CONNECTORS AND CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

Slippage of a detection element under a locking arm and improper movement to a detection position are suppressed. A connector 10 includes a housing 20, which contains a locking arm 30, and a detection element 40. The locking arm 30 extends rearward in a projecting form from an outer surface of the housing 20. The detection element 40 includes a detection element main body 41, an elastic arm section 42 which extends forward in a projecting form from the detection element main body 41, and an adjacent section 46 which is formed at an extension end section of the elastic arm section 42 and restricts movement from an initial position to a detection position by engagement with the locking arm 30 from behind.A limiting section 24 for excessive bending, which restricts excessive bending of the locking arm 30 by engaging with the extension end section of the locking arm 30, is formed on the outer surface of the housing 20. A projection 35 is formed on at least one of the extension end section of the locking arm 30 or the limiting section 24 for excessive bending, wherein the projection 35 restricts a forward movement of the locking arm 30 by engaging with the other during a limiting of excessive bending.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a corresponding connector arrangement.

[0002] A connector as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-99332 is known as a connector which incorporates a fitting detection function via a detection element. This connector includes a locking arm extending rearward in a projecting form from a main housing body, and a detection element designed to be movable forward from an initial position to a detection position. The detection element includes an elastic arm section extending diagonally upward and forward in a projecting form, and an abutting section formed at an extension end of the elastic arm section, which restricts movement from the initial position of the detection element to the detection position by engaging the locking section from behind.A release actuation section is formed at a rear end (distal end) of the locking arm. A pair of left and right wall sections and a bridge section, which connects the upper ends of the wall sections, are formed on an upper surface of a housing. An excessive bending restraint section, which limits excessive upward bending of the locking arm, is formed on the bridge section by engaging with the release actuation section through a locking action from below.

[0003] The goal or object is to improve the operability or usability of a connection process of a connector with a matching or coordinated connector.

[0004] This subject matter is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Particular embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect, a connector is provided which can be fitted to or matched with a compatible connector, wherein the connector comprises: a housing which includes at least one locking arm; and at least one detection element which is mounted on the housing (in particular from the rear) and is movable forward from an original or starting position to a detection position, in which the locking arm extends backward in a projecting form from an outer surface of the housing, the detection element comprising a detection element main body, an elastic arm section which extends forward in a projecting form from the detection element main body, and an abutting or contacting section which is attached to the elastic arm section (in particular an extension or contact section).an extension end section thereof) is formed and restricts movement from the original position to the detection position by engagement with the locking arm (in particular from the rear), a restriction section of excessive bending is formed on an outer surface of the housing, wherein the restriction section of excessive bending restricts excessive bending of the locking arm by engagement with an extension end section of the locking arm, and at least one protrusion or projection is formed on at least one of the extension end section of the locking arm or the restriction section of excessive bending, wherein the protrusion restricts forward movement of the locking arm by engagement with the other during a restriction of excessive bending.

[0006] When the connector is fitted to the matching connector, the locking arm is subject to bending deformation, and in connection with this, the elastic arm section of the detection element is also subject to bending deformation.

[0007] If the matching connector and the connector are properly fitted together, only the locking arm is returned, and the elastic arm section remains in the deformed state caused by bending.

[0008] It is subsequently possible to detect that the matching connector and the connector have reached a properly or appropriately fitted state by causing the detection element to move from the original or starting position to the detection position.

[0009] Before the connector is fitted to or with the matching connector, if a force or the like is unexpectedly exerted or applied to the detection element to cause the detection element to be pushed or pushed from its original position towards the detection position, and the locking arm is raised, in particular due to the contacting or striking section of the elastic arm section which engages with the locking arm substantially from behind, excessive bending of the locking arm is limited, in particular due to the extension end section of the locking arm which engages with the limiting section of excessive bending.

[0010] If, in particular, the detection element is further pressed or pushed from this state, the entire locking arm is subject to bending deformation, and the extension end section of the locking arm, in particular, attempts to move forward relative to the limiting section of excessive bending. However, in the connector of the present disclosure, a forward movement of the locking arm is limited, in particular, by the protrusion or projection formed on at least one of the extension end section of the locking arm or the limiting section of excessive bending, which are in or come into engagement with each other.

[0011] Therefore, the extension end section of the locking arm detaches or moves away from the limiting section of excessive bending, and the adjacent section of the detection element does not slip or slide under the locking arm.

[0012] Accordingly, the overall operability and usability of the connection process is improved.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the locking arm preferably extends diagonally upwards and backwards from an upper surface of the housing.

[0014] In particular, the restriction section of excessive bending preferably limits excessive upward bending of the locking arm by engaging with the extension end section of the locking arm from above.

