MULTI-TERMINAL CONNECTOR UNIT
United States Patent 3688243
A multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors formed identically with each other, and each having a male portion and a female portion formed in one body integrally with each other and capable of employing terminal plates of the same structure. Such a multi-terminal connector unit is capable of simplifying a manufacturing process and facilitating a quality control to permit such connector units to be mass-produced.
US Patent References:
Electrical connector
Winkler - May 1963 - 3091746
Electrical connector
Scheller - April 1965 - 3178674
Electrical connector having resilient arcuately bendable locking means
Krehbiel - November 1968 - 3409858
Multi-contact duplicate engaging connector
Archer et al. - February 1958 - 2824290
Electrical connector
Hartwell - March 1965 - 3173734
Electrical connector
Winkler - May 1963 - 3091746
Electrical connector
Scheller - April 1965 - 3178674
Electrical connector having resilient arcuately bendable locking means
Krehbiel - November 1968 - 3409858
Multi-contact duplicate engaging connector
Archer et al. - February 1958 - 2824290
Electrical connector
Hartwell - March 1965 - 3173734
Inventors:
Yamada, Shoji (Gotenba, JA)
Kawaguchi, Yoshiaki (Gotenba, JA)
Kawaguchi, Yoshiaki (Gotenba, JA)
Application Number:
05/096132
Publication Date:
08/29/1972
Filing Date:
12/08/1970
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Yazaki Corporation (Tokyo, JA)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
439/676, 439/295
International Classes:
H01R13/28; H01R13/02; H01R25/00
Field of Search:
339/47-49,75,91,176R,176M,184R,184M,186R,186M,126,128,64,65,66
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Champion, Marvin A.
Assistant Examiner:
Lewis, Terrell P.
Claims:
1. A multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors formed identically with each other and adapted to be interconnected;
2. A multi-terminal connector unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said female portion of said pair of connectors has an identical cut-out portion formed at the central portion of its wall and a hook movably supported over said cut-out portion, and wherein each said male portion of said pair of connectors has an identical projection on its outer surface, thereby
3. A multi-terminal connector unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said partition on the base plate of the male portion divides same into at least two recesses each having one of said terminal plates positioned therein, wherein said partition on the base plate of the female portion divides same into at least two recesses each having one of said terminal plates positioned therein, and wherein said partition on the base plate of either of the female and the male portion has a protuberance longitudinally formed thereon and having a triangular shape in its section, said protuberance being adapted to contact with the partition of the confronting female or male portion to form a closed space for each pair of contacting terminal plates, thereby enabling the adjacent pairs of
4. A multi-terminal connector unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein said female portions of said pair of connectors have on their outer surfaces identical convexed portions provided with a hollow therethrough and a cut-out portion, and wherein said male portions of said pair of connectors have on their outer surfaces identical projections with a size forcibly passable through said hollow of the convexed portion, thereby ensuring a
5. A multi-terminal connector unit comprising a pair of substantially identical connectors adapted to be interconnected to one another, each said connector including:
6. A connector unit according to claim 5, wherein the partition means as formed on the male and female portions of said one connector are sized to sealingly engage the partition means formed on the female and male portions, respectively, of said other connector for totally separating and isolating the adjacent side-by-side grooves from one another when said
7. A connector unit according to claim 5, wherein the base portion of each connector includes first opening means extending therethrough and communicating with the recess means formed in said female portion, the terminal plates disposed within the grooves of said female portion projecting into said first opening means and being adapted to be connected to electrical wires, and said base portion including second opening means extending therethrough and spaced from said first opening means, said second opening means communicating with the recess formed in said male portion, the terminal plates disposed within the grooves of said male portion projecting into said second opening means and being adapted for connection to electrical wires.
