Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of firmly suppressing movement of a retainer.SOLUTION: A connector 10 includes: a connector housing 30 that can be fitted to a mating connector 20 by being relatively moved in a fitting direction X1 along a first axis X with respect to the mating connector 20; a terminal that is accommodated in the connector housing 30; a retainer 50 that prevents the terminal from coming off from the connector housing 30 by being attached to the connector housing 30; and a connector position assurance member 60 that prevents the connector housing 30 from being detached from the mating connector 20 by being moved from a temporary locking position to a full locking position K2 in a state where the connector housing 30 is fitted to the mating connector 20. The connector position assurance member 60 has an engagement convex portion 64 that engages with the retainer 50 so as to prevent the retainer 50 from moving from the connector housing 30 in a state of being in the full locking position K2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a connector that includes a resin connector housing that can be mated with a mating connector, and terminals, a retainer, and a connector position assurance member that are each assembled to the connector housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The retainer is attached to the connector housing to prevent the terminals from coming out of the connector housing. The connector position assurance member prevents the connector housing from coming out of the mating connector by moving from a partial locking position to a full locking position while the connector housing is mated with the mating connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2023-513260 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The retainer in the connector described above has a locking claw that is hooked onto the connector housing to be attached to the connector housing. However, in the connector described above, for example, if the retainer is attached and detached multiple times, the locking claw may wear, and the retainer may move in a direction that causes it to fall off the connector housing.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can firmly suppress movement of a retainer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a connector housing that can be mated with a mating connector by being moved relative to the mating connector in a mating direction along a first axis, terminals accommodated in the connector housing, a retainer that is attached to the connector housing to prevent the terminals from coming loose from the connector housing, and a connector position assurance member that is assembled to the connector housing and that prevents the connector housing from coming loose from the mating connector by being moved from a temporary locking position to a full locking position when the connector housing is mated with the mating connector, wherein the connector position assurance member has an engaging portion that engages with the retainer to prevent movement of the retainer from the connector housing when in the full locking position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the connector of the present disclosure, movement of the retainer can be firmly suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector and a mating connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector position assurance member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the connector in one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the connector in one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure comprises: [1] A connector comprising: a connector housing that can be mated with a mating connector by being moved relative to the mating connector in a mating direction along a first axis; terminals accommodated in the connector housing; a retainer that is attached to the connector housing to prevent the terminals from coming off the connector housing; and a connector position assurance member that is assembled to the connector housing and that prevents the connector housing from coming off the mating connector by being moved from a temporary locking position to a full locking position when the connector housing is mated with the mating connector, wherein the connector position assurance member has an engaging portion that engages with the retainer to prevent movement of the retainer from the connector housing when in the full locking position.

[0010] According to this configuration, the connector position assurance member has an engaging portion that engages with the retainer to prevent movement of the retainer from the connector housing when in the main locking position, so that movement of the retainer can be firmly suppressed without the need to add any additional components.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the connector position assurance member may be configured to be movable in a main locking direction along the first axis from the provisional locking position toward the main locking position, and the retainer may be configured to be mounted to the connector housing in a mounting direction along a second axis that intersects with the first axis.

[0012] With this configuration, the mounting direction of the retainer and the main locking direction of the connector position assurance member intersect, so the engaging portion of the connector position assurance member can be firmly engaged with the retainer without elastically deforming it, and movement of the retainer can be firmly prevented.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], the connector position assurance member may have a first contact portion that can come into contact with the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the first axis.

[0014] According to this configuration, the connector position assurance member has a first contact portion that can contact the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the first axis, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer along the first axis. This also suppresses rattle of the terminal along the first axis, for example. As a result, for example, the terminal can be stably contacted with the mating terminal.

[0015] [4] In the above [2] or [3], the connector position assurance member may have a second contact portion that can contact the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the second axis.

[0016] According to this configuration, the connector position assurance member has a second contact portion that can contact the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the second axis, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer along the second axis. This also suppresses rattle of the terminal along the second axis, for example. As a result, for example, the terminal can be stably contacted with the mating terminal.

