JP3665966B2

JP3665966B2 - Connector device with mating detection mechanism

Info

Publication number: JP3665966B2
Application number: JP2002242146A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 洋平高木; 裕文内園; 卓磨福田; 雅義榎本
Original assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd
Current assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd
Priority date: 2002-08-22
Filing date: 2002-08-22
Publication date: 2005-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-22
Also published as: JP2004079485A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、コネクタハウジング及び相手コネクタハウジングの嵌合状態を検知する検知機構を備えている嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置に属する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
先行技術における嵌合検出機構付きコネクタ装置は、図７及び図８に示すように、コネクタハウジング１１１と、コネクタハウジング１１１が第１の方向Ａ′で嵌合する相手コネクタハウジング１３１と、コネクタハウジング１１１及び相手コネクタハウジング１３１の嵌合状態を検知する検知部材１５１とを備えている。
【０００３】
コネクタハウジング１１１は、導電性のコンタクト（図示せず）を収容し保持した箱形状のハウジング本体１１３と、ハウジング本体１１３の一側面１１３ａに対向し第１の方向Ａ′側でハウジング本体１１３の一側面１１３ａに接続しハウジング本体１１３の外側面１１３ａに対向して一側面１１３ａへ弾性力をもって変位可能なロック部１１５と、ロック部１１５の外表面１１５ａから突出している係止部１１７と、ロック部１１５を外表面１１３ａへ変位させて撓ませなが嵌合させる操作部１１８とを有している。
【０００４】
相手コネクタハウジング１３１は、嵌合時にコンタクトに接触する導電性の相手コンタクト（図示せず）と、該相手コンタクトを収容した収容部１３３とを有している。収容部１３３は、ハウジング本体１１３をロック部１１５へ嵌合するときにコネクタハウジング１３１の第１の方向Ａ′側における嵌合端面１１３ｃに対向する相手嵌合端面１３１ａに開口が形成されかつ第１の方向Ａ′で受け入れる相手壁部によって囲まれハウジング本体１１３及びロック部１１５を受け入れて収容するものである。
【０００５】
相手壁部は、第１の方向Ａ′へコネクタハウジング１１１を収容部１３３へ挿入し嵌合したときに係止部１１７が入り込み係止するようロック部１１５の外表面１１５ａに対向するよう相手壁部を構成する一部分である支持壁１３１ｃに形成した相手係止部１３５を有している。
【０００６】
コネクタハウジング１１１を相手コネクタハウジング１３１の収容部１３３へ嵌合するときには、第１の方向Ａ′でコネクタハウジング１１１を相手コネクタハウジング１３１の収容部１３３へ挿入する。このとき、ロック部１１５の操作部１１８を押圧すると、ロック部１１５がコネクタ本体１１３の外表面１１３ａへ向けて撓みながら変位する。この状態から、コネクタハウジング１１１を相手コネクタハウジング１３１の収容部１３３へ挿入すると、係止部１１７が相手係止部１３５を乗り越えて収容部１３３の第１の方向Ａ′へ移動する。この際、係止部１１７が相手係止部１３５の内側へ入り込み係止する。
【０００７】
コネクタハウジング１１１を相手コネクタハウジング１３１の収容部１３３へ嵌合した後、検知部材１５１をロック部１１５とハウジング本体１１３の外側面１１３ａとの間に挿入するとロックが完了する。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、コネクタハウジング１１１を相手コネクタハウジング１３１に嵌合させると、検知部材１５１が相手コネクタハウジング１３１に挿入されている状態であっても、強引な嵌合操作によって相手コネクタハウジング１３１が撓み、嵌合が達成されてしまう。その結果、例えば、図９に示すように、相手コネクタハウジング１３１の支持壁１３１ｃの一部分が破損（図９に符号Ｅで示した部分）してしまうという問題がある。
【０００９】
