Connector

Abstract

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a connector in which movement of a retainer can be suppressed. A connector (10) comprises: a connector housing (30) that can be fitted into a mating connector (20); a retainer (50) that is attached to the connector housing (30) and thereby prevents a terminal from coming out from the connector housing (30); and a connector position assurance member (60) that prevents detachment of the connector housing (30) from the mating connector (20) by being moved from a temporary locking position to a final locking position (K2) in a state in which the connector housing (30) is fitted into the mating connector (20). The connector position assurance member (60) has an engagement protrusion (64) that engages with the retainer (50) so as to prevent movement of the retainer (50) from the connector housing (30) in a state in which the connector position assurance member (60) is at the final locking position (K2).

Description

connector

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors.

[0002] Conventionally, connectors include a resin connector housing that can be mated with a mating connector, and terminals, a retainer, and a connector position assurance member that are respectively assembled to the connector housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The retainer is attached to the connector housing to prevent the terminals from coming out of the connector housing. The connector position assurance member prevents the connector housing from coming out of the mating connector by moving from a partial locking position to a full locking position while the connector housing is mated with the mating connector.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2023-513260

[0004] The retainer in the connector described above has a locking claw that is hooked onto the connector housing to be attached to the connector housing. However, in the connector described above, for example, if the retainer is attached and detached multiple times, the locking claw may wear, and the retainer may move in a direction that causes it to fall off the connector housing.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can firmly suppress movement of a retainer.

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a connector housing that can be mated with a mating connector by being moved relative to the mating connector in a mating direction along a first axis, terminals accommodated in the connector housing, a retainer that is attached to the connector housing to prevent the terminals from coming loose from the connector housing, and a connector position assurance member that is assembled to the connector housing and that prevents the connector housing from coming loose from the mating connector by being moved from a temporary locking position to a full locking position when the connector housing is mated with the mating connector, wherein the connector position assurance member has an engaging portion that engages with the retainer to prevent movement of the retainer from the connector housing when in the full locking position.

[0007] According to the connector of the present disclosure, movement of the retainer can be firmly suppressed.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector and a mating connector in one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector in one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connector position assurance member in one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the connector in one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the connector in one embodiment. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the connector in one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The connector of the present disclosure includes: [1] a connector housing that can be mated with a mating connector by being moved relative to the mating connector in a mating direction along a first axis, terminals accommodated in the connector housing, a retainer that is attached to the connector housing to prevent the terminals from coming off the connector housing, and a connector position assurance member that is assembled to the connector housing and that prevents the connector housing from coming off the mating connector by being moved from a partial-locking position to a full-locking position when the connector housing is mated with the mating connector, wherein the connector position assurance member has an engaging portion that engages with the retainer to prevent movement of the retainer from the connector housing when in the full-locking position.

[0010] According to this configuration, the connector position assurance member has an engaging portion that engages with the retainer to prevent movement of the retainer from the connector housing when in the main locking position, so that movement of the retainer can be firmly suppressed without the need to add any additional components.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the connector position assurance member may be configured to be movable in a main locking direction along the first axis from the provisional locking position toward the main locking position, and the retainer may be configured to be mounted to the connector housing in a mounting direction along a second axis that intersects with the first axis.

[0012] With this configuration, the mounting direction of the retainer and the main locking direction of the connector position assurance member intersect, so the engaging portion of the connector position assurance member can be firmly engaged with the retainer without elastically deforming it, and movement of the retainer can be firmly prevented.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], the connector position assurance member may have a first contact portion that can come into contact with the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the first axis.

[0014] According to this configuration, the connector position assurance member has a first contact portion that can contact the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the first axis, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer along the first axis, thereby suppressing rattle of the terminal along the first axis, for example, and thereby enabling the terminal to stably contact the mating terminal.

[0015] [4] In the above [2] or [3], the connector position assurance member may have a second contact portion that can contact the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the second axis.

[0016] According to this configuration, the connector position assurance member has a second contact portion that can contact the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the second axis, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer along the second axis. This also suppresses rattle of the terminal along the second axis, for example, allowing the terminal to stably contact the mating terminal.

[0017] [5] In the above [4], the retainer has an engagement recess extending along the first axis, and the engagement portion is an engagement protrusion that fits into the engagement recess when the connector position assurance member is in the main locking position, and the engagement protrusion has widthwise chamfered portions on both sides along the second axis at the tip end in the main locking direction, and has widthwise inclined portions that gradually reduce the distance from the engagement recess from the widthwise chamfered portions in the direction opposite to the main locking direction, and the second contact portion may be provided at the terminal position of the widthwise inclined portions.

