JP2017033663A - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector capable of properly detecting a state of a lock member.SOLUTION: A connector 1 of a wiring harness WH comprises: a housing 3 including a terminal insertion chamber 34B and a fitting recess 37; a lock member 4 which is provided in the fitting recess 37 and movable between a temporary fitting position and a final fitting position and which cannot move from the temporary fitting position to the final fitting position in the state where a terminal 2B does not reach a regular position; a first space part 51 and a second space part 52 that are provided in the housing 3. In a state where the fitting recess 37 is opened, both the first space part 51 and the second space part 52 are opened at a side of the fitting recess 37. In a state where the lock member 4 is located at the temporary fitting position, both the first space part and the second space part are closed at the side of the fitting recess 37. In a state where the lock member 4 is located at the final fitting position, the first space part 51 is closed at the side of the fitting recess 37 and the second space part 52 is opened at the side of the fitting recess 37.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector.

  As a conventional connector applied to a wire harness, for example, in Patent Document 1, a retainer for double-locking a terminal fitting to a connector housing into which the terminal fitting is inserted, and a connector housing attached to a mating member A connector provided with a clip to be attached is disclosed. The retainer of this connector can be attached facing the attachment part of the clip, and when the retainer is attached to the normal position, the attachment part of the clip is opened to allow the clip to be attached to the normal position. It is supposed to be.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-3959

  By the way, the connector of the above-mentioned patent document 1 is comprised as mentioned above, The retainer which is a locking member for locking a terminal metal fitting using a clip was attached to the regular position. For example, a configuration that can detect the state of the locking member in more detail is desired.

  This invention is made | formed in view of said situation, Comprising: It aims at providing the connector which can detect the state of a locking member appropriately.

  In order to achieve the above object, a connector according to the present invention includes a terminal insertion chamber into which a terminal can be inserted, and a fitting recess extending in a direction intersecting the terminal insertion chamber and continuing to the terminal insertion chamber. The housing is provided so that it can be fitted into the fitting recess, and in the fitting recess, the terminal can be inserted into the terminal insertion chamber, and the temporary insertion position and the normal position in the terminal insertion chamber are inserted. In the state where the terminal is inserted into the terminal insertion chamber and does not reach the normal position, the main fitting can be performed from the temporary fitting position. A locking member that cannot move to a position; a first space portion that extends and has an opening in the housing and is continuous with the fitting recess; and a first space that has an opening in the housing. Extended in parallel with the department A second space portion that is continuous with the fitting recess, and the first space portion and the second space portion are open on the fitting recess side in a state where the fitting recess is opened. In the state where the stop member is in the temporary fitting position, at least a part of the fitting recess side is closed together by the locking member, and in the state where the locking member is in the main fitting position, At least a part of the first space portion on the fitting recess side is closed, and the fitting recess side of the second space portion is opened.

  In the connector, the housing includes a holding member installation space portion in which a holding member for holding the housing in a fixed portion is provided and the fitting recess is opened. At least a part of the fitting recess protrudes into the holding member installation space from the opening of the fitting recess toward the holding member installation space, and the part of the holding member installation space at the main fitting position. It can be assumed that it has been evacuated from.

  Further, in the connector, the housing has a housing side holding portion that partitions the holding member installation space portion and holds the holding member provided in the holding member installation space portion, and the locking member includes: A holding member-side holding portion that holds the holding member provided in the holding member installation space portion while partitioning the holding member installation space portion continuously with the housing side holding portion at the main fitting position. It can be.

  Further, in the connector, the second space portion can also be used as the holding member installation space portion.

  In the above connector, the state of the locking member can be detected according to the stroke amount of the inspection jig inserted into the first space portion and the second space portion.

  The wire harness according to the present invention includes an electric wire and a connector connected to an end of the electric wire, and the connector intersects the terminal insertion chamber in which a terminal can be inserted, and the terminal insertion chamber. And a housing having a fitting recess that is continuous with the terminal insertion chamber, and can be fitted into the fitting recess, and the terminal can be inserted into the terminal insertion chamber in the fitting recess. And a temporary fitting position to be moved to a regular fitting position for locking the terminal inserted to a regular position in the terminal insertion chamber, and the terminal is inserted into the terminal insertion chamber and to the regular position. A locking member that cannot move from the temporary fitting position to the main fitting position when not reached, and a first space that extends from the housing and has an opening, and is continuous with the fitting recess. And the housing A second space portion having an opening and extending in parallel with the first space portion and continuing to the fitting recess, the first space portion and the second space portion being In the state where the fitting recess is opened, the fitting recess side is opened, and in the state where the locking member is in the temporary fitting position, at least a part of the fitting recess side is closed together by the locking member. In a state where the locking member is in the main fitting position, at least a part of the first space portion on the fitting recess side is closed by the locking member, and the fitting recess side of the second space portion is opened. It is characterized by being.

  A connector inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes a terminal insertion chamber into which a terminal can be inserted, and a housing having a fitting recess extending in a direction intersecting the terminal insertion chamber and continuing to the terminal insertion chamber. The terminal inserted into the fitting recess so that the terminal can be inserted into the terminal insertion chamber and to a normal position in the terminal insertion chamber. The terminal can be moved to the final fitting position where the terminal is inserted, and the terminal cannot be moved from the temporary fitting position to the final fitting position when the terminal is inserted into the terminal insertion chamber and does not reach the normal position. A first space portion that extends and has an opening in the housing and is continuous with the fitting recess, and has an opening in the housing and is parallel to the first space portion. The fitting recess provided to extend The first space portion and the second space portion are both opened in the state where the fitting concave portion is opened, and the locking member is opened. In the state of being in the temporary fitting position, at least a part of the fitting recess side is blocked by the locking member, and the locking member is in the state of being in the final fitting position by the locking member. Inserted into the first space portion and the second space portion of a connector in which at least a part of the space portion on the fitting recess side is closed and the fitting space side of the second space portion is opened. An inspection jig, a detection unit that detects the stroke amount of the inspection jig, and a detection unit that detects the state of the locking member based on the stroke amount of the inspection jig detected by the detection unit. It is characterized by that.

  In the connector inspection apparatus, the inspection jig includes a first insertion portion that is inserted into the first space portion, a second insertion portion that is inserted into the second space portion, and the first insertion portion. A connecting portion that connects the second insertion portion, and the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion are connected to each other by the connection portion. Is formed longer, and when the stroke amount of the inspection jig detected by the detection unit is equal to a preset main fitting determination threshold value, the locking member is fitted to the main fitting. Detecting that the locking member is in the temporary fitting position when the stroke amount of the inspection jig detected by the detection unit is shorter than the main fitting determination threshold value. The stroke amount of the inspection jig detected by the detection unit is the The locking member is longer than the engagement determination threshold value can be made to detect and those not provided in the fitting recess.

  In the connector according to the present invention, for example, the locking member is not provided in the fitting recess of the housing, based on the state of the fitting recess side of the first space and the second space provided in the housing. Detection is performed by distinguishing between a state in which the fitting recess is opened, a state in which the locking member is in the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess, and a state in which the locking member is in the final fitting position in the fitting recess. can do. Thereby, the connector has an effect that the state of the locking member can be properly detected.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a connector according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the terminal insertion opening side of the terminal insertion chamber of the housing provided in the connector according to the embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view of a spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment is not provided. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment is in the temporary fitting position. FIG. 13 is a partial front view illustrating a state in which the spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment is in the temporary fitting position. FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment is in the main fitting position. FIG. 15 is a partial front view showing a state in which the spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment is in the main fitting position. FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a clip provided in the connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view including a release jig insertion opening provided in the connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view including a release jig insertion opening provided in the connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a spacer included in a connector according to a modification. FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a connector according to a modification.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. In addition, constituent elements in the following embodiments include those that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art or those that are substantially the same.

[Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a connector according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the terminal insertion opening side of the terminal insertion chamber of the housing provided in the connector according to the embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC shown in FIG. 7 and 8 are perspective views illustrating a schematic configuration of a spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view of a spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment is not provided. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment is in the temporary fitting position. FIG. 13 is a partial front view illustrating a state in which the spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment is in the temporary fitting position. FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment is in the main fitting position. FIG. 15 is a partial front view showing a state in which the spacer included in the connector according to the embodiment is in the main fitting position. FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a clip provided in the connector according to the embodiment. 17 and 18 are partial cross-sectional views including a release jig insertion opening provided in the connector according to the embodiment. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate the mating connector with a two-dot chain line. 4 and 5 illustrate a terminal and an electric wire connected to the terminal with a two-dot chain line.

