WO2024004610A1

WO2024004610A1 - Connector

Info

Publication number: WO2024004610A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/021696
Authority: WO
Inventors: 新史野崎
Original assignee: 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所; 住友電装株式会社; 住友電気工業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-06-30
Filing date: 2023-06-12
Publication date: 2024-01-04
Also published as: JP2024005523A

Abstract

Provided is a connector capable of reducing the amount of a molding resin at a fitting cylindrical part.　A connector (10) comprises: a first housing (11); and a second housing (12). The first housing (11) has a lock (33) that protrudes from the outer surface of the first housing (11). The second housing (12) has a fitting cylindrical part (44) inside which the first housing (11) fits, and a lock arm (46) disposed outside the fitting cylindrical part (44) and locked to the lock (33) in a state of being fitted to the first housing (11). The fitting cylindrical part (44) has a notch (73) that is opened on the front side in the fitting direction with respect to the first housing (11). A part of the lock (33) is disposed inside the notch (73).

Description

connector

The present disclosure relates to a connector.

The connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a housing and a mating housing that can be fitted into each other. The housing includes a housing main body and a fitting tube surrounding the outer periphery of the housing main body. The mating housing has a cylindrical hood part that is fitted between the housing main body part and the fitting cylinder part.

The fitting cylinder has a lock arm inside the opening formed in the fitting cylinder. The mating housing has a lock protrusion projecting from the outer surface of the hood portion. When the lock protrusion is engaged with the lock arm, the housing and the mating housing are held in a fitted state.

JP2019-125545A

In the case of Patent Document 1, the fitting cylinder part has a lock arm, and the fitting cylinder part is required to have strength to maintain engagement between the lock arm and the lock protrusion, so the thickness of the fitting cylinder part is It tended to get bigger. As a result, there was a problem in that the amount of resin for molding the fitting cylinder portion increased.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can reduce the amount of molding resin in the fitting cylinder portion.

The present disclosure includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing having a lock portion protruding from an outer surface of the first housing, and the second housing fitting the first housing inside. and a lock arm that is disposed outside the fitting cylinder and is locked to the locking part in the fitted state with the first housing. The connector has a notch opening on the front side in the direction of fitting with the first housing, and a part of the locking part is disposed inside the notch.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector that can reduce the amount of molding resin in the fitting cylinder portion.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first housing and a second housing in a connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the first housing and the second housing in a fitted state. FIG. 3 is a front view of the first housing and the second housing that are fitted into each other, with the first housing side cut away. FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of a concave portion and a convex portion that are fitted into each other, with the convex portion side cut away. FIG. 5 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the concave portion and the convex portion in a fitted state with each other. FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view, with the lock part side cut away, of the lock part and the lock arm, in which a part of the lock part is disposed inside the notch part and are engaged with each other. FIG. 7 is a front view of the first housing. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first housing. FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the first housing that corresponds to the lock portion. FIG. 10 is a front view of the second housing. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the second housing that corresponds to the lock arm and the notch. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the second housing that corresponds to the recess. FIG. 13 is a front view of the front retainer. FIG. 14 is a side view of the front retainer.

[Description of embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
The connector of the present disclosure includes:
(1) A first housing and a second housing are provided, the first housing has a lock portion protruding from an outer surface of the first housing, and the second housing fits the first housing inside. and a lock arm that is disposed outside the fitting cylinder and is locked to the locking part in the fitted state with the first housing, and the fitting cylinder has a It has a notch that opens on the front side in the direction of fitting with the first housing, and a part of the locking part is disposed inside the notch.
According to the above configuration, the fitting cylinder part does not have a lock arm, and the lock arm is arranged outside the fitting cylinder part so that it can be locked to the lock part, so the thickness of the fitting cylinder part is large. Therefore, the amount of molding resin for the fitting protrusion can be reduced. In particular, even if the lock arm is disposed outside the fitting cylinder, the lock arm and the lock can be locked together because the fitting cylinder has the notch.

(2) The second housing has a pressing surface that faces the dividing wall portion divided through the notch portion in the fitting tube portion so as to be contactable from the outside of the fitting tube portion. is preferred.
Since the fitting tube has a notch, there is a concern that the dividing wall divided through the notch will open to the outside of the fitting tube. By contacting the surface, opening of the dividing wall portion can be suppressed.

(3) The lock portion has a groove on the proximal end side in the direction of protrusion from the outer surface, the opposing ends of the dividing wall portion are fitted into the groove, and the pressing surface is It is preferable that the groove be formed on the groove surface of the groove.
According to the above configuration, since the pressing surface is a part of the lock portion, the structure of the first housing does not become complicated. Further, since the opposing ends of the dividing wall portion are fitted into the grooves, it is possible to suppress rattling between the fitting cylinder portion and the first housing, thereby improving vibration resistance.

