Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector that allows stable release of locking to a panel.SOLUTION: A first connector 10 includes: an elastically-deformable first lock part 36 to be locked to a panel P; and receivers 37 formed to be continuous from the first lock part 36. The second connector 10B includes releasing parts 63 and a second lock part 58. The releasing parts press the receiver 37 and release the locking of the first lock part 36 to the panel P during a process of fitting the first connector 10A with the second connector 10B. The second lock part is locked to the panel P in a fitting state of the first connector 10A with the second connection 10B. The receivers 37 are arranged on both sides of the first lock part 36 in a symmetrical manner. The releasing parts 63 correspond to the receivers 37, and are arranged on both sides of the second lock part 58 in a symmetrical manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] The connector structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a first connector housing and a second connector housing that can be fitted together. The first connector housing has a cylindrical main body and an elastically deformable temporary locking portion that protrudes from an outer wall of the main body. The temporary locking portion is locked to a panel and temporarily locks the first connector housing to the panel. The temporary locking portion has a protruding portion that protrudes from a fin-shaped main body (in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, the portion indicated by reference numeral 12 is the main body, and the portion that protrudes from the upper surface of the main body is the protruding portion).

[0003] During the process of fitting the two connector housings, the above-mentioned protruding portion is pressed by the second connector housing, so that the provisionally-locked portion is elastically deformed inward. This releases the provisionally-locked state of the first connector housing with respect to the panel. After the two connector housings are fitted together, the full-locking portion of the second connector housing is locked to the panel. Such a locking structure with respect to a panel is also disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 4. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-16198 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-157503 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2008-305695 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2016-66571 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the case of Patent Document 1, when the protruding portion is pressed against the second connector housing, there is a possibility that the provisional locking portion will be elastically deformed so as to be twisted towards the side having the protruding portion.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can stably release its engagement with a panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a first connector and a second connector that can be mated with each other, the first connector having an elastically deformable first locking portion that engages with a panel and a receiving portion formed continuously from the first locking portion, the second connector having a release portion that presses the receiving portion during the mating process of the first connector and the second connector to release the engagement of the first locking portion with the panel, and an elastically deformable second locking portion that engages with the panel when the first connector and the second connector are in a mated state, the receiving portions are arranged in pairs on both sides of the first locking portion, and the release portions correspond to the paired receiving portions and are arranged in pairs on both sides of the second locking portion. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector that can stably release its engagement with a panel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment, excluding a first terminal fitting and a second terminal fitting. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the first connector housing. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged plan view of the first connector housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the second connector housing. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the second connector housing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the receiving portion and the releasing portion are arranged opposite to each other before the first connector and the second connector are fitted together. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state when the first connector and the second connector start to be fitted together. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state when the first connector and the second connector start to be fitted together. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in the process of fitting the first connector and the second connector. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional side view showing a state in which the receiving portion is pressed against the releasing portion and the engagement between the first locking portion and the panel is released during the process of fitting the first connector and the second connector. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a state in which, during the mating process of the first connector and the second connector, the pressed portion is pressed against the pressing portion, the extension portion is elastically deformed, and the regulating main body portion is positioned opposite one surface of the panel so as to be able to come into contact with it. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector are mated. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector are mated with each other. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional plan view showing a state in which the first mating locking portion and the second mating locking portion are locked when the first connector and the second connector are in a mated state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure comprises: (1) A connector includes a first connector and a second connector that can be fitted to each other, the first connector having an elastically deformable first locking portion that is engaged with a panel and a receiving portion formed continuously from the first locking portion, the second connector having a release portion that presses the receiving portion during the fitting process of the first connector and the second connector to release the engagement of the first locking portion with the panel, and an elastically deformable second locking portion that is engaged with the panel when the first connector and the second connector are in a fitted state, the receiving portions are arranged in pairs on both sides of the first locking portion, and the release portions correspond to the paired receiving portions and are arranged in pairs on both sides of the second locking portion.

[0011] During the mating process between the first and second connectors, the receiving parts arranged in pairs on both sides of the first locking part are pressed against the corresponding release parts, so that an equal force can be applied to the first locking part from both sides in the unlocking direction, allowing the first locking part to smoothly elastically deform when releasing the lock from the panel.

[0012] (2) In the connector described in (1) above, it is preferable that the second locking portion has a plate-shaped locking body with its width oriented in a width direction intersecting the mating direction of the second connector with the first connector, and a recess is formed in the middle of the width direction of the locking body, extending in the mating direction and opening at a front end in the mating direction, and the first locking portion has a shape that can be mated with the recess.

[0013] Since the first locking part can be fitted into the recess formed in the widthwise middle of the locking body, the structure in which the receiving parts are arranged on both sides of the first locking part in the width direction and the release parts are arranged on both sides of the second locking part in the width direction can be realized efficiently in a space-saving manner. Also, the first locking part can be elastically deformed more smoothly by fitting into the recess.

