Connectors and connector assemblies

Abstract

To provide a connector that has a CPA function and can be fitted to an existing mating connector designed while assuming no CPA function.SOLUTION: A connector 100 includes a housing 200 and a CPA member 400. The housing 200 is provided with a stopper 240. The CPA member 400 includes: a base end unit 410; a restricting unit; a first arm unit 430; a distal end unit 440; and a second arm unit 450. The distal end unit 440 is provided with a contact unit 442. The contact unit 442 can take a facing position and a non-facing position UFP. At least one of the first arm unit 430 and the distal end unit 440 is provided with a release projection 444. When the connector 100 and a mating connector 700 are connected, the release projection 444 is pressed by a mating releasing unit 714 of the mating connector 700 to move the contact unit 442 from the facing position to the non-facing position UFP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector provided with a CPA member.

Background Art

[0002] Referring to Figures 35 and 36, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector assembly 980 including a connector 900 of this type and a mating connector 950. The connector 900 has a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) function and is connectable to a mating connector 950 located on the +X side (forward) in the X direction (front-rear direction). The mating connector 950 includes a mating housing 960. The mating housing 960 has a first locking part (mating locking part) 962 and a stopper 964. The connector 900 includes a housing 930 and a mating detection member (CPA member) 940. The housing 930 is matable with a mating housing 960 located forward in the front-rear direction. The housing 930 is provided with a second locking part (locking part) 932. The locking part 932 can take a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking portion 932 is in the locked position, the locking portion 932 and the mating locking portion 962 lock the housing 930 into the mating housing 960. The CPA member 940 is attached to the housing 930 so as to be movable between a restricting position and an allowable position in the front-rear direction. The CPA member 940 has a restricting portion (not shown), an arm portion 941, a contact portion 942, and a shift operation portion 945. When the CPA member 940 is in the restricting position, the restricting portion restricts the movement of the locking portion 932 from the locked position to the release position. When the CPA member 940 is in the allowable position, the restricting portion allows the movement of the locking portion 932 from the locked position to the release position. The contact portion 942 is supported by the arm portion 941. When the housing 930 is fitted to the mating housing 960 while the CPA member 940 is in the restricted position, the contact portion 942 abuts against the stopper 964, and the CPA member 940 moves from the restricted position to the permitted position. In this state, when the CPA member 940 is moved forward while the shift operation portion 945 is pressed, the CPA member 940 moves from the permitted position to the restricted position. As a result, the CPA member 940 ensures that the connector 900 and the mating connector 950 are properly mated. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-90961 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In connectors having a CPA function, such as connector 900 in Patent Document 1, there is a need for a connector that can also be mated to existing mating connectors that were not designed with the CPA function in mind.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a connector having a CPA function that can also be mated to existing mating connectors that were not designed with the CPA function in mind. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As shown in Patent Document 1, mating connectors designed with CPA functionality in mind are typically equipped with a stopper to restrict the movement of the connector's contact portion. However, existing mating connectors designed without CPA functionality in mind do not have such a stopper.

[0007] Therefore, the inventor of this application has devised the following configuration: a portion corresponding to the stopper described above is provided in the housing of the connector; a release projection is provided on the arm portion of the connector's CPA member; a portion of the mating housing of an existing mating connector, which was designed without anticipating the CPA function, is made into a mating release portion; when the connector and the mating connector are connected, the mating release portion of the mating connector comes into contact with the release projection of the connector, causing the arm portion to deform, thereby disengaging the contact portion of the CPA member from the position opposite the stopper.

[0008] On the other hand, if the connector configured as described above is connected to an existing mating connector designed without considering the CPA function, and the CPA member is moved from the permissible position to the restricted position, the mating housing of the mating connector does not have space to avoid contact with the connector's release projection. As a result, the release projection and the mating housing come into contact, and the deformation of the arm supporting the release projection continues. Consequently, in the connector configured as described above, there is a risk that the arm supporting the release projection will undergo plastic deformation, causing permanent deformation of the arm. As a result, in the connector configured as described above, even if the CPA member is returned from the restricted position to the permissible position, there is a risk that the arm will not return to its original shape, and the contact portion supported by the arm will be displaced from the position facing the stopper.

[0009] Therefore, the inventors of this application have further devised a new configuration, in addition to the above-described configuration, such that even if the arm supporting the release projection undergoes plastic deformation, the contact portion can still face the stopper when the CPA member is returned from the restricted position to the permitted position, thereby completing the present invention. The present invention thus created is also applicable to connectors that can be mated with a mating connector designed with the CPA function in mind.

[0010] In other words, the present invention provides a first connector, A connector that can be connected to a mating connector located in the front-to-back direction, The aforementioned mating connector is equipped with a mating housing, The aforementioned mating housing has a mating locking portion and a mating release portion. The connector comprises a housing and a CPA member. The housing is capable of fitting with the mating housing located forward in the front-rear direction. The housing is provided with a straightening section, a locking section, and a stopper. The corrective portion is raised in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, The locking mechanism can take on both a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking portion is in the locked position, the locking portion and the mating locking portion lock the housing in a fitted state with respect to the mating housing. The CPA member is attached to the housing so as to be movable between a restricted position and an allowable position in the front-rear direction. The permitted position is located behind the restricted position in the front-rear direction. The CPA member has a base end, a restricting portion, a first arm portion, a tip portion, and a second arm portion. The regulating portion extends forward in the front-rear direction from the base end, When the CPA member is in the restricted position, the restricting unit restricts the movement of the locking unit from the locked position to the released position. When the CPA member is in the allowable position, the restricting portion allows the locking portion to move from the locked position to the released position. The first arm portion extends forward in the front-rear direction from the base end, The tip portion is supported by the first arm portion, The aforementioned tip portion is provided with a contact portion, The aforementioned contact portion can take on both an opposing position and a non-opposing position. When the connector is not connected to the mating connector and the CPA member is in the allowable position, the contact portion is located in the opposing position. When the contact portion is in the opposing position, the contact portion is located behind the stopper in the front-rear direction and faces the stopper, and the movement of the CPA member from the allowable position to the restricted position is restricted. When the contact portion is in the non-facing position, the contact portion is not facing the stopper in the front-rear direction, and the CPA member is movable from the allowable position to the restricting position. A release projection is provided on at least one of the first arm portion and the tip portion. The release protrusion projects in the orthogonal direction from at least one of the first arm portion and the tip portion. When the connector and the mating connector are connected, the release protrusion is pressed by the mating release portion, and the contact portion is moved from the facing position to the non-facing position. The second arm portion extends forward in the front-rear direction from the base end portion. When the CPA member is at least in the allowable position, the second arm portion is positioned away from the first arm portion in the orthogonal direction and is positioned between the release protrusion and the correction portion in the orthogonal direction. The second arm portion is provided with a pressed portion and a transmission portion. Even when the first arm portion is plastically deformed, if the connector is removed from the mating connector after the CPA member is moved from the restricted position to the allowable position, the correction portion presses the pressed portion, and the transmission portion transmits the pressing to at least one of the first arm portion and the tip portion to correct the contact portion to be in the facing position. A connector is provided.

