Connecting mechanism for a connector

A connecting mechanism for a connector, which can align the connector in a rotating direction and smoothly align the connector for fitting with the mating connector, has a bracket, a holder, a connector and a plate. The bracket has a receiving body receiving the holder, and receives the holder in a receiving hole arranged in the receiving body. The receiving hole has an abut rib projecting from an inner surface in a radial direction. The holder receives the connector 4 and has an elastically deformable first positioning arm. When the holder is received in the receiving hole and fixed in the receiving body with the plate, the abut rib abuts on the first positioning arm, and the holder is aligned in a rotating direction about the receiving body.

The priority application Number Japan Patent Application No. 2006-226588 upon which this patent application is based is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the connecting mechanism for a connector to be used in connection of an electric wire.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a headrest of a vehicle as a mobile object, there is mounted various electronic equipment, for example a monitor and a whiplash preventing device for preventing a whiplash at a time of a crash. Various connecting mechanisms for a connector are used to provide a desired electric power and signal to the electronic device mounted to the head rest.

Heretofore, for improving work operation for assembling the electronic device, a connecting mechanism of a connector as an above mentioned connecting mechanism for a connector is proposed (see patent document 1). The connecting mechanism is for that a connector for electronic equipment in a vehicle body and a mating connector of electronic equipment to be mounted on the vehicle body are fixed in each desired position of the vehicle body, and, when the electronic equipment in the vehicle body and the electronic equipment to be mounted on the vehicle body are connected, the connecting mechanism for a connector makes the connector and the mating connector.

The connecting mechanism for a connector shown in patent document 1 has a stationary holder, a moving holder, a movable member, a supporting member and a support device. The stationary holder is fixed on a door inner panel of the vehicle body, therewith formed in one piece with the connector. The moving holder is formed in one piece with the mating connector fitting in the connector, therewith mounted movably on a door trim. The movable member is mounted on the moving holder. The supporting member supports the movable member and is fixed on the door trim. The support device includes an elastic member mounted between the movable member and the supporting member.

The above mentioned connecting mechanism for a connector arranges the elastic member between the movable member and the supporting member. Therewith, the connecting mechanism is assembled so as to mount the movable member allowable to move perpendicularly against an axial direction of the moving holder, and to tilt freely the movable axial direction of the moving holder. The movable member is mounted in the moving holder. To be supported by the support member, the moving holder can move perpendicularly against the axial direction, and the movable axial direction can be tilted freely, so that the movable axis of the moving holder is aligned to the stationary axis of the stationary holder. Thereby, the connector of the stationary holder and the mating connector of the moving holder are aligned and fit.

The connecting mechanism for a connector assembled in this way connects the electronic equipment in the vehicle body and the electronic equipment to be mounted in the vehicle body through the connector and the mating connector combined to each other. Therewith, a desired power and signal are sent to the electronic equipment to be mounted in the vehicle body.

Patent documents 1:Japan published patent application 2003-187909

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Objects to be Solved

The moving holder of the connecting mechanism for a connector shown in the patent documents 1 can move freely in a direction perpendicular to the movable axial direction of the movable member and the movable axial can be tilted freely by the support device. Therewith, by aligning the movable axis of the moving holder and the stationary axis of a stationary holder, the connector and the mating connector can be aligned. Also, when the connector and the mating connector are disconnected by the elastic member of the support device, the moving holder, that is, the mating connector can return in a default position. For this reason, the movable axis is tilted so as to fit an angle of the stationary axis, and aligned with the stationary axis of the connector in the direction perpendicular to the movable axis, so that there is no freedom of a rotational direction of the connector and the connector cannot be aligned smoothly. In addition, the connecting mechanism for a connector should have a complex structure for aligning the mating connector against the connector, and for moving the mating connector back to the default position after disconnecting. Thereby, a number of parts and steps of process are increasing.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connecting mechanism for a connector, which can be aligned in a rotational direction of the connector for aligning the connector with the mating connector smoothly when connecting, and simplify a structure for aligning of the connector, and reduce a number of parts and the steps of process.

