KR102402303B1 - A connector - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment, the connector includes a first cable insertion hole into which a cable terminal is inserted, a coupling space that is recessed and communicates with the first cable insertion hole, and one end is fixed to one side of the coupling space and the other a cap including a housing body having a housing lock having a cantilever-shaped end having a free end; and a position assurance member inserted into the coupling space and fastened to the housing lock.

Description

connector {A connector}

The description below relates to the connector.

A connector is a kind of electrical component that selectively connects or blocks an electrical connection. For example, the connector can be used to connect a cable for a vehicle door. As the engine performance of the vehicle is improved and various convenience devices are mounted, etc., along with the trend of high-end and multi-functionality, many electric devices and controllers are mounted in the vehicle, and power lines and control signal lines for various electric equipment, and communication lines between the controllers. Cables and the like are installed in a predetermined arrangement, including a wiring harness including the back.

In particular, a multi-pole connector having a plurality of input and output terminals is mounted at one end of a wiring harness or cable for electrical connection between controllers, including various electrical devices. They are manufactured in different shapes according to the standard.

Accordingly, as a plurality of multi-pole connectors for connecting various wiring harnesses and the like are assembled in-line, it is a cause of an increase in work man-hours.

In consideration of this, as disclosed in Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2012-0085051, a cap housing 10 including a plurality of terminals 15 and a mating connector 30 coupled to the cap housing 10 are provided. ) and a retainer (locking part, 14) for stably fixing the terminal 15 in order to ensure the correct position of the terminal 15 has been proposed. The retainer is inserted laterally into the plug and is usually held in place by two latches.

In order to satisfy the terminal holding force among the customer requirements, the retainer secondary locking must be properly performed. However, in the current structure, there is no function to detect even if the retainer secondary lock is not properly performed, so various types of quality problems occur. In the previous structure, a problem of being pushed in due to the round shape of the corner portion of the retainer and the flow space, the secondary locking of the retainer was not properly detected and inserted in an unfastened state could occur. Due to this, there is a possibility that the terminal may be defective in the finished product while it is not inserted.

In summary, due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. of the product, assembly occurs frequently with the retainer not properly fastened, and as a result, the terminals are not properly fixed, detached, or incorrectly coupled.

An object of the embodiment is to provide a connector assembly that is easy to fasten and secure.

According to an embodiment, the connector includes a first cable insertion hole into which a cable terminal is inserted, a coupling space that is recessed and communicates with the first cable insertion hole, and one end is fixed to one side of the coupling space and the other a cap including a housing body having a housing lock having a cantilever shape at an end of which is a free end; and a position assurance member inserted into the coupling space and fastened to the housing lock.

The housing lock may adjust the insertion length of the position assurance member.

The position assurance member may include a sliding body slidably coupled to the coupling space; a second cable insertion hole passing through the sliding body; and an action part provided on one side of the sliding body and interfering with the housing lock.

The housing lock may include a locking protrusion having an acute-angled shape at the front and an obtuse-angled shape at the rear with respect to the insertion direction of the position assurance member.

The working part may include a detachable protrusion having an obtuse-angle shape at both the front and the rear with respect to the insertion direction of the position assurance member.

The working part may further include a fixing protrusion having an obtuse-angle shape at the front and an acute-angle shape at the rear with respect to the insertion direction of the position assurance member.

The working part may further include a cover part covering the free end.

When the position assurance member is inserted by a first set length, the locking protrusion formed on the housing lock is positioned between a pair of protrusions formed on the acting part, and the cable terminal is inserted so that the first cable is inserted. The hole and the second cable insertion hole may overlap each other.

When the position assurance member is inserted by a second set length greater than the first set length, the locking protrusion is positioned on either side based on the pair of protrusions, and the first cable insertion hole and the second cable insertion hole The holes may overlap in a form that is at least partially displaced.

When the position assurance member is inserted by a third set length that is larger than the first set length and smaller than the second set length, the locking protrusion is raised along the inclined surface formed on any one of the pair of protrusions, The bending part of the housing lock

It may be bent toward the outside of the coupling space.

According to an embodiment, the position assurance member may be fixed to the cap through a secondary fixing process. While the position assurance member is fastened to the cap, the protrusion formed on the cap is formed on the cantilever structure, so that the cantilever structure can be smoothly bent. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the protrusions from being crushed or damaged during the fastening or separation process. As a result, it is possible to increase the life cycle of the connector assembly. In addition, when the position assurance member is not properly fastened, the cantilever structure is bent and protrudes outward, so that the operator visually confirms this, so that it is possible to reliably detect whether the position assurance member is not fastened.

