Connector coupling structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector coupling structure comprising: a connector coupling portion in which a connector insertion hole is formed recessed; a connector holder that is disposed inside the connector coupling portion and has a connector through-hole passing therethrough; a connector that passes through the connector through-hole and is inserted and fixed in the connector insertion hole; an elastic member supporting the connector holder; a coupling hook formed protruding from one of the connector or the connector holder; and a coupling hole that is formed recessed in the other of the connector or the connector holder in which the coupling hook is not formed, and engaged with and coupled to the coupling hook. Therefore, it is possible to improve connectivity, stability, and convenience by increasing the coupling force of the connector.

Description

Connector connection structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector coupling structure, and more specifically, to a connector coupling structure that increases the coupling force of the connector when the connector is inserted into a connector insertion port, prevents the connector from being separated by external force, and allows a user to check whether the connection is properly made.

[0002] Connectors are important components that enable connections between various electronic devices or systems, and various types of connectors are used to transmit signals, power, and data. In particular, in the case of automobiles, connectors are used to transmit electrical signals or power by connecting various electronic equipment, components, and batteries within the vehicle.

[0003] Recently, hybrid and electric vehicles have been introduced and are in use to address environmental issues and improve energy efficiency. These eco-friendly vehicles utilize electrical energy stored in batteries, and connectors are used for this charging process as well.

[0004] Connectivity, convenience, and stability are critical for such connectors. Connectivity refers to the precise connection that enables the accurate transmission of necessary signals, power, or data between devices connected by the connector; convenience refers to the simplicity of the connection using the connector; and stability refers to ensuring the safe operation of the device by providing a stable electrical connection through the connector.

[0005] However, in the case of battery chargers for eco-friendly vehicles, the connection between the ICCB (In Cable Control Box) and the electric plug is established via a connector, but this lacks the aforementioned connectivity, convenience, and stability. Eco-friendly vehicle battery chargers feature a structure in which the ICCB and the electric plug are connected using a connector. This connection structure is achieved by simply press-fitting the connector into the connector insertion port formed in the ICCB; since there is no mechanism to prevent detachment, it can be separated by external force, resulting in poor connectivity and stability. Furthermore, there is no means for the user to verify whether the connector has been properly connected, leading to a lack of convenience, connectivity, and stability.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a connector coupling structure that increases the coupling strength, prevents the connector from separating due to external forces, and allows the user to verify whether the connection is properly made.

[0007] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a connector coupling structure that increases the coupling strength of the connector, prevents the connector from separating due to external force, and allows a worker and user to verify whether the connection is properly made.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the connector coupling structure according to the present invention comprises a connector coupling part formed by a recessed connector insertion hole, a connector holder disposed within the connector coupling part and formed by a connector through hole, and a connector that penetrates the connector through hole and is inserted into and fixed in the connector insertion hole. The connector coupling part further comprises a holder receiving hole that communicates with the connector insertion hole, accommodates the connector holder, and is formed to a depth sufficient to allow the connector holder to move a predetermined distance in the vertical direction. It further comprises an elastic member disposed on the lower surface of the inner circumference of the holder receiving hole to support the connector holder, a coupling hook formed protruding from either the lower surface of the connector or the inner circumference of the connector through hole, and a coupling hole formed by a recess in the portion of the lower surface of the connector or the inner circumference of the connector through hole where the coupling hook is not formed, and which engages with and is coupled with the coupling hook.

[0009] Additionally, the coupling hook may be formed protruding from the lower surface of the connector, and the coupling hole may be formed by being recessed into the inner circumference of the connector through hole.

[0010] Additionally, the connector coupling portion further includes a flange receiving portion formed by being recessed longer than the predetermined distance on the side of the inner circumferential surface of the holder receiving hole, and the connector holder may further include a holder flange formed by protruding from the side of the connector holder and received in the flange receiving portion.

[0011] In addition, the connector coupling portion may further include an exposed opening formed by penetrating the upper surface of the connector coupling portion and communicating with the holder receiving hole.

[0012] Additionally, the connector holder may be formed such that when the connector hook comes into contact with the inner circumference of the connector through hole as the connector is inserted, it is fully received inside the holder receiving hole, and when the connector hook is fastened to the coupling hole, a part of it passes through the exposure hole and protrudes to the outside of the connector coupling part.

[0013] In addition, a plurality of the above elastic members may be included.

[0014] Additionally, the connector holder further includes a plurality of elastic member receiving portions that are formed to protrude in a tubular shape on both sides of the connector holder and receive the elastic member, and the elastic member can be received in the elastic member receiving portions.