[0014] (3) In the connector described in (2) above, it is preferable that the pair of release portions are disposed adjacent to the recess on both sides in the width direction of the recess.

[0015] According to the above configuration (3), a structure in which receiving portions are arranged on both widthwise sides of the first locking portion and release portions are arranged on both widthwise sides of the second locking portion can be realized with greater space efficiency while preventing the connector from becoming larger in the widthwise direction.

[0016] (4) In the connector described in any one of (1) to (3) above, it is preferable that the first connector has protective walls arranged on both sides of the first locking portion with a gap between them and the first locking portion, and the space between the protective walls and the first locking portion forms an entry space that allows the release portion to enter.

[0017] The first locking part can be protected from external foreign objects by the protective wall. Also, since the space between the protective wall and the first locking part is an entry space that allows the release part to enter, the increase in size in the width direction of the connector can be more effectively prevented.

[0018] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0019] <Embodiment 1> The connector 10 of the first embodiment is a connector positioned on a panel P as shown in FIG. 1, and includes a first connector 10A and a second connector 10B that are matable with each other. The first connector 10A is a male connector, and is held in a standby state on the panel P before the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are mated. The first connector 10A has a first connector housing 11 and a first terminal fitting 12 (see FIG. 11). The second connector 10B is a female connector, and is held on the panel P when the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are in a mated state. The second connector 10B has a second connector housing 13, a second terminal fitting 14 (see FIG. 11), and a grommet 15. The panel P is, for example, a door panel of a vehicle (not shown), and has a surface facing one side in the plate thickness direction, which is the door side (outside of the vehicle), as one surface P1, and a surface facing the other side in the plate thickness direction, which is the body side (inside of the vehicle), as the other surface P2. As shown in FIG. 6, the panel P has a through hole P3 penetrating from the one surface P1 to the other surface P2. The first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are held by the panel P in a state in which they are inserted into the through hole P3. In the following description, the front side is the side where the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are fitted to each other in the front-rear direction. The up-down direction is based on the up-down direction in FIG. 1. Unless otherwise specified, the up-down direction is synonymous with the height direction, and is represented by the symbol X in the figure. The left-right direction is a direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. Unless otherwise specified, the left-right direction is synonymous with the width direction, and is represented by the symbol Y in the figure. These directional references do not necessarily coincide with directional references when the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle or the like (not shown).

[0020] In the following description, the side of the connector 10 facing the center in the left-right direction is referred to as the left-right inner side, and the opposite side facing away from the center toward at least one of the left and right directions is referred to as the left-right outer side. Similarly, the side facing the center in the up-down direction of the connector 10 is referred to as the up-down inner side, and the opposite side facing away from the center toward at least one of the up-down directions is referred to as the up-down outer side. Also, the front-rear middle part is a part excluding both ends in the front-rear direction and is not limited to the center in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the left-right middle part is a part excluding both ends in the left-right direction and is not limited to the center in the left-right direction, and the up-down middle part is a part excluding both ends in the up-down direction and is not limited to the center in the up-down direction.

[0021] (First connector 10A) The first connector housing 11 is made of synthetic resin and has a shape that is long in the vertical direction as a whole, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The first connector housing 11 has a terminal accommodating portion 16 and a cylindrical hood portion 17 that protrudes forward from the terminal accommodating portion 16. As shown in Figure 11, the terminal accommodating portion 16 has a plurality of first cavities 18. The first terminal fittings 12 are inserted into and locked in each of the first cavities 18 from the rear.

[0022] The first terminal fitting 12 is made of a conductive metal and is connected to an end portion of the electric wire W1 as shown in Fig. 11. The first terminal fitting 12 is a male terminal fitting and has a tab 19 that protrudes forward. The tab 19 is disposed so as to protrude inside the hood portion 17.

[0023] 2, the hood portion 17 has a pair of side walls 21 facing each other in the left-right direction, and a pair of end walls 22 facing each other in the up-down direction. The height dimension of each side wall 21 is greater than the width dimension of each end wall 22.

[0024] As shown in Figs. 1 and 7, a pair of opposing walls 23 are formed on the outer surface of one of the side walls 21 (the side wall 21 on the near side of the paper in Figs. 1 and 7). The opposing walls 23 face each other in the vertical direction and are disposed in the vertical middle of the outer surface of the one of the side walls 21. The one of the side walls 21 also has a covering wall 24 connecting the left and right outer ends of the opposing walls 23. The front end of the covering wall 24 is connected to a first flange portion 25 that surrounds the outer periphery of the hood portion 17. The front surface of the first flange portion 25 is a surface along the radial direction of the hood portion 17 and is disposed opposite to and contactable with the other surface P2 of the panel P.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 7, a restricting portion 26 and a first fitting locking portion 27 capable of restricting vibration in the up-down direction (X direction) are formed on the outer surface side of one side wall 21 (including a position away from the outer surface). The restricting portions 26 are arranged in pairs at a distance in the up-down direction on the outer surface side of one of the side walls 21. As shown in Fig. 11, each restricting portion 26 has a fulcrum portion 28 located at the rear end, an extension portion 29 extending forward from the fulcrum portion 28, a pressed portion 31 protruding inwardly to the left and right from the front end side of the extension portion 29, and a restricting main body portion 32 protruding outwardly to the left and right from the front end side of the extension portion 29. The fulcrum portion 28, the extension portion 29, the pressed portion 31, and the restricting main body portion 32 are arranged in pairs symmetrically in the up-down direction on the outer surface side of one of the side walls 21 so as to correspond to each restricting portion 26.

