WO2014181411A1

WO2014181411A1 - Connector

Info

Publication number: WO2014181411A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/062972
Authority: WO
Inventors: 中島　章; 茂人片岡; 宣仁橋本; 直孝谷川
Original assignee: 住友電装株式会社
Priority date: 2013-05-08
Filing date: 2013-05-08
Publication date: 2014-11-13

Abstract

In order to reduce the size of a connector in a direction in which an exterior surface of a first housing and a lock arm face other, the connector is provided with: a lock arm (25) that is disposed along the exterior surface (15) of the first housing (10), and locks the first housing (10) and a second housing (60) in a fitted state; a detection member (40) that is disposed along the exterior surface of the first housing (10), and detects the fitted state of both housings (10, 60) according to whether or not the detection member has moved from an initial position to a detection position; and a frame (41) that constitutes an exterior surface (40S) of the detection member (40), has a form that surrounds the lock arm (25) and exposes an exterior surface (31S) of the lock arm (25), and is disposed further to the inside than the exterior surface (31S) of the lock arm (25) in the direction in which the exterior surface (15) and lock arm (25) of the first housing (10) face each other.

Description

コネクタconnector

　本発明は、コネクタに関するものである。 The present invention relates to a connector.

　特許文献１には、第１ハウジングにロックアームと検知部材を設け、第１ハウジングと第２ハウジングの嵌合作業を終えたときに、ロックアームによって両ハウジングを嵌合状態にロックし、検知部材が検知位置へ移動するか否かに基づいて、両ハウジングの嵌合状態を検知するコネクタが開示されている。 In Patent Document 1, a lock arm and a detection member are provided in the first housing, and when the fitting operation of the first housing and the second housing is finished, both the housings are locked in the fitted state by the lock arm, and the detection member A connector is disclosed that detects the fitting state of both housings based on whether or not is moved to a detection position.

特許第４４１９８７５号公報Japanese Patent No. 4419885

　特許文献１のコネクタでは、ロックアームが、第１ハウジングの外面に沿うように配されているとともに、検知部材がロックアームの外面に沿うように配され、第１ハウジングとロックアームと検知部材が並ぶ形態となっている。そのため、第１ハウジングの外面とロックアームとが対向する方向において、コネクタの寸法が大きくなる。
　本発明は上記のような事情に基づいて完成されたものであって、第１ハウジングの外面とロックアームとが対向する方向において、小型化を図ることを目的とする。 In the connector of Patent Document 1, the lock arm is arranged along the outer surface of the first housing, the detection member is arranged along the outer surface of the lock arm, and the first housing, the lock arm, and the detection member are arranged. It is in a lined up form. Therefore, the size of the connector increases in the direction in which the outer surface of the first housing and the lock arm face each other.
The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to reduce the size in the direction in which the outer surface of the first housing and the lock arm face each other.

　本発明は、
　第１ハウジングと、
　前記第１ハウジングと嵌合可能な第２ハウジングと、
　前記第１ハウジングの外面に沿うように配され、前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングを嵌合状態にロックするロックアームと、
　前記第１ハウジングの前記外面に沿うように配され、初期位置から検知位置へ移動するか否かに基づいて前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングの嵌合状態を検知する検知部材と、
　前記検知部材の外面を構成し、前記ロックアームを囲むとともに前記ロックアームの外面を露出させる形態であり、前記第１ハウジングの前記外面と前記ロックアームとが対向する方向において、前記ロックアームの外面よりも内側に配された枠部とを備えているところに特徴を有する。 The present invention
A first housing;
A second housing engageable with the first housing;
A lock arm that is arranged along the outer surface of the first housing and locks the first housing and the second housing in a fitted state;
A detection member that is arranged along the outer surface of the first housing and detects a fitting state between the first housing and the second housing based on whether or not the first housing moves from the initial position to the detection position;
It forms an outer surface of the detection member, surrounds the lock arm and exposes the outer surface of the lock arm, and the outer surface of the lock arm in a direction in which the outer surface of the first housing and the lock arm face each other. And a frame portion arranged on the inner side.

　本発明のコネクタは、検知部材の外面を構成する枠部が、第１ハウジングの外面とロックアームとが対向する方向においてロックアームの外面よりも内側に配されている。したがって、第１ハウジングの外面とロックアームとが対向する方向において、小型化を図ることができる。 In the connector of the present invention, the frame part constituting the outer surface of the detection member is arranged on the inner side of the outer surface of the lock arm in the direction in which the outer surface of the first housing and the lock arm face each other. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size in the direction in which the outer surface of the first housing and the lock arm face each other.

実施例１において第１ハウジングに検知部材を組み付けた状態をあらわす正面図The front view showing the state which assembled | attached the detection member in the 1st housing in Example 1. FIG. 第１ハウジングと第２ハウジングを嵌合する前の状態をあらわす平面図The top view showing the state before fitting the 1st housing and the 2nd housing 第１ハウジングと第２ハウジングが正規嵌合し、検知部材が検知位置へ変位した状態をあらわす平面図A plan view showing a state in which the first housing and the second housing are properly fitted and the detection member is displaced to the detection position. 第１ハウジングと第２ハウジングを嵌合する前の状態において、図１のＡ－Ａ線の高さで切断した平断面図FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1 before the first housing and the second housing are fitted together. 第１ハウジングと第２ハウジングが正規嵌合し、検知部材が検知位置へ変位した状態において、図１のＡ－Ａ線の高さで切断した平断面図1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1 in a state where the first housing and the second housing are properly fitted and the detection member is displaced to the detection position. 第１ハウジングのハウジング本体の正面図Front view of housing body of first housing 第１ハウジングの側面図Side view of first housing 第１ハウジングの平面図Top view of the first housing 検知部材の正面図Front view of detection member 検知部材の側面図Side view of detection member 検知部材の平面図Plan view of detection member 図２のＢ－Ｂ線断面図BB sectional view of FIG. 第１ハウジングと第２ハウジングの嵌合過程において、図２のＢ－Ｂ線と同じ位置で切断した側断面図FIG. 2 is a sectional side view taken along the line BB in FIG. 2 in the process of fitting the first housing and the second housing. 第１ハウジングと第２ハウジングの嵌合が図１３の状態から更に進んだ状態において、図２のＢ－Ｂ線と同じ位置で切断した側断面図2 is a side cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 2 in a state where the first housing and the second housing are further fitted from the state of FIG. 第１ハウジングと第２ハウジングの嵌合が図１４の状態から更に進んだ状態において、図２のＢ－Ｂ線と同じ位置で切断した側断面図FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 2 in a state in which the first housing and the second housing are further fitted from the state of FIG. 図３のＣ－Ｃ線断面図CC sectional view of FIG. 図１のＤ－Ｄ線断面図DD sectional view of FIG. 図１３と同じ状態において、図１のＤ－Ｄ線と同じ位置で切断した側断面図FIG. 13 is a side sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 1 in the same state as FIG. 図３及び図１６と同じ状態において、図１のＤ－Ｄ線と同じ位置で切断した側断面図FIG. 3 is a side sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 1 in the same state as FIG. 3 and FIG. 両ハウジングが正規嵌合し、検知部材を初期位置へ変位させてロックアームをロック解除操作した状態において、図２のＢ－Ｂ線と同じ位置で切断した側断面図2 is a cross-sectional side view taken along the line BB in FIG. 2 in a state where both housings are properly fitted, the detection member is displaced to the initial position, and the lock arm is unlocked.

　本発明のコネクタは、
　前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングの嵌合過程で、前記第２ハウジングで押されることにより前記検知部材を検知位置側へ付勢するバネ部材と、
　前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングの嵌合過程では前記検知部材を前記バネ部材の付勢に抗して初期位置に保持し、前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングが嵌合すると前記検知部材の保持を解除する第１ストッパと、
　前記枠部を構成し、前記検知部材の移動方向と交差する方向に延びた形態の突当枠と、
　前記第１ストッパの保持から解放された前記検知部材が前記バネ部材の付勢によって検知位置に到達したときに、前記突当枠を当接させることで前記検知部材を検知位置に停止させる第２ストッパと、
　前記突当枠に形成され、前記第１ハウジングの前記外面と前記ロックアームとが対向する方向と交差する方向に肉盛りした形態の補強部とを備えていてもよい。
　この構成によれば、補強部を形成したことによって突当枠の全体としての強度が高まるので、第１ハウジングの外面とロックアームとが対向する方向において、突当枠の厚さを薄くし、更なる小型化を図ることが可能である。 The connector of the present invention
A spring member that urges the detection member toward the detection position by being pushed by the second housing during the fitting process of the first housing and the second housing;
In the fitting process of the first housing and the second housing, the detection member is held at an initial position against the bias of the spring member, and when the first housing and the second housing are fitted, the detection member A first stopper for releasing the holding,
The abutting frame of the form that constitutes the frame portion and extends in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the detection member;
When the detection member released from the holding of the first stopper reaches the detection position by the bias of the spring member, the detection member is stopped at the detection position by contacting the abutting frame. A stopper,
A reinforcing portion formed in the abutting frame and bulged in a direction intersecting a direction in which the outer surface of the first housing and the lock arm face each other may be provided.
According to this configuration, since the strength of the entire abutting frame is increased by forming the reinforcing portion, the thickness of the abutting frame is reduced in the direction in which the outer surface of the first housing and the lock arm face each other, Further downsizing can be achieved.

