connector

Abstract

To provide a connector that improves workability during disconnection. [Solution] The first connector 20 has a first housing 21 and a first terminal fitting held in the first housing 21. The first housing 21 has a housing body 22 that houses the first terminal fitting inside and a fitting cylinder portion 30 that surrounds the outer circumference of the housing body 22. The first housing 21 has a lock arm provided above Y1 above the outer surface of the housing body 22 above Y1 and a release operation portion 50 provided on the outer surface of the housing body 22 below Y2. The release operation portion 50 has a projection 52 that protrudes downward Y2. The projection 52 is provided behind X2 the fitting cylinder portion 30. The projection 52 has a first surface 53 facing forward X1. The first surface 53 is formed as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave towards the rear X2 when viewed from below Y2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, a connector mounted on a vehicle includes a male connector and a female connector that can be fitted to each other (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The female connector includes a terminal accommodating portion and a fitting cylinder portion surrounding an outer periphery of the terminal accommodating portion. A flexurally deformable lock arm is connected to the terminal accommodating portion. Further, a finger hooking portion is provided on an outer surface of the terminal accommodating portion. The male connector includes a hood portion that can be fitted inside the fitting cylinder portion, and a lock receiving portion provided to protrude from an upper surface of the hood portion. In this type of connector, the fitted state between the male connector and the female connector is maintained by the lock arm engaging with the lock receiving portion. Further, in the above connector, when detaching the female connector from the male connector, a pulling operation can be performed by hooking a finger on the finger hooking portion to pull the female connector away from the male connector. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-305415 [Summary of Invention] [Problem to be Solved by Invention]

[0004] By the way, in the above connector, improvement in workability when detaching the female connector from the male connector is desired. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of improving workability during detachment. [Means for Solving Problem]

[0005] The connector of this disclosure comprises a first connector having a first housing and a first terminal fitting held in the first housing, wherein the first housing has a housing body that houses the first terminal fitting inside, a fitting cylinder portion that surrounds the outer circumference of the housing body, a lock arm provided at a position that is directed in a first direction from the first outer surface of the housing body, and a release operation portion provided on a second outer surface of the housing body opposite to the first outer surface, wherein the release operation portion has a projection that protrudes in a first opposite direction which is opposite to the first direction, the projection is provided at a position that is directed in a second direction which intersects the first direction from the fitting cylinder portion, the projection has a first surface that faces in a second opposite direction which is opposite to the second direction, and the first surface is formed as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave toward the second direction when viewed from the first opposite direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The connector described herein has the effect of improving the ease of disconnection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector of one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line 3-3 in Figure 4) showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a rear view showing a connector of one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a first connector of one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line 7-7 in Figure 4) showing an enlarged portion of the connector in one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a connector of one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a side view illustrating the operation of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view illustrating the operation of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view illustrating the operation of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side view illustrating the operation of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a rear view illustrating the operation of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the application of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view showing an application example of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the application of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the application of a connector according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The connector of the present disclosure includes a first connector having a first housing and a first terminal fitting held by the first housing. The first housing includes: a housing body that accommodates the first terminal fitting therein; a fitting cylindrical portion that surrounds an outer circumference of the housing body; a lock arm provided at a position further toward a first direction than a first outer surface of the housing body; and a detachment operating portion provided on a second outer surface of the housing body opposite to the first outer surface. The detachment operating portion has a protruding portion that protrudes toward a first opposite direction which is opposite to the first direction, the protruding portion is provided at a position further toward a second direction intersecting the first direction than the fitting cylindrical portion, the protruding portion has a first surface facing a second opposite direction which is opposite to the second direction, and the first surface is formed as an arcuate curved surface that is concave toward the second direction when viewed from the first opposite direction.

[0009] According to this configuration, the detachment operating portion provided on the second outer surface of the housing body has the protruding portion provided at a position further toward the second direction than the fitting cylindrical portion. The first surface of the protruding portion facing the second opposite direction, that is, the first surface facing the fitting cylindrical portion, is formed as a curved surface concave toward the second direction (that is, a concave curved surface). Therefore, for example, when pulling the first housing toward the second direction with a finger hooked on the protruding portion, the pad of the finger can be widely brought into contact with the first surface which is the concave curved surface. This makes it possible to分散 the load applied to the finger when pulling the first housing toward the second direction, and suppress uneven load from being applied to the finger. As a result, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of a problem such as finger pain when pulling the first housing toward the second direction, thereby improving workability when detaching the first connector.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the protruding portion may have a width extending along a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, and the first surface may be formed as a curved surface where the amount of concavity toward the second direction increases as approaching the center in the third direction.

[0011] According to this configuration, the first surface of the protruding portion is formed such that the amount of depression in the second direction increases as it approaches the center of the protruding portion in the width direction. Therefore, when hooking a finger on the protruding portion, the central portion of the pad of the finger can be suitably brought into contact with the center of the first surface in the width direction. This allows a finger to be suitably hooked on the protruding portion. Accordingly, the first housing can be stably pulled toward the second direction in a state where a finger is hooked on the protruding portion.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the protruding portion may have a second surface facing the first opposite direction, and the second surface may be formed as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave toward the first direction when viewed from the second direction.