それ故に本発明の課題は、検知機構が挿入された状態でのコネクタハウジングの嵌合を未然に防ぎ、不完全嵌合による相手コネクタハウジングの破損を防ぐことができる嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置を提供することにある。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明によれば、コネクタハウジングと、該コネクタハウジングを第１の方向へ移動することによって嵌合する相手コネクタハウジングと、前記コネクタハウジング及び前記相手コネクタハウジングの嵌合状態を検知する検知機構とを含み、前記コネクタハウジングは、ハウジング本体と、前記第１の方向側で前記ハウジング本体の一側面に接続しかつ前記一側面へ向けて弾性力をもち変位可能なロック部と、前記ロック部上へ突出している係止部とを有し、前記相手コネクタハウジングは、前記コネクタハウジングを受け入れる相手壁部と、該相手壁部によって形成されている収容部と、前記コネクタハウジングを嵌合したときに前記係止部に係止するよう前記ロック部に対向する前記相手壁部の一部を構成している支持壁に形成した相手係止部とを有している嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置において、前記検知機構は、前記コネクタハウジングに設けた第１検知部と、前記相手コネクタハウジングに設けた第２検知部と、前記第１及び第２検知部と協動して前記嵌合状態を検知する検知部材とを有し、該第１検知部は、互いに対向するよう前記ロック部上に立設した一対のカム部を有し、前記第２検知部は、前記支持壁上へ立設した一対の被ロック部を有し、前記検知部材は、前記一対のカム部間に挿通されている軸部を有し、前記軸部は、前記第１の方向とは逆方向の第２の方向側の初期位置と、前記第１の方向側の嵌合位置との間で摺動自在に保持されており、前記一対の被ロック部は、前記コネクタハウジングと前記相手コネクタハウジングとが嵌合途中の状態でかつ前記軸部を前記嵌合位置に位置している状態で、前記ロック部が変位することによって前記軸部に当接して前記軸部を前記初期位置へ移動させる当接面と、嵌合が完了した時に前記軸部が前記初期位置に位置している状態から前記検知部材を前記第１の方向へ移動さることによって前記軸部を前記嵌合位置に移動させて前記軸部を入り込ませロックするよう前記当接面から前記被ロック部に形成した軸受部とを有していることを特徴とする嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置が得られる。
【００１１】
【作用】
本願発明に係る嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置では、コネクタハウジングを相手コネクタハウジングの収容部へ第１の方向で挿入していくと、係止部が相手コネクタハウジングの支持壁の内面へ入り込み、係止部が支持壁によって下向きに押されることによって、ロック部がハウジング本体の一側面へ向けて撓みながら変位する。このとき、一対のカム部は、ロック部と同様に変位するので、カム部も変位する。この状態では、ロック部が変位することによって軸部が一対の被ロック部の当接面に当接する。
【００１２】
ここで、さらに、コネクタハウジングを相手コネクタハウジングの収容部へ挿入していくと、当接面によって軸部が嵌合位置から第２の方向へ押圧されてカム部の初期位置へ移動する。
【００１３】
さらに、コネクタハウジングを相手コネクタハウジングへ挿入していくと、支持壁に形成されている相手係止部に係止部が入り込み、コネクタハウジングと相手コネクタハウジングとが嵌合し係止される。このとき、ロック部は変位した状態から弾性復帰して元の状態に戻る。同時に、被ロック部間にはカム部が位置し、カム部と被ロック部の軸受部が重なる位置となる。さらに、検知部材の操作部を第１の方向へ押圧すると、初期位置から嵌合位置及び軸受部へ移動するるとロックが完了する。
【００１４】
また、コネクタハウジングと相手コネクタハウジングとの嵌合状態が不完全な場合、即ち、嵌合途中の状態で嵌合作業が終了された場合には、検知部材の軸部を第１の方向へ移動させようとしても、当接面がカム部を交叉するように邪魔しているため、軸部が当接面に当り、カム部へ入り込ませることができないので、不完全嵌合であることが検知される。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照して本願発明に係る嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置の一実施の形態例を説明する。図１は、嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置を分解した状態を示しており、図２は、嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置が正しい姿勢で嵌合している状態を示している。
【００１６】
図１及び図２を参照して、嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置は、コネクタハウジング１１と、コネクタハウジング１１を第１の方向Ａで移動して嵌合する相手コネクタハウジング３１と、コネクタハウジング１１及び相手コネクタハウジング３１の嵌合状態を検知する検知機構とを備えている。
【００１７】
コネクタハウジング１１は、図３に示した導電性のコンタクト１２を保持している箱形状のコネクタ本体１３と、コネクタ本体１３の外側面の一側面１３ａに対向しているロック部１５と、ロック部１５の外表面１５ａから外表面１５ａ上へ突出している係止部１７とを有している。
【００１８】
ロック部１５は、第１の方向Ａ側でコネクタ本体１３の一側面１３ａに接続しており、コネクタ本体１３の一側面１３ａへ向けて変位可能な弾性力を有している。
【００１９】
相手コネクタハウジング３１は、コネクタハウジング１１と嵌合したときにコンタクト１２に接触する導電性の相手コンタクト３２（図３を参照）と、相手コンタクト３２を保持しかつコネクタハウジング１１を受け入れるように箱形状の相手壁部３１ａ，３１ｂ，３１ｃ，３１ｄによって形成されている収容部３３とを有している。
【００２０】
相手コネクタハウジング３１は、第１の方向Ａ側におけるコネクタ本体１３の嵌合端面１３ｃに対する相手嵌合端面３１ｆ側が開口されており、収容部３３に第１の方向Ａでコネクタ本体１３及びロック部１５を受け入れて収容するものである。