(4) It is preferable that the notch and the groove both have a shape extending in the fitting direction.
According to the above configuration, since the range in which the opposing ends of the dividing wall part are fitted into the groove can be set to be long, it is possible to better suppress rattling between the fitting cylinder part and the first housing. This makes it possible to further improve vibration resistance.

(5) The first housing has a cylindrical hood part with the lock part protruding from the outer surface, and the second housing has a housing body part disposed inside the fitting cylinder part. However, it is preferable that the hood portion be able to fit between the fitting cylinder portion and the housing main body portion.
According to the above configuration, the lock arm is disposed outside the fitting cylinder part, and the fitting cylinder part and the housing body part can be formed with less restriction from the lock arm. The degree of freedom in each shape can be increased.

(6) The second housing has a cover part that covers the lock arm from the outside, and the cover part is connected to a dividing wall part divided through the notch part in the fitting cylinder part. Good.
According to the above configuration, the cover portion can protect the lock arm while reinforcing the dividing wall portion.

[Details of embodiments of the present disclosure]
Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this example, but is indicated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

<Embodiment 1>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the connector 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 that can be fitted into each other. The second housing 12 includes a main housing 13 and a front retainer 14 attached to the main housing 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the main housing 13 accommodates a plurality of second terminal fittings 15. As shown in FIG. A plurality of first terminal fittings 16 are attached to the first housing 11 . In addition, in the following description, regarding the front-back direction, the surface side where the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 face each other at the time of starting fitting is referred to as the front side. The left-right direction has the same meaning as the width direction, and is based on the left-right direction in FIG. 3. The vertical direction is synonymous with the height direction, and is based on the vertical direction of each figure. In FIG. 1 and the like, the front-rear direction is indicated by the symbol X, the left-right direction is indicated by the symbol Y, and the up-down direction is indicated by the symbol Z. These directional criteria are for convenience.

In addition, in the following description, "outside" means the side that is away from the central axis of the connector 10 without including the relevant part, and "inside" means the side that approaches the central axis of the connector 10 in the relevant part. do. For example, in the radial direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, "outside" corresponds to the radially outer side of the connector 10, and "inside" corresponds to the radially inner side of the connector 10. do.

(1st housing, 1st terminal fitting)
The first housing 11 is made of synthetic resin, and has a rectangular cylindrical hood portion 17, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The hood portion 17 has a back wall 18 with its wall surface facing forward and backward, a pair of side walls 19 that face each other on the left and right, and an upper wall 21 and a lower wall 22 that face each other on the top and bottom. Each side wall 19, upper wall 21, and lower wall 22 protrude from the back wall 18 to the front side. At the four corners of the hood part 17, the left and right ends of the upper wall 21 are connected to the upper ends of the side walls 19 in a curved manner, and the left and right ends of the lower wall 22 are connected to the lower ends of the side walls 19 in a curved manner.

Terminal mounting holes 23 are formed through the upper and lower ends of the back wall 18, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal fittings 16 are press-fitted into each terminal mounting hole 23.

The first terminal fitting 16 is a plate-shaped male terminal made of conductive metal. As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal fitting 16 penetrates through the back wall 18 and includes a terminal connecting portion 24 that protrudes inside the hood portion 17 and a terminal connecting portion 24 that is exposed on the rear side of the hood portion 17. It has a board connection part 25 arranged therein. The terminal connecting portion 24 is connected to the second terminal fitting 15 when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly fitted. The board connecting portion 25 is connected to the circuit board P by soldering.

As shown in FIG. 7, the hood portion 17 has a plurality of convex portions 26 protruding from the inner surface of each side wall 19. Each convex portion 26 has a rectangular cross section and projects horizontally from the upper and lower ends of the inner surface of each side wall 19, respectively. Each terminal mounting hole 23 of the back wall 18 and the first terminal fitting 16 mounted in each terminal mounting hole 23 are positioned between the left and right protrusions 26 in the width direction and overlap the left and right protrusions 26 in the height direction. Specifically, it is arranged at a position within the height range of the left and right protrusions 26.

The hood portion 17 has a pair of partition convex portions 27 that protrude horizontally from the upper and lower intermediate portions of the inner surface of each side wall 19. Each partition convex portion 27 is arranged between the upper and lower convex portions 26 in the height direction. Each partition convex portion 27 has a rectangular plate shape, and protrudes more inward from the inner surface of the side wall 19 than each convex portion 26 . As shown in FIG. 8, the protruding tips of each partition convex portion 27 are arranged along the front-rear direction while facing each other. A fitting rib 28 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper surface of each partition convex portion 27 .