[0011] Further, the present invention provides a first connector as a second connector, where the second arm portion is connected to the tip portion. A connector is provided.

[0012] Further, the present invention provides a first connector as a third connector, The first arm portion is provided with a receiving portion. When the CPA member is in the restricted position, the receiving portion at least partially receives the stopper. A connector is provided.

[0013] Further, the present invention provides a first connector as a fourth connector, The mating release portion is a fitting end portion of the mating housing. <0000​ When the connector and the mating connector are connected, the housing accommodates the fitting end portion. When the connector is not connected to the mating connector and the CPA member is in the allowable position, the release protrusion is at least partially located within the housing. A connector is provided.

[0014] Further, the present invention provides a first connector assembly including a first connector and a mating connector, the mating connector including a mating housing, the mating housing having a mating locking portion and a mating release portion. A connector assembly is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] The connector of the present invention is configured as follows: The connector includes a housing and a CPA member; the housing is provided with a stopper; when the abutting portion is in the opposing position, the abutting portion is located behind the stopper in the front-rear direction and faces the stopper, and the movement of the CPA member from the allowable position to the restricted position is restricted; when the abutting portion is in the non-opposing position, the abutting portion does not face the stopper in the front-rear direction, and the CPA member is movable from the allowable position to the restricted position; at least one of the first arm portion and the tip portion is provided with a release protrusion; when the connector and the mating connector are connected, the release protrusion is pressed by the mating release portion of the mating connector to move the abutting portion from the opposing position to the non-opposing position. Accordingly, the connector of the present invention has a CPA function and can be fitted to an existing mating connector designed without assuming the CPA function.

[0016] ​The plastic deformation of the arm portion described above, which occurs when mating a connector with a CPA function to an existing mating connector designed without considering the CPA function, is also a problem that can occur when mating a connector that constitutes a connector assembly with a CPA function to a mating connector. In other words, in such a connector assembly, the CPA member cannot be moved unless the connector and the mating connector are fully mated. However, if, for example, the CPA member is forcibly moved from the allowable position to the restricted position while the connector and the mating connector are only partially mated, an undesirable external force may continue to act on the arm portion, potentially causing plastic deformation. However, the connector of the present invention is configured as follows: the housing is provided with a straightening portion; the CPA member has a second arm portion; the second arm portion is provided with a pressed portion and a transmission portion; even if the first arm portion is plastically deformed, when the connector is removed from the mating connector after the CPA member has been moved from the restricted position to the permitted position, the straightening portion presses the pressed portion, and the transmission portion transmits the pressing to at least one of the first arm portion and the tip portion, straightening the contact portion to the opposing position. Thus, even if the first arm portion supporting the release projection is plastically deformed when the CPA member is forcibly moved from the permitted position to the restricted position while the connector of the present invention and the mating connector corresponding to the CPA function are semi-matted, the connector of the present invention is configured so that when the CPA member is returned from the restricted position to the permitted position, the contact portion can properly face the stopper. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the connector assembly is in an unmated state, and the CPA member of the connector is in the allowable position. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly along line AA. A portion of the connector is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a top view showing the connector assembly. [Figure 4]Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly along the BB line. A portion of the connector is shown in a magnified view in the figure. [Figure 5] This is another side view showing the connector assembly in Figure 1. In the figure, the connector assembly is in a partially mated state, and the CPA member is in the allowable position. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly along the CC line. A portion of the connector assembly is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a top view showing the connector assembly. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly along the DD line. A portion of the connector assembly is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 9] This is another side view showing the connector assembly in Figure 1. In the figure, the connector assembly is in the mated state, and the CPA member is in the allowable position. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly along the EE line. A portion of the connector assembly is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a top view showing the connector assembly. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly along the FF line. [Figure 13] This is another side view showing the connector assembly in Figure 1. In the figure, the connector assembly is in the mating-guaranteed state, and the CPA member is in the restricted position. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly along the GG line. A portion of the connector assembly is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 15] Figure 13 is a top view showing the connector assembly. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly along the HH line. [Figure 17] Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing the connectors included in the connector assembly. [Figure 18]Figure 17 is a front view showing the connector. A portion of the connector is shown in a magnified view in the figure. [Figure 19] Figure 17 is a rear perspective view showing the connector. [Figure 20] Figure 15 is a top view showing the connectors included in the connector assembly. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the connector along line II. A portion of the connector is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 22] Figure 20 is a top view showing the housing included in the connector. [Figure 23] Figure 17 is a front perspective view showing the CPA component included in the connector. [Figure 24] Figure 23 is a front view showing the CPA member. In the figure, a portion of the CPA member is shown in enlargement. [Figure 25] This is a rear view showing the CPA component in Figure 23. [Figure 26] Figure 23 is a side view showing the CPA member. In the figure, a portion of the CPA member is shown in enlargement. [Figure 27] This is another side view showing the CPA component in Figure 23. [Figure 28] Figure 23 is a top view showing the CPA component. In the figure, a portion of the CPA component is shown in enlargement. [Figure 29] Figure 23 is a bottom view showing the CPA component. [Figure 30] Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing the mating connector included in the connector assembly. [Figure 31] Figure 30 is a front view showing the mating connector. [Figure 32] Figure 30 is a side view showing the mating connector. [Figure 33] This is another side view showing the mating connector in Figure 30. [Figure 34] Figure 30 is a top view showing the mating connector. [Figure 35] This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of Patent Document 1. [Figure 36]Figure 35 is another cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the connector assembly 10 of the embodiment of the present invention comprises a connector 100 and a mating connector 700.

[0019] Referring to Figure 30, the mating connector 700 in this embodiment is an existing plug designed without assuming CPA functionality. As shown in Figure 31, the mating connector 700 comprises a mating housing 710 and a plurality of mating terminals 750.

[0020] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the mating housing 710 of this embodiment has two mating locking portions 712, two mating release portions 714, and a fitting portion housing portion 720. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the mating housing 710 may have one mating locking portion 712 and one mating release portion 714.

[0021] As shown in Figure 8, each of the mating locking parts 712 in this embodiment faces forward in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the front-rear direction is the X direction. Here, forward is the +X direction and backward is the -X direction. 34 As shown, each of the mating locking portions 712 is located near the rear end in the front-rear direction of the mating housing 710.

[0022] As shown in Figures 32 and 33, the mating release portion 714 in this embodiment is located on both sides of the mating housing 710 in the width direction. Each of the mating release portions 714 faces outward in the width direction. Each of the mating release portions 714 is a plane perpendicular to the width direction. In this embodiment, the width direction is the Y direction. The mating housing 710 does not have a recess that is recessed inward in the width direction near the mating release portion 714.

[0023] As shown in Figure 30, the fitting portion housing 720 in this embodiment is a space that extends in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the fitting portion housing 720 is open in the front-rear direction.

[0024] As shown in Figure 30, the mating housing 710 in this embodiment has a mating end 711.