【００２１】
相手壁部３１ａ，３１ｂ，３１ｃ，３１ｄは、第１の方向Ａでコネクタハウジング１１を収容部３３へ挿入し嵌合したときに、ロック部１５の外表面１５ａに対向する支持壁３１ｃと、嵌合時に係止部１７が入り込み係止されるように支持壁３１ｃに形成した相手係止部３５とを有している。なお、支持壁３１ｃは、相手壁部３１ａ，３１ｂ，３１ｃ，３１ｄの一部を構成している部分である。
【００２２】
支持壁３１ｃは、一対のカム部２１，２２を第１の方向Ａへ通過させるようにコネクタハウジング３１の第２の方向Ｂ側における相手嵌合端面３１ｆから一対の被ロック部４１，４２間へ切り欠いて形成されている切り欠き部３７を有している。
【００２３】
検知機構は、コネクタハウジング１１に設けた第１検知部２０と、相手コネクタハウジング３１に設けた第２検知部４０と、第１及び第２検知部２０，４０と協動してコネクタハウジング１１及び相手コネクタハウジング３１の嵌合状態を検知する検知部材５１とを有している。
【００２４】
第１検知部２０は、ロック部１５の外表面１５ａから外表面１５ａ上へ互いに対向するよう立設した一対のカム部２１，２２を有している。カム部２１，２２は、第１カム孔２１ａ，２２ａと、第１カム孔２１ａ，２２ａから引き続き第１の方向Ａ側に形成した第２カム孔２１ｂ，２２ｂとを有している。第１カム孔２１ａ，２２ａが第１及び第２の方向Ａ，Ｂへ長い寸法の孔であり、第２カム孔２１ｂ，２２ｂ側へテーパ形状に窄まっている形状を呈している。第２カム孔２１ｂ，２２ｂは略丸形状の孔である。
【００２５】
第２検知部４０は、嵌合途中及び嵌合時に一対のカム部２１，２２の外面が対向するよう支持壁３１ｃから支持壁３１ｃ上へ立設した一対の被ロック部４１，４２を有している。相手係止部３５は、一対の被ロック部４１，４２よりも第１の方向Ａ側に位置しており、係止部１７が第１検知部２０よりも第１の方向Ａ側に位置している。一対の被ロック部４１，４２は、嵌合途中及び嵌合時に一対のカム部２１，２２の外表面１５ａを内側で対向するように支持壁３１ｃ上に立設している。
【００２６】
ロック部１５は、嵌合途中で被ロック部４１，４２よりも前方の支持壁３１ｃによって係止部１７が押圧され、コネクタ本体１３の一側面１３ａへ向けて撓み変位し、嵌合したときに係止部１７が相手係止部３５に入り込み係止するものである。
【００２７】
一対の被ロック部４１，４２は、第１の方向Ａとは逆向きの第２の方向Ｂ側にかつ支持壁３１ｃに対して垂直に形成した当接面４１ａ，４２ａと、嵌合時に第２カム孔２１ｂ，２２ｂに対向するよう当接面４１ａ，４２ａからロック部４１，４２に切り欠いて形成した軸受部４１ｂ，４２ｂとを有している。
【００２８】
検知部材５１は、第１及び第２の方向Ａ，Ｂを直交しかつロック部１５の外表面１５ａに平行に一対のカム部２１，２２間に挿通されている軸部５３と、軸部５３から第２の方向Ｂへ延びている操作部５５と、嵌合時に一対の被ロック部４１，４２の外側に位置するように第１及び第２の方向Ａ，Ｂに対して平行にかつ軸部５３の両端に設けたガイド部５７ａ，５８ｂとを有している。ガイド部５７ａ，５８ｂは、検知部材５１の摺動をガイドするとともに、一対のカム部２１，２２から外れないようにする役目も果たしている。
【００２９】
軸部５３は、第１及び第２の方向Ａ，Ｂで第１カム孔２１ａ，２２ａに位置した初期位置と第２カム孔２１ｂ，２２ｂに位置している嵌合位置の第１及び第２カム孔２１ａ，２２ａ，２１ｂ，２２ｂ間で摺動自在に保持されている。
【００３０】
図３は、嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置において、軸部５３が一対のカム孔２１ａ，２２ａである嵌合位置に保持している状態を示しており、コネクタハウジング１１と相手コネクタハウジング３１とが嵌合途中の状態を示している。
【００３１】
コネクタハウジング１１を相手コネクタハウジング３１の収容部３３へ第１の方向Ａで挿入していくと、図４に示すように、係止部１７が相手コネクタハウジング３１の支持壁３１ｃの内面へ入り込む。この際、係止部１７は支持壁３１ｃによって下向きに押されることによって、ロック部１５がコネクタ本体１３の一側面１３ａへ向けて撓みながら変位する。このとき、一対のカム部２１，２２は、ロック部１５と同様に変位するので、第１カム孔２１ａ，２２ｂ及び第２カム孔２２ａ，２２ｂも変位する。この状態では、ロック部１５が変位することによって軸部５３が一対の被ロック部４１，４２の当接面４１ａ，４２ａに当接する。
【００３２】
ここで、さらに、コネクタハウジング１１を相手コネクタハウジング３１の収容部３３へ第１の方向Ａで挿入していくと、図５に示すように、当接面４１ａ，４２ａによって軸部５３が嵌合位置から第２の方向Ｂへ押圧されて初期位置である第１カム孔２１ａ，２２ａへ移動する。
【００３３】
さらに、コネクタハウジング１１を相手コネクタハウジング３１の収容部３３へ第１の方向Ａで挿入していくと、図６に示すように、支持壁３１ｃに形成されている相手係止部３５に係止部１７が入り込み、コネクタハウジング１１と相手コネクタハウジング３１が嵌合し係止される。この際、ロック部１５は変位した状態から弾性復帰して元の状態に戻る。同時に、被ロック部４１，４２間には、第２カム孔２１ａ，２２ａを含む一対のカム部２１，２２が位置し、第２カム孔２１ａ，２２ａと被ロック部４１，４２の軸受部４１ｂ，４２ｂが重なる位置となる。
【００３４】
さらに、図６に示した状態から図１及び図２に示した検知部材５１の操作部５５を第１の方向Ａへ押圧すると、初期位置にある軸部５３が第１カム孔２１ａ，２２ａから嵌合位置である第２カム孔２１ｂ，２２ｂ及び軸受部４１ｂ，４２ｂへ移動して入り込みロックが完了する。
