Connector fitting structure

The connector fitting structure with a lattice-shaped abutment portion and guided mating process addresses the issue of foreign matter adhesion, enhancing connector reliability by minimizing adhesion and accumulation, thus ensuring effective electrical connections.

JP7680414B2Inactive Publication Date: 2025-05-20YAZAKI CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022197911
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-12-12
Publication Date
2025-05-20
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing connectors are susceptible to foreign matter adhesion or accumulation on the top plate, leading to potential fitting failures.

Method used

The connector fitting structure incorporates an abutment portion with a lattice-shaped design featuring rod-shaped members on the top plate, reducing the surface area susceptible to foreign matter adhesion and providing a guided mating process.

Benefits of technology

This design minimizes the occurrence of poor fitting by reducing foreign matter adhesion and accumulation, ensuring reliable electrical connections.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a connector fitting structure capable of suppressing a fitting failure from occurring.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a connector fitting structure between an inlet plug 5 and an inlet 1 which are fitted to each other to be electrically connected together, and the inlet plug 5 has a plug housing 80 which houses a first connection terminal. The inlet 1 has an outer case 51 which houses a second connection terminal and an abutting part 11 which is provided at a part of the outer case and on which the plug housing 80 abuts before the inlet plug 5 is fitted to the inlet 1. The abutting part 11 has a recessed part and a projected part, the tip part of which functions as an abutting surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a wire harness (electric wires) that electrically connects various electrical components mounted on an automobile or the like is connected by a connector. For example, in an electric automobile or the like equipped with a battery, the battery is charged by fitting a power supply connector (plug), which is a mating connector, into a charging connector (inlet) mounted on the vehicle body. An example of such a connector is the connector described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The connector (inlet) described in Patent Document 1 includes an outer case that holds and accommodates a housing that accommodates a connection terminal, and a movable case that is disposed within the outer case and is movable in the connector fitting direction, with a cam groove formed therethrough. The connector also includes a shutter and a spring that elastically biases the movable case toward the inlet plug side. The shutter has a shutter front wall that covers the front opening of the housing, and a shutter boss that engages with the cam groove. The cam groove engages with the shutter boss, causing the shutter to rotate in the opening and closing direction around the shutter boss in conjunction with the movement of the movable case. According to this connector, the shutter is rotated in the opening and closing direction via the movable case, so that it is not necessary to lengthen the mating hood portion of the mating connector in consideration of the opening and closing trajectory of the shutter. In the mating operation between the connector (inlet) and the mating connector, the mating connector is first abutted against a top plate that constitutes the outer case of the connector, and then moved toward the connector side to start inserting and mating the mating connector into the connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-133223 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the connector described in Patent Document 1, the top plate against which the mating connector abuts during the mating operation is always exposed and has a flat shape, so it is susceptible to the adhesion or accumulation of foreign matter such as mud and water. If a significant amount of foreign matter adheres to this top plate, there is a risk that the connector and the mating connector will not be mated correctly.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a connector fitting structure that can suppress the occurrence of poor fitting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the connector fitting structure according to the present invention has the following features. A connector fitting structure for a first connector and a second connector which are fitted together and electrically connected to each other, The first connector is a first housing for accommodating a first connection terminal; The second connector is a second housing that accommodates a second connection terminal; abutment portion provided in a part of the second housing, against which the first housing abuts before the first connector is mated with the second connector; The abutting portion has a recess and a protrusion, and a tip of the protrusion functions as an abutting surface. death , The abutting portion has a first rod-shaped member as the protrusion extending along a fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector, and a second rod-shaped member as the protrusion extending along a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction, and is formed in a lattice shape. Connector mating structure. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The connector fitting structure according to the present invention has the effect of suppressing the occurrence of improper fitting.

