Connector device

Abstract

The present invention absorbs misalignment in a direction parallel to the fitting direction. A connector device is provided with: a first housing (12) fixed to a first base member (11); a second housing (50) that is relatively displaceable with respect to the second base member (21); and a movable member (30) that is attached to the second base member (21) and is movable between a fitting start position and a fitting completion position in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction, the movable member (30) having a first guide groove (42) and a second guide groove (45) that extend in a direction inclined to the fitting direction, the first guide groove (42) and the second guide groove (45) being configured so that the first guide groove (42) and the second guide groove (45) extend in a direction inclined to the fitting direction when the two base members (11, 21) approach each other. The two guide grooves (42, 45) engage the two housings (12, 50) while moving the movable member (30) from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position. In a state in which the movable member (30) reaches the fitting completion position, both housings (12, 50) in the fitting completion state can be integrally displaced relative to the second base member (21) in a direction parallel to the fitting direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a waiting connector having an outer housing and an inner housing mounted on a housing of a motor. The waiting connector is engaged with a counterpart connector fixed to a housing of an inverter. A spring member is mounted on the inner housing of the waiting connector. The misalignment between the counterpart connector and the inner housing is absorbed by elastically deforming the spring member. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-009092 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] The above-mentioned waiting connector can absorb the displacement in the two-dimensional direction orthogonal to the mating direction between the other connector and the inner housing, but cannot absorb the displacement in the direction parallel to the mating direction between the other connector and the inner housing.

[0005] The connector device of the present invention has been completed based on the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to absorb misalignment in a direction parallel to the mating direction. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0006] The connector device of the present invention comprises: The first base member; A first housing fixed to the first base member; a second base member, arranged to be relatively close to the first base member; a second housing capable of relative displacement with respect to the second base member and capable of being engaged with the first housing as the first base member and the second base member come close to each other; and The movable member is mounted on the second base member and can move between a mating start position and a mating completion position in a direction orthogonal to a mating direction of the first housing and the second housing, wherein: The movable member is provided with a guide portion extending in a direction inclined with respect to the fitting direction. During the process of the first base member and the second base member approaching each other, the guide portion guides the movable member so as to move from the mating start position to the mating completion position while the first housing and the second housing are mated with each other. When the movable member reaches the mating completion position, the mating of the first shell and the second shell is completed, and the first shell and the second shell in the mating completion state can be relatively displaced in a direction parallel to the mating direction relative to the second base member as a whole. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to absorb displacement in a direction parallel to the fitting direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a state before the first connector and the second connector are fitted together. Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view of the second base member. Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the movable member. Figure 4 This is a stereoscopic view of the second shell viewed from the upper front obliquely. Figure 5 This is a stereoscopic view of the second shell viewed from the upper rear. Figure 6 It is a side view showing a state before the first connector and the second connector are fitted together. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged side view of the . Figure 8 It is a side view showing a state where the first housing and the second housing start to be fitted together. Fig. 9 It is a side view showing a state where the fitting between the first housing and the second housing is completed. Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A partial enlarged side view of the . Fig.11 This is a side view showing a state in which the first housing and the second housing in the properly fitted state move to absorb the misalignment in the fitting direction between the first base member and the second base member. Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A partial enlarged side view of the . Fig.13 yes Figure 6 XX line cross-sectional view. Fig.14 yes Fig. 9 YY line cross-sectional view. Fig.15 yes Figure 1 and Figure 6 Front view of the second connector in the state of . Fig.16 Viewed from the rear Fig.15A partially enlarged stereoscopic image of the state. Fig.17 yes Figure 8 Front view of the second connector in the state of . Fig.18 It is a partially enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a locked state of the connecting protrusion of the first housing and the connecting groove of the second housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples. The connector device of the present invention comprises: (1) A first base member; a first housing fixed to the first base member; a second base member arranged to be relatively close to the first base member; a second housing capable of relative displacement relative to the second base member and capable of being engaged with the first housing as the first base member and the second base member approach each other; and a movable member mounted on the second base member and capable of moving in a direction orthogonal to an engagement direction of the first housing and the second housing between an engagement start position and an engagement completion position. A guide portion extending in a direction inclined relative to the engagement direction is formed on the movable member. During the process of the first base member and the second base member approaching each other, the guide portion guides the movable member in such a manner that the first housing and the second housing are engaged with each other while the movable member is moved from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position. When the movable member reaches the mating completion position, the mating of the first shell and the second shell is completed, and the first shell and the second shell in the mating completion state can be relatively displaced in a direction parallel to the mating direction relative to the second base member as a whole.

[0010] According to the present invention, in the process of bringing the first base member and the second base member close to each other, the first housing and the second housing are engaged through the guide portion, during which the movable member moves from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position. When the movable member reaches the engagement completion position, the first housing and the second housing can be relatively displaced in a direction parallel to the engagement direction relative to the second base member while maintaining the engagement completion state as is. With the relative displacement of the two housings relative to the second base member, the first base member and the second base member are relatively displaced in a direction parallel to the engagement direction of the first housing and the second housing. Thus, the misalignment of the first base member and the second base member can be absorbed in a direction parallel to the engagement direction of the two housings.

