【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、両コネクタハウジングの間にガタ規制部材を配置して両コネクタハウジングのコネクタ嵌合方向とコネクタ嵌合直交方向のガタ付きを防止し、両コネクタハウジング内の端子相互の摩耗を防止したコネクタに関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図５〜図６は従来のコネクタを示すものである（特許文献１参照）。
このコネクタ６１は、雌端子６２を収容する一方のコネクタ６３と、雄端子６４を収容する他方のコネクタ６５とで成り、合成樹脂製の一方のコネクタハウジングの外側のフード部６６の内面にガタ規制突部６７を一体に形成し、他方のコネクタハウジング６８の外壁面をガタ規制突部６７の表面に隙間なく接触させて、両コネクタ６３，６５の嵌合直交方向のガタを防止したものである。
【０００３】
一方のコネクタハウジングは雄型のインナハウジング６９とその外側の矩形筒状のフード部６６とで成り、インナハウジング６９内に雌端子６２が収容されている。雌端子６２は合成樹脂製のフロントホルダ７０で二重係止されている。インナハウジング６４の基部には防水パッキン７１が装着されている。ガタ規制突部６７は略長方形状を呈している。
【０００４】
フード部６６とインナハウジング６４との間に他方のコネクタハウジング６８が挿入される。図６は嵌合直前の状態を示している。両コネクタハウジングの嵌合と同時に雄・雌両端子６２，７０が接続され、他方のコネクタハウジング６８の先端部がパッキン７１に密着し、フード部６６のロックアーム７２が他方のコネクタハウジング６８の係合突起に係合して、両コネクタがロックされ、それらと同時に、一方のコネクタハウジングのフード部６６と他方のコネクタハウジング６８とのコネクタ嵌合直交方向のガタが規制突部６７で防止され、車両走行時等の振動による雄・雌両端子６２，７０の摩耗の低減が図られる。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−１９８１２７（第３−４頁、図４，図６）
【０００６】
【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にあっては、コネクタ嵌合直交方向のガタは防止されるものの、コネクタ嵌合方向のガタが防止されないため、車両走行中の振動や近接の機器やエンジン等の振動による雄・雌両端子６２，７０の摩耗等が完全には解消されないという問題があった。また、一方のコネクタハウジングのフード部６６と他方のコネクタハウジング６８とのガタは防止されるものの、一方のコネクタハウジングの肝心の端子収容部であるインナハウジング６４と他方のコネクタハウジング６８とのガタが直接的には防止されないため、雄・雌端子相互のガタを生じやすく、両端子６２，７０の摩耗が完全には解消されないという懸念があった。また、長期に渡って使用された場合に、ガタ規制突部６７が車両走行時等の振動によって摩耗や圧縮変形を起こし、コネクタ嵌合直交方向のガタを生じかねないという懸念もあった。さらに、両コネクタハウジングの嵌合が隙間なくきっちり行われるために、両コネクタハウジングの心を上手く合わせないと両コネクタハウジングが引っ掛かりやすく、両コネクタハウジングの嵌合作業性が悪いという懸念があった。
【０００７】
本発明は、上記した点に鑑み、コネクタ嵌合直交方向のみならずコネクタ嵌合方向のガタをも防止でき、しかもコネクタハウジングの端子収容部であるインナハウジングのガタを防止でき、さらに長期間の使用によってもガタを生じることがなく、雄・雌両端子の摩耗等を確実に防止することができ、加えて、両コネクタハウジングの嵌合をスムーズ且つ容易に行うことができるコネクタを提供することを目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、本発明の請求項１に係るコネクタは、一方のコネクタハウジングにコネクタ嵌合方向移動自在に設けられ、傾斜面を有するガタ規制部材と、該ガタ規制部材をコネクタ嵌合方向に押圧する付勢部材と、他方のコネクタハウジングに設けられ、両コネクタハウジングの嵌合時に該傾斜面に当接する傾斜部とを備え、該傾斜面と該傾斜部とが両コネクタハウジングの嵌合後に当接されることを特徴とする。
上記構成により、コネクタ嵌合後に付勢部材でガタ規制部材がコネクタ嵌合方向に押圧され、ガタ規制部材の傾斜面が相手側コネクタハウジングの傾斜部に当接する。傾斜面と傾斜部との当接により、コネクタ嵌合方向とコネクタ嵌合直交方向のガタが防止される。また、コネクタ嵌合後に傾斜面と傾斜部とが当接されることで、両コネクタハウジング相互の嵌合が引っ掛かり等なくスムーズ且つ確実に行われる。また、付勢部材によってガタ規制部材が傾斜面と傾斜部との当接方向に常に押圧されることで、振動による傾斜面と傾斜部との離間が防止され、且つ長期に渡るガタ規制が可能となる。
【０００９】
請求項２に係るコネクタは、請求項１記載のコネクタにおいて、前記ガタ規制部材が前記一方のコネクタハウジングの後部に着脱自在に装着されることを特徴とする。
上記構成により、両コネクタハウジング（端子を含む両コネクタ）の嵌合後にガタ規制部材を一方のコネクタハウジングの後部に装着（挿着）することで、両コネクタハウジングの嵌合をスムーズに行うことができる。また、ガタ規制部材の装着状態を目視で確認することで、欠品やガタ規制の有無が容易に確認され、ガタ規制の信頼性が高まる。
【００１０】
請求項３に係るコネクタは、請求項１又は２記載のコネクタにおいて、前記付勢部材が、前記一方のコネクタハウジングに設けられた弾性アームであることを特徴とする。
上記構成により、弾性アームでガタ規制部材がコネクタ嵌合方向に押圧付勢され、傾斜面と傾斜部とが付勢されつつ確実に当接する。弾性アームをコネクタハウジングに一体に設けることで、部品点数が削減される。また、弾性アームを付勢反対方向に撓ませることで、ガタ規制部材のロックを容易に解除できる。