[0013] According to this configuration, the second surface of the protruding portion facing the first opposite direction is formed as a curved surface that is concave toward the first direction. Therefore, for example, when pulling the first housing toward the second direction in a state where the lock arm and the protruding portion are pinched between two fingers, the tip portion of the pad of the finger can be widely brought into contact with the second surface, which is a concave curved surface. This makes it possible to disperse the load applied to the finger when pulling the first housing toward the second direction, and suppress an uneven load from being applied to the finger.

[0014] [4] In the above [3], the protruding portion may have a third surface provided at a corner between the first surface and the second surface, and the third surface may be formed as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave toward the second direction when viewed from the first opposite direction.

[0015] According to this configuration, the third surface provided at the corner between the first surface and the second surface of the protruding portion is formed as a curved surface that is concave toward the second direction. Therefore, for example, when pulling the first housing toward the second direction in a state where a finger is hooked on the protruding portion, the pad of the finger can be widely brought into contact with the third surface and the first surface, which are concave curved surfaces. This makes it possible to disperse the load applied to the finger when pulling the first housing toward the second direction, and suppress an uneven load from being applied to the finger.

[0016] [5] In the above [3] or [4], the release operation portion has a projection base provided on the second outer surface, a projection portion projecting in the first opposite direction from the first opposite end face of the projection base, and a groove portion recessed in the first direction from the first opposite end face of the projection base, wherein the first surface is formed to be inclined toward the second direction as it approaches the second surface from the first opposite end face of the projection base, the axial direction of the groove portion extends along the second direction, the groove portion extends to the projection portion so as to divide the first surface in the third direction, and the first inner surface of the groove portion facing the second opposite direction may extend perpendicular to the second direction.

[0017] In this configuration, the release operation section is composed of a projection base, a projection portion projecting in the first opposite direction from the projection base, and a groove portion provided on the first opposite end face of the projection base. In this case, the first surface of the projection portion facing the second opposite direction is formed as an inclined surface. Furthermore, the first inner surface of the groove portion dividing the first surface, facing the second opposite direction, is formed to be perpendicular to the axial direction of the groove portion.

[0018] [6] In the above [5], the present invention further comprises a wire cover attached to the outer circumference of the housing body, wherein the wire cover has a protruding portion that fits into the groove, the longitudinal direction of the protruding portion extends along the second direction, and the first end face of the protruding portion facing the second direction extends perpendicular to the second direction and is formed to be engageable with the first inner surface of the groove.

[0019] In this configuration, when the wire cover is attached to the outer circumference of the housing body, the protruding portion of the wire cover is fitted into the groove of the detachment operation portion. The first end face of the protruding portion and the first inner surface of the groove are formed to engage with each other, and are oriented perpendicular to the second direction. As a result, when the wire cover is pulled in the second direction, the engagement between the first end face and the first inner surface allows the housing body to be pulled in the second direction together with the wire cover. Therefore, the detachment operation of the first connector can be performed with the wire cover still attached to the housing body. As a result, the work of removing the wire cover from the housing body can be omitted, improving the workability when detaching the first connector compared to when the wire cover must be removed when detaching the first connector.

[0020] [7] In any one of the above [1] to [6], the first connector is further connected to a second connector into which the first connector is attached and detached, the second connector having a second housing that is fitted into the first housing and a second terminal fitting that is electrically connected to the first terminal fitting, the second housing may have a hood that is fitted between the housing body and the fitting cylinder and a locking projection that protrudes from the outer surface of the hood and is capable of engaging with the locking arm.

[0021] This configuration, as in [1] above, improves the ease of disconnecting the first connector from the second connector. [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the connectors of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for the sake of explanation. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel," "orthogonal," and "perpendicular" include not only cases where they are strictly parallel, orthogonal, or perpendicular, but also cases where they are approximately parallel, orthogonal, or perpendicular within the range that produces the effects of this embodiment. As used in this description, "cylindrical" includes not only those in which a circumferential wall is formed continuously around the entire circumference, but also those formed by combining multiple parts to form a cylinder, or those having a cutout or the like in the circumferential direction, such as a C-shape. The shape of "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygons with pointed or rounded corners. In this specification, "opposing" means that faces or members are in a position facing each other. In this specification, "opposing" includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, the term "opposing" in this specification includes both cases where a component other than the two parts is interposed between the two parts, and cases where nothing is interposed between the two parts. Also, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in this specification are used merely to distinguish objects and do not rank them. The present invention is not limited to these examples and is shown in the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended.

[0022] (Overall configuration of connector 10) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connector 10 comprises a first connector 20 and a second connector 80 to which the first connector 20 is attached and detached. The connector 10 is a waterproof connector. In this embodiment, the first connector 20 is a female connector. In this embodiment, the second connector 80 is a male connector. The second connector 80 is directly connected to, for example, equipment not shown. As shown in Figure 3, the first connector 20 has a first housing 21 and a first terminal fitting 60 held in the first housing 21. The second connector 80 has a second housing 81 that can be mated into the first housing 21 and a second terminal fitting 82 held in the second housing 81. In the connector 10, the first terminal fitting 60 and the second terminal fitting 82 are electrically connected when the first housing 21 is mated into the second housing 81.

[0023] Here, each drawing shows a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z perpendicular to both the first axis X and the second axis Y. The length of the connector 10 extends along the first axis X. Each drawing shows a forward X1 along the first axis X and a backward X2 opposite to the forward X1. Here, the forward X1 is the forward direction in which the first connector 20 is mated to the second connector 80. The height of the connector 10 extends along the second axis Y. Each drawing shows an upward Y1 along the second axis Y and a downward Y2 opposite to the upward Y1. The width of the connector 10 extends along the third axis Z. Note that the connector 10 can be positioned in any orientation and is not necessarily used with the upward Y1 facing upwards.

