JP3562487B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector.
[0002]
[Prior art]
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Conventionally, as a connector used for connection of a wire harness of an automobile, a connector provided with a detecting member for detecting a fitting state of a male and female housing is known, and an example thereof is disclosed in JP-A-2000-138084. Has been described. In this case, a detection member can be attached from the side to a hood portion of the male housing to which the female housing can be fitted from the front, and this detection member is adapted to fit and disengage the two housings. Can be moved between an initial position that allows an error and a detection position. While the two housings are being fitted, the detection member interferes with the lower surface of the interference portion provided on the female housing, whereby the pushing of the detection member from the initial position to the detection position is restricted. When the two housings are properly fitted, the interference member retracts to the rear of the detection member, so that the detection member is allowed to be pushed into the detection position, and the detection member is engaged with the rear surface of the interference member at the detection position. Thereby, both housings are held undetachably. Thus, the fitting state of both housings can be detected by determining whether the detection member can be pushed into the detection position.
On the other hand, when removing both housings, insert a tool such as a screwdriver between the detection member and the hood that protrude outward, forcibly return the detection member to the initial position, and then separate the two housings. I have.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, introduction of a high-voltage power supply system such as a 42-V power supply system as a power supply system for an automobile in place of a conventional 12-V power supply system has been studied. When the connector is interposed in such a high-voltage power supply circuit, there is a problem that an arc is generated if the connector is removed in spite of the energized state. In this connector, since the detection member can be moved by a general tool such as a screwdriver, there is a risk that a general user may accidentally remove the connector.
The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and has as its object to prevent a connector from being accidentally removed.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As means for achieving the above object, the invention of claim 1 is directed to one of a pair of connector housings that can be fitted with each other, and one of the two connector housings is engaged with the other connector housing. A restricting member capable of restricting relative displacement in a disengaging direction from a state in which the connector is properly fitted can be assembled, wherein the restricting member is fitted into a recess provided on a side surface of the one connector housing. This allows the other connector housing to be engaged with the other connector housing, and that a release jig having a release portion projecting laterally at the distal end side of the shaft body can be inserted into the regulating member. A release hole is provided along the shaft body, and an allowance space for allowing the displacement of the release portion is provided by being formed so as to communicate with the bottom of the release hole. Has a feature where the hook portion capable of moving operation of the regulating member with said release portion is hooked by being formed facing to the allowable space has a configuration provided in the.
[0005]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the permissible space is formed to allow the displacement of the release portion accompanying rotation of the release jig inserted into the release hole. The present invention is characterized in that the hook portion is a hole edge of the release hole.
[0006]
Function and effect of the present invention
<Invention of claim 1>
After the two connector housings are properly fitted, the restricting member is fitted into the recess provided in one connector housing and engaged with the other connector housing, whereby the relative displacement of the two connector housings in the detaching direction is restricted. Is done. To remove both connector housings, insert a release jig into the release hole, displace the release part in the allowable space to a position where the release part is hooked on the hook part, and then pull the release jig to connect the regulating member to the other connector. Move out of the housing to disengage. As a result, the restriction state by the restriction member is released, so that both connector housings can be detached.
In the present invention, since the allowable space and the hook portion are provided on the bottom side of the release hole, it is difficult to hook the hook portion using a general tool having a straight shaft such as a screwdriver. Therefore, it is possible to avoid as much as possible a situation where a person who does not have a dedicated release jig having a release portion at the tip of the shaft body accidentally removes the connector.
[0007]
<Invention of Claim 2>
By rotating the release jig inserted into the release hole, the release portion is displaced in the permissible space to a position where the release portion is hooked on the hole edge of the release hole, which is a hook portion, and then the release jig is pulled and the regulating member is pulled. To move.
According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the opening area of the release hole as compared with the case where the release portion is hooked on the hook portion by temporarily providing a slide groove continuous with the release hole and sliding the release jig. it can.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The connector shown in this embodiment is interposed, for example, in a power supply circuit of a 42V power supply system mounted on an automobile. This connector includes a female connector housing 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as a female housing 10) and a male connector housing 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as a male housing 20) which can be fitted to each other. A detecting member 40 for detecting the fitting state of the fittings 10 and 20 is assembled. In the following, the fitting surfaces of the housings 10 and 20 will be described as the front, and the description in the vertical direction will be based on each drawing except FIGS. 2 and 4.
