Casing having guide paths for an electrical connector

A casing in which an electric connector is housed, including a floor, and at least one wall standing perpendicularly to the floor, wherein the wall is formed with an opening, when a part of the electric connector projects outwardly through the opening, a seal formed around the part makes close contact with an inner edge of the opening, the casing further including a pair of guide paths allowing the electric connector at opposite ends thereof located in a first direction to slide towards the opening from inside of the casing on a first surface with which the electric connector makes contact at a lower surface thereof, the first direction being defined as a length-wise direction of the wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a casing used for an electric connector, and further to an electric connector to be used in combination with the casing.

2. Description of the Related Art

A kind of an electric connector is housed in a casing, and is coupled with a second electric connector connected to a cable. The electric connector includes a fitting portion through which the electric connector is coupled with the second electric connector. The fitting portion generally extends outwardly through an opening formed with the casing. Accordingly, the electric connector, in particular an electric connector to be equipped in an automobile, is generally designed to include a seal making close contact with the opening for the purpose of waterproofness.

An electric connector as mentioned above is suggested in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-345153.

FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view of the electric connector suggested in the Publication.

An electric connector1000is inserted into a cylindrical portion1003formed at a sidewall1002of a casing1001until a flange1004of the electric connector1000makes abutment with the sidewall1002. Then, screws1006are screwed into threaded holes1007through through-holes1005to thereby fix the electric connector1000to the casing1001. A seal1008is compressed by and accordingly makes close contact with an inner surface of the cylindrical portion1003.

In the conventional electric connector1000illustrated inFIG. 13, the seal1008is compressed by and accordingly is able to make close contact with an inner surface of the cylindrical portion1003. Consequently, even if the electric connector1000were coupled to the cylindrical portion1003having an axis extending in parallel with an axis of the electric connector, the electric connector1000does not exert an influence on a degree by which the seal1008is compressed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the electric connector1000, ensuring that the seal1008is entirely uniformly compressed, and thus, the seal1008provides sufficient sealing performance.

However, if the electric connector1000were fixed to the casing1001in such a condition that the electric connector1000inclined relative to the cylindrical portion1003, the seal1008would make abutment with an inner edge of an opening of the cylindrical portion1003, and hence, the seal1008might be damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above-mentioned problem in the conventional electric connector, it is an object of the present invention to provide a casing used for an electric connector, capable of fixing an electric connector thereto without damaging a seal.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide an electric connector to be used in combination with the above-mentioned casing.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a casing in which an electric connector is housed, including a floor, and at least one wall standing perpendicularly to the floor, wherein the wall is formed with an opening, when a part of the electric connector projects outwardly through the opening, a seal formed around the part makes close contact with an inner edge of the opening, the casing further including a pair of guide paths allowing the electric connector at opposite ends thereof located in a first direction to slide towards the opening from inside of the casing on a first surface with which the electric connector makes contact at a lower surface thereof, the first direction being defined as a length-wise direction of the wall.

The casing in accordance with the present invention is designed to include a pair of guide paths for allowing the electric connector to slide or move towards the opening of the wall on the first surface, ensuring it possible to prevent the electric connector from inclining relative to the opening while the electric connector is sliding or moving. Thus, a seal of the electric connector can make uniform abutment with an inner edge of the opening, and accordingly, be uniformly compressed.

It is preferable that each of the guide paths includes a first part having the first surface, and a second part having a third surface standing perpendicularly to the first surface, a distance between the third surfaces of the guide paths being in accordance with a length of the electric connector in the first direction.

The third surfaces make it possible to slide the electric connector therealong, ensuring it possible to prevent the electric connector from inclining relative to the opening in the above-mentioned first direction.

It is preferable that each of the third surfaces includes a tapered portion causing a distance between the third surfaces to be smaller towards the opening from inside of the casing.

It is preferable that each of the guide paths further includes a third part having a second surface extending from the third surface in parallel with the first surface, a distance between the first and second surfaces being such a distance that the electric connector is fittable at the opposite ends into a space formed between the first and second surfaces.

