Connector device

Abstract

A connector device is provided. The connector has an interlock housing with an interlock terminal mounted differently from a handle for making and breaking connection with a main terminal of another side connector, and a first spring piece is formed in the handle. Connection of an HVIL is made by turning the handle from a first position to a second position after connection of the main terminal, sliding the handle from the second position to a third position, and further depressing the interlock housing from an open position to a closed position. The first spring piece generates a first elastic restoring force when the handle is in the third position and the interlock housing is in the open position, and the handle departs from the third position in a state where an external force that resists the first elastic restoring force and slides the handle to the third position is not applied, so the interlock housing cannot be depressed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a high-voltage large-current connector device having HVIL (High-Voltage Inter Lock). BACKGROUND

[0002] Figure 1 is a view showing the structure described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-100382) as a prior example of such a connector device, and by operation of a handle 12 mounted on one connector housing 11, the one connector housing 11 is mounted on the other connector housing 21.

[0003] A terminal cover portion 11a is provided on the lower side of the connector housing 11, and a pair of terminals (male terminals) 13 are provided in the terminal cover portion 11a. A pair of guide pins 11b that respectively engage with guide grooves 14 of the handle 12 described later are provided on the outer wall of the connector housing 11.

[0004] As shown in Figure 2A , Figure 2B , the handle 12 has a pair of arm plate portions 12a, 12b and an operation portion 12c that links the pair of arm plate portions 12a, 12b. The guide grooves 14 that extend in the horizontal direction are provided on the pair of arm plate portions 12a, 12b. The pair of guide pins 11b of the connector housing 11 are respectively inserted in the guide grooves 14, whereby the handle 12 is provided so as to be able to move in rotation and in a straight line with respect to the connector housing 11.

[0005] Further, cam grooves 15 are provided on the pair of arm plate portions 12a, 12b, and the cam pins 21a described later of the other connector housing 21 are inserted in the pair of cam grooves 15 when the one connector housing 11 is mounted on the other connector housing 21.

[0006] Furthermore, one of the pair of arm plate portions 12a, 12b is provided wider than the other, and a connector portion 12d is provided on the wide arm plate portion 12b, and a fitting detection male terminal 16 is provided on the connector portion 12d.

[0007] The other connector housing 21 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open upper surface, and the inside space thereof is a mounting space 21b of the connector housing 11. A terminal cover housing portion 21c is provided on a bottom surface portion that is the lower surface of the mounting space 21b, and a pair of terminals (female terminals) 22 are housed in the terminal cover housing portion 21c.

[0008] A pair of cam pins 21a are symmetrically positioned on the inner peripheral wall of the connector housing 21. Furthermore, a connector portion 21d is provided within the mounting space 21b. A pair of mating detection female terminals 23 are provided in the connector portion 21d (see description below). Figure 4A , Figure 4B ).

[0009] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C It is the cam pin 21a of the connector housing 21 of the other party, indicating that it is composed of... Figure 1 The diagram shows the state of the handle 12 from the state before one connector housing 11 is installed on the other connector housing 21 to the state during the process of inserting one connector housing 11 into the mounting space 21b of the other connector housing 21 and installing one connector housing 11 on the other connector housing 21. Figure 3A Indicates that handle 12 is from Figure 1 The rotation starting position shown is in the direction of arrow a, and is located between the starting position and the completed position. Figure 3B This indicates that handle 12 is in the fully rotated position. Additionally, Figure 3C This indicates that the handle 12 is sliding in the direction of arrow b and is in the engaged position.

[0010] As the handle 12 rotates, the cam pin 21a of the other connector housing 21, which is embedded in the cam groove 15 of the handle 12, moves within the cam groove 15. As a result, the connector housing 11 of one party gradually approaches and moves into the connector housing 21 of the other party and is embedded. Through this approaching movement, the terminals 13 and 22 of the connector housings 11 and 21 of both parties are in contact before the handle 12 is in the completed rotation position.

[0011] Next, slide the handle 12 in the direction of arrow b. When it slides from the rotation completed position to the engagement completed position, before the handle 12 is in the engagement completed position, the engagement detection male terminal 16 of the handle 12 contacts a pair of engagement detection female terminals 23 of the other connector housing 21. Figure 4A , Figure 4B This indicates that the handle 12 is in the fully engaged position and the installation of one connector housing 11 on the other connector housing 21 is complete.

[0012] As described above, the operation of handle 12 consists of two actions: rotation and sliding. After the rotation, the sliding action causes the male terminal 16 for engagement detection to contact the female terminal 23 for engagement detection and perform engagement detection. As a result, the power circuit is turned on and current flows between terminals 13 and 22.

[0013] In addition, the operation of the handle 12 to change the power supply circuit from the on state to the off state is composed of two opposite actions, the first sliding operation to disconnect the power supply circuit, and the subsequent rotating operation to separate the terminal 13 from the terminal 22.

[0014] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power supply circuit from being in the on state before the operation of the handle 12 is completed, and to prevent the generation of arc discharge.

[0015] As described above, in the Figure 1 In the conventional connector device shown in FIG. 1, the connection and disconnection of the high-current terminal are performed by the rotating operation of the handle, and the connection and disconnection of the mating detection terminal for HVIL are performed by the sliding operation of the handle. Thus, it is possible to ensure a time difference between the connection and disconnection of the high-current terminal and the connection and disconnection of HVIL, and to safely perform the mating and unmating of the connector device.

[0016] However, in the case where the connection and disconnection of the high-current terminal and the connection and disconnection of HVIL are performed in such a manner that the series of operations of the handle are performed by the rotating and sliding of the handle, there can be a problem that sufficient time intervals for ensuring safety cannot be ensured between the connection and disconnection of the high-current terminal and the connection and disconnection of HVIL. SUMMARY

[0017] The present application has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a connector device that ensures more sufficient time intervals than the current between the connection and disconnection of the high-current terminal and the connection and disconnection of HVIL, and that can further improve the safety of the mating and unmating operation of the connector device than the current, in addition to preventing the connection of HVIL by the operator by accident.

