Automatic fastening connector

Abstract

To provide an automatic fastening connector capable of dispersing stress applied to a specific connector when fastening connectors together, and preventing cracks or breakage from occurring at a specific position. [Solution] The automatic fastening connector includes a first connector (100) having pin terminals therein, and a second connector having socket terminals into which the pin terminals are inserted, and the first connector (100) includes a housing for accommodating the pin terminals therein, an accommodating space formed inside the housing for accommodating the second connector (200) from a first direction, a pair of position correction guides (130) formed on both sides of the housing and extending in the first direction, and a prevention guide (140) formed at the rear of the housing and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic fastening connector, and more particularly to an automatic fastening connector that facilitates fastening and separation between connectors.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a connector is a connecting device that electrically connects a power source to a device, between devices, or internal units of a device. This connector consists of a pair that can be fastened to each other, namely, a plug connector and a receptacle connector. Inside the plug connector and the receptacle connector, terminals for transmitting current and signals are provided.

[0003] However, the conventional connector assembly has a problem in that the efficiency and workability cannot be significantly improved because an operator has to fasten it after visually or tactilely confirming.

[0004] In addition, in the conventional connector assembly, a phenomenon occurs in which stress concentrates at a specific position of the position correction arm during the process of fastening the plug connector and the receptacle connector.

[0005] Thus, when stress concentrates at a specific position of the position correction arm during fastening of the plug connector and the receptacle connector, the strength of that portion decreases, and in severe cases, cracks may occur or it may be damaged.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention has a technical problem of providing an automatic fastening connector that can disperse stress applied to a specific connector during fastening between connectors and prevent cracks from occurring or damage from occurring at a specific position.

[0007] Furthermore, the technical objective of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an automatic fastening connector that can improve the stability of fastening when the connectors are joined.

[0008] The problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment for solving the aforementioned technical problems includes a first connector having pin terminals inside, and a second connector having socket terminals into which the pin terminals are inserted, wherein the first connector includes a housing for housing the pin terminals inside, a housing space formed inside the housing for housing the second connector from a first direction, a pair of position correction guides formed on both sides of the housing and extending in the first direction, and a prevention guide formed behind the housing and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] In this embodiment, the pair of position correction guides include a first curved portion, one end of which abuts against both sides of the housing and the other end of which is bent (folded) toward the first direction, and a second curved portion, one end of which abuts against the other end of the first curved portion and the other end of which abuts against the rear of the housing, and which is formed in an S-shape.

[0011] In this embodiment, the pair of position correction guides further include extensions formed projecting from the first curved portion toward both sides of the housing, the ends of which are formed spaced apart on both sides of the housing.

[0012] In this embodiment, the extension is formed at a distance from the second curved portion.

[0013] In this embodiment, the extension is formed to be inclined toward the front of the housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pair of position correction guides further include a slot formed extending from the first curved section to the second curved section.

[0015] In this embodiment, the prevention guides are formed in pairs, and each of the pair of prevention guides is formed at a distance from the upper and lower ends of the housing.

[0016] In this embodiment, the tension of the upper prevention guide is greater than the tension of the lower prevention guide.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first connector further includes a fastening guide formed at the front of the housing and widening towards the front, and the second connector is housed in the housing space along the fastening guide.

[0018] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the fastening guide is formed in a square shape.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second connector includes a housing that houses the socket terminals, a projection formed protruding from the front end of the housing and forming a mounting space on which the socket terminals are attached, and a pair of positional correction guides formed on both sides of the housing and extending in the direction opposite to the first direction.

[0020] In this embodiment, the pair of position correction guides include an extension portion formed by one end contacting both sides of the housing and the other end extending toward the first direction, and a bent portion formed by one end contacting the other end of the extension portion and the other end bending toward the rear of the housing.

[0021] According to the embodiment, each of the pair of position correction guides includes a first extension part and a first bending part formed on the upper part of the housing, and a second extension part and a second bending part formed on the lower part of the housing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the embodiment, by providing an automatic fastening connector that disperses the stress applied to a specific connector when fastening between connectors and prevents cracks from occurring or damage from occurring at a specific position, there is an effect that an operator can easily couple / fasten between connectors.

[0023] According to the embodiment, by providing an automatic fastening connector that can improve the stability of fastening when connecting connectors, there is an effect that an operator can easily couple / fasten between connectors.

