JP4956323B2 - Multipolar connector and method of assembling the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multipolar connector used for connecting a plurality of electric wires such as a wire harness for an automobile, and a method for assembling the multipolar connector.

As the multipolar connector, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it has an insertion side connector having a plurality of cavities for accommodating female terminals, and a receiving side connector having a plurality of cavities through which male terminals penetrate, A structure in which a male terminal is inserted into a female terminal and both are electrically connected by fitting both connectors together is well known. Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which the insertion-side connector is divided into a plurality of sub-connectors and coupled to each other in order to prevent erroneous insertion of the female terminals.
There are various terminal sizes and shapes used for such multipolar connectors, depending on the cross-sectional area of the connected wires, the required strength, the specifications of the mating connector, etc. . There are various sizes and shapes of the cavities corresponding to the size and shape of the terminals inserted into the block, the function of fixing the terminals, and the like.

JP 2005-123109 A JP 2007-5012 A

  The conventional multipolar connector described above forms the same type of cavity according to a single type of terminal, and when connecting wire harnesses having different diameters mixed together, It was necessary to prepare a plurality of connectors having cavities corresponding to the types of terminals to be connected, which took time and labor. For this reason, it is conceivable to form multiple types of cavities in a single connector, but it is difficult to insert terminals using automated equipment. End up.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a multipolar connector that can be combined with a single connector and can be automatically inserted even if the electric wires include different types of terminals without cost and management, and the assembly thereof. It is intended to provide a method.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a multipolar connector, wherein the receiving side connector is divided into groups of male cavities of the same type, and the insertion side connector is inserted in the insertion direction. It is formed from a plurality of male side blocks having substantially the same external shape as seen and a cover to which the plurality of male side blocks can be fitted, and each male side block is arbitrarily coupled and separated between adjacent male side blocks While forming each possible coupling part, the insertion side connector is divided into a plurality of female side blocks having the same external shape and coupling part as the male side block for each group of female side cavities of the same type, and the cover The female terminal and the male terminal are the same by fitting the plurality of combined female side blocks corresponding to the male side block in a state where the combined plurality of male side blocks are fitted. Is characterized in that in each group of the kind was respectively electrically connectable.
Here, “substantially the same outer shape” includes not only the same outer shape as seen in the insertion direction of the insertion side connector including the coupling portion, but also the same outer shape other than the coupling portion.
In addition, the term “the same type of terminal” as used in the present invention does not mean that the terminals have exactly the same specifications. Even if the terminal specifications are slightly different, if the size is the same and the part to be grasped by the tool is the same shape, when the terminal is inserted into the cavity with an automatic machine, the work can be done without changing the tool. You can think of them as substantially the same type. The same can be said for the corresponding cavities, and if the work can be done without changing the automatic machine, it can be considered to be substantially the same type.
On the other hand, the different types of terminals and cavities indicate that there is a difference that requires setup change by insertion by an automatic machine.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the male side block and the female side block are provided for each type of the cavity so that the difference in the types of the cavities can be easily visually recognized and the assembly error is prevented. It is characterized by being colored with different colors.
In the configuration of claim 3, in the configuration of claim 1 or 2, the outer surfaces of the male side block and the female side block are set to each other for each type of cavity in order to more effectively prevent misassembly. The protrusions are provided at different positions.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, in order to easily perform positioning when the female block is fitted, the insertion side connector is fitted to the cover. A retainer is provided that can be inserted and removed in a direction crossing the direction, and in the inserted state, engages with the outer surface of the female side block of the inserted insertion side connector to position the female side block. is there.

In order to achieve the above object, a fifth aspect of the invention is an assembly method for a multipolar connector according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the male side of a plurality of male side blocks of the receiving side connector is provided. The corresponding types of male terminals are accommodated in the cavities, the male blocks are coupled to each other in a predetermined combination by the coupling portion, and the plurality of coupled male blocks are fitted to the cover, while the insertion side connector Corresponding types of female terminals are accommodated in the female cavities of multiple female blocks, the female blocks are joined together in a predetermined combination by the joint, and the joined multiple female blocks are fitted to the cover It is characterized by making it.
The invention according to claim 6 is, in the configuration of claim 5, when the male side blocks and the female side blocks provided with protrusions on the outer surface are joined, the fitting holes that match the outer shape after joining are formed. Using the jig | tool which has, the block after a terminal accommodation is fitted to a fitting hole in order, and a block is couple | bonded.

