JP2005183033A - Connector and connector mating structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a low insertion force and automatic alignment with a simple configuration.
A connector (1) includes a receptacle connector (10) and a plug connector (20), and includes a swing lever (30), a receptacle connector cover (40), and a connector bracket (70). The swing lever 30 is disposed between the receptacle connector 10 and the receptacle connector cover 40, and includes a cam groove portion 36 that relatively pulls both the connectors 10, 20, so that the receptacle connector 10 is attached to the receptacle connector cover 40. It swings and supports in the fitting direction of the connectors 10 and 20. The connector bracket 70 is configured by connecting the first and second brackets 50 and 60 in a loosely fitted state in the plane direction, and the receptacle connector cover 40 is connected to the center console panel 100 in the fitting direction of both the connectors 10 and 20. It swings and supports in the orthogonal plane.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector used when assembling module parts such as an automobile, and more particularly to a connector and a connector fitting structure having an automatic alignment function and a low insertion force function.

  For example, when a center console is mounted on a vehicle body as a module part of an automobile or the like, a connector provided on the center console side and a connector provided on the vehicle body side are fitted to achieve electrical connection between the center console and the vehicle body. Although it is necessary, this connector has a so-called low insertion force function that softens the insertion force at the time of connector fitting (see, for example, Patent Document 1), or automatically shifts the fitting position at the time of connector fitting. A device having a so-called automatic alignment function (for example, see Patent Document 2) is known.

JP 2001-250634 A (page 4-7, FIG. 1-15) JP 2001-351744 (page 4-9, FIG. 1-14)

  However, since the connectors described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not have a low insertion force function and an automatic alignment function, the structure and component configuration of the connector are complicated when trying to achieve both of these functions. There is a risk of becoming.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and with a simple configuration, the insertion force at the time of connector fitting is reduced, and the fitting position deviation is automatically adjusted to prevent incomplete fitting of the connector. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector and a connector fitting structure that can be reliably prevented.

  The connector according to the present invention is composed of a receptacle connector and a plug connector that can be fitted to each other, and used for electrical connection between a plurality of electrical connection members respectively connected to the receptacle connector and the plug connector. A swing lever that is swingably mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the receptacle connector, and is connected to the swing lever, and is externally mounted on the receptacle connector so as to be relatively movable within a range limited by the swing lever. A connector cover, and a connector bracket that is mounted on the base end side of the connector cover in the connector fitting direction so as to be relatively movable within a predetermined range, and is connected to a mounting member such as a panel; A cam groove is formed on one side of the connector, and a protrusion that engages with the cam groove is formed on the other side. The rocking lever urges both the connectors in the fitting direction to move relative to each other when the engagement position of the cam groove and the protrusion changes during the fitting operation of the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The receptacle connector is pivotally supported by the pivot lever so that the connector can be moved in the connector fitting direction while the two connectors are fitted to the connector cover. The member is swingably supported by the connector bracket so as to be movable in a plane orthogonal to the connector fitting direction.

  A connector fitting structure according to the present invention includes a receptacle connector and a plug connector that can be fitted to each other, and is used for electrical connection between a plurality of electrical connection members respectively connected to the receptacle connector and the plug connector. And a swing lever that is swingably mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the receptacle connector, and is connected to the swing lever, and is limited to the receptacle connector by the swing lever. A connector cover that is mounted so as to be relatively movable within, and a connector bracket that is mounted on the proximal end side of the connector cover in the connector fitting direction so as to be relatively movable within a predetermined range and is connected to a mounting member such as a panel. A cam groove is formed on one of the swing lever and the plug connector, and the other is engaged with the cam groove. The rocking lever attaches the two connectors in their fitting direction by changing the engagement position of the cam groove and the protrusion during the fitting operation of the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The receptacle connector is swingably supported by the swing lever so as to be movable in the connector fitting direction while the both connectors are in a fitted state with respect to the connector cover, The connector cover is swingably supported by the connector bracket so as to be movable in a plane orthogonal to the connector fitting direction with respect to the mounting member, and the receptacle connector is fitted to the plug connector with the connector fitting. It is characterized by being fitted in a movable state in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction and the connector fitting direction.

