JP3726999B2

JP3726999B2 - Connector mating structure

Info

Publication number: JP3726999B2
Application number: JP12261099A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 将典辻; 誠久樫山
Original assignee: Yazaki Corp
Current assignee: Yazaki Corp
Priority date: 1999-04-28
Filing date: 1999-04-28
Publication date: 2005-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2019-04-28
Also published as: JP2000315545A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、相互に嵌合接続される一組の雌雄コネクタの少なくとも一方のハウジングに装着した弾性部材の反発力により中途嵌合を確実に防止すると共に、相手コネクタとの嵌合ロックを確実に行うためのコネクタ嵌合構造に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
通常、自動車等の車両には、多数の電子機器が搭載されており、それら機器への電源供給や制御のために様々なケーブルとそのケーブル接続用の雌雄コネクタが多用されている。この雌雄コネクタにおいては、振動や冠水など厳しい環境で使用される場合を考慮して防水機能を有すると共に、組み立て工程やメンテナンス時を考慮してケーブルを簡便に接続したり取り外すことができる機能を有している。そして、この雌雄コネクタの嵌合状態を検知できるコネクタ嵌合構造も種々なものが提案されている。
【０００３】
従来のコネクタ嵌合構造の一例を図９〜図１２を参照して説明する。
図９に示すように従来のコネクタ嵌合構造５１を構成する一方のコネクタである雄コネクタ６０は、端子収容室を備え前方に開口したインナハウジング６２と、その上部に後述するスライダ７０を摺動可能に装着するとともに、前記インナハウジング６２外周を覆うフード部を形成するアウタハウジング６１とから構成されている。
【０００４】
前記アウタハウジング６１は、スライダ７０を収容するスライダ収容部６３を形成するためのものであり、その両側端のハウジング内壁にはスライダ７０の両側端部を案内するガイド溝６５が設けられている。このスライダ収容部６３内のインナハウジング６２上には嵌合方向の軸線に沿って前方側に自由端部を有するロックアーム６６が一体的に設けられている。
【０００５】
また、ロックアーム６６の先端上部には後述する相手側ハウジング９１の係合突起９３（図９参照）を係止する一対のハウジングロック６８が設けられており、中央上部には嵌合解除時に操作する押圧部６９が設けられている。
また、スライダ収容部６３後方の嵌合方向の軸線に沿って後方側に、自由端部の後端に係止突起６７ａを備え、スライダ７０の後方への移動を一時的に阻止する一対の係止アーム６７が設けられている。
【０００６】
また、スライダ７０は、ガイド溝６５に案内されてスライダ収容部６３内を摺動する第１スライド部材７１と、該第１スライド部材７１後方に係合される第２スライド部材７６と、該第２スライド部材７６内に保持される弾性部材である圧縮バネ８３とから構成されている。
第１スライド部材７１は、後方に延びると共に圧縮バネ８３の一方端と当接する一対のストッパアーム部７３、７３と、ストッパアーム部７３を連結する連結部７４から成っている。この連結部７４の下方には後述する雌コネクタ９０側の押圧リブ９２が当接する当接部７５が設けられている。また、連結部７４の両側端には、後述する第２スライド部材７６側の係合アーム部７８の移動を許容する一対のスライド溝７２、７２が設けられている。
【０００７】
また、第２スライド部材７６は、ガイド溝６５内に外側部分が摺動自在に嵌入され、前端下部にロックアーム６６先端のハウジングロック６８を変位時に係止する係止部７７が前方に延設されている。また、第２スライド部材７６の中央上部には嵌合解除時に操作する可撓性を有する操作部７９が設けられ、スライダー収容部６３内への挿着時にロックアーム６６の押圧部６９を上方から覆うようになる。
また、第２スライド部材７６の両側端には第１スライド部材７１のストッパアーム部７３に係止される一対の係合アーム部７８、７８が設けられている。また、第２スライド部材７６の両内壁部分には、圧縮バネ８３を収容保持するバネ収容室８１が設けられている。
【０００８】
次に、他方のコネクタである雌コネクタ９０は、前方に開口したハウジング挿入口９４を備え、ハウジング９１上の外壁中央部分に第１スライド部材７１の当接部７５に衝き当たる押圧リブ９２が立設されており、該押圧リブ９２の対向した両側部にロックアーム６６を撓ませ、かつハウジングロック６８を係合する一対の係合突起９３、９３が設けられている。
【０００９】
次に、上述した構成のコネクタ嵌合構造５１における雌雄コネクタ６０、９０の嵌合作用を説明する。
先ず、図９に示すようにスライダ７０の組付けを行う。即ち、スライダ７０の組付けは、１組の圧縮バネ８３を第２スライド部材７６内のバネ収容室８１内に挿着してから、第１スライド部材７１のストッパアーム部７３をバネ収容室８１内に保持した状態で第１スライド部材７１と第２スライド部材７６が一体化される。
【００１０】
次に、スライダ７０の雄コネクタ６０への組付けは、雄コネクタ６０の前方からスライダ収容部６３内にスライダ７０が押し込まれる。この時、第１スライド部材７１のストッパアーム部７３および連結部７４の側端部分、並びに第２スライド部材７６の側端部分がガイド溝６５内に嵌入され、第２スライド部材７６の後端部分が係止アーム６７に突き当たってスライダ７０の装着が完了する。
【００１１】
次に、上述した従来形態のコネクタ嵌合構造５１を構成する雌雄コネクタ６０、９０の嵌合作用について図１０〜図１２を参照しながら説明する。
図１０に示すように雄コネクタ６０のインナハウジング６２と雌コネクタ９０のハウジング挿入口９４を対峙させた状態から雄コネクタ６０のアウタハウジング６１を雌コネクタ９０のハウジング９１に外嵌させるように雌雄コネクタの嵌合操作を開始する。この時、雌コネクタ９０の押圧リブ９２が第２スライド部材７６の挿通切欠部７７ａ（図９参照）に嵌入され、押圧リブ９２前端が第１スライド部材７１の当接部７５に当接する。
【００１２】
そして、図１１に示すように雌コネクタ９０の押圧リブ９２が、第１スライド部材７１を押し込みながら雄コネクタ６０のロックアーム６６の挿通空間６６ａ（図９参照）内に挿入される。この時、ロックアーム６６先端部分のハウジングロック６８の傾斜面と押圧リブ９２前端部分の係合突起９３が摺接して、ロックアーム６６先端側を雌コネクタ９０のハウジング９１側（図中下方）に変位させる。従って、ハウジングロック６８先端部分が第２スライド部材７６の係止部７７に係合され、第２スライド部材７６が第１スライド部材７１と共に一体的に摺動できない状態となる。
【００１３】
さらに、嵌合操作を進めると、押圧リブ９２に押されて第１スライド部材７１が後方に移動する。この時、第１スライド部材７１側部のスライド溝７２（図９参照）内への第２スライド部材７６の係合アーム部７８（図９参照）の移動が許容される。この第２スライド部材７６が制止された状態で第１スライド部材７１が移動することで、第２スライド部材７６内の圧縮バネ８３が圧縮され、弾性復帰しようとする復元力が発生する。
仮に、この雄コネクタ６０側のハウジングロック６８と雌コネクタ９０側の係合突起９３が完全に係合していない中途嵌合状態で、嵌合動作を停止させると圧縮バネ８３の復元力で嵌合方向とは逆の離脱方向に第１スライド部材７１が押し戻される。これにより、第１スライド部材７１の当接部７５に当接していた押圧リブ９２を介して雌コネクタ９０が離脱方向に押し戻され、中途嵌合状態を防止することができる。
【００１４】