[0026] 2, the fulcrum portion 28 extends in the vertical direction, and has its upper and lower outer ends connected to the corresponding wall surfaces of the opposing wall 23. The fulcrum portion 28 is disposed inside the covering wall 24 and is covered by the covering wall 24.

[0027] The extending portion 29 is in the shape of a plate or a square bar with its plate surface facing in the vertical direction. The rear end of the extending portion 29 is connected to the upper and lower inner ends of the corresponding fulcrum portion 28. As shown in Fig. 14, the rear portion of the extending portion 29 is disposed inside the covering wall 24 and is covered by the covering wall 24. The front portion of the extending portion 29 is disposed and exposed forward of the first flange portion 25.

[0028] 11, the pressed portion 31 comes into contact with and is pressed by a pressing portion 73 (described later) of the second connector housing 13. The front surface of the pressed portion 31 is inclined toward the rear. The rear surface of the pressed portion 31 is inclined toward the front. The tip surface of the pressed portion 31 in the protruding direction is formed flat along the front-rear direction.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 11, the regulating main body portion 32 is disposed on the opposite side to the pressed portion 31 across the extension portion 29. The regulating main body portion 32 has a rectangular plate shape with its plate surface facing in the left-right direction (Y direction). The left and right outer end faces of the regulating main body portion 32 are disposed along the front-rear direction. The rear face of the regulating main body portion 32 is disposed along the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the front end of the regulating main body portion 32 is connected to the first fitting lock portion 27.

[0030] 11 , when the pressed portion 31 is pressed by the pressing portion 73, the extension portion 29 is elastically deformed outwardly to the left and right with the fulcrum portion 28 as a fulcrum. When the extension portion 29 is elastically deformed, the regulating main body portion 32 is also displaced outwardly to the left and right, and the rear surface of the regulating main body portion 32 is disposed opposite one surface P1 of the panel P.

[0031] 1 and 7, the first fitting lock portion 27 is formed continuously from each of the restricting portions 26. Specifically, the first fitting lock portion 27 has a plate shape extending in the vertical direction, with an upper end portion connected to the front end of the upper restricting portion 26 and a lower end portion connected to the front end of the lower restricting portion 26. In other words, the first fitting lock portion 27 has a shape that bridges the front ends of the restricting portions 26.

[0032] The first fitting lock portion 27 has a portion that extends in the up-down direction while protruding outward from the regulating main body portion 32 to the left and right. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the upper, lower, left and right outer peripheral edges of the front surface of the first fitting lock portion 27 are tapered toward the front. As shown in Fig. 14, the rear surface of the first fitting lock portion 27 is disposed along the up-down direction and the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 1, each regulating portion 26 and the first fitting lock portion 27 are integrated with each other to form a rectangular frame-shaped regulating lock portion 33. The regulating lock portion 33 is disposed in the middle of the up-down direction on the outer surface side of one of the side walls 21.

[0033] 1 and 2, a pair of inner guide ribs 34 are provided protruding from the outer surface of one side wall 21 on both sides of the restriction lock portion 33. Each inner guide rib 34 is plate-shaped with its plate surface facing up and down and extending in the front-rear direction. In addition, a pair of outer guide ribs 35 protruding forward from each opposing wall 23 are formed on the outer surface side of one side wall 21. The outer guide ribs 35 are shaped like rectangular columns and are disposed apart from the outer surface of one side wall 21 to the left and right outside.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a first locking portion 36 and a receiving portion 37 are formed on the outer surface of each end wall 22. The first locking portion 36 is plate-shaped with the plate surface facing in the left-right direction. The left and right side surfaces (plate surfaces) of the first locking portion 36 are arranged along the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The first locking portion 36 is arranged in the left-right middle portion of the end wall 22. As shown in Fig. 6, the first locking portion 36 is shaped to protrude outwardly in the up-down direction from the front end portion of the outer surface of the end wall 22 and then extend backward in a cantilever shape. The first locking portion 36 is elastically deformable in the up-down direction with the front end portion connected to the outer surface of the end wall 22 as a fulcrum (see Fig. 10).

[0035] 6, the front surface of the first locking portion 36 is inclined rearward except for the portion rising from the end wall 22. Of the front surface of the first locking portion 36, the portion rising from the end wall 22 is disposed along the vertical direction. Also, a panel locking portion 38 is formed in the front-rear intermediate portion of the upper and lower outer surfaces of the first locking portion 36. The panel locking portion 38 is a surface facing rearward and is disposed so as to be able to be locked to one surface P1 of the panel P.

