Element locking structure

Abstract

Element locking structure that includes: a first locking section (93) provided in a first element (21); and a second locking section (55) which is provided in a second element (13), wherein the first locking section (93) is elastically deformed to slide over the second locking section (55) and is elastically reset to lock with the second locking section (55) when the first element (21) moves in a locking direction to the second element (13), wherein the first locking section (93) and the second locking section (55) have a first locking surface (151) and a second locking surface (161), wherein the first locking surface (151) and the second locking surface (161) are opposite each other when the first locking section (93) is locked with the second locking section (55) to achieve a locking state, wherein the first locking surface (151) has a first inclined surface (155) and a first stop section (153), wherein the second locking surface (161) has a second inclined surface (167) and a second stop section (165), wherein the first inclined surface (155) and the first stop section (153) are arranged such that they are offset from each other in a locking width direction which intersects both the locking direction of the first element (21) and an elastic deformation direction of the first locking section (93), wherein the second inclined surface (167) is opposite the first stop section (153) and the second stop section (165) is opposite the first inclined surface (155) in the locked state, wherein the first inclined surface (155) touches the second stop section (165) and slides on it, and then the first stop section (153) touches the second inclined surface (167) and slides on it, in order to elastically deform the first locking section (93) in a direction opposite to the locking direction through the first inclined surface (155) and the second inclined surface (167) in a direction opposite to the locking direction when the first element (21) moves relative to the second element (13) from the locking state in a direction opposite to the locking on the second locking section (55) in order to release the locking state.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to an element locking structure. BACKGROUND

[0002] There is a connector formed by fitting a pair of connector shells together. When one of the connector shells is inserted to form the connector up to a mounting position where one connector shell can be fitted to the other connector shell, the terminals housed in the respective connector shells are electrically connected to each other, and the connector shells are locked together. However, since such assembly work is performed manually for this type of connector, there is a risk that the assembly work will be aborted without noticing a half-installed (unlocked) state in which one connector shell has not yet been inserted to the regular mounting position so that the shell can be unlocked later.

[0003] To solve this problem, a connector provided with a locking mechanism for securing the insertion position to prevent such half-insertion of a connector housing was proposed (see PTL 1).

[0004] The connector according to PTL 1 is provided with a cylindrical female housing in which female terminals are received, a cylindrical male housing in which male terminals are received and which is installed on the female housing, and a cylindrical insertion-preventing member slidably mounted on an outer side of the female housing, a female lock supported like a cantilever on the female housing and extending toward the male plug housing, a fitting-preventing lock supported like a cantilever on the fitting-preventing member and extending toward the male plug housing, and a locking projection protruding from an outer surface of the male plug housing for locking the female lock and the fitting-preventing lock together.

[0005] When the male connector housing is inserted into the female connector housing on which the insertion assurance element is mounted in such a configuration, a locking part of the female connector lock first climbs over the locking projection to be locked with the locking projection. A locking claw of the fitting assurance lock then climbs over the locking projection and the locking part of the female connector lock to be locked with the locking projection by the locking part of the female connector lock. Thus, the insertion assurance lock is locked with the locking projection by the female connector lock, ensuring proper insertion between the housings. CITATION LISTPATENT LITERATURE

[0006] PTL 1: JP 2012 - 64461 A

[0007] From DE 11 2011 103 111 T5 an element locking structure is known, which comprises: a first locking portion provided in a first element and a second locking portion provided in a second element, wherein the first locking portion is elastically deformed to slide over the second locking portion and is elastically restored to be locked with the second locking portion upon relative movement of the first element in a locking direction to the second element.

[0008] Document US 9 742 116 B1 discloses an element locking structure with inclined surfaces and stop portions.

[0009] JP 2004 - 220 970 A describes another element locking structure with inclined surfaces and stop sections. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] In a locking structure for locking a first locking portion (locking claw) of a first member (insertion-assuring member) with a second locking portion (locking portion) of a second member (female housing) as in PTL 1, the unlocking force for moving the first member relative to the second member in an unlocking direction (fitting-releasing direction) to release the locking between the first locking portion and the second locking portion depends on an inclination angle of an end surface of the first locking portion opposite to the second locking portion. Therefore, the inclination angle of the end surface of the first locking portion relative to the insertion direction is set smaller (gentler) so that the unlocking force can be reduced.

[0011] However, if the inclination angle of the end surface of the first locking part is set smaller, it is necessary to form an inclined surface over a larger area of ​​the first locking part in the thickness direction (a direction along a locking direction). Therefore, the substantial overall thickness of the first locking part decreases, so that the rigidity of the first locking part decreases. Such a disadvantage can be solved by lengthening the first locking part in the locking direction (an insertion direction). However, in some cases, it may be impossible to lengthen the first locking part due to available space, etc. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the unlocking force while suppressing an increase in the size of the first locking part.

[0012] An object of this invention is therefore to provide a locking structure for the links in which the unlocking force can be reduced while suppressing an increase in the size of a first locking part. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

[0013] [1] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an element locking structure comprises: a first locking portion provided in a first member; and a second locking portion provided in a second element, wherein the first locking portion is elastically deformed to slide over the second locking portion and is elastically restored to be locked with the second locking portion upon relative movement of the first element in a locking direction to the second element, the first locking portion and the second locking portion have a first locking surface and a second locking surface, wherein the first locking surface and the second locking surface are opposite each other when the first locking portion is locked with the second locking portion to achieve a locking state, the first locking surface has a first inclined surface and a first stop portion, the second locking surface has a second inclined surface and a second stop portion, wherein the first inclined surface and the first stopper portion are arranged to be offset from each other in a locking width direction that intersects both the locking direction of the first member and an elastic deformation direction of the first locking portion, wherein the second inclined surface is opposite the first stop portion and the second stop portion is opposite the first inclined surface in the locking state, the first inclined surface contacts and slides on the second stopper portion, and then the first stopper portion contacts and slides on the second inclined surface to elastically deform the first locking portion in a direction opposite to the locking direction from the locking state by the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to release the locking state.

[0014] In accordance with the above-mentioned [1], the angle of inclination of the first inclined surface is set smaller (gentler) than the direction opposite to the locking direction. This makes it possible to reduce the unlocking force.

[0015] Furthermore, in each of the first element (the first locking portion) and the second element (the second locking portion), an inclined surface is provided along which the first locking portion can be displaced in the opposite direction to the locking direction. Accordingly, the length of the inclined surface of the first locking part in the locking direction can be shortened compared to a case where the inclined surface is provided only in the first locking part. In addition, the first inclined surface and the first stopper portion are arranged so that they can be displaced from each other in the locking width direction. The first inclined surface is provided in a region of the first locking surface in the locking width direction.Accordingly, in any other region where the first inclined surface is not present, the thickness (thickness along the locking direction) of the first locking part can be secured.

[0016] Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the unlocking force while suppressing an increase in the size of the first locking part.

[0017] [2] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the locking structure of the members according to the first aspect is arranged such that: the first inclined surface and the first stopper portion are arranged to be offset from each other in the locking direction, and the second inclined surface and the second stopper portion are arranged to be offset from each other in the locking direction to partially overlap the first member and the second member in the locking state as viewed from the locking width direction.

