Connector

Abstract

The present invention improves operability during unlocking while protecting an operation part. The connector is provided with: an operation part (21) for unlocking, which is pressed so as to elastically deform a lock arm (20) of a connector housing (10) and separate the lock arm from a mating housing (50); and a pair of protective walls (30) protruding from the upper surface (10S) of the connector housing (10) and disposed so as to sandwich the operation section (21) from both sides. A pressing operation retreat portion (40) including a protruding end portion (36) of the protective wall (30) is formed in at least one of the facing surfaces of the pair of protective walls (30), and in a region where the pressing operation retreat portion (40) is formed, the facing interval (D1) of the pair of facing surfaces is the largest at the protruding end portion (36) of the protective wall (30), and the facing interval on the upper surface (10S) side is narrower than the facing interval of the protruding end portion (36).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector locking structure comprising: a connector housing; a locking arm formed on the upper wall of the connector housing; a pair of plate-shaped support walls arranged to sandwich the locking arm; and an operating portion disposed between the pair of plate-shaped support walls and formed to protrude upward from the locking arm. The pair of support walls provide a retaining function, preventing the wire from becoming caught between the connector housing and the locking arm, or preventing the operating portion from being pressed by foreign matter. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-141016 Summary of the Invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the above-described lock structure, when the lock is released by inserting a finger between the pair of plate-like support walls, the finger hits the plate-like support wall, making it impossible to insert the finger into the operation portion.

[0005] The present invention provides a connector which protects an operating portion by a protective wall and enables the operating portion to be easily pressed when unlocking. Solutions to Problems

[0006] The connector of the present invention has: A connector housing capable of engaging with a housing on the other side; a locking arm arranged to extend along the outer surface of the connector housing and locked to the mating housing to lock the connector housing and the mating housing in a mating state; an unlocking operation portion formed on the lock arm and pressed to elastically deform the lock arm and separate from the mating housing; and a pair of protective walls protruding from the outer surface of the connector housing and arranged so as to sandwich the operating portion from both sides; The operating portion is displaced in a direction approaching the outer surface of the connector housing by a pressing operation when unlocking. A pressing operation escape portion including a protruding end portion of the protective wall is formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the pair of protective walls. In the region where the pressing escape portion is formed, the opposing distance between the pair of opposing surfaces is largest at the protruding end portion of the protection wall, and the opposing distance on the outer surface side is narrower than the opposing distance at the protruding end portion. Effects of the Invention

[0007] The connector of the present invention can improve the operability when unlocking while protecting the operating portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector housing of Example 1. Figure 2 This is a rear view of the connector housing of Example 1. Figure 3 This is a top view of the connector housing of Example 1. Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of the connector housing in the locked state of the lock arm of the first embodiment. Figure 5 It is a side sectional view of the connector housing in a state where the lock arm is unlocked. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the connector housing of the first embodiment is unlocked by a pressing operation. Figure 7 This is a rear view of the connector housing of Example 2. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a connector housing according to a third embodiment. Figure 9 This is a rear view of the connector housing of Example 3. Figure 10 This is a top view of the connector housing of the third embodiment. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a connector housing according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 12 This is a rear view of the connector housing of the fourth embodiment. Figure 13 This is a top view of the connector housing of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] The connector includes: a connector housing capable of mating with a mating housing; a lock arm extending along an outer surface of the connector housing and engaging with the mating housing to lock the connector housing and the mating housing in a mated state; an unlocking operation portion formed on the lock arm, which is pressed to elastically deform the lock arm and separate from the mating housing; and a pair of protective walls protruding from the outer surface of the connector housing and arranged to sandwich the operation portion from both sides. The operation portion is displaced toward the outer surface of the connector housing by a pressing operation during unlocking. A pressing operation relief portion is formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the pair of protective walls, including a protruding end portion of the protective wall. In the region where the pressing operation relief portion is formed, the opposing distance between the pair of opposing surfaces is greatest at the protruding end portion of the protective wall, and the opposing distance on the outer surface side is narrower than the opposing distance at the protruding end portion. According to this configuration, since the opposing distance between the pair of opposing surfaces is greatest at the protruding end portion of the protective wall, it is easy to insert a finger into the operation portion. Therefore, the lock release operation can be easily performed while the operating portion is protected by the protective wall.

[0010] Preferably, the connector is positioned so that the front end of the connector housing faces forward and the mating housing is engaged, the protective wall is disposed at the rear end of the connector housing, and the front end of the push-operation retracting portion is disposed forward of the rear end of the operating portion. With this configuration, the unlocking mechanism allows a finger inserted between the protective wall from the rear to reach the position of the push-operation portion when the operating portion is pressed.