[0024] The effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an exploded view of an automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a first connector of an automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a first connector of an automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a first connector of an automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a prevention guide provided in a first connector of an automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example in which a second connector of an automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment is fastened to a first connector. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example in which the second connector of the automatic fastening connector according to the embodiment is fastened to the first connector. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example in which the second connector of the automatic fastening connector according to the embodiment is fastened to the first connector. [Figure 10] This figure shows the second connector of the automatic fastening connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows the second connector of the automatic fastening connector according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, but identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0027] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description for the components are added or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of specification preparation and do not have any distinguishing meaning or role in themselves. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if it is determined that a specific explanation of the relevant prior art would obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0028] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein, and include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0029] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "First," "Second," etc., are used to describe the various components of the embodiment. However, the interpretation of these components should not be limited by these terms. Such terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another.

[0030] When it is mentioned that one component is “linked” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that this means it is directly linked or connected to the other component, but also includes cases where another component is interposed between them. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that one component is “directly linked” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component interposed between them.

[0031] A singular expression includes plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] In this specification, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof as described in the specification, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment.

[0034] More specifically, Figure 1 shows the state in which the second connector 200 is fastened to the first connector 100.

[0035] The automatic fastening connector 1000 shown in Figure 2 corresponds to the automatic fastening connector 1000 shown in Figure 1.

[0036] In describing the automatic fastening connector 1000 according to the embodiment below, the left-right direction will be described using the x-axis direction as the reference, the up-down direction using the y-axis direction as the reference, and the forward or backward direction using the z-axis direction as the reference.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the automatic fastening connector 1000 according to the embodiment includes a first connector 100 and a second connector 200.

[0038] The automatic fastening connector 1000 is provided in a vehicle lamp assembly or the like and corresponds to a connector that transmits current and signals. Specifically, the first connector 100 is installed on the vehicle lamp lens (not shown) side and is a type of male connector. Alternatively, the second connector 200 is installed on the vehicle lamp housing (not shown) side and is a type of female connector.

[0039] The first connector 100 includes an external housing 110 and pin terminals 101 installed inside the housing 110. Inside the housing 110 is a locking device 102 that secures the pin terminals 101 to prevent them from coming loose after installation.

[0040] The second connector 200, like the first connector 100, includes an external housing 210 and socket terminals 201 installed inside the housing 210. Similarly, the housing 210 is equipped with a locking device 202 to secure the socket terminals 201 after installation to prevent them from coming loose.

[0041] In other words, the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are fastened together by inserting the pin terminal 101 into the socket terminal 201. At this time, in order to prevent deformation of the pin terminal 101 that occurs when the pin terminal 101 is inserted into the socket terminal 201, the housing 110 of the first connector 100 includes a plate 103. The plate 103 is formed in a plate shape with a predetermined strength in order to prevent deformation of the pin terminal 101 that occurs when the pin terminal 101 is inserted into the socket terminal 201. Furthermore, the plate 103 is formed so that the protruding portion of the pin terminal 101 passes through, but the insertion portion of the socket terminal 201 does not pass through.

[0042] Conventional connector assemblies have a problem in that, when fastening the first connector to the second connector, the first and second connectors may not be properly fastened due to incorrect fastening positions, etc. Furthermore, conventional connector assemblies have a problem in that, when fastening the first and second connectors, cracks may occur or the connectors may break due to the load applied to them.

[0043] Therefore, the automatic fastening connector 1000 according to the embodiment has the effect of solving the aforementioned problems by having the first connector 100 equipped with a position correction guide 130 and a prevention guide 140. The first connector 100 will be described in more detail below.

[0044] Figures 3 to 5 show the first connector of the automatic fastening connector according to the embodiment. Figure 6 shows a prevention guide provided on the first connector of the automatic fastening connector according to the embodiment.

[0045] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the first connector 100 of the automatic fastening connector 1000 according to the embodiment includes a housing 110, a housing space 120, a position correction guide 130, a prevention guide 140, and a fastening guide 150.

[0046] As described in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 110 has an external shape that forms the first connector 100 and houses the pin terminals 101 inside. A fastening portion 111 is formed at the rear of the housing 110. The fastening portion 111 fastens the first connector 100 to the vehicle lamp lens (not shown).

