JP7410820B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a connector.

Conventionally, connectors include a housing that can be fitted into a mating housing. Additionally, there is a known fitting detection member that is movably assembled to the housing and detects the fitted state of the mating housing and the housing by moving between a temporary locking position and a final locking position. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

In this connector, when the mating housing and the housing are mated, the mating detection member can be moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position. can be detected.

On the other hand, if the mating housing and the housing are not mated, such as in a semi-fitted state, the mating detection member cannot be moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position, and the mating housing and housing It can be detected that the two are not mated.

In such a connector, the housing is provided with an elastically deformable lock arm. This lock arm is provided with a lock protrusion as a locking portion that engages with the locked portion of the mating housing and maintains the fitted state between the mating housing and the housing.

Further, the fitting detection member is provided with an elastic locking piece as an elastically deformable detection lock arm. This elastic locking piece comes into contact with the lock protrusion at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member, restricting elastic deformation of the elastic locking piece, and restricting movement of the fitting detection member to the final locking position. A pressure receiving protrusion is provided as a locking portion.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-157546

By the way, in the connector as disclosed 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. The contact between the locking part and the locking part restricts the elastic deformation of the detection lock arm to one side (downward in this case) in the elastic deformation direction, and restricts the movement of the mating detection member to the main locking position. has been done.

Further, the rib protruding below the locking portion is arranged to face the lower surface of the locking portion. By arranging the ribs of the locking portion in this manner, elastic deformation of the detection lock arm in the other direction of elastic deformation (in this case, upward) is restricted. Therefore, the detection lock arm does not elastically deform to the other side in the elastic deformation direction and the contact between the locking part and the locking part is released, and the fitting detection member is held at the temporary locking position. I can do it.

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

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 that can suppress the increase in size and stably hold a fitting detection member in a temporary locking position.

The connector according to the present embodiment includes a housing that can be fitted into a mating housing, and a housing that is movably assembled to the housing, and is moved between a temporary locking position and a final locking position to connect the housing to the mating housing. a fitting detection member for detecting a fitted state with the housing; the housing includes a locking portion that engages with a locked portion of the mating housing to maintain the fitted state of the mating housing and the housing; A lock arm is provided on the fitting detection member so as to be elastically deformable, and the lock arm is provided in the fitting detection member in a temporary locking position of the fitting detection member, and comes into contact with the locking portion to bring the fitting detection member into the final locking position. A detection lock arm is provided to be elastically deformable and has a locking portion that restricts movement of the fitting detection member, and the detection lock arm is configured such that when the fitting detection member is in a temporary locking position, the locking portion is connected to the locking portion. The contact restricts deformation to one side in the elastic deformation direction, and a housing rib is provided in a portion of the lock portion outside the range where the lock portion comes into contact with the lock portion of the lock portion. A detection rib is provided in a portion outside the abutting range, and is arranged to face the housing rib and the detection lock arm on the other side in the elastic deformation direction at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member.

A portion of the locking portion outside the range where it comes into contact with the locking portion is a temporary locking position of the fitting detection member, and is opposed to the housing rib in the direction of movement of the fitting detection member to the final locking position. It is preferable that an engaging portion is provided.

The fitting detection member elastically deforms the lock arm by moving in the direction of separation from the housing, and releases the engagement between the locked part and the lock part, and 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 one side of the detection lock arm in the elastic deformation direction is engaged with the retaining portion of the housing. Preferably, a retaining protrusion is provided to restrict detachment of the fitting detection member from the housing.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that can suppress an increase in size and stably hold a fitting detection member in a temporary locking position.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector according to the present embodiment. It is a front view of the mating housing of the connector based on this embodiment. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. It is a perspective view of the housing of the connector concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective view when FIG. 4 is seen from the opposite side. It is a front view of the fitting detection member of the connector concerning this embodiment. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is a rear view of the connector according to the present embodiment before the housing and the mating housing are fitted together, and when the fitting detection member is placed at the temporary locking position. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9; FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 9; 11 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 10. FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 11. 11 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 10. FIG. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 9; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector housing and the mating housing in the middle of fitting according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when the housing of the connector according to the present embodiment and the mating housing are fitted together and the fitting detection member moves to the final locking position. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when the housing of the connector according to the present embodiment and the mating housing are fitted together and the fitting detection member is disposed at the final locking position. FIG. 7 is a rear view when the housing of the connector according to the present embodiment and the mating housing are released from each other. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in FIG. 19. It is a XXI-XXI cross-sectional view of FIG. 19. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the connector according to the present embodiment when the fitting detection member is moved in the direction of separation from the housing. 23 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 22. FIG.

