connector

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector that enables detection of a completed mating state. [Solution] The connector 10 comprises a first connector 11 and a second connector 12. The first housing 20 has a first main body portion 21 and a first locking portion 23. The second housing 50 has a peripheral wall portion 52 and a second locking portion 53. The first connector 11 includes an outer surface 22 facing the peripheral wall portion 52 when the peripheral wall portion 52 is covered by the first main body portion 21, a first code 71 provided on the outer surface 22, and a second code 72 containing information different from the first code and arranged on the outer surface 22 so as to surround the first code 71. The peripheral wall portion 52 has an exposed opening 56 that exposes the first code and covers the second code 72 when the mating of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is completed by the first locking portion 23 and the second locking portion 53.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a connector including a housing that can be fitted to a mating connector and an identifier visibly disposed on an outer surface of the housing. By accessing the exposed identifier, it is detected and recorded that the fitting with the mating connector has been completed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a need for code - based detection of an identifier provided in a connector in a state where fitting with a mating connector is completed. An object of this disclosure is to provide a connector capable of code - based detection in a state where fitting is completed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The connector of this disclosure comprises a first connector including a first housing and a second connector including a second housing into which the first housing is inserted, wherein the first housing has a first body portion inserted into the second housing and a first locking portion, the second housing has a peripheral wall portion covering the first body portion and a second locking portion, the first connector includes an outer surface facing the peripheral wall portion when the first body portion is covered by the peripheral wall portion, a first code provided on the outer surface, and a second code containing different information from the first code and arranged on the outer surface so as to surround the first code, the peripheral wall portion has an exposed opening arranged to expose the first code and cover the second code when the mating of the first connector and the second connector is completed by the first locking portion and the second locking portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The connector of this disclosure enables detection by code once mating is complete. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the first and second connectors of a connector in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the first and second connectors of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the connector mating state of the first and second connectors in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5-5 in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the first and second connectors of Figure 1 in an unmated state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second connectors shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the identifiers in Figure 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view showing an example of the first and second codes included in the identifier in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view showing the second code in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a plan view showing a magnified portion of the connector in Figure 3, illustrating the exposed opening of the first housing and the state of the first and second cords. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the first and second connectors before mating, and the reading of the first and second codes. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view showing the connector mating state of the first and second connectors in the modified example. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a side view showing the connector mating state of the first and second connectors in the modified example. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a bottom view showing the connector mating state of the first and second connectors in the modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The connector of the present disclosure includes a first connector including a first housing, and a second connector including a second housing into which the first housing is inserted. The first housing has a first main body portion inserted into the second housing and a first lock portion. The second housing has a peripheral wall portion covering the first main body portion and a second lock portion. The first connector includes an outer surface facing the peripheral wall portion in a state where the first main body portion is covered by the peripheral wall portion, a first cord provided on the outer surface, and a second cord including information different from that of the first cord and disposed so as to surround the first cord on the outer surface. The peripheral wall portion has an exposed opening disposed so as to expose the first cord and cover the second cord when the fitting of the first connector and the second connector is completed by the first lock portion and the second lock portion.

[0009] According to this configuration, in a state where the fitting of the first connector and the second connector is completed, the second cord is covered by the second housing around the exposed opening, and the first cord is exposed from the exposed opening, so that it is possible to detect the state where the fitting is completed by the first cord.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the first cord and the second cord are composed of a plurality of cells, and the cells of the first cord and the cells of the second cord may have different sizes from each other.

[0011] According to this configuration, in a state where the first connector and the second connector are separated from each other, the second cord is exposed together with the first cord, and since the whole is detected by the second cord having cells of different sizes, detection of the first cord can be blocked.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the cells constituting the first cord may be smaller than the cells constituting the second cord. According to this configuration, since information is included in the first cord by the cells, even if the range of the first cord surrounded by the second cord is small due to the small cells, it is possible to surely include the information necessary for the first cord.

[0013] [4] In any one of [1] to [3] above, it may include a non-code area provided between the first area where the first code is disposed and the second area where the second code is disposed.

[0014] According to this configuration, the non-code area can expose the first code from the exposed opening and can cover the second code. [5] In [4] above, the non-code area may have an annular shape surrounding the first code.

[0015] According to this configuration, even if a misalignment occurs between the first connector and the second connector, the first code can be more reliably exposed from the exposed opening and the second code can be more reliably covered.

[0016] [6] In any one of [1] to [5] above, the area of the first area where the first code is disposed may be 5% or less of the area of the code area where the first code and the second code are disposed.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the first code and the second code are exposed, since the area of the first area where the first code is disposed with respect to the second code is small, the second code can be more reliably read.

