female connector

Abstract

To provide a female connector that allows removal of the female connector from a male connector with a simple operation and can maintain the removed state.SOLUTION: A female connector 20 comprises a lock part 23, a release operation part 24, and an auxiliary part 25. The lock part 23 is engaged with an engagement part 12 of a male connector 10 to lock it and prevent it from coming off from the male connector 10. The release operation part 24 is deformed or deviated upon reception of a first operating force to remove the lock part 23 from the engagement part 12. The auxiliary part 25 has a separation operation part 25a, a connection part 25b, and a pressing part 25c, wherein when the separation operation part 25a receives a second operating force with the lock part 23 removed from the engagement part 12, the connection part 25b transmits the second operating force to the pressing part 25c, and the pressing part 25c presses the male connector 10 to separate the lock part 23 from the engagement part 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention primarily relates to a female connector that is mated with a male connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, female and male connectors used to connect female and male terminals have been known. The female and male terminals are connected by mating the female connector with the male connector. Furthermore, the female connector is locked to prevent it from coming off the male connector. Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose configurations to reduce the effort required to release this lock.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a female connector provided with an operating part for unlocking. The female connector of Patent Document 2 is provided with a slide member having a locking protrusion. The male connector of Patent Document 2 is provided with a guide groove for guiding this slide member. This allows for smooth operation of the slide member. The female connector of Patent Document 3 is provided with a slide lock member. This slide lock member is provided with an operating part for easily sliding the slide lock member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-67359 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-40266 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-158674 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose configurations for reducing the effort required to unlock a female connector and a male connector. However, the configurations in Patent Documents 1 to 3 require the user to separate the female connector from the male connector while maintaining the unlocked state. Therefore, there is room for improvement.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main object is to provide a female connector that can be easily detached from a male connector and can maintain the detached state.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be explained.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a female connector having the following configuration. That is, the female connector includes a locking portion, a release operation portion, and an auxiliary portion. The locking portion engages with an engaging portion of the male connector to lock it from being detached from the male connector. The release operation portion deforms or displaces upon receiving a first operating force, thereby releasing the locking portion from the engaging portion. The auxiliary portion has a separation operation portion, a connecting portion, and a pressing portion. When the separation operation portion receives a second operating force while the locking portion is in a state where it is disengaged from the engaging portion, the connecting portion transmits the second operating force to the pressing portion, and the pressing portion presses the male connector to separate the locking portion from the engaging portion. The direction of the second operating force that the separating operation portion receives is different from the direction in which the pressing portion presses the male connector. The connecting portion is curved.

[0009] This allows the operator to disconnect the female connector from the male connector and maintain the disconnected state simply by operating the release operation portion and the separation operation portion. In addition, since the direction in which the separating operation unit is operated is not limited, the separating operation unit can be configured to be oriented in a direction that is easy for the operator to operate. Furthermore, since the connecting portion is curved, the force can be transmitted even if the direction of the second operating force differs from the direction in which the pressing portion presses the male connector.

[0014] In the female connector, it is preferable that the direction of the first operating force received by the release operating portion and the direction of the second operating force received by the separation operating portion are parallel to and opposite to each other.

[0015] This allows the operator to pinch the release operation part and the separation operation part, thereby reducing the effort required to remove the female connector from the male connector.

[0016] The female connector preferably has the following configuration: the female connector includes a first connector surface and a second connector surface facing the first connector surface, the release operation unit is disposed on the first connector surface, and the separation operation unit is disposed on the second connector surface.

[0017] This allows the operator to operate the release operation unit and the separation operation unit while holding the female connector between his or her fingers, thereby reducing the effort required to remove the female connector from the male connector.

[0018] In the above-described female connector, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressing portion cut on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion cut on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary portion.

[0019] As a result, the pressing portion has a large dimension, so that the pressing portion is less likely to deform when the male connector is pressed.

