Connector and its continuity inspection device

Abstract

To prevent a wrong type of connector from being attached to a continuity inspection device.SOLUTION: A groove 16 for erroneous fitting detection is formed in a connector housing 11 that has a front holder insertion space 14. The groove 16 is blocked by fitting of a protrusion 36 of a front holder 30 thereto when the front holder is inserted, and receives a convex part 46 of a continuity inspection device 40 when the connector housing 11 is fitted to a fitting port 41 of the continuity inspection device 40 dedicated to a connector without the front holder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a continuity inspection device thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Connectors used in wire harnesses for automobiles and the like mainly consist of a connector housing and terminals. Some of these connectors are equipped with waterproof packing, while others are equipped with a front holder. The front holder is a part that is inserted into the connector housing from the front after the terminals are assembled into the connector housing, thereby detecting partial insertion of the terminals and further strengthening the locking force on the terminals (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Generally, the front holder is adapted to be inserted from the partial locking position to the full locking position, and if the terminal is in a partially inserted state, the front holder cannot be inserted from the partial locking position to the full locking position, thereby detecting that the terminal is in a partially inserted state.

[0004] Incidentally, in order to reduce parts costs, some connector housings that can be fitted with a front holder can also be used as connectors without the front holder attached. In this way, if the connector housing is made common for both connectors with and without a front holder, the cost of the molds required to manufacture the connector housing can be significantly reduced. In addition, there is the advantage that the mating connector can also be made common. In such cases, the detection of partial terminal insertion for connectors that do not have a front holder is compensated for by providing a partial terminal insertion detection unit in the continuity inspection device (continuity check machine) at the wire harness commercialization stage.

[0005] In addition, there are continuity testing devices, for example, dedicated continuity testing devices for connectors with front holders and dedicated continuity testing devices for connectors without front holders, and continuity testing is performed using dedicated continuity testing devices for each of the types of connectors with and without front holders. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-23658 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, at the stage of commercializing the wire harness, there is a possibility that a connector with a front holder may be mistakenly attached to a continuity inspection device designed specifically for connectors without a front holder, when a connector without a front holder should be assembled. In such a case, the terminal half-insertion detection unit of the continuity inspection device may interfere with the front holder, damaging the front holder and requiring the connector to be replaced. Conversely, there is also a possibility that a connector without a front holder may be mistakenly attached to a continuity inspection device designed specifically for connectors with a front holder, when a connector with a front holder should be assembled. In such a case, there is a possibility that the continuity inspection cannot be performed correctly due to the absence of a front holder.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a connector that prevents an incorrect type from being attached to a continuity testing device, and a continuity testing device for such a connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the connector and the continuity inspection device according to the present invention have the following features.

[0010] a connector housing having a block portion in which a terminal accommodating chamber is provided and a front holder insertion space for inserting a front holder for detecting a partial insertion of a terminal from the front, adjacent to the block portion; A connector that can be used both in a state where the front holder is attached to the connector housing and in a state where the front holder is not attached, A groove for detecting mis-fitting with a continuity inspection device is formed on the peripheral wall of the connector housing from the front end to the rear, The groove for detecting mis-fitting is provided in the front holder insertion space. The above When the front holder is inserted, the protrusion provided on the front holder fits into the It is configured as follows: The groove for detecting mis-fitting is provided when the front holder is not attached to the connector housing. At the fitting port of a continuity testing device that tests the continuity of connectors The front holder is not attached When the connector housing is mated teeth, The above Fitting Accepts the protrusions on the joint When the connector housing having the front holder attached thereto is fitted into the fitting opening, the protrusion of the front holder blocks the groove, thereby making it impossible to fit the connector housing. connector.

[0011] the above of The above For connector housing The above Connector without front holder 、 A continuity inspection device for performing a continuity inspection of A protrusion is provided on a fitting port into which the connector housing is fitted during inspection, The protrusion is provided on the front holder. The above is not installed When the connector housing is fitted into the fitting opening, it is received in the groove for detecting improper fitting, thereby enabling the fitting of the connector housing, and the front holder The above-mentioned The front holder closes the groove when the connector housing is fitted. The above The connector housing cannot be fitted due to interference with the protrusion. Continuity testing device.

