connector

Abstract

The connector includes a first housing (10) and a second housing (14); and a detection member (13) configured to move relative to the first housing (10) to a standby position and a detection position, and is permitted to move from the standby position to the detection position when the two housings (10, 14) are properly engaged. The detection member (13) has an elastic portion (42) capable of flexing and displacing, and the second housing (14) has an interference portion (53) that interferes with the elastic portion (42). The elastic portion (42) has a flexed state that flexes and displaces due to interference with the interference portion (53), a restored state that displaces from the flexed state in a restoration direction, and a transferred state that transfers from the flexed state to the restored state. A detection induction portion (63) is provided in the interference portion (53). The detection induction portion (63) guides the detection member (13) to the detection position by sliding against the elastic portion (42) using the elastic restoration force of the elastic portion (42) in the transferred state of the elastic portion (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector comprising a pair of connector housings capable of mating with each other and a mating detection member. A locking arm is provided on one of the connector housings. The other connector housing has a locking portion that engages with a locking portion of the locking arm. When mated with one connector housing, the locking portion and the locking portion engage to connect the two housings. The mating detection member is slidably mounted on one connector housing along the mating direction, and its sliding movement detects the intermediate mating state of the connector housings. This connector, during the mating process of the pair of connector housings, can complete both the housing mating operation and the movement operation of the mating detection member in one operation. Such technology is also disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 5.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-373735

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 3-19273

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-6818

[0008] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-50180

[0009] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-147982 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] In the case of Patent Document 1, the fitting of the housing and the movement of the detection member can be completed in one operation, thus reducing the number of operations when the connector housings are connected to each other. However, since the operation involves directly pressing the fitting detection member into place during the fitting process, a two-stage pressing operation is required, consisting of the fitting operation of the housing and the movement operation of the fitting detection member.

[0012] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a simplified connector that enables operation.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] The connector disclosed herein includes: a first housing and a second housing capable of mating with each other; and a detection member configured to be movable relative to the first housing to a standby position and a detection position, and permitted to move toward the detection position when the first housing and the second housing are properly mated. Either the second housing or the detection member has a flexibly displaceable elastic portion, and the other has an interference portion that interferes with the elastic portion. The elastic portion has a flexed state that flexes and displaces due to interference with the interference portion, a restored state that displaces from the flexed state in a restoration direction, and a transfer state that transfers from the flexed state to the restored state. Either the elastic portion or the interference portion has a detection induction portion, which, in the transfer state of the elastic portion, uses the elastic restoration force of the elastic portion to slide against the other to induce the detection member toward the detection position.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to this disclosure, a simplified connector that enables operation can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of the connector on the female side of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along line III-III.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the detection component of the implementation method from the rear and top.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a front view of the second housing in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 The connector on the male side of the embodiment is equivalent to Figure 5 A sectional view along line VI-VI.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Sectional view along line VII-VII.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a top sectional view (one of the views) of the connector during the fitting process, showing the locking part and the locked part in the released state.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view (one) of the connector during the fitting process, showing the state of the locking arm elastically displaced.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a top sectional view (second one) of the connector during the fitting process, showing the elastic part in the transfer state.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a side sectional view (second one) of the connector during the fitting process, showing the state after the locking arm has just elastically recovered.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a top sectional view showing the connector in its properly engaged state.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a side sectional view showing the connector in its properly engaged state. Detailed Implementation

[0030] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0031] First, the implementation methods of this disclosure are listed and explained.

[0032] The connector disclosed herein,

[0033] (1) The device comprises: a first housing and a second housing that can be interlocked; and a detection member configured to be movable relative to the first housing to a standby position and a detection position, and permitted to move toward the detection position when the first housing and the second housing are properly interlocked. Either the second housing or the detection member has a flexible portion capable of flexural displacement, and the other has an interference portion that interferes with the flexible portion. The flexible portion has a flexed state where it flexes and displaces due to interference with the interference portion, a restored state where it displaces in a restoration direction from the flexed state, and a transferred state where it transfers from the flexed state to the restored state. Either the flexible portion or the interference portion has a detection induction portion, which, in the transferred state of the flexible portion, uses the elastic restoration force of the flexible portion to slide against the other and induces the detection member toward the detection position. According to this structure, when the first housing and the second housing are properly interlocked, the detection member is induced toward the detection position by the detection induction portion. The detection guide unit utilizes the elastic restoring force of the elastic part to automatically move towards the detection position without the operator's hand touching the detection component. Therefore, the operation is simplified by eliminating the need to press the detection component into the detection position after the connector is engaged.

