Connector sub-assembly and connector assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a connector half assembly and a connector assembly, and the connector half assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a female connector including a female connector body providing a coupling space for a male connector to be allowed to enter, a coupling auxiliary body providing a coupling auxiliary space connected to the coupling space, and a female connector-side arm extending from an inner wall of the coupling auxiliary body in a first direction and being elastically bendable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a connector coupling member including a coupling body movably coupled to the female connector body in a first opposing direction opposite to the first direction so as to be closer to the coupling auxiliary body, a coupling member-side main arm and a coupling member-side sub-arm that extend parallel to each other so as to face the female connector-side arm from the coupling body, wherein the connector coupling member may be movable to a movement non-restriction position and a movement restriction position spaced apart from the movement non-restriction position in the first opposing direction, wherein in the movement restriction position, as the female connector-side arm is pressed and bent by the coupling member-side main arm, the coupling member-side sub-arm and the female connector-side arm may interfere with each other, thereby restricting movement of the connector coupling member in the first opposing direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0063463 filed on May 14, 2024 in the Republic of Korea, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector half assembly and a connector assembly, and more specifically, to a connector half assembly and a connector assembly capable of allowing an electrical device to be in electrical communication.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A connector assembly is an electrical component for allowing different electrical devices to electrically communicate with each other. In general, a connector assembly may be composed of a male connector connected to an electrical device, a female connector connected to another electrical device and coupled to the male connector in a shape-fitting manner, and a connector coupling member for fixing the relative positions of the male connector and the female connector.

[0004] When the male connector and the female connector are coupled, a terminal disposed inside the male connector and a terminal disposed inside the female connector are connected to each other, and the electrical devices may be in electrical communication with each other. At this time, the connector coupling member is a member for maintaining the coupling of the female connector and the male connector to secure the reliability of the electrical communication between the electrical devices, and is also referred to as a connector position assurance (CPA).

[0005] In conventional connector assemblies, the connector coupling member is caught by one of the female connector and the male connector to maintain the coupling of the female connector and the male connector. However, this coupling structure has a problem that the coupling between the connectors is easily released due to external impact or vibration. Furthermore, in conventional connector assemblies, a situation in which the connector coupling member is operated before the female connector and the male connector are coupled to each other occurs, and thus there is also a problem of deteriorating the coupling and assembly properties between the connectors.SUMMARY TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0006] The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and therefore the present disclosure is directed to providing a connector half assembly and a connector assembly in which the coupling of a female connector and a male connector may be stably maintained.

[0007] The present disclosure is also directed to providing a connector half assembly and a connector assembly in which malfunction may be minimized.

[0008] Technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described problems, and other problems not mentioned herein may be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art from the following description of the present disclosure.TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector half assembly including a female connector including a female connector body providing a coupling space for a male connector to be allowed to enter, a coupling auxiliary body providing a coupling auxiliary space connected to the coupling space, and a female connector-side arm extending from an inner wall of the coupling auxiliary body in a first direction and being elastically bendable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a connector coupling member including a coupling body movably coupled to the female connector body in a first opposing direction opposite to the first direction so as to be closer to the coupling auxiliary body, a coupling member-side main arm and a coupling member-side sub-arm that extend parallel to each other so as to face the female connector-side arm from the coupling body, wherein the connector coupling member is movable to a movement non-restriction position and a movement restriction position spaced apart from the movement non-restriction position in the first opposing direction, wherein in the movement restriction position, as the female connector-side arm is pressed and bent by the coupling member-side main arm, the coupling member-side sub-arm and the female connector-side arm interfere with each other, thereby restricting movement of the connector coupling member in the first opposing direction.

[0010] At this time, the female connector-side arm may include a female connector-side bent portion connected to the inner wall of the coupling auxiliary body and bent in the first direction; and a female connector-side extension portion extending from the female connector-side bent portion along the first direction.

[0011] At this time, the female connector-side arm may include a female connector-side catch portion provided at an end of the female connector-side extension portion and capable of contacting the coupling member-side main arm.

[0012] At this time, the female connector-side catch portion may include a female connector-side protruding part protruding from the end of the female connector-side extension portion toward the coupling space; and a female connector-side catch part extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions from the female connector-side protruding part.

[0013] At this time, the female connector-side catch part may have a shape in which a side part in the extension direction is convex in the second direction.

[0014] At this time, the female connector-side extension portion may include a female connector-side main extension part extending from the female connector-side bent portion; and a pair of female connector-side sub-extension parts extending parallel to each other in the first direction from an end of the female connector-side main extension part with the catch space opened in the third direction therebetween, wherein the female connector-side protruding parts may be provided in a pair and each provided at ends of the pair of female connector-side sub-extension parts, and the female connector-side catch parts may be connected to the pair of female connector-side protruding parts, respectively.

[0015] At this time, the coupling member-side main arm may include a coupling member-side main extension portion extending from the coupling body; and a coupling member-side protrusion protruding convexly in the second direction from an end of the coupling member-side main extension portion.

[0016] At this time, the female connector-side catch portion may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the coupling member-side main extension portion in the second direction.

[0017] At this time, the coupling member-side main arm may include a coupling member-side sidewall portion that protrudes from the coupling member-side main extension portion in the second direction and is positioned further outward than the female connector-side arm in the longitudinal direction of the female connector-side catch part.

[0018] At this time, the coupling member-side sub-arm may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the coupling member-side main arm in the second direction.

[0019] At this time, an end of the coupling member-side main arm may be positioned farther from the coupling body than an end of the coupling member-side sub-arm.

[0020] At this time, the coupling member-side main arms may be configured in a pair and extend parallel to each other with the coupling member-side sub-arm therebetween.

[0021] At this time, the coupling member-side sub-arm may include a coupling member-side bent portion that is connected to the coupling body and is bent in the first opposing direction; and a coupling member-side sub-extension portion that extends along the first opposing direction from the coupling member-side bent portion.

[0022] At this time, the coupling member-side sub-arm may further include a hook-shaped coupling member-side catch portion provided at an end of the coupling member-side sub-extension portion, wherein in the movement restriction position, the coupling member-side catch portion may be caught by the female connector-side arm.

[0023] At this time, the second direction may be a direction toward the outside of the coupling space.

[0024] At this time, the coupling auxiliary body may include a cylindrical coupling auxiliary portion provided on one side of the female connector body and forming the coupling auxiliary space therein; and a male connector guide portion that extends between the coupling auxiliary space and the coupling space in the first direction and is capable of guiding a male connector entering the coupling space.

[0025] At this time, the coupling body may include a manipulation plate portion positioned on an outer side of the female connector body and having one surface exposed to the outside; and a sliding coupling portion provided on the other surface of the manipulation plate portion and slidably coupled to the female connector body.