[0011] (2) Preferably, the guide portion includes a first guide groove, and during the mating process of the first shell and the second shell, the first cam pin of the first shell is slidably connected to the first guide groove, and the movable member is formed with a first retreat groove connected to the terminal end of the first guide groove. When the movable member reaches the mating completion position, the first cam pin can move relative to the movable member in a direction parallel to the mating direction by entering the first retreat groove. According to this structure, during the process of bringing the first base member and the second base member closer, when the mating of the first shell and the second shell is completed, the two shells are then relatively displaced relative to the second base member. As a result, the mating of the first shell and the second shell and the absorption of the misalignment of the first base member and the second base member can be performed in one action.

[0012] (3) In (2), it is preferred that the guide portion includes a second guide groove, and during the mating process of the first housing and the second housing, the second cam pin of the second housing is slidably engaged with the second guide groove, and the movable member is formed with a second escape groove connected to the terminal portion of the second guide groove, and when the movable member reaches the mating completion position, the second cam pin can move relative to the movable member in a direction parallel to the mating direction by entering the second escape groove. According to this structure, since the guide portion extends in a direction inclined to the mating direction, the second guide groove included in the guide portion also extends in a direction inclined to the mating direction. Compared with the case where the second guide groove is not provided and the second housing is relatively displaced in a direction orthogonal to the mating direction relative to the second base member during the mating process, the stroke in the mating direction of the two housings during the mating process becomes longer. As a result, a sharp increase in the mating resistance between the two housings can be avoided, so that the workability is good.

[0013] (4) In (2) or (3), preferably, the first guide grooves are provided in a pair at a distance from each other in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction, and the first cam pins are arranged at a distance equal to the distance between the pair of first guide grooves in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. According to this structure, by making the pair of first cam pins slide in contact with the pair of first guide grooves, the first housing can be prevented from tilting relative to the movable member.

[0014] (5) In (3), preferably, the second guide grooves are provided in a pair at a distance from each other in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction, and the second cam pins are arranged at a distance equal to the distance between the pair of second guide grooves in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction.

[0015] According to this configuration, the second housing can be prevented from tilting relative to the movable member by making the pair of second cam pins slide in contact with the pair of second guide grooves.

[0016] (6) In (3), preferably, the terminal end of the first escape groove is connected to the starting end of the second guide groove. According to this structure, when the second cam pin is assembled in the second guide groove, the second cam pin can be guided to the second guide groove through the first guide groove and the first escape groove.

[0017] (7) In (3), preferably, the movable member is provided with a retaining portion, the retaining portion retaining the second cam pin at the starting end of the second guide groove. According to this structure, the second housing is positioned relative to the movable member by retaining the second cam pin at the starting end of the second guide groove in advance, so that the fitting action of the first housing and the second housing can be smoothly started.

[0018] (8) In (7), preferably, the holding portion includes an elastic holding piece, the elastic holding piece is formed on one of the second shell and the movable member, and performs a holding function by being locked to the other of the second shell and the movable member, and the first shell is provided with a release portion, and when the first shell and the second shell start to be mated, the release portion releases the locking of the elastic holding piece. According to this structure, when the first shell and the second shell start to be mated, the retention of the elastic holding piece is released by the release portion, and the second shell can move relative to the movable member. Since there is no need for an operation just to release the retention of the elastic holding piece, the operability is good.

[0019] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] [Example 1] Reference Figures 1 to 18 The connector device of Example 1 which embodies the present invention is described. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In this Example 1, with respect to the front and rear directions, Figures 1 to 14 , 16, and 18 are defined as the F direction in the front. Figures 1 to 5 , 13 to 17, the R direction is defined as the right direction. Figures 1 to 12 , 15 to 18, the U direction is defined as upward.

[0020] <Overall Configuration of Connector Device> like Figure 1As shown, the connector device of the present embodiment 1 has a first connector 10 and a second connector 20 arranged below the first connector 10. The first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be mated with each other. The first connector 10 can move in parallel in the vertical direction. The second connector 20 is set in a waiting state (a state fixed in a non-moving manner). The mating direction of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 is the vertical direction. The first connector 10 has a first base member 11 and a first shell 12 fixed to the lower surface of the first base member 11. The opposite surface of the first connector 10 to the second connector 20 faces downward.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the second connector 20 is constructed by assembling the second base member 21, the movable member 30 and the second shell 50. The second base member 21 is set in a fixed state. The movable member 30 is assembled to be relatively displaced only in two-dimensional directions (front-back direction and left-right direction) relative to the second base member 21. The second shell 50 is assembled to be relatively displaced only in two-dimensional directions (front-back direction and up-down direction) relative to the movable member 30. The second shell 50 is arranged to be relatively displaced in three-dimensional directions (up-down direction, front-back direction and left-right direction) relative to the second base member 21. The surface of the second shell 50 facing the first connector 10 faces upward.