【００１１】
請求項４に係るコネクタは、請求項３記載のコネクタにおいて、前記弾性アームが傾斜状の突起を有し、該傾斜状の突起に押接される凹部が前記ガタ規制部材に設けられたことを特徴とする。
上記構成により、弾性アームの突起の傾斜面が凹部に押接してガタ規制部材をコネクタ嵌合方向（傾斜面と傾斜部との当接方向）に押圧付勢する。傾斜状の突起がくさび作用で凹部内に係合することで、ガタ規制部材が一方のコネクタハウジングに固定される。
【００１２】
請求項５に係るコネクタは、請求項１〜４の何れか１項に記載のコネクタにおいて、前記一方のコネクタハウジングの端子収容部であるインナハウジングに前記ガタ規制部材が装着されることを特徴とする。
上記構成により、端子収容部であるインナハウジングのガタを直接規制することで、コネクタ嵌合状態で雄・雌端子相互のガタが一層確実に防止される。
【００１３】
請求項６に係るコネクタは、請求項１〜５の何れか１項に記載のコネクタにおいて、前記ガタ規制部材が、前記傾斜面を有する複数の当接部と、各当接部を周方向に連結する連結部とで構成されたことを特徴とする。
上記構成により、複数の当接部が均一に相手側コネクタハウジングの傾斜部に当接する。傾斜部の全周に渡って傾斜面が当接する場合に較べて、当接面積が低減され、且つ分割されることで、当接がコネクタハウジングの全周に渡って均一に正確に行われる。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。
図１〜図２は、本発明に係るコネクタの一実施形態を示すものである。
【００１５】
このコネクタ（耐震コネクタ）１は、端子収容部であるインナハウジング２とその外側を覆うフード３とを有する合成樹脂製の一方のコネクタハウジング４と、インナハウジング２とフード部３との略矩形環状の隙間５に挿入される略矩形環状の周壁６を有する他方のコネクタハウジング７とを備え、インナハウジング２の後半部の外周に、断面略くさび状の複数の当接部８を有する略矩形環状のガタ規制部材１０をコネクタ嵌合離脱方向スライド自在に装着し、ガタ規制部材１０の後部をコネクタ嵌合方向に付勢する弾性アーム（付勢部材）４８をフード部３の後方に突出形成し、他方のコネクタハウジング７の周壁６の先端部の内面に、当接部８の外側の傾斜面８ａに当接するテーパ状の内側の傾斜面１１である被当接部（傾斜部）を形成したことを特徴とするものである。ガタ規制部材１０は両コネクタハウジング４，７を嵌合した後、押し込んで装着する。
【００１６】
インナハウジング２の周壁１３は図２の如く断面略矩形状に形成され、図１の如くフード部３の後端まで延長されて、周壁後半においてフード部３の直交する鍔状の連結壁５１で連結されている。インナハウジング２は内側に端子収容室４２を有し、端子収容室４２に雌型の端子１５が挿入されて可撓係止ランス４１で係止され、端子４２に続く電線２４の外周の防水ゴム栓１６がフード部３の連結壁５１よりも後方に位置している。
【００１７】
そして、インナハウジング２の周壁１３の後半部の外周面に沿って略矩形環状のガタ規制部材１０が前後方向スライド自在に装着されている。ガタ規制部材１０は後部側に係合用の孔部（凹部）５０を有し、孔部５０に弾性アーム４８の断面三角形状の突起４９が進入係合して、突起４９の前側の傾斜面４９ａで孔部５０の周縁をガタ規制部材挿入方向すなわちコネクタ嵌合方向に押圧付勢している。弾性アーム４８は内向きの付勢力を有している。
【００１８】
これにより、他方のコネクタハウジング７の先端内側の傾斜面１１にガタ規制部材１０の先端外側の傾斜面８ａが常に密着して、両コネクタハウジング４，７のコネクタ嵌合方向及びコネクタ嵌合直交方向のガタを確実に防止する。なお、孔部５０は凹状の溝ないし穴部であってもよい。
【００１９】
ガタ規制部材１０の前方には鍔状のストッパ壁５２を介して防水パッキン１２がインナハウジング２の周壁１３の中間部の外周面に沿って装着されている。また、防水パッキン１２の前方にはフロントホルダ１４が装着され、フロントホルダ１４は雌型の端子１５をインナハウジング２内に二重係止させている。一方のコネクタハウジング４とガタ規制部材１０と雌型の端子１５と防水ゴム栓１６と防水パッキン１２とフロントホルダ１４とで一方のコネクタ１７が構成されている。
【００２０】
本形態の他方のコネクタ１８は機器直付け式のものであり、機器（図示せず）に固定する又は機器と一体の後端のフランジ部１９と、フランジ部１９に続く端子固定部２０と、端子固定部２０に続く略矩形環状の周壁２１とでコネクタハウジング７が構成され、周壁２１の内側のコネクタ嵌合室２２に突出した雄型（タブ状）の端子２３とコネクタハウジング７とで他方のコネクタ１８が構成されている。
【００２１】
他方のコネクタハウジング７の周壁２１の先端部において内周面に環状の傾斜面１１である被当接部が形成されている。周壁２１の内側にコネクタ嵌合室２２が構成され、コネクタ嵌合室２２の内周面にフロントホルダ１４の外周面や防水パッキン１２が接し、先端側の傾斜面１１はガタ規制部材１０の当接部８の傾斜面８ａと同程度の長さで且つ同じ傾斜角度で形成され、傾斜面１１の前端はテーパ状の短い段部を介して周壁前端の開口部５３に続いている。なお、本明細書で前後の定義は各コネクタ１７，１８の嵌合先端側を前、電線２４又は雄型の端子２３の導出側を後としている。
【００２２】
他方のコネクタハウジング７の周壁２１の前部外面にはフード部３の可撓性のロックアーム４３に対する係合用の凹部４４が形成されている。凹部４４は前側の傾斜状の突起４５と後側の停止壁４６との間に形成されている。ロックアーム４３は前端側に内向きの突起４３ａを有し、中間部にインナハウジング２と連結する支柱部４３ｃを有し、後端側に押圧操作部４３ｂを有している。両コネクタハウジング４，７の嵌合と同時にコネクタロックが行われる。
【００２３】
図３はガタ規制部材１０の一実施形態を示すものである。