[0026] At this time, the coupling member-side main arm portion may extend from the sliding coupling portion, and the coupling member-side sub-arm portion may extend from the manipulation plate portion.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector assembly including a female connector including a female connector body providing a coupling space, a coupling auxiliary body providing a coupling auxiliary space connected to the coupling space, and a female connector-side arm extending from an inner wall of the coupling auxiliary body in the first direction and being elastically bendable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a male connector including a male connector body inserted into the coupling space and a catch body protruding from the male connector body into the coupling auxiliary space; and a connector coupling member including a coupling body movably coupled to the female connector body in a first opposing direction opposite to the first direction and capable of being close to the coupling auxiliary body, a coupling member-side main arm and a coupling member-side sub-arm that extend parallel to each other toward the coupling auxiliary space so as to face the female connector-side arm from the coupling body, wherein the connector coupling member is moved from a movement restriction position where the movement of the connector coupling member in the first opposing direction is restricted to a restriction release position where the movement restriction is released, as the male connector body enters the coupling space, wherein in the movement restriction position, as the female connector-side arm is pressed and bent by the coupling member-side main arm, the coupling member-side sub-arm and the female connector-side arm interfere with each other, wherein in the restriction release position, as the coupling member-side sub-arm is pressed and bent by the catch body, the interference between the coupling member-side sub-arm and the female connector-side arm is released.

[0028] At this time, the female connector-side arm may include a female connector-side bent portion connected to the inner wall of the coupling auxiliary portion and bent in the first direction; a female connector-side extension portion extending from the female connector-side bent portion along the first direction; and a female connector-side catch portion provided at an end of the female connector-side extension portion and capable of contacting the coupling member-side main arm portion, wherein the connector coupling member may be moved to a connector coupling position spaced apart from the restriction release position in the first opposing direction, wherein in the connector coupling position, the catch body and the end of the coupling member-side sub-arm may be disposed oppositely with the female connector-side catch portion therebetween.ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

[0029] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the catch body of the male connector and the end of the coupling member-side sub-arm of the connector coupling member may be caught by being disposed oppositely with the end of the female connector-side arm therebetween. Accordingly, the male connector and the connector coupling member may be prevented from being detached from the female connector, so that the coupling of the female connector and the male connector may be stably maintained.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, as the connector coupling member is moved, the coupling member-side main arm presses and deforms the female connector-side arm to be bent, and the coupling member-side sub-arm interferes with the bent female connector-side arm, which may restrict the movement of the connector coupling member at a predetermined position. Accordingly, malfunction of the connector coupling member may be minimized.

[0031] Effects to be obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects not mentioned herein may be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector half assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the rear. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector half assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connector coupling member of a connector half assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the rear. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connector coupling member of a connector half assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view for describing a process in which the connector coupling member of FIG. 3 is moved from a movement non-restriction position to a movement restriction position. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of one part of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the rear. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing that a connector coupling member of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in a movement non-restriction position. FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing that a connector coupling member of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in a movement restriction position. FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view for describing that a connector coupling member of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is moved to a restriction release position. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 13, viewed from above. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of one part of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view for describing that a connector coupling member of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is moved to a coupling position. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 16, viewed from above. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of one part of FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail to enable those skilled in the art to easily carry out the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0034] To clearly describe the present disclosure, an irrelevant description or a detailed description of related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure is omitted, and in affixing the reference numerals to the elements in each drawing, the identical or similar reference numerals are affixed to the identical or similar elements throughout the present disclosure.

[0035] Additionally, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the present disclosure and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but rather interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspect of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define terms appropriately for the best explanation.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector half assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the rear. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector half assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connector coupling member of a connector half assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the rear. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connector coupling member of a connector half assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view for describing a process in which the connector coupling member of FIG. 3 is moved from a movement non-restriction position to a movement restriction position. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of one part of FIG. 7.

[0037] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a female connector 10, a female connector-side terminal 11 accommodated in the female connector 10, and a connector coupling member 50 movably coupled to the female connector 10.

[0038] This connector half assembly HA may be used to allow different electrical devices (not shown) to be in electrical communication with each other. To this end, this connector half assembly HA may be electrically connected to any one of the different electrical devices. And, the connector half assembly HA may be coupled to another connector to form a connector assembly A (shown in FIG. 9). At this time, the other connector may be a connector that is electrically connected to any one of the other electrical devices. As an example, the other connector may be a male connector 90 (shown in FIG. 9) to be described later.

[0039] At this time, in this embodiment, the connector coupling member 50 may be operated so that the coupling of the female connector 10 and the male connector 90 (shown in FIG. 9) is maintained and fixed. To this end, the connector coupling member 50 may be moved to a coupling position that fixes the female connector 10 and the male connector in position.

[0040] At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that the connector coupling member 50 is not moved beyond a predetermined position in a state of being not coupled to another connector, and thus malfunction of the connector coupling member 50 may be prevented. Here, the malfunction of the connector coupling member 50 may mean that the connector coupling member 50 is moved to the coupling position even though this connector half assembly HA is not coupled to another connector.

[0041] Hereinafter, the components of the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a female connector 10. The female connector 10 may provide a base on which other configurations of the connector half assembly HA are accommodated or installed. To this end, the material of the female connector 10 may be metal or plastic having a predetermined rigidity, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] In this embodiment, the female connector 10 may include a female connector body 20. The female connector body 20 may be configured to accommodate a female connector-side terminal 11 to be described later. The female connector body 20 may be configured to provide a space in which this connector half assembly HA and another connector are coupled to each other.

[0044] To this end, the female connector body 20 may include a coupling portion 22. The coupling portion 22 may be configured to provide a coupling space B into which another connector may enter. The coupling portion 22 may be provided as a hollow or cylindrical member extending along a first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). Accordingly, the coupling space B may also extend along the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis).

[0045] In this embodiment, the coupling space B may be opened in a first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) opposite to the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). To this end, a coupling portion-side opening 22a may be provided on one side of the coupling portion 22. The coupling portion-side opening 22a may be an opening opened in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). The coupling portion-side opening 22a may communicate with the coupling space B. Another connector coupled with this connector half assembly HA may enter the coupling space B through the coupling portion-side opening 22a.

[0046] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the coupling portion 22 has been described as having a hollow or cylindrical shape extending in one direction. However, the structure or shape of the coupling portion 22 is not particularly limited as long as it may provide the coupling space B. For example, the coupling portion 22 may have a shape in which other parts are opened in addition to the coupling portion-side opening 22a, and the coupling space B may be exposed to the outside through the above part.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the connector body 20 of the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a female connector-side receiving portion 24. The female connector-side receiving portion 24 may be configured to receive the female connector-side terminal 11 to be described later and protect it from external impact or contamination.

[0048] In this embodiment, the female connector-side receiving portion 24 may extend from the coupling portion 22 in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). The female connector-side receiving portion 24 may have a hollow or cylindrical shape with a receiving space C provided therein. As a result, the receiving space C may also extend in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis).

