Panel mount connector

Abstract

The present application provides a panel mounting connector capable of suppressing a shake with a panel by a simple structure. The panel mounting connector is provided with: a temporary holding mechanism that temporarily holds a first connector holding body to a hole portion of a panel before the second connector holding body and the first connector holding body are fitted; a release mechanism that releases the temporary holding mechanism during fitting of the second connector holding body and the first connector holding body; and a formal locking mechanism that formally locks the second connector holding body fitted with the first connector holding body to the hole portion of the panel. The temporary holding mechanism has a first shake suppression portion that suppresses a shake at a gap between the first connector holding body temporarily held to the hole portion of the panel and the hole portion. The formal locking mechanism has a second shake suppression portion that suppresses a shake at a gap between the second connector holding body formally locked to the hole portion of the panel and the hole portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to panel mounting connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a connector comprising a first connector housing and a second connector housing is known. The first connector housing, when passing through a hole in a panel, is held in place by a locking arm that can elastically deform, engaging the hole. The second connector housing, when engaged with the first connector housing, releases the locking arm and engages with the panel in place of the first connector housing. The first connector housing is in a standby state, held in the hole in the panel by the locking arm, before engaging with the second connector housing.

[0003] When the first connector housing is inserted into and locked in the hole of the panel, a predetermined amount of play will occur between the first connector housing and the hole of the panel. This is because, after the first connector housing is installed into the hole of the panel, the locking arm of the first connector housing is checked to ensure that it is properly locked in the hole of the panel by pulling the first connector housing in the opposite direction to the insertion direction into the panel.

[0004] However, the first connector housing is not necessarily pulled straight in the opposite direction to the insertion direction; for example, it may sometimes be pulled at an angle in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. In this case, if the angled pulling force is large, a large deformation load is applied to the locking arm in the direction intersecting the elastic deformation direction, thus generating torsional stress in the locking arm. Therefore, the locking arm may deform or be damaged. Assuming that the locking arm deforms or is damaged, the amount of wobble between the first connector housing and the hole in the panel increases. Therefore, in order to stably hold the first connector housing to the panel, deformation or damage to the locking arm must be suppressed.

[0005] Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a displacement limiting mechanism (specifically a rib) is provided near the locking arm in the first connector housing. This displacement limiting mechanism restricts the locking arm from shifting in a direction intersecting the direction of its elastic deformation. Thus, by strongly pulling the first connector housing in the tilting direction, even if an excessive load is applied to the locking arm in the direction intersecting the elastic deformation direction, the deformation caused by this load is limited by the rib, thereby suppressing excessive torsional deformation of the locking arm. Consequently, deformation or damage to the locking arm is less likely to occur. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4949936 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, in order to minimize the wobble between the hole in the first connector housing and the panel, an excessive deformation of the locking arm is suppressed by a structure in which the locking arm directly abuts against the rib. Therefore, in the case of Patent Document 1, a new rib needs to be provided in the first connector housing, and this rib needs to be large enough to withstand direct contact with the locking arm. Therefore, space is required to configure a rib of a certain size, thus hindering the simplification of the structure of the first connector housing.

[0008] Furthermore, it is required that the wobble between the second connector housing and the hole in the panel be minimized even when the second connector housing is engaged with the hole. Since the second connector housing being engaged with the panel represents the completed installation of the connector onto the panel, maintaining a stable position in this state is crucial for improving reliability. In this case, similar to the first connector housing, it is necessary to minimize wobble through a simple structure.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a panel mounting connector that can suppress wobble between the connector and the panel through a simple structure. Solution for solving the problem

[0010] A panel mount connector for solving the aforementioned problem is used to mount a second connector, on which a first connector is fitted, to a hole in a panel. The panel mount connector includes: a temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding the first connector retainer in the hole of the panel before the second connector retainer of the second connector is fitted with the first connector retainer of the first connector; a release mechanism for releasing the temporary holding mechanism during the fitting of the second connector retainer with the first connector retainer; and a final locking mechanism for engaging the second connector retainer with the temporary holding mechanism. The first connector retainer, which has been released, moves together toward the final locking position, thereby permanently locking the second connector retainer in the hole of the panel. The temporary holding mechanism has a first wobbling suppression part, which is located in the gap between the first connector retainer temporarily held in the hole of the panel and the hole to suppress wobbling. The final locking mechanism has a second wobbling suppression part, which is located in the gap between the second connector retainer permanently locked in the hole of the panel and the hole to suppress wobbling. Invention Effects

[0011] This invention can suppress the wobble between the panel mounting connector and the panel through a simple structure. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a panel-mounted connector in a temporary holding state according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the panel mount connector in its officially locked position. Figure 3 In the figure, (a) is a perspective view of the temporary holding mechanism in the state where the protrusion is not pressed, and (b) is a perspective view of the temporary holding mechanism in the state where the protrusion is pressed. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the panel-mounted connector viewed from one direction. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the panel-mounted connector, viewed from another direction. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the cam mechanism. Figure 7 Figures (a) to (c) are illustrative diagrams showing the state transition when the second connector retainer is fully engaged with the first connector retainer by lever operation. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the shape of the inner side of the second connector retainer. Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the shape of the outer side of the second connector retainer. Figure 10 Figures (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the action flow of the release mechanism. Figure 11 In the figure, (a) is a front view of the formal locking mechanism with the formal locking protrusion not pressed, and (b) is a front view of the formal locking mechanism with the formal locking protrusion pressed. Figure 12 Figures (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the state transition of the formal locking protrusion of the formal locking mechanism when it is locked onto the panel. Figure 13 In the diagram, (a) to (c) are the function diagrams of the first sway suppression unit. Figure 14 This is a side view showing the first connector retainer in a temporary holding state being pulled by the wire assembly. Figure 15 In the diagram, (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the function of the second sway suppression unit. Detailed Implementation

