Electrical connection device

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrical connection device that can prevent residual strain of a locking arm in a pair of connectors in an unmated state and can easily perform a mating action of a pair of connectors. The electrical connection device (1A) includes a pair of connectors, namely a first connector (11A) and a second connector (12A). The first connector (11A) includes a shell body (51A), a locking arm (52A) and a cantilever portion (53A). The second connector (12A) includes a locking bearing portion (32) and an abutting portion (33). When the pair of connectors (11A, 12A) are in an unmated state, the cantilever portion (53A) is configured between the shell body (51A) and the locking arm (52A) to support the locking arm (52A). Furthermore, when the pair of connectors (11A, 12A) are engaged, the abutment portion (33) abuts against the cantilever portion (53A), whereby the cantilever portion (53A) elastically shifts to a position allowing the locking arm (52A) to flex toward the housing body portion (51A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection device including a pair of connectors that can be fitted with each other. Background Art

[0002] In an electrical connection device comprising a pair of matable connectors, one connector is generally provided with a locking arm that is flexibly displaced toward the connector's main body, and the other connector is provided with a lock receiving portion. When the pair of connectors are mated, the locking arm of one connector engages with the lock receiving portion of the other connector, thereby preventing one connector from being disengaged from the other.

[0003] However, the lock arm is typically made of resin. If a load is applied to the lock arm in a high-temperature environment, for example, the creep of the resin may cause deformation, resulting in residual strain in the lock arm. If the lock arm retains residual strain, the locking function may not be fully realized, making it easy for one connector to detach from the other.

[0004] In view of such problems, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-207100 discloses a technique in which a semi-locking portion is provided that engages with the lock arm to allow the lock arm to bend and displace when an operating force exceeding a predetermined value acts on the lock arm. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] However, in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-207100, if, for some reason, excessive pressure is applied to the lock arm toward the main body, such as when a pair of unmated connectors are being transported, the lock arm may overshoot the semi-locking portion and bend excessively toward the main body, potentially inducing residual strain in the lock arm. Furthermore, if the lock arm is temporarily engaged with the semi-locking portion (also referred to as a semi-locked state), the semi-locked state of the lock arm remains until the operator releases it, further increasing the residual strain in the lock arm.

[0007] To prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the locking arm during transport, which could cause the locking arm to engage with the semi-locking portion, one option is to increase the height of the protrusion on the semi-locking portion. However, in this case, the operator would need to exert considerable force to engage the locking arm with the semi-locking portion and to release the semi-locked state, which would reduce the ease of mating and unmating the pair of connectors and is therefore not practical.

[0008] Furthermore, residual strain in the lock arm of an unmated pair of connectors is not limited to connectors with a semi-locking portion as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-207100, but can also occur in connectors without a semi-locking portion. For example, if an excessive pressure is applied to the lock arm toward the main body during transportation of an unmated pair of connectors, the lock arm may bend excessively toward the main body, potentially causing residual strain in the lock arm.

[0009] Furthermore, in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-207100, when performing a mating operation of a pair of connectors, an operator needs to insert one connector into the other connector and then release the restriction of the lock arm by the semi-locking portion.

[0010] As described above, the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-207100 requires multiple operations to perform the mating operation of a pair of connectors.

[0011] In view of the above-mentioned actual situation, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connection device that can prevent residual strain of a lock arm in a pair of connectors in an unmated state and can easily perform a mating operation of the pair of connectors.

[0012] Means used to solve problems

[0013] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an electrical connection device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electrical connection device comprises: a first connector of a pair of connectors that can be mated with each other; and a second connector of the pair of connectors, the first connector having: a shell body; a locking arm, which is arranged to be flexible relative to the shell body; and a cantilever portion, which is arranged in a cantilever shape relative to the shell body or the locking arm and can be elastically displaced freely, the second connector having: a lock receiving portion, which can be engaged with the locking arm; and an abutting portion, which abuts against the cantilever portion when the pair of connectors are mated, when the pair of connectors are in an unmated state, the cantilever portion is arranged between the shell body and the locking arm to support the locking arm, and when the pair of connectors are mated, the abutting portion abuts against the cantilever portion, thereby elastically displacing the cantilever portion to a position allowing the locking arm to bend toward the shell body.

[0014] According to this structure, when the pair of connectors is in an unmated state, the cantilever portion is positioned between the housing body of the first connector and the locking arm to support the locking arm. Therefore, even if excessive pressure toward the housing body acts on the locking arm of the unmated pair of connectors during transportation, the cantilever portion prevents the locking arm from excessively bending toward the housing body. This prevents residual strain in the locking arm of the unmated pair of connectors.

[0015] Furthermore, when the pair of connectors are mated, the abutment portion contacts the cantilever portion, causing the cantilever portion to elastically deform, allowing the locking arm to flex. Furthermore, the elastic force of the locking arm, which is flexible relative to the housing body, engages the locking arm with the lock receiving portion of the second connector. Therefore, the operator can mate the pair of connectors in a single operation, eliminating the need for multiple operations. Consequently, mating the pair of connectors can be performed easily.

[0016] As described above, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide an electrical connection device that can prevent residual strain of the lock arms in a pair of connectors in an unmated state and facilitate the mating operation of the pair of connectors.

[0017] (2) Alternatively, the shell body has a recessed portion, which is provided at a portion opposite to the locking arm and capable of accommodating the cantilever portion. After the cantilever portion is elastically displaced to a position allowing the locking arm to bend toward the shell body, the cantilever portion is displaced toward the shell body as the locking arm is flexed, thereby being accommodated in the recessed portion.

