JP2022032100A - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a connector which suppresses enlargement and is capable of stably holding a fitting detection member at a temporary engage position.SOLUTION: In a connector 1 comprising a housing 5 and a fitting detection member 7, a lock arm 13 including a lock part 11 is provided in the housing 5, and a detection lock arm 17 including an engage part 15 which is abutted with the lock part 11 is provided in the fitting detection member 7. The engage part 15 and the lock part 11 are abutted, thereby regulating deformation of the detection lock arm to one side in an elastic deformation direction. A housing rib 19 is provided in a portion of the lock part 11 outside of a range abutted with the engage part 15, and a detection rib 21 disposed oppositely to the housing rib 19 at the other side of the detection lock arm 17 in the elastic deformation direction is provided in a portion of the engage part 15 outside of a range abutted with the lock part 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a connector.

Conventionally, the connector includes a housing that can be fitted with the mating housing. Further, it is known that the housing is movably assembled and equipped with a fitting detection member that detects the fitting state between the mating housing and the housing by moving between the temporary locking position and the main locking position. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

With this connector, when the mating housing and the housing are fitted, the fitting detection member can be moved from the temporary locking position to the main locking position, and the mating housing and the housing are fitted. Can be detected.

On the other hand, in a semi-fitting state where the mating housing and the housing are not fitted, the fitting detection member cannot be moved from the temporary locking position to the main locking position, and the mating housing and the housing cannot be moved. It can be detected that and is not fitted.

In such a connector, the housing is provided with an elastically deformable lock arm. The lock arm is provided with a lock protrusion as a lock portion that engages with the locked portion of the mating housing and holds the mated state between the mating housing and the housing.

Further, the fitting detection member is provided with an elastic locking piece as a detection lock arm that can be elastically deformed. The elastic locking piece abuts on the lock protrusion at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member, restricts the elastic deformation of the elastic locking piece, and restricts the movement of the fitting detection member to the main locking position. A pressure receiving protrusion is provided as a locking portion.

JP-A-2017-157546

By the way, in a connector as in Patent Document 1, the locking portion of the detection lock arm is in contact with the locking portion of the lock arm at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member. Due to the contact between the locking portion and the locking portion, the elastic deformation of the detection lock arm in the elastic deformation direction one side (here, the lower side) is restricted, and the movement of the fitting detection member to the main locking position is restricted. Has been done.

Further, the ribs projecting below the locking portion are arranged so as to face the lower surface of the locking portion. By arranging the ribs of the locking portion in this way, the elastic deformation of the detection lock arm to the other side (here, the upper side) in the elastic deformation direction is restricted. Therefore, the detection lock arm is elastically deformed to the other side in the elastic deformation direction, and the contact between the locking portion and the locking portion is not released, and the fitting detection member is held at the temporary locking position. Can be done.

However, in a connector as in Patent Document 1, the size of the locking portion or rib of the detection lock arm depends on the size of the locking portion of the lock arm or the locked portion of the mating housing. Therefore, in order to improve the holding performance of holding the fitting detection member in the temporary locking position, if it is attempted to increase the size of the locking portion or rib, it is necessary to increase the size of the locked portion or locked portion as well. There was a concern that the connector would become large.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of suppressing an increase in size and stably holding a fitting detection member in a temporary locking position.

The connector according to the present embodiment is movably assembled to the mating housing and the mating housing, and by moving between the temporary locking position and the main locking position, the mating housing and the said. A fitting detection member for detecting a fitting state with the housing is provided, and the housing has a locking portion that engages with the locked portion of the mating housing and holds the mating state between the mating housing and the housing. A lock arm having a A detection lock arm having a locking portion for restricting movement to is provided so as to be elastically deformable. The detection lock arm is a temporary locking position of the fitting detection member, and the locking portion is the lock portion. By abutting, deformation to one side in the elastic deformation direction is restricted, and a housing rib is provided in a portion of the lock portion outside the range of contact with the locking portion, and the locking portion is in contact with the locking portion. In the portion outside the contact range, a detection rib is provided at a temporary locking position of the fitting detection member, which is arranged so as to face the housing rib and the other side of the detection lock arm in the elastic deformation direction.

In the portion of the locking portion outside the range of contact with the locking portion, the housing rib and the fitting detecting member face each other in the moving direction to the main locking position at the temporary locking position of the fitting detecting member. It is preferable that an engaging portion is provided.