[0020] In the above-mentioned female connector, it is preferable that the auxiliary portion is switchable between a first state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressing portion matches the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion, and a second state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressing portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion.

[0021] This allows switching between the first state and the second state as needed.

[0022] The female connector preferably includes a connector body in which at least a part of an insertion passage through which the coupling portion is inserted is formed.

[0023] The connecting portion can be arranged inside the female connector and guided by the insertion passage.

[0024] The female connector preferably has the following configuration: the female connector includes an insertion passage cover attached to the connector body, the insertion passage cover constituting a part of the wall surface of the insertion passage.

[0025] This allows the shape of the connector body to be relatively simple, making it easy to manufacture the female connector.

[0026] The female connector preferably has the following configuration: That is, the release operation unit and the separating operation unit for operating the auxiliary unit are integrally provided. The direction of the first operating force is the same as the direction of the second operating force. The separating operation unit is operated by operating the release operation unit, or the release operation unit is operated by operating the separating operation unit.

[0027] This simplifies the operator's operation and also makes it possible to handle situations where the operator can only touch part of the female connector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a female connector and a male connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the operation of inserting the female connector into the male connector. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the operation of removing the female connector from the male connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the auxiliary unit is switched from a first state to a second state. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the process of attaching the insertion passage cover to the female connector of the first modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. BB cross-sectional view of the female connector of the first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector according to a second modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector according to a third modified example. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector according to a fifth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a male connector 10 and a female connector 20. The male connector 10 and the female connector 20 are, for example, connectors for use in vehicles, but may also be installed in devices other than automobiles. One or more male terminals 11 are arranged in the male connector 10. An electric wire 11a is connected to the male terminal 11. The electric wire 11a is connected to another connector or electrical equipment. Similarly, one or more female terminals 22 are arranged in the female connector 20. An electric wire 22a is connected to the female terminal 22. The electric wire 22a is connected to another connector or electrical equipment. By mating the female connector 20 with the male connector 10, the female terminal 22 is connected to the male terminal 11. This allows electrical continuity between the male terminal 11 and the female terminal 22.

[0031] The male connector 10 is a substantially box-shaped resin member. The male connector 10 is molded, for example, using a mold. The male connector 10 is formed with an engagement portion 12 and an insertion port 13. The engagement portion 12 is formed on one surface of the male connector 10 and engages with a lock portion 23, which will be described later. The insertion port 13 is an opening provided on one surface of the male connector 10. The female connector 20 is inserted into the insertion port 13.

[0032] The female connector 20 comprises a connector body 21, a locking portion 23, a release operation portion 24, and an auxiliary portion 25. These components will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

[0033] The connector body 21 is a rectangular parallelepiped member made of resin. In the following description, each direction will be described using the height direction (first direction), width direction (second direction), and insertion / removal direction. The insertion / removal direction is the direction in which the female connector 20 and the female terminals 22 are inserted and removed. The height direction, width direction, and insertion / removal direction are perpendicular to each other. A first connector surface 21a is formed at one end of the connector body 21 in the height direction. A second connector surface 21b is formed at the other end of the connector body 21 in the height direction. Therefore, the first connector surface 21a and the second connector surface 21b are arranged to face each other. In addition, a third connector surface 21c is formed at one end side (the male connector 10 side) of the connector body 21 in the insertion / removal direction. Therefore, the third connector surface 21c is perpendicular to the first connector surface 21a and the second connector surface 21b.

[0034] An insertion passage 21d is formed inside the connector main body 21. One end of the insertion passage 21d is formed on the second connector surface 21b, and the other end of the insertion passage 21d is formed on the third connector surface 21c. Therefore, the insertion passage 21d is not a straight line but a bent path. An auxiliary part 25, which will be described later, is arranged in the insertion passage 21d.