　本発明のコネクタは、
　前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングの嵌合過程で、前記第２ハウジングで押されることにより前記検知部材を検知位置側へ付勢するバネ部材と、
　前記検知部材に形成され、前記検知部材が検知位置にあるときに前記ロックアームのロック解除方向への弾性変位を規制し、且つ前記検知部材が初期位置にあるときに前記ロックアームのロック解除方向への弾性変位を許容するロック解除規制部と、
　前記ロックアームに形成され、前記検知部材が初期位置にあるときに露出状態となって、直接的な手作業によるロック解除操作が可能となるロック解除操作部とを備えていてもよい。
　この構成によれば、嵌合状態の第１ハウジングと第２ハウジングを離脱する際には、まず、検知位置にある検知部材を、バネ部材の付勢に抗して初期位置へ移動させ、その後、ロック解除操作部を、直接的な手作業によりロック解除操作して、ロックアームをロック解除方向へ弾性変位させ、この状態で、両ハウジングを引き離す。本発明では、ロックアームによるロックを解除する際には、検知部材を検知位置から初期位置へ移動させる作業と、検知部材から手を離してロック解除操作部を操作する作業とを別々に行う操作、つまりツーアクションの操作が必要である。したがって、検知部材やロック解除操作部に対して一方向に押圧しただけでは、ロックは解除されず、両ハウジングをロック状態に確実に保持しておくことができる。 The connector of the present invention
A spring member that urges the detection member toward the detection position by being pushed by the second housing during the fitting process of the first housing and the second housing;
Formed in the detection member, restricts elastic displacement of the lock arm in the unlocking direction when the detection member is in the detection position, and unlocks the lock arm when the detection member is in the initial position. An unlocking restricting portion that allows elastic displacement to
It may be provided with a lock release operation portion formed on the lock arm, which is exposed when the detection member is in an initial position and which can be directly unlocked manually.
According to this configuration, when the first housing and the second housing are separated from each other, first, the detection member at the detection position is moved to the initial position against the bias of the spring member, and then Then, the unlocking operation part is unlocked by direct manual operation, the lock arm is elastically displaced in the unlocking direction, and both housings are pulled apart in this state. In the present invention, when releasing the lock by the lock arm, the operation of moving the detection member from the detection position to the initial position and the operation of releasing the hand from the detection member and operating the lock release operation unit are performed separately. That is, a two-action operation is necessary. Therefore, the lock is not released only by pressing in one direction against the detection member or the lock release operation portion, and both housings can be reliably held in the locked state.

　＜実施例１＞
　以下、本発明を具体化した実施例１を図１～図２０を参照して説明する。本実施形態のコネクタは、合成樹脂製の第１ハウジング１０と、第１ハウジング１０に取り付けた合成樹脂製の検知部材４０と、第１ハウジング１０に取り付けた金属製のバネ部材５６と、合成樹脂製の第２ハウジング６０とを備えて構成されている。 <Example 1>
A first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The connector of the present embodiment includes a synthetic resin first housing 10, a synthetic resin detection member 40 attached to the first housing 10, a metal spring member 56 attached to the first housing 10, and a synthetic resin. And a second housing 60 made of metal.

　＜第１ハウジング１０の構成＞
　図１に示すように、第１ハウジング１０は、端子収容部１１と、端子収容部１１を包囲する周壁部１７とからなる。図１３に示すように、端子収容部１１は、ハウジング本体１２と、ハウジング本体１２の前端部に組み付けたフロント部材１３とから構成される。端子収容部１１には、左右一対の雌端子金具１４が収容されている。 <Configuration of the first housing 10>
As shown in FIG. 1, the first housing 10 includes a terminal housing portion 11 and a peripheral wall portion 17 that surrounds the terminal housing portion 11. As shown in FIG. 13, the terminal accommodating portion 11 includes a housing body 12 and a front member 13 assembled to the front end portion of the housing body 12. The terminal accommodating portion 11 accommodates a pair of left and right female terminal fittings 14.

　端子収容部１１（ハウジング本体１２）の上面１５には、幅方向中央部を段差状に突出させた形態の第１ストッパ１６が形成されている。第１ストッパ１６は、後述する検知部材４０がバネ部材５６で検知位置側へ付勢されている状態において、検知部材４０を初期位置に保持するための手段である。 A first stopper 16 is formed on the upper surface 15 of the terminal accommodating portion 11 (housing main body 12) so that the central portion in the width direction protrudes in a stepped shape. The first stopper 16 is a means for holding the detection member 40 at the initial position in a state where the detection member 40 described later is biased toward the detection position by the spring member 56.

　＜周壁部１７＞
　図１に示すように、周壁部１７は、端子収容部１１の下面と対向する下壁部１８と、端子収容部１１の側面と対向する左右一対の側壁部１９と、両側壁部１９の上端縁（下壁部１８とは反対側の端縁）から内側へ片持ち状に張り出す左右一対の張出部２０とから構成されている。端子収容部１１の外周面と周壁部１７の内周面との間の空間は、第２ハウジング６０のフード部６２を嵌入させるための嵌合空間２１となっている。嵌合空間２１は、第１ハウジング１０の前方（正面側）に開放されている。 <Surrounding wall part 17>
As shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral wall portion 17 includes a lower wall portion 18 that faces the lower surface of the terminal housing portion 11, a pair of left and right side wall portions 19 that face the side surfaces of the terminal housing portion 11, and upper ends of both side wall portions 19. It comprises a pair of left and right projecting portions 20 that project in a cantilevered manner from the edge (the end edge opposite to the lower wall portion 18). A space between the outer peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating portion 11 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 17 is a fitting space 21 for fitting the hood portion 62 of the second housing 60. The fitting space 21 is open to the front (front side) of the first housing 10.

　周壁部１７は、周方向における一部（上面部）が切欠された形態であり、この切欠された部分は、嵌合空間２１及び検知部材４０を周壁部１７の外周側（上方）へ露出させる開口部２２となっている。図８に示すように、前後方向（両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合方向と平行な方向）における開口部２２の形成範囲は、周壁部１７の前端から後端に至る全領域であり、開口部２２は第１ハウジング１０の前方へ開放されている。図１３に示すように、周壁部１７の前端は、前後方向において端子収容部１１の前端と同じ位置にある。周壁部１７の後端は、端子収容部１１の前後方向における略中央位置において、端子収容部１１の外周に連なっている。つまり、周壁部１７は、前方へ片持ち状に延出した形態である。 The peripheral wall portion 17 has a form in which a part (upper surface portion) in the circumferential direction is cut out, and the cut-out portion exposes the fitting space 21 and the detection member 40 to the outer peripheral side (upward) of the peripheral wall portion 17. An opening 22 is formed. As shown in FIG. 8, the formation range of the opening 22 in the front-rear direction (the direction parallel to the fitting direction of both housings 10 and 60) is the entire region from the front end to the rear end of the peripheral wall portion 17. 22 is open to the front of the first housing 10. As shown in FIG. 13, the front end of the peripheral wall portion 17 is at the same position as the front end of the terminal accommodating portion 11 in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the peripheral wall portion 17 continues to the outer periphery of the terminal accommodating portion 11 at a substantially central position in the front-rear direction of the terminal accommodating portion 11. That is, the peripheral wall portion 17 has a form that extends forward in a cantilevered manner.

　図１，６に示すように、周壁部１７には、左右対称な一対のリブ２３が形成されている。リブ２３は、張出部２０の延出端縁、つまり、開口部２２の開口領域における左右両側縁に沿って、前後方向に直線状に延びた形態である。リブ２３は、周壁部１７の外周側へ突出した形態である。このリブ２３は、周壁部１７が開口部２２の開口幅を変化させるように変形するのを規制する機能と、検知部材４０を初期位置と検知位置との間で移動する際のガイドとしての機能を兼ね備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a pair of symmetrical ribs 23 are formed on the peripheral wall portion 17. The rib 23 has a form extending linearly in the front-rear direction along the extended end edge of the overhanging portion 20, that is, the left and right side edges in the opening region of the opening 22. The rib 23 has a shape protruding toward the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion 17. The rib 23 functions to restrict the deformation of the peripheral wall portion 17 so as to change the opening width of the opening portion 22 and functions as a guide when the detection member 40 is moved between the initial position and the detection position. Have both.

