JP5059642B2 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and more particularly to an electrical connector that can be easily coupled to a mating connector by operating an operation lever.

  A pair of first and second connectors coupled to each other is provided. An operation lever is attached to one of the connector housings, and the operation lever is engaged with the other connector housing to rotate. An electrical connector that can smoothly connect the second connector is introduced in many patent documents. A typical example is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

  18 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional electrical connector, and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly of FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the electrical connector 50 disclosed in Patent Document 1 below includes a plurality of terminals 51, a connector housing 52 in which these terminals 51 are accommodated, and a plurality of terminals through which the plurality of terminals 51 are inserted. A rear holder 55 having a plurality of through holes and attached to the rear part of the connector housing 52; a seal member 54 interposed between the connector housing 52 and the rear holder 55; an operation lever 53 attached to the rear part of the connector housing 52; And a rear cover 56.

Of these components, the connector housing 52 is provided with rails 52 _A extending in the horizontal direction and the guide groove 56 _A of the rail 52 _A is inserted in the rear cover 56 is provided. Incidentally, the guide groove 56 _A are also provided below the wall surface of the rear cover 56 in FIG. 18. Further, rear guide pressing portions 56 _B and 56 _B are provided in the guide grooves 56 _A and 56 _A , respectively, and the rear holder pressing portions 56 _B and 56 _B include a flat portion 57 that contacts the rear surface of the rear holder 55, and The rear holder 55 includes a slope 58 that slides on the rear end of the rear holder 55.

The rear cover 56 is attached to the connector housing 52 by sliding the rear cover 56 from the horizontal direction on the rear side of the connector housing 52. That is, the guide grooves 56 _A and 56 _A of the rear cover 56 are inserted into the upper and lower rails 52 _A and 52 _A of the connector housing 52, and the rear cover 56 is slid and attached to the rear portion of the connector housing 52. By this sliding movement, the rear holder pressing portions 56 _B and 56 _B of the rear cover 56 are pressed in contact with the rear portion of the rear holder 55. Accordingly, the rear holder 55 is moved toward the fixing position of the connector housing 52 while sandwiching the seal member 54 between the rear holder 55 and the rear portion of the connector housing 52. As the rear cover 56 slides, the inclined surface 58 comes into contact with the rear end portion of the rear holder 55, slides along the inclined surface of the inclined surface 58, and the rear holder 55 is moved toward the rear portion of the connector housing 52. Then, when the sloped portion 58 gets over the rear end and the flat portion 57 comes into contact with the rear surface of the rear holder 55, this pressing state is maintained, and the outer surface of the wire portion of the terminal 51 with wires and the sealing member attached earlier. Is kept in a watertight state (see FIG. 19).

JP-A-2005-123102

According to the electrical connector 50, the rear cover 56 is slid to move the rear holder 55 to the connector housing 52, and at the same time, the seal member 54 is clamped, and the outer surface of the wire portion of the terminal 51 with wire and the seal member 54. Is kept watertight. That is, the guide groove 56 _A and the rear holder pressing portion 56 _B are provided in the rear cover 56, the rail 52 _A extending in the horizontal direction is provided in the connector housing 52, and the guide groove 56 _A of the rear cover 56 is inserted into the rail 52 _A of the connector housing 52. By sliding the rear cover 56 relative to the rear part of the connector housing 52, the rear holder 55 is fixed to the connector housing 52, and at the same time, the seal member 54 is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the terminal 51 with electric wire and the seal member. It becomes watertight. However, according to this configuration, since the rail 52 _A provided in the connector housing 52 is formed by a protrusion protruding from the outer wall surface of the connector housing 52, the mechanical strength is limited, and in particular, the rear cover 56. since a large load on the rail 52 _a applied to the time of mounting, there is a risk of damage such a load acts on the rail. Further, the rear cover 56, so must be provided a rear holder pressing portion 56 _B of the complex shape consisting of the inclined surface portion 58 to slide the end of the rear surface of the planar portion 57 and the rear holder 55 which contacts the rear surface of the rear holder 55, the rear cover 56 Creating is troublesome. In addition, their assembly is troublesome.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector that can detect an assembly failure of a connector component before mounting a rear cover. is there.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector capable of discriminating a mounting state of a seal member and a connection state between a connector housing and a rear holder when the rear cover is mounted.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the electrical connector as one aspect of the present application includes a connector housing having a terminal accommodated therein, a plug portion inserted into the mating connector in the front, and a holder mounting portion in the rear. ,
A seal member inserted into the outer periphery of the holder mounting portion;
The front end portion is a contact surface that contacts the seal member, has a fitting hole fixed to the holder mounting portion in the front, a cover mounting portion in the rear, and a seal member interposed in the connector housing. A rear holder fixed by
A rear cover mounted by sliding movement on the cover mounting portion;
In an electrical connector with
A locking portion is provided at a location adjacent to the rear cover mounting portion of the rear holder, and an engagement portion for engaging the locking portion is provided at the holder mounting portion of the connector housing. When the rear holder is attached to the connector housing, the rear cover is blocked from sliding when the rear holder is not engaged with the engaging portion.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect of the present application, the locking portion and the engaging portion are provided at locations where the rear holder and the holder mounting portion face each other.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect of the present application, the locking portion is made of an elastic locking member formed on a part of the outer wall of the rear holder, and the locking member has a locking claw and a block protrusion, The engaging portion has a locking groove formed on the wall surface of the connector housing, and when the connector housing and the rear holder are not completely fixed, the locking portion is not engaged with the engaging portion. The locking member is pushed up by climbing on the wall surface of the connector housing before the locking pawl is locked in the locking groove, whereby the block protrusion is mounted by sliding the rear cover on the cover mounting portion. It is characterized by blocking.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect of the present application, a part of the outer wall surface of the rear holder is formed by a double wall including an outer wall plate and an inner wall plate with a gap therebetween, and the locking portion is formed on the inner wall plate. It is provided.

