connector

Abstract

A connector having a CPA and suppressing the height of a housing is provided. The connector 10 has a housing 20 and a CPA 30. The housing 20 has flexible beams 61 on both sides thereof. These flexible beams 61 extend in sliding directions shown by arrows F, R and freely support the CPA 30 in sliding. Further, these flexible beams 61 have housing-side locking portions 63 interfering with the CPA 30 and are bent by the interference with the CPA 30. In addition, the CPA 30 has rails 32 on both sides thereof. These rails 32 have device-side locking portions 324 interfering with the housing-side locking portions 63. Further, these rails 32 are supported by the flexible beams 61 in sliding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector having a connector position assurance device (CPA) that ensures that the connector is in a fully engaged state with the other connector. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors equipped with the aforementioned CPA have been known since the past (for example, see Patent Document 1). The CPA in Patent Document 1 is a component formed on the sliding surface of the connector housing that slides in the direction of engagement with the other connector. Furthermore, it can only slide to a specific position when it is fully engaged with the other connector. Thus, by having the CPA in a state of sliding to that specific position, full engagement with the other connector is ensured.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-505113. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the aforementioned Patent Document 1, the CPA has a sliding surface formed on the housing for CPA sliding.

[0008] However, in the case of waterproof connectors equipped with waterproof sealing components, the portion of the housing that needs to support the sealing components becomes an enlarged portion of the housing. For example, it may be desirable to mount a CPA on such an enlarged housing. Consequently, the sliding surface needs to be positioned high so that the metal mold forming the sliding surface can slide away from the enlarged portion of the housing, potentially leading to further enlargement of the housing (increased length).

[0009] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector having CPA and suppressing the height of the housing.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The connector of the present invention, which achieves the above-mentioned objectives, is characterized by comprising:

[0012] The housing has a mating portion that engages with the other connector; and the CPA slides between a first position on the housing and a second position further from the first position on the mating portion side, and is secured to be in a fully engaged state with the other connector by being in the second position.

[0013] The shell has a flexible beam that extends along the sliding direction of the CPA and supports the CPA to slide freely. It also has a side locking portion that interferes with the CPA and flexes due to this interference.

[0014] The CPA has a track with a device-side locking part that interferes with the housing-side locking part, and is supported by a flexible beam for sliding.

[0015] Regarding the connector of the present invention, the housing has a flexible beam, and the position-guaranteeing device has a track that is supported and slidable by the flexible beam. The connector of the present invention employs this structure, thereby eliminating the need for a sliding surface for the CPA in the housing and suppressing the increase in housing size due to the inclusion of a CPA.

[0016] In the connector of the present invention, it is preferable that the flexible beam and the track are provided on both sides of the width direction intersecting the sliding direction of the CPA. The housing-side locking part and the device-side locking part of the first pair provided on both sides of the width direction are responsible for locking when the CPA is in the first position, and the housing-side locking part and the device-side locking part of the second pair provided on both sides of the width direction are responsible for locking when the CPA is in the second position.

[0017] If the flexible beam and the track are positioned on both sides of the width direction, the CPA can be stably supported and locked to the housing, and the CPA can slide smoothly.

[0018] Alternatively, the connector of the present invention can also be a waterproof connector with a waterproof sealing component.

[0019] According to the connector of the present invention, the cause of the connector's increased size due to the presence of a sealing component is prevented from further increasing in size due to the presence of a CPA.

[0020] The effects of the invention

[0021] Based on the present invention described above, a connector with CPA and suppressing the height of the housing is realized. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector (A) and a counterpart connector (B) combined with the connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 (A) shows an exploded perspective view of the connector (A) and a rear view of the CPA (B).

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the other party's connector.

[0025] Figure 4 This indicates the posture at the start of engagement. Figure 1 The connector shown in (A) and Figure 1 (B) shows the diagram of the other connector.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 (B) shows a magnified view of part of region R1. Figure 4 (C) is an enlarged view of part of region R2 shown in (C).

[0027] Figure 6 In the context of Figure 4 Compared to the slightly advanced interlocking stage, and Figure 4 The same three-dimensional view (A) and cross-sectional views (B) and (C).

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 (B) shows a magnified view of part of region R1. Figure 6 (C) is an enlarged view of part of region R2 shown in (C).

[0029] Figure 8 In the context of Figure 6 Compared to further promoting chimerism, Figure 1 (A) When the connector is fully engaged with the other connector Figure 4 and Figure 6 The same three-dimensional view (A) and cross-sectional views (B) and (C).

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 (B) shows a magnified view of part of region R1. Figure 8 (C) is an enlarged view of part of region R2 shown in (C).

