JP7080112B2 - Connector and conductive path connection cover - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a connector in which a plug and a receptacle can be fitted and pulled out, and a conductive path connection portion cover constituting the plug.

Conventionally, as the above-mentioned connector technique, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 configured to connect a plug and a receptacle by a screw is known.

The connector illustrated in FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1 includes a plug 520 having a rotating ring 522 on the outer periphery of the fitting portion, and a receptacle 510 having a male screw 512 formed on the outer periphery of the shell 511. To connect the receptacle 510 and the plug 520, after fitting the plug 520 to the receptacle 510, the rotating ring 522 is rotated, and the female screw 523 formed inside thereof is engaged with the male screw 512 of the receptacle 510 and fastened. Do it by.

As a connector technique other than Patent Document 1, a technique as disclosed in Patent Document 2 which adopts a structure in which fitting is completed by one action is known.

The connector illustrated in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 2 includes a first connector 10 having a first housing 11 and a second connector 30 having a second housing 31. The first housing 11 has a flexible portion 21 provided with a lock portion 23 projecting inward. The second housing 31 has a locked portion 38 formed with a locking step portion 38A to which the lock portion 23 can be engaged when fitted with the first housing 11.

As a connector technique other than Patent Documents 1 and 2, a technique as disclosed in Patent Document 3 which employs a so-called bayonet lock mechanism is also known.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 of Patent Document 3, the connector includes a connector plug 1 having a sleeve 3 having a pair of lock portions 3B projecting from an inner peripheral surface portion 3a, a guide groove portion 47A, and an engagement groove portion 47B. It is provided with a receptacle 40 having the same. The connection between the connector plug 1 and the receptacle 40 is performed by inserting the lock portion 3B into the guide groove portion 47A and then rotating the sleeve 3 to engage the lock portion 3B with the engagement groove portion 47B.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-236777 JP-A-2015-62193 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-66354

By the way, in Patent Document 1, when fixing the plug 520 and the receptacle 510, after fitting the plug 520 and the receptacle 510, the female screw 523 of the rotating ring 522 on the plug 520 side is fastened to the male screw 512 of the receptacle 510. I had to do it. Further, when the plug 520 and the receptacle 510 were pulled out, the rotating ring 522 had to be rotated to release the fastening of the screw. For this reason, it takes time to fasten and release the screw, and the fitting and pulling-out work of the plug 520 and the receptacle 510 becomes complicated. Therefore, there is a problem that the work efficiency in the fitting and extracting work is deteriorated and the workability in the fitting and extracting work is not good.

Further, in Patent Document 1, when operating the rotating ring 522, an operator grips and rotates the rotating ring 522. Here, when a plurality of connectors are to be mounted side by side on the wall of the housing of an electric device, for example, it is necessary to secure a space outside the rotating ring 522 for an operator to insert his / her hand. was there. For this reason, the distance between the connectors becomes wide, and it is difficult to arrange the connectors closely. Therefore, there is a problem that the mounting density of the connector cannot be increased.

Further, in Patent Document 1, since it is difficult for the operator to understand that the fitting work is completed by fastening the screw, there is a risk that the screw may be forgotten to be fastened. In addition, after fastening the screws, there is a risk that the fastening may be loosened due to vibration or the like. Further, there is a possibility that the force for tightening the screw may vary depending on the operator when the screw is fastened. As a result, when the above-mentioned screws are not properly fastened, when a tensile force is applied to the plug 520 side in the direction in which the plug 520 is pulled out from the receptacle 510 (pulling direction), the plug 520 is pulled out from the receptacle 510. There was a problem that it might be extracted from 510.

Further, in Patent Document 2, since the locking portion 23 is provided to engage with the locking step portion 38A, there is a possibility that the fitting strength between the first housing 11 and the second housing 31 is weak. there were. Therefore, when an excessive tensile force is applied to the first housing 11 in the extraction direction, there is a problem that the fitting between the first housing 11 and the second housing 31 may be released.

Further, in Patent Document 2, when the fitting between the first housing 11 and the second housing 31 is released, the operator grips and rotates the first housing 11 and elastically deflects and displaces the lock portion 23 to the outside. As shown in FIG. 6 of Patent Document 2, since the second housing 31 is moved (so-called unlocked) on the cylindrical fitting surface 39, a plurality of connectors are attached to the housing of the electric device. When mounting the wall portion side by side in the horizontal direction, it is necessary to secure a space on the outside of the first housing 11 for the operator to insert his / her hand. Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, the distance between the connectors becomes wide, and it is difficult to arrange the connectors in close contact with each other. Therefore, there is a problem in Patent Document 2 that the mounting density of the connector cannot be increased.

Further, in Patent Document 2, since the first housing 11 is held by the second housing 31 even in the unlocked state, it is difficult to understand the normal locked state and the unlocked state from the appearance. rice field. Therefore, even in the unlocked state, the operator may mistakenly recognize that the locked state is normal, and the first housing 11 may remain held by the second housing 31 in the unlocked state. rice field. In such a case, there is a problem that the first housing 11 may be pulled out from the second housing 31 when an excessive tensile force in the pulling direction is applied to the first housing 11.

Further, in Patent Document 3, when the connector plug 1 and the receptacle 40 are fitted or pulled out, the operator grips and rotates the sleeve 3, so that a plurality of connectors are connected to the wall of the housing of the electric device. When attempting to mount the portions side by side in the horizontal direction, it is necessary to secure a space on the outside of the first housing 11 for the operator to insert his / her hand. Therefore, as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the distance between the connectors becomes wide, and it is difficult to arrange the connectors in close contact with each other. Therefore, there is a problem in Patent Document 3 that the mounting density of the connector cannot be increased.

Further, in Patent Document 3, the operator mistakenly recognizes that the connection between the connector plug 1 and the receptacle 40 is completed only by inserting the lock portion 3B into the guide groove portion 47A, and the sleeve 3 is rotated to rotate the lock portion 3B. There was a risk of forgetting the work of engaging with the engaging groove portion 47B. Here, when the lock portion 3B is not engaged with the engaging groove portion 47B, if a tensile force in the extraction direction is applied to the connector plug 1 side, the connector plug 1 may be ejected from the receptacle 40. There was a problem that there was.

Further, in Patent Document 3, since a pair of lock portions 3B are provided to engage with the engaging groove portion 47B, there is a possibility that the fitting strength between the connector plug 1 and the receptacle 40 is weak. Therefore, there is a problem that the mating between the connector plug 1 and the receptacle 40 may be released when an excessive tensile force is applied in the extraction direction.

Further, in Patent Document 3, when the connector plug 1 and the receptacle 40 are fitted, the fitting alignment groove portion 10B on the connector plug 1 side and the fitting alignment protrusion portion 47D on the receptacle 40 side are aligned. Therefore, it was necessary to align the fitting position between the connector plug 1 and the receptacle 40. However, the fitting alignment by the fitting alignment groove portion 10B and the fitting alignment protrusion 47D is difficult for the operator to understand, and it is difficult to recognize the fitting orientation of the fitting portion of the connector plug 1. rice field. For this reason, it is difficult for the operator to visually recognize the normal orientation of the fitting portion of the connector plug 1 at the time of fitting, and there is a risk that the fitting portion cannot be fitted in the regular orientation. .. Therefore, there is a problem that the workability in the fitting work of the connector is not good.

Further, in the case of a large current connector as disclosed in Patent Document 3, it is necessary to change the size of the connector according to the size of the electric wire. In this way, when changing the size of the connector, it was necessary to change the design of the connector manufacturing equipment. Therefore, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the connector increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of improving workability and a conductive path connection portion cover constituting a plug.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above problems, has a pin body and a first conductive path connecting portion, and is connected to a terminal of the first conductive path via the first conductive path connecting portion. The pin to be connected, the first cover formed in a tubular shape and having a fitting portion in which the pin body is arranged, and the first cover formed in a tubular shape and can be fastened to the first cover, and the first conductive path connection inside. It has a plug including a pin cover including a second cover on which a portion is arranged, a socket body, and a second conductive path connection portion, and is connected to a terminal of the second conductive path via the second conductive path connection portion. The plug and the receptacle are provided with a receptacle including a socket to be connected and a socket cover in which the socket body is arranged and the fitting portion has a fitting space into which the fitting portion can be inserted and fitted. In a connector configured to be matable and retractable, the mating portion has one or more locking protrusions projecting from the outer surface thereof, and the receptacle is in a fitted state between the plug and the receptacle. The fitting locking means is provided with a locking groove portion on the inner surface into which the locking protrusion can enter, and an arm portion provided with a locking protrusion formed so as to be lockable on the socket cover. And an operating portion that is continuous with the arm portion and is urged by the urging member so as to be pushed up in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector, and the lock groove portion fits the fitting portion into the fitting portion. It is provided with a sliding groove portion having a tapered surface on which the lock protrusion can slide when inserted into the joint space, and a lock protrusion engaging groove portion that communicates with the sliding groove portion and to which the lock protrusion can engage. Further, in the fitting locking means, when the lock protrusion slides on the tapered surface, the lock protrusion is pushed down in a direction orthogonal to the axis, and the lock protrusion gets over the tapered surface, the operation unit is urged. A state in which the member is urged so as to be pushed up in a direction orthogonal to the axis line, the lock protrusion engages with the lock protrusion engagement groove portion, and the engagement is held, and the engagement is held. It is characterized in that when the operation portion is pushed down in a direction orthogonal to the axis line, the lock protrusion is arranged so as to be in a state of being disengaged from the lock protrusion engagement groove portion.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 2 is the connector according to claim 1, wherein the fitting portion is provided with a lock plate engaging groove portion on the outer surface thereof, and the fitting locking means is the arm. The inner surface of the portion is provided with a lock plate that is formed so as to project inward and is engageable with the lock plate engaging groove portion.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 3 is the connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second cover is capable of inserting the first conductive path at an end on the side where the first conductive path is led out. A contact prevention portion is provided in the contact prevention portion, and the inner diameter of the contact prevention portion does not allow the fingers of a person who handles the connector to enter between the inner surface of the contact prevention portion and the outer surface of the first conductive path. A connector characterized by being formed in such a manner.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 4 is the connector according to claim 3, wherein the contact prevention portion is provided with an insertion portion formed on the inner surface thereof so that an instrument for continuity inspection can be inserted. A connector that features.