The second surfaces prevent the electric connector from floating from the first surfaces, ensuring it possible to prevent the electric connector from inclining in a height-wise direction.

It is preferable that the third part is detachably attached to the second part.

It is preferable that a length of the second surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than a length of the first surface in the second direction.

It is preferable that the second surface extends towards the opening from a location away in the second direction from an end of the first surface located remoter than the other end thereof from the opening in the second direction.

By so designing the second surfaces, the electric connector can be put on the first surfaces without being interfered with the second surfaces.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric connector to be housed in the casing, including a pair of extensions outwardly extending from opposite ends located in the first direction, each of the extensions having a tapered portion causing a distance between the extensions to be smaller towards the opening from inside of the casing.

The advantages obtained by the aforementioned present invention will be described hereinbelow.

The casing in accordance with the present invention is designed to include a pair of guide paths for allowing the electric connector to slide or move towards the opening of the wall on the first surface, ensuring it possible to prevent the electric connector from inclining relative to the opening while the electric connector is sliding or moving. Thus, a seal of the electric connector can make uniform abutment with an inner edge of the opening, and accordingly, be uniformly compressed. Thus, the electric connector can be fixed to the casing without damaging a seal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention is explained hereinbelow with reference to drawings. In the specification, a “front” of the electric connector indicates a side of the electric connector through which the electric connector is connected to the second electric connector, a “rear” of the electric connector indicates a side opposite to a “front”, a “lower” indicates a direction from the electric connector to a floor of the casing, and an “upper” indicates a direction opposite to a “lower”.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 4, an electric connector1is mounted on a printed circuit board20, housed in a casing30, and then, connected to a second electric connector100to which a cable C is connected. The casing30is in the form of a box (a cover thereof is not illustrated).

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the casing30includes at least a floor312, and a front wall311standing at a front edge of the floor312perpendicularly to the floor312. The front wall311is formed with an oval opening32.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8 to 10, the electric connector1includes a fitting portion11(defined as “a part” in claim1) through which the electric connector1is connected to the second electric connector100(seeFIG. 1), a body12, a seal13arranged around the fitting portion11for providing waterproofness, and a plurality of male connector terminals14making mechanical and electrical contact with female connector terminals of the second electric connector100. The fitting portion11is formed at a front of the body12. The fitting portion11and the body12are formed integral with each other by a resin molding process.

The fitting portion11comprises a first fitting portion111and a second fitting portion112both arranged in a width-wise direction F1of the casing30(that is, a length-wise direction of the front wall311). Both of the first and second fitting portions111and112have a hollow inner space113. The first fitting portion111is designed to have a larger cross-sectional area than that of the second fitting portion112. Each of the first and second fitting portions111and112is fit into the second electric connector100. The male connector terminals14extend in the inner spaces113.

The male connector terminals14pass through the body12to thereby be fixed relative to the body12. The body12is fixed to the casing30to thereby fix the electric connector1to the casing30.

The body12includes a top plate12alocated highest in the body12. The top plate12ais formed at opposite ends thereof with threaded holes12pinto which screws are screwed for fixing the printed circuit board20onto the electric connector1.

The top plate12aincludes extensions121extending from opposite ends of the top plate12ain the width-wise direction F1. The extensions121are designed to have a flat surface, and to be formed with fixing holes121p. The top plate12ais formed further with a pair of projections122at opposite ends thereof for positioning the printed circuit board20relative to the electric connector1.

The body12is formed at opposite ends of a bottom12bthereof with a pairs of extensions123extending in the width-wise direction F1and further rearwardly (that is, a direction F2(seeFIGS. 1 and 3) perpendicular to the direction F1). Each of the extensions123is formed with a fixing hole123p.

Each of the extensions123includes a sidewall123aextending in the direction F2in which the electric connector1is connected to the second electric connector100, and a front wall123bdesigned to be tapered in the direction F2from a rear towards a front of the body12. Thus, each of the extensions123is substantially trapezoidal.