[0009] 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 preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiment") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an inlet as an example of a second connector that constitutes a connector fitting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an inlet plug as an example of a first connector that is fitted into the inlet. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the inlet shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of the abutment portion shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the cross section taken along line AA in FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the inlet and the inlet plug shown in FIG. 1 are fitted together. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of fitting the inlet and the inlet plug shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inlet and the inlet plug shown in FIG. 1 are completely fitted together. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an inlet 1 as an example of a second connector constituting a connector fitting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an inlet plug 5 as an example of a first connector to be fitted to the inlet 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the inlet 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view that typically shows the abutting portion shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the AA cross section in FIG. 3. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the "front-rear direction", the "left-right direction", and the "up-down direction" are defined as shown in FIG. 2. The "front-rear direction", the "left-right direction", and the "up-down direction" are mutually orthogonal. The inlet 1 is attached to, for example, the body of an electric vehicle, but the direction shown in the drawing does not necessarily coincide with the attachment direction to the body.

[0013] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the inlet 1 includes a housing 20 that houses a connection terminal (second connection terminal), and an outer case 51 that houses and holds the housing 20. A part of the outer case 51 is provided with an abutment portion 11 against which the plug housing 80 of the inlet 1 abuts before the inlet plug 5 is fitted with the inlet 1. The abutment portion 11 has a recess and a protrusion, and the tip of the protrusion functions as an abutment surface. The abutment portion 11 will be described in detail later. The outer case 51 is an example of a second housing.

[0014] The housing 20 of the inlet 1 is made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin. The housing 20 has a pair of terminal accommodating tubular portions 23, 23 that protrude toward the inlet plug 5, a hollow cylindrical hood portion 21 that covers the pair of terminal accommodating tubular portions 23, 23, and a rear wall in which the pair of terminal accommodating tubular portions 23, 23 are provided and which closes the rear of the hood portion 21.

[0015] A connection terminal connected to an end portion of a high-voltage cable is housed inside the terminal accommodating cylindrical portion 23. The high-voltage cable connected to the connection terminal is pulled out from the rear end opening of the terminal accommodating cylindrical portion 23. Note that the high-voltage cable is not shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0016] A front opening 25 into which a connection terminal (first connection terminal) of the inlet plug 5 is inserted is formed at the front end of the terminal accommodating cylindrical portion 23. The front opening 25 is one example of an opening into the accommodating space of the housing 20 for the connection terminal.

[0017] The outer case 51 is a flat housing made up of a bottom plate 55 , side wall members 62 and 64 , a top plate 50 , and a rear plate 53 .

[0018] The bottom plate 55 is a flat plate that is slightly smaller than the top plate 50 .

[0019] The side wall members 62, 64 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the housing 20, and form both side walls of the outer case 51. The side wall members 62, 64 each have a substantially U-shaped recess on the upper surface. Both ends of a rotation shaft 46 of the connector cover 41, which will be described later, are supported between these recesses and the top plate 50. An actuator (not shown) for rotationally driving the rotation shaft 46 is fixed to the right side surface of the side wall member 64 with a screw.

[0020] The top plate 50 has an eave portion 15 extending in front of an upper wall portion 13 which, together with a bottom plate 55 and side wall members 62, 64, defines a housing receiving space.

[0021] The lower surface of the eaves portion 15 is provided with an abutment portion 11 against which the plug housing 80 of the inlet 1 abuts before the inlet plug 5 is fitted to the inlet 1. The abutment portion 11 is fixed to the eaves portion 15 by screwing. As shown in FIG. 3, the abutment portion 11 has a plurality of rod-shaped members 111 extending in the left-right direction and a plurality of rod-shaped members 112, 113, 114 extending in the front-rear direction, and is formed in a lattice shape. The rod-shaped members 111, 112, 113, 114 are formed to the minimum thinness within a range that does not cause problems in strength. In the abutment portion 11, the portions of the lower surface of the eaves portion 15 where the rod-shaped members 111, 112, 113, 114 are arranged are convex portions, and the portions where the rod-shaped members 111, 112, 113, 114 are not arranged, i.e., the portions where the lower surface of the eaves portion 15 is exposed are concave portions.