[0034] (2) Preferably, the first housing houses the detection member. This structure avoids the situation where the detection member is located on the outside of the housing, thus preventing the connector from becoming too large due to the detection member.

[0035] (3) Preferably, the elastic part is made of resin and is integrally formed with the detection member or the second housing. With this structure, the elastic part can be easily formed integrally with the detection member or the second housing. Furthermore, compared to the case where it is formed separately from the detection member or the second housing, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0036] (4) Preferably, a pair of elastic portions are provided, and the pair of elastic portions are arranged opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the detection member. A pair of detection induction portions are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of elastic portions. According to this structure, compared with the case where there is only one elastic portion, it is easier to generate a larger elastic restoring force. In addition, by arranging the pairs opposite each other, a structure can be provided that allows the elastic restoring force to act in a balanced manner.

[0037] (5) Preferably, the detection induction part is disposed on the interference part, and a deflection induction part is disposed on the interference part. The deflection induction part contacts the elastic part before the detection induction part, thereby inducing the elastic part to a deflected state. According to this structure, the elastic part can be easily induced to a deflected state by means of the deflection induction part.

[0038] (6) Preferably, the elastic portion is disposed on the detection member, and the elastic portion has a locking portion. When the detection member is in the standby position, the locking portion can lock with a locked portion disposed on the first housing. When the elastic portion is in the flexed state, the locking portion is released from locking with the locked portion. According to this structure, by locking the locking portion with the locked portion, the state of the detection member in the standby position can be appropriately maintained. Furthermore, since the locking of the locking portion and the locked portion is released when the elastic portion is in the flexed state, it can be configured to automatically release during the fitting process. As a result, the operation of releasing the locking portion and the locked portion is not required, avoiding operational complexity.

[0039] (7) Preferably, the first housing has a resiliently displaceable locking arm that holds the second housing in a fitted state, the locking arm having a limiting portion that contacts the detection member in a resiliently displaced state to restrict the movement of the detection member toward the detection position. According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the detection member from undesirably moving from the standby position to the detection position when the connector is not properly fitted.

[0040] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0041] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 Specific examples of the connectors described herein are illustrated below. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to these examples, but as indicated by the claims, it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0042] A connector consists of male and female connectors that can be interlocked. For example... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the female connector includes a first housing 10, a first terminal part 11, a first stop 12, and a detection member 13. Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the male-side connector includes a second housing 14, a second terminal part 15, and a second stop 16. The first housing 10 and the second housing 14 can be fitted together. Furthermore, in the following description, regarding the front-rear direction, the faces of the two housings 10 and 14 that are opposite each other when they begin to fit together are considered their respective front sides. The vertical direction is... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 13 The vertical direction of each figure is used as the reference. The width direction is equivalent to... Figure 1 and Figure 5 The left and right directions, etc. The directions specified in this instruction manual do not necessarily have to match the actual directions.

[0043] <First Shell 10>

[0044] The first shell 10 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing body 20 has a block-shaped shape. The housing body 20 has multiple (in) Figure 1 There are four first cavities 21. Each first cavity 21 is arranged in a row in the width direction within the housing body 20. Figure 2 As shown, the housing body 20 has a flexible first spear-shaped portion 22 on the lower surface of each first cavity 21. A first terminal part 11 is inserted into the first cavity 21 from the rear and engages with the first spear-shaped portion 22 to prevent dislodgement. The housing body 20 has a first mounting hole 23 that communicates with each first cavity 21 and is open on the lower surface. A first stop 12 is inserted into the first mounting hole 23 from below.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the housing body 20 has a storage space 24 that extends through the front and rear and is open. The detection member 13 is housed in the storage space 24. The storage space 24 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape with its width as the long side, and is formed above a plurality of first cavities 21. A through-hole 25 extending vertically is formed on the upper rear wall of the storage space 24. The through-hole 25 is formed by cutting forward from the rear surface of the housing body 20 and is concave when viewed from above. The through-hole 25 extends through the protrusion 43 of the detection member 13 (described later) from below.

[0046] like Figure 3As shown, a locking portion 26 and a locking protrusion 27 are provided in the storage space 24. The locking portion 26 is located in the center of the storage space 24 in the left-right direction, and is close to the front. The locking portion 26 forms a crescent-shaped cross-section that convexes forward and extends in the vertical direction. The upper and lower ends of the locking portion 26 are connected to the upper and lower walls of the storage space 24, respectively. The locking portion 26 is locked with the locking portion 47 of the detection member 13, which will be described later. Figure 3 As shown, the rear surface of the locking portion 26 is shaped to slope rearward toward the outer side in the width direction. A pair of locking protrusions 27 are provided on the left and right walls of the storage space 24 near the rear. The pair of locking protrusions 27 are formed in a claw-like manner protruding from the left and right walls of the storage space 24 toward the center side in the width direction. The locking protrusions 27 engage with the locking protrusions 48 of the detection member 13, which will be described later.