[0018] In the above-mentioned second aspect, in the locking state, the first and second locking parts partially overlap each other as viewed from the locking width direction. Accordingly, the total length (total length) of the first locking part and the second locking part along the locking direction can be reduced by at least the length of an overlap region between the first locking part and the second locking part, compared to a case where both the first locking part and the second locking part do not have the overlap region. In addition, a moving distance of the first locking part opposite to the locking direction during unlocking is also reduced by at least the length of the overlap region, compared to a case where both the first locking part and the second locking part do not have the overlap region.Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the total length of the first locking part and the second locking part in the locking state and to reduce the amount of movement of the first locking part during unlocking.

[0019] [3] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the element locking structure according to the first or second aspect is arranged such that: the second element is a connector housing, the first element is an insertion locking element which is slidably mounted on an outer side of the connector housing to allow sliding movement in the locking direction, the locking direction of the insertion securing element is the same direction as the insertion direction of the plug housing to a counterpart plug housing, the second locking portion is elastically deformed to slide over a locked portion of the counterpart plug housing and is elastically reset to be locked with the locked portion upon movement of the plug housing in the insertion direction, the first locking portion is elastically deformed to slide over the locked portion and the second locking portion, and is elastically restored to be locked with the second locking portion when the insertion preventing member slides in the insertion direction relative to the connector housing in a connector insertion state in which the second locking portion is locked with the locked portion.

[0020] In the above-mentioned third aspect, in the fitting state in which the second locking portion of the connector housing has been locked with the locked portion of the counterpart connector housing, the first locking portion of the fitting securing member climbs over the locked portion and the second locking portion to be locked with the second locking portion. That is, in the locking state in which the first locking portion has been locked with the second locking portion, the locked portion, the second locking portion, and the first locking portion are linearly arranged adjacent to each other toward the counterpart connector housing. Therefore, the length (full length) of the first locking part in the insertion direction is limited within a range that does not interfere with the counterpart housing in the locking state.Since an inclined surface is provided in both the first and second members along which the first locking portion can be displaced in the opposite direction to the locking direction during unlocking, it is possible to reduce the unlocking force while suppressing the full length of the first locking portion within the range that does not interfere with the housing of the counterpart. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the unlocking force while suppressing an increase in the size of the first locking part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the external appearance of a socket unit. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the external appearance of a CPA end-lock condition. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section before assembly of the connector. Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section through half of the connecting piece. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section through half of the connecting piece. Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section of a connector insertion state. Fig. Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of the CPA final locking state. Fig. 9 is a longitudinal section during connector release (CPA end locking). Fig. 10 is a longitudinal section during the release of the connector (CPA temporary locking). Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section during the release of the connector (CPA temporary locking). Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section after releasing the plug connection (CPA temporary locking). Fig. 13(a) is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 11, and Fig. 13(b) is an enlarged view of part B of Fig. 11. Fig. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view showing a state in which excessive displacement of a mating trigger member is prevented by a CPA bridge. Fig. Figure 15 is a front view of the final locking state of the CPA with one male connector housing omitted. Fig. 16 is a section along an arrow line AA of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a section along an arrow line BB of Fig. 15. Fig. 18 is a sectional view of an upper locking claw and a locking member in the final locking state CPA. Fig. 19 is a sectional view of the upper locking claw and the locking part during unlocking. Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the upper locking claw and the locking part immediately after unlocking. Fig. 21 is a section along the arrow line AA of Fig. 18. Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of a side lock. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view before assembly of the connector. Fig. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the CPA end locking state. Fig. 25(a) is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 23, and Fig. 25(b) is an enlarged view of part B of Fig. 24. Fig. 26 is a perspective view of an inner housing front section. Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a side holder. Fig. 28 are longitudinal sections of the inner housing front section and the side bracket, Fig. 28(a) shows a final locking position, Fig. 28(b) a temporary locking position. Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a state before the side bracket is moved by a jig. Fig. 30 is a perspective view when the side bracket is moved by the device. Fig. 31 is a longitudinal section of the side bracket being moved. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] In the following, an embodiment of a connector for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector 11 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the external appearance of a female connector unit (male connector unit) 12 in which a CPA 21, a sealing member 23 and a side bracket 25 have been mounted on a female connector housing 13. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the external appearance of a connector insertion state. Fig. 4 to Fig. 8 are longitudinal sections showing the movement between the assembly of the connector and the final CPA locking. Incidentally, a mounting direction on a mating connector is described below as forward (forward in the mounting direction); a separation direction from the mating connector is backward (backward in the mounting direction); one side (top in Fig. 4) in a plug height direction (height direction) that intersects the insertion direction upwards (substantially orthogonal); the other side (lower side in Fig. 4) downward in the connector height direction; and a connector width direction (width direction) substantially orthogonally intersecting the insertion direction and the connector height direction left / right. (Schematic configuration of connector 11)

[0023] As in Fig. 1, the connector 11 is configured to include the cylindrical female housing (second member, male housing) 13, a cylindrical male plug housing (mating plug housing) 15, female terminals 17, male terminals 19, the cylindrical CPA (insertion assurance member, first member) 21, the annular sealing member 23, and the side retainer 25. The female terminals 17 are received in the female housing 13. The male terminals 19 are received in the male plug housing 15. The cylindrical CPA 21 is slidably mounted on an outer surface of the female housing 13 in the insertion direction. The annular sealing member 23 is mounted on the female housing 13. The side retainer 25 is mounted on the female housing 13. The socket housing 13, the CPA 21, the sealing element 23 and the side bracket 25 form the socket unit 12.The connector 11 according to the present embodiment connects two pairs of female terminals 17 and male terminals 19. The two female terminals 17 are received in the female housing 13, and the two male terminals 19 are received in the male connector housing 15. (Male connector housing 15)

[0024] The male connector housing 15 made of synthetic resin is, for example, directly connected to a device panel of an electrical device not shown, which has been installed in a vehicle, etc. As shown in Fig. 1, the male connector housing 15 has a proximal end portion 27 corresponding to the device wall and a circular cylindrical hood portion 29 extending from the proximal end portion 27 in the insertion direction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a bottomed space 31 having an inner peripheral surface axially adjacent to an inner peripheral surface of the hood portion 29 is formed in the proximal end portion 27. The plug terminals 19, which are shaped like tabs and protrude in the insertion direction, are attached to a deep side of the space 31.

[0025] An upper locking projection (locked portion) 33 is provided protrudingly on the upper side of an outer periphery of the hood portion 29. As shown in Fig. 4, the upper locking projection 33 has an upper inclined surface 35, an upper flat surface 37, and an upper locking surface 39. The upper inclined surface 35 has a projection increasing rearward. The upper flat surface 37 is connected to an upper end (rear end) of the upper inclined surface 35 and extends along the front / rear direction. The upper locking surface 39 is connected to a rear end of the upper flat surface 37 and rises substantially perpendicularly thereto. The upper flat surface 37 has a length in the width direction that is longer and a length in the front / rear direction that is shorter than the upper inclined surface 35. In a similar or the same manner, a lower locking projection 34 is protrudingly provided on a lower surface of the outer periphery of the hood portion 29. The lower locking projection 34 has a lower inclined surface (another inclined surface) 36 and a lower flat surface 38.The lower inclined surface 36 has a projection that increases towards the rear. The lower flat surface 38 is connected to a lower end (rear end) of the lower inclined surface 36 and extends along the front / rear direction. The lower flat surface 38 has a length in the width direction that is longer and a length in the front / rear direction that is shorter than the lower inclined surface 36. The upper locking projection 33 and the lower locking projection 34 are shaped to be substantially vertically symmetrical to each other. The upper inclined surface 35 and the lower inclined surface 36 are arranged in substantially the same range in the insertion direction. The upper flat surface 37 and the lower flat surface 38 are arranged in substantially the same range in the insertion direction. (Socket housing 13)

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the female housing 13, made of a synthetic resin, is molded to include a cylindrical inner housing 41 and a cylindrical outer housing 43. The outer housing 43 is mounted to surround an outer peripheral surface of the inner housing 41 at a distance from the outer peripheral surface. The hood portion 29 of the male connector housing 15 is inserted into the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the inner housing 41 and an inner peripheral surface of the outer housing 43.

