Connector set

Abstract

To provide a connector set capable of avoiding inadvertent contact with an operation lever.SOLUTION: A receptacle-side housing 21 includes a cylindrical case 23, an operation lever 25 that rotates in a circumferential direction of the case 23, and a receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 which is accommodated in the case 23 and is linked to the operation lever 25, and is rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the case 23 together with the receptacle-side terminal 20 in an engagement posture in which a receptacle 2 is engaged with a plug between a non-conduction position in which the receptacle-side terminal 20 is at a position different in the circumferential direction from a plug-side terminal in the plug and a conduction position in which the plug-side terminal and the receptacle-side terminal 20 are in contact with each other in an opposing direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector set composed of a pair of electrically connected connectors.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a butt-type connector is known as a type of connector for obtaining an electrical connection. Generally, in this type of connector, the contact points of the electrodes provided on the plug serving as one-side connector and the contact points of the electrodes provided on the receptacle serving as the other-side connector come into contact in a pressed state, so that the plug and the receptacle are in a conductive state.

[0003] By the way, the above receptacle is provided on a structure such as a factory wall surface, equipment, panel, etc., and an operator connects the plug to the receptacle provided on such a structure. However, when power is supplied to the receptacle at a relatively high voltage and large current, ensuring its safety becomes particularly important.

[0004] Therefore, for example, as in Patent Document 1, a lever-type cutoff device has been proposed in which the connector housings of a pair of connectors are connected using an operation lever to be in a fitted state, and the connection between these connectors is switched from a non-conductive state to a conductive state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the case of the disconnection device described in Patent Document 1, when the connectors are connected, the operating lever protrudes significantly forward, which could cause an operator to inadvertently come into contact with the lever, potentially leading to the connector becoming detached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a connector set that reduces the amount of protrusion of the operating lever toward the front in the direction opposite to the connectors, thereby preventing accidental contact with the operating lever.

[0008] A connector set according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first connector and a second connector positioned opposite the first connector and capable of conducting to the first connector in an engagement position, wherein the first connector comprises a first side terminal and a first side housing supporting the first side terminal, and the second connector comprises a second side terminal and a second side housing supporting the second side terminal, wherein the second side housing comprises a cylindrical case extending in the direction opposite to the first connector and the second connector, an operating lever that rotates circumferentially relative to the case, and a terminal holding member housed in the case and, in conjunction with the operating lever, is capable of rotating the second side terminal together with the second side terminal in the circumferential direction relative to the case in the engagement position between a non-conductive position where the second side terminal is in a position different from the first side terminal in the circumferential direction and a conductive position where the second side terminal and the first side terminal are in contact facing each other in the opposite direction.

[0009] In the above connector set, the first side housing has a first opposing direction restricting surface that faces one side of the opposing direction in the engaged position, and the second side housing has a second opposing direction restricting surface that faces the other side of the opposing direction in the engaged position. When the terminal holding member is in the conductive position, the first opposing direction restricting surface and the second opposing direction restricting surface face each other in the opposing direction, restricting the movement of the first side housing and the second side housing apart in the opposing direction. When the terminal holding member is in the non-conductive position, the first opposing direction restricting surface and the second opposing direction restricting surface are positioned at different locations in the circumferential direction, resulting in a non-facing state in the opposing direction, which may allow the movement of the first side housing and the second side housing apart in the opposing direction.

[0010] In the above connector set, the second side housing further has a cover portion provided on one side that is on the side of the first connector in the direction opposite to the second side terminal in the engagement position, and the cover portion may have an exposed region that exposes the second side terminal to the one side when the terminal holding member is in the conductive position, and a cover region that is aligned in the circumferential direction with respect to the exposed region and covers the second side terminal from one side in the opposing direction when the terminal holding member is in the non-conductive position.

[0011] In the above connector set, the terminal holding member has a one-sided circumferential restricting surface that faces one side in the circumferential direction in the engagement position, and the second side housing further ,before The terminal retaining member has a circumferential restricting surface on the other side facing the other side in the circumferential direction, and in positions other than the engagement position, the one-side circumferential restricting surface and the other-side circumferential restricting surface face each other in the circumferential direction to restrict the rotation of the terminal retaining member relative to the case, and in the engagement position, the one-side circumferential restricting surface and the other-side circumferential restricting surface are positioned at different positions in the opposing direction and are not facing each other in the circumferential direction, thereby allowing the rotation of the terminal retaining member relative to the case.