On the inner surface of the hood portion 17, in addition to each convex portion 26 and each partition convex portion 27, a plurality of ribs 29 are formed to protrude. The ribs 29 are arranged at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the hood portion 17. Each convex portion 26, each partition convex portion 27, and each rib 29 have a shape extending in the front-rear direction, and have a rear end connected to the back wall 18 of the hood portion 17, and a front end connected to the front end (opening end) of the hood portion 17. ) is located further back than the The front end of each partition convex portion 27 is disposed in front of the front ends of each convex portion 26 and each rib 29 in a portion of the hood portion 17 near the central axis.

The first housing 11 has a flange portion 31 that projects outward from the back wall 18 located at the rear end of the hood portion 17 over the entire circumference.
The hood portion 17 has a pair of guide ribs 32 that protrude from the left and right ends of the upper surface of the upper wall 21 . Each guide rib 32 extends over the entire length of the hood portion 17 in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is connected to the flange portion 31.

The hood portion 17 has a lock portion 33 that protrudes from the left and right intermediate portions of the upper surface of the upper wall 21. As shown in FIG. 9, the lock portion 33 includes an extension portion 34 that extends in the front-rear direction on the upper surface of the upper wall 21, and a lock protrusion 35 that projects upward from a position near the front end of the extension portion 34. ing. The extending portion 34 has a thick portion 36 on the rear side of the front and rear portions sandwiching the lock protrusion 35, which is thicker than the front portion and thicker in the vertical direction.

The rear surface of the lock protrusion 35 is a locking surface 37 that stands vertically from the upper surface of the thick wall portion 36, and is locked to a lock arm 46 of the second housing 12, which will be described later. The front surface of the lock protrusion 35 is inclined upward from the front side of the extension portion 34 to the top surface of the lock protrusion 35, forming an inclined surface 38 that guides the bending motion of the lock arm 46. The lower end of the inclined surface 38 is located below the lower end of the locking surface 37 by the height of the thick portion 36 .

A collision surface 39 is formed on the upper surface of the thick portion 36 and extends in the front-rear direction and is continuous with the lower end of the locking surface 37 of the lock protrusion 35 . When the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly fitted, the locking arm 46 collides with the collision surface 39, thereby generating a locking sound (see FIG. 2).

The locking portion 33 has a groove 41 at the lower end of the extending portion 34 on the proximal end side in the protruding direction. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the grooves 41 have a rectangular cross section, and are formed in the left and right side surfaces of the lower end of the extending portion 34, respectively. The groove 41 extends along the entire length of the lock portion 33 in the front-rear direction, has a front end open to the front surface of the lock portion 33, and a rear end closed by the flange portion 31.

Among the groove surfaces of the concave groove 41, the upper side surface (surface facing downward) and the lower side surface (surface facing upward) which are opposed vertically are arranged parallel to each other along the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and are located on the outer side in the width direction. The side faces facing are arranged along the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The lower surface of the groove 41 is formed on the upper surface of the upper wall 21 of the hood portion 17 . The upper surface of the groove 41 is a pressing surface 42 that faces an opposing end 75 of a dividing wall 74 (described later) of the second housing 12 so as to be able to contact from above (outside). The side surface of the groove 41 is arranged in the same height range as the flange portion 31.

(Main housing, second terminal fitting)
As described above, the second housing 12 includes the main housing 13 and the front retainer 14, which are separate from each other.
The main housing 13 is made of synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. A lock arm 46 is disposed above (outside) the fitting cylinder 44, and a cover 47 covers the lock arm 46. As shown in FIG. 2, cavities 48 extending in the front-rear direction are formed at the upper and lower ends of the housing body 43, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the front and rear parts of the housing main body part 43 sandwiching the connecting part 45, an enclosing part 49 having an external shape of a vertically long ellipse is formed in the rear part, and in the front part. , a pair of cavity tower parts 51 divided into upper and lower parts are formed.

Each cavity tower portion 51 is formed for each cavity 48. As shown in FIG. 10, each cavity tower section 51 has a front wall 52 that closes the front end of the cavity 48. As shown in FIG. The front wall 52 has a horizontally long insertion opening 53 through which the first terminal fitting 16 can be inserted from the front side. Each cavity tower portion 51 has a lance 55 on an inner wall 54 that faces each other with an interval in the vertical direction. The lance 55 can be elastically deformed into the space between the inner walls 54 of each cavity tower section 51.

As shown in FIG. 2, a rubber plug accommodating portion 56 having a larger opening than the front end of each cavity 48 is formed at the rear end of each cavity 48. Each rubber plug accommodating part 56 is divided by a cylindrical part (not shown) formed inside the surrounding part 49.

