JP7321304B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to connectors.

Some conventional connectors have a connector position assurance (CPA) member as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6852812 (Patent Document 1), for example.

In addition to the CPA, the connector may also have a configuration for electrically detecting the connection state. For example, Japanese Patent No. 6610954 (Patent Document 2) discloses a male connector having an interlock terminal and a female connector having a short terminal. When the male connector and the female connector are properly fitted, the interlock terminal is connected with the short terminal. As a result, the interlock circuit is turned on, and the circuit of the device connected to the male connector becomes conductive. When the interlock terminal and the shorting terminal are disconnected, the interlock circuit is turned off and the circuit of the device is cut off.

Japanese Patent No. 5727469 (Patent Document 3) discloses a connector that enables electrical monitoring of whether a plug connector (squib) is correctly connected to its corresponding mating component. be. When the plug connector is unconnected or incorrectly connected to the corresponding connector, the two terminals of the plug connector are brought into electrical contact with each other by the contact means and the terminals are supplied with a low current. When the plug connector is correctly connected to the corresponding connector, the two terminals are disconnected from the connected position and current flow is interrupted.

Japanese Patent No. 6852812 Japanese Patent No. 6610954 Japanese Patent No. 5727469

The inventors have investigated a connector that has an energization recognition pin that is energized when the connector is properly connected to the mating connector. A current recognition pin is attached to the housing of the connector. When vibration was applied to this connector, it was found that the energization recognition pin may wear out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector having an electrical recognition pin that is hard to wear even when vibration is applied.

A connector in an embodiment of the present invention is a connector that can be mated with a mating connector. The connector includes a pair of terminals extending in the axial direction, a housing that holds the pair of terminals, and a conductor disposed apart from the pair of terminals and electrically separated from the pair of terminals. An energization recognition pin and an attachment member for attaching the energization recognition pin to the housing in a floating state are provided. The energization recognition pin includes a base portion and a pair of protrusions extending forward in the axial direction from the base portion and exposed forward. The attachment member is attached to the housing with at least part of the base portion positioned between the housing and the attachment member.

According to the present disclosure, a connector is provided that includes an electrical recognition pin that is less likely to wear even when vibration is applied.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing examples of a connector and a mating connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the mating connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cross-sectional configuration in the xz plane including the terminal portion of the connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cross-sectional configuration in the xz plane including portions of the energization recognition pin and the mounting member of the connector shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of portions of the energization recognition pin, the mounting member, and the regulating member shown in FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the energization recognition pin and the mounting member shown in FIG. 5. FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which the connector is mated with the mating connector.

A connector in an embodiment of the present invention is a connector that can be mated with a mating connector. The connector includes a pair of terminals extending in the axial direction, a housing that holds the pair of terminals, and a conductor disposed apart from the pair of terminals and electrically separated from the pair of terminals. An energization recognition pin and an attachment member for attaching the energization recognition pin to the housing in a floating state are provided. The energization recognition pin includes a base portion and a pair of protrusions extending forward in the axial direction from the base portion and exposed forward. The attachment member is attached to the housing with at least part of the base portion positioned between the housing and the attachment member.

According to the above configuration, the energization recognition pin is attached to the housing in a floating state with the pair of protrusions extending toward the mating connector in the axial direction. Thus, when the connector is connected to the mating connector and vibration is applied in a state in which the energization recognition pin is inserted into the energization recognition socket of the mating connector, the energization recognition pin can move following the vibration. Therefore, wear of the energization recognition pin due to vibration can be suppressed. In other words, a connector is provided that has an electricity recognition pin that is less likely to wear even when subjected to vibration.

The energization recognition pin can be fitted with a pair of energization recognition sockets of the mating connector. That is, when the connector is mated with the mating connector, the pair of projecting portions of the pair of energization recognition pins are fitted into the energization recognition sockets to short-circuit the pair of energization recognition sockets.

The energization recognition pin being in a floating state with respect to the housing means that the energization recognition pin is supported by the housing in a movable state with respect to the housing within a range where it can be fitted with the energization recognition socket of the mating connector to be fitted with the connector. is in a state of

For example, the mounting member may be attached to the housing with a gap between the protrusion of the energization recognition pin and the mounting member. As a result, it is possible to efficiently suppress wear of the energization recognition pin due to vibration in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Alternatively, the mounting member may be attached to the housing with a gap between at least one of the mounting member or the housing and the base portion of the energization recognition pin. As a result, it is possible to efficiently suppress wear of the energization recognition pin due to vibration in the axial direction.