[0015] Since the locking arm extends diagonally upwards and backwards from the upper surface of the housing, the locking arm is more easily lifted due to the adjacent section of the elastic arm section, which engages with the locking arm from behind.

[0016] However, as described above, excessive bending of the locking arm is limited due to the extension end section of the locking arm, which engages with or comes into contact with the restriction section of excessive bending, and forward movement of the locking arm is limited by the elevation.

[0017] Furthermore, a limiting surface of the lower side is preferably formed on an extension or elongation section of the locking arm.

[0018] Furthermore, the limiting section of an excessive bending preferably includes a limiting surface of the upper side in order to contact the limiting surface of the lower side during a limiting of an excessive bending.

[0019] The confining surface of the upper side is preferably a tapered surface that slopes downwards, while the confining surface of the upper side extends forwards.

[0020] Since the confining surface of the upper side is in particular a tapered surface, the confining surface of the lower side is more easily caused to directly contact the confining surface of the upper side, and the locking arm is more easily and securely fixed by the confining section of an excessive bend.

[0021] Furthermore, the raised section is preferably formed on or at the limiting surface of the lower side of the locking arm.

[0022] Furthermore, the restriction section of excessive bending preferably includes a front-facing engagement surface with which the protrusion engages or is engaged essentially from the rear during a restriction of a forward movement.

[0023] The front engagement surface is preferably a tapered surface that slopes upwards or outwards, while the front engagement surface extends forwards.

[0024] Since the front engagement surface is a tapered surface, the protrusion or projection engages more firmly with the front engagement surface and is less likely to detach from it, and a restriction of forward movement of the locking arm can be firmly achieved by the protrusion.

[0025] Furthermore, in particular, a pair of the protrusions is preferably provided essentially parallel, and the pair of protrusions is preferably connected by at least one rib to form a gate shape which opens essentially on a front side.

[0026] A finger or actuating element is more easily hooked onto the rib when the locking arm is unlocked, and release performance is increased more easily. Rigidity is increased by connecting the pair of protrusions to the rib, and deformation of the rib by an external force is more easily suppressed.

[0027] Furthermore, the raised section preferably includes a rear engagement surface which engages with the front engagement surface from behind. The rear engagement surface is preferably a tapered surface that slopes upwards or outwards, while extending forwards.

[0028] Since the rear engagement surface is a tapered surface, it can be more easily caused to directly contact the front engagement surface, and a restriction of forward movement of the locking arm can be achieved more firmly or strongly by means of the protrusion.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, a connector arrangement or assembly is provided which comprises a connector according to the above aspect or a particular embodiment thereof and a matching or coordinated connector which can be connected to it.

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the overall operability and handling of a connector and a corresponding connector arrangement, in particular by suppressing the detection element from slipping or sliding under the locking arm and not moving to the detection position correctly.

[0031] These and other features, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that, even though embodiments are described separately, individual features thereof can be combined to form additional embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector, seen diagonally from one of its front sides; Fig. Figure 2 is a front view of the connector, seen from the front of it; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along AA in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view at a cross-sectional position AA in Fig. 2, which shows a state before a matching connector and the connector are fitted together; Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view at cross-sectional position AA in Fig. 2, which shows an initial fitting state of the mating connector with the connector; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view at cross-sectional position AA in Fig. 2, which shows a semi-fitted state of the matching connector with the connector; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view at cross-sectional position AA in Fig. 2, which shows a state in which the matching connector and the connector are properly or appropriately fitted to each other; Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view at cross-sectional position AA in Fig. 2, which shows a state in which a detection element is halfway from an original or starting position towards a detection position; Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view at cross-sectional position AA in Fig. 2, which shows a state in which the detection element has reached the detection position; and Fig. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view at cross-sectional position AA in Fig. 2, which shows a state in which the detection element is pushed forward from the original position to the detection position before the matching connector and the connector are fitted together.

[0032] Embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described below. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and it is intended to include all modifications or variations indicated or designated by the claims and which are within the meaning and scope of equivalent claims. The drawings may exaggerate or simplify configurations to facilitate description. Dimensional ratios of each part may differ between the drawings. "Orthogonal" in this description means not only strictly orthogonal, but also substantially orthogonal within a region in which functions and effects are achieved in the present embodiment.

[0033] "Opposite" in this description refers to surfaces or members or elements that are located directly in front of each other, and means not only surfaces or members that are perfectly aligned, but also surfaces or members that are partially aligned. "Opposite" in this description means both that another member or element, different from two parts, is interposed between the two parts, and that nothing is present between the two parts.