【００３５】
また、コネクタハウジング１１と相手コネクタハウジング３１との嵌合状態が不完全な場合、即ち、図５に示したような嵌合途中の状態で嵌合作業が終了された場合には、検知部材５１の軸部５３を第１の方向Ａへ移動させようとしても、当接面４１ａ，４２ａが第２カム孔２１ａ，２２ａを交叉するように邪魔しているため、軸部５３が、当接面４１ａ，４２ａに当り、第２カム孔２１ｂ，２２ｂへ入り込ませることができないので、不完全嵌合であることが検知される。
【００３６】
なお、コネクタハウジング１１を相手コネクタハウジング３１の収容部３３から取り外すには、嵌合位置である第２カム孔２１ｂ，２２ｂ及び軸受部４１ｂ，４２ｂをロックしている軸部５３を、操作部５５を第２の方向Ｂへ引き出すことによってロック状態を解除する。そして、図４に示したように、ロック部１５を変位させて、支持壁３１ｃの相手係止部３５から係止部１７の係止状態を外し、相手コネクタハウジング３１からコネクタハウジング１１を引き抜き外す。
【００３７】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明に係る嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置では、検知機構のカム部の嵌合位置に検知部材を入れたまま嵌合させると、検知部材の軸部が初期位置に戻ることにより、不完全な嵌合による相手コネクタハウジングの破損を防止できる。
【００３８】
また、検知機構のうち独立している部品は検知部材のみであるため、部品点数が少なくなり、さらに、検知機構の着脱、即ち、コネクタ同士の嵌合が容易であり、組立作業の効率化することが可能となる。
【００３９】
また、検知機構は、コネクタハウジングと相手コネクタハウジングとのロックが不完全な場合に検知部材を挿入できないので、不完全なロックを検知することができる。
【００４０】
さらに、検知部材は、コネクタ本体に保持されており、検知部材を紛失することがない。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置を分解した状態を示す斜視図である。
【図２】図１に示した嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置の嵌合状態を示す斜視図である。
【図３】図１に示した嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置の嵌合途中を示す断面図である。
【図４】図３に示した嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置の、さらに嵌合途中を示す断面図である。
【図５】図４に示した嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置の、さらに嵌合途中を示す断面図である。
【図６】図２に示した嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置の嵌合状態で検知部材をロックする前の状態を示す断面図である。
【図７】先行技術における嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置の斜視図である。
【図８】図７に示した嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置の嵌合途中の状態を示す断面図である。
【図９】図７に示した嵌合検知機構付きコネクタ装置の破損状態を示す斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１１コネクタハウジング
１２コンタクト
１３コネクタ本体
１３ａ一側面
１３ｃ嵌合端面
１５ロック部
１５ａ外表面
１７係止部
２０第１検知部
２１，２２カム部
２１ａ，２２ａ第１カム孔
２１ｂ，２２ｂ第２カム孔
３１相手コネクタハウジング
３１ａ，３１ｂ，３１ｃ，３１ｄ相手壁部
３１ｆ相手嵌合端面
３１ｃ支持壁
３２相手コンタクト
３３収容部
３５相手係止部
３７切り欠き部
４０第２検知部
４１，４２被ロック部
４１ａ，４２ａ当接面
４１ｂ，４２ｂ軸受部
５１検知部材
５３軸部
Ａ第１の方向
Ｂ第２の方向[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to a connector device with a fitting detection mechanism provided with a detection mechanism for detecting a fitting state of a connector housing and a mating connector housing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism in the prior art includes a connector housing 111, a mating connector housing 131 into which the connector housing 111 is fitted in the first direction A ′, and a connector housing 111. And a detection member 151 that detects the mating state of the mating connector housing 131.