In addition, when there is a gap between the projecting portion of the energization recognition pin and the mounting member and between at least one of the mounting member or the housing and the base portion of the energization recognition pin, the mounting member is positioned against the housing. may be attached.

The housing may be, for example, cylindrical with an outer peripheral wall and an internal space inside. A pair of terminals are axially inserted into the interior space of the housing. The pair of inserted terminals are supported by the outer peripheral wall of the housing so as not to move relative to the housing in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The housing may have a front wall extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction at the axial front portion. A rear surface of the front wall may contact a portion of the pair of terminals.

The connector may further include a restricting member. The mounting member includes a base positioned axially forward of the base of the electrical recognition pin, a pair of arms extending axially rearward from the base, and projecting inward from each of the pair of arms. , and may have a pair of claws that engage the housing. The housing may include an opening provided outside in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the pair of claws. The restricting member is inserted into the opening of the housing and restricts the pair of claw portions of the mounting member from floating outward. As a result, the attachment member can be easily attached to the housing, and the claws of the attachment member are less likely to come off the housing. The regulating member may be arranged, for example, so as to restrain the pair of claw portions from outside in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

As an example, the base of the mounting member may have a pair of through holes through which the pair of protrusions of the energization recognition pin pass. In this case, the mounting member may be mounted to the housing with a gap between the through-hole in the base of the mounting member and the energization recognition pin. As a result, the protrusion of the energization recognition pin is movable within the range of the through hole.

A pair of through-holes in the base of the mounting member may be positioned, for example, between a pair of arms. That is, the pair of arms may be arranged outside the pair of through holes in the direction in which the pair of through holes are arranged. By arranging the pair of arms on the outer side, it becomes easier for the restricting member to restrict the lifting of the claw.

The restricting member may be a terminal position assurance member (TPA) that engages with the pair of terminals and determines the positions of the pair of terminals in the housing. In this configuration, the claws of the mounting member are positioned inside the terminal position assurance member (TPA). That is, the terminal position assurance member is provided at a position overlapping the hook of the mounting member when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Therefore, the terminal position assurance member restricts the claw portion of the mounting member from floating outward. As a result, the hook of the mounting member can be made difficult to come off from the housing without increasing the number of parts.

As an example, the terminal position assurance member may be arranged at a position where the front surface is in contact with the pair of terminals and the inner surface is in contact with the mounting member. The front surface of the terminal position assurance member (regulating member) is a surface facing forward in the axial direction, and the inner surface is a surface facing inward (inward) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

As an example, the terminal position assurance member includes a first terminal position assurance member that restricts the claw portion of one arm of the mounting member from floating outward, and the terminal position assurance member that restricts the claw portion of the other arm from floating outward. and a second terminal position assurance member.

The terminal position assurance member may be provided at a position where a portion of the front surface in the axial direction is in contact with a portion of the pair of terminals. Further, the axial positions of the pair of terminals may be restrained by the front wall of the housing and the terminal position assurance member. That is, the pair of terminals may be axially positioned by the front wall of the housing and the terminal position assurance member.

For example, a pair of terminals are inserted into the housing so that the pair of terminals are in contact with the front wall of the housing. The terminal position assurance member can be attached to the housing in contact with a portion of the terminal position assurance member. Thereby, the positions of the pair of terminals in the housing can be fixed, that is, positioned.

The housing may include an outer peripheral wall that surrounds the pair of terminals and the energization recognition pin and has an axially forward opening, and an inner wall inside the outer peripheral wall. The mounting member may be attached to the inner wall of the housing, with at least part of the base portion of the energization recognition pin axially positioned between the mounting member and the inner wall of the housing. . As a result, the terminals and the energization recognition pins can be efficiently arranged in the housing. In this case, at least part of the base portion of the energization recognition pin may be arranged between the mounting member and the front surface of the inner wall.

The inner wall may be positioned between the pair of terminals and support inner sides of the pair of terminals. Thereby, the energization recognition pin can be arranged in a floating state between the pair of terminals.

