Electrical Connection Device

Abstract

To provide an electric connection device including a connector position assurance member, capable of being provided with a locker arm protection structure, simplifying a structure of a connector provided with the lock arm, and enhancing workability at the time of fitting of the connector by increase in size of an operated part of the connector position assurance member which is pressed and operated so as to be press-fitted into the connector.SOLUTION: A first connector 11 and a second connector 12 are fitted to engage an engagement part 22 of the first connector 11 with a lock arm 27 of the second connector 12. A connector position assurance member 13 includes lock arm protective parts 41 and 42 extended along a direction where the lock arm 27 extends. The lock arm protective parts 41 and 42 contact edge parts 37 and 38 of the lock arm 27 when the lock arm 27 bends toward an external side of a main body part 26 of the second connector 12, so as to regulate a bending amount of the lock arm 27 being bending toward an external side of a main body part 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection device comprising a first connector, a second connector that is mated and connected to the first connector, and a connector position assurance member that ensures that the second connector is positioned in a mating position relative to the first connector when the second connector is mated to the first connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an electrical connection device that includes a first connector, a second connector that is mated and connected to the first connector, and a connector position assurance member that is attached to the second connector and that ensures that the second connector is positioned in a mated position with respect to the first connector when the second connector is mated to the first connector. For example, an electrical connection device that includes such a connector position assurance member is known, for example, from Patent Document 1.

[0003] The electrical connecting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a male connector 40 as a first connector, a female connector 20 as a second connector, and a mating detection element (CPA) 30 as a connector position assurance element. A male housing 41 of the male connector 40 has an opening into which the female connector 20 is inserted and a locking projection 44 that engages with the female connector 20. A female housing 21 of the female connector 20 has a main body that is inserted into the opening of the male connector 40 and a locking arm 25 that cantilevers from the main body and engages with the locking projection 44 of the male connector 40 when the main body is mated with the male connector 40. When the female connector 20 is mated with the male connector 40, the locking arm 25 temporarily bends as the female connector 20 is inserted into the male connector 40. Once the female connector 20 is mated with the male connector 40, the bent locking arm 25 elastically recovers and engages with the locking projection 44 of the male connector 40.

[0004] Furthermore, the mating detection member (CPA) 30 is attached to the female connector 20, and is pressed into the female connector 20 when the female connector 20 is mated with the male connector 40. When mating the female connector 20 with the male connector 40, the mating operation of the female connector 20 and the male connector 40 is performed with the mating detection member 30 attached to the female connector 20. At this time, the mating detection member 30 is pressed into the female connector 20, and simultaneously with this operation, the female connector 20 is pressed into the male connector 40. This operation operates to mate the female connector 20 with the male connector 40. Then, by having the mating detection member 30 pressed into the female connector 20, it is ensured that the female connector 20 is located in the mating position with respect to the male connector 40 when the female connector 20 is mated with the male connector 40.

[0005] Furthermore, female housing 21 of female connector 20 is provided with side walls 24 that form CPA accommodating section 23 in which mating detection member 30 is accommodated when mating detection member 30 is attached. Further, at the upper end of side wall 24, lock arm protection wall 24a that protrudes inward is provided.

[0006] Before use, such as during transportation, the electrical connecting device of Patent Document 1 is handled in a state in which the male connector 40 and the female connector 20, to which the mating detection member 30 is attached, are not mated. If an external force generated during transportation acts on the lock arm 25 in this state, an excessive load may be generated that strongly urges the lock arm 25 toward the outside of the main body of the female housing 21, potentially damaging the lock arm 25. However, by providing a lock arm protective wall 24a that protrudes inward at the upper end of the side wall 24 of the female housing 21, the lock arm 24 is prevented from being damaged due to excessive bending. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-133758 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The electrical connecting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a mating detection member 30 as a connector position assurance member, and therefore can ensure that when a male connector 40 and a female connector 20 are mated, the female connector 20 is positioned in the mating position relative to the male connector 40. Furthermore, the electrical connecting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a lock arm protection wall 24a, which is a structure for protecting the lock arm 25 in the female connector 20, and therefore can prevent excessive external force from being applied to the lock arm 25, which would cause the lock arm 25 to be damaged.

[0009] However, in the electrical connection device of Patent Document 1, a lock arm protection wall 24a, which is a structure for protecting the lock arm, is provided on the female connector 20. This poses a problem in that the provision of the lock arm 25 further complicates the structure of the female connector 20, which is already prone to structural complexity. Furthermore, if the structure of the female connector 20 becomes more complex, the structure of the mold for molding the female connector 20 also becomes more complex, which increases the difficulty and cost of mold manufacturing. Therefore, it is desirable to realize an electrical connection device that can provide a structure for protecting the lock arm and also simplifies the structure of the connector in which the lock arm is provided.

[0010] Furthermore, in the electrical connecting device of Patent Document 1, the female connector 20 to which the mating detection member 30 is attached is provided with a structure for protecting the locking arm 25. Therefore, space is required in the female connector 20 to provide the structure for protecting the locking arm 25, which increases the space constraints for attaching the mating detection member 30 to the female connector 20. This significantly limits the size of the mating detection member 30 attached to the female connector 20, resulting in a smaller operated portion of the mating detection member 30 that is pressed into the female connector 20 during the mating operation between the female connector 20 and the male connector 40. A smaller operated portion of the mating detection member 30 that is pressed into the female connector 20 results in a problem of reduced operability when mating the female connector 20 with the male connector 40.

[0011] In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an electrical connection device having a connector position assurance member, which can be provided with a structure to protect a locking arm, can simplify the structure of the connector in which the locking arm is provided, and can improve operability when fitting the connectors by enlarging the operated portion of the connector position assurance member that is pressed into the connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] (1) In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention relates to an electrical connection device including a first connector, a second connector that is mated and connected to the first connector, and a connector position assurance member that is attached to the second connector and that ensures that the second connector is positioned in a mated position relative to the first connector when the second connector is mated to the first connector. In one aspect of the present invention, an electrical connection device is characterized in that the first connector has an opening into which the second connector is inserted and an engaging portion that engages with the second connector, the second connector has a main body that is inserted into the opening and mates with the first connector, and a lock arm that extends cantilevered from the main body and is configured to be inserted into the opening together with the main body, and that engages with the engaging portion when the main body is mated with the first connector, the connector position assurance member has a lock arm protecting portion that extends in the direction in which the lock arm extends when attached to the second connector, and the lock arm protecting portion is configured to abut against an edge of the lock arm when the lock arm bends toward the outside of the main body (i.e., toward the direction away from the main body), thereby regulating the amount of bending of the lock arm when it bends toward the outside of the main body.

[0013] According to this configuration, the electrical connection device is provided with a connector position assurance member. Before use, such as during transportation, the electrical connection device is handled with the first connector and the second connector, to which the connector position assurance member is attached, in a disengaged state. The connector position assurance member attached to the second connector is provided with a lock arm protector extending in the direction of extension of the lock arm of the second connector. Furthermore, the lock arm protector is configured to abut against an edge of the lock arm when the lock arm bends toward the outside of the main body of the second connector (i.e., away from the main body), thereby restricting the amount of bending of the lock arm toward the outside of the main body. Therefore, even if an external force occurs on the lock arm during transportation, for example, the amount of bending of the lock arm toward the outside of the main body is restricted by the lock arm protector of the connector position assurance member, protecting the lock arm and preventing excessive bending and damage to the lock arm. Therefore, according to the above configuration, a structure for protecting the lock arm can be provided in an electrical connection device having a connector position assurance member.

