connector

Abstract

A connector includes: a housing that is fitted with a counterpart housing along a fitting direction; and a detection member (13) that is attached to the housing, moves between a temporary locking position and a formal locking position after being fitted with the counterpart housing, and has a position assurance engagement portion (25) that enters a deflection space of a locking arm (21) to restrict deflection of the locking arm (21) in a state where a locking portion (17) of the locking arm (21) is engaged with a locking receiving portion (16) provided in the counterpart housing. The detection member (13) is arranged in superposition with the housing in a stacking direction that intersects the fitting direction and protrudes from the housing toward a rear of the fitting direction in a state where the detection member (13) is arranged in the temporary locking position. The housing has a chamber (18) that accommodates a terminal. A engagement groove that extends along the fitting direction is provided on a surface of the housing that faces the detection member (13) at a position that is located laterally of the chamber (18) with respect to the fitting direction. The detection member (13) has a protrusion strip that protrudes toward the housing, extends along the fitting direction, and enters the engagement groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are known solutions where a detection component is assembled on one of the connectors to detect whether a pair of connectors are properly mated. The detection component is held in its initial position and cannot move forward until proper mating is achieved. When the pair of connectors are properly mated, the detection component is allowed to move forward to the detection position. As an example of a connector equipped with a detection component, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-133758 is known. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-133758 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] To protect the rear end of the detection component when it is in its initial position, a storage portion for accommodating the detection component is provided at the rear end of the connector, protruding rearward from the rear end of the connector. This storage portion becomes unused space after the detection component moves to the detection position.

[0005] Therefore, in order to miniaturize the connector as a whole, a solution is considered that the housing portion for the detection component does not protrude from the connector. However, if such a structure is adopted, the rear end of the detection component protrudes rearward from the rear end of the connector when the detection component is held in its initial position. Thus, if an external force is applied to the detection component, such as when a foreign object collides with the rear end of the detection component, there is a possibility that the detection component may bend or detach from the connector.

[0006] This disclosure is made based on the above-described circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a connector that can be miniaturized and can suppress bending of the detection member or detachment of the detection member from the housing even when an external force is applied to the detection member. Solution for solving the problem

[0007] The connector disclosed herein comprises: a housing that engages with a counterpart housing along a mating direction; and a detection member mounted on the housing that moves between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position after engagement with the counterpart housing. The housing has a locking arm capable of elastic deformation, the locking arm having a locking portion that engages with a locking receiving portion disposed on the counterpart housing. The detection member has a position-guaranteeing engagement portion that enters into the deflection space of the locking arm to limit the deflection of the locking arm when the locking portion is engaged with the locking receiving portion. The detection member is disposed overlapping the housing in a stacking direction intersecting the mating direction and protrudes rearward from the housing in the mating direction when disposed in the temporary locking position. The housing has a cavity for receiving terminals. On the surface of the housing opposite to the detection member, an engagement groove extending along the mating direction is provided at a position located laterally to the cavity relative to the mating direction. The detection member has a protrusion that protrudes toward the housing, extends along the mating direction, and enters the engagement groove. Invention Effects

[0008] According to this disclosure, the connector can be miniaturized, and even if an external force is applied to the detection component, the deflection of the detection component or the detachment of the detection component from the housing can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the female connector of Embodiment 1. Figure 3 Sectional view along line I-I. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the female connector with the detection component positioned in the correct locking position. Figure 3 This is a rear view of the female connector showing the detection component in the officially locked position. Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the assembly process of the female shell and the testing components. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 V-V line sectional view. Figure 6 yes Figure 7 Sectional view along line VI-VI. Figure 7 This is a rear view of the female shell. Figure 8 yes Figure 13 Sectional view along line VIII-VIII. Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional view of the component being inspected, viewed from below. Figure 10 This is a bottom view of the component being inspected. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the female connector with the detection component positioned in a temporary locking position. Figure 12 This is a side view of the female connector showing the detection component in a temporary locked position. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the female connector showing the detection component in a temporary locked position, in conjunction with... Figure 3 The sectional view is obtained by cutting at the position corresponding to the I-I line in the diagram. Figure 14 This is a partially enlarged sectional view of the female connector showing the detection component in a temporary locked position. Figure 3 The enlarged sectional view is obtained by cutting at the position corresponding to the XV-XV line. Figure 15 It is Figure 3 A partially enlarged sectional view obtained by magnifying a portion of the XV-XV line section. Detailed Implementation

