阅读说明：本技术 连接器 (Connector with a locking member ) 是由 增本拓也 于 2020-03-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种连接器。本发明的连接器(10)能够通过保护罩的组装完成而保证连接器的嵌合,所述连接器(10)具备第一连接器(20)、第二连接器(30)及保护罩(40),其中,第一连接器(20)与第二连接器(30)能够互相嵌合,并在完全嵌合状态下被保护罩(40)完全地覆盖,保护罩(40)具备：第一保护罩(41),将第一连接器(20)收纳于内部；及第二保护罩(42),将第二连接器(30)收纳于内部,第二保护罩(42)构成为具备能够开闭的一对第二半保护罩(42U、42L),第二半保护罩(42U、42L)具备嵌合保证部,所述嵌合保证部从后方与处于完全嵌合状态的第二连接器(30)抵接。(The invention provides a connector. The connector (10) of the present invention can ensure the fitting of the connector by completing the assembly of the protective cover, the connector (10) is provided with a first connector (20), a second connector (30) and a protective cover (40), wherein the first connector (20) and the second connector (30) can be mutually fitted and are completely covered by the protective cover (40) in a complete fitting state, and the protective cover (40) is provided with: a first protection cover (41) for accommodating the first connector (20) therein; and a second protective cover (42) that houses the second connector (30) therein, the second protective cover (42) being configured to include a pair of second half protective covers (42U, 42L) that can be opened and closed, the second half protective covers (42U, 42L) including a fitting securing portion that abuts the second connector (30) in a fully fitted state from behind.)

1. A connector comprises a first connector, a second connector and a protective cover,

the first connector and the second connector are capable of fitting each other and are completely covered by the protective cover in a completely fitted state,

the protective cover is provided with: a first protection cover for accommodating the first connector therein; and a second protective cover for accommodating the second connector therein,

the second protective cover is configured to have a pair of openable and closable half protective covers,

the half boot includes a fitting securing portion that abuts the second connector in a completely fitted state from behind.

2. The connector of claim 1,

the second boot is formed to extend in a fitting direction along an outer surface of the second connector, and the fitting ensuring portion has a projection projecting from an inner surface of the half boot in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction.

3. The connector of claim 2,

the projection has an inclined surface that presses the second connector in a half-fitted state toward the first connector.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector.

Background

Conventionally, as a connector fitting detection structure capable of detecting half fitting of a connector by opening and closing operations of a protective cover, a connector fitting detection structure described in japanese patent application laid-open No. 10-223313 (patent document 1 below) is known. The connector fitting detection structure includes a female connector and a pair of protection covers. The shield case includes a pressing inclined wall, and in the half fitted state, the male connector is pressed into the female connector by pressing the pressing inclined wall against the rear step portion of the male connector, and the pair of shield cases can be closed while visually checking the pressing from the outside.

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 10-223313

However, in the configuration in which the male and female connectors are completely covered with the pair of protective covers, since the fitting state cannot be visually checked from the outside, when the half fitting state is noticed after the assembly of the protective covers, it is necessary to detach the protective covers, change the half fitting state to the complete fitting state, and assemble the protective covers again.

Disclosure of Invention

A connector according to the present invention includes a first connector, a second connector, and a protective cover, wherein the first connector and the second connector are capable of fitting to each other and are completely covered by the protective cover in a completely fitted state, and the protective cover includes: a first protection cover for accommodating the first connector therein; and a second protective cover configured to accommodate the second connector therein, the second protective cover including a pair of openable and closable half protective covers, the half protective covers including a fitting securing portion that abuts against the second connector in a completely fitted state from behind.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, the fitting of the connector can be ensured by completing the assembly of the protective cover.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the connector as viewed from obliquely above.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the connector in a state where a pair of half boots are closed.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the connector in a state where a pair of half boots are closed.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the connector in a state where a pair of half boots are opened.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the connector in a state where a pair of half boots are opened.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the second connector is pushed into the first connector by the pair of inclined surfaces, and is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the pair of inclined surfaces.

