Connector

A connector includes: a first connector constituent including a first terminal and a cylindrical part provided with a first locking part and a second locking part; a second connector constituent provided with a second terminal, a first locked part, and a second locked part; and a connector cover body including a first cylindrical part provided with a first abutment part, and a second cylindrical part provided with a second abutment part, the second cylindrical part constituting a locked-part holding part. When the connector cover body is moved closer to the first connector constituent from a state in which the second connector constituent is installed in the connector cover body, the second connector constituent is joined to the first connector constituent.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2014/060288, filed Apr. 9, 2014, and based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-084600, filed Apr. 15, 2013, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a connector and more particularly, to a connector that accomplishes an electrical connection between terminals by engaging another connector constituent with a pair of connector forming bodies joined to each other.

BACKGROUND ART

There is known, as a first conventional example, a connector501illustrated inFIG. 13(see US 2010/0003841 A1 (PTL 1)). The connector501of the first conventional example becomes costly since coaxially arranged contact components503,505,507are all exclusive parts. Additionally, when developing a structure which accomplishes fitting with a wire harness side connector by its rotation with use of a crimping terminal, it is necessary to construct the wire harness side connector by at least two components. Moreover, a sensor side connector is invisible during the fitting work since it is located on the bottom of a hollow cylinder, and therefore it is necessary to ensure the fitting on the side of contacts.

The connector501of the first conventional example becomes costly since the contact components503,505,507are “multi-contact” constructed as a measure against vibration. To sum up, the connector501of the first conventional example is complicated in structure and also hard to ensure the fitting, so that it becomes expensive.

Therefore, as a connector which would enable easy fitting between housing parts even if the counterpart side housing part could not be visualized so clearly and whose structure is simplified, there is proposed a connector511of a second conventional example, which is illustrated inFIG. 14(see Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-075992 (PTL 2)).

The connector511of the second conventional example includes a wire harness side connector part515having a first housing part513in which female terminals (not illustrated) are disposed, and a sensor side connector part521having a second housing part519in which male terminals517are disposed. In the connector511of the second conventional example, the fitting is executed between the first housing part513and the second housing part519and, at a fitting completion position, the female terminals and the male terminals517are connected to each other.

In the connector511of the second conventional example, the first housing part513is adapted so as to be rotatable to a body part523. Further, the first housing part513is provided with a guide rib part525, while the second housing part519is provided with a guide rail face527which guides the guide rib part525so that the first housing part513and the second housing part519are brought into formal fitting rotational positions by a position previous to the time when the female terminals and the male terminals517start to come into contact with each other.

SUMMARY

In the connector511of the second conventional example, the female terminals in the first housing part513are joined to the male terminals517in the second housing part519when the first housing part513(the body part523) has been installed in the second housing part519. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the joining between the second housing part519and the first housing part513(i.e. joining between the female terminals in the first housing part513and the male terminals517in the second housing part519) is released due to vibration or the like.

In order to solve the above mentioned problem, therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a connector including: a first connector constituent including a first terminal and a locking part; and a second connector constituent including a second terminal and a locked part, the second terminal being joined to the first terminal when the second connector constituent is installed in the first connector constituent, wherein the joining state between the first connector constituent and the second connector constituent is not cancelled so easily under condition that the second connector constituent is installed in the first connector constituent, whereby the fitting between the first terminal and the second terminal can be ensured.

A connector device according to a first aspect of the present application includes: a first connector constituent including a first terminal and a cylindrical part provided with a first locking part and a second locking part; a second connector constituent provided with a second terminal, a first locked part and a second locked part; and a connector cover body including a first cylindrical part provided with a first abutment part and a second cylindrical part arranged inside the first cylindrical part and apart from the first cylindrical part, the second cylindrical part provided with a second abutment part and constituting a locked-part holding part. When approaching, from a condition that the second connector constituent is installed in the connector cover body while the first locked part and the second locked part abut on the first abutment part, the connector cover body to the first connector constituent, the first locked part is deformed by a reaction force received from the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent and then detached from the first abutment part, so that the first locked part is brought into a condition that the first locked part can abut on the second abutment part. Subsequently, by the reaction force received from the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent, the second locked part is deformed and then detached from the first abutment part, so that the second locked part is brought into a condition that the second locked part can abut on the second abutment part. Subsequently, the first locked part and the second locked part abut on the second abutment part. Subsequently, the first locked part and the second locked part are restored and detached from the second abutment part, so that the first locked part is locked to the first locking part, the second locked part is locked to the second locking part and the second terminal is joined to the first terminal. Subsequently, as the second cylindrical part of the connector cover body enters the insides of the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent, the first locked part being locked to the first locking part, and the second locked part being locked to the second locking part, the locked-part holding part maintains a condition that the first locked part is being locked to the first locking part while the second locked part is being locked to the second locking part.

