CN100541930C

CN100541930C - Connector, connector assembly and assemble method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN100541930C
Application number: CNB2006101534196A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 一尾敏文; 中田丈博; 冈本道明
Original assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2005-09-14
Filing date: 2006-09-14
Publication date: 2009-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-14
Also published as: JP4747753B2; CN1933252A; JP2007080690A

Abstract

The objective of the invention is to suppress the wearing and tearing that clamped nipple causes owing to vibration.Female connector F is provided with the shell 10 of the form of the pipe that is in the bottom cost, with the spring member 50 that is contained in the shell 10, with inner casing 30, this inner casing will be contained in the shell 10, so that spring member 50 is clipped between the rear wall 12 of inner casing 30 and shell 10, and be suitable for keeping female terminal fitting 80.When positive connector M is installed in the shell 10, when being locked in wherein, this inner casing 30 is promoted by positive connector M, moving towards rear wall 12, and by spring member 50 floating supports between rear wall 12 and positive connector M, to move up the connection side.After vibration took place, inner casing 30 can move, and follows shell 10 simultaneously and moves.

Description

Connector, connector assembly and assemble method thereof

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of connector, connector assembly and assemble method thereof.

Background technology

The open No.S63-257187 of Japanese unexamined patent publication No. discloses a kind of connector.This connector comprises can a pair of feminine gender connected to one another and positive connector, wherein negative connector comprises the terminal receiving portion that is used to keep female terminal fitting and around the terminal receiving portion simultaneously and the isolated outer tube part of the external peripheral surface of terminal receiving portion.Sealing ring is installed on the outer surface of terminal receiving portion in the position of this outer tube part inboard.On the other hand, positive connector comprises that the tongue piece of male terminal joint protrudes into tubulose recipient wherein.When two connectors connected, the surrounding wall of recipient was inserted in the gap between sealing ring and the outer tube part, thereby sealing ring is squeezed at thickness direction, to provide sealing between two connectors.

If above-mentioned connector uses in the place that for example vibration frequently takes place, in the enging cabin as automobile, then clamped nipple possibility wearing and tearing each other owing to vibrate, this may influence the contact reliability between feminine gender and the male terminal joint.Its main cause is that along with vibration takes place, two connectors move by different way, thereby rock toward each other.Even between two connectors, be provided with sealing ring,, rock but still be difficult to fully inhibition to fill up the gap between them.Therefore, have improved needs.

The open No.H05-182712 of Japanese unexamined patent publication No. discloses another connector.This connector comprises can a pair of feminine gender connected to one another and positive connector, and wherein the shell of negative connector comprises and extending back and the lock arm of elastically deformable, and the shell of positive connector comprises the interlocking portions with lock arm opposite position place.When two shells correctly connect, the locking projection of lock arm and interlocking portions resilient engagement, thus keep two shells inseparably.

Hardness difference between the resin material of two shells, and the female housing that comprises lock arm has under the situation of the hardness lower than the male housing that comprises interlocking portions, the locking projection of lock arm may be out of shape, and this distortion is by being vibrated after connecting or the fire damage influence afterwards contacts with interlocking portions and the plastic deformation of the resin material that causes causes in that two shells are correct.Then, have lock function and weaken, cause rocking between two shells and weaken the positive that is contained in two shells and the possibility of the contact reliability between the female terminal fitting.

Summary of the invention

In view of the above problems, the present invention improves, and its objective is life-span and the operability that strengthens connector or connector assembly.

According to the present invention, this purpose realizes by the feature of independent claims.The preferred embodiments of the present invention are themes of dependent claims.

According to the present invention, a kind of connector is provided, comprising:

Shell,

To be at least partially housed in the elastic component in the shell, and

With the inner casing that is at least partially housed in equally in the shell, this inner casing is suitable for keeping at least one clamped nipple,

Wherein, elastic component is clipped between the part of the part of inner casing and shell, and

Wherein, when matching connector to the small part that keeps the mating terminals joint is installed in the shell, inner casing will be promoted by matching connector, move with part towards shell, and this inner casing substantially on the closure by the part and matching connector of elastic component floating support at shell between.

Therefore, the wearing and tearing of vibrating caused clamped nipple are subjected to advantageously suppressing, thereby have strengthened the life-span and the operability of connector.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shell is tubulose substantially, and makes the one end partially enclosed at least by rear wall, and this rear wall forms the part that shell is used to clamp elastic component.

Preferably, matching connector to small part is installed in the shell, to be locked in wherein.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, provide a kind of connector, comprising:

Make the tube-like envelope of one end by the rear wall sealing,

With the spring member that is contained in the shell,

With the inner casing that is contained in equally in the shell, have and can push the surface, be used for spring member is clipped in and can push between surface and the rear wall, and be suitable for keeping clamped nipple,

Wherein, when the matching connector that keeps the mating terminals joint is installed in the shell, when being locked in wherein, inner casing is promoted by matching connector, so that wall shift is moving backwards, and substantially on the closure by the spring member floating support between rear wall and matching connector.

When matching connector is installed and is locked in the shell, inner casing on the closure by the spring member floating support between the rear wall of matching connector and shell.So if vibrate after matching connector connects, therefore inner casing, can suppress to vibrate the wearing and tearing of the clamped nipple that causes along with because of the mobile matching connector of vibration moves together, thereby strengthens the life-span and the operability of connector.

Preferably, at least one receiving portion is arranged on the inner surface of shell,

At least one latch portion is arranged on the outer surface of inner casing,

Latch portion and receiving portion contact with each other, and before the matching connector connection maybe will connect inner casing preferably is installed in the shell substantially rigid, reach

By moving that inner casing after connecting matching connector is done, latch portion and receiving portion are separated from one another, thereby preferably cancel the installment state of the substantially rigid of inner casing.

Because before matching connector connected, inner casing was installed in the shell with contacting of receiving portion rigidly by latch portion, so inner casing can correctly be arranged on the position that is connected with matching connector, it is rocked be restricted.On the other hand, because inner casing follows the moving of attended operation of matching connector that latch portion and receiving portion are separated away from each other, the rigidity installment state with the cancellation inner casing so inner casing is subjected to floating support, thereby can move loosely.

More preferably, one in latch portion and the receiving portion comprises that loose moving prevents part, this is loose move prevent part be used for by before will connecting at matching connector around another outer surface of latch portion and receiving portion, prevent that inner casing from becoming to be not equal to the angle of 0 ° or 180 ° with closure, preferably be basically perpendicular on the direction of this closure and move loosely, and

During the attended operation of matching connector, the outer surface of another in latch portion and the receiving portion and loose moving prevent that part from sliding over each other substantially, and after matching connector connected, inner casing moved to the loose mobile loose mobile permission space that allows inner casing.

Because during the attended operation of matching connector, this is loose move prevent part and by this loose move prevent part institute around latch portion and another the outer surface slip on each other in the receiving portion, so that the mobile of inner casing led, so inner casing and matching connector maintenance are coaxial.On the other hand and since inner casing move to inner casing can loose mobile loose mobile permission space after matching connector connects, so inner casing can more successfully be followed the mobile of matching connector.

More preferably, one or more, preferably at least three supporting parts circumferentially are arranged on elastic component or the spring member, preferably with basic interval uniformly, and by its elastic force the part of inner casing maybe can be pushed the surface and push towards matching connector.

Because preferably these at least three supporting parts preferably evenly circumferentially are arranged on elastic component or the spring member at interval with basic, and the part of inner casing maybe can push the surface press to matching connector by the elastic force of these supporting parts, so the elastic force of supporting part equally is distributed on the basic whole circumference of inner casing.This can prevent that inner casing from moving from the central shaft of matching connector.

More preferably, matching connector comprises recipient, this recipient has and can be inserted into surrounding wall between the outer surface of the inner surface of shell and inner casing to small part, radially outward the flange portion of Tu Chuing is arranged on the outer surface of inner casing on closure basic side to the position of the guiding end of the surrounding wall of recipient, and the containment member that will be squeezed between the surrounding wall of the outer surface of inner casing and recipient after matching connector connects is installed in and flange portion position adjacent place, and/or

Distortion prevents that part is arranged on the basic side of protrusion end of flange portion to the position of containment member, this distortion prevents that part is used for pushing the surrounding wall of this recipient after matching connector connects, this surrounding wall stands distortion, thereby from its opening of outside widening.

Because distortion prevents part and pushes being subjected to the elastic force of containment member after and attempt to be out of shape, thereby from the surrounding wall of the recipient of its opening of outside widening, so the generation of the vibration after matching connector connects can suppress rocking of recipient afterwards.This can prevent the reduction of the sealing of containment member again.