[0034] One embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to Fig. Sections 1 to 10 are described. In the following description, a direction indicated by a Z-arrow is referred to as an upward direction, a direction indicated by an X-arrow as a forward direction, and a direction indicated by a Y-arrow as a leftward direction. It should be noted that only some of a plurality of identical terms or elements may be designated by a reference symbol, while other terms may not be designated by a reference symbol. Connector 10

[0035] A connector 10 is at least partially fitable onto or with a matching or coordinated connector 50. The connector 10 comprises a housing 20, which includes at least one locking arm 30, and at least one detection element 40, which is arranged or mounted on or to the housing 20 from a mounting direction, such as substantially from the rear, and / or is movable along a displacement direction (in particular substantially forward) from an original or starting position towards a detection position.

[0036] It should be noted that in the following description, one side of a fitting surface of both connectors 10 and 50 is defined as a front side relative to a forward-backward direction. Matching connector 50

[0037] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the matching connector 50 includes a matching or coordinated housing 51, which is made, for example, of a synthetic or artificial resin.

[0038] The matching housing 51 includes in particular a tubular hood or cap section 52, which is essentially open at the front.

[0039] A locking receiving section 53 is formed, in particular, on an upper wall of the hood section 52 (especially a front end section thereof). The locking receiving section 53 specifically penetrates the upper wall essentially in a vertical direction.

[0040] A front surface of an inner wall of the locking receiving section 53 is defined in particular as a backward or inversely tapered engagement receiving surface 53A which has a slightly outward or upward inclination in the direction of the front.

[0041] A cooperation section 54 is formed, in particular, essentially in front of the locking receiving section 53 at the front end section of the upper wall of the hood section 52.

[0042] A tapered inclined surface 54A, which has an outward or upward inclination in the direction of the front, is formed in particular at or near the action or interaction section 54 (in particular a lower end section of a front surface thereof).

[0043] A lower surface of the interaction section 54 is defined in particular as a pressing or pressing surface 54B or acts as such, which is arranged substantially horizontally from the inclined surface 54A to the locking receiving section 53. Case 20

[0044] The housing 20 is, for example, made of a synthetic or artificial resin.

[0045] As this is in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 20 includes a (particularly essentially block-shaped) housing body 21, a front cover 22 which is fixed to the housing body 21 (particularly a front surface thereof), and / or the locking arm 30 which is integrally or integrally connected to the housing body 21 (particularly an upper or lateral surface thereof).

[0046] The locking arm 30 extends, in particular, substantially diagonally upwards or outwards and backwards in a projecting form from the main body of the housing 21 (in particular its upper or lateral surface).

[0047] The locking arm 30 is capable of being subjected to bending or bending deformation essentially in the vertical direction or in the direction towards and away from the main housing body 21.

[0048] A metal connection fixing or fastening (not shown) can be at least partially inserted into the main housing body 21.

[0049] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a (particularly arc-shaped) limiting section 24 of an excessive bending, which at least partially surrounds a release actuation section 34 (described below) of the locking arm 30, is formed on the upper or lateral surface of the main housing body 21 (particularly a rear end section thereof).

[0050] An inner space of the restriction section 24 of an excessive bending is defined in particular as an assembly space 25 in which the detection element 40 is inserted or can be inserted at least partially from an insertion side, in particular substantially from the rear.

[0051] The restriction section 24 of excessive bending includes in particular one or more outer walls 26, in particular a pair of substantially bilaterally symmetrical outer walls 26, which project upwards or outwards from one or more (in particular both) end section(s) in a left-right direction of the upper surface of the main housing body 21, and one or more, in particular a pair of, lateral (left and / or right) inner walls 27, which are positioned in particular on an inner side of the outer wall 26 and project upwards or outwards from the upper or outer surface of the main housing body 21.

[0052] The restriction section 24 of excessive bending includes in particular a (especially substantially horizontal flat) bridge section 28 adjoining or extending through (a) upper end(s) of the one or the several (especially both) inner wall(s) 27 and / or the one or the several (especially both) outer wall(s) 26 and is particularly designed to cover an entire width of the main housing body 21.

[0053] Specifically, the bridge section 28 is supported at a lateral (left) end section and / or an opposite lateral (right) end section therein by one or more, in particular two, pairs of outer walls 26 and / or inner walls 27, which are spaced laterally apart from each other.

[0054] A lower surface of the bridge section 28 is in particular defined as, or acts as, a confinement surface 28A of the upper side.

[0055] The confining surface 28A of the upper side is in particular essentially a tapered surface which slopes downwards or inwards as the confining surface 28A of the upper side extends forwards. Locking arm 30

[0056] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the locking arm 30 extends substantially backwards in a projecting form from the outer or upper surface of the main housing body 21 (in particular a front end section thereof).

[0057] A bending space is formed in particular between the locking arm 30 (especially a lower surface thereof) and the main housing body 21 (especially the upper surface thereof) to allow a restorable or elastic bending of the locking arm 30 during a process of fitting the connector 10 to or into the mating connector 50.