How to Attain the Object of the Present Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a connecting mechanism for a connector has a holder receiving a connector inside thereof and holding the connector, and a receiving member receiving the holder inside thereof and holding the holder, and a fixing member mounted on the receiving member and fixing the holder. An inner diameter of the receiving member is formed larger than an outer diameter of the holder. The receiving member includes a receiving hole having a space between the holder and the receiving member when receiving the holder, and an abut rib projecting from an inner surface of the receiving hole into a radial direction. The holder has a first positioning arm, which positions the holder in a rotating direction around an axis of the holder with respect to the receiving member by rotating the holder around the axis in the receiving hole so as to make the first positioning arm abut on the abut rib and press the first positioning arm on the abut rib when the holder is received in the receiving hole and mounted in the receiving member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, as mentioned above, the first positioning arm projects from an outer surface of the holder in an outward direction to be elastically deformable, and is arranged in a pair. When the holder is rotated in one rotating direction around the axis in the receiving hole, one of the pair of first positioning arms abuts on the abut rib. Furthermore, when rotating in the other direction opposite to the one direction, the other of the pair of first positioning arms abuts on the abut rib.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, as mentioned above, the holder has a second positioning arm, which positions the holder with respect to the receiving member in a radial direction of the receiving hole by abutting on the inner surface of the receiving hole and pressing the inner surface in the radial direction when the holder is received in the receiving hole and mounted to the receiving member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as mentioned above, the second positioning arm projects from the outer surface of the holder in the outward direction and is arranged in plurality. Also the second positioning arms are arranged with a space along the outer surface and formed to be elastically deformable in the radial direction. When the holder moves in the radial direction in the receiving hole, the plural second positioning arms abut on an inner surface of the receiving hole.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, as mentioned above, the receiving member has a control rib projecting from the inner surface of the receiving hole and corresponding to the abut rib. The holder has a limiter controlling a rotation angle of the holder around the axis by abutting on the control rib when the holder is rotated a prescribed angle in the rotating direction around the axis of the holder in the receiving hole.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the holder has the first positioning arm, which positions the holder in a rotating direction around an axis of the holder with respect to the receiving member by rotating the holder around the axis in the receiving hole so as to make the first positioning arm abut on the abut rib and press the first positioning arm on the abut rib when the holder is received in the receiving hole and mounted in the receiving member. Accordingly, the holder can be set in position with respect to the rotation direction in the receiving hole.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the holder is rotated in the one rotating direction around the axis in the receiving hole, the one of the pair of first positioning arms formed elastically deformable abuts on the abut rib. When the holder is rotated in the other direction, which is in the opposite direction to the one direction, the other of the pair of first positioning arms abuts on the abut rib. Consequently, a position of the holder is set in the directions of rotation of the one direction or the other direction which is in the opposite direction to the one direction in the receiving hole of the receiving member, therewith the holder can be aligned in the rotation direction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the holder has a second positioning arm, which positions the holder with respect to the receiving member in a radial direction of the receiving hole by abutting on the inner surface of the receiving hole and pressing the inner surface in the radial direction when the holder is received in the receiving hole and mounted to the receiving member. Therefore, the holder can be positioned in the center of the receiving hole.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the holder is moved in the radial direction, the plural second positioning arms formed elastically deformable abut on the inner surface of the receiving hole. Thereby the holder can be aligned in the radial direction in the receiving hole.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, holder has the limiter controlling the rotation angle of the holder around the axis by abutting on the control rib when the holder is rotated a prescribed angle in the rotating direction around the axis of the holder in the receiving hole. Therefore, a movement in the rotation direction of the holder can be limited within a predetermined angle required for alignment and an unnecessary rotation of the holder can be limited, thereby the holder can be aligned smoothly.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, the holder can be positioned in the receiving hole of the receiving member in the rotation direction. A connector, which is received and held by the holder, can be positioned in the rotation direction. Thereby, the connector can be fit smoothly with a mating connector inserted in the holder. In addition, the holder includes the first positioning arm, thereby a number of parts can be reduced and the steps of process can be limited.

According to the invention, the holder can be positioned in the receiving hole of the receiving member in the rotation both of one direction and the other direction opposite to the one direction. The holder can be aligned in the rotation direction. The connector, which is received and held in the holder, can be aligned in the rotation direction. Thereby, the connector can be aligned with the mating connector smoothly when fitting. Furthermore, parts for aligning can be reduced, and the steps of process can be limited.

According to the invention, the holder can be positioned in the center of the receiving hole of the receiving member. The connector, which the holder receives and holds, can be positioned in the center of the receiving hole. The connector can be fit smoothly with the mating connector inserted in the holder. Furthermore, the holder includes the second positioning arm, thereby a number of parts can be reduced, and the steps of process can be limited.

According to the invention, the holder can be aligned in the radial direction in the receiving hole. The connector, which the holder receives and holds, can be aligned in the radial direction. Thereby, the mating connector can be smoothly aligned with the connector when fitting. Furthermore, parts for aligning can be reduced, and the steps of process can be limited.