More preferably, one in matching connector and the shell comprises the elastically deformable lock arm, and another comprises interlocking portions, resilient engagement by lock arm and interlocking portions, this matching connector will be inseparably remains in the shell to small part, the corresponding parts of shell and matching connector are all made by the synthetic resin material, and comprise that the matching connector of interlocking portions and in the shell another are harder than this of matching connector that comprises lock arm and shell, and

Preferably the stiffener of metal is installed in the lock arm or on the lock arm, thus cover that lock arm will keep contacting with interlocking portions to small part or whole substantially surface.

Because any one in matching connector and the shell comprises the elastically deformable lock arm, another comprises interlocking portions, and it is harder than first, so if the elastic force of spring member continues to work, then keep the surface of the lock arm contact with interlocking portions to have the possibility of being out of shape because of the plastic deformation of resin, lock function weakens, and shakes between two shells.Yet, according to as mentioned above because metal reinforcing plates is installed in the lock arm, thereby cover will keep the lock arm that contacts substantially with interlocking portions to small part or whole substantially surface, so can prevent the plastic deformation of resin.

More preferably, any one in matching connector and the shell comprises can be along with lock arm moves and at least one raised portion of moving, and its another be included at least one interaction part with the interlocking portions adjacent position, and

During the attended operation of matching connector, raised portion moves on the part that interacts, and so that lock arm is raise, thereby lock arm and interlocking portions can be not interfering with each other.

During the attended operation of matching connector, raised portion moves on the part that interacts, and with the rising lock arm, thereby lock arm and interlocking portions can be not interfering with each other.So interlocking portions can not be subjected to being installed in the metal reinforcing plates wearing and tearing in the lock arm, thereby keeps lock function satisfactorily.

The most preferably, shell comprises lock arm,

Elastic component or spring member are made by the metal blade spring material, and

Stiffener is by extending to form the part of the leaf spring material inner surface along lock arm.

Because elastic component or spring member are made by the metal blade spring material, and stiffener is by extending to form the part of the leaf spring material inner surface along lock arm, so do not need separately to produce stiffener and spring member, thereby reduced number of components.And, because stiffener is along the inner surface extension of lock arm, so lock arm can be subjected to strengthening safely in relative broad range.

According to the present invention, a connector assembly also is provided, comprising:

At least one pair of can the positive connected to one another and negative connector,

Be arranged on the lock arm of the elastically deformable at a place in the connector, and

Be arranged on the interlocking portions on another connector,

Wherein:

By the resilient engagement of lock arm and interlocking portions, two connectors keep together inseparably,

Two connector to small parts are made by the synthetic resin material, thereby another connector that comprises interlocking portions is harder than the connector that comprises lock arm, and

Preferably the stiffener of metal to small part is installed in the lock arm or on the lock arm, cover lock arm to small part or whole substantially surface, thereby this stiffener contacts or keeps in touch with this interlocking portions basically.

This to can the positive connected to one another and negative connector in, a connector comprises lock arm, another connector comprises interlocking portions, and harder than first shell.So, after two shells connect, vibrated or the fire damage influence after, the plastic deformation with resin makes the areal deformation of the lock arm that maintenance contacts with interlocking portions.And, according to as mentioned above, because preferably stiffener to the small part of metal is installed in the lock arm or on the lock arm, thereby at least partially or completely cover the surface to keep the lock arm that contacts with interlocking portions, so can prevent the plastic deformation of resin, thereby strengthen life-span and integrated operation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, provide a connector (assembly), comprising:

Be arranged on the interlocking portions on another connector,

Wherein:

Preferably the stiffener of metal to small part is installed in the lock arm or on the lock arm, thereby to small part or cover the surface that contacts or keep in touch with this interlocking portions basically of lock arm substantially fully.

Preferably, connector is according to the invention described above or its preferred embodiment structure.

More preferably, shell comprises can be along with lock arm moves and the raised portion that moves,

Another shell comprises the interaction part with the interlocking portions adjacent position, and

During the attended operation of two shells, this raised portion moves on the part that interacts, and with the rising lock arm, thereby lock arm and interlocking portions can be not interfering with each other.

During the attended operation of two shells, raised portion moves on the part that interacts, and with the rising lock arm, thereby lock arm and interaction part can be not interfering with each other.So the part that interacts can not sustain damage because of the metal reinforcing plates friction that is installed in the lock arm, therefore, can keep good lock function.

More preferably, a shell comprises makes the tube-like envelope of one end by the rear wall sealing,

The inner casing of spring member and maintenance clamped nipple is contained in the shell, thereby spring member is clipped between rear wall and the inner casing, and

After another shell being installed and be locked in the shell, keep another shell of mating terminals joint that inner casing is shifted to rear wall, thereby be bearing between rear wall and another shell floating on the closure by spring member.

Because spring member is contained in the shell, thus if the elastic force continuation effect of spring member, the surperficial of lock arm that then keeps contacting with interlocking portions would be out of shape because of the plastic deformation of resin equally.Yet, as mentioned above because metal reinforcing plates is installed in the lock arm, make lock arm will keep contacting to small part or whole surface with interlocking portions, so can prevent this resin plastic deformation safely.

And another shell is installed and is locked in the shell, and inner casing is bearing between the rear wall and another shell of shell floating on the closure by spring member.So after vibrating after two shells connect, inner casing is followed the moving of another shell that is caused by vibration and is moved.Therefore, can suppress the mutual wearing and tearing of the clamped nipple that causes by vibration.

The most preferably, elastic component or spring member are made by the metal blade spring material, and pass through along the part formation stiffener of the inner surface extended blade spring material of lock arm.

Because spring member is made by the leaf spring material, and by the part of leaf spring material is extended to form stiffener along the inner surface of lock arm, so do not need separately to produce stiffener and spring member, thereby can reduce the quantity of parts, and can simplified construction.And, because forming along the inner surface of lock arm, extends by stiffener, so lock arm can be strengthened on whole length safely.

According to the present invention, the method for assembling connector also is provided, especially according to the present invention or its preferred embodiment, comprise the steps:

Shell is provided,

Elastic component is at least partially housed in the shell, and

Inner casing is at least partially housed in the shell, and this inner casing is suitable for keeping at least one clamped nipple,

Wherein, when matching connector to the small part that keeps the mating terminals joint is installed in the shell, inner casing will be promoted by matching connector, move with part towards shell, and substantially on the closure by the part and matching connector of elastic component floating support at shell between.

According to the present invention, assembling also is provided or connects the positive connector of connector assembly and the method for negative connector, especially according to the present invention or its preferred embodiment, comprise the steps;

Providing can at least one pair of positive connected to one another and negative connector,

Connector place provides the lock arm of elastically deformable therein,

On another connector, provide interlocking portions, wherein the resilient engagement by lock arm and interlocking portions keeps connector inseparably, and wherein two connectors are all made by the synthetic resin material to small part, thereby another connector that comprises interlocking portions is harder than the connector that comprises lock arm, and

Be installed to stiffener to the small part of metal preferably in the lock arm or on the lock arm, come to small part or cover the surface that contacts or keep in touch with described interlocking portions basically of this lock arm substantially fully.

After the detailed description to preferred embodiments and drawings below reading, these and other purposes of the present invention, feature and advantage will become clearer and more definite.Should be understood that although each embodiment is described separately, its single feature also can be combined among other embodiment.

Description of drawings

Accompanying drawing 1 is the decomposition diagram of the described positive of first embodiment and negative connector,

Accompanying drawing 2 is front views of shell,

Accompanying drawing 3 is rearviews of this shell,

Accompanying drawing 4 is front views of inner casing,

Accompanying drawing 5 is rearviews of this inner casing,

Accompanying drawing 6 is front views of positive connector,

Accompanying drawing 7 be inner casing and will with the sectional side view of inner casing parts,

Accompanying drawing 8 is sectional side views of shell,

Accompanying drawing 9 is horizontal cross of shell,

Accompanying drawing 10 is end views of spring members,

Accompanying drawing 11 is the sectional side views before two connectors connect,

Accompanying drawing 12 is sectional side views of two connectors connecting,

Accompanying drawing 13 is sectional side views of two connectors correctly connecting,

Accompanying drawing 14 is horizontal cross of negative connector,

Accompanying drawing 15 is horizontal cross of two connectors correctly connecting,

Accompanying drawing 16 is sectional side views of negative connector, shows the state that latch portion and receiving portion engage,

Accompanying drawing 17 is sectional side views of negative connector, shows the state that latch portion is separated with receiving portion,

Accompanying drawing 18 is sectional side views of negative connector, shows the state of assembling such as inner casing,

Accompanying drawing 19 is according to the positive of second embodiment of the invention and the decomposition diagram of negative connector,

Accompanying drawing 20 is front views of shell,

Accompanying drawing 21 is front views of positive connector,

Accompanying drawing 22 is sectional side views of shell,

Accompanying drawing 23 is end views of spring members,

Accompanying drawing 24A is the sectional side view of two connectors when lock arm promotes during attended operation,

