JP3989386B2

JP3989386B2 - Joint connector

Info

Publication number: JP3989386B2
Application number: JP2003032805A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正和村上; 環高林; 真人南方; 篤史西田; 浩小林
Original assignee: THE FURUKAW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.; Toyota Motor Corp
Current assignee: THE FURUKAW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.; Toyota Motor Corp
Priority date: 2003-02-10
Filing date: 2003-02-10
Publication date: 2007-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-10
Also published as: JP2004247071A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は自動車等に配索されるワイヤーハーネスを分岐接続するのに用いられるジョイントコネクタに関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
この種のコネクタは、雌状端子を収容する端子収容室が複数室単層に併設されたコネクタハウジングを複数段に積層し、ハウジング連結手段で合体した挿入側コネクタ部（積層コネクタ）と、一方の開口から挿入側コネクタ部が挿入されて収容されるコネクタケース（アッパーケース）及びコネクタケース内に突設され、挿入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタハウジングの雌状端子に接続される複数の雄状端子とを有する受入側コネクタ部（電気接続箱）とを備えている（特許文献１参照）。
【０００３】
また、図８には、雌状端子（図示せず）を収容する端子収容室２が複数室単層に併設されたコネクタハウジング３を３段に積層（図８（Ａ）参照）し、これらコネクタハウジング３を、ハウジング連結手段４の係合凹部５と係合凸部６を係合することにより合体（図８（Ｂ）参照）してなる挿入側コネクタ部１が示されている。更に、挿入側コネクタ部１の最上段に積層されたコネクタハウジング３の上部に装着されたカバー７の上面には、挿入側コネクタ部１が受入側コネクタ部（図示省略）に挿入されたとき、挿入側コネクタ部１と受入側コネクタ部とを相互にロックするコネクタロック手段８のロッキングアーム９が設けられ、その上面に係合突起１０が突設され、受入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタケースの上壁に設けられた係合凹部（図示省略）と係合するように構成されている。なお、Ｗはワイヤーハーネスを構成する電線で、その端末に前記コネクタハウジング３の端子収容室２に収納される雌状端子が接続される（特許文献２参照）。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−３９２３９号公報（発明の詳細な説明の項の段落００１９乃至段落００２６、図１（Ａ）（Ｂ））
【特許文献２】
実開平５−６５０７３号公報（発明の詳細な説明の項の段落００１４乃至段落００１５、段落００１８、図１、２）
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来のジョイントコネクタは、挿入側コネクタ部１と受入側コネクタ部とを相互にロックするコネクタロック手段８が、挿入側コネクタ部の最上部側と、前記受入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタケースの最上部側とをロックするように最上部側位置に設けられている。
【０００６】
ところで、コネクタハウジング３を合体するのに用いられるハウジング連結手段４は、コネクタハウジング３を積層する方向の係合力が大きいため、係合凹部５と係合凸部６間にがたつき（遊間隙又はクリアランス）が生じにくいのに対し、コネクタハウジング３の面に沿った方向、即ち、コネクタハウジング３を受入側コネクタ部から引き抜く方向の係合力が積層方向のものよりも小さいため、係合凹部５と係合凸部６間にがたつきが生じ易い。
【０００７】
そうすると、前記電線Ｗにコネクタハウジング３を相手方の受入側コネクタ部から引き抜こうとする引張り力が作用した場合、コネクタハウジング３の積層段数が増えるほど、前記がたつきが累積されて、下段側に位置するコネクタハウジング３が受入側コネクタ部から引き抜かれる方向に移動し、コネクタハウジング３が浮いてしまって、挿入側コネクタ部側の雌状端子と受入側コネクタ部側の雄状端子の嵌合が甘くなり、両コネクタ部の接続状態が悪化してジョイントコネクタの性能及び信頼性を損なう恐れがあった。
【０００８】
本発明は上記課題を解決し、挿入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタハウジングの積層段数が増えても、挿入側コネクタ部と受入側コネクタ部間の接続状態が良好に保持され、ジョイントコネクタの性能及び信頼性を向上させることができるジョイントコネクタを提供することを目的とするものである。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、本発明の請求項１に記載された発明は、雌状端子を収容する端子収容室が複数室単層に併設されたコネクタハウジングを複数段に積層して合体した挿入側コネクタ部と、挿入側コネクタ部が挿入されるコネクタケース及び該ケース内に突設され、挿入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタハウジングの雌状端子に接続される複数の雄状端子を有する受入側コネクタ部とを備え、挿入側コネクタ部と受入側コネクタ部とをコネクタロック手段で相互にロックしてなるジョイントコネクタにおいて、前記コネクタロック手段が、前記挿入側コネクタ部における前記コネクタハウジングの積層方向において中間の所定段目に位置する１または複数の前記コネクタハウジングの側部と、前記受入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタケースの側壁とをロックするように設けられた係合ロック手段であることを特徴とするものである。
【００１０】
このように、コネクタロック手段が両コネクタ部の横側位置に設けられることにより、上下方向に複数段に積層されたコネクタハウジングをロックする１又は複数のロック支点が両コネクタ部の最上部側位置から上下方向の中間の任意位置まで移動し、コネクタロック手段のロック支点から両コネクタ部の最上部側、最下部側位置等といった自由端までの距離が短くなる。
【００１１】
その結果、コネクタロック手段のロック支点と各自由端との間に積層されるコネクタハウジングの個数が少なくなり、コネクタハウジング間に生じるがたつきの累積量が減少して、コネクタハウジングが前記引張力の作用で受入側コネクタ部から引き抜かれる方向に移動して浮いてしまうようなことがなくなる。
【００１２】
従って、挿入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタハウジングの積層段数が増えても、挿入側コネクタ部と受入側コネクタ部の接続状態が良好に保持され、ジョイントコネクタの性能及び信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００１３】
本発明の請求項２に記載された発明は、請求項１記載のジョイントコネクタにおいて、前記コネクタロック手段が、挿入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタハウジングの両側部と、受入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタケースの両側壁とをロックするように両横側位置に設けられていることを特徴とするものである。