According to invention of Claim 1 and 5, even if it is an electric wire with which the terminal from which a kind differs was mixed, it becomes connectable with a single multipolar connector. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of connectors having different types of cavities, and the cost and labor of management are reduced. Further, since the male side block and the female side block have the same shape even if the types of cavities are different, it is possible to insert a terminal by an automated facility, thereby reducing the possibility of erroneous insertion and maintaining production efficiency.
According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the type of the cavity set for each block can be easily visually recognized by the color, leading to prevention of assembly mistakes. In addition, it is possible to deal with a small variety of products while reducing the types of parts.
According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, the type of cavity set for each block can be easily confirmed visually and tactilely by the protrusions, and it is more effective in assembling mistakes. This leads to prevention.
According to invention of Claim 4, in addition to the effect in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3, complicated locking structure between a cover and a female side block like the conventional lock nail | claw or a locking piece. Therefore, positioning at the time of fitting of the female side block is possible with a simple structure, which can further contribute to cost reduction.
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the fifth aspect, the use of a jig can more reliably prevent the assembly error.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Form 1]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a multipolar connector. The multipolar connector 1 includes a receiving side connector 2 into which a male terminal is inserted and accommodated, and an insertion side connector 3 into which a female terminal is inserted and accommodated. Become. All are molded articles of synthetic resin. First, the receiving-side connector 2 includes a rectangular frame-shaped cover 4 with two front and rear surfaces (the lower left side in FIG. 1 is the front) and a male connector 5 assembled in the cover 4. On the inner surface, a step portion 6 for positioning the male connector 5 is formed, and the male connector 5 can be fitted by a locking structure (not shown) with the inner surface of the cover 4 at a contact position with the step portion 6. Yes.

  The male connector 5 is divided into three male blocks 7, 8, and 9 that are substantially square in front view, and each male block 7-9 has a plurality of male cavities that can accommodate male terminals (not shown). 10 to 12 are arranged in a grid with a predetermined number of rows and stages. Here, the male side cavities 10 to 12 are different in size for each male side block 7 to 9 and the male terminals are different in size. (For example, the left male cavity 10 in FIG. 1 is for 0.25 sq, the central male cavity 11 is for 0.40 sq, and the right male cavity 12 is for 0.60 sq.) Yes.)

  Further, on the side edges of the male side blocks 7 to 9 adjacent to each other, a protrusion 13 is formed on one side as a connecting portion, and a groove 14 that can be fitted to the protrusion 13 is formed on the other side. By fitting with the groove 14, it is possible to connect and disconnect the male blocks 7 to 9. Furthermore, each male side block has a male side block 7 for 0.25sq in red, a male side block 8 for 0.40 sq in yellow, a male side block 9 in 0.60 sq in green, and a male for 0.90 sq. The side block is colored in a different color for each size of the male side cavity, such as blue and the male side block for 1.0 sq are white.

On the other hand, the insertion side connector 3 is also composed of three substantially cubic female side blocks 15 to 17 having the same external shape as the male side blocks 7 to 9 in front view, and the female side blocks 15 to 17 are not shown. A plurality of female cavities 18 to 20 into which female terminals can be inserted are arranged in a grid with the same number of rows and stages as the male side blocks 7 to 9 of the male connector 5. The size of the female side cavities 18 to 20 is also matched to each male side block 7 to 9, and the left female side cavity 18 in FIG. 1 is for 0.25 sq, the central female side cavity 19 is for 0.40 sq, the right side The female side cavity 20 is different for each block from that for 0.60 sq.
Further, on the side surfaces of the female side blocks 15 to 17 adjacent to each other, a protrusion 21 is formed on one side and a groove 22 that can be fitted to the protrusion 21 is formed on the other side in the front-rear direction as a coupling portion. The fitting between the strip 21 and the groove 22 enables the female side blocks 15 to 17 to be joined and disconnected. Furthermore, the female side blocks 15 to 17 are also colored in different colors for each size of the female side cavity in the same pattern as the male side blocks 7 to 9.

  Reference numeral 23 denotes a retainer that is bent in a U-shape so that both end portions 24 and 24 can be inserted into the cover 4 from through holes 25 and 25 formed in the side wall of the cover 4 of the receiving connector 2. ing. On the upper and lower surfaces of each female block 15-17, lock grooves 26, 26,... That are linearly connected in a coupled state with the female blocks 15-17 are respectively recessed in the left-right direction, and the insertion-side connector 3 is provided. When the front end portions 24, 24 of the retainer 23 are inserted into the through holes 25, 25 in a state of being fitted in a predetermined position in the cover 4, both the front end portions 24, 24 can be fitted into the lock grooves 26, 26,. ing.

