Connector retainer

Abstract

To provide a connector stopper which secures redundancy of a fitting maintaining mechanism of a connector device and protects them.SOLUTION: A connector stopper 10 includes: an exposed part 22b that includes fitting maintaining mechanisms (21d and 22d) that are formed by a first connector 21 and a second connector 22, and maintain a fitting state of both connectors, and in which one part of an outer surface of the second connector in a state where both the connectors are fitted is exposed; and a projection part 22c projected from the exposed part, and is mounted when the connector device is in the fitting state. The connector stopper includes: a cover part 11a that includes a flat surface extended to a parallel direction against a fitting direction X and covers the outer surface of each fitting maintaining mechanism; an engagement arm part 11b that is projected to a cross direction against the fitting direction from a front surface of the cover part, and engages an engaged plate 21b of the first connector; an engagement arm part 11cb that is projected to the cross direction against the fitting direction from the front surface of the cover part, and is arranged so as to surround one part of the exposure part of the second connector; and an engagement claw part 11cc that is formed to a tip end of this engagement arm part, and is engaged to the projection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector retainer that is attached to a connector device having a mating retention mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, automobiles and other vehicles have adopted many electrical accessories. These accessories generally have electrical connection wires (hereinafter referred to as harnesses) to ensure electrical connections between the devices. This harness generally consists of a bundle of multiple electric wires, for example, for supplying power from a power source or for signal communication between devices, and a multi-core connector attached to the end of the bundle of electric wires.

[0003] A connector provided at the end of this type of harness (hereinafter referred to as a harness connector) is configured to mate with a connector provided on the device side (hereinafter referred to as a device-side connector), for example, to secure the wiring of the harness.

[0004] In this case, for example, a harness connector formed in a convex or concave shape and an equipment-side connector formed in a concave or convex shape so that the two can be fitted together has been widely used. A connector device is formed by a pair of connectors, consisting of a harness connector and an equipment-side connector of this type.

[0005] Furthermore, conventional connector devices of this type generally have a mating maintenance mechanism (a so-called mating lock mechanism) that maintains the mated state of the two connectors when the harness connector and the equipment-side connector are mated, for example, by engaging a protrusion-shaped portion on one connector with a claw-shaped portion on the other connector.

[0006] The mating retention mechanism in conventional connector devices may be damaged by protrusions or claws due to, for example, deterioration caused by repeated connection and disconnection or deterioration of materials over time. Furthermore, particularly in automobiles and other vehicles, connector devices may be installed outside the vehicle cabin, such as under the floor. When a connector device is installed in such a harsh environment, the mating retention mechanism may be subject to impacts, such as stones flying from the road.

[0007] If a connector device is damaged in this way, it will no longer be possible to maintain the mated state of the connectors, which can cause electrical failures. Furthermore, if a connector is damaged, it will be necessary to replace the connector or harness itself. However, it is known that such replacement work involves a significant burden.

[0008] Therefore, for example, connector devices used in vehicles such as automobiles are always required to improve safety by preventing electrical failures in important components, and to minimize the need for replacement work, which is a significant workload.

[0009] Therefore, in the past, various measures have been considered, such as arranging the auxiliary equipment and harness connectors in a vehicle to lay out the connector device in a position that is less susceptible to the effects of flying stones, etc., or installing protective covers to protect the connectors.

[0010] However, these measures alone have limitations on the arrangement of components, and when considering factors such as ease of maintenance, there are limits to how much can be done to reliably increase the redundancy of the mating retention mechanism in the connector device and to reliably realize a configuration that protects the mating retention mechanism.

[0011] For example, various configurations have been disclosed in the past, such as JP 2010-541188 A and JP 2006-202557 A, regarding configurations for easily improving the mating state of a connector device by adding simple components.

[0012] The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-541188 discloses a configuration for improving the reliability of the mating state of connectors by attaching a separate component that covers the mating portions of both connectors and has a configuration for assisting the mating of both connectors when the harness connector is connected to the device-side connector.