[0025] As shown in Figures 32 and 33, the mating end 711 of this embodiment defines the rear end of the mating housing 710 in the front-rear direction. The mating release portion 714 is the mating end 711 of the mating housing 710. As shown in Figure 30, the mating end 711 has an upper surface 7112, a rear end 7114, and two holes 730. The upper surface 7112 faces upward in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. The +Z direction is upward, and the -Z direction is downward. The rear end 7114 faces rearward in the front-rear direction. Each of the holes 730 penetrates the upper surface 7112 in the vertical direction. The holes 730 have a circumferential surface 732. A portion of the circumferential surface 732 functions as the mating locking portion 712.

[0026] Referring to Figure 31, each of the mating terminals 750 in this embodiment is made of metal. 。 The mating terminal 750 is held in the mating housing 710.

[0027] As shown in Figure 13, the connector 100 of this embodiment is connectable to a mating connector 700 located in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the connector 100 comprises a housing 200, a CPA member 400, and a plurality of terminals 500.

[0028] As shown in Figure 16, the housing 200 of this embodiment is fittable to a mating housing 710 located forward in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 22, the housing 200 has a shape symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through its center in the width direction and perpendicular to the width direction. Referring to Figures 14, 18, and 19, the housing 200 is provided with two straightening portions 210, two locking portions 220, and four stoppers 240. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the housing 200 may be provided with one straightening portion 210, one locking portion 220, and one stopper 240.

[0029] As shown in Figure 14, each of the straightening portions 210 in this embodiment is raised in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. More specifically, each of the straightening portions 210 is raised inward in the width direction. That is, in this embodiment, the perpendicular direction is the width direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the perpendicular direction may also be the vertical direction, or any direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 2, the straightening portions 210 are located on both sides of the housing 200 in the width direction.

[0030] As shown in Figures 8 and 12, the locking portion 220 of this embodiment can take on a locked position LP and an unlocked position RP. As shown in Figure 12, when the locking portion 220 is in the locked position LP, the locking portion 220 and the mating locking portion 712 lock the housing 200 into the mating housing 710. As shown in Figure 8, when the locking portion 220 is in the unlocked position RP, the locking portion 220 and the mating locking portion 712 do not lock the housing 200 into the mating housing 710. That is, when the locking portion 220 is in the unlocked position RP, the lock on the housing 200 into the mating housing 710 is released.

[0031] Referring to Figure 18, each of the stoppers 240 in this embodiment is located near the outer end of the housing 200 in the orthogonal direction, i.e., the width direction. The four stoppers 240 are divided into two sets, each set consisting of two stoppers 240. As shown in Figures 18 and 21, each of the stoppers 240 has a front surface 242, a rear surface 244, an inner surface 246, and an outer surface 248.

[0032] As shown in Figure 21, the front surface 242 of this embodiment faces forward in the front-rear direction. The front surface 242 defines the front end of the stopper 240 in the front-rear direction.

[0033] As shown in Figure 21, the rear surface 244 of this embodiment faces rearward in the front-rear direction. The rear surface 244 defines the rear end of the stopper 240 in the front-rear direction. The rear surface 244 is perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0034] As shown in Figure 21, the inner surface 246 of this embodiment faces inward in the orthogonal direction, i.e., the width direction. The inner surface 246 defines the inner end of the stopper 240 in the width direction.

[0035] As shown in Figure 18, the outer surface 248 of this embodiment faces outward in the orthogonal direction, i.e., the width direction. The outer surface 248 defines the outer end of the stopper 240 in the width direction.

[0036] As shown in Figure 14, the housing 200 has two slopes 215.

[0037] As shown in Figure 14, each of the inclined surfaces 215 in this embodiment intersects both the front-rear direction and the width direction. More specifically, each of the inclined surfaces 215 is oblique to both the front-rear direction and the width direction. Each inclined surface 215 corresponds to a straightening section 210. Each of the inclined surfaces 215 is located in front of the corresponding straightening section 210 in the front-rear direction. The inclined surfaces 215 are located on both sides of the housing 200 in the width direction.

[0038] As shown in Figure 18, the housing 200 is provided with a storage section 250.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the housing portion 250 of this embodiment extends in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 18, the front end of the housing portion 250 is open in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 10, the housing portion 250 accommodates the mating end 711 when the connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are connected.

[0040] Referring to Figures 4, 14, and 19, the housing 200 has a surrounding portion 205, a fitting portion 208, two opposing portions 230, two additional housing portions 260, two abutting portions 270, an elastic support portion 280, and two protruding portions 290.

[0041] As shown in Figure 18, the surrounding portion 205 of this embodiment defines the outer end of the connector 100 in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The surrounding portion 205 defines the outer end of the connector 100 in the vertical direction. The surrounding portion 205 defines the outer end of the connector 100 in the width direction. Each of the stoppers 240 is located within the surrounding portion 205. As shown in Figure 14, the straightening portion 210, the inclined surface 215, the opposing portion 230, and the abutting portion 270 are provided in the surrounding portion 205.

[0042] As shown in Figure 20, the mating portion 208 in this embodiment defines the front end of the connector 100 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 12, when the connector 100 is connected to the mating connector 700, the mating portion 208 is housed in the mating portion housing 720.

[0043] Referring to Figure 14, each of the opposing parts 230 in this embodiment is located near the rear end of the housing 200 in the front-rear direction. Each of the opposing parts 230 faces forward in the front-rear direction. The two opposing parts 230 are located on both sides of the housing 200 in the width direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, each of the additional housing sections 260 in this embodiment extends in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 18, each of the additional housing sections 260 has an open front end in the front-rear direction. Each of the additional housing sections 260 is located within the surrounding section 205. Each of the additional housing sections 260 is located outside the housing section 250 in the orthogonal direction, i.e., the width direction. The two additional housing sections 260 are located on both sides of the housing 200 in the width direction.

[0045] As shown in Figure 14, each of the abutted portions 270 in this embodiment is located at the rear end of the housing 200 in the front-rear direction. Each of the abutted portions 270 faces rearward in the front-rear direction. The abutted portions 270 are located on both sides of the housing 200 in the width direction.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the elastic support portion 280 of this embodiment is elastically deformable with its front end as a fulcrum. The elastic support portion 280 extends upward in the vertical direction and then backward in the front-rear direction. The elastic support portion 280 has an operating portion 283 and a free end 284.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the operating part 283 in this embodiment is located at the rear end of the elastic support part 280 in the front-rear direction. When the operating part 283 is pressed, the elastic support part 280 is elastically deformed, and when the pressing is released, the elastic support part 280 returns to its original shape.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the free end 284 in this embodiment defines the rear end of the elastic support portion 280 in the front-rear direction.

[0049] As shown in Figure 19, each of the protrusions 290 in this embodiment is elastically supported by the elastic support portion 280. Each of the protrusions 290 protrudes upward in the vertical direction from the elastic support portion 280. Each of the protrusions 290 has a rear surface 292 facing backward in the front-rear direction. The rear surface 292 functions as the locking portion 220 described above.