[0009]
The female housing 10 is made of a synthetic resin, and has a rectangular shape as a whole, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and has a plurality of cavities 11 inside which female terminal fittings (not shown) can be inserted from the rear. A chamber is formed. The cavities 11 are arranged in the width direction in a total of ten chambers of two types, large and small, each having seven chambers on the lower side and three chambers on the upper side, and the cavity 11 on the upper side is the female housing 10 shown in FIG. It is arranged at the left and right ends. On the upper surface of the female housing 10, a recess 12 is provided along the front-rear direction between the cavities 11 on the upper stage side. A lock arm 13 that can be elastically deformed is protruded. The lock arm 13 has a slit 14 formed in the center in the width direction along the front-rear direction, and a locking portion 15 is formed across the slit 14 at an intermediate position in the front-rear direction. At the front end (base end) of the lock arm 13, a block-shaped interference portion 16 is provided to protrude across the slit 14. A pair of release ribs 17 are provided on both side surfaces of the concave portion 12 so as to protrude toward the opposing lock arm 13. Both release ribs 17 are formed so as to extend in the front-rear direction, and are formed as tapered surfaces 17a whose front side surfaces gradually become away from the lock arm 13 toward the front end side.
[0010]
The male housing 20 is made of a synthetic resin, and has a rectangular terminal accommodating portion 21 capable of accommodating a male terminal fitting (not shown) as shown in FIGS. And a hood section 22 of The terminal accommodating portion 21 has a total of ten cavities 23 in which the male terminal fittings can be inserted from the rear at positions corresponding to the cavities 11 on the female housing 10 side. The female housing 10 can be fitted into the hood portion 22 from the front.
[0011]
At an upper front end of the inner peripheral surface of the hood portion 22, a lock protrusion 24 that can be locked to the lock portion 15 of the lock arm 13 is provided to protrude downward. 3, a pair of support walls 25 are provided so as to protrude to a position below the lock protrusion 24, and an outer surface (a lock protrusion) at a protruding end of the support wall 25. 24 is connected to a prismatic rail 26 extending rearward. The rear end of the rail 26 is connected to the rear end of the hood 22. A relief groove 27 is formed in the lower portion of the inner side surface of the rail portion 26 so as to open rearward. When the housings 10 and 20 are fitted together, the lock arm 13 enters between the support walls 25 and the release rib 17 enters above the rail portion 26.
[0012]
A mounting recess 28 for mounting the detection member 40 is provided on an upper outer surface of the hood portion 22. The mounting recess 28 is formed by partially recessing the outer surface of the hood 22 to a predetermined depth, and is surrounded by front, rear, left, and right peripheral walls. Although a punching hole is formed in the front wall of the mounting recess 28, the housing 10 is closed by the female housing 10 when the two housings 10, 20 are properly fitted (see FIG. 8). On the bottom surface of the mounting concave portion 28, three insertion slits 29 penetrating into the hood portion 22 are provided side by side in the width direction. Each of the insertion slits 29 is formed along the front-rear direction. The center insertion slit 29 is disposed at the same position as the lock projection 24 in the width direction, and the insertion slits 29 at both ends are formed in the width direction with the support wall 25 and the rail. It is arranged at the same position as the part 26.
[0013]
The detecting member 40 is made of a synthetic resin, has a plate-like base 41 that can be fitted into the mounting recess 28, and can move up and down in the mounting recess 28. The rear portion of the upper surface of the base portion 41 is formed in a tapered shape that descends rearward. On the lower surface of the base 41, an engaging wall 42 is projected at a center position in the width direction, and a pair of locking arms 43 and 44 are provided on both sides of the engaging wall 42, respectively. A pair of holding arms 45 protrude between the locking arms 43 and 44. The engagement wall 42, the locking arms 43 and 44, and the holding arm 45 are inserted into the insertion slits 29 of the mounting recess 28, so that they can enter the interior of the hood 22.