[0011] Preferably, a flat surface intersecting the pressing direction relative to the operating portion is formed on the protruding end of either of the pair of protective walls. According to this structure, by forming the flat surface on the protruding end of the protective wall, the strength of the protective wall can be ensured, thereby preventing damage such as chipping of the protective wall.

[0012] Preferably, the locking arm includes a pair of elastically deformable arm portions connected to a base end portion extending upward from the outer surface of the connector housing. The operating portion is plate-shaped and formed to connect the pair of arm portions. The range of the pressing operation relief portion formed in the displacement direction of the operating portion is limited to the area from the upper end of the base end portion to the protruding end of the protective wall. This structure limits the range of vertical movement of the finger, thereby preventing excessive stress from being generated on the operating portion during pressing.

[0013] Preferably, the protective walls are formed with rearward clearances. The rearward clearances are configured such that the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of protective walls is greatest at the rearward ends of the protective walls and narrower at the front ends than at the rearward ends. The front end of the rearward clearance is positioned forward of the rear end of the pressing clearance. With this configuration, the areas where the pressing clearances and the rearward clearances are formed overlap in the front-to-back direction, thereby ensuring sufficient space for pressing the operating portion and facilitating unlocking.

[0014] Preferably, the push-operation escape portion is provided on only one of the pair of protective walls. According to this configuration, the strength of the protective wall can be ensured by utilizing the protective wall on the side where the push-operation escape portion is not formed.

[0015] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples. Instead, the present invention is defined by the claims and is intended to encompass all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0016] In each drawing, “F” represents “front side”, “U” represents “upper side”, and “R” represents “right side”.

[0017] [Example 1] The connector of the present invention includes a connector housing 10 , a lock arm 20 , and a pair of protective walls 30 . The lock arm 20 includes an operating portion 21 .

[0018] [Connector housing 10] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector housing 10 is a single, flat, bilaterally symmetrical component. The connector housing 10 has an overall flat, rectangular shape. The left and right side surfaces of the connector housing 10 have a pair of side walls 11 extending in the front-to-back direction. The side walls 11 extend in the front-to-back direction from the front end of the connector housing 10 to a front end surface 30S of a protective wall 30, described later.

[0019] like Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of terminal receiving chambers 13 are formed in the connector housing 10 in a state of being arranged at a constant pitch in the width direction and penetrating the connector housing 10 in the front-to-back direction. The terminal parts 65 fixed to the front ends of the wires 63 are inserted into each terminal receiving chamber 13 from the rear.

[0020] [Locking arm 20] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a lock arm 20 is integrally formed with the connector housing 10. The lock arm 20 is arranged to extend in the front-to-back direction along the upper surface 10S of the connector housing 10. The lock arm 20 is located in the center portion of the connector housing 10 in the width direction. The lock arm 20 includes a pair of left and right base ends 15, an extension portion 19, an operating portion 21, and a reinforcement portion 23. The lock arm 20 is elastically deformable under pressure from above due to a deflection allowance A formed between the upper surface 10S of the connector housing 10 (described later) and the lower surface of the lock arm 20.

[0021] A pair of base end portions 15 are spaced apart and symmetrically positioned in the left-right center of the connector housing 10. The base end portions 15 form the rear end portions of the locking arms 20. The base end portions 15 are in the shape of a quarter circle, extending obliquely upward and forward from the rear end portion of the upper surface 10S of the connector housing 10. The base end portions 15 are positioned so as to cover the upper surface 10S of the connector housing 10 from above. A deflection-permitting space A is defined between the base end portions 15 and the upper surface 10S. The side view of the surface of the base end portions 15 facing the upper surface 10S is a parabola.

[0022] The extension 19 forms the front portion of the lock arm 20 and is covered by the mating housing 50. The left and right side surfaces of the extension 19 are spaced apart and arranged along the side wall 11. The extension 19 is formed by a pair of left and right arm portions 25 and a single plate-shaped portion 27.

[0023] The pair of arms 25 constitute the left and right edges of the lock arm 20. The pair of arms 25 extend forward from the pair of base end portions 15. The arm 25 supports the operation portion 21 and the left and right ends of the reinforcement portion 23 described later from below.

[0024] The rear end of the plate-like portion 27 is connected to the front end of the pair of arm portions 25. The plate-like portion 27 is the portion that engages with the mating housing 50. The plate-like portion 27 extends rearward from the front end of the upper surface 10S of the connector housing 10. The rear end edge of the extension portion 19 is connected to the operating portion 21 via the pair of arm portions 25. A flexible space A is defined between the plate-like portion 27 and the connector housing 10. This flexible space A allows the plate-like portion 27 to elastically deform downward.

