Panel mounting connector

Abstract

This panel mounting connector provides a simple configuration that can suppress rattling between the connector and the panel. [Solution] The panel mounting connector 1 includes a temporary holding mechanism 9 that temporarily holds the first connector holder 6 in the hole 5 of the panel 4 before the second connector holder 7 is fitted into the first connector holder 6, a release mechanism 31 that releases the temporary holding mechanism 9 during the process of fitting the second connector holder 7 into the first connector holder 6, and a permanent locking mechanism 36 that permanently locks the second connector holder 7 fitted into the first connector holder 6 into the hole 5 of the panel 4. The temporary holding mechanism 9 has a first rattle suppression part 42 that is located in the gap between the first connector holder 6, which is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5, and suppresses rattle. The permanent locking mechanism 36 has a second rattle suppression part 45 that is located in the gap between the second connector holder 7, which is permanently locked into the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5, and suppresses rattle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a panel mounting connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a first connector housing that is held on a panel by locking a locking arm that can be elastically deformed in a hole of the panel when passed through the hole of the panel, and a second connector housing that releases the locking of the locking arm when the first connector housing is fitted and is locked to the panel instead of the first connector housing are well-known. The first connector housing assumes a standby state held in the hole of the panel by the locking arm before the second connector housing is fitted.

[0003] When the first connector housing is inserted into the hole of the panel and locked to the hole, there is a certain amount of play between the first connector housing and the hole of the panel. This is to confirm whether the locking arm of the first connector housing is correctly locked to the hole of the panel by pulling the first connector housing in a direction opposite to the insertion direction into the panel after attaching the first connector housing to the hole of the panel.

[0004] By the way, the first connector housing is not necessarily pulled straight in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, and may be pulled obliquely, for example, in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. At this time, if the oblique pulling force is large, a large deformation load is applied to the locking arm in a direction intersecting the direction of elastic deformation, so torsional stress is generated in the locking arm. Therefore, there was a possibility that the locking arm would be deformed or damaged. If the locking arm is deformed or damaged, the amount of play between the first connector housing and the hole of the panel will increase, so it was necessary to suppress the deformation and damage of the locking arm in order to stably hold the first connector housing on the panel.

[0005] Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a displacement restricting means (specifically, a rib) is provided near the locking arm in the first connector housing to restrict the displacement of the locking arm in a direction intersecting the direction of elastic deformation of the locking arm. As a result, even if an excessive load is applied to the locking arm in a direction intersecting the direction of elastic deformation due to the first connector housing being strongly pulled in an oblique direction, the deformation caused by that load is restricted by the rib, so that excessive torsional deformation of the locking arm is suppressed. This makes it less likely for the locking arm to deform or be damaged. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4949936 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Incidentally, in Patent Document 1, in order to minimize rattle between the first connector housing and the hole in the panel, excessive deformation of the locking arm is suppressed by a structure in which the locking arm directly contacts the rib. For this reason, in the case of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to newly provide a rib on the first connector housing that is large enough to withstand direct contact with the locking arm. Therefore, space is required to arrange a rib of a certain size, which hinders the simplification of the structure of the first connector housing.

[0008] Furthermore, when the second connector housing is secured to the hole in the panel, it is necessary to minimize the rattle between the second connector housing and the hole in the panel. Since the state in which the second connector housing is secured to the panel means that the connector has been installed on the panel, stabilizing its position in this state will lead to improved reliability. In this case as well, as with the first connector housing, it is highly necessary to minimize rattle through a simple structure.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a panel mounting connector that can suppress rattling between the panel and the connector with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A panel-mount connector that solves the above problem is configured to be used by mounting a second connector, into which a first connector is mated, to a hole in a panel, and comprises: a temporary holding mechanism that temporarily holds the first connector holder in the hole of the panel before the second connector holder of the second connector is mated to the first connector holder of the first connector; a release mechanism that releases the temporary holding mechanism during the process in which the second connector holder is mated to the first connector holder; and a permanent locking mechanism that permanently locks the second connector holder in the hole of the panel by moving the second connector holder together with the first connector holder from which the temporary holding has been released to a permanent locking position, wherein the temporary holding mechanism has a first rattle suppression part that is located in the gap between the first connector holder temporarily held in the hole of the panel and the hole and suppresses rattle, and the permanent locking mechanism has a second rattle suppression part that is located in the gap between the second connector holder permanently locked in the hole of the panel and the hole and suppresses rattle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This disclosure enables the suppression of rattle between the panel mounting connector and the panel through a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a panel mounting connector in a temporarily held state according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the panel mounting connector in the locked state. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of the temporary holding mechanism when the temporary holding projection is not pressed, and Figure 3(b) is a perspective view of the temporary holding mechanism when the temporary holding projection is pressed. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the panel mounting connector as viewed from one side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the panel mounting connector as viewed from the other side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the cam mechanism. [Figure 7] FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c) are explanatory views showing the state transition when the second connector holder is fully fitted to the first connector holder by lever operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the inner shape of the second connector holder. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the outer shape of the second connector holder. [Figure 10] FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) are perspective views showing the operation flow of the release mechanism. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(a) is a front view of the main locking mechanism in a state where the main locking projection is not pressed, and FIG. 11(b) is a front view of the main locking mechanism in a state where the main locking projection is pressed. [Figure 12] FIGS. 12(a) to 12(c) are explanatory views showing the state transition when the main locking projection of the main locking mechanism locks onto the panel. [Figure 13] FIGS. 13(a) to 13(c) are working diagrams of the first backlash suppressing portion. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view showing a state where the first connector holder in a temporarily held state is pulled by a group of electric wires. [Figure 15] FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) are working diagrams of the second backlash suppressing portion.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The panel mounting connector of the present disclosure is configured to be used by attaching a second connector into which a first connector is fitted to a hole of a panel. Before the second connector holder of the second connector is fitted to the first connector holder of the first connector, a temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding the first connector holder in the hole of the panel, a release mechanism for releasing the temporary holding mechanism during the process in which the second connector holder is fitted to the first connector holder, and a main locking mechanism for moving the second connector holder to the main locking position together with the first connector holder whose temporary holding has been released, thereby main locking the second connector holder to the hole of the panel. The temporary holding mechanism has a first backlash suppressing portion located in a gap between the first connector holder temporarily held in the hole of the panel and the hole, for suppressing backlash. The main locking mechanism has a second backlash suppressing portion located in a gap between the second connector holder main locked to the hole of the panel and the hole, for suppressing backlash.