[0036] The receiving portion 37 is formed continuously from the first locking portion 36. As shown in FIG. 10, the receiving portion 37 is pressed by a release portion 63 of the second connector housing 13 (described later), and the pressing force is transmitted to the first locking portion 36 to elastically deform the first locking portion 36. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the receiving portion 37 is provided in pairs on the left and right side surfaces of the first locking portion 36. Specifically, the receiving portion 37 is formed in a rib shape extending in the front-rear direction, and is disposed at the rear of the upper and lower inner sides of the left and right side surfaces of the first locking portion 36. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper and lower outer surfaces of the receiving portion 37 are configured as sliding surfaces 39 on which the release portion 63 slides. The sliding surface 39 is formed in an inclined shape inclined toward the rear except for the rear end portion. The rear end portion of the sliding surface 39 is disposed along the front-rear direction.

[0037] 2 and 3, a pair of protective walls 41 are formed on the outer surface of each end wall 22 on both sides of the first locking portion 36, the protective walls 41 being spaced apart in the left-right direction from the first locking portion 36. Each protective wall 41 has a rectangular plate shape with its plate surface facing in the left-right direction, and is disposed so as to cover the front end portion of the first locking portion 36 from the outside left and right.

[0038] The left and right side surfaces of the protective wall 41 are arranged along the up-down and left-right directions. An entry space 42 that allows the entry of the release portion 63 is formed between the left and right inner side surfaces of the protective wall 41 and the left and right outer side surfaces of the first locking portion 36. The receiving portion 37 is arranged behind the entry space 42.

[0039] (Second connector 10B) The second connector housing 13 is made of synthetic resin and has a shape that is long in the vertical direction as a whole, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5. As shown in Figure 4, the second connector housing 13 has a housing main body 43 and a fitting tubular portion 44 that surrounds the outer periphery of the housing main body 43. A fitting space 45 is formed between the housing main body 43 and the fitting tubular portion 44 and is open to the front. The hood portion 17 is fitted into the fitting space 45.

[0040] The housing body 43 has a plurality of second cavities 46. The second terminal fittings 14 are inserted into each of the second cavities 46 from the rear and are locked therein. The second terminal fitting 14 is made of a conductive metal and is connected to an end portion of the electric wire W2 as shown in Fig. 11. The second terminal fitting 14 is a female terminal fitting and has a cylindrical connecting portion 47. When the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are mated with each other, the tab 19 of the first terminal fitting 12 is inserted into the connecting portion 47. The tab 19 comes into contact with an elastic contact portion (not shown) formed on the inside of the connecting portion 47, thereby electrically connecting the first terminal fitting 12 and the second terminal fitting 14.

[0041] A second flange portion 48 is formed to protrude radially outward at the rear end of the second connector housing 13. The rear surface of the second flange portion 48 is continuous without any step with the rear surface of the connecting portion that connects the housing main body portion 43 and the fitting tube portion 44, and is disposed along the radial direction. A grommet 15 is attached to the second flange portion 48.

[0042] The grommet 15 is made of rubber, and has a bellows-shaped tube portion 49 and a mounting portion 51 expanding from the front end of the tube portion 49, as shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 14, the mounting portion 51 is fitted onto the rear end portion of the second flange portion 48 from behind. An electric wire W2 connected to the second terminal fitting 14 is inserted into the inside of the grommet 15 from the mounting portion 51 to the tube portion 49. When the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are in a mated state, a lip portion of the mounting portion 51 is in close contact with one surface P1 of the panel P.

[0043] 4, the fitting cylinder portion 44 has a base wall 52 that covers one of the left and right side surfaces of the housing main body 43 (the left side surface in FIG. 4), and a pair of auxiliary walls 53 that cover the upper and lower end surfaces of the housing main body 43. The height dimension of the base wall 52 is greater than the width dimension of each auxiliary wall 53.

[0044] Each auxiliary wall 53 is formed with a groove-shaped recess 54 extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the front end of the recess 54 opens to the front end surface of the auxiliary wall 53. The rear end of the recess 54 is closed at a position rearward of the front-rear center of the auxiliary wall 53, inside a second locking portion 58 described later. In addition, each auxiliary wall 53 is formed with a pair of slits 55 disposed apart from the recess 54 in the left-right direction on both sides of the recess 54. The rear end of each slit 55 opens to the rear surface of the second flange portion 48. The front end of each slit 55 is closed at a position forward of the front-rear center of the auxiliary wall 53. The groove width of the slit 55 is smaller than the groove width of the recess 54.

[0045] A portion of the auxiliary wall 53 between the front ends of the slits 55 and the front end surface of the auxiliary wall 53 in the front-rear direction is configured as a fixed portion 56 that is not elastically deformable. As shown in Fig. 4, one end of the fixed portion 56 in the left-right direction is connected to the base wall 52. The other end of the fixed portion 56 in the left-right direction is connected to a vertical wall 57 disposed opposite the base wall 52 in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 5, a front portion of the recess 54 is formed in the fixed portion 56.