[0050] Referring to Figures 11 and 15, the CPA member 400 of this embodiment is mounted on the housing 200 so as to be movable between the restricting position RGP and the permissible position ALP in the front-rear direction. Here, the permissible position ALP is located behind the restricting position RGP in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 28, the CPA member 400 has a shape symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through its center in the width direction and perpendicular to the width direction. The CPA member 400 has a base end 410, a restricting portion 420, two first arm portions 430, two tip portions 440, and two second arm portions 450. The two first arm portions 430, two tip portions 440, and two second arm portions 450 can be divided into two sets, each consisting of one first arm portion 430, one tip portion 440, and one second arm portion 450. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, there may be only one set consisting of one first arm portion 430, one tip portion 440, and one second arm portion 450. In other words, the CPA member 400 only needs to have a base portion 410, a restricting portion 420, a first arm portion 430, a tip portion 440, and a second arm portion 450.

[0051] Referring to Figures 2 and 28, the two sets consisting of the first arm portion 430, the tip portion 440, and the second arm portion 450 correspond to the two straightening portions 210, respectively. Also, referring to Figures 18 and 28, the two sets consisting of the first arm portion 430, the tip portion 440, and the second arm portion 450 correspond to the two sets of stoppers 240, respectively. Furthermore, referring to Figures 14 and 28, the two sets consisting of the first arm portion 430, the tip portion 440, and the second arm portion 450 correspond to the two inclined surfaces 215, the two opposing portions 230, the two additional receiving portions 260, and the two abutting portions 270, respectively.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, when connector 100 is not connected to mating connector 700 and CPA member 400 is in the allowable position ALP, the release projection 444 is partially located within the housing portion 250. However, the present invention is not limited thereto; when connector 100 is not connected to mating connector 700 and CPA member 400 is in the allowable position ALP, the release projection 444 only needs to be at least partially located within the housing portion 250.

[0053] Referring to Figure 28, the base end 410 in this embodiment defines the rear end of the CPA member 400 in the front-rear direction. The base end 410 connects two first arm portions 430 to each other. The base end 410 connects two second arm portions 450 to each other. The base end 410 connects the first arm portions 430 and the second arm portions 450 of each set to each other.

[0054] As shown in Figure 28, the restricting portion 420 in this embodiment extends forward in the front-rear direction from the base portion 410. The restricting portion 420 is located near the center in the width direction of the CPA member 400. The restricting portion 420 is located between the two first arm portions 430. As shown in Figure 16, when the CPA member 400 is in the restricting position RGP, the restricting portion 420 is located directly below the operating portion 283 in the vertical direction and restricts the pressing of the operating portion 283. That is, when the CPA member 400 is in the restricting position RGP, the restricting portion 420 restricts the movement of the locking portion 220 from the locked position LP to the released position RP. As shown in Figure 12, when the CPA member 400 is in the allowable position ALP, the restricting portion 420 is located behind the operating portion 283 in the front-rear direction and does not restrict the pressing of the operating portion 283. That is, when the CPA member 400 is in the allowable position ALP, the restricting portion 420 allows the locking portion 220 to move from the locked position LP to the released position RP. The restricting portion 420 has a front end 422 that faces forward in the front-rear direction.

[0055] As shown in Figure 28, the first arm portion 430 of this embodiment extends forward in the front-rear direction from the base end portion 410. More specifically, the first arm portion 430 extends forward in the front-rear direction from near the outer end in the width direction of the base end portion 410. The first arm portion 430 is elastically deformable. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first arm portion 430 does not have to be elastic. As shown in Figure 21, the first arm portion 430 is provided with two receiving portions 432. The two receiving portions 432 of the first arm portion 430 in each set correspond to the two stoppers 240 of the corresponding set. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of receiving portions 432 may be one.

[0056] As shown in Figure 21, each of the receiving portions 432 in this embodiment is a recess that is recessed inward in the vertical direction. When the CPA member 400 is in the restricting position RGP, the receiving portion 432 at least partially receives the stopper 240.

[0057] As shown in Figure 23, the first arm portion 430 has a rim 434.

[0058] As shown in Figure 23, the edge 434 of this embodiment faces forward in the front-rear direction. The edge 434 faces inward in the receiving portion 432 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 28, the edge 434 is located behind the tip portion 440 in the front-rear direction. The edge 434 is located behind the release projection 444 in the front-rear direction. The edge 434 is located near the center of the first arm portion 430 in the front-rear direction.

[0059] As shown in Figure 28, the tip portion 440 of this embodiment is supported by the first arm portion 430. The first arm portion 430 extends rearward from the tip portion 440 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 24, the tip portion 440 is provided with two contact portions 442 and two additional contact portions 447. Referring to Figures 21 and 24, the two contact portions 442 and two additional contact portions 447 of the tip portion 440 in each set correspond to the two stoppers 240 of the corresponding set. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of contact portions 442 may be one, and the additional contact portions 447 may not be provided. That is, the tip portion 440 may be provided with one contact portion 442.

[0060] As shown in Figure 23, the contact portion 442 in this embodiment is a plane that intersects the front-rear direction. The contact portion 442 faces forward in the front-rear direction. The contact portion 442 defines the front end of the CPA member 400 in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 2 and 10, the contact portion 442 can take the positions of opposing position FP and non-opposing position UFP.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, when connector 100 is not connected to mating connector 700 and CPA member 400 is in the permissible position ALP, the contact portion 442 is in the opposing position FP. When the contact portion 442 is in the opposing position FP, the contact portion 442 is located behind the stopper 240 in the front-rear direction and is facing the stopper 240, and the movement of the CPA member 400 from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP is restricted. More specifically, when each of the contact portions 442 is in the opposing position FP, each of the contact portions 442 in each set is located behind the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set in the front-rear direction and is facing the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set, and the movement of the CPA member 400 from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP is restricted. That is, when the contact portion 442 is in the opposing position FP, each contact portion 442 of each set is located in the front-rear direction behind the rear surface 244 of the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set and is facing the rear surface 244 of the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set, and the movement of the CPA member 400 from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP is restricted.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, when the contact portion 442 is in the non-opposing position UFP, the contact portion 442 does not face the stopper 240 in the front-rear direction, and the CPA member 400 is movable from the allowable position ALP to the restrictive position RGP. More specifically, when each of the contact portions 442 is in the non-opposing position UFP, each of the contact portions 442 in each set does not face the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set in the front-rear direction, and the CPA member 400 is movable from the allowable position ALP to the restrictive position RGP. That is, when each of the contact portions 442 is in the non-opposing position UFP, each of the contact portions 442 in each set does not face the rear surface 244 of the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set in the front-rear direction, and the CPA member 400 is movable from the allowable position ALP to the restrictive position RGP.