2. A multi-terminal connector unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said female portion of said pair of connectors has an identical cut-out portion formed at the central portion of its wall and a hook movably supported over said cut-out portion, and wherein each said male portion of said pair of connectors has an identical projection on its outer surface, thereby
3. A multi-terminal connector unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein said partition on the base plate of the male portion divides same into at least two recesses each having one of said terminal plates positioned therein, wherein said partition on the base plate of the female portion divides same into at least two recesses each having one of said terminal plates positioned therein, and wherein said partition on the base plate of either of the female and the male portion has a protuberance longitudinally formed thereon and having a triangular shape in its section, said protuberance being adapted to contact with the partition of the confronting female or male portion to form a closed space for each pair of contacting terminal plates, thereby enabling the adjacent pairs of
4. A multi-terminal connector unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein said female portions of said pair of connectors have on their outer surfaces identical convexed portions provided with a hollow therethrough and a cut-out portion, and wherein said male portions of said pair of connectors have on their outer surfaces identical projections with a size forcibly passable through said hollow of the convexed portion, thereby ensuring a
5. A multi-terminal connector unit comprising a pair of substantially identical connectors adapted to be interconnected to one another, each said connector including:
6. A connector unit according to claim 5, wherein the partition means as formed on the male and female portions of said one connector are sized to sealingly engage the partition means formed on the female and male portions, respectively, of said other connector for totally separating and isolating the adjacent side-by-side grooves from one another when said
7. A connector unit according to claim 5, wherein the base portion of each connector includes first opening means extending therethrough and communicating with the recess means formed in said female portion, the terminal plates disposed within the grooves of said female portion projecting into said first opening means and being adapted to be connected to electrical wires, and said base portion including second opening means extending therethrough and spaced from said first opening means, said second opening means communicating with the recess formed in said male portion, the terminal plates disposed within the grooves of said male portion projecting into said second opening means and being adapted for connection to electrical wires.
Description:
This invention relates to a multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors formed identically with each other, usable both as a male connecting member and a female connecting member, for connecting wires.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors identical with each other, usable both as a male connecting member and a female connecting member and capable of employing terminal plates of the same shape, thereby to simplify a manufacturing process and facilitate a quality control, permitting a mass production of such connectors.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a multi-terminal connector unit which, when a pair of connectors are connected to each other, is capable of contacting terminal plates, face to face, with each other, thereby to enable a resistance to be reduced and a connection or disconnection operation to be easier.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multi-terminal connector unit which, when a pair of connectors are connected to each other, is capable of automatically engaging said connectors with each other, thereby to keep the connected condition securely against most possible vibrations.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a multi-terminal connector unit which, when a pair of connectors are connected to each other, is capable of forming a room for each terminal sealed up tightly and separated from each other, thereby to eliminate a possibility of an electrolysis to be caused, between adjacent terminal plates, when water enters into said connectors, in a rainy day or at a time of washing a car, thus preventing an increase in contact resistance or temperature, burning, or a deterioration in conductivity due to a corrosion of terminal plates.
Various further and more specific objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear from the description given below, taken in connection with accompanying drawings illustrating by way of example preferred embodiments of this invention.
According to the present invention, there is provided a multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors formed identically with each other and adapted to be interconnected, each one of which comprises a female portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon and a wall; a male portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon, said female and male portions being formed integrally with each other of a mold-forming insulating material with a space therebetween for receiving said base plate of the confronting female portion of the other connector, and said male portion being adapted to be fitted in the confronting female portion of the other connector in the connected state; and terminal plates of the same shape employable both in the female and the male portions, each of said terminal plates having a resilient contact plate and provided in each of said female and male portions by means of said base plate and said partition.
The invention will be better understood from the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-terminal connector unit of one embodiment of the present invention, showing only half of the unit;
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same taken along line II -- II of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same, shown in its connected state;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a terminal plate employed in the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multi-terminal connector unit of another embodiment of the present invention, showing only half of the unit;
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same taken along line VI -- VI of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same, shown in its connected state;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the same;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multi-terminal connector unit of a further embodiment of the present invention, showing only half of the unit;
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same taken along line X -- X of FIG. 9; and
FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same, shown in its connected state.
Like portions and parts are designated by like numerals throughout the specification and the drawings.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown an embodiment of the present invention.
Character A designates a connector body and character B designates a terminal plate. Said connector body A has a female portion A 1 formed projectingly at the upper portion thereof and a male portion A 2 formed projectingly at the lower portion thereof, keeping a certain distance from said female portion A 1 . Said male portion A 2 and the female portion A 1 are made of an insulating material, such as a synthetic resin, etc., and formed integrally with each other.
The terminal plate B is preferably made of high-conductive metals and has, at its tail portion, a connecting portion 1 to a wire and, in front of said connecting portion 1, a resilient contact plate 2. Under said resilient contact plate 2, there is formed a projection 3 cut and erected out of the terminal plate B, and on both sides of the resilient contact plate 2 there are formed a pair of wings 4. The connecting portion 1 to a wire has, at its central portion, an edge 1a cut and erected out of the terminal plate B and, on both sides thereof, a plurality of holding members 1b edged at the top, by which a wire 5 is securely connected to the terminal B through its insulating coating, keeping electric connection.
