JP7256052B2 - Connector holding structure and connector holder - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector holder for holding connectors used, for example, for in-vehicle wiring of automobiles.

A connector held by the connector holder includes a connector 101 as shown in FIG. This connector 101 has a first connector 102 and a second connector 103 that fit together. The first connector 102 and the second connector 103 are fitted to each other in the axial (longitudinal) direction along which the wires 104 and 105 are extended. It has an inner cylindrical portion 106 on a certain distal end side. The second connector 103 has an outer cylindrical portion 107 externally fitted to the inner cylindrical portion 106 on the distal end side opposite to the side from which the electric wire 105 is pulled out.

Since the outer peripheral surface of the inner tubular portion 106 does not have a step for fitting the outer tubular portion 107 , the distal end surface 108 of the outer tubular portion 107 is located outside the outer peripheral surface 109 of the first connector 102 .

A connector holder 110 for holding such a connector 101 has a first connector holding portion 111 for fixing only the first connector 102 of the connectors 101 as a configuration for fixing the connector 101 . Therefore, the second connector 103 is fixed to the connector holder 110 via the first connector 102 .

The first connector holding portion 111 has a locking structure that locks when the insertion portion 112 formed on the outer periphery of the first connector 102 on the electric wire 104 side is relatively moved along the connector holder 110 and inserted. Therefore, when the second connector 103 is held by the connector holder 110, the second connector 103 may come into contact with something and receive an external force, or the electric wire 105 of the second connector 103 may be pulled, and the second connector 103 may be twisted or come off. When the force F acting in an oblique direction acts, the load is concentrated on the first connector holding portion 111 and the insertion portion 112, and the first connector holding portion 111 and the insertion portion 112 may be damaged.

In order to prevent such inconvenience, as shown in FIG. A stopper 113 against which the rear end face 102a of 102 abuts is erected like a screen.

When such a stopper 113 is provided, the rear end surface 102a of the first connector 102 is supported by the stopper 113 when the above-described inclined force F acts. As a result, the load applied to fixed portions such as the first connector holding portion 111 and the insertion portion 112 can be reduced, thereby preventing damage to the fixed portions.

However, since the shape of the connector is not uniform, depending on the shape of the connector, it may not be possible to form a stopper that exhibits a sufficient function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to prevent damage to fixed portions while minimizing the effects of differences in connector shape.

The means therefor has a first connector, a second connector and a connector holder, the first connector and the second connector are fitted and connected to each other, and the connector holder has the first connector in a state in which the second connector is fitted to the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion of the connector holder. a contact portion that contacts an end portion of the second connector to restrict displacement of the second connector ; and an extension portion that extends from the side of the first connector holding portion; , perpendicular to the fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector and extending toward the arrangement side of the first connector with respect to the first connector holding portion, wherein the abutment portion In the connector holding structure, the extending portion is formed on the arrangement side of the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion and away from the outer peripheral surface of the first connector.
Further, the means therefor has a first connector, a second connector, and a connector holder, and the first connector and the second connector are fitted and connected to each other, and the connector holder includes the first connector. A connector holding structure having a first connector holding portion for fixing a connector, wherein the second connector is fitted to the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion in the connector holder. wherein the second connector is opposed to the second connector with a gap therebetween, and moves relative to the end of the second connector when a force is applied in a direction in which the second connector approaches the first connector. and an extension portion extending from the side of the first connector holding portion. 2 connectors, and extends toward the side of the first connector holding portion where the first connector is arranged; 1 connector holding structure formed at a position on the arrangement side of the first connector fixed to the connector holding portion and away from the outer peripheral surface of the first connector.

With this configuration, when an inclined force is applied to the second connector fitted to the first connector so that the second connector is torn off from the connector holder, the abutting portion of the connector holder is pushed to the second connector where the inclined force is applied. The ends of the two connectors are supported to prevent further displacement in the direction of twisting or tearing of the second connector. This reduces the load applied to the first connector holding portion and the vicinity of the first connector holding portion. As a result, damage to the first connector holding portion and the vicinity of the first connector holding portion can be prevented.

Also, the end portion of the second connector, which is the portion that contacts the abutting portion, is formed in the second connector, not in the rear end surface of the first connector where the wires extend. Therefore, the portion that contacts the contact portion can be formed in a relatively wide range corresponding to the region outside the outer peripheral surface of the first connector, compared to the case where it is formed on the rear end surface of the first connector. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a connector holding structure that is hardly affected by the difference in shape of the connector and can easily cope with the difference in shape of the connector.

The extension portion is perpendicular to the fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector, and extends toward the first connector holding portion on the side where the first connector is arranged. The abutting portion is formed in the extending portion at a position on the arrangement side of the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion and away from the outer peripheral surface of the first connector. ing.

As a result, the abutting portion formed in the extended portion abuts the end portion of the second connector at a position on the opposite side of the first connector from the first connector holding portion and away from the outer peripheral surface of the first connector. touch. That is, the position of the contact portion is separated from the position near the first connector holding portion, and a large distance can be taken between the contact portion and the first connector holding portion. Therefore, the load can be effectively supported by the abutting portion when an inclined force acts on the second connector.

