JP5682066B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector provided with a fitting detection member (sliding member) for detecting whether or not the mating connector is completely fitted.

  In connectors used for connecting important circuits, it is necessary to ensure that the male and female connectors are securely fitted. Conventionally, a separate mating detection member is assembled to one connector housing, and the mating detection member can be moved to the full locking position only when the male / female connector housing is completely mated. There is known a half-fitting detection connector which detects the above.

15A to 15C show the configuration and operation of the conventional half-fitting prevention connector described in Patent Document 1. FIG.
When the male connector housing M and the female connector housing F are fitted to each other, the half-fitting prevention connector 1 slides to the proper fitting position of the lock confirmation slider S attached to one male connector housing M. The semi-fitted state between the male / female connector housings F and M is detected depending on whether or not this is possible.

  On the outer peripheral wall of the male connector housing M, there is provided a lock arm 2 extending rearward through a rising base portion 2a at the front end, having a lock portion 2b in the middle and a grip portion 2c at the rear end. Further, the lock confirmation slider (fitting detection member = slide member) S is provided with a lock detection arm 3 in which an engagement portion 3a and a support guide 3b are formed. Further, the female connector housing F is provided with a hood portion 4 in which an engaging convex portion 4 a that engages with the lock portion 2 b of the lock arm 2 is formed.

  FIG. 15A shows an initial fitting state of the male connector housing M to which the lock confirmation slider S is mounted and the female connector housing F, and the lock detecting arm 3 has the engagement portion 3 a locked to the lock arm 2. The support guide 3b is restricted to the initial position in a state of abutting on the portion 2b and supporting the lock portion 2b.

  15B, the male connector housing M is further inserted into the female connector housing F, the lock arm 2 is bent downward, and the lock portion 2b is in sliding contact with the guide taper 4b of the hood portion 4 engaging convex portion 4a. Indicates the state.

  15 (c) shows that the female / male connector housings F and M are completely fitted, the lock portion 2b of the lock arm 2 is engaged and locked with the engagement convex portion 4a, and the lock confirmation slider S is It shows a state where it has moved to the lock confirmation position. Thereby, it is confirmed that the female / male connector housings F and M are not completely engaged, but are completely engaged.

JP 2003-157932 A

  By the way, the lock arm 2 of the half-fitting prevention connector 1 has a cantilever shape extending rearward via the rising base 2a, and has a structure that is easily bent. Therefore, if the lock arm 2 is bent upward in the drawing due to inadvertent contact or the like, the lock portion 2b may be disengaged from the engagement portion 3a, and the lock confirmation slider S may be displaced forward from the initial position. There was sex.

  In addition, when the male connector housing M and the female connector housing F are in the middle of fitting, the lock portion 2b of the lock arm 2 is pushed down by the engagement convex portion 4a of the female connector housing F, and the lock portion 2b is locked. The surface (usually formed as a surface perpendicular to the connector fitting direction in a state in which the lock arm 2 is not bent in order to maintain the locking strength with the engaging convex portion 4a) is inclined obliquely downward. When the lock portion 2b is inclined obliquely downward, the engagement portion 3a of the lock detection arm 3 is liable to sink underneath, and the lock confirmation slider S can be slid forward when the connector is in the middle of engagement. (It may malfunction).