A connector according to a second aspect of the present application includes: a first connector constituent including a first terminal and a cylindrical part provided with a first locking part and a second locking part; a second connector constituent provided with a second terminal, a first locked part and a second locked part; and a connector cover body including a first cylindrical part provided with a first abutment part and a second cylindrical part arranged inside the first cylindrical part and apart from the first cylindrical part, the second cylindrical part provided with a second abutment part and constituting a locked-part holding part. When approaching, from a condition that the second connector constituent is installed in the connector cover body while the first locked part and the second locked part abut on the first abutment part, the connector cover body to the first connector constituent, the first locked part is deformed by a reaction force received from the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent and then detached from the first abutment part, so that the first locked part is brought into a condition that the first locked part can abut on the second abutment part. Subsequently, by the reaction force received from the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent, the second locked part is deformed and then detached from the first abutment part. Subsequently, the first locked part abuts on the second abutment part. Subsequently, the first locked part and the second locked part are restored and detached from the second abutment part, so that the first locked part is locked to the first locking part, while the second locked part is locked to the second locking part and additionally, the second terminal is joined to the first terminal. Subsequently, as the second cylindrical part of the connector cover body enters the insides of the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent, the first locked part being locked to the first locking part, and the second locked part being locked to the second locking part, the locked-part holding part maintains a condition that the first locked part is being locked to the first locking part while the second locked part is being locked to the second locking part.

In the connector according to the first or second aspect of the present application, it may be constructed so that: the second connector constituent includes a cylindrical part whose outer diameter is somewhat smaller than an inner diameter of the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent; the first locked part includes a first elastic arm which is elongated so as to project from the outer circumference of the cylindrical part obliquely to a generatrix of the outer circumference of the cylindrical part; the second locked part includes a second elastic arm which is elongated so as to project from the outer circumference of the cylindrical part obliquely to the generatrix of the outer circumference of the cylindrical part; and a crossing angle of the first elastic arm to the generatrix of the outer circumference of the cylindrical part is larger than a crossing angle of the second elastic arm to the generatrix of the outer circumference of the cylindrical part.

In the connector according to the first or second aspect of the present application, it may be constructed so that: the first elastic arm includes a tip portion extending in parallel with a center axis of the cylindrical part of the second connector constituent; a distance between the center axis of the cylindrical part of the second connector constituent and an outer circumferential end of the tip portion of the first elastic arm and a distance between the center axis of the cylindrical part of the second connector constituent and an outer circumferential end of the tip portion of the second elastic arm are equal to each other; and in a state before approaching the connector cover body to the first connector constituent in a situation where the second connector constituent is installed in the connector cover body while the first locked part and the second locked part abut on the first abutment part, the outer circumferential end of the tip portion of the first elastic arm and the outer circumferential end of the tip portion of the second elastic arm abut on an inner wall of the first cylindrical part of the connector cover body.

With the first or second aspect of the present application, it is possible to provide a connector including: the first connector constituent including the first terminal and the locking part; and the second connector constituent including the second terminal and the locked part, the second terminal joined to the first terminal when the second connector constituent is installed in the first connector constituent, wherein the joining state between the first connector constituent and the second connector constituent is not cancelled so easily under condition that the second connector constituent is installed in the first connector constituent, whereby the fitting between the first terminal and the second terminal can be ensured.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present application will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 12. In use, a connector1according to the embodiment is installed in a casing of an equipment (for example, a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine) (not illustrated) integrally, and includes a first connector constituent3, a second connector constituent5, and a connector cover body7.

The first connector constituent3, such as a standby male connector, includes a first terminal9and a cylindrical part11. The cylindrical part11is provided with a first locking part13and a second locking part15. The first connector constituent3is installed in the casing of the equipment integrally.

In the first connector constituent3, there is provided an ignition device (not illustrated), such as a glow plug such of a diesel engine. The first terminal9is composed of a plurality of male terminals. The first terminal9is electrically connected to the glow plug and the like.

The first connector constituent3may be provided with a sensor element, such as a combustion pressure sensor element, in place of the ignition device. Even if it is provided with a sensor element, the sensor element is connected to the first terminal9electrically.

The second connector constituent5is provided with a second terminal17, a first locked part19, and a second locked part21. The second terminal17of the second connector constituent5is joined to the first terminal9when the second connector constituent5is installed in the first connector constituent3.

The second connector constituent5is a female connector (for example, a female connector on the side of a glow plug). The second terminal17is composed of a plurality of female terminals.

Under condition that the second connector constituent5is installed in the first connector constituent3, the respective male terminals constituting the first terminal9of the first connector constituent3and the respective female terminals constituting the second terminal17of the second connector constituent5are joined to each other.

The connector cover body7includes a first cylindrical part23and a second cylindrical part25. The first cylindrical part23is provided with a first abutment part27. The second cylindrical part25is arranged coaxially with the first cylindrical part23. Inside of the first cylindrical part23, the second cylindrical part25is apart from the first cylindrical part23. The second cylindrical part25is provided with a second abutment part29. The second cylindrical part25constitutes a locked-part holding part31. Details of the locked-part holding part31will be described later.

The connector cover body7is, for example, a wire harness side male connector. The connector cover body7is provided with a third terminal33. The third terminal33is composed of, for example, a plurality of male terminals.

The respective female terminals of the second terminal17and the respective male terminals of the third terminal33are electrically connected to each other through wires (not illustrated) having flexibility (wires extending through the insides of the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7). Therefore, the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7are connected to each other by the wires having flexibility. The connector cover body7can change its position and posture with respect to the second connector constituent5, with a certain degree of freedom (within a range permitted by wires having flexibility).

A wire harness (not illustrated) is connected to the third terminal33. The connector cover body7is mounted to the second connector constituent5under condition of being installed in the first connector constituent3. When the wire harness is connected to the third terminal33, the first terminal9is electrically connected to the wire harness through the second terminal17, the wires having flexibility, and the third terminal33.

