JPH04121677U - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] The purpose is to enable coupling of a female connector housing having a large number of terminals to a male connector housing with a force smaller than the required insertion force. [Structure] Racks 3aA, 3aB are formed on both sides of the slide member 3 inserted into the female connector housing 1, and the racks 3aA, 3aB mesh with a pair of pinions 4A, 4B pivotally attached to the female connector housing 1. ing. Further, the pair of racks 2cA, 2cB formed in the male connector housing are connected to the pair of pinions 4A, 4.
Each one meshes with B. [Effects] Both connector housings can be connected with a small force, workability is good, and there are fewer restrictions on the work space.

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea]

0001

[Industrial application field]

This idea consists of a female connector housing housing the terminals and a male connector housing. Regarding connectors to be connected, especially those with a large number of terminals and the connection of both connector housings. The present invention relates to a connector that is suitably employed when a large force is required.

0002

[Conventional technology]

Modern connectors can be seen, for example, in the connectors used to connect electrical circuits in automobiles. As shown in Figure 2, the number of electrical components is increasing and the number of electrical circuits is becoming more sophisticated. When interconnecting multi-pin connectors that accommodate a large number of terminal groups, Since the connection resistance between the contact parts increases, an extremely large force is required to make the connection. Become.

0003 As a method to reduce the force required to connect such multi-pole connectors, There is a multi-pole connector disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 99788.

0004 The multi-pole connector disclosed herein includes an interconnecting female connector housing and a male connector housing. One of the connector housings has a pinion part on the outer periphery of the fulcrum part. Attach the rotating lever and attach the pinion part to the other connector housing. A rack part is provided that engages with the connector housing, and its rotating lever is aligned with the coupling direction of the By rotating in different directions, the insertion force required for joining can be amplified and the insertion force can be reduced. It has a structure that combines male and female connector housings.

[0005]

[Problem that the idea aims to solve]

In the above-mentioned known multi-pole connector, the insertion force is amplified by the rotating lever of the rod. male connector housing and female connector housing with relatively low insertion force. It is possible to combine multiple groups. However, this multi-pole connector The direction of rotation of the rotation lever is different from the insertion direction of the connector housing. At the top, hold the pair of connector housings in the temporarily fitted state, and then rotate the rotating lever. Items that require joining by rotating and inserting in a direction different from the joining direction Therefore, it is often necessary to change hands during work, and the work for joining There are some drawbacks that make it extremely poor in performance.

[0006] Furthermore, the above-mentioned known multi-pole connector has a rotary lever that rotates when the coupling operation is performed. Because space is required around the connector, it is not used for electrical wiring in automobiles. If there are restrictions on the size of the surrounding space, such as when There is a drawback.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, this invention has good joining workability and a small work space. The purpose is to provide a connector with fewer restrictions on the space available.

[0008]

[Means to solve the problem]

The connector of claim 1 comprises a female connector housing and a male connector housing each holding a terminal. In a connector formed by joining connector housings, one connector housing each is rotatably supported on the connector housing, and each is rotatably supported on the connector housing. have a rotation axis perpendicular to the direction, and are arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction intersecting the coupling direction. a pair of pinions arranged in a 2 that can be inserted and removed in the mating direction, and that each mesh with the pair of pinions. A slide member having a row rack formed therein and a slide member provided in the other connector housing. , a pair of latches that engage with the pair of pinions when both connectors are connected. It is characterized by having the following.

[0009] The connector according to claim 2 is the connector according to claim 1, wherein the pair of pinions is , each has a large diameter pinion part and a small diameter pinion part, and each large diameter pinion part has a Each small-diameter pinion part engages with the two rows of racks on the slide member. each engaging a pair of racks provided in the other connector housing; It is characterized by

0010 The connector according to claim 3 is the connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pinion There is a slider on the outer periphery of the slide member at the rear dead center position where the rack of the slide member does not act on the pinion. The device is characterized in that a positioning portion is provided with which the tip of the guide member comes into contact.