[0024] (Configuration of the second connector 80) As shown in Figure 2, the second housing 81 has a cylindrical hood 83 and a locking projection 84 that protrudes upward Y1 from the outer surface of the hood 83 above Y1. The second housing 81 is a single component in which the hood 83 and the locking projection 84 are formed in a continuous, integral manner. The second housing 81 is made of synthetic resin. Note that only a portion of the second housing 81 is shown in each drawing.

[0025] The hood 83 is formed in a flattened shape that is longer along the third axis Z than along the second axis Y. The hood 83 opens towards the rear X2. As shown in Figure 3, the locking projection 84 has an inclined surface 85 and an engaging surface 86. The inclined surface 85 is formed to slope forward X1 as it approaches the end of the engaging surface 86 at the upper Y1 from the outer surface of the hood 83 at the upper Y1. The engaging surface 86 is formed to be perpendicular to the forward X1, which is the mating direction of the first connector 20 to the second connector 80. In this embodiment, the engaging surface 86 is formed to extend vertically from the outer surface of the hood 83 at the upper Y1. The engaging surface 86 is provided on the end face of the locking projection 84 at the forward X1.

[0026] Multiple (only one is shown in Figure 3) second terminal fittings 82 are arranged to protrude from the inside of the hood 83. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the multiple second terminal fittings 82 are arranged in a line along the third axis Z inside the hood 83. Each second terminal fitting 82 is a pin-shaped or tab-shaped male terminal fitting.

[0027] (Configuration of the first connector 20) As shown in Figure 2, the first connector 20 includes a first housing 21, a plurality (five in this embodiment) of first terminal fittings 60, a retainer 70, and a sealing member 75. The plurality of first terminal fittings 60 are arranged in a line along the third axis Z. Each first terminal fitting 60 is inserted into the first housing 21 along the front X1.

[0028] (Configuration of Housing 21, Unit 1) As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first housing 21 includes a housing body 22, a cylindrical fitting cylinder portion 30 surrounding the outer circumference of the housing body 22, a locking arm 40, and a release operation portion 50. The first housing 21 is a single component in which the housing body 22, the fitting cylinder portion 30, the locking arm 40, and the release operation portion 50 are continuously and integrally formed. The first housing 21 is made of synthetic resin.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the housing body 22 accommodates a plurality of first terminal fittings 60 inside. The housing body 22 has a plurality (five in this embodiment) of cavities 23. The five cavities 23 are arranged in a row along the third axis Z. Each first terminal fitting 60 is inserted into each cavity 23 along the front X1. The five cavities 23 each individually accommodate five first terminal fittings 60.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, each cavity 23 penetrates the housing body 22 along the first axis X. A cantilevered lance 24 is provided inside each cavity 23. The lance 24 is formed to be flexible and deformable. The lance 24 has the function of preventing the first terminal fitting 60 from coming out of the cavity 23 by elastically engaging with the first terminal fitting 60.

[0031] Here, each first terminal fitting 60 is connected to the end of the electric wire W1. Each first terminal fitting 60 is a female type terminal fitting having a female terminal portion 61 and an electric wire connection portion 62. Each first terminal fitting 60 has the female terminal portion 61 and the electric wire connection portion 62 formed in a continuous, integral manner. The female terminal portion 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of housing the second terminal fitting 82 inside. The electric wire connection portion 62 is crimped to the core wire of the electric wire W1 and is also crimped to a rubber stopper 63 attached to the outer surface of the electric wire W1. The rubber stopper 63 is attached to the outer surface of the end of the electric wire W1 so as to be in close contact with the inner surface of the cavity 23. Each electric wire W1 is led out from the rear X2 end of the cavity 23 to the outside of the housing body 22.

[0032] A retainer 70 is assembled to the front end X1 of the housing body 22 along the rear X2. The retainer 70 has a restricting portion 71 that is inserted into the cavity 23 and also inserted below Y2 of the lance 24. The restricting portion 71 restricts the bending deformation of the lance 24 by contacting the lance 24 from below Y2. The retainer 70 is made of synthetic resin.

[0033] The housing body 22 is fitted inside the hood 83 of the second housing 81 when the first connector 20 and the second connector 80 are mated together. A sealing member 75 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the housing body 22. The sealing member 75 is formed in a ring shape along the outer circumferential surface of the housing body 22. When the mating of the first housing 21 and the second housing 81 is completed, the sealing member 75 is positioned in an elastically compressed state between the outer circumferential surface of the housing body 22 and the inner circumferential surface of the hood 83. This ensures a liquid-tight seal between the first housing 21 and the second housing 81. The sealing member 75 is made of rubber.

