Connector

Abstract

The invention provides a connector which can restrain a fixing component from falling off. The connector includes a housing and a terminal housed in the housing. A fixing member for fixing to an object to be fixed can be attached to the housing. The housing includes a cover portion having a fitting portion into which the mating connector is fitted, and an extension portion extending from the cover portion in a mating opposite direction opposite to a mating direction with respect to the mating connector. The cover part (12) has a first upper surface. The extension portion has a second upper surface located at a position lower than the first upper surface in the height direction, and a locking protrusion protruding from the second upper surface, and the locking portion of the fixing member is locked to the locking protrusion in the direction opposite to the fitting direction. The cover portion has a covering surface capable of covering the side of the locking portion in the fitting direction, the locking portion being engaged with the engagement protrusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] For example, in the connector of Patent Document 1, a fixing member (a clamping member in Patent Document 1) for fixing to a fixed object such as a vehicle body is configured to be assembled into the connector housing. The connector housing has a cover portion, and a counterpart connector is fitted inside the cover portion. A locking protrusion is provided on the side of the cover portion, and a locking portion of the fixing member is locked into the locking protrusion. By locking the locking portion into the locking protrusion, the fixing member is assembled into the housing. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-33663 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In connectors like the one described above, for example, the locking part and the locking protrusion may be released because other parts around the connector are hooked onto the locking part of the fixing member, and as a result, the fixing member may fall off.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connector that can prevent the fixing components from falling off. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The connector of the present invention includes a housing and terminals housed in the housing. A fixing member for fixing to a fixed object can be assembled in the housing. The housing includes a cover and an extension. The cover has a fitting portion in which a counterpart connector is fitted. The extension extends from the cover in a first direction opposite to the fitting direction relative to the counterpart connector. The cover has a first upper surface. The extension has a second upper surface and a locking protrusion. The second upper surface is located at a position lower than the first upper surface in the height direction. The locking protrusion protrudes from the second upper surface. A locking portion of the fixing member is locked in the locking protrusion toward the first direction. The cover has a covering surface that can cover the side of the locking portion locked in the fitting direction of the locking portion. Invention Effects

[0007] The connector according to the present invention can prevent the fixing component from falling off. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a connector with a fixing member installed in one embodiment. Figure 2This is a perspective view of the connector and fixing components in this embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector in this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a top view of the connector in this embodiment. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Sectional view along line 5-5. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The 6-6 line section view. Detailed Implementation

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The connector of the present invention [1] The device includes a housing and terminals housed in the housing, wherein a fixing member for fixing to a fixed object can be assembled in the housing, the housing includes a cover and an extension, the cover has a fitting portion in which a counterpart connector is fitted, the extension extends from the cover in a first direction opposite to the fitting direction relative to the counterpart connector, the cover has a first upper surface, the extension has a second upper surface and a locking protrusion, the second upper surface is located at a position lower than the first upper surface in the height direction, the locking protrusion protrudes from the second upper surface, and the locking portion of the fixing member is locked in the locking protrusion toward the first direction, the cover has a covering surface that can cover the side of the locking portion locked in the fitting direction of the locking portion.

[0010] According to this structure, the locking portion of the fixing member can be configured such that the covering surface of the cover portion covers and engages with the locking protrusion. Thus, for example, by having a covering surface, the peripheral components of the connector can be prevented from hooking onto the locking portion of the fixing member and causing the locking portion to disengage from the locking protrusion, thereby preventing the fixing member from falling off.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the cover may also have a recessed portion, which is recessed into the first upper surface, and a portion of the locking portion enters the recessed portion. According to this structure, the locking part of the fixing member enters the recess of the cover, and the recess can further suppress interference from other parts to the locking part. Furthermore, the fixing member can be assembled to a position close to the cover where it engages with the other connector. Thus, by assembling the fixing member near the cover, the connector, with the other connector engaged, can be stably fixed to the fixed object.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], it is also possible that a connecting hole communicating with the fitting part is provided in the recess. According to this structure, when the fixing member is assembled in the housing, the locking part can be operated through the connecting hole from the fitting part of the cover to release the locking part and the locking protrusion.

[0013] [4] In any of [1] to [3] above, the extension may have a retaining portion that extends from the second upper surface to retain the fixing member, and the position of the upper end face of the retaining portion is set at a position that is flush with or lower than the first upper surface.

