Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To improve the efficiency of work in assembling a connector.SOLUTION: Provided is a connector that fits to a mating connector in the longitudinal direction, and comprises a terminal, a housing, and a retainer. The housing has a lance which is elastically deformable and engages with the terminal, and the retainer has a restriction part 62 that enters an elastically deformable elastic deformation space 43 and restricts the elastic deformation of the lance. The retainer is capable of moving between a retract position where the restriction part 62 is retracted from the elastic deformation space 43 and an engagement position which is located rearward of the retract position and at which the restriction unit 62 enters the elastic deformation space 43 while the lance is engaged with the terminal. At the retract position, the front edge face of the retainer is located forward of the front edge face of the housing, and the retainer, due to fitting of the housing with the mating connector, further moves between the engagement position and a completion position located rearward of the engagement position and indicating that fitting of the housing with the mating connector is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A connector capable of detecting whether mating with a mating connector has been properly completed is known (see JP 2020-72013 A). This connector has a mating assurance component. The mating assurance component is assembled to the connector so that it can move between a temporary locking position and a full locking position. When the mating connector and the connector are not mated, the mating assurance component is held in the temporary locking position, and when the mating connector and the connector are mated, the mating assurance component can be moved to the full locking position. As a result, by being able to move the mating assurance component from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, it is possible to confirm that the mating of the mating connector and the connector has been completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-72013 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the above configuration, after the connector and the mating connector are mated, the mating assurance component must be moved from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, which may reduce the efficiency of the connector assembly work.

[0005] The present disclosure was completed in light of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for improving the efficiency of connector assembly work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a connector that mates with a mating connector, comprising a terminal, a housing that accommodates the terminal, and a retainer that is movably assembled to the housing, wherein the housing has a lance that is elastically deformable and engages with the terminal, and the retainer has a regulating portion that enters an elastic deformation space in which the lance elastically deforms and regulates the elastic deformation of the lance, and the retainer is movable between a retracted position in which the regulating portion retracts from the elastic deformation space and a locking position in which the regulating portion enters the elastic deformation space with the lance engaged with the terminal, and further, the retainer moves between the locking position and a completed position that indicates that the mating of the housing and the mating connector is complete as the mating connector and the housing are mated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the efficiency of connector assembly work can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a female connector and a male connector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the male connector. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the female connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the female connector with the female retainer attached to the retracted position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the female connector with the female retainer attached to the retracted position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the female connector with the female retainer attached in the retracted position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the female connector with the female retainer attached in the locked position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the female connector with the female retainer attached in the locked position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the female connector with the female retainer attached in the locked position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the connector assembly in a state where the male connector and the female connector have been completely mated. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the connector assembly in a state where the male connector and the female connector have been completely mated. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view showing the connector assembly in a state where the male connector and the female connector have been completely mated. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the male connector and the female connector in the middle of mating. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a side view showing the male connector and the female connector in the middle of mating. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing an identifier according to another embodiment (5) taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing an identifier according to another embodiment (5) taken along the line XX-XX in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] (1) The present disclosure relates to a connector that mates with a mating connector, comprising: a terminal; a housing that accommodates the terminal; and a retainer that is movably assembled to the housing, wherein the housing has a lance that is elastically deformable and engages with the terminal; the retainer has a regulating portion that enters an elastic deformation space in which the lance elastically deforms and regulates the elastic deformation of the lance; the retainer is movable between a retracted position in which the regulating portion retracts from the elastic deformation space and a locking position in which the regulating portion enters the elastic deformation space with the lance engaged with the terminal; and the retainer moves between the locking position and a completed position that indicates that the mating of the housing and the mating connector is complete as the mating connector and the housing are mated.

[0011] By confirming that the retainer has moved from the locking position to the completion position, it is possible to confirm that the mating of the connector and the mating connector is complete. This eliminates the need to separately move the mating assurance member after the mating operation of the connector and the mating connector, thereby improving the efficiency of the connector assembly work.

[0012] (2) It is preferable that the housing has a detection window that opens at a position corresponding to the retainer in the completed position, and through which at least a portion of the retainer is exposed.

[0013] By confirming that at least a portion of the retainer is exposed through the detection window, it is possible to confirm that the mating of the connector with the mating connector is complete.

[0014] (3) It is preferable that the retainer has an identifier that can be detected by a predetermined machine on a portion that is exposed through the detection window in the completed position.

[0015] By mechanically detecting that the identifier is exposed through the detection window, it is possible to confirm that the mating of the connector with the mating connector is complete.

[0016] (4) It is preferable that the identifier is provided on a mounting surface provided on the retainer, and that the mounting surface is inclined with respect to a wall portion of the housing on which the detection window is formed.

[0017] By tilting the placement surface relative to the wall of the housing, when the machine detects the identifier through the detection window, the focal distance between the machine and the identifier can be made to vary partially within the placement surface.

[0018] (5) It is preferable that the housing has a viewing window that exposes the identifier at a position corresponding to the identifier when the retainer is moved to the locking position, and that the housing has an inhibiting portion that prevents the specified machine from detecting the identifier through the viewing window.

[0019] The inhibiting portion prevents the identifier from being detected by a machine through the viewing window, so when the retainer is in the locked position, the identifier is not detected by the machine, which prevents the identifier from being mistakenly detected by the machine when the mating connector and the connector are not properly mated.

