Patent Publication Number: US-9893464-B2

Title: Connector with sliding member

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-34896, filed on Feb. 25, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates generally to a connector. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Japan Patent No. 4657034 discloses a connector that has a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) function. This connector includes a first housing, a second housing to be engaged with the first housing, and further a sliding member. The sliding member is attached to the second housing in a slidable manner from a first position (stand-by position) that is an initial position to a predetermined second position (engagement locking position) upon completion of the engagement of the second housing with the first housing. This sliding member serves as a CPA member that enables a user to check the completion of the engagement of both the housings by a sliding action from the first position to the second position. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the connector disclosed in Japan Patent No. 4657034, when, however, an external load is applied to this connector, the sliding member may be detached from the second housing. 
     The present disclosure has been made in view of the foregoing circumstances, and an objective is to provide a connector that is capable of preventing a sliding member from being detached even if an external load is applied. 
     In order to accomplish the above objective, a connector according to the present disclosure includes: 
     a first housing; 
     a second housing including a protrusion catch, a slide channel, and a rail formed as a groove along the slide channel, the second housing being to be engaged with the first housing; and 
     a sliding member including a support arm to be engaged with the rail upon engagement with the groove, and a protrusion to latch the protrusion catch, the sliding member being placed in the slide channel, 
     in which: 
     the slide channel is formed with a slide surface extended along the rail; 
     the support arm includes a first surface facing the slide surface, and a second surface formed at a back side of the first surface, and inclined relative to the slide surface; 
     the groove is formed as a recess that includes a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface; 
     the second side surface faces the second surface of the support arm, and is formed at an inclination angle corresponding to an inclination angle of the second surface; and 
     when the first housing and the second housing are engaged with each other, the first housing depresses the protrusion latching the protrusion catch of the second housing to cancel a latching between the protrusion catch and the protrusion, enabling the sliding member to be slidable. 
     The second housing may include a pair of ribs formed along a direction in which the slide channel extends; and 
     the groove may be formed in each of the pair of ribs. 
     The sliding member may include a pair of the support arms; and 
     the second surface of the support arm may be formed so as to be inclined in a direction in which the pair of support arms face each other. 
     A leading end part of the support arm may be formed with a guide surface that guides the sliding member into the groove. 
     The support arm may include a first support arm part, and a second support arm part extending from an end of the first support arm part, and having a smaller lateral cross-sectional area than a lateral cross-sectional area of the first support arm part; and 
     the rail may include a first rail part to be engaged with the first support arm part, and a second rail part to be engaged with the second support arm part. 
     A catch may be disposed at the slide channel; and 
     the sliding member may include a latching arm including a latch to latch the catch. 
     A leading end part of the support arm and a leading end part of the latching arm may be located at a same position in a lengthwise direction; and 
     a protrusion protruding in a direction in which the support arm and the latching arm face each other may be formed on a leading end part of at least either the support arm and the latching arm. 
     A guide surface that guides the sliding member into the slide channel may be formed at a leading end part of the latching arm. 
     The first housing may include an engagement catch; and 
     the second housing may include an engagement latch to latch the engagement catch, and also serving as the protrusion catch. 
     The respective first and second housings may be housings of the connector that includes a terminal connected to a wiring. 
