connector

Abstract

The present application provides a connector capable of inhibiting reduction in handling due to metal corrosion. The connector (10) includes a housing (11) and a resin fixing member (12). The housing includes a main body (21) and a flange (24) protruding outward from the main body. The fixing member includes a fixing shaft (31), an operating lever (41), and a cam mechanism that operates in conjunction with the operating lever. The fixing shaft includes a shaft portion (32) and a protruding portion (34) protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion and used to sandwich a frame (100) between the flange and the protruding portion. The cam mechanism converts movement in the direction of operation of the operating lever into movement in the axial direction of the fixing shaft. In conjunction with movement in the direction of operation of the operating lever, the fixing shaft moves between a locked position in which the frame is sandwiched between the flange and the protruding portion and an unlocked position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] The connector in Patent Document 1 comprises: a high-voltage wire bent into an L-shape; a terminal for connecting to the end of the high-voltage wire; a housing for surrounding the end of the high-voltage wire and the terminal; and a shielding shell for covering the housing and being fixed to the housing. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-211935 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] The connector in Patent Document 1 has a flange that protrudes outward and has a through hole. The connector in Patent Document 1 is fixed to the frame, for example, by fastening a bolt inserted into the through hole of the flange to a threaded hole provided in the frame. In the case of a bolt-fixed structure, the bolt may corrode. If the bolt sticks due to corrosion, it becomes difficult to remove the connector from the frame.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connector that can suppress the reduction in processability caused by corrosion. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The connector of the present invention comprises: a housing; and a resin fixing member for fixing the housing to a plate-shaped frame, the housing having a main body portion and a flange protruding outward from the main body portion, the fixing member comprising: a fixing shaft; an operating lever for operating the fixing shaft; and a cam mechanism for coordinating the movement of the fixing shaft with the movement of the operating lever, the fixing shaft comprising: a shaft portion for inserting through a through hole provided in the flange; and a protrusion for protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and for clamping the frame between the shaft portion and the flange, the cam mechanism converting the movement of the operating lever in the direction of movement into movement in the axial direction of the fixing shaft, and coordinating with the movement of the operating lever in the direction of movement, the fixing shaft moving between a locked position and a locked-out position, in the locked position clamping the frame between the flange and the protrusion, and in the locked-out position, the distance between the protrusion and the flange being greater than the distance in the locked position. Invention Effects

[0007] The connector according to the present invention can suppress the reduction in processability caused by metal corrosion. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the connector in one embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector in one embodiment. Figure 3 This is a side view showing the process of installing a connector in a frame according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a side view showing the fixed shaft in the unlocked position in one embodiment. Figure 5 This is a side view showing the fixed shaft in the top position in one embodiment. Figure 6 This is a side view showing the fixed shaft in the locked position in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0009] (Description of embodiments of the present invention) First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. (1) The connector of the present invention comprises: a housing; and a resin fixing member for fixing the housing to a plate-shaped frame, the housing having a main body portion and a flange protruding outward from the main body portion, the fixing member comprising: a fixing shaft; an operating lever for operating the fixing shaft; and a cam mechanism for moving the fixing shaft in conjunction with the operation of the operating lever, the fixing shaft comprising: a shaft portion for inserting through a through hole provided in the flange; and a protrusion for protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and for clamping the frame between the shaft portion and the flange, the cam mechanism converting the movement of the operating lever in the direction of movement into movement in the axial direction of the fixing shaft, and moving in conjunction with the movement of the operating lever in the direction of movement, the fixing shaft moving between a locked position and a locked-out position, in the locked position clamping the frame between the flange and the protrusion, and in the locked-out position, the distance between the protrusion and the flange being greater than the distance in the locked position.

[0010] According to this structure, the fixing member that secures the housing to the frame is made of resin. Therefore, when the connector is fixed to the frame, metal corrosion and adhesion caused by metal corrosion on the fixing member can be suppressed. Thus, the reduction in processability caused by metal corrosion can be suppressed.

[0011] (2) In (1) above, the cam mechanism can also be an eccentric cam that transforms the rotational movement of the operating lever into the axial movement of the fixed shaft. The fixed shaft is rotatably connected to the operating lever, and the second center of the operating lever, which is the rotational center of the fixed shaft, is eccentric to the first center, which is the rotational center of the operating lever.

