Connector mating body

Abstract

To provide a connector mating body that can be used in a variety of installation locations. [Solution] The connector mating body 1 comprises a first connector 10, a second connector 20, and a lever-type connector 30. The first housing 11 of the first connector 10 and the second housing 21 of the second connector 20 form a base 40. The lever-type connector 30 is detachably fitted to the base 40, thereby connecting the first wiring 12, 13 provided on the first connector 10 and the second wiring 22, 23 provided on the second connector 20 via connecting wiring 34, 35 provided on the lever-type connector 30 in a connectable and detachable manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector fitting.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional connector fitting of this type, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses a connector fitting including a first connector, a second connector that is fitted to and detached from the first connector, and a lever that is rotatably attached to the second connector. Further, the connector fitting disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a switch constituted by a terminal provided on the first connector and a terminal provided on the second connector. By rotating the lever to switch the fitting / detachment between the first connector and the second connector, the on / off of the switch is switched.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Thus, in a connector fitting configured to switch the on / off of a switch by operating a lever, it is preferable to be able to be installed in various locations.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems of such conventional technologies. The object of the present invention is to provide a connector fitting having versatility in installation locations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connector mating body according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a first connector having a first housing and a first wiring held in the first housing; a second connector having a second housing and a second wiring held in the second housing, and formed separately from the first connector; and a lever-type connector having a third housing, a connecting wiring held in the third housing, and a lever rotatably attached to the third housing. The first and second connectors are configured such that the first and second housings can form a base that does not connect the first and second wirings, and the lever-type connector is configured to detachably connect the first and second wirings via the connecting wiring by being detachably fitted to the base. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector mating body that can be used in a variety of installation locations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of a connector mating body. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic wiring diagram showing an example of a connector mating body. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the first and second engaging portions. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the base is formed by the first housing and the second housing. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the base fixed with a fixing plate. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the lever-type connector fitted to the base. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle assembly method using an example of a connector mating body, and schematically shows the state before the front module, center module, and rear module are assembled. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle assembly method using an example of a connector mating body, and schematically shows the state in which the front module, center module, and rear module have been assembled. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle assembly method using an example of a connector mating body, and schematically shows the state in which the base has been formed. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle assembly method using an example of a connector mating body, and schematically shows a lever-type connector mated to a base. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The connector mating body 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] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the direction in which the first housing and the second housing are aligned when the base is formed is defined as the front-rear direction, and the direction in which the lever-type connector is fitted into the base is defined as the up-down direction. In addition, the direction that intersects the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is defined as the width direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the connector mating body is described by defining the vertical direction of each component in a state where the lever-type connector is mated to the base by moving the lever-type connector relative to the base from top to bottom.Then, the first connector is described by defining the side facing the second connector as the front side in the front-to-back direction, and the second connector is described by defining the side facing the first connector as the front side in the front-to-back direction.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the connector mating body 1 according to this embodiment comprises a first connector 10 having a first housing 11 and a first wiring, and a second connector 20 having a second housing 21 and a second wiring. In this embodiment, the second connector 20 is formed separately from the first connector 10, and a base 40 can be formed by the first housing 11 of the first connector 10 and the second housing 21 of the second connector 20. At this time, the base 40 can be formed even when the first wiring and the second wiring are not connected.

[0013] Furthermore, the connector mating body 1 includes a lever-type connector 30 having a third housing 31, connecting wiring held in the third housing 31, and a lever 32 rotatably attached to the third housing 31.

[0014] The lever-type connector 30 is then detachably fitted to the base 40, thereby enabling the first and second wirings to be connected and disconnected via the connecting wiring.

[0015] Specifically, the lever 32 is attached to the third housing 31 in a manner that allows it to rotate around the rotation axis 33. With the third housing 31 temporarily held in place on the base 40, the lever 32 is rotated in a predetermined direction, allowing the third housing 31 to be fitted onto the base 40. By fitting the third housing 31 onto the base 40, the connecting wiring is electrically connected to the first and second wiring. In this way, the first and second wiring are electrically connected by the connecting wiring.

[0016] On one hand, with the third housing 31 fitted to the base 40, by rotating the lever 32 in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the fitting between the third housing 31 and the base 40 is released. And by releasing the fitting between the third housing 31 and the base 40, the connecting wiring is separated from the first wiring and the second wiring. By doing so, the conduction between the first wiring and the second wiring is released.