     According to the present disclosure, the second side surface of the groove forming the rail is formed at the inclination angle corresponding to that of the second surface of the support arm. Accordingly, since the support arm is engaged with the rail with the second surface of the support arm facing the second side surface of the groove, a detachment of the sliding member from the second housing is preventable even if external load is applied to the connector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of this application can be obtained when the following detailed description is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the connector; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded YZ cross-sectional view; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an inner housing and a sliding member; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner housing for explaining a slide channel; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are each a diagram for explaining the slide channel, and  FIG. 6A  is a (first) cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A in  FIG. 5 , while  FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are each a diagram for explaining a rail, and  FIG. 7A  is a (second) cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 5 , while  FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a (first) perspective view of the sliding member; 
         FIG. 9A  is a plan view of the sliding member, and  FIG. 9B  is a side view of the sliding member; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D in  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 10B  is an XY cross-sectional view of the sliding member placed at a first position; 
         FIG. 11A  is an XY cross-sectional view of the sliding member placed at a second position,  FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line E-E in  FIG. 11A , and  FIG. 11C  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line F-F in  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12  is a (second) perspective view of the sliding member; 
         FIG. 13  is a (first) YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining an engagement between an outer housing and the inner housing; 
         FIG. 14  is a (second) YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining an engagement between the outer housing and the inner housing; 
         FIG. 15  is a (third) YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining an engagement between the outer housing and the inner housing; 
         FIG. 16  is a (fourth) YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining an engagement between the outer housing and the inner housing; 
         FIG. 17  is a (fifth) YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining an engagement between the outer housing and the inner housing; 
         FIG. 18A  is a (first) XY cross-sectional view of the sliding member, and the like, for explaining a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) function of the sliding member,  FIG. 18B  is a (second) XY cross-sectional view of the sliding member, and the like, for explaining the CPA function of the sliding member, and  FIG. 18C  is a (third) XY cross-sectional view of the sliding member, and the like, for explaining the CPA function of the sliding member; 
         FIG. 19  is a (first) YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining the CPA function of the sliding member; 
         FIG. 20  is a (second) YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining the CPA function of the sliding member; 
         FIG. 21  is a (first) YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining an action when the sliding member is slid reversely; 
         FIG. 22  is a (second) YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining an action when the sliding member is slid reversely; 
         FIG. 23A  is a (first) XY cross-sectional view of the sliding member, and the like, for explaining an action when the sliding member is slid reversely,  FIG. 23B  is a (second) XY cross-sectional view of the sliding member, and the like, for explaining an action when the sliding member is slid reversely, and  FIG. 23C  is a (third) XY cross-sectional view of the sliding member, and the like, for explaining an action when the sliding member is slid reversely; 
         FIG. 24  is a (third) YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining an action when the sliding member is slid reversely; 
         FIG. 25  is an YZ cross-sectional view of the connector for explaining a disengagement between the outer housing and the inner housing; 
         FIG. 26A  is a (first) XZ cross-sectional view for explaining an effect according to the embodiment, and  FIG. 26B  is a (second) XZ cross-sectional view for explaining an effect according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 27  is a (third) XZ cross-sectional view for explaining an effect according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 28A  is a cross-sectional view for explaining an effect of protrusions formed at a latching arm and at a support arm, respectively, and  FIG. 28B  is a perspective view for explaining an effect of the protrusions formed at the latching arm and at the support arm, respectively; 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view for explaining an effect of guide surfaces formed at respective leading end parts of the latching arm and of the support arm; 
         FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view for explaining an effect of a guide surface formed at the rail; 
         FIG. 31  is an XZ cross-sectional view of a connector according to a first modified example; and 
         FIG. 32  is an XZ cross-sectional view of a connector according to a second modified example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT 
     An explanation will be given of a connector  1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 30 . In order to facilitate understanding to the present disclosure, an XYZ coordinate system is defined, and is referred as appropriate. 
     The connector  1  is applied to, for example, electronic circuit components for an automobile, and has a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) function. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the connector  1  includes an outer housing  10 , an inner housing  20 , and a sliding member  30  (CPA member) that becomes able to slide upon engagement of both the outer housing  10  and the inner housing  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the outer housing  10  is a housing of a receptacle connector mounted on a wiring board S. The outer housing  10  is formed of a plastic, and is formed by, for example, injection molding. The outer housing  10  is assembled with multiple male terminals  40 . 
     Each male terminal  40  is formed of a conductive material. The male terminal  40  has an end  40   a  at the +Y side and an end  40   b  at the −Y side both protruding from the outer housing  10 . The end  40   a  of the male terminal  40  at the +Y side protrudes to the interior of an engagement opening  11  formed in the outer housing  10 . The end  40   b  of the male terminal  40  at the −Y side is exposed from the rear end surface of the outer housing  10  at the −Y side, is curved in a substantially S-shape, and protrudes in parallel with the −Y direction. The end  40   b  of the male terminal  40  is applied as an external lead to be soldered to the wiring board S. 