[0014] According to this configuration, since it is only necessary to provide a first backlash suppressing portion having a shape that fills the gap between the first connector holder temporarily held in the hole of the panel and the hole of the panel, the backlash between them can be suppressed by the first backlash suppressing portion having a simple shape. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the structure of the first connector holder. Also, since it is only necessary to provide a second backlash suppressing portion having a shape that fills the gap between the second connector holder main locked to the hole of the panel and the hole of the panel, the backlash between them can be suppressed by the second backlash suppressing portion having a simple shape. Therefore, it is also possible to simplify the structure of the second connector holder.

[0015] [2] In the above [1], the panel-mount connector includes a lever provided on the second connector holder so as to be operable from an initial position to a mating position, and a cam mechanism that fully mates the second connector holder to the first connector holder by changing the direction of operation of the lever to the mating direction of the second connector holder during the process in which the lever is operated from the initial position to the mating position, and the release mechanism releases the temporary holding mechanism during the process in which the second connector holder is fully mated to the first connector holder by the operation of the lever to the mating position. With this configuration, it is possible to release the temporary holding mechanism in conjunction with the operation of fully mating the first connector holder and the second connector holder by lever operation. Therefore, it is possible to improve work efficiency compared to when these are performed as separate operations.

[0016] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the first rattle suppression part includes a temporary holding guide slope that guides the insertion of the first connector holder into the hole when the first connector holder is inserted into the hole and temporarily held in the panel, and a temporary holding contact plane that suppresses rattle between the hole and the first connector holder by making surface contact with the inner surface of the hole when the first connector holder is temporarily held in the hole of the panel. With this configuration, when the first connector holder is inserted into the hole of the panel, the insertion is guided by the temporary holding guide slope of the first rattle suppression part, so that the first connector holder can be smoothly attached to the panel. In addition, the first connector holder that is temporarily held in the hole of the panel is supported by the temporary holding contact plane of the first rattle suppression part, so that it is held in the hole by a stable holding force provided by the plane. Therefore, the simple shape of the plane makes it difficult for rattle to occur between the first connector holder and the hole of the panel.

[0017] [4] In the above [3], the temporary holding mechanism has an elastically deformable temporary holding projection that temporarily holds the first connector holder in the hole of the panel by elastic force, and the first rattle suppression portion is formed on both sides of the temporary holding projection. With this configuration, since the first rattle suppression portion is provided on both sides of the temporary holding projection, the stability of the first connector holder temporarily held in the hole of the panel is improved. Therefore, it contributes even more to suppressing rattle of the first connector holder relative to the panel.

[0018] [5] In the above [4], the first connector holder has a hood portion whose outer surface contacts the hole in the panel and which houses the second connector holder inside, and the temporary holding projection and the first rattle suppression portion are arranged on the opposing walls located at the opening of the hood portion. With this configuration, when the first connector holder is temporarily held in the hole in the panel, the temporary holding projections are arranged on both sides when viewed from the direction in which the first connector holder is inserted into the panel. This makes it possible to hold the first connector holder with respect to the panel in a balanced manner. Similarly, since the first rattle suppression portions are also arranged on both sides, rattle can also be suppressed in a balanced manner. This further contributes to suppressing rattle of the first connector holder with respect to the panel.

