KR102648477B1 - Male connector and connector assembly comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector assembly according to an embodiment includes a cap housing, a connection terminal accommodated inside the cap housing, a connection part fixedly mounted on the inside of the cap housing, and a connection part in the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal. a male connector including a protective part that is relatively movable; and a female connector including a plug housing inserted into the cap housing, and while the male connector and the female connector are coupled to each other, the plug housing maintains a fixed state of the connection part and the protection part being fixed to each other. By releasing, the protection part can be pushed toward the bottom surface of the connection part.

Description

Male connector and connector assembly including same {MALE CONNECTOR AND CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY COMPRISING THE SAME}

The description below relates to a male connector and a connector assembly including the same.

A connector is a type of electrical component that can connect or disconnect an electrical connection. Connectors are used in various electromechanical devices such as automobiles or home appliances, and are used to electrically and/or physically connect a plurality of electronic components to each other.

Technologies are required to prevent damage to the connection terminals by assisting in the alignment of the connection terminals of the connector. Additionally, technologies are required to more reliably block the inflow of fluid or foreign substances into the connector.

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional connector assembly (Patent Document 1). A conventional connector assembly includes a protective plate 20 supported by a protective plate engaging member 12 provided inside the cap housing 10. On the outside of the protection plate 20, a locking groove 22 is provided that engages the guard plate locking member 12. The protection plate locking member 12 has a shape that protrudes toward the central portion of the cap housing 10. In order to manufacture this shape through an injection mold method, a core hole (H) is formed at the edge of the cap housing 10. In order to waterproof a conventional connector assembly, there was a problem that the core hole also had to be waterproofed. In addition, in order to waterproof the core hole (H) in the same area as the plurality of step ports, there was a problem in that the size of the connector assembly was unnecessarily large. Technology to solve these problems is required.

Patent Document 1: Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0140262

The purpose of one embodiment is to provide a female connector and a connector assembly that can implement a waterproof structure and have a compact structure while preventing damage to the connection terminal by assisting in the alignment of the connection terminal.

A connector assembly according to an embodiment includes a cap housing, a connection terminal accommodated inside the cap housing, a connection part fixedly mounted on the inside of the cap housing, and a connection part in the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal. a male connector including a protective part that is relatively movable; and a female connector including a plug housing inserted into the cap housing, and while the male connector and the female connector are coupled to each other, the plug housing maintains a fixed state of the connection part and the protection part being fixed to each other. By releasing, the protection part can be pushed toward the bottom surface of the connection part.

The cap housing includes a cap body including a terminal hole for supporting the connection terminal; and a fixing structure formed inside the cap body and fixing the connection part, wherein the cap housing and the connection part are manufactured as separate members and then assembled, and the protection part is connected to the cap housing. When relatively raised or lowered, the connection part may not be moved relative to the cap housing by the fixing structure.

The cap body includes a core hole for forming the fixing structure, and the core hole is located in a waterproof area for waterproofing the inside of the cap body based on a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal. You can.

The cap housing further includes a cap head that protrudes from the cap body and surrounds the connection terminal, and the core hole is formed by an edge portion of the cap head based on a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal. It can be placed inside a defined boundary.

The connection part includes a support rod that supports the protection part and is elastically deformable, and the plug housing includes a plug body insertable inside the protection part; and a mounting protrusion that protrudes from the plug body and deforms the support rod when the plug body is inserted into the protection part.

The protection part may include a locking member, and the plug housing may include a separation protrusion that can raise the protection part by engaging the locking member.

The cap housing includes a cap guide that protrudes from the inner wall and is lower than the height of the inner wall, and the locking member is supported by the cap guide while the male connector rises a certain distance from the female connector. Deformation is prevented, and when the male connector rises beyond the predetermined distance, it is deformed without being supported by the cap guide, thereby causing the plug housing to be separated from the protection part.

It may further include a binding part that prevents the protection part from being separated from the connection part.

The male connector can slide relative to the connection part and may further include a slider that prevents the connection terminal from being separated from the connection part.

The slider includes a slider body; and a slider lever that protrudes from the slider body to transmit power from the outside to the slider body.

The cap housing may include a fixing structure that penetrates the slider body and secures the connection part to the cap housing, and the slider body may include a slider hole to avoid interference with the fixing structure while sliding. there is.

A portion of the protective part may be cut to provide a space where the slider lever can be exposed to the outside.

A male connector according to one embodiment includes a cap housing; a connection terminal accommodated inside the cap housing; A connection part including a connection body manufactured as a separate member from the cap housing and then assembled inside the cap housing, and a support rod that protrudes from the connection body and is elastically deformable; and a protection part provided inside the cap housing and supported by the support rod, wherein the cap housing includes: a cap body; and a fixing structure formed inside the cap body and fixing the connection part, wherein the cap housing and the connection part are manufactured as separate members and then assembled, and the protection part is relative to the cap housing. When being raised or lowered, the connection part may not move relative to the cap housing by the fixing structure that fixes the cap housing and the connection part to each other.

The male connector may further include a binding part that prevents the protection part from being separated from the connection part.

The cap body includes a core hole for forming the fixing structure, and the core hole is located in a waterproof area for waterproofing the inside of the cap body based on a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal. can do.

It can slide relative to the connection part and may further include a slider that prevents the connection terminal from being separated from the connection part.