ガタ規制部材１０は、左右両側に各一つの当接部８を有し、下側に一つ、上側に左右一対の細幅の当接部８をそれぞれ有して、各当接部８を後部側の矩形環状の連結壁（連結部）９で連結して成るものである。
【００２４】
上側の一対の当接部８はフード部３側のロックアーム４３（図１）の支柱４３ｃを挿通させるべく左右に分割されている。各当接部８は先端外側に同一角度、同一長さの傾斜面８ａを有している。矩形環状の連結壁９には、ガタ規制部材１０の弾性アーム４８（図１）の突起４９を係合させる矩形状の孔部５０が貫通形成されている。孔部５０は弾性アーム４８の位置に対応して左右と下側に計三つ設けられている。
【００２５】
なお、上側にも弾性アーム４８と孔部５０を設けても良く、弾性アーム４８と孔部５０は左右一対又は上下一対であってもよい。但し弾性アーム４８の数が多い方がガタ規制部材１０を前方に押す付勢力が大きくなり、ガタ防止力がアップすると共に、ガタ規制部材１０の姿勢が安定する。当接部８を連結壁９と同様に矩形環状に形成することも可能である。その場合、当接部８と連結壁９とは矩形筒状に一体化する。また、矩形筒状ではなく円形のインナハウジング２を用いた場合には、連結壁９は丸型の環状となる。
【００２６】
上記ガタ規制部材１０の材質は比較的硬質の合成樹脂であるが、合成ゴムやエラストマ樹脂といった弾性の軟質材でガタ規制部材１０の当接部を形成してもよい。また、合成樹脂製の当接部８の内部を中空として、傾斜面８ａを含む外側の壁部にばね性を付与することも可能である。それらの場合は、軟質（弾性）の当接部８が両傾斜面８ａ，１１の傾斜角度のばらつきを吸収して相手側の傾斜面１１に隙間なく密着すると共に、振動を減衰させる。
【００２７】
また、連結部９を薄肉の可撓性の帯片状に形成し、薄肉の連結片で各当接部８を周方向に連結し、両コネクタハウジング４，７の寸法誤差に対応して連結片を伸縮させて、ガタ規制部材１０をインナハウジング２に容易に装着できるようにしてもよい。また、環状の連結部９に径方向又は軸方向に貫通するスリット（スリット）を設けることで、スリット底部に可撓部を形成して、連結部９を径方向に拡縮可能としてもよい。これらの形態のガタ規制部材１０は合成樹脂材でもゴム等のエラストマ材で形成してもよい。
【００２８】
また、ガタ規制部材１０を一方のコネクタハウジング４から後方に引き出した状態で仮係止させておき、押し込んで弾性アーム４８で本係止させるようにしてもよい。その場合は例えば当接部８の後半の傾斜面８ａでない部分８ｂに仮係止用の孔部（図示せず）を設けて、仮係止用の孔部に弾性アーム４８の突起４９を浅く仮係合させてもよい。
【００２９】
図４は、一方のコネクタハウジング４の弾性アーム４８の一実施形態を示すものである。図３のガタ規制部材１０に対して上下反転して図示している。図１の実施形態とはやや異なるが、同一の符号を用いて説明する。
【００３０】
この弾性アーム４８は図１の弾性アームよりも長く形成され、基部側がコネクタハウジング４の合成樹脂製のフード部３の凹部５４内に位置して、フード部３に一体に続いている。弾性アーム４８はやや内向きに傾倒して内向きすなわち突起４９の突出方向の付勢力を有している。図１で一方のコネクタハウジング１７からガタ規制部材１０を離脱させた状態で、弾性アーム４８は内向きにさらに傾倒する。
【００３１】
弾性アーム４８の突起４９は前後すなわちコネクタ嵌合離脱方向にそれぞれ傾斜面４９ａ，４９ｂを有している。前側の傾斜面４９ａは図１の如くガタ規制部材１０を前方に付勢し、後側の傾斜面４９ｂは孔部５０内で突起４９を安定に支持させる。突起４９が孔部５０にガタ付きなく係合することで、一方のコネクタハウジング４とガタ規制部材１０とがガタ付きなく固定されて一体化する。たとえロックアーム４３を用いなくとも両コネクタハウジング４，７のロックは可能である。
【００３２】
なお、後側の傾斜面４９ｂを外向きの（外側に膨出した）湾曲面や垂直面等に代えることも可能である。この場合、後側の湾曲面や垂直面は常に隙間なく孔部５０の内周縁に接していることが、コネクタハウジング４とガタ規制部材１０との固定の上で必要である。また、前側の傾斜面４９ａを内向きの（凹んだ）湾曲面等に代えることも可能である。
【００３３】
図４の如く、弾性アーム４８を長く形成することで、弾性アーム４８が塑性変形しにくくなり、長期間に渡って内向きのばね性を保有して、ガタ規制部材１０をコネクタ嵌合方向に確実に付勢する。弾性アーム４８はガタ規制部材１０を相手コネクタハウジング７の傾斜面１１に当接させる付勢部材として作用する。弾性アーム４８の内側にインナハウジング２の後部が位置している。インナハウジング２の後端の開口５５から端子収容室４２内に電線付きの雌型の端子１５と防水ゴム栓１６（図１）が収容される。
【００３４】
以下に図１を用いてコネクタ１の組立及び嵌合方法を説明する。
先ず、一方のコネクタハウジング４内に電線付きの雌型の端子１５を挿入係止させる。環状のガタ規制部材１０の内側空間には予め端子付き電線２４を挿通させておく。あるいは仮係止手段で一方のコネクタハウジング４にガタ規制部材１０を仮係止させておき、その状態で端子１５を挿入する。インナハウジング２には予め防水パッキン１２を装着し、フロントホルダ１４を仮係止させておく。次いでフロントホルダ１４を押し込んで端子１５を二重係止させる。この状態でガタ規制部材１０は一方のコネクタハウジング４に完全には装着されていない。
【００３５】
次いで両コネクタハウジング４，７（正確には端子を含む両コネクタ１７，１８）を嵌合させる。コネクタ嵌合に伴って雄・雌両端子１５，２３が挿入接続され、ロックアーム４３が凹部４４に係合する。両コネクタハウジング４，７の嵌合後に一方のコネクタハウジング４に後方からガタ規制部材１０を挿入する。
【００３６】
