Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of reducing looseness along a first axis between a mating housing and a connector housing.SOLUTION: The connector includes a connector housing which can be fitted to a counterpart housing 21 by being moved to a fitting direction X1 along a first axis X with respect to the counterpart housing 21. The connector housing includes the lock arm 33 extending to the X2 in the direction opposite to the fitting direction, and the lock arm 33 includes the convex portion 34 that bends the lock arm 33 to the Z2 in the downward direction by being pressed by the mating engaging portion 26 when the connector housing is fitted to the mating housing 21. The protrusion 34 has a protrusion rear end surface 34b and a protrusion 35 protruding from the protrusion rear end surface 34b, the protrusion 35 is disposed within a range of a movement trajectory T of the apex 35a of the protrusion 34 when the lock arm 33 is bent while having the protrusion rear end surface 34c, and the protrusion rear end surface 35a is formed in a shape in which a component force of a force received from the mating engaging portion 26 does not act on the Z2 in the downward direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

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 housing in a mating direction along a first axis, and terminals that are assembled within the connector housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The connector housing has a lock arm that extends in the direction opposite to mating, and the lock arm has a protrusion. When the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, the protrusion is pressed by a mating engagement portion of the mating housing, causing the lock arm to bend downward. Then, when the connector housing is completely mated with the mating connector while the mating engagement portion passes the protrusion, the lock arm that has been elastically deformed downward returns to its original position in the upward direction. Then, the rear end surface of the protrusion, which is the rear end surface of the protrusion in the direction opposite to mating, faces the mating engagement portion in the mating direction, preventing the connector housing from being separated from the mating housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-55303 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-described connector, when the connector housing is mated with the mating connector, a clearance occurs between the protrusion and the mating engagement portion. This clearance is caused by the movement of the protrusion due to the bending deformation of the locking arm. More specifically, when the locking arm bends downward, the apex of the protrusion moves, mainly pivoting around the base end of the locking arm, and therefore moves downward and in the opposite direction to mating. When the locking arm returns to its original position upward, the apex of the protrusion also moves in the mating direction, creating a clearance equal to the difference in the movement. This clearance causes rattle along the first axis between the mating housing and the connector housing. This rattle can, for example, cause deterioration in the communication performance of the terminals, so it is desirable to minimize it.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can reduce rattle along a first axis between a mating housing and a connector housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure is a connector comprising: a connector housing that can be mated with a mating housing by being moved relative to the mating housing in a mating direction along a first axis; and terminals accommodated in the connector housing, wherein the connector housing has a lock arm that extends in an opposite mating direction that is the opposite direction to the mating direction, and the lock arm is pushed by a mating engagement portion of the mating housing as the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, thereby bending the lock arm downward in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. a protrusion that fits into the mating direction when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, the protrusion having a rear end face that faces the mating engaging portion in the mating direction and a protrusion that protrudes from the rear end face of the protrusion in the opposite direction to the mating direction when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, the protrusion having a rear end face that faces the mating engaging portion in the mating direction when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, and being positioned within the range of the movement locus of the apex of the protrusion when the locking arm bends, and the rear end face of the protrusion is formed in a shape that prevents a component of the force received from the mating engaging portion from acting downward. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the connector of the present disclosure, rattle along the first axis between the mating housing and the connector housing can be reduced. [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 a partially exploded perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector position assurance member. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of a connector and a mating connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to a modified example. 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 housing by being moved relative to the mating housing in a mating direction along a first axis; and terminals accommodated in the connector housing, wherein the connector housing has a lock arm that extends in an opposite mating direction that is the opposite direction to the mating direction, and the lock arm is pushed by a mating engagement portion of the mating housing as the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, thereby deflecting the lock arm downward in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The connector housing has a convex portion, and the convex portion has a rear end face that faces the mating direction with the mating engaging portion when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, and a protrusion that protrudes from the rear end face of the convex portion in the opposite direction to the mating direction, and the protrusion has a rear end face that faces the mating direction with the mating engaging portion when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, and is positioned within the range of the movement trajectory of the apex of the convex portion when the locking arm bends, and the rear end face of the protrusion is formed in a shape that does not allow a component force of the force received from the mating engaging portion to act downward.