The second terminal fittings 15 are inserted into each cavity 48 of the housing body 43 from the rear side. The second terminal fitting 15 is a female terminal formed by bending a conductive metal plate. As shown in FIG. 2, the second terminal fitting 15 includes a cylindrical box portion 57 that opens in the front and rear, an elastic contact portion 58 that projects inside the box portion 57, and a wire W on the rear side of the box portion 57. A barrel portion 59 is connected to the barrel portion 59. When the second terminal fitting 15 is properly inserted into the cavity 48, the box portion 57 is locked to the lance 55. The terminal connecting portion 24 of the first terminal fitting 16 is inserted into the box portion 57 through the insertion opening 53, contacts the elastic contact portion 58, and is electrically connected to the second terminal fitting 15. The electric wire W is crimped to the barrel portion 59 and pulled out from the housing body portion 43 to the rear side. A rubber stopper 60 is accommodated inside the rubber stopper accommodating portion 56 in a liquid-tight manner. The rubber plug 60 is made of rubber such as silicone rubber, is attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire W, and is connected to the second terminal fitting 15 by a barrel portion 59.

As shown in FIG. 10, the housing main body 43 has a plurality of recesses 61 on the left and right sides. Each of the recesses 61 has a U-shaped cross section, and is recessed in pairs on the left and right side surfaces of each cavity tower portion 51, respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, the recessed portion 61 extends over the entire length of each cavity tower portion 51 in the front-rear direction, and has a front end open to the front surface of each cavity tower portion 51 and a rear end closed by the connecting portion 45. ing.

Of the groove surfaces of the recess 61, the upper and lower opposing surfaces (surfaces facing downwards) and lower surfaces (surfaces facing upwards) are arranged along the front-back and left-right directions, and the side surfaces facing outward in the width direction are , are arranged along the front-back direction and the up-down direction. Among the groove surfaces of the recess 61, arcuate curved surfaces 63 are formed between the upper surface and each side surface, and between the lower surface and each side surface. Each cavity tower portion 51 has rib-shaped elastic wall portions 64 extending in the front-rear direction and partitioning the upper and lower surfaces of the recess 61 at the left and right side ends.

A plurality of small protrusions 62 are formed on the groove surface of the recess 61. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the small convex portions 62 has an arc-shaped cross section, and is arranged to face the left and right intermediate portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the recessed portion 61, and is arranged at the upper and lower intermediate portions of the side surfaces. There is. As shown in FIG. 12, each small convex portion 62 extends over the entire length of each concave portion 61 in the front-rear direction, and has a chamfered slope 65 at the front end.

As shown in FIG. 10, entry grooves 66 are formed in the opposing surfaces of the inner wall 54 of each cavity tower portion 51 at respective positions on the left and right sides of the lance 55. As shown in FIG. Each entry groove 66 extends in the front-rear direction, and its front end opens at the front surface of the cavity tower portion 51. Each cavity tower section 51 has a weir-shaped stopper section 67 that closes off the middle of each entrance groove 66 in the front-rear direction. The stopper portion 67 is locked to a retainer lock portion 97 of the front retainer 14, which will be described later.

The fitting cylinder part 44 has a rectangular cylinder shape, and as shown in FIG. There is. Guide recesses 72 are provided at the left and right ends of the inner surface of the upper wall portion 69, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, each guide rib 32 of the hood portion 17 is fitted into each guide recess 72. As shown in FIG. 11, the fitting cylinder portion 44 has a cutout portion 73 formed by cutting out the left and right intermediate portions of the upper wall portion 69. As shown in FIG. The cutout portion 73 extends in the front-rear direction, has a front end open to the front end surface of the upper wall portion 69, and a rear end closed by the connecting portion 45. This notch 73 has a constant opening width in the left-right direction except for the portion on the front end side, and the width of the portion on the front end side is widened toward the front side.

As shown in FIG. 11, the upper wall portion 69 has a pair of dividing wall portions 74 that are divided into left and right sides with a cutout portion 73 interposed therebetween. Each dividing wall portion 74 has a plate shape along the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and the end opposite to the opposing end 75 which is the end facing the notch 73 is inserted through the guide recess 72. It is connected to the side wall portion 68, and its rear end portion is connected to the connecting portion 45. Note that the fitting cylinder portion 44 is continuous in the circumferential direction except for the notch portion 73.

The cover portion 47 has a top plate portion 76 that faces the upper wall portion 69 from above, and a pair of side plate portions 77 that face each other on the left and right sides. The top plate portion 76 has a plate shape along the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and has a recess 78 opening at the rear end. The side plate part 77 has a plate shape along the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, and connects the top plate part 76 and the upper wall part 69 (divided wall part 74) in the height direction. A reinforcing portion 79 is formed at the front end of the side plate portion 77 so as to protrude outward in the width direction. The reinforcing portion 79 has a triangular plate shape when viewed from the front, and is erected on the upper surface of the dividing wall portion 74 .