[0018] According to this configuration, the retainer has an engagement recess extending along the first axis, and the engagement portion is an engagement protrusion that fits into the engagement recess when the connector position assurance member is in the final locking position. Therefore, the engagement protrusion fits into the engagement recess, firmly preventing movement of the retainer. The engagement protrusion has widthwise chamfers on both sides of its tip along the second axis in the final locking direction, preventing the engagement protrusion from getting caught when fitting into the engagement recess. The engagement protrusion also has widthwise inclined portions that gradually reduce the distance from the widthwise chamfers to the engagement recess in the direction opposite the final locking direction, and the second contact portion is located at the end of the widthwise inclined portions, reducing the insertion pressure required when fitting the engagement protrusion into the engagement recess. In other words, in a configuration in which the second contact portion is formed immediately after the widthwise chamfer without a widthwise inclined portion, there is a risk of increased insertion pressure when fitting the engagement protrusion into the engagement recess. However, the widthwise inclined portions prevent this increase in insertion pressure. Therefore, the operability of the connector position assurance member can be improved.

[0019] [6] In any one of [2] to [5] above, the connector position assurance member may have a third contact portion that can come into contact with the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to the second axis.

[0020] According to this configuration, the connector position assurance member has a third contact portion that can contact the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the third axis, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer along the third axis. This also suppresses rattle of the terminal along the third axis, for example, allowing the terminal to stably contact the mating terminal.

[0021] [7] In the above [6], the retainer has an engagement recess extending along the first axis, and the engagement portion is an engagement protrusion that fits into the engagement recess when the connector position assurance member is in the main locking position, and the engagement protrusion has a bottom-direction chamfered portion on the bottom side of the engagement recess at the tip end in the main locking direction, and has a bottom-direction inclined portion that gradually reduces the distance from the engagement recess from the bottom-direction chamfered portion in the direction opposite to the main locking direction, and the third contact portion may be provided at the terminal position of the bottom-direction inclined portion.

[0022] According to this configuration, the retainer has an engagement recess extending along the first axis, and the engagement portion is an engagement protrusion that fits into the engagement recess when the connector position assurance member is in the full-locking position. The engagement protrusion fits into the engagement recess, firmly preventing movement of the retainer. The engagement protrusion has a bottom-direction chamfer on the bottom surface of the engagement recess at its tip in the full-locking direction, preventing the engagement protrusion from getting caught when fitting into the engagement recess. The engagement protrusion also has a bottom-direction inclined portion that gradually reduces the distance from the engagement recess toward the bottom-direction in the opposite direction to the full-locking direction. The third contact portion is located at the terminal end of the bottom-direction inclined portion, reducing the insertion pressure required when fitting the engagement protrusion into the engagement recess. In other words, in a configuration in which the third contact portion is formed immediately after the bottom-direction chamfer without a bottom-direction inclined portion, there is a risk of increased insertion pressure when fitting the engagement protrusion into the engagement recess. However, the bottom-direction inclined portion prevents this increase in insertion pressure. Therefore, the operability of the connector position assurance member can be improved.

[0023] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for the convenience of explanation, some of the configurations may be exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions of each part may differ from one drawing to another. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0024] 1, the connector 10 is connected to the mating connector 20 by being moved relatively in a mating direction X1 along a first axis X. The connector 10 and the mating connector 20 of this embodiment are provided in a vehicle. For example, the mating connector 20 is fixed to a case of an electrical device or the like in the vehicle.

[0025] 2 to 4, the connector 10 includes a connector housing 30, a terminal unit 40, a retainer 50, and a connector position assurance member 60. The connector 10 of this embodiment includes four terminal units 40.

[0026] Each drawing shows a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z perpendicular to the first axis X and perpendicular to the second axis Y. The drawings also show a mating direction X1, which is a direction along the first axis X, and an opposite mating direction X2, which is the opposite direction to the mating direction X1. The drawings also show an installation direction Y1, which is a direction along the second axis Y, and an opposite installation direction Y2, which is the opposite direction to the installation direction Y1. The drawings also show an upward direction Z1, which is a direction along the third axis Z, and a downward direction Z2, which is the opposite direction to the upward direction Z1.

