connector

Abstract

This provides a connector that can stabilize the rotation of the lever. [Solution] In a connector 1 comprising a housing 3, a lever 9, and a pair of detection terminals 5, 5, one detection terminal 5 has an elastically deformable detection elastic piece 31 that is in contact with the other detection terminal 5, the housing 3 has an elastically deformable detection arm 17 that abuts against the detection elastic piece 31, the lever 9 has a pressing portion 45 that presses against the detection arm 17 during rotation to cause elastic deformation and elastic deformation of the detection elastic piece 31 to separate it from the other detection terminal 5, the housing 3 has a restricting portion 19 positioned in the direction of elastic deformation when the detection arm 17 is pressed against the pressing portion 45, and the lever 9 has a contact portion 47 that abuts against the restricting portion 19 during rotation to restrict the movement of the lever 9 in the direction of restoring the detection elastic piece 31 and the detection arm 17.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector, there is provided a housing that can be fitted to a mating housing, and a lever that is rotatably assembled to the housing and that fits and disengages the mating housing and the housing by rotation. Further, there is known a connector provided with a pair of detection terminals that are housed in the housing and that detect the fitting state of the mating housing and the housing in a conductive state (see Patent Document 1). In this connector, one detection terminal has a detection elastic piece that is elastically deformable and that contacts the other detection terminal. Further, the housing has a detection arm that is elastically deformable and that abuts against the detection elastic piece. In such a connector, during rotation of the lever, the lever presses and elastically deforms the detection arm, and elastically deforms the detection elastic piece to separate it from the other detection terminal. By separating the detection elastic piece from the other detection terminal, conduction of the pair of detection terminals is released, and it can be detected that the lever is in the middle of rotation and that the mating housing and the housing are not fitted together.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a connector like the one described in Patent Document 1 above, when the lever elastically deforms the detection arm and the detection elastic piece, a restoring force is input to the lever from the detection arm and the detection elastic piece. When a restoring force is input to the lever from the detection arm and the detection elastic piece, the lever moves in the restoring direction, making the rotation of the lever unstable, which could potentially lead to unstable mating and unmating between the mating housings.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art. The object of this invention is to provide a connector that can stabilize the rotation of a lever. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector according to this embodiment comprises a housing that can be mated with a mating housing, a lever rotatably mounted to the housing and which engages and disengages the mating housing and the housing by rotation, and a pair of detection terminals housed in the housing that detect the mating state of the mating housing and the housing by conductivity, wherein one of the detection terminals has an elastically deformable detection elastic piece that contacts the other detection terminal, the housing has an elastically deformable detection arm that abuts against the detection elastic piece, the lever has a pressing portion that presses and elastically deforms the detection arm during rotation and elastically deforms the detection elastic piece to separate it from the other detection terminal, the housing has a restricting portion positioned in the direction of elastic deformation when the detection arm is pressed against the pressing portion, and the lever has a contact portion that abuts against the restricting portion during rotation and restricts the movement of the lever in the direction of restoring the detection elastic piece and the detection arm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that can stabilize the rotation of a lever. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of the connector and mating connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the connector and mating connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the connector lever at the starting position of rotation according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the connector lever during rotation according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the connector lever during rotation according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the connector lever during rotation according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the connector lever during rotation according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the connector lever at the end of its rotation position according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the connector housing according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the detection terminal of the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the connector frame according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the lever of the connector according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The connector according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the connector 1 according to this embodiment electrically connects two electrical components (not shown), for example, between a power source and equipment mounted on a vehicle, or between two pieces of equipment. Connector 1 is electrically connected to one electrical component and is matable with a mating connector 101 that is electrically connected to the other electrical component. By mating connector 1 with the mating connector 101, the two electrical components are electrically connected.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mating connector 101 comprises a mating housing 103, a mating terminal 105, and a pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107.

[0012] The mating housing 103 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The mating housing 103 is formed in a housing shape into which two connectors 1 can be mated, and the mating surface side with respect to the connectors 1 is open. Inside the mating housing 103, there is a cam pin (not shown) that protrudes inward from the inner surface. In this embodiment, since two connectors 1 can be mated into the mating housing 103, there are cam pins in two locations. Inside the mating housing 103, there is a mating terminal 105 and a pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107.