[0046] The auxiliary wall 53 has a second locking portion 58 extending rearward in a cantilever manner from the fixed portion 56. The second locking portion 58 has a plate-shaped locking body portion 59 along the width direction and the front-rear direction. The locking body portion 59 defines the left and right inner ends of each of the slits 55 between pairs of slits 55 in the left-right direction. The rear end of the locking body portion 59 is disposed at the rear end of the second connector housing 13, and faces the rear surface of the second flange portion 48 through an opening 61 formed through the second flange portion 48, as shown in Figs. 1 and 6.

[0047] The rear part of the recess 54 penetrates the left-right middle part of the lock main body 59. The lock main body 59 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction with the connecting part (front end) with the fixed part 56 as a fulcrum. The second lock part 58 has a lock protrusion 62 that protrudes outward in the vertical direction from the rear part of the lock main body 59. The lock protrusion 62 is mounted on the lock main body 59 so as to straddle the recess 54. The front surface of the lock protrusion 62 is inclined backward. The rear surface of the lock protrusion 62 is inclined forward. The lock protrusion 62 is disposed forward of the second flange part 48.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4, a pair of releasing portions 63 are formed on the inner surface of the auxiliary wall 53 and spaced apart in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 5, the left-right pair of releasing portions 63 are arranged adjacent to the recess 54 on both sides of the front portion of the recess 54. As shown in Fig. 6, the releasing portions 63 are arranged to protrude from the fixing portion 56 into the fitting space 45. As shown in Fig. 4, the releasing portions 63 are plate-shaped with their plate surfaces facing in the left-right direction.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, the front surface of the releasing portion 63 is inclined toward the rear. The rear surface of the releasing portion 63 is inclined toward the front. The tip surfaces (upper and lower inner end surfaces) of the releasing portion 63 in the protruding direction are disposed along the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 5, the left and right inner side surfaces of the releasing portion 63 are continuous with the inner side surfaces of the recess 54 without any step.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, a plate-shaped support portion 64 is formed in the front part of the vertical middle part of the base wall 52 along the vertical direction. Both upper and lower ends of the support portion 64 are connected to a pair of fitting guide portions 65 extending in the front-rear direction at the vertical middle part of the base wall 52. As shown in FIG. 4, each fitting guide portion 65 has a gate-shaped cross section that opens inward. Each inner guide rib 34 is fitted into each fitting guide portion 65. A pair of recesses 66 are formed at positions adjacent to each fitting guide portion 65 near the upper and lower ends of the base wall 52. Each recess 66 has a gate-shaped cross section that opens outward. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, each outer guide rib 35 is fitted into each recess 66.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 14, the base wall 52 has a lock arm 67 extending rearward from the support portion 64. The lock arm 67 is elastically deformable in the left-right direction with a connecting portion (front end portion) with the support portion 64 as a fulcrum. The lock arm 67 has an arm main body portion 68 having a rectangular plate shape in a side view, and a second fitting lock portion 69 protruding from the outer surface of the rear portion of the arm main body portion 68. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 14, the rear end of the arm main body portion 68 is disposed at the rear end of the second connector housing 13, and faces the rear surface of the second flange portion 48 through a hole 71 provided through the second flange portion 48.

[0052] The second fitting lock portion 69 is disposed forward of the second flange portion 48. As shown in Fig. 14, the front surface of the second fitting lock portion 69 is inclined rearward. The rear surface of the second fitting lock portion 69 is disposed along the left-right direction or is inclined slightly rearward with respect to the left-right direction.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the base wall 52 has a pair of pressing body parts 72 arranged on both sides of the lock arm 67, spaced apart from the lock arm 67 on the upper and lower outer sides. Each pressing body part 72 is a rib-like part with a rectangular cross section extending rearward from the support part 64, and the upper and lower ends are connected to the respective fitting guide parts 65 over the entire length in the extension direction. The parts extending from each pressing body part 72 to both the upper and lower ends of the support part 64 are configured as elastically indeformable pressing parts 73 extending in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7. The outer surface of the pressing part 73 is arranged along the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, and is continuous with the outer surface of the support part 64 other than the pressing part 73 and the outer surface of the arm body part 68 without any step. In addition, the outer surface of the pressing part 73 intersects with the upper and lower inner side surfaces of the adjacent fitting guide parts 65 at right angles.

[0054] <Function of Connector 10> Before the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are fitted together, the first connector housing 11 is inserted into the through hole P3 of the panel P. During the insertion process of the first connector housing 11, the front surface of each first locking portion 36 slides along the hole surface of the through hole P3 of the panel P, and each first locking portion 36 is elastically deformed inwardly in the vertical direction. Thereafter, each first locking portion 36 elastically returns to its original state, and as shown in FIG. 1, the panel engaging portion 38 of each first locking portion 36 is arranged to be in contact with and face the opening edge portion of the through hole P3 on one surface P1 of the panel P. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the first flange portion 25 is arranged to be in contact with and face the other surface P2 of the panel P. As a result, the first connector housing 11 is held in a standby state by the panel P, and is restricted from slipping out of the panel P in the front-rear direction. The panel P is arranged to be sandwiched between each first locking portion 36 and the first flange portion 25. It should be noted that the front portion of the restriction lock portion 33 passes through the through hole P3 without interfering with the panel P, and is disposed on the one surface P1 side of the panel P.