[0027] (Configuration of Connector Housing 30) The connector housing 30 is made of a resin material. As shown in Fig. 2, the connector housing 30 has four accommodating holes 31 penetrating along the first axis X. Two accommodating holes 31 are arranged side by side along the second axis Y, and two accommodating holes 31 are arranged side by side along the third axis Z, for a total of four accommodating holes 31. The connector housing 30 also has a mounting recess 32 in the center along the first axis X, recessed in the mounting direction Y1. The mounting recess 32 is formed so as to cross the four accommodating holes 31, in other words, so as to connect the four accommodating holes 31.

[0028] The connector housing 30 also has an elastic piece 34 at the tip of the upper wall 33 in the mating direction X1. The elastic piece 34 is provided in the center of the connector housing 30 along the second axis Y. The elastic piece 34 first protrudes from the upper wall 33 in the upward direction Z1 and then extends in the opposite mating direction X2, and is elastically deformable in the downward direction Z2.

[0029] 2 and 8, the elastic piece 34 has a locking hole 34a in the center along the first axis X. The elastic piece 34 also has an ascending slope 34b that slopes obliquely upward in the Z1 direction toward the locking hole 34a, closer to the fitting direction X1 than the locking hole 34a. The elastic piece 34 also has an operating portion 34c that is closer to the opposite fitting direction X2 than the locking hole 34a. The elastic piece 34 can be elastically deformed in the downward direction Z2 by pressing the operating portion 34c.

[0030] 2 and 4, the connector housing 30 has an assembly portion 35 for the connector position assurance member 60 on the upper wall 33. The assembly portion 35 extends along the first axis X while protruding upward in the Z1 direction, and has a pair of side walls 36 arranged side by side along the second axis Y.

[0031] 4, the pair of side walls 36 are provided at positions sandwiching the operating portion 34c of the elastic piece 34. The pair of side walls 36 also have upper wall pieces 36a that protrude from the upper ends in directions approaching each other.

[0032] 7, the pair of side walls 36 have protruding portions 36b that protrude toward each other from an intermediate portion along the first axis X. The protruding portions 36b on the opposite side to the mating direction X2 side are inclined portions 36c that gradually increase in the amount of protrusion from the side walls 36 toward the mating direction X1.

[0033] (Configuration of Terminal Unit 40) As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the terminal unit 40 has a terminal 41, a first resin cover 42, and a second resin cover 43. The terminal unit 40 of this embodiment has two terminals 41. The terminal unit 40 is connected to an electric wire member 44 (see Figures 2 and 3). More specifically, the electric wire member 44 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has two core wires 45 (see Figure 4) therein. The core wires 45 are connected to the terminals 41 while protruding from the end of the electric wire member 44. The two terminals 41 are then sandwiched and held between the first resin cover 42 and the second resin cover 43 while connected to the core wires 45.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first resin cover 42 of the terminal unit 40 has a locking protrusion 42a that protrudes in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the terminals 41 and along the third axis Z.

[0035] Each of the four terminal units 40 is accommodated in the connector housing 30. More specifically, the terminal units 40 are inserted into the accommodation holes 31 of the connector housing 30 in the fitting direction X1.

[0036] (Configuration of Retainer 50) The retainer 50 is made of a resin material and is attached to the connector housing 30 to prevent the terminal unit 40 from coming off the connector housing 30 in the opposite fitting direction X2.

[0037] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the retainer 50 is configured to be insertable into the mounting recess 32 of the connector housing 30. Specifically, the retainer 50 of this embodiment is mounted to the connector housing 30 by being inserted further into the mounting recess 32 from the temporary mounting position A. In other words, the retainer 50 is configured to be mounted to the connector housing 30 in a mounting direction Y1 along the second axis Y. Note that in Fig. 4, a portion of the outer shape of the connector housing 30 disposed at the temporary mounting position A is schematically illustrated by a two-dot chain line.

[0038] 2, the retainer 50 has a first locking claw 52 and a second locking claw 53 on an upper surface 51. The first locking claw 52 is provided at a position shifted from the second locking claw 53 in the fitting direction X1 and the installation direction Y1.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4 , a first recess 32a and a second recess 32b are formed on the inner surface of the mounting recess 32 of the connector housing 30. The first recess 32a is positioned offset from the second recess 32b in the mounting direction Y1. When the retainer 50 is positioned at the temporary mounting position A, the first locking claw 52 is positioned in the first recess 32a and the second locking claw 53 is positioned in the second recess 32b, thereby preventing the retainer 50 from moving from the connector housing 30 (not shown). When the retainer 50 is further inserted into the mounting recess 32 from the temporary mounting position A, both the first locking claw 52 and the second locking claw 53 are positioned in the first recess 32a, thereby preventing the retainer 50 from moving from the connector housing 30 (see FIG. 5 ). In other words, when the retainer 50 is inserted further into the mounting recess 32 from the temporary mounting position A and attached to the connector housing 30, the second locking claw 53 catches on the inner surface of the first recess 32a, preventing it from moving from the connector housing 30 (see Figure 5).