さらに、図１２に示すように圧縮バネ８３に抗して嵌合操作を進めると、雌コネクタ９０側の係合突起９３がロックアーム６６先端のハウジングロック６８を乗り越えて弾性復帰する。これにより、ハウジングロック６８先端部分と第２スライド部材７６先端の係止部７７との係合状態が解除され、ハウジングロック６８が係合突起９３後端に係合される。従って、雄コネクタ６０と雌コネクタ９０が完全嵌合状態になり、双方のコンタクト６４、９５も電気的に完全な接続状態となる。
【００１５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記従来のコネクタ嵌合構造５１は、スライダ７０の組み付けが完了している状態では圧縮バネ８３にわずかながら復元力が働いており、雄コネクタ６０に組み付けられた状態で搬送された場合、搬送時の振動等により係合アーム部７８がストッパアーム部７３の係合面から外れたり、第２スライド部材７６の後端面が係止アーム６７の係止突起６７ａから外れる可能性がある。
従って、嵌合操作前に第１スライド部材７１が抜け落ちたり、第２スライド部材７６がアウタハウジング６１の後部へ勝手に移動してしまい、係止部７７がハウジングロック６８の下面に入り込んで、ロックアーム６６が嵌合操作時に撓めなくなるという問題があった。
【００１６】
本発明の目的は、上記課題に鑑みてなされたものであり、一組の雌雄コネクタの嵌合操作時に中途嵌合状態が確実に検知されると共に、嵌合作業中に嵌合操作ができなくなるようなことがないコネクタ嵌合構造を提供することである。
【００１７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明に係わる上記課題は、下記１）〜３）項に記載したコネクタ嵌合構造によって解決することができる。
１）相互に嵌合接続される一組の雌雄コネクタの内、前方に開口したインナハウジングと該インナハウジングを覆いスライダを摺動可能に装着するアウタハウジングとから構成され、前記インナハウジング上の前端にハウジングロックを備えたロックアームが設けられた一方のコネクタと、ハウジング上に前記スライダに衝き当たる押圧リブを備え、該押圧リブ先端の対向した両側部に前記ロックアームを撓ませ、かつ前記ハウジングロックを係合する一対の係合突起が設けられた他方のコネクタと、前記スライダが前記アウタハウジング内を軸方向に摺動する第１スライド部材と、該第１スライド部材後方に係合される第２スライド部材と、該第２スライド部材内に保持され、かつ前記第１、第２スライド部材を互に離反させる方向に弾性力が働く弾性部材とから構成されているコネクタ嵌合構造において、
前記第２スライド部材が、前記一方のコネクタのアウタハウジングの裏面に設けられた第１係合部に係合する可撓性の第１係合アームと、同じく前記アウタハウジングに設けられた第２係合部に係合する可撓性の第２係合アームとを備え、前記雌雄コネクタの嵌合操作時に前記第１スライド部材と第２スライド部材が前記弾性部材の反発力に抗して接近する際、前記第１スライド部材が、前記第１係合アームの係合状態を解除し、かつ該第１係合アームを逃がすスライド溝を備えると共に、前記第２スライド部材の前記第２係合アームの係合状態が前記他方のコネクタの前記ハウジング先端部により解除されることを特徴とするコネクタ嵌合構造。
【００１８】
２）前記第２スライド部材が、その前端部に前記ハウジングロックの下方変位を押さえる係止部を備え、該係止部の後端面に後方下がりの傾斜面が設けられている。
３）前記第２スライド部材が、前記第１スライド部材の係止補助面に係止される平板状の係止補助アームを備えている。
【００１９】
上記構成のコネクタ嵌合構造によれば、第２スライド部材が、一方のコネクタのアウタハウジングの裏面に設けられた第１係合部に係合する可撓性の第１係合アームを備えているので、他方のコネクタのハウジングが一方のコネクタに嵌入して、他方のコネクタの係合突起がハウジングロックを押し下げた後、スライド溝内に第１係合アームの先端部分を逃がさない限り第１係合アームは第１係合部から解除されない。
従って、第２スライド部材はハウジングロックが押し下げられる前に振動等により勝手に後退するようなことはなく、雌雄コネクタの嵌合操作ができなくなるようなことがないので、雌雄コネクタの信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００２０】
また、第２スライド部材が、一方のコネクタの前記アウタハウジングに設けられている第２係合部に係合する可撓性の第２係合アームを備えているので、他方のコネクタのハウジング先端により第２係合アームが第２係合部から外されるまで、即ちハウジングロックが他方のコネクタの係合突起に係合される直前まで、第２スライド部材は振動等で係合状態が解除されるようなことはない。
従って、完全嵌合直前までは弾性部材の弾性力は高く保たれているから、中途嵌合状態で嵌合力を弛めれば他方のコネクタを確実にかつ強力に離反することができ、雌雄コネクタの信頼性を一層向上させることができる。
【００２１】
また、前記第２スライド部材が、その前端部にハウジングロックの下方変位を押さえる係止部を備え、該係止部の後端面に後方下がりの傾斜面が設けられているので、ハウジングロックが係止部の後端面を弾性部材の大きな弾性力により滑らかに滑り上って他方のコネクタの係合突起に係合される。
従って、比較的小さな低嵌合力で完全嵌合が確実に行われるから、雌雄コネクタの信頼性をより一層向上させることができる。
【００２２】
さらに、前記第２スライド部材が、第１スライド部材の係止補助面に係止される平板状の係止補助アームを備えているので、第１スライド部材に安定的に係合され、振動等により第１スライド部材から外れるようなことはなく、スライダの信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００２３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明のコネクタ嵌合構造の一実施形態を図１乃至図８に基づいて詳細に説明する。図１は本発明のコネクタ嵌合構造の一実施形態を示す縦断面図、図２は図１におけるスライダの分解斜視図、図３は図１における雌雄コネクタハウジングの斜視図、図４は図１における嵌合開始時の作動説明図、図５は図１における嵌合途中の作動説明図、図６は図１におけるさらに嵌合が進んだ状態を示す作動説明図、図７は図１における嵌合完了時の縦断面図、図８は図１における係止部の後端面の傾斜状態を示す説明図である。
【００２４】
図１乃至図３に示すコネクタ嵌合構造１は、相互に嵌合接続される一組の雌雄コネクタの内、一方のコネクタとしての雄コネクタ１０にはソケットコンタクト１４を嵌入し前方に開口したインナハウジング１２と、該インナハウジング１２の上部にスライダ２０を摺動可能に装着すると共に、インナハウジング１２を覆うフード状のアウタハウジング１１とから構成されている。
前記インナハウジング１２上には嵌合方向の軸線に沿って設けられた可撓性を有するロックアーム１６が、前端に鈎状のハウジングロック１８を備え、該ロックアーム１６の中央上部には嵌合解除時に操作する押圧部１９が設けられている。
【００２５】
さらに詳しくは、上記インナハウジング１２の上面とアウタハウジング１１の上面裏側との間はスライダ収容部１３が形成されており、その両側端のハウジング内壁にはスライダ２０の両側端部を案内するガイド溝１５が設けられている。また、ロックアーム１６とアウタハウジング１１内壁との間にスライダ２０を挿入するための側方空間１３ａが設けられている。また、ロックアーム１６およびハウジングロック１８の間には挿通空間１６ａが設けられており、インナハウジング１２の外周にはシール部材１２ａ（図４参照）が被せられている。
さらに、アウタハウジング１１の裏面には、後述する第１係合アーム２８を係合する第１係合部４６が設けられ、後述する第２係合アーム４７に係合する第２係合部４８が設けられている。
【００２６】
