connector

Abstract

A connector includes a housing configured to accommodate a connection terminal, a sliding shutter configured to open and close a front opening of the housing into which a mating connector is fitted, a first shutter inclined surface provided on the sliding shutter, and a housing inclined surface provided on the housing so as to face the first shutter inclined surface and configured to slide the sliding shutter in a direction intersecting a connector fitting direction to open the front opening in accordance with a pressing force applied by the mating connector in the connector fitting direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors including a baffle mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, wiring harnesses (wires) used for electrical connections to various electrical components mounted on automobiles, etc., are connected via connectors. Such connectors typically consist of male and female connectors. For example, in the case of connector structures suitable for optional specifications, one connector connected to the end portion of the wire has a baffle mechanism at the front opening of its housing for purposes such as dust protection, terminal protection, and prevention of electric shock to the surrounding environment until another connector is fitted to it. Specifically, connectors (entrances) equipped with baffle mechanisms are used in electric vehicles, etc., to prevent electric shock accidents and the exposure of terminals at the front opening of the connector when the connector is not connected to a mating connector. As an example of this configuration, JP-A-H8-138785 discloses, for example, a connector equipped with a baffle mechanism.

[0003] According to the connector equipped with a baffle mechanism, one connector has a baffle that rotates outward when an external force is applied to the front surface portion of the baffle, and another connector has an end portion such that when assembled with the connector, the end portion presses against the front surface portion of the baffle of one connector to rotate the baffle.

[0004] Incidentally, in the connector equipped with a baffle mechanism disclosed in JP-A-H8-138785, when assembled with the connector, the end portion (assembly cover portion) of the mating connector pushes the front surface portion of the baffle, causing the baffle to rotate outward (forward) around the pin and open. Therefore, the stroke (connector size) of the mating connector must be set taking into account the opening rotation trajectory of the baffle to avoid interference when assembled with the connector. Consequently, the assembly cover portion of the mating connector is lengthened due to the space for the baffle to open and close, thus increasing the connector size.

[0005] Furthermore, the baffle is continuously pushed inwards by a helical spring (spring) and is configured to close the front opening of the housing when the connector is not assembled. The helical spring that continuously pushes the baffle in the closing direction is, for example, a torsion helical spring wound around a pin that pivotally supports the baffle. Therefore, the helical spring is located near the front opening of the housing and is thus susceptible to dust, water, etc. Consequently, connectors equipped with a baffle mechanism in the related art are prone to increased risk of spring malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a compact connector that can ensure the spring function of a connector equipped with a baffle mechanism.

[0007] The above-mentioned objective of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration.

[0008] A non-limiting aspect of this disclosure relates to providing a connector, including:

[0009] The housing is configured to accommodate the connection terminals;

[0010] A sliding baffle, configured to open and close the front opening of the housing, and fitted to the front opening with a connector; a first baffle inclined surface, disposed on the sliding baffle; and

[0011] An inclined surface of the housing is provided on the housing so as to face the inclined surface of the first baffle and is configured to allow the sliding baffle to slide in a direction intersecting the connector assembly direction so as to open the front opening according to the pressing force applied by the mating connector in the connector assembly direction.

[0012] Based on the above configuration, a compact connector can be provided that ensures the spring function of the connector equipped with a baffle mechanism.

[0013] The invention has been briefly described above. Further details of the invention will be clarified by referring to the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described below (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the inlet of the connector constituting an embodiment of the present invention and the inlet plug as a mating connector assembled to the inlet;

[0015] Figure 2 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connection terminal portion in the inlet and inlet plug;

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the entrance;

[0017] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the components assembled into the inlet shell;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a front view of the entrance;

[0019] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of line VV;

[0020] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI;

[0021] Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken from line VII-VII;

[0022] Figure 9 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken from lines VIII-VII;

[0023] Figure 10 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connection terminal portion between the inlet and the inlet plug at the start of assembly;

[0024] Figure 11 It is along when assembly begins Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI;

[0025] Figure 12 It is along when assembly begins Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken from line VII-VII;

[0026] Figure 13 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connection terminals between the inlet and the inlet plug during assembly;

[0027] Figure 14 This is a front view of the inlet during assembly, omitting the inlet plug.