In the multipolar connector 1 configured as described above, male terminals of sizes corresponding to the male blocks 7 to 9 of the receiving connector 2 are inserted and accommodated using an automatic machine, etc. One of the female terminals 15 to 17 is inserted into and accommodated with a corresponding size female terminal using an automatic machine or the like, and the male blocks 7 to 9 are joined together to form the male connector 5. The insertion side connector 3 is formed by joining the female side blocks 15 to 17 together. The connection between the blocks is performed manually.
Then, the male connector 5 is fitted into the cover 4, and the insertion side connector 3 is inserted into the cover 4 from the front. Then, the male terminal of the male connector 5 is inserted into the female terminal of the insertion side connector 3, and both are electrically connected. In this state, when the both end portions 24, 24 of the retainer 23 are inserted from the through holes 25, 25 of the cover 4 as shown in FIG. 26, 26,... And the insertion side connector 3 is prevented from coming off.

  Thus, according to the multipolar connector 1 of the said form and its assembly method, even if it is an electric wire with which the terminal from which size differs was mixed, it becomes connectable with the single multipolar connector 1. FIG. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of connectors having different cavity sizes, and the cost and labor of management are reduced. Moreover, since the male side blocks 7-9 and the female side blocks 15-17 are the same shape even if the cavity sizes are different, it is possible to insert terminals by automated equipment, and the possibility of erroneous insertion is reduced and production efficiency is maintained. It becomes possible.

In particular, since the male side blocks 7 to 9 and the female side blocks 15 to 17 are colored with different colors set for each cavity size, the size of the cavity set for each block can be easily visually confirmed. , Which leads to prevention of misconfiguration. In addition, it is possible to deal with a small variety of products while reducing the types of parts.
Furthermore, it can be inserted into and removed from the cover 4 in a direction crossing the insertion fitting direction of the insertion-side connector 3 to the cover 4, and in the inserted state, the female-side blocks 15 to 15 of the insertion-side connector 3 that are inserted and fitted. Since the retainer 23 for positioning the female side blocks 15 to 17 by engaging with the outer surface of 17 is provided, a complicated locking structure is provided between the cover and the female side block like a conventional lock claw or locking piece. Therefore, positioning at the time of fitting the female blocks 15 to 17 is possible with a simple structure, which can further contribute to cost reduction.

[Form 2]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure part as the form 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, although the female side block will be described as an example, the same applies to the male side block. The same applies to the other forms that follow.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the cover 4 and the female side blocks 15 to 17 of the insertion side connector 3 as viewed from the front, and the cavity is omitted. Here, a groove 22 serving as a coupling portion is also formed on the left side edge of the left female side block 15, and a protrusion 21 serving as a coupling portion is also formed on the right side edge of the right female side block 17. On the other hand, on the left and right inner surfaces of the cover 4, a protrusion 27 that fits into the groove 22 of the left female block 15 and a groove 28 that fits the protrusion 21 of the right female block 17 are formed. Yes.

  Therefore, according to this form 2, in addition to the effect of form 1, since the shape of the right and left ridges and the groove is common, the parts of the block are also common to connectors that use a certain type of block at different positions. In addition, the male connector 5 and the insertion-side connector 3 cannot be fitted to the cover 4 unless the left and right orientations are matched. Benefits are gained.

[Form 3]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, ribs 29, 29, and the like that protrude outwardly in front view are provided at different positions in each of the female side blocks 15 to 17. That is, in addition to coloring, the difference in the cavity size can be recognized depending on the position of the rib 29. Further, the cover 4 is provided with notches 30, 30... On the inner surface so as to correspond to the rib positions of all the female blocks.
On the other hand, in the case of this form, a jig 31 as shown in FIG. 5 is used during assembly. This is a rectangular tube having a fitting hole 32 having an outer shape including ribs 29 of the joined male connector 5 and insertion side connector 3, and the female block and male block are fitted accordingly. By assembling in order to the holes 32, when the wrong blocks are fitted, the ribs 29 interfere and cannot be assembled, so that the operator can immediately know the assembly error.

Therefore, according to this form 3, in addition to the effects of forms 1 and 2, ribs 29 are provided on the outer surfaces of male side blocks 7-9 and female side blocks 15-17 at different positions set for each cavity size. By projecting, the cavity size set for each block can be easily confirmed visually and tactilely by the ribs 29, and block assembly errors can be effectively prevented.
In addition, here, using the jig 31 having the fitting hole 32 that matches the outer shape after joining, the blocks after receiving the terminals are sequentially fitted into the fitting holes 32 to connect the blocks together. Because of this, prevention of misconfiguration is more certain.

[Form 4]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, instead of ribs protruding outward in a front view, ribs 33, 33... Protruding forward from the front surfaces of the respective female blocks 15 to 17. The ribs 33 and the upper and lower surfaces or the left and right side surfaces of the female block, which is an extension of the ribs 33, are colored at different positions for each block. In other words, in addition to coloring, the difference in terminal size and cavity size can be recognized depending on the position of the rib 33. However, since the rib does not protrude outward, the cover 4 has left and right protrusions and grooves. One type of FIG. 3 formed is sufficient.
In this case, a jig 34 shown in FIG. 7 is used. In the jig 34, a mark 35 such as a color chip is attached at a position close to the rib 33.