The extension portion is preferably frame-shaped. The frame shape means a closed shape without an open end, and the frame-shaped extended portion has a space inside that surrounds the outer periphery of the first connector in the circumferential direction. The extending portion may have a rectangular frame shape, or may have a frame shape other than a square shape such as a frame shape including an arc shape.
Since the extended portion does not have an open end, the strength of the contact portion is high. Therefore, the contact portion can strongly support the end portion of the second connector on the first connector holding portion side.

When the extending portion is frame-shaped, the frame-shaped extending portion preferably has a size that allows the first connector to be inserted therethrough.
Since the frame-shaped extended portion allows the insertion of the first connector, workability is good when fixing the first connector to the connector holder even if the first connector has a long electric wire.

As an aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a raised portion projecting toward the arrangement side is formed at an end portion of the second connector with which the contact portion abuts. It is sufficient for the raised portion to have a structure that increases the height on the side opposite to the first connector holding portion, and may be formed of, for example, a rib.

In this configuration, the raised portion of the second connector further increases the distance from the vicinity of the first connector holding portion to the portion that contacts the contact portion. Therefore, the load can be effectively supported by the abutting portion when an inclined force acts on the second connector.

The raised portion is preferably formed by providing a hollow portion. A cavity is a space formed in a portion of any shape, which may be of a closed, enclosed configuration or of an open configuration.

The hollow portion reduces the weight of the second connector and promotes heat dissipation. Therefore, a connector holder having a raised portion having a hollow portion is useful as a connector holder to be mounted on an automobile.

As an aspect of this invention, the second connector may be non-fixed to the connector holder. Unfixed means that the second connector is fitted only to the first connector without the second connector and the connector holder being fitted to each other.

With this configuration, the second connector only partially abuts the connector holder, so even if an oblique force acts on the second connector, the second connector and the connector holder move relative to each other. In other words, a destructive load is unlikely to occur between the second connector and the connector holder, which contributes to preventing damage to the fixed portion.

As a mode of this invention, the fitting direction of the said 2nd connector with respect to a said 1st connector, and the contact direction of the said 2nd connector with respect to the said contact part are good to be the same.

In this configuration, since the direction in which the second connector is fitted and the direction in which it abuts on the abutting portion are the same, the fitting direction of the second connector to the first connector and the abutting direction of the second connector to the abutting portion are the same. Compared to the case where the directions are different from each other, as described above, the contact portion that prevents damage to the first connector holding portion and the vicinity of the first connector holding portion and the end portion of the second connector on the side of the first connector holding portion can be configured simply.

As an aspect of the present invention, the first connector holding portion fixes the first connector by relatively moving it in one direction along the connector holder, and the first connector with respect to the first connector holding portion is fixed. and the connector holding structure in which the fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector is the same.

In this configuration, since the fixing direction of the first connector and the fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector are the same, the fixing direction of the first connector and the fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector Compared to the case where they are in different directions, as described above, the contact portion for preventing damage to the first connector holding portion and the vicinity of the first connector holding portion and the end portion of the second connector on the side of the first connector holding portion. The configuration can be simple.

As a mode of this invention, it is preferable that the abutting portion is formed on a facing piece facing the first connector holding portion on the arrangement side . The opposing piece may have a flat plate shape, or may have another shape such as a curved plate shape.

In this configuration, the abutting portion of the opposing piece strongly supports the end of the second connector on the side of the first connector holding portion. Also, since the opposing piece corresponds to the first connector holding portion, the range of the contact portion can be widened.

As an aspect of the present invention, the contact portion may be formed on a side piece extending from the first connector holding portion side on the arrangement side. The side piece may have a flat plate shape, or may have another shape such as a curved plate shape.

In this configuration, the contact portion of the side piece strongly supports the end portion of the second connector on the first connector holding portion side. Moreover, since the side piece extends toward the side opposite to the first connector holding portion, the range of the contact portion can be widened.

When the contact portion is formed on the side piece, the side piece having the contact portion is aligned with the direction in which the first connector is arranged and the fitting direction with respect to the first connector holding portion. When viewed from an orthogonal direction, the second connector fitted with the first connector is positioned further from the arrangement-side end than the arrangement-side end of the second connector fitted with the first connector. It is good to make it continuous over the site|part of the arrangement|positioning side . The portion of the side piece corresponding to the portion where the first connector and the second connector are fitted together means that the portion where the first connector and the second connector are fitted together and the first connector have a positional relationship with respect to the first connector holding portion. It is a portion having the same positional relationship as the holding portion.

The side piece is formed continuously from a portion corresponding to a portion where the first connector and the second connector are fitted to a portion opposite to the first connector holding portion, and displaces the first connector and the second connector. It also has the function of suppressing Therefore, the load can be effectively supported by the abutting portion when an inclined force acts on the second connector.