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

The connector 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 5 that can be fitted into a mating housing 3. It also includes a fitting detection member 7 that is movably assembled to the housing 5 and detects the fitting state of the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 by moving between a temporary locking position and a final locking position. ing.

Further, the housing 5 is provided with a lock arm 13 that is elastically deformable and has a locking portion 11 that engages with the locked portion 9 of the mating housing 3 and maintains the fitted state between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5. ing.

Furthermore, the fitting detection member 7 has a locking portion 15 that comes into contact with the locking portion 11 at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7 to restrict movement of the fitting detection member 7 to the final locking position. A detection lock arm 17 is provided to be elastically deformable. Further, the detection lock arm 17 is prevented from being deformed to one side in the elastic deformation direction by the locking portion 15 coming into contact with the locking 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 that is outside the range where it comes into contact with the locking portion 15 . In addition, a portion of the locking portion 15 that is outside the range where it comes into contact with the locking portion 11 is provided with a portion facing the other side in the elastic deformation direction of the housing rib 19 and the detection lock arm 17 at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7. A sensing rib 21 is provided.

In addition, a portion of the locking portion 15 outside the range where it comes into contact with the locking portion 11 is provided with a temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7, and a movement direction of the housing rib 19 and the fitting detection member 7 to the final locking position. An engaging portion 23 is provided opposite to the engaging portion 23 .

Furthermore, by moving in the direction of separation from the housing 5, the fitting detection member 7 elastically deforms the lock arm 13 and releases the engagement between the locked portion 9 and the lock 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.

One side of the detection lock arm 17 in the elastic deformation direction is provided as a retaining protrusion that engages with the housing first protrusion 25 as a retaining part of the housing 5 and restricts the fitting detection member 7 from coming off from the housing 5. A first detection protrusion 27 is provided.

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

On the opening side of the mating fitting part 29, a locked part 9 that maintains the mating state of the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 when the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 are mated faces inward. A plurality of (in this case, two) protrusions are provided. In such a mating housing 3, the mating fitting portion 29 fits into the housing 5, so that the mating terminal and a terminal (not shown) housed in the housing 5 are electrically connected.

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

The fitting part 31 is formed into a housing shape so that it can be accommodated inside the mating fitting part 29 of the mating housing 3 . Inside this fitting part 31, terminal accommodating chambers 35 extending along the fitting direction are arranged in multiple rows along the width direction of the housing 5, and in multiple stages along the height direction of the housing 5. It is located. The plurality of terminal storage chambers 35 each accommodate a plurality of terminals (not shown) electrically connected to, for example, a power source, a device, or the like.

A locking lance 37 is provided within the terminal housing chamber 35 so as to be elastically deformable. The locking lance 37 prevents the terminal from coming out of the terminal accommodating chamber 35 by engaging with the terminal accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 35 . Further, a retainer 39 is disposed in a through hole that communicates the plurality of terminal accommodation chambers 35 with each other. The retainer 39 engages with the terminals accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 35, thereby doubly preventing the terminals from coming off from the terminal accommodating chamber 35.

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

The lock arms 13 extend along the length direction of the housing 5, that is, the fitting direction and the disengaging direction, and a plurality of lock arms 13 (four in this case) are arranged along the width direction of the housing 5. Each of the plurality of lock arms 13 has one end on the front side in the fitting direction as a base end formed of a single member continuous with the fitting part 31, and the other end side on the rear side in the fitting direction as the base end in the height direction of the housing 5. The free end is arranged to be elastically deformable. The plurality of lock arms 13 are formed of a single 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 among the plurality of lock arms 13, a lock part 11 that can be engaged with the locked part 9 of the mating fitting part 29 is located outside in the width direction of the housing 5. It is projected towards. Furthermore, bosses 43 are provided on the free end sides of the two outer lock arms 13 among the plurality of lock arms 13, respectively, so as to protrude outward in the width direction of the housing 5.