[0015] Additionally, the connector coupling portion may further include a guide groove formed by being recessed along the vertical direction on the side of the inner circumferential surface of the holder receiving hole, and may further include a guide formed by protruding along the vertical direction on the side of the connector holder and received in the guide groove.

[0016] In addition, the holder flange may be composed of a hard synthetic resin.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention can be expected to have various effects including the following according to the above configuration. However, the present invention is not required to exhibit all of the following effects to be valid.

[0018] First, the connector does not separate even if external force is applied to it. In other words, a robust connection is possible.

[0019] In addition, the connection sound between the flange receiving part and the holder flange allows the worker and user to confirm whether the connector is fully inserted through the sound.

[0020] In addition, through the exposed opening, the movement of the connector holder can be visually observed, allowing workers and users to visually verify whether the connector is fully inserted.

[0021] In addition, workers and users can easily remove the connector by pressing the upper surface of the connector holder exposed to the outside through the opening.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a connector coupling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector coupling structure of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line III-III of FIG. 1,

[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line IV-IV of FIG. 2,

[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line V-V of FIG. 2,

[0027] FIG. 6 is an operating state diagram of a connector coupling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028]

[0029] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a connector coupling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector coupling structure of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line III-III of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line IV-IV of FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line V-V of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is an operating state diagram of the connector coupling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] As illustrated in these drawings, a connector coupling structure according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a connector coupling part (1000), a connector holder (2000), a connector (3000), an elastic member (4000), a coupling hook (5100), and a coupling hole (5200).

[0032] A connector coupling structure according to one embodiment of the present invention increases the coupling force between the connector coupling part (1000) and the connector (3000), prevents the connector (3000) from being separated by an external force, and allows the user to check whether the connection is properly made through a connection sound.

[0033] The connector coupling portion (1000) is formed by indenting a connector insertion hole (1100) into which a connector (3000) can be inserted. Accordingly, this means that it is formed in a device into which the connector (3000) is inserted and used, and is not limited to an ICCB.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the connector coupling part (1000) may be composed of an upper connector coupling part (1000a) and a lower connector coupling part (1000b) for ease of manufacturing and assembly. The upper connector coupling part (1000a) and the lower connector coupling part (1000b) are combined to form the connector coupling part (1000).

[0035] And, the connector coupling portion (1000) includes a holder receiving hole (1200), a flange receiving portion (1300), an exposure hole (1400), and a guide groove (1500).

[0036] The holder receiving hole (1200) accommodates the connector holder (2000) and is formed with a depth sufficient to allow the connector holder (2000) to move a predetermined distance (L) in the vertical direction. That is, a space is formed in which the connector holder (2000) can move, so that when the connector (3000) is inserted, the connector holder (2000) can move downward. Additionally, when the connector (3000) is fully inserted, the connector holder (2000) can move upward.

[0037] Here, a predetermined distance (L) corresponds to the height at which the coupling projection (5100) protrudes, as shown in FIG. 3. That is, the connector holder (2000) is formed so that it can move at least as much as the height of the coupling projection (5100), so that the connector holder (2000) is pushed downward by the coupling projection (5100), and the coupling projection (5100) is received into the coupling hole (5200) and coupled.

[0038] The flange receiving portion (1300) is a portion formed by being recessed longer than a predetermined distance (L) on the side of the inner circumference of the holder receiving hole (1200). More specifically, it is preferable that the flange receiving portion (1300) be formed by being recessed for a length equal to the sum of the predetermined distance (L) and the thickness of the holder flange (2200). The holder flange (2200) is received in the flange receiving portion (1300), and the holder flange (2200) moves in the up and down direction within the flange receiving portion (1300). That is, even if the elastic member (4000) pushes the connector holder (2000), it catches on the upper surface of the flange receiving portion (1300), preventing the holder flange (2200) from being dislodged further.

[0039] Additionally, the upper surface of the flange receiving portion (1300) is preferably composed of a hard synthetic resin as it comes into contact with the holder flange (2200). To explain in detail, when the connector (3000) is fully inserted, the connector holder (2000) is pushed by the elastic member (4000), causing the upper surface of the flange receiving portion (1300) and the holder flange (2200) to collide with each other. The sound generated at this time is called a fastening sound. The fastening sound allows the worker and user to confirm through sound that the connector (3000) has been fully inserted. To generate a louder fastening sound, it is preferable that the upper surface of the flange receiving portion (1300) be composed of a hard synthetic resin. At this time, the hard synthetic resin includes various synthetic resins such as PVC, ABS, PC, and PP.

