Connector

Abstract

The invention provides a connector capable of suppressing shaking of a detection member relative to a housing. The connector (10, 10A) is provided with a housing (20, 20A) and a detection member (60, 60A). The detection member (60, 60A) can move from an initial position to a detection position forward of the initial position when the mating connector (100) and the housing (20, 20A) are normally fitted. The housing (20, 20A) has a cavity (24) that extends in the front-rear direction and houses the terminal fitting (40), and a rear-end cylindrical section (26, 26A) that surrounds the rear part of the cavity (24) and leads out an electric wire (W) connected to the terminal fitting (40). The detection member (60, 60A) has a fitting section (62, 62A) that is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube section (26, 26A) at the detection position.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 comprises a connector housing and a mating detection member (hereinafter referred to as a detection member) which is mounted on the connector housing so as to be movable in the front-to-back direction between a temporary locking position and a formal locking position. A detection member mounting portion is formed on the connector housing, and the detection member is movably accommodated in the detection member mounting portion. When the connector housing and the counterpart housing are properly mated, the detection member is in a state where it can move from the temporary locking position to the formal locking position. Since the detection member can move to the formal locking position, it can be judged (detected) that the connector housing has been properly mated with the counterpart housing. In addition, as a member mounted on the connector housing, it is not limited to the detection member. For example, a rear retaining body that prevents the rubber plug from falling off from the connector housing is also known (refer to Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3). Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-68498 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-77583 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-108765 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the detection member that detects the position may wobble relative to the detection member mounting portion.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of suppressing the shaking of a detection member relative to a housing. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0006] The connector of the present invention comprises a shell and a detection component, wherein the shell can be engaged with a counterpart connector, and the detection component can be installed on the shell so as to be movably mounted in the front-to-back direction, and can be moved from an initial position to a detection position that is closer to the front than the initial position when the counterpart connector and the shell are properly engaged, the shell having a cavity and a rear end barrel portion, the cavity extending in the front-to-back direction and accommodating terminal parts, the rear end barrel portion surrounding the rear portion of the cavity and leading out the wires connected to the terminal parts, and the detection component having an engagement portion that is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end barrel portion at least at the detection position. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector capable of suppressing the shaking of a detection member relative to a housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the housing and the mating connector are properly fitted and the detection member has moved to a detection position relative to the housing in the connector of the first embodiment. Figure 2 The connector of the first embodiment Figure 1 Rear view of the state. Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the terminal parts are accommodated in the cavity of the housing when the detection member is located at the initial position relative to the housing in the connector of the first embodiment. Figure 4 This is a plan cross-sectional view showing a state in which, in the connector of the first embodiment, when the detection member is located at the initial position relative to the housing, the detection member is locked by the locked surface and the locking portion, thereby restricting the detection member from falling off to the rear. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the housing of the connector according to the first embodiment as viewed from the rear. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment, when the detection member is viewed from an oblique front upper side. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment, in which the detection member is viewed from an oblique front bottom. Figure 8 This is a front view of the detection member in the connector according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the detection member is located at a detection position relative to the housing, with the mating connector omitted in the connector according to the second embodiment. Fig.10 This is a perspective view of a sealing member in the connector according to the second embodiment. Fig.11 This is a rear view of the housing in the connector according to the second embodiment. Fig.12 This is a perspective view of the detection member in the connector according to the second embodiment, as viewed from obliquely above and behind. Fig.13 This is a front view of the detection member in the connector according to the second embodiment. Fig.14 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a sealing member is held in a holding space of a fitting portion and a detection member is located at an initial position relative to a housing in the connector of Embodiment 2. Fig.15 In the connector of the second embodiment, the terminal parts are shown from Fig.14 A side sectional view of a state in which the detection member is accommodated in the cavity of the housing, the housing is properly engaged with the other connector, and the detection member is moved to the detection position relative to the housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples. The connector of the present invention, (1) A housing and a detection member, wherein the housing can be engaged with a mating connector, the detection member can be mounted on the housing so as to be movably mounted in the front-to-rear direction, and can be moved from an initial position to a detection position forward of the initial position when the mating connector and the housing are properly engaged, the housing having a cavity and a rear end barrel portion, the cavity extending in the front-to-rear direction and accommodating a terminal part, the rear end barrel portion surrounding the rear portion of the cavity and leading out an electric wire connected to the terminal part, and the detection member having a mating portion mating with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end barrel portion at least in the detection position.

[0010] According to the configuration of (1) above, the engaging portion engages with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion at the detection position, thereby suppressing play between the housing and the detection member.

[0011] (2) In the connector described in (1) above, preferably, the fitting portion is configured to fit shallowly with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion at the initial position and fit deeply with respect to the detection position.

