connector

Abstract

One embodiment provides a connector that can improve the locking reaction force. [Solution] The connector of one embodiment comprises a first housing having a locking receiving portion, a second housing having a locking arm that locks to the locking receiving portion and is fitted into the first housing, and a locking assisting member that generates a reaction force by engaging with the second housing when the second housing is fitted into the first housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] A connector housing including a housing main body that fits into a mating connector and a lock arm that extends cantilevered from the housing main body is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the reaction force (locking reaction force) during fitting is determined by the length of the lock arm, there is room for improvement in improving the locking reaction force.

[0005] One embodiment provides a connector capable of improving the locking reaction force.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connector according to one embodiment includes a first housing having a lock receiving portion, a second housing having a lock arm locked to the lock receiving portion and fitted to the first housing, and a lock assisting member that generates a reaction force by engaging with the second housing when the second housing is fitted to the first housing.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, the locking reaction force can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the connector of the embodiment. [Figure 2] An exploded perspective view showing the connector of the embodiment. [Figure 3] A side view showing the connector of the embodiment. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] A plan view showing the connector of the embodiment with the locking auxiliary member removed. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 5, showing the first housing of the embodiment. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 6, showing the second housing of the embodiment. [Figure 8] Plan view of the locking auxiliary member of the embodiment. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 8. [Figure 10] A plan view showing the embodiment before mating (unmatted). [Figure 11] A plan view showing the state of the embodiment after fitting (fully fitted). [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating the operation of the locking assist member in the embodiment. [Figure 13] This diagram, following Figure 12, illustrates the operation of the locking assist member. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating the reaction forces generated during the fitting operation of the embodiment. [Figure 15] A side view showing the state of the embodiment after fitting (fully fitted). [Figure 16] A cross-sectional view showing the state after fitting (full fitting) of the embodiment. [Figure 17] A diagram illustrating the fitting feel of the embodiment along with a comparative example. [Figure 18] A diagram illustrating the case of the comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "coaxial", etc. not only strictly mean such arrangements and states, but also include arrangements and states that are relatively displaced with tolerances and angles or distances that can obtain the same function. In the drawings used in the following description, in order to make each member recognizable in size, the scale of each member may be appropriately changed and shown.

[0010] <Connector> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the connector 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the connector 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 together, the connector 1 includes a first housing 2, a second housing 3 fitted to the first housing 2, and a lock assist member 4.

[0011] The connector 1 is configured to connect, for example, an electric wire (not shown) on one side to an electric wire (not shown) on the other side. The connector 1 includes a first housing 2 constituting a female connector and a second housing 3 constituting a male connector. In the first housing 2, for example, a pair of first conductive members 11A and 11B to which one end of an electric wire on one side is directly or indirectly connected are provided. In the second housing 3, a second conductive member 12 to which one end of an electric wire on the other side is directly or indirectly connected is provided (see FIG. 4). The connector 1 is configured such that when the housings 2 and 3 are fitted together, the conductive members 11A, 11B, and 12 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.

[0012] In the following description, the orthogonal coordinate system of X, Y, and Z will be used for explanation as necessary. The Z direction corresponds to the direction in which the housings 2 and 3 are fitted together (fitting direction). The X direction corresponds to the direction in which the lock assist member 4 moves (sliding direction). The Y direction is the direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction. In the following description, among the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, the side of the arrow in the figure is taken as the plus (+) side, and the side opposite to the arrow is taken as the minus (-) side for explanation. The +Z side corresponds to the fitting direction release side (the side away from the first housing 2, the upper side) as viewed from the second housing 3. The -Z side corresponds to the fitting direction lock side (the side approaching the first housing 2, the lower side) as viewed from the second housing 3.

[0013] <First housing> FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the state where the lock assist member 4 is removed in the connector 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5, showing the first housing 2 of the embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 together, the first housing 2 has a first housing body 20 that houses a part of the second housing 3, and a lock receiving portion 21 where the lock arm 31 is locked. The first housing 2 is made of, for example, resin.