[0031] Figure 10 When CPA has advanced to the fully stopped position and Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 The same three-dimensional view (A) and cross-sectional views (B) and (C).

[0032] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 (B) shows a magnified view of part of region R1. Figure 10 (C) is an enlarged view of part of region R2 shown in (C). Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector (A) and a counterpart connector (B) combined with the connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] in addition, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 (A) shows an exploded perspective view of the connector (A) and a rear view of the CPA (B).

[0036] and then, Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the other party's connector.

[0037] Connector 10 includes housing 20, CPA 30, and terminal module 40 (see reference). Figure 2 ), sealing component 211 (refer to) Figure 2 ) and a sealing retainer 70. The sealing component 211 is pre-positioned on the cable 41 before the terminal module 40 is assembled. The terminal module 40 has a contact to which the cable 41 is connected. Then, from the opening 21 at its rear end (see reference) within the housing 20 Figure 2 The terminal module 40 is inserted in the direction of arrow F. The sealing member 211 is positioned to be housed inside the opening 21. The sealing member 211 is then secured by the installation of the seal retainer 70 to prevent it from detaching rearward. The cable 41 extends rearward from the opening 21 (in the direction of arrow R) and protrudes from the housing 20. The sealing member 211 surrounds the cable 41 connected to the terminal module 40 and provides waterproofing between the housing 20 and the cable 41. Due to the arrangement of the sealing member 211, the housing 20 has a shape with a significantly protruding rear end 23. Additionally, a CPA 30 is disposed on the upper part of the housing 20. The CPA 30 will be described later.

[0038] Regarding the connector 10, the front end, indicated by arrow F, is the mating portion 11. Furthermore, a mating opening 22 is provided at the front end of the housing 20 of the connector 10. When mated with the other connector 50, the terminal module 52 (see reference 50) serves as the mating portion of the other connector 50. Figure 3 The mating opening 22 is inserted. Additionally, a sealing member 221 is provided inside the mating opening 22. The sealing member 221 contacts the outer surface of the terminal module 52 of the other connector 50 and waterproofs that portion. If the other connector 50 is mated, the contacts of the terminal module 52 of the other connector 50 make electrical contact with the contacts of the terminal module 40 of the connector 10.

[0039] Figure 1 (B) The counterpart connector 50 shown in the diagram includes a housing 51 and a terminal module 52 (see reference). Figure 3 ), sealing component 512 (refer to) Figure 3The housing 51 includes a cover 53 with an opening at the front end, as indicated by arrow R. The terminal module 52 has a contact, to which the cable 59 is connected. A sealing member 512 is pre-positioned on the cable 59 before the terminal module 52 is assembled. The terminal module 52 is inserted into the housing 51 through an opening 511 at the rear end, as indicated by arrow F, until the cover 53 protrudes inward. The sealing member 512 is positioned to be housed inside the opening 511. The sealing retainer 80 is then installed on the housing 51 to secure the sealing member 512. The cable 59 extends from the opening 511 at the rear end of the CPA in the direction of arrow F and protrudes from the housing 51. The sealing member 512 surrounds the cable 59 connected to the terminal module 52 and provides waterproofing between the housing 51 and the cable 59.

[0040] During engagement, it is inserted into the cover 53 of the other connector 50. Figure 1 (A) The mating portion 11 of connector 10. Here, a locking hole 54 is formed in the cover portion 53 at a position slightly rearward than its top end 531. In addition, a locking portion 26 is provided in connector 10. Moreover, when the mating portion 11 is inserted into the cover portion 53, the locking portion 26 is engaged in the locking hole 54, thereby making the two connectors 10, 50 fully mated. The mating process will be described later.

[0041] In the middle portion of the housing 20 in the front-rear direction indicated by arrows F and R, a CPA holding part 60 for holding CPA30 is provided (see reference). Figure 2 To retain the CPA30, the CPA retaining portion 60 has flexible beams 61 on both sides in its width direction. These flexible beams 61 have a double-support beam shape: a space 62 is provided between them and the housing body; they extend in the directions of arrows F and R, indicating the sliding of the CPA30; and their front and rear ends are connected to the housing body. Furthermore, as described later, the flexible beams 61 interfere with the CPA30 and elastically flex along the direction of narrowing the space 62 between them and the housing body. Outwardly protruding housing-side locking portions 63 are formed on the flexible beams 61. Figure 4 (C) and its enlarged portion Figure 5 In (C), flexible beams 61a and 61b on both sides in the width direction are shown. Figure 4 (C) Figure 5 As shown in (C), the positions or shapes of the shell-side locking portions 63a and 63b formed on those flexible beams 61a and 61b are different.

