Mating connector

Abstract

To provide a fitting connector capable of suppressing a deviation of a gear engaging position.SOLUTION: A fitting connector 1 includes: a first connector 10 that has a transmission gear 3 having a first gear portion and a second gear portion 32, a first housing 2 rotatably supporting the transmission gear, and a slide member 4 slidably installed to the first housing, the slide member engaging with the first gear portion; a second connector 6 that has a second rack gear 62 in which the second housing 6 engages with the second gear portion; and a detection member 50. A plurality of gear teeth of the second rack gear has one first tooth groove 63a with a long tooth width, and a second gear tooth with a short tooth width. A plurality of tooth grooves of the second gear portion has a first tooth groove 35a that can engage with a first gear tooth, and a second tooth groove that can engage with a second gear tooth and cannot engage with the first gear tooth. The second tooth groove has an abutting portion 36 that makes the engagement of the first gear tooth and the second tooth groove impossible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fitting connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a fitting connector. Patent Document 1 discloses a connector including a first housing, a second housing that can be fitted to the first housing, a slide member, a transmission gear member, a first rack gear portion provided on the slide member, a driven gear portion of the transmission gear member, a driving gear portion of the transmission gear member, and a second rack gear portion provided on the second housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a fitting connector having gears, if the meshing position of the gears is displaced, the two housings may not be fully fitted. It is desirable to be able to suppress the displacement of the meshing position of the gears in the fitting connector.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a fitting connector capable of suppressing displacement of the meshing position of gears.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The mating connector of the present invention comprises a first connector having a transmission gear having a first gear portion and a second gear portion, a first housing that rotatably supports the transmission gear, and a slide member that is slidably mounted in the axial direction of the first housing, wherein the slide member has a first rack gear that meshes with the first gear portion; a second connector having a second housing configured to mat with the first housing along the axial direction, wherein the second housing has a second rack gear that meshes with the second gear portion; and a detection member attached to the slide member for detecting complete mating between the first connector and the second connector, wherein the axial force applied to the slide member when the transmission gear is meshed with the first rack gear and the second rack gear is due to the transmission gear The signal is amplified and transmitted to the first housing, and the slide member and the second housing allow the sensing member to advance to the sensing position when they engage with each other along the axial direction, and the plurality of gear teeth of the second rack gear have one first gear tooth with a long tooth width and a second gear tooth with a short tooth width, the first gear tooth has a projection that protrudes in the tooth width direction relative to the second gear tooth, and the plurality of tooth grooves of the second gear portion have one first tooth groove that can mesh with the first gear tooth and a second tooth groove that can mesh with the second gear tooth but cannot mesh with the first gear tooth, the second tooth groove has a contact portion that abuts against the first gear tooth, thereby preventing meshing between the first gear tooth and the second tooth groove, and the contact portion is provided in a position that interferes with the projection but does not interfere with the second gear tooth. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the mating connector according to the present invention, the gear teeth of the second rack gear include one first gear tooth with a long tooth width and a second gear tooth with a short tooth width. The gear grooves of the second gear portion of the transmission gear include one first tooth groove that can mesh with the first gear tooth and a second tooth groove that can mesh with the second gear tooth but cannot mesh with the first gear tooth. The mating connector according to the present invention has the effect of suppressing misalignment of the gear meshing positions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the mating connector of the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the slide member and the detection member according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the slide member and the detection member according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the transmission gear according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view of the second connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the mating connector of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view of the mating connector of the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mating connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the mating connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mating connector according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, a mating connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, this embodiment does not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art or that are substantially identical.

[0010] [Embodiment] The embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. This embodiment relates to a mating connector. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the mating connector of the embodiment, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector according to the embodiment, Figure 3 is a diagram of the sliding member and detection member according to the embodiment, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding member and detection member according to the embodiment, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the transmission gear according to the embodiment, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second connector according to the embodiment, Figure 7 is a plan view of the second connector according to the embodiment, Figure 8 is a perspective view of the mating connector of the embodiment, Figure 9 is a plan view of the mating connector according to the embodiment, and Figures 10 to 12 are cross-sectional views of the mating connector according to the embodiment. Figure 4 shows the IV-IV cross-section in Figure 3.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the mating connector 1 of this embodiment has a first connector 10, a second connector 20, and a detection member 50. The first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated along the axial direction X. The axial direction X is the axial direction of the first housing 2 of the first connector 10, and is the mating direction in which the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated. In this specification, the width direction of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 is simply referred to as the "width direction Y". The height direction of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 is simply referred to as the "height direction Z". The width direction Y is perpendicular to the axial direction X. The height direction Z is perpendicular to both the axial direction X and the width direction Y.

