JPH1186950A - Connector having insertion detecting member for terminal metal fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily move an insertion detecting member for a terminal metal fitting housed inside a hood of a connector from a temporary locking position to an actual locking position, and to inhibit accidental movement due to external force. SOLUTION: A pair of operating pieces 8 are disposed on both sides of a main frame 6 of an insertion detecting member B for a terminal metal fitting. The operating piece 8 is constituted of a flexible frame having a flexible displacement allowable space S defined between upper and lower flexible deformable frame portions 8a, 8b. Furthermore, a temporary locking projection 8a' and an actual locking projection 8b' are disposed outside of the operating piece 8. A temporary locking projection 12a and an actual locking projection 12b are formed at the outer surface 9a on the side wall of a housing body. A displacement inhibiting member 8f which advances or retreats inside the flexible displacement allowable space S is disposed in the operating piece 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a connector having an insertion detecting member for terminal fittings.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIG. 17, 18, a is an insertion detecting member of the female connector housing, b is the terminal fitting having a hood portion a ₁ forward. In the insertion detecting member b, the detection unit b ₂ provided subsequent to the bifurcated inlet portion b _1, both sides of the detecting portion b ₂ with the insertion guide portion b ₃ are formed in the lower inlet portion b ₁ downwardly arched operating part b ₄ is provided.

The hood a ₁ of the female connector housing a
Of a position facing the inner wall pair of guide grooves d, d is formed, the guide groove d, pushing the insertion detecting member b while engaging the insertion guide portion b _3, b ₃ and d into the hood a _1, the operation unit b ₄ is projected from the receptacle a ₁ outwardly from the window e formed over the housing body portion a ₂ (FIG 18,1
9).

FIG. 19 shows a temporarily locked state of the insertion detecting member b, in which the temporarily locked projection f is engaged with the rear end of the engaging portion g of the female connector housing a. In the temporary locking state, the terminal fitting C from behind the terminal accommodating chamber a _3, inserted while displaced downward a resilient locking pieces h via a displacement permitting space i, restored flexible engagement during completion of insertion push the stop piece locking projection h ₁ and h by engaged into locking hole of the terminal fitting C is locked, the insertion detecting member b with the operating part b ₄ in this state into the female connector housing a the detection unit b ₂ together is positioned in the displacement receiving space i, the main locking projections j to the locking state as the engaging portion g 20 introduction sensing member b is engaged with the rear end of the Fix it.

If the terminal fitting C is not completely inserted as shown in FIG. 21, the flexible locking piece h forcibly displaced by the incompletely inserted terminal fitting C is located in the displacement allowable space i. In addition, it becomes impossible to move the insertion detecting member b to the full locking position, and it becomes possible to detect incomplete insertion of the terminal fitting C.

[0006]

In the above prior art [0005] The hood unit a ₁ of the inner wall into the guide groove d, since d is formed, the easy hood portion a ₁ is deformed, prevent the deformation guide groove d to, when the flesh around the d has the drawback an increase in the external dimensions, also because by projecting arcuate operating portion b ₄ to the outside of the female connector housing a, the receptacle housing from a ₁ main body portion a ₂
In order to form a window e, a large notch is required. Further, the insertion detecting member b engaged with the guide groove d is moved by the operating portion b ₄ protruding from one side of the detecting member b. Since the insertion detecting member b is moved to the full locking position, the insertion detecting member b is likely to be twisted at the time of the moving operation, and there is a disadvantage that the movement is not smoothly performed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the provision of the insertion detecting member does not impair the strength of the connector housing and allows the insertion detecting member to move smoothly during operation. In addition to this, the insertion detection member in the temporarily locked state is prevented from being inadvertently moved to the fully locked position.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a connector having a hood portion at a front portion and a terminal provided in the hood portion so as to be movable from a temporary locking position to a full locking position. The terminal receiving chamber formed in the housing main body of the connector is provided with a flexible locking piece for the terminal fitting on the opposite side of the terminal receiving chamber with a flexible displacement allowable space. The main frame portion of the terminal fitting insertion detection member is provided with an insertion detection body corresponding to the flexible displacement allowable space and an operation piece on a side, and the operation piece is formed of a flexible frame and A temporary locking projection and a full locking projection are provided on the frame body, a temporary locking projection and a full locking projection are provided on the side wall of the housing body, and the flexible piece of the flexible frame body is provided on one of the operation piece and the housing body. Displacement preventing member for the flexible frame that moves into and out of the displacement allowable space It adopted the configuration of providing.