1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line II of FIG. 1 .
3A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2 , and is a view showing a primary fixing state of a position guarantee member according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 (b) is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 2, a view showing a secondary fixing state of the position guarantee member according to the embodiment.
Figure 4 (a) is a view showing a housing lock according to the embodiment.
Figure 4 (b) is a view showing an operating portion according to the embodiment.
5 is a view showing a state in which the housing lock and the operating part are primarily fixed according to the embodiment.
6(a) is a view showing a state in which the cap and the position guarantee member are primarily fixed according to the embodiment.
6( b ) is a diagram illustrating a shape of a cap and a position assurance member according to an embodiment while being switched between a primary fixing state and a secondary fixing state.
6( c ) is a view showing a state in which the cap and the position guarantee member are secondarily fixed according to the embodiment.
7 is a view showing a connector without a cantilever-shaped housing lock.
8 is a view showing a poor fastening state in a connector not provided with a cantilever-shaped housing lock.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in the description of the embodiment, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the component from other components, and the essence, order, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When it is described that a component is “connected”, “coupled” or “connected” to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component is between each component. It will be understood that may also be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line I-I of FIG. 1 .

1 and 2 , the connector 10 according to the embodiment interferes with a cap 110 fastened to a plug (not shown) and one side of a cable terminal inserted into the cap 110 so that the cable terminal is It may include a position assurance member 130 for preventing it from being pushed.

The cap 110 includes a plug fastening part 111 to which a plug (not shown) is fastened, a flange 112 disposed on one side of the plug fastening part 111 , and a housing body 120 into which a cable terminal is inserted. may include

The housing body 120 may be provided on the opposite side of the plug fastening part 111 with respect to the flange 112 , for example. The housing body 120 may have, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Each surface of the housing body 120 may be referred to as a front portion 121 , a side portion 122 , and a bottom surface portion 123 according to positions, respectively. The housing body 120 interferes with the first cable insertion hole 124 for inserting the cable terminal, the coupling space 125 to which the position assurance member 130 is coupled, and one side of the position assurance member 130 . A housing lock 126 for preventing the position assurance member 130 from freely moving may be included.

The first cable insertion hole 124 may be formed, for example, in a direction penetrating the bottom portion 123 in a vertical direction. The first cable insertion hole 124 may communicate with the coupling space 125 . The cable terminal inserted into the first cable insertion hole 124 may be located inside the coupling space 125 . The cable terminal may be selectively fixed according to the position of the position guarantee member 130 in the coupling space 125 .

The coupling space 125 may be recessed in the front part 121 , for example. The coupling space 125 may communicate with the first cable insertion hole 124 . The coupling space 125 may accommodate the position assurance member 130 .

The housing lock 126 may be provided on the side part 122 , for example. One end of the housing lock 126 is fixed to the side portion 122 , and the other end of the housing lock 126 may have a cantilever-shaped bending portion 126c extending toward the front portion 121 . . It may be understood that the housing lock 126 is formed by cutting a portion of the side portion 122 . The housing lock 126 may interfere with both sides of the position assurance member 130 . The housing lock 126 may interfere with a portion of the outer surface of the position assurance member 130 .

The position assurance member 130 may be slidably coupled to the housing body 120 . The position assurance member 130 may be inserted into the coupling space 125 . The position assurance member 130 acts to interfere with the sliding body 131 inserted into the coupling space 125 , the second cable insertion hole 132 for inserting the cable terminal, and the housing lock 126 . It may include a part 133 .

At least one second cable insertion hole 132 may be formed in the sliding body 131 . A state in which the position guarantee member 130 is inserted by the first set length as shown in FIG. 3A may be referred to as a primary fixed state. In the primary fixing state, the second cable insertion hole 132 may overlap the first cable insertion hole 124 with respect to the insertion direction of the cable terminal so that the cable terminal can be inserted. A state in which the position guarantee member 130 is inserted by a second set length greater than the first set length as shown in FIG. 3(b) may be referred to as a secondary fixed state. In the secondary fixing state, the second cable insertion hole 132 may overlap with the first cable insertion hole 124 in a partially shifted form with respect to the insertion direction of the cable terminal. According to the above shape, in the primary fixed state, the cable terminal may be inserted or separated through the first cable insertion hole 124 and the second cable insertion hole 132 . Also, in the secondary fixed state, the cable terminal may be fixed by the position guarantee member 130 . In other words, when the position assurance member 130 is secondarily fixed in a state in which the cable terminal is inserted into the housing body 120, the position assurance member 130 is fitted to the rear end of the cable terminal, so that the cable terminal is detached. can prevent

The acting part 133 may be provided on a side surface of the sliding body 131 . The acting portion 133 may be provided on both sides of the sliding body 131 , respectively. The acting part 133 has a shape engaged with the housing lock 126 , and may be fixed at a plurality of positions by interference with the acting part 133 .