[0012] According to this structure, by using a simple eccentric cam, it is possible to suppress the increase in the number of components constituting the cam mechanism and the complexity of the shape of the components constituting the cam mechanism.

[0013] (3) In (2) above, the fixed shaft position when the second center is furthest away from the flange can also be taken as the top position. The cam mechanism is configured to move in conjunction with the movement direction of the operating lever and pass through the top position on the way from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0014] In this configuration, when the operating lever is in the top position, the clamping pressure of the protrusion on the frame is at its maximum, generating a strong resistance that pushes the protrusion back as a reaction force. Therefore, when moving the operating lever from the position where the fixed shaft is in the locked position to the position where the lock is released, a force exceeding this resistance is required beyond the top position. Therefore, even if a force is applied to the operating lever in the locked position via unintentional contact or the like, in a direction that causes the operating lever to rotate, rotation of the operating lever in the direction of lock release can be suppressed. As a result, the connector is stably fixed to the frame.

[0015] (4) In either (2) or (3) above, a resistance application part may be provided, which applies resistance to the movement of the operating lever in a direction from the rotational position of the operating lever when the fixed shaft is in the locked position to the rotational position of the operating lever when the fixed shaft is in the unlocked position.

[0016] According to this structure, when a force is applied to the operating lever in the direction of rotation when the fixed shaft is in the locked position through unintentional contact, the rotation of the operating lever in the direction in which the fixing of the fixed shaft is released can be suppressed. As a result, the state in which the connector is fixed to the frame is stable.

[0017] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the fixing member may be integrally formed by assembling the fixing shaft to the operating rod, and the cross-sectional shape of the through hole of the flange is non-circular. The operating rod contacts the main body, thereby restricting the fixing shaft from rotating from a position where the protrusion cannot pass through the through hole to a position where the protrusion can pass through the through hole. According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the fixing shaft from being pulled out of the through hole of the flange and causing the fixing member to detach from the housing.

[0018] (Details of embodiments of the present 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, some parts of the structure are sometimes exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various parts sometimes differ in the drawings. The terms "orthogonal" or "parallel" in this specification include not only cases where they are strictly orthogonal or parallel, but also cases where they are approximately orthogonal or parallel within the range that achieves the effect of this embodiment. Additionally, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in this specification are used only to distinguish objects and do not order the objects.

[0019] In the accompanying drawings, the X, Y, and Z axes are shown to be orthogonal to each other. Hereinafter, as an example, the connector 10 will be described with its Z-axis direction facing upwards. The connector 10 is not limited to this orientation; it can also be used in orientations other than upwards, such as downwards or horizontally. It should be noted that the Z-axis direction and other axes refer to the direction in which the arrowhead of the corresponding axis points. Furthermore, upwards refers to a vertically upward direction, and downwards refers to a vertically downward direction.

[0020] (Structure of connector 10) like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector 10 includes a housing 11 and a fixing member 12 for fixing the housing 11 to a plate-shaped frame 100. Additionally, the connector 10 includes a fitting portion 13 that houses terminals (not shown) and multiple wires 14 housed within the housing 11. The fitting portion 13 is installed in the first opening 22 of the housing 11 (described later). Regarding the wires 14, a first end, which is one end of the wire, is connected to a terminal, and a second end, opposite to the first end, extends outward from the second opening 23 of the housing 11 (described later). It should be noted that... Figure 2 The diagram of wire 14 will be omitted from hereafter.

[0021] (Structure of shell 11) like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 11 has a main body 21 for storing the wires 14. The main body 21 is box-shaped and has a storage chamber for storing the wires 14 inside. The shape of the main body 21 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set according to the arrangement of the wires 14. Hereinafter, as an example, the fitting part 13 for storing terminals and the main body 21 for storing the wires 14 bent into an L-shape will be described.

[0022] The main body 21 is generally a square box shape with a first opening 22 that opens downwards. A fitting part 13 is installed in the first opening 22 of the main body 21. The main body 21 has a rectangular upper wall 21a located at the top, a first side wall 21b and a second side wall 21c arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction, and a third side wall 21d and a fourth side wall 21e arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. A second opening 23 for leading out the wire 14 is provided on the upper part of the fourth side wall 21e. The internal storage chamber of the main body 21 forms an L-shaped passage from the first opening 22 to the second opening 23.