[0027] Two receiving chambers 45 for socket terminals are formed in the inner housing 41, into which the socket terminals 17 are inserted from the rear. The receiving chambers 45 for the socket terminals are formed by insertion openings 47 (see Fig. 1) formed in a distal end portion of the inner casing 41 are opened outwardly, and the tab-shaped male terminals 19 are inserted from the insertion openings 47 into the female terminal accommodating chambers 45.

[0028] The inner housing 41 is shaped to overhang forward from a front end surface of the outer housing 43. The sealing element 23 is mounted on the circular cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the inner housing 41, which is surrounded by the outer housing 43. The side bracket 25 is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of a rectangular cylindrical inner housing front portion 44, which projects forward from the outer housing 43.

[0029] An elastically deformable housing arm 51 is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the female housing 13. The housing arm 51 is shaped in the form of a gate. The housing arm 51 has a pair of left and right elastic arm parts 53 and a locking part (second locking part) 55. Each of the elastic arm parts 53 is supported like a cantilever on the outer peripheral surface of the female housing 13 (the inner housing 41). The elastic arm parts 53 extend toward the male connector housing 15 and are substantially parallel to the outer peripheral surface of the inner housing 41. The locking part 55 bridges the front end portions of the elastic arm parts 53 in the width direction. The locking part 55 is locked with the upper locking projection 33 of the male connector housing 15 when the two housings 13 and 15 are attached to each other.

[0030] When a rear end portion of the housing arm 51 is used as a fulcrum, the locking part 55 of the housing arm 51 can pivot upward (outward) and be elastically deformed (deflected). A flap-shaped locking arm 57 is continuously provided in the housing arm 51 so that it extends rearward and is supported by the front end portions of the paired elastic arm parts 53 like a cantilever. The locking arm 57 has an unlocking portion 59 that is pushed downward in the unlocking direction toward the female housing 13 (the inner housing 41) when the locking state of the housing arm 51 is released. The unlocking portion 59 is separated outward (upward) from a rear part (opposite the insertion side) of the female housing 13 (the inner housing 41) and is arranged at a higher position than the elastic arm parts 53.When the unlocking portion 59 is pushed downward in the unlocking direction, this causes an upward unlocking force (opposite to the locking direction) to be exerted on the locking member 55 via the locking arm 57.

[0031] The female housing 13 has a female housing bridge 61. The female housing bridge 61 rises from the opposite left and right ends of an upper part of the front end of the outer housing 43, crosses the upper part in the width direction, and covers the locking part 55 from the outside (top side). The female housing bridge 61 is arranged at a position where the female housing bridge 61 allows elastic deformation of the locking part 55 caused by the upper inclined surface 35 of the male connector housing 15, outside (top side) and close to the movable area of ​​the locking part 55.

[0032] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 22, the female housing 13 has a pair of left and right side locks 65. The left and right side locks 65 are each formed as part of a corresponding left and right side wall of the outer housing 43, which is notched by a pair of upper and lower slots 63. The side lock 65 is supported like a cantilever from the outer housing 43 such that a front end of the side lock 65 continues to the corresponding side wall of the outer housing 43, while a rear end of the side lock 65 is a free end. Each side lock 65 is positioned at a front end portion of one of the two guide grooves 67. The guide grooves 67 extend in the front / rear direction on the left and right sides of the outer housing 43. The upper and lower slots 63 extend forward from the guide groove 67. (Side bracket 25)

[0033] The side bracket 25 is made of a synthetic resin. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 27, the side bracket 25 includes a holder body 105 and a holder front plate portion 107. The holder body 105 has a U-shaped cross section open on one side in the width direction (side). The holder front plate portion 107 covers a front end of the holder body. Two insertion holes 109 are formed in the holder front plate portion 107. In a state where the side bracket 25 has been brought to a final locking position, which will be described later, the insertion holes 109 communicate with the insertion holes 47 of the inner case 41, so that the male terminals 19 can be inserted from the insertion holes 47 and 109.

[0034] The holding body 105 is provided with an upper part of the holder 111, a lower part of the holder 113, and a curved part of the holder 115. The upper part of the holder 111 and the lower part of the holder 113 are opposite each other and vertically separated. An edge of the upper part of the holder 111 and an edge of the lower part of the holder 113 are connected to each other by the curved part of the holder 115. On an opening-side edge of the upper part of the holder 111, a holding projection 117 is provided which extends linearly in the insertion direction and projects downward. A notch 139 is formed in a rear end portion of the holding projection 117. A clamping device 149 (see Fig. 29), which is used to move the side bracket 25 from the final locking position, which will be described later, to a temporary locking position, is inserted into the notch 139.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 26, on an upper surface of the inner case front portion 44, a locking groove group 125 is provided including a final locking groove 121 and a temporary locking groove 123 arranged side by side with a partition wall 119 therebetween. The partition wall 119, the final locking groove 121, and the temporary locking groove 123 extend linearly along the insertion direction. The final locking groove 121 is partitioned between the upper end portion 127 of the side wall of the inner case front portion 44 and the partition wall 119. The upper end portion 127 of the side wall protrudes from the upper surface of the inner case front portion 44. The temporary locking groove 123 is partitioned between a groove-forming projection 129 and the partition wall 119. The groove-forming projection 129 protrudes from the upper surface of the inner case front portion 44.

[0036] When the side bracket 25 is mounted on the inner housing front section 44, the opening on one side of the side bracket 25 is slightly widened so that the inner housing front section 44 can be inserted into the side bracket 25 from the opening and slid in the width direction (mounting direction). When the side bracket 25 is moved in the mounting direction, the retaining projection 117 enters the temporary locking groove 123 to be locked there (temporary locking position), as shown in Fig. 28(b). When the side bracket 25 is further moved in the mounting direction, the retaining projection 117 enters the end locking groove 121 to be locked there (end locking position), as shown in Fig. 28(a).

[0037] A side surface of the groove-forming protrusion 129 outside the groove is a first inclined surface 131, which is gentle. When the side bracket 25 is slid in the assembly direction, the retaining protrusion 117 slides comparatively easily on the first inclined surface 131, so that the side bracket 25 can climb over the groove-forming protrusion 129 when bent. As a result, the side bracket 25 is assembled in the temporary locking position. A side surface of the partition wall 119 on the side of the temporary locking groove 123 is a second inclined surface 133, which is slightly steeper than the first inclined surface 131. By applying greater pressure to the side bracket 25 than when the side bracket 25 is assembled in the temporary locking position, the retaining protrusion 117 slides on the second inclined surface 133, so that the side bracket 25 can climb over the partition wall 119 when bent.As a result, the side bracket 25 moves from the temporary locking position to the final locking position.