[0018] According to this structure, when the pair of connectors is not mated, a cantilever portion is disposed between the housing body and the locking arm. When the pair of connectors is mated, the cantilever portion is accommodated in a recessed portion of the housing body that is opposite the locking arm. Therefore, during the mating operation of the pair of connectors, the cantilever portion does not protrude from the portion opposite the locking arm. As a result, the cantilever portion is compactly and space-efficiently disposed within the first connector, enabling miniaturization of the first connector including the cantilever portion.

[0019] (3) The cantilever portion may be provided on the locking arm.

[0020] According to this structure, the cantilever portion can be displaced in the flexing direction of the lock arm without providing a structure that can bend in the flexing direction of the lock arm in the cantilever portion. Therefore, the cantilever portion can be displaced in the flexing direction of the lock arm with a simple structure.

[0021] (4) The cantilever portion may be provided at the base of the locking arm.

[0022] According to this structure, the distance from the fixed end to the free end of the cantilever portion can be made as long as possible. As a result, when the abutting portion abuts against the free end side portion of the cantilever portion, the cantilever portion is easily elastically deformed, and the operator can engage a pair of connectors with relatively small force.

[0023] (5) Alternatively, the rib provided on the second connector may also function as the abutment portion, and a rib groove may be provided on the locking arm. When the pair of connectors are engaged, the rib is inserted into the rib groove, so that the rib serving as the abutment portion abuts against the cantilever portion, and the cantilever portion is elastically displaced to a position allowing the locking arm to bend toward the side of the shell body portion.

[0024] According to this structure, the elastic displacement of the cantilever portion is achieved by utilizing the rib provided on the second connector and the rib groove provided on the locking arm of the first connector. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a new structure for achieving the elastic displacement of the cantilever portion, thereby suppressing the cost increase when manufacturing a pair of connectors.

[0025] (6) The cantilever portion may have a shape in which the width thereof increases from the fixed end side toward the free end side of the cantilever portion.

[0026] With this structure, the first connector can be molded simultaneously using a split mold consisting solely of an upper mold and a lower mold. That is, when forming the cavity for molding the first connector within the mold, a sliding core combined with the upper and lower molds is unnecessary. This reduces mold costs for molding the first connector.

[0027] (7) Alternatively, the cantilever portion may be provided on the shell body portion, and a recessed portion capable of accommodating the cantilever portion may be provided on the second connector, wherein the cantilever portion is accommodated in the recessed portion by elastically shifting to a position allowing the locking arm to bend toward the shell body portion.

[0028] According to this configuration, the cantilever portion only needs to have a shape that can be elastically displaced to a position that allows the lock arm to bend toward the housing main body portion, and the cantilever portion can be designed with a high degree of freedom.

[0029] Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical connection device that can prevent residual strain of the lock arms in a pair of housings in an unmated state and can easily perform a mating operation of a pair of connectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electrical connecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention before mating (unmated state).

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the electrical connecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention after mating (mated state).

[0033] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the second connector according to the first embodiment as viewed from above.

[0034] Figure 4 (A) is a view of the second connector of the first embodiment viewed from the rear, and (B) is Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second connector taken along line AA shown in the arrow direction.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the first connector according to the first embodiment as viewed from above.

[0036] Figure 6 , (A) is a diagram showing the first connector of the first embodiment as viewed from the rear, and (B) is a diagram showing the first connector of the first embodiment as viewed from the front.

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the first connector taken along line BB shown in the direction of the arrow.

[0038] Figure 8 Schematic diagrams showing the movement of the cantilever portion during the mating operation of a pair of connectors, (A) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the cantilever portion in an unmated state, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the cantilever portion during the mating operation.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the pair of connectors as viewed from the rear, showing a state in which the cantilever portion is housed in the recessed portion.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the electrical connecting device according to the second embodiment before mating (unmated state).

[0041] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the first connector according to the second embodiment as viewed from above.

[0042] Figure 12 , (A) is a diagram showing the first connector of the second embodiment as viewed from the rear, and (B) is a diagram showing the first connector of the second embodiment as viewed from the front.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the second connector according to the second embodiment as viewed from above.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a diagram of the second connector according to the second embodiment as viewed from the rear.

[0045] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view of a pair of connectors according to the second embodiment as viewed from the rear side, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cantilever portion is housed in the recessed portion.

[0046] Figure 16 It is a perspective view of an electrical connecting device according to a modified example before mating (unmated state).

[0047] Figure 17 In the figure, (A) is a view of the first connector of the modified example from the rear, (B) is Figure 17 1. (A) is a cross-sectional view of the first connector taken along the line CC shown in the direction of the arrow.

[0048] Figure 18 Schematic diagram showing the behavior of the cantilever portion during the mating operation of a pair of connectors according to a modification (unmated state).

[0049] Figure 19 Schematic diagram showing the movement of the cantilever portion during the mating operation of a pair of connectors according to a modification (mated state).