In the case where the contact portion is formed on the opposing piece, the opposing piece having the contact portion is aligned with the direction in which the first connector is arranged and the fitting direction with respect to the first connector holding portion. When viewed from an orthogonal direction, a side piece having a portion corresponding to the first connector holding portion and a portion corresponding to the portion where the first connector and the second connector are fitted together is integrally formed at the tip of the side piece. do it. The portion corresponding to the first connector holding portion is the portion of the side piece on the side of the first connector holding portion, in other words, the base portion of the side piece.

The side piece has a portion corresponding to the first connector holding portion and a portion corresponding to the portion where the first connector and the second connector are fitted to each other, and suppresses displacement of the first connector and the second connector. It also has functions. The opposing piece is integrally formed with such a side piece, and the abutting portion of the opposing piece, together with the abutting portion of the side piece, supports the load when a tilting force acts on the second connector. Therefore, the load can be supported more effectively.

As an aspect of the present invention, the connector holding structure may be such that the first connector holding portion is formed with a flange portion for pressing the insertion portion of the inserted first connector. The term "pressing down" means a state in which the flange part is in direct surface contact to press down, and also a state in which rigidity is imparted to the insertion part to exhibit a pressing action even when the flange part is in a non-contact state. The pressing direction is the direction toward the first connector holding portion.

In this configuration, the flange portion presses down the insertion portion of the first connector to which an inclined force is applied, thereby firmly maintaining the fixed state. Therefore, even with a structure in which the load acting on the second connector is supported by the abutting portion, sufficient effectiveness in preventing damage to the fixed portion can be obtained.

The flange portion may be formed at a portion corresponding to a side surface with respect to the insertion direction.
Since the flange portion can be formed long, it is possible to secure a wide range in which the fixed state is maintained. Therefore, the effect of maintaining the fixed state of the first connector is enhanced.

Another means is a connector holder formed with a first connector holding portion for fixing the first connector of a first connector and a second connector that are fitted and connected to each other, wherein the first connector holding portion a contact portion that contacts an end portion of the second connector to restrict displacement of the second connector in a state where the second connector is fitted to the fixed first connector; and an extension portion extending from the connector holding portion side is formed, and the extension portion is perpendicular to the fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector and is the second connector with respect to the first connector holding portion. 1 connector is arranged, and the contact portion is located on the arrangement side of the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion at the extension portion, 1 is a connector holder formed at a position away from the outer peripheral surface of the connector .

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the fixed portion from being damaged while being affected by the difference in connector shape as much as possible, and to maintain the holding state of the connector.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connector holder and a connector holding structure; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector holding structure; The side view of a connector holding structure. AA sectional view of FIG. The perspective view of a 1st connector. The perspective view of a 1st connector. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fixing structure for a second connector and a connector holder; FIG. 4 is a front view of the fixing structure of the connector holder; BB sectional view of FIG. CC sectional view of FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a state cut at a DD cut point in FIG. 8; DD sectional view of FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view cut at the EE cut point in FIG. 8; EE sectional view of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between an extension part and a 1st connector. The perspective view which shows the holding|maintenance procedure of a connector. Sectional drawing of the state which fixed only the 1st connector. FIG. 11 is a front view of the fixing structure showing the relationship with the second connector; Sectional drawing of an action state. Sectional drawing which shows the conventional problem. Sectional drawing which shows a prior art.

One mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a connector holder 11 and a connector holding structure using the connector holder 11. As shown in FIG.

The connector holder 11 is a member that holds a connector, and holds a plurality of connectors arranged side by side. The connector holder 11 illustrated in FIG. 1 holds a plurality of connectors in parallel. At least one of the plurality of connector fixing portions is the fixing structure portion 12 to which the connector holding structure according to the present invention is applied.

First, the structure of the connector 13 fixed to the fixing structure portion 12 will be described.

The connector 13 has a first connector 21 and a second connector 31, as shown in FIG. 2, which is an exploded perspective view of the connector holding structure. The first connector 21 and the second connector 31 are fitted and electrically connected to each other. 3 is a side view of the connector holding structure, and FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

Both the first connector 21 and the second connector 31 have terminals built in their bodies 21a and 31a, and electric wires 22 and 32 extend from the terminals. A portion of the body 21a, 31a opposite to the direction in which the electric wires 22, 32 extend is the front end side, and the direction in which the electric wires 22, 32 extend is the rear end side. The first connector 21 and the second connector 31 are axially fitted together.

The main body 21a of the first connector 21 of the first connector 21 and the second connector 31 has an inner cylindrical portion 23 formed on the front end side and connected to the second connector, and a rear end shaft portion 24 formed on the rear end side. have. The inside of the inner cylindrical portion 23 is a fitting hole 23a. The inner cylindrical portion 23 has a locking projection 25 that locks the second connector 31 to prevent it from coming off, and a pair of ridges 26 that extend along the longitudinal direction of the inner cylindrical portion 23 . ing.

The locking protrusion 25 extends in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the inner tubular portion 23 at the longitudinal intermediate portion of the inner tubular portion 23 . The protrusion 26 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 23 on the opposite side of the portion where the locking projection 25 is formed, and protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface. The ridge 26 extends over the entire longitudinal direction of the inner tubular portion 23 .