[0011]

[Effect]

In the connector of claim 1, with both connector housings facing each other, one Insert the slide member inserted into the connector housing in the direction that matches the coupling direction. Both connector housings are joined together by applying force. In other words, the slide member When the insertion force is applied to the sliding member, the sliding member engages with the rack formed on the sliding member. rotates the pinion, and this rotating pinion connects to the other connector housing. It meshes with the provided rack and rolls on this rack. The rolling of this pinion Accordingly, the direction in which one connector housing is coupled to the other connector housing. Move to. The insertion force applied to the slide member is applied through the rolling motion of the pinion. The insertion force is amplified and a bonding force greater than the insertion force is applied to both connector housings. Ru. In addition, a pair of pinions located on both sides of the slide member act as a propulsive force on both sides. In order to connect the connector housings, both connector housings should be strained between each other. Combined without occurring.

0012 According to the connector of claim 2, the portion of the slide member that engages with the rack and the other portion of the slide member engage with the rack. Compared to the case where a pinion is provided with the same diameter as the part that meshes with the connector housing, It is possible to obtain a larger forward force (coupling force) than the insertion force applied to the slide member. can.

[0013] According to the connector of claim 3, when the tip of the slide member contacts the positioning portion, The rack and pinion of the slide member mesh with each other.

[0014]

【Example】

Hereinafter, a connector according to this invention will be described with reference to illustrated embodiments.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, this connector includes a female connector housing 1, a male connector housing 1, and a male connector housing 1. It includes a housing 2 and a slide member 3. Female connector housing 1 has many A number of terminal storage chambers 1a are formed, and an end terminal is provided in each of these terminal storage chambers 1a. A child (not shown) is held. On the other hand, the male connector housing 2 also has many terminals. Storage chambers 2a are formed, and male connector housings are inserted into these terminal storage chambers 2a. When the plug 2 and the female connector housing 1 are combined, the female connector housing 1 side Terminals (not shown) that come into contact with a large number of terminals are each held. female connector For example, the terminals on the housing 1 side and the terminals on the male connector housing 2 side are connected to the female connector. The contact portion of the terminal on the terminal housing 1 side is housed in the terminal housing chamber 1a, while the male Keep the contact part of the terminal on the connector housing 2 side protruding from the terminal storage chamber 2a. held. Then, connect the female connector housing 1 and the male connector housing 2. When mated, the contact part of the terminal on the male connector housing 2 side will be connected to the female connector housing 2. enters into the contact holding part 1a of the Make contact with a contact pressure greater than or equal to the contact pressure. Therefore, the connection between both connector housings 1 and 2 is as follows: It is necessary to do this against contact pressure, which increases according to the number of terminals.

[0016] The female connector housing 1 has a front surface that faces the male connector housing 2. A cutout groove 1b is formed vertically through the female connector housing 1. . The plurality of terminal storage chambers 1a are formed on both sides of this notched groove 1b. . A pair of pin pins are arranged in the notch groove 1b at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction. Ons 4A and 4B are rotatably pivoted. Rotation of these pinions 4A, 4B The axial direction of the shaft depends on how this female connector housing 1 and male connector housing 2 are connected. It is perpendicular to the direction. The female connector housing 1 also includes the pinion 4A. , 4B, which passes through this female connector housing 1 in the coupling direction and has the cutout A passage 1c passing through the groove 1b is formed. This passage 1c is the notch groove 1b. It is formed wider than the Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, on the side wall of this passage 1c, A locking protrusion 1d for temporary locking is formed at a position in contact with the rear end opening of this passage 1c. ing. In addition, a predetermined interval is placed in front of this locking protrusion 1d in the longitudinal direction of the passage 1c. A locking protrusion 1e is formed. The distance between the locking protrusions 1d and 1e is During this period, the space is set so that an engaging portion 3d of the slide member 3, which will be described later, can be positioned. has been established. Furthermore, this housing 1 has a permanent lock at a predetermined position on the upper and lower surfaces of the housing 1. A small protrusion 1f is formed for this purpose.

