Harness connectors and harness junction boxes

Abstract

Using a standard voltage tester probe, it is easy to test the voltage of harness connectors and harness junction boxes. [Solution] The harness plug is provided with multiple plug blade insertion ports 12 into which multiple plug blades are each inserted, and at least one of the multiple plug blade insertion ports 12 has a first region 12a through which the plug blades can pass, and a second region 13 that protrudes in a direction that expands the first region 12a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a harness connector and a harness joint box to which a harness plug is connected.

Background Art

[0002] A harness plug is connected to a harness connector and a harness joint box used for wiring such as ceilings and floors. For example, a harness connector and a harness joint box are connected to a distribution board via a power line, and a power tap or the like is connected to the harness plug via a power line. By connecting a harness plug to a harness connector or a harness joint box, a power tap or the like is connected to the distribution board.

[0003] The harness plug is provided with an insertion port formed by a recess for connecting to a harness connector or a harness joint box, and a plurality of flat plug blades are arranged in a row so as to project into this recess.

[0004] On the other hand, a harness connector and a harness joint box have a receiving portion having a convex shape to which a harness plug is attached, and a plurality of plug blade insertion ports into which the plug blades of the harness plug are respectively inserted are formed in this receiving portion (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0005] In conventional harness connectors and harness joint boxes, the plug blade insertion port has a substantially rectangular shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the plug blade.

[0006] Also, during construction or the like, a continuity test (electrical inspection) may be performed on a harness connector or a harness joint box connected to a distribution board via a power line using an electrical detector (for example, see Patent Document 3). The electrical inspection of the harness connector or the harness joint box is performed by inserting the probe of the electrical detector into the plug blade insertion port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-29027 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-285134 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-257870 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-142091 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The probes of commercially available voltage testers are typically formed in the shape of a cylindrical rod. When testing the voltage of harness connectors or harness junction boxes, the diameter of the probe (pin diameter) must be less than the length of the shorter side of the roughly rectangular plug blade insertion hole in order to insert the probe through it. Therefore, there are constraints on the pin diameter of the voltage tester probe when using it to test the voltage of harness connectors and harness junction boxes.

[0009] Here, by making the pin diameter of the probe less than the length of the shorter side of the roughly rectangular plug blade insertion hole, the probe can be inserted into the plug blade insertion hole, but the probe diameter becomes extremely small and its strength is reduced. This may cause false detection due to the probe deforming, or the voltage detector may malfunction.

[0010] Furthermore, while it is possible to test the voltage of harness connectors and harness junction boxes by using a voltage detector equipped with a plug blade instead of a probe, as shown in Patent Document 4, this would require a voltage detector specifically for harness connectors and harness junction boxes, thus lacking versatility and leading to increased inspection costs.

[0011] Furthermore, during voltage detection, it is conceivable to connect a multi-tap with a common polarity configuration and wide insertion holes to a harness plug, connect this harness plug to a harness connector or harness junction box, and insert a probe into the plug blade insertion hole of this multi-tap. However, such a voltage detection method has the drawback of being time-consuming to connect and disconnect multi-taps, etc., which leads to increased inspection costs.

[0012] This invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned challenges, and one of its objectives is to easily enable voltage detection of harness connectors and harness junction boxes using a standard voltage detector probe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] This project was undertaken to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following forms or applications.

[0014] The harness connector according to this application example is a harness connector to which a harness plug having a recess formed therein and a plurality of flat plate-shaped plug blades protruding within the recess is connected, and is characterized in that it has a plurality of plug blade insertion openings into which each of the plurality of plug blades of the harness plug is inserted, and at least one of the plurality of plug blade insertion openings has a first region through which the plug blades can pass and a second region that protrudes in a direction that expands the first region.