The rear end shaft portion 24 is formed to be thinner than the inner cylinder portion 23 , and an insertion portion 41 fixed to the fixing structure portion 12 of the connector holder 11 is formed on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the rear end shaft portion 24 . ing. The insertion portion 41 is formed on the same side of the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 23 as the protrusion 26 is formed. That is, the insertion portion 41 is formed so as to be aligned with the protrusion 26 along the longitudinal direction of the main body 21a. However, the insertion portion 41 is formed at a position spaced outward in the circumferential direction from the axial center of the main body 21a relative to the protrusion 26 .

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which are perspective views of the first connector 21 (the electric wire 22 is omitted in FIGS. 5 and 6), the insertion portion 41 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body 21a. It is formed in a flat square tubular shape extending vertically, and has a holding hole 42 opening toward the rear end side and an elastic locking piece 43 . The opening of the holding hole 42 widens in the same direction as the pair of projections 26 forming a pair. The elastic locking piece 43 is formed on the surface of the insertion portion 41 opposite to the rear end shaft portion 24, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body 21a while being sandwiched between the split groove portions 44. As shown in FIG. The length of the split groove portion 44 is from the rear end of the insertion portion 41 to the middle of the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 41 , and the part on the width direction outer side of the split groove portion 44 is an inward slide locking piece 45 . An upwardly convex claw portion 43a is formed at the end of the elastic locking piece 43 (on the rear end side of the main body 21a). The claw portion 43a has an upright surface 43b for locking on the surface on the inner cylindrical portion 23 side (see FIG. 4).

The main body 31a of the second connector 31 is, as shown in FIG. It has a protrusion 34 that fits into the fitting hole 23 a of the first connector 21 . The outer cylindrical portion 33 is thicker than the main body 21 a of the first connector 21 , and the distal end surface 33 a of the outer cylindrical portion 33 is positioned outside the outer peripheral surface 27 of the first connector 21 .

In order to fit the first connector 21 and maintain the fitted state, the outer cylindrical portion 33 includes a guide groove 35 into which a pair of ridges 26 formed on the first connector 21 are fitted, and an engaging groove 35 for the first connector 21 . It has elastically displaceable retaining pieces 36 that engage with the retaining projections 25 and are divided in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 7).

The longitudinal length of the outer cylindrical portion 33 differs between the side having the guide groove 35 and the side having the retaining piece 36 . That is, as shown in FIG. 7, which is a perspective view of the second connector, the outer cylindrical portion 33 has a retaining piece 36 on the side corresponding to the locking projection 25 of the first connector 21 (hereinafter referred to as this portion). (also referred to as "part on the side opposite to the insertion part" in the sense of the part on the outer peripheral surface opposite to the insertion part 41 of the first connector 21) has the guide groove 35 and is aligned with the protrusion 26 of the first connector 21. It has a shape that protrudes toward the tip side from the corresponding side portion (hereinafter, this portion is also referred to as the “insertion portion side portion” in the sense that it is the portion on the same side as the insertion portion 41 of the first connector 21 on the outer peripheral surface). . For this reason, in the fitted state with the first connector 21, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if they are set so as to face each other closely, the tip surface 33c of the tip surface 33a of the outer cylinder 33 on the side opposite to the insertion portion is located on the tip side of the tip surface 33b of the portion on the insertion portion side. will do.

A distal end surface 33c of the portion opposite to the inserting portion side and a distal end surface 33b of the inserting portion side of the outer cylinder portion 33 extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the outer cylinder portion 33 and are flush with each other. A portion of the outer cylindrical portion 33 between the portion on the side opposite to the insertion portion and the portion on the side of the insertion portion is an inclined continuous transition portion 33d.

As for the thickness of the outer cylindrical portion 33, the portion on the side opposite to the insertion portion is formed to be thicker than the portion on the insertion portion side. That is, the portion of the outer cylinder portion 33 on the side opposite to the insertion portion is a raised portion 37 formed so that the entire longitudinal direction of the outer cylinder portion 33 is bulky. The raised portion 37 is a portion that protrudes from the connector holder 11 on the side opposite to the first connector holding portion 52, which will be described later, to increase the height of the connector holder 11, thereby obtaining an appropriately wide front end surface 33a. The raised portion 37 is appropriately configured with a rib or the like.

An intermediate portion in the width direction of the raised portion 37 has a stepped portion 37a that descends toward the portion on the insertion portion side. A hollow portion 37b is formed below the stepped portion 37a as shown in FIG. A hollow portion 37 b is a space formed in the raised portion 37 . Since the retaining piece 36 is integrally formed with the stepped portion 37a and positioned within the hollow portion 37b, the height of the hollow portion 37b is, for example, a height higher than the height at which the retaining piece 36 can be elastically displaced. can be set to

Further, both sides in the width direction of the portion on the tip end side of the second connector 31 in the longitudinal direction of the raised portion 37 are enlarged portions 37c that spread outward in the width direction. The shape of the enlarged portion 37c can be appropriately set as long as it has a configuration in which the thickness is increased and the distal end surface 33a having an appropriate width can be obtained.