In the connector1, when approaching the connector cover body7, which is in a state (seeFIG. 4) that the second connector constituent5is integrally installed in the connector cover body7while the first locked part19and the second locked part21abut on the first abutment part27, toward the first connector constituent3in order to join the second terminal17to the first terminal9, the joining between the first terminal9and the second terminal17will be accomplished according to the behavior as described below.

Note, the connector is adapted so that, when approaching the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3, the second connector constituent5is pushed by the connector cover body7since the first locked part19and the second locked part21abut on the first abutment part27, and consequently not only the connector cover body7but also the second connector constituent5approaches to the first connector constituent3. Further, by approaching the connector cover body7and the second connector constituent5to the first connector constituent3, the second connector constituent5enters the inside of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3.

First, while keeping a state in which the second locked part is abutting on the first abutment part27, it is carried out to make the first locked part19abut on the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3(seeFIG. 5). Then, by a reaction force received from the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3(the opening of the cylindrical part11), the first locked part19is elastically deformed and detached from the first abutment part27, so that it becomes possible for the first locked part19to abut on the second abutment part29(seeFIGS. 6 and 8).

In connection, even if the first locked part19is deformed and detached from the first abutment part27, the second locked part21still abuts on the first abutment part27and therefore, when approaching the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3, the second connector constituent5is pushed closer to the first connector constituent3by the connector cover body7.

Successively, while keeping the state in which the first locked part19is capable of abutting on the second abutment part29as a result of being elastically deformed and detached from the first abutment part27by the reaction force received from the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3, the second locked part21abuts on the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3. Then, by the reaction force received from the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3(the opening of the cylindrical part11), the second locked part21is elastically deformed and detached from the first abutment part27, so that it becomes possible for the second locked part21to abut on the second abutment part29(seeFIG. 7).

When approaching the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3under the condition that the first locked part19and the second locked part21are deformed and detached from the first abutment part27, the second connector constituent5is no longer pushed by the connector cover body7, while only the connector cover body7approaches the first connector constituent3.

Subsequently, the first locked part19and the second locked part21abut on the second abutment part29(seeFIG. 8). When approaching the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3in such a condition that the first locked part19and the second locked part21abut on the second abutment part29, not only the connector cover body7but also the second connector constituent5approaches the first connector constituent3since the second connector constituent5is pushed by the connector cover body7(seeFIG. 9).

Then, the first locked part19and the second locked part21are restored and detached from the second abutment part29, so that the first locked part19is locked to the first locking part13, while the second locked part21is locked to the second locking part15. As a result, the second terminal17is joined to the first terminal9(seeFIG. 10).

When approaching the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3under the condition that the first locked part19and the second locked part21are restored and detached from the second abutment part29, the second connector constituent5is no longer pushed by the connector cover body7. Therefore, only the connector cover body7approaches the first connector constituent3.

Subsequently, the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7enters the insides of the first locked part19, which is locked to the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3, and the second locked part21which is locked to the second locking part15. As a result, the locked-part holding part31maintains the state where the first locked part19is locked to the first locking13while the second locked part21is locked to the second locking part15(seeFIG. 11).

The connector cover body7, the second connector constituent5, and the first connector constituent3are integrated with each other since the locked-part holding part31maintains the state where the first locked part19is locked to the first locking13while the second locked part21is locked to the second locking part15. Thus, the installation of the connector cover body7and the second connector constituent5to the first connector constituent3is completed.

Each of the first locking part13of the first connector constituent3and the second locking part15of the first connector constituent3is composed of a through hole formed in the cylindrical part11(through hole penetrating through a solid portion of the cylindrical part). In connection, instead of the through hole, each of the first locking part13and the second locking part15may be composed of a concave part (concave part which is formed on an inner surface of the cylindrical part11and also depressed toward the outer circumferential side of the cylindrical part11). That is, each of the first locking part13and the second locking part15may be composed of either one of the through hole and the concave part.

The second connector constituent5includes a first cylindrical part35. The first cylindrical part35has an outer diameter somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of the first connector constituent3of the cylindrical part11.

The first locked part19is composed of a first elastic arm37. The first elastic arm37is formed in a cantilever shape and also elongated so as to project from the outer circumference of the first cylindrical part35obliquely to a generatrix of the outer circumference of the first cylindrical part35(i.e. a center axis C1of the first cylindrical part35).

The second locked part21is also formed in a cantilever shape and composed of a second elastic arm39. The second elastic arm39is elongated so as to project from the outer circumference of the first cylindrical part35(in a region different from the circumferential region where the first elastic arm37does project) obliquely to the generatrix of the outer circumference of the first cylindrical part35(i.e. a center axis C1of the first cylindrical part35).

The crossing angle (acute crossing angle) α of the first elastic arm37to the generatrix (center axis C1) of the outer circumference of the first cylindrical part35is larger than the crossing angle (acute crossing angle) β of the second elastic arm39to the generatrix (center axis C1) of the outer circumference of the first cylindrical part35(seeFIG. 4).

The connector cover body7includes a third cylindrical part41. The first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7has an inner diameter somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3. The first cylindrical part23is arranged coaxially with the third cylindrical part41of the connector cover body7and projects from one end of the third cylindrical part41in the extending direction of the center axis C1.

The second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7has an outer diameter somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3. The second cylindrical part25is arranged coaxially with the third cylindrical part41of the connector cover body7and projects from one end of the third cylindrical part41in the extending direction of the center axis C1at a length shorter than the length of the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7. That is, in the extending direction of the central axis C1of the third cylindrical part41, a distance L1between the first abutment part27and the third cylindrical part41is larger than a distance L2between the second abutment part29and the third cylindrical part41(seeFIG. 8).