[0022] If the abutment portion 11 were not provided on the eaves portion 15, the inlet plug 5 would not be fitted into the inlet 1, and the eaves portion 15 would always be exposed to the outside, in an environment where foreign matter such as mud and water is likely to adhere to it, and the flat eaves portion 15 would be susceptible to the adhesion and accumulation of foreign matter. If there is a significant amount of foreign matter adhering to the eaves portion 15, it is likely to cause a fitting failure.

[0023] In contrast, in the inlet 1 of this embodiment, the abutting portion 11 is provided on the eaves portion 15, and the tip portion 11a (lower end portion) of the rod-shaped members 111, 112, 113, 114 (convex portions) constituting the abutting portion 11 functions as the abutting surface 11b (see FIG. 4). This makes it possible to reduce the area of ​​the abutting surface by at least the area equivalent to the concave portion. This also makes it possible to reduce foreign matter adhering to and accumulating on the abutting surface. As a result, by fitting the inlet plug 5 to the inlet 1 after the plug housing 80 is abutted against the abutting surface 11b formed by the tip portion, the inlet plug 5 is less susceptible to the effects of adhesion and accumulation of foreign matter, and the occurrence of poor fitting can be suppressed.

[0024] The multiple rod-shaped members 111 are arranged at regular intervals in the front-rear direction, and rod-shaped members 112 are arranged at both left and right ends to connect the multiple rod-shaped members 111. Multiple rod-shaped members 113 shorter than the rod-shaped members 112 are arranged between adjacent rod-shaped members 111 to connect the rod-shaped members 111 to each other. The multiple rod-shaped members 113 are arranged at regular intervals in the left-right direction. Behind the rearmost rod-shaped member 111, multiple rod-shaped members 114 are arranged to extend rearward. The multiple rod-shaped members 114 are arranged at regular intervals in the left-right direction.

[0025] Each of the rod-shaped members 111, 112, 113, and 114 has a shape of a substantially octagonal prism. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the width (front-rear size) of the lower tip 11a of the rod-shaped member 111 is narrower than the distance between two parallel sides extending in the vertical direction (hereinafter referred to as the size of the middle part) in the cross section along the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. The width of the base end of the rod-shaped member 111 on the eaves part 15 side, i.e., the upper side, is also slightly smaller than the size of the middle part, but the cross-sectional area of ​​the tip 11a is formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the base end. The other rod-shaped members 112, 113, and 114 are also formed to have a narrow tip 11a (lower end) like the rod-shaped member 111. By forming the tip 11a narrow, water attached to the abutment part 11 is easily dropped, so that accumulation of water can be suppressed. Therefore, promotion of dust adsorption can be suppressed and damage caused by freezing can be suppressed.

[0026] No member is connected to the rear end of the rod-shaped member 114. In other words, one end of the rod-shaped member 114 close to the connection terminal housed in the terminal housing tubular portion 23 is open. If the rear end of the rod-shaped member 114 were not open and connected to another member, foreign matter adhering to the rod-shaped member 114 would be blocked and accumulated when the inlet plug 5 and the inlet 1 are fitted together, which could cause a poor fit. In contrast, since the rear end of the rod-shaped member 114 is open, foreign matter does not accumulate in the inlet 1, and thus poor fit can be further prevented.

[0027] In the abutting portion 11 configured as above, the rod-shaped members 111, 112, 113, and 114 are formed to have the minimum thinness possible without causing any problems in terms of strength.

[0028] The rear plate 53 is a generally rectangular flat plate with four sides bent up. The rear plate 53 is composed of a bottom plate 55, side wall members 62, 64, and a top plate 50, and covers and closes the storage space that houses the housing 20 from the rear.

[0029] The inlet 1 further includes a connector cover 41 and a pick-up rib 19 provided on the connector cover 41. The connector cover 41 is provided rotatable between a closed position where it covers an opening to the accommodating space for the connection terminals of the outer case 51, i.e., a front opening of the hood portion 21, and an open position where it does not cover this opening. The pick-up rib 19 is an example of a guide protrusion.