[0003]
The connector housing 111 includes a box-shaped housing main body 113 that stores and holds conductive contacts (not shown), and one side of the housing main body 113 facing the one side surface 113a of the housing main body 113 in the first direction A ′. A lock portion 115 connected to the side surface 113a and facing the outer side surface 113a of the housing main body 113 and can be displaced to the one side surface 113a with an elastic force, a locking portion 117 protruding from the outer surface 115a of the lock portion 115, and a lock portion 115, and an operation portion 118 that is fitted to the outer surface 113a without being bent.
[0004]
The mating connector housing 131 includes a conductive mating contact (not shown) that comes into contact with the contact when fitted, and an accommodating portion 133 that accommodates the mating contact. The accommodating portion 133 has an opening formed on the mating fitting end surface 131a facing the fitting end surface 113c on the first direction A ′ side of the connector housing 131 when the housing main body 113 is fitted to the lock portion 115, and the first portion is formed. The housing main body 113 and the lock part 115 are received and accommodated by a mating wall part that is received in the direction A ′.
[0005]
The mating wall portion faces the outer surface 115a of the locking portion 115 so that the locking portion 117 enters and locks when the connector housing 111 is inserted and fitted in the housing portion 133 in the first direction A ′. It has a mating locking part 135 formed on a support wall 131c which is a part constituting the part.
[0006]
When the connector housing 111 is fitted into the accommodating portion 133 of the mating connector housing 131, the connector housing 111 is inserted into the accommodating portion 133 of the mating connector housing 131 in the first direction A ′. At this time, when the operation portion 118 of the lock portion 115 is pressed, the lock portion 115 is displaced while being bent toward the outer surface 113 a of the connector main body 113. When the connector housing 111 is inserted into the housing part 133 of the mating connector housing 131 from this state, the locking part 117 moves over the mating locking part 135 and moves in the first direction A ′ of the housing part 133. At this time, the locking portion 117 enters the inside of the mating locking portion 135 and is locked.
[0007]
After the connector housing 111 is fitted into the receiving portion 133 of the mating connector housing 131, the lock is completed when the detection member 151 is inserted between the lock portion 115 and the outer surface 113 a of the housing body 113.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the connector housing 111 is fitted to the mating connector housing 131, even if the detection member 151 is inserted into the mating connector housing 131, the mating connector housing 131 bends and fits by a forceful fitting operation. Will be achieved. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, there is a problem that a part of the support wall 131 c of the mating connector housing 131 is broken (portion indicated by E in FIG. 9).
[0009]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector device with a fitting detection mechanism that can prevent the connector housing from being fitted in a state in which the detection mechanism is inserted, and can prevent damage to the mating connector housing due to incomplete fitting. It is to provide.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, a connector housing, a mating connector housing that is fitted by moving the connector housing in the first direction, and a detection mechanism that detects the mating state of the connector housing and the mating connector housing. The connector housing includes a housing main body, a lock portion connected to one side surface of the housing main body on the first direction side and having an elastic force toward the one side surface; The mating connector housing includes a mating wall portion that receives the connector housing, a housing portion that is formed by the mating wall portion, and the connector housing when the connector housing is fitted to the mating connector housing. A mating member formed on a support wall that constitutes a part of the mating wall portion facing the locking portion so as to be latched to the latching portion. In the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism having a stop portion, the detection mechanism includes a first detection portion provided in the connector housing, a second detection portion provided in the mating connector housing, and the first And a detection member that detects the fitting state in cooperation with the second detection unit, and the first detection unit has a pair of cam portions erected on the lock portion so as to face each other. The second detection part has a pair of locked parts erected on the support wall, and the detection member has a shaft part inserted between the pair of cam parts. Is held slidably between an initial position on the second direction side opposite to the first direction and a fitting position on the first direction side, and the pair of locked The part is in a state where the connector housing and the mating connector housing are in the middle of fitting and the front With the shaft portion positioned at the fitting position, the locking portion is displaced to contact the shaft portion to move the shaft portion to the initial position by being displaced, and the fitting is completed. Sometimes the shaft is moved to the fitting position by moving the detection member in the first direction from the state where the shaft is positioned at the initial position, and the shaft is inserted and locked. A connector device with a fitting detection mechanism having a bearing portion formed on the locked portion from the contact surface is obtained.