[0023] The housing 11 has two flanges 24 projecting outward from the main body 21. One of the two flanges 24 projects from the center of the third side wall 21d in the Z-axis direction toward the X-axis direction, and the other flange 24 (not shown in the figure) projects from the center of the fourth side wall 21e in the Z-axis direction toward the opposite direction in the X-axis direction. The two flanges 24 are identical except for their orientation. It should be noted that the housing 11 is symmetrical about the YZ plane at its center in the X-axis direction.

[0024] The flange 24 is plate-shaped, having a lower surface 24a on the lower side and an upper surface 24b on the opposite side of the lower surface 24a. A through hole 26 extending along the Z-axis is provided in the flange 24. The cross-sectional shape of the through hole 26 is non-circular. In the example shown in the figures, the cross-sectional shape of the through hole 26 is a keyhole-like cross-section having a circular main hole portion 26a and a rectangular expansion portion 26b protruding from the main hole portion 26a. The cross-sectional shape of the through hole 26 is constant in the Z-axis direction.

[0025] (Structure of fixed component 12) like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the fixing member 12 includes a columnar fixing shaft 31 extending along the Z-axis direction and an operating rod 41 for operating the fixing shaft 31. Figure 2 In the middle, for ease of understanding, the fixed component 12 of one side is connected with... Figure 1 The diagram shows the reverse configuration. The fixing member 12 is integrated into a single component by assembling the fixing shaft 31 and the operating lever 41, which are originally separate parts. One fixing member 12 is installed on each of the two flanges 24 of the housing 11.

[0026] The fixed shaft 31 has a cylindrical shaft portion 32 extending along the Z-axis direction. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion 32 is such that it can be inserted through the main hole portion 26a formed in the through hole 26 of the flange 24, and can rotate within the main hole portion 26a about the axis in the Z-axis direction. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion 32 is, for example, a circular shape that is slightly smaller than the main hole portion 26a.

[0027] A pair of camshafts 33 are provided at the Z-axis side end of the shaft portion 32 (hereinafter referred to as the base end of the fixed shaft 31). The pair of camshafts 33 protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 32 in the X-axis direction and in the opposite direction. Each of the pair of camshafts 33 is cylindrical, and their centers are located on the same straight line. At the end of the shaft portion 32 on the side opposite to the end (hereinafter referred to as the end of the fixed shaft 31), a protrusion 34 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 32 is provided. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 34 orthogonal to the Z-axis direction is such that it can pass through the expansion portion 26b of the through hole 26 formed in the flange 24. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 34 is, for example, a rectangle that is slightly smaller than the expansion portion 26b.

[0028] When the circumferential position of the protrusion 34 relative to the shaft portion 32 coincides with the circumferential position of the expansion portion 26b in the through hole 26, the end portion of the fixed shaft 31 can pass through the through hole 26. When the circumferential position of the protrusion 34 relative to the shaft portion 32 does not coincide with the circumferential position of the expansion portion 26b in the through hole 26, the end portion of the fixed shaft 31 contacts the lower surface 24a of the flange 24 and therefore cannot pass through the through hole 26.

[0029] The operating lever 41 includes a rotating part 42, which is mounted on the camshaft 33 of the fixed shaft 31. The rotating part 42 has a first center P1 extending in the X-axis direction as its center (see reference). Figure 6 The outer periphery of the circumference of the rotating part 42. Specifically, the rotating part 42 has a pair of circular plate-shaped sidewalls 42a arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction. The periphery of the sidewalls 42a corresponds to the arc-shaped outer periphery of the rotating part 42 described above, and is a shape along a circle centered on a first center P1 extending in the X-axis direction.

[0030] In the rotating part 42, an opening 43 is provided between a pair of sidewalls 42a for inserting and configuring the base end of the fixed shaft 31. The opening 43 is, for example, slit-shaped or groove-shaped. Bearing holes 44 are provided on the two side walls 42a of the rotating part 42, and the camshaft 33, which is located at the base end of the fixed shaft 31, is inserted into the bearing holes 44. The inner circumferential surface of the bearing hole 44 is located at the second center P2 (refer to...). Figure 6 The camshaft 33, located within the bearing bore 44, is circumferentially centered on the second center P2. It can slide along the inner circumferential surface of the bearing bore 44. Therefore, the camshaft 33 can rotate relative to the operating lever 41 about the second center P2. Figure 6 As shown, the second center P2 is set at a position off-center from the first center P1 of the rotating part 42. In other words, the bearing hole 44 is configured such that the second center P2, which serves as the rotation center of the camshaft 33, is located off-center from the first center P1 of the rotating part 42.