The fitting detection member elastically deforms the lock arm by moving in the detaching direction from the housing to release the engagement between the locked portion and the lock portion, and the detection lock arm is the detection lock arm. Due to the elastic deformation of the lock arm due to the movement of the fitting detection member, the lock arm is elastically deformed toward one side in the elastic deformation direction, and the detection lock arm is engaged with the retaining portion of the housing on the one side in the elastic deformation direction. , It is preferable that a retaining protrusion for restricting the detachment of the fitting detection member from the housing is provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector capable of suppressing the increase in size and stably holding the fitting detection member in the temporary locking position.

It is an exploded perspective view of the connector which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view of the mating housing of the connector which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. It is a perspective view of the housing of the connector which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view when FIG. 4 is viewed from the opposite side. It is a front view of the fitting detection member of the connector which concerns on this embodiment. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. It is a rear view when the fitting detection member is arranged in the temporary locking position before the housing of the connector which concerns on this embodiment and the mating housing are fitted. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of FIG. It is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. It is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. It is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the middle of fitting of the housing of the connector and the mating housing which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing when the housing of the connector which concerns on this embodiment and the mating housing are fitted, and the fitting detection member moves to this locking position. It is sectional drawing when the housing of the connector which concerns on this embodiment and the mating housing are fitted, and the fitting detection member is arranged in this locking position. It is a rear view at the time of releasing the fitting of the housing of the connector which concerns on this embodiment, and the mating housing. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX-XX of FIG. It is sectional drawing of XXI-XXI of FIG. It is an enlarged sectional view of the main part when the fitting detection member of the connector which concerns on this embodiment is moved in the direction of detachment from a housing. It is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG.

Hereinafter, the connector according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

The connector 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 5 that can be fitted with the mating housing 3. Further, it is provided with a fitting detection member 7 that is movably assembled to the housing 5 and detects the fitting state between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 by moving between the temporary locking position and the main locking position. ing.

Further, the housing 5 is provided with a lock arm 13 having a lock portion 11 that engages with the locked portion 9 of the mating housing 3 and holds a fitted state between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 so as to be elastically deformable. ing.

Further, the fitting detection member 7 is provided with a locking portion 15 that abuts on the lock portion 11 at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7 and restricts the movement of the fitting detection member 7 to the main locking position. The detection lock arm 17 is provided so as to be elastically deformable. Further, the detection lock arm 17 is restricted from being deformed to one side in the elastic deformation direction by the locking portion 15 coming into contact with the lock portion 11 at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7.

A housing rib 19 is provided in a portion of the lock portion 11 outside the range of contact with the locking portion 15. Further, in the portion outside the range of contact with the lock portion 11 of the locking portion 15, the housing rib 19 and the detection lock arm 17 face each other in the elastic deformation direction at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7. The detection rib 21 to be arranged is provided.

Further, in the portion of the locking portion 15 outside the range of contact with the locking portion 11, the movement direction of the housing rib 19 and the fitting detecting member 7 to the main locking position at the temporary locking position of the fitting detecting member 7. An engaging portion 23 is provided so as to face each other.

Further, the fitting detection member 7 elastically deforms the lock arm 13 by moving in the detaching direction from the housing 5, and disengages the locked portion 9 from the locked portion 11. Further, the detection lock arm 17 is elastically deformed toward one side in the elastic deformation direction due to the elastic deformation of the lock arm 13 due to the movement of the fitting detection member 7.

Then, on one side of the detection lock arm 17 in the elastic deformation direction, as a retaining protrusion that engages with the housing first protrusion 25 as a retaining portion of the housing 5 to restrict the fitting detection member 7 from being detached from the housing 5. The first detection protrusion 27 is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIGS. 16 to 21, the mating housing 3 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The mating housing 3 is provided with a mating fitting portion 29 having an opening on one side and into which the housing 5 can be fitted. A plurality of through holes are formed in the bottom of the mating portion 29, and for example, a plurality of mating terminals (not shown) electrically connected to the circuit board are fixed to the through holes by press fitting or the like, and a plurality of through holes are formed. The mating terminal is arranged in the mating portion 29.

On the opening side of such a mating portion 29, a locked portion 9 that holds a mated state between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 faces inward when the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 are fitted. There are multiple (two here) protrusions. In such a mating housing 3, the mating terminal and the terminal (not shown) accommodated in the housing 5 are electrically connected by fitting the mating portion 29 with the housing 5.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 5, 9 to 23, the housing 5 is made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The housing 5 includes a fitting portion 31, a lock arm 13, and a detection accommodating portion 33.