[0058] At least one locking projection 31 is formed in particular, which projects upwards or outwards at essentially a central position in the forward-backward direction of the locking arm 30.

[0059] A rear surface of the locking projection 31 is defined as, or acts as, an engagement surface 31A, which is open particularly at the rear.

[0060] One side of an upper section of the engagement surface 31A substantially opposite the engagement receiving surface 53A of the locking receiving section 53 is in particular slightly reversed or tapered backwards, and / or one side of a lower section opposite an adjacent or striking section 46 (described below) of the detection element 40 is in particular slightly tapered.

[0061] The locking arm 30 includes in particular a proximal end section 32, which is essentially positioned in front of the locking projection 31.

[0062] The proximal end section 32 is or is in particular connected to the upper or outer surface of the main housing body 21 and functions as a vertex or lever point for a bending process or a bending actuation of the locking arm 30.

[0063] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the locking arm 30 includes in particular one or more, in particular a pair of (in particular substantially bilaterally symmetrical) side frame sections 33, which extend backwards laterally from the locking projection 31 (in particular from both the left and right sides thereof), and / or the release actuation section 34 for performing a locking release actuation for the locking arm 30.

[0064] As this is in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the release actuation section 34 is in particular essentially designed in the form of a rectangular or right-angled plate.

[0065] An upper surface of the release actuation section 34 is specifically defined as a restriction surface 34A of the lower side.

[0066] One or more, in particular a pair of lateral (left and / or right) elevations 35, and in particular at least one rib 36 which connects these elevations or projections 35 (in particular their posterior ends) are formed on the confining surface 34A of the lower side.

[0067] The pair of elevations 35 and the rib 36 are in particular essentially shaped like a gate which opens at the front when viewed or considered from above.

[0068] In the forward-backward direction, a front edge or front margin of the release actuation section 34 is set to essentially the same position as a front edge or front margin of the bridge section 28.

[0069] In particular, a rear edge of the actuation release section 34 is set to a position further back than a rear edge of the bridge section 28.

[0070] Therefore, a region of a front end side of the release actuation section 34 is or will be covered, in particular at least partially, from the outside or above by the bridge section 28, especially across its entire width in the left-right direction.

[0071] On the other hand, a region of a rear end side of the release actuation section 34 is not covered from the outside or above by the bridge section 28 and is open to the top.

[0072] A front surface of the elevation 35 is defined, or is defined, in particular as a rear engagement surface 35A, or acts as such.

[0073] On the other hand, a rear surface of the bridge section 28 is defined, in particular, as a front engagement surface 28B, or acts as such.

[0074] In the forward-backward direction, the rear engagement surface 35A is set or fixed to a position further back than the front engagement surface 28B.

[0075] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, when the locking arm 30 is raised, a restriction of forward movement (forward sliding) of the locking arm 30 is firmly or strongly effected by the restriction surface 34A of the lower side, which closely or directly contacts and thus engages the restriction surface 28A of the upper side substantially from below, and / or the rear engagement surface 35A, which closely or directly contacts and thus engages the front engagement surface 28B substantially from behind.

[0076] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, in a state in which both connectors 10 and 50 are properly fitted to each other or into each other, the locking projection 31 fits, in particular elastically, at least partially into the locking receiving section 53 from below, the engagement surface 31A is arranged, in particular, to be able to engage with the engagement receiving surface 53A, and / or both connectors 10 and 50 are held, in particular, in the properly fitted state.

[0077] On the other hand, in the state in which both connectors 10 and 50 are properly fitted to each other, the locking arm 30 is caused, in particular, to undergo bending deformation, at least partially, into the bending space by pressing downwards or inwards against the upper or outer surface of the release actuation section 34. This causes the locking projection 31 to slip out of the locking receiving section 53, making it possible to separate both connectors 10 and 50.

[0078] As this is in Fig. Figure 3 shows a receiving recess section 37 which essentially opens backwards, in particular formed on a lower surface of the locking arm 30.

[0079] In the forward-backward direction, the receiving recess section 37 is arranged in particular at a position which essentially corresponds to the locking elevation 31.

[0080] Specifically, the receiving recess section 37 has a size and shape which essentially corresponds to a projection 44 (described below) of the detection element 40, and / or opens to the lower surface (side of the bending space) of the locking arm 30 and the rear surface of the locking projection 31. Detection element 40

[0081] The detection element 40 is, for example, made of a synthetic or artificial resin.

[0082] The detection element 40 includes in particular a detection element main body 41 and / or an elastic arm section 42, which is integrally or integrally connected to the detection element main body 41 (in particular a front end thereof).