【００１４】
このような構成によると、挿入側コネクタ部のコネクタハウジングに受入側コネクタ部から引き抜こうとする引張力が作用しても、コネクタハウジングがその両側でコネクタロック手段でしっかりと保持されて安定し、ジョイントコネクタが堅牢になるので好ましい。
【００１５】
本発明の請求項３に記載された発明は、請求項１又は２記載のジョイントコネクタにおいて、前記コネクタロック手段が、係合凹部と、先端側に係合凹部に係合する爪を有する弾性片からなる係合爪部とで構成され、係合凹部が挿入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタハウジングの側部に設けられ、係合爪部が受入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタケースの側壁に片持ち状に設けられていることを特徴とするものである。
【００１６】
このような構成によると、コネクタロック手段の係合動作が円滑で係合不良が少なくなり、挿入側コネクタ部の受入側コネクタ部に対する接続がより確実になるほか、一般に形状、構造の簡単な係合凹部が挿入側コネクタ部のコネクタハウジングに設けられ、係合凹部よりも形状、構造の複雑な係合爪部が受入側コネクタ部のコネクタケース側に設けられることになり、その結果、ジョイントコネクタの製造が容易で安価に得ることができるほか、小型化を図ることができるので好ましい。
【００１７】
本発明の請求項４に記載された発明は、請求項１、２又は３記載のジョイントコネクタにおいて、前記コネクタロック手段が係合凹部と、先端側に係合凹部に係合する爪及び爪に対して略Ｙ形状となるように外側に斜めに延出する反りタブを有する弾性片からなる係合爪部とで構成されることを特徴とするものである。
また、本発明の請求項５に記載された発明は、請求項１、２、３又は４記載のジョイントコネクタにおいて、前記雄状端子は、一つの回路基板に複数個が支持、固定されていることを特徴とするものである。
【００１８】
本発明の請求項４に記載された発明の構成によると、係合爪部における反りタブの傾斜する内側面を係合爪部の軸線方向に沿って押すことにより、係合爪部の爪が係合凹部から容易に外れて、コネクタロック手段のロックが速やかに解除され、複雑、高価な治具を用いなくても、挿入側コネクタ部を受入側コネクタ部から簡単、容易に引き抜いて分離させることができ、コネクタの取り替え、修理等が便利になるので好ましい。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明の実施形態を図面により詳細に説明する。図１は本発明のジョイントコネクタを自動車用ワイヤーハーネスの多極コネクタに適用した場合の分解斜視図である。
【００２０】
本実施形態のジョイントコネクタは、上記図に示すように、雌状端子（図示せず）を収容する端子収容室１９が複数室（図示例は１０室）単層に併設された１０極のコネクタハウジング１７を複数段（図示例は１０段）に積層して合体した挿入側コネクタ部（積層コネクタ）１１と、一方の開口から挿入側コネクタ部１１が挿入されて収容されるコネクタケース（アッパーケース）２１及び該ケース２１内に突設され、挿入側コネクタ部１１におけるコネクタハウジング１７の雌状端子に接続される複数（図示例は上下左右に１０個の合計１００個）の雄状端子２３を有する受入側コネクタ部（電気接続箱）１３とを備え、挿入側コネクタ部１１を受入側コネクタ部１３に挿入し、挿入側コネクタ部１１と受入側コネクタ部１３とをコネクタロック手段１５で相互にロックしてなるものである。
【００２１】
更に具体的に説明すると、挿入側コネクタ部１１を構成する各コネクタハウジング１７は、簡単、容易に積層して合体し、更に受入側コネクタ部１３に挿入し易いように、同じ形状、構造、サイズでプラスチック成形加工により板状に形成され、その端子収容室１９内には、ワイヤーハーネスを構成する電線（図示せず）の端末に接続された雌状端子が収容され、本実施形態では１０段に積層され、ハウジング連結手段２５により相互に合体される。
【００２２】
ハウジング連結手段２５は、図１、２に示すように、各コネクタハウジング１７の両側部（図示例は片側だけが示されている）に設けられた上下１対のコ字状の係合凹部２７とこれに係止されるフック状の係合凸部２９とを有し、その係合凹部２７に隣接するコネクタハウジング１７の係合凸部２９が係合されて、コネクタハウジング１７が相互に連結され、合体されるようになっている。なお、このハウジング連結手段２５は、図示しないが、係合凹部２７、係合凸部２９に隣接して、コネクタハウジング１７相互がその積層面に沿った方向に移動するのを拘束する係合凹凸部も設けられている。３１は前記コネクタハウジング１７が１０段に積層、合体された後、最上段のコネクタハウジング１７の上に装着されるカバーである。
【００２３】
受入側コネクタ部１３のコネクタケース２１はプラスチック成形加工により４角形状箱型に形成され、一方の開口から挿入された挿入側コネクタ部１１を受け入れて収容する第１収容スペース３３が設けられる。そして、第１収容スペース３３が設けられたコネクタケース２１の両内壁面に、挿入側コネクタ部１１の各コネクタハウジング１７の両側部が案内されながら挿入される案内溝３５が、コネクタケース２１の長手方向、即ち、挿入側コネクタ部１１の挿入方向に沿って、且つ、上下方向に所定間隔、即ち、挿入側コネクタ部１１の端子収容室１９に収容された雌状端子のコネクタハウジング積層方向のピッチに合致するピッチ間隔で併設されている。
【００２４】
コネクタケース２１の第１収容スペース３３に突設される雄状端子２３は、図１、３に示すように、銅、銅合金材料等の良導電材料で製作されたピン状接続部材からなる。そして、その基端側が、プラスチック等の絶縁板の一面（裏面）に銅箔等の導電体からなる回路パターンが印刷等により設けられた回路基板３７の他面（表面）に、回路基板３７を貫通して支持されると共に、その回路パターンにはんだ付けされて接続されている。
【００２５】
回路基板３７は、図３に示すように、コネクタケース２１の第１収容スペース３３の反対側に隔壁２１ａを隔てて設けられた第２収容スペース３９に収容されて保持されると共に、雄状端子２３が隔壁２１ａに形成された貫通穴２１ｂを通して第１収容スペース３３内に突設され、挿入側コネクタ部１１の雌状端子に挿入されて接続されるようになっている。なお、雄状端子２３及び回路基板３７を銅、銅合金材料等の良導電材料からなるブスバーで構成するようにしてもよい。また、４１は、図１、３に示すように、コネクタケース２１の第２収容スペース３９の開口部に取り付けられて、第２収容スペース３９に収容された回路基板３７を保持すると共に保護するケースカバー（ロアケース）である。
【００２６】
挿入側コネクタ部１１を受入側コネクタ部１３に挿入し、挿入側コネクタ部１１と受入側コネクタ部１３とを相互にロックするコネクタロック手段１５は、本実施形態では、図３に示すように、挿入側コネクタ部１１におけるコネクタハウジング１７の両側部と、受入側コネクタ部１３におけるコネクタケース２１の第１収容スペース３３が設けられた両側壁とをロックするように両横側位置に設けられている。
【００２７】
更に具体的に説明すると、該コネクタロック手段１５は、図３乃至５に示すように、係合凹部４３と係合爪部４５とで構成される。係合凹部は略コ字形状をしており、挿入側コネクタ部１１における各コネクタハウジング１７の両側部において、挿入側コネクタ部挿入方向の比較的先端寄りの部位に設けられる。係合爪部４５は、先端側に係合凹部４３に係合する爪４７及び爪に対して略Ｙ形状（略二股形状）となるように外側に斜めに延出する反りタブ４９を有する弾性片からなる。
【００２８】
係合爪部４５は、爪４７が第１収容スペース３３の底部側（隔壁２１ａ側）に位置して挿入側コネクタ部１１が挿入される方向に沿うように、また、基端側が、受入側コネクタ部１３のコネクタケース２１の第１収容スペース３３が設けられている両側壁にあって、受入側コネクタ部１３に挿入側コネクタ部１１が挿入されたとき、その３段目と８段目のコネクタハウジング１７が案内されながら挿入される案内溝３５のある部位に片持ち状に設けられている（図１参照）。