[0012] The detection member 50 is a member that detects the complete fitting of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. The fitting connector 1 of the present embodiment can realize the assurance function (CPA: Connector Position Assurance) by the detection member 50. The detection member 50 is attached to the slide member 4 of the first connector 10. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not completely fitted, the slide member 4 locks the detection member 50 at the temporary locking position. The claw 65a of the second connector 20 releases the temporary locking with respect to the detection member 50 when the slide member 4 slides to the completely fitted position.

[0013] The fitting connector 1 of the present embodiment has a force multiplying mechanism including a transmission gear 3. The transmission gear 3 is rotatably supported by the first housing 2. One gear portion at one end of the transmission gear 3 meshes with the slide member 4, and the other gear portion at the other end of the transmission gear 3 meshes with the second rack gear 62 of the second connector 20. The force F1 in the axial direction X applied to the slide member 4 is amplified by the transmission gear 3 and transmitted to the first housing 2. Therefore, the transmission gear 3 enables the first housing 2 and the second housing to be fitted with a small force and to be separated with a small force.

[0014] The fitting connector 1 of the present embodiment can suppress the deviation of the meshing position between the transmission gear 3 and the second rack gear 62 of the second housing 6. The plurality of tooth grooves of the second gear portion 32 of the transmission gear 3 has one first tooth groove 35a. The first gear tooth 63a of the second rack gear 62 can only mesh with the first tooth groove 35a and cannot mesh with the other tooth grooves of the second gear portion 32. Therefore, the fitting connector 1 of the present embodiment can prevent the malfunction of the detection member 50 caused by the deviation of the meshing position.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the first connector 10 includes a first housing 2, a transmission gear 3, and a slide member 4. The first housing 2, the transmission gear 3, and the slide member 4 are formed of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The first housing 2 has a main body 21 and a cylindrical portion 22 protruding from the main body 21 in the axial direction X. The main body 21 holds the terminal 23 and rotatably supports the transmission gear 3.

[0016] The shape of the main body 21 is substantially a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body 21 has a boss portion 211, a fitting portion 212, and a holding portion 213. The boss portion 211 rotatably supports the transmission gear 3. The boss portion 211 protrudes in the height direction Z from one side surface 21a of the main body 21. The shape of the boss portion 211 is substantially a cylindrical shape. The fitting portion 212 is a portion that fits with the second housing 6 of the second connector 20. The shape of the fitting portion 212 is a cylindrical shape with an oval cross-section. The direction of the central axis of the fitting portion 212 is the axial direction X.

[0017] The holding portion 213 is a portion that holds the terminal 23. The holding portion 213 is disposed inside the fitting portion 212. The terminal 23 is a female terminal having a cylindrical connection portion. The terminal 23 extends in the axial direction X. The first connector 10 of the present embodiment has two terminals 23 arranged in the width direction Y. A cylindrical cover 24 is attached to the holding portion 213.

[0018] The cylindrical portion 22 has a cylindrical shape. An electric wire W connected to the terminal 23 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 22. The space between the cylindrical portion 22 and the electric wire W is sealed by a packing (not shown). The tip of the cylindrical portion 22 is closed by a holder 25.

[0019] The sliding member 4 is a cover-like member that is mounted on the outside of the first housing 2. The sliding member 4 is slidable along the axial direction X relative to the first housing 2. The sliding member 4 has a main wall 40, a first side wall 41, and a second side wall 42. The main wall 40 is a wall portion facing the side surface 21a of the first housing 2. The shape of the main wall 40 is a rectangular flat plate shape. The first side wall 41 and the second side wall 42 are erected in the height direction Z from the end in the width direction Y of the main wall 40. The first side wall 41 and the second side wall 42 face each other in the width direction Y. Guide grooves 41a and 42a are provided at the tips of the first side wall 41 and the second side wall 42, which are guided by the first housing 2.