ガタ規制部材１０の前側の外向きの傾斜面８ａが他方のコネクタハウジング７の内向きの傾斜面１１に当接し、且つ弾性アーム４８の付勢力で強く傾斜面１１に押し付けられ、且つ弾性アーム４８と孔部５０との付勢係合でガタ規制部材１０がコネクタハウジング４と一体化して、傾斜面８ａ，１１同士の当接が確実に行われ、両コネクタハウジング４，７のガタが確実に阻止される。それにより、振動による雄・雌両端子１５，２３の摩耗が確実に防止される。
【００３７】
なお、上記各実施形態においては、他方のコネクタ１８として機器直付けコネクタを用いたが、これに限らず通常のワイヤハーネスのコネクタを用いることも可能である。また、一方のコネクタ１７としてフード付きのコネクタを用いたが、これに限らずフード３のないコネクタすなわちインナハウジング２のみの如くのコネクタを用いることも可能である。その場合、例えばロックアーム４３は他方のコネクタに設けたり、弾性アーム４８をインナハウジング２の外壁から図１のフード３の連結壁５１と弾性アーム４８の如く略Ｌ字状に突出形成することも可能である。
【００３８】
また、ガタ規制部材１０を環状ではなく左右又は上下に分割したり、ガタ規制部材１０の外周の一部に電線挿通用の切欠部（図示せず）を設けたりすることも可能である。また、ガタ規制部材１０を薄肉の連結片（図示せず）で一方のコネクタハウジング４に一体に連結形成することも可能である。
【００３９】
また、弾性アーム４８の先端部をガタ規制部材１０の孔部５０ではなく例えば連結壁９の後端に当接させて、ガタ規制部材１０を前方に付勢することも可能である。弾性アーム４８に代えて板ばねやコイルばね等の付勢部材でガタ規制部材１０をコネクタ嵌合方向に付勢させることも可能である。この場合、これらのばね部材は一方のコネクタハウジング４に一体に形成されてもよく、あるいは別体のものをコネクタハウジング４の後部に装着するようにしてもよい。
【００４０】
また、上記実施形態では一方のコネクタハウジング４に、外側の傾斜面８ａを有するガタ規制部材１０を装着したが、他方のコネクタハウジング７に、内側の傾斜面を有するガタ規制部材（図示せず）を装着し、一方のコネクタハウジング４に外側の傾斜面（傾斜部）を形成することも可能である。この場合、ガタ規制部材１０はハウジング内側の弾性アームや他のばね部材等（付勢部材）でコネクタ嵌合方向に付勢させる。特許請求の範囲における一方のコネクタハウジングとはコネクタハウジング４又はコネクタハウジング７を指すものである。
【００４１】
【発明の効果】
以上の如く、請求項１記載の発明によれば、傾斜面と傾斜部との当接により、コネクタ嵌合方向とコネクタ嵌合直交方向のガタが防止されるから、コネクタハウジング内の雄・雌両端子の摩耗が確実に防止され、電気的接続の信頼性が向上する。また、コネクタ嵌合後に傾斜面と傾斜部とが当接されることで、両コネクタハウジング相互の嵌合がスムーズ且つ確実に行われるから、コネクタ嵌合作業性が向上する。また、付勢部材によってガタ規制部材が傾斜面と傾斜部との当接方向に常に押圧されることで、端子相互の摩耗が振動や長期間の使用によっても確実に防止され、電気的接続の信頼性が向上する。
【００４２】
請求項２記載の発明によれば、コネクタ嵌合後にガタ規制部材を一方のコネクタハウジングの後部に装着することで、両コネクタの嵌合をスムーズに行うことができ、コネクタ嵌合作業性が向上する。また、ガタ規制部材の装着状態を目視で確認できるから、ガタ規制の信頼性が高まる。
【００４３】
請求項３記載の発明によれば、弾性アームをコネクタハウジングに設けることで、部品点数が削減され、低コスト化が図られる。また、弾性アームを付勢反対方向に撓ませてガタ規制部材のロックを容易に解除でき、メンテナンス性が向上する。
【００４４】
請求項４記載の発明によれば、弾性アームの突起が凹部に押接してガタ規制部材をコネクタ嵌合方向に押圧する構造としたことで、コネクタ構造がコンパクト化、軽量化される。
【００４５】
請求項５記載の発明によれば、従来のようにコネクタハウジングのフード部のガタを規制せず、端子収容部であるインナハウジングのガタを直接規制することで、コネクタ嵌合状態で雄・雌端子相互のガタが一層確実に防止され、電気的接続の信頼性が一層向上する。
【００４６】
請求項６記載の発明によれば、複数の当接部が均一に相手側コネクタハウジングの傾斜部に当接することで、ガタ規制が正確に行われ、端子相互の摩耗が一層確実に防止される。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係るコネクタの一実施形態を示す縦断面図である。
【図２】同じくコネクタを示す図１のＡ−Ａ断面図である。
【図３】コネクタのガタ規制部材の一実施形態を示す斜視図である。
【図４】ガタ規制部材を装着する側のコネクタハウジングの要部を示す斜視図である。
【図５】従来のコネクタの一形態の嵌合状態を示すＸ方向断面図である。
【図６】同じく従来のコネクタの嵌合直前の状態を示すＹ方向断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ コネクタ
２ インナハウジング
４，７ コネクタハウジング
８ａ 傾斜面
８ 当接部
９ 連結部
１０ ガタ規制部材
１１ 傾斜部
４８ 弾性アーム（付勢部材）
４９ 突起
５０ 孔部（凹部）[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a play regulating member is arranged between both connector housings to prevent rattling in a connector fitting direction of the two connector housings and a direction perpendicular to the connector fitting, and to prevent abrasion of terminals in both connector housings. It is about connectors.