[0018] [7] In any one of [1] to [6] above, the first connector may be assembled to the first housing and may include a position-guaranteeing member that allows movement from a temporary locking position to a main locking position when the fitting of the first connector and the second connector is completed.

[0019] According to this configuration, the position-guaranteeing member allows relative detachment between the first connector and the second connector at the temporary locking position and prevents relative detachment between the first connector and the second connector at the main locking position.

[0020] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the connectors of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. Furthermore, the term “annular” as used in this specification may refer to any structure that forms a loop, or a continuous shape without ends, as well as a generally loop-shaped structure having a gap such as a C-shape. “Annular” shapes include, but are not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygons with pointed or rounded corners. In this specification, “opposing” means that faces or members are facing each other, including not only when they are fully facing each other, but also when they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, in this specification, “opposing” includes both cases where there is another member interposed between the two parts and when there is nothing interposed between the two parts. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” in this specification are used simply to distinguish between objects and do not rank them.

[0021] (Configuration of connector 10) As shown in Figure 1, the connector 10 includes a first connector 11 and a second connector 12. The first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are connected by moving relative to each other along a first axis X. The connector 10 of this embodiment is installed, for example, in a vehicle.

[0022] Each figure shows a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z perpendicular to both the first axis X and the second axis Y. The figures also show a fitting direction X1, which is one direction along the first axis X, and a reverse fitting direction X2, which is the opposite direction to the fitting direction X1. The figures also show a mounting direction Y1, which is one direction along the second axis Y, and a reverse mounting direction Y2, which is the opposite direction to the mounting direction Y1. The figures also show an upward direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a downward direction Z2, which is the opposite direction to the upward direction Z1.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first connector 11 includes a first housing 20, a first terminal 31, a first retainer 32, and a position guarantee member 33. The second connector 12 includes a second housing 50, a second terminal 61, and a second retainer 62. For example, the first terminal 31 is a female terminal, and the second terminal 61 is a male terminal.

[0024] (Configuration of the first connector 11) As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first housing 20 has a first main body portion 21 and a first locking portion 23. The first housing 20 is made of resin.

[0025] The first main body 21 has an outer surface 22. The outer surface 22 includes an upper surface 22A, a lower surface 22B opposite to the upper surface 22A, and a first side surface 22C and a second side surface 22D connecting the upper surface 22A and the lower surface 22B. The first main body 21 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first main body 21 accommodates the first terminal 31. The first main body 21 can accommodate a plurality of first terminals 31. The first main body 21 may also accommodate terminals that have a different shape from the first terminal 31. The plurality of first terminals 31 are housed in corresponding housings of the first main body 21. The first retainer 32 is inserted into the first main body 21. The first retainer 32 is made of resin. The first retainer 32 prevents the first terminal 31 from coming out of the first main body 21.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the first locking portion 23 is provided on the upper surface 22A of the first main body portion 21. For example, the first locking portion 23 is integral with the first main body portion 21. The first locking portion 23 is, for example, an elastic piece provided integrally with the first main body portion 21. The first locking portion 23 is provided on the upper surface 22A of the first main body portion 21 in the central part along the second axis Y. The first locking portion 23 first protrudes upward Z1 from the upper surface 22A of the first main body portion 21, then extends in the opposite direction X2 to the fitting, and is elastically deformable downward Z2.