[0014] The first housing body 20 has a function of holding a pair of first conductive members 11A and 11B. The -Z side portion of the first housing body 20 has a function of holding the pair of first conductive members 11A and 11B in an insulated state with a gap in the Y direction (see FIG. 1).

[0015] In the pair of first conductive members 11A and 11B, the respective -Z side portions are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. In the pair of first conductive members 11A and 11B, the respective +Z side portions are connected to the respective -Z side portions by fastening members such as bolts, and extend in the +Z direction from these connecting portions. In the pair of first conductive members 11A and 11B, the respective +Z end portions face each other in the Y direction via a part of the first housing body 20 (central wall portion 22) (see Figure 4). The space surrounding the central wall portion 22 (between the outer wall portion 23 of the first housing body 20 and the central wall portion 22) is open in the +Z direction so as to accommodate a part of the second housing 3 (see Figure 4).

[0016] The +Y side portion of the first housing body 20 is provided with a bolt insertion section 24 through which bolts (not shown) for assembling other conductive members are inserted (see Figure 4).

[0017] The locking receiver portion 21 is provided on the first housing body 20 at both the +X and +Z ends. The space between the locking receiver portion 21 and the central wall is open in the +Z direction, allowing the locking arm 31 to be inserted.

[0018] <Second Housing> Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 6, and shows the second housing 3 of the embodiment. The second housing 3 includes a second housing body 30 housed in the first housing body 20, a lock arm 31 that locks onto a lock receiving portion 21, and a surface structure 40 having a first surface 41a. The second housing 3 is made of resin, for example. The second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2 by being pushed in, for example, in the direction of the arrow in Figure 2.

[0019] The second housing body 30 has the function of holding the second conductive member 12. The second conductive member 12 is formed in a U-shape (inverted U-shape) that opens to the -Z side when viewed from the X direction (see Figure 4). The central part of the second housing body 30 in the Z direction has the function of holding the -Z side part of the inverted U-shaped second conductive member 12 with a gap in the Y direction and insulated from each other (see Figure 4).

[0020] The -Z side portion of the second conductive member 12 faces the Y direction via a part of the second housing body 30 (central wall portion 32). The central wall portion 32 of the second housing body 30 is configured to be insertable from the +Z side into the internal space of the central wall portion 22 of the first housing body 20. The -Z side portion of the second conductive member 12 (a pair of portions facing each other in the Y direction) is configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to the respective +Z end portions of the pair of first conductive members 11A and 11B when the housings 2 and 3 are fitted together. This configuration ensures that the conductive members 11A, 11B, and 12 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.

[0021] The lock arm 31 is provided on the +X end side of the second housing body 30. The lock arm 31 extends cantilevered from the second housing body 30. The lock arm 31 is supported so as to be able to swing in the X direction relative to the second housing body 30. A part of the +X side surface of the lock arm 31 is positioned close to the inner surface of the outer wall portion 23 of the first housing body 20 when the housings 2 and 3 are fitted together. The lock arm 31 has a lock arm body portion 31a, a locking portion 31b, and a locking operation portion 31c.

[0022] The lock arm body portion 31a extends from the +X end and -Z end portions of the second housing body 30, maintaining a distance from the +X side outer surface of the second housing body 30 and extending along the +Z direction. The lock arm body portion 31a is formed integrally with the second housing body 30. However, the lock arm body portion 31a may be formed from a different material (integrated with a separate material) than the second housing body 30. The form of the lock arm body portion 31a can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0023] The locking portion 31b is configured as the part that locks onto the lock receiving portion 21. The locking portion 31b protrudes from the center portion in the Z direction of the lock arm body portion 31a toward the +X side. When viewed from the Y direction, the locking portion 31b has a shape that inclines from the -Z end toward the +Z side toward the +X side, and then bends and extends toward the -X side. The locking portion 31b is formed integrally with the lock arm body portion 31a. However, the locking portion 31b may be formed from a different material (integrated with a separate material) from the lock arm body portion 31a. The form of the locking portion 31b can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0024] The locking operation part 31c is configured as a part operated by the user to release the locking of the locking locking part 31b to the lock receiving part 21 (locking the lock arm 31). The locking operation part 31c is formed at the +Z end of the lock arm body part 31a. The locking operation part 31c is formed integrally with the lock arm body part 31a. However, the locking operation part 31c may be formed from a different material (integrated with a separate material) than the lock arm body part 31a. The form of the locking operation part 31c can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0025] The second housing body 30 is provided with a pair of extensions 33A and 33B at both ends in the X direction and at the +Z end. The pair of extensions 33A and 33B are configured to be parts that the user presses with their fingers when fitting the second housing 3 into the first housing 2.