The fitting portion 31 is formed in a housing shape so as to be accommodated inside the mating fitting portion 29 of the mating housing 3. Inside the fitting portion 31, a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 35 extending along the fitting direction are arranged in a plurality of rows along the width direction of the housing 5, and a plurality of stages are arranged along the height direction of the housing 5. Have been placed. The plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 35 accommodate, for example, a plurality of terminals (not shown) electrically connected to a power source, equipment, or the like.

A locking lance 37 is provided in such a terminal accommodating chamber 35 so as to be elastically deformable. The locking lance 37 engages with the terminal accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 35 to prevent the terminal from coming off from the terminal accommodating chamber 35. Further, in the plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 35, retainers 39 are arranged in through holes communicating with the plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 35. The retainer 39 doubles to prevent the terminals from coming off from the terminal accommodating chamber 35 by engaging with the terminals accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 35.

By fitting such a fitting portion 31 into the mating fitting portion 29 of the mating housing 3, the terminal and the mating terminal are electrically connected to each other. A lock arm 13 is provided on the upper surface of the fitting portion 31.

The lock arms 13 are extended along the fitting direction and the detaching direction, which are the length directions of the housing 5, and a plurality (four in this case) are arranged along the width direction of the housing 5. In each of the plurality of lock arms 13, one end side on the front side in the fitting direction is a base end formed of one member continuous with the fitting portion 31, and the other end side on the rear side in the fitting direction is the height direction of the housing 5. It has a free end that is elastically deformable. Such a plurality of lock arms 13 are formed of one member continuous with the interlocking portion 41 extending along the width direction of the housing 5, and the elastic deformation of the plurality of lock arms 13 is interlocked.

In the vicinity of the center of the two lock arms 13 located on the center side of the plurality of lock arms 13, a lock portion 11 that can be engaged with the locked portion 9 of the mating fitting portion 29 is located outside the width direction of the housing 5. It is thrust toward. Further, bosses 43 are projected from the free end sides of the two lock arms 13 located on the outer side of the plurality of lock arms 13 toward the outer side in the width direction of the housing 5, respectively.

In such a plurality of lock arms 13, when the fitting portion 31 is inserted into the mating portion 29, the lock portion 11 and the locked portion 9 come into contact with each other, and the lock portion 11 gets over the locked portion 9. Sliding like. Due to the sliding of the locked portion 11 and the locked portion 9, the plurality of lock arms 13 are elastically deformed toward the lower side of the housing 5 via the interlocking portion 41.

Then, when the fitting portion 31 is accommodated in the normal position in the mating portion 29, the lock portion 11 gets over the locked portion 9. At this time, the plurality of lock arms 13 are restored toward the upper side of the housing 5 via the interlocking portion 41, and the locked portion 11 and the locked portion 9 are engaged in the disengagement direction. By engaging the locked portion 11 with the locked portion 9, the fitted state of the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 is maintained.

The detection accommodating portion 33 has side walls 45, 45 erected from the upper surface of the fitting portion 31 upward with one member continuous with the fitting portion 31, and side walls 45, 45 on the upper end side of the side walls 45, 45. It is composed of a connecting wall 47 formed of one member continuous with the side walls 45 and 45 so as to be connected. The fitting detection member 7 is movably accommodated in the detection accommodating portion 33 in the fitting direction and the detaching direction, which are the length directions of the housing 5.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 to 23, the fitting detection member 7 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The fitting detection member 7 includes a main body 49 and a detection lock arm 17.

The main body 49 is continuous with the side portions 51, 51 extending in the height direction of the housing 5 and the side portions 51, 51 so as to connect the side portions 51, 51 to the upper end side of the side portions 51, 51. It is composed of an operation unit 53 formed of one member. The main body 49 is arranged in the detection accommodating unit 33 so that the side portions 51 and 51 can be accommodated in the detection accommodating unit 33 and the operation unit 53 is exposed from the detection accommodating unit 33. By pressing the operation unit 53, such a main body 49 can move in the fitting direction and the detaching direction of the housing 5.

The end faces of the side portions 51, 51 of the main body 49 in the direction of detachment from the housing 5 are provided with an inclined portion 55 that is inclined in the direction of detachment from the housing 5 from the lower side to the upper side. The inclined portion 55 is arranged so as to face the boss 43 of the lock arm 13 in a state where the fitting detection member 7 is held at the temporary locking position (see FIG. 10) with respect to the housing 5.