  This invention is made | formed in view of the situation mentioned above, The objective is to provide the connector which can prevent that a fitting detection member (sliding member) malfunctions at the time of connector fitting operation | work. is there.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following constitution.
(1) A housing member that is fitted into the mating connector housing by being inserted in the hood portion of the mating connector housing along the connector fitting direction;
The housing member has a lock portion which is provided at a portion facing the inner wall of the hood portion and engages with an engagement convex portion protruding from the inner wall of the hood portion, and the housing member is the counterpart side A lock arm that locks the housing member in the connector fitting direction with respect to the mating connector housing by engaging the locking portion with the engaging convex portion when fully fitted to the connector housing;
A sliding member that is slidably mounted in the connector fitting direction on the housing member, waits at a rear position in the connector fitting direction before connector fitting, and is slid to the front position when the connector is completely fitted;
A locking arm provided at a portion corresponding to the lock arm of the slide member;
Comprising
The lock arm is
When the housing member is inserted into the hood portion, the lock portion slides with the engagement convex portion to bend and deform inward, and the lock portion passes under the engagement convex portion. In this stage, the locking portion is engaged with the back surface of the engaging convex portion by returning from the bending, thereby locking the housing member to the mating connector housing.
The locking arm is
By engaging the front end surface with the lock portion at the tip, the engagement portion is arranged in a state of being aligned with the lock portion in the connector fitting direction, and in this state, the engagement portion that restricts the sliding of the slide member forward with respect to the housing member And when the housing member is inserted into the hood part, the lock part of the lock arm penetrates under the engagement convex part and the lock arm returns from the bending state. When the engaging portion slides on the mating convex portion, it is bent and deformed inward, disengaging the engaging portion from the locking portion, and allowing the sliding member to slide forward, and that state Then, when the slide member is slid forward, the engagement portion is configured to engage the engagement portion on the front side of the lock portion after passing through the engagement convex portion and the lock portion,
In addition, the lock arm is configured as a doubly supported beam having a front end and a rear end fixed to the housing member, and an intermediate portion between the front end and the rear end being bent and deformed inward, and the lock portion includes the lock Placed in the middle of the front and rear ends of the arm,
Furthermore, on the back surface of the engaging convex portion, the locking portion on the locking arm is engaged with the back surface of the engaging convex portion and the locking surface that abuts the front end surface of the engaging portion on the locking arm. A first locking surface that abuts and a second locking surface that abuts the front end surface of the engaging portion are provided separately;
The first locking surface is formed as a locking surface that is a surface perpendicular to the connector fitting direction when the lock arm returns from bending and abuts against the back surface of the engaging convex portion.
The second locking surface is a surface that is perpendicular to or perpendicular to the connector fitting direction when the lock arm is bent to the maximum because the lock portion passes under the engagement convex portion. A connector characterized in that the connector is formed as an inclined locking surface that is a surface that falls forward of the surface.

(2) Inside the housing member, the tip of an optical fiber extending rearward from the housing member is held, inserted into the housing member from the rear to be positioned and regulated, and the mating connector housing. When the housing member is completely fitted, a ferrule optically connected to the optical connection element housed in the mating connector housing is housed, and the ferrule is moved backward by engaging with the ferrule. A lance is placed to regulate the
On the other hand, when the slide member is slid to the front position when the connector is completely fitted to the slide member, a lance locking rib that enters the bending space of the lance and restricts the bending of the lance in the disengagement direction is provided. The connector according to (1) above, wherein the connector is provided.

  According to the connector having the configuration (1), when the housing member is inserted into the hood portion of the mating connector housing, the lock portion of the lock arm is mated with the mating connector housing in the process of fitting the housing member into the mating connector housing. The locking arm bends inward by sliding on the engaging convex part of the side connector housing, and the locking arm also moves by sliding the engaging part of the locking arm on the engaging convex part of the mating connector housing. Bends inward with the lock arm. Then, when the mating connector housing and the housing member are completely fitted, the lock arm is restored from the bending so that the lock portion of the lock arm is engaged with the back surface of the mating convex portion of the mating connector housing. To do.

  At this time, the engaging portion of the locking arm is still slid to the engaging projection, and the locking arm is still bent inward. The slide member can be slid forward only for the first time at this stage. Then, by sliding the slide member forward, the engaging portion of the locking arm can be hidden under the engaging convex portion and under the locking portion, and can be engaged with the front side of the locking portion. . Therefore, when the slide member can be slid from the rear standby position (initial position) to the front position in this way, it can be determined that the mating connector housing and the housing member are completely fitted. Full mating can be guaranteed.

  By the way, as described above, when the housing member is inserted into the hood portion of the mating connector housing and the housing member is fitted in the mating connector housing, the lock portion of the lock arm is connected to the mating connector housing. By sliding on the engaging convex portion, the lock arm is bent inward, and the locking arm is also bent inward together with the lock arm.

  At this time, for example, the lock arm is configured as a cantilever, and the engagement surface of the lock portion of the lock arm with the engagement portion of the lock arm does not flex the connector fitting direction. If it is configured as a surface perpendicular to the lock arm, the lock arm is bent inward, so that the locking surface of the lock portion is inclined with respect to the connector fitting direction. That is, the surface falls to the side where the engaging portion exists, and the engaging portion of the locking arm is slippery with respect to the fallen surface. Therefore, if a forward pushing force is applied to the slide member by mistake in that state, the engagement portion slides on the locking surface of the lock portion and goes under the lock portion, and the slide member slides forward. As a result, if the mating connector housing and the housing member are completely fitted due to the movement of the slide member forward, there is a possibility that an erroneous determination is made.