[0012] According to the configuration of (2) above, the fitting portion fits with the rear end tube portion not only in the detection position but also in the initial position, so that the detection member can be prevented from rattling relative to the housing even in the initial position.

[0013] (3) In the connector described in (1) or (2) above, preferably, the detection member has a detection lock portion that is locked with the housing at each of the initial position and the detection position, which is arranged in front and above the fitting portion.

[0014] According to the configuration of (3) above, the fitting portion can prevent the detection lock portion of the detection member from tilting in the housing so that the detection lock portion and the housing are locked. This can more stably maintain the detection lock portion.

[0015] (4) In the connector described in any one of (1) to (3) above, preferably, a step-shaped anti-slip portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion.

[0016] According to the configuration of (4), the operator can hold the anti-slip portion to move the detection member, so the workability is excellent. In particular, the configuration of (4) can effectively form the anti-slip portion over a wide range of the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion.

[0017] (5) In the connector described in any one of (1) to (4) above, it is preferred that the connector further comprises a sealing member, wherein the sealing member has a sealing hole through which the electric wire can be inserted in a liquid-tight manner, and the fitting portion has a retaining portion for retaining the sealing member, and an opening portion for opening the sealing hole of the sealing member to the rear, wherein the fitting is configured such that when the detection member reaches the detection position relative to the housing, the opening portion is connected to the cavity, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rear end tube.

[0018] When the detection member is located at the initial position, the terminal part is inserted into the cavity of the housing from the opening. Assuming that the position of the terminal part passing through the inside of the opening is not determined at the initial position, it is possible that the terminal part is displaced from the position where it can be inserted into the cavity. In this regard, according to the above-mentioned (5) configuration, when the detection member is located at the initial position, the sealing member is retained in the fitting portion, and the terminal part can pass through the sealing hole of the sealing member, so the position of the terminal part passing through the inside of the opening can be determined as a position where it can be inserted into the cavity. As a result, the operation of inserting the terminal part into the cavity can be carried out without hindrance.

[0019] (6) In the connector described in (5) above, preferably, a plurality of cavities are formed in the housing, the plurality of cavities are connected together with the opening, and the sealing member is a general rubber plug having a plurality of sealing holes that can communicate with the plurality of cavities.

[0020] When a plurality of cavities are connected to one opening, the diameter of the opening becomes larger, and it is difficult to determine the position of the terminal parts passing through the inside of the opening. In this regard, according to the above-mentioned configuration (6), since the sealing member is a general rubber plug, the position of the terminal parts can be determined without hindrance through each sealing hole.

[0021] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] Specific examples of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the examples but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0022] <Implementation Method 1> like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 10 of the first embodiment includes a housing 20 and a detection member 60 that can be inserted into the housing 20 so as to be movable between an initial position and a detection position. The housing 20 can be mated with a counterpart connector 100. The housing 20 accommodates a terminal part 40. In the following description, regarding the front-to-back direction, the direction in which the detection member 60 moves from the initial position to the detection position relative to the housing 20 is referred to as the front. The up-down direction is referred to as the Figures 1 to 8 Medium Figure 4 The vertical direction of each figure except for Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 The left and right directions are taken as the reference. Figure 1 In the figure, the arrow X indicates the front-back direction, and the arrow Z indicates the up-down direction. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the left-right direction is indicated by an arrow Y. These direction references are for convenience and do not necessarily coincide with the direction references when the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown) or the like.

[0023] (Housing 20 and terminal parts 40) The housing 20 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 3 As shown, the housing body 21, the fitting cylinder 22 surrounding the housing body 21, and the connecting portion 23 connecting the housing body 21 and the fitting cylinder 22. The cover 110 of the other connector 100 is fitted into the space between the fitting cylinder 22 and the housing body 21 and in front of the connecting portion 23 (see Figure 1 ). A sealing ring 150 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing body 21 to seal between the cover portion 110 and the housing 20. The housing body 21 is formed with a cavity 24 extending in the front-to-back direction. In the case of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, two cavities 24 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. A lance 25 that is elastically deformable is formed to protrude from the inner wall upper surface of each cavity 24. The terminal fitting 40 is inserted and housed in each cavity 24 from the rear.

[0024] The terminal part 40 is made of conductive metal, such as Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2 , the terminal 40 is generally elongated in the front-to-back direction. A cylindrical connecting portion 41 is formed at the front of the terminal part 40. The connecting portion 41 is locked with the lance 25 when it is received in the cavity 24. Figure 1 As shown, the protrusion 131 of the other terminal fitting 130 is inserted from the front into the connecting portion 41. A cylindrical portion 42 is formed at the rear of the terminal fitting 40. The cylindrical portion 42 is electrically and mechanically connected to the terminal end of the electric wire W.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing body 21 has a rear end cylinder 26 protruding rearward from the connection portion 23. The rear portion of each cavity 24 is formed through the rear end cylinder 26. A rubber plug 30 is inserted into the rear portion of each cavity 24 in a liquid-tight manner, and the rubber plug 30 is attached to the terminal portion of the wire W. The rear portion of each cavity 24 is formed into a circular internal shape corresponding to the outer shape of the rubber plug 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the rear surface of the rear end tube portion 26 is opened in a row in the left-right direction.