[0025] like Figure 4 、 Figure 5As shown, a locking portion 31 is formed at the rear end of the plate-like portion 27. The locking portion 31 is a portion that locks the counterpart housing 50 and the connector housing 10 in a mating state by engaging with a locking front end surface 33 formed on the counterpart housing 50. A guide surface 37 is formed on the front surface of the locking portion 31, which is inclined relative to the front-to-back direction (the mating direction of the connector housing 10 and the counterpart housing 50). A locking surface 35 is formed on the rear end surface of the locking portion 31, which is approximately perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. The locking surface 35 is formed by making the opening between the rear end of the locking portion 31 and the front end of the operating portion 21 into a roughly rectangular shape that is longer in the horizontal direction. The locking surface 35 engages with the locking front end surface 33 of the counterpart housing 50. The locking portion 31 is arranged in front of the operating portion 21 and is located in the center of the locking arm 20 in the front-to-back direction.

[0026] The operating portion 21 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and is formed by connecting the upper edges of the rear ends of a pair of arms 25. The left and right edges of the operating portion 21 are supported from below by the pair of arms 25. The operating portion 21 protrudes upward from the arms 25 when viewed from the front. A flexure-permitting space A is provided below the portion of the operating portion 21 not supported by the arms 29. This flexure-permitting space A allows the operating portion 21 to shift downward in response to pressure from above.

[0027] The reinforcement portion 23 is formed in such a manner as to be connected to the rear end edge of the operating portion 21. The upper surface of the operating portion 21 is arranged at a position higher than the upper surface of the reinforcement portion 23. The upper surface of the operating portion 21 and the upper surface of the reinforcement portion 23 are parallel to each other and are arranged at different heights. The reinforcement portion 23 is supported from the lower side by a pair of arms 25 at both ends. That is, the reinforcement portion 23 is formed in such a manner as to be mounted on the arms 25. The rear end edge of the reinforcement portion 23 is connected to the base end portion 15. An allowable flexure space A is provided on the lower side of the portion of the reinforcement portion 23 that is not supported by the arms 29.

[0028] like Figure 2 、 3 As shown, the pair of protective walls 30 are symmetrical and arranged to clamp the operating portion 21 from the left and right sides. A gap is formed between the inner surface of the protective wall 30 and the left and right side surfaces of the operating portion 21. The pair of protective walls 30 protrude upward from the rear end of the upper surface 10S of the connector housing 10. The pair of protective walls 30 are arranged to clamp the locking arm 20 from the left and right sides. The protective wall 30 has a protruding end 36 that constitutes the highest end of the protective wall 30. The protruding end 36 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the side wall 11. The front end surface 30S of the protruding end 36 is connected to the side wall 11 of the connector housing 10 approximately perpendicularly. A flat surface 12 is formed on the upper surface of the protruding end 36, intersecting the direction of pressing on the operating portion 21. The flat surface 12 is arranged at a higher position than the upper surface of the side wall 11 of the connector housing 10. The flat surface 12 and the upper surface of the side wall 11 are parallel to each other and arranged at different heights.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the inner side surfaces of the pair of protective walls 30 (the surfaces facing the locking arm 20 in the left-right direction) are composed of an upright surface 39 and a push-operation relief portion 40. The upright surface 39 is a plane extending vertically upward from the upper surface 10S. The push-operation relief portion 40 is a plane connecting the upper end of the upright surface 39 and the inner side edge of the flat surface 12. The upper end of the upright surface 39 is at the same position as the upper end of the base end portion 15 in the vertical direction. The flat surface 12 is at the same position as the upper end of the operating portion 21 in the vertical direction. The push-operation relief portion 40 is inclined in the left-right direction, descending from the flat surface 12 toward the operating portion 21. The push-operation relief portion 40 forms a shape that partially cuts away from the inner side of the protruding end portion 36 of the protective wall 30. The left-right spacing D1 between the push-operation relief portions 40 and the pair of protective walls 30 is greatest at the upper end of the protective wall 30 and decreases toward the lower end of the protective wall 30.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the push-operation retractable portion 40 is formed over the entire area of the protective wall 30 in the front-to-back direction. The front ends of the pair of protective walls 30 are arranged so as to be located forward of the rear end of the operating portion 21. In other words, the front ends of the push-operation retractable portion 40 are arranged forward of the rear end of the operating portion 21.

[0031] like Figure 4 、 5 As shown, the mating housing 50 is made of synthetic resin and has a square cylindrical shape. The mating housing 50 includes a cover 51 that is open in the mating direction. The extension 19 of the connector housing 10 is inserted and fitted into the cover 51 in a substantially close fit. Male terminals 55 are provided on the front wall 53 of the cover 51, projecting toward the open end.