上記スライダ２０は、アウタハウジング１１内を軸方向に摺動する第１スライド部材２１と、該第１スライド部材２１後方に係合される第２スライド部材２６と、該第２スライド部材２６内に保持され、第１、第２スライド部材２１、２６を互に離反させる方向に弾性力が働く弾性部材としての圧縮バネ３３とから構成されている。
【００２７】
上記第１スライド部材２１は、後方に延設されると共に圧縮バネ３３の一方端と当接する一対のストッパアーム部２３と、該一対のストッパアーム部２３を前端部で連結する連結部２４とから成り、該連結部２４の前端部下方には後述する雌コネクタ４０側の押圧リブ４２が当接する当接部２５が設けられている。また、ストッパアーム部２３の上部には後述する係止補助アーム４９を係止するための係止補助面２３ａが設けられている。
また、雌雄コネクタの嵌合操作時に第１、第２スライド部材２１、２６が接近する際、後述する第１係合アーム２８の先端部分を逃がすためのスライド溝２２が連結部２４の後端部に設けられている。
【００２８】
上記第２スライド部材２６は、前端下部にハウジングロック１８の下方向変位を押さえる係止部２７が前方に延設され、中央上部に嵌合解除時に操作するための離脱防止部２９が設けられ、スライダ２０のアウタハウジング１１への装着時には前述した押圧部１９を覆うようになる。また、雌雄コネクタ１０、４０の嵌合時に雌コネクタ４０の後述する押圧リブ４２が干渉しないように、一対の係止部２７、２７間には切欠き部２７ａが設けられている。
また、、嵌合解除時に第２スライド部材２６を前方に移動させることでロックアーム１６の押圧部１９に当接して、該ロックアーム１６を下方に撓ませてハウジングロック１８の係合状態を解除させるための解除突起５０が離脱防止部２９の前端下面に設けられている。
また、第１スライド部材２１の係止補助面２３ａに係止される係止補助突起４９ａを前端下面に有し、平板状で可撓性を有する一対の係止補助アーム４９を備えている。また、係止部２７の後端面に後方下がりの傾斜角βの傾斜面３０が設けられている（図８参照）。
【００２９】
さらに、第２スライド部材２６は、アウタハウジング１１の裏面に設けられた第１係合部４６に係合される鉤状の第１係止突起２８ａを前端に有し、可撓性を有する一対の第１係合アーム２８と、アウタハウジング１１に設けられた第２係合部４８に係合される鉤状の第２係止突起４７ａを前端に有し、可撓性を有する第２係合アーム４７を備えている。
【００３０】
また、他方のコネクタとしての雌コネクタ４０のハウジング４１内には、ピンコンタクト４５が嵌合方向に突出しており、ハウジング４１上の外壁中央部分には、前述した第１スライド部材２１の当接部２５に突き当たる押圧リブ４２が嵌合方向に沿って延設されている。また、押圧リブ４２先端の対向した両側部にはロックアーム１６を撓ませ、ハウジングロック１８を係合する一対の係合突起４３が設けられている。
【００３１】
次に、上述した構成のコネクタ嵌合構造１の嵌合作用を説明する。先ず、図２に示すように第２スライド部材２６の両側に圧縮バネ３３をセットした後、第１スライド部材２１のストッパアーム部２３を当接させると、係止補助面２３ａに係止補助アーム４９の係止補助突起４９ａが係止されることでスライダ２０の組み付けが完了する。
【００３２】
次に、図３に示したようにアウタハウジング１１のガイド溝１５に沿ってスライダ収容部１３内にスライダ２０の第１スライド部材２１の連結部２４の前端面が面一になるまで挿入する。すると、図１に示したように第２スライド部材２６の第１係合アーム２８の第１係止突起２８ａがアウタハウジング１１の第１係合部４６に係止されると共に、第２係合アーム４７の第２係止突起４７ａが第２係合部４８に係止される。
従って、第２スライド部材２６は、一対の第１係合アーム２８と第２係合アーム４７の計３箇所で雄コネクタ１０のアウタハウジング１１に係止されるので、アウタハウジング１１の第１、第２係合部４６、４８から第１、第２係合アーム２８、４７が外れて後方に移動するようなことはない。
【００３３】
次に、図４に示すように雌コネクタ４０のハウジング４１の内壁が雄コネクタ１０のインナハウジング１２の外周に案内されるように挿入されると、押圧リブ４２の先端は第１スライド部材２１の当接部２５に当接されると共に、第２スライド部材２６の係止部２７はハウジング４１上面に滑入される。
【００３４】
次に、図５に示すように嵌合が進むと、第２スライド部材２６はその位置を保持されたまま第１スライド部材２１のみが圧縮バネ３３の弾性力に抗して雌コネクタ４０の押圧リブ４２に押圧され、圧縮バネ３３を縮めながらスライダ収容部１３内の後方へ移動する。すると、係合突起４３はハウジングロック１８を押下げるのでロックアーム１６は下方へ撓む。
【００３５】
次に、図６に示すように更に嵌合が進むと、第１係合アーム２８は第１係合部４６から解除されてスライド溝２２内に逃げるようにもぐり込むと共に、第２係合アーム４７も雌コネクタ４０のハウジング４１先端部に押圧されて第２係合部４８から解除され、圧縮バネ３３の弾性力により係止部２７の傾斜面３０はハウジングロック１８先端を後方へ押圧する。
この段階で、仮に雌コネクタ４０の嵌合力を解除すると、第１スライド部材２１は圧縮バネ３３の弾性力によって前方へ押圧されているから当接部２５及び押圧リブ４２を介して雌コネクタ４０が離反方向に押し戻される。また、コネクタ嵌合が完了していないと、ロックアーム１６上の押圧部１９が第２スライド部材２６の離脱防止部２９にほぼ覆われているので不完全嵌合であることを目視でも検知できる。
【００３６】
次に、図７に示すように雌コネクタ４０が嵌合方向に更に押されると、下方へ撓んでいるロックアーム１６は元の位置に復帰すると共に、ハウジングロック１８は係合突起４３に係合される。すると、係止部２７がハウジングロック１８から解除されるので、圧縮バネ３３の弾性力により第２スライド部材２６は雄コネクタ１０の後部へ移動する。この時、係止部２７はハウジングロック１８の下面に潜り込むので、ハウジングロック１８は係合突起４３に係合されたまま撓めない状態にロックされる。
従って、雌雄コネクタ１０、４０は完全嵌合状態となり、振動等により嵌合状態が解除されるようなことはない。また、第２スライド部材２６の離脱防止部２９はロックアーム１６上部の押圧部１９より後方へ離れているので、目視により完全嵌合状態であることが検知できる。また、圧縮バネ３３の反発力が急減する節度感でも完全嵌合状態を検知できる。
【００３７】
ところで、図８(a) に示したように上記係止部２７の後端面が垂直壁又は傾斜角α°だけ前方下がりに傾いていると、図６に示したように後端面はハウジングロック１８先端を圧縮バネ３３の弾性力で押圧しているので、下方へ撓んでいたロックアーム１６が自らの復元力で上方へ戻り係合突起４３に係合されることができなくなる。
従って、係止部２７の後端面は、図８(b) に示したように後方下がりの傾斜角β°だけ傾いた傾斜面３０が設けられていると、下方へ撓んでいたロックアーム１６がこの傾斜面３０に沿って上方へ戻り係合突起４３に係合されるので、低嵌合力で嵌合操作を進めることができる。
【００３８】
上述したように本実施形態におけるコネクタ嵌合構造によれば、上記雄コネクタ１０のアウタハウジング１１の裏面に設けられた第１係合部４６に係合し、前端に第１係止突起２８ａを有する第１係合アーム２８があるので、雌コネクタ４０のハウジング４１が雄コネクタ１０に嵌入して係合突起４３がハウジングロック１８を押し下げた後、スライド溝２２内に第１係合アーム２８を逃さない限り、該第１係合アーム２８は第１係合部４６から解除されない。
従って、第２スライド部材２６はハウジングロック１８が押し下げられる前に振動等によりアウタハウジング１１から外れてハウジング後方に後退するようなことはなく、雌雄コネクタ１０、４０相互の嵌合操作を確実に行うことができ、雌雄コネクタ１０、４０の信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００３９】
また、第２スライド部材２６には前端に第２係止突起４７ａを有する第２係合アーム４７を備えると共に、第２係合部４８が雄コネクタ１０のアウタハウジング１１に設けられているので、雌コネクタ４０のハウジング４１先端により第２係合アーム４７が外されるまで、即ちハウジングロック１８が雌コネクタ４０の係合突起４３に係合される直前までは第２スライド部材２６は振動等によりアウタハウジング１１から外れてハウジング後方に後退するようなことはない。