[0026] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown in FIG. 2 , the housing body 21 has a horizontal plate-shaped opposing portion 27 protruding rearward from the connecting portion 23. The opposing portion 27 is arranged above the rear end tube portion 26 and spaced apart from the rear end tube portion 26. Figure 5 As shown, the opposing portion 27 and the rear end tube portion 26 are connected to each other via side ends 28 extending in the up-down direction. The side ends 28 are arranged in pairs at the lower part of the opposing portion 27. An opposing space 29 is formed between the rear end tube portion 26, the opposing portion 27 and each side end 28 in a manner open to the rear.

[0027] like Figure 5 As shown, on the rear surface of the connecting portion 23, a plurality of through portions 31 are formed at intervals around the rear end tube portion 26. Each through portion 31 is a rectangular opening shape, and is arranged at the positions of the left and right sides of the rear end tube portion 26 and the lower side opposite to the opposing portion 27 when viewed from the rear.

[0028] like Figure 5 As shown, a pair of side wall portions 32 spaced apart and opposed in the left-right direction and a mounting portion 33 mounted between the side wall portions 32 are formed at the upper portion of the interlocking cylinder portion 22. Each side wall portion 32 is shaped to extend long in the front-to-back direction and is arranged to stand upright continuously from the lower portion of the interlocking cylinder portion 22. The mounting portion 33 is arranged between the front end portions of the side wall portions 32 in a manner extending in the width direction. A locking portion 34 is protrudingly formed on the inner surface of each side wall portion 32 (the surface of each side wall portion 32 facing each other). As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , each locking portion 34 can be locked with a later-described locked surface 69 of the detection member 60. Figure 1 As shown, a notch 35 is formed in the form of a cutout in the left and right center of the front end of the mounting portion 33. The notch 35 functions as a confirmation window for confirming that the detection member 60 has reached the detection position.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a locking arm 36 is formed in the housing 20. The locking arm 36 is formed in a manner extending from the upper end of the leg 37 in the front-back direction, and the leg 37 stands from the upper surface of the housing body 21. The locking arm 36 can be elastically deformed in the upward and downward directions with the upper end of the leg 37 as a fulcrum. A locking hole 38 is formed in the locking arm 36 in the upward and downward directions. In addition, the locking arm 36 can be visually exposed in the space opened between the side wall portions 32 of the housing 20 and behind the mounting portion 33.

[0030] (Detection member 60) The detection member 60 is made of synthetic resin and has a detection lock portion 61 and a fitting portion 62. Figure 1 As shown, the detection lock portion 61 is inserted into an upper space 63 formed around the lock arm 36 and mounted on the upper portion of the fitting cylinder 22 of the housing 20 at the detection position. like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the detection locking portion 61 has a pair of bases 64 opposed to each other at intervals in the left-right direction, a pair of protrusions 65 protruding forward from each base 64, a connecting portion 66 arranged between the rear end portions of each protrusion 65 in a manner extending along the width direction, and an arm portion 67 protruding forward from the left and right central portions of the connecting portion 66.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, each protrusion 65 is disposed in the upper space 63 of the housing 20 so as to face the inner surface of each side wall portion 32. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , a locking recess 68 is formed on the outer surface of each protrusion 65 (the surface opposite to the surface of each protrusion 65 facing each other). Figure 4 As shown, the locking recess 68 is in the shape of a groove extending in the front-rear direction, with the rear end open to the inner surface side of the base 64 and the front end closed as a locked surface 69. The locked surface 69 of the locking recess 68 is lockedly opposed to the locking portion 34 of the housing 20 from the front in the initial position.

[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, a protruding wall 71 is formed protrudingly on the upper surface of the connecting portion 66. The protruding wall 71 is in the shape of a rectangular plate that is longer in the left-right direction. In addition, a plurality of step portions 72 that rise in a stepped manner toward the rear are formed on the upper surface of the connecting portion 66. The step portions 72 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The rear end of each step portion 72 is connected to the front surface of the protruding wall 71. When the detection member 60 is moved from the detection position to the initial position, the fingers can be placed on the protruding wall 71 and each step portion 72 for operation.