[0063] As shown in Figure 23, the additional contact portion 447 in this embodiment is a plane that intersects the front-rear direction. The additional contact portion 447 faces forward in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 24, the two contact portions 442 and the two additional contact portions 447 are located on a common plane. Each of the additional contact portions 447 is located inward in the width direction of the corresponding contact portion 442.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, when the contact portion 442 is in the opposing position FP, the additional contact portion 447 is located behind the stopper 240 in the front-rear direction and faces the stopper 240, further restricting the movement of the CPA member 400 from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP. More specifically, when each of the contact portions 442 is in the opposing position FP, each of the additional contact portions 447 in each set is located behind the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set in the front-rear direction and faces the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set, further restricting the movement of the CPA member 400 from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP. That is, when the contact portion 442 is in the opposing position FP, each of the additional contact portions 447 of each set is located behind the rear surface 244 of the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set in the front-rear direction and faces the rear surface 244 of the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set, further restricting the movement of the CPA member 400 from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10, when the contact portion 442 is in the non-opposing position UFP, the additional contact portion 447 is located behind the stopper 240 in the front-rear direction and is opposite to the stopper 240. More specifically, when each of the contact portions 442 is in the non-opposing position UFP, each of the additional contact portions 447 in each set is located behind the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set in the front-rear direction and is opposite to the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set. That is, when each of the contact portions 442 is in the non-opposing position UFP, each of the additional contact portions 447 in each set is located behind the rear surface 244 of the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set in the front-rear direction and is opposite to the rear surface 244 of the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10, when the contact portion 442 is in the non-opposing position UFP, the additional contact portion 447 is oblique to both the front-rear and orthogonal directions and is inclined with respect to the rear surface 244 of the stopper 240. More specifically, when each of the contact portions 442 is in the non-opposing position UFP, each of the additional contact portions 447 in each set is oblique to both the front-rear and orthogonal directions and is inclined with respect to the rear surface 244 of the corresponding stopper 240 of the corresponding set. As a result, when attempting to move the CPA member 400 from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP while the contact portion 442 is in the non-opposing position UFP, the additional contact portion 447 abuts against the rear surface 244 of the stopper 240 from behind. However, the additional contact portion 447 then moves outward in the orthogonal direction and forward in the front-rear direction so as to overcome the rear surface 244 of the stopper 240, thus not hindering the movement of the CPA member 400 from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP.

[0067] As shown in Figure 28, the tip portion 440 is provided with a release projection 444.

[0068] As shown in Figure 28, the release projection 444 in this embodiment protrudes orthogonally from the tip portion 440. That is, the release projection 444 protrudes inward in an orthogonal direction, i.e., in the width direction, from the tip portion 440. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the release projection 444 may also protrude outward in an orthogonal direction from the tip portion 440. Referring to Figures 6 and 10, when the connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are connected, the release projection 444 is pressed by the mating release portion 714, moving the contact portion 442 from the opposing position FP to the non-opposing position UFP.

[0069] As shown in Figure 28, the release projection 444 of this embodiment has an inclined surface 4441 and an inner end 4446.

[0070] As shown in Figure 28, the inclined surface 4441 in this embodiment defines the front end of the release projection 444 in the front-rear direction. The inclined surface 4441 intersects both the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction. More specifically, the inclined surface 4441 is oblique to both the front-rear direction and the width direction. The inclined surface 4441 extends forward in the front-rear direction and outward in the width direction from the inner end 4446.

[0071] As shown in Figure 28, the inner end 4446 in this embodiment is the innermost end in the direction perpendicular to the release projection 444, i.e., in the width direction.

[0072] As shown in Figure 28, the tip portion 440 has a slope 446.

[0073] As shown in Figure 28, the inclined surface 446 in this embodiment faces rearward in the front-rear direction and inward in the width direction. The inclined surface 446 is located in front of the receiving portion 432 in the front-rear direction. The inclined surface 446 is located in front of the inner end 4446 of the release projection 444 in the front-rear direction.

[0074] As shown in Figure 28, the second arm portion 450 of this embodiment extends forward in the front-rear direction from the base end portion 410. More specifically, the second arm portion 450 extends forward in the front-rear direction from near the outer end in the width direction of the base end portion 410. The second arm portion 450 is connected to the tip portion 440. The second arm portion 450 is located outside the first arm portion 430 in the orthogonal direction, i.e., in the width direction. The second arm portion 450 is elastically deformable. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second arm portion 450 does not have to be elastic. As shown in Figure 10, when the CPA member 400 is in the allowable position ALP, the second arm portion 450 is located away from the first arm portion 430 in the orthogonal direction and is located between the release projection 444 and the straightening portion 210 in the orthogonal direction. The present invention is not limited thereto, and when the CPA member 400 is at least in the allowable position ALP, the second arm portion 450 is located away from the first arm portion 430 in the orthogonal direction and is located between the release projection 444 and the straightening portion 210 in the orthogonal direction.

[0075] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, each of the second arm portions 450 is provided with a pressed portion 452 and a transmission portion 454.

[0076] As shown in Figure 28, the pressed portion 452 in this embodiment faces outward in the orthogonal direction, i.e., the width direction. The pressed portion 452 defines the outer end in the width direction of the second arm portion 450. The pressed portion 452 is located behind the release projection 444 in the front-rear direction. The pressed portion 452 is located in front of the edge 434 of the first arm portion 430 in the front-rear direction.

[0077] As shown in Figure 28, the transmission unit 454 in this embodiment is located in front of the pressed unit 452 in the front-rear direction. The transmission unit 454 is connected to the pressed unit 452. The transmission unit 454 is connected to the tip 440.

[0078] As shown in Figure 28, the second arm portion 450 of this embodiment has an opposing portion 453, a first protrusion 456, and a second protrusion 458.

[0079] As shown in Figure 28, the opposing portion 453 in this embodiment faces rearward in the front-rear direction. The opposing portion 453 intersects with the front-rear direction. The opposing portion 453 is located between the pressed portion 452 and the first protrusion 456 in the front-rear direction. The opposing portion 453 is located behind the pressed portion 452 in the front-rear direction. The opposing portion 453 is located in front of the first protrusion 456 in the front-rear direction. The opposing portion 453 is located behind the release projection 444 in the front-rear direction. The opposing portion 453 is located in front of the edge 434 of the first arm portion 430 in the front-rear direction.

[0080] As shown in Figure 28, the first protrusion 456 of this embodiment protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction, i.e., in the width direction. The first protrusion 456 is located between the pressed portion 452 and the second protrusion 458 in the front-rear direction. The first protrusion 456 is located behind the pressed portion 452 in the front-rear direction. The first protrusion 456 is located in front of the second protrusion 458 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 2, when the CPA member 400 is in the allowable position ALP, the first protrusion 456 is located behind the housing 200 in the front-rear direction. More specifically, when the CPA member 400 is in the allowable position ALP, the first protrusion 456 is located behind the abutted portion 270 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 26, the first protrusion 456 has a front surface 4562 and a rear surface 4564.

[0081] As shown in Figure 28, the front surface 4562 of this embodiment defines the front end of the first protrusion 456 in the front-rear direction. The front surface 4562 faces forward in the front-rear direction and outward in the width direction. The front surface 4562 is oblique to both the front-rear and width directions.

