detection tool incorporating portion 15 of the connector 1 is provided.
[0030]
  As shown mainly in FIGS. 11 to 16, the detector assembly portion 15 of one connector 1 has a detector assembly portion 15.entranceIn order to insert the detection tool 3 from the side, a detection tool insertion hole 18 having a substantially rectangular cross section is provided therethrough. On the first surface 18a adjacent to the first contact incorporating portion 8 side on the inner wall of the detector insertion hole 18,In a direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectors 1 and 2A pair of connector lock projections 5 are provided so as to project.
[0031]
  On the bottom surface of the fitting recess 16 in the fitting portion 17 of the other connector 2, as shown mainly in FIGS. 17, 21, and 24, a frame-shaped connector lock whose tip is locked to the connector lock projection 5 is provided. Arm 7 is cantileveredToward the entrance side of the recess 16Projected.
[0032]
  The detector 3 is inserted into the detector insertion hole 18 of the connector 1 mainly as shown in FIGS.From the entrance sideA detector base body 19 having a substantially transverse cross-sectional shape to be fitted and having first to fourth surfaces 19a to 19d around the periphery,Along the mating direction of the connectors 1 and 2An operation knob 20 provided integrally on the base end side in the operation direction of the detection tool base 19 and a first surface 19a facing the connector lock projection 5 at the front end in the operation direction of the detection tool base 19 The detection tool base 19 is supported in a cantilevered manner, and protrudes from the distal end of the operation direction of the detector base 19.When the connectors 1 and 2 are properly mated with each other, they exist along the side surface of the connector lock arm 7 inserted into the one connector 1 in a direction crossing the connector lock protrusion 5 in the one connector 1.The lock arm detachment operation arm 21 and the tip of the lock arm detachment operation arm 21Provided to protrude to the opposite side of the connector lock arm 7 when the connectors 1 and 2 are properly fitted.The tapered lock arm disengagement operation protrusion 22 and the third surface 19c are positioned so as to be shifted toward the third surface 19c opposite to the first surface 19a at the distal end of the detection tool base 19 in the operation direction. A pair of detection tool locking arms 23 that are cantilevered at both ends in the width direction of the detection tool and project in the direction of the front end of the detection tool base body 19, and the front ends of the detection tool locking arms 23. The tapered first locking projections 24 projecting from the portions located on the same side as the third surface 19c of the detector base 19 and the tips of the detector locking arms 23 on one side The portion located on the same side as the second surface 19b of the detector base 19 and the portion located on the same side as the fourth surface 19d of the detector base 19 at the tip of the other detector locking arm 23 A second locking projection 25 having a taper projecting from each other, and a detector Tapered third projections are provided on the second and fourth surfaces 19b and 19d of the body 19 so as to protrude in different positions in the operation direction of the detector base 19 and in different positions in the width direction of these surfaces. The locking projection 26 and the fourth locking projection 27 of the detection tool base 19Third surface 19cAnd a tapered detector locking projection 28 that protrudes from the head. When the one connector 1 and the other connector 2 are in a half-fitted state, the front end portion of the detector base 19 is half-fitted with which the connector lock arm 7 provided on the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2 abuts. It becomes the detection part 19e.
