JP2019087366A - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a connector enabling a user to recognize a fitting state with a counterpart connector by feeling and sound.SOLUTION: A rotary fitting type connector 1 is equipped with a female connector housing 3 and a bayonet ring 2. A flange portion 17 of the female connector housing 3 has a temporary locking portion used when a counterpart connector is in an initial fitting state, and a permanent locking portion 20 used when the counterpart connector is in a fully fitting state. The bayonet ring 2 has a moving locking portion 8 to be locked to either one of the temporary locking portion or the permanent locking portion 20. The moving locking portion 8 has a flexible arm portion 11, a locking claw portion 12, and a notch portion 13. The permanent locking portion 20 has a second recessed portion and a second projecting portion. The second recessed portion has a hitting bottom portion, and the second projecting portion has an inclined surface portion 31 bending the arm portion 11 outward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary fitting connector. More specifically, the present invention relates to a connector having a bayonet structure which performs fitting between the pair of connectors with a low operating force.

  For example, as a connector for electrically connecting a transmission mounted on a vehicle body such as an automobile or the like, a multi-pole rotary-fit connector 101 (see FIG. 35) disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known.

  In FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, the connector 101 is configured to have a bayonet structure for fitting with the multipole counterpart connector 102 with a low operation force. Specifically, the connector 101 is assembled to the female terminal 104 provided at the end of the plurality of wires 103, the female connector housing 105 capable of accommodating the female terminal 104 from the rear side, and the front portion of the female connector housing 105 Front holder 106, a packing 109 assembled between the terminal accommodating portion 107 of the female connector housing 105 and the cylindrical portion 108, and a bayonet ring 110 rotatably mounted on the female connector housing 105. .

  The female connector housing 105 has a fitting groove portion 111 which is a circumferential groove portion in the cylindrical portion 108. The female connector housing 105 also has a flange portion 112 located at the rear of the housing and continuous with the cylindrical portion 108. The flange portion 112 includes a temporary locking portion 113 used in the initial fitting state of the mating connector 102, a final locking portion 114 used in the complete mating state of the mating connector 102, and an excess of the bayonet ring 110. And a rotation restricting portion 115 (115a, 115b) for restricting the rotation.

  The bayonet ring 110 has a cylindrical body portion 116, and a moving engagement portion 117 which is engaged with either the temporary engagement portion 113 or the full engagement portion 114 as the body portion 116 rotates. And a rotation support portion 118 fitted in the fitting groove portion 111. The movement locking portion 117 includes a flexible arm portion 119 extending in the circumferential direction of the body portion 116, and a locking claw portion 120 coupled to the arm portion 119 and protruding along the central axis CL. And a notch 121 formed on the opposite side of the locking claw 120. The body portion 116 has a cam protrusion 123 engaged with the cam groove 122 of the mating connector 102 and a rotation restricting convex portion 124.

  The cam projection 123 moves the cam groove 122 along with the rotation of the bayonet ring 110. At this time, the connectors are pulled together, and the connector fitting is performed with a low operation force (or the detachment is performed with a low operation force) .

  In the above configuration and structure, when the mating connector 102 is in the fitting start position as shown in FIG. 37A, the movement locking portion 117 of the bayonet ring 110 is locked to the temporary locking portion 113 of the female connector housing 105. It will be Then, when the bayonet ring 110 is rotated, the force of the rotation causes the arm portion 119 of the movable locking portion 117 to bend downward along the central axis CL, whereby the movable locking portion 117 is temporarily locked. It is in a state of getting over the part 113. After that, when the rotation of the bayonet ring 110 continues, the movement locking portion 117 abuts on the main locking portion 114 of the female connector housing 105, and the arm portion 119 bends downward again and gets over the main locking portion 114 as described above. It will be like that. When overcoming is completed, as shown in FIG. 37B, the movement locking portion 117 is locked to the main locking portion 114, and also becomes the state of the fitting end position.

  As the bayonet ring 110 rotates, the rotation restricting convex portion 124 of the bayonet ring 110 moves between the rotation restricting portions 115 a and 115 b of the female connector housing 105. From FIG. 37, it can be seen that excessive rotation is restricted.

  When the bayonet ring 110 is rotated in the opposite direction to the above from the state of the fitting end position, the fitting release with the mating connector 102 becomes possible.

JP, 2013-246884, A

  In the above-mentioned prior art, when the arm portion 119 of the movable locking portion 117 passes over the temporary locking portion 113 of the female connector housing 105, it bends in the same manner as crossing over the full locking portion 114. Therefore, for example, when the bayonet ring 110 is rotated without visual observation, there is a possibility that it can not be determined whether the temporary locking portion 113 is over or the main locking portion 114 is over.

  Further, in the above-mentioned prior art, a structure in which a lock noise is generated when the arm portion 119 of the movable locking portion 117 bends downward in FIG. 37 along the central axis CL and the arm portion 119 elastically recovers thereafter. However, the locking sound is very small, and there is also a possibility that it is not possible to know whether the crossing has been completed and locked.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of causing a fitting state with a mating connector to be recognized by touch and sound.

The connector of the present invention according to claim 1 made to solve the above problems comprises a connector housing in which a plurality of terminals are accommodated, and a bayonet ring rotatably mounted on the connector housing, The connector housing includes a terminal receiving portion, a cylindrical portion disposed and formed outside the terminal receiving portion, and a substantially hook-like flange portion located at the rear of the housing and continuous with the cylindrical portion, the flange portion Has a temporary locking portion used in the initial fitting state of the mating connector, and a full locking portion used in the complete mating state of the mating connector,
The bayonet ring has a cylindrical body portion, and a moving engagement portion engaged with one of the temporary engagement portion and the full engagement portion as the body portion rotates. The movable locking portion is a flexible arm portion extending in the circumferential direction of the body portion, and an engagement portion connected to the arm portion and protruding toward the flange portion along the axial direction of the body portion. The hook portion has a notch portion formed on the axially opposite side of the locking claw portion, and the temporary locking portion is aligned along the circumferential direction of the flange portion and the movement locking portion A first concave portion and a first convex portion capable of temporarily locking and moving over the portion, and the first concave portion is a locking wall surface which is a contact portion of a locking surface formed in the locking claw portion As a surface along the axial direction and on the side of the first convex portion, the main locking portion is arranged along the circumferential direction of the flange portion and the movement engagement A second recess and a second protrusion capable of full locking and overturning of the part, wherein the second recess is struck by the side portion of the arm portion and / or the side portion of the locking claw portion It has a bottom part, and the second convex part is characterized by having a slope part which bends the arm part in a direction away from or in a direction closer to the center of the body part.