  The connector 1 of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 is applied to, for example, a wire harness WH used in an automobile or the like. Here, the connector 1 is a wire-to-wire connection mechanism that connects the electric wire W (see FIGS. 4 and 5, etc.) constituting the wire harness WH and another electric wire, or an electric wire that connects the electric wire W and the electric device. It is a male connector used in a connection mechanism for connecting electrical equipment. Here, the electric wire W is comprised including the conductor part (core wire) which twisted together the some electroconductive metal strand, and the insulating coating | coated part which covers the outer side of the said conductor part, for example. The connector 1 is connected to the end of the electric wire W constituting the wire harness WH, and the mating connector FC (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 6) is fitted and electrically connected to the fitting space 33. Here, the counterpart connector FC is a female connector, and includes a plurality of female terminals FCT as counterpart terminals and a female connector housing FCH that holds the terminals FCT. In the counterpart connector FC, a plurality of terminals FCT are supported inside the connector housing FCH. The connector 1 of this embodiment includes a male connector housing 3 as a housing for holding a male terminal 2 provided at the end of the electric wire W, and a spacer 4 as a locking member assembled to the connector housing 3. The connector housing FCH of the mating connector FC is fitted into the mating space 33 of the connector housing 3, and the terminal 2 is electrically connected to the terminal FCT of the mating connector FC. Hereinafter, the configuration of the connector 1 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In the following description, among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersecting with each other, the first direction is referred to as the “axial direction”, the second direction is referred to as the “width direction”, and the third direction The direction is called “height direction”. Here, the axial direction, the width direction, and the height direction are orthogonal to each other. The axial direction is typically in the direction along the extending direction of a terminal insertion chamber 34 (described later) formed in the connector housing 3, more specifically, in the insertion direction when the terminal 2 is inserted into the terminal insertion chamber 34. The mating connector FC is positioned on the front side in the axial direction (insertion direction), and the electric wire W extends on the rear side in the axial direction (insertion direction). Each direction used in the following description represents a direction in a state where the respective parts are assembled to each other unless otherwise specified.

  A terminal 2 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) provided in the connector 1 is a male terminal fitting for a connector that is inserted into and accommodated in a terminal insertion chamber 34 formed in the connector housing 3. The terminal 2 is connected to the end of the electric wire W on which the connector 1 is provided. Here, the terminal 2 is configured as a male rectangular terminal. The terminal 2 includes an electrical connection portion 2a that is electrically connected to the terminal FCT, a wire connection portion 2b that is electrically connected to the conductor portion of the electric wire W, a locked portion 2c that is locked to the connector housing 3, and the like. The entire structure is made of a conductive metal. The electrical connection portion 2 a is formed in a rod shape along the axial direction, is a portion that is inserted into the terminal FCT and is electrically connected to the terminal FCT, and constitutes an end portion on the axial front side of the terminal 2. The electric wire connecting portion 2b includes a conductor crimping portion crimped to the conductor portion of the electric wire W, a covering crimping portion crimped to the insulating coating portion of the electric wire W, and the like. Configure. The locked portion 2c is a portion locked by a later-described flexible arm lance (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “lance”) 35 provided in the connector housing 3, and is engaged with the electrical connection portion 2a. It is formed as a stepped part between the stop part 2c. Each part of the terminal 2 is integrally formed by, for example, press-molding a sheet metal punched into a shape corresponding to each part. A plurality of terminals 2 are provided in the connector 1.

  The plurality of terminals 2 provided in the connector 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of first terminals 2A (see FIG. 4) and a second terminal 2B (see FIG. 5) having a smaller outer shape than the first terminal 2A. Composed. Here, the second terminal 2B, which is a relatively small terminal 2, is double-locked by the spacer 4 in addition to the locking via the locked portion 2c, thereby ensuring an appropriate terminal holding force. The The second terminal 2 </ b> B of the present embodiment is configured to include a locked fitting portion 2 d that is locked to the connector housing 3 when a part of the spacer 4 is fitted. The engaged fitting portion 2d is formed in a concave shape between the electrical connection portion 2a and the wire connection portion 2b. In the following description, the first terminal 2A and the second terminal 2B are simply referred to as the terminal 2 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

  The connector housing 3 holds the terminals 2. The connector housing 3 has a hood portion 31 in which a fitting space portion 33 into which the mating connector FC is fitted, and a terminal holding portion 32 in which a terminal insertion chamber 34 into which the terminal 2 can be inserted is formed. The whole is integrally formed of an insulating synthetic resin material or the like. The connector housing 3 is such that the outer shapes of the terminal holding portion 32 and the hood portion 31 are both formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the hood portion 31 is positioned on the front side in the axial direction, and the terminal holding portion 32 is positioned on the rear side in the axial direction. The whole is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  The hood portion 31 has a fitting space portion 33 into which the connector housing FCH of the mating connector FC is fitted. The hood portion 31 is formed in a rectangular cylinder shape, and a fitting space portion 33 is formed in the hollow shape. The fitting space 33 is formed as a space having a size and shape that allows the connector housing FCH to be fitted in accordance with the outer shape of the connector housing FCH. Here, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the axial direction is substantially rectangular. Formed. The fitting space 33 is formed with a connector fitting opening 33a on the front side in the axial direction. The connector fitting opening 33a opens toward the front side in the axial direction with respect to the outside of the hood 31 as an opening to which the connector housing FCH is fitted. In the hood portion 31, the connector housing FCH is fitted into the fitting space portion 33 through the connector fitting opening 33a. In the fitting space portion 33, the electrical connection portion 2 a of each terminal 2 held by the connector housing 3 is exposed.

  The terminal holding portion 32 includes a terminal insertion chamber 34, a lance 35 as a locking claw, an adjacent space portion 36, a fitting recess 37, and a spacer locking projection 38, and each portion is integrally formed. Is done. The terminal holding portion 32 of the connector housing 3 holds the terminal 2 inserted into the terminal insertion chamber 34 from the rear side in the axial direction. The terminal holding part 32 of this embodiment has a large number of terminal insertion chambers 34, and the terminals 2 are inserted into the respective terminal insertion chambers 34.

  The terminal insertion chamber 34 is a space part into which the terminal 2 can be inserted along the axial direction, and is sometimes called a cavity. The terminal insertion chamber 34 extends into the terminal holding portion 32 of the connector housing 3 and is formed in a hollow shape, and accommodates the terminal 2. The terminal insertion chamber 34 extends along the axial direction. The terminal insertion chamber 34 is formed as a space portion having a size and shape into which the terminal 2 can be inserted according to the outer shape of the terminal 2, and here, a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the axial direction is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. . In the terminal insertion chamber 34, a terminal insertion opening 34a is formed on the rear side in the axial direction, and a terminal protruding opening 34b is formed on the front side in the axial direction. The terminal insertion opening 34a is opened toward the rear side in the axial direction with respect to the outside of the terminal holding portion 32 as an opening into which the terminal 2 is inserted. The terminal protruding opening 34b opens into the fitting space 33 as an opening for the electric connecting portion 2a of the terminal 2 to protrude from the terminal insertion chamber 34 side to the fitting space 33 side. The terminal holding portion 32 is electrically connected to the terminal 2 in a state where the terminal 2 is inserted into the terminal insertion chamber 34 through the terminal insertion opening 34 a and the terminal 2 is inserted to a normal position in the terminal insertion chamber 34. The part 2a protrudes and is exposed to the fitting space 33 through the terminal protruding opening 34b. The tip of the terminal 2 is located in the fitting space 33 in a state where the terminal 2 is inserted to the normal position in the terminal insertion chamber 34. Here, the normal position in the terminal insertion chamber 34 of the terminal 2 is a position where the terminal 2 is locked and held in the terminal insertion chamber 34 with an appropriate terminal holding force by a lance 35 described later. This is a position where the portion 2 a protrudes to a position where it is properly electrically connected to the terminal FCT in the fitting space portion 33. A plurality of terminal insertion chambers 34 are provided according to the number of terminals 2 provided in the connector 1.