[0033]
  As shown mainly in FIGS. 6 to 16, the inner surface of the detector insertion hole 18 provided in the detector incorporating portion 15 of one connector 1 is
  Provided in the middle of a groove-shaped passage 29 through which the lock arm detachment operation protrusion 22 of the detector 3 passes.When the detection tool 3 is pulled out from one connector 1 to a predetermined positionA lock release protrusion 30 that the lock arm release operation protrusion 22 rides on at the time of the connector release operation and bends the connector lock arm 7 in a direction in which the distal end portion thereof is detached from the connector lock protrusion 5 by the lock arm release operation protrusion 22;
  A pair of cantilevers can be supported in a paired manner so that tip portions exist on both sides in the width direction of the groove-shaped passage 29 through which the lock arm release operation protrusion 22 of the detection tool 3 passes with the unlocking protrusion 30 in between.In a direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectors 1 and 2The above-described connector lock protrusion 5 protruding,
  When the lock arm detachment operation protrusion 22 rides on the unlocking protrusion 30 provided in the middle of the groove-shaped passage 31 through which the pair of first locking protrusions 24 of the detection tool 3 passes, the detection tool 3 is A pair of first locking projection locking portions 32 for temporarily locking each of the first locking projections 24 so as not to advance in the insertion direction;
  The detection tool 3 provided at the end of the groove-shaped passage 33 through which the pair of second locking projections 25 of the detection tool 3 passes and incorporated in the detection tool insertion hole 18 of one connector 1 is incorporated in the detection tool. A pair of second locking protrusion locking portions 34 for locking the second locking protrusions 25 of the detector 3 so as not to come out from the distal end side of the portion 15;
  The detector 3 is provided in the middle of a groove-shaped passage 35 through which the pair of third locking projections 26 of the detector 3 passes.Remove the detection tool 3 from one connector 1 to a predetermined position.The pulling operation of the detector 3 can be stopped when the lock arm release operation projection 22 rides on the unlocking projection 30 and the connector lock arm 7 is detached from the connector lock projection 5 during the connector release operation. A pair of third locking protrusion locking portions 36 for temporarily locking the third locking protrusions 26 of the detector 3 to the one connector 1;
  The detection tool 3 provided on the entrance side of the groove-shaped passage 37 through which the pair of fourth locking projections 27 of the detection tool 3 passes and incorporated in the detection tool insertion hole 18 of one connector 1 is the detection tool. A pair of fourth locking protrusion locking portions 38 for locking the fourth locking protrusions 27 of the detector 3 is provided so as not to come out from the base end side of the built-in portion 15.
[0034]
  In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the passage 29 and the unlocking projection 30 are provided on the first surface 18 a side of the detector insertion hole 18, and the passage 33, the second locking projection locking portion 34, and the passage 35 and the third locking projection locking portion 36 are provided on the second and fourth surfaces 18b and 18d side of the detector insertion hole 18, and the passage 31 and the first locking projection locking portion 32 are It is provided on the third surface 18 c side of the detector insertion hole 18.
[0035]
  The connector housing 4 of one connector 1 mainly includes a detector lock arm 39 that locks the detector lock projection 28 of the detector 3 when the one connector 1 and the other connector 2 are properly fitted. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 and FIG. 16, the pivotal support portion 40 is provided so as to be swingable.
[0036]
  Further, in the connector housing 4 of one connector 1, a pair of second locking protrusions 25 of the detection tool 3 are locked to a pair of second locking protrusion locking portions 34 of the one connector 1. A pair of slits 41 for exposing the pair of first locking projections 24 of the detection tool 3 so as not to be surrounded by the connector housing 4 of the one connector 1 in the state where the detection tool 3 is in a state of being mainly disposed in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 16, the connector housing 4 of the one connector 1 is provided with an opening at its tip.
[0037]
  On the inner surface of the fitting recess 16 of the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2, a pair of second locking projections 25 of the detection tool 3 are engaged with a pair of second locking projections of the one connector 1. When the one connector 1 and the other connector 2 are fitted to each other in a normal fitting state while being locked to the stoppers 34, the distal ends of the pair of detector locking arms 23 are pressed. A pair of second locking projection removal operation portions 42 for performing an operation of removing each second locking projection 25 from each second locking projection locking portion 34 are mainly shown in FIGS. 23. As shown in FIG.
[0038]
  The connector housing 6 of the other connector 2 is provided with a fitting recess 43 into which the first contact built-in portion 8 of the one connector 1 is fitted, as mainly shown in FIGS. Yes. In the fitting recess 43, a tip of a second contact (not shown) (a male terminal in this example) built in the second contact built-in portion 11 protrudes, and one connector 1 and the other In the normal fitting state of the connector 2, the second contact made of the male terminal is inserted into the contact insertion hole 9 in the first contact incorporating portion 8 of one connector 1 and electrically connected to the first contact (not shown). Connected.