【００２９】
そして、挿入側コネクタ部１１が受入側コネクタ部１３に挿入され、コネクタケース２１の第１収容スペース３３内に収容されると、コネクタロック手段１５の係合爪部４５の爪４７が係合凹部４３に係合され、挿入側コネクタ部１１と受入側コネクタ部１３が相互にロックされると共に、受入側コネクタ部１３の雄状端子２３が挿入側コネクタ部１１の雌状端子に挿入されて、両コネクタ部１１、１３が電気的に接続される（図３参照）。
【００３０】
本実施形態のジョイントコネクタを組み立てる場合には、前記コネクタハウジング１７の端子収容室１９にワイヤーハーネスを構成する電線の端末に接続された雌状端子を収容したコネクタハウジング１７を積層し、ハウジング連結手段２５で合体して挿入側コネクタ部１１を得る。次に、この挿入側コネクタ部１１と受入側コネクタ部１３とを対向させて、両コネクタ部１１、１３のセンター（軸線）を合わせて、挿入側コネクタ部１１を受入側コネクタ部１３におけるコネクタケース２１の第１収容スペース３３内に挿入する。そして、コネクタロック手段１５の係合爪部４５の爪４７を係合凹部４３に係合して、両コネクタ部１１、１３をロックすると共に、受入側コネクタ部１３側の雄状端子２３を挿入側コネクタ部１１側の雌状端子に挿入して、両コネクタ部１１、１３を電気的に接続する。
【００３１】
なお、前記実施形態のコネクタロック手段１５は、挿入側コネクタ部１１におけるコネクタハウジング１７の両側部と、受入側コネクタ部１３におけるコネクタケース２１の両側壁とをロックするように両横側位置に設けられているが、挿入側コネクタ部１１におけるコネクタハウジング１７の一方の側部と、該側部に対向する受入側コネクタ部１３におけるコネクタケース２１の一方の側壁とをロックするように一方の横側位置に設けられるようにしてもよい。
【００３２】
コネクタロック手段１５が挿入側コネクタ部１１におけるコネクタハウジング１７の側部と、受入側コネクタ部１３におけるコネクタケース２１の側壁とをロックするように横側位置に設けられていることにより、上下方向に複数段に積層されたコネクタハウジング１７をロックする１又は複数のロック支点が両コネクタ部１１、１３の最上部側位置から上下方向の中間の任意位置まで移動し、コネクタロック手段１５のロック支点から両コネクタ部１１、１３の最上部側、最下部側位置等といった自由端までの距離が短くなる。
【００３３】
その結果、コネクタロック手段１５のロック支点と各自由端との間に積層されるコネクタハウジング１７の個数が少なくなり、コネクタハウジング１７間に生じるがたつきの累積量が減少して、コネクタハウジング１７が前記引張力の作用で受入側コネクタ部１３から引き抜かれる方向に移動して浮いてしまうようなことがなくなる。
【００３４】
従って、挿入側コネクタ部１１におけるコネクタハウジング１７の積層段数が増えても、挿入側コネクタ部１１と受入側コネクタ部１３の接続状態が良好に保持され、ジョイントコネクタの性能及び信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００３５】
また、コネクタロック手段１５が、挿入側コネクタ部１１におけるコネクタハウジング１７の両側部と、受入側コネクタ部１３におけるコネクタケース２１の両側壁とをロックするように両横側位置に設けられていると、挿入側コネクタ部１１のコネクタハウジング１７に受入側コネクタ部１３から引き抜こうとする引張力が作用しても、コネクタハウジング１７がその両側でコネクタロック手段１５でしっかりと保持されて安定し、ジョイントコネクタが堅牢になるので好ましい。
【００３６】
また、コネクタロック手段１５が係合凹部４３と、先端側に係合凹部４３に係合する爪４７を有する弾性片からなる係合爪部４５とで構成されていると、コネクタロック手段の係合動作が円滑になって係合不良が少なくなり、挿入側コネクタ部の受入側コネクタ部に対する接続がより確実になるので好ましい。
【００３７】
また、コネクタロック手段１５は、前記実施形態のものとは反対に、その係合凹部４３が受入側コネクタ部１３におけるコネクタケース２１の側壁に、係合爪部４５が挿入側コネクタ部１１におけるコネクタハウジング１７の側部に設けられるようにしてもよい。
【００３８】
前記実施形態のように、一般に形状、構造の簡単な係合凹部４３が挿入側コネクタ部１１におけるコネクタハウジング１７の側部に設けられ、係合凹部４３よりも形状、構造の複雑な係合爪部４５が受入側コネクタ部１３におけるコネクタケース２１の側壁に片持ち状に設けられていると、ジョイントコネクタの製造が容易で安価に得ることができるほか、小型化を図ることができるので好ましい。
【００３９】
コネクタロック手段１５の係合爪部４５は、挿入側コネクタ部１１の各コネクタハウジング１７に設けられた係合凹部４３に対応させて設けてもよいが、前記実施形態のように、コネクタハウジング１７の３段目と８段目に相当するコネクタケース２１の側壁に設けるようにしても、挿入側コネクタ部１１と受入側コネクタ部１３をロックした後、コネクタハウジング１７に引き抜こうとする引張力が作用したとき、どこの段のコネクタハウジング１７も浮いてしまうようなことがなく、良好な接続状態を保持することができる。
【００４０】
従って、係合爪部４５の配設位置及び個数は前記実施形態のものに限定されるものではなく、コネクタハウジング１７の積層される段数、ジョイントコネクタの使用環境、条件等によって適宜変更してもよい。一般に、コネクタハウジング１７の積層段数が多い場合は個数を増やし、積層段数が少ない場合は減らす。コネクタケース２１の側壁に設けられる係合爪部４５が１個の場合には、コネクタケース２１の上下方向における中間の二分点である中央位置に設けるのが望ましい。ところで、係合凹部４３は、コネクタハウジング１７が積層、合体及び受入側コネクタ部１３への挿入を容易にするために、同一形状、構造、サイズに製作することが望ましいため、各コネクタハウジング１７毎に設けてあるが、前記係合爪部４５に対応するコネクタハウジング１７の側部にだけ設けてもよく、個数は前記実施形態のものに限定されない。
【００４１】
挿入側コネクタ部１１と受入側コネクタ部１３のロック状態を解除する場合には、例えば、図４、５に示すような、４角形板からなる支持部材５３において、コネクタロック手段１５における係合爪部４５の配設位置に対応した位置に、先端が先細り状に形成された４本の棒状の押し部材５５を突設させてなる簡易なコネクタロック解除治具５１を用いる。
【００４２】
そして、コネクタロック解除治具５１の４本の押し部材５５を受入側コネクタ部１３におけるケースカバー４１に穿設された４個の挿通穴４１ａ及びコネクタケース２１に設けられた挿通穴２１ｃに通し、各押し部材５５の先端を前記係合爪部４５の反りタブ４９の傾斜する内側面４９ａに押し当て、係合爪部４５の軸線方向に押す。そうすると、各反りタブ４９が弾性片の弾性に抗してコネクタケース２１の側壁から外側方へ変形して逃げ、爪４７が係合凹部４３から容易に外れて、コネクタロック手段１５、即ち、両コネクタ部１１、１３のロック状態が解除され、挿入側コネクタ部１１を受入側コネクタ部１３から簡単、容易に引き抜いて分離させることができる。前記ロック状態の解除後、係合爪部４５がその弾性作用により元の位置に速やかに復帰する。
【００４３】
なお、コネクタロック解除治具５１の押し部材５５の先端部を係合爪部４５の反りタブ４９の内側面４９ａに押し当てる際、押し部材５５の先端部又は反りタブ４９が滑りを起こして横に逃げてしまい、係合爪部４５の爪４７が係合凹部４３から容易に外れず、両コネクタ部１１、１３のロック状態が速やかに解除されない恐れがある場合には、図６に示すように、係合爪部４５の内側面４９ａに、反りタブ４９の長手方向に沿って押し部材５５の先端部が入る、例えば、断面Ｕ形状の凹溝４９ｂを設けることが好ましい。このように凹溝４９ｂを設けると、押し部材５５が凹溝４９ｂに案内されながら係合爪部４５の軸線方向（矢印方向）に押し込まれるので、押し部材５５又は反りタブ４９の相対滑り（横逃げ）を確実に防止することができる。