[0013] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. [1] The panel mounting connector of the present invention is used to mount a second connector, on which a first connector is fitted, to a hole in a panel, wherein the panel mounting connector comprises: a temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding the first connector retainer in the hole of the panel before the second connector retainer of the second connector is fitted with the first connector retainer of the first connector; a release mechanism for releasing the temporary holding mechanism during the fitting of the second connector retainer with the first connector retainer; and a final locking mechanism for engaging the second connector retainer with the temporary holding mechanism. The first connector retainer, which has been released, moves together toward the final locking position, thereby permanently locking the second connector retainer in the hole of the panel. The temporary holding mechanism has a first wobbling suppression part, which is located in the gap between the first connector retainer temporarily held in the hole of the panel and the hole to suppress wobbling. The final locking mechanism has a second wobbling suppression part, which is located in the gap between the second connector retainer permanently locked in the hole of the panel and the hole to suppress wobbling.

[0014] According to this structure, only a first wobble suppression part, shaped to fill the gap between the first connector holder temporarily held in the hole of the panel and the hole of the panel, needs to be provided. Therefore, wobble between the first connector holder and the hole of the panel can be suppressed by the simple-shaped first wobble suppression part. Thus, the structure of the first connector holder can be simplified. Furthermore, only a second wobble suppression part, shaped to fill the gap between the second connector holder, which is permanently locked in the hole of the panel, and the hole of the panel, needs to be provided. Therefore, wobble between the second connector holder and the hole of the panel can be suppressed by the simple-shaped second wobble suppression part. Thus, the structure of the second connector holder can also be simplified.

[0015] [2] In [1] above, the panel-mounted connector includes: a lever disposed on the second connector holder in such a way that it can be operated from an initial position to a mating position; and a cam mechanism, wherein, during the operation of the lever from the initial position to the mating position, the cam mechanism changes the operation direction of the lever to the mating direction of the second connector holder, thereby causing the second connector holder to fully mat with the first connector holder, and during the operation of the lever to the mating position causing the second connector holder to fully mat with the first connector holder, the release mechanism releases the temporary holding mechanism. According to this structure, the temporary holding mechanism can be released in conjunction with the fully mating action of the first and second connector holders based on lever operation. Therefore, compared to performing the above operation through other operations, workability is improved.

[0016] [3] In [1] or [2] above, the first wobbling suppression part has: a temporary holding guide slope that guides the insertion of the first connector retainer into the hole and temporarily holds it in the panel; and a temporary holding contact plane that, when the first connector retainer is temporarily held in the hole of the panel, suppresses wobbling between the hole and the first connector retainer by contacting the inner surface of the hole. According to this structure, when the first connector retainer is inserted into the hole of the panel, the insertion is guided by the temporary holding guide slope of the first wobbling suppression part, so the first connector retainer can be smoothly installed in the panel. In addition, the first connector retainer temporarily held in the hole of the panel is supported by the temporary holding contact plane of the first wobbling suppression part, so it is held in the hole by a stable holding force based on the plane. Therefore, with such a simple shape as the plane, it is not easy for wobbling to occur between the first connector retainer and the hole of the panel.

[0017] [4] In [3] above, the temporary holding mechanism has a temporarily deformable temporary holding protrusion that engages with the hole in the panel using elastic force, thereby temporarily holding the first connector retainer in the hole. The first wobbling suppression portion is formed on both sides of the temporary holding protrusion. According to this structure, because the first wobbling suppression portion is provided on both sides of the temporary holding protrusion, the stability of the first connector retainer temporarily held in the hole in the panel is improved. Therefore, it further helps to suppress the wobbling of the first connector retainer relative to the panel.

[0018] [5] In [4] above, the first connector retainer has a cover portion, the outer surface of which contacts the hole portion of the panel, and the second connector retainer is housed inside the cover portion. The temporary retaining protrusion and the first wobbling suppression portion are disposed on opposite walls located at the opening of the cover portion. According to this structure, when the first connector retainer is temporarily held in the hole portion of the panel, temporary retaining protrusions are disposed on both sides when viewed from the insertion direction of the first connector retainer toward the panel. Therefore, the first connector retainer can be held evenly on the panel. Similarly, since the first wobbling suppression portion is also disposed on both sides, wobbling can also be evenly suppressed. Therefore, it further helps to suppress the wobbling of the first connector retainer relative to the panel.