[0018] The technical matters described herein are not intended to explicitly or implicitly limit the scope of the technical solution described in the application, and furthermore, are not intended to limit the technical solution described in the application for anyone other than the person benefiting from the application (for example, the applicant and the patentee), but are intended to facilitate the understanding of the gist of the application. The profile of the application based on other angles can be understood, for example, according to the technical solution range at the time of the patent application.

[0019] The connector device includes a first connector and a second connector that can be mated with each other, and a handle installed at a first housing and a second housing.

[0020] The first connector includes a first high-voltage terminal, a first low-voltage terminal, a first housing in which the first high-voltage terminal is accommodated, and a first interlock housing in which the first low-voltage terminal is accommodated.

[0021] The second connector includes a second high-voltage terminal, a second low-voltage terminal, a second housing in which the second high-voltage terminal is accommodated, and a second interlock housing in which the second low-voltage terminal is accommodated.

[0022] The handle, the first housing, and the second housing have a structure in which the handle can be operated by rotation and sliding, for example, desirably satisfy all of the following conditions (a), (b), (c), and (d).

[0023] (a) One of the handle and the first housing has a first boss, and the other of the handle and the first housing has a first groove. The first groove is a linear groove. The first boss is movable along the first groove between a first position and a second position in the first groove. Generally, the first position is one end of the first groove, but is not limited thereto, and the second position is the other end of the first groove, but is not limited thereto.

[0024] (b) One of the handle and the second housing has a second boss, and the other of the handle and the second housing has a second groove. The second groove is composed of a linear groove portion and an arcuate groove portion, and one end of the linear groove portion and one end of the arcuate groove portion are connected to each other. The second boss is movable along the second groove between a third position and a fourth position in the second groove and between the fourth position and a fifth position in the second groove. The fourth position is a boundary between the linear groove portion and the arcuate groove portion, the third position is the other end of the arcuate groove portion, but is not limited thereto, and the fifth position is the other end of the linear groove portion, but is not limited thereto. In a state in which the handle is attached to the first housing and the second housing, a distance between the first position and the third position is greater than a distance between the first position and the fourth position.

[0025] (c) When the first boss is positioned at the first position, the handle can be operated by rotation with the first position as a fulcrum. By the rotation operation of the handle, the second boss is moved along the arcuate groove portion of the second groove between the third position and the fourth position.

[0026] (d) When the second boss is positioned at the linear groove portion of the second groove, the handle can be operated by sliding. By the sliding operation of the handle, the first boss is moved along the first groove between the first position and the second position, and the second boss is moved along the linear groove portion of the second groove between the fourth position and the fifth position. When the second boss is positioned at the fourth position, the first boss is positioned at the first position, and when the second boss is positioned at the fifth position, the first boss is positioned at the second position.

[0027] When the second boss is positioned at the third position, the first high-voltage terminal and the second high-voltage terminal are not connected to each other.

[0028] As the second boss is moved from the third position to the fourth position due to the rotation operation of the handle, the first housing and the second housing are brought closer to each other, as a result of which the first housing and the second housing are fitted to each other, and the first high-voltage terminal and the second high-voltage terminal are connected to each other.

[0029] The first connector has a lock mechanism for locking the first interlocking housing and a sliding mechanism for sliding the first interlocking housing. The first interlocking housing is unlocked only when the second boss is in the fifth position due to the sliding operation of the handle (at this time, the first boss is in the second position as described above), and the first interlocking housing can be subjected to the sliding operation. The unlocking of the first interlocking housing is achieved, for example, by a portion of the handle canceling the lock mechanism with the sliding operation of the handle. With the sliding operation of the first interlocking housing, the first interlocking housing and the second interlocking housing are mutually engaged, and the first low-voltage terminal and the second low-voltage terminal are mutually connected.

[0030] The handle has a first spring piece. When the second boss is in the range of the third position to the fourth position, no load is applied to the first spring piece of the handle. During the movement of the second boss from the fourth position to the fifth position due to the sliding operation of the handle, the first spring piece of the handle is pushed by a portion (referred to as a "pressing portion" for convenience) of the first interlocking housing. Therefore, when the hand of the operator of the handle is removed from the handle while the second boss is in the fifth position, the handle is pushed back due to the restoring force of the first spring piece, that is, the second boss does not stay in the fifth position, but the first interlocking housing is locked by the lock mechanism. That is, the first interlocking housing can be subjected to the sliding operation only when the operator of the handle intentionally holds the handle. When the first interlocking housing is subjected to the sliding operation while the second boss is in the fifth position, the handle is not pushed back due to the engagement of the first interlocking housing and the second interlocking housing, that is, the second boss stays in the fifth position. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the first low-voltage terminal and the second low-voltage terminal from being accidentally connected to each other.

[0031] It is preferable that the pressing portion of the first interlocking housing be movable by the sliding operation of the first interlocking housing, and as a result, the first spring piece of the handle is not pushed by the pressing portion of the first interlocking housing in a state in which the first low-voltage terminal and the second low-voltage terminal are connected to each other. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the first spring piece from losing elasticity due to long-time connection.

[0032] Alternatively, the handle has a second spring piece. When the second boss is in the third position, no load is applied to the second spring piece of the handle. During movement of the second boss from the third position to the fourth position by the turning operation of the handle, the second spring piece of the handle is pushed by a portion of the second housing (referred to as a "pressing portion" for convenience). Therefore, when the hand of the operator of the handle is removed from the handle while the second boss is in the fourth position, the handle is pushed back by the restoring force of the second spring piece, that is, the second boss does not stay in the fourth position. That is, the handle can be subjected to the slide operation only when the operator of the handle intentionally holds the handle. When the second boss is in the fifth position by the slide operation of the handle, the turning operation of the handle can be prevented because the first boss is in the second position. With this structure, the first high-voltage terminal and the second high-voltage terminal can be prevented from being accidentally connected to each other.