Accompanying drawing 24B is the sectional side view of two connectors when lift portion moves on the part that interacts during attended operation,

Accompanying drawing 25A is the sectional side view of two connectors when moving past interlocking portions of the terminal stage lock arm in the coupling part,

Accompanying drawing 25B is the sectional side view of two connectors when moving past the interaction part of the terminal stage lift portion in the coupling part,

Accompanying drawing 26A is the end view of two connectors, and described connector correctly connects, so that lock arm and interlocking portions are engaged,

Accompanying drawing 26B is the end view of two connectors, and described connector correctly connects, so that the lift portion and the part that interacts are engaged,

Accompanying drawing 27 is the sectional side views that amplify, and shows the state that lock arm rises to the position of not disturbing interlocking portions,

Accompanying drawing 28 is horizontal cross of shell,

Accompanying drawing 29 is horizontal cross of two connectors correctly connecting,

Accompanying drawing 30 is rearviews of shell,

Accompanying drawing 31 is front views of inner casing,

Accompanying drawing 32 is rearviews of inner casing,

Accompanying drawing 33 be inner casing and will with the sectional side view of the part of this inner casing assembling,

Accompanying drawing 34A is the sectional side views of two connectors before connection, shows lock arm and interlocking portions,

Accompanying drawing 34B is the sectional side views of two connectors before connection, shows lift portion and interaction part, and

Accompanying drawing 35 is horizontal cross of negative connector.

Embodiment

＜the first embodiment 〉

With reference to accompanying drawing 1 to 18 first preferred embodiment of the present invention is described.In the present embodiment, with can a pair of feminine gender connected to one another and positive connector F, M in female connector F be that example describes.This female connector F is provided with a plurality of parts independent of each other, as shell 10, inner casing 30 and bias voltage or spring members 50.In the following description, two connector F, M are called the front side that relates to forward and backward directions FBD with the side that connects, and in attached Fig. 1 and 2 with reference to relevant vertical direction.

The cooperation positive connector M that is made by for example synthetic resin will be directly installed on the equipment of not specified (NS) (as terminal box, instrument board, the shell of electrical equipment etc.) on the wall surface, and comprise one or more, preferably two (preferably linear) male terminal joints 90, terminal retaining part 92, this terminal retaining part preferably (or becomes to be not equal to the angle of 0 ° or 180 ° with forward and backward directions FBD with vertical wall substantially, be preferably roughly vertical wall with this direction) form, the corresponding male terminal joint 90 that small part was inserted will be retained to, from the periphery edge of terminal retaining part 92 or near outstanding forward recipient 93 (preferably being in the form of rectangular tube substantially) it, and/or (substantially preferred be rectangle) tubular portion 94, this tubular portion is from outstanding substantially backward near the periphery edge of terminal retaining part 92 or its, promptly gives prominence at basic and recipient 93 relative places, side.The front side of male terminal joint 90 to small part is projected in the recipient 93, and its rear side part at least is projected in (rectangle) tubular portion 94, and (preferably being the middle part substantially) partial penetration terminal retaining part 92 in the middle of it.Recipient 93 can preferably be installed in the shell 10 of female connector F substantially fully to small part.

The guiding end of the surrounding wall of recipient 93 preferably has cuts thin outer surface, and this attenuation is partly as propulsive units 95, thereby can push or actuate the inner casing 30 of female connector F.One or more, preferably a plurality of (particularly, eight) guide rib 96 is arranged on the surrounding wall of recipient 93, and is preferably simultaneously circumferentially spaced apart each other.Guide rib 96 is the elongate protrusion of extending on forward and backward directions FBD substantially, wherein optimum seeking site ground in its rear end is aimed at the back-end location of recipient 93 substantially, but the preferably misalignment or of its front position by coming vertical misalignment in the front position back that makes their arrive the front position (not comprising propulsive units 95) of recipient 93 and to be positioned at recipient 93.Interlocking portions 97 is gone up outstanding in the lateral surfaces (preferably upper surface) of the surrounding wall of recipient 93.The front surface of interlocking portions 97 outwards forms or makes progress towards the bifurcated guide surface or the oriented surface 97A of rear-inclined, and its rear surface forms vertical substantially locking surface 97B.One or more, preferably a pair of guide rib 96 be arranged on recipient 93 surrounding wall laterally (on) (preferably relative substantially) side of interlocking portions 97 is located on the surface.The front position of these two guide rib 96 is positioned at the back of the front position of recipient 93, thereby can contact with the one or more stop arm (resistance arm) 11 in being arranged on shell 10 when two connector F, M connect.

Female connector F roughly comprises inner casing 30, one or more female terminal fittings 80 that this inner casing preferably is in the bulk form of being made by for example synthetic resin substantially and is suitable for keeping being connected with the end of line W, also comprise (preferably metal) elasticity or spring members 50, with shell 10, this shell preferably is in the form of the rectangular tube made by for example synthetic resin (particularly (bottomed) rectangular tube of bottom broad) substantially, and holds and/or around spring members 50 and inner casing 30 to small part.Be limited with connection space Q between inner casing 30 and shell 10, it has open front side substantially, and the surrounding wall of the recipient 93 of positive connector M can at least partly be installed to this connection space from the front substantially.And keeper 31, containment member 32 and/or front piece 33 are assembled with inner casing 30 respectively.

As shown in attached Figure 4 and 5, inner casing 30 is provided with main part 35, one or more, preferably two terminal receiving cavities 34 (preferably substantially abreast) are formed in this main part, also be provided with preferably on basic whole circumference from the outstanding flange portion 36 and the terminal insertion portion 37 outstanding substantially backward from the rear end surface of main part 35 and that be communicated with respective terminal container cavity 34 of outer surface of the rear end of this main part 35.This terminal insertion portion 37 comprises substantially extend one or more on forward and backward directions FBD, two pipe part 37A preferably, and the surrounding wall of two pipe part 37A is bonded together on forward and backward directions FBD top substantially.

As shown in accompanying drawing 7, outstanding substantially forward (preferably substantially for cantilever shape) lock part 38 is arranged on the transverse wall (preferably upper wall) of each terminal receiving cavity 34 of main part 35 and locates.This lock part 38 can be inserted on the direction that the direction of female connector F intersects with clamped nipple 80, or strain on the direction substantially up and down, and one of them lock part 38 (when observing from the front be the left side that) exposes, and lock part 38 another (when observing be the right that) from the front to small part by cover part 39 coverings that are positioned at the above-mentioned deformation space outside or top.This cover part 39 preferably is in the form of eaves (eave), and its basis is terminal to be connected with the rear end of main part 35.The front piece latch recess 41 that is used for locking front piece 33 is formed on horizontal () surface of cover part 39, thereby extends on Width WD substantially.Aforementioned paired front piece latch recess 41 is formed in basic side horizontal (end) surface to the main part 35 of cover part 39 similarly.The installing hole 42 that is used for keeper 31 preferably forms opening in the basic opposite flank of main part 35.The installing hole 42 that is used for keeper 31 penetrates respective terminal container cavity 34 substantially on Width WD below cover part 39, and also main part 35 laterally (on) place, a side of cover part 39 forms opening in the surface.

The preferably so-called profile form keeper of keeper 31, make by for example synthetic resin material, but and comprise the operation part 43 that is in basic flat type, but should operation part can partially enclosed at least installing hole 42 the opening at an end place, also comprise terminal locking zone 44, but this terminal locking zone is in substantially preferably from outstanding pectination (comb) form of the basic plane surface of operation part 43.Terminal locking zone 44 can engage with the locking projection of giving prominence to from the box-like part 81 of female terminal fitting 80 82, thereby female terminal fitting 80 is held, and remains in the main part 35.This keeper 31 can move as the part latched position of preferred primary importance with between as the complete latched position of the preferred second place, at part latched position place, keeper 31 parts are inserted in the installing hole of main part 35, with the insertion that allows female terminal fitting 80 with withdraw from,, realize by being promoted at this complete latched position place so that terminal locking zone 44 locks female terminal fittings 80 from part latched position (primary importance).

Front piece 33 is made by for example synthetic resin material, and preferably be in the shape form of covering on the whole substantially, and comprise the front wall section 45 that is used for to the front side of the main body covered part 35 of small part, with surrounding wall part 46, this surrounding wall part is outstanding substantially backward so that the cross side of the main body covered part 35 of small part from the periphery edge of front wall section 45.Front wall section 45 is formed with the one or more terminals that are used for one or more male terminal joints 90 and inserts opening 45A in basic and respective terminal container cavity 34 corresponding positions, and male terminal joint 90 to small part or can to small part in the past face be inserted among the terminal insertion hole 45A, to be directed in the terminal receiving cavity 34.One or more, preferably a pair of maintenance projection 47 be arranged on surrounding wall part 46 laterally (above and/or under) on the inner surface of wall, and can engage with corresponding front piece latch recess 41.Especially, along with front piece 33 is installed to the suitable substantially degree of depth on main part 35, maintenance projection 47 flexibly is installed in the front piece latch recess 41 to small part, thereby front piece 33 is locked into to deviate from from inner casing 30.