  The receptacle connector includes, for example, a slit formed on the peripheral wall to which the swing lever is mounted and extending in the connector fitting direction, and a fulcrum columnar protrusion formed on the outer peripheral surface and serving as a pivotal support point of the swing lever. The connector includes, for example, a first cylindrical protrusion that is formed on the outer peripheral surface facing the peripheral wall in which the slit of the receptacle connector is formed, and slides in the connector fitting direction in accordance with the fitting operation of both connectors. The oscillating lever is, for example, a fulcrum cylindrical projection fitting hole and a oscillating fitting that is pivotably fitted in a plane formed in the connector fitting direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the fulcrum cylindrical projection. A second cylindrical projection that slides as the moving lever rotates is provided, and the connector cover is formed, for example, on a peripheral wall facing the swing lever so that the second cylindrical projection can slide. It may comprise a second cylindrical projection operation groove extending linearly along a plane perpendicular to the coupling connector fitting direction.

  Moreover, the connector bracket is good to be comprised from the plate-shaped 1st bracket and 2nd bracket which can mutually be slidably connected within the surface orthogonal to a connector fitting direction, for example.

  In this case, the first and second brackets are, for example, a tongue-like insertion portion formed on one of them and an insertion portion formed on the other side in a loose fitting state in a plane perpendicular to the connector fitting direction. It is preferable that the bracket connecting portions constituted by the insertion frame portions to be inserted are connected so as to be movable within a predetermined range of surfaces orthogonal to the connector fitting direction.

  Note that the cam groove portion is in a locking operation region in which the two cylindrical connectors are slidably contacted with the first cylindrical protrusion when the two connectors are initially fitted, and both the connectors are temporarily locked. A boosting operation region in which the connector is slidably brought into contact with the first cylindrical projection when a predetermined pressing force is applied to the connector in the connector fitting direction, and the first circle when the connectors are completely fitted. It is preferable to have an idling operation region that is in sliding contact with the columnar protrusion and absorbs the tolerance in the connector fitting direction.

  Here, for example, when the first cylindrical protrusion is in the boosting operation region, the second cylindrical protrusion has a force point and an action for rotating the swing lever in a state of being engaged with the second cylindrical protrusion operating groove. To do.

  The slit and the fulcrum cylindrical protrusion are formed on, for example, the pair of peripheral walls and the outer peripheral surface of the receptacle connector, respectively. The first cylindrical protrusion is formed on the pair of outer peripheral surfaces of the plug connector, for example. For example, it is preferable that the pair of outer peripheral surfaces of the receptacle connector are respectively mounted, and the second columnar protrusion operating groove portions are respectively formed on the pair of peripheral walls of the connector cover, for example.

  And, for example, a first locking release projection is formed on each of the pair of outer peripheral surfaces sandwiching the outer peripheral surface on which the first cylindrical projection of the plug connector is formed, for example, a fulcrum cylindrical projection of the receptacle connector is formed A pair of peripheral walls sandwiching the outer peripheral surface between them is formed with a locking release slit extending in the connector fitting direction and allowing the first locking release projection to slide and a tapered peak at a predetermined position. For example, the first cylindrical protrusions are formed in the locking operation region inside the pair of peripheral walls sandwiching the peripheral wall where the second cylindrical protrusion operating groove portion of the connector cover is formed. In some cases, it may be provided with an elastic locking piece formed with a second locking release protrusion that contacts the first locking release protrusion and a temporary locking protrusion that engages with the temporary locking groove, The elastic locking piece has, for example, a first cylindrical protrusion. When moving between the locking operation region and the boosting operation region, the first locking release projection moves in the connector fitting direction, and the second locking release projection is pushed in the direction perpendicular to the connector fitting direction to get over. It is preferable that the temporary locking groove is bent so as to be movable by releasing the temporary locking state between the peak portion of the temporary locking groove and the temporary locking protrusion.

  According to the present invention, the cam groove portion is formed in one of the swing lever mounted between the receptacle connector and the connector cover and the plug connector fitted to the receptacle connector, and the protrusion engaged with the cam groove portion is formed in the other. The swing lever is formed and urged in the fitting direction of both the connectors in accordance with the change of the engaging position of the cam groove and the projection during the fitting operation of both connectors, and this swing lever The receptacle connector swings and supports the connector cover so that it can move in the connector fitting direction while both connectors are in the fitted state, and the connector bracket attached to the connector cover and connected to the mounting member is the connector cover. Is supported so as to be movable in a plane perpendicular to the connector fitting direction with respect to the mounting member. As a result, the insertion force at the time of connector fitting can be reduced with a simple configuration, and the connector fitting direction (for example, the Z direction) and a surface orthogonal to the fitting direction (for example, the X direction and the Y direction) are formed. It is possible to automatically align the displacement of the connector fitting position within the surface.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an assembled state of this connector, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are connector bracket components of this connector. FIG. 5 to FIG. 9 are partially transparent sectional views for explaining the fitting operation of this connector, and FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the swing lever of this connector. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 1 includes, for example, a receptacle connector 10 and a plug connector 20 that can be fitted to each other, and a wire harness that is a plurality of electrical connection members respectively connected to the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20. Used for electrical connection between 110 and 120.