[0055] Next, the second connector housing 13 is shallowly fitted into the hood portion 17 of the first connector housing 11 from the one surface P1 side of the panel P, and the fitting operation of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B is started. At this time, the inner guide ribs 34 are fitted into the fitting guide portions 65 (see FIG. 7), and the release portions 63 are fitted into the entry spaces 42 (see FIG. 8). This prevents the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B from being erroneously fitted, and the fitting operation of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B is guided in the front-rear direction. In addition, when the fitting operation of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B is started, a part of the front surface of each pressed portion 31 rides up on the outer surface of the support portion 64 side of each pressing portion 73, and each extension portion 29 of the restriction lock portion 33 begins to elastically deform outward to the left and right. Each release portion 63 is still disposed away from each receiving portion 37, and each first lock portion 36 remains capable of being locked to one surface P1 of the panel P.

[0056] In a state in which the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are in the process of mating, that is, the end face in the protruding direction of the pressed portion 31 rides up onto the upper surface of the portion of the pressing portion 73 extending from the support portion 64 side to the pressing main body portion 72 side, and the extension portion 29 of the restriction lock portion 33 is largely elastically deformed outwardly to the left and right, as shown in Fig. 11. This causes the restriction main body portion 32 to face one surface P1 of the panel P in contact therewith, and the first connector housing 11 is restricted from coming out of the panel P. At this time, the first mating lock portion 27 and the second mating lock portion 69 are arranged in a non-contact state, and the lock arm 67 is maintained in a natural state without elastic deformation. 10, the release portions 63 slide on the sliding surfaces 39 of the receiving portions 37, the first locking portions 36 integrated with the receiving portions 37 elastically deform inwardly up and down, and the panel engaging portions 38 of the first locking portions 36 move away from the opening edges of the through holes P3. In this manner, with the restricting portions 26 facing and contacting the one surface P1 of the panel P, the engaging of the first locking portions 36 with the one surface P1 of the panel P is released.

[0057] In the case of the first embodiment, the receiving portions 37 are arranged in pairs on both the left and right sides of the first locking portion 36, and the releasing portions 63 are arranged in pairs at positions corresponding to the receiving portions 37. Therefore, equal forces are applied to the first locking portion 36 from the receiving portions 37 on both the left and right sides in the direction of releasing the engagement with the panel P, allowing the first locking portion 36 to elastically deform smoothly without twisting.

[0058] Thereafter, the locking protrusions 62 of the second locking parts 58 slide along the hole surface of the panel P, and the locking main body parts 59 of the second locking parts 58 are elastically deformed inwardly in the vertical direction. Furthermore, as the mating of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B progresses, the locking main body parts 59 of the second locking parts 58 elastically return to their original state, and as shown in FIG. 12, the locking protrusions 62 of the second locking parts 58 are arranged to face and contact the opening edge part of the through hole P3 on the other surface P2 of the panel P. In addition, the second flange part 48 is arranged to face and contact the one surface P1 of the panel P. As a result, the second connector housing 13 is held by the panel P, and is restricted from slipping out of the panel P in the front-rear direction. The panel P is arranged to be sandwiched between the second locking parts 58 and the second flange part 48. The release portion 63 is in contact with the rear end portion (the rear end portion when viewed from the first connector 10A) of the sliding surface 39 of the receiving portion 37, and the first locking portion 36 is maintained in a state where it is elastically deformed vertically inward.

[0059] At the same time that each second locking portion 58 is arranged so as to be able to be locked to the panel P, or immediately after each second locking portion 58 is arranged so as to be able to be locked to the panel P, each pressed portion 31 of the restriction locking portion 33 climbs over (passes) the upper surface of each pressing portion 73 on the pressing body portion 72 side, and accordingly, each extension portion 29 elastically returns to its left and right inner side. As each extension portion 29 elastically returns, the first fitting locking portion 27 formed continuously from each extension portion 29 is also displaced vertically inner side, and as shown in FIG. 13, the rear surfaces of the first fitting locking portion 27 and the second fitting locking portion 69 (the rear surfaces when viewed from each of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B) are arranged to face each other so as to be able to come into contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 12, the first fitting locking portion 27 is arranged on one surface P1 side of the panel P, and fits between each fitting guide portion 65 that is paired in the vertical direction. In this manner, first fitting lock portion 27 and second fitting lock portion 69 are arranged so as to be able to engage with each other, thereby maintaining first connector 10A and second connector 10B in a fitted state (see FIG. 14).