In such a plurality of lock arms 13, when the fitting part 31 is inserted into the mating fitting part 29, the locking part 11 and the locked part 9 come into contact, and the locking part 11 gets over the locked part 9. It slides like this. Due to this sliding movement between the locking portion 11 and the locked portion 9, the plurality of locking arms 13 are elastically deformed downward in the housing 5 via the interlocking portion 41.

Then, when the fitting part 31 is housed in the proper position within the mating fitting part 29, the locking part 11 gets over the locked part 9. At this time, the plurality of lock arms 13 are restored upwardly of the housing 5 via the interlocking part 41, and the locking part 11 and the locked part 9 are engaged in the detachment direction. The engagement between the lock portion 11 and the locked portion 9 maintains the fitted state between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5.

The detection housing section 33 includes side walls 45, 45 that are erected upward from the top surface of the fitting section 31 as a single member continuous with the fitting section 31, and side walls 45, 45 on the upper end side of the side walls 45, 45. It consists of side walls 45, 45 and a connecting wall 47 formed of one continuous member so as to be connected. The detection accommodating portion 33 accommodates the fitting detection member 7 so as to be movable in the fitting direction and the detachment direction, which are the length directions of the housing 5 .

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

The main body 49 has side parts 51, 51 extending in the height direction of the housing 5, and is continuous with the side parts 51, 51 so as to connect the side parts 51, 51 to the upper end sides of the side parts 51, 51. It consists of an operating section 53 formed of a single member. This main body 49 is arranged in the detection housing part 33 such that the side parts 51, 51 can be housed in the detection housing part 33, and the operating part 53 is exposed from the detection housing part 33. Such a main body 49 can be moved in the fitting direction and the detaching direction of the housing 5 by pressing the operating part 53.

An inclined portion 55 that slopes from the bottom to the top in the direction of separation from the housing 5 is provided on the end face of the side portions 51, 51 of the main body 49 in the direction of separation from the housing 5. This inclined portion 55 is arranged to face the boss 43 of the lock arm 13 in a state where the fitting detection member 7 is held in the temporary locking position (see FIG. 10) with respect to the housing 5.

Such an inclined portion 55 slides on the boss 43 when the fitting detection member 7 is moved from the temporary locking position in the direction of separation from the housing 5 (see FIG. 21). Due to this sliding movement between 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 this elastic deformation of the lock arm 13, the engagement between the locked portion 9 and the lock portion 11 is released, and the fitting between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 can be released. By providing the inclined portion 55 on the fitting detection member 7 in this manner, the lock arm 13 can be elastically deformed by movement of the fitting detection member 7.

Therefore, there is no need to directly perform an operation to elastically deform the lock arm 13, and it is possible to improve the workability of disengaging the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 from each other. Note that the lock arm 13 is provided with a pressing portion 57 (see FIG. 4) that can directly elastically deform the lock arm 13. The detection lock arm 17 is provided on the main body 49 as a continuous piece that can be elastically deformed.

The detection lock arms 17 extend along the moving direction of the fitting detection member 7, and a plurality of detection lock arms 17 (two in this case) are arranged along the width direction of the fitting detection member 7. Each of the plurality of detection lock arms 17 has one end on the detachment direction side as a base end formed of a single member continuous with the operating section 53 of the main body 49, and the other end side on the fitting direction side as the fitting detection member 7. The free end is arranged to be elastically deformable in the height direction.

A locking portion 15 that can be engaged with the locking portion 11 of the locking arm 13 is provided at the free end of the detection locking arm 17 . When the fitting detection member 7 is placed in the temporary locking position with respect to the housing 5 (see FIG. 10), the locking portion 15 abuts and engages the locking portion 11 of the lock arm 13 in the detachment direction. (See Figure 12).