[0034] (Configuration of the fitting cylinder portion 30) As shown in Figure 5, the fitting cylinder portion 30 is formed to surround the outer circumference of the housing body 22 over its entire circumference. The fitting cylinder portion 30 is formed in a flattened shape, longer along the third axis Z than along the second axis Y. The circumferential wall of the upper Y1 of the fitting cylinder portion 30 is provided with a bulge portion 31 that bulges upward towards Y1. The bulge portion 31 has a pair of wall portions 32 that face each other along the third axis Z, and a covering wall 33 that covers the upper Y1 of the housing body 22 between the pair of wall portions 32. As shown in Figure 1, each wall portion 32 extends from the front end X1 of the fitting cylinder portion 30 toward the rear X2. The rear end X2 of each wall portion 32 is formed to connect to the end face of the upper Y1 of the housing body 22. The covering wall 33 is formed to connect the upper Y1 ends of the pair of wall portions 32. The covering wall 33 is provided with a notch 34 formed to cut out the rear end X2 of the covering wall 33.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the fitting cylinder portion 30 is fitted to the outside of the hood 83 of the second housing 81 when the first connector 20 and the second connector 80 are fitted together. A connecting wall 35 is provided at the rear X2 end of the fitting cylinder portion 30, connecting the fitting cylinder portion 30 to the housing body 22. As shown in Figure 4, the connecting wall 35 has an opening 36. The opening 36 is positioned to overlap with the release operation portion 50 when viewed from a direction along the first axis X. The opening 36 extends along the third axis Z. The dimensions of the opening 36 along the third axis Z are larger than the dimensions of the release operation portion 50 along the third axis Z. As shown in Figure 3, the opening 36 is formed to penetrate the connecting wall 35 along the first axis X.

[0036] (Configuration of the lock arm 40) As shown in Figure 1, the lock arm 40 is positioned above the outer surface (first outer surface) of the housing body 22 in the upper Y1. The lock arm 40 is, for example, located inside the bulge 31. The lock arm 40 is positioned between the housing body 22 and the covering wall 33 of the bulge 31 along the second axis Y.

[0037] The lock arm 40 has a pair of arms 41 extending along a first axis X, a locking portion 42 connecting the front ends X1 of the pair of arms 41, and an operating portion 43 connecting the rear ends X2 of the pair of arms 41. The pair of arms 41 are arranged to face each other along a third axis Z. Although not shown in detail, the pair of arms 41 are each connected to extensions 32A extending from a pair of wall portions 32. In this embodiment, the extensions 32A are connected to the portion of the arm 41 that connects to the operating portion 43. The lock arm 40 is designed to bend and deform in the direction along the second axis Y, with the portion where the arm 41 and the extension 32A are connected, i.e., the operating portion 43, as the fulcrum. As shown in Figure 3, the rear end face X2 of the locking portion 42 is formed to be able to engage with the engagement surface 86 of the locking projection 84. The operating portion 43 is positioned to overlap with the notch 34 when viewed from above Y1. The operating part 43 is pressed downward towards Y2, for example, by the operator's finger. When the operating part 43 is pressed, the lock arm 40 is deformed by bending with the operating part 43 as the pivot point. This releases the engagement between the lock part 42 and the lock projection 84, making it possible to detach the first housing 21 from the second housing 81.

[0038] (Configuration of the detachment operation unit 50) As shown in Figure 5, the detachment operation unit 50 is provided on the lower outer surface (second outer surface) of the housing body 22 in Y2. The detachment operation unit 50 is located at the center of the housing body 22 in the width direction (here, in the direction along the third axis Z).

[0039] The release operation section 50 is located at a position X2 further rearward than the fitting cylinder section 30. That is, the release operation section 50 is located on the outer surface of the housing body 22 in the portion exposed from the fitting cylinder section 30.

[0040] The detachment operation section 50 has a projection base 51 formed on the outer surface of the lower Y2 of the housing body 22, and a projection 52 that protrudes downward toward Y2 from the end face of the projection base 51 in the lower Y2.

[0041] The projection base 51 is formed to protrude downward Y2 from the outer surface of the housing body 22 downward Y2. The projection base 51 extends from the rear edge X2 of the housing body 22 along the first axis X to the fitting cylinder portion 30. The width direction of the projection base 51 extends along the third axis Z. The end face of the projection base 51 downward Y2 is formed as a flat surface overall.

[0042] The projection 52 is provided at the rear X2 end of the projection base 51. The projection 52 is provided only on a portion of the projection base 51 along the first axis X. The projection 52 is formed to extend along the entire width of the projection base 51. The width of the projection 52 extends along the third axis Z. The projection 52 has a first surface 53 facing forward X1, a second surface 54 facing downward Y2, and a third surface 55 provided between the first surface 53 and the second surface 54.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the first surface 53 faces the fitting cylinder portion 30. The first surface 53 is formed to extend from the lower end face Y2 of the projection base 51 to the third surface 55. The first surface 53 is formed to slope towards the rear X2 as it approaches the third surface 55 from the lower end face Y2 of the projection base 51.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the first surface 53 is formed as a curved surface that is curved when viewed from the direction along the second axis Y (see dashed line in the figure). The first surface 53 is formed as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave toward the rear X2. The first surface 53 is formed as a curved surface in which the amount of concavity toward the rear X2 increases as it approaches the center in the width direction of the protrusion 52 (here, the direction along the third axis Z).

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the second surface 54 is formed as a curved surface that is curved when viewed from the direction along the first axis X. The second surface 54 is formed as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave upward towards Y1. The second surface 54 is formed as a curved surface in which the amount of concavity upward towards Y1 increases as it approaches the center in the width direction of the protrusion 52 (here, the direction along the third axis Z).