  According to the present invention having the features of the first aspect of the invention, since the bending method of the arm portion of the movable locking portion is changed between the temporary locking portion and the main locking portion, It is possible to make sure that it is overtaking or overcoming against the regular locking portion by touch. Further, according to the present invention, when the bent arm portion elastically returns, the side bottom of the arm portion and / or the side portion of the locking claw portion is configured to strike the strike bottom portion of the main locking portion. A relatively loud locking sound can be produced, so that it is possible to make sure that the overcoming has been completed and locked by sound.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the connector according to the first aspect, the sloped portion has only a sloped portion main body that bends the arm portion away from or toward the center of the body portion, or It is characterized by having said slope part main part and a twist slope which applies twist to said arm part bent in said direction of said separation or said approach.

  According to the present invention having the features of the second aspect of the present invention, the arm portion is outside or inside when the striking bottom portion of the main locking portion is struck with the side portion of the arm portion and / or the side portion of the locking claw portion. A relatively loud locking sound can be generated by adopting either a bent state or a state in which a twist is applied while being bent outward or inward.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the connector according to the first or second aspect, the second recessed portion hooks the arm portion and / or the locking claw portion to move away from or in the approaching direction. It is characterized by having a convex movement regulation part which regulates movement.

  According to the present invention having the features of claim 3 as described above, it is possible to regulate the bending direction of the arm portion of the movable locking portion locked to the main locking portion. As a result, the bending of the arm when returning the completely fitted state of the mating connector to the initial fitted state can be made the same as in the prior art, and as a result, the feel when bringing the initial fitted state to the fully fitted state It can be compared differently.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the connector of this invention, it is effective in the ability to make it recognize a fitting state with the other party connector by a touch and a sound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the connector of this invention (Example 1). It is a perspective view of the bayonet ring of FIG. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the female connector housing of Figure 1; It is a figure of a female connector housing, (a) is a BB sectional view taken on the line of (b), and (b) is a side view. It is a figure of the principal part, (a) is an enlarged view of arrow A of FIG. 2, (b) is an enlarged view of arrow C of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state just before an arm part bends. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the arm part began to bend in the slope part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the arm part bent maximally in the slope part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the arm part elastically returned. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a movement state in FIG. 6, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing a movement state in FIG. 7, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a moving state, and FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view showing the moving state in FIG. It is a side view which shows the state at the time of performing a fitting cancellation | release with a other party connector. It is a perspective view showing other one embodiment of the connector of the present invention (example 2). FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bayonet ring and female connector housing of FIG. 12; It is a figure of a female connector housing, (a) is a BB sectional view taken on the line of (b), and (b) is a side view. It is a figure of a principal part, (a) is an enlarged view of arrow A of FIG. 13, (b) is an enlarged view of arrow C of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state just before an arm part bends. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the arm part began to bend in the slope part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the arm part bent maximally, being twisted by the twist slope of a slope part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the arm part elastically returned. FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view showing the movement state in FIG. 16, FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view showing the movement state in FIG. 17, and FIG. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a moving state, and FIG. It is the DD sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a side view which shows the state at the time of performing a fitting cancellation | release with a other party connector. It is a perspective view showing other one embodiment of the connector of the present invention (example 3). FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the bayonet ring and female connector housing of FIG. 23; It is a figure of a female connector housing, (a) is a BB sectional view taken on the line of (b), and (b) is a side view. It is a figure of a principal part, (a) is an enlarged view of arrow A of FIG. 24, (b) is an enlarged view of arrow C of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state just before an arm part bends. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the arm part began to bend in the slope part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the arm part bent maximally in the slope part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the arm part elastically returned. 27A is a sectional view showing the movement state in FIG. 27, FIG. 28B is a sectional view showing the movement state in FIG. 28, and FIG. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a moving state, and FIG. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a state immediately before movement, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing a state at the start of movement, and FIG. (C) is a sectional view showing a state in the middle of movement. It is a side view which shows a temporary locking state. It is a side view which shows the state at the time of rotating in a fitting direction and performing temporary latching cancellation | release. It is a figure of the connector of a prior art example, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a disassembled perspective view. It is a figure of the connector of FIG. 35, (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a perspective view at the time of female terminal insertion. It is a figure of the connector of FIG. 35, (a) is a perspective view in a fitting start position, (b) is a perspective view in a fitting completion position.

  The connector of the rotational fitting type comprises a female connector housing and a bayonet ring rotatably mounted on the female connector housing. The flange portion of the female connector housing has a temporary locking portion used in the initial fitting state of the mating connector and a main locking portion used in the complete fitting state. The bayonet ring has a moving locking portion that is locked to either the temporary locking portion or the full locking portion. The movement locking portion has a flexible arm portion, a locking claw portion, and a notch portion. The temporary locking portion has a first concave portion and a first convex portion, and the main locking portion has a second concave portion and a second convex portion. The second recess has a strike bottom, and the second protrusion has a slope that causes the arm to bend outward or inward.

  Hereinafter, Example 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view of the bayonet ring, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the female connector housing, FIG. 4 is a sectional view and a side view of the female connector housing, FIG. 5 is a view of the main parts, and FIGS. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state when releasing the fitting.