  Moreover, as a preferable aspect of the present application, an operation lever is attached to the wall surface of the rear holder, and a part of the rear holder is engaged with the mating connector to couple the two connectors.

  By providing the above configuration, the present invention has the following excellent effects. That is, according to the present invention, the engaging portion is provided at the rear of the rear holder and the engaging portion is provided at the holder mounting portion, and the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaging portion when the rear holder is attached to the connector housing. In the engaged state, the sliding movement of the rear cover at the cover mounting portion is blocked by the locking portion. Accordingly, when the seal member is not installed and the connector housing and the rear holder are not completely connected, the rear cover cannot be installed. Therefore, whether or not the seal member, the connector housing, and the rear holder are completely installed when the rear cover is installed. It is possible to detect and detect in advance that the connector assembly is incomplete.

  Further, according to the present invention, the rear holder can be fixed to the connector housing by the opposing latching portion and the engaging portion by providing the latching portion and the engaging portion at the locations where the rear holder and the connector housing face each other. The engagement of the rear holder to the connector housing becomes stable and firm.

  Further, according to the present invention, the locking portion and the engaging portion can be easily formed by processing the outer wall of the rear holder and the wall surface of the connector housing.

  Further, according to the present invention, the rear cover is mounted in the gap between the outer wall plate and the inner wall plate by sliding a part of the outer wall of the rear holder as a double wall composed of the outer wall plate and the inner wall plate. Can be mounted stably without being exposed to the outside. It is also possible to mount an operation lever for coupling the two connectors in the gap between the double walls.

  Further, according to the present invention, the operation lever is attached to the rear holder, so that the connection with the mating connector is facilitated.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-6, the whole electrical connector which concerns on embodiment of this invention and each component which comprises this connector are demonstrated. 1 and 2 show the entire electrical connector and individual parts, and FIGS. 3 to 6 show individual parts. Moreover, the arrow between each component of FIG. 1B and FIG. 2B has shown the assembly direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical connector (hereinafter referred to as a connector) 1 includes a female connector, and includes a plurality of female terminals 2 and a female connector housing (a female connector housing in which these terminals 2 are accommodated). (Hereinafter referred to as a connector housing) 3, a rear holder 6 attached to the rear portion of the connector housing 3, an operation lever 30 attached to the outer wall of the rear holder 6 to facilitate coupling with a mating connector, and the rear holder 6 And a rear cover 20 that is attached to the rear portion and covers the rear end portion of the terminal 2. The connector housing 3 is provided with a ring-shaped sealing member 35 on the outer peripheral wall surface thereof. A terminal detection member (hereinafter referred to as TPA) 38 for detecting the mounting state of the terminal is mounted. Hereinafter, individual components constituting this connector will be described in detail.

Terminal 2 of the female type, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two different types of female terminal sized, i.e. relatively large in size large female terminal (hereinafter, referred to as large-size terminal) and 2 _A, the small the size of the small female terminals made (hereinafter, small as terminal) 2 _B, each female terminal having a lead wire fixing portion to the contact portion and the rearward other party, lead wires are connected to the fixed portion ing. Large-size terminal 2 _A, the ring-shaped sealing member 2 _C is mounted on the outer periphery of the lead wire. Further, small-size terminal 2 _B is a plurality of, for example, 20 pieces of terminals are bundled, a ring-shaped sealing member 2 _D is mounted on the outer periphery of the pin bundle.

As shown in FIG. 3, the connector housing 3 is surrounded by front and rear walls 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ whose front and rear sides are substantially rectangular, and a pair of upper and lower walls 3 ₃ , 3 ₃ and left and right side walls 3 ₄ , 3 ₄ which are opposed to each other. are made members of substantially rectangular body having a coupling portion 3 _B to be fitted to the insertion portion 3 _a and rear that plugged into mating connectors on the front to the rear holder 6, the member as a molding of insulating synthetic resin Is formed.
The connector housing 3 includes, from the rear wall 3 _dihedral to the front wall 3 ₁ side, two female terminal 2 _A, 2 through holes _B are inserted 4 _A, 4 _B are formed in the interior (See FIG. 3B). The one through-hole 4 _A large-size terminal 2 _A is inserted, the other through-hole 4 _B is inserted terminal bundle of small-size terminal 2 _B. The front wall _{3 1} side, the male terminal of the counterpart connector 40 to be connected to the rear wall _{3 2} of the through holes ₄ A, ₄ the terminals ₂ A that is inserted from _{B, 2 B} (see FIG. 15) is inserted Insertion holes are formed (see FIG. 3A). The connector housing 3 of the front wall 3 ₁ side are separated by a narrow groove. By the front wall 3 ₁ are separated in this thin groove, the coupling between the connector becomes smooth been reduced gap of the thin groove upon insertion of the mating connector.

The insertion portion _{3 A,} mounting hole _{5 B} which TPA38 the one side wall _{3 four} surfaces is mounted is formed. Further, the coupling portion _{3 B,} the concave latching groove _{5 A} locking claw 11 _B of the rear holder 6 to be described later in the vertical walls ₃ 3, _{3 3} surface of the rear end (see FIG. 9, etc.) is engaged Is formed. Between this concave locking groove 5 _A and the rear wall 3 _2, there is the side wall portion 5 _{A 'of} the side wall of the concave latching groove 5 _A. Incidentally, the side wall portion 5 _{A 'is} formed in a portion of the top wall 3 _3. Incidentally, also formed the same latching groove 5 _A and sidewall portion 5 _{A 'in} lower wall 3 _3. Furthermore, the connector housing 3, the ribs 3 ₀ for restricting the movement of the insertion portion 3 _A and the seal member 35 on the outer periphery of the boundary between the holder coupling portion 3 _B is formed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rear holder 6 has a pair of outer walls having front and rear front and rear walls 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ opposite to each other, that is, upper and lower walls 6 ₃ , 6 ₃ and left and right side walls. It consists of a member surrounded by 6 ₄ , 6 ₄ , and this member is formed of a molded body of insulating synthetic resin. The rear holder 6, the fitting hole 6 _C is formed in which the coupling portion 3 _B of the connector housing 3 in front of the front wall 6 ₁ side is inserted. Inside the fitting hole 6 _C are partitioned by the partition walls 6 _D, through holes 2 types of terminal 2 _A, 2 _B are inserted through the partition wall 6 _D is formed.