The lock arm 46 has an arm body portion 81 extending in the front-rear direction, and a pair of support portions 82 extending outward in the width direction from the left and right end surfaces of the arm body portion 81. As shown in FIG. 6, each support part 82 is connected to the side plate part 77 facing each other. The arm main body part 81 is disposed between the top plate part 76 and the upper wall part 69 in the height direction, and is elastically deformable (swing deformable) in a seesaw shape using each support part 82 as a fulcrum. As shown in FIG. 2, the arm main body 81 is formed with a lock hole 83 that penetrates in the vertical direction. A fitting detection member (not shown) is accommodated between the cover portion 47 and the upper wall portion 69 and on the outer periphery of the lock arm 46 . This fitting detection member becomes movable relative to the main housing 13 when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly fitted, and thereby detects the fitting state of the first housing and the second housing 12.

(front retainer)
The front retainer 14 is made of synthetic resin, has a rectangular frame shape, and is attached to each cavity tower portion 51 of the housing body portion 43 from the front side. As shown in FIG. 13, the front retainer 14 has an upper part 84 and a lower part 85 that face each other vertically, and a pair of side parts 86 that face each other horizontally. The left and right ends of the upper part 84 are connected to the upper end of each side part 86 via a curved upper corner part 87. The left and right ends of the lower portion 85 are connected to the lower ends of each side portion 86 via a curved lower corner portion 88 .

A plurality of rib receiving grooves 89 are recessed in the outer surfaces of each of the upper part 84 and the lower part 85. Each rib receiving groove 89 extends in the front-rear direction, and its front ends are open to the front surfaces of the upper part 84 and lower part 85. As shown in FIG. 3, each rib 29 of the hood portion 17 is fitted into each rib receiving groove 89. As shown in FIG. 14, the rib receiving groove 89 is also formed in the side portion 86.

As shown in FIG. 13, the front retainer 14 has a partition portion 91 that extends in the left-right direction and whose left and right ends are connected to the upper and lower intermediate portions of each side portion 86. The upper and lower spaces of the front retainer 14 partitioned by the partitions 91 form a fitting space 92 that penetrates in the front-rear direction. The cavity tower portion 51 is fitted into the fitting space 92 from the rear side. A pair of left and right compartment recesses 93 are formed in the upper and lower middle portions of the partition portion 91, penetrating the side portions 86 and opening outward and to the front in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 3 , each compartment convex portion 27 of the hood portion 17 is fitted into each compartment recess 93 . A rib receiving portion 94 into which each fitting rib 28 of the hood portion 17 is fitted is formed in each compartment recess 93 of the partition portion 91 .

A regulating surface 95 is formed on the left and right intermediate portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the partition portion 91, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, each regulating surface 95 faces the lance 55 in a direction in which the corresponding lance 55 is deflected so as to be able to come into contact with the lance 55, and regulates the deflecting motion of the lance 55. Projections 96 that define the width of each restriction surface 95 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the partition portion 91 at positions corresponding to the left and right ends of each restriction surface 95 . Each of the protrusions 96 has a rib shape extending in the front-rear direction, and is spaced apart in the width direction by the width of the lance 55. The lance 55 is prevented from shifting in the width direction by each of the protrusions 96 .

At the rear ends of the upper and lower surfaces of the partition portion 91, as shown in FIG. 13, retainer lock portions 97 (see FIG. ) are formed in a protruding manner. In the process of assembling the front retainer 14 to the main housing 13, each retainer lock portion 97 enters each entry groove 66 of each cavity tower portion 51. Thereafter, each retainer lock part 97 elastically overcomes each stopper part 67 and is locked by each stopper part 67, whereby the front retainer 14 is held in the main housing 13.

As shown in FIG. 13, each side portion 86 has relief portions 98 at the upper and lower portions sandwiching the partition recess 93. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, each relief part 98 has a concave groove shape extending in the front-rear direction, and has a front end opened at the front end surface of each side part 86 and a rear end closed at the rear end of each side part 86. ing. The groove width in the vertical direction of the relief portion 98 is constant in the front-rear direction and is larger than the vertical dimension of the convex portion 26 of the hood portion 17. As shown in FIG. 4, the convex portion 26 is inserted inside the relief portion 98 with a gap in the vertical direction. The relief portion 98 communicates with the upper and lower intermediate portions of the fitting space 92 on the inner side in the width direction.

(Operation of connector)
Prior to assembling the second housing 12, the second terminal fittings 15 are inserted into each cavity 48 of the housing body 43 from the rear side. The second terminal fitting 15 is locked by the lance 55 and is temporarily prevented from coming off from the housing body 43.