     The outer housing  10  is a member formed in a substantially box shape in which the engagement opening  11  opened in the +Y direction is formed. The inner housing  20  is to be fitted in the engagement opening  11  of the outer housing  10 . A fitting direction D 1  in which the inner housing  20  is fitted in the outer housing  10  is consistent with the −Y direction. In addition, the outer housing  10  includes an engagement catch  13 . 
     The engagement catch  13  is formed on a lower surface  12   a  of a ceiling wall  12  that is a part of wall defining the outer housing  10  at the nearby location to the +Y side. The engagement catch  13  includes, from the rear end side (+Y side) in the fitting direction D 1  in sequence, an inclined surface  13   a , a parallel surface  13   b , and a standing-upright surface  13   c . The inclined surface  13   a  includes a surface inclined relative to the fitting direction D 1 . The parallel surface  13   b  includes a parallel surface to the fitting direction D 1 . The standing-upright surface  13   c  includes a surface substantially in parallel with the Z-axis direction. 
     The inner housing  20  is a housing of a plug connector to which wirings W are connected in this embodiment. The inner housing  20  is formed of a plastic, and is formed by, for example, injection molding. Multiple female terminals  50  are fitted in this inner housing  20 . 
     Each female terminal  50  is formed by, for example, bending a conductive sheet metal. A cylindrical part  51  which is formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape, and in which the end  40   a  of each male terminal  40  at the +Y side is fitted is formed at the end of the female terminal  50  at the −Y side. The cylindrical part  51  includes an elastic contact piece to be in contact with the end  40   a  of the male terminal  40 . The end  40   a  of the male terminal  40  fitted in the cylindrical part  51  is conductively fastened by the elastic force of the elastic contact piece of the cylindrical part  51 . In addition, a binding part  52  that attaches and fastens the wirings W by pressure which are fitted therein is formed at the end of the female terminal  50  at the +Y side. 
     The inner housing  20  is formed in a substantially cuboid shape that has the lengthwise direction substantially in parallel with the Y-axis direction. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , multiple terminal fitting openings  21  in which the respective female terminals  50  are fitted are formed in the rear end surface (the end surface at the +Y side) of the inner housing  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each terminal fitting opening  21  is in communication with a terminal retaining room  22  formed inside the inner housing  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 4 , the inner housing  20  includes an engagement latch  23 , a latching release  24 , ribs  25 , and a pair of locking arms  60 R,  60 L. 
     The engagement catch  13  of the outer housing  10  is to be latched by the engagement latch  23 . The engagement latch  23  is provided between the locking arm  60 R and the locking arm  60 L so as to interlink the locking arm  60 R with the locking arm  60 L. The engagement latch  23  includes, from the leading end side (−Y side) in the fitting direction D 1  of the inner housing  20  in sequence, an inclined surface  23   a , an upper parallel surface  23   b , a lower parallel surface  23   d , and a standing-upright surface  23   c . The inclined surface  23   a  includes an inclined surface relative to the fitting direction D 1 . The upper parallel surface  23   b  and the lower parallel surface  23   d  are each include a plane. The inclined surface  23   a  and the upper parallel surface  23   b  are utilized as to-be-guided surfaces that are guided by the engagement catch  13  in accordance with the advancement of the engagement between the outer housing  10  and the inner housing  20 . The standing-upright surface  23   c  includes a surface substantially in parallel with the Z-axis direction. When the standing-upright surface  23   c  faces the standing-upright surface  13   c  of the engagement catch  13 , the latching between the engagement latch  23  and the engagement catch  13  completes. The lower parallel surface  23   d  is utilized as a guide surface that guides a protrusion  35  of the sliding member  30  in accordance with the sliding action of the sliding member  30 . 
     In addition, the engagement latch  23  is to be also latched by the protrusion  35  of the sliding member  30 . Hence, the engagement latch  23  also serves as a protrusion catch. 