[0015] According to this application example, a probe with a pin diameter larger than the plug blade can be inserted into the plug blade insertion port, allowing the use of a voltage detector equipped with a pin-shaped probe without hindrance and enabling easy voltage detection. Furthermore, inspection costs can be reduced. In addition, since multiple plug blade insertion ports are configured to allow the insertion of plug blades, the plug blades of a harness plug can be inserted in the same way as conventional harness connectors. Moreover, because the second region protrudes in a direction that expands the first region, the plug blade insertion port does not open unnecessarily large, preventing the entry of foreign objects into the plug blade insertion port and thus maintaining safety.

[0016] In the harness connector according to this application example, it is preferable that the second region is sized to allow the insertion of a voltage detector probe.

[0017] In this case, the probe of the voltage detector can be reliably inserted into the plug blade insertion port, enabling voltage detection.

[0018] Furthermore, in the harness connector according to this application example, it is preferable that the first region is rectangular in shape, corresponding to a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the insertion direction of the plug blade, and that the second region has a shape in which at least one of the two long sides of the first region protrudes in the direction that expands the first region. This makes it easy to form the second region.

[0019] Furthermore, the harness joint box according to this application example is a harness joint box having a plurality of receiving portions to which a harness plug having a recess formed therein and a plurality of flat plate-shaped plug blades protruding within the recess is connected, wherein at least one of the plurality of receiving portions is provided with a plurality of plug blade insertion openings into which each of the plurality of plug blades of the harness plug is inserted, and at least one of the plurality of plug blade insertion openings is provided with a first region through which the plug blades can pass and a second region having a shape that protrudes in a direction that expands the first region.

[0020] According to this application example, a probe with a pin diameter larger than the plug blade can be inserted into the plug blade insertion port, allowing the use of a voltage detector equipped with a pin-shaped probe without hindrance and enabling easy voltage detection. Furthermore, inspection costs can be reduced. In addition, since multiple plug blade insertion ports are configured to allow the insertion of plug blades, the plug blades of harness plugs can be inserted in the same way as in conventional harness joint boxes. Moreover, because the second region protrudes in a direction that expands the first region, the plug blade insertion port does not open unnecessarily large, preventing the entry of foreign objects into the plug blade insertion port and thus maintaining safety.

[0021] In the harness joint box according to this application example, it is preferable that the second region has a size into which the probe of the voltage detector can be inserted.

[0022] In this case, the probe of the voltage detector can be surely inserted into the plug blade insertion port, and voltage detection can be realized.

[0023] Further, in the harness joint box according to this application example, the first region is a rectangular shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the insertion direction of the plug blade, and the second region is preferably a shape in which at least one of the two long sides of the first region protrudes in the direction of expanding the first region. Thereby, the formation of the second region can be easily performed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to this case, voltage detection of a harness connector or a harness joint box can be easily realized by using a probe of a general voltage detector.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view illustrating a harness connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view illustrating a harness joint box according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a construction example using the harness connector shown in FIG. 1 and the harness joint box shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the receiving portion of the harness connector shown in FIG. 1 and the harness joint box shown in FIG. 2, (a) is a front view of the receiving portion, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow A of (a). [Figure 5] (a) to (e) are all diagrams showing other configuration examples of the receiving portion of the harness connector shown in FIG. 1 and the harness joint box shown in FIG. 2.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] The embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly shown in these embodiments. Each configuration of the embodiments described below can be modified in various ways without departing from their spirit. Furthermore, they can be selected or combined as needed.

[0027] [1. Structure] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a harness connector 1 according to one embodiment, and Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a harness joint box 3 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of construction using the harness connector 1 shown in Figure 1 and the harness joint box 3 shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the receiving portion 11 of the harness connector 1 shown in Figure 1 and the harness joint box 3 shown in Figure 2, where (a) is a front view of the receiving portion 11 and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow A in (a).