[0017] [5] In the above [4], the retainer has an engagement recess extending along the first axis, and the engagement portion is an engagement protrusion that fits into the engagement recess when the connector position assurance member is in the main locking position, and the engagement protrusion has widthwise chamfered portions on both sides along the second axis at the tip end in the main locking direction, and has widthwise inclined portions that gradually reduce the distance from the engagement recess from the widthwise chamfered portions in the direction opposite to the main locking direction, and the second contact portion may be provided at the terminal position of the widthwise inclined portions.

[0018] According to this configuration, the retainer has an engagement recess extending along the first axis, and the engagement portion is an engagement protrusion that fits into the engagement recess when the connector position assurance member is in the final locking position. Therefore, the engagement protrusion fits into the engagement recess, firmly preventing movement of the retainer. The engagement protrusion has widthwise chamfers on both sides of its tip along the second axis in the final locking direction, preventing the engagement protrusion from getting caught when fitting into the engagement recess. The engagement protrusion also has widthwise inclined portions that gradually reduce the distance from the engagement recess to the widthwise chamfer in the direction opposite the final locking direction. The second contact portion is located at the end of the widthwise inclined portions, reducing the insertion pressure required when fitting the engagement protrusion into the engagement recess. In other words, in a configuration in which the second contact portion is formed immediately after the widthwise chamfer without a widthwise inclined portion, there is a risk of increased insertion pressure when fitting the engagement protrusion into the engagement recess. However, the widthwise inclined portions prevent this increase in insertion pressure. Therefore, the operability of the connector position assurance member can be improved.

[0019] [6] In any one of [2] to [5] above, the connector position assurance member may have a third contact portion that can contact the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to the second axis.

[0020] According to this configuration, the connector position assurance member has a third contact portion that can contact the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the third axis, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer along the third axis. This also suppresses rattle of the terminal along the third axis, for example. As a result, for example, the terminal can be stably contacted with the mating terminal.

[0021] [7] In the above [6], the retainer has an engagement recess extending along the first axis, and the engagement portion is an engagement protrusion that fits into the engagement recess when the connector position assurance member is in the main locking position, and the engagement protrusion has a bottom-direction chamfered portion on the bottom side of the engagement recess at the tip end in the main locking direction, and a bottom-direction inclined portion that gradually reduces the distance from the engagement recess from the bottom-direction chamfered portion in the opposite direction to the main locking direction, and the third contact portion may be provided at the terminal position of the bottom-direction inclined portion.

[0022] According to this configuration, the retainer has an engagement recess extending along the first axis, and the engagement portion is an engagement protrusion that fits into the engagement recess when the connector position assurance member is in the full-locking position. Therefore, the engagement protrusion fits into the engagement recess, firmly preventing movement of the retainer. The engagement protrusion has a bottom-direction chamfer on the bottom side of the engagement recess at its tip in the full-locking direction, which reduces the engagement protrusion from getting caught when fitting into the engagement recess. The engagement protrusion also has a bottom-direction inclined portion that gradually reduces the distance from the engagement recess toward the bottom-direction chamfer in the opposite direction to the full-locking direction, and the third contact portion is located at the terminal end of the bottom-direction inclined portion, thereby reducing the insertion pressure required when fitting the engagement protrusion into the engagement recess. In other words, in a configuration in which the third contact portion is formed immediately after the bottom-direction chamfer without a bottom-direction inclined portion, there is a risk of increased insertion pressure when fitting the engagement protrusion into the engagement recess. However, the bottom-direction inclined portion reduces this increase in insertion pressure. Therefore, the operability of the connector position assurance member can be improved.

[0023] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for the convenience of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions of each part may differ from one drawing to another. Furthermore, 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 equivalent to the claims.

[0024] (Configuration of Connector 10) 1, the connector 10 is connected to the mating connector 20 by being moved relatively in a mating direction X1 along a first axis X. The connector 10 and the mating connector 20 of this embodiment are provided in a vehicle. For example, the mating connector 20 is fixed to a case of an electrical device or the like in the vehicle.

[0025] 2 to 4, the connector 10 includes a connector housing 30, a terminal unit 40, a retainer 50, and a connector position assurance member 60. The connector 10 of this embodiment includes four terminal units 40.