[0031] The operating lever 41 has an operating portion 45 that protrudes radially outward from the rotating portion 42. The operating portion 45 is a handle that the operator holds when operating the operating lever 41. The operating portion 45 is a plate-shaped part that connects a pair of sidewalls 42a of the rotating portion 42 to each other and protrudes tangentially from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 42. The operating portion 45 has a first surface 45a that is continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 42.

[0032] In the operating lever 41, the distance L1 from the first center P1 of the rotating part 42 to the end 45b of the operating part 45 is greater than the distance L2 from the through hole 26 of the housing 11 to the main body 21 (refer to...). Figure 2 Therefore, with the fixed shaft 31 inserted through the through hole 26, if the fixed shaft 31 is rotated about the axis of the shaft portion 32, then at a predetermined rotation position, a portion of the operating lever 41 abuts against the main body portion 21 of the housing 11. Thus, the range of rotation of the operating lever 41 relative to the housing 11 is limited to a specific angular range.

[0033] Here, the circumferential position of the expanded portion 26b in the through hole 26 of the flange 24 and the circumferential position of the protrusion 34 relative to the shaft portion 32 of the fixed shaft 31 are set based on the aforementioned angle range. That is, when the operating lever 41 is in a range that can rotate relative to the housing 11, the circumferential positions of the protrusion 34 and the expanded portion 26b are set in such a way that the circumferential positions of the protrusion 34 and the expanded portion 26b are not the same. In this case, by the operating lever 41 contacting the main body 21, the rotation of the fixed shaft 31 is restricted from a position where the protrusion 34 cannot pass through the through hole 26 to a position where it can pass through the through hole 26. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fixed shaft 31 from being pulled out of the through hole 26 and causing the fixing member 12 to detach from the housing 11. It should be noted that before being assembled with the operating lever 41, the fixed shaft 31 is formed in a state where it is inserted through the through hole 26 of the flange 24. Then, the operating lever 41 is assembled to the fixed shaft 31 in the state where it is inserted through the through hole 26.

[0034] The operating lever 41 is equipped with a cam mechanism that converts the movement of the operating lever 41 in the direction of motion into movement in the axial direction of the fixed shaft 31. The cam mechanism is an eccentric cam that converts the rotational movement of the operating lever 41 into movement in the axial direction of the fixed shaft 31. In this embodiment, the eccentric cam is formed by the rotating part 42 in the operating lever 41, the various shapes and arrangements of the operating lever 41, and the structure in which the operating lever 41 and the fixed shaft 31 are rotatably connected.

[0035] The cam mechanism is configured to move in conjunction with the direction of movement of the operating lever 41, with the fixed shaft 31 in... Figure 6 The locked position A1 shown is Figure 4The cam mechanism is configured such that the fixed shaft 31 moves between the locked position A1 and the locked-out position A2. Figure 5 The top position shown is A3.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the lock-out position A2 is set such that the distance from the lower surface 24a of the flange 24 to the protrusion 34 of the fixed shaft 31 in the Z-axis direction is longer than the thickness of the frame 100. An example of the lock-out position A2 is the position where the distance from the lower surface 24a of the flange 24 to the protrusion 34 of the fixed shaft 31 is the greatest. Hereinafter, the aforementioned distance when the fixed shaft 31 is in the lock-out position A2 will be referred to as distance D1. When the fixed shaft 31 is in the lock-out position A2, the second center P2 of the operating lever 41 is located between the first center P1 and the flange 24. In other words, the second center P2 of the operating lever 41 is located closer to the flange 24 than the first center P1.

[0037] When the fixed shaft 31 is in the locked-out position A2, a portion of the operating part 45 abuts against the upper surface 24b of the flange 24. For example, a portion of the first surface 45a of the operating part 45 abuts against the upper surface 24b of the flange 24. At this time, the first surface 45a of the operating part 45 is, for example, parallel to the upper surface 24b of the flange 24.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the top position A3 is set to the position where the second center P2 is furthest from the flange 24 in the Z-axis direction. Alternatively, the top position A3 can also be the position where the distance from the lower surface 24a of the flange 24 to the protrusion 34 of the fixing shaft 31 in the Z-axis direction is the shortest. Hereinafter, the distance from the lower surface 24a of the flange 24 to the protrusion 34 of the fixing shaft 31 when the fixing shaft 31 is in the top position A3 will be described as distance D2. Distance D2 is a length that is the same as or slightly shorter than the thickness of the frame 100.