  In this example, the connector 1 includes swing levers 30, 30 disposed outside a pair of opposing side wall portions (upper and lower wall portions in the figure) 11, 11 of the receptacle connector 10, and these swing levers 30, 30. And a receptacle connector cover (hereinafter referred to as a “first connector cover”) 40 that is externally attached to the receptacle connector 10 so as to be relatively movable within a range limited by the swing levers 30, 30. A center console panel as a mounting member is attached to the base end side of the connector fitting direction (hereinafter referred to as “Z direction”) (see FIG. 2) of the first connector cover 40 so as to be relatively movable within a predetermined range. 100 (see FIG. 5 to FIG. 9) and a connector bracket 70 to be connected.

  For example, the wire harness 110 is a wiring on the vehicle body side (not shown), and the wire harness 120 is a wiring on the center console panel 100 side. Accordingly, in this example, the receptacle connector 10 is a connector on the center console panel 100 side, and the plug connector 20 is a connector on the vehicle body side. Each of the wire harnesses 110 and 120 is a direction in which the harness longitudinal direction is along a plane orthogonal to the Z direction (hereinafter referred to as “X direction” or “Y direction”. Here, for example, the X direction) (FIG. 2). Reference connector) and the plug connector 20 are respectively routed.

  A plurality of electric wires 130 are exposed from the terminal portions of the respective wire harnesses 110 and 120, and the plurality of electric wires 130 are plug-type connection terminals 131 and plug connectors accommodated in terminal accommodating chambers 19 formed in the receptacle connector 10, respectively. 20 is connected to a receptacle-type connection terminal 132 (see FIGS. 5 to 9) accommodated in a terminal accommodating chamber 29 formed in 20 by crimping or the like.

  Here, since the connector bracket 70 is connected to the first connector cover 40 that is externally mounted on the receptacle connector 10, for example, the receptacle bracket 10 is generated along with the movement in the plane perpendicular to the Z direction with respect to the center console panel 100. The wire harness 120 connected to the plug-type connection terminal 131 is prevented from being deteriorated due to wear, and also serves as a cover for protecting the connection portion between the wire harness 120 and the plug-type connection terminal 131. .

  Instead of the wire harnesses 110 and 120, for example, so-called flexible printed wiring boards may be used. In this case, the plug-type and receptacle-type connection terminals 131 and 132 may be directly connected to the conductor portion of the flexible printed wiring board without going through the plurality of electric wires 130.

  The receptacle connector 10 has a plug connector fitting in which the tip end portion of the plug-type connection terminal 131 accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 19 is exposed and the plug connector 20 is fitted inside the side wall portions 11, 11, 12, 12. Part 13, a pair of opposing side wall parts 11, 11, slits 14, 14 formed in the pair of opposing side wall parts 11, 11 respectively and extending in the Z direction, the swing levers 30, 30, and a pair of opposing parts There are provided fulcrum columnar protrusions 15 and 15 which are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the side walls 11 and 11 and serve as pivotal fulcrums of the swing levers 30 and 30, respectively.

  Further, in the receptacle connector 10, first locking release protrusions 26 and 26, which will be described later, extend in the Z direction on a pair of opposing side wall portions 12 and 12 that sandwich the pair of opposing side wall portions 11 and 11 therebetween. The lock release slits 16 and 16 and the temporary lock grooves 17 and 17 having tapered ridges 17a and 17a formed at predetermined positions are respectively formed on the outer peripheral surfaces thereof. Furthermore, stoppers 12a and 12a for preventing the receptacle connector 10 from coming off in the Z direction from a first connector cover 40 described later are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the base end sides of the pair of opposite side wall portions 12 and 12 of the receptacle connector 10. Is formed.

  The plug connector 20 includes a pair of opposed side wall portions (upper and lower wall portions in the figure) 21 disposed opposite to the pair of opposed side wall portions 11 and 11 formed with slits 14 and 14 when fitted to the receptacle connector 10. 21 is provided with first cylindrical protrusions 25 and 25 which are formed on the outer peripheral surface of 21 and slide in the slits 14 and 14 in the Z direction as the connectors 10 and 20 are fitted together.