[0002]
[Prior art]
5 and 6 show a conventional connector (see Patent Document 1).
The connector 61 includes one connector 63 for accommodating the female terminal 62 and another connector 65 for accommodating the male terminal 64. The protrusion 67 is formed integrally, and the outer wall surface of the other connector housing 68 is brought into contact with the surface of the play restriction protrusion 67 without any gap, thereby preventing backlash in the fitting orthogonal direction of the connectors 63 and 65. .
[0003]
One connector housing includes a male inner housing 69 and a rectangular cylindrical hood portion 66 outside the male inner housing 69, and the female terminal 62 is accommodated in the inner housing 69. The female terminal 62 is double-locked by a front holder 70 made of synthetic resin. A waterproof packing 71 is attached to the base of the inner housing 64. The play regulating protrusion 67 has a substantially rectangular shape.
[0004]
The other connector housing 68 is inserted between the hood 66 and the inner housing 64. FIG. 6 shows a state immediately before fitting. The male and female terminals 62 and 70 are connected at the same time when the two connector housings are fitted, the tip of the other connector housing 68 is in close contact with the packing 71, and the lock arm 72 of the hood 66 is engaged with the other connector housing 68. Engaging with the mating projections, both connectors are locked, and at the same time, play in the connector fitting orthogonal direction between the hood portion 66 of one connector housing and the other connector housing 68 is prevented by the regulating projection 67, The wear of the male and female terminals 62, 70 due to vibration during running of the vehicle and the like is reduced.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-127127 (page 3-4, FIGS. 4 and 6)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional connector, although play in the connector fitting orthogonal direction is prevented, play in the connector fitting direction is not prevented. There has been a problem that wear of the male and female terminals 62, 70 is not completely eliminated. In addition, although the play between the hood portion 66 of one connector housing and the other connector housing 68 is prevented, the play between the inner housing 64, which is an essential terminal housing portion of the one connector housing, and the other connector housing 68 is prevented. Since it is not directly prevented, there is a concern that play between the male and female terminals is likely to occur, and that the wear of both terminals 62 and 70 is not completely eliminated. In addition, when used for a long period of time, there is a concern that the backlash regulating protrusion 67 may be worn or compressed by vibration during running of the vehicle or the like, which may cause backlash in the direction perpendicular to the connector fitting. Further, since the fitting of the two connector housings is performed without gaps, the two connector housings are easily caught unless the centers of the two connector housings are properly aligned, and there is a concern that the workability of the fitting of the two connector housings is poor.
[0007]
In view of the above, the present invention can prevent play in the connector fitting direction as well as in the connector fitting orthogonal direction, and can prevent play in the inner housing, which is a terminal housing portion of the connector housing. Provided is a connector that can reliably prevent wear of both male and female terminals without causing backlash even when used, and can smoothly and easily fit both connector housings. With the goal.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a connector according to claim 1 of the present invention is provided on one of the connector housings so as to be movable in a connector fitting direction, and has a play preventing member having an inclined surface, and the play preventing member being fitted with a connector. An urging member for pressing in the mating direction, and an inclined portion provided on the other connector housing and abutting on the inclined surface when the two connector housings are fitted to each other, wherein the inclined surface and the inclined portion are It is characterized by being brought into contact after fitting.
According to the above configuration, the play regulating member is pressed in the connector fitting direction by the biasing member after the connector is fitted, and the inclined surface of the play restricting member contacts the inclined portion of the mating connector housing. The contact between the inclined surface and the inclined portion prevents backlash in the connector fitting direction and the connector fitting orthogonal direction. In addition, since the inclined surface and the inclined portion are brought into contact with each other after the connectors are fitted, the fitting between the two connector housings is smoothly and reliably performed without being caught. In addition, since the backlash regulating member is constantly pressed in the contact direction between the inclined surface and the inclined portion by the biasing member, separation between the inclined surface and the inclined portion due to vibration is prevented, and play can be regulated for a long time. It becomes.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the connector according to the first aspect, the play regulating member is detachably attached to a rear portion of the one connector housing.
According to the above configuration, the fitting of the two connector housings can be performed smoothly by attaching (inserting) the play preventing member to the rear portion of the one connector housing after the fitting of the two connector housings (the two connectors including the terminals). it can. In addition, by visually checking the mounting state of the play control member, it is possible to easily check whether there is a shortage or play control, thereby increasing the reliability of play control.