[0038] On the other hand, a side surface of the groove forming projection 129 on the temporary locking groove 123 side and a side surface of the partition wall 119 on the final locking groove 121 side are vertical surfaces 135 and 137. Due to the vertical surfaces 135 and 137, the movement of the side bracket 25 from the final locking position to the temporary locking position or the removal of the side bracket 25 from the temporary locking position cannot be easily performed if the side bracket 25 is simply pulled in a removal direction (opposite to the mounting direction).

[0039] The partition wall 119 is shorter than the retaining projection 117. At one end face of the locking groove group 125, the partition wall 119 is partially missing, so that the final locking groove 121 and the temporary locking groove 123 are in contact with each other while maintaining the same groove depth. Incidentally, the partition wall 119 at the front end face of the locking groove group 125 can be formed lower than all other areas (a middle part and a rear end part).

[0040] The side bracket 25, set in the temporary locking position, allows the insertion of the female terminals 17 into the receiving chambers 45 and locks the inserted female terminals 17 to prevent removal of the female terminals 17. On the other hand, the side bracket 25 set in the final locking position prevents the female terminals 17 from both being inserted into and removed from the female terminal receiving chambers 45. (CPA 21)

[0041] The CPA 21 is made of a synthetic resin. The CPA 21 is fitted onto the female housing 13 from behind, allowing it to be slidably mounted on the female housing 13 in the mounting direction. That is, the directions (a locking direction and a direction opposite to the locking direction) in which the CPA 21 can move relative to the female housing 13 are set in the same directions as the directions (forward in the insertion direction and backward in the insertion direction) in which the female housing 13 is fitted to and removed from the male connector housing 15. A pair of left and right side walls 87 and a support wall 89 are formed in the CPA 21. The left and right side walls 87, which rise at a distance in the width direction, face each other outside the female housing 13. The supporting wall 89 bridges the upper end sections of the side walls 87.A CPA upper arm 91 is formed in a central portion of the support wall 89. The CPA upper arm 91 extends toward the male connector housing 15. A pair of left and right rib portions 79, which are guided by the left and right guide grooves 67 of the female connector housing 13, are protrudingly provided on the inner sides of the rear portions of the left and right side walls 87 (see FIG. Fig. 23). The rear ends of the left and right side walls 87 are connected by a flat, plate-shaped CPA bridge 81, which serves to ensure the rigidity of the CPA 21.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 23, an inwardly projecting separation-preventing protrusion 141 is provided in each of the rib portions 79. An outwardly and forwardly inclined guide surface 143 is formed in a front part of the separation-preventing protrusion 141. Two outwardly projecting left and right stopper protrusions 145 are formed at a rear end of the inner housing 41.

[0043] The CPA upper arm 91 is supported on the support wall 89 like a cantilever. The CPA upper arm 91 is provided so that it can be inclined downward and toward the hood portion 29 of the male connector housing 15. An upper locking claw (first locking portion) 93 extending downward is formed in a distal end portion of the CPA upper arm 91. An inclined surface 95 is formed in an end surface of a lower part of the upper locking claw 93. While using a rear end portion of the CPA upper arm 91 as a fulcrum, the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 can swing upward (outward) to be elastically deformed (deflected).In the present embodiment, when the CPA 21 is mounted on the female housing 13, the upper locking claw 93 (the inclined surface 95) of the CPA upper arm 91 climbs over the unlocking portion 59 of the locking arm 57 and abuts against a rear end part of the locking part 55 of the housing arm 51. When the two housings 13 and 15 are mounted to each other, the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 pushes the rear end part of the locking part 55 forward in the mounting direction (hereinafter also referred to as "mounting direction").

[0044] The CPA 21 has a CPA lower arm 99 supported like a cantilever at a position opposite to the CPA upper arm 91 (a position separated by approximately 180°) and extending toward the male connector housing 15. A lower locking claw 101 extending inward from the CPA 21 is formed in a distal end portion of the CPA lower arm 99. An inclined surface 103 is formed in a front surface of an upper portion of the lower locking claw 101. While using a rear end portion of the CPA lower arm 99 as a fulcrum, the lower locking claw 101 of the CPA lower arm 99 can pivot downward (outward) to undergo elastic deformation (deflection) similar to or the same as the CPA upper arm 91. (Procedure for inserting the connector 11)

[0045] Next, an insertion procedure of the plug 11 according to the present embodiment will be described, while describing the remaining configuration of the aforementioned plug 11. The movement of the plug 11 when the female connector housing 13 is brought close to the male connector housing 15, which is directly connected to the device wall of the electrical device, will be described below by way of example.

[0046] First, the sealing member 23 is mounted on the female housing 13, and the side bracket 25 is mounted at the temporary locking position of the inner housing front portion 44, which protrudes from the outer housing 43. The female terminals 17, to which the electrical wires 18 have been connected from the rear, are successively inserted into the female terminal receiving chambers 45 of the female housing 13, and the side bracket 25 is pushed into the final locking position (regular position). Thus, the female terminals 17 are locked to the side bracket 25 to prevent them from falling off.

[0047] Next, the CPA 21 is mounted on the female housing 13 from the rear side. At this time, the pair of rib portions 79 of the CPA 21 are guided by the guide grooves 67. When the stopper projections 145 climb over the guide surfaces 143 to reach the temporary locking position (CPA temporary locking position) at the rear of the separation prevention projections 141, the CPA 21 is locked to the female housing 13 (CPA temporary locking), thereby preventing it from falling off. Furthermore, the CPA upper arm 91 climbs over the unlocking portion 59 of the female housing 13 to move inward from the housing arm 51 and abut against the rear end face of the locking member 55. Since the CPA upper arm 91 abuts the locking part 55, the CPA 21 can push the male connector housing 15 in the assembly direction (forward in the assembly direction).Accordingly, the positional accuracy between the CPA 21 and the socket housing 13 during insertion can be improved, so that the workability of the assembly can be improved.

[0048] When the CPA 21 is moved forward relative to the female housing 13, the CPA upper arm 91 abuts the locking member 55. Thus, the female housing 13 moves forward along with the CPA 21. Conversely, when the CPA 21 is moved rearward relative to the female housing 13, the stopper projections 145 are locked with the separation prevention projections 141. Thus, the female housing 13 moves rearward along with the CPA 21.

[0049] When the female housing 13 is aligned with the male connector housing 15 in the temporary CAP locking state and the CPA 21 is pushed in the insertion direction (forward in the insertion direction), the inner housing 41 of the female housing 13 is inserted into the hood portion 29 of the male connector housing 15, so that the distal end portions of the male terminals 19 are inserted into the insertion holes 47. At this stage, both the housing arm 51 and the CPA upper arm 91 are separated from the upper locking projection 33, and no deflection occurs. Furthermore, the CPA lower arm 99 is also separated from the lower locking projection 34, so no deflection occurs.