The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention along with the detailed description of the invention, so the present invention is limited to the matters described in such drawings. It should not be interpreted in a limited way.
1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 is a side view of a connector assembly showing a state before coupling of a female connector and a male connector according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 is a side view of a connector assembly showing a state in which a female connector and a male connector are combined, according to an embodiment.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly showing a state before coupling of a female connector and a male connector according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly showing a state in which a female connector and a male connector are combined, according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a female connector according to one embodiment.
7 is a front view of a cap housing according to one embodiment.
Figure 8 is a rear view of the cap housing according to one embodiment.
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a connection part, an auxiliary part, and a slider of a female connector according to an embodiment.
Figure 10 is a rear view of a female connector according to one embodiment.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view sequentially showing the interaction of a locking member and a separation protrusion while a female connector and a male connector according to an embodiment are coupled.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view sequentially showing the interaction of a locking member and a separation protrusion while a female connector and a male connector are separated according to an embodiment.
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Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the interaction of a locking member and a mounting protrusion while a female connector and a male connector according to an embodiment are coupled.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the interaction of a locking member and a mounting protrusion while a female connector and a male connector are separated, according to an embodiment.
Figure 15 is a bottom view of a male connector according to one embodiment.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view sequentially showing how the cap projection is fixed to the connection part while the cap projection is coupled to the connection part, according to one embodiment.
Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a connection part and an auxiliary part of a female connector according to one embodiment.
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional connector assembly.

This patent application claims priority based on patent application No. 2018-0031626 filed on March 19, 2018, and the entire contents of the application are incorporated by reference into this patent application.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, when describing an embodiment, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is judged to impede understanding of the embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

Components included in one embodiment and components including common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless stated to the contrary, the description given in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view of the connector assembly showing a state before combining a female connector and a male connector according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a female connector according to an embodiment. and a side view of the connector assembly showing the male connector in a coupled state.

1 to 3, the connector assembly 100 may include a male connector 1 and a female connector 2 that can be coupled or separated from each other. The connector assembly 100 may assist in electrical and/or physical connection between a plurality of electronic components. For example, the male connector 1 may be electrically and/or physically connected to one electronic component, and the female connector 2 may be electrically and/or physically connected to another electronic component. The male connector 1 and the female connector 2 can connect a plurality of spaced apart electronic components by being physically coupled to each other.

The male connector 1 may include a cap housing 11. The cap housing 11 may be open forward (+x direction) and rearward (-x direction). The rear opening of the male connector (1) can be covered by the female connector (2). The front opening of the male connector 1 may include a main opening 1a surrounding the connection terminal and a plurality of auxiliary openings 1b for receiving other wires. A seal (not shown) can be inserted inside the main opening 1a and the auxiliary opening 1b to block water or foreign substances from entering through the front opening of the male connector 1 from the outside.

The female connector (2) can be mounted on the male connector (1). The female connector (2) can slide along the outside of the male connector (1). The female connector 2 may include a case 21 and a connector lever 23.

Case 21 may include, for example, a case protrusion 21a that protrudes in a direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the sliding direction (x-axis direction) of the female connector 2.

The cap housing 11 may include an outer protrusion 11a protruding in the y-axis direction. The connector lever 23 may be rotatably connected to the case protrusion 21a. The connector lever 23 may assist in coupling the cap housing 11 and the case 21 by adjusting the distance between the case protrusion 21a and the outer protrusion 11a.

The connector lever 23 may include a lever opening 23a that accommodates the outer projection 11a and a lever guide 23b that sets a movement path of the outer projection 11a. When it is confirmed that the outer protrusion 11a is inserted into the lever guide 23b, the user can rotate the lever 23 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3 (counterclockwise around the y-axis). While the lever 23 is rotated, the outer protrusion 11a may come close to the case protrusion 21a. As long as the connector lever 23 is not rotated clockwise about the y-axis, the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 can remain coupled.

When combining the male connector (1) and female connector (2), it is important to implement a waterproof structure. When a core hole is formed as in the prior art, there is a problem that a separate waterproof structure is required to block the core hole (see FIG. 18). The present invention can solve these problems. The present invention solves such problems by providing a core hole in the main opening (1a). According to this structure, there is no need for a separate waterproof structure to prevent core holes. Hereinafter, a more detailed description will be given with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly showing a state before a female connector and a male connector are coupled according to an embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly showing a state in which a female connector and a male connector are coupled according to an embodiment. , and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a female connector according to an embodiment. Note that the connection terminal is omitted in Figure 6. Figure 7 is a front view of the cap housing according to an embodiment, Figure 8 is a rear view of the cap housing according to an embodiment, and Figure 9 shows a connection part, an auxiliary part, and a slider of a female connector according to an embodiment. It is a perspective view.

4 to 9, the connector assembly 100 has a structure in which a core hole H2 is provided in the main opening 1a. According to this structure, no separate configuration is required to block the core hole (H2). Here, the core hole H2 refers to a hole that is inevitably produced while forming the cap protrusion 113. In order for the core hole H2 to be provided in the main opening 1a, the cap protrusion 113 must be spaced a certain distance away from the inner wall of the cap housing 11. Meanwhile, in order for the connector assembly 100 to have a compact structure, the support rod 132 should be as close as possible to the inner wall of the cap housing 11. Accordingly, the connector assembly 100 includes a component called a connection part 13. The protection part 14 of the connector assembly 100 does not slide directly up and down with respect to the cap housing 11, but rather slides up and down with respect to the connection part 13 fixed to the cap housing 11. I understand. According to this structure, a compact structure can be implemented by providing the core hole H2 in the main opening 1a and positioning the support rod 132 close to the inner wall of the cap housing 11.