[0050] Description of labels

[0051] 1A~1C: electrical connection device;

[0052] 3A, 3B: second shell;

[0053] 4: Male contact;

[0054] 5A, 5B: first shell;

[0055] 11A~11C: 1st connector;

[0056] 12A~12C: 2nd connector;

[0057] 31A-31C: second housing body;

[0058] 32: Locking receiving part;

[0059] 33: rib (abutment portion);

[0060] 40A~40C: concave part;

[0061] 51A-51C: first housing body;

[0062] 52A~52C: locking arm;

[0063] 53A~53C: cantilever part;

[0064] 54: rib groove;

[0065] 56: locking portion;

[0066] 57: locking operation unit;

[0067] 58: Supporting part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention can be widely applied to various uses as an electrical connection device including a pair of connectors that can be fitted with each other.

[0069] <First embodiment>

[0070] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the electrical connecting device 1A before mating (unmated state) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the electrical connecting device 1A according to one embodiment of the present invention after being fitted (fitted state).

[0071] In addition, in each figure, for the sake of convenience, the direction indicated by the arrow recorded as right is called the "right side", the direction indicated by the arrow recorded as left is called the "left side", the direction indicated by the arrow recorded as up is called the "upper side" or "above", the direction indicated by the arrow recorded as down is called the "lower side" or "below", the direction indicated by the arrow recorded as front is called the "front side" or "front", and the direction indicated by the arrow recorded as back is called the "back side" or "back".

[0072] In the following description, an unmated state refers to a state in which a pair of connectors have not yet been mated, and a mated state refers to a state in which a pair of connectors have been mated.

[0073] [Structure of the electrical connection device]

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrical connection device 1A includes a pair of connectors, namely, a first connector 11A and a second connector 12A. The pair of connectors 11A and 12A can be fitted with each other. In the electrical connection device 1A, the first connector 11A and the second connector 12A are fitted with each other (see Figure 2 ), the two are electrically connected.

[0075] The electrical connection device 1A of this embodiment is a so-called electrical connection device with a locking mechanism: it is provided with a locking mechanism for preventing the first connector 11A from being separated from the second connector 12A. In addition, the electrical connection device 1A of this embodiment is a so-called inner lock type electrical connection device: the locking arm 52A (described later) of the first connector 11A is engaged with the second connector 12A from the inner side of the body of the second connector 12A (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0076] Next, the structure of the first connector 11A and the structure of the second connector 12A of this embodiment will be described. For the sake of convenience, the structure of the second connector 12A will be described first.

[0077] [Structure of the second connector]

[0078] First, refer to Figures 1 to 4 The structure of the second connector 12A will be described. Figure 3 1 is a diagram (top view) of the second connector 12A as viewed from above. Figure 4 (A) is a view of the second connector 12A viewed from the rear. Figure 4 (B) is Figure 3 1 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector 12A taken along line AA.

[0079] The second connector 12A includes a second housing 3A and male contacts 4. The second connector 12A is a mating connector that engages with the first connector 11A, and is therefore also referred to as a mating connector, and the second housing 3A is also referred to as a mating housing.

[0080] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2 (A), the second housing 3A includes a second housing main body 31A, a lock receiving portion 32, a rib 33, and the like.

[0081] The second housing 3A is made of an insulating resin material. In this embodiment, the second housing body 31A, the lock receiving portion 32, and the rib 33 are integrally formed by simultaneous molding.

[0082] The second housing body 31A constitutes the main body of the second connector 12A. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the second case body portion 31A is formed in a substantially plate shape.

[0083] The lock receiving portion 32 (see Figure 3 ) is provided so as to be engageable with the lock arm 52A (described later) of the first connector 11A. Specifically, the lock receiving portion 32 is provided on the inner side of the second housing body portion 31A. In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1B , the lock receiving portion 32 is provided on the upper surface of the inner side of the second housing body portion 31A so as to penetrate to the outside of the second housing body portion 31A. When the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are in the mating state (refer to FIG. Figure 2 ), the locking portion 56 (described later) of the locking arm 52A of the first connector 11A engages with the edge (edge portion) E1 of the lock receiving portion 32 of the second connector 12A, thereby preventing the first connector 11A from detaching from the second connector 12A.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), the second housing 3A has a rib 33. The rib 33 is provided to increase the strength of the second housing body 31A. The rib 33 protrudes downward from the upper surface of the inner side of the second housing body 31A, that is, it is provided in a convex shape. In this embodiment, the rib 33 is provided in the width direction ( Figure 4 It is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper surface of the inner side of the second housing main body portion 31A in the left-right direction (in FIG. 1 ) of FIG.

[0085] Furthermore, in the electrical connection device 1A of this embodiment, the rib 33 not only serves as a reinforcement portion for increasing the strength of the second housing body 31A, but also functions as an abutment portion for abutting against the cantilever portion 53A (described later) when the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are mated. This will be described in detail later.

[0086] Furthermore, the second housing body 31A is provided with a groove 38 (see FIG. 1 ) into which the main body of the lock arm 52A can be fitted when the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are fitted. Figure 4 (A)).

[0087] Furthermore, the second connector 12A of this embodiment has a plurality of male contacts 4 (see Figure 1 and Figure 3 Multiple male contacts 4 are held in the second housing body 31A. Each male contact 4 is a conductive, needle-shaped metal component. When the electrical connection device 1A is used to connect multiple connection components (e.g., substrates, wires), each male contact 4 is electrically and mechanically connected to a single connection component (e.g., substrate).

[0088] [Structure of the first connector]

[0089] Next, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figures 5 to 7 The structure of the first connector 11A will be described. Figure 5 This is a diagram (plan view) of the first connector 11A as viewed from above. Figure 6 (A) is a view of the first connector 11A viewed from the rear. Figure 6 (B) is a view of the first connector 11A viewed from the front. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the first connector 11A taken along line BB is shown.