[0027] The first locking portion 23 has a locking hole 24 in its central part along the first axis X. The first locking portion 23 has an upward inclined portion 25 that slopes diagonally upward Z1 toward the locking hole 24, located on the fitting direction X1 side of the locking hole 24. The first locking portion 23 has an operating portion 26 on the opposite fitting direction X2 side of the locking hole 24. The first locking portion 23 is elastically deformed, for example, by pushing down the upward inclined portion 25 in the downward direction Z2. The first locking portion 23 is also elastically deformed by pushing down the operating portion 26 in the downward direction Z2.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first housing 20 has an assembly portion 27 for the position guarantee member 33 on the upper surface 22A of the first main body portion 21. The assembly portion 27 has a pair of side walls 28 projecting upward Z1. The pair of side walls 28 are arranged side by side along the second axis Y and extend along the first axis X. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pair of side walls 28 are positioned to sandwich the operating portion 26 of the first locking portion 23. Although not shown, the pair of side walls 28 have projections that project outwards from the middle portion along the first axis X in a direction toward each other. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the assembly portion 27 has a connecting portion 29 that connects the pair of side walls 28.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the position guarantee member 33 is assembled to the assembly portion 27 of the first housing 20. The position guarantee member 33 is made of resin. When assembled to the assembly part 27, the position guarantee member 33 is movable in the main locking direction X1 along the first axis X from the temporary locking position K1 shown by the solid line in Figure 3 toward the main locking position K2 shown by the dashed line in Figure 3. Figures 1, 2, 4 to 7, and 12 show the position guarantee member 33 at the temporary locking position K1. Note that the main locking direction X1 in this embodiment is the same direction as the mating direction X1 of the first connector 11.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the position guarantee member 33 has a main body 34, a pair of assembly pieces 35, an operating piece 36, and an operating projection 37. The pair of assembly pieces 35 are arranged to sandwich the main body 34 along the second axis Y. The pair of assembly pieces 35 extend in the main locking direction X1. The pair of assembly pieces 35 are elastically deformable toward the main body 34 in a direction toward each other. Although not shown, the pair of assembly pieces 35 have assembly projections at their tips that project toward each other.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the working piece 36 extends from the main body 34 in an oblique upward direction Z1 in the locking direction X1. The working piece 36 is elastically deformable in the downward direction Z2. The working piece 36 has a working projection 37 at its tip that protrudes upward in the direction Z1.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the operating projection 37 is positioned so as to be exposed from the locking hole 24 in the first locking portion 23 when viewed from a direction along the third axis Z, with the position guarantee member 33 in the temporary locking position K1. The operating projection 37 is positioned so as to engage with the locking hole 24 in the permanent locking direction X1 when the first connector 11 is not inserted into the second connector 12 and the position guarantee member 33 is in the temporary locking position K1.

[0033] (Configuration of the second connector 12) As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the second connector 12 includes a second housing 50, a second terminal 61, and a second retainer 62.

[0034] The second housing 50 is made of resin. The second housing 50 includes a second main body 51, a peripheral wall 52, and a second locking portion 53. The second main body 51 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in Figure 4, the second main body 51 houses the second terminal 61. The second main body 51 can house a plurality of second terminals 61. The plurality of second terminals 61 may include terminals of different shapes corresponding to a plurality of first terminals 31. The plurality of second terminals 61 are housed in the corresponding housing portions of the second main body 51. The second retainer 62 is inserted into the second main body 51. The second retainer 62 is made of resin. The second retainer 62 prevents the second terminal 61 from coming out of the second main body 51.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the peripheral wall portion 52 extends from the second main body portion 51 in the opposite direction X2 to the mating direction. As shown in Figure 4, the peripheral wall portion 52 surrounds the tip portion of the second terminal 61. As shown in Figure 1, the peripheral wall portion 52 has a rectangular annular shape when viewed in the mating direction X1. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the peripheral wall portion 52 is provided so as to surround the first main body portion 21 of the first connector 11.

[0036] The peripheral wall portion 52 has an upper wall 52A, a lower wall 52B, a first side wall 52C, and a second side wall 52D. The upper wall 52A and the lower wall 52B are spaced apart from each other along the third axis Z. The first side wall 52C and the second side wall 52D are spaced apart from each other along the second axis Y. The first side wall 52C and the second side wall 52D connect the upper wall 52A and the lower wall 52B.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the peripheral wall portion 52 covers the outer surface 22 of the first main body portion 21. As shown in Figure 5, the upper wall 52A of the peripheral wall portion 52 faces the upper surface 22A of the first main body portion 21. The lower wall 52B of the peripheral wall portion 52 faces the lower surface 22B of the first main body portion 21. As shown in Figure 3, the first side wall 52C of the peripheral wall portion 52 faces the first side surface 22C of the first main body portion 21. The second side wall 52D of the peripheral wall portion 52 faces the second side surface 22D of the first main body portion 21.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the second locking portion 53 is provided so as to protrude upward Z1 from the upper wall 52A of the peripheral wall portion 52. As shown in Figure 4, the second locking portion 53 is provided so as to cover a part of the first locking portion 23. More specifically, the second locking portion 53 is provided so as to cover the ascending inclined portion 25 and the locking hole 24 of the first locking portion 23. The second locking portion 53 has a locking projection 54 at its tip portion 53A that protrudes downward Z2. The locking projection 54 is provided so as to be positioned within the locking hole 24 of the first locking portion 23. The locking projection 54 positioned within the locking hole 24 engages with the locking hole 24 in the opposite fitting direction X2.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, the second housing 50 has an exposed opening 56. The exposed opening 56 is provided in the peripheral wall portion 52. In the connector 10 of this embodiment, the exposed opening 56 is provided in the upper wall 52A of the peripheral wall portion 52, exposing a part of the upper surface 22A of the first main body portion 21. When viewed from above the second connector 12, the exposed opening 56 has a rectangular shape.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the exposed opening 56 has a shape in which the size on the outer surface 52A2 of the upper wall 52A (second opening width) is larger than the size on the inner surface 52A1 of the upper wall 52A of the peripheral wall portion 52 (first opening width). Specifically, the exposed opening 56 has a first opening portion 56A closer to the inner surface 52A1 and a second opening portion 56B between the first opening portion 56A and the outer surface 52A2. The first opening portion 56A extends along the third axis Z. The first opening portion 56A has a first opening width. The second opening portion 56B has a shape in which the opening width gradually increases from the first opening portion 56A toward the outer surface 52A2 along the third axis Z. The opening width on the outer surface 52A2 is the second opening width. The size of the exposed opening 56 is defined as the size necessary to expose a portion of the upper surface 22A of the first main body portion 21. The size of the exposed opening 56 in the embodiment is indicated by the first opening width on the inner surface 52A1 of the upper wall 52A.