[0014] According to this structure, the extension including the retaining part can be miniaturized in the height direction. [5] In any of [1] to [4] above, the extension may have an assembly hole for a mounting retainer on the second upper surface, the retainer being used to fix the position of the terminal, and the fixing member being assembled to the housing in such a way as to cover a portion of the assembly hole.

[0015] According to this structure, by pressing the retainer assembled in the assembly hole with the fixing member, the movement of the retainer in the direction of exiting the assembly hole can be suppressed. [Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention] Specific examples of the connector of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for ease of description, sometimes a portion of the structure is shown enlarged or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various parts sometimes differ in the drawings. The terms "perpendicular" or "orthogonal" in this specification include not only cases where they are strictly perpendicular or orthogonal, but also cases where they are substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the extent that they serve their function and effect in this embodiment.

[0016] In this specification, "opposite" refers to a position where surfaces or components are directly opposite each other, including both completely opposite and partially opposite positions. Furthermore, "opposite" includes both cases where a component independent of the two parts is interposed between them and cases where nothing is interposed between them. Additionally, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this specification are only for distinguishing objects and do not constitute a ranking of the objects. This invention is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all variations within the meaning and scope of the claims, as shown by the claims.

[0017] (Structure of connector 10) like Figure 1As shown, the connector 10 of this embodiment includes a housing 11 that engages with the other connector C. The connector 10 is used, for example, in a vehicle. The housing 11 is fitted with a device for securing the connector 10 to a fixed object F (see reference 10). Figure 5 The fixing member 100 is, for example, a resin clamp. The fixing object F is, for example, a vehicle body panel.

[0018] (Structure of housing 11) The housing 11 has a cover 12 and an extension 13. The cover portion 12 has a fitting portion 14, in which the counterpart connector C is fitted. The cover portion 12 fits with the counterpart connector C in the fitting direction D1. That is, the fitting portion 14 opens in the fitting direction D1. Furthermore, in the following description, the direction opposite to the fitting direction D1 is designated as the reverse fitting direction D2. Also, in the following description, the direction towards the fitting direction D1 is sometimes designated as "front", and the direction towards the reverse fitting direction D2 is designated as "rear".

[0019] The cover portion 12 has a first upper surface 12a on the height direction D3 of the connector 10. The first upper surface 12a forms, for example, a plane perpendicular to the height direction D3. Furthermore, the height direction D3 is a direction orthogonal to the mating direction D1, the reverse mating direction D2, and the width direction D4 of the connector 10. Additionally, the width direction D4 is a direction orthogonal to the mating direction D1 and the reverse mating direction D2. Furthermore, the connector 10 is not necessarily assembled to the fixed object F in a position facing upwards in the height direction D3.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the extension 13 of the housing 11 extends from the cover 12 in the opposite direction D2 of the engagement. The dimensions of the extension 13 in the height direction D3 and the width direction D4 are smaller than those of the cover 12. The extension 13 has a second upper surface 13a in the height direction D3. The second upper surface 13a is, for example, formed as a plane perpendicular to the height direction D3. The second upper surface 13a is located lower than the first upper surface 12a of the cover 12 in the height direction D3. On the upper surface of the housing 11, a step portion 11a in the height direction D3 is provided between the cover 12 and the extension 13. A wire guide portion 15 is provided at the end of the extension 13 in the opposite direction D2 of the engagement.

[0021] like Figure 5 As shown, a terminal T is housed inside the housing 11. The terminal T is connected to the counterpart terminal (not shown) of the counterpart connector C, which engages with the mating portion 14 of the cover portion 12. A wire W is connected to the terminal T. The wire W extends from the wire guide portion 15 of the extension portion 13 in the opposite direction D2 of engagement to the outside of the housing 11.

[0022] also, Figure 5 It is to connect the connector 10 and the fixing member 100 along Figure 4 The sectional view cut off by the 5-5 section indicator line. Figure 6 It is to connect the connector 10 and the fixing member 100 along Figure 4 The sectional view is truncated by the section indicator line 6-6. Furthermore, in Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 For ease of explanation, the diagram of wire W is omitted.