[0009]

The function is to move the terminal fitting insertion detection member from the temporary locking position to the full locking position by placing a finger on the operation piece exposed to the side of the housing body, and at this time, the incomplete insertion is performed. When the terminal fitting is provided, the insertion detecting body abuts on the flexible locking piece located in the flexible displacement allowable space and cannot move.
In the temporary locking position and the final locking position, the displacement prevention member is located in the flexible displacement allowable space of the flexible frame having the temporary locking projection and the final locking projection. When the locked state is securely held and the movable member is moved between the temporary locked position and the final locked position, the deformation preventing member is positioned outside the flexible displacement allowable space.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 1, A is a female connector made of synthetic resin, and B is an insertion detecting member for terminal fittings made of synthetic resin. Female connector A is hood portion A that bulges through the stepped portion A ₃ at its forward housing body portion A ₁
Consists of _two . As shown in FIG. 2 (B), a plurality of terminal housing chambers 1 are provided in the housing main body part A ₁ in two upper and lower stages, respectively. Is provided with a cantilevered flexible locking piece 3 extending forward through a support base 3a provided on the wall 9. A locking projection 3b is provided at the front free end of the flexible locking piece 3, and a flexible displacement allowable space 4 is formed between the flexible locking piece 3 and one wall 9 of the terminal accommodating chamber 1. Have been. The top of the hood unit A _2, the locking engagement frame section 5 is provided.

The terminal fitting insertion detecting member B includes a plurality of insertion detecting members 7 extending forward in the front and rear direction corresponding to the flexible displacement allowable space 4 at the middle and lower portions of the narrow main frame 6. And a pair of operating pieces 8 extending forward on both sides. The operation piece 8 is formed as a flexible frame body having a flexible displacement allowable space S between the flexible deformation frame portions 8a and 8b provided vertically facing each other.
Pair of flexible deformable frame portion 8a, the side opposite to the flexible displacement permitting space S in 8b, the upper portion of the upper flexible deformable frame portion 8a tapered engaging guide portion 8a ₁ 'and vertical engagement portion 8a of the
₂ ′, a permanent engagement projection 8 a ′ having a tapered engagement guide 8 b ₁ ′ and a vertical engagement 8 b ₂ ′ at the lower portion of the lower flexible deformable frame 8 b. 8b 'are formed in the side wall outer surface 9a of the housing body a _1, the inner is opposite side of the pair of guide ribs 12 provided at intervals so as to accept the operating piece 8 mountain type in one A temporary locking projection 12a and a mountain-shaped final locking projection 12b protrude from the other.

At the free end of the operation piece 8, there is provided a support portion 8c which rises outward. The support portion 8c has a movable arm 8 which extends outside the operation piece 8 in parallel with the operation piece 8.
The movable arm 8e is provided with an operation portion 8d extending beyond the support portion 8c, and the free end of the movable arm 8e is advanced into the flexible displacement allowable space S and is provided with the flexible deformable frame portion 8e.
A projection 8f for preventing deformation of the flexible members 8a and 8b is provided.

In the above construction, the insertion detecting portion for terminal fitting is provided.
For the material B, the main frame portion 6 has been _TwoSlide inside
Hood A_TwoAnd insert the pair of operation pieces 8 into the step A
_ThreeFrom the window 10 of the housing body A₁On the outer surface 9a of the side wall
And between the pair of guide ribs 12
While holding the operation portion 8d, the operation piece 8 is flexibly displaced outward.
Pull-out, temporary locking projection 8a 'is the temporary locking projection of guide rib 12.
The operation piece 8 is returned to the position where the starting point 12a is exceeded, and the temporary locking projection is formed.
8a 'is engaged with the temporary locking projection 12a, and the female connector A
Holds the terminal metal insertion detection member B at the temporary locking position
(FIG. 2A).

In the temporary locking position, the housing body A ₁
The terminal fitting C is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 1 from the rear of the terminal fitting C. At this time, the terminal fitting C is inserted while displacing the flexible locking piece 3 via the flexible displacement allowable space 4. The locking projection 3 of the flexible locking piece 3 restored when the insertion is completed
b engages with the shoulder 11 of the terminal fitting C (FIG. 2B).
At the temporary locking position, the deformation preventing projection 8f is located in the flexible displacement allowable space S, so the deformation preventing projection 8f
As a result, the deformation of the flexible deformable frames 8a and 8b is prevented, and when an external force is applied to the main frame 6, the final locking projection 8b 'causes the final locking projection 12b to flexibly deform the flexible deformable frame 8b. , And is surely prevented from inadvertently shifting to the final locking position.