[0026] Each figure shows a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z perpendicular to the first axis X and perpendicular to the second axis Y. Each figure also shows a mating direction X1, which is a direction along the first axis X, and an opposite mating direction X2, which is the opposite direction to the mating direction X1. Each figure also shows an installation direction Y1, which is a direction along the second axis Y, and an opposite installation direction Y2, which is the opposite direction to the installation direction Y1. Each figure also shows an upward direction Z1, which is a direction along the third axis Z, and a downward direction Z2, which is the opposite direction to the upward direction Z1.

[0027] (Configuration of connector housing 30) The connector housing 30 is made of a resin material. 2, the connector housing 30 has four accommodating holes 31 penetrating along the first axis X. Two accommodating holes 31 are arranged side by side along the second axis Y, and two are arranged side by side along the third axis Z, for a total of four accommodating holes 31. The connector housing 30 also has a mounting recess 32 recessed in the mounting direction Y1 in the central portion along the first axis X. The mounting recess 32 is formed so as to cross the four accommodating holes 31, in other words, so as to connect the four accommodating holes 31.

[0028] The connector housing 30 also has an elastic piece 34 at the tip end of the upper wall 33 in the mating direction X1. The elastic piece 34 is provided in the center of the connector housing 30 along the second axis Y. The elastic piece 34 first protrudes from the upper wall 33 in the upward direction Z1 and then extends in the opposite mating direction X2, and is elastically deformable in the downward direction Z2.

[0029] 2 and 8, the elastic piece 34 has a locking hole 34a in the center along the first axis X. The elastic piece 34 also has an ascending slope portion 34b that is inclined obliquely upward in the Z1 direction toward the locking hole 34a, closer to the fitting direction X1 than the locking hole 34a. The elastic piece 34 also has an operating portion 34c that is closer to the opposite fitting direction X2 than the locking hole 34a. The elastic piece 34 can be elastically deformed in the downward direction Z2 by pressing the operating portion 34c.

[0030] 2 and 4, the connector housing 30 has an assembly portion 35 for the connector position assurance member 60 on the upper wall 33. The assembly portion 35 extends along the first axis X while protruding upward in the Z1 direction, and has a pair of side walls 36 arranged side by side along the second axis Y.

[0031] 4, the pair of side walls 36 are provided at positions sandwiching the operating portion 34c of the elastic piece 34. The pair of side walls 36 also have upper wall pieces 36a that protrude from the upper ends in directions approaching each other.

[0032] 7, the pair of side walls 36 have protruding portions 36b that protrude toward each other from an intermediate portion along the first axis X. The protruding portions 36b on the opposite side to the mating direction X2 side are inclined portions 36c that gradually increase in protrusion amount from the side walls 36 toward the mating direction X1.

[0033] (Configuration of terminal unit 40) As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the terminal unit 40 has a terminal 41, a first resin cover 42, and a second resin cover 43. The terminal unit 40 of this embodiment has two terminals 41. The terminal unit 40 is connected to an electric wire member 44 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). More specifically, the electric wire member 44 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has two core wires 45 (see FIG. 4) therein. The core wires 45 are connected to the terminals 41 while protruding from the end of the electric wire member 44. The two terminals 41 are then sandwiched and held between the first resin cover 42 and the second resin cover 43 while connected to the core wires 45.

[0034] 2 and 3, the first resin cover 42 of the terminal unit 40 has a locking protrusion 42a that protrudes in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the terminals 41 and along the third axis Z.

[0035] Each of the four terminal units 40 is accommodated in the connector housing 30. More specifically, the terminal units 40 are inserted into the accommodation holes 31 of the connector housing 30 in the fitting direction X1.

[0036] (Configuration of retainer 50) The retainer 50 is made of a resin material. The retainer 50 is attached to the connector housing 30 to prevent the terminal unit 40 from coming off from the connector housing 30 in the opposite fitting direction X2.

[0037] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the retainer 50 is configured to be insertable into the mounting recess 32 of the connector housing 30. Specifically, the retainer 50 of this embodiment is mounted to the connector housing 30 by being inserted further into the mounting recess 32 from the temporary mounting position A. In other words, the retainer 50 is configured to be mounted to the connector housing 30 in a mounting direction Y1 along the second axis Y. Note that in Fig. 4, a portion of the outer shape of the connector housing 30 disposed at the temporary mounting position A is schematically illustrated by a two-dot chain line.