The body12includes a pair of side structures12ccomprising two resin vertical plates spaced away from each other in parallel with each other, and a plurality of horizontal partition plates sandwiched between the vertical plates and equally spaced away from one another. The side structures12cform a part of the body12together with a front wall12dsupporting male connector terminals14therewith.

The seal13is formed on the front wall12dto surround therewith the fitting portion11at a proximal end of the fitting portion11. The seal13comprises a lip packing, and makes close contact with an inner edge32aof the opening32.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, each of the male connector terminals14includes a first portion141linearly extending forwardly from the body12into the first and second fitting portions111and112, the first portion141being in the form of a pin, a second portion142extending rearwardly from the body12towards the printed circuit board20, the second portion142being L-shaped, and a third portion143passing through the body12.

The first portion141is inserted into and makes electrical contact with a female connector terminal of the second electric connector100fit into the fitting portion11. The second portion142is inserted into a through-hole formed through the printed circuit board20to thereby make electrical contact with the printed circuit board20. The third portion143is embedded in the body12to thereby allow the first and second portions141and142to be supported by the body12.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8 to 10, the male connector terminals14are grouped into a first group of male connector terminals for the first fitting portion111, and a second group of male connector terminals for the second fitting portion112. The first group includes the male connector terminals14in two rows and three rows located at a rear of the two rows. Each of the male connector terminals14in the two rows is designed to have a cross-sectional area larger than that of the male connector terminal14in the three rows. The second group includes the male connector terminals14in a matrix, each having a cross-sectional area substantially equal to the same of the male connector terminals14in the two rows in the first group.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the printed circuit board20is almost rectangular, and is fixed to the casing30by means of screws such that there is a space in which the electric connector1is housed. The printed circuit board20is formed with a pair of cut-outs21through which a driver (not illustrated) is inserted into the casing30for screwing the electric connector1to the casing30.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the casing30is an aluminum die-cast product, and is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped box. As mentioned above, the casing30is formed at the front wall311with the rounded cornered rectangular opening32through which the fitting portion11of the electric connector1projects outwardly of the casing30. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the casing30includes a pair of first pillars33and four second pillars33xto all of which the printed circuit board20is screwed.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 12, the first pillars33are formed integral with the front wall311so as to sandwich the opening32therebetween in the direction F1. The first pillars33act as a first positioning unit30afor positioning the electric connector1relative to the opening32in the direction F1. Specifically, a space W1(seeFIG. 12) between the first pillars33is set in accordance with a width W2(seeFIG. 12) of the body12, and the first pillars33are positioned in accordance with a length of the opening32in the direction F1. Thus, the fitting portion11of the electric connector1can be fit into the opening32by positioning the body12in the direction F1between the first pillars33acting as the first positioning unit30a.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the first pillars33are located in alignment with front corners of the printed circuit board20. As illustrated inFIG. 4, each of the first pillars33is formed at a top surface33athereof with a threaded hole33p.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 to 5, the electric connector1and the printed circuit board20are fixed to the casing30by aligning the fixing holes121p(seeFIGS. 8 and 9) of the top plate12awith the threaded holes33p, and further aligning the through-holes (seeFIGS. 1 and 2) of the printed circuit board20with the threaded holes33p, and then, screwing the top plate12a(accordingly, the body12) and the printed circuit board20by means of screws121q. As illustrated inFIG. 12, each of the first pillars33is designed to have a height H1measured from a later-mentioned base surface351to the top surface33a. Herein, the height H1is set equal to such a height that the seal13(seeFIGS. 1 and 8) is just aligned with the opening32in a height-wise direction F3(seeFIGS. 1 and 12) of the front wall311of the casing30. Thus, the first pillars33, in particular, the top surfaces33aact as a second unit30c(seeFIG. 3) which is a part of a second positioning unit for positioning the electric connector1relative to the opening32in the direction F3.