[0090] The first connector 11A is a connector that is fitted and engaged with the second connector 12A. The first connector 11A includes a first housing 5A and the like.

[0091] The first housing 5A includes a first housing main body 51A, a lock arm 52A, and a cantilever portion 53A.

[0092] The first housing 5A is made of an insulating resin material. In this embodiment, the first housing body 51A, the lock arm 52A, and the cantilever 53A are integrally formed by simultaneous molding.

[0093] The first housing body 51A constitutes the main body of the first connector 11A. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the first case body portion 51A is formed in a substantially plate shape.

[0094] The lock arm 52A is a portion for preventing the first connector 11A from being separated from the second connector 12A, and is provided to be flexible (elastically deformable) relative to the first housing main body 51A.

[0095] The lock arm 52A has a lock portion 56 , a lock operation portion 57 , and a support portion 58 .

[0096] The locking portion 56 is provided so as to be engageable with the lock receiving portion 32 of the second connector 12A. Figure 7 As shown, the locking portion 56 is provided in a convex shape on the upper surface of the main body of the locking arm 52A. Furthermore, the locking portion 56 is inclined so that its height increases from the front to the rear. When the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are mated, the inclined portion of the locking portion 56 of the first connector 11A abuts the inner side of the second housing body 31A of the second connector 12A, thereby elastically deforming the locking arm 52A toward the first housing body 51A.

[0097] The lock operating portion 57 is provided to release the lock portion 56 from being locked with the lock receiving portion 32. For example, if an operator presses the lock operating portion 57 toward the first housing body 51A (lower side), the lock arm 52A elastically displaces toward the first housing body 51A. This causes the lock portion 56 to displace toward the first housing body 51A, releasing the lock portion 56. Then, in this state, if the first connector 11A is removed from the second connector 12A, the first connector 11A is detached from the second connector 12A.

[0098] Support portion 58 (see Figure 6 (B) and Figure 7 ) is a portion that supports the main body of the lock arm 52A, and the lock arm 52A is connected to the first housing main body 51A by means of the support portion 58. Figure 7 As shown, the support portion 58 supports the root of the lock arm 52A at the front end of the first housing body 51A. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 5B , support portions 58 are provided on both sides of the lock arm 52A in the left-right direction. In other words, two support portions 58 are provided across a rib groove 54 described below.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , a rib groove 54 is provided in the lock arm 52A. The rib groove 54 is formed so as to be able to engage with the rib 33 (see FIG. 5 ) of the second connector 12A when the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are fitted. Figure 4 (A)) Chimera.

[0100] Furthermore, the first connector 11A of the present embodiment includes a cantilever portion 53A (see FIG. 1 ) provided between the first housing body 51A and the lock arm 52A so as to be cantilevered relative to the lock arm 52A. Figure 5 and Figure 7 ).

[0101] In this embodiment, the cantilever portion 53A is provided so as to be elastically displaceable in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the flexing direction (vertical direction) of the locking arm 52A. Specifically, the cantilever portion 53A is provided so as to be swingable in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the flexing direction, with its fixed end F1 as the center.

[0102] In this embodiment, the cantilever portion 53A is provided at the base of the main body of the lock arm 52A (see Figure 7 ) In other words, the fixed end F1 of the cantilever portion 53A is provided on the support portion 58 of the lock arm 52A.

[0103] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the cantilever portion 53A is formed into a substantially triangular shape on the horizontal plane, more specifically, into a substantially right-angled triangle shape. Specifically, of the three vertices of the cantilever portion 53A having a substantially triangular shape on the horizontal plane, one vertex is located at the root of the locking arm 52A, and the remaining two vertices are located on the opposite side of the root of the locking arm 52A. That is, the cantilever portion 53A has a substantially triangular shape on the horizontal plane as it moves from the fixed end F1 side of the cantilever portion 53A to the free end F2 side (in the horizontal plane). Figure 5 The fixed end F1 on the one vertex side has a certain width at the base of the locking arm 52A and is formed integrally with the locking arm 52A.

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, the inclined portion (the portion corresponding to the hypotenuse of the right triangle) of the substantially right-angled triangle-shaped cantilever portion 53A is provided so as to protrude toward the rib groove 54. When the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are mated, the rib 33 of the second connector 12A abuts against the inclined portion of the cantilever portion 53A protruding toward the rib groove 54.

[0105] In addition, if Figure 5 、 Figure 6 (A) and Figure 7 As shown, the first housing body 51A has a recess 40A that can accommodate the cantilever 53A in a portion facing the main body of the lock arm 52A (in the figure, the lower portion of the lock arm 52A). The recess 40A is formed to have a width greater than the width of the cantilever 53A.

[0106] Furthermore, the recess 40A of this embodiment does not need to accommodate the entire height of the cantilever portion 53A; it only needs to accommodate a portion of the height of the cantilever portion 53A. Specifically, the height (depth) of the recess 40A of this embodiment is equal to or greater than the displacement (deflection) of the lock arm 52A when the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are mated.

[0107] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the first housing 5A of the first connector 11A is provided with a plurality of contact-retaining holes 59 for retaining female contacts connected to the ends of cables (wires). When the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are mated, the female contacts inserted into the contact-retaining holes 59 of the first connector 11A and the male contacts 4 of the second connector 12A are electrically and mechanically connected. This electrically connects two connected components, such as a substrate and a wire.