[0038] 2, the retainer 50 has a first locking claw 52 and a second locking claw 53 on an upper surface 51. The first locking claw 52 is provided at a position shifted from the second locking claw 53 in the fitting direction X1 and the mounting direction Y1.

[0039] 4, a first recess 32a and a second recess 32b are formed on the inner surface of the mounting recess 32 of the connector housing 30. The first recess 32a is positioned offset from the second recess 32b in the mounting direction Y1. When the retainer 50 is placed at the temporary mounting position A, the first locking claw 52 is positioned in the first recess 32a and the second locking claw 53 is positioned in the second recess 32b, thereby preventing the retainer 50 from moving from the connector housing 30 (not shown). When the retainer 50 is inserted further into the mounting recess 32 from the temporary mounting position A, both the first locking claw 52 and the second locking claw 53 are positioned in the first recess 32a, thereby preventing the retainer 50 from moving from the connector housing 30 (see FIG. 5). That is, when the retainer 50 is inserted further into the mounting recess 32 from the temporary mounting position A and mounted on the connector housing 30, the second locking claw 53 is caught on the inner surface of the first recess 32a, thereby preventing the retainer 50 from moving from the connector housing 30 (see Figure 5).

[0040] 2, the retainer 50 has locking pieces 54 at positions corresponding to the locking protrusions 42a of the terminal units 40. Four locking pieces 54 are provided corresponding to the four terminal units 40.

[0041] 3, the locking piece 54 has a locking portion 54a that can engage with the locking protrusion 42a of the terminal unit 40. The locking portion 54a is arranged to prevent the locking protrusion 42a from moving in the opposite mating direction X2 when the retainer 50 is attached to the connector housing 30, thereby preventing the terminal unit 40 from coming off the connector housing 30.

[0042] 2, the retainer 50 has an engagement recess 55 on the top surface 51 that extends along the first axis X. The engagement recess 55 is provided in the center of the retainer 50 along the second axis Y. The engagement recess 55 extends from an end of the top surface 51 in the opposite mating direction X2 toward the mating direction X1.

[0043] (Configuration of connector position assurance member 60) The connector position assurance member 60 is made of a resin material. 1, 4, and 7, the connector position assurance member 60 is assembled to the assembly portion 35 of the connector housing 30. When assembled to the assembly portion 35, the connector position assurance member 60 is configured to be movable in a full-locking direction X1 along the first axis X from a partial-locking position K1 (see FIG. 9) to a full-locking position K2 (see FIG. 10). Note that the full-locking direction X1 in this embodiment is the same as the mating direction X1. When the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating connector 20, the connector position assurance member 60 moves from the partial-locking position K1 (see FIG. 9) to the full-locking position K2 (see FIG. 10), thereby preventing the connector housing 30 from being separated from the mating connector 20.

[0044] 6, the connector position assurance member 60 has a main body 61, a pair of assembly pieces 62, an action piece 63, and an engaging protrusion 64 as an engaging portion. The pair of assembly pieces 62 are provided on both sides of the main body 61, at both ends along the second axis Y. The pair of assembly pieces 62 extend in the main locking direction X1 and are elastically deformable toward each other and toward the main body 61. Furthermore, the tip ends of the pair of assembly pieces 62 have assembly protrusions 62a that protrude in directions away from each other.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7 , the connector position assurance member 60 is assembled to the assembly portion 35 of the connector housing 30 by moving it in the final locking direction X1. Specifically, the connector position assurance member 60 is moved relative to the assembly portion 35 in the final locking direction X1 so as to be positioned between the pair of side walls 36 in the downward direction Z2 of the upper wall piece 36a of the assembly portion 35. At this time, the assembly protrusions 62a move over the protrusions 36b on the pair of side walls 36 as the pair of assembly pieces 62 elastically deform. Then, as shown in FIG. 7 , the assembly protrusions 62a engage with the protrusions 36b in the opposite mating direction X2, preventing the connector position assurance member 60 from falling off the assembly portion 35 and assembling the connector position assurance member 60 to the assembly portion 35. Note that the state shown in FIG. 7 , in which the assembly protrusions 62a engage with the protrusions 36b in the opposite mating direction X2, is when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the temporary locking position K1.