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first housing 10 has a locking arm 28. The locking arm 28 is formed as a cantilever, protruding upward from the front end of the upper surface of the housing body 20 and extending rearward from its upper end. The locking arm 28 can be elastically moved downward with its front end connecting to the housing body 20 as a fulcrum. A pair of protective walls 36 are erected on the left and right sides of the upper surface of the housing body 20. The locking arm 28 is configured to be protected by the two protective walls 36 from the left and right directions.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the locking arm 28 has a locking protrusion 32, a unlocking portion 33, a limiting portion 34, and a supporting portion 35. The locking protrusion 32 is formed in a claw-like shape and protrudes from the front and rear middle portions of the upper surface of the locking arm 28. The locking protrusion 32 engages with the locking portion 58 of the second housing 14 when the first housing 10 and the second housing 14 are properly engaged. The unlocking portion 33 is formed higher in a stepped shape at the rear end of the locking arm 28. The unlocking portion 33 is pressed when the two housings 10 and 14 in the properly engaged state are disengaged.

[0049] When the two housings 10 and 14 begin to engage, the locking protrusion 32 of the locking arm 28 interferes with the locking part 58, and the locking arm 28 elastically shifts downward with its front end as the fulcrum. The locking arm 28 is engaged with the locking part 58 of the second housing 14 by the locking protrusion 32, thereby keeping the two housings 10 and 14 in an engaged state (see reference). Figure 11 , Figure 13 ).

[0050] The limiting part 34 restricts the movement of the detection member 13 towards the detection position. The limiting part 34 is located at the rear end of the locking arm 28 and faces rearward. The limiting part 34 is configured to contact the limiting receiving part 44 of the detection member 13 (described later) when the locking arm 28 is in a state of elastic displacement. The supporting part 35 is located at the rear end of the locking arm 28 and faces downward. The supporting part 35 is configured to contact the supporting part 45 of the detection member 13 (described later) when the locking arm 28 is in its natural state and the detection member 13 is in the detection position. By contacting the supporting part 45, the elastic downward displacement of the locking arm 28 is restricted, thereby preventing unlocking.

[0051] <Terminal component 11, Stop body 12>

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the first terminal part 11 is made of conductive metal and has an elongated shape extending in the front-rear direction. The first terminal part 11 is disposed within the first cavity 21 of the housing body 20. The first terminal part 11 is initially locked within the first cavity 21 by the first spear-shaped portion 22. When the connector is properly engaged, the first terminal part 11 connects to the second terminal part 15 of the male connector. The first stop 12 is made of synthetic resin and has an elongated shape in the width direction. The first stop 12 is inserted into the first mounting hole 23 of the housing body 20, thereby secondaryly preventing the first terminal part 11 from falling rearward from the first cavity 21.

[0053] <Detection Component 13>

[0054] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the detection component 13 is housed in the storage space 24 of the first housing 10. The detection component 13 is sized such that its entirety is housed within the storage space 24. The detection component 13 is configured to be movable relative to the first housing 10 to a standby position (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 ) and detection location (refer to Figure 12 , Figure 13 The detection component 13 moves from the standby position to the detection position when the first housing 10 and the second housing 14 are properly engaged.

[0055] The detection component 13 is made of synthetic resin. For example... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the detection member 13 has a detection member body 40, a pair of elastic portions 42, and a protruding portion 43. The detection member body 40 is shaped to extend along the width direction. A through hole 41 is formed in the center of the detection member body 40 in the width direction, extending vertically. The through hole 41 can be used as a fixture hole for returning the detection member 13 from the detection position to the standby position.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a pair of elastic portions 42 protrude forward from both ends of the detection member body 40 in the width direction. The pair of elastic portions 42 are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction. The two elastic portions 42 can flex and shift in the left-right direction with the connection portion with the detection member body 40 as the fulcrum. Each elastic portion 42 has an interference protrusion 46, a locking portion 47, and a locking protrusion 48. These interference protrusions 46, locking portions 47, and locking protrusions 48 are paired between the two elastic portions 42 and are respectively arranged in symmetrical positions on the left and right sides.