[0040] The exposure port (1400) is formed by penetrating the upper surface of the connector coupling part (1000) and is in communication with the holder receiving hole (1200). More specifically, the exposure port (1400) is formed by penetrating the upper connector coupling part (1000a) in the vertical direction. Through this, the upper surface of the connector holder (2000) can be exposed to the outside of the connector coupling part (1000).

[0041] In particular, it is preferable that the connector holder (2000) is formed such that when the connector (3000) is inserted, the coupling hook (5100) comes into contact with the lower surface of the connector (3000) and the inner surface of the connector through hole (2100) where the coupling hole (5200) is formed, it is completely received inside the holder receiving hole (1200), and when the coupling hook (5100) is inserted into the coupling hole (5200) and coupled, a part of it passes through the exposure hole (1400) and protrudes to the outside of the connector coupling part (1000).

[0042] Through this, when the connector (3000) is fully inserted, the connector holder (2000) protrudes outside the exposure opening (1400). Therefore, when it is necessary to remove the connector (3000), the connector holder (2000) can be moved downward by pressing the upper surface of the exposed connector holder (2000). Thus, as the connector holder (2000) is moved downward, the coupling hook (5100) received in the coupling hole (5200) can come out of the coupling hole (5200), and the connector (3000) can be easily separated.

[0043] The guide groove (1500) is formed by being recessed along the vertical direction on the side of the inner circumference of the holder receiving hole (1200), into which the guide (2400) of the connector holder (2000) is inserted. The guide groove (1500) is a space into which the guide (2400) is inserted and slides, preventing the connector holder (2000) from moving in a different direction when it moves in the vertical direction. In other words, it ensures that the connector holder (2000) moves only in the vertical direction.

[0044] The connector holder (2000) is disposed within the connector coupling portion (1000) and is formed by a connector through hole (2100) passing through, and further includes a holder flange (2200), an elastic member receiving portion (2300), and a guide (2400).

[0045] The connector through-hole (2100) corresponds to a space into which the connector (3000) is inserted. That is, the connector (3000) is inserted by passing through the connector holder (2000). It is preferable that the connector through-hole (2100) be formed to a size that matches the shape of the connector (3000).

[0046] The holder flange (2200) is formed to protrude from the side of the connector holder (2000) and is received in the flange receiving portion (1300), thereby preventing the entire connector holder (2000) from coming out of the connector coupling portion (1000) even if the connector holder (2000) is pushed by the elastic member (4000). That is, the holder flange (2200) catches on the upper surface of the flange receiving portion (1300), so the connector holder (2000) does not come out.

[0047] Additionally, the holder flange (2200) generates a fastening sound when it comes into contact with the upper surface of the flange receiving portion (1300). Through this, the worker and user can confirm whether the connector (3000) is fully inserted by the sound. At this time, it is preferable that the holder flange (2200) be made of a hard synthetic resin. This causes the fastening sound to be generated more strongly when the holder flange (2200) comes into contact with the upper surface of the flange receiving portion (1300), allowing the worker and user to more clearly confirm whether the connector (3000) is fully inserted.

[0048] The elastic member receiving portion (2300) is formed to protrude in a tubular shape on both sides of the connector holder (2000) and receives the elastic member (4000). The elastic member receiving portion (2300) is formed in a tubular shape with one side open.

[0049] Preferably, when the elastic member (4000) is formed in a spring shape, a column-shaped elastic member fixing projection is formed protrudingly inside the elastic member receiving portion (2300). The elastic member fixing projection is formed protruding along the longitudinal direction of the elastic member receiving portion (2300) and is coupled with the spring-shaped elastic member (4000). That is, one end of the elastic member (4000) is coupled to the elastic member fixing projection, and the other end comes into contact with the lower surface of the inner circumference of the connector receiving hole (1200), so that the elastic member (4000) can push out the connector holder (2000).

[0050] The guide (2400) is formed to protrude along the vertical direction from the side of the connector holder (2000) and is received in the guide groove (1500). That is, since the guide (2400) moves along the guide groove (1500), the connector holder (2000) moves only in the vertical direction, and the connector holder (2000) does not deviate in other directions.

[0051] The connector (3000) refers to anything that transmits power or electrical signals, passes through the connector through hole (2100), and is inserted into the connector insertion hole (1100) to be fixed.

[0052] The elastic member (4000) is disposed on the lower surface of the inner circumference of the holder receiving hole (1200) to support the connector holder (2000), and any elastic member may be used. Although one elastic member (4000) may be disposed within the connector coupling structure, it is preferable to have multiple members. That is, while the elastic member (4000) may be positioned in the center of the connector holder (2000) to support the connector holder (2000), it is more stable to have multiple members disposed on both sides of the connector holder (2000) to support the connector holder (2000). In particular, it is preferable for the elastic member (4000) to be received in each of the multiple elastic member receiving portions (2300) of the connector holder (2000) to support the connector holder (2000).