[0046] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the action piece 63 extends from the main body 61 obliquely upward in the Z1 direction in the full-locking direction X1 and is elastically deformable downward in the Z2 direction. The tip of the action piece 63 has an action protrusion 63a that protrudes upward. As shown in Figure 8, the action protrusion 63a is formed so as to be exposed upward from the locking hole 34a in the elastic piece 34 of the connector housing 30 when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the temporary-locking position K1. When the connector position assurance member 60 is in the temporary-locking position K1, the action protrusion 63a engages with the locking hole 34a in the full-locking direction X1, thereby preventing the connector position assurance member 60 from moving in the full-locking direction X1 toward the full-locking position K2 (see Figure 10).

[0047] 9, when the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating connector 20, the acting piece 63 elastically deforms in the downward direction Z2. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the mating connector 20 has a mating engagement portion 21. The mating engagement portion 21 is formed so as to be able to push the ascending inclined portion 34b (see FIG. 9) of the elastic piece 34 downwardly Z2 and elastically deform the elastic piece 34 downwardly Z2 as the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating connector 20. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the connector housing 30 is completely mated with the mating connector 20 and the mating engagement portion 21 passes the ascending inclined portion 34b and reaches the locking hole 34a, the elastic piece 34 that has been elastically deformed in the downward direction Z2 returns to its position in the upward direction Z1. Then, the mating engagement portion 21 fits into the locking hole 34a and presses the acting protrusion 63a downwardly Z2, elastically deforming the acting piece 63 downwardly Z2. As a result, the action projection 63a is disengaged from the locking hole 34a, and the connector position assurance member 60 is allowed to move in the full locking direction X1 from the temporary locking position K1 to the full locking position K2 (see FIG. 10).

[0048] 10 , when the connector position assurance member 60 is moved to the full locking position K2, the action piece 63 including the action protrusion 63a is positioned in the downward direction Z2 of the elastic piece 34, thereby preventing the elastic deformation of the elastic piece 34 in the downward direction Z2. This prevents the mating engaging portion 21 from coming out of the state in which it is fitted in the locking hole 34a, and ultimately prevents the connector housing 30 from being separated from the mating connector 20.

[0049] 6 and 8, the engaging protrusion 64 protrudes downward in the Z2 direction from the main body 61. As shown in FIG. 10, the engaging protrusion 64 is formed to fit into the engaging recess 55 of the retainer 50 when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. As a result, the engaging protrusion 64 prevents the retainer 50 from moving away from the connector housing 30 when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. In other words, the engaging protrusion 64 prevents the retainer 50 from moving relative to the connector housing 30. Note that when the retainer 50 is not completely attached to the connector housing 30 and is in the temporary-attachment position A, the connector position assurance member 60 cannot move to the full-locking position K2 because the engaging protrusion 64 cannot fit into the engaging recess 55.

[0050] 11 and 12, the engaging protrusion 64 has a first contact portion 64a. The first contact portion 64a is an end surface of the engaging protrusion 64 in the full-locking direction X1. The first contact portion 64a is capable of coming into contact with the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the first axis X when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. In other words, the first contact portion 64a is configured to be capable of abutting against the abutment surface 55a of the engaging recess 55 of the retainer 50 when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2.