[0017] The male connector housing 2 has a rear surface facing the female connector housing 1. The periphery is provided with a hood body 2b that surrounds the top, bottom, left and right and projects rearward. this fu A pair of lats of the same module are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the upper and lower walls of the door body 2b, with teeth facing each other. 2cA and 2cB are provided. These racks 2cA and 2cB have female connectors. the connector housing 1 and the male connector housing 2 are brought close to each other in order to couple them together. As a result, the pinions 4A and 4B that are pivotally connected to the female connector housing 1 are engaged with each other. cormorant. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the hood body 2b includes both racks 2cA and 2cB. An engagement recess 2d that engages with the main locking small protrusion 1f is formed at a predetermined position on the side. There is. Furthermore, inside this male connector housing 2, there is a passage 2 that opens on the back side of the male connector housing 2. e is formed. This passage 2e connects this male connector housing 2 to the female connector housing 2. The above-mentioned portion formed on the female connector housing 1 in a state of being coupled with the connector housing 1 It communicates with passage 1c.

[0018] The slide member 3 is integrated with an insertion portion 3a having a cross-shaped cross section and a rear end of the insertion portion 3a. The operating portion 3b has a T-shape when viewed from the side. Top and bottom of insertion part 3a Racks 3aA and 3aB having the same pitch as the racks 2cA and 2cB are formed on the surface. has been done. Further, guide grooves 3c are formed on both sides of the insertion portion 3a. A weir-like locking portion 3d is formed in the longitudinally intermediate portion of the guide groove 3c. child The insertion portion 3a of the slide member 2 is connected to the female connector housing 1 and the male connector housing 1. It can be inserted and slid into the passages 1c and 2e formed in the housing 2, respectively. can.

[0019] Next, the female connector housing 1, male connector housing 2, and slide The procedure for assembling the connector including the card member 3 will be explained.

[0020] First, insert the insertion part 3a of the slide member 3 into the passage 1c of the female connector housing 1. When the upper and lower racks 3aA and 3aB are slid into the female connector housing It passes through the notched groove 1b of the ring 1 and meshes with the pinions 4A and 4B. Also, At this time, the passage of the female connector housing 1 is inserted into the guide groove 3c of the slide member 3. A locking projection 1d formed on the side surface of 1c is fitted.

[0021] When the slide member 3 is further slid into the female connector housing 1, FIG. As shown in FIG. A locking portion 3d formed in the portion comes into contact with the locking portion 3d.

[0022] From this state shown in FIG. 4, slide the slide member 3 further into the female connector housing 1. When the locking portion 3d is moved over the locking protrusion 1d, as shown in FIG. It fits between the locking projection 1d and the other locking projection 1e. As a result, from now on, Due to the engagement between the locking protrusion 1d and the locking portion 3d, the slide member 3 is attached to the female connector housing. This prevents the device from escaping from the group 1. In addition, the engagement between the locking protrusion 1e and the locking portion 3d This prevents the slide member 3 from coming off forward. Inserting slide member 3 As shown in FIG. 5, the portion 3a is inserted into the female It protrudes from the rear end of the connector housing 1 by a distance x. The slide member 3 is After the recording distance x, the female connector housing 1 and the male connector housing 2 are connected. It is formed so that it is larger than the stroke amount of the slide member 3 until the Ru. In addition, the pinions 4A and 4B are formed on the slide member 3 in the state shown in FIG. The top teeth of the racks 3aA and 3aB are provided at positions where they mesh with each other.