Description of the reference symbols

10 … connector

20 … first connector

21 … first shell

22 … cover part

22A … big diameter part

22B … small diameter part

22C … first plane part

23 … terminal holding part

24 … rubber plug storage part

25 … rubber stopper

26 … locking part

27 … sealing ring

30 … second connector

31 … second shell

32 … terminal holding part

32A … second planar section

33 … rubber plug container

34 … rubber stopper

35 … locked part

40 … protective cover

41 … first protective cover

41U, 41L … first half protection cover

41H … first case housing part

41W … first wire housing part

42 … second protective cover

42U, 42L … second half protection cover

42H … second case housing part

42W … second wire housing part

43U … upper hinge

43L … lower hinge

44 … protective cover locking sheet

45 … locking piece bearing part

46 … first projection

46A … first inclined plane

47 … second projection (fitting securing part)

47A … second inclined surface

W … electric wire

Detailed Description

[ description of embodiments of the invention ]

Embodiments of the present invention are first listed and explained.

The connector of the present invention is a connector as follows:

(1) the protection cover includes a first connector, a second connector, and a protection cover, wherein the first connector and the second connector are capable of fitting with each other and are completely covered by the protection cover in a completely fitted state, and the protection cover includes: a first protection cover for accommodating the first connector therein; and a second protective cover configured to accommodate the second connector therein, the second protective cover including a pair of openable and closable half protective covers, the half protective covers including a fitting securing portion that abuts against the second connector in a completely fitted state from behind.

Even when the first connector and the second connector are completely covered by the protective cover and cannot be visually checked from the outside, the fully fitted state can be detected by closing the pair of half protective covers and bringing the fitting ensuring portion into contact with the second connector from the rear. That is, the fitting of the connector can be ensured by completing the assembly of the protective cover.

(2) Preferably, the second boot is formed to extend in a fitting direction along an outer surface of the second connector, and the fitting ensuring part has a projection projecting from an inner surface of the half boot in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. The outer shape of the second protective cover is made not large in the direction orthogonal to the fitting direction, and the connector can be miniaturized.

(3) Preferably, the projection has an inclined surface that presses the second connector in a half-fitted state into the first connector. Even when the second connector is in the half-fitted state, the second connector can be pushed toward the first connector by the inclined surface and can be shifted to the completely fitted state.

[ details of embodiments of the present invention ]

A specific example of the connector 10 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and range equivalent to the scope of the claims, as defined by the scope of the claims.

< embodiment >

The embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings of fig. 1 to 6. As shown in fig. 3, the connector 10 of the present embodiment includes a first connector 20, a second connector 30, and a protective cover 40. The connector 10 is used for a suspension of a vehicle.

The first connector 20 has a first housing 21 made of synthetic resin. The first housing 21 includes a cylindrical cover portion 22, a cylindrical terminal holding portion 23 for holding a terminal not shown, and a cylindrical rubber plug accommodating portion 24 in this order from the front end. The end of the wire W is connected to a terminal not shown. A rubber plug 25 is housed in the rubber plug housing 24.

The second connector 30 has a second housing 31 made of synthetic resin. The second housing 31 includes a cylindrical terminal holding portion 32 and a cylindrical rubber plug accommodating portion 33 in this order from the front end, which hold terminals not shown. The end of the wire W is connected to a terminal not shown. A rubber stopper 34 is housed in the rubber stopper housing 33.

Cover portion 22 of first housing 21 includes a large-diameter portion 22A and a small-diameter portion 22B. The large diameter portion 22A is disposed coaxially with the small diameter portion 22B. The large diameter portion 22A is larger in diameter than the small diameter portion 22B. The inside of the large diameter portion 22A communicates with the inside of the small diameter portion 22B.