[0014] Furthermore, when a second connector equipped with a connector position assurance member is mated with a first connector, the connector position assurance member is pressed into the second connector, and simultaneously, the second connector is pressed into the first connector. According to the above configuration, the lock arm protector provided on the connector position assurance member is arranged to extend in the same direction as the lock arm extends when the connector position assurance member is attached to the second connector. Therefore, when the connector position assurance member is pressed into the second connector to mate the first and second connectors, the lock arm protector can be displaced along the lock arm without interfering with the lock arm. Therefore, in a configuration in which the connector position assurance member is provided with a lock arm protector, which is a structure for protecting the lock arm, the operation of pressing the connector position assurance member into the second connector to mate the second connector with the first connector can be performed smoothly.

[0015] As described above, with the above configuration, the lock arm protection portion, which is a structure for protecting the lock arm, is provided in the connector position assurance member, not in the second connector. Therefore, there is no need to provide a structure for protecting the lock arm in the second connector, which would likely lead to a complicated structure due to the provision of a lock arm, and the structure of the second connector can be simplified. Furthermore, because the structure of the second connector can be simplified, the structure of the mold for molding the second connector can also be simplified. Furthermore, because the structure of the mold for molding the connector can be simplified, the mold can be manufactured more easily, and increases in mold production costs can be suppressed.

[0016] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the structure for protecting the locking arm is provided in the connector position assurance member, not in the second connector, so no space is required in the second connector for providing a structure for protecting the locking arm. This significantly alleviates the space constraints for installing the connector position assurance member in the second connector, and also significantly alleviates the size constraints of the connector position assurance member. This prevents the operating portion, which is the portion of the connector position assurance member that is pressed into the second connector when mating the first connector and the second connector, from becoming too small. That is, the operating portion of the connector position assurance member that is pressed into the second connector when mating the first connector and the second connector can be enlarged. Furthermore, because the operating portion of the connector position assurance member that is pressed into the second connector can be enlarged, the operability of mating the second connector with the first connector can be improved.

[0017] Therefore, with the above configuration, an electrical connection device having a connector position assurance member can be provided with a structure to protect the locking arm, the structure of the connector in which the locking arm is provided can be simplified, and the operated portion of the connector position assurance member that is pressed into the connector can be enlarged, thereby improving workability when fitting the connectors.

[0018] (2) In the connector position assurance member, the lock arm protection portions may be provided in pairs, and the pair of lock arm protection portions may be provided on both sides of the lock arm so as to extend in the direction in which the lock arm extends when the connector position assurance member is attached to the second connector.

[0019] According to this configuration, the lock arm protectors are provided in pairs and extend on both sides of the lock arm when the connector position assurance member is attached to the second connector, thereby more securely protecting the lock arm from both sides.

[0020] (3) The connector position assurance member may have an operated portion that is a portion that is pressed when pressed into the second connector, and the pair of lock arm protection portions may be arranged to extend cantilever-like from the operated portion, and may be arranged to extend parallel to the direction in which the lock arm extends on both sides of the lock arm when the connector position assurance member is attached to the second connector.

[0021] With this configuration, when the connector position assurance device is attached to the second connector, the pair of lock arm protectors of the connector position assurance device are provided so as to extend in a cantilevered manner parallel to the lock arm on both sides of the lock arm. This allows the pair of lock arm protectors that can protect the lock arm to be efficiently arranged in the space near the lock arm. This allows for a more compact space to be used to arrange the structure that protects the lock arm when the connector position assurance device is attached to the second connector.

[0022] (4) Each of the pair of lock arm protection portions may abut against a recess provided in a stepped shape on each edge portion of the lock arm.

[0023] According to this configuration, the pair of lock arm protection portions restrict the amount of deflection of the lock arm by abutting against stepped recesses on both sides of the edge of the lock arm. Therefore, the lock arm protection portions abut against the edge of the lock arm by fitting into the stepped recesses on both sides of the lock arm. Therefore, when the lock arm protection portions abut against the edge of the lock arm to restrict deflection of the lock arm, the lock arm is more reliably prevented from coming off the lock arm protection portions. Furthermore, a structure that more reliably prevents the lock arm from coming off the lock arm protection portions can be achieved with a simple structure that provides stepped recesses on the edge of the lock arm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, an electrical connection device having a connector position assurance member can be provided which has a structure for protecting the locking arm, can simplify the structure of the connector in which the locking arm is provided, and can increase the size of the operated portion of the connector position assurance member which is pressed into the connector, thereby improving workability when fitting the connectors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connecting device. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connecting device including a first connector and a second connector, showing a state in which the second connector is fitted into the first connector in the electrical connecting device. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connecting device taken along the mating direction before the first connector and the second connector are mated. [Figure 5] 5(A) and 5(B) are perspective views showing the first connector. [Figure 6] 6(A) and 6(B) are perspective views showing the second connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 6(A). [Figure 8] 8(A) and 8(B) are perspective views showing a connector position assurance member of an electrical connecting device. [Figure 9] 9A to 9D are diagrams showing a connector position assurance member, in which FIG. 9A is a plan view, FIG. 9B is a front view, FIG. 9C is a side view, and FIG. 9D is a rear view. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connector position assurance member is attached to a second connector. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a front view of the second connector and connector position assurance member shown in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a plan view of the second connector and connector position assurance member shown in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views of the second connector and the connector position assurance member, where FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 11, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 14]These are cross-sectional views of an electrical connecting device taken along the mating direction before the mating operation between the first connector and the second connector to which the connector position assurance member is attached is performed, where Figure 14(A) is a cross-sectional view taken at a cross-section corresponding to the position of the lock arm biasing portion of the connector position assurance member, and Figure 14(B) is a cross-sectional view taken at a cross-section corresponding to the position of the lock portion of the connector position assurance member. [Figure 15] 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of an electrical connecting device taken along a cross section along the mating direction during the mating operation of a first connector and a second connector to which a connector position assurance member is attached, where FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section corresponding to the position of the lock arm biasing portion of the connector position assurance member, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section corresponding to the position of the lock portion of the connector position assurance member. [Figure 16] 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of an electrical connection device taken along a cross section along the mating direction when the mating operation between the first connector and the second connector to which the connector position assurance member is attached has been performed, where FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section corresponding to the position of the lock arm biasing portion of the connector position assurance member, and FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section corresponding to the position of the lock portion of the connector position assurance member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention can be widely applied to various uses as an electrical connecting device comprising a first connector, a second connector that is mated and connected to the first connector, and a connector position assurance member that is attached to the second connector and that ensures that the second connector is positioned in a mating position with respect to the first connector when the second connector is mated with the first connector.

[0027] [Schematic configuration of the electrical connection device] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connection device 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electrical connection device 1, showing a state in which the electrical connection device 1 includes a first connector 11 and a second connector 12, with the second connector 12 mated with the first connector 11. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 1 taken along the mating direction before the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated with each other. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the electrical connection device 1 is configured to include the first connector 11, the second connector 12 mated with the first connector 11, and a connector position assurance member 13 attached to the second connector 12.

[0028] The first connector 11 is made of a resin material and is configured to hold a plurality of male terminals (not shown) each connected to an electric wire (not shown). The second connector 12 is made of a resin material and is configured to hold a plurality of female terminals (not shown) each connected to an electric wire (not shown). The electrical connection device 1 is configured so that the electric wires connected to the first connector 11 and the electric wires connected to the second connector 12 can be electrically connected by mating the second connector 12 with the first connector 11. In addition, when the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11, an engaging portion 22 provided on the first connector 11 engages with a locking arm 27 provided on the second connector 12, as described below, so that the mated state of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is maintained.