The housing may have a first terminal accommodating portion that accommodates one terminal of the pair of terminals, and a second terminal accommodating portion that accommodates the other terminal of the pair of terminals. A state in which at least a part of the base portion of the current recognition pin is axially positioned between the mounting member and the inner wall of the housing between the first terminal housing portion and the second terminal housing portion. and the mounting member may be fixed to the inner wall of the housing. As a result, the pair of terminals can be supported by the respective housings, and the energization recognition pin can be arranged between the pair of terminals in a floating structure.

An inner wall of the housing may be formed inside the opening of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. In this case, an engaging portion with which the claw of the arm portion of the mounting member engages may be provided on the surface of the inner wall facing the opening. The restricting member may be attached to the housing while being inserted into the opening and in contact with the arm. As a result, the restricting member restrains the arm from the outside while the claw of the arm of the mounting member is engaged with the engaging portion of the inner wall of the housing.

The connector may further have a shield covering at least a portion of the exterior of the housing. Alternatively, the connector may further have an outer shell attached to the outside of the housing. The outer shell may have an engaging portion that engages with the mating connector when the mating connector and the connector are fitted together.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of those members will not be repeated. Also, the dimensions of the constituent members in each drawing do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the constituent members, the dimensional ratios of the respective constituent members, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing examples of a connector and a mating connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 1, the connector 10 and the mating connector 30 each include conductor terminals (contacts) for electrical connection and insulator housings for holding the terminals. The terminals of the connector 10 and the terminals of the counterpart connector 30 are electrically connected in a state where the housing of the connector 10 and the housing of the counterpart connector 30 are properly fitted to each other. In the example of FIG. 1, the connector 10 is a male connector plug and the mating connector 30 is a female connector receptacle.

The fitting direction of the connector 10 with respect to the mating connector 30 is the axial direction of the connector 10 . In other words, the connector 10 slides axially with respect to the mating connector 30 to reach the mated state. In the axial direction, the direction from the connector 10 to the mating connector 30 is defined as the front, and the opposite direction is defined as the rear. In the present embodiment, an xyz coordinate system, which is an orthogonal coordinate system whose axial direction is the x direction, is defined, as shown in FIG. 1, in order to facilitate the explanation.

(Example of connector configuration)
2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connector 10 includes a housing 2, a pair of terminals 3a and 3b, an electricity recognition pin 4, a mounting member 5, and restricting members 6a and 6b. A pair of terminals 3 a and 3 b are axially inserted into the housing 2 . The housing 2 holds the inserted pair of terminals 3a and 3b. The housing 2 is partially open on the front surface. As a result, the pair of terminals 3a and 3b housed in the housing 2 are exposed forward.

The terminals 3a and 3b are made of a conductor such as metal. Terminals 3a and 3b have an elongated shape in the axial direction. The front portions of the terminals 3 a and 3 b serve as connecting portions to be connected to the terminals of the counterpart connector 30 . The rear portions of the terminals 3a and 3b are connected to cables (conductors). Lances (protrusions) are provided on the side surfaces of the terminals 3a and 3b. With the terminals 3 a and 3 b inserted all the way into the housing 2 , the lance engages with the projection on the inner surface of the housing 2 . As a result, the terminals 3a and 3b are retained in the housing 2 so as not to come off. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the terminals 3a and 3b are female contacts (socket contacts), but the terminals 3a and 3b may be male contacts (pin contacts).

The housing 2 has an outer peripheral wall surrounding the pair of terminals 3a and 3b in the axial direction, and an inner wall inside the outer peripheral wall. That is, the housing 2 is a tubular body having an inner space into which the terminals 3a, 3b and the energization recognition pin 4 are inserted.

The interior of the housing 2 is defined by an axially extending inner wall (not shown in FIG. 2). A pair of terminals 3a and 3b are accommodated in two spaces separated by an inner wall. That is, the housing 2 is provided with a first terminal accommodating portion that accommodates one terminal 3a and a second terminal accommodating portion that accommodates the other terminal 3b. In the example of FIG. 2, the energization recognition pin 4 and the mounting member 5 are inserted into the forwardly opened space between the first terminal housing portion and the second terminal housing portion. The mounting positions of the energization recognition pin 4 and the mounting member 5 do not have to be between the first terminal housing portion and the second terminal housing portion.