[0020] On the other hand, since the identifier can be seen through the viewing window, the position of the identifier can be known in advance, and therefore the identifier can be reliably found at the completed position.

[0021] (6) The inhibiting portion is preferably a rib that protrudes outward from the edge of the detection window.

[0022] The obstructing portion can be formed by a simple structure such as a rib.

[0023] (7) The present disclosure is a connector assembly including the connector according to any one of (1) to (6) above and a mating connector that mates with the connector.

[0024] (8) It is preferable that the mating connector has an abutment portion that, when mated with the connector, abuts against the retainer from the mating direction with the connector, thereby moving the retainer from the locking position to the completion position.

[0025] By mating the connector with the mating connector, the retainer can be moved from the locking position to the completion position, which eliminates the need to separately move the mating assurance member after mating the connector with the mating connector, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0026] (9) It is preferable that the mating connector has a locking portion that protrudes toward the connector and locks with the retainer, and that when the mating connector and the connector are separated, the locking portion locks with the retainer, causing the retainer to move from the completion position to the locking position, and that when the retainer moves to the locking position, the locking between the locking portion and the retainer is released.

[0027] By performing the operation of separating the mating connector from the connector, the retainer can be moved from the completion position to the locking position, which eliminates the need to perform the operation of moving the retainer from the completion position to the locking position after separating the mating connector from the connector.

[0028] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0029] <Embodiment 1> A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 25. As shown in Figure 1, a connector assembly 10 according to this embodiment has a female connector 11 (an example of a connector) and a male connector 12 (an example of a mating connector).

[0030] In the following description, the up-down direction is based on the up-down direction in Figure 1. The front-rear direction is based on the mating direction of male connector 12 and female connector 11 in Figure 1, with the direction in which they fit together being the front. The left-right direction is based on the left and right directions for male connector 12 and female connector 11, respectively, as viewed from the front in the mating direction of male connector 12 and female connector 11. In addition, for multiple identical components, reference numerals may be assigned to only some of the components, and the reference numerals may be omitted for other components.

[0031] [Male Connector 12] As shown in FIG. 1, the male connector 12 includes male terminals 13, a male housing 14 that accommodates the male terminals 13, and a male retainer 15 that is attached to the male housing 14.

[0032] Male terminal 13 is formed by pressing a metal plate into a predetermined shape. Male terminal 13 has a plate-shaped tab 16 that protrudes forward, and an electric wire connection portion 17 that continues to the rear of tab 16 and to which an electric wire 18 is connected. Electric wire connection portion 17 is crimped onto the outer periphery of electric wire 18, thereby electrically connecting electric wire 18 to electric wire connection portion 17.

[0033] The male housing 14 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape and is made of insulating synthetic resin. The male housing 14 has a hood portion 19 that opens forward. Within the hood portion 19, the tabs 16 of the male terminals 13 are arranged so as to protrude forward. The male housing 14 has multiple (five in this embodiment) male cavities 20 that accommodate the male terminals 13, spaced apart in the left-right direction. Within each male cavity 20, a male lance 21 that protrudes forward and is elastically deformable is formed. The front end of the male lance 21 engages with the male terminal 13 from behind, thereby holding the male terminal 13 in the male cavity 20 in a non-detachable state. A lock receiving portion 24, into which a lock portion 23 of a lock arm 22 (described later) fits, is provided penetrating the lower wall of the hood portion 19. A pressing protrusion 26 that protrudes downward is provided on the upper wall of the hood portion 19 to press a female retainer 25 (described later) from above.

[0034] The male retainer 15 is attached from the front to the rear wall provided behind the hood portion 19. The male retainer 15 is a flat plate overall in the vertical direction and is made of insulating synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 2, locking portions 27 that elastically lock onto the male housing 14 are provided on both left and right ends of the male retainer 15. The male retainer 15 is fixed to the male housing 14 by locking the locking portions 27 onto the male housing 14.

[0035] 1, a recess 28 recessed rearward is formed in the front end of the right wall of hood portion 19. This recess 28 prevents interference between ribs 29 (described later) and hood portion 19 when male connector 12 and female connector 11 are mated. The vertical span of recess 28 is formed to be larger than the distance between the top surface of upper rib 29 and the bottom surface of lower rib 29.

[0036] The male retainer 15 has a restricting portion 31 that enters from the front into the elastic deformation space 30 where the male lance 21 of the male housing 14 elastically deforms, preventing the male lance 21 from elastically deforming. The restricting portion 31 is formed at a position corresponding to the male lance 21 of the male housing 14, protruding rearward from the rear end portion of the male retainer 15.

[0037] At the front and upper end of the male retainer 15, an abutment portion 32 is formed that protrudes forward and abuts against the female retainer 25, which will be described later. The abutment portion 32 is shaped like a flat plate in the vertical direction. At the front end of the abutment portion 32, arm portions 33 are formed that protrude forward from both left and right ends. The arm portions 33 are formed to be elongated and extend in the front-to-rear direction. At the front end of the arm portions 33, a locking portion 34 is formed that protrudes downward. The locking portion 34 is configured to lock with a lock receiving portion 35 of the female retainer 25, which will be described later. The rear end surface of the locking portion 34 is formed in a steep shape that rises from the underside of the arm portions 33. Meanwhile, the front end surface of the locking portion 34 is formed to be gently inclined in the front-to-rear direction.