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, the third surface 55 is provided at the corner between the first surface 53 and the second surface 54. The cross-sectional shape of the third surface 55 obtained by cutting the protruding portion 52 with a plane perpendicular to the third axis Z is R-shaped, that is, it is formed as a curved surface that is curved in an arc shape. In this embodiment, the third surface 55 is formed with a shape in which the corner between the first surface 53 and the second surface 54 is rounded off with an R chamfer.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the third surface 55 is formed as a curved surface that is curved when viewed from the direction along the second axis Y. The third surface 55 is formed as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave toward the rear X2, for example. The third surface 55 is formed as a curved surface in which the amount of concavity toward the rear X2 increases as it approaches the center in the width direction of the protrusion 52 (here, the direction along the third axis Z).

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the release operation section 50 has a groove 56. The groove 56 is formed to be recessed from the lower end face Y2 of the projection base 51 toward the upper end Y1. The groove 56 is located at the center of the projection base 51 in the width direction. The axial direction of the groove 56 extends along the first axis X. The groove 56 extends to the projection 52 so as to divide the first surface 53 of the projection 52. The portion of the groove 56 that divides the projection 52 is formed to penetrate the projection 52 along the second axis Y. The groove 56 is formed to divide the first surface 53 and the third surface 55 of the projection 52 in the width direction (third direction) of the projection 52. As shown in Figure 3, the inner surfaces at each end of the groove 56 in the axial direction (here, the direction along the first axis X), specifically the first inner surface 57 facing forward X1 and the second inner surface 58 facing backward X2 of the groove 56, are formed to be perpendicular to the axial direction of the groove 56.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, when the first connector 20 and the second connector 80 are properly mated, the entire operating portion 43 of the lock arm 40 is exposed to the outside, and the entire release operating portion 50 is also exposed to the outside.

[0050] (Operation of this embodiment) Next, a first method for detaching the first connector 20 from the second connector 80 will be described according to Figures 9 to 11. Note that in Figure 9, a portion of the first housing 21 is broken to illustrate the operating portion 43 of the lock arm 40.

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, when detaching the first connector 20 from the second connector 80, the first finger 91 is brought into contact with the upper end face Y1 of the operating part 43 of the lock arm 40 through the notch 34 from the rear X2, and the second finger 92 is hooked onto the protrusion 52 of the detachment operating part 50. Here, the first finger 91 is, for example, the thumb. The second finger 92 is, for example, the index finger. The second finger 92 is hooked onto the protrusion 52 such that the pad of the second finger 92 is in contact with the first surface 53 and the third surface 55 of the protrusion 52, with the fingertip of the second finger 92 pointing in the direction along the third axis Z. Then, with the first finger 91 and the second finger 92 in contact with the operating part 43 and the protrusion 52 respectively, force is applied to the first finger 91 to press the operating part 43 downward Y2. This pressing operation causes the lock arm 40 to bend and deform with the operating part 43 as the fulcrum, and the front end X1 of the lock arm 40 is lifted upward Y1. This releases the lock between the lock part 42 and the lock projection 84 shown in Figure 3. Then, while the lock arm 40 remains bent and deformed, that is, while continuing to press the operating part 43 with the first finger 91, force is applied to the second finger 92 hooked onto the projection 52 and the first housing 21 is pulled backward X2. This allows the first connector 20 to be detached from the second connector 80. This method allows the unlocking operation and the detachment operation to be performed as a series of operations, resulting in good work efficiency.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the pad of the second finger 92 in the above method is in contact with the first surface 53 and the third surface 55. At this time, each of the first surface 53 and the third surface 55 is formed as a curved surface that matches the pad of the second finger 92, specifically as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave toward the rear X2. Therefore, when pulling the first housing 21 toward the rear X2, the pad of the second finger 92 can be made to make broad contact with the concave curved surfaces of the first surface 53 and the third surface 55. This makes it possible to distribute the load on the second finger 92 when pulling the first housing 21 toward the rear X2, and to prevent uneven load on the second finger 92. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent problems such as pain in the second finger 92 when pulling the first housing 21 toward the rear X2, thereby improving the workability when detaching the first connector 20 from the second connector 80.

[0053] Next, a second method for detaching the first connector 20 from the second connector 80 will be described according to Figure 12. Note that in Figure 12, a portion of the first housing 21 is broken to illustrate the operating portion 43 of the lock arm 40.

[0054] As shown in Figure 12, the first finger 91 is brought into contact with the upper end face Y1 of the operating part 43, and the second finger 92 is hooked onto the protrusion 52 of the release operating part 50. In this example, the second finger 92 is hooked onto the protrusion 52 such that the pad of the second finger 92 contacts the first surface 53 and the third surface 55 of the protrusion 52, with the tip of the second finger 92 bent upward towards Y1. Then, by pressing the operating part 43 with the first finger 91, the lock arm 40 is deformed, and force is applied to the second finger 92 hooked onto the protrusion 52 to pull the first housing 21 backward X2. This allows the first connector 20 to be released from the second connector 80. At this time, the pad of the second finger 92 can be brought into broad contact with the concave curved surfaces, the first surface 53 and the third surface 55. This allows the load on the second finger 92 to be distributed when pulling the first housing 21 backward X2, preventing uneven load distribution on the second finger 92. As a result, problems such as pain in the second finger 92 when pulling the first housing 21 backward X2 can be effectively prevented, thereby improving the workability when detaching the first connector 20 from the second connector 80.