The first abutment part27is composed of a stepped part43which is foiled on the inner circumference of the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7at an intermediate part of the connector cover body7in the extending direction of the central axis C1of the first cylindrical part23.

The second abutment part29is composed of a tip portion of the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7(an end opposite to the third cylindrical part41).

In the state before approaching the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3to join the second terminal17to the first terminal9in a situation where the first locked part19and the second locked part21abut on the first abutment part27so that the second connector constituent5is installed in the connector cover body7, for example, in an integrated manner, respective elements of the connector are as follows (seeFIG. 4).

The cylindrical part11of the connector constituent3, the first cylindrical part35of the second connector constituent5, and the third cylindrical part41of the connector cover body7are arranged coaxially with each other.

The second connector constituent5is installed on one side of the connector cover body7in the extending direction of the center axis C1of the first cylindrical part23. On the one side of the connector cover body7in the extending direction of the center axis C1of the first cylindrical part23, the first connector constituent3is distant from the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7. In the extending direction of the center axis C1of the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7, there are aligned the connector cover body7, the second connector constituent5, and the first connector constituent3, in this order.

In the first elastic arm37and the second elastic arm39, additionally, their respective bases are located close to the center axis C1of the first cylindrical part35of the second connector constituent5, on the side of the first connector constituent3. Their tips are located far from the center axis C1of the first cylindrical part35of the second connector constituent5, on the side of the connector cover body7.

Then, the tip portion of the first elastic arm37and the tip portion of the second elastic arm39abut on the stepped part43formed on the inner circumference of the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7.

Under condition that the first locked part19and the second locked part21abut on the second abutment part29, the tip portion of the first elastic arm37and the tip portion of the second elastic arm39abut on the tip portion of the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7.

Under condition that the first locked part19is locked to the first locking part13, as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, the first elastic arm37enters the through hole13of the first connector constituent3. While, under condition that the second locked part21is locked to the second locking part15, the second elastic arm37enters the through hole15of the first connector constituent3.

For further illustration, as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3, the first locked part19being locked to the first locking part13, and the second locked part21being locked to the second locking part15enter a gap45between of the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7and the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7. With such an arrangement, the locked-part holding part31operates to maintain the condition where the first locked part19is being locked to the first locking part13, while the second locked part21is being locked to the second locking part15.

That is, when the locked-part holding part31maintains the condition where the first locked part19is being locked to the first locking part13and the second locked part21is being locked to the second locking part15, then the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3, the first locked part19being locked to the first locking part13, and the second locked part21being locked to the second locking part15are pinched between the first cylindrical part23and second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7.

Thus, the first locked part19locked to the first locking part13and the second locked part21locked to the second locking part15are prevented from being deflected. As a result, the locked-part holding part31maintains the condition where the first locked part19is being locked to the first locking part13, while the second locked part21is being locked to the second locking part15.

The tip portion47of the first elastic arm37extends in parallel with the center axis C1of the first cylindrical part35of the second connector constituent5. A distance L3between the center axis C1of the first cylindrical part35of the second connector constituent5and the outer circumferential end of the tip portion47of the first elastic arm37becomes equal to a distance L4between the center axis C1of the first cylindrical part35of the second connector constituent5and the outer circumferential end of the tip portion of the second elastic arm39(seeFIG. 4).

In the state before approaching the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3to join the second terminal17to the first terminal9in a situation where the first locked part19and the second locked part21abut on the first abutment part27so that the second connector constituent5is installed in the connector cover body7integrally, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the outer circumferential end of the tip portion47of the first elastic arm37and the outer circumferential end of the tip portion of the second elastic arm39come in contact with the inner wall of the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7.

For further illustration, a cylindrical notch49is provided at the leading end of the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7. In an area provided with the cylindrical notch49, the inner diameter of the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7is enlarged, so that a step part43is formed at the base end of the notch49. The outer circumferential end of the tip portion47of the first elastic arm37and the outer circumferential end of the tip portion of the second elastic arm39come in contact with the inner circumference of the notch49.

Here, the connector1will be described in more detail. For convenience of explanation, the extending direction of the center axis C1of the cylindrical parts11,23,25,35and41is defined as “vertical direction”, a given direction perpendicular to the vertical direction defined as “first radial direction” and another given direction perpendicular to the first radial direction is defined as “second radial direction”.

Similarly to the connector of the second conventional example illustrated in PTL 2, the first connector constituent3of the connector1is integrally installed in a cylinder head (not illustrated) through an externally threaded part (not illustrated). Therefore, when the first connector constituent3is installed in the cylinder head, the rotating angle of the first connector constituent3around the center axis C1does not become constant but varies due to individual differences of the first connector constituent3and the cylinder head. For instance, if respective first connector constituents3of two connectors1are installed in two cylinder heads respectively, the rotating angle of the first connector constituent3on one side around the center axis C1will be different from that of the first connector constituent3on the other side around the center axis C1in many cases although there is a case that the former happens to coincide with the later.

In order to keep the rotating position of the third terminal (i.e. a terminal projecting in a direction perpendicular to the center axis C1)33to be connected with a wire harness constant, meanwhile, it is required for the connector cover body7to keep the rotational angle around the center axis C1constant.