[0057] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a pair of interference protrusions 46 are formed at the top (front) end of the elastic portion 42 in a wedge-shaped manner protruding inward. During the mating of the two housings 10 and 14, the interference protrusions 46 interfere with the interference portion 53 of the second housing 14 (described later). The interference protrusions 46 interfering with the interference portion 53 cause the elastic portion 42 to flex and shift. Thus, during the mating of the connector, the elastic portion 42 can achieve various states: a flexed state, a restored state (shifting from the flexed state to the restored state), and a transition state (transferring from the flexed state to the restored state). In the flexed state, elastic restoring force (elastic energy) based on the flexed shift is accumulated in the elastic portion 42. In the transition state, the elastic portion 42 releases the elastic restoring force while transitioning to the restored state. Furthermore, the restored state of the elastic portion 42 includes not only a natural state where no elastic restoring force is generated, but also a state where a portion of the accumulated elastic restoring force remains after being fully released.

[0058] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a pair of locking portions 47 are formed in a claw-like manner, protruding inward, at a position near the front of the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the elastic portion 42. The pair of locking portions 47 can contact the locked portion 26 when the elastic portion 42 is in its natural state without bending and the detection member 13 is in the standby position. In this state, the detection member 13 is restricted from moving towards the detection position. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the front surface of the locking portion 47 is shaped to tilt forward towards the inward direction in the width direction, engaging with the rear surface of the locked portion 26, which tilts backward towards the outward direction in the width direction. The pair of locking portions 47 are released from locking with the locked portion 26 in the flexed state of the elastic portion 42. In this state, the detection member 13 is released from restriction to move forward (to the detection position) of the locking portions 47.

[0059] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a pair of locking protrusions 48 are positioned in the front-rear direction near the rear end of the detection member body 40, closer to the locking portion 47. Each pair of locking protrusions 48 is formed in a claw-like shape protruding outwards to the left and right. When the detection member 13 is in the standby position, the pair of locking protrusions 48 can contact the locked protrusion 27. Thus, the detection member 13 is prevented from falling rearwards from the storage space 24.

[0060] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 43, when viewed from above, protrudes forward from the center of the detection member body 40 in the width direction. The protrusion 43 is formed to protrude above the upper surfaces of the detection member body 40 and the pair of elastic portions 42. When viewed from the side, the protrusion 43 forms a step shape where the rear end is higher than the front end. In the protrusion 43, the front end of the rear end constitutes a limiting receiving portion 44 that can contact the limiting portion 34 of the locking arm 28, and the upper end of the rear end constitutes a supporting portion 45 that can contact the supporting surface 35 of the locking arm 28. The side of the protrusion 43 functions as a guide surface that slides against the inner wall of the through portion 25.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, when the detection component 13 is in the standby position, it is locked to the locked portion 26 by a pair of locking portions 47, thereby restricting its forward movement within the storage space 24, and is locked to the locked portion 27 by a pair of locking protrusions 48, thereby restricting its backward movement within the storage space 24.

[0062] <Second Shell 14>

[0063] The second shell 14 is made of synthetic resin. For example... Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the second housing 14 has a terminal storage portion 51, a cover portion 52, and an interference portion 53. In addition, the second housing 14 has a mounting portion for mounting brackets below the cover portion 52, which is used to fix the connector to a fixed object such as a vehicle body.

[0064] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the terminal receiving portion 51 is block-shaped. The terminal receiving portion 51 has a plurality of second cavities 54. Each second cavity 54 is arranged in a row in the width direction within the terminal receiving portion 51. Figure 6 As shown, the terminal housing 51 has a flexible second spear-shaped portion 55 on the lower surface of each second cavity 54. The second terminal part 15 is inserted into the second cavity 54 from the rear and is locked in place with the second spear-shaped portion 55 to prevent dislodgement. The terminal housing 51 has a second mounting hole 56 that communicates with each second cavity 54 and is open on the lower surface. The second stop 16 is inserted into the second mounting hole 56 from below.

[0065] like Figures 5 to 7As shown, the cover portion 52 is formed into a square tube shape protruding forward from the terminal receiving portion 51. (As indicated...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cover portion 52 has a pair of downwardly protruding guide walls 57 at its central portion in the width direction. The two guide walls 57 are plate-shaped along the vertical direction, extending from the inner bottom surface of the cover portion 52 to the opening end, covering the entire length of the cover portion 52. A locking portion 58 is provided protruding downward between the two guide walls 57 at the front end of the cover portion 52. The locking portion 58 is claw-shaped, and its front surface is inclined upwards. The rear surface of the locking portion 58 is inclined upwards at a steeper angle than the front surface. When the two housings 10 and 14 are engaged, the locking portion 58 is engaged with the locking protrusion 32 of the locking arm 28 (see reference). Figure 11 , Figure 13 ).