A distal end surface 33c of the portion of the outer cylindrical portion 33 on the side opposite to the insertion portion is a surface that protrudes most toward the distal end side of the outer cylindrical portion 33. side end. More specifically, the distal end surface 33c of the portion of the outer cylindrical portion 33 opposite to the insertion portion is the end of the second connector 31, more specifically, the end of the second connector 31 in the axial direction on the first connector holding portion 52 side. Department. Hereinafter, the tip surface 33c of the portion opposite to the insertion portion is also referred to as "abutting portion 38". The abutting portion 38 is positioned outside the outer peripheral surface 27 of the first connector 21 in the fitted state with the first connector 21 .

As described above, the first connector 21 is formed with the insertion portion 41 fixed to the connector holder 11, while the second connector 31 does not have a portion fixed to the connector holder 11, Since the second connector 31 is fitted to the first connector 21 , the second connector 31 is fixed to the connector holder 11 via the first connector 21 . In other words, even if the connector 13 is fixed to the connector holder 11 , the second connector 31 is not fixed to the connector holder 11 .

Next, the fixing structure portion 12 of the connector holder 11 will be explained.

The fixing structure 12 includes a substrate 51 having a rectangular plate shape and having a size capable of mounting the first connector 21 and the second connector 31 that are fitted to each other as shown in FIG. As described above, it has a first connector holding portion 52 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the substrate portion 51 and an extension portion 53 that supports the first connector holding portion 52 and extends away from the substrate portion 51 . there is

The board portion 51 has a plurality of ribs 51 a and 51 b along the longitudinal direction of the board portion 51 on the surface on which the first connector 21 and the second connector 31 are held. There are four ribs 51a and 51b in the illustrated example, two ribs 51a on both sides in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the substrate portion 51 and two ribs 51b therebetween. Further, the ribs 51a on both sides in the width direction are integrated with the extension portion 53 described above, and form a rising portion 53a that is a base portion of the extension portion 53. As shown in FIG.

The first connector holding portion 52 is formed at the end portion of the substrate portion 51 on the side where the first connector 21 is located, and holds the first connector 21 along the longitudinal direction of the connector holder 11, specifically the substrate portion 51. relative movement in one direction and fixed. The moving direction for fixing the first connector 21 to the first connector holding portion 52 , in other words, the fixing direction X of the first connector 21 is the extending portion 53 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate portion 51 of the fixing structure portion 12 . It is the direction toward the rear end side of the first connector 21 when the first connector 21 is used as a reference.

The first connector holding portion 52 is also shown in FIG. 8, which is a front view of the fixing structure portion of the connector holder, FIG. 9, which is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10, which is a cross-sectional view of CC of FIG. As described above, an insertion space 54, which is a rectangular parallelepiped space with a size allowing insertion of the insertion portion 41 of the first connector 21, and an insertion space 54 at the back of the insertion space 54, that is, at the end on the front end side in the insertion direction of the first connector 21. It has a terminal wall portion 55 positioned thereon, an insertion piece 56 extending along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 54, and a flange portion 57 for pressing the insertion portion 41 of the inserted first connector 21. As shown in FIG.

The insertion space 54 is formed by the aforementioned ribs 51a . Two ribs 51a located on both sides in the width direction of the ribs 51b are provided with rising portions 53a, which are the base portions of the extension portions 53. As shown in FIG. The height of the other two ribs 51b positioned between the ribs 51a having the raised portions 53a is such that the insertion portion 41 can be inserted into the insertion space 54. As shown in FIG. The height of the ribs 51 b may be the height that contacts the insertion portion 41 .

The terminal wall portion 55 is erected at the end of the rising portion 53a on the distal end side in the fixing direction of the first connector 21 . The terminal wall portion 55 has a function of supporting the insertion piece 56 and the flange portion 57 . A dividing opening 55a is formed in the middle portion of the terminal wall portion 55 in the width direction.

As shown in FIG. 11, the insertion piece 56 is H-shaped as a whole in a plan view, and has an introduction recess 56a for introducing the elastic locking piece 43 of the first connector 21 and an elastic locking piece 56a at the intermediate portion in the width direction. It has a notch portion 56c forming a locked portion 56b to which the claw portion 43a of the stop piece 43 is locked. In the figure, 56d is a long piece extending on both sides in the width direction, and 56e is a connecting portion that connects the long pieces 56d.

As shown in FIG. 12, triangular ribs 58 are erected along the longitudinal direction of the long piece 56d on the upper surface of the long piece 56d (the surface opposite to the substrate portion 51). The triangular rib 58 is formed from the middle of the long piece portion 56d of the insertion piece 56 to the terminal wall portion 55, and has a triangular cross-sectional shape. Specifically, the portion from the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction to the terminal wall portion 55 is a right-angled triangle, and the other portion has a ridgeline 58a for shifting the vertex of the cross-sectional triangle in a twisted direction with respect to the longitudinal direction. It is formed so as to extend to The triangular rib 58 has an upright surface 58b on the outer side of the insertion piece 56 in the width direction.

As shown in FIG. 13, which is a perspective view, and FIG. The flange portion 57 of one of the pair of raised portions 53 a formed on the side surface is also formed on the inner side surface of the continuous terminal wall portion 55 .