[0047] The housing space 120 is formed inside the housing 110 and accommodates the second connector 200 from a first direction. That is, the housing space 120 accommodates the second connector 200 which is inserted from a first direction (-z axis direction). The second connector 200 is inserted from a first direction and accommodated in the housing space 120. More specifically, when the second connector 200 is accommodated in the housing space 120, the pin terminals 101 on the first connector 200 are consequently fastened to the socket terminals 201 on the second connector 200.

[0048] The position correction guides 130 are formed on both sides of the housing 110, extending in a first direction, and are formed in pairs. That is, the position correction guides 130 are formed on both sides with respect to the housing 110.

[0049] The position correction guide 130 includes a first curved section 131, a second curved section 132, an extension section 133, and a slot 134.

[0050] The first curved portion 131 is formed by having one end abut against both sides of the housing 110 and the other end bent toward the first direction. That is, the first curved portion 131 extends from the housing 110 and is formed by bending toward the rear of the housing 110.

[0051] The second curved section 132 is formed such that one end abuts against the other end of the first curved section 131 and the other end abuts against the rear of the housing 110. Furthermore, the second curved section 132 is formed in an S-shape. That is, the second curved section 132 extends from the other end of the first curved section 131, bends in an S-shape, and abuts against the rear of the housing 110.

[0052] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, it is preferable that the second curved section 132 first bends toward the front direction (z-axis direction) of the housing 110, and then bends toward the rear direction (-z-axis direction) of the housing 110.

[0053] The extension portion 133 is formed to protrude from the first curved portion 131 toward both sides of the housing 110. That is, the extension portion 133 extends from the middle portion of the first curved portion 131 and protrudes toward both sides of the housing 110 (in the + / - x axis direction).

[0054] Furthermore, the extension 133 is formed to be inclined toward the front of the housing 110. Also, the extension 133 is formed at a distance from the second curved portion 132.

[0055] Slot 134 is formed by extending from the first curved section 131 to the second curved section 132.

[0056] The position correction guide 130 corrects the fastening position of the second connector 200 when fastening the second connector 200 to the first connector 100, and at the same time distributes the load generated on the first connector 100. In particular, the extension 133 of the position correction guide 130 prevents movement of the housing 110 in the front-rear direction (+ / -z axis direction). A detailed explanation of this is given in Figures 7 to 9.

[0057] The prevention guide 140 is formed behind the housing 110 and extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. That is, the prevention guide 140 is formed behind the housing 110 and is formed as a plate that extends long in the left-right direction (+ / -x axis direction) of the first connector 100.

[0058] Referring to Figure 5, the prevention guide 140 is formed in pairs. More specifically, the prevention guide 140 includes an upper prevention guide 141 formed at a distance from the upper end of the housing 110, and a lower prevention guide 142 formed at a distance from the lower end of the housing 110.

[0059] In particular, the prevention guide 140 abuts against the fastening portion 111 located at the rear of the housing 110. That is, the prevention guide 140 is located at a distance from the housing 110, but abuts against the fastening portion 111 which is formed as an extension to the rear of the housing 110.

[0060] The tension of the upper-positioned prevention guide 141 is greater than the tension of the lower-positioned prevention guide 142. In other words, the tension of the upper-positioned prevention guide 141 is higher than the tension of the lower-positioned prevention guide 142.

[0061] The prevention guide 140 is formed at a distance from the upper or lower end of the housing 110, thereby preventing excessive twisting of the first connector 100 when the second connector 200 is fastened to the first connector 100. That is, as shown in Figure 6, when the second connector 200 is fastened to the first connector 100, a twisting phenomenon may occur at the neck end of the first connector 100, and this twisting phenomenon causes the housing 110 of the first connector 100 to move excessively in the vertical direction (+ / - y axis direction).

[0062] Therefore, the prevention guide 140 of the automatic fastening connector 1000 according to the embodiment is positioned away from the upper and lower ends of the housing 110, which has the effect of allowing a certain degree of vertical movement of the housing 110, but preventing excessive vertical movement of the housing 110.

[0063] The fastening guide 150 is formed on the front of the housing 110 and is shaped to become wider towards the front. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the fastening guide 150 consists of four parts, each formed on one of the edges that make up the front surface of the housing 110. The fastening guide 150 is angled along each edge of the front surface of the housing 110, but its inner wall is tapered, narrowing towards the housing space 120.