[0030] The connector cover 41 has a cover portion 43 in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate that covers the front opening of the hood portion 21, and a rotation shaft 46 provided at the end of the long side of the cover portion 43.

[0031] 2, the cover portion 43 is provided with a cylindrical rib 43a on the surface facing the terminal accommodating cylindrical portion 23, the cylindrical rib 43a conforming to the shape of the opening edge of the hood portion 21, and an elastic packing 49 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical rib 43a. The elastic packing 49 is formed from an elastic material such as sponge or rubber. When the connector cover 41 is closed, i.e., when the connector cover 41 is in the closed position, the elastic packing 49 can elastically contact the hood portion 21 of the housing 20. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the intrusion of dust, water, and the like into the hood portion 21 of the housing 20.

[0032] The rotating shaft 46 is made of metal, for example, and is molded integrally with the cover portion 43 made of synthetic resin.

[0033] The pick-up rib 19 is inserted into a mating guide groove 85, which is an example of a guide groove. The mating guide groove 85 is provided in the plug housing 80 of the inlet plug 5. The pick-up rib 19 guides the plug housing 80 of the inlet plug 5 to be mated with the housing 20 accommodated in the outer case 51. The pick-up rib 19 is provided in the center of the surface of the cylindrical rib 43a that faces the terminal accommodating cylindrical portion 23. The pick-up rib 19 extends along the mating direction of the connector when the connector cover 41 is open. The pick-up rib 19 is accommodated inside the housing 20 when the connector cover 41 is closed.

[0034] The pick-up rib 19 has a rounded tip, is generally rectangular parallelepiped in shape with a length in the connector fitting direction longer than its length in the left-right direction, and has a plurality of recesses formed at a predetermined interval on both left and right side surfaces facing the groove side surfaces of the fitting guide groove 85. This predetermined interval is appropriately determined taking into consideration the size of the pick-up rib 19, the size of the fitting guide groove 85, etc.

[0035] The inlet 1 is assembled as follows. The abutment portion 11 is screwed to the underside of the eaves portion 15 of the top plate 50. The side wall members 62, 64 are arranged on the left and right sides of the upper surface of the bottom plate 55 and screwed to them. The housing 20 accommodating the connection terminals is arranged between the side wall members 62, 64 on the bottom plate 55, and the connector cover 41 is arranged so that both ends of the rotating shaft 46 are accommodated in the recesses of the side wall members 62, 64. The top plate 50 is placed on the upper surfaces of the side wall members 62, 64 so as to cover the upper part of the housing 20, and screwed to the side wall members 62, 64. The top plate 50 is further screwed to the upper surface of the housing 20. The rear plate 53 is attached from the rear to the bottom plate 55, the side wall members 62, 64, and the top plate 50 that cover the lower, lateral, and upper parts of the housing 20, and screwed to the side wall members 62, 64. The assembled inlet 1 is attached via the top plate 50 to, for example, the body of an electric vehicle.

[0036] The inlet plug 5 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plug-side connection terminal that fits into the connection terminal of the inlet 1, and a plug housing 80 as an example of a first housing that accommodates the plug-side connection terminal.

[0037] The plug housing 80 is made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin. A bracket 86 is attached to the plug housing 80.

[0038] A fitting guide groove 85 is formed on the top surface of the plug housing 80. The fitting guide groove 85 has a tapered portion whose width increases toward the inlet 1. When the inlet plug 5 is fitted into the inlet 1, this fitting guide groove 85 engages with the guide rib 19, thereby guiding the plug housing 80 into the housing 20.

[0039] A connection terminal connected to an end portion of a plug-side high-voltage cable 91 is accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 83 in the plug housing 80. The plug-side high-voltage cable connected to this connection terminal is pulled out from the rear end opening of the terminal accommodating chamber.

[0040] When the inlet 1 and the inlet plug 5 are not mated, a part of the top plate 50 (eaves portion 15) is exposed, and there is a risk of foreign matter such as mud or water adhering or accumulating thereon. In contrast, the inlet 1 of this embodiment is provided with an abutment portion 11 on part of the top plate 50, and tip portions 11a of rod-shaped members 111, 112, 113, and 114 function as abutment surfaces 11b, thereby reducing the area on which foreign matter can adhere and mitigating the effect of foreign matter on the mating operation.