When assembling the second housing 12, the front retainer 14 is attached to the housing main body 43 from the front side. By locking each retainer lock portion 97 with each stopper portion 67, the front retainer 14 is properly attached to the housing body portion 43. At this time, each cavity tower part 51 is fitted into the corresponding fitting space 92, and the outer periphery of each cavity tower part 51 is surrounded by the front retainer 14 (see FIG. 2). The partition portion 91 of the front retainer 14 is fitted into the space between the inner walls 54 of each cavity tower portion 51 . Here, each regulating surface 95 of the partition part 91 opposes each lance 55 and regulates the deflection movement of each lance 55, thereby secondarily preventing the second terminal fitting 15 from coming off from the housing main body part 43. be done. Each relief part 98 of the front retainer 14 is arranged at a height position overlapping with the corresponding recess 61 of the cavity tower part 51, and is opposed to and communicates with the recess 61.

Subsequently, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are fitted into each other. In the fitting process of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, each rib 29 of the hood part 17 is inserted into each rib receiving groove 89 of the front retainer 14 in a fitted state, and each convex part 26 of the hood part 17 are inserted into each recess 61 of the housing main body 43 in a fitted state while being released by the relief portion 98 of the front retainer 14 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the base portion of the convex portion 26 on the proximal end side in the direction of protrusion from the side wall 19 is separated from the opposing surface while avoiding contact with the upper and lower opposing surfaces (inner surfaces) of the relief portion 98. placed at a distance. On the other hand, the distal end portion of the convex portion 26 on the distal end side in the direction of protrusion from the side wall 19 comes into contact with each of the small convex portions 62 while being fitted into the concave portion 61 . Specifically, the upper surface, the lower surface, and the tip end surface in the protruding direction of the convex portion 26 are in long contact with the corresponding small convex portion 62 along the front-rear direction (see FIG. 5). Therefore, rattling between the hood portion 17 and the housing body portion 43 can be suppressed. Note that while the upper and lower small protrusions 62 are in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the protrusions 26, the upper and lower elastic walls 64 can be elastically deformed in the direction away from each other, so that the small protrusions 62 cannot be crushed. can be maintained.

In addition, during the process of fitting the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the lower end of the locking part 33 of the hood part 17 enters the inside of the notch 73 of the fitting cylinder part 44, and the opposing parts of the dividing walls 74 The end portions 75 are respectively inserted into the grooves 41 of the lock portion 33 in a fitted state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the opposing end portion 75 of the dividing wall portion 74 is vertically sandwiched between the first housing 11 inside the groove 41, and the pressing surface 42 of the groove 41 is pressed against the dividing wall portion 74. The lower surface of the groove 41 is arranged so as to be able to contact the upper surface of the opposite end 75 of the split end. Thereby, each dividing wall portion 74 is positioned in the first housing 11 and maintains a constant shape as the upper wall portion 69 of the fitting cylinder portion 44. Therefore, even if the cutout portion 73 is formed in the upper wall portion 69 of the fitting cylinder portion 44, it is possible to prevent the dividing wall portion 74 from expanding and deforming in the direction of increasing the opening width of the cutout portion 73.

In addition, in the process of fitting the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the tip (front end) of the arm main body 81 of the lock arm 46 comes into contact with the middle of the slope of the slope 38 of the lock protrusion 35, and the lock arm 46 is set so as not to come into contact with any portion of the hood portion 17 other than the lock protrusion 35. In this way, the tip of the arm main body 81 slides on the inclined surface 38 of the lock protrusion 35, so that the lock arm 46 is appropriately bent and deformed, and unnecessary frictional resistance is created between the lock arm 46 and the first housing 11. can be prevented from occurring.

Thereafter, the lock arm 46 elastically returns and the lock protrusion 35 fits into the lock hole 83, thereby holding the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 in the fitted state. At the same time, the first terminal fitting 16 and the second terminal fitting 15 are connected in a normal state (see FIG. 2). Note that by pressing the rear end of the lock arm 46 through the recess 78, the lock between the lock arm 46 and the lock portion 33 can be released.

If the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 do not face each other directly at the start of fitting, for example, if the second housing 12 is in an inclined position from the normal position with respect to the first housing 11, each convex The tip (front end) of the portion 26 interferes with the opposing wall surface of the second housing 12, and the fitting operation of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 is restricted. This can prevent the terminal connecting portion 24 of the first terminal fitting 16 from being distorted due to interference with the second housing 12. Furthermore, since the opposing end 75 of the dividing wall 74 is fitted into the groove 41 at the initial stage when the fitting is started, the inclined posture of the second housing 12 with respect to the first housing 11 can be quickly corrected. This also makes it possible to prevent the above-mentioned forcible fitting.