[0010]
The connector according to claim 3 is the connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing member is an elastic arm provided on the one connector housing.
According to the above configuration, the play restricting member is pressed and urged in the connector fitting direction by the elastic arm, and the inclined surface and the inclined portion are securely contacted while being urged. By providing the elastic arm integrally with the connector housing, the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, by bending the elastic arm in the direction opposite to the bias, the lock of the play regulating member can be easily released.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the connector according to the third aspect, the elastic arm has an inclined protrusion, and a concave portion pressed against the inclined protrusion is provided in the play regulating member. Features.
With the above configuration, the inclined surface of the protrusion of the elastic arm presses against the concave portion to press and bias the play regulating member in the connector fitting direction (the direction of contact between the inclined surface and the inclined portion). When the inclined projections are engaged in the recesses by the wedge action, the play regulating member is fixed to the one connector housing.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the connector according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the play regulating member is attached to an inner housing that is a terminal accommodating portion of the one connector housing. I do.
According to the above configuration, by directly regulating the play of the inner housing, which is the terminal accommodating portion, the play between the male and female terminals is more reliably prevented when the connector is fitted.
[0013]
In the connector according to claim 6, in the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the play regulating member includes a plurality of contact portions having the inclined surface, and each contact portion is circumferentially arranged. And a connecting portion to be connected.
According to the above configuration, the plurality of contact portions uniformly contact the inclined portions of the mating connector housing. The contact area is reduced and divided as compared with the case where the inclined surface contacts over the entire circumference of the inclined portion, so that the contact is uniformly and accurately performed over the entire circumference of the connector housing.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 show an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention.
[0015]
This connector (earthquake-resistant connector) 1 has one connector housing 4 made of a synthetic resin having an inner housing 2 as a terminal accommodating portion and a hood 3 covering the outside thereof, and a substantially rectangular annular shape of the inner housing 2 and the hood portion 3. And the other connector housing 7 having a substantially rectangular annular peripheral wall 6 inserted into the gap 5 of the inner housing 2, and a plurality of abutting portions 8 having a substantially wedge-shaped cross section on the outer periphery of the rear half of the inner housing 2. The backlash regulating member 10 is slidably mounted in the connector fitting / removing direction, and an elastic arm (biasing member) 48 for biasing the rear portion of the backlash regulating member 10 in the connector fitting direction is formed to project rearward of the hood portion 3. On the inner surface of the distal end portion of the peripheral wall 6 of the other connector housing 7, a contacted portion (inclined portion) which is a tapered inner inclined surface 11 which is in contact with the outer inclined surface 8a of the contact portion 8 is formed. It is characterized in that the. After the two connector housings 4 and 7 are fitted together, the play regulating member 10 is pushed in and mounted.
[0016]
The peripheral wall 13 of the inner housing 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in cross section as shown in FIG. 2 and is extended to the rear end of the hood 3 as shown in FIG. Are linked. The inner housing 2 has a terminal accommodating chamber 42 inside, and the female terminal 15 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 42 and locked by the flexible locking lance 41, and waterproof rubber on the outer periphery of the electric wire 24 following the terminal 42 is provided. The plug 16 is located behind the connecting wall 51 of the hood 3.
[0017]
A substantially rectangular annular play regulating member 10 is slidably mounted in the front-rear direction along the outer peripheral surface of the rear half of the peripheral wall 13 of the inner housing 2. The backlash restricting member 10 has an engaging hole (recess) 50 on the rear side, and the projection 49 having a triangular cross section of the elastic arm 48 enters and engages with the hole 50, and the front inclined surface 49 a of the projection 49. This presses and biases the peripheral edge of the hole 50 in the backlash restricting member insertion direction, that is, the connector fitting direction. The elastic arm 48 has an inward biasing force.
[0018]
As a result, the inclined surface 8a on the outer end of the play regulating member 10 is always in close contact with the inclined surface 11 on the inner end of the distal end of the other connector housing 7, and the connector fitting direction of the two connector housings 4 and the connector fitting orthogonal direction. Prevents backlash. The hole 50 may be a concave groove or a hole.
[0019]
A waterproof packing 12 is mounted in front of the play regulating member 10 via a flange-shaped stopper wall 52 along an outer peripheral surface of an intermediate portion of the peripheral wall 13 of the inner housing 2. A front holder 14 is mounted in front of the waterproof packing 12, and the front holder 14 double-locks the female terminal 15 inside the inner housing 2. One connector 17 is composed of the connector housing 4, the play regulating member 10, the female terminal 15, the waterproof rubber plug 16, the waterproof packing 12, and the front holder 14.
[0020]
The other connector 18 of the present embodiment is a device directly attached type, and is fixed to a device (not shown) or a rear end flange portion 19 integral with the device, a terminal fixing portion 20 following the flange portion 19, The connector housing 7 is constituted by the substantially rectangular annular peripheral wall 21 following the terminal fixing portion 20, and the male (tab-shaped) terminal 23 protruding into the connector fitting chamber 22 inside the peripheral wall 21 and the connector housing 7 are the other. Is configured.
[0021]
At the tip of the peripheral wall 21 of the other connector housing 7, an abutting portion which is the annular inclined surface 11 is formed on the inner peripheral surface. A connector fitting chamber 22 is formed inside the peripheral wall 21, and the outer peripheral surface of the front holder 14 and the waterproof packing 12 are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the connector fitting chamber 22. The inclined surface 11 is formed with the same length and the same inclination angle as the inclined surface 8a of the contact portion 8, and the front end of the inclined surface 11 is connected to the opening 53 at the front end of the peripheral wall via a short tapered step. In this specification, the front and rear definitions refer to the front end of the fitting of each of the connectors 17 and 18 and the rear side of the lead-out side of the electric wire 24 or the male terminal 23.