[0026] One of the extensions 33A is formed to protrude from the -X end and +Z end portion of the second housing body 30 toward the -X side. One of the extensions 33A is formed integrally with the second housing body 30. One of the extensions 33A may be formed from a different material (integrated with a separate material) from the second housing body 30. The form of one of the extensions 33A can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0027] The other extension portion 33B is formed to protrude from the +X end and +Z end portions of the second housing body 30 toward the +X side. The other extension portion 33B is formed to surround the lock arm 31 at a distance from the lock arm 31. The other extension portion 33B is formed integrally with the second housing body 30. The other extension portion 33B may be formed from a different material (integrated with a separate material) from the second housing body 30. The form of the other extension portion 33B can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0028] The surface structure 40 has the function of holding the locking auxiliary member 4 so that it can move along the first surface 41a. The surface structure 40 has a surface structure main body portion 41 having the first surface 41a, and a claw portion 42 protruding from the first surface 41a.

[0029] The surface structure 40 is detachably attached to the second housing body 30. A pair of engaging projections 43 are provided on both outer sides of the surface structure 40 in the Y direction (see Figure 4). Each pair of engaging projections 43 protrudes outward in the Y direction from the center in the X direction of the outer surface of the surface structure 40 in the Y direction. A pair of engaging pieces 34 are provided on the +Z end side and on both sides in the Y direction of the second housing body 30. The pair of engaging pieces 34 are formed in a U-shape (inverted U-shape) that opens to the -Z side when viewed from the Y direction. The surface structure 40 is attached to the second housing body 30 by the engagement of the pair of engaging projections 43 with the pair of engaging pieces 34.

[0030] The first surface 41a is formed, for example, parallel to the XY plane. When viewed from the Z direction, the first surface 41a is rectangular in shape, elongated in the X direction (see Figure 5).

[0031] The claw portion 42 is positioned, when viewed from the Z direction, to the -X side of the X-direction center of the first surface 41a and to the Y-direction center. The claw portion 42 has an inclined surface 42a that is connected to the first surface 41a and gradually moves away from the first surface 41a as the locking auxiliary member 4 moves along the first surface 41a in conjunction with the fitting operation (see Figure 7). When viewed from the Y direction, the claw portion 42 is inclined to be located towards the +Z side as it moves from the +X end toward the -X side, and then bends and extends toward the -Z side. The claw portion 42 is formed integrally with the surface structure main body portion 41. The claw portion 42 may be formed from a different material (integrated with a separate material) than the surface structure main body portion 41. The form of the claw portion 42 can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0032] The surface structure 40 has a function to display the locked state of the lock arm 31. The first surface 41a is provided with display units 44A and 44B that display the locked state of the lock arm 31 (see Figure 5). The display units 44A and 44B include a lock display unit 44A that displays the locked state of the lock arm 31 and an unlock display unit 44B that displays the unlocked state of the lock arm 31. The lock display unit 44A is indicated by a first color (for example, green). The unlock display unit 44B is indicated by a second color different from the first color (for example, red). Note that the configuration of the lock display unit 44A (such as the color of each display unit 44A, 44B) is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0033] <Locking support member> Figure 8 is a plan view of the locking auxiliary member 4 of the embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 8. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the locking support member 4 has the function of generating a reaction force by engaging with the second housing 3 when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2. The locking support member 4 moves along the first surface 41a when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2, so that the claw portion 42 engages. The locking support member 4 moves along the first surface 41a in conjunction with the fitting operation when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2.