[0013] Furthermore, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-202557 discloses a configuration in which, when a female housing and a male housing are mated to connect the connectors, if a latching metal fitting is held in a guide groove of the female housing, the latching portion of the latching metal fitting into a fixing groove of the male housing, thereby maintaining the mated state of the two connectors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2010-541188 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-202557 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] However, in the conventional configurations disclosed in the above-mentioned JP 2010-541188 A and JP 2006-202557 A, etc., although redundancy of the mating retention mechanism of the connector device is ensured, there remains the problem that the configuration for protecting the mating retention mechanism is not sufficiently guaranteed.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a connector stopper that ensures redundancy of the mating retention mechanism in a connector device having a mating retention mechanism and has the function of protecting the mating retention mechanism of the connector device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a connector stopper device comprising a first connector and a second connector mated with the first connector, and a mating maintaining mechanism for maintaining a mated state between the first connector and the second connector, wherein when the first connector and the second connector are mated, the second connector has an exposed portion where a part of its outer surface is exposed to the outside, and a protruding portion protruding outward from the exposed portion. Pair No. 1 and a protrusion. The aforementioned A connector retainer that is attached when a connector device is in a mated state, the connector retainer having a flat surface extending in a direction parallel to the connector mating direction and covering the outer surface of the mating retention mechanism, a locking arm that protrudes from the surface of the cover in a direction intersecting the mating direction and locks a plate to be locked of the first connector, and a locking arm that protrudes from the surface of the cover in a direction intersecting the mating direction and locks a plate to be locked of the first connector. a proximal shaft portion that branches from the distal end of the proximal shaft portion in a direction intersecting the protruding direction thereof and then protrudes in a direction intersecting the fitting direction; and arranged to surround a part of the exposed portion of the second connector. a pair The engaging arm has an engaging claw formed at the tip of the engaging arm and adapted to engage with the pair of first protrusions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector stopper that ensures redundancy of the mating retention mechanism in a connector device having a mating retention mechanism and has the function of protecting the mating retention mechanism of the connector device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a connector retaining device according to an embodiment of the present invention and an example of a connector device to which the connector retaining device is attached; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view of only the connector retainer of the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first connector (harness connector) of a connector device to which a connector retaining device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a mating portion between a first connector (harness connector) and a second connector (device-side connector) of a connector device to which a connector retaining device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the operation of the connector retainer of the embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state before the retainer is attached to a connector device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the connector retainer is attached to the connector device after the state of FIG. 5; [Figure 7] Plan view from the direction of arrow [7] in Figure 6 [Figure 8] Plan view (partial cross section) seen from the direction of arrow [8] in Figure 6 [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a connector retaining device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to an electric parking brake. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and scales of the components may be different for each component in order to show each component at a size that allows it to be recognized on the drawing. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments in terms of the number of components shown in the drawings, the shapes of the components, the size ratios of the components, the relative positional relationships of the components, and so on.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a connector retaining device according to one embodiment of the present invention and an example of a connector device to which this connector retaining device is attached. Fig. 1 shows the connector retaining device according to this embodiment in a state before it is assembled to the corresponding connector device. In this case, the pair of connectors that make up the connector device are also shown in a state before they are mated (unmated state).

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of only the connector retaining device of one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a different angle than FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the first connector (harness connector) of a connector device to which the connector retaining device of one embodiment of the present invention is attached. In this case, reference numeral [3A] in FIG. 3 is a front view. Reference numeral [3B] in FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the internal configuration. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the mating portion between the first connector (harness connector) and the second connector (device-side connector) of a connector device to which the connector retaining device of one embodiment of the present invention is attached. In this case, reference numeral [4A] in FIG. 4 indicates a cross-section of the first connector (harness connector) (a cross-section taken along line [4]-[4] in FIG. 3). Reference numeral [4B] in FIG. 4 indicates a cross-section of the device-side connector (a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section taken along line [4]-[4] in FIG. 3).

[0023] First, the schematic configuration of a connector device to which the connector stopper of this embodiment is attached will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. FIG.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the connector device 20 to which the connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment is attached is mainly composed of a pair of connectors: a harness connector 21 which is a first connector, and an equipment-side connector 22 which is a second connector.