[0050] When the CPA 21 is further pushed in the insertion direction (forward in the insertion direction), the locking part 55 of the housing part 51 reaches the upper inclined surface 35 of the upper locking projection 33 to ride thereon, and then starts to slide upward on the upper inclined surface 35 under elastic deformation (opposite the locking direction), as shown in Fig. 4. The locking part 55 of the housing arm 51 is pressed against the upper inclined surface 35 so that it is elastically deformed upward. Thus, the restoring force of the housing arm 51 acts on the upper inclined surface 35, so that the male connector housing 15 is urged by the female connector housing 13 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, and the female connector housing 13 receives a reaction from the male connector housing 15. When a hand holding the CPA 21 is released, the female connector housing 13 is pushed back together with the CPA 21 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. Incidentally, in the state of Fig. 4 the CPA lower arm 99 is separated from the lower locking projection 34 and no deflection occurs.

[0051] If the CPA 21 from the state of Fig. 4 is pushed further in the insertion direction (forward in the insertion direction), the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 reaches the upper inclined surface 35 of the upper locking projection 33 to ride thereon, and then starts to slide on the upper inclined surface 35, as shown in Fig. 5. The upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 is pressed against the upper inclined surface 35, so that it elastically deforms upward. Thus, the restoring force of the CPA upper arm 91 acts on the upper inclined surface 35, the male connector housing 15 is pressed by the CPA 21 in the opposite direction to the fitting direction, and the CPA 21 receives a reaction from the male connector housing 15. Moreover, at a time when the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 has started to slide on the upper inclined surface 35 of the upper locking projection 33, the locking part 55 of the housing arm 51 is also still sliding on the upper inclined surface 35, so that the female housing 13 also receives a reaction from the upper inclined surface 35 due to the elastic deformation of the locking part 55.Furthermore, at substantially the same time as the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 begins to slide on the upper inclined surface 35, the lower locking claw 101 of the CPA lower arm 99 begins to slide on the lower inclined surface 36 of the lower locking projection 34. The lower locking claw 101 of the CPA lower arm 99 is pressed against the lower inclined surface 36, causing it to elastically deform downward. Thus, the restoring force of the CPA lower arm 99 acts on the lower inclined surface 36, the male connector housing 15 is urged by the CPA 21 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, and the CPA 21 receives the reaction of the male connector housing 15.

[0052] If the CPA 21 from the state of Fig. 5 is pushed further in the insertion direction (forward in the insertion direction), the locking part 55 of the housing arm 51 climbs over the upper inclined surface 35 to reach the upper flat surface 37, as shown in Fig. 6. Thus, the restoring force of the housing arm 51 ceases to act on the upper inclined surface 35, so that the housing arm 51 can no longer push back the male connector housing 15.

[0053] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 is adjusted so that it is still positioned on the upper inclined surface 35 at a time when the locking member 55 has ridden on the upper flat surface 37. Accordingly, the CPA 21 receives a reaction from the upper inclined surface 35 due to the elastic deformation of the upper locking claw 93. Similarly or the same way, the lower locking claw 101 of the CPA lower arm 99 is also adjusted so that it is still positioned on the lower inclined surface 36 at a time when the locking member 55 has ridden on the upper flat surface 37. Accordingly, the CPA 21 also receives a reaction from the lower inclined surface 36 due to the elastic deformation of the lower locking claw 101.

[0054] If the CPA 21 is from the state in Fig. 6 is pushed further in the insertion direction (forward in the insertion direction), the upper locking claw 93 continuously slides on the upper inclined surface 35 and the lower locking claw 101 continuously slides on the lower inclined surface 36, while the locking part 55 moves on the upper flat side 37.

[0055] Once the locking member 55 passes through the upper flat surface 37, the locking member 55 is elastically returned downward (in the locking direction) to be locked to the upper locking surface 39 of the upper locking projection 33, so that the two housings 13 and 15 are brought into a locking state with each other (a connector mounting state), as shown in Fig. 7. At a time when assembly is completed, the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 is still positioned on the upper inclined surface 35, and the lower locking claw 101 of the CPA lower arm 99 is also positioned on the lower inclined surface 36. Accordingly, the CPA 21 continues to receive the reaction of the upper inclined surface 35 due to the elastic deformation of the upper locking claw 93 and the reaction of the lower inclined surface 36 due to the elastic deformation of the lower locking claw 101.

[0056] The upper locking claw 93 successively passes through the upper flat surface 37 and climbs over the locking member 55 that has been locked with the upper locking projection 33. Then, the upper locking claw 93 is elastically returned to be locked to the upper locking surface 39 in a posture in which the locking member 55 is held between the upper locking claw 93 and the upper locking projection 33 (CPA end locking), as shown in Fig. 8. Since the two housings 13 and 15 are always brought into the locking state in a state where the CPA upper arm 91 is locked with the upper locking projection 33 (a state where the CPA 21 is set to the CPA end locking position), the insertion between the two housings 13 and 15 is ensured by the installation of the CPA upper arm 91 (the CPA end locking). Since the locking part 55 is held between the upper locking projection 33 and the upper locking claw 93, the female housing 13 can be further secured against loosening. Incidentally, after the lower locking claw 101 passes through the lower flat surface 38, the lower locking claw 101 is elastically returned to be locked with the lower locking projection 34 at substantially the same time as when the upper locking claw 93 is locked.

[0057] Thus, in the present embodiment, the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 begins to slide on the upper inclined surface 35 before the female housing 13 and the male connector housing 15 are fitted together. The upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 is positioned on the upper inclined surface 35 until the female housing 13 and the male connector housing 15 are fitted together. The upper locking claw 93 on the upper inclined surface 35 receives a reaction force from the upper inclined surface 35, and a component of the reaction force acts on the CPA 21 as a repulsive force against the connector fitting. Accordingly, the repulsive force generated by the upper locking claw 93 (the CPA upper arm 91) can act until immediately before assembly, so that half-fitting can be prevented.

[0058] In addition, the locking member 55 on the upper inclined surface 35 receives the reaction force from the upper inclined surface 35, and a component of the reaction force acts on the female housing 13 as a repulsive force against the male terminal. Accordingly, from an entire range of an insertion stroke between the start of the sliding of the locking member 55 on the upper inclined surface 35 and the locking of the locking member 55 with the upper locking projection 33 in a first half to the start of the sliding of the upper locking claw 93 on the upper inclined surface 35, the repulsive force caused by the locking member 55 acts.In a second half of the insertion stroke, between the start of the sliding of the upper locking part 93 on the upper inclined surface 35 and the abutment of the locking part 55 on the upper flat surface (top side) 37 of the upper locking projection 33, the repulsion force caused by the locking part 55 and the upper locking claw 93 act. Immediately before assembly, until the locking part 55 is locked to the upper locking projection 33 after being abutted on the upper flat surface 37 of the upper locking projection 33, the repulsion force caused by the upper locking claw 93 acts. This means that the repulsion forces can be effective throughout the entire range of the insertion stroke.

[0059] In addition, the repulsion force caused by the locking member 55, the repulsion force caused by the upper locking claw 93, and the repulsion force caused by the lower locking claw 101 act while the lower locking claw 101 is positioned on the lower inclined surface 36 in the second half of the insertion stroke. The repulsion force of the upper locking claw 93 and the repulsion force of the lower locking claw 101 act immediately before assembly. Accordingly, the repulsion forces against insertion can be increased.