[0039]
  Further, the bottom portion 16 a of the fitting recess 16 in the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2 has a through hole 44 through which the tip of the lock arm detachment operation protrusion 22 of the detection tool 3 passes and a pair of detections of the detection tool 3. A through-hole 45 through which each tip of the tool locking arm 23 passes is provided.
[0040]
  Next, the operation at the time of connection and disconnection of one connector 1 and the other connector 2 in such a connector device will be described.
[0041]
  At this time, a first contact (for example, a female terminal) (not shown) is assembled in each contact insertion hole 9 of the first contact incorporating portion 8 of one connector 1 and is locked to the lance 10. A second contact (for example, a male terminal) (not shown) is incorporated into the second contact incorporating portion 11 of the connector 2 and is locked to the lance 13.
[0042]
  In addition, the detection tool built-in portion 15 of one connector 1 has a structure as shown in FIGS. 4 and 33 to 35.From the entrance sideThe detector 3 is assembled in advance. In this state, the lock arm disengagement operation protrusion 22 at the tip of the lock arm disengagement operation arm 21 of the detection tool 3 gets over the unlocking protrusion 30 in the middle of the passage 29 in the connector housing 4 of the one connector 1. As shown in FIG. 34, it is located below the unlocking projection 30. Further, in this state, as shown in FIG. 4, the second locking projection 25 at the tip of the pair of detector locking arms 23 of the detector 3 is connected to the end of the passage 33 in the connector housing 4 of one connector 1. The second locking protrusion 34 is locked so as not to be inserted and moved earlier. Further, in this state, the fourth locking protrusion 27 of the detection tool 3 is locked by the fourth locking protrusion locking portion 38 on the proximal end side of the passage 37 in the connector housing 4 of one connector 1 and pulled. It is locked so as not to move in the operating direction. That is, in this state, the detection tool 3 is temporarily locked and held so as not to move in the insertion direction and the pulling operation direction with respect to the connector housing 4 of one connector 1.
[0043]
  In this state, when one connector 1 incorporating the detection tool 3 starts to be inserted into the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2, the unfitted state shown in FIG.
[0044]
  Further, when one connector 1 incorporating the detector 3 is inserted into the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2, the state shown in FIG. 3 is obtained in the half-fitted state before reaching the normal fitted state. That is, when one connector 1 incorporating the detector 3 is pushed into the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2 from the unfitted state shown in FIG. By hitting the tip end portion 7a of the connector lock arm 7 of the connector 2, the connector lock arm 7 bends to the left as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the connector lock arm 7 bent to the left side hits the half-fitting detection portion 19 e at the tip of the detection device base 19 of the detection device 3. For this reason, it will be in the state which cannot insert the detection tool 3 any more, and it can detect that the connectors 1 and 2 are in a half-fitted state.
[0045]
  In this half-fitted state, the first locking projection 24 at the tip of the detection tool locking arm 23 of the detection tool 3 is the second locking of the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2 as shown in FIG. Riding on the protrusion removal operation part 42, the detection tool locking arm 23 of the detection tool 3 is bent, and the second locking protrusion 24 at the tip of the arm is locked from the second locking protrusion locking part 34 of one connector 1. It will be in the removed state.
[0046]
  When one connector 1 is further pushed into the other connector 2 from this half-fitted state, the connector lock projection 5 passes over the tip 7a of the connector lock arm 7 of the other connector 2 as shown in FIG. The protrusion 5 is prevented from coming off at the distal end portion 7a of the connector lock arm 7 of the other connector 2, and the one connector 1 and the other connector 2 are locked in the coming-out state. In this state, a first contact (not shown) of one connector 1 and a second contact (not shown) of the other connector 2 are in a connected state. This proper fitting state can be known from a clicking sound when the connector lock projection 5 is locked to the tip end portion 7 a of the connector lock arm 7.