  Further, the plug connector 20 has a receptacle connector 10 and an outer peripheral surface of a pair of opposed side wall portions 22 and 22 sandwiching the pair of opposed side wall portions 21 and 21 formed with the first cylindrical protrusions 25 and 25. The first unlocking projections 26 and 26 are formed to slide in the unlocking slits 16 and 16 when fitted.

  An attachment projection 27 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base wall side of each side wall portion 21, 21, 22, 22 of the plug connector 20, and the base end side of the plug connector 20 is protected via the attachment projection 27. A plug connector cover (hereinafter referred to as a “second connector cover”) 80 is fixedly attached, and the plug connector 20 is attached to the mounting bracket 90 and then attached to the automobile body. Fixing holes 91 and 91 for fixing bolts (not shown) to the vehicle body with nuts are formed in the mounting bracket 90.

  The swing levers 30, 30 are perpendicular to the fulcrum columnar projections 15, 15 formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of opposing side wall portions 11, 11 of the receptacle connector 10. The fulcrum columnar protrusion fitting holes 31 and 31 that are fitted so as to be rotatable in a plane formed in the Z direction, and as shown in FIG. A cam groove portion 36 that urges both connectors 10 and 20 in the Z direction to move relative to each other, and a second columnar protrusion 35 that engages with second columnar protrusion operation groove portions 41 and 41 of the first connector cover 40 described later. 35.

  Here, the swing levers 30 and 30 are formed in, for example, a substantially fan shape, and fulcrum columnar protrusion fitting holes 31 and 31 are formed in a substantial portion of the so-called fan, corresponding to the so-called parent bone tip of the fan. An inlet 37 for the first cylindrical projections 25 and 25 to the locking operation region 30a of the cam groove 36 is formed on one side of the portion, and second cylindrical projections 35 and 35 are formed on the other side.

  In this example, the cam groove portions 36 of the swing levers 30 and 30 are in sliding contact with the first cylindrical protrusions 25 and 25 when the both connectors 10 and 20 are initially fitted, and the connectors 10 and 20 together with a temporary locking mechanism described later are temporarily connected. When a predetermined pressing force or pulling force is applied to the connectors 10 and 20 in the Z direction from the locking operation region 30a to be locked in the locking state and the temporary locking state in the locking operation region 30a. The first cylindrical protrusions 25 and 25 are in sliding contact with each other, and by the lever principle, for example, the plug connector 20 is relatively pulled into or pulled out from the receptacle connector 10 side, and the boosting operation region 30b is engaged with the connectors 10 and 20 when the fitting is completed. It consists of the structure which formed continuously the idling operation area | region 30c which slidably contacts with the 1st cylindrical protrusions 25 and 25 and absorbs the tolerance of a Z direction.

  The first connector cover 40 is formed on a pair of opposed side wall portions (upper and lower wall portions in the figure) 41 and 41 arranged to face the pair of opposed side wall portions 11 and 11 of the receptacle connector 10, respectively. The second columnar protrusion operating groove portions 43, 43 extending linearly along a plane (here, for example, the Y direction) perpendicular to the Z direction with which the second columnar protrusions 35, 35 of the 30 are slidably engaged. I have.

  Further, the first connector cover 40 has a plug on the inner side of the pair of opposed side wall portions 42, 42 sandwiching the pair of opposed side wall portions 41, 41 formed with the second columnar projection operating groove portions 43, 43. When the first cylindrical protrusions 25, 25 of the connector 20 are within the locking operation region 30a of the cam groove 36 of the swing levers 30, 30, they contact the first locking release protrusions 26, 26 of the plug connector 20, respectively. There are provided elastic locking pieces 47, 47 formed with temporary locking protrusions 48, 48 engaged with the second locking release protrusions 46, 46 in contact with the temporary locking grooves 17, 17.

  These elastic locking pieces 47, 47 are formed when the first cylindrical protrusions 25, 25 move between the locking operation region 30 a and the boosting operation region 30 b of the cam groove 36 of the swing levers 30, 30. While the unlocking protrusions 26 and 26 move in the Z direction, the second unlocking protrusions 46 and 46 are pushed over the Y direction to get over the peaks 17a and 17a of the temporary locking grooves 17 and 17 and the temporary locking protrusions. It bends so that it can move by releasing the temporarily locked state with 48 and 48.

  The temporary release grooves 17 and 17 having the lock release slits 16 and 16 and the peak portions 17a and 17a of the receptacle connector 10, the first lock release protrusions 26 and 26 of the plug connector 20, and the first connector cover. The 40 elastic locking pieces 47 and 47 constitute the temporary locking mechanism described above.