Further, each of the first terminal9of the first connector constituent3and the second terminal17of and the second connector constituent5is composed of a plurality of terminals. Therefore, when installing the second connector constituent5in the first connector constituent3installed in the cylinder head, it is necessary to rotate (revolve) the second connector constituent5around the center axis C1appropriately so that respective male terminals of the first terminal9of the first connector constituent3are joined to respective female terminals of the second terminal17of the second connector constituent5.

For this necessity, the second connector constituent5is adapted so as to be rotatable about the center axis C1to the connector cover body7within a predetermined angular range (e.g. ±180°). Also, for this necessity, there is provided a rotating positioning part (not illustrated) that, when installing the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7in the first connector constituent3in the cylinder head, allows the second connector constituent5to engage with the first connector constituent3thereby determining the rotating position of the second connector constituent5. Owing to the rotating positioning part similar to the connector of the second conventional example illustrated in PTL 2, the second connector constituent5is guided by the first connector constituent3, so that the second connector constituent5is brought into the formal fitting position in relation to the first connector constituent3.

The first connector constituent3includes a cylindrical part11and a bottom wall part51. The first connector constituent3is provided, in the cylindrical part11, with a guide rib (not illustrated) which is similar to the connector of the second conventional example illustrated in PTL 2.

The bottom wall part51closes up a lower end of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3. The inside of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3defines a terminal fitting chamber in which the first terminal9protrudes from the bottom wall part51upwardly.

On the downside of the bottom wall part51, an external threaded part (not illustrated) is formed to install the first connector constituent3in the cylinder head (not illustrated). Inside the external threaded part, there is an ignition device, such as a glow plug.

Each of the locking parts13,15may be composed of a plurality of through holes. The through holes constituting the locking parts13,15may be arranged in multiple positions, for example, six positions where the circumference of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent is divided into six portions. Six through holes only need to be formed in the same configuration. Each of the locking parts13,15is shaped in the form of e.g. an elongated rectangle and extends long in an upper intermediate portion of the cylindrical part11vertically.

The second connector constituent5includes a first cylindrical part35and a second cylindrical part53. The first cylindrical part35and the second cylindrical part53are coaxial with each other. The second cylindrical part53is connected to the top of the first cylindrical part35.

A cylindrical notch55is formed in the lower region of the first cylindrical part35. At the notch55, the outer diameter of the first cylindrical part35is reduced. The outer diameter of the second cylindrical part53is somewhat smaller than the outer diameter of a portion of the first cylindrical part35provided with the notch55. The second terminal17is provided in the first cylindrical part35.

The first elastic arm37extends from the upper end of the first cylindrical part35(at the step on the boundary between the first cylindrical part35and the second cylindrical part53) obliquely upward. That is, the first elastic arm37extends apart from the upper end of the first cylindrical part35, apart from the first cylindrical part35in the radial direction of the first cylindrical part35and upwardly in the extending direction of the center axis C1of the first cylindrical part35.

The second elastic arm39also extends from the upper end of the first cylindrical part35obliquely upward in the same way as the first elastic arm37.

Corresponding to the through holes constituting the respective locking parts13,15, the respective elastic arms37,39, may be provided in six positions obtained by equally dividing the circumference of the first cylindrical part35into six portions. Then, the first elastic arms37and the second elastic arms39need only be arranged alternately.

The vertical dimension of the first cylindrical part35of the second connector constituent5gets smaller than a distance between the lower end of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3and each lower end of the respective through holes constituting the respective locking parts13,15(seeFIG. 11).

The sum of the vertical dimension of the first cylindrical part35of the second connector constituent5and the vertical dimension of each elastic arms37,39becomes substantially equal to a distance between the lower end of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3and each upper end of the respective through holes constituting the locking parts13,15(seeFIG. 11). The vertical dimension of each elastic arm37,39is somewhat larger than each vertical dimension of the respective through holes constituting the locking parts13,15. The upper end of the second connector constituent5is positioned above the upper ends of the elastic arms37,39.

In the state before installing the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7, which are integrated with each other, in the first connector constituent3, as illustrated inFIG. 4, for example, the first elastic arm37and the second elastic arm39are somewhat deformed toward the center axis C1elastically, and the tip portion of the first elastic arm37and the tip portion of the second elastic arm39press against the inner surface of the first cylindrical part23in which the notch49of the connector cover body7is formed.

The notch55is provided in the first cylindrical part35of the second connector constituent5. The upper end of the notch55constitutes a guide rail face57as the rotating direction guiding part which is similar to the second conventional example illustrated in PTL 2. The guide rail face57is in the form of a cut surface obtained by cutting an upper portion of a cylindrical body by a plane crossing obliquely to the center axis C1.

When lowering the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7in order to install the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7in the first connector constituent3, the guide rib is engaged with the guide rail face57and additionally, the second connector constituent5rotates around the center axis C1, in relation to the first connector constituent3and the connector cover body7, thereby effecting the rotating positioning.

After this rotating positioning is carried out, the respective male terminals of the first terminal9and the respective female terminals of the second terminal17are joined to each other, so that the first locked part19is locked to the first locking part13, while the second locked part21is locked to the second locking part15.

The inner diameter of the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7gets somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3. The outer diameter of the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7gets somewhat larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3. The outer diameter of the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7is set so as not to interfere with the elastic arms37,39. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7gets larger than the outer diameter of the second cylindrical part53of the second connector constituent5.