[0083] The detection element 40 is, or is, in particular, mounted or can be mounted in order to be moved from the original or starting position, which is in Fig. 3 is shown, to the detection position which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, it can be moved via a waiting or standby position, which is located in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0084] An actuation section 43 is formed in particular outwards or upwards at or near a rear end section of an upper or outer surface of the detection element main body 41.

[0085] A finger or actuating element is hooked onto, or can be hooked onto, the actuating section 43, and the detection element 40 is or can be reset from the detection position to the original position by pulling backwards in this state.

[0086] The elastic arm section 42 extends diagonally upwards or outwards and forwards essentially in a projecting form from the detection element main body 41 (in particular essentially a central or mid-section in the left-right direction of an anterior surface thereof).

[0087] Specifically, the elastic arm section 42 essentially has a shape or form of a square or rectangular rod and / or is capable of being subjected to bending deformation or deformation in the vertical direction, essentially with the rear end section adjoining the detection element main body 41 (especially its front surface) as a pivot or lever point.

[0088] In a natural state, the elastic arm section 42 is inclined, in particular upwards, at an approximately constant angle of inclination from a posterior end to an anterior end thereof.

[0089] If the detection element 40 is moved from its original position, which is in Fig. 4 shows the standby position, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, when the elastic arm section 42 is displaced or relocated, it is in particular caused to undergo a bending deformation or deformation, so that the angle of inclination of this arm is increasingly or gradually reduced.

[0090] The elastic arm section 42 assumes a substantially horizontal orientation without significant tilting or tipping when the detection element 40 reaches the detection position, which is described in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0091] Accordingly, the elastic arm section 42 is in a state of stored elastic force, particularly both in or at the standby position and the detection position.

[0092] The block-shaped projection 44 is formed in particular projecting upwards or outwards at or near a front end section of the elastic arm section 42.

[0093] A contacting section 45 is formed, in particular, to project substantially forward onto a lower front end section of the projection 44.

[0094] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when the detection element 40 is in the original position, an upper surface of the contacting section 45 is arranged in a particularly approximately horizontal manner and / or contacts an upper surface of the receiving recess section 37 from below.

[0095] A region of the projection 44, which rises or extends upwards from a rear end of the contacting section 45, is specifically defined as or acts as the adjacent or striking section 46.

[0096] When the elastic arm section 42 is in its natural state, the adjacent section 46 is particularly arranged to extend substantially in the vertical direction.

[0097] When the detection element 40 is in its original position, the adjacent section 46 is in particular arranged to be substantially opposite the engagement surface 31A of the locking projection 31 from the rear. Description of an actuation of connector 10

[0098] Next, the operation of connector 10 will be described.

[0099] During assembly, the detection element 40 is first inserted, at least partially, from an insertion side, in particular essentially from the rear, into the mounting space 25 of the main housing body 21.

[0100] When the detection element 40 has reached the original or starting position, the adjacent section 46 is arranged in particular to be able to engage with the engagement surface 31A of the locking projection 31 from behind.

[0101] Accordingly, if an attempt is made to push or press the detection element 40 forward in its original position, the adjacent section 46, in particular the engagement surface 31A, is contacted and further forward movement of the detection element 40 is restricted.

[0102] In the original position, the contacting section 45 in particular contacts an inner wall of the receiving recess section 37 (in particular its upper surface) (in particular from below), and / or the elastic arm section 42 is or is in particular held while an elastic force is accumulated or stored relative to the locking arm 30.

[0103] An engagement edge between the adjacent section 46 and the engagement surface 31A of the locking projection 31 is, or is, in particular, automatically set or fixed to a specific (predetermined or determinable) value, since the contacting section 45 contacts the upper surface of the inner wall of the receiving recess section 37.

[0104] The elastic arm section 42 is in particular prevented from being displaced upwards or outwards relative to the locking arm 30; in other words, the contact between the adjacent section 46 and the engagement surface 31A is in particular prevented from being released or loosened, since the contacting section 45 contacts the upper surface of the inner wall of the receiving recess section 37 from below.

[0105] Therefore, a forward movement of the detection element 40 is suppressed more reliably.

[0106] Here, a case is conceivable in which the detection element 40 is pressed or pushed forward by receiving or being subjected to an external force or the like.

[0107] In this case, the entire locking arm 30 oscillates first, in particular essentially with the proximal end section 32 as a pivot point, since the adjacent section 46 contacts the engagement surface 31A from the rear.

[0108] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the locking arm 30 swings or pivots in particular next, since the contacting section 45 contacts the inner wall of the receiving recess section 37 from below.

[0109] The locking arm 30 then stops, in particular, any oscillation, since the restraint surface 34A of the lower side of the release actuation section 34 contacts the restraint surface 28A of the upper side of the bridge section 28 from below.