According to the invention, the unnecessary rotation of the holder can be limited by controlling motion in the rotation direction of the holder in the necessary prescribed angle. Thereby, smooth alignment can be performed. The connector can be securely aligned with the other connector, and the connector and the mating connector can be fit securely.

The above and other objects and features of this invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A connecting mechanism for a connector (connecting mechanism) according to one embodiment of the present invention is explained by referring to drawings. A connecting mechanism1as shown inFIG. 1is used to transmit a required electric power and a signal to various electronic equipment, such as a monitor mounted in headrest of a vehicle and a whiplash protecting device.

As shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the connecting mechanism1has a bracket2, a holder3, a connector4, a plate5as a fixing member, and a bolt.

The bracket2is made of an insulation synthetic resin, and has a main body8of plate shape and a pair of receivers9. The main body8connects the pair of receivers9. The pair of receivers9spaces to each other, and is arranged in parallel. The receiver9has a receiving body10(corresponding to a receiving member) and a flange11. As shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6, the receiving body10has a bottom plate12of a ring shape and a cylinder13projecting from an outer edge of the bottom plate12in one piece to be formed into a bottomed cylinder shape. The receiving body10receives the holder3inside thereof and holds the holder3.

The flange11is formed into a plate shape, and extends radically along the outer surface of the cylinder13of the receiving body10from an outer edge, apart from the bottom plate12, of the cylinder13of the receiving body10. The flange11is arranged about half around the outer edge of the cylinder13of the receiving body10, apart from the bottom plate12. The flange11has a step15so as to increase a thickness of an outer area of the flange11. In addition, a bolt hole16is arranged in an end side of the flange11, near to the main body8. A nut, a screw hole of which is in communication with the bolt hole16, is buried in the end side of the flange11.

As shown inFIG. 5, the bottom plate12has an opening12apassing a connector4therethrough. When the connector4is received into the holder3received in the receiving body10, the connector4is received in the holder3through the opening12aof the bottom plate12.

The cylinder13has a receiving hole14receiving the holder3therein. An inner diameter of the receiving hole14is formed larger than an outer diameter of the holder3. When the receiving hole14receives the holder3, the receiving hole14has a space between the holder3and itself. The receiving hole14has an abut rib14aand a control rib14b, both projecting from an inner surface of the receiving hole14in a radial direction. The abut rib14ais opposed to the control rib14bin the radial direction of the receiving hole14. Therewith, the abut rib14ais arranged in an area near the flange11of the inner surface of the receiving hole14. The control rib14bis arranged in an area apart from the flange11of the inner surface of the receiving hole14.

The holder3is made of an insulation synthetic resin and formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole. As shown inFIG. 2, the holder3has a cylindrical holder body17and a flange18integrally. The holder body17is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole, having a plurality of cutouts and holes. The holder body17is received in the receiving body10.

As shown inFIG. 5toFIG. 8, the holder body17has a first positioning arm19, a second positioning arm20, a holder lock arm21and a limiter24. A pair of first positioning arms19is arranged in an area near the flange18of an outer surface of the holder body17. The pair of first positioning arms19is formed into a bar shape elastically deformable. One end of the first positioning arm19continues to the holder body17. A contact piece19ais arranged at the other end of the first positioning arm19. The contact pieces19aproject to make the pair of first positioning arms19close to each other. The contact piece19acan be elastically deformed freely along the outer surface of the holder body17so as to make contact the contact pieces19aclose to and apart from each other.

When the holder body17is received in the receiving hole14of the receiving body10, the contact piece19aabuts on the abut rib14aarranged in the inner surface of the receiving hole14. When the holder body17is received in the receiving hole14of the cylinder13of the receiving body10and rotates in one direction about an axis of the cylinder13, the contact piece19aof the one first positioning arm19abuts on the abut rib14aand is elastically deformed. Furthermore, when the holder body17is rotated in the other direction opposite to the one direction about the axis, the contact piece19aof the other first positioning arm19abuts on the abut rib14aand is elastically deformed.

The contact piece19aabuts on the abut rib14aof the inner surface of the receiving hole14, and is elastically deformed. Thereby, the holder body17is supported movably around the axis in the receiving body10, and always pushed around the axis in the receiving body10.

The four second positioning arms20are arranged in FIGs. The second positioning arms20are arranged with a space in the circumferential direction of the holder17. Therewith, the second positioning arm20projects from an outer surface of the holder body17in the outward direction. The plural second positioning arms20are formed into a bar shape elastically deformable. One end of the second positioning arm20continues to the holder body17. A contact piece20ais arranged at the other end of the second positioning arm20, and deformed elastically freely so as to move close to and apart form the holder body17. The contact piece20ais formed projecting outwardly from an outer edge of the holder body17.

