Connector holder
The connector holder addresses rattling issues by using intersecting gripping bodies with press-fit deformation ribs to securely clamp connectors, ensuring stability and ease of installation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
Smart Images
Figure 0007869061000001 
Figure 0007869061000002 
Figure 0007869061000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a connector holder provided with a housing space for housing a connector.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a connector holder provided with a housing space for housing a connector has been known. The connector holder disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with ribs for restricting the position of the connector and a locking structure for locking the connector.
[0003] However, even with such a connector holder, there has been a risk that the housed connector may rattle due to vibration being transmitted to the housed connector. For example, there has been a risk that the vibration of the connector holder may be transmitted to the connector, or the vibration of the electric wire may be transmitted to the connector, causing the connector to rattle.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector holder that can prevent the rattling of a connector housed in a housing space.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] This invention is a connector holder provided with a housing space for housing a connector, having a gripping structure for gripping the connector housed in the housing space, the gripping structure being constituted by a pair of gripping bodies, and at least one of the gripping bodies having a press-fitting deformation portion in which the contact portion with the connector is deformed by press-fitting the connector into the housing spaceThe press-fit deformation portion is a rib that protrudes toward the inside of the housing space, and the gripping direction of the connector by the pair of gripping bodies is along a crossing direction that intersects with the housing direction of the connector, and the housing space has a pair of lateral portions, each of which is provided with a gripping body, and the rib extends from the opening side toward the bottom side of the housing space, and the protruding height at the opening end of the rib is formed to gradually increase toward the bottom side of the housing space. It is characterized by the following. In this invention, a pair of gripping bodies refers to a set of multiple gripping bodies arranged across a housing space to grip a connector housed within that housing space. Therefore, it is not limited to the existence of only one gripping body from one set of bodies. In other words, the number of gripping bodies from one set of bodies may differ from the number of gripping bodies from the other set of bodies.
[0007] Furthermore, this invention includes a connector unit in which a connector is housed in the aforementioned connector holder, and a protector having the aforementioned connector holder. Here, a protector having a connector holder means a protector equipped with a part that functions as a connector holder. Such a protector shall include an electrical connection box, i.e., a junction box.
[0008] In this invention, a rib refers to a protruding plate that extends inward from the lateral portion forming the containment space. Furthermore, in this invention, "along the intersecting direction" means that the biasing force from one gripping body and the opposing force from the other gripping body should each act along the intersecting direction. Therefore, the opposing biasing force and opposing force are not limited to acting on a straight line. That is, the opposing biasing force and opposing force may act in parallel with a predetermined distance between them.
[0009] According to this invention, it is possible to prevent rattling of the connector housed in the housing space. More specifically, the connector holder according to the present invention has a gripping structure for gripping a connector housed in a housing space. This gripping structure is composed of a pair of gripping bodies, and at least one of the gripping bodies has a press-fit deformation portion that deforms when the connector is press-fitted into the housing space. Therefore, it is possible to clamp the connector housed in the housing space. In other words, by press-fitting the connector into the housing space, the press-fit deformation portion protruding inward into the housing space is pressed and crushed by the connector, so that no gap due to tolerances, etc., is created between the connector and the gripping body, and a biasing force can be applied to the side surface of the connector. At this time, a counterforce acts on the opposite side surface of the connector, which is a force that pushes back against the connector as a reaction to being pressed by the biasing force. In this way, it is possible to clamp the connector with the mutually opposing biasing force and counterforce. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connector housed in the housing space from rattling.
[0010] Furthermore, the press-fit deformation portion is a rib that protrudes inward towards the inside of the containment space. Therefore, even if the housing space or the side of the connector is curved, the ribs contact the connector in a straight line along the extension direction, ensuring that a biasing force is reliably applied to the side of the connector. At the same time, a counterforce, which is a force that pushes back against the connector, is reliably applied to the opposite side of the connector. In this way, the connector can be clamped between the opposing biasing force and counterforce. Consequently, rattling of the connector housed in the housing space can be prevented.
[0011] Furthermore, the gripping direction of the connector by the pair of gripping bodies is relative to the housing direction of the connector. Because it is aligned with the intersecting directions, the connector can be clamped in the direction that intersects the connector's housing direction. In other words, opposing biasing forces and counteracting forces act along the intersecting directions, making it possible to clamp the connector. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connector from rattling, especially in the intersecting directions.
[0012] Furthermore, it has a pair of lateral sections that constitute the containment space, each of which is provided with a gripping body, and the ribs extend from the opening side to the bottom side of the containment space, with the protruding height at the opening end of the ribs gradually increasing as it approaches the bottom side of the containment space.