The rear end part of surrounding wall part 46 cutting or be recessed to form insertion opening or the recess 46A that is used for keeper 31, and the insertion of the insertion opening 46A that is communicated with installing hole 42 permission keeper 31 and/or withdraw from.Inwardly be arranged on surrounding wall part 46 places towards the anchor clamps insertion portion 48 that inserts opening 46A inclination.Insert unaccounted anchor clamps by inclined surface to small part, can take out or move the keeper 31 that complete latched position (second place) is located along this anchor clamps insertion portion 48.And one or more, preferably a plurality of projections 49 are formed on the surrounding wall part 46, and are simultaneously preferably spaced apart circumferential.Each projection 49 is pressed into substantially and contacts with the inner surface of the recipient 93 of positive connector M or be subjected to its extruding or engage, thereby prevents rocking with respect to positive connector M.

Preferably be installed in or be installed on the main part 35 (the preferably outer surface of its rear end) by the annular seat component of making as the elastomeric material of rubber and so on 32 in the position of flange portion 36 fronts.Containment member 32 (preferably being central authorities substantially) position therebetween is formed with entrance hole 32A, main part 35 can import by this entrance hole, and intermediate portion (preferably being middle body substantially) radially outward protrudes with respect to forward and backward directions FBD, and makes its its front and back end attenuation by the excision external peripheral surface.The front end of the attenuation of containment member 32 can be installed in the recess 71 at leading edge place of the surrounding wall part 46 that is formed on front piece 33 to small part, and/or during the rear end of the attenuation of containment member 32 can be installed to groove 72 in the front surface that is formed on flange portion 36 to small part.In this way, prevented that containment member 32 from deviating from from the external peripheral surface of inner casing 30.

Above-mentioned groove 72 preferably is formed on the basic whole circumference in the basic end of the front surface of the continuous flange portion 36 of basic and main part 35.And Tu Chu distortion prevents that part 73 is arranged on the protrusion end of flange portion 36 forward, and the propulsive units 95 of the recipient 93 of positive connector M can be inserted into to small part, and this distortion prevents part 73 inside in the recess 74.Containment member 32 preferably is subjected to the elasticity extruding between the surrounding wall of recipient 93 and main part 35, to form hermetic seal.If the elastic force owing to containment member 32 has a masterpiece to be used on the propulsive units 95 of recipient 93 in this case, to widen the opening of propulsive units 95, then aforementioned distortion prevents that part 73 from pushing propulsive units 95 from the outside, thereby prevents that broadening of propulsive units 95 is mobile.As shown in accompanying drawing 4, one or more, preferably many snap protrusions 75 are arranged on distortion and prevent on the inner circumferential surface of part 73, preferably open along the circle spacing simultaneously.These snap protrusions 75 are snapped in the external peripheral surface of propulsive units 95 of recipient 93, thereby keep recipient 93 circumferential registration.

One or more, preferably a pair of groove 76 is formed in the outside (top) of protrusion end surface of flange portion 36, simultaneously spaced apart on Width WD, simultaneously one or more, preferably a pair of guide rib 77 is formed in its another outer (end) portion, and is simultaneously spaced apart similarly on Width WD.One or more, preferably a pair of latch portion 78 is outstanding from (preferably relative substantially) lateral part of the protrusion end surface of flange portion 36.As shown in accompanying drawing 14, each latch portion 78 all can engage with the corresponding receiving portion 29 in being arranged on shell 10, wherein its front surface is formed among (preferred vertical substantially) locking surface 78A, and its rear surface outwards is formed on or makes progress in the guide surface 78B of top rake.

Elastic component or spring member 50 are preferably made by the leaf spring material, and the metallic plate of this leaf spring material specific by striking out (that preset or predeterminable) shape is bent to form.Particularly, as shown in accompanying drawing 1 and 10, spring member 50 has the flat part 52 of basic rectangle, this flat part therebetween or central authorities be formed with through hole 51, the terminal insertion portion 37 of inner casing 30 passes this through hole to small part loosely, this spring member 50 also has one or more four bar shaped supporting parts 53, this supporting part substantially along corresponding lateral edges from flat part one or more (preferably all four) turnings of 52 front surface fold back, and have from the recurvate substantially locator protrusions 55 in the opposite side edge of flat part 52.Each supporting part 53 evenly circumferentially is arranged on this flat part 52 at interval with the basic of about 90 degree, and is going up after its free terminal extends and carrying out bending in rotation direction (for example, clockwise) with the gradient that makes progress.The free terminal of the crooked supporting part 53 that tilts plays the effect of pressing part 54, and this pressing part is used to use its reaction force that the rear end surface of the flange portion 36 of inner casing 30 is pushed.As shown in accompanying drawing 5, the rear end surface of flange portion 36 is the smooth basic plane surface that extends in vertical direction, and plays the effect that can push surperficial 36A.

On the other hand, shell 10 comprises rear wall 12 and the outer tube part of giving prominence to substantially forward from the periphery edge of rear wall 12 13, as shown in accompanying drawing 2,3 and 8.Spring member 50 and inner casing 30 preferably are inserted in the shell 10 to small part in this order, thereby spring member 50 contacts with rear wall 12, and inner casing 30 elastic bearings are on spring member 50.Guide pipe part 14 is outstanding substantially forward from the front surface of rear wall 12 in the through hole 51 corresponding positions of basic and spring member 50.Guide pipe part 14 is formed with loose patchhole 14A, and the terminal insertion portion 37 of inner casing 30 can be loosely inserts to small part by this hole, thus partial penetration rear wall 12 at least.Terminal insertion portion 37 is imported into by loose patchhole 14A after the through hole 51 by spring member 50, and can move in loose patchhole 14A on the forward and backward directions FBD substantially under this state.One or more positions of the rear wall of locating in (being preferably relative substantially) side of loose patchhole 14A, be formed with one or more dog holes (hookinghole) 15 with rear wall 12 depression or penetrate, locator protrusions 55 to the small part of spring member 50 is inserted in this dog hole, and hooks.

Can be arranged on the lock arm 16 that the interlocking portions 97 of positive connector M engages outer tube part 13 laterally (on) the wall place.This lock arm 16 is at least partially housed in the wall spatial accommodation 17, this arm spatial accommodation outer tube part 13 laterally (on) form opening in wall and the rear wall 12.More specifically, lock arm 16 is by one or more, preferably pair of engaging part 18 is bearing on wall container cavity 17 (the being preferably relative substantially) lateral edges, and can be fulcrum on the direction of intersecting with forward and backward directions FBD or strain substantially up and down with two bonding parts 18, as shown in accompanying drawing 9.(preferred broad) arm operation part 19 is arranged on the rear end of lock arm 16, operates this arm operation part and will make lock arm 16 and interlocking portions 97 be disengaged.Outer tube part 13 is provided with one or more, preferably a pair of projection 21, this projection is projected in the arm spatial accommodation 17 and covers the two opposite sides of arm operation part 19 from top to small part, thereby prevents that by being blocked by line W etc. lock arm 16 from rolling.Elongated insertion part 22 is arranged on the front end place of lock arm 16, and (plane see preferably substantially for rectangle) lock hole 23 penetrates this elongated insertion part 22, and this elongated insertion part inwardly has under nature or downwards towards the outer surface or the upper surface of top rake.But the front surface of lock hole 23 is formed into upwards or outwards in the composition surface 23A of top rake, and can with the basic terminal firm engagement of the locking surface 97B of interlocking portions 97.Groove 24 is formed on the inner surface of lock arm 16 or the zone that lower surface is arranged in lock hole 23 back substantially, thereby extends on forward and backward directions FBD substantially, and forms opening in the rear surface.

Substantially the horizontal stroke that is arranged on outer tube part 13 on the Width WD across the bridging part 25 of the front area of arm spatial accommodation 17 (on) the wall place.The front end of elongated insertion part 22 is positioned at the following or inboard of bridging part 25, and can see by the open front (the insertion space Z that particularly will be described later) of outer tube part 13 when observing from the front.And, one or more, preferably a pair of stop arm 11 is arranged on the following or inboard of container cavity 17 in the outer tube part 13 (preferred relative substantially) transverse edge, this stop arm preferably keep with outer tube part 13 laterally (on) wall is substantially parallel, simultaneously limit less gap with it, and extend back substantially from the front end of outer tube part 13.