[0012] In the above connector set, the second side housing may further include a rotation restricting body that forms the other side circumferential restricting surface and is pressed to the other side in the opposing direction by the first side housing in the engagement position, and a biasing member that biases the rotation restricting body to one side in the opposing direction.

[0013] In the above connector set, the terminal holding member has a restrictor placement hole that extends in the opposing direction and positions the rotation restrictor, and closes a part of the opening on one side of the restrictor placement hole in the opposing direction to form a space region that exposes the restrictor placement hole to one side in the opposing direction, and inside the restrictor placement hole The aforementioned The first side housing has a closing portion that forms a second opposing direction restricting surface, and the first side housing is inserted into the restricting body placement hole through the spatial region and presses the rotation restricting body, and the first Opposite direction It may have a pressing piece that forms a restricting surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the above connector set, the amount of protrusion of the operating lever toward the front in the opposing direction between the connectors is reduced, making it possible to avoid accidental contact with the operating lever. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of a connector set according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows a diagram in which a plug and a receptacle are arranged opposite each other, and (b) shows a diagram of the plug viewed from the side opposite the receptacle. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the above plug disassembled. [Figure 3] The above diagram shows the terminal retaining member on the plug side of the plug, where (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view and (b) is a view taken along arrow A in (a). [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the above receptacle in disassembled form. [Figure 5]A diagram showing a receptacle-side terminal holding member and main components of the receptacle, where (a) is a plan view seen from one side in the axial direction, and (b) is a sectional view taken along line B-B of (a). [Figure 6] A plan view of the receptacle seen from the axial direction, where (a) shows the state where the operating lever is in the non-use position, and (b) shows the state where the operating lever is in the use position. [Figure 7] A diagram showing a rotation restricting body of the receptacle, where (a) is a plan view seen from the axial direction, and (b) is a view seen in the direction of arrow C of (a). [Figure 8] A diagram showing the operation state of the rotation restricting body when the plug and the receptacle are engaged, which is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIGS. 3 and 5. Also, (a) is a diagram showing the state where the plug and the receptacle are arranged opposite to each other in a separated state, and (b) is a diagram showing the state where the plug and the receptacle are in an engaged posture.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (Overall Configuration) As shown in FIG. 1(a), the connector set 100 of the present embodiment includes a plug (first connector) 1 and a receptacle (second connector) 2 that is connected to and engages (fits) with the plug 1. The plug 1 and the receptacle 2 are arranged opposite to each other and are electrically conductive in the engaged posture. Each of the plug 1 and the receptacle 2 has a cylindrical shape centered on an axis O extending in the opposite direction of each other in the above-mentioned engaged posture. Hereinafter, the direction opposite to each other between the plug 1 and the receptacle 2 will be referred to as the axial direction. Also, in the engaged posture, the side of the plug 1 (the side away from the receptacle 2) is defined as one side Da in the axial direction, and the side of the receptacle 2 (the side away from the plug 1) is defined as the other side Db.

[0018] (Plug) As shown in Fig. 1(b), the plug 1 has a plug-side terminal (first-side terminal) 10 and a plug housing (first-side housing) 11 that supports the plug-side terminal 10. (Plug-side terminal) A plurality of plug-side terminals 10 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the plug 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "circumferential direction"). As shown in Fig. 2, each plug-side terminal 10 has a shaft portion 10a formed in a rod shape and connected to a wiring (not shown), and a terminal body 10b provided on the other side Db of the shaft portion 10a. The shaft portion 10a forms a "split structure" by forming a slit extending in the axial direction on its other side Db, and has a function as a spring that biases the terminal body 10b toward the other side Db. In this embodiment, four plug-side terminals 10 are provided, and the plug 1 is a four-core type plug, but the number of plug-side terminals 10 is not particularly limited. Further, the plug 1 of this embodiment is a small-sized connector with a diameter of 70 [mm] or less and compatible with high voltages of 400 [V] or more, but it is not limited to this. The same applies to the receptacle 2, which will be described in detail later.