  This temporary locking mechanism is used to prevent the receptacle connector 10 from inadvertently moving in the first connector cover 40 in the Z direction when the connectors 10 and 20 are initially fitted or not fitted. The introduction port 37 into the locking operation region 30a of the cam groove portion 36 of the levers 30 and 30 is temporarily locked so as to be in a position facing the slits 14 and 14.

  Moreover, the 1st connector cover 40 is on the outer side of each side wall part 41, 41, 42, 42 along the surface orthogonal to Z direction at the base end side of each side wall part 41, 41, 42, 42 in the Z direction. A mounting flange 44 having a widening shape is provided, and the mounting flange 44 is attached to a connector bracket 70 described later.

  The connector bracket 70 includes a plate-like first bracket 50 and a second bracket 60 that can be slidably connected to each other within a plane orthogonal to the Z direction (a plane formed in the X direction and the Y direction), for example. The second brackets 50 and 60 are connected to each other so as to be movable within a predetermined range of a plane perpendicular to the Z direction in a loosely fitted state by a bracket connecting portion including an insertion portion 52 and an insertion frame portion 62 described later. ing.

  In this example, the first bracket 50 is attached to the center console panel 100 and the second bracket 60 is attached to the first connector cover 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first bracket 50 is formed with a recessed region 51 having a shape that is cut out in the thickness direction of the first bracket 50 within a predetermined region of one outer surface 50a. The tongue portion-like insertion portion 52 is formed in the range of the recessed portion 51. In addition, a lock recess 53 for locking with the second bracket 60 is formed on the outer surface 50a of the insertion portion 52 forming portion of the first bracket 50.

  The first bracket 50 and the center console panel 100 are connected, for example, by the other outer surface 50b of the first bracket 50 being directly attached to the mounting surface 100a (see FIGS. 5 to 9) of the center console panel 100 with an adhesive or the like. This is done by being connected. Moreover, the thickness of the insertion part 52 is formed so that it may become a dimension substantially the same as the frame height of the insertion frame part 62 mentioned later.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second bracket 60 has the insertion portion 52 of the first bracket 50 in the predetermined region of one outer surface 60a. An insertion frame portion 62 to be inserted in a loose fit state is formed in a plane parallel to the slide connection direction of 60, and an attachment flange portion 44 of the first connector cover 40 is formed in a predetermined region of the other outer surface 60b. It has a structure in which a cover insertion frame portion 61 to be inserted is formed.

  The outer size of the insertion frame portion 62 is set so as to fit within the range of the recessed region 51 with a sufficient margin. Further, when the insertion portion 52 is inserted into the outer surface 60a within the range of the insertion frame portion 62 of the second bracket 60, a lock is provided at a predetermined position of a portion of the insertion portion 52 that faces the lock recess 53. A lock projection 63 is formed to engage with the recess 53 in a loosely fitted state.

  The second bracket 60 has an engagement protrusion formed on the base end side of the first connector cover 40 when the mounting flange portion 44 of the first connector cover 40 is inserted into the cover insertion frame portion 61. An engagement hole 64 for holding the connection state between the first connector cover 40 and the second bracket 60 is formed with the portion 49 (see FIG. 1) being fitted therethrough.

  When the insertion part 52 formed in this way is inserted into the insertion frame part 62 and the first and second brackets 50 and 60 are connected, the lock convex part 63 and the lock concave part 53 are engaged in a loose fit state. Since the insertion portion 52 and the insertion frame portion 62 are connected in a loosely fitted state, and the insertion frame portion 62 is accommodated in the recessed region 51 in a loosely fitted state, the first and second brackets 50 and 60 are Z In a plane (plane formed in the X direction and Y direction) orthogonal to the direction (see FIG. 2), the connection state is maintained and the connections are movably connected within a predetermined range.

  Accordingly, the first connector cover 40 attached to the second bracket 60 is movable in both the X direction and the Y direction with respect to the first bracket 50 connected to the center console panel 100.

  For this reason, in the connector 1 configured as described above, the receptacle connector 10 is swingably supported by the swing levers 30 and 30 while being movable in the Z direction with respect to the first connector cover 40. Is pivotally supported by the connector bracket 70 while being movable in the X and Y directions with respect to the center console panel 100.

  Thereby, the receptacle connector 10 is supported in a state in which it can move in any of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction with respect to the center console panel 100.

  Further, in this connector 1, since the plug connector 20 is pulled in the Z direction by the swing levers 30 and 30 during the fitting operation with the receptacle connector 10, the insertion force when the connector is fitted is reduced.