[0022]
On the front outer surface of the peripheral wall 21 of the other connector housing 7, a concave portion 44 for engaging the flexible lock arm 43 of the hood portion 3 is formed. The concave portion 44 is formed between the front inclined wall 45 and the rear stop wall 46. The lock arm 43 has an inward protrusion 43a on the front end side, a support column 43c connected to the inner housing 2 at an intermediate portion, and a pressing operation portion 43b on the rear end side. The connector lock is performed simultaneously with the fitting of the two connector housings 4 and 7.
[0023]
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the play regulating member 10.
The play regulating member 10 has one contact portion 8 on each of the left and right sides, one on the lower side, and a pair of left and right narrow contact portions 8 on the upper side. It is connected by a rectangular annular connection wall (connection portion) 9 on the rear side.
[0024]
The upper pair of abutting portions 8 are divided into left and right sides to allow the support columns 43c of the lock arms 43 (FIG. 1) on the hood portion 3 side to pass therethrough. Each contact portion 8 has an inclined surface 8a having the same angle and the same length on the outer side of the tip. The rectangular annular connecting wall 9 is formed with a rectangular hole 50 through which the projection 49 of the elastic arm 48 (FIG. 1) of the play regulating member 10 is engaged. A total of three holes 50 are provided on the left, right, and lower sides corresponding to the position of the elastic arm 48.
[0025]
In addition, the elastic arm 48 and the hole 50 may be provided on the upper side, and the elastic arm 48 and the hole 50 may be a pair of left and right or a pair of upper and lower. However, as the number of the elastic arms 48 increases, the urging force for pushing the play regulating member 10 forward increases, the play preventing force increases, and the posture of the play regulating member 10 is stabilized. The contact portion 8 can be formed in a rectangular ring shape like the connection wall 9. In that case, the contact portion 8 and the connecting wall 9 are integrated into a rectangular cylindrical shape. When a circular inner housing 2 is used instead of a rectangular cylindrical shape, the connecting wall 9 has a circular ring shape.
[0026]
Although the material of the play control member 10 is a relatively hard synthetic resin, the contact portion of the play control member 10 may be formed of an elastic soft material such as synthetic rubber or an elastomer resin. Further, it is also possible to make the inside of the contact portion 8 made of synthetic resin hollow, and to impart springiness to the outer wall portion including the inclined surface 8a. In these cases, the soft (elastic) contact portion 8 absorbs the variation in the inclination angle of the two inclined surfaces 8a and 11 and closely adheres to the other inclined surface 11 without any gap, and also attenuates the vibration.
[0027]
Further, the connecting portion 9 is formed in a thin flexible strip shape, and the contact portions 8 are circumferentially connected by thin connecting pieces, and connected in accordance with the dimensional error of the connector housings 4 and 7. The piece may be expanded and contracted so that the play regulating member 10 can be easily attached to the inner housing 2. In addition, by providing a slit (slit) penetrating in the radial direction or the axial direction in the annular connecting portion 9, a flexible portion may be formed at the bottom of the slit, and the connecting portion 9 may be expandable and contractible in the radial direction. The play control member 10 in these modes may be formed of a synthetic resin material or an elastomer material such as rubber.
[0028]
Alternatively, the play regulating member 10 may be temporarily locked in a state of being pulled rearward from the one connector housing 4, and may be pushed in and fully locked by the elastic arm 48. In this case, for example, a hole (not shown) for temporary locking is provided in a portion 8b which is not the inclined surface 8a in the latter half of the contact portion 8, and the projection 49 of the elastic arm 48 is made shallow in the hole for temporary locking. It may be temporarily engaged.
[0029]
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the elastic arm 48 of one connector housing 4. It is shown upside down with respect to the play regulating member 10 of FIG. Although slightly different from the embodiment of FIG. 1, the description will be made using the same reference numerals.
[0030]
The elastic arm 48 is formed to be longer than the elastic arm of FIG. 1, and the base side is located in the concave portion 54 of the synthetic resin hood 3 of the connector housing 4 and is integrally connected to the hood 3. The elastic arm 48 is inclined slightly inward and has a biasing force inward, that is, in the direction in which the projection 49 projects. In FIG. 1, in a state where the play regulating member 10 is detached from the one connector housing 17, the elastic arm 48 is further inclined inward.
[0031]
The protrusion 49 of the elastic arm 48 has inclined surfaces 49a and 49b in the front and rear directions, that is, in the connector fitting / removing direction. The front inclined surface 49a urges the play regulating member 10 forward as shown in FIG. 1, and the rear inclined surface 49b stably supports the projection 49 in the hole 50. When the projection 49 is engaged with the hole 50 without play, the one connector housing 4 and the play control member 10 are fixed without play and integrated. Even if the lock arm 43 is not used, the locking of the two connector housings 4 and 7 is possible.
[0032]
Note that the rear inclined surface 49b may be replaced with an outwardly (outwardly bulging) curved surface, a vertical surface, or the like. In this case, it is necessary that the rear curved surface and the vertical surface always be in contact with the inner peripheral edge of the hole 50 without any gap in securing the connector housing 4 and the play regulating member 10. Further, the front inclined surface 49a can be replaced with an inward (recessed) curved surface or the like.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 4, by forming the elastic arm 48 to be long, the elastic arm 48 is less likely to be plastically deformed, and has an inward spring property for a long period of time, so that the play regulating member 10 is moved in the connector fitting direction. Energize surely. The elastic arm 48 acts as an urging member for bringing the play regulating member 10 into contact with the inclined surface 11 of the mating connector housing 7. The rear part of the inner housing 2 is located inside the elastic arm 48. The female terminal 15 with an electric wire and the waterproof rubber plug 16 (FIG. 1) are accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 42 through the opening 55 at the rear end of the inner housing 2.