[0041] (Mating between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12) Figures 3 and 4 show the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 in a mated state. Figures 6 and 7 show the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 in an intermediate mated state, i.e., not yet mated.

[0042] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when mating is not yet complete, the locking projection 54 provided on the second locking portion 53 of the second connector 12 pushes down the upward inclined portion 25 of the first locking portion 23 in the downward direction Z2. In this state of incomplete mating, the first connector 11 can be detached from the second connector 12 by moving the first connector 11 in the opposite direction X2 to the mating. Also, in this state of incomplete mating, the action projection 37 of the position guarantee member 33 is engaged with the locking hole 24 of the first locking portion 23, thus preventing the movement of the position guarantee member 33.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when mating is complete, the locking projection 54 of the second locking part 53 is inserted into the locking hole 24 of the first locking part 23. In this case, the locking hole 24 of the first locking part 23 and the locking projection 54 of the second locking part 53 engage along the first axis X. In this state, the first locking part 23 and the second locking part 53 prevent relative movement of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 along the first axis X. In other words, the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are locked by the first locking part 23 and the second locking part 53.

[0044] The position guarantee member 33 prevents relative separation between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 by moving from the temporary locking position K1 to the permanent locking position K2 while the first connector 11 is fitted into the second connector 12.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, when the mating of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is complete, the working piece 36 is pushed down in the downward direction Z2 by the second locking portion 53 of the second connector 12. As a result, the working projection 37 becomes disengaged from the locking hole 24, allowing the position guarantee member 33 to move to the permanent locking position K2. Furthermore, when the working projection 37 and the locking hole 24 are disengaged, the first locking portion 23 can be elastically deformed downward in the downward direction Z2. Therefore, by pushing the operating portion 26 downward in the downward direction Z2, the second locking portion 53 and the locking hole 24 become disengaged in the opposite direction X2 of mating, allowing the second connector 12 and the first connector 11 to detach relative to each other. In this way, the position guarantee member 33 enables the relative detachment of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 at the temporary locking position K1.

[0046] When the position guarantee member 33 is moved to the locking position K2 indicated by the dashed line, the working piece 36, including the working projection 37, is positioned between the first locking portion 23 and the first main body portion 21. This working piece 36 prevents the elastic deformation of the first locking portion 23 downward Z2. As a result, the second locking portion 53 is prevented from disengaging from the locking hole 24, thus preventing the relative separation of the second locking portion 53 and the first locking portion 23 of the second connector 12. The position guarantee member 33 is held in the locking position K2 by projections provided on a pair of assembly pieces 35 and projections provided on a pair of side walls 28 of the assembly portion 27. In this way, the position guarantee member 33 prevents the relative separation of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 at the locking position K2.

[0047] (Consists of identifier 70, first code 71, and second code 72) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first connector 11 includes an identifier 70. The identifier 70 is provided on the exposed surface of the first main body 21. For example, the identifier 70 is provided on the upper surface 22A of the first main body 21. As shown in Figure 3, the identifier 70 is provided on the upper surface 22A of the first main body 21 in the portion covered by the second housing 50 of the second connector 12 when the separation of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is prevented. In the connector 10 of this embodiment, the identifier 70 is provided on the upper surface 22A of the first main body 21 in the central portion along the first axis X.

[0048] The second housing 50 of the second connector 12 has an exposed opening 56 that exposes a portion of the identifier 70. The exposed opening 56 is positioned to expose a portion of the identifier 70 in the mated state of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12. Specifically, the exposed opening 56 is positioned to expose the first code 71 and cover the second code 72 in the mated state. Exposure of the first code 71 means that the first code 71 can be read. As shown in Figure 6, when the mating of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is not complete, the exposed opening 56 is positioned offset from the first code 71 in the mating direction X1, and therefore does not expose the first code 71. In Figure 6, the exposed opening 56 exposes a portion of the second code 72. With respect to Figure 6, when the first connector 11 is moved further in the opposite direction X2 to the mating direction, the exposed opening 56 exposes the upper surface 22A of the second housing 50 without exposing the second cord 72.