[0025] The harness connector 21 is a connector provided at the end of a harness extending from an electric auxiliary device (electrical component unit). Here, the harness is an electrical connection wire for ensuring electrical connection between devices, supplying power from a power source, or performing signal communication between devices. This harness is, for example, formed by bundling a plurality of electric wires into an electric wire bundle 21x and attaching a multi-core connector to the end of the electric wire bundle 21x. The harness connector 21 corresponds to the multi-core connector attached to the end of the harness. The harness connector 21 has a convex fitting portion 21a.

[0026] On the other hand, the device-side connector 22 is a connector provided on the side of a predetermined device (not shown). The device-side connector 22 is a multi-core connector that corresponds to the harness connector 21. The device-side connector 22 has a recessed fitting portion 22a.

[0027] The wiring connection between the harness and the device is secured by fitting the convex fitting portion 21a of the harness connector 21 into the concave fitting portion 22a of the device-side connector 22. The fitting direction of the harness connector 21 to the device-side connector 22 is indicated by arrow X in Figures 1 and 4.

[0028] A hollow region is formed inside the convex fitting portion 21a of the harness connector 21. A plurality of connection terminals 21g (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIGS. 3 and 4) to which the ends of the electric wire bundle 21x are connected are provided in this hollow region. The plurality of connection terminals 21g are arranged so that their axial directions are aligned with the fitting direction X.

[0029] Correspondingly, a hollow region is formed inside the recessed fitting portion 22a of the device-side connector 22. A plurality of connection terminals 22g (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 4) are provided in this hollow region. The plurality of connection terminals 22g are arranged so that their axial directions are aligned with the fitting direction X.

[0030] When the convex mating portion 21a of the harness connector 21 and the concave mating portion 22a of the device-side connector 22 are mated, the connection terminals 21g and 22g come into contact with each other, thereby ensuring a wiring connection between the harness and the device.

[0031] The harness connector 21 has a locking claw 21d (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIGS. 3 and 4) that constitutes part of the mating retention mechanism of the connector device 20. The locking claw 21d is formed on one of the outer lateral surfaces of the harness connector 21, on the surface that faces the connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment when the connector retaining device 10 is attached to the connector device 20. The locking claw 21d is formed at the tip of a cantilever-shaped arm 21h that extends from the fixed portion of the harness connector 21. The arm 21h is formed to have elasticity.

[0032] The locking claws 21d are formed in an internal region of a space 21f surrounded by a pair of wall portions 21c erected outward from the outer lateral surfaces of the harness connector 21 and a plate-shaped locking portion 21b which is a lockable plate that connects the ends of the pair of wall portions 21c and covers part of the outer lateral surface of the harness connector 21. The space 21f has an opening that is open to the outside in a portion other than the pair of wall portions 21c and the plate-shaped locking portion 21b.

[0033] As will be described in detail later, when the connector anti-slip device 10 of this embodiment is attached to the connector device 20 in a mated state, this plate-shaped locking portion 21b is positioned near the locking arm portion 11b (described in detail later) of the connector anti-slip device 10, and functions as a locking member that prevents the harness connector 21 from moving in the direction of removal.

[0034] Correspondingly, the device-side connector 22 has a locking projection 22d that constitutes part of the mating retention mechanism of the connector device 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). The locking projection 22d is formed on one of the outer lateral surfaces of the device-side connector 22, on a surface that faces the connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment when the connector retaining device 10 is attached to the connector device 20. When the connector device 20 is mated, the locking projection 22d is positioned on the movement path of the locking claw 21d when the harness connector 21 moves in the direction of arrow X relative to the device-side connector 22. In other words, when the harness connector 21 moves in the direction of arrow X relative to the device-side connector 22, the locking projection 22d is positioned to abut against the locking claw 21d during the movement.

[0035] When the convex mating portion 21a of the harness connector 21 and the concave mating portion 22a of the device-side connector 22 are mated, the locking claw 21d is locked with the locked projection 22d. When the locking claw 21d and the locked projection 22d are locked in this manner, the mated state of the two connectors 21, 22 is maintained. Furthermore, in this state, the pair of walls 21c and plate-like locking portion 21b that form the space 21f protect the periphery of the mating maintaining mechanism (21d, 22d).