The upper and lower walls 6 ₃ and 6 ₃ are respectively provided with a cover mounting portion RC and a lever mounting portion LB to which the rear cover 20 and the operation lever 30 are mounted, and a housing locking portion LA to be engaged with the connector housing 3. These cover and lever mounting portions RC and LB and the housing locking portion LA are formed in the same structure in the upper and lower directions, and both are formed by molding the upper and lower walls 6 ₃ and 6 ₃ into a predetermined structure. . Incidentally, it has the same structure as the top wall 6 ₃ also lower wall 6 _3. Therefore, in order to avoid a redundant description, the structure of the upper wall 6 ₃ of the one described.

Top wall 6 _3, as shown in FIG. 4 has a predetermined thickness, a predetermined gap 6 _G is formed between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface, double through the gap 6 _G wall, i.e. is composed of an outer wall plate 6 _a and the inner wall plate 6 _B. The gap 6 _G has a distance capable of pivoting plugged flange 33 _B of the operation lever 30 to be described later. Exterior panel 6 _A is made from the front rearward, i.e. a short is cut halfway towards the rear wall 6 ₂ direction from the front wall 6 _1. That is, the external wall plate 6 _A is adapted to short than the width length of the left and right side walls 6 _4, 6 ₄ sides. Further, the fact that the outer wall plate 6 _A in short, has become short in comparison with the rear wall 6 ₂ also front wall. Between the short wall panels 6 _A and the rear wall 6 _2, cover and lever mounting portions RC, LB and the housing latching portion LA are formed.

Exterior panel _{6 A} is respectively partitioned front wall ₆ a plurality of slits ₈ 0 extending until shortly before _{1, 8 0} by three areas, namely the first to third areas ₆ A1 _{to 6 A3} from the rear end one Are separated. Among the first to third areas 6 _{A1 to} 6 _A3 , the first and third areas 6 _A1 and 6 _A3 are formed to have the same size, and the second area 6 _A2 is the first and third areas 6 _A1 and 6 _A3. It is formed larger. The large second area 6 _A2, its substantially central portion having a predetermined width dimension and depth, are notched groove 9 of the concave provided towards the rear wall 6 ₂ to the front wall 6 ₁ formed Yes. The second area _{6 A2} is both ends of the notched groove 9 is further divided into small areas _{6 A21, 6 A21.} The notched groove 9, the groove bottom 9 _A is formed flat. By flattening the groove bottom 9 _A, by aligning the cutting portion 33 B _'of the flange 33 _B of the pivot projection 33 to be described later in this flat surface, it removes the pivot projection 33 easily from the gap 6 _G be able to.

First, third area 6 _A1, 6 _A3 has its rear is extended toward the rear wall 6 ₂ via the stepped portion 6 _0, the extending portion is in a predetermined thickness and a predetermined width dimension support projections 7 _A , 7 _A. The thickness of these support projections 7 _A, 7 _A has a insertable thick concave groove 22 ₀ of the rear cover 20.

The inner wall plate _6B is divided into five areas, that is, a first area _6B1 to a fifth area _6B5 and is partially separated. Among these first area 6 _B1 to fifth area 6 _B5 , the first and fifth areas 6 _B1 and 6 _B5 on both sides have the same size, and the second and fourth areas 6 _B2 and 6 _B4 have the same size. It has become. The first and fifth areas 6 _B1 and 6 _B5 form support protrusions 7 _A and 7 _A. The third area 6 _B3 has a larger area than the other areas, and its end extends rearward. This third area 6 _B3, receiving hole 10 _A of pivot projection 33 of the operating lever 30 is mounted is formed. The receiving hole 10 _A is formed in a substantially directly below the groove 9 cutouts of the outer wall plate 6 _A. Also, the receiving hole 10 _A is communicated with the gap _{6 G.} Guide surface 10 _B of an inclined surface is formed on the extended portion of the third area 6 _B3 ends. Furthermore, the lower third area 6 _B3 forms a fitting hole 6 _C inner wall 6 _B of the surrounding _', the wall thickness becomes thick to be inserted into the concave groove 22 ₀ of the rear cover 20 Yes.
That is, the inner wall plate _{6 B} of the support projections ₇ A, _{7 A,} and the third area _{6 B3} is formed in the same thickness, is inserted into the recessed groove 22 ₀ described later rear cover 20. The left and right side walls ₆ 4, _{6 4} sides of the rear wall _{6 2,} mounting portion rear cover 20 is plugged ₁₂ A, 12 _A are formed.

Also, the rear wall 6 _2, in time for both the mounting portions 12 _A, 12 _A, rail projections 6 _2A, which is projected the upper and lower end portions by a predetermined height is formed. The rail projections 6 _2A is formed in the lower rear wall 6 _2. By providing the rail projections 6 _2A, for example, the rear cover 20 is inserted from one of the mounting portion 12 _A is not separated from the rear holder 6 is held in the rear holder 6 by being guided by the rail projections 6 _2A. The rail projection _62A serves as a separation prevention projection because it prevents the rear cover 20 from being detached.