[0047]
  In this proper fitting state, only the detection tool 3 is furtherIn one connector 1When pushed in, the first locking projection 24 at the tip of the detection tool locking arm 23 of the detection tool 3 passes through the second locking projection removal operation portion 42 of the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2, The tip of the detection tool locking arm 23 protrudes from the through hole 45 in the bottom portion 16 a of the connector housing 6 of the other connector 2. At this time, the distal end portion of the lock arm detachment operation arm 23 of the detection tool 3 also protrudes outward from the through hole 44 in the bottom portion 16 a of the connector housing 6. Further, in this state, the detection tool lock projection 28 of the detection tool 3 gets over the tip 39a of the detection tool lock arm 39 shown in FIG. The connector 1 is locked to the one connector 1 so as not to escape from the detector mounting portion 15.
[0048]
  In this regular fitting state, the lock arm detachment operation arm 21 of the detector 3 is as shown in FIG.In one connector 1Connector lock protrusion 5Inserted into the one connector 1 in a crossing directionConnector lock arm 7Along the sideIt comes to exist. Further, the lock arm detachment operation projection 22 at the tip of the lock arm detachment operation arm 21 is opposite to the side where the connector lock arm 7 is present.InIt protrudes in the protruding direction. Further, the unlocking protrusion 30 provided on the inner wall surface of the connector housing 4 of one of the connectors 1 in the middle of the passage 29 through which the lock arm releasing operation protrusion 22 of the detector 3 passes is provided at the tip 7 a of the connector lock arm 7. It protrudes toward the side.
[0049]
  In such a connector device, the connectors 1 and 2 are normally fitted and the detector 3 is fitted from the state in which the detector 3 is fitted in a normal state.Unplug from one connector 1 to the specified positionAs shown in FIG. 5, the lock arm release operation projection 22 provided at the tip of the lock arm release operation arm 21 of the detector 3 rides on the lock release projection 30 of the connector housing 4 of one connector 1. The lock arm detachment operation protrusion 22 causes the connector lock arm 7 to bend in the direction in which the tip end portion 7 a is detached from the connector lock protrusion 5. By this operation, the connector lock arm 7 is detached from the connector lock protrusion 5. In this state, the first locking protrusion 24 of the detection tool 3 hits the first locking protrusion locking portion 32 of the connector housing 4 of one connector 1 and is temporarily locked even if the detection tool 3 is pushed in the insertion direction. The third locking protrusion 26 of the detection tool 3 hits the third locking protrusion locking portion 36 of the connector housing 4 of one connector 1 and is temporarily locked even if the detection tool 3 is pulled and pulled in the operation direction. That is, when the lock arm release operation projection 22 rides on the unlocking projection 30, the detector 3 is temporarily locked so as not to move in the insertion direction and the pulling operation direction with respect to one connector 1. Can be temporarily held, and there is an advantage that no holding operation by the operator is required.
[0050]
  In this state, the connectors 1 and 2 can be easily separated by simply pulling off the connectors 1 and 2. That is, when the fitting between one connector 1 and the other connector 2 is disengaged, the base end side of the connector lock arm provided on the outer surface of the connector housing is continuously pressed with a finger as in the prior art. While maintaining the state in which the connector lock arm is removed from the connector lock projection, there is no need to perform the operation of pulling out the mutual connectors.Unplug from one connector 1 to the specified positionThe tip 7a of the connector lock arm 7 is removed from the connector lock projection 5 by the operation, and the state is maintained. Next, the connectors 1 and 2 can be pulled apart, the workability is good, and the work space is narrow. However, it is possible to easily perform the operation of removing the fitting between the connectors 1 and 2.