The energization recognition pin 4 is attached to the inner wall of the housing 2 in a floating state by the attachment member 5 . The energization recognition pin 4 has a base portion 4b and a pair of protrusions 4a extending axially forward from the base portion 4b. The energization recognition pin 4 is made of a conductor. The mounting member 5 has a base portion 5a and a pair of arms 5b extending rearward in the axial direction from the base portion 5a. Each of the pair of arms 5b has a claw projecting inward. The attachment member 5 is attached to the housing 2 by engaging the claws of the arm 5b with the inner wall of the housing 2 . The mounting member 5 is attached to the housing 2 with the base portion 4b of the energization recognition pin 4 positioned between the mounting member 5 and the housing 2 (see also FIG. 5). The energization recognition pin is bound to the housing 2 by the mounting member 5 . Thereby, the energization recognition pin 4 is attached in a floating state. Details of an example of this floating structure will be described later. The mounting member 5 is made of an insulating material such as resin, for example.

The energization recognition pin 4 and the mounting member 5 are mounted by being inserted from the front into a recess opening forward of the housing 2 . As a result, the pair of protrusions 4a of the energization recognition pin 4 are exposed forward. The projecting portion 4 a of the energization recognition pin 4 serves as a connecting portion that comes into contact with the energization recognition socket of the mating connector 30 .

The energization recognition pin 4 is electrically connected to the energization recognition socket of the mating connector 30 when the connector 10 and the mating connector 30 are correctly fitted. By connecting the energization recognition pin 4 to the energization recognition socket, the energization recognition circuit connected to the energization recognition socket is made conductive. The energization recognition circuit can detect that the connector 10 is correctly fitted to the mating connector 30 by the energization recognition circuit of the mating connector 30 .

The outer peripheral wall of the housing 2 is provided with openings 2ha and 2hb. The openings 2ha and 2hb are provided outside the claws of the attachment member 5 attached to the inner wall of the housing 2 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Restricting members 6a and 6b are inserted into the openings 2ha and 2hb. The regulating members 6a and 6b are fixed to the housing 2 on the outside of the claws of the mounting member 5 attached to the inner wall of the housing 2 (outside in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction). As a result, the regulating members 6a and 6b regulate the claw portion of the arm 5b of the mounting member 5 attached to the inner wall of the housing 2 from floating outward.

The regulating members 6a and 6b each have a body portion and a pair of arms extending from the body portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. A pair of arms of the regulating members 6a and 6b have claws protruding inward. When the regulating members 6a and 6b are attached to the housing 2, at least parts of the main bodies of the regulating members 6a and 6b are inserted into the openings 2ha and 2hb and arranged inside the housing 2. As shown in FIG. The restricting members 6a and 6b may be attached to the housing 2 so that the main body portion contacts the arm 5b of the attaching member 5. As shown in FIG. The claws of the arms of the regulating members 6 a and 6 b are engaged with the outer peripheral wall of the housing 2 . Thereby, the restricting members 6 a and 6 b are fixed to the housing 2 .

In the example of FIG. 2, the openings 2ha and 2hb are provided at two locations on the outer peripheral wall of the housing 2 . The two openings 2ha, 2hb are opposed to each other in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. That is, openings 2ha and 2hb and restricting members 6a and 6b are provided on the outer sides of the pair of arms 5b of the mounting member 5, respectively. A first restricting member 6a is inserted into the outer opening 2ha (first opening 2ha) of one arm 5b of the pair of arms 5b, and a second restricting member 6a is inserted into the outer opening 2hb (second opening 2hb) of the other arm 5b. 2 regulating member 6b is inserted. The claw of the arm of the first restricting member 6a attached to the housing 2 engages with the edge of the second opening 2hb. The claw of the arm of the second regulating member 6b attached to the housing 2 engages the edge of the first opening 2ha.

In this embodiment, the regulating members 6a and 6b also serve as terminal position assurance members (TPA). That is, the restricting members 6a, 6b ensure the positions of the terminals 3a, 3b with respect to the housing 2. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 2 , the recesses of the terminals 3 a and 3 b are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings 2 ha and 2 hb of the housing 2 while the terminals 3 a and 3 b are inserted all the way into the housing 2 . The regulating members 6a, 6b are attached so as to pass through the openings 2ha, 2hb and fit into the recesses of the terminals 3a, 3b. For example, the regulating members 6a and 6b are attached so that their main bodies fit into the concave portions of the terminals 3a and 3b. As a result, the terminals 3a and 3b are fixed by the regulating members 6a and 6b so as not to come off from the housing 2 in the axial direction.