The outer diameter of the third cylindrical part41of the connector cover body7becomes equal to the outer diameter of the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7. The inner diameter of the third cylindrical part41of the connector cover body7becomes equal to the inner diameter of the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the vertical dimension of the first cylindrical part23of the connector the cover body7becomes substantially equal to the vertical dimension of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3. The vertical dimension of the notch49provided in the first cylindrical part23of the connector the cover body7becomes smaller than a distance between the lower end of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3and each lower end of the respective through holes constituting the respective locking parts13,15.

The vertical dimension of the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7is smaller than the vertical dimension of the first cylindrical part23of the connector the cover body7, and larger than a distance between the upper end of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3and each upper end of the through holes constituting the respective locking parts13,15. For example, this vertical dimension is nearly equal to the vertical dimension of the first cylindrical part35of the second connector constituent5.

Furthermore, the connector cover body7is provided with a bottom wall part59, an attachment arm part61, and a terminal installation part63.

The bottom wall part59closes up the upper end of the third cylindrical part41of the connector cover body7. The attachment arm part61is adapted so as to project from the bottom wall part59to one side of the first radial direction. The terminal installation part63is arranged above the bottom wall part59. The third terminal33is disposed in the terminal installation part63. The terminal installation part63opens to one side of the second radial direction. The wire harness installed in the terminal installation part63(the third terminal33) extends to one side of the second radial direction.

The cylinder head (not illustrated) is provided with a recess (not illustrated) opening upwardly. In the connector1installed in the cylinder head, a portion above the attachment arm part61(the portion including the attachment arm part61) projects from the recess upwardly, while a portion below the attachment arm part61is present in the recess.

The cylinder head is provided, on a bottom surface of the recess, with an internal thread (not illustrated) into which an external thread (not illustrated) of the first connector constituent2is screwed.

In the connector1installed in the cylinder head, the attachment arm part61comes in contact with a region surrounding the recess of the cylinder head. Then the attachment arm part61(i.e. the connector cover body7) is fixed to the cylinder head by a fastening member (not illustrated), for example, an attachment bolt.

Even in a state before the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7are installed in the first connector constituent3installed in the cylinder head, the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7are associated with each other through the wires (not illustrated).

The second connector constituent5has the second cylindrical part53positioned on the upper side and the first cylindrical part35positioned on the lower side. In the connector cover body7, both the first cylindrical part23and the second cylindrical part25open downwardly. The upper portion of the second cylindrical part53of the second connector constituent5and respective upper portions of the elastic arms37,39enter the first cylindrical part23of the connector cover body7.

The wires (not illustrated) connect the second terminal17and the third terminal33to each other through the interior of the third cylindrical part41of the connector cover body7and the interior of the second cylindrical part53of the second connector constituent5.

In each of the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7, there is provided a rotation restricting part (not illustrated) similar to the connector of the second conventional example illustrated in PTL 2. Thus, the rotation amount of the second connector constituent5in relation to the connector cover body7is restricted within e.g. ±180° about the center axis C1, so that the wires (not illustrated) are prevented from being twisted excessively.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the connector1is provided with a cylindrical rotating equipment65and a compression coil spring (not illustrated) illustrative of an elastic body.

The rotating equipment65is arranged inside the third cylindrical part41of the connector cover body7. The center axis of the rotating equipment65coincides with the center axis C1of the third cylindrical part41of the connector cover body7. The rotating equipment65is adapted so as to be rotatable to the connector cover body7around the center axis C1of the third cylindrical part41and also movable in the vertical direction.

The second connector constituent5is engaged with the rotating equipment65. The second connector constituent5is adapted so as to be rotatable to the rotating equipment65around the center axis C1and also movable in the vertical direction.

The rotating equipment65and the connector cover body7are provided, in common, with rotation restricting parts (not illustrated). Thus, both the second connector constituent5and the rotating equipment65are provided with the rotation restricting parts, respectively.

Consequently, the rotating equipment65rotates to the connector cover body7within a given angular range (only ±90°) around the central axis C1. The second connector constituent5also rotates to the rotating equipment65within a given angular range (only ±90°) around the central axis C1. As a result, the second connector constituent5is adapted so as to be rotatable to the connector cover body7within a given angular range (only ±180°) around the central axis C1.

The rotating equipment65and the connector cover body7are provided, in common, with vertical movement restricting parts (not illustrated). Thus, both the second connector constituent5and the rotating equipment65are provided with the rotation restricting parts, respectively.

Consequently, the rotating equipment65moves vertically to the connector cover body7by a predetermined distance. The second connector constituent5also moves vertically to the rotating equipment65by a predetermined distance.

In the third cylindrical part41of the connector cover body7, the compression coil spring (not illustrated) is arranged between the bottom wall part59and the second connector constituent5. The compression coil spring urges the second connector constituent5downwardly.

By this urging, in the state before the second connector constituent5is installed in the first connector constituent3installed in the cylinder head, the rotating equipment65is located at the lowermost position in relation to the connector cover body7, while the second connector constituent5is located at the lowermost position in relation to the rotating equipment65.

Also, by this urging, the rotating equipment65is located in a default rotational position (i.e. a position allowing the equipment to rotate in both forward and reverse directions by only 90° each) in relation to the connector cover body7, while the second connector constituent5is located in a “default” rotational position in relation to the rotation equipment65.

Thus, the second connector constituent5is positioned in the default rotational position in relation to the connector cover body7and therefore, the second connector constituent5becomes rotatable to the connector cover body7in the forward and reverse directions by only 180° each (±180°).

Next, we now describe the assembling operation of installing the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7in the first connector constituent3installed in the cylinder head.