[0064] The fastening guide 150 is formed such that its inner wall narrows towards the housing space 120, so that even if the connection / fastening direction of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 is slightly misaligned, the fastening guide 150 corrects the connection / fastening direction. In particular, the fastening guide 150 is formed in an angle shape, which allows the connection direction of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 to be corrected both vertically and horizontally.

[0065] Figures 7 to 9 show an example in which the second connector of the automatic fastening connector according to the embodiment is fastened to the first connector.

[0066] More specifically, Figure 7 shows the state in which the second connector 200 is fastened to the first connector 100 in the wrong position, Figure 8 shows the state in which the left and right sides of the second connector 200 are corrected by the position correction guide 130, and Figure 9 shows the state in which the front and back sides of the second connector 200 are corrected by the position correction guide 130 and the prevention guide 140.

[0067] First, as shown in Figure 7, when the second connector 200 and the first connector 100 are fastened together, there is a possibility that the second connector 200 may be inserted into the first connector 100 at an incorrect fastening position rather than the correct one.

[0068] At this time, as explained in Figures 3 to 5, when the second connector 200 moves in the direction of coupling with the first connector 100, it comes into contact with the fastening guide 150 formed on the front of the housing 110. Furthermore, when the second connector 200 comes into contact with the fastening guide 150, it moves to the left along the inner wall of the fastening guide 150, correcting the coupling direction.

[0069] In particular, the fastening guide 150 is preferably formed with a square cross-section and consists of four walls. Therefore, regardless of the direction of connection of the second connector 200, the second connector 200 moves along the inner wall of the fastening guide 150 to the upper / lower / left / right sides, thereby correcting the connection direction.

[0070] The fastening guide 150 corrects the fastening direction of the second connector 200 even if the fastening direction is incorrect, and as a result, the second connector 200 is fastened to the first connector 100 as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0071] Referring to Figure 8, even if the coupling direction of the second connector 200 differs from the original fastening direction with respect to the left and right, the position of the second connector 200 is automatically corrected by the position correction guide 130.

[0072] In other words, when the second connector 200 is housed in the housing space 120 along the fastening guide 150, the position of the second connector 200 is automatically corrected by the spring tension structure of the position correction guide 130.

[0073] Furthermore, when a load in the first direction is applied to the first connector 100 as the second connector 200 moves in the first direction, the extension 133 of the position correction guide 130 can prevent the second curved portion 132 of the position correction guide 130 from moving in the front-rear direction. In this case, the position correction guide 130 can correct the fastening direction to a degree that differs by up to 6 mm from the original fastening direction, based on the left and right sides.

[0074] Referring to Figure 9, even if the coupling direction of the second connector 200 differs from the original fastening direction with respect to the front and back, the position of the second connector 200 is automatically corrected by the position correction guide 130 and the prevention guide 140.

[0075] In other words, when the second connector 200 is housed in the housing space 120 along the fastening guide 150, the position of the second connector 200 is automatically corrected by the spring tension structure of the position correction guide 130 and the spring tension structure of the prevention guide 140.

[0076] Furthermore, if a load in the vertical direction (+ / - y axis direction) is applied to the first connector 100 as the second connector 200 moves in the front-rear direction, the prevention guide 140 can prevent the first connector 100 from moving in the vertical direction. In this case, the prevention guide 140 and the position correction guide 130 can correct the fastening direction to a difference of up to 6 mm from the original fastening direction, based on the front-rear direction.

[0077] Therefore, the automatic fastening connector 1000 according to the embodiment has the effect of automatically correcting the position of the second connector 200 even if it is fastened in the wrong direction, regardless of whether it is in the left / right or up / down direction.

[0078] Figures 10 and 11 show the second connector of the automatic fastening connector according to an embodiment.

[0079] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the second connector 200 of the automatic fastening connector 1000 according to the embodiment includes a housing 210, a protrusion 220, and a position correction guide 230.

[0080] As described in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 210 has a configuration that forms the outer shape of the second connector 200 and houses the socket terminals 201 inside. A fastening portion 211 is formed at the rear of the housing 110. The fastening portion 211 installs the second connector 200 to the vehicle lamp housing (not shown).

[0081] The protrusion 220 is formed to protrude from the front end of the housing 210, forming a mounting space 221 to which the socket terminal 201 is attached. That is, the protrusion 220 has a socket terminal 201 inside, and the protrusion 220 is inserted into the housing space 120 of the first connector 100. More specifically, when the protrusion 220 is housed in the housing space 120, the pin terminal 101 provided on the first connector 200 is consequently fastened to the socket terminal 201 provided on the second connector 200.

