joint connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a joint connector comprising a cap, a plug accommodated in the cap in an installation direction, and a clip installed in the installation direction to fix the cap and the plug, wherein the plug comprises a flexible locking element configured to fix the cap and the clip at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector. Background Technology

[0002] A wiring harness bundles together wires used for vehicle ignition, lighting, and charging. The harness runs from the headlights at the front of the vehicle to the taillights at the rear, centered on the battery throughout the vehicle. Vehicle wiring harnesses contain circuit components such as power / signal inputs and ground / signal outputs, requiring the interconnection of identical circuit components.

[0003] Connectors are used to connect identical circuit components (e.g., power / ground, indicator lights, communication signals, etc.) within a wire harness. Connectors can reduce the number of circuits and simplify the configuration of circuits and circuit paths.

[0004] As an example of such a connector, a type of connector is known where the clip engages with the connector housing. However, this type of connector requires a structure that is easy to assemble and securely holds the components together to prevent separation. Furthermore, the structure must prevent vibration or noise caused by gaps between the components (e.g., between the housing and the clip).

[0005] The foregoing is intended only to help understand the background of the present invention and does not imply that the present invention falls within the scope of the relevant prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0006] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2018-0138525 (published on December 31, 2018) describes information related to this subject matter. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention can solve the problems related to the prior art.

[0008] This invention relates to a connector. Specific embodiments relate to a connector that provides improved engagement between the cap, plug, and clip, and reduces noise caused by vibrations of the cap, plug, and clip.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a connector that is easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide a connector with improved fixing performance, thereby reducing its manufacturing cost.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention provide a connector with an improved fixing structure, thereby reducing vibration and noise.

[0012] In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a connector comprising: a cap; a plug received in the cap in an installation direction; and a clip mounted in the installation direction to secure the cap and the plug. The plug includes a flexible locking element that simultaneously secures the cap and the clip.

[0013] Understandably, the term "vehicle" or "of vehicles" or other similar terms as used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, ships including various boats and vessels, aircraft, etc., and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-petroleum resources). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as a vehicle that combines gasoline and electric power.

[0014] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention will be discussed below.

[0015] The above and other features of the present invention are discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other features of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are given hereinafter by way of illustration only and are not intended to limit the invention, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2A This is an exploded perspective view of the cap and plug of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2B This is a perspective view of the cap and plug of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view taken along the mounting direction of the cap and plug of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the assembly process of the plug and cap.

[0021] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A magnified view of the area indicated by the dashed line;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the mounting direction of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the assembled state;

[0023] Figure 5AThis is a cross-sectional view taken along the mounting direction of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the installation process of the clip;

[0024] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A magnified view of the area indicated by the dashed line;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a planar sectional view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a view illustrating the assembly process of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present simplified representations of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features of the invention, such as specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, as disclosed herein, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and environment of use.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals throughout the multiple figures indicate the same or equivalent parts of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific structures or functions described in the embodiments of the invention are for illustrative purposes only. Embodiments of the invention can be implemented in various forms and should be understood not to be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0030] It should be understood that although terms such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the teachings of the invention, a first element may be referred to as a second element. Similarly, a second element may also be referred to as a first element.

[0031] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "joined" or "connected" to another element, it can be directly joined or connected to the other element, or there can be an intermediate element between them. Conversely, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as "directly joined" or "directly connected" to another element, there is no intermediate element. Furthermore, the terms used herein to describe the relationship between elements, such as "between," "directly between," "adjacent," or "directly adjacent," should be interpreted in the same manner as described above.

[0032] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the words “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate the presence of the stated components, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements thereof.

[0033] Throughout this specification, the term "mounting direction D" refers to the direction in which the plug 40 and clip 60 are mounted onto the cap 20. The term "mounting direction D" is used herein to more clearly indicate the position of each component.

[0034] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cap 20, a plug 40, and a clip 60.

[0036] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B There is an empty space inside the cap 20. The plug 40 is accommodated in the empty space.

[0037] A guide 22 is provided on the upper surface of the cap 20. The guide 22 is used to guide the movement of the clip 60 during the attachment or removal of the clip 60 from the cap 20. The guide 22 is also designed to secure the clip 60 to the cap 20 after it has been installed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the cap 20 includes a first portion 221, a second portion 222, a third portion 223, and a fourth portion 224.

[0038] The first part 221 and the second part 222 are disposed on the cap 20 near the position where the clip 60 first meets the guide 22 in the installation direction D when it is engaged with the guide 22, and the first part 221 and the second part 222 can be disposed on both sides of the cap 20. The first part 221 protrudes approximately vertically from the surface of the cap 20, and the second part 222 bends from the first part 221 toward the center of the cap 20 and extends in the horizontal direction.