[0038] [Female connector 11] As shown in Figure 4, the female connector 11 comprises a female housing 36 (an example of a housing), female terminals 37 (an example of terminals) accommodated in the female housing 36, and a female retainer 25 (an example of a retainer) attached to the female housing 36 from the front.

[0039] The female terminal 37 is formed by pressing a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The female terminal 37 has a connecting tubular portion 38 into which the tab 16 of the male terminal 13 is inserted, and an electric wire connection portion 39 that continues to the rear of the connecting tubular portion 38 and to which the electric wire 18 is connected. When the tab 16 is inserted into the connecting tubular portion 38, an elastic contact piece (not shown) disposed within the connecting tubular portion 38 and the tab 16 come into elastic contact. This electrically connects the male terminal 13 and the female terminal 37. Furthermore, the electric wire 18 and the electric wire connection portion 39 are electrically connected by crimping the electric wire connection portion 39 onto the outer periphery of the electric wire 18.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the female housing 36 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape. The female housing 36 is made of insulating synthetic resin. As shown in Figure 4, a lock arm 22 is formed on the underside of the female housing 36, extending rearward from the front end. The lock arm 22 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. A lock portion 23 that protrudes downward is formed near the center of the lock arm 22 in the front-to-rear direction (see Figure 18).

[0041] 3, the female housing 36 has a plurality of (five in this embodiment) female cavities 40 that open to the front and rear. The female cavities 40 are adapted to accommodate the female terminals 37 from the rear. The female cavities 40 are formed near the center of the female housing 36 in the vertical direction, and are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0042] A retainer accommodating portion 41 for accommodating the female retainer 25 is formed at the front end of the female housing 36 above the female cavity 40 and opens forward. The edge of the hole of the retainer accommodating portion 41 is elongated in the left-right direction and is formed in a flat shape in the up-down direction. The retainer accommodating portion 41 and the female cavity 40 are in communication with each other in the up-down direction.

[0043] 4, a female lance 42 (an example of a lance) extending diagonally downward and forward in a cantilevered manner is formed on the upper wall of the retainer accommodating portion 41 at a position corresponding to each female cavity 40. The female lance 42 is elastically deformable toward an elastic deformation space 43 provided above the female lance 42. When the female terminal 37 is inserted to the appropriate insertion position in the female cavity 40, the female lance 42 and the female terminal 37 are engaged in the front-to-rear direction, thereby holding the female terminal 37 in the female housing 36 and preventing it from slipping out rearward. The elastic deformation space 43 of the female lance 42 is defined within the retainer accommodating portion 41.

[0044] The female retainer 25 is attached from the front to the retainer accommodating portion 41 of the female housing 36. As shown in Fig. 3, the female retainer 25 has a generally flat plate shape in the vertical direction. The female retainer 25 is made of insulating synthetic resin.

[0045] The portion of the upper wall 63 of the female retainer 25 near the rear end serves as a restricting portion 62 that prevents the female lance 42 from elastically deforming when the female terminal 37 enters the elastic deformation space 30 of the female lance 42 while it is engaged with the female lance 42.

[0046] On the upper surface of the upper wall 63 of the female retainer 25, downwardly recessed locking recesses 44 are formed at positions near both the left and right ends. The locking recesses 44 are formed to be elongated and extend in the front-to-rear direction. The two locking recesses 44 are formed to have the same shape and size. Note that "same shape and size" includes cases where the two locking recesses are the same shape and size, and also includes cases where the two locking recesses are not the same shape and size but can be substantially recognized as being the same shape and size.

[0047] Locking recess 44 is recessed in two stages in the front-to-rear direction, with the rear side being deeper. In other words, the depth of locking recess 44 from the top surface of female retainer 25 is greater at the rear portion than at the front portion. This creates a step between the front and rear portions of locking recess 44, and this step serves as lock receiving portion 35 that engages with locking portion 34 of male retainer 15.

[0048] [Locking structure] As shown in Figure 3, first locking portions 45 that protrude upward are formed on the top surface of female retainer 25 at positions rearward of locking recesses 44. The front end surface of first locking portion 45 rises steeply upward from the top surface of female retainer 25. The rear end surface of first locking portion 45 is formed to be gently inclined in the front-to-rear direction. The two first locking portions 45 are formed to have the same shape and size.

[0049] On the top surface of the female retainer 25, second locking portions 46 are formed at positions inward of the locking recesses 44 in the left-right direction, protruding upward. In other words, second locking portions 46 are formed to the right of the locking recesses 44 formed on the left side and to the left of the locking recesses 44 formed on the right side. The front end surfaces of the second locking portions 46 are formed to rise upward from the top surface of the female retainer 25. The inclination angle of the front end surface of the second locking portion 46 from the top surface of the female retainer 25 is gentler than the inclination angle of the front end surface of the first locking portion 45. The rear end surfaces of the second locking portions 46 are formed to be gently inclined in the front-to-rear direction. The two second locking portions 46 are formed to be the same shape and size.

[0050] The rear end of female retainer 25 is formed with two arm portions 47 that protrude rearward from near the center in the left-right direction. The two arm portions 47 are formed with the same shape and size. A third locking portion 48 that protrudes upward is formed at the rear end of arm portion 47. The front end surface of third locking portion 48 is formed to be gently inclined in the front-to-rear direction. The rear end surface of third locking portion 48 is formed perpendicular to the upper surface of female retainer 25. Note that perpendicular includes cases where the upper surface is perpendicular, and also includes cases where the upper surface is not perpendicular but can be deemed to be substantially perpendicular.