[0019] [6] In any of [1] to [5] above, the second wobbling suppression part has: a formal locking guide slope, which guides the insertion of the second connector retainer into the hole when the second connector retainer, which is fitted with the first connector retainer, is inserted into the hole and formally locked onto the panel; and a formal locking contact plane, which suppresses wobbling between the hole and the second connector retainer by contacting the inner surface of the hole when the second connector retainer is formally locked onto the hole of the panel. According to this structure, when the second connector retainer, which is fitted with the first connector retainer, is inserted into the hole of the panel, the formal locking guide slope of the second wobbling suppression part guides the insertion, so the second connector retainer can be smoothly installed onto the panel. In addition, the second connector retainer, which is formally locked onto the hole of the panel, is supported by the formal locking contact plane of the second wobbling suppression part, so it is held in the hole by a stable holding force based on the plane. Therefore, the simple shape of the plane makes it less likely for the second connector to wobble between the body and the hole in the panel.

[0020] [7] In [6] above, the formal locking mechanism has a formal locking protrusion that can elastically deform. The formal locking protrusion engages with the hole in the panel using elastic force, thereby formally locking the second connector retainer in the hole. The second wobbling suppression portion is formed on both sides of the formal locking protrusion. According to this structure, because the second wobbling suppression portion is provided on both sides of the formal locking protrusion, the stability of the second connector retainer that is formally locked in the hole in the panel is improved. Therefore, it further helps to suppress the wobbling of the second connector retainer relative to the panel.

[0021] [Details of embodiments of the present invention] Specific examples of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown through the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the drawings, for ease of description, sometimes portions of the structure are shown enlarged or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various parts may sometimes differ from the actual values.

[0022] (Panel Mount Connector 1) like Figure 1As shown, the panel mount connector 1 includes: a first connector 2 having one or more terminals (not shown); and a second connector 3 having terminals (not shown) electrically connected to the terminals of the first connector 2. The mounting surface of the assembly formed by the mating of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 is a plate-shaped panel 4. The assembly formed by the mating of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 is inserted into a hole 5 in the panel 4. The panel mount connector 1 is used, for example, in a vehicle.

[0023] One of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 is a male connector, and the other is a female connector. In this example, the first connector 2 is a male connector, and the second connector 3 is a female connector. The first connector 2 has a sub-connector with terminals installed inside the hollow first connector holder 6 (not shown). The second connector 3 has a sub-connector with terminals installed inside the hollow second connector holder 7 (not shown). The panel 4 is a component that separates the inside and outside of the vehicle, such as a door panel.

[0024] (Temporarily maintaining agency 9) like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the panel mounting connector 1 includes a temporary holding mechanism 9, which temporarily holds the first connector retainer 6 of the first connector 2 in the hole 5 of the panel 4. The temporary holding mechanism 9 temporarily holds the first connector retainer 6 in the hole 5 of the panel 4 before the second connector retainer 7 engages with the first connector retainer 6. When the second connector 3 engages with the first connector 2 temporarily held in the panel 4 ( Figure 1 If they are fully engaged, the temporary hold is released, and the first connector 2 can move together with the second connector 3 in the depth direction (in the state of...). Figure 1 They move in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, as they move in the depth direction, the second connector 3 replaces the first connector 2 and is fixed to the panel 4. Figure 2 (State). Thus, in this example, panel mounting connector 1 is used to install the second connector 3, which is fitted with the first connector 2, into the hole 5 of the panel 4.

[0025] like Figure 3As shown in Figures (a) and (b), the temporary holding mechanism 9 has a temporary holding protrusion 10, which is elastically deformable to engage with the hole 5 of the panel 4. The temporary holding protrusion 10, used to prevent the first connector retainer 6 from detaching from the panel 4, is formed with a protruding shape at the tip of an elastically deformable arm fixed at its base. The temporary holding protrusion 10 is formed, for example, in a generally U-shaped base 12 that elastically deforms with its base end as the center, at the tip of the cover 11 of the first connector retainer 6. The temporary holding protrusion 10 temporarily holds the first connector retainer 6 in the hole 5 by engaging with it using elastic force.

[0026] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first connector retainer 6 is, for example, formed as a generally cuboid shape with a straight long side and a generally arc-shaped short side. The first connector retainer 6 has a cover portion 11 that engages with the second connector retainer 7. The cover portion 11 has a pair of opposing walls 13, 14 on the straight long side of the first connector retainer 6.

[0027] Temporary retaining protrusions 10 are respectively disposed on opposing walls 13 and 14 located at the top of the cover portion 11. In this example, two temporary retaining protrusions 10 are formed on each of the opposing walls 13 and 14. A flange 15 is formed circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 11, and the flange 15 limits the insertion depth of the first connector retainer 6 when it is inserted into the hole portion 5. After the first connector retainer 6 is temporarily held on the panel 4 by the temporary retaining protrusions 10, even if the first connector retainer 6 is further inserted, the interference between the flange 15 and the panel 4 limits further insertion of the first connector retainer 6.

[0028] (Connector fully engaged) like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown in Figures (a) to (c), the panel mount connector 1 includes a lever 17, which, when operated, allows the first connector retainer 6 and the second connector retainer 7 to fully engage. The lever 17 has a pair of opposing arms 18 and a head 19 connecting the base ends of the pair of arms 18. The pair of arms 18 are movably housed in a lever storage portion 20 (in...). Figure 6 (Only one side is shown in the figure), the rod storage part 20 is formed on both sides of the second connector retainer 7.