[0012] the above of The above For connector housing The above Connector with front holder attached 、 A continuity inspection device for performing a continuity inspection of A front holder detection portion is provided on the inner wall of the fitting opening into which the connector housing is fitted during inspection, The front holder detection unit detects the front holder. The above-mentioned When the connector housing is fitted into the fitting opening, the presence of the front holder is detected, and The above is not installed Detecting the absence of the front holder when the connector housing is mated. Continuity testing device. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, since it is possible to prevent an incorrect type of connector from being attached to a continuity inspection device, troubles such as incorrect mating with the continuity inspection device can be avoided before they occur.

[0014] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading the following description of the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiment") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a type that does not use a front holder, as viewed obliquely from above and at an angle from the front. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1 as viewed obliquely from below and in front. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a type that uses a front holder, in a state in which the front holder is temporarily engaged, as viewed obliquely from above and at an angle to the front. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 3 as viewed obliquely from below and in front. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is of a type using a front holder, with the front holder in a fully engaged state, as viewed obliquely from above and at an angle to the front. [Figure 6]6 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 5 as viewed obliquely from below and in front. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a continuity inspection device designed specifically for connectors without a front holder, and a diagram showing the compatibility of connectors without a front holder (F / H) and connectors with a front holder (F / H). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a continuity inspection device designed specifically for connectors with a front holder, and a diagram showing the compatibility of connectors with a front holder (F / H) and connectors without a front holder (F / H). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figures 1 to 6 are diagrams showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, with Figures 1 and 2 showing the configuration of a connector that does not use a front holder, and Figures 3 to 6 showing the configuration of a connector that uses a front holder. Figures 3 and 4 show the state when the front holder is in the temporary locking position, and Figures 5 and 6 show the state when the front holder is inserted from the temporary locking position to the full locking position.

[0018] These two types of connectors 10, 20 have the same configuration, except for the presence or absence of a front holder 30. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the connector 10 without a front holder and the connector 20 with a front holder have a connector housing 11 that is common to both types.

[0019] The connector housing 11 has a block portion 13 in which terminal accommodating chambers 12 (substituted with insertion holes for mating male terminals at the front ends of the terminal accommodating chambers) are provided, and a front holder insertion space 14 for inserting a front holder 30 for detecting partial terminal insertion from the front, adjacent to the block portion 13. A groove 16 for detecting mis-fitting with a continuity inspection device is formed in the peripheral bottom wall of the connector housing 11 from the front end toward the rear, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, this groove 16 for detecting mis-fitting is provided so as to be blocked by a protrusion 36 provided on the front holder 30 fitting into it when the front holder 30 is inserted into the front holder insertion space 14.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a continuity inspection device 40 exclusively for the connector 10 without a front holder, and a distinction between the compatibility of the connector 10 without a front holder and the connector 20 with a front holder, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a continuity inspection device 50 exclusively for the connector 20 with a front holder, and a distinction between the compatibility of the connector 20 with a front holder and the connector 10 without a front holder.

[0022] The groove 16 for detecting mis-fitting formed in the connector housing 11 is provided to receive a protrusion 46 provided in the fitting port 41 of a continuity testing device 40 when the connector housing 11 is fitted into the fitting port 41 of a continuity testing device dedicated to the front holder-less connector 10, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0023] When assembling the connector 20 with a front holder, first, the front holder 30 is inserted into the front holder insertion space 14 of the connector housing 11 to the provisional locking position and provisionally locked (the state shown in Figs. 3 and 4). Next, in this state, the terminals are inserted into each terminal accommodating chamber of the connector housing 11 from the rear. The terminals inserted to the correct position are locked and prevented from coming out by a lance provided in each terminal accommodating chamber. Next, the front holder 30 is further inserted to the full locking position. If the front holder 30 cannot be inserted to the full locking position, it is detected that the terminal is partially inserted. If the terminal is not partially inserted, the front holder 30 is inserted to the full locking position and formally locked, thereby strengthening the locking force on the terminal by restricting the bending of the lance, etc.