[0010] According to this configuration, the convex portion of the locking arm has a convex rear end surface that faces the mating engaging portion in the mating direction when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, thereby preventing the connector housing from being separated from the mating housing. Furthermore, the convex portion has a protrusion that protrudes from the convex rear end surface in the direction opposite to mating, and the protrusion has a protrusion rear end surface that faces the mating engaging portion in the mating direction when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing. This reduces the clearance compared to a configuration without a protrusion. In other words, compared to a configuration without a protrusion, it reduces rattle along the first axis between the mating housing and the connector housing. Because this protrusion is located within the range of the movement locus of the apex of the protrusion when the locking arm bends, the protrusion will not collide with the mating engaging portion when the locking arm returns to its original shape after being bent downward when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing. The rear end face of the protrusion is shaped so that a component of the force received from the mating engagement portion does not act downward, so that, for example, when a force is applied in a direction that would separate the mating housing from the connector housing, the locking arm will not bend downward, thereby preventing the connector housing from separating from the mating housing.

[0011] [2] In the above item [1], the shape of the rear end surface of the protrusion may be a planar shape perpendicular to the first axis. According to this configuration, the shape of the rear end face of the protrusion is a planar shape perpendicular to the first axis, so that the simple shape can prevent a component of the force received from the mating engagement portion from acting downward.

[0012] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the apex of the protrusion may be located on the movement trajectory. With this configuration, the apex of the protrusion is located on the movement locus, which minimizes the clearance relative to the height of the rear end face of the protrusion, thereby minimizing the rattle along the first axis between the mating housing and the connector housing relative to the height of the rear end face of the protrusion.

[0013] [4] In any one of [1] to [3] above, the terminal may be for high-speed communication. With this configuration, since the terminals are for high-speed communication, the communication performance of high-speed communication can be maintained at a good level. That is, as the backlash along the first axis between the mating housing and the connector housing increases, the communication performance of high-speed communication using the terminals for high-speed communication deteriorates, but this deterioration can be kept small.

[0014] [5] In any one of [1] to [4] above, the lock arm may have a pair of arm portions extending from both sides of the convex portion in the opposite direction to the mating direction, and an operating portion connecting the pair of arm portions, and the protrusion may be provided on the pair of arm portions.

[0015] According to this configuration, the locking arm has a pair of arm portions extending from both sides of the protrusion in the direction opposite to the mating direction and an operating portion connecting the pair of arm portions, so that the engagement between the protrusion and the mating engaging portion can be released by pressing the operating portion. Therefore, by moving the connector housing relative to the mating housing in the direction opposite to the mating direction while pressing the operating portion, the connector housing can be separated from the mating housing. Furthermore, because the protrusions are provided on the pair of arm portions, the arm portions, which are likely to be subjected to load when the operating portion is pressed, can be reinforced.

[0016] [6] In the above [5], a connector position assurance member may be provided which is exposed upward from between the convex portion and the operating portion when the connector housing is not mated with the mating housing, and which has an acting convex portion which allows the convex portion to move downward when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, and which prevents the lock arm from bending downward when positioned below the convex portion.

[0017] According to this configuration, the connector position assurance member includes an action protrusion that prevents the locking arm from bending downward when positioned below the protrusion, thereby firmly maintaining the engagement between the protrusion and the mating engagement portion. Therefore, separation of the connector housing from the mating housing is firmly prevented. Here, the protrusions are provided on a pair of arms extending from both sides of the protrusion in opposite mating directions, so they do not interfere with the action protrusion that is exposed upward between the protrusion and the operating portion.

[0018] [7] In any one of the above [1] to [6], the upper surface of the protrusion may have an upper surface inclined portion that slopes obliquely upward from the rear end surface of the protrusion toward the fitting direction.

[0019] According to this configuration, the upper surface of the protrusion has an inclined upper surface portion that slopes obliquely upward from the rear end surface of the protrusion in the mating direction, preventing the mating engagement portion from remaining on the upper surface of the protrusion. In other words, even if the locking arm bends downward due to vibration or the like and the upper surface of the protrusion enters the underside of the mating engagement portion, the inclination of the inclined upper surface portion can guide the protrusion and the mating engagement portion back to their original engagement positions.