[0110] When the detection element 40 is pushed further forward from this state, the entire locking arm 30 is subject, in particular substantially, to a bending deformation diagonally upwards and forwards, and / or the release actuation section 34 of the locking arm 30 attempts, in particular, to move substantially forwards relative to the limiting section 24 of excessive bending.

[0111] However, in the connector 10 of the present disclosure, a forward movement of the locking arm 30 is particularly restricted, since the restriction surface 34A of the lower side directly contacts the restriction surface 28A of the upper side and / or the rear engagement surface 35A of the protrusion 35 directly contacts the front engagement surface 28B of the bridge section 28.

[0112] This prevents the locking arm 30 from sliding forward and detaching from the limiting section 24 from excessive bending.

[0113] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in a fitting process of the main housing body 21, which is fitted into the cap or hood section 52 of the matching housing 51, the locking arm 30 and the elastic arm section 42 are subject in particular to a downward or inward bending deformation, since the locking projection 31 slides against the inclined surface 54A of the interference or interaction section 54.

[0114] The following explains how this is done in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the locking projection 31 is pressed or pushed in particular against the pressing surface 54B of the interaction section 54 and / or the locking arm 30 is at least partially received in the bending space.

[0115] When the housing 20 is substantially properly fitted to or with the matching housing 51, a pressing or pressing state is released from the interaction section 54 against the locking projection 31, and it returns as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the locking arm 30 retracts at least partially elastically and / or the locking projection 31 fits at least partially into the locking receiving section 53 from below.

[0116] This ensures that the upper section of the engagement surface 31A of the locking projection 31 is positioned in particular to be able to engage with the engagement receiving surface 53A of the locking receiving section 53, and / or that both housings 20 and 51 are held in the properly fitted state.

[0117] When the housing 20 is properly fitted to or into the matching housing 51, the projection 44 is pressed or pushed, in particular downwards or inwards, by the interaction section 54.

[0118] At this point, the projection 44 does not follow a return actuation of the locking arm 30 and / or maintains a contacting state with the interaction section 54, and the contacting section 45 in particular releases or separates from the receiving recess section 37.

[0119] This ensures that the detection element 40 is retained, particularly in the waiting or standby position, in which the elastic arm section 42 is separated from the locking arm 30 and / or contacts the matching housing 51. In the standby position, the elastic arm section 42 is subjected to bending deformation by the interaction section 54 and assumes a nearly horizontal, inclined orientation.

[0120] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, when a forward-pressing force is applied or exerted on the detection element 40 in the standby position, the elastic arm section 42 is subject in particular to downward or inward bending deformation and / or the projection 44 is inserted in particular at least partially into the receiving recess section 37 from behind, since an inclined surface of the projection 44 slides against a lower end of the engagement surface 31A.

[0121] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, when the detection element 40 reaches the detection position, the projection 44 is at least partially fitted into and received in the receiving recess section 37.

[0122] Further forward movement of the detection element 40 is particularly restricted because the projection 44 contacts a front surface of the inner wall of the receiving recess section 37.

[0123] In the detection position, the elastic arm section 42 is maintained or held, in particular in a state of accumulated or stored elastic force between the locking arm 30 and the main housing body 21, especially in an approximately horizontal orientation.

[0124] The elastic arm section 42 is, or is in particular at least partially, inserted into the bending space of the locking arm 30 at a corresponding depth, thereby limiting the bending actuation of the locking arm 30, and as a result both housings 20 and 51 are held in the properly fitted state.

[0125] On the other hand, as is the case in Fig. 6 shows that when the housing 20 remains in a semi-fitted state without being properly fitted to or into the matching housing 51, the locking arm 30 is pressed in particular against the pressing surface 54B of the interaction section 54 and / or remains in a deformed state due to bending.

[0126] Therefore, even if an attempt is made to push the detection element 40 forward in this state, the projection 44 particularly coincides with the locking elevation 31 to prevent the elastic arm section 42 from entering at least partially into the bending space of the locking arm 30, and / or to prevent movement of the detection element 40 to the detection position.

[0127] Therefore, it is possible to know whether the housing 20 is properly fitted with or into the matching housing 51, based on whether the detection element 40 can move to the detection position.

[0128] In order to separate the two housings 20 and 51, which are held in the properly fitted state, the finger or actuating element is first fixed or arranged, or can be fixed or arranged, particularly on the actuating section 43, and the detection element 40 is pulled or can be pulled backwards in this state.

[0129] The detection element 40 is reset in the direction towards or to the original position due to a backward pulling force acting on the detection element 40.

[0130] Subsequently, the finger or actuating element is fixed or positioned on or at the rib 36, and the release actuating section 34 is pressed, in particular downwards or inwards.