[0023] The female connector housing 1 with the slide member 3 attached in the state shown in FIG. Close the connector housing 2, and connect the front part of the female connector housing 1 to the male connector. When inserted into the hood body 2b of the housing 2, as shown in FIG. The leading teeth of the racks 2cA and 2cB formed on the housing 2 are the pinions 4A and 4B. contact the teeth of

[0024] From the state shown in FIG. 6, if an insertion force is applied to the slide member 3 in the coupling direction, The locking portion 3d rides over the locking protrusion 1e, and the rack formed on this slide member 3 3aA and 3aB move in the coupling direction, and the pin that engages with the racks 3aA and 3aB The ions 4A and 4B rotate. The rotating pinions 4A and 4B are connected to male connectors. While rolling on the racks 2cA and 2cB formed on the connector housing 2, connection between the numerous terminals held in both connector housings 1 and 2. Against resistance, as shown in FIG. 7, the female connector housing 1 and the male connector housing 2 is combined. Female connector housing 1 and male connector housing 2 are complete When the insertion portion 3a of the slide member 3 is connected to the passageway of the male connector housing 2, 2e, the small protrusion 1f for final locking engages with the engagement recess 2d.

[0025] By the way, during the above-mentioned connection, the pinions 4A and 4B are Although the amount of movement is small compared to the stroke length of the slide member 3, in the joining direction with a forward force greater than the insertion force applied to the insertion force (theoretically twice the forward force). Moving. That is, the female connector housing 1 and the male connector housing 2 are inserted are combined with a forward force that is twice the force. Therefore, by providing a large number of terminals, Even if an extremely large force is required to connect the slide member 3, the insertion force applied to the slide member 3 is It's small and easy to operate. Moreover, the pair of pinions 4A and 4B are Since the forward force is applied in parallel on both sides of the ride member 3, the female connector housing 1 and There is no possibility of straining between the male connector housings 2.

[0026] By the way, in the above embodiment, the rack formed on the slide member and the male connector housing are The pinion part of the pinion with the same diameter is engaged with the rack formed on the ring. However, the pinion has two types of pinion parts with different diameters, and The rack formed on the idle member is designed to mesh with the large-diameter pinion part, and the The rack formed in the connector housing is designed to mesh with the small diameter pinion part. Good too. In this way, the front force will be greater than the insertion force applied to the slide member. It is possible to obtain shinryoku (binding force). Another connector according to the invention shown in Fig. 8 is In this way, the pinion is provided with two pinion parts having different diameters. below Next, the connector shown in FIG. 8 will be explained. In addition, the parts that make up the connector in Figure 1 Parts equivalent to the digits are marked with a ``1'' in front of each code, and some explanations are given. The details are omitted.

[0027] The connector in FIG. 8 includes a female connector housing 11 and a male connector housing 1. 2 and a slide member 13.

[0028] The female connector housing 11 has substantially only the pinions 14A, 14B This is different from the female connector housing 1 in the example. Also clearly shown in Figures 9-12. As shown in FIG. It is equipped with a diameter pinion part 14Aa, and the remaining half-circumference part is approximately twice that of the pinion 4A. The large diameter pinion portion 14Ab has a diameter of . In addition, the small diameter pinion part 14A Positioning projecting outward in the radial direction at the boundary between a and the large diameter pinion portion 14Ab A protrusion 14Ac is formed. The pinion 14B is above and below the pinion 14A. They are formed symmetrically, with a small diameter pinion part 14Ba, a large diameter pinion part 14Bb and and a positioning protrusion 14Bc.

[0029] The configuration of the male connector housing 12 is similar to that of the male connector housing in the previous embodiment. Since the configuration is almost the same as Group 2, the explanation will be omitted here. This male connector The racks 12cA, 12cB formed on the ring 12 are connected to the pinions 14A, 1 It meshes with the small diameter pinion parts 14Aa and 14Ba of 4B.

[0030] The slide member 13 has the same structure as the slide member 3 of the previous embodiment. however, The insertion portion 13a of this slide member 13 is compared to the insertion portion 3a of the slide member 3. The top and bottom dimensions are small. This is because the rack 13aA formed in this insertion portion 3a, 13aB is the large diameter pinion portion 14Ab, 14Bb of the pinion 14A, 14B. This is because they fit together.