[0028] Figure 15 It is along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken from line XV-XV;

[0029] Figure 16 It is along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken from line XVI-XVI; and

[0030] Figure 17 It is along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken from line XVII-XVII. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the following description, examples of embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the inlet 1 that constitutes a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention and the inlet plug 5 that is assembled to the inlet 1 as a mating connector. Figure 2 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connecting terminal portion in inlet 1 and inlet plug 5.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the inlet 1 of the connector according to this embodiment includes a housing 10. The plug housing 80 of the inlet plug (mating connector) 5 is assembled to the housing 10. As a result, the connection terminal 70 housed in the inlet 1 and the connection terminal 90 housed in the inlet plug 5 are electrically connected to each other.

[0034] In this specification, the front-back direction is along the connector assembly direction of the housing 10. Figure 2 The direction of the plug housing 80 with the inlet plug 5 installed is defined as the front side, and the vertical direction is orthogonal to the connector assembly direction of the housing 10. Figure 2 (Up and down directions in the middle).

[0035] Figure 3 This is the exploded perspective view of entrance 1. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the components assembled into the housing 10 of the inlet 1. Figure 5 This is the front view of entrance 1. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of line VV. Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI. Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken from line VII-VII. Figure 9 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken from line VIII-VIII.

[0036] like Figures 3 to 9 As shown, the inlet 1 includes a housing 10, a sliding baffle 30, a retainer 50, a spring (elastic member) 57, and a front cover 60.

[0037] The housing 10 is formed of electrically insulating synthetic resin. The housing 10 includes an upper wall portion 11, a pair of side wall portions 12 extending downward from two edge portions of the upper wall portion 11, and a terminal receiving portion 13 disposed in the central portion of the housing 10. The housing 10 also includes a retainer receiving portion 14 between each side wall portion 12 and the terminal receiving portion 13. The terminal receiving portion 13 is integrally formed with the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. A pair of terminal receiving chambers 16 are disposed in the terminal receiving portions 13. A front surface opening 17, serving as the front opening of the housing 10, is formed in the front end of the terminal receiving chamber 16.

[0038] The housing 10 includes a plurality of engaging recessed portions 18 formed along the front-rear direction on the inner surface side of the upper wall portion 11 and on the inner surface side of each side wall portion 12. The engaging recesses 18 are not open at the front end of the housing 10. Furthermore, the housing 10 includes a laterally projecting fixing portion 19 on the upper wall portion 11. A hole portion 19a is formed in the fixing portion 19, through which an attachment screw (not shown) passes.

[0039] Each sidewall portion 12 of the housing 10 has a protruding portion 12a that projects inwardly along the front-rear direction at its lower edge. As a result, in the housing 10, the two side portions of the terminal receiving portion 13 are formed into a concave shape due to the upper wall portion 11, the sidewall portion 12, and the protruding portion 12a. Such concave portions constitute the front side of each retainer receiving portion 14.

[0040] A connection terminal 70, which connects to the end portion of the high-voltage cable 71, is housed in each terminal receiving chamber 16. A front surface opening 17 is formed in the front end of each terminal receiving chamber 16, into which the connection terminal 90 of the inlet plug 5 is inserted. The high-voltage cable 71, connected to the connection terminal 70, exits from the rear end opening of each terminal receiving chamber 16.

[0041] The connecting terminal 70 is a female terminal formed of conductive metal material and is composed of multiple flexible members arranged in a cylindrical shape. A mating hole 72 is formed in the rear end portion of the connecting terminal 70. The conductor 73 of the high-voltage cable 71, extending from the rear end opening of the terminal receiving chamber 16, is inserted into the mating hole 72 for crimping and connection (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 9 ).

[0042] The sealing member 75 is mounted to the high-voltage cable 71 extending from the rear end opening of the terminal receiving chamber 16, thus liquid-tightly sealing the high-voltage cable 71 relative to the terminal receiving chamber 16. Disengagement of the sealing member 75 is restricted by a rear retainer 77 mounted to the rear end of the terminal receiving portion 13 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 and Figure 9 ).

[0043] Guide plate portion 20 is formed on two side portions of terminal receiving portion 13, including terminal receiving chamber 16. The lower edge of guide plate portion 20 protrudes downward relative to the lower surface of terminal receiving portion 13.