In order to shift the terminal fitting insertion detecting member B from the provisionally locked state to the fully locked state, as shown in FIG. 4, the operating portion 8d is pressed in the direction of the outer surface of the side wall to raise the standing support portion 8c. The movable arm 8e is displaced outward with the fulcrum as a fulcrum, whereby the deformation preventing projection 8f is retracted from the flexible displacement allowable space S. In this state, when the operating portion 8d is pulled, the final locking projection 8b 'is flexibly deformed. It moves over the final locking projection 12b while being displaced together with the frame portion 8b, and shifts to the final locking position (FIG. 3A). In the full locking position, the insertion detecting body 7 enters the flexible displacement allowable space 4 to prevent the flexible locking piece 3 from being displaced, thereby ensuring that the terminal fitting C is prevented from slipping back (FIG. 3).
(B)).

When the terminal fitting C is in an incompletely inserted state, the flexible engagement piece 3 is located in the flexible displacement allowable space 4. , The insertion detecting member B cannot be moved to the final locking position, whereby the incomplete insertion of the terminal fitting C can be detected. From the final locking position (FIG. 3A) to the temporary locking position (FIG. 2A).
Also in the case of returning to (A)), similarly, the operation unit 8d can be moved by removing the deformation preventing projection 8f from between the flexible deformation frame parts 8a and 8b.

In the structure shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, only the operating portion 8d 'is provided at the free ends of the pair of operating pieces 8 in the terminal fitting insertion detecting member B'. Further, a cantilevered flexible piece 13 is provided on the side wall outer surface 9a between the pair of guide ribs 12 and 12 of the female connector A 'with a flexible displacement interval between the pair of guide ribs 12 and 12 and the side wall outer surface 9a. On the free end side of the flexible piece 13, a tall large operation projection 13a protrudes, and a short deformation prevention projection 13b is provided inside thereof (FIG. 5). 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

When assembling the terminal fitting insertion detecting member B 'with the female connector A', the operating piece 8 pulled out of the window 10 is displaced outward by the operating portion 8d ', and the temporary locking projection 8a' is formed. Is moved beyond the temporary locking projection 12a, the operation piece 8 is returned, and the temporary locking projection 8a 'is
2a to hold the temporary locking position (FIG. 7). In the temporary locking position, the deformation preventing projection 13b is located in the flexible displacement allowable space S, so that the temporary locking projection 12a is prevented from being displaced in the same manner as described above, so that the temporary locking state is reliably prevented. Is done.

In the provisionally locked position, the operation protrusion 13a is pushed to displace the flexible piece 13 in the direction of the outer surface 9a of the side wall, whereby the deformation preventing protrusion 13b is retracted from the flexible displacement allowable space S. By pulling, the terminal fitting insertion detecting member B 'can be easily moved to the final locking position (FIG. 8). The movement from the final locking position to the temporary locking position is similarly performed by pressing the operation projection 13a and pressing the deformation prevention projection 13b.
Is performed while retreating. In the above-described embodiment, the deformation preventing member is provided to move into and out of the flexible displacement allowing space inside the flexible frame. However, the displacement which moves into and out of the flexible displacement allowing space outside the flexible frame is provided. A blocking member may be provided.

In the structure shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, in the insertion detecting member B1 for the terminal fitting, the operation portions 8d 'at the free ends of the pair of operation pieces 8 are provided within the flexible displacement allowable space S in the operation pieces 8. , A deformation preventing arm 8g is provided which extends in parallel with the operation piece 8 to prevent the flexible deformation of the flexible deformation frames 8a, 8b, and is provided between the pair of guide ribs 12, 12 of the female connector A ". 1, a fulcrum projection 14 is provided on the outer surface 9a of the side wall to support the free end of the deformation preventing arm 8g, and the same components as those in FIGS.