[0060] In addition, a locking portion in which the locking portion 55 and the upper locking claw 93 are locked with the upper locking projection 33 is covered from the outside with the female housing bridge 61. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent accidental disconnection of the connector due to external force acting on the locking portion. Furthermore, the female housing bridge 61 is arranged outside and near the movable portion of the locking portion 55. Accordingly, excessive displacement of the locking portion 55 (excessive deformation of the housing arm 51) can be suppressed by the housing bridge 61, so that damage to the housing 13 can be prevented. (Method for releasing the insertion of plug 11)

[0061] Next, a procedure for releasing the insertion into the connector 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 to Fig. 13 described.

[0062] In the CPA final locking state (locking state), the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 is locked with the upper locking projection 33 of the male connector housing 15 by the locking part 55 of the housing arm 51, as shown in Fig. 9. To release the insertion into the connector 11, the CPA 21 is first moved from the final locking position to the temporary locking position to release the locking state. To move the CPA 21 from the final locking position to the temporary locking position, the CPA 21 is pulled rearward (opposite the insertion direction, opposite the locking direction) while pushing the unlocking portion 59 downward in an unlocking direction. By pushing down the unlocking portion 59, the release assist force acts from a front end part of the locking arm 57 (the locking part 55 of the housing arm 51) to the CPA upper arm 91 upward (opposite the locking direction). By the release auxiliary force, the tensile force exerted on the CPA 21 and the inclined surfaces 155 and 167, which will be described later, of the locking part 55 and the upper locking claw 93 (see Fig. 18 and Fig. 20), the upper locking claw 93 climbs over the locking part 55 and rides on the upper locking projection 33, and consequently the CPA 21 reaches the position of temporary locking of the CPA (lock state release), as shown in Fig. 10 shown.

[0063] The plug insertion state is released one after the other. To release the plug insertion state, the CPA 21 is pulled further backward while the unlocking portion 59 is pressed downward in the unlocking direction. By pressing down the unlocking portion 59, the unlocking force acting upward (opposite the locking direction) is applied to the locking member 55. As shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13(a), the locking member 55 slides onto the upper locking projection 33 (connection release) due to the unlocking force and the pulling force exerted on the CPA 21. The upper locking claw 93 and the locking member 55 successively climb over the upper locking projection 33. As a result, the female housing 13 is removed from the male connector housing 15, as shown in Figure 13. Fig. 12. Incidentally, in order to securely maintain the connector insertion state, inclined surfaces for assisting unlocking, such as the opposite surfaces of the locking part 55 and the upper locking claw 93 (a front side of the locking part 55 and a rear side of the upper locking claw 93), are not provided in opposite surfaces of the locking part 55 and the upper locking projection 33. (Preventing excessive displacement of the unlocking portion 59 and suppressing the increase in the overall size of the connector 11)

[0064] As in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, in the CPA temporary locking, in which the CPA 21 has been set in the CPA temporary locking position, the CPA bridge 81 is positioned between the unlocking portion 59 and the socket housing 13 (the inner housing 41) and separated from the unlocking portion 59. The CPA bridge 81 then abuts the unlocking portion 59 within a range in which the displacement of the unlocking portion 59 in the unlocking direction cannot be excessively large (see Fig. 14). Accordingly, excessive displacement of the unlocking portion 59 (excessive deformation of the locking arm 57) can be prevented by the CPA bridge 81, so that damage to the socket housing 13 can be prevented.

[0065] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, even in the final locking of the CPA, the CPA bridge 81 is positioned between the unlocking portion 59 and the socket housing 13 (the inner housing 41) and separately from the unlocking portion 59 in a similar or the same manner as the temporary locking of the CPA in order to prevent excessive displacement of the unlocking portion 59.

[0066] Furthermore, in a plug-in use state, the CPA 21 is set to the CPA end-lock position to which the CPA 21 has moved forward from the CPA temporary lock position. In the CPA end-lock, a rear end (a distal end on the side opposite to the insertion side) of the CPA bridge 81 is positioned further forward (on the insertion side) than a rear end of the female housing 13. Almost an entire portion of the CPA bridge 81 is positioned further forward than a rear end of the unlocking portion 59 (see Fig. 8). Accordingly, an increase in the overall size of the connector 11 in the connector with state can be suppressed. (Upper locking claw 93 and locking part 55 in CPA final locking state)

[0067] As in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, in the CPA end lock, a rear side (first locking surface) 151 of the upper locking claw 93 and a front side (second locking surface) 161 of the locking part 55 are opposite each other. As shown in Fig. 18 to Fig. 21, the first locking surface 151 and the second locking surface 161 have a concave-convex shape in which a convex part of one of the first locking surface 151 and the second locking surface 161 merges into a concave part of the other of the first locking surface 151 and the second locking surface 161. Incidentally, Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 the same cross-section as Fig. 17 and Fig. 20 the same cross-section as Fig. 16.

[0068] In the first locking surface 151, a first convex surface (first stopper portion) 153 and a pair of first inclined surfaces 155 are formed. The first convex surface 153 is formed substantially in the center of the first locking surface 151 in a locking width direction (up / down direction of Fig. 21) that substantially orthogonally intersects an elastic deformation direction (up / down direction) and an insertion direction (forward / backward direction) of the upper locking claw 93. The pair of first inclined surfaces 155 are arranged on opposite sides of the first convex surface 153 in the locking width direction. That is, the first convex surface 153 and each first inclined surface 155 are arranged so as to be displaceable from each other in the locking width direction. Both the first convex surface 153 and the first inclined surface 155 are obliquely forward and downward inclined surfaces. An inclination angle of the first inclined surface 155 with respect to the insertion direction in the CPA final locking state is smaller (smoother) than that of the first convex surface 153. The first inclined surface 155 is recessed forward from the first convex surface 153.

[0069] A second concave surface 163 and a pair of second convex surfaces (second stopper portions) 165 are formed in the second locking surface 161. The second concave surface 163 is located substantially at the center of the second locking surface 161 in the locking width direction. The pair of second convex surfaces 165 are located on opposite sides of the second concave surface 163 in the locking width direction. Both the second concave surface 163 and each second convex surface 165 are curved surfaces whose intermediate parts protrude forward in the up / down direction. A distal end portion of the second convex surface 165 protrudes further rearward than a distal end portion of the second concave surface 153. The second concave surface 153 is offset rearward from the second convex surface 155.Of the second concave surface 163, a portion extending upward from the distal end part forms a second inclined surface 167 which is inclined obliquely forward and downward.

[0070] In the CPA end locking, the paired first inclined surfaces 155 face the paired second convex surfaces 165, and the first convex surface 153 faces the second inclined surface 163. Thus, the first inclined surface 155 and the first convex surface 153 are arranged to be mutually displaceable in the insertion direction, and the second inclined surface 167 and the second convex surface 165 are mutually displaceable in the insertion direction, so that in the CPA end locking, the upper locking claw 93 and the locking part 55 partially overlap in the locking width direction (see Fig. 21).