[0035] Locking portion 23 is a protrusion formed on first connector surface 21a. As shown in Figure 2, when female connector 20 is inserted into male connector 10, locking portion 23 enters engaging portion 12. This locks female connector 20 so that it cannot be removed from male connector 10. Note that a slope is provided on the front surface of locking portion 23 so that locking portion 23 can smoothly enter engaging portion 12. Hereinafter, the locking of male connector 10 and female connector 20 may be simply referred to as "lock."

[0036] The locking structure of this embodiment is one example. For example, the engaging portion 12 of the male connector 10 may be a protrusion, and the locking portion 23 of the female connector 20 may be a hole. Also, a recess may be formed instead of a hole. Also, one of the engaging portion 12 and the locking portion 23 may be formed in a claw shape, and the other may be formed in a shape that can be hooked by the claw.

[0037] The release operation portion 24 is formed on the first connector surface 21a. That is, the lock portion 23 and the release operation portion 24 are connected via the first connector surface 21a. The release operation portion 24 is a portion that an operator operates to release the lock. The lock is released when the operator operates the release operation portion 24. Specifically, the operator applies a first operating force (FIG. 3) to the release operation portion 24 by pressing the release operation portion 24 toward one side in the height direction (toward the connector main body 21). When the release operation portion 24 receives the first operating force, a portion of the connector main body 21 deforms and the release operation portion 24 is displaced. As a result, the lock portion 23 connected to the release operation portion 24 is displaced in a direction away from the engagement portion 12. This releases the lock.

[0038] When the operator applies a first operating force to release operation portion 24, the lock is released, but if the operator then releases release operation portion 24, the deflection of lock portion 23 and the like returns to its original position, and female connector 20 becomes locked to male connector 10 again. Therefore, in order to remove female connector 20 from male connector 10, it is necessary to release the lock and simultaneously separate female connector 20 from male connector 10, more specifically, to separate lock portion 23 from engaging portion 12. Conventionally, this has required a complicated operation, for example, of pulling electric wire 22a while performing the unlocking operation.

[0039] The auxiliary part 25 is a member for separating the lock part 23 from the engagement part 12 with a simple operation. The auxiliary part 25 is made of, for example, a flexible hard resin. The auxiliary part 25 includes a separation operation part 25a, a connecting part 25b, and a pressing part 25c. The separation operation part 25a and the pressing part 25c are connected via the connecting part 25b.

[0040] The separating operation portion 25a is disposed on the second connector surface 21b. The connecting portion 25b is inserted into the insertion passage 21d. The connecting portion 25b is disposed so as to be curved along the insertion passage 21d. The pressing portion 25c is disposed on the third connector surface 21c.

[0041] As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 3, when the male connector 10 and the female connector 20 are mated, the separation operation portion 25a is separated from the first connector surface 21a. Furthermore, the pressing portion 25c is in proximity to or in contact with the wall surface of the male connector 10. When the operator applies a second operating force to the separation operation portion 25a, the separation operation portion 25a approaches the first connector surface 21a. As a result, the pressing portion 25c presses the wall surface of the male connector 10, and if the lock is released, the male connector 10 separates from the female connector 20. As a result, the engaging portion 12 separates from the locking portion 23. In this way, by using the auxiliary portion 25, the locking portion 23 can be separated from the engaging portion 12 with a simple operation.

[0042] In order to separate the locking portion 23 from the engaging portion 12 using the auxiliary portion 25, it is necessary to release the lock. To do this, the operator applies a first operating force to the release operating portion 24, and simultaneously or thereafter, applies a second operating force to the auxiliary portion 25. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the lock is released and the engaging portion 12 is separated from the locking portion 23. Therefore, even if the operator releases his or her hands from the release operating portion 24 and the auxiliary portion 25, the unlocked state is maintained. This allows the female connector 20 to be removed from the male connector 10 without performing any complicated operations.