[0029] like Figure 7 As shown in Figures (a) to (c), rod 17 can be moved from its initial position ( Figure 7 The state of (a) diagram) is operated to the interlocking position ( Figure 7The first connector retainer 6 and the second connector retainer 7 are positioned in the manner shown in Figure (c). The initial position is the position of lever 17 before configuration operation. The engaged position is the position where the first connector retainer 6 and the second connector retainer 7 are fully engaged when lever 17 is operated from the initial position to this position. Lever 17 is a so-called sliding lever that is linearly operated along the length direction of lever 17.

[0030] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the rod 17 has a pair of rod protrusions 22, which are elastically deformable by forming slits 21 in each arm 18. Figure 8 As shown, the second connector retainer 7 has: a pair of first recesses 23, in which the rod protrusion 22 engages with the pair of first recesses 23 when the rod 17 is in the initial position; and a pair of second recesses 24, in which the rod protrusion 22 engages with the pair of second recesses 24 when the rod 17 is in the engaged position. By selectively engaging the rod protrusion 22 with either the first recess 23 or the second recess 24, the rod 17 is held in either the initial position or the engaged position.

[0031] like Figure 6 As shown, the panel mounting connector 1 includes a cam mechanism 26, which changes the operating direction of the lever 17 to an engagement direction that causes the second connector retainer 7 to engage with the first connector retainer 6. The cam mechanism 26 has: cam grooves 27 formed on the sides of each arm 18 of the lever 17; and cam pins 28 formed on the inner surface of the first connector retainer 6 and engaging with the cam grooves 27. Two cam grooves 27 are formed on each arm 18. The cam grooves 27 are, for example, formed in the insertion direction of the lever 17 (…). Figure 6 The path is formed in an inclined manner on the X-axis direction, close to the first connector retainer 6.

[0032] The cam pin 28 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape so as to slide on the inner surface of the cam groove 27. The cam pin 28 is disposed, for example, on the inner surface of the opposing walls 13, 14 that constitute the cover portion 11 of the first connector retainer 6. Two cam pins 28 are formed on the inner surface of each of the opposing walls 13, 14 in pairs with the plurality of cam grooves 27.

[0033] like Figure 9 As shown, a window 29 is formed in the second connector retainer 7, which exposes the cam groove 27 of the arm portion 18 housed in the rod receiving portion 20 to the outside, allowing the cam pin 28 of the first connector retainer 6 to be inserted. Two windows 29 are formed on each side wall of the second connector retainer 7, thus pairing with the plurality of cam grooves 27.

[0034] like Figure 7As shown in Figures (a) and (b), when lever 17 is pressed in from its initial position, the cam pin 28 slides via the cam groove 27, thereby changing the downward movement of lever 17 towards the front-rear direction of the second connector retainer 7. Thus, during the process of lever 17 being moved from its initial position to the engaged position, the second connector retainer 7 engages more deeply with the first connector retainer 6. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown in Figure (c), when the rod 17 is pressed into the engagement position, the second connector retainer 7 is fully engaged with the first connector retainer 6.

[0035] (Agency 31 terminated) like Figure 10 As shown in Figures (a) and (b), the panel mount connector 1 has a release mechanism 31 that releases the temporary holding mechanism 9 during the engagement of the second connector retainer 7 and the first connector retainer 6. Multiple release mechanisms 31 are formed in pairs with the temporary holding mechanisms 9 (four in this example). Figure 10 Only one is shown in the figure. The release mechanism 31 has an insertion direction toward the second connector retainer 7. Figure 10 A release tab 32 protrudes in the X-axis direction. Protrusions 34 for alignment are formed on both sides of the release tab 32, and the protrusions 34 are inserted into the first connector retainer 6.

[0036] like Figure 10 As shown in Figure (a), with lever 17 in its initial position, release tab 32 disengages from temporary holding mechanism 9. Therefore, the temporary holding protrusion 10 can be maintained in a temporary holding state where it is engaged with the hole 5 in panel 4. Figure 10 As shown in Figure (b), when the lever 17 is pressed into the engaged position and the second connector retainer 7 is fully engaged with the first connector retainer 6, the release tab 32 presses into the temporary retaining protrusion 10 of the temporary retaining mechanism 9 from the front. As a result, the temporary retaining protrusion 10 is located inside the hole 5, thus releasing the locking between the hole 5 and the temporary retaining protrusion 10, and therefore releasing the temporary retaining state of the first connector retainer 6. Furthermore, by continuing to press the release tab 32 into the temporary retaining protrusion 10, the temporarily retained released state of the first connector retainer 6 can be maintained. Thus, during the process of the second connector retainer 7 being fully engaged with the first connector retainer 6 in the front-rear direction by moving the lever 17 to the engaged position, the release mechanism 31 releases the temporary retaining mechanism 9.