[0022] The first base member 11 and the second base member 21 are assembled by approaching each other in the up-down direction, and are fixed in an assembled state by a fitting structure, a fastening structure, etc. not shown in the figure. In the process of the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 approaching each other, the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 are fitted. The fitting direction of the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 (hereinafter referred to as "fitting direction") is a direction parallel to the assembly direction of the first base member 11 and the second base member 21. The positional relationship of the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 fixed in the assembled state has a deviation within the range of the assembly tolerance. The direction of the deviation is a three-dimensional direction. As described above, since the second housing 50 is arranged to be relatively displaceable in a three-dimensional direction relative to the second base member 21, the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 can be fitted while absorbing the misalignment of the first base member 11 and the second base member 21. The detailed structure of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 is described below.

[0023] <Detailed Structure of the First Connector 10> Figure 1The first base member 11 shown is in the shape of a flat plate with the plate thickness direction oriented in the up-down direction. The first base member 11 has a fitting portion (not shown) or an assembly portion (not shown) for assembly to the second base member 21. The first housing 12 has a rectangular terminal holding portion 13 and a cover portion 14 that protrudes downward in a square tube shape from the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the terminal holding portion 13. A plurality of first terminal parts 15 in a male shape are held in the terminal holding portion 13. The protrusion (lower end portion) of the first terminal part 15 protrudes downward from the terminal holding portion 13 and is surrounded by the cover portion 14.

[0024] A guide pin 16 is formed on the first housing 12. The guide pin 16 protrudes from the lower surface of the terminal holding portion 13 to a position below the lower end of the cover portion 14. A first tapered surface 16S is formed at the lower end portion (top end) of the guide pin 16, which is tapered toward the end. A pair of first cam pins 17 in the form of cylindrical protrusions are respectively formed on the left and right outer side surfaces of the cover portion 14. On each outer side surface, a pair of first cam pins 17 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction and at the same height in the up-down direction. A pair of left and right release portions 18 are formed at the lower end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 14. The pair of release portions 18 are arranged at the corners where the left and right outer side surfaces and the front surface are connected. Connecting protrusions 19 are respectively formed on the front and rear surfaces of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 14. The connecting protrusion 19 is arranged at a position above the release portion 18.

[0025] <Detailed Structure of the Second Connector 20> The second base member 21 is a box-shaped member. Figure 2 As shown, an action space 22 is formed inside the second base member 21, which is open on the upper surface and the rear surface of the second base member 21. The portion of the opening edge of the action space 22 in the horizontal upper wall portion of the second base member 21 functions as a pair of left and right guide rails 23 extending in the front-back direction. The two guide rails 23 are respectively formed with a recessed portion 24 for the mating start position and a recessed portion 25 for the mating completion position arranged in front of the recessed portion 24 for the mating start position.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the movable member 30 is a single component having a rear wall portion 31 and a pair of left and right side wall portions 32. A fitting space 33 is formed inside the movable member 30, which is open on the upper and lower surfaces and the front surface of the movable member 30. The first housing 12 and the second housing 50 are fitted in the fitting space 33. A pair of upper and lower ribs 34 are formed at intervals in the upper and lower directions at the lower ends of the outer side surfaces of the left and right side wall portions 32, and the pair of upper and lower ribs 34 extend in the front-back direction. A groove portion 35 extending in the front-back direction is formed between the pair of ribs 34.

[0027] like Figure 3 , 13As shown in FIG. 14 , elastic retaining pieces 36 are formed in the areas of the left and right side walls 32 facing the groove 35, respectively, and extend rearward in a cantilevered manner. The elastic retaining pieces 36 can be elastically displaced in the left and right directions. A retaining protrusion 37 is formed at the rear end of the outer side surface of the elastic retaining piece 36. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pair of left and right elastic retaining pieces 38 are formed at the front end of the movable member 30. The elastic retaining pieces 38 are formed in a shape extending upward in a cantilevered manner from the lower end of the front end edge of the two side wall portions 32. The elastic retaining pieces 38 can be elastically deformed in a manner inclined in the left and right directions. A protrusion 39 protruding inward in the left and right directions is formed at the upper end of each of the left and right elastic retaining pieces 38.

[0028] like Figure 3 , 8 As shown, a pair of front and rear entry grooves 41, a pair of front and rear first guide grooves 42, a pair of front and rear first retreat grooves 43, a pair of front and rear connecting grooves 44, a pair of front and rear second guide grooves 45, and a pair of front and rear second retreat grooves 46 are respectively formed on the left and right side walls 32 of the movable member 30. The first guide groove 42 and the second guide groove 45 have the function of fitting the two shells 12 and 50 in the process of the first shell 12 and the second shell 50 shifting downward.

[0029] A pair of entry grooves 41 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction and arranged parallel to each other. The entry groove 41 extends in the up-down direction parallel to the mating direction of the two shells 12, 50, and opens at the upper end surface of the side wall portion 32. A pair of first guide grooves 42 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction and arranged parallel to each other. The first guide groove 42 extends linearly from the terminal end (lower end) of the entry groove 41 in an obliquely downward direction. The starting end (upper end) of the first guide groove 42 is the same part as the terminal end of the entry groove 41. The pair of first guide grooves 42 are inclined relative to both the up-down direction (the direction parallel to the mating direction of the two shells 12, 50) and the front-to-back direction (the direction orthogonal to the mating direction of the two shells 12, 50).

