Connector holder

Abstract

To provide a connector holder that improves the ease of removing connectors. [Solution] The connector holder 10 includes a temporary holding portion 30 that temporarily holds the connector 20 when the connector 20 is inserted in an insertion direction X1 along a first axis X. The temporary holding portion 30 has a lower support portion 31 that can support the connector 20 from a downward direction Z2 perpendicular to the insertion direction X1, and an upper wall 32 that is positioned in an upward direction Z1 of the lower support portion 31 so as to face the lower support portion 31. The lower support portion 31 has an engaging projection 26 that protrudes from the lower surface of the connector 20 when the connector 20 is inserted between the lower support portion 31 and the upper wall 32, and a temporary engaging projection 33 that engages in the removal direction X2 which is the opposite direction to the insertion direction X1. The upper wall 32 is elastically deformed so that the end portion 32a in the removal direction X2 is displaced upward in Z1 by a force from the downward direction Z2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector holder.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector holder, there is one having a temporary holding portion that temporarily holds a connector when the connector is inserted in an insertion direction along a first axis (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The temporary holding portion has a retaining projection that engages with the locking portion of the connector in a removal direction, which is opposite to the insertion direction, in a state where the connector is temporarily held. The retaining projection has a vertical plane orthogonal to the first axis for engaging with the locking portion of the connector and an inclined plane that inclines from the upper end of the vertical plane to the top of the retaining projection. When the connector is removed from the temporary holding portion, the locking portion of the connector is guided from the upper end of the vertical plane to the top by the inclined plane and is also guided in the removal direction, so that the removal of the connector from the connector holder is facilitated.

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 the connector holder as described above, the shape and size of the vertical plane and the inclined plane greatly affect the performance of the temporary holding. For this reason, for example, if the vertical plane and the inclined plane are not designed carefully and manufactured with high precision, there is a problem that an operator takes time for the removal work of the connector.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector holder that can improve the workability of removing a connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connector holder of this disclosure is a connector holder comprising a temporary holding portion that temporarily holds a connector when the connector is inserted in an insertion direction along a first axis, wherein the temporary holding portion comprises a lower support portion capable of supporting the connector from a downward direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and an upper wall positioned above the lower support portion so as to face the lower support portion, wherein the lower support portion has an engaging projection that protrudes from the lower surface of the connector and a temporary engaging projection that engages in a removal direction opposite to the insertion direction when the connector is inserted between the lower support portion and the upper wall, and the upper wall is elastically deformed such that the end in the removal direction is displaced upward by a force from below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The connector holder of this disclosure can improve the ease of removing the connector. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a part of the connector holder and the connector in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of the connector holder and the connector in one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a connector in one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a connector holder in one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the connector holder and the connector in one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process of temporarily holding a connector in a temporary holding section in one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process of removing a connector from a temporary holding part in one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. The connector holder of this disclosure is [1] A connector holder comprising a temporary holding portion that temporarily holds a connector when the connector is inserted in an insertion direction along a first axis, wherein the temporary holding portion comprises a lower support portion capable of supporting the connector from a downward direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and an upper wall positioned above the lower support portion so as to face the lower support portion, wherein the lower support portion has an engaging projection that protrudes from the lower surface of the connector and a temporary engaging projection that engages in a removal direction opposite to the insertion direction when the connector is inserted between the lower support portion and the upper wall, and the upper wall is elastically deformed such that the end in the removal direction is displaced upward by a force from below.

[0010] According to this configuration, the lower support portion has an engaging projection that protrudes from the lower surface of the connector when the connector is inserted between the lower support portion and the upper wall, and a temporary engaging projection that engages in the removal direction, which is the opposite direction to the insertion direction, thus preventing the connector from coming off the temporary holding portion. In other words, when the connector is temporarily held in the temporary holding portion, even if a force in the removal direction is applied to the connector, for example, the connector will not easily come off the temporary holding portion. Furthermore, the upper wall elastically deforms so that the end in the removal direction is displaced upward by a force from below, so by pushing the connector upward, the upper wall can be elastically deformed so that the end in the removal direction of the upper wall is displaced upward. In other words, by pushing the connector upward, the engagement between the engaging projection and the temporary engaging projection can be released. Therefore, by pushing the connector upward and pulling the connector in the removal direction, the connector can be easily removed from the temporary holding portion.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the lower support portion may be a flat lower wall. According to the same configuration, since the lower support portion is a flat lower wall, it is possible to easily project the lower end of the end portion in the removal direction of the connector downward. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a configuration that facilitates the operation of pushing up the end portion in the removal direction of the connector upward.