[0037] (Formal card-blocking agency 36) like Figure 11As shown in Figures (a) and (b), the panel mounting connector 1 has a formal locking mechanism 36, which formally locks the second connector retainer 7, which is fitted with the first connector retainer 6, onto the panel 4. Multiple formal locking mechanisms 36 are formed in pairs with temporary retaining mechanisms 9 (four in this example). Figure 11 (Only one is shown in the figure). The formal locking mechanism 36 has a formal locking protrusion 37, which is formed to be elastically deformable to lock into the hole 5 of the panel 4. The formal locking protrusion 37 prevents the second connector retainer 7 from falling off the panel 4, and is formed as a protruding shape of an elastically deformable arm fixed at the base end. Specifically, the formal locking protrusion 37 has a generally plate-shaped movable portion 38 that elastically deforms around the base end and a claw portion 39 integrally formed with the movable portion 38. In this way, the formal locking protrusion 37 is formed to engage with the panel 4 by elastic force.

[0038] like Figure 12 As shown in Figure (a), when the second connector retainer 7 is pulled closer to the first connector retainer 6 and fully engaged by the operation of lever 17 towards the engagement position, the second connector retainer 7 is in the pre-locking position before the formal locking mechanism 36 leaves the panel 4. Figure 12 As shown in Figure (b), when the second connector retainer 7 in its pre-locking position is pressed inward by the operator, the claw 39 of the pre-locking mechanism 36 begins to enter the interior of the hole 5 in the panel 4. Furthermore, as... Figure 12 As shown in Figure (c), when the second connector retainer 7 is pressed to its deepest point, the claw 39 of the formal locking mechanism 36 locks onto the panel 4.

[0039] When the claw portion 39 of the movable part 38 is engaged with the panel 4, the second connector retainer 7 is formally engaged with the panel 4 instead of the first connector retainer 6, which is temporarily held in the panel 4. In this way, the formal engaging mechanism 36 moves the second connector retainer 7 together with the first connector retainer 6, whose temporary holding has been released, from the pre-formal engaging position to the formal engaging position, thereby formally engaging the second connector retainer 7 with the hole portion 5 of the panel 4.

[0040] A flange 40 is formed circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the second connector retainer 7. The flange 40 limits the insertion depth of the second connector retainer 7 when it is inserted into the hole 5. After the second connector retainer 7 is formally locked onto the panel 4 by the claw 39 of the movable part 38, even if the second connector retainer 7 is further inserted, the interference between the flange 40 and the panel 4 limits further insertion of the second connector retainer 7.

[0041] (First sway suppression part 42) like Figure 1 , Figure 3As shown in Figures (a) and (b), the temporary holding mechanism 9 has a first wobbling suppression part 42, which suppresses wobbling by being located in the gap between the first connector retainer 6 and the hole 5 temporarily held in the panel 4. The first wobbling suppression part 42 is respectively disposed on the opposing walls 13 and 14 of the opening of the cover 11 of the first connector retainer 6.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown in Figures (a) and (b), the first wobbling suppression portion 42 is disposed near the temporary retaining protrusion 10. Specifically, the first wobbling suppression portion 42 is formed on both sides of the temporary retaining protrusion 10. The first wobbling suppression portion 42 is shaped to extend from the flange 15 of the first connector retainer 6 toward the top end of the cover portion 11. The first wobbling suppression portion 42 is shaped to be disposed at a position higher than the surface of the base 12 supporting the temporary retaining protrusion 10.

[0043] The first wobbling suppression part 42 has a temporary holding guide slope 43 and a temporary holding contact plane 44. When the first connector retainer 6 is inserted into the hole 5 and temporarily held on the panel 4, the temporary holding guide slope 43 guides the insertion of the first connector retainer 6 into the hole 5. The temporary holding guide slope 43 is formed in a shape that descends linearly from the temporary holding contact plane 44 toward the top of the cover 11.

[0044] When the first connector retainer 6 is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4, the temporary holding contact plane 44 suppresses the wobble between the first connector retainer 6 and the hole 5 by contacting the inner surface of the hole 5. The temporary holding contact plane 44 is disposed, for example, between the flange 15 and the temporary holding guide slope 43, and its entire surface is planar.

[0045] (Second sway suppression part 45) like Figure 11 As shown in Figures (a) and (b), the locking mechanism 36 has a second wobbling suppression portion 45, which is located in the gap between the second connector retainer 7 and the hole 5 of the panel 4 to suppress wobbling. The second wobbling suppression portion 45 is formed on the side of the second connector retainer 7. The second wobbling suppression portion 45 is disposed near the locking protrusion 37. Specifically, the second wobbling suppression portion 45 is formed on both sides separated by the locking protrusion 37. The second wobbling suppression portion 45 is shaped to extend from the flange 40 of the second connector retainer 7 toward the top of the second connector retainer 7. The second wobbling suppression portion 45 is shaped to be disposed at a position higher than the outer wall surface of the second connector retainer 7.

[0046] The second wobbling suppression part 45 has a formal locking guide slope 46 and a formal locking contact plane 47. When the second connector retainer 7, which engages with the first connector retainer 6, is inserted into the hole 5 and formally locked onto the panel 4, the formal locking guide slope 46 guides the insertion of the second connector retainer 7 into the hole 5. The formal locking guide slope 46 is formed in a shape that descends linearly from the formal locking contact plane 47 toward the top of the second connector retainer 7.