[0040] 2, the retainer 50 has locking pieces 54 at positions corresponding to the locking protrusions 42a of the terminal units 40. Four locking pieces 54 are provided corresponding to the four terminal units 40.

[0041] 3, the locking piece 54 has a locking portion 54a that can engage with the locking protrusion 42a of the terminal unit 40. The locking portion 54a is arranged to prevent the locking protrusion 42a from moving in the opposite direction X2 to fit when the retainer 50 is attached to the connector housing 30, thereby preventing the terminal unit 40 from coming off the connector housing 30.

[0042] 2, the retainer 50 has an engagement recess 55 on the top surface 51 that extends along the first axis X. The engagement recess 55 is provided in the center of the retainer 50 along the second axis Y. The engagement recess 55 extends from an end of the top surface 51 in the opposite mating direction X2 toward the mating direction X1.

[0043] (Configuration of the Connector Position Assurance Member 60) The connector position assurance member 60 is made of a resin material. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 7, the connector position assurance member 60 is assembled to the assembly portion 35 of the connector housing 30. When assembled to the assembly portion 35, the connector position assurance member 60 is configured to be movable in a full-locking direction X1 along the first axis X from a partial-locking position K1 (see FIG. 9) to a full-locking position K2 (see FIG. 10). Note that the full-locking direction X1 in this embodiment is the same as the mating direction X1. When the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating connector 20, the connector position assurance member 60 moves from the partial-locking position K1 (see FIG. 9) to the full-locking position K2 (see FIG. 10), thereby preventing the connector housing 30 from being separated from the mating connector 20.

[0044] 6, the connector position assurance member 60 has a main body 61, a pair of mounting pieces 62, an operating piece 63, and an engaging protrusion 64 as an engaging portion. The pair of mounting pieces 62 are provided on both sides of the main body 61, at both ends along the second axis Y. The pair of mounting pieces 62 extend in the main locking direction X1 and are elastically deformable toward the main body 61 in directions toward each other. Furthermore, the tip ends of the pair of mounting pieces 62 have mounting protrusions 62a that protrude in directions away from each other.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7 , the connector position assurance member 60 is assembled by moving it in the final locking direction X1 relative to the assembly portion 35 of the connector housing 30. Specifically, the connector position assurance member 60 is moved relative to the assembly portion 35 in the final locking direction X1 so as to be positioned between the pair of side walls 36 in the downward direction Z2 of the upper wall piece 36a of the assembly portion 35. At this time, the assembly protrusions 62a overcome the protrusions 36b on the pair of side walls 36 due to elastic deformation of the pair of assembly pieces 62. Then, as shown in FIG. 7 , the assembly protrusions 62a engage with the protrusions 36b in the opposite mating direction X2, preventing the connector position assurance member 60 from falling off the assembly portion 35 and assembling the connector position assurance member 60 to the assembly portion 35. Note that the state shown in FIG. 7 , in which the assembly protrusions 62a engage with the protrusions 36b in the opposite mating direction X2, is a state in which the connector position assurance member 60 is in the provisional locking position K1.

[0046] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the action piece 63 extends from the main body 61 obliquely upward in the Z1 direction in the full-locking direction X1 and is elastically deformable downward in the Z2 direction. The tip of the action piece 63 has an action protrusion 63a that protrudes upward. As shown in Figure 8, the action protrusion 63a is formed so as to be exposed upward from the locking hole 34a in the elastic piece 34 of the connector housing 30 when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the temporary-locking position K1. When the connector position assurance member 60 is in the temporary-locking position K1, the action protrusion 63a engages with the locking hole 34a in the full-locking direction X1, thereby preventing the connector position assurance member 60 from moving in the full-locking direction X1 toward the full-locking position K2 (see Figure 10).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 9 , when the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating connector 20, the acting piece 63 elastically deforms in the downward direction Z2. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 , the mating connector 20 has a mating engagement portion 21. The mating engagement portion 21 is configured to push the ascending inclined portion 34b (see FIG. 9 ) of the elastic piece 34 downward in the Z2, thereby elastically deforming the elastic piece 34 in the Z2, as the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating connector 20. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the connector housing 30 is completely mated with the mating connector 20, the mating engagement portion 21 passes the ascending inclined portion 34b and reaches the locking hole 34a, and the elastic piece 34, which had been elastically deformed in the downward direction Z2, returns to its position in the upward direction Z1. Then, the mating engagement portion 21 fits into the locking hole 34a and pushes the acting protrusion 63a downward in the Z2, thereby elastically deforming the acting piece 63 in the Z2. As a result, the action projection 63a is disengaged from the locking hole 34a, and the connector position assurance member 60 is allowed to move in the full locking direction X1 from the temporary locking position K1 to the full locking position K2 (see FIG. 10).