[0033] Preferably, the second spring piece of the handle can be moved by the slide operation of the handle, and as a result, the second spring piece of the handle is not pushed by the pressing portion of the second housing in the state where the first high-voltage terminal and the second high-voltage terminal are connected to each other. With this structure, the second spring piece can be prevented from losing elasticity due to long-time connection.

[0034] The handle can have both the first spring piece and the second spring piece described above.

[0035] The "housing" is not limited to an object narrowly defined in accordance with the definition of a dictionary. That is, the "housing" is not limited to an object having only a function based on the definition of the term in a dictionary (where the object can be a single element or can be composed of two or more elements), but is also not limited to a portion of a single object having a function based on the definition of the term in a dictionary. The "housing" can be an object having only a function based on the definition of the term in a dictionary, or can be an object having a function other than a function based on the definition of the term in a dictionary, or can be an object having another function in addition to a function based on the definition of the term in a dictionary, or can be a single object including a portion having a function based on the definition of the term in a dictionary and a portion not having a function based on the definition of the term in a dictionary.

[0036] Effects of the Invention

[0037] According to the connector device of the present application, the connection of the HVIL is performed by the slide operation of the handle after the main terminal for a large current is connected by the turning operation of the handle, and further by depressing the interlocking housing, and the disconnection of the main terminal is performed by the slide operation of the handle after the HVIL is disconnected by lifting the interlocking housing, and further by the turning operation of the handle.

[0038] Therefore, compared with existing methods that connect and disconnect high-current terminals and HVILs by rotating and sliding the handle, the safety of connector device engagement and disengagement operations can be further improved because the additional time required to operate the interlock housing creates a larger time difference between connecting and disconnecting the high-current main terminals and HVILs.

[0039] In addition, according to the connector device of the present invention, if the operation is interrupted while the handle is being slidably operated and the operator removes his hand from the handle, the handle will not be in that position but will be pushed back. Therefore, even if the operator accidentally applies external force to the interlock housing, the interlock housing will not slide to the closed position. Thus, it is possible to prevent situations where the HVIL is simply connected against the operator's will, and from this perspective, it is also possible to further improve safety. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an existing example of a connector device.

[0041] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the handle.

[0042] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 Side view of the handle.

[0043] Figure 3A This is the front view showing the state of the handle between the start and end positions of rotation.

[0044] Figure 3B This is the front view showing the state of the handle in the completed rotation position.

[0045] Figure 3C This is the main view showing the state of the handle in the fully engaged position.

[0046] Figure 4A It means Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the connector assembly in its completed installation state.

[0047] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Enlarged view of the main parts.

[0048] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the connector device of the present invention, viewed from above the connector.

[0049] Figure 5B From Figure 5A The connector shown is viewed from below in a three-dimensional perspective.

[0050] Figure 6A front view of the other side connector of the connector device of the present application.

[0051] Figure 6B is a perspective view of the other side connector of the present application as viewed from the front side. Figure 6A

[0052] Figure 6C is a perspective view of the other side connector of the present application as viewed from the back side. Figure 6A

[0053] Figure 7A is a front view of the housing of the present application. Figure 5A

[0054] Figure 7B is a right side view of the housing of the present application. Figure 5A

[0055] Figure 7C is a perspective view of the housing of the present application as viewed from above. Figure 5A

[0056] Figure 7D is a perspective view of the housing of the present application as viewed from below. Figure 5A

[0057] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the handle of the present application as viewed from above. Figure 5A

[0058] Figure 8B is a perspective view of the handle of the present application as viewed from below. Figure 5A

[0059] Figure 9A is a top view of the handle of the present application. Figure 8A

[0060] Figure 9B is a front view of the handle of the present application. Figure 8A

[0061] Figure 9C is a right side view of the handle of the present application. Figure 8A

[0062] Figure 9D is a back view of the handle of the present application. Figure 8A

[0063] Figure 9E is a G-G sectional view of the present application. Figure 9B

[0064] Figure 9F is a H-H sectional view of the present application. Figure 9B

[0065] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 10A is Figure 5A Front view of the interlock housing with interlock terminal mounted.

[0066] Figure 10B is Figure 5A Right side view of the interlock housing with interlock terminal mounted.

[0067] Figure 10C is Figure 5A Perspective view of the interlock housing with interlock terminal mounted, viewed from the front side top.

[0068] Figure 10D is Figure 5A Perspective view of the interlock housing with interlock terminal mounted, viewed from the front side bottom.

[0069] Figure 10E is Figure 5A Perspective view of the interlock housing with interlock terminal mounted, viewed from the back side top.

[0070] Figure 11 is is a perspective view showing a state in which the handle is turned to the second position from the state shown in

[0071] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the handle is slid to the third position from the state shown in Figure 11

[0072] is a perspective view showing a state in which the interlock housing is slid to the closed position from the state shown in Figure 13 Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the interlock housing is slid to the closed position from the state shown in

[0073] Figure 14 Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the interlock housing is slid to the closed position from the state shown in

[0074] Figure 15A is Figure 11 is a right side view of the state shown in

[0075] Figure 15B is Figure 15A is a C-C line partial cross-sectional enlarged view of

[0076] Figure 16A is a right side view of the state shown in Figure 12

[0077] is a D-D line partial cross-sectional enlarged view of Figure 16B Figure 16A is an E-E line partial cross-sectional enlarged view of

[0078] Figure 16C Figure 16A ​​​​

[0079] Figure 17A is Figure 13 a right side view of the state shown.

[0080] Figure 17B is Figure 17A a D-D line partial cross-sectional view enlarged view of the state shown.

[0081] Figure 17C is Figure 17A an E-E line partial cross-sectional view enlarged view of the state shown.

[0082] Figure 18A is Figure 14 a right side view of the state shown.

[0083] Figure 18B is Figure 18A an E-E line partial cross-sectional view enlarged view of the state shown.

[0084] Figure 18C is Figure 18A a partial central longitudinal cross-sectional view enlarged view of the state shown.