The connector assembly 100 may include a male connector 1, a female connector 2, and an inner seal 24. The male connector 1 may include a cap housing 11, a connection terminal 12, a connection part 13, a protection part 14, a binding part 15, and a slider 16.

For example, referring to Patent Document 1, as the protective plate engaging member 12 is formed integrally with the cap housing 11, the cap housing 10 has a core hole (H) corresponding to the protective plate engaging member 12. This is formed. However, in the present invention, the cap housing 11 and the connection part 13 are manufactured as separate members and then assembled together, so that the core hole H is not formed in the cap housing 11, but rather the connection part. It can be formed in (13). Here, it should be noted that the cap protrusion 113 is only an example of a “fixing structure” that is configured to fix the connection part 13 to the cap housing 11. The cap housing 11 and the connection part 13 are manufactured as separate members and then assembled, and when the protection part 14 is raised or lowered relative to the cap housing 11, the connection part 13 is The cap housing 11 and the connecting part 13 may not move relative to the cap housing 11 due to a fixing structure that fixes the cap housing 11 and the connecting part 13 to each other.

The fixing structure is configured to fix the cap housing 11 and the connection part 13 to each other. Hereinafter, the fixing structure will be described as the cap protrusion 113, which is a sub-component of the cap housing 11, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the fixing structure may be a protrusion that protrudes from the connection part 13 and is fixed to the cap housing 11.

The cap housing 11 can accommodate the connection terminal 12, the connection part 13, the protection part 14, the binding part 15, and the slider 16. For example, the cap housing 11 may support the connection terminal 12 so that the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal 12 is parallel to the insertion direction of the male connector 1 into the female connector 2. The front of the cap housing 11 may be provided with a main opening 1a and an auxiliary opening 1b. The main opening 1a and the auxiliary opening 1b may each be sealed by a seal inserted inward. The main opening 1a may communicate with the terminal hole H1, which will be described later, and when the main opening 1a is sealed, the inflow of water or foreign substances from the outside toward the terminal hole H1 can be blocked. The auxiliary opening 1b may be an opening for passing a cable (not shown). The cap housing 11 may include a cap body 111, a cap head 112, a fixing structure 113, and a cap guide 114.

The cap body 111 may form the exterior of the cap housing 11. The inner shape of the cap body 111 may correspond to the outer shape of the connection part 13. The cap body 111 can assist the one-degree-of-freedom sliding of the connection part 13. The cap body 111 may include a terminal hole H1 for supporting the connection terminal 12. The cap body 111 may include a core hole for forming a fixing structure. For example, the cap body 111 may include a core hole H2 for forming the protrusion head 1132 of the cap protrusion 113. The terminal hole H1 and the core hole H2 may be formed through the cap body 111. The connection terminal 12 may be inserted into the terminal hole H1, and the connection terminal 12 inserted into the terminal hole H1 may be supported by the cap body 111. The number of terminal holes H1 may be formed to correspond to the number of connection terminals 12. The core hole H2 may correspond to a hole created as the core is inserted to form the cap protrusion 113 having an undercut shape during the injection mold manufacturing process. As will be described later, the cap protrusion 113 may include a protrusion body 1131 that protrudes upward from the cap body 111 and a protrusion head 1132 that protrudes laterally from the protrusion body 1131. . In order to form such a protruding head 1132, a core hole is inevitably formed through the cap body 111. Likewise, the core hole H2 may be formed corresponding to the number of cap protrusions 113.

The core hole H2 may be located in a waterproof area for waterproofing the inside of the cap body 111, based on a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal 12. Here, the waterproof area refers to an area where a seal, etc. is installed to prevent fluid from flowing into the inside of the cap body 111 from the outside. For example, a seal (not shown) may be mounted on the main opening 1a and/or the auxiliary opening 1b to allow fluid to enter the cap body 111 through the main opening 1a or the auxiliary opening 1b. Inflow can be prevented. For example, the seal (not shown) can be mounted in a position where the terminal hole H1 and the core hole H2 cover the entire main opening 1a, which is the waterproof area (see FIG. 7). For example, when the cap housing 11 includes the cap head 112, which will be described later, the main opening 1a is defined by the edge of the cap head 112, and the core hole H2 is defined by the cap head 112. ) can be located on the inner side of the

As another example, when the overall size of the connection terminal 12 is large, the cap housing 11 may not include the cap head 112, which will be described later. In this case, the waterproof area is the terminal hole H1 into which the connection terminal 12 is inserted, and may be an area where a seal is installed to prevent fluid from flowing into the hole. A portion of the edge portion of the terminal hole (H1) may function as the core hole (H2). For example, the core hole H2 may be provided within a separation distance between the connection terminal 12 and the inside of the terminal hole H1, based on the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal 12. According to this structure, no separate configuration is required to waterproof the core hole H2.