In the female portion A 1 is provided a base plate 6 which is associated with a wall 6' connecting to said base plate 6 to form a room R. A groove 8 for receiving the terminal plate B is formed on said base plate 6 with a partition 7. Inside said groove 8, there are formed, on both lateral walls, concaves 9 for receiving said wings 4 of the terminal plate B, and on the base plate 6, a concave 10 for receiving said projection 3 of the terminal B. A bulkhead 11 abutting on said partition 7 is provided in the back portion of the room R.
The male portion A 2 has only a base plate 6 as mentioned above but no wall as denoted by numeral 6'. It is to be noted that the male portion A 2 is defined in a size insertible into the room R of the confronting female portion A 2 . Between the female portion A 1 and male portion A 2 is formed a space into which the base plate 6 of the confronting female portion A 1 can be inserted.
With the above-mentioned construction, the multiterminal connector unit according to this invention is put to use by inserting a required number of terminal plates B in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 slidably from the back. Three each of the terminal plates B may be inserted in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 in the present embodiment. The terminal B is so adapted to be securely fixed in the predetermined position with its wings 4 registered in the concaves 9 and with its projection 3 registered in the concave 10.
For connecting a pair of the connectors to each other, one of the connectors is turned upside down to insert its male portion A 2 into the confronting female portion A 1 of the other connector and to receive, at the same time, the confronting male portion A 2 of the other connector in its female portion A 1 , thereby connecting the both connectors to each other as shown in FIG. 3.
The above-embodiment may be preferably further provided a cut-out portion 12 formed at the central portion of the wall 6' of the female portion A 1 , a hook 14 movably supported by a supporting portion 13 over said cut-out portion 12, and a projection 15 formed on the outer surface of the base plate 6 of the male portion A 2 , thereby to connect a pair of connectors securely against most possible vibrations. The front end of the female portion A 1 is tapered off to aid an insertion of the confronting male portion A 2 .
As apparent from the foregoing description, according to the present embodiment, not only a pair of connectors identical with each other can be connected to each other but also the terminal plates of the same structure can be advantageously employed for both the male portions and the female portions, thereby to facilitate and simplify a manufacturing process and a quality control.
Further according to the present embodiment, a terminal plate inserted in one of the connectors is adapted to contact, face to face, with the confronting terminal plate of the other connector when two connectors are connected to each other, thereby to reduce a contact resistance and increase a current capacity which are preferable for a large current.
Still further according to the present embodiment, the hook is adapted to get over the projection and automatically engage with it, at a time of the connection of the connectors and said hook is readily released from said projection only by pushing the hook, at a time of disconnection, owing to a cut-out portion formed on the female portion, a hook swingably supported over said cut-out portion and a projection formed on the outer surface of a male portion.
Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5 through 8 showing another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors formed identically with each other and adapted to be interconnected, each one of which comprises a female portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon and a wall; a male portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon, said female and male portions being formed integrally with each other of a moldforming insulating material with a space therebetween longitudinally receiving said base plate of the confronting female portion of the other connector, and said male portion being adapted to be fitted in the confronting female portion of the other connector in the connected state; and terminal plates of the same shape employable both in the female and the male portions, each of said terminal plates having a resilient contact plate and provided in each of said female and male portions by means of said base plate and said partition, wherein said partition on the base plate of either of the female and the male portion has a protuberance longitudinally formed thereon and having a triangular shape in its section, said protuberance being adapted to contact with the partition of the confronting female or male portion to form a closet for each terminal plate, thereby enabling the terminal plates to be perfectly separated from one another.
Character A designates a connector body and character B designates a terminal plate. Said connector body A has a female portion A 1 formed projectingly at the upper portion thereof and a male portion A 2 formed projectingly at the lower portion thereof, keeping a certain distance from said female portion A 1 . Said male portion A 2 and the female portion A 1 are made of an insulating material, such as a synthetic resin, etc., and formed integrally with each other.
The terminal plate B is preferably made of high-conductive metals and has, at its tail portion, a connecting portion 1 to a wire and, in front of said connecting portion 1, a resilient contact plate 2. Under said resilient contact plate 2, there is formed a projection 3 cut and erected out of the terminal plate B, on both sides of the resilient contact plate 2 there are formed a pair of wings 4. The connecting portion 1 to a wire has, at its central portion, an edge 1a cut and erected out of the terminal plate B and, on both sides thereof, a plurality of holding members 1b edged at the top, by which a wire 5 is securely connected to the terminal B through its insulating coating, keeping electric connection.