The above-mentioned height H1is set equal to a height H2measured from a lower surface of the extensions123through which the extensions123make contact with the base surfaces31, to a lower surface of the extensions121and accordingly the top plate12a.

The printed circuit board20is fixed to the casing30further by being screwed to the second pillars33xillustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The printed circuit board20is fixed to the second pillars33xat center and rear corners at opposite edges situated in the direction F1(seeFIG. 2).

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 to 6, a pair of L-shaped first blocks35for positioning the electric connector1is formed on the floor312of the casing30. The first blocks35are situated outwardly of the opening32in the direction F1. The first blocks35are integral at a front thereof with the first pillars33.

As mentioned below in detail, the casing30includes a pair of guide paths34(seeFIG. 6) allowing the electric connector1at the extensions123to slide towards the opening32from inside of the casing30, ensuring that the fitting portion11can be inserted into the opening32without deviation in the directions F1and F3.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, each of the guide paths34is defined by a first surface351fwith which the extensions123of the electric connector1make contact at a lower surface thereof, a second surface363situated above and in parallel with the first surface351f, and a third surface352astanding perpendicularly to the first surface351f.

The first surface351fis provided by a first part351of the first block35, and the third surface352ais provided by a second part352of the first block35. A distance in the direction F3between the first surface351fand the second surface363is designed to allow the extension123of the electric connector1to slide therebetween. A distance in the direction F1between the third surfaces352ais designed to allow the extensions123to slide therebetween. The first surfaces351fare designed to have such a height relative to the floor312that the seal13aligns with the opening32in the direction F3.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, each of the first blocks35is formed at the first surfaces351fwith a threaded hole351p. The electric connector1is fixed to the casing30by putting the extensions123on the first surfaces351fsuch that the fixing holes123pof the extensions123align with the threaded holes351p, and screwing the extensions123to the first blocks35by means of the screws123q(seeFIG. 3). When the electric connector1is fixed to the block1, the seal13aligns with the opening32in the direction F3. Thus, the first surfaces351fact as a first unit30bwhich is a part of the above-mentioned second positioning unit.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the casing30further includes a pair of L-shaped second blocks36. Each of the second blocks36comprises a first portion361, and a second portion362extending from the first portion361. The first portion361in each of the second blocks36is screwed to a top surface of the second part352of the first block35such that the second portion362projects beyond the second part352inwardly of the casing30in the direction F1, enabling the second portion362to define the above-mentioned second surface363.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the second blocks36and accordingly the second surfaces363are designed to have a length smaller than a length of the first surface351fin the direction F2. Furthermore, the second surfaces363extend towards the opening32from a location away in the direction F2from an end of the first surface351flocated remoter than the other end thereof from the opening32in the second direction F2. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 4, each of the second surfaces363is extensive only above a central area351cof the first surface351f, and not extensive above a rear area351aand a front area351bof the first surface351f. Namely, the rear area351aand the front area351bof the first surface351fare exposed.

Each of the second blocks36is designed to have such a width (a length in the direction F1) that the threaded hole351pis exposed (namely, not covered by the second block36) so that a driver can be inserted through the cut-out21(seeFIG. 2) of the printed circuit board20to screw the extension123to the first surface351f.

As illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6, a distance between the first surface351fand the second surface363is designed to be slightly greater than a thickness of the extension123to allow the extension123to slide in the guide path34.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, a distance between the third surfaces352ain the direction F1is defined in accordance with a distance between the sidewalls123aof the extensions123. Specifically, a distance between the third surfaces352ain the direction F1is defined to allow the extensions123to slide within the guide paths34, as mentioned earlier.

Each of the third surfaces352aincludes a tapered portion37(seeFIG. 4) causing a distance between the third surfaces352ato be smaller at a location closer to the opening32from inside of the casing30. Each of the third surfaces352ais continuous to the first pillar33through the tapered portion37, as illustrated inFIG. 4.

Hereinbelow is explained a process of setting the electric connector1into the casing30.

