Connector connection structure and vehicle

Abstract

A connector-connection structure comprising: a base material 18 comprising a through-hole 46; and a connector 32 to be inserted into the through-hole 46. The base material 18 comprises: a hole-edge surface forming the through-hole 46, which penetrates a first surface 42 and a second surface 44, and projections 48 around the through-hole 46 that project with respect to the second surface 44. The connector 32 comprises: a connector body 62, a support section 64 located on an outer circumference of the connector body 62 closer to a proximal end face than to a tip end 62a, and one or more claw sections 66 extending from a position closer to a tip end face of the connector body 62 than the support section 64, and is elastically deformable.

Description

STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a connector-connecting structure and a vehicle.

[0002] For example, a display is generally mounted on the inside (front) of a vehicle's instrument panel using an instrument panel base that serves as the base material (frame) on the side of the vehicle. In this case, a wiring harness, concealed by the instrument panel and not normally visible to a vehicle occupant, is routed along the back of the display.

[0003] For example, a retaining section (cable harness clip) that connects and holds one or more cable harnesses is pre-attached to the cable harness. The retaining section is then connected to the base material on the vehicle side via a connector.

[0004] Japanese patent applications KOKAI Publication No. 2014-186807 and KOKAI Publication No. 2000-318490 disclose a fastening structure for a cable harness. Japanese patent application KOKAI Publication No. 2019-78356 discloses a structure for detecting a faulty assembly of a pipe clamp.

[0005] For example, if the connector of the holding section is connected to the base material, the connector can be joined from one direction of the base material, taking into account, for example, the processability of a subsequent process, but there may be a case where it is desirable to prevent the connector from being joined from another direction of the base material. SUMMARY

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a connector-connecting structure that can be assembled from a predetermined direction of a base material, can prevent assembly from an opposite side of the base material, and can define a direction in which it is connected to the base material from a direction of the base material, as well as a vehicle with the connecting structure.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a connector-connecting structure comprises: a base material comprising a through-hole; and a connector that can be inserted into the through-hole. The base material comprises: a first surface, a second surface on a side opposite the first surface, a hole-edge surface forming the through-hole penetrating the first surface and the second surface, and one or more projections provided around the through-hole and projecting with respect to the second surface. The connector comprises: a connector body that can be inserted into a through-hole from a tip end, a support section provided on the outer circumference of the connector body closer to a proximal end face than to the tip end, and one or more claw sections that are elastically deformable from a position closer to the tip end of the connector body than to the support section.The support section supports the first surface when the pointed end of the connector body is inserted into the through-hole from the first surface. The support section supports the projection when the pointed end of the connector body is inserted into the through-hole from the second surface. The one or more claw sections can be inserted into the through-hole when the pointed end of the connector body is inserted into the through-hole from the first surface and support the second surface between the claw sections and the support section when the support section is in contact with the first surface. The one or more claw sections are positioned in the through-hole when the pointed end of the connector body is inserted into the through-hole from the second surface and the support section is in contact with the projection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view showing part of a front section of a vehicle according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of part of a [structure / project] in [a specific location / structure]. Fig. 1 of the base material shown, as seen from a second surface. Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of the in Fig. 2. Part of the base material shown, as seen from the second surface. Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of a part of the in Fig. 1 of the base material shown, as seen from a first surface. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a connector is connected to a predetermined through-hole in the base material in a connector connection structure according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the in Fig. 5 connector connection structure shown, seen from the first surface of the base material. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line AA in Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line BB in Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view accordingly Fig. 7 in a case where the connector is to be joined from an opposite side to a predetermined direction of the base material. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view accordingly Fig. 8 in a case where the connector is to be joined from an opposite side to a predetermined direction of the base material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] For example, one or more cable harnesses 70 (see Fig. 6) on the back of a display unit 20, which is attached to a base material (instrument panel base) 18 of a vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, a connection structure (connector connection structure) 30 is described for connecting a connector 32 to a retaining section 68 for holding the cable harness (element to be held) 70, which is guided on the back of a screen 20a of the display unit 20, to the base material 18.

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of the front of vehicle 10, seen from a top (roof) view of vehicle 10. Fig. 1. An orthogonal coordinate system XYZ is specified. A top surface in a drawing plane of Fig. 1 is a front side along a +Y-axis direction of vehicle 10, a right side is a right side along a +X-axis direction of vehicle 10, a left side is a left side along a -X-axis direction of vehicle 10, and a bottom side is a back side along a -Y-axis direction of vehicle 10. It should be noted that in vehicle 10 in Fig. Sections 1 are shown which are used to describe the embodiment, and the presentation of other sections has been omitted.