[0019] [6] In any of the above [1] to [5], the second rattle suppression part has a locking guide slope that guides the insertion of the second connector holder into the hole when the second connector holder fitted to the first connector holder is inserted into the hole and locked to the panel, and a locking contact plane that suppresses rattle between the hole and the second connector holder by making surface contact with the inner surface of the hole when the second connector holder is locked to the hole in the panel. With this configuration, when the second connector holder fitted to the first connector holder is inserted into the hole in the panel, the insertion is guided by the locking guide slope of the second rattle suppression part, so that the second connector holder can be smoothly attached to the panel. In addition, the second connector holder that is locked to the hole in the panel is supported by the locking contact plane of the second rattle suppression part, so that it is held in the hole by a stable holding force from the plane. Therefore, the simple, flat shape makes it less likely for rattling to occur between the second connector holder and the hole in the panel.

[0020] [7] In the above [6], the locking mechanism has an elastically deformable locking projection that engages with the hole in the panel by elastic force to lock the second connector holder into the hole, and the second rattle suppression portion is formed on both sides of the locking projection. With this configuration, since the second rattle suppression portion is provided on both sides of the locking projection, the stability of the second connector holder locked into the hole in the panel is improved. Therefore, it contributes even more to suppressing rattle of the second connector holder relative to the panel.

[0021] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as indicated by the claims. In each drawing, some parts of the structure may be exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions of each part may differ from those of actual parts.

[0022] (Panel mounting connector 1) As shown in Figure 1, the panel-mount connector 1 comprises a first connector 2 having one or more terminals (not shown) and a second connector 3 having terminals (not shown) that are electrically connected to the terminals of the first connector 2. The assembly to which the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mated is mounted to a plate-shaped panel 4. The assembly to which the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mated is inserted into a hole 5 in the panel 4 and mounted. The panel-mount connector 1 is used, for example, in vehicles.

[0023] The first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other. In this example, the first connector 2 is a male connector and the second connector 3 is a female connector. The first connector 2 houses a subconnector (not shown) with terminals attached inside a hollow first connector holder 6. The second connector 3 houses a subconnector (not shown) with terminals attached inside a hollow second connector holder 7. Panel 4 is a component that separates the inside and outside of the vehicle, and is, for example, a door panel.

[0024] (Temporary holding mechanism 9) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the panel-mount connector 1 includes a temporary holding mechanism 9 that temporarily holds the first connector holder 6 of the first connector 2 in the hole 5 of the panel 4. The temporary holding mechanism 9 temporarily holds the first connector holder 6 in the hole 5 of the panel 4 before the second connector holder 7 is fitted into the first connector holder 6. When the second connector 3 is fitted into the first connector 2 which is temporarily held in the panel 4 (state in Figure 1), once they are fully fitted together, the temporary holding is released and the first connector 2 becomes movable in the depth direction (the -X axis direction in Figure 1) together with the second connector 3. Then, when they move in the depth direction, the second connector 3 is fixed to the panel 4 in place of the first connector 2 (state in Figure 2). Thus, the panel-mount connector 1 in this example is used by attaching the second connector 3, into which the first connector 2 is fitted, to the hole 5 of the panel 4.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the temporary holding mechanism 9 has a temporary holding projection 10 that is elastically deformable to engage with the hole 5 of the panel 4. The temporary holding projection 10 prevents the first connector holder 6 from coming off the panel 4 and is formed in the shape of an elastically deformable arm with a projection at its tip, with the base end fixed. The temporary holding projection 10 is formed, for example, on a substantially U-shaped base 12 formed at the tip of the hood portion 11 of the first connector holder 6, so as to be elastically deformable around its base end. The temporary holding projection 10 temporarily holds the first connector holder 6 in the hole 5 of the panel 4 by elastic force engagement with the hole 5.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first connector holder 6 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example, having a straight long side and a substantially arc-shaped short side. The first connector holder 6 has a hood portion 11 that fits with the second connector holder 7. The hood portion 11 has a pair of opposing walls 13 and 14 on the straight long side of the first connector holder 6.

[0027] The temporary holding projections 10 are positioned on the opposing walls 13 and 14 located at the tip of the hood portion 11. In this example, two temporary holding projections 10 are formed on each of the opposing walls 13 and 14. A flange 15 is formed circumferentially on the outer surface of the hood portion 11 to limit the insertion amount of the first connector holder 6 when inserting the first connector holder 6 into the hole 5. After the first connector holder 6 is temporarily held in place by the temporary holding projections 10 on the panel 4, even if the first connector holder 6 is inserted further, the flange 15 interferes with the panel 4, limiting further insertion of the first connector holder 6.

[0028] (Connector fully mated) As shown in Figures 6 and 7(a) to 7(c), the panel-mount connector 1 includes a lever 17 that is operated to fully engage the first connector holder 6 and the second connector holder 7. The lever 17 has a pair of opposing arms 18 and a head 19 that connects the base ends of the pair of arms 18. The pair of arms 18 are housed in lever housings 20 (only one side is shown in Figure 6) formed on both sides of the second connector holder 7 so as to be able to move relative to each other.