[0029] The connector position assurance member 13 is made of a resin material. The connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12 and serves as a member that ensures that the second connector 12 is positioned in a mated position relative to the first connector 11 when the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11. The connector position assurance member 13 is configured to be held in two positions relative to the second connector 12: a temporary locking position in which it protrudes from the second connector 12 and is temporarily locked, and a full locking position in which it is pressed into the second connector 12 and is fully locked. Note that in the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , which is a state before the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated, the connector position assurance member 13 is locked in the temporary locking position relative to the second connector 12. On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 3 , which is a state after the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 have been mated, the connector position assurance member 13 is locked in the full locking position relative to the second connector 12.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , before the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated, the connector position assurance member 13 is engaged with the second connector 12 at a provisional engagement position and protrudes from the second connector 12. This allows a worker performing the work of mating and connecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 to visually confirm that the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are not mated. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3 , after the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated, the connector position assurance member 13 is engaged with the second connector 12 at a full engagement position and is pressed into the second connector 12. This allows a worker performing the work of mating and connecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 to visually confirm that the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated and that the second connector 12 is in the mated position relative to the first connector 11. As a result, connector position assurance member 13 is configured to ensure that second connector 12 is positioned in a mating position relative to first connector 11.

[0031] Furthermore, when the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11 and the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12, as will be described later, the connector position assurance member 13 is configured to prevent the second connector 12 mated with the first connector 11 from coming off the first connector 11. That is, when the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11 and the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12, the connector position assurance member 13 is configured to prevent the second connector 12 from being displaced from the mated position relative to the first connector 11 and coming off the first connector 11. In this respect, too, the connector position assurance member 13 is configured to ensure that the second connector 12 is positioned in the mated position relative to the first connector 11.

[0032] The configuration of the electrical connecting device 1 will be described in more detail below. For convenience of explanation, the following description defines the mating direction X1, width direction X2, and height direction X3 of the electrical connecting device 1 as shown by double-ended arrows X1 to X3 in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the drawings described below. The mating direction X1 is configured as a direction parallel to the direction in which the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated. The width direction X2 and height direction X3 are configured as directions perpendicular to the mating direction X1, and the width direction X2 and height direction X3 are configured as directions perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the electrical connecting device 1 is formed so that the length in the width direction X2 is longer than the length in the height direction X3.

[0033] [1st connector] 5(A) and 5(B) are perspective views showing the first connector 11 of the electrical connecting device 1. Fig. 5(A) is a perspective view of the first connector 11 viewed from the front side, which is one side in the mating direction X1, and Fig. 5(B) is a perspective view of the first connector 11 viewed from the back side, which is the other side in the mating direction X1.

[0034] 1 to 5, the first connector 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a first portion 11a and a second portion 11b that are integrally formed and aligned in the mating direction X1. The first portion 11a is formed as one half of the first connector 11 in the mating direction X1 and serves as a portion that mates with the second connector 12. The second portion 11b is formed as the other half of the first connector 11 in the mating direction X1 and serves as a portion that holds a plurality of male terminals (not shown) that are respectively connected to electric wires (not shown). Both the first portion 11a and the second portion 11b are formed to extend in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a substantially rectangular cross section. The first portion 11a is formed to have a larger cross-sectional area in a cross section perpendicular to the mating direction X1 than the second portion 11b.

[0035] The first portion 11a is provided with an opening 21 into which the second connector 12 is inserted. The opening 21 is provided in the first portion 11a so as to open toward one side in the mating direction X1. That is, the first connector 11 is provided with the opening 21 into which the second connector 12 is inserted at an end on one side in the mating direction X1.

[0036] 4, the first portion 11a is provided with an engaging portion 22 that engages with the second connector 12 inserted into the opening 21. That is, the first connector 11 has the engaging portion 22 that engages with the second connector 12 inserted into the opening 21. The engaging portion 22 is provided in the first portion 11a on the inside of the opening 21 and protrudes in a protruding manner from a part of the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 11a. The engaging portion 22 is also provided in a protruding manner from one side surface of the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 11a in the height direction X3. The engaging portion 22 is configured to engage with a locking arm 27 of the second connector 12, which will be described later, when the second connector 12 is inserted into the opening 21 and mated with the first connector 11.

[0037] 4 and 5(B), the second portion 11b is provided with a plurality of terminal holding holes 23. The plurality of terminal holding holes 23 are provided as holes into which a plurality of male terminals (not shown) connected to electric wires (not shown) are inserted and which hold the plurality of male terminals. Each male terminal is inserted into each terminal holding hole 23. Then, each male terminal inserted into each terminal holding hole 23 is held in each terminal holding hole 23. In this embodiment, the plurality of terminal holding holes 23 are provided in the second portion 11b in a large number lined up in the width direction X2, and are also provided in two rows lined up in the height direction X3.

[0038] 4, the first connector 11 is provided with a retainer 24 configured to be fitted into the second portion 11b and to prevent the plurality of male terminals from falling out of the first connector 11. The second portion 11b is provided with a retainer insertion hole 25 into which the retainer 24 is inserted and fitted. The first connector 11 is configured such that, with the plurality of male terminals connected to electric wires respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal holding holes 23, the retainer 24 is inserted and fitted into the retainer insertion hole 25, thereby locking the plurality of male terminals. Locking the plurality of male terminals with the retainer 24 prevents the plurality of male terminals from slipping out of the plurality of terminal holding holes 23 and falling out.

[0039] [Second connector] 6(A) and 6(B) are perspective views showing the second connector 12. Fig. 6(A) is a perspective view of the second connector 11 as viewed from the front side, which is one side in the mating direction X1, and Fig. 6(B) is a perspective view of the second connector 12 as viewed from the back side, which is the other side in the mating direction X1.

[0040] 1 to 4 and 6, the second connector 12 is configured to have a main body 26 that is approximately rectangular, and a locking arm 27 that extends cantilever-like from the main body 26.

[0041] The main body 26 is provided in the second connector 12 as a portion that is inserted into the opening 21 of the first connector 11 and fits with the first connector 11. The main body 26 is provided with a plurality of terminal holding holes 28. The plurality of terminal holding holes 28 are provided as holes into which a plurality of female terminals (not shown) connected to electric wires (not shown) are inserted and which hold the plurality of female terminals. Each of the plurality of terminal holding holes 28 opens at one end of the main body 26 in the fitting direction X1, and the plurality of female terminals are inserted through this opening. Each female terminal inserted into each terminal holding hole 28 is held in the respective terminal holding hole 28. In this embodiment, the plurality of terminal holding holes 28 are arranged in a large number lined up in the width direction X2 in the main body 26, and are also arranged in two rows in the height direction X3.

[0042] The main body 26 is also provided with a plurality of terminal connection openings 29. The plurality of terminal connection openings 29 are provided as openings into which ends of a plurality of male terminals held in the first connector 11 are inserted when the main body 26 is mated with the first connector 11 to connect the second connector 12 and the first connector 11. The plurality of terminal connection openings 29 communicate with the plurality of terminal holding holes 28, respectively, and open at the other end of the main body 26 in the mating direction X1. When the main body 26 is mated with the first connector 11, each male terminal held in the first connector 11 passes through each terminal connection opening 29 and is connected to each female terminal held in each terminal holding hole 28 of the main body 26.