     The latching release  24  is provided on the locking arms  60 R,  60 L. When a user depresses the latching release  24 , the latching between the engagement latch  23  and the engagement catch  13  is released. This latching release enables the user to pull out the inner housing  20  from the outer housing  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the ribs  25  are formed so as to improve the rigidity and strength of the inner housing  20 . The ribs  25  are formed along the Y-axis direction. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the locking arm  60 R includes a leading-end-side locking arm part  61 R, a parallel locking arm part  62 R, and a rear-end-side locking arm part  63 R. In this embodiment, the leading-end-side locking arm part  61 R is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction from the nearby location to the leading end part (−Y side end part) of a ceiling wall  26  that is a part of wall defining the inner housing  20 . However, the leading-end-side locking arm part  61 R may be extended in directions other than the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the rear-end-side locking arm part  63 R is extended in the vertical direction from the nearby location to the rear end part (+Y side end part) of the ceiling wall  26 . However, the rear-end-side locking arm part  63 R may be extended in directions other than the vertical direction. The parallel locking arm part  62 R interlinks the leading-end-side locking arm part  61 R with the rear-end-side locking arm part  63 R, and is formed substantially in parallel with the Y-axis direction. 
     The locking arm  60 L employs the similar structure to that of the locking arm  60 R. More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the locking arm  60 L includes a leading-end-side locking arm part  61 L, a parallel locking arm part  62 L, and a rear-end-side locking arm part  63 L. The rear-end-side locking arm part  63 L is extended in the vertical direction in this embodiment, but may be extended in directions other than the vertical direction. 
     The locking arms  60 R,  60 L employing the above structure are formed so as to be deflectable in accordance with the advancement of engagement between the outer housing  10  and the inner housing  20 . 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the inner housing  20  is provided with a slide channel  70  extended along the Y-axis direction, and rails  72  formed on the opposing surfaces of the respective ribs  25  facing each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the slide channel  70  allows the sliding member  30  to slide, and is formed so as to allow the sliding member  30  to pass through upon engagement between the two housings. The sliding passage  70  is provided at the upper side (+Z side) of the ceiling wall  26  of the inner housing  20 . The sliding passage  70  is formed with a slide surface  71  that faces a lower surface  30   a  (the surface at the −Z side) of the sliding member  30  when the sliding member  30  slides. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are each a diagram for explaining the slide channel  70 , and  FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A in  FIG. 5 , while  FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B in  FIG. 6A . In  FIG. 6B , some structural components, such as the latching release  24 , and the locking arms  60 R,  60 L, are omitted. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6A, 6B , the rear-end-side locking arm parts  63 R,  63 L are disposed at both sides of the slide channel  70 , respectively. In addition, the slide surface  71  is formed with engagement parts  71   a ,  71   b , and  71   c . The engagement parts  71   a ,  71   b , and  71   c  are each formed as a recess that has a bottom. The bottom surface of each engagement part  71   a ,  71   b ,  71   c  is an offset surface from the slide surface  71  in the −Z direction, and is a parallel surface to the sliding surface  71 . 
       FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 5  for explaining the rails  72 .  FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C in  FIG. 7A . In  FIG. 7B , the latching release  24 , the locking arms  60 R,  60 L, and the like, are omitted. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , each rail  72  is formed so as to retract therein the rib  25 , and is formed as a groove. Each rail  72  includes a first rail part  72 A and a second rail part  72 B that have different lateral cross-sectional areas (the area of the XZ cross-section) from each other. The first rail part  72 A has the larger lateral cross-sectional area than that of the second rail part  72 B. The rail  72  (more specifically, the first rail part  72 A and the second rail part  72 B) is formed in, as illustrated in  FIG. 6B  and  FIG. 7B , a recess that includes a bottom surface  73 , a first side surface  74 , and a second side surface  75 . The bottom surface  73  is a parallel surface to the YZ plane. In this embodiment, the first side surface  74  forms a part of the slide surface  71 . In this embodiment, although the first side surface  74  is a part of the slide surface  71 , the present disclosure is not limited to this example structure, and may be not a part of the slide surface  71 . The second side surface  75  is formed so as to be inclined relative to the slide surface  71 . The respective second side surfaces  75  of the first rail part  72 A and the second rail part  72 B have the substantially equal inclination angle to each other. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , provided at a connection section between the first rail part  72 A and the second rail part  72 B is a guide surface G 4  that is inclined relative to the Y-axis direction. This guide surface G 4  guides the sliding member  30  into the inner housing  20  at the time of manufacturing and assembling of the connector  1  to improve the fitting easiness, thereby improving the assembling workability. 