[0085] Figure 18D is Figure 18A an F-F line partial cross-sectional view enlarged view of the state shown.

[0086] Figure 19A is Figure 12 a top view of the state shown.

[0087] Figure 19B is Figure 19A a C-C line cross-sectional view of the state shown.

[0088] Figure 20A is Figure 13 a top view of the state shown.

[0089] Figure 20B is Figure 20A a C-C line cross-sectional view of the state shown.

[0090] Figure 21A is Figure 14 a top view of the state shown.

[0091] Figure 21B is Figure 21A a C-C line cross-sectional view of the state shown.

[0092] Figure 22A is Figure 11 a top view of the state shown.

[0093] Figure 22B is Figure 22A a C-C line cross-sectional view of the state shown.

[0094] Figure 23Ais a state where the handle is turned Figure 12 is a plan view of the state where the force turning the handle is released.

[0095] Figure 23B is Figure 23A is a C-C line sectional view of the state shown in

[0096] Figure 24A is Figure 13 is a plan view of the state shown in

[0097] Figure 24B is Figure 24A is a C-C line sectional view of the state shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] An embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0099] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C respectively show a connector 100 and another connector 200 that constitute one embodiment of the connector device for high voltage and large current according to the present application. Figure 5A , Figure 5B In the drawing, 30 denotes a housing, and 40 denotes a handle. Further, 50 denotes an interlock housing, and an interlock terminal 60 is installed in the interlock housing 50 as will be described later. Figure 5A , Figure 5B In the drawing, 300 denotes a cable, and the connector 100 is installed at the terminal of the two cables 300 in this example. Figure 5A , Figure 5B In the drawing, 70 denotes a main terminal connected to the two cables 300 respectively, and 80 denotes a cable cover installed in the housing 30.

[0100] First, the structure of the housing 30, the handle 40, and the interlock housing 50 of the connector 100 will be described.

[0101] As shown in Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 7D The housing 30 is formed of a fitting portion 31, a cable receiving portion 32 connected to the rear of the fitting portion 31, and a mounting portion 33 located on the front surface of the fitting portion 31. The fitting portion 31 is formed in a box shape with the lower surface open, and the main terminal 70 is received and arranged in the fitting portion 31. The two side surfaces of the fitting portion 31 are protruded outwardly from each other to form a pair of guide shafts 34.

[0102] The mounting portion 33 is a portion where the interlocking housing 50 is mounted, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that is open in the up-down direction. A pair of slits 35 that extend rearward from the front end of the mounting portion 33 are formed at mutually opposing positions in the middle of the up-down direction of the mounting portion 33, and a pair of slits 36 are formed at mutually opposing positions from the upper end of the mounting portion 33 to each of the slits 35. The rear end side of the slits 35 and the slits 36 communicate the inside and outside of the mounting portion 33.

[0103] As shown in Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 9C , Figure 9D , Figure 9E , Figure 9F The handle 40 has a pair of arm portions 41 formed in a plate shape, a linking portion 42 that links the base ends of the pair of arm portions 41, and an operation portion 43 located on the opposite side of the linking portion 42 across the arm portions 41. The operation portion 43 is located on the lower end side of the linking portion 42, and a pair of reinforcing walls 44 that extend in the up-down direction are located at the width direction both ends of the operation portion 43, and are provided across between the linking portion 42 and the operation portion 43.

[0104] A guide groove 41a that extends in the extending direction of the arm portion 41 is formed in each of the pair of arm portions 41, and a cam groove 41b is also formed in each of the pair of arm portions 41. As shown in Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 9C , Figure 9D , Figure 9E , Figure 9F The cam groove 41b is formed in a curved shape, and the front end thereof is located at the front end of the arm portion 41. In addition, the outer surface of the front end lower end side of the two arm portions 41 is formed with a held portion 41c formed in a recessed shape.

[0105] An opening 42a is formed in the lower half portion side of the linking portion 42, and an opening 43a that communicates with the opening 42a is also formed in the operation portion 43. A wall portion 45 that extends in the up-down direction is formed on the width direction both sides of the opening 43a of the operation portion 43, and a pair of protruding portions 46 are formed on the mutually inner sides of the pair of wall portions 45 along each of the wall portions 45.

[0106] The protruding portion 46 is formed in an L-letter shape in cross section, and extends in the extending direction of the arm portion 41, and is perpendicular to the wall portion 45, and the half of each L-letter that protrudes inward is formed as a sliding insertion portion 46a. The front end of the arm portion 41 on the sliding insertion portion 46a side serves as a pressing portion 46b, and the portion that is cut adjacent to the pressing portion 46b serves as an interference portion 46c. A held portion 47 formed in a shaft shape is protruding formed on the mutually outer sides of the pair of wall portions 45.

[0107] Further, in this example, one pair of first spring pieces 48 and second spring pieces 49 are formed in the operation portion 43. The first spring pieces 48 are respectively provided between the pair of wall portions 45 and the pair of protruding portions 46, and the second spring pieces 49 are respectively provided on each outer side of the held portions 47 formed on the outer sides of the pair of wall portions 45. As shown in FIG. 6, the base end (fixed end) of the first spring piece 48 is the lower surface side of the operation portion 43, and is formed in a shape extending obliquely upward toward the side where the arm portion 41 is located. Figure 9F As shown in FIG. 6, the base end (fixed end) of the first spring piece 48 is the lower surface side of the operation portion 43, and is formed in a shape extending obliquely upward toward the side where the arm portion 41 is located. Figure 9E As shown in FIG. 6, the base end (fixed end) of the first spring piece 48 is the lower surface side of the operation portion 43, and is formed in a shape extending obliquely upward toward the side where the arm portion 41 is located.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 6, the base end (fixed end) of the first spring piece 48 is the lower surface side of the operation portion 43, and is formed in a shape extending obliquely upward toward the side where the arm portion 41 is located. Figure 10A Figure 10B Figure 10C Figure 10D Figure 10E As shown in FIG. 6, the base end (fixed end) of the first spring piece 48 is the lower surface side of the operation portion 43, and is formed in a shape extending obliquely upward toward the side where the arm portion 41 is located.