[0010] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure] The embodiments of this disclosure are first described by listing them.

[0011] (1) The connector disclosed herein comprises: a housing that engages with a counterpart housing along a mating direction; and a detection member mounted on the housing that moves between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position after engaging with the counterpart housing. The housing has a locking arm capable of elastic deformation, the locking arm having a locking portion that engages with a locking receiving portion disposed on the counterpart housing. The detection member has a position-guaranteeing engagement portion that enters into the deflection space of the locking arm to limit the deflection of the locking arm when the locking portion is engaged with the locking receiving portion. The detection member is disposed overlapping the housing in a stacking direction intersecting the mating direction and protrudes rearward from the housing in the mating direction when disposed in the temporary locking position. The housing has a cavity for receiving terminals. On the surface of the housing opposite to the detection member, a engagement groove extending along the mating direction is provided at a position located laterally to the cavity relative to the mating direction. The detection member has a protrusion that protrudes toward the housing, extends along the mating direction, and enters the engagement groove.

[0012] Compared to a design where a locking groove is provided between the chamber and the detection component, this design allows for connector miniaturization. The protrusions enter the groove, so even if external force is applied to the detection component at a temporary locking position, the force is absorbed by the housing via the protrusions and locking groove, thus preventing the detection component from bending or detaching from the housing.

[0013] (2) Preferably, the width of the bottom surface of the engagement groove is set to be larger than the width of the opening of the engagement groove, and the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion is formed to imitate the cross-sectional shape of the engagement groove.

[0014] The protrusions enter the engagement groove on the bottom surface, whose width is set to be larger than the width of the opening, thereby firmly holding the housing and the detection component together. This further suppresses the detection component from bending or falling off the housing.

[0015] (3) Preferably, the detection member has an extension extending forward in the fitting direction, and the protrusion is formed on the surface of the extension opposite to the housing, wherein the front end of the protrusion is located behind the front end of the extension in the fitting direction.

[0016] The front end of the extended portion is used to protect the front end of the protrusion, thus preventing foreign objects from colliding with the front end of the protrusion.

[0017] (4) Preferably, the detection member is provided with operation parts on both ends relative to the fitting direction for the operator to operate the detection member, and the housing is provided with a storage recess for storing the operation parts at a position corresponding to the operation parts when the detection member is moved to the fixed position.

[0018] By providing an operating section, the detection component can be easily operated. Furthermore, since the operating section is housed within a recessed area, the situation where the operating section protrudes outside the housing when the detection component is in its final locked position is prevented. This allows for overall miniaturization of the connector.

[0019] (5) Preferably, a standing wall and a protective portion are formed on the housing. The standing wall extends upward in the stacking direction from both ends of the housing relative to the fitting direction. The protective portion is disposed above the locking arm in such a way that it is mounted between the front ends of the standing wall. The detection member has a support portion disposed below the protective portion in the stacking direction. When the protective portion is subjected to force from above in the stacking direction, the support portion abuts against the protective portion from below.

[0020] By using a support section to support the protective section from below, excessive deformation of the protective section is prevented. As a result, the locking arm can be further protected.

[0021] (6) Preferably, the housing has mating ribs that protrude to both sides of the mating direction and extend along the mating direction. The mating ribs abut against the other housing when the housing and the other housing are mated in an incorrect posture, and allow the mating action of the housing and the other housing when the housing and the other housing are mated in a proper posture. The engaging groove is provided on the mating rib.