[0047] When the second connector retainer 7 is properly engaged in the hole 5 of the panel 4, the proper engagement contact plane 47 contacts the inner surface of the hole 5, thereby suppressing the wobble between the second connector retainer 7 and the hole 5. The proper engagement contact plane 47 is disposed between the flange 40 and the proper engagement guide slope 46, and its entire surface is planar.

[0048] [The Role of the Implementation Method] Next, the function of the panel mounting connector 1 in this embodiment will be explained. (Mounting of connector 2 to panel 4) like Figure 13 As shown in Figure (a), when mounting the panel mounting connector 1 to the panel 4, firstly, the cover portion 11 of the first connector retainer 6 is inserted into the hole portion 5 of the panel 4. At this time, because the insertion is guided by the temporary retaining guide ramp 43 of the first wobbling suppression portion 42, the first connector retainer 6 can be smoothly inserted into the hole portion 5.

[0049] like Figure 13 As shown in Figure (b), when the temporary retaining protrusion 10 reaches the hole 5 of the panel 4 midway through the insertion of the cover 11 of the first connector retainer 6 into the hole 5 of the panel 4, the temporary retaining protrusion 10 is pressed and elastically deformed by the edge of the hole 5. Thus, the insertion of the cover 11 of the first connector retainer 6 continues unaffected by the temporary retaining protrusion 10.

[0050] like Figure 13 As shown in Figure (c), when the temporary retaining protrusion 10 passes over the panel 4 during the insertion of the cover 11 of the first connector retainer 6, the temporary retaining protrusion 10 engages with the panel 4 through elastic reset. Thus, the first connector retainer 6 is temporarily held to the panel 4 by the temporary retaining protrusion 10. After the first connector retainer 6 engages with the panel 4 by the temporary retaining protrusion 10, the engagement of the temporary retaining protrusion 10 with the panel 4 can be confirmed by pulling the first connector retainer 6 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

[0051] like Figure 14As shown, the first connector 2, while temporarily held on the panel 4, enters a standby state awaiting engagement with the second connector 3. However, a wire bundle 48, consisting of multiple bundled wires, extends from the back of the first connector 2. When the first connector 2 is in the standby state, the wire bundle 48 is bent or pulled, for example, to lay it out. Therefore, an oblique load is applied to the first connector holder 6, which is temporarily held on the panel 4, in a direction corresponding to the load applied to the wire bundle 48. For example, if the wire bundle 48 is bent or pulled downwards, the first connector holder 6 also tilts in that direction. If the first connector holder 6 remains tilted, it becomes difficult to align with the second connector holder 7, resulting in poor engagement workability.

[0052] However, in this example, because the first wobble suppression part 42 is formed in the first connector retainer 6, when the first connector retainer 6 is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4, even if an inclined load is applied to the first connector retainer 6, the first connector retainer 6 is less likely to tilt in the direction of the load. Therefore, the orientation of the first connector retainer 6 is optimized. Therefore, since it is easy to align the second connector retainer 7 with the first connector retainer 6, the workability of the fitting is improved.

[0053] (Mounting of connector 2 to panel 4) like Figure 15 As shown in Figure (a), when the second connector retainer 7, which is fitted with the first connector retainer 6, is inserted into the hole 5 of the panel 4, the fitting is guided by the locking guide slope 46 of the second wobbling suppression part 45, so that the second connector retainer 7 can be smoothly inserted into the hole 5.

[0054] like Figure 15 As shown in Figure (b), when the second connector retainer 7 is inserted into the hole 5, the locking protrusion 37 passes over the panel 4, and the locking protrusion 37 elastically resets and engages with the panel 4. Thus, the second connector retainer 7 is formally locked to the panel 4 by the locking protrusion 37. In this way, the panel mounting connector 1 is mounted and fixed to the panel 4.

[0055] [Effects of the Implementation Method] Based on the structure of the above-described embodiments, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The panel mount connector 1 is used to mount a second connector 3, on which a first connector 2 is fitted, to a hole 5 in a panel 4. The panel mount connector 1 includes a temporary holding mechanism 9, a release mechanism 31, and a final locking mechanism 36. The temporary holding mechanism 9 temporarily holds the first connector retainer 6 in the hole 5 of the panel 4 before the second connector retainer 7 of the second connector 3 is fitted with the first connector retainer 6 of the first connector 2. During the fitting of the second connector retainer 7 with the first connector retainer 6, the release mechanism 31 releases the temporary holding mechanism 9. The final locking mechanism 36 final locks the second connector retainer 7 in the hole 5 of the panel 4 by moving the second connector retainer 7 together with the first connector retainer 6, whose temporary holding has been released, to the final locking position.

[0056] The temporary holding mechanism 9 has a first wobbling suppression part 42, which is located in the gap between the first connector retainer 6, which is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5 to suppress wobbling. The formal locking mechanism 36 has a second wobbling suppression part 45, which is located in the gap between the second connector retainer 7, which is formally locked in the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5 to suppress wobbling.