[0051]
  Further, in this connector device, since the connector lock projection 5 and the connector lock arm 7 are provided in the mutual connector housings 4 and 6, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom of design of the connector housings 4 and 6 is increased unlike the prior art. There is. Further, when the connector lock projection 5 and the connector lock arm 7 are provided in the mutual connector housings 4 and 6, the connector lock arm is damaged by hitting an object in the course of work or the like as in the prior art, Occurrence of a situation where the mutual connectors cannot be locked can be avoided.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
  In the connector device according to the present invention, the detection tool is inserted from a state where the mutual connectors are properly fitted and the detection tool is fitted in the normal state.Unplug from one connector to the specified positionThe lock arm release operation projection provided at the tip of the lock arm release operation arm of the detector rides on the lock release projection of the connector housing of one connector, and the connector lock arm is moved by the lock arm release operation projection. The distal end portion bends in a direction away from the connector lock projection, and the connector lock arm is detached from the connector lock projection. Therefore, as in the prior art, while maintaining the state where the connector lock arm is removed from the connector lock projection by continuously pressing the base end side of the connector lock arm existing on the outer surface of the connector housing with a finger, There is no need to remove the detector,Unplug from one connector to the specified positionThe lock is released by operation, and the state is maintained. Next, the mutual connectors can be pulled apart, the workability is good, and the work of removing the mutual connectors can be easily performed even in a narrow work space. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state before mating between one connector in which a detection tool in an example of an embodiment of the connector device according to the present invention is set in advance and the other connector which is a mating partner.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a normal fitting state of the connector device of this example.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a half-fitted state between one connector in which a detection tool is set in advance in the connector device of the present example and the other connector which is a fitting counterpart thereof.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a non-fitted state before one connector in which a detection tool is set in advance in the connector device of the present example and the other connector which is a mating partner reach a half-fitted state. .
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a process in which one connector in which a detection tool is set in advance in the connector device of this example and the other connector which is a mating partner are removed from a normal mating state.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a connector housing of one connector used in this example.
7 is a front view of the connector housing shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a right side view of the connector housing shown in FIG.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
10 is a bottom view of the connector housing shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
11 is a plan view of a detector incorporating part of the connector housing shown in FIG. 6; FIG.
12 is a bottom view of the detector built-in portion shown in FIG. 11. FIG.
13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the detector incorporating portion shown in FIG.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the detector incorporating portion shown in FIG. 11. FIG.
15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of the detector incorporating portion shown in FIG.
16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of the detector incorporating portion shown in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a connector housing of the other connector used in this example.
18 is a front view of the connector housing shown in FIG.
19 is a right side view of the connector housing shown in FIG.
20 is a bottom view of the connector housing shown in FIG.
21 is a cross-sectional view of the connector housing shown in FIG. 17 taken along the line F-F.
22 is a cross-sectional view of the connector housing shown in FIG. 21 taken along the line GG.
23 is a cross-sectional view of the connector housing shown in FIG. 21 taken along line HH.
24 is a cross-sectional view of the connector housing shown in FIG. 21 taken along the line II.
FIG. 25 is a front view of the detection tool used in this example.
26 is a plan view of the detection tool shown in FIG. 25. FIG.
27 is a bottom view of the detection tool shown in FIG. 25. FIG.
28 is a rear view of the detection tool shown in FIG. 25. FIG.
29 is a right side view of the detection tool shown in FIG. 25. FIG.
30 is a cross-sectional view of the detector shown in FIG. 25 taken along the line JJ.
31 is a sectional view of the detector shown in FIG. 25 taken along the line KK.
32 is a cross-sectional view of the detector shown in FIG. 25 taken along line LL.
FIG. 33 is a plan view showing a state in which a detection tool is incorporated in one connector in this example.
34 is a fragmentary front view of one connector incorporating the detector shown in FIG. 33. FIG.