[0049] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the identifier 70 is located in a code area 80 set on the upper surface 22A of the first main body portion 21 of the first housing 20. The code area 80 has a rectangular shape when viewed from a direction along the third axis Z. For example, the code area 80 is square. The code area 80 can be changed to any shape, such as a rectangle.

[0050] The identifier 70 is positioned, for example, by laser processing on the upper surface 22A of the first main body 21. The method of positioning the identifier 70 can be arbitrarily changed; for example, it may be positioned by printing on the upper surface 22A of the first main body 21, or a separate plate-shaped code from the first housing 20 may be attached to the upper surface 22A of the first main body 21.

[0051] The code area 80 includes a first area 81 and a second area 82. In this embodiment, the first area 81 is located in the center of the code area 80. The first area 81 has a rectangular shape when viewed from a direction along the third axis Z. In this embodiment, the first area 81 is square. The second area 82 is arranged to surround the first area 81. In this embodiment, the second area 82 has a rectangular ring shape. The first area 81 can be changed to any shape, such as a rectangle. The position of the first area 81 can be changed arbitrarily. For example, the first area 81 may be provided in a corner of the code area 80.

[0052] The first code 71, shown in Figure 9, is placed in the first area 81. The second code 72, shown in Figure 9, is placed in the second area 82. The code area 80 where the identifier 70 is placed can be said to include the first area 81 where the first code 71 is placed and the second area 82 where the second code 72 is placed.

[0053] The code region 80 includes a non-code region 83 located between the first region 81 and the second region 82. The non-code region 83 is positioned to surround the first region 81. The non-code region 83 has an annular shape surrounding the first region 81. In this embodiment, the non-code region 83 has a uniform width along the edges of the first region 81. The width of the non-code region 83 may vary in some parts.

[0054] The first code 71 and the second code 72 contain different information. The information in the first code 71 includes, for example, "Mating complete" and "Lot number." The information in the second code 72 includes, for example, "Mating not complete." Note that the information described above is just an example of the information contained in the first code 71 and the second code 72. For example, the second code 72 may also contain "Mating not complete" and "Lot number."

[0055] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second code 72 is, for example, a two-dimensional code. A data matrix can be used as the two-dimensional code. A two-dimensional code other than a data matrix may also be used as the second code 72. Furthermore, the second code 72 may be a code other than a two-dimensional code, such as a one-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code.

[0056] The second code 72 includes detection patterns 72A and 72B provided on the outer periphery, and a data pattern 72C surrounded by the detection patterns 72A and 72B. For example, detection pattern 72A indicates the region where the data pattern 72C is located, and detection pattern 72B indicates the arrangement of the data pattern 72C. These detection patterns 72A and 72B make the data pattern 72C detectable.

[0057] Detection patterns 72A, 72B and data pattern 72C are composed of a first cell 74A and a second cell 74B. In other words, the second code 72 is composed of multiple first cells 74A and multiple second cells 74B. The first cells 74A and the second cells 74B are distinguishable from each other by the detection device 100 (see Figure 12) that reads the identifier 70. For example, detection pattern 72A is composed only of multiple first cells 74A, and detection pattern 72B is composed of multiple first cells 74A and multiple second cells 74B. In Figures 9 to 11, the first cell 74A is shown in black and the second cell 74B is shown in white. The colors of the first cell 74A and the second cell 74B can be changed arbitrarily. For example, the second cell 74B may be the same color as the first main body 21, and the first cell 74A only needs to be distinguishable from the second cell 74B. The shapes of the first cell 74A and the second cell 74B in this embodiment are square. The shapes of the first cell 74A and the second cell 74B can be arbitrarily changed.

[0058] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the first code 71 is, for example, a two-dimensional code. In the embodiment, the first code 71 is, similar to the second code 72, for example, a data matrix. A two-dimensional code other than a data matrix may be used as the first code 71. In addition, the first code 71 may be a code other than a two-dimensional code, such as a one-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code.

[0059] As shown in Figure 11, the first code 71 includes detection patterns 71A, 71B and a data pattern 71C. The detection patterns 71A, 71B and the data pattern 71C are composed of a first cell 73A and a second cell 73B. In other words, the first code 71 is composed of a plurality of first cells 73A and a plurality of second cells 73B. The first cells 73A and the second cells 73B can be distinguished from each other by the detection device 100 (see Figure 12). In this embodiment, the shapes of the first cells 73A and the second cells 73B are square. The shapes of the first cells 73A and the second cells 73B can be arbitrarily changed.