[0042] On the other hand, CPA30 has a base 31, on which tracks 32 are formed on the left and right sides. These tracks 32 have an upper wall 321, a transverse wall 322 hanging down from the top of the upper wall 321, and a lower wall 323 extending from the lower end of the transverse wall 322 toward the upper wall 322. Moreover, the tracks 32 are slidably supported by a flexible beam 61 in the direction of arrows F and R, so that the flexible beam 61 of the housing 20 is sandwiched between the upper wall 321 and the lower wall 323.

[0043] Furthermore, an inwardly protruding device-side locking portion 324 is formed on the transverse wall 322 of the track 32. This device-side locking portion 324 interferes with the housing-side locking portion 63 of the flexible beam 61, causing the flexible beam 61 to flex. Figure 4 (C) Figure 5 In (C), tracks 32a and 32b on both sides in the width direction are shown. Figure 4 (C) Figure 5 As shown in (C), the device-side locking portions 324a and 324b formed on the tracks 32a and 32b are in different positions or shapes.

[0044] Here, as shown in Patent Document 1 disclosed above, in the case of a connector equipped with a CPA, a sliding surface is generally provided on the upper surface of the housing 20 to freely support the CPA. However, in the case of the connector 10 described here, as described above, a sealing member 211 is provided slightly inside the opening 21 at the rear end of the housing 20. Therefore, the housing 20 has a shape that significantly protrudes from the portion covering the sealing member 211. The housing 20 is made of insulating resin and is manufactured by molding. However, since the rear end of the housing 20 protrudes significantly, if it is desired to form the sliding surface by a rearward-moving metal mold, the significantly protruding rear end of the housing 20 becomes an obstacle, and the sliding surface needs to be formed at a high position that avoids it. In addition, if it is desired to form the sliding surface by a forward-moving metal mold, the locking arm 24 of the housing 20, described later, becomes an obstacle. Therefore, in the case of the connector 10 of this embodiment, a sliding surface does not need to be formed on the housing 20. That is, in the case of connector 10 in this embodiment, a structure is adopted in which a flexible beam 61 is provided in the housing 20 and a track 32 is provided in the CPA30.

[0045] In this CPA30, in addition to the base 31 which has left and right rails 32, a beam 33 and an operating part 34 are also formed.

[0046] The operation unit 34 is operated by the user. This operation unit 34 serves as an indicator that visually identifies whether the CPA30 is in the fully engaged position. The fact that the CPA30 is in the fully engaged position ensures that the connector 10 and the counterpart connector 50 are in a fully engaged state. Figure 10 The image shows the CPA30 in a fully engaged position. However, in... Figure 1 The image shows the CPA30 in an unfitted position, which is further back along arrow R than in the fully engaged position.

[0047] Furthermore, the beam portion 33 of the CPA extends from the base 31 forward and upward in a cantilever beam shape, as indicated by arrow F. A protrusion 332 is formed at a position slightly offset from the base 31 than the top 331 of the beam portion 33. Moreover, since the protrusion 332 is formed at a position slightly offset from the base 31 than the top 331, a step portion 333 is formed between the top 331 and the protrusion 332 in the beam portion 33.

[0048] The CPA30 is inserted from the rear of the housing 20 and held by the CPA holding part 60. The CPA30 held by the CPA holding part 60 is placed in... Figure 1 The unfitted position is shown. Furthermore, when engaging with the other connector 50, as described later, it slides in the direction of arrow F to... Figure 10 The fully fitted position shown (also referencing as) Figure 10 Enlarged portion of the image Figure 11 The unfitted position corresponds to an example of the first position described in this invention, and the fully fitted position corresponds to an example of the second position described in this invention.

[0049] The housing 20 has a locking arm 24 whose front end is fixed and extends rearward in a cantilever beam shape. An operating part 25 is provided at the free end of the rear of the locking arm 24; this operating part 25 is activated when the connector 10 is disengaged from the other connector 50. Furthermore, a locking part 26 is provided along the rearward extension of the locking arm 24. An elongated hole 27 is also formed in the locking arm 24. This elongated hole 27 extends from a position further forward than the locking part 26 to the free end at the rear. The operating part 25 and the locking part 26 are formed to span the upper part of the elongated hole 27 in the width direction.

[0050] Figure 4 This indicates the posture at the start of engagement. Figure 1 The connector shown in (A) and Figure 1 (B) shows a diagram of the other connector. Here, Figure 4 (O) is the rear view viewed in the direction of arrow F. Additionally, Figure 4 (A) is a 3D diagram. Furthermore, Figure 4 (B) and (C) are along Figure 4 (O) shows the cross-sectional views of each arrow AA and BB.