【００４４】
また、前記コネクタロック解除治具５１が無い場合（町の修理工場でロック状態を解除する場合等）には、図７に示すような、小さなマイナス型のドライバー５７を、コネクタケース２１の係合爪部４５の反りタブ４９が設けられている部位近傍に斜め方向に穿設された４個の傾斜穴２１ｄに１箇所ずつ通す。そして、その先端を反りタブ４９に押し当て、ドライバー５７の軸側面が傾斜穴２１ｄの斜面及び入口端縁に突き当たるまで、ドライバー５７を傾け、反りタブ４９を外側方へ変形させ、爪４７を係合凹部４３から逃がして外す。このような動作を４回繰り返し、両コネクタ部１１、１３のロック状態を解除する。
【００４５】
このように、反りタブ４９を有する係合爪部４５を用いると、簡易なコネクタロック解除治具５１や市販のドライバー５７等を使用するだけで、挿入側コネクタ部１１を受入側コネクタ部１３から簡単、容易に引き抜いて分離させることができ、コネクタの取り替え、修理等が便利になるので好ましい。
【００４６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明の請求項1記載の積層ジョイントコネクタによると、前記コネクタロック手段が、挿入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタハウジングの側部と、受入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタケースの側壁とをロックするように横側位置に設けられていることにより、コネクタハウジング間に生じるがたつきの累積量が減少して、コネクタハウジングが前記引張力の作用で受入側コネクタ部から引き抜かれる方向に移動して浮いてしまうようなことがなくなるので、挿入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタハウジングの積層段数が増えても、挿入側コネクタ部と受入側コネクタ部の接続状態が良好に保持され、ジョイントコネクタの性能及び信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００４７】
本発明の請求項２に記載されたジョイントコネクタのように、前記コネクタロック手段が、挿入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタハウジングの両側部と、受入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタケースの両側壁とをロックするように両横側位置に設けられていると、挿入側コネクタ部のコネクタハウジングに受入側コネクタ部から引き抜こうとする引張力が作用しても、コネクタハウジングがその両側でコネクタロック手段でしっかりと保持されて安定し、ジョイントコネクタが堅牢になるので好ましい。
【００４８】
本発明の請求項３に記載されたジョイントコネクタのように、前記コネクタロック手段が、係合凹部と、先端側に係合凹部に係合する爪を有する弾性片からなる係合爪部とで構成され、係合凹部が挿入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタハウジングの側部に設けられ、係合爪部が受入側コネクタ部におけるコネクタケースの側壁に片持ち状に設けられていると、コネクタロック手段の係合動作が円滑で係合不良が少なくなり、挿入側コネクタ部の受入側コネクタ部に対する接続がより確実になるほか、ジョイントコネクタの製造が容易で安価に得られるほか、小型化を図ることができるので好ましい。
【００４９】
本発明の請求項４に記載されたジョイントコネクタのように、前記コネクタロック手段が係合凹部と、先端側に係合凹部に係合する爪及び爪に対して略Ｙ形状となるように外側に斜めに延出する反りタブを有する弾性片からなる係合爪部とで構成されていると、係合爪部における反りタブの傾斜する内側面を係合爪部の軸線方向に沿って押すことにより、係合爪部の爪が係合凹部から容易に外れて、コネクタロック手段のロックが速やかに解除され、複雑、高価な治具を用いなくても、挿入側コネクタ部を受入側コネクタ部から簡単、容易に引き抜いて分離させることができ、コネクタの取り替え、修理等が便利になるので好ましい。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のジョイントコネクタを自動車用ワイヤーハーネスの多極コネクタに適用した場合の分解斜視図である。
【図２】図１の挿入側コネクタ部におけるハウジング連結手段を拡大して示す概要図である。
【図３】図１において、挿入側コネクタ部を受入側コネクタ部に挿入した状態を示す概略断面図である。
【図４】挿入側コネクタ部と受入側コネクタ部のロック状態を解除する状態を示す概略断面図である。
【図５】図４において、コネクタロック解除治具により、係合爪部の爪を係合凹部から外す状態を示す説明図である。
【図６】コネクタロック手段における係合爪部の変形例を示す斜視図である。
【図７】市販のドライバーを用いて挿入側コネクタ部と受入側コネクタ部のロック状態を解除する状態を示す概略断面図である。
【図８】従来のジョイントコネクタの挿入側コネクタ部を示すもので、（Ａ）はコネクタハウジングを積層する前の状態の斜視図、（Ｂ）はコネクタハウジングを積層した合体した状態の斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１１挿入側コネクタ部
１３受入側コネクタ部
１５コネクタロック手段
１７コネクタハウジング
１９端子収容室
２１コネクタケース
２１ａ隔壁
２１ｂ貫通穴
２１ｃ挿通穴
２１ｄ傾斜穴
２３雄状端子
２５ハウジング連結手段
２７係合凹部
２９係合凸部
３１カバー
３３第１収容スペース
３５案内溝
３７回路基板
３９第２収容スペース
４１ケースカバー
４１ａ挿通穴
４３係合凹部
４５係合爪部
４７爪
４９反りタブ
４９ａ内側面
４９ｂ凹溝
５１コネクタロック解除治具
５３支持部材
５５押し部材
５７ドライバー[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a joint connector used for branch connection of a wire harness routed in an automobile or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
This type of connector includes a connector housing in which terminal housing chambers for accommodating female terminals are provided in a plurality of single layers, laminated in a plurality of stages, and an insertion-side connector portion (laminated connector) combined by a housing connecting means, A connector case (upper case) in which the insertion-side connector portion is inserted and accommodated from the opening of the connector, and a plurality of male terminals that protrude from the connector case and are connected to the female terminals of the connector housing in the insertion-side connector portion; The receiving side connector part (electrical connection box) which has (refer patent document 1).