[0034] The locking support member 4 is made of resin, for example. The locking support member 4 has an engaged portion 51 that faces the first surface 41a and into which the claw portion 42 engages, an outer frame portion 55 that faces the first surface 41a and surrounds the engaged portion 51, and a pair of beam portions 56 that connect the engaged portion 51 and the outer frame portion 55.

[0035] The engaged portion 51, the outer frame portion 55, and the pair of beam portions 56 are integrally formed from the same material. However, at least a portion of the engaged portion 51, the outer frame portion 55, and the pair of beam portions 56 may be formed from a different material (integrally formed from a separate material). The formation method of at least a portion of the engaged portion 51, the outer frame portion 55, and the pair of beam portions 56 can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0036] The locking support member 4 is composed of a locking support body portion 50 having an engaged portion 51. The locking support body portion 50 is positioned inside the outer frame portion 55 when viewed from the Z direction. The locking support body portion 50 is rectangular in shape, elongated in the X direction when viewed from the Z direction. The locking support body portion 50 has an engaged portion 51, a window portion 52, and an auxiliary operating portion 53.

[0037] The engaged portion 51 is provided on the -X end side of the locking auxiliary body portion 50. The engaged portion 51 has a through hole 51a into which the claw portion 42 can enter. The through hole 51a is rectangular in shape, elongated in the Y direction when viewed from the Z direction. Note that the shape of the through hole 51a is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0038] The window portion 52 is a part that allows the locked state of the lock arm 31 to be visually confirmed. The window portion 52 is provided in the lock auxiliary body portion 50 in the part +X side of the center in the X direction. The window portion 52 opens in the Z direction so that the display portions 44A and 44B can be visually confirmed from the +Z side. When viewed from the Z direction, the window portion 52 is a rectangle that is long in the Y direction. Note that the shape of the window portion 52 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0039] The auxiliary operating section 53 is configured to be operated by the user, for example, when releasing the engagement of the claw portion 42 with the engaged portion 51. The auxiliary operating section 53 is provided at the +X end of the locking auxiliary main body 50. The auxiliary operating section 53 is formed in a staircase shape including multiple steps. Note that the shape of the auxiliary operating section 53 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0040] The outer frame portion 55 is formed in a rectangular frame shape that is larger than the locking auxiliary body portion 50 when viewed from the Z direction. Sliding portions 57 are provided on both outer sides of the outer frame portion 55 in the Y direction, and are slidably supported on a part of the second housing body 30. A pair of sliding support portions 35 that support the sliding portions 57 are provided on the +Z end side and on both sides in the Y direction of the second housing body 30 (see Figure 4). Each of the pair of sliding support portions 35 is formed in a U shape (inverted U shape) that opens to the -Z side when viewed from the Y direction. Each sliding support portion 35 is formed in an inverted U shape that is larger than the engaged piece portion 34 when viewed from the Y direction. The locking auxiliary member 4 is made movable in the X direction along the first surface 41a by the fact that the sliding portions 57 on both outer sides of the outer frame portion 55 in the Y direction are supported by the pair of sliding support portions 35.

[0041] The outer frame portion 55 is provided with limiting projections 58 on the -X end and both sides in the Y direction to restrict the movement of the locking support member 4 in the -X direction. The limiting projections 58 protrude outward in the Y direction from the -X end portions of the sliding portions 57 on both outer sides in the Y direction. The limiting projections 58 are configured to contact a part of each sliding support portion 35 (the portion extending in the Z direction on the -X side) when the locking support member 4 moves to the -X side beyond a predetermined position. The limiting projections 58 are formed integrally with the outer frame portion 55. However, the limiting projections 58 may be formed from a different material (integrated with the outer frame portion 55). The form of the limiting projections 58 can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0042] The pair of beam sections 56 are aligned in a direction intersecting the direction in which the locking auxiliary member 4 moves along the first surface 41a. When viewed from the Z direction, the pair of beam sections 56 are arranged in the Y direction, flanking the central portion in the X direction of the locking auxiliary main body 50. The pair of beam sections 56 are arranged on the same straight line along the Y direction. Note that the arrangement of the pair of beam sections 56 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0043] <Before mating (not mated)> Figure 10 is a plan view showing the embodiment before mating (unmatted). In the pre-fitted (unfitted) state, the locking auxiliary member 4 is positioned as shown in Figure 10. As described above, the locking auxiliary member 4 has a window portion 52 that allows the locked state of the lock arm 31 to be visually confirmed. At the position shown in Figure 10, the unlocked indicator portion 44B (for example, red) can be seen through the window portion 52.