[0044] The end surface on the front end side of the guide plate portion 20 forms a housing inclined surface 21. Each housing inclined surface 21 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward toward the rear of the housing 10.

[0045] Furthermore, guide grooves 22 are formed in the outer surface of each guide plate portion 20. The guide grooves 22, from the front end side, sequentially include: an inlet groove portion 23, an inclined groove portion 24, and a horizontal groove portion 25, which communicate with each other. The inlet groove portion 23 is open at the front end of the guide plate portion 20. The inclined groove portion 24 extends in a direction that gradually slopes downward toward the rear of the housing 10 and is formed parallel to the inclined surface 21 of the housing. The horizontal groove portion 25 extends along the front-rear direction of the housing 10 and is formed parallel to the lower edge of the guide plate portion 20.

[0046] Each retainer receiving portion 14 protrudes toward the rear side of the housing 10 relative to the rear end of the terminal receiving portion 13. For example... Figure 6 As shown, inside the retainer receiving portion 14, a cylindrical retaining cylindrical portion 26 and a rod-shaped retaining pin 27 disposed at the center of the retaining cylindrical portion 26 are provided on the rear end side. The retaining cylindrical portion 26 and the retaining pin 27 are integrally formed with the rear wall 28 of the retainer receiving portion 14.

[0047] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sliding baffle 30 includes a cover portion 31 and a pair of block portions 32. The sliding baffle 30 is mounted to the housing 10 from the front side.

[0048] The rear side of the cover portion 31 is formed in a concave shape, and this rear side is the side to be installed onto the housing 10. The cover portion 31 includes a front surface plate portion 33, side surface plate portions 34 disposed on two side portions of the front surface plate portion 33, an upper surface plate portion 35 formed on the upper edge portion of the front surface plate portion 33, and a lower surface plate portion 36 formed on the lower edge portion of the front surface plate portion 33. The end surface of each side surface plate portion 34 of the cover portion 31 to be installed onto the side of the housing 10 forms a first baffle inclined surface 37. The first baffle inclined surface 37 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward toward the rear (which is the side to be installed onto the housing 10) and has the same inclination angle as the housing inclined surface 21. When the sliding baffle 30 is installed onto the housing 10, the first baffle inclined surface 37 abuts against the housing inclined surface 21.

[0049] The block portion 32 and the two side portions of the cover portion 31 are integrally formed. Each block portion 32 includes a second baffle inclined surface 41 on the side to be mounted to the housing 10. The second baffle inclined surface 41 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes upward toward the rear (the side to be mounted to the housing 10). That is, the second baffle inclined surface 41 is an inclined surface that slopes in the opposite direction to the first baffle inclined surface 37.

[0050] The guide protrusion 42 protrudes from the block portion 32 on one side of the cover portion 31 at the upper position of the inner surface of the block portion 32. The guide protrusion 42 is formed on the block portion 32 at a position near the first baffle inclined surface 37 of the cover portion 31.

[0051] Furthermore, the engaging member 43 protrudes from the block portion 32 on the outer surface opposite to the cover portion 31. The engaging member 43 is formed at the corner portion between the front edge and the upper edge of the outer surface of the block portion 32.

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the retainer 50 is received in the retainer receiving portion 14 of the housing 10 from the front side of the housing 10, and is disposed on each of the two side portions of the sliding baffle 30 mounted on the housing 10. In each retainer 50, a retaining hole 51 is formed in its rear surface, and an insertion hole 52 is formed in its front surface. The diameter of the retaining hole 51 is larger than that of the insertion hole 52, and the retaining hole 51 and the insertion hole 52 communicate with each other.

[0053] Additionally, the retainer 50 has a pressing protrusion 53 on its inner surface side, on one side of the sliding baffle 30. The pressing protrusion 53 includes a retainer inclined surface 54 on its front surface side. The retainer inclined surface 54 is an inclined surface that gradually slopes upward toward the rear and has the same inclination angle as the second baffle inclined surface 41 formed on the block portion 32 of the sliding baffle 30. When the retainer 50 is housed in the retainer receiving portion 14, the retainer inclined surface 54 abuts against the second baffle inclined surface 41 of the block portion 32 of the sliding baffle 30, which is mounted to the housing 10.