[0051] 5 and 6, the top wall 64 of the female housing 36 is formed with a first locking receiving portion 49 that extends in the front-to-rear direction and penetrates the top wall 64 in the up-down direction at a position corresponding to the first locking portion 45 when the female retainer 25 is housed in the retainer housing portion 41. The first locking receiving portion 49 is formed near both left and right ends of the top wall 64 of the female housing 36. The first locking receiving portion 49 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The two first locking receiving portions 49 are formed to have the same shape and size.

[0052] A second locking receiving portion 50 extending in the front-rear direction and penetrating the top wall 64 in the up-down direction is formed on the top wall 64 of the female housing 36 at a position corresponding to the second locking portion 46 when the female retainer 25 is housed in the retainer housing portion 41. The second locking receiving portion 50 is formed on the top wall 64 of the female housing 36, inside the first locking receiving portion 49 in the left-right direction. In other words, the second locking receiving portion 50 is formed to the right of the first locking receiving portion 49 formed on the left side of the top wall 64 of the female housing 36, and the second locking receiving portion 50 is formed to the left of the first locking receiving portion 49 formed on the right side. The second locking receiving portion 50 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The two second locking receiving portions 50 are formed to be the same shape and size.

[0053] A slit 51 having an angular C-shape when viewed from above is formed near the center in the left-right direction in the upper wall 64 of the female housing 36. The slit 51 has two portions spaced apart in the left-right direction and extending in the front-rear direction, and a portion connecting the rear ends of the two portions. An elastic deformation portion 52 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the area surrounded by the slit 51. The elastic deformation portion 52 is formed above the arm portion 47 of the female retainer 25 when the female retainer 25 is housed in the retainer housing portion 41. A protrusion 53 protruding upward is formed at the rear end of the elastic deformation portion 52. The front and rear end surfaces of the protrusion 53 are gently inclined in the front-rear direction.

[0054] The portion of the slit 51 that extends in the left-right direction and is located rearward of the elastic deformation portion 52 is a front third locking receiving portion 54 that can be locked with the third locking portion 48 of the female retainer 25. In addition, two rear third locking receiving portions 55 are formed on the top wall 64 of the female housing 36 at positions rearward of the front third locking receiving portions 54, and are spaced apart in the left-right direction and penetrate the top wall 64 in the up-down direction. The rear third locking receiving portions 55 have a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The rear third locking receiving portions 55 are capable of being locked with the third locking portion 48 of the female retainer 25.

[0055] [Assembly structure of female housing 36 and female retainer 25] The female retainer 25 is attached to the female housing 36 so as to be movable between a retracted position (see Figure 3), an engagement position rearward of the retracted position (see Figure 13), and a completion position rearward of the engagement position (see Figure 17).

[0056] 4 to 7 show the female retainer 25 assembled in the retracted position relative to the female housing 36. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the female retainer 25 is assembled in the retracted position relative to the female housing 36, the front end surface of the first locking portion 45 abuts against the front wall of the first locking receiving portion 49 from behind. This prevents the female retainer 25 from slipping out forward relative to the female housing 36. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the rear end surface of the second locking portion 46 abuts against the front surface of the female housing 36 from the front. This prevents the female retainer 25 from moving rearward relative to the female housing 36. As shown in FIG. 12, an escape recess 56 is formed below the elastically deforming portion 52 of the female housing 36, recessed upward, to prevent interference between the third locking portion 48 and the elastically deforming portion 52. This prevents interference between the third locking portion 48 and the elastic deformation portion 52 when the female retainer 25 is assembled in the retracted position relative to the female housing 36. As shown in Figure 4, the restricting portion 62 is retracted to the front of the elastic deformation space 43. This allows the female lance 42 to elastically deform within the elastic deformation space 43.

[0057] 8 to 13 show the state in which the female retainer 25 is assembled to the female housing 36 in the locked position. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the second locking portion 46 abuts against the front wall of the second locking receiving portion 50 from the rear. This prevents the female retainer 25 from slipping out forward relative to the female housing 36. As shown in FIG. 12, the third locking portion 48 abuts against the rear wall of the front third locking receiving portion 54 from the front. This prevents the female retainer 25 from moving backward relative to the female housing 36. As shown in FIG. 13, the restricting portion 62 is inserted into the elastic deformation space 43. This prevents the female lance 42 from elastically deforming.

[0058] 14 to 18 show the state in which the female retainer 25 is assembled to the female housing 36 in the completed position. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the abutment portion 32 of the male retainer 15 abuts the front end surface of the female retainer 25 from the front. This restricts the female retainer 25 from moving forward. As shown in FIG. 18, the third locking portion 48 abuts the rear wall of the rear third lock receiving portion 55 from the front. This holds the female retainer 25 in a state in which its rearward movement relative to the female housing 36 is restricted.

[0059] [identifier] As shown in FIG. 3, the left side wall 65 of the female retainer 25 is formed to slope obliquely upward from left to right. The left side wall 65 of the female retainer 25 extends rearward from the rear end of the female retainer 25. An identifier 57 is formed at the rear end of the left side wall 65 of the female retainer 25. The left surface of the left side wall 65 of the female retainer 25 serves as a placement surface 58 on which the identifier 57 is provided. Any one of a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, and a three-dimensional code may be used as the identifier 57, but a two-dimensional code is used in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the identifier 57 in the first embodiment is printed on the placement surface 58 by laser processing, but a plate-shaped code formed separately from the placement surface 58 may also be attached to the placement surface 58.