[0109] In the cylindrical portion 51, one pair of spring pieces 53, one pair of protruding pieces 54, a lock piece 55, and a held piece 56 are integrally formed. In the peripheral wall 51a of the cylindrical portion 51, one pair of spring pieces 53 are formed by cutting notches in the up-and-down direction and at positions opposite to each other in the peripheral wall 51a. The upper ends of the one pair of spring pieces 53 are base ends, and protruding portions 53a are formed at the lower ends (front ends) so as to protrude outward from each other.

[0110] The lock piece 55 is formed so as to extend upward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 51a in front of the peripheral wall 51a, with the protruding direction of the protruding portions 53a of the one pair of spring pieces being in the left-and-right direction. An operation protruding portion 55a is formed by protruding forward at the front end (upper end) of the lock piece 55, and a protrusion 55b is formed by protruding forward at the middle of the extending direction of the lock piece 55. The held piece 56 is formed so as to extend upward from the lower end of the peripheral wall 51a at a position of the peripheral wall 51a opposite to the position of the peripheral wall 51a where the lock piece 55 is located, and a protrusion 56a is formed by protruding rearward at the front end of the held piece 56.

[0111] The one pair of protruding pieces 54 are formed so as to protrude outward from each other from the peripheral wall 51a with respect to each spring piece 53, and are formed so as to further protrude outward from a plate portion 57 extending in the up-and-down direction.

[0112] ​​​​With the above structure, the interlocking housing 50 of the interlocking terminal 60 is inserted from above into the mounting portion 33 of the housing 30 to be mounted, and is held by the protrusion 56a of the holding piece 56 being caught. In addition, the handle 40 is inserted into the pair of guide shafts 34 of the housing 30 in the respective guide grooves 41a of the pair of arm portions 41 to be positioned and mounted in the housing 30. As will be described later, the handle 40 is rotatable with respect to the housing 30 between a first position and a second position taken by the handle 40, and is slidable between the second position and a third position. Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B indicates a state in which the handle 40 is positioned at the first position.

[0113] On the other hand, in the other side connector 200 Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B 、 Figure 6C In the other side connector 200, 110 indicates an other side housing, and 120 indicates an other side main terminal. In addition, 130 indicates an other side interlocking terminal. The other side connector 200 is mounted to a substrate.

[0114] The other side housing 110 has a plate portion 111, and a fitted portion 112 formed in a frame shape opened upward and protruding and positioned on the plate portion 111. On the peripheral wall 112a of the frame shape of the fitted portion 112, a pair of driven bosses 113 are formed by protruding outward from each of the outer surfaces of the portions on the left and right. In addition, the portion facing the rear of the peripheral wall 112a is largely cut by the cutout 114. A pair of other side main terminals 120 are housed and arranged in the fitted portion 112.

[0115] In addition, a mounting portion 115, a pair of protruding portions 116, and a pair of holding portions 117 are further formed on the plate portion 111 of the other side housing 110. The mounting portion 115 is located in front of the fitted portion 112, is formed in a cylindrical shape opened upward, and the other side interlocking terminal 130 is mounted and fixed in the mounting portion 115.

[0116] The pair of protruding portions 116 are provided on the left and right of the mounting portion 115 in front of the fitted portion 112. The protruding portion 116 has a shape in which a eave-shaped portion 116a facing the front is supported by a vertical portion 116b vertically standing from the plate portion 111. The pair of holding portions 117 are provided on the left and right of the fitted portion 112 on the rear side of the fitted portion 112. The holding portion 117 has a plate surface perpendicular to the plate portion 111, and a protrusion 117a is formed by protruding inward from the plate surfaces of the pair of holding portions 117.

[0117] Next, the fitting operation of the above-described connector 100 and the other side connector 200 will be described.

[0118] Figure 11 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 13 ,Figure 14 The first to fourth states in the fitting process of the connector 100 with the other-side connector 200 are sequentially shown, Figure 15A 、 Figure 15B 、 Figure 16A 、 Figure 16B 、 Figure 16C 、 Figure 17A 、 Figure 17B 、 Figure 17C 、 Figure 18A 、 Figure 18B 、 Figure 18C 、 Figure 18D The details of the main parts of the first to fourth states are shown, respectively. Note that the first to fourth states indicate a series of states in the fitting process based on the operator's intention.

[0119] <First state> Figure 11 、 Figure 15A 、 Figure 15B

[0120] The first state is a state in which the fitting part 31 of the housing 30 of the connector 100 in which the handle 40 is located at the first position is fitted in the fitted part 112 of the other-side housing 110 of the other-side connector 200, and the connector 100 is located at the fitting preparation position with respect to the other-side connector 200, and the pair of driven bosses 113 of the other-side connector 200 is in a state in which they are respectively fitted in the cam grooves 41b of the handle 40 of the connector 100. In this first state, the main terminal 70 and the other-side main terminal 120 are not yet connected.

[0121] As shown in Figure 15B , the interlock housing 50 installed in the mounting part 33 of the housing 30 of the connector 100 is in a state in which the protruding parts 53a of the pair of spring pieces 53 thereof are located at the natural position and are fitted in the slits 35 of the mounting part 33. Thus, even if the operation part 52 of the interlock housing 50 is pushed, it cannot be pressed down because the protruding parts 53a abut against the abutting faces 35a formed by the inner surfaces of the lower sides of the slits 35. That is, the interlock housing 50 is located at the open position and can be prevented from sliding to the closed position in which the interlock terminals 60 of the connector 100 and the other-side interlock terminals 130 of the other-side connector 200 are connected to each other, which will be described later.