[0023] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the extension 13 has a locking protrusion 16, a pair of first retaining portions 17, and a mounting hole 18 on its second upper surface 13a. The locking protrusion 16 protrudes from the second upper surface 13a in the height direction D3. The pair of first retaining portions 17 are in the shape of a track extending along the fitting direction D1. The pair of first retaining portions 17 are arranged opposite each other in the width direction D4. The position of the upper end face 17a of each first retaining portion 17 is, for example, set to be lower than the first upper surface 12a. The locking protrusion 16 is provided between the pair of first retaining portions 17. The mounting hole 18 is provided on the rear side of the pair of first retaining portions 17.

[0024] (Maintaining the structure of body 21) The connector 10 includes a retainer 21 that is fitted into the housing 11. The retainer 21 is fitted into the mounting hole 18 of the extension 13. The retainer 21 is a terminal position securing member for fixing the position of the terminal T within the housing 11. The retainer 21 is configured to be able to be in a temporary fixed position and a permanent fixed position (see reference). Figure 5 The device can move between these positions. In a temporary fixed position, terminal T can be inserted into housing 11. In the permanent fixed position, the retaining body 21 engages with terminal T inside housing 11, thus fixing the position of terminal T. Furthermore, Figure 2 and Figure 5 This shows the retainer 21 in its fixed position. Furthermore, the housing 11 of this embodiment has a spear-shaped portion 19 within the housing 11 (see reference). Figure 5 The spear-shaped portion 19 cooperates with the retainer 21 to fix the position of the terminal T.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the retainer 21 has a third upper surface 21a in the height direction D3. The third upper surface 21a is, for example, formed as a plane perpendicular to the height direction D3. When the retainer 21 is in the fixed position, the third upper surface 21a and the second upper surface 13a of the extension 13 are flush (i.e., on the same plane).

[0026] The retaining body 21 has a pair of second retaining portions 22 extending from the third upper surface 21a. The pair of second retaining portions 22 are arranged opposite each other in the width direction D4. The pair of second retaining portions 22 form a track shape extending along the fitting direction D1, similar to the pair of first retaining portions 17. When the retaining body 21 is in the fixed position, the pair of second retaining portions 22 are located behind the pair of first retaining portions 17. The second retaining portions 22 and the first retaining portions 17 arranged in the fitting direction D1 form a continuous track shape in the fitting direction D1. That is, by placing the retaining body 21 in the fixed position, a retaining track R is formed by the continuous first retaining portions 17 and second retaining portions 22 in the fitting direction D1.

[0027] (Structure of fixed component 100) like Figure 2 As shown, the fixing member 100 includes a fixing part 101 and a connecting part 102 provided at the lower part of the fixing part 101. The fixing part 101 is fixed to the fixing object F (see reference). Figure 6 The connecting part 102 is connected to the housing 11. Specifically, the connecting part 102 includes a pair of guided parts 111 that are guided by a pair of retaining rails R. When the guided parts 111 are inserted into the retaining rails R, the movement of the fixing member 100 in the height direction D3 is restricted by the retaining rails R.

[0028] like Figure 6 As shown, the connecting portion 102 has a locking portion 112 extending along the fitting direction D1. The locking portion 112 is a portion that can elastically deform in the up and down direction. A locking portion 113 is provided on the lower surface of the locking portion 112, and the locking portion 113 can lock onto the locking protrusion 16 of the extension portion 13 (housing 11). The locking portion 113 locks onto the locking protrusion 16 in the opposite fitting direction D2. As a result, the movement of the connecting portion 102 in the opposite fitting direction D2 is restricted, so that the fixing member 100 does not disengage from the housing 11 in the opposite fitting direction D2. When the fixing member 100 is assembled into the housing 11, the fixing member 100 covers the upper part of the center portion of the width direction D4 of both the mounting hole 18 and the retaining body 21.

[0029] (Structure of recess 31) like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the cover portion 12 of the housing 11 has a recess 31 recessed into the first upper surface 12a. When the fixing member 100 is assembled in the correct position where it engages with the locking protrusion 16, the top end portion 114 of the locking portion 112 in the engagement direction D1 (see reference) Figure 6The recess 31 is inserted into the inner surface of the recess 31. The inner surface of the recess 31 includes a covering surface 32 located on the mating direction D1 side relative to the locking protrusion 16. The covering surface 32 is, for example, a surface that faces downward orthogonally from the first upper surface 12a of the cover 12. When the fixing member 100 is assembled to the housing 11, the covering surface 32 faces the locking part 112 in the opposite mating direction D2. Furthermore, the covering surface 32 can either abut against the top end 114 of the locking part 112 or face the top end 114 of the locking part 112 with a gap between them. The covering surface 32 covers the mating direction D1 side of the locking part 112 that is locked to the locking protrusion 16. In addition, the recess 31 covers both sides of the top end 114 of the locking part 112 in the width direction D4. With the fixing member 100 assembled on the housing 11, the upper surface of the locking part 112 is located below the first upper surface 12a of the cover part 12 in the height direction D3.