The cap head 112 may protrude from the cap body 111 to form the main opening 1a. The cap head 112 may surround the connection terminal 12. The cap head 112 may be formed to protrude in a direction opposite to the coupling direction of the male connector 1 to the female connector 2 (+x direction). The cap head 112 may guide electronic components so that they can be stably coupled to the connector assembly 100.

The fixing structure 113 may fix the connection part 13 accommodated inside the cap body 111. The cap protrusion 113 may secure the connection part 13 accommodated inside the cap body 111. The cap protrusion 113 is spaced further away from the inner wall of the cap housing 11 than the support rod 132, which will be described later. Accordingly, the core hole H2 may be formed relatively close to the center. In addition, the cap protrusion 113 is only a component for fixing the connection part 13, and a component for supporting the protection part 14 is provided separately on the connection part 13 (support rod), so the connector assembly 100 may have a compact structure.

The cap protrusion 113 may penetrate the slider 16 and secure the connection part 13. While the cap protrusion 113 restricts the movement of the connection part 13 in the width direction (y-axis direction or z-axis direction) of the connector assembly, the cap protrusion 113 does not restrict the movement of the slider 16. . The cap protrusion 113 includes a protrusion body 1131 that protrudes from the cap body 111 in a direction opposite to the protrusion direction of the cap body 111, and a connection part 13 that protrudes from the protrusion body 1131. It may include a protruding head 1132 for fixing it. The protruding body 1131 may be formed to protrude in the coupling direction (-x direction) of the male connector 1 with respect to the female connector 2. The protrusion head 1132 may be formed to protrude from the protrusion body 1131 in a direction crossing the protrusion direction of the protrusion body 1131. The connection part 13 may be provided with a connection part groove (not shown) that accommodates the protruding head 1132 when the connection part 13 is completely seated on the cap body 111.

A plurality of cap protrusions 113 may be provided. Some of the plurality of cap protrusions 113 are formed on opposite sides of the terminal hole H1 and may support other parts of the connection part 13. For example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 8 , four cap protrusions 113 may be provided. Two cap protrusions 113 may be formed in the +z direction with the terminal hole H1 as the center, and the other two cap protrusions 113 may be formed in the -z direction with the terminal hole H1 as the center.

The protruding body 1131 may interfere with the connection part 13 and be deformed. The protruding head 1132 may have a flat top and a surface sloping from the top to the bottom. In other words, the length at which the protrusion head 1132 protrudes from the protrusion body 1131 may increase from the top of the protrusion body 1131 downward. According to this structure, while the connection part 13 descends along the cap body 111, the cap protrusion 113 is interfered with by the connection part 13 and can be deformed outward, and the connection part 13 When it is completely seated on the cap body 111, it is restored to its original state and the connection part 13 can be fixed.

Since the portion of the cap protrusion 113 that is farther away from the cap body 111 than the portion of the protrusion body 1131, that is, the protrusion head 1132 portion, is thicker, a core hole H2 may be formed in the cap body 111. there is. The core hole H2 may be formed through the bottom of the protruding head 1132. The core hole H2 may be surrounded by the cap head 112 when the cap body 111 is viewed in a direction parallel to the terminal hole H1 (see FIG. 7). In other words, the core hole H2 may be formed inside the cap head 112. When the core hole H2 is formed inside the cap head 112, when the cap head 112 is sealed with a seal, not only the terminal hole H1 but also the core hole H2 can be sealed. The cap protrusion 113 is not a component that directly interacts with the protection part 14, but is a component that fixes the connection part 13, so it may be formed to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the cap body 111. The support rod 132 of the connection part 13, which directly interacts with the protection part 14, is formed on the outermost edge of the connection part 13, so that there is sufficient space inside the protection part 14. We can assist you in making it happen.

The cap guide 114 may interfere with the locking member 142 of the protection part 14, which will be described later. The cap guide 114 protrudes from the inner wall of the cap housing 11 and may be formed lower than the height of the inner wall. While the protection part 14 is supported by the support rod 132 of the connection part 13, the cap guide 114 may be spaced apart from the locking member 142. When the protection part 14 is no longer supported by the support rod 132 of the connecting part 13 and is lowered along the connecting part 13, the cap guide 114 causes the locking member 142 to move outward. It can be supported so that it cannot be deformed. The locking member 142 is supported by the cap guide 114 and is prevented from being deformed while the female connector 2 rises a certain distance from the male connector 1, and the female connector 2 exceeds a certain distance. When it rises, it is deformed without being supported by the cap guide 114, thereby causing the plug housing 22 to be separated from the protection part 14.

The connection terminal 12 can electrically connect the electronic component mounted on the male connector 1 and the electronic component mounted on the female connector 2. The connection terminal 12 may be mounted on the cap housing 11. The connection terminal 12 may be provided in plural numbers. The lower end of the connection terminal 12 may be exposed in the protruding direction of the cap head 112, and the upper end of the connecting terminal 12 may be exposed in the protruding direction of the cap protrusion 113. The upper end of the connection terminal 12 may be supported by the protection part 14.

The connection part 13 is mounted within the cap housing 11 and can support the protection part 14. The connection part 13 can assist the protection part 14 to move up and down. By means of the connecting part 13, the core hole H2 is located adjacent to the terminal hole H1 and can be surrounded by the cap head 112, and the protective part 14 is located at the edge of the connecting part 13. It is supported by the support rod 132 formed in to ensure sufficient space inside. The connection part 13 may include a connection body 131 and a support rod 132.