[0029] As shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(c), the lever 17 is provided on the second connector holder 7 so as to be operable from the initial position (state in Figure 7(a)) to the mating position (state in Figure 7(c)). The initial position is the position where the lever 17 is positioned before operation. The mating position is the position where, when the lever 17 is operated from the initial position and reaches this position, the first connector holder 6 and the second connector holder 7 are fully mated together. The lever 17 is a so-called slide lever that is operated linearly along the longitudinal direction of the lever 17.

[0030] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the lever 17 has a pair of lever projections 22 that are elastically deformable by forming slits 21 in each arm portion 18. As shown in Figure 8, the second connector holder 7 has a pair of first recesses 23 into which the lever projections 22 engage when the lever 17 is in the initial position, and a pair of second recesses 24 into which the lever projections 22 engage when the lever 17 is in the mating position. By selectively engaging the lever projections 22 with the first recesses 23 and the second recesses 24, the lever 17 is held in the initial position or the mating position.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the panel-mount connector 1 includes a cam mechanism 26 that converts the operating direction of the lever 17 to a fitting direction that engages the second connector holder 7 with the first connector holder 6. The cam mechanism 26 has cam grooves 27 formed on the side surfaces of each arm portion 18 of the lever 17, and cam pins 28 formed on the inner surface of the first connector holder 6 and engaged with the cam grooves 27. Two cam grooves 27 are formed on each arm portion 18. The cam grooves 27 are formed in a path that is inclined to approach the first connector holder 6 in the insertion direction of the lever 17 (the -X axis direction in Figure 6).

[0032] The cam pins 28 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to be slidable on the inner surface of the cam groove 27. The cam pins 28 are arranged, for example, on the inner surfaces of the opposing walls 13 and 14 that constitute the hood portion 11 of the first connector holder 6. Two cam pins 28 are formed on the inner surfaces of the opposing walls 13 and 14, so as to be paired with each of the multiple cam grooves 27.

[0033] As shown in Figure 9, the second connector holder 7 has a window portion 29 that exposes the cam groove 27 of the arm portion 18 housed in the lever housing portion 20 to the outside, allowing the cam pin 28 of the first connector holder 6 to be inserted. Two window portions 29 are formed on each of the side walls on both sides of the second connector holder 7, so as to be paired with each of the multiple cam grooves 27.

[0034] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), when the lever 17 is pushed in from its initial position, the cam groove 27 causes the cam pin 28 to slide, converting the downward movement of the lever 17 into the front-rear direction of the second connector holder 7. As a result, the second connector holder 7 is deeply fitted into the first connector holder 6 as the lever 17 is moved from its initial position to the mating position. Then, as shown in Figure 7(c), when the lever 17 is pushed in to the mating position, the second connector holder 7 is fully fitted into the first connector holder 6.

[0035] (Release mechanism 31) As shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), the panel-mount connector 1 has a release mechanism 31 that releases the temporary holding mechanism 9 during the process in which the second connector holder 7 is fitted into the first connector holder 6. Multiple release mechanisms 31 are formed (four in this example) in pairs with each of the temporary holding mechanisms 9 (only one is shown in Figure 10). The release mechanism 31 has a release piece 32 that protrudes in the insertion direction of the second connector holder 7 (the -X axis direction in Figure 10). On both sides of the release piece 32 are projections 34 for alignment, which are inserted into recesses 33 formed in the first connector holder 6.

[0036] As shown in Figure 10(a), when the lever 17 is in its initial position, the release piece 32 is separated from the temporary holding mechanism 9. Therefore, the temporary holding state in which the temporary holding projection 10 engages with the hole 5 of the panel 4 is maintained. As shown in Figure 10(b), when the lever 17 is pushed into the mating position and the second connector holder 7 is fully mated with the first connector holder 6, the release piece 32 pushes the temporary holding projection 10 of the temporary holding mechanism 9 from the front. As a result, the temporary holding projection 10 is positioned inside the hole 5, releasing the engagement between the hole 5 and the temporary holding projection 10, and thus releasing the temporary holding state of the first connector holder 6. The release piece 32 continues to push the temporary holding projection 10, maintaining the temporarily released state of the first connector holder 6. In this way, the release mechanism 31 releases the temporary holding mechanism 9 during the process in which the second connector holder 7 is fully mated with the first connector holder 6 in the front-rear direction by the movement of the lever 17 to the mating position.