[0030] A communicating hole 33 communicating with the fitting part 14 is provided in the recess 31. When the fixing member 100 is assembled with the housing 11, a part of the locking part 112 enters the interior of the fitting part 14 through the communicating hole 33. When the locking protrusion 16 and the locking part 112 are released, the other connector C is not engaged with the fitting part 14, and the locking part 112 can be operated through the communicating hole 33 using a jig (not shown) inserted into the fitting part 14. On the other hand, it is configured such that when the other connector C is engaged with the fitting part 14, the locking part 112 cannot be operated through the fitting part 14 and the communicating hole 33. Therefore, when the connector 10 is engaged with the other connector C, the locking part 112 and the locking protrusion 16 can be prevented from being accidentally released.

[0031] (The function of this implementation method) The function of this embodiment will be explained below. By positioning the retainer 21 in its fixed position, the retainer 21 engages with the terminal T within the housing 11, thus fixing the position of the terminal T. In the fixed position, the second retaining portion 22 of the retainer 21 and the first retaining portion 17 of the extension 13 form a retaining track R. Therefore, by positioning the retainer 21 in its fixed position, the connecting portion 102 of the fixing member 100 can be inserted into the retaining track R. That is, when the retainer 21 is in a temporary fixed position higher than the fixed position, the second retaining portion 22 is offset in the height direction D3 relative to the first retaining portion 17 and does not form the retaining track R, preventing the fixing member 100 from being assembled into the housing 11. Therefore, based on whether the fixing member 100 can be assembled, it is possible to detect whether the retainer 21 is assembled in its fixed position.

[0032] When the retainer 21 is in its fixed position and the connecting portion 102 of the fixing member 100 is inserted into the retaining track R in the fitting direction D1, the locking portion 113 of the locking portion 112 of the fixing member 100 engages with the locking protrusion 16 of the extension portion 13. Thus, the fixing member 100 is fixed to the housing 11. With the fixing member 100 assembled in the housing 11, the fixing member 100 is positioned above the retainer 21. Therefore, the fixing member 100 restricts the retainer 21 from moving upwards (to the temporary fixed position side) from its fixed position.

[0033] (Effects of this implementation method) The effects of this embodiment will be explained below. (1) The extension 13 of the housing 11 has a locking protrusion 16 that protrudes from the second upper surface 13a, and the locking portion 112 of the fixing member 100 is locked in the locking protrusion 16 in the opposite engagement direction D2. The cover 12 has a covering surface 32 that can cover the side of the locking portion 112 that is locked in the engagement direction D1. According to this structure, the covering surface 32 of the cover 12 can be configured to cover the locking portion 112 of the fixing member 100 that is locked in the locking protrusion 16. Thus, for example, by the cover 12 having the covering surface 32, it is possible to prevent the peripheral parts of the connector 10 from hooking onto the locking portion 112 of the fixing member 100 and causing the locking portion 112 to disengage from the locking protrusion 16, thereby preventing the fixing member 100 from falling off.

[0034] (2) The cover portion 12 has a recess 31 recessed in the first upper surface 12a, and a portion of the locking portion 112 enters the recess 31. According to this structure, by having the locking portion 112 of the fixing member 100 enter the recess 31 of the cover portion 12, interference from other components to the locking portion 112 can be further suppressed. Furthermore, the fixing member 100 can be fitted to a position close to the cover portion 12 where it engages with the other connector C. Thus, by fitting the fixing member 100 to a position close to the cover portion 12, the connector 10, which is engaged with the other connector C, can be stably fixed to the fixing object F.

[0035] (3) A connecting hole 33 communicating with the fitting part 14 is provided in the recess 31. According to this structure, when the fixing member 100 is assembled in the housing 11, the locking part 112 can be operated through the connecting hole 33 from the fitting part 14 of the cover part 12 to release the locking part 112 and the locking protrusion 16 from locking.