Locking portions 11 and 11 that are engaged with the connector housing 3 are formed in the second and fourth areas 6 _B2 and 6 _B4 . These locking portions 11 and 11 are formed substantially directly below the small areas 6 _A21 and 6 _A21 of the outer wall plate 6 _A , and have the same structure.

The locking portion 11, as shown in FIG. 9C, the base portion 11 ₀ that is coupled to the inner plate 6 _B, a latching arm 11 _A having been a predetermined length extending from the base portion, the locking projections on projecting upward from an end portion in the distal end of the arm 11 _a, i.e. under projection which projects into the projecting block 11 _C and lower, that have a locking claw 11 _B, latching arm 11 _a is an inner wall in part by kerf from the plate 6 _B is a resilient arm piece having elasticity is separated. The locking claw 11 </ _b > _B is engaged with the concave locking groove 5 </ _b > _A of the connector housing 3. The projecting block 11 _C will when the engagement of the engaging claw 11 _B and the engaging groove 5 _A incomplete serves to block the mounting of the rear holder 6 of the rear cover 20. Further, when the engagement of the engaging claw 11 _B and latching groove _{5 A} was made to completely, the top of the projecting block 11 _C is in contact with the side wall 22 _A of the rear cover 20, movement of the locking arm 11 _A There is limited engagement of the locking claw 11 _B and the engaging groove 5 _a becomes firmly. As a result, the connector housing 3 and the rear holder 6 are reliably coupled.

Cover and lever mounting portions RC, LB and the housing latching portion LA, as shown in FIG. 4, is formed between the outer wall plate 6 _A and inner plate 6 _B and the rear wall 6 _2. Among them, cover mounting portion RC is mainly constituted by a respective support projections ₇ A, _{7 A,} and an inner wall plate _{6 B} of the second area _{6 B2} between these support projections ₇ A, _{7 A,} a rail projection _{6 2A} is also the lever mounting portion LB is composed principally the gap _{6 G} between the outer inner wall plate ₆ a, _{6 B,} the receiving hole 10 _a provided on the inner plate _{6 B.} Further, the housing latching portion LA, the second inner plate _{6 B,} and a fourth area _{6 B2,} the locking portions 11, 11 provided on the _{6 B4,} the engaging portion 11, inner plate _{6 B} a base portion 11 ₀ that is coupled to a latching arm 11 _a having a predetermined length is extended from the base portion, the projecting block 11 projecting from the end upward in the distal end of the locking arm _C and it is composed of a locking claw 11 _B projecting downward (see Fig. 9C). Therefore, according to this structure, since the housing locking portion LA, the cover mounting portion RC, and the lever mounting portion LB are gathered in the rear holder 6, they can be easily formed and the cover mounting portion RC, the lever mounting portion LB, and The housing locking portion LA can be linked. That is, the connector housing 3 usually has a complicated structure because terminals and accessories thereof are accommodated. When the connector housing 3 is provided with the locking portion or the like, the structure is as follows. More complicated. In contrast, since many components are not mounted on the rear holder 6, the housing locking portion LA and the like can be easily formed. Further, by integrating the housing locking portion LA, the cover mounting portion RC, and the lever mounting portion LB with the rear holder, it becomes easy to link them. For example, first, the rear holder 6 is connected to the connector housing 3 with the housing locking portion LA. After stopping, the operation lever 30 can be mounted by the lever mounting portion LB, and then the rear cover 20 can be mounted by the cover mounting portion RC, and the assembly of the connector can be easily performed continuously.

Rear cover 20, as shown in FIG. 5, a member for deriving a plurality of lead wires drawn out from the wall 6 _dihedral after the rear holder 6 in a predetermined direction, opposite with a gap 25 of a predetermined distance And a ceiling wall 24 connected to the side walls 21, 21, and is formed of a molded body of an insulating synthetic resin. The ceiling wall 24 is a curved ceiling surface in which the end portions between the side walls 21 and 21 and the end portions between the side walls 21 and 21 are joined to form an opening 26 at one end portion. The inner part of the opening 26, i.e. the ends of each side wall 21 is substantially closed by a closure wall 24 _A. The ceiling wall 24 is provided with a protrusion 24 </ _b > _{B on} which the locking portion 32 </ _b > _A of the operation lever 30 is locked. The opening 26 is a lead-out hole for leading the lead wire to the outside.

Clearance of the pair of side walls 21, 21 25 has a spigot which is inserted into the wall _{6 2} after the rear holder 6. Since the side walls 21 and 21 have the same structure, one side wall will be specifically described below.
Sidewalls 21, the end portion is formed thicker, first, second sidewall portion 22 _A, 22 recessed grooves 22 ₀ surrounded by _B is formed to be opposed to the thick portion. That is, the concave groove 22 _0, first facing has a second side wall portion ₂₂ A, 22 _B, first side wall 22 _A of the one is a part of the outer wall of the side wall 21, the other the second sidewall portion 22 _B is part of the inner wall. The outer wall surface of the first side wall 22 _A locking protrusion 22 _C that protrudes upward at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction is formed. The locking projection 22 _C is formed in the back lower projections was a substantially rectangular shape. The locking protrusion 22 _C, the operation lever 30 is after being mounted on the rear holder 6, a mis-insertion preventing function for preventing the rear cover 20 is mounted from the wrong direction in relation to the operating lever 30 Yes. Further, the engaging protrusion 22 _C also doubles fixing function for fixing the operation lever 30 in position fitted into the locking groove 36 _B of the operating lever 30. First, the spacing between the second side wall portion ₂₂ A, 22 _B, i.e. the concave groove 22 ₀ of the gap is approximately the same or slightly larger width and thickness of the support projections ₇ A, _{7 A} of the rear holder 6. The concave grooves 22 ₀ becomes a guide groove in mounting the rear cover 20 to the rear holder 6, and has a mounting groove of the rear cover 20. The guide rail 23 is provided in the second sidewall portion 22 _B.