[0082] As shown in Figure 28, the rear surface 4564 of this embodiment defines the rear end of the first protrusion 456 in the front-rear direction. The rear surface 4564 faces rearward in the front-rear direction and outward in the width direction. The rear surface 4564 is oblique to both the front-rear and width directions.

[0083] As shown in Figure 28, the second protrusion 458 in this embodiment protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction, i.e., the width direction. The second protrusion 458 is located behind the first protrusion 456 in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figures 2 and 28, when the CPA member 400 is in the allowable position ALP, the second protrusion 458 is located behind the housing 200 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 26, the second protrusion 458 has a front surface 4582 and a rear surface 4584.

[0084] As shown in Figure 28, the front surface 4582 of this embodiment defines the front end of the second protrusion 458 in the front-rear direction. The front surface 4582 faces forward in the front-rear direction and outward in the width direction. The front surface 4582 is oblique to both the front-rear and width directions.

[0085] As shown in Figure 28, the rear surface 4584 of this embodiment defines the rear end of the second protrusion 458 in the front-rear direction. The rear surface 4584 faces rearward in the front-rear direction and outward in the width direction. The rear surface 4584 is oblique to both the front-rear and width directions.

[0086] As shown in Figure 28, the CPA member 400 has two spaces 460. The spaces 460 are located between the first arm portion 430 and the second arm portion 450. More specifically, the two sets, each consisting of the first arm portion 430, the tip portion 440, and the second arm portion 450, correspond to the two spaces 460, and each space 460 is located in the width direction between the first arm portion 430 and the second arm portion 450 of the corresponding set.

[0087] Referring to Figure 18, each of the terminals 500 in this embodiment is made of metal. 。 The terminal 500 is held in the mating portion 208 of the housing 200.

[0088] The operation and state of each part of connector 100 and the mating connector 700 when connecting connector 100 to the mating connector 700 are described in detail below.

[0089] First, referring to Figure 1, position connector 100 behind the mating connector 700 in the front-to-back direction. In this state, move connector 100 forward relative to the mating connector 700. Then, the mating portion 208 of connector 100 will be accommodated in the mating portion housing portion 720 of the mating connector 700, and the mating end portion 711 of the mating connector 700 will be accommodated in the housing portion 250 of connector 100, so that the connector assembly 10 is in the semi-matted state shown in Figures 5 to 8.

[0090] Referring to Figure 8, in this semi-mated state, the protruding portion 290 of the connector 100 is pushed downward by the inner surface of the mating end 711 of the mating connector 700, causing the elastic support portion 280 to elastically deform, thereby moving the locking portion 220 to the release position RP. In the semi-mated state, the free end 284 of the elastic support portion 280 is located in front of the front end 422 of the restricting portion 420 in the front-rear direction, and is also facing the front end 422 of the restricting portion 420.

[0091] Referring to Figure 6, in the semi-mated state, the rear end 7114 of the mating end 711 of the mating connector 700 is located behind the contact portion 442 in the front-rear direction and in front of the inclined surface 4441 of the release projection 444 in the front-rear direction. In the semi-mated state, the rear end 7114 of the mating end 711 of the mating connector 700 is not in contact with the inclined surface 4441 of the release projection 444. Furthermore, in the semi-mated state, the pressed portion 452 of the second arm portion 450 is not in contact with the straightened portion 210 of the housing 200, and the opposing portion 453 of the second arm portion 450 is not in contact with the opposed portion 230 of the housing 200. In the semi-mated state, the contact portion 442 is located at the opposing position FP. In the semi-fitted state, the contact portion 442 is located behind the stopper 240 in the front-rear direction and faces the stopper 240, and the movement of the CPA member 400 from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP is restricted. More specifically, in the semi-fitted state, the contact portion 442 is located behind the rear surface 244 of the stopper 240 in the front-rear direction and faces the rear surface 244 of the stopper 240, and the movement of the CPA member 400 from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP is restricted.

[0092] When the connector 100 is moved further forward relative to the mating connector 700 in the semi-mated state, the mating lock portion 712 of the mating connector 700 reaches the same position as the lock portion 220 of the connector 100 in the front-rear direction, and the rear end 7114 of the mating end portion 7111 of the mating connector 700 comes into contact with the inclined surface 4441 of the release projection 444, causing the release projection 444 to move outward in the width direction. As a result, the lock portion 220 moves from the release position RP to the locked position LP, and the contact portion 442 moves from the opposing position FP to the non-opposing position UFP, so that the connector assembly 10 is in the mated state shown in Figures 9 to 12.

[0093] Thus, the connector 100 of this embodiment has a CPA function, but can also be mated to existing mating connectors 700 that were not designed with a CPA function in mind.

[0094] Referring to Figure 10, when transitioning from a semi-fitted state to a fully fitted state, the mating end 711 of the mating connector 700 comes into contact with the inner end 4446 of the release projection 444, and the first arm portion 430 and the second arm portion 450 each elastically deform outward in the orthogonal direction, i.e., in the width direction.

[0095] As shown in Figure 12, in the mated state, the locking portion 220 and the mating locking portion 712 lock the mated state of the housing 200 to the mating housing 710. In the mated state, the free end 284 of the elastic support portion 280 is located in front of the front end 422 of the restricting portion 420 in the front-rear direction, but does not face the front end 422 of the restricting portion 420 in the front-rear direction. In the mated state, the terminal 500 of the connector 100 is connected to the mating terminal 750 of the mating connector 700.

[0096] As shown in Figure 10, in the fitted state, the second arm portion 450 is located away from the first arm portion 430 in the orthogonal direction, and is located between the release projection 444 and the straightening portion 210 in the orthogonal direction, i.e., the width direction. In the fitted state, the contact portion 442 is located in the non-opposing position UFP. In the fitted state, the contact portion 442 is not facing the stopper 240 in the front-rear direction, and the CPA member 400 is movable from the allowable position ALP to the restrictive position RGP.

[0097] As shown in Figure 10, in the fitted state, the additional contact portion 447 is located behind the rear surface 244 of the stopper 240 in the front-rear direction and faces the rear surface 244 of the stopper 240. In the fitted state, the additional contact portion 447 is oblique to both the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction and is inclined with respect to the rear surface 244 of the stopper 240.

[0098] In this fitted state, when the CPA member 400 is moved forward relative to the housing 200, the additional contact portion 447 abuts against the rear surface 244 of the stopper 240 from behind. Then, when the CPA member 400 is moved further forward relative to the housing 200, the additional contact portion 447 of the tip portion 440 moves outward in the width direction and forward in the front-rear direction so as to go over the rear surface 244 of the stopper 240, and rides up onto the outer surface 248 of the stopper 240. In this state, when the CPA member 400 is moved further forward relative to the housing 200, the additional contact portion 447 of the tip portion 440 goes over the stopper 240 and moves in front of the front surface 242 of the stopper 240, and the stopper 240 is received by the receiving portion 432 of the first arm portion 430. As a result, the CPA member 400 moves from the permissible position ALP to the restricted position RGP, and the connector assembly 10 enters the mating-guaranteed state shown in Figures 13 to 16. That is, the connection of the connector 100 to the mating connector 700 is completed. During the transition from the mated state to the mating-guaranteed state, the first protrusion 456 and the second protrusion 458 of the second arm portion 450 move over the abutted portion 270 of the housing 200 into the additional housing portion 260. As a result, during the transition from the mated state to the mating-guaranteed state, the operator of the CPA member 400 can feel a click when the first protrusion 456 and the second protrusion 458 move over the abutted portion 270, and can appropriately recognize the transition to the mating-guaranteed state.