[0122] <Second state> Figure 12 、 Figure 16A 、 Figure 16B 、 Figure 16C

[0123] ​​The second state is a state in which the handle 40 is rotated from the first position to the second position, and the connector 100 is brought closer to the mating position with the other-side connector 200 than the mating preparation position in the first state by a cam mechanism formed by the cam groove 41b of the handle 40 and the driven boss 113 of the other-side connector 200 embedded in the cam groove 41b, thereby becoming the second state. As shown in Fig. 4, in this second state, the main terminal 70 of the connector 100 is connected to the other-side main terminal 120 of the other-side connector 200. Figure 16B

[0124] The interlock housing 50 is located at the same open position as in the first state, that is, the protrusions 53a of the spring pieces 53 are located at the natural positions, and the interlock housing 50 is prevented from sliding to the closed position, as shown in Fig. 5. Even if the connector 100 is brought close to the other-side connector 200, the interlock terminal 60 and the other-side interlock terminal 130 are not yet connected and are disconnected from each other. Figure 16C

[0125] It should be noted that when the handle 40 is located at the second position, the connector 100 is located at the mating position in the second state with respect to the other-side connector 200, and when the handle 40 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the connector 100 is pushed back to the mating preparation position in the first state by the cam mechanism, and the connection of the main terminal 70 and the other-side main terminal 120 is released.

[0126] < Third State: Figure 13 Figure 17A Figure 17B Figure 17C

[0127] The third state is a state in which the handle 40 is slid from the second position to the third position, and the sliding insertion portions 46a of the pair of protrusions 46 of the handle 40 are embedded in the slits 35 of the housing 30. As a result, as shown in Fig. 6, the protrusions 53a of the pair of spring pieces 53 of the interlock housing 50 are pressed by the pressing portions 46b of the front ends of the sliding insertion portions 46a and are displaced from the natural positions to the retreat positions. Since the protrusions 53a are displaced to the retreat positions, the interlock housing 50, which is slidably mounted between the open position and the closed position of the interlock housing 50 at the mounting portion 33 of the housing 30, can be slid to the closed position. Figure 17B

[0128] It should be noted that since the handle 40 is slidable by being embedded in the slits 35 of the housing 30 through the sliding insertion portions 46a, in the case where the handle 40 is not located at the second position in the second state but is not fully rotated (not fully tilted), for example, the sliding insertion portions 46a are not embedded in the slits 35 and the handle 40 cannot be slid to the third position.

[0129] ​​​​​​​Furthermore, because the sliding insertion part 46a of the handle 40 is embedded in the slit 35 of the housing 30, the handle 40 cannot be rotated in the third state where it is in the third position.

[0130] In addition, in the third state where the handle 40 is in the third position, in this example, such as Figure 17B As shown, the protrusion 117a of the retaining portion 117 provided on the other side connector 200 is embedded in the retained portion 41c, which is formed into a concave shape, provided on a pair of arm portions 41. In addition, a pair of retained portions 47, which are provided on the operating portion 43 of the handle 40 and formed into a shaft shape, are embedded under the eaves-shaped portion 116a of the protrusion 116 provided on the other side connector 200. Thus, the retained portions 41c and 47 are held in each of the retaining portions 117 and the protrusion 116, and the handle 40 is firmly fixed to the other side housing 110 of the other side connector 200.

[0131] <Fourth State: Figure 14 , Figure 18A , Figure 18B , Figure 18C , Figure 18D >

[0132] The fourth state is the state in which the operating part 52 of the interlock housing 50, which was in the open position in the third state, is pushed in and slid into and positioned in the closed position, such as... Figure 18D As shown, interlock terminal 60 is connected to interlock terminal 130 on the other side. This allows for detection of engagement.

[0133] It should be noted that, as Figure 18B As shown, when the interlock housing 50 is pressed down and in the closed position, a pair of protruding pieces 54 provided on the interlock housing 50 are embedded in the interference portion 46c provided where the sliding insertion portion 46a of the handle 40 has been cut off. As a result, the handle 40 is fixed in the third position and cannot slide, that is, the protruding pieces 54 interfere with the interference portion 46c and can prevent sliding to the second position.

[0134] like Figure 18C As shown, the protrusion 55b of the locking plate 55 of the interlock housing 50 in the closed position is locked by the locking part 37 provided in the mounting part 33 of the housing 30, thus locking it in the closed position. The locking is released by pushing the operating protrusion 55a of the locking plate 55, thereby allowing the interlock housing 50 to slide back to the open position, and also to slide back to the second position of the handle 40.

[0135] The first to fourth states of the series of engagement processes between connector 100 and connector 200 based on the operator's intention have been described above. However, in this example, the handle 40 of connector 100 is equipped with a pair of first spring plates 48 and second spring plates 49. Utilizing the respective actions of the first spring plates 48 and second spring plates 49, if the operator interrupts operation, for example in the second state, the handle 40 will not be allowed to slide simply against the operator's will. Furthermore, if the operator interrupts operation in the third state, the HVIL will not be allowed to connect simply against the operator's will. This aspect will be explained below.

[0136] Figure 19A , Figure 19B , Figure 20A , Figure 20B , Figure 21A , Figure 21B This indicates the states of the first spring plate 48 from the second to the fourth states. Figure 19A , Figure 19B When the handle 40 is in its second position (second state), the first spring plate 48 does not contact other accessories and is in a natural (free) state. Figure 20B As shown, in the third state where the handle 40 is slidably operated to the third position, the first spring plate 48 is in a state where its front end abuts against the protruding piece 54 of the interlock housing 50. Thus, although the first spring plate 48 generates a first elastic restoring force that causes the handle 40 to slide (push back) to the second position, the third state can be maintained because the operator applies a force that opposes this first elastic restoring force and presses the handle 40, i.e., the external force shown by arrow a that causes the handle 40 to slide to the third position.