[0066] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the interference portion 53 is provided protruding forward from the opening of the second cavity 54 in the inner bottom surface of the cover portion 52. The interference portion 53 interferes with the elastic portion 42 during the engagement of the connector. In addition, the interference portion 53 protects the protrusion of the second terminal part 15 protruding from the opening of the second cavity 54 in the inner bottom surface of the cover portion 52 into the cover portion 52 in an eaves-like manner.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, the interference portion 53 is configured to have: a rod-shaped portion 61 with a rectangular cross-section, extending linearly forward from the center of the inner bottom surface of the cover portion 52; and a widening portion 62, which widens in the width direction at the top of the rod-shaped portion 61. The widening portion 62 has a detection induction portion 63 and a deflection induction portion 64. The detection induction portion 63 and the deflection induction portion 64 correspond to a pair of elastic portions 42, and are provided in a left and right pair respectively.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, a pair of detection guiding parts 63 are respectively formed as inclined surfaces that extend outward in a tapered manner from the top of the left and right sides of the rod-shaped part 61 in the width direction. When the elastic part 42 is in a transition state from a flexed state to a restored state, the detection guiding part 63 uses the elastic restoring force of the elastic part 42 to slide against the elastic part 42 and guides the detection member 13 to the detection position.

[0069] like Figure 7As shown, a pair of deflection induction portions 64 form inclined surfaces that extend conically inward from the top of each of the pair of detection induction portions 63 in the width direction. During the engagement process, the pair of deflection induction portions 64 contact the elastic portions 42 before the detection induction portions 63, inducing each elastic portion 42 to a deflected state. The pair of deflection induction portions 64 are inclined at an angle steeper than the angle of inclination of the detection induction portions 63 relative to the vertical surface extending in the front-rear direction. The front end face of the interference portion 53 is formed as a vertical surface extending in the left-right direction to connect the front ends of the pair of deflection induction portions 64. A C-shaped chamfer is formed between the front end face of the interference portion 53 and the upper and lower surfaces (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 6 ).

[0070] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the second housing 14 has a pair of through holes 65 behind the interference portion 53, opening from the inner bottom surface of the cover portion 52 to the rear surface. The through holes 65 are demolding holes for forming the detection guiding portion 63 of the interference portion 53 during the molding of the second housing 14. Through these through holes 65, the state of the elastic portion 42 and the interference portion 53 when the connector is engaged can be visually observed from the rear surface of the second housing 14.

[0071] <Second terminal component 15, second stop body 16>

[0072] The second terminal component 15 is made of conductive metal and has an elongated shape extending in the front-to-back direction. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the second terminal part 15 is disposed within the second cavity 54 of the terminal receiving portion 51. The second terminal part 15 is initially locked within the second cavity 54 by the second spear-shaped portion 55. When the connector is properly engaged, the second terminal part 15 connects to the first terminal part 11 of the female connector. The second stop 16 is made of synthetic resin and is formed into a shape that is elongated in the width direction. The second stop 16 is inserted into the second mounting hole 56 of the terminal receiving portion 51, thereby secondaryly preventing the second terminal part 15 from falling rearward from the second cavity 54.

[0073] <Methods and Functions of Two Connectors>

[0074] First, the assembly of the detection member 13 into the first housing 10 will be described. The detection member 13 is assembled from the rear of the first housing 10. During the assembly of the detection member 13, the tips of a pair of elastic portions 42, which form the front end of the detection member 13, are brought into the receiving space 24 from the rear end of the first housing 10. Thus, each interference protrusion 46 at the tip of the pair of elastic portions 42 interferes with the locking portion 26 within the receiving space 24. By further pressing the detection member 13 in the state where the interference protrusions 46 interfere with the locking portion 26, each of the pair of elastic portions 42 flexes and shifts outwards, using the connection point with the detection member body 40 (i.e., the rear end) as a fulcrum, and the two interference protrusions 46 pass over the locking portion 26. When the two interference protrusions 46 pass over the locking portion 26, the two elastic portions 42 return to their elastically restored state.

[0075] Then, when the detection member 13 is further inserted into the receiving space 24, the two locking protrusions 48 at the rear end of the detection member 13 interfere with the two locked protrusions 27 in the receiving space 24. By pressing the detection member 13 further in with the two locking protrusions 48 interfering with the locked protrusions 27, the two elastic parts 42 flex and shift inward with the rear end side as the fulcrum, and the two locking protrusions 48 pass over the two locked protrusions 27. In this way, the detection member 13 reaches the standby position. In this state, as Figure 3 As shown, the detection component 13 becomes a natural state in which no flexural displacement of the elastic part 42 occurs.