[0049] In this embodiment, the female connector-side receiving portion 24 may be provided with a partition wall dividing the receiving space C. The partition wall may extend in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). Accordingly, the receiving space C may be divided into a pair of spaces parallel to each other. This may be to allow a pair of female connector-side terminals 11 forming a negative electrode and a positive electrode to be isolated and disposed in the pair of spaces.

[0050] In this embodiment, the pair of receiving spaces C may extend in the first direction or in the first opposing direction (X-axis direction). The pair of receiving spaces C may be opened in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). Accordingly, a cable (not shown) connected to the female connector-side terminal 11 may enter the receiving space C. Here, the cable may be a cable connected to a predetermined electrical device.

[0051] And, in this embodiment, the receiving space C may be connected to the coupling space B of the coupling portion 22. Accordingly, the female connector-side terminal 11 disposed in the receiving space C may be connected to the terminal of another connector entering the coupling space B.

[0052] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the female connector-side receiving portion 24 has been described as having a hollow or cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the female connector-side receiving portion 24 is not particularly limited as long as it may accommodate and protect at least a part of the female connector-side terminal 11. For example, the female connector-side receiving portion 24 may have a shape in which a side part is opened or cut. In this case, the side part of the female connector-side terminal 11 may be exposed to the outside through the opened or cut part.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 again, the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a coupling auxiliary body 30. The coupling auxiliary body 30 may be configured to provide a coupling auxiliary space D in which the female connector-side arm 40 and the connector coupling member 50 to be described later are operated. The coupling auxiliary body 30 may be formed integrally with the female connector body 20. Of course, if necessary, the female connector body 20 and the coupling auxiliary body 30 may be provided as separate members and then coupled.

[0054] In this embodiment, the coupling auxiliary body 30 may include a coupling auxiliary portion 32. The coupling auxiliary portion 32 may be configured to provide a coupling auxiliary space D. To this end, the coupling auxiliary portion 32 may be provided on one side of the coupling portion 22.

[0055] As an example, as in the embodiment shown, the coupling auxiliary portion 32 may be provided on a side part of the coupling portion 22 in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). As a result, the coupling auxiliary space D may be positioned on the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis) side of the coupling space B. Here, the second direction may be a direction toward the outside of the coupling space B.

[0056] In this embodiment, the coupling auxiliary portion 32 may be provided as a hollow or cylindrical member having a coupling auxiliary space D provided therein. The coupling auxiliary portion 32 may extend in the first direction or in the first opposing direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the coupling auxiliary space D may also extend parallel to the coupling auxiliary portion 32.

[0057] At this time, the coupling auxiliary space D may be connected to (or, communicate with) the coupling space B of the coupling portion 22. This may be to allow a part of another connector entering the coupling space B to enter the coupling auxiliary space D. Here, a part of the other connector may be a catch body 98 of the male connector (shown in FIG. 9).

[0058] A part of the other connector entering the coupling auxiliary space D may interact with the female connector-side arm 40 disposed in the coupling auxiliary space D and / or the connector coupling member 50. This will be described together with the connector assembly A (shown in FIG. 9).

[0059] In this embodiment, the coupling auxiliary space D may be opened in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis) and in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). To this end, the coupling auxiliary portion 32 may be provided with first and second coupling auxiliary portion-side openings 32a, 32b. As will be described in detail later, the connector coupling member 50 may enter and exit the coupling auxiliary space D through the first coupling auxiliary portion-side opening 32a, and a part of the male connector 90 (shown in FIG. 9) may enter the coupling auxiliary space D through the second coupling auxiliary portion-side opening 32b.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first coupling auxiliary portion-side opening 32a may be an opening opened in the coupling auxiliary portion 32 in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). The first coupling auxiliary portion-side opening 32a may be connected to the coupling auxiliary space D. The second coupling auxiliary portion-side opening 32b may be an opening opened in the coupling auxiliary portion 32 in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). The second coupling auxiliary portion-side opening 32b may be connected to the coupling auxiliary space D.

[0061] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the coupling auxiliary portion 32 has been described as a hollow or cylindrical member. However, the shape or structure of the coupling auxiliary portion 32 is not particularly limited as long as it may provide the coupling auxiliary space D. For example, the coupling auxiliary portion 32 may have a shape in which another part is opened or cut in addition to the first and second coupling auxiliary portion-side openings 32a, 32b. In this case, the coupling auxiliary space D will be exposed to the outside through the opened or cut part.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 again, in this embodiment, a connection part where the coupling auxiliary space D and the coupling space B are connected may extend in the first direction or in the first opposing direction (X-axis direction). At this time, the connection part may be defined by the coupling auxiliary body 30. To this end, the coupling auxiliary body 30 according to this embodiment may include a male connector guide portion 34. The male connector guide portion 34 may be configured to guide the male connector 90 (shown in FIG. 9) entering the coupling space B.

[0063] In this embodiment, the male connector guide portion 34 may be provided as a partition wall dividing the coupling space B and the coupling auxiliary space D. The male connector guide portion 34 may extend in the first direction or in the first opposing direction (X-axis direction).

[0064] At this time, in this embodiment, a gap may be formed in the male connector guide portion 34. The gap may be defined as a space opened in a second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis) and in a second opposing direction (negative direction of the Z-axis) opposite to the second direction. As a result, the coupling space B and the coupling auxiliary space D may communicate with each other.

[0065] The gap may extend in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). As shown, the gap may have a slit shape extending in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). And, the gap may be opened in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). This may be to allow a part of the male connector to be guided in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis).

[0066] Meanwhile, the shape of the male connector guide portion 34 described above is not particularly limited as long as it may guide a part of the male connector. For example, the male connector guide portion 34 may be replaced with a protrusion, groove, or the like extending in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis).

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the coupling auxiliary body 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a coupling member guide portion 36. The coupling member guide portion 36 may be configured to guide the movement of the connector coupling member 50 to be described later.

[0068] In this embodiment, the coupling member guide portion 36 may include a coupling member guide wall 36a. The coupling member guide wall 36a may extend from the coupling auxiliary portion 32 in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis).

[0069] At this time, in this embodiment, the coupling member guide wall 36a may be positioned at a side part of the first coupling auxiliary portion-side opening 32a. The connector coupling member 50 to be described later may be slidably guided on the outer surface of the coupling member guide wall 36a. If necessary, a guide groove or a guide protrusion for stably achieving the above-described sliding may be formed in the coupling member guide wall 36a.

[0070] At this time, in this embodiment, the coupling member guide wall 36a may be configured in a pair. The pair of coupling member guide walls 36a may be disposed with the first coupling auxiliary portion-side opening 32a therebetween. The pair of coupling member guide walls 36a may be disposed at a predetermined distance in a third direction (positive direction of the Y-axis) perpendicular to the first and second directions (positive directions of the X-axis and the Z-axis) or in a third opposing direction (negative direction of the Y-axis) opposite thereto. As a result, both side parts of the connector coupling member 50 may be stably guided.