Stop arm 11 is strain on Width WD substantially, and inwardly outstanding and be arranged on its guiding end place in the face of one or more contact portion 11A of arm spatial accommodation 17.Contact portion 11A basic with the surrounding wall that is arranged on recipient 93 laterally (on) the preceding end in contact of lip-deep guide rib 96, thereby make stop arm 11 overcome they self the outside strain of elastic force.Stop arm 11 strains need be preferably bigger connection power, and this attended operation carries out suddenly by the effect of inertia locking mechanism, be used to produce bigger connection resistance, thus the situation of avoiding two connector F, M partly to connect.

Outer tube part 13 is provided with one or more direction recess 26, the guide rib 96 corresponding positions of this direction recess on basic and the recipient 93 that is arranged on positive connector M are on the forward and backward directions FBD extends, and also is provided with guide rib 77 and latch portion 78 on the flange portion 36 that is arranged on inner casing 30.

Guide rib

96,77 and latch portion 78 to small part are inserted in the direction recess 26, are led to move it substantially.Basic and the surrounding wall that is arranged on recipient 93 laterally (on) lip-deep one or more, preferably a pair of guide rib 96 corresponding those direction recess 26 are by the Z-shaped one-tenth in insertion space between the inner surface that is limited to stop arm 11, and guide rib 96 and interlocking portions 97 can be inserted among the Z of this insertion space to small part.

And, with one or more guide rib 96 down on the opposite side surface of the surrounding wall that is arranged on recipient 93 (preferably basic opposite side surfaces) and be arranged on latch portion 78 corresponding those direction recess 26 on the flange portion 36 of inner casing 30 and form leadingly to groove 26A, they can be communicated with substantially with the dog hole 15 in being formed on rear wall 12.Leading on the basal surface of groove 26A what face with each other substantially on the Width WD, one or more, preferably a pair of receiving portion 29 is arranged on the place, centre position with respect to forward and backward directions FBD, and each receiving portion comprises that all main receiving portion 27 and/or loose moving prevent part 28.Each main receiving portion 27 is all inwardly outstanding, wherein but its front surface is formed among the guide surface 27A, but should guide surface upwards or inwardly towards rear-inclined, and can keep guide surface 78B sliding contact basic and corresponding latch portion 78, and its rear surface is formed among the interlocking surface 27B, and this interlocking surface is preferably basic vertically also can be contacted with the locking surface 78A face of latch portion 78.The projecting height of main receiving portion 27 preferably is arranged to less than the leading degree of depth to groove 26A, and/or the vertical dimension of main receiving portion 27 preferably is arranged to less than the vertical dimension of dominating to the basal surface of groove 26A.

Loose moving prevents that part 28 preferably has door shape roughly, form projection by the leading surface in the zone of the rear end of main receiving portion 27 and this rear ends to groove 26A, so that recess width narrows down, this shape preferably in three sides to the rear end of small part around main receiving portion 27.The latch portion 78 that engages with main receiving portion 27 closely is installed to loose moving to small part and prevents in the part 28, thereby prevents that latch portion 78 is loose mobile with respect to short transverse and/or Width WD.More specifically, loosely move that to prevent that part 28 is preferably formed in leading on the whole substantially height and/or width of groove 26A, and its length that begins from the back-end location of main receiving portion 27 preferably is arranged to the amount of movement of the inner casing 30 that moves less than connecting along with two connector F, M on forward and backward directions FBD.When two connector F, M correctly connected, latch portion 78 prevented that with loose moving part 28 is disengaged, to cancel the loose state that prevents that moves.

Substantially extending and forming the one or more of opening on the forward and backward directions FBD in rear wall 12, preferably a pair of slit 57 is formed on each the leading position to groove 26A (particularly locating two pairs altogether in the opposite flank) top and/or below in the outer tube part 13.Comprise that leading elastic component 58 to groove 26A preferably is formed on every pair and goes up between slit and the following slit 57, and can be that basic end is substantially along Width WD strain with the front end of outer tube part 13.When latch portion 78 to small part enters leading when but groove 26A also arrives the guide surface 27 corresponding positions of basic and main receiving portion 27, elastic component 58 distortion to be widening the gap between them, thereby allows latch portion 78 to move past main receiving portion 27.When two connector F, M correctly connect, elastic component 58 elastic return, thereby the interlocking surface 27B of the locking surface 78A of latch portion 78 and main receiving portion receiving portion 27 faces with each other substantially being disengaged on the direction, makes latch portion 78 engage inseparably with receiving portion 29.

Next, so function of the present embodiment of structure is described.At first, containment member 32 is installed on the main part 35 of inner casing 30 from the front substantially, and front piece is installed on the main part 35 of inner casing 30, and keeper 31 parts transversely at least is inserted in the installing hole 42 of main part 35, to remain on part latched position place.Then, each female terminal fitting 80 that is connected (be preferably crimping or bending or be folded into connection) with the end of line W is in succession by the loose patchhole 14A of shell 10 and the through hole 51 of spring member 50, and, preferably be inserted into substantially from behind in the terminal receiving cavity 34 of inner casing 30 from the inserting side.Elasticity or rubber stopper 89 are preferably mounted on the end of every line W.This elasticity or rubber stopper 89 closely contact with the inner circumferential surface of terminal receiving cavity 34 substantially, thereby preferably form sealing in terminal receiving cavity 34.Subsequently, push or shift onto keeper 31 to complete latched position (second place), lock with being in the main true with the female terminal fitting 80 (preferably dual) that will be inserted in the terminal receiving cavity 34 to small part by lock part 38 and keeper 31.

Subsequently, spring member 50 preferably at least partly is inserted into the shell 10 from the front substantially, thereby the guide pipe part on the rear wall 12 14 is by the through hole 51 of spring member 50, and locator protrusions 55 to the small part of spring member 50 is inserted in the dog hole 15 of rear wall 12, hooking or to lock, and spring member 50 location contact with the rear wall 12 of shell 10 with being held in substantially.And inner casing 30 is the part insertion at least from the front substantially preferably, so that pressing part 54 Elastic Contact of the supporting part 53 of pushing surperficial 36A and spring member 50 of inner casing 30.After inserting inner casing 30, the latch portion 78 of flange portion 36 preferably at least partly is inserted into the leading to groove 26A of shell 10 substantially from the front, and further inner casing 30 is pushed to the back, thereby makes latch portion 78 elasticity move past (master) receiving portion 27.

When inner casing 30 arrived the insertion position that is in the main true, latch portion 78 (master) was by receiving portion 27 lockings, simultaneously by by loose mobile prevent part 28 to small part around preventing that it from moving, as shown in accompanying drawing 14 and 16.And the supporting part 53 of spring member 50 elasticity slightly is squeezed between the front surface of surperficial 36A of pushing of inner casing 30 and rear wall 12.When inner casing 30 arrives the insertion position that is in the main true, the position of the rear surface of the preferably basic rear wall 12 with shell 10 of the back-end location of terminal insertion portion 37 flushes, and/or the front position of front piece 33 is preferably given prominence to slightly forward than the open front of shell 10.

After the parts of female connector F were as above assembled, positive connector M at least partly installed or is inserted into the shell 10 from the front.After positive connector M is installed, one or more guide rib 96 to the small part of recipient 93 is installed in corresponding one or more direction recess 26 of shell 10, surrounding wall to the small part of recipient 93 is inserted among the connection space Q of shell 10 simultaneously, and shifts recipient 93 onto back under this state.Then, propulsive units 95 to the small part of recipient 93 enters the recess 74 that is out of shape the place, inboard that prevents part 73, on the front surface that is pushed against flange portion 36.Along with positive connector M further installs or inserts, flange portion 36 is by being subjected to propulsive units 95 and promoting and move backward, thereby latch portion is separated with main receiving portion 27.

After this, along with positive connector M further installs or inserts, latch portion 78 prevents to slide on the part 28 loose moving, thereby inner casing 30 moves and leads along essentially identical axis.When two connector F, M correctly connected, latch portion 78 prevented that with loose move part 28 from separating, thereby shifted inner casing 30 the loose mobile permission space of the rear side place that is limited to shell 10 onto, as shown in accompanying drawing 15 and 17.

When the propulsive units 95 of recipient 93 is pushed against on the front surface of flange portion 36, the lock arm 16 of shell 10 preferably almost simultaneously resilient movement to the guide surface 97A of interlocking portions 97, as shown in accompanying drawing 12.When two connector F, M arrival were in the main true link position, lock arm 16 and interlocking portions 97 resilient engagement as shown in accompanying drawing 13, thereby kept two connector F, M inseparably.When two connector F, M are in the main true connection, loose mobile permission space is pushed or shifted onto to inner casing 30 as mentioned above to, and movably or floating ground be bearing between the rear wall 12 and positive connector M of shell 10, thereby can (preferably be basically parallel to forward and backward directions FBD) at least on closure CD moves.And one or more supporting parts 53 of spring member 50 are subjected to elastic compression, push the surperficial 36A of pushing of inner casing 30 simultaneously.The surrounding wall of recipient 93 is being squeezed between the distortion of flange portion 36 prevents the external peripheral surface of part 73 and containment member 32 on the thickness direction, and prevents that by distortion the snap protrusions 75 of part 73 and the projection 49 of front piece 33 are firmly held on the inner casing 30.In this way, positive connector M and inner casing 30 can be used as whole unit.