[0076] When the detection component 13 is in the standby position and in its natural state, such as Figure 3 As shown, the locking portion 26 and the two locking portions 47 face each other from the front. As described above, the rear surface of the locking portion 26 is shaped to slope rearward toward the outside in the width direction, and the front surface of the locking portion 47 is shaped to slope forward toward the inside in the width direction. Therefore, even if the detection member 13 is pressed into the detection position in this state, the pressing force acts in the direction that the locking portions 47 and the locking portion 26 become more firmly locked. Therefore, it is difficult to move the detection member 13 in this state from the standby position to the detection position.

[0077] Additionally, when the detection component 13 is in the standby position and in a natural state, such as Figure 3 As shown, the two locking protrusions 27 and 48 are positioned opposite each other at their rear. Therefore, it is difficult to pull the detection member 13 backward. Thus, the detection member 13, which is in the standby position and in its natural state, is restricted from moving forward and backward. Furthermore, when the detection member 13 is in the standby position, the detection member body 40 at the rear end of the detection member 13 protrudes further rearward than the rear end of the first housing 10 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 Additionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the protruding part 43 is in a state where it enters the through part 25 and protrudes upward.

[0078] Next, the engagement of the two connectors will be described. When the two connectors are engaged, the first housing 10 is inserted into the cover 52 of the second housing 14. The detection member 13 moves along with the first housing 10, so that it is pressed by a pair of locked protrusions 27 at a pair of locking protrusions 48 at the rear end. When the first housing 10 is moved further, the interference portion 53 in the cover 52 enters the receiving space 24 and interferes with the elastic portion 42. Specifically, a pair of interference protrusions 46 at the front end of the elastic portion 42 contact a pair of flexure-inducing portions 64 of the interference portion 53.

[0079] As the two connectors engage and the detection member 13 moves further forward, the two interference protrusions 46 slide along the surface of the deflection induction portion 64. In this embodiment, the pair of deflection induction portions 64 are inclined surfaces that slope outward in the width direction from front to rear. Therefore, each pair of deflection induction portions 64 causes the contacting interference protrusions 46 to slide away outward in the width direction. As a result, each elastic portion 42 is induced into a deflected state. When the elastic portion 42 becomes deflected, as... Figure 8 As shown, the engagement between the locking part 47 and the locked part 26 is released.

[0080] On the other hand, the locking arm 28 elastically shifts during the engagement of the two connectors, such as... Figure 9 As shown, it becomes a state of elastic downward displacement with the front end as the fulcrum. Specifically, the locking arm 28 moves forward along with the first housing 10, interfering with the locking part 58 provided on the cover 52, and elastically displaces downward. As a result, the limiting part 34 at the rear end of the locking arm 28 becomes a state located in front of the limiting receiving part 44 of the protrusion 43. Thus, during the engagement of the two connectors, the detection member 13 becomes a state where its movement towards the detection position is restricted by the limiting part 34. The locking arm 28 becomes a state of elastic downward displacement before the engagement of the locking part 47 and the locked part 26 is released. Therefore, even if the locking part 47 and the locked part 26 are released, the detection member 13 cannot move towards the detection position until the locking arm 28 elastically returns to its original position and the proper engagement of the connector is completed. When the locking part 47 and the locked part 26 are released, the connector is properly engaged, and the locking arm 28 returns to its natural state from the flexed displacement state, the detection component 13 can move to the detection position.

[0081] like Figure 10As shown, when the two connectors are further engaged, the two interference protrusions 46 pass over the deflection induction section 64 and reach the detection induction section 63, which is located behind the deflection induction section 64 (in the direction of movement towards the detection position, as viewed from the detection member 13). As a result, the elastic section 42 changes to a transition state from a deflected state to a restored state. The elastic section 42 imparts the elastic restoring force accumulated in the deflected state to the detection induction section 63 through the interference protrusions 46. In this state, the engagement of the connectors is completed, as... Figure 11 As shown, when the locking arm 28 moves in the recovery direction and the restriction of the restriction part 34 on the movement of the detection member 13 to the detection position is lifted, the detection member 13 automatically moves to the detection position using the elastic recovery force of the elastic part 42.

[0082] The detection guiding section 63 slides against the interference protrusion 46 of the elastic section 42, guiding the detection member 13 towards the detection position. In this embodiment, the detection guiding section 63 is an inclined surface that slopes inward in the width direction from the front to the rear of the second housing 14. The interference protrusion 46 slides on the detection guiding section 63 while the elastic restoring force of the elastic section 42 acts on it, advancing inward along the surface of the detection guiding section 63. Accompanying this, the detection member 13 advances as a whole, reaching... Figure 12 and Figure 13 The detection position is shown. At this time, the two elastic parts 42 slide against the two detection induction parts 63 in a manner that clamps the interference part 53 from both sides. Therefore, the two elastic parts 42 slide smoothly and evenly on each detection induction part 63 and move towards the recovery state.