[0039] At least a portion of the second part 222 protrudes along the mounting direction D to form the third part 223. The third part 223 extends perpendicular to the second part 222 along the mounting direction D of the clip 60. The distal end of the third part 223 connects to the fourth part 224. The fourth part 224 protrudes from the surface of the cap 20 and extends perpendicular to the mounting direction D of the clip 60, i.e., along the lateral direction of the cap 20. The fourth part 224 is the portion that completes the mounting of the clip 60. The fourth part 224 serves to prevent the clip 60 from moving beyond the guide 22 and to maintain the position of the clip 60 relative to the cap 20.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the invention, the guide 22 includes a spring-loaded portion 225 connecting the first portion 221 and the fourth portion 224. The spring-loaded portion 225 is flexible and deforms inwardly in the transverse direction of the cap 20 when compressed. The spring-loaded portion 225 connects the first portion 221 and the fourth portion 224, and can connect to a point on the first portion 221 and a point on the fourth portion 224. In this case, a slit 226 is formed such that the inner side and the outer side of the guide 22 communicate between the third portion 223 and the spring-loaded portion 225, and between the spring-loaded portion 225 and the surface of the cap 20. Therefore, when the clip 60 is attached to the cap 20, as... Figure 1 As shown, the clip 60 can be viewed from the outside through the slit 226. In addition, due to this structure, the pop-up part 225 can move along the surface of the cap 20 and can elastically move outward.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cap 20 includes an inclined portion 24. The inclined portion 24 is disposed on the surface of the cap 20 adjacent to the spring-loaded portion 225. When the spring-loaded portion 225 is compressed and moves laterally outward, the spring-loaded portion 225 contacts the inclined portion 24. When the clip 60 is attached to the cap 20, the spring-loaded portion 225 deforms outward due to the clip 60, which allows the inclined portion 24 to more securely secure the clip 60.

[0042] The cap 20 may have a connecting portion 26 penetrating both side surfaces of the cap 20, so that the interior and exterior of the cap 20 are in communication with each other. As will be described later, the connecting portion 26 may provide enhanced engagement between the cap 20 and the plug 40.

[0043] The cap 20 also includes a cutout 28. The cutout 28 is located near the open end of the cap 20, into which the plug 40 enters in the mounting direction D. A locking element 80, described later, is fitted into the cutout 28. The cutout 28 can extend in the mounting direction D of the cap 20. In other words, the opening 128 of the cutout 28 located at the open end of the cap 20 is smaller in the lateral direction than the rest of the cutout 28. The lateral length of the cutout 28 is minimum at the open end of the cap 20.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cap 20 is made of a flexible material. As a non-limiting example, the flexible material includes polypropylene. In the past, caps were made of stiffer but expensive materials, such as polyamide 66 (PA66) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), to securely fasten clips. However, in the connector with the above-described structure according to an embodiment of the invention, the cap can be made of a more flexible material, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the connector. According to some embodiments of the invention, the plug 40, rather than the cap 20, can be formed of a flexible material. In other words, either the cap 20 or the plug 40 can be made of a more flexible material than previously used. Due to the fastening structure according to an embodiment of the invention, both the cap 20 and the plug 40 can be made of the same material as those used in the prior art, or they can be made of a more flexible material than those used in the prior art, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the connector.

[0045] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The plug 40 is configured to insert into the empty space of the cap 20. The plug 40 includes a plurality of compartments 42 into which terminals (not shown) connected to wires are inserted. The plug 40 includes engaging protrusions 44 projecting from each side of the plug 40. When the plug 40 is received in the cap 20, the engaging protrusions 44 are inserted into corresponding communication portions 26 in the cap 20, thereby providing additional force for securing the plug 40 to the cap 20.

[0046] The plug 40 is provided with a locking element 80. The locking element 80 is used to simultaneously secure the cap 20 and the clip 60. The locking element 80 is formed to be flexible, such that the locking element 80 elastically engages with the cap 20 and the clip 60. In order to allow the locking element 80 to move flexibly, the plug 40 includes a recess 46 recessed from the surface of the plug 40. The locking element 80 is engaged with the plug 40 so as to be able to move vertically within the recess 46.

[0047] A locking element 80 is formed on the plug 40, and the locking element 80 is capable of simultaneously contacting the cap 20 and the clip 60. According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking element 80 is formed on the upper surface of the plug 40.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking element 80 includes a wing 82, a protrusion 84, and a connecting portion 86. The wing 82 extends laterally within the recess 46. The wing 82 may include a pair of wings 82 extending on both sides.

[0049] The protrusion 84 protrudes from the surface of the locking element 80, preferably upward. The protrusion 84 may include a tip portion 184 that protrudes furthest upward from the locking element 80 and a beveled portion 284. The beveled portion 284 may protrude from the surface of the locking element 80 at an acute angle relative to the mounting direction D in a clockwise direction.