In an initial state, as illustrated inFIG. 4etc., the second connector constituent5(the connector cover body7) is assembled to be apart from the first connector constituent3and thus located above the first connector constituent3. Also, in the initial state, the center axes C1of the first connector constituent3, the second connector constituent5, and the connector cover body7are assumed to coincide with each other. Moreover, in the initial state, the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7are assumed to be integrated with each other by a small retaining force since the tip portions of the first elastic arm37and the second elastic arm39press against the connector cover body7with small forces (in the direction away from the center axis C1).

In such an initial state, the connector cover body7(the second connector constituent5) is lowered. The guide rib of the first connector constituent3abuts on the guide rail face57of the second connector constituent5at an optional position unless the second connector constituent5is inserted to the formal fitting rotational position of the first connector constituent3. Then, as the guide rib slides on the guide rail face57, the second connector constituent5and the rotating gear65rotate in relation to the first connector constituent3about the center axis C1as a rotation center appropriately. Consequently, the second connector constituent5is brought into a rotational position where the guide rib occupies the uppermost position of the guide rail face57. In this way, the second connector constituent5and the first connector constituent3are brought into the formal fitting rotational positions.

When the connector cover body7(the second connector constituent5) is further lowered to progress the fitting operation, the guide rib begins to enter a straight guide groove67provided in the second connector constituent5(seeFIG. 3). Thereafter, the joining of the first terminal9to the second terminal17, the engagement of the first locking part13with the first locked part19, and the engagement of the second locking part15with the second locked part21are initiated. Additionally, as the guide rib enters the guide groove67, the second connector constituent5no longer rotates in relation to the connector cover body7around the center axis C1as a rotation center.

Note that if the second connector constituent5starts to be fitted to the first connector constituent3in the formal fitting rotational position, the guide rib will enter the guide groove67directly without sliding on the guide rail face57.

When the connector cover body7(the second connector constituent5) is further lowered to progress the fitting operation, as illustrated inFIG. 5, respective downside portions (base end positions) of the elastic arms37,39abut on an opening of the upper end of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3.

When the connector cover body7(the second connector constituent5) is further lowered to progress the fitting operation, as illustrated inFIG. 6, only the first elastic arm37is deflected inwardly (on the side of the center axis C1) and detached from the first abutment part27(the step part43) of the connector cover body7by a reaction force received from the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3. The so detached first elastic arm37is brought into a condition that it can abut on the second abutment part29of the connector cover body7(the lower end of the second cylindrical part25).

When the connector cover body7(the second connector constituent5) is further lowered to progress the fitting operation, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the second elastic arm39is deflected by a reaction force received from the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3and thus detached from the first abutment part27(the step part43) of the connector cover body7. In the states illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, at this time, the second elastic arm39is not so deflected as to be in a condition that it can abut on the second abutment part29of the connector cover body7(i.e. the lower end of the second cylindrical part25). Nevertheless, the second elastic arm39may be brought into a condition that it can abut on the second abutment part29of the connector cover body7(i.e. the lower end of the second cylindrical part25).

When the connector cover body7is further lowered to progress the fitting operation, as illustrated inFIG. 8, the connector cover body7descends without a movement of the second connector constituent5in relation to the first connector constituent3. Then, the upper end of the first elastic arm37abuts on the second abutment part29(the lower end of the second cylindrical part25). In this relation, although only the first elastic arm37abuts on the second abutment part29inFIG. 8, the connector may be constructed so that both the first elastic arm37and the second elastic arm39abut on the second abutment part29.

When the connector cover body7is further lowered to progress the fitting operation, the second connector constituent5also descends together with the connector cover body7, the respective elastic arms37,39enter the inside of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3, as illustrated inFIG. 9.

When the connector cover body7is further lowered to progress the fitting operation, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the first elastic arm37and the second elastic arms39are restored outwardly and detached from the second abutment part29. As a result, the first elastic arm37is locked to the first locking part13, while the second elastic arm39is engaged with the second locking part15. Additionally, the lower end of the second connector constituent5abuts on the bottom wall part51of the first connector constituent3, so that the second terminal17is joined to the first terminal9.

When the connector cover body7is further lowered to progress the fitting operation, the connector cover body7descends without a movement of the second connector constituent5in relation to the first connector constituent3. Then, as illustrated inFIG. 11, since the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7enters the insides of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3, the first elastic arm37being locked to the first locking part13, and the second elastic arm39being locked to the second locking part15, the locked-part holding part31maintains a condition that the first locked part19is being locked to the first locking part13while the second locked part21is being locked to the second locking part15.

Subsequently, in order to adjust the orientation of the third terminal33, the rotational position of the connector cover body7in relation to the second connector constituent5is determined appropriately and successively, the connector cover body7is fixed to the cylinder head by use of a bolt (not illustrated). Consequently, the cylinder head, the first connector constituent3, the second connector constituent5, and the connector exterior body7are integrated with each other by great force. Thus, the installation of the second connector constituent5and the connector exterior body7in the first connector constituent3is completed.

With the connector1according to the embodiment, the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7enters the insides of the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3, the first locked part19being locked to the first locking part13, and the second locked part21being locked to the second locking part15. As a result, the locked-part holding part31is constructed so as to maintain a condition that the first locked part19is being locked to the first locking part13while the second locked part21is being locked to the second locking part15. For this reason, even if any vibration is added to the second connector constituent5installed in the first connector constituent3, the joining state between the first connector constituent3and the second connector constituent5is not canceled so easily and therefore, it is possible to ensure the fitting between the first terminal9and the second terminal17. Further, it is possible to suppress an occurrence of slide movement between contacts constituting the first terminal9and the second terminal17, whereby the connector is improved in vibration resistance and electrical contact property.