[0032] A locking protrusion 59 is provided in the cover portion 51, protruding downward from the open end of the upper wall 57 of the counterpart housing 50. The locking protrusion 59 has a locking inclined surface 58 that is opposed to the connector housing 10 in the mating direction. The locking protrusion 59 has a locking front end surface 33 that is orthogonal to the mating direction of the connector housing 10 and the counterpart housing 50. The connector housing 10 and the counterpart housing 50 are locked in a mating state by the locking front end surface 33 of the locking protrusion 59 and the locking surface 35 of the connector housing 10 abutting and locking. Figure 5 、 6 As shown, in a state where the locking protrusion 59 and the locking portion 31 are locked, both left and right side portions of the opening end surface of the cover portion 51 abut against the front end surface 30S of the protection wall 30 .

[0033] like Figure 4 、 5As shown, the terminal part 65 is a female terminal that is elongated in the front-to-back direction. The box portion 61, which is the front portion of the terminal part 65, is a rectangular parallelepiped that is elongated in the insertion direction. A leaf spring (not shown) is provided inside the box portion 61 to electrically connect with the male terminal 55 housed in the mating housing 50. The leaf spring is electrically connected to the terminal part 65. The terminal part 65 and the front end of the wire 63 are arranged in a front-to-back manner, and the wire 63 extends rearward from the rear end of the terminal part 65.

[0034] The effect of the connector is described. When the other side shell 50 and the connector shell 10 are in a locked state, the opening portion of the other side shell 50 is pressed toward the connector shell 10 along the fitting direction. During the fitting process, the guide surface 37 is pressed by the locking inclined surface 58 of the other side shell 50 and shifted downward. Furthermore, when the locking front end surface 33 of the other side shell 50 is pressed in the fitting direction to the rear of the locking front end surface 33 of the connector shell 10, the plate-like portion 27 is not pressed from above by the locking protrusion 59 of the other side shell 50, and the guide surface 37 is elastically deformed upward. Figure 4 As shown, the locking surface 35 of the connector housing 10 and the locking front end surface 33 of the locking projection 59 of the mating housing 50 are engaged with each other, whereby the connector housing 10 and the mating housing 50 are locked in the mating state.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the connector housing 10 and the mating housing 50 are locked, the operating portion 21 is pressed from above. Figure 5 As shown, by pressing the operating portion 21, the plate-like portion 27 elastically deforms downward, separating the locking tip 33 and locking surface 35 of the locking projection 59, thereby achieving the unlocked state. With the locking tip 33 and locking surface 35 of the locking projection 59 separated, if the mating housing 50 is moved forward, the connector housing 10 and the mating housing 50 are separated.

[0036] The effects of the embodiment 1 will be described. The connector housing 10 is fitted with the counterpart housing 50 in a state where the front end portion faces the cover portion 51. Figure 6 As shown, when the connector housing 10 and the mating housing 50 are mated, the rear end surface of the mating housing 50 is located in front of the rear end of the operating portion 21. The mating housing 50 covers the front portion of the operating portion 21. The locking structure of the present invention exposes the rear portion of the operating portion 21 when the mating housing 50 is locked.

[0037] To unlock, press the exposed rear end of the operating portion 21 from above. Specifically, the operating portion 21 is unlocked by pressing it with a fingertip from above the area where the pressing relief portion 40 is formed. The vertical distance D1 between the pair of protective walls 30 is greatest at the protruding ends 36 of the protective walls 30. Sufficient space exists near the left and right ends of the operating portion 21 for pressing the operating portion 21 with a finger.

[0038] Furthermore, the opposing distance D1 between the portions of the protective wall 30 below the protruding end 36 is narrow, thereby ensuring the thickness of the protective wall 30 in the left-right direction and the strength required to function as the protective wall 30. Thus, the connector of Example 1 achieves a balance between ensuring the strength of the protective wall 30 and improving the pressing operability: conflicting performance. Furthermore, the lower end of the area where the pressing relief portion 40 is formed is co-located with the upper end of the base end 15. This prevents the operating portion 21 from elastically deforming downward from the upper end of the base end 15, thereby preventing damage to the lock arm 20 caused by excessive pressure on the operating portion 21.

[0039] The effects of the reinforcement portion 23 will now be described. The reinforcement portion 23 is connected to the operating portion 21, increasing the rigidity of the area near the operating portion 21, which serves as the pressing area. This prevents damage to the operating portion 21. The upper surface of the reinforcement portion 23 is located parallel to and at a lower position than the upper surface of the operating portion 21, with varying heights. The connector of Example 1 is configured so that even when the reinforcement portion 23 is pressed, the locking arm 20 is unlikely to bend. Therefore, it is impossible to accidentally release the lock by pressing the reinforcement portion 23. Furthermore, the reinforcement portion 23 serves as a marker for the pressing operation, preventing erroneous operation.