  Therefore, in this connector 1, the insertion force at the time of connector fitting is reduced with a simple configuration, and the displacement of the connector fitting position is automatically aligned when both the connectors 10 and 20 are fitted. It is possible to reliably prevent 20 incomplete fitting.

  In this connector 1, a member that swings and supports the receptacle connector 10 in the Z direction (that is, the swing levers 30 and 30) and a member that swings and supports the receptacle connector 10 in the X direction and the Y direction (that is, the connector). Since the bracket 70 is formed of a separate member, the connector fitting direction is not accurately in the Z direction if the clearance of each member is changed (that is, for example, one end of the center console panel 100 is connected to the vehicle body. In the case of attaching to the vehicle body and pushing the rest obliquely with respect to the vehicle body).

  Next, the fitting operation of the connectors 10 and 20 in the connector 1 will be briefly described. In the following, descriptions that overlap with those already described are omitted. For each region 30a to 30c of the cam groove portion 36 of the swing lever 30, 30, refer to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, when the connectors 10 and 20 are started to be fitted, the connector bracket 70 is connected to the center console panel 100 with respect to the plug connector 20 connected to the vehicle body side mounting panel 101 via the mounting bracket 90. The receptacle connector 10 attached via is brought closer to the arrow Z direction in the figure.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, the receptacle connector 10 starts to be fitted to the plug connector 20 as it is. At this time, the connection between the plug-type connection terminal 131 accommodated in the receptacle connector 10 and the receptacle-type connection terminal 132 accommodated in the plug connector 20 has not started.

  Further, the first unlocking protrusions 26 and 26 and the second unlocking protrusions 46 and 46 are not in contact with each other, and the temporary locking protrusions 48 and 48 of the elastic locking pieces 47 and 47 are temporarily locked. It is in a temporarily locked state that engages with the grooves 17 and 17 and locks with the tapered surfaces 17b and 17b on the base end side of the peak portions 17a and 17a. Further, the first cylindrical protrusions 25 and 25 are in a state immediately before being inserted into the slits 14 and 14.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, when the connectors 10 and 20 continue to be fitted, the connection of the plug-type and receptacle-type connection terminals 131 and 132 is started, and the first unlocking projections 26 and 26 and the second The locking release protrusions 46 and 46 come into contact with each other, the second locking release projections 46 and 46 are pushed in the Y direction, the elastic locking pieces 47 and 47 are bent, and the peaks of the temporary locking grooves 17 and 17. The temporarily locked state between 17a, 17a and the temporarily locked protrusions 48, 48 is released.

  Further, the first cylindrical protrusions 25, 25 are inserted into the slits 14, 14, and the first cylindrical protrusions 25, 25 introduced into the locking operation region 30a from the introduction port 37 of the cam groove 36 are locked. The movement starts from the region 30a to the boost operation region 30b.

  At this time, both the connectors 10 and 20 move with relative force in the Z direction as the temporary locking state of the receptacle connector 10 with the first connector cover 40 is released, and the second columnar protrusion operating groove 43. , 43 and the second cylindrical projections 35, 35 act as a force point for rotating the swing levers 30, 30 in the direction in which the two connectors 10, 20 are relatively pulled, thereby boosting the cam groove 36. The first columnar protrusions 25, 25 in the operation region 30b are relatively fitted by virtue of the lever principle. Therefore, at this time, the force that presses both the connectors 10 and 20 in the connector fitting direction is reduced, and fitting with a low insertion force is performed.

  Thus, when the connectors 10 and 20 are completely fitted, as shown in FIG. 8, the plug-type and receptacle-type connection terminals 131 and 132 are completely connected, and the elastic locking pieces 47 and 47 are restored. Thus, the original state (that is, the state in which the bending is released) is restored, and the temporary locking protrusions 48 and 48 are engaged with the temporary locking grooves 17 and 17 again.

  Further, the first cylindrical protrusions 25, 25 move from the boosting operation area 30b of the cam groove 36 into the idling operation area 30c, and the second cylindrical protrusions 35, 35 are moved to the second cylindrical protrusion operation groove parts 43, 43. Slide inside. At this time, both the connectors 10 and 20 are moved within a predetermined range with respect to the first connector cover 40 by the swing levers 30 and 30 based on the set range of the idling operation region 30c and the second cylindrical projection operating groove portions 43 and 43. Is supported in a swinging direction.

  The movement of the connector 1 in the X direction and the Y direction is performed by swinging and supporting the first connector cover 40 with respect to the center console panel 100 by the connector bracket 70 described above.