If the vibration equipment of two connector F, M having connected is housed, the positive connector M that then is directly connected on this equipment also vibrates.Like this, move through spring member 50 inner casings 30 removable or that floating ground is bearing between positive connector M and the shell 10, follow moving of positive connector M simultaneously, thereby, can not between inner casing 30 and positive connector M, rock basically although continue vibration.Therefore remain on the male terminal joint 90 among the positive connector M and remain on the vibration duration basic synchronization of the female terminal fitting 80 in the inner casing 30, thereby prevent that feminine gender and male terminal joint 80,90 are owing to vibration is worn and torn.

As mentioned above, according to present embodiment, inner casing 30 is subjected to floating support, thereby follows moving of positive connector M, to suppress or to eliminate clamped

nipple

80,90 owing to vibrating the mutual wearing and tearing that cause.Therefore, can guarantee contact reliability between clamped

nipple

80 and 90.

With before positive connector M is connected, by preventing that part 28 from preventing its loose moving, the latch portion 78 of inner casing 30 and interlocking portions 29 positive engagement of shell 10 with loose moving.So, prevented rocking of inner casing 30, and can especially accurately determine the link position with positive connector M.With the attended operation of positive connector M during, latch portion 78 and loose moving prevent that part 28 from sliding on each other, so that the mobile of inner casing 30 led.So inner casing 30 and positive connector M keep almost coaxial.When positive connector M correctly connected, latch portion 78 and receiving portion 29 loose moved and prevents that part 28 from separating, and discharging from the positive engagement state, and inner casing 30 moves to the loose mobile permission space in the shell 10.So, can guarantee after the moving of positive connector M the moving smoothly of inner casing 30.

And, spring member 50 preferably be provided with basic evenly at interval (90 °) along four supporting parts 53 that circumferentially are provided with, and the elastic force of these supporting parts 53 supporting inner casing 30 push surperficial 36A, simultaneously it is pushed towards positive connector M.So the basic identical or distributed earth of the elastic force of supporting part 53 acts on the whole circumference of inner casing 30, thus the moving of central shaft that prevents inner casing 30.

And, because after the elastic force that is subjected to containment member 32, prevent that by distortion part 73 from pushing from the outside, prevented recipient 93 surrounding wall widen distortion, vibration after the connection of two connector F, M can suppress rocking of recipient 93 after taking place.As a result, the sealing that can prevent containment member 32 reduces.

Therefore, in order to suppress clamped nipple owing to vibration is worn and torn, female connector F is provided with the shell 10 of the form that is preferably the pipe that is in the bottom broad substantially, to be at least partially housed in elastic component or spring member 50 in the shell 10, and be provided with inner casing 30, this inner casing will be at least partially housed in the shell 10 elastic component or spring member 50 to small part will be clipped between the rear wall 12 of inner casing 30 and shell 10, and be suitable for keeping female terminal fitting 80.Inner casing 30 is promoted by positive connector M, to move towards rear wall 12, and removable or floating ground is bearing between rear wall 12 and the positive connector M through elastic component or spring member 50, to be installed in the shell 10 at positive connector M and to go up at closure CD (forward and backward directions FBD) substantially when being locked in wherein and move.After vibration took place, inner casing 30 can move or float, and followed moving of shell 10 simultaneously substantially.

＜the second embodiment 〉

Next, with reference to accompanying drawing 19 to 35 second preferred embodiment of the present invention is described.Second embodiment is being different from first embodiment aspect the locked configuration of negative and positive connector F, M, but inner casing 30 and will with the keeper 31 of inner casing 30 assembling, containment member 32 and front piece 33 have the similar or essentially identical structure with first embodiment.Therefore, for fear of repetition, no longer they are described.

Shell 10 is made by for example polybutylene terephthalate resin (hereinafter, being called " PBT resin "), and preferably comprises non-reinforcement material as glass fibre and so on to small part, to guarantee the good bendability of lock arm 16.On the other hand, the recipient 93 of positive connector M preferably contains the reinforcement material just like glass fibre and so on, to have the hardness that is higher than shell 10.

Therefore, if under the situation that two connector F, M connect, positive connector M is subjected in the elastic force that will act on two connector F, M and the direction that spring member 50 separates, and then lock arm 16 can the small part that the arrives distortion by the plastic deformation of resin.

So in the present embodiment, (preferably metal) stiffener 101 is inserted in the lock arm 16, makes to cover to keep the surface that contacts with interlocking portions 97, thereby prevent the resin plastic deformation to small part.

This stiffener 101 and the 50 whole or single formation of elastomeric spring member, and comprise basic end portion 102, this basis end portion from basic flat part 52 laterally (on) mid portion (preferably being middle body substantially) at edge erects, with substantially along the front surface setting of the rear wall 12 of shell 10, also comprise extension 103, this extension from basic end portion 102 laterally (on) end extends forward, with inner surface setting, as shown in accompanying drawing 23 and 24A along lock arm 16.Groove 24 is formed in the lower surface of lock arm 16, thereby on forward and backward directions FBD, extend substantially, and preferably in the front surface of lock arm 16 and rear surface, form opening, as shown in accompanying drawing 20 and 22, and this extension 103 (preferably at its front end or extending end) is formed with (being preferably basic rectangle) fenestra 104, and this fenestra is being communicated with the lock hole 23 of lock arm 16 with lock hole 23 corresponding positions substantially.The extension 103 of aforementioned deep floor 101 is preferably installed and/or is remained in the groove 24 to small part.

Especially, with the whole or single stiffener 101 of elastic component or spring member 50 from flat part 52 laterally (on) edge extends.As shown in accompanying drawing 23 and 34A, this stiffener 101 comprises basic end portion 102, this basis end portion from flat part 52 laterally (on) mid portion (being preferably basic middle body) at edge erects, with substantially along the front surface setting of the rear wall 12 of shell 10, also comprise extension 103, this extension from basic end portion 102 laterally (on) end group originally extends forward, down to small part substantially along the inner surface setting of lock arm 16.

In a second embodiment, be provided for preferably preventing that interlocking portions 97 is subjected to the protective device of (metal) stiffener 101 wearing and tearing of slip on interlocking portions 97 in the process that connects two connector F, M.Particularly, in a second embodiment, be used for lock arm 16 is elevated to position one or more that do not disturb interlocking portions 97 in the process that connects two connector F, M, preferably a pair of raised portion 106 preferably is arranged on from the horizontal outward extending one or more widened sections 105 of the relative substantially transverse edge of the lock arm 16 of first embodiment, also as shown in accompanying drawing 28.What can engage with raised portion 106 is one or more, preferably a pair of interaction part 107 the recipient 93 of the cooperation positive connector M at the opposite side place that is positioned at interlocking portions 97 laterally (on) lip-deep position is outstanding.

This that can engage with the one or more raised portions 106 that will be described later is one or more, preferably a pair of interaction part 107 recipient 93 laterally (on) give prominence to the position of (preferably relative substantially) side of interlocking portions 97 on the surface.The front surface of each interaction part 107 is preferably formed outwards or the guide surface 107A of face tilt backwards upwards, and its front position is preferred aims at the front position of the guide surface 97A of interlocking portions 97 substantially.And raised portion 107 is in their outside and 96 whole or single connections of guide rib.The upper end position of interlocking portions 107 preferably is arranged to lower or more radially inside than the upper end position of guide rib 96 and interlocking portions 97.Recipient 93 laterally (on) in the surface, one or more raised portion direction recess 108 be formed on interlocking portions 107 the front or near, preferably extend up to the front surface of recipient 93.

Particularly, this that protrudes on Width WD is one or more substantially, and preferably a pair of widened section 105 is arranged on (being preferably relative substantially) transverse edge place of lock arm 16.Be used for by engaging with the interaction part 107 of positive connector M in the process that connects two connector F, M, it is one or more that lock arm 16 outwards or upwards is elevated to this of a position, preferably a pair of raised portion 106 is formed near widened section 105 places or its, in this position, lock arm 16 and interlocking portions 97 can not interfere with each other.

This raised portion 106 is downward or inside giving prominence at the front end place of widened section 105 or near it.Widened section 105 is attenuation in the zone of these raised portion 106 back preferably, thereby thinner than lock arm 16.The front surface of raised portion 106 is downwards or inwardly towards rear-inclined, and can be successfully basic and the guide surface 107A sliding contact of interaction part 107.The back-end location of raised portion 106 is preferably aimed at the front position of lock hole 23 substantially.Raised portion 106 moves along raised portion direction recess 108 substantially, on the guide surface 107A that moves to interaction part 107 smooth-goingly.