[0051] 12, the engaging protrusion 64 has a second contact portion 64b. The second contact portion 64b is capable of contacting the retainer 50 so as to prevent the retainer 50 from rattling relative to the connector housing 30 along the second axis Y when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. Specifically, the engaging protrusion 64 of this embodiment has widthwise chamfered portions 64c on both sides along the second axis Y at its tip in the full-locking direction X1. The engaging protrusion 64 of this embodiment also has widthwise inclined portions 64d that gradually reduce the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the widthwise chamfered portions 64c in the direction opposite the full-locking direction X1, i.e., in the opposite mating direction X2. The second contact portion 64b is provided at the terminal end of the widthwise inclined portions 64d. The widthwise chamfered portions 64c are intended to prevent the engaging protrusions 64 from getting caught when they are fitted into the engaging recesses 55, and are inclined, for example, at an angle ranging from 30° to 60° with respect to the main locking direction X1. The widthwise inclined portions 64d have a smaller inclination angle with respect to the main locking direction X1 than the widthwise chamfered portions 64c, and are intended to reduce the insertion pressure when fitting the engaging protrusions 64 into the engaging recesses 55 by preventing most of the engaging protrusions 64 from becoming the second contact portions 64b.

[0052] 11, the engaging protrusion 64 has a third contact portion 64e. The third contact portion 64e is capable of contacting the retainer 50 so as to prevent rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the third axis Z when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. Specifically, the engaging protrusion 64 of this embodiment has a bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f on the bottom side of the engaging recess 55 at the tip end in the full-locking direction X1. The engaging protrusion 64 of this embodiment also has a bottom-direction inclined portion 64g that gradually reduces the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f in the direction opposite the full-locking direction X1, i.e., in the opposite mating direction X2. The third contact portion 64e is provided at the terminal end of the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g. The bottom-facing chamfered portion 64f is intended to prevent the engaging protrusion 64 from getting caught when fitting into the engaging recess 55, and is inclined, for example, at an angle ranging from 30° to 60° with respect to the main locking direction X1. The bottom-facing inclined portion 64g has a smaller inclination angle with respect to the main locking direction X1 than the bottom-facing chamfered portion 64f, and is intended to reduce the insertion pressure when fitting the engaging protrusion 64 into the engaging recess 55 by preventing most of the engaging protrusion 64 from becoming the third contact portion 64e.

[0053] (Action of this embodiment) Next, the operation of the connector 10 configured as above will be described. When the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating connector 20 and the connector position assurance member 60 is moved to the main locking position K2 (see Figure 10), the connector position assurance member 60 prevents the connector housing 30 from being removed from the mating connector 20.

[0054] In this state, the engaging projections 64 of the connector position assurance member 60 fit into the engaging recesses 55 of the retainer 50, thereby preventing the retainer 50 from moving out of the connector housing 30.

[0055] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects of the above embodiment will be described below. (1) The connector position assurance member 60 has an engaging protrusion 64 that engages with the retainer 50 to prevent the retainer 50 from moving from the connector housing 30 when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full locking position K2. Therefore, movement of the retainer 50 can be firmly prevented without adding any additional components. For example, even if the first locking claws 52 and the second locking claws 53 wear down as a result of multiple attachment and detachment of the retainer 50, the retainer 50 is prevented from moving from the connector housing 30. Therefore, the terminal unit 40 including the terminals 41 can be prevented from coming off the connector housing 30, and, for example, the terminals 41 can be stably connected to mating terminals (not shown) in the mating connector 20.

[0056] (2) Because the mounting direction Y1 of the retainer 50 and the main locking direction X1 of the connector position assurance member 60 intersect, the engaging protrusions 64 of the connector position assurance member 60 can be firmly engaged with the retainer 50 without elastic deformation, firmly preventing movement of the retainer 50. In other words, if the mounting direction Y1 of the retainer 50 and the main locking direction X1 of the connector position assurance member 60 do not intersect, it would be necessary to replace the engaging protrusions 64 with elastically deforming resilient claws, for example. However, this is not necessary. Therefore, the engaging protrusions 64, which do not elastically deform, can be firmly engaged with the retainer 50, firmly preventing movement of the retainer 50.

[0057] (3) The connector position assurance member 60 has the first contact portion 64a that can come into contact with the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the first axis X, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer 50 along the first axis X. This suppresses rattle of the terminal 41 along the first axis X, for example. As a result, the terminal 41 can be brought into stable contact with the mating terminal, for example.

[0058] (4) The connector position assurance member 60 has the second contact portion 64b that can come into contact with the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the second axis Y, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer 50 along the second axis Y. This suppresses rattle of the terminal 41 along the second axis Y, for example. As a result, the terminal 41 can be brought into stable contact with the mating terminal, for example.