[0036] (4) The extension 13 has a first retaining portion 17, which extends from the second upper surface 13a and retains the fixing member 100. The upper end surface 17a of the first retaining portion 17 is positioned lower than the first upper surface 12a. According to this structure, the extension 13 including the first retaining portion 17 can be miniaturized in the height direction D3.

[0037] (5) The extension 13 has a mounting hole 18 for mounting a retainer 21 on its second upper surface 13a. The retainer 21 is used to fix the position of the terminal T. The fixing member 100 is mounted to the housing 11 in such a way that it covers a portion of the mounting hole 18. According to this structure, by pressing the retainer 21 mounted to the mounting hole 18 with the fixing member 100, movement of the retainer 21 in the direction of exiting the mounting hole 18 (height direction D3) can be suppressed.

[0038] (Other implementation methods) The above embodiments can be implemented in the following variations. The above embodiments and the following variations can be combined with each other within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0039] • In the above embodiment, the covering surface 32 is set as a surface orthogonal to the first upper surface 12a of the cover portion 12, but it is not limited to this, and it may also be set as a surface inclined relative to the first upper surface 12a. In the above embodiment, the upper end surface 17a of the first retaining portion 17 may also be configured to be flush with the first upper surface 12a of the cover portion 12. Alternatively, the upper end surface 17a of the first retaining portion 17 may be positioned higher than the first upper surface 12a of the cover portion 12.

[0040] • In the housing 11 of the above embodiment, the communicating hole 33 may be omitted from the recess 31. Additionally, in the housing 11 of the above embodiment, the recess 31 may also be omitted. When the recess 31 is omitted, the step portion 11a between the cover portion 12 and the extension portion 13 may have a covering surface located on the fitting direction D1 side relative to the locking protrusion 16.

[0041] • In the connector 10 of the above embodiment, structures related to the retainer 21, such as the retainer 21 and the mounting hole 18, may be omitted. • The fixing member 100 may also be a component other than a resin clamp.

[0042] • The fixing object F for fixing the connector 10 can also be a part other than the vehicle body panel. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the invention is not limited to these illustratives. That is, the scope of the invention is indicated by the claims and is intended to include all modifications equivalent to and within the scope of the claims. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0043] 10 Connectors 11. Shell 11a Step section 12 Cover section 12a First upper surface 13 Extension 13a Second upper surface 14 Chimeric part 15. Cable Outlet Section 16. Locking protrusion 17. First Maintenance Section (Main Maintenance Section) 17a Upper end face of the first retaining part 18 Assembly holes 19 Spear-shaped part 21. Maintain body 21a Third upper surface 22. Second Maintenance Section 31 recess 32 Covering surfaces 33 Connecting holes 100 Fixed components 101 Fixing Part 102 Connecting Section 111 Guided Department 112 Locking Unit 113 Locking part 114 Top part of the locking part C. Partner connector D1 fitting direction D2 Interlocking in the opposite direction (direction 1) D3 height direction D4 Width Direction F Fixed Object R Keep track T-terminal W wire

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a housing; and a terminal housed in the housing, the housing is fitted with a fixing member for fixing to a fixed object, the housing comprises a cover portion and an extension portion, the cover portion has a fitting portion into which an opposite connector is fitted, the extension portion extends from the cover portion in a first direction opposite to a fitting direction with respect to the opposite connector, the cover portion has a first upper surface, the extension portion has a second upper surface and a locking protrusion, the second upper surface is located at a lower position in a height direction than the first upper surface, the locking protrusion protrudes from the second upper surface, and a locking portion of the fixing member is locked to the locking protrusion in the first direction, the cover portion has a covering surface that can cover a side of the locking portion locked to the locking protrusion in the fitting direction.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the cover portion has a recessed portion recessed in the first upper surface, and a portion of the locking portion enters the recessed portion.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein a communication hole that communicates with the fitting portion is provided in the recessed portion.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the extension portion has a holding portion that extends from the second upper surface and holds the fixing member, an upper end surface of the holding portion is located at a position flush with or lower than the first upper surface.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the extension portion has a fitting hole that fits a holding body for fixing a position of the terminal in the second upper surface, the fixing member is fitted to the housing in a manner that covers a portion of the fitting hole.

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