Connector device

Abstract

The present invention achieves size reduction.　A connector device (A) comprises: a terminal holding member (10) that fits with a counterpart-side connector (B); a terminal fitting (16) that is held by the terminal holding member (10); and a holder (20) that moves integrally with the terminal holding member (10) in the fitting direction toward the counterpart-side connector (B). The holder (20) has a first member (21) and a second member (35). Formed in the terminal holding member (10) and the first member (21) is a first guide part (26) that allows relative displacement of the terminal holding member (10) and the first member (21) in a first direction which intersects the fitting direction. Formed in the first member (21) and the second member (35) is a second guide part (40) that allows relative displacement of the first member (21) and the second member (35) in a second direction which intersects both the fitting direction and the first direction.

Description

Connector device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a floating connector including a slide housing with contacts attached and a base housing that holds the slide housing so that it can be displaced relative to the base housing in both the depth and width directions. A pair of grooves extending in the depth direction are formed on the inner surfaces of both widthwise side walls of the base housing. These grooves house protrusions formed on both widthwise ends of the slide housing. The grooves and protrusions function to restrict relative displacement of the slide housing and the base housing in the height direction. The grooves and protrusions are also fitted together to allow the slide housing to float relative to the base housing in both the depth and width directions.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-093424

[0004] The groove is formed by recessing the side wall of the base housing in the width direction, and the protrusion is formed by protruding in the width direction from the outer surface of the sliding housing. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the protrusion from coming off the groove even when the sliding housing floats to its maximum in the width direction. Therefore, the width dimensions of the groove and the protrusion need not only provide the minimum required engagement when the protruding end of the protrusion is closest to the opening of the groove during the floating process, but also a dimension equivalent to the maximum float amount in the width direction of the sliding housing. Therefore, the floating connector of Patent Document 1 has the problem of being large in width.

[0005] The connector device of the present disclosure was completed based on the above circumstances, and aims to achieve miniaturization.

[0006] The connector device of the present disclosure comprises a terminal holding member that is mated with a mating connector, terminal fittings held by the terminal holding member, and a holder that moves integrally with the terminal holding member in the mating direction with the mating connector, wherein the holder has a first member and a second member, and the terminal holding member and the first member are formed with a first guide portion that allows the terminal holding member and the first member to move relatively in a first direction that intersects the mating direction, and the first member and the second member are formed with a second guide portion that allows the first member and the second member to move relatively in a second direction that intersects both the mating direction and the first direction.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, miniaturization can be achieved.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connector device of the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector device of the first embodiment before mating with a mating connector as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the terminal holding member of the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the terminal holding member of the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first member of the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first member of the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second member of the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second member of the first embodiment as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the connector device of the first embodiment, showing a state in which the terminal holding member is held in a neutral position relative to the first member, and the first member is held in a neutral position relative to the second member. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Z-Z in FIG. 10. Fig. 13 is a plan view showing a state in which the terminal holding member is displaced forward relative to the first member and the terminal holding member and the first member are displaced leftward relative to the second member in the connector device of Example 1. Fig. 14 is a plan view of the connector device of Example 2. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line X-X in Fig. 14 showing a state in which the terminal holding member is tilted relative to the first member in the connector device of Example 2. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line Y-Y in Fig. 14. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line Y-Y in Fig. 14 showing a state in which the first member is tilted relative to the second member in the connector device of Example 2.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. Any combination of the following embodiments without causing any contradiction is also included in the embodiments for carrying out the invention.

[0010] The connector device of the present disclosure comprises: (1) a terminal holding member that is fitted into a mating connector, terminal fittings held by the terminal holding member, and a holder that moves integrally with the terminal holding member in the fitting direction into the mating connector, wherein the holder has a first member and a second member, and the terminal holding member and the first member are formed with a first guide portion that allows the terminal holding member and the first member to move relatively in a first direction that intersects the fitting direction, and the first member and the second member are formed with a second guide portion that allows the first member and the second member to move relatively in a second direction that intersects both the fitting direction and the first direction.