　図１，６に示すように、周壁部１７には、張出部２０の前端縁（正面側の端縁）から内周側（嵌合空間２１側）へ突出した形態の覆い部２４が一体形成されている。覆い部２４は、左右対称に一対設けられている。周方向における覆い部２４の形成領域は、側壁部１９の上端部から、張出部２０の全領域に亘る範囲である。第１ハウジング１０の正面側から見たとき、つまり両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合方向と平行に投影した仮想投影面（図示省略）上において、覆い部２４は、検知部材４０の前面壁５０と対応する形状・配置となっている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the peripheral wall portion 17 is integrally provided with a cover portion 24 that protrudes from the front end edge (front end edge) of the overhang portion 20 toward the inner peripheral side (fitting space 21 side). Is formed. A pair of cover portions 24 are provided symmetrically. The formation region of the cover portion 24 in the circumferential direction is a range extending from the upper end portion of the side wall portion 19 to the entire region of the overhang portion 20. When viewed from the front side of the first housing 10, that is, on a virtual projection plane (not shown) projected in parallel with the fitting direction of the two

housings

10, 60, the cover 24 is connected to the front wall 50 of the detection member 40. Corresponding shape and arrangement.

　＜ロックアーム２５＞
　図６～８に示すように、端子収容部１１を構成するハウジング本体１２には、ロックアーム２５が一体に形成されている。ロックアーム２５は、端子収容部１１の上面１５から突出した左右一対の脚部２６と、脚部２６から前方及び後方へ端子収容部１１の外面に沿うように片持ち状に延出した略平板状のアーム部２７とを一体に形成したものである。ロックアーム２５は、嵌合空間２１内において、端子収容部１１の上面１５と略平行に対向するように配されている。ロックアーム２５は、脚部２６を支点として、シーソー状に弾性変形し得るようになっている。 <Lock arm 25>
As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a lock arm 25 is formed integrally with the housing main body 12 constituting the terminal accommodating portion 11. The lock arm 25 includes a pair of left and right leg portions 26 projecting from the upper surface 15 of the terminal accommodating portion 11, and a substantially flat plate extending in a cantilever manner from the leg portion 26 forward and rearward along the outer surface of the terminal accommodating portion 11. The arm portion 27 is integrally formed. The lock arm 25 is disposed in the fitting space 21 so as to face the upper surface 15 of the terminal accommodating portion 11 substantially in parallel. The lock arm 25 can be elastically deformed into a seesaw shape with the leg portion 26 as a fulcrum.

　ロックアーム２５の前端部（第１ハウジング１０の正面側の端部）には、下方（端子収容部１１）に向かって突出するロック突起２８が形成されている。ロック突起２８の幅方向（ロックアーム２５の弾性変位方向及び両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合方向の両方向と交差する方向）における形成範囲は、ロックアーム２５の中央部のみである。図２に示すように、ロックアーム２５の前端部には、ロック突起２８が形成されていない幅方向両端部を切欠した形態の左右一対の切欠部２９が形成されている。そして、ロックアーム２５の前端部のうち両切欠部２９の間においてロック突起２８が形成されている部分は、幅狭部３０となっている。 At the front end of the lock arm 25 (the end on the front side of the first housing 10), there is formed a lock projection 28 that protrudes downward (the terminal accommodating portion 11). The formation range in the width direction of the lock protrusion 28 (the direction of elastic displacement of the lock arm 25 and the direction intersecting both the fitting directions of the housings 10 and 60) is only the central portion of the lock arm 25. As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of left and right cutout portions 29 are formed at the front end portion of the lock arm 25 in a form in which both end portions in the width direction where the lock protrusions 28 are not formed are cut out. A portion of the front end portion of the lock arm 25 where the lock protrusions 28 are formed between the notches 29 is a narrow portion 30.

　図６～８に示すように、ロックアーム２５の後端部には、端子収容部１１から遠ざかる方向（ロック突起２８とは反対側）へ突出した形態のロック解除操作部３１が形成されている。端子収容部１１の上面１５とロックアーム２５とが対向する方向（以下、「高さ方向」という）において、端子収容部１１の上面１５を基準とするロック解除操作部３１の外面３１Ｓの高さは、アーム部２７の外面よりも高い。つまり、ロック解除操作部３１の外面３１Ｓは、ロックアーム２５のうち端子収容部１１の上面１５から最も遠い位置（最も高い位置）に位置する。また、ロック解除操作部３１の外面３１Ｓは、周壁部１７のリブ２３の上端縁よりも高い位置にある。 As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, at the rear end portion of the lock arm 25, a lock release operation portion 31 is formed so as to protrude in a direction away from the terminal accommodating portion 11 (on the side opposite to the lock protrusion 28). . The height of the outer surface 31S of the unlocking operation portion 31 with respect to the upper surface 15 of the terminal accommodating portion 11 in the direction in which the upper surface 15 of the terminal accommodating portion 11 and the lock arm 25 face each other (hereinafter referred to as “height direction”). Is higher than the outer surface of the arm portion 27. That is, the outer surface 31 </ b> S of the unlocking operation unit 31 is located at a position (the highest position) farthest from the upper surface 15 of the terminal accommodating unit 11 in the lock arm 25. Further, the outer surface 31 </ b> S of the unlocking operation portion 31 is located at a position higher than the upper end edge of the rib 23 of the peripheral wall portion 17.

　アーム部２７の上面には、後述する検知部材４０が初期位置から検知位置側へ移動したときに、検知位置に到達した検知部材４０の移動を規制するための第２ストッパ３２が突出形成されている。端子収容部１１の上面１５を基準とする第２ストッパ３２の外面（上面）の位置は、ロック解除操作部３１の外面３１Ｓよりも低いが、リブ２３の上端縁よりも高い位置である。第２ストッパ３２の幅方向における形成範囲は、ロックアーム２５の中央部のみであり、第２ストッパ３２の幅寸法は、幅狭部３０の幅寸法よりも小さい。 A second stopper 32 is formed on the upper surface of the arm portion 27 so as to project the detection member 40, which will be described later, from the initial position to the detection position side to restrict the movement of the detection member 40 that has reached the detection position. Yes. The position of the outer surface (upper surface) of the second stopper 32 with respect to the upper surface 15 of the terminal accommodating portion 11 is lower than the outer surface 31S of the unlocking operation portion 31 but higher than the upper end edge of the rib 23. The formation range of the second stopper 32 in the width direction is only the central portion of the lock arm 25, and the width dimension of the second stopper 32 is smaller than the width dimension of the narrow portion 30.

　＜検知部材４０＞
　図９～１１に示すように、検知部材４０は、検知部材４０の外面４０Ｓを構成する枠部４１と、連結部５４とを一体に形成して構成されている。枠部４１は、長さ方向を幅方向に向けた前枠４２と、前枠４２の左右両端から後方へ延出する左右対称な一対の側枠４３とからなる。端子収容部１１の上面１５を基準とする高さ方向において、前枠４２及び側枠４３の上面は、検知部材４０のうち最も高い位置に配された外面４０Ｓとなっている。この外面４０Ｓの高さは、ロックアーム２５の外面３１Ｓとほぼ同じ高さである。 <Detection member 40>
As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the detection member 40 is configured by integrally forming a frame portion 41 constituting the outer surface 40S of the detection member 40 and a connecting portion 54. The frame portion 41 includes a front frame 42 whose length direction is directed in the width direction and a pair of left and right symmetrical side frames 43 extending rearward from both left and right ends of the front frame 42. In the height direction with respect to the upper surface 15 of the terminal accommodating portion 11, the upper surfaces of the front frame 42 and the side frame 43 are outer surfaces 40 </ b> S arranged at the highest position among the detection members 40. The height of the outer surface 40S is substantially the same height as the outer surface 31S of the lock arm 25.

　図１３に示すように、前枠４２は、端子収容部１１の上面１５と略平行な略平板状をなす。図１１に示すように、前枠４２の前端縁は、検知部材４０の最も前端に位置し、左右方向にほぼ真っ直ぐに延びている。前枠４２の前後方向の寸法は、幅方向中央部で小さく、幅方向における両端側で大きくなっている。そして、前枠４２の幅方向両端側部分において後方へ張り出している部分は、一対の補強部４４となっている。この補強部４４は、側枠４３の前端部に連なっており、前枠４２の強度を高めるための手段として機能する。また、一対の補強部４４の幅方向における形成領域は、ロックアーム２５の切欠部２９と対応する領域、つまり幅狭部３０と非対応の範囲である。 As shown in FIG. 13, the front frame 42 has a substantially flat plate shape that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 15 of the terminal accommodating portion 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the front end edge of the front frame 42 is located at the foremost end of the detection member 40 and extends substantially straight in the left-right direction. The size of the front frame 42 in the front-rear direction is small at the center in the width direction and is large at both ends in the width direction. And the part which protrudes back in the width direction both ends side part of the front frame 42 is a pair of reinforcement part 44. As shown in FIG. The reinforcing portion 44 is connected to the front end portion of the side frame 43 and functions as a means for increasing the strength of the front frame 42. The formation region in the width direction of the pair of reinforcing portions 44 is a region corresponding to the notch 29 of the lock arm 25, that is, a range not corresponding to the narrow portion 30.