[0013] Therefore, an inclined surface is formed at the open end of the rib. As a result, when pressing a connector into the housing space, the connector can be guided along the inclined surface formed at the open end of the rib. In addition, as the connector is gradually squeezed tighter towards the bottom, it can be pressed in straight without tilting. Therefore, the process of housing the connector becomes easier.
[0014] In another aspect of this invention, the rib may have a thin, flattened rib at the edge portion that contacts the connector. In this invention, the term "crushed rib" refers to a protruding piece that extends from the edge of the rib toward the inside of the containment space.
[0015] With this invention, the crimping rib is pressed and crushed by the connector, so no gap is created between the connector and the rib due to tolerances or other factors, and a biasing force can be reliably applied to the side surface of the connector. At the same time, a counterforce, which is a force that pushes back against the connector, is reliably applied to the opposite side surface of the connector. In this way, the connector can be clamped between the opposing biasing force and counterforce. Therefore, rattling of the connector housed in the housing space can be prevented.
[0016] Furthermore, in the embodiment of this invention, It has multiple gripping structures, and in other gripping structures The gripping direction of the connector by the pair of gripping bodies may be aligned with the housing direction of the connector. In this invention, "along the housing direction" means that the biasing force from one gripping body and the opposing force from the other gripping body should each act along the housing direction. Therefore, the opposing biasing force and opposing force are not limited to acting on a straight line. That is, the opposing biasing force and opposing force may act in parallel with a predetermined distance between them.
[0017] According to the present invention, the connector can be sandwiched in the accommodation direction of the connector. That is, biasing forces and opposing forces acting relative to each other act along the accommodation direction, making it possible to sandwich the connector. Therefore, it is possible to particularly prevent looseness of the connector in the accommodation direction.
[0018] As another aspect of the present invention, it may have a bottom portion constituting the accommodation space and a lid portion closing the opening of the accommodation space, gripping bodies may be provided on each of the bottom portion and the lid portion, and at least one of the gripping bodies may have ribs.
[0019] According to the present invention, when the connector is accommodated in the accommodation space, biasing forces and opposing forces acting relative to each other do not act on such a connector. Therefore, the work of accommodating the connector becomes easy. And when the lid portion is closed in a state where the connector is accommodated in the accommodation space, the rib abuts against the connector and the biasing force and the opposing force act. Therefore, it is possible to prevent looseness of the connector accommodated in the accommodation space while facilitating the work of accommodating the connector.
[0020] As another aspect of the present invention, it may have a bottom portion constituting the accommodation space and a side portion constituting the accommodation space, gripping bodies may be provided on each of the bottom portion and the side portion, and the gripping body provided on the side portion may be a locking portion that locks the connector accommodated in the accommodation space.
[0021] According to the present invention, by simply accommodating the connector in the accommodation space, the connector can be sandwiched in the accommodation direction. That is, by simply accommodating the connector in the accommodation space, biasing forces and opposing forces acting relative to each other act along the accommodation direction, making it possible to sandwich the connector. Further, since a sense of moderation when the connector is locked can be obtained, it can be understood that the work of accommodating the connector is completed.
[0022] As another aspect of the present invention, it may have a plurality of gripping structures, and at least one of the gripping bodies in at least one of the gripping structures may have a biasing portion that biases the connector toward the other gripping body by being pushed by the connector accommodated in the accommodation space and deformed.
[0023] This invention allows the biasing portion to return to its original shape, applying a strong biasing force to the side of the connector, and a strong counterforce due to the reaction is also applied to the opposite side of the connector. Therefore, rattling of the connector housed in the housing space can be reliably prevented.
[0024] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this invention, the device may have multiple gripping structures, and the gripping direction of the connector by one gripping structure may intersect with the gripping direction of the connector by another gripping structure. This invention allows for the restraint of the connector housed in the housing space in multiple directions. Therefore, rattling of the connector housed in the housing space can be reliably prevented.
[0025] In another aspect of this invention, the device may have a bottom portion that constitutes a storage space, and a through hole may be provided in the bottom portion that penetrates from the inside to the outside of the storage space. This invention makes it possible to discharge water and dust that have entered through electrical wires, etc., through through-holes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0026] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the connector holder. [Figure 2] Exploded perspective view of the connector holder. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the lower case. [Figure 4] Plan view of the lower case. [Figure 5] Enlarged view of region Ra and cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Perspective view of the case cover. [Figure 7] A view of the bottom of the case cover. [Figure 8] Enlarged view of region Rb and cross-sectional view taken along arrow BB in Figure 7. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram illustrating how the connector is housed in the lower case. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram illustrating the process of attaching the case cover to the lower case. [Figure 11] A partial cross-sectional view of the lower case of a connector holder according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] A partial cross-sectional view of the lower case of a connector holder according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0027] In this application, the orientation of the connector holder 1 is indicated in all drawings. Specifically, arrow F indicates the front side, arrow B indicates the rear side, arrow R indicates the right side, and arrow L indicates the left side. Furthermore, arrow U indicates the upward side, and arrow D indicates the downward side. In addition, in this application, the front-to-back direction is described as X, the left-to-right direction as Y, and the up-and-down direction as Z.