[0043] As described above, the insertion passage 21d is curved. By making the insertion passage 21d curved rather than L-shaped, the second operating force applied to the separating operation portion 25a can be appropriately transmitted to the pressing portion 25c. This allows the connecting portion 25b to move while being deformed. Furthermore, by curving the insertion passage 21d, the direction of the second operating force can be made different from the direction in which the auxiliary portion 25 presses the male connector 10 (pressing direction). As a result, the separating operation portion 25a can be disposed in a position that is easy for an operator to operate, or the auxiliary portion 25 can be configured so that the direction is easy for the operator to operate.

[0044] Here, the first operating force and the second operating force are parallel and directed in opposite directions. More specifically, the first operating force and the second operating force are both directed toward the center of the connector body 21. Furthermore, the separation operating unit 25a is located at the end of the release operating unit 24 extended in the height direction (the direction of the first operating force and the second operating force). Therefore, the operator can operate the release operating unit 24 and the separation operating unit 25a simultaneously or approximately simultaneously by pinching them with the fingers of one hand.

[0045] In the following description, the area of ​​a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of auxiliary portion 25 will be simply referred to as the cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area of ​​pressing portion 25c is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​connecting portion 25b. This makes it difficult for pressing portion 25c to bend or otherwise deform when pressed, allowing male connector 10 to be pressed sufficiently. The cross-sectional area of ​​pressing portion 25c is also larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​insertion passage 21d. This prevents pressing portion 25c from entering insertion passage 21d. The cross-sectional area of ​​separating operation portion 25a is also larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​connecting portion 25b. This makes it easier for the operator to apply the second operating force.

[0046] Next, the configuration of the auxiliary part 25 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. As described above, the cross-sectional areas of the separating operation part 25a and the pressing part 25c are larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the insertion passage 21d. Therefore, a structure is required to enable the auxiliary part 25 to be inserted into the insertion passage 21d. Specifically, the auxiliary part 25 is configured to be switchable from a first state to a second state shown in FIG. 4. The configuration of the pressing part 25c differs between the first state and the second state. Specifically, in the first state, the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressing part 25c and the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting part 25b are the same. In the second state, the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressing part 25c is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting part 25b. Therefore, in the first state, the auxiliary part 25 can be inserted into the insertion passage 21d.

[0047] In the first state, auxiliary portion 25 has cutout 25d formed therein. Cutout 25d is generally U-shaped. In other words, two parallel cutouts and a cutout perpendicular to the first parallel cutouts that connects them are formed. As a result, by bending the tip of connecting portion 25b to one side and bending the portion surrounded by cutout 25d to the opposite side, the shape of pressing portion 25c changes, and the cross-sectional area of ​​pressing portion 25c becomes larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​connecting portion 25b.

[0048] After inserting auxiliary part 25 in the first state into insertion passage 21d, the worker bends connecting part 25b using cut 25d or the like to change the shape of pressing part 25c, thereby obtaining auxiliary part 25 with a large cross-sectional area and a retaining function.

[0049] The second state can be switched to the first state by unbending the bend. This allows the auxiliary part 25 to be easily removed from the female connector 20, for example, when replacing the auxiliary part 25. The switching from the first state to the second state may be reversible or irreversible. The switching from the first state to the second state is not limited to bending, and can be achieved by various methods, such as attaching another member or crushing and deforming the tip.

[0050] Next, a first modified example will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of attaching insertion passage cover 28 to female connector 20 of the first modified example. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of female connector 20 of the first modified example. In the following description, components that are the same as or similar to those in the above-described embodiment will be given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0051] The female connector 20 of the first modified example differs from the above embodiment in the configuration of the connector main body 21. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the connector main body 21 of the first modified example is configured so that the insertion passage cover 28 is detachable. Furthermore, by attaching the insertion passage cover 28 to the connector main body 21, an insertion passage 21d is formed. A portion of the insertion passage cover 28 forms the wall surface of the insertion passage 21d.

[0052] 6, the connector main body 21 is formed with a guide rail 21e extending in the insertion / removal direction. Meanwhile, the insertion passage cover 28 is formed with a protrusion 28a shaped to match the guide rail 21e. By matching the protrusion 28a with the guide rail 21e, the insertion passage cover 28 can be prevented from falling off with a simple configuration, and the insertion passage cover 28 can be slid in an appropriate direction.