In the state where the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly fitted, each of the aforementioned convex portions 26 is maintained in a state where each of the aforementioned convex portions 26 is fitted into each of the recessed portions 61, and the opposing ends of each of the aforementioned dividing wall portions 74 are maintained. 75 is maintained in a state where it is fitted into each groove 41 of the lock portion 33. Therefore, even if the connector 10 is exposed to vibration, rattling between the first housing 11 and the main housing 13 can be suppressed. In particular, on each side of the left and right sides of the connecting portion between the terminal connecting portion 24 of the first terminal fitting 16 and the elastic contact portion 58 of the second terminal fitting 15, there is a height position overlapping the connecting portion. A fitting structure between the concave portion 61 and the convex portion 26 is formed in a height range including the connecting portion. Further, the fitting structure between the recess 61 and the protrusion 26 is formed in a position overlapping the connection portion, specifically in a range including the connection portion, in the front-rear direction as well. Therefore, when the connector 10 is exposed to vibration, the influence on the connection between the first terminal fitting 16 and the second terminal fitting 15 is reduced, and the play between the first housing 11 and the main housing 13 is reduced. It is possible to suppress sticking.

As explained above, according to the first embodiment, by fitting the convex portion 26 into the concave portion 61, it is possible to suppress rattling of the housing main body portion 43 inside the hood portion 17, so that vibration-resistant can improve sex. In particular, in the case of the first embodiment, the left and right side surfaces of the housing main body portion 43 are covered by the front retainer 14, and the front retainer 14 is interposed between the convex portion 26 and the concave portion 61. However, since the convex part 26 can escape into the relief part 98 of the front retainer 14, it becomes possible to realize a fitting structure between the concave part 61 and the convex part 26.

Further, since a clearance (gap) is formed between the outer surface of the convex portion 26 and the inner surface of the relief portion 98, it is possible to avoid excessive fitting resistance between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. . Moreover, since the recess 61 is arranged at a height position overlapping the cavity 48 in the housing main body 43, it is possible to avoid a situation where the first terminal fitting 16 and the second terminal fitting 15 are subjected to sliding wear.

Further, since a small convex portion 62 is formed on the inner surface of the recess 61 and extends in the front-rear direction and contacts the convex portion 26, it is possible to better suppress rattling of the housing body portion 43 inside the hood portion 17. can. In particular, since the small convex portions 62 are formed on the upper and lower end surfaces of the inner surface of the recess 61 that face each other, it is possible to better suppress rattling of the housing main body 43 inside the hood portion 17. .

Furthermore, since the housing main body part 43 has a plurality of cavity tower parts 51 at intervals in the height direction, and the recesses 61 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of each cavity tower part 51, each recess 61 has a plurality of cavity tower parts 51. By fitting the convex portion 26, rattling of the housing main body portion 43 inside the hood portion 17 can be suppressed more reliably.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the fitting cylinder part 44 of the second housing 12 does not have the lock arm 46, and the lock arm 46 can be locked to the lock part 33 on the upper side of the fitting cylinder part 44. Therefore, the thickness of the fitting cylindrical portion 44 does not increase, and the amount of molding resin for the fitting protrusion can be reduced. In particular, even if the lock arm 46 is disposed above the fitting cylinder part 44, the lock arm 46 and the lock part 33 can be locked together because the fitting cylinder part 44 has the notch part 73. It becomes possible to do so.

Further, since the second housing 12 has the pressing surface 42 that faces the divided wall portion 74 of the fitting cylinder portion 44 so as to be able to contact from above, the divided wall portion 74 increases the opening width of the notch portion 73. It is possible to suppress expansion deformation in the direction of In particular, since the opposing end 75 of the dividing wall 74 is fitted into the groove 41 of the locking part 33 and the pressing surface 42 is formed on the groove surface of the groove 41, the structure of the first housing 11 becomes complicated. You can avoid doing that. Furthermore, by fitting the opposing end portion 75 of the dividing wall portion 74 into the groove 41, it is possible to suppress rattling between the fitting cylinder portion 44 and the first housing 11, thereby improving vibration resistance. Further improvements can be made.

Moreover, since both the notch 73 and the recess 61 are shaped to extend in the front-rear direction, the range in which the opposing end 75 of the dividing wall 74 is fitted into the groove 41 can be set to be long in the front-rear direction. As a result, rattling between the fitting cylinder portion 44 and the first housing 11 can be better suppressed, and vibration resistance can be further improved.

Further, since the lock arm 46 is arranged above the fitting cylinder part 44 and the fitting cylinder part 44 and the housing main body part 43 can be formed with less restriction from the lock arm 46, the fitting cylinder part 44 and the housing main body part 43 can be formed with less restriction from the lock arm 46. The degree of freedom in the shape of each portion 43 can be increased.

Further, since the second housing 12 has a cover portion 47 that covers the lock arm 46 and the cover portion 47 is connected to the dividing wall portion 74, the lock arm 46 can be protected by the cover portion 47, and the lock arm 46 can be protected by the cover portion 47. The wall portion 74 can be reinforced with the cover portion 47.