[0011]
[Action]
In the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism according to the present invention, when the connector housing is inserted into the housing portion of the mating connector housing in the first direction, the locking portion enters the inner surface of the support wall of the mating connector housing, When the stop portion is pushed downward by the support wall, the lock portion is displaced while being bent toward one side surface of the housing body. At this time, since the pair of cam portions are displaced in the same manner as the lock portion, the cam portions are also displaced. In this state, when the lock portion is displaced, the shaft portion contacts the contact surfaces of the pair of locked portions.
[0012]
Here, when the connector housing is further inserted into the housing portion of the mating connector housing, the shaft portion is pressed in the second direction from the fitting position by the contact surface and moved to the initial position of the cam portion.
[0013]
Further, when the connector housing is inserted into the mating connector housing, the latching portion enters the mating locking portion formed on the support wall, and the connector housing and the mating connector housing are fitted and locked. At this time, the lock portion returns elastically from the displaced state and returns to the original state. At the same time, the cam portion is located between the locked portions, and the cam portion and the bearing portion of the locked portion overlap each other. Further, when the operation portion of the detection member is pressed in the first direction, the lock is completed when the operation portion moves from the initial position to the fitting position and the bearing portion.
[0014]
Further, when the fitting state between the connector housing and the mating connector housing is incomplete, that is, when the fitting operation is finished in the middle of the fitting, the shaft portion of the detection member is moved in the first direction. Even if it is attempted to do so, the contact surface interferes with the cam part so that the shaft part hits the contact surface and cannot enter the cam part. Is done.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a connector device with a fitting detection mechanism according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism is disassembled, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism is fitted in a correct posture.
[0016]
1 and 2, the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism includes a connector housing 11, a mating connector housing 31 that moves and fits the connector housing 11 in the first direction A, the connector housing 11, and And a detection mechanism for detecting the mating state of the mating connector housing 31.
[0017]
The connector housing 11 includes a box-shaped connector main body 13 that holds the conductive contacts 12 shown in FIG. 3, a lock portion 15 that faces one side surface 13 a of the outer surface of the connector main body 13, and a lock portion 15 has a locking portion 17 protruding from the outer surface 15a onto the outer surface 15a.
[0018]
The lock portion 15 is connected to the one side surface 13 a of the connector main body 13 on the first direction A side, and has an elastic force that can be displaced toward the one side surface 13 a of the connector main body 13.
[0019]
The mating connector housing 31 has a box shape so as to hold the mating contact 32 and receive the connector housing 11, and a conductive mating contact 32 (see FIG. 3) that contacts the contact 12 when mated with the connector housing 11. And a receiving portion 33 formed by the opposite wall portions 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d.
[0020]
The mating connector housing 31 is opened on the mating end surface 31f side with respect to the mating end surface 13c of the connector main body 13 in the first direction A side, and the connector main body 13 and the lock portion 15 are disposed in the housing portion 33 in the first direction A. Is to be accepted and accommodated.
[0021]
The mating wall portions 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d are fitted with the support wall 31c facing the outer surface 15a of the lock portion 15 when the connector housing 11 is inserted into the housing portion 33 and fitted in the first direction A. It has a mating locking part 35 formed on the support wall 31c so that the locking part 17 enters and locks at the time. In addition, the support wall 31c is a part which comprises a part of the other party wall part 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d.
[0022]
The support wall 31c extends from the mating fitting end face 31f on the second direction B side of the connector housing 31 to the pair of locked parts 41, 42 so that the pair of cam parts 21, 22 pass in the first direction A. It has a notch 37 formed by notching.
[0023]
The detection mechanism cooperates with the first detection unit 20 provided in the connector housing 11, the second detection unit 40 provided in the mating connector housing 31, the first and second detection units 20 and 40, and the connector housing 11 and And a detecting member 51 for detecting the mating state of the mating connector housing 31.
[0024]
The first detection unit 20 includes a pair of cam portions 21 and 22 erected so as to face each other from the outer surface 15a of the lock portion 15 onto the outer surface 15a. The cam portions 21 and 22 have first cam holes 21a and 22a and second cam holes 21b and 22b formed on the first direction A side from the first cam holes 21a and 22a. The first cam holes 21a and 22a are long in the first and second directions A and B, and have a shape constricted in a tapered shape toward the second cam holes 21b and 22b. The second cam holes 21b and 22b are substantially round holes.