[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector holder 1. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector holder 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lower case 2, Figure 4 is a plan view of the lower case 2, and Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area Ra in Figure 4 and a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow AA. Also, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the case cover 3, Figure 7 is a bottom view of the case cover 3, and Figure 8 is an enlarged view of area Rb in Figure 7 and a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB.
[0029] Furthermore, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the situation in which the connector 5 is housed in the lower case 2. Figure 9(a) shows the state before the connector 5 is housed in the lower case 2, and Figure 9(b) shows the state after the connector 5 is housed in the lower case 2. Figures 9(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams of the cross section in the direction of arrow CC in Figure 5. And Figure 9(c) shows the cross section in the direction of arrow DD in Figure 9(b).
[0030] Furthermore, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the situation of attaching the case cover 3 to the lower case 2. Figure 10(a) shows the state before attaching the case cover 3 to the lower case 2, and Figure 10(b) shows the state after attaching the case cover 3 to the lower case 2. Figures 10(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams of the cross section in the direction of arrow CC in Figure 5. And Figure 10(c) shows the cross section in the direction of arrow EE in Figure 10(b).
[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment houses the connector 5. The connector holder 1 mainly consists of a lower case 2 and a case cover 3. The structures of the lower case 2 and the case cover 3 are described below, and the situation in which the connector 5 is housed in the lower case 2 and the situation in which the case cover 3 is attached to the lower case 2 are described.
[0032] First, let's briefly explain connector 5 using Figure 2. Connector 5 electrically connects the electric wires 4. Connector 5 mainly consists of a socket housing 51 and an insert housing 52. When the insert housing 52 is inserted into the socket housing 51, the busbars housed in each of the electric wires 4 come into contact, thus enabling an electrical connection.
[0033] Next, we will explain Lower Case 2 using Figures 3 to 5. The lower case 2 has a bottom wall portion 20 and wall portions 21 to 24 arranged at the outer peripheral ends of the bottom wall portion 20. The bottom wall portion 20 is a plate-like portion that extends in the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y, and is formed to follow the main wire harness line Wm (see Figure 1), which is introduced from the left rear side and exited from the right front side, and the branch wire Wb (see Figure 1), which branches off from the main wire harness Wm and exits from the left front side.
[0034] The front wall portion 21 refers to the portion extending vertically Z from the stepped portion 201 provided along the front edge of the bottom wall portion 20. A rib 211 is formed on the front wall portion 21 above the stepped portion 201 U, projecting toward the inside of the lower case 2, and a locking ring 212 is formed on the upper end portion of the front wall portion 21, projecting toward the outside of the lower case 2. The locking ring 212 has a locking plate that extends parallel to the outer surface of the front wall portion 21 with a small gap between them.
[0035] The rear wall portion 22 refers to the portion extending vertically Z from the stepped portion 202 provided along the rear end edge of the bottom wall portion 20. A rib 221 is formed on the rear wall portion 22 above the stepped portion 202 U, projecting toward the inside of the lower case 2, and a locking ring 222 is formed on the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 22, projecting toward the outside of the lower case 2. The locking ring 222 has a locking plate that extends parallel to the outer surface of the rear wall portion 22 with a small gap between them.
[0036] The right wall portion 23 refers to the portion extending vertically Z from the stepped portion 203 provided along the right edge of the bottom wall portion 20. The right wall portion 23 above the stepped portion 203 U has a rib (integrated with the front plate portion 251 and rear plate portion 252, described later) that protrudes toward the inside of the lower case 2, and a locking ring 232 that protrudes toward the outside of the lower case 2 is formed at the upper end of the right wall portion 23. The locking ring 232 has a locking plate that extends parallel to the outer surface of the right wall portion 23 with a small gap between them.
[0037] The right wall section 23 is not connected to the right end of the front wall section 21, and this gap serves as an opening Ha for leading out the main wire Wm (see Figure 1). A portion of the bottom wall section 20 extends downward D, allowing the main wire Wm led out through the opening Ha to be secured using a cable tie or the like (not shown).