     The sliding member  30  serves as the CPA (Connector Position Assurance) member that locks the engagement between both the outer and inner housings  10 ,  20 . The sliding member  30  is applied so as to allow the user to check whether or not the engagement between both the outer and inner housings  10 ,  20  is fully completed within the engagement work. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the sliding member  30  includes a sliding member base  31 , a main arm  32  protruding from the sliding member base  31 , a pair of latching arms  33 R,  33 L, and a pair of support arms  34 R,  34 L. 
     The sliding member base  31  is utilized as a depressed part to be depressed by the user when the user slides the sliding member  30 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A, 9B , the main arm  32  is formed so as to protrude from the sliding member base  31  in the −Y direction. Provided at the leading end of the main arm  32  is the protrusion  35  that protrudes upwardly (+Z direction). A rear end surface  35   a  of the protrusion  35  is formed as an inclined surface inclined in the Y-axis direction. The rear end surface  35   a  serves as a guide surface that guides the moving main arm  32  when the sliding member  30  is slid in the +Y direction. 
     The latching arms  33 R,  33 L are formed so as to protrude from the sliding member base  31  in the −Y direction with the main arm  32  being present therebetween. The latching arms  33 R,  33 L are interlinked with the main arm  32  by an interlinking part  32   a . In addition, the latching arms  33 R,  33 L include respective latches  36 , and respective tentative latches  37 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11A , the rear-end-side locking arm parts  63 R,  63 L of the locking arms  60 R,  60 L are to be latched by the respective latches  36 . Hence, the rear-end-side locking arm parts  63 R,  63 L each serve as a catch to be latched by the respective latches  36 . The latches  36  are formed so as to protrude outwardly relative to each other. More specifically, the latches  36  are formed on the surface of the latching arm  33 R at the −X side, and the surface of the latching arm  33 L at the +X side. In addition, a surface  36   a  of the latch  36  at the −Y side and a surface  36   b  thereof at the +Y side are each formed as an inclined surface inclined in the Y-axis direction. The surfaces  36   a ,  36   b  of the respective latches  36  serve as guide surfaces that guide the rear-end-side locking arm parts  63 R,  63 L, respectively, while being in contact therewith when the sliding member  30  is slid in the −Y direction and in the +Y direction. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10B , the rear-end-side locking arm parts  63 R,  63 L of the locking arms  60 R,  60 L are tentatively latched by the respective tentative latches  37 . Hence, the rear-end-side locking arm parts  63 R,  63 L also serve as catches to be tentatively latched by the respective tentative latches  37 . The tentative latches  37  prevents the sliding member  30  from moving in the +Y direction upon tentatively latching the rear-end-side locking arm parts  63 R,  63 L, respectively, thereby preventing the sliding member  30  from pulling out from the inner housing  20 . The tentative latches  37  are formed in a shape protruding outwardly relative to each other like the respective latches  36 . More specifically, the tentative latches  37  are formed on the surface of the latching arm  33 R at the −X side and on the surface of the latching arm  33 L at the +X side. In addition, the tentative latches  37  are formed ahead of the respective latches  36  toward a leading end side (−Y side). 