[0059] (5) The engaging protrusion 64 has widthwise chamfered portions 64c on both sides along the second axis Y at its tip in the final locking direction X1, which reduces the likelihood of the engaging protrusion 64 getting caught when fitting into the engaging recess 55. The engaging protrusion 64 also has widthwise inclined portions 64d that gradually reduce the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the widthwise chamfered portions 64c in the direction opposite to the final locking direction X1, and the second contact portion 64b is provided at the end of the widthwise inclined portions 64d. This reduces the insertion pressure required when fitting the engaging protrusion 64 into the engaging recess 55. In other words, in a configuration in which the second contact portion 64b is formed immediately after the widthwise chamfered portions 64c without the widthwise inclined portions 64d, the insertion pressure required when fitting the engaging protrusion 64 into the engaging recess 55 may increase. However, the widthwise inclined portions 64d reduce this increase in insertion pressure. This improves the operability of the connector position assurance member 60.

[0060] (6) The connector position assurance member 60 has the third contact portion 64e that can come into contact with the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the third axis Z, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer 50 along the third axis Z. This suppresses rattle of the terminal 41 along the third axis Z, for example. As a result, the terminal 41 can be brought into stable contact with the mating terminal, for example.

[0061] (7) The engaging protrusion 64 has a bottom-direction chamfer 64f on the bottom surface side of the engaging recess 55 at its tip in the final locking direction X1, which reduces the likelihood of the engaging protrusion 64 getting caught when fitting into the engaging recess 55. The engaging protrusion 64 also has a bottom-direction inclined portion 64g that gradually reduces the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the bottom-direction chamfer 64f in the direction opposite to the final locking direction X1, and the third contact portion 64e is provided at the end of the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g. This reduces the insertion pressure required when fitting the engaging protrusion 64 into the engaging recess 55. In other words, in a configuration in which the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g is not provided and the third contact portion 64e is formed immediately after the bottom-direction chamfer 64f, the insertion pressure required when fitting the engaging protrusion 64 into the engaging recess 55 may increase. However, the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g reduces this increase in insertion pressure. This improves the operability of the connector position assurance member 60.

[0062] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the mounting direction Y1 of the retainer 50 and the main locking direction X1 of the connector position assurance member 60 intersect, but this is not limiting and the mounting direction Y1 and the main locking direction X1 may not intersect. In this case, it is necessary to change the engaging protrusion 64 that engages with the retainer 50 to a resilient claw or the like that elastically deforms.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the connector position assurance member 60 has the first contact portion 64a that can come into contact with the retainer 50 to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the first axis X, but this is not limited to this.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the connector position assurance member 60 has the second contact portion 64b that can come into contact with the retainer 50 to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the second axis Y, but this is not limited to this.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the connector position assurance member 60 has the third contact portion 64e that can come into contact with the retainer 50 to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the third axis Z, but this is not limited to this.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the engaging protrusion 64 has widthwise chamfered portions 64c on both sides along the second axis Y at the tip end in the main locking direction X1, but this is not limited to this. In this case, for example, the engaging protrusion 64 may have widthwise inclined portions 64d without having widthwise chamfered portions 64c. Even in this case, the widthwise inclined portions 64d slightly reduce the likelihood of the engaging protrusion 64 getting caught when fitting into the engaging recess 55.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the engaging protrusion 64 has the widthwise inclined portion 64d that gradually reduces the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the widthwise chamfered portion 64c in the direction opposite to the main locking direction X1, but this is not limited to this. In this case, for example, the engaging protrusion 64 may be configured to have the widthwise chamfered portion 64c or may not have the widthwise chamfered portion 64c.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the engaging protrusion 64 has the bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f on the bottom surface side of the engaging recess 55 at the tip end in the main locking direction X1, but this is not limited to this. In this case, for example, the engaging protrusion 64 may have a bottom-direction inclined portion 64g without the bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f. Even in this case, the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g slightly reduces the likelihood of the engaging protrusion 64 getting caught when fitting into the engaging recess 55.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the engaging protrusion 64 has the bottom-facing inclined portion 64g that gradually reduces the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the bottom-facing chamfered portion 64f in the direction opposite to the full locking direction X1, but this is not limited to this. In this case, for example, the engaging protrusion 64 may be configured to have the bottom-facing chamfered portion 64f or may not have the bottom-facing chamfered portion 64f.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the connector 10 is configured to have four terminal units 40 and a total of eight terminals 41, but this is not limited to this, and the number of terminal units 40 and the number of terminals 41 included in the connector 10 may be changed.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the terminal unit 40 including the terminals 41 is prevented from moving out of the connector housing 30 by engaging with the retainer 50, but this is not limiting. For example, the terminals 41 may be directly engaged with the retainer 50 to prevent movement out of the connector housing 30. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 Connectors 20 Mating connector 21 Counterpart engagement portion 30 Connector housing 31 Receiving hole 32 Mounting recess 32a First recess 32b Second recess 33 Upper Wall 34 Elastic piece 34a Locking hole 34b Uphill section 34c Control unit 35 Assembly section 36 side wall 36a Upper wall piece 36b Protrusion 36c Slope 40 terminal units 41 terminals 42 First resin cover 42a Locking protrusion 43 Second resin cover 44 Electrical Wire Materials 45 core wire 50 retainer 51 Top side 52 First locking claw 53 Second locking claw 54 Locking piece 54a Locking part 55 Engagement recess 55a End of road 60 Connector position assurance member 61 Main body 62 Assembly piece 62a Assembly protrusion 63 Working piece 63a Action convex part 64 Engagement protrusion (engagement portion) 64a First contact part 64b 2nd contact part 64c Width direction chamfer 64d Width direction slope part 64e 3rd contact part 64f Bottom chamfer 64g Bottom inclined part A. Temporary fitting position K1 Provisional locking position K2 Locking position X 1st axis X1 Mating direction (final locking direction) X2 Reverse mating direction Y 2nd axis Y1 Mounting direction Y2 Reverse mounting direction Z 3rd axis Z1 upward direction Z2 Downward