[0022] Because the mating ribs have engagement grooves, the space in the housing can be used effectively. As a result, the connector can be miniaturized as a whole.

[0023] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0024] <Implementation Method 1> While referring to Figures 1-15 Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described. The female connector 10 (an example of a connector) of this embodiment can be mated with the male connector 11 (an example of a female connector). The female connector 10 includes a female housing 12 (an example of a housing) and a detection member 13. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow Z will be upward, the direction indicated by arrow Y will be forward, and the direction indicated by arrow X will be left. Furthermore, regarding multiple components, sometimes only some components are labeled with symbols, while the symbols for other components are omitted.

[0025] [Male Connector 11] like Figure 1 As shown, the male connector 11 has a male housing 14 (an example of a female housing) formed by injection molding of an insulating synthetic resin material. The male housing 14 has a cover portion 15 with an opening at the rear. The female connector 10 is inserted into the cover portion 15 from the rear. In this embodiment, the front-rear direction is set as the mating direction of the male connector 11 and the female connector 10. A male terminal (not shown) formed as a plate extending along the front-rear direction is disposed on the front wall of the cover portion 15. The rear end of the male terminal is located inside the cover portion 15.

[0026] A downwardly protruding locking receiving portion 16 is provided at the rear end of the upper wall of the cover portion 15. The locking receiving portion 16 abuts against the locking portion 17 of the female connector 10, which will be described later, from the rear. By abutting against the locking portion 17 of the female connector 10 from the rear, the locking receiving portion 16 of the male connector 11 can restrict the rearward movement of the female connector 10.

[0027] [Female Connector 10] like Figure 2 As shown, the female connector 10 includes a female housing 12 and a detection member 13. On the female housing 12, a plurality of chambers 18 (four in this embodiment) are formed side-by-side at intervals in the left-right direction (an example of a cross direction) and extending in the front-back direction. Each chamber 18 houses a female terminal (not shown). A front cover 19 is mounted on the front end of the female housing 12. An opening 20 communicating with the chambers 18 of the female housing 12 is formed on the front wall of the front cover 19 in the front-back direction (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a locking arm 21 extending rearward from the front end is provided on the upper surface of the upper wall of the female housing 12. A locking portion 17 protruding upward is provided on the upper surface of the locking arm 21 at a position near the center in the front-rear direction. An operating portion 22 for operation by an operator is formed at the rear end of the locking arm 21.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, an upwardly recessed engaging recess 23 is formed on the lower side of the locking portion 17. The position of this engaging recess 23 with the elastic engaging portion 24 of the detection member 13 (described later) ensures that the engaging portion 25 engages. The locking arm 21 is configured to elastically deform in the up-down direction with its front end as a fulcrum. Thus, the locking arm 21 can elastically deform downward by being pressed downward by the operator, for example, through the operating portion 22.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, upright walls 26 extending upward from both left and right ends are formed at a position near the rear end of the female housing 12. The upper ends of the upright walls 26 are connected to each other by protective portions 27. The protective portions 27 are formed above the locking arm 21 and are mounted between the upper ends of the upright walls 26. The upright walls 26 and the protective portions 27 can suppress interference between the locking arm 21 and foreign objects. The upright walls 26 and the protective portions 27 can elastically deform as a whole.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, a receiving recess 28 is formed at the rear end of the upright wall 26, recessed forward. As will be described later, when the detection member 13 is held in the fully locked position relative to the female housing 12, the operating part 29 provided on the detection member 13 is received in the receiving recess 28.

[0032] like Figure 4As shown, a detection member receiving portion 30 with a rearward opening is formed at the rear end of the female housing 12 for receiving the detection member 13. The detection member 13 is received in the detection member receiving portion 30 in a state that allows it to move in the rearward direction. The detection member 13 is disposed overlappingly above the portion of the female housing 12 in which the chamber 18 is formed (an example of the stacking direction).