[0011] According to the configuration of the present disclosure, misalignment in the first direction between the mating connector and the terminal holding member is absorbed by the relative displacement of the terminal holding member and the first member by the first guide portion. Misalignment in the second direction between the mating connector and the terminal holding member is absorbed by the relative displacement of the first member and the second member by the second guide portion. In the second direction, the size required for the second guide portion includes the maximum relative displacement (maximum float amount) between the first member and the second member, but no locking allowance is required to prevent the first member and the second member from separating in the mating direction. In the second direction (width direction of the first guide portion), the size required for the first guide portion is only the minimum locking allowance required to prevent the terminal holding member and the first member from separating in the mating direction. Therefore, in the second direction, the only size required for the first guide portion and the second guide portion other than the maximum float amount is the locking allowance of the first guide portion. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, miniaturization in the second direction is achieved.

[0012] (2) Preferably, the first member has a rectangular cylindrical shape that surrounds the terminal holding member. With this configuration, the rigidity of the first member can be increased.

[0013] (3) In (2), it is preferable that the first guide portion includes a guide rib formed on the first member, an elastically deformable spring portion provided on the terminal holding member, and a locking protrusion provided on the terminal holding member that sandwiches the guide rib between the spring portion and the guide rib, and the spring portion elastically deforms during the process of assembling the terminal holding member and the first member. This configuration makes it easy to assemble the first member and the terminal holding member.

[0014] (4) In (3), it is preferable that the distance between the spring portion and the locking projection in the mating direction is set to be larger than the thickness of the guide rib, so that the relative tilt between the terminal holding member and the first member can be absorbed.

[0015] (5) In any of (1) to (4), the second member preferably has a rectangular cylindrical shape surrounding the first member. This configuration can increase the rigidity of the first member.

[0016] (6) In (5), it is preferable that the second guide portion includes a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the first member and a guide groove formed on the inner surface of the second member, and the inner surface of the second member has an introduction groove formed thereon that communicates with the guide groove and opens to an end of the second member in the fitting direction. According to this configuration, the first member and the second member can be assembled by inserting the protrusion into the introduction groove.

[0017] (7) In (6), it is preferable that the introduction groove communicates with the guide groove at a portion outside the maximum range of movement of the protrusion when absorbing misalignment of the protrusion. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the protrusion from coming off the guide groove and entering the introduction groove during the process of relative displacement between the first member and the second member.

[0018] (8) In (7), it is preferable that the second member is provided with a stopper that restricts the projection from being displaced outside the maximum movement range. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the projection from entering the guide groove after the first member and the second member are assembled.

[0019] (9) In (1) to (4), it is preferable that the second guide portion includes a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the first member and a guide groove formed on the inner surface of the second member, and the dimension of the guide groove in the fitting direction is set larger than the dimension of the protrusion in the fitting direction, thereby allowing relative tilt between the first member and the second member. With this configuration, it is possible to absorb the relative tilt between the first member and the second member.

[0020] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] [Example 1] Example 1 embodying the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. In Example 1, with regard to the front-to-back direction, the F direction in Figures 1 to 9 and 11 to 13 is defined as the front. With regard to the up-down direction, the H direction in Figures 1 to 8, 10, and 12 is defined as the up. With regard to the left-to-right direction, the R direction in Figures 1 to 11 and 13 is defined as the right.

[0021] The connector device A of the present embodiment 1 is attached to a plate-shaped support member P and is mated with a mating connector B attached to a mating support member 55. In the present embodiment 1, the mating connector B is disposed above the connector device A, and the mating connector B and the connector device A are mated by approaching each other in the vertical direction.

[0022] The mating connector B has a housing main body 50 and female mating terminals (not shown) accommodated within the housing main body 50. As shown in Fig. 2, a guide portion 51 that protrudes toward the connector device A is formed on the surface (bottom surface) of the housing main body 50 facing the connector device A. The guide portion 51 has a guide surface 52 that is inclined with respect to the mating direction. When the mating connector B and the connector device A are mated while misaligned in a two-dimensional direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the mating direction, the guide surface 52 slides against the opening edge of the connector device A, thereby correcting the misalignment between the mating connector B and the connector device A in the two-dimensional directions (front-rear and left-right directions).