[0137] On the other hand, when the operator interrupts the operation in this third state and removes their hand from the handle 40, it becomes a state where no external force, as indicated by arrow a, is applied. Therefore, the handle 40 is pushed back by the first elastic restoring force of the first spring plate 48, moving away from the third position. Thus, in the third state, the protrusions 53a of the pair of spring plates 53 of the interlock housing 50, which were previously displaced to the retracted position by the pressing part 46b of the handle 40, return to their natural positions because the pressing by the pressing part 46b is released. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the interlock housing 50 from sliding to the closed position, that is, the operation of connecting (closing) the HVIL cannot be performed. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the interlock housing 50 against the operator's will to make it slide to the closed position when the operator interrupts the operation in the third state and removes their hand from the handle 40, the HVIL will not connect.

[0138] like Figure 21BAs shown, in the fourth state in which the interlocking housing 50 is slid to the closed position, the protruding piece 54 of the interlocking housing 50 is displaced downward, releasing the abutment with the first spring piece 48. Thus, the first spring piece 48 returns to the natural state, so that even if the connector device is fitted for a long time, the resilience of the first spring piece 48 can be prevented from weakening.

[0139] Next, with reference to Figure 22A , Figure 22B , Figure 23A , Figure 23B , Figure 24A , Figure 24B , the state of the second spring piece 49 will be described.

[0140] Although the second spring piece 49 is not in contact with other fittings and is in the natural state in the first state in which the handle 40 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 22A , Figure 22B , in the second state in which the handle 40 is turned to the second position, the second spring piece 49 is in a state in which the front end thereof abuts against the upper surface of the eave-shaped portion 116a of the upper portion of the protruding portion 116 provided in the other-side connector 200. Thus, although the second spring piece 49 generates a second elastic restoring force that turns (pushes back) the handle 40 to the first position, since the operator applies a force to the handle 40 against the second elastic restoring force, i.e., an external force that turns the handle 40 to the second position, the second state can be maintained.

[0141] On the other hand, when the operator interrupts the operation in the second state, i.e., when the hand is removed from the handle 40, the state in which the external force that turns the handle 40 to the second position is not applied is reached, so that the handle 40 is pushed back by the second elastic restoring force of the second spring piece 49, moves away from the second position, and is positioned in a position close to the first position. Figure 23B This state is shown, in which the handle 40 cannot be slid to the third position. Thus, in the case where the operator interrupts the operation in the second state, i.e., in the case where the hand is removed from the handle 40, even if an external force that slides the handle 40 to the third position is applied to the handle 40 against the operator's will, the handle 40 does not slide to the third position.

[0142] Figure 24A , Figure 24B This state is shown, in which the handle 40 is slid to the third position, as shown in Figure 24B , in the third state, the eave-shaped portion 116a of the protruding portion 116 releases the abutment with the second spring piece 49. Thus, the second spring piece 49 returns to the natural state, so that even if the connector device is fitted for a long time, the resilience of the second spring piece 49 can be prevented from weakening.

[0143] In the above, the structure and the fitting operation of one embodiment of the connector device of the present application, which is configured of the connector 100 and the other-side connector 200, were explained, but on the basis of the main terminal 70 for large current and the other-side main terminal 120 having been connected, the interlock terminal 60 for HVIL and the other-side interlock terminal 130 are connected, the HVIL circuit is closed, and thus the circuit device through which a large current flows between the main terminal 70 and the other-side main terminal 120 is arranged outside the connector device.

[0144] According to the above-described connector device, the following effects can be obtained.

[0145] (1) In this example, the connection and the disconnection of the HVIL are performed by the pressing and the lifting of the interlock housing 50 provided separately from the handle 40. That is, the connection of the HVIL is performed by the pressing of the interlock housing 50 after the main terminal 70 and the other-side main terminal 120 are connected by the rotational operation of the handle 40, and further by the sliding operation of the handle 40, and further by the pressing of the interlock housing 50, and further by the lifting of the interlock housing 50 after the main terminal 70 and the other-side main terminal 120 are disconnected by the lifting of the interlock housing 50 and the disconnection of the HVIL, and further by the sliding operation of the handle 40, and further by the rotational operation of the handle 40.

[0146] Therefore, compared with the conventional connector device in which the connection and the disconnection of the terminal for large current and the connection and the disconnection of the HVIL are performed only by the operations of the handle such as the rotation and the sliding of the handle, in this example, the step of pressing or lifting the interlock housing 50 is additionally required between the connection and the disconnection of the main terminal for large current and the connection and the disconnection of the HVIL, and thus a larger time interval is provided therebetween.

[0147] Thus, even if the operator is accustomed to the fitting operation and the pulling-out operation of the connector device and performs the operations quickly, since the connection and the disconnection of the main terminal for large current and the connection and the disconnection of the HVIL are performed with a sufficient time interval, it is possible to further improve the safety of the fitting and the pulling-out work of the connector device than at present.

[0148] (2) In the case where the operation is interrupted in the second state in which the handle 40 is rotated to the second position, and the hand is removed from the handle 40, the handle 40 is removed from the second position by the action of the second spring piece 49, and thus the handle 40 cannot be slid to the third position, and thus in this case, even if an external force to slide the handle 40 is applied against the operator's will, the handle 40 is not slid to the third position, and thus the HVIL is not connected.

[0149] (3) In the case where the operation is interrupted in the third state in which the handle 40 is slid to the third position, and the hand is removed from the handle 40, the handle 40 is moved away from the third position by the action of the first spring piece 48, so the interlock housing 50 cannot be slid to the closed position, and therefore, in this case, even if an external force to slide the interlock housing 50 is applied against the operator's will, the interlock housing 50 does not slide to the closed position, and therefore the HVIL is not connected.

[0150] (4) The handle 40 can be slid only in the case where a force to rotate the handle 40 is applied, and at the same time, a slide operation is performed, and the HVIL can be connected only in the case where a force to slide the handle 40 is applied, and at the same time, a slide operation is performed on the interlock housing 50, that is, accurate operation must be performed to perform normal fitting.

[0151] (5) When the handle 40 is slid to the third position, the held portions 41c, 47 of the handle 40 are firmly held by the protruding portion 116 and the held portion 117 of the other-side connector 200, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the handle 40 from being removed, for example, due to vibration, or to prevent frictional wear.