  In that respect, in the present invention, the lock arm is configured as a double-supported beam having a fixed front end and rear end, and a lock portion is provided at an intermediate portion thereof. It is difficult to change the posture according to the inward bending of the lock arm. That is, the locking surface of the lock portion is easily displaced perpendicular to the connector fitting direction according to the bending of the lock arm, so that the amount by which the locking surface is inclined can be reduced as much as possible.

  In addition, the locking surface (second locking surface) of the lock portion with which the engaging portion of the locking arm abuts is formed as an inclined locking surface in a state where the lock arm is not bent, and the engaging convex portion is Even when the lock arm is bent inward as the lock part goes through, the locking surface is either the surface perpendicular to the connector fitting direction or the front side of the vertical surface (the engagement of the locking arm). It is set to be a surface that falls to the side opposite to the side where the joint portion exists), so there is a risk that the engagement portion slides on the locking surface and the engagement between the lock portion and the engagement portion is released. It can be lost as much as possible.

  Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the slide member from being slid forward by mistake even though the connector is in the middle of the connector, and as a result, it is incompletely engaged. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of misjudging that it is a completely fitted state.

  In addition, when the connector is completely engaged, the first locking surface (vertical locking surface) is not the engagement protrusion of the mating connector housing, but the second locking surface (inclined locking surface) of the lock portion of the lock arm. Since it is engaged with the portion, sufficient lock strength can be ensured, and the connector can be securely fitted and held.

  In addition, since the lock arm is configured as a double-supported beam, the lock arm is bent unintentionally due to inadvertent contact, etc., and the lock arm and the locking arm are disengaged, and the slide member moves forward from the initial position. The possibility of displacement is eliminated.

  According to the connector having the configuration (2), the lance bending is regulated by the lance locking rib when the connector is completely fitted, so that the ferrule can be double-locked so as not to move rearward. Therefore, even when a strong tensile force acts on the optical fiber, it is possible to prevent a gap from being opened between the ferrule and the optical connection element in the mating connector housing, and to prevent an increase in optical transmission loss. Can do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the slide member as the fitting detection member, and to perform highly reliable fitting detection.

(A) is an external appearance perspective view of the other party connector, (b) is an external appearance perspective view of the connector of embodiment. It is the external appearance perspective view seen from another direction of the connector of embodiment. (A) is a perspective view of the outer housing which is a component of the connector of embodiment, (b) is an enlarged view of the IIIb circle part of (a). (A) is a top view of the connector of embodiment, (b) is a side view, (c) is a front view. (A) is Va-Va arrow sectional drawing of FIG.4 (c), (b) is an enlarged view of the Vb circle part of (a). It is a sectional side view which shows the state before fitting of the connector of embodiment and the other party connector. It is a figure which shows the state in the middle of fitting of the connector of the embodiment and the other party connector, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a VIIc-VIIc arrow sectional view of (b), d) is an enlarged view of the VIId circle part of (c). It is a sectional side view which shows the state in the middle of fitting in which the connector of embodiment and the other party connector advanced from FIG. It is a figure which shows the state at the time of the perfect fitting of the connector of the embodiment and the other party connector, (a) is a side view, (b) is a front view, (c) is IXc-IXc arrow sectional drawing of (b), (D) is an enlarged view of the IXd circle part of (c). FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing only the connector of the embodiment extracted from the mating connector in order to show the positional relationship between the outer housing and the inner housing in the state of FIG. 9 (when the connector is completely fitted). As a comparative example with respect to the present invention, it is a diagram showing a configuration of an outer housing in a connector when a locking surface of a lock portion of a lock arm does not have an inclined surface. ) Is an enlarged view of the XIb circle portion. (A) is a sectional side view of the connector of the comparative example, (b) is an enlarged view of the XIIb circle part of (a). It is a figure which shows the state in the middle of fitting of the connector of the comparative example and the other party connector, (a) is a side view, (b) is an enlarged view of the XIIIb circle | round | yen part of (a). It is a figure which shows the state at the time of complete fitting of the connector of the comparative example and the other party connector, (a) is a side view, (b) is an enlarged view of the XIVb circle | round | yen part of (a). (A)-(c) is sectional drawing for description of a structure and effect | action of the conventional half-fitting prevention connector.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1A is an external perspective view of the mating connector, FIG. 1B is an external perspective view of the connector of the embodiment, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the connector viewed from another direction, and FIG. The perspective view of the outer housing which is a component of a connector, (b) is an enlarged view of the IIIb circle part of (a), FIG. 4 (a) is a top view of the connector, (b) is a side view, (c) Is a front view, FIG. 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Va-Va in FIG. 4 (c), FIG. 5 (b) is an enlarged view of the Vb circle portion of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in the middle of fitting between the connector and the mating connector, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is (b). VIIc-VIIc cross-sectional view of (), (d) is an enlarged view of the VIId circle of (c), and FIG. 8 is more fitted than FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing a state in the middle of fitting, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state when the connector and the mating connector are completely fitted, (a) is a side view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a front view. (B) IXc-IXc arrow cross-sectional view, (d) is an enlarged view of the IXd circle part of (c), and FIG. 10 shows the outer housing and the inner housing in the state of FIG. 9 (when the connector is fully fitted). In order to show a positional relationship, it is a perspective view which takes out and shows only the connector of embodiment from the other party connector.