[0055] Next, a third method for detaching the first connector 20 from the second connector 80 will be described according to Figures 13 and 14. Note that in Figure 13, a portion of the first housing 21 is broken to illustrate the operating portion 43 of the lock arm 40.

[0056] As shown in Figure 13, the first finger 91 is brought into contact with the upper end face Y1 of the operating part 43, and the second finger 92 is brought into contact with the second surface 54 of the protruding part 52. In this way, the upper end face Y1 of the operating part 43 and the second surface 54, which is the lower end face Y2 of the protruding part 52, are pinched between the first finger 91 and the second finger 92. Then, by pressing the operating part 43 with the first finger 91, the lock arm 40 is bent and deformed, and while applying force with the second finger 92, the first housing 21 is pulled backward X2 while being pinched between the first finger 91 and the second finger 92. This allows the first connector 20 to be detached from the second connector 80. In this example, the fingertip of the second finger 92 is in contact with the second surface 54. Specifically, the tip of the pad of the second finger 92 is in contact with the second surface 54.

[0057] At this time, as shown in Figure 14, the second surface 54 is formed as a curved surface that matches the pad of the second finger 92, specifically as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave upward towards Y1. Therefore, when the first housing 21 is pulled backward X2 while being held between the first finger 91 and the second finger 92, the tip of the pad of the second finger 92 can be made to make broad contact with the concave curved surface of the second surface 54. As a result, the load on the second finger 92 can be distributed when pulling the first housing 21 backward X2, and uneven load on the second finger 92 can be suppressed. As a result, problems such as pain in the second finger 92 when pulling the first housing 21 backward X2 can be effectively suppressed, and the workability when detaching the first connector 20 from the second connector 80 can be improved.

[0058] As described above, the first surface 53, the second surface 54, and the third surface 55, which the second finger 92 may come into contact with during the detachment operation of the first connector 20, are each formed as concave curved surfaces. Therefore, even when the first housing 21 is held in various ways during the detachment operation, uneven load on the second finger 92 can be effectively suppressed.

[0059] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The release operation part 50 provided on the lower outer surface (second outer surface) of the housing body 22 has a projection 52 located at a position further rear X2 than the fitting cylinder part 30. The first surface 53 of the projection 52 facing forward X1, that is, the first surface 53 facing the fitting cylinder part 30, is formed as a curved surface that is concave toward the rear X2 (i.e., a concave curved surface). Therefore, for example, when the first housing 21 is pulled backward X2 with the second finger 92 hooked onto the projection 52, the pad of the second finger 92 can be made to make broad contact with the concave curved surface of the first surface 53. This makes it possible to suppress uneven load on the second finger 92 when pulling the first housing 21 backward X2. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress problems such as the second finger 92 becoming painful when pulling the first housing 21 backward X2, thereby improving the workability when releasing the first connector 20.

[0060] (2) The first surface 53 of the projection 52 is formed such that the amount of recess toward the rear X2 increases as it approaches the center in the width direction of the projection 52 (here, the direction along the third axis Z). Therefore, when hooking the second finger 92 onto the projection 52, the central part of the pad of the second finger 92 can be suitably brought into contact with the center of the first surface 53 in the width direction. This allows the second finger 92 to be suitably hooked onto the projection 52. Thus, the first housing 21 can be stably pulled toward the rear X2 with the second finger 92 hooked onto the projection 52.

[0061] (3) The second surface 54 of the protrusion 52 that faces downward Y2 is formed as a curved surface that is concave toward upward Y1. Therefore, when the first housing 21 is pulled backward X2 while the lock arm 40 and the protrusion 52 are pinched between the first finger 91 and the second finger 92, the tip of the pad of the second finger 92 can be made to make broad contact with the concave curved surface of the second surface 54. This makes it possible to prevent uneven loading on the second finger 92 when the first housing 21 is pulled backward X2.

[0062] (4) The third surface 55 of the protrusion 52, which is provided at the corner between the first surface 53 and the second surface 54, is formed as a curved surface that is concave toward the rear X2. Therefore, for example, when the first housing 21 is pulled toward the rear X2 with the second finger 92 hooked onto the protrusion 52, the pad of the second finger 92 can be brought into contact with the concave curved surface of the third surface 55. This makes it possible to prevent uneven loading on the second finger 92 when the first housing 21 is pulled toward the rear X2.

[0063] (Example of application of connector 10) Next, examples of applications of connector 10 will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 18. As shown in Figure 15, a wire cover 100 can be attached to the first connector 20. The wire cover 100 is attached to the rear end X2 of the housing body 22. The wire cover 100 protects the wire W1 that is drawn out from the housing body 22 toward the rear X2. The wire cover 100 also restricts the direction in which the wire W1 is drawn out from the housing body 22.

[0064] As shown in Figure 16, the wire cover 100 has a receiving portion 110 and a lid portion 120 that is detachably formed on the receiving portion 110. The receiving portion 110 and the lid portion 120 are, for example, separate parts. The lid portion 120 is assembled to the receiving portion 110 along the downward Y2. When the receiving portion 110 and the lid portion 120 are combined, the wire cover 100 is formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer circumference of the rear end X2 of the housing body 22 around its entire circumference. The cylindrical wire cover 100 opens towards the front X1 and also towards the rear X2. The receiving portion 110 and the lid portion 120 are each made of synthetic resin. The materials of the receiving portion 110 and the lid portion 120 may be the same or different.