[0039] When the fixed shaft 31 is in the top position A3, the operating part 45 of the operating lever 41 moves away from the upper surface 24b of the flange 24. At this time, the first surface 45a of the operating part 45 is, for example, parallel to the upper surface 24b of the flange 24. An example of the top position A3 is a position in which the operating lever 41 is rotated 30 degrees from the locked position A1 in the direction opposite to the direction R1 around the first center P1.

[0040] like Figure 6As shown, the locking position A1 is set such that the distance from the lower surface 24a of the flange 24 to the protrusion 34 of the fixed shaft 31 in the Z-axis direction is closer than the distance in the locking release position A2. Hereinafter, the distance from the lower surface 24a of the flange 24 to the protrusion 34 of the fixed shaft 31 when the fixed shaft 31 is in the locking position A1 will be described as distance D3. The locking release position A2 is set such that the distance from the lower surface 24a of the flange 24 to the protrusion 34 of the fixed shaft 31 in the Z-axis direction is farther than the distance in the locking position A1. Therefore, the distance D3 when the fixed shaft 31 is in the locking position A1 is shorter than the distance D1 when the fixed shaft 31 is in the locking release position A2.

[0041] In addition, the distance D3 when the fixed shaft 31 is in the locked position A1 is slightly longer than the distance D2 when the fixed shaft 31 is in the top position A3. The distance D3 when the fixed shaft 31 is in the locked position A1 is a length that is the same as the thickness of the frame 100, slightly shorter than the thickness of the frame 100, or slightly longer than the thickness of the frame 100.

[0042] When the fixed shaft 31 is in the locked position A1, a portion of the operating part 45 abuts against the upper surface 24b of the flange 24. For example, the end 45b of the operating part 45 abuts against the upper surface 24b of the flange 24. An example of the locked position A1 is a position in which the operating lever 41 is rotated 210 degrees from the locked-out position A2 in the direction R1 about the first center P1. An example of the locked-out position A2 is a position in which the operating lever 41 is rotated 180 degrees from the top position A3 in the direction opposite to the direction R1 about the first center P1.

[0043] The fixing member 12 is made of resin. That is, both the fixing shaft 31 and the operating rod 41 are made of resin. The resin forming the fixing shaft 31 and the resin forming the operating rod 41 can be the same or different. Examples of resins forming the fixing member 12 include at least one of polyacetal resin, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyamide resin.

[0044] (The function of this implementation method) The function of this embodiment will be explained below. like Figure 2 As shown, the frame 100, which is the mounting object of the connector 10, has one connector hole 101 and two fixing through holes 102. The connector hole 101 is a through hole for inserting a part of the main body 21 and the fitting part 13 of the connector 10. The fixing through holes 102 are through holes for inserting the fixing shaft 31 of the fixing member 12. The cross-sectional shape of the fixing through holes 102 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the through hole 26 of the flange 24.

[0045] The through hole 102 for fixing has a circular main hole portion 102a and a rectangular expansion portion 102b protruding from the main hole portion 102a. The circumferential position of the expansion portion 102b in the through hole 102 for fixing is set to coincide with the circumferential position of the protrusion 34 when the operating lever 41 is within a range of rotation relative to the housing 11. In addition, the circumferential position of the expansion portion 102b in the through hole for fixing is set to a position that does not coincide with the circumferential position of the protrusion 34 relative to the shaft portion 32 when the operating lever 41 is in the locked-out position A2.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, when installing the connector 10 into the frame 100, firstly, the operating lever 41 is moved to the first position. The first position is, for example, a position where the first surface 45a of the operating part 45 faces the flange 24, and the end of the operating part 45 faces in the direction opposite to the Y-axis. Then, the main body 21 of the connector 10 is inserted from the mounting surface 100a side of the frame 100 into the connector hole 101 of the frame 100, and the connector 10 is positioned on the mounting surface 100a such that the lower surface 24a of the flange 24 contacts the mounting surface 100a of the frame 100. Furthermore, as indicated by arrow R2, by allowing the end portion of the shaft portion 32, including the protrusion 34, to pass through the fixing through hole 102, the protrusion 34 of the shaft portion 32 is positioned entirely below the frame 100. Therefore, it should be noted that the fixing shaft 31 is in the locked-out position A2. It should be noted that when the operating lever 41 is in the first position, the circumferential position of the expansion portion 102b in the fixing through hole 102 is the same as the circumferential position of the protrusion 34 relative to the shaft portion 32.