[0010] Vehicle 10 can be a so-called motor vehicle or an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) or the like.

[0011] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10, for example, has a left side panel 12, a right side panel 14, and a tubular support 16 that connects the left side panel 12 and the right side panel 14 at the front of the vehicle 10. The support 16 is attached to the left side panel 12 and the right side panel 14 by bolts or the like (not shown). The support 16 may have a circular cross-section. The support 16 is attached to the left element 12 and the right element 14 by bolts or the like (not shown). The support 16 may have a circular tubular shape or a suitable polygonal tubular shape.

[0012] The base material 18 for attaching the display unit 20 to the side of the cabin (rear) in relation to the support 16 is attached to the support 16. Then the display unit 20, which can be visually detected by an occupant of the vehicle 10, is attached to the base material 18.

[0013] An instrument panel section 22 is arranged on the rear (vehicle side wall) in relation to the support 16.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the display unit 20 is described as being arranged in the middle of the instrument panel section 22 in the width direction, but it can also be arranged offset to the right or to the left.

[0015] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the in Fig. 1 of the base material shown 18, seen from a second surface 44. Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of a part of the in Fig. 2 of the base material shown 18, seen from the side of the second surface 44. Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of a part of the in Fig. 1 of the base material 18 shown, seen from a first surface 42, i.e. from a side which is in Fig. 3 is the opposite.

[0016] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the connection structure 30 in a state where the connector 32 is connected to a predetermined through-hole 46 of the base material 18 in the connection structure 30 of the connector 32 according to the embodiment. Therefore, Fig. 5 a schematic perspective view of the connection structure 30 of the connector 32, seen from the side of the second surface 44 of the base material 18. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the connection structure 30 of the in Fig. 5 connector 32 shown, seen from the side of the first surface 42 of the base material 18.

[0017] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line AA in Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line BB in Fig. 5.

[0018] Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view accordingly Fig. 7 in a case where the connector 32 is to be connected from an opposite side to a predetermined direction of the base material 18. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view accordingly Fig. 8 in a case where the connector 32 is to be connected from an opposite side to a predetermined direction of the base material 18.

[0019] The following describes the connection structure (connector-connection structure) 30 of the connector 32, which holds the cable harness 70, which is routed through the connector 32 on the back of the screen 20a of the display unit 20, and connects the connector 32 to the base material 18.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the connection structure 30 comprises the base material (vehicle-side frame) 18 and the connector 32, which can be connected from a predetermined direction of the base material 18 and cannot be connected from a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0021] The in the Fig. The base material 18 shown in Figures 2 to 4 is, for example, designed as part of a base (IP base) for the instrument panel section 22 on the vehicle side 10. The base material 18 can be a metal or a plastic material, but is preferably made of a plastic material.

[0022] For example, part of the base material 18 is designed as a plate-shaped element. The base material 18 comprises the first surface 42, the second surface 44 opposite the first surface 42, a hole-edge surface 46a forming the through-hole 46 penetrating the first surface 42 and the second surface 44, and one or more projections (ribs) 48 that are provided around the through-hole 46 and project towards the second surface 44. The connector 32 is inserted from the first surface 42 to the second surface 44.

[0023] The first surface 42 is designed as a surface on one side into which the connector 32 is to be inserted. The first surface 42 can be planar or not.

[0024] The second surface 44 is formed as a surface on one side from which the connector 32, inserted from the first surface 42, projects. The second surface 44 can be planar or non-planar.

[0025] The first surface 42 and the second surface 44 are preferably parallel.

[0026] The through-hole 46 penetrates the first surface 42 and the second surface 44. Here, the through-hole 46 is designed as an elongated hole that penetrates in the Y-axis direction and is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the X-axis direction. The through-hole 46 has the hole edge surface 46a like a raceway. The hole edge surface 46a comprises a pair of separate semicircular sections and a rectangular section arranged between the pair of semicircular sections. The through-hole 46 preferably has the same size and shape when viewed from the first surface 42 and when viewed from the second surface 44.

[0027] Each of the projections 48 extends beyond the second surface 44 and borders a circumference of the through-hole 46. The projection 48 is provided, for example, on the side of the rectangular section of the hole edge surface 46a of the through-hole 46. In the present embodiment, the projections 48 face each other via an edge section of the hole edge surface 46a of the through-hole 46. The projections 48 preferably have the same size and shape, but may have different sizes or shapes, taking into account, for example, components arranged on the second surface 44.

[0028] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 5 to 10, the connector 32 comprises a connector body 62, a support section 64, one or more claw sections 66 and the retaining section 68.