In the example of FIG. 2, connector 10 further comprises sealing member 7 , cable clamp 8 , shield shell 9 and outer shell 11 . The seal member 7 is composed of a ring-shaped elastic body. The seal member 7 is fitted on the outer peripheral wall of the housing 2 . That is, the seal member 7 is attached over the entire outer periphery of the housing 2 in the circumferential direction. The seal member 7 seals between the housing 2 of the connector 10 and the housing of the mating connector 30 when the connector 10 is mated with the mating connector 30 .

The cable clamp 8 is attached to the axial rear portion of the housing 2 (behind the terminals 3a, 3b). The cable clamp 8 holds a cable (electric wire: not shown) connected to the terminals 3a and 3b. Cable clamp 8 has a through hole into which a cable is inserted. Cable clamp 8 may be configured to seal between the cable and housing 2 . The form of connection between the terminals 3a and 3b and the cable is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, crimping, screwing with fastening members such as bolts, soldering, or connection using battledore terminals.

The shield shell 9 is attached to the housing 2 and covers the entire axial circumference of the housing 2 . The shield shell 9 is made of, for example, a conductive material. The shield shell 9 suppresses noise leakage from the connector 10. - 特許庁

The outer shell 11 is attached to the housing 2 . Outer shell 11 has a lock mechanism for maintaining the fitted state of connector 10 and mating connector 30 . The lock mechanism includes a pair of lock arms 11 a provided on the side surfaces of the outer shell 11 . The pair of lock arms 11a extend forward in the axial direction. Each of the pair of lock arms 11a has a claw protruding inward. The mated state is maintained by engaging the hook of the lock arm 11a with the mating connector 30. As shown in FIG. The lock arm 11a is an example of an engaging portion that engages with the mating connector 30 in the mated state.

(Configuration example of mating connector)
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the mating connector 30 shown in FIG. The mating connector 30 includes a pair of terminals 32 , a pair of energization recognition sockets 33 , an outer housing 31 and an inner holder 34 . The terminal 32 and the energization recognition socket 33 are inserted into the outer housing 31 in the axial direction (x direction) while being attached to the inner holder 34 . The held terminal 32 and energization recognition socket 33 have an elongated shape in the axial direction. A combination of the outer housing 31 and the inner holder 34 constitutes a housing that holds the terminals 32 and the energization recognition sockets 33 . The outer housing 31 corresponds to the outer peripheral wall of the housing, and the inner holder 34 corresponds to the inner wall of the housing.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the outer housing 31 is formed of a curved tube. An inner holder 34 holding the terminals 32 and the energization recognition socket 33 is inserted from an opening at one end of the tube of the outer housing 31 . Inside one end of the tube, the connecting portion of the terminal 32 and the energization recognition socket 33 is arranged in a state of being exposed to the outside. A flange 31a projecting outward is provided on the outer circumference of the tube at the other end of the tube. The flange 31a is used, for example, to fix the mating connector 30 to a panel or the like. For example, the flange 31a can be fixed to a panel or the like using fastening members such as bolts.

A protrusion 31 b is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 31 . When the counterpart connector 30 is mated with the connector 10 , the projection 31 b of the outer housing 31 engages with the claw of the lock arm 11 a of the outer shell 11 of the connector 10 . Thereby, the fitted state is maintained.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the inner housing 36 is inserted from the other end of the outer housing 31 . The inner housing 36 is attached to the outer housing 31 . A ring-shaped sealing member 35 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the inner housing 36 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer housing 31 . A pair of terminal screws 40 are inserted through the inner housing attached to the outer housing 31 . The terminal screw 40 is connected to the terminal 32 held by the inner holder 34 within the outer housing 31 . The terminal screw 40 is made of a conductor. Terminal screw 40 is supported within inner housing 36 by bracket 39 . Bracket 39 is attached to the inner surface of inner housing 36 . The inner housing 36 also incorporates a pair of tubular collars 38 . A terminal screw 40 is mounted through the collar 38 .