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation lever 30 has a pair of arm levers 31, 31 facing each other, and a connecting portion 32 that connects these arm levers 31, 31. It is formed with. Each arm lever 31 and 31 consists of a flat plate body, respectively, and has the same configuration. That is, each arm lever 31, 31, and an inner wall 31 _B and the outer wall surface 31 _A, pivot projection 33 and the cam hole 34 and the first pair of supporting a lever on the inner wall surfaces 31 _B, the second Cam grooves 36 and 37 are formed. Pivot projection 33, the base of the support shaft 33 _A is erected from the inner wall surface 31 _B of the arm lever 31, the flange 33 on the top portion of the support shaft 33 _{A B} are integrally formed. The cam hole 34 penetrates the inner and outer wall surfaces 31 _A and 31 _B. The connecting portion 32, latching portion 32 _A is provided. The locking portions 32 _A, when coupled with the counterpart connector 40 is for fixing the operation lever 30 at a predetermined position by locking the projection 29 _B of the rear cover 20.

The operation lever 30 is rotatably mounted on the rear holder 6, but a rotation restricting portion 33 _{A ′} for restricting the rotation is provided on the support shaft 33 _A. As shown in FIG. 6C, the rotation restricting portion 33 _{A ′} has a flat surface 33 _A1 when the support shaft 33 _A erected from the arm lever 31 is cut along a plane orthogonal to the erected direction. And an arcuate surface _33A2 .

Flange 33 _B is a disk shape having a cutting portion 33 B _'to the end, its size is in the insertable size in the accommodation hole 10 _A. By providing the cutting portion 33 _{B ′} , the attachment to the accommodation hole 10 _A is facilitated.

The pair of first and second cam grooves 36 and 37 are formed on the side edges opposite to the direction in which the pivotal protrusion 33 is inserted. These cam grooves 36, 37 are formed by reducing the thickness of the arm lever 31 via the step portion 31 _C. That is, the first cam groove 36 includes a guide surface 36 _A of the locking projection 22 _C of the rear cover 20 is slid, the first stopper 36 ₁ retaining projection 22 _C is brought into contact, the locking projections 22 _C has a locking groove 36 _B to be engaged, these first stopper 36 ₁ and the locking groove 36 _B is formed in a part of the step portion 31 _C. The guide surface 36 </ b> _A is formed with a predetermined width length and a predetermined length from the connecting portion 32 toward the end of the arm lever 31. Also, pivot projection 33 is formed at a position close to the first stopper 36 _1.

The second cam groove 37 is provided at the end opposite to the side where the connecting portion 32 of the arm lever 31 is provided. The second cam groove 37 is formed in by guide surface 37 _A thin through the stepped portion 31 C _'from the inner wall surface 31 _B. Although the step portion 31 C _'of the second cam groove 37 formed through the guide surface 37 _A also retaining projection 22 _C is in the sliding surfaces, the size of the guide surface 37 _A, the first It is formed smaller than the guide surface 36 _a of the cam groove. Further, the step portion 31 _{C ′} serves as a second stopper.

The cam hole 34 passes through the inner and outer wall surfaces 31 _B and 31 _A of the arm lever 31. The cam hole 34 has a guide hole 34 _A that guides the engaging projection 42 of the counterpart connector 40 to be described later (see FIG. 15), the stepped portion 34 _B is formed around the guide hole 34 _A. The stepped portion 34 _B, the flange 42 _B of the engagement projection 42 of the counterpart connector 40 is locked.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seal member 35 is made of a ring member having a hollow hole inside, and is formed of a rubber material having elasticity. Moreover, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of this ring member is made uneven. By making the outer peripheral surface uneven, waterproofing with the mating connector 40 becomes good.

  Next, an assembly process of the connector 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 are explanatory views for explaining the mounting of the operation lever to the rear holder. 7 and 8, a part of the rear holder and the operating lever member are cut out to facilitate understanding of the internal structure. 8 to 12 are explanatory views for explaining the coupling of the rear holder to the connector housing, and FIGS. 13 and 14 are explanatory views for explaining the attachment of the rear cover to the rear holder.

  The connector 1 includes (I) a seal member mounting process, (II) a holder coupling process, (III) a terminal mounting process, (IV) a TPA mounting process, (V) a lever mounting process, and (VI) a rear cover mounting process. It is assembled through.

The mounting step of (I) sealing member, for example, FIG. 1, and of the connector component shown in FIG. 2, first, inserted into the outer periphery of the coupling portion 3 _B of the connector housing 3 until the sealing member 35 abuts against the rib 3 ₀ Is done. When the seal member 35 is inserted to a position abutting the rib 3 _0, the inner peripheral wall surface of the seal member 35 is the rear holder 6 are in close contact with the outer periphery of the connector housing 3 is ready mounted. In addition, by mounting | wearing with this sealing member 35, between the connector housing 3 and the rear holder 6 mentioned later is sealed watertight. (II) In the holder coupling step, the coupling portion 3 _B of the connector housing 3 is inserted into the rear holder 6 following the seal member 35. This insertion, the engaging claw 11 _B of the locking portion 11 is engaged immersed to the insertion hole _{6 C} engaging groove _{5 A.} Thereby, the rear holder 6 is locked and fixed to the connector housing 3. (III) In the terminal mounting step, the rear holder 6 is mounted by inserting the terminal bundle of the large terminals 2 _A and the small terminals 2 _B from the rear of the rear holder 6 into the respective through holes 4 _A and 4 _B of the connector housing 3. Each terminal is accommodated and fixed in the connector housing 3. In (IV) TPA mounting process, TPA38 is inserted into the mounting hole _{5 B} of the connector housing 3, the female terminal 2 of the connector housing 3 is fixed.