<About connector 1>
In FIG. 1, the connector 1 of the first embodiment is, for example, for electrically connecting a transmission mounted on a vehicle body such as an automobile, and the connector 1 of the multipolar mating connector 102 (see FIG. 35). It is configured with a bayonet structure for performing fitting with low operating force. That is, the connector 1 is configured to include the bayonet ring 2. In addition, the connector 1 has a female terminal 104 (terminal; see FIG. 36) provided at the end of a plurality of electric wires 103 (see FIG. 35) and a female connector housing 3 (connector housing) capable of accommodating the female terminal 104 from the rear side. And a front holder 4 assembled to the front of the female connector housing 3, and a packing 109 assembled between the terminal accommodating portion 5 (see FIG. 3) and the cylindrical portion 6 (see FIG. 3) of the female connector housing 3. See FIG. 35).

  The connector 1 of the first embodiment is the same as the connector 101 (see FIG. 35) of the prior art except for the bayonet ring 2 and the female connector housing 3, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<About Bayonet Ring 2>
In FIGS. 1 and 2, the bayonet ring 2 is rotatably attached to the female connector housing 3. The bayonet ring 2 includes a body portion 7, a movement locking portion 8, a plurality of rotation support portions 9, a cam protrusion 10, and a rotation restriction protrusion (not shown) (the same as the rotation restriction protrusion 124 in FIG. 37). It has and is formed in the illustrated shape.

  The body 7 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape. The movement locking portion 8 is a characteristic portion of the present embodiment, and is engaged with either one of a temporary locking portion 19 (see FIG. 4) and a full locking portion 20 which will be described later as the body portion 7 rotates. It is stopped. The plurality of rotation support portions 9 are formed as portions to be fitted to fitting grooves 18 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) described later. The cam projection 10 is formed as a portion engaged with the mating connector 102 (see FIG. 35). The rotation control convex part which is not shown in figure is formed as a part which controls excessive rotation. The bayonet ring 2 as described above is formed in the same shape as that of the bayonet ring 110 (see FIGS. 35 to 37) of the prior art except for the movement locking portion 8.

<About the moving locking portion 8>
In FIGS. 2 and 5, the movable locking portion 8 is connected to a flexible arm 11 extending in the circumferential direction of the body 7 and the tip of the arm 11 and along the central axis CL. It has the latching claw part 12 which protrudes, and the notch part 13 formed in the other side of the latching claw part 12. As shown in FIG. As in the conventional example, the arm portion 11 is formed into a cantilever arm shape that bends along the central axis CL, with the notch 13 as a bending allowable space. Further, as a feature of the present embodiment, the arm portion 11 is also formed in a cantilever arm shape that bends in a direction away from the central axis CL.

  The locking claw portion 12 is formed such that the side portion of the protrusion is flush with the side portion (side surface) which is the inner side of the arm portion 11. The inner side portion of the locking claw 12 is formed as a portion to which the below-described punching bottom portion 26 is to be struck (in other words, it is formed as a portion to generate a lock sound by the striking). Further, the side portion of the locking claw portion 12 is also formed as a portion sliding on a slope portion 31 described later. The locking claw portion 12 has a locking surface 14 which functions when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting direction, a locking surface 15 which functions when rotated in the fitting releasing direction, and a top portion 16.

<About female connector housing 3>
In FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the female connector housing 3 has the terminal accommodating portion 5, the cylindrical portion 6 and the flange portion 17 and is formed in the illustrated shape. In the female connector housing 3, the terminal accommodating portion 5 and the cylindrical portion 6 are formed in the same shape as the conventional example. In addition, the reference numeral 18 of the cylindrical portion 6 indicates a fitting groove portion which is a groove portion in the circumferential direction. The fitting groove portion 18 is formed as a portion to which the rotation support portion 9 (see FIG. 2) of the bayonet ring 2 is fitted. The flange portion 17 includes a temporary locking portion 19 used in the initial fitting state of the mating connector 102 (see FIG. 33) and a full locking portion 20 used in the complete mating state of the mating connector 102; It has rotation regulation part 21 (21a, 21b) which regulates excessive rotation of bayonet ring 2.

<About the temporary locking portion 19>
In FIG. 4, the temporary locking portion 19 is formed in the same shape as the temporary locking portion 113 (see FIG. 37) of the conventional example. The temporary locking portions 19 are formed along the circumferential direction of the flange portion 17 and have a shape that allows temporary locking and overtaking of the moving locking portion 8 (see FIG. 2). The temporary locking portion 19 is formed in the illustrated shape having the first concave portion 22 and the first convex portion 23. The operation of the temporary locking portion 19 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34.

<About the main locking portion 20>
In FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the main locking portion 20 is a characteristic portion of this embodiment, and is a locking portion for the movement locking portion 8 of the bayonet ring 2 (see FIG. 2), and the above temporary locking portion It is formed in a shape portion different from 19 (this makes it possible to make the feel at the time of operation different). Further, the main locking portion 20 is formed in a shape that can be aligned along the circumferential direction of the flange portion 17 and that main locking and overtaking of the movable locking portion 8 can be performed. The main locking portion 20 is formed in the illustrated shape having a second recess 24 and a second protrusion 25.

  The second recess 24 has a striking bottom 26 which is struck on the side of the locking claw 12 in the movable locking part 8 (formed to be stamped including the inner side of the arm 11) Is also possible). The second recess 24 has a locking surface 27 which functions when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting direction, a locking surface 28 which functions when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting release direction, and an opening 29. And a movement control unit 30. The movement restricting portion 30 is formed such that the locking claw portion 12 can be hooked in a state in which the locking claw portion 12 exists in the second concave portion 24. In other words, it is formed such that movement in a direction away from the central axis CL can be restricted.