The front surface of each interaction part 107 forms upwards or outwards towards the guide surface 107A of rear-inclined, and its front position is preferably aimed at the front position of the guide surface 97A of interlocking portions 97 substantially substantially.This interaction part 107 is in its outside and 96 whole or single connections of guide rib.The upper end position of interaction part 107 preferably is arranged to be lower than the upper end position of guide rib 96 and interlocking portions 97.Recipient 93 laterally (on) in the surface, one or more raised portion direction recess 108 are formed on the front of interaction part 107, to extend up to the front surface of recipient 93.Raised portion 106 is moved on the guide surface 107A that moves to interaction part 107 smoothly along raised portion direction recess 108 substantially.

Raised portion 106 is near the front end place of the widened section 105 at whole or single (preferred relative substantially) cross side place that is formed on lock arm 16 or its.Widened section 105 is attenuation in the zone of raised portion 106 back preferably, thereby thinner than lock arm 16.The front surface of raised portion 106 is downwards or inwardly towards rear-inclined, and can be substantially and the guide surface 107A sliding contact of interaction part 107.And the back-end location of raised portion 106 is preferably aimed at the front position of lock hole 23 substantially.

Next, the function of second embodiment is described.Because preferably movably or aspect floating ground was bearing between positive connector M and the shell 10, second embodiment was similar to first embodiment, so no longer this point is described through spring member 50 at inner casing 30.Describe the lock out action of lock arm 16 below in detail.

At first, it connects the attended operation that begins feminine gender and positive connector F, M under the surperficial state that faces with each other substantially simultaneously substantially toward each other for two connector F, M.Soon move to after the beginning of coupling part along with raised portion 106 on the guide surface 107A of interaction part 107, as shown in accompanying drawing 24B, with raised portion 106 integral body or single lock arm 16 risings.Although lock arm 16 has arrived basic and interlocking portions 97 corresponding positions under this state, as shown in accompanying drawing 24A, it is not keeping under the situation about contacting with interlocking portions 97, is positioned at the guide surface 97A top (or outside) of interlocking portions 97.When attended operation is proceeded and raised portion 106 when arriving them and can move past the position of interaction part 107, as shown in accompanying drawing 24B, lock arm 16 also arrives the position that can move past interlocking portions 97, as shown in accompanying drawing 24A and 27, but can not disturb interlocking portions 97.

And after the parts of female connector F were assembled as mentioned above with reference to first preferred embodiment, positive connector M at least partly installed or is inserted into the shell 10 from the front.After positive connector M is installed, one or more guide rib 96 to the small part of recipient 93 is installed in corresponding one or more direction recess 26 of shell 10, surrounding wall to the small part of recipient 93 is inserted among the connection space Q of shell 10 simultaneously, and recipient 93 is pushed to the back under this state.Then, propulsive units 95 to the small part of recipient 93 enters the recess 74 that is out of shape the place, inboard that prevents part 73, on the front surface that is pushed against flange portion 36.Along with positive connector M further installs or inserts, flange portion 36 moves (as shown in accompanying drawing 29) backward by the promotion that is subjected to propulsive units 95, thereby latch portion 78 is separated with main receiving portion 27.And inner casing 30 preferably is pushed to the loose mobile permission space at the rear side place that is limited to shell 10.

Preferably almost when the propulsive units 95 of recipient 93 is pushed against on the front surface of flange portion 36, raised portion 106 is on the guide surface 107A that moves to interaction part 107 before the lock arm 16, as shown in accompanying drawing 24B, and along with raised portion 106 moves on the guide surface 107A, with raised portion 106 integral body or single lock arm 16 risings or distortion.Although lock arm 16 has arrived under this state substantially and interlocking portions 97 basic corresponding positions, as shown in accompanying drawing 24A, do not keeping under the situation about contacting with interlocking portions 97, it is positioned at the top or the outside of the guide surface 97A of interlocking portions 97.When attended operation is proceeded and raised portion 106 when arriving them and can move past the position of interaction part 107, as shown in accompanying drawing 25B, lock arm 16 also arrives the position that can move past interlocking portions 97, and as shown in accompanying drawing 25A and 27, but it does not disturb interlocking portions 97.

When attended operation is proceeded and two connector F, M are in the main true when connecting, raised portion 106 moves past interaction part 107, and lock arm 16 with widened section 105 to the small part elastic return, thereby lock arm 16 engages on the direction that two connector F, M separate with interlocking portions 97, and raised portion 106 and interaction part 107 are engaged with each other on the detaching direction of two connector F, M equally, as shown in accompanying drawing 26A and 26B.As a result, two connector F, M are preferably kept inseparably.Being installed in stiffener 101 in the lock arm 16 or on the lock arm 16 to small part preferably is in the main true at two connector F, M and does not contact the locking surface 97B of interlocking portions 97 before connecting.

Especially, when attended operation is proceeded and two connector F, M are in the main true when connecting, raised portion 106 moves past interaction part 107, and lock arm 16 with widened section 105 to the small part elastic return, thereby lock arm 16 and interlocking portions 97 engage on the detaching direction of two connector F, M substantially, and raised portion 106 and interaction part 107 are engaged with each other on the detaching direction of two connector F, M equally substantially.As a result, two connector F, M are kept inseparably.The stiffener 101 that is installed in the lock arm 16 or on the lock arm 16 did not contact with the locking surface 97B of interlocking portions 97 before two connector F, M are in the main true connection.When two connector F, M correctly connected, latch portion 78 and receiving portion 29 (not comprising that loose moving prevents part 28) separated, and inner casing 30 to small part enters loose mobile permission space, as shown in accompanying drawing 29.

According to second embodiment, because by making (preferable alloy) stiffener 101 to small part be installed in wherein or protect on it lock arm 16, so after the connection of two connector F, M, can prevent the plastic deformation of resin.

And, because lock arm 16 moves in the process that connects two connector F, M by raised portion 106 and is elevated to the position of not disturbing interlocking portions 97 on the interaction part 107, even so (metal) stiffener 101 is installed in the lock arm 16 or on the lock arm 16, interlocking portions 97 can not sustain damage because of stiffener 101 frictions yet.So, can keep good lock function.

And, because by having formed stiffener 101 along the groove 24 elasticity of extension members of lock arm 16 or the part of spring member 50 substantially, so do not need to produce separately stiffener 101 and spring member 50.So, can reduce the quantity of parts, and can simplified construction.

And, because lock arm 16 is protected by (preferable alloy) stiffener 101 is installed in wherein or on it to small part, so can prevent the plastic deformation of resin after the connection of two connector F, M.

And, because lock arm 16 moves in the process that connects two connector F, M by raised portion 106 and is elevated to the position of not disturbing interlocking portions 97 on the interaction part 107, even so (metal) stiffener 101 is installed in the lock arm 16, interlocking portions 97 can not sustain damage because of stiffener 101 frictions yet.So, can keep good lock function.

And, owing to preferably pass through along the part formation stiffener 101 of the groove 24 extension spring members 50 of lock arm 16, so do not need to produce separately stiffener 101 and spring member 50.So, can reduce number of components, and can simplified construction.

＜other embodiment 〉

The present invention not only is confined to embodiment described and illustrated above.For example, following embodiment is also in the scope of the present invention that is defined by the claims.Except following embodiment, under the situation that does not break away from the scope and spirit of the present invention that are defined by the claims, also can make various changes.

(1) although in the aforementioned embodiment, elastic component or spring member are made by the leaf spring material, and this spring member also can be disc spring or the member made from as the padded coaming of rubber or other any elastomeric materials and so on according to the present invention.

(2) although in the aforementioned embodiment, loose moving prevents that part is arranged in the receiving portion, and according to the present invention, they also can be arranged in the latch portion.In brief, loose moving prevents that part is enough at three around in them any one, to prevent its loose moving when latch portion and receiving portion are engaged with each other.

(3) although in the aforementioned embodiment, when latch portion and receiving portion are engaged with each other, loose moving prevents that part from having prevented its loose moving, but according to the present invention, be enough to be provided for filling up the projection in the gap between latch portion and the receiving portion, thereby latch portion and receiving portion can be through this projection positive engagement.

(4) although in the aforementioned embodiment, by the joint of latch portion and receiving portion, inner casing is locked into to deviate from shell, and latch portion and receiving portion can not be provided with this locking mechanism according to the present invention.

(5) although in the aforementioned embodiment, four supporting part primary circle weekly intervals of spring member are provided with, and according to the present invention, also more or less supporting part can be set, and at least three supporting parts of spring member for example can be set the circle spacing.

(6) although in the aforementioned embodiment, negative connector is provided with lock arm, and positive connector is provided with interlocking portions, and according to the present invention, negative and positive connector can be provided with interlocking portions and lock arm respectively on the contrary.