[0038] The left wall portion 24 refers to the portion extending vertically Z from the stepped portion 204 provided along the left edge of the bottom wall portion 20. A rib 241 is formed on the left wall portion 24 above the stepped portion 204 U, projecting toward the inside of the lower case 2, and a locking ring 242 is formed on the upper end portion of the left wall portion 24, projecting toward the outside of the lower case 2. The locking ring 242 has a locking plate that extends parallel to the outer surface of the left wall portion 24 with a small gap between them.
[0039] The left wall section 24 is not connected to the left end of the front wall section 21, and this gap serves as an opening Hb for leading out the branch wire Wb (see Figure 1). A portion of the bottom wall section 20 extends downward D, allowing the branch wire Wb led out from the opening Hb to be secured using a cable tie or the like (not shown).
[0040] Furthermore, the left wall section 24 is not connected to the left end of the rear wall section 22, and this gap serves as an opening Hc for introducing the main wire Wm (see Figure 1). Parts of the bottom wall section 20 and the left wall section 24 extend toward the rear side B, making it possible to secure the main wire Wm introduced through the opening Hc using cable ties or the like (not shown).
[0041] Incidentally, four connector housing sections 25 are formed inside the lower case 2. These connector housing sections 25 are arranged along the aforementioned right wall section 23. The frontmost connector housing section 25 F is adjacent to the aforementioned opening hole Ha, and the rearmost connector housing section 25 B is adjacent to the aforementioned rear wall section 22. Here, we will focus on and explain the connector housing section 25 that is the second from the front F.
[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the connector housing section 25 refers to the part where a housing space S for housing the connector 5 is provided. The housing space S is formed by a bottom wall section 20, a right wall section 23, and plate sections 251, 252, and 254 extending upward U from the bottom wall section 20. In the following explanation, for the sake of simplicity, a part of the right wall section 23 that forms the housing space S will be referred to as the right plate section 253, and a part of the bottom wall section 20 that also forms the housing space S will be referred to as the bottom plate section 255.
[0043] The front plate portion 251 is a plate-like portion that extends in the left-right direction Y and the up-down direction Z, and is formed to follow the front surface of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S. One of the connector gripping portions 26A that constitute the gripping structure 26 is formed on the front plate portion 251.
[0044] The connector gripping portion 26A has a pair of ribs 261 that project toward the rear side B when viewed from the upper side U. A flattened rib 261d, which is thinner than the rib 261, is provided at the rear end edge of the rib 261. This flattened rib 261d is formed in a roughly wedge shape, becoming thinner toward the rear side B when viewed from the upper side U. Furthermore, the flattened rib 261d extends in the vertical direction Z along the rear end edge of the rib 261.
[0045] The rear plate portion 252 is positioned at a location separated from the front plate portion 251 by the housing space S in the front-rear direction X. The rear plate portion 252 is a plate-like portion that extends in the left-right direction Y and the up-down direction Z, and is formed to follow the rear side surface of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S. The other connector gripping portion 26B, which constitutes the gripping structure 26, is formed on the rear plate portion 252.
[0046] The connector gripping portion 26B has a pair of ribs 262 that project toward the front side F when viewed from above U. A flattened rib 262d, which is thinner than the rib 262, is provided at the front edge of the rib 262. This flattened rib 262d is formed in a roughly wedge shape, becoming thinner toward the front side F when viewed from above U. Furthermore, the flattened rib 262d extends vertically Z along the front edge of the rib 262.
[0047] The right plate portion 253 is part of the right wall portion 23 sandwiched between the front plate portion 251 and the rear plate portion 252. The right plate portion 253 is a plate-like portion that extends in the front-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z, and is formed to follow the right side surface of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S. One of the connector gripping portions 27A that constitute the gripping structure 27 is formed on the right plate portion 253.
[0048] The connector gripping portion 27A has a pair of ribs 271 that protrude to the left side L when viewed from the upper side U. The left end edge of the ribs 271 is not provided with a crushed rib. The left end edge of the ribs 271 is formed to be continuous in the vertical direction Z with respect to the inner surface of the stepped portion 203. Therefore, it can be said that the connector gripping portion 27A is composed of the ribs 271 and the stepped portion 203.
[0049] The left plate portion 254 is positioned across the housing space S in the left-right direction Y from the right plate portion 253. The left plate portion 254 is a plate-like portion that extends in the front-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z, and is formed to follow the left side surface of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S. Although the left plate portion 254 does not have ribs or crushing ribs that protrude toward the right side R, it functions as the other connector gripping portion 27B that constitutes the gripping structure 27.
[0050] Furthermore, the left plate portion 254 is not connected to the left end of the front plate portion 251, and this gap serves as an opening Hd for routing the electric wire 4 extending from the connector 5. In addition, a smoothly connecting arc portion 25r is formed at the connecting portion between the rear plate portion 252 and the left plate portion 254. The arc portion 25r is formed to prevent the electric wire 4 of the connector 5 housed on the rear side B from hitting the corner and stripping the insulation of the electric wire 4.