Such an inclined portion 55 slides with the boss 43 when the fitting detection member 7 is moved from the temporary locking position in the detaching direction from the housing 5 (see FIG. 21). Due to the sliding of the inclined portion 55 and the boss 43, the plurality of lock arms 13 are elastically deformed downward via the interlocking portion 41.

Due to the elastic deformation of the lock arm 13, the engagement between the locked portion 9 and the lock portion 11 is released, and the mating between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 can be released. By providing the fitting detection member 7 with the inclined portion 55 in this way, the lock arm 13 can be elastically deformed by the movement of the fitting detection member 7.

Therefore, it is not necessary to directly elastically deform the lock arm 13, and it is possible to improve the workability of releasing the fitting between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5. The lock arm 13 is provided with a pressing portion 57 (see FIG. 4) capable of directly elastically deforming the lock arm 13. Such a main body 49 is provided with a detection lock arm 17 as a continuous member that can be elastically deformed.

The detection lock arms 17 are extended along the moving direction of the fitting detection member 7, and a plurality (two in this case) are arranged along the width direction of the fitting detection member 7. In each of the plurality of detection lock arms 17, one end side on the detachment direction side is a base end formed of one member continuous with the operation portion 53 of the main body 49, and the other end side on the fitting direction side is the fitting detection member 7. It is a free end that is elastically deformable in the height direction of.

At the free end of such a detection lock arm 17, a locking portion 15 that can be engaged with the locking portion 11 of the lock arm 13 is provided. When the fitting detection member 7 is arranged at the temporary locking position (see FIG. 10) with respect to the housing 5, the locking portion 15 abuts on the disengagement direction side of the lock portion 11 of the lock arm 13 and engages with the locking portion 15. (See FIG. 12).

Due to the engagement between the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11, the fitting detecting member 7 does not move toward the main locking position (see FIG. 18) in the fitting direction of the housing 5, and the fitting detecting member does not move. 7 can be held at the temporary locking position. Further, in the engagement between the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 on the disengagement direction side, the elastic deformation of the detection lock arm 17 toward one side in the elastic deformation direction (here, the lower side) is restricted. Therefore, the detection lock arm 17 does not elastically deform toward one side in the elastic deformation direction, and the fitting detection member 7 can be held at the temporary locking position.

The engagement between the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 on the disengagement direction side is such that the fitting detection member 7 is held in the temporary locking position by pressing the operating portion 53 in the fitting direction, and the housing is engaged. 5 is set so that it can be fitted to the mating housing 3.

In this way, the contact between the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 restricts the movement of the fitting detection member 7 to the main locking position, and elastically deforms the detection lock arm 17 toward one side in the elastic deformation direction. Is regulated. When the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 are to have a function of restricting the elastic deformation of the detection lock arm 17 toward the other side in the elastic deformation direction, the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 are large in size. As a result, the locked portion 9 that engages with the locked portion 11 also becomes large.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the housing rib 19 and the detection rib 21 are provided in the portions adjacent to each other in the width direction, which are the portions outside the range where the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 are in contact with each other. An engaging portion 23 is provided.

The housing rib 19 is projected from the outer surface of the lock portion 11 in the width direction toward the outside in the width direction by a member continuous with the lock portion 11. The housing rib 19 is arranged at a position where the locked portion 11 and the locked portion 9 are engaged with each other and do not interfere with the locked portion 9.

Therefore, the housing rib 19 is not affected by the design of the locked portion 9 and the locked portion 11, and the housing rib 19 can be freely designed. In other words, the locked portion 9 and the locked portion 11 are not affected by the design of the housing rib 19, and the locked portion 9 and the locked portion 11 can be freely designed.

The detection rib 21 is formed by a member continuous with the locking portion 15 from the outer surface of the locking portion 15 on the housing rib 19 side toward the outside in the width direction. The detection rib 21 faces the housing rib 19 and the detection lock arm 17 on the other side (here, the upper side) in the elastic deformation direction in a state where the fitting detection member 7 is arranged at the temporary locking position (see FIG. 11). (See FIG. 13).

Therefore, the detection rib 21 is not affected by the design of the locking portion 11 and the locking portion 15, and the detection rib 21 can be freely designed. In other words, the locking portion 11 and the locking portion 15 are not affected by the design of the detection rib 21, and the locking portion 11 and the locking portion 15 can be freely designed.