Claims

1. a connector housing that can be mated with a mating connector by being moved relative to the mating connector in a mating direction along a first axis; a terminal accommodated in the connector housing; a retainer that is attached to the connector housing to prevent the terminals from coming out of the connector housing; a connector position assurance member that is assembled to the connector housing and that prevents the connector housing from coming off the mating connector by being moved from a temporary locking position to a full locking position while the connector housing is fitted to the mating connector; A connector comprising: the connector position assurance member has an engaging portion that engages with the retainer so as to prevent the retainer from moving out of the connector housing when the connector position assurance member is in the full locking position. connector.

2. the connector position assurance member is configured to be movable in a full-locking direction along the first axis from the partial-locking position toward the full-locking position, The retainer is configured to be mounted to the connector housing in a mounting direction along a second axis that intersects with the first axis. The connector according to claim 1 .

3. the connector position assurance member has a first contact portion that can come into contact with the retainer to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the first axis; The connector according to claim 2 .

4. the connector position assurance member has a second contact portion that can come into contact with the retainer to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the second axis. The connector according to claim 2 .

5. The retainer has an engagement recess extending along the first axis, The engaging portion is an engaging protrusion that fits into the engaging recess when the connector position assurance member is in the full locking position, the engaging protrusion has widthwise chamfered portions on both sides along the second axis at a tip end portion in the final locking direction, and has widthwise inclined portions that gradually reduce the distance between the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess from the widthwise chamfered portions in a direction opposite to the final locking direction, The second contact portion is provided at an end position of the widthwise inclined portion. The connector according to claim 4.

6. the connector position assurance member has a third contact portion that can come into contact with the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to the second axis. The connector according to claim 2 .

7. The retainer has an engagement recess extending along the first axis, The engaging portion is an engaging protrusion that fits into the engaging recess when the connector position assurance member is in the full locking position, the engaging protrusion has a bottom-direction chamfered portion on the bottom surface side of the engaging recess at the tip end in the main locking direction, and a bottom-direction inclined portion that gradually reduces the distance between the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess from the bottom-direction chamfered portion in the opposite direction to the main locking direction, The third contact portion is provided at an end position of the bottom-direction inclined portion. The connector according to claim 6.

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