[0028] The harness connector 1 and harness joint box 3 may be placed, for example, under the floor or in the ceiling of a raised access floor.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 3, harness connectors 1 are connected to the other ends of cables 6-2 and 6-3, one end of which is connected to the distribution board 4. Each of these harness connectors 1 has a receiving portion 11, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows an example in which harness plugs 2a are connected to the receiving portions 11 of these harness connectors 1. For example, a power strip 7 is attached to one end of cable 6-4, and a harness plug 2a is attached to the other end. By connecting this harness plug 2a to the receiving portion 11 of the harness connector 1, the power strip 7 is connected to the harness connector 1 via cable 6-4.

[0030] Furthermore, a harness junction box 3 is connected to the other end of cable 6-1, which has one end connected to the distribution board 4. As shown in Figure 2, four receiving parts 11 are formed in this harness junction box 3. Figure 3 shows an example in which harness plugs 2b or harness plugs 2c are connected to three of these four receiving parts 11.

[0031] For example, a power strip 7 is attached to one end of cable 6-7, and a harness plug 2c is attached to the other end. This harness plug 2c is connected to one of the receiving sections 11 of the harness junction box 3. Also, a floor outlet 8 is attached to one end of cable 6-6, and a harness plug 2b is attached to the other end. This harness plug 2b is connected to one of the receiving sections 11 of the harness junction box 3.

[0032] Furthermore, a harness connector 1 is attached to one end of cable 6-5, and a harness plug 2b is attached to the other end. This harness plug 2b is connected to one of the receiving parts 11 of the harness junction box 3. A harness plug 2a is connected to the harness connector 1 of cable 6-5, and a power strip 7 is attached to this harness plug 2a via cable 6-4.

[0033] Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, cables 6-1 to 6-7 will be referred to as cable 6. Similarly, unless otherwise specified, harness plugs 2a, 2b, and 2c will be referred to as harness plug 2.

[0034] Now, the harness plug 2 has a recess (hereinafter also referred to as the "insertion port") into which the harness connector 1 or the receiving portion 11 of the harness joint box 3, which will be the receiving side of the harness plug 2, is fitted. Furthermore, in the harness plug 2, multiple flat plug blades, each connected to multiple core wires of the cable 6, are arranged in a row so as to protrude from this recess (insertion port). In this embodiment, it is assumed that three plug blades are arranged in a row parallel to each other and at equal intervals in the recess (insertion port) of the harness plug 2. For example, in the recess (insertion port) of the harness plug 2, three plug blades may protrude from the bottom surface of the recess (the surface facing the front surface of the receiving portion 11 of the harness connector 1, which will be described later).

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the harness connector 1 has a convex shape and a receiving portion 11 that fits into the recess (insertion port) of the harness plug 2, which is the insertion side. Hereinafter, the side of the receiving portion 11 of the harness connector 1 in which the plug blade insertion port 12 is formed may be referred to as the front side, and the opposite side may be referred to as the rear side.

[0036] Multiple (three in this embodiment) plug blade insertion ports 12 are formed on the front surface of the receiving portion 11, into which multiple (three in this embodiment) plug blades of the harness plug 2 are each inserted.

[0037] The plug blade insertion opening 12, when viewed from the front, has a shape on its front side that combines a roughly rectangular section 12a and an expansion hole 13 that partially expands the rectangular section 12a, as shown in Figure 4(a). The rectangular section 12a is mainly the opening into which the plug blade is inserted, and the expansion hole 13 is an opening used when inserting the probe 5 of the voltage detector, which will be described later. The rectangular section 12a and the expansion hole 13 form a single continuous opening as the plug blade insertion opening 12. When the probe 5 is inserted, a part of the probe 5 also enters the rectangular section 12a.

[0038] The rectangular portion 12a is a rectangular opening (same as or slightly larger than the cross-sectional shape) corresponding to the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the insertion direction (insertion / removal direction) of the plug blade of the harness plug 2, and is an example of a first region through which the plug blade can pass. The two opposing long sides of the rectangular portion 12a are an example of two parallel or substantially parallel sides of the rectangular region that demarcates (forms) the first region.