従って、完全嵌合直前まで圧縮バネ３３は圧縮されているので、その反発力は強く保たれており、中途嵌合状態で嵌合力を弛めれば雌コネクタ４０を確実に離反方向に押し出すことができ、雌雄コネクタ１０、４０の信頼性を一層向上させることができる。
【００４０】
さらに、第２スライド部材２６に設けられた係止部２７の後端面に後方下がりに傾斜角β°だけ傾いた傾斜面３０が設けられているので、雌雄コネクタ１０、４０の完全嵌合直前に、ハウジングロック１８が係止部２７の後端面を圧縮バネ３３の弾性力が加わった状態のまま傾斜面３０に沿って滑らかに上方に戻って、雌コネクタ４０の係合突起４３に係合される。従って、雌雄コネクタ１０、４０の完全嵌合が確実に行われるから、雌雄コネクタ１０、４０の信頼性をより一層向上させることができる。
【００４１】
なお、本発明は上述した実施形態に限定されるものでないことはいうまでもなく、種々な実施形態に適用することが可能である。例えば、本実施形態ではスライダ２０は雄コネクタ１０側に収容されていたが、雌コネクタ４０側に収容することも可能である。
また、ロックアーム１６や第１係合アーム２８が各々一対ずつ設けられていたが、１本であっても対応できる。また、第２係合アーム４７は必ずしも１本ではなく、一対であっても差支えない。
【００４２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明のコネクタ嵌合構造によれば、第２スライド部材が、一方のコネクタのアウタハウジングの裏面に設けられた第１係合部に係合する可撓性の第１係合アームと、同じくアウタハウジングに設けられた第２係合部に係合する可撓性の第２係合アームとを備え、雌雄コネクタの嵌合操作時に第１スライド部材と第２スライド部材が弾性部材の反発力に抗して接近する際、第１スライド部材が、第１係合アームの係合状態を解除し、かつ該第１係合アームを逃がすスライド溝を備えると共に、第２スライド部材の第２係合アームの係合状態が他方のコネクタのハウジング先端部により解除される。
従って、他方のコネクタのハウジングが一方のコネクタのアウタハウジング内に嵌入して、スライド溝内に第１係合アームが逃げない限り第１係合アームは第１係合部から解除されることはない。よって、雌雄コネクタの嵌合操作ができなくなるようなことはなく、雌雄コネクタの信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００４３】
また、他方のコネクタのハウジング先端により第２係合アームが外されるまで、即ちハウジングロックが他方のコネクタの係合突起に係合される直前までは第２スライド部材は振動等によりアウタハウジングから外れてハウジング後方に後退するようなことはない。従って、完全嵌合直前までは弾性部材の弾性力により中途嵌合状態で嵌合力を弛めれば双方の雌雄コネクタを確実に離反方向に押し戻すことができる。よって、雌雄コネクタの信頼性を一層向上させることができる。
【００４４】
また、前記コネクタ嵌合構造において、好ましくは前記第２スライド部材が、その前端部にハウジングロックの下方変位を押さえる係止部を備え、該係止部の後端面に後方下がりの傾斜面が設けられていると、雌雄コネクタの完全嵌合直前に、ハウジングロックが係止部の後端面の傾斜面に沿って上方に戻って他方のコネクタに係合される。従って、雌雄コネクタの嵌合操作が低挿入力で行われると共に、雌雄コネクタの完全嵌合が確実に行われるので、雌雄コネクタの信頼性を一層向上させることができる。
【００４５】
さらに、前記コネクタ嵌合構造において、好ましくは前記第２スライド部材が、第１スライド部材の係止補助面に係止される平板状の係止補助アームを備えていると、第１スライド部材に安定的に係合され、振動等により第１スライド部材から外れるようなことを確実に防止することができ、スライダの信頼性を向上させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のコネクタ嵌合構造の一実施形態を示す縦断面図である。
【図２】図１におけるスライダの分解斜視図である。
【図３】図１における雄コネクタ及び雌コネクタ要部の斜視図である。
【図４】図１における嵌合開始時の作動説明図である。
【図５】図１における嵌合途中の作動説明図である。
【図６】図１におけるさらに嵌合の進んだ状態の作動説明図である。
【図７】図１における嵌合完了時の作動説明図である。
【図８】図１における係止部の後端面の傾斜面を示す説明図である。
【図９】従来のコネクタ嵌合構造の一例を示す分解斜視図である。
【図１０】図９における嵌合開始時の作動説明図である。
【図１１】図９における嵌合途中の作動説明図である。
【図１２】図９における嵌合完了時の作動説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１コネクタ嵌合構造
１０一方のコネクタ（雄コネクタ）
１１アウタハウジング
１２インナハウジング
１６ロックアーム
１８ハウジングロック
１９押圧部
２０スライダ
２１第１スライド部材
２２スライド溝
２３ストッパアーム
２３ａ係止補助面
２４連結部
２５当接部
２６第２スライド部材
２７係止部
２８第１係合アーム
２８ａ第１係止突起
２９離脱防止部
３０傾斜面
３３弾性部材（圧縮バネ）
４０他方のコネクタ（雌コネクタ）
４１ハウジング
４２押圧リブ
４３係合突起
４６第１係合部
４７第２係合アーム
４７ａ第２係止突起
４８第２係合部
４９係止補助アーム
４９ａ係止補助突起[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention reliably prevents mid-fitting by the repulsive force of an elastic member attached to at least one housing of a pair of male and female connectors to be fitted and connected to each other, and reliably locks the mating connector with the mating connector. It is related with the connector fitting structure for performing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Usually, a vehicle such as an automobile is equipped with a large number of electronic devices, and various cables and male and female connectors for connecting the cables are often used for power supply and control to the devices. This male / female connector has a waterproof function in consideration of use in harsh environments such as vibration and submersion, and has a function to easily connect and disconnect cables in consideration of the assembly process and maintenance. are doing. Various connector fitting structures that can detect the fitting state of the male and female connectors have been proposed.