Further, with the connector1according to the embodiment, it is possible to simplify the constitution of the connector in comparison with the connector of the first conventional example illustrated in PTL 1, as similar to the connector of the second conventional example illustrated in PTL 2.

Again, with the connector1according to the embodiment, when approaching, from a condition that the second connector constituent5is installed in the connector cover body7while the first locked part19and the second locked part21abut on the first abutment part27, the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3in order to join the second terminal17to the first terminal9, the first locked part19is first deformed by a reaction force received from the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3and then detached from the first abutment part27, so that the first locked part19is brought into a condition that it can abut on the second abutment part29. Subsequently, by a reaction force received from the cylindrical part11of the first connector constituent3, the second locked part21is deformed and detached from the first abutment part27. Subsequently, the first locked part19abuts on the second abutment part29. Subsequently, the first locked part19and the second locked part21are restored, so that the first locked part19is locked to the first locking part13, while the second locked part21is locked to the second locking part15, and additionally, the second terminal17is joined to the first terminal9. For this reason, in the middle of installation of the connector cover body7and the second connector constituent5in the first connector constituent3, as illustrated inFIG. 12, the first locked part19and the second locked part21are prevented from entering a space45defined between the first cylindrical part23and the second cylindrical part25of the connector cover body7by mistake.

Additionally, with the connector1of the embodiment, the first locked part19is composed of the first elastic arm37, while the second locked part21is composed of the second elastic arm39. When installing the connector cover body7and the second connector constituent5in the first connector constituent3, the respective elastic arms37,39are bent and subsequently restored again. For this reason, in the middle of installation of the connector cover body7and the second connector constituent5in the first connector constituent3, the connector cover body7can be subjected to an appropriate resistance (reaction force in approaching the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3). Then, when the installation of the connector cover body7and the second connector constituent5in the first connector constituent3has been completed, the above resistance is eliminated substantially. Thus, the connector1is constructed so as to facilitate the installation of the connector cover body7and the second connector constituent5in the first connector constituent3, and additionally, it is possible to discriminate a state where the installation of the connector cover body7and the second connector constituent5in the first connector constituent3has been completed, easily.

Further, with the connector1according to the embodiment, the tip portion47of the first elastic arm37extends in parallel with the center axis C1of the connector1, and additionally, the distance L3between the center axis C1and the outer circumferential end of the tip portion47of the first elastic arm37and the distance L4between the center axis C1and the outer circumferential end of the tip portion of the second elastic arm39are equal to each other. Thus, the second connector constituent5is installed in the connector cover body7while the first locked part19and the second locked part21abut on the first abutment part27. For this reason, in the state before approaching the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3in order to join the second terminal17to the first terminal9, the outer circumferential end of the tip portion47of the first elastic arm37and the outer circumferential end of the tip portion of the second elastic arm39abut on the inner wall of the first cylindrical part35of the connector cover body7, at the site of the notch49. As a result, even in the state before approaching the connector cover body7to the first connector constituent3, the center axis C1of the connector cover body7will coincide with the center axis C1of the second connector constituent5, so that the installation of the connector cover body7and the second connector constituent5in the first connector constituent3is facilitated.

By the way, the connector1may be constructed so that, when performing the assembling operation to install the second connector constituent5and the connector cover body7in the first connector constituent3installed in the cylinder head, the assembling operation as described inFIGS. 4 to 11is performed.

That is, the connector1may be constructed as follows.

The connector1includes: a first connector constituent including a first terminal and a cylindrical part provided with a first locking part and a second locking part; a second connector constituent provided with a second terminal, a first locked part, and a second locked part; and a connector cover body including a first cylindrical part provided with a first abutment part and a second cylindrical part arranged inside the first cylindrical part coaxially and apart from the first cylindrical part, the second cylindrical part being provided with a second abutment part and constituting a locked-part holding part.

From a condition that the second connector constituent is installed in the connector cover body while the first locked part and the second locked part abut on the first abutment part, it is performed to approach the connector cover body to the first connector constituent in order to join the second terminal to the first terminal. Then, while maintaining the condition that the second locked part is abutting on the first abutment part, the first locked part first abuts on the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent, and then the first locked part is deformed by a reaction force received from the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent and then detached from the first abutment part, so that the first locked part is brought into a condition that it can abut on the second abutment part. Subsequently, while maintaining such a condition that the first locked part is deformed by the reaction force received from the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent and then detached from the first abutment part so that the first locked part is brought into a condition that it can abut on the second abutment part, the second locked part abuts on the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent and then, the second locked part is deformed by the reaction force received from the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent and then detached from the first abutment part. Subsequently, the first locked part abuts on the second abutment part. Subsequently, by the reaction force received from the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent, the second locked part is further deformed to abut on the second abutment part. Subsequently, the first locked part and the second locked part are restored and detached from the second abutment part, so that the first locked part is locked to the first locking part, while the second locked part is locked to the second locking part, and additionally the second terminal is joined to the first terminal. Subsequently, as the second cylindrical part of the connector cover body enters the insides of the cylindrical part of the first connector constituent, the first locked part being locked to the first locking part, and the second locked part being locked to the second locking part, the locked-part holding part maintains the condition that the first locked part is being locked to the first locking part while the second locked part is being locked to the second locking part.