[0060] Information such as "mating complete" and "lot number" is recorded as a two-dimensional code on the identifier 57. This identifier 57 can be read using a predetermined machine 59 such as a reader or camera, and the read information can be recorded in a recording device. For example, after mating the female connector 11 and the male connector 12, the machine 59 can detect the identifier 57 and read the information, thereby recording in the recording device that the mating of the female connector 11 and the male connector 12 is complete. The machine 59 according to this embodiment has an automatic focus adjustment function that automatically focuses on the identifier 57 when reading the identifier 57. The machine 59 may be handheld or attached.

[0061] [Viewing window] As shown in Figure 10, when the female retainer 25 is assembled in the locked position relative to the female housing 36, a viewing window 60 is formed in the left wall 66 of the female housing 36 at a position corresponding to the identifier 57 of the female retainer 25, penetrating in the left-right direction. The viewing window 60 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the left. When viewed from the left, all or part of the identifier 57 is exposed through the viewing window 60. This makes it possible to view all or part of the identifier 57 through the viewing window 60 with the naked eye.

[0062] 19, the angle α formed between the outer surface of the left wall 66 of the female housing 36 and the placement surface 58 of the female retainer 25 can be set arbitrarily, and is preferably in the range of 0° to 45°. In this embodiment, the angle α is set to 30°.

[0063] A rib 29 (an example of an obstruction portion) is formed on the left side wall 66 of the female housing 36, protruding leftward from the upper and lower edges of the viewing window 60. The length of the rib 29 in the front-to-rear direction is set to be the same as the length of the upper and lower edges of the viewing window 60 in the front-to-rear direction. The front edge of the rib 29 rises steeply from the left side surface of the left side wall 66 of the female housing 36. The rear edge of the rib 29 is formed to slope gently rightward as it faces rearward.

[0064] [Detection window] As shown in Figure 20, a detection window 61 is formed in the left side wall 66 of the female housing 36, at a position rearward of the viewing window 60, opening to the left. The detection window 61 is rectangular when viewed from the left. The detection window 61 is formed in a position corresponding to the identifier 57 of the female retainer 25 when the female retainer 25 is in the fully assembled position relative to the female housing 36. When viewed from the left, the entire identifier 57 is exposed from the detection window 61. This allows the identifier 57 to be read by a machine 59 through the detection window 61.

[0065] The viewing window 60 and the detection window 61 may be in communication with each other in the front-rear direction, or may be arranged side by side with a gap therebetween in the front-rear direction. In the first embodiment, the viewing window 60 and the detection window 61 are in communication with each other in the front-rear direction.

[0066] [Connector assembly process] Next, a description will be given of the assembly process of the connector assembly 10. Note that the assembly process of the connector assembly 10 is not limited to the following description.

[0067] The male terminal 13 is inserted from the rear into the male cavity 20 of the male housing 14. When the male terminal 13 comes into contact with the male lance 21, the male lance 21 elastically deforms into the elastic deformation space 30. When the male terminal 13 is further pressed forward, the male lance 21 returns to its original shape, causing the front end of the male lance 21 to come into contact with the male terminal 13 from behind. This allows the male terminal 13 to be accommodated in the male housing 14 in a state where it is prevented from slipping out rearward.

[0068] The male retainer 15 is inserted into the male cavity 20 from the front. The restricting portion 31 of the male retainer 15 enters the elastic deformation space 30 of the male lance 21, thereby restricting the elastic deformation of the male lance 21. The locking portion 27 of the male retainer 15 elastically engages with the male housing 14, so that the male retainer 15 is assembled to the male housing 14 in a state where it is prevented from slipping out in the forward direction (see FIG. 1).

[0069] The female retainer 25 is inserted from the front into the retainer accommodating portion 41 of the female housing 36. The first locking portion 45 of the female retainer 25 abuts against the upper wall 64 of the female housing 36, causing the upper wall 64 of the female housing 36 to deform and climb onto the first locking portion 45. When the female retainer 25 is further pressed rearward, the upper wall 64 of the female housing 36 returns to its original shape, causing the first locking portion 45 to enter the first lock-receiving portion 49 of the female housing 36. The front end of the first locking portion 45 abuts against the front wall of the first lock-receiving portion 49 from behind, thereby holding the female retainer 25 in the female housing 36 in a front-stopped state. Furthermore, the rear end of the second locking portion 46 abuts against the front edge of the upper wall 64 of the female housing 36 from the front, restricting rearward movement of the female retainer 25. In this manner, the female retainer 25 is assembled to the retracted position relative to the female housing 36.

[0070] When the female retainer 25 is assembled in the retracted position relative to the female housing 36, the restricting portion 62 of the female retainer 25 is located in front of the elastic deformation space 43 of the female housing 36. This allows the female lance 42 of the female housing 36 to be elastically deformable.

[0071] The female terminal 37 is inserted from the rear into the female cavity 40 of the female housing 36. When the female terminal 37 comes into contact with the female lance 42, the female lance 42 elastically deforms into the elastic deformation space 30. When the female terminal 37 is further pressed forward, the female lance 42 returns to its original shape, causing the front end of the female lance 42 to come into contact with the female terminal 37 from the rear. As a result, the female terminal 37 is accommodated in the female housing 36 in a state where it is prevented from slipping out rearward (see FIG. 4).