  The 2nd convex part 25 has the slope part 31 which consists only of the slope part main body 31a. The inclined surface main body 31 a is formed in an inclined surface with an appropriate angle such that the side closer to the second recess 24 is at the top. In addition, the sloped portion main body 31a is formed in an inclined surface on which the locking claw portion 12 slides.

<Regarding Rotation Restriction Unit 21>
In FIG. 4, the rotation restricting portion 21 is formed in the same shape as the conventional rotation restricting portion 115 (see FIG. 37). That is, the rotation restricting portion 21 is formed in a portion that restricts excessive rotation of the bayonet ring 2.

<About the operation of the movement locking portion 8 and the full locking portion 20>
The operation of the movable locking portion 8 and the full locking portion 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. Specifically, when fitting with the mating connector 102 (see FIGS. 35 and 37), the action from the state immediately before bending of the arm 11 to the state after elastic recovery and the fitting with the mating connector 102 A description will be given of the operation at the time of canceling the coupling. The temporary locking portion 19 (see FIG. 4) operates in the same manner as the conventional example. Moreover, it becomes an effect | action in common also with Examples 2 and 3 mentioned later. Therefore, it will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34 at the end of this specification.

  In FIGS. 6 and 10 (a), the locking claw 12 at the tip of the arm 11 moves to the vicinity of the slope 31 (the slope main body 31a) as the bayonet ring 2 rotates. At this time, the arm 11 is not yet bent. In FIG. 7 and FIG. 10 (b), when the rotation of the bayonet ring 2 is advanced, the locking claw 12 abuts on the slope 31 (the slope main body 31a), and this slope 31 (the slope main 31a). Start sliding. At this time, the arm portion 11 starts moving away from the central axis CL, that is, outward. The operator notices that the feeling is different from that of the temporary locking portion 19. In FIG. 8 and FIG. 10C, when the rotation of the bayonet ring 2 is further advanced, the locking claw 12 slides on the slope 31 (the slope main body 31a) and moves to the top. At this time, the arm portion 11 is in a state of being maximally bent outward. In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 (d), when the rotation of the bayonet ring 2 is further advanced, the locking claws 12 ride over the slope 31 (the slope main body 31a). That is, the second convex portion 25 is overcome. At this time, the arm portion 11 elastically returns inwardly from the state of being bent outward to the original state, and at this time, the side portion of the locking claw portion 12 strikes the strike bottom portion 26. As a result of the side portions of the locking claws 12 being hit, a relatively loud sound makes a "locking" and a locking sound. Thus, the mating connector 102 (see FIG. 37) is completely fitted.

  In FIG. 11, when the engagement with the mating connector 102 is released, the bayonet ring 2 is rotationally moved in the reverse direction to the above. At this time, the arm portion 11 bends along the central axis CL. That is, the state is such that the deflection as described in FIGS. 6 to 10 is not performed. This is due to the structure of the main locking portion 20.

<About the effect of connector 1>
As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, according to the connector 1 of the first embodiment which is an embodiment of the present invention, the bending method of the arm portion 11 of the movement locking portion 8 is a temporary engagement. Since the structure is changed between the stop portion 19 and the main locking portion 20, it is possible to reliably determine whether it is overtaking the temporary locking portion 19 or over the main locking portion 20 by touch. Further, according to the connector 1, since the bending bottom portion 26 of the main locking portion 20 is hit by the side portion of the locking claw portion 12 when the bent arm portion 11 is elastically restored, it is relatively large. It is possible to generate a lock sound, so that it is possible to make sure that the overcoming has been completed and locked by sound. Therefore, according to the connector 1, the fitting state with the mating connector 102 can be recognized by touch and sound. This brings about the effect that the workability can be improved.

  Example 2 will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 13 is a perspective view of the bayonet ring and the female connector housing, FIG. 14 is a sectional view and a side view of the female connector housing, FIG. 15 is a view of the main parts, FIGS. 16 to 21 are functional views, and FIG. It is a side view showing the state at the time of performing union cancellation.

<About connector 1>
In FIG. 12, the connector 1 of the second embodiment is for electrically connecting a transmission mounted on a vehicle body such as a car as the connector 1 of the first embodiment, and is a multipole mating connector 102. It has a bayonet structure for performing fitting with (see FIG. 35) with a low operation force. That is, the connector 1 is configured to include the bayonet ring 2. In addition, the connector 1 has a female terminal 104 (terminal; see FIG. 36) provided at the end of a plurality of electric wires 103 (see FIG. 35) and a female connector housing 3 (connector housing) capable of accommodating the female terminal 104 from the rear side. And a front holder 4 assembled to the front of the female connector housing 3, and a packing 109 assembled between the terminal accommodating portion 5 (see FIG. 3) and the cylindrical portion 6 (see FIG. 3) of the female connector housing 3. See FIG. 35).

  The connector 1 of the second embodiment is the same as the connector 101 (see FIG. 35) of the prior art except for the bayonet ring 2 and the female connector housing 3, and the detailed description thereof is omitted here.

<About Bayonet Ring 2>
In FIGS. 12 and 13, the bayonet ring 2 is rotatably attached to the female connector housing 3. The bayonet ring 2 includes a body portion 7, a movement locking portion 8, a plurality of rotation support portions 9, a cam protrusion 10, and a rotation restriction protrusion (not shown) (the same as the rotation restriction protrusion 124 in FIG. 37). It has and is formed in the illustrated shape.

  The body 7 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape. The movement locking portion 8 is a characteristic portion of the present embodiment, and is engaged with either one of a temporary locking portion 19 (see FIG. 14) and a main locking portion 20 which will be described later as the body portion 7 rotates. (It will be described later, but the action is slightly different from Example 1). The plurality of rotation support portions 9 are formed as portions to be fitted to fitting grooves 18 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) described later. The cam projection 10 is formed as a portion engaged with the mating connector 102 (see FIG. 33). The rotation control convex part which is not shown in figure is formed as a part which controls excessive rotation. The bayonet ring 2 as described above is formed in the same shape as that of the bayonet ring 110 (see FIGS. 35 to 37) of the prior art except for the movement locking portion 8. In addition, the bayonet ring 2 is formed in the same shape as that of the first embodiment except for the movable locking portion 8 (the same one as the first embodiment may be used as long as it can be bent as described later) .