This engagement between the locking part 15 and the locking part 11 prevents the fitting detection member 7 from moving toward the main locking position (see FIG. 18) in the fitting direction of the housing 5. 7 can be held in the temporary locking position. Further, when the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 are engaged with each other in the disengagement direction, elastic deformation of the detection lock arm 17 toward one side in the elastic deformation direction (in this case, the downward side) is restricted. Therefore, the detection lock arm 17 is not elastically deformed toward one side in the elastic deformation direction, and the fitting detection member 7 can be held at the temporary locking position.

The locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 are engaged with each other in the disengagement direction by pressing the operating portion 53 in the fitting direction, while holding the fitting detection member 7 in the temporary locking position. 5 can be fitted into the mating housing 3.

In this way, the contact between the locking part 15 and the locking part 11 prevents the fitting detection member 7 from moving to the main locking position, while causing the detection lock arm 17 to undergo elastic deformation toward one side in the elastic deformation direction. is regulated. If such a locking portion 15 and locking portion 11 are to have a function of regulating the elastic deformation of the detection lock arm 17 toward the other side in the direction of elastic deformation, the locking portion 15 and locking portion 11 will be large-sized. This results in an increase in the size of the locked portion 9 that engages with the lock portion 11.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, a housing rib 19, a detection rib 21, An engaging portion 23 is provided.

The housing rib 19 is a single member that extends outward from the widthwise outer surface of the locking portion 11 in the widthwise direction and is continuous with the locking portion 11 . This housing rib 19 is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the locked portion 9 while the locking portion 11 and the locked portion 9 are engaged.

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

The detection rib 21 is a member that is continuous with the locking portion 15 and protrudes outward in the width direction from the outer surface of the locking portion 15 on the housing rib 19 side. The detection rib 21 faces the other side (in this case, the upper side) in the direction of elastic deformation of the housing rib 19 and the detection lock arm 17 when the fitting detection member 7 is placed in the temporary locking position (see FIG. 11). (See Figure 13).

Therefore, the detection rib 21 is not affected by the design of the lock portion 11 and the engaging 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 influenced 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 engages with the housing rib 19 when the detection lock arm 17 attempts to elastically deform toward the other side (in this case, upward) in the elastic deformation direction at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7. come into contact with Due to this contact between the detection rib 21 and the housing rib 19, the detection lock arm 17 is not elastically deformed toward the other side in the direction of elastic deformation. Therefore, the engagement between the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 is not released, and the fitting detection member 7 can be stably held in the temporary locking position.

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

The engaging portion 23 is a single member that projects outward from the outer surface of the locking portion 15 on the housing rib 19 side in the width direction and continuous with the locking portion 15 in the height direction. This engaging portion 23 is designed to move the housing rib 19 and the fitting detection member 7 to the final locking position (see FIG. 18) when the fitting detection member 7 is placed in the temporary locking position (see FIG. 11). They are arranged opposite to each other in 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 detection member 7 is about to move toward the final locking position in the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7 . Due to 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 final locking position, and the fitting detection member 7 can be prevented from moving from the temporary locking position to the final locking position. It can be stably held at the stop position.

Since such an engaging portion 23 is also provided outside the range where the locking portion 11 and the locking portion 15 come into contact, it does not depend on the designs of the locked portion 9, the locking portion 11, and the locking portion 15. You can design it freely. Furthermore, since the engagement portion 23 and the housing rib 19 come into contact with each other, the movement of the fitting detection member 7 toward the main locking position is restricted, so the function of regulating the movement of the fitting detection member 7 of the locking portion 15 is reduced. Therefore, the locking portion 15 can be made smaller.

In the housing 5 in which the fitting detection member 7 is held in the temporary locking position in this way, the fitting part 31 is inserted into the mating fitting part 29, and the operation part 53 of the fitting detection member 7 or the fitting part 31 is inserted into the mating part 29. By pressing in the fitting direction, fitting with the mating housing 3 is performed.

In this housing 5, when the locking part 11 rides on the locked part 9 during fitting with the mating housing 3 (see FIG. 16), the locking part 15 slides on the locked part 9. The sliding movement between 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, and the engaging portion 23 faces the housing rib 19 to determine the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7 with respect to the housing 5. keeping.