The connection part 13 may provide the support rod 132 in a position different from the cap protrusion 113. Even if the cap protrusion 113 is formed at a relatively central portion for positioning the core hole H2, the connection part 13 may form the support rod 132 at the edge portion. According to this structure, the connector assembly can have a compact structure.

The connection body 131 may be mounted on the cap housing 11. The connection body 131 may have a connection body groove (not shown) to accommodate the protrusion head 1132 of the cap protrusion 113. When the connection body 131 is completely inserted into the cap housing 11, the protrusion head 1132 of the cap protrusion 113 may secure the connection body 131. The user can disconnect the cap protrusion 113 and the connection body 131 using a dedicated jig. The connection body 131 may include a connection base 131a having a hole through which a connection terminal passes, and a connection side wall portion 131b protruding upward from an edge of the connection base 131a.

The support rod 132 supports the protection part 14 and is elastically deformable. The support rod 132 may protrude from the connection body 131. For example, the support rod 132 may protrude from the connection base 131a in parallel with the connection side wall portion 131b. Based on the state in which the connection part 13 is mounted on the cap housing 11, the support rod 132 may be spaced apart from the inner wall of the cap housing 11. The support rod 132 may include a support body 1321 that protrudes upward from the connection body 131, and a support head 1322 that protrudes from the support body 1321 toward the inside of the connection body 131. You can. Before the female connector 2 is inserted into the male connector 1, the support rod 132 can support the protection part 14. While the female connector 2 is inserted into the male connector 1, the female connector 2 interferes with the support head 1322 to deform the support rod 132 outward, so that the support rod 132 further At this point, the protection part 14 is no longer supported, and the protection part 14 can descend along the connection part 13.

The support rod 132 may be disposed outside the boundary defined by the edge of the cap head 11a based on a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal 12 (see FIG. 6).

Based on the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal 12, the cap protrusion 113 may be provided on the inside of the plug housing 22, and the support rod 132 may be provided on the outside of the plug housing 22. .

The protection part 14 supports the upper end of the connection terminal 12, assists the connection terminal 12 to be properly aligned with the female connector 2, and prevents the connection terminal 12 from being damaged. ) can be protected. The protection part 14 is movable in the vertical direction along the connection part 13. For example, while the protection part 14 is supported by the support rod 132 of the connection part 13, the movement of the protection part 14 may be restricted. The protection part 14 may descend relative to the protection part 14 when the female connector 2 pushes the support rod 132 outward. The protective part 14 may interfere with the female connector 2 and rise relative to the protective part 14 while the female connector 2 is separated from the male connector 1 . The protection part 14 may include a protection body 141, a locking member 142, a support protrusion 143, and a protection guide 144.

The protection body 141 is supported by the support rod 132 and can maintain a position spaced apart from the connection body 131. The fact that the protection body 141 is in a position spaced apart from the connection body 131 means that the protection body 141 and the connection body 131 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal 12. It has a hole for supporting the connection terminal 12 and can be supported by a support rod 132. The protection body 141 may be supported by the support rod 132 while being spaced apart from the connection body 131 in the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal 12. The protective body 141 may include a protective base 141a having a hole through which a connection terminal passes, and a protective side wall portion 141b that protrudes upward from the edge of the protective base 141a. The protection base 141a may be spaced apart from the connection base 131a and the connection terminal 12 in the longitudinal direction. The female connector 2 can be inserted into the protective side wall portion 141b to press the protective base 141a toward the connection base 131a.

The locking member 142 may be formed on the protective body 141 to be elastically deformable. The locking member 142 may interfere with the female connector 2. The locking member 142 is deformed outwardly to pass the female connector 2 while the female connector 2 is mounted on the male connector 1, and is capped while the female connector 2 is separated from the male connector 1. Outward deformation is limited by the guide 114 so that it can rise together with the female connector 2. Interference between the locking member 142 and the female connector 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. The locking member 142 may be formed to protrude from the upper edge of the protection side wall portion 141b, parallel to the protruding direction of the protection side wall portion 141b. For example, the locking member 142 may protrude upward or downward from the upper edge of the protective side wall portion 141b.

The support protrusion 143 protrudes laterally from the protection side wall portion 141b and may contact the upper surface of the support rod 132. By the support protrusion 143, the protection base 141a can be maintained in a state spaced upward from the connection base 131a.

The protective guide 144 may assist in the alignment of the female connector 2 with respect to the protective part 14 . The protection guide 144 may protrude from the protection base 141a in the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal 12.

The binding part 15 is temporarily deformed while the protection part 14 is mounted on the connection part 13, and its shape is restored while the protection part 14 is mounted on the connection part 13, thereby forming the connection part ( 13) and the protection part 14 can be tied together. For example, the binding part 15 may be formed to protrude from the connecting part 13 to prevent the protection part 14 from being separated from the connecting part 13. The connecting part (15) is formed to protrude from the connecting part 13. 13) and the protection part 14 are connected, the protection part 14 can be raised or lowered within a certain distance with respect to the connection part 13.

The binding part 15 may include a binding body 151, a binding protrusion 152, and a binding guide 153.