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, a right fitting rib 31 (an example of a fitting rib) protruding to the right and extending in the front-rear direction is formed at the right end of the female housing 12. The right fitting rib 31 extends to the front end of the female housing 12. In addition, a left fitting rib 32 (an example of a fitting rib) protruding to the left and extending in the front-rear direction is formed at the left end of the female housing 12. The left fitting rib 32 extends to the front end of the female housing 12.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, when the female shell 12 and the male shell 14 are properly engaged, the right engaging rib 31 and the left engaging rib 32 can be housed within the cover portion 15 of the male shell 14. However, although not shown in detail, when the female shell 12 and the male shell 14 are improperly engaged, the right engaging rib 31 and the left engaging rib 32 cannot be housed within the cover portion 15 of the male shell 14 because they are in contact with it. Therefore, improper engagement of the female shell 12 and the male shell 14 can be prevented.

[0035] like Figure 6 As shown, a right engaging groove 33 (an example of an engaging groove) extending forward from the rear end is formed concavely on the upper surface of the right engaging rib 31. Figure 7 As shown, in the left-right direction, the width of the bottom surface 33A of the right engaging groove 33 is larger than the width of the opening 33B of the right engaging groove 33. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the right engaging groove 33 is a roughly trapezoidal shape in which the width of the lower base is larger than the width of the upper base in the left-right direction. The bottom surface of the right engaging groove 33 is formed parallel to the upper surface of the female housing 12. The left side surface of the right engaging groove 33 is formed orthogonally to the upper surface of the female housing 12. The right side surface of the right engaging groove 33 extends slightly outward to the left relative to the bottom surface.

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown, a left engaging groove 34 (an example of an engaging groove) extending forward from the rear end is formed concavely on the upper surface of the left engaging rib 32. Figure 7As shown, in the left-right direction, the width of the bottom surface 34A of the left engaging groove 34 is larger than the width of the opening 34B of the left engaging groove 34. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the left engaging groove 34 is a roughly trapezoidal shape in which the width of the lower base is larger than the width of the upper base in the left-right direction. The bottom surface of the left engaging groove 34 is formed parallel to the upper surface of the female housing 12. The right side surface of the left engaging groove 34 is formed orthogonally to the upper surface of the female housing 12. The left side surface of the left engaging groove 34 extends slightly outward to the right relative to the bottom surface.

[0037] [Detection Component 13] like Figure 4 As shown, the detection component 13 is formed by injection molding of an insulating synthetic resin material. The detection component 13 has a base 35 extending in the left-right direction, a right arm 36 extending forward from the right end of the base 35, a left arm 37 extending forward from the left end of the base 35, and an elastic engaging portion 24 extending forward from a portion of the base 35 located near the center in the left-right direction.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, operating parts 29 are provided at both ends of the base 35 for operators to manipulate the detection member 13 by pinching it with their fingers. The length dimension of the base 35 in the left-right direction is substantially the same as the length dimension of the female housing 12 in the left-right direction. "Substantially the same" includes the case where the length dimension of the base 35 in the left-right direction is the same as the length dimension of the female housing 12 in the left-right direction, and also includes the case where they are not the same but can be considered substantially the same.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the vertical height of the operating part 29 is equal to or slightly smaller than the horizontal span of the receiving recess 28 of the housing 12 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the operating part 29 can be housed within the receiving recess 28.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the right arm portion 36 and the left arm portion 37 are formed as flat plates in the left-right direction. The protruding length of the right arm portion 36 and the left arm portion 37 from the base 35 forward is set to be the same on both sides. The protruding length of the elastic engaging portion 24 from the base 35 forward is set to be larger than the protruding length of the right arm portion 36 and the left arm portion 37.