[0071] To release the CPA end-lock state (to change from the CPA end-lock to the CPA temporary lock), the CPA 21 is pulled rearward (opposite the insertion direction) while pushing the unlocking portion 59 downward in the unlocking direction, as described above. Upon release of the CPA end-lock, first, the first inclined surfaces 155 slide on the distal end portions of the second convex surfaces 165 while abutting thereon (primary sliding). Successively, a lower part of the first convex surface 153 slides the second inclined surface 167 while abutting thereon (secondary sliding). By the first inclined surface 155 and the second inclined surface 167, the upper locking claw 93 is displaced in the unlocking direction (upward) to ride on an upper surface of the locking part 55. As a result, the CPA end lock is released.Incidentally, the shapes of the first locking surface 151 and the second locking surface 161 are set so that the primary sliding and the secondary sliding continue uninterruptedly toward each other (while the first inclined surfaces 155 slide on lower parts of the second convex surfaces 165 while abutting thereon, the lower part of the first convex surface 153 starts to slide on the second inclined surface 167 while abutting thereon).

[0072] Thus, upon release of the CPA end lock, first, the first inclined surfaces 155 slide on the lower parts of the second convex surfaces 165 while abutting against them. The inclination angle of each of the first inclined surfaces 155 with respect to the insertion direction in the CPA end lock state is set smaller than that of the first convex surface 153. Accordingly, the force required for the initial lifting of the upper locking claw 93 (upward elastic deformation of the upper locking claw 93) can be reduced, so that the unlocking force can be reduced compared to a case where the first convex surface 153 is used as the sliding surface of the locking part 55 without providing the first inclined surfaces 155.

[0073] The inclined surfaces on which the upper locking claw 93 can be displaced upward are provided in the CPA 21 and the female housing 13, respectively. Accordingly, the length of the inclined surface on the CPA side in the insertion direction can be shortened compared to the length of the inclined surface on the CPA side. In addition, the first inclined surfaces 155 and the second convex surfaces 165 are arranged so that they can be displaced from each other in the locking width direction. The first inclined surfaces 155 are provided in regions of parts of the first locking surface 151 in the locking width direction. Accordingly, in another region (i.e., the first convex surface 153) where the first inclined surfaces are not present, the thickness (length along the plug insertion direction) of the CPA lock can be secured.

[0074] Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the unlocking force while suppressing an enlargement of the upper locking claw 93.

[0075] Furthermore, in the CPA end lock, the upper locking claw 93 and the locking piece 55 partially overlap with each other as viewed from the lock width direction. Accordingly, the total length (total length) of the upper locking claw 93 and the locking piece 55 along the insertion direction is shortened by at least a length L of the overlapping portion between the upper locking claw 93 and the locking piece 55 compared to a case where both the upper locking claw 93 and the locking piece 55 do not have the overlapping portion. In addition, a moving distance of the upper locking piece 93 along the insertion direction between the CPA end lock and the CPA temporary lock is also shortened by at least the length L of the overlapping portion compared to a case where both the upper locking claw 93 and the locking piece 55 do not have the overlapping portion.Accordingly, the total length of the upper locking claw 93 and the locking part 55 in the CPA end lock can be shortened and the amount of movement of the upper locking claw 93 during unlocking can be reduced.

[0076] Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the insertion state in which the locking portion 55 of the female housing 13 has been locked with the upper locking projection 33 of the male connector housing 15, the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA 21 climbs over the upper locking projection 33 and the locking portion 55 to be locked with the locking portion 55. That is, in the locking state (CPA final locking state) in which the upper locking claw 93 has been locked with the locking portion 55, the upper locking projection 33, the locking portion 55, and the upper locking claw 93 are linearly juxtaposed toward the male connector housing 15. Therefore, the length (full length) of the upper locking claw 93 along the insertion direction is limited within a range that does not interfere with the male connector housing 15 in the locking state.However, the inclined surfaces along which the upper locking claw 93 can be displaced counter to the insertion direction during unlocking are provided in the upper locking claw 93 and the locking part 55, respectively. Furthermore, the upper locking claw 93 and the locking part 55 are arranged to partially overlap each other when viewed from the locking width direction. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the unlocking force while suppressing the full length of the upper locking claw 93 in the area that does not engage the male connector housing 15.

[0077] Incidentally, the case where the locking claw 93 of the CPA 21 and the locking part 55 of the female housing 13 are used as the first locking part of the first member and the second locking part of the second member has been described in the present embodiment. However, the combination of the first and second members is not limited to the CPA 21 and the female housing 13. For example, any two members for locking two male housings together can be used as the first and second members. (Prevention of the tilt of the socket housing 13 by the CPA bridge 81)

[0078] With the CPA end locking, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the CPA bridge 81 abuts the top of the female housing 13 (the inner housing 41) to limit the inclination of the female housing 13 relative to the CPA 21. Thus, in the plug-in use state (the CPA end locking), the inclination of the female housing 13 relative to the CPA 21 can be limited. Accordingly, a connection state between the female terminals 17 received in the female housing 13 and the male terminals 19 received in the male connector housing 15 can be stabilized. (Prevention of loosening of the socket housing 13 by side locks 65)

[0079] As in Fig. 22 to Fig. As shown in Fig. 25, a pair of left and right side locks 65 are formed in the outer housing 43, and the hood portion 29 of the male connector housing 15, which is attached to the female connector housing 13, is inserted between and inside the side locks 65 to limit the inward displacement of the side locks 65. When the CPA 21 makes a sliding movement from the temporary locking state to the final locking state, the guide surfaces 143 of the separation-preventing projections 141 of the CPA 21 push the side locks 65 inward. As a result, the side locks 65 are held between the guide surfaces 143 and the hood portion 29.Furthermore, the relative movement along the insertion direction between the female housing 13 and the CPA 21 is restricted during the temporary locking of the CPA, and the CPA 21 can perform a sliding movement from the temporary locking state to the final locking state due to the plug fitting. That is, due to the insertion between the female housing 13 and the male connector housing 15, the CPA 21 is allowed to perform a sliding movement to the position where the guide 143 of the separation prevention projections 141 can press the side locks 65.

[0080] Thus, in the assembled state of the connector, the female housing 13 can be prevented from disengaging from the male connector housing 15 and the CPA 21 by the side locks 65. Furthermore, the timing at which the guide surfaces 143 press the side locks 65 is after the connector assembly. Accordingly, the guide surfaces 143 can slightly press the side locks 65 by inertia during connector assembly, so that the side locks 65 can be held between the guide surfaces 143 and the hood portion 29. This can prevent the insertion feel from being impaired during connector assembly. (Movement of the side bracket 25 from the final locking position to the temporary locking position)

[0081] As described above, the side bracket 25 cannot be moved from the final locking position to the temporary locking position even if the side bracket 25 is simply pulled in the removal direction. Therefore, when the side bracket 25 is moved from the final locking position to the temporary locking position, a distal end of the clamping device 149 is inserted into the notch 139 of the holding projection 117, and the side bracket 25 is lifted and moved relative to the inner housing front portion 44 by the clamping device 149, as shown in Fig. 29 and Fig. 30 shown.

[0082] Here, the partition wall 119 is partially missing on the front side opposite the notch 139. Accordingly, the lifting height of the retaining projection 117 required for moving the side bracket 25 from the final locking groove 121 to the temporary locking groove 123 is smaller at the front than in a central area. When the side bracket 25 is moved from the final locking groove 121 to the temporary locking groove 123, a front end of the retaining projection 117 moves more easily on a groove bottom (bottom) than in an open end (upper end) of the temporary locking groove 123. For example, when the retaining projection 25 climbs over the partition wall 119 at a lowest point, a difference H arises between the upper end of the temporary locking groove 123 and the front end of the retaining projection 117, as shown in Fig.31. Even if the front end of the retaining projection 117 moves to a position below the upper end of the temporary locking groove 123, the retaining projection 117 can still move from the final locking position. Accordingly, when the side bracket 25 is moved from the final locking groove to the temporary locking groove, it is difficult for the front end of the retaining projection 117 to pass through the temporary locking groove 123, so that the side bracket 25 can be prevented from detaching from the inner case front portion 44 due to inadvertent unlocking.