[0003]
In FIG. 8, a connector housing 3 in which a terminal housing chamber 2 for housing a female terminal (not shown) is provided in a single layer is laminated in three stages (see FIG. 8A). An insertion-side connector portion 1 is shown in which the connector housing 3 is joined (see FIG. 8B) by engaging the engaging concave portion 5 and the engaging convex portion 6 of the housing connecting means 4. Furthermore, when the insertion-side connector portion 1 is inserted into the receiving-side connector portion (not shown) on the upper surface of the cover 7 mounted on the upper portion of the connector housing 3 stacked on the uppermost stage of the insertion-side connector portion 1, A locking arm 9 of the connector locking means 8 for locking the insertion side connector portion 1 and the receiving side connector portion to each other is provided, and an engaging projection 10 is projected on the upper surface thereof, so that the upper wall of the connector case in the receiving side connector portion It is comprised so that it may engage with the engagement recessed part (illustration omitted) provided in the. In addition, W is an electric wire which comprises a wire harness and the female terminal accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 2 of the said connector housing 3 is connected to the terminal (refer patent document 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-39239 A (paragraphs 0019 to 0026 in the Detailed Description of the Invention, FIGS. 1A and 1B)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-65073 (paragraphs 0014 to 0015, paragraph 0018, FIGS. 1 and 2 in the Detailed Description of the Invention)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional joint connector, the connector locking means 8 for mutually locking the insertion side connector portion 1 and the receiving side connector portion includes the uppermost side of the insertion side connector portion and the uppermost side of the connector case in the receiving side connector portion. Are provided at the uppermost position so as to lock.
[0006]
By the way, the housing coupling means 4 used to unite the connector housings 3 has a large engagement force in the direction in which the connector housings 3 are stacked, and therefore, rattling (free gap) between the engagement recesses 5 and the engagement projections 6 is achieved. (Or clearance) is less likely to occur, but the engagement force in the direction along the surface of the connector housing 3, that is, the direction in which the connector housing 3 is pulled out from the receiving connector portion is smaller than that in the stacking direction. And rattling between the engaging projections 6 is likely to occur.
[0007]
Then, when a tensile force is applied to the electric wire W to pull out the connector housing 3 from the receiving side connector portion of the other party, the rattling accumulates as the number of stacked layers of the connector housing 3 increases, and the lower position is increased. The connector housing 3 to be moved moves in the direction of being pulled out from the receiving side connector portion, and the connector housing 3 is lifted, so that the female terminal on the insertion side connector portion side and the male terminal on the receiving side connector portion side are loosely fitted. As a result, the connection state of the two connector portions deteriorates and the performance and reliability of the joint connector may be impaired.
[0008]
The present invention solves the above problems, and even if the number of stacked connector housings in the insertion-side connector portion increases, the connection state between the insertion-side connector portion and the receiving-side connector portion is maintained well, and the performance and reliability of the joint connector It is an object of the present invention to provide a joint connector capable of improving the above.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the connector housing in which the terminal housing chambers for accommodating the female terminals are provided in a plurality of single layers is laminated and combined in a plurality of stages. An insertion-side connector portion, a connector case into which the insertion-side connector portion is inserted, and a receiving-side connector having a plurality of male terminals that project from the case and are connected to female terminals of the connector housing in the insertion-side connector portion A joint connector formed by mutually locking the insertion-side connector portion and the receiving-side connector portion with connector locking means, the connector locking means,Provided to lock one or more side portions of the connector housing located at a predetermined intermediate stage in the stacking direction of the connector housings in the insertion side connector portion, and a side wall of the connector case in the receiving side connector portion. Engagement locking meansIt is characterized by this.
[0010]
Thus, by providing the connector locking means at the lateral position of both connector portions, one or more lock fulcrums for locking the connector housings stacked in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction are positioned at the uppermost side of both connector portions. From the lock fulcrum of the connector lock means to the free end such as the uppermost side, the lowermost side position, etc. of both connector parts.
[0011]
As a result, the number of connector housings stacked between the lock fulcrum of the connector locking means and each free end is reduced, the amount of rattling accumulated between the connector housings is reduced, and the connector housing is As a result, it does not move and float in the direction of being pulled out from the receiving connector.
[0012]
Therefore, even when the number of stacked connector housings in the insertion-side connector portion increases, the connection state between the insertion-side connector portion and the reception-side connector portion is well maintained, and the performance and reliability of the joint connector can be improved.
[0013]
The invention described in claim 2 of the present invention is the joint connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector locking means includes both side portions of the connector housing in the insertion side connector portion and both side walls of the connector case in the receiving side connector portion. Are provided at both lateral positions so as to be locked.
[0014]
According to such a configuration, even when a tensile force is applied to the connector housing of the insertion-side connector portion to pull out from the receiving-side connector portion, the connector housing is firmly held by the connector locking means on both sides and stabilized, and the joint This is preferable because the connector is robust.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the joint connector according to the first or second aspect, the connector locking means includes an engagement recess and an elastic piece having a claw that engages with the engagement recess on the distal end side. The engaging recess is provided on the side of the connector housing in the insertion-side connector part, and the engaging claw is provided in a cantilever manner on the side wall of the connector case in the receiving-side connector part. It is characterized by that.
[0016]
According to such a configuration, the engagement operation of the connector locking means is smooth and the engagement failure is reduced, the connection of the insertion side connector part to the receiving side connector part is more reliable, and generally the simple engagement of the shape and structure. The mating recess is provided in the connector housing of the insertion side connector part, and the engaging claw part having a more complicated shape and structure than the engaging recess is provided on the connector case side of the receiving side connector part. As a result, the joint connector Is easy and can be obtained at low cost, and can be reduced in size.