[0053] Additionally, it is preferable that the elastic member (4000) be formed in a spring shape. That is, when the elastic member (4000) is formed in a spring shape, the elastic member (4000) is coupled with a column-shaped elastic member fixing projection formed inside the elastic member receiving portion (2300). That is, one end of the elastic member (4000) is coupled to the elastic member fixing projection, and the other end comes into contact with the lower surface of the inner circumference of the connector receiving hole (1200), so that the elastic member (4000) can push out the connector holder (2000).

[0054] The coupling hook (5100) is formed by protruding from either the lower surface of the connector (3000) or the inner surface of the connector through hole (2100).

[0055] And, the coupling hole (5200) is formed by being recessed in the lower surface of the connector (3000) and the inner circumferential surface of the connector through hole (2100) where the coupling hook (5100) is not formed, and is coupled by engaging with the coupling hook (5100).

[0056] That is, the coupling hook (5100) and the coupling hole (5200) are interlocked and coupled to fix the connector (3000) so that it is not removed, and on the other hand, during the process of inserting the connector (3000), the coupling hook (5100) causes a repulsive force between the connector holder (2000) and the connector (3000) to cause the connector holder (2000) to move in the up and down direction. Therefore, if the coupling hook (5100) and the coupling hole (5200) are formed in different places, it is acceptable for them to be formed on either the lower surface of the connector (3000) or the inner surface of the connector through hole (2100).

[0057] However, for the convenience of explanation, the following description is based on the assumption that, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the coupling hook (5100) is formed on the lower surface of the connector (3000) and the coupling hole (5200) is formed on the inner circumference of the connector through hole (2100).

[0058] When the connector (3000) is inserted, the coupling hook (5100) creates a repulsive force between the connector (3000) and the connector holder (2000) to push the connector holder (2000). Afterward, when the connector (3000) is fully inserted, it is inserted into the coupling hole (5200) and coupled. Through this, when the connector (3000) is fully inserted, the connector (3000) is not removed even if pulled by an external force.

[0059] More specifically, the coupling hook (5100) includes a sliding surface and a locking surface. The sliding surface is formed at an angle from the front of the connector (3000) toward the rear of the connector (3000). Therefore, when the connector (3000) is inserted while pressing against the connector holder (2000), it can be inserted more smoothly by means of the sliding surface.

[0060] And, if the coupling hook (5100) is formed on the inner circumference of the connector through hole (2100), the sliding surface is formed to be inclined in a direction toward the front end of the connector through hole (2100) from the rear end of the connector through hole (2100).

[0061] The catch surface is a surface that extends from the sliding surface and is formed by bending, and is a surface that comes into contact with and catches the inner circumference of the coupling hole (5200) when an external force is applied to the connector (3000) when the coupling hook (5100) is received in the coupling hole (5200). That is, it is preferable for the catch surface to be positioned in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface of the connector (3000).

[0062] and,

[0063] Fixing through these coupling hooks (5100) and coupling holes (5200) offers superior durability compared to using a lever type. In other words, there is less risk of damage even after prolonged use.

[0064] To explain the coupling hole (5200) in more detail, it is formed as a recess on the lower surface of the connector through hole (2100) and interlocks with the coupling hook (5100) formed protruding from the lower surface of the connector (3000).

[0065] In particular, the coupling hook (5100) and the coupling hole (5200) are formed at a position where they interlock with each other when the connector (3000) is fully inserted. Accordingly, if the coupling hook (5100) is formed further forward in the connector (3000), it is preferable that the coupling hole (5200) be formed further inward, and if the coupling hook (5100) is formed further backward, it is preferable that the coupling hole (5200) be formed further outward, that is, at the entrance of the connector through hole (2100).

[0066] However, in order for the part where the connector holder (2000) is pressed by the coupling hook (5100) to be formed, the coupling hole (5200) must not be formed in a location very close to the connector through hole (2100).

[0067] Hereinafter, the operation method of a connector coupling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6(a), before the connector (3000) is inserted, the upper surface of the connector holder (2000) is positioned so that it passes through the exposure opening (1400) and is exposed to the outside.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 6(b), when the connector (3000) begins to be inserted and the coupling hook (5100) of the connector (3000) begins to come into contact with the inner circumference of the connector through hole (2100), the inner circumference of the connector through hole (2100) is pressed by the coupling hook (5100), and the entire connector holder (2000) is pressed downward. Accordingly, the connector holder (2000) is completely received inside the holder receiving hole (1200), and the upper surface of the connector holder (2000) is received inside without passing through the exposure hole (1400).