(7) according to the present invention, (preferable alloy) stiffener can be mounted to the basic entire engagement surface of the lock hole that covers lock arm.This makes stiffener can contact the whole locking surface of interlocking portions.

(8) according to the present invention, separating the stiffener that forms with spring member can be installed in the lock arm.

(9) according to the present invention, positive connector can be provided with inner casing, shell, spring member etc.

(10) according to the present invention, lock arm can be formed with the locking projection that can engage with interlocking portions, rather than lock hole.

(11) according to the present invention, positive connector can comprise lock arm, and negative connector can comprise interlocking portions.

(12) according to the present invention, but metal reinforcing plates can be mounted to the whole composition surface that covers lock arm.This can make stiffener contact the whole locking surface of interlocking portions.

(13) according to the present invention, consider resistance to vibration, negative connector may not comprise a plurality of parts as inner casing and so on, but can be the conventional connector that has as a cover of critical piece.

Reference numerals list

The F negative connector

The M positive connector

10 shells

12 rear walls

13 outer tube parts

16 lock arms

23 lock holes

26 direction recess

26A is leading to groove

The 28 loose mobile parts that prevent

29 receiving portions

30 inner casings

31 keepers

32 containment members

33 front piece

34 terminal receiving cavities

36 flange portions

50 spring members

51 through holes

53 supporting parts

73 deform ation prevention parts

78 latch portion

80 female terminal fittings

89 rubber stoppers

90 male terminal joints

93 recipients

96 guide rib

97 interlocking portions

101 stiffeners

105 widened sections

106 raised portions

107 interaction parts

Claims

1. a connector (F) comprising:

Shell (10),

Can be at least partially housed in the elastic component (50) in this shell (10), and

Can be at least partially housed in the inner casing (30) in this shell (10) equally, this inner casing (30) is suitable for keeping at least one clamped nipple (80),

Wherein, described elastic component (50) is clipped between the part (12) of the part (36A) of described inner casing (30) and described shell (10), and

Wherein, when matching connector (M) to the small part that keeps mating terminals joint (90) is installed in the shell (10), described inner casing (30) will be engaged connector (M) and promote, move with described part (12) towards described shell (10), and described inner casing (30) is substantially between closure (CD) goes up by the described part (12) and described matching connector (M) of described elastic component (50) floating support at described shell (10)

Wherein, at least one receiving portion (29) is arranged on the inner surface of described shell (10),

At least one latch portion (78) is arranged on the outer surface of described inner casing (30),

Before described matching connector (M) will connect, this latch portion (78) and receiving portion (29) contacted with each other, come rigidly inner casing (30) to be installed in the shell (10), and

Connecting moving of described matching connector (M) Shi Suozuo by this inner casing (30), described latch portion (78) and receiving portion (29) are separated from each other, thereby cancel the rigidity installment state of this inner casing (30).

2. connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described shell (10) is tubulose substantially, and the one end to small part by rear wall (12) sealing, this rear wall (12) is formed for clamping the described part (12) of the described shell (10) of described elastic component (50).

3. connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, described matching connector (M) to small part is installed in the described shell (10), to be locked in wherein.

4. connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

One (29) in described latch portion (78) and the receiving portion (29) comprise that loose moving prevents part (28), this is loose move prevent part (28) be used for by before connecting at described matching connector (M) around the outer surface of another (78) of described latch portion (78) and receiving portion (29), prevent that described inner casing (30) from becoming to be not equal to the angle of 0 ° or 180 ° with closure (CD), be basically perpendicular on the direction of this closure (CD) and move loosely, and

During the attended operation of this matching connector (M), the outer surface of another (78) in described latch portion (78) and the receiving portion (29) and loose moving prevent part (28) slip on each other substantially, and after this matching connector (M) connected, described inner casing (30) moved to and allows in the loose mobile loose mobile permission space of this inner casing (30).

5. connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, one or more supporting parts (53) are arranged on the described elastic component (50) with basic interval uniformly circumference, and by its elastic force the part (36A) of described inner casing (30) are pushed towards described matching connector (M).

6. connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein:

Described matching connector (M) comprises recipient (93), this recipient has and can be inserted into surrounding wall in the gap between the outer surface of the inner surface of described shell (10) and described inner casing (30) to small part, radially outward Tu Chu flange portion (36) is arranged on the position of the outer surface of described inner casing (30), make this flange portion go up the guiding end of basic side in closure (CD) substantially to the surrounding wall of this recipient (93), and containment member (89) is being installed with flange portion (36) position adjacent place, sealing member (89) is compressed in after described matching connector (M) connects between the inner surface of surrounding wall of the outer surface of inner casing (30) and recipient (93), and/or

At the basic side of the protrusion end of described flange portion (36) position of containment member (89) is provided with distortion and prevents part (73), this distortion prevents that part (73) is used for pushing the surrounding wall of described recipient (93) after described matching connector (M) connects, this surrounding wall stands distortion, thereby from its opening of outside widening.

7. connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein:

One (10) in described matching connector (M) and the shell (10) comprise the lock arm (16) of elastically deformable, and another (M) comprises interlocking portions (97), by the resilient engagement of this lock arm (16) with interlocking portions (97), this matching connector (M) remains in the shell (10) to small part inseparably, this shell (10) is all made by the synthetic resin material with the corresponding parts of matching connector (M), and another (M) that comprises interlocking portions (97) in matching connector (M) and the shell (10) comprises that than cooperating in connector (M) and the shell (10) lock arm (16) these (10) are harder, and

The stiffener of metal (101) is installed in the lock arm (16) or on the lock arm (16), thereby to small part or cover the surface that the maintenance of lock arm (16) contacts with interlocking portions (97) substantially fully.

8. connector as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

In described matching connector (M) and the shell (10) one comprises can be along with described lock arm (16) moves and at least one raised portion (106) of moving, and its another be included at least one part (107) that interacts with described interlocking portions (97) adjacent position, and

During the attended operation of matching connector (M), this raised portion (106) moves on the part (107) that interacts, and so that described lock arm (16) is raise, thereby this lock arm (16) and interlocking portions (97) can be not interfering with each other.

9. connector as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

Described shell (10) comprises described lock arm (16),

Described elastic component (50) is made by the metal blade spring material, and

By being extended along at least a portion of the inner surface of this lock arm (16) substantially, the part of this leaf spring material forms stiffener (101).

10. connector assembly comprises:

At least one pair of can the positive connected to one another and negative connector (M, F), wherein said negative connector (F) is according to a structure in the claim 1 to 9,

Be arranged on this connector (M, the F) lock arm (16) of the elastically deformable located of in one (10), and

Be arranged on the interlocking portions (97) on another connector (M),

Wherein:

By the resilient engagement of described lock arm (16) and interlocking portions (97), two connectors (M F) keeps together inseparably,

(M F) is made by the synthetic resin material to small part two connectors, makes to comprise that another connector (M) of interlocking portions (97) is harder than the connector that comprises lock arm (16) (F), reaches

The stiffener of metal (101) to small part is installed in the lock arm (16) or on the lock arm (16), thereby to small part or the surface that contacts or keep in touch with described interlocking portions (97) that substantially fully covers this lock arm (16).

11. the method for an assembling connector (F) comprises the steps:

Shell (10) is provided,

Elastic component (50) is at least partially housed in this shell (10), and

Inner casing (30) is at least partially housed in this shell (10), and this inner casing (30) is suitable for keeping at least one clamped nipple (80),

Wherein, this elastic component (50) is clipped between the part (12) of the part (36A) of this inner casing (30) and this shell (10), and

Wherein, when matching connector (M) to the small part that keeps mating terminals joint (90) is installed in the described shell (10), described inner casing (30) will be promoted by this matching connector (M), move with described part (12) towards described shell (10), and described inner casing (30) is substantially between closure (CD) goes up by the part (12) and described matching connector (M) of described elastic component (50) floating support in described shell (10)

12. (M, method F) comprises the steps: for the positive of assembling connector assembly and negative connector

Provide can be connected to one another at least one pair of positive and negative connector (M, F), wherein said negative connector (F) is assembled with the described method of claim 11,

This connector (M, F) lock arm (16) of elastically deformable is located to provide in one (10),

Interlocking portions (97) is provided on another connector (M), wherein the resilient engagement by described lock arm (16) and interlocking portions (97) is with connector (M, F) keep inseparably, and two connector (M wherein, F) all make by the synthetic resin material to small part, make to comprise that another connector (M) of interlocking portions (97) is harder than the connector that comprises lock arm (16) (F), and

Be installed to stiffener (101) to the small part of metal in the lock arm (16) or on the lock arm (16), thereby to small part or cover the surface that this lock arm (16) contacts or keeps in touch with described interlocking portions (97) basically substantially fully.