The connector according to claim 5 is the connector according to claim 1, wherein the fitting locking means is formed as a member having rigidity.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 6 is the connector according to claim 1, where the locking projection of the fitting locking means is continuous with the operating portion of the arm portion. A connector characterized by being formed in the vicinity of a portion.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 7 is the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the receptacle mistakenly pushes down the operation unit in a direction orthogonal to the axis. It is characterized by providing a means for preventing erroneous operation to prevent it.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 8 is the connector according to claim 7, wherein the erroneous operation preventing means is guided by a guide portion arranged outside the socket cover and the socket cover. It is provided with an erroneous operation prevention ring that is rotatably arranged along the circumferential direction of the shaft around the shaft, and the guide portion is provided with a guide groove formed along the circumferential direction of the shaft of the socket cover. The erroneous operation prevention ring is provided with a guide protrusion, an erroneous operation prevention portion, and a notch portion on the outer surface thereof, and the guide protrusion engages with the guide groove to form the erroneous operation prevention ring. It is formed so as to be slidable in the guide groove when rotated, and the erroneous operation prevention unit can prevent the operation unit from being erroneously pushed down in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector. The notch is formed so as to be able to push down the operation portion in a direction orthogonal to the axis, and the erroneous operation prevention ring further reduces the operation portion to the axis. When it is desired to push down in a direction orthogonal to the axis, the notch is arranged directly above the operation unit, and when it is desired to prevent the operation unit from being accidentally pushed down in a direction orthogonal to the axis, the erroneous operation prevention unit is used. It is characterized in that it is arranged directly above the operation unit.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 9 is the connector according to claim 8, wherein the erroneous operation prevention ring is provided with a hook portion on the outer surface thereof, and the hook portion has the erroneous operation prevention ring on the socket cover. It is characterized in that it is formed as a portion for hooking the fingers of a person who handles the connector when rotating around the shaft along the circumferential direction of the shaft.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 10 is the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the pin is the first conductive path connection portion. (1) It is characterized in that it is formed according to the cross-sectional area of the first conductive path connected to the conductive path connecting portion.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 11 is the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the operation portion is formed in a tapered shape on the upper surface thereof. It is characterized in that a pressing portion to be pressed is provided.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 12 is the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the fitting portion is on the outer surface thereof. An erroneous insertion prevention protrusion is provided, and the fitting space is characterized in that an erroneous insertion prevention groove portion into which the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion can be inserted is provided on the inner surface thereof.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 13 is the connector according to claim 12, wherein the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion is inserted into the erroneous insertion prevention groove portion after the fitting portion starts to be inserted into the fitting space. It is characterized in that it is provided at a position where it can be started.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 14 is the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the fitting portion is. The cross-sectional shape is formed in a non-circular shape, and the fitting space is characterized in that the shape when viewed from the axial direction is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 15 is the connector according to claim 14, wherein the fitting portion is provided with a flat surface portion formed in a plane on the outer surface thereof, and the fitting space is the same. It is characterized in that a portion of the inner surface facing the flat surface portion when the fitting portion is inserted and fitted is formed in a planar shape capable of surface contact with the flat surface portion.

The conductive path connection portion cover of the present invention according to claim 16, which has been made to solve the above problems, has the same as that of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The second cover constituting the plug having the fitting portion that can be fitted and removed from the receptacle in the connector according to 13, 14 or 15 is attached to the pin body and the first conductive path connecting portion. Can be fastened to the first cover having the fitting portion for accommodating the pin body of the pin connected to the terminal of the first conductive path via the first conductive path connecting portion. Further , when the conductive path connecting portion cover in which the first conductive path connecting portion is accommodated is used, the conductive path connecting portion cover has a two-divided structure including a first half-cylinder portion and a second half-cylinder portion. It is provided with a hinge formed or connecting the first half cylinder portion, the second half cylinder portion, the first half cylinder portion and the second half cylinder portion, and can be opened and closed via the hinge. It is characterized by being formed in a divided structure.

The conductive path connection portion cover of the present invention according to claim 17 is the conductive path connection portion cover according to claim 16, wherein the first half cylinder portion and the second half cylinder portion are each the first half cylinder portion. It is characterized in that an engaging portion for engaging the portion with the second half cylinder portion is formed.

The conductive path connection portion cover of the present invention according to claim 18 is the conductive path connection portion cover according to claim 16 or 17, and the conductive path connection portion cover is an end portion on the side from which the first conductive path is led out. Is provided with a contact prevention portion formed so as to be able to insert the first conductive path, and the inner diameter of the contact prevention portion is between the inner surface of the contact prevention portion and the outer surface of the first conductive path. It is characterized in that it is formed so that the fingers of a person who handles the plug do not enter.

The conductive path connection portion cover of the present invention according to claim 19 is the conductive path connection portion cover according to claim 18, wherein the contact prevention portion is formed so that an instrument for continuity inspection can be inserted into the inner surface thereof. It is characterized in that it is provided with an insertion portion.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the locking protrusion that has entered the sliding groove slides on the tapered surface, so that the fitting locking means is pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector, and the locking protrusion is formed. When the tapered surface is overcome, the operating portion is urged by the urging member so as to be pushed up in the direction orthogonal to the axis, and the lock protrusion engages with the lock protrusion engagement groove portion, and this engagement is maintained. Further, when the operation portion is pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis, the engagement of the lock protrusion with the lock protrusion engagement groove portion is released. As a result, the plug and the receptacle can be fitted and the fitted state can be locked only by a simple operation of inserting the fitting portion into the fitting space. Further, the fitting between the plug and the receptacle can be released only by a simple operation of pushing down the operation unit in the direction orthogonal to the axis. Therefore, it is possible to improve the work efficiency in the fitting and pulling work of the plug and the receptacle, and to improve the workability of the fitting and pulling out.

Further, according to the present invention, since the fitting locking means performs the above-mentioned operation, the fitting state of the plug and the receptacle by the fitting locking means is automatically performed only by inserting the fitting portion into the fitting space. Lock is complete. Therefore, the lock is not forgotten by the fitting locking means. Therefore, it is possible to improve the workability in fitting the plug and the receptacle, and to improve the safety in the fitting.

Further, according to the present invention, in the fitted state, the operating portion is urged by the urging member so as to be pushed up in the direction orthogonal to the axis line, so that the lock protrusion is engaged with the lock protrusion engaging groove portion. The case is retained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plug from being pulled out from the receptacle by releasing the fitting between the plug and the receptacle due to an erroneous operation. Therefore, from such a point as well, it is possible to improve the workability in fitting the plug and the receptacle, and to improve the safety in the fitting.

Further, according to the present invention, when fitting or pulling out the plug and the receptacle, it is possible to grip and work on the narrow portion on the plug side. As a result, when mounting a plurality of connectors side by side on the wall of the housing of the object to be mounted, a space for an operator to insert a hand is secured on the outside of the connectors as in the conventional technique. There is no need. Therefore, the distance between the connectors can be narrowed, and the connectors can be arranged closely with each other. Therefore, there is an effect that the mounting density of the connector can be increased.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the plug and the receptacle are fitted, the lock protrusion is engaged with the lock protrusion engagement groove portion, and the lock plate is engaged with the lock plate engagement groove portion. Therefore, the fitted state of the plug and the receptacle can be double-locked by the fitting locking means. Therefore, the tensile strength when an excessive tensile force in the extraction direction is applied to the plug can be made stronger than that of the conventional technique. Therefore, even if an excessive tensile force is applied in the extraction direction, the fitting strength between the plug and the receptacle can be increased, and the fitting state can be secured more firmly.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a contact prevention portion is provided at the end of the second cover on the side where the first conductive path is derived, and the inner diameter of the contact prevention portion is the inner surface of the contact prevention portion. The inner diameter is such that fingers do not get in between the outer surface of the first conductive path. As a result, the finger enters the gap between the inner surface of the contact prevention portion and the outer surface of the first conductive path, and the finger comes into contact with the conductor of the first conductive path and the connection portion of the first conductive path, causing an electric shock to the operator. There is no fear that it will end up. Therefore, there is an effect that the safety in fitting the plug and the receptacle can be further enhanced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the insertion portion is provided on the inner surface of the contact prevention portion, the contact prevention portion is provided at the end portion of the second cover on the side where the first conductive path is led out. However, it will be possible to insert a continuity inspection device into the second cover. As a result, the continuity inspection can be effectively performed in the fitted state of the connector. Therefore, there is an effect that the safety in fitting the plug and the receptacle can be further enhanced.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the fitting locking means is formed as a member having rigidity, the fitting strength between the plug and the receptacle can be further increased. Therefore, from such a point as well, even if an excessive tensile force is applied in the extraction direction, the fitting strength between the plug and the receptacle can be increased, and the fitting state can be secured more firmly. Play.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the locking projection of the fitting locking means is formed in the vicinity of the portion continuous with the operating portion in the arm portion, the locking projection may be, for example, the arm portion. The fitting locking means can be miniaturized as compared with the case where it is formed on the tip portion (free end portion) side. This has the effect of reducing the size of the entire connector.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the erroneous operation preventing means prevents the operation unit from being erroneously pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector. Therefore, the plug and the receptacle are fitted by the erroneous operation. Can be released to prevent the plug from being pulled out of the receptacle. Therefore, there is an effect that the fitted state of the plug and the receptacle can be held more reliably.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when it is desired to push down the operation portion in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector, the erroneous operation prevention ring is rotated to arrange the notch portion directly above the operation portion for operation. If you want to prevent the part from being accidentally pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis, the operation part is mistakenly connected by a simple method of rotating the erroneous operation prevention ring and arranging the erroneous operation prevention part directly above the operation part. Since it is prevented from being pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the above, it is possible to improve the workability in the operation of the erroneous operation preventing means.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the erroneous operation prevention ring can be rotated by hooking a finger on the hooked portion. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability in the operation of the erroneous operation preventing means can be further improved as compared with the case where the hooking portion is not provided on the erroneous operation preventing ring.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the first conductive path connecting portion is formed according to the cross-sectional area (size of the first conductive path) of the first conductive path connected to the first conductive path connecting portion. Therefore, the shape and size of the pin body and the socket can be made common. Therefore, the shape and size of the pin cover and the socket cover can be made common. This eliminates the need to change the size of the connector according to the size of the first conductive path connected to the first conductive path connecting portion. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the design of the connector manufacturing apparatus and facilitate the procurement of members, which is effective in reducing the connector manufacturing cost.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the plug can be pulled out while pressing the pressing portion in the insertion direction of the plug, the work efficiency in the work of pulling out the plug from the receptacle is improved. It has the effect of being able to do it.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the fitting portion and the erroneous insertion prevention groove portion is provided on the inner surface of the fitting space, the housing of the object to be mounted is provided with the erroneous insertion prevention groove. When multiple connectors are attached to the wall, it is possible to prevent the plug from being accidentally inserted into a receptacle different from the legitimate mating partner. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability and safety in fitting the plug and the receptacle can be further improved.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion starts the fitting into the erroneous insertion prevention groove portion after the fitting portion starts to be inserted into the fitting space, the fitting portion is fitted. Insertion into the space and insertion of the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion into the erroneous insertion prevention groove can be performed step by step. As a result, the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion is provided at a position where the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion is provided at the position where the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion is started to be inserted into the erroneous insertion prevention groove at the same timing as the insertion of the fitting portion into the fitting space. You will be able to do business. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability in fitting the plug and the receptacle can be further improved.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion is formed in a non-circular shape, and the shape of the fitting space when viewed from the axial direction is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion. As a result, the directionality of the fitting portion when fitting into the fitting space is limited. Therefore, the operator can easily recognize the normal orientation of the fitting portion at the time of fitting in appearance, and the fitting portion can be fitted into the fitting space in the regular orientation. Therefore, from such a point as well, it is possible to further improve the workability and safety in fitting the plug and the receptacle.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the fitting portion is provided with a flat surface portion, and the inner surface of the fitting space is formed with a flat surface portion that can be surface-contacted with the flat surface portion. The directionality of the fitting portion when fitting into the fitting space is more limited. Therefore, the operator can more easily recognize the normal orientation of the fitting portion at the time of fitting, and the fitting portion can be fitted into the fitting space in the regular orientation. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability and safety in fitting the plug and the receptacle can be further improved.