[0013] The mating terminal 105 is made of a conductive material, is formed in an L-shape, and multiple terminals are used. One end of the mating terminal 105 is inserted into the mating housing 103, and the other end is exposed from the mating housing 103. The mating terminal 105 is fixed to the mating housing 103 by the portion of the mating terminal 105 that passes through the wall portion opposite to the mating surface of the mating housing 103 being press-fitted into the wall portion. The portion of the mating terminal 105 located inside the mating housing 103 is a tab-shaped mating electrical connection portion (not shown). The portion of the mating terminal 105 exposed from the mating housing 103 is a mating component connection portion that is electrically connected to the other electrical component. The mating terminal 105 is electrically connected to the terminal when the mating housing 103 is mated with the housing 3 of the connector 1.

[0014] The pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107 are made of a conductive material and are formed in an L shape. In this embodiment, since two connectors 1 can be fitted into the mating housing 103, the pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107 are provided at two locations. One end side of the pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107 is inserted into the mating housing 103, and the other end side is exposed from the mating housing 103. The portion of the pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107 that passes through the wall portion on the side opposite to the fitting surface of the mating housing 103 is press-fitted into the wall portion, thereby being fixed to the mating housing 103. The portion of the pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107 located inside the mating housing 103 forms a mating detection connection portion in a tab shape. The portion of the pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107 exposed from the mating housing 103 forms a mating component circuit connection portion that is electrically connected to the detection circuit of the other electrical component. The pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107 are electrically connected to the pair of detection terminals 5, 5 when the mating housing 103 is fitted with the housing 3 of the connector 1.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the connector 1 includes a housing 3, terminals (not shown), a pair of detection terminals 5, 5, a frame 7, and a lever 9.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, the housing 3 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The housing 3 is formed in a housing shape that can be fitted inside the mating housing 103. On both side surfaces of the outer surface of the housing 3, shaft portions 11 protruding outward from the side surfaces are provided respectively. Inside the housing 3, a plurality of terminal accommodation chambers 13 are provided. The terminal accommodation chambers 13 extend along the fitting direction with the mating housing 103. Both sides in the length direction of the terminal accommodation chambers 13 are open respectively. The opening on one side of the terminal accommodation chamber 13 becomes a connection opening into which the mating electrical connection portion of the mating terminal 105 is inserted when the housing 3 and the mating housing 103 are fitted. The opening on the other side of the terminal accommodation chamber 13 becomes an insertion opening into which a terminal can be inserted. Inside the terminal accommodation chamber 13, a locking lance (not shown) that engages with the terminal is provided so as to be elastically deformable. The plurality of terminal accommodation chambers 13 communicate with a spacer accommodation portion (not shown) that is open to the outside of the housing 3.

[0017] In the housing 3, detection accommodation portions 15 are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107 of the mating connector 101. A pair of detection terminals 5, 5 are accommodated in the detection accommodation portions 15. The detection accommodation portions 15 extend along the fitting direction with the mating housing 103. Both sides in the length direction of the detection accommodation portions 15 are open respectively. The opening on one side of the detection accommodation portion 15 becomes a connection opening into which the mating detection connection portions of the pair of mating detection terminals 107, 107 are inserted when the housing 3 and the mating housing 103 are fitted. The opening on the other side of the detection accommodation portion 15 becomes an insertion opening into which the pair of detection terminals 5, 5 can be inserted. In the detection accommodation portions 15, a detection arm 17 and a regulation portion 19 are provided.

[0018] The detection arm 17 is provided so as to be elastically deformable, with the connection opening side as the base end and the insertion opening side as the free end. The detection arm 17 is provided with an arm projection 21 and an arm contact portion 23. The arm projection 21 is provided on the free end side of the detection arm 17 and protrudes in the direction of restoration after the detection arm 17 has been elastically deformed. The arm projection 21 is formed as an inclined surface on the free end side of the detection arm 17 and as a vertical locking surface on the base end side of the detection arm 17. The arm contact portion 23 is provided in the central part of the longitudinal direction of the detection arm 17 and protrudes in the direction of elastic deformation of the detection arm 17. The protruding side of the arm contact portion 23 is a pressing surface formed as a plane.