     Still further, as is clear from the enlarged view that is  FIG. 9A , respective guide surfaces G 1  are formed at the leading end parts of the latching arms  33 R,  33 L. The guide surface G 1  is formed as an inclined surface inclined in the Y-axis direction. This guide surface G 1  is formed so as to improve the fitting easiness by guiding the sliding member  30  into the inner housing  20  at the time of manufacturing and assembling of the connector  1 , thereby improving the assembling workability. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10A , the support arms  34 R,  34 L are formed so as to protrude from the sliding member base  31  in the −Y direction with the latching arms  33 R,  33 L being present therebetween. The latching arms  34 R,  34 L each include a first support arm part  34 A, and a second support arm part  34 B extended from the rear end of the first support arm part  34 A. The second support arm part  34 B has a smaller lateral cross-sectional area (the area of the XZ cross-section) than that of the first support arm part  34 A. In addition, the first support arm part  34 A is formed so as to be engaged with the first rail part  72 A of the rail  72 . Likewise, the second support arm part  34 B is formed so as to be engaged with the second rail part  72 B of the rail  72 . As explained above, the sliding member  30  and the inner housing  20  include the two engagement components, thereby enhancing the action of preventing the sliding member  30  from being detached from the inner housing  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11B, 11C , the support arms  34 R,  34 L each include an upper surface  30   b  (second surface) that faces the second side surface  75  of the rail  72  in a recess shape, and the lower surface  30   a  (first surface) that faces the first side surface  74  of the rail  72 . The upper surface  30   b  is formed at the opposite side to the lower surface  30   a , and is formed so as to be inclined relative to the slide surface  71 . In addition, the respective upper surfaces  30   b  of the support arms  34 R,  34 L are formed so as to be inclined in the direction in which the support arms  34 R,  34 L face each other. As explained above, when the support arms  34 R,  34 L are engaged with the respective rails  72  that are respective grooves, the sliding member  30  is prevented from being detached from the inner housing  20 . The inclination angle of the upper surface  30   b  is substantially equal to the corresponding inclination angle of the second side surface  75  of the rail  72 . The upper surface  30   b  that is an inclination surface is formed on both the first support arm part  34 A and the second support arm part  34 B. 
     As is clear from the enlarged view that is  FIG. 9A , guide surfaces G 2 , G 3  are formed at the respective leading end parts of the support arms  34 R,  34 L. The guide surfaces G 2 , G 3  are each formed as an inclined surface inclined in the Y-axis direction. Such guide surfaces G 2 , G 3  are formed so as to improve the fitting easiness by guiding the sliding member  30  into the inner housing  20  at the time of manufacturing and assembling of the connector  1 , thereby improving the assembling workability. 
     The latching arms  33 R,  33 L and the support arms  34 R,  34 L are formed in the substantially equal length. Hence, as is clear from the enlarged view that is  FIG. 9A , the leading end parts of the latching arms  33 R,  33 L and those of the support arms  34 R,  34 L are located at the substantially consistent position in the lengthwise direction (Y-axis direction). Provided at the leading end parts of the latching arms  33 R,  33 L and those of the support arms  34 R,  34 L are protrusions P 1 , P 2  protruding in the direction facing each other. The protrusions P 1 , P 2  are formed in a shape and a dimension that do not allow the main arm  32 , the latching arms  33 R,  33 L, and the support arms  34 R,  34 L, and the like, to enter a gap C formed between the protrusion P 1  and the protrusion P 2 . Hence, the protrusion P 1  and the protrusion P 2  prevent the sliding members  30  from getting caught each other at the time of manufacturing and assembling of the connector  1 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the sliding member  30  as viewed from the lower side. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a thickened part  38  that is raised up from the lower surface  30   a  basically planar is formed in the sliding member  30 . In  FIG. 12 , the thickened part  38  is indicated by multiple dots. The thickened part  38  is formed so as to increase the substantial thickness of the sliding member  30 , thereby enhancing the strength thereof. 