[0029] It should be noted that, as in Fig. Figure 7 shows a distance between the first surface 42 and the second surface 44, i.e., a plate thickness of the base material 18, T.

[0030] The connector body 62 is designed as a shaft element that can pass through the through-hole 46. The connector body 62 can be inserted into the through-hole 46 with a pointed end 62a of the connector body 62 either from the first surface 42 or from the second surface 44.

[0031] The support section 64 is located on the outer circumference of the connector body 62 closer to a proximal end face than to the pointed end 62a. The support section 64 is preferably designed, for example, as a flange projecting from the outer circumference of the connector body 62 in a direction that intersects the insertion direction of the connector body 62 into the through-hole 46. It is advantageous if the support section 64 is located closer to a rear end face 62b of the connector body 62 along the Y-axis direction the closer it is to the outer circumferential surface of the connector body 62, and closer to the pointed end face 62a of the connector body 62 along the Y-axis direction the further it is from the outer circumferential surface of the connector body 62.

[0032] In a case where the pointed end 62a or insertion end of the connector body 62 is inserted into the through-hole 46 from the side of the first surface 42 of the connector body 62, the support section 64 supports the first surface 42. On the other hand, in a case where the pointed end 62a of the connector body 62 is inserted into the through-hole 46 from the side of the second surface 44, the support section 64 supports the projection 48 and does not reach the second surface 44. That is, in a case where the pointed end 62a of the connector body 62 is inserted into the through-hole 46 from the side of the second surface 44, the support section 64 cannot support the second surface 44.

[0033] Each of the claw sections 66 extends from a position closer to the tip end 62a of the connector body 62 than the support section 64. In the present embodiment, the claw section 66 extends from the tip end 62a of the connector body 62. The claw section 66 is in the Fig. 5 and 7 to 10 are elastically deformable in the Z-axis direction.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the claw section 66 comprises a distal end 66a which supports the second surface 44 between the claw section 66 and the support section 64 in contact with the first surface 42 when the tip end 62a of the connector body 62 is inserted into the through hole 46 from the side of the first surface 42.

[0035] It should be noted that even if the claw section 66 is elastically deformable, the distal end 66a in the present embodiment is preferably always arranged on the back end side 62b (holding section 68 side) with respect to the tip end 62a of the connector body 62.

[0036] Furthermore, the distance between the distal end 66a of the claw section 66 and the support section 64 is preferably substantially equal to the thickness (the distance between the first surface 42 and the second surface 44) T (see Fig. 7) of the base material 18 in an unloaded state of the connector 32. It should be noted that the distance along the Y-axis direction between a distal end 64a of the support section 64 and the distal end 66a of the claw section 66 can be small or large with respect to the thickness T of the base material 18.

[0037] The distal end 66a of the claw section 66 is brought close to the connector body 62 by elastic deformation into a position where the tip end 62a of the connector body 62 is caused to pass through the through-hole 46 from the first surface 42 side to the second surface 44 side, and can be inserted into the through-hole 46. When the connector body 62 and the claw section 66 are then viewed from a tip end side with respect to the tip end 62a of the connector body 62, the connector body 62 and the claw section 66 are formed in such sizes and shapes that, viewed from the tip end side, the tip end 62a of the connector body 62 passes through the rectangular section of the through-hole 46 and the claw section 66 passes through the pair of semicircular sections of the through-hole 46.Therefore, the connector 32 is designed in such a size and shape that the claw section 66 alone cannot pass through the rectangular section of the through-hole 46.

[0038] Therefore, the tip end 62a and the claw section 66 of the connector body 62 are designed such that they can be inserted into the through-hole 46 when aligned in a predetermined direction with respect to the elongated through-hole 46, and that they cannot be inserted into the elongated through-hole 46 when, for example, rotated 90° about an axis of the connector body 62 with respect to the above state. A rotation angle at which the connector body 62 can be inserted into the elongated through-hole 46 when rotated about its axis is preferably about ±10°, and it is advantageous that the connector body cannot be inserted into the through-hole 46 if the connector body is rotated further.

[0039] The distance in the Z-axis direction between the distal ends 66a of the pair of claw sections 66 is shorter than the combined length of the radii of the pair of semicircular sections and the rectangular section of the through-hole 46 when the connector 32 passes through the through-hole 46. Therefore, the claw section 66, together with the tip end 62a of the connector body 62, can be inserted into the through-hole 46 when the tip end of the connector body 62 is inserted into the through-hole 46 from the first surface 42 side. Furthermore, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the distal ends 66a of the pair of claw sections 66 is shorter than the combined length of the radii of the pair of semicircular sections and the rectangular section of the through-hole 46 when the connector 32 is unloaded.For this reason, the claw section 66 supports the second surface 44 between the claw section 66 and the support section 64 in a case where the support section 64 is in contact with the first surface 42.