[0014]
The engaging wall 42 is formed in a flat plate shape, and the lower surface thereof is formed as a tapered surface 42a which is downwardly descending from the front end, while the rear surface is a steep surface orthogonal to the fitting direction. . Of the front and rear locking arms 43 and 44, the front locking arm 43 is formed in the shape of a prism protruding straight downward, and has a locking projection 43a protruding forward on the lower front surface thereof. Tapered surfaces are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the locking projection 43a. The rear locking arm 44 has a substantially U-shape as a whole, with a lower end bent in a hairpin shape, and a locking projection 44a protrudes rearward from a rear surface of the protruding end side. A tapered surface is formed on the lower surface of the locking projection 44a. The locking arms 43 and 44 are elastically deformable along the front-rear direction. The holding arm 45 has a substantially L-shape as a whole, with a lower end protruding forward, and an upper end connected to the rear locking arm 44. The holding arm 45 is elastically deformable along the width direction, and has a holding projection 45a protruding laterally on the outer surface of the lower end (side surface opposite to the engaging wall 42). The upper and lower surfaces and the front surface of the holding projection 45a are chamfered.
[0015]
The detection member 40 assembled to the male housing 20 has an initial position where the base 41 protrudes upward from the mounting recess 28 (FIG. 6) and a detection position where the base 41 is completely fitted into the mounting recess 28 (FIG. 8). It is possible to move up and down between. In the initial position, as shown in FIG. 6, the locking projection 43a of the front locking arm 43 is locked between a pair of upper and lower front locking projections 30, 31 protruding from the rear surface of the support wall 25. The locking projection 44a of the rear locking arm 44 is locked to the lower surface of the rear locking projection 32 provided on the rear surface of the mounting recess 28, and the holding projection 45a of the holding arm 45 is fixed to the upper surface of the rail 26. , The detection member 40 is immovably held up and down from the initial position. At this time, the engagement wall 42 is maintained at a non-interference position above the interference portion 16 of the female housing 10, so that fitting and disengagement of the two housings 10 and 20 are allowed. The release rib 17 of the female housing 10 can be engaged from the front with the holding projection 45a locked on the upper surface of the rail portion 26.
[0016]
On the other hand, at the detection position, as shown in FIG. 8, the lower surface of the base 41 is in contact with the bottom surface of the mounting concave portion 28 and the locking projection 43 a of the front locking arm 43 is fixed to the lower front locking projection 31. By being locked to the lower surface, the detection member 40 is held immovably up and down from the detection position. Further, the holding arm 45 is elastically returned by the holding projection 45a being released into the escape groove 27 of the rail portion 26 (see FIG. 3). When the two housings 10 and 20 are properly fitted, the engagement wall 42 enters the slit 14 between the interference portion 16 and the locking portion 15 of the lock arm 13 and engages with the rear surface of the interference portion 16. By doing so, it is possible to regulate the relative displacement of the two housings 10 and 20 that are properly fitted in the detaching direction.
[0017]
Now, as shown in FIG. 9, a release hole 46 into which a release jig 50 for operating the detection member 40 fitted in the mounting recess 28 is inserted and provided on the upper surface of the base 41. I have. The release hole 46 is disposed at a substantially central position on the upper surface of the base 41 and is formed along the shaft 51 of the release jig 50 to a predetermined depth of the base 41. As shown in FIG. 4, the release hole 46 has a shape in which a left circular portion and a right rectangular portion are connected in plan view, and is formed so as to align with the distal end of the release jig 50. . As shown in FIG. 9, the release jig 50 is formed in a hook shape as a whole by projecting a rectangular release portion 52 laterally at the tip of a cylindrical shaft 51. The release jig 50 is usually housed inside a connector (not shown) for turning ON / OFF the power supply by the battery.
[0018]
On the left side surface of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 (the side surface on the front side in FIG. 5) of the base portion 41, a rotation permissible space 47 communicating with the bottom of the release hole 46 is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotation permissible space 47 is formed as a square hole when viewed from the side, and is formed so as to leave a bottom portion of the base 41 at a predetermined thickness below the hole. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation permissible space 47 is formed so as to communicate with the entire area of the release hole 46, and the rear surface in the rotation permissible space 47 is aligned with the rear end of the release hole 46, while The front surface in the movement allowable space 47 is disposed at a position forward of the release hole 46. The height dimension of the rotation allowable space 47 is set to be substantially the same as or larger than the height dimension of the release portion 52.
[0019]
With the above structure, when the release jig 50 inserted into the release hole 46 reaches the bottom surface of the base 41, the release part 52 is accommodated in the rotation allowable space 47, and the release jig 50 is rotated clockwise in FIG. The displacing operation of the release unit 52 accompanying the rotation to the right is permitted (see FIG. 11). Then, the detection member 40 can be pulled up from the detection position to the initial position by performing a pulling operation while the upper surface of the release portion 52 is hooked on the front edge of the release hole 46 facing the rotation allowable space 47. (See FIG. 13). A hole edge on the front side of the release hole 46 is a hook portion 48.