[0037] (This locking mechanism 36) As shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the panel-mount connector 1 includes a locking mechanism 36 that permanently locks the second connector holder 7, into which the first connector holder 6 is fitted, to the panel 4. Multiple locking mechanisms 36 are formed (four in this example) to form pairs with each of the temporary holding mechanisms 9 (only one is shown in Figure 11). The locking mechanism 36 has a locking projection 37 that is elastically deformable to engage with the hole 5 in the panel 4. The locking projection 37 prevents the second connector holder 7 from coming off the panel 4 and is formed in the shape of having a projection at the tip of an elastically deformable arm whose base end is fixed. Specifically, the locking projection 37 has a substantially plate-shaped movable part 38 that elastically deforms around its base end and a claw part 39 integrally formed with the movable part 38. In this way, the locking projection 37 is formed to engage with the panel 4 by elastic force.

[0038] As shown in Figure 12(a), when the lever 17 is operated to the mating position, the second connector holder 7 is pulled towards the first connector holder 6 and fully mated, and the second connector holder 7 takes a pre-locking position where the locking mechanism 36 is separated from the panel 4. As shown in Figure 12(b), when the second connector holder 7 in the pre-locking position is pushed inward by the operator, the claw portion 39 of the locking mechanism 36 begins to enter the hole 5 of the panel 4. Then, as shown in Figure 12(c), when the second connector holder 7 is pushed to its deepest point, the claw portion 39 of the locking mechanism 36 locks to the panel 4.

[0039] When the claw portion 39 of the movable portion 38 engages with the panel 4, the second connector holder 7 is permanently engaged with the panel 4, replacing the first connector holder 6 which was temporarily held in place by the panel 4. In this way, the locking mechanism 36 permanently engages the second connector holder 7 with the hole 5 of the panel 4 by moving the second connector holder 7, together with the first connector holder 6 whose temporary hold has been released, from the pre-locking position to the locked position.

[0040] A flange 40 is formed circumferentially on the outer surface of the second connector holder 7 to limit the amount of insertion of the second connector holder 7 when it is inserted into the hole 5. After the second connector holder 7 is secured to the panel 4 by the claw portion 39 of the movable portion 38, even if the second connector holder 7 is inserted further, the flange 40 interferes with the panel 4, limiting further insertion of the second connector holder 7.

[0041] (First rattle suppression unit 42) As shown in Figures 1, 3(a), and 3(b), the temporary holding mechanism 9 has a first rattle suppression part 42 that is located in the gap between the first connector holder 6, which is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5, and suppresses rattle. The first rattle suppression part 42 is located on the opposing walls 13 and 14, respectively, which are located at the opening of the hood portion 11 of the first connector holder 6.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the first play suppression portion 42 is positioned near the temporary holding projection 10. Specifically, the first play suppression portion 42 is formed on both sides of the temporary holding projection 10. The first play suppression portion 42 is formed in a shape that extends from the flange 15 of the first connector holder 6 to the tip of the hood portion 11. The first play suppression portion 42 is formed in a shape that is positioned higher than the surface of the base portion 12 that supports the temporary holding projection 10.

[0043] The first rattle suppression section 42 has a temporary holding guide slope 43 and a temporary holding contact plane 44. The temporary holding guide slope 43 guides the insertion of the first connector holder 6 into the hole 5 when the first connector holder 6 is inserted into the hole 5 and temporarily held in place on the panel 4. The temporary holding guide slope 43 is formed in a shape that slopes linearly downward from the temporary holding contact plane 44 toward the tip of the hood section 11.

[0044] The temporary holding contact plane 44 suppresses rattling between the first connector holder 6 and the hole 5 by making surface contact with the inner surface of the hole 5 when the first connector holder 6 is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4. The temporary holding contact plane 44 is positioned, for example, between the flange 15 and the temporary holding guide slope 43, and its entire surface is formed in a planar shape.

[0045] (Second rattle suppression section 45) As shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the locking mechanism 36 has a second rattle suppression portion 45 that is located in the gap between the second connector holder 7, which is locked to the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5, and suppresses rattle. The second rattle suppression portion 45 is formed on the side surface of the second connector holder 7. The second rattle suppression portion 45 is positioned near the locking projection 37. Specifically, the second rattle suppression portion 45 is formed on both sides of the locking projection 37. The second rattle suppression portion 45 is formed in a shape that extends from the flange 40 of the second connector holder 7 toward the tip of the second connector holder 7. The second rattle suppression portion 45 is formed in a shape that is positioned higher than the outer wall surface of the second connector holder 7.

[0046] The second play suppression section 45 has a locking guide slope 46 and a locking contact plane 47. The locking guide slope 46 guides the insertion of the second connector holder 7 into the hole 5 when the second connector holder 7, which is fitted into the first connector holder 6, is inserted into the hole 5 and locked to the panel 4. The locking guide slope 46 is formed in a shape that slopes linearly downward from the locking contact plane 47 toward the tip of the second connector holder 7.

[0047] The locking contact surface 47 makes surface contact with the inner surface of the hole 5 when the second connector holder 7 is locked into the hole 5 of the panel 4, thereby suppressing rattling between the second connector holder 7 and the hole 5. The locking contact surface 47 is positioned between the flange 40 and the locking guide slope 46, and its entire surface is formed in a planar shape.