[0082] The position correction guides 230 are formed on both sides of the housing 210 and extend in the direction opposite to the first direction. The position correction guides 230 are formed in pairs. That is, the position correction guides 230 are formed on both sides of the housing 210 with respect to it.

[0083] The position correction guide 230 includes an extension 231 and a bent portion 232.

[0084] The extension 231 is formed with one end abutting against both sides of the housing 210 and the other end extending in the first direction. That is, the extension 231 extends from the housing 210 and extends in the forward direction of the housing 210.

[0085] The bent portion 232 is formed by bending it so that one end abuts against the other end of the extension portion 231 and the other end abuts against the rear of the housing 210. In other words, the bent portion 232 extends from the extension portion 231 and is formed by bending it toward the rear of the housing 210.

[0086] In particular, the bent portion 232 abuts against the fastening portion 211 located at the rear of the housing 210. That is, the bent portion 232 is formed by bending toward the rear of the housing 210, but abuts against the fastening portion 211 which is formed as an extension to the rear of the housing 210.

[0087] Furthermore, the extension portion 231 and the bent portion 232 are formed as a pair. That is, as shown in Figure 10, the extension portion 231 and the bent portion 232 are formed as a pair on the upper side and the lower side of the housing 210, respectively.

[0088] The detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above has been provided so that those skilled in the art can embody and practice the invention. While the above description has been based on reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, those skilled in the art can utilize the configurations described in the above embodiments in combination with each other.

[0089] Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather aims to provide the broadest possible scope that is consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A first connector having pin terminals inside; and It includes a second connector which has a socket terminal into which the aforementioned pin terminal is inserted, The first connector described above is A housing that accommodates the aforementioned pin terminals inside; A housing formed inside the housing, which accommodates the second connector from the first direction. space; A pair of positional pads are formed on both sides of the housing and extend in the first direction. Correct guide; and It is formed behind the housing and extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Includes a prevention guide, The pair of position correction guides are, One end abuts against both sides of the housing, and the other end is formed by bending toward the first direction. The first curved section; One end abuts against the other end of the first curved section, and the other end abuts against the rear of the housing, forming an S-shape. A second curved portion formed in a certain shape; and Includes extensions formed projecting from the first curved portion toward both sides of the housing. fruit, The ends of the extensions are self-fastening connectors formed spaced apart on both sides of the housing.

2. The aforementioned extension is The automatic fastening connector according to claim 1, formed at a distance from the second curved portion.

3. The aforementioned extension is The automatic fastening connector according to claim 1, which is formed inclined toward the front of the housing Kuta.

4. The pair of position correction guides are, It further includes a slot formed by extending from the first curved portion to the second curved portion. The automatic fastening connector according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned prevention guides are formed in pairs, The pair of prevention guides are The automatic fastening according to claim 1, each formed at a distance from the upper and lower ends of the housing. Connector.

6. The tension of the prevention guide located at the top is controlled by the prevention guide located at the bottom. The automatic fastening connector according to claim 5, which is formed with a tension greater than that of the id.

7. The first connector described above is The housing further includes a fastening guide formed at the front of the housing, which widens towards the front. fruit, Claim 1, the second connector is housed in the housing space along the fastening guide. The automatic fastening connector described above.

8. The automatic fastening connector according to claim 7, wherein the cross-section of the fastening guide is formed in a square shape.

9. The second connector described above is A housing that accommodates the socket terminals inside; A projection formed extending from the front end of the housing of the second connector, which provides a mounting space for the socket terminals to be attached; and The automatic fastening connector according to claim 1, comprising a pair of position correction guides formed on both sides of the housing of the second connector and extending in a direction opposite to the first direction.

10. The pair of position correction guides of the second connector are An extension formed by one end abutting against both sides of the housing of the second connector and the other end extending toward the first direction; and The automatic fastening connector according to claim 9, including a bent portion formed by bending one end so as to abut against the other end of the extension and the other end so as to abut against the rear of the housing of the second connector.

11. Each of the pair of position correction guides of the second connector is The automatic fastening connector according to claim 10, comprising a first extension and a first bent portion formed on the upper part of the housing of the second connector, and a second extension and a second bent portion formed on the lower part of the housing of the second connector.

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