[0003]
An example of a conventional connector fitting structure will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 9, a male connector 60 which is one of the connectors constituting the conventional connector fitting structure 51 has an inner housing 62 provided with a terminal accommodating chamber and opened forward, and a slider 70 which will be described later slides on the upper portion. The outer housing 61 is formed so as to be capable of being attached and forms a hood portion covering the outer periphery of the inner housing 62.
[0004]
The outer housing 61 is for forming a slider accommodating portion 63 that accommodates the slider 70, and a guide groove 65 for guiding both end portions of the slider 70 is provided on the inner wall of the housing on both end portions thereof. A lock arm 66 having a free end portion on the front side along the axis of the fitting direction is integrally provided on the inner housing 62 in the slider accommodating portion 63.
[0005]
In addition, a pair of housing locks 68 are provided at the upper end of the lock arm 66 to lock an engagement protrusion 93 (see FIG. 9) of a mating housing 91 described later. A pressing portion 69 is provided.
In addition, a pair of engagements are provided on the rear side along the fitting direction axis behind the slider accommodating portion 63 and provided with a locking projection 67a at the rear end of the free end portion to temporarily prevent the slider 70 from moving backward. A stop arm 67 is provided.
[0006]
The slider 70 is guided by the guide groove 65 and slides in the slider accommodating portion 63, the second slide member 76 engaged behind the first slide member 71, and the first slide member 71. It is comprised from the compression spring 83 which is an elastic member hold | maintained in the 2 slide member 76. FIG.
The first slide member 71 includes a pair of stopper arm portions 73 and 73 that extend rearward and come into contact with one end of the compression spring 83, and a connecting portion 74 that connects the stopper arm portion 73. Below the connecting portion 74, an abutting portion 75 is provided for abutting a pressing rib 92 on the female connector 90 side described later. In addition, a pair of slide grooves 72 and 72 that allow movement of an engagement arm portion 78 on the second slide member 76 side, which will be described later, are provided on both side ends of the connecting portion 74.
[0007]
The second slide member 76 has an outer portion slidably fitted in the guide groove 65, and a locking portion 77 for locking the housing lock 68 at the tip of the lock arm 66 at the front end extends forward. Has been. In addition, a flexible operation portion 79 that is operated when releasing the fitting is provided at the upper center of the second slide member 76, and the pressing portion 69 of the lock arm 66 is inserted from above when inserted into the slider accommodating portion 63. It comes to cover.
Further, a pair of engagement arm portions 78 and 78 that are engaged with the stopper arm portion 73 of the first slide member 71 are provided on both side ends of the second slide member 76. A spring accommodating chamber 81 that accommodates and holds the compression spring 83 is provided on both inner wall portions of the second slide member 76.
[0008]
Next, the female connector 90, which is the other connector, includes a housing insertion opening 94 that opens forward, and a pressing rib 92 that strikes against the abutting portion 75 of the first slide member 71 stands at the center of the outer wall of the housing 91. A pair of engaging projections 93, 93 are provided on both opposite sides of the pressing rib 92 to bend the locking arm 66 and engage the housing lock 68.
[0009]
Next, the fitting action of the male and female connectors 60 and 90 in the connector fitting structure 51 having the above-described configuration will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 9, the slider 70 is assembled. That is, the slider 70 is assembled by inserting a set of compression springs 83 into the spring accommodating chamber 81 in the second slide member 76 and then attaching the stopper arm 73 of the first slide member 71 to the spring accommodating chamber 81. The first slide member 71 and the second slide member 76 are integrated while being held inside.
[0010]
Next, when assembling the slider 70 to the male connector 60, the slider 70 is pushed into the slider accommodating portion 63 from the front of the male connector 60. At this time, the side end portions of the stopper arm portion 73 and the connecting portion 74 of the first slide member 71 and the side end portion of the second slide member 76 are fitted into the guide groove 65, and the rear end portion of the second slide member 76 is inserted. Hits the locking arm 67, and the mounting of the slider 70 is completed.
[0011]
Next, the fitting action of the male and female connectors 60 and 90 constituting the connector fitting structure 51 of the conventional form described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 10, the male and female connectors are configured such that the outer housing 61 of the male connector 60 is fitted onto the housing 91 of the female connector 90 from the state where the inner housing 62 of the male connector 60 and the housing insertion port 94 of the female connector 90 face each other. The fitting operation is started. At this time, the pressing rib 92 of the female connector 90 is fitted into the insertion notch 77a (see FIG. 9) of the second slide member 76, and the front end of the pressing rib 92 contacts the contact portion 75 of the first slide member 71.
[0012]
Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the pressing rib 92 of the female connector 90 is inserted into the insertion space 66 a (see FIG. 9) of the lock arm 66 of the male connector 60 while pressing the first slide member 71. At this time, the inclined surface of the housing lock 68 at the front end portion of the lock arm 66 and the engaging protrusion 93 at the front end portion of the pressing rib 92 are in sliding contact with each other, and the front end side of the lock arm 66 faces the housing 91 side of the female connector 90 (downward in the drawing). Displace. Therefore, the front end portion of the housing lock 68 is engaged with the locking portion 77 of the second slide member 76, and the second slide member 76 cannot slide integrally with the first slide member 71.
[0013]
When the fitting operation is further advanced, the first slide member 71 is moved backward by being pushed by the pressing rib 92. At this time, movement of the engaging arm portion 78 (see FIG. 9) of the second slide member 76 into the slide groove 72 (see FIG. 9) on the side of the first slide member 71 is allowed. When the first slide member 71 moves in a state where the second slide member 76 is stopped, the compression spring 83 in the second slide member 76 is compressed, and a restoring force for elastic recovery is generated.
If the housing lock 68 on the male connector 60 side and the engagement protrusion 93 on the female connector 90 side are not completely engaged, and the fitting operation is stopped, the housing spring 68 is fitted with the restoring force of the compression spring 83. The first slide member 71 is pushed back in the disengagement direction opposite to the mating direction. As a result, the female connector 90 is pushed back in the disengagement direction via the pressing rib 92 that has been in contact with the contact portion 75 of the first slide member 71, and an intermediate fitting state can be prevented.