The binding body 151 protrudes from the connecting body 131 and may penetrate the protective body 141. The binding body 151 may perform an alignment function of the connection body 131 and the protection body 141. For example, the binding body 151 may have an elongated plate shape in the width direction (y-axis direction or z-axis direction) of the connecting body 131, and the protection body 141 is used to pass the binding body 151. It may include holes of corresponding shapes. The binding body 151 must fit into the hole of the protection body 141 in order for the binding body 151 and the protection body 141 to be properly coupled.

The binding protrusion 152 may be formed to protrude from the binding body in a direction crossing the protruding direction of the binding body 151. The binding part 15 is deformed by interference by the protection part 14 while the protection part 14 is inserted into the connection part 13, and is restored to its original shape after the protection part 14 passes, It is possible to prevent the protection part 14 from being separated from the connection part 13. The upper surface of the binding protrusion 152 may include an inclined surface. For example, the length of the binding protrusion 152 protruding from the binding body 151 may become smaller as it moves upward. Meanwhile, the lower surface of the binding protrusion 152 may include a flat surface parallel to the upper surface of the protection base 141a. According to this structure, the protection part 14 can be mounted on the connection part 13 through the binding protrusion 152 by simply pushing the protection part 14 into the connection part 13. It is difficult to separate the protection part 14 from the connection part 13 by simply pulling out (14). The user can deform the binding part 15 using a tool or his or her fingers and then separate the protection part 14 from the connecting part 13.

The binding guide 153 may protrude from the binding body 151 in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the binding protrusion 152. The binding guide 153 may assist in aligning the connection part 13 and the protection part 14 with the binding body 151. There may be a plurality of binding guides 153 spaced apart from each other. The slider 16 may be a position assurance member (DBL) of the connector assembly 100. As previously described, in order to implement a waterproof structure of the connector assembly 100, the core hole H2 is provided in the main opening 1a. In order to provide the core hole H2 in the main opening 1a, the cap protrusion 113 must be spaced apart from the inner wall of the cap housing 11 to a certain extent. In order to have a compact structure while implementing a waterproof structure of the connector assembly 100, the support rod 132 must be located as close to the inner wall of the cap housing 11 as possible, so the connector assembly 100 is connected to the cap housing 11. ) and a connection part (13) that is separate from the protection part (14). Even if the connection part 13 is fixed to the cap housing 11, the slider 16 can perform the role of a position assurance member (DBL) of the connector assembly 100 without structural difficulty. Hereinafter, the slider 16 will be described in detail.

The slider 16 is installed to be slidable with respect to the connection part 13, and can prevent the connection terminal 12 from being separated from the connection part 13. For example, the slider 16 slides in one direction (+z direction) with respect to the connection body 131, is inserted into the connection terminal 12, and slides in the opposite direction (-z direction) with respect to the connection body 131. It can be separated from the connection terminal 12 by sliding. The connection terminal 12 may have a groove for accommodating at least a portion of the slider 16. For example, Figure 4 shows the slider 16 inserted into the groove of the connection terminal 12. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the slider 16 is inserted into the groove of the connection terminal 12, sliding of the connection terminal 12 in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) may be limited. Although not shown, when the slider 16 is separated from the groove of the connection terminal 12 by sliding in the -z direction, the connection terminal 12 may slide in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction). Of course, since the connection terminal 12 is supported by the cap body 111, it can remain fixed to the cap body 111 when an external force of a certain magnitude or more is not applied. The slider 16 may include a slider body 161 and a slider lever 162.

The slider body 161 can slide along the connection part 13. The slider body 161 may be disposed on the opposite side of the protection part 14 with the connection part 13 as the center. The connection part 13 can stably support the protection part 14 in a fixed state, and the slider body 161 provided on the lower side of the connection part 13 slides in the z-axis direction to connect the connection terminal 12. It can be inserted into or separated from the groove.

The slider lever 162 protrudes from the slider body 161 and can transmit power applied from the outside to the slider body 161. For example, the user may slide the slider body 161 by applying force to the slider lever 162. For example, the user can couple the connection terminal 12 and the slider body 161 by pulling the slider lever 162 in the +z direction, and the user can couple the slider lever 162 in the -z direction. In this way, the connection between the connection terminal 12 and the slider body 161 can be released. The slider lever 162 protrudes from the slider body 161, and its upper end can pass through the protection part 14. The slider lever 162 may be disposed to be exposed to the outside with the connection part 13 and the protection part 14 installed inside the cap housing 11. Referring to FIG. 9 , even if the slider body 161 is located below the connection part 13 and the protection part 14, the upper end of the slider lever 162 may be located above the protection part 14. Through this structure, the user can easily manipulate the slider body 161 even if the slider body 161 is located below the connection part 13.

For example, a portion of the protection part 14 may be cut away to provide a space for exposing the slider lever 162 to the outside. The protection part 14 is in close contact with the inner wall and allows the slider lever 162 to pass through.

The female connector 2 may include a case 21, a plug housing 22, and a connector lever 23.

Case 21 may form the appearance of the female connector 2. The central part of the case 21 is connected to the rear of the plug housing 22, and the outer part of the case 21 can slide on the outer surface of the cap housing 11. The central portion of the case 21 can support the inner seal 24, which will be described later. For example, the ring-shaped inner seal 24 may surround the central portion of the case 21.