[0040] [Example 2] Reference Figure 7 A connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The connector according to the second embodiment includes a connector housing 70 having two terminal accommodating chambers 74 formed therein, spaced apart in the width direction. The left-right width of the connector housing 70 according to the second embodiment is smaller than that of the connector housing 10 according to the first embodiment. Descriptions of the same structures as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, as will descriptions of the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0041] The connector housing 70 has a lock arm 81 arranged along its upper surface 70S. A pair of protective walls 73 are formed on the upper surface 70S of the connector housing 70, arranged to sandwich the operating portion 71 of the lock arm 81 from both sides. The inner side surfaces of the pair of protective walls 73 are composed of an upright surface 75, a flat surface 78, and a press-operation relief portion 80. The upright surface 75 extends vertically upward from the upper surface 70S. The flat surface 78 is formed at the protruding end 77 of the protective wall 73 and intersects the direction of pressing on the operating portion 71. The press-operation relief portion 80 connects the upright surface 75 and the flat surface 78. The upper end of the upright surface 75 is located vertically above the lower end of the reinforcement portion 79. The flat surface 78 is located vertically at the same position as the upper end of the operating portion 71. The press-operation relief portion 80 is inclined so as to descend from the flat surface 78 toward the operating portion 71.

[0042] By forming the push-operation escape portion 80, the protective wall 73 has a shape that partially cuts away the inner side of the protruding end portion 77. The push-operation escape portion 80 is formed over the entire area of the protective wall 73 in the front-to-back direction. The area where the push-operation escape portion 80 is formed in the vertical direction is between the upper end of the operating portion 71 and the lower end of the reinforcement portion 79. In the locking structure of Example 2, the lower end of the push-operation escape portion 80 is located above the lower end of the reinforcement portion 79. Since the locking structure of Example 2 reduces the deformation of the operating portion 71, it can prevent damage to the locking arm 81.

[0043] [Example 3] Reference Figures 8-10 The following describes a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The protective walls 93a and 93b of the connector housing 90 of the third embodiment are asymmetrically shaped, rising from the upper surface 90S of the connector housing 90 to sandwich the operating portion 100 from both sides. Rear setbacks 92 are formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of protective walls 93a and 93b. The opposing distance D2 between the rear setbacks 92 is greatest at the rear ends of the protective walls 93a and 93b, and is narrower at the front than at the rear ends. Descriptions of the same structures as those of the first embodiment are omitted, as are descriptions of the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0044] [Protective walls 93a, 93b] The protective walls 93a and 93b of Example 3 are described. A push-operation escape portion 97 and a rear escape portion 92 are formed on the inner side of the left protective wall 93a located on the left side of the pair of protective walls 93a and 93b. The push-operation escape portion 97 is a surface that is inclined in a manner that descends toward the operating portion 100 side of the locking arm 99 at the front end side portion of the left protective wall 93a. The rear escape portion 92 is a surface that is inclined in a manner that approaches the operating portion 100 from the rear end toward the front end of the left protective wall 93a. Figure 10As shown, the pressing operation escape portion 97 formed on the left protective wall 93 a is formed about 2.5 mm rearward from the front end of the left protective wall 93 a.

[0045] Of the pair of protective walls 93a and 93b, the right protective wall 93b, located on the right side, has a base portion 98 and a protrusion 94. The base portion 98 protrudes upward from the rear end portion of the upper surface 90S of the connector housing 90. The upper end of the base portion 98 is coplanarly connected to the side wall 95 of the connector housing 90. A rearward clearance portion 92 is formed on the inner surface of the base portion 98. The rearward clearance portion 92 is a surface that slopes from the rear end of the right protective wall 93b toward the front end, approaching the operating unit 100. The protrusion 94 is formed at the front end of the base portion 98. The protrusion 94 is a portion that protrudes upward from the base portion 98 of the protective wall 93b and has a roughly triangular shape when the connector housing 90 is viewed from the rear. The protruding end 96 of the protrusion 94 is rounded. A push-operation relief portion 97 is formed on the protrusion 94. The push-operation relief portion 97 is a surface that is inclined so as to descend from the protruding end 96 toward the operating portion 100. The push-operation relief portion 97 is formed approximately 1.5 mm rearward from the front end of the right protective wall 93b. In the front-to-back direction, the rear end of the push-operation relief portion 97 formed on the left protective wall 93a is located further rearward than the rear end of the push-operation relief portion 97 formed on the protrusion 94 of the right protective wall 93b. The opposing distance D2 between the front ends of the pair of protective walls 93a and 93b is approximately 8.0 mm. The opposing distance D2 between the rear ends of the pair of protective walls 93a and 93b is approximately 12.0 mm. The ratio of the opposing distance D2 between the front ends of the protective walls 93a and 93b to the opposing distance D2 between the rear ends of the protective walls 93a and 93b is approximately 3:2. Figure 10 As shown, the facing distance D2 between the facing surfaces of the pair of protection walls 93a and 93b is largest at the rear end portions of the protection walls 93a and 93b, and is narrower at the front end than at the rear end portion.