[0033] The arm portion 67 can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction with the root portion connected to the connecting portion 66 as a fulcrum. A locking protrusion 73 is formed at the front end of the arm portion 67 so as to protrude downward. Figure 3 As shown, the locking protrusion 73 is fitted into the locking hole 38 of the locking arm 36 in the initial position, and faces the front surface (the surface located on the front side and facing rearward) of the locking hole 38 so as to be lockable.

[0034] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the outer surface of each base portion 64 has an inclined surface 74 which gradually inclines to the left and right inner sides toward the outer surface of each protrusion 65. The inclined surface 74 is arranged to face the rear end surface of each side wall portion 32 from behind at the detection position.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the fitting portion 62 is inserted and installed in the lower space 75 formed around the rear end tube portion 26 of the housing 20 at the detection position. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fitting portion 62 includes a pair of side portions 76 protruding downward from each base portion 64, and a bottom portion 77 extending in the left-right direction and bridging between the lower ends of each side portion 76. Each side portion 76 is plate-shaped, and the plate surface is arranged in the left-right direction. The upper and lower center sides of each side portion 76 are slightly bent toward the left and right inner sides. Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the figure, an anti-slip portion 78 is formed on the outer surface of each side portion 76. The anti-slip portion 78 is formed on the outer surface of the side portion 76 and expands in a stepped shape toward the front and left and right sides. When the detection member 60 is moved from the initial position to the detection position, the fingers can be placed on the anti-slip portion 78 while holding each side portion 76 to operate. In addition, the bottom portion 77 is plate-shaped and has the same front-to-back width as each side portion 76.

[0036] The fitting portion 62 includes a surrounding portion 79 and a plurality of protrusions 81 protruding forward from the front end of the surrounding portion 79. The surrounding portion 79 is formed into a ring shape with the same front-to-rear width as the side portions 76 and the bottom portion 77. The rear end cylinder portion 26 of the housing 20 fits inside the surrounding portion 79. Figure 2 As shown, the inner peripheral surface (the surface facing radially inward) of the surrounding portion 79 can be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion 26. The four corners of the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 79 are curved.

[0037] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the upper plate portion of the surrounding portion 79 is arranged between the upper ends of the side portions 76 along the left-right direction. An entry recess 82 is formed on both left and right sides of the upper plate portion of the surrounding portion 79, and the entry recess 82 allows the side end 28 of the housing 20 to enter in the detection position. The entry recess 82 extends in the front-back direction and opens at the front end of the upper plate portion.

[0038] The pair of left and right side plate portions of the surrounding portion 79 are connected to the upper end portions of the inner surfaces of the side portions 76 via the side surface connecting portions 83. The lower plate portion of the surrounding portion 79 is connected to the left and right central portions of the inner surface of the bottom portion 77 via the lower surface connecting portions 84. Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, a closing wall 85 is formed at the rear end of the fitting portion 62 , and the closing wall 85 closes the gaps between the side portions 76 and the bottom portion 77 and the surrounding portion 79 .

[0039] like Figure 8 As shown, each protrusion 81 is rectangular and connected to the lower plate portion of the surrounding portion 79 and the front end surface of each side plate portion at intervals in the circumferential direction of the surrounding portion 79. Each protrusion 81 is configured to fit with each penetration portion 31 of the connecting portion 23 at the detection position (see Figure 1 ).like Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , the protrusions 81 on the left and right sides are connected to the front end surfaces of the side connecting portions 83 in addition to the side plate portions of the surrounding portion 79. The protrusion 81 on the lower side is in the shape of a rib extending in the left-right direction, and is connected to the front end surface of the lower surface connecting portion 84 in addition to the lower plate portion of the surrounding portion 79. Figure 1 As shown, the plate-shaped portion 86 formed between the respective entry recesses 82 in the upper plate portion of the surrounding portion 79 is arranged to fit into the facing space 29 at the detection position.

[0040] like Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of protrusions 87 are formed on the inner surface of each protrusion 81 and the plate-shaped portion 86. Each protrusion 87 is arranged in pairs on the inner surface of the plate-shaped portion 86 at intervals in the left-right direction, and one protrusion 87 is arranged on the inner surface of the protrusion 81 located at the lower side and each protrusion 81 located at the left and right sides. Figure 2 As shown, in a state where the rear end tube portion 26 is fitted into the interior of the surrounding portion 79, each protrusion 87 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion 26 in a crushed state.

[0041] (Function of connector 10) The detection member 60 is assembled from the rear with respect to the housing 20 and is arranged in the initial position. In the initial position, the locking protrusion 73 of the arm portion 67 is embedded in the locking hole 38 of the locking arm 36 and is arranged to be locked with the front surface of the locking hole 38 (see Figure 3 ), restricting the movement of the detection member 60 forward (toward the detection position side). In addition, at the initial position, the front end of each protrusion 65 elastically passes over the locking portion 34, and the locking portion 34 is embedded in the locking recess 68, and the locking portion 34 can be configured to be locked with the locked surface 69 of the locking recess 68 (refer to Figure 4 ). As a result, the detection member 60 is also restricted from moving backward (falling off).