[0044] <After fitting (fully fitted)> Figure 11 is a plan view showing the state of the embodiment after fitting (fully fitted). In the fully engaged state, the locking auxiliary member 4 is positioned as shown in Figure 11. At the position shown in Figure 11, the lock indicator 44A (for example, green) can be seen through the window 52.

[0045] <Operation of the locking support member> Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the locking assist member 4 in the embodiment. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the locking assist member 4, following Figure 12. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the reaction force generated during the mating operation of the embodiment. Figure 15 is a side view showing the state after mating (fully mated) of the embodiment. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after mating (fully mated) of the embodiment. First, the user inserts the second housing 3 into the first housing 2 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 12.

[0046] The user, for example, grasps a pair of extensions 33A and 33B with their hand and inserts the second housing 3 into the first housing 2. This insertion pushes the second housing body 30 into the first housing body 20, thereby fitting the second housing 3 into the first housing 2.

[0047] As described above, the locking support member 4 moves along the first surface 41a in conjunction with the fitting operation when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2. As the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2, the lock arm 31 bends, causing the locking support member 4 to move in the direction of the arrow in Figure 13.

[0048] During this engagement process, the center of the lock arm 31 in the Z direction (the -Z side portion of the locking portion 31b) comes into contact with the lock receiving portion 21, causing the lock arm 31 to bend. This bending causes the +Z end of the lock arm 31 to push the locking auxiliary member 4 from the +X side, moving the locking auxiliary member 4 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 13.

[0049] During this mating operation, the +Z end of the lock arm 31 pushes the locking auxiliary member 4 from the +X side, generating a reaction force (hereinafter also referred to as the "first reaction force") in the direction of arrow F1 in Figure 14. In addition, the -X end of the engaged portion 51 contacts the claw portion 42 from the +X side, generating a reaction force (hereinafter also referred to as the "second reaction force") in the direction of arrow F2 in Figure 14. Thus, when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2, a reaction force is generated when the locking auxiliary member 4 engages with the second housing 3.

[0050] Against the reaction force described above, the user continues to insert the second housing 3 into the first housing 2. This insertion causes the second housing 3 to fit (fully fit) into the first housing 2 (see Figure 15). In this fully fitted state, the lock arm 31 is locked into the lock receiving portion 21, and the lock auxiliary member 4 engages with the second housing 3 (see Figure 16). Specifically, in the fully fitted state, the locking portion 31b of the lock arm 31 is locked into the lock receiving portion 21, and the claw portion 42 of the second housing 3 engages with the engaged portion 51 of the lock auxiliary member 4.

[0051] <Fitting feeling> Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the fitting feel of the embodiment along with a comparative example. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the case of the comparative example. The version without the additional parts shown in Figure 17 corresponds to a "comparative example" without the locking assist member 4. The version with the additional parts shown in Figure 17 corresponds to an "embodiment" with the locking assist member 4. In Figure 17, the insertion force corresponds to the force (operating force at the time of fitting) exerted by the user when inserting the second housing 3 into the first housing 2. The stroke corresponds to the distance (distance in the Z direction) from when the second housing 3 is inserted into the first housing 2 until it is fully fitted. As shown in Figure 17, in this embodiment, the difference in operating force during fitting is greater than in the comparative example, resulting in an improved fitting feel. The maximum insertion force in this embodiment corresponds to the maximum value obtained by adding the first and second reaction forces described above.

[0052] <Comparative Example> As shown in Figure 18, in the comparative example, the rotation center of the cantilevered lock arm 31X is at the base X1 of the lock arm 31X, so the reaction force during fitting (lock reaction force) is determined by the length of the lock arm 31. Also, the base X1 of the lock arm 31 is the point where the maximum stress occurs when the lock arm 31 deforms. In the comparative example, there is a conflicting relationship between improving the lock reaction force and increasing the generated stress (lock strength). In the comparative example, the generated stress at the base X1 of the lock arm 31 may become excessive, potentially leading to insufficient lock strength.