[0014]
Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when the fitting operation is advanced against the compression spring 83, the engagement protrusion 93 on the female connector 90 side gets over the housing lock 68 at the tip of the lock arm 66 and elastically returns. As a result, the engagement state between the front end portion of the housing lock 68 and the engaging portion 77 at the front end of the second slide member 76 is released, and the housing lock 68 is engaged with the rear end of the engagement protrusion 93. Therefore, the male connector 60 and the female connector 90 are in a completely fitted state, and both the contacts 64 and 95 are also in an electrically completely connected state.
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional connector fitting structure 51 has a slight restoring force acting on the compression spring 83 in the state where the assembly of the slider 70 has been completed, and when it is conveyed while being assembled to the male connector 60, There is a possibility that the engagement arm portion 78 may be disengaged from the engagement surface of the stopper arm portion 73 or the rear end surface of the second slide member 76 may be disengaged from the engagement protrusion 67 a of the engagement arm 67 due to vibration during conveyance.
Accordingly, the first slide member 71 falls off before the fitting operation, or the second slide member 76 moves to the rear part of the outer housing 61 without permission, and the locking part 77 enters the lower surface of the housing lock 68 to lock the lock. There was a problem that the arm 66 could not bend during the fitting operation.
[0016]
The object of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the mid-fitting state is reliably detected during the fitting operation of a pair of male and female connectors, and the fitting operation cannot be performed during the fitting operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector fitting structure that does not have such a situation.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The said subject concerning this invention can be solved by the connector fitting structure described in the following 1)-3) term.
1) Among a pair of male and female connectors to be fitted and connected to each other, an inner housing that opens forward and an outer housing that covers the inner housing and slidably mounts a slider, the front end on the inner housing One connector provided with a lock arm provided with a housing lock on the housing, and a pressing rib that hits the slider on the housing, the lock arm being bent on opposite sides of the pressing rib, and the housing The other connector provided with a pair of engaging protrusions for engaging the lock, the first slide member in which the slider slides in the axial direction in the outer housing, and the rear of the first slide member are engaged. The second slide member is elastic in a direction that is held in the second slide member and separates the first and second slide members from each other. In the connector fitting structure is composed of an elastic member which acts,
The second slide member is a flexible first engagement arm that engages with a first engagement portion provided on the back surface of the outer housing of the one connector, and a second is provided on the outer housing. A flexible second engagement arm that engages with the engagement portion, and the first slide member and the second slide member approach each other against a repulsive force of the elastic member when the male and female connectors are fitted. The first slide member includes a slide groove for releasing the engagement state of the first engagement arm and releasing the first engagement arm, and the second engagement of the second slide member. The connector fitting structure, wherein the engagement state of the arm is released by the housing tip of the other connector.
[0018]
2) The second slide member includes a locking portion that holds down the downward displacement of the housing lock at a front end portion thereof, and a rearwardly inclined surface is provided on a rear end surface of the locking portion.
3) The second slide member includes a flat-plate-shaped locking auxiliary arm that is locked to the locking auxiliary surface of the first slide member.
[0019]
According to the connector fitting structure configured as described above, the second slide member includes the first flexible engagement arm that engages with the first engagement portion provided on the back surface of the outer housing of one of the connectors. Therefore, after the housing of the other connector is fitted into one connector and the engagement protrusion of the other connector pushes down the housing lock, the first portion of the first engagement arm is not released in the slide groove. The engagement arm is not released from the first engagement portion.
Accordingly, the second slide member does not retract freely due to vibration or the like before the housing lock is pushed down, and the male / male connector cannot be engaged, thereby improving the reliability of the male / female connector. Can be made.
[0020]
In addition, since the second slide member includes a flexible second engagement arm that engages with a second engagement portion provided on the outer housing of one connector, the housing front end of the other connector Until the second engagement arm is removed from the second engagement portion, that is, until the housing lock is engaged with the engagement protrusion of the other connector, the second slide member is released from the engagement state due to vibration or the like. There is no such thing as being done.
Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic member is kept high until just before complete mating, so if the mating force is loosened in the midway mating state, the other connector can be reliably and strongly separated, and the male and female connectors The reliability can be further improved.
[0021]
In addition, the second slide member includes a locking portion that suppresses the downward displacement of the housing lock at the front end thereof, and a rearwardly inclined surface is provided on the rear end surface of the locking portion. The rear end surface of the stopper is smoothly slid up by the large elastic force of the elastic member and engaged with the engagement protrusion of the other connector.
Therefore, since complete fitting is reliably performed with a relatively small low fitting force, the reliability of the male and female connectors can be further improved.
[0022]
Further, since the second slide member includes a flat-plate-shaped locking auxiliary arm that is locked to the locking auxiliary surface of the first slide member, the second slide member is stably engaged with the first slide member, and vibrations, etc. Thus, the slider is not detached from the first slide member, and the reliability of the slider can be improved.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a connector fitting structure of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of the connector fitting structure of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the slider in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the male and female connector housings in FIG. FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram in the middle of fitting in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram showing a further advanced fitting state in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a fitting in FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing an inclined state of the rear end surface of the locking portion in FIG.
[0024]
The connector fitting structure 1 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 is an inner structure in which a socket contact 14 is fitted into a male connector 10 as one connector of a pair of male and female connectors to be fitted and connected to each other and opened forward. A housing 12 and a hood-like outer housing 11 that covers the inner housing 12 while the slider 20 is slidably mounted on the inner housing 12.
A flexible lock arm 16 is provided on the inner housing 12 along the axis of the fitting direction. The lock arm 16 has a hook-like housing lock 18 at the front end, and is fitted to the upper center of the lock arm 16. A pressing portion 19 that is operated at the time of release is provided.
[0025]
More specifically, a slider accommodating portion 13 is formed between the upper surface of the inner housing 12 and the back side of the upper surface of the outer housing 11, and guide grooves for guiding both end portions of the slider 20 are formed on the inner wall of the housing on both side ends. 15 is provided. Further, a side space 13 a for inserting the slider 20 is provided between the lock arm 16 and the inner wall of the outer housing 11. Further, an insertion space 16 a is provided between the lock arm 16 and the housing lock 18, and a seal member 12 a (see FIG. 4) is put on the outer periphery of the inner housing 12.
Further, a first engagement portion 46 that engages a first engagement arm 28 described later is provided on the back surface of the outer housing 11, and a second engagement portion 48 that engages a second engagement arm 47 described later. Is provided.
[0026]
The slider 20 includes a first slide member 21 that slides in the outer housing 11 in the axial direction, a second slide member 26 that is engaged behind the first slide member 21, and the second slide member 26. It is comprised from the compression spring 33 as an elastic member which is hold | maintained and an elastic force acts in the direction which makes the 1st, 2nd slide members 21 and 26 mutually separate.