[0046] [Effects of the Pressing Operation in Example 3] In the third embodiment, when pressing the connector housing 90, a finger is first inserted from the rear side of the connector housing 90 between the pair of protective walls 93a, 93b, and the fingertip is advanced to the vicinity of the operating portion 100. At this point, the opposing distance D2 between the pair of protective walls 93a, 93b is greatest at the rear ends of the protective walls 93a, 93b and narrows at the front end. Therefore, the fingertip inserted between the pair of protective walls 93a, 93b slides against the pair of protective walls 93a, 93b near the operating portion 100.

[0047] Next, the fingertip is moved downward in a sliding state with the pair of protective walls 93a and 93b, thereby pressing the operation portion 100. The front end of the pressing operation escape portion 97 is located between the front and rear ends of the operation portion 100 in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of the pressing operation escape portion 97 is located in front of the rear end of the reinforcement portion 101 in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of the pressing operation escape portion 97 is located on the rear side of the front end of the rear side escape portion 92. In the locking structure of Example 3, since the formation areas of the pressing operation escape portion 97 and the rear side escape portion 92 overlap in the front-to-back direction, space for the pressing operation can be ensured in the up, down, left, and right directions, and the lock release operation can be easily performed.

[0048] The protrusion 94 of the right protective wall 93b protrudes upward from the front end of the base portion 98. The exposed upper end surface of the base portion 98, where the protrusion 94 is not formed, is a flat surface at the same height as the side wall 95. Thus, the locking mechanism of Example 3 allows fingers other than the pressing finger to operate without contacting the right protective wall 93b when a finger is inserted from the rear end of the connector housing 90.

[0049] [Example 4] Reference Figures 11-13 The connector of Example 4, which embodies the present invention, is described. In Example 4, a pair of protective walls 120a and 120b protrude upward from the upper surface 110S of the connector housing 110. The protective walls 120a and 120b are asymmetrically shaped and are arranged so as to clamp the operating portion 125 of the locking arm 131 from both the left and right sides. The pair of protective walls 120a and 120b have a rearward escape portion 117. The rearward escape portion 117 is composed of a plurality of stepped portions 115a to 115f, which are arranged such that the opposing interval D2 between the pair of protective walls 120a and 120b is narrower on the front side than on the rear side. Descriptions of the same structures as in Example 1 are omitted, and descriptions of the same functions and effects as in Example 1 are also omitted.

[0050] [Connector housing 110] Protective walls 120a and 120b protrude upward from the rear ends of the upper surfaces 110S of the pair of connector housings 110 of Embodiment 4. These walls 120a and 120b have multiple stepped portions 115a to 115f, whose width increases toward the rear. Each stepped portion 115a to 115f is composed of a longitudinal wall 118 extending in the front-to-back direction and a transverse wall 127 extending in either the left or right direction from either the front or rear end of the longitudinal wall 118.

[0051] [Protective walls 120a, 120b] The three steps 115a, 115b, and 115c of the left protective wall 120a on the left side of the pair of protective walls 120a and 120b are defined as the first step 115a, the second step 115b, and the third step 115c in order from the front. The left protective wall 120a has a rear side retreat portion 117. Figure 13 As shown, the rear side recessed portion 117 is a surface formed inside the first step portion 115 a , the second step portion 115 b , and the third step portion 115 c .

[0052] The left protective wall 120a includes a push-operation relief portion 121. This relief portion 121 extends across the entire first step portion 115a and the transverse wall 127 of the second step portion 115b. The push-operation relief portion 121 is a surface that slopes downward from a horizontal flat surface 124 formed at the protruding end 123 of the left protective wall 120a toward the operating portion 125. In the front-to-back direction, the rear end of the push-operation relief portion 121 is located forward of the rear end of the reinforcement portion 126 of the lock arm 131.