[0071] In this embodiment, the coupling member guide portion 36 may include a coupling member catch protrusion 36b. The coupling member catch protrusion 36b may protrude from the coupling member guide wall 36a. The protruding direction of the coupling member catch protrusion 36b may be directed toward the connector coupling member 50.

[0072] A part of the connector coupling member 50 may be caught by the coupling member catch protrusion 36b. For example, a guide catch part 66c (shown in FIG. 5) of the connector coupling member 50 may be caught. This coupling member catch protrusion 36b may prevent the connector coupling member 50 from being detached from the female connector body 20.

[0073] For example, the guide catch part 66c may be positioned in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) side of the coupling member catch protrusion 36b. Therefore, the connector coupling member 50 may not be moved further in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis) than the position of interfering with the coupling member catch protrusion 36b. Through this, the connector coupling member 50 may be prevented from being detached.

[0074] At this time, the coupling member catch protrusion 36b may be configured in a pair. The pair of coupling member catch protrusions 36b may each protrude from the pair of coupling member guide walls 36a. The pair of coupling member catch protrusions 36b may protrude to face each other. Through this, both side parts of the connector coupling member 50 may be stably caught, and may be prevented from being detached from the female connector body 20.

[0075] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the coupling member catch protrusion 36b has been described as protruding from the coupling member guide wall 36a. However, if necessary, the coupling member catch protrusion 36b may be configured to protrude from another configuration. For example, the coupling member catch protrusion 36b may protrude from an inner wall of the coupling auxiliary space D.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a female connector-side arm 40. The female connector-side arm 40 may be formed integrally with the coupling auxiliary body 30. Of course, if necessary, the female connector-side arm 40 may be provided as a separate member from the coupling auxiliary body 30 and then coupled.

[0077] The female connector-side arm 40 may interact with the connector coupling member 50 to prevent malfunction of the connector coupling member 50 (hereinafter, referred to as a first function) or to stably couple and fix the female connector 10 and the male connector 90 (shown in FIG. 9), which is another connector (hereinafter, referred to as a second function).

[0078] In this embodiment, the female connector-side arm 40 may include a female connector-side bent portion 42. The female connector-side bent portion 42 may be connected to an inner wall 33 of the coupling auxiliary space D. At this time, the inner wall 33 may be an inner wall facing the coupling space B. The female connector-side bent portion 42 may be bent in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). In other words, the female connector-side bent portion 42 may have a shape bent in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). This may be to allow the female connector-side arm 40 to be elastically bent.

[0079] In this embodiment, the female connector-side arm 40 may include a female connector-side extension portion 44. The female connector-side extension portion 44 may extend in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis) from the female connector-side bent portion 42 in the coupling auxiliary space D. The female connector-side extension portion 44 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the coupling auxiliary space D. When an external force is applied to the female connector-side arm 40 in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis), the female connector-side extension portion 44 may be elastically bent in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0080] At this time, in this embodiment, the female connector-side extension portion 44 may include a female connector-side main extension part 44a extending from the female connector-side bent portion 42 and a pair of female connector-side sub-extension parts 44b extending parallel to each other from an end of the female connector-side main extension part 44a in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis).

[0081] At this time, the pair of female connector-side sub-extension parts 44b may be disposed at a predetermined distance in a direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first and second directions (positive directions of the X-axis and the Z-axis). As a result, a catch space E may be formed between the pair of female connector-side sub-extension parts 44b. The catch space E may be opened in the second direction and in the second opposing direction (Z-axis direction). Of course, if necessary, the female connector-side sub-extension parts 44b may be configured in only one.

[0082] In this embodiment, the female connector-side arm 40 may include a female connector-side catch portion 46. The female connector-side catch portion 46 may be provided at an end of the female connector-side extension portion 44. The female connector-side catch portion 46 is in direct contact with the connector coupling member 50 and may be configured to perform the first and / or second functions described above.

[0083] In this embodiment, the female connector-side catch portion 46 may include a female connector-side protruding part 46a. The female connector-side protruding part 46a may protrude from the end of the female connector-side sub-extension part 44b toward the coupling space B in the second opposing direction (negative direction of the Z-axis). This configuration may be to allow the female connector-side catch part 46b described later to be positioned between the end of the coupling member-side main arm 70 and the end of the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 based on the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0084] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the female connector-side protruding part 46a may be configured in a pair. And, the pair of female connector-side protruding parts 46a may each extend from the pair of female connector-side sub-extension parts 44b.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the female connector-side catch portion 46 may include a female connector-side catch part 46b. The female connector-side catch part 46b may extend from the female connector-side protruding part 46a in a direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first and second directions (positive directions of the X-axis and the Z-axis).

[0086] At this time, both sides of the female connector-side catch part 46b in the extension direction may be connected to the pair of female connector-side protruding parts 46a, respectively. As a result, the end of the female connector-side arm 40 may have a ring shape with a catch space E provided in the center.

[0087] In this embodiment, the side part of the female connector-side catch part 46b may protrude convexly in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). This configuration may be to allow the coupling member-side catch portion 86 described later to easily ride over the side part of the female connector-side catch part 46b.

[0088] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the female connector-side arm 40 has been described as extending from the inner wall 32a facing the coupling space B. However, if necessary, the female connector-side arm 40 may extend from another inner wall of the coupling auxiliary space D.

[0089] For example, the female connector-side arm 40 may extend from an inner wall facing the third direction or the third opposing direction (Y-axis direction) among the inner walls of the coupling auxiliary space D. In this case, the shapes of the connector coupling member 50 and the catch body 98 (shown in FIG. 9) to be described later should be appropriately changed accordingly.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a female connector-side terminal 11. The female connector-side terminal 11 may be configured to be connected to a terminal of another connector to achieve electrical communication between electrical devices.

[0091] To this end, the female connector-side terminal 11 may be electrically connected to a cable connected to the electrical device. The specific shape or structure of the female connector-side terminal 11 may be configured by various known techniques.

[0092] In this embodiment, the female connector-side terminal 11 may be configured in a pair. The pair of female connector-side terminals 11 may form a negative electrode and a positive electrode, respectively. The pair of female connector-side terminals 11 may be accommodated in the female connector-side receiving portion 24. The pair of female connector-side terminals 11 may be disposed in a pair of receiving spaces C, respectively.

[0093] At this time, one end of the female connector-side terminal 11 may protrude into the coupling space B. As a result, one end of the female connector-side terminal 11 may be easily connected to a terminal of another connector entering the coupling space B.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a connector coupling member 50. The connector coupling member 50 may be a member that operates to perform the second function. The connector coupling member 50 may be made of plastic or metal having a predetermined rigidity, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] In this embodiment, the connector coupling member 50 may include a coupling body 60. The coupling body 60 may be movably coupled to the female connector body 20 in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). The coupling body 60 may be configured to be the base for the coupling member-side main arm 70 and the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 to be described later. The coupling member-side main arm 70 and the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 may be operated to perform the second function according to the movement of the coupling body 60.