[0043] The main body 26 is also provided with an insertion groove 30 into which the connector position assurance member 13 is inserted and fitted. The insertion groove 30 is provided on one end face of the main body 26 in the height direction X3, and extends along the mating direction X1. A locking protrusion 31 is provided on the inside of the insertion groove 30 to lock the connector position assurance member 13 inserted into the insertion groove 30 and to lock the connector position assurance member 13 with respect to the second connector 12 at a provisionally locked position.

[0044] 4, the second connector 12 is configured to be fitted into the main body 26 and is provided with a retainer 32 for preventing the plurality of female terminals from falling out of the second connector 12. The main body 26 is provided with a retainer insertion hole 33 into which the retainer 32 is inserted and fitted. The second connector 12 is configured such that, with the plurality of female terminals connected to electric wires respectively inserted into the plurality of terminal holding holes 28, the retainer 32 is inserted and fitted into the retainer insertion hole 33, thereby locking the plurality of female terminals. Locking the plurality of female terminals with the retainer 32 prevents the plurality of female terminals from slipping out of the plurality of terminal holding holes 28 and falling out.

[0045] The locking arm 27 is provided to extend in a cantilevered manner from the main body 26 and is configured to be inserted into the opening 21 of the first connector 11 together with the main body 26. The locking arm 27 is provided integrally with the main body 26 on one end surface side of the main body 26 in the height direction X3 and is provided to extend in a cantilevered manner along the mating direction X1 substantially parallel to the one end surface of the main body 26 in the height direction X3. The locking arm 27 is also integrally joined to the main body 26 on the end side of the main body 26 that is inserted into the first connector 11 and is provided to extend in a cantilevered manner toward the end side of the main body 26 opposite the end side that is inserted into the first connector 11. The locking arm 27 is configured to engage with the engaging portion 22 of the first connector 11 when the main body 26 is mated with the first connector 11.

[0046] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 6(A). As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4, 6(A), 6(B), and 7, the lock arm 27 is provided with a pair of beams 34a, 34b, an engagement rib 35 formed to bridge the pair of beams 34a, 34b, an operation end portion 36 as a portion operated by an operator, and a pair of edges 37, 38 constituting both edge portions in the width direction X2.

[0047] The beams 34a and 34b are provided so as to extend in a cantilevered manner from the main body 26. Each of the beams 34a and 34b is provided integrally with the main body 26 on one end face side of the main body 26 in the height direction X3, and is provided so as to extend in a cantilevered manner along the mating direction X1 substantially parallel to the one end face in the height direction X3 of the main body 26. Each of the beams 34a and 34b is connected integrally with the main body 26 on the end side of the main body 26 that is inserted into the first connector 11, and is provided so as to extend in a cantilevered manner toward the end side of the main body 26 opposite the end side that is inserted into the first connector 11.

[0048] The engagement rib 35 is provided as a portion that engages with the engagement portion 22 of the first connector 11 when the lock arm 27 together with the main body 26 is inserted into the opening 21 of the first connector 11 and the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated. The engagement rib 35 extends in the width direction X2 between the beam portions 34a and 34b that extend parallel to each other in a cantilevered manner along the mating direction X1, and is provided to bridge and integrally connect the beam portions 34a and 34b. A space is formed between the beam portions 34a and 34b, and the beam portions 34a and 34b are bridged and connected by the engagement rib 35 at a midpoint along their cantilevered extensions in the mating direction X1.

[0049] When the lock arm 27 is inserted into the opening 21 of the first connector 11 together with the main body 26, the engaging portion 22 of the first connector 11 comes into contact with the engaging rib 35, causing the beams 34a and 34b to elastically deform and bend. When the main body 26 of the second connector 12 is further inserted into the opening 21 of the first connector 11, the engaging rib 35 moves deeper into the opening 21 than the engaging portion 22, and the second connector 12 is positioned in the mating position with the first connector 11, the beams 34a and 34b are configured to elastically recover.

[0050] The operating end 36 is provided on the locking arm 27 as a portion that is manually operated by an operator and that is operated by the operator to bend the locking arm 27 when pressed. The operating end 36 is provided on the tip ends of the cantilevered beams 34a and 34b and is provided as a portion that bridges and connects the tip end of the beam 34a and the tip end of the beam 34b. When the operator manually presses the operating end 36 toward the main body 26, the locking arm 27 bends toward the main body 26.

[0051] The pair of edges 37, 38 are edges of the lock arm 27 extending in a cantilevered manner along the mating direction X1 and are provided as edges on both sides in the width direction X2. That is, the edge 37 is provided as an edge on one end side of the lock arm 27 in the width direction, and the edge 38 is provided as an edge on the other end side of the lock arm 27 in the width direction. The edges 37 and 38 are provided as portions that can abut against lock arm protectors 41 and 42 (described below) of the connector position assurance member 13 when the lock arm 27 bends outward from the main body 26 with the connector position assurance member 13 attached to the second connector 12. In this embodiment, the edges 37 and 38 that can abut against the lock arm protectors 41 and 42 are edges on the end sides of the lock arm 27 in the width direction X2 and are provided as edges on the tip side of the cantilevered lock arm 27.

[0052] The edge 37 and the edge 38 are provided with recesses 37a and 38a, respectively, which are recessed in a stepped shape toward the main body 26. That is, the edge 37 is provided with recesses 37a which are recessed in a stepped shape toward the main body 26, and the edge 38 is provided with recesses 38a which are recessed in a stepped shape toward the main body 26. The recesses 37a of the edge 37 form a portion with which a locking arm protector 41 (described later) of the connector position assurance member 13 abuts. The recesses 38a of the edge 38 form a portion with which a locking arm protector 42 (described later) of the connector position assurance member 13 abuts.

[0053] [Connector position assurance material] 8(A) and 8(B) are perspective views showing the connector position assurance member 13 of the electrical connecting device 1. FIG. 9 shows the connector position assurance member 13, with FIG. 9(A) being a plan view, FIG. 9(B) being a front view, FIG. 9(C) being a side view, and FIG. 9(D) being a rear view. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the connector position assurance member 13 attached to the second connector 12. FIG. 11 is a front view of the second connector 12 and the connector position assurance member 13 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the second connector 12 and the connector position assurance member 13 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector 12 and the connector position assurance member 13, with FIG. 13(A) being a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13(B) being a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 11.

[0054] 1 to 4 and 8 to 13 is attached to the second connector 12 and is provided as a member that ensures that the second connector 12 is positioned in the mating position with respect to the first connector 11 when the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11. The connector position assurance member 13 is configured to include an operated portion 39, a locking portion 40, a pair of lock arm protectors 41, 42, a pair of lock arm biasing portions 43, 44, a temporary locking portion 45, a pair of lock arm deflection restricting portions 46, 47, etc.

[0055] The connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. Then, with the connector position assurance member 13 attached to the second connector 12, an operation is performed to mate the second connector 12 with the first connector 11. Furthermore, when the operation is performed to mate the second connector 12 with the first connector 11, the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12. The operated portion 39 is provided on the connector position assurance member 13 as a portion that is pressed when the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12. The operated portion 39 has a flat end surface that extends in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction X1, and when this flat end surface portion is pressed by an operator's hand, the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12.

[0056] The locking portion 40 is provided as a portion that engages with the engaging rib 35 of the locking arm 27 of the second connector 12 that engages with the engaging portion 22 of the first connector 11 when the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12. The locking portion 40 is provided to extend in a cantilevered manner from the operated portion 39 along the mating direction X1. A locking claw 40a that engages with the engaging rib 35 of the locking arm 27 is provided on the tip side of the cantilevered locking portion 40. When the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11 and the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12, the locking claw 40a of the locking portion 40 engages with the engaging rib 35 of the locking arm 27, and the connector position assurance member 13 is locked with the second connector 12 in the main locking position.