[0042] When the detection member 60 is held at the initial position relative to the housing 20, each base portion 64 is arranged to be spaced further rearward than each side wall portion 32 (see Figure 4 ), and the fitting portion 62 is arranged farther back than the connecting portion 23 (refer to Figure 3 The rear end cylinder 26 is shallowly fitted into the interior of the surrounding portion 79 of the fitting portion 62. In this state, the terminal fitting 40 crimped to the terminal end of the electric wire W together with the rubber plug 30 is inserted into the cavity 24 through the interior of the surrounding portion 79.

[0043] Then, the housing 20 is inserted into the cover 110 of the other connector 100. When the housing 20 is inserted into the cover 110 at a regular depth, the tab 131 of the other terminal part 130 is inserted into the connecting part 41 of the terminal part 40 at a regular depth, and the terminal part 40 and the other terminal part 130 are electrically connected. In addition, when the housing 20 and the other connector 100 are properly fitted, the other locking part 111 of the cover 110 is embedded in the locking hole 38 of the locking arm 36 from below and is configured to be locked with the front surface of the locking hole 38, and the housing 20 and the other connector 100 are maintained in a fitted state. The locking protrusion 73 is pushed up by the other locking part 111, and the arm part 67 is elastically deformed upward to release the locking with the locking arm 36. As a result, the detection member 60 becomes movable from the initial position to the detection position.

[0044] In the above state, the fingers are placed on the anti-slip portion 78 of each side portion 76 to press the detection member 60 forward (toward the detection position). During the movement of the detection member 60, the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 79 slides on the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion 26, and the outer peripheral surface of each protrusion 65 slides on the inner surface of each side wall portion 32, thereby guiding the displacement of the detection member 60. When the detection member 60 reaches the detection position, the arm portion 67 is elastically reset, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the locking protrusion 73 and the front end surface of the locking arm 36 can be locked and opposed from the front, limiting the detection member 60 from moving backward (toward the initial position side). In addition, when the detection member 60 reaches the detection position, the inclined surface 74 of each base 64 and the rear end surface of each side wall portion 32 can be contacted and opposed, and the front end surfaces of each side portion 76 and the bottom 77 constituting the fitting portion 62 can be contacted and opposed to the rear surface of the connecting portion 23. As a result, the detection member 60 at the detection position is limited from moving further forward.

[0045] At the detection position, Figure 1 As shown, the top end of the arm portion 67 is configured to be visually confirmed through the notch 35 of the mounting portion 33. Therefore, since the top end of the arm portion 67 can be visually confirmed through the notch 35, it is possible to visually confirm that the detection member 60 has reached the detection position. In addition, by making the outer surface of the detection member 60 a color different from the outer surface of the housing 20, the visual confirmation of the detection member 60 can be improved.

[0046] In addition, at the detection position, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the entire rear end tube portion 26 is fitted into the interior of the fitting portion 62, and the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion 26 is surrounded by the surrounding portion 79 over the entire circumference. Furthermore, each protrusion 87 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion 26 in a crushed state, and each protrusion 81 is fitted into each penetration portion 31, and the plate-shaped portion 86 is fitted into the opposing space 29. Thus, the detection member 60 is positioned and maintained at the detection position in a state where shaking is suppressed relative to the housing 20.

[0047] On the other hand, when the housing 20 is not inserted into the cover 110 at a proper depth, the mating locking portion 111 of the cover 110 does not reach the position of being embedded in the locking hole 38 of the locking arm 36, so the locking protrusion 73 is maintained in a state where the front surface of the locking hole 38 can be locked and opposed. Therefore, even if the detection member 60 is pressed, it cannot be moved to the detection position. Therefore, according to the state that the detection member 60 can be moved to the detection position, it can be judged (detected) that the housing 20 and the mating connector 100 are properly engaged.

[0048] As described above, the connector 10 of the present embodiment 1 includes a housing 20 and a detection member 60, the housing 20 can be mated with the other connector 100, and the detection member 60 can be installed on the housing 20 so as to be movable in the front-to-back direction, and can move from the initial position to the detection position forward of the initial position when the other connector 100 and the housing 20 are properly mated. The housing 20 has a cavity 24 and a rear end barrel 26, the cavity 24 extends in the front-to-back direction and accommodates the terminal part 40, and the rear end barrel 26 surrounds the rear part of the cavity 24 and leads out the wire W connected to the terminal part 40. The detection member 60 has a mating portion 62 mated with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end barrel 26 at the detection position. By the mating portion 62 being mated with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end barrel 26 at the detection position, the movement of the detection member 60 relative to the housing 20 can be prevented, so the shaking of the detection member 60 relative to the housing 20 can be suppressed.