[0017]
  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the joint connector according to the first, second, or third aspect, the connector locking means includes an engagement recess, a claw that engages the engagement recess on the distal end side, and a claw. On the other hand, it is comprised by the engaging claw part which consists of an elastic piece which has the curvature tab extended diagonally outward so that it may become a substantially Y shape.
  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the joint connector according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect, a plurality of the male terminals are supported and fixed on a single circuit board. It is characterized by this.
[0018]
  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention,According to the configuration, by pushing the inclined inner surface of the warping tab in the engaging claw portion along the axial direction of the engaging claw portion, the claw of the engaging claw portion is easily detached from the engaging recess, and the connector locking means The lock is released quickly, and the insertion side connector can be easily pulled out and separated from the receiving side connector without using complicated and expensive jigs. This is preferable.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view when the joint connector of the present invention is applied to a multipolar connector of an automobile wire harness.
[0020]
The joint connector of the present embodiment is a 10-pole connector in which a terminal accommodating chamber 19 for accommodating a female terminal (not shown) is provided in a plurality of chambers (10 chambers in the illustrated example) in a single layer as shown in the above figure. An insertion-side connector portion (laminated connector) 11 in which the housings 17 are stacked and combined in a plurality of stages (10 in the illustrated example), and a connector case (upper case) in which the insertion-side connector part 11 is inserted and accommodated from one opening ) 21 and a plurality of male terminals 23 (a total of 100 in the illustrated example, 10 in the up-down direction and the left-right direction) connected to the female terminals of the connector housing 17 in the insertion-side connector portion 11. A receiving side connector portion (electrical connection box) 13, the insertion side connector portion 11 is inserted into the receiving side connector portion 13, and the insertion side connector portion 11 and the receiving side connector portion 13 are It is intended to be locked to each other at the click means 15.
[0021]
More specifically, the connector housings 17 constituting the insertion-side connector portion 11 are simply and easily stacked and united, and further, the same shape, structure, and size so that they can be easily inserted into the receiving-side connector portion 13. In the terminal accommodating chamber 19, a female terminal connected to the terminal of an electric wire (not shown) constituting the wire harness is accommodated, and in this embodiment, 10 stages are formed. And are joined together by the housing connecting means 25.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing connecting means 25 includes a pair of upper and lower U-shaped engaging recesses 27 provided on both sides of the connector housing 17 (only one side is shown in the illustrated example). And a hook-shaped engaging convex portion 29 that is locked thereto, and the engaging convex portion 29 of the connector housing 17 adjacent to the engaging concave portion 27 is engaged so that the connector housing 17 is connected to each other. And are being merged. Although not shown, the housing connecting means 25 is adjacent to the engaging concave portion 27 and the engaging convex portion 29, and is an engaging concave and convex portion that restrains the connector housings 17 from moving in the direction along the laminated surface. Department is also provided. Reference numeral 31 denotes a cover that is mounted on the uppermost connector housing 17 after the connector housings 17 are stacked and combined in 10 stages.
[0023]
The connector case 21 of the receiving-side connector portion 13 is formed into a quadrangular box shape by plastic molding, and a first receiving space 33 is provided for receiving and receiving the inserting-side connector portion 11 inserted from one opening. Then, guide grooves 35 are inserted into both inner wall surfaces of the connector case 21 provided with the first accommodation space 33 while both side portions of the connector housings 17 of the insertion side connector portion 11 are guided. Direction, ie, along the insertion direction of the insertion-side connector portion 11 and in the vertical direction, a predetermined interval, that is, the pitch of the female terminals accommodated in the terminal accommodation chamber 19 of the insertion-side connector portion 11 in the connector housing lamination direction. It is also attached at a pitch interval that matches.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the male terminal 23 projecting from the first accommodation space 33 of the connector case 21 is made of a pin-like connection member made of a highly conductive material such as copper or a copper alloy material. The base end side of the circuit board 37 is provided on the other surface (front surface) of the circuit board 37 in which a circuit pattern made of a conductor such as copper foil is provided on one surface (back surface) of an insulating plate such as plastic. The circuit pattern is supported by being penetrated and soldered to the circuit pattern.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 3, the circuit board 37 is accommodated and held in a second accommodation space 39 provided on the opposite side of the first accommodation space 33 of the connector case 21 with a partition wall 21 a therebetween, and a male terminal. 23 protrudes into the first accommodation space 33 through a through hole 21b formed in the partition wall 21a, and is inserted into and connected to the female terminal of the insertion side connector portion 11. Note that the male terminal 23 and the circuit board 37 may be formed of a bus bar made of a highly conductive material such as copper or a copper alloy material. 1 and 3, a case 41 is attached to the opening of the second accommodation space 39 of the connector case 21 to hold and protect the circuit board 37 accommodated in the second accommodation space 39. Cover (lower case).
[0026]
The connector locking means 15 for inserting the insertion side connector part 11 into the reception side connector part 13 and locking the insertion side connector part 11 and the reception side connector part 13 to each other is shown in FIG. It is provided in both lateral positions so as to lock both side portions of the connector housing 17 in the insertion side connector portion 11 and both side walls provided with the first accommodation spaces 33 of the connector case 21 in the receiving side connector portion 13. .
[0027]
More specifically, the connector locking means 15 includes an engaging recess 43 and an engaging claw 45 as shown in FIGS. The engaging recess has a substantially U-shape, and is provided at a portion closer to the distal end in the insertion side connector portion insertion direction on both sides of each connector housing 17 in the insertion side connector portion 11. The engagement claw portion 45 has a claw 47 that engages with the engagement recess 43 on the distal end side, and a warp tab 49 that obliquely extends outward so as to be substantially Y-shaped (substantially bifurcated) with respect to the claw. It consists of pieces.
[0028]
The engaging claw portion 45 is positioned so that the claw 47 is positioned on the bottom side (the partition wall 21a side) of the first accommodation space 33 and extends along the direction in which the insertion side connector portion 11 is inserted, and the base end side is the receiving side. When the insertion side connector part 11 is inserted into the receiving side connector part 13 on both side walls of the connector part 13 where the first housing space 33 of the connector case 21 is provided, the third and eighth stages The connector housing 17 is provided in a cantilevered manner at a portion where the guide groove 35 is inserted while being guided (see FIG. 1).
[0029]
When the insertion-side connector portion 11 is inserted into the receiving-side connector portion 13 and accommodated in the first accommodation space 33 of the connector case 21, the claw 47 of the engagement claw portion 45 of the connector lock means 15 is engaged with the engagement recess. 43, the insertion side connector portion 11 and the reception side connector portion 13 are locked to each other, and the male terminal 23 of the reception side connector portion 13 is inserted into the female terminal of the insertion side connector portion 11, Both connector parts 11 and 13 are electrically connected (see FIG. 3).