[0020] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ between drawings. In this specification, "orthogonal" does not necessarily mean strictly orthogonal, but also includes roughly orthogonal configurations within the scope of the present embodiment's effects. The term "cylindrical" used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical configuration formed by assembling multiple components, but also includes a C-shape or other configuration with a notch in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral shape of a "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon with sharp or rounded corners. A "cylindrical" refers to a shape having a through hole in plan view, and includes a configuration in which the outer peripheral shape and the inner peripheral shape of the through hole are the same shape, or a configuration in which the outer peripheral shape and the inner peripheral shape of the through hole are different shapes. A "cylindrical" includes a configuration having a predetermined length extending along the axial direction of a central axis passing through the center of the through hole, regardless of the length. In this specification, "facing" refers to surfaces or components facing each other, and includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used in this specification merely to distinguish between objects and do not rank them. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0021] (Configuration of Connector 10) As shown in Fig. 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. For example, the connector 10 and the mating connector 20 of this embodiment are used for high-speed communication.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the connector 10 includes a connector housing 30, a terminal unit 40, and a connector position assurance member 50. 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 a leftward direction Y1, which is a direction along the second axis Y, and a rightward direction Y2, which is the opposite direction to the leftward 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.

[0023] (Configuration of the mating connector 20) 1, the mating connector 20 includes a mating housing 21 and a mating sub-housing 22. As shown in Fig. 3, the mating connector 20 includes a mating dielectric 23 and a mating terminal 24. The mating connector 20 of this embodiment includes two mating terminals 24.

[0024] The mating housing 21 is made of a resin material. 1, the mating housing 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis X. The mating housing 21 has a pair of mating support portions 25 extending in the upward direction Z1 from the top surface of the mating housing 21, and a mating engagement portion 26 connecting the pair of mating support portions 25. The mating engagement portion 26 has a locking surface 26a which is an end face on the mating direction X1 side.

[0025] The mating sub-housing 22 is made of metal and is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis X. The mating opposite direction X2 side of the mating sub-housing 22 is inserted into the mating housing 21.

[0026] 3 is made of a resin material. The mating dielectric 23 is inserted into the mating sub-housing 22. The mating dielectric 23 has two mating retaining holes 23a that penetrate along the first axis X and a mating opposing surface 23b that is the end face on the side in the opposite fitting direction X2.

[0027] The mating terminal 24 is made of a metal material. In this embodiment, the mating terminal 24 is a rod-shaped male terminal extending along the first axis X. The mating terminal 24 is accommodated and held in the mating holding hole 23a. A tip portion 24a of the mating terminal 24 protrudes from the mating opposing surface 23b.

[0028] (Configuration of connector housing 30) The connector housing 30 is made of a resin material. As shown in Fig. 2, the connector housing 30 has an accommodating hole 31 penetrating along the first axis X. The connector housing 30 also has a locking arm 33 extending from a tip end 32a of the upper wall 32 in the mating direction X1 in the opposite mating direction X2. The locking arm 33 is provided in a central portion of the connector housing 30 along the second axis Y. The locking arm 33 first protrudes from the upper wall 32 in the upward direction Z1 and then extends in the opposite mating direction X2, and is elastically deformable downward in the Z2.

[0029] The lock arm 33 has a base end 33a, a protrusion 34, a pair of arm portions 33b, and an operating portion 33c. The lock arm 33 is connected to the upper wall 32 of the connector housing 30 at the base end 33a. The protrusion 34 is located in the center of the lock arm 33 along the first axis X and protrudes upward in the Z1 direction. The protrusion 34 has an ascending inclined portion 34a that slopes obliquely upward in the Z1 direction from the base end 33a toward the opposite mating direction X2. When the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating housing 21, the protrusion 34 is pushed by the mating engaging portion 26 (see FIG. 1) that slides against the ascending inclined portion 34a, thereby bending the lock arm 33 downward in the Z2 direction. The pair of arm portions 33b extend from both sides of the protrusion 34 along the second axis Y in the opposite mating direction X2. The operating portion 33c connects the pair of arm portions 33b on the opposite mating direction X2 side. The lock arm 33 is elastically deformable in the downward direction Z2 by pressing down the operating portion 33c. The lock arm 33 has a locking hole 33d that penetrates along the third axis Z. The locking hole 33d is a hole surrounded by the protrusion 34, the pair of arm portions 33b, and the operating portion 33c.

[0030] 4 and 12, the protrusion 34 has a protrusion 35 that protrudes in the opposite fitting direction X2 from the surface of the protrusion 34 on the opposite fitting direction X2 side, i.e., from the protrusion rear end surface 34b. In this embodiment, the protrusion 35 is provided on the pair of arm portions 33b. More specifically, two protrusions 35 are provided, and each is provided to be connected to the upper surface of the pair of arm portions 33b.