[0053] Of the pair of protective walls 120a and 120b, the right protective wall 120b, located on the right side, consists of a base portion 130 and a protrusion 128. The base portion 130 is composed of three steps 115d, 115e, and 115f. These steps 115d, 115e, and 115f are designated, in order from the front, as the first step 115d, the second step 115e, and the third step 115f. The right protective wall 120b has a protrusion 128 that protrudes upward from the first step 115d. When viewed from the rear, the protrusion 128 protrudes upward from the upper end surfaces of the second and third steps 115e, 115f. A horizontal flat surface 124 is formed at the protruding end 123 of the protrusion 128, intersecting the direction of pressing the operating portion 125. A retracted portion 121 for pressing is formed on the protrusion 128. The push operation escape portion 121 is a surface that is inclined so as to descend from the flat surface 124 toward the operation portion 125 side. Figure 13 As shown, the front end of the first step portion 115a is located forward of the rear end of the operating portion 125. That is, the front end of the push-operation escape portion 121 of the right protective wall 120b is located forward of the rear end of the operating portion 125. The rear end of the push-operation escape portion 121 of the right protective wall 120b is located forward of the rear end of the push-operation escape portion 121 of the left protective wall 120a.

[0054] [Effects of the Pressing Operation in Example 4] During the pressing operation, a finger is inserted from the rear of the connector housing 110 between the pair of protective walls 120a and 120b. The protective walls 120a and 120b have a pair of rearward-facing recesses 117 that are spaced apart and expand rearward with a distance D2 between them. This ensures ample space for finger insertion at the rear ends of the protective walls 120a and 120b. Furthermore, the stepped portions 115a to 115f that comprise the protective walls 120a and 120b are composed of vertical walls 118 and horizontal walls 127 that are connected perpendicularly to each other. The vertical walls 118 and horizontal walls 127 function as ribs that reinforce each other. Therefore, even if external forces act on the protective walls 120a and 120b in the front-to-back or left-to-right directions, the protective walls 120a and 120b are less likely to deform or break.

[0055] [Other embodiments] (1) In the connector of Example 1, the protective wall 30 is arranged at the rear end portion of the connector housing 10, and the front end of the push-operation retracting portion 40 is arranged forward of the rear end of the operating portion 21. However, the front end of the push-operation retracting portion 40 may also be arranged rearward of the rear end of the operating portion 21. (2) In Example 1, the flat surface 12 intersecting the pressing direction of the operation portion 21 is formed on the protruding end 36 of one of the pair of protection walls 30 . However, the flat surface 12 may not be formed on the protruding end 36 of the protection wall 30 . (3) In Example 1, the formation range of the retreat portion 40 for the pressing operation in the displacement direction of the operating portion 21 is only the area from the upper end of the base end portion 15 of the locking arm 20 to the upper end (flat surface 12) of the protruding end portion 36 of the protective wall 30, but the formation range of the retreat portion 40 for the pressing operation is not limited to the area from the upper end portion of the base end portion 15 to the protruding end of the protective wall 30. (4) In Example 3, a pair of rear side retreat portions 92 are formed on the protective walls 93a and 93b, where the distance between the opposing surfaces of the protective walls 93a and 93b is the largest at the rear end portions of the protective walls 93a and 93b, and the front portion is narrower than the rear end portions. However, the rear side retreat portion 92 may not be formed on the protective walls 93a and 93b. (5) The pressing operation escape portion 40 of the first embodiment is a flat surface without projections and depressions. However, the surface shape of the pressing operation escape portion 40 is not limited to a flat surface. For example, the pressing operation escape portion 40 may have projections and depressions or may include a curved surface. (6) The rear side setback portion 92 formed in the pair of protective walls 93a and 93b in Example 3 is asymmetrical in shape. However, the locking structure of the connector can also make the pair of protective walls symmetrical and the rear side setback portion 92 symmetrical. (7) The protruding ends 36 of the pair of protection walls 30 in Example 1 are located at the same position as the upper end of the operating portion 21 in the vertical direction. However, the protruding ends 36 of the protection walls 30 may be located above the upper end of the operating portion 21 in the vertical direction. (8) The mating housing 50 of Example 1 has the locking protrusion 59 which engages with the locking portion 31 of the connector housing 10. However, the engaging structure of the mating housing 50 and the connector housing 10 is not particularly limited, and a known engaging structure can be used. (9) The outer side surface of the protective wall 30 of the connector housing 10 of Example 1 has a step region whose width direction distance increases toward the rear. However, the outer side surface of the protective wall 30 of the connector housing is not limited to the step region, and can also be a plane parallel to the front end and the rear end. (10) In Example 1, the pressing operation escape portion 40 is formed over the entire area of the protective wall 30 in the front-rear direction. However, the pressing operation escape portion does not necessarily need to be formed over the entire area of the protective wall 30 in the front-rear direction. (11) In Example 3, the distance between the opposing surfaces of a pair of protective walls 93a and 93b is approximately 8.0 mm at the front end portion of the protective wall and approximately 12.0 mm at the rear end portion, and the ratio of the distance between the front end surface of the rear side retreat portion 92 to the distance between the rear end surface of the rear side retreat portion 92 is approximately 3:2. However, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the front end surfaces of the pair of protective walls 93a and 93b can be arbitrarily set within the range that can solve the problem of the present invention. (12) In Example 1, the operation portion 21 is pressed with a finger. However, the operation portion 21 does not necessarily need to be pressed with a finger. A jig or the like may be used to press the operation portion 21. (13) In Example 3, the press-operation retreat portion 97 formed on the left protective wall 93a is formed approximately 2.5 mm rearward from the front end of the protective wall, and the press-operation retreat portion 97 formed on the right protective wall 93b is formed approximately 1.5 mm rearward, but the formation range of the press-operation retreat portion 97 can be arbitrarily set within the range that can solve the problem of the present invention. (14) In Example 1, the pressing operation escape portion 40 including the rear end portion of the protective wall 30 is formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of protective walls 30 . However, the pressing operation escape portion 40 may be formed on only one of the pair of protective walls 30 . (15) In the first embodiment, the protruding end portion 36 is located at the highest end of the protection wall 30 . However, the protruding end portion 36 does not need to be the highest end of the protection wall 30 , and only needs to protrude upward from the connector housing 10 . Description of Reference Numerals