　図３，１６に示すように、前枠４２のうち一対の補強部４４で挟まれた中央部分は、検知部材４０がバネ部材５６の付勢によって初期位置から検知位置側へ押し動かされたときに、第２ストッパ３２に当接することで検知部材４０を検知位置に保持するための手段として機能する。また、図１６に示すように、前枠４２の全幅領域は、ロック位置のロックアーム２５が、ロック解除位置へ弾性変位するのを規制するためのロック解除規制手段として機能する。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 16, when the detection member 40 is pushed from the initial position to the detection position side by the urging of the spring member 56, the center portion sandwiched between the pair of reinforcing portions 44 in the front frame 42 is moved. Furthermore, it functions as a means for holding the detection member 40 at the detection position by contacting the second stopper 32. As shown in FIG. 16, the full width region of the front frame 42 functions as a lock release restricting means for restricting the lock arm 25 at the lock position from being elastically displaced to the lock release position.

　図９，１０，１７に示すように、側枠４３は、左右一対のバネ収容部４５を備える。バネ収容部４５は、軸線を前後方向に向けて後端が後面壁４７で部分的に塞がれた円筒部４６と、円筒部４６の前端に面一状に連なる円弧状部４８とから構成される。円弧状部４８の周方向における形成領域は、円筒部４６を上下左右の４つの四半円弧領域に仮想的に分割したときに、上部の四半円弧領域と、２つの側部のうち幅方向において外側に位置する側部の四半円弧領域とに対応する範囲である。 As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 17, the side frame 43 includes a pair of left and right spring accommodating portions 45. The spring accommodating portion 45 is composed of a cylindrical portion 46 whose rear end is partially blocked by the rear wall 47 with its axis line oriented in the front-rear direction, and an arc-shaped portion 48 that is connected to the front end of the cylindrical portion 46 in a flush manner. Is done. When the cylindrical portion 46 is virtually divided into four upper, lower, left and right quadrant arc regions, the arc-shaped portion 48 is formed on the outer side in the width direction of the upper quadrant arc region and the two side portions. This is a range corresponding to the quarter arc region of the side portion located at.

　図９，１７に示すように、円筒部４６と円弧状部４８で包囲された前後方向に細長い空間は、バネ収容空間４９となっている。バネ収容空間４９内には、圧縮コイルバネからなるバネ部材５６が同軸状に収容されている。円弧状部４８の前端縁には、内側へ突出する前面壁５０が形成されている。前面壁５０の前面は、前枠４２の前端縁よりも少し後方に位置する。前面壁５０は、バネ収容空間４９の前端の開口領域を部分的に覆い隠す。バネ部材５６は、後面壁４７と前面壁５０との間で挟まれることにより、バネ収容空間４９からの離脱を規制されている。バネ部材５６の前端部のうち、前面壁５０と非対応の領域は、前方（正面側）へ露出している。 As shown in FIGS. 9 and 17, a space elongated in the front-rear direction surrounded by the cylindrical portion 46 and the arc-shaped portion 48 is a spring accommodating space 49. In the spring accommodating space 49, a spring member 56 made of a compression coil spring is accommodated coaxially. A front wall 50 projecting inward is formed at the front edge of the arc-shaped portion 48. The front surface of the front wall 50 is located slightly behind the front edge of the front frame 42. The front wall 50 partially covers the opening area at the front end of the spring accommodating space 49. The spring member 56 is sandwiched between the rear wall 47 and the front wall 50, so that separation from the spring accommodating space 49 is restricted. Of the front end portion of the spring member 56, a region not corresponding to the front wall 50 is exposed to the front (front side).

　図９に示すように、側枠４３は、バネ収容部４５に一体形成された立壁部５１を有する。立壁部５１は、バネ収容部４５の上面における内側の側縁部から上方へ立ち上がった形態であり、前後方向に直線状に延びている。立壁部５１の上端縁は、前枠４２の左右両端に対して略直角に連なっている。側枠４３は、立壁部５１に一体形成された庇部５２を有する。庇部５２は、立壁部５１の上端縁から幅方向における外側へ張り出し、バネ収容部４５に接近するように斜め下方へ片持ち状に延出した形態である。庇部５２も、立壁部５１と同様、前後方向に延びている。立壁部５１の上端縁と庇部５２の上端面は、前枠４２の上面と同じく、検知部材４０の外面４０Ｓを構成する。 As shown in FIG. 9, the side frame 43 has a standing wall portion 51 integrally formed with the spring accommodating portion 45. The standing wall portion 51 has a form that rises upward from the inner side edge portion on the upper surface of the spring accommodating portion 45, and extends linearly in the front-rear direction. The upper end edge of the upright wall portion 51 is connected substantially at right angles to the left and right ends of the front frame 42. The side frame 43 has a flange portion 52 that is integrally formed with the standing wall portion 51. The flange portion 52 has a shape that protrudes outward in the width direction from the upper end edge of the standing wall portion 51 and extends obliquely downward so as to approach the spring accommodating portion 45. Similarly to the standing wall portion 51, the flange portion 52 extends in the front-rear direction. The upper end edge of the upright wall portion 51 and the upper end surface of the flange portion 52 constitute the outer surface 40S of the detection member 40, similarly to the upper surface of the front frame 42.

　側枠４３は、左右一対の溝部５３を有する。溝部５３は、バネ収容部４５の上面と、立壁部５１と、庇部５２で囲まれた形態であり、前端が開放されている。また、溝部５３は、その全長に亘り、幅方向における外方にも開放されている。溝部５３は、リブ２３と協動することにより、周壁部１７が開口部２２の開口幅を変化させるように変形するのを規制する機能と、検知部材４０を初期位置と検知位置との間で移動する際のガイドとしての機能とを発揮する。 The side frame 43 has a pair of left and right groove portions 53. The groove portion 53 is surrounded by the upper surface of the spring accommodating portion 45, the standing wall portion 51, and the flange portion 52, and the front end is open. Moreover, the groove part 53 is open | released also in the outward in the width direction over the full length. The groove portion 53 cooperates with the rib 23 to restrict the deformation of the peripheral wall portion 17 so as to change the opening width of the opening portion 22, and the detection member 40 between the initial position and the detection position. It functions as a guide when moving.

　図１１に示すように、連結部５４は、側枠４３の後端における下端部同士（円筒部４６同士）を連結している。検知部材４０は、この連結部５４と枠部４１により、平面形状が略方形をなす枠状に構成されている。連結部５４には、前方へ片持ち状に延出した形態の撓み係止片５５が形成されている。撓み係止片５５は、幅方向における中央部に位置し、上下方向（端子収容部１１の上面１５に対して接近・離間する方向）へ弾性変位し得るようになっている。 As shown in FIG. 11, the connecting portion 54 connects the lower ends (cylindrical portions 46) at the rear end of the side frame 43. The detection member 40 is configured by the connecting portion 54 and the frame portion 41 to have a frame shape in which the planar shape is a substantially square shape. The connecting portion 54 is formed with a bending locking piece 55 in a form that cantilevered forward. The flexure locking piece 55 is positioned at the center in the width direction and can be elastically displaced in the vertical direction (direction approaching / separating from the upper surface 15 of the terminal accommodating portion 11).

　上記構成になる検知部材４０は、第１ハウジング１０に対し初期位置と検知位置との間での移動可能に組み付けられている。初期位置は、検知部材４０の変位範囲における前端に設定され、検知位置は、検知部材４０の変位範囲における後端に設定されている。図１，４に示すように、検知部材４０は、第１ハウジング１０の後方から溝部５３をリブ２３に嵌合させるようにして組み付けられる。リブ２３と溝部５３の嵌合により、検知部材４０は、初期位置と検知位置との間で円滑に移動し得るようにガイドされる。 The detection member 40 having the above configuration is assembled to the first housing 10 so as to be movable between an initial position and a detection position. The initial position is set at the front end in the displacement range of the detection member 40, and the detection position is set at the rear end in the displacement range of the detection member 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the detection member 40 is assembled from the rear of the first housing 10 so that the groove 53 is fitted to the rib 23. By the fitting of the rib 23 and the groove 53, the detection member 40 is guided so as to be able to move smoothly between the initial position and the detection position.

　検知部材４０が第１ハウジング１０に組み付けられた状態では、バネ収容部４５の少なくとも前端側領域が嵌合空間２１内に位置し、立壁部５１が開口部２２を貫通し、前枠４２の全体と庇部５２の全体が周壁部１７よりも外周側（嵌合空間２１の外部）に位置する。また、図３に示すように、左右両側枠４３の内側の縁部は、ロックアーム２５（アーム部２７）の左右両外側縁よりも少し幅方向外方に位置する。 In a state where the detection member 40 is assembled to the first housing 10, at least the front end side region of the spring accommodating portion 45 is located in the fitting space 21, the standing wall portion 51 penetrates the opening portion 22, and the entire front frame 42. And the whole collar part 52 is located in the outer peripheral side (outside the fitting space 21) rather than the surrounding wall part 17. FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the inner edges of the left and right side frames 43 are positioned slightly outward in the width direction from the left and right outer edges of the lock arm 25 (arm part 27).