[0031] 2, the connector housing 30 has an assembly portion 36 for the connector position assurance member 50 on the top wall 32. The assembly portion 36 extends along the first axis X while protruding upward in the Z1 direction, and has a pair of side walls 37 arranged side by side along the second axis Y. The pair of side walls 37 are provided at positions sandwiching the operating portion 33c of the locking arm 33. The pair of side walls 37 also have upper wall pieces 37a protruding from their upper ends in directions approaching each other.

[0032] 6, the pair of side walls 37 have first protrusions 37b that protrude toward each other from an intermediate portion along the first axis X. The first protrusions 37b on the opposite side to the mating direction X2 side are inclined portions 37c that gradually increase in protrusion amount from the side walls 37 toward the mating direction X1.

[0033] 7, the pair of side walls 37 have second protrusions 37d that protrude toward each other from intermediate portions along the first axis X. The second protrusions 37d are positioned further in the mating direction X1 than the first protrusions 37b and are positioned upward in the Z1 direction. The second protrusions 37d on the opposite mating direction X2 side are inclined portions 37e whose protrusion amount from the side walls 37 gradually increases toward the mating direction X1. The second protrusions 37d on the opposite mating direction X1 side are inclined portions 37f whose protrusion amount from the side walls 37 gradually increases toward the opposite mating direction X2.

[0034] (Configuration of terminal unit 40) 3, terminal unit 40 has terminal 41, dielectric 42, and shield member 43. Terminal unit 40 of this embodiment has two terminals 41. The two terminals 41 are connected to two core wires (not shown) housed inside conductive member 44 (see FIG. 2), respectively.

[0035] The terminal 41 is made of a metal material. The terminal 41 in this embodiment is a cylindrical female terminal extending along the first axis X. The terminal 41 is for high-speed communication. The dielectric 42 in this embodiment is configured by assembling an upper dielectric 42a and a lower dielectric 42b. The upper dielectric 42a and the lower dielectric 42b are made of a resin material. The dielectric 42 has two holding holes 42c that penetrate along the first axis X and a dielectric facing surface 42d that is an end face on the mating direction X1 side. The terminal 41 is accommodated and held in the holding holes 42c.

[0036] The shielding member 43 is made of a metal material and is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis X. The dielectric body 42 is covered with the shielding member 43 over the entire circumferential direction.

[0037] The terminal unit 40 is accommodated in the connector housing 30. More specifically, the terminal unit 40 is inserted into the accommodation hole 31 of the connector housing 30 in the fitting direction X1 and held therein.

[0038] (Configuration of connector position assurance member 50) The connector position assurance member 50 is made of a resin material. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector position assurance member 50 is assembled to the assembly portion 36 of the connector housing 30. When assembled to the assembly portion 36, the connector position assurance member 50 is configured to be movable in a full-locking direction X1 along the first axis X from a partial-locking position K1 (see FIG. 8) to a full-locking position K2 (see FIG. 11). 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 50 moves from the partial-locking position K1 (see FIG. 10) to the full-locking position K2 (see FIG. 11), thereby preventing the connector housing 30 from being separated from the mating connector 20.

[0039] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the connector position assurance member 50 has a main body 51, a pair of mounting pieces 52, and an action piece 53. The pair of assembly pieces 52 are provided on both sides of the main body 51, at both ends along the second axis Y. The pair of assembly pieces 52 extend in the full-locking direction X1 and are elastically deformable toward each other and the main body 51. The tip ends of the pair of assembly pieces 52 have assembly protrusions 52a that protrude away from each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the full-locking direction X1 side of the assembly protrusions 52a forms an inclined portion 52b whose protrusion amount gradually increases in a direction away from the main body 51 toward an anti-full-locking direction X2, which is the opposite direction to the full-locking direction X1. As shown in FIG. 5, the upward Z1 side of the assembly protrusions 52a on the anti-full-locking direction X2 side forms an inclined portion 52c whose protrusion amount gradually increases in a direction away from the main body 51 in the full-locking direction X1.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, the connector position assurance member 50 is assembled by being moved in the main locking direction X1 relative to the assembly portion 36 of the connector housing 30. More specifically, the connector position assurance member 50 is moved relative to the assembly portion 36 in the main locking direction X1 so as to be positioned between the pair of side walls 37 in the downward direction Z2 of the upper wall piece 37a (see Figure 4) of the assembly portion 36. At this time, the assembly protrusion 52a moves over the first protrusions 37b (see Figure 6) of the pair of side walls 37 due to elastic deformation of the pair of assembly pieces 52. At this time, the assembly protrusion 52a can easily move over the first protrusions 37b of the side walls 37 because the assembly piece 52 has the inclined portion 52b and the first protrusion 37b has the inclined portion 37c. 6, the assembly projection 52a engages with the first projection 37b in the opposite mating direction X2, preventing the connector position assurance member 50 from falling off the assembly part 36 and assembling the connector position assurance member 50 to the assembly part 36. The state shown in FIG. 6, in which the assembly projection 52a engages with the first projection 37b in the opposite mating direction X2, is the state in which the connector position assurance member 50 is in the provisionally locked position K1.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the action piece 53 extends from the main body 51 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 53 has an action protrusion 53a that protrudes upward. As shown in Figure 8, the action protrusion 53a is formed so as to be exposed in the upward direction Z1 from the locking hole 33d in the lock arm 33 of the connector housing 30 when the connector position assurance member 50 is in the partial-locking position K1. When the connector position assurance member 50 is in the partial-locking position K1, the action protrusion 53a engages with the protrusion rear end surface 34b in the full-locking direction X1, thereby preventing the connector position assurance member 50 from moving in the full-locking direction X1 toward the full-locking position K2 (see Figure 11).