  The plurality of terminal insertion chambers 34 of the present embodiment include a plurality of first terminal insertion chambers 34A (see FIG. 4) into which the first terminals 2A are inserted, and a plurality of second terminals into which the second terminals 2B are respectively inserted. And an insertion chamber 34B (see FIG. 5). Here, the first terminal insertion chamber 34A has two rows along the width direction at the end of one side in the width direction of the terminal holding portion 32, four rows in two steps along the height direction, and the other side in the width direction. There are three rows along the width direction and six rows in two stages along the height direction. The second terminal insertion chamber 34 </ b> B is provided with a total of ten second rows along the width direction and two levels along the height direction at the center in the width direction of the terminal holding portion 32. In the following description, the first terminal insertion chamber 34 </ b> A and the second terminal insertion chamber 34 </ b> B are simply referred to as the terminal insertion chamber 34 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

  The lance 35 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) constitutes a locking mechanism for locking the terminal 2 at a normal position in the terminal insertion chamber 34. One lance 35 is provided in each terminal insertion chamber 34. The lance 35 is formed in a flexible arm shape. The lance 35 is formed so as to protrude from the inner wall surface forming the terminal insertion chamber 34 along the extending direction of the terminal insertion chamber 34, that is, the axial direction. The lance 35 is formed along the axial direction such that the rear side in the axial direction, in other words, the terminal insertion opening 34a side becomes the base end, and the front side in the axial direction, in other words, the terminal protruding opening 34b side becomes the distal end. . The lance 35 is supported in a cantilever shape that can be elastically deformed at a base end portion on the terminal insertion opening 34a side, and a distal end portion on the terminal protruding opening portion 34b side is a free end. The lance 35 is formed with an engaging claw portion (beak) 35 a on the surface of the tip portion on the terminal insertion chamber 34 side. A part of the lance 35 on the side of the engaging claw 35 a protrudes into the terminal insertion chamber 34. In the engaging claw portion 35a, a slope 35b is formed on the terminal insertion opening 34a side, and a stepped portion 35c is formed on the terminal protruding opening 34b side. The inclined surface 35b of the engaging claw portion 35a is a portion that generates a component force that pushes down the entire lance 35 when the terminal 2 is inserted into the terminal insertion chamber 34 and the tip of the terminal 2 abuts. The stepped portion 35c of the engaging claw portion 35a is a portion that engages with the locked portion 2c formed on the terminal 2 and regulates the detachment of the terminal 2 in a state where the entire lance 35 is elastically restored. The lance 35 engages the stepped portion 35 c of the engaging claw portion 35 a with the locked portion 2 c of the terminal 2, thereby locking the terminal 2 at a normal position in the terminal insertion chamber 34. The lance 35 of this embodiment is formed on the inner wall surface on one side in the height direction in the first terminal insertion chamber 34A (see FIG. 4), and is formed on the inner wall surface on the other side in the height direction in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. (See FIG. 5).

  The adjacent space portion 36 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) is formed in the terminal holding portion 32 so as to extend in parallel with the terminal insertion chamber 34 along the insertion direction of the terminal 2, that is, the axial direction. In the terminal holding portion 32, the adjacent space portion 36 extends from the base end portion of the lance 35 to the wall surface on the side where the terminal protruding opening 34 b is formed and opens to the fitting space portion 33. The adjacent space 36 is formed adjacent to the side where the lance 35 of the terminal insertion chamber 34 is provided. The adjacent space portion 36 functions as a lance retracting space for the lance 35 to bend when the engaging claw portion 35a of the lance 35 is engaged with the locked portion 2c of the terminal 2, and the terminal 2 by the lance 35 is bent. It also functions as a pin insertion space into which various jig pins such as a release pin for releasing the lock are inserted.

  The fitting recess 37 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6) is a space in which the spacer 4 is fitted. The fitting recess 37 extends in a direction intersecting with the terminal insertion chamber 34 and is continuous with the terminal insertion chamber 34. The fitting recess 37 of this embodiment is continuous with the plurality of second terminal insertion chambers 34 </ b> B in the terminal insertion chamber 34. The fitting recess 37 is formed in a range where the second terminal insertion chamber 34 </ b> B is provided at the center in the width direction of the terminal holding portion 32 with respect to the width direction. The fitting concave portion 37 is formed in a substantially rectangular concave shape having a bottom portion along the height direction from the outer surface 32 a on one side in the height direction of the terminal holding portion 32. Here, the outer surface 32a is a surface on the side where the lance 35 is located in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. In other words, the fitting recess 37 has one end in the height direction that opens to the outer surface 32a via the opening 37a, and the other end in the height direction is closed. The fitting recess 37 communicates with the second terminal insertion chamber 34B at a position between the terminal insertion opening 34a and the lance 35 with respect to the axial direction. That is, the fitting recess 37 communicates with the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. More specifically, the fitting recess 37 communicates with each second terminal insertion chamber 34B on the side close to the outer surface 32a (hereinafter, may be referred to as “upper second terminal insertion chamber 34B”). The second terminal insertion chambers 34B that communicate with each other through 37b and are separated from the outer surface 32a (hereinafter also referred to as “lower second terminal insertion chambers 34B”) are connected through the communication ports 37c. Communicate (see FIG. 5). The communication port 37b and the communication port 37c are aligned in the vicinity of the proximal end of the lance 35 in the axial front end, and the axial length of the communication port 37b is longer than that of the communication port 37c. It is shorter.

  The spacer locking projection 38 (see FIG. 6) locks the spacer 4 (described later) fitted in the fitting recess 37 to the fitting recess 37. The spacer locking protrusion 38 is formed as a claw-shaped protrusion in the fitting recess 37. Here, the spacer locking projection 38 includes a first locking projection 38a and a second locking projection 38b. The first locking protrusion 38 a is formed to protrude toward the fitting recess 37 at the end opposite to the outer surface 32 a side of the inner wall surface on the front side in the axial direction forming the fitting recess 37. The second locking projection 38b is formed to protrude toward the fitting recess 37 at the end opposite to the outer surface 32a side of the inner wall on the rear side in the axial direction forming the fitting recess 37. The first locking projection 38a and the second locking projection 38b are positioned so that the first locking projection 38a is relatively close to the opening 37a side, and the second locking projection 38b Is relatively spaced from the opening 37a side.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 8, 9, and 10, the spacer 4 is provided so as to be fitted in the fitting recess 37 of the connector housing 3, and the terminal 2, here the second terminal 2B, is provided. The second terminal insertion chamber 34B is locked at a normal position. The spacer 4 is detachably attached to the connector housing 3 between the terminal insertion opening 34 a and the lance 35. The spacer 4 is movable in the fitting recess 37 between the temporary fitting position and the main fitting position. The temporary fitting position of the spacer 4 is a position at which the second terminal 2B can be inserted into the terminal insertion chamber 34, here, the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. The main fitting position of the spacer 4 is a position for locking the second terminal 2B inserted to the regular position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B.

  Specifically, the spacer 4 includes a main body portion 41, a locking plate-like portion 42, and a lid-like portion 43, and the whole is integrally formed of an insulating synthetic resin material or the like. The spacer 4 is formed in a size and shape that can be fitted into the fitting recess 37 as a whole.

  The main body 41 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and includes a terminal through hole 41a and a locking projection 41b.

  The terminal through-hole 41a is a space part through which the terminal 2 can penetrate along the axial direction. The terminal through hole 41a penetrates the main body 41 of the spacer 4 and extends into the main body 41 so as to be formed in a hollow shape. The terminal through hole 41a extends along the axial direction. The terminal through hole 41a is formed as a space portion having a size and shape that allows the terminal 2 to pass through according to the outer shape of the terminal 2, and here, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the axial direction is the same as the terminal insertion chamber 34. It is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The terminal through hole 41a is continuous with the second terminal insertion chamber 34B on the upper stage side in a state where the spacer 4 is fitted in the fitting recess 37 and is in the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess 37 (FIG. 12 described later). reference). Thereby, the spacer 4 can accept | permit insertion of the 2nd terminal 2B to the 2nd terminal insertion chamber 34B via the terminal insertion opening part 34a in the state in a temporary fitting position. Here, five terminal through holes 41a are provided along the width direction in the same manner as the number of second terminal insertion chambers 34B on the upper stage side.