[0019] (Plug housing) The plug housing 11 has a plug-side terminal holding member 12 that holds the plug-side terminals 10, an inner case 13 that covers the plug-side terminal holding member 12 from the outer peripheral side, and an outer case 14 that further covers the inner case 13 from the outer peripheral side.

[0020] The plug-side terminal holding member 12 has a cylindrical shape centered on the axis O, and a plurality of through holes 12a penetrating itself in the direction of the axis O are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the plug-side terminals 10 are inserted into the respective through holes 12a.

[0021] Furthermore, the plug-side terminal holding member 12 has a circular cross-section hole 12b centered on axis O that is recessed from the end face 12x facing the other side Db in the axial direction. A pressing piece 12c is provided in this hole 12b. The pressing piece 12c is approximately semi-cylindrical in shape centered on axis O, and as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the outer surface of the pressing piece 12c is composed of a semi-circular curved surface 121 and a plane 122 passing through axis O. The pressing piece 12c is erected from the bottom surface 12y of the hole 12b of the plug-side terminal holding member 12 to a position approximately the same as the end face 12x. In addition, a recess 124 is formed in the pressing piece 12c so as to be cut out from the curved surface 121 toward the position of axis O on the plane 122, extending from the tip surface 123 on the end face 12x side to the position of axis O on the other side Db in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 124x of the recess 124 is planar, making an angle θ of approximately 225 degrees with respect to the plane 122, and is connected to the plane 122 at the position of axis O.

[0022] Furthermore, the plug-side opposing direction restricting surface (first opposing direction restricting surface) 124y, which is the side facing Da in the axial direction that constitutes the recess 124, is positioned to face in the axial direction with respect to the receptacle-side opposing direction restricting surface (second opposing direction restricting surface) 220 of the receptacle 2, which will be described in detail later.

[0023] Returning to Figure 2, the inner case 13 is cylindrical with axis O as its center. More specifically, the inner case 13 has a stepped surface 13a at an intermediate position in the axial direction, facing one side Da in the axial direction. The plug-side terminal holding member 12 is in contact with the stepped surface 13a of the inner case 13 from one side Da in the axial direction, and the plug-side terminal 10 held by the plug-side terminal holding member 12 is exposed on the other side Db in the axial direction (see Figure 1(b)). In this way, the inner case 13 holds the plug-side terminal holding member 12 inside itself.

[0024] Furthermore, a male screw 13b is formed at one end Da in the axial direction on the outer circumferential surface of the inner case 13, and multiple projections 13c projecting radially inward are formed at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction at the other end Db in the axial direction on the inner circumferential surface of the inner case 13. Each projection 13c is block-shaped and extends in the circumferential direction. In addition, an annular recessed engagement groove 13d is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner case 13 between the axial male screw 13b and the projections 13c.

[0025] The outer case 14 is cylindrical in shape with axis O. Inside the outer case 14, a spacer 15, a C-ring 16, a biasing member (coil spring) 17, and a gripping body 18 are provided, extending from the other side Db to the one side Da in the axial direction.

[0026] The spacer 15 is disc-shaped with axis O and contacts the plug-side terminal holding member 12 from one side Da in the axial direction. The spacer 15 has multiple through holes 15a corresponding to the through holes 12a of the plug-side terminal holding member 12. A plug-side terminal 10 is inserted through each of the through holes 15a. The area of ​​the gripping body 18 on one side Da in the axial direction is located outside the outer case 14 and is the part that can be gripped by an operator. The gripping body 18 is cylindrical with axis O and has wiring (not shown) connected to the shaft portion 10a of the plug-side terminal 10 inserted inside. A female screw 18a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the gripping body 18 at the other end Db in the axial direction. The female thread 18a is screwed onto the male thread 13b of the inner case 13, and the biasing member 17, which contacts the end face 18b of the gripping body 18 facing the other side Db in the axial direction while screwed onto the male thread 13b, presses the outer case 14 against the other side Db in the axial direction.

[0027] (Receptacle) As shown in Figure 4, the receptacle 2 has a receptacle-side terminal (second-side terminal) 20 and a receptacle housing (second-side housing) 21 that supports the receptacle-side terminal 20.