[0020] The first side wall 41 is provided with a first rack gear 43 and a locking portion 44. The first rack gear 43 is a gear that meshes with the first gear portion 31 of the transmission gear 3. The first rack gear 43 protrudes toward the inner space of the slide member 4. The first rack gear 43 has a plurality of gear teeth 43a arranged in the axial direction X.

[0021] The locking portion 44 is the part that locks the detection member 50. As shown in Figure 3, the detection member 50 has a main body 51 and an arm 52. The main body 51 is attached to the first side wall 41 so as to be slidable in the axial direction X. The arm 52 protrudes from the main body 51 in the axial direction X and is flexible. As shown in Figure 4, a claw 52a is provided at the tip of the arm 52. The claw 52a protrudes in the width direction Y.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the locking portion 44 has a pair of arms 45 and a frame portion 46 supported by the arms 45. As shown in Figure 4, the arms 45 are connected to a first side wall 41 and extend along the axial direction X. The arms 45 are flexibly deformable in the width direction Y. The frame portion 46 is connected to the ends of the arms 45 and is supported by the arms 45. When viewed from the width direction Y, the shape of the frame portion 46 is a rectangular frame shape. The frame portion 46 is arranged to surround the pair of arms 45.

[0023] The frame portion 46 has a first locking portion 46a and a second locking portion 46b. The first locking portion 46a and the second locking portion 46b face each other in the axial direction X. The first locking portion 46a faces the claw 52a of the detection member 50 in the axial direction X and locks the claw 52a. The second locking portion 46b faces the main body 51 of the detection member 50 in the axial direction X and locks the main body 51. In other words, the frame portion 46 locks the detection member 50 from both sides in the axial direction X, positioning the detection member 50 in a temporary locking position.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the shape of the transmission gear 3 is roughly sector-shaped. The transmission gear 3 is a gear member having a first gear portion 31 and a second gear portion 32. The transmission gear 3 has a through hole 33 located between the first gear portion 31 and the second gear portion 32. The distance from the through hole 33 to the first gear portion 31 is greater than the distance from the through hole 33 to the second gear portion 32. The boss portion 211 of the first housing 2 is inserted into the through hole 33 and rotatably supports the transmission gear 3. The first gear portion 31 has a plurality of tooth grooves 34. The tooth grooves 34 mesh with the gear teeth 43a of the slide member 4. The plurality of tooth grooves 34 are arranged on an arc centered on the through hole 33.

[0025] The second gear portion 32 has a plurality of tooth grooves 35. The plurality of tooth grooves 35 are arranged on an arc centered on the through hole 33. The plurality of tooth grooves 35 have one first tooth groove 35a and at least one second tooth groove 35b. The illustrated second gear portion 32 has a plurality of second tooth grooves 35b. The first tooth groove 35a is located at the end of the plurality of tooth grooves of the second gear portion 32.

[0026] The second tooth groove 35b has a contact portion 36. The contact portion 36 can restrict meshing at incorrect rotational positions, as will be described later. The illustrated contact portion 36 is a fan-shaped wall provided at the end in the tooth width direction of the second gear portion 32. In other words, the contact portion 36 closes the end in the tooth width direction of the second tooth groove 35b. The shape of the outer edge of the contact portion 36 is an arc shape concentric with the through hole 33. Also, the outer edge of the contact portion 36 is on the tip circle of the second gear portion 32.

[0027] The contact portion 36 is positioned to interfere with the first gear tooth 63a (see Figure 1) of the second housing 6, but not with the second gear tooth 63b. As shown in Figure 5, the first tooth groove 35a does not have a contact portion 36. That is, the end of the first tooth groove 35a in the tooth width direction is open. The contact portion 36 is also provided in the recess 37 adjacent to the first tooth groove 35a.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the second connector 20 has a second housing 6. The second housing 6 is molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The second housing 6 has a mating portion 60, a flange portion 61, a second rack gear 62, and a column portion 65. The mating portion 60 is the portion that mates with the mating portion 212 of the first housing 2. The shape of the mating portion 60 is an oval cylindrical shape in cross-section. The direction of the central axis of the mating portion 60 is the axial direction X. The mating portion 60 is inserted into the mating portion 212 of the first housing 2. The second housing 6 holds a terminal 64. The terminal 64 extends in the axial direction X. The second connector 20 of this embodiment has two terminals 64 aligned in the width direction Y. The illustrated terminal 64 is a male terminal that is inserted into terminal 23.