[0108] [Operation of each part when mating a pair of connectors]

[0109] When the pair of connectors 11A and 12A having the above-described structure are mated, the above-described elements operate as follows.

[0110] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing the movement of the cantilever portion 53A during the mating operation of the pair of connectors 11A and 12A. Figure 8 (A) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the cantilever portion 53A in the unmated state, Figure 8 (B) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the cantilever portion 53A during the fitting operation. Figure 8 Although not shown, the locking arm 52A body actually exists on the upper side of the cantilever portion 53A. Figure 9 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the cantilever portion 53A is housed in the recess 40A (a cross-sectional view of the pair of connectors 11A and 12A as viewed from the rear).

[0111] First, when the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are in an unmated state, Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1A , the cantilever portion 53A is positioned between the first housing body 51A of the first connector 11A and the main body of the lock arm 52A so as to support the main body of the lock arm 52A. In other words, the cantilever portion 53A is positioned to prevent the lock arm 52A from bending toward the first housing body 51A.

[0112] Specifically, when the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are not mated, Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 5A (A), there is almost no gap between the lower surface of the cantilever portion 53A and the upper surface of the first housing body 51A. Therefore, in this state, when a pressing force is applied from above to the lock arm 52A of the first connector 11A, the lock arm 52A is supported by the cantilever portion 53A, preventing the lock arm 52A from deflecting toward the first housing body 51A.

[0113] The operator performs a fitting operation (also referred to as a fitting action) to fit the first connector 11A and the second connector 12A in this state.

[0114] As described above, the free end side portion of the cantilever portion 53A (more specifically, the inclined portion of the substantially right-angled triangle-shaped cantilever portion 53A) is provided so as to protrude toward the rib groove 54 (see Figure 5 ), when the first connector 11A is inserted into the second connector 12A, the rib 33, which functions as an abutting portion against the cantilever portion 53A, abuts against the free end side portion of the cantilever portion 53A.

[0115] Furthermore, by moving the rib 33 further toward the first connector 11A along the rib groove 54, a pressing force in the swinging direction acts on the cantilever portion 53A. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 5B , the cantilever portion 53A is elastically displaced in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the flexing direction of the lock arm 52A to a position above the recess 40A of the first housing body 51A. In other words, the cantilever portion 53A swings about its fixed end F1 to a position that allows the lock arm 52A to flex toward the first housing body 51A.

[0116] Then, the convex locking portion 56 (see Figure 1 ) is in contact with the inner side of the second housing body 31A of the second connector 12A, and a pressing force is applied to the lock arm 52A toward the first housing body 51A side (lower side). In addition, there is a recess 40A (see FIG. 1 ) below the cantilever portion 53A. Figure 8 (B)), thereby allowing the locking arm 52A to bend toward the first housing body 51A side, and the locking arm 52A bends toward the first housing body 51A side. At this time, the cantilever portion 53A shifts toward the recess 40A side as the locking arm 52A bends and is accommodated in the recess 40A (refer to Figure 9 ).

[0117] Thereafter, when the locking portion 56 of the locking arm 52A is pressed into a position below the lock receiving portion 32, the locking arm 52A is displaced upward by the elastic force of the locking arm 52A, and the locking portion 56 engages with the lock receiving portion 32. Thus, the locking portion 56 of the locking arm 52A engages with the lock receiving portion 32, preventing the first connector 11A from being detached from the second connector 12A.

[0118] Furthermore, as the lock arm 52A is displaced upward by its elastic force, the cantilever portion 53A is also displaced above the recess 40A. However, since the rib 33 is inserted into the rib groove 54, the cantilever portion 53A does not return to a position capable of supporting the lock arm 52A (the so-called initial position), but remains above the recess 40A.

[0119] The above-described operation is performed during the mating operation of the pair of connectors 11A and 12A.

[0120] Furthermore, when unlocking the pair of connectors 11A and 12A, the operator moves the locking operation portion 57 (see Figure 1 ) is pressed toward the first housing main body 51A, and while maintaining the pressing operation, a pulling-out operation is performed to pull the first connector 11A out of the second connector 12A.

[0121] During the pressing operation, the cantilever portion 53A is located above the recess 40A of the first housing body 51A. Therefore, the lock arm 52A bends toward the first housing body 51A in response to the pressing operation of the lock operation portion 57 toward the first housing body 51A.

[0122] Then, in accordance with the removal operation of removing the first connector 11A from the second connector 12A, the rib 33 moves rearward along the rib groove 54. As a result, the cantilever portion 53A returns to its original position (a position capable of supporting the lock arm 52A (see FIG. 1 )) by its elastic force. Figure 6 (A))).

[0123] [Functions and Effects of Implementation Methods]

[0124] As described above, in the electrical connection device 1A of this embodiment, when the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are in the unmated state, the cantilever portion 53A is arranged between the first housing body portion 51A of the first connector 11A and the lock arm 52A so as to support the lock arm 52A (see FIG. Figure 6(A)). Therefore, even if an excessively large pressing force acts on the lock arm 52A toward the first housing main body 51A when the unmated pair of connectors 11A and 12A are transported, the cantilever portion 53A prevents the lock arm 52A from excessively bending toward the first housing main body 51A. Consequently, residual strain in the lock arm 52A of the unmated pair of connectors 11A and 12A can be prevented.