[0036] When the convex mating portion 21a of the harness connector 21 and the concave mating portion 22a of the device-side connector 22 are mated, the device-side connector 22 has an exposed portion 22b (see FIGS. 1 and 4) that exposes a portion of its lateral outer surface, and locked protrusions 22c and 22f (see FIG. 1) that protrude outward from the exposed portion 22b. Here, the locked protrusion 22c is formed in a position on the exposed portion 22b that corresponds to a position where an attachment arm 11c (described in detail below) of the connector stopper 10 is disposed when the connector stopper 10 of this embodiment is attached to the connector device 20 in a mated state. Furthermore, the locked protrusion 22f is provided on the same plane as the locked protrusion 22d.

[0037] The respective locked projections 22c, 22f are formed to extend in a direction parallel to the mating direction X. Here, the exposed portion 22b and the locked projections 22c, 22f function as engaging portions that maintain the attached state when the connector stopper 10 of this embodiment is attached to the connector device 20 (described in detail later). The schematic configuration of the connector device 20 has been described above.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the connector retainer 10 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0039] The connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment is a component that is attached to a connector device 20 in which the harness connector 21 (first connector) and the equipment side connector 22 (second connector) are in a mated state, thereby ensuring redundancy of the mating maintenance mechanism (21d, 22d) of the connector device 20.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector retainer 10 of this embodiment is made up of a retainer body 11 and a tether 12. As shown in FIG.

[0041] The retaining device body 11 is a main body component that is attached to the connector device 20 to which the connector retaining device 10 corresponds. The retaining device body 11 includes a cover portion 11a, a locking arm portion 11b, an attachment arm portion 11c having an engagement claw portion 11cc at its tip, a rotation preventing portion 11d, and It is formed with an erroneous attachment prevention portion 11e and a support shaft 11f.

[0042] The cover portion 11a has a flat surface with a predetermined area. The flat surface of the cover portion 11a is positioned to cover the opening of the space 21f of the harness connector 21 when the connector stopper 10 is attached to the connector device 20 in a mated state. At this time, the flat surface of the cover portion 11a is formed to extend parallel to the mating direction X of the connector device 20. As a result, the cover portion 11a serves to cover and protect the outer surfaces of the mating retention mechanisms (21d, 22d) of the connector device 20 in a mated state.

[0043] The locking arms 11b are formed in a rod shape with a predetermined length. The locking arms 11b are formed to protrude parallel to each other from the vicinity of both lateral edges of the cover portion 11a in a plane thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cover portion 11a. That is, for example, two locking arms 11b are formed. When the connector stopper 10 is attached to the mated connector device 20, a portion of the tip of each of the pair of locking arms 11b is positioned within the internal region of the space 21f of the harness connector 21. At this time, the pair of locking arms 11b are positioned to overlap the plate-shaped locking portions 21b of the harness connector 21 in the direction along the mating direction X of the connector device 20.

[0044] In other words, when the connector stopper 10 is attached to the mated connector device 20, even if an external force is applied in a direction that causes the harness connector 21 to be removed from the device-side connector 22 (the opposite direction to the mating direction X), the pair of locking arms 11b lock the plate-shaped locking portions 21b of the harness connector 21. Therefore, the pair of locking arms 11b prevent the harness connector 21 from being removed from the device-side connector 22. In other words, the pair of locking arms 11b lock the plate-shaped locking portions 21b and prevent the mated state of the connector device 20 from being released. In this way, the locking arms 11b function as a stopper for the connector device 20.

[0045] The attachment arm 11c is an arm-like part that protrudes from a position near the lower end in the vertical direction on the plane of the cover part 11a in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cover part 11a and is formed into a substantially Y-shape as a whole. As a pair of engaging arms It is formed with a pair of distal arm portions 11cb and a pair of engaging claw portions 11cc.