[0054] Spring 57 is formed of a compression coil spring and is inserted into and housed within the retainer receiving portion 14 of the housing 10 from the front side. The rear end of spring 57 is inserted into the retaining cylindrical portion 26. Consequently, retaining pin 27 is inserted into the rear end side of spring 57. The rear end of spring 57 is held on the rear end side of the retainer receiving portion 14 by the retaining cylindrical portion 26 and retaining pin 27. Furthermore, the front end of spring 57 is inserted into the retaining hole 51 of the retainer 50, which is mounted to the retainer receiving portion 14 of the housing 10.

[0055] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the front cover 60 is formed as a plate including an opening 61, and is assembled and mounted to the housing 10 from the front side of the housing 10.

[0056] Engaging claws 62 are formed on the upper and side edge portions of the front cover 60. When the front cover 60 is installed onto the housing 10, each engaging claw 62 engages with the engaging groove portion 18 of the housing 10. As a result, the engaging claws 62 are engaged and guided through the engaging groove portion 18, allowing the front cover 60 to slide in the front-rear direction of the housing 10. Since the engaging groove portion 18 is not open at the front end of the housing 10, the engaging claws 62 engage with the engaging groove portion 18, thus preventing the front cover 60 from falling off the housing 10.

[0057] Insertion pins 63 protrude from the surface of the front cover 60 near both ends of the front cover 60 on the side to be mounted to the housing 10. Each insertion pin 63 is inserted into the insertion hole 52 of the retainer 50.

[0058] A sliding contact surface 64 is formed on the surface of the front cover 60 on the side to be mounted to the housing 10 between the opening 61 and each insertion pin 63. The front surface side of each block portion 32 of the sliding baffle 30 abuts against each sliding contact surface 64. Furthermore, an upper engaging portion 65a and a lower engaging portion 65b are arranged vertically between the sliding contact surface 64 and the insertion pin 63 of the front cover 60. Each engaging member 43 formed on the block portion 32 of the sliding baffle 30 can engage with each of the upper engaging portion 65a and the lower engaging portion 65b.

[0059] Since the sliding baffle 30, the retainer 50 and the front cover 60 are in slidable contact with each other, the sliding baffle 30, the retainer 50 and the front cover 60 are preferably formed of a resin material with good sliding properties and excellent wear resistance.

[0060] To assemble the inlet 1 with the above configuration, firstly, the spring 57 and the retainer 50 are sequentially inserted into and accommodated in each retainer accommodating portion 14 of the housing 10 accommodating the connecting terminal 70. Then, the rear end of the spring 57 is held on the rear end side of the retainer accommodating portion 14 by the retaining cylindrical portion 26 and the retaining pin 27, while the front end side of the spring 57 is inserted into and held in the retaining hole 51 of the retainer 50.

[0061] Next, the sliding baffle 30 is fitted from the front side of the housing 10 between the retainer receiving portions 14. Additionally, the front cover 60 is mounted from the front side of the housing 10, and each engaging claw 62 of the front cover 60 engages with each engaging recess portion 18 of the housing 10. When the front cover 60 is installed onto the housing 10, the engaging member 43 of the sliding baffle 30 engages with the upper engaging portion 65a of the front cover 60.

[0062] According to the inlet 1 assembled in this manner, the first baffle inclined surface 37 of the sliding baffle 30 is configured to face the housing inclined surface 21 of the housing 10, and the second baffle inclined surface 41 of the sliding baffle 30 is configured to face the retainer inclined surface 54 of the retainer 50. Furthermore, the front surfaces of the two end portions of the sliding baffle 30 abut against each sliding contact surface 64 of the front cover 60. Additionally, the guide protrusion 42 of the sliding baffle 30 is inserted into the guide groove portion 23 of the guide groove 22 of the guide plate portion 20 of the housing 10. Furthermore, each insertion pin 63 of the front cover 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 52 of each retainer 50 and the front end portion of the spring 57.