[0041] Furthermore, when the inlet 1 and the inlet plug 5 are not mated, the connector cover 41 is in a closed position in which the cover portion 43 covers the front opening of the housing 20. Therefore, the inlet 1 is protected against dust, the terminals are protected, and electric shock is prevented. Furthermore, when the connector cover 41 is in the closed position, the pick-up rib 19 provided on the cylindrical rib 43a of the cover portion 43 is housed inside the housing 20. Therefore, the pick-up rib 19 of the inlet 1 is protected from being damaged or from the attachment of foreign matter.

[0042] This prevents the inlet 1 from being hindered in fitting with the inlet plug 5. Also, by preventing foreign matter from adhering to the pick-up rib 19, foreign matter adhering to the pick-up rib 19 is prevented from entering the inlet plug 5. While the vehicle is running, the connector cover 41 is in the closed position and the pick-up rib 19 is housed inside the inlet 1, which prevents the pick-up rib 19 from being scratched or having foreign matter attached thereto, and allows the inlet 1 and the inlet plug 5 to be reliably fitted together.

[0043] Next, the fitting operation of the inlet 1 and the inlet plug 5 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figures 5 to 7 show cross sections taken along the fitting direction at the left-right center of the inlet 1.

[0044] When starting to insert and fit the inlet plug 5 into the inlet 1, the actuator rotates the pivot shaft 46 of the inlet 1 to rotate the cover portion 43 of the connector cover 41 to the open position. When the connector cover 41 rotates to the open position, the upper surface of the cover portion 43 is disposed along the lower surface of the top plate 50 as shown in Fig. 5. From the viewpoints of protecting the pick-up ribs 19, preventing dust, protecting the terminals, and preventing electric shock, it is preferable to open the connector cover 41 just before inserting and fitting the inlet plug 5 into the inlet 1.

[0045] 5, with respect to the inlet 1 with the connector cover 41 in the open state, the inlet plug 5 is moved in the direction of the solid arrow in Fig. 5, so that the upper surface 81 of the plug housing 80 abuts against the abutment surface 11b of the abutment portion 11. Thereafter, the inlet plug 5 is moved in the direction of the dashed arrow to start inserting and fitting the plug housing 80 into the outer case 51.

[0046] 6, in the middle of fitting, the upper surface 81 of the plug housing 80 abuts against the lower surface (abutment surface 11b) of the abutment portion 11, and the pick-up rib 19 is inserted into the fitting guide groove 85. The lower surface of the cylindrical rib 43a, on which the pick-up rib 19 is provided, and the lower surface (abutment surface 11b) of the abutment portion 11 are set to be at the same height. Thus, the plug housing 80, which is moved with the upper surface 81 abutting against the abutment surface 11b, is smoothly guided by the engagement between the pick-up rib 19 and the fitting guide groove 85.

[0047] When the inlet plug 5 is further inserted deeper toward the rear of the inlet 1, the tip of the pick-up rib 19 is guided into the fitting guide groove 85, and the front end of the plug housing 80 abuts against the rear wall of the housing 20 (see FIG. 7). In this state, the connection terminal of the inlet plug 5 is fitted into and connected to the connection terminal of the inlet 1, thereby electrically connecting the high-voltage cable on the inlet 1 side and the plug-side high-voltage cable 91 for use. After use, the inlet plug 5 is detached from the inlet 1. Then, the actuator rotates the pivot shaft 46 in the reverse direction, bringing the connector cover 41 into a closed state. In this state, the cover portion 43 is in the closed position, so that the inside of the housing 20 is protected.

[0048] As described above, according to the fitting structure between the inlet 1 and the inlet plug 5, the inlet 1 has the abutment portion 11 on a part of the top plate 50, and the tip portions 11a of the rod-shaped members 111, 112, 113, and 114 function as the abutment surface 11b. This reduces the area on which foreign matter can adhere when the inlet plug 5 is not inserted and fitted into the inlet 1. This reduces the effect of foreign matter on the fitting between the inlet 1 and the inlet plug 5, and suppresses poor fitting.