[0028] (Receptacle-side terminal) Multiple (four) receptacle-side terminals (second-side terminals) 20 are provided, spaced apart in the circumferential direction to correspond to the plug-side terminals 10. Each receptacle-side terminal 20 is rod-shaped and connected to wiring (not shown).

[0029] (Receptacle housing) The receptacle housing 21 includes a receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 that holds the receptacle-side terminal 20, a case 23 that covers the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 from the outer circumference, a cover portion 24 provided on the case 23, an operating lever 25 (see Figure 1(a)) provided to protrude from the case 23, a rotation restricting body 26 provided inside the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22, a biasing member 27 that biases the rotation restricting body 26, and a biasing member support 28 that supports the biasing member 27.

[0030] The receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is cylindrical with an axis O, and has multiple through holes 22a that penetrate it in the direction of axis O, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. A receptacle-side terminal 20 is inserted through each of the through holes 22a. The receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 also has a protruding cylindrical portion 22x on one side Da in the axial direction, which is surrounded by the multiple through holes 22a and has a smaller diameter than the portion on the other side Db in the axial direction.

[0031] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 has a circular cross-sectional restrictor placement hole 22h formed on an axis O that penetrates itself, extending from the end face 22b facing one side Da in the axial direction of the protruding cylindrical portion 22x to the end face 22c facing the other side Db in the axial direction of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22. At the end of the restrictor placement hole 22h on the other side Db in the axial direction, the protruding cylindrical portion 22x is provided with a semicircular closing portion 22y that closes a portion of the opening 22k of the restrictor placement hole 22h. When viewed from one side Da in the axial direction, the restrictor placement hole 22h is exposed in the axial direction within a semicircular spatial region R. The shape of this semicircular spatial region R corresponds to the shape of the pressing piece 12c of the plug-side terminal holding member 12 (see Figures 3(a) and 3(b)), and is formed to be slightly larger than the pressing piece 12c, allowing the pressing piece 12c to be inserted into the restrictor placement hole 22h through this spatial region R.

[0032] The closure portion 22y has a planar, one-sided circumferential regulating surface 22z facing one side in the circumferential direction inside the regulating body placement hole 22h. That is, in the closure portion 22y, half of the circumferential region (a region equivalent to 90 degrees around the axis O) is thicker in the axial direction than the remaining half, forming a step in the axial direction. In other words, the closure portion 22y is composed of a thin-walled portion 22y1 and a thick-walled portion 22y2. The receptacle-side opposing regulating surface 220, which is the end face of the thin-walled portion 22y1 facing the other side Db in the axial direction, is positioned to face in the axial direction with respect to the plug-side opposing regulating surface 124y of the recess 124 in the pressing piece 12c of the plug-side terminal holding member 12 (see Figures 3(a) and 3(b)).

[0033] Returning to Figure 4, the case 23 is cylindrical with axis O as its center, and a rectangular flange-like portion 23x with axis O as its center is provided at the other end Db in the axial direction. The case 23 is fixed to the structure by this flange-like portion 23x, allowing the receptacle 2 to be installed on the structure. The case 23 also has a partition wall 23a at an intermediate position in the axial direction, and a through hole 23b is formed in the partition wall 23a that penetrates in the axial direction. The receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is in contact with the partition wall 23a from the other end Db in the axial direction. The receptacle-side terminal 20 held by the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is exposed to the through hole 23b in the partition wall 23a. In this way, the case 23 houses and holds the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 so that it can move in the axial direction inside itself.

[0034] Furthermore, multiple spherical bodies 23c are provided on the outer surface of the case 23, projecting radially outward and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. When engaging the plug 1 and the receptacle 2, the outer case 14 of the plug 1 is placed over the case 23 so as to cover the outer surface of the case 23. The spherical bodies 23c are pressed down by the inner surface of the outer case 14, restricting their radially outward movement. This causes the spherical bodies 23c to enter into the annular engagement groove 13d of the inner case 13 of the plug 1 and engage, resulting in the plug 1 and the receptacle 2 being in the engaged position. Thus, the connector set 100 of this embodiment is a ball-lock type connector. Furthermore, multiple circumferential grooves 23d are provided on the inside of the case 23, recessed on the other side Db in the axial direction and extending circumferentially, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In the engaged position, the projections 13c of the inner case 13 of the plug 1 are positioned in these circumferential grooves 23d.