[0060] In this embodiment, the identifier 70 is such that the first cell 73A and the second cell 73B of the first code 71 and the first cell 74A and the second cell 74B of the second code 72 are of different sizes. In this embodiment, the size of the first cell 73A and the second cell 73B of the first code 71 is smaller than the size of the first cell 74A and the second cell 74B of the second code 72. The size of the first region 81 in which the first code 71 is located is smaller than the size of the second region 82 in which the second code 72 is located. Therefore, by constructing the first code 71 with first cells 73A and 73B that are smaller than the first cells 74A and 74B of the second code 72, it becomes possible to include more information in the first code 71.

[0061] (Reading identifier 70) The identifier 70 is read by the detection device 100 shown in Figure 12. For example, the detection device 100 includes a reader 101 that optically reads the identifier 70 and a recording device 102 that records the information read by the reader 101.

[0062] As shown in Figure 12, with the first connector 11 detached from the second connector 12, the identifier 70 is read by the reader 101. The recording device 102 processes the code read by the reader 101.

[0063] In the state shown in Figure 12, all cells contained in the code area 80, namely the second code 72 and the first code 71 surrounded by the second code 72, are read by the reader 101 and sent to the recording device 102. The recording device 102 displays the information contained in the codes sent from the reader 101.

[0064] As shown in Figure 9, the identifier 70 includes a first code 71 and a second code 72 arranged to surround the first code 71. The recording device 102 determines the cells located inside the detection patterns 72A and 72B based on the detection patterns on the outer periphery of the identifier 70, i.e., the detection patterns 72A and 72B of the second code 72. Therefore, it becomes possible to read the second code 72, which is composed of a first cell 74A and a second cell 74B that are the same size as the detection pattern 72B.

[0065] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 12, the second code 72 and the first code 71, which is composed of a first cell 73A and a second cell 73B that are smaller than the second code 72, are read. The first code 71 is surrounded by the second code 72. Therefore, the first code 71 may be recognized as part of the second code 72. In other words, the connector 10 of the embodiment prevents the correct reading of the first code 71 when the entire identifier 70, i.e., the first code 71 and the second code 72, are readable.

[0066] As with the first code 71 for the second code 72, the two-dimensional code read by the reader 101 may contain error data, such as misread data or data that could not be read. In this case, the recording device 102 may not be able to obtain the information contained in that two-dimensional code. Therefore, the recording device 102 can obtain the information contained in the two-dimensional code by performing error correction on the two-dimensional code containing the error data.

[0067] The sizes of the first cell 73A and the second cell 73B that constitute the first code 71 are different from the sizes of the first cell 74A and the second cell 74B that constitute the second code 72. Therefore, the first code 71 may be recognized as an error code as part of the second code 72. The area of ​​the first region 81 where the first code 71 is located is 5% or less of the area of ​​the code region 80 where the identifier 70 is located. In this case, the recording device 102 can correct the two-dimensional code containing the first code 71 as error data and obtain information about the second code 72. In other words, the connector 10 enables the acquisition of information about the second code 72 because the first code 71 is located in the first region 81, which has an area of ​​5% or less of the area of ​​the code region 80 where the first code 71 and the second code 72 are located.

[0068] The recording device 102 obtains the information contained in the second code 72 by performing error correction on the code of identifier 70. The information in the second code 72 includes "Mating not completed". Therefore, if the recording device 102 reads the entire identifier 70, it displays that the read was an error and does not record this information. The display in the recording device 102 includes a display device that displays characters or graphics, such as an LCD. The display device included in the recording device 102 may also include a device that displays information by color, such as an LED. In this way, the connector 10 of the embodiment prevents the reading of the first code 71 when the mating between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is not completed, and prevents the recording of the information of the first code 71.

[0069] As shown in Figure 2, when the mating of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is complete, as shown in Figure 11, the second code 72 is covered by the second housing 50 of the second connector 12, and the first code 71 is exposed from the exposed opening 56. The first code 71 includes detection patterns 71A and 71B. Therefore, the reader 101 of the detection device 100 shown in Figure 12 can read the first code 71 by detection patterns 71A and 71B. The recording device 102 of the detection device 100 shown in Figure 12 obtains information including "mating complete" and "lot number" as information contained in the first code 71 read by the reader 101. The recording device 102 indicates that the reading was successful and records this information. In this way, the connector 10 of the embodiment can reliably record that the mating of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is complete.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the code region 80 where the identifier 70 is located includes a non-coded region 83 between the first region 81 where the first code 71 is located and the second region 82 where the second code 72 is located. As shown in Figure 11, the first code 71 is separated from the exposed opening 56 of the second housing 50 by the non-coded region 83. Therefore, the first code 71 can be reliably exposed, and the second code 72 can be reliably covered. The width of the non-coded region 83 may be greater than or equal to the size of the cells 73A and 73B that constitute the first code 71.