[0065] The receiving portion 110 is formed in a half-cylindrical shape overall. The receiving portion 110 has a bottom wall 111 facing the lid portion 120, and two side walls 112 that protrude toward the lid portion 120 from both side edges of the bottom wall 111. The receiving portion 110 is open toward upward Y1.

[0066] A first recess 113 is provided on the inner surface of the bottom wall 111 that faces the lid portion 120 along the second axis Y, that is, on the upper end face Y1 of the bottom wall 111, recessing downward Y2. The first recess 113 is located at the center of the bottom wall 111 along the third axis Z. The first recess 113 is positioned opposite the release operation portion 50 of the first housing 21 along the second axis Y. The first recess 113 is sized to allow the protruding base 51 (see Figure 5) of the release operation portion 50 to be fitted into it.

[0067] The bottom surface of the first recess 113 is provided with a projection 114 that protrudes upward Y1 from the bottom surface. The length of the projection 114 extends along the first axis X. The projection 114 is located at the central position of the first recess 113 along the third axis Z.

[0068] As shown in Figure 17, the protruding portion 114 is formed to be fitted into the groove portion 56 of the release operation portion 50. The protruding portion 114 is fitted into the groove portion 56 along the upper direction Y1. By fitting the protruding portion 114 into the groove portion 56, the receiving portion 110 can be positioned relative to the housing body 22. Each end face of the protruding portion 114 in the longitudinal direction, specifically the first end face 115 facing rearward X2 and the second end face 116 facing forward X1 of the protruding portion 114, is formed to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protruding portion 114 (here, the direction along the first axis X). The first end face 115 is provided so as to face the first inner surface 57 of the groove portion 56 along the first axis X. The first end face 115 is engageable with the first inner surface 57 along the first axis X. The second end face 116 is provided so as to face the second inner surface 58 of the groove portion 56 along the first axis X. The second end face 116 is engageable with the second inner surface 58 along the first axis X.

[0069] As shown in Figure 16, the bottom surface of the first recess 113 is provided with a second recess 117 that recesses downward Y2 from the bottom surface. The second recess 117 is provided at the rear X2 end of the first recess 113.

[0070] As shown in Figure 18, the second recess 117 is formed so that the protrusion 52 of the release operation part 50 can be fitted into it. The third inner surface 118 of the second recess 117, which faces rearward X2, is provided so as to face the first surface 53 of the protrusion 52 along the first axis X. The third inner surface 118 is formed to be inclined in accordance with the inclination of the first surface 53. The third inner surface 118 is formed to be inclined towards rearward X2 as it moves from the bottom surface of the first recess 113 toward the bottom surface of the second recess 117.

[0071] As shown in Figure 16, each side wall 112 is formed integrally with the bottom wall 111. Each side wall 112 projects upward Y1 from each of the edges of the third axis Z of the bottom wall 111. Each side wall 112 faces each other, for example, along the second axis Y.

[0072] The receiving portion 110 has one or more first engaging portions 119. The first engaging portions 119 are provided on the outer surface of the side wall 112. The first engaging portions 119 are projections that protrude outward from the outer surface of the side wall 112.

[0073] The lid portion 120 has a lid body 121 and one or more second engaging portions 122. The lid body 121 is formed to close the opening Y1 above the receiving portion 110. The lid body 121 is provided so as to face the bottom wall 111 and the two side walls 112 along the second axis Y. The lid body 121 is formed in a plate shape.

[0074] The second engaging portion 122 is provided so as to face the first engaging portion 119 of the receiving portion 110. The second engaging portion 122 is formed to be engageable with the first engaging portion 119. The second engaging portion 122 is an elastic piece that protrudes toward the first engaging portion 119 and is formed to be elastically deformable along the third axis Z. The second engaging portion 122 is formed, for example, in a rectangular frame and has an engagement hole 123 in the center of the rectangle that can engage with the first engaging portion 119. The engagement between the first engaging portion 119 and the second engaging portion 122 maintains the state in which the receiving portion 110 and the lid portion 120 are joined together.

[0075] Here, as shown in Figure 17, when the wire cover 100 is attached to the housing body 22, the entire operating section 43 of the lock arm 40 is exposed to the outside, while the entire release operating section 50 is covered by the wire cover 100.

[0076] Next, an example of how to disconnect the first connector 20 from the second connector 80 will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. First, when the wire cover 100 is attached to the housing body 22, the protruding portion 114 of the wire cover 100 is fitted into the groove 56 of the release operation portion 50, and the projection 52 of the release operation portion 50 is fitted into the second recess 117 of the wire cover 100. As a result, the first end face 115 of the protruding portion 114 facing rear X2 and the first inner surface 57 of the groove 56 facing forward X1 engage with each other along the first axis X. Therefore, when the wire cover 100 is pulled rear X2 while the operation portion 43 is pressed, the engagement between the first end face 115 and the first inner surface 57 allows the first housing 21 to be pulled rear X2 together with the wire cover 100.

[0077] Thus, in the connector 10 of this application example, the first connector 20 can be detached from the second connector 80 while the wire cover 100 is still attached to the housing body 22. This eliminates the need to remove the wire cover 100 from the housing body 22, thus improving the ease of detaching the first connector 20 compared to cases where the wire cover 100 must be removed when detaching the first connector 20.

[0078] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0079] The structure of the wire cover 100 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the structure of the wire cover 100 can be modified as appropriate to match the routing path of the wire W1.