[0096] As will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, at a position where the coupling member-side main arm 70 and the female connector-side arm 40 are spaced apart from each other, the coupling body 60 may be freely moved in the first direction and in the first opposing direction (X-axis direction). Hereinafter, the position of the connector coupling member 50 as described above is referred to as a movement non-restriction position.

[0097] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the coupling body 60 may include a sliding coupling portion 64 that is slidably coupled to the female connector-side receiving portion 24 of the female connector body 20 in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). The sliding coupling portion 64 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the coupling auxiliary portion 32 in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). The sliding coupling portion 64 may be guided by the coupling member guide wall 36a according to the distance from the coupling auxiliary portion 32.

[0098] In this embodiment, the coupling body 60 may include a manipulation plate portion 62. The manipulation plate portion 62 may be positioned on an outer side of the female connector-side receiving portion 24. The manipulation plate portion 62 may be positioned on the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis) side of the sliding coupling portion 64.

[0099] In this embodiment, one surface of the manipulation plate portion 62 may be exposed to the outside of this connector half assembly HA. This may be to allow the user to manipulate the manipulation plate portion 62. The connector coupling member 50 may be moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) according to the user's manipulation and may perform the second function. At this time, a plurality of irregularities for improving the coefficient of friction may be formed on the one surface of the manipulation plate portion 62. As a result, the user's manipulation convenience may be increased.

[0100] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the other surface of the manipulation plate portion 62 may be connected to the sliding coupling portion 64. At this time, the other surface of the manipulation plate portion 62 may be a surface facing the female connector body 20. Through this, the user's manipulation force applied to the manipulation plate portion 62 may move the sliding coupling portion 64.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling body 60 may include a sliding guide arm portion 66. The sliding guide arm portion 66 may be a portion guided by the coupling member guide portion 36.

[0102] In this embodiment, the sliding guide arm portion 66 may include a guide extension part 66a. The guide extension part 66a may extend from the sliding coupling portion 64 in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). The guide extension part 66a may be directed toward the coupling auxiliary space D. At this time, the guide extension part 66a may extend to a sufficient length to interact with the coupling member guide wall 36a over a wide section.

[0103] In this embodiment, the sliding guide arm portion 66 may include a guide wing part 66b. The guide wing part 66b may be provided at a side part of the guide extension part 66a. The guide wing part 66b may protrude from the guide extension part 66a toward the coupling member guide wall 36a. As a result, the guide wing part 66b may be in contact with the coupling member guide wall 36a.

[0104] At this time, in this embodiment, the guide wing part 66b may extend side by side with the guide extension part 66a. Through this, the guide wing part 66b is in contact with the coupling member guide wall 36a in a long section and may be stably guided.

[0105] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the guide wing part 66b may be positioned higher than the coupling member catch protrusion 36b in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). As a result, when the sliding guide arm portion 66 is moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis), the guide wing part 66b or the guide extension part 66a may not be caught by the coupling member catch protrusion 36b.

[0106] In this embodiment, the sliding guide arm portion 66 may include a guide catch part 66c. The guide catch part 66c may be configured to interact with the coupling member catch protrusion 36b to prevent this connector coupling member 50 from being detached from the female connector 10.

[0107] The guide catch part 66c may protrude from an end of the guide extension part 66b. The guide catch part 66c may protrude to a position of overlapping the coupling member catch protrusion 36b based on the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). Accordingly, in a state in which the guide catch part 66c is positioned on the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) side of the coupling member catch protrusion 36b, the connector coupling member 50 may be prevented from being excessively moved in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis) and detached from the female connector 10.

[0108] At this time, the guide catch part 66c may include a coupling surface and a catch surface. The coupling surface may be provided on a side part of the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) of the guide catch part 66c. The coupling surface may be formed to be inclined in the protruding direction (Y-axis direction) of the coupling member catch protrusion 36b toward the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis).

[0109] When the connector coupling member 50 is moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) and the coupling surface is in contact with the coupling member catch protrusion 36b, the guide extension part 66a may be bent. Therefore, the coupling surface may ride over the coupling member catch protrusion 36b, and the guide catch part 66c may be moved to the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) side of the coupling member catch protrusion 36b. Accordingly, the connector coupling member 50 may be easily assembled to the female connector 10.

[0110] The catch surface may be provided on a side part of the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis) of the guide catch part 66c. The catch surface may be formed parallel to the protruding direction (Y-axis direction) of the coupling member catch protrusion 36b. When the catch surface is in contact with the coupling member catch protrusion 36b, a force may be applied to the guide catch part 66c in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the guide extension part 66a.

[0111] Therefore, the guide extension part 66a may not be bent by the force. That is, the catch surface may be more difficult to ride over the coupling member catch protrusion 36b than the coupling surface. Through this, the function of detachment prevention of the guide catch part 66c described above may be achieved more effectively.

[0112] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the sliding guide arm portion 66 may be configured in a pair. The pair of sliding guide arm portions 66 may be slidably coupled to a pair of coupling member guide portions 36, respectively. The pair of sliding guide arm portions 66 may be disposed at a predetermined distance in a direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first and second directions (positive directions of the X-axis and the Z-axis). Accordingly, the connector coupling member 50 may be slidably moved more stably.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6 again, the connector coupling member 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a coupling member-side main arm 70. The coupling member-side main arm 70 may be configured to interact with the female connector-side arm 40 to perform the first function or assist the second function.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling member-side main arm 70 may include a coupling member-side main extension portion 72. The coupling member-side main extension portion 72 may extend from the sliding coupling portion 64 of the coupling body 60 in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). The coupling member-side main extension portion 72 may extend into the coupling auxiliary space D. As a result, the coupling member-side main extension portion 72 may face an end of the female connector-side arm 40.

[0115] At this time, in this embodiment, the length by which an end of the coupling member-side main extension portion 72 is spaced apart from the coupling body 60 in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) may be longer than the length by which an end of the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 to be described later is spaced apart from the coupling body 60 in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis).

[0116] This configuration may be to allow the coupling member-side main arm 70 to meet and contact the female connector-side arm 40 before the coupling member-side sub-arm 80. This operation method will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 together with the first function.

[0117] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the coupling member-side main extension portion 72 may be provided with a main extension portion-side sliding surface 72a. The main extension portion-side sliding surface 72a may be provided on a side part of the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis) of the coupling member-side main extension portion 72. The main extension portion-side sliding surface 72a may extend side by side with the coupling member-side main extension portion 72.