[0047] Next, as indicated by arrow R3, the operating lever 41 is moved from position 1 to position 2 by rotating it about the axis of fixed shaft 31 by a predetermined angle (e.g., 180 degrees). Figure 4 As shown, the second position is, for example, the position where the first surface 45a of the operating part 45 faces the flange 24 and the end of the operating part 45 faces the Y-axis direction. Thus, when the circumferential position of the expansion portion 102b in the fixing through hole 102 and the circumferential position of the protrusion 34 relative to the shaft portion 32 are inconsistent, that is, when the fixing shaft 31 is moved along the axial direction, the protrusion 34 contacts the frame 100 and remains in a state where it does not fall off.

[0048] Next, by rotating the operating lever 41 around the first center P1 by a predetermined angle (e.g., 200 degrees), the position of the operating lever 41 is moved from the second position to... Figure 6The operation of the third position is shown. When the operating lever 41 moves from the second position to the third position, the arc-shaped outer peripheral portion of the rotating part 42 of the operating lever 41 slides relative to the upper surface 24b of the flange 24.

[0049] In conjunction with the rotation of the operating lever 41, the fixed shaft 31 moves along the axial direction. Specifically, in conjunction with the rotation of the operating lever 41, the fixed shaft 31 moves upward from the locked-out position A2. Figure 5 After reaching the top position A3 as shown, move downwards from the top position A3. Figure 6 The lock position A1 is shown.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, as the fixed shaft 31 moves from the unlocked position A2 to the locked position A1, the protrusion 34 approaches the flange 24. Furthermore, with the fixed shaft 31 in the locked position A1, the frame 100 is clamped between the protrusion 34 and the flange 24 of the fixed shaft 31, thereby fixing the connector 10 to the frame 100.

[0051] Here, the fixed shaft 31 is located at Figure 5 When the top position A3 is shown, the clamping pressure of the protrusion 34 and the flange 24 on the frame 100 is at its maximum. Furthermore, the clamping pressure weakens slightly when the fixed shaft 31 passes the top position A3 and reaches the locked position A1, but sufficient clamping pressure is still obtained when the fixed shaft 31 is in the locked position A1.

[0052] Furthermore, when removing the connector 10 from the housing 100, the above operations are performed in reverse order. That is, by rotating the operating lever 41 about the first center P1 in the opposite direction to its installation position, the position of the operating lever 41 is moved from the third position to the second position. Then, by rotating the operating lever 41 about the axis of the fixed shaft 31 in the opposite direction to its installation position, the operating lever 41 is moved from the second position to the first position. As a result, the connector 10 is in a state where it can be removed from the housing 100.

[0053] (Effects of this implementation method) The effects of this embodiment will be explained below. (1) The connector 10 includes: a housing 11; and a resin fixing member 12 for fixing the housing 11 to a plate-shaped frame 100. The housing 11 has a main body 21 and a flange 24 protruding outward from the main body 21. The fixing member 12 includes: a fixing shaft 31; an operating lever 41 for operating the fixing shaft 31; and a cam mechanism for moving the fixing shaft 31 in conjunction with the operation of the operating lever 41. The fixing shaft 31 includes: a shaft portion 32 that passes through a through hole 26 provided in the flange 24; and a protrusion 34 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 32 and is used to clamp the frame 100 between the shaft portion 32 and the flange 24. The cam mechanism converts the movement of the operating lever 41 in the direction of movement into movement in the axial direction of the fixing shaft 31. Linked to the movement of the operating lever 41 in the direction of movement, the fixed shaft 31 moves between the locked position A1 and the locked-out position A2. In the locked position A1, the frame 100 is clamped between the flange 24 and the protrusion 34. In the locked-out position A2, the distance between the protrusion 34 and the flange 24 is greater than that in the locked position A1.

[0054] According to this structure, the fixing member 12 that fixes the frame 100 to the housing 11 is made of resin. Therefore, when the connector 10 is fixed to the frame 100, metal corrosion and adhesion caused by metal corrosion on the fixing member 12 can be suppressed. Thus, the reduced processability due to metal corrosion can be suppressed. In addition, the connector 10 can be fixed to the frame 100 by a simple operation performed by the installer using their own hands, such as moving the operating lever 41 in a predetermined direction. Therefore, special tools for fixing, such as impact screwdrivers used for tightening bolts, are not required.