As shown inFIG. 8, when the holder body17is received in the receiving hole14of the receiving body10, the contact pieces20aabut on the inner surface of the receiving hole14. The contact piece20aabuts on the inner surface of the receiving hole14and is deformed elastically. Thereby, the second positioning arms20support movably the holder17in the radial direction in the receiving hole14of the receiving body10, and always push it toward the center of the receiving body10.

As shown inFIG. 2orFIG. 6, a pair of the limiters24is arranged at a side surface of the holder body17, apart from the flange18. The pair of the limiters24is an inner edge of a cutout arranged in the holder body17. Furthermore, the pair of the limiters24is arranged in a position corresponding to the pair of the first positioning arms19opposite thereto about the center of the holder body17so as to correspond to each other along the outer surface of the holder body17. When the holder body17is received in the receiving hole14of the receiving body10, and rotated a predetermined angle in the one direction about the axis, one of the pair of limiters24abuts on the control rib14barranged in the inner surface of the receiving hole14. In addition, when the holder body17is rotated a predetermined angle in the other direction opposite to the one direction about the axis, the other of the limiters24abuts on the control rib14b.

When the holder body17is rotated a predetermined angle about the axis in the receiving hole14of the receiving body10, the pair of the limiters24abuts respectively on the control rib14barranged in the inner surface of the receiving hole14. Thereby, the rotation angle of the holder3around the axis in the receiving body10is controlled.

As shown in FIGs, a holder lock arm21is arranged in one pair. A pair of the holder lock arms21is arranged in positions opposite to each other about the center of the holder body17. As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 6, the holder lock arm21has an arm body22of a bar shape and a lock projection23. A lengthwise of the arm body22is arranged along the axis of the holder body17. Both ends of the lengthwise of the arm body22are formed continuous to the holder body17. Portions other than the both ends of the arm body22are arranged not continuous to the holder body17, and formed into a both-end-supported beam shape. The lock projection23is arranged in the center of a lengthwise of the arm body22, and formed projectingly so as to make the holder lock arms21near to each other from the arm body22.

The flange18is formed into a plate shape. When the holder body17is received in the receiving body10, the flange18extends from one end of the holder17near the flange11along the outer surface of the holder body17. The flange18is arranged approximately half around the one end of the holder body17.

In the above mentioned holder3, the flange18is overlapped on the flange11of the receiver9, and the holder body17is received in the receiving body10of the receiver9. Also, the flange18of the holder3is positioned in an inner side of the step15of the receiver9. The holder3receives a connector4in the holder body17, and a later-described lock arm28of the connector4is engaged with the holder lock arm21. Thereby the holder3holds the connector4.

As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the connector4has a terminal (not shown) and a connector housing25. The terminal is made of the conductive metal plate. The terminal is joined with an end of an electric wire26, thereby electrically connected with a core of the electric wire26.

The connector housing25is made of the insulation synthetic resin, and has a housing body27of box shape and a lock arm28. The housing body27is provided with a plurality of terminal receiving sections. The each terminal receiving section extends linearly. The plurality of terminal receiving sections is arranged in parallel to each other. The terminal receiving section is a hole (space), both ends of which open at an outer surface of the housing body27.

The connector housing25has two lock arms28. The two lock arms28position the housing body27therebetween. Each lock arm28is formed into a band plate shape and arranged in parallel to the terminal receiving section. The lock arm28is formed into a cantilever shape so that one end portion of the lock arm28apart from a mating connector (not shown) is continued to the housing body27. The other end of the lock arm28engages with the lock projection23of the holder lock arm21and a lock projection of the mating connector (not shown).

The above mentioned connector4is inserted from an opening12aarranged in a bottom plate12apart from the flange11into the holder body17and received in the holder body17. The other end portion of the lock arm28of the connector4is engaged with the lock projection23, and the connector4is held in the holder body17of the holder3. The connector4is inserted into the holder body17of the holder3along an arrow S in parallel to the lengthwise direction of the terminal receiving section and the axis of the holder body17. The arrow S shows an insertion direction of the connector4to the holder body17of the holder3.

The plate5is made of a thick metal plate, and formed into a flat plate shape. One end portion of the plate5is arranged with a locking portion locking in the flange11of the receiver9, and the other end portion of the plate5is arranged with a bolt hole6, through which a bolt7is passed. In state of the locking portion of the plate5is locked in the flange11of the receiver9, the plate5is overlapped in the flange11. Therewith, the bolt hole6of the plate5is communicated with the bolt hole16arranged in the flange11of the receiver9.