[0118] In this embodiment, the coupling member-side main arm 70 may include a coupling member-side protrusion 74. The coupling member-side protrusion 74 may protrude convexly from an end of the coupling member-side main extension portion 72 in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0119] At this time, referring to FIG. 3, in the movement non-restriction position, the height at which the coupling member-side protrusion 74 is positioned and the height at which the female connector-side catch portion 46 is positioned may be the same based on the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). In other words, in the movement non-restriction position, the coupling member-side protrusion 74 and the female connector-side catch portion 46 may be positioned to overlap each other based on the first direction (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0120] As a result, when the connector coupling member 50 is moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) to be closer to the female connector-side arm 40, the coupling member-side protrusion 74 and the female connector-side catch portion 46 may face and contact each other.

[0121] At this time, in this embodiment, the coupling member-side protrusion 74 may include a deformation inducing surface 74a and a catch surface 74b. The deformation inducing surface 74a may be provided on a side part of the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) of the coupling member-side protrusion 74. The deformation inducing surface 74a may be provided to be inclined in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis) toward the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis).

[0122] Therefore, when the connector coupling member 50 is moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis), the deformation inducing surface 74a and the female connector-side catch portion 46 may be in contact. Then, the female connector-side extension portion 44 may be bent by the force applied by the coupling member-side main arm 70 in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0123] Meanwhile, the catch surface 74b may be provided on a side part of the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis) of the coupling member-side protrusion 74. The catch surface 74b may extend in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). The catch surface 74b may be perpendicular to the coupling member-side main extension portion 72.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6 again, the coupling member-side main arm 70 of the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a coupling member-side sidewall portion 76. The coupling member-side sidewall portion 76 may be configured to guide the female connector-side arm 40 toward the coupling member-side sub-arm 80.

[0125] In this embodiment, the coupling member-side sidewall portion 76 may protrude from the coupling member-side main extension portion 72 in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). The coupling member-side sidewall portion 76 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the coupling member-side main extension portion 72. In other words, the coupling member-side sidewall portion 76 may be a wall body having a predetermined height in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis) and extending in the longitudinal direction of the coupling member-side main extension portion 72.

[0126] At this time, the coupling member-side sidewall portion 76 may be positioned farther from the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 than the main extension portion-side sliding surface 72a based on the third direction (positive direction of the Y-axis). This may be to allow the coupling member-side sidewall portion 76 may guide the female connector-side arm 40 at the outside.

[0127] And, the coupling member-side sidewall portion 76 may be provided with a sidewall-side sliding surface 76a facing the coupling member-side sub-arm 80. In this embodiment, the sidewall-side sliding surface 76a may extend along the coupling member-side sidewall portion 76. When the female connector-side arm 40 operates to perform the second function, the widthwise edge part of the female connector-side arm 40 may slide on the sidewall-side sliding surface 76a.

[0128] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the coupling member-side main arm 70 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured in a pair. And, the pair of coupling member-side main arms 70 may be disposed with the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 therebetween. The pair of coupling member-side main arms 70 may be disposed at a predetermined distance in the third direction (positive direction of the Y-axis).

[0129] At this time, in this embodiment, the distance w_76a between the sidewall-side sliding surfaces 76a of the pair of coupling member-side main arms 70 may be greater than or equal to the width w_44 of the female connector-side extension portion 44 in the third direction (positive direction of the Y-axis). This is to allow the female connector-side arm 40 to enter between the pair of coupling member-side main arms 70.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7 again, the connector coupling member 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a coupling member-side sub-arm 80. The coupling member-side sub-arm 80 may be configured to interact with the female connector-side arm 40 to perform the first and second functions. The coupling member-side sub-arm 80 may be positioned between the pair of coupling member-side main arms 70.

[0131] In this embodiment, the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 may include a coupling member-side bent portion 82. The coupling member-side bent portion 82 may be connected to the other surface of the manipulation plate portion 62.

[0132] In this embodiment, the coupling member-side bent portion 82 may be bent in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). In other words, the coupling member-side bent portion 82 may have a shape bent in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). This configuration may allow the coupling member-side sub-extension portion 84 described later to be elastically bent in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0133] In this embodiment, the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 may include the coupling member-side sub-extension portion 84. The coupling member-side sub-extension portion 84 may extend from the coupling member-side bent portion 82 in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). The coupling member-side sub-extension portion 84 may extend into the coupling auxiliary space D. As a result, the coupling member-side sub-extension portion 84 may face the end of the female connector-side arm 40.

[0134] At this time, referring to FIG. 3, in the movement non-restriction position, the end of the coupling member-side sub-extension portion 84 may be positioned higher than the end of the coupling member-side main extension portion 72 based on the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). In other words, the end of the coupling member-side sub-extension portion 84 may be positioned farther from the female connector body 20 than the end of the coupling member-side main extension portion 72.

[0135] This configuration may be for the operation of the coupling member-side sub-arm 80. More specifically, due to the above configuration, when the female connector-side arm 40 is bent by the coupling member-side main arm 70 in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis), the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 and the female connector-side arm 40 may interfere with each other. This operation may perform the first function, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0136] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 of the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a coupling member-side catch portion 86. The coupling member-side catch portion 86 may be a portion that directly interacts with the female connector-side catch portion 46.

[0137] In this embodiment, the coupling member-side catch portion 86 may be provided at an end of the coupling member-side sub-extension portion 84. The coupling member-side catch portion 86 may have a hook shape facing the second opposing direction (negative direction of the Z-axis).

[0138] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, the first function of preventing malfunction of the connector coupling member 50 will be described in detail.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 3, in the movement non-restriction position where the female connector-side arm 40 and the coupling member-side main arm 80 are spaced apart from each other, the connector coupling member 50 may be freely moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis).

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, as the connector coupling member 50 is moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis), the female connector-side catch portion 46 and the coupling member-side protrusion 74 may be in contact. That is, the female connector-side catch portion 46 may be pressed by the coupling member-side main arm 70.

[0141] When the connector coupling member 50 is further moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis), the female connector-side catch portion 46 may ride over the deformation inducing surface 74a of the coupling member-side protrusion 74. Then, the female connector-side extension portion 44 may be bent in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0142] As a result, the female connector-side catch portion 46 may be moved toward the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). The female connector-side catch portion 46 may be placed on an outer surface provided on the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis) side of the coupling member-side protrusion 74. And, the female connector-side catch portion 46 and the coupling member-side catch portion 86 may be positioned parallel to each other based on the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). In other words, the height at which the female connector-side catch portion 46 is positioned and the height at which the coupling member-side catch portion 86 is positioned may be the same based on the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0143] Next, when the connector coupling member 50 is further moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis), the female connector-side catch portion 46 interferes with coupling member-side catch portion 86 of the coupling member-side sub-arm 80. As a result, the coupling member-side catch portion 86 may be blocked by the first coupling member-side catch portion 86. Therefore, the connector coupling member 50 may no longer be moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis). Hereinafter, the above-described position of the connector coupling member 50 is referred to as a movement restriction position.