(Detailed connector configuration example)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cross-sectional configuration in the xz plane including the terminal 3a portion of the connector 10 shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the outer peripheral surface of the terminal 3 a in the axial direction is supported by the outer peripheral wall 2 g of the housing 2 . The front end of the terminal 3a is supported by the front wall 2ma of the housing. A front surface 3am of the terminal 3a contacts a front wall 2ma of the housing. The front wall 2ma of the housing has an opening 2fa. The opening 2fa of the front wall 2ma is provided at a position overlapping the terminal 3a when viewed in the axial direction. As a result, the terminals 3a are exposed forward. When the mating connector 30 and the connector 10 are mated, the terminals 32 of the mating connector 30 reach the terminals 3a of the connector 10 through the openings 2fa of the front wall 2ma.

Restricting members 6a and 6b are inserted into the openings 2ha and 2hb of the outer peripheral wall 2g of the housing 2, respectively. The regulating members 6a, 6b also function as TPAs. The front surfaces of the regulating members 6a and 6b are in contact with the rear surface 3ar (the surface facing rearward in the axial direction) of the terminal 3a. In the example of FIG. 4, recesses are formed in the outer peripheral surface of the terminal 3a corresponding to the opening 2ha of the outer peripheral wall 2g of the housing 2. As shown in FIG. The regulating members 6a and 6b are fitted into the recesses. The regulating members 6a and 6b are attached to the housing 2 so as to be in contact with the rear surface 3ar, which is the side surface of the recess of the terminal 3a. Terminal 3a has front surface 3am supported by front wall 2ma of housing 2, and rear surface 3ar supported by regulating members 6a and 6b. Thereby, the axial position of the terminal 3a with respect to the housing 2 is fixed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cross-sectional configuration in the xz plane including portions of the energization recognition pin 4 and the mounting member 5 of the connector 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of portions of the energization recognition pin 4, the mounting member 5, and the regulating members 6a and 6b shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the energization recognition pin 4 and the mounting member 5 shown in FIG. 5, viewed from a direction different from that in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the energization recognition pin 4 is mounted in a floating state inside the outer peripheral wall 2g of the housing 2 by means of a mounting member 5 fixed to the inner wall 2n of the housing 2. As shown in FIG. In this floating state, the base portion 4b of the energization recognition pin 4 is positioned between the mounting member 5 and the inner wall 2n in the axial direction, and the protrusion 4a of the energization recognition pin 4 is located forward of the mounting member 5. protrude to A pair of projecting portions 4a of the energization recognition pin 4 pass through holes provided in the base portion 5a of the mounting member 5 and extend forward in the axial direction. A space in the housing 2 in which the energization recognition pin 4 is arranged opens forward. As a result, the energization recognition pin 4 is exposed forward. The claws of the pair of arms 5b of the mounting member 5 are engaged with the inner wall 2n of the housing 2. As shown in FIG.

The inner wall 2n of the housing 2 includes a contact surface facing forward that contacts the base portion 4b of the energization recognition pin 4, and an outer peripheral surface extending rearward from both sides of the contact surface in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. facing direction). The outer peripheral surface of the inner wall 2n has an engaging portion provided axially rearward from the contact surface. The hook of the arm 5b of the mounting member 5 is engaged with the engaging portion of the inner wall 2n. The engaging portion of the inner wall 2n is configured by a step on the outer peripheral surface of the inner wall 2n. The arm 5b of the mounting member 5 attached to the inner wall overlaps the openings 2ha and 2hb of the outer peripheral wall 2g of the housing 2 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Therefore, the regulating members 6a and 6b inserted into the openings 2ha and 2hb are arranged at positions overlapping the arms 5b of the mounting member 5 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. As a result, the regulating members 6a and 6b regulate the claw portion of the arm 5b that engages with the inner wall 2n from floating outward.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the engaging portions on the outer peripheral surface of the inner wall 2n are provided at positions overlapping the openings 2ha and 2hb of the outer peripheral wall 2g of the housing 2 when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. As a result, the claw of the arm 5b that engages with the engaging portion engages with the inner wall 2n at a position overlapping the restricting members 6a and 6b when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. As a result, lifting of the arm 5b can be directly regulated by the regulating members 6a and 6b. Note that the claws of the arm 5b do not necessarily have to overlap the restricting members 6a and 6b when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

With the arm 5b of the mounting member 5 attached to the inner wall 2n of the housing 2, the axial distance (dimension) between the base 5a of the mounting member 5 and the contact surface of the inner wall 2n is It may be the same as or slightly larger than the axial dimension of the base portion 4b. For example, the mounting member 5 may be mounted to the housing with a gap between at least one of the mounting member 5 or the inner wall 2n of the housing 2 and the base portion 4b of the current recognition pin 4. The axial dimension of this gap may be, for example, half or less of the axial dimension of the base portion 5a of the mounting member 5 .