[0053] By using the first modified example, it is possible to simplify the shape of connector body 21. In particular, when molding connector body 21 using a mold, if a curved path is formed inside connector body 21, a slide mold may be required. In this regard, in the first modified example, it is possible to simplify the shape of connector body 21 (particularly the shape of the portion related to insertion passage 21d), making it easy to mold without using a slide mold.

[0054] Next, a second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of female connector 20 of the second modified example.

[0055] In the second modified example, the position of the auxiliary portion 25 (particularly the separating operation portion 25a) differs from that of the above embodiment. In the female connector 20 of the second modified example, the release operation portion 24 and the separating operation portion 25a are integrally provided. Specifically, the insertion passage 21d is formed to connect the third connector surface 21c and the first connector surface 21a. Furthermore, the insertion passage 21d passes through the release operation portion 24. In other words, the end of the insertion passage 21d on the first connector surface 21a side is located at the release operation portion 24. Therefore, the separating operation portion 25a is located further outward in the height direction than the release operation portion 24.

[0056] Because the separating operation portion 25a is disposed as described above, the direction of the second operation force in the second modified example is the same as the direction of the first operation force. Furthermore, by applying the second operation force to the separating operation portion 25a, the separating operation portion 25a approaches the release operation portion 24. The separating operation portion 25a then presses the release operation portion 24, and the first operation force acts on the release operation portion 24, releasing the lock. At this time, the second operation force presses the pressing portion 25c against the wall surface of the male connector 10, so that the lock portion 23 can be separated from the engagement portion 12.

[0057] In the second modification, the operator can operate the release operation unit 24 and the auxiliary unit 25 by simply operating one location. This simplifies the operator's operation. It can also be used in situations where the operator can only access a portion of the female connector 20 due to space or size limitations.

[0058] Next, a third modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of female connector 20 of the third modified example.

[0059] The female connector 20 of the second modified example described above is configured so that the release operation unit 24 is operated by operating the separation operation unit 25a. In contrast, the female connector 20 of the third modified example is configured so that the release operation unit 24 is operated by operating the separation operation unit 25a.

[0060] In the third modified example, insertion passage 21d does not pass through release operation portion 24, and separation operation portion 25a is located closer to the center of the connector in the height direction than release operation portion 24. With this configuration, when a first operation force is applied to release operation portion 24, release operation portion 24 is displaced, thereby releasing the lock, and release operation portion 24 presses separation operation portion 25a, thereby applying a second operation force to separation operation portion 25a. As a result, pressing portion 25c presses the wall surface of male connector 10, causing lock portion 23 to separate from engagement portion 12.

[0061] In the third modified example, the release operation unit 24 is operated first, and then the separation operation unit 25a is operated, so that the auxiliary unit 25 can be operated after the lock is released (or during the process of releasing the lock).

[0062] Moreover, the third modification may be combined with the first modification. That is, the connector body 21 may be divided into a plurality of parts, and the parts may be combined to form the connector body 21.

[0063] Next, a fourth modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of female connector 20 of the fourth modified example.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the connecting portion 25b moves along the insertion passage 21d while being deformed by the second operating force. In contrast, in the fourth modified example, the insertion passage 21d and the connecting portion 25b are configured in an arc shape with a constant curvature. This allows the connecting portion 25b to move without being deformed.

[0065] The fourth modified example is a configuration in which the configuration in which the coupling portion 25b is not deformed is applied to the third modified example. However, the configuration in which the coupling portion 25b is not deformed can also be applied to the above embodiment or other modified examples. The fourth modified example may also be combined with the first modified example. That is, the connector main body 21 of the fourth modified example may be divided into multiple parts, and the connector main body 21 may be formed by combining these parts.

[0066] Next, a fifth modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of female connector 20 of the fifth modified example.