First, as illustrated inFIG. 11A, the printed circuit board20on which the electric connector1is mounted is brought above the casing30such that the electric connector1faces the casing30. Then, the extensions123of the electric connector1are positioned above the rear areas351aof the first surfaces351f.

Then, as illustrated inFIGS. 11B and 12, the extensions123of the electric connector1are put on the rear areas351a.

If the second blocks36had such a length in the direction F2that the second surfaces363cover the rear areas351a, since the second blocks36interfere with the extensions123, it is burdensome to put the extensions123on the rear areas351aof the first surfaces351f. However, the rear areas351aare not covered by the second surfaces363, namely, are exposed to an inner space of the casing30, and the extensions123can be readily put on the rear areas351aof the first surfaces351f. Thus, the body12is now in a condition to be slidable towards the opening32in the direction F2.

Then, the body12is made to slide towards the opening32on the first surfaces351f, namely, along the guide paths34.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, since the extensions123of the electric connector1slide along the guide paths34defined by the first surface351f, the second surface363and the third surface352a, the body12can reach the opening32without being floated above the first surfaces351f. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the body12from inclining in the direction F3, specifically, prevent the fitting portion11from obliquely upwardly (or downwardly) inclining relative to the opening32in the direction F3.

Furthermore, since the extensions123are guided by the third surfaces352awhile sliding along the guide paths34, it is possible to prevent the body12from inclining relative to the opening32in the direction F1.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 9, the extensions123slide along the guide paths34through the rear areas351a, the central areas351cand the front areas351bin this order. When the front walls123bof the extensions123arrive at the front areas351b, the front walls123bmake abutment with the tapered portions37, and thus, the extensions123are guided along the tapered portions37. Accordingly, it is possible to direct the body12in the direction F2accurately to the opening32situated between the first pillars33merely by causing the body12to slide along the guide paths34.

Then, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 11C, the electric connector1slides along the guide paths34until making contact with the front wall311, and thus, the fitting portion11of the electric connector1projects outwardly of the casing30through the opening32. In this situation, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the body12is sandwiched between the first pillars33with the side structures12cmaking contact with inner (or facing) surfaces of the first pillars33.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, the body12can be positioned in the direction F1by making contact with the first pillars33acting as the first positioning unit30a. Furthermore, since the first pillars33acting as the first positioning unit30aare spaced away from each other by a distance W1defined in accordance with the width W2of the body12, the body12can be sandwiched between the first pillars33with the side structures12cof the body12making contact with the first pillars33, ensuring that the body12cannot be moved in the direction F1. Thus, the body12sandwiched between the first pillars33allows the seal13to accurately align with the inner edge32aof the opening32in the direction F1.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 12, when the fitting portion11is fit into the opening32, the fixing holes123pof the extensions123align with the threaded holes351pof the first surfaces351f, and the fixing holes121pof the top plate12aalign with the threaded holes33pof the first pillars33.

As mentioned above, the first pillars33act as the first positioning unit30afor positioning the electric connector1relative to the opening32in the direction F1, and hence, the electric connector1can be positioned in the direction F1merely by being inserted between the first pillars33.

Furthermore, the electric connector1can be positioned in the direction F3by putting the extensions123on the first surfaces351fand/or mounting the extensions121on the top surface33aof the first pillars33.

Then, the electric connector1is fixed to the casing30by means of the screws123q(seeFIG. 3) inserted into the threaded holes351pthrough the fixing holes123p, and further by the screws121q(seeFIG. 3) inserted into the threaded holes33athrough the fixing holes121pof the extensions121. The printed circuit board20on which the electric connector1is mounted is fixed to the casing30by screwing the printed circuit board to the second pillars33x.

Since the body12is fixed to the first surfaces351fthrough the extensions123by means of the screws123q(seeFIG. 3), it is possible to prevent the body12from moving and/or inclining in the direction F3. Furthermore, since the top plate12ais fixed to the first pillars33by means of the screws121q(seeFIG. 3), it is further possible to prevent the body12from moving and/or inclining in the direction F3.