[0031] The female connector housing 11, the male connector housing 12, and The procedure for assembling the connector made of the slide member 13 is as follows. In addition In this explanation of the assembly procedure, we will also explain the parts that overlap with those in the previous example. Some explanations have been omitted.

[0032] First, as in the case of the previous embodiment, insert the insertion portion 13a of the slide member 13 into the Slide the end into the passage 11c of the female connector housing 11. The upper and lower racks 13aA and 13aB are connected to the notch groove 11 of the female connector housing 11. Pass through b. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. , 13aB are engaged with the large diameter pinion portions 14Ab, 14Bb of the pinions 14A, 14B. At the rear dead center position immediately before the engagement, the tip of the slide member 13 first touches the pinion 14. It comes into contact with positioning protrusions 14Ac and 14Bc formed on A and 14B. to this contact Therefore, the positional relationship between the racks 13aA, 13aB and the pinions 14A, 14B is determined. The positional relationship is determined. Therefore, as shown in FIG. When sliding further, racks 13aA, 13aB and pinions 14A, 14 The large diameter pinion portions 14Ab and 14Bb of B can be accurately engaged with each other.

[0033] FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 5 in the previous embodiment. i.e. female connector housing An engaging portion 13d on the slide member 13 side is located between the locking protrusions 11d and 11e on the side of the slide member 11. The leading teeth of the racks 13aA and 13aB are located in the large diameter pinion portions 14Ab, It meshes with 14Bb. That is, the slide member 13 is connected to the female connector housing. 11.

[0034] FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 6 in the previous embodiment, and slides as shown in FIG. The front part of the female connector housing 11 where the member 13 is temporarily secured is attached to the male connector housing. The figure shows a state inserted into the hood body 12b of the tag 12. In this example, the male The end face of the connector housing 12 comes into contact with the pinions 14A, 14B, and at the same time The leading teeth of the racks 12cA and 12cB face the small diameter pinion parts 14Aa and 14Ba. are doing.

[0035] From this state shown in FIG. 11, the female connector housing 11 and the male connector are connected to the slide member 13. By applying an insertion force in the coupling direction of the housing 12, the locking portion 13d passes over the locking protrusion 11e, and the rack 13a formed on this slide member 13 A and 13aB move in the bonding direction. The large diameter pinion parts 14Ab and 14Bb are By engaging with the racks 13aA, 13aB, the racks 13aA, 13a As aB moves, pinions 14A and 14B rotate. Pinion 14A, 14 When B rotates, the small diameter pinion portion 14 formed on these pinions 14A, 14B Aa and 14Ba are the racks 2cA and 2cB formed in the male connector housing 2. mesh together. Therefore, between the many terminals held in both connector housings 1 and 2, The pinions 14A and 14B roll in the coupling direction against the connection resistance generated in the 12, the female connector housing 11 and the male connector housing 12 are combined. As in the case of Fig. 7, the female connector housing 11 and the male connector When the housing 12 is completely connected, the insertion portion 13a of the slide member 13 is inserted into the male It enters the passage 12e of the connector housing 12. In addition, the small protrusion 11f and the engagement recess When the portions 12d are engaged, the female connector housing 11 and the male connector housing 12 are connected. They are permanently locked together so that they do not come apart.

[0036] Also in the connectors shown in FIGS. 8 to 12 as described above, the pinions 14A, 14B is a larger forward movement than the insertion force applied to the slide member 13 due to the lever action. Move in the bonding direction by force. At the same time, in the connector of this embodiment, the large diameter pinion part The diameter difference between 14Ab, 14Bb and small diameter pinion parts 14Aa, 14Ba is also 4A and 14B are connected with a forward force greater than the insertion force applied to the slide member 13. It contributes to moving in the direction. That is, the large diameter pinion portion 14Ab,1 4Bb engages with the racks 13aA and 13aB, and the small diameter pinion portion 14Aa , 14Ba mesh with racks 12cA, 12cB. Also, the pinions 14A and 14B are larger than the insertion force applied to the slide member 13. move in the bonding direction with a forward force. As mentioned above, the large diameter pinion portion 14Ab,1 When 4Bb has twice the diameter of the small diameter pinion parts 14Aa and 14Ba, the female connector The housing 1 and the male connector housing 2 are coupled with a forward force three times the insertion force. Thus, according to the connector of this embodiment, the female connector housing 11 and the male connector The insertion force required to connect the connector housing 12 is further reduced than in the previous embodiment. It can be expected to achieve better workability.