[0067] In the above embodiment, one auxiliary part 25 is provided, but in the fifth modified example, two auxiliary parts 25 are provided. Specifically, the female connector 20 of the fifth modified example includes the auxiliary part 25 having the layout of the above embodiment and the auxiliary part 25 of the second modified example. In the fifth modified example, the second operating forces applied to the two separating operation parts 25a are parallel and directed in opposite directions. Therefore, the operator can simultaneously operate the two separating operation parts 25a by pinching them with the fingers of one hand.

[0068] In female connector 20 of the fifth modification, two pressing portions 25c are arranged at separate positions. This allows male connector 10 to be pressed more evenly in the insertion / removal direction, making it less likely that force will be applied in the rotational direction. This allows locking portion 23 to be smoothly separated from engaging portion 12.

[0069] In the fifth modified example, the above embodiment and the second modified example are combined, but the above embodiment and the third modified example may also be combined.

[0070] As described above, female connector 20 of this embodiment includes locking portion 23, release operation portion 24, and auxiliary portion 25. Locking portion 23 engages with engaging portion 12 of male connector 10 to lock it so that it does not come off from male connector 10. Release operation portion 24 deforms or displaces when subjected to a first operating force, thereby releasing locking portion 23 from engaging portion 12. Auxiliary portion 25 has separating operation portion 25a, connecting portion 25b, and pressing portion 25c. When separating operation portion 25a receives a second operating force while locking portion 23 is in a state where it is released from engaging portion 12, connecting portion 25b transmits the second operating force to pressing portion 25c, and pressing portion 25c presses male connector 10 to separate locking portion 23 from engaging portion 12.

[0071] As a result, the worker can detach the female connector 20 from the male connector 10 and maintain the detached state simply by operating the release operation part 24 and the separation operation part 25a.

[0072] In the female connector 20 of this embodiment, the direction of the second operating force received by the separating operation portion 25a is different from the direction in which the pressing portion 25c presses the male connector 10.

[0073] This means that the direction in which the separating operation unit 25a is operated is not limited, and the separating operation unit 25a can be configured to be oriented in a direction that is easy for the operator to operate, for example.

[0074] In the female connector 20 of this embodiment, the connecting portion 25b is curved.

[0075] By the fact that the connecting portion 25b is curved, even if the direction of the second operating force and the direction in which the pressing portion 25c presses the male connector 10 are different, the force can be transmitted.

[0076] In the female connector 20 of this embodiment, the direction of the first operating force received by the release operating portion 24 and the direction of the second operating force received by the separation operating portion 25a are parallel and opposite to each other.

[0077] This allows the operator to pinch the release operation part 24 and the separation operation part 25a, thereby reducing the time and effort required to remove the female connector 20 from the male connector 10.

[0078] The female connector 20 of this embodiment includes a first connector surface 21a and a second connector surface 21b opposite the first connector surface 21a. A release operation unit 24 is disposed on the first connector surface 21a. A separation operation unit 25a is disposed on the second connector surface 21b.

[0079] This allows the worker to operate the release operation part 24 and the separation operation part 25a while holding the female connector 20 between his fingers, thereby reducing the effort required to remove the female connector 20 from the male connector 10.

[0080] In female connector 20 of this embodiment, the area of ​​a cross section of pressing portion 25c taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of auxiliary portion 25 is larger than the area of ​​a cross section of connecting portion 25b taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of auxiliary portion 25.

[0081] As a result, since the dimensions of pressing portion 25c are large, pressing portion 25c is less likely to deform when male connector 10 is pressed.

[0082] In the female connector 20 of this embodiment, the auxiliary portion 25 is switchable between a first state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressing portion 25c matches the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion 25b, and a second state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressing portion 25c is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion 25b.

[0083] This allows switching between the first state and the second state as needed.

[0084] The female connector 20 of this embodiment includes a connector body 21 having an insertion passage 21d formed therein through which the connecting portion 25b is inserted.