[0042] 10, when the connector housing 30 is fitted into the mating housing 21, the action piece 53 elastically deforms in the downward direction Z2. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the mating engagement portion 26 is provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion 34 and the locking hole 33d. The mating engagement portion 26 is formed so as to be able to push the ascending inclined portion 34a (see FIG. 10) of the locking arm 33 in the downward direction Z2 as the connector housing 30 is fitted into the mating housing 21, thereby elastically deforming the locking arm 33 in the downward direction Z2. When the connector housing 30 is completely fitted into the mating housing 21, as shown in FIG. 10, the mating engagement portion 26 passes the ascending inclined portion 34a and reaches the locking hole 33d, and the locking arm 33, which has been elastically deformed in the downward direction Z2, returns to its original position in the upward direction Z1. As a result, the mating engagement portion 26 fits into the locking hole 33d and pushes the action protrusion 53a downward in the Z2 direction, elastically deforming the action piece 53 in the Z2 direction. This disengages the action protrusion 53a from the protrusion rear end surface 34b, allowing the connector position assurance member 50 to move in the full-locking direction X1, from the partial-locking position K1 (see FIG. 10) to the full-locking position K2 (see FIG. 11). That is, the action protrusion 53a of the protrusion 34 is allowed to move downward in the Z2 direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating housing 21, the protrusion rear end surface 34b faces the mating engagement portion 26 in the mating direction X1.

[0043] 11, when the connector position assurance member 50 is moved to the full-locking position K2, the action piece 53 including the action protrusion 53a is disposed downward Z2 of the locking arm 33, thereby preventing the locking arm 33 from bending downward Z2. When the connector position assurance member 50 is moved from the partial-locking position K1 to the full-locking position K2, the assembly protrusion 52a (see FIG. 7) moves over the second protrusions 37d on the pair of side walls 37 due to elastic deformation of the pair of assembly pieces 52. Furthermore, because the assembly piece 52 has the inclined portion 52b and the second protrusion 37d has the inclined portion 37e, the assembly protrusion 52a can easily move over the second protrusions 37d on the side walls 37. This prevents the mating engagement portion 26 from coming off from the state in which it faces the rear end face 34b of the convex portion and is fitted into the locking hole 33d, and ultimately prevents the connector housing 30 from coming off the mating housing 21.

[0044] Here, the manner in which the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating connector 20 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 12, the apex 34c of the protrusion 34, which is the corner of the protrusion 34 and the upper end of the protrusion rear end surface 34b, moves so as to pivot mainly about the base end 33a of the lock arm 33 (see FIGS. 2 and 8) as the lock arm 33 bends. In FIG. 12, the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the protrusion 34 is illustrated by a two-dot chain line. More specifically, when the protrusion 34 of the lock arm 33 is pressed against the lower surface of the mating engagement portion 26 and the lock arm 33 bends in the downward direction Z2, the apex 34c of the protrusion 34 moves in the downward direction Z2 while also moving in the opposite direction X2 to mating. This movement locus T is not limited to an arc of a perfect circle centered on the base end 33a, but also reflects the movement of the apex 34c of the protrusion 34 caused by the deformation of the lock arm 33 itself.