[0057] The lock arm protectors 41, 42 are provided in pair, and each is provided on the connector position assurance member 13 so as to extend in a cantilevered manner with a rectangular cross section. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, 8 to 10, 12, and 13, the lock arm protectors 41, 42 are provided so as to extend in the direction in which the lock arm 27 extends when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. More specifically, the pair of lock arm protectors 41, 42 are provided on both sides of the lock arm 27 in the width direction X2 so as to extend in the direction in which the lock arm 27 extends when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. The lock arm protector 41 is provided so as to extend along the beam portion 34a of the lock arm 27 when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. The lock arm protection portion 42 is provided so as to extend along the beam portion 34b of the lock arm 27 when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12.

[0058] The pair of locking arm protectors 41, 42 are provided to extend in a cantilevered manner from the operated portion 39 along the mating direction X1, and are provided to extend parallel to each other. The locking arm protector 41 is provided on one side of the connector position assurance member 13 in the width direction X2, so as to extend in a cantilevered manner from the operated portion 39 along the mating direction X1. The locking arm protector 42 is provided on the other side of the connector position assurance member 13 in the width direction X2, so as to extend in a cantilevered manner from the operated portion 39 along the mating direction X1. When the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12, the pair of locking arm protectors 41, 42 are provided on both sides of the locking arm 27 in the width direction X2, so as to extend parallel to the extending direction of the locking arm 27.

[0059] Furthermore, the lock arm protector 41 is provided so as to extend parallel to the beam portion 34a of the lock arm 27 at a position where it partially overlaps the edge portion 37 of the lock arm 27 when viewed from the height direction X3 when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. As a result, the lock arm protector 41 is provided so as to abut against the edge portion 37 of the lock arm 27 when the lock arm 27 is bent outward from the main body portion 26 (i.e., in a direction away from the main body portion 26) when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. More specifically, the lock arm protector 41 is provided so as to abut against a recess 37a, which is recessed in a stepped shape, on the edge portion 37 of the lock arm 27 when the lock arm 27 is bent outward from the main body portion 26. The lock arm protection portion 41 is configured to abut against the edge portion 37 of the lock arm 27 when the lock arm 27 bends toward the outside of the main body portion 26, thereby regulating the amount of bending when the lock arm 27 bends toward the outside of the main body portion 26.

[0060] Furthermore, the lock arm protector 42 is provided so as to extend parallel to the beam portion 34b of the lock arm 27 at a position where it partially overlaps the edge portion 38 of the lock arm 27 when viewed from the height direction X3 when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. As a result, the lock arm protector 42 is provided so as to abut against the edge portion 38 of the lock arm 27 when the lock arm 27 is bent outward from the main body portion 26 (i.e., in a direction away from the main body portion 26) when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. More specifically, the lock arm protector 42 is provided so as to abut against a recess 38a provided in a stepped shape in the edge portion 38 of the lock arm 27 when the lock arm 27 is bent outward from the main body portion 26. The lock arm protection portion 42 is configured to abut against the edge portion 38 of the lock arm 27 when the lock arm 27 bends toward the outside of the main body portion 26, thereby regulating the amount of bending when the lock arm 27 bends toward the outside of the main body portion 26.

[0061] As described above, when the lock arm 27 is bent outward from the main body 26 with the connector position assurance member 13 attached to the second connector 12, the pair of lock arm protectors 41, 42 are configured to abut against the recesses 37a, 38a, respectively, which are recessed in a stepped shape on both sides of the lock arm 27. The pair of lock arm protectors 41, 42 are configured to abut against the edge portions 37, 38 of the lock arm 27 when the lock arm 27 is bent outward from the main body 26, thereby restricting the amount of bending of the lock arm 27 when it bends outward from the main body 26.

[0062] 2, 4, 8 to 10, and 13, the lock arm biasing portions 43, 44 are provided to extend along the beam portions 34a, 34b when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. More specifically, the lock arm biasing portion 43 is provided to extend along the beam portion 34a when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. The lock arm biasing portion 44 is provided to extend along the beam portion 34b when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12.

[0063] The lock arm biasing portion 43 and the lock arm biasing portion 44 are provided so as to extend in a cantilevered manner from the operated portion 39 along the mating direction X1, and so as to extend parallel to each other. The lock arm biasing portion 43 is provided so as to extend parallel to the beam portion 34a when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. The lock arm biasing portion 44 is provided so as to extend parallel to the beam portion 34b when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12.

[0064] Furthermore, when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12, the lock arm biasing portion 43 is provided so as to extend parallel to the beam portion 34a at a position overlapping the beam portion 34a of the lock arm 27 of the second connector 12 when viewed from the height direction X3. As a result, the lock arm biasing portion 43 is configured to bend together with the beam portion 34a when the lock arm 27 of the second connector 12 is inserted into the opening 21 of the first connector 11 and the beam portion 34a is bent. Furthermore, the lock arm biasing portion 43 is configured to elastically recover together with the beam portion 34a when the once elastically deformed and bent beam portion 34a elastically recovers, thereby biasing the elastically recovering beam portion 34a in the direction in which the beam portion 34a elastically recovers.

[0065] Furthermore, when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12, the lock arm biasing portion 44 is provided so as to extend parallel to the beam portion 34b at a position overlapping the beam portion 34b of the lock arm 27 of the second connector 12 when viewed from the height direction X3. As a result, the lock arm biasing portion 44 is configured to bend together with the beam portion 34b when the lock arm 27 of the second connector 12 is inserted into the opening 21 of the first connector 11 and the beam portion 34b is bent. Furthermore, the lock arm biasing portion 44 is configured to elastically recover together with the beam portion 34b when the once elastically deformed and bent beam portion 34b elastically recovers, thereby biasing the elastically recovering beam portion 34b in the direction in which the beam portion 34b elastically recovers.

[0066] The lock arm biasing portion 43 and the lock arm biasing portion 44 are provided on both sides of the lock portion 40 in the width direction X2 to extend parallel to the lock portion 40 in the fitting direction X1. The lock arm biasing portion 43 and the lock portion 40 are provided to extend in a cantilevered manner from the operated portion 39 at positions spaced apart from each other. The lock arm biasing portion 44 and the lock portion 40 are provided to extend in a cantilevered manner from the operated portion 39 at positions spaced apart from each other.

[0067] 4, 9(D), and 13(B), the temporary-locking portion 45 is provided as a portion that locks with the locking protrusion 31 of the second connector 12 when the connector position assurance member 13 is locked in the temporary-locked position relative to the second connector 12. The temporary-locking portion 45 is located on the connector position assurance member 13 on the opposite side from the locking portion 40 in the height direction X3. When the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12, the connector position assurance member 13 is inserted into the insertion groove 30 of the second connector 12. At this time, the connector position assurance member 13 is inserted into the insertion groove 30 so that the temporary-locking portion 45 locks with the locking protrusion 31 in the insertion groove 30. Engaging the temporary-locking portion 45 with the locking protrusion 31 prevents the connector position assurance member 13 from coming off the second connector 12, and the connector position assurance member 13 is held in the temporary-locked position relative to the second connector 12.

[0068] 8, 9 and 13, the lock arm flexure restriction portions 46, 47 are provided as portions that restrict the flexure of the beam portions 34a, 34b of the lock arm 27 when the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11 and the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12. More specifically, the lock arm flexure restriction portion 46 is configured to restrict the flexure of the beam portion 34a of the lock arm 27, and the lock arm flexure restriction portion 47 is configured to restrict the flexure of the beam portion 34b of the lock arm 27.