[0055] (2) The cam mechanism is an eccentric cam that converts the rotational movement of the operating lever 41 into the axial movement of the fixed shaft 31. The fixed shaft 31 is rotatably connected to the operating lever 41, and the second center P2 of the operating lever 41, which serves as the rotation center of the fixed shaft 31, is eccentric to the first center P1, which serves as the rotation center of the operating lever 41. According to this structure, by using an eccentric cam with a simple construction, the increase in the number of components constituting the cam mechanism and the complexity of the shape of the components constituting the cam mechanism can be suppressed.

[0056] (3) The position of the fixed shaft 31 when the second center P2 is furthest from the flange 24 is taken as the top position A3. The cam mechanism is set to move in conjunction with the direction of movement of the operating lever 41, and the fixed shaft 31 passes through the top position A3 on its way from the locked position A1 to the unlocked position A2.

[0057] In this configuration, when the operating lever 41 is in the top position A3, the clamping pressure of the protrusion 34 of the fixed shaft 31 pressing against the frame 100 is at its maximum, generating a strong resistance that pushes the protrusion 34 back as a reaction force. Therefore, when moving the operating lever 41 from the position where the fixed shaft 31 is in the locked position A1 to the position where it is in the unlocked position A2, a force exceeding the aforementioned resistance is required beyond the top position A3. Therefore, when a force is applied to the operating lever 41 in the direction of rotation when the fixed shaft 31 is in the locked position A1 through unintentional contact or the like, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the operating lever 41 in the direction of unlocking. As a result, the state in which the connector 10 is fixed to the frame 100 is stable.

[0058] (4) The fixing member 12 is integrated by assembling the fixing shaft 31 to the operating lever 41. The cross-sectional shape of the through hole 26 of the flange 24 is non-circular. By contacting the main body 21 with the operating lever 41, the rotation of the fixing shaft 31 is restricted from the position where the protrusion 34 cannot pass through the through hole 26 to the position where the protrusion 34 can pass through the through hole 26. According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the fixing shaft 31 from being pulled out of the through hole 26 of the flange 24 and causing the fixing member 12 to detach from the housing 11.

[0059] (5) The operating lever 41 has an arc-shaped outer peripheral portion. When the operating lever 41 rotates between the rotational position of the operating lever 41 when the fixed shaft 31 is in the locked position A1 and the rotational position of the operating lever 41 when the fixed shaft 31 is in the unlocked position A2, this arc-shaped outer peripheral portion slides relative to the flange 24. The outer peripheral portion is the outer peripheral portion of the rotating part 42. According to this structure, the operating lever 41 can rotate more smoothly relative to the flange 24, thus improving the operability of the operating lever 41.

[0060] (Other implementation methods) The above embodiments can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined and implemented with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0061] The material of the housing 11 is not particularly limited. The housing 11 may be made of resin, for example. In this case, the resin used to form the housing 11 may be the resin exemplified for the fixing member 12.

[0062] The cross-sectional shape of the through hole 26 of the flange 24 and the cross-sectional shapes of the shaft portion 32 and the protrusion 34 of the fixed shaft 31 are not limited to a shape that combines circles and squares, such as a keyhole shape, as long as the protrusion 34 can pass through the through hole 26 when it is located in a predetermined rotational position around the shaft portion 32. For example, the cross-sectional shape described above can also be polygonal.

[0063] The cam mechanism of the operating lever is not limited to an eccentric cam; it can be any mechanism that converts the movement of the operating lever 41 in the direction of motion into the movement along the axis of the fixed shaft 31. For example, it can also be an operating lever 41 whose movement direction is in a first direction other than the axis of the fixed shaft 31, and a cam mechanism that converts the linear movement of the operating lever 41 in the first direction into the movement along the axis of the fixed shaft 31.

[0064] The cam mechanism can also be configured such that it moves in conjunction with the direction of the operating lever 41, passing through the top position A3 on the way from the locked position A1 to the unlocked position A2 on the fixed shaft 31. For example, the cam mechanism can be configured such that the top position A3 becomes the unlocked position A2, or it can be configured such that the position closer to the unlocked position A2 than the top position A3 becomes the unlocked position A2.