[0041] like Figure 5As shown, a right engaging receiving portion 38 protruding to the right is provided at the front end of the right arm portion 36. The right engaging receiving portion 38 can engage with a right engaging portion 39 formed on the left side of the upright wall 26 formed on the right side. Additionally, a left engaging receiving portion 40 protruding to the left is provided at the front end of the left arm portion 37. The left engaging receiving portion 40 can engage with a left engaging portion 41 formed on the right side of the upright wall 26 formed on the left side. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different feature.) The engaging receiving part 38 engages with the right engaging part 39 and the left engaging receiving part 40 engages with the left engaging part 41, thereby enabling the detection member 13 to be held in a temporary locking position relative to the female housing 12 (see reference). Figure 8 ) and the official stopping position (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper ends of the right arm portion 36 and the left arm portion 37 are located below the protective portion 27 of the female housing 12 when the detection member 13 is held in the properly locked position relative to the female housing 12. The upper ends of the right arm portion 36 and the left arm portion 37 are provided as support portions 42 that abut against the protective portion 27 from below when the protective portion 27 is subjected to force from above, thereby supporting the protective portion 27.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the elastic engaging portion 24 is formed extending slightly forward and upward. The elastic engaging portion 24 is formed into a slender plate shape, which can elastically deform in the upward and downward directions.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, a front stop engagement portion 43 is provided at the front end of the elastic engagement portion 24, engaging from the rear with the lower end of the locking portion 17 of the locking arm 21. The front stop engagement portion 43 is formed as a recessed shape with a rear cutout. Above the front stop engagement portion 43, a position guarantee engagement portion 25 is formed, engaging from the bottom with the inner wall of the engagement recess 23 of the locking arm 21 (see reference). Figure 1 The position-guaranteeing engaging portion 25 is formed to mimic the shape of the inner wall of the engaging recess 23. Furthermore, the position-guaranteeing engaging portion 25 is formed to mimic the shape of the inner wall of the engaging recess 23, including cases where the shape of the position-guaranteeing engaging portion 25 matches the shape of the inner wall of the engaging recess 23, and cases where the shape of the position-guaranteeing engaging portion 25 does not match the shape of the inner wall of the engaging recess 23 but can be considered to be approximately matched.

[0045] like Figure 9As shown, a right extension 44 (an example of an extension) extending forward is provided on the base 35 below the right arm portion 36. Additionally, a left extension 45 (an example of an extension) extending forward is provided on the base 35 below the left arm portion 37. The right extension 44 and the left extension 45 are formed as flat plates in the vertical direction. The protruding length of the right extension 44 and the left extension 45 from the base 35 is set to be the same on both sides.

[0046] like Figure 10 As shown, a right protruding strip 46 (an example of a protruding strip) is formed on the lower surface of the right extension 44 in a manner extending in the front-back direction. The front end of the right protruding strip 46 is located slightly rearward than the front end of the right extension 44.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the right protrusion 46 is set to an approximately trapezoidal shape, becoming The shape mimics the cross-sectional shape of the right engaging groove 33. The external shape of the right protrusion 46 is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the internal shape of the right engaging groove 33. Thus, the right protrusion 46 can enter the right engaging groove 33 from the rear.

[0048] like Figure 10 As shown, a left protruding strip 47 (an example of a protruding strip) is formed on the lower surface of the left extension 45 in a manner extending in the front-rear direction. The front end of the left protruding strip 47 is located slightly rearward than the front end of the left extension 45.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the left protrusion 47 is approximately trapezoidal, mimicking the cross-sectional shape of the left engaging groove 34. The external shape of the left protrusion 47 is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the internal shape of the left engaging groove 34. Thus, the left protrusion 47 can enter the left engaging groove 34 from the rear.

[0050] [Connector assembly process] Next, an example of the assembly process of the female connector 10 and the male connector 11 will be described. The assembly process of the female connector 10 and the male connector 11 is not limited to the description below.

[0051] The female housing 12 is formed into a predetermined shape by injection molding an insulating synthetic resin material. The female terminals are inserted from the rear and held within the chambers 18 formed in the female housing 12.