[0060] In order to separate the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B from the mated state due to reasons such as maintenance, first, the grommet 15 is removed from the second flange portion 48, and the tip of a tool or finger (not shown) is pressed against the rear end of the lock body portion 59 of each second lock portion 58 through the opening 61 to elastically deform the lock body portion 59 of each second lock portion 58 vertically inward. This releases the engagement between the lock protrusion 62 and the panel P, and the first connector housing 11 and the second connector housing 13 in the mated state are removed from the panel P. Thereafter, the tip of a tool or finger (not shown) is pressed against the rear end of the arm body portion 68 of the lock arm 67 through the punch hole 71 to elastically deform the arm body portion 68 horizontally inward. Then, the second mating lock portion 69 is separated from the first mating lock portion 27, and the engagement between the first mating lock portion 27 and the second mating lock portion 69 is released. In this state, by pulling first connector 10A and second connector 10B away from each other, first connector 10A and second connector 10B become disengaged.

[0061] As described above, the connector 10 of the first embodiment includes the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B that is fitted to the first connector 10A from the side of the first surface P1 of the panel P. The first connector 10A has a restricting portion 26 that elastically deforms in a direction that contacts the first surface P1 of the panel P during the fitting process of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B, and a first fitting locking portion 27 that is formed continuously from the restricting portion 26. The second connector 10B has a pressing portion 73 that presses the restricting portion 26 in a direction that contacts the first surface P1 of the panel P during the fitting process, and an elastically deformable locking arm 67 that is arranged separately from the pressing portion 73. The locking arm 67 has a second fitting locking portion 69 that can be engaged with the first fitting locking portion 27.

[0062] During the mating process of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B, the restricting portion 26 is pressed by the pressing portion 73 and arranged so as to be in contact with one surface P1 of the panel P, thereby restricting the first connector 10A from falling off from the panel P. This allows the mating of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B to proceed. When the pressing of the pressing portion 73 is released and the restricting portion 26 is displaced in the direction of elastic return, the first mating lock portion 27 continuing from the restricting portion 26 is arranged so as to be able to be engaged with the second mating lock portion 69 of the lock arm 67, and the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are held in a mated state. Here, the second mating lock portion 69 is arranged separately from the lock arm 67, and therefore can be formed independently of the shape of the lock arm 67. As a result, the second mating lock portion 69 can be shaped so as to stably maintain engagement with the first mating lock portion 27. Furthermore, since the lock arm 67 has an elastically deformable shape, depending on circumstances such as maintenance, the lock arm 67 can be elastically deformed to release the engagement between the first mating lock portion 27 and the second mating lock portion 69, thereby allowing the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B, which are in a mated state, to be separated.

[0063] In addition, the lock arm 67 has a cantilevered shape extending from the other surface P2 side of the panel P to the one surface P1 side (rear side), the second engagement lock portion 69 is positioned in the front-to-rear middle portion of the lock arm 67, and the rear end portion (free end portion) of the lock arm 67 is positioned so as to face the one surface P1 side of the panel P.

[0064] When first connector 10A and second connector 10B in a mated state are to be separated, pressing the rear end of lock arm 67 causes elastic deformation of lock arm 67, and the engagement between first mating lock portion 27 and second mating lock portion 69 can be released. In particular, since the rear end of lock arm 67 is disposed facing one surface P1 of panel P, the operation of pressing the rear end of lock arm 67 can be performed without hindrance from one surface P1 of panel P.

[0065] Furthermore, in first connector 10A, restricting portions 26 are arranged in pairs at an interval in a direction (up-down direction) intersecting the mating direction of first connector 10A and second connector 10B, and first fitting lock portion 27 is shaped to bridge the pair of restricting portions 26. Since first fitting lock portion 27 is shaped to bridge the pair of restricting portions 26, a predetermined rigidity can be ensured and engagement with second fitting lock portion 69 can be more stably maintained.

[0066] Furthermore, the first fitting lock portion 27 and the second fitting lock portion 69 are arranged in a non-contact state with each other during the fitting process of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B. Therefore, no contact resistance occurs between the first fitting lock portion 27 and the second fitting lock portion 69, and the operating force required when fitting the connector 10 can be reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, in the case of the connector 10 of the first embodiment, the first connector 10A has an elastically deformable first locking portion 36 that is engaged with the panel P, and a receiving portion 37 that is formed continuously from the first locking portion 36. The second connector 10B has a release portion 63 that presses the receiving portion 37 during the mating process of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B to release the engagement of the first locking portion 36 with the panel P, and an elastically deformable second locking portion 58 that is engaged with the panel P when the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are in a mated state. The receiving portions 37 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the first locking portion 36. The release portions 63 correspond to the mating receiving portions 37, and are arranged in pairs on both sides of the second locking portion 58.

[0068] During the mating process of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B, the receiving portions 37 arranged in pairs on both sides of the first locking portion 36 are pressed by the corresponding releasing portions 63, so that an equal force can be applied to the first locking portion 36 in the unlocking direction from both sides. As a result, the first locking portion 36 can smoothly elastically deform when releasing the lock with the panel P.