[0048] [Effect of the Embodiment] Next, the operation of the panel mounting connector 1 of this embodiment will be described. (Attachment of the first connector 2 to panel 4) As shown in Figure 13(a), when attaching the panel mounting connector 1 to the panel 4, the hood portion 11 of the first connector holder 6 is first inserted into the hole 5 of the panel 4. At this time, the insertion is guided by the temporary holding guide slope 43 of the first play suppression portion 42, making it possible to smoothly insert the first connector holder 6 into the hole 5.

[0049] As shown in Figure 13(b), when the temporary holding projection 10 reaches the hole 5 of the panel 4 while the hood portion 11 of the first connector holder 6 is being inserted, it is pressed by the edge of the hole 5 and elastically deforms. As a result, the insertion of the hood portion 11 of the first connector holder 6 can continue without being affected by the temporary holding projection 10.

[0050] As shown in Figure 13(c), when the temporary holding projection 10 overcomes the panel 4 during the insertion process of the hood portion 11 of the first connector holder 6, the temporary holding projection 10 elastically returns to its original position and engages with the panel 4. As a result, the first connector holder 6 is temporarily held in place by the temporary holding projection 10 on the panel 4. After the first connector holder 6 is engaged with the panel 4 by the temporary holding projection 10, it is advisable to pull the first connector holder 6 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction to confirm that the temporary holding projection 10 is properly engaged with the panel 4.

[0051] As shown in Figure 14, the first connector 2 is temporarily held in place by the panel 4 and is in a waiting state, awaiting mating with the second connector 3. A bundle of wires 48 extends from the back of the first connector 2. When the first connector 2 is in the waiting state, the bundle of wires 48 is bent or pulled, for example, in order to route it. Therefore, the first connector holder 6, which is temporarily held in place by the panel 4, is subjected to a tilting load in a direction corresponding to the load applied to the bundle of wires 48. For example, if the bundle of wires 48 is bent or pulled downwards in the plane of the paper, the first connector holder 6 will also tilt in that direction. If the first connector holder 6 remains tilted, it becomes difficult to align it with the second connector holder 7, and the workability of mating deteriorates.

[0052] However, in this example, since the first play suppression portion 42 is formed on the first connector holder 6, even if a tilting load is applied to the first connector holder 6 while it is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4, it becomes difficult for the first connector holder 6 to tilt in the direction of that load. As a result, the orientation of the first connector holder 6 is optimized. Therefore, it becomes easier to align the second connector holder 7 with the first connector holder 6, thereby improving the workability of the mating process.

[0053] (Attaching the second connector 3 to panel 4) As shown in Figure 15(a), when the second connector holder 7, into which the first connector holder 6 is fitted, is inserted into the hole 5 of the panel 4, the fitting is guided by the main locking guide slope 46 of the second play suppression part 45, so that the second connector holder 7 can be smoothly inserted into the hole 5.

[0054] As shown in Figure 15(b), when the locking projection 37 passes over the panel 4 during the process of inserting the second connector holder 7 into the hole 5, the locking projection 37 elastically returns to its original position and engages with the panel 4. As a result, the second connector holder 7 is locked to the panel 4 by the locking projection 37. Thus, the panel mounting connector 1 is attached and fixed to the panel 4.

[0055] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The panel mounting connector 1 is used by attaching the second connector 3, into which the first connector 2 is mated, to the hole 5 of the panel 4. The panel mounting connector 1 includes a temporary holding mechanism 9, a release mechanism 31, and a permanent locking mechanism 36. The temporary holding mechanism 9 temporarily holds the first connector holder 6 in the hole 5 of the panel 4 before the second connector holder 7 of the second connector 3 is mated into the first connector holder 6 of the first connector 2. The release mechanism 31 releases the temporary holding mechanism 9 during the process of mating the second connector holder 7 into the first connector holder 6. The permanent locking mechanism 36 permanently locks the second connector holder 7 into the hole 5 of the panel 4 by moving the second connector holder 7 to the permanent locking position together with the first connector holder 6 from which the temporary holding has been released.

[0056] The temporary holding mechanism 9 has a first rattle suppression part 42 located in the gap between the first connector holder 6, which is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5, and suppresses rattle. The permanent locking mechanism 36 has a second rattle suppression part 45 located in the gap between the second connector holder 7, which is permanently locked in the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5, and suppresses rattle.