Such a locking part 15 is capable of getting over the locking part 11 when the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 are fitted and the locking part 11 is engaged with the locked part 9 (see FIG. 17). becomes. Therefore, by moving the fitting detection member 7 from the temporary locking position in the fitting direction (towards the final locking position), the locking part 15 slides on the locking part 11, and the detection lock arm 17 is moved downward. It is elastically deformed towards the target.

When the fitting detection member 7 is placed in the final locking position with respect to the housing 5 (see FIG. 18), the detection lock arm 17 is restored upward, and the locking part 15 is moved in the fitting direction of the lock part 11. engaged on the side. This engagement between the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 prevents the fitting detection member 7 from moving in the direction in which the housing 5 is removed, and the fitting detection member 7 can be held at the final locking position. Note that the engagement between the locking portion 15 and the locking portion 11 at the main locking position can be released by moving the fitting detection member 7 in the disengagement direction.

Here, the operating portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 is provided with a stepped portion 59 on the fitting direction side. This stepped portion 59 faces the interlocking portion 41 of the lock arm 13 and the lower side in the direction of elastic deformation of the lock arm 13 when the fitting detection member 7 is placed in the final locking position (see FIG. 18). Placed. Such a stepped portion 59 comes into contact with the interlocking portion 41 when the lock arm 13 attempts to elastically deform downward in the final 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 lock portion 11 is not released. Therefore, in the final locking position of the fitting detection member 7, the fitted 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, such a fitting detection member 7 will be in a temporary locking position (see FIG. 10) due to the engagement between the locking part 15 and the locking part 11. It is not possible to move from the main locking position to the final locking position (see FIG. 18).

Therefore, if the fitting detection member 7 can be moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position, it is difficult to detect that the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 are properly fitted. can. On the other hand, if the fitting detection member 7 cannot be moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position, it is possible to detect that the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 are not properly fitted. .

Such a fitting detection member 7 can release the fitting between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5 by moving it in the disengagement direction from the main locking position (see FIG. 18). In order to release the mating between the mating housing 3 and the housing 5, the operating portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 is pressed in the detachment direction to move the fitting detection member 7 in the detachment direction.

By this movement of the fitting detection member 7 in the detachment direction, the locking part 15 slides on the locking part 11, the detection lock arm 17 is elastically deformed downward, and the fitting detection member 7 is moved to the main locking position. 20 to the temporary locking position (see FIG. 20). When the fit detection member 7 moves in the detachment direction beyond the temporary locking position, the boss 43 of the lock arm 13 and the inclined portion 55 of the fit detection member 7 slide (see FIG. 21).

Due to this sliding movement between 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 lock portion 11 is released. Then, by further moving the fitting detection member 7 in the detachment direction, the housing 5 can be detached from the mating housing 3. At this time, detachment of the fitting detection member 7 from the housing 5 is prevented by a 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 first detection protrusion 27 (see FIG. 10).

The first housing protrusion 25 is a member that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the fitting part 31 of the housing 5 and is continuous with the fitting part 31, and corresponds to a plurality of (here, two) detection lock arms 17. A plurality of them (two in this case) are placed at each location.

The first detection protrusion 27 is a member that protrudes downward from the lower surface of a plurality of (here, two) detection lock arms 17 of the fitting detection member 7 and is continuous with the detection lock arms 17 . This first detection protrusion 27 is spaced apart from the housing first protrusion 25 with respect to the moving direction of the fit detection member 7 when the fit detection member 7 is placed in the temporary locking position (see FIG. 10). (See Figure 14).

Such a first retaining portion 61 is detected by the housing first protrusion 25 when the fitting detection member 7 moves in the detachment direction with the locked portion 9 and the locking portion 11 disengaged. The first protrusion 27 is engaged. This engagement between the housing first protrusion 25 and the first detection protrusion 27 prevents the fitting detection member 7 from separating from the housing 5. Therefore, by pressing the operating portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 in the detachment direction, the housing 5 can be detached from the mating housing 3.