  The locking projection 41b is fitted into the locked fitting portion 2d of the second terminal 2B inserted up to the normal position in the terminal insertion chamber 34, here the second terminal insertion chamber 34B, and the second terminal 2B. Is to lock. The locking protrusion 41b includes an upper locking protrusion 41ba that locks the second terminal 2B inserted into the upper second terminal insertion chamber 34B, and a second insertion inserted into the lower second terminal insertion chamber 34B. And a lower locking projection 41bb for locking the two terminals 2B. A total of five upper locking projections 41ba are provided in each terminal through hole 41a. The upper-stage locking projection 41ba is formed to project from the wall surface on one side in the height direction (side where a lid-like portion 43 described later) is formed to the terminal through-hole 41a side. A total of five lower locking projections 41bb are provided on the outside of each terminal through hole 41a. The lower-stage locking projection 41bb is formed to protrude from the wall surface on the other side in the height direction that forms the terminal through hole 41a to the side opposite to the terminal through hole 41a. The upper locking projection 41ba and the lower locking projection 41bb are formed to extend in a bar shape along the axial direction. The upper-stage locking projection 41ba is retracted and positioned from the upper-stage second terminal insertion chamber 34B in a state where the spacer 4 is fitted in the fitting recess 37 and is in the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess 37. (See FIG. 12 etc.). Accordingly, the terminal through hole 41a is continuous with the second terminal insertion chamber 34B on the upper stage side along the axial direction, and the second terminal 2B can be inserted into the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. The upper-stage locking projection 41ba is connected to the upper stage via the communication port 37b (see FIGS. 5 and 14) in a state where the spacer 4 is fitted in the fitting recess 37 and is in the main fitting position in the fitting recess 37. Projecting into the second terminal insertion chamber 34B on the side, facing into the second terminal insertion chamber 34B, and fitted into the engaged fitting portion 2d of the second terminal 2B inserted to the normal position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. The second terminal 2B is locked. Similarly, the lower locking projection 41bb is retracted from the lower second terminal insertion chamber 34B in a state where the spacer 4 is fitted in the fitting recess 37 and is in the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess 37. Thus, the second terminal 2B can be inserted into the second terminal insertion chamber 34B on the lower stage side. The lower-stage locking projection 41bb is a lower-stage-side projection through the communication port 37c (see FIG. 5) in a state where the spacer 4 is fitted in the fitting recess 37 and is in the main fitting position in the fitting recess 37. It protrudes into the two-terminal insertion chamber 34B, faces the second terminal insertion chamber 34B, fits into the engaged fitting portion 2d of the second terminal 2B inserted to the normal position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B, and The second terminal 2B is locked. As a result, the upper locking projection 41ba and the lower locking projection 41bb are inserted to the normal position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B while the spacer 4 is in the fully-fitted position, and the normal position is reached by the lance 35. The second terminal 2B engaged with the second terminal 2B can be engaged, and the second terminal 2B can be prevented from coming off from the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the upper locking projection 41ba and the lower locking projection 41bb, they are simply referred to as the locking projection 41b.

  The locking plate-like portions 42 are portions for locking the spacer 4 at a predetermined position in the fitting recess 37, and are provided as a pair on both sides in the width direction of the main body portion 41. In other words, the main body portion 41 is formed between a pair of locking plate-like portions 42 formed with a gap in the width direction. Each locking plate-like portion 42 is formed in a substantially U-shaped plate shape. More specifically, each locking plate-like portion 42 includes a base end portion 42a extending along the axial direction, and a first protrusion protruding along the height direction from an end portion on the axially front side of the base end portion 42a. The arm part 42b and the 2nd arm part 42c which protrudes along the height direction from the edge part of the axial direction rear side of the base end part 42a are comprised. The 1st arm part 42b and the 2nd arm part 42c protrude toward the opposite side to the side where the below-mentioned lid-shaped part 43 is located from the base end part 42a. As for the 1st arm part 42b, the 1st latching claw part 42d is formed in the middle part, and the 2nd latching claw part 42e is formed in the front-end | tip part of a height direction. Both the first locking claw portion 42d and the second locking claw portion 42e protrude in a claw shape from the first arm portion 42b toward the front side in the axial direction. As for the 2nd arm part 42c, the 3rd latching claw part 42f is formed in the front-end | tip part of a height direction. The third locking claw portion 42f protrudes in a claw shape from the second arm portion 42c to the rear side in the axial direction. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, the locking plate-like portion 42 is in a state where the spacer 4 is fitted in the fitting recess 37 and is in the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess 37. The first locking projection 38a is interposed between the claw portion 42d and the second locking claw portion 42e, and the second locking claw portion 42e is locked to the first locking projection 38a, whereby the spacer 4 can be locked at the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess 37. Then, when the locking plate-like portion 42 is further pushed in and reaches the final fitting position in the fitting recess 37, the first locking claw portion 42d gets over the first locking projection 38a and the first engagement. The first locking claw portion 42d is locked to the locking projection portion 38a, and the third locking claw portion 42f is locked to the second locking projection portion 38b. It can be locked in the fitting position.

  The lid-like portion 43 closes the opening 37 a of the fitting recess 37 in a state where the spacer 4 is fitted in the fitting recess 37 and is in the main fitting position in the fitting recess 37. The lid portion 43 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and is integrally formed so as to connect the main body portion 41 and the end portion on one side in the height direction of each locking plate shape portion 42. Further, the lid-like portion 43 is formed with grooves 43a along the axial direction on both end faces in the width direction. In the state where the spacer 4 is fitted in the fitting recess 37 and is in the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess 37, a part of the lid-like portion 43 is outside the outer surface 32 a from the opening 37 a of the fitting recess 37. (See FIGS. 2, 12, 13, etc.). On the other hand, the lid-like portion 43 is entirely retracted and accommodated in the fitting recess 37 when the spacer 4 is fitted in the fitting recess 37 and is in the main fitting position in the fitting recess 37. There is no portion protruding from the outer surface 32a to the outside of the outer surface 32a (see FIGS. 14, 15, etc.). The lid-like portion 43 is partially formed with a lightening portion along the axial direction, but may have a configuration without the lightening portion.

  In the connector 1 configured as described above, the terminals 2 are inserted into the respective terminal insertion chambers 34 formed in the connector housing 3 from the rear side in the axial direction. More specifically, the connector 1 is a lance in a state where the first terminal 2A of the terminals 2 is inserted into the first terminal insertion chambers 34A one by one and inserted to the normal position in the first terminal insertion chamber 34A. 35 is locked at a normal position in the first terminal insertion chamber 34A. In addition, the connector 1 has the second terminal 2B of the terminals 2 inserted into the second terminal insertion chambers 34B one by one and inserted to the proper position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. It is locked at a normal position in the two-terminal insertion chamber 34B. In this case, the connector 1 is in a state where the spacer 4 is first fitted into the fitting recess 37 through the opening 37 a of the connector housing 3 and moved to the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess 37. Thereby, the connector 1 is allowed to insert the second terminal 2B into the second terminal insertion chamber 34B via the terminal insertion opening 34a. In the connector 1, the second terminal 2 </ b> B is inserted into the second terminal insertion chamber 34 </ b> B in a state where the spacer 4 is at the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess 37. In this state, the connector 1 is in a state in which the second locking claw portion 42e of the spacer 4 is locked to the first locking projection 38a, and a part of the lid-like portion 43 is an opening portion of the fitting recess 37. 37a is exposed to the outside of the outer surface 32a. In this state, when the second terminal 2B is inserted to the normal position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B, the connector 1 is engaged with the normal position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B by the lance 35. Stopped.

  Thereafter, in the state where the second terminal 2B is locked at the normal position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B by the lance 35, the spacer 4 is further pushed into the fitting recess 37 and moved to the main fitting position. As a result, the upper locking projection 41ba and the lower locking projection 41bb constituting the locking projection 41b are fitted into the locked fitting portions 2d of the second terminals 2B, respectively, and the second terminal 2B. Is double-locked at a normal position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. In other words, the normal position of the second terminal 2B in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B is that the engagement fitting portion 2d of the second terminal 2B is engaged with the engagement protrusion 41b (upper engagement protrusion 41ba, lower portion) of the spacer 4. It is also a position where the locking projection 41bb) is fitted and the second terminal 2B is locked by the spacer 4. Thereby, the connector 1 can regulate the removal of the second terminal 2 </ b> B from the second terminal insertion chamber 34 </ b> B by the spacer 4. In the connector 1, when the spacer 4 is at the main fitting position in the fitting recess 37 and the second terminal 2 </ b> B is double-locked by the spacer 4, the first locking claw portion 42 d of the spacer 4 is the first. Locked by the locking projection 38a, the third locking claw 42f is locked by the second locking projection 38b, and the entire lid 43 is retracted and accommodated in the fitting recess 37, and the opening There is no portion protruding from 37a to the outside of the outer surface 32a.