[0083] like Figure 13 As shown, in the detection member 13 that has reached the detection position, the support portion 45 of the protrusion 43 enters below the support portion 35 of the locking arm 28. This restricts the downward elastic displacement of the locking arm 28, and the two housings 10 and 14 are maintained in an anti-disengagement state. Furthermore, in this state, the rear end of the detection member 13 is positioned forward of the rear end within the storage space 24.

[0084] When disengaging the two housings 10 and 14, a jig (not shown) is inserted into the through hole 41 formed at the rear of the detection member 13 and pulled to retract the detection member 13. In this state, simply pressing the unlocking part 33 causes the locking arm 28 to flex downwards, thereby releasing the locking part 58 and the locking protrusion 32 from their jammed state.

[0085] As described above, the connector of this embodiment includes: a first housing 10 and a second housing 14; and a detection member 13, configured to be movable relative to the first housing 10 to a standby position and a detection position, and permitted to move from the standby position to the detection position when the two housings 10 and 14 are properly engaged. The detection member 13 has an elastic portion 42 capable of flexing and displacing, and the second housing 14 has an interference portion 53 that interferes with the elastic portion 42. The elastic portion 42 has a flexed state in which it flexes and displaces due to interference with the interference portion 53, a restored state in which it displaces in the restoration direction from the flexed state, and a transferred state in which it transfers from the flexed state to the restored state. A detection induction portion 63 is provided in the interference portion 53. In the transferred state of the elastic portion 42, the detection induction portion 63 guides the detection member 13 to the detection position by sliding against the elastic portion 42 through the elastic restoration force of the elastic portion 42.

[0086] In this embodiment, when the two housings 10 and 14 are properly engaged, the detection member 13 is guided towards the detection position by the detection guide 63. The detection guide 63 utilizes the elastic restoring force of the elastic part 42 to automatically move the detection member 13 towards the detection position without the operator's hand touching it. Therefore, the operation of pressing the detection member towards the detection position after the connector is engaged is eliminated, simplifying the operation.

[0087] In addition, the first housing 10 houses the detection member 13, thus avoiding the situation where the detection member is located on the outside of the housing, which would cause the connector to become larger due to the detection member.

[0088] Furthermore, the elastic part 42 is made of resin and is integrally formed with the detection member 13, thus making it easy to form an elastic part 42 integral with the detection member 13. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, a pair of elastic portions 42 are provided, and the pair of elastic portions 42 are arranged opposite each other in the orthogonal direction of the movement direction of the detection member 13, i.e., the left-right direction. A pair of detection induction portions 63 are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of elastic portions 42. Therefore, compared with the case where there is only one elastic portion, it is easier to generate a larger elastic restoring force. In addition, by arranging them in pairs opposite each other, a structure can be designed to ensure that the elastic restoring force of the elastic portions acts in a balanced and good manner.

[0090] Furthermore, a detection induction part 63 is provided at the interference part 53, and a deflection induction part 64 is provided at the interference part 53. During the fitting process, the deflection induction part 64 contacts the elastic part 42 before the detection induction part 63, and guides the elastic part 42 to a deflected state. The deflection induction part 64 is located behind the detection induction part 63 when the front of the moving direction in which the detection member 13 moves towards the detection position is considered as the front, that is, in front of the detection induction part 63 in the front-rear direction of the second housing 14. The deflection induction part 64 is configured to guide the elastic part 42 to a deflected state. Therefore, the deflection induction part 64 can easily guide the elastic part 42 to a deflected state.

[0091] Furthermore, an elastic portion 42 is provided on the detection member 13, and the elastic portion 42 has a locking portion 47. When the detection member 13 is in the standby position, the locking portion 47 can lock with the locking portion 26 provided on the first housing 10. When the elastic portion 42 is in a flexed state, the locking portion 47 is released from locking with the locking portion 26. Therefore, by locking the locking portion 47 with the locking portion 26, the state of the detection member 13 in the standby position can be appropriately maintained. Furthermore, since the locking of the locking portion 47 with the locking portion 26 is released when the elastic portion 42 is in a flexed state, it can be designed to automatically release during the engagement process. As a result, the operation of releasing the locking portion 47 and the locking portion 26 is not required, avoiding operational complexity.