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, the extending portion 53 is integral with the rib 51a and has a flat plate-like side piece 61 extending in a direction away from the substrate portion 51 and an end portion of the side piece 61. It has a flat plate-like opposing piece 62 that connects the parts together, and together with the substrate part 51, it has a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front.

The side piece 61 extends straight from the side of the first connector holding portion 52 toward the side opposite to the first connector holding portion 52 across the fixed first connector 21 , in other words, extends perpendicular to the substrate portion 51 . ing. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the side piece 61 is a portion where the first connector 21 and the second connector 31 are fitted together (a small size when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction). The first connector 21 is separated from the portion 61a corresponding to the portion of the first connector 21 where the second connector 31 enters and overlaps) from the portion where the first connector 21 and the second connector 31 are fitted to each other. The part 61b is continuous on the side opposite to the first connector holding part 52. As shown in FIG. The side piece 61 has a portion corresponding to the first connector holding portion 52, ie, a raised portion 53a, and a portion 61a corresponding to the portion where the first connector 21 and the second connector 31 are fitted.

The opposing piece 62 faces the first connector holding portion 52 on the side opposite to the first connector holding portion 52 across the first connector 21 and is integral with the side piece 61 . The lengths of the side piece 61 and the opposing piece 62 in the insertion direction are appropriately set, but at least they should be set to have sufficient strength. The lengths in the insertion direction of the side piece 61 and the opposing piece 62 in the illustrated example are the same throughout.

Such extension portion 53 has a size such that the first connector 21 can be inserted therethrough. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, which is an explanatory view showing the relationship between the extension portion 53 and the first connector 21, the distance between the side pieces 61 of the extension portion 53 is slightly smaller than the width of the first connector 21. , and the distance between the facing piece 62 of the extended portion 53 and the flange portion 57 is set larger than the height of the inner cylindrical portion 23 which is the main portion of the first connector 21 . The insertion portion 41 of the first connector 21 is formed lower than the inner cylindrical portion 23 toward the fixing surface, and the portion opposite to the insertion portion 41 of the rear end shaft portion 24 forming the insertion portion 41 is also inserted. Since it is lowered to the portion 41 side, the first connector 21 can be inserted from the terminal wall portion 55 side of the extension portion 53 with the inner cylindrical portion 23 first as shown in FIG.

The extended portion 53 serves as an end portion of the second connector 31 fitted to the fixed first connector 21 on the side of the first connector holding portion 52 , that is, a contact portion 63 that contacts the abutting portion 38 . have. When the second connector 31 is fitted to the first connector 21 fixed to the first connector holding portion 52 , the contact portion 63 contacts the end portion of the second connector 31 to hold the second connector 31 . This is the part that regulates the displacement of

The abutting portion 63 makes surface contact with the abutting portion 38 when the second connector 31 is fitted and connected to the first connector 21 in a fixed state. may face the abutting portion 38 with a gap therebetween, and contact the abutting portion 38 when a force is applied in the direction of approaching.

Since the abutting portion 38 of the second connector 31 is configured as described above, the abutment portion 63 of the extension portion 53 is opposite to the terminal wall portion 55 of the extension portion 531 , that is, the side piece 61 and the opposing piece 62 . Of the side end faces, the end face of the opposing piece 62 is substantially the entire end face and the upper part of the end face of the side piece 61 .

More specifically, the distal end surface 33c of the portion of the outer cylindrical portion 33 of the second connector 31 on the side opposite to the insertion portion, that is, the abutment portion 38 is located on the opposite side of the first connector holding portion 52 of the first connector 21 and the first connector 21 A side piece 61 of the extended portion 53 extending in the opposite direction to the first connector holding portion with the first connector 21 therebetween. are formed on the opposing piece 62 . The contact portion 63 is flush throughout.

Since the structure is as described above, the contact direction of the second connector 31 with respect to the contact portion 63 is the same as the fixing direction X of the first connector 21 with respect to the first connector holding portion 52. The contact direction of the second connector 31 with respect to 63 is the same as the fitting direction of the second connector 31 with respect to the first connector 21 .

In the connector holding structure using the connector holder 11 configured as described above, the connector 13 is held by the connector holder 11 as follows.

First, as shown in FIG. 16, the first connector 21 is fixed to the fixing structure 12 of the connector holder 11 . The first connector 21 is fixed by inserting the front end of the main body 21a into the space inside the extending portion 53 from the side having the terminal wall portion 55, pulling it out to the opposite side of the extending portion 53, and then extending the main body 21a. The insertion portion 41 is inserted into the first connector holding portion 52 by pushing it back toward the portion 53 (relatively moving in the fixing direction X of the first connector). As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the insertion portion 41 is fitted into the insertion space 54 of the first connector holding portion 52 and the insertion piece 56, and the claw portion 43a of the elastic locking piece 43 is locked to the locked portion 56b. and it will be stuck.