[0012] [3] In the above [1] or the above [2], the temporary engagement convex portion may be located at the end portion in the removal direction of the lower support portion. According to the same configuration, by positioning the temporary engagement convex portion at the end portion in the removal direction of the lower support portion, it is possible to reduce the magnitude of elastic deformation of the upper wall necessary to cancel the engagement between the engagement convex portion and the temporary engagement convex portion.

[0013] [4] In any one of the above [1] to the above [3], the upper wall may have an anti-rattle rib that projects downward and extends along the first axis. According to the same configuration, since the upper wall has an anti-rattle rib that projects downward and extends along the first axis, it is possible to reduce rattling in the state where the connector is temporarily held. And by reducing the rattling of the connector, for example, it is possible to prevent the engagement between the engagement convex portion and the temporary engagement convex portion from being unintentionally canceled due to vibration or the like.

[0014] [5] In any one of the above [1] to the above [4], the lower support portion may project upward and extend along the first axis, and may have a guide convex portion that fits into a guide concave portion provided on the lower surface of the connector.

[0015] According to the same configuration, since the lower support portion projects upward and extends along the first axis and has a guide convex portion that fits into a guide concave portion provided on the lower surface of the connector, it is possible to prevent displacement during insertion of the connector into the temporary holding portion.

[0016] [Details of the Embodiment of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be shown exaggerated or simplified. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may be different in each drawing. In this specification, "orthogonal" includes not only the case of being strictly orthogonal but also the case of being substantially orthogonal within the range where the effects of the present embodiment are achieved. In this specification, "opposing" means that surfaces or members are in a front-to-face position with each other, and includes not only the case where they are completely in a front-to-face position but also the case where they are partially in a front-to-face position. Also, in this specification, "opposing" includes both the case where a member different from the two parts is interposed between the two parts and the case where nothing is interposed between the two parts. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0017] (Configuration of Connector Holder 10) As shown in FIG. 1, the connector holder 10 includes a temporary holding portion 30 that temporarily holds the connector 20 when the connector 20 is inserted in the insertion direction X1 along the first axis X. The connector holder 10 and the connector 20 of the present embodiment are provided in a vehicle. For example, the connector holder 10 is provided inside an instrument panel in a vehicle. For example, the connector 20 is provided at the tip of a wire harness W connected to an electrical device not shown. The temporary holding portion 30 temporarily holds the connector 20 in a state before being fitted to a mating connector not shown.

[0018] In each figure, the first axis X, the second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, and the third axis Z orthogonal to the first axis X and orthogonal to the second axis Y are shown. Also, in the figure, the insertion direction X1, which is one direction along the first axis X, and the removal direction X2, which is the opposite direction of the insertion direction X1, are shown. Also, in the figure, the upward direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and the downward direction Z2, which is the opposite direction of the upward direction Z1, are shown.

[0019] (Configuration of connector 20) The connector 20 is made of resin material. As shown in Figure 2, the connector 20 has a connector body 22 that houses a plurality of terminals 21 (see Figure 5) provided at the end of the wire harness W. In this embodiment, the connector body 22 houses 12 terminals 21. That is, the wire harness W in this embodiment includes 12 bundled wires, and terminals 21 are fixed to the end of each of these wires. The outer diameter shape of the connector body 22, as viewed from the insertion direction X1 into the temporary holding part 30, is rectangular (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, a downward extension 23 is provided at the end of the connector body 22 in the removal direction X2. The downward extension 23 has a pair of columnar parts 23a that protrude downward Z2 from both ends along the second axis Y on the lower surface of the connector body 22, and a connecting part 23b that connects the tips of the pair of columnar parts 23a. As a result, the lower end 24 of the end 20a of the connector 20 in the removal direction X2, that is, the lower end 24 of the downward extension 23, is located in a direction Z2 below the lower surface of the connector body 22.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, an elastic piece 25 that is elastically deformable upward in the Z1 direction is provided on the lower surface of the connector body 22. The elastic piece 25 is located in the center along the second axis Y on the lower surface of the connector body 22 and extends from the end in the insertion direction X1 in the removal direction X2. More specifically, the elastic piece 25 first protrudes downward in the Z2 direction from the end in the insertion direction X1 on the lower surface of the connector body 22, and then extends further in the removal direction X2 from its tip. The tip of the elastic piece 25 is located in a position enclosed by the connector body 22 and the downward extension 23. An engaging projection 26 that protrudes downward in the Z2 direction is provided on the lower surface of the elastic piece 25. The insertion direction X1 side of the engaging projection 26 is an inclined portion 26a in which the amount of protrusion from the lower surface of the elastic piece 25 gradually increases toward the removal direction X2.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the lower surface of the connector body 22 is provided with a guide recess 27 that opens downward Z2 and extends along the insertion direction X1. Since the guide recess 27 extends to the end in the insertion direction X1, it also opens on the insertion direction X1 side. In other words, the guide recess 27 opens in two directions: downward Z2 and in the insertion direction X1. In this embodiment, the guide recess 27 is provided on both sides of the elastic piece 25.