[0019] The restricting portion 19 is positioned adjacent to the detection arm 17 in the direction of elastic deformation of the detection arm 17, such that it has at least a wall portion facing the direction of elastic deformation of the detection arm 17. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 19 is formed in a U-shape so as to cover the periphery of the detection arm 17. The restricting portion 19 extends along the fitting direction between the housing 3 and the mating housing 103. The restricting portion 19 has an allowable space between it and the detection arm 17 so that the detection arm 17 can be elastically deformed. The restricting portion 19 is provided with a slit-shaped insertion portion 25 formed through the restricting portion 19. The arm contact portion 23 of the detection arm 17 is inserted through the insertion portion 25. By providing the insertion portion 25 in the restricting portion 19, the restricting portion 19 can be positioned in close proximity to the detection arm 17. By positioning the detection arm 17 and the restricting portion 19 in close proximity, the restricting portion 19 can restrict excessive elastic deformation of the detection arm 17.

[0020] Although not shown, the terminals are made of a conductive material and multiple terminals are used. The terminals consist of, for example, female terminals having a box-shaped electrical connection part. The terminals are electrically connected, for example, to the end of a wire electrically connected to one of the electrical components by crimping or the like. The terminals are housed in the terminal housing chamber 13 through the insertion opening and engage with the locking lance of the terminal housing chamber 13. The engagement between the terminal and the locking lance prevents the terminal from coming out of the insertion opening of the terminal housing chamber 13, and the terminal can be held in the housing 3. The terminal housed in the terminal housing chamber 13 is engaged with the spacer 27, which is housed in a spacer housing section that communicates with multiple terminal housing chambers 13. By engaging the spacer 27 with the terminal, a double layer of locking is provided in conjunction with the locking lance, and the terminal can be stably held in the housing 3. The spacer 27 is assembled to be movable between a temporary locking position into which the terminal can be inserted and a permanent locking position into which the terminal is engaged with the housing 3. The terminal is electrically connected to the mating terminal 105 by mating the housing 3 with the mating housing 103.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2, 5 to 8, and 10, the pair of detection terminals 5, 5 are made of a conductive material. The pair of detection terminals 5, 5 are formed in a flat plate shape, with one end being elastically deformable and folded back to form a detection connection portion 29. One detection terminal 5 has its other end elastically deformable and folded back to form a detection elastic piece 31 extending toward the other detection terminal 5. The other detection terminal 5 has its other end folded back to form a detection contact portion 33 that the detection elastic piece 31 contacts. The pair of detection terminals 5, 5 are electrically connected by contact between the detection elastic piece 31 and the detection contact portion 33. The pair of detection terminals 5, 5 are housed in the detection housing portion 15 of the housing 3. When the pair of detection terminals 5, 5 are housed in the detection housing portion 15, the detection elastic piece 31 of one detection terminal 5 contacts the arm contact portion 23 of the detection arm 17. When the detection arm 17 is elastically deformed, the detection elastic piece 31 is pressed by the arm contact portion 23 and elastically deforms so as to move away from the detection contact portion 33. When the detection elastic piece 31 is elastically deformed, contact with the detection contact portion 33 is released, and the electrical connection between the pair of detection terminals 5, 5 is released.