[0069] The lock arm bending restricting portion 46 is provided integrally with a base portion of the lock arm biasing portion 43 extending cantilevered from the operated portion 39, and is provided as a portion that rises in a stepped manner in the height direction X3 relative to the cantilevered lock arm biasing portion 43. The lock arm bending restricting portion 47 is provided integrally with a base portion of the lock arm biasing portion 44 extending cantilevered from the operated portion 39, and is provided as a portion that rises in a stepped manner in the height direction X3 relative to the cantilevered lock arm biasing portion 44.

[0070] When the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11 and the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12, an end of the beam 34a of the locking arm 27 abuts against the lock arm bending restriction portion 46 in the mating direction X3, restricting the beam 34a from bending toward the main body 26. More specifically, a distal end portion of the cantilevered beam 34a, which is integral with the operation end portion 36 of the locking arm 27, abuts against the lock arm bending restriction portion 46 in the mating direction X3, restricting the beam 34a from bending toward the main body 26. When the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11 and the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12, an end of the beam 34b of the locking arm 27 abuts against the lock arm bending restriction portion 47 in the mating direction X3, restricting the beam 34b from bending toward the main body 26. More specifically, the tip end portion of the cantilevered beam portion 34b, which is integral with the operating end portion 36 of the lock arm 27, abuts against the lock arm bending restriction portion 47 in the mating direction X3, thereby restricting the beam portion 34b from bending toward the main body portion 26 (see Figure 16(A) described below).

[0071] As described above, when the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11, the lock arm flexure restricting portions 46, 47 restrict bending of the beams 34a, 34b of the lock arm 27 toward the main body 26. Restricting bending of the beams 34a, 34b of the lock arm 27 toward the main body 26 prevents disengagement of the engaging portion 22 of the first connector 11 with the engaging rib 35 of the lock arm 27. This prevents the second connector 12 mated with the first connector 11 from coming off the first connector 11. In this way, the connector position assurance member 13 is configured, by providing the lock arm flexure restricting portions 46, 47, to prevent the second connector 12 mated with the first connector 11 from coming off the first connector 11 when the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11 and the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12. As a result, connector position assurance member 13 is configured to ensure that second connector 12 is positioned in a mating position relative to first connector 11.

[0072] [Mating operation between the first and second connectors] Next, a description will be given of the mating operation between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 in the above-described electrical connecting device 1. The mating operation between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is performed in a state in which the first connector 11 holds a plurality of male terminals (not shown) to which electric wires (not shown) are respectively connected, and the second connector 12 holds a plurality of female terminals (not shown) to which electric wires (not shown) are respectively connected. However, in the description of this embodiment, for convenience, the mating operation between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 will be described using drawings in which the male terminals held in the first connector 11 and the female terminals held in the second connector 12 are not shown in order to clearly show the configuration related to the mating operation between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12.

[0073] 10 to 13, when the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated, the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. When attaching the connector position assurance member 13 to the second connector 12, the connector position assurance member 13 is inserted into the insertion groove 30 of the second connector 12 so that the temporary locking portion 45 of the connector position assurance member 13 locks with the locking projection 31 of the second connector 12. With the temporary locking portion 45 locked with the locking projection 31, the connector position assurance member 13 is held in the temporary locking position in the second connector 12.

[0074] 13(B), when the connector position assurance member 13 is held in the temporary locking position by the second connector 12, the locking claw 40a of the locking portion 40 protrudes into the space between the beams 34a and 34b of the locking arm 27 and abuts against the engaging rib 35 of the locking arm 27. Therefore, in the temporary locking position, the temporary locking portion 45 is engaged with the locking projection 31, and the connector position assurance member 13 is held in the second connector 12 with the locking claw 40a abutting against the engaging rib 35. Furthermore, when the connector position assurance member 13 is held in the temporary locking position by the second connector 12, the end of the connector position assurance member 13 on the operated portion 39 side protrudes significantly from the second connector 12.

[0075] 10, 12, and 13, when the connector position assurance member 13 is held in the provisionally locked position by the second connector 12 and attached to the second connector 12, the lock arm protectors 41, 42 are arranged to be able to abut against the edge portions 37, 38 of the lock arm 27 on both sides in the width direction X2 of the lock arm 27. That is, when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12, the lock arm protector 41 is arranged to be able to abut against the recess 37a of the edge portion 37 of the lock arm 27, and the lock arm protector 42 is arranged to be able to abut against the recess 38a of the edge portion 38 of the lock arm 27. Therefore, when the lock arm 27 is bent outward from the main body 26 with the connector position assurance member 13 attached to the second connector 12, the lock arm protectors 41, 42 come into contact with the edge portions 37, 38 of the lock arm 27 on both sides in the width direction X2. When the lock arm 27 bends toward the outside of the main body 26, the lock arm protection parts 41, 42 come into contact with the edge parts 37, 38 of the lock arm 27, thereby restricting the amount of bending when the lock arm 27 bends toward the outside of the main body 26, and preventing the lock arm 27 from being damaged.

[0076] When the electrical connection device 1 is transported or otherwise handled before the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated, the electrical connection device 1 is handled with the connector position assurance member 13 attached to the second connector 12. Therefore, even if an external force acts on the lock arm 27 during transportation or the like of the electrical connection device 1, the lock arm protecting portions 41, 42 of the connector position assurance member 13 restrict the amount of deflection of the lock arm 27, protecting the lock arm 27 and preventing it from being damaged.

[0077] As described above, the mating operation between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 is performed with the connector position assurance member 13 attached to the second connector 12 in the temporary locking position. That is, the mating operation of the connectors 11 and 12 in the electrical connecting device 1 is performed by mating the second connector 12, with the connector position assurance member 13 attached in the temporary locking position, into the first connector 11.

[0078] 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of the electrical connecting device 1 taken along the mating direction X1 before mating of the first connector 11 with the second connector 12 to which the connector position assurance member 13 is attached. Fig. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section corresponding to the position of the lock arm biasing member 44 of the connector position assurance member 13, and Fig. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section corresponding to the position of the lock member 40 of the connector position assurance member 13.

[0079] 14(A) and 14(B), when the second connector 12 having the connector position assurance member 13 attached thereto is mated with the first connector 11, first, the main body 26 of the second connector 12 is inserted into the opening 21 of the first connector 11 together with the base portions of the locking arms 27. Then, before the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are mated, as shown in FIG. 14(B), the second connector 12 is inserted into the first connector 11 to a position where the engaging portion 22 on the inside of the opening 21 of the first connector 11 abuts against the engaging rib 35 of the locking arm 27. From this state, the mating operation of mating the second connector 12 with the first connector 11 is started.

[0080] 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of the electrical connecting device 1 taken along the mating direction X1 during the mating operation of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 to which the connector position assurance member 13 is attached. Fig. 15A is a cross-sectional view taken at a cross section corresponding to the position of the lock arm biasing member 44 of the connector position assurance member 13, and Fig. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken at a cross section corresponding to the position of the lock member 40 of the connector position assurance member 13.

[0081] 14(A) and 14(B), in which the second connector 12, with the connector position assurance member 13 attached in the provisionally locked position, is inserted into the first connector 11, the mating operation of mating the second connector 12 with the first connector 11 is initiated. When the mating operation of mating the second connector 12 with the first connector 11 is initiated, the operator manually pushes the second connector 12, with the connector position assurance member 13 attached, into the first connector 11 together with the connector position assurance member 13. At this time, the operator presses the operated portion 39 of the connector position assurance member 13 toward the first connector 11, and the second connector 12 together with the connector position assurance member 13 are pushed into the opening 21 of the first connector 11.