[0099] As shown in Figure 16, in the fitted state, the restricting portion 420 restricts the movement of the locking portion 220 from the locked position LP to the released position RP. Also, referring to Figures 14 and 21, in the fitted state, the receiving portion 432 at least partially receives the stopper 240. Referring to Figures 21 and 28, in the fitted state, the stopper 240 is located between the inclined surface 446 and the edge 434 in the front-rear direction. That is, in the front-rear direction, the stopper 240 is located behind the inclined surface 446 and in front of the edge 434. As shown in Figure 14, in the fitted state, the second protrusion 458 is located in front of the opposed portion 230 and faces the opposed portion 230 in the front-rear direction.

[0100] As described above, the mating housing 710 does not have a recess that is recessed inward in the width direction near the mating release portion 714. As a result, in the mating guaranteed state, the release projection 444 of the connector 100 is in contact with the mating end portion 711 of the mating connector 700 in the orthogonal direction, i.e., the width direction, and is continuously subjected to external force from the mating end portion 711, causing the first arm portion 430 of the connector 100 to continuously deform outward in the orthogonal direction, i.e., the width direction. As a result, in the mating guaranteed state, there is a possibility that the first arm portion 430 will undergo plastic deformation and permanent deformation will occur in the first arm portion 430. However, in the mating guaranteed state, the second arm portion 450 of the connector 100 has largely returned to its original shape, so there is almost no risk of plastic deformation.

[0101] The operation and state of each part of connector 100 and the mating connector 700 when disconnecting connector 100 from mating connector 700 are described in detail below.

[0102] In the fitted state shown in Figures 13 to 16, when the CPA member 400 is moved backward relative to the housing 200, the inclined surface 446 of the tip portion 440 (see Figure 28) abuts against the front surface 242 of the stopper 240. In this state, when the CPA member 400 is moved further backward relative to the housing 200, the additional contact portion 447 of the tip portion 440 rides up onto the outer surface 248 of the stopper 240, and the opposing portion 453 contacts the inclined surface 215 from the front. Due to this contact, the opposing portion 453 receives a force directed inward in the direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 215, i.e., in the width direction, and the transmission portion 454 transmits this force to the contact portion 442 and the release projection 444. In this state, when the CPA member 400 is moved further rearward relative to the housing 200, the pressed portion 452 rides up onto the straightening portion 210, and the opposing portion 453, after riding up onto the straightening portion 210, comes into contact with the opposing portion 230 in the front-rear direction. As a result, the CPA member 400 moves from the restricted position RGP to the permitted position ALP, and the connector assembly 10 enters the mated state shown in Figures 9 to 12. During the transition from the mated-guaranteed state to the mated state, the first protrusion 456 and the second protrusion 458 of the second arm portion 450 move over the opposing portion 230 of the housing 200 and to the rear of the housing 200. As a result, even during the transition from the mated-guaranteed state to the mated state, the operator of the CPA member 400 can feel a click when the first protrusion 456 and the second protrusion 458 ride over the opposing portion 230, and can appropriately recognize the transition to the mated state.

[0103] Even during the transition from the mating guarantee state to the mated state, the mating end 711 of the mating connector 700 continues to be in contact with the inner end 4446 of the release projection 444, and the first arm portion 430 continues to deform outward in the orthogonal direction, i.e., in the width direction. Furthermore, when transitioning from the mating guarantee state to the mated state, the straightening portion 210 of the housing 200 presses the pressed portion 452 of the second arm portion 450 in the orthogonal direction, i.e., in the width direction, and the transmission portion 454 of the second arm portion 450 transmits the above pressing to the tip portion 440, and the second arm portion 450 undergoes elastic deformation.

[0104] In this mating state, pressing the operating part 283 moves the locking part 220 to the release position RP, thereby releasing the lock on the mating state of the housing 200 to the mating housing 710. Then, when the connector 100 is moved backward relative to the mating connector 700, the mating end 711 of the mating connector 700 moves forward of the release projection 444 on the tip 440, eliminating contact with the release projection 444, and the connector assembly 10 enters a semi-matting state.

[0105] Here, if the plastic deformation described above does not occur in the first arm portion 430 in the mating guaranteed state, the connector assembly 10 will be in the semi-matted state shown in Figures 5 to 8. That is, referring to Figure 6, when transitioning from the mated state to the semi-matted state, since the plastic deformation described above does not occur in the first arm portion 430, the restoring force of both the first arm portion 430 and the second arm portion 450 corrects the contact portion 442 of the tip portion 440 so that it moves from the non-opposing position UFP to the opposing position FP. In this case, at the point when the contact portion 442 moves to the opposing position FP, the pressed portion 452 is not in contact with the correcting portion 210.

[0106] On the other hand, if the first arm portion 430 undergoes the above-mentioned plastic deformation while in the mating guaranteed state, when transitioning from the mating state to the semi-matting state, the pressing force of the straightening portion 210 onto the pressed portion 452 is transmitted to the tip portion 440 by the transmission portion 454, thereby straightening the contact portion 442 of the tip portion 440 so that it moves from the non-opposing position UFP to the opposing position FP. That is, in the connector 100 of this embodiment, even if the first arm portion 430 undergoes plastic deformation, when the connector 100 is removed from the mating connector 700 after the CPA member 400 has been moved from the restricted position RGP to the permissible position ALP, the straightening portion 210 presses the pressed portion 452, and the transmission portion 454 transmits the pressing force to the tip portion 440, straightening the contact portion 442 to the opposing position FP.

[0107] In particular, in the CPA member 400 of this embodiment, the second arm portion 450 is connected to the tip portion 440 on which the contact portion 442 is provided. As a result, in the connector 100 of this embodiment, the correction of the contact portion 442 from the non-facing position UFP to the facing position FP is reliably performed.

[0108] In summary, if the first arm portion 430 does not undergo plastic deformation in the mating guaranteed state, when the CPA member 400 is moved from the restricted position RGP to the permissible position ALP and the connector 100 is removed from the mating connector 700, the contact portion 442 will be in the opposing position FP with the pressed portion 452 not in contact with the straightening portion 210. On the other hand, if the first arm portion 430 undergoes plastic deformation in the mating guaranteed state, when the CPA member 400 is moved from the restricted position RGP to the permissible position ALP and the connector 100 is removed from the mating connector 700, the contact portion 442 will be in the opposing position FP with the pressed portion 452 in contact with the straightening portion 210.