[0024] When assembling the connector 10 without a front holder, the terminals are inserted from the rear into each terminal accommodating chamber 12 of the connector housing 11 without inserting the front holder 30, and the assembly is completed by locking each terminal with a lance.

[0025] Next, the dedicated continuity test devices 40 and 50 will be briefly described. 7 is a continuity inspection device exclusively for the front-holder-less connector 10 when the front holder 30 is not attached to the connector housing 11. In this continuity inspection device 40, a convex portion 46 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the fitting port 41 into which the connector housing 11 fits during inspection.

[0026] This protrusion 46 is received in the opened mis-fit detection groove 16 when the connector 10 without a front holder is fitted into the fitting port 41. This allows the connector 10 to be fitted as is, and a continuity test of the connector 10 is performed. Also, when the connector 20 with a front holder is fitted by mistake, the projection 36 of the front holder 30, which blocks the mis-fit detection groove 16, interferes with the protrusion 46 of the continuity test device 40, making it impossible to fit the connector 20 (the connector 20 cannot be attached to the continuity test device 40), which results in a diagnosis of mis-fitting, and no further continuity tests being performed.

[0027] In addition, the continuity inspection device 50 shown in Figure 8 is a continuity inspection device exclusively for the connector 20 with a front holder when the front holder 30 is attached to the connector housing 11. In this continuity inspection device 50, a front holder detection unit 52 is provided on the back wall of the fitting port 51 into which the connector housing 11 fits during inspection.

[0028] This front holder detection unit 52 detects the presence of the front holder 30 when the connector 20 with a front holder is fitted into the fitting port 51. Also, when the connector 10 without a front holder is mistakenly fitted, it detects the absence of the front holder 30. This causes a diagnosis of a part shortage anomaly, and the continuity detection is stopped.

[0029] In this way, since it is possible to prevent erroneous fitting of the connector without a front holder 10 and the connector with a front holder 20 to the continuity inspection devices 40, 50, it becomes possible to standardize the connector housing 11, which contributes to reducing mold costs.

[0030] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, size, number, arrangement location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary as long as the present invention can be achieved, and are not limited.

[0031] Here, the features of the connector and the continuity inspection device according to the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention will be briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [3]. [1] A connector housing (11) having a block portion (13) in which a terminal accommodating chamber (12) is provided, and a front holder insertion space (14) for inserting a front holder (30) for detecting partial insertion of a terminal from the front, adjacent to the block portion (13), A groove (16) for detecting mis-fitting with a continuity inspection device (40, 50) is formed in the peripheral wall of the connector housing (11) from the front end toward the rear, a protrusion (36) provided on the front holder (30) fits into the groove (16) for detecting mis-fitting when the front holder (30) is inserted into the front holder insertion space (14), and receives a protrusion (46) provided on a fitting port (41) of a continuity inspection device (40) of a connector (10) that does not have a front holder when the connector housing (11) is fitted into the fitting port (41) of the continuity inspection device (40); Connector(10, 20).

[0032] According to the connector of the configuration [1] above, when a continuity testing device is prepared depending on whether or not a front holder is attached, even if an attempt is made to fit a connector with a front holder attached to a continuity testing device for a connector without a front holder attached, or conversely, even if an attempt is made to fit a connector without a front holder attached to a continuity testing device for a connector with a front holder attached, the connector can be prevented from fitting into the continuity testing device, thereby preventing the connector from fitting into the continuity testing device and preventing the trouble of incorrect fitting into the continuity testing device.