[0082] 15(A) and 15(B), when the second connector 12 together with the connector position assurance member 13 is pushed into the opening 21 of the first connector 11, the engagement rib 35 of the locking arm 27 slides over the engagement portion 22 of the first connector 11 and moves inside the opening 21, climbing over the engagement portion 22. Furthermore, the locking claw 40a of the locking portion 40, which abuts against the engagement rib 35, also slides over the engagement portion 22, following the engagement rib 35, and moves inside the opening 21, climbing over the engagement portion 22. When the locking claw 40a begins to move over the engagement portion 22, the locking portion 40 elastically deforms and bends. Furthermore, when the engagement rib 35 begins to move over the engagement portion 22, the engagement rib 35 is pushed by the engagement portion 22 of the first connector 11 and displaces in the height direction X3 relative to the engagement portion 22. Then, as the engaging rib 35 of the lock arm 27 is displaced in the height direction X3, the beam portions 34a and 34b of the lock arm 27 are elastically deformed and bent. When the beam portions 34a and 34b of the lock arm 27 are bent, the lock arm biasing portion 43 and the lock arm biasing portion 44 are elastically deformed and bent together with the beam portions 34a and 34b. That is, when the beam portion 34a is bent, the lock arm biasing portion 43, which is in contact with the beam portion 34a in the height direction X3, is also elastically deformed and bent, and when the beam portion 34b is bent, the lock arm biasing portion 44, which is in contact with the beam portion 34b in the height direction X3, is also elastically deformed and bent.

[0083] When the second connector 12 is further pushed into the opening 21 of the first connector 11 from a state in which the lock arm biasing portion 43 and the lock arm biasing portion 44 are bent together with the beam portions 34a and 34b, the engaging rib 35 of the lock arm 27 reaches a position inside the opening 21 where it climbs over the engaging portion 22. When the engaging rib 35 reaches a position inside the opening 21 where it climbs over the engaging portion 22, the beam portions 34a and 34b of the lock arm 27 elastically recover and suddenly return to their original state, and the engaging rib 35 engages with the engaging portion 22 of the first connector 11. Then, when the beam portions 34a and 34b elastically recover and suddenly return to their original state, the lock arm biasing portion 43 and the lock arm biasing portion 44, which were bent together with the beam portions 34a and 34b, also elastically recover and suddenly return to their original state together with the beam portions 34a and 34b. Therefore, the lock arm biasing portion 43 and the lock arm biasing portion 44 elastically recover together with the beam portions 34a and 34b, thereby biasing the elastically recovering beam portions 34a and 34b in the direction in which the beam portions 34a and 34b elastically recover. As a result, the force that causes the beam portions 34a and 34b to elastically recover is amplified by the lock arm biasing portion 43 and the lock arm biasing portion 44 and becomes significantly larger. As a result, when the lock arm 27 engages with the engaging portion 22, the lock arm 27 strongly collides with the inner wall of the opening 21 of the first connector 11, generating a loud clicking sound. By hearing this clicking sound, a worker performing the mating operation of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 can confirm that the mating operation of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 has been completed.

[0084] 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of the electrical connecting device 1 taken along the mating direction X1 when the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 to which the connector position assurance member 13 is attached have been mated. Fig. 16A is a cross-sectional view taken at a cross section corresponding to the position of the lock arm biasing member 44 of the connector position assurance member 13, and Fig. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken at a cross section corresponding to the position of the lock member 40 of the connector position assurance member 13.

[0085] 16(A) and 16(B), when the second connector 12 is pushed deep into the opening 21 of the first connector 11 and the locking arm 27 returns to its original position and the engaging portion 22 engages with the engaging rib 35, the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11. When the locking arm 27 returns to its original position and the engaging portion 22 engages with the engaging rib 35, the connector position assurance member 13, which has been pressed toward the first connector 11 together with the second connector 12, is pressed toward the second connector 12. In other words, even when the engaging portion 22 engages with the engaging rib 35, the connector position assurance member 13 continues to be pressed, and is pressed into the second connector 12, which is mated with the first connector 11. At this time, because the engagement rib 35 has overcome the engagement portion 22 within the opening 21 and is engaged with the engagement portion 22, the lock claw 40a of the lock portion 40 slides over the engagement rib 35 and moves over the engagement rib 35 inside the opening 21. Then, when the lock claw 40a overcomes the engagement rib 35, the lock portion 40 elastically recovers and returns to its original bending state, and the lock claw 40a locks onto the engagement rib 35 engaged with the engagement portion 22.

[0086] As described above, when the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11 and the connector position assurance member 13 is pushed into the second connector 12, the locking portion 40 of the connector position assurance member 13 is locked with the engaging rib 35 of the locking arm 27 that is engaged with the engaging portion 22 of the first connector 11. As a result, the connector position assurance member 13 is locked in the full locking position with respect to the second connector 12. In this state, the connector position assurance member 13 is pushed into the second connector 12, and the ends of the beams 34a, 34b of the locking arm 27 of the second connector 12 abut against the locking arm deflection restricting portions 46, 47 in the mating direction X3, restricting the deflection of the beams 34a, 34b toward the main body 26. Therefore, by restricting the deflection of lock arm 27 toward main body portion 26, the engagement between engaging portion 22 of first connector 11 and engaging rib 35 of lock arm 27 is prevented from being released, and the second connector 12 mated with first connector 11 is prevented from coming off the first connector 11. Therefore, connector position assurance member 13 ensures that second connector 12 is positioned in the mating position with respect to first connector 11.

[0087] Furthermore, when the second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11, the operator can visually confirm that the connector position assurance member 13 does not protrude significantly from the second connector 12, that the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12, and that the second connector 12 is located in the mated position with respect to the first connector 11. Therefore, when the mating operation of mating the second connector 12 with the first connector 11 is performed and the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12, the connector position assurance member 13 visually ensures that the second connector 12 is located in the mated position with respect to the first connector 11.

[0088] As described above, with connector position assurance member 13 attached to second connector 12, second connector 12 is inserted into opening 21 of first connector 11, and connector position assurance member 13 is pressed, completing the mating operation of mating second connector 12 with first connector 11 and pushing connector position assurance member 13 into second connector 12. Then, connector position assurance member 13 ensures that second connector 12 is mated with first connector 11 and positioned in the mated position.

[0089] [Actions and Effects of This Embodiment] According to this embodiment, the electrical connection device 1 is provided with a connector position assurance member 13. Before use, such as during transportation, the electrical connection device 1 is handled in a state in which the first connector 11 and the second connector 12, to which the connector position assurance member 13 is attached, are not mated. The connector position assurance member 13 attached to the second connector 12 is provided with lock arm protectors 41, 42 that extend in the direction in which the lock arm 27 of the second connector 12 extends. Furthermore, the lock arm protectors 41, 42 are configured to abut against the edges 37, 38 of the lock arm 27 when the lock arm 27 bends outward from the main body 26 of the second connector 12, thereby restricting the amount of bending of the lock arm 27 when it bends outward from the main body 26. Therefore, even if an external force generated during transportation acts on the lock arm 27, the amount of bending of the lock arm 27 toward the outside of the main body 26 is restricted by the lock arm protection portions 41, 42 of the connector position assurance member 13, thereby protecting the lock arm 27 and preventing it from being damaged due to excessive bending. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a structure for protecting the lock arm 27 can be provided in the electrical connection device 1 having the connector position assurance member 13.