According to the 16th aspect of the present invention, after the first conductive path connecting portion is connected to the terminal of the first conductive path, the conductive path connecting portion cover can be attached to the first conductive path. .. When a type of conductive path connection cover that cannot be attached to the first conductive path after the first conductive path connection is connected to the terminal of the first conductive path, the first conductive path is connected to the terminal of the first conductive path. Since the first conductive path cannot be inserted through the conductive path connection portion cover after the connection portion is connected, the operator who assembles the plug connects the first conductive path connection portion to the terminal of the first conductive path. Before this, it is necessary to insert the first conductive path through the conductive path connection portion cover. However, the operator may forget to insert the first conductive path into the conductive path connection portion cover before the connection. If the first conductive path is forgotten to be inserted into the conductive path connection portion cover before the connection, the conductive path connection portion cover cannot be retrofitted to the first conductive path. Here, according to the present invention, even if the conductive path connection portion cover is forgotten to be attached to the first conductive path before connecting the first conductive path connection portion to the terminal of the first conductive path, the conductive path connection is made. Since the portion cover has a two-split structure or a split structure that can be opened and closed via a hinge, the conductive path connection portion cover can be retrofitted to the first conductive path. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability in assembling the connector can be improved.

According to the 17th aspect of the present invention, since the engaging portion is formed in each of the first half cylinder portion and the second half cylinder portion, the first half cylinder portion and the second half cylinder portion are formed. Can be engaged with. This makes it possible to cover the first conductive path connection portion without the conductive path connection portion cover falling off even if the conductive path connection portion cover is retrofitted. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability and safety in fitting the plug and the receptacle can be further improved.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a contact prevention portion is provided at the end of the conductive path connection portion cover on the side where the first conductive path is led out, and the inner diameter of the contact prevention portion is the contact prevention portion. The inner diameter is such that fingers cannot enter between the inner surface and the outer surface of the first conductive path. As a result, the finger enters the gap between the inner surface of the contact prevention portion and the outer surface of the first conductive path, and the finger comes into contact with the conductor of the first conductive path and the connection portion of the first conductive path, causing an electric shock to the operator. There is no fear that it will end up. Therefore, there is an effect that the safety in fitting the plug and the receptacle can be further enhanced.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, since the insertion portion is provided on the inner surface of the contact prevention portion, the contact prevention portion is provided at the end of the conductive path connection portion cover on the side where the first conductive path is led out. Even if it is, it becomes possible to insert an instrument for continuity inspection into the cover of the conductive path connection portion. As a result, the continuity inspection can be effectively performed in the state where the plug and the receptacle are fitted. Therefore, there is an effect that the safety in fitting the plug and the receptacle can be further enhanced.

It is an exploded perspective view which shows the connector which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st cover which constitutes a pin cover. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd cover which constitutes a pin cover. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the plug. It is a perspective view which shows the socket cover. It is a perspective view which shows the fitting lock means. It is a figure explaining the fitting work of a plug and a receptacle. It is a figure explaining the fitting work of a plug and a receptacle. It is a perspective view of the connector in a state where a plug and a receptacle are fitted. It is an exploded perspective view of the connector in the state where the plug and the receptacle are fitted. It is a perspective view which shows the state which a plurality of connectors are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction on the wall part of the housing of the object to be attached. It is a perspective view which shows the connector which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view of a receptacle. It is a perspective view of the connector in the state where the erroneous operation prevention lock protrusion is engaged with the erroneous operation prevention lock groove portion. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the connector which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd cover (conducting path connection part cover) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view of the second cover, (a) is a perspective view which shows the first half cylinder part which constitutes a second cover, (b) is a perspective view which shows the second half cylinder part which constitutes a second cover. be. It is a perspective view which shows the socket cover. It is a perspective view which shows the fitting lock means. It is a perspective view which shows the erroneous operation prevention ring, (a) is the perspective view which made the erroneous operation prevention part upper side, (b) is the perspective view which made the guide protrusion upper side. It is a perspective view of the connector explaining the fitting work of a plug and a receptacle. It is a perspective view of the connector in a state where a plug and a receptacle are fitted. It is a perspective view of the connector explaining the work of releasing the mating state of a plug and a receptacle. It is a perspective view which shows the state which a plurality of connectors are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction on the wall part of the housing of the object to be attached. It is a perspective view which shows the modification 1 of the 2nd cover. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the modification 1 of the 2nd cover, (a) is the perspective view which shows the 1st half cylinder part which constitutes a 2nd cover, (b) is the 2nd half cylinder part which constitutes a 2nd cover. It is a perspective view which shows. It is a perspective view which shows the modification 2 of the 2nd cover, (a) is the perspective view which shows the state which the 2nd cover is closed, and (b) is the perspective view which shows the state which the 2nd cover is open. It is a rear view which shows the modification 3 of the 2nd cover.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, the first embodiment of the connector according to the present invention, and with reference to FIGS. 12-14, the second embodiment of the connector according to the present invention, and FIG. 15 -Refer to FIG. 28, with respect to the third embodiment of the connector according to the present invention and the example of the conductive path connection portion cover (second cover) according to the present invention, further modifications of the conductive path connection portion cover according to the present invention. Examples 1-3 will be described respectively.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first cover constituting a pin cover, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second cover constituting the pin cover. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a plug, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a socket cover, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a fitting locking means, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating a fitting operation between the plug and the receptacle. 9 is a perspective view of the connector with the plug and the receptacle fitted, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the connector with the plug and the receptacle fitted, and FIG. 11 is a wall portion of the housing of the object to be mounted. It is a perspective view which shows the state which a plurality of connectors are attached side by side in the horizontal direction.
The arrows in the figure indicate each direction of up / down, left / right, and front / back (each direction of the arrow is assumed to be an example).

In FIG. 1, reference mark 1 indicates the first embodiment of the connector according to the present invention. The connector 1 includes a plug 2 and a receptacle 3, and the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are configured to be able to be fitted and removed from each other along the axial direction of the connector 1. In this embodiment, the connector 1 is a connector for a large current, and is not particularly limited, but the wall portion 100 (FIG. 11) of the housing of the power supply device (battery) to which the receptacle 3 is an object to be attached is not shown. It is a member attached to (see). Hereinafter, each configuration of the connector 1 will be described.

First, the plug 2 will be described.
The plug 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first conductive path 4, a pin 5, a pin cap 6, and a pin cover 7.

Although not particularly shown in the present embodiment, the first conductive path 4 shown in FIG. 1 uses an electric wire having a conductor and an insulating coating coated on the conductor. In this embodiment, it is assumed that an electric wire having a size of 60 mm ² is used as the first conductive path 4 (the electric wire size is assumed to be an example). As the first conductive path 4, in addition to the above-mentioned electric wire, a cable configured with a conductor, an insulating coating coated on the conductor, and a sheath coated on the insulating coating may be used. And.

The pin 5 shown in FIG. 1 is formed of a conductive metal, and includes a pin body 8, a first conductive path connecting portion 9, and a flange portion 10. The pin body 8 illustrated in FIG. 1 is formed in a columnar shape, and is formed as a portion that can be inserted into the socket body 36 described later and is electrically connected in a state where the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are fitted. There is.

The first conductive path connecting portion 9 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is formed as a portion to which a conductor exposed at the terminal of the first conductive path 4 is connected by crimping.

The first conductive path connecting portion 9 is formed according to the cross-sectional area (size of the first conductive path 4) of the first conductive path 4 connected to the first conductive path connecting portion 9. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (d), the first conductive path connecting portion 9 has a cross-sectional area of the first conductive path 4 (38 mm ² in FIG. 4 (a), FIG. 4 (FIG. 4). As the size of 60 mm 2 in b), 100 mm ² in FIG. 4 (c), and 150 mm ² in ^FIG . 4 (d) increase, the first conductive path 4 is formed to a size that can be connected. The cross-sectional area of the first conductive path 4 is an example and is not limited to the above numerical values.

The flange portion 10 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a flange shape and is arranged between the pin body 8 and the first conductive path connecting portion 9.

The pin cap 6 shown in FIG. 1 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin so as to be mountable on the tip of the pin body 8. By attaching the pin cap 6 to the tip of the pin body 8, it is possible to prevent the operator's hand from accidentally touching the pin body 8 during the fitting work between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3.

The pin cover 7 shown in FIG. 1 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin and includes a first cover 11 and a second cover 12.

The first cover 11 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a fitting portion 13 and a connecting portion 14. The fitting portion 13 is arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction of the first cover 11 and is formed as a portion that can be inserted and fitted into the fitting space 40 described later. The fitting portion 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is configured to include a pin body arrangement space 15 inside the fitting portion 13. The pin body arrangement space 15 is formed as a space in which the pin body 8 can be arranged.

The fitting portion 13 shown in FIG. 2 has a non-circular cross-sectional shape (horseshoe shape in this embodiment) when cut so as to be orthogonal to the axial direction. Specifically, the fitting portion 13 is configured to include an upper surface 16, a lower surface 17, a left side surface 18, and a right side surface 19 on the outer periphery thereof. The upper surface 16 corresponds to the "flat surface portion" described in the claims. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface 16 is formed in a planar shape. By forming the upper surface 16 in a planar shape, the operator can recognize the upper surface 16 of the fitting portion 13 of the plug 2 when the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are fitted.

The lower surface 17 shown in FIG. 2 has a erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 20 projecting from the front end side of the first cover 11 in the front-rear direction. The erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 20 is formed so as to be insertable into the erroneous insertion prevention groove portion 48, which will be described later. Here, the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 20 is provided at a position where the fitting portion 13 can start the insertion into the erroneous insertion prevention groove portion 48 after the fitting portion 13 starts the insertion into the fitting space 40.