[0030]
When assembling the joint connector of the present embodiment, the connector housing 17 accommodating the female terminal connected to the terminal of the electric wire constituting the wire harness is laminated in the terminal accommodating chamber 19 of the connector housing 17, and the housing connecting means 25, the insertion side connector part 11 is obtained. Next, the insertion-side connector portion 11 and the receiving-side connector portion 13 are made to face each other, the centers (axis lines) of the two connector portions 11 and 13 are aligned, and the insertion-side connector portion 11 is connected to the connector-side connector portion 13. 21 is inserted into the first accommodation space 33. Then, the claw 47 of the engagement claw portion 45 of the connector lock means 15 is engaged with the engagement recess 43 to lock both the connector portions 11 and 13 and insert the male terminal 23 on the receiving side connector portion 13 side. It inserts in the female terminal by the side connector part 11, and both the connector parts 11 and 13 are electrically connected.
[0031]
The connector locking means 15 of the embodiment is provided at both lateral positions so as to lock both side portions of the connector housing 17 in the insertion side connector portion 11 and both side walls of the connector case 21 in the receiving side connector portion 13. However, one side of the connector housing 17 in the insertion side connector portion 11 and one side of the connector case 21 in the receiving side connector portion 13 opposite to the side portion are locked. You may make it provide in a position.
[0032]
Since the connector locking means 15 is provided in the lateral position so as to lock the side portion of the connector housing 17 in the insertion side connector portion 11 and the side wall of the connector case 21 in the receiving side connector portion 13, One or a plurality of lock fulcrums for locking the connector housings 17 stacked in a plurality of stages move from the uppermost position of the connector portions 11 and 13 to an arbitrary position in the middle in the vertical direction, and from the lock fulcrum of the connector lock means 15. The distances to the free ends, such as the uppermost side, the lowermost side position, etc. of both the connector parts 11 and 13, become short.
[0033]
As a result, the number of connector housings 17 stacked between the lock fulcrum of the connector locking means 15 and each free end is reduced, the accumulated amount of rattling generated between the connector housings 17 is reduced, and the connector housing 17 is It does not move and float in the direction of being pulled out from the receiving side connector portion 13 by the action of the tensile force.
[0034]
Therefore, even if the number of stacking stages of the connector housing 17 in the insertion-side connector portion 11 is increased, the connection state between the insertion-side connector portion 11 and the receiving-side connector portion 13 is maintained well, and the performance and reliability of the joint connector are improved. Can do.
[0035]
The connector locking means 15 is provided at both lateral positions so as to lock both side portions of the connector housing 17 in the insertion side connector portion 11 and both side walls of the connector case 21 in the receiving side connector portion 13. Even when a tensile force is applied to the connector housing 17 of the insertion-side connector portion 11 to be pulled out from the receiving-side connector portion 13, the connector housing 17 is firmly held by the connector lock means 15 on both sides and stabilized. Is preferable because it becomes robust.
[0036]
Further, when the connector locking means 15 is composed of the engaging recess 43 and the engaging claw portion 45 made of an elastic piece having a claw 47 engaged with the engaging recess 43 on the distal end side, the engagement of the connector locking means. This is preferable because the joint operation becomes smooth, the engagement failure is reduced, and the connection of the insertion-side connector part to the receiving-side connector part becomes more reliable.
[0037]
Further, the connector locking means 15 has an engaging recess 43 on the side wall of the connector case 21 in the receiving side connector portion 13 and an engaging claw portion 45 on the insertion side connector portion 11. You may make it provide in the side part of the housing 17. FIG.
[0038]
As in the above-described embodiment, the engagement recess 43 having a simple shape and structure is generally provided on the side of the connector housing 17 in the insertion-side connector portion 11, and the engagement claw having a more complicated shape and structure than the engagement recess 43. It is preferable that the portion 45 is provided in a cantilever manner on the side wall of the connector case 21 in the receiving-side connector portion 13 because the joint connector can be easily manufactured at low cost and can be reduced in size.
[0039]
The engaging claw portion 45 of the connector locking means 15 may be provided corresponding to the engaging recess 43 provided in each connector housing 17 of the insertion side connector portion 11, but as in the above embodiment, the connector housing 17. Even if it is provided on the side wall of the connector case 21 corresponding to the third and eighth stages, a tensile force is applied to the connector housing 17 after the insertion-side connector part 11 and the receiving-side connector part 13 are locked. In this case, the connector housing 17 at any stage does not float, and a good connection state can be maintained.
[0040]
Accordingly, the arrangement position and the number of the engaging claw portions 45 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate depending on the number of stages in which the connector housing 17 is stacked, the use environment of the joint connector, conditions, and the like. Good. In general, the number is increased when the number of stacked stages of the connector housing 17 is large, and the number is decreased when the number of stacked stages is small. When the number of the engaging claw portions 45 provided on the side wall of the connector case 21 is one, it is desirable to provide it at the center position that is an intermediate bisector in the vertical direction of the connector case 21. By the way, the engagement recess 43 is preferably manufactured in the same shape, structure, and size so that the connector housing 17 can be easily stacked, combined, and inserted into the receiving-side connector portion 13. However, it may be provided only on the side portion of the connector housing 17 corresponding to the engagement claw portion 45, and the number is not limited to that of the above embodiment.
[0041]
When releasing the locked state of the insertion-side connector portion 11 and the receiving-side connector portion 13, for example, in a support member 53 made of a quadrangular plate as shown in FIGS. A simple connector lock releasing jig 51 is used in which four rod-shaped push members 55 whose tips are tapered are projected at positions corresponding to the arrangement positions of the portions 45.
[0042]
Then, the four pushing members 55 of the connector unlocking jig 51 are passed through the four insertion holes 41a formed in the case cover 41 in the receiving side connector portion 13 and the insertion holes 21c provided in the connector case 21, The front end of each pressing member 55 is pressed against the inclined inner surface 49 a of the warp tab 49 of the engaging claw portion 45 and is pushed in the axial direction of the engaging claw portion 45. Then, each warp tab 49 is deformed outward from the side wall of the connector case 21 against the elasticity of the elastic piece, and the claw 47 is easily detached from the engaging recess 43, so that the connector locking means 15, that is, both The locked state of the connector parts 11 and 13 is released, and the insertion-side connector part 11 can be easily and easily pulled out and separated from the receiving-side connector part 13. After the lock state is released, the engaging claw portion 45 quickly returns to the original position due to its elastic action.