[0035] The cover portion 24 is positioned inside the case 23 and is provided from one side Da in the axial direction relative to the partition wall 23a. Therefore, the cover portion 24 is provided on one side Da in the axial direction relative to the receptacle-side terminal 20. The cover portion 24 is configured to expose the receptacle-side terminal 20 to one side Da when the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is in the conductive position P11, which will be described in detail later. That is, the cover portion 24 forms a flower-shaped exposure hole 24a that penetrates itself. Therefore, the cover portion 24 has a plurality of exposure regions 24x which are the outermost radial parts of the exposure hole 24a, and a plurality of cover regions 24y (regions where there is no exposure hole 24a) which are arranged one by one in the circumferential direction relative to each exposure region 24x. The exposed areas 24x and the covered areas 24y are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and in this embodiment, four of each of the exposed areas 24x and covered areas 24y are provided, corresponding to the number of terminals 10 and 20. In addition, multiple notches 24b are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover portion 24 at intervals in the circumferential direction. These notches 24b are provided at positions corresponding to the circumferential grooves 23d of the case 23, so that in the engaged position, the projection 13c of the inner case 13 of the plug 1 is positioned in the circumferential grooves 23d of the cover 23 through these notches 24b.

[0036] The operating lever 25 is provided so as to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the case 23 (see Figure 1(a)), and as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), it rotates circumferentially with respect to the case 23 between a usable position P1 (corresponding to a conductive position P11 described later) and a non-used position P2 (corresponding to a non-conductive position P12 described later). The operating lever 25 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22, and rotates with respect to the case 23 together with the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 in conjunction with the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22.

[0037] Returning to Figure 5, the rotation restrictor 26 is positioned in the restrictor placement hole 22h of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the rotation restrictor 26 has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the rotation restrictor 26 has a semi-cylindrical portion 26a and a pair of end convex portions 26b that protrude circumferentially from the semi-cylindrical portion 26a at both ends in the axial direction of the semi-cylindrical portion 26a. Each end convex portion 26b protrudes from one side of the plane 26x that constitutes the outer circumferential surface of the semi-cylindrical portion 26a, straddling the axis O. In this embodiment, when the end convex portion 26b is viewed from the axial direction, the end convex portion 26b has a sector shape with a central angle θ1 = 90 degrees, which is part of a perfect circle. Therefore, when the semi-cylindrical portion 26a and the end convex portion 26b are viewed from the axial direction, they form a sector shape with a central angle θ2 = 270 degrees, which is part of a perfect circle. As a result, each end convex portion 26b has a circumferential restricting surface 26z on the other side that is connected to the plane 26x at an angle of 90 degrees at the position of axis O.

[0038] Returning to Figure 5, in this embodiment, the biasing member 27 is a coil spring and is provided on the other side Db in the axial direction relative to the rotation restricting body 26, biasing the rotation restricting body 26 toward the one side Da.

[0039] The biasing member support 28 is approximately disc-shaped with its axis O centered and is installed inside the case 23 so as not to rotate relative to the case 23. A spacer 29 is sandwiched between the biasing member support 28 and the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22. The spacer 29 has multiple through holes 29a that pass through it, corresponding to each through hole 22a of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 (see Figure 4). A C-ring 30 is provided on the other axial side Db of the biasing member support 28. This C-ring 30 acts as a retainer, preventing the biasing member support 28 from falling out of the case 23 on the other axial side Db.

[0040] The biasing member support 28 has a cylindrical portion 28a that houses the biasing member 27 on its inside, and a flange-shaped portion 28b that has a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 28a. At one end of the cylindrical portion 28a in the axial direction, a locking projection 28x is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 28a, extending over a portion of the circumferential region. The locking projection 28x is a surface facing one side in the circumferential direction, forming a locking surface 28z that faces the other side circumferential restricting surface 26z of the other side Db in the axial direction of the rotation restricting body 26, and also supports the biasing member 27 as a coil spring from the outer circumference. The flange-shaped portion 28b has a plurality of elongated holes 28c that pass through it and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (see Figure 4). Each elongated hole 28c is provided corresponding to each through-hole 22a of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22, and has a shape that is longer and narrower in the circumferential direction than each through-hole 22a.