[0092] Furthermore, the first housing 10 has a resiliently displaceable locking arm 28 that holds the second housing 14 in a mating state. The locking arm 28 has a limiting portion 34 that contacts the detection member 13 in a resiliently displaced state to restrict the movement of the detection member 13 to the detection position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detection member 13 from undesirably moving from the standby position to the detection position when the connector is not properly mated.

[0093] [Other embodiments of this disclosure]

[0094] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects, and not restrictive.

[0095] For example, in the above embodiment, the elastic part is provided on the detection member and the interference part is provided on the second housing. However, in other embodiments, the elastic part may be provided on the second housing and the interference part may be provided on the detection member.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the detection induction part is provided on the interference part, but in other embodiments, the detection induction part may be provided on the elastic part.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the first housing houses the detection member; however, in other embodiments, the detection member may be disposed on the outside of the first housing.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the elastic part is made of resin, but in other embodiments, the elastic part may be made of an elastomer such as metal.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the elastic part is integrally formed with the detection member; however, in other embodiments, the elastic part may also be integrally formed with the second housing. Furthermore, it is not mandatory for the elastic part to be integrally formed with either the detection member or the second housing.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, a pair of elastic portions are provided opposite each other. However, in other embodiments, one or more elastic portions may be provided. Furthermore, even when a pair (two) of elastic portions are provided, the elastic portions may not be opposite each other, but rather each portion may be provided separately.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the first housing is the housing of the female connector and the second housing is the housing of the male connector. However, in other embodiments, the first housing may be the housing of the male connector and the second housing may be the housing of the female connector.

[0102] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0103] 10: First shell

[0104] 11: Terminal 1 component

[0105] 12: 1st stopper

[0106] 13: Inspecting components

[0107] 14: Second shell

[0108] 15: Terminal 2 component

[0109] 16: 2nd stopper

[0110] 20: Main body of the shell

[0111] 21: First cavity

[0112] 22: First spear-shaped part

[0113] 23: First mounting hole

[0114] 24: Storage Space

[0115] 25: Penetrating section

[0116] 26: Stuck part

[0117] 27: Stuck and protruding

[0118] 28: Locking arm

[0119] 32: Locking Protrusion

[0120] 33: Unlock the part

[0121] 34: Restriction Section

[0122] 35: Supporting face

[0123] 36: Protective wall

[0124] 40: Inspect the main body of the component

[0125] 41: Through hole

[0126] 42: Elastic part

[0127] 43: protuberance

[0128] 44: Restricted Admission Department

[0129] 45: Support section

[0130] 46: Interference Suddenness

[0131] 47: Locking part

[0132] 48: Locking protrusion

[0133] 51: Terminal storage section

[0134] 52: Cover

[0135] 53: Interference section

[0136] 54: Second cavity

[0137] 55: Second spear-shaped part

[0138] 56: Second mounting hole

[0139] 57: Guide Wall

[0140] 58: Locking section

[0141] 61: Rod-shaped part

[0142] 62: Widening section

[0143] 63: Detection induction section

[0144] 64: Flexural induction section

[0145] 65: Through hole

Claims

1. A connector comprising: The first and second housings are interlocking; and The detection component is configured to be movable relative to the first housing to a standby position and a detection position, and is permitted to move towards the detection position when the first housing and the second housing are properly engaged. Either the second housing or the detection component has an elastic portion capable of flexing and displacement, and the other has an interference portion that interferes with the elastic portion. The elastic portion has a flexed state that flexes due to interference with the interference portion, a restored state that elastically recovers from the flexed state and restores its original shape, and a transition state during the shift from the flexed state to the restored state. Each of the elastic portion and the interference portion has a detection induction portion, which, in the transferred state of the elastic portion, uses the elastic restoring force of the elastic portion to slide against the other to guide the detection member toward the detection position. The elastic portion is disposed on the detection component. The elastic part has a locking part, which can lock with the locking part provided in the first housing when the detection member is in the standby position. The locking part is released from locking the locked part when the elastic part is in the flexed state.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first housing houses the detection component.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic part is made of resin and is integrally formed with the detection component or the second housing.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic part is provided in a pair, and the pair of elastic parts are arranged opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the detection member. A pair of detection induction portions are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of elastic portions.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The detection induction unit is disposed on the interference unit. A deflection induction section is provided in the interference section. The deflection induction section contacts the elastic section before the detection induction section, and induces the elastic section to a deflection state.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first housing has a locking arm that can be elastically displaced to hold the second housing in a fitted state. The locking arm has a limiting part that contacts the detection member in an elastically displaced state to restrict the movement of the detection member toward the detection position.

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