The left side surface 18 and the right side surface 19 shown in FIG. 2 are provided with a lock protrusion 21 and a lock plate engaging groove portion 22. The lock protrusion 21 is provided with one or more, and is formed so as to project outward. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, one lock protrusion 21 is provided on each of the left side surface 18 and the right side surface 19.

The lock plate engaging groove 22 shown in FIG. 2 is arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction with respect to the lock protrusion 21, and is formed so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the connector 1 (vertical direction in FIG. 2). There is.

The connecting portion 14 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is configured to include a flange portion arranging space 23 and a female screw portion 24 inside the connecting portion 14. In the flange portion arrangement space 23 shown in FIG. 1, the flange portion 10 can be arranged, and the flange portion 10 is formed as a rotatable space in the flange portion arrangement space 23. By rotatably arranging the flange portion 10 in the flange portion arrangement space 23 in this way, it is possible to absorb the twist of the first conductive path 4 even when the first conductive path 4 is movable. You can do it.

In the female screw portion 24 shown in FIG. 1, a female screw is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 14 on the side where the pin 5 is inserted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting portion 14 is provided with an insertion direction indicating portion 29 on the outer surface 26. An arrow indicating the direction in which the fitting portion 13 is inserted into the fitting space 42 is displayed on the insertion direction indicating portion 29. By providing the insertion direction indicating portion 29, the operator can recognize the direction in which the fitting portion 13 is inserted into the fitting space 42 during the fitting work between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3. ..

The second cover 12 shown in FIG. 3 is made of, for example, insulating rubber, elastomer, or plastic. As the plastic, it is preferable to use polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) having excellent heat resistance and durability. The second cover 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is configured to include a first conductive path connecting portion arrangement space 25 inside the second cover 12. The second cover 12 is configured to include a male screw portion 27 on the front end side in the front-rear direction of the outer surface 28. The male screw portion 27 is formed as a portion that can be fastened (screwed) to the female screw portion 24 (see FIG. 1).

Next, the receptacle 3 will be described.
The receptacle 3 shown in FIG. 1 includes a second conductive path (not shown), a socket 30, a contact 31, a socket cap 32, a socket cover 33, an urging member 34, and a fitting locking means 35. It is configured.

The second conductive path is, in this embodiment, a conductive path derived from the power supply device. Although not particularly shown in the present embodiment, the second conductive path uses an electric wire composed of a conductor and an insulating coating coated on the conductor. As the second conductive path, in addition to the above-mentioned electric wire, a cable configured with a conductor, an insulating coating coated on the conductor, and a sheath coated on the insulating coating may be used. do.

The socket 30 shown in FIG. 1 is formed of a conductive metal, and includes a socket body 36 and a second conductive path connecting portion 37. The socket body 36 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is formed as a portion into which the plug body 8 can be inserted and electrically connected in a state where the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are fitted.

In this embodiment, the second conductive path connecting portion 37 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a bolt shape and is formed as a portion to which the second conductive path is connected. For the connection between the second conductive path and the second conductive path connecting portion 37, in this embodiment, the terminal provided at the terminal of the second conductive path is attached to the second conductive path connecting portion 37 and tightened with a nut (not shown). It shall be fixed.

The contact 31 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a member that is formed of a conductive metal and is arranged in the socket body 36 to ensure an electrical connection with the pin body 8.

The socket cap 32 shown in FIG. 1 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin so as to be mountable on the tip of the socket body 36. By attaching the socket cap 32 to the tip of the socket body 36, it is possible to prevent the operator's hand from accidentally touching the socket body 36 during the fitting work between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3.

The socket cover 33 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin and includes a socket cover main body 38 and a mounting portion 39.

The socket cover main body 38 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 has a fitting portion insertion port 40, a lock protrusion insertion groove portion 41, a fitting space 42, an urging member mounting portion 43, and a fitting lock means slide portion. It is configured to include a 44, a fitting lock means locking groove portion 45, and a positioning display portion 46.

The fitting portion insertion port 40 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 communicates with the fitting space 42, and the fitting portion 13 is formed so as to be insertable. Specifically, the fitting portion insertion port 40 is formed so that the shape of the receptacle 3 (connector 1) when viewed from the axial direction is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 13.

The lock protrusion insertion groove 41 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 communicates with each of the left and right side portions of the fitting portion insertion port 40, and when the fitting portion 13 is inserted into the fitting portion insertion port 40, the lock protrusion 21 is inserted. It is formed so that it can be inserted.

The fitting space 42 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 is formed as a space in which the socket body 6 can be arranged, and the fitting portion 13 is formed as a space in which the fitting portion 13 can be inserted and fitted. Specifically, the fitting space 42 is formed in a shape that matches the outer shape of the fitting portion 13. More specifically, the fitting space 42 is formed so that the shape of the receptacle 3 (connector 1) when viewed from the axial direction is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 13. The fitting space 42 is formed in a planar shape in which a portion of the inner surface 47 facing the upper surface 16 (flat surface portion) when the fitting portion 13 is inserted and fitted is in surface contact with the upper surface 16.

The fitting space 42 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 is provided with an erroneous insertion prevention groove portion 48 on the inner surface 47 thereof. The erroneous insertion prevention groove 48 shown in FIG. 5 is formed so as to extend in the front-rear direction, and the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 20 of the fitting portion 13 is formed so as to be insertable.

The urging member mounting portion 43 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 is formed in a planar shape, and is formed as a portion on which the urging member 34 shown in FIG. 1 is placed.

The fitting lock means slide portion 44 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 communicates with both left and right side portions of the fitting space 42, and an arm portion 51 of the fitting lock means 35 described later is inserted to connect the fitting lock means 35. It is formed so as to be slidable in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of 1 (vertical direction in FIG. 5).

The fitting locking means locking groove 45 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 is arranged on each of the left and right side portions of the socket cover main body 38, and the locking projection 60 of the fitting locking means locking piece 55 described later can be locked. Is formed in.

The positioning display unit 46 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 is formed as a reference portion for fitting the plug 2 and the receptacle 3.

The mounting portion 39 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 is formed so as to be mountable on the wall portion 100 (see FIG. 11) of the housing of the power supply device. The mounting portion 39 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, and bolt insertion holes 49 are formed through each of the four corners. The bolt insertion hole 49 is formed so that the bolt 50 can be inserted.

As will be described later, the urging member 34 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a member that urges the operating portion 52 of the fitting locking means 35 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the connector 1. The urging member 34 is a so-called elastic member, and specifically, a known conical coil spring is used.

The fitting locking means 35 shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 is formed of a synthetic resin having an insulating property and is formed as a member having rigidity. The fitting lock means 35 includes a pair of arm portions 51 and an operation portion 52. Each of the pair of arm portions 35 shown in FIG. 6 includes a lock groove portion 53, a lock plate 54, and a fitting lock means locking piece 55.

The lock groove portion 53 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 is formed so that the lock portion 21 can enter the inner surface 59 of each of the pair of arm portions 35, and includes the sliding groove portion 56 and the lock protrusion engaging groove portion 57. Has been done.

The sliding groove portion 56 shown in FIG. 6 is arranged on the side where the lock projection 21 of the lock groove portion 53 enters (in FIG. 6, the front side in the front-rear direction) and has a tapered surface 58. The tapered surface 58 shown in FIG. 6 is formed so that the lock projection 21 is slidable when the fitting portion 13 is inserted into the fitting space 42. As shown in FIG. 6, the tapered surface 58 is formed in an inclined surface shape so that the width of the sliding groove portion 56 in the vertical direction decreases from the front end to the rear end in the front-rear direction of the sliding groove portion 56. There is.

The lock protrusion engaging groove portion 57 shown in FIG. 6 communicates with the sliding groove portion 56, and the lock protrusion 21 is formed so as to be engageable. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the lock projection engaging groove portion 57 is formed so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the connector 1 (vertical direction in FIG. 6).

The lock plate 54 shown in FIG. 6 is formed in a plate shape, and is formed so as to project inward at the rear end in the front-rear direction of the inner surface 59 of each of the pair of arm portions 51. The lock plate 54 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 is formed so as to be engageable with the lock plate engaging groove portion 22 of the fitting portion 13.

The fitting locking means locking piece 55 shown in FIG. 6 is flexible and is formed so that the locking projection 60 projects outward on the tip end side of the outer surface 61. The locking projection 60 shown in FIG. 6 is formed so as to be lockable in the fitting locking means locking groove 45 (see FIG. 5).

The operation unit 52 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 connects a pair of arm units 51, and the lower surface 63 thereof is orthogonal to the axial direction of the connector 1 at the urging member 34 (vertical direction in FIG. 6). It is formed as a part that is urged to be pushed up.

Next, the procedure for fitting the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 will be described.
First, the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are assembled in advance, and the receptacle 3 is attached to the wall portion 100 (see FIG. 11) of the housing of the object to be attached (power supply device) via the attachment portion 39. After that, fitting of the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 is started.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, the operation of each part when the fitting part 13 of the plug 2 is inserted into the fitting space 42 of the receptacle 3 will be described.
In FIGS. 7 and 8, for convenience of explanation, only the first cover 11 provided with the fitting portion 13 is shown on the plug 2 side, and only the fitting locking means 35 is shown on the receptacle 3 side. Further, in FIGS. 7 and 8, one arm portion 51 of the fitting locking means 35 is shown as a cross-sectional view. Further, in FIG. 10, only the fitting locking means 35 and the bolt 50 are shown on the receptacle 3 side.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the fitting portion 13 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow A of the plug 2 and passed through the fitting portion insertion port 40 (see FIGS. 1 and 5). At this time, the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 20 is fitted and inserted into the erroneous insertion prevention groove 48 (see FIGS. 1 and 5). When the fitting portion 13 passes through the fitting portion insertion port 40 and is inserted into the fitting space 42 (see FIGS. 1 and 5), the lock protrusion 21 becomes the lock protrusion insertion groove portion 41 (see FIGS. 1 and 5). Pass through. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the lock protrusion 21 starts to enter the sliding groove portion 56.

As the fitting portion 13 is continuously inserted, as shown in FIG. 7C, the locking projection 21 slides on the tapered surface 58, so that the fitting locking means 35 is orthogonal to the axis of the connector 1. It is pushed down in the direction (in FIG. 7C, the direction indicated by the arrow B). At this time, the urging member 34 (see FIG. 1) is in a state of being pressed and crushed by the lower surface 63 of the operation unit 52.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the lock projection 21 gets over the tapered surface 58, the fitting lock means 35 is released from being pushed down. Then, the urging member 34, which has been pressed and crushed by the lower surface 63 of the operation unit 52, tries to return to the original shape. As a result, the lower surface 63 of the operation unit 52 is urged by the urging member 34 so as to be pushed up in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector 1 (in the direction shown by the arrow C in FIG. 8A). ..

Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the lock protrusion 21 is engaged with the lock protrusion engaging groove portion 57, and the lock plate 54 is fitted and engaged with the lock plate engaging groove portion 22 of the fitting portion 13. Will be combined. At this time, since the lower surface 63 of the operation unit 52 is urged by the urging member 34 so as to be pushed up in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector 1, the lock protrusion 21 shown in FIG. 8B is shown. The engagement with the lock protrusion engaging groove portion 57 and the engagement of the lock plate 54 with the lock plate engaging groove portion 22 are held. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are fitted, and as shown in FIG. 10, this fitted state is locked. As described above, the fitting work between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 is completed.

Here, the operation when the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are fitted will be described.
According to this embodiment, the lock protrusion 21 that has entered the sliding groove 56 slides on the tapered surface 58, so that the fitting lock means 35 is pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector 1, and the lock protrusion 21 is pushed down. When the tapered surface 58 is overcome, the operation unit 52 is urged by the urging member 34 so as to be pushed up in a direction orthogonal to the axis, and the lock protrusion 21 engages with the lock protrusion engagement groove portion 57, and this engagement is engaged. Be retained. Further, when the operation portion is pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis, the engagement of the lock protrusion with the lock protrusion engagement groove portion is released. As a result, the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be fitted and the fitted state can be locked only by a simple operation of inserting the fitting portion 13 into the fitting space 42. Further, the fitting between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be released only by a simple operation of pushing down the operation unit 52 in the direction orthogonal to the axis line.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the fitting lock means 35 performs the above-mentioned operation, the fitting portion 13 is automatically inserted into the fitting space 42 with the plug 2 by the fitting lock means 35. Locking of the mated state with the receptacle 3 is completed. Therefore, the fitting lock means 35 does not forget to lock.

Further, according to the present embodiment, in the fitted state, the operating portion 52 is urged by the urging member 34 so as to be pushed up in the direction orthogonal to the axis line, so that the lock protrusion 21 is engaged with the lock protrusion 21. Engagement with the groove 57 is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plug 2 from being pulled out from the receptacle 3 by releasing the fitting between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 due to an erroneous operation.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are fitted, the lock protrusion 21 is engaged with the lock protrusion engagement groove portion 57, and the lock plate 54 is engaged with the lock plate engagement groove portion 22. Therefore, the fitting state of the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be doubly locked by the fitting locking means 35. Therefore, the tensile strength when an excessive tensile force is applied to the plug 2 in the extraction direction (direction indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 10) can be made stronger than that in the prior art.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the pair of lock protrusions 21 are engaged with the lock protrusion engaging groove portion 57, and the pair of lock plates 54 are engaged with the lock plate engaging groove portion 22, so that the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are engaged. The mating with and will be held at a total of four points. Therefore, even if any one of the above four locations is missing, the fitting between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be maintained at the remaining three locations. As a result, the structure is excellent in safety in fitting the plug 2 and the receptacle 3.

By the way, when trying to increase the fitting strength between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3, it is conceivable to increase the size of the lock protrusion 21. Here, in order to form a large size of the lock protrusion 21, space is taken up by that amount. In this way, increasing the size of the lock protrusion 21 contradicts the demand for limiting the stroke of the fitting locking means 35, downsizing the connector 1, and high-density mounting of the connectors 1 and 70, which will be described later. It will be. Therefore, it is difficult to increase the size of the lock protrusion 21 in order to increase the fitting strength between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lock protrusion 21 is engaged with the lock protrusion engagement groove portion 57, the lock plate 54 is engaged with the lock plate engagement groove portion 22, and the lock plate 54 is double-locked as described above. The fitting strength between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be increased without increasing the size of the lock protrusion 21.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the fitting locking means 35 is formed as a member having rigidity, the fitting strength between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be further increased.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the first conductive path connecting portion 9 is formed according to the cross-sectional area (size of the first conductive path 4) of the first conductive path 4 connected to the first conductive path connecting portion 9. Therefore, the shape and size of the pin body 8 and the socket 30 can be made common. Therefore, the shape and size of the pin cover 7 and the socket cover 33 can be made common. This eliminates the need to change the size of the connector 1 according to the size of the first conductive path 4 connected to the first conductive path connecting portion 9, and makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the design of the manufacturing device of the connector 1. It will be easier to procure materials.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 20 is provided on the lower surface 17 of the fitting portion 13, and the erroneous insertion prevention groove portion 48 is provided on the inner surface 47 of the fitting space 42. When a plurality of connectors 1 and 70 are attached to the wall portion 100 (see FIG. 11) of the housing of the object to be attached, it is necessary to prevent the plug 2 from being accidentally inserted into the receptacle 3 different from the normal fitting partner. Can be done.

Further, according to the present embodiment, after the fitting portion 13 starts inserting into the fitting space 42, the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 20 starts fitting into the erroneous insertion prevention groove portion 48, so that the fitting portion 13 is fitted. Insertion into the joint space 42 and insertion of the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 20 into the erroneous insertion prevention groove 48 can be performed step by step. As a result, as compared with the case where the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 20 is provided at a position where the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion 20 starts to be inserted into the erroneous insertion prevention groove 48 at the same timing as the start of insertion of the fitting portion 13 into the fitting space 42. The fitting work can be performed smoothly.

Further, according to this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 13 is formed in a non-circular shape (horseshoe shape in this embodiment), and the shape when viewed from the axial direction of the fitting space 42 is the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion. Since it is formed so as to have substantially the same shape as the shape, the fitting directionality of the fitting portion 13 is limited. In particular, in this embodiment, the fitting portion 13 is provided with a flat surface portion (upper surface 16), and the inner surface 47 of the fitting space 42 is formed with a flat surface portion capable of surface contact with the flat surface portion. The mating directionality is more limited. Therefore, the operator can easily recognize the normal orientation of the fitting portion 13 at the time of fitting in appearance, and the fitting portion 13 can be fitted into the fitting space 42 in the regular orientation.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the operation when a plurality of connectors 70 are to be mounted side by side on the wall portion 100 of the housing of the object to be mounted (power supply device) will be described. The connector 70 shown in FIG. 11 includes a first conductive path 71 and a pin having a first conductive path connection portion formed according to the cross-sectional area of the first conductive path 71 (here, 150 mm ² ). Except for the points, it shall have the same configuration and structure as the connector 1 of this embodiment.

According to this embodiment, when fitting or pulling out the plug 2 and the receptacle 3, the thin portion on the plug 2 side can be gripped and worked. As a result, when a plurality of connectors 70 are to be mounted side by side on the wall 100 of the housing of the object to be mounted, a space for an operator to insert a hand is provided on the outside of the connectors as in the conventional technique. There is no need to secure it. Therefore, the distance between the connectors can be narrowed, and the connectors can be arranged closely with each other.

Next, the procedure for extracting the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation unit 52 is pushed down in the direction indicated by the arrow E. Then, the engagement between the lock protrusion 21 and the lock protrusion engagement groove portion 57 and the engagement between the lock plate 54 and the lock plate engagement groove portion 22 are released (as shown in FIG. 8A). )become.

After that, the plug 2 is pulled out from the receptacle 3 in the pulling-out direction. With the above, the extraction work of the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 is completed.

Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.
As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, according to the present embodiment, the work efficiency in the fitting and pulling out work of the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 is improved, and the fitting and pulling out are performed. It has the effect of improving workability. Further, it has an effect that the workability in the fitting between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be further improved and the safety in the fitting can be improved. It also has the effect of increasing the mounting density of the connector. Further, even if an excessive tensile force is applied in the extraction direction, the fitting strength between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be increased, and the fitting state can be secured more firmly. Further, it has an effect that the manufacturing cost of the connector can be reduced.

As the connector according to the present invention, in addition to the first embodiment, the following second embodiment may be used. Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the connector according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12-14.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the connector in a state where the erroneous operation prevention lock protrusion is engaged with the erroneous operation prevention lock groove portion. ..
The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The connector 80 illustrated in FIG. 12 differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a receptacle 81. The receptacle 81 shown in FIG. 13 is different from the receptacle 3 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment in that the receptacle 81 is configured to include the fitting lock means 82, the socket cover 83, and the erroneous operation prevention lock 86. ..

First, the fitting locking means 82 will be described.
The fitting lock means 82 shown in FIG. 13 is configured to include an erroneous operation prevention lock mounting portion 91 and a first pressing surface 94 on the upper surface 93 of the operation portion 92. The erroneous operation prevention lock mounting portion 91 is formed so that the erroneous operation prevention lock 86, which will be described later, can be mounted. The first pressing surface 94 is described in the claims and constitutes the “pressing portion” illustrated by the quotation mark 90, and the height gradually increases from the front end to the rear end in the front-rear direction of the erroneous operation prevention lock 86. It is formed in a tapered shape so as to be high.

Next, the socket cover 83 will be described.
The socket cover 83 shown in FIG. 13 is configured to include an erroneous operation prevention lock groove portion 87 in the mounting portion 84. The erroneous operation prevention lock groove portion 87 shown in FIG. 13 is described in the scope of claims and constitutes the “erroneous operation prevention means” illustrated by the quotation mark 85. The erroneous operation prevention lock groove portion 87 is arranged on the upper end side of the mounting portion 84, and the erroneous operation prevention lock protrusion 89 described later is formed so as to be engageable.

Next, the erroneous operation prevention lock 86 will be described.
The erroneous operation prevention lock 86 illustrated in FIG. 13 constitutes the “erroneous operation prevention means” described in the claims. The erroneous operation prevention lock 86 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin, includes a grip portion 88, an erroneous operation prevention lock protrusion 89, and a second pressing surface 95, and rotates around the erroneous operation prevention lock mounting portion 91. It is installed as possible.

The grip portion 88 illustrated in FIG. 13 is formed as a portion to be gripped by an operator when operating the erroneous operation prevention lock 86. The erroneous operation prevention lock protrusion 89 shown in FIG. 13 is formed so as to be engageable with the erroneous operation prevention lock groove portion 87. The second pressing surface 95 illustrated in FIG. 13 constitutes the “pressing portion” described in the claims, and the height of the erroneous operation prevention lock 86 gradually increases from the front end to the rear end in the front-rear direction. It is formed in such a tapered shape.

Next, the procedure for fitting the plug 2 and the receptacle 81 and operating the erroneous operation prevention lock 86 will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 12, the plug 2 and the receptacle 81 are fitted. Since the fitting work between the plug 2 and the receptacle 81 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

Then, in FIG. 12, the operator rotates the erroneous operation prevention lock 86 by approximately 90 ° in the direction indicated by the arrow G while gripping the grip portion 88 of the erroneous operation prevention lock 86. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the erroneous operation prevention lock protrusion 89 is in a state of being engaged with the erroneous operation prevention lock groove portion 87.