As mentioned above, the body12of the electric connector1is positioned in the direction F1by means of the first positioning unit30a, and further positioned in the direction F3by means of the second positioning unit including the first unit30band the second unit30c. Thus, the seal13arranged around the fitting portion11can be aligned with the inner edge32aof the opening32in the directions F1and F3.

Since the body12of the electric connector1can be positioned relative to the opening32in the directions F1and F3, it is possible to prevent the electric connector1from deviating in position from the opening32of the casing30. Consequently, the casing30in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention enables the seal13to make uniform and close contact with the inner edge32aof the opening32.

In the current embodiment, the first pillars33are designed to act as the first positioning unit30afor positioning the electric connector1relative to the opening32in the direction F1. Since the first pillars33are designed to stand to sandwich the opening32therebetween, it is not necessary to prepare a particular space to be occupied by the first positioning unit30a.

The top surfaces33aof the first pillars33act as the second unit30c(seeFIG. 3) which is a part of the second positioning unit for positioning the electric connector1relative to the opening32in the direction F3. Thus, the first pillars33act not only as the first positioning unit30afor positioning the electric connector1relative to the opening32in the direction F1, but also as the second positioning unit for positioning the electric connector1relative to the opening32in the direction F3. Hence, it is not necessary to prepare a particular space to be occupied by the second unit30c, ensuring that a space in the casing30can be saved.

In addition, since the casing30is designed to include the guide paths34for guiding the fitting portion11of the electric connector1to the opening32, it is possible to prevent the body12from inclining relative to the direction F2while the body12is sliding along the guide paths34. Thus, the fitting portion11can forward straightly towards the opening32, and hence, the seal13arranged around the fitting portion11can make uniform contact with the inner edge32aof the opening32, and be uniformly compressed. This ensures that the electric connector1can be connected to the casing30without damaging the seal13.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the casing30in accordance with the present embodiment is designed to include the first unit30band the second unit30cfor fixing the electric connector1to the casing30. It should be noted that the casing30may be designed to include one of the first unit30band the second unit30c. It is preferable for the casing30to include both the first and second units30band30c, because the first and second units30band30cposition the electric connector1relative to the opening32in the direction F3, and further, provide an enhanced resistance to the top plate12aand the bottom12bof the electric connector1against a compression force exerted on them when the electric connector1is coupled to the second electric connector100(seeFIG. 1).

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 6, the first surfaces351fand the second surfaces363are defined by the first blocks35, and the third surfaces352are defined by the second blocks36.

For instance, it is supposed that the casing30illustrated inFIG. 1is made by the aluminum die-casting process. If a die used for die-casting the casing30is upwardly open to the atmosphere, that is, the die is open in the direction F3, since the spaces defined by the first surfaces351f, the second surfaces363and the third surfaces352as the guide paths34extend in the direction F1perpendicular to the direction F3, it is difficult to integrally form the first and second blocks35and36on the floor312of the casing30.

Thus, it is possible to design the casing30to include the guide paths34by forming the second blocks36separately from the first blocks35, and screwing the second blocks36to the first blocks35. Accordingly, the casing30can be designed to include the guide paths34regardless of which direction a die is open, and thus, other parts in the casing30can be readily formed.

The first positioning unit may be designed to include a single first pillar33situated outwardly of the opening32in the direction F1, in which case, the first pillar33is located such that, when the electric connector1is arranged in contact with the first pillar33, the fitting portion11of the electric connector1is located in alignment with the opening32.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The casing in accordance with the present invention is preferably used for an electric connector having waterproofness in the case that an electric circuit necessary to prevent water penetration thereinto is housed in the casing. In particular, the casing in accordance with the present invention is suitable to an electric connector to be equipped in an automobile running in drastically changed environments.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2013-264075 and 2013-264180 both filed on Dec. 20, 2013 and of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-004432 filed on Jan. 14, 2014 including specification, claims, drawings and summary is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.