[0029] The flange portion 61 protrudes outward from the outer wall surface of the fitting portion 60. The flange portion 61 has a flat plate shape and is fixed to the housing of the equipment, etc. The flange portion 61 holds multiple collars 66.

[0030] The second rack gear 62 is configured to mesh with the second gear portion 32 of the slide member 4. The second rack gear 62 faces the outer wall surface of the fitting portion 60 in the height direction Z. The second rack gear 62 has a plurality of gear teeth 63 arranged in the axial direction X. The tooth width direction of the gear teeth 63 is the height direction Z. Therefore, the cutting edges of the gear teeth 63 face the width direction Y.

[0031] Each of the gear teeth 63 has one first gear tooth 63a and at least one second gear tooth 63b. The illustrated second rack gear 62 has multiple second gear teeth 63b. The tooth width of the first gear tooth 63a is longer than the tooth width of the second gear tooth 63b. As shown in Figure 6, the first gear tooth 63a has a projection 63c that protrudes in the tooth width direction relative to the second gear tooth 63b. The projection 63c protrudes toward the side opposite to the mating portion 60.

[0032] As shown in Figure 7, the first gear tooth 63a is located at the end of the multiple gear teeth 63. More specifically, the first gear tooth 63a is located at the end that first engages with the second gear portion 32 of the transmission gear 3 when mating.

[0033] The column portion 65 extends axially X along the outer wall surface of the fitting portion 60. The column portion 65 is positioned to face the locking portion 44 of the slide member 4 in the axial direction X. A claw 65a is provided at the tip of the column portion 65. The claw 65a releases the temporary locking of the detection member 50 when the slide member 4 engages with the second housing 6. In other words, the claw 65a releases the temporary locking of the detection member 50 when the relative position of the slide member 4 with respect to the second housing 6 in the axial direction X is at a predetermined position.

[0034] Figures 8 and 9 show the first connector 10 beginning to mate with the second connector 20. The first connector 10 mates with the second connector 20, which is fixed to a wall such as a housing, along the axial direction X. When the worker performing the mating operation begins mating, the relative position of the slide member 4 with respect to the first housing 2 is set to the initial position. The initial position of the slide member 4 is the position that brings the rotational position of the transmission gear 3 to its normal position. The initial position is, for example, the position furthest from the second connector 20 within the movable range of the slide member 4.

[0035] As shown in Figure 9, when the rotational position of the transmission gear 3 is in its normal position, the first tooth groove 35a of the second gear portion 32 receives the first gear tooth 63a. In other words, the opening of the first tooth groove 35a faces the first gear tooth 63a in the axial direction X. When the first gear tooth 63a and the first tooth groove 35a mesh, force transmission by the transmission gear 3 begins. More specifically, the axial force F1 applied to the slide member 4 in the axial direction X is amplified by the transmission gear 3 and transmitted to the first housing 2. The force F2 transmitted from the transmission gear 3 to the first housing 2 is greater than the force F1.

[0036] As the sliding member 4 slides relative to the first housing 2 due to force F1, the transmission gear 3 rotates. This causes the second gear teeth 63b to mesh with the transmission gear 3, following the first gear teeth 63a. In response to the rotation of the transmission gear 3, the sliding member 4 and the first housing 2 move axially X toward the fully fitted position.

[0037] When the sliding member 4 moves to the fully engaged position, as shown in Figure 10, the claw 65a of the second housing 6 engages with the frame portion 46 of the locking portion 44. The claw 65a contacts the claw 52a of the detection member 50, deforming the arm 52. This releases the temporary locking of the detection member 50. The claw 52a of the detection member 50 can overcome the first locking portion 46a of the frame portion 46. The detection member 50 can advance axially X to a detection position where fully engaged is detected as the claw 52a overcomes the first locking portion 46a.

[0038] In the mating connector 1 of this embodiment, as described below, if the rotational position of the transmission gear 3 is deviated from the normal position, the second gear portion 32 of the transmission gear 3 and the second rack gear 62 of the second housing 6 will not mesh. Figures 11 and 12 show the transmission gear 3 in a rotational position deviated from the normal position. The position X1 of the slide member 4 shown in Figure 11 is a position between the initial position Xs and the fully mated position Xe.