[0017] Such a connector fitting 1 can be used, for example, as an automotive connector to electrically connect between electrical components such as between a power source and a device, or between devices.

[0018] In the present embodiment, a connector fitting 1 used as a service plug, which is a power circuit breaker device that cuts off the energization between a power source and a load to ensure work safety during maintenance of an electrical system or the like, is exemplified in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0019] Specifically, the first housing 11 includes a first front housing 111 located at the front (the side facing the second housing 21) and a first rear housing 112 continuously provided at the rear end of the first front housing 111. In the present embodiment, both the first front housing 111 and the first rear housing 112 are substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped, and the first rear housing 112 is formed wider than the first front housing 111. And inside the first front housing 111 and the first rear housing 112, two spaces opening to the rear are formed side by side in the width direction. In these two spaces, a first power wiring 12 as the first wiring and a first ground wiring 13 as the first wiring are respectively accommodated.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first power wiring 12 comprises a first power line 121 and a first power terminal 122. Furthermore, a first power-side hood portion 113, which opens upward, is formed at the upper end of the first front housing 111 so as to communicate with the space inside the first front housing 111. With the first power line 121 housed in the space formed in the first front housing 111 and the first rear housing 112, the first power terminal 122 is housed within the first power-side hood portion 113.

[0021] Similarly, the first ground wiring 13 includes a first ground wire 131 and a first ground terminal 132. Furthermore, a first ground-side hood portion 114, opening upwards, is formed at the upper end of the first front housing 111, communicating with the space inside the first front housing 111. With the first ground wire 131 housed in the space formed in the first front housing 111 and the first rear housing 112, the first ground terminal 132 is housed within the first ground-side hood portion 114.

[0022] Such a first housing 11 can be formed from, for example, an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0023] On the other hand, the second housing 21 includes a second front housing 211 located at the front (facing the first housing 11) and a second rear housing 212 connected to the rear end of the second front housing 211. In this embodiment, both the second front housing 211 and the second rear housing 212 are substantially rectangular parallelepipeds, with the second rear housing 212 being wider than the second front housing 211. Inside the second front housing 211 and the second rear housing 212, two spaces opening to the rear are formed side by side in the width direction. The second power supply wiring 22 and the second ground wiring 23 are housed in these two spaces, respectively.

[0024] In this embodiment, the second power wiring 22 comprises a second power line 221 and a second power terminal 222. Furthermore, a second power-side hood portion 213, which opens upward, is formed at the upper end of the second front housing 211 so as to communicate with the space inside the second front housing 211. With the second power line 221 housed in the space formed in the second front housing 211 and the second rear housing 212, the second power terminal 222 is housed within the second power-side hood portion 213.

[0025] Similarly, the second ground wiring 23 includes a second ground wire 231 and a second ground terminal 232. Furthermore, a second ground-side hood portion 214, opening upwards, is formed at the upper end of the second front housing 211, communicating with the space inside the second front housing 211. With the second ground wire 231 housed in the space formed in the second front housing 211 and the second rear housing 212, the second ground terminal 232 is housed within the second ground-side hood portion 214.

[0026] Such a second housing 21 can also be formed from an electrically insulating material, such as synthetic resin.

[0027] Furthermore, a space opening downwards is formed inside the third housing 31, and the power supply side connecting wire 34 and the ground side connecting wire 35, which are also connecting wires, are housed in this space.

[0028] In this embodiment, the power supply side connection wiring 34 includes a first power supply side connection terminal 341, a second power supply side connection terminal 342, and a power supply side connection wire 343 that connects the first power supply side connection terminal 341 and the second power supply side connection terminal 342.

[0029] Then, in accordance with the engagement and disengagement of the third housing 31 with the base 40, the first power supply side connecting terminal 341 and the first power supply terminal 122 connect and separate, and the second power supply side connecting terminal 342 and the second power supply terminal 222 connect and separate.

[0030] Thus, in this embodiment, the first power supply side connection terminal 341 and the first power supply terminal 122, and the second power supply side connection terminal 342 and the second power supply terminal 222 function as a power switch 2 that constitutes part of the power supply circuit (see Figure 2).

[0031] Furthermore, the ground-side connection wiring 35 includes a first ground-side connection terminal 351, a second ground-side connection terminal 352, and a ground-side connection wire 353 that connects the first ground-side connection terminal 351 and the second ground-side connection terminal 352.

[0032] Then, in accordance with the engagement and disengagement of the third housing 31 with the base 40, the first ground-side connecting terminal 351 and the first ground terminal 132 connect and separate, and the second ground-side connecting terminal 352 and the second ground terminal 232 connect and separate.