A first flat surface portion 22C is provided on the upper portion of the small diameter portion 22B. On the other hand, a second flat surface portion 32A is provided on the upper portion of the terminal holding portion 32 of the second housing 31. When the first housing 21 and the second housing 31 are assembled, the first flat surface portion 22C and the second flat surface portion 32A are positioned in the rotational direction so as to be in surface contact with each other. In a state where the first housing 21 and the second housing 31 are assembled, the first flat surface portion 22C and the second flat surface portion 32A interfere with each other to restrict the movement of the first housing 21 and the second housing 31 in the rotational direction.

A lock portion 26 is provided on the first flat surface portion 22C of the first housing 21. The lock portion 26 is displaceable in the up-down direction. On the other hand, the second flat surface portion 32A of the second housing 31 is provided with a locked portion 35. In the process of fitting the terminal holding portion 32 of the second housing 31 into the inside of the hood 22 of the first housing 21, the locking portion 26 is displaced upward by being multiplied by the locked portion 35. When the terminal holding portion 32 is fitted in the inside of the hood 22, the lock portion 26 moves downward beyond the locked portion 35, and the lock portion 26 is locked to the locked portion 35. Thereby, the two housings 21 and 31 are held in the fitted state.

A packing 27 is attached to the inside of the large-diameter portion 22A of the cover 22. When the terminal holding portion 32 of the second housing 31 is fitted in the inside of the hood 22 of the first housing 21, the seal ring 27 is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the terminal holding portion 32 and the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 22A. This restricts water from entering the cover 22 from the fitting portion of the two housings 21 and 31.

The penetration of water into the interior of the terminal holding portion 23 is restricted by the rubber stopper 25 of the first housing 21. In addition, the penetration of water into the interior of the terminal holding portion 32 is restricted by the rubber stopper 34 of the second housing 31. This restricts water from infiltrating into the first and second connectors 20 and 30.

The protective cover 40 is made of synthetic resin, and as shown in fig. 1 and 2, includes a first protective cover 41 and a second protective cover 42. The first boot 41 covers the first connector 20, and the second boot 42 covers the second connector 30. The connector 10 is completely covered with the protective cover 40 and cannot be visually confirmed from the outside.

The first protective cover 41 is formed by combining a pair of upper and lower first half protective covers 41U and 41L, and the second protective cover 42 is formed by combining a pair of upper and lower second half protective covers 42U and 42L. Upper first protective cover half 41U and upper second protective cover half 42U are connected by an upper hinge 43U and can be opened and closed. Lower first half cover 41L and lower second half cover 42L are coupled by a lower hinge 43L and can be opened and closed. Therefore, the pair of upper and lower second half boots 42U and 42L can be opened and closed in a state where the first boot 41 is closed.

A plurality of shield locking pieces 44 are provided on the side surfaces of lower first shield half 41L and lower second shield half 42L. On the other hand, a plurality of latch receiving portions 45 are provided on side surfaces of upper first half protection cover 41U and upper second half protection cover 42U. As shown in fig. 4, the upper first half boot 41U and the lower first half boot 41L are integrally fixed by locking the boot lock pieces 44 of the first boot 41 to the lock piece receiving portions 45. Next, the upper second half boot 42U and the lower second half boot 42L are fixed integrally by locking the boot lock pieces 44 of the second boot 42 to the lock piece receiving portions 45.

As shown in fig. 3, the first protection cover 41 is formed to extend in the fitting direction along the outer surface of the first connector 20. Therefore, the outer shape of the first protection cover 41 is not increased in the direction orthogonal to the fitting direction, and the connector 10 can be downsized. The first protector 41 has a first housing accommodating portion 41H for accommodating the first housing 21 therein and a first wire accommodating portion 41W for accommodating the wire W drawn out to the rear of the first housing accommodating portion 41H therein. The first case housing portion 41H is the same as or slightly shorter than the first wire housing portion 41W in the front-rear direction length. Therefore, even if the electric wire W is bent, the rubber stopper 25 is not easily deformed.