[0039] In the plug blade insertion opening 12, the direction along the longer side of the rectangular portion 12a may be called the longitudinal direction, and the direction along the shorter side may be called the transverse direction.

[0040] The expansion hole portion 13 is an example of a second region that protrudes in the direction of expanding the rectangular portion 12a (first region). That is, when the plug blade insertion opening 12 is viewed from the front, the expansion hole portion 13 is formed continuously from a part of the side that defines the rectangular portion 12a in the direction of expanding the rectangular portion 12a. In the example shown in Figure 4(a), the expansion hole portion 13 is shaped to protrude from each of the two long sides of the rectangular portion 12a in the direction of expanding the rectangular portion 12a. Specifically, the expansion hole portion 13 is constructed by forming an arc shape on a part of each long side of the rectangular portion 12a in the direction of expanding the rectangular region. As a result, the plug blade insertion opening 12 has a shape as if a substantially circular hole (the hole constituting the expansion hole portion 13) with a diameter longer than the length in the short direction is superimposed on the rectangular region of the rectangular portion 12a.

[0041] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4(a), the expanded hole 13 is formed approximately in the center of the rectangular portion 12a in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] Inside each plug blade insertion port 12, as shown in Figure 4(b), there is a blade receiver 14 that receives the plug blade of the harness plug 2. Plug 2 socket harness Connector 1 of Receiving part 11 When inserted so as to fit into the harness plug, the plug blades of the harness plug 2 are inserted into the harness connector 1 via the plug blade insertion opening 12 and fitted into the blade receiver 14. This establishes an electrical connection. In other words, the harness Plug 2 of socketharness Connector 1 of Receiving part 11 When the two are coupled together, the cable 6 connected to harness connector 1 and the cable 6 connected to harness plug 2 are electrically connected.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the receiving portion 11 formed in the harness joint box 3 also has a receiving portion 11 that fits into the insertion port of the harness plug 2, which is the insertion side, similar to the harness connector 1. Furthermore, the receiving portion 11 formed in the harness joint box 3 has the same configuration as the receiving portion 11 of the harness connector 1 described above. The receiving portion 11 described using Figures 4(a) and (b) is applicable equally to the receiving portion 11 of both the harness connector 1 and the harness joint box 3. Note that in the figures, the same reference numerals as those described above indicate the same parts, so their explanation is omitted.

[0044] Figure 4(b) shows the probe 5 of the voltage detector together with the receiving portion 11. The probe 5 is formed in a pin shape (approximately cylindrical shape) with a cross-sectional shape that is approximately circular and perpendicular to the insertion direction into the receiving portion 11, and its pin diameter (diameter of the cross-section) is t2. The length in the short direction of the rectangular portion 12a of the plug blade insertion opening 12 is t1, and the diameter of the arcs formed on each long side of the rectangular portion 12a by the expansion hole portion 13 is t0. If we consider the plug blade insertion opening 12 as a shape in which the holes constituting the expansion hole portion 13 are superimposed on the rectangular region of the rectangular portion 12a, then the holes constituting the expansion hole portion 13 are approximately circular holes with a diameter t0 that is longer than the length in the short direction, so it can be said that both the length in the short direction and the length in the long direction are t0.

[0045] The length t1 in the shorter direction of the rectangular portion 12a of the plug blade insertion opening 12 is sized to correspond to the plate thickness of the plug blade of the harness plug 2 (a length equal to or slightly greater than the plate thickness). This allows the plug blade to be inserted into the plug blade insertion opening 12 (rectangular portion 12a).

[0046] The pin diameter t2 of the probe 5 of the voltage detector is greater than the short-side length t1 of the rectangular section 12a (t2 > t1). Also, the diameter t0 of the expansion hole 13 is the same size as the pin diameter t2 of the probe 5 (same length as or slightly larger than the pin diameter t2) (t0 ≥ t2). As a result, the probe 5 can be inserted into the hole constituting the expansion hole 13, and by inserting the probe 5 into the hole constituting the expansion hole 13, the probe 5 can be brought into contact with the blade holder 14 and voltage detection can be performed.