When assembling the terminal fitting insertion detecting member B1 with the female connector A ", the operating piece 8 pulled out of the window 10 is displaced outward by the operating portion 8d ', and the temporary locking projection 8a' is moved. When the operation piece 8 is moved beyond the temporary locking projection 12a, the temporary locking projection 8a 'is
2a to hold the temporary locking position (FIG. 10). In the temporary locking position, the deformation preventing arm 8g is located in the flexible displacement allowable space S, so that the temporary locking projection 8a 'is prevented from being displaced in the same manner as described above, so that the temporary locking state is ensured. Is held. A fulcrum projection 14 is closely opposed to a free end of the deformation preventing arm 8g.

In the provisionally locked position, the operating portion 8d 'is pushed in the direction of the side wall outer surface 9a of the female connector A ", so that the flexible deformable frame portion of the operating piece 8 passes through a displacement allowable space existing between the operating portion 8d' and the side wall outer surface 9a. 8a and 8b are displaced in the direction of the side wall outer surface 9a, however, since the fulcrum projection 14 is present at the free end of the deformation preventing arm 8g, the deformation preventing arm 8g is not provided except for the connection base to the operating portion 8d '. Most of the operation piece 8 is out of the flexible displacement allowable space S without being displaced (FIG. 1).
2). Accordingly, the flexible deformable frame portions 8a and 8b are in a deformable state. In this state, by pulling the operation portion 8d ', the terminal fitting insertion detecting member B1 can be easily moved to the full locking position (FIG. 11). . The movement from the final locking position to the temporary locking position is performed by displacing the operation piece 8 outward by the operation section 8d '. In the above embodiment, the deformation preventing arm is provided in the flexible displacement allowing space inside the flexible frame, but is located in the flexible displacement allowing space outside the flexible frame. A deformation prevention arm may be provided, and a fulcrum projection corresponding to a free end of the deformation prevention arm may be provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the connector.

In the structure shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the female connector A is provided at the free end of the deformation preventing arm 8g located in the flexible displacement allowable space S of the operation piece 8 in the terminal fitting insertion detecting member B2. And a fulcrum projection 8h whose end face is close to the side wall outer surface 9a. The same components as those in FIGS. 9 to 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

When the terminal fitting insertion detecting member B2 is combined with the female connector A, the operation piece 8 pulled out of the window 10 is displaced outward by the operation portion 8d '.
When the temporary locking projection 8a 'has exceeded the temporary locking projection 12a, the operating piece 8 is returned, and the temporary locking projection 8a' is moved to the temporary locking projection 12a.
And hold the temporary locking position (FIG. 14). In the temporary locking position, the deformation preventing arm 8g is located in the flexible displacement allowable space S, so that the temporary locking projection 8a 'is prevented from being displaced in the same manner as described above, so that the temporary locking state is ensured. Is held.

In the provisionally locked position, the operating portion 8d 'is pushed in the direction of the outer surface 9a of the side wall of the female connector A, so that the flexible deformable frame portion 8a of the operating piece 8 passes through a displacement allowable space existing between the outer portion 9a and the outer surface 9a of the side wall. , 8b are displaced in the direction of the side wall outer surface 9a.
However, since the fulcrum projection 8h at the free end of the deformation preventing arm 8g abuts against the outer surface 9a of the side wall, most of the deformation preventing arm 8g is not displaced except for the connection base with the operating portion 8d '. 8 (see FIG. 16). Therefore, the flexible deformable frame portions 8a and 8b are in a deformable state, and in this state, the terminal fitting insertion detecting member B2 can be easily moved to the full locking position by pulling the operation portion 8d '(FIG. 15). ). To move from the final locking position to the temporary locking position, the operation unit 8d 'is similarly
Perform while pressing in the a direction. In the structure shown in FIGS. 9 to 16, the fulcrum projections 14 and 8h are connected to the flexible deformation frame portions 8a and 8a.
8b is set so as not to hinder the displacement.