[0083] Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but modifications, improvements, etc., may be appropriately made to the present invention. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, number, arrangement, etc. of the respective components in the above-mentioned embodiments are not limited, but can be desirably adjusted as long as the present invention can be achieved.

[0084] For example, an example has been described in which the upper locking claw 93 of the CPA upper arm 91 is locked to the upper locking projection 33 by the locking part 55 of the housing arm 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the configuration may be such that the locking part 55 and the upper locking claw 93 are locked at different locking surfaces from each other.

[0085] Hereinafter [1] to [3] the aforementioned features of the inventive design of the link closing structure are briefly summarized or listed.

[0086] [1] An element locking structure comprising: a first locking portion (93) provided in a first element (21); and a second locking portion (55) provided in a second element (13), wherein the first locking portion (93) is elastically deformed to slide over the second locking portion (55) and is elastically restored to be locked to the second locking portion (55) upon relative movement of the first element (21) in a locking direction to the second element (13), wherein the first locking portion (93) and the second locking portion (55) have a first locking surface (151) and a second locking surface (161), wherein the first locking surface (151) and the second locking surface (161) are opposite each other when the first locking portion (93) is locked to the second locking portion (55) to achieve a locking state, wherein the first locking surface (151) has a first inclined surface (155) and a first stop portion (153), wherein the second locking surface (161) has a second inclined surface (167) and a second stop portion (165), wherein the first inclined surface (155) and the first stopper portion (153) are arranged to be offset from each other in a locking width direction intersecting both the locking direction of the first element (21) and an elastic deformation direction of the first locking portion (93), wherein the second inclined surface (167) is opposite the first stop portion (153) and the second stop portion (165) is opposite the first inclined surface (155) in the locking state, wherein the first inclined surface (155) contacts and slides on the second stop portion (165) and then the first stop portion (153) contacts and slides on the second inclined surface (167) in order to elastically deform the first locking portion (93) in a direction opposite to the locking on the second locking portion (55) by the first inclined surface (155) and the second inclined surface (167) in order to release the locking state when the first element (21) moves relative to the second element (13) in a direction opposite to the locking direction.

[0087] [2] The element locking structure according to item [1], where the first inclined surface (155) and the first stopper portion (153) are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the locking direction, and the second inclined surface (167) and the second stopper portion (165) are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the locking direction so as to partially overlap the first element (21) and the second element (13) in the locking state, as seen in the direction of the locking width.

[0088] [3] The element locking structure according to item [1] or item [2], where the second element (13) is a connector housing (13), the first element (21) is an insertion-prevention element (21) which is slidably mounted on an outer side of the plug housing (13) to enable sliding movement in the locking direction, the locking direction of the insertion securing element (21) is the same direction as an insertion direction of the plug housing (13) into a counterpart plug housing (15), the second locking portion (55) is elastically deformed to slide over a locked portion of the counterpart plug housing (13) and is elastically restored to be locked to the locked portion upon movement of the plug housing (13) in the insertion direction, the first locking portion (93) is elastically deformed to slide over the locked portion and the second locking portion (55), and is elastically restored to be locked to the second locking portion (55) upon sliding movement of the insertion-preventing member (21) in the insertion direction relative to the connector housing (13) in a connector fitting state in which the second locking portion (55) is locked to the locked portion.

[0089] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2017-167991) filed on August 31, 2017. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0090] The locking structure of components according to the invention can reduce the unlocking force while simultaneously suppressing the increase in component size. The present invention, which has this effect, can be used, for example, for connector housings. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 11 plugs 12 socket-plug unit 13 Socket housing (second element, plug housing) 15 male connector housing (counterpart connector housing) 17 socket connection 19 plug connection 21 CPA (first element) 25 side bracket 33 upper locking projection (locked section) 34 lower locking projection 35 upper inclined surface 36 lower inclined surface 37 upper flat surface 38 lower flat surface 44 Inner housing front section 51 Housing arm 53 elastic arm part 55 Locking part (second locking part) 61 socket housing bridge 65 side lock 81 CPA Bridge 91 CPA-upper arm 93 upper locking claw (first locking part) 99 CPA forearm 101 lower locking claw 151 first locking surface 153 first convex surface (first stop section) 155 first inclined surface 161 second locking surface 163 second concave surface 165 second convex surface (second stop section) 166 second inclined surface

Claims

[1] Element locking structure comprising: a first locking portion (93) provided in a first element (21); and a second locking portion (55) provided in a second element (13), wherein the first locking portion (93) is elastically deformed to slide over the second locking portion (55) and is elastically restored to be locked to the second locking portion (55) upon relative movement of the first element (21) in a locking direction to the second element (13), wherein the first locking portion (93) and the second locking portion (55) have a first locking surface (151) and a second locking surface (161), wherein the first locking surface (151) and the second locking surface (161) are opposite each other when the first locking portion (93) is locked to the second locking portion (55) to achieve a locking state, wherein the first locking surface (151) has a first inclined surface (155) and a first stop portion (153), wherein the second locking surface (161) has a second inclined surface (167) and a second stop portion (165), wherein the first inclined surface (155) and the first stopper portion (153) are arranged to be offset from each other in a locking width direction that intersects both the locking direction of the first member (21) and an elastic deformation direction of the first locking portion (93), wherein the second inclined surface (167) is opposite the first stop portion (153) and the second stop portion (165) is opposite the first inclined surface (155) in the locking state, wherein the first inclined surface (155) contacts and slides on the second stop portion (165) and then the first stop portion (153) contacts and slides on the second inclined surface (167) in order to elastically deform the first locking portion (93) in a direction opposite to the locking on the second locking portion (55) by the first inclined surface (155) and the second inclined surface (167) in order to release the locking state when the first element (21) moves relative to the second element (13) in a direction opposite to the locking direction. [2] The element locking structure according to claim 1, wherein the first inclined surface (155) and the first stopper portion (153) are arranged to be offset from each other in the locking direction, and the second inclined surface (167) and the second stopper portion (165) are arranged to be offset from each other in the locking direction so as to partially overlap the first element (21) and the second element (13) in the locking state as viewed from the locking width direction. [3] Element locking structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second element (13) is a plug housing (13), the first element (21) is an insertion securing element (21) which is slidably mounted on an outer side of the plug housing (13) to enable a sliding movement in the locking direction, the locking direction of the insertion securing element (21) is the same direction as the insertion direction of the plug housing (13) to a counterpart plug housing (15), the second locking portion (55) is elastically deformed to slide over a locked portion of the counterpart plug housing (15) and is elastically reset to be locked to the locked portion upon movement of the plug housing (13) in the insertion direction, the first locking portion (93) is elastically deformed to slide over the locked portion and the second locking portion (55), and is elastically restored to be locked with the second locking portion (55) when the insertion preventing member (21) slides in the insertion direction relative to the connector housing (13) in a connector insertion state in which the second locking portion (55) is locked with the locked portion.

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