[0069] The second locking portion 58 has a plate-shaped locking body 59 with its width oriented in the left-right direction. A recess 54 that extends in the front-rear direction and opens at the front end is formed in the left-right intermediate portion of the locking body 59. The first locking portion 36 is shaped so as to be able to fit into the recess 54.

[0070] Since the first locking portion 36 can be fitted into the recess 54 formed in the left-right middle portion of the lock main body portion 59, the above-mentioned structure in which the receiving portions 37 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the first locking portion 36 and the release portions 63 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the second locking portion 58 can be realized efficiently in a space-saving manner. In addition, by fitting the first locking portion 36 into the recess 54, the bending action of the second locking portion 58 is guided.

[0071] Furthermore, the pair of release portions 63 in the left-right direction are disposed adjacent to the recess 54 on both the left and right sides of the recess 54. Therefore, a structure in which the receiving portions 37 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the first locking portion 36 and the release portions 63 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the second locking portion 58 can be realized with even greater space efficiency while preventing the connector 10 from becoming larger.

[0072] The first connector 10A also has protective walls 41 disposed on both sides of the first locking portion 36 with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction between the first locking portion 36. Between the protective walls 41 and the first locking portion 36 is an entry space 42 that allows the entry of the release portion 63.

[0073] Therefore, first locking portion 36 is protected from external foreign matter by protective wall 41. In addition, since entry space 42 that allows entry of release portion 63 is formed between protective wall 41 and first locking portion 36, an increase in size of connector 10 can be more effectively prevented.

[0074] [Another embodiment of the present disclosure] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the first connector 10A has the restricting portion 26 and the first fitting locking portion 27 on the side wall 21, and the first locking portion 36 and the receiving portion 37 on the end wall 22. The second connector 10B has the locking arm 67 and the pressing portion 73 on the base wall 52, and the second locking portion 58 and the releasing portion 63 on the auxiliary wall 53. In contrast, according to another embodiment, contrary to the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the first connector may have the restricting portion and the first fitting locking portion on the end wall, and the first locking portion and the receiving portion on the side wall. The second connector may have the locking arm and the pressing portion on the auxiliary wall, and the second locking portion and the releasing portion on the base wall. In the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the first connector 10A has a first male connector housing 11 and a first male terminal fitting 12, and the second connector 10B has a second female connector housing 13 and a second female terminal fitting 14. In contrast to this, according to another embodiment 1, contrary to the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the first connector may have a first female connector housing and a first female terminal fitting, and the second connector may have a second male connector housing and a second male terminal fitting. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10…Connector 10A…1st connector 10B…Second connector 11…First connector housing 12…First terminal metal fitting 13…Second connector housing 14...Second terminal metal fitting 15…Grommet 16...Terminal housing 17…Hood section 18…First cavity 19…Tab 21…Side wall 22...End wall 23...Facing wall 24…Covering wall 25…First flange section 26…Regulation Department 27…First mating lock part 28…Support part 29...Extending part 31...Pressed part 32...Regulation body 33...Regulation lock section 34…Inner guide rib 35…Outer guide rib 36…First lock section 37…Receiving part 38…Panel locking part 39…Sliding surface 41...protective wall 42...Entry space 43...Housing body 44...Mating cylinder portion 45…Mating space 46…Second cavity 47…Connection 48…Second flange section 49…Pipe section 51...Attachment part 52...Base wall 53…Auxiliary wall 54…Recess 55…Slit 56…Fixed part 57…hanging wall 58…Second lock section 59…Lock body 61...Opening 62…Lock protrusion 63…Release section 64...Support part 65…Mating guide part 66…Recess 67...Lock arm 68…Arm body 69…Second mating lock part 71…Drilling hole 72...Pressing body 73...Pressing part P…Panel P1…One page P2...other side P3...Through hole W1,W2…Electric wire

Claims

1. A first connector and a second connector that are matable with each other are provided, the first connector has a first locking portion that is elastically deformable and is engaged with a panel, and a receiving portion that is formed continuously from the first locking portion, the second connector has a release portion that presses the receiving portion during a mating process of the first connector and the second connector to release the engagement of the first locking portion with the panel, and a resiliently deformable second locking portion that is engaged with the panel when the first connector and the second connector are in a mated state, The receiving portions are arranged in pairs on both sides of the first locking portion, A connector, wherein the release portion corresponds to a pair of the receiving portion and is arranged in pairs on both sides of the second lock portion.

2. the second locking portion has a plate-shaped locking body portion whose width is oriented in a width direction intersecting a fitting direction of the second connector with respect to the first connector, a recess extending in the fitting direction and opening at a front end in the fitting direction is formed in a middle portion in the width direction of the lock body, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the first locking portion has a shape that can be fitted into the recess.

3. The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the pair of release portions are arranged adjacent to the recess on both sides in the width direction of the recess.

4. the first connector has protective walls disposed on both sides of the first locking portion with a gap between the first locking portion and the protective walls, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein a space between the protective wall and the first locking portion defines an entry space that allows entry of the release portion.

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