[0022] (Configuration of the temporary holding section 30) The temporary holding part 30 is made of resin material. As shown in Figure 2, the temporary holding portion 30 has a lower support portion 31 capable of supporting the connector 20 from the downward direction Z2, and an upper wall 32 positioned above the lower support portion 31 in the direction Z1 so as to face the lower support portion 31.

[0023] The lower support portion 31 has a temporary engagement projection 33. The temporary engagement projection 33 is located in the central part along the second axis Y on the upper surface of the lower support portion 31 and protrudes upward in the Z1 direction. The temporary engagement projection 33 is provided to engage with the engagement projection 26 of the connector 20 in the removal direction X2 when the connector 20 is inserted between the lower support portion 31 and the upper wall 32. The removal direction X2 side of the temporary engagement projection 33 is an inclined portion 33a in which the amount of protrusion from the upper surface of the lower support portion 31 gradually increases toward the insertion direction X1. In this embodiment, the temporary engagement projection 33 is provided to be located at the end of the lower support portion 31 in the removal direction X2.

[0024] Furthermore, the lower support portion 31 has guide projections 34. The guide projections 34 protrude upward Z1 from the lower support portion 31 and extend along the first axis X. The guide projections 34 are configured to fit into the guide recesses 27 of the connector 20. The guide projections 34 are provided at positions corresponding to each of the guide recesses 27. In other words, two guide projections 34 are provided in this embodiment. The guide projections 34 guide the connector 20 so that it moves straight along the first axis X when the connector 20 is inserted into the temporary holding portion 30, more specifically when the connector 20 is inserted between the lower support portion 31 and the upper wall 32.

[0025] Furthermore, the lower support portion 31 has side walls 35. The side walls 35 protrude upward Z1 from the lower support portion 31 and extend along the first axis X. Two side walls 35 are provided, spaced apart to allow the connector 20 to be inserted.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the connector 20 is inserted between the lower support portion 31 and the upper wall 32, thereby being temporarily held in place by the temporary holding portion 30. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the temporary holding portion 30, cut in the XZ plane at the central part along the second axis Y, when the connector 20 is temporarily held in place by the temporary holding portion 30.

[0027] When the connector 20 is temporarily held in the temporary holding portion 30, the end face 33b of the temporary engaging projection 33 in the insertion direction X1 and the end face 26b of the engaging projection 26 in the removal direction X2 face each other. In this state, since the end face 33b of the temporary engaging projection 33 and the end face 26b of the engaging projection 26 face each other along the first axis X, the engaging projection 26 engages with the temporary engaging projection 33 even when the connector 20 is pulled in the removal direction X2.

[0028] Furthermore, the lower support portion 31 in this embodiment is composed of a flat lower wall 31a. The thickness of the lower wall 31a is approximately the same as the thickness of the upper wall 32. When the connector 20 is temporarily held in the temporary holding portion 30, the lower end 24 of the end portion 20a in the removal direction X2 of the connector 20, that is, the lower end 24 of the downward extension portion 23, protrudes downward Z2 from the lower wall 31a of the temporary holding portion 30.