[0043]
When the tip of the push member 55 of the connector unlocking jig 51 is pressed against the inner side surface 49a of the warp tab 49 of the engaging claw 45, the tip of the push member 55 or the warp tab 49 is caused to slip. If the claw 47 of the engagement claw portion 45 does not easily come off from the engagement recess 43 and the locked state of the connector portions 11 and 13 may not be released quickly, as shown in FIG. In addition, it is preferable to provide, for example, a concave groove 49b having a U-shaped cross section in the inner side surface 49a of the engagement claw portion 45, in which the distal end portion of the pressing member 55 enters along the longitudinal direction of the warp tab 49. When the concave groove 49b is provided in this way, the pushing member 55 is pushed in the axial direction (arrow direction) of the engaging claw portion 45 while being guided by the concave groove 49b. Escape) can be reliably prevented.
[0044]
Further, when the connector lock releasing jig 51 is not provided (when the lock state is released at a town repair shop, etc.), a small minus driver 57 as shown in FIG. The claw portion 45 is passed one by one through the four inclined holes 21d formed in the oblique direction in the vicinity of the portion where the warp tab 49 is provided. Then, the tip is pressed against the warp tab 49, and the driver 57 is tilted until the shaft side surface of the driver 57 abuts against the slope and the entrance edge of the inclined hole 21d, the warp tab 49 is deformed outwardly, and the claw 47 is engaged. Escape from the mating recess 43 and remove. Such an operation is repeated four times to release the locked state of both connector portions 11 and 13.
[0045]
As described above, when the engagement claw portion 45 having the warp tab 49 is used, the insertion-side connector portion 11 can be removed from the receiving-side connector portion 13 only by using a simple connector lock releasing jig 51, a commercially available driver 57, or the like. It is preferable because it can be easily and easily pulled out and separated, and the replacement and repair of the connector are convenient.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the multilayer joint connector according to claim 1 of the present invention, the connector locking means locks the side portion of the connector housing in the insertion side connector portion and the side wall of the connector case in the reception side connector portion. As a result, the accumulated amount of rattling that occurs between the connector housings is reduced, and the connector housing moves in the direction of being pulled out of the receiving connector portion by the action of the tensile force. Since there is no possibility of floating, even if the number of stacked connector housings in the insertion-side connector portion increases, the connection state between the insertion-side connector portion and the reception-side connector portion is maintained well, and the performance and reliability of the joint connector Can be improved.
[0047]
As in the joint connector described in claim 2 of the present invention, the connector locking means locks both side portions of the connector housing in the insertion side connector portion and both side walls of the connector case in the receiving side connector portion. If it is provided at both lateral positions, the connector housing is firmly held by the connector locking means on both sides even if a tensile force is applied to the connector housing of the insertion side connector part to pull it out from the receiving side connector part. It is preferable because it is stable and the joint connector becomes robust.
[0048]
As in the joint connector according to claim 3 of the present invention, the connector locking means includes an engagement recess and an engagement claw portion formed of an elastic piece having a claw that engages the engagement recess on the distal end side. Configured, the engaging recess is provided on the side of the connector housing in the insertion side connector portion, and the engaging claw is provided in a cantilevered manner on the side wall of the connector case in the receiving side connector portion. Engagement is smooth and engagement failure is reduced, the connection of the insertion side connector part to the receiving side connector part is more reliable, the joint connector can be easily manufactured at low cost, and the size can be reduced. It is preferable because it is possible.
[0049]
As in the joint connector according to claim 4 of the present invention, the connector locking means is formed on the outer side so as to be substantially Y-shaped with respect to the engaging recess, the claw engaging with the engaging recess on the distal end side, and the claw. And an engaging claw portion made of an elastic piece having a warping tab extending obliquely to the inner surface of the engaging claw portion, the inclined inner surface of the warping tab is pushed along the axial direction of the engaging claw portion. As a result, the claw of the engaging claw part can be easily removed from the engaging recess, and the lock of the connector locking means is quickly released, and the insertion side connector part can be connected to the receiving side connector without using a complicated and expensive jig. It is preferable because it can be easily and easily pulled out from the section and separated, and replacement and repair of the connector are convenient.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view when a joint connector of the present invention is applied to a multipolar connector of an automobile wire harness.
2 is an enlarged schematic view showing a housing connecting means in the insertion side connector portion of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the insertion side connector portion is inserted into the receiving side connector portion in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the locked state of the insertion-side connector portion and the receiving-side connector portion is released.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the claw of the engaging claw portion is removed from the engaging recess by the connector lock releasing jig in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a modification of the engaging claw portion in the connector locking means.
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the insertion side connector portion and the receiving side connector portion are unlocked using a commercially available driver.
8A and 8B show an insertion-side connector portion of a conventional joint connector, in which FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a state before stacking connector housings, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a combined state in which connector housings are stacked. is there.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Insertion side connector
13 Accepting side connector
15 Connector locking means
17 Connector housing
19 Terminal compartment
21 Connector case
21a Bulkhead
21b Through hole
21c insertion hole
21d inclined hole
23 Male terminal
25 Housing connecting means
27 Engaging recess
29 engaging projection
31 Cover
33 First storage space
35 Guide groove
37 Circuit board
39 Second storage space
41 Case cover
41a Insertion hole
43 Engaging recess
45 engaging claw
47 nails
49 Warp Tab
49a inner surface
49b groove
51 Connector unlocking jig
53 Support member
55 Pushing member
57 Driver

Claims

An insertion-side connector portion in which a plurality of connector housings in which a terminal housing chamber for accommodating a female terminal is provided in a single layer is laminated and combined, a connector case into which the insertion-side connector portion is inserted, and the case A receiving-side connector portion having a plurality of male terminals connected to the female terminals of the connector housing in the insertion-side connector portion, and the insertion-side connector portion and the receiving-side connector portion are mutually connected by the connector locking means. In the joint connector that is locked to the connector connector, the connector locking means includes one or more side portions of the connector housing that are positioned at a predetermined intermediate stage in the stacking direction of the connector housing in the insertion side connector portion, and the receiving portion. this is engageable locking means provided to lock the side wall of the connector case in the side connector portions Joint connector according to claim.

The connector locking means is provided at both lateral positions so as to lock both side portions of the connector housing in the insertion side connector portion and both side walls of the connector case in the receiving side connector portion. The joint connector according to 1.

The connector locking means includes an engagement recess and an engagement claw portion formed of an elastic piece having a claw that engages with the engagement recess on the distal end side, and the engagement recess is on the connector housing side in the insertion side connector portion. The joint connector according to claim 1, wherein the engaging claw portion is provided in a cantilever manner on a side wall of the connector case in the receiving-side connector portion.

The connector lock means includes an engagement recess, an nail that engages the engagement recess on the distal end side, and an elastic piece having a warp tab that extends obliquely outward so as to be substantially Y-shaped. The joint connector according to claim 1, 2, or 3, comprising a claw portion.

The joint connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein a plurality of the male terminals are supported and fixed on a single circuit board.