[0041] (Engagement action) Next, referring to Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the operation of engaging (fitting) the plug 1 and the receptacle 2 to create electrical conductivity will be explained. Note that in Figure 8, only the main components are shown for the sake of explanation. First, the plug 1 is positioned axially opposite to the receptacle 2, and the plug 1 and receptacle 2 are brought close together so that the projection 13c of the inner case 13 of the plug 1 is positioned in the circumferential groove 23d of the receptacle 2. Then, the spherical body 23c of the case 23 of the receptacle 2 engages with the annular engagement groove 13d of the inner case 13 of the plug 1, and assumes an engaged position (see Figures 1(a), 1(b), and 2). At the same time, the biasing force of the shaft portion 10a of the plug-side terminal 10 of the plug 1 causes the terminal body 10b of the plug-side terminal 10 to be pressed against the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 through the exposed area 24x of the cover portion 24 of the receptacle 2. When the plug is in the engaged position, the pressing piece 12c of the plug-side terminal holding member 12 of the plug 1 is inserted through the opening 22k of the restrictor placement hole 22h of the receptacle 2 through the spatial region R (see Figure 5(a)), thereby pressing the rotation restrictor 26 toward the other side Db in the axial direction against the biasing force of the biasing member 27.

[0042] As a result, in the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22, the other circumferential restricting surface 26z of the rotation restricting body 26 is positioned at a different location (shifted to the other side Db in the axial direction) relative to the one circumferential restricting surface 22z (a state in which the rotation of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is restricted), and the one circumferential restricting surface 22z and the other circumferential restricting surface 26z are no longer facing each other. At the same time, the other circumferential restricting surface 26z of the rotation restricting body 26 is positioned at a different location (shifted to the other side Db in the axial direction) relative to the one circumferential restricting surface 22z (a state in which the rotation of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is restricted), and the locking surface 28z and the other circumferential restricting surface 26z are no longer facing each other. In this state, when one circumferential restricting surface 22z and the other circumferential restricting surface 26z are not facing each other, and when the locking surface 28z and the other circumferential restricting surface 26z are not facing each other, rotation of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is permitted.

[0043] As a result, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), by rotating the operating lever 25 circumferentially from the unused position P2 to the usage position P1, the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 rotates around axis O relative to the case 23 from the non-conductive position P12 corresponding to the unused position P2 of the operating lever 25 to the conductive position P11 corresponding to the usage position P1 of the operating lever 25. At this time, the wiring (not shown) connected to the receptacle-side terminal 20 rotates together with the receptacle-side terminal 20 and moves circumferentially within the elongated hole 28c of the biasing member support 28.

[0044] With the above configuration, the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 and the operating lever 25 are rotatable in the engaged position where the pressing piece 12c of the plug-side terminal holding member 12 is pressing against the rotation restrictor 26, while the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 and the operating lever 25 are immobile in any position other than the engaged position where the pressing piece 12c of the plug-side terminal holding member 12 is not pressing against the rotation restrictor 26.

[0045] Furthermore, when the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is rotated from the non-conductive position P12 to the conductive position P11 in the engaged position, the bottom surface 124x of the recess 124 of the plug-side terminal holding member 12 and the thin-walled portion 22y1 of the closing portion 22y of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 face each other in the circumferential direction, stopping the rotation of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 and positioning it in the conductive position P11.

[0046] At this point, in the non-conductive position P12, the receptacle-side opposing direction restricting surface 220 of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is positioned at a different circumferential position from the plug-side opposing direction restricting surface 124y of the plug-side terminal holding member 12, and is not facing each other in the axial direction, allowing the plug-side terminal holding member 12 and the receptacle housing 21 to move apart (see Figure 8(b)). In the conductive position P11, the receptacle-side opposing direction restricting surface 220 and the plug-side opposing direction restricting surface 124y face each other in the axial direction. In the conductive position P11, the axial movement of the receptacle housing 21 toward the other side Db relative to the plug housing 11, that is, the movement of the plug housing 11 and the receptacle housing 21 to move apart in the axial direction is restricted, and the plug housing 11 and the receptacle housing 21 are locked in the axial direction.