[0039] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first gear tooth 63a does not mesh with the first tooth groove 35a, but abuts against the outer circumference of the second gear portion 32. The first gear tooth 63a abuts against the gear tooth 38 of the second gear portion 32, for example, as shown in Figure 12. The gear tooth 38 is the gear tooth between the first tooth groove 35a and the second tooth groove 35b. In the mating connector 1 of this embodiment, a contact portion 36 is provided in the second tooth groove 35b. The contact portion 36 is provided in a position that interferes with the protrusion 63c of the first gear tooth 63a. Therefore, the contact portion 36 abuts against the protrusion 63c, making it impossible for the first gear tooth 63a and the second tooth groove 35b to mesh. The protrusion 63c is provided in a position that does not interfere with the second gear tooth 63b. Therefore, the second gear tooth 63b can mesh with the second tooth groove 35b.

[0040] When the sliding member 4 is pushed toward the second connector 20 from the position shown in Figure 11, the transmission gear 3 rotates as indicated by arrow AR1 in Figure 12. In this case, the second gear section 32 rotates freely without engaging with the second rack gear 62. This allows the operator to recognize that the second gear section 32 is not engaged with the second rack gear 62.

[0041] As a first comparative example, we will consider a mating connector in which the second tooth groove 35b does not have a contact portion 36. In the mating connector of the first comparative example, if the position of the transmission gear 3 is deviated from the normal position, the first gear tooth 63a will mesh with the second tooth groove 35b.

[0042] As a second comparative example, we consider a mating connector in which the first gear tooth 63a does not have a protrusion 63c. In the mating connector of the second comparative example, all gear teeth of the second rack gear 62 can mesh with all tooth grooves of the second gear portion 32. Therefore, even if the position of the transmission gear 3 is shifted from its normal position, the second rack gear 62 will mesh with the second gear portion 32.

[0043] In the mating connector of the comparative example above, the second rack gear 62 engages with the second gear portion 32 even if the meshing positions are misaligned. When the operator pushes the slide member 4, force F1 is transmitted to the first housing 2, and the first housing 2 moves toward the second housing 6. However, because the meshing positions are misaligned, even when the slide member 4 moves to the fully mated position Xe, the first housing 2 does not fully mate with the second housing 6. When the slide member 4 reaches the fully mated position Xe, the claw 65a of the second housing 6 releases the temporary locking of the detection member 50. As a result, the detection member 50 can move toward the detection position even though the first housing 2 and the second housing 6 are not fully mated.

[0044] In contrast, in the mating connector 1 of this embodiment, if the position of the transmission gear 3 is deviated from the normal position, the transmission gear 3 will rotate freely. Therefore, the operator can easily notice that the transmission gear 3 is not meshing with the second rack gear 62 and can redo the mating operation. Also, when the transmission gear 3 rotates freely, the sliding member 4 cannot reach the fully mated position Xe. Therefore, the detection member 50 remains temporarily locked, and malfunction of the detection member 50 is prevented.

[0045] As described above, the mating connector 1 of this embodiment includes a first connector 10, a second connector 20, and a detection member 50. The first connector 10 includes a transmission gear 3, a first housing 2, and a sliding member 4. The transmission gear 3 has a first gear portion 31 and a second gear portion 32. The first housing 2 rotatably supports the transmission gear 3. The sliding member 4 is mounted on the first housing 2 so as to be slidable in the axial direction X of the first housing 2. The sliding member 4 has a first rack gear 43 that meshes with the first gear portion 31.

[0046] The second connector 20 has a second housing 6 configured to mate with the first housing 2 along the axial direction X. The second housing 6 has a second rack gear 62 that meshes with a second gear portion 32. The sensing member 50 is attached to the sliding member 4 and detects the complete mating of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0047] When the transmission gear 3 is meshed with the first rack gear 43 and the second rack gear 62, the axial force F1 applied to the slide member 4 in the axial direction X is amplified by the transmission gear 3 and transmitted to the first housing 2. The slide member 4 and the second housing 6 allow the sensing member 50 to advance to the sensing position when they engage with each other along the axial direction X. In this embodiment, the sensing member 50 is allowed to advance to the sensing position when the locking portion 44 of the slide member 4 and the claw 65a of the second housing 6 engage.