[0022] When the housing 3 and the mating housing 103 are fitted together, the pair of detection terminals 5,5 have their detection connection portions 29 in contact with the mating detection connection portions of the pair of mating detection terminals 107,107, thereby electrically connecting them. This electrical connection between the pair of detection terminals 5,5 and the pair of mating detection terminals 107,107 allows for the detection that the connector 1 and the mating connector 101 are properly fitted together. On the other hand, if the connector 1 and the mating connector 101 are not properly fitted together, the lever 9, described later, is in the middle of rotating. During the rotation of the lever 9, the detection arm 17 of the housing 3 is elastically deformed. When the detection arm 17 is elastically deformed, the detection elastic piece 31 is elastically deformed via the arm contact portion 23, and contact with the detection contact portion 33 is released. As a result, the conductivity of the pair of detection terminals 5,5 is interrupted, and it is possible to detect that the connector 1 and the mating connector 101 are not properly fitted together.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 8 and Figure 11, the frame 7 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The frame 7 is formed in a housing shape that can cover the outer surface of the housing 3. The frame 7 is positioned to cover the outer surface of the housing 3 and is assembled to the housing 3 via an engaging portion. A lever 9 is positioned between the inner surface of the frame 7 and the outer surface of the housing 3, and a space is provided that allows the lever 9 to rotate. The frame 7 is provided with a start holding portion 35 and an end holding portion 37. The start holding portion 35 is positioned to engage with the lever 9 at the start position of rotation of the lever 9. The end holding portion 37 is positioned to engage with the lever 9 at the end position of rotation of the lever 9.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 8 and Figure 12, the lever 9 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The lever 9 is formed in a U-shape that covers the outer surface of the housing 3 with a pair of side walls and a connecting wall that connects the pair of side walls. Each of the pair of side walls of the lever 9 is provided with an axial hole 39 formed through the side walls. The shaft portion 11 of the housing 3 is inserted through the axial hole 39, and the lever 9 is assembled to the housing 3 so as to be rotatable. An elastically deformable retaining locking piece 41 is provided on one side wall of the lever 9, with a projection having an inclined surface on the free end side that is inclined in the direction of rotation of the lever 9. At the rotation start position of the lever 9 (see Figure 3), the projection of the retaining locking piece 41 engages with the start retaining portion 35 of the frame 7, holding the lever 9 at the rotation start position. At the rotation end position of the lever 9 (see Figure 1), the projection of the retaining locking piece 41 engages with the end retaining portion 37 of the frame 7, holding the lever 9 at the rotation end position. A cam groove 43 is provided on the outer surface of one side wall of the lever 9. The cam pin of the mating housing 103 is positioned in the cam groove 43 at the rotational starting position of the lever 9 when the housing 3 and the mating housing 103 are fitted together. As the lever 9 rotates, the cam pin moves along the cam groove 43, and the housing 3 is fitted into the mating housing 103 by being pulled in. By providing the lever 9 on the housing 3, the fitting operation force between the housing 3 and the mating housing 103 can be reduced, and assembly can be improved. A pressing portion 45 and a contact portion 47 are provided on the connecting wall side of the lever 9.

[0025] The pressing portion 45 protrudes toward the housing 3. The pressing portion 45 has rigidity such that it does not elastically deform when it comes into contact with and slides against the detection arm 17 due to the rotation of the lever 9. The tip side of the pressing portion 45 has an inclined surface on the side that comes into contact with and slides against the arm projection 21 of the detection arm 17, and the side opposite to the detection arm 17 is a vertical locking surface. During the rotation of the lever 9, the inclined surface of the pressing portion 45 comes into contact with the inclined surface of the arm projection 21 of the detection arm 17. As the rotation of the lever 9 continues, the pressing portion 45, which is in contact with the arm projection 21, slides against and presses against the inclined surface of the arm projection 21, causing the detection arm 17 to elastically deform. When the detection arm 17 is elastically deformed, the detection elastic piece 31 of one detection terminal 5 is elastically deformed so that it separates from the detection contact portion 33 of the other detection terminal 5 via the arm contact portion 23. When the detection elastic piece 31 is elastically deformed, the conductivity between the pair of detection terminals 5, 5 is interrupted, allowing detection that the rotation of the lever 9 has not finished and that the connector 1 and the mating connector 101 are not properly mated. When the lever 9 is positioned at the end of rotation, the locking surface of the pressing part 45 is positioned opposite the locking surface of the arm projection 21, and the detection arm 17 is restored. The engagement between the locking surface of the pressing part 45 and the locking surface of the arm projection 21 restricts the rotation of the lever 9 from moving from the end of rotation to the start of rotation. To rotate the lever 9 from the end of rotation to the start of rotation, the arm projection 21 of the detection arm 17 is pressed to elastically deform the detection arm 17. When the pressing part 45 is pressing the detection arm 17, it receives a restoring force that attempts to restore the detection arm 17 and the detection elastic piece 31 from their elastic deformation. When the pressing portion 45 receives a restoring force, the lever 9 is moved in the restoring direction of the detection arm 17 and the detection elastic piece 31. Therefore, the lever 9 is provided with a contact portion 47 that restricts the movement of the lever 9.

[0026] The contact portion 47 is positioned opposite the protruding direction of the pressing portion 45 and is formed in a flat plate shape. The contact portion 47 extends in a planar direction parallel to the rotation direction of the lever 9. During the rotation of the lever 9, when the pressing portion 45 elastically deforms the detection arm 17, the contact portion 47 is positioned opposite the restoring direction of the detection arm 17 and the detection elastic piece 31 relative to the restricting portion 19. The contact portion 47 comes into contact with the restricting portion 19 when a restoring force is input to the lever 9 from the detection arm 17 and the detection elastic piece 31. The contact between the restricting portion 19 and the contact portion 47 restricts the movement of the detection arm 17 and the detection elastic piece 31 of the lever 9 in the restoring direction. As a result, the lever 9 can be rotated stably, and the fitting and unfitting of the housing 3 and the mating housing 103 can be performed stably. The restricting portion 19, which the contact portion 47 contacts, is positioned close to the detection arm 17 by an insertion portion 25 through which the arm contact portion 23 of the detection arm 17 is inserted. Therefore, the restricting portion 19 and the contact portion 47, which receive the restoring force of the detection arm 17 and the detection elastic piece 31, can be positioned close to the source of the restoring force, and the movement of the lever 9 due to the restoring force can be stably restricted.