[0045] Furthermore, when the connector housing 30 moves relative to the mating connector 20 in the mating direction X1 and the mating engagement portion 26 passes the apex 34c of the protrusion 34, the lock arm 33 returns to its original position in the upward direction Z1. More specifically, due to the elastic force of the lock arm 33, the apex 34c of the protrusion 34 moves in the upward direction Z1 and also in the mating direction X1. The trajectory at this time is the same as the movement trajectory T described above, and the apex 34c of the protrusion 34 returns to its original position.

[0046] Here, the protrusion 34 has a protrusion 35 that protrudes from the protrusion rear end surface 34b in the opposite mating direction X2. The protrusion 35 has a protrusion rear end surface 35a that faces the mating engaging portion 26 in the mating direction X1 when the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating housing 21. The protrusion 35 is provided within the range of the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the protrusion 34. Note that the range referred to here is a range on the side where the protrusion 34 is located relative to the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the protrusion 34. More specifically, the apex 35b of the protrusion 35, which is a corner of the protrusion 35 and the upper end of the protrusion rear end surface 35a, is located within the range of the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the protrusion 34. In this embodiment, the apex 35b of the protrusion 35 is located on the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the protrusion 34.

[0047] Furthermore, the protrusion rear end surface 35a is formed in a shape that prevents a component of the force received from the mating engaging portion 26 from acting in the downward direction Z2. More specifically, the shape of the protrusion rear end surface 35a is such that when a force is applied to the connector housing 30 in a direction that causes it to separate from the mating housing 21, i.e., in the opposite mating direction X2, the locking arm 33 will not bend in the downward direction Z2 due to the force received from the mating engaging portion 26. The shape of the protrusion rear end surface 35a in this embodiment is a planar shape that is perpendicular to the first axis X.

[0048] 3, when the connector housing 30 is fitted into the mating housing 21, the mating terminals 24, which are male terminals, are inserted into the terminals 41, which are female terminals, thereby electrically connecting the mating terminals 24 and 41. Furthermore, when the connector housing 30 is fitted into the mating housing 21, the dielectric facing surface 42d faces the mating facing surface 23b.

[0049] (Action of this embodiment) The operation of this embodiment will be described below. Next, the operation of the connector 10 configured as above will be described.

[0050] When the connector housing 30 is moved relative to the mating housing 21 in the mating direction X1 along the first axis X, the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating housing 21 and the mating engagement portions 26 fit into the locking holes 33d. This connects the terminals 41 to the mating terminals 24 and prevents the connector housing 30 from being disengaged from the mating connector 20. Furthermore, when the connector position assurance member 50 is moved to the full locking position K2, the locking arms 33 are prevented from bending downward in the Z2, firmly preventing the connector housing 30 from being disengaged from the mating housing 21.

[0051] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects of the above embodiment will be described below. (1) The protrusion 34 of the locking arm 33 has a protrusion rear end surface 34b that faces the mating engaging portion 26 in the mating direction X1 when the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating housing 21, thereby preventing the connector housing 30 from being separated from the mating housing 21. The protrusion 34 also has a projection 35 that protrudes from the protrusion rear end surface 34b in the opposite mating direction X2. The projection 35 has a projection rear end surface 35a that faces the mating engaging portion 26 in the mating direction X1 when the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating housing 21. Therefore, the clearance can be reduced compared to a configuration without the protrusion 35. In other words, the rattle between the mating housing 21 and the connector housing 30 along the first axis X can be reduced compared to a configuration without the protrusion 35. The protrusion 35 is located within the range of the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the protrusion 34 when the locking arm 33 is deflected. Therefore, when the lock arm 33, which has been bent downward in the Z2 when the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating housing 21, returns to its original shape, the protrusion 35 does not collide with the mating engaging portion 26. The protrusion rear end surface 35a is formed in a shape that prevents a component of the force received from the mating engaging portion 26 from acting in the downward direction Z2. As a result, for example, when a force is applied in a direction that would separate the mating housing 21 and the connector housing 30, the lock arm 33 does not bend in the downward direction Z2. This prevents the connector housing 30 from being separated from the mating housing 21.

[0052] (2) The shape of the protrusion rear end surface 35a is a planar shape perpendicular to the first axis X, so that the component force of the force received from the mating engagement portion 26 can be prevented from acting in the downward direction Z2 with a simple shape.