The diameter of the hole through which the protrusion 4a of the energization recognition pin 4 of the mounting member 5 penetrates may be slightly larger than the diameter of the protrusion 4a. That is, there may be a gap between the projecting portion 4a of the energization recognition pin 4 and the hole of the base portion 5a of the mounting member 5. FIG. As a result, the energization recognition pin 4 can be attached to the housing 2 with a gap between the projecting portion 4 a of the energization recognition pin 4 and the mounting member 5 .

In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the electrical recognition pin 4 is float-supported with respect to the housing 2 with the projecting portion 4 a of the electrical recognition pin 4 inserted into the hole of the base portion 5 a of the mounting member 5 . In this configuration, the base portion 5a of the mounting member 5 limits the tilt range of the projecting portion 4a of the energization recognition pin 4. As shown in FIG. As a configuration for limiting the inclination of the projection 4a, as shown in FIGS. A configuration in which a portion of the axial direction circumference of 4a is surrounded by the base portion 5a of the mounting member 5 may be adopted.

The attachment member 5 is attached to the housing 2 so that the arm 5b engages with the inner wall 2n of the housing 2 so that it does not come off in the axial direction. A slight gap (play) may be provided between the tip of the arm 5b of the mounting member 5 and the housing 2. FIG. In this case, the mounting member 5 is mounted on the housing 2 so as to be slightly axially movable.

Restricting members 6a and 6b are attached to the outside of the arm 5b of the attachment member 5 (outside in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction). The regulating members 6a, 6b may contact the arm 5b of the mounting member 5. As shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the restricting members 6a, 6b have a rectangular cross section. The inner surfaces of the regulating members 6a and 6b (surfaces facing inward in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction) are in contact with the arm 5b. In this case, the front surfaces of the regulating members 6a and 6b (surfaces facing forward in the axial direction) may contact the terminals 3a (see FIG. 4). Note that the restricting members 6a and 6b do not have to be in contact with the arm 5b.

(Example of mated state)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which the connector 10 is mated with the mating connector 30. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 8, the front portion of the outer peripheral wall 2g of the housing 2 of the connector 10 is inserted into the outer housing 31 of the mating connector 30 in the mated state. In the mated state, the projecting portion 4 a of the energization recognition pin 4 of the connector 10 is inserted into the energization recognition socket 33 of the mating connector 30 . The inner holder 34 for supporting the energization recognition socket 33 of the mating connector 30 is inserted into the space in the outer peripheral wall 2g of the connector 10 where the energization recognition pin 4 is arranged. Although not shown, the terminals 3a of the connector 10 are connected to the terminals 32 of the mating connector 30 in the mated state.

In the example of FIG. 8, the tip of the inner holder 34 contacts the base portion 5a of the mounting member 5. As shown in FIG. In the fitted state, the mounting member 5 is pushed from the mating connector 30 toward the connector 10 . As a result, the base portion 4b of the energization recognition pin 4 is in contact with both the mounting member 5 and the inner wall 2n between them. There is a gap between the protrusion 4 a of the energization recognition pin 4 and the base 5 a of the mounting member 5 . The connector 10 and the mating connector 30 may be configured so that the tip of the inner holder 34 does not come into contact with the base portion 5a of the mounting member 5 in the fitted state.

In the fitted state, the energization recognition pin 4 is supported in a floating state with respect to the housing 2 . The projecting portion 4 a of the energization recognition pin 4 is movable with respect to the housing 2 within a range surrounded by the mounting member 5 and the housing 2 . As a result, for example, when the connector 10 and the mating connector 30 vibrate in the mated state, wear of the energization recognition pin 4 can be suppressed. Further, the claws of the arm 5b of the mounting member 5 are engaged with the housing 2, and the restricting members 6a and 6b are arranged outside the claws of the arm 5b. In this manner, the hook of the arm 5b and the restricting members 6a and 6b provide a double retaining structure for the mounting member 5. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the floating support structure of the energization recognition pin 4 by the mounting member 5 becomes more robust. Furthermore, since the regulating members 6a and 6b also function as TPA, the number of parts does not increase, and the length of the connector 10 in the axial direction can be suppressed.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in connector 10 , at least one of seal member 7 , cable clamp 8 , shield shell 9 , and outer shell 11 may be omitted or formed as part of housing 2 . Also, the connector may further comprise additional members such as, for example, a connector position assurance member (CPA).