[0109] Finally, in the partially mated connector assembly 10, the connector 100 is pulled backward relative to the mating connector 700. This completes the removal of the connector 100 from the mating connector 700. If the plastic deformation described above does not occur in the first arm portion 430 in the mating guaranteed state, the connector assembly 10 will be in the unmated state shown in Figure 2 once the removal of the connector 100 from the mating connector 700 is complete.

[0110] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to embodiments above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, the release projection 444 protruded orthogonally from the tip portion 440, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The release projection 444 may protrude orthogonally from the first arm portion 430. The release projection 444 may also be provided so as to straddle the boundary portion between the first arm portion 430 and the tip portion 440. That is, the connector 100 is configured such that the release projection 444 is provided on at least one of the first arm portion 430 and the tip portion 440, and the release projection 444 protrudes orthogonally from at least one of the first arm portion 430 and the tip portion 440. When the release projection 444 is provided close to the contact portion 442, the movement of the contact portion 442 from the opposing position FP to the non-opposing position UFP when transitioning from a semi-fitted state to a fitted state can be achieved with a small displacement of the first arm portion 430, so the connector 100 can be made smaller compared to when the release projection 444 is provided farther away from the contact portion 442. Therefore, it is more preferable that the release projection 444 be provided in a location close to the contact portion 442.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, when the connector 100 was removed from the mating connector 700 after the CPA member 400 moved from the restricted position RGP to the permitted position ALP, the transmission unit 454 transmitted the above-mentioned pressure to the tip unit 440. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the connector 100 may be configured such that when the connector 100 is removed from the mating connector 700 after the CPA member 400 moved from the restricted position RGP to the permitted position ALP, the transmission unit 454 transmits the above-mentioned pressure to the first arm unit 430. In other words, even if the first arm portion 430 undergoes plastic deformation, if the connector 100 is removed from the mating connector 700 after the CPA member 400 has been moved from the restricted position RGP to the permissible position ALP, the correcting portion 210 will press the pressed portion 452, and the transmission portion 454 will transmit the pressing force to at least one of the first arm portion 430 and the tip portion 440, correcting the contact portion 442 to the opposing position FP.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, the mating housing 710 of the mating connector 700 was not provided with a recess for receiving the release projection 444 of the connector 100 in the mating guaranteed state, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the mating housing 710 of the mating connector 700 may be provided with a recess for receiving the release projection 444 of the connector 100 in the mating guaranteed state, thereby preventing plastic deformation of the first arm portion 430 by preventing stress from acting on the first arm portion 430 from the mating housing 710 via the release projection 444 in the mating guaranteed state. Although the present invention starts from the problem of mating with existing mating connectors 700 that do not have such a recess, it does not prevent the mating connector 700 from having such a recess. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10 Connector Assembly 100 connectors 200 Housing 205 Encirclement 208 Fitting part 210 Orthodontics Department 215 Slope 220 Locking section 230 Opposed part 240 Stopper 242 Front 244 Rear 246 Inner self 248 Exterior 250 storage units 260 Additional storage compartment 270 Abutted part 280 Elastic support section 283 Operation section 284 Free end 290 Protrusion 292 Rear 400 CPA component 410 Proximal end 420 Regulatory Department 422 Front end 430 First Arm Section 432 Receptor part 434 En 440 Tip 442 Contact part 444 Release protrusion 4441 Slope 4446 Inner end 446 Slope 447 Additional contact part 450 Second Arm Section 452 Pressed part 453 Opposite section 454 Transmission section 456 First protrusion 4562 Front 4564 Rear 458 Second protrusion 4582 Front 4584 Rear 460 Space 500 terminals 700 Mating connector 710 Other side housing 711 Fitting end 7112 Top 7114 Rear end 712 Opposing side locking part 714 Opponent's release mechanism 720 Fitting part housing 730 holes 732 Peripheral surface 750 Mating terminal ALP Permissible Position FP opposing position LP lock position RP release position RGP regulation position UFP non-opposed position

Claims

1. A connector that can be connected to a mating connector located in the front-to-back direction, The aforementioned mating connector is equipped with a mating housing, The aforementioned mating housing has a mating locking portion and a mating release portion. The connector comprises a housing and a CPA member. The housing is capable of fitting with the mating housing located forward in the front-rear direction. The housing is provided with a straightening section, a locking section, and a stopper. The corrective portion is raised in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, The locking mechanism can take on both a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking portion is in the locked position, the locking portion and the mating locking portion lock the housing in a fitted state with respect to the mating housing. The CPA member is attached to the housing so as to be movable between a restricted position and an allowable position in the front-rear direction. The permitted position is located behind the restricted position in the front-rear direction. The CPA member has a base end, a restricting portion, a first arm portion, a tip portion, and a second arm portion. The regulating portion extends forward in the front-rear direction from the base end, When the CPA member is in the restricted position, the restricting unit restricts the movement of the locking unit from the locked position to the released position. When the CPA member is in the allowable position, the restricting portion allows the locking portion to move from the locked position to the released position. The first arm portion extends forward in the front-rear direction from the base end, The tip portion is supported by the first arm portion, The aforementioned tip portion is provided with a contact portion, The aforementioned contact portion can take on both an opposing position and a non-opposing position. When the connector is not connected to the mating connector and the CPA member is in the allowable position, the contact portion is located in the opposing position. When the contact portion is in the opposing position, the contact portion is located behind the stopper in the front-rear direction and faces the stopper, and the movement of the CPA member from the allowable position to the restricted position is restricted. When the contact portion is in the non-facing position, the contact portion is not facing the stopper in the front-rear direction, and the CPA member is movable from the allowable position to the restricting position. A release projection is provided on at least one of the first arm portion and the tip portion. The release projection protrudes in the orthogonal direction from at least one of the first arm portion and the tip portion. The release projection, when the connector and the mating connector are connected, is pressed against the mating release portion, causing the contact portion to move from the opposing position to the non-opposing position. The second arm portion extends forward in the front-rear direction from the base end, When the CPA member is at least in the allowable position, the second arm portion is located away from the first arm portion in the orthogonal direction and is located between the release projection and the straightening portion in the orthogonal direction. The second arm portion is provided with a pressing portion and a transmission portion. Even if the first arm portion undergoes plastic deformation, when the CPA member is moved from the restricting position to the allowable position and the connector is removed from the mating connector, the straightening portion presses the pressed portion, and the transmission portion transmits the pressing force to at least one of the first arm portion and the tip portion, thereby straightening the contact portion to the opposing position. connector.

2. The connector according to claim 1, The second arm portion is connected to the tip portion. connector.

3. The connector according to claim 1, The first arm portion is provided with a receiving portion, When the CPA member is in the restricting position, the receiving portion receives the stopper at least partially. connector.

4. The connector according to claim 1, The mating release portion is the fitting end of the mating housing, The housing is provided with a storage section, The aforementioned housing portion accommodates the mating end when the connector and the mating connector are connected. When the connector is not connected to the mating connector and the CPA member is in the allowable position, the release projection is at least partially located within the housing portion. connector.

5. A connector assembly comprising the connector described in claim 1 and the mating connector, The mating connector comprises the mating housing, The mating housing has a mating locking portion and a mating release portion. Connector assembly.

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