[0072] As the female retainer 25 is pressed rearward, the rear end of the second locking portion 46 abuts against the front edge of the top wall 64 of the female housing 36 from the front. This causes the top wall 64 of the female housing 36 to deform and climb onto the second locking portion 46.

[0073] When the female retainer 25 is further pressed rearward, the upper wall 64 of the female housing 36 returns to its original shape, and the second locking portion 46 enters the second locking receiving portion 50 of the female housing 36. The front end of the second locking portion 46 abuts against the front wall of the second locking receiving portion 50 from behind, thereby holding the female retainer 25 in the female housing 36 in a front-stopped state. Furthermore, the rear end of the third locking portion 48 abuts against the rear wall of the front third locking receiving portion 54 from the front, thereby holding the female retainer 25 in the female housing 36 in a state where it is restricted from moving rearward. In this way, the female retainer 25 is assembled to the female housing 36 in the locked position.

[0074] When the female retainer 25 is assembled in the locked position relative to the female housing 36, the restricting portion 62 of the female retainer 25 enters the elastic deformation space 43 of the female housing 36. This prevents the female lance 42 of the female housing 36 from elastically deforming. As a result, the female terminal 37 is doubly locked by the female lance 42 and the female retainer 25 (see Figure 13).

[0075] Next, male connector 12 and female connector 11 are arranged to face each other and are mated so that they approach each other (see FIG. 1).

[0076] 21 to 24, the front end of female connector 11 is fitted into hood portion 19 of male connector 12. Then, as shown in Fig. 23, the front edge of the lower wall of hood portion 19 abuts against lock portion 23 of lock arm 22 of female housing 36 from the front. This causes lock arm 22 to elastically deform upward. When male connector 12 is further pressed forward, lock arm 22 returns to its original deformation, and lock portion 23 enters lock receiving portion 24 of hood portion 19 of male connector 12. This holds male connector 12 and female connector 11 in a non-disconnected state (see Fig. 18).

[0077] 23, when female connector 11 is fitted into hood portion 19 of male connector 12, pressing protrusion 26 of hood portion 19 abuts protrusion 53 of elastic deformation portion 52 of female housing 36 from the front. This causes elastic deformation portion 52 to elastically deform downward. When elastic deformation portion 52 elastically deforms downward, arm portion 47 of female retainer 25 located below elastic deformation portion 52 also elastically deforms downward. This causes third locking portion 48 of arm portion 47 to move downward, and the third locking portion 48 is disengaged from the rear wall of front third lock receiving portion 54.

[0078] When male connector 12 is further pressed forward, the front end of abutting portion 32 of male retainer 15 abuts against the front end of female retainer 25. This causes female retainer 25 to move rearward.

[0079] When the male connector 12 is further pressed forward, the elastic deformation portion 52 of the female housing 36 returns to its original shape, and the protrusion 53 of the elastic deformation portion 52 is positioned in front of the pressing protrusion 26 of the hood portion 19. Then, the arm portion 47 of the female retainer 25, which is positioned below the elastic deformation portion 52, also returns to its original shape, and the third locking portion 48 of the arm portion 47 enters the rear third locking receiving portion 55. As a result, the rear end portion of the third locking portion 48 abuts against the rear wall of the rear third locking receiving portion 55 from the front, restricting the female retainer 25 from moving rearward. In this way, the female retainer 25 is assembled to the female housing 36 in the completed position (see FIG. 18).

[0080] On the other hand, when female connector 11 is fitted into hood portion 19 of male connector 12, the front ends of arm portions 33 of male retainer 15 come into contact with the front edge of female retainer 25. This causes arm portions 33 to elastically deform so as to climb onto upper wall 63 of female retainer 25. When male connector 12 is further pressed forward, arm portions 33 return to their original deformation, and locking portions 34 of arm portions 33 enter locking recesses 44 of female retainer 25 (see Figure 24).

[0081] [Connector assembly removal process] Next, a description will be given of the process of separating male connector 12 from female connector 11. Lock arm 22 is elastically deformed upward, thereby releasing the engagement between lock portion 23 of female connector 11 and lock receiving portion 24 of male connector 12. Thereafter, a pulling force is applied to male connector 12 and female connector 11 so that male connector 12 and female connector 11 separate from each other (see Figure 23).

[0082] As a result, the locking portions 34 of the arms 33 of the male retainer 15 come into contact from behind with the locking portions 34 of the locking recesses 44 of the female retainer 25. This applies a forward force to the female retainer 25 (see FIG. 24).

[0083] When female retainer 25 is pulled forward by male retainer 15 via locking portion 34, arm portion 47 of female retainer 25 elastically deforms so as to slip under upper wall 64 of female housing 36. This disengages third locking portion 48 of female retainer 25 from rear third lock receiving portion 55 of female housing 36 (see FIG. 23).