[0030] A pair of first retreat grooves 43 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction and are arranged parallel to each other. The first retreat groove 43 extends downward from the terminal end (lower rear end) of the first guide groove 42. The starting end (upper end) of the first retreat groove 43 is the same part as the terminal end of the first guide groove 42. The dimension of the first retreat groove 43 in the up-down direction is smaller than the dimension of the first guide groove 42 in the up-down direction. The spacing of the pair of entry grooves 41 in the front-to-back direction, the spacing of the pair of first guide grooves 42 in the front-to-back direction, and the spacing of the pair of first retreat grooves 43 in the front-to-back direction are all the same dimensions as the spacing of the pair of first cam pins 17.

[0031] A pair of connecting grooves 44 are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in the front-to-back direction. The connecting groove 44 extends linearly from the terminal end (lower end) of the first escape groove 43 to the rear (in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the two housings 12, 50). The starting end (front end) of the connecting groove 44 is the same as the terminal end of the first escape groove 43. Figure 7 As shown, a holding protrusion 47 is formed in the rear communication groove 44. The holding protrusion 47 protrudes downward from the upper surface of the upper and lower surfaces constituting the communication groove 44.

[0032] A pair of second guide grooves 45 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction and are arranged parallel to each other. The second guide groove 45 extends linearly from the terminal end (rear end) of the connecting groove 44 to the obliquely downward and rearward direction. The starting end (upper front end) of the second guide groove 45 is the same portion as the terminal end of the connecting groove 44. The pair of second guide grooves 45 are inclined with respect to both the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction. The length of the second guide groove 45 in the front-to-back direction is the same dimension as the length of the first guide groove 42 in the front-to-back direction. The dimension of the second guide groove 45 in the up-to-down direction is smaller than the dimension of the first guide groove 42 in the up-to-down direction. Figure 8 As shown, when the movable member 30 is viewed from the side, the inclination angle β of the second guide groove 45 based on the horizontal direction (front-rear direction) is smaller than the inclination angle α of the first guide groove 42 .

[0033] A pair of second retreat grooves 46 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction and arranged parallel to each other. The second retreat groove 46 extends downward from the terminal end (lower rear end) of the second guide groove 45. The starting end (upper end) of the second retreat groove 46 is the same part as the terminal end of the second guide groove 45. The dimension of the second retreat groove 46 in the up-down direction (a direction parallel to the fitting direction of the two shells 12, 50) is smaller than the dimension of the second guide groove 45 in the up-down direction, and is the same dimension as the dimension of the first retreat groove 43 in the up-down direction. The dimensions of the first retreat groove 43 and the second retreat groove 46 in the up-down direction are set to be larger than the assumed up-down displacement of the first base member 11 and the second base member 21.

[0034] The second housing 50 is formed by assembling a plurality of components, such as Figure 4 , 5 As shown, it has a housing body 51, a front plate portion 54 and a rear plate portion 55. A plurality of female second terminal parts (not shown) are accommodated inside the housing body 51. The wires (not shown) connected to the second terminal parts are led out to the bottom of the housing body 51. A guide hole 52 extending in the up-down direction is formed on the surface of the housing body 51 facing the first housing 12. A second tapered surface 52S expanding upward is formed on the opening edge of the guide hole 52.

[0035] A pair of second cam pins 53 in the form of cylindrical protrusions are formed on the left and right outer side surfaces of the housing body 51. On each outer side surface, the pair of second cam pins 53 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction and at the same height in the up-down direction. The interval between the pair of second cam pins 53 is the same size as the interval between the pair of first cam pins 17, the interval between the pair of second guide grooves 45 in the front-to-back direction, and the interval between the pair of second escape grooves 46 in the front-to-back direction.

[0036] The front plate portion 54 is in the shape of a flat plate with the plate thickness direction oriented in the front-to-back direction. The front plate portion 54 is formed so as to stand upward from the lower end portion of the front surface of the shell body 51. The rear plate portion 55 is in the shape of a flat plate with the plate thickness direction oriented in the front-to-back direction. The rear plate portion 55 is formed so as to stand upward from the lower end portion of the rear surface of the shell body 51. A connecting groove 56 is formed on the rear surface of the front plate portion 54 and extends in the left-right direction over the entire width of the front plate portion 54. Similar to the front plate portion 54, a connecting groove 56 is also formed on the rear surface of the rear plate portion 55 and extends in the left-right direction over the entire width of the rear plate portion 55. As shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, a pair of retaining recesses 57 are formed at the left and right ends of the connecting groove 56 formed in the front plate portion 54. A guide recess 58 is formed at the upper end of the rear surface of the front plate portion 54 in the form of a cutout from the upper end edge of the front plate portion 54 toward the connecting groove 56. Similar to the front plate portion 54, a guide recess 58 is formed at the upper end of the rear surface of the rear plate portion 55 in the form of a cutout from the upper end edge of the rear plate portion 55 toward the connecting groove 56.