Figure 3 (a) is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 2, a view showing a primary fixing state of the position guarantee member according to the embodiment, Figure 3 (b) is an enlarged enlarged view of a portion of Figure 2 It is a view showing the secondary fixing state of the position assurance member according to the embodiment.

Figure 4 (a) is a view showing a housing lock according to the embodiment, Figure 4 (b) is a view showing an operating part according to the embodiment. 5 is a view showing a state in which the housing lock and the operating part are primarily fixed according to the embodiment.

3 (a) to 5, the housing lock 126, the bending portion 126c, the engaging projection 126a that interferes with the acting portion 133, and corresponding to the free end (free end) a lock end 126b.

The bending part 126c may be bent while the insertion length of the position assurance member is changed from the primary fixing state to the secondary fixing state.

The locking protrusion 126a is selectively caught in any one of a plurality of spaces formed by a plurality of protrusions formed on the acting portion 133, so that the position assurance member 130 (refer to FIG. 2 ) is positioned at a plurality of positions. can be fixed in The locking protrusion 126a may have an acute-angled shape at the front and an obtuse-angled shape at the rear with respect to the insertion direction I of the position assurance member 130 . For example, θ1 may have a shape of 85 degrees, and θ2 may have a shape of 125 degrees, as shown in FIG. 4( a ).

The acting part 133 may include a plurality of protrusions that interfere with the housing lock 126 . The plurality of protrusions may include a fixing protrusion 133a and a detachable protrusion 133b that interfere with the locking protrusion 126a, and a cover part 133c that covers the lock end 126b.

The fixing protrusion 133a may be disposed in front of the detachable protrusion 133b based on the direction in which the position guarantee member 130 is inserted into the coupling space 125 .

The fixing protrusion 133a may have an obtuse-angled shape at the front and an acute-angled shape at the rear with respect to the insertion direction I of the position assurance member 130 . For example, as shown in FIG. 4(b), θ3 may have a shape of 85 degrees.

The detachable protrusion 133b may have an obtuse-angled shape in both the front and the rear with respect to the insertion direction I of the position assurance member 130 . For example, θ4 may have a shape of 125 degrees and θ5 may have a shape of 95 degrees, as shown in FIG. 4(b) .

Meanwhile, θ2 and θ4 may have an angle greater than the largest angle among θ1, θ3, and θ5, respectively. According to the above shape, it is possible to sufficiently lower the insertion force required when the position assurance member 130 is inserted.

On the other hand, θ1 and θ3 both have acute angles, so that in the primary fixed state in which the front of the locking protrusion 126a is coupled to the rear of the fixing protrusion 133a, the position assurance member 130 is separated from the coupling space 125 . can definitely be prevented.

On the other hand, θ5 by having an obtuse angle, in the secondary fixed state in which the front of the locking protrusion 126a is coupled to the rear of the detachable protrusion 133b, the position assurance member 130 is separated from the coupling space 125. By slightly lowering the required separation force, it is possible to remarkably prevent the locking protrusion 126a from being crushed.

The cover part 133c may cover the lock end part 126b in the secondary fixed state. According to the cover part 133c, it is possible to prevent the problem that the housing lock 126 is bent by an unexpected external force and the separation preventing member 130 is separated.

Figure 6 (a) is a view showing the first fixed state of the cap and the position guarantee member according to the embodiment, Figure 6 (b) is the cap and the position guarantee member according to the embodiment are the primary fixed state and the secondary fixed state It is a view showing a shape during transition between states, and FIG. 6( c ) is a view showing a state in which the cap and the position guarantee member according to the embodiment are secondarily fixed.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6C , the housing lock 126 may not be bent when the connector 10 according to the embodiment is in a primary fixed state or a secondary fixed state. On the other hand, while the position assurance member 130 is moved between the primary fixed state and the secondary fixed state, the bending portion 126c of the housing lock 126 is bent as shown in FIG. It can be seen that it was not Accordingly, the operator may detect whether the cap 110 and the position guarantee member 130 are properly fastened through whether the housing lock 126 is bent.