[0084] When the female retainer 25 is further pulled forward, as shown in Figure 25, the front end of the second locking portion 46 of the female retainer 25 abuts against the front wall of the second locking receiving portion 50 from behind. Then, because the holding force between the second locking portion 46 of the female retainer 25 and the second locking receiving portion 50 of the female housing 36 is set to be greater than the holding force between the locking portion 34 of the male retainer 15 and the locking receiving portion 35 of the female retainer 25, the locking portion 34 of the male retainer 15 and the locking receiving portion 35 of the female retainer 25 are disengaged. Furthermore, the arm portion 47 of the female retainer 25 is restored to its original shape, causing the third locking portion 48 to enter the front third locking receiving portion 54. As a result, the female retainer 25 moves to the locking position relative to the female housing 36 and is held in the locking position.

[0085] Furthermore, a pulling force is applied to male connector 12 and female connector 11 so that male connector 12 and female connector 11 move away from each other, thereby releasing the mating between male connector 12 and female connector 11 (see FIG. 1).

[0086] [Identifier Visibility] 10 , when the female retainer 25 is assembled to the female housing 36 in the locking position, the identifier 57 is exposed to the outside through the viewing window 60, allowing the worker to view the identifier 57 through the viewing window 60. This allows the worker to roughly recognize the position of the identifier 57 in the female housing 36.

[0087] On the other hand, the identifier 57 cannot be detected by the machine 59 through the viewing window 60. This is because, as shown in Figure 19, ribs 29 are formed on the upper and lower edges of the viewing window 60, and so even if an attempt is made to detect the identifier 57 with the machine 59 from the direction indicated by arrow A, the focus is on the tip of the rib 29, which is close to the machine 59. In other words, even if an attempt is made to detect the identifier 57 with the machine 59 from the direction indicated by arrow A, the focus is not on the identifier 57.

[0088] [Detect Identifier] 16, when the female retainer 25 is fully assembled to the female housing 36, the identifier 57 is exposed to the outside through the detection window 61. As shown in FIG. 20, unlike the viewing window 60, the detection window 61 does not have a rib 29, so that the machine 59 can detect the identifier 57 with its automatic focus adjustment mechanism bringing the identifier 57 into focus.

[0089] The identifier 57 can be detected from the direction indicated by the arrow B. As shown in Figure 20, the arrangement surface 58 is inclined with respect to the outer surface of the left side wall 66 of the female housing 36. The angle β formed between the outer surface of the left side wall 66 of the female housing 36 and the arrangement surface 58 can be set arbitrarily, and is preferably in the range of 0° to 45°. In this embodiment, the angle β is set to 30°.

[0090] Because the placement surface 58 is inclined relative to the left wall 66 of the female housing 36, the distance between the bottom end of the identifier 57 and the machine 59 is smaller than the distance between the top end of the identifier 57 and the machine 59. The distance in the left-right direction between the bottom end of the identifier 57 and the top end of the identifier 57 is set to fall within the depth of field of the machine 59. This allows the entire identifier 57 to be in focus when the machine 59 detects the identifier 57.

[0091] [Effects of this embodiment] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. According to this embodiment, the female retainer 25 is movable between a retracted position where the restricting portion 62 is retracted from the elastic deformation space 43 and a locking position where the restricting portion 62 enters the elastic deformation space 43 while the female lance 42 is locked with the female terminal 37. Furthermore, the female retainer 25 moves between the locking position and a completion position indicating that the mating of the female housing 36 and the male connector 12 is complete as the male connector 12 is mated with the female housing 36. By confirming that the female retainer 25 has moved from the locking position to the completion position, it is possible to confirm that the mating of the male connector 12 and the female connector 11 is complete. This eliminates the need to separately move the mating assurance member after mating the male connector 12 and the female connector 11, thereby improving the efficiency of the assembly work of the female connector 11.

[0092] By confirming that at least a portion of female retainer 25 is exposed through detection window 61, it can be confirmed that mating between male connector 12 and female connector 11 is complete.

[0093] By detecting that the identifier 57 is exposed through the detection window 61 by the machine 59, it is possible to confirm that the mating of the male connector 12 and the female connector 11 is complete.

[0094] Because the placement surface 58 is inclined relative to the wall of the female housing 36, when the machine 59 detects the identifier 57 through the detection window 61, the focal length between the machine 59 and the identifier 57 can be made to vary partially within the placement surface 58.

[0095] Rib 29 prevents machine 59 from detecting identifier 57 through viewing window 60, and therefore when female retainer 25 is moved to the locking position, machine 59 cannot detect identifier 57. This prevents machine 59 from mistakenly detecting identifier 57 when male connector 12 and female connector 11 are not properly mated.

[0096] On the other hand, since the identifier 57 can be seen through the viewing window 60, it is possible to know in advance the position of the identifier 57. Therefore, it is possible to reliably find the identifier 57 at the completed position.

[0097] The simple structure of the rib 29 makes it possible to prevent the identifier 57 from being detected by a machine 59 through the viewing window 60.

[0098] By mating male connector 12 and female connector 11, female retainer 25 can be moved from the locking position to the completion position. This eliminates the need to separately move the mating assurance member after mating male connector 12 and female connector 11, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0099] Female retainer 25 can be moved from the complete position to the locking position by performing the operation of separating male connector 12 and female connector 11. This eliminates the need to perform the operation of moving female retainer 25 from the complete position to the locking position after separating male connector 12 and female connector 11.

[0100] <Other embodiments> (1) In the above embodiment, the identifier 57 is provided on the female retainer 25 attached to the female connector 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. The identifier 57 may be provided on the male retainer 15 attached to the male connector 12. Furthermore, the identifier 57 may be provided on both the female retainer 25 and the male retainer 15.