A pair of upper and lower first protrusions 46 are provided between the first housing accommodating portion 41H and the first wire accommodating portion 41W. The first protrusion 46 extends in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the first housing 21. The first housing 21 is appropriately housed between the front end portion of the first housing portion 41H and the first protrusion 46. Here, the appropriate meaning includes both a case where there is no gap at all between the outer surface of the first housing 21 and the inner surface of the first housing accommodating portion 41H and a case where there is a small gap. Therefore, the first housing 21 is accommodated in the first housing accommodating portion 41H, and the cover lock 44 and the lock receiving portion 45 are locked to each other, so that the first housing 21 is accommodated in a standard position with respect to the first housing accommodating portion 41H.

The first protrusion 46 has a tapered first inclined surface 46A that is directed radially outward toward the front. When the first protector 41 is closed with the first housing 21 slightly shifted rearward with respect to the standard position, the rear end of the first housing 21 abuts against the first inclined surface 46A, and the first housing 21 is pushed forward and moved to the standard position, thereby closing the first protector 41.

The second boot 42 is formed to extend in the fitting direction along the outer surface of the second connector 30. Therefore, the connector 10 can be downsized by making the second boot 42 not large in the direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. The second protective cover 42 has a second case housing portion 42H that houses the second case 31 therein and a second wire housing portion 42W that houses the wire W drawn out rearward of the second case housing portion 42H therein. The second case housing portion 42H is shorter than the second wire housing portion 42W in the front-rear direction. The second wire housing portion 42W is formed to have a length about 2 times as long as that of the first wire housing portion 41W. Therefore, the rubber stopper 34 is not deformed even if the electric wire W is bent, and the waterproof performance is not affected.

As shown in fig. 5, in the present embodiment, after the first connector 20 is in a state of being covered with the first protective cover 41, the second connector 30 is covered with the second protective cover 42, and the entire connector 10 is completely covered with the protective cover 40. Since most of the second connector 30 is covered with the first boot 41 in the state where the second boot 42 is opened, the fitting state of the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 cannot be visually confirmed. Therefore, the operation of closing the second boot 42 may be started without noticing that the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 are half fitted.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a pair of upper and lower second protrusions (fitting ensuring portions) 47 that come into contact with the second connector 30 in the completely fitted state from behind are provided. The completely fitted state means a state in which the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 are fitted to each other in a standard manner and the locking portion 26 and the locked portion 35 are locked to each other.

A pair of upper and lower second protrusions 47 are provided between the second case housing portion 42H and the second wire housing portion 42W. The second protrusion 47 is formed to extend in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the second housing 31. The second housing 31 is appropriately housed between the front end portion of the second housing portion 42H and the second projection 47. Here, the appropriate meaning includes both a case where there is no gap at all between the outer surface of the second housing 31 and the inner surface of the second housing accommodating portion 42H and a case where there is a small gap. Therefore, the second housing 31 is accommodated in the second housing accommodating portion 42H, and the cover lock 44 and the lock receiving portion 45 are locked to each other, whereby the second housing 31 is accommodated in a standard position with respect to the second housing accommodating portion 42H. While ensuring that the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 are in a completely mated state. That is, the fitting of the connector 10 can be ensured by completing the assembly of the second boot 42.

As shown in fig. 6, the second protrusion 47 has a tapered second inclined surface 47A that is directed radially outward toward the front. When the second protective cover 42 is closed in a state where the second housing 31 is slightly displaced rearward from the normal position, the rear end of the second housing 31 abuts against the second inclined surface 47A, whereby the second housing 31 is pushed forward and moved to the normal position, and the second protective cover 42 is closed. This allows the second connector 30 to be pushed into the first connector 20 and to be shifted from the half-fitted state to the completely fitted state.

< other embodiments >

(1) In the above embodiment, the second projection 47 abuts against the rear end of the second housing 31, but a projection may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second housing 31, and the second projection abuts against the projection from behind.

(2) In the above embodiment, the second protrusion 47 has the second inclined surface 47A, but the tip of the second protrusion may be spherical.

(3) The second protrusion may also be in elastic contact with the rear end of the second housing 31.