[0053] In contrast to this comparative example, in this embodiment, when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2, the locking auxiliary member 4 engages with the second housing 3, generating a reaction force (the second reaction force described above). This locking auxiliary member 4 allows the reaction force to be increased regardless of the length of the lock arm 31, thus maintaining the structure of the lock arm 31. By maintaining the structure of the lock arm 31, it is possible to avoid excessive stress at the base of the lock arm 31 and prevent a situation where the lock strength is insufficient. Furthermore, the pair of beam portions 56 constituting the locking auxiliary member 4 support the engaged portion 51 from both sides and allow for displacement of the engaged portion 51 until the claw portion 42 engages with the engaged portion 51. Therefore, it is possible to improve the lock reaction force while suppressing the maximum stress generated when the locking auxiliary member 4 deforms during fitting the housings 2 and 3 together.

[0054] <Effects and Effects> As described above, the connector 1 of this embodiment comprises a first housing 2 having a locking receiving portion 21, a second housing 3 having a locking arm 31 that locks to the locking receiving portion 21 and is fitted into the first housing 2, and a locking auxiliary member 4 that generates a reaction force by engaging with the second housing 3 when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2. With this configuration, a reaction force is generated when the locking auxiliary member 4 engages with the second housing 3 when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2. Therefore, the locking reaction force can be improved. In addition, this improvement in locking reaction force can improve the fitting feeling when fitting the housings 2 and 3 together. Furthermore, since the reaction force can be increased regardless of the length of the locking arm 31, the structure of the locking arm 31 can be maintained. By maintaining the structure of the locking arm 31, it is possible to avoid excessive stress at the base of the locking arm 31 and avoid situations where the locking strength is insufficient.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second housing 3 has a first surface 41a and a claw portion 42 protruding from the first surface 41a. The locking auxiliary member 4 engages with the claw portion 42 as it moves along the first surface 41a when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2. With this configuration, a reaction force is generated when the claw portion 42 engages with the locking auxiliary member 4 when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2. Therefore, the locking reaction force can be improved with a simple configuration that includes a claw portion 42.

[0056] In this embodiment, the locking auxiliary member 4 has an engaged portion 51 facing the first surface 41a and into which the claw portion 42 engages, an outer frame portion 55 facing the first surface 41a and surrounding the engaged portion 51, and a pair of beam portions 56 connecting the engaged portion 51 and the outer frame portion 55. With this configuration, when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2, a reaction force is generated when the claw portion 42 engages with the engaged portion 51. In addition, when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2, the outer frame portion 55, which is larger than the engaged portion 51, moves along the first surface 41a, making the movement of the locking auxiliary member 4 more stable. Furthermore, the pair of beam portions 56 support the engaged portion 51 from both sides and allow for displacement of the engaged portion 51 until the claw portion 42 engages with it. Therefore, it is possible to improve the locking reaction force while suppressing the maximum stress generated when the locking auxiliary member 4 deforms during the fitting of housings 2 and 3 together.

[0057] In this embodiment, the pair of beam portions 56 are aligned in a direction intersecting the direction in which the locking auxiliary member 4 moves along the first surface 41a. This configuration allows for more stable support of the engaged portion 51 by both sides, and also allows for displacement of the engaged portion 51 until the claw portion 42 engages with the engaged portion 51.

[0058] In this embodiment, the locking auxiliary member 4 moves along the first surface 41a in conjunction with the fitting operation when the second housing 3 is fitted into the first housing 2. This configuration makes it possible to improve the fitting feeling when fitting the housings 2 and 3 together more smoothly.

[0059] In this embodiment, the claw portion 42 has an inclined surface 42a that is connected to the first surface 41a and gradually moves away from the first surface 41a as the locking auxiliary member 4 moves along the first surface 41a in conjunction with the fitting operation. With this configuration, the fitting feeling when fitting the housings 2 and 3 together can be further improved to be smoother.