[0049] 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.

[0050] For example, in the above embodiment, the inlet 1 has the lattice-shaped abutment portion 11 made up of rod-shaped members 111, 112, 113, and 114 fixed to the top plate 50 by screws, but the abutment portion may be integrally formed with the top plate. Also, the abutment portion may have any shape as long as it has recesses and protrusions at the locations where it is arranged. The abutment portion may have, for example, a protrusion extending in a straight line or curved line, or a pyramidal protrusion such as a cone or pyramid. The abutment portion may have a protrusion or protrusion whose cross-sectional shape along the protruding direction is arc-shaped or polygonal.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the inlet 1 has the connector cover 41, but the connector fitting structure of the present invention can also be applied to a connector that does not have a connector cover. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the fitting structure of the inlet and the inlet plug used in an electric vehicle or the like has been described as an example, but the connector fitting structure of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various connectors based on the spirit of the present invention.

[0052] Here, the features of the connector fitting structure according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [6].

[0053] [1] A connector fitting structure for a first connector (inlet plug 5) and a second connector (inlet 1) that are fitted together and electrically connected to each other, The first connector (inlet plug 5) is A first housing (plug housing 80) for accommodating a first connection terminal, The second connector (inlet 1) is a second housing (outer case 51) for accommodating a second connection terminal; abutment portion (11) provided on a part (a visor portion 15) of the second housing, against which the first housing abuts before the first connector is mated with the second connector; The abutting portion has a concave portion and a convex portion, and a tip portion of the convex portion functions as an abutting surface. Connector mating structure.

[0054] If the first connector is not mated with the second connector in an environment where foreign matter such as mud or water is likely to adhere or accumulate, for example, if a part of a flat plate is used as the abutment portion, the flat abutment portion is susceptible to adhesion or accumulation of foreign matter, and if a significant amount of foreign matter adheres to the abutment portion, a mating failure is likely to occur. In contrast, according to the connector mating structure of the configuration [1] above, the abutment portion has a recess and a protrusion, and the tip of the protrusion functions as the abutment surface, so that the area of ​​the abutment surface can be reduced by at least the area equivalent to the recess. Thus, the amount of foreign matter that adheres to and accumulates on the abutment surface can be reduced. Therefore, by mating the first connector with the second connector after abutting the first housing against the abutment surface formed by the tip of the protrusion, the first connector is less susceptible to adhesion or accumulation of foreign matter, and the occurrence of a mating failure can be suppressed.

[0055] [2] The protrusion is formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the tip end is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the base end on the second housing side. The connector fitting structure described in [1] above.

[0056] According to the connector fitting structure of the above-mentioned [2], the tip of the protrusion is formed thin, so that the accumulation of water can be suppressed. This can suppress the promotion of adhesion of dust to the abutting portion and suppress damage caused by freezing. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the mating failure caused by the adhesion of foreign matter.

[0057] [3] The abutting portion includes a rod-shaped member (112, 113, 114) extending along the fitting direction (front-rear direction) of the first connector and the second connector, The connector fitting structure described in [1] or [2] above.

[0058] According to the connector fitting structure having the configuration [3] above, a part of the rod-shaped member can be made to function as an abutment surface, thereby making it possible to maintain the strength of the abutment portion in the fitting direction.

[0059] [4] The rod-shaped member (114) has an open end close to the second connection terminal. The connector fitting structure described in [3] above.

[0060] According to the connector fitting structure of the configuration [4] above, if the end of the rod-shaped member is not opened and is connected to another member, etc., and foreign matter is attached to the rod-shaped member, the foreign matter will be blocked and accumulated when the first connector and the second connector are fitted together, which may cause a fitting failure. According to the above configuration, the end of the rod-shaped member close to the second connection terminal is opened, so that foreign matter does not accumulate, thereby further suppressing fitting failure.