[0052] like Figure 4As shown by arrow A, the detection member 13 is assembled from the rear into the detection member receiving portion 30 of the female housing 12. The front end of the right protrusion 46 of the detection member 13 enters the right engagement groove 33 of the female housing 12 from the rear, and the front end of the left protrusion 47 of the detection member 13 enters the left engagement groove 34 of the female housing 12 from the rear. Thus, the detection member 13 is held in a temporary locked position within the detection member receiving portion 30.

[0053] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, when the detection member 13 is held in a temporarily locked position relative to the female housing 12, the rear end of the detection member 13 protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the female housing 12. Additionally, as... Figure 13 As shown, the front stop engagement portion 43 of the detection component 13 abuts against the lower end of the locking portion 17 of the locking arm 21 from the rear.

[0054] The male connector 11 is assembled from the front relative to the female housing 12 with the cover 15 opening at the rear. When the female housing 12 is inserted into the cover 15, the upper wall of the cover 15 abuts against the locking arm 21 from above. The upper wall of the cover 15 then presses the locking arm 21 downwards, causing it to flex downwards. When the male connector 11 is further pressed rearwards, the locking arm 21 returns to its original shape, causing the locking portion 17 of the locking arm 21 to engage inside the locking receiving portion 16 of the cover 15. This secures the male connector 11 and the female connector 10 in a non-disengaging state.

[0055] Next, by pressing the base 35 of the detection member 13 from the rear, the detection member 13 is moved from the temporary locking position (see reference). Figure 14 Towards the official stopping position (refer to) Figure 15 The device moves forward. At this time, the right protrusion 46 enters the right engagement groove 33 and the left protrusion 47 enters the left engagement groove 34 and is guided in the front-back direction, thereby enabling the detection component 13 to move smoothly from the temporary locking position to the formal locking position.

[0056] When the detection component 13 is pressed further forward, the detection component 13 remains in the final locked position. Thus, as Figure 1 As shown, the position of the elastic engaging portion 24 of the detection member 13 ensures that the engaging portion 25 abuts against the inner wall of the engaging recess 23 of the locking arm 21 from below. This suppresses downward bending deformation of the locking arm 21, thus ensuring the mating position of the male connector 11 and the female connector 10.

[0057] [Effects of Implementation Method 1] Next, the effects of Embodiment 1 will be explained. Embodiment 1 includes: a female housing 12, which fits into a male housing 14 along the front-rear direction; and a detection member 13, which is installed on the female housing 12 and moves between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position after fitting into the male housing 14. The female housing 12 has a locking arm 21 capable of elastic deformation, and the locking arm 21 has a locking part 17 that engages with a locking receiving part 16 provided on the male housing 14. The detection member 13 has a position-guaranteeing engagement part 25 that enters the deflection space of the locking arm 21 to limit the deflection of the locking arm 21 when the locking part 17 is engaged with the locking receiving part 16. The detection member 13 overlaps... The device is positioned above the female housing 12 and protrudes rearward from the female housing 12 in the engagement direction when in a temporary locking position. The female housing 12 has a chamber 18 for receiving the female terminal. On the surface of the female housing 12 opposite to the detection member 13, a right engagement groove 33 and a left engagement groove 34 extending in the front-rear direction are provided at a position on the side of the chamber 18 relative to the front-rear direction. The detection member 13 has a right protrusion 46 and a left protrusion 47 protruding toward the female housing 12 and extending in the front-rear direction. The right protrusion 46 enters the right engagement groove 33, and the left protrusion 47 enters the left engagement groove 34.

[0058] Compared to providing a right locking groove 33 and a left locking groove between the chamber 18 and the detection component 13, In the case of the engagement groove 34, the female connector 10 can be miniaturized. With the right protrusion 46 entering the right engagement groove 33 and the left protrusion 47 entering the left engagement groove 34, even if an external force is applied to the detection member 13 at the temporary locking position, the external force will be borne by the female housing 12 through the right protrusion 46 and the left protrusion 47, as well as the right engagement groove 33 and the left engagement groove 34. Therefore, the bending of the detection member 13 or the detection member 13 falling off the female housing 12 is suppressed.