  FIG. 11 is a view showing the configuration of the outer housing in the connector when the locking surface of the lock portion of the lock arm does not have an inclined surface as a comparative example to the connector of the embodiment, and FIG. FIGS. 12A and 12B are enlarged views of the XIb circle portion of FIG. 12A, FIG. 12A is a side sectional view of the connector of the comparative example, FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of the XIIb circle portion of FIG. These are the figures which show the state in the middle of the fitting of the connector of the comparative example and the other party connector, (a) is a side view, (b) is an enlarged view of the XIIIb circle | round | yen part of (a), FIG. It is a figure which shows the state at the time of a perfect fitting of a connector and the other party connector, (a) is a side view, (b) is an enlarged view of the XIVb circle | round | yen part of (a).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the connector of the embodiment is a first optical connector (female connector) 100 provided at the end of two optical fibers 88, and is a second on the counterpart side (device side). The optical connector (male connector) 200 is connected.

  The first optical connector 100 includes an inner housing (housing member) 50, an outer housing (sliding member) 60 that is slidably attached to the inner housing 50 in a connector fitting direction (arrow A direction), and an inner housing. 50, a ferrule 80 inserted from the rear into the inner housing 50 with the tip of each optical fiber 88 held, and a portion of the optical fiber 88 drawn from the inner housing 50. And a boot 70 mounted on the rear portion of the outer housing 60.

  The outer housing 60 is placed in a standby state at the rear position (initial position) in the connector fitting direction before the first optical connector 100 and the second optical connector 200 are fitted. When the first optical connector 100 and the second optical connector 200 are completely fitted, the first optical connector 100 and the second optical connector 200 are half-fitted. Instead, it corresponds to a fitting detection member for confirming that the fitting is properly completed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the second optical connector (male connector) 200 on the counterpart side is fixedly installed on the device side, and is made of a resin connector housing 210 and this connector. The FOT (optical connection element) 220 accommodated and fixed inside the housing 210 and a metal shell 260 provided so as to cover the outside of the connector housing 210 are configured. The connector housing 210 has a hood portion 212 that receives the inner housing 50 of the first optical connector 100 toward the front in the connector fitting direction. Of the inner wall of the hood portion 212, an engagement convex portion 215 is projected from a position near the opening edge of the upper inner wall, and an inclined surface 215a is provided at the tip surface of the engagement convex portion 215. .

  The FOT 220 houses the light emitting / receiving element 250 that is optically connected to the tip of the optical fiber 88 held by the ferrule 80 in the FOT casing 221 that fits with the ferrule 80 of the first optical connector 100. Therefore, a light guide 230 is disposed on the front side of the light emitting / receiving element 250, and an insertion tube portion 221 a into which the tip portion 81 of the ferrule 80 fits is provided at the front portion of the FOT casing 221.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the inner housing 50 of the first optical connector 100 includes a prismatic block-shaped inner housing body 51 and a flexible lock arm 55 formed integrally therewith. The inner housing body 51 is provided with two insertion holes 52 penetrating in the front-rear direction to accommodate the ferrule 80. The rear portion of the inner housing body 51 has a rectangular tube shape with an open bottom surface, and a holding groove 57 for holding the spring 90 is formed on the left and right side walls of the rectangular tube portion.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the ferrule 80 holding the tip of the optical fiber 88 has an abutting step portion 82 on the rear outer periphery of the small-diameter tip portion 81 and is positioned on the rear side of the abutting step portion 82. It has a step portion 83, and further has an engagement recess 84 on the rear side of the positioning step portion 83, and is inserted into the insertion hole 52 of the inner housing main body 51 from the rear side. The portion 83 abuts against the positioning wall 54 on the inner periphery of the insertion hole 52.

  Further, the spring 90 positioned on the rear side of the rear end surface 85 of the ferrule 80 is in press contact with the rear end surface 85 of the ferrule 80. The spring 90 is configured by a plate spring, is supported by the holding groove 57 of the inner housing body 51, and biases the two ferrules 80 forward.