[0025]
The second detection unit 40 includes a pair of locked portions 41 and 42 that are erected on the support wall 31c from the support wall 31c so that the outer surfaces of the pair of cam portions 21 and 22 face each other during and during the fitting. ing. The mating locking part 35 is located on the first direction A side with respect to the pair of locked parts 41, 42, and the locking part 17 is located on the first direction A side with respect to the first detection part 20. ing. The pair of locked portions 41 and 42 are erected on the support wall 31c so as to face the outer surfaces 15a of the pair of cam portions 21 and 22 on the inner side during and during fitting.
[0026]
When the locking portion 15 is engaged, the locking portion 17 is pressed by the support wall 31c in front of the locked portions 41 and 42 in the middle of fitting, and is bent and displaced toward the one side surface 13a of the connector main body 13. The locking part 17 enters and locks the mating locking part 35.
[0027]
The pair of locked portions 41 and 42 are in contact with the contact surfaces 41a and 42a formed on the second direction B side opposite to the first direction A and perpendicular to the support wall 31c. Two bearing portions 41b and 42b formed by notching the locking portions 41 and 42 from the contact surfaces 41a and 42a to face the cam holes 21b and 22b.
[0028]
The detection member 51 includes a shaft portion 53 that is inserted between the pair of cam portions 21 and 22 and is orthogonal to the first and second directions A and B and parallel to the outer surface 15 a of the lock portion 15. And an operating portion 55 extending in the second direction B from the first and second directions A and B so as to be positioned outside the pair of locked portions 41 and 42 when fitted. Guide portions 57 a and 58 b provided at both ends of the portion 53. The guide portions 57a and 58b serve to guide the sliding of the detection member 51 and prevent the pair of cam portions 21 and 22 from coming off.
[0029]
The shaft portion 53 has an initial position located in the first cam holes 21a and 22a in the first and second directions A and B, and a first and second fitting positions located in the second cam holes 21b and 22b. The cam holes 21a, 22a, 21b, and 22b are slidably held.
[0030]
FIG. 3 shows a state in which the shaft portion 53 is held at the fitting position, which is the pair of cam holes 21a and 22a, in the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism. The connector housing 11 and the mating connector housing 31 are connected to each other. The state in the middle of fitting is shown.
[0031]
When the connector housing 11 is inserted into the receiving portion 33 of the mating connector housing 31 in the first direction A, the locking portion 17 enters the inner surface of the support wall 31c of the mating connector housing 31 as shown in FIG. At this time, the locking portion 17 is pushed downward by the support wall 31 c, so that the lock portion 15 is displaced while being bent toward the one side surface 13 a of the connector main body 13. At this time, since the pair of cam portions 21 and 22 are displaced similarly to the lock portion 15, the first cam holes 21a and 22b and the second cam holes 22a and 22b are also displaced. In this state, when the lock portion 15 is displaced, the shaft portion 53 comes into contact with the contact surfaces 41 a and 42 a of the pair of locked portions 41 and 42.
[0032]
Here, when the connector housing 11 is further inserted into the accommodating portion 33 of the mating connector housing 31 in the first direction A, the shaft portion 53 is fitted by the contact surfaces 41a and 42a as shown in FIG. It is pressed in the second direction B from the position and moved to the first cam holes 21a and 22a which are the initial positions.
[0033]
Further, when the connector housing 11 is inserted into the accommodating portion 33 of the mating connector housing 31 in the first direction A, as shown in FIG. 6, the mating portion is latched to the mating locking portion 35 formed on the support wall 31c. The part 17 enters and the connector housing 11 and the mating connector housing 31 are fitted and locked. At this time, the lock portion 15 is elastically restored from the displaced state and returns to the original state. At the same time, a pair of cam portions 21 and 22 including the second cam holes 21a and 22a are located between the locked portions 41 and 42, and the bearing portions 41b of the second cam holes 21a and 22a and the locked portions 41 and 42 are provided. , 42b are overlapped.
[0034]
Further, when the operation portion 55 of the detection member 51 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is pressed in the first direction A from the state shown in FIG. 6, the shaft portion 53 at the initial position is moved from the first cam holes 21a and 22a. It moves to the second cam holes 21b and 22b and the bearing portions 41b and 42b, which are the fitting positions, and the entry lock is completed.
[0035]
Further, when the mating state between the connector housing 11 and the mating connector housing 31 is incomplete, that is, when the mating operation is completed in the middle of the mating state as shown in FIG. Even when trying to move the shaft portion 53 in the first direction A, the contact surfaces 41a and 42a obstruct the second cam holes 21a and 22a so that the shaft portion 53 is in contact with the contact surface. 41a and 42a cannot be inserted into the second cam holes 21b and 22b, so that incomplete fitting is detected.