[0027]
The first slide member 21 includes a pair of stopper arm portions 23 that extend rearward and abut against one end of the compression spring 33, and a connecting portion 24 that connects the pair of stopper arm portions 23 at a front end portion. The contact portion 25 is provided below the front end portion of the connecting portion 24 so as to contact a pressing rib 42 on the female connector 40 side, which will be described later. A locking assist surface 23 a for locking a locking assist arm 49 described later is provided on the upper portion of the stopper arm 23.
Further, when the first and second slide members 21 and 26 approach each other during the fitting operation of the male and female connectors, a slide groove 22 for escaping a distal end portion of the first engagement arm 28 described later is a rear end portion of the connecting portion 24. Is provided.
[0028]
The second slide member 26 is provided with a locking portion 27 for holding down the downward displacement of the housing lock 18 at the front end lower portion, and a detachment preventing portion 29 for operation at the center upper portion when releasing the fitting. When the slider 20 is mounted on the outer housing 11, the above-described pressing portion 19 is covered. Further, a notch portion 27 a is provided between the pair of locking portions 27, 27 so that a pressing rib 42 described later of the female connector 40 does not interfere when the male and female connectors 10, 40 are fitted.
Further, when the fitting is released, the second slide member 26 is moved forward to come into contact with the pressing portion 19 of the lock arm 16, and the lock arm 16 is bent downward to release the engagement state of the housing lock 18. A release protrusion 50 is provided on the lower surface of the front end of the detachment preventing portion 29.
In addition, a locking auxiliary projection 49a that is locked to the locking auxiliary surface 23a of the first slide member 21 is provided on the lower surface of the front end, and a pair of locking auxiliary arms 49 that are flat and flexible are provided. In addition, an inclined surface 30 having a downwardly inclined inclination angle β is provided on the rear end surface of the locking portion 27 (see FIG. 8).
[0029]
Further, the second slide member 26 has a hook-shaped first locking projection 28a engaged with a first engaging portion 46 provided on the back surface of the outer housing 11 at the front end, and has a pair of flexibility. The first engagement arm 28 and the second engagement protrusion 47a that is engaged with the second engagement portion 48 provided on the outer housing 11 are provided at the front end and have a flexible second relationship. A combined arm 47 is provided.
[0030]
Further, a pin contact 45 protrudes in the fitting direction in the housing 41 of the female connector 40 as the other connector, and the contact portion of the first slide member 21 described above is formed in the central portion of the outer wall on the housing 41. A pressing rib 42 that abuts on 25 extends along the fitting direction. A pair of engaging projections 43 for bending the lock arm 16 and engaging the housing lock 18 are provided on opposite sides of the tip of the pressing rib 42.
[0031]
Next, the fitting action of the connector fitting structure 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 2, after setting the compression springs 33 on both sides of the second slide member 26, when the stopper arm portion 23 of the first slide member 21 is brought into contact, the lock assist arm 23a is brought into contact with the lock assist surface 23a. Assembling of the slider 20 is completed when the 49 latching auxiliary projections 49a are latched.
[0032]
Next, as shown in FIG. 3, it is inserted into the slider accommodating portion 13 along the guide groove 15 of the outer housing 11 until the front end surface of the connecting portion 24 of the first slide member 21 of the slider 20 is flush. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the first engagement protrusion 28 a of the first engagement arm 28 of the second slide member 26 is engaged with the first engagement portion 46 of the outer housing 11 and the second engagement. The second locking protrusion 47 a of the arm 47 is locked to the second engaging portion 48.
Accordingly, since the second slide member 26 is locked to the outer housing 11 of the male connector 10 at a total of three locations including the pair of first engaging arms 28 and the second engaging arms 47, The first and second engagement arms 28 and 47 are not detached from the second engagement portions 46 and 48 and moved backward.
[0033]
Next, as shown in FIG. 4, when the inner wall of the housing 41 of the female connector 40 is inserted so as to be guided to the outer periphery of the inner housing 12 of the male connector 10, the end of the pressing rib 42 is positioned at the first slide member 21. While being in contact with the contact portion 25, the locking portion 27 of the second slide member 26 is slid onto the upper surface of the housing 41.
[0034]
Next, when the fitting proceeds as shown in FIG. 5, only the first slide member 21 presses the female connector 40 against the elastic force of the compression spring 33 while maintaining the position of the second slide member 26. The rib 42 is pressed to move backward in the slider accommodating portion 13 while contracting the compression spring 33. Then, the engaging projection 43 pushes down the housing lock 18, so that the lock arm 16 bends downward.
[0035]
Next, as the fitting further proceeds as shown in FIG. 6, the first engagement arm 28 is released from the first engagement portion 46 so as to escape into the slide groove 22, and the second engagement arm 47. Is also released from the second engaging portion 48 by being pressed by the distal end portion of the housing 41 of the female connector 40, and the inclined surface 30 of the locking portion 27 presses the distal end of the housing lock 18 backward by the elastic force of the compression spring 33.
At this stage, if the fitting force of the female connector 40 is released, the first slide member 21 is pressed forward by the elastic force of the compression spring 33, so the female connector 40 is connected via the contact portion 25 and the pressing rib 42. Pushed back in the away direction. Further, if the connector fitting is not completed, the pressing portion 19 on the lock arm 16 is almost covered with the separation preventing portion 29 of the second slide member 26, so that it is possible to visually detect that the fitting is incomplete. .
[0036]
Next, as shown in FIG. 7, when the female connector 40 is further pushed in the fitting direction, the lock arm 16 bent downward returns to its original position, and the housing lock 18 engages with the engagement protrusion 43. Is done. Then, since the locking portion 27 is released from the housing lock 18, the second slide member 26 moves to the rear portion of the male connector 10 by the elastic force of the compression spring 33. At this time, since the engaging portion 27 sinks into the lower surface of the housing lock 18, the housing lock 18 is locked in a state where it is not bent while being engaged with the engaging protrusion 43.
Accordingly, the male and female connectors 10 and 40 are in a completely fitted state, and the fitted state is not released by vibration or the like. Further, since the separation preventing portion 29 of the second slide member 26 is separated rearward from the pressing portion 19 above the lock arm 16, it can be visually detected that it is in a completely fitted state. Further, the completely fitted state can be detected even with a moderation feeling in which the repulsive force of the compression spring 33 is rapidly reduced.
[0037]
By the way, when the rear end surface of the locking portion 27 is inclined forwardly downward by the vertical wall or the inclination angle α ° as shown in FIG. 8 (a), the rear end surface becomes the housing lock 18 as shown in FIG. Since the tip is pressed by the elastic force of the compression spring 33, the lock arm 16 bent downward can be returned upward by its own restoring force and cannot be engaged with the engagement protrusion 43.
Accordingly, if the rear end surface of the locking portion 27 is provided with the inclined surface 30 inclined by the backward downward inclination angle β ° as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the lock arm 16 bent downward is provided. Since it returns upward along this inclined surface 30 and is engaged with the engaging protrusion 43, the fitting operation can be advanced with a low fitting force.
[0038]
As described above, according to the connector fitting structure in the present embodiment, the first engagement portion 46 provided on the back surface of the outer housing 11 of the male connector 10 is engaged, and the first locking projection 28a is provided at the front end. Since the housing 41 of the female connector 40 is fitted into the male connector 10 and the engagement protrusion 43 pushes down the housing lock 18, the first engagement arm 28 is inserted into the slide groove 22. The first engagement arm 28 is not released from the first engagement portion 46 unless it is missed.