[0023] The connector device A includes a terminal holding member 10, a plurality of male terminal fittings 16 (see FIG. 10 ), and a holder 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the terminal holding member 10 is rectangular with a mating recess 11 formed on its upper surface (the surface facing the mating connector B). In a plan view of the connector device A, the terminal holding member 10 is rectangular. A plurality of terminal fittings 16 are attached to the terminal holding member 10. The opening edge of the mating recess 11 in the terminal holding member 10 is rectangular. As shown in FIGS. 3 , 4 , and 11 , first holding protrusions 12 are formed on both the left and right outer surfaces of the terminal holding member 10. The first holding protrusions 12 are elongated in the vertical direction (parallel to the mating direction) and are located at the center of the terminal holding member 10 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0024] Of the four sides of the opening edge, two short sides extending in the front-rear direction are formed with locking projections 13 that are elongated in the front-rear direction and protrude in the left-right direction from the outer surface of the terminal holding member 10. As shown in Figure 4, both front and rear ends of the underside of the locking projection 13 are formed with first sliding surfaces 14 that are curved downward in a side view viewed from the left-right direction.

[0025] Spring portions 15 are formed at both front and rear end portions of the left and right outer surfaces of the terminal holding member 10, with a gap in the front-rear direction. The spring portions 15 extend upward in a cantilevered manner from the outer surfaces of the terminal holding member 10. The upper end (extending end) of the spring portions 15 is arranged to face, with a gap, the first sliding contact surface 14 on the underside of the locking protrusion 13. The spring portions 15 are designed to be elastically deformable so as to tilt in the left-right direction (directions moving away from or approaching the outer surfaces of the terminal holding member 10).

[0026] The holder 20 includes a first member 21 and a second member 35. The first member 21 is rectangular in plan view. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first member 21 has a first front wall 22, a first rear wall 23, and a pair of left and right first side walls 24, forming a box shape with both top and bottom open. Guide ribs 25 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the upper ends of the inner surfaces of the left and right first side walls 24. The guide ribs 25, the locking protrusions 13, and the spring portions 15 constitute a first guide portion 26. A first holding plate 27 having a first holding portion 28 with a concave-convex shape in plan view is formed in the center of the guide rib 25 in the front-rear direction. The first holding plate 27 is elastically deformable in the left-right direction.

[0027] Protrusions 29 are formed on both left and right ends of the first front wall portion 22 and both left and right ends of the first rear wall portion 23. The protrusions 29 are arranged in the vertical center of the first front wall portion 22 and the first rear wall portion 23, and protrude from the outer surfaces of the first front wall portion 22 and the first rear wall portion 23. A second sliding surface 30 is formed on the lower surface of the protrusions 29, and is curved so as to bulge downward in a front view of the first member 21 viewed from the front.

[0028] A second retaining plate 31 is formed at the left-right center of the first front wall 22 and the left-right center of the first rear wall 23. The second retaining plate 31 is disposed at the upper end of the first front wall 22 and the upper end of the first rear wall 23. A second retaining protrusion 32 is formed on the outer surface of the second retaining plate 31. The second retaining plate 31 is configured to be elastically deformable in a curved form in the front-rear direction. A step 33 is formed by recessing the outer surface at the left end of the first front wall 22 and the left end of the first rear wall 23.

[0029] The second member 35, like the first member 21, is a member having a rectangular shape in a plan view. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second member 35 has a second front wall portion 36, a second rear wall portion 37, and a pair of left and right second side wall portions 38, and is box-shaped with both top and bottom surfaces open. The second member 35 is large enough to surround the first member 21 in a plan view. A guide groove 39 extending in the left-right direction is formed on the inner surface of the second front wall portion 36 and the inner surface of the second rear wall portion 37. The guide groove 39 and the protrusion 29 of the first member 21 form a second guide portion 40.

[0030] A pair of left and right guide grooves 41R, 41L are formed on the inner surface of the second front wall portion 36 and the inner surface of the second rear wall portion 37, respectively. The guide grooves 41R, 41L extend in the vertical direction. The lower ends of the guide grooves 41R, 41L open to the lower surface of the second member 35. The upper end of the right guide groove 41R communicates with a position to the right of the center in the horizontal direction of the guide groove 39. The upper end of the left guide groove 41L communicates with the left end of the guide groove 39. The horizontal distance between the right guide groove 41R and the left guide groove 41L is set to the same dimension as the distance between the protrusions 29 lined up on the left and right of the first member 21.

[0031] A second retaining portion 42 having an uneven shape in a plan view is formed at the left-right central portion of the inner surface of the second front wall portion 36 and the left-right central portion of the inner surface of the second rear wall portion 37. The second retaining portion 42 is disposed at the upper end of the second member 35. A stopper 43 is formed at the left end of the second front wall portion 36 and extends to the right in a cantilevered manner along the inner surface of the second front wall portion 36. A stopper 43 is formed at the left end of the second rear wall portion 37 and extends to the right in a cantilevered manner along the inner surface of the second rear wall portion 37. The stopper 43 is disposed at the upper end of the second member 35 and is capable of elastic deformation in the front-to-rear direction.