  Therefore, in this connector 1, as shown in FIG. 9, the fitting error N1 in the Z direction and the fitting error N2 in the Y direction (or X direction) are automatically absorbed when the connectors 10 and 20 are fitted. Incomplete fitting of both the connectors 10 and 20 can be prevented, and a low insertion force can be realized by turning the swing levers 30 and 30 when the connectors 10 and 20 are fitted. Thereby, it is possible to realize the connector 1 having both a low insertion force function and an automatic alignment function with a simple configuration.

  In the connector 1, either one of the connectors 10 and 20 is disposed on the module component side such as the center console panel 100, and the other is disposed on the vehicle body side such as the vehicle body side mounting panel 101. For example, it is possible to eliminate the connector fitting work at the time of assembling the module parts and easily realize automation of the module parts assembling work.

  When the two connectors 10 and 20 of the connector 1 are pulled out from the fully fitted state, the second cylindrical protrusions 35 and 35 engaged with the second cylindrical protrusion operating groove portions 43 and 43 are used as the swing levers 30 and 30, respectively. The first cylindrical protrusions 25, 25 in the boosting operation region 30b of the cam groove 36 are made into a lever connector, for example, a receptacle connector. Since the connector 10 is pulled out from the 10 side, both the connectors 10 and 20 are pulled apart vigorously. For this reason, in this connector 1, for example, it is possible to reduce the force of pulling out both the connectors 10 and 20 in the connector fitting direction, and to detach the connector with a low pulling force.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for various applications in which connectors are connected to make electrical connection.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the connector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the assembly | attachment state of the connector. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows a part of connector bracket structural component of the connector. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows a part of connector bracket structural component of the connector. It is a partially transparent sectional view for demonstrating the fitting operation | movement of the connector. It is a partially transparent sectional view for demonstrating the fitting operation | movement of the connector. It is a partially transparent sectional view for demonstrating the fitting operation | movement of the connector. It is a partially transparent sectional view for demonstrating the fitting operation | movement of the connector. It is a partially transparent sectional view for demonstrating the fitting operation | movement of the connector. It is a top view for demonstrating the rocking lever of the connector.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Connector, 10 ... Receptacle connector, 14 ... Slit, 15 ... Supporting columnar protrusion, 16 ... Unlocking slit, 17 ... Temporary locking groove, 20 ... Plug connector, 25 ... First cylindrical protrusion, 26 ... First 1 ... unlocking projection, 30 ... swing lever, 35 ... second cylindrical projection, 36 ... cam groove, 40 ... receptacle connector cover, 43 ... second cylindrical projection operating groove, 46 ... second locking release Projection, 47 ... Elastic locking piece, 48 ... Temporary locking projection, 50 ... First bracket, 51 ... Recessed region, 52 ... Insertion part, 53 ... Lock recess, 60 ... Second bracket, 62 ... Insertion frame part , 63 ... Lock convex part, 70 ... Connector bracket, 80 ... Plug connector cover, 90 ... Mounting bracket.

Claims (9)