Here, in the detection lock arm 17, when the fitting detection member 7 moves in the detachment direction and the first retaining part 61 engages, the locking part 15 slides with the interlocking part 41 of the lock arm 13, and the elastic It is elastically deformed toward one side in the deformation direction (here, the downward side). A first detection protrusion 27 is provided on one side of the detection lock arm 17 in the direction of elastic deformation. When the first detection protrusion 27 engages with the first housing protrusion 25, the engagement distance with the first housing protrusion 25 is increased by the elastic deformation of the detection lock arm 17 in one direction in the elastic deformation direction. Therefore, the resistance against movement of the fitting detection member 7 in the detachment direction can be increased, and the fitting detection member 7 can be stably held in the housing 5.

The first retaining portion 61 serves as a fulcrum when the housing 5 is separated from the mating housing 3 by moving the fitting detecting member 7 in the detaching direction, and the fitting detecting member 7 rotates. It may be inclined to do so. When the mating detection member 7 is tilted, the operating force that presses the operating portion 53 in the detachment direction is dispersed in the rotational direction, and sufficient operating force is not transmitted in the detachment direction, resulting in a decrease in detachment workability. Put it away.

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

The convex portion 65 is a single member that is continuous with the side portions 51, 51 and protrudes from the outer surface of each of the side portions 51, 51 of the fit detection member 7 toward the outside in the width direction of the fit detection member 7. This 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 so as to be able to engage with the projection 65 along the moving direction of the fitting detection member 7 . The recess 67 has an open end face in the removal direction of the housing 5, and is provided so as to be able to engage with the protrusion 65 at least up to the final locking position of the fitting detection member 7. Such a recess 67 is engaged with the protrusion 65 when the fitting detection member 7 is disposed in the housing 5.

Such a restricting portion 63 is configured by engaging the convex portion 65 and the concave portion 67 when the operating portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 is pressed in the detachment direction while the first retaining portion 61 is engaged. , restricts rotation of the fitting detection member 7 about the first retaining portion 61 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the fitting detection member 7 is not tilted, and the operating force in the detachment direction is not dispersed in the rotation direction. Therefore, the operating force that presses the operating portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 is transmitted to the housing 5 in the detachment direction via the first retaining portion 61. Therefore, the housing 5 can be stably separated from the mating housing 3 via the fitting detection member 7.

Further, since the convex portion 65 and the recessed portion 67 extend in the moving direction of the fitting detection member 7, the fitting detection member 7 does not rotate relative to the housing 5 when the fitting detection member 7 moves. There is no. Therefore, the operating force for pressing the operating portion 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.

The restricting portion 63 is provided with a second retaining portion 69 that restricts the fitting detection member 7 from coming off from the housing 5 (see FIG. 15). The second retaining portion 69 includes a second housing protrusion 71 and a second detection protrusion 73 .

The second housing protrusion 71 is a single member that is continuous with the recess 67 and protrudes outward from the bottom of each of the plurality of recesses 67 (two in this case) on the removal direction side.

The second detection protrusion 73 is a member that protrudes from the outer surface of each of the plurality of (two in this case) protrusions 65 in the fitting direction toward the outside in the width direction of the fitting detection member 7 and continues with the protrusion 65. It is set up. This second detection protrusion 73 is spaced apart from the housing second protrusion 71 with respect to the moving direction of the fit detection member 7 when the fit detection member 7 is placed in the temporary locking position (see FIG. 10). (See Figure 15).

Such a second retaining portion 69 is detected by the housing second protrusion 71 when the fitting detection member 7 moves in the detachment direction when the locked portion 9 and the locking portion 11 are disengaged. The second protrusion 73 is engaged (see FIGS. 22 and 23). Due to this engagement between the second housing protrusion 71 and the second detection protrusion 73, the fitting detection member 7 does not come off from the housing 5. Therefore, by pressing the operating portion 53 of the fitting detection member 7 in the detachment direction, the housing 5 can be detached from the mating housing 3.