[0057] According to this structure, only a first wobble suppression part 42, shaped to fill the gap between the first connector retainer 6 temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4 and the hole 5 of the panel 4, needs to be provided. Therefore, the wobble between them can be suppressed by the simple shape of the first wobble suppression part 42. Thus, the structure of the first connector retainer 6 can be simplified. In addition, only a second wobble suppression part 45, shaped to fill the gap between the second connector retainer 7, which is permanently locked in the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5 of the panel 4, needs to be provided. Therefore, the wobble between them can be suppressed by the simple shape of the second wobble suppression part 45. Thus, the structure of the second connector retainer 7 can also be simplified. Through the above, the wobble between the panel mounting connector 1 and the panel 4 can be suppressed with a simple structure.

[0058] (2) The panel-mount connector 1 includes a lever 17 and a cam mechanism 26. The lever 17 is positioned on the second connector holder 7 in a manner operable from an initial position to an engaged position. During the operation of the lever 17 from the initial position to the engaged position, the cam mechanism 26 changes the operating direction of the lever 17 to the engaging direction of the second connector holder 7, thereby fully engaging the second connector holder 7 with the first connector holder 6. During the process of fully engaging the second connector holder 7 with the first connector holder 6 through the operation of the lever 17 to the engaged position, the release mechanism 31 releases the temporary holding mechanism 9. According to this structure, the temporary holding mechanism 9 can be released in conjunction with the fully engaged action of the first connector holder 6 and the second connector holder 7 based on lever operation. Therefore, compared with other operations, this improves workability.

[0059] (3) The first wobbling suppression part 42 has: a temporary holding guide slope 43, which guides the insertion of the first connector retainer 6 into the hole 5 when it is inserted into the hole 5 and temporarily held in the panel 4; and a temporary holding contact plane 44, which suppresses wobbling between the hole 5 and the first connector retainer 6 by contacting the inner surface of the hole 5 when the first connector retainer 6 is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4. According to this structure, when the first connector retainer 6 is inserted into the hole 5 of the panel 4, the insertion is guided by the temporary holding guide slope 43 of the first wobbling suppression part 42, so the first connector retainer 6 can be smoothly installed in the panel 4. In addition, the first connector retainer 6 temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4 is supported by the temporary holding contact plane 44 of the first wobbling suppression part 42, so it is held in the hole 5 by a stable holding force based on the plane. Therefore, the simple shape of the plane makes it less likely for the first connector retainer body 6 to wobble between the hole portion 5 of the panel 4.

[0060] (4) The temporary holding mechanism 9 has a temporarily deformable temporary holding protrusion 10, which engages with the hole 5 of the panel 4 using elastic force, thereby temporarily holding the first connector retainer 6 in the hole 5. A first wobbling suppression portion 42 is formed on both sides of the temporary holding protrusion 10. According to this structure, because the first wobbling suppression portion 42 is provided on both sides of the temporary holding protrusion 10, the stability of the first connector retainer 6 temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4 is improved. Therefore, it further helps to suppress the wobbling of the first connector retainer 6 relative to the panel 4.

[0061] (5) The first connector retainer 6 has a cover 11, the outer surface of which contacts the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the second connector retainer 7 is housed inside the cover 11. Temporary retaining protrusions 10 and first wobbling suppressing portions 42 are disposed on opposing walls 13 and 14 located at the opening of the cover 11. According to this structure, when the first connector retainer 6 is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4, temporary retaining protrusions 10 are disposed on both sides when viewed from the insertion direction of the first connector retainer 6 toward the panel 4. Therefore, the first connector retainer 6 can be held evenly on the panel 4. Similarly, since the first wobbling suppressing portions 42 are also disposed on both sides, wobbling can also be evenly suppressed. Therefore, it further helps to suppress the wobbling of the first connector retainer relative to the panel.

[0062] (6) The second wobbling suppression part 45 has: a formal locking guide slope 46, which guides the insertion of the second connector retainer 7, which is fitted with the first connector retainer 6, into the hole 5 and formally locks it into the panel 4; and a formal locking contact plane 47, which, when the second connector retainer 7 is formally locked into the hole 5 of the panel 4, contacts the inner surface of the hole 5, thereby suppressing wobbling between the hole 5 and the second connector retainer 7. According to this structure, when the second connector retainer 7, which is fitted with the first connector retainer 6, is inserted into the hole 5 of the panel 4, the formal locking guide slope 46 of the second wobbling suppression part 45 guides the insertion, so the second connector retainer 7 can be smoothly installed into the panel 4. Furthermore, the second connector retainer 7, which is formally locked in the hole 5 of the panel 4, is supported by the formal locking contact plane 47 of the second wobble suppression part 45, and is thus held in the hole 5 by a stable retaining force based on the plane. Therefore, the simple shape of the plane makes it less likely for the second connector retainer 7 to wobble between itself and the hole 5 of the panel 4.

[0063] (7) The locking mechanism 36 has a locking protrusion 37 that can elastically deform. The locking protrusion 37 engages with the hole 5 of the panel 4 using elastic force, thereby locking the second connector retainer 7 into the hole 5. A second wobbling suppression portion 45 is formed on both sides of the locking protrusion 37. According to this structure, because the second wobbling suppression portion 45 is provided on both sides of the locking protrusion 37, the stability of the second connector retainer 7 locked into the hole 5 of the panel 4 is improved. Therefore, it further helps to suppress the wobbling of the second connector retainer 7 relative to the panel 4.