  Further, a flexible lance 53 is provided in the insertion hole 52 of the ferrule 80, and the ferrule 80 moves rearward by a predetermined amount or more by fitting the lance 53 into the engagement recess 84 of the ferrule 80. There are no positioning restrictions. In this case, a slight play in the connector fitting direction (arrow A direction) is provided between the engagement recess 84 of the ferrule 80 and the engagement end of the lance 53, and the ferrule 80 is within the play range. The connector 90 can be slightly displaced in the connector fitting direction while receiving the biasing force of the spring 90.

  The engaging recess 84 of the ferrule 80 and the engaging end of the lance 53 are provided with inclined surfaces 84a and 53a that can contact each other, and these inclined surfaces 84a and 53a are engaged when fully engaged. Thus, the outward displacement of the lance 53 is prevented by a lance locking rib 66, which will be described later, thereby generating a drag in the cable pulling direction and preventing the ferrule 80 from coming off.

  The outer housing 60 has a box-shaped frame shape, and includes a pair of left and right side walls 61 fitted from the outside to the left and right side surfaces of the rear part of the inner housing 50, an upper wall 62 positioned above the pair of left and right side walls 61, and a pair of left and right sides. When the outer housing 60 is fitted to the rear portion of the inner housing 50 on the pair of left and right side walls 61, the side wall 61 of the inner housing 50 is prevented from coming off. When the outer housing 60 is slid to the front position with respect to the inner housing 50 on the upper wall 62, it has a retaining hole 63 that engages with the protrusion 56 to prevent the outer housing 60 from slipping. A lock hole 62f that engages with a lock protrusion 55f provided on the inner housing 50 to lock the outer housing 60 to the inner housing 50 is provided.

  The rear wall 64 is provided with a convex portion protruding rearward, and the boot 70 is attached to the outer housing 60 by fitting the mounting frame portion 71 of the boot 70 into the convex portion. Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, when the outer housing 60 is slid to the front position when the connector is completely fitted, the bending space of the lance 53 (below the lance 53 is secured at the lower portion of the outer housing 60. The lance locking rib 66 is provided to enter the space) and restrict the bending of the lance 53 in the disengagement direction.

  Here, when the outer housing 60 is assembled to the inner housing 50, the optical fiber 88 is passed through the outer housing 60 in a state in which the boot 70 is assembled to the outer housing 60 in advance, and the optical fiber 88 and the ferrule 80 are then mounted thereon. Terminal processing. Next, the optical fiber 88 and the ferrule 80 after terminal processing are assembled to the inner housing 50, and finally the outer housing 60 is assembled to the inner housing 50.

  The lock arm 55 of the inner housing 50 is provided on a portion facing the inner wall provided with the engaging convex portion 215 of the hood portion 212 of the mating second optical connector 200, that is, on the upper wall surface of the inner housing body 51. ing. The lock arm 55 has a pair of parallel rails 55e, 55e extending in the front-rear direction with a gap in the left-right direction, and both front and rear ends 55e1, 55e2 are fixed to the inner housing main body 51, and an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction can be bent in the vertical direction. The lock portion 55a and the release operation portion 55b are arranged so as to connect the parallel rails 55e and 55e at the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction.

  When the inner housing 50 is completely fitted into the connector housing 210 of the second optical connector 200, the lock portion 55a is engaged with the engaging convex portion 215 on the second optical connector 200 side, whereby the inner housing body 51 is a portion that locks the connector 51 in the connector fitting direction with respect to the connector housing 210 of the second connector 200, and is disposed in front of the release operation portion 55b, and is engaged between the lock portion 55a and the release operation portion 55b. A locking hole 55c into which the convex portion 215 is fitted is secured.

  When the inner housing 50 is inserted into the hood portion 212 of the second optical connector 200, the lock arm 55 is bent and deformed inward by sliding the lock portion 55a with the engagement convex portion 215, and the lock portion 55a. At the stage of passing through the lower side of the engaging convex portion 215, the locking portion 55a is engaged with the back surface of the engaging convex portion 215 by returning from the bending, thereby causing the inner housing 50 to move to the second light. The connector 200 is configured to be locked to the connector housing 210.

  A locking arm 65 is provided at a portion corresponding to the lock arm 55 of the outer housing 60. The locking arm 65 is configured as a cantilever having a base end 65a fixed to the upper wall 62 of the outer housing 60 and a front end 65b as a free end, and is extended to the front end 65b as shown in FIG. By engaging with the lock portion 55a, it is in a state of being aligned with the lock portion 55a in the connector fitting direction, and in this state, there is an engagement portion 65c that restricts the sliding of the outer housing 60 forward relative to the inner housing 50. Yes.