[0048] The second rack gear 62 has multiple gear teeth 63, one first gear tooth 63a with a long tooth width and a second gear tooth 63b with a short tooth width. The first gear tooth 63a has a projection 63c that protrudes in the tooth width direction relative to the second gear tooth 63b. The second gear portion 32 has multiple tooth grooves, one first tooth groove 35a and a second tooth groove 35b. The first tooth groove 35a can mesh with the first gear tooth 63a. The second tooth groove 35b can mesh with the second gear tooth 63b, but cannot mesh with the first gear tooth 63a. The second tooth groove 35b has a contact portion 36 that abuts against the first gear tooth 63a, thereby preventing meshing between the first gear tooth 63a and the second tooth groove 35b. The contact portion 36 is positioned to interfere with the projection 63c, but not with the second gear tooth 63b. The mating connector 1 of this embodiment can suppress misalignment of the meshing position between the transmission gear 3 and the second rack gear 62.

[0049] In this embodiment, the contact portion 36 is a fan-shaped wall that closes the end of the second gear portion 32 in the tooth width direction. Such a contact portion 36 allows the transmission gear 3 to rotate freely while restricting the meshing between the first gear tooth 63a and the second tooth groove 35b.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first gear tooth 63a is the gear tooth that first engages with the second gear portion 32 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are mated, among the multiple gear teeth 63 of the second rack gear 62. Therefore, if the rotational position of the transmission gear 3 is misaligned, a state of non-engagement will occur in the early stages of the mating process. This allows the operator to notice the misalignment early on.

[0051] The contents disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined and implemented as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1: Mating connector 2: First housing, 3: Transmission gear, 4: Sliding member 10: First connector, 20: Second connector 21: Main unit 21a: Side view, 211: Boss portion, 212: Fitting portion, 213: Retaining portion 22: Cylinder section, 23: Terminal, 24: Cover, 25: Holder 31: First gear section, 32: Second gear section, 33: Through hole, 34: Tooth groove 35: Tooth groove, 35a: First tooth groove, 35b: Second tooth groove, 36: Contact part 40: Main wall, 41: First side wall, 42: Second side wall, 43: First rack gear 44: Locking part, 45: Arm 46: Frame portion, 46a: First locking portion, 46b: Second locking portion 50: Detection element, 51: Main body, 52: Arm, 52a: Claw 60: Mating section, 61: Flange section, 62: Second rack gear 63: Gear tooth, 63a: First gear tooth, 63b: Second gear tooth, 63c: Protrusion 64: Terminal, 65: Column, 65a: Claw X: Axial direction, Y: Width direction, Z: Height direction

Claims

1. A first connector having a transmission gear having a first gear portion and a second gear portion, a first housing that rotatably supports the transmission gear, and a slide member that is slidably mounted on the first housing in the axial direction of the first housing, wherein the slide member has a first rack gear that meshes with the first gear portion, A second connector having a second housing configured to fit with the first housing along the axial direction, and the second housing having a second rack gear that meshes with the second gear portion, A detection member attached to the slide member for detecting the complete mating of the first connector and the second connector, Equipped with, When the transmission gear is meshed with the first rack gear and the second rack gear, the axial force applied to the slide member is amplified by the transmission gear and transmitted to the first housing. The slide member and the second housing allow the detection member to advance to the detection position when they engage with each other along the axial direction. The plurality of gear teeth of the second rack gear include one first gear tooth with a long tooth width and a second gear tooth with a short tooth width, and the first gear tooth has a projection that protrudes in the tooth width direction relative to the second gear tooth. The plurality of tooth grooves in the second gear portion include one first tooth groove that can mesh with the first gear tooth, and a second tooth groove that can mesh with the second gear tooth but cannot mesh with the first gear tooth. The second tooth groove has a contact portion that abuts against the first gear tooth, thereby preventing the first gear tooth from meshing with the second tooth groove, and the contact portion is positioned to interfere with the protruding portion but not with the second gear tooth. A mating connector characterized by the following features.

2. The contact portion is a fan-shaped wall portion that closes the end in the tooth width direction of the second tooth groove. The mating connector according to claim 1.

3. The first gear tooth is one of the multiple gear teeth of the second rack gear that first engages with the second gear portion when the first connector and the second connector are mated together. The mating connector according to claim 1.

Images