[0032] Next, the assembly procedure for the connector device A will be described. The terminal holding member 10 is fitted into the first member 21 from above. During the fitting process, the four spring portions 15 elastically deform. When the locking projections 13 abut against the upper surfaces of the guide ribs 25, the spring portions 15 elastically return to their original position and come into close contact with the lower surfaces of the guide ribs 25. As a result, the guide ribs 25 are sandwiched between the locking projections 13 and the spring portions 15 from above and below, completing the assembly of the first guide portion 26. Once the assembly of the first guide portion 26 is complete, the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 are able to move relative to each other in the front-to-rear direction, but are restricted from moving relative to each other in the up-and-down direction.

[0033] When the first guide portion 26 is assembled, if the first holding protrusion 12 and the first holding portion 28 are not locked, the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 are displaced relative to each other in the front-to-rear direction to lock the first holding protrusion 12 and the first holding portion 28. Locking the first holding protrusion 12 and the first holding portion 28 brings the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 into a neutral positional relationship at the center in the front-to-rear direction. That is, the center of the terminal holding member 10 and the center of the first member 21 coincide with each other, and the terminal holding member 10 is held in a neutral position in the front-to-rear direction relative to the first member 21. This completes the assembly of the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21.

[0034] After the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 are assembled, the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 are fitted into the second member 35 from below. At this time, the four protrusions 29 are fitted into the four guide grooves 41R, 41L. After the protrusions 29 reach the guide grooves 39, the first member 21 is moved rightward relative to the second member 35, and the protrusions 29 are fitted into the guide grooves 39. This completes the assembly of the second guide portion 40. Once the assembly of the second guide portion 40 is complete, the first member 21 can move relative to the terminal holding member 10 and the second member 35 in the left-right direction, but is restricted from moving up-down and forward-backward relative to them.

[0035] When the second guide portion 40 is assembled, if the second holding protrusion 32 and the second holding portion 42 are not locked, the first member 21 and the second member 35 are displaced relative to each other in the left-right direction to lock the second holding protrusion 32 and the second holding portion 42. Locking the second holding protrusion 32 and the second holding portion 42 locks the first member 21 and the second member 35 in a neutral positional relationship at the left-right center. That is, the left-right center of the first member 21 and the left-right center of the second member 35 coincide with each other, and the first member 21 is held in a neutral position relative to the second member 35. This completes the assembly of the terminal holding member 10, the first member 21, and the second member 35, i.e., the assembly of the connector device A. Alternatively, the first member 21 and the second member 35 may be assembled first, and then the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 may be assembled.

[0036] The mating connector B and the connector device A are mated by vertically approaching the plate-shaped support member P and the mating support member 55. If there is any misalignment between the mating connector B and the terminal holding member 10 in the front-to-back or left-to-right direction when the mating connector B and the connector device A are mated, the misalignment is absorbed as follows.

[0037] If the terminal holding member 10 is misaligned in the front-to-rear direction relative to the mating connector B, the guide surface 52 of the mating connector B presses the terminal holding member 10 forward or backward while sliding against the opening edge on the top surface of the terminal holding member 10. This pressing force elastically deforms the first holding plate portion 27, disengages the first holding protrusion 12 from the first holding portion 28, and relatively displaces the terminal holding member 10 in the front-to-rear direction from the neutral position on the first member 21. At this time, the first sliding contact surface 14 of the locking protrusion 13 slides against the top surface of the guide rib 25. Because the first sliding contact surface 14 is curved, frictional resistance between the first sliding contact surface 14 and the locking protrusion 13 is kept small.

[0038] If the terminal holding member 10 is misaligned in the left-right direction relative to the mating connector B, the guide surface 52 of the mating connector B presses the terminal holding member 10 to the left or right while sliding against the opening edge on the top surface of the terminal holding member 10. This pressing force elastically deforms the second holding plate 31, disengages the second holding protrusion 32 from the second holding portion 42, and relatively displaces the first member 21 in the left-right direction from the neutral position on the second member 35. At this time, the second sliding contact surface 30 of the protrusion 29 slides against the inner surface of the guide groove 39. Because the second sliding contact surface 30 is curved, frictional resistance between the second sliding contact surface 30 and the inner surface of the guide groove 39 is kept small.