Such a detection rib 21 becomes a housing rib 19 when the detection lock arm 17 tries to elastically deform toward the other side (here, the upper side) in the elastic deformation direction at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7. Contact. Due to the contact between the detection rib 21 and the housing rib 19, the detection lock arm 17 does not elastically deform toward the other side in the elastic deformation direction. Therefore, the engagement between the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 is not disengaged, and the fitting detection member 7 can be stably held at the temporary locking position.

By providing the housing rib 19 and the detection rib 21 outside the range where the lock portion 11 and the locking portion 15 come into contact with each other, the design of the housing rib 19 and the detection rib 21 can be changed between the locked portion 9 and the lock portion. It does not depend on the design with 11. Further, the regulation of elastic deformation of the detection lock arm 17 on both sides in the elastic deformation direction at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7 is the engagement between the lock portion 11 and the locking portion 15, and the housing rib 19 and the detection rib. It is dispersed by the engagement with 21. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the structure for improving the holding performance of holding the fitting detection member 7 in the temporary locking position.

The engaging portion 23 is projected from the outer surface of the locking portion 15 on the housing rib 19 side so as to be outward in the width direction and continuous with the locking portion 15 in the height direction. The engaging portion 23 has the fitting detection member 7 placed at the temporary locking position (see FIG. 11), and the housing rib 19 and the fitting detection member 7 are placed at the main locking position (see FIG. 18). They are arranged so as to face the moving direction (here, the fitting direction) (see FIG. 13).

Such an engaging portion 23 comes into contact with the housing rib 19 when the fitting detecting member 7 tries to move to the main locking position side at the temporary locking position of the fitting detecting member 7. By the contact between the engaging portion 23 and the housing rib 19, it is possible to restrict the fitting detection member 7 from moving from the temporary locking position to the main locking position side, and the fitting detecting member 7 is temporarily engaged. It can be stably held at the stop position.

Since such an engaging portion 23 is also provided outside the range in which the locking portion 11 and the locking portion 15 come into contact with each other, it may depend on the design of the locked portion 9, the locked portion 11, and the locking portion 15. It can be designed freely. Further, since the movement of the fitting detection member 7 to the main locking position side is restricted by the contact between the engaging portion 23 and the housing rib 19, the movement restriction function of the fitting detection member 7 of the locking portion 15 is reduced. The locking portion 15 can be miniaturized.

In the housing 5 in which the fitting detection member 7 is held at the temporary locking position in this way, the fitting portion 31 is inserted into the mating fitting portion 29, and the operation portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 or the fitting portion 31 is inserted. Is pressed in the fitting direction to be fitted with the mating housing 3.

The locking portion 15 slides on the locked portion 9 when the locked portion 11 rides on the locked portion 9 while the housing 5 is being fitted with the mating housing 3 (see FIG. 16). The sliding of the locking portion 15 and the locked portion 9 causes the detection lock arm 17 to be elastically deformed downward. At this time, the locking portion 15 engages with the locking portion 11 in the disengagement direction side, the engaging portion 23 faces the housing rib 19, and the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7 with respect to the housing 5 is set. keeping.

Such a locking portion 15 can get over the locking portion 11 in a state where the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 are fitted and the locked portion 11 is engaged with the locked portion 9 (see FIG. 17). Will be. Therefore, by moving the fitting detection member 7 from the temporary locking position to the fitting direction (main locking position side), the locking portion 15 slides with the lock portion 11 and the detection lock arm 17 is moved downward. Elastically deform toward.

Then, when the fitting detection member 7 is arranged at the main locking position (see FIG. 18) with respect to the housing 5, the detection lock arm 17 is restored upward, and the locking portion 15 is in the fitting direction of the lock portion 11. Engage on the side. By engaging the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11, the fitting detection member 7 does not move in the detaching direction of the housing 5, and the fitting detection member 7 can be held at the main locking position. The engagement between the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 at the present locking position can be released by moving the fitting detection member 7 in the disengagement direction.

Here, the operation portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 is provided with a step portion 59 on the fitting direction side. The stepped portion 59 faces the interlocking portion 41 of the lock arm 13 and the lower side of the lock arm 13 in the elastic deformation direction in a state where the fitting detection member 7 is arranged at the main locking position (see FIG. 18). Be placed. Such a step portion 59 comes into contact with the interlocking portion 41 when the lock arm 13 tries to elastically deform downward at the main locking position of the fitting detection member 7.

Due to the contact between the stepped portion 59 and the interlocking portion 41, the lock arm 13 is not elastically deformed downward, and the engagement between the locked portion 9 and the locked portion 11 is not released. Therefore, at the main locking position of the fitting detection member 7, the mating state between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 can be stably maintained.