[0125] Furthermore, according to the electrical connection device 1A of this embodiment, when the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are mated, the rib 33 (abutment portion) abuts the cantilever portion 53A, causing the cantilever portion 53A to elastically deform, thereby allowing the locking arm 52A to flex. Furthermore, the locking arm 52A engages with the lock receiving portion 32 of the second connector 12A (so-called automatically) due to its elastic force. Therefore, the operator can mate the pair of connectors 11A and 12A with a single operation (in other words, a single motion). Specifically, the operator does not need to perform the operation of inserting one connector into the other and then releasing the locking arm from the semi-locking portion, as in the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-207100, i.e., there is no need to perform two operations. Therefore, a decrease in operability when mating the pair of connectors 11A and 12A can be prevented, and the mating operation of the pair of connectors 11A and 12A can be easily performed.

[0126] Furthermore, when removing the first connector 11A from the second connector 12A, the operator only needs to perform two operations: pressing the lock operation portion 57 toward the first housing body 51A and removing the first connector 11A from the second connector 12A.

[0127] As described above, according to the electrical connection device 1A of this embodiment, residual strain of the lock arms 52A of the pair of connectors 11A and 12A in the unmated state can be prevented, and the mating operation of the pair of connectors 11A and 12A can be easily performed.

[0128] Furthermore, in the electrical connection device 1A of this embodiment, a recess 40A (see FIG. 4A ) capable of accommodating the cantilever portion 53A is provided in a portion of the first housing body 51A that faces the lock arm 52A. Figure 6 Therefore, when the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are not mated, a cantilever portion 53A is arranged between the first housing body portion 51A and the lock arm 52A (see Figure 6 (A)), when the pair of connectors 11A and 12A are fitted together, the cantilever portion 53A is accommodated in the recess 40A (see Figure 9That is, during the mating operation of the pair of connectors 11A and 12A, the cantilever portion 53A does not protrude from the portion opposite the lock arm 52A. Therefore, the cantilever portion 53A is compactly provided in the first connector 11A with good space efficiency, and the first connector 11A including the cantilever portion 53A can be miniaturized.

[0129] In the electrical connection device 1A of the present embodiment, the cantilever portion 53A is provided on the lock arm 52A (see Figure 7 ). Therefore, the cantilever portion 53A can be displaced in the flexing direction of the locking arm 52A without providing a separate structure on the cantilever portion 53A that can bend in the flexing direction. Therefore, the displacement of the cantilever portion 53A in the flexing direction of the locking arm 52A can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0130] In the electrical connection device 1A of the present embodiment, the cantilever portion 53A is provided at the base of the lock arm 52A (see FIG. Figure 7 ). Therefore, the distance from the fixed end to the free end of the cantilever portion 53A can be made as long as possible. As a result, when the rib 33 (the contact portion with the cantilever portion 53A) contacts the free end side portion of the cantilever portion 53A, the cantilever portion 53A is easily elastically deformed, and the operator can mate the pair of connectors 11A and 12A with relatively little force.

[0131] Furthermore, in the electrical connection device 1A of the present embodiment, the rib 33 (see FIG. 1 ) is a reinforcing portion for increasing the strength of the second housing body 31A of the second connector 12A. Figure 4 (A)) also functions as an abutment portion against the cantilever portion 53A, and the lock arm 52A is provided with a rib groove 54. Specifically, the rib 33 and rib groove 54, provided to enhance the strength of the second housing body 31A, enable elastic displacement of the cantilever portion 53A. Therefore, there is no need to provide a new structure (other than the rib 33 and rib groove 54) for elastic displacement of the cantilever portion 53A, thereby minimizing manufacturing costs for the pair of connectors 11A and 12A.

[0132] In the electrical connection device 1A of the present embodiment, the cantilever portion 53A has a shape in which the width thereof increases from the fixed end F1 side toward the free end F2 side (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 Therefore, the first connector 11A can be molded simultaneously using a split mold consisting only of an upper mold and a lower mold. That is, when forming a cavity within the mold for molding the first connector 11A, a sliding core combined with the upper and lower molds is unnecessary. This can reduce mold costs for molding the first connector 11A.

[0133] [Modification of the first embodiment]

[0134] In the first embodiment, the cantilever portion 53A is provided on the lock arm 52A (see Figure 7 For example, the cantilever portion 53A may be provided on the first housing body portion 51A. In this case, it is preferred that a structure that can bend in the bending direction of the locking arm 52A is provided on the cantilever portion 53A.

[0135] <Second embodiment>

[0136] The second embodiment is a modified example of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0137] In the first embodiment described above, the recess 40A capable of accommodating the cantilever portion 53A is provided in the first connector 11A (see Figure 9 ).

[0138] On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the recessed portion 40B capable of accommodating the cantilever portion 53B is provided in the second connector 12B (see Figure 15 ).

[0139] Figure 10 : is a perspective view of the electrical connection device 1B of the second embodiment before being fitted (unfitted state). Figure 11 This is a diagram of the first connector 11B according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. Figure 12 (A) is a diagram showing the first connector 11B of the second embodiment as viewed from the rear. Figure 12 (B) is a diagram of the first connector 11B according to the second embodiment as viewed from the front. Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the second connector 12B according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a second connector 12B according to the second embodiment as viewed from the rear.

[0140] Hereinafter, an electrical connection device 1B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings, etc. The components of the electrical connection device 1B according to the second embodiment have the same configuration as those of the electrical connection device 1A according to the first embodiment, except for the following points, and their descriptions will be omitted below.