[0063] In inlet 1, the opening 61 of the front cover 60 is closed by the sliding baffle 30, and the front surface opening 17 of the terminal receiving chamber 16 in the terminal receiving portion 13 is covered by the sliding baffle 30. As a result, when inlet 1 is not connected, the connection terminal 70 is prevented from being exposed at the front surface opening 17.

[0064] The assembled inlet 1 is attached to, for example, the body of an electric vehicle by screws inserted into holes 19a in each fixing portion 19 formed in the upper wall portion 11 of the housing 10. Here, although the vertical direction of the body is the same as the vertical direction of the inlet 1 when it is attached to the body, the attachment direction is not limited to this.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the inlet plug 5 to be assembled and electrically connected to the inlet 1 includes a connection terminal 90 to be assembled to the connection terminal 70 of the inlet 1, and a plug housing 80 including a pair of terminal receiving chambers 83 for accommodating the connection terminal 90.

[0066] The plug housing 80 is formed of electrically insulating synthetic resin. The two end portions of the front end surface of the plug housing 80 serve as pressing surfaces 87, which face the front surface of the front cover 60 and can press and push the front surface of the front cover 60.

[0067] Connection terminals 90, which are connected to the end portion of the high-voltage cable 91, are housed in each terminal housing chamber 83. The high-voltage cable 91, which is connected to the connection terminals 90, extends from the rear opening of each terminal housing chamber 83.

[0068] The connecting terminal 90 is a male terminal formed of conductive metal material and is shaped as a cylindrical rod. A mating hole 92 is formed in the rear end portion of the connecting terminal 90. The conductor 93 of the high-voltage cable 91, which extends from the rear end opening of the terminal receiving chamber 83, is inserted into the mating hole 92 for crimping and connection.

[0069] A sealing member 95 is installed onto a high-voltage cable 91 extending from the rear end opening of the terminal receiving chamber 83, thus liquid-tightly sealing the high-voltage cable 91 relative to the terminal receiving chamber 83. Disengagement of the sealing member 95 is restricted by a rear retainer 97 installed at the rear end of the terminal receiving chamber 83.

[0070] Next, the assembly of the inlet plug 5 to the inlet 1 having the above configuration and its removal will be described.

[0071] Figure 10 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connection terminal portion between inlet 1 and inlet plug 5 at the start of assembly. Figure 11 It is along when assembly begins Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI. Figure 12 It is along when assembly begins Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken from line VII-VII. Figure 13 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connection terminal portion between inlet 1 and inlet plug 5 during assembly. Figure 14 This is a front view of inlet 1, omitting inlet plug 5, during assembly. Figure 15 It is along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken from line XV-XV. Figure 16 It is along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken from line XVI-XVI. Figure 17 It is along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken from line XVII-XVII.

[0072] (During assembly)

[0073] If inlet 1 and inlet plug 5 are not assembled together, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a sliding baffle 30 is disposed at the front of the terminal receiving portion 13 of the housing 10. As a result, the opening 61 of the front cover 60 is closed by the sliding baffle 30, and the front surface opening 17 of the terminal receiving chamber 16 in the terminal receiving portion 13 is in a closed state covered by the sliding baffle 30. Therefore, when the sliding baffle 30 is closed, the connection terminal 70 of the inlet 1 is not exposed. Consequently, the inlet 1 is protected from dust and terminals, and electric shock is prevented.

[0074] From this state, begin inserting and assembling the inlet plug 5 into inlet 1. First, from... Figure 2 As shown, the inlet plug 5 moves toward the inlet 1 to begin insertion and assembly into the plug housing 80.

[0075] Then, as Figures 10 to 12 As shown, each pressing surface 87 of the end portion of the plug housing 80 of the inlet plug 5 abuts against the front surface of the front cover 60, thereby pressing the front cover 60. Then, the sliding baffle 30, which is pushed forward by the spring 57, is pushed toward the rear of the housing 10 by the retainer 50 against the pushing force of the spring 57.

[0076] As a result, the inclined surface 37 of the first baffle slides relative to the inclined surface 21 of the outer casing 10, so the sliding baffle 30 slides into contact with the sliding contact surface 64 of the front cover 60 and moves downward relative to the rear of the outer casing 10. Therefore, the opening 61 of the front cover 60, which was closed by the sliding baffle 30, opens, and the front surface opening 17 in the terminal receiving chamber 16 in the terminal receiving portion 13 opens.