　また、図１２，１４～１６に示すように、ロックアーム２５がロック位置にあるときに、高さ方向においては、ロックアーム２５の全体が、検知部材４０の上端から下端に至る高さ範囲内に収まるように位置する。連結部５４の前端部と撓み係止片５５の全体は、ロックアーム２５の下方（ロックアーム２５と端子収容部１１との間）に位置する。前枠４２は、ロックアーム２５のアーム部２７よりも上方に位置する。 Also, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 to 16, when the lock arm 25 is in the locked position, the entire lock arm 25 is within the height range from the upper end to the lower end of the detection member 40 in the height direction. Located to fit in. The front end portion of the connecting portion 54 and the entire bending locking piece 55 are located below the lock arm 25 (between the lock arm 25 and the terminal accommodating portion 11). The front frame 42 is positioned above the arm portion 27 of the lock arm 25.

　検知部材４０が初期位置にある状態では、図１２に示すように、側枠４３のバネ収容部４５の前端面４５Ｆが周壁部１７の覆い部２４に対して後方から当接するとともに、撓み係止片５５の前端部が第１ストッパ１６に対して前方から係止する。この覆い部２４への当接と第１ストッパ１６への係止により、検知部材４０は初期位置に保持される。尚、バネ収容部４５の前端面４５Ｆは、立壁部５１と前枠４２の最前端面よりも後方に位置する。検知部材４０が検知位置にある状態では、図１６に示すように、撓み係止片５５が第１ストッパ１６から外れ、前枠４２が第２ストッパ３２に対して前方（初期位置側）から当接する。この当接作用により、検知部材４０は、検知位置よりも後方への変位を規制される。 In the state where the detection member 40 is in the initial position, as shown in FIG. 12, the front end surface 45F of the spring accommodating portion 45 of the side frame 43 abuts against the cover portion 24 of the peripheral wall portion 17 from the rear, and is bent and locked. The front end portion of the piece 55 is engaged with the first stopper 16 from the front. The detection member 40 is held at the initial position by the contact with the cover 24 and the locking with the first stopper 16. The front end face 45F of the spring accommodating part 45 is located behind the front end face of the standing wall part 51 and the front frame 42. In the state where the detection member 40 is in the detection position, as shown in FIG. 16, the bending locking piece 55 comes off from the first stopper 16, and the front frame 42 contacts the second stopper 32 from the front (initial position side). Touch. By this abutting action, the detection member 40 is restricted from being displaced backward from the detection position.

　検知部材４０が初期位置にある状態では、図２，１２に示すように、前枠４２が、ロックアーム２５の前端縁の前方に位置する。つまり、前枠４２の後縁のうち補強部４４が形成されていない中央部の後縁が、ロックアーム２５の幅狭部３０の前端縁よりも少し前方に位置する。したがって、図１３に示すように、ロックアーム２５は、ロック突起２８が形成されている前端側領域を上方へ変位させて枠部４１で囲まれた空間内に進出させるロック解除位置へ弾性変位することができる。検知部材４０が検知位置にある状態では、図３，１６に示すように、前枠４２が、ロックアーム２５の前端縁の上方に重なるように位置する。したがって、ロックアーム２５がロック解除位置へ弾性変位しようとしても、前枠４２に当接するので、ロックアーム２５は、ロック解除位置への弾性変位を規制され、ロック位置に保持される。 When the detection member 40 is in the initial position, the front frame 42 is positioned in front of the front edge of the lock arm 25 as shown in FIGS. That is, the rear edge of the central portion where the reinforcing portion 44 is not formed among the rear edges of the front frame 42 is positioned slightly forward of the front edge of the narrow portion 30 of the lock arm 25. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the lock arm 25 is elastically displaced to a lock release position where the front end side region where the lock protrusion 28 is formed is displaced upward to advance into the space surrounded by the frame portion 41. be able to. In a state where the detection member 40 is in the detection position, the front frame 42 is positioned so as to overlap above the front end edge of the lock arm 25 as shown in FIGS. Therefore, even if the lock arm 25 attempts to elastically move to the unlocked position, the lock arm 25 abuts against the front frame 42, so that the elastic displacement to the unlocked position is restricted and the lock arm 25 is held at the locked position.

　＜第２ハウジング６０＞
　図２，１２に示すように、第２ハウジング６０は、端子保持部６１と、端子保持部６１から正面側に向かって角筒状に延出するフード部６２とを一体に形成して構成されている。フード部６２を構成する上面壁６３には、その外面（上面）から突出するロック用受け部６４が形成されている。フード部６２の上面壁６３には、ロック用受け部６４を幅方向に挟むように配された一対の押圧部６５が突出形成されている。両ハウジング１０，６０を嵌合する際には、フード部６２が嵌合空間２１内に嵌入されるようになっている。 <Second housing 60>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 12, the second housing 60 is configured by integrally forming a terminal holding portion 61 and a hood portion 62 extending in a rectangular tube shape from the terminal holding portion 61 toward the front side. ing. A lock receiving portion 64 protruding from the outer surface (upper surface) is formed on the upper surface wall 63 constituting the hood portion 62. On the upper surface wall 63 of the hood portion 62, a pair of pressing portions 65 arranged so as to sandwich the lock receiving portion 64 in the width direction are formed to protrude. When the two

housings

10 and 60 are fitted together, the hood portion 62 is fitted into the fitting space 21.

　＜実施例の作用及び効果＞
　両ハウジング１０，６０を嵌合する際には、予め、図１２に示すように検知部材４０を初期位置に保持しておく。そして、フード部６２を嵌合空間２１に進入させることにより、両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合が開始される。嵌合が進む過程では、図１３に示すように、ロックアーム２５の前端部（幅狭部３０）にロック用受け部６４が突き当たる。このロック用受け部６４の押圧作用により、ロックアーム２５のうち脚部２６よりも前方の領域が、上方（ロック解除方向）へ弾性変位させられて枠部４１で囲まれた空間内に進出し、ロック突起２８がロック用受け部６４に乗り上がる。 <Operation and Effect of Example>
When the two

housings

10 and 60 are fitted, the detection member 40 is held in the initial position in advance as shown in FIG. And the fitting of both the

housings

10 and 60 is started by making the food | hood part 62 approach into the fitting space 21. FIG. In the process of fitting, the lock receiving portion 64 abuts against the front end portion (the narrow portion 30) of the lock arm 25 as shown in FIG. Due to the pressing action of the lock receiving portion 64, the region of the lock arm 25 in front of the leg portion 26 is elastically displaced upward (in the unlocking direction) and advances into the space surrounded by the frame portion 41. The lock projection 28 rides on the lock receiving portion 64.

　両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合が開始してから図１３の状態まで嵌合が進む間、図１８に示すように、バネ部材５６が、フード部６２の押圧部６５で前方から押されて後面壁４７との間で弾縮変形させられる。このバネ部材５６の弾性変形により、検知部材４０には、初期位置から検知位置に向かう方向への付勢力が付与される。しかし、図１３に示すように、撓み係止片５５は第１ストッパ１６に係止した状態に保たれているので、検知部材４０は、検知位置側へ付勢されたまま、初期位置に留まっている。 While the fitting of both the

housings

10 and 60 starts and the fitting proceeds to the state shown in FIG. 13, the spring member 56 is pushed from the front by the pressing portion 65 of the hood portion 62 as shown in FIG. It is elastically deformed between the face wall 47. Due to the elastic deformation of the spring member 56, a biasing force in the direction from the initial position toward the detection position is applied to the detection member 40. However, as shown in FIG. 13, since the bending locking piece 55 is held in a state locked to the first stopper 16, the detection member 40 remains in the initial position while being urged toward the detection position. ing.

　図１３の状態から嵌合が少し進むと、図１４に示すように、ロック突起２８がロック用受け部６４を通過するので、ロックアーム２５は弾性復帰し、ロック突起２８がロック用受け部６４に係止する。この係止作用により、両ハウジング１０，６０が離脱規制状態にロックされるが、係止した時点では、第１ハウジング１０の前端面と第２ハウジング６０の端子保持部６１の前端面（フード部６２の奥端面）との間に、更なる嵌合動作の継続を可能にするクリアランスが確保されている。また、図１４の状態では、フード部６２の上面壁６３の先端縁が撓み係止片５５の前端に当接することにより、撓み係止片５５が少し上方へ弾性変位し、撓み係止片５５と第１ストッパ１６との係止代が減少する。 When the fitting is slightly advanced from the state of FIG. 13, as shown in FIG. 14, the lock protrusion 28 passes through the lock receiving portion 64, so that the lock arm 25 is elastically restored and the lock protrusion 28 is locked. Lock to. Due to this locking action, both

housings

10 and 60 are locked in the disengagement restricted state, but at the time of locking, the front end surface of the first housing 10 and the front end surface of the terminal holding portion 61 of the second housing 60 (the hood portion). The clearance which enables the further fitting operation to continue is ensured between the rear end face 62 and the rear end face 62. Further, in the state of FIG. 14, the leading edge of the upper surface wall 63 of the hood portion 62 abuts against the front end of the bending locking piece 55, whereby the bending locking piece 55 is elastically displaced slightly upward, and the bending locking piece 55. The locking margin between the first stopper 16 and the first stopper 16 is reduced.