[0065] The outer periphery of the rotating part 42 is not limited to an arc shape. For example, the outer periphery of the rotating part 42 can be a polygon or a shape composed of a combination of arc curves and straight lines.

[0066] Alternatively, a resistance application part can be provided, which applies resistance to the movement of the operating lever 41 in the direction from the position of the operating lever 41 when the fixed shaft 31 is in the locked position A1 towards the position of the operating lever 41 when the fixed shaft 31 is in the unlocked position A2. In this case, if a force is applied to the operating lever 41 in the direction of rotation when the fixed shaft 31 is in the locked position A1 through unintentional contact or the like, the rotation of the operating lever 41 in the direction of unlocking can be suppressed. As a result, the state in which the connector 10 is fixed to the frame 100 is stable.

[0067] As a resistance-applying part, for example, a straight section may be provided locally on the arc-shaped outer periphery of the rotating part 42. Alternatively, as a resistance-applying part, a protrusion may be provided on the main body 21 of the housing 11, which applies resistance by contacting the operating lever 41 at a predetermined time when the operating lever 41 is rotated.

[0068] In one embodiment, two flanges 24 are provided, but the number of flanges 24 can be one or more. In another embodiment, two fixing members 12 are provided, but the number of fixing members 12 can be one or more. Furthermore, the fixing members 12 do not necessarily need to be installed on all flanges 24; there may be flanges 24 with fixing members 12 installed and flanges 24 without fixing members 12 installed.

[0069] 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 set forth in the claims and is intended to include all modifications in the sense and scope of the claims. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0070] A1 Lock position A2 Lock Release Position A3 Top Position Distances between D1, D2, and D3 L1, L2 distance P1 Center 1 P2 Second Center 10 Connectors 11. Shell 12 Fixed components 13 Chimeric part 14. Electrical wires 21 Main Body 21a Upper wall 21b First lateral wall 21c Second lateral wall 21d Third lateral wall 21e Fourth lateral wall 22 First opening 23 Second opening 24 Flange 24a Lower surface 24b upper surface 26 Through holes 26a Main Hole Section 26b Expansion section 31 Fixed shaft 32 Shaft section 33 Camshaft 34. Protrusion 41. Control lever 42 Rotating part 42a Sidewall 43 Opening 44 Bearing Hole 45 Operations Department 45a Page 1 45b end 100 frame 100a mounting surface 101 Connector Hole 102 Through hole for fixing 102a Main Hole Section 102b expansion section

Claims

1. A connector comprising: shell; and A resin-made fixing member is used to secure the housing to the plate-shaped frame. The housing has a main body and a flange protruding outward from the main body. The fixing member includes: a fixed shaft; an operating lever for operating the fixed shaft; and a cam mechanism for causing the fixed shaft to move in conjunction with the operating lever. The fixed shaft includes: a shaft portion that passes through a through hole provided in the flange; and a protrusion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and is used to clamp the frame body between the shaft portion and the flange. The cam mechanism converts the movement of the operating lever in the direction of motion into movement along the axis of the fixed shaft. The fixed shaft moves between a locked position and a locked-out position in conjunction with the movement direction of the operating lever. In the locked position, the frame is clamped between the flange and the protrusion. In the locked-out position, the distance between the protrusion and the flange is greater than the distance in the locked position.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The cam mechanism is an eccentric cam that converts the rotational movement of the operating lever into axial movement of the fixed shaft. The fixed shaft is rotatably connected relative to the operating lever. The second center of the operating lever, which serves as the rotation center of the fixed axis, is eccentric relative to the first center, which serves as the rotation center of the operating lever.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, When the position of the fixed axis at which the second center is furthest from the flange is taken as the top position... The cam mechanism is configured to move in conjunction with the direction of movement of the operating lever, and to pass through the top position on the way from the locked position to the unlocked position of the fixed shaft.

4. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The connector includes a resistance application part that applies resistance to the movement of the operating lever in a direction from the rotational position of the operating lever when the fixed shaft is in the locked position toward the rotational position of the operating lever when the fixed shaft is in the unlocked position.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing member is integrated by assembling the fixing shaft to the operating lever. The cross-sectional shape of the through hole in the flange is non-circular. The operating lever contacts the main body, thereby restricting the rotation of the fixed shaft from a position where the protrusion cannot pass through the through hole to a position where the protrusion can pass through the through hole.

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