[0051] in addition, Figure 5 yes Figure 4 (B) shows a magnified view of part of region R1. Figure 4 (C) is an enlarged view of part of region R2 shown in (C).

[0052] When CPA30 is in the unengaged position, the protrusion 332 of the beam portion 33 of CPA30 abuts against the locking portion 26 of the locking arm 24 of the housing 20.

[0053] When CPA30 is in the unfitted position, the engagement of the first device-side locking part 324a and the first housing-side locking part 63a prevents CPA30 from falling off in the direction of arrow R.

[0054] Furthermore, when CPA30 is in the unengaged position, the protrusion 332 of the beam 33 abuts against the locking portion 26 of the locking arm 24, thereby preventing CPA30 from sliding in the direction of arrow F. However, if only the protrusion 332 abuts against the locking portion 26, under a strong force applied in the direction of arrow F, the beam 33 may deform and fail to completely suppress the sliding of CPA30 in the direction of arrow F. Therefore, by having the second device-side locking portion 324b abut against the second housing-side locking portion 63b, the sliding of CPA30 in the direction of arrow F is helped to be prevented. In addition, the abutment between the second device-side locking portion 324b and the second housing-side locking portion 63b also provides a clicking sensation when CPA30 slides in the direction of arrow F towards the fully engaged position.

[0055] Figure 6 In the context of Figure 4 Compared to the slightly advanced interlocking stage, and Figure 4 The same three-dimensional view (A) and cross-sectional views (B) and (C).

[0056] in addition, Figure 7 yes Figure 6 (B) shows a magnified view of part of region R1. Figure 6 (C) is an enlarged view of part of region R2 shown in (C).

[0057] In Figure 6 , Figure 7 In the middle, the top end 531 of the cover 53 of the opposite connector 50 abuts against the locking arm 24 extending rearward from the upper part of the housing 20 of the connector 10. A locking hole 54 is formed in the cover 53 at a position slightly retracted from the top end 531 in the direction of arrow F.

[0058] Should Figure 6 , Figure 7 CPA30 in the middle is in a non-chimery position and is still related to Figure 4 , Figure 5 The same posture.

[0059] Figure 8 In the context of Figure 6 Compared to further promoting chimerism, Figure 1 (A) When the connector is fully engaged with the other connector Figure 4 and Figure 6 The same three-dimensional view (A) and cross-sectional views (B) and (C).

[0060] in addition, Figure 9 yes Figure 8 (B) shows a magnified view of part of region R1. Figure 8 (C) is an enlarged view of part of region R2 shown in (C).

[0061] exist Figure 6 In the process, the top end 531 of the cover portion 53 of the opposite connector 50 abuts against the rearwardly extending locking arm 24 located on the upper part of the housing 20 of the connector 10. Then, if the engagement is further advanced, the cover portion 53 pushes the locking arm 24 down and causes the locking arm 24 to elastically flex. The locking portion 26 of the locking arm 24 then pushes the stepped portion 333 at the top end of the beam portion 33 of the CPA30 downward, thereby elastically pushing the beam portion 33 down as well. Then, in the final stage of engagement, the abutment release portion 55 passes over the pushed-down locking portion 26. If the abutment release portion 55 passes over the locking portion 26, then as... Figure 8 (B), (C) and Figure 9 As shown in (B) and (C), the positions of the locking part 26 and the abutment release part 55 in the front-rear direction, indicated by arrows F and R, are interchanged. Connector 10 and the counterpart connector 50 are engaged at this stage, but CPA30 remains in an unengaged position. As described above, a locking hole 54 is formed at a position where the cover 53 of the counterpart connector 50 is slightly retracted from its top end 531. The top end 531 of the cover 53 passes over the locking part 26, and the locking hole 54 reaches directly above the locking part 26. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the locking arm 24 is released, and the locking part 26 enters the locking hole 54. Thus, connector 10 and the counterpart connector 50 are fully engaged, and through the engagement of the locking part 26 with the locking hole 54, connector 10 and the counterpart connector 50 are locked in a fully engaged state.

[0062] Figure 10 When CPA has advanced to the fully engaged position and Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 The same three-dimensional view (A) and cross-sectional views (B) and (C).

[0063] in addition, Figure 11 yes Figure 10 (B) shows a magnified view of part of region R1. Figure 10 (C) is an enlarged view of part of region R2 shown in (C).

[0064] exist Figure 8 , Figure 9 When the connector 10 and the other connector 50 are fully engaged and the CPA30 is in the unengaged position, push the CPA30 forward as indicated by arrow F.