[0077] At this time, the guide protrusion 42 moves along the inclined groove portion 24 of the guide groove 22, thus guiding the sliding baffle 30 downwards and rearwards relative to the housing 10. Then, the first baffle inclined surface 37 separates from the housing inclined surface 21, so that no downward pressing force is applied to the sliding baffle 30, which has already moved downwards and rearwards relative to the housing 10. In this state, the guide protrusion 42 of the sliding baffle 30 reaches the lower end of the inclined groove portion 24 of the guide groove 22. Furthermore, the engaging member 43 of the sliding baffle 30 engages with the lower engaging portion 65b of the front cover 60.

[0078] In this state, when the inlet plug 5 is further inserted and assembled into the inlet 1, as... Figures 13 to 17 As shown, the sliding baffle 30, together with the retainer 50, is pushed horizontally backward relative to the housing 10. At this time, the guide protrusion 42 moves along the horizontal groove portion 25 of the guide groove 22, thus the sliding baffle 30 is guided horizontally backward relative to the housing 10. When the connection terminal 70 of the inlet 1 and the connection terminal 90 of the inlet plug 5 are assembled and connected to each other, the high-voltage cable 71 and the high-voltage cable 91 are electrically connected to each other.

[0079] (During dismantling)

[0080] When the inlet plug 5 is pulled out from the inlet 1 to detach the inlet plug 5 from the inlet 1, the connection terminal 90 of the inlet plug 5 is pulled out from the connection terminal 70 of the inlet 1. As a result, the electrical connection between the high-voltage cable 71 and the high-voltage cable 91 is released.

[0081] When the inlet plug 5 is pulled out, the sliding baffle 30 and the front cover 60 are pushed outward to the front of the housing 10 by the pushing force of the spring 57 via the retainer 50. At this time, the guide protrusion 42 of the sliding baffle 30 moves along the horizontal groove portion 25 of the guide groove 22, so that the sliding baffle 30 is horizontally guided toward the front of the housing 10.

[0082] When the guide protrusion 42 of the sliding baffle 30 reaches the front end of the horizontal groove portion 25 of the guide groove 22, the restriction on the upward movement of the sliding baffle 30 provided by the engagement of the guide protrusion 42 with the horizontal groove portion 25 is released, and the first baffle inclined surface 37 of the sliding baffle 30 and the inclined surface 21 of the housing enter an engaging state.

[0083] In this state, when the retainer 50, the sliding baffle 30 and the front cover 60 are pushed toward the front of the housing 10 by the pushing force of the spring 57, the second baffle inclined surface 41 of the sliding baffle 30 slides relative to the retainer inclined surface 54 of the retainer 50, so the sliding baffle 30 slides into contact with the sliding contact surface 64 of the front cover 60 and is pulled upward.

[0084] Furthermore, the guide protrusion 42 moves along the inclined groove portion 24 of the guide groove 22, so that the sliding baffle 30 is guided upwards and towards the front relative to the housing 10. In the sliding baffle 30, when the guide protrusion 42 reaches the upper end of the inclined groove portion 24 of the guide groove 22, the engagement member 43 engages with the upper engagement portion 65a of the front cover 60.

[0085] In the inlet 1 where the inlet plug 5 is pulled out, the already opened opening 61 of the front cover 60 is closed by the sliding baffle 30, and the front surface opening 17 of the terminal receiving chamber 16 in the terminal receiving portion 13 is in a closed state covered by the sliding baffle 30. Therefore, the connection terminal 70 of the inlet 1 is not exposed due to the closure of the sliding baffle 30, and thus the inlet 1 is protected from dust, the terminals are protected, and electric shock is prevented.

[0086] As described above, in the inlet 1 of this embodiment, the first baffle inclined surface 37 slides relative to the housing inclined surface 21 of the housing 10, such that the sliding baffle 30 slides in a direction intersecting the connector assembly direction to open the front surface opening 17. Therefore, in the inlet 1 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to lengthen the assembly cover portion of the inlet plug to take into account the opening and closing trajectory of the baffle, as is the case with connectors equipped with baffle mechanisms in the prior art.