　そして、図１４の状態から嵌合が進むと、図１５に示すように、両ハウジング１０，６０が突き当たって嵌合動作が停止する。この間、撓み係止片５５が、フード部６２の上面壁６３によって更に上方へ変位させられるので、撓み係止片５５が第１ストッパ１６から完全に外れる。すると、検知部材４０が、バネ部材５６の付勢によって初期位置から検知位置へ一気に移動し、図１６及び図１９に示すように、前枠４２が第２ストッパ３２に当接して、検知部材４０が検知位置で停止する。検知部材４０が検知位置へ変位したことは、目視及び、前枠４２と第２ストッパ３２との衝突音とによって知ることができる。 Then, when the fitting proceeds from the state of FIG. 14, as shown in FIG. 15, both

housings

10 and 60 come into contact with each other, and the fitting operation is stopped. During this time, since the bending locking piece 55 is displaced further upward by the upper surface wall 63 of the hood portion 62, the bending locking piece 55 is completely detached from the first stopper 16. Then, the detection member 40 is moved from the initial position to the detection position at a stroke by the urging of the spring member 56, and the front frame 42 comes into contact with the second stopper 32 as shown in FIGS. Stops at the detection position. The fact that the detection member 40 has been displaced to the detection position can be recognized by visual observation and the collision sound between the front frame 42 and the second stopper 32.

　検知部材４０が検知位置に変位すると、両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合が完了する。もし、両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合が不完全な状態で嵌合作業を中断した場合は、検知部材４０が検知位置へ移動せず、初期位置に留まったままである。したがって、検知部材４０が初期位置から検知位置へ移動したか否かに基づいて、作業者は、両ハウジング１０，６０が正規嵌合されたか否かを検知することができる。 When the detection member 40 is displaced to the detection position, the fitting of the two

housings

10 and 60 is completed. If the fitting operation is interrupted in a state in which the

housings

10 and 60 are not completely fitted, the detection member 40 does not move to the detection position and remains at the initial position. Therefore, based on whether or not the detection member 40 has moved from the initial position to the detection position, the operator can detect whether or not the two

housings

10 and 60 are properly fitted.

　本実施例では、両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合を開始してから嵌合完了に至る過程で、まず、両ハウジング１０，６０がロックアーム２５によって正規嵌合状態にロックされ、その後で、検知部材４０の検知位置への移動が許容される。したがって、嵌合作業を半嵌合状態で中断した場合には、検知部材４０が初期位置に保持されるので、検知部材４０を検知位置から初期位置に戻す作業を行わなくても、嵌合作業を再開することができる。 In the present embodiment, in the process from the start of the fitting of the two

housings

10 and 60 to the completion of the fitting, the two

housings

10 and 60 are first locked in the normal fitting state by the lock arm 25, and thereafter the detection is performed. The movement of the member 40 to the detection position is allowed. Therefore, when the fitting operation is interrupted in the half-fitted state, the detection member 40 is held at the initial position, so that the fitting operation can be performed without performing the operation of returning the detection member 40 from the detection position to the initial position. Can be resumed.

　両ハウジング１０，６０が正規嵌合してロックアーム２５により離脱規制されている状態では、ロックアーム２５の前端部は、検知部材４０の前枠４２によりロック解除方向（ロック用受け部６４から解離する方向）への弾性変位が規制されている。したがって、ロック解除操作部３１を押し操作したり、ロック解除操作部３１に対して他部材が干渉して押圧力を付与しても、ロック突起２８がロック用受け部６４に係止した状態が維持され、ロックアーム２５によるロックが解除されることはない。 In a state where both the

housings

10 and 60 are properly fitted and detachment restricted by the lock arm 25, the front end portion of the lock arm 25 is disengaged from the lock receiving portion 64 by the front frame 42 of the detection member 40. The elastic displacement in the direction of the movement is regulated. Therefore, even if the unlocking operation unit 31 is pushed or other members interfere with the unlocking operation unit 31 to apply a pressing force, the lock projection 28 is locked to the lock receiving unit 64. It is maintained, and the lock by the lock arm 25 is not released.

　嵌合状態にロックされている両ハウジング１０，６０を離脱させる際には、ロックアーム２５をロック解除操作する前に、まず、検知位置にある検知部材４０をバネ部材５６の付勢に抗しながら初期位置へ移動させる。すると、ロックアーム２５の前端部が前枠４２による変位規制から解放されるので、ロックアーム２５はロック解除方向への弾性変位が可能な状態となる。したがって、検知部材４０を押して初期位置に留め置いた状態のまま、ロック解除操作部３１を下方へ押し操作すれば、図２０に示すように、ロックアーム２５がシーソー状に弾性変位して、ロック突起２８がロック用受け部６４から解離し、ロックアーム２５によるロックが解除される。この後は、ロックアーム２５をロック解除位置へ変位させた状態のままで、両ハウジング１０，６０を引き離せばよい。 When the two

housings

10 and 60 that are locked in the fitted state are removed, before the lock arm 25 is unlocked, the detection member 40 at the detection position is first resisted against the bias of the spring member 56. Move to the initial position. Then, since the front end portion of the lock arm 25 is released from the displacement restriction by the front frame 42, the lock arm 25 can be elastically displaced in the unlocking direction. Therefore, if the unlocking operation portion 31 is pushed downward while the detection member 40 is pushed and held at the initial position, the lock arm 25 is elastically displaced in a seesaw shape as shown in FIG. The protrusion 28 is disengaged from the lock receiving portion 64, and the lock by the lock arm 25 is released. Thereafter, both the

housings

10 and 60 may be pulled apart while the lock arm 25 is displaced to the unlocking position.

　本実施例のコネクタは、端子収容部１１を周壁部１７で包囲した形態の第１ハウジング１０と、第１ハウジング１０と嵌合可能な第２ハウジング６０と、端子収容部１１と周壁部１７との間の嵌合空間２１内において初期位置から検知位置へ移動するか否かに基づいて両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合状態を検知する検知部材４０を備えている。さらに、周壁部１７の周方向における一部を切欠した形態であって検知部材４０を外周側へ露出させる開口部２２と、周壁部１７と検知部材４０とに形成され、互いに嵌合することで、検知部材４０の初期位置と検知位置との間での移動を許容し、且つ周壁部１７が開口部２２の開口幅を変化させるように変形するのを規制する変形規制部（リブ２３と溝部５３）とを備えている。 The connector of the present embodiment includes a first housing 10 having a shape in which the terminal housing portion 11 is surrounded by the peripheral wall portion 17, a second housing 60 that can be fitted to the first housing 10, the terminal housing portion 11, and the peripheral wall portion 17. A detecting member 40 is provided for detecting the fitting state of both

housings

10 and 60 based on whether or not it moves from the initial position to the detecting position in the fitting space 21 between them. Furthermore, it is the form which notched the part in the circumferential direction of the surrounding wall part 17, Comprising: It forms in the opening part 22 which exposes the detection member 40 to an outer peripheral side, the surrounding wall part 17, and the detection member 40, and it mutually fits. Deformation restricting portions (ribs 23 and groove portions) that allow the detecting member 40 to move between the initial position and the detecting position and restrict the deformation of the peripheral wall portion 17 so as to change the opening width of the opening portion 22. 53).

　この構成によれば、周壁部１７の開口部２２は検知部材４０を外周側へ露出させるように開口しているので、検知部材４０の外周側には周壁部１７は存在しない。したがって、検知部材の外周側に周壁部が存在する場合に比べると、本実施例のコネクタは、第１ハウジング１０を小型化することができる。また、周壁部１７に開口部２２が形成されていると、周壁部１７が開口部２２の開口幅を変化させるように変形することが懸念されるが、本実施例では、周壁部１７における開口部２２の開口縁のリブ２３と、検知部材４０に形成した溝部５３とを嵌合させることにより、周壁部１７の変形を防止している。 According to this configuration, since the opening 22 of the peripheral wall portion 17 is opened so as to expose the detection member 40 to the outer peripheral side, the peripheral wall portion 17 does not exist on the outer peripheral side of the detection member 40. Therefore, the connector of the present embodiment can reduce the size of the first housing 10 as compared with the case where the peripheral wall portion exists on the outer peripheral side of the detection member. Further, if the opening 22 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 17, there is a concern that the peripheral wall portion 17 is deformed so as to change the opening width of the opening portion 22, but in this embodiment, the opening in the peripheral wall portion 17 is concerned. The peripheral wall portion 17 is prevented from being deformed by fitting the rib 23 at the opening edge of the portion 22 and the groove portion 53 formed in the detection member 40.