[0053] (3) Because the apex 35b of the protrusion 35 is located on the movement locus T, the clearance relative to the height of the protrusion rear end face 35a can be minimized. For example, as the apex 35b of the protrusion 35 moves upward Z1 on the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the convex portion 34, the height of the protrusion rear end face 35a increases and the clearance increases. Conversely, as the apex 35b of the protrusion 35 moves downward Z2 on the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the convex portion 34, the height of the protrusion rear end face 35a decreases and the clearance decreases. In other words, when the apex 35b of the protrusion 35 is located on the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the convex portion 34 within the range of the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the convex portion 34, the clearance relative to the height of the protrusion rear end face 35a can be minimized. Therefore, by positioning the apex 35b of the protrusion 35 on the movement locus T of the apex 34c of the convex portion 34, it is possible to minimize rattle between the mating housing 21 and the connector housing 30 along the first axis X relative to the height of the protrusion rear end face 35a. As a result, it is possible to minimize rattle between the mating housing 21 and the connector housing 30 along the first axis X, while setting the height of the protrusion rear end face 35a so that the mating engaging portion 26 does not easily ride up onto the upper surface of the protrusion 35, for example.

[0054] (4) Because the terminals 41 are designed for high-speed communication, they can maintain excellent communication performance during high-speed communication. Although the communication performance of the terminals 41 for high-speed communication deteriorates as the rattle between the mating housing 21 and the connector housing 30 along the first axis X increases, this deterioration can be minimized. Specifically, the dielectric facing surface 42d of the dielectric 42 covering the terminals 41 faces the mating facing surface 23b of the mating dielectric 23 covering the mating terminals 24, creating a gap between them, which is an air layer. This gap depends on the relative positions of the mating connector 20 and the connector housing 30. If the rattle between the mating housing 21 and the connector housing 30 along the first axis X increases, the gap between the dielectric facing surface 42d and the mating facing surface 23b may increase, and this increase in gap results in a deterioration in the communication performance during high-speed communication. Therefore, by reducing the rattle between the mating housing 21 and the connector housing 30 along the first axis X, the deterioration in the communication performance during high-speed communication can be minimized.

[0055] (5) The lock arm 33 has a pair of arm portions 33b extending from both sides of the protrusion 34 in the opposite mating direction X2 and an operating portion 33c connecting the pair of arm portions 33b. Therefore, by pressing the operating portion 33c, the engagement between the protrusion 34 and the mating engaging portion 26 can be released. Therefore, by moving the connector housing 30 relative to the mating housing 21 in the opposite mating direction X2 while pressing the operating portion 33c, the connector housing 30 can be removed from the mating housing 21. Furthermore, since the protrusions 35 are provided on the pair of arm portions 33b, the arm portions 33b, which are likely to be subjected to a load when the operating portion 33c is pressed, can be reinforced.

[0056] (6) The connector position assurance member 50 includes the action protrusion 53a that prevents the lock arm 33 from bending in the downward direction Z2 when the protrusion 34 is positioned in the downward direction Z2, thereby firmly maintaining the engagement between the protrusion 34 and the mating engagement portion 26. This firmly prevents the connector housing 30 from being separated from the mating housing 21. Here, the protrusions 35 are provided on the pair of arms 33b that extend in the opposite mating direction X2 from both sides of the protrusion 34, and therefore do not interfere with the action protrusion 53a that is exposed in the upward direction Z1 between the protrusion 34 and the operation portion 33c.

[0057] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the vertex 35b of the protrusion 35 is located on the movement trajectory T of the vertex 34c of the convex portion 34, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the vertex 35b may be located inside the movement trajectory T of the vertex 34c of the convex portion 34.

[0059] 14, the upper surface of the protrusion 35 may have an upper surface inclined portion 35c that is inclined obliquely upward in the Z1 direction from the protrusion rear end surface 35a toward the mating direction X1. This prevents the mating engagement portion 26 from remaining on the upper surface of the protrusion 35. That is, even if the lock arm 33 bends downward in the Z2 direction due to vibration or the like and the upper surface of the protrusion 35 enters the underside of the mating engagement portion 26, the inclination of the upper surface inclined portion 35c can guide the protrusion 34 and the mating engagement portion 26 back to their original engagement positions.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the shape of the protrusion rear end surface 35a is a planar shape perpendicular to the first axis X, but this is not limited thereto and the shape may be a planar shape that is not perpendicular to the first axis X. Alternatively, the protrusion rear end surface 35a does not have to be a planar shape as long as it is formed in a shape that prevents a component of the force received from the mating engagement portion 26 from acting in the downward direction Z2.