[0050] Locking element 80 is connected to plug 40 via connector 86. Connector 86 protrudes from plug 40 toward mounting direction D within recess 46. Wings 82 extend from both sides of connector 86. Protrusion 84 protrudes from connector 86 in a direction perpendicular to mounting direction D. Specifically, protrusion 84 gradually protrudes in a direction perpendicular to mounting direction D, and is inclined along mounting direction D.

[0051] The lateral length of the connecting portion 86 can be less than the sum of the lengths of the wing 82 and the protrusion 84 in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the connecting portion 86 serves as a pivot point. The locking element 80 is configured to pivotally move up and down about the connecting portion 86.

[0052] The locking element 80 engages with the cutout 28. (See reference) Figure 3A and Figure 3B Since the lateral length of the opening 128 in the cutout 28 is less than the lateral length of the locking element 80, in order to engage the locking element 80 with the cutout 28, the locking element 80 is pressed downward to tilt within the recess 46 and then inserted into the cutout 28. The connecting portion 86 is received in the opening 128, while the wing portion 82 and the protrusion 84 are received in the cutout 28. According to an embodiment of the invention, after the locking element 80 is inserted into the cutout 28, the plug 40 and the cap 20 can be securely connected unless the locking element 80 is pressed downward.

[0053] After the cap 20 and plug 40 are first assembled together, the clip 60 is installed to provide increased engagement force between the cap 20 and plug 40.

[0054] The clip 60 includes a sliding portion 62. The sliding portion 62 is recessed from the surface of the clip 60 on both sides of the clip 60 and extends along the length of the clip 60. The sliding portion 62 is slidable along the guide 22 and has a shape that can engage with the guide 22. More specifically, the second portion 222 and the third portion 223 cooperate with the sliding portion 62.

[0055] Reference Figure 4 The clip 60 includes a retaining protrusion 64 protruding from the lower surface of the clip 60. According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining protrusion 64 includes a leading edge 164 and a trailing edge 264. The leading edge 164 is the portion that first encounters the plug 40 when the clip 60 is installed, while the trailing edge 264 is formed at the rear end of the leading edge 164 along the installation direction of the clip 60.

[0056] The leading edge 164 protrudes from the lower surface of the clip 60 at a predetermined angle. The leading edge 164 may be tilted to form an acute angle in a clockwise direction relative to the mounting direction of the clip 60. That is, the leading edge 164 gradually protrudes from the lower surface of the clip 60 and tilts in a direction opposite to the mounting direction D. Furthermore, the tilt angle of the leading edge 164 may be substantially the same as or similar to the tilt angle of the protrusion 84. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, when installing the clip 60, the leading edge 164 contacts and presses against the locking element 80. The leading edge 164 moves over the beveled portion 284 of the protrusion 84 and presses against the locking element 80. When the leading edge 164 passes over the beveled portion 284 and reaches the top portion 184, the locking element 80 deforms to move downward within the recess 46. When the retaining protrusion 64 moves on the top portion 184 and is fully installed, the retaining protrusion 64 is secured while contacting the cap 20. After the clip 60 is assembled, the locking element 80 secures the clip 60 while contacting the lower surface of the clip 60. Therefore, the clip 60 can be prevented from separating from the cap 20 due to external impact during component transportation.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, when the clip 60 is fully assembled with the cap 20 and the plug 40, the clip 60 presses against the pop-up portion 225, causing the pop-up portion 225 to elastically deform outward. Due to the inclined portion 24 formed on the cap 20 and the flexibility of the raw material of the cap 20, the force on both sides of the clip 60 increases proportionally to the degree of outward pressing of the pop-up portion 225, thereby preventing noise caused by vibration.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the invention, a single element, namely the locking element 80 of the plug 40, securely fastens the cap 20, clip 60, and plug 40 together. Therefore, even when the connector 1 is subjected to external impact, the plug 40 and clip 60 can be prevented from separating, and noise caused by vibration is reduced. Furthermore, the connector 1 is easy to disassemble for maintenance. Since the clip 60 can be separated from the cap 20 simply by pressing the locking element 80, the time required for disassembly can be shortened.

[0059] The existing fixing structure has gaps between the clips, caps, and plugs, which can cause noise due to vibration and deteriorate the vehicle's overall quality. Furthermore, especially for the caps, expensive plastic materials are used to prevent the clips from separating from the cap / plug fixing structure during component transportation or wiring harness installation into the vehicle.

[0060] According to embodiments of the present invention, noise problems can be solved, and cost-competitive plastic materials can be used.

[0061] It is evident from the above description that, according to embodiments of the present invention, a connector is provided that can increase the engagement between its components.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector that is easy to assemble and disassemble is provided.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector exhibiting improved fixing performance is provided, thereby reducing its manufacturing cost.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector with an improved fixing structure is provided, which can reduce the occurrence of vibration and noise.