[0040] The claw section 66 is arranged in the through hole 46 without being in contact with the first surface 42 when the tip end 62a of the connector body 62 is inserted into the through hole 46 from the side of the second surface 44 and the support section 64 is in contact with the projection (rib) 48.

[0041] The retaining section 68 is preferably provided at the rear end 62b opposite the tip end 62a of the connector body 62. For example, a band-shaped retaining section such as a binding strap is used as the retaining section 68. An object to be held by the retaining section 68 can, for example, be the wiring harness 70 for the vehicle 10.

[0042] The Fig. Figures 5 to 8 show a state in which the connector 32 is inserted from the first surface 42, which is a predetermined direction of the base s 18, and the connector 32 is engaged with the base material 18 in a desired state.

[0043] In a case where the tip end 62a of the connector body 62 is inserted into the through-hole 46 from the first surface 42 side, the claw section 66 is oriented such that it is separated from the base material 18 in the Z-axis direction. The claw section 66 is pre-stressed by elastic deformation in the direction of the connector body 62, and the connector body 62 and the claw section 66 pass through the through-hole 46.

[0044] Then the distal end 64a of the support section 64 of the connector 32 supports the first surface 42, and the distal end 66a of the claw section 66 extends beyond the through-hole 46 and continues beyond the second surface 44. Therefore, the distal ends 66a of the claw sections 66 are separated from each other by elastic deformation in the Z-axis direction and brought into contact with the second surface 44. That is, as in the Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the base material 18 is clamped between the distal end 66a of the claw section 66 and the support section 64.

[0045] The Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows a state in which the connector 32 is inserted from the side of the second surface 44 and the connector 32 is not engaged with the base material 18.

[0046] In a case where the tip end 62a of the connector body 62 is inserted into the through-hole 46 from the second surface 44, the claw section 66 is oriented in the Z-axis direction such that it is separated from the base material 18. The claw section 66 is pre-stressed by elastic deformation in the direction of the connector body 62, and the connector body 62 and the claw section 66 are received in the through-hole 46.

[0047] Then the distal end 64a of the support section 64 of the connector 32 is brought into contact with the projection 48, which protrudes with respect to the second surface 44. At this point, even if an operator presses the connector 32, the distal end 66a of the claw section 66 retains its position within the through-hole 46 and does not protrude beyond the first surface 42. Therefore, when the tip end 62a of the connector body 62 is inserted into the through-hole 46 from the second surface 44, the connector 32 does not engage with the base material 18.

[0048] As described above, the connection structure 30 of the connector 32, according to the present embodiment, engages when the connector 32 is guided through the through-hole 46 from the first surface 42 of the base material 18 to the second surface 44, and the connector 32 can be connected to the base material 18. Therefore, when the connector 32 is inserted into the through-hole 46 from a predetermined direction with respect to the base material 18, the connector 32 engages with the base material 18, and the connector 32 can be connected to the base material 18.

[0049] Meanwhile, according to the present embodiment, the connecting structure 30 of the connector 32 is not engaged when the connector 32 is guided from the second surface 44 of the base material 18 through the through-hole 46 to the first surface 42, and the connector 32 cannot be connected to the base material 18. Therefore, in a case where the connector 32 is inserted into the through-hole 46 from the opposite direction to the predetermined direction with respect to the base material 18, it can be prevented that the connector 32 is connected to the base material 18.

[0050] Therefore, due to the connection structure 30 of the connector 32 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the connection structure 30 of the connector 32 which can be assembled from a predetermined direction of the base material 18, can prevent the assembly of the connector 32 from an opposite side of the base material 18 and can define a direction for connecting to the base material 18 from a direction of the base material 18.

[0051] It should be noted that the support section 64 need not be in an annular shape if the connector body 62 is inserted only in the predetermined direction due to the shape of the through-hole 46. For example, the support section 64 could be provided as a pair of blades on opposite sides above the connector body 62.

[0052] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the through-hole 46 is an elongated hole. In this case, the orientation of the connector body 62 can also be adjusted to a desired orientation.

[0053] Furthermore, the projection 48 around the through-hole 46 is designed as a rib. Therefore, the strength of the base material 18 can be maintained by forming the projection 48 around the through-hole 46.