[0033] Thus, in this embodiment, the first ground-side connecting terminal 351 and the first ground terminal 132, and the second ground-side connecting terminal 352 and the second ground terminal 232 function as a ground switch 3 that constitutes part of the ground circuit (see Figure 2).

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, an engaging projection (first engaging portion) 1111 is formed on the front surface of the first front housing 111, and an engaging recess (second engaging portion) 2111 is formed on the front surface of the second front housing 211. When forming the base 40 with the first housing 11 and the second housing 21, the engaging projection (first engaging portion) 1111 formed on the first front housing 111 is engaged with the engaging recess (second engaging portion) 2111 formed on the second front housing 211. This prevents the first housing 11 from shifting relative to the second housing 21 when forming the base 40, making it easier and more reliable to fit the lever-type connector 30 onto the base 40.

[0035] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the base 40 is formed by the first housing 11 and the second housing 21, and the connector mating body 1 is fixed to the member on which it is installed using the fixing plate 50. This makes it easier and more reliable to fit the lever-type connector 30 into the base 40.

[0036] Although not shown in the illustration, the third housing 31 has fitting portions formed inside that are detachably fitted to the first power supply side hood portion 113, the first ground side hood portion 114, the second power supply side hood portion 213, and the second ground side hood portion 214, respectively. The contour shape of the hood portion on the first housing 11 side and the contour shape of the hood portion on the second housing 21 side are different. This prevents the lever-type connector 30 from being fitted in the wrong direction (reverse direction).

[0037] As described above, in this embodiment, a base 40 is formed using a first connector 10 and a second connector 20, which are formed from separate, independent components, and a lever-type connector 30 is fitted into and out of this base 40. In this way, the connector mating body 1 is given the function of a service plug that switches between energizing and disconnecting the power supply and load.

[0038] Furthermore, this configuration allows for the formation of a connector mating body 1 even when the first connector 10 is installed on one of the divided members that are joined together, and the second connector 20 is installed on the other.

[0039] For example, even when a method is adopted in which a vehicle 90 is manufactured by joining together multiple pre-manufactured modules, the connector mating body 1 can be used to connect the battery 71 to a load installed on a module other than the module on which the battery 71 is installed, in a way that allows for isolation.

[0040] The following describes a method for manufacturing a vehicle 90 by joining together the front module 60, center module 70, and rear module 80 after they have been manufactured in advance, using a connector mating body 1 to connect the battery 71 and the load. Note that the method described below is merely one example, and it is possible to manufacture the vehicle 90 using methods other than those described below. Furthermore, the number of modules prepared in advance is not limited to three; it may be two, four or more, or any number of modules.

[0041] First, as shown in Figure 7, when manufacturing the center module 70, the first wiring of the first connector 10 is connected to the battery 71 installed in the center module 70. Similarly, when manufacturing the front module 60, the second wiring of the second connector 20 is connected to the load installed in the front module 60. Likewise, when manufacturing the rear module 80, the second wiring of the second connector 20 is connected to the load installed in the rear module 80. Examples of such loads include inverters.

[0042] Then, as shown in Figure 8, the rear end of the front module 60 is joined to the front end of the center module 70 by welding or the like. Also, the front end of the rear module 80 is joined to the rear end of the center module 70 by welding or the like.

[0043] Then, as shown in Figure 9, the first housing 11 of the first connector 10 and the second housing 21 of the second connector 20 are joined together to form a base 40. Specifically, the base 40 is formed by engaging the engaging projection (first engaging portion) 1111 formed on the first front housing 111 with the engaging recess (second engaging portion) 2111 formed on the second front housing 211. The formed base 40 is then fixed to a floor plate or the like formed on the joined module using a fixing plate 50 or the like.

[0044] Then, as shown in Figure 10, the lever-type connector 30 is fitted onto the base 40, connecting the loads installed on the front module 60 and rear module 80 to the battery 71 installed on the center module 70. In this way, the vehicle 90 is formed.

[0045] By using such a connector mating body 1, the lever-type connector 30 can be disconnected during maintenance or accident response, allowing work to be performed with the power supply between the power source and the load cut off, thus ensuring work safety. Furthermore, by visually checking the status of the lever-type connector 30, it is possible to determine whether it is powered on or off, thus more reliably preventing accidental work being performed while the power is on.