<About the moving locking portion 8>
In FIGS. 12 and 15, the movable locking portion 8 is connected to a flexible arm 11 extending in the circumferential direction of the body 7 and the tip of the arm 11 and along the central axis CL. It has the latching claw part 12 which protrudes, and the notch part 13 formed in the other side of the latching claw part 12. As shown in FIG. As in the conventional example, the arm portion 11 is formed into a cantilever arm shape that bends along the central axis CL, with the notch 13 as a bending allowable space. Further, as a feature of the present embodiment, the arm portion 11 is also formed in a cantilever arm shape that bends in a direction away from the central axis CL. Furthermore, as a feature of the present embodiment, the arm portion 11 is also formed into a twistable cantilevered arm shape.

  The locking claw portion 12 is formed such that the side portion of the protrusion is flush with the side portion (side surface) which is the inner side of the arm portion 11. The inner side portion of the locking claw 12 is formed as a portion to which the below-described punching bottom portion 26 is to be struck (in other words, it is formed as a portion to generate a lock sound by the striking). Further, the side portion of the locking claw 12 is also formed as a portion sliding on a slope 31 (slope main body 31a and twist slope 31b) described later. The locking claw portion 12 has a locking surface 14 which functions when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting direction, a locking surface 15 which functions when rotated in the fitting releasing direction, and a top portion 16.

<About female connector housing 3>
In FIGS. 13 to 15, the female connector housing 3 has the terminal accommodating portion 5, the cylindrical portion 6, and the flange portion 17 and is formed in the illustrated shape. In the female connector housing 3, the terminal accommodating portion 5 and the cylindrical portion 6 are formed in the same shape as the conventional example and the first example. Reference numeral 18 of the cylindrical portion 6 denotes a fitting groove portion which is a circumferential groove portion. The fitting groove portion 18 is formed as a portion in which the rotation support portion 9 (see FIG. 12) of the bayonet ring 2 is fitted. The flange portion 17 includes a temporary locking portion 19 used in the initial fitting state of the mating connector 102 (see FIG. 35) and a full locking portion 20 used in the complete mating state of the mating connector 102; It has rotation regulation part 21 (21a, 21b) which regulates excessive rotation of bayonet ring 2.

<About the temporary locking portion 19>
In FIG. 14, the temporary locking portion 19 is formed in the same shape as the temporary locking portion 113 (see FIG. 37) of the conventional example and the temporary locking portion 19 of the first embodiment. The temporary locking portions 19 are formed in a shape that is aligned along the circumferential direction of the flange portion 17 and allows temporary locking and overtaking of the moving locking portion 8 (see FIGS. 13 and 15). The temporary locking portion 19 is formed in the illustrated shape having the first concave portion 22 and the first convex portion 23. The operation of the temporary locking portion 19 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34.

<About the main locking portion 20>
In FIGS. 13 to 15, the main locking portion 20 is a characteristic portion of this embodiment, and is a locking portion for the movement locking portion 8 of the bayonet ring 2 and has a shape different from the temporary locking portion 19 described above. (This makes it possible to make the operation feel different). Further, the main locking portion 20 is formed in a shape that can be aligned along the circumferential direction of the flange portion 17 and that main locking and overtaking of the movable locking portion 8 can be performed. The main locking portion 20 is formed in the illustrated shape having a second recess 24 and a second protrusion 25.

  The second recess 24 has a striking bottom 26 which is struck on the side of the locking claw 12 in the movable locking part 8 (formed to be stamped including the inner side of the arm 11) Is also possible). The second recess 24 has a locking surface 27 which functions when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting direction, a locking surface 28 which functions when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting release direction, and an opening 29. And a movement control unit 30. The movement restricting portion 30 is formed such that the locking claw portion 12 can be hooked in a state in which the locking claw portion 12 exists in the second concave portion 24. In other words, it is formed such that movement in a direction away from the central axis CL can be restricted.

  The 2nd convex part 25 has slope part 31 constituted by slope part main part 31a and twist slope 31b. The slope portion 31 is formed in an inclined surface with an appropriate angle such that the side closer to the second recess 24 is at the top. The slope portion main body 31a and the twist slope 31b are formed in an inclined surface on which the locking claw portion 12 slides. The twist slope 31b is formed in an inclined surface which causes the arm 11 to twist in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 21 continuously to the slope main body 31a. Summarizing the above, the sloped portion 31 is formed into a two-step inclined surface which causes the arm portion 11 to bend while causing the torsion to occur outward, and also allows the heel to be effective in snapping upon elastic return. Ru.

<Regarding Rotation Restriction Unit 21>
In FIG. 14, the rotation restricting portion 21 is formed in the same shape as the conventional rotation restricting portion 115 (see FIG. 37). That is, the rotation restricting portion 21 is formed in a portion that restricts excessive rotation of the bayonet ring 2.

<About the operation of the movement locking portion 8 and the full locking portion 20>
The operation of the movable locking portion 8 and the full locking portion 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 22. Specifically, when fitting with the mating connector 102 (see FIGS. 35 and 37), the action from the state immediately before bending of the arm portion 11 to the state after elastic recovery and the fitting with the mating connector 102. A description will be given of the operation at the time of canceling the coupling. The temporary locking portion 19 (see FIG. 14) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34.