　また、周壁部１７の変形規制部であるリブ２３は、開口部２２の開口縁部から外周側へ突出した形態であり、検知部材４０側の変形規制部である溝部５３は、リブ２３を略周方向に挟むとともに、開口部２２の開口縁部とリブ２３とを略径方向に挟む形態である。この構成によれば、開口部２２が周方向に拡がったり狭まったりすることを規制できるのに加え、検知部材４０が周壁部１７に対して径方向へ相対変位することも規制できる。 Further, the rib 23 that is a deformation restricting portion of the peripheral wall portion 17 has a form protruding from the opening edge portion of the opening portion 22 to the outer peripheral side, and the groove portion 53 that is a deformation restricting portion on the detection member 40 side is substantially the rib 23. While sandwiching in the circumferential direction, the opening edge portion of the opening 22 and the rib 23 are sandwiched in the substantially radial direction. According to this configuration, in addition to restricting the opening 22 from expanding or narrowing in the circumferential direction, the relative displacement of the detection member 40 relative to the peripheral wall 17 in the radial direction can also be restricted.

　また、端子収容部１１と周壁部１７との間の嵌合空間２１内には、両ハウジング１０，６０を嵌合状態にロックするためのロックアーム２５が配され、端子収容部１１とロックアーム２５が並ぶ上下方向（高さ方向）に関して、検知部材４０とロックアーム２５が少なくとも部分的に重なる形態である。このように、端子収容部１１とロックアーム２５が並ぶ方向に関して、検知部材４０とロックアーム２５が少なくとも部分的に重なることにより、第１ハウジング１０を小型化することができる。 A lock arm 25 for locking both

housings

10 and 60 in a fitted state is disposed in the fitting space 21 between the terminal containing portion 11 and the peripheral wall portion 17. The detection member 40 and the lock arm 25 overlap at least partially with respect to the vertical direction (height direction) in which 25 is arranged. Thus, the first housing 10 can be reduced in size by at least partially overlapping the detection member 40 and the lock arm 25 in the direction in which the terminal accommodating portion 11 and the lock arm 25 are arranged.

　また、ロックアーム２５と検知部材４０は、第１ハウジング１０の上面１５に沿うように配されており、検知部材４０は、検知部材４０の外面４０Ｓを構成して、ロックアーム２５を囲むとともにロックアーム２５の外面３１Ｓを露出させる形態の枠部４１を備えている。そして、枠部４１は、第１ハウジング１０の上面１５とロックアーム２５とが対向する上下方向（高さ方向）において、ロックアーム２５の外面３１Ｓよりも内側に配されている。この構成によれば、第１ハウジング１０の上面１５とロックアーム２５とが対向する方向において、小型化を図ることができる。 Further, the lock arm 25 and the detection member 40 are arranged along the upper surface 15 of the first housing 10, and the detection member 40 constitutes an outer surface 40S of the detection member 40 to surround and lock the lock arm 25. The frame part 41 of the form which exposes the outer surface 31S of the arm 25 is provided. The frame portion 41 is disposed on the inner side of the outer surface 31S of the lock arm 25 in the vertical direction (height direction) in which the upper surface 15 of the first housing 10 and the lock arm 25 face each other. According to this configuration, the size can be reduced in the direction in which the upper surface 15 of the first housing 10 and the lock arm 25 face each other.

　また、本実施例のコネクタは、両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合過程で、第２ハウジング６０の押圧部６５で押されることにより検知部材４０を検知位置側へ付勢するバネ部材５６と、両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合過程では検知部材４０をバネ部材５６の付勢に抗して初期位置に保持し、両ハウジング１０，６０が嵌合すると検知部材４０の保持を解除する第１ストッパ１６と、枠部４１を構成し、検知部材４０の移動方向と交差する幅方向に延びた形態の前枠４２と、第１ストッパ１６の保持から解放された検知部材４０がバネ部材５６の付勢によって検知位置に到達したときに、前枠４２を当接させることで検知部材４０を検知位置に停止させる第２ストッパ３２とを備える。この前枠４２には、第１ハウジング１０の上面１５とロックアーム２５とが対向する上下方向と交差する前後方向に肉盛りした形態の補強部４４が形成されているので、前枠４２の全体としての強度が高まる。したがって、第１ハウジング１０の上面１５とロックアーム２５とが対向する方向において、前枠４２の厚さを薄くし、更なる小型化を図ることが可能である。 Further, the connector of this embodiment includes a spring member 56 that urges the detection member 40 toward the detection position by being pressed by the pressing portion 65 of the second housing 60 in the process of fitting both the

housings

10, 60, and both In the process of fitting the

housings

10 and 60, the first stopper 16 that holds the detection member 40 in the initial position against the bias of the spring member 56 and releases the holding of the detection member 40 when both the

housings

10 and 60 are fitted. And the front frame 42 that forms the frame portion 41 and extends in the width direction intersecting the moving direction of the detection member 40, and the detection member 40 released from the holding of the first stopper 16 urges the spring member 56. The second stopper 32 stops the detection member 40 at the detection position by bringing the front frame 42 into contact when the detection position is reached. The front frame 42 is formed with a reinforcing portion 44 that is built up in the front-rear direction intersecting the vertical direction in which the upper surface 15 of the first housing 10 and the lock arm 25 face each other. As strength increases. Therefore, in the direction in which the upper surface 15 of the first housing 10 and the lock arm 25 face each other, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the front frame 42 and further reduce the size.

　また、検知部材４０には、検知部材４０が検知位置にあるときにロックアーム２５のロック解除方向への弾性変位を規制し、且つ検知部材４０が初期位置にあるときにロックアーム２５のロック解除方向への弾性変位を許容するロック解除規制部としての前枠４２が形成されている。そして、ロックアーム２５には、検知部材４０が初期位置にあるときに露出状態となって、直接的な手作業によるロック解除操作が可能となるロック解除操作部３１が形成されている。 The detection member 40 restricts the elastic displacement of the lock arm 25 in the unlocking direction when the detection member 40 is in the detection position, and unlocks the lock arm 25 when the detection member 40 is in the initial position. A front frame 42 is formed as an unlocking restricting portion that allows elastic displacement in the direction. The lock arm 25 is formed with an unlock operation portion 31 that is exposed when the detection member 40 is in the initial position and that can be directly unlocked manually.

　この構成によれば、嵌合状態の両ハウジング１０，６０を離脱する際には、まず、検知位置にある検知部材４０を、バネ部材５６の付勢に抗して初期位置へ移動させ、その後、ロック解除操作部３１を、直接的な手作業によりロック解除操作して、ロックアーム２５をロック解除方向へ弾性変位させ、この状態で、両ハウジング１０，６０を引き離す。つまり、本実施例では、ロックアーム２５によるロックを解除する際に、検知部材４０を検知位置から初期位置へ移動させる作業と、検知部材４０から手を離してロック解除操作部３１を操作する作業とを別々に行う操作、つまりツーアクションの操作が必要である。したがって、検知部材４０やロック解除操作部３１に対して一方向に押圧しただけでは、ロックは解除されず、両ハウジング１０，６０をロック状態に確実に保持しておくことができる。 According to this configuration, when the two

housings

10 and 60 in the fitted state are detached, first, the detection member 40 at the detection position is moved to the initial position against the bias of the spring member 56, and thereafter Then, the unlocking operation part 31 is unlocked by direct manual operation to elastically displace the lock arm 25 in the unlocking direction, and in this state, both the

housings

10 and 60 are pulled apart. That is, in this embodiment, when releasing the lock by the lock arm 25, the operation of moving the detection member 40 from the detection position to the initial position, and the operation of releasing the hand from the detection member 40 and operating the unlock operation unit 31. Need to be performed separately, that is, a two-action operation. Therefore, the lock is not released only by pressing the detection member 40 or the unlocking operation unit 31 in one direction, and both the

housings

10 and 60 can be reliably held in the locked state.