[0065] exist Figure 8 , Figure 9 In the shown state, the beam 33 is still pushed down by the abutment release part 55. That is, the abutment between the beam 33 and the locking part 26 is released. Therefore, at this stage, only the interference between the second device-side locking part 324b and the second housing-side locking part 63b will prevent the CPA30 from sliding forward (in the direction indicated by arrow F). Therefore, the operating part 34 of the CPA30 is pushed forward (in the direction indicated by arrow R) with a strength sufficient to overcome the interference between the second device-side locking part 324b and the second housing-side locking part 63b. Thus, the CPA30 slides with the click sensation caused by this interference until... Figure 10 , Figure 11 The fully fitted position is shown.

[0066] Thus, CPA30 can only slide to the fully engaged position after connector 10 and the other connector 50 are fully engaged. If CPA30 slides to this fully engaged position, the protrusion 332 of beam 33 engages with the portion of the elongated hole 27 of locking arm 24 that is further forward than the locking portion 26, and the protrusion 332 abuts against the locking portion 26. Furthermore, if CPA30 slides to the fully engaged position, the second device-side locking portion 324b is located in front of the second housing-side locking portion 63b and interferes with it. That is, the pair of the second device-side locking portion 324b and the second housing-side locking portion 63b is responsible for the actual locking action that secures CPA30 to the fully engaged position. Thus, these abutments and interferences prevent CPA30 from unintentionally sliding from the fully engaged position.

[0067] Furthermore, when CPA30 is in the fully engaged position, the lower surface 251 of the operating part 25 of the locking arm 24 abuts against the upper surface 311 of the base 31 of CPA30, thereby preventing the operating part 25 of the locking arm 24 from being pushed down. That is, if CPA30 is in the state of sliding to the fully engaged position, it prevents the locking part 26 from accidentally falling out of the locking hole 54, maintaining the locking of the fully engaged state of connector 10 and the other connector 50.

[0068] That is, the connector 10 and the other connector 50 are in a fully engaged state by CPA30 being in the fully engaged position.

[0069] Furthermore, the engagement of connector 10 with the counterpart connector 50 and the sliding of CPA30 are described separately here. However, in this embodiment, connectors 10 and 50 can be engaged simply by pressing the operating part 34 of CPA30 from the stage before full engagement is achieved. In this case, engagement is advanced by pressing the operating part 34 of CPA30, and CPA30 slides to the fully engaged position immediately after full engagement.

[0070] To separate the fully engaged connector 10 and the other connector 50, first, pull the operating part 34 of CPA30 backward (in the direction of arrow R) to slide CPA30 until it is in the unengaged position. Next, use your fingers or similar means to push down the operating part 25 of the locking arm 24 of the connector 10's housing 20, disengaging the locking part 26 from the locking hole 54, thereby releasing the lock. This release of the lock allows the separation of the connector 10 and the other connector 50.

[0071] Here, a waterproof connector equipped with a CPA has been described, but the connector of the present invention is not necessarily limited to waterproof. It can be widely applied to connectors with housings that would become further enlarged if a sliding surface were formed.

[0072] Symbol Explanation

[0073] 10 Connectors

[0074] 11 Chimeric part

[0075] 20. Housing

[0076] 30 CPA (Connector Position Guarantee Device)

[0077] 32 orbits

[0078] 324 Device side locking part

[0079] 50 Counterparty Connector

[0080] 61 Flexible beam

[0081] 63. Side locking part of the housing

[0082] 211 Sealing components

[0083] 221 Sealing components.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, have: A housing having a mating portion that engages with the other connector; and The connector position guarantee device slides between a first position on the housing and a second position closer to the mating portion than the first position, and ensures that it is in a fully mated state with the other connector by being in the second position. The housing has flexible beams on both sides in the width direction intersecting the sliding direction of the connector position guaranteeing device. The flexible beams extend along the sliding direction and support the connector position guaranteeing device to slide freely. The housing has a side locking portion that interferes with the connector position guaranteeing device and flexes due to interference with the connector position guaranteeing device. The connector positioning device has a track with a device-side locking portion that interferes with the housing-side locking portion, and is supported and slidable by the flexible beam. The flexible beam and the track are positioned on opposite sides of the width direction. The housing-side locking part and the device-side locking part of the pair on the first side of the width direction are responsible for locking the device when it is in the first position at the connector position. The housing-side locking part and the device-side locking part of the pair on the second side of the width direction are responsible for locking the device when it is in the second position at the connector position.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Furthermore, it possesses waterproof sealing components.

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