If the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 are not completely fitted, the fitting detection member 7 has a temporary locking position (see FIG. 10) due to the engagement between the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11. Cannot move to the main locking position (see FIG. 18).

Therefore, when the fitting detection member 7 can be moved from the temporary locking position to the main locking position, it can be detected that the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 are normally fitted. can. On the other hand, when the fitting detection member 7 cannot be moved from the temporary locking position to the main locking position, it can be detected that the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 are not properly fitted. ..

By moving such a fitting detection member 7 from the main locking position (see FIG. 18) in the detaching direction, the mating between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 can be released. When the mating between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 is released, the operation portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 is pressed in the detaching direction, and the fitting detecting member 7 is moved in the detaching direction.

Due to the movement of the fitting detection member 7 in the disengagement direction, the locking portion 15 slides with the locking portion 11, the detection lock arm 17 is elastically deformed downward, and the fitting detection member 7 is in the main locking position. Is moved to the temporary locking position side (see FIG. 20). When the movement of the fitting detection member 7 in the disengagement direction exceeds the temporary locking position, the boss 43 of the lock arm 13 and the inclined portion 55 of the fitting detection member 7 slide (see FIG. 21).

Due to the sliding of the boss 43 and the inclined portion 55, the lock arm 13 is elastically deformed downward, and the engagement between the locked portion 9 and the locked portion 11 is released. Then, by further moving the fitting detection member 7 in the detaching direction, the housing 5 can be detached from the mating housing 3. At this time, the fitting detection member 7 is prevented from being detached from the housing 5 by the first retaining portion 61 provided between the housing 5 and the fitting detection member 7.

The first retaining portion 61 is provided between the housing 5 and the fitting detection member 7, and includes a housing first protrusion 25 and a detection first protrusion 27 (see FIG. 10).

The housing first protrusion 25 is projected upward from the upper surface of the fitting portion 31 of the housing 5 by one member continuous with the fitting portion 31, and corresponds to a plurality of (here, two) detection lock arms 17. Multiple (two here) are arranged at the positions.

The first detection protrusion 27 is projected downward from the lower surface of a plurality of (two in this case) detection lock arms 7 of the fitting detection member 7 by one member continuous with the detection lock arm 17. The detection first protrusion 27 is separated from the housing first protrusion 25 with respect to the moving direction of the fitting detection member 7 in a state where the fitting detection member 7 is arranged at the temporary locking position (see FIG. 10). (See FIG. 14).

Such a first retaining portion 61 is detected as a housing first protrusion 25 by moving the fitting detection member 7 in the disengagement direction in a state where the locked portion 9 and the lock portion 11 are disengaged. The first protrusion 27 is engaged. The fitting detection member 7 does not separate from the housing 5 due to the engagement between the housing first protrusion 25 and the detection first protrusion 27. Therefore, the housing 5 can be detached from the mating housing 3 by pressing the operation portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 in the detaching direction.

Here, the detection lock arm 17 is elastic because the locking portion 15 slides with the interlocking portion 41 of the lock arm 13 when the fitting detection member 7 moves in the detaching direction and the first retaining portion 61 engages. It is elastically deformed toward one side in the deformation direction (here, the lower side). A detection first projection 27 is provided so as to project on one side of the detection lock arm 17 in the elastic deformation direction. When the detection first protrusion 27 engages with the housing first protrusion 25, the engagement allowance with the housing first protrusion 25 is increased by the elastic deformation of the detection lock arm 17 toward one side in the elastic deformation direction. Therefore, the proof stress against the movement of the fitting detection member 7 in the detaching direction can be increased, and the fitting detection member 7 can be stably held in the housing 5.

In such a first retaining portion 61, when the housing 5 is detached from the mating housing 3 by moving the fitting detecting member 7 in the detaching direction, the first retaining portion 61 serves as a fulcrum and the fitting detecting member 7 rotates. May lean to do. When the fitting detection member 7 is tilted, the operating force for pressing the operation unit 53 in the detaching direction is dispersed in the rotational direction, sufficient operating force is not transmitted in the detaching direction, and the detaching workability is deteriorated. It ends up.

Therefore, between the housing 5 and the fitting detecting member 7, a regulating portion 63 that regulates the rotation of the fitting detecting member 7 with the first retaining portion 61 as a fulcrum is provided (see FIG. 9). The regulating portion 63 includes a convex portion 65 and a concave portion 67.