  In FIGS. 16 and 20 (a), as the bayonet ring 2 rotates, the locking claw 12 at the tip of the arm 11 moves to the vicinity of the slope 31 (slope main body 31a). At this time, the arm 11 is not yet bent. In FIG. 17 and FIG. 20 (b), when the rotation of the bayonet ring 2 is advanced, the locking claw 12 abuts on the slope 31 (the slope main body 31a), and this slope 31 (the slope main 31a). Start sliding. At this time, the arm portion 11 starts moving away from the central axis CL, that is, outward. The operator notices that the feeling is different from that of the temporary locking portion 19. In FIG. 18 and FIG. 20 (c), when the rotation of the bayonet ring 2 is further advanced, the locking claw 12 slides on the slope 31 (twist slope 31b) and moves to the top. At this time, the arm portion 11 is bent outward while being twisted in the direction of arrow E as shown in FIG. In FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 (d), when the rotation of the bayonet ring 2 is further advanced, the locking claws 12 ride over the slope 31 (twist slope 31b). That is, the second convex portion 25 is overcome. At this time, the arm portion 11 elastically returns inward from the bent state outward to the original state, and elastically returns so that the torsion returns to the original state, and at that time, the locking claw portion The 12 sides strike the strike bottom 26. By the snapping effect of the snaps on the side portions of the locking claws 12, a relatively loud sound causes "locking". Thus, the mating connector 102 (see FIG. 37) is completely fitted.

  In FIG. 22, when releasing the engagement with the mating connector 102, the bayonet ring 2 is rotationally moved in the reverse direction to the above. At this time, the arm portion 11 bends along the central axis CL. That is, the state is such that the bending as described in FIGS. 16 to 21 is not performed. This is due to the structure of the main locking portion 20.

<About the effect of connector 1>
As described above with reference to FIGS. 12 to 22, according to the connector 1 of the second embodiment which is an embodiment of the present invention, the bending method of the arm portion 11 of the movement locking portion 8 is a temporary engagement. Since the structure is changed between the stop portion 19 and the main locking portion 20, it is possible to reliably determine whether it is overtaking the temporary locking portion 19 or over the main locking portion 20 by touch. Further, according to the connector 1, when the bent arm portion 11 elastically returns, the side of the locking claw portion 12 has a structure in which the hitting bottom portion 26 of the main locking portion 20 is snapped and hit. Thus, a relatively loud locking sound can be generated, and thus it is possible to make sure that the overcoming has been completed and locked by sound. Therefore, according to the connector 1, the fitting state with the mating connector 102 can be recognized by touch and sound. This brings about the effect that the workability can be improved.

  The third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 24 is a perspective view of the bayonet ring and the female connector housing, FIG. 25 is a sectional view and a side view of the female connector housing, FIG. 26 is a view of the main part, FIGS. It is sectional drawing which shows the state at the time of performing joint release.

<About connector 1>
In FIG. 23, the connector 1 of the third embodiment, like the connector 1 of the first and second embodiments, is for electrically connecting a transmission mounted on a vehicle body such as an automobile etc. And a bayonet structure for fitting with the mating connector 102 (see FIG. 35) with a low operating force. That is, the connector 1 is configured to include the bayonet ring 2. In addition, the connector 1 has a female terminal 104 (terminal; see FIG. 36) provided at the end of a plurality of electric wires 103 (see FIG. 35) and a female connector housing 3 (connector housing) capable of accommodating the female terminal 104 from the rear side. And a front holder 4 assembled to the front of the female connector housing 3, and a packing 109 assembled between the terminal accommodating portion 5 (see FIG. 3) and the cylindrical portion 6 (see FIG. 3) of the female connector housing 3. See FIG. 35).

  The connector 1 of the third embodiment is the same as the connector 101 (see FIG. 35) of the prior art except for the bayonet ring 2 and the female connector housing 3, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<About Bayonet Ring 2>
In FIGS. 23 and 24, the bayonet ring 2 is rotatably mounted to the female connector housing 3. The bayonet ring 2 includes a body portion 7, a movement locking portion 8, a plurality of rotation support portions 9, a cam protrusion 10, and a rotation restriction protrusion (not shown) (the same as the rotation restriction protrusion 124 in FIG. 37). It has and is formed in the illustrated shape.

  The body 7 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape. The movement locking portion 8 is a characteristic portion of the present embodiment, and is engaged with either one of a temporary locking portion 19 (see FIG. 14) and a main locking portion 20 which will be described later as the body portion 7 rotates. It is stopped (it mentions later, but operation differs from Example 1 and Example 2). The plurality of rotation support portions 9 are formed as portions to be fitted to fitting grooves 18 (see FIGS. 24 and 25) described later. The cam projection 10 is formed as a portion engaged with the mating connector 102 (see FIG. 35). The rotation control convex part which is not shown in figure is formed as a part which controls excessive rotation. The bayonet ring 2 as described above is formed in the same manner as the bayonet ring 110 (see FIGS. 35 to 37) of the prior art except for the movement locking portion 8. Moreover, the bayonet ring 2 is formed in the same shape as Example 1 and Example 2 except the movement latching | locking part 8. FIG.

<About the moving locking portion 8>
In FIGS. 24 and 26, the movable locking portion 8 is connected to a flexible arm 11 extending in the circumferential direction of the body 7 and the tip of the arm 11 and along the central axis CL. It has the latching claw part 12 which protrudes, and the notch part 13 formed in the other side of the latching claw part 12. As shown in FIG. As in the conventional example, the arm portion 11 is formed into a cantilever arm shape that bends along the central axis CL, with the notch 13 as a bending allowable space. Further, as a feature of the present embodiment, the arm portion 11 is also formed in a cantilever arm shape that bends in a direction approaching the central axis CL (as bent inward instead of outside as in the first and second embodiments) It is formed).

  The locking claw portion 12 is formed such that the side portion of the protrusion has a surface which is lower than the side portion (side surface) which is the outer side of the arm portion 11. The side part which becomes the outer side of the latching claw part 12 is formed as a part which strikes the striking bottom part 26 mentioned later (in other words, it is formed as a part which generates a lock sound by striking). Further, the side portion of the locking claw 12 is also formed as a portion sliding on a slope 31 (slope main body 31 a) described later. The locking claw portion 12 has a locking surface 14 which functions when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting direction, a locking surface 15 which functions when rotated in the fitting releasing direction, and a top portion 16.