[0101] (2) The male connector 12 is configured to have a male retainer 15 having an abutment portion 32, but this is not limited to this. The abutment portion 32 may be provided on the male housing 14, and the male retainer 15 may be omitted.

[0102] (3) The detection window 61 may be omitted.

[0103] (4) The identifier 57 may be omitted.

[0104] (5) As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the arrangement surface 58 on which the identifier 57 is provided may be provided parallel to the left side surface of the left wall 66 of the female housing 36.

[0105] (6) The viewing window 60 may be omitted.

[0106] (7) The obstruction portion is not limited to the rib 29, and may be a columnar shape such as a circular cylinder, a triangular prism, a square prism, etc. It may also be a cone, a triangular pyramid, a square pyramid, etc., and any other shape may be adopted.

[0107] (8) The locking portion 34 of the male retainer 15 attached to the male connector 12 may be omitted. Also, the locking portion 34 may be provided on the male housing 14.

[0108] (9) The automatic focus adjustment mechanism of the machine 59 may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10: Connector assembly 11: Female connector 12: Male connector 13: Male terminal 14: Male housing 15: Male retainer 16: Tab 17: Wire connection 18: Electric wire 19: Food Section 20: Male cavity 21: Male Lance 22: Lock Arm 23: Rock Club 24: Lock receiving part 25: Female retainer 26: Pressing protrusion 27: Rock Club 28: Recess 29: Ribs 30: Elastic deformation space 31: Restriction part of male retainer 32: Contact part 33: Male retainer arm 34: Locking part 35: Locking part 36: Female housing 37: Female terminal 38: Connecting tube 39: Wire connection 40: Female cavity 41: Retainer housing 42: Female Lance 43: Elastic deformation space 44: Locking recess 45: First locking part 46: Second locking part 47: Female retainer arm 48: Third locking part 49: First locking part 50: Second locking part 51: Slit 52: Elastic deformation part 53: Protrusion 54: Front third locking part 55: Rear third locking part 56: Relief recess 57: Identifier 58: Placement plane 59: Machinery 60: Viewing window 61: Detection window 62: Restriction part of female retainer 63: Upper wall of female retainer 64: Top wall of female housing 65: Left wall of female retainer 66: Left side wall of female housing

Claims

1. A connector that mates with a mating connector in the front-rear direction, The connector includes a terminal, a housing that accommodates the terminal, and a retainer that is movably assembled to the housing, the housing has a lance that is elastically deformable and engages with the terminal; the retainer has a restricting portion that enters an elastic deformation space in which the lance elastically deforms and restricts the elastic deformation of the lance, the retainer is movable between a retracted position where the restricting portion is retracted from the elastic deformation space and a locking position which is rearward of the retracted position and where the restricting portion advances into the elastic deformation space with the lance locked with the terminal, At the retracted position, a front end surface of the retainer is located forward of a front end surface of the housing, and at the locking position, the front end surface of the retainer is located flush with the front end surface of the housing, Furthermore, the retainer moves between the locking position and a completion position that is rearward of the locking position and indicates that the mating of the housing and the mating connector is complete as the mating connector and the housing are mated.

2. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a detection window that is opened at a position corresponding to the retainer in the completed position, and through which at least a portion of the retainer is exposed.

3. 3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the retainer has an identifier that can be detected by a predetermined machine on a portion exposed from the detection window in the completed position.

4. A connector that mates with a mating connector in the front-to-rear direction, The connector includes a terminal, a housing that accommodates the terminal, and a retainer that is movably assembled to the housing, the housing has a lance that is elastically deformable and engages with the terminal; the retainer has a restricting portion that enters an elastic deformation space in which the lance elastically deforms and restricts the elastic deformation of the lance, the retainer is movable between a retracted position where the restricting portion is retracted from the elastic deformation space and a locking position which is rearward of the retracted position and where the restricting portion advances into the elastic deformation space with the lance locked with the terminal, In the retracted position, a front end surface of the retainer is located forward of a front end surface of the housing, Furthermore, as the mating connector and the housing are mated, the retainer moves between the locking position and a completion position that is rearward of the locking position and indicates that the mating between the housing and the mating connector is completed, a detection window is formed in the housing at a position corresponding to the retainer in the completed position, and the detection window exposes at least a portion of the retainer; the retainer has an identifier that can be detected by a predetermined machine on a portion that is exposed from the detection window at the completion position; the identifier is provided on an arrangement surface provided on the retainer, The arrangement surface is inclined with respect to a wall portion of the housing on which the detection window is formed.

5. a viewing window is formed in the housing at a position corresponding to the identifier when the retainer is moved to the locking position, and the viewing window exposes the identifier; 5. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the housing is provided with an inhibiting portion that inhibits the predetermined machine from detecting the identifier through the viewing window.

6. 6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the obstructing portion is a rib that protrudes outward from the edge of the detection window.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a mating connector that mates with the connector;

8. The connector structure according to claim 7, wherein the mating connector has an abutment portion that abuts against the retainer from the mating direction with the connector when mated with the connector, thereby moving the retainer from the engagement position to the completion position.

9. the mating connector has a locking portion that protrudes toward the connector and locks with the retainer, When the mating connector and the connector are separated, the locking portion locks with the retainer, causing the retainer to move from the completion position to the locking position, 9. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the engagement between the engagement portion and the retainer is released when the retainer is moved to the engagement position.

Images