[0020]
The present embodiment has the above structure, and its operation will be described below. First, as shown in FIG. 6, the detection member 40 is fitted into the mounting recess 28 of the male housing 20, and is arranged at the initial position. The detection member 40 is maintained at the initial position by the front and rear locking arms 43 and 44 and the holding arm 45. The fitting operation is performed after the housings 10 and 20 are attached to terminals of separate harnesses. Even if the fitting operation is performed while the detection member 40 is pushed to the detection position instead of the initial position, even if the interference member 16 is engaged with the tapered surface 42a of the engagement wall 42 protruding into the hood portion 22 from the front. By sliding contact, the detecting member 40 is automatically pushed back to the initial position together with the fitting operation.
[0021]
When the female housing 10 is fitted into the hood 22 of the male housing 20, the lock projection 24 enters the slit 14 of the lock arm 13 and the release rib 17 enters above the rail 26. At this stage, even if the detection member 40 is pushed into the detection position, the movement is restricted by the holding arm 45 and the front locking arm 43. As the fitting progresses, as shown in FIG. 7, when the release rib 17 is engaged with the holding projection 45a locked on the upper surface of the rail portion 26, the interference portion 16 enters below the engagement wall 42 almost at the same time. You. As the fitting proceeds further, the holding arm 45 is bent by being pressed by the release rib 17 until the locked state between the holding protrusion 45a and the rail portion 26 is completely released. At this stage, even if the detection member 40 is pushed into the detection position side, the movement is restricted by the abutment of the engagement wall 42 on the upper surface of the interference portion 16.
[0022]
When the fitting is further advanced, the lock projection 24 is engaged with the locking portion 15 of the lock arm 13 so that the lock arm 13 is once elastically deformed downward. When the two housings 10 and 20 are fitted to the normal depth, the locking portion 15 reaches the rear of the lock protrusion 24, the lock arm 13 is elastically restored, and the rear surface of the lock portion 15 is locked. By being locked to the rear surface of the housing 24, the housings 10, 20 are held undetachably. At this time, the interference portion 16 reaches a position where it retracts behind the engagement wall 42. Thereafter, when the detection member 40 at the initial position is pushed downward, the engagement wall 42 enters between the interference portion 16 and the engagement portion 15 and the front engagement arm 43 is moved to the lower front engagement protrusion 31. When the detecting member 40 reaches the detecting position once, the engaging wall 42 is engaged with the rear surface of the interference portion 16 and the front locking arm 43 returns as shown in FIG. The locking projection 43a is locked on the upper surface of the lower front locking projection 31. At this time, the base 41 is completely fitted into the mounting recess 28, and the upper end surface thereof is substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface of the hood 22. Due to the lock arm 13 and the engagement wall 42, the relative displacement of the housings 10 and 20 in the detaching direction is double controlled.
As described above, the fitting state of the two housings 10 and 20 can be detected based on whether the detection member 40 can be moved to the detection position.
[0023]
On the other hand, when removing both housings 10 and 20 due to maintenance or the like, a connector (not shown) for turning ON / OFF the power supply by the battery is first removed, and the power supply to the power supply circuit is stopped. deep. Then, the release jig 50 housed inside the connector is taken out, and the detection member 40 that holds the housings 10 and 20 irremovably is operated using the release jig 50.
[0024]
To operate the detection member 40, as shown in FIG. 9, the release jig 50 is inserted into the release hole 46 from the distal end side, and the release portion 52 is moved through the release hole 46 into the rotation allowable space 47. To reach a depth at which the front end surface contacts the bottom surface of the release hole 46. As shown in FIG. 10, when the inserted release jig 50 is rotated clockwise about the axis of the shaft 51, the release portion 52 is rotated within the rotation allowable space 47 as shown in FIG. 11. It is displaced to a position that is not aligned with the release hole 46 (a position facing the hook portion 48). Then, when the release jig 50 is pulled upward, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the upper surface of the release portion 52 is hooked on the hook portion 48, and the detection member 40 is pulled up to the initial position. In this process, the front locking arm 43 is elastically deformed once as the locking projection 43a climbs over the lower front locking projection 31, and the holding arm 45 moves over the rail section 26. Is elastically deformed once. When the detection member 40 reaches the initial position, the engagement wall 42 retreats to the non-interference position above the interference portion 16 and the engagement state of the two members 16 and 42 is released. The two housings 10, 20 can be removed by pulling the two housings 10, 20 in the detaching direction while releasing the locked state of the locking portion 15 and the lock projection 24 by elastically deforming.
