Electrical connectors – With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in... – Retaining means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-23
2001-01-23
Stephan, Steven L. (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...
Retaining means
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176726
ABSTRACT:
This Application claims the benefit of the priority of Japanese 10-372618, filed Dec. 28, 1998.
The present Invention relates to an electrical connection box for mounting in an automobile or similar vehicle. More specifically, it is directed to such a box having a double-engagement structure which prevents a mating connector, which has been inserted into the connector housing, from disengaging therefrom.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Japanese laid-open utility model 4-36788 discloses a conventional electrical connection box of this type. A locking member is pivotally mounted on a connector housing disposed on the electrical connection box. A plate spring engagement section is located on the locking member. A plate spring is elastically disposed between the plate spring engagement section and the connector housing. In this electrical connection box, once the connector is inserted and fitted in the connector housing, the locking member is pivoted to the engagement position, working against the action of the plate spring. This engages and locks the connector.
However, in the conventional electrical connection box described above, dedicated equipment is needed to elastically dispose the plate spring in the electrical connection box and to mount the locking member. This increases production costs. Furthermore, since a plate spring is required, this also increases parts costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present Invention is to overcome the problems of the foregoing conventional technology and to provide an electrical connection box which eliminates the need for dedicated equipment and reduces production costs. Specifically, the present Invention provides for a double locking mechanism for securing the mating connector with the connecting housing.
The electrical connection box according to the present Invention comprises a main case, a connector housing therein, and a mating connector in the connector housing. There is an engagement section on a first inside wall of the connector housing which is in engagement with the mating connector. A support section is located either on the first inside wall or a second inside wall, the latter being spaced apart from the first inside wall. There is also provided a retainer in the support section which engages the mating connector and prevents it from slipping out of the connector housing.
The engagement section advantageously comprises a claw on the first inside wall and a protuberance on an adjacent wall of the mating connector. When installed, the protuberance on the mating connector is engaged by the claw on the first inside wall.
In a preferred form of the Invention, the support section includes an insertion opening and the retainer is an elongated member having a cross section which fits snugly in the insertion opening. The retainer extends through the insertion opening and bears against the mating connector. As a result, the mating connector is retained in the housing by both the engagement section and the retainer.
It is desirable that there be two support sections on either the first inside wall or the second inside wall. Such support sections are spaced apart from each other and it is advantageous that each has an insertion opening. In such a case, the retainer extends through both insertion openings in order to secure the mating section in the housing.
It has been found useful to provide the mating connector with a restricting portion which is adapted to underlie the retainer. Thus, the latter bears against this portion and thereby holds it within the housing.
If the support section is located on the second inside wall, the fact that it is remote from the first wall adds security to the retention of the mating connector. In this construction, the mating connector is held from both sides.
In a particularly desirable form of the Invention, each support section is provided with a pair of guide walls within which the retainer is held. It is also useful to have a guide projection partially occupying at least one insertion opening. This leaves a space constituting the remainder of the insertion opening and the cross section of the retainer is of substantially the same shape as the space. Most usefully, the cross section of the retainer is the same size or slightly larger than the space, whereby the retainer is held firmly therein. Most advantageously, the guide projection is in the form of an inverted trapezoid.
The retainer may comprise a pair of support plates, spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the insertion direction of the retainer and joined together by a connecting piece therebetween.
The Invention also contemplates the provision of a flexible piece on the connecting piece and adjacent a positioning end of the retainer. The flexible piece includes at least one stop which bears against the guide walls when the retainer is in the support section. Preferably, there is a pair of stops, each extending transversely to the insertion direction beyond the connecting piece. Thus, when the retainer is inserted into the insertion opening, the flexible piece is distorted thereby and, when it is through the insertion opening, its resilience causes the stop to resume its original shape, thereby securing the retainer in the support section. In a particularly preferred form of the Invention, the flexible piece is in the form of a trapezoid with the narrow end leading in the insertion direction. Thus, the angle of the trapezoid facilitates the distortion of the stop so that it can readily pass through the insertion opening and resume its original shape thereafter.
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Bierman, Muserlian and Lucas
Le Thanh-Tam
Stephan Steven L.
Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd.
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