[Other embodiments of the present disclosure]
Embodiment 1 disclosed herein above should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.
In the first embodiment described above, the recessed portion was formed on the side surface of the housing main body portion, and the convex portion was formed on the inner surface of the hood portion. On the other hand, according to another embodiment, contrary to the first embodiment, the recess may be formed on the inner surface of the hood part, and the protrusion may be formed on the side surface of the housing body.
According to the first embodiment, the small convex portion was formed on the groove surface of the concave portion. On the other hand, according to another embodiment, the small convex portion may not be formed on the groove surface of the concave portion, and the convex portion may be in surface contact with the groove surface of the concave portion.
In the first embodiment, the pressing surface is formed on the groove surface of the concave groove of the lock portion. On the other hand, according to another embodiment, the pressing surface may be formed in a portion other than the groove surface of the groove of the locking portion in the first housing.
In the first embodiment described above, the first terminal fitting had a board connection part, and the first housing was installed on the circuit board. On the other hand, according to another embodiment, the first terminal fitting may not have a board connection part and the first housing may not be installed on the circuit board.
In the first embodiment described above, the first housing is configured as a male housing in which the first terminal fitting as a male terminal is attached, and the second housing is configured as a female housing in which the second terminal fitting as a female terminal is attached. was. On the other hand, according to another embodiment, contrary to the first embodiment, the first housing is configured as a female housing that accommodates a first terminal fitting as a female terminal, and the second housing is configured as a male housing. It may be configured as a male housing to which a second terminal fitting is attached.
According to the first embodiment, a clearance (gap) is formed between the outer surface of the convex portion and the inner surface of the relief portion. On the other hand, according to other embodiments, no clearance (gap) may be formed between the outer surface of the convex portion and the inner surface of the relief portion. For example, the outer surface of the convex portion may partially contact the inner surface of the relief portion.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Connector 11... First housing 12... Second housing 13... Main housing 14... Front retainer 15... Second terminal fitting 16... First terminal fitting 17... Hood part 18... Back wall 19... Side wall 21... Upper wall 22... Lower wall 23... Terminal attachment hole 24... Terminal connection part 25... Board connection part 26... Convex part 27... Division convex part 28... Fitting rib 29... Rib 31... Flange part 32... Guide rib 33... Lock part 34... Extending part 35...Lock protrusion 36...Thick walled part 37...Locking surface 38...Slope surface 39...Collision surface 41...Concave groove 42...Press surface 43...Housing body part 44...Fitting cylinder part 45...Connecting part 46...Lock arm 47 ...Cover part 48...Cavity 49...Encircling part 51...Cavity tower part 52...Front wall 53...Insertion port 54...Inner wall 55...Lance 56...Rubber plug housing part 57...Box part 58...Elastic contact part 59...Barrel part 60... Rubber plug 61... Recessed part 62... Small convex part 63... Curved surface 64... Elastic wall part 65... Slope 66... Entry groove 67... Stopper part 68... Side wall part 69... Upper wall part 71... Lower wall part 72... Guide recessed part 73... Notch portion 74...Dividing wall portion 75...Opposing end portion 76...Top plate portion 77...Side plate portion 78...Recess 79...Reinforcement portion 81...Arm body portion 82...Support portion 83...Lock hole 84...Upper portion 85...Lower portion 86... Side part 87... Upper corner part 88... Lower corner part 89... Rib receiving groove 91... Partition part 92... Fitting space 93... Partition recessed part 94... Rib receiving part 95... Regulating surface 96... Projection part 97... Retainer lock part 98... Relief part P...Circuit board

Claims

comprising a first housing and a second housing;
The first housing has a lock portion protruding from an outer surface of the first housing,
The second housing includes a fitting cylinder part into which the first housing is fitted, and a fitting cylinder part arranged outside the fitting cylinder part and locked to the lock part in a fitted state with the first housing. having a lock arm;
The fitting cylindrical part has a notch that opens on the front side in the fitting direction with the first housing,
A part of the lock part is arranged inside the notch part.
1 . The second housing has a pressing surface that faces a dividing wall portion divided through the cutout portion in the fitting cylindrical portion so as to be contactable from outside the fitting cylindrical portion. connectors listed in.
The locking portion has a groove on the proximal end side in the direction of protrusion from the outer surface, the opposing ends of the dividing wall are fitted into the groove, and the pressing surface is in contact with the groove. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the connector is formed in a grooved surface.
The connector according to claim 3, wherein the notch and the groove both have a shape extending in the fitting direction.
The first housing has a cylindrical hood portion with the lock portion protruding from the outer surface,
The second housing has a housing body portion disposed inside the fitting cylinder portion,
The connector according to claim 1, wherein the hood portion is fittable between the fitting tube portion and the housing body portion.
The second housing has a cover part that covers the lock arm from the outside, and the cover part is connected to a dividing wall part divided through the notch part in the fitting cylinder part. 5. The connector described in 5.