Next, the second connector 31 is connected to the first connector 21 by fitting. In fitting the second connector 31 , the second connector 31 is fitted into the inner cylindrical portion 23 of the first connector 21 with the circumferential direction of the second connector 31 aligned with the circumferential direction of the first connector 21 . Then, the abutment portion 38 of the second connector 31 comes into contact with or comes close to the abutment portion 63 of the extension portion 53 of the connector holder 11 (see the upper phantom line in FIG. 18), thereby holding the connector 13. is completed.

In the connector holding structure holding the connector 13 in this way, the second connector 31 is fixed to the connector holder 11 via the first connector 21, and the second connector 31 has the abutment portion 38 and the abutment portion 63. , and is not fixed to the connector holder 11 . When the abutment portion 38 and the abutment portion 63 of the second connector 31 come into contact with each other, the load applied from the abutment portion 38 to the abutment portion 63 is transmitted to the abutment portion 63 .

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, when an inclined force F acts on the second connector 31 fitted to the first connector 21 so that the connector holder 11 is torn off, the connector holder 11 abuts against it. The portion 63 supports the end (abutting portion 38) of the second connector 31 on the side of the first connector holding portion on which the inclined force F is acting, so that the second connector 31 is twisted or torn off. Further displacement is suppressed. As a result, the load applied to the first connector holding portion 52 and the insertion portion 41 is reduced, so damage to the first connector holding portion 52 and the insertion portion 41 can be prevented.

Moreover, the end (abutting portion 38) of the second connector 31 on the first connector holding portion side and the contact portion 63 formed on the extension portion 53 are located on the opposite side of the first connector holding portion 52. contact with each other in a region outside the outer peripheral surface 27 of the first connector 21 . In other words, the positions of the abutment portion 38 and the contact portion 63 can be separated from the first connector holding portion 52 . Therefore, the load can be effectively supported when the tilting force F acts.

Since the raised portion 37 of the second connector 31 is formed, the distance between the contact portion 63 and the first connector holding portion 52 can be further increased. Therefore, the load applied to the vicinity of the first connector holding portion 52 can be reduced more effectively. In particular, since the raised portion 37 is formed with a hollow portion 37b, the weight of the connector holding structure can be reduced and the heat dissipation can be promoted. Therefore, the connector holding structure provided with the raised portion 37 having the hollow portion 37b is useful for mounting on automobiles.

In addition, since the abutting portion 63 can be formed relatively widely in a region outside the first connector 21 and away from the electric wires 22, a connector holding structure that is not affected by differences in connector shape can be obtained.

Moreover, the connector holding structure has a simple configuration that does not require fixing both the first connector 21 and the second connector 31 to the connector holder 11 . Since the second connector 31 is not fixed to the connector holder 11 , even if a tilting force F is applied to the second connector 31 , the second connector 31 may be twisted with respect to the connector holder 11 . , the second connector 31 and the connector holder 11 are not damaged.

In the fixed state of the connector 13 , the extended portion 53 has a frame shape surrounding the first connector 21 and has a facing piece 62 and side pieces 61 . Therefore, the abutting portion 63 of the opposing piece 64 and the side piece 61 can strongly support the abutting portion 38 of the second connector 31 as described above.

Further, as described above, the first connector holding portion 52 has the flange portion 57 and the triangular rib 58. The flange portion 57 provides rigidity and the contact resistance of the triangular rib 58 provides the contact resistance of the insertion portion of the first connector 21. The fixation of 41 is strong without looseness. In other words, the triangular rib 58 formed on the upper surface of the insertion piece 56 comes into contact with the inner surface of the insertion portion 41 more strongly as the insertion piece 56 is inserted, so that there is no play between the insertion piece 56 and the triangular rib 58 . Further, the flange portion 57 presses down the inserting portion 41 for firm fixation. Therefore, even with a configuration in which the load is supported by the contact portion 63, sufficient damage prevention can be achieved. Moreover, since the flange portion 57 is formed at a portion corresponding to the side surface with respect to the insertion direction and can be formed long, the fixing strength to the insertion portion 41 can be increased.

Furthermore, the work of fixing the connector 13 to the connector holder 11 is simple. In other words, since the extending portion 53 has a frame shape, handling of the electric wire 22 is troublesome. It is preferable to insert the main body 21 a inside the extension portion 53 . Therefore, the work of fixing the first connector 21 to the connector holder 11 can be easily performed.

The operation of fitting the second connector 31 to the first connector 21 includes fitting and locking the first connector 21 to the first connector holding portion 52, and also the triangular rib 58 and the flange portion 57. Since it is firmly fixed by the cooperation of the two and does not move in vain, it can be performed easily and quickly. Moreover, since the second connector 31 has the retaining piece 36, a proper fitting state with the first connector 21 can be reliably obtained, and the fitting strength between the first connector 21 and the second connector 31 is high.

Further, the fixing direction X of the first connector 21 to the first connector holding portion 52, the fitting direction of the second connector 31 to the first connector 21, and the contact direction of the second connector 31 to the contact portion 63 are the same. Therefore, the abutting portion 63 and the abutting portion 38 prevent damage to the first connector holding portion 52 and the vicinity of the first connector holding portion 52 as described above, compared to the case where these directions are different from each other. The configuration, and thus the configuration of the connector holding structure, can be simplified.