In the female portion A 1 is provided a base plate 6 which is associated with a wall 6' connecting to said base plate 6 to form a room R. A groove 8 for receiving the terminal plate B is formed on said base plate 6 with a partition 7. Inside said groove 8, there are formed, on both lateral walls, concaves 9 for receiving said wings 4 of the terminal plate B, and on the base plate 6, a concave 10 for receiving said projection 3 of the terminal plate B. A bulkhead 11 abutting on said partition 7 is provided in the back portion of the room R.
The male portion A 2 has only a base portion 6 as mentioned above but no wall as denoted by numeral 6'. It is to be noted that the male portion A 2 is defined in a size insertible into the room R of the confronting female portion A 2 . Between the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 is formed a space into which the base plate 6 of the confronting female portion A 1 can be inserted.
In the female portion A 1 there are provided a cut-out portion 12 at the central portion of the wall 6' and a hook 14 movably supported by a supporting portion 13 over said cut-out portion 12. While, in the male portion A 2 there is provided a projection 15 on the outer surface of the base portion thereof.
The front end of the female portion A 1 is tapered off to aid an insertion of the confronting male portion A 2 .
Numeral 16 designates a protuberance having a triangular shape in its section and formed longitudinally on the partition 7 of either male or female portion A 2 or A 1 . In the connected state of the connectors, said protuberance 16 is adapted to contact with the confronting partition 7 of the female portion A of the confronting connector, thereby to form a closet for each terminal plate, tightly sealed up and perfectly separated from other terminal plates.
With the above-mentioned construction, the multiterminal connector unit according to this invention is put to use by inserting number of terminal plates B in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 slidably from the back. Three each of the terminal plates B may be inserted in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 in the present embodiment. The terminal plate B is so adapted to be securely fixed in the predetermined position with its wings 4 registered in the concaves 9 and with its projection 3 resistored in the concave 10.
For connecting a pair of the connectors to each other, one of the connectors is turned upside down to insert its male portion A 2 into the confronting female portion A 1 of the other connector and to receive, at the same time, the confronting male portion A 2 of the other connector in its female portion A 1 , thereby connecting the both connectors to each other. At this time, the hook 14 gets over the projection 15 which is positioned in the cut-out portion 12 and engaged with said projection 13 to secure the connection of said connectors.
As apparent from the foregoing description, according to the present embodiment, the protuberance formed longitudinally on the partition of either male portion or female portion is adapted to contact with the confronting partition when a pair of connectors are connected to each other, thereby to form a closet for each terminal plate, tightly sealed up and perfectly separated from other terminal plates, thus preventing a possible electrolysis between adjacent terminal plates and a corrosion of the terminal plates due to penetration of water.
Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 9 to 11 showing a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors formed identically with each other and adapted to be interconnected, each one of which comprises a female portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon and a wall; a male portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon, said female and male portions being formed integrally with each other of a mold-forming insulating material with a space therebetween for receiving said base plate of the confronting female portion of the other connector, and said male portion being adapted to be fitted in the confronting female portion of the other connector in the connected state; and terminal plates of the same shape employable both in the female and the male portions, each of said terminal plates having a resilient contact plate and provided in each of said female and male portions by means of said base plate and said partition, wherein said female portion has on its outer surface a convexed portion provided with a hollow therethrough and a cut-out portion, and said male portion has on its outer surface a projection with a size forcibly passable through said hollow of the convexed portion, thereby ensuring a secure connection of said pair of connectors to each other.
Character A designates a connector body and character B designates a terminal plate. Said connector body A has a female portion A 1 formed projectingly at the upper portion thereof and a male portion A 2 formed projectingly at the lower portion thereof, keeping a certain distance from said female portion A 1 . Said male portion A 2 and the female portion A 1 are made of an insulating material, such as synthetic resin, etc., and formed integrally with each other.