[0027] Such a connector 1 includes a housing 3 that can be mated with a mating housing 103, and a lever 9 that is rotatably mounted on the housing 3 and rotates to engage and disengage the housing 3 from the mating housing 103. It also includes a pair of detection terminals 5, 5 housed in the housing 3 that detect the mating state of the housing 3 from the mating housing 103 by their conductivity. One of the detection terminals 5 has an elastically deformable detection elastic piece 31 that is in contact with the other detection terminal 5. The housing 3 has an elastically deformable detection arm 17 that is in contact with the detection elastic piece 31. The lever 9 has a pressing portion 45 that presses the detection arm 17 during rotation, causing it to elastically deform and elastically deform the detection elastic piece 31, separating it from the other detection terminal 5. The housing 3 also has a restricting portion 19 positioned in the direction of elastic deformation when the detection arm 17 is pressed by the pressing portion 45. Furthermore, the lever 9 has a contact portion 47 that contacts the restricting portion 19 during rotation, restricting the movement of the lever 9 in the direction of restoring the detection elastic piece 31 and the detection arm 17.

[0028] The contact between the restricting portion 19 and the contact portion 47 restricts the movement of the detection arm 17 and detection elastic piece 31 of the lever 9 in the restoring direction. As a result, the lever 9 can be rotated stably, and the fitting and unfitting of the housing 3 and the mating housing 103 can be performed stably.

[0029] Therefore, with such a connector 1, the rotation of the lever 9 can be stabilized.

[0030] Furthermore, the detection arm 17 has an arm contact portion 23 that abuts against the detection elastic piece 31. The regulating portion 19 is provided with an insertion portion 25 through which the arm contact portion 23 is inserted and positioned.

[0031] By providing an insertion portion 25 through which the arm contact portion 23 is inserted into the restricting portion 19, the restricting portion 19 can be positioned close to the detection arm 17. Therefore, the restricting portion 19 and the contact portion 47, which receive the restoring force of the detection arm 17 and the detection elastic piece 31, can be positioned close to the source of the restoring force, and the movement of the lever 9 due to the restoring force can be stably restricted. In addition, by positioning the detection arm 17 and the restricting portion 19 in close proximity, the restricting portion 19 can restrict excessive elastic deformation of the detection arm 17.

[0032] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment.

[0033] For example, a frame is assembled to the housing, and a lever is assembled between the housing and the frame, but this is not the only option; the lever may be assembled to the housing without using a frame. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 1 Connector 3 Housing 5 Detection terminals 9 Lever 17 detection arm 19 Regulatory Department 23 Arm contact portion 25 Insertion part 31. Detecting elastic pieces 45 Pressing part 47 Contact part 103 Opponent Housing

Claims

1. A housing that can be fitted with the mating housing, A lever is rotatably mounted to the housing and rotates to engage and disengage the mating housing from the aforementioned housing, A pair of detection terminals housed in the aforementioned housing, which detect the mating state between the mating housing and the aforementioned housing based on their electrical conductivity, Equipped with, One of the detection terminals has an elastically deformable detection elastic piece that is in contact with the other detection terminal. The housing has an elastically deformable detection arm that is in contact with the detection elastic piece, The lever has a pressing portion that presses against the detection arm during rotation, causing it to elastically deform, and elastically deforms the detection elastic piece, causing it to separate from the other detection terminal. The housing has a restricting portion that is positioned in the direction of elastic deformation when the detection arm is pressed against the pressing portion, The lever is a connector having a contact portion that contacts the restricting portion during rotation to restrict the movement of the lever in the restoring direction of the detection elastic piece and the detection arm.

2. The detection arm has an arm contact portion that contacts the detection elastic piece, The connector according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion is provided with an insertion portion through which the arm contact portion is inserted and positioned.

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