[0051] The bottom plate portion 255 is part of the bottom wall portion 20, surrounded by the front plate portion 251, the rear plate portion 252, the right plate portion 253, and the left plate portion 254. The bottom plate portion 255 is a plate-like portion that extends in the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y, and is formed to follow the bottom surface of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S. Although the bottom plate portion 255 is not provided with ribs or crushing ribs that protrude upward U, it functions as one of the connector gripping portions 28A that constitute the gripping structure 28.
[0052] Furthermore, the connector housing section 25, which is the first one provided from the front side F, is provided with a rib 281 that protrudes upward U. The reason for providing the rib 281 is that the height dimension of the connector 5 housed in this connector housing section 25 is small. In addition, a through hole 25h is formed in the bottom plate section 255 that penetrates from the inside to the outside of the housing space S. This through hole 25h has the effect of draining water and dust that may have entered via the electric wires 4, etc. The through hole 25h is also positioned near the rib 271 to prevent water that has traveled along the rib 271 from accumulating on the bottom plate section 255.
[0053] Next, we will explain the case cover 3 using Figures 6 to 8. The case cover 3 has a lid plate portion 30 and edge portions 31 to 34 arranged at the outer peripheral ends of the lid plate portion 30. The lid plate portion 30 is a plate-like portion that extends in the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y, and is formed to close the opening of the lower case 2. That is, when the case cover 3 is attached to the lower case 2, the lid plate portion 30 faces the bottom wall portion 20 and is formed to close the opening surrounded by the respective wall portions 21 to 24.
[0054] The front edge portion 31 refers to the portion extending vertically Z from the front edge of the cover plate portion 30. The front edge portion 31 has a locking piece 312 formed at its lower end portion that protrudes downward D. The lower end of the locking piece 312 has a locking claw formed that protrudes outward from the case cover 3. Therefore, when the case cover 3 is attached to the lower case 2, the front edge portion 31 fits onto the upper end portion of the front wall portion 21 that constitutes the lower case 2, and the locking claw of the locking piece 312 catches on the locking plate of the locking ring 212 formed on the lower case 2.
[0055] The rear edge portion 32 refers to the portion extending vertically Z from the rear end edge of the cover plate portion 30. The rear edge portion 32 has a locking piece 322 formed at its lower end portion that protrudes downward D. A locking claw is formed at the lower end of the locking piece 322 that protrudes outward from the case cover 3. Therefore, when the case cover 3 is attached to the lower case 2, the rear edge portion 32 fits onto the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 22 that constitutes the lower case 2, and the locking claw of the locking piece 322 catches on the locking plate of the locking ring 222 formed on the lower case 2.
[0056] The right edge portion 33 refers to the portion extending vertically Z from the right edge of the cover plate portion 30. The right edge portion 33 has a locking piece 332 formed at its lower end portion that protrudes downward D. The lower end of the locking piece 332 has a locking claw formed that protrudes outward from the case cover 3. Therefore, when the case cover 3 is attached to the lower case 2, the right edge portion 33 fits onto the upper end portion of the right wall portion 23 that constitutes the lower case 2, and the locking claw of the locking piece 332 catches on the locking plate of the locking ring 232 formed on the lower case 2.
[0057] The left edge portion 34 refers to the portion extending vertically Z from the left edge of the cover plate portion 30. The left edge portion 34 has a locking piece 342 formed at its lower end portion that protrudes downward D. The lower end of the locking piece 342 has a locking claw formed that protrudes outward from the case cover 3. Therefore, when the case cover 3 is attached to the lower case 2, the left edge portion 34 fits onto the upper end portion of the left wall portion 24 that constitutes the lower case 2, and the locking claw of the locking piece 342 catches on the locking plate of the locking ring 242 formed on the lower case 2.
[0058] Incidentally, the cover plate portion 30 can close the opening of the lower case 2 and at the same time close the openings of each connector housing portion 25. The portion of the cover plate portion 30 facing each connector housing portion 25 is formed to follow the upper surface of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S. And, at a position facing the upper surface of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S, the other connector gripping portion 28B that constitutes the gripping structure 28 is formed.
[0059] The connector gripping portion 28B has a single rib 282 that protrudes downward D when viewed from the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y. The lower end edge of the rib 282 is not provided with a crushed rib. Furthermore, the rib 282 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from downward D. Therefore, when the case cover 3 is attached to the lower case 2, each of the four sides will abut against the connector 5 housed in the housing space S. However, there may be multiple ribs 282, or they may be formed in other shapes.