[0144] In this way, according to the connector half assembly HA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a state where no other connector is coupled to the female connector 10, the connector coupling member 50 is restricted from being moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) beyond the movement restriction position, so that malfunction of the connector coupling member 50 may be prevented.

[0145] As will be described in detail later, in a state where the female connector 10 is coupled to another connector, the connector coupling member 50 may be moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) beyond the movement restriction position and be positioned at a coupling position that couples the two connectors.

[0146] Hereinafter, a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0147] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the rear. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing that a connector coupling member of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in a movement non-restriction position. FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing that a connector coupling member of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in a movement restriction position. FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view for describing that a connector coupling member of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is moved to a restriction release position. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 13, viewed from above. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of one part of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view for describing that a connector coupling member of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is moved to a coupling position. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 16, viewed from above. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of one part of FIG. 16.

[0148] FIGS. 9 and 10 disclose a connector assembly A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the connector assembly A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a female connector 10 capable of being electrically connected to an electrical device, a male connector 90 electrically connected to another electrical device and capable of being coupled to the female connector 10, and a connector coupling member 50 capable of coupling and fixing the female connector 10 and the male connector 90 in position.

[0149] As a result, the electrical device and another electrical device may be in electrical communication with each other. At this time, the female connector 10 and the connector coupling member 50 of the connector assembly A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured in the same manner as the female connector 10 and the connector coupling member 50 of the connector half assembly HA described in FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0150] In this embodiment, the male connector 90 may include a male connector body 92 and a male connector-side terminal 91 accommodated in the male connector body 92. The male connector-side terminal 91 may be configured in a pair corresponding to the female connector-side terminal 11.

[0151] The male connector body 92 may accommodate the male connector-side terminal 91 and protect it from external impact or contamination. To this end, the material of the male connector body 92 may be made of plastic or metal having a predetermined rigidity, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] In this embodiment, the male connector body 92 may be provided as a cylindrical or hollow member extending in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). Accordingly, the male connector-side terminal 91 may be accommodated inside the male connector body 92.

[0153] In this embodiment, the male connector body 92 may include a corresponding coupling portion 94 extending in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). The corresponding coupling portion 94 may be configured to be inserted into the coupling space B of the female connector 10. The corresponding coupling portion 94 may be coupled to the coupling portion 22 of the female connector 10 in a shape-fitting manner.

[0154] In this embodiment, the male connector body 92 may include a corresponding guide portion 96. The corresponding guide portion 96 may be configured to be guided by the male connector guide portion 34 of the female connector 10 when the corresponding coupling portion 94 enters the coupling space B.

[0155] The corresponding guide portion 96 may protrude from the corresponding coupling portion 94 in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). The corresponding guide portion 96 may extend parallel to the corresponding coupling portion 94. In other words, the corresponding coupling portion 94 may be provided as a wall body having a predetermined height in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis) and extending in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis).

[0156] As a result, the corresponding guide portion 96 may be inserted through a slit formed in the male connector guide portion 34. The structure or shape of the corresponding guide portion 96 is not particularly limited as long as it may be guided by the male connector guide portion 34. For example, the corresponding guide portion 96 may be provided only in a partial section in the longitudinal direction of the corresponding coupling portion 94, or may be formed to be partially curved.

[0157] The male connector 90 of the connector assembly A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a catch body 98. The catch body 98 may be configured to perform the second function by interacting with the female connector-side arm of the female connector 10 and the coupling member-side sub-arm of the connector coupling member 50.

[0158] In this embodiment, the catch body 98 may protrude from the corresponding guide portion 96 in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). The catch body 98 may be positioned adjacent to an end side of the corresponding coupling portion 94. The position of the catch body 98 may be appropriately changed to correspond to the position of the coupling member-side sub-arm.

[0159] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 18, the second function capable of stably maintaining the coupling of the female connector 10 and the male connector 90 will be described in detail.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, as the male connector 90 is moved in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis), the corresponding coupling portion 94 may enter the coupling space B. At this time, in a state in which the catch body 98 of the male connector 90 is not inserted to the position where the end of the female connector-side arm 40 is positioned, the connector coupling member 50 may not be moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) beyond the movement restriction position. That is, the first function may be achieved.

[0161] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, as the corresponding coupling portion 94 enters further into the coupling space B, the catch body 98 may reach the position where the coupling member-side catch portion 86 of the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 is positioned. Then, the catch body 98 may press the coupling member-side catch portion 86 in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). As a result, the coupling member-side sub-extension portion 84 may be elastically bent in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis), and the coupling member-side catch portion 86 may be moved in the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0162] In this way, as the coupling member-side catch portion 86 is moved, the height at which the coupling member-side catch portion 86 is positioned may be higher than the height at which the female connector-side catch portion 46 is positioned based on the second direction (positive direction of the Z-axis). In other words, the coupling member-side catch portion 86 and the female connector-side catch portion 46 may not overlap each other based on the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis). Therefore, the interference between the coupling member-side catch portion 86 and the female connector-side catch portion 46 is released.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 15, when the interference between the coupling member-side catch portion 86 and the female connector-side catch portion 46 is released, the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 is no longer blocked by the female connector-side arm 40, and thus the connector coupling member 50 may be further moved in the first opposing direction (positive) direction of the X-axis). This position of the connector coupling member 50 is referred to as a restriction release position.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, when the connector coupling member 50 is further moved in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) from the restriction release position, the coupling member-side catch portion 86 may ride over the female connector-side catch part 46b of the female connector-side catch portion 46.

[0165] And, when the coupling member-side catch portion 86 is positioned on the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) side of the female connector-side catch part 46b, the coupling member-side sub-arm 80 is no longer pressed by the female connector-side catch portion 46 and the catch body 98.

[0166] As a result, the coupling member-side sub-extension portion 84 elastically returns in the second opposing direction (negative direction of the Z-axis), and the coupling member-side catch portion 86 may be moved in the second opposing direction (negative direction of the Z-axis). That is, the coupling member-side catch portion 86 enters the catch space E and may be caught by the female connector-side catch part 46b. Hereinafter, the position of the connector coupling member 50 as described above is referred to as a coupling position.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 18, when the connector coupling member 50 is positioned at the coupling position, the catch body 98 and the coupling member-side catch portion 86 are positioned oppositely with the female connector-side catch part 46b therebetween.

[0168] By such mutual catch structure between the coupling body 98, the female connector-side catch part 46b, and the coupling member-side catch portion 86, the movement of the corresponding coupling portion 94 in the first opposing direction (negative direction of the X-axis) is restricted, and the movement of the connector coupling member 50 in the first direction (positive direction of the X-axis) is restricted. Through this, the coupling and position fixing between the female connector 10 and the male connector 90 may be stably maintained. That is, the second function may be achieved.