[0037] Next, the assembly process and the mating process of the connector device are described. Before mating, the first connector 10 is on standby above the second connector 20. In the second connector 20, the second terminal part (not shown) is assembled on the second housing 50, the second housing 50 is assembled to the movable member 30, and the movable member 30 is assembled to the second base member 21. When the second housing 50 is assembled to the movable member 30, the second housing 50 is arranged above the movable member 30 so that the wire (not shown) led to the bottom of the second housing 50 passes through the mating space 33 of the movable member 30.

[0038] From this state, the second housing 50 is moved downward, and the four second cam pins 53 are respectively inserted into the four entry grooves 41. Then, while the second housing 50 is inserted into the fitting space 33, the four second cam pins 53 are sequentially slidably engaged with the first guide groove 42, the first escape groove 43, and the connecting groove 44. Figure 6 , 7 As shown, the second housing 50 moves to the start end of the second guide groove 45. During this period, the second housing 50 is relatively displaced obliquely downward and rearward with respect to the movable member 30.

[0039] When the four second cam pins 53 reach the start end of the second guide groove 45, Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the retaining recess 57 of the connecting groove 56 of the front plate portion 54 is engaged with the protrusion 39 of the elastic retaining piece 38. By this engagement, the second housing 50 is restricted from relative displacement to the rear and relative displacement to the downward direction relative to the movable member 30. That is, the second cam pin 53 cannot move to the terminal end side of the second guide groove 45. When the second cam pin 53 reaches the starting end of the second guide groove 45, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 4 , the second cam pin 53 on the rear side is locked to the retaining protrusion 47. By this locking, the second cam pin 53 cannot move to the first escape groove 43 side (the side opposite to the terminal end of the second guide groove 45). As described above, the second housing 50 is kept in a state where the relative displacement in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction relative to the movable member 30 is restricted when it is located at the starting end of the second guide groove 45. As described above, the assembly of the second housing 50 with respect to the movable member 30 is completed.

[0040] After the second housing 50 is assembled to the movable member 30, the movable member 30 is assembled to the second base member 21 from the rear. At this time, the lower end of the movable member 30 is inserted into the action space 22 while the groove 35 is engaged and slidably connected to the guide rail 23. Fig.13 As shown, when the locking protrusion 37 of the elastic locking piece 36 is engaged with the recessed portion 24 for the mating start position, the assembly of the movable member 30 relative to the second base member 21 is completed. In this state, the movable member 30 is held at the mating start position by the locking of the elastic locking piece 36 and the recessed portion 24 for the mating start position.

[0041] When the movable member 30 is held at the engagement start position, Fig.13 As shown, a gap required for absorbing the displacement in the left-right direction between the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 is ensured between the outer side surface of the side wall portion 32 of the movable member 30 and the inner surface of the guide rail 23. Similarly, when the movable member 30 is maintained at the mating start position, a gap required for absorbing the displacement in the two-dimensional direction (front-back direction and left-right direction) between the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 is ensured between the locking protrusion 37 and the mating start position recess 24. However, a gap for absorbing the displacement in the up-down direction between the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 is not ensured between the inner surface (upper and lower paired ribs 34) of the groove portion 35 of the second base member 21 and the upper and lower surfaces of the guide rail 23.

[0042] As described above, the second connector 20 is assembled and the second connector 20 is prepared for mating with the first connector 10. In addition, the movable member 30 can be assembled to the second base member 21 before the second housing 50 is assembled to the movable member 30.

[0043] After the preparations for the mating of the two connectors 10 and 20 are completed, the first base member 11 is lowered and approaches the second base member 21, so that the lower end of the guide pin 16 is embedded in the guide hole 52. At this time, when the first shell 12 and the second shell 50 are misaligned in the horizontal direction (front-to-back direction or left-to-right direction), the first tapered surface 16S and the second tapered surface 52S slide together, so that the second shell 50 and the movable member 30 are displaced in the front-to-back direction or left-to-right direction, and the misalignment of the two shells 12 and 50 is absorbed. Because a horizontal gap is ensured between the movable member 30 and the second base member 21, the second base member 21 does not move. When the first connector 10 is lowered while the guide pin 16 is embedded in the guide hole 52, the lower end of the first shell 12 is externally embedded in the upper end of the second shell 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the four first cam pins 17 enter the entry groove 41 and reach the starting end of the first guide groove 42 .

[0044] When the first cam pin 17 reaches the start end of the first guide groove 42, the release portion 18 of the first housing 12 abuts against the upper end of the elastic retaining piece 38. Fig.17 As shown, the elastic retaining piece 38 is elastically deformed in a manner of tilting outward in the left-right direction. When the elastic retaining piece 38 is elastically deformed, the protrusion 39 is disengaged from the retaining recess 57 of the second housing 50, so the second housing 50 can move relatively to the rear obliquely downward relative to the movable member 30.