[0046] [Effects / Effects] The following describes the characteristic configuration of the connector mating body shown in the above embodiment and the effects obtained thereby.

[0047] The connector mating body 1 shown in the above embodiment comprises a first connector 10 having a first housing 11 and first wiring (first power wiring 12 and first ground wiring 13) held in the first housing 11.

[0048] Furthermore, the connector mating body 1 includes a second housing 21 and a second wiring (second power wiring 22 and second ground wiring 23) held in the second housing 21, and comprises a second connector 20 formed separately from the first connector 10.

[0049] Furthermore, the connector mating body 1 includes a lever-type connector 30 having a third housing 31, connecting wiring (power supply side connecting wiring 34 and ground side connecting wiring 35) held in the third housing 31, and a lever 32 rotatably attached to the third housing 31.

[0050] Here, the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are configured such that the first housing 11 and the second housing 21 can form a base 40 in which the first wiring and the second wiring are not connected.

[0051] The lever-type connector 30 is configured to be detachably fitted to the base 40, thereby connecting the first and second wirings via connecting wiring so that they can be connected and disconnected.

[0052] As described above, in the connector mating body 1 shown in the embodiment, the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are made of separate components, and the base 40 is formed by the first housing 11 of the first connector 10 and the second housing 21 of the second connector 20. At this time, the first wiring (first power wiring 12 and first ground wiring 13) and the second wiring (second power wiring 22 and second ground wiring 23) are not connected. When connecting the first wiring (first power wiring 12 and first ground wiring 13) and the second wiring (second power wiring 22 and second ground wiring 23), the lever-type connector 30 is fitted into the base 40.

[0053] This makes it possible to form a connector mating body 1 even when the first connector 10 is installed on one of the divided members that are joined together, and the second connector 20 is installed on the other. In other words, it is possible not only to install the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 on the same member, but also to install the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 on each of the divided members.

[0054] Therefore, using the connector mating body 1 shown in the above embodiment makes it possible to provide versatility in the installation locations of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0055] Furthermore, when forming the base 40, the engaging projection (first engaging portion) 1111 formed on the first housing 11 and the engaging recess (second engaging portion) 2111 formed on the second housing 21 may be engaged.

[0056] This prevents the first housing 11 from shifting relative to the second housing 21 when the base 40 is formed, making it easier and more reliable to fit the lever-type connector 30 onto the base 40.

[0057] [others] 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.

[0058] For example, in the above embodiment, when forming the base 40, the engaging projection 1111 of the first housing 11 is engaged with the engaging recess 2111 of the second housing 21. However, the configuration for engaging the first housing 11 and the second housing 21 is not limited to this configuration, and various configurations are possible.

[0059] It is also possible to omit the engagement portion from the first housing 11 and the second housing 21. In this case, it is preferable to fix the first housing 11 and the second housing 21 together using a fixing plate or the like while they are in contact with each other.

[0060] Furthermore, the first wiring, the second wiring, and the connecting wiring can be formed using electric wires or using busbars.

[0061] Furthermore, the connector mating body 1 can be used for purposes other than assembling the divided module, and it can also be used for purposes other than as a service plug.

[0062] Furthermore, it is possible to modify the specifications of the first housing, the second housing, and other details (shape, size, layout, etc.) as needed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1. Connector mating body 10. First connector 11 Housing 1 1111 Engagement protrusion (first engagement part) 12 1st power supply wiring (1st wiring) 13. First ground wiring (first wiring) 20 Second connector 21 Second Housing 2111 Engaging recess (second engaging portion) 22 2nd power supply wiring (2nd wiring) 23. Second ground wiring (second wiring) 30 Lever-type connectors 31 Third Housing 32 Lever 34 Power supply side connection wiring (connection wiring) 35 Ground-side connecting wiring (connecting wiring) 40 base

Claims

1. A first connector having a first housing and a first wiring held in the first housing, A second connector having a second housing and a second wiring held in the second housing, and formed separately from the first connector, A lever-type connector having a third housing, connecting wiring held in the third housing, and a lever rotatably mounted on the third housing, Equipped with, The first connector and the second connector are configured such that the first housing and the second housing can form a base that does not connect the first wiring and the second wiring. The lever-type connector is configured to be detachably fitted to the base, thereby connecting the first and second wirings via the connecting wiring in a connectable and detachable manner. Connector mating body.

2. When forming the base, the first engaging portion formed on the first housing and the second engaging portion formed on the second housing are made to engage with each other. The connector mating body according to claim 1.

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