[0059] According to Embodiment 1, the width of the bottom surface 33A of the right engaging groove 33 is larger than the width of the opening 33B of the right engaging groove 33, and the width of the bottom surface 34A of the left engaging groove 34 is larger than the width of the opening 34B of the left engaging groove 34.

[0060] The right engagement groove 33, formed by the right protrusion 46 entering the bottom surface 33A, is larger than the width of the opening 33B, and the left engagement groove 34, formed by the left protrusion 47 entering the bottom surface 34A, is larger than the width of the opening 34B. This securely holds the female housing 12 and the detection member 13 together, thereby further suppressing the detection member 13 from bending or falling off the female housing 12.

[0061] According to Embodiment 1, the detection member 13 has a right extension 44 and a left extension 45 extending forward. A right protrusion 46 is formed on the surface of the right extension 44 opposite to the female housing 12, and a left protrusion 47 is formed on the surface of the left extension 45 opposite to the female housing 12. The front end of the right protrusion 46 is located at a position further rear than the front end of the right extension 44, and the front end of the left protrusion 47 is located at a position further rear than the front end of the left extension 45.

[0062] The front end of the right protrusion 46 is protected by the front end of the right extension 44, and the front end of the left protrusion 47 is protected by the front end of the left extension 45. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from colliding with the front ends of the right protrusion 46 and the left protrusion 47.

[0063] According to Embodiment 1, the detection member 13 is provided with operation parts 29 at both ends relative to the front-rear direction for the operator to operate the detection member 13. The housing 12 is provided with a storage recess 28 for storing the operation part 29 at the position corresponding to the operation part 29 when the detection member 13 is moved to the fixed position.

[0064] By providing the operating section 29, the detection member 13 can be easily operated. Since the operating section 29 is housed within the receiving recess 28, movement of the detection member 13 is suppressed. When the connector is in the fully locked position, the operating part 29 protrudes outward from the female housing 12. As a result, the female connector 10 can be miniaturized as a whole.

[0065] According to Embodiment 1, a standing wall 26 and a protective portion 27 are formed on the female housing 12. The standing wall 26 extends upward in the stacking direction from both ends of the female housing 12 relative to the fitting direction. The protective portion 27 is disposed above the locking arm 21 in such a way that it is mounted between the front ends of the standing wall 26. The detection member 13 has a support portion 42, which is disposed below the protective portion 27 in the stacking direction. When the protective portion 27 is subjected to force from above in the stacking direction, the support portion 42 abuts against the protective portion 27 from below.

[0066] Since the protective part 27 is supported from below by the support part 42, excessive deformation of the protective part 27 is prevented. As a result, the locking arm 21 can be further protected.

[0067] According to embodiment 1, the female housing 12 has a right fitting rib 31 and a left fitting rib 32 that protrude from both sides in the forward and backward direction and extend along the fitting direction. The right fitting rib 31 and the left fitting rib 32 abut against the male housing 14 when the female housing 12 and the male housing 14 are fitted in an incorrect posture, and allow the female housing 12 and the male housing 14 to fit in a correct posture. The right locking groove 33 is provided on the right fitting rib 31, and the left locking groove 34 is provided on the left fitting rib 32.

[0068] Because right engagement groove 33 and left engagement groove 34 are respectively provided in right engagement rib 31 and left engagement rib 32, the space of female housing 12 can be effectively utilized. As a result, female connector 10 can be miniaturized as a whole.

[0069] <Other Implementation Methods> (1) The cross-sectional shape of the right engaging groove 33 and the left engaging groove 34 is not limited to the shape described in Embodiment 1. For example, it may also be a so-called dovetail groove. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the right engaging groove 33 and the left engaging groove 34 is not limited to a trapezoidal shape. The cross-sectional shape may be L-shaped or T-shaped.