[0039] Furthermore, if the terminal holding member 10 is misaligned in both the front-rear and left-right directions relative to the mating connector B, the terminal holding member 10 will be displaced relative to the first member 21 in the front-rear direction, and the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 will be displaced relative to the second member 35 in the left-right direction. As a result, the misalignment between the mating connector B and the terminal holding member 10 is absorbed, and the mating terminal (not shown) and the terminal fitting 16 are connected.

[0040] The connector device A of the first embodiment includes a terminal holding member 10 that is mated with a mating connector B, terminal fittings 16 that are held by the terminal holding member 10, and a holder 20. The holder 20 is a member that moves integrally with the terminal holding member 10 in the mating direction with the mating connector B. The holder 20 includes a first member 21 and a second member 35. The terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 are formed with a first guide portion 26 that allows the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 to move relatively in a first direction (front-rear direction) that intersects with the mating direction (up-down direction). The first member 21 and the second member 35 are formed with a second guide portion 40 that allows the first member 21 and the second member 35 to move relatively in a second direction (left-right direction) that intersects with both the mating direction (up-down direction) and the first direction (front-rear direction).

[0041] According to this configuration, misalignment in the first direction (front-to-back direction) between the mating connector B and the terminal holding member 10 is absorbed by the relative displacement of the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 by the first guide portion 26. Misalignment in the second direction (left-to-right direction) between the mating connector B and the terminal holding member 10 is absorbed by the relative displacement of the first member 21 and the second member 35 by the second guide portion 40.

[0042] In the first direction, the size required for the first guide portion 26 includes the maximum relative displacement (maximum float) between the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 in the front-to-rear direction, but no locking margin in the first direction is required to prevent the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 from separating in the mating direction. Similarly, in the first direction (front-to-rear direction, i.e., the width direction of the second guide portion 40), the size required for the second guide portion 40 (guide groove 39) is only the minimum locking margin required to prevent the first member 21 and the second member 35 from separating in the mating direction. Therefore, in the first direction, the size required for the first guide portion 26 and the second guide portion 40 other than the maximum float is only the locking margin in the width direction of the second guide portion 40 (the locking margin between the protrusion 29 and the guide groove 39 in the front-to-rear direction). Therefore, the connector device A of the first embodiment can be made smaller in size in the first direction.

[0043] In the second direction, the size required for the second guide portion 40 includes the maximum relative displacement (maximum float) between the first member 21 and the second member 35 in the left-right direction, but no locking margin in the second direction is required to prevent the first member 21 and the second member 35 from separating in the mating direction. Similarly, in the second direction (left-right direction, i.e., the width direction of the first guide portion 26), the size required for the first guide portion 26 (guide rib 25) is only the minimum locking margin required to prevent the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21 from separating in the mating direction. Therefore, in the second direction, the size required for the first guide portion 26 and the second guide portion 40 other than the maximum float is only the locking margin in the width direction of the first guide portion 26 (the locking margin between the locking protrusion 13 and the guide rib 25 in the left-right direction, or the locking margin between the spring portion 15 and the guide rib 25 in the left-right direction). Therefore, the connector device A of the first embodiment can be made smaller in size in the second direction.

[0044] The first member 21 has a rectangular cylindrical shape that surrounds the entire periphery of the terminal holding member 10. This configuration allows the rigidity of the first member 21 to be increased compared to a shape that covers only a portion of the circumferential direction of the terminal holding member 10. The second member 35 has a rectangular cylindrical shape that surrounds the entire periphery of the first member 21. This configuration allows the rigidity of the second member 35 to be increased compared to a shape that covers only a portion of the circumferential direction of the first member 21.

[0045] The first guide portion 26 includes a guide rib 25 formed on the first member 21, an elastically deformable spring portion 15 provided on the terminal holding member 10, and a locking protrusion 13 provided on the terminal holding member 10. The locking protrusion 13 sandwiches the guide rib 25 between itself and the spring portion 15 in the vertical direction. The spring portion 15 elastically deforms during the process of assembling the terminal holding member 10 and the first member 21. This configuration makes it easy to assemble the first member 21 and the terminal holding member 10.