[0026]

As described above, the present invention comprises a connector having a hood at the front and an insertion detecting member for a terminal fitting movably provided from a temporary locking position to a full locking position in the hood, A flexible engagement piece for a terminal fitting is provided in a terminal accommodating chamber formed in a housing main body of the connector with a flexible displacement allowing space on a side opposite to the terminal accommodating chamber, and the terminal fitting insertion detecting member is provided. The main frame portion is provided with an insertion detector corresponding to the flexible displacement allowable space and an operation piece on the side, the operation piece is configured with a flexible frame, and a temporary locking projection is formed on the flexible frame. A permanent locking projection is provided, a temporary locking projection and a permanent locking projection are provided on a side wall of the housing main body, and one of the operation piece and the housing main body is moved into and out of a flexible displacement allowable space of the flexible frame. Because it is provided with a displacement preventing member for the flexible frame body, The insertion detection member for terminal fittings can be provided movably in the hood portion while maintaining the strength of the hood portion without increasing the size of the hood, and the insertion detection member for terminal fittings in the temporary locking position is inadvertently caused by external force. Movement to the full locking position can be reliably prevented, and at the time of the moving operation, it can be smoothly moved to the full locking position by the operation unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a state where a connector and an insertion detecting member for terminal fitting are separated.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a state in which a terminal fitting insertion detector is temporarily locked to a connector, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction of FIG.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a state in which a terminal fitting insertion detector is fully locked to a connector, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of an insertion detector for terminal fittings.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another structure of the present invention in a state where a connector and an insertion detector for terminal fittings are separated.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part of the connector.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the same temporarily locked state.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the above-mentioned fully locked state.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another structure of the present invention in a state where a connector and an insertion detector for terminal fitting are separated.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the same temporarily locked state.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the above-described full locking state.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a main part of the terminal fitting insertion detector of the above.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another structure of the above, in a state where a connector and an insertion detector for terminal fittings are separated.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the same temporarily locked state.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the above-described full locking state.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a main part of the terminal fitting insertion detector of the above.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a conventional example in a state where a connector and an insertion detector for terminal fittings are separated.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the same temporarily locked state.

19 is a cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the above-mentioned final locking state.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal fitting in an incompletely inserted state.

[Explanation of symbols]

A, A ', A "Connector A ₁ Housing body part A ₂ Hood part B, B', B1, B2 Insert detection member for terminal fitting C Terminal fitting 1 Terminal accommodating chamber 3 Flexible locking piece 4 Flexible displacement allowable space 6 Main frame 7 Insertion detector 8 Operation piece 8a, 8b Flexible deformation frame S Flexible displacement allowable space 8a ', 12a Temporary locking projection 8b', 12b Main locking projection 8f, 13b Deformation prevention projection 8e Movable arm 8g Deformation prevention arm 13 Flexible piece 14, 8h Support point projection

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A connector having a hood portion at a front portion and an insertion detecting member for terminal fitting movably provided from a temporary locking position to a full locking position in the hood portion, and formed on a housing body of the connector. A flexible locking piece for the terminal fitting is provided in the terminal accommodating chamber having a flexible displacement allowable space on the opposite side to the terminal accommodating chamber, and the flexible frame is provided in the main frame portion of the terminal fitting insertion detecting member. An insertion detector corresponding to the flexure displacement allowable space and an operation piece on the side are provided, the operation piece is configured by a flexible frame, and a temporary locking projection and a full locking projection are provided on the flexible frame; A temporary locking projection and a full locking projection are provided on the side wall of the main body, and the operation piece and one of the housing main bodies are provided with a displacement preventing member of the flexible frame that advances and retreats into a flexible displacement allowable space of the flexible frame. Having an insertion detection member for terminal fittings characterized by being provided. connector. 2. A flexible arm having an operation portion provided at a free end of the flexible frame via a support portion, and the movable arm is prevented from being deformed in a flexible displacement allowable space of the flexible frame. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a projection. 3. A flexible piece is provided on a side wall of the housing body, and the flexible piece is provided with an operation portion and a deformation preventing projection located in a flexible displacement allowable space of the flexible frame. A connector having the terminal fitting insertion detecting member according to claim 1. 4. A free end portion of the flexible frame body is provided with a deformation preventing arm located in a flexible displacement allowable space of the flexible frame body, and a free side of the deformation preventing arm is provided on a side wall of the connector housing. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a fulcrum protrusion for supporting the end portion. 5. A deformation preventing arm located in a flexible displacement allowable space of the flexible frame at a free end of the flexible frame, and a connector housing of the connector housing is provided at a free end of the flexible arm. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein a fulcrum projection is provided to contact the side wall. 6. The flexible frame body according to claim 1, wherein a temporary locking projection is provided on one of the flexible deformation frame portions, and a permanent locking projection is provided on the other flexible deformation frame portion. Item 6. A connector comprising the terminal fitting insertion detection member according to any one of Items 2 to 5.