[0060] Next, using Figure 9, we will describe the situation in which the connector 5 is housed in the lower case 2. The orientation of the connector 5 is vertical Z, or more specifically, from the upper side U to the lower side D. When the connector 5 is press-fitted into the housing space S, the connector 5 is pushed downward D along the ribs 261 and 262 that are positioned on either side of the housing space S. At this time, the crushing rib 261d provided on the rear end edge of the rib 261 is pressed and crushed by the connector 5, so that no gap is created between the connector 5 and the rib 261 due to tolerances, etc., and a biasing force can be applied to the front surface of the connector 5 (see arrow Fa).
[0061] On the other hand, in the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment, a crushing rib 262d is also provided on the front edge portion of the rib 262. Since the crushing rib 262d is also crushed by the connector 5, no gap is created between the connector 5 and the rib 261 due to tolerances, etc., and a biasing force can be applied to the rear surface of the connector 5 (see arrow Fb). In this respect, even if the crushing rib 262d is not provided on the front edge portion of the rib 262, a counterforce due to a reaction force that tries to push the connector 5 back will act on the rear surface of the connector 5.
[0062] Next, using Figure 10, we will describe the situation in which the case cover 3 is attached to the lower case 2. The mounting direction of the case cover 3 is the vertical direction Z, more specifically, from the upper side U to the lower side D. In the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment, the connector gripping portion 28A of the bottom plate portion 255 is not provided with ribs and crushing ribs, or a rib 281 is provided but a crushing rib is not. Therefore, when the connector 5 is housed in the housing space S, the bottom surface of the connector 5 comes into direct contact with the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 255 or with the rib 281 provided on the bottom plate portion 255.
[0063] On the other hand, in the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment, although a rib 282 is provided on the connector gripping portion 28B of the cover plate portion 30, a crushing rib is not provided. Therefore, when the case cover 3 is attached to the lower case 2, the rib 282 comes into direct contact with the connector 5, and a biasing force can be applied to the upper surface of the connector 5 (see arrow Fa). At this time, a counterforce acting on the bottom surface opposite to the connector 5 will be at least due to a reaction force that tries to push the connector 5 back (see arrow Fb).
[0064] As described above, the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment has gripping structures 26, 28 for gripping the connector 5 housed in the housing space S. The gripping structures 26, 28 are composed of a pair of connector gripping parts 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B, and at least one of the connector gripping parts 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B has press-fit deformation parts (ribs 261, 262, 281, 282) that deform when the connector 5 is press-fitted into the housing space S.
[0065] With this type of connector holder 1, it is possible to prevent the connector 5 housed in the housing space S from rattling. More specifically, the connector holder 1 according to the present invention has gripping structures 26, 28 for gripping a connector 5 housed in a housing space S. These gripping structures 26, 28 are composed of a pair of connector gripping parts 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B, and at least one of the connector gripping parts 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B has press-fit deformation parts (ribs 261, 262, 281, 282) that deform when the connector 5 is press-fitted into the housing space S. Therefore, it is possible to grip the connector 5 housed in the housing space S. In other words, by press-fitting the connector 5 into the housing space S, the press-fit deformation parts (ribs 261, 262, 281, 282) protruding inward from the housing space S are pressed and crushed by the connector 5. As a result, no gaps caused by tolerances, etc., are created between the connector 5 and the connector gripping parts 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B, and a biasing force can be applied to the side surface of the connector 5. At this time, a counterforce acts on the opposite side surface of the connector 5, which is a force that pushes back against the connector 5 as a reaction to being pressed by the biasing force. In this way, the connector 5 can be sandwiched between the opposing biasing force and counterforce. Therefore, rattling of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S can be prevented.
[0066] Furthermore, in the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment, the press-fit deformation portion (ribs 261, 262, 281, 282) is a rib 261, 262, 281, 282 that protrudes toward the inside of the housing space S.
[0067] With this type of connector holder 1, even if the housing space S or the side surface of the connector 5 is curved, the ribs 261, 262, 281, and 282 contact the connector 5 in a straight line along the extension direction, so that a biasing force can be reliably applied to the side surface of the connector 5. At the same time, a counterforce, which is a force that pushes back against the connector 5, is reliably applied to the opposite side surface of the connector 5. In this way, the connector 5 can be clamped between the opposing biasing forces and counterforces. Therefore, rattling of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S can be prevented.
[0068] Furthermore, in the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment, the ribs 261 and 262 have thin-walled crushed ribs 261d and 262d at the end edges that contact the connector 5.