[0071] (An example of the size of identifier 70) As shown in Figure 8, the code region 80 has a first side 80A and a second side 80B extending along the first axis X, and a third side 80C and a fourth side 80D extending along the second axis Y. The lengths LX2 of the first side 80A and the second side 80B and the length LY2 of the third side 80C and the fourth side 80D are equal to each other. Lengths LX2,LY2 are, for example, 7 mm. The first region 81 has a first side 81A and a second side 81B extending along the first axis X, and a third side 81C and a fourth side 81D extending along the second axis Y. The lengths LX1 of the first side 81A and the second side 81B and the length LY1 of the third side 81C and the fourth side 81D are equal to each other, and lengths LX1,LY1 are, for example, 1.5 mm. The width of the non-coded region 83 has a width WX along the first axis X and a width WY along the second axis Y. The widths WX and WY are, for example, 0.5 mm.

[0072] (Effects of the embodiment) The effects and benefits of the embodiment will be described below. (1) The connector 10 comprises a first connector 11 including a first housing 20 and a second connector 12 including a second housing 50. The first housing 20 has a first main body portion 21 inserted into the second housing 50 and a first locking portion 23. The second housing 50 has a peripheral wall portion 52 covering the first main body portion 21 and a second locking portion 53. The first connector 11 includes an outer surface 22 facing the peripheral wall portion 52 when the peripheral wall portion 52 is covered by the first main body portion 21. The first connector 11 includes a first code 71 provided on the outer surface 22 and a second code 72 containing information different from the first code 71 and arranged on the outer surface 22 so as to surround the first code 71. The peripheral wall portion 52 has an exposed opening 56 that is positioned to expose the first cord 71 and cover the second cord 72 when the mating of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is completed by the first locking portion 23 and the second locking portion 53.

[0073] In this configuration, when the mating of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is complete, the second code 72 is covered by the second housing 50 surrounding the exposed opening 56, and the first code 71 is exposed from the exposed opening 56. Therefore, the mating is completed can be detected by the first code 71.

[0074] (2) The first code 71 and the second code 72 are composed of multiple cells 73A, 73B, 74A, and 74B, and the cells 73A and 73B of the first code 71 and the cells 74A and 74B of the second code 72 are of different sizes. Therefore, when the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are separated from each other, the second code 72 is exposed along with the first code 71. In this case, the entire second code 72 is detected by the second code 72, which has cells 73A, 73B, 74A, and 74B of different sizes, thus preventing the detection of the first code 71.

[0075] (3) Cells 73A and 73B that make up the first code 71 are smaller than cells 74A and 74B that make up the second code 72. Because cells 73A and 73B contain information in the first code 71, the small size of cells 73A and 73B ensures that the first code 71 can reliably contain the necessary information even if the range of the first code 71 enclosed by the second code 72 is small.

[0076] (4) It includes a non-coded area 83 provided between the first area 81 where the first code 71 is located and the second area 82 where the second code 72 is located. As a result, the non-coded area 83 allows the first code 71 to be exposed through the exposed opening 56 and covers the second code 72.

[0077] (5) The non-coded area 83 has an annular shape surrounding the first code 71. Therefore, even if the first connector 11 is misaligned relative to the second connector 12, the first code 71 can be more reliably exposed through the exposed opening 56, and the second code 72 can be more reliably covered.

[0078] (6) The area of ​​the first region 81 where the first code 71 is located is 5% or less of the area of ​​the code region 80 where the first code 71 and the second code 72 are located. Therefore, when the first code 71 and the second code 72 are exposed, the area of ​​the first region 81 where the first code 71 is located is smaller than the area of ​​the second code 72, making it possible to read the second code 72 more reliably.

[0079] (7) The first connector 11 is assembled to the first housing 20 and includes a position guarantee member 33 that allows movement from a temporary locking position K1 to a permanent locking position K2 when the mating of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is completed. The position guarantee member 33 allows relative separation of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 at the temporary locking position K1, and prevents relative separation of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 at the permanent locking position.

[0080] (8) The exposed opening 56 has a second opening width on the outer surface 52A2 of the upper wall 52A that is larger than the first opening width on the inner surface 52A1 of the upper wall 52A of the peripheral wall 52. The first code 71 can be easily seen from outside the second connector 12, and the first code 71 can be easily read by the reader 101.

[0081] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0082] - When the mating of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is complete, it is sufficient that the entire first code 71 can be read from the exposed opening 56, and the size of the exposed opening 56 may be changed arbitrarily. Also, it is sufficient that the entire first code 71 can be read from the exposed opening 56, and the widths WX and WY of the non-coded area 83 may be changed arbitrarily, or the non-coded area 83 may be omitted.