[0141] The first connector 11B of the second embodiment includes a cantilever portion 53B (see FIG. 1 ) provided in a cantilevered manner with respect to the first housing main body 51B. Figure 11 ).

[0142] When the pair of connectors 11B and 12B are in an unmated state, Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown in FIG. 5A , the free end portion of the cantilever portion 53B, more specifically, a portion of the inclined portion of the cantilever portion 53B having a substantially right triangle shape on a horizontal plane, is disposed between the first housing body 51B and the lock arm 52B.

[0143] In addition, if Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 1B , the support portion 58B of the lock arm 52B in the second embodiment (specifically, the support portion 58B on the cantilever portion 53B side of the two support portions 58B) is provided with a lateral end side (at the end of the support portion 58B) of the lock arm 52B. Figure 12 The notch 70 is cut into a rectangular shape toward the center (the right end side in (B)). As a result, when forming a cavity for molding the first connector 11B in the mold, a sliding core combined with the upper and lower molds is unnecessary, which can suppress an increase in the mold cost when molding the first connector 11B.

[0144] In addition, if Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the second housing body 31B of the second connector 12B has a recess 40B capable of accommodating the cantilever 53B in the groove 38 into which the main body of the lock arm 52B can be fitted. The recess 40B is formed to be higher than the cantilever 53B.

[0145] Furthermore, the second housing body 31B is provided with an abutment portion 35, separate from the rib 33, which abuts against the cantilever portion 53B when the pair of connectors 11B and 12B are mated. The abutment portion 35 is provided in the gap between the wall portion (specifically, the wall portion at the right end) of the groove 38 provided in the second housing body 31B and the portion through which the lock arm 52B passes when the pair of connectors 11B and 12B are mated.

[0146] [Operation of Each Part When Fitting a Pair of Connectors in the Second Embodiment]

[0147] When the pair of connectors 11B and 12B of the second embodiment are mated together, the above-mentioned elements operate as follows.

[0148] First, when the pair of connectors 11B and 12B are in an unmated state, Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 1A , the cantilever portion 53B is disposed between the first housing body 51B of the first connector 11B and the lock arm 52B so as to support the lock arm 52B. Thus, even when a pressing force toward the first housing body 51B acts on the lock arm 52B of the first connector 11B, the lock arm 52B is supported by the cantilever portion 53B, thereby preventing the lock arm 52B from deflecting toward the first housing body 51B.

[0149] When the first connector 11B is inserted into the second connector 12B, the contact portion 35 of the second connector 12B and the free end portion of the cantilever portion 53B of the first connector 11B (see FIG. 1B ) are in contact with each other. Figure 11 ) abuts against the cantilever portion 53B, exerting a pressing force toward the rear side. As a result, the cantilever portion 53B is elastically displaced toward the right side (the recessed portion 40B side) on the horizontal plane. Figure 15 As shown, the cantilever portion 53B is housed in the recess 40B provided in the second connector 12B. In other words, the cantilever portion 53B retreats to a position that allows the lock arm 52B to bend toward the first housing main body 51B.

[0150] Then, the convex locking portion 56 (see Figure 10 ) abuts against the inner side of the second housing body 31B of the second connector 12B, thereby deflecting the lock arm 52B toward the first housing body 51B (i.e., downward). Furthermore, when the lock portion 56 of the lock arm 52B is pressed into a position below the lock receiving portion 32, the lock arm 52B is displaced upward by the elastic force of the lock arm 52B, and the lock portion 56 engages with the lock receiving portion 32. As a result, the first connector 11B and the second connector 12B are engaged.

[0151] As described above, in the electrical connection device 1B of the second embodiment, the recess 40B capable of accommodating the cantilever portion 53B is provided in the second connector 12B (see Figure 13 and Figure 14 ). The cantilever portion 53B is elastically displaced to a position where the lock arm 52B is allowed to bend toward the first housing body portion 51B and is accommodated in the recess 40B (see Figure 15 In such an electrical connection device 1B, the cantilever portion 53B only needs to be shaped to be elastically displaceable to a position that allows the lock arm 52B to bend toward the first housing body 51B, and the cantilever portion 53B can be designed with a high degree of freedom.

[0152] Furthermore, regarding the common portions of the electrical connection device 1B of the second embodiment with the electrical connection device 1A of the first embodiment, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0153] [Modification]

[0154] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, the following modifications can also be implemented.

[0155] (1) In the above embodiments, the so-called inner lock type electrical connection device is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the concept of the present invention can also be applied to a so-called outer lock type electrical connection device.

[0156] Figure 16 : is a perspective view of the electrical connection device 1C of this modification before being fitted (unfitted state). Figure 17 (A) is a diagram showing a first connector 11C of a modified example as viewed from the rear. Figure 17 (B) is Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the first connector 11C shown in (A) at the position of the CC line in the direction of the arrow. Figure 18 and Figure 19 Schematic diagram showing the operation of the cantilever portion 53C during the mating operation of the pair of connectors 11C and 12C according to the modification.

[0157] like Figure 16 As shown, the modified electrical connection device 1C is a so-called external lock type electrical connection device in which the locking arm 52C of the first connector 11C engages with the second connector 12C from the outside of the body of the second connector 12C. In the external lock type electrical connection device 1C, the plurality of contacts 4 of the second connector 12C are inserted into the plurality of contact insertion holes (not shown) of the first connector 11C, so that the second connector 12C is mated with the first connector 11C along the guide portion 61 of the first connector 11C.