  A notch 65d facing upward is provided at the front portion of the engaging portion 65c. When the lock portion 55a is fitted into the notch 65d, the tip 65b of the locking arm 65 is located above the lock portion 55a. It is designed not to come off. Further, the back surface of the engaging portion 65c is configured as an inclined surface so as to be easily engaged when the engaging portion 65c is engaged with the back surface of the lock portion 55a. Further, a lower surface protrusion 65f is provided on the lower surface of the locking arm 65 so that the engagement is difficult to disengage when the engagement portion 65c is engaged with the back surface of the lock portion 55a.

  When the inner housing 50 is inserted into the hood portion 212, the locking arm 65 is in a stage where the lock portion 55 a of the lock arm 55 goes under the engagement convex portion 215 and the lock arm 55 returns from the bending. When the engaging portion 65c slides on the engaging convex portion 215, the engaging portion 65c is bent and deformed inward to disengage the engaging portion 65c from the lock portion 55a, thereby allowing the outer housing 60 to slide forward. In this state, when the outer housing 60 is slid forward, as shown in FIG. 9, after passing through the engaging projection 215 and the locking portion 55a, the engaging portion 65c is moved to the front side of the locking portion 55a. Are configured to engage with each other.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the locking portion 55 a on the locking arm 55 has a locking surface that abuts the back surface of the engaging convex portion 215 and the front end surface of the engaging portion 65 c on the locking arm 65. The first engaging surface 55a1 that abuts the back surface of the engaging convex portion 215 and the second engaging surface 55a2 that abuts the front end surface of the engaging portion 65c of the engaging arm 65 are provided separately. Yes. That is, the second locking surface 55a2 is formed at the center in the width direction among the locking surfaces facing the rear of the lock portion 55a, and the first locking surfaces 55a1 are formed on both sides of the second locking surface 55a2. ing.

  Then, the first locking surface 55a1 is formed as a locking surface that becomes a surface perpendicular to the connector fitting direction when the lock arm 55 returns from bending and abuts against the back surface of the engaging projection 215. As shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the second locking surface 55a2 is formed when the lock arm 55 is bent to the maximum because the lock portion 55a goes under the engagement convex portion 215. It is formed as an inclined locking surface (see FIG. 3B) that is a surface perpendicular to the connector fitting direction (arrow A direction) or a surface that is tilted forward of the vertical surface.

Next, the operation will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, before the connector is fitted, the engaging portion 65 c of the locking arm 65 of the outer housing 60 is engaged with the lock portion 55 a of the lock arm 55 of the inner housing 50. Cannot slide forward.

  From this state, the inner housing 50 of the first optical connector 100 is inserted into the hood portion 212 of the second optical connector 200. Then, first, the locking convex portion 215 hits the locking portion 55a of the locking arm 5, and the locking convex portion 215 and the locking portion 55a slide, so that the locking arm 55 is bent and deformed inward (lower side in the figure). To do.

  When the fitting is advanced, as shown in FIG. 7, the locking portion 55 a slides through the engaging convex portion 215, and then the engaging convex portion 215 slides the engaging portion 65 c of the locking arm 65. By moving, the locking arm 65 is bent and deformed inward (the lower side in the figure). Then, when the inner housing 50 of the first optical connector 100 and the connector housing 210 of the second optical connector 200 are completely fitted, as shown in FIG. Thus, the lock portion 55 a of the lock arm 55 engages with the back surface of the engagement convex portion 215 of the second optical connector 200.

  At this time, the engaging portion 65c of the locking arm 65 still slides on the engaging convex portion 215, and the locking arm 65 is still bent inward. Only when the engaging portion 65c of the locking arm 65 is disengaged, the outer housing 60 is slidable forward.

  Then, by sliding the outer housing 60 forward, as shown in FIG. 9, the engaging portion 65c of the locking arm 65 is hidden under the engaging convex portion 215 and the locking portion 55a. The lock portion 55a can be engaged with the front side. When the outer housing 60 is slid to the end as described above, the engaging portion 65c of the locking arm 65 is engaged with the engaging convex portion 215 of the second optical connector 200 as shown in FIG. The lock housing 55 engages behind the lock portion 55 a, whereby the outer housing 60 is locked to the inner housing 50. At the same time, the outer housing 60 is securely locked to the inner housing 50 by engaging the lock hole 62 f of the upper wall 62 of the outer housing 60 with the lock protrusion 55 f on the lock arm 55.