[0047] Furthermore, in the non-conductive position P12, the receptacle-side terminal 20 is covered by the cover area 24y of the cover portion 24 of the receptacle 2 and is not exposed in the axial direction. When the receptacle-side terminal 20 rotates circumferentially together with the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 from this state to the conductive position P11, the receptacle-side terminal 20 is exposed from the exposed area 24x of the cover portion 24, causing the receptacle-side terminal 20 and the plug-side terminal 10 to come into contact facing each other in the axial direction.

[0048] (Effects and Benefits) According to the connector set 100 of this embodiment described above, an operating lever 25 is provided in the receptacle 2 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction, and the connection between the plug 1 and the receptacle 2 is switched between conductive and non-conductive states. Therefore, the operating lever 25 does not protrude significantly in the axial direction toward the plug 1, i.e., toward the front of the receptacle 2. Thus, by limiting the amount of protrusion of the operating lever 25 toward the front, it is possible to avoid situations in which an operator inadvertently comes into contact with the operating lever 25 and the plug 1 falls out of the receptacle 2.

[0049] Furthermore, when the operating lever 25 is rotated from the unused position P2 to the usage position P1 in the engaged position, and the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is positioned in the conductive position P11, the plug-side opposing direction restricting surface 124y and the receptacle-side opposing direction restricting surface 220 face each other in the axial direction, restricting and locking the movement of the plug 1 and the receptacle 2 so as to cause them to separate in the axial direction. Therefore, when there is electrical conductivity between the plug 1 and the receptacle 2, it is possible to prevent the plug 1 from falling out of the receptacle 2.

[0050] Furthermore, by providing a cover portion 24 on the receptacle 2, when the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 is positioned in the non-conductive position P12 and the plug 1 and receptacle 2 are separated and in a position other than the engaged position, the receptacle-side terminal 20 is not exposed in the axial direction. Therefore, it is no longer possible for an operator to inadvertently come into contact with the receptacle-side terminal 20.

[0051] Furthermore, when the plug 1 and the receptacle 2 are separated and in a position other than the engaged position, the circumferential restricting surface 22z on one side and the circumferential restricting surface 26z on the other side of the receptacle 2 face each other in the circumferential direction, and the locking surface 28z and the circumferential restricting surface 26z on the other side face each other in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the rotation of the operating lever 25 and the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22. Therefore, in positions other than the engaged position, the receptacle-side terminal 20 is not exposed from the cover portion 24 and is always covered, further reducing the risk of the operator coming into contact with the receptacle-side terminal 20.

[0052] Furthermore, by providing a rotation restrictor 26 on the receptacle 2 and pressing the rotation restrictor 26 with the pressing piece 12c of the plug 1, it is possible to switch the rotation of the operating lever 25 and the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 on or off, which leads to reduced manufacturing costs and improved ease of assembly.

[0053] In particular, in this embodiment, the rotation restrictor 26 not only switches between rotating and not rotating the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22, but also prevents the plug 1 from falling out of the receptacle 2 at the same time, making it possible to miniaturize the connector set 100 with a very simple structure.

[0054] Herein, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, conversely to the above, a rotation restrictor 26 or an operating lever 25 may be provided on the plug 1 side.

[0055] Furthermore, the rotation restriction function of the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22 and the plug 1 detachment restriction function may be realized by a structure other than the rotation restricting body 26 described above, and the structure is not particularly limited to the above-described structure.