[0045] When the first connector 10 is further lowered from this state, the first cam pin 17 moves downward in the first guide groove 42 and presses the inclined surface of the first guide groove 42, so that the movable member 30 is guided by the guide rail 23 and pushed forward. When the movable member 30 moves forward, the inclined surface of the second guide groove 45 presses the second cam pin 53 obliquely downward and forward. The second housing 50 is restricted from moving in the front-rear direction by fitting with the first housing 12, so the second housing 50 is pushed downward as the movable member 30 moves forward. That is, the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 move downward without relative displacement in the front-rear direction.

[0046] Here, the inclination angle α of the first guide groove 42 relative to the horizontal direction (moving direction of the movable member 30) is set to be larger than the inclination angle β of the second guide groove 45. Therefore, when the movable member 30 moves forward a certain distance, the distance that the first housing 12 moves downward (in the direction approaching the second housing 50 and the movable member 30) is larger than the distance that the second housing 50 moves downward (in the direction approaching the movable member 30). As a result, in the process of the first connector 10 approaching the second base member 21, the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 move downward, and at the same time, the first housing 12 approaches the second housing 50, and the two housings 12 and 50 are engaged.

[0047] When the two shells 12 and 50 reach the normal fitting state, Fig. 9 , 10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first cam pin 17 reaches the terminal end of the first guide groove 42 (the starting end of the first escape groove 43), and the second cam pin 53 reaches the terminal end of the second guide groove 45 (the starting end of the second escape groove 46). When the two housings 12 and 50 reach the normal mating state, the movable member 30 reaches the mating completion position. Fig.14 As shown, the movable member 30 is held at the mating completion position by the engagement of the engagement protrusion 37 of the elastic engagement piece 36 and the mating completion position recess 25 .

[0048] When the two shells 12 and 50 are properly engaged, the first base member 11 has not reached the proper assembly position relative to the second base member 21, so the first connector 10 is further lowered. During this period, the first cam pin 17 descends in the first retreat groove 43, and the second cam pin 53 descends in the second retreat groove 46, so that the misalignment of the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 in the up and down direction (a direction parallel to the engagement direction of the two shells 12 and 50) is absorbed. When the first base member 11 reaches the proper assembly position relative to the second base member 21, the lowering action of the first connector 10 is completed (refer to Fig.11 , 12 ).

[0049] Unlike the first embodiment, when the misalignment of the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 in the vertical direction (direction parallel to the mating direction) is to be absorbed during the mating of the first housing 12 and the second housing 50, the mating depth of the two housings 12 and 50 (the positional relationship of the two housings 12 and 50 in the mating direction) is deviated at the time point when the mating of the two housings 12 and 50 is completed. In contrast, in the connector device of the first embodiment, after the mating of the two housings 12 and 50 is completed, the misalignment of the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 is absorbed by moving the two housings 12 and 50 in the normal mating state as a whole. Therefore, the mating depth of the two housings 12 and 50 is stabilized.

[0050] When the two housings 12 and 50 are properly engaged, the front and rear connecting protrusions 19 of the first housing 12 and the front and rear connecting grooves 56 of the second housing 50 are engaged. When the two housings 12 and 50 in the properly engaged state are separated, the first connector 10 is moved upward. At the beginning of the movement, the second housing 50 and the first housing 12 are integrally raised by the locking of the connecting protrusions 19 and the connecting grooves 56. During this period, the first cam pin 17 moves in the first escape groove 43, and the second cam pin 53 moves in the second escape groove 46.

[0051] After the first cam pin 17 reaches the terminal end of the first guide groove 42 and the second cam pin 53 reaches the terminal end of the second guide groove 45, the first connector 10 is further raised. During the rising process of the first connector 10, due to the difference in the inclination angles of the first guide groove 42 and the second guide groove 45, the first cam pin 17 rises faster than the second cam pin 53, so the locking of the connecting protrusion 19 and the connecting groove 56 is released. When the locking of the connecting protrusion 19 and the connecting groove 56 is released, the connection between the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 is released, so only the first housing 12 rises, and the two housings 12 and 50 are separated.

[0052] The connector device of the present embodiment 1 has a first connector 10 and a second connector 20. The first connector 10 has a first base member 11 and a first shell 12 fixed to the first base member 11. The second connector 20 has a second base member 21 that is arranged to be relatively close to the first base member 11, a second shell 50, and a movable member 30. The second shell 50 can be relatively displaced relative to the second base member 21, and can be mated with the first shell 12 as the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 approach each other. The movable member 30 is assembled on the second base member 21, and can move between a mating start position and a mating completion position. The moving direction of the movable member 30 is a direction orthogonal to the mating direction of the first shell 12 and the second shell 50.

[0053] The movable member 30 is provided with guide portions (the first guide groove 42 and the second guide groove 45) extending in a direction oblique to the mating direction of the two housings 12 and 50. In the process of the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 approaching each other, the first guide groove 42 and the second guide groove 45 guide the movable member 30 in such a manner that the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 are mated with each other while moving the movable member 30 from the mating start position to the mating completion position. When the movable member 30 reaches the mating completion position, the mating of the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 is completed, and the two housings 12 and 50 in the mating completion state can be relatively displaced in a direction parallel to the mating direction relative to the second base member 21 as a whole.