  On the other hand, in the state where the second terminal 2B is inserted into the second terminal insertion chamber 34B and does not reach the normal position, the spacer 4 has the upper locking projection 41ba and the lower locking projection 41bb as the second terminal 2B. Since the movement along the height direction is restricted by contact with other parts other than the locked fitting part 2d, for example, the electric connecting part 2a, the electric wire connecting part 2b, etc., the main fitting is started from the temporary fitting position. It is impossible to move to the matching position. As a result, the connector 1 allows the spacer 4 to be fully fitted from the temporary fitting position when the second terminal 2B does not reach the normal position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B and is not properly locked by the lance 35. With the configuration incapable of moving to the mating position, so-called terminal half-insertion can be detected when the spacer 4 cannot be moved from the temporary fitting position to the main fitting position.

  In the connector 1, each terminal 2 including the first terminal 2 </ b> A and the second terminal 2 </ b> B is locked at a normal position in the terminal insertion chamber 34, and the electrical connection portion 2 a of each terminal 2 is placed in the fitting space portion 33. The connector housing FCH of the mating connector FC is fitted into the fitting space portion 33 in a state of protruding, and the electric connection portion 2a of each terminal 2 is inserted into each terminal FCT, whereby each terminal 2 And each terminal FCT are electrically connected.

  And the connector 1 of this embodiment utilizes the 1st space part 51 and the 2nd space part 52 which are provided in the connector housing 3, as shown in FIG.1, FIG.2, FIG.3, FIG. Therefore, the state of the spacer 4 can be properly detected.

  Specifically, the first space portion 51 is a first fitting detection space portion used for detecting the fitting state of the spacer 4. The second space 52 is a second fitting detection space used to detect the fitting state of the spacer 4. The first space portion 51 and the second space portion 52 are provided in the terminal holding portion 32 of the connector housing 3 and extend in parallel with the terminal insertion chamber 34 along the insertion direction of the terminal 2. It is continuous.

  Similar to the terminal insertion chamber 34, the first space 51 of the present embodiment extends into the terminal holding portion 32, is formed in a hollow shape, and extends along the axial direction. The first space 51 is formed as a space having a size and shape into which the first pin 101a of the inspection jig 101 can be inserted according to the outer shape of the inspection jig 101 (see FIG. 11 or the like) described later. Here, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the axial direction is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The first space 51 has a jig insertion opening 51a formed on the rear side in the axial direction, a recess side opening 51b formed on the front side in the axial direction, and communicated with the fitting recess 37 via the recess side opening 51b. , Continuous. That is, the first space 51 has the jig insertion opening 51a on the wall surface of the terminal holding portion 32 of the connector housing 3 on the same side as the terminal insertion opening 34a of the terminal insertion chamber 34. The jig insertion opening 51 a is opened toward the rear side in the axial direction with respect to the outside of the terminal holding part 32 as an opening into which the first pin 101 a of the inspection jig 101 is inserted. The recess-side opening 51 b opens into the fitting recess 37 as an opening for the first space 51 to be continuous with the fitting recess 37. Here, the 1st space part 51 is located in the outer surface 32a side of the 2nd terminal insertion chamber 34B. In addition, although the 1st space part 51 is divided and formed in two space parts by the reinforcement rib 51c which reinforces the rigidity of wall surface 32aa which is a part of outer surface 32a, it is not restricted to this. The wall surface 32aa reinforced by the reinforcing rib 51c is a wall surface that rises in one step along the height direction in the outer surface 32a, and is located at the center in the width direction and on the rear side in the axial direction. 1 space 51 is located outside in the height direction. The wall surface 32aa constitutes a contact surface for an inspection jig 101, a clip 200, and the like, which will be described later. The opening 37a of the fitting recess 37 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape on the wall surface 32aa.

  The second space portion 52 of the present embodiment is formed outside the terminal holding portion 32 and extends along the axial direction. The second space 52 is formed on the outer surface 32 a side of the terminal holding part 32. The second space 52 is partitioned by the wall surface 32aa constituting a part of the outer surface 32a, and the first side wall 32b, the second side wall 32c, the third side wall 32d, and the fourth side wall 32e protruding from the outer surface 32a. The first side wall 32b, the second side wall 32c, the third side wall 32d, and the fourth side wall 32e extend in the axial direction along an edge portion along the axial direction of the wall surface 32aa of the outer surface 32a. The first side wall 32b and the second side wall 32c face each other in the axial direction across the opening 37a of the fitting recess 37, and the third side wall 32d and the fourth side wall 32e define the opening 37a of the fitting recess 37. Opposing in the axial direction across. The first side wall 32b and the third side wall 32d are formed at the axially rear end of the outer surface 32a of the terminal holding portion 32, and face the width direction with the wall surface 32aa interposed therebetween. As for the 1st side wall 32b and the 3rd side wall 32d, a base end part protrudes along a height direction, and a front-end | tip part is bent toward each other. The second side wall 32c and the fourth side wall 32e are formed at the front end portion in the axial direction of the outer surface 32a of the terminal holding portion 32, in other words, at the end portion on the hood portion 31 side, and face the width direction across the wall surface 32aa. . As for the 2nd side wall 32c and the 4th side wall 32e, a base end part protrudes along a height direction, and a front-end | tip part is bent toward each other. The second space 52 is formed as a space defined by the wall surface 32aa, the first side wall 32b, the second side wall 32c, the third side wall 32d, and the fourth side wall 32e, and sandwiches the wall surface 32aa with respect to the height direction. And located outside the first space 51. The second space 52 is formed as a space having a size and shape into which the second pin 101b of the inspection jig 101 can be inserted according to the outer shape of the inspection jig 101 (see FIG. 11 and the like) described later. . The second space 52 is formed with a jig insertion opening 52 a on the rear side in the axial direction, a recess side opening 52 b on the front side in the axial direction, and the recess side opening 52 b side is continuous with the fitting recess 37. That is, the second space 52 has the jig insertion opening 52 a on the wall surface on the same side as the terminal insertion opening 34 a in the terminal holding portion 32 of the connector housing 3. The jig insertion opening 52a is formed by the first side wall 32b, the third side wall 32d, and the axially rear end of the wall surface 32aa, and serves as an opening into which the second pin 101b of the inspection jig 101 is inserted. It opens toward the rear side in the axial direction with respect to the outside of the terminal holding part 32. The recess-side opening 52b is formed by the first side wall 32b, the third side wall 32d, and the end of the wall surface 32aa on the front side in the axial direction, and opens toward the front side in the axial direction with respect to the outside of the terminal holding portion 32. In the second space 52, the opening 37a of the fitting recess 37 is opened at the axial center and is continuous.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the first space 51 and the second space 52 are fitted together in a state where the spacer 4 is not provided in the fitting recess 37 and the fitting recess 37 is opened. The joint recess 37 side is opened. That is, the first space 51 and the second space 52 are in a state in which the recess-side openings 51b and 52b are both opened with the fitting recess 37 opened.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first space 51 and the second space 52 are closed at least partially on the fitting recess 37 side by the spacer 4 in a state where the spacer 4 is in the temporary fitting position. Is done. In this case, in the spacer 4, the lid portion 43 closes a part of the first space 51 on the fitting recess 37 side, and a part of the lid portion 43 is second from the opening 37 a of the fitting recess 37. It protrudes toward the space 52 and closes a part of the second space 52 on the fitting recess 37 side. That is, in the first space 51 and the second space 52, at least a part of the recess-side openings 51 b and 52 b are closed by the lid-like portion 43 of the spacer 4 in a state where the spacer 4 is in the temporary fitting position. It will be in the state. In addition, as described above, the lid-like portion 43 is partially formed with a thinned portion, and the hollowed portion faces the recessed portion side opening portions 51b and 52b in a state where the recessed portion side opening portions 51b and 52b are closed. In some cases, however, at least a part of the recess-side openings 51b and 52b is closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first space 51 and the second space 52 are arranged on the side of the fitting recess 37 of the first space 51 by the spacer 4 in a state where the spacer 4 is in the main fitting position. At least a part is closed and the fitting recess 37 side of the second space 52 is opened. In this case, the entire spacer 4 is retracted and accommodated in the fitting recess 37, and there is no portion protruding from the opening 37a toward the second space 52. As a result, the spacer 4 closes a part of the first space 51 on the side of the fitting recess 37 while the lid-like portion 43 opens the side of the fitting recess 37 of the second space 52. That is, in the first space 51 and the second space 52, at least a part of the recess-side opening 51b is closed by the lid-like portion 43 of the spacer 4 in a state where the spacer 4 is in the main fitting position. The side opening 52b is opened.