[0046] The base end shaft portion 11ca is a shaft-like portion formed to protrude from the plane of the cover portion 11a in a direction (forward) perpendicular to the plane. The pair of distal arm portions 11cb are arm-like portions formed to branch laterally from the tip of the base end shaft portion 11ca and then protrude in the same direction (forward) as the base end shaft portion 11ca. The pair of distal arm portions 11cb extend parallel to and facing each other. The engaging claw portions 11cc are a pair of claw-shaped portions formed at the tip of each of the pair of distal arm portions 11cb. Each engaging claw portion 11cc forms a claw-shaped portion on its opposing surface (inner surface). The claw-shaped portion of each engaging claw portion 11cc is formed with an inclined surface of a predetermined shape. Here, the inclined surface of each engaging claw portion 11cc is formed at a predetermined angle (an angle widening from the tip of each distal arm portion 11cb toward the base end) with respect to the mounting direction of the connector retainer 10 (the direction of arrow Y in FIG. 1).

[0047] The attachment arms 11c are attached so as to surround a portion of the exposed portion 22b when the connector stopper 10 is attached to the connector device 20 in a mated state. More specifically, when the connector stopper 10 is attached to the connector device 20 in a mated state, first, the pair of tip arms 11cb of the connector stopper 10 are positioned so as to surround a portion of the exposed portion 22b of the device-side connector 22. Next, the engaging claws 11cc of the connector stopper 10 engage with the locked protrusions 22c.

[0048] For this reason, the lateral width of the pair of distal arm portions 11cb is set to be approximately equal to or slightly narrower than the width of the corresponding attachment portion of the exposed portion 22b of the connector device 20 to be attached. In this case, the pair of distal arm portions 11cb are formed to have elasticity in the directions facing each other. With this configuration, the pair of distal arm portions 11cb have the function of maintaining the attachment state of the connector stopper 10 to the exposed portion 22b of the connector device 20.

[0049] The rotation inhibiting portion 11d has a pair of protrusions 11da, 11db that protrude in the same direction (forward) as the base-end shaft portion 11ca from the distal end portion (Y-shaped branch portion) of the base-end shaft portion 11ca of the attachment arm portion 11c. The pair of protrusions 11da, 11db are formed with a predetermined distance between them in the horizontal direction. The distance between them in the horizontal direction is set to be slightly wider than the width of the locked protrusion 22f of the device-side connector 22.

[0050] When the connector stopper 10 is attached to the mated connector device 20, the pair of protrusions 11da, 11db of the rotation preventing portion 11d are arranged to laterally sandwich the locked protrusion 22f of the device-side connector 22. As a result, when the attachment arm 11c of the connector stopper 10 is attached to the exposed portion 22b of the device-side connector 22, the rotation preventing portion 11d has the function of preventing rotation of the connector stopper 10 around the exposed portion 22b.

[0051] The mis-attachment prevention portion 11e has a flat surface with a predetermined area that is formed substantially parallel to the flat surface of the cover portion 11a. The flat surface of the mis-attachment prevention portion 11e extends in the opposite direction to the extending direction of the cover portion 11a.

[0052] When the connector retainer 10 is attached to the mated connector device 20, the erroneous attachment deterrent portion 11e is positioned parallel to and facing the base surface 22k of the device-side connector 22. This prevents the connector retainer 10 from moving in the attachment direction (the direction of arrow Y in FIG. 1) at a predetermined position. The erroneous attachment deterrent portion 11e also serves to stably maintain the attachment posture of the connector retainer 10. Therefore, if the connector retainer 10 is attached upside down to the mated connector device 20, the connector retainer 10 cannot be stably attached. Therefore, the erroneous attachment deterrent portion 11e also functions to prevent the connector retainer 10 from being erroneously attached.

[0053] The support shaft 11f is a shaft-shaped portion that attaches and fixes the tether 12 (described in detail later) to the stopper body 11. In this case, the support shaft 11f fixes the tether 12 in a manner that prevents it from rotating around the support shaft 11f. Alternatively, and not limited to this, the support shaft 11f fixes the tether 12 in a manner that allows it to rotate freely around the support shaft 11f.