[0057] With this configuration, it is sufficient to provide a first rattle suppression part 42 shaped to fill the gap between the first connector holder 6, which is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5 of the panel 4. Therefore, rattle between them can be suppressed by the first rattle suppression part 42, which has a simple shape. This makes it possible to simplify the structure of the first connector holder 6. Furthermore, it is sufficient to provide a second rattle suppression part 45 shaped to fill the gap between the second connector holder 7, which is permanently locked in the hole 5 of the panel 4, and the hole 5 of the panel 4. Therefore, rattle between them can be suppressed by the second rattle suppression part 45, which has a simple shape. This makes it possible to simplify the structure of the second connector holder 7. As described above, rattle between the panel mounting connector 1 and the panel 4 can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0058] (2) The panel-mount connector 1 includes a lever 17 and a cam mechanism 26. The lever 17 is provided on the second connector holder 7 so as to be operable from an initial position to a mating position. The cam mechanism 26 fully mates the second connector holder 7 with the first connector holder 6 by changing the operating direction of the lever 17 to the mating direction of the second connector holder 7 during the process of the lever 17 being operated from the initial position to the mating position. The release mechanism 31 releases the temporary holding mechanism 9 during the process in which the second connector holder 7 is fully mated with the first connector holder 6 by the operation of the lever 17 to the mating position. With this configuration, it is possible to release the temporary holding mechanism 9 in conjunction with the operation of fully mating the first connector holder 6 and the second connector holder 7 by lever operation. Therefore, work efficiency can be improved compared to when these are performed as separate operations.

[0059] (3) The first rattle suppression section 42 includes a temporary holding guide slope 43 that guides the insertion of the first connector holder 6 into the hole 5 when the first connector holder 6 is inserted into the hole 5 and temporarily held in place on the panel 4, and a temporary holding contact plane 44 that suppresses rattle between the hole 5 and the first connector holder 6 by making surface contact with the inner surface of the hole 5 when the first connector holder 6 is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4. With this configuration, when inserting the first connector holder 6 into the hole 5 of the panel 4, the insertion is guided by the temporary holding guide slope 43 of the first rattle suppression section 42, so the first connector holder 6 can be smoothly attached to the panel 4. In addition, the first connector holder 6 that is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4 is supported by the temporary holding contact plane 44 of the first rattle suppression section 42, so it is held in the hole 5 by a stable holding force provided by the plane. Therefore, the simple, flat shape makes it difficult for rattling to occur between the first connector holder 6 and the hole 5 of the panel 4.

[0060] (4) The temporary holding mechanism 9 has an elastically deformable temporary holding projection 10 that temporarily holds the first connector holder 6 in the hole 5 of the panel 4 by elastic force engagement with the hole 5. The first rattle suppression parts 42 are formed on both sides of the temporary holding projection 10. With this configuration, since the first rattle suppression parts 42 are provided on both sides of the temporary holding projection 10, the stability of the first connector holder 6 temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4 is improved. Therefore, it contributes even more to suppressing rattle of the first connector holder 6 relative to the panel 4.

[0061] (5) The first connector holder 6 has a hood portion 11 in which the outer surface contacts the hole 5 of the panel 4 and the second connector holder 7 is housed inside. The temporary holding projection 10 and the first rattle suppression portion 42 are arranged on the opposing walls 13 and 14 located at the opening of the hood portion 11. With this configuration, when the first connector holder 6 is temporarily held in the hole 5 of the panel 4, the temporary holding projections 10 are arranged on both sides when viewed from the direction in which the first connector holder 6 is inserted into the panel 4. Therefore, the first connector holder 6 can be held in a balanced manner relative to the panel 4. Similarly, since the first rattle suppression portion 42 is also arranged on both sides, rattle can be suppressed in a balanced manner. Thus, this further contributes to suppressing rattle of the first connector holder relative to the panel.

[0062] (6) The second rattle suppression section 45 has a locking guide slope 46 that guides the insertion of the second connector holder 7 into the hole 5 when the second connector holder 7 fitted into the first connector holder 6 is inserted into the hole 5 and locked to the panel 4, and a locking contact plane 47 that suppresses rattle between the hole 5 and the second connector holder 7 by making surface contact with the inner surface of the hole 5 when the second connector holder 7 is locked to the hole 5 of the panel 4. With this configuration, when the second connector holder 7 fitted into the first connector holder 6 is inserted into the hole 5 of the panel 4, the insertion is guided by the locking guide slope 46 of the second rattle suppression section 45, so that the second connector holder 7 can be smoothly attached to the panel 4. Furthermore, the second connector holder 7, which is permanently locked into the hole 5 of the panel 4, is supported by the locking contact plane 47 of the second rattle suppression part 45, and is therefore held in the hole 5 by a stable holding force provided by the plane. Thus, the simple shape of the plane makes it difficult for rattle to occur between the second connector holder 7 and the hole 5 of the panel 4.

[0063] (7) The locking mechanism 36 has an elastically deformable locking projection 37 that engages with the hole 5 of the panel 4 by elastic force to lock the second connector holder 7 into the hole 5. The second play suppression portion 45 is formed on both sides of the locking projection 37. With this configuration, since the second play suppression portion 45 is provided on both sides of the locking projection 37, the stability of the second connector holder 7 locked into the hole 5 of the panel 4 is improved. Therefore, it contributes even more to suppressing rattle of the second connector holder 7 relative to the panel 4.