[0061] [5] The first connector (inlet plug 5) has a guide groove (fitting guide groove 85) provided in the first housing (plug housing 80), The second connector (inlet 1) has a guide protrusion (picking up rib 19) that is inserted into the guide groove. A connector fitting structure according to any one of the above [1] to [4].

[0062] According to the connector fitting structure having the configuration [5] above, when the first connector and the second connector are fitted together, the guide groove engages with the guide protrusion, thereby guiding the first housing into the second housing.

[0063] [6] A connector cover (41) is provided so as to be rotatable between a closed position that covers an opening (a front opening of the hood portion 21) to an accommodating space of the second connection terminal of the second housing and an open position that does not cover the opening, the guide protrusion is provided on the connector cover, is accommodated in the second housing when the connector cover is in the closed position, and is exposed to the outside of the second housing when the connector cover is in the open position, and extends along a mating direction of the first connector and the second connector. The connector fitting structure described in [5] above.

[0064] According to the connector fitting structure having the configuration [6] above, the guide protrusion can be protected from dust and the like, so that fitting failure can be further suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Inlet (2nd connector) 5 Inlet plug (first connector) 11 Stopping part 11a Tip 11b Abutment surface 15 Eaves 19 Picking up ribs 20. Housing 21 Food Section 23 Terminal receiving tube 41 Connector cover 43 Cover part 43a Cylindrical rib 46 Rotating shaft 50 Tabletop 51 Outer case (second housing) 53 Rear plate 55 Bottom plate 62, 64 Side wall member 80 Plug housing (first housing) 81 Top surface 85 Mating guide groove 111, 112, 113, 114 Rod-shaped members

Claims

1. A connector fitting structure for a first connector and a second connector which are fitted together and electrically connected to each other, The first connector is a first housing for accommodating a first connection terminal; The second connector is a second housing that accommodates the second connection terminal; abutment portion provided on a part of the second housing, against which the first housing abuts before the first connector is mated with the second connector; The abutting portion has a concave portion and a convex portion, and a tip portion of the convex portion functions as an abutting surface, the abutting portion has a first rod-shaped member as the protrusion extending along a fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector, and a second rod-shaped member as the protrusion extending along a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction, and is formed in a lattice shape; Connector mating structure.

2. The protrusion is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the tip end is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the base end on the second housing side. The connector fitting structure according to claim 1 .

3. The abutting portion is A plurality of the second rod-shaped members are arranged at intervals in the fitting direction; a third rod-shaped member which is the first rod-shaped member connecting one ends of the second rod-shaped members in the orthogonal direction to each other in the fitting direction and extending along the fitting direction; a fourth rod-shaped member which is the first rod-shaped member and which connects the other ends of the second rod-shaped members in the orthogonal direction in the fitting direction and extends along the fitting direction; at least one fifth rod-shaped member which is the first rod-shaped member and which connects intermediate portions other than the one end portion and the other end portion of the second rod-shaped members adjacent to each other in the fitting direction in the fitting direction and extends along the fitting direction; at least one sixth rod-shaped member which is the first rod-shaped member extending along the fitting direction from the second rod-shaped member arranged closest to the second connection terminal in the fitting direction among the plurality of second rod-shaped members toward a side closest to the second connection terminal in the fitting direction; Including, The connector fitting structure according to claim 1 .

4. the sixth rod-shaped member has an open end on a side close to the second connection terminal; The connector fitting structure according to claim 3.

5. The first connector has a guide groove provided in the first housing, The second connector has a guide protrusion to be inserted into the guide groove. The connector fitting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a connector cover that is rotatable between a closed position that covers an opening of the second housing to an accommodating space for the second connection terminal and an open position that does not cover the opening, the guide protrusion is provided on the connector cover, is accommodated in the second housing when the connector cover is in the closed position, and is exposed to the outside of the second housing when the connector cover is in the open position, and extends along the mating direction of the first connector and the second connector. The connector fitting structure according to claim 5 .

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • JP1988074027U

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