[0054] The tether 12 is a component that has the function of fastening the wire bundle 21x of the harness to the connector retaining device 10. To this end, the tether 12 is configured to have a support arm portion 12a, a fixed end portion 12b, and a harness insertion ring 12c.

[0055] Fixed end 12b of tether 12 is provided at one end of support arm 12a. This fixed end 12b is fixed to support shaft 11f of stopper body 11. In this case, support arm 12a is disposed to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of support shaft 11f.

[0056] The support arm 12a is a rod-shaped portion that supports the harness insertion ring 12c relative to the stopper body 11. The harness insertion ring 12c is integrally formed at the other end of the support arm 12a.

[0057] The harness insertion ring 12c is an annular portion for inserting the wire bundle 21x of the harness extending from the harness connector 21 (first connector). For this purpose, the harness insertion ring 12c is formed with an insertion hole 12d. Note that the insertion hole 12d is formed with an inner diameter large enough to allow the harness connector 21 to be inserted therethrough in order to insert the wire bundle 21x. Note that, in the present embodiment, the harness insertion ring 12c is exemplified as having a substantially annular shape, but is not limited to this shape.

[0058] The tether 12 is attached integrally to the retaining device main body 11, thereby constituting a part of the connector retaining device 10. The configuration of the connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment has been described above.

[0059] The operation of the connector retainer 10 of this embodiment configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG.

[0060] 5 to 8 are diagrams showing the operation of a connector stopper according to one embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a state before the connector stopper according to this embodiment is attached to a connector device in a mated state. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a state after the state of Fig. 5, in which the connector stopper has been attached to the connector device in a mated state. Fig. 7 is a plan view as seen from the direction of arrow [7] in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a plan view (partially shown in cross section) as seen from the direction of arrow [8] in Fig. 6. Note that Figs. 7 and 8 omit the illustration of the tether of the connector stopper according to this embodiment.

[0061] First, the connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment and the connector device 20 are assumed to be in the state shown in Fig. 1. That is, the connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment is in an unattached state to the connector device 20. Also, at this time, the harness connector 21 and the equipment-side connector 22 of the connector device 20 are in an unmated state.

[0062] In this state, first, the harness connector 21 and the wire bundle 21x are inserted through the insertion hole 12d of the harness insertion ring 12c of the tether 12 in the connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment.

[0063] As a result, the connector stopper 10 is attached to the harness connector 21 (harness) of the target connector device 20. Therefore, for example, during maintenance work on equipment including the connector device 20, even when the two connectors 21, 22 of the connector device 20 are repeatedly inserted and removed, it is possible to prevent work errors such as forgetting to attach the connector stopper 10.

[0064] Next, in this state, the connector device 20 is changed from the non-mated state shown in Fig. 1 to the mated state shown in Fig. 5. That is, the convex mating portion 21a of the harness connector 21 is mated with the concave mating portion 22a of the device-side connector 22 (see the direction of arrow X in Figs. 1 and 5).

[0065] The connector stopper 10 of this embodiment is attached to the mated connector device 20. To do this, first, the flat surface of the cover portion 11a of the connector stopper 10 is placed opposite a predetermined surface (the surface on which the mating retention mechanism is located) of the mated connector device 20. This brings the connector stopper 10 and the connector device 20 into the state shown in FIG.

[0066] In this state, the connector retaining device 10 is moved toward the connector device 20 in the direction of arrow Y in Fig. 5. Then, the attachment arm 11c of the retaining device main body 11 of the connector retaining device 10 is positioned so as to surround a part of the exposed portion 22b of the device-side connector 22 in the connector device 20 (the side portion in the attachment direction Y).

[0067] At this time, the pair of distal arm portions 11cb of the attachment arm 11c first advance along the exposed portion 22b, and eventually, each of the engaging claws 11cc abuts against the locked protrusion 22c. At this time, as the pair of distal arm portions 11cb further advance in the same direction (the direction of arrow Y), the inclined surfaces of each of the engaging claws 11cc attempt to climb over the locked protrusion 22c. As a result, each of the distal arm portions 11cb bends in a direction that spreads apart against its own elasticity. Then, each of the engaging claws 11cc climbs over the locked protrusion 22c. Thereafter, each of the engaging claws 11cc engages with the locked protrusion 22c (see reference numerals 21c and 11cc in FIG. 8). At this time, the pair of distal arm portions 11cb are positioned so as to surround the exposed portion 22b. In this way, the attachment arm 11c is positioned at a predetermined position on the exposed portion 22b. At this time, the movement of the mounting arm 11c in the direction opposite to the arrow Y direction in FIG. 5 is restricted by the engagement between the engaging claws 11cc and the locked protrusions 22c.