[0065] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0066] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and those skilled in the art can make various substitutions, modifications and alterations without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: cap; The plug is accommodated in the cap in the installation direction; as well as A clip, mounted along the installation direction to secure the cap and the plug, the clip including a retaining protrusion projecting from the lower surface of the clip. The plug includes a flexible locking element configured to simultaneously secure the cap and the clip; The locking element is connected to the plug in a manner that allows it to deform relative to the plug in a vertical direction; The cap includes a cutout portion that is configured to elastically engage with the locking element by deformation of the locking element. The fixing protrusion is configured to press and pass over the locking element when the clip is installed onto the cap to complete the installation, and the locking element is configured to elastically recover its deformation when the clip is fully installed, engaging the fixing protrusion while contacting the lower surface of the clip to secure the clip. The cap includes a guide that protrudes from the surface of the cap and guides the installation and securing of the clip; and The guide includes a spring-loaded portion that bends inward and can deform outward by engaging with the clip.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The plug also includes a recess that is recessed from the surface of the plug and is configured to receive the locking element so as to be movable up and down in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The locking element includes a wing that extends laterally relative to the mounting direction, wherein the size of the wing corresponds to the size of the cutout.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The cutout has an opening whose length in the lateral direction relative to the mounting direction is less than the length of any other region of the cutout, and the size of the opening corresponds to the size of the connection portion configured to connect the locking element to the plug.

5. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising: The connecting portion is configured to pass through both sides of the cap; as well as The protrusions extend from both sides of the plug and are configured to be inserted into the connecting portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The cap is made of plastic containing polypropylene.

7. A connector comprising: cap; The plug is accommodated in the cap in the installation direction; as well as A clip, mounted along the installation direction to secure the cap and the plug, the clip including a retaining protrusion projecting from the lower surface of the clip. The plug includes a flexible locking element configured to simultaneously secure the cap and the clip; The locking element is connected to the plug in a manner that allows it to deform relative to the plug in a vertical direction; The cap includes a cutout portion that is configured to elastically engage with the locking element by deformation of the locking element. The fixing protrusion is configured to press and pass over the locking element when the clip is installed onto the cap to complete the installation, and the locking element is configured to elastically recover its deformation when the clip is fully installed, engaging the fixing protrusion while contacting the lower surface of the clip to secure the clip. The cap includes a guide configured to guide the installation of the clip and the fixing of the clip; The clip includes a sliding portion configured to slide along and engage with the guide; and The guide includes a spring-loaded portion that is bent inward and deformable outward by engaging with the sliding portion.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein, The cap includes a sloping portion that slopes laterally inward and downward on the surface of the cap. The inclined portion is adjacent to the pop-up portion, such that the pop-up portion contacts the inclined portion when it deforms.

9. The connector according to claim 7, wherein, The guide includes: The first part protrudes vertically from the surface of the cap; The second part bends from the first part and extends horizontally toward the inside of the cap; The third portion protrudes from the second portion and extends along the mounting direction; and The fourth part is connected to the far end of the third part and spaced a predetermined distance from the first part.

10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein, The spring-loaded portion extends between the first portion and the fourth portion and bends laterally inward.

11. The connector according to claim 7, wherein, The cap is made of plastic containing polypropylene.

12. A connector comprising: cap; The plug is accommodated in the cap in the installation direction; as well as A clip, mounted along the installation direction to secure the cap and the plug, the clip including a retaining protrusion projecting from the lower surface of the clip. The plug includes a flexible locking element configured to simultaneously secure the cap and the clip; The locking element is connected to the plug in a manner that allows it to deform relative to the plug in a vertical direction; The cap includes a cutout portion that is configured to elastically engage with the locking element by deformation of the locking element. The fixing protrusion is configured to press and pass over the locking element when the clip is installed onto the cap to complete the installation, and the locking element is configured to elastically recover its deformation when the clip is fully installed, engaging the fixing protrusion while contacting the lower surface of the clip to secure the clip. The cap includes a guide that protrudes from the surface of the cap and guides the installation and securing of the clip; and The guide includes a spring-loaded portion that bends inward and can deform outward by engaging with the clip.

13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein, The fixing protrusion includes a leading edge configured to press the locking element when the clip is attached to the cap, and to protrude obliquely from the lower surface of the clip in a direction opposite to the mounting direction.

14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein, The locking element includes a protrusion that protrudes from the locking element such that the leading edge moves along the protrusion and remains in contact with the protrusion.

15. The connector according to claim 14, wherein, The protrusion includes a beveled portion that is inclined at an acute angle clockwise from the mounting direction, and wherein the leading edge is configured to move in contact with the beveled portion.

16. The connector according to claim 12, wherein, At least one of the cap and the plug is formed of a flexible material.

17. The connector according to claim 16, wherein, The flexible material includes polypropylene.

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