[0049] In addition, the fitting portion 62 is configured to fit shallowly with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion 26 in the initial position and fit more deeply in the detection position. Accordingly, the fitting portion 62 fits with the rear end tube portion 26 not only in the detection position but also in the initial position, so that the shaking of the detection member 60 relative to the housing 20 can be suppressed even in the initial position (see Figure 3 ).

[0050] In addition, the detection member 60 is configured to have the detection locking portion 61 locked with the housing 20 at each position of the initial position and the detection position at a position in front and above the fitting portion 62. In this way, the detection locking portion 61 of the detection member 60 can be prevented from tilting in the upper space 63 of the housing 20 with the front lower and the rear higher, or the front higher and the rear lower, by the fitting portion 62 arranged in the lower space 75, so that the state in which the detection locking portion 61 and the housing 20 are locked can be maintained more stably.

[0051] Furthermore, a step-shaped anti-slip portion 78 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 62. Since the operator can place his fingers on the wide range of the anti-slip portion 78 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 62 to move the detection member 60, the workability is excellent.

[0052] <Implementation Method 2> Figures 9 to 15 The connector 10A of the illustrated embodiment 2 is different from the connector 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, and does not have the rubber plugs 30 respectively corresponding to the respective terminal parts 40, but has a sealing member 90 as a general rubber plug. A structure for retaining the sealing member 90 is provided in the fitting portion 62A of the detection member 60A, and a structure for accommodating the sealing member 90 is provided in the rear end cylinder portion 26A of the housing 20A. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it has the above-mentioned sealing member 90 and a structure related to the sealing member 90. However, the other structures of Embodiment 2 are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and in the following description, the same figure marks are marked for the parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, in Fig. 9 The arrow X indicates the front-rear direction, the arrow Y indicates the left-right direction, and the arrow Z indicates the up-down direction.

[0053] (Sealing member 90) The sealing member 90 is made of rubber such as silicone rubber. Fig.10 As shown in the figure, it is constituted as a total rubber plug having a plurality of (two in the case of the second embodiment) sealing holes 91. The sealing member 90 has a rectangular block-shaped sealing body 92 and a plurality of peripheral lips 93 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sealing body 92. Each sealing hole 91 penetrates the sealing body 92 in the front-to-back direction and is arranged in a row in the left-to-right direction. Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of inner peripheral lips 94 are formed on the inner periphery of each sealing hole 91. Each outer peripheral lip 93 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the sealing body 92 and is arranged in a row in the front-to-back direction. When the detection member 60A is located at the detection position, each outer peripheral lip 93 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion 26A described later over the entire circumference (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.15 ). Each inner circumferential lip 94 surrounds the inner circumferential surface of each sealing hole 91 and is arranged in a row in the front-to-back direction. Each inner circumferential lip 94 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the wire W over the entire circumference. Fig.10 As shown, the outer surface of the rear end portion of the sealing body 92 has left and right surfaces 95 located on the left and right sides along the up-down direction and upper and lower surfaces 96 located on the upper and lower sides along the left-right direction. A pair of retained portions 97 are formed in the left and right central portions of the upper and lower surfaces 96 of the sealing body 92. Each retained portion 97 is in the shape of a rib extending in the left-right direction on the upper and lower surfaces 96, and can be locked with each retaining portion 52 described later of the interlocking portion 62A. The rear surface of each retained portion 97 is continuous with the rear surface of the sealing body 92 without a step. As shown Fig.15 As shown, a recessed portion 98 is formed on the front surface of the seal body 92 to avoid interference with the cylindrical portion 42 of the terminal fitting 40. The front end of each seal hole 91 opens on the inner surface of the recessed portion 98.

[0054] (Housing 20A) like Fig.11 As shown, the housing 20A has a rear end tube portion 26A having an internal shape corresponding to the outer shape of the sealing member 90. The rear end tube portion 26A is formed in a rectangular tube shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction and has rounded corners. The rear end tube portion 26A protrudes backward from the rear surface of the connecting portion 23. The inner surface of each through portion 31 that penetrates the connecting portion 23 is continuous with the outer surface of the rear end tube portion 26A without a step. The upper wall of the rear end tube portion 26A is parallel to the opposing portion 27 and is opposed to the opposing portion 27 below.

[0055] A pair of cutouts 39 are formed in the left and right central portions of the rear ends of the upper wall and the lower wall of the rear end tube portion 26A. Fig.15 As shown, when the detection member 60A is located at the detection position, the top end of each holding portion 52 of the detection member 60A is arranged inside each cutout portion 39 relative to the sealing member 90 to avoid interference between the housing 20A and the detection member 60A.