[0054] According to the connector device of the first embodiment, in the process of bringing the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 close to each other, the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 are engaged through the first guide groove 42 and the second guide groove 45, during which the movable member 30 moves from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position. When the movable member 30 reaches the engagement completion position, the two housings 12 and 50 can be relatively displaced in the up and down direction parallel to the engagement direction relative to the second base member 21 while maintaining the engagement completion state as it is. Accompanying the relative displacement of the two housings 12 and 50 relative to the second base member 21, the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 are relatively displaced in the direction parallel to the engagement direction of the two housings 12 and 50. Thus, the misalignment of the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 can be absorbed in the direction parallel to the engagement direction of the two housings 12 and 50.

[0055] The movable member 30 has a guiding function for fitting the first housing 12 and the second housing 50, a first misalignment absorbing function, and a second misalignment absorbing function. The first misalignment absorbing function is a function for relatively displacing the second housing 50 in a two-dimensional direction (front-rear direction and left-right direction) relative to the second base member 21 when the second housing 50 is not fitted with the first housing 12. The second misalignment absorbing mechanism is a function for allowing the two housings 12 and 50 in the fitted state to be relatively displaced in the up-down direction relative to the second base member 21.

[0056] The movable member 30 has a guide portion for engaging the first housing 12 and the second housing 50. The guide portion includes a first guide groove 42, and during the engagement process of the two housings 12 and 50, the first cam pin 17 of the first housing 12 is slidably engaged with the first guide groove 42. The movable member 30 is formed with a first escape groove 43 that is connected to the terminal end of the first guide groove 42. When the movable member 30 reaches the engagement completion position, the first cam pin 17 can move relative to the movable member 30 in a direction parallel to the engagement direction by entering the first escape groove 43. According to this structure, in the process of bringing the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 closer, when the engagement of the two housings 12 and 50 is completed, the two housings 12 and 50 are then relatively displaced in the engagement direction relative to the second base member 21. Thus, the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 can be fitted together, and the displacement between the first base member 11 and the second base member 21 in the fitting direction can be absorbed in one operation.

[0057] The guide portion of the movable member 30 includes a second guide groove 45, and during the mating process of the two housings 12 and 50, the second cam pin 53 of the second housing 50 is slidably connected to the second guide groove 45. The movable member 30 is formed with a second escape groove 46 that is connected to the terminal portion of the second guide groove 45. When the movable member 30 reaches the mating completion position, the second cam pin 53 can move relative to the movable member 30 in a direction parallel to the mating direction by entering the second escape groove 46. Since the guide portion extends in a direction inclined to the mating direction, the second guide groove 45 included in the guide portion also extends in a direction inclined to the mating direction. Compared with the case where the second guide groove 45 is not provided and the second housing 50 is relatively displaced in a direction orthogonal to the mating direction relative to the second base member 21 during the mating process, the stroke in the mating direction during the mating process of the two housings 12 and 50 becomes longer. As a result, it is possible to avoid a sharp increase in the mating resistance between the two housings 12 and 50, so the workability is good.

[0058] A pair of first guide grooves 42 are provided at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (a direction parallel to the moving direction of the movable member 30). The first cam pins 17 are arranged at intervals equal to the interval between the pair of first guide grooves 42 in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the fitting direction. According to this structure, by making the pair of first cam pins 17 slide in contact with the pair of first guide grooves 42, the first housing 12 can be prevented from tilting relative to the movable member 30.

[0059] A pair of second guide grooves 45 are provided at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (a direction parallel to the moving direction of the movable member 30). The second cam pins 53 are arranged at intervals equal to the interval between the pair of second guide grooves 45 in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the fitting direction. According to this structure, by making the pair of second cam pins 53 slide on the pair of second guide grooves 45, the second housing 50 can be prevented from tilting relative to the movable member 30.

[0060] The terminal end of the first escape groove 43 and the starting end of the second guide groove 45 are connected via the connecting groove 44. According to this structure, when the second cam pin 53 is assembled to the second guide groove 45, the second cam pin 53 can be guided to the second guide groove 45 through the first guide groove 42, the first escape groove 43 and the connecting groove 44.

[0061] The movable member 30 is provided with a holding portion (elastic holding piece 38 and holding protrusion 47) for holding the second cam pin 53 at the beginning of the second guide groove 45. According to this structure, the second housing 50 is positioned relative to the movable member 30 by holding the second cam pin 53 at the beginning of the second guide groove 45 in advance, so that the fitting operation of the first housing 12 and the second housing 50 can be smoothly started.

[0062] The holding portion for holding the second cam pin 53 at the beginning of the second guide groove 45 includes an elastic holding piece 38. The elastic holding piece 38 is formed on the movable member 30, and performs a holding function by being locked to the front plate portion 54 of the second housing 50. The first housing 12 is provided with a release portion 18, and the release portion 18 releases the locking of the elastic holding piece 38 when the two housings 12 and 50 are started to be fitted. According to this structure, when the two housings 12 and 50 are started to be fitted, the holding of the elastic holding piece 38 is released by the release portion 18, and the second housing 50 can move relative to the movable member 30. Since there is no need for an operation just for releasing the holding of the elastic holding piece 38, the workability is good.