The convex portion 65 is projected from the outer surface of each of the side portions 51, 51 of the fitting detection member 7 toward the outside in the width direction of the fitting detection member 7 by one continuous member with the side portions 51, 51. The convex portion 65 extends along the moving direction of the fitting detection member 7.

The recess 67 extends inside the side walls 45, 45 of the detection accommodating portion 33 of the housing 5 along the moving direction of the fitting detection member 7 so as to be engaged with the convex portion 65. The concave portion 67 is provided so that the end surface of the housing 5 in the detaching direction is opened and can be engaged with the convex portion 65 at least up to the main locking position of the fitting detection member 7. Such a concave portion 67 is engaged with the convex portion 65 in a state where the fitting detection member 7 is arranged in the housing 5.

In such a regulating portion 63, when the operating portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 is pressed in the detaching direction while the first retaining portion 61 is engaged, the convex portion 65 and the concave portion 67 are engaged with each other. , The rotation of the fitting detection member 7 with the first retaining portion 61 as a fulcrum is restricted. Therefore, the fitting detection member 7 is not tilted, and the operating force in the detaching direction is not dispersed in the rotational direction. Therefore, the operating force for pressing the operating portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 is transmitted to the housing 5 in the detaching direction via the first retaining portion 61. Therefore, the housing 5 can be stably detached from the mating housing 3 via the fitting detection member 7.

Further, since the convex portion 65 and the concave portion 67 extend in the moving direction of the fitting detection member 7, the fitting detection member 7 rotates with respect to the housing 5 when the fitting detection member 7 moves. There is no. Therefore, the operating force for pressing the operation unit 53 of the fitting detection member 7 is not dispersed in the rotational direction, and the fitting detection member 7 can be stably operated in the moving direction.

Such a regulating portion 63 is provided with a second retaining portion 69 that regulates the detachment of the fitting detection member 7 from the housing 5 (see FIG. 15). The second retaining portion 69 includes a housing second protrusion 71 and a detection second protrusion 73.

The second protrusion 71 of the housing is projected by one member continuous with the recess 67 from the bottom of each of the plurality of (here, two) recesses 67 on the detachment direction side toward the outside.

The detection second protrusion 73 protrudes from the outer surface of each of the plurality of (here, two) convex portions 65 on the fitting direction side with one member continuous with the convex portion 65 toward the outer side in the width direction of the fitting detection member 7. It is set up. The detection second protrusion 73 is separated from the housing second protrusion 71 with respect to the moving direction of the fitting detection member 7 in a state where the fitting detection member 7 is arranged at the temporary locking position (see FIG. 10). (See FIG. 15).

Such a second retaining portion 69 is detected as a housing second protrusion 71 by moving the fitting detection member 7 in the disengagement direction in a state where the locked portion 9 and the lock portion 11 are disengaged. The second protrusion 73 is engaged (see FIGS. 22 and 23). The fitting detection member 7 does not separate from the housing 5 due to the engagement between the housing second protrusion 71 and the detection second protrusion 73. Therefore, the housing 5 can be detached from the mating housing 3 by pressing the operation portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 in the detaching direction.

In such a connector 1, deformation of the detection lock arm 17 to one side in the elastic deformation direction is restricted by the locking portion 15 coming into contact with the lock portion 11 at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7. ing. Further, a housing rib 19 is provided in a portion of the lock portion 11 outside the range of contact with the locking portion 15. Further, in the portion outside the range of contact with the lock portion 11 of the locking portion 15, the housing rib 19 and the detection lock arm 17 face each other in the elastic deformation direction at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7. The detection rib 21 to be arranged is provided.

Therefore, the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 restrict the movement of the fitting detection member 7 to the main locking position side at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7, and the elasticity of the detection lock arm 17 is restricted. Elastic deformation to one side in the deformation direction can be regulated. Further, the housing rib 19 and the detection rib 21 can regulate the elastic deformation of the detection lock arm 17 to the other side in the elastic deformation direction at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7. Therefore, the detection lock arm 17 is not elastically deformed at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7, and the fitting detection member 7 can be stably held at the temporary locking position.

Further, since the housing rib 19 and the detection rib 21 are provided outside the range where the lock portion 11 and the locking portion 15 come into contact with each other, the design of the housing rib 19 and the detection rib 21 is different from that of the locked portion 9. It does not depend on the design with the lock portion 11. In addition, the regulation of elastic deformation of the detection lock arm 17 on both sides in the elastic deformation direction at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7 is the engagement between the locking portion 11 and the locking portion 15 and the detection of the housing rib 19. It is dispersed by the engagement with the rib 21. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the structure for improving the holding performance of holding the fitting detection member 7 in the temporary locking position.