[0056] (Detection Component 60A) like Fig.13 As shown, the detection member 60A has a surrounding portion 79A with an inner shape opposite to the outer diameter shape of the rear end tube portion 26A inside the fitting portion 62A. Inside the surrounding portion 79A, a holding space 88 capable of holding the sealing member 90 is formed in a manner open to the front. A pressing portion 89 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed in the surrounding portion 79A to restrict the sealing member 90 from falling off from the holding space 88 to the rear. Fig.14 and Fig.15 ). The pressing portion 89 is in a wall shape continuous with the closing wall 85. An opening 51 is formed through the left and right central portions of the pressing portion 89 in the front-back direction. The opening 51 is in a rectangular opening shape with rounded corners.

[0057] A pair of upper and lower holding portions 52 are disposed in the holding space 88 of the surrounding portion 79A. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, each retaining portion 52 has a root at the ends of the upper and lower sides of the pressing portion 89 across the opening portion 51, and is formed to protrude forward from the root. Each retaining portion 52 can be elastically deformed in the upward and downward directions with the root as a fulcrum. A retaining protrusion 53 is formed at the top end (front end) of each retaining portion 52 to protrude upward and downward inward (the sides of each retaining portion 52 facing each other). Fig.12As shown in FIG. 1 , the rear surface of the retaining protrusion 53 is open to the rear of the surrounding portion 79A via the demolding space 54. The demolding space 54 is connected to the upper and lower ends of the opening 51. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the rear surface of the holding projection 53 is arranged to face the held portion 97 and be lockable therewith, thereby restricting the sealing member 90 from falling out of the holding space 88 to the rear.

[0058] (Function of connector 10A) Before the detection member 60A is assembled to the housing 20A, the sealing member 90 is assembled to the holding space 88 of the surrounding portion 79A from the rear. The front surface of each held portion 97 is in contact with the holding protrusion 53, and the rear surface of each held portion 97 is in contact with the pressing portion 89, so that the sealing member 90 is held in the fitting portion 62A and is restricted from falling off to the front and rear (see Fig.14 ).

[0059] Then, the detection member 60A is maintained at the initial position relative to the housing 20A. Fig.14 As shown, in the initial position, the rear end barrel portion 26A is shallowly fitted into the interior of the surrounding portion 79A, and each sealing hole 91 of the sealing member 90 is arranged behind the rear end opening of each cavity 24. The cavity 24 and the sealing hole 91 are arranged coaxially in the insertion direction of the terminal part 40, that is, the front-to-back direction. In addition, in the initial position, the rear surface of the sealing member 90 faces the interior of the opening portion 51 of the detection member 60A, and the rear end opening of each sealing hole 91 is arranged to communicate with the interior of the opening portion 51.

[0060] Next, the terminal part 40 connected to the terminal portion of the wire W is inserted into the sealing hole 91 from the opening 51. Then, the terminal part 40 moves straightly while being guided by the sealing hole 91, and is inserted from the sealing hole 91 into the cavity 24 and is received in the housing 20A. After each terminal part 40 is received in the housing 20A, the housing 20A is engaged with the mating connector 100 and is held. When the housing 20A is properly engaged with the mating connector 100, the detection member 60A moves to the detection position. At the detection position, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, the rear end barrel portion 26A is deeply embedded in the interior of the surrounding portion 79A, and the sealing member 90 is deeply embedded in the interior of the rear end barrel portion 26A. In addition, the front surface of the sealing member 90 contacts the rear surface of the connecting portion 23, and each sealing hole 91 is connected to each cavity 24 from the rear. Here, the sealing member 90 is compressed between the connecting portion 23 and the pressing portion 89 in the front-to-back direction, so that each inner peripheral lip 94 is tightly attached to the outer peripheral surface of the wire W. In addition, the sealing member 90 makes each outer peripheral lip 93 tightly attached to the inner peripheral surface of the rear end barrel portion 26A. As a result, the rear end barrel portion 26A and the wire W are sealed liquid-tightly by the sealing member 90.

[0061] As described above, the connector 10A of the second embodiment includes a sealing member 90, and the sealing member 90 has a sealing hole 91 through which the wire W can be inserted in a liquid-tight manner. The fitting portion 62A includes a retaining portion 52 for retaining the sealing member 90 internally, and an opening portion 51 for opening the sealing hole 91 of the sealing member 90 to the rear. The structure is such that when the detection member 60A reaches the detection position relative to the housing 20A, the opening portion 51 is connected to the cavity 24 from the rear, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member 90 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rear end cylinder portion 26A.