[0169] The present disclosure has been hereinabove described with regard to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be embodied in different forms by those having ordinary skill in the technical field pertaining to the present disclosure within the technical aspect of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.[List of Reference Numerals]

[0170] A: Connector assembly HA: Connector half assembly 10: Female connector 20: Female connector body 30: Coupling auxiliary body 40: Female connector-side arm 50: Connector coupling member 60: Coupling body 70: Coupling member-side main arm 80: Coupling member-side sub-arm 90: Male connector B: Coupling space C: Receiving space D: Coupling auxiliary space E: Catch space

Claims

1. A connector half assembly comprising: a female connector comprising a female connector body providing a coupling space for a male connector to be allowed to enter, a coupling auxiliary body providing a coupling auxiliary space connected to the coupling space, and a female connector-side arm extending from an inner wall of the coupling auxiliary body in a first direction and being elastically bendable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a connector coupling member comprising a coupling body movably coupled to the female connector body in a first opposing direction opposite to the first direction so as to be closer to the coupling auxiliary body, a coupling member-side main arm and a coupling member-side sub-arm that extend parallel to each other so as to face the female connector-side arm from the coupling body, wherein the connector coupling member is movable to a movement non-restriction position and a movement restriction position spaced apart from the movement non-restriction position in the first opposing direction, wherein in the movement restriction position, as the female connector-side arm is pressed and bent by the coupling member-side main arm, the coupling member-side sub-arm and the female connector-side arm interfere with each other, thereby restricting movement of the connector coupling member in the first opposing direction.

2. The connector half assembly according to claim 1, wherein the female connector-side arm comprises: a female connector-side bent portion connected to the inner wall of the coupling auxiliary body and bent in the first direction; and a female connector-side extension portion extending from the female connector-side bent portion along the first direction.

3. The connector half assembly according to claim 2, wherein the female connector-side arm comprises a female connector-side catch portion provided at an end of the female connector-side extension portion and capable of contacting the coupling member-side main arm.

4. The connector half assembly according to claim 3, wherein the female connector-side catch portion comprises: a female connector-side protruding part protruding from the end of the female connector-side extension portion toward the coupling space; and a female connector-side catch part extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions from the female connector-side protruding part.

5. The connector half assembly according to claim 4, wherein the female connector-side catch part has a shape in which a side part in the extension direction is convex in the second direction.

6. The connector half assembly according to claim 4, wherein the female connector-side extension portion comprises: a female connector-side main extension part extending from the female connector-side bent portion; and a pair of female connector-side sub-extension parts extending parallel to each other in the first direction from an end of the female connector-side main extension part with the catch space opened in the third direction therebetween, wherein the female connector-side protruding parts are provided in a pair and each provided at ends of the pair of female connector-side sub-extension parts, and the female connector-side catch parts are connected to the pair of female connector-side protruding parts, respectively.

7. The connector half assembly according to claim 4, wherein the coupling member-side main arm comprises: a coupling member-side main extension portion extending from the coupling body; and a coupling member-side protrusion protruding convexly in the second direction from an end of the coupling member-side main extension portion.

8. The connector half assembly according to claim 7, wherein the female connector-side catch portion is disposed at a predetermined distance from the coupling member-side main extension portion in the second direction.

9. The connector half assembly according to claim 7, wherein the coupling member-side main arm comprises: a coupling member-side sidewall portion that protrudes from the coupling member-side main extension portion in the second direction and is positioned further outward than the female connector-side arm in the longitudinal direction of the female connector-side catch part.

10. The connector half assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member-side sub-arm is disposed at a predetermined distance from the coupling member-side main arm in the second direction.

11. The connector half assembly according to claim 1, wherein an end of the coupling member-side main arm is positioned farther from the coupling body than an end of the coupling member-side sub-arm.

12. The connector half assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member-side main arms are configured in a pair and extend parallel to each other with the coupling member-side sub-arm therebetween.

13. The connector half assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member-side sub-arm comprises: a coupling member-side bent portion that is connected to the coupling body and is bent in the first opposing direction; and a coupling member-side sub-extension portion that extends along the first opposing direction from the coupling member-side bent portion.

14. The connector half assembly according to claim 13, wherein the coupling member-side sub-arm further comprises a hook-shaped coupling member-side catch portion provided at an end of the coupling member-side sub-extension portion, wherein in the movement restriction position, the coupling member-side catch portion is caught by the female connector-side arm.

15. The connector half assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is a direction toward the outside of the coupling space.

16. The connector half assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling auxiliary body comprises: a cylindrical coupling auxiliary portion provided on one side of the female connector body and forming the coupling auxiliary space therein; and a male connector guide portion that extends between the coupling auxiliary space and the coupling space in the first direction and is capable of guiding a male connector entering the coupling space.

17. The connector half assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling body comprises: a manipulation plate portion positioned on an outer side of the female connector body and having one surface exposed to the outside; and a sliding coupling portion provided on the other surface of the manipulation plate portion and slidably coupled to the female connector body.

18. The connector half assembly according to claim 17, wherein the coupling member-side main arm portion extends from the sliding coupling portion, and the coupling member-side sub-arm portion extends from the manipulation plate portion.

19. A connector assembly comprising: a female connector comprising a female connector body providing a coupling space, a coupling auxiliary body providing a coupling auxiliary space connected to the coupling space, and a female connector-side arm extending from an inner wall of the coupling auxiliary body in the first direction and being elastically bendable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a male connector comprising a male connector body inserted into the coupling space and a catch body protruding from the male connector body into the coupling auxiliary space; and a connector coupling member comprising a coupling body movably coupled to the female connector body in a first opposing direction opposite to the first direction and capable of being close to the coupling auxiliary body, a coupling member-side main arm and a coupling member-side sub-arm that extend parallel to each other toward the coupling auxiliary space so as to face the female connector-side arm from the coupling body, wherein the connector coupling member is moved from a movement restriction position where the movement of the connector coupling member in the first opposing direction is restricted to a restriction release position where the movement restriction is released, as the male connector body enters the coupling space, wherein in the movement restriction position, as the female connector-side arm is pressed and bent by the coupling member-side main arm, the coupling member-side sub-arm and the female connector-side arm interfere with each other, wherein in the restriction release position, as the coupling member-side sub-arm is pressed and bent by the catch body, the interference between the coupling member-side sub-arm and the female connector-side arm is released.

20. The connector assembly according to claim 19, wherein the female connector-side arm comprises: a female connector-side bent portion connected to the inner wall of the coupling auxiliary portion and bent in the first direction; a female connector-side extension portion extending from the female connector-side bent portion along the first direction; and a female connector-side catch portion provided at an end of the female connector-side extension portion and capable of contacting the coupling member-side main arm portion, wherein the connector coupling member is moved to a connector coupling position spaced apart from the restriction release position in the first opposing direction, wherein in the connector coupling position, the catch body and the end of the coupling member-side sub-arm are disposed oppositely with the female connector-side catch portion therebetween.

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