[0060] In this embodiment, the locking auxiliary member 4 has a window portion 52 that allows the locked state of the lock arm 31 to be visually confirmed. With this configuration, the success or failure of a complete fit can be visually confirmed through the window portion 52.

[0061] <Variation> In the embodiments described above, the second housing was described as having a first surface and a claw portion protruding from the first surface, but it is not limited to this example. For example, the second housing may have a recess in the first surface. For example, the locking auxiliary member may have a convex portion that engages with the recess in the first surface. For example, the locking auxiliary member may engage with the recess by moving along the first surface when the second housing is fitted into the first housing. The configuration of the claw portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0062] In the embodiment described above, the locking auxiliary member was described as having an engaged portion facing the first surface and into which the claw portion engages, an outer frame portion facing the first surface and surrounding the engaged portion, and a pair of beam portions connecting the engaged portion and the outer frame portion. However, it is not limited to this example. For example, the locking auxiliary member does not have to have an outer frame portion and a pair of beam portions. For example, the locking auxiliary member only needs to have a portion that engages with the second housing. The installation configuration of the outer frame portion and the pair of beam portions can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, the pair of beam sections were arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the locking auxiliary member moves along the first surface, but the invention is not limited to this example. For example, the pair of beam sections may be arranged in the same direction as the direction in which the locking auxiliary member moves along the first surface. The arrangement of the pair of beam sections can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0064] In the embodiments described above, the locking assist member was described as moving along the first surface in conjunction with the fitting operation when the second housing is fitted into the first housing, but the invention is not limited to this example. For example, the locking assist member may move along the first surface (at a different timing) without being linked to the fitting operation when the second housing is fitted into the first housing. The manner in which the locking assist member moves along the first surface can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0065] In the embodiments described above, the claw portion was described as having an inclined surface that gradually moves away from the first surface as it moves along the first surface in conjunction with the fitting operation of the locking auxiliary member connected to the first surface. However, the invention is not limited to this example. For example, the claw portion may have a wall surface perpendicular to the direction in which the locking auxiliary member connected to the first surface moves along the first surface in conjunction with the fitting operation. For example, the claw portion may have a shape that rises perpendicular to the first surface (e.g., a convex shape). The configuration of the claw portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0066] In the embodiments described above, the locking support member was described as having a window portion that allows the locked state of the lock arm to be visually confirmed, but it is not limited to this example. For example, the locking support member does not have to have a window portion. The locking support member only needs to be configured to generate a reaction force (second locking reaction force) by engaging with the second housing when the second housing is fitted into the first housing. The manner in which the window portion is installed can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0067] Although embodiments and modifications have been described above, embodiments and modifications are not limited to these examples. Embodiments and modifications can be added, omitted, substituted, and otherwise changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can also be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 Connector 2. Housing 1 3. Second Housing 4. Locking support member 21 Lock receiving part 31 Lock Arm 41a 1st page 42a Slope 42 Nail part 51 Engaged portion 52 Window section 55 Outer frame 56 Beam section

Claims

1. A first housing having a locking receiver, A second housing having a locking arm that locks into the locking receiver and is fitted into the first housing, The system includes a locking assist member that generates a reaction force by engaging with the second housing when the second housing is fitted into the first housing, connector.

2. The preceding 2 housing is, Page 1 and, It has a claw portion that protrudes from the first surface, The locking assist member moves along the first surface when the second housing is fitted into the first housing, thereby engaging the claw portion. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned locking auxiliary member is A portion that faces the first surface and into which the claw portion engages, An outer frame portion facing the first surface and surrounding the engaged portion, It has a pair of beams connecting the engaged portion and the outer frame portion, The connector according to claim 2.

4. The pair of beam sections are arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the locking auxiliary member moves along the first surface. The connector according to claim 3.

5. The locking assist member moves along the first surface in conjunction with the fitting operation when the second housing is fitted into the first housing. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The claw portion has an inclined surface that is connected to the first surface and is inclined so as the locking auxiliary member moves along the first surface in conjunction with the fitting operation, it gradually moves away from the first surface. The connector according to claim 5.

7. The locking support member has a window portion that allows the locked state of the lock arm to be visually confirmed. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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