[0048] 10 , when the connector position assurance member 60 is moved to the full locking position K2, the action piece 63 including the action protrusion 63 a is positioned downward Z2 of the elastic piece 34, thereby preventing the elastic deformation of the elastic piece 34 in the downward Z2 direction. This prevents the mating engagement portion 21 from coming out of the state in which it is fitted into the locking hole 34 a, and ultimately prevents the connector housing 30 from being separated from the mating connector 20.

[0049] 6 and 8, the engaging protrusion 64 protrudes downward in the Z2 direction from the main body 61. As shown in Fig. 10, the engaging protrusion 64 is formed to fit into the engaging recess 55 of the retainer 50 when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. As a result, the engaging protrusion 64 prevents the retainer 50 from moving from the connector housing 30 when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. Note that when the retainer 50 is not completely attached to the connector housing 30 and is in the temporary attachment position A, the engaging protrusion 64 cannot fit into the engaging recess 55, and therefore the connector position assurance member 60 cannot move to the full-locking position K2.

[0050] 11 and 12 , the engaging protrusion 64 has a first contact portion 64a. The first contact portion 64a is an end surface of the engaging protrusion 64 in the full-locking direction X1. The first contact portion 64a is capable of contacting the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the first axis X when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. That is, the first contact portion 64a is configured to be capable of abutting against the abutment surface 55a of the engaging recess 55 of the retainer 50 when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. That is, the first contact portion 64a is in surface contact with the abutment surface 55a.

[0051] 12 , the engaging protrusion 64 has a second contact portion 64b. The second contact portion 64b is capable of contacting the retainer 50 so as to prevent rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the second axis Y when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. Specifically, the engaging protrusion 64 of this embodiment has widthwise chamfered portions 64c on both sides along the second axis Y at the tip end in the full-locking direction X1. The engaging protrusion 64 of this embodiment also has widthwise inclined portions 64d that gradually reduce the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the widthwise chamfered portions 64c in the direction opposite the full-locking direction X1, i.e., in the opposite mating direction X2. The second contact portion 64b is provided at the terminal end of the widthwise inclined portions 64d. The widthwise chamfered portions 64c are intended to prevent the engaging protrusions 64 from getting caught when they are fitted into the engaging recesses 55, and are inclined, for example, at an angle ranging from 30° to 60° with respect to the main locking direction X1. The widthwise inclined portions 64d have a smaller inclination angle with respect to the main locking direction X1 than the widthwise chamfered portions 64c, and are intended to reduce the insertion pressure when fitting the engaging protrusions 64 into the engaging recesses 55 by preventing most of the engaging protrusions 64 from becoming the second contact portions 64b.

[0052] 11 , the engaging protrusion 64 has a third contact portion 64e. The third contact portion 64e is capable of contacting the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the third axis Z when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full-locking position K2. Specifically, the engaging protrusion 64 of this embodiment has a bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f on the bottom surface side of the engaging recess 55 at the tip end in the full-locking direction X1. The engaging protrusion 64 of this embodiment also has a bottom-direction inclined portion 64g that gradually reduces the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f in the direction opposite the full-locking direction X1, i.e., in the opposite mating direction X2. The third contact portion 64e is provided at the terminal end of the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g. The bottom-facing chamfered portion 64f is intended to prevent the engaging protrusion 64 from getting caught when fitting into the engaging recess 55, and is inclined, for example, at an angle ranging from 30° to 60° with respect to the main locking direction X1. The bottom-facing inclined portion 64g has a smaller inclination angle with respect to the main locking direction X1 than the bottom-facing chamfered portion 64f, and is intended to reduce the insertion pressure when fitting the engaging protrusion 64 into the engaging recess 55 by preventing most of the engaging protrusion 64 from becoming the third contact portion 64e.