[0085] While the connecting portion 25b is disposed inside the female connector 20, the connecting portion 25b can be guided by the insertion passage 21d.

[0086] The female connector 20 of the first modified example includes an insertion passage cover 28 attached to the connector body 21. The insertion passage cover 28 forms part of the wall surface of the insertion passage 21d.

[0087] This allows the shape of connector body 21 to be relatively simple, making it possible to easily manufacture female connector 20.

[0088] In the female connector 20 of the second or third modified example, the release operation unit 24 and the separation operation unit 25a for operating the auxiliary unit 25 are integrally provided. The direction of the first operating force is the same as the direction of the second operating force. The separation operation unit 25a is operated by operating the release operation unit 24, or the release operation unit 24 is operated by operating the separation operation unit 25a.

[0089] This simplifies the operation for the worker and also makes it possible to deal with situations where the worker can only touch a part of the female connector 20.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the male terminals 11 and the female terminals 22 are arranged side by side only in the width direction, but they may also be arranged side by side in the height direction.

[0091] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows.

[0092] The insertion passage 21d in the above embodiment is merely an example, and a different path may be formed. For example, the insertion passage 21d may be a linear path parallel to the insertion / removal direction. Also, the space below the release operation portion 24 (a gap for deforming the release operation portion 24) may be used as the insertion passage 21d.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​pressing portion 25c is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​connecting portion 25b. Alternatively, the cross-sectional area of ​​pressing portion 25c may be the same as or smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​connecting portion 25b. In this case, a member for receiving pressing portion 25c may be provided on male connector 10 so that pressing portion 25c appropriately presses the wall surface of male connector 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10 male connector 11 Male terminal 12 Engagement portion 13 Insertion port 20 female connector 21 Connector body 22 female terminal 23 Rock Club 24 Release operation section 25 Auxiliary part 25a Separation operation part 25b Connection part 25c Pressing part 25d cut

Claims

1. a locking portion that engages with an engaging portion of the male connector to lock the male connector so as not to be detached from the male connector; a release operation portion that is deformed or displaced by receiving a first operation force to release the lock portion from the engagement portion; an auxiliary unit having a separation operation unit, a connecting unit, and a pressing unit, wherein when the lock unit is disengaged from the engaging unit, the separation operation unit receives a second operating force, causing the connecting unit to transmit the second operating force to the pressing unit, and the pressing unit to press the male connector to separate the lock unit from the engaging unit; Equipped with a direction of the second operating force received by the separating operation portion and a direction of the pressing portion pressing the male connector are different from each other; A female connector characterized in that the connecting portion is curved.

2. 2. The female connector of claim 1, A female connector, characterized in that the direction of the first operating force received by the release operating portion and the direction of the second operating force received by the separation operating portion are parallel and opposite to each other.

3. 3. The female connector according to claim 1, a first connector surface and a second connector surface opposite the first connector surface; The release operation portion is disposed on the first connector surface, The female connector, wherein the separating operation portion is disposed on the second connector surface.

4. 4. The female connector according to claim 1, A female connector characterized in that the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressing portion cut in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion cut in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary portion.

5. 5. The female connector according to claim 4, A female connector characterized in that the auxiliary portion is switchable between a first state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressing portion matches the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion, and a second state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressing portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion.

6. 6. A female connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A female connector comprising a connector body in which at least a portion of an insertion passage through which the connecting portion is inserted is formed.

7. 7. The female connector according to claim 6, an insertion passage cover attached to the connector body; The female connector is characterized in that the insertion passage cover forms a part of the wall surface of the insertion passage.

8. 2. The female connector of claim 1, the release operation unit and the separation operation unit for operating the auxiliary unit are integrally provided, The direction of the first operating force and the direction of the second operating force are the same, A female connector characterized in that the separation operation unit is operated by operating the release operation unit, or the release operation unit is operated by operating the separation operation unit.

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