[0083] The placement of identifiers 70 (first code 71 and second code 72) and exposed openings 56 may be changed as desired. As shown in Figure 13, the identifier 70 (first code 71 and second code 72) may be positioned near the tip 21S of the first body portion 21 of the first connector 11 in the mating direction X1 with respect to the second connector 12. The exposed opening 56 may be positioned to expose the first code 71 and cover the second code 72, corresponding to the position of the identifier 70.

[0084] As shown in Figure 14, the identifier 70 (first code 71 and second code 72) may be located on the second side surface 22D of the first main body 21. The exposed opening 56 may be located on the second side wall 52D of the second housing 50. Although not shown, the identifier 70 (first code 71 and second code 72) may also be located on the first side surface 22C of the first main body 21 as shown in Figure 3. The exposed opening 56 may be located on the first side wall 52C of the second housing 50 as shown in Figure 3, corresponding to the location of the identifier 70.

[0085] As shown in Figure 15, the identifier 70 (first code 71 and second code 72) may be located on the lower surface 22B of the first main body 21. The exposed opening 56 may be located on the lower wall 52B of the second housing 50, corresponding to the location of the identifier 70.

[0086] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the identifiers 70 (first code 71 and second code 72) may be arranged on at least two surfaces of the first main body 21, including the upper surface 22A, the lower surface 22B, the first side surface 22C, and the second side surface 22D. The exposed openings 56 may be arranged in two or more parts corresponding to the placement positions of the identifiers 70. With this configuration, it is only necessary to visually identify one of the multiple identifiers 70 and read the first code 71 of that identifier 70, making it easier to read the identifiers 70 and shortening the time required for the process of recording the completion of fitting.

[0087] The assembly part 27 and the position guarantee member 33 may be omitted. The position and shape of the assembly part 27 and the position guarantee member 33 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, a lever may be used to prevent the relative separation of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12.

[0088] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10 connectors 11. First connector 12. Second connector 20 1st Housing 21. First main body 21S tip 22 Exterior 22A Top 22B Bottom 22C 1st side 22D 2nd side 23 First Rock Section 24 Locking holes 25 Slope 26 Control section 27 Assembly section 28 Side wall 29 Connecting part 31 1st terminal 32. First retainer 33 Position guarantee member 34 Main body 35 Assembly piece 36 Working piece 37 Protruding part 50 Second Housing 51 Second main body 52 Peripheral wall section 52A Upper wall 52A1 Inner surface 52A2 External surface 52B Lower wall 52C 1st side wall 52D Second side wall 53 Second Rock Section 53A Tip 54 Locking projection 56 Exposure opening 56A 1st opening part 56B 2nd opening part 61 2nd terminal 62 Second retainer 70 Identifiers 71 First Code 71A Detection Pattern 71B Detection Pattern 71C Data Pattern 72 Second Code 72A Detection Pattern 72B detection pattern 72C Data Pattern 73A Cell 1 73B Cell 2 74A Cell 1 74B Cell 2 80 Code Area 80A First side 80B Second side 80C Third side 80D, 4th side 81 First area 81A First side 81B Second side 81C Third side 81D Fourth side 82 Second area 83 Non-code areas

Claims

1. A first connector including a first housing, A second connector including a second housing into which the first housing is inserted, Equipped with, The first housing has a first main body portion that is inserted into the second housing and a first locking portion. The second housing has a peripheral wall portion that covers the first main body portion and a second locking portion, The first connector includes an outer surface facing the peripheral wall when the first main body is covered by the peripheral wall, a first code provided on the outer surface, and a second code containing information different from the first code and arranged on the outer surface so as to surround the first code. The peripheral wall portion has an exposed opening that is positioned to expose the first cord and cover the second cord when the mating of the first connector and the second connector is completed by the first locking portion and the second locking portion. connector.

2. The first code and the second code are composed of multiple cells, The cells of the first code and the cells of the second code are of different sizes. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The cell constituting the first code is smaller than the cell constituting the second code. The connector according to claim 2.

4. Including a non-coded area provided between the first area where the first code is located and the second area where the second code is located, The connector according to claim 1.

5. The non-coded region has a ring-shaped area surrounding the first code. The connector according to claim 4.

6. The area of ​​the first region where the first code is placed is 5% or less of the area of ​​the code region where the first code and the second code are placed. The connector according to claim 1.

7. The first connector is assembled to the first housing and includes a position guarantee member that allows movement from a temporary locking position to a permanent locking position when the mating of the first connector and the second connector is completed. The connector according to claim 1.

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