In such a connector 1, the 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. Moreover, a housing rib 19 is provided in a portion of the lock portion 11 that is outside the range where it comes into contact with the locking portion 15 . Further, a portion of the locking portion 15 outside the range where it contacts the locking portion 11 is provided with a portion facing the other side in the elastic deformation direction of the housing rib 19 and the detection lock arm 17 at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7. A sensing rib 21 is provided.

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

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

Therefore, in such a connector 1, the design of the locked part 9 and the locking part 11 and the design of the housing rib 19 and the detection rib 21 can be done independently, which suppresses the increase in size and improves the fit. The detection member 7 can be stably held at the temporary locking position.

In addition, a portion of the locking portion 15 outside the range where it comes into contact with the locking portion 11 is provided with a temporary locking position of the fitting detection member 7, and a movement direction of the housing rib 19 and the fitting detection member 7 to the final locking position. An engaging portion 23 is provided opposite to the engaging portion 23 .

Therefore, the housing rib 19 and the engaging portion 23 can restrict the movement of the fitting detection member 7 from the temporary locking position toward the final locking position, and the fitting detection member 7 can be stably held in the temporary locking position. Furthermore, since the engaging portion 23 is provided outside the range where the locking portion 11 and the locking portion 15 come into contact, it does not depend on the designs of the locked portion 9, the locking portion 11, and the locking portion 15. . Therefore, the function of restricting the movement of the fitting detection member 7 toward the main locking position of the locking portion 15 can be reduced, and the locking portion 15 can be made smaller.

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

Therefore, when the fitting detection member 7 is moved in the direction of separation from the housing 5 and the detection lock arm 17 is elastically deformed to one side in the elastic deformation direction, the first detection protrusion 27 is connected to the housing first protrusion 25. Engagement allowance increases. Therefore, the resistance against movement of the fitting detection member 7 in the detachment direction can be increased, and the fitting detection member 7 can be stably held in the housing 5.

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

For example, although the housing is provided with four lock arms, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of lock arms may be one, or two or more. Moreover, although two detection lock arms are provided on the fitting detection member, the number of detection lock arms is not limited to this, and 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 direction as the fitting direction and the separating direction between the mating housing and the housing, but it is not limited to this. For example, the direction of movement of the fitting detection member may be perpendicular to the fitting direction and separation direction between 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 projection (removal prevention part)
27 Detection first protrusion (removal prevention protrusion)

Claims (3)

A housing that can be mated with a mating housing;
a fitting detection member that is movably assembled to the housing and detects a fitted state of the mating housing and the housing by moving between a temporary locking position and a final locking position;
Equipped with
The housing is provided with a lock arm that is elastically deformable and has a locking portion that engages with a locked portion of the mating housing and maintains a fitted state between the mating housing and the housing;
The fitting detection member includes a detection lock having a locking portion that comes into contact with the locking portion at a temporary locking position of the fitting detection member to restrict movement of the fitting detection member to the final locking position. the arm is provided to be elastically deformable;
The detection lock arm is restrained from being deformed to one side in the elastic deformation direction by the locking portion coming into contact with the locking portion at the temporary locking position of the fitting detection member;
A housing rib is provided in a portion of the lock portion that is outside the range where it comes into contact with the locking portion,
A portion of the locking portion outside the range where it contacts the locking portion is disposed facing the other side in the direction of elastic deformation of the housing rib and the detection lock arm at a temporary locking position of the fitting detection member. A connector equipped with a detection rib. A portion of the locking portion outside the range where it comes into contact with the locking portion is a temporary locking position of the fitting detection member, and is opposed to the housing rib in the direction of movement of the fitting detection member to the final locking position. 2. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising an engaging portion disposed in a manner such that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner such that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner such that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner similar to that of the engaging portion that is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed in a manner that the engaging portion is disposed as an engaging portion; The fitting detection member elastically deforms the lock arm by moving in a direction of separation from the housing, and releases the engagement between the locked part and the lock part,
The detection lock arm is elastically deformed toward one side in an elastic deformation direction by elastic deformation of the lock arm due to movement of the fitting detection member,
2. A retaining protrusion that engages with a retaining portion of the housing and restricts detachment of the fitting detection member from the housing is provided on one side of the detection lock arm in the direction of elastic deformation. Connectors listed in.

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