[0158] In addition, each element of the electrical connecting device 1C of the modification has the same structure as each element of the electrical connecting device 1A of the first embodiment except for the following points, and the description thereof will be omitted below.

[0159] The lock arm 52C of the first connector 11C has a cantilever portion 53C (see FIG. 1 ) provided between the main body of the lock arm 52C and the first housing main body 51C. Figure 17 (A), (B)).

[0160] Furthermore, the first housing body 51C of the first connector 11C is provided with a recess 40C capable of accommodating the cantilever portion 53C in a portion facing the main body of the lock arm 52C.

[0161] Furthermore, the second connector 12C of this modified example is provided with a contact portion 60 (see FIG. Figure 16 ). Here, if Figure 16 As shown, the contact portion 60 is provided in the second housing body portion 31C of the second connector 12C in a rib-like manner extending rearward from the lock receiving portion 32C.

[0162] When the pair of connectors 11C and 12C having the above-described structure are mated, the above-described elements operate as follows.

[0163] When the pair of connectors 11C and 12C are in an unmated state, the cantilever portion 53C is disposed between the first housing body portion 51C of the first connector 11C and the lock arm 52C so as to support the lock arm 52C (see FIG. Figure 17 (A).

[0164] Furthermore, when the plurality of contacts 4 of the second connector 12C are inserted into the plurality of contact insertion holes (not shown) of the first connector 11C, the rib-shaped abutting portion 60 of the second connector 12C abuts against the inclined portion of the cantilever portion 53C of the first connector 11C, and the cantilever portion 53C elastically shifts to a position above the recess 40C of the first housing body 51C (see FIG. Figure 19 ).

[0165] Afterward, the lock arm 52C is allowed to flex toward the first housing body 51C. The lock arm 52C then flexes toward the first housing body 51C. At this point, the cantilever portion 53C shifts toward the recess 40C as the lock arm 52C flexes, and is housed within the recess 40C. Furthermore, the lock portion 56C of the lock arm 52C engages with the lock receiving portion 32C of the second connector 12C, and the pair of connectors 11C and 12C are mated.

[0166] In the above modification, the cantilever portion 53C is provided on the lock arm 52C, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the cantilever portion 53C may also be provided on the first housing body 51C. In this case, for example, the rib-shaped contact portion 60 may be provided on the contact 4 side of the second housing body 31C.

[0167] As described above, the concept of the present invention can also be applied to a so-called external lock type electrical connection device.

[0168] Industrial applicability

[0169] The present invention can be widely applied to an electrical connection device including a pair of connectors that can be fitted with each other.

Claims

1. An electrical connection device, characterized in that: The electrical connection device comprises: a first connector of a pair of connectors that can be mated with each other; and The second connector of the pair of connectors, The first connector comprises: a housing body; a locking arm, which is arranged to be flexible relative to the housing body; and a cantilever portion, which is arranged in a cantilever shape relative to the housing body or the locking arm and can be elastically displaced freely. The second connector includes: a lock receiving portion that can engage with the lock arm; and an abutting portion that abuts against the cantilever portion when the pair of connectors are fitted. When the pair of connectors are in an unmated state, the cantilever portion is arranged between the housing body and the lock arm so as to support the lock arm. When the pair of connectors are mated, the abutment portion abuts against the cantilever portion, whereby the cantilever portion is elastically displaced to a position allowing the lock arm to bend toward the housing main body portion. The housing body has a recessed portion, which is provided at a portion facing the locking arm and capable of accommodating the cantilever portion. After the cantilever portion is elastically displaced to a position allowing the lock arm to bend toward the housing main body, the cantilever portion is displaced toward the housing main body as the lock arm is bent and is accommodated in the recess.

2. The electrical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that The cantilever portion is provided on the locking arm.

3. The electrical connection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cantilever portion is arranged at the root of the locking arm.

4. The electrical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The rib provided on the second connector also functions as the abutment portion. The locking arm is provided with a rib groove, When the pair of connectors are mated, the rib is inserted into the rib groove, so that the rib as the abutment portion abuts against the cantilever portion, and the cantilever portion is elastically displaced to a position allowing the lock arm to flex toward the housing main body portion.

5. The electrical connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The cantilever portion has a shape in which the width thereof increases from the fixed end side toward the free end side of the cantilever portion.

6. An electrical connection device, characterized in that: The electrical connection device comprises: a first connector of a pair of connectors that can be mated with each other; and The second connector of the pair of connectors, The first connector comprises: a housing body; a locking arm, which is arranged to be flexible relative to the housing body; and a cantilever portion, which is arranged in a cantilever shape relative to the housing body or the locking arm and can be elastically displaced freely. The second connector includes: a lock receiving portion that can engage with the lock arm; and an abutting portion that abuts against the cantilever portion when the pair of connectors are fitted. When the pair of connectors are in an unmated state, the cantilever portion is arranged between the housing body and the lock arm so as to support the lock arm. When the pair of connectors are mated, the abutment portion abuts against the cantilever portion, whereby the cantilever portion is elastically displaced to a position allowing the lock arm to bend toward the housing main body portion. The cantilever portion is provided on the housing body portion, The second connector is provided with a recessed portion capable of accommodating the cantilever portion. The cantilever portion is resiliently displaced to a position allowing the lock arm to bend toward the housing main body, and is thereby housed in the recess.

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