[0152] (6) By pressing the interlock housing 50 to the closed position, the protruding piece 54 of the interlock housing 50 is fitted into the interference portion 46c of the handle 40, and therefore, the handle 40 is prevented from being slid to the second position by interference with the interference portion 46c, that is, fitting detection of the HVIL and locking of the handle 40, that is, CPA (Connector Position Assurance) can be performed by one operation of pressing the interlock housing 50. Therefore, it is not necessary to additionally provide a fitting for the CPA function, and it is possible to reduce the number of fittings.

[0153] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0154] 11 connector housing; 11a terminal cover portion; 11b guide pin; 12 handle; 12a arm plate portion; 12b arm plate portion; 12c operation portion; 12d connector portion; 13 terminal; 14 guide groove; 15 cam groove; 16 male terminal for fitting detection; 21 connector housing; 21a cam pin; 21b mounting space; 21c terminal cover housing portion; 21d connector portion; 22 terminal; 23 female terminal for fitting detection; 30 housing; 31 fitting portion; 32 cable housing portion; 33 mounting portion; 34 guide shaft; 35 slit; 35a abutment surface; 36 slit; 37 locking portion; 38 recess; 39 frame portion; 40 handle; 41 arm portion; 41a guide groove; 41b cam groove; 41c held portion; 42 link portion; 42a opening; 43 operation portion; 43a opening; 44 reinforcing wall; 45 wall portion; 46 protruding portion; 46a sliding insertion portion; 46b pressing portion; 46c interference portion; 47 held portion; 48 first spring piece; 49 second spring piece; 50 interlocking housing; 51 cylindrical portion; 51a peripheral wall; 52 operation portion; 53 spring piece; 53a protruding portion; 54 protruding piece; 55 locking piece; 55a operation protruding portion; 55b protrusion; 56 held piece; 56a protrusion; 57 plate portion; 58 step portion; 60 interlocking terminal; 70 main terminal; 80 cable cover; 100 connector; 110 other side housing; 111 plate portion; 112 fitted portion; 112a peripheral wall; 113 driven boss; 114 cutout; 115 mounting portion; 116 protruding portion; 116a eave-shaped portion; 116b upstanding portion; 117 held portion; 117a protrusion; 120 other side main terminal; 130 other side interlocking terminal; 200 other side connector; 300 cable.

Claims

1. A connector device comprising a connector having a housing, a handle, a main terminal, an interlocking housing, and an interlocking terminal, and a connector having a housing on one side, a main terminal on another side, and an interlocking terminal on another side, characterized in that, A guide groove is formed on one side of the handle and the housing, and a guide shaft is formed on the other side. The handle is mounted on the housing with the guide shaft located in the guide groove, thereby allowing it to rotate between a first position and a second position relative to the housing, and to slide between the second position and a third position. The cam groove forming the cam mechanism and the driven boss are formed on one side of the handle and on the other side of the housing. When the connector is in the engagement ready position relative to the other connector with the handle in the first position, when the handle is rotated to the second position, the connector uses the cam mechanism to move closer to the engagement position of the other connector than the engagement ready position, thereby connecting the main terminal to the other main terminal. The interlock terminal is installed in the interlock housing. The interlock housing has a spring plate and a protruding piece with an outwardly projecting portion at the front end. When pressed, the protrusion moves from its natural position to a retracted position. The interlocking housing is slidably mounted on the housing between an open position and a closed position. However, when the protrusion is in the open position and in its natural position, the interlocking housing prevents sliding towards the closed position by abutting against the contact surface between the protrusion and the housing. When the protrusion is in the retracted position, it can slide towards the closed position. When the connector is in the mated position relative to the other connector and the interlock housing is in the open position, the interlock terminal is disconnected from the other interlock terminal. When the connector is in the mating position relative to the other connector and the interlock housing is in the closed position, the interlock terminal is connected to the other interlock terminal. When the connector is in the engaged position relative to the other connector and the handle is in the second position, the protrusion is in the natural position. When the connector is in the engaged position relative to the other connector and the handle is in the third position, the protrusion is pressed by the pressing part of the handle and is in the retracted position. A first spring sheet is formed in the handle. When the connector is in the engaged position relative to the other connector, the handle is in the third position, and the interlocking housing is in the open position, the first spring plate abuts against the protruding piece, generating a first elastic restoring force that causes the handle to slide towards the second position. Without an external force that counteracts the first elastic restoring force and causes the handle to slide to the third position, the handle moves away from the third position due to the first elastic restoring force, thereby the protrusion is not pressed by the pressing part and remains in the natural position.

2. The connector device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, When the interlock housing is in the closed position, the protruding piece releases its contact with the first spring piece and interferes with the interference portion provided on the handle, preventing the handle from sliding to the second position.

3. The connector device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, A second spring plate is formed in the handle, and a protrusion is formed in the housing on the other side. When the connector is in the engaged position relative to the other connector and the handle is in the second position, the second spring plate abuts against the protrusion, generating a second elastic restoring force that rotates the handle towards the first position. Without the application of an external force that counteracts the second elastic restoring force and rotates the handle to the second position, the handle moves away from the second position due to the second elastic restoring force and is located in a position close to the first position.

4. The connector device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, A second spring plate is formed in the handle, and a protrusion is formed in the housing on the other side. When the connector is in the engaged position relative to the other connector and the handle is in the second position, the second spring plate abuts against the protrusion, generating a second elastic restoring force that rotates the handle towards the first position. Without the application of an external force that counteracts the second elastic restoring force and rotates the handle to the second position, the handle moves away from the second position due to the second elastic restoring force and is located in a position close to the first position.

5. The connector device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, When the connector is in the mating position relative to the other connector and the handle is in the third position, the protrusion releases its contact with the second spring plate.

6. The connector device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, When the connector is in the mating position relative to the other connector and the handle is in the third position, the protrusion releases its contact with the second spring plate.

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