The terminal plate B is preferably made of high-conductive metals and has, at its tail portion, a connecting portion 1 to a wire and, in front of said connecting portion 1, a resilient contact plate 2. Under said resilient contact plate 2, there is formed a projection 3 cut and erected out of the terminal plate B, and a pair of wings 4 are formed on both sides of the resilient contact plate 2. The connecting portion 1 to a wire has, at its central portion, an edge 1a cut and erected out of the terminal plate B and, on both sides thereof, a plurality of holding members 1b edged at the top, by which a wire 5 is securely connected to the terminal B through its insulating coating, keeping electric connection.
In the female portion A 1 is provided a base plate 6 which is associated with a wall 6' connecting to said base plate 6 to form a room R. A groove 8 for receiving the terminal plate B is formed on said base plate 6 with a partition 7. Inside said groove 8, there are formed, on both lateral walls, concaves 9 for receiving said wings 4 of the terminal B, and on the base plate 6, a concave 10 for receiving said projection 3 of the terminal B. A bulkhead 11 abutting on said partition 7 is provided in the back portion of the room R.
The male portion A 2 has only a base plate 6 as mentioned above but no wall as denoted by numeral 6'. It is to be noted that the male portion A 2 is defined in a size insertible into the room R of the confronting female portion A 2 . Between the female portion A 1 and male portion A 2 is formed a space into which the base plate 6 of the confronting female portion A 1 can be inserted.
On the outer surface of the wall 6' of the female portion A 1 , there is formed a hollow convexed portion 17, in which a cut-out portion 18 is formed in its backward end. In contrast, on the outer surface of the base plate 6 of the male portion A 2 , there is formed a projection 19 having tapered faces on its front and rear ends.
The forward end of the female portion A 1 is tapered off for facilitating insertion of the confronting male portion A 2 .
With the above-mentioned construction, the multi-terminal connector unit according to this invention is put to use by inserting a required number of terminal plates B in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 slidably from the back. Three each of the terminal plates B may be inserted in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 in the present embodiment. The terminal B is so adapted to be securely fixed in the predetermined position with its wings 4 registered in the concaves 9 and with its projection 3 resistered in the concave 10.
For connecting a pair of the connectors to each other, one of the connectors is turned upside down to insert its male portion A 2 into the confronting female portion A 1 of the other connector and to receive, at the same time, the confronting male portion A 2 of the other connector in its female portion A 1 , thereby connecting the both connectors to each other.
On this occasion, the projection 19 of the one connector is forced to pass through the hollow convexed portion 17 of the other connector to make an appearance in the cut-out portion 18 and firmly engaged in said cut-out portion to keep a sure connection of the both connectors free from an unreasonable detachment.
As apparent from the foregoing description, in this embodiment of the present invention, there is provided the hollow convexed portion 17 on the upper surface of the female portion and the projection 19 on the outer surface of the male portion having a size forcibly passable through said hollow convexed portion 17 to engage therewith, thereby securely connecting the pair of connectors with each other. Accordingly, the pair of connectors can be easily released from the engaged state by forcing disengaging the projection 19 from the hollow convexed portion 17.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors identical with each other, usable both as a male connecting member and a female connecting member and capable of employing terminal plates of the same shape, thereby to simplify a manufacturing process and facilitate a quality control, permitting a mass production of such connectors.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a multi-terminal connector unit which, when a pair of connectors are connected to each other, is capable of contacting terminal plates, face to face, with each other, thereby to enable a resistance to be reduced and a connection or disconnection operation to be easier.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multi-terminal connector unit which, when a pair of connectors are connected to each other, is capable of automatically engaging said connectors with each other, thereby to keep the connected condition securely against most possible vibrations.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a multi-terminal connector unit which, when a pair of connectors are connected to each other, is capable of forming a room for each terminal sealed up tightly and separated from each other, thereby to eliminate a possibility of an electrolysis to be caused, between adjacent terminal plates, when water enters into said connectors, in a rainy day or at a time of washing a car, thus preventing an increase in contact resistance or temperature, burning, or a deterioration in conductivity due to a corrosion of terminal plates.
Various further and more specific objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear from the description given below, taken in connection with accompanying drawings illustrating by way of example preferred embodiments of this invention.
According to the present invention, there is provided a multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors formed identically with each other and adapted to be interconnected, each one of which comprises a female portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon and a wall; a male portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon, said female and male portions being formed integrally with each other of a mold-forming insulating material with a space therebetween for receiving said base plate of the confronting female portion of the other connector, and said male portion being adapted to be fitted in the confronting female portion of the other connector in the connected state; and terminal plates of the same shape employable both in the female and the male portions, each of said terminal plates having a resilient contact plate and provided in each of said female and male portions by means of said base plate and said partition.