The plug housing 22 can release the connection part 13 and the protection part 14 that are fixed to each other while the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 are coupled to each other. The plug housing 22 can release the fixed state of the connection part 13 and the protection part 14 and push the protection part 14 toward the bottom surface of the connection part 13. Here, the bottom surface of the connection part 13 refers to a surface that is spaced apart from the protection part 14 and faces the protection part 14 while the protection part 14 is supported by the support rod 132. The plug housing 22 is connected to the front of the central portion of the case 21, is inserted into the cap housing 11, and can be mounted on the protection part 14. The plug housing 22 includes a plug body 221 that can slide along the inside of the protection part 14, and a mounting protrusion ( 222) and a separation protrusion 223 (see FIGS. 11 to 14). A detailed description of the mounting protrusion 222 and the separating protrusion 223 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14.

The connector lever 23 can assist in combining or separating the male connector 1 and the female connector 2.

The inner seal 24 can block water or foreign substances from flowing between the case 21 and the cap body 111. The inner seal 24 may have a ring shape and may surround the case 21. For example, the inner seal 24 may surround the central portion of the case 21. As another example, the inner seal 24 may be disposed inside the cap body 111. The inner seal 24 may be disposed between the cap housing 11 and the case 21 in a state in which the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 are coupled. The inner seal 24 may be compressed by the inner wall of the cap body 111 and the outer wall of the case 21. For example, the inner seal 24 may be an O-ring.

Figure 10 is a rear view of a female connector according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the protection base 141a of the protection body 141 may include a protection hole H3 for passing the binding part 15. The shape of the protection hole H3 may correspond to the shape of the binding part 15. For example, two binding parts 15 may be arranged to face each other inside the protective side wall portion 141b. Additionally, two protection guides 144 may be disposed inside the two binding parts 15. Meanwhile, it should be noted that the number of binding parts 15 and protection guides 144 is not limited thereto.

The binding part 15 may be deformed in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the binding protrusion 152 while the protective body 141 descends along the binding part 15 . The protection hole H3 may have a shape to avoid interference with the binding body 151 and the binding guide 153 while the binding part 15 is deformed.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view sequentially showing the interaction of a locking member and a separation protrusion while a female connector and a male connector according to an embodiment are coupled, and Figure 12 is a female connector and a male connector according to an embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view sequentially showing how the locking member and the separation protrusion interact while being separated.

11 and 12, while the plug housing 22 is inserted into the protection part 14, the separation protrusion 223 protruding laterally (z-axis direction) from the plug body 221 is a locking member. (142) can be passed. In the initial state, that is, while the protection part 14 is supported by the connection part 13, the locking member 142 may be spaced apart from the inner wall of the cap body 111. Additionally, the separation protrusion 223 may include inclined surfaces on the upper and lower surfaces. According to this structure, while the plug housing 22 is inserted into the protection part 14, the separation protrusion 223 can deform the locking member 142 outward, and the plug body 221 is lowered. can do. In this way, the plug housing 22 is mounted within the cap housing 11, so that the protective part 14 can come into close contact with the connecting part 13.

Meanwhile, while the plug housing 22 is separated from the protection part 14, the separation protrusion 223 is caught by the locking member 142, thereby raising the locking member 142. Since the locking member 142 is supported by the cap guide 114, outward deformation may be limited. While the locking member 142 is supported by the cap guide 114, the plug housing 22 and the protection part 14 can move together. When the protection part 14 rises a certain distance and the locking member 142 is no longer supported by the cap guide 114, the separation protrusion 223 can deform the locking member 142 outward. , the plug housing 22 can be separated from the protective part 14.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the interaction of a locking member and a mounting protrusion while a female connector and a male connector according to an embodiment are coupled, and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the interaction of a female connector and a male connector according to an embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view showing how the locking member and the mounting protrusion interact while being used.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 , the plug housing 22 protrudes from the plug body 221 and may include a mounting protrusion 222 capable of deforming the support rod 132 .

The mounting protrusion 222 is formed to protrude from the plug body 221, and by deforming the support rod in the process of inserting the plug body 221 into the inside of the protection part 14, the protection part 14 is connected to the connection part ( It can be lowered to 13).

For example, the mounting protrusion 222 may include inclined surfaces on its upper and lower surfaces. The mounting protrusion 222 may deform the support rod 132 outward while the plug body 221 slides along the inside of the protection part 14. When the support rod 132 is deformed by the mounting protrusion 222, it can no longer support the protection part 14, and the protection part 14 may descend and come into close contact with the connection part 13. Mounting The dragon protrusion 222 may include inclined parts on the upper and lower sides.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a male connector according to an embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state while a cap protrusion is coupled to a connection part according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 , the slider body 161 may include a slider hole 161a to avoid interference with the cap protrusion 113. The slider hole 161a may be formed along the sliding direction of the slider body 161. The cap protrusion 113 penetrates the slider body 161 while the connection part is mounted on the cap housing, and is interfered with and deformed by the connection body 131. The cap protrusion 113 is restored to its original state when the connection part is completely mounted on the cap housing, thereby preventing the connection part from being separated from the cap housing.

Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a connection part and an auxiliary part of a female connector according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, the connection part 33 may include a connection body 331 and a support rod 332. The protection part 34 may include a protection body 341 and a locking member 342.