[0063] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, but is shown by the claims. The present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and protection scope equivalent to the claims, and also includes the following embodiments. In the first embodiment, the guide portion includes the first guide groove and the second guide groove, but the guide portion may include only the first guide groove, and the second housing may be relatively displaceable with respect to the movable member in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. In the first embodiment, a pair of first guide grooves are provided at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (a direction parallel to the moving direction of the movable member), but the number of first guide grooves may be only one or three or more. In the first embodiment, a pair of second guide grooves are provided at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (a direction parallel to the moving direction of the movable member), but the number of second guide grooves may be only one or three or more. In the first embodiment, the terminal end of the first escape groove and the starting end of the second guide groove communicate with each other via the communicating groove. However, the terminal end of the first escape groove and the starting end of the second guide groove may not communicate with each other. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the elastic holding piece is formed on the movable member, but the elastic holding piece may be formed on the second housing. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the second base member may be fixed to bring the first base member closer to the second base member, but the first base member may be fixed to bring the second base member closer to the first base member, or both the first base member and the second base member may be brought closer to each other. Description of Reference Numerals

[0064] 10: 1st connector 11: 1st base member 12: Shell No. 1 13: Terminal holding part 14: Hood 15: 1st terminal part 16: Guide pin 16S: 1st tapered surface 17: 1st cam pin 18: Lifting Department 19: Connecting protrusions 20: 2nd connector 21: Second base member 22: Action Space 23: Guide rail 24: Recessed portion for the mating start position 25: Recessed portion for fitting completion position 30: Movable components 31: Rear wall 32: Side wall 33: Chimeric Space 34: Rib 35: Groove 36: Elastic stopper 37: Locking protrusion 38: Elastic retaining piece (retaining portion) 39: Protrusion 41: Enter the slot 42: First guide groove (guide portion) 43: 1st retreat slot 44: Connecting slot 45: Second guide groove (guide portion) 46: Second retreat slot 47: Holding protrusion (holding portion) 50: Second shell 51: Shell body 52: Guide hole 52S: 2nd tapered surface 53: Second cam pin 54: Front panel 55: Rear panel 56: Link Slot 57: Keep the recess 58: Guide recess α: Inclination angle of the first guide groove β: Inclination angle of the second guide groove

Claims

1. A connector device comprising: The first base member; A first housing fixed to the first base member; a second base member, arranged to be relatively close to the first base member; a second housing capable of relative displacement with respect to the second base member and capable of being engaged with the first housing as the first base member and the second base member come close to each other; and The movable member is mounted on the second base member and can move between a mating start position and a mating completion position in a direction orthogonal to a mating direction of the first housing and the second housing, wherein: The movable member is provided with a guide portion extending in a direction inclined with respect to the fitting direction. During the process of the first base member and the second base member approaching each other, the guide portion guides the movable member so as to move from the mating start position to the mating completion position while the first housing and the second housing are mated with each other. When the movable member reaches the mating completion position, the mating of the first shell and the second shell is completed, and the first shell and the second shell in the mating completion state can be relatively displaced in a direction parallel to the mating direction relative to the second base member as a whole.

2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide portion includes a first guide groove, and during the engagement process between the first housing and the second housing, a first cam pin of the first housing is slidably engaged with the first guide groove. The movable member is formed with a first escape groove communicating with a terminal end of the first guide groove. When the movable member reaches the mating completion position, the first cam pin enters the first escape groove and is thereby relatively movable in a direction parallel to the mating direction with respect to the movable member.

3. The connector device according to claim 2, wherein: The guide portion includes a second guide groove, and during the engagement process between the first housing and the second housing, a second cam pin of the second housing is slidably engaged with the second guide groove. The movable member is formed with a second escape groove communicating with a terminal end of the second guide groove. When the movable member reaches the mating completion position, the second cam pin enters the second escape groove and is thereby movable relative to the movable member in a direction parallel to the mating direction.

4. The connector device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The first guide grooves are provided in a pair at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction. The first cam pins are arranged at an interval equal to an interval between the pair of first guide grooves in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction.

5. The connector device according to claim 3, wherein: The second guide grooves are provided in a pair at a distance from each other in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction. The second cam pins are arranged at an interval equal to the interval between the pair of second guide grooves in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction.

6. The connector device according to claim 3, wherein: The terminal end portion of the first escape groove communicates with the starting end portion of the second guide groove.

7. The connector device according to claim 3, wherein: The movable member is provided with a holding portion that holds the second cam pin at a starting end portion of the second guide groove.

8. The connector device according to claim 7, wherein: The holding portion includes an elastic holding piece, the elastic holding piece is formed on one of the second housing and the movable member, and performs a holding function by being locked to the other of the second housing and the movable member. The first housing is provided with a releasing portion for releasing the locking of the elastic holding piece when the first housing and the second housing start to be fitted together.

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