  The connector 1 according to the present embodiment detects the state of the spacer 4 according to the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 inserted into the first space 51 and the second space 52 configured as described above. Is done. Here, in the connector 1, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 14, the state of the spacer 4 is detected by a connector inspection device (such as a checker fixture) 100 including an inspection jig 101.

  Here, the configuration of the connector inspection apparatus 100 will be described. The connector inspection apparatus 100 includes an inspection jig 101, a jig driving unit 102, a detection unit 103, and a control unit 104 as a detection unit.

  The inspection jig 101 is inserted into the first space 51 and the second space 52. More specifically, the inspection jig 101 includes a first pin 101a as a first insertion portion, a second pin 101b as a second insertion portion, and a connecting portion 101c. The first pin 101 a is formed in a rod shape and is inserted into the first space 51. The second pin 101 b is formed in a rod shape and is inserted into the second space 52. The connecting portion 101c connects the first pin 101a and the second pin 101b. In the inspection jig 101, the first pin 101a and the second pin 101b protrude in parallel in the same direction in a state where the first pin 101a and the second pin 101b are connected by the connecting portion 101c. The second pin 101b is formed longer than the first pin 101a. The first pin 101 a and the second pin 101 b are formed so that the outer shape is larger than the lightening portion of the lid-like portion 43, or the lid-like portion with respect to the first space portion 51 and the second space portion 52. It is positioned so as to be inserted at a position deviated from the hollow portion 43.

  The jig driving unit 102 reciprocates the inspection jig 101 along the axial direction. The jig driving unit 102 includes, for example, a power source such as a solenoid and a motor, and a power transmission unit that transmits power generated by the power source to the inspection jig 101 and reciprocates the inspection jig 101 along the axial direction. Etc. are configured.

  The detection unit 103 detects a stroke amount of the inspection jig 101, and various detectors such as a stroke sensor are used, for example. Here, the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 corresponds to the movement amount of the inspection jig 101 along the axial direction.

  The control unit 104 detects the state of the spacer 4 based on the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 detected by the detection unit 103. Here, each part of the connector inspection apparatus 100 including the jig driving unit 102 is detected. It is comprised by the control apparatus which controls. The control unit 104 is electrically connected to the jig driving unit 102 and the detection unit 103, and outputs various control signals to the jig driving unit 102, and the detection signal based on the detection result is output from the detection unit 103. Entered. The control unit 104 outputs a control signal to the jig driving unit 102 to control driving of the jig driving unit 102, and causes the inspection jig 101 to move along the axial direction in the first space 51 and the second space 52. The process of moving to the side can be executed. And the control part 104 detects the state of the spacer 4 based on the stroke amount of the inspection jig | tool 101 detected by the detection part 103, when the process which moves the inspection jig | tool 101 along an axial direction is performed. .

  Specifically, the control unit 104 determines that the spacer 4 is at the main fitting position when the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 detected by the detecting unit 103 is equal to a preset main fitting determination threshold value. Is detected. Here, as shown in FIG. 14, the main fitting determination threshold is such that the spacer 4 is in the main fitting position, and at least a part of the first space 51 on the fitting recess 37 side is closed, and the second space 52. Is set in advance and stored in the storage unit as a value corresponding to the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 that can be achieved when the fitting recess 37 side is open. As described above, in the first space 51 and the second space 52, when the spacer 4 is in the main fitting position, the recess-side opening 51b is closed by the lid-like portion 43 of the spacer 4, and the recess-side opening 52b is opened. Therefore, when the connector inspection apparatus 100 moves the inspection jig 101 along the axial direction and inserts the inspection jig 101 into the first space 51 and the second space 52, the second pin 101b passes through the recess-side opening 52b. The first pin 101a comes into contact with the lid portion 43 at the recess-side opening 51b, and the movement of the inspection jig 101 along the axial direction is restricted. The stroke amount until the first pin 101a comes into contact with the lid-like portion 43 in a state where the spacer 4 is in the full fitting position corresponds to the above-described full fitting determination threshold. Therefore, when the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 detected by the detection unit 103 is equal to the main fitting determination threshold value, the control unit 104 detects that the first pin 101a is the lid-shaped portion 43 at the recess-side opening 51b. It can be detected that the movement along the axial direction of the inspection jig 101 is restricted, that is, the spacer 4 is in the main fitting position.

  And the control part 104 detects that the spacer 4 exists in a temporary fitting position, when the stroke amount of the test | inspection jig | tool 101 detected by the detection part 103 is shorter than this fitting determination threshold value. As described above, when the spacer 4 is in the temporary fitting position, the first space portion 51 and the second space portion 52 have at least a part on the fitting recess 37 side together by the spacer 4 as shown in FIG. The recess side openings 51 b and 52 b are both closed by the lid portion 43 of the spacer 4. Therefore, when the connector inspection apparatus 100 moves the inspection jig 101 along the axial direction and inserts the inspection jig 101 into the first space 51 and the second space 52, the first pin 101a has a lid shape at the recess-side opening 51b. Before coming into contact with the portion 43, the second pin 101b comes into contact with the lid-like portion 43 at the recess-side opening 52b, and movement of the inspection jig 101 along the axial direction is restricted. That is, when the spacer 4 is in the temporary fitting position, the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 is shorter than the stroke amount when the spacer 4 is in the final fitting position, that is, the final fitting determination threshold value. Therefore, when the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 detected by the detection unit 103 is shorter than the main fitting determination threshold, the control unit 104 makes the second pin 101b contact the lid-like portion 43 at the recess-side opening 52b. It can be detected that the movement of the inspection jig 101 along the axial direction is restricted, that is, the spacer 4 is in the temporary fitting position.

  On the other hand, the control unit 104 detects that the spacer 4 is not provided in the fitting recess 37 when the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 detected by the detection unit 103 is longer than the main fitting determination threshold. As described above, in the first space 51 and the second space 52, when the spacer 4 is not provided in the fitting recess 37 and the fitting recess 37 is opened, as shown in FIG. Both the fitting recess 37 side is opened, and both the recess-side openings 51b and 52b are opened. Therefore, when the connector inspection apparatus 100 moves the inspection jig 101 along the axial direction and inserts the inspection jig 101 into the first space 51 and the second space 52, the first pin 101a and the second pin 101b are respectively opened on the recess side. The movement along the axial direction of the inspection jig 101 is not restricted even when the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 reaches the main fitting determination threshold value through the portions 51b and 52b. That is, when the fitting recess 37 is opened, the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 is longer than the stroke amount when the spacer 4 is at the main fitting position, that is, the main fitting determination threshold value. Therefore, when the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 detected by the detection unit 103 is longer than the main fitting determination threshold, the control unit 104 causes the first pin 101a and the second pin 101b to be in the recess-side openings 51b and 52b. It can be detected that the movement along the axial direction of the inspection jig 101 is not restricted without contacting the lid-shaped portion 43, that is, the spacer 4 is not provided in the fitting recess 37. Thereby, the control part 104 can detect that the spacer 4 is not provided in the fitting recess 37, for example, forgetting to attach the spacer 4.

  The connector housing 3 of this embodiment is further provided with a clip 200 as a holding member for holding the connector housing 3 on a fixed part such as a vehicle body, as shown in FIGS. And a clip installation space 53 as a holding member installation space in which the fitting recess 37 is opened. Here, in the connector housing 3, the above-described second space 52 is also used as the clip installation space 53. The clip 200 includes a base 201 fitted in the clip installation space 53, two engagement protrusions 202 that are erected from the base 201 and engaged with a fixing part such as a vehicle body, and the clip 200 is connected to the connector housing 3. A locking claw portion 203 that is locked to is integrally formed. The clip 200 is slidably fitted along the axial direction through the jig insertion opening 52a to the second space 52 where the base 201 is also used as the clip installation space 53, and the locking claw 203 is a hood. It is latched by the latching protrusion 31 a formed on the portion 31. The first side wall 32 b, the second side wall 32 c, the third side wall 32 d, and the fourth side wall 32 e that define the second space portion 52 that is also used as the clip installation space portion 53 slide the clip 200 into the second space portion 52. While functioning as a guide rail when fitted, the front end portion bent toward the second space 52 along the width direction holds the clip 200 provided in the second space 52, thereby serving as a housing-side holding portion. Also works.