In a connector used for electrical connection between a plurality of electrical connection members each composed of a receptacle connector and a plug connector that can be fitted to each other, and connected to the receptacle connector and the plug connector, respectively.
A swing lever that is swingably mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the receptacle connector;
A connector cover that is connected to the swing lever and is externally movable on the receptacle connector within a range limited by the swing lever;
A connector bracket that is mounted on the base end side in the connector fitting direction of the connector cover so as to be relatively movable within a predetermined range, and is connected to an attachment member such as a panel,
A cam groove is formed on one of the swing lever and the plug connector, and a protrusion that is engaged with the cam groove is formed on the other.
The rocking lever urges both the connectors in the fitting direction to move relative to each other when the engagement position of the cam groove and the protrusion changes during the fitting operation of the receptacle connector and the plug connector. ,
The receptacle connector is rocked and supported by the rocking lever so as to be movable in the connector fitting direction while the two connectors are fitted to the connector cover,
The connector cover is swingably supported by the connector bracket so as to be movable in a plane perpendicular to the connector fitting direction with respect to the mounting member. The receptacle connector includes a slit formed on a peripheral wall to which the swing lever is mounted and extending in the connector fitting direction, and a fulcrum cylindrical protrusion formed on the outer peripheral surface and serving as a pivotal support point of the swing lever. ,
The plug connector is formed on an outer peripheral surface opposite to the peripheral wall in which the slit of the receptacle connector is formed, and slides in the connector fitting direction in accordance with the fitting operation of the two connectors. With cylindrical projections,
The oscillating lever is fitted to a fulcrum cylindrical protrusion that fits to the fulcrum cylindrical protrusion so as to be rotatable in a plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the fulcrum cylindrical protrusion and is formed in the connector fitting direction. A second cylindrical protrusion that slides with the rotation of the hole and the swing lever;
The connector cover is a second circle formed on a peripheral wall facing the swing lever and extending linearly along a plane perpendicular to the connector fitting direction in which the second cylindrical protrusion is slidably engaged. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a columnar protrusion operating groove. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector bracket includes a plate-like first bracket and a second bracket that are slidably connected to each other within a plane orthogonal to the connector fitting direction. The first and second brackets are inserted in one of a tongue-like insertion portion formed on one side and the insertion portion formed on the other side in a loose fitting state in a plane perpendicular to the connector fitting direction. The connector according to claim 3, wherein each of the connectors is movably connected within a predetermined range of a plane orthogonal to the connector fitting direction by bracket connection portions each including an insertion frame portion. The cam groove portion is in sliding contact with the first cylindrical protrusion at the time of initial fitting of the connectors, and the locking operation region for locking the connectors in a temporarily locked state, and temporary locking in the locking operation region A boosting operation region that slides against the first columnar protrusion and relatively pulls the two connectors when a predetermined pressing force is applied in the connector fitting direction to the two connectors from a state; and both the connectors The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an idling operation region that slides into contact with the first cylindrical protrusion when the fitting is completed and absorbs a tolerance in the connector fitting direction. The second cylindrical protrusion has a force point for rotating the swing lever in a state in which the first cylindrical protrusion is engaged with the second cylindrical protrusion operating groove when the first cylindrical protrusion is in the boosting operation region. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The slit and the fulcrum cylindrical protrusion are respectively formed on a pair of peripheral walls and an outer peripheral surface of the receptacle connector,
The first cylindrical protrusions are respectively formed on a pair of outer peripheral surfaces of the plug connector,
The swing levers are respectively mounted on a pair of outer peripheral surfaces of the receptacle connector;
The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second columnar protrusion operating groove is formed on each of the pair of peripheral walls of the connector cover. On the pair of outer peripheral surfaces sandwiching the outer peripheral surface on which the first columnar protrusion of the plug connector is formed, a first unlocking protrusion is formed, respectively.
The pair of peripheral walls sandwiching the outer peripheral surface of the receptacle connector on which the fulcrum columnar protrusion is formed extend in the connector fitting direction, and the first unlocking protrusion is slidable. A temporary locking groove having a slit and a tapered peak formed at a predetermined position is formed, respectively.
Inside the pair of peripheral walls sandwiching the peripheral wall formed with the second cylindrical protrusion operating groove portion of the connector cover, the first engagement is provided when the first cylindrical protrusion is in the locking operation region. Elastic locking pieces each having a second locking release protrusion that contacts the lock release protrusion and a temporary locking protrusion that engages with the temporary locking groove are provided,
The elastic locking piece is configured such that when the first cylindrical protrusion moves between the locking operation area and the boosting operation area, the first locking release protrusion moves in the connector fitting direction. The second locking release protrusion is pushed in the direction perpendicular to the connector fitting direction to overcome the temporary locking groove peak portion and the temporary locking protrusion so as to be movable. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the connector is bent. A connector fitting structure composed of a receptacle connector and a plug connector that can be fitted to each other, and used for electrical connection between a plurality of electrical connection members respectively connected to the receptacle connector and the plug connector,
A swing lever that is swingably mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the receptacle connector;
A connector cover that is connected to the swing lever and is externally movable on the receptacle connector within a range limited by the swing lever;
A connector bracket mounted on the base end side of the connector cover in the connector fitting direction so as to be relatively movable within a predetermined range, and connected to an attachment member such as a panel,
A cam groove is formed on one of the swing lever and the plug connector, and a protrusion that is engaged with the cam groove is formed on the other.
The rocking lever urges both the connectors in the fitting direction to move relative to each other when the engagement position of the cam groove and the protrusion changes during the fitting operation of the receptacle connector and the plug connector. ,
The receptacle connector is swingably supported by the swing lever so as to be movable in the connector fitting direction while the both connectors are in a fitted state with respect to the connector cover,
The connector cover is swingably supported by the connector bracket so as to be movable in a plane orthogonal to the connector fitting direction with respect to the mounting member,
The receptacle connector is fitted to the plug connector in a movable state in the connector fitting direction and in a plane orthogonal to the connector fitting direction.

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