[0033] [2] A continuity inspection device (40) for inspecting a continuity of a connector (10) in which a front holder (30) is not attached to the connector housing (11) described in [1] above, comprising: A protrusion (46) is provided on a fitting port (41) into which the connector housing (11) is fitted during inspection, When a connector housing (11) not having the front holder is fitted into the fitting opening (41), the convex portion (46) is received in the groove (16) for detecting improper fitting, thereby enabling the fitting of the connector housing (11), and when a connector housing (11) having the front holder (30) is fitted, the convex portion (46) interferes with a protrusion (36) of the front holder (30) that closes the groove (16), thereby disabling the fitting of the connector housing (11). Continuity test device (40).

[0034] According to the continuity testing device having the configuration [2] above, even if a connector to which a front holder is attached is to be subjected to a continuity test, the connector can be prevented from being mated even if an attempt is made to mating a connector to which a front holder is attached, thereby making it possible to prevent problems with incorrect mating of the continuity testing device.

[0035] [3] A continuity inspection device (50) for inspecting continuity of a connector (20) having a front holder (30) attached to the connector housing (11) described in [1] above, comprising: A front holder detection portion (52) is provided on the inner wall of a fitting opening (51) into which the connector housing (11) is fitted during inspection, The front holder detection portion (52) detects the presence of the front holder (30) when a connector housing (11) having the front holder (30) is fitted into the fitting opening (51), and detects the absence of the front holder (30) when a connector housing (11) not having the front holder (30) is fitted into the fitting opening (51). Continuity test device (50).

[0036] According to the continuity testing device having the configuration [3] above, even though the connector to which the front holder is attached is the subject of the continuity testing, if an attempt is made to mate a connector to which the front holder is not attached, it is possible to detect that the front holder is not attached, thereby preventing the trouble of erroneous mating of the connector to the continuity testing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 10 Connector without front holder 11 Connector housing 12 Terminal chamber 13 Block section 14 Front holder insertion space 16 Mis-mating detection groove 20 Connector with front holder 30 Front Holder 36 Protrusion 40 Continuity inspection device for connectors without front holder 41 Fitting port 46 Convex 50 Continuity test device for connectors with front holder 51 Fitting port 52 Front holder detection unit

Claims

1. A connector comprising a connector housing having a block portion in which a terminal accommodating chamber is provided and a front holder insertion space adjacent to the block portion into which a front holder for detecting partial insertion of a terminal is inserted from the front, the connector housing being usable both with and without the front holder attached, A groove for detecting mis-fitting with a continuity inspection device is formed on the peripheral wall of the connector housing from the front end to the rear, the mis-fitting detection groove is configured so that a protrusion provided on the front holder fits into the groove when the front holder is inserted into the front holder insertion space, The groove for detecting mis-fitting is configured so that, when the connector housing without the front holder attached is fitted into a fitting port of a continuity testing device that performs a continuity test of the connector without the front holder attached to the connector housing, the groove receives a convex portion provided in the fitting port, thereby enabling the connector housing to be fitted, and, when the connector housing with the front holder attached is fitted into the fitting port, the groove interferes with the protrusion of the front holder that blocks the groove, thereby disabling the fitting of the connector housing. connector.

2. 2. A continuity inspection device for inspecting a continuity of a connector in which the front holder is not attached to the connector housing according to claim 1, A protrusion is provided on a fitting port into which the connector housing is fitted during inspection, the protrusion is received in the groove for detecting erroneous mating when the connector housing without the front holder is fitted into the fitting opening, thereby enabling the connector housing to be fitted, and interferes with the protrusion of the front holder that closes the groove when the connector housing with the front holder attached is fitted, thereby disabling the fitting of the connector housing. Continuity testing device.

3. 2. A continuity inspection device for inspecting a continuity of a connector having a connector housing and a front holder attached thereto according to claim 1, A front holder detection portion is provided on the inner wall of the fitting opening into which the connector housing is fitted during inspection, the front holder detection portion detects the presence of the front holder when the connector housing to which the front holder is attached is fitted into the fitting port, and detects the absence of the front holder when the connector housing to which the front holder is not attached is fitted. Continuity testing device.

4. A connector continuity inspection system comprising the connector described in claim 1, the continuity inspection device described in claim 2, and the continuity inspection device described in claim 3.

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