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 6(c), when the connector (3000) is fully inserted, the coupling hook (5100) is inserted into the coupling hole (5200), and the coupling hook (5100) no longer presses the connector holder (2000) downward. Therefore, the upper surface of the connector holder (2000) is again exposed to the outside through the exposure opening (1400). And, because the coupling hook (5100) is inserted into and caught in the coupling hole (5200), the connector (3000) is not removed even if an external force is applied to the connector (3000). If removal is desired, the upper surface of the connector holder (2000) is pressed to detach the coupling hook (5100) from the coupling hole (5200), thereby removing the connector (3000).

[0071] An embodiment of the present invention can be expected to have various effects including the following according to the above configuration. However, the present invention is not required to exhibit all of the following effects to be valid.

[0072] First, even if an external force is applied to the connector (3000), the connector (3000) does not separate. In other words, a strong connection is possible.

[0073] In addition, the worker and user can check whether the connector (3000) is fully inserted through the sound of the connection between the flange receiving portion (1300) and the holder flange (2200).

[0074] In addition, through the exposure port (1400), the movement of the connector holder (2000) can be visually observed, allowing the worker and user to visually check whether the connector (3000) is fully inserted.

[0075] Additionally, by pressing the upper surface of the connector holder (2000) exposed to the outside through the exposure port (1400), the worker and user can easily remove the connector (3000).

[0076] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector coupling part (1000) formed by indenting a connector insertion hole (1100); A connector holder (2000) disposed within the connector coupling portion (1000) and formed by passing through a connector through hole (2100); and A connector (3000) that penetrates the connector through hole (2100) and is inserted into and fixed in the connector insertion hole (1100); Includes, The above connector coupling part (1000) is, A holder receiving hole (1200) that communicates with the connector insertion hole (1100), accommodates the connector holder (2000), and is formed with a depth sufficient to allow the connector holder (2000) to move a predetermined distance (L) in the vertical direction; Includes more, An elastic member (4000) that supports the connector holder (2000) by being disposed on the lower surface of the inner circumference of the holder receiving hole (1200); A coupling hook (5100) formed protruding from either the lower surface of the connector (3000) or the inner circumferential surface of the connector through hole (2100); and A coupling hole (5200) formed by being recessed in the lower surface of the connector (3000) and the inner circumferential surface of the connector through hole (2100) where the coupling hook (5100) is not formed, and coupled by engaging with the coupling hook (5100); A connector coupling structure characterized by further including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above coupling hook (5100) is formed protruding from the lower surface of the connector (3000), and The connector coupling structure is characterized in that the coupling hole (5200) is formed by being recessed into the inner surface of the connector through hole (2100).

3. In Paragraph 1, The above connector coupling part (1000) is, A flange receiving portion (1300) formed by being recessed longer than the predetermined distance (L) on the side of the inner surface of the holder receiving hole (1200); Includes more, The above connector holder (2000) is, A holder flange (2200) formed protruding from the side of the connector holder (2000) and received in the flange receiving portion (1300); A connector coupling structure characterized by further including 4. In Paragraph 1, The above connector coupling part (1000) is, An exposure hole (1400) formed by penetrating the upper surface of the connector coupling part (1000) and communicating with the holder receiving hole (1200); A connector coupling structure characterized by further including 5. In Paragraph 4, The connector holder (2000) is characterized by being formed such that when the connector (3000) is inserted, the coupling hook (5100) comes into contact with the coupling hole (5200) formed therein, it is completely received inside the holder receiving hole (1200), and when the coupling hook (5100) is inserted into the coupling hole (5200) and coupled, a part of it passes through the exposure hole (1400) and protrudes to the outside of the connector coupling part (1000).

6. In Paragraph 1, A connector coupling structure characterized by including a plurality of the above elastic members (4000).

7. In Paragraph 6, The above connector holder (2000) is, A plurality of elastic member receiving portions (2300) that are formed protruding in a tubular shape on both sides of the connector holder (2000) and accommodate the elastic member (4000); Includes more, A connector coupling structure characterized in that the above elastic member (4000) is received in the above elastic member receiving portion (2300).

8. In Paragraph 1, The above connector coupling part (1000) is, A guide groove (1500) formed by being recessed along the vertical direction on the side of the inner circumference of the holder receiving hole (1200); Includes more, A guide (2400) formed to protrude along the vertical direction from the side of the connector holder (2000) and accommodated in the guide groove (1500); A connector coupling structure characterized by further including 9. In Paragraph 3, A connector coupling structure characterized in that the holder flange (2200) is composed of a hard synthetic resin.

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