[0047] [2. Action and Effects] In the harness connector 1 and harness joint box 3 configured as described above, when performing voltage detection with a voltage tester, the worker inserts the probe 5 into the expanded hole 13 of the plug blade insertion port 12 and brings the probe 5 into contact with the blade receiver 14 to perform voltage detection.

[0048] In this case, since the diameter t0 of the expanded hole 13 is greater than or equal to the pin diameter t2 of the probe 5, the probe 5 can be reliably inserted into the expanded hole 13 and brought into contact with the blade holder 14 to perform voltage detection.

[0049] Furthermore, the probe 5 does not need to be constructed with a pin diameter smaller than the short-side length t1 of the rectangular section 12a, thus suppressing a decrease in the strength of the probe 5. Therefore, the possibility of deformation of the probe 5 or failure of the voltage detector is reduced, and the possibility of false detection is also reduced. In addition, it is economical to easily perform voltage detection of harness connectors 1 and harness junction boxes 3 using a standard cylindrical probe 5 that is readily available as an off-the-shelf product.

[0050] Also, when connecting harness plug 2 to harness connector 1 or harness joint box 3, the socket of harness plug 2 of Receiving part 11 toThe plugs are then fitted together. This causes the plug blades arranged in a row inside the socket of the harness plug 2 to be inserted into the plug blade insertion openings 12 formed on the front surface of the receiving portion 11 of the harness connector 1 and the harness joint box 3. A blade receiver 14 is located at the back of each plug blade insertion opening 12, and the plug blades of the harness plug 2 are then fitted into the blade receivers 14 inside the plug blade insertion opening 12. This completes the electrical connection.

[0051] Furthermore, because the expansion hole 13 is shaped to protrude in a direction that expands the rectangular portion 12a, the plug blade insertion opening 12 does not open unnecessarily large, which helps to prevent foreign objects from entering the plug blade insertion opening 12 and thus maintains safety.

[0052] By inserting the probe 5 into any one of the three plug blade insertion ports 12 formed in the receiving portion 11, the live state of the plug blade insertion port 12 into which the probe 5 is inserted can be confirmed. Furthermore, by inserting the probe 5 into any two or more of the three plug blade insertion ports 12, voltage and insulation resistance can be checked.

[0053] By forming an expansion hole 13 in the plug blade insertion opening 12, when the harness connector 1 and junction box 3 are actually used, the harness plug 2 is fitted so as to cover the expansion hole 13. This reduces the possibility of foreign objects entering the expansion hole 13 during use. The voltage tester and probe 5 are used only for continuity checks during installation, etc., and are not used when the harness connector 1 and junction box 3 are actually in use after installation, so there are no disadvantages to forming an expansion hole 13 in the plug blade insertion opening 12.

[0054] [3. Others] In the embodiments described above, the configurations of the harness connector 1 and the harness joint box 3 are examples, and the disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments described above. It can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit of this embodiment.

[0055] For example, the embodiment described above shows an example where the expanded hole 13 is substantially circular, but it is not limited to this. The expanded hole 13 may have various geometric shapes, such as polygonal shapes.

[0056] Figures 5(a) to 5(e) all show other configuration examples of the harness connector 1 shown in Figure 1 and the receiving portion 11 of the harness joint box 3 shown in Figure 2.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 5(a), the expansion hole 13 is formed as a rectangle, and the plug blade insertion opening 12 has a U-shaped projection on the opposite side of the opening at mutually opposing positions on the two long sides of the rectangular portion 12a.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 5(b), the expansion hole 13 is formed as an octagon, and the plug blade insertion opening 12 has a trapezoidal shape that protrudes from opposite sides of the rectangular portion 12a at positions on the two long sides of the rectangular portion 12a, on the opposite side from the opening.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 5(c), the expanded hole 13 has a shape that combines a semicircle and a square, with the upper part in the longitudinal direction being semicircular and the lower part being square.