[0056] 10, 70, 90, 110: Connector housing 10S, 70S, 90S: upper surface (outer surface) 11, 95: sidewall 12, 78, 124: Flat surface 13, 74: Terminal storage room 15: Base end 18: Opposite surface 19: Extension 20, 81, 99, 131: Locking arm 21, 71, 100, 125: Operation 23, 79, 101, 126: Strengthening Department 25: Arm 27: plate-shaped part 30, 73: Protective wall 30S: front end 31: Locking part 33: Lock the front face 35: Locking surface 36, 77, 96, 123: protruding end 37: Guide surface 39, 75: vertical surface 40, 80, 97, 121: Retractable portion for press operation 50: Other side housing 51: Hood 53: Anterior wall 55: Male terminal 57: Up the wall 58: Lock the inclined surface 59: Locking protrusion 61: Box Department 63: Wires 65: Terminal parts 92, 117: Rear retreat 93a, 120a: Left protective wall 93b, 120b: Right protective wall 94, 128: protrusion 98, 130: Abutment 115: Steps 115a, 115d: First step 115b, 115e: Second step 115c, 115f: Step 3 118: Vertical Wall 127: Hengbi A: Allowable deflection space D1, D2: Opposing interval

Claims

1. A connector comprising: A connector housing capable of engaging with a housing on the other side; a locking arm arranged to extend along the outer surface of the connector housing and locked to the mating housing to lock the connector housing and the mating housing in a mating state; an operating portion for unlocking, formed on the lock arm, and pressed to elastically deform the lock arm and separate from the counterpart housing; as well as a pair of protective walls protruding from the outer surface of the connector housing and arranged so as to sandwich the operating portion from both sides; The operating portion is displaced in a direction approaching the outer surface of the connector housing by a pressing operation when unlocking. A pressing operation escape portion including a protruding end portion of the protective wall is formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the pair of protective walls. In the region where the pressing escape portion is formed, the opposing distance between the pair of opposing surfaces is largest at the protruding end portion of the protection wall, and the opposing distance on the outer surface side is narrower than the opposing distance at the protruding end portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The connector housing is fitted with the mating housing with the front end thereof facing forward. The protection wall is arranged at a rear end portion of the connector housing, and a front end of the pressing operation escape portion is arranged forward of a rear end of the operation portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: A flat surface intersecting with a pressing direction with respect to the operation portion is formed at the protruding end portion of one of the pair of protection walls.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The locking arm has a pair of elastically deformable arm portions. The arm portion is connected to a base end portion extending upward from the outer surface of the connector housing. The operating portion is plate-shaped and is formed by connecting the pair of arms. The range of formation of the pressing operation escape portion in the displacement direction of the operation portion is only the region from the upper end of the base end portion to the protruding end of the protection wall.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein A rear side setback portion is formed on the protective wall, and the rear side setback portion is formed so that the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of protective walls is largest at the rear end portion of the protective wall and the front portion is narrower than the rear end portion. The front end of the rear side escape portion is arranged forward of the rear end of the pressing operation escape portion. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein: The pressing operation retraction portion is provided on only one of the pair of protection walls.

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