Here, the operation in a state where the erroneous operation prevention lock protrusion 89 is engaged with the erroneous operation prevention lock groove portion 87 will be described.
In the state shown in FIG. 14, even if the operation unit 92 is pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector 80 (the direction indicated by the arrow H in FIG. 14), the erroneous operation prevention lock protrusion 89 is the erroneous operation prevention lock groove portion. Since it is engaged with 87, pushing down in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction is restricted. As a result, the operation unit 92 is prevented from being erroneously pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis line. Therefore, due to the erroneous operation, the fitting between the plug 2 and the receptacle 81 is released, and the plug 2 is pulled out from the receptacle 81. Can be prevented.

Next, the procedure for pulling out the plug 2 from the receptacle 81 will be described.
First, in FIG. 14, the operator rotates the erroneous operation prevention lock 86 by approximately 90 ° in the direction indicated by the arrow J while gripping the grip portion 88 of the erroneous operation prevention lock 86. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the engagement between the erroneous operation prevention lock protrusion 89 and the erroneous operation prevention lock groove portion 87 is released.

Then, in FIG. 12, by pressing the pressing portion 90 in the insertion direction of the plug 2 (in the direction indicated by the arrow K in FIG. 12), the plug 2 is pulled out from the receptacle 81 in the extraction direction. Here, according to the present embodiment, since the plug 2 can be pulled out while pressing the pressing portion 90 in the insertion direction of the plug 2, the mating state between the plug 2 and the receptacle 81 is released, and the receptacle 81 is released. The plug 2 can be pulled out from the plug 2 in a series of operations. With the above, the work of pulling out the plug 2 from the receptacle 81 is completed.

Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.
As described above with reference to FIGS. 12-14, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the following effects are also exhibited. That is, there is an effect that the fitted state of the plug 2 and the receptacle 81 can be more reliably held. Further, it is possible to improve the work efficiency in the work of extracting the plug 2 from the receptacle 81.

As the connector according to the present invention, in addition to Example 1 or Example 2, the following Example 3 may be used. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention 3 and an embodiment of the conductive path connection portion cover (second cover) according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 24.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the second cover (conducting path connection portion cover) according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is the second cover. It is an exploded perspective view, (a) is a perspective view which shows the 1st half cylinder part which constitutes a 2nd cover, (b) is a perspective view which shows the 2nd half cylinder part which constitutes a 2nd cover, and FIG. 18 is a socket view. 19 is a perspective view showing a cover, FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a fitting locking means, FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an erroneous operation prevention ring, (a) is a perspective view with an erroneous operation prevention portion on the upper side, and (b) is a guide. A perspective view with the protrusion on the upper side, FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a connector for explaining the fitting operation between the plug and the receptacle, FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the connector in a state where the plug and the receptacle are fitted, and FIG. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a connector for explaining the work of releasing the mating state with the receptacle, and FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of connectors are laterally arranged and attached to the wall portion of the housing of the object to be attached.
The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The connector 101 shown in FIG. 15 is different from the first embodiment or the second embodiment in that the plug 102 and the receptacle 103 are provided. Hereinafter, each configuration of the connector 101 will be described.

First, the plug 102 will be described.
The plug 102 shown in FIG. 15 differs from the plug 2 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment in that the plug 102 is provided with the pin cover 107. The pin cover 107 illustrated in FIG. 15 includes a first cover 111 and a second cover 112. The first cover 111 has a slight difference in shape from the first cover 11 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), but basically has the same configuration and structure as the first cover 11 in the first embodiment. ing. When the present invention is regarded as a "second cover (conducting path connection portion cover)" as in the present embodiment, the "first cover" may be read as a "pin body cover".

The second cover 112 illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 relates to the present invention. When the present invention is regarded as a "second cover" as in the present embodiment, the "second cover" may be read as a "conducting path connection portion cover". The second cover 112 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a structure that can be attached to the first conductive path connecting portion 9 after the first conductive path connecting portion 9 is connected to the terminal of the first conductive path 4 (hereinafter, appropriately, appropriately. It may be referred to as a "retrofitable structure"). As the structure that can be retrofitted, in this embodiment, the second cover 112 is formed by a two-divided structure. More specifically, the second cover 112 includes a first half-cylinder portion 113 formed in a semi-cylindrical shape and a second half-cylinder portion 114 also formed in a semi-cylindrical shape.

The first half-cylinder portion 113 illustrated in FIG. 17A has a pair of engaging frame portions 115, a pair of first engaging recesses 116, a pair of second engaging recesses 117, and a male screw portion 127. I have. The pair of engaging frame portions 115 constitute the "engaging portion" described in the claims. The pair of engaging frame portions 115 are provided in a substantially intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the first half-cylinder portion 113. Each of the pair of engaging frame portions 115 is provided with an engaging guide portion 118. The engagement guide portion 118 is formed so that the engagement protrusion 119 can be guided when the engagement protrusion 119 described later is engaged with the engagement frame portion 115. The pair of first engaging recesses 116 are provided on the front end side of the first half cylinder portion 113 in the front-rear direction, and the pair of second engaging recesses 117 are provided on the rear end side of the first half cylinder portion 113 in the front-rear direction. It is provided in. The male screw portion 127 is provided on the front end side of the first half cylinder portion 113 in the front-rear direction. The male screw portion 127 is formed as a portion that can be fastened (screwed) to the female screw portion 24 (see FIG. 15) of the first cover 111.

The second half-cylinder portion 114 illustrated in FIG. 17B includes a pair of engaging protrusions 119, a pair of first engaging convex portions 120, a pair of second engaging convex portions 121, and a male screw portion 127. It is equipped with. The pair of engaging protrusions 119 constitutes the "engaging portion" described in the claims. The pair of engaging protrusions 119 are provided at a substantially intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the second half-cylinder portion 114. Each of the pair of engaging protrusions 119 consists of two protrusions arranged along the front-rear direction of the second half-cylinder portion 114. Each of the pair of engaging protrusions 119 is formed so as to be engageable with the engaging frame portion 115. The pair of first engaging convex portions 120 are provided on the front end side of the second half cylinder portion 114 in the front-rear direction, and the pair of second engaging protrusions 121 are rearward of the second half cylinder portion 114 in the front-rear direction. It is provided on the end side. The male screw portion 127 is provided on the front end side of the second half cylinder portion 114 in the front-rear direction. The male screw portion 127 is formed as a portion that can be fastened (screwed) to the female screw portion 24 (see FIG. 15) of the first cover 111.

Here, when an integrated second cover (hereinafter, referred to as “integrated second cover”) that is not a split structure is used, after the first conductive path connecting portion 9 is connected to the terminal of the first conductive path 4. Then, since the first conductive path 4 cannot be inserted through the integrated second cover, the operator who assembles the plug 102 connects the first conductive path connecting portion 9 to the terminal of the first conductive path 4. Before, it is necessary to insert the first conductive path 4 through the integrated second cover. However, the operator may forget to insert the first conductive path 4 into the integrated second cover before the connection. If the insertion of the first conductive path 4 into the integrated second cover before the connection is forgotten, the integrated second cover cannot be retrofitted to the first conductive path 4. Here, according to the present embodiment, since the second cover 112 has a two-divided structure, the second cover 112 is first connected to the terminal of the first conductive path 4 before the first conductive path connecting portion 9 is connected. Even if one forgets to attach it to the conductive path 4, the second cover 112 can be attached to the first conductive path 4 after the above connection.

When the present invention is regarded as a "second cover (conducting path connecting portion cover)" as in the present embodiment, the "first conductive path" is referred to as a "conductive path" and the "first conductive path connecting portion". May be read as "conductive path connection portion", respectively.

Next, the receptacle 103 will be described.
The receptacle 103 illustrated in FIG. 15 includes a socket 130, a socket cover 133, a fitting locking means 135, and an erroneous operation prevention ring 170, and the receptacle 3 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). It is different from the receptacle 31 (see FIG. 13) in the second embodiment.

The socket 130 shown in FIG. 15 is formed of a conductive metal and includes a socket body 136 and a second conductive path connecting portion 137. The socket 130 is formed to be shorter than the socket 30 in the first and second embodiments.

The socket cover 133 illustrated in FIG. 18 is different from the receptacle 3 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment and the receptacle 81 (see FIG. 13) in the second embodiment in that the guide portion 171 is provided. The guide unit 171 illustrated in FIG. 18 constitutes the "erroneous operation preventing means" described in the claims. The guide portion 171 is formed in an arc shape so as to surround the outside of the socket cover main body 138. The guide portion 171 is provided with a guide groove 172 and a contact surface 173. The guide groove 172 penetrates from the inner surface to the outer surface of the guide portion 171 and is formed along the circumferential direction of the guide portion 171. The contact surface 173 is formed on one end side and the other end side in the circumferential direction of the guide portion 171.

The fitting locking means 135 illustrated in FIG. 19 has the fitting locking means 35 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment and the second embodiment in that the pressing surface 174 is provided on the upper surface 162 of the operation unit 152. It is different from the fitting locking means 82 (see FIG. 13) in. The pressing surface 174 corresponds to the "pressing portion" described in the claims.

Further, the fitting locking means 135 illustrated in FIG. 19 has a fitting locking means 35 (FIG. 1) in the first embodiment in that the locking projection 176 is formed in the vicinity of a portion continuous with the operating portion 52 in the arm portion 151. 1) and the fitting locking means 82 (see FIG. 13) in the second embodiment. More specifically, the locking projection 176 is formed at the tip of the fitting locking means locking piece 175. The fitting locking means locking piece 175 is formed so as to extend from a substantially intermediate portion in the extending direction of the arm portion 151 to a portion continuous with the operating portion 152 in the arm portion 151. The locking projection 176 is formed so as to be engageable with a fitting locking means locking groove portion (not shown) provided in the mounting portion 39.

According to this embodiment, since the locking projection 176 is formed in the vicinity of the portion of the arm portion 151 that is continuous with the operating portion 152, the locking projection 60 is similar to the fitting locking means 35 shown in FIG. However, the fitting locking means 175 can be made smaller than, for example, as compared with the case where the arm portion 51 is formed on the tip end portion (free end portion) side. As a result, the size of the entire connector 101 can be reduced.

The erroneous operation prevention ring 170 illustrated in FIG. 20 constitutes the "erroneous operation prevention means" described in the claims. The erroneous operation prevention ring 170 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin and is formed in an annular shape. The erroneous operation prevention ring 170 is guided by the guide portion 171 and is rotatably arranged around the axis of the socket cover 133 along the circumferential direction of the axis.

The erroneous operation prevention ring 170 shown in FIG. 20 is provided with a guide piece 178, an erroneous operation prevention portion 179, a notch portion 180, a hook portion 181 and a stopper 183 on the outer surface 177.

A plurality of guide pieces 178 (two in this embodiment) are provided, and a guide protrusion 182 is formed at the tip thereof. The guide protrusion 182 is formed in a claw shape so as to be slidable in the guide groove 172 when engaged with the guide groove 172 (see FIG. 18) of the guide portion 171 and the erroneous operation prevention ring 170 is rotated. Has been done.