  Accordingly, when the outer housing 60 can be slid from the rear standby position (initial position) to the front position in this way, it is determined that the second optical connector 200 and the first optical connector 100 are completely fitted. It is possible to guarantee complete mating of the connector.

  Further, in the above-described fitting process, in the connector housing, first, the tip 81 of the ferrule 80 is inserted into the insertion tube portion 221a of the FOT 220 of the second optical connector 200, and the ferrule 80 is inserted into the tip of the insertion tube portion 221a. The abutting step 82 abuts. Then, while bending the spring 90, when the lock portion 55a of the lock arm 55 of the inner housing 50 and the engagement convex portion 215 of the second optical connector 200 are engaged (until the connector is completely fitted), The ferrule 80 is positioned at the normal position by the reaction force of the spring 90. Further, the lance locking rib 66 provided in the outer housing 60 double locks the lance 53 provided in the inner housing 50, and the position of the ferrule 80 is restricted so as not to move backward.

  As described above, the ferrule 80 can be double-locked by the lance locking rib 66 so that the ferrule 80 does not move rearward reliably. Therefore, even when a strong tensile force acts on the optical fiber 88, the ferrule 80 and the FOT 220 A gap can be prevented from being opened between them, and an increase in optical transmission loss can be prevented.

  By the way, as described above, when the inner housing 50 is inserted into the hood portion 212 of the second optical connector 200 and the inner housing 50 is fitted in the connector housing 210 of the second optical connector 200, As shown in FIG. 7, when the lock portion 55 a of the lock arm 55 slides on the engagement convex portion 215 of the second optical connector 200, the lock arm 55 is bent inward, and the locking arm 65 is also connected to the lock arm 55. Bend together.

  At this time, for example, when the lock arm is configured as a cantilever, the lock arm is bent inward, whereby the locking surface of the lock portion is inclined with respect to the connector fitting direction. Further, as in the comparative example shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, even when the lock arm 55 is configured as a doubly-supported beam, the lock portion 55 a of the lock arm 55 and the engaging portion 65 c of the locking arm 65 are connected to each other. When one locking surface 55a1 is configured as a surface perpendicular to the connector fitting direction in a state where the lock arm 55 is not bent, the lock arm 55 is bent inward (see FIG. 13). The first locking surface 55a1 of the lock portion 55a is inclined with respect to the connector fitting direction. That is, the surface falls to the side where the engaging portion 65c exists, and the engaging portion 65c of the locking arm 65 is slippery with respect to the fallen surface.

  Accordingly, if a forward pushing force is applied to the outer housing 60 by mistake in this state, the engaging portion 65c slides on the first locking surface 55a1 of the lock portion 55a and goes under the lock portion 55a. If the first optical connector 100 and the second optical connector 200 are completely fitted due to the outer housing 60 sliding forward and, as a result, moving the outer housing 60 forward, There is a possibility of making a judgment.

  In that respect, in the optical connector 100 of the present embodiment described above, the lock arm 55 is configured as a doubly-supported beam with the front end 55e1 and the rear end 55e2 fixed, and the lock portion 55a is provided in the middle portion thereof. Compared to the case where the arm is configured as a cantilever, the locking surface of the lock portion 55a with respect to the engagement portion 65c is difficult to change the posture according to the inward bending of the lock arm 55. That is, the locking surface of the lock portion 55a is easily displaced perpendicularly to the connector fitting direction in accordance with the bending of the lock arm 55, so that the amount by which the locking surface is inclined can be reduced as much as possible.

  Moreover, the locking surface (second locking surface 55a2) of the lock portion 55a with which the engaging portion 65c of the locking arm 65 abuts is formed as an inclined locking surface in a state where the lock arm 55 is not bent, Even when the lock arm 55 is bent to the maximum inward because the lock portion 55a passes through the engagement convex portion 215 (see FIG. 7), the second locking surface 55a2 is in the connector fitting direction (arrow A). Direction), or a surface that is tilted to the front side (opposite to the side where the engaging portion 65c of the locking arm 65 is present) than the vertical surface. It is possible to eliminate as much as possible the possibility that the locking portion 55a and the engaging portion 65c are disengaged due to the sliding of the second locking surface 55a2 by the 65c.

  Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the outer housing 60 from being slid forward by mistake even though the connector is in the middle of the connector, and as a result, even though the connector is in the incompletely engaged state. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of misjudging that the fitting state is complete.