Thereafter, in the (V) lever mounting step, the operation of attaching the operation lever 30 to the assembly assembled in the steps (I) to (IV) is performed. The installation work, first, as shown in FIG. 7A, by setting the operating lever 30 to the rear of the rear holder 6, pivot projection 33, 33 each receiving hole ₁₀ A provided in the lever arms 31, 31, 10 Pushed toward _A. By this pushing, the flanges 33 _B and 33 _B of the respective pivot projections 33 and 33 slide on the guide surfaces 10 _B and 10 _B , and at the same time, the arm levers 31 and 31 are moved outward, that is, the arrows in FIG. 7B. Y _1, is spread in the vertical direction shown in _{Y 1,} respectively gaps _G 0, _{G 0} between the outer wall plate ₆ a, _{6 a} of the inner wall ₃₁ B, 31 _B and the rear holder of each arm lever 31, 31 Is formed. Further, when these arm levers 31 and 31 are pushed in, as shown in FIG. 8, the flanges 33 _B and 33 _B are inserted into the gaps 6 _G and 6 _G through the receiving holes 10 _B and 10 _B , respectively. Simultaneously with this insertion, the arm levers 31 and 31 are returned to their original positions by the elastic restoring force, and the gaps G ₀ and G ₀ are eliminated, and the inner wall surfaces 31 _B and 31 _{B of the} arm levers are the outer wall plates. 6 _A is brought into contact with 6 _A. When the operation lever 30 is rotated in this state, the end portions of the flanges 33 _B and 33 _B enter the gaps 6 _G and 6 _G between the outer inner wall plates 6 _A and 6 _B and cannot be removed. It is rotatably attached to the rear holder 6. Therefore, even if an external force reverse to that when the operation lever 30 is pushed in is applied, the flanges 33 _B and 33 _B do not come out. As a result, after the operation lever 30 is attached to the rear holder 6, Even when a strong external force such as an impact is applied, the operation lever 30 is not detached from the rear holder 6.

When the operation lever 30 to the rear holder 6 is mounted, the gap G (Fig first side wall portion of the rear cover 20 is pushed into between the inner wall plate ₆ B, _{6 B} of lever arms 31, 31 and rear holder 6 of the operating lever 30 13B) is formed. The gap G has a first gap _{G 1} facing the guide surface 36 _A of the operating lever 30 consists of the second gap _{G 2} Metropolitan facing the inner wall surface 31 _B, the first gap _{G 1} and a second gap _{G 2} It is getting wider.

Finally, the rear cover 20 is attached to the rear holder 6. (VI) rear cover mounting process, first, the direction showing the rear cover 20 in the arrow A ₁ in FIG. 13A of the connector housing 3, i.e., is set to the side where the connecting portion 32 of the operating lever 30, the rear holder 6 and the operating lever 30 the rear cover 20 is inserted from the first gap _{G 1} direction between. This insertion, as one of the support projections _{7 A} is inserted into the recessed groove ₂₂ 0, 22 ₀ of the rear cover 20 is inserted from one of the mounting portions 12 _A direction. Guide rails 23, 23 in this case the rear cover 20 is inserted along each rail projections _{6 2A, 6} 2A. Thus, the rear cover 20 is inserted from one of the mounting portion 12 _A is detached from the rear holder 6 since each support projections ₇ A, _{7 A,} is supported by the inner wall plate _{6 B} and the rail projections _{6 2A} of the third area _{6 B3} There is no longer to do.

  The assembly of the connector 1 is completed by the steps (I) to (VI). However, the rear holder 6 may not be completely coupled to the connector housing 3 in the above (II) holder coupling step. When such a case occurs, the connector housing 3 and the rear holder 6 are incompletely coupled, and the seal member 35 is not sufficiently mounted, so that the desired waterproof effect cannot be obtained. In this state, the assembly of the connector 1 is poor. Therefore, in this connector 1, such an assembly failure can be detected by using the engaging portions 11, 11 of the rear holder 6.

  Below, this assembly failure detection is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 11, FIG. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the assembly failure. These figures correspond to FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively.

First, keep wearing the seal member 35 to the rear of the coupling portion 3 _B of the connector housing 3, pushed-fitted in front of the fitting hole 6 _C of the rear holder 6 to the coupling portion 3 _B. By pushing the rear holder 6, front wall 6 ₁ side of the rear holder 6 is brought into contact with one end of the seal member 35. At this time, the pushing of the rear holder 6 is insufficient, the engaging claw 11 _B of the latching portion 11 ride on top of the side wall portion 5 _{A 'of} the locking groove 5 _A by the elasticity of the engaging arms 11 _A, projecting block 11 _C is lifted upward (see FIG. 11C). When you try to mount the rear cover 20 to the rear holder 6 in this state, as shown in FIG. 12C, even if an attempt to slide the rear holder 6, a first side wall portion 22 _A of the rear cover 20 collides to the projecting block 11 _C This slide movement becomes impossible. Therefore, when the rear cover 20 cannot be mounted, it can be detected that the seal member 35 is not properly pressed against the connector housing 3 and that the connector housing 3 and the rear holder 6 are not connected.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the rear holder 6 is sufficiently pushed, and the locking claw 11 _B of the locking part 11 is immersed and engaged in the concave locking groove 5 _A , since the projecting block 11 _C is already retracted downwards, thereby preventing the sliding movement of the rear cover 20 is prevented. When the rear cover 20 is attached to the rear holder 6, the seal member 35 is attached at a proper position to ensure waterproofing between the connector housing 3 and the rear holder 6, and at the same time, the connector housing 3 and the rear holder 6 are completely coupled. Is compensated. In this state, the top of the projecting block 11 _C is in contact with the first side wall 22 _A of the rear cover 20, so that movable is limited, it becomes firmly engaged with the connector housing 3 and rear holder 6.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the pair of side walls 21, 21 facing each other has the same structure, and therefore the rear cover 20 may be mounted from the direction of arrow A < _b > _{2 in} FIG. If their connections from this direction will be possible, because it becomes impossible to operate the operation lever 30, so that it can not mount the rear cover 20 from the connector 1 in the arrow A ₂ direction. That is, when the rear cover 20 is plugged from the direction of the arrow _{A 2} to the rear holder 6 in Figure 14A, the first side wall portion 22 _A of the rear cover 20 enters into the second the gap _{G 2.} However, this second gap G ₂ of sockets, but the opening is increased since the second cam groove 37 of the operation lever 30 is present, the length of the second cam groove 37 is first cam groove since narrower than 36, the rear cover 20 is further pushed, the locking projections 22 _C sidewall 22 _a surface collides with the step portion 31 C _'is a second stopper, pushing the rear cover 20 is blocked . Thus, it is no longer able to mount the rear cover 20 from the arrow A ₂ direction.