[0080] In the above embodiment of the wire cover 100, the receiving portion 110 and the cover portion 120 are made of separate parts, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the receiving portion 110 and the cover portion 120 may be integrally formed via a hinge or the like.

[0081] The wire cover 100 in the above embodiment may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the groove 56 is formed to extend to the projection 52 so as to divide the first surface 53, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the groove 56 may be provided only on the projection base 51 of the projection base 51 and projection 52.

[0082] The groove 56 in the release operation section 50 of the above embodiment may be omitted. The projection base 51 in the detachment operation section 50 of the above embodiment may be omitted. In this case, the projection 52 is formed to protrude downward Y2 from the lower end face Y2 of the housing body 22.

[0083] The structure of the protruding portion 52 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the second surface 54 of the protrusion 52 is formed as a curved surface that is concave upward Y1 when viewed from the direction along the first axis X, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second surface 54 may be formed as a plane that extends straight along the third axis Z when viewed from the direction along the first axis X.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the third surface 55 of the protrusion 52 is formed as a curved surface that is concave toward the rear X2 when viewed from the direction along the second axis Y, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the third surface 55 may be formed as a plane that extends straight along the third axis Z when viewed from the direction along the second axis Y.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the number of first terminal fittings 60 held in the first housing 21 can be changed as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the first connector 20 is embodied as a female connector and the second connector 80 is embodied as a male connector, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first connector 20 may be embodied as a male connector and the second connector 80 may be embodied as a female connector.

[0086] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications are intended to be in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10 connectors 20 First connector 21 Housing 1 22 Housing body 23 Cavity 24 Lance 30 Fitting cylinder 31 Bulge 32 Wall 32A Extension 33 Covering wall 34 Notch 35 Connecting wall 36 Opening 40 Lock Arm 41 Arm 42 Lock section 43 Operation section 44 Engagement surface 50 Detachment operation unit 51 Protruding stand 52 Protrusion 53 Page 1 54 2nd page 55 Page 3 56 Groove 57 First Inner Surface 58 Second Inner Self 60 First terminal fitting 61 Female terminal section 62 Wire connection section 63 Rubber stopper 70 Retainers 71 Regulatory Department 75 sealing member 80 Second connector 81 Second Housing 82. Second terminal fitting 83 Food 84 Locking projection 85 Slope 86 Engagement surface 91 1st finger 92 2nd finger 100 wire cover 110 Receiving part 111 Bottom wall 112 Side wall 113 First recess 114 Projection part 115 1st end face 116 Second end face 117 Second recess 118 Third Inner Surface 119 First engaging part 120 Lid 121 Lid body 122 Second engaging part 123 Engagement hole W1 electric wire X 1st axis X1 Forward (second opposite direction) X2 Rear (second direction) Y 2nd axis Y1 Upward (first direction) Y2 Downward (First opposite direction) Z 3rd axis

Claims

1. The first connector comprises a first housing and a first terminal fitting held in the first housing, The first housing is, A housing body that houses the first terminal fitting inside, A fitting cylinder portion that surrounds the outer circumference of the housing body, A locking arm is provided at a position that is directed in the first direction from the first outer surface of the housing body, The housing body has a detachment operation part provided on the second outer surface opposite to the first outer surface, The release operation portion has a protruding portion that protrudes toward a first opposite direction which is the opposite direction to the first direction, The aforementioned protrusion is positioned in a second direction that intersects the first direction with respect to the fitting cylinder portion. The protruding portion has a first surface facing a second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the second direction. The connector is formed on the first surface as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave toward the second direction when viewed from the first opposite direction.

2. The protruding portion has a width that extends along a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first surface is formed as a curved surface in which the amount of recess in the second direction increases as it approaches the center in the third direction.

3. The protruding portion has a second surface facing the first opposite direction, The connector according to claim 2, wherein the second surface is formed as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave toward the first direction when viewed from the second direction.

4. The aforementioned protrusion has a third surface provided at the corner between the first surface and the second surface, The connector according to claim 3, wherein the third surface is formed as an arc-shaped curved surface that is concave toward the second direction when viewed from the first opposite direction.

5. The release operation section has a projection base provided on the second outer surface, a projection portion that protrudes in the first opposite direction from the first opposite end face of the projection base, and a groove portion that is recessed in the first direction from the first opposite end face of the projection base. The first surface is formed such that it slopes toward the second direction as it approaches the second surface from the first opposite end surface of the protruding base, The axial direction of the groove extends along the second direction, The groove extends to the protruding portion so as to divide the first surface in the third direction, The connector according to claim 3, wherein the first inner surface of the groove portion facing the second opposite direction extends perpendicular to the second direction.

6. The housing body is further equipped with a wire cover attached to its outer circumference, The wire cover has a protruding portion that fits into the groove, The longitudinal direction of the aforementioned protrusion extends along the second direction, The connector according to claim 5, wherein the first end face of the protruding portion facing the second direction extends perpendicular to the second direction and is formed to be engageable with the first inner surface of the groove portion.

7. The device further includes a second connector to which the first connector is attached and detached. The second connector comprises a second housing that is fitted into the first housing, and a second terminal fitting that is electrically connected to the first terminal fitting. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the second housing has a hood fitted between the housing body and the fitting cylindrical portion, and a locking projection that protrudes from the outer surface of the hood and is capable of engaging with the locking arm.

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