Therefore, in such a connector 1, the design of the locked portion 9 and the lock portion 11 and the design of the housing rib 19 and the detection rib 21 can be independently performed, and the size increase can be suppressed and the fitting can be performed. The detection member 7 can be stably held at the temporary locking position.

Further, in the portion of the locking portion 15 outside the range of contact with the locking portion 11, the movement direction of the housing rib 19 and the fitting detecting member 7 to the main locking position at the temporary locking position of the fitting detecting member 7. An engaging portion 23 is provided so as to face each other.

Therefore, the housing rib 19 and the engaging portion 23 can restrict the movement of the fitting detection member 7 to the main locking position side at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7, and the fitting detection member 7 can be restricted from moving to the main locking position side. 7 can be stably held at the temporary locking position. Further, since the engaging portion 23 is provided outside the range where the locking portion 11 and the locking portion 15 come into contact with each other, the engaging portion 23 does not depend on the design of the locked portion 9, the locked portion 11, and the locking portion 15. .. Therefore, the function of restricting the movement of the fitting detection member 7 of the locking portion 15 to the main locking position side can be reduced, and the locking portion 15 can be miniaturized.

Further, on one side of the detection lock arm 17 in the elastic deformation direction, a detection first protrusion 27 that engages with the housing first protrusion 25 of the housing 5 and restricts the fitting detection member 7 from detaching from the housing 5 is provided. Has been done.

Therefore, the detection first projection 27 with respect to the housing first projection 25 when the fitting detection member 7 is moved in the detaching direction from the housing 5 and the detection lock arm 17 is elastically deformed to one side in the elastic deformation direction. Engagement allowance increases. Therefore, the proof stress against the movement of the fitting detection member 7 in the detaching direction can be increased, and the fitting detection member 7 can be stably held in the housing 5.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

For example, four lock arms are provided in the housing, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one or two or more lock arms may be used. Further, although two detection lock arms are provided on the fitting detection member, the number of detection lock arms may be one or three or more.

Further, the moving direction of the fitting detection member is the same as the fitting direction and the detaching direction of the mating housing and the housing, but the movement direction is not limited to this. For example, the moving direction of the fitting detection member may be a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction and the detaching direction of the mating housing and the housing.

1 Connector 3 Mating housing 5 Housing 7 Fitting detection member 9 Locked part 11 Lock part 13 Lock arm 15 Locking part 17 Detection lock arm 19 Housing rib 21 Detection rib 23 Engagement part 25 Housing first protrusion (retaining part)
27 Detection first protrusion (removal protrusion)

Claims (3)

A housing that can be fitted with the mating housing,
A fitting detection member that is movably assembled to the housing and detects a fitting state between the mating housing and the housing by moving between the temporary locking position and the main locking position.
Equipped with
The housing is provided with a lock arm having a lock portion that engages with the locked portion of the mating housing and holds a fitted state between the mating housing and the housing so as to be elastically deformable.
The fitting detection member has a detection lock having a locking portion that abuts on the lock portion at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member and restricts the movement of the fitting detection member to the main locking position. The arm is provided so that it can be elastically deformed.
The detection lock arm is restricted from being deformed to one side in the elastic deformation direction by abutting the locking portion with the locking portion at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member.
A housing rib is provided in a portion of the locking portion outside the range of contact with the locking portion.
In the portion of the locking portion outside the range of contact with the locking portion, the housing rib and the detection lock arm are arranged so as to face each other in the elastic deformation direction at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member. A connector with a detection rib. In the portion of the locking portion outside the range of contact with the locking portion, the housing rib and the fitting detecting member face each other in the moving direction to the main locking position at the temporary locking position of the fitting detecting member. The connector according to claim 1, wherein an engaging portion is provided. The fitting detection member elastically deforms the lock arm by moving in the detaching direction from the housing, and disengages the locked portion from the locked portion.
The detection lock arm is elastically deformed toward one side in the elastic deformation direction due to the elastic deformation of the lock arm due to the movement of the fitting detection member.
Claim 1 or 2 is provided with a retaining protrusion on one side of the detection lock arm in the elastic deformation direction, which engages with the retaining portion of the housing and regulates the fitting detection member from detaching from the housing. The connector described in.

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