[0037] Note that the positioning protrusions provided on the pinions 14A and 14B of the connectors shown in FIGS. The pinions 14Ac and 14Bc should also be provided on the pinions 4A and 4B of the connector in Figure 1. By doing this, the code in Figure 8 can be used when assembling the connector in Figure 1. As when assembling the connector, check the engagement of pinions 4A, 4B and racks 3aA, 3aB. The alignment can be performed more smoothly.

[0038] In addition, in each embodiment, the female connector housing is provided with a pinion, and the male connector housing is provided with a pinion. Although the connector housing has a rack, there is a rack on the female connector housing side. It can also be configured to include a rack and a pinion on the male connector housing side. good. In this case, the slide member is inserted from the back side of the male connector housing. It turns out.

[0039]

[Effect of the idea]

According to claim 1, the connector can be inserted with a much smaller insertion force than the required coupling force. This has the effect of making it possible to perform a combination. Also, the slide member Since the pressing direction is the same as the connecting direction of the connector, there is no need to change the grip when connecting. Easy to work with no manual work required. Additionally, bonding force can be obtained simultaneously on both sides of the sliding member. This prevents the occurrence of prying between connectors. becomes possible. Furthermore, since there are no operating parts that protrude around both housings, It also has the effect of being easily adaptable to small work spaces.

[0040] According to claim 2, the insertion force is smaller than the required bonding force. It has the effect of being able to

[0041] According to claim 3, the rack and pinion of the slide member are smoothly engaged. This has the effect of further improving the workability of the joining work. play the fruit.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the female connector housing of the connector in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the male connector housing of the connector in FIG. 1;

4 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a state in which a slide member is inserted into the female connector housing of FIG. 2; FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a state in which the slide member is inserted to a position where it is prevented from coming off from the female connector housing.

6 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a process of coupling the female connector housing of FIG. 2 to the male connector housing of FIG. 3; FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the connector in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of another connector according to the invention.

9 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing an assembly process of the connector of FIG. 8; FIG.

10 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing an assembly process of the connector of FIG. 8; FIG.

11 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing an assembly process of the connector shown in FIG. 8; FIG.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram of the connector of FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

1,11 Female connector housing 2,12 Male connector housing 3,13 Slide member 4A, 4B, 14A, 14B pinion 14Aa, 14Ba Small diameter pinion part 14Ab, 14Bb Large diameter pinion part 2cA, 2cB rack 3aA, 3aB rack

Claims (3)

[Scope of utility model registration request] Claim 1: In a connector formed by combining a female connector housing and a male connector housing each holding a terminal, each of the connector housings is rotatably supported by one of the connector housings, and each of the connector housings is perpendicular to the coupling direction of both connector housings. a pair of pinions each having a rotating shaft and arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction intersecting the coupling direction; A connector comprising: a slide member formed with two rows of racks that mesh with each other; and a pair of racks that are provided on the other connector housing and mesh with the pair of pinions when both connectors are coupled. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of pinions includes a large-diameter pinion portion and a small-diameter pinion portion, and each large-diameter pinion portion is provided with two portions of the slide member.
A connector characterized in that each small-diameter pinion portion is engaged with a pair of racks provided in the other connector housing, and each small-diameter pinion portion is engaged with a pair of racks provided in the other connector housing. [Claim 3] The connector according to claim 1 or 2,
A connector characterized in that a positioning portion is provided on the outer periphery of the pinion, with which the tip of the slide member comes into contact when the slide member is at a dead center position where the rack of the slide member does not act on the pinion.