[0056] Furthermore, as described above, it is not necessary to have a function to switch between conductivity and non-conductivity by rotating the receptacle-side terminal holding member 22; it is also acceptable to simply prevent the plug 1 from falling out by rotating the operating lever 25. [Industrial applicability]

[0057] According to the connector set of the present invention, the amount of protrusion of the operating lever toward the front in the direction opposite to the connectors is suppressed, making it possible to avoid unintentional contact with the operating lever. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1…Plug (first connector) 2…Receptacle (second connector) 10… Plug-side terminal (first terminal) 11… Plug housing (first side housing) 12… Plug-side terminal retaining member 12c...Pressure piece 20... Receptacle-side terminal (second-side terminal) 21…Receptacle Housing (Second Side Housing) 22…Receptacle-side terminal retaining member 22h...Regulator placement hole 22k…Aperture 22y…Occluded part 22z…One side circumferential direction regulation surface 23... Cases 24...Cover part 24x…Exposed area 24y… Coverage area 25...Operating lever 26... Rotation restrictor 26z…Other side circumferential direction regulating surface 27… Biasing member 100... Connector Set 124y... Plug-side opposing direction restricting surface (first opposing direction restricting surface) 220... Receptacle-side opposing direction restricting surface (second opposing direction restricting surface) Da... one side Db...the other side O…Axis line P1…Using position P2…Unused position P11...Continuity position P12…Non-conducting position R…Spatial area

Claims

1. A connector set comprising a first connector and a second connector positioned opposite the first connector and capable of conducting electricity to the first connector in an engaged position, The first connector is, First side terminal and A first side housing supporting the first side terminal, Equipped with, The second connector is, The second terminal and A second side housing that supports the second side terminal, Equipped with, The second side housing is A cylindrical case extending in the direction opposite to the first connector and the second connector, An operating lever that rotates in the circumferential direction of the case, A terminal holding member housed in the case and, in conjunction with the operating lever, is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the case together with the second terminal in the engaged position, between a non-conductive position where the second terminal is at a different position from the first terminal in the circumferential direction, and a conductive position where the second terminal and the first terminal are in contact facing each other in the opposing direction. A connector set having [specific features / features].

2. The first side housing has a first opposing direction restricting surface that faces one side in the opposing direction in the engagement position, The second side housing has a second opposing direction restricting surface that faces the other side in the opposing direction in the engagement position, When the terminal holding member is in the conductive position, the first opposing direction restricting surface and the second opposing direction restricting surface face each other in the opposing direction, restricting the movement of the first side housing and the second side housing toward each other in the opposing direction. The connector set according to claim 1, wherein when the terminal holding member is in the non-conductive position, the first opposing direction restricting surface and the second opposing direction restricting surface are positioned at different positions in the circumferential direction and are in a non-facing state in the opposing direction, allowing the first side housing and the second side housing to move apart in the opposing direction.

3. The second housing further has a cover portion provided on one side that, in the engagement position, faces the second terminal and is on the side of the first connector, The aforementioned cover portion is When the terminal holding member is in the conductive position, the exposed region that exposes the second terminal to the one side, A cover region is arranged in the circumferential direction with respect to the exposed region, and covers the second terminal from one side in the opposing direction when the terminal holding member is in the non-conductive position, A connector set according to claim 2, having the following features.

4. The terminal holding member has a one-sided circumferential restricting surface that faces one side in the circumferential direction in the engagement position, The second side housing further has a circumferential restricting surface on the other side facing the other side in the circumferential direction, In positions other than the engagement position, the one circumferential restricting surface and the other circumferential restricting surface face each other in the circumferential direction, restricting the rotation of the terminal holding member relative to the case. In the engagement position, the connector set according to claim 3, wherein the one-sided circumferential restricting surface and the other-sided circumferential restricting surface are positioned at different locations in the opposing direction and are in a non-facing state in the circumferential direction, thereby allowing rotation of the terminal holding member relative to the case.

5. The second side housing is A rotation restricting body that forms the other side circumferential restricting surface and is pressed to the other side in the opposing direction by the first side housing in the engagement position, A biasing member that biases the rotation restricting body to one side in the opposing direction, The connector set according to claim 4, further comprising:

6. The terminal holding member has a restricting body placement hole that extends in the opposing direction and positions the rotation restricting body, and a closing portion that closes a part of the opening on one side of the restricting body placement hole in the opposing direction, thereby creating a spatial region that exposes the restricting body placement hole to one side in the opposing direction, and also has a closing portion that forms the second opposing direction restricting surface inside the restricting body placement hole. The connector set according to claim 5, wherein the first side housing has a pressing piece that is inserted through the spatial region into the restricting body placement hole to press the rotation restricting body and to form the first opposing direction restricting surface.

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