The erroneous operation prevention unit 179 is provided on the front end side of the erroneous operation prevention ring 170 in the front-rear direction. The erroneous operation prevention unit 179 is formed so as to prevent the operation unit 152 (see FIG. 15) from being erroneously pushed down in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector 101.

The cutout portion 180 is provided on the front end side of the erroneous operation prevention ring 170 in the front-rear direction and adjacent to the erroneous operation prevention portion 179. The notch 180 is formed by a person who handles the connector 101 (hereinafter, may be appropriately read as "worker") put a finger on the operation unit 152 and push down the operation unit 152 in a direction orthogonal to the axis line. A notch is formed from the front end in the front-rear direction of the erroneous operation prevention ring 170 to a substantially intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the erroneous operation prevention ring 170 so as to enable.

The hook portion 181 is provided on the upper portion of the erroneous operation prevention portion 179. The hook portion 181 is formed as a portion for hooking a worker's finger when rotating the erroneous operation prevention ring 170.

The stopper 183 is provided on the rear end side of the erroneous operation prevention ring 170 in the front-rear direction. The stopper 183 is provided with one end face 184 and the other end face 185. One end face 184 and the other end face 185 are formed so as to be able to come into contact with the contact surface 173 of the guide portion 171.

Next, the procedure for fitting the plug 102 and the receptacle 103 and operating the erroneous operation prevention ring 170 will be described.
First, the plug 102 shown in FIG. 21 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow L and fitted with the receptacle 103. Here, as shown in FIG. 21, the erroneous operation prevention unit 179 is arranged in advance directly above the operation unit 152. Since the fitting work of the plug 102 and the receptacle 103 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

Here, the operation in a state where the erroneous operation prevention unit 179 is arranged directly above the operation unit 152 will be described.
In the state shown in FIG. 22, even if the operation unit 152 is pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector 101 (the direction indicated by the arrow M in FIG. 22), the erroneous operation prevention unit 179 is directly above the operation unit 152. Since it is arranged, pushing down in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction is restricted. This prevents the operation unit 152 from being accidentally pushed down in the direction orthogonal to the axis, so that the plug 102 and the receptacle 103 are released from the mating due to the mistaken operation, and the plug 102 is pulled out from the receptacle 103. Can be prevented.

Next, the procedure for extracting the plug 102 from the receptacle 103 will be described.
First, in FIG. 22, the operator hooks a finger on the hook portion 181 of the erroneous operation prevention ring 170, and erroneously operates the ring 170 around the axis of the socket cover 133 along the circumferential direction of this axis (shown in FIG. 22). Rotate (in the direction indicated by the arrow N). Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the notch portion 180 is arranged directly above the operation portion 152.

According to this embodiment, since the operator can hook the finger on the hooking portion 181 to rotate the erroneous operation prevention ring 170, the erroneous operation prevention ring 170 is compared with the case where the hooking portion 181 is not provided. Workability in the operation of the ring 170 can be further improved.

After that, in FIG. 23, the plug 102 is pulled out from the receptacle 103 in the extraction direction by pushing down the pressing portion 152 in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector 101 (in the direction indicated by the arrow P in FIG. 23). .. As described above, the work of extracting the plug 102 from the receptacle 103 is completed.

Here, as shown in FIG. 24, when a plurality of connectors 101 are mounted side by side on the wall portion 100 of the housing of the object to be mounted (power supply device), the plurality of connectors 101 are individually colored differently. Also good. For example, among the plurality of connectors 101, the connector 101a colors the arrow portion of the insertion direction indicating portion 29 on the plug 102 side and the operating portion 152 of the fitting locking means 135 on the receptacle 103 side in red, and the connector 101b is a connector 101b. The arrow portion of the insertion direction indicating unit 29 and the operation unit 152 may be colored white, and the connector 101c may color the arrow portion of the insertion direction indicating unit 29 and the operation unit 152 in blue. (The above coloring is an example).

In this way, by applying different coloring to each of the plurality of connectors 101 (101a to 101c), even if a plurality of receptacles 103 are horizontally arranged side by side on the wall portion 100, the operator can perform the operation on the receptacle 103 side. By confirming the coloring and the coloring on the plug 102 side, it is possible to visually recognize which plug 102 should be fitted to which receptacle 103.

Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.
As described above with reference to FIGS. 15 to 24, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Examples 1 and 2, the following effects are also exhibited. That is, there is an effect that the entire connector 101 can be miniaturized. In addition, the workability in assembling the connector 101 can be further improved. Further, the workability in fitting the plug 102 and the receptacle 103 can be further improved.

The second cover 112 in this embodiment may be replaced with the modification 1 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the modification 2 shown in FIG. 27, or the modification 3 shown in FIG. 28. Hereinafter, modification 1-3 will be described.

25 is a perspective view showing a modified example 1 of the second cover, FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example 1 of the second cover, and (a) shows a first half cylinder portion constituting the second cover. A perspective view, (b) is a perspective view showing a second half-cylinder portion constituting the second cover, FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a modification 2 of the second cover, and (a) is a perspective view showing the second cover closed. A perspective view showing a state, (b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the second cover is open, and FIG. 28 is a rear view showing a modification 3 of the second cover (the second cover is viewed from the side where the contact prevention portion is provided). It is a view in the axial direction of the second cover).
The same components as those in the third embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, the first modification will be described.
In the second cover 212 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, a contact prevention portion 203 is provided at an end portion (rear end in FIG. 25) on the side where the first conductive path 4 is led out. It is different from the second cover 112 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) in. The second cover 212 has a slight difference in shape from the second cover 112 except that the contact prevention portion 213 is provided, but basically has the same configuration and structure as the second cover 112. ing.

The contact prevention portion 213 is formed so that the inner diameter thereof does not allow the fingers of the person handling the connector 101 to enter between the inner surface 214 and the outer surface of the first conductive path 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, the contact prevention portion 213 has an inner surface 214 and an outer surface of the first conductive path 4 having the largest diameter among the first conductive paths 4 inserted through the contact prevention section 213. It is formed so that the inner diameter is such that there is almost no gap between them. Further, the contact prevention portion 213 has an inner surface 214 and a first conductive path between the inner surface 214 and the outer surface of the first conductive path 4 having a diameter other than the maximum diameter of the first conductive path 4 inserted through the contact prevention portion 213. The inner diameter is formed so that the fingers of the person who handles the connector 101 do not enter between the outer surface of the connector 101 and the outer surface of the connector 101. Here, the above-mentioned "first conductive path 4 inserted through the contact prevention portion 213" refers to, for example, the first conductive path 4 having a cross-sectional area of 38 mm ² , 60 mm ² , 100 mm ² , and 150 mm ² . The cross-sectional area of the first conductive path 4 is an example and is not limited to the above numerical values.

In the contact prevention portion 213 shown in FIG. 25, a continuity inspection groove 215 is formed on the inner surface 214 thereof. The continuity inspection groove 215 corresponds to the "insertion portion" described in the claims. The continuity inspection groove 215 is formed so as to extend along the axial direction (in the front-rear direction in FIG. 25) of the second cover 212. A plurality of continuity inspection grooves 215 (four in FIG. 25) are formed and arranged at equal intervals. The continuity inspection groove 215 is formed so that an instrument (not shown) for continuity inspection can be inserted. The device for inspecting continuity is for inspecting continuity in the fitted state of the connector 101, and examples thereof include an electroscope probe.

In the first modification, the continuity inspection groove 215 is provided as corresponding to the "insertion portion" described in the claims, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, a "continuity inspection hole" may be provided as corresponding to the "insertion portion" described in the claims. Although not shown in particular, the continuity inspection hole is formed through the contact prevention portion 213 so that the continuity inspection instrument (electroscope probe) can be inserted therethrough. A plurality (for example, four) continuity inspection holes are formed and arranged at equal intervals.

According to the first modification, the contact prevention portion 213 is provided at the end of the second cover 212 on the side where the first conductive path 4 is led out, and the inner diameter of the contact prevention portion 213 is the inner surface 214 of the contact prevention portion 213. The inner diameter is such that fingers do not enter between the first conductive path 4 and the outer surface. As a result, the fingers enter the gap between the inner surface 214 of the contact prevention portion 213 and the outer surface of the first conductive path 4, and the fingers come into contact with the conductor of the first conductive path 4 and the first conductive path connecting portion 9 for work. There is no risk of a person getting an electric shock.

Further, according to the first modification, since the insertion portion (continuity inspection groove 215 or continuity inspection hole) is provided on the inner surface 214 of the contact prevention portion 213, the first conduction path 4 in the second cover 212 is derived. Even if the contact prevention portion 213 is provided at the side end portion, the continuity inspection instrument can be inserted into the second cover 212. As a result, the continuity inspection can be effectively performed in the fitted state of the connector 101.

Next, a modification 2 will be described.
The second cover 312 illustrated in FIG. 27 includes the second cover 112 in this embodiment (see FIGS. 16 and 17) in that the second cover 312 includes a hinge 313 connecting the first half cylinder portion 113 and the second half cylinder portion 114. And the second cover 212 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) in the first modification. The second cover 312 is formed of a split structure that can be opened and closed via a hinge 313. Although not particularly shown, the hinge 313 is composed of a rotating shaft and a bearing of the rotating shaft.

Next, a modification 3 will be described.
The second cover 412 illustrated in FIG. 28 includes the second cover 112 in this embodiment (see FIGS. 16 and 17) in that the second cover 412 includes a hinge 413 connecting the first half cylinder portion 113 and the second half cylinder portion 114. And the second cover 212 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) in the first modification. The second cover 412 is formed by a split structure that can be opened and closed via a hinge 413. The hinge 413 is different from the hinge 313 (see FIG. 27) in the second modification in that it is composed of a thin-walled hinge.

Next, the effects of Modifications 1-3 will be described.
As described above with reference to FIGS. 25 to 28, according to the modified example 1-3, in addition to the effect of the embodiment 1-3, the following effects are also obtained. That is, there is an effect that the safety in fitting the plug 102 and the receptacle 103 can be further enhanced.

In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified in various ways without changing the gist of the present invention.

In the above description, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the first embodiment has a configuration in which a portion like the pressing portion 90 (see FIG. 12) in the second embodiment is provided on the upper surface 62 of the operation portion 52. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the following configuration may be used.

That is, although not particularly shown, a configuration such as the pressing portion 90 (see FIG. 12) in the second embodiment may be provided on the upper surface 62 of the operation portion 52 in the first embodiment.

By providing the above configuration, according to the first embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the plug 2 can be pulled out while pressing the pressing portion in the insertion direction of the plug 2, so that the plug 2 from the receptacle 3 can be pulled out. It has the effect of improving the work efficiency in the extraction work.