[0068] Furthermore, at this time, the erroneous attachment prevention portion 11e is disposed at a position facing the base surface 22k of the device-side connector 22. This restricts the connector stopper 10 from moving in the direction of arrow Y in FIG.

[0069] Furthermore, the pair of protrusions 11da, 11db of the rotation preventing portion 11d of the retainer body 11 of the connector retainer 10 are arranged to sandwich the locked protrusion 22f of the device-side connector 22. This restricts the connector retainer 10 from rotating around the exposed portion 22b.

[0070] Furthermore, a portion of the tip of the locking arm 11b of the retaining device main body 11 of the connector retaining device 10 is disposed in the internal region of the space 21f of the harness connector 21. As a result, the connector retaining device 10 maintains the mated state of the connector device 20 and prevents both connectors 21, 22 from coming loose.

[0071] In this way, the connector stopper 10 and the connector device 20 of this embodiment are in the state shown in Figures 6 to 8. This state is the state in which the connector stopper 10 is attached to the connector device 20.

[0072] As described above, according to the above embodiment, the connector retaining device 10 is configured to match the shape of the existing connector device 20, so it can be smoothly attached to the existing connector device 20 without making any changes.

[0073] The connector stopper 10 is arranged so as to surround the mounting arm 11c around the exposed portion 22b of the existing connector device 20, and can be easily attached by a one-touch operation of engaging each of the engaging claws 11cc with the locked protrusions 22c. In other words, attachment can be completed by a simple operation of simply moving the connector stopper 10 in a predetermined direction relative to the mated connector device 20.

[0074] When the connector stopper 10 is attached to the connector device 20 in a mated state, the locking arm 11b of the connector stopper 10 is positioned to lock the plate-shaped locking portion 21b of the connector device 20, thereby preventing movement of the harness connector 21 in the removal direction. This ensures redundancy in the mating retention mechanism of the connector device 20. Therefore, even if the mating retention mechanism (see reference numerals 21d and 22d in FIG. 8) of the connector device 20 is damaged due to various factors such as deterioration or impact, as long as the connector stopper 10 is attached, the redundancy in the mating retention mechanism can prevent the mated state of the connector device 20 from being released. This prevents the electrical connection between devices from being interrupted.

[0075] When the connector stopper 10 is attached to the connector device 20 in a mated state, the cover portion 11a is provided to protect the mating retention mechanism of the connector device 20, so that the mating retention mechanism (21d, 22d) can be protected from stone chips, etc. Therefore, if the connector stopper 10 is applied to the connector device 20 of an auxiliary device disposed outside the vehicle cabin, it can contribute to improving the reliability of the connector device 20.

[0076] The connector stopper 10 can be supplied as an independent component separate from the existing connector device 20, and therefore, for example, it can be attached to the corresponding connector device 20 from the beginning and used, or it can be attached to equipment in operation midway and used at any time desired.

[0077] Since it can be easily attached to and detached from the corresponding connector device 20, it is possible to provide high maintainability.

[0078] By providing the tether 12, it can be attached in advance near the corresponding connector device 20, which prevents operational mistakes such as forgetting to attach the connector stopper 10 during maintenance work.

[0079] The connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment configured as described above is applied to, for example, electrical accessories in a vehicle such as an automobile. Fig. 9 shows a specific example of the connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment, applied to an electric parking brake, which is an electrical accessory mounted on a vehicle.

[0080] In Fig. 9, reference numeral 50 denotes an electric parking brake as an electric accessory mounted on a vehicle. This electric parking brake 50 is fixed to fixing portions on the vehicle side at reference numerals [A] and [B] shown in Fig. 9.