  In addition, when the connector is completely fitted, as shown in FIG. 9, the first locking surface (vertical locking surface) is used instead of the second locking surface (inclined locking surface) 55a2 of the lock portion 55a of the lock arm 55. ) 55a1 engages with the back surface of the engaging convex portion 215 of the first optical connector 200, so that sufficient lock strength can be ensured, and the connector can be securely fitted and held.

  Further, since the lock arm 55 is configured as a double-supported beam, the lock arm 55 bends unintentionally due to inadvertent contact or the like, and the engagement between the lock arm 55 and the locking arm 65 is released, and the outer housing 60 is initialized. It is possible to eliminate the possibility of being displaced forward from the position.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A deformation | transformation, improvement, etc. are possible suitably. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, arrangement location, and the like of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary and are not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved.

50 Inner housing (housing member)
53 Lance 55 Lock arm 55a Lock portion 55a1 First locking surface 55a2 Second locking surface 55e1 Front end 55e2 Rear end 60 Outer housing (sliding member)
65 locking arm 65c engaging portion 66 lance locking rib 80 ferrule 88 optical fiber 100 first optical connector (connector of the present invention)
200 Second optical connector (mating connector)
210 Connector housing (mating connector housing)
212 Hood part 215 Engaging convex part 220 FOT (optical connection element)

Claims (2)

A housing member fitted to the mating connector housing by being inserted along the connector mating direction inside the hood portion of the mating connector housing;
The housing member has a lock portion which is provided at a portion facing the inner wall of the hood portion and engages with an engagement convex portion protruding from the inner wall of the hood portion, and the housing member is the counterpart side A lock arm that locks the housing member in the connector fitting direction with respect to the mating connector housing by engaging the locking portion with the engaging convex portion when fully fitted to the connector housing;
A sliding member that is slidably mounted in the connector fitting direction on the housing member, waits at a rear position in the connector fitting direction before connector fitting, and is slid to the front position when the connector is completely fitted;
A locking arm provided at a portion corresponding to the lock arm of the slide member;
Comprising
The lock arm is
When the housing member is inserted into the hood portion, the lock portion slides with the engagement convex portion to bend and deform inward, and the lock portion passes under the engagement convex portion. In this stage, the locking portion is engaged with the back surface of the engaging convex portion by returning from the bending, thereby locking the housing member to the mating connector housing.
The locking arm is
By engaging the front end surface with the lock portion at the tip, the engagement portion is arranged in a state of being aligned with the lock portion in the connector fitting direction, and in this state, the engagement portion that restricts the sliding of the slide member forward with respect to the housing member And when the housing member is inserted into the hood part, the lock part of the lock arm penetrates under the engagement convex part and the lock arm returns from the bending state. When the engaging portion slides on the mating convex portion, it is bent and deformed inward, disengaging the engaging portion from the locking portion, and allowing the sliding member to slide forward, and that state Then, when the slide member is slid forward, the engagement portion is configured to engage the engagement portion on the front side of the lock portion after passing through the engagement convex portion and the lock portion,
In addition, the lock arm is configured as a doubly supported beam having a front end and a rear end fixed to the housing member, and an intermediate portion between the front end and the rear end being bent and deformed inward, and the lock portion includes the lock Placed in the middle of the front and rear ends of the arm,
Furthermore, on the back surface of the engaging convex portion, the locking portion on the locking arm is engaged with the back surface of the engaging convex portion and the locking surface that abuts the front end surface of the engaging portion on the locking arm. A first locking surface that abuts and a second locking surface that abuts the front end surface of the engaging portion are provided separately;
The first locking surface is formed as a locking surface that is a surface perpendicular to the connector fitting direction when the lock arm returns from bending and abuts against the back surface of the engaging convex portion.
The second locking surface is a surface that is perpendicular to or perpendicular to the connector fitting direction when the lock arm is bent to the maximum because the lock portion passes under the engagement convex portion. A connector characterized in that the connector is formed as an inclined locking surface that is a surface that falls forward of the surface. The housing member is inserted into the housing member from the rear while the tip of the optical fiber extending rearward from the housing member is held, and is positioned and regulated forward, and the mating connector housing and the housing When the member is completely fitted, a ferrule optically connected to the optical connection element accommodated in the mating connector housing is accommodated, and the rearward movement of the ferrule is restricted by engaging the ferrule. A lance is placed,
On the other hand, when the slide member is slid to the front position when the connector is completely fitted to the slide member, a lance locking rib that enters the bending space of the lance and restricts the bending of the lance in the disengagement direction is provided. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector is provided.

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