[0069] With this type of connector holder 1, the crushing ribs 261d and 262d are pressed and crushed by the connector 5, so that no gaps due to tolerances or the like occur between the connector 5 and the ribs 261 and 262, and a biasing force can be reliably applied to the side surface of the connector 5. At the same time, a counterforce, which is a force that pushes back against the connector 5, is reliably applied to the opposite side surface of the connector 5. In this way, the connector 5 can be clamped between the opposing biasing force and counterforce. Therefore, rattling of the connector 5 housed in the housing space can be prevented.
[0070] Furthermore, in the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment, the gripping direction of the connector 5 by the pair of connector gripping portions 26A and 26B is along the front-rear direction X which is perpendicular to the up-down direction Z which is the housing direction of the connector 5.
[0071] With this type of connector holder 1, the connector 5 can be clamped in the front-rear direction X, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, which is the housing direction of the connector 5. In other words, opposing biasing forces and counteracting forces act along the front-rear direction X, making it possible to clamp the connector 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent rattling of the connector 5, especially in the front-rear direction X.
[0072] Furthermore, in the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment, there is a front plate portion 251 and a rear plate portion 252 that constitute the housing space S, and connector gripping portions 26A and 26B are provided on the front plate portion 251 and the rear plate portion 252, respectively, and the ribs 261 and 262 extend from the opening side toward the bottom side of the housing space S, and the protruding height at the opening side end of the ribs 261 and 262 is formed to gradually increase toward the bottom side (downward side D) of the housing space S.
[0073] With this type of connector holder 1, inclined surfaces are formed on the open-side ends of the ribs 261 and 262. Therefore, when press-fitting the connector 5 into the housing space S, the connector 5 can be guided along the inclined surfaces formed on the open-side ends of the ribs 261 and 262. In addition, as the connector 5 is pressed in more and more firmly towards the bottom side (downward side D), it can be press-fitted straight without tilting. Thus, the work of housing the connector 5 becomes easier.
[0074] Furthermore, in the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment, the gripping direction of the connector 5 by the pair of connector gripping portions 28A and 28B is aligned with the vertical direction Z, which is the housing direction of the connector 5.
[0075] With this type of connector holder 1, the connector 5 can be clamped in the vertical direction Z, which is the direction in which the connector 5 is housed. In other words, opposing biasing forces and opposing forces act along the vertical direction Z, making it possible to clamp the connector 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connector 5 from rattling, especially in the vertical direction Z.
[0076] Furthermore, the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment has a bottom plate portion 255 that constitutes a housing space S and a cover plate portion 30 that closes the opening of the housing space S, and connector gripping portions 28A and 28B are provided on the bottom plate portion 255 and the cover plate portion 30, respectively, and the connector gripping portion 28B has a rib 282.
[0077] With this type of connector holder 1, when the connector 5 is housed in the housing space S, no opposing biasing force and opposing force act on the connector 5. Therefore, the work of housing the connector 5 becomes easier. When the case cover 3 is closed with the connector 5 housed in the housing space S, the rib 282 comes into contact with the connector 5, and a biasing force and opposing force act on it. Thus, while making the work of housing the connector 5 easier, it is possible to prevent rattling of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S.
[0078] Furthermore, the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment has two gripping structures 26 and 28, and the gripping direction of the connector 5 by one gripping structure 26 (front-to-back direction X) and the gripping direction of the connector 5 by the other gripping structure 28 (up-down direction Z) intersect.
[0079] With this type of connector holder 1, the connector 5 housed in the housing space S can be restrained in two directions (front-to-back direction X and up-and-down direction Z). Therefore, rattling of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S can be reliably prevented.
[0080] Furthermore, the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment has a bottom plate portion 255 that constitutes the housing space S, and the bottom plate portion 255 is provided with a through hole 25h that penetrates from the inside to the outside of the housing space S.
[0081] With this type of connector holder 1, it becomes possible to discharge water and dust that have entered through the wires 4, etc., through the through-hole.
[0082] In the correspondence between the structure of this invention and the embodiments described above, The connector holder corresponds to connector holder 1. The wire corresponds to wire 4. The connector corresponds to connector 5. The side sections correspond to the respective plate sections 251 and 252. The bottom corresponds to the bottom plate portion 255. The through hole corresponds to through hole 25h. The locking part corresponds to the locking part 25f, The biasing part corresponds to the spring plate 25p, The gripping structure corresponds to gripping structures 26 and 28. The gripping body corresponds to the connector gripping parts 26A, 26B, 28A, and 28B. The ribs correspond to ribs 261, 262, 281, and 282. The crushed ribs correspond to crushed ribs 261d and 262d. The lid portion faces the lid plate portion 30, The containment space corresponds to containment space S, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained.
[0083] For example, the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment has a case cover 3, and a connector gripping portion 26B is provided on the lid plate portion 30 of the case cover 3 (see Figure 8). However, as shown in Figure 11, for example, a locking portion 25f for locking the connector 5 housed in the housing space S may be provided at the upper end portion of the rear plate portion 252.