[0081] The electric parking brake 50 is provided with an equipment-side connector 22. A harness connector 21 is fitted into this equipment-side connector 22. Here, the equipment-side connector 22 and the harness connector 21 form a connector device 20. When this connector device 20 is fitted, the electric parking brake 50 is configured to be able to receive power from a power source and to perform signal communication with other devices (not shown).

[0082] In this case, as described above, the connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment is attached to a predetermined position of the connector device 20. The wire bundle 21x is inserted through the insertion hole 12d of the harness insertion ring 12c of the tether 12 in the connector retaining device 10.

[0083] By applying the connector stopper 10 in this manner, it is possible to ensure redundancy of the mating retention mechanism of the connector device 20 in, for example, the electric parking brake 50. At the same time, the connector stopper 10 can protect the mating retention mechanism of the connector device 20.

[0084] This makes it possible to prevent the mated state of the connector device 20 in the electric parking brake 50 from coming loose against the user's intention, thereby ensuring safe vehicle operation.

[0085] The connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment is not limited to the example shown in the above-mentioned embodiment (vehicle electric parking brake 50). The connector retaining device 10 of this embodiment can be widely applied to connector devices that connect electronic devices and electronic components used outside the vehicle cabin, such as ABS sensors and wheel speed sensors, as well as other electrical accessories (e.g., electric brakes) in vehicles such as automobiles.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as the invention. Furthermore, constituent elements from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The present invention is not limited by specific embodiments other than as limited by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10...Connector retainer 11...Main body of the retainer 11a...Cover part 11b...locking arm part 11c...Attached arm 11ca…Proximal shaft part 11cb…Tip arm part 11cb...Engagement arm part 11cc...Engagement claw part 11d...Rotation prevention part 11da,11db…protrusion 11e...Incorrect installation prevention section 11f…Spindle 12...Tether 12a...Support arm 12b…Fixed end 12c...Harness insertion ring 12d...Through hole 20...Connector device 21...Harness connector 21a...Convex fitting part 21b... Plate-shaped locking portion 21c...Wall part 21d...Latching claw 21f…Space 21g...Connection terminal 21h...Arm 21x…Wire bundle 22...Device side connector 22a...Concave fitting part 22b...exposed area 22c, 22f…Locked protrusion 22d…Locked protrusion 22g...Connection terminal 22k…base surface 50...Electric parking brake X…Mating direction Y...Installation direction

Claims

1. A connector device comprising a first connector and a second connector that fits into the first connector, and having a fitting maintaining mechanism that maintains a fitted state between the first connector and the second connector, wherein when the first connector and the second connector are fitted together, the second connector has an exposed portion where a part of its outer surface is exposed to the outside, and a pair of first protrusions that protrude outward from the exposed portion, and a connector stopper that is attached when the connector device is in a fitted state, a cover portion having a flat surface extending in a direction parallel to the connector mating direction and covering an outer surface of the mating retention mechanism; a locking arm portion that protrudes from a surface of the cover portion in a direction intersecting the fitting direction and that locks a locking plate of the first connector; a base end shaft portion protruding from a surface of the cover portion in a direction intersecting the fitting direction; a pair of engaging arms branching from a tip of the base end shaft portion in a direction intersecting the protruding direction and then protruding in a direction intersecting the fitting direction, the engaging arms being arranged to surround a part of the exposed portion of the second connector; and engaging claws formed at the tips of the engaging arms and engaging with the pair of first protrusions. A connector retainer comprising:

2. a tether through which a harness extending from the first connector is inserted; an incorrect attachment prevention unit that prevents incorrect attachment; 2. The connector retainer according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The first connector has a pair of walls erected outward from its outer lateral surface so as to surround the engagement retention mechanism, and the locking arm is disposed between the pair of walls.

3. The connector retainer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second connector has a second protrusion protruding outward from the exposed portion between the pair of first protrusions, 3. The connector stopper according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation preventing portion that protrudes from the tip of the base end shaft portion in a direction intersecting the fitting direction and engages with the second protrusion.

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