　また、両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合前は、検知部材４０が嵌合空間２１内における正面側開口領域に近い初期位置に配され、両ハウジング１０，６０が正規嵌合すると、検知部材４０は嵌合空間２１内における奥方の検知位置へ変位するようになっている。そして、嵌合空間２１の正面側の開口縁から延出した覆い部２４が、検知部材４０を正面側から覆うように配されている。この構成によれば、両ハウジング１０，６０の嵌合過程で、フード部６２が嵌合空間２１内の検知部材４０に向かって進んでも、フード部６２は、検知部材４０に到達する前に覆い部２４に当接するので、両ハウジング１０，６０が未嵌合や半嵌合であるうちに、検知部材４０がフード部６２によって検知位置へ押し込まれることはない。したがって、検知部材４０がフード部６２で押されることに起因して検知動作不良を起こすことを、防止できる。 Further, before the

housings

10 and 60 are fitted together, the detection member 40 is arranged at an initial position near the front opening region in the fitting space 21, and when both the

housings

10 and 60 are properly fitted, the detection member 40 is It is displaced to the detection position at the back in the fitting space 21. And the cover part 24 extended from the opening edge of the front side of the fitting space 21 is distribute | arranged so that the detection member 40 may be covered from the front side. According to this configuration, even if the hood portion 62 advances toward the detection member 40 in the fitting space 21 during the fitting process of both the

housings

10 and 60, the hood portion 62 covers before reaching the detection member 40. Since it contacts the portion 24, the detection member 40 is not pushed into the detection position by the hood portion 62 while both the

housings

10, 60 are unfitted or half-fitted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detection operation failure from occurring due to the detection member 40 being pushed by the hood portion 62.

　また、覆い部２４は、周壁部１７に一体に形成されていので、覆い部を周壁部とは別体の部品とした場合に比べると、部品点数を削減できる。さらに、覆い部２４は、検知部材４０が検知位置から初期位置へ変位したときに、検知部材４０を初期位置で前止まりする形態である。つまり、覆い部２４は、検知部材４０に対するフード部６２の当接を防止する機能と、検知部材４０を初期位置で前止まりする機能とを兼ね備えている。したがって、検知部材４０を前止まりする手段を覆い部２４とは別に形成する場合に比べると、第１ハウジング１０と検知部材４０の形状を簡素することができる。 Moreover, since the cover part 24 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall part 17, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the cover part is a separate part from the peripheral wall part. Further, the cover 24 is configured to stop the detection member 40 at the initial position when the detection member 40 is displaced from the detection position to the initial position. That is, the cover 24 has both a function of preventing the hood 62 from coming into contact with the detection member 40 and a function of stopping the detection member 40 at the initial position. Therefore, the shapes of the first housing 10 and the detection member 40 can be simplified as compared with the case where the means for stopping the detection member 40 is formed separately from the cover 24.

　＜他の実施例＞
　本発明は上記記述及び図面によって説明した実施例に限定されるものではなく、例えば次のような実施例も本発明の技術的範囲に含まれる。
　（１）上記実施例では、第１ハウジングの外面とロックアームとの対向方向において、検知部材の外面とロックアームの外面とをほぼ同じ位置としたが、検知部材の上面の位置は、ロックアームの外面の位置よりも内側（第１ハウジングに近い側）にあってもよい。
　（２）上記実施例では、ロックアームと検知部材を、端子収容部を周壁部で包囲した雌側のハウジングに設けたが、ロックアームと検知部材は、フード部を有する雄側のハウジングに設けてもよい。
　（３）上記実施例では、前枠部（突当枠）に補強部を形成したが、前枠部に補強部を形成しない形態としてもよい。
　（４）上記実施例では、検知部材を検知位置から初期位置へ移動させる作業と、検知部材から手を離してロック解除操作部を操作する作業のツーアクションの操作を必要としたが、検知部材を押圧操作するだけでロックアームのロックを解除できるようにしてもよい。 <Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the outer surface of the detection member and the outer surface of the lock arm are in substantially the same position in the opposing direction of the outer surface of the first housing and the lock arm. It may be on the inner side (side closer to the first housing) than the position of the outer surface.
(2) In the above embodiment, the lock arm and the detection member are provided in the female housing in which the terminal accommodating portion is surrounded by the peripheral wall portion. However, the lock arm and the detection member are provided in the male housing having the hood portion. May be.
(3) In the above embodiment, the reinforcing portion is formed on the front frame portion (abutting frame), but the reinforcing portion may not be formed on the front frame portion.
(4) In the above-described embodiment, it is necessary to perform a two-action operation of moving the detection member from the detection position to the initial position and releasing the hand from the detection member to operate the unlocking operation unit. The lock arm may be unlocked simply by pressing.

　１０…第１ハウジング
　１５…端子収容部の上面（第１ハウジングの外面）
　１６…第１ストッパ
　２５…ロックアーム
　３１Ｓ…ロック解除操作面の外面（ロックアームの外面）
　３１…ロック解除操作部
　３２…第２ストッパ
　４０…検知部材
　４０Ｓ…検知部材の外面
　４１…枠部
　４２…前枠（突当枠、ロック解除規制部）
　４４…補強部
　５６…バネ部材
　６０…第２ハウジング DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... 1st housing 15 ... Upper surface of terminal accommodating part (outer surface of 1st housing)
16 ... 1st stopper 25 ... Lock arm 31S ... Outer surface of unlocking operation surface (outer surface of lock arm)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 ... Lock release operation part 32 ... 2nd stopper 40 ... Detection member 40S ... Outer surface of a detection member 41 ... Frame part 42 ... Front frame (Abutting frame, lock release control part)
44 ... Reinforcement part 56 ... Spring member 60 ... Second housing

Claims

　第１ハウジングと、
　前記第１ハウジングと嵌合可能な第２ハウジングと、
　前記第１ハウジングの外面に沿うように配され、前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングを嵌合状態にロックするロックアームと、
　前記第１ハウジングの前記外面に沿うように配され、初期位置から検知位置へ移動するか否かに基づいて前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングの嵌合状態を検知する検知部材と、
　前記検知部材の外面を構成し、前記ロックアームを囲むとともに前記ロックアームの外面を露出させる形態であり、前記第１ハウジングの前記外面と前記ロックアームとが対向する方向において、前記ロックアームの外面よりも内側に配された枠部とを備えていることを特徴とするコネクタ。 A first housing;
A second housing engageable with the first housing;
A lock arm that is arranged along the outer surface of the first housing and locks the first housing and the second housing in a fitted state;
A detection member that is arranged along the outer surface of the first housing and detects a fitting state between the first housing and the second housing based on whether or not the first housing moves from the initial position to the detection position;
It forms an outer surface of the detection member, surrounds the lock arm and exposes the outer surface of the lock arm, and in the direction in which the outer surface of the first housing and the lock arm face each other, And a frame portion disposed on the inner side of the connector.
　前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングの嵌合過程で、前記第２ハウジングで押されることにより前記検知部材を検知位置側へ付勢するバネ部材と、
　前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングの嵌合過程では前記検知部材を前記バネ部材の付勢に抗して初期位置に保持し、前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングが嵌合すると前記検知部材の保持を解除する第１ストッパと、
　前記枠部を構成し、前記検知部材の移動方向と交差する方向に延びた形態の突当枠と、
　前記第１ストッパの保持から解放された前記検知部材が前記バネ部材の付勢によって検知位置に到達したときに、前記突当枠を当接させることで前記検知部材を検知位置に停止させる第２ストッパと、
　前記突当枠に形成され、前記第１ハウジングの前記外面と前記ロックアームとが対向する方向と交差する方向に肉盛りした形態の補強部とを備えていることを特徴とする請求項１記載のコネクタ。 A spring member that urges the detection member toward the detection position by being pushed by the second housing during the fitting process of the first housing and the second housing;
In the fitting process of the first housing and the second housing, the detection member is held at an initial position against the bias of the spring member, and when the first housing and the second housing are fitted, the detection member A first stopper for releasing the holding,
The abutting frame of the form that constitutes the frame portion and extends in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the detection member;
When the detection member released from the holding of the first stopper reaches the detection position by the bias of the spring member, the detection member is stopped at the detection position by contacting the abutting frame. A stopper,
2. The reinforcing portion formed in the abutting frame and bulged in a direction crossing a direction in which the outer surface of the first housing and the lock arm face each other. Connector.
　前記第１ハウジングと前記第２ハウジングの嵌合過程で、前記第２ハウジングで押されることにより前記検知部材を検知位置側へ付勢するバネ部材と、
　前記検知部材に形成され、前記検知部材が検知位置にあるときに前記ロックアームのロック解除方向への弾性変位を規制し、且つ前記検知部材が初期位置にあるときに前記ロックアームのロック解除方向への弾性変位を許容するロック解除規制部と、
　前記ロックアームに形成され、前記検知部材が初期位置にあるときに露出状態となって、直接的な手作業によるロック解除操作が可能となるロック解除操作部とを備えていることを特徴とする請求項１又は請求項２記載のコネクタ。 A spring member that urges the detection member toward the detection position by being pushed by the second housing during the fitting process of the first housing and the second housing;
Formed in the detection member, restricts elastic displacement of the lock arm in the unlocking direction when the detection member is in the detection position, and unlocks the lock arm when the detection member is in the initial position. An unlocking restricting portion that allows elastic displacement to
An unlocking operation portion formed on the lock arm and exposed when the detection member is in an initial position, and is capable of performing a manual unlocking operation manually. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2.