  Here, as described above, the spacer 4 is also used as the clip installation space portion 53 from the opening 37 a to the clip installation space portion 53 side of the fitting recess 37 at least a part of the lid-like portion 43 at the temporary fitting position. Projecting into the second space portion 52, and a part of the second space portion 52 is retracted from the second space portion 52 at the main fitting position. For this reason, in a state where the spacer 4 is in the temporary fitting position, the clip 200 comes into contact with a part of the lid-like portion 43 protruding into the second space portion 52 that is also used as the clip installation space portion 53. Slide fitting into the second space 52 is restricted, and installation in the second space 52 is prevented.

  The connector housing 3 of the present embodiment includes a release jig insertion opening 39 provided adjacent to both sides in the width direction of the opening 37a of the fitting recess 37, as shown in FIGS. (Only one of them is shown in FIGS. 2, 17, and 18). The release jig insertion opening 39 is an opening for inserting the spacer release jig 300 formed in a rod shape, and in a state where the spacer 4 is fitted in the fitting recess 37, The outside of the fitting recess 37 is communicated. In the connector housing 3, the wall surface forming the release jig insertion opening 39 is constituted by a tapered surface (inclined surface) 39 a. The tapered surface 39a extends in the height direction from the outer surface 32a of the terminal holding portion 32 of the connector housing 3 to a depth at which the groove 43a of the spacer 4 fitted in the fitting recess 37 is located on the wall surface forming the fitting recess 37. , And extends inclining with respect to the width direction. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 17, when the spacer 1 is inserted into the release jig insertion opening 39, the connector 1 causes the tip of the spacer release jig 300 to be connected to the spacer 4 by the tapered surface 39a. Since it can be guided to the groove 43a side, for example, it is possible to prevent the tip of the spacer releasing jig 300 from striking against and catching on another part of the connector housing 3. As a result, the connector 1 can improve workability when the tip of the spacer releasing jig 300 is hooked on the groove 43 a of the spacer 4. Then, the connector 1 is fitted by using the spacer releasing jig 300 as shown in FIG. 18 with the tip of the spacer releasing jig 300 engaged with the groove 43a of the spacer 4 as shown in FIG. The spacer 4 can be pulled out from the mating recess 37.

  According to the connector 1 described above, the second terminal insertion chamber 34B into which the second terminal 2B can be inserted and the second terminal insertion chamber 34B extending in a direction intersecting the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. The connector housing 3 having a continuous fitting recess 37 and the fitting recess 37 are provided so as to be fitted therein, and the second terminal 2B can be inserted into the second terminal insertion chamber 34B in the fitting recess 37. The second terminal 2B is movable to the temporary fitting position and the main fitting position for locking the second terminal 2B inserted to the normal position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B, and the second terminal 2B is moved to the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. The spacer 4 that cannot be moved from the temporary fitting position to the final fitting position when it is inserted into the normal position and has not reached the normal position, and the connector housing 3 has a jig insertion opening 51a and extends. A first space continuous with the fitting recess 37 A first space portion 51 having a jig insertion opening 52a in the connector housing 3 and extending in parallel with the first space portion 51 and continuing to the fitting recess 37; The space 51 and the second space 52 are both opened by the fitting recess 37 in a state where the fitting recess 37 is opened, and are fitted together by the spacer 4 in a state where the spacer 4 is in the temporary fitting position. At least a part of the first space 51 is closed by the spacer 4 in a state where at least a part of the side is closed and the spacer 4 is in the main fitting position, and the fitting recess of the second space 52 is closed by the spacer 4. The 37 side is opened.

  According to the wire harness WH demonstrated above, the electric wire W and the said connector 1 connected to the terminal of the electric wire W are provided.

  According to the connector inspection apparatus 100 described above, the inspection jig 101 inserted into the first space 51 and the second space 52 of the connector 1 and detection for detecting the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101. And a control unit 104 that detects the state of the spacer 4 based on the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 detected by the detection unit 103.

  Therefore, the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100 insert the second terminal 2 </ b> B into the second terminal insertion chamber 34 </ b> B in a state where the spacer 4 is in the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess 37 of the connector housing 3. In addition, the spacer 4 is moved to the main fitting position in a state where the second terminal 2B is inserted to the normal position in the second terminal insertion chamber 34B, and the second terminal 2B is moved to the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. Can be locked in. At this time, the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection apparatus 100 are configured so that the spacer 4 is moved from the temporary fitting position to the main terminal when the second terminal 2B is inserted into the second terminal insertion chamber 34B and has not reached the normal position. It cannot be moved to the fitting position. As a result, the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection apparatus 100 confirm that the second terminal 2B is not inserted to the normal position when the spacer 4 cannot move from the temporary fitting position to the main fitting position. Can be detected. In the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100, the spacer 4 is connected to the connector housing 3 based on the state of the first space 51 and the second space 52 on the side of the fitting recess 37. 3 is not provided in the fitting recess 37, the fitting recess 37 is open, the spacer 4 is in the temporary fitting position in the fitting recess 37, and the spacer 4 is the fitting recess 37. It is possible to distinguish and detect the state at the main fitting position. More specifically, in the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100, the fitting recess 37 side of the first space 51 and the second space 52 is opened, or at least a part thereof is blocked by the spacer 4. It is possible to distinguish and detect the state of the spacer 4 based on whether it is. Thereby, the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection apparatus 100 can detect the state of the spacer 4 appropriately.

  Furthermore, according to the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection apparatus 100 described above, the connector housing 3 is provided with the clip 200 for holding the connector housing 3 in the fixed portion and the fitting recess 37 is opened. The spacer 4 has a clip installation space 53, and at least a part of the spacer 4 protrudes into the clip installation space 53 from the opening 37a toward the clip installation space 53 of the fitting recess 37 at the temporary fitting position. The part is retracted from the clip installation space 53 at the joint position. Therefore, the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100 are configured such that when the spacer 4 is in the temporary fitting position, a part of the spacer 4 protruding into the clip installation space 53 and the clip 200 come into contact with each other. The fitting into the clip installation space 53 is restricted, and the installation into the clip installation space 53 is prevented. Thereby, the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100 are such that the clip 4 is not moved to the clip installation space 53 and the installation is prevented, and the spacer 4 is positioned at the temporary fitting position. As a result, terminal half insertion can be detected. As a result, the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100 temporarily detect the state of the spacer 4 based on the state of the first space 51 and the second space 52 on the fitting recess 37 side. Even when the detection of the state at the fitting position is missed, it is possible to physically detect that the spacer 4 is located at the temporary fitting position, and that the terminal half-insertion is detected.

  Furthermore, according to the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100 described above, the second space 52 is also used as the clip installation space 53. Therefore, the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100 do not need to provide the second space portion 52 and the clip installation space portion 53 separately, so that space can be saved and an increase in size is suppressed. can do.

  Furthermore, according to the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100 described above, the spacer 4 according to the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 inserted into the first space 51 and the second space 52. The state of is detected. Therefore, the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100 can easily change the state of the spacer 4 according to the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 inserted into the first space 51 and the second space 52. Can be detected separately.

  Furthermore, according to the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection apparatus 100 described above, the inspection jig 101 is inserted into the first space 101 and the second space 52. The second pin 101b and the connecting portion 101c for connecting the first pin 101a and the second pin 101b, and the first pin 101a and the second pin 101b are connected to each other by the connecting portion 101c. The second pin 101b is formed to be longer than the pin 101a, and the control unit 104 determines that the spacer when the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 detected by the detection unit 103 is equal to a preset main fitting determination threshold value. 4 is detected to be in the final fitting position, and the spacer 4 is temporarily fitted when the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 detected by the detection unit 103 is shorter than the final fitting determination threshold value. Detected as being in a position to detect as the stroke amount of the inspection jig 101 which is detected by the detection unit 103 is not the spacer 4 is provided on the fitting recess 37 is longer than the engagement determination threshold value. Therefore, the connector 1, the wire harness WH, and the connector inspection device 100 can efficiently perform the above spacers in a short time by inserting the inspection jig 101 once into the first space 51 and the second space 52. Since the state of 4 can be distinguished and detected, for example, manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, the connector which concerns on embodiment of this invention mentioned above is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change is possible in the range described in the claim.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a spacer included in a connector according to a modification. FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a connector according to a modification.

  A connector 1 </ b> A according to this modification shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 includes a spacer 4 </ b> A as a locking member instead of the spacer 4. The connector 1A has substantially the same configuration as the connector 1 described above except for the spacer 4A.