[0029] Here, we will describe the upper wall 32 in detail. The upper wall 32 is elastically deformed by a force from the downward direction Z2 such that the end 32a in the removal direction X2 is displaced upward in the direction Z1 (see Figure 7). Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, for example, the upper wall 32 of this embodiment has two slits 32b that extend from the end 32a in the removal direction X2 to half the total length of the upper wall 32 along the first axis X. This configuration allows the upper wall 32 to be elastically deformed so that the end 32a in the removal direction X2 between the two slits 32b is displaced upward in the direction Z1. The two slits 32b are provided at positions corresponding to both ends along the second axis Y on the upper surface of the connector 20, and the connector 20 is able to tilt toward the axis center along the second axis Y as the upper wall 32 elastically deforms.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the upper wall 32 has a rattle prevention rib 36. The rattle prevention rib 36 protrudes downward Z2 from the lower surface of the upper wall 32 and extends along the first axis X. The rattle prevention rib 36 has a shape in which its width along the second axis Y narrows as it protrudes downward Z2 from the lower surface of the upper wall 32. As a result, the rattle prevention rib 36 in this embodiment is configured to be more easily plastically deformed towards its lower end.

[0031] (Operation of this embodiment) The operation of this embodiment will be described below. When temporarily holding the connector 20 in the temporary holding portion 30, the connector 20 is inserted into the temporary holding portion 30 in the insertion direction X1.

[0032] At this time, as shown in Figure 6, the inclined portion 26a of the engaging projection 26 abuts against the inclined portion 33a of the temporary engaging projection 33, causing the elastic piece 25 including the engaging projection 26 to bend upward Z1, and the engaging projection 26 to overcome the temporary engaging projection 33. Also, when the connector 20 is inserted into the temporary holding portion 30, the anti-vibration rib 36 plastically deforms according to the size of the gap between the lower support portion 31 and the upper wall 32, etc., and presses the connector 20 downward Z2. As a result, even if the connector 20 is pulled in the removal direction X2, the engaging projection 26 engages with the temporary engaging projection 33 in the removal direction X2, preventing the connector 20 from coming out of the temporary holding portion 30 (see Figure 5).

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when removing the connector 20 from the temporary holding part 30, the lower end 24 of the end 20a of the connector 20 in the removal direction X2 is pushed upward Z1, and the connector 20 is pulled in the removal direction X2. More specifically, the upper wall 32 is configured such that its end 32a elastically deforms upward Z1 due to a force from downward Z2. Therefore, when the lower end 24 of the end 20a of the connector 20 is pushed upward Z1, the end 32a of the upper wall 32 is displaced upward Z1. At this time, the connector 20 tilts so that the end 20a in the removal direction X2 is displaced upward Z1. As a result, the engagement projection 26 is released from its engagement with the temporary engagement projection 33, which was engaged in the removal direction X2. Therefore, by pulling the connector 20 in the removal direction X2, the connector 20 is removed from the temporary holding part 30.

[0034] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects of the above embodiment are described below. (1) The lower support portion 31 has an engaging projection 26 that protrudes from the lower surface of the connector 20 and a temporary engaging projection 33 that engages in the removal direction X2 when the connector 20 is inserted between the lower support portion 31 and the upper wall 32, so that the connector 20 does not come off the temporary holding portion 30. That is, when the connector 20 is temporarily held in the temporary holding portion 30, even if a force in the removal direction X2 is applied to the connector 20, for example, the connector 20 will not easily come off the temporary holding portion 30. Furthermore, the upper wall 32 is elastically deformed by a force from the downward direction Z2 so that the end portion 32a in the removal direction X2 is displaced upward Z1. Therefore, by pushing the connector 20 upward Z1, the upper wall 32 can be elastically deformed so that the end portion 32a in the removal direction X2 is displaced upward Z1. That is, by pushing the connector 20 upward Z1, the engagement between the engaging projection 26 and the temporary engaging projection 33 can be released. Therefore, by pushing the connector 20 upward in the Z1 direction and pulling the connector 20 in the removal direction X2, the connector 20 can be easily removed from the temporary holding part 30.

[0035] (2) Since the lower support portion 31 is a flat lower wall 31a, the lower end 24 of the end portion 20a in the removal direction X2 of the connector 20, more specifically the lower end 24 of the downward extension portion 23, can be easily made to protrude downward Z2 of the lower wall 31a. Therefore, it is possible to create a configuration that makes it easy to push up the end portion 20a in the removal direction X2 of the connector 20 in the upward direction Z1.