[0084] With this type of connector holder 1, the connector 5 can be clamped in the vertical direction Z, which is the direction of installation, simply by placing the connector 5 into the storage space S. In other words, by simply placing the connector 5 into the storage space S, opposing biasing forces act along the vertical direction Z, which is the direction of installation, making it possible to clamp the connector 5. Furthermore, a sense of tactile feedback is obtained when the connector 5 is locked, indicating that the installation of the connector 5 has been completed.
[0085] Furthermore, the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment has two gripping structures 26 and 28 that grip the connector 5 in the front-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z. However, as shown in Figure 12, for example, at least one connector gripping portion 26A of the gripping structure 26 may have a spring plate 25p that biases the connector 5 toward the other connector gripping portion 26B when it is deformed by being pressed by the connector 5 housed in the housing space S.
[0086] With this type of connector holder 1, the spring plate 25p attempts to return to its original shape, applying a strong biasing force to the side of the connector 5, and a strong counterforce due to the reaction is also applied to the opposite side of the connector 5. Therefore, rattling of the connector 5 housed in the housing space S can be reliably prevented.
[0087] Finally, the present invention includes a connector unit in which a connector 5 is housed in a connector holder 1, and a protector having the connector holder 1. Here, a protector having the connector holder 1 means a protector that has a part that functions as a connector holder 1. Such a protector shall include an electrical connection box, i.e., a junction box.
[0088] These also provide the same effects as the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment. That is, it is possible to prevent the connector 5 housed in the housing space S from rattling. In addition, the same effects as those described in the above embodiments can be obtained. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0089] 1…Connector holder 3…Case cover 4...Electric wire 5… Connector 251...Front plate part 252...Rear plate part 255…Bottom plate part 25h…Through hole 25f…Locking part 25p... Spring plate 26...Gripping structure 28...Gripping structure 26A... Connector gripping part 26B... Connector gripping part 28A... Connector gripping part 28B... Connector gripping part 261... Rib 262... Rib 281... Rib 282... Rib 261d... Crushed Rib 262d... Crushed Rib 30…Lid plate part S... Containment space
Claims
1. A connector holder having a housing space for housing a connector, It has a gripping structure for gripping the connector housed in the aforementioned housing space, The gripping structure is composed of a pair of gripping bodies, At least one of the gripping bodies has a press-fit deformation portion that deforms when the connector is press-fitted into the housing space, the portion that contacts the connector. The press-fit deformation portion is a rib that protrudes toward the inside of the housing space, The gripping direction of the connector by the pair of gripping bodies is along a crossing direction that intersects with the housing direction of the connector, Having a pair of lateral parts that constitute the aforementioned accommodation space, The gripping body is provided on each of the pair of lateral portions. The ribs extend from the opening side of the containment space toward the bottom side, and the protruding height of the ribs at the opening side end gradually increases toward the bottom side of the containment space. Connector holder.
2. The rib has a thin, flattened rib at the edge portion that contacts the connector. The connector holder according to claim 1.
3. Having a plurality of the gripping structures, In other gripping structures, the gripping direction of the connector by the pair of gripping bodies is aligned with the housing direction of the connector. The connector holder according to claim 1.
4. The bottom portion that constitutes the aforementioned storage space, It has a lid portion that closes the opening of the aforementioned storage space, The gripping body is provided on the bottom and the lid, respectively. At least one of the gripping bodies has the ribs The connector holder according to claim 3.
5. The bottom portion that constitutes the aforementioned storage space, It has a lateral portion that constitutes the aforementioned storage space, The gripping body is provided on the bottom and the side portions, The gripping body provided on the side is a locking portion that locks the connector housed in the housing space. The connector holder according to claim 3.
6. It has multiple gripping structures, At least one of the gripping bodies in the gripping structure has a biasing portion that biases the connector toward the other gripping body by being deformed when pressed by the connector housed in the housing space. The connector holder according to claim 1.
7. It has multiple gripping structures, The gripping direction of the connector by one of the gripping structures intersects with the gripping direction of the connector by the other gripping structure. The connector holder according to claim 1.
8. One of the two lateral portions constituting one gripping structure is provided with a plate-like portion that extends toward the other and constitutes the other gripping structure. The connector holder according to claim 7.
9. It has a bottom that constitutes the aforementioned storage space, A through hole is provided in the bottom that penetrates from the inside to the outside of the storage space. The connector holder according to claim 1.
10. A connector is housed in a connector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Connector unit.
11. A connector holder having the connector holder described in any one of claims 1 to 9. Protector.