[0046] The second guide portion 40 includes a protrusion 29 formed on the outer surface of the first member 21 and a guide groove 39 formed on the inner surface of the second member 35. The inner surface of the second member 35 is formed with guide grooves 41R and 41L that communicate with the guide groove 39 and open to the lower end of the second member 35 in the mating direction. With this configuration, the first member 21 and the second member 35 can be assembled by inserting the protrusion 29 into the guide grooves 41R and 41L. The guide grooves 41R and 41L communicate with the guide groove 39 outside the maximum range of movement of the protrusion 29 when absorbing misalignment (to the left of the maximum range of movement). With this configuration, the protrusion 29 can be prevented from coming off the guide groove 39 and entering the guide grooves 41R and 41L during relative displacement between the first member 21 and the second member 35. A step portion 33 is formed on the first member 21, and a stopper 43 is formed on the second member 35. When protrusion 29 attempts to displace outside the maximum range of movement (to the left of the maximum range of movement), protrusion 29 is prevented from moving out of the maximum range of movement by the right end of the locking recess abutting against stopper 43. Therefore, after first member 21 and second member 35 are assembled, protrusion 29 can be prevented from entering guide grooves 41R, 41L.

[0047] [Example 2] A connector device C according to Example 2 embodying the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 18. In Example 2, with regard to the front-to-rear direction, the F direction in Figures 14 to 16 is defined as the front. With regard to the up-down direction, the H direction in Figures 15 to 18 is defined as the up. With regard to the left-to-right direction, the R direction in Figures 14, 17, and 18 is defined as the right. The connector device C according to Example 2 has a first guide portion 67 instead of the first guide portion 26 of Example 1. The connector device C according to Example 2 also has a second guide portion 72 instead of the second guide portion 40 of Example 1. Since the other configurations are the same as those of Example 1, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the structure, operation, and effects will be omitted.

[0048] The connector device C of the second embodiment is configured to include a terminal holding member 60, a plurality of male terminal fittings (not shown) attached to the terminal holding member 60, and a holder 65. In a plan view of the connector device C from above, the outer peripheral shape of the terminal holding member 60 and the opening edge of the mating recess 11 in the terminal holding member 60 form a rectangle.

[0049] Two short sides of the rectangular opening edge of the terminal holding member 60 extending in the front-rear direction are formed with locking projections 13 elongated in the front-rear direction and protruding in the left-right direction from the outer surface of the terminal holding member 60. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, a pair of first upper sliding surfaces 61, for example, symmetrical in the front-rear direction, are formed on the underside of the locking projections 13. The first upper sliding surfaces 61 are, for example, curved surfaces that bulge downward in a side view viewed from the left-right direction. The area on the underside of the locking projections 13 other than the first upper sliding surfaces 61 is defined as a non-sliding surface 62. The non-sliding surface 62 is flat. The lowest end 61P of the first upper sliding surface 61 is located at a height lower than the non-sliding surface 62. Note that only one first upper sliding surface 61 may be formed on the underside of each locking projection 13. In this case, it is preferable that the first upper sliding surface 61 be formed in the center in the front-to-back direction of the lower surface of each locking protrusion 13, or at a position closer to the center than either end in the front-to-back direction of the lower surface of each locking protrusion 13.

[0050] A pair of spring portions 63, for example, symmetrical in the front-to-back direction, are formed on each of the left and right outer surfaces of the terminal holding member 60. The spring portions 63 extend upward in a cantilevered manner from the outer surface of the terminal holding member 60. The spring portions 63 are elastically deformable so as to tilt in the left-to-right direction (directions moving away from or approaching the outer surface of the terminal holding member 60). A first lower sliding surface 64 is formed on the upper end (extending end) of each spring portion 63. The first lower sliding surface 64 is formed, for example, by a curved surface that bulges upward when viewed from the left-to-right direction.

[0051] The holder 65 is configured to include a first member 66 and a second member 71. A guide rib 25 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper end of the inner surface of each of the left and right first side wall portions 24 that constitute the first member 66. The guide rib 25, the locking protrusion 13, and the spring portion 63 constitute a first guide portion 67.