The above configuration is one configuration for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration described above, and other configurations can be employed.

For example, the first connector 21 and the second connector 31 described above are examples of various forms of connectors 13, and connectors 13 of other forms may be used.

The fixing direction of the first connector 21 may be a direction other than the direction along the substrate portion 51 , such as perpendicular to the substrate portion 51 . Further, the fixing of the first connector 21 may be performed by using a separate fixing member such as screwing, in addition to the structure of inserting and locking.

Although the extending portion 53 of the connector holder 11 has the same length in the insertion direction in the above example, the length may be partially changed. Similarly, in the above-described example, the portion of the second connector 31 on the side opposite to the insertion portion protrudes toward the distal end. good.

The extension part 53 may have a closed frame shape as described above, a frame shape having a gap through which an electric wire can be passed, a shape consisting almost only of side pieces, or a shape consisting of one side piece and an opposing piece. It may be a shape consisting of.

The connector 13 may also fix the second connector 31 to the connector holder 11 .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11... Connector holder 12... Fixed structure part 13... Connector 21... 1st connector 31... 2nd connector 37... Raised part 37b... Hollow part 38... Abutting part 41... Insertion part 52... First connector holding part 53... Extension Part 57... Flange part 61... Side piece 62... Opposite piece 63... Contact part

Claims (14)

The connector has a first connector, a second connector, and a connector holder, wherein the first connector and the second connector are fitted and connected to each other, and the connector holder includes a first connector for fixing the first connector. A connector holding structure having a connector holding portion,
to the connector holder,
In a state in which the second connector is fitted to the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion, a contact for restricting displacement of the second connector by contacting an end portion of the second connector. contact and
an extension portion extending from the first connector holding portion side is formed,
the extending portion is orthogonal to a fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector, and extends toward the first connector holding portion on an arrangement side where the first connector is arranged;
The abutting portion is formed in the extension portion at a position on the arrangement side of the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion and away from an outer peripheral surface of the first connector.
Connector retention structure. The connector has a first connector, a second connector, and a connector holder, wherein the first connector and the second connector are fitted and connected to each other, and the connector holder includes a first connector for fixing the first connector. A connector holding structure having a connector holding portion,
to the connector holder,
In a state in which the second connector is fitted to the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion, the second connector is opposed to the second connector with a gap therebetween. a contact portion that restricts displacement of the second connector by moving to contact with an end portion of the second connector when a force is applied in a direction of approaching the first connector ;
an extension portion extending from the first connector holding portion side is formed,
the extending portion is orthogonal to a fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector, and extends toward the first connector holding portion on an arrangement side where the first connector is arranged;
The abutting portion is formed in the extension portion at a position on the arrangement side of the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion and away from an outer peripheral surface of the first connector.
Connector retention structure. The extension portion is frame-shaped.
The connector holding structure according to claim 1 or 2 . The extension portion has a size that allows the first connector to be inserted therethrough.
The connector holding structure according to claim 3 . The second connector is unfixed with respect to the connector holder
The connector holding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . A fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector and a contacting direction of the second connector with respect to the contact portion are the same.
The connector holding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The first connector holding portion fixes the first connector by relatively moving it in one direction along the connector holder,
A fixing direction of the first connector to the first connector holding portion and a fitting direction of the second connector to the first connector are the same.
The connector holding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . 8. The connector holding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a raised portion projecting toward the arrangement side is formed at an end portion of the second connector with which the contact portion abuts. 9. The connector holding structure according to claim 8, wherein the raised portion is formed by providing a hollow portion. 10. The connector holding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the abutting portion is formed on a facing piece facing the first connector holding portion on the arrangement side . The connector holding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the contact portion is formed on a side piece extending from the first connector holding portion side on the arrangement side . The side piece having the contact portion is fitted with the first connector when viewed from a direction in which the first connector is arranged with respect to the first connector holding portion and a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. 12. The connector according to claim 11 , wherein the end of the second connector on the arrangement side is continuous from the end on the arrangement side of the second connector mated with the first connector to a portion on the arrangement side of the end of the second connector on the arrangement side. Connector retention structure. The opposing piece having the contact portion corresponds to the first connector holding portion when viewed from a direction in which the first connector is arranged with respect to the first connector holding portion and a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. 11. The connector holding structure according to claim 10, wherein a side piece having a portion corresponding to a portion where the first connector and the second connector are fitted together is integrally formed at the tip of the side piece. A connector holder formed with a first connector holding portion for fixing the first connector of a first connector and a second connector that are fitted and connected to each other,
In a state in which the second connector is fitted to the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion, a contact for restricting displacement of the second connector by contacting an end portion of the second connector. contact and
an extension portion extending from the first connector holding portion side is formed,
the extending portion is orthogonal to a fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector, and extends toward the first connector holding portion on an arrangement side where the first connector is arranged;
The abutting portion is formed in the extension portion at a position on the arrangement side of the first connector fixed to the first connector holding portion and away from an outer peripheral surface of the first connector.
connector holder.

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