[0062] Assuming that the position of the terminal part 40 passing through the inside of the opening 51 is not determined at the initial position, it is possible that the terminal part 40 is displaced from the position where it can be inserted into the cavity 24. In this regard, according to the second embodiment, when the detection member 60A is located at the initial position, the sealing member 90 is maintained inside the fitting portion 62A, and the terminal part 40 can pass through the sealing hole 91 of the sealing member 90, so the position of the terminal part 40 passing through the inside of the opening 51 is determined to be a position that can be inserted into the cavity 24 (a position coaxial with the insertion direction of the terminal part 40). As a result, the operation of inserting the terminal part 40 into the cavity 24 can be carried out smoothly without obstruction.

[0063] In addition, in the case of the second embodiment, a plurality of cavities 24 are formed in the housing 20A, and each cavity 24 is connected to one opening 51. Furthermore, the sealing member 90 is configured as a general rubber plug having a plurality of sealing holes 91 that can be connected to each cavity 24. In the case where a plurality of cavities 24 are connected to one opening 51, the diameter of the opening 51 becomes larger, and it is difficult to determine the position of the terminal part 40 passing through the inside of the opening 51. In this regard, as described above, if the sealing member 90 is a general rubber plug, the position of the terminal part 40 can be determined without hindrance through each sealing hole 91.

[0064] [Other embodiments of the present invention] It should be considered that the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 (above-mentioned Embodiment 1 and 2) disclosed this time are illustrative and non-restrictive in all aspects. In the case of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, the fitting portion 62 and 62A covers the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion 26 and 26A all around at the detection position. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the fitting portion may include a portion that does not cover a portion of the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion at the detection position. In the case of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, the fitting portion 62, 62A fits with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion 26, 26A in the entire range from the initial position to the detection position. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the fitting portion only needs to fit with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion at least in the detection position, for example, it is also possible not to fit with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion in the initial position. In the case of the second embodiment, the rear surface of the sealing member 90 faces the inside of the opening 51. On the other hand, according to other embodiments, the rear surface of the sealing member may be arranged at a position protruding rearward from the inside of the opening. Description of Reference Numerals

[0065] 10, 10A: Connector 20, 20A: Shell 21: Shell body 22: Fitting barrel 23: Connection 24: Cavity 25: Spear 26, 26A: rear end tube 27: Opposing part 28: Side end 29: Opposing Space 30: Rubber plug 31: Through 32: Side wall 33: Erection Department 34: Stopper 35: Notch 36: Locking Arm 37: Legs 38: Locking hole 39: Incision 40: Terminal parts 41: Connection 42: Cylindrical part 51: Opening 52: Maintaining Department 53: Keep the protrusion 54: Demolding space 60, 60A: Detection components 61: Detection lock part 62, 62A: Chimeric part 63: Upper Space 64: Base 65: Protrusion 66: Connection 67: Arm 68: Locking recess 69: Stuck surface 71: Breaking through the wall 72: Stairs 73: Locking protrusion 74: Bevel face 75: Lower space 76: Side 77: Bottom 78: Anti-slip part 79, 79A: Encirclement 81: protrusion 82: Entering the recess 83: Side connection 84: Lower surface connection part 85: Closed Wall 86: plate-shaped part 87: Protrusion 88: Keep Space 89: Pressing part 90: Sealing components 91: Sealing hole 92: Sealed body 93: Peripheral lip 94: Inner lip 95: Left and right surfaces 96: Upper and lower surfaces 97: Maintained part 98: Avoid concave parts 100: Other connector 110: Hood 111: Opponent locking unit 130: Other terminal parts 131: Tab 150: Sealing ring W: Wire

Claims

1. A connector comprising a housing and a detection member, The housing can be engaged with a counterpart connector. The detection member is mounted on the housing so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, and is movable from an initial position to a detection position forward of the initial position when the mating connector and the housing are properly engaged. The housing has a cavity and a rear end barrel portion, wherein the cavity extends along the front-rear direction and accommodates the terminal parts, and the rear end barrel portion surrounds the rear part of the cavity and leads out the wires connected to the terminal parts. The detection member has a fitting portion that fits with the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion at least at the detection position.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The fitting portion is configured to fit shallowly with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion at the initial position and to fit deeply with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion at the detection position.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The detection member arranges a detection lock portion that is locked with the housing at each of the initial position and the detection position at a front and upper position relative to the fitting portion.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: A step-shaped anti-slip portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: further comprising a sealing member having a sealing hole through which the electric wire can be inserted in a liquid-tight manner, The fitting portion includes a holding portion for holding the sealing member and an opening portion for opening the sealing hole of the sealing member to the rear. The structure is such that when the detection member reaches the detection position relative to the housing, the opening portion communicates with the cavity, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rear end tube portion.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein: A plurality of cavities are formed in the housing, The plurality of cavities are connected to the opening portion. The sealing member is a main rubber plug having a plurality of the sealing holes capable of communicating with the plurality of the cavities.

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