[0053] Operation of the Present Embodiment Next, a description will be given of the operation of the connector 10 configured as described above. When the connector housing 30 is mated with the mating connector 20 and the connector position assurance member 60 is moved to the full locking position K2 (see FIG. 10 ), the connector position assurance member 60 prevents the connector housing 30 from being separated from the mating connector 20.

[0054] In this state, the engaging projections 64 of the connector position assurance member 60 fit into the engaging recesses 55 of the retainer 50 , thereby preventing the retainer 50 from moving out of the connector housing 30 .

[0055] (Advantages of the Present Embodiment) Next, advantages of the above-described embodiment are described below. (1) The connector position assurance member 60 has an engaging protrusion 64 that engages with the retainer 50 to prevent the retainer 50 from moving from the connector housing 30 when the connector position assurance member 60 is in the full locking position K2. Therefore, movement of the retainer 50 can be firmly prevented without adding any additional components. For example, even if the first locking claws 52 and the second locking claws 53 wear due to multiple attachment and detachment of the retainer 50, the retainer 50 is prevented from moving from the connector housing 30. Therefore, the terminal unit 40 including the terminals 41 can be prevented from coming off the connector housing 30, and, for example, the terminals 41 can be stably connected to mating terminals (not shown) of the mating connector 20.

[0056] (2) Because the installation direction Y1 of the retainer 50 and the full-locking direction X1 of the connector position assurance member 60 intersect, the engaging protrusions 64 of the connector position assurance member 60 can be firmly engaged with the retainer 50 without elastic deformation, firmly preventing movement of the retainer 50. In other words, if the installation direction Y1 of the retainer 50 and the full-locking direction X1 of the connector position assurance member 60 do not intersect, it would be necessary to replace the engaging protrusions 64 with elastically deforming resilient claws, for example. However, this is not necessary. Therefore, the engaging protrusions 64, which do not elastically deform, can be firmly engaged with the retainer 50, firmly preventing movement of the retainer 50.

[0057] (3) The connector position assurance member 60 has the first contact portion 64a that can come into contact with the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the first axis X, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer 50 along the first axis X. This suppresses rattle of the terminal 41 along the first axis X, for example. As a result, for example, the terminal 41 can be brought into stable contact with the mating terminal.

[0058] (4) The connector position assurance member 60 has the second contact portion 64b that can come into contact with the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the second axis Y, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer 50 along the second axis Y. This suppresses rattle of the terminal 41 along the second axis Y, for example. As a result, the terminal 41 can be brought into stable contact with the mating terminal, for example.

[0059] (5) The engaging protrusion 64 has widthwise chamfers 64c on both sides of the tip end along the second axis Y in the main locking direction X1, which reduces the likelihood of the engaging protrusion 64 getting caught when fitting into the engaging recess 55. Furthermore, the engaging protrusion 64 has widthwise inclined portions 64d that gradually reduce the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the widthwise chamfers 64c in the direction opposite to the main locking direction X1, and the second contact portions 64b are provided at the end positions of the widthwise inclined portions 64d. This reduces the insertion pressure required when fitting the engaging protrusion 64 into the engaging recess 55. In other words, in a configuration in which the second contact portions 64b are formed immediately after the widthwise chamfers 64c without the widthwise inclined portions 64d, the insertion pressure required when fitting the engaging protrusion 64 into the engaging recess 55 may increase. However, the widthwise inclined portions 64d reduce this increase in insertion pressure. This improves the operability of the connector position assurance member 60.

[0060] (6) The connector position assurance member 60 has the third contact portion 64e that can come into contact with the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the third axis Z, thereby suppressing rattle of the retainer 50 along the third axis Z. This suppresses rattle of the terminal 41 along the third axis Z, for example. As a result, the terminal 41 can be brought into stable contact with the mating terminal, for example.

[0061] (7) The engaging protrusion 64 has a bottom-direction chamfer 64f on the bottom surface side of the engaging recess 55 at its tip in the final locking direction X1, which reduces the likelihood of the engaging protrusion 64 getting caught when fitting into the engaging recess 55. The engaging protrusion 64 also has a bottom-direction inclined portion 64g that gradually reduces the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the bottom-direction chamfer 64f in the opposite direction of the final locking direction X1, and the third contact portion 64e is provided at the end of the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g. This reduces the insertion pressure required when fitting the engaging protrusion 64 into the engaging recess 55. In other words, if the third contact portion 64e were formed immediately after the bottom-direction chamfer 64f without the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g, the insertion pressure required when fitting the engaging protrusion 64 into the engaging recess 55 would increase. However, the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g reduces this increase in insertion pressure. This improves the operability of the connector position assurance member 60.