The connector 1 assembled in this way is coupled to the mating connector 40. Hereinafter, the male connector as the mating connector will be described. 15 shows a male connector, FIG. 15A is an overall perspective view of the male connector, and FIG. 15B is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 15A.
The mating connector 40 is composed of a male connector, and as shown in FIG. 15, is constituted by a plurality of male terminals 43 and a male connector housing 41 in which these terminals are accommodated.

Male terminal 43 is formed of a small size terminal 43 _B relatively sized large large-size terminal 43 _A and the size of the male respectively connected to the large-size terminal 2 _A and small-size terminal 2 _B of the female connector 1. Further, the male connector housing 42 is surrounded by front and rear walls 41 ₁ and 41 ₂ whose front and rear sides are substantially rectangular and a pair of outer walls opposite to each other, that is, upper and lower walls 41 ₃ and 41 ₃ and left and right side walls 41 ₄ and 41 ₄ . are are hollow bore having a receptacle connector 1 on the front wall 41 ₁ is plugged is formed, the back wall of the cavity hole is close to the rear wall 41 _2, the whole molding of insulating synthetic resin It is formed by the body.

This wall 41 ₂ after the male connector housing 41, mounting hole ₄₁ A of the male terminal 43 is mounted, 41 _B are formed. On the upper and lower walls 41 ₃ , 41 ₃ of the connector housing, engaging projections 42, 42 projecting outward are formed at locations close to the insertion slot. These engaging projections 42 and 42, a shaft 42 _A which is erected from the wall consists of a flange 42 _B provided on the top of the support shaft 42 _A, which are formed integrally with the male connector housing 41 Has been. Flange 42 _B is formed into a substantially disc shape. The engagement protrusion 42 is sized to be engaged with the cam hole 34 of the operation lever 30 of the connector 1. Then, the assembly of the counterpart connector 40 is performed by the to insertion fixing mounting hole ₄₁ A, the large-size terminal 43 respectively 41 _{B A} and small-size terminal 43 _B of the male connector housing 41.

Next, the connection between the connector 1 and the mating connector 40 will be described. 16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the coupling of both connectors. FIG. 16 shows a state before coupling, and FIG. 17 shows a state after coupling. In addition, the other party connector 40 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. 16B, FIG. 16C and FIG. 17B, FIG.
Coupling the connector 1 and the counterpart connector 40, is brought closer to the connector 1 to the mating connector 40, the connector 1 mounting hole 41 connector housing 41 front of the counterpart connector 40 to the insertion portion 3 _A of the connector housing 3 located ahead _A (See FIG. 16A). Before the connectors 1 and 40 are coupled, the cam holes 34 and 34 of the operation lever 30 are not engaged with the engagement protrusions 42 and 42 of the mating connector 40 as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C. Are held in a position parallel to the rear holder 6. This position, as shown in FIG. 16D, contacts the arcuate surface _{33 A2} of the outer peripheral surface of the locking projection 22 _C of the rear cover 20 is first stopper 36 ₁ and the rotation restricting portion 33 _A in the first cam groove 36 _' And is held. By this holding, the operation lever 30 does not swing in the direction of arrow B (see FIGS. 16A and 16C).

Next, as shown in FIG. 17, after inserting the engagement protrusions 42, 42 of the mating connector 40 into the opening portions of the cam holes 34, 34 of the operation lever 30, the connection portion 32 of the operation lever 30 is picked by hand. The operation lever 30 is rotated to the rear of the rear cover 20. By the rotation of the operation lever 30, the engagement protrusions 42, 42 of the mating connector 40 are guided by the guide portions of the cam holes 34, 34, and the two connectors 1, 40 are pulled toward each other. When the operating lever 30 is further rotated, the connecting portion 32 moves to the rear of the rear cover 20 to complete the coupling of the connectors 1 and 40, and the electrical connection is made between the terminals 2 and 43 of the connectors 1 and 40. The When the connection between the connectors 1 and 40 is completed, the operation lever 30 is fixed at a position where the connecting portion 32 moves to the rear of the rear cover 20. Fixing of the operating lever 30 in this position, as shown in FIG. 17D, the locking projection 22 _C of the rear cover 20 enters the locking groove 36 in the _B, one side of the outer circumference of the locking protrusions 22 _C in this intruding state The flat surface 33 _A1 of the rotation restricting member 33 _{A ′} is brought into contact with the rotation of the pivot projection 33, that is, the operation lever 30 is restricted and fixed. By this holding and fixing, the operation lever 30 does not swing in the direction of arrow C. Further, the locking portion 32 </ _b > _A provided in the connecting portion 32 is locked to the protrusion 24 </ _b > _B of the ceiling wall 24 of the rear cover 20, so that the operation lever 30 is more reliably locked.
In addition, the coupling of the two connectors 1, 40 are made, by the outer peripheral surface of the seal member 35 abuts against the liquid-tight to the inner wall of the mounting hole 41 _A of the mating connector, also waterproof between the two connectors 1, 40 ensure It becomes.