[0036]
In order to remove the connector housing 11 from the housing portion 33 of the mating connector housing 31, the shaft portion 53 that locks the second cam holes 21 b and 22 b and the bearing portions 41 b and 42 b that are the fitting positions is provided on the operation portion 55. By pulling out in the second direction B, the locked state is released. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the locking portion 15 is displaced to release the locking portion 17 from the mating locking portion 35 of the support wall 31 c, and the connector housing 11 is pulled out from the mating connector housing 31. .
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism according to the present invention, when the detection member is fitted in the fitting position of the cam portion of the detection mechanism, the shaft portion of the detection member returns to the initial position. As a result, damage to the mating connector housing due to incomplete fitting can be prevented.
[0038]
In addition, since the detection component is the only independent component in the detection mechanism, the number of components is reduced, and the detection mechanism can be easily attached and detached, that is, the connectors can be easily fitted together, thereby improving the efficiency of the assembly work. It becomes possible.
[0039]
Further, the detection mechanism cannot detect the incomplete lock because the detection member cannot be inserted when the lock between the connector housing and the mating connector housing is incomplete.
[0040]
Furthermore, the detection member is held by the connector body, and the detection member is not lost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state of a connector device with a fitting detection mechanism.
2 is a perspective view showing a fitting state of the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism shown in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the middle of the fitting of the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism shown in FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism shown in FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the detection member is locked in the fitted state of the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connector device with a fitting detection mechanism in the prior art.
8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of fitting of the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism shown in FIG.
9 is a perspective view showing a damaged state of the connector device with a fitting detection mechanism shown in FIG. 7; FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Connector housing 12 Contact 13 Connector main body 13a One side surface 13c Fitting end surface 15 Lock part 15a Outer surface 17 Locking part 20 1st detection part 21,22 Cam part 21a, 22a 1st cam hole 21b, 22b 2nd cam hole 31 Mating connector housing 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d Mating wall portion 31f Mating end surface 31c Support wall 32 Mating contact 33 Housing portion 35 Mating locking portion 37 Notch portion 40 Second detection portion 41, 42 Locked portion 41a, 42a Contact surface 41b, 42b Bearing part 51 Detection member 53 Shaft part A 1st direction B 2nd direction

Claims

A connector housing; a mating connector housing that is fitted by moving the connector housing in a first direction; and a detection mechanism that detects a mating state of the connector housing and the mating connector housing. A housing body, a lock portion that is connected to one side surface of the housing body on the first direction side and has an elastic force toward the one side surface, and a locking portion that protrudes above the lock portion. The mating connector housing includes a mating wall portion that receives the connector housing, a housing portion that is formed by the mating wall portion, and is latched to the latching portion when the connector housing is fitted. And a mating locking portion formed on a support wall that constitutes a part of the mating wall portion facing the locking portion. In fitting detecting mechanism connector device with that,
The detection mechanism detects the fitting state in cooperation with a first detection unit provided in the connector housing, a second detection unit provided in the mating connector housing, and the first and second detection units. A first detection unit having a pair of cam portions erected on the lock portion so as to face each other, and the second detection unit is a pair erected on the support wall. The detection member has a shaft portion inserted between the pair of cam portions, and the shaft portion is in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Between the initial position and the mating position on the first direction side, and the pair of locked portions are in the middle of mating between the connector housing and the mating connector housing. In the state where the shaft portion is located at the fitting position, the lock portion is changed. The contact surface that contacts the shaft portion to move the shaft portion to the initial position, and the detection member is moved from the state where the shaft portion is positioned at the initial position when the fitting is completed. And a bearing portion formed on the locked portion from the contact surface so as to move the shaft portion to the fitting position by moving in the first direction so that the shaft portion enters and locks. A connector device with a fitting detection mechanism.

2. The connector device with a fitting detection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the support wall is from a mating fitting end surface on the second direction side of the connector housing so as to pass the pair of cam portions in the first direction. A connector device with a fitting detection mechanism, comprising a cutout portion formed by cutting out between the pair of locked portions.

2. The connector device with a fitting detection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pair of cam portions includes a first cam hole that positions the shaft portion at the initial position, and the shaft portion that is positioned at the fitting position. A second cam hole formed on the first direction side from the first cam hole, and the shaft portion is positioned on the first cam hole on the second direction side and the second position. A connector device with a fitting detection mechanism, wherein the pair of cam portions are slidably held between the fitting position located in the second cam hole on the one direction side.

4. The connector device with a fitting detection mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the first cam hole is a hole having a dimension that is long in the first and second directions, and the second cam hole is a substantially round hole. A connector device with a fitting detection mechanism.

2. The connector device with a fitting detection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the mating locking portion is located closer to the first direction than the pair of locked portions, and the locking portion is a first detection portion. A connector device with a fitting detection mechanism, wherein the connector device is located closer to the first direction.