[0025]
As described above, in the connector according to the present embodiment, the rotation permissible space 47 is provided in communication with the bottom of the release hole 46 provided along the shaft 51 of the release jig 50 and faces the rotation permissible space 47. Since the hole edge of the release hole 46 is the hook portion 48, it is difficult to hook the hook portion 48 using a general tool having a straight shaft like a screwdriver. Therefore, it is possible to avoid as much as possible a situation in which a person who does not have the exclusive release jig 50 in which the release portion 52 protrudes from the tip of the shaft body 51 and inadvertently removes the connector. In addition, since the release jig 50 cannot be taken out unless the power supply circuit is turned off, it is possible to reliably avoid the situation where the connector is disconnected in the energized state, thereby preventing the occurrence of arc. .
[0026]
In addition, since the release part 52 is hooked on the hook part 48 by rotating the release jig 50, a slide groove continuous with the release hole is provided, and the release part is slid by temporarily sliding the release jig. The opening area of the release hole 46 can be reduced as compared with the case where the hook is hooked on the opening.
[0027]
<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and are not limited to the following without departing from the gist. Can be implemented with various modifications.
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the shape of the release hole is such that a circular portion and a square portion are connected in accordance with the release jig has been described. In the case where the cross-sectional shape in which the five protrusions are protruded is a star shape, the release hole may be formed in a star shape that matches the release hole. Also, the shape of the release hole does not necessarily have to match the shape of the release jig. In short, if the release jig can be inserted and a hole edge serving as a hook portion is provided, the shape of the release hole can be reduced. Can be set arbitrarily.
[0028]
(2) In the above embodiment, the release jig is rotated. However, for example, by providing a slide groove continuously to the release hole, the release jig inserted into the release hole is slid. The release portion may be hooked on a hook portion provided on the peripheral edge of the slide groove, and such a portion is also included in the present invention.
(3) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the release jig is housed in the connector for turning on / off the power supply has been described. For example, a JB (junction box) or RB for turning on / off the power supply. A release jig may be stored inside the (relay box).
(4) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the detection member is assembled on the male housing side has been described. However, on the contrary, the case where the detection member is assembled on the female housing side is also included in the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a female housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a female housing. FIG. 3 is a front view of a male housing and a detecting member. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a male housing and a detecting member. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a male housing and a female housing in which a detecting member is assembled at an initial position. FIG. 7 is a side showing a state in which both housings are being fitted. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing a state in which both housings are properly fitted and the detection member is pushed into the detection position. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state before the release jig is inserted into the release hole. 10 is a perspective view showing the operation of rotating the release jig inserted into the release hole. FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing the operation of hooking the release portion on the hook portion. FIG. 12 is an initial position of the detection member by the release jig. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which it is lifted up. Side cross-sectional view showing a state in which raised the detecting member to the initial position by the jig EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 ... female housing (other connector housing)
20: Male housing (one connector housing)
28: Mounting recess (recess)
40 ... Detection member (regulation member)
46 ... release hole 47 ... rotation permissible space (permissible space)
48: Hook 50: Release jig 51: Shaft 52: Release

Claims (2)

Of the pair of connector housings that can be fitted to each other, one of the connector housings can be restricted from being relatively displaced in the disengagement direction from a state where both connector housings are properly fitted by engaging with the other connector housing. In those in which the regulating member can be assembled,
The restricting member is engaged with the other connector housing by being fitted into a recess provided on a side surface of the one connector housing, and the restricting member includes a tip of a shaft body. A release hole through which a release jig having a release portion that protrudes laterally is inserted is provided along the shaft body, and is formed so as to communicate with the bottom of the release hole. That the release portion is hooked by being formed facing this allowance space, and that a hooking portion capable of moving the regulating member is provided. Features connector. The allowance space is formed so as to allow displacement of the release portion accompanying rotation of the release jig inserted into the release hole, and the hook portion is a hole edge of the release hole. The connector according to claim 1, wherein:

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