The plate5nips the flange18of the holder3between the flange11of the receiver9and itself. The plate5is mounted on the flange11of the receiver9by screwing the bolt7into the nut through the bolt holes6,16. The plate5nips the flange18of the holder3between the flange11of the receiver9and itself, and fixes the holder3in the receiver9.

The above mentioned connecting structure1is assembled as a below. As shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 8, the holder body17is inserted into the receiving hole14of the receiving body10, therewith the flange18is overlapped on the flange11, and the holder3is held in the receiving body10of the receiver9. As shown inFIG. 4, the plate5is overlapped on the flange18of the holder3and fixed in the flange11of the receiver9by the bolt7. Thereafter, the connector4is placed with a space against the opening12aarranged in the bottom plate12. Furthermore, the connector4is inserted into the holder body17of the holder3. As shown inFIG. 3toFIG. 5, the connector4is held in the holder body17. Thus, the above mentioned connecting structure1is assembled.

Therefore, both contact pieces19aof the pair of first positioning arms19arranged in the holder body17of the holder3abut on the abut rib14aarranged in the receiver hole14of the receiving body10. Thereby, the holder3is positioned in a rotating direction around the axis in the receiver body10. Therewith, the contact pieces20aof the plurality of second positioning arms20arranged in the holder body17abut on the inner surface of the receiving hole14, thereby the holder3is positioned in the radial direction of the receiving hole14in the receiving hole10.

Furthermore, the limiter24of the holder body17abuts on the control rib14barranged in the receiving hole14of the receiving body10. Thereby, the rotation angle of the holder3in the receiving body10around the axis is controlled.

The above mentioned connector4of the connecting structure1fits in the mating connector mounted in ahead rest (not shown). The mating connector has a terminal (not shown) and a connector housing made of an insulation synthetic resin. The terminal is joined with an end of the electric wire connected with the electric equipment, for example the above mentioned monitor and the whiplash protecting device, and connected with the core of the electric wire. The connector housing has a plurality of terminal receiving sections receiving the above mentioned terminal, and a lock projection projecting from an outer surface thereof for engaging with the lock arm28of the connector4. The lock projection of the mating connector is engaged with the lock arm28and the mating connector fits in the connector4.

The bracket2of the above mentioned connecting structure1is fixed on a seat, and the connecting structure1is mounted on the seat. The head rest is approached to the seat and the mating connector mounted in the head rest is approached to the connector4, thereby the mating connector is fit in the connector4. As a result, the connecting structure1connects the electric equipment of the vehicle body with the electric equipment to be mounted head rest, and provides a desired electric power and signal to the electric equipment to be mounted head rest.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the contact pieces19aof the pair of first positioning arms19arranged in the holder body17of the holder3abut on the abut rib14aarranged in the receiving hole14of the receiving body10, thereby the holder3is supported movably around the axis in the receiving hole14of the receiving body10and pushed in the rotating direction around the axis. For this reason, the connector4can be aligned and positioned in the rotating direction in the receiving body10. Therefore, the connector4can be aligned in the rotating direction against the mating connector and fit smoothly therewith.

The contact pieces20aof the plurality of second positioning arms20arranged in the holder body17abut on the inner surface of the receiving hole14, thereby the holder3is supported movably in the rotating direction in the receiving hole14of the receiving body10and always pushed toward the center of the receiving body10. For this reason, the connector4can be aligned and positioned in the rotating direction in the receiving body10. Therefore, the connector4can be aligned against the mating connector and fit smoothly therewith.

Also the pair of limiters24arranged in the holder body17of the holder3abut on the control rib14barranged in the receiving hole14of the receiving body10. Thereby, the holder3is controlled about the rotation angle in the rotating direction around the axis in the receiving hole14. For this reason, movement in the rotating direction of the holder3is controlled in the necessary prescribed angle around the axis in the receiving hole10, thereby unnecessary rotation of the holder3can be limited. Therefore, the connector4can be aligned against the mating connector smoothly.

According to the above mentioned embodiment, the connecting structure1mounted on the sheet is shown so as to send the desired electric power and signal to the electric equipment mounted in the headrest. However, the preset invention does not limit it, but allows to send the desired electric power and signal to electric equipment to be mounted on an object other than the sheet and the headrest (may be other than the vehicle).

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the description is illustrative and not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. That is to say, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

While, in the embodiment, the present invention is described, it is not limited thereto. Various change and modifications can be made with the scope of the present invention.