[0087] Furthermore, in the inlet 1 according to this embodiment, a guide groove 22 that engages with the guide protrusion 42 of the sliding baffle 30 is formed in the housing 10.

[0088] Therefore, since the guide protrusion 42 of the sliding baffle 30 engages with the guide groove 22 of the housing 10 to support opening and closing operations, the opening and closing operations of the sliding baffle 30 can be performed smoothly when assembling and disassembling the inlet plug 5.

[0089] In addition, the guide groove 22 includes an inclined groove portion 24 extending along the inclined surface 21 of the housing, and a horizontal groove portion 25 that is continuous with the rear end portion of the inclined groove portion 24 and extends along the assembly direction.

[0090] Therefore, the sliding baffle 30 can move along the inclined groove portion 24 to smoothly open and close the front surface opening 17 of the housing 10, and the sliding baffle 30 can move along the horizontal groove portion 25 to smoothly engage and disengage with the inlet plug 5.

[0091] Furthermore, in the inlet 1 according to this embodiment, the retainer 50 is provided with a retainer inclined surface 54, and the sliding baffle 30 is provided with a second baffle inclined surface 41, which slides in a direction intersecting the removal direction of the inlet plug 5 according to the pressing force applied by the retainer 50 in the removal direction of the inlet plug 5.

[0092] Therefore, when the inlet plug 5 is pulled out of the housing 10, the second baffle inclined surface 41 slides relative to the retainer inclined surface 54 of the retainer 50, causing the sliding baffle 30 to slide in a direction intersecting the connector removal direction to close the front surface opening 17. As a result, after the inlet plug 5 is removed, the front surface opening (front opening) 17 of the housing 10 is closed by the sliding baffle 30, thus protecting the connection terminal 70.

[0093] Furthermore, in the inlet 1 according to this embodiment, the retainer 50 is continuously pushed by a spring 57 in the connector removal direction of the inlet plug 5, the spring 57 being an elastic member disposed between the retainer 50 and the housing 10.

[0094] Therefore, the sliding baffle 30 is pressed by the pushing force of the spring 57 via the retainer 50 in the connector removal direction, thus satisfactorily maintaining the closed state of the front surface opening 17 of the housing 10 through the sliding baffle 30. Furthermore, the spring 57 is disposed in the retainer receiving portion 14 on the rear side of the housing 10 and is separate from the front surface opening 17 of the housing 10. Therefore, the spring 57, being far from the front surface opening 17, is less susceptible to the effects of dust, water, etc.

[0095] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and improved. In addition, the material, shape, size, number, and arrangement position of each constituent element in the above embodiments can be arbitrarily set as long as the present invention can be realized, and are not limited.

[0096] For example, although in the above embodiment the sliding baffle 30 is pushed by the inlet plug 5 via the front cover 60, the front cover 60 can be omitted and the sliding baffle 30 can be pushed directly by the inlet plug 5.

[0097] Furthermore, although the inlet used in electric vehicles and the like is described in the above embodiments as an example of a connector equipped with a baffle mechanism, the connector of the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to various connectors based on its concept.

[0098] Here, the features of the above-described embodiments of the connector according to the present invention are briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [5].

[0099] [1] The connector (inlet 1) includes: a housing (10) configured to receive a connection terminal (70);

[0100] A sliding baffle (30) is configured to open and close the front opening (front surface opening 17) of the housing (10), and is fitted to the front opening with a connector (inlet plug 5);

[0101] The first baffle inclined surface (37) is disposed on the sliding baffle (30); and

[0102] An inclined surface (21) of the housing is provided on the housing (10) to face the inclined surface (37) of the first baffle, and is configured to slide the sliding baffle (30) in a direction intersecting the connector assembly direction to open the front opening (front surface opening 17) according to the pressing pressure applied by the mating connector (inlet plug 5) in the connector assembly direction.

[0103] [2] According to the connector (inlet 1) of [1], the sliding baffle (30) has a guide protrusion (42); and

[0104] A guide groove (22) is formed in the housing (10) and engages with a guide protrusion (42) to support the opening and closing operation of the sliding baffle (30).