[0064] [Other embodiments] Furthermore, this embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0065] The first rattle suppression portion 42 may be formed at locations other than both sides of the temporary holding mechanism 9 (temporary holding projection 10). The first play suppression section 42 may have a shape that, for example, only has a play suppression plane (temporary holding contact plane 44).

[0066] The second rattle suppression portion 45 may be formed at locations other than both sides of the main locking mechanism 36 (main locking projection 37). The second play suppression portion 45 may have a shape that, for example, only has a play suppression plane (the locking contact plane 47).

[0067] The shapes of the temporary holding projection 10 and the permanent locking projection 37 may be changed to various shapes that can be locked into the hole 5 of the panel 4. When fitting the second connector holder 7 to the first connector holder 6, which is in a temporarily held state, the release and permanent locking may be performed simultaneously.

[0068] The panel mounting connector 1 may be configured without the lever 17. This disclosure is described in accordance with the embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalence. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms that include only one, more, or less of those elements, fall within the scope and concept of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 Panel mounting connector 2. First connector 3. Second connector 4 panels 5 Hole 6. First connector holder 7. Second connector holder 9. Temporary holding mechanism 10 Temporary holding projection 11. Food section 12 Base 13 Opposing wall 14 Opposing wall 15 Flange 17 Lever 18 Arm 19 head 20 Lever housing 21 slits 22 Lever protrusion 23 First recess 24. Second recess 26 Cam mechanism 27 Cam groove 28 cam pin 29 Window section 31 Release mechanism 32 Release piece 33 Recess 34. Protrusion 36 Locking Mechanisms 37 locking protrusions 38 Moving parts 39. Nail area 40 flange 42 First rattle suppression section 43 Temporary support slope 44 Temporary holding contact plane 45 Second vibration suppression section 46 Main locking guide slope 47 Main locking contact plane 48 Electric wire group

Claims

1. A panel-mount connector used by attaching a second connector, into which a first connector is mated, to a hole in a panel, A temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding the first connector holder in the hole of the panel before the second connector holder of the second connector is fitted into the first connector holder of the first connector, A release mechanism for releasing the temporary holding mechanism during the process in which the second connector holder is fitted into the first connector holder, The device includes a locking mechanism that permanently locks the second connector holder into the hole in the panel by moving the second connector holder to the permanent locking position together with the first connector holder, whose temporary hold has been released, The temporary holding mechanism has a first rattle suppression part that is located in the gap between the first connector holder, which is temporarily held in the hole of the panel, and the hole, and suppresses rattle. The locking mechanism is a panel-mounted connector having a second rattle suppression part that is positioned in the gap between the second connector holder, which is locked to the hole in the panel, and the hole, and suppresses rattle.

2. A lever is provided on the second connector holder so as to be operable from the initial position to the mating position, The system includes a cam mechanism that, during the process of the lever being operated from the initial position to the fitting position, changes the operating direction of the lever to the fitting direction of the second connector holder, thereby fully fitting the second connector holder into the first connector holder. The panel mounting connector according to claim 1, wherein the release mechanism releases the temporary holding mechanism during the process in which the second connector holder is fully fitted into the first connector holder by operating the lever to the fitting position.

3. The first rattle suppression unit is, When inserting the first connector holder into the hole and temporarily holding it in place on the panel, a temporary holding guide slope is provided to guide the insertion of the first connector holder into the hole, The panel mounting connector according to claim 1, further comprising: a temporary holding contact plane that, when the first connector holder is temporarily held in the hole of the panel, makes surface contact with the inner surface of the hole, thereby suppressing rattling between the hole and the first connector holder.

4. The temporary holding mechanism has an elastically deformable temporary holding projection that temporarily holds the first connector holder in the hole by elastic force engaging with the hole in the panel, The panel mounting connector according to claim 3, wherein the first rattle suppression portion is formed on both sides of the temporary holding projection.

5. The first connector holder has a hood portion whose outer surface contacts the hole in the panel and which houses the second connector holder inside. The panel mounting connector according to claim 4, wherein the temporary holding projection and the first rattle suppression portion are arranged on the opposing walls located at the opening of the hood portion.

6. The second rattle suppression unit is, When inserting the second connector holder, which is fitted into the first connector holder, into the hole and securing it to the panel, the securing guide slope guides the insertion of the second connector holder into the hole, The panel mounting connector according to claim 1, further comprising: a locking contact plane that, when the second connector holder is locked into the hole in the panel, makes surface contact with the inner surface of the hole, thereby suppressing rattling between the hole and the second connector holder.

7. The locking mechanism has an elastically deformable locking projection that engages with the hole in the panel by elastic force to lock the second connector holder into the hole. The panel mounting connector according to claim 6, wherein the second rattle suppression portion is formed on both sides of the locking projection.

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