[0061] For example, it may be modified as shown in Fig. 15. The protrusion 35 in this example has a protrusion rear end surface 35d, and the shape of the protrusion rear end surface 35d is a planar shape that is inclined upward in the oblique fitting opposite direction X2.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the terminal 41 is for high-speed communication, but it is not limited to this and may be a terminal for other communication purposes. Also, it is not limited to a terminal for communication purposes and may be, for example, a terminal for power supply.

[0063] In the above embodiment, two protrusions 35 are provided, each of which is provided on a pair of arms 33b, but this is not limiting, and the protrusions 35 do not have to be provided on the arms 33b. For example, the configuration may not include arms 33b, in which case the protrusions 35 only need to protrude from the convex rear end surface 34b in the opposite fitting direction X2.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the connector position assurance member 50 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the above embodiment, the connector 10 is configured to have one terminal unit 40 and a total of two 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.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the lock arm 33 is configured to have two protrusions 35, but this is not limitative, and the number of protrusions 35 provided on the lock arm 33 may be changed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10 Connectors 20 Mating connector 21 Mating housing 22 Mating sub-housing 23 Counterpart dielectric 23a Retaining hole on the other side 23b Opposing surface 24 Mating terminal 24a Tip 25 Opposite side support part 26 Counterpart engagement part 26a Locking surface 30 Connector housing 31 Receiving hole 32 Upper Wall 32a Tip 33 Lock Arm 33a Proximal end 33b Arm part 33c Control unit 33d Locking hole 34 Convex part 34a Uphill section 34b Rear end face of convex part 34c Vertex 35 protrusion 35a Rear end surface of protrusion 35b Vertex 35c Top slope 35d Rear end surface of protrusion 36 Assembly section 37 Side wall 37a Upper wall piece 37b 1st protrusion 37c Slope 37d 2nd protrusion 37e Slope 37f slope part 40 terminal units 41 terminals 42 Dielectric 42a Upper dielectric 42b Lower dielectric 42c retaining hole 42d Dielectric facing surface 43 Shielding material 44 Conductive material 50 Connector position assurance member 51 Main body 52 Assembly piece 52a Assembly protrusion 52b Slope 52c Slope 53 Working piece 53a Action convex part K1 Provisional locking position K2 locking position T movement trajectory X 1st axis X1 Mating direction (final locking direction) X2 Reverse mating direction (reverse locking direction) Y 2nd axis Y1 left direction Y2 Right Z 3rd axis Z1 upward direction Z2 Downward

Claims

1. a connector housing that can be fitted to a mating housing by being moved relative to the mating housing in a fitting direction along a first axis; a terminal accommodated in the connector housing; A connector comprising: The connector housing has a lock arm extending in an opposite mating direction, which is a direction opposite to the mating direction, the locking arm has a protrusion that is pushed by a mating engagement portion of the mating housing when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, thereby bending the locking arm downward in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction, the protrusion has a rear end surface facing the mating engaging portion in the mating direction when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, and a protrusion protruding from the rear end surface of the protrusion in the opposite mating direction, the protrusion has a protrusion rear end surface that faces the mating engaging portion in the mating direction when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, and is disposed within a range of a movement locus of an apex of the convex portion when the lock arm is bent, The rear end surface of the protrusion is formed in a shape that prevents a component force of the force received from the mating engagement portion from acting downward. connector.

2. The shape of the rear end surface of the protrusion is a planar shape perpendicular to the first axis. The connector according to claim 1 .

3. The apex of the protrusion is located on the movement trajectory. The connector according to claim 1 .

4. The terminal is for high-speed communication. The connector according to claim 1 .

5. The lock arm has a pair of arm portions extending in the opposite fitting direction from both sides of the protrusion, and an operating portion connecting the pair of arm portions, The protrusions are provided on the pair of arms. The connector according to claim 1 .

6. a connector position assurance member having an action protrusion that is exposed upward from between the protrusion and the operating portion when the connector housing is not mated with the mating housing, that allows downward movement of the protrusion when the connector housing is mated with the mating housing, and that prevents the lock arm from bending downward when positioned below the protrusion; The connector according to claim 5.

7. The upper surface of the protrusion has an upper surface inclined portion that is inclined obliquely upward from the rear end surface of the protrusion toward the fitting direction. The connector according to claim 1 .

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