[0131] At this point, the bridge section 28 is at least partially located above the release actuation section 34, but the unlocking actuation or unlocking process can still be carried out, since the rib 36 is positioned further back than a rear end of the bridge section 28.

[0132] Here, since the rib 36 is formed integrally or in one piece with the one or more, in particular the pair of, elevations 35 and / or has a high rigidity or stiffness, the shape or form of the rib 36 is essentially maintained without collapsing, even when a strong force is exerted or applied to the rib 36 by the finger or the actuating element.

[0133] When the unlocking actuation is performed on the release actuation section 34, the locking arm 30 is subject in particular to downward or inward elastic bending, the locking projection 31 is in particular separated from the locking receiving section 53 and / or an engagement state between the locking arm 30 and the locking receiving section 53 is released or discharged.

[0134] Subsequently, both housings 20 and 51 are separated from each other, or can be separated, by pulling the housing 20 away from the matching housing 51 while maintaining a state in which the release actuation section 34 is pressed downwards. Operation and effects of the embodiment

[0135] The connector 10 according to the embodiment can be fitted at least partially to or into the matching connector 50.

[0136] The connector 10 includes the housing 20, which includes the locking arm 30, and the detection element 40, which is mounted or arranged on or on the housing 20 (especially from the rear) and is movable forward from the original or starting position in the direction of the detection position.

[0137] The locking arm 30 extends, in particular, essentially backwards in a projecting form from an outer surface of the housing 20.

[0138] The detection element 40 includes the detection element main body 41, the elastic arm section 42, which extends essentially forward in a projecting form from the detection element main body 41, and / or the adjacent or striking section 46, which is formed on the elastic arm section 42 (in particular an extension end section thereof) and restricts movement from the original position to the detection position by engaging or standing against the locking arm 30 from behind.

[0139] The limiting section 24 of excessive bending, which limits excessive bending of the locking arm 30 by engaging with the extension end section of the locking arm 30, is formed in particular on the outer surface of the housing 20.

[0140] The projection 35, which restricts a forward movement of the locking arm 30 by engaging with or being in contact with the restriction section 24 of an excessive bending during a restriction of an excessive bending, is formed in particular on the extension end section of the locking arm 30.

[0141] When the connector 10 is fitted to the matching connector 50, the locking arm 30 is subject to bending deformation, and in connection with this, the elastic arm section 42 of the detection element 40 is also subject to bending deformation.

[0142] If the matching connector 50 and the connector 10 are substantially properly fitted to each other or into each other, only the locking arm 30 is returned, in particular at least partially, and the elastic arm section 42 remains in the deformed state caused by bending.

[0143] Subsequently, it is possible, in particular to detect, that the matching connector 50 and the connector 10 have reached the properly fitted state by causing the detection element 40 to move from the original position to the detection position.

[0144] Before the connector 10 is fitted into or onto the mating connector 50, if a force or the like is unexpectedly applied to the detection element 40 to cause the detection element 40 to be pushed from its original position towards the detection position, and / or the locking arm 30 is raised, since the adjacent section 46 of the elastic arm section 42 engages with the locking arm 30, particularly from the rear, excessive bending of the locking arm 30 is particularly limited, since the extension end section of the locking arm 30 engages with the limiting section 24 of excessive bending.

[0145] If the detection element 40 is further pushed or pressed from this state, the essentially entire locking arm 30 is subject in particular to bending deformation and the extension end section of the locking arm 30 attempts to move forward relative to the limiting section 24 of excessive bending.

[0146] However, in the connector 10 of the embodiment, a forward movement of the locking arm 30 is particularly restricted, since the projection 35, which is formed on the locking arm 30 (in particular the extension end section thereof), engages with the restriction section 24 to prevent excessive bending.

[0147] Therefore, the extension end section of the locking arm 30 detaches or separates, in particular, from the restriction section 24 of excessive bending, and the adjacent section 46 of the detection element 40 does not slip or slide under the locking arm 30.

[0148] The locking arm 30 preferably extends diagonally upwards (or outwards) and backwards from the upper (or outer) surface of the housing 20.

[0149] The limiting section 24 of excessive bending preferably limits excessive upward bending of the locking arm 30 by engaging with the extension end section of the locking arm 30 from above.

[0150] Since the locking arm 30 extends diagonally upwards (or outwards) and backwards from the upper (or outwardly facing) surface of the housing 20, the locking arm 30 is more easily lifted because the adjacent section 46 of the elastic arm section 42 engages with the locking arm 30 from behind.

[0151] However, as described above, excessive bending of the locking arm 30 is particularly restricted because the extension end section of the locking arm 30 engages with the restriction section 24 of excessive bending, and forward movement of the locking arm 30 is restricted by the protrusion 35.

[0152] The limiting surface 34A of the lower side is preferably formed on an extension or elongation section of the locking arm 30.