[0034]
Hereinafter, a method of assembling and fitting the connector 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, a female terminal 15 with an electric wire is inserted and locked in one connector housing 4. The terminal-attached electric wire 24 is inserted in the space inside the annular play regulating member 10 in advance. Alternatively, the play restricting member 10 is temporarily locked to the one connector housing 4 by the temporary locking means, and the terminal 15 is inserted in that state. The waterproof packing 12 is attached to the inner housing 2 in advance, and the front holder 14 is temporarily locked. Next, the front holder 14 is pushed in to double-lock the terminal 15. In this state, the play regulating member 10 is not completely attached to the one connector housing 4.
[0035]
Next, both connector housings 4 and 7 (more precisely, both connectors 17 and 18 including terminals) are fitted. The male and female terminals 15 and 23 are inserted and connected with the fitting of the connector, and the lock arm 43 engages with the concave portion 44. After the two connector housings 4 and 7 are fitted together, the play regulating member 10 is inserted into one connector housing 4 from the rear.
[0036]
The front outwardly inclined surface 8a of the backlash regulating member 10 abuts against the inwardly inclined surface 11 of the other connector housing 7, and is strongly pressed against the inclined surface 11 by the urging force of the elastic arm 48. The backlash regulating member 10 is integrated with the connector housing 4 by the urging engagement between the connector housing 4 and the hole 50, so that the inclined surfaces 8a, 11 abut against each other, and the backlash between the connector housings 4, 7 is ensured. Will be blocked. Thus, wear of the male and female terminals 15, 23 due to vibration is reliably prevented.
[0037]
In the above-described embodiments, the device-direct connector is used as the other connector 18. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a normal wire harness connector may be used. Further, although a connector with a hood is used as the one connector 17, it is not limited to this, and a connector without the hood 3, that is, a connector such as only the inner housing 2 can be used. In this case, for example, the lock arm 43 may be provided on the other connector, or the elastic arm 48 may be formed to protrude from the outer wall of the inner housing 2 in a substantially L-shape like the connecting wall 51 of the hood 3 and the elastic arm 48 in FIG. It is possible.
[0038]
Further, it is also possible to divide the play regulating member 10 into right and left or up and down instead of an annular shape, or to provide a cutout (not shown) for inserting an electric wire in a part of the outer periphery of the play restricting member 10. In addition, the play regulating member 10 can be integrally connected to one connector housing 4 with a thin connecting piece (not shown).
[0039]
Further, it is also possible to urge the front end portion of the elastic arm 48 forward, for example, by contacting the rear end of the connecting wall 9 instead of the hole portion 50 of the backlash regulating member 10. Instead of the elastic arm 48, the play regulating member 10 can be urged in the connector fitting direction by an urging member such as a leaf spring or a coil spring. In this case, these spring members may be formed integrally with one connector housing 4 or may be separately mounted on the rear portion of the connector housing 4.
[0040]
In the above-described embodiment, the backlash regulating member 10 having the outer inclined surface 8a is mounted on one connector housing 4, but the other connector housing 7 has the backlash regulating member having the inner inclined surface (not shown). , And an outer inclined surface (inclined portion) can be formed on one connector housing 4. In this case, the play regulating member 10 is urged in the connector fitting direction by an elastic arm or another spring member (urging member) inside the housing. The one connector housing in the claims refers to the connector housing 4 or the connector housing 7.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the contact between the connector fitting direction and the connector fitting orthogonal direction is prevented by the contact between the inclined surface and the inclined portion. Wear of both terminals is reliably prevented, and the reliability of the electrical connection is improved. Further, since the inclined surface and the inclined portion are brought into contact with each other after the connector is fitted, the fitting between the two connector housings is performed smoothly and reliably, so that the connector fitting workability is improved. In addition, since the backlash regulating member is constantly pressed by the biasing member in the contact direction between the inclined surface and the inclined portion, wear between the terminals is reliably prevented even by vibration or long-term use, and electrical connection is prevented. Reliability is improved.
[0042]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, by fitting the backlash restricting member to the rear portion of one of the connector housings after the connectors are fitted, the fitting of the two connectors can be performed smoothly, and the workability of the connector fitting is improved. I do. In addition, since the mounting state of the play control member can be visually checked, the reliability of the play control is enhanced.
[0043]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the elastic arm is provided on the connector housing, the number of components is reduced, and the cost is reduced. In addition, the elastic arm is bent in the opposite direction to the bias, so that the lock of the play regulating member can be easily released, and the maintenance property is improved.
[0044]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the protrusion of the elastic arm is pressed against the concave portion to press the play regulating member in the connector fitting direction, the connector structure is reduced in size and weight.
[0045]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the play of the inner housing, which is the terminal accommodating portion, is directly controlled without restricting the play of the hood portion of the connector housing as in the related art, so that the male / female connector can be fitted in the connector fitted state. The play between the terminals is more reliably prevented, and the reliability of the electrical connection is further improved.
[0046]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of contact portions uniformly contact the inclined portion of the mating connector housing, the play is accurately regulated, and the wear of the terminals is more reliably prevented. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1 showing the connector.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a play regulating member of the connector.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of a connector housing on which a play regulating member is mounted.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in the X direction showing a fitted state of one form of a conventional connector.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view in the Y direction showing a state immediately before fitting of a conventional connector.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Connector 2 Inner housings 4, 7 Connector housing 8a Inclined surface 8 Contact portion 9 Connecting portion 10 Backlash regulating member 11 Inclined portion 48 Elastic arm (biasing member)
49 Projection 50 Hole (recess)