The attachment member is not limited to a configuration in which the claw engages the housing. For example, the mounting member may be welded or otherwise attached to the housing. The claws of the pair of arms of the mounting member may be configured to protrude inward or outward.

The energization recognition pin may be arranged between the pair of terminals, or may be arranged outside the pair of terminals. In the above example, the energization recognition pin is attached to the housing such that the entire base portion of the energization recognition pin is located between the mounting member and the housing. On the other hand, the energization recognition pin may be attached to the housing such that a part of the base portion of the energization recognition pin is positioned between the mounting member and the housing.

A pair of terminals of the connector may be pin contacts or socket contacts. The connector may be a plug (male connector), a receptacle or an adapter (female connector). For example, the connector and mating connector combination can be a plug and receptacle, or a plug and adapter, or the like. In the above embodiment, the male connector is provided with the energization recognition pin, but the energization recognition pin may be attached to the female connector in a floating state.

The housing, mounting member, and regulating member can be made of, for example, dielectric or insulating materials. The housing may be a one-piece molded product or may be a combination of multiple molded products. The inner wall and the outer peripheral wall of the housing may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the housing may be configured by combining the inner wall molded product and the outer peripheral wall molded product.

Although not limited to this, the connector of the present embodiment can be suitably used as a power connector, for example.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is possible to modify the above-described embodiment appropriately without departing from the scope of the invention.

2: housing, 3a, 3b: terminals, 4: energization recognition pin, 5: mounting member, 6a, 6b: regulating member, 10: connector, 30: mating connector

Claims (5)

A connector that can be mated with a mating connector,
a pair of terminals extending in the axial direction and exposed forward;
a housing that holds the pair of terminals;
an energization recognition pin, which is a conductor disposed apart from the pair of terminals and electrically separated from the pair of terminals;
a mounting member that mounts the energization recognition pin in a floating state with respect to the housing;
a regulating member,
The energization recognition pin includes a base portion and a pair of projecting portions extending axially forward from the base portion and exposed forward,
The mounting member is mounted to the housing with at least part of the base portion positioned between the housing and the mounting member ,
The mounting member includes a base positioned axially forward of the base of the electrical recognition pin, a pair of arms extending axially rearward from the base, and projecting inward from each of the pair of arms. , having a pair of claws that engage the housing;
the housing includes an opening provided outside in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the pair of claws,
The connector, wherein the restricting member is inserted into the opening of the housing and restricts the pair of claw portions of the mounting member from floating outward. A connector according to claim 1 , comprising:
The connector, wherein the regulating member is a terminal position assurance member that engages with the pair of terminals and determines the positions of the pair of terminals in the housing. 3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The housing includes an outer peripheral wall that surrounds the pair of terminals and the energization recognition pin and has an axially forward opening, and an inner wall inside the outer peripheral wall,
The connector, wherein the mounting member is attached to the inner wall of the housing with at least part of the base portion of the current recognition pin axially positioned between the mounting member and the inner wall of the housing. A connector according to claim 3 , wherein
The housing has a first terminal accommodating portion that accommodates one terminal of the pair of terminals and a second terminal accommodating portion that accommodates the other terminal of the pair of terminals,
A state in which at least a part of the base portion of the current recognition pin is axially positioned between the mounting member and the inner wall of the housing between the first terminal housing portion and the second terminal housing portion. A connector, wherein the mounting member is fixed to the inner wall of the housing. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The housing includes an outer peripheral wall that surrounds the pair of terminals and the energization recognition pin and has an axially forward opening, and an inner wall inside the outer peripheral wall,
an inner wall of the housing is formed inside the opening of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction;
An engaging portion with which the claw of the arm of the mounting member engages is provided on the surface of the inner wall facing the opening,
The connector, wherein the restricting member is inserted into the opening and attached to the housing while being in contact with the arm.

Images