[0090] Furthermore, when the second connector 12 to which the connector position assurance member 13 is attached is mated with the first connector 11, the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12, and simultaneously with this operation, the second connector 12 is pressed into the first connector 11. According to this embodiment, the lock arm protectors 41, 42 provided on the connector position assurance member 13 are arranged to extend in the same direction as the lock arm 27 when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. Therefore, when the connector position assurance member 13 is pressed into the second connector 12 to mate the first connector 11 and the second connector 12, the lock arm protectors 41, 42 can be displaced along the lock arm 27 without interfering with the lock arm 27. Therefore, in a configuration in which lock arm protection portions 41, 42, which are structures for protecting the lock arm 27, are provided on the connector position assurance member 13, the operation of pushing the connector position assurance member 13 into the second connector 12 and mating the second connector 12 with the first connector 11 can be performed smoothly.

[0091] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lock arm protectors 41, 42, which are structures for protecting the lock arm 27, are provided on the connector position assurance member 13, not on the second connector 12. Therefore, there is no need to provide a structure for protecting the lock arm 27 to the second connector 12, which would likely be complicated by the provision of the lock arm 27, and the structure of the second connector 12 can be simplified. Furthermore, because the structure of the second connector 12 can be simplified, the structure of the mold for molding the second connector 12 can also be simplified. Furthermore, because the structure of the mold for molding the connector can be simplified, the manufacture of the mold can be facilitated and increases in mold production costs can be suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the structure for protecting the locking arm 27 is provided in the connector position assurance member 13, not in the second connector 12. This eliminates the need for space in the second connector 12 for providing a structure for protecting the locking arm 27. This significantly alleviates the space constraints for attaching the connector position assurance member 13 to the second connector 12, and also significantly alleviates the size constraints of the connector position assurance member 13. This prevents the operating portion 39, which is a portion of the connector position assurance member 13 attached to the second connector 12 that is pressed, from becoming smaller. That is, the operating portion 39 of the connector position assurance member 13 that is pressed into the second connector 12 when mating the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 can be enlarged. Furthermore, because the operating portion 39 of the connector position assurance member 13 that is pressed can be enlarged, the operability of mating the second connector 12 with the first connector 11 can be improved.

[0093] Therefore, according to this embodiment, in an electrical connection device 1 having a connector position assurance member 13, a structure for protecting the locking arm 27 can be provided, the structure of the connector 12 in which the locking arm 27 is provided can be simplified, and the operated portion 39 of the connector position assurance member 13, which is pressed so as to be pushed into the connector 12, can be enlarged, thereby improving the workability when mating the connectors 11 and 12.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lock arm protectors 41, 42 are provided as a pair and extend on both sides of the lock arm 27 when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12. This allows the lock arm 27 to be more securely protected from both sides.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12, the pair of lock arm protectors 41, 42 of the connector position assurance member 13 are provided so as to extend in a cantilevered manner on both sides of the lock arm 27 in parallel to the lock arm 27. This allows the pair of lock arm protectors 41, 42 that can protect the lock arm 27 to be efficiently arranged in the space near the lock arm 27. This allows for a more compact space to be used to arrange a structure for protecting the lock arm 27 when the connector position assurance member 13 is attached to the second connector 12.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pair of lock arm protectors 41, 42 restrict the amount of deflection of the lock arm 27 by abutting against the stepped recesses 37a, 38a, respectively, on the edge portions 37, 38 of the lock arm 27. Therefore, the lock arm protectors 41, 42 abut against the edge portions 37, 38 of the lock arm 27 so as to fit into the stepped recesses 37a, 38a, respectively, on both sides of the lock arm 27. Therefore, when the lock arm protectors 41, 42 abut against the edge portions 37, 38 of the lock arm 27 to restrict deflection of the lock arm 27, the lock arm 27 is more reliably prevented from coming off the lock arm protectors 41, 42. Furthermore, a structure that more reliably prevents the lock arm 27 from coming off the lock arm protectors 41, 42 can be achieved with a simple structure that provides the stepped recesses 37a, 38a on the edge portions 37, 38 of the lock arm 27.

[0097] [Variations] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, the following modifications may be made.

[0098] (1) In the above embodiment, the lock arm protection portion abuts against a recessed portion that is recessed in a stepped shape on the edge of the lock arm, but this is not necessarily the case. The lock arm protection portion may abut against a flat portion on the edge of the lock arm.

[0099] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the first connector has one engaging portion that engages with the engaging rib of the locking arm. However, this is not necessarily the case. The engaging portion of the first connector may be provided in multiple parts. For example, the first connector may have two engaging portions that engage with the engaging ribs of the locking arm. Furthermore, the shapes of the engaging portion and the engaging rib are not limited to those exemplified in the above-described embodiment, and may be modified.

[0100] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the locking portion of the connector position assurance member is provided with one locking claw that engages with the engaging rib of the locking arm. However, this is not necessarily the case. The locking portion of the connector position assurance member may have multiple separate locking claws. For example, the locking portion of the connector position assurance member may have two separate locking claws that engage with the engaging ribs of the locking arm. Furthermore, the shape of the locking portion is not limited to the shape exemplified in the above-described embodiment and may be modified. [Industrial Applicability]

[0101] The present invention can be widely applied as an electrical connection device comprising a first connector, a second connector that is mated and connected to the first connector, and a connector position assurance member that ensures that the second connector is positioned in a mating position relative to the first connector when the second connector is mated to the first connector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 Electrical connection device 11 First connector 12 Second connector 13 Connector position assurance member 21 Aperture 22 Engagement portion 26 Main body 27 Lock Arm 37, 38 Edge 37a, 38a recess 39 Operated part 41, 42 Lock arm protection part

Claims

1. An electrical connecting device comprising: a first connector; a second connector that is mated and connected to the first connector; and a connector position assurance member that is attached to the second connector and that ensures that the second connector is positioned in a mating position with respect to the first connector when the second connector is mated to the first connector, wherein the second connector to which the connector position assurance member is attached and the first connector are mated, the first connector has an opening into which the second connector is inserted and an engaging portion that engages with the second connector, the second connector has a main body portion that is inserted into the opening and mated with the first connector, and a lock arm that is cantilevered from the main body portion and configured to be inserted into the opening together with the main body portion, and that engages with the engaging portion when the main body portion is mated with the first connector; the connector position assurance member has a lock arm protection portion extending in a direction in which the lock arm extends when the connector position assurance member is attached to the second connector, an electrical connection device characterized in that, before the second connector to which the connector position assurance member is attached and the first connector are mated, the lock arm protection portion abuts against the edge of the lock arm when the lock arm bends outwardly from the main body portion in a direction away from the main body portion, thereby regulating the amount of bending of the lock arm when it bends outwardly from the main body portion.

2. 2. The electrical connecting device according to claim 1, In the connector position assurance device, the lock arm protection portions are provided in pairs, the pair of lock arm protection portions are provided on both sides of the lock arm so as to extend in the same direction as the lock arm extends when the connector position assurance member is attached to the second connector.

3. 3. The electrical connecting device according to claim 2, the connector position assurance member has an operated portion that is a portion that is pressed when the connector position assurance member is pressed into the second connector, a pair of lock arm protection portions extending cantilever-like from the operated portion, and extending parallel to the direction in which the lock arm extends on both sides of the lock arm when the connector position assurance member is attached to the second connector.

4. 4. The electrical connecting device according to claim 2 or 3, An electrical connecting device, wherein each of the pair of lock arm protection portions abuts against a recess provided in a stepped shape on each edge of the lock arm.

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