[0070] (2) The female shell 12 may also have one to three or more chambers 18.

[0071] (3) The female shell 12 can also be configured to not have a receiving recess 28.

[0072] (4) The support part 42 can also be omitted.

[0073] (5) The right engagement groove 33 and the left engagement groove 34 may also be formed in the female shell 12 in a different part than the right engagement rib 31 and the left engagement rib 32. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0074] 10: Female connector 11: Male connector 12: Vaginal shell 13: Inspecting components 14: Male shell 15: Cover 16: Locking bearing part 17: Locking section 18: Chamber 19: Front Cover 20: Opening 21: Locking arm 22: Operations Department 23: Engagement recess 24: Flexible locking part 25: Position Guarantee Card Part 26: Erecting a wall 27: Protection Department 28: Storage recess 29: Operations Department 30: Inspection component storage section 31: Right chimeric rib (chimeric rib) 32: Left chimeric rib (chimeric rib) 33: Right card slot 33A: Bottom surface 33B: Opening 34: Left card slot 34A: Bottom surface 34B: Opening 35: Base 36: Right arm 37: Left arm 38: Right-side locking bearing part 39: Right side of the card assembly 40: Left locking bearing part 41: Left Card Combination Part 42: Support section 43: Front stop engagement part 44: Right extension (extended part) 45: Left extension (extended part) 46: Right protrusion (protrusion) 47: Left protrusion (protrusion)

Claims

1. A connector comprising: The shell, along the fitting direction, fits into the other shell; and The detection component, installed in the housing, moves between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position after being engaged with the counterpart housing. The housing has a locking arm capable of elastic deformation, and the locking arm has a locking part that engages with a locking receiving part disposed on the opposing housing. The detection component has a position-guaranteeing engagement portion that enters the deflection space of the locking arm to limit the deflection of the locking arm when the locking portion and the locking bearing portion are engaged. The detection component is disposed overlapping the housing in a stacking direction intersecting the fitting direction, and protrudes from the housing toward the rear of the fitting direction when disposed in the temporary locking position. The housing has a cavity for receiving terminals. On the surface of the housing opposite the detection member, a locking groove extending along the fitting direction is provided at a position located to the side of the chamber relative to the fitting direction. The detection component has a protrusion that protrudes toward the housing, extends along the engagement direction, and enters the engagement groove. A locking recess is formed on the side of the locking part opposite to the housing, which is recessed in the direction of moving away from the housing. The position ensures that the engaging portion is formed to mimic the shape of the inner wall of the engaging recess. The position ensures that the engaging portion abuts against the inner wall of the engaging recess to suppress the flexural deformation of the locking arm.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the bottom surface of the engagement groove is set to be larger than the width of the opening of the engagement groove. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion is formed to mimic the cross-sectional shape of the engagement groove.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The detection member has an extension extending forward in the fitting direction, and the protrusion is formed on the surface of the extension opposite to the housing. In the engagement direction, the front end of the protrusion is located further back than the front end of the extension.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The detection component has operating parts at both ends relative to the fitting direction for an operator to manipulate it. On the housing, a receiving recess for receiving the operating part is provided at a position corresponding to the operating part when the detection member is moved to the formal locking position.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing has upright walls and protective portions formed thereon. The upright walls extend upward in the stacking direction from both ends of the housing relative to the fitting direction. The protective portions are disposed above the locking arms such that they are mounted between the front ends of the upright walls. The detection component has a support portion, which is positioned below the protective portion in the stacking direction. When the protective portion is subjected to force from above in the stacking direction, the support portion abuts against the protective portion from below.

6. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing has mating ribs that protrude to both sides of the mating direction and extend along the mating direction. The fitting rib abuts against the opposing shell when the shell and the opposing shell are engaged in an incorrect posture, and allows the shell and the opposing shell to engage in a proper posture when they are engaged. The engaging groove is provided on the engaging rib.

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