[0062] (Modifications) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the mounting direction Y1 of the retainer 50 and the main locking direction X1 of the connector position assurance member 60 intersect, but this is not limiting and the mounting direction Y1 and the main locking direction X1 may not intersect. In this case, it is necessary to change the engaging protrusion 64 that engages with the retainer 50 to a resilient claw or the like that elastically deforms.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the connector position assurance member 60 has a first contact portion 64a that can come into contact with the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the first axis X, but this is not limited to this.

[0065] - In the above embodiment, the connector position assurance member 60 has a second contact portion 64b that can come into contact with the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the second axis Y, but this is not limited to this.

[0066] - In the above embodiment, the connector position assurance member 60 has a third contact portion 64e that can come into contact with the retainer 50 so as to suppress rattle of the retainer 50 relative to the connector housing 30 along the third axis Z, but this is not limited to this.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the engaging protrusion 64 has the widthwise chamfered portions 64c on both sides along the second axis Y at the tip end in the main locking direction X1, but this is not limited to this. In this case, for example, the engaging protrusion 64 may have the widthwise inclined portions 64d without the widthwise chamfered portions 64c. Even in this case, the widthwise inclined portions 64d slightly reduce the likelihood of the engaging protrusion 64 getting caught when fitting into the engaging recess 55.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the engaging protrusion 64 has the widthwise inclined portion 64d that gradually reduces the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the widthwise chamfered portion 64c in the direction opposite to the main locking direction X1, but is not limited to this. In this case, for example, the engaging protrusion 64 may be configured to have the widthwise chamfered portion 64c or may not have the widthwise chamfered portion 64c.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the engaging protrusion 64 has the bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f on the bottom surface side of the engaging recess 55 at the tip end in the main locking direction X1, but this is not limited to this. In this case, for example, the engaging protrusion 64 may have the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g without the bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f. Even in this case, the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g slightly reduces the possibility of the engaging protrusion 64 getting caught when fitting into the engaging recess 55.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the engaging protrusion 64 has the bottom-direction inclined portion 64g that gradually reduces the distance from the engaging recess 55 from the bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f in the direction opposite to the full-locking direction X1, but is not limited to this. In this case, for example, the engaging protrusion 64 may be configured to have the bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f or may not have the bottom-direction chamfered portion 64f.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the connector 10 is configured to have four terminal units 40 and a total of eight terminals 41, but this is not limited to this, and the number of terminal units 40 and the number of terminals 41 included in the connector 10 may be changed.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the terminal unit 40 including the terminals 41 is prevented from moving out of the connector housing 30 by engaging with the retainer 50, but this is not limiting. For example, the terminals 41 may be directly engaged with the retainer 50 to prevent movement out of the connector housing 30.

[0073] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. Note that, for the purpose of facilitating understanding and not limitation, reference symbols indicating components of the embodiments are given in parentheses in the following description. (Supplementary Note 1) A connector housing (30) that can be mated with a mating connector (20) and can accommodate terminals (41), a retainer (50) that is attached to the connector housing (30) to prevent the terminals (41) from coming off the connector housing (30), and a connector position assurance member (60) that is assembled to the connector housing (30) and is movable from a temporary locking position (K1) to a full locking position (K2) with respect to the connector housing (30), and that locks the mating state of the mating connector (20) to the connector housing (30) at the full locking position (K2), wherein the retainer (50) includes locking claws (52; 53) that are engaged with the connector housing to prevent the retainer (50) from moving from the connector housing (30), The connector (10) includes an engaging portion (64) that engages with the retainer (50) in the main locking position (K2) to prevent the retainer (50) from moving out of the connector housing (30).

[0074] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 1, in order to prevent the retainer from moving out of the connector housing, not only are the retainer itself provided with locking claws (first and second locking claws in the above embodiment) but the connector position assurance member is also provided with an engaging portion. As a result, even if the retainer is attached to and detached from the connector housing multiple times and the locking claws of the retainer become worn, the engaging portion of the connector position assurance member engages with the retainer to prevent the retainer from moving, thereby preventing the retainer from falling out of the connector housing.