[0105] [3] According to the connector (inlet 1) of [2], the guide groove (22) includes an inclined groove portion (24) extending along the inclined surface (21) of the housing, and a horizontal groove portion (25) that is continuous with the rear end portion of the inclined groove portion (24) and extends along the connector assembly direction.

[0106] [4] The connector (inlet 1) according to [3] further includes: a retainer (50), disposed in the housing (10) so as to be movable along the connector assembly direction and continuously pushed in the connector removal direction of the mating connector (inlet plug 5), wherein

[0107] The retainer inclined surface (54) is provided on the retainer (50); and

[0108] The second baffle inclined surface (41) is disposed on the sliding baffle (30) to face the retainer inclined surface (54) and is configured to slide the sliding baffle (30) in a direction intersecting the connector removal direction to close the front opening (front surface opening 17) according to the pressing force applied by the retainer (50) in the connector removal direction.

[0109] [5] According to the connector (inlet 1) of [4], the retainer (50) is disposed between the retainer (50) and the housing (10) and the elastic member (spring 57) is continuously pushed in the connector removal direction.

[0110] According to the connector with the above configuration [1], the inclined surface of the first baffle slides relative to the inclined surface of the housing, such that the sliding baffle slides in a direction intersecting the connector assembly direction to open the front opening. Therefore, according to the connector with this configuration, it is not necessary to lengthen the assembly cover portion of the mating connector to take into account the opening and closing trajectory of the baffle, as is the case with connectors equipped with baffle mechanisms in the prior art.

[0111] According to the connector with the above configuration [2], since the guide protrusion of the sliding baffle engages with the guide groove of the housing to support the opening and closing operation, the opening and closing operation of the sliding baffle can be performed smoothly when assembling or disassembling the mating connector.

[0112] According to the connector with the above configuration [3], the sliding baffle can move along the inclined groove portion, so that the opening and closing operation of the front opening of the housing can be performed smoothly. In addition, the sliding baffle can move along the horizontal groove portion, so that assembly and disassembly can be performed smoothly relative to the mating connector.

[0113] According to the connector with the above configuration [4], when the mating connector is pulled out of the housing, the inclined surface of the second baffle slides relative to the inclined surface of the retainer, so that the sliding baffle slides in a direction intersecting the connector removal direction to close the front opening. As a result, after the mating connector is disassembled, the front opening of the housing is closed by the sliding baffle, so the connecting terminals can be protected.

[0114] According to the connector with the above configuration [5], the sliding baffle is pressed by the pushing force of the elastic member via the retainer in the connector removal direction, so the front opening of the housing can be satisfactorily maintained by the sliding baffle. In addition, the elastic member is provided in the retainer receiving portion on the rear side of the housing and is separate from the front opening of the housing. Therefore, the elastic member, which is far away from the front opening, is not easily affected by dust, water, etc.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: The housing is configured to accommodate the connection terminals; A sliding baffle, configured to open and close the front opening of the housing, is fitted to the front opening with a connector; The inclined surface of the first baffle is disposed on the sliding baffle; as well as A sloping surface of the housing is disposed on the housing to face the sloping surface of the first baffle, and is configured to slide the sliding baffle in a direction intersecting the connector assembly direction to open the front opening according to the pressing force applied by the mating connector in the connector assembly direction, wherein The sliding baffle has a guide protrusion; and A guide groove is formed in the housing and engages with the guide protrusion to support the opening and closing operation of the sliding baffle, wherein The guide groove includes: An inclined groove portion that extends along the inclined surface of the housing; and A horizontal groove portion, continuous with the rear end portion of the inclined groove portion and extending along the connector assembly direction, wherein, with the front opening open, the guide protrusion is movable along the horizontal groove portion of the guide groove, such that the sliding baffle is horizontally guided relative to the housing along the connector assembly direction. A retainer, disposed within the housing, is movable along the connector assembly direction and is continuously pushed in the connector removal direction of the mating connector, wherein... The retainer's inclined surface is disposed on the retainer; and The second baffle inclined surface is disposed on the sliding baffle to face the retainer inclined surface, and is configured to slide the sliding baffle in a direction intersecting the connector removal direction to close the front opening according to the pressing force applied by the retainer in the connector removal direction.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The retainer is continuously pushed by an elastic member disposed between the retainer and the housing in the direction of connector removal.

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