[0036] (3) The temporary engagement projection 33 is located at the end of the lower support portion 31 in the removal direction X2, which reduces the amount of elastic deformation of the upper wall 32 required to disengage the engagement between the engagement projection 26 and the temporary engagement projection 33. For example, compared to the case where the temporary engagement projection 33 is located in the insertion direction X1 rather than the end of the lower support portion 31 in the removal direction X2, the amount of elastic deformation of the upper wall 32 required to disengage the engagement between the engagement projection 26 and the temporary engagement projection 33 can be reduced. By reducing the amount of elastic deformation of the upper wall 32, the amount of displacement of the connector 20 required to push the connector 20 upward in the Z1 direction is also reduced, making it easier to remove the connector 20 from the temporary holding portion 30.

[0037] (4) The upper wall 32 has a rattle prevention rib 36 that protrudes downward Z2 and extends along the first axis X, thereby reducing rattle when the connector 20 is temporarily held. By reducing rattle of the connector 20, it is possible to prevent the engagement between the engaging projection 26 and the temporary engaging projection 33 from being unintentionally disengaged due to vibration, for example.

[0038] (5) The lower support portion 31 protrudes upward Z1 and extends along the first axis X, and has a guide projection 34 that fits into a guide recess 27 provided on the lower surface of the connector 20, thereby preventing misalignment when inserting the connector 20 into the temporary holding portion 30.

[0039] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the lower support portion 31 is a flat lower wall 31a, but it is not limited to this and may have a shape thicker than a flat plate. For example, the end face of the lower support portion 31 in the removal direction X2 may extend downward Z2 beyond the lower end 24 of the end 20a of the connector 20 in the removal direction X2.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the temporary engagement projection 33 is located at the end of the lower support portion 31 in the removal direction X2, but it is not limited to this, and may be located in the insertion direction X1 rather than at the end of the lower support portion 31 in the removal direction X2.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the upper wall 32 is shown to have a rattle prevention rib 36 that protrudes downward Z2 and extends along the first axis X, but it is not limited to this, and does not have to extend along the first axis X. For example, the upper wall 32 may have a rattle prevention rib that protrudes downward Z2. Also, the upper wall 32 does not have to have a rattle prevention rib 36.

[0043] The lower support portion 31 protrudes upward Z1 and extends along the first axis X, and has a guide projection 34 that fits into a guide recess 27 provided on the lower surface of the connector 20. However, it is not limited to this, and it does not have to have a guide projection 34. In that case, for example, the spacing of the side walls 35 may be set with high precision to prevent misalignment when inserting the connector 20 into the temporary holding portion 30.

[0044] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 Connector holder 20 connectors 20a End 21 terminals 22 Connector body 23 Lower part 23a Pillar 23b Connection part 24 Bottom end 25 Elastic pieces 26 Engagement protrusion 26a Slope 26b End face 27 Guide recess 30 Temporary holding part 31 Lower support part 31a Lower wall 32 Upper wall 32a end 32b Slit 33 Temporary engaging protrusion 33a Slope 33b End face 34 Guide protrusion 35 Side wall 36 Anti-vibration ribs W Wire Harness X 1st axis X1 Insertion direction X2 Removal direction Y 2nd axis Z 3rd axis Z1 upward direction Z2 Downward

Claims

1. A connector holder comprising a temporary holding portion that temporarily holds the connector when the connector is inserted in an insertion direction along a first axis, The temporary holding portion is, A lower support portion capable of supporting the connector from a downward direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, An upper wall positioned above the lower support so as to face the lower support, It has, The lower support portion has, when the connector is inserted between the lower support portion and the upper wall, an engaging projection that protrudes from the lower surface of the connector and a temporary engaging projection that engages in the removal direction, which is the opposite direction to the insertion direction. The upper wall is elastically deformed by a downward force such that the end in the removal direction is displaced upward. Connector holder.

2. The aforementioned lower support portion is a flat lower wall. The connector holder according to claim 1.

3. The temporary engagement projection is located at the end of the lower support portion in the removal direction. The connector holder according to claim 1.

4. The upper wall has a protective rib that protrudes downward and extends along the first axis. The connector holder according to claim 1.

5. The lower support portion protrudes upward and extends along the first axis, and has a guide projection that fits into a guide recess provided on the lower surface of the connector. The connector holder according to claim 1.

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