The invention will be better understood from the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-terminal connector unit of one embodiment of the present invention, showing only half of the unit;
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same taken along line II -- II of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same, shown in its connected state;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a terminal plate employed in the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multi-terminal connector unit of another embodiment of the present invention, showing only half of the unit;
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same taken along line VI -- VI of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same, shown in its connected state;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the same;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multi-terminal connector unit of a further embodiment of the present invention, showing only half of the unit;
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same taken along line X -- X of FIG. 9; and
FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same, shown in its connected state.
Like portions and parts are designated by like numerals throughout the specification and the drawings.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown an embodiment of the present invention.
Character A designates a connector body and character B designates a terminal plate. Said connector body A has a female portion A 1 formed projectingly at the upper portion thereof and a male portion A 2 formed projectingly at the lower portion thereof, keeping a certain distance from said female portion A 1 . Said male portion A 2 and the female portion A 1 are made of an insulating material, such as a synthetic resin, etc., and formed integrally with each other.
The terminal plate B is preferably made of high-conductive metals and has, at its tail portion, a connecting portion 1 to a wire and, in front of said connecting portion 1, a resilient contact plate 2. Under said resilient contact plate 2, there is formed a projection 3 cut and erected out of the terminal plate B, and on both sides of the resilient contact plate 2 there are formed a pair of wings 4. The connecting portion 1 to a wire has, at its central portion, an edge 1a cut and erected out of the terminal plate B and, on both sides thereof, a plurality of holding members 1b edged at the top, by which a wire 5 is securely connected to the terminal B through its insulating coating, keeping electric connection.
In the female portion A 1 is provided a base plate 6 which is associated with a wall 6' connecting to said base plate 6 to form a room R. A groove 8 for receiving the terminal plate B is formed on said base plate 6 with a partition 7. Inside said groove 8, there are formed, on both lateral walls, concaves 9 for receiving said wings 4 of the terminal plate B, and on the base plate 6, a concave 10 for receiving said projection 3 of the terminal B. A bulkhead 11 abutting on said partition 7 is provided in the back portion of the room R.
The male portion A 2 has only a base plate 6 as mentioned above but no wall as denoted by numeral 6'. It is to be noted that the male portion A 2 is defined in a size insertible into the room R of the confronting female portion A 2 . Between the female portion A 1 and male portion A 2 is formed a space into which the base plate 6 of the confronting female portion A 1 can be inserted.
With the above-mentioned construction, the multiterminal connector unit according to this invention is put to use by inserting a required number of terminal plates B in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 slidably from the back. Three each of the terminal plates B may be inserted in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 in the present embodiment. The terminal B is so adapted to be securely fixed in the predetermined position with its wings 4 registered in the concaves 9 and with its projection 3 registered in the concave 10.
For connecting a pair of the connectors to each other, one of the connectors is turned upside down to insert its male portion A 2 into the confronting female portion A 1 of the other connector and to receive, at the same time, the confronting male portion A 2 of the other connector in its female portion A 1 , thereby connecting the both connectors to each other as shown in FIG. 3.
The above-embodiment may be preferably further provided a cut-out portion 12 formed at the central portion of the wall 6' of the female portion A 1 , a hook 14 movably supported by a supporting portion 13 over said cut-out portion 12, and a projection 15 formed on the outer surface of the base plate 6 of the male portion A 2 , thereby to connect a pair of connectors securely against most possible vibrations. The front end of the female portion A 1 is tapered off to aid an insertion of the confronting male portion A 2 .
As apparent from the foregoing description, according to the present embodiment, not only a pair of connectors identical with each other can be connected to each other but also the terminal plates of the same structure can be advantageously employed for both the male portions and the female portions, thereby to facilitate and simplify a manufacturing process and a quality control.
Further according to the present embodiment, a terminal plate inserted in one of the connectors is adapted to contact, face to face, with the confronting terminal plate of the other connector when two connectors are connected to each other, thereby to reduce a contact resistance and increase a current capacity which are preferable for a large current.
Still further according to the present embodiment, the hook is adapted to get over the projection and automatically engage with it, at a time of the connection of the connectors and said hook is readily released from said projection only by pushing the hook, at a time of disconnection, owing to a cut-out portion formed on the female portion, a hook swingably supported over said cut-out portion and a projection formed on the outer surface of a male portion.
Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5 through 8 showing another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors formed identically with each other and adapted to be interconnected, each one of which comprises a female portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon and a wall; a male portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon, said female and male portions being formed integrally with each other of a moldforming insulating material with a space therebetween longitudinally receiving said base plate of the confronting female portion of the other connector, and said male portion being adapted to be fitted in the confronting female portion of the other connector in the connected state; and terminal plates of the same shape employable both in the female and the male portions, each of said terminal plates having a resilient contact plate and provided in each of said female and male portions by means of said base plate and said partition, wherein said partition on the base plate of either of the female and the male portion has a protuberance longitudinally formed thereon and having a triangular shape in its section, said protuberance being adapted to contact with the partition of the confronting female or male portion to form a closet for each terminal plate, thereby enabling the terminal plates to be perfectly separated from one another.
Character A designates a connector body and character B designates a terminal plate. Said connector body A has a female portion A 1 formed projectingly at the upper portion thereof and a male portion A 2 formed projectingly at the lower portion thereof, keeping a certain distance from said female portion A 1 . Said male portion A 2 and the female portion A 1 are made of an insulating material, such as a synthetic resin, etc., and formed integrally with each other.
The terminal plate B is preferably made of high-conductive metals and has, at its tail portion, a connecting portion 1 to a wire and, in front of said connecting portion 1, a resilient contact plate 2. Under said resilient contact plate 2, there is formed a projection 3 cut and erected out of the terminal plate B, on both sides of the resilient contact plate 2 there are formed a pair of wings 4. The connecting portion 1 to a wire has, at its central portion, an edge 1a cut and erected out of the terminal plate B and, on both sides thereof, a plurality of holding members 1b edged at the top, by which a wire 5 is securely connected to the terminal B through its insulating coating, keeping electric connection.
In the female portion A 1 is provided a base plate 6 which is associated with a wall 6' connecting to said base plate 6 to form a room R. A groove 8 for receiving the terminal plate B is formed on said base plate 6 with a partition 7. Inside said groove 8, there are formed, on both lateral walls, concaves 9 for receiving said wings 4 of the terminal plate B, and on the base plate 6, a concave 10 for receiving said projection 3 of the terminal plate B. A bulkhead 11 abutting on said partition 7 is provided in the back portion of the room R.
The male portion A 2 has only a base portion 6 as mentioned above but no wall as denoted by numeral 6'. It is to be noted that the male portion A 2 is defined in a size insertible into the room R of the confronting female portion A 2 . Between the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 is formed a space into which the base plate 6 of the confronting female portion A 1 can be inserted.
In the female portion A 1 there are provided a cut-out portion 12 at the central portion of the wall 6' and a hook 14 movably supported by a supporting portion 13 over said cut-out portion 12. While, in the male portion A 2 there is provided a projection 15 on the outer surface of the base portion thereof.
The front end of the female portion A 1 is tapered off to aid an insertion of the confronting male portion A 2 .
Numeral 16 designates a protuberance having a triangular shape in its section and formed longitudinally on the partition 7 of either male or female portion A 2 or A 1 . In the connected state of the connectors, said protuberance 16 is adapted to contact with the confronting partition 7 of the female portion A of the confronting connector, thereby to form a closet for each terminal plate, tightly sealed up and perfectly separated from other terminal plates.
With the above-mentioned construction, the multiterminal connector unit according to this invention is put to use by inserting number of terminal plates B in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 slidably from the back. Three each of the terminal plates B may be inserted in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 in the present embodiment. The terminal plate B is so adapted to be securely fixed in the predetermined position with its wings 4 registered in the concaves 9 and with its projection 3 resistored in the concave 10.
For connecting a pair of the connectors to each other, one of the connectors is turned upside down to insert its male portion A 2 into the confronting female portion A 1 of the other connector and to receive, at the same time, the confronting male portion A 2 of the other connector in its female portion A 1 , thereby connecting the both connectors to each other. At this time, the hook 14 gets over the projection 15 which is positioned in the cut-out portion 12 and engaged with said projection 13 to secure the connection of said connectors.
As apparent from the foregoing description, according to the present embodiment, the protuberance formed longitudinally on the partition of either male portion or female portion is adapted to contact with the confronting partition when a pair of connectors are connected to each other, thereby to form a closet for each terminal plate, tightly sealed up and perfectly separated from other terminal plates, thus preventing a possible electrolysis between adjacent terminal plates and a corrosion of the terminal plates due to penetration of water.
Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 9 to 11 showing a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a multi-terminal connector unit consisting of a pair of connectors formed identically with each other and adapted to be interconnected, each one of which comprises a female portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon and a wall; a male portion having a base plate with a partition formed thereon, said female and male portions being formed integrally with each other of a mold-forming insulating material with a space therebetween for receiving said base plate of the confronting female portion of the other connector, and said male portion being adapted to be fitted in the confronting female portion of the other connector in the connected state; and terminal plates of the same shape employable both in the female and the male portions, each of said terminal plates having a resilient contact plate and provided in each of said female and male portions by means of said base plate and said partition, wherein said female portion has on its outer surface a convexed portion provided with a hollow therethrough and a cut-out portion, and said male portion has on its outer surface a projection with a size forcibly passable through said hollow of the convexed portion, thereby ensuring a secure connection of said pair of connectors to each other.
Character A designates a connector body and character B designates a terminal plate. Said connector body A has a female portion A 1 formed projectingly at the upper portion thereof and a male portion A 2 formed projectingly at the lower portion thereof, keeping a certain distance from said female portion A 1 . Said male portion A 2 and the female portion A 1 are made of an insulating material, such as synthetic resin, etc., and formed integrally with each other.
The terminal plate B is preferably made of high-conductive metals and has, at its tail portion, a connecting portion 1 to a wire and, in front of said connecting portion 1, a resilient contact plate 2. Under said resilient contact plate 2, there is formed a projection 3 cut and erected out of the terminal plate B, and a pair of wings 4 are formed on both sides of the resilient contact plate 2. The connecting portion 1 to a wire has, at its central portion, an edge 1a cut and erected out of the terminal plate B and, on both sides thereof, a plurality of holding members 1b edged at the top, by which a wire 5 is securely connected to the terminal B through its insulating coating, keeping electric connection.
In the female portion A 1 is provided a base plate 6 which is associated with a wall 6' connecting to said base plate 6 to form a room R. A groove 8 for receiving the terminal plate B is formed on said base plate 6 with a partition 7. Inside said groove 8, there are formed, on both lateral walls, concaves 9 for receiving said wings 4 of the terminal B, and on the base plate 6, a concave 10 for receiving said projection 3 of the terminal B. A bulkhead 11 abutting on said partition 7 is provided in the back portion of the room R.
The male portion A 2 has only a base plate 6 as mentioned above but no wall as denoted by numeral 6'. It is to be noted that the male portion A 2 is defined in a size insertible into the room R of the confronting female portion A 2 . Between the female portion A 1 and male portion A 2 is formed a space into which the base plate 6 of the confronting female portion A 1 can be inserted.
On the outer surface of the wall 6' of the female portion A 1 , there is formed a hollow convexed portion 17, in which a cut-out portion 18 is formed in its backward end. In contrast, on the outer surface of the base plate 6 of the male portion A 2 , there is formed a projection 19 having tapered faces on its front and rear ends.
The forward end of the female portion A 1 is tapered off for facilitating insertion of the confronting male portion A 2 .
With the above-mentioned construction, the multi-terminal connector unit according to this invention is put to use by inserting a required number of terminal plates B in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 slidably from the back. Three each of the terminal plates B may be inserted in the grooves 8 of the female portion A 1 and the male portion A 2 in the present embodiment. The terminal B is so adapted to be securely fixed in the predetermined position with its wings 4 registered in the concaves 9 and with its projection 3 resistered in the concave 10.
For connecting a pair of the connectors to each other, one of the connectors is turned upside down to insert its male portion A 2 into the confronting female portion A 1 of the other connector and to receive, at the same time, the confronting male portion A 2 of the other connector in its female portion A 1 , thereby connecting the both connectors to each other.
On this occasion, the projection 19 of the one connector is forced to pass through the hollow convexed portion 17 of the other connector to make an appearance in the cut-out portion 18 and firmly engaged in said cut-out portion to keep a sure connection of the both connectors free from an unreasonable detachment.
As apparent from the foregoing description, in this embodiment of the present invention, there is provided the hollow convexed portion 17 on the upper surface of the female portion and the projection 19 on the outer surface of the male portion having a size forcibly passable through said hollow convexed portion 17 to engage therewith, thereby securely connecting the pair of connectors with each other. Accordingly, the pair of connectors can be easily released from the engaged state by forcing disengaging the projection 19 from the hollow convexed portion 17.