FIG. 1 shows an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1A is an overall perspective view of the connector, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1A. 2 shows the electrical connector of FIG. 1 rotated 180 degrees, FIG. 2A is an overall perspective view, and FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2A. 3 shows the connector housing of FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of the connector housing of FIG. 1B, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of the connector housing of FIG. 2B. 4 shows the rear holder of FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 4A is an enlarged perspective view of the rear holder of FIG. 1B, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of the rear holder of FIG. 2B. 5 shows the rear cover of FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of the rear cover of FIG. 1B, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged perspective view of the rear cover of FIG. 2B. 6 shows the operation lever of FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 6A is an enlarged perspective view of the operation lever of FIG. 1B, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged perspective view of the operation lever of FIG. 2B. FIG. 7 shows a state in the middle of mounting the operation lever to the rear holder, FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing a cut main part, and FIG. 7B is a side view of FIG. 7A. FIG. 8 shows a state after the operation lever is mounted on the rear holder, FIG. 8A is a perspective view with the main part cut, and FIG. 8B is a side view of FIG. 8A. 9A and 9B show a process of joining the connector housing and the rear holder, FIG. 9A is a perspective view before joining, FIG. 9B is a perspective view after joining, and FIG. 9C is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the IXC portion of FIG. 10 shows a process of attaching the rear cover to the assembly in which the rear holder is coupled to the connector housing shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10A is a perspective view before installation, FIG. 10B is a perspective view after installation, and FIG. 10C is an XC of FIG. It is an expanded partial sectional view of a part. 11A and 11B show a process of joining the connector housing and the rear holder, FIG. 11A is a perspective view before joining, FIG. 11B is a perspective view after joining, and FIG. 11C is an enlarged view of the XIC portion of FIG. 12 shows a process of attaching the rear cover to the assembly in which the rear holder is coupled to the connector housing shown in FIG. 11, FIG. 12A is a perspective view before installation, FIG. 12B is a perspective view in the middle of installation, and FIG. 12C is a XIIC of FIG. It is an enlarged view of a part. FIG. 13 shows the mounting of the rear cover to the rear holder, FIG. 13A is a plan view, and FIGS. 13B to 13D are sectional views taken along the line XIIIB-XIIIB in FIG. 14A and 14B show the mounting of the rear cover to the rear holder, FIG. 14A is a plan view, and FIGS. 14B and 14C illustrate the state of mounting the rear cover step by step, and are sectional views taken along the line XIVB-XIVB in FIG. 15 shows a male connector, FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the whole connector, and FIG. 15B is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 15A. 16A shows a state before the connectors are joined together, FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the whole, FIG. 16B is a rear view seen from the X direction of FIG. 16A, and FIG. 16C is the housing side cut along line XVIC-XVIC of FIG. FIG. 16D is a sectional view on the side of the operation lever cut along the line XVIC-XVIC in FIG. 16B. 17 shows a state after the connectors are joined together, FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the whole, FIG. 17B is a rear view seen from the X direction of FIG. 17A, and FIG. 17C is the housing side cut along line XVIIC-XVIIC of FIG. FIG. 17D is a cross-sectional view of the operation lever side cut along the line XVIIC-XVIIC in FIG. 17B. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional electrical connector. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 (Electricity) Connector 2 Terminal 3 Connector housing 3 _A insertion part 3 _B coupling | bond part 6 Rear holder 6 _A outer wall board 6 _B inner wall board 7 _A support protrusion 9 Notch groove 10 _A accommodation hole 11 Locking part 11 _A locking arm 11 _B locking claw 11 _C block protrusion 20 Rear cover 22 _C locking protrusion 30 Operation lever 31 Arm lever 33 Pivoting protrusion 33 _A supporting shaft 33 _{A '} rotation restricting portion 33 _B flange 35 Seal member 36 First cam groove 36 _B engagement Stop groove 37 Second cam groove 40 Mating connector 41 Male connector housing 42 Engaging protrusion

Claims (5)

A terminal housing is housed inside, a connector housing having an insertion part inserted into the mating connector in the front, and a holder mounting part in the rear,
A seal member inserted into the outer periphery of the holder mounting portion;
The front end portion is a contact surface that contacts the seal member, has a fitting hole fixed to the holder mounting portion in the front, a cover mounting portion in the rear, and a seal member interposed in the connector housing. A rear holder fixed by
A rear cover mounted by sliding movement on the cover mounting portion;
In an electrical connector with
A locking portion is provided at a location adjacent to the rear cover mounting portion of the rear holder, and an engagement portion for engaging the locking portion is provided at the holder mounting portion of the connector housing. When the rear holder is mounted on the connector housing, the electrical movement of the rear cover is blocked when the rear holder is not engaged with the engaging portion.   The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion and the engaging portion are provided at locations where the rear holder and the holder mounting portion face each other.   The locking portion includes an elastic locking member formed on a part of the outer wall of the rear holder, the locking member includes a locking claw and a block protrusion, and the engaging portion is formed on the connector housing. A locking groove formed on a wall surface, and when the connector housing and the rear holder are not completely fixed and the locking portion is not engaged with the engaging portion, the locking claw engages with the locking groove. The locking member is pushed up by climbing on the wall surface of the connector housing before being stopped, whereby the block protrusion blocks the mounting of the rear cover on the cover mounting portion by sliding movement. Item 3. The electrical connector according to Item 1 or 2.   A part of the outer wall surface of the rear holder is formed of a double wall composed of an outer wall plate and an inner wall plate with a gap therebetween, and the locking portion is provided on the inner wall plate. The electrical connector according to claim 3.   The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an operation lever is attached to a wall surface of the rear holder, a part of which is locked to the mating connector to couple the two connectors together.

Images