Specifically, when the position assurance member 130 is first inserted into the cap 110 in a completely separated state, the abutting portions of the fixing protrusion 133a and the locking protrusion 126a have an obtuse angle, so the fixing protrusion ( 133a) may pass over the locking protrusion 126a smoothly, and as a result, the position assurance member 130 may be in a primary fixed state as shown in FIG. 6(a).

Next, when the position assurance member 130 is further advanced in the insertion direction (I) in the primary fixed state, the portions in contact with each other of the detachable protrusion 133b and the locking protrusion 126a all have an obtuse angle, so that they are detachable. The protrusion 133b may smoothly pass over the locking protrusion 126a, and as a result, the position guarantee member 130 may be in a secondary fixing state as shown in FIG. 6(c) .

On the other hand, while the position assurance member 130 is changed from the primary fixed state shown in Fig. 6 (a) to the secondary fixed state shown in Fig. 6 (c), the detachable protrusion 133b and the locking protrusion ( By the interference of 126b), the housing lock 126 receives a force in the outward direction, and as a result, the bending portion 126c is bent and the housing lock 126 is projected outward as shown in FIG. 6(b). can

Conversely, while the position assurance member 130 is changed from the secondary fixed state shown in FIG. 6(c) to the primary fixed state shown in FIG. By the interference of 126b), the housing lock 126 receives a force in the outward direction, and as a result, the bending portion 126c is bent and the housing lock 126 is projected outward as shown in FIG. 6(b). can

On the other hand, it is assumed that the operator presses the position assurance member 130 in the insertion direction I, and the position assurance member 130 temporarily enters the secondary fixed state shown in FIG. 6( c ). do.

Even in the state as shown in Fig. 6(c), if the cable terminal is not properly inserted, the direction in which the position assurance member 130 is separated to the outside by the cable terminal, that is, the reaction force in the opposite direction to the insertion direction (I) can receive In this case, since a portion of the detachable protrusion 133b in contact with the locking protrusion 126a has an obtuse shape, the detachable protrusion 133b provides a force in the direction in which the housing lock 126 opens outward. As a result, the housing lock 126 protrudes outward by the reaction force of the cable terminal, and the position assurance member 130 may return to the state of FIG. 6(b) or the state of FIG. 6(a). In other words, when the cable terminal is not properly inserted, the position assurance member 130 cannot be properly fastened, so that the operator can easily detect whether the cable terminal is properly inserted.

7 is a view illustrating a connector not provided with a cantilever-shaped housing lock, and FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a poor fastening state in a connector not provided with a cantilever-shaped housing lock.

7 and 8 are presented for comparison with the embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the contents disclosed in FIGS. 7 and 8 are derived from the process of creating the present invention, and are not prior art.

7 and 8 , the connector 1 is a position including a cap 11 having a coupling space 11a and a fastening groove 11b, a sliding body 13a, and a fastening protrusion 13b. A guarantee member 13 may be included.

The sliding body 13a is slidably coupled to the coupling space 11a, and in the process of the result, the fastening protrusion 13b is fastened to the fastening groove 11b to fix the position guarantee member 13 to the cap 11. can

On the other hand, if the position assurance member 13 is coupled to the cap 11 in a state where the cable terminal is not properly inserted into the cap 11, the position assurance member 13 may not be properly inserted due to interference by the cable terminal. have. In this case, even though both sides of the position assurance member 13 are fastened to the cap 11 due to the structure of the fastening protrusion 13b and the fastening groove 11b as shown in FIG. 8 , the central portion of the position assurance member 13 is connected to the cable terminal. It can be bent due to interference and protrude slightly to the outside. In other words, even in a state in which the cable terminal is not properly inserted, the position assurance member 13 is fixed to the cap 11, so that it is difficult to visually identify whether the cable terminal is properly inserted.

However, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 described above, when the cable terminal is not properly inserted, the cantilever-shaped housing lock 126 opens outward as shown in FIG. 6(b), or FIG. 6(a) ), it returns to the primary fixed state, so the operator can easily identify with the naked eye whether the cable terminal is properly inserted.