Therefore, also in this form 4, in addition to the effects of forms 1 and 2, the cavity size set for each block can be easily confirmed by the coloring and the position of the rib 33, so that the wrong combination of blocks is effective. Can be prevented.
Also, since the jig 34 is used here, it is more reliable to prevent assembly errors.

As other changes, the number and shape of the blocks to be divided are not limited to the above forms, and can be appropriately changed according to the terminal size to be used. In addition, the cavity size, coloring pattern, protrusion position and shape, and the like may be similarly changed.
Furthermore, the structure of the connecting portion can be changed not only on the left and right side surfaces of the block, but also on the upper and lower surfaces, so that the blocks can be connected vertically by changing the number and shape of the protrusions and grooves. Conceivable.
On the other hand, a plurality of retainer shapes may be used depending on the arrangement form of the blocks.
In the above embodiment, the connector is divided according to the size of the terminal or cavity and can be recognized by coloring or the like, but the present invention can be applied even when the shape of the terminal or cavity is different with the same size. The connector may be divided according to the shape so that it can be recognized by coloring or the like.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the multipolar connector of form 1. It is a perspective view which shows the assembly state of a multipolar connector. It is explanatory drawing of the multipolar connector of form 2. It is explanatory drawing of the multipolar connector of form 3. It is explanatory drawing of the jig | tool used by the form 3. It is explanatory drawing of the female side block of the form 4, an upper stage shows a front, a middle stage shows a right side surface, and a lower stage shows a plane, respectively. It is explanatory drawing of the jig | tool used by the form 4.

Explanation of symbols

  1 .... multi-pole connector, 2 .... receiving side connector, 3 .... insertion side connector, 4..cover, 5..male connector, 7-9..male side block, 10-12..male side cavity, 13, 21, 27... Ridge, 14, 22, 28... Groove, 15 to 17 .. female side block, 18 to 20... Female side cavity, 23... Retainer, 24. -Through hole, 26-Lock groove, 29, 33-Rib, 30-Notch, 31, 34-Jig

Claims (6)

A receiving connector having a plurality of male cavities each corresponding to a plurality of different types of male terminals, and an insertion side connector having a plurality of female cavities corresponding to a plurality of different types of female terminals A multipolar connector for electrically connecting the corresponding female terminal and male terminal by fitting the insertion side connector to the receiving side connector,
The receiving side connector is divided into groups of the same type of male side cavities, and a plurality of male side blocks having substantially the same outer shape as viewed in the insertion direction of the insertion side connector, and the plurality of male side blocks While forming from a cover that can be fitted, each male side block, while forming a coupling portion that can be arbitrarily coupled and separated between adjacent male side blocks, respectively,
For each group of female side cavities of the same type, the insertion side connector is divided into a plurality of female side blocks having substantially the same outer shape and coupling portion as the male side block,
In the state where the plurality of combined male blocks are fitted to the cover, the female terminals and males are fitted by fitting the plurality of female blocks combined corresponding to the male blocks. A multi-pole connector characterized in that the terminals can be electrically connected to each other in groups of the same type.   2. The multipolar connector according to claim 1, wherein the male block and the female block are colored with different colors set for each type of cavity.   The multipolar connector according to claim 1, wherein protrusions are provided on the outer surfaces of the male block and the female block at different positions set for each type of cavity.   The cover can be inserted and removed in a direction intersecting the fitting direction of the insertion-side connector with respect to the cover. In the inserted state, the female-side block is engaged with the outer surface of the female-side block of the fitted insertion-side connector. The multipolar connector according to claim 1, further comprising a retainer for positioning the block. A method for assembling a multipolar connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A plurality of males, in which male terminals of corresponding types are respectively accommodated in male cavities of a plurality of male blocks of the receiving connector, and the male blocks are coupled together in a predetermined combination by a coupling portion. While the side block is fitted to the cover,
Corresponding types of female terminals are accommodated in the female cavities of the plurality of female blocks of the insertion side connector, and the female blocks are coupled to each other in the predetermined combination by the coupling portion, and the plurality of the females are coupled. A method of assembling a multipolar connector, wherein a side block is fitted to the cover.   When connecting the male side blocks and female side blocks with protrusions on the outer surface, using a jig having a fitting hole that matches the outer shape after the coupling, the fitting hole after receiving the terminal 6. The method of assembling a multipolar connector according to claim 5, wherein the blocks are sequentially fitted and the blocks are coupled to each other.

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