35 is a right side view of one connector incorporating the detection tool shown in FIG. 33. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 One connector
  2 The other connector
  3 Detector
  4 Connector housing
  5 Connector lock protrusion
  6 Connector housing
  7 Connector lock arm
  7a Tip
  8 First contact assembly
  9 Contact insertion hole
  10 Lance
  11 Second contact built-in part
  12 Contact insertion hole
  13 Lance
  14 Buttocks
  15 Detector built-in part
  16 Insertion recess
  17 Insertion part
  18 Detection tool insertion hole
  18a-18d 1st-4th surface
  19 Detector base
  19a to 19d First to fourth surfaces
  19e Half-fitting detector
  20 Operation knob
  21 Lock arm release operation arm
  22 Lock arm release operation protrusion
  23 Arm for locking detector
  24 1st latching protrusion
  25 Second locking projection
  26 Third locking projection
  27 Fourth locking projection
  28 Detector lock projection
  29 Passage
  30 Unlocking protrusion
  31 passage
  32 1st latching protrusion latching part
  33 Passage
  34 Second locking projection locking part
  35 passage
  36 Third locking projection locking portion
  37 passage
  38 Fourth locking projection locking portion
  39 Detector lock arm
  40 pivots
  41 slit
  42 2nd latching protrusion removal operation part
  43 Insertion recess
  44, 45 Through hole

Claims (3)

One connector incorporating the first contact, the other connector having a structure incorporating the second contact connected to the first contact and fitting the one connector therein , A detection tool that is detachably fitted to the one connector along the fitting direction of the connectors and detects half-fitting of the connectors, and the connector housing of the one connector has a mutual the connector orthogonal connector locking projection is projected in a direction with respect to the fitting direction of providing et al is regular said in the other connector of the connector housing where the connector of the cross is fitted to the complete engagement position to lock the locked to the connector each other is inserted from the connector end of said other to said one connector to the connector locking projection of one connector said at fitting A connector device connector lock arm is protruded in cantilevered,
Present the detection device along the side surface of the connector locking arm in a direction intersecting the connector locking protrusion within said one connector during mating of regular mutual the connector is in the inserted state into one of the connectors the a lock arm withdrawal operation arm provided with cantilevered so as to, at the tip of the lock arm withdrawal operation arm of the presence side of the connector locking arm during mating of the normal of the connector of each other locking arm disengaged operating projection is projected in a direction to protrude to the opposite side,
On the inner wall surface of the connector housing of the one connector, in the middle of the passage through which the lock arm removal operation projection of the detection tool passes, the lock arm is detached when the detection tool is pulled out from the one connector to a predetermined position. connector apparatus characterized by unlocking projection of the distal end of the connector locking arm operation projections raised ride by the lock arm disengaged operating projection is deflected in a direction deviating from the connector locking projection is projected. The detection tool and the connector housing of the one connector are fitted to the one connector until the mutual position of the connectors in a proper fitting state and the final position where the detection tool can be fitted. the lock arm disengaged operating projection is removed from the state in which the other connector the connector locking arm is fitted to the connector locking projection of one connector until said required position the sensing device is from the connector of the one is off the lock The connector device according to claim 1, further comprising: a temporary locking means for temporarily locking the detection tool to the connector housing of the one connector when riding on the protrusion. One connector incorporating the first contact, the other connector having a structure incorporating the second contact connected to the first contact and fitting the one connector therein , A detection tool that is detachably fitted to the one connector along the fitting direction of the connectors and detects half-fitting of the connectors, and the connector housing of the one connector has a mutual the connector orthogonal connector locking projection is projected in a direction with respect to the fitting direction of providing et al is regular said in the other connector of the connector housing where the connector of the cross is fitted to the complete engagement position to lock the locked to the connector each other is inserted from the connector end of said other to said one connector to the connector locking projection of one connector said at fitting A connector device connector lock arm is protruded in cantilevered,
A part of the connector housing of the one connector is provided with a detection tool built-in portion for inserting and incorporating the detection tool along the fitting direction of the connectors .
A part of the connector housing of the other connector is provided with a fitting part having a fitting recess for fitting the detector built-in part of the one connector along the fitting direction of the connectors .