[0052] 15 , when the connector device C and the mating connector B are not mated, the lowermost ends 61P of the pair of first upper sliding surfaces 61 abut against the horizontally flat upper surface of the guide rib 25. The vertical distance D1 between the lowermost end 61P of the first upper sliding surface 61 and the uppermost end 64P of the first lower sliding surface 64 is greater than the vertical thickness T1 of the guide rib 25. A vertical clearance S is formed between the horizontally flat lower surface of the guide rib 25 and the uppermost ends 64P of the pair of first lower sliding surfaces 64. A clearance S is also formed between the upper surface of the guide rib 25 and the curved surface region of the first upper sliding surface 61 other than the lowermost end 61P. A clearance S is also formed between the upper surface of the guide rib 25 and the non-sliding surface 62 of the locking protrusion 13. These clearances S are spaces that allow the terminal holding member 60 and the first member 66 to tilt relative to each other in a side view.

[0053] Protrusions 68 are formed on both left and right ends of the first front wall portion 22 and both left and right ends of the first rear wall portion 23. The protrusions 68 are located in the vertical center of the first front wall portion 22 and the first rear wall portion 23 and protrude from the outer surfaces of the first front wall portion 22 and the first rear wall portion 23. A second upper sliding surface 69 is formed on the upper surface of the protrusions 68. The second upper sliding surface 69 is formed of a curved surface that bulges upward in a front view of the first member 66. A second lower sliding surface 70 is formed on the lower surface of the protrusions 68. The second lower sliding surface 70 is formed of a curved surface that bulges downward in a front view. The number of protrusions 68 formed on each of the first front wall portion 22 and the first rear wall portion 23 may be two or one.

[0054] The second member 71 is a member that has a rectangular shape in a plan view, similar to the first member 66. Guide grooves 39 extending in the left-right direction are formed on the inner surfaces of the second front wall portion 36 and the second rear wall portion 37 that constitute the second member 71. The guide grooves 39 and the protrusions 68 of the first member 66 constitute a second guide portion 72. A pair of protrusions 68 of the first member 66 is housed in each guide groove 39.

[0055] When the connector device C and the mating connector B are not mated, as shown in FIG. 17 , the lowermost ends 70P of the pair of second lower sliding surfaces 70 abut against the lower surface of the guide groove 39, which is a horizontal plane. The vertical dimension between the uppermost end 69P of the second upper sliding surface 69 and the lowermost end 70P of the second lower sliding surface 70, i.e., the vertical dimension L1 of the protrusion 68, is smaller than the vertical dimension L2 of the guide groove 39. A clearance S is formed between the upper surface of the guide groove 39, which is a horizontal plane, and the uppermost end 69P of the second upper sliding surface 69. A clearance S is also formed between the upper surface of the guide groove 39 and a region of the second upper sliding surface 69 other than the uppermost end 69P. A clearance S is also formed between the lower surface of the guide groove 39 and a region of the second lower sliding surface 70 other than the lowermost end 70P. These clearances S are spaces that allow the first member 66 and the second member 71 to tilt relative to each other when viewed from the front.

[0056] During the mating process of the connector device C and the mating connector B, if a tilt occurs between the plate-shaped support member P (not shown in Figures 14 to 18) that supports the connector device C and the mating support member 55 (not shown in Figures 14 to 18) that supports the mating connector B, the tilt is absorbed by the clearance S formed in the first guide portion 67 and the second guide portion 72.

[0057] 16 , when the terminal holding member 60 is tilted clockwise relative to the first member 66 in a side view, the rear first lower sliding contact surface 64 of the pair of front and rear first lower sliding contact surfaces 64 moves downwardly away from the lower surface of the guide rib 25, and the rear first upper sliding contact surface 61 of the pair of first upper sliding contact surfaces 61 abuts from below against the upper surface of the guide rib 25. The state in which the rear first upper sliding contact surface 61 abuts against the upper surface of the guide rib 25 and the front first lower sliding contact surface 64 abuts against the lower surface of the guide rib 25 is the maximum tilted position of the terminal holding member 60.

[0058] 18 , when the first member 66 is tilted clockwise relative to the second member 71 in a front view, the right second lower sliding contact surface 70 of the pair of second lower sliding contact surfaces 70 moves upward away from the lower surface of the guide groove 39. The state in which the right second upper sliding contact surface 69 abuts against the upper surface of the guide rib 25 and the left second lower sliding contact surface 70 abuts against the lower surface of the guide groove 39 is the maximum tilted position of the first member 66.

[0059] In the mating direction, the minimum distance between the spring portion 63 and the locking projection 13 is set to be larger than the thickness of the guide rib 25. With this configuration, it is possible to absorb the relative tilt between the terminal holding member 60 and the first member 66.