[0060] Furthermore, the shape of the expanded hole portion 13 is not limited to the embodiments described above and the modified forms shown in Figures 5(a) to (c), but can be modified in various ways.

[0061] Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described above, the expansion hole 13 is formed approximately in the center of the rectangular portion 12a in the longitudinal direction in the plug blade insertion port 12, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0062] Figures 5(d) and 5(e) show other examples of the plug blade insertion port 12. In the example shown in Figure 5(d), the expansion hole 13 in the plug blade insertion port 12 is formed at a position offset from the center in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular portion 12a, for example, at a position below the center. In the example shown in Figure 5(e), the expansion hole 13 is formed near one end (the upper end in this example) in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular portion 12a. As shown above, the expansion hole 13 may be formed at a position other than the center in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular portion 12a.

[0063] Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described above, the expansion hole 13 in the plug blade insertion port 12 has a shape in which it protrudes in an arc shape in the direction of expanding the rectangular portion 12a at mutually opposing positions on the two long sides of the rectangular portion 12a, but it is not limited to this. The expansion hole 13 may be formed by protruding in the direction of expanding the rectangular portion 12a on only one of the two long sides of the rectangular portion 12a.

[0064] Furthermore, in the embodiments and modified examples described above, expansion holes 13 are formed in all plug blade insertion openings 12 formed in the receiving portion 11, but the invention is not limited thereto. Of the multiple plug blade insertion openings 12 formed in the receiving portion 11, at least one plug blade insertion opening 12 may have an expansion hole 13. In addition, rectangular portions 12a may be formed in the plug blade insertion openings 12 other than the one with the expansion hole 13.

[0065] For example, even if an expansion hole 13 is formed in only one of the multiple plug blade insertion ports 12, as described above, it is possible to check the live state inside the plug blade insertion port 12 into which the probe 5 is inserted by inserting the probe 5 into that port. Furthermore, it is possible to check the voltage or insulation resistance by inserting the probe 5 into any two or more of the multiple plug blade insertion ports 12. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Harness connector 2a, 2b, 2c, 2 harness plugs 3. Harness joint box 4 Distribution boards 5 probes 6-1~6-7,6 Cable 7 Power Strips 11 Receiving part 12 Plug blade insertion port 12a Rectangular part 13 Expansion hole 14 Blade holder

Claims

1. A harness connector to which a harness plug having a recess formed therein and a plurality of flat plate-shaped plug blades protruding within the recess is connected, The harness plug is provided with multiple plug blade insertion ports into which each of the plug blades is inserted, At least one of the plurality of plug blade insertion ports is A first region through which the plug blade can pass, It has a second region that protrudes in a direction that expands the first region. A harness connector characterized by the following features.

2. The second region has a size into which the probe of the voltage detector can be inserted. The harness connector according to feature 1.

3. The first region is rectangular in shape, corresponding to a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the insertion direction of the plug blade. The second region has a shape in which at least one of the two long sides of the first region protrudes in the direction that extends the first region. The harness connector according to feature 1 or 2.

4. A harness joint box having multiple receiving portions to which harness plugs are connected, each having a recess formed therein and a plurality of flat plate-shaped plug blades protruding from within the recess, At least one of the multiple receiving portions is provided with multiple plug blade insertion ports into which each of the multiple plug blades of the harness plug is inserted, At least one of the plurality of plug blade insertion ports is A first region through which the plug blade can pass, It has a second region that protrudes in a direction that expands the first region. A harness joint box characterized by the following features.

5. The second region has a size into which the probe of the voltage detector can be inserted. The harness joint box according to feature 4.

6. The first region is rectangular in shape, corresponding to a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the insertion direction of the plug blade. The second region has a shape in which at least one of the two long sides of the first region protrudes in the direction that extends the first region. The harness joint box according to feature 4 or 5.

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