A detection tool insertion hole for inserting the detection tool from the inlet side of the detection tool insertion portion is provided through the detection tool insertion portion of the one connector, and a first inner wall of the detection tool insertion hole is provided. the surface the connector locking projection is provided et al are formed to project in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the connector of each other,
On the bottom surface of the fitting recess in the fitting portion of the other connector, the frame-shaped connector lock arm whose tip is locked to the connector lock projection projects in a cantilevered manner toward the inlet side of the fitting recess. Established,
The detection tool has a substantially square cross-sectional shape that is fitted into the detection tool insertion hole from the inlet side, and has a first to fourth surface around the detection tool base, and a mutual fitting direction of the connector. an operating knob that is provided integrally with the base end side of the operation direction of the detection knowledge tool base along the first piece on the side facing the connector locking projection in the operating direction of the tip of the sensing device substrate Oriented so as to be positioned and cantilevered so as to protrude in the distal direction in the operation direction of the detector base and intersect the connector lock protrusion in the one connector when the connectors are properly fitted to each other in the arm lock arm withdrawal operation existing along the sides of the connector locking arm in the inserted state into the one connector said, upon engagement of the normal cross of the connector at the tip of the lock arm withdrawal operation arm A lock arm withdrawal operation protrusion of the presence side of the connector locking arm provided so as to protrude to the opposite side, the detection device of the operation direction of the base tip by said first surface opposite the third the A pair of detectors that are positioned so as to be shifted to the surface side and are cantilevered at both ends in the width direction of the third surface and project in the distal direction in the operation direction of the detector base. An arm, a first locking protrusion projecting from a tip of each detecting tool locking arm on the same side as the third surface of the detecting tool base, and one of the detecting tools The tip of the locking arm has a portion located on the same side as the second surface of the detection tool base, and the tip of the other detection tool locking arm has a fourth surface of the detection tool base. A second locking projection projecting from a portion located on the same side, in front of the detector base Third and fourth locking projections projecting from the second and fourth surfaces in different positions in the operation direction of the detector base and in different positions in the width direction of these surfaces. A protrusion, and a detector locking protrusion that protrudes from the third surface of the detector base,
On the inner surface of the detection tool insertion hole provided in the detection tool built-in portion of the one connector,
Provided in the middle of the path through which the lock arm release operation protrusion of the detection tool passes , the lock arm release operation protrusion rides up during the connector release operation when the detection tool is pulled out from the one connector to a predetermined position. An unlocking protrusion that bends the connector lock arm in a direction in which the tip of the connector lock arm is disengaged from the connector lock protrusion by an arm release operation protrusion; and
A pair of cantilever supports are provided in the fitting direction of the connectors so that tip portions exist on both sides in the width direction of the passage through which the lock arm detachment operation projection of the detection tool passes with the unlocking projection in between. The connector lock protrusion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the
When the lock arm disengaging operation protrusion rides on the unlocking protrusion and is provided in the middle of a path through which the pair of first locking protrusions of the detection tool passes, the detection tool does not advance in the insertion direction. A pair of first locking protrusion locking portions for temporarily locking each of the first locking protrusions,
The detection tool provided at each end of the passage through which the pair of second locking projections of the detection tool passes and incorporated in the detection tool insertion hole of the one connector is on the distal end side of the detection tool insertion portion. A pair of second locking protrusion locking portions for locking the second locking protrusions of the detector so as not to slip out of the detector,
Said middle respectively provided a pair third locking projection passes path detection device, the locking arm withdrawal operation protrusion when the connector disengagement operation and disconnect the sensing device from one of the connector until said predetermined position The third locking protrusion of the detection tool so that the pulling operation of the detection tool can be stopped when the connector lock arm is detached from the connector lock protrusion. A pair of third locking projection locking portions temporarily locked to one connector,
The detection tool provided on the entrance side of the passage through which the pair of fourth locking protrusions of the detection tool passes and incorporated in the detection tool insertion hole of the one connector is a base of the detection tool incorporation portion. A pair of fourth locking protrusion locking portions for locking these fourth locking protrusions of the detector so as not to come out from the end side;
In the connector housing of the one connector, a detection tool lock arm that locks the detection tool lock projection of the detection tool when the one connector and the other connector are properly fitted can be swung by a pivot. Provided in
Further, in the connector housing of the one connector, the pair of second locking projections of the detection tool is locked to the pair of second locking projection locking portions of the one connector. A pair of slits that expose the pair of first locking projections of the detection tool so as not to be surrounded by the connector housing of the one connector are provided in the connector housing of the one connector so as to open at the tip thereof. ,
On the inner surface of the fitting recess of the connector housing of the other connector, a pair of second locking projections of the detection tool is formed as a pair of second locking projection locking portions of the one connector. When the one connector and the other connector are engaged with each other in a properly engaged state, the distal ends of the pair of detection tool locking arms are pressed to each of the second connectors. A connector device comprising a pair of second locking protrusion removal operation portions for performing an operation of removing the locking protrusions from the second locking protrusion locking portions.

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