[0060] The second guide portion 72 includes a protrusion 68 formed on the outer surface of the first member 66 and a guide groove 39 formed on the inner surface of the second member 71. The dimension of the guide groove 39 in the fitting direction is set to be larger than the dimension of the protrusion 68 in the fitting direction. With this configuration, it is possible to absorb the relative tilt between the first member 66 and the second member 71.

[0061] [Other Examples] The present invention is not limited to the examples described above and illustrated in the drawings, but is defined by the claims. The present invention includes the meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims, including the following embodiments.

[0062] The first member may have a shape other than a rectangular tube shape.

[0063] The second member may have a shape other than a rectangular tube shape.

[0064] The second guide portion may be configured by a guide groove formed on the inner surface of the first member and a protrusion formed on the inner surface of the second member.

[0065] A...Connector device B...Mating connector C...Connector device P...Plate-shaped support member 10...Terminal holding member 11...Fitting recess 12...First holding protrusion 13...Latching protrusion 14...First sliding contact surface 15...Spring portion 16...Terminal fitting 20...Holder 21...First member 22...First front wall portion 23...First rear wall portion 24...First side wall portion 25...Guide rib 26...First guide portion 27...First holding plate portion 28...First holding portion 29...Protrusion portion 30...Second sliding contact surface 31...Second holding plate portion 32...Second holding protrusion 33...Step portion 35...Second member 36...Second front wall portion 37...Second rear wall portion 38...Second side wall portion 39...Guide groove 40...Second guide portion 41L...Introduction groove 41R...Guiding groove 42...Second holding portion 43...Stopper 50...Housing body 51...Guiding portion 52...Guiding surface 55...Mating support member 60...Terminal holding member 61...First upper sliding contact surface 61P...Lowermost end of first sliding contact surface 62...Non-sliding surface 63...Spring portion 64...First upper sliding contact surface 64P...Uppermost end of first upper sliding contact surface 65...Holder 66...First member 67...First guide portion 68...Protrusion 69...Second upper sliding contact surface 69P...Uppermost end of second upper sliding contact surface 70...Second lower sliding contact surface 70P...Lowermost end of second lower sliding contact surface 71...Second member 72...Second guide portion D1...Vertical distance between the lowermost end of the first upper sliding contact surface and the uppermost end of the first lower sliding contact surface L1: Vertical dimension of the protrusion L2: Vertical dimension of the guide groove T1: Vertical thickness dimension of the guide rib

Claims

1. A connector device comprising: a terminal holding member which is mated with a mating connector; terminal fittings held by the terminal holding member; and a holder which moves integrally with the terminal holding member in the mating direction into the mating connector, wherein the holder has a first member and a second member, wherein the terminal holding member and the first member are formed with a first guide portion which allows the terminal holding member and the first member to move relatively in a first direction which intersects the mating direction, and wherein the first member and the second member are formed with a second guide portion which allows the first member and the second member to move relatively in a second direction which intersects both the mating direction and the first direction.

2. A connector device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first member is shaped like a square tube surrounding said terminal holding member.

3. A connector device as described in claim 2, wherein the first guide portion includes a guide rib formed on the first member, an elastically deformable spring portion provided on the terminal holding member, and a locking protrusion provided on the terminal holding member and sandwiching the guide rib between the spring portion and the terminal holding member, and the spring portion elastically deforms during the process of assembling the terminal holding member and the first member.

4. A connector device as set forth in claim 3, wherein the distance between said spring portion and said locking projection in said fitting direction is set to be greater than the thickness dimension of said guide rib.

5. A connector device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second member has a rectangular cylindrical shape surrounding the first member.

6. A connector device as described in claim 5, wherein the second guide portion includes a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the first member and a guide groove formed on the inner surface of the second member, and the inner surface of the second member is formed with an introduction groove that communicates with the guide groove and opens to an end of the second member in the mating direction.

7. A connector device as set forth in claim 6, wherein said introduction groove communicates with the outside of the maximum range of movement of said guide groove when absorbing the positional deviation of said projection.

8. A connector device as set forth in claim 7, wherein said second member is provided with a stopper for restricting said projection from being displaced outside said maximum movement range.

9. A connector device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second guide portion includes a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the first member and a guide groove formed on the inner surface of the second member, and the dimension of the guide groove in the mating direction is set larger than the dimension of the protrusion in the mating direction, thereby enabling relative tilt between the first member and the second member.

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