The binding part 35 protrudes from the protection body 341 and is caught on the connection body 331 to bind the protection part 34 and the connection part 33. The binding part 35 may protrude from the protection part 34 to prevent the connection part 33 from being separated from the protection part 34. The binding part 35 may be formed on the edge of the protective body 341, and a plurality of binding parts may be provided, each of which may be mounted on a different part of the connecting part 33. The lower surface of the binding part 35 includes an inclined surface, and while the connection part 33 and the protection part 34 are coupled, the binding part 35 is deformed outward, and then the connection part 33 is attached to the protection part 34. ) can be restored by moving a certain distance along it. The user can connect the connection part 33 and the protection part 34 by sliding the connection part 33 along the protection part 34. Even if the binding part 35 binds the connection part 33 and the protection part 34, the connection part 33 and the protection part 34 may relatively move by a certain distance.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings, various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art from the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described structure, device, etc. may be combined or combined in a form different from the described method, or may be used with other components or equivalents. Appropriate results can be achieved even if replaced or substituted by .

Claims (16)

It includes a cap housing, a connection terminal accommodated inside the cap housing, a connection part fixedly mounted on the inside of the cap housing, and a protection part that is relatively movable with respect to the connection part in the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal. a male connector; and
a female connector including a plug housing inserted into the cap housing;
Including,
While the male connector and the female connector are coupled to each other, the plug housing releases the fixed state of the connection part and the protection part that are fixed to each other, and pushes the protection part toward the bottom surface of the connection part,
The connection part includes a support rod that supports the protection part and is elastically deformable,
The protection part is provided to be supported by the support rod of the connection part provided inside the cap housing,
At least a portion of the protection part is provided in a state inserted into the interior of the connection part and is provided to be movable within the connection part,
A connector assembly in which the connection part and the protection part are assembled with each other and are completely accommodated within the cap housing, and do not protrude to the outside of the cap housing.
According to claim 1,
The cap housing is,
a cap body including a terminal hole for supporting the connection terminal; and
It is formed inside the cap body and includes a fixing structure for fixing the connection part,
The cap housing and connection parts are manufactured as separate members and then assembled,
A connector assembly wherein when the protection part is raised or lowered relative to the cap housing, the connecting part is fixed by the fixing structure and does not move relative to the cap housing.
According to claim 2,
The cap body includes a core hole for forming the fixing structure,
The core hole is a connector assembly located in a waterproof area for waterproofing the inside of the cap body based on a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal.
According to claim 3,
The cap housing further includes a cap head that protrudes from the cap body and surrounds the connection terminal,
The core hole is a connector assembly disposed inside a boundary defined by an edge portion of the cap head in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal.
According to claim 1,
The plug housing is,
a plug body insertable inside the protection part; and
A connector assembly including a mounting protrusion that protrudes from the plug body and deforms the support rod when the plug body is inserted into the protection part.
According to claim 1,
The protective part includes a locking member,
The plug housing is a connector assembly including a separation protrusion that can raise the protection part by being caught by the locking member.
According to claim 6,
The cap housing includes a cap guide that protrudes from the inner wall and is formed lower than the height of the inner wall,
The locking member is supported by the cap guide to prevent deformation while the male connector rises a certain distance from the female connector, and is supported by the cap guide when the male connector rises beyond the certain distance. A connector assembly that causes the plug housing to separate from the protective part by being deformed without being deformed.
According to claim 1,
A connector assembly further comprising a binding part that prevents the protection part from being separated from the connection part.
According to claim 1,
The male connector is,
A connector assembly further comprising a slider that can slide relative to the connection part and prevents the connection terminal from being separated from the connection part.
According to clause 9,
The slider is,
Slider body; and
A connector assembly including a slider lever protruding from the slider body to transmit power to the slider body from the outside.
According to claim 10,
The cap housing includes a fixing structure that penetrates the slider body and secures the connection part to the cap housing,
The slider body includes a slider hole to avoid interference with the fixed structure during sliding.
According to claim 11,
A connector assembly in which a portion of the protection part is cut away to provide a space where the slider lever can be exposed to the outside.
cap housing;
a connection terminal accommodated inside the cap housing;
A connection part including a connection body manufactured as a separate member from the cap housing and then assembled inside the cap housing, and a support rod that protrudes from the connection body and is elastically deformable; and
It includes a protection part provided to be supported by the support rod provided inside the cap housing,
The cap housing is,
cap body; and
It is formed inside the cap body and includes a fixing structure for fixing the connection part,
The cap housing and connection parts are manufactured as separate members and then assembled,
When the protection part is raised or lowered relative to the cap housing, the connecting part is not moved relative to the cap housing by the fixing structure that fastens the cap housing and the connecting part to each other,
At least a portion of the protection part is provided in a state inserted into the interior of the connection part and is provided to be movable within the connection part,
A male connector in which the connection part and the protection part are assembled with each other and are completely accommodated inside the cap housing, and do not protrude to the outside of the cap housing.
According to claim 13,
A male connector further comprising a binding part that prevents the protection part from being separated from the connection part.
According to claim 13,
The cap body includes a core hole for forming the fixing structure,
The core hole is a male connector located in a waterproof area for waterproofing the inside of the cap body based on a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connection terminal.
According to claim 13,
A male connector that can slide relative to the connection part and further includes a slider that prevents the connection terminal from being separated from the connection part.

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