[0153] The limiting section 24 of an excessive bending preferably includes the limiting surface 28A of the upper side, which contacts the limiting surface 34A of the lower side during a limiting of an excessive bending.

[0154] The confining surface 28A of the upper side is preferably a tapered surface which slopes downwards as the confining surface 28A of the upper side extends forwards.

[0155] Since the confining surface 28A of the upper side is in particular a tapered surface, the confining surface 34A of the lower side is more easily caused to directly contact the confining surface 28A of the upper side, and / or the locking arm 30 is more easily and securely fixed by the confining section 24 of an excessive bending.

[0156] The protrusion 35 is preferably formed on the confining surface 34A of the lower side of the locking arm 30.

[0157] The restriction section 24 of an excessive bending preferably includes the front engagement surface 28B, with which the protrusion 35 engages or comes into engagement from behind during a restriction of a forward movement.

[0158] The front engagement surface 28B is preferably a tapered surface which slopes upwards as the front engagement surface 28B extends forwards.

[0159] Since the front engagement surface 28B is in particular a tapered surface, the projection 35 engages more strongly with the front engagement surface 28B and is less likely to detach or separate from it, and a restriction of a forward movement of the locking arm 30 by the projection 35 can be carried out firmly or strongly.

[0160] A pair of the protrusions 35 is preferably provided parallel, and the pair of protrusions 35 is preferably connected by the rib 36 to form the gate shape which opens at the front.

[0161] The finger or actuating element is or becomes more easily hooked onto the rib 36 when the locking arm 30 is unlocked, and the release force is more easily increased.

[0162] Rigidity or stiffness is increased or enhanced in particular by connecting the pair of elevations 35 with the rib 36, and / or deformation or deformation of the rib 36 by an external force is more easily suppressed.

[0163] The elevation 35 preferably includes the rear engagement surface 35A, which engages or comes into contact with the front engagement surface 28B from behind.

[0164] The rear engagement surface 35A is preferably an inclined surface which slopes upwards as or while the rear engagement surface 35A extends forwards.

[0165] Since the rear engagement surface 35A is in particular a tapered surface, the rear engagement surface 35A can be more easily caused to directly contact the front engagement surface 28B, and a restriction of a forward movement of the locking arm 30 can be carried out more strongly or firmly by the protrusion 35. Other embodiments

[0166] The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination without being technically contradictory.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the projection 35 is formed in particular on the release actuation section 34, but a projection or a protrusion may be formed on the restriction section 24 of an excessive bend, and a restriction of a forward movement of the locking arm 30 may be carried out by causing this projection to engage or come into engagement with the release actuation section 34 from the front.

[0168] In the above embodiment, the locking arm 30, which is formed on the upper surface of the main housing body 21, is shown by way of example, but the locking arm 30 can be formed on the outer surface of the main housing body 21 or on a side surface, a lower surface or the like of the main housing body 21.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the locking arm 30, which extends diagonally upwards and backwards from the upper surface of the main housing body 21, is shown by way of example, wherein, however, the locking arm can extend backwards parallel to the upper surface of the main housing body 21.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the limiting surface 28A of the upper side, which is a tapered surface, is shown by way of example, wherein, however, an engagement surface of the upper side can be substantially parallel to or lie on the upper surface of the main housing body 21.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the front engagement surface 28B, which is a tapered surface, is shown by way of example, but a front engagement surface can be substantially normal to or lie on the upper surface of the main housing body 21.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the pair of protrusions 35 which are connected by the rib 36 is shown by way of example, but the number of protrusions 35 can be one or three or more, and the rib 36 can be omitted.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the rear engagement surface 35A, which is a tapered surface, is shown by way of example, but a rear engagement surface can be normal to or lie on the upper surface of the housing main body 21. Reference symbol list 10 connectors 20 cases 21 Main housing body 22 front cover 24 Restriction section of excessive bending 25 Assembly room 26 outer or exterior wall 27 inner or interior wall 28 Bridge section 28A Limiting surface of the upper side 28B front access surface 30 locking arm 31 Locking projection or protrusion 31A Intervention surface 32 proximal end section 33 Page frame section 34 Release Actuation Section 34A Restriction surface of the lower side 35 Survey or advantage 35A rear access surface 36th rib 37 Induction and In-Depth Section 40 Detection element 41 Detection element main body 42 elastic arm section 43 Actuation section 44 Projection or extension 45 contacting section 46 adjoining or striking section 50 matching or coordinated connectors 51 matching or coordinated housings 52 Hood or cap section 53 Locking Receptacle Section 53A Intervention recording surface 54 Impact or Interaction Section 54A inclined surface 54B pressing or pressing surface QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2014-99332

[0002]

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