[0064] [Other Implementation Methods] It should be noted that this embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following variations can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0065] The first sway suppression part 42 may also be formed on a part other than the sides of the temporary holding mechanism 9 (temporary holding protrusion 10). The first sway suppression part 42 may, for example, be a shape that only has a plane for suppressing swaying (temporarily maintaining contact plane 44).

[0066] The second sway suppression part 45 may also be formed on a part other than the sides of the formal locking mechanism 36 (formal locking protrusion 37). The second sway-suppressing part 45 may, for example, be a plane that only suppresses swaying (formal locking contact plane 47).

[0067] The shapes of the temporary retaining protrusion 10 and the formal locking protrusion 37 can also be changed to various shapes that can lock with the hole 5 of the panel 4. When the second connector retainer 7 is engaged with the first connector retainer 6 in a temporary holding state, release and formal locking can also be performed simultaneously.

[0068] The panel mounting connector 1 can also be a structure that omits rod 17. While this description has been illustrated with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this description is not limited to those embodiments or structures. The invention also includes various modifications or equivalent variations. Furthermore, various combinations or methods, including only one element, or other combinations or methods above or below, also fall within the scope or spirit of this description. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0069] 1 Panel mount connector 2. Connector No. 1 3. Second connector 4 panels 5-hole section 6. First connector retainer 7. Second connector retainer 9. Temporary maintenance agency 10. Temporarily maintain the protrusion 11. Cover 12 Base 13 Opposite walls 14 Opposite walls 15 Flanges 17 strokes 18 Arms 19 Head 20-bar storage unit 21 Slits 22 protrusions 23 1st recess 24 2nd recess 26 Cam Mechanism 27 Cam groove 28 Cam pins 29. Window section 31. Dismissal Agency 32 Relief Pieces 33 recess 34 protuberance 36. Formal card-blocking institutions 37. Formal stop protrusion. 38. Movable parts 39 claws 40 flange 42 First shaking suppression section 43 Temporarily maintain the guiding slope 44 Temporarily maintain contact plane 45 Second Shaking Suppression Section 46. ​​Formal locking guide ramp 47. Formal locking contact plane 48 wire sets

Claims

1. A panel mounting connector for mounting a second connector, on which a first connector is fitted, to a hole in a panel, wherein, The panel mounting connector includes: A temporary holding mechanism temporarily holds the first connector retainer in the hole of the panel before the second connector retainer of the second connector engages with the first connector retainer of the first connector; The release mechanism releases the temporary holding mechanism during the engagement of the second connector retainer with the first connector retainer; and The formal locking mechanism formally locks the second connector retainer into the hole in the panel by moving the second connector retainer and the first connector retainer (whose temporary holding was released) together to the formal locking position. The temporary holding mechanism has a first wobbling suppression part, which is located in the gap between the first connector retainer and the hole in the panel, thereby suppressing wobbling. The formal locking mechanism has a second wobbling suppression part, which is located in the gap between the second connector retainer and the hole in the formal locking mechanism of the panel to suppress wobbling.

2. The panel mounting connector according to claim 1, wherein, The panel mounting connector includes: A lever is disposed in the second connector retainer in a manner that allows it to be operated from an initial position to an engaged position; and The cam mechanism, during the operation of the lever from the initial position to the engaged position, transforms the operating direction of the lever into the engaging direction of the second connector retainer, thereby ensuring complete engagement between the second connector retainer and the first connector retainer. During the process of fully engaging the second connector retainer with the first connector retainer by operating the rod towards the engagement position, the release mechanism releases the temporary retaining mechanism.

3. The panel mounting connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first sway suppression part has: A temporary retaining guide slope guides the insertion of the first connector retainer into the hole and temporarily holds it on the panel. and A temporary holding contact plane is provided, which, when the first connector retainer is temporarily held in the hole of the panel, suppresses the wobble between the hole and the first connector retainer by contacting the inner surface of the hole.

4. The panel mounting connector according to claim 3, wherein, The temporary holding mechanism has a resiliently deformable temporary holding protrusion that engages with the hole in the panel using elastic force, thereby temporarily holding the first connector retainer in the hole. The first sway-suppressing portion is formed on both sides of the temporary retaining protrusion.

5. The panel mounting connector according to claim 4, wherein, The first connector retainer has a cover portion, the outer surface of which contacts the hole portion of the panel, and the second connector retainer is housed inside the cover portion. The temporary retaining protrusion and the first sway suppression part are disposed on the respective opposing walls of the opening in the cover.

6. The panel mounting connector according to claim 1, wherein, The second sway suppression part has: The formal locking guide bevel guides the insertion of the second connector retainer into the hole when the second connector retainer, which is fitted into the first connector retainer, is inserted into the hole and formally locked onto the panel. and When the second connector retainer is formally locked in the hole of the panel, the formal locking contact plane contacts the inner surface of the hole, thereby suppressing the wobble between the hole and the second connector retainer.

7. The panel mounting connector according to claim 6, wherein, The formal locking mechanism has a resiliently deformable formal locking protrusion that engages with the hole in the panel using elastic force, thereby formally locking the second connector retainer in the hole. The second sway-inhibiting portion is formed on both sides of the formal locking protrusion.

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