  The spacer 4 </ b> A of this modification has a first side wall 43 b and a second side wall 43 c as locking member side holding portions. The spacer 4A has substantially the same configuration as the spacer 4 described above except for the first side wall 43b and the second side wall 43c. The first side wall 43b and the second side wall 43c protrude from the lid-like portion 43 of the spacer 4A to the side opposite to the main body portion 41 side along the height direction. The first side wall 43b and the second side wall 43c extend in the axial direction along the edge of the lid-like portion 43 along the axial direction. The first side wall 43b and the second side wall 43c face each other in the width direction with the lid-like portion 43 interposed therebetween. As for the 1st side wall 43b and the 2nd side wall 43c, a base end part protrudes along a height direction, and a front-end | tip part is bent toward each other. The first side wall 43b is located between the first side wall 32b and the second side wall 32c on the connector housing 3 side with respect to the axial direction in a state where the spacer 4A is in the final fitting position. 32b, the 2nd side wall 32c, and the 2nd space part 52 which follows the axial direction and serves as the clip installation space part 53 are divided. Similarly, the second side wall 43c is located between the third side wall 32d and the fourth side wall 32e on the connector housing 3 side in the axial direction in a state where the spacer 4A is in the final fitting position. A second space 52 that is continuous with the side wall 32d and the fourth side wall 32e along the axial direction and serves also as the clip installation space 53 is defined. The first side wall 43b and the second side wall 43c are connected to the second space 52 together with the first side wall 32b, the second side wall 32c, the third side wall 32d, and the fourth side wall 32e on the connector housing 3 side. While functioning as a guide rail for sliding fitting, the front end portion bent toward the second space 52 along the width direction holds the clip 200 provided in the second space 52 so that the locking member side Also functions as a holding unit.

  According to the connector 1A described above, the connector housing 3 defines the clip installation space 53 and holds the clip 200 provided in the clip installation space 53, the first side wall 32b, the second side wall 32c, and the third side. The spacer 4A has a side wall 32d and a fourth side wall 32e. The spacer 4A partitions the clip installation space 53 continuously with the first side wall 32b, the second side wall 32c, the third side wall 32d, and the fourth side wall 32e at the main fitting position. And a first side wall 43b and a second side wall 43c for holding the clip 200 provided in the clip installation space 53. Therefore, the connector 1A reliably secures the clip 200 by the first side wall 32b, the second side wall 32c, the third side wall 32d, the fourth side wall 32e on the connector housing 3 side, and the first side wall 43b and the second side wall 43c on the spacer 4A side. For example, it is possible to suppress rattling according to vehicle vibration or the like, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of abnormal noise. Further, in the connector 1A, the first side wall 32b, the second side wall 32c, the third side wall 32d, the fourth side wall 32e on the connector housing 3 side, the first side wall 43b on the spacer 4A side, and the second side wall 43c are continuous. The clip 200 can be easily slid and fitted into the second space 52, the workability of inserting the inspection jig 101 can be improved, and the detection accuracy can be improved. Further, the connector 1A can function as a grip allowance when the first side wall 43b and the second side wall 43c of the spacer 4A are gripped by an operator's hand or an automatic machine. Therefore, when the spacer 4A is assembled to the connector housing 3 Workability can be improved.

  In the above description, the connectors 1 and 1A have been described as male connectors. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to female connectors, and the terminal 2 is a female terminal. May be. Further, the connectors 1 and 1A may be, for example, a non-waterproof connector as described above or a waterproof connector.

  In the above description, the plurality of terminals 2 are configured to include two types of the first terminal 2A and the second terminal 2B, and the terminal insertion chamber 34 includes the first terminal insertion chamber 34A and the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be one type or three or more types including the terminal 2 locked by the spacers 4 and 4A.

  In the above description, the connector inspection apparatus 100 has been described as detecting the state of the spacers 4 and 4A. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an operator manually detects the state of the spacers 4 and 4A using the inspection jig 101. Alternatively, an operator may visually detect the state of the spacers 4 and 4A without using the inspection jig 101. The inspection jig 101 has been described as including the first pin 101a, the second pin 101b, and the connecting portion 101c. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one pin is connected to the first space portion 51. You may make it detect the state of the spacers 4 and 4A by inserting in the 2nd space part 52 separately. In the above description, the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion constituting the inspection jig 101 are described as being the first pin 101a and the second pin 101b formed in a rod shape. Not limited to this, a plate shape or the like may be used as long as it is inserted into the first space 51 and the second space 52.

  In the above description, the connector housing 3 has been described on the assumption that the second space 52 is also used as the clip installation space 53. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second space 52 and the clip installation space 53 are separately provided. It may be formed. For example, the clip installation space 53 may be a space extending along the width direction, and may be configured so that the opening 37 a of the fitting recess 37 opens in the clip installation space 53. In addition, the connector 1 may not be provided with the clip installation space 53 in the first place and the clip 200 may not be provided. Although the holding member has been described as the clip 200, the holding member is not limited thereto, and may be a holding bracket or the like directly provided on the vehicle body, or an electrical connection box such as a junction box, a fuse box, or a relay box. It may be a holding locking piece or the like provided in the casing.

  In the above description, the first space 51 is provided in the connector housing 3 and extends in parallel with the second terminal insertion chamber 34B along the insertion direction of the second terminal 2B, and is continuous with the fitting recess 37. As described above, the connector housing 3 may be provided with the jig insertion opening 51 a so as to extend and be continuous with the fitting recess 37. Similarly, the second space 52 is provided in the connector housing 3 and extends in parallel with the second terminal insertion chamber 34B and the first space 51 along the insertion direction of the second terminal 2B. The connector housing 3 has a jig insertion opening 52a, extends in parallel with the first space 51, and is continuous with the fitting recess 37. . That is, the first space portion 51 and the second space portion 52 extend, for example, along the insertion direction of the second terminal 2B, more specifically, the direction intersecting the extending direction of the second terminal insertion chamber 34B. May be formed.

1, 1A connector 2 terminal 2A first terminal 2B second terminal 3 connector housing (housing)
4, 4A Spacer (Locking member)
32b 1st side wall (housing side holding part)
32c 2nd side wall (housing side holding part)
32d 3rd side wall (housing side holding part)
32e 4th side wall (housing side holding part)
34 terminal insertion chamber 34A first terminal insertion chamber 34B second terminal insertion chamber 37 fitting recess 37a opening 43b first side wall (locking member side holding portion)
43c 2nd side wall (locking member side holding part)
51 1st space part 51a, 52a Jig insertion opening part (opening part)
52 2nd space part 53 Clip installation space part (holding member installation space part)
100 Connector Inspection Device 101 Inspection Jig 101a First Pin (First Insertion Section)
101b 2nd pin (2nd insertion part)
103 detection unit 104 control unit (detection unit)
200 clips (holding members)
W Electric wire WH Wire harness

Claims (5)

A terminal insertion chamber into which a terminal can be inserted, and a housing having a fitting recess extending in a direction intersecting the terminal insertion chamber and continuing to the terminal insertion chamber;
The terminal inserted into the fitting recess so that the terminal can be inserted into the fitting recess, and the terminal inserted into the terminal insertion chamber to a normal position in which the terminal can be inserted. It is possible to move to the final fitting position where the terminal is inserted into the terminal insertion chamber and has not reached the normal position. A locking member;
A first space that extends from the housing and has an opening and is continuous with the fitting recess;
The housing has an opening and a second space that extends in parallel with the first space and is continuous with the fitting recess;
The first space portion and the second space portion are both in a state in which the fitting recess is opened, the fitting recess side is opened, and the locking member is in the temporary fitting position. At least a part of the fitting recess side is closed by the member, and at least a part of the first space portion on the fitting recess side is held by the locking member in a state where the locking member is in the main fitting position. Is closed and the fitting recess side of the second space is opened,
connector. The housing has a holding member installation space portion in which a holding member for holding the housing in a fixed portion is provided and the fitting concave portion is opened.
At least a part of the locking member protrudes into the holding member installation space from the opening of the fitting recess toward the holding member installation space at the temporary fitting position. The part is retracted from the holding member installation space,
The connector according to claim 1. The housing has a housing side holding portion that partitions the holding member installation space portion and holds the holding member provided in the holding member installation space portion,
The locking member partitions the holding member installation space portion continuously with the housing side holding portion at the main fitting position and holds the holding member provided in the holding member installation space portion. Having a side holding part,
The connector according to claim 2. The second space is also used as the holding member installation space.
The connector according to claim 2 or claim 3. The state of the locking member is detected according to the stroke amount of the inspection jig inserted into the first space part and the second space part,
The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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