Further, in the above description, although the first and second embodiments include the second cover 12, the second cover 112 in the third embodiment, the second cover 212 in the modified example 1, and the second cover in the modified example 2 are provided. It may be replaced with 312 or the second cover 412 in the modification 3.

1,70,80,101 ... connector, 2,102 ... plug, 3,81,103 ... receptacle, 4 ... first conductive path (conductive path), 5 ... pin, 6 ... pin cap, 7,107 ... pin cover , 8 ... Pin body, 9 ... First conductive path connection (conducting path connection), 10 ... Flange, 11,111 ... First cover (pin body cover), 12, 112, 212, 312, 412 ... Two covers (conducting path connection part cover), 13 ... fitting part, 14 ... connecting part, 15 ... pin body arrangement space, 16,62,93,162 ... top surface, 17,63 ... bottom surface, 18 ... left side surface, 19 ... Right side, 20 ... Misinsertion prevention protrusion, 21 ... Lock protrusion, 22 ... Lock plate engagement groove, 23 ... Flange part placement space, 24 ... Female thread part, 25 ... First conductive path connection part placement space, 26, 28, 61, 177 ... outer surface, 27, 127 ... male screw part, 29 ... insertion direction indicator, 30, 130 ... socket, 31 ... contact, 32 ... socket cap, 33, 83, 133 ... socket cover, 34 ... Force member, 35, 82, 135 ... Fitting lock means, 36, 136 ... Socket body, 37, 137 ... Second conductive path connection part, 38 ... Socket cover body, 39, 84 ... Mounting part, 40 ... Fitting part Insertion port, 41 ... Locking protrusion insertion groove, 42 ... Fitting space, 43 ... Biasing member mounting part, 44 ... Fitting locking means slide part, 45 ... Fitting locking means locking groove part, 46 ... Positioning display part , 47, 59, 214 ... Inner surface, 48 ... False insertion prevention groove, 49 ... Bolt insertion hole, 50 ... Bolt, 51, 151 ... Arm, 52, 92, 152 ... Operation, 53 ... Lock groove, 54 ... Lock Plate, 55, 175 ... Fitting lock means locking piece, 56 ... Sliding groove, 57 ... Lock protrusion engaging groove, 58 ... Tapered surface, 60, 176 ... Locking protrusion, 85 ... Misoperation prevention means, 86 ... Misoperation Prevention lock, 87 ... Misoperation prevention lock groove, 88 ... Grip, 89 ... Misoperation prevention lock protrusion, 90 ... Pressing part, 91 ... Misoperation prevention lock mounting part, 94 ... First pressing surface, 95 ... Second pressing surface, 100 ... wall part, 113 ... first half cylinder part, 114 ... second half cylinder part, 115 ... engagement frame part (engagement part), 116 ... first engagement recess, 117 ... second engagement recess, 118 ... Engagement guide part, 119 ... Engagement protrusion (engagement part), 120 ... First engagement convex part, 121 ... Second engagement convex part, 170 ... Prevention of erroneous operation Ring, 171 ... guide part, 172 ... guide groove, 173 ... contact surface, 174 ... pressing surface, 178 ... guide piece, 179 ... erroneous operation prevention part, 180 ... notch part, 181 ... hooking part, 182 ... guide protrusion, 183 ... Stopper, 184 ... One end face, 185 ... The other end face, 213 ... Contact prevention part, 215 ... Continuity inspection groove (insertion part), 313, 413 ... Hinge

Claims (19)

A pin that has a pin body and a first conductive path connection portion and is connected to the terminal of the first conductive path via the first conductive path connection portion, and a fitting that is formed in a tubular shape and the pin body is arranged inside. A plug comprising a first cover having a joint, a pin cover formed in a tubular shape and a second cover that can be fastened to the first cover and in which the first conduction path connection portion is arranged.
A socket having a socket body and a second conductive path connection portion and connected to the terminal of the second conductive path via the second conductive path connection portion, and the socket body is arranged inside and the fitting portion is A receptacle with a socket cover having a fitting space that can be inserted and fitted, and a receptacle.
In a connector comprising, the plug and the receptacle are configured to be matable and retractable.
The fitting portion is
One or two or more lock protrusions are projected on this outer surface.
The receptacle is
A fitting locking means for locking the fitting state of the plug and the receptacle is provided.
The fitting locking means is
An arm portion provided with a lock groove portion on the inner surface into which the lock protrusion can enter and a locking protrusion formed to be lockable on the socket cover, and an arm portion continuous with the arm portion and using an urging member to form the connector. It is equipped with an operation unit that is urged to be pushed up in a direction orthogonal to the axis line.
The lock groove portion is
A sliding groove portion having a tapered surface on which the lock protrusion can slide when the fitting portion is inserted into the fitting space, and a lock protrusion engagement that communicates with the sliding groove portion and allows the lock protrusion to engage with the sliding groove portion. With a joint groove,
Further, the fitting locking means is
When the lock protrusion slides on the tapered surface and is pushed down in a direction orthogonal to the axis, and when the lock protrusion gets over the tapered surface, the operation unit is orthogonal to the axis by the urging member. The lock protrusion engages with the lock protrusion engagement groove portion and is in a state where the engagement is held, and in a state where the engagement is held, the operation portion is moved to the axis line. A connector characterized in that it is arranged so that when it is pushed down in an orthogonal direction, the lock protrusion is disengaged from the lock protrusion engagement groove portion. In the connector according to claim 1,
The fitting portion is
A lock plate engaging groove is provided on the outer surface.
The fitting locking means is
A connector characterized in that a lock plate formed so as to project inward and engageable with the lock plate engaging groove portion is provided on the inner surface of the arm portion. In the connector according to claim 1 or 2.
The second cover is
A contact prevention portion formed so as to allow the first conductive path to be inserted is provided at the end on the side where the first conductive path is led out.
The contact prevention part is
A connector characterized in that this inner diameter is formed so that the fingers of a person who handles the connector do not enter between the inner surface of the contact prevention portion and the outer surface of the first conductive path. In the connector according to claim 3,
The contact prevention part is
A connector characterized in that an insertion portion formed so that an instrument for continuity inspection can be inserted is provided on the inner surface thereof. In the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4.
The fitting locking means is
A connector characterized by being formed as a rigid member. In the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.
The locking projection of the fitting locking means is
A connector characterized in that it is formed in the vicinity of a portion of the arm portion that is continuous with the operation portion. In the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6,
The receptacle is
A connector characterized by being provided with an erroneous operation preventing means for preventing the operation unit from being erroneously pushed down in a direction orthogonal to the axis. In the connector according to claim 7.
The erroneous operation prevention means is
A guide portion arranged on the outside of the socket cover and an erroneous operation prevention ring guided by the guide portion and rotatably arranged along the circumferential direction of the socket cover are provided. ,
The guide portion is
A guide groove formed along the circumferential direction of the shaft of the socket cover is provided.
The erroneous operation prevention ring is
A guide protrusion, an erroneous operation prevention portion, and a notch portion are provided on this outer surface.
The guide protrusion
It is formed so as to be slidable in the guide groove when it is engaged with the guide groove and the erroneous operation prevention ring is rotated.
The erroneous operation prevention unit is
It is formed so as to prevent the operation unit from being accidentally pushed down in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the connector.
The notch is
A notch is formed so that the operation unit can be pushed down in a direction orthogonal to the axis.
Further, the erroneous operation prevention ring is
When it is desired to push down the operation unit in a direction orthogonal to the axis line, the notch portion is arranged directly above the operation unit, and when it is desired to prevent the operation unit from being accidentally pushed down in a direction orthogonal to the axis line. , A connector characterized in that the erroneous operation prevention unit is arranged directly above the operation unit. In the connector according to claim 8,
The erroneous operation prevention ring is
A hook is provided on this outer surface,
The hook portion is
A connector characterized by being formed as a portion for hooking the fingers of a person who handles the connector when the erroneous operation prevention ring is rotated around the axis of the socket cover along the circumferential direction of the axis. In the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9.
The pin is
A connector characterized in that the first conductive path connecting portion is formed according to the cross-sectional area of the first conductive path connected to the first conductive path connecting portion. In the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.
The operation unit is
A connector characterized in that a pressing portion formed in a tapered shape is provided on the upper surface thereof. In the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11.
The fitting portion is
An erroneous insertion prevention protrusion is provided on the outer surface.
The fitting space is
A connector characterized in that an erroneous insertion prevention groove portion into which the erroneous insertion prevention protrusion can be inserted is provided on the inner surface thereof. In the connector according to claim 12,
The misinsertion prevention protrusion is
A connector characterized in that the fitting portion is provided at a position where it is possible to start fitting into the erroneous insertion prevention groove portion after starting insertion into the fitting space. In the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13.
The fitting portion is
This cross-sectional shape is formed in a non-circular shape,
The fitting space is
A connector characterized in that the shape when viewed from the axial direction is formed so as to be substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion. In the connector according to claim 14,
The fitting portion is
A flat surface portion formed in a flat shape is provided on the outer surface.
The fitting space is
A connector characterized in that a portion of the inner surface facing the flat surface portion when the fitting portion is inserted and fitted is formed in a planar shape capable of surface contact with the flat surface portion. The fit that can be fitted and removed from the receptacle in the connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15. The second cover constituting the plug having a joint portion has the pin body and the first conductive path connecting portion, and is connected to the terminal of the first conductive path via the first conductive path connecting portion. When the cover is a conductive path connection portion cover that can be fastened to the first cover having the fitting portion in which the pin body of the pin is accommodated and that accommodates the first conductive path connection portion.
The conductive path connection part cover is
It is formed in a two-divided structure including a first half-cylinder portion and a second half-cylinder portion, or a first half-cylinder portion, a second half-cylinder portion, the first half-cylinder portion and the first half-cylinder portion. A conductive path connection portion cover comprising a hinge connecting the two-half cylinder portion and formed by a split structure that can be opened and closed via the hinge. In the conductive path connection portion cover according to claim 16,
For each of the first half-cylinder portion and the second half-cylinder portion,
A conductive path connection portion cover, characterized in that an engaging portion that engages the first half cylinder portion and the second half cylinder portion is formed. In the conductive path connection portion cover according to claim 16 or 17.
The conductive path connection part cover is
A contact prevention portion formed so as to allow the first conductive path to be inserted is provided at the end on the side where the first conductive path is led out.
The contact prevention part is
A conductive path connection portion cover having an inner diameter formed so that the fingers of a person handling the plug do not enter between the inner surface of the contact prevention portion and the outer surface of the first conductive path. In the conductive path connection portion cover according to claim 18,
The contact prevention part is
A conductive path connection portion cover, characterized in that an insertion portion formed so that an instrument for continuity inspection can be inserted is provided on the inner surface thereof.

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