Specifically, even in the state shown in FIG. 6( c ), if the cable terminal is not properly inserted, the direction in which the position assurance member 130 is separated to the outside by the cable terminal, that is, opposite to the insertion direction (I) directional reaction force. In this case, since a portion of the detachable protrusion 133b in contact with the locking protrusion 126a has an obtuse shape, the detachable protrusion 133b provides a force in the direction in which the housing lock 126 opens outward.

More specifically, the detachable protrusion 133b is moved upward by the reaction force. In the above process, the end of the locking projection 126a is provided with a force in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface from the contact surface of the detachable projection 133b in contact with the end portion. In other words, the locking protrusion 126a is provided with a force in a direction inclined upward to the left with reference to FIG. 6(c). Accordingly, the horizontal component of the force applied to the locking protrusion 126a acts in a direction in which the locking protrusion 126a is spread outward. As a result, the housing lock 126 protrudes outward by the reaction force of the cable terminal, and the position assurance member 130 may return to the state of FIG. 6(b) to the state of FIG. 6(a).

However, if the shape of the housing lock 126 is not formed in a cantilever shape and is replaced with a locking protrusion 126a instead of the locking groove 11b shown in FIG. 7 , the above-mentioned component force is the locking protrusion 126a ) cannot be spread outward, because the shape of the housing lock 126 is made of the inner surface of the cap of FIG. 7 . This is because a portion of the position assurance member 13 convexly protrudes as shown in FIG. 8 because the component force is not resolved.

According to an embodiment, the position assurance member may be fixed to the cap through a secondary fixing process. While the position assurance member is fastened to the cap, the protrusion formed on the cap is formed on the cantilever structure, so that the cantilever structure can be smoothly bent. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the protrusions from being crushed or damaged during the fastening or separation process. As a result, it is possible to increase the life cycle of the connector assembly. In addition, when the position assurance member is not properly fastened, the cantilever structure is bent and protrudes outward, so that the operator visually confirms this, so that it is possible to reliably detect whether the position assurance member is not fastened.

The embodiment described above is merely a description of a preferred embodiment, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and it is within the technical spirit and claims of the present invention by those skilled in the art. Various changes, modifications or substitutions in will be possible, and such embodiments should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

A cap comprising: a housing body having a first cable insertion hole into which a cable terminal is inserted, a coupling space that is recessed and communicates with the first cable insertion hole, and a housing lock fixed to one side of the coupling space; and
and a position guarantee member inserted into the coupling space and fastened to the housing lock;
The housing body includes a front portion in which the coupling space is recessed, and a side portion supporting the housing lock,
The housing lock includes a cantilever-shaped bending part having one end fixed to the side part and the other end extending toward the front part,
The bending portion is formed to be relatively longer in a longitudinal direction than in a width direction, and a longitudinal direction is formed to be parallel to an insertion direction of the position assurance member.
The method of claim 1,
The housing lock is a connector, characterized in that for adjusting the insertion length of the position assurance member.
3. The method of claim 2,
The position assurance member is
a sliding body slidably coupled to the coupling space;
a second cable insertion hole passing through the sliding body; and
A connector provided on one side of the sliding body and including an action portion that interferes with the housing lock.
4. The method of claim 3,
The housing lock may include a locking protrusion having an acute-angle shape at the front and an obtuse-angle shape at the rear with respect to the insertion direction of the position assurance member.
5. The method of claim 4,
The action portion, the connector including a detachable projection having an obtuse-angle shape in both the front and rear with respect to the insertion direction of the position assurance member.
6. The method of claim 5,
The connector further includes a fixing protrusion having an obtuse-angle shape at the front and an acute-angle shape at the rear with respect to the insertion direction of the position assurance member.
5. The method of claim 4,
The housing lock has a cantilever shape with one end having a free end,
The connector further includes a cover for covering the free end of the housing lock.
4. The method of claim 3,
When the position assurance member is inserted by a first set length,
The locking protrusion formed on the housing lock is positioned between a pair of protrusions formed on the action part,
The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first cable insertion hole and the second cable insertion hole overlap each other so that the cable terminal can be inserted.
9. The method of claim 8,
When the position assurance member is inserted by a second set length greater than the first set length,
The locking protrusion is located on either side based on the pair of protrusions,
The connector, characterized in that the first cable insertion hole and the second cable insertion hole overlap in the form of at least a part shifted.
10. The method of claim 9,
When the position assurance member is inserted by a third set length greater than the first set length and smaller than the second set length,
The locking projection is raised along the inclined surface formed on any one of the pair of projections,
The connector, characterized in that the bending portion is bent toward the outside of the coupling space.

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