<About female connector housing 3>
In FIG. 24 to FIG. 26, the female connector housing 3 has the terminal accommodating portion 5, the cylindrical portion 6, and the flange portion 17 and is formed in the illustrated shape. In the female connector housing 3, the terminal accommodating portion 5 and the cylindrical portion 6 are formed in the same shape as the conventional example and the first and second embodiments. Reference numeral 18 of the cylindrical portion 6 denotes a fitting groove portion which is a circumferential groove portion. The fitting groove portion 18 is formed as a portion to which the rotation support portion 9 (see FIG. 23) of the bayonet ring 2 is fitted. The flange portion 17 includes a temporary locking portion 19 used in the initial fitting state of the mating connector 102 (see FIG. 35) and a full locking portion 20 used in the complete mating state of the mating connector 102; It has rotation regulation part 21 (21a, 21b) which regulates excessive rotation of bayonet ring 2.

<About the temporary locking portion 19>
In FIG. 25, the temporary locking portion 19 is formed in the same shape as the temporary locking portion 113 of the conventional example (see FIG. 37) and the temporary locking portion 19 of the first and second embodiments. The temporary locking portions 19 are formed along the circumferential direction of the flange portion 17 and have a shape that allows temporary locking and overtaking of the movable locking portion 8 (see FIGS. 24 and 26). The temporary locking portion 19 is formed in the illustrated shape having the first concave portion 22 and the first convex portion 23. The operation of the temporary locking portion 19 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34.

<About the main locking portion 20>
In FIG. 24 to FIG. 26, the main locking portion 20 is a characteristic portion of the present embodiment, and is a locking portion for the movement locking portion 8 of the bayonet ring 2 and has a shape portion different from the temporary locking portion 19 (This makes it possible to make the operation feel different). Further, the main locking portion 20 is formed in a shape that can be aligned along the circumferential direction of the flange portion 17 and that main locking and overtaking of the movable locking portion 8 can be performed. The main locking portion 20 is formed in the illustrated shape having a second recess 24 and a second protrusion 25.

  The second recess 24 has a striking bottom 26 which is struck on the side of the locking claw 12 in the movable locking portion 8 (the placement of the bottom 26 is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment). The second recess 24 has a locking surface 27 which functions when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting direction, a locking surface 28 which functions when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting release direction, and an opening 29. And a movement control unit 30. The movement restricting portion 30 is formed such that the locking claw portion 12 can be hooked in a state in which the locking claw portion 12 exists in the second concave portion 24. In other words, it is formed so as to be able to restrict movement in a direction approaching the central axis CL.

  The 2nd convex part 25 has the slope part 31 which consists only of the slope part main body 31a. The slope portion 31 is formed in an inclined surface with an appropriate angle such that the side closer to the second recess 24 is at the top. The inclined surface main body 31 a is formed in an inclined surface on which the locking claw 12 slides.

<Regarding Rotation Restriction Unit 21>
In FIG. 25, the rotation restricting portion 21 is formed in the same shape as the conventional rotation restricting portion 115 (see FIG. 37). That is, the rotation restricting portion 21 is formed in a portion that restricts excessive rotation of the bayonet ring 2.

<About the operation of the movement locking portion 8 and the full locking portion 20>
The operation of the movable locking portion 8 and the full locking portion 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 32. Specifically, when fitting with the mating connector 102 (see FIGS. 35 and 37), the action from the state immediately before bending of the arm portion 11 to the state after elastic recovery and the fitting with the mating connector 102. A description will be given of the operation at the time of canceling the coupling. The temporary locking portion 19 (see FIG. 25) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34.

  In FIG. 27 and FIG. 31 (a), with the rotational movement of the bayonet ring 2, the locking claw 12 at the tip of the arm 11 moves to the vicinity of the slope 31 (the slope main body 31a). At this time, the arm 11 is not yet bent. In FIG. 28 and FIG. 31 (b), when the rotation of the bayonet ring 2 is advanced, the locking claw 12 abuts on the slope portion 31 (slope portion main body 31a), and this slope portion 31 (slope portion main body 31a). Start sliding. At this time, the arm portion 11 starts moving in a direction approaching the central axis CL, that is, inward. The operator notices that the feeling is different from that of the temporary locking portion 19. In FIG. 29 and FIG. 31 (c), when the rotation of the bayonet ring 2 is further advanced, the locking claw 12 slides on the slope 31 (slope main body 31a) and moves to the top. At this time, the arm portion 11 is in a state of being maximally bent inward. In FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 (d), when the rotation of the bayonet ring 2 is further advanced, the locking claws 12 ride over the slope portion 31 (slope portion main body 31a). That is, the second convex portion 25 is overcome. At this time, the arm portion 11 elastically returns outward from the inward bent state to the original state, and at this time, the side portion of the locking claw portion 12 strikes the strike bottom portion 26. As a result of the side portions of the locking claws 12 being hit, a relatively loud sound makes a "locking" and a locking sound. Thus, the mating connector 102 (see FIG. 37) is completely fitted.

  In the above configuration and structure, when the engagement with the mating connector 102 is released, the bayonet ring 2 is rotationally moved in the reverse direction to the above. At this time, the arm portion 11 bends along the central axis CL (see FIG. 23). That is, the deflection described in FIGS. 27 to 31 is not performed. This is due to the structure of the main locking portion 20. The movement of the locking claw 12 at the time of releasing the fitting is as shown in FIG.