[0075] (Note 2) The connector position assurance member (60) is movable from the temporary locking position (K1) to the full locking position (K2) along a first axis (X), the engaging portion (64) of the connector position assurance member (60) is an engaging protrusion (64), the retainer (50) includes an engaging recess (55) that engages with the engaging protrusion (64), and the engaging protrusion (64) has: a first contact portion (64a) that contacts the engaging recess (55) in a direction along the first axis (X) at the full locking position (K2), and a second contact portion (64a) that contacts the engaging recess (55) in a direction along a second axis (Y) perpendicular to the first axis (X) at the full locking position (K2), and a third contact portion (64e) that contacts the engagement recess (55) in a direction along a third axis (Z) perpendicular to both the first axis (X) and the second axis (Y) at the main locking position (K2).

[0076] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 2, the engaging protrusion contacts the engaging recess in three axial directions along the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis, so that rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing is suppressed by the connector position assurance member.

[0077] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Connector 20 Mating connector 21 Mating engagement portion 30 Connector housing 31 Receiving hole 32 Mounting recess 32a First recess 32b Second recess 33 Upper wall 34 Elastic piece 34a Locking hole 34b Rising inclined portion 34c Operating portion 35 Assembly portion 36 Side wall 36a Upper wall piece 36b Protruding portion 36c Inclined portion 40 Terminal unit 41 Terminal 42 First resin cover 42a Locking protruding portion 43 Second resin cover 44 Electric wire member 45 Core wire 50 Retainer 51 Upper surface 52 First locking claw 53 Second locking claw 54 Locking piece 54a Locking portion 55 Engaging recess 55a Abutting surface 60 Connector position assurance member 61 Main body 62 Assembly piece 62a Assembly protrusion 63 Action piece 63a Action convex portion 64 Engagement convex portion (engagement portion) 64a First contact portion 64b Second contact portion 64c Width direction chamfered portion 64d Width direction inclined portion 64e Third contact portion 64f Bottom direction chamfered portion 64g Bottom direction inclined portion A Temporary attachment position K1 Temporary locking position K2 Locking position X First axis X1 Fitting direction (full locking direction) X2 Opposite direction to fitting Y Second axis Y1 Fitting direction Y2 Opposite direction to fitting Z Third axis Z1 Upward direction Z2 Downward direction

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a connector housing that can be mated with a mating connector by being moved relative to the mating connector in a mating direction along a first axis; terminals accommodated within the connector housing; a retainer that is attached to the connector housing to prevent the terminals from coming off the connector housing; and a connector position assurance member that is assembled to the connector housing and that prevents the connector housing from coming off the mating connector by being moved from a provisional locking position to a full locking position when the connector housing is mated with the mating connector, wherein the connector position assurance member has an engaging portion that engages with the retainer so as to prevent movement of the retainer from the connector housing when in the full locking position.

2. A connector as described in claim 1, wherein the connector position assurance member is configured to be movable in a full locking direction along the first axis from the provisional locking position toward the full locking position, and the retainer is configured to be mounted to the connector housing in a mounting direction along a second axis that intersects with the first axis.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the connector position assurance member has a first contact portion that can come into contact with the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the first axis.

4. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the connector position assurance member has a second contact portion that can come into contact with the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along the second axis.

5. A connector as described in claim 4, wherein the retainer has an engaging recess extending along the first axis, the engaging portion being an engaging protrusion that fits into the engaging recess when the connector position assurance member is in the main locking position, the engaging protrusion having widthwise chamfered portions on both sides along the second axis at its tip in the main locking direction, and having widthwise inclined portions that gradually reduce the distance from the engaging recess from the widthwise chamfered portions in the direction opposite to the main locking direction, and the second contact portion is provided at the terminal position of the widthwise inclined portions.

6. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the connector position assurance member has a third contact portion that can come into contact with the retainer so as to suppress rattle of the retainer relative to the connector housing along a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to the second axis.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the retainer has an engaging recess extending along the first axis, the engaging portion being an engaging protrusion that fits into the engaging recess when the connector position assurance member is in the final locking position, the engaging protrusion having a bottom-direction chamfered portion on the bottom side of the engaging recess at its tip in the final locking direction, and a bottom-direction inclined portion that gradually reduces the distance from the engaging recess from the bottom-direction chamfered portion in the direction opposite to the final locking direction, and the third contact portion is provided at the terminal position of the bottom-direction inclined portion.

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