Therefore, the second slide member 26 does not come out of the outer housing 11 due to vibration or the like and retracts backward from the housing before the housing lock 18 is pushed down, and the male and female connectors 10 and 40 are reliably engaged with each other. The reliability of the male and female connectors 10 and 40 can be improved.
[0039]
The second slide member 26 includes a second engagement arm 47 having a second locking projection 47a at the front end, and the second engagement portion 48 is provided in the outer housing 11 of the male connector 10. Until the second engagement arm 47 is removed by the distal end of the housing 41 of the female connector 40, that is, until just before the housing lock 18 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 43 of the female connector 40, the second slide member 26 is caused by vibration or the like. There is no case of detaching from the outer housing 11 and moving backward to the housing.
Therefore, since the compression spring 33 is compressed until just before complete mating, the repulsive force is kept strong, and if the mating force is loosened in the midway mating state, the female connector 40 is reliably pushed out in the separating direction. The reliability of the male and female connectors 10 and 40 can be further improved.
[0040]
Further, since the rear end surface of the locking portion 27 provided on the second slide member 26 is provided with the inclined surface 30 inclined backward by an inclination angle β °, immediately before the male and female connectors 10 and 40 are completely fitted. The housing lock 18 smoothly returns upward along the inclined surface 30 while the elastic force of the compression spring 33 is applied to the rear end surface of the locking portion 27 and is engaged with the engagement protrusion 43 of the female connector 40. The Therefore, since the complete fitting of the male and female connectors 10 and 40 is performed reliably, the reliability of the male and female connectors 10 and 40 can be further improved.
[0041]
It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be applied to various embodiments. For example, in the present embodiment, the slider 20 is accommodated on the male connector 10 side, but may be accommodated on the female connector 40 side.
Moreover, although the lock arm 16 and the first engagement arm 28 are provided in pairs, even a single arm can be used. Further, the number of the second engagement arms 47 is not necessarily one, and a pair may be used.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the connector fitting structure of the present invention, the second sliding member engages with the first engaging portion provided on the back surface of the outer housing of one connector. And a flexible second engaging arm that engages with a second engaging portion that is also provided in the outer housing, and the first slide member and the second slide member are engaged when the male and female connectors are engaged. When approaching against the repulsive force of the elastic member, the first slide member includes a slide groove that releases the engagement state of the first engagement arm and releases the first engagement arm, and the second slide. The engagement state of the second engagement arm of the member is released by the housing tip of the other connector.
Therefore, unless the housing of the other connector fits into the outer housing of one connector and the first engagement arm escapes into the slide groove, the first engagement arm is released from the first engagement portion. Absent. Therefore, the male / female connector cannot be fitted, and the reliability of the male / female connector can be improved.
[0043]
Further, until the second engagement arm is removed by the housing front end of the other connector, that is, until just before the housing lock is engaged with the engagement protrusion of the other connector, the second slide member is moved away from the outer housing by vibration or the like. It does not come off and retract backward in the housing. Accordingly, until the fitting force is relaxed in the halfway fitting state by the elastic force of the elastic member until just before the complete fitting, both the male and female connectors can be reliably pushed back in the separating direction. Therefore, the reliability of the male and female connectors can be further improved.
[0044]
In the connector fitting structure, it is preferable that the second slide member includes a locking portion that holds down the downward displacement of the housing lock at a front end portion thereof, and a rearwardly inclined surface is provided on a rear end surface of the locking portion. In this case, the housing lock returns upward along the inclined surface of the rear end surface of the locking portion and is engaged with the other connector immediately before the male and female connectors are completely fitted. Accordingly, the male and female connectors can be fitted with a low insertion force, and the male and female connectors can be completely fitted together, so that the reliability of the male and female connectors can be further improved.
[0045]
Further, in the connector fitting structure, preferably, the second slide member includes a flat-plate-shaped locking auxiliary arm that is locked to the locking auxiliary surface of the first slide member. It is possible to reliably prevent engagement with the first slide member due to vibration or the like, and to improve the reliability of the slider.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of a connector fitting structure of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the slider in FIG.
3 is a perspective view of main parts of the male connector and the female connector in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram at the start of fitting in FIG. 1;
5 is an operation explanatory diagram in the middle of fitting in FIG. 1. FIG.
6 is an operation explanatory diagram in a state where the fitting is further advanced in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram when fitting is completed in FIG. 1;
8 is an explanatory view showing an inclined surface of a rear end surface of the locking portion in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a conventional connector fitting structure.
10 is an operation explanatory view at the start of fitting in FIG. 9. FIG.
11 is an operation explanatory diagram in the middle of fitting in FIG. 9. FIG.
12 is an operation explanatory diagram when the fitting is completed in FIG. 9; FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Connector fitting structure
10 One connector (male connector)
11 Outer housing
12 Inner housing
16 Lock arm
18 Housing lock
19 Pressing part
20 slider
21 First slide member
22 Slide groove
23 Stopper arm
23a Locking auxiliary surface
24 connecting part
25 Contact part
26 Second slide member
27 Locking part
28 First engagement arm
28a First locking projection
29 Departure prevention part
30 Inclined surface
33 Elastic member (compression spring)
40 The other connector (female connector)
41 Housing
42 Pressing rib
43 Engagement protrusion
46 1st engaging part
47 Second engagement arm
47a Second locking projection
48 Second engaging portion
49 Locking auxiliary arm
49a Locking auxiliary protrusion

Claims

Among a pair of male and female connectors that are fitted and connected to each other, the inner housing is formed of an inner housing that opens forward and an outer housing that covers the inner housing and slidably mounts a slider. One connector provided with a lock arm with a lock;
The other connector is provided with a pressing rib that hits against the slider on the housing, the locking arm is bent on opposite sides of the pressing rib, and a pair of engaging protrusions for engaging the housing lock are provided. When,
A first slide member that slides in the axial direction in the outer housing; a second slide member that is engaged behind the first slide member; and a second slide member that is held in the second slide member; In the connector fitting structure comprised from the elastic member which an elastic force works in the direction which separates the 1 and 2nd slide member mutually,
The second slide member is a flexible first engagement arm that engages with a first engagement portion provided on the back surface of the outer housing of the one connector, and a second is provided on the outer housing. A flexible second engaging arm that engages with the engaging portion,
When the first slide member and the second slide member approach each other against the repulsive force of the elastic member during the fitting operation of the male and female connectors, the first slide member is engaged with the first engagement arm. And a slide groove for releasing the first engagement arm, and the engagement state of the second engagement arm of the second slide member is released by the housing tip of the other connector. Connector fitting structure characterized by

The said 2nd slide member is provided with the latching | locking part which hold | suppresses the downward displacement of the said housing lock in the front-end part, The back end inclined surface is provided in the rear-end surface of this latching part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The connector fitting structure according to 1.

The connector fitting structure according to claim 1, wherein the second slide member includes a flat-plate-shaped locking auxiliary arm that is locked to the locking auxiliary surface of the first slide member.