<About the effect of connector 1>
As described above with reference to FIGS. 23 to 32, according to the connector 1 of the third embodiment which is an embodiment of the present invention, the bending method of the arm portion 11 of the movement locking portion 8 is a temporary engagement. Since the structure is changed between the stop portion 19 and the main locking portion 20, it is possible to reliably determine whether it is overtaking the temporary locking portion 19 or over the main locking portion 20 by touch. Further, according to the connector 1, since the bending bottom portion 26 of the main locking portion 20 is hit by the side portion of the locking claw portion 12 when the bent arm portion 11 is elastically restored, it is relatively large. It is possible to generate a lock sound, so that it is possible to make sure that the overcoming has been completed and locked by sound. Therefore, according to the connector 1, the fitting state with the mating connector 102 can be recognized by touch and sound. This brings about the effect that the workability can be improved.

<About the operation of the movement locking portion 8 and the temporary locking portion 19>
FIG. 33 is a side view showing a temporarily locked state. Moreover, FIG. 34 is a side view which shows the state at the time of rotating in a fitting direction and performing temporary latching cancellation | release. The thin arrows in FIG. 34 indicate the fitting direction and the temporary locking release direction.

  The movement locking portion 8 is, as described above, the arm portion 11, the locking claw portion 12 coupled to the tip of the arm portion 11 and protruding along the central axis CL, and the opposite side of the locking claw portion 12. And a notch 13 to be formed. The locking claw 12 has a locking surface 14 that functions when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting direction, a locking surface 15 located on the opposite side of the locking surface 14, and a top 16. On the other hand, the temporary locking portion 19 has a first concave portion 22 and a first convex portion 23. The first recess 22 has a pair of locking wall surfaces 32 and 33, an opening 34 between the pair of locking wall surfaces 32 and 33, and a bottom 35. The locking wall surface 32 is formed on a surface that functions with respect to the locking claw 12 when the bayonet ring 2 is rotated in the fitting direction. That is, it is formed on a surface along the central axis CL (a surface along the vertical direction of the drawing (a small inclination may be given)). The locking wall surface 32 is disposed and formed on the side of the first convex portion 23.

  The bottom portion 35 of the temporary locking portion 19 is formed on a surface on which the locking claw portion 12 does not strike unlike the bottom portion of the main locking portion 20 (see FIGS. 1, 12 and 23).

  In FIG. 33, with the rotational movement of the bayonet ring 2 in the fitting direction (in the temporary locking release direction), the locking surface 14 of the locking claw 12 in the moving locking unit 8 is the first recess 22. It abuts on the locking wall surface 32. At this time, under the force of rotational movement, the arm portion 11 is bent and deformed to the side of the notch portion 13. As a result, as shown in FIG. It will be in the middle of passing as it slides. When the locking claws 12 completely pass (get over) the first projection 23, the temporary locking state is released.

  From FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, the bending of the arm portion 11 of the movement locking portion 8 is the time of temporary locking release of the temporary locking portion 19 and fitting of the main locking portion 20 (see FIGS. 8, 21 and 29). It turns out that the time is different.

  Besides the above, it goes without saying that the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  Although the above-mentioned characteristic part is adopted to connector 1 provided with female connector housing 3 in the above explanation, it shall be applicable also to a connector provided with a male connector housing.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... connector, 2 ... bayonet ring, 3 ... female connector housing (connector housing), 4 ... front holder, 5 ... terminal accommodating part, 6 ... cylindrical part, 7 ... body part, 8 ... movement stop part, 9 ... rotation Support portion 10 Cam protrusion 11 Arm portion 12 Locking claw portion 13 Notched portion 14 Locking surface 15 Locking surface 16 Top portion 17 Flange portion 18 Fit Joint groove portion 19 temporary locking portion 20 main locking portion 21 rotation restricting portion 22 first concave portion 23 first convex portion 24 second concave portion 25 second convex portion 26 Reference numeral 27: 28 locking surface 29: opening portion 30: movement regulating portion 31: slope portion 31a: slope portion body 31b: twisting slope 32, 33: locking wall surface 34: opening Part, 35 ... bottom, CL ... central axis

Claims (3)

A connector housing for accommodating a plurality of terminals, and a bayonet ring rotatably mounted on the connector housing;
The connector housing has a terminal receiving portion, a cylindrical portion disposed and formed outside the terminal receiving portion, and a substantially hook-like flange portion located at the rear of the housing and continuous with the cylindrical portion.
The flange portion has a temporary locking portion used in an initial fitting state of the mating connector and a full locking portion used in a complete mating state of the mating connector,
The bayonet ring has a cylindrical body portion, and a moving engagement portion engaged with one of the temporary engagement portion and the full engagement portion as the body portion rotates.
The movable locking portion is a flexible arm portion extending in the circumferential direction of the body portion, and an engagement portion connected to the arm portion and protruding toward the flange portion along the axial direction of the body portion. A claw portion and a notch portion formed on the axially opposite side of the locking claw portion,
The temporary locking portion has a first concave portion and a first convex portion which are arranged along the circumferential direction of the flange portion and can temporarily lock and move over the movable locking portion,
The first concave portion has a locking wall surface which is a contact portion of a locking surface formed in the locking claw portion as a surface along the axial direction and on the side of the first convex portion.
The main locking portion has a second concave portion and a second convex portion which are arranged along the circumferential direction of the flange portion and which can perform main locking and overtaking of the movable locking portion,
The second recess has a striking bottom which is struck at the side of the arm and / or at the side of the locking claw,
The connector according to claim 1, wherein the second convex portion includes an inclined surface portion that bends the arm portion in a direction away from or in a direction closer to a center of the body portion. In the connector according to claim 1,
The sloped portion has only a sloped portion main body that bends the arm portion away from or towards the center of the body portion, or the sloped portion main body is bent in the direction away from or toward the center. A connector characterized by having a twist slope which applies a twist to an arm part. In the connector according to claim 1 or 2,
The connector according to claim 1, wherein the second concave portion includes a convex movement restricting portion that hooks the arm portion and / or the locking claw portion to restrict movement in the away direction or the approaching direction.

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