[0054] The through-hole 46 can be circular. In this case, the support section 64 is preferably designed as an annular flange. If the through-hole 46 is circular with respect to the tip end 62a of the connector body 62, and if the connector 32 is guided through the through-hole 46 from the first surface 42 of the base material 18 to the second surface 44, the distal end 66a of the claw section 66 may not come into contact with the second surface 44 due to interference of the projection 48, depending on the direction of rotation of the connector 32. Even in this case, the connector 32 can be brought into engagement with the base material 18 by rotating the connector 32 about its insertion direction as the axis.

[0055] At the pointed end 62a of the connector body 62, the support section 64 abuts the projection 48, even when the connector 32 is inserted through the through-hole 46 from the side of the second surface 44 of the base material 18 to the first surface 42. The claw section 66 is then pre-tensioned by elastic deformation in the direction of the connector body 62 and remains in a state where it is received in the through-hole 46. Therefore, in the case where the pointed end of the connector body 62 is inserted from the second surface 44 into the through-hole 46, the connector 32 does not engage with the base material 18.

[0056] In the present embodiment, an example is described in which several claw sections 66, extending from the tip end 62a of the connector body 62 and spaced apart from one another in the Z-axis direction, are used as connectors 32. The claw section 66 can be formed on only one side of the tip end 62a of the connector body 62. That is, only one claw section 66 can be provided. In this case, the through-hole (elongated hole) 46 is preferably formed in a shape that is a combination of a semicircular section and a rectangular section. Then it is possible to define the direction around the axis of the connector 32 with respect to the base material 18 in a predetermined direction, while the connector 32 can only be connected to the base material 18 from one direction.

[0057] The connection structure 30 of the connector 32 according to the present embodiment has been described as being used for the vehicle 10, but can also be applied to another suitable product besides the vehicle 10.

[0058] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to a person skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Reference symbol list 10 vehicles 12 Side panel (left) 14 Side panel (right) 16 carriers 18 Basic material / Base material 20 display units 22 Instrument panel section 30 Connection structure 32 connectors 42 first surface 44 second surface 46 Through hole 48 lead / rib 62 connector bodies 62a Tip end 64 Support section 66 claw sections 68 Stop section 70 Wiring harness QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2014-186807

[0004] JP 2000-318490

[0004] JP 2019-78356

[0004]

Claims

[1] Connector connection structure, comprising: a base material (18) with a through hole (46); and a connector (32) to be inserted into the through hole (46), wherein the basic material (18) includes: a first surface (42), a second surface (44) on a side opposite the first surface, a hole edge surface forming the through hole (46) that penetrates the first surface (42) and the second surface (44), and one or more projections (48) provided around the through-hole (46) and projecting in relation to the second surface (44), and The connector includes: a connector body (62) which can be inserted from a pointed end into the through hole (46), a support section (64) which is provided on an outer circumference of the connector body (62) closer to a proximal end face than to the tip end (62a), wherein the support section (64) supports the first surface (42) in a case in which the tip end (62a) of the connector body (62) is inserted from the first surface side into the through hole (46), and wherein the support section (64) supports the projection in a case in which the tip end (62a) of the connector body (64) is inserted into the through hole (46) from the side of the second surface (42), and one or more claw sections (66) extending from a position closer to a tip end face (62a) of the connector body (64) than the support section (64) and being elastically deformable, wherein wherein one or more claw sections (66) can be inserted into the through hole (46) when the tip end (62a) of the connector body (62) is inserted into the through hole (46) from the first surface side, and support the second surface (44) between the claw sections (66) and the support section (64) when the support section (64) is in contact with the first surface (42), and wherein one or more claw sections (66) are arranged in the through hole (46) when the tip end (62a) of the connector body (62) is inserted into the through hole (46) from the second surface side and the support section (64) is in contact with the projection (48). [2] Connector connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the through hole (46) is designed as an elongated hole and the tip end (62a) and the claw section (66) of the connector body (62) are configured so that they can be inserted into the through hole (46) when the tip end (62a) and the claw section (66) are aligned in a predetermined direction with respect to the slot. [3] Connector connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the claw section (66) has a distal end that supports the second surface (44) between the claw section (66) and the support section (64) in contact with the first surface (42), and the distal end is brought close to the connector body (62) by elastic deformation and can be inserted into the through hole (46) when the tip end (62a) is made to pass through the through hole (46) from the first surface (42) to the second surface (44). [4] Connector connection structure according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the several projections (48) are opposite each other across an edge section of the through hole (46). [5] Connector connection structure according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support section (64) has a flange that projects in a direction that intersects an insertion direction of the connector body (62) with respect to the through hole (46). [6] Vehicle comprising: the connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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