     In this embodiment, the thickened part  38  includes a thickened piece  38   a  formed on the lower surface of the main arm  32 , a thickened piece  38   b  formed on the lower surface of the support arm  34 R, and a thickened piece  38   c  formed on the lower surface of the support arm  34 L. As illustrated in  FIG. 11B  that is a cross-sectional end view taken along a line E-E, the thickened piece  38   a  of the thickened part  38  is formed so as to be engaged with the engagement part  71   a  formed in the slide surface  71 . Likewise, the thickened pieces  38   b ,  38   c  are formed so as to be engaged with the engagement parts  71   b ,  71   c , respectively. Still further, an offset surface  39  that is a plane is formed on each of the thickened pieces  38   a  to  38   c  at an offset position in the −Z direction relative to the lower surface  30   a . Such offset surface  39  contacts the bottom of each engagement part  71   a  to  71   c , and is slidable over such a bottom. 
     An explanation will be given of how to engage the outer housing  10  of the connector  1  employing the above structure with the inner housing  20  thereof with reference to  FIGS. 13 to 17 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , with the protrusion  35  formed at the main arm  32  latching the engagement latch  23  and having a sliding action restricted, the sliding member  30  is attached to the inner housing  20 . In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 18A , the sliding member  30  in this stage is located at a first position (initial position) where the locking arms  60 R,  60 L are not latched by the latches  36  of the latching arms  33 R,  33 L, respectively, and the locking arms  60 R,  60 L are tentatively latched by the tentative latches  37 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , when the inner housing  20  is being fitted in the engagement opening  11  of the outer housing  10  together with the sliding member  30  in the fitting direction D 1 , the engagement latch  23  abuts the engagement catch  13 . In addition, the leading end part of the end  40   a  of each male terminal  40  enters the cylindrical part  51  of each female terminal  50 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , when the inner housing  20  is further fitted in the engagement opening  11  of the outer housing  10 , the engagement latch  23  is guided by the inclined surface  13   a  of the engagement catch  13  together with the protrusion  35  of the sliding member  30 . This guiding by the inclined surface  13   a  causes the locking arms  60 R,  60 L of the inner housing  20  and the main arm  32  of the sliding member  30  to be deflected. Next, by the depression from the engagement catch  13 , as indicated by an arrow A 1 , the engagement latch  23  and the protrusion  35  are pushed downwardly (−Z side). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , when the inner housing  20  is further fitted in the engagement opening  11  of the outer housing  10 , the engagement latch  23  is guided by the parallel surface  13   b  of the engagement catch  13 , thus being moved in the −Y direction together with the protrusion  35  of the sliding member  30  as indicated by an arrow A 2 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , when the inner housing  20  is further fitted in the engagement opening  11  of the outer housing  10 , the standing-upright surface  23  c of the engagement latch  23  reaches the standing-upright surface  13   c  of the engagement catch  13 . When the standing-upright surface  23   c  reaches the standing-upright surface  13   c , the depression by the engagement latch  13  is canceled, and thus the deflection of the locking arms  60 R,  60 L is canceled. Next, the engagement latch  23  is returned to the upper side (+Z side) based on the elastic recovery of the locking arms  60 R,  60 L as indicated by an arrow A 3 . Consequently, the standing-upright surface  23   c  and the standing-upright surface  13   c  face each other, and the engagement catch  13  is latched by the engagement latch  23 . 
     At the time point at which the engagement catch  13  is latched by the engagement latch  23 , the protrusion  35  is still being guided by the parallel surface  13   b . Hence, the deflection of the main arm  32  is not canceled yet. 
     Through the above actions, the engagement between the outer housing  10  of the connector  1  and the inner housing  20  thereof completes. In addition, upon completion of the engagement between both the outer and inner housings  10 ,  20 , the fitting of the end  40   a  of each male terminal  40  into the cylindrical part  51  of each female terminal  50  also completes, and thus each male terminal  40  and each female terminal  50  are electrically connected to each other. 
     Next, the CPA (Connector Position Assurance) function of the connector  1  will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 16 to 20 . The initial position of the sliding member  30  in  FIG. 18A  will be defined as the first position (stand-by position), and the position of the sliding member  30  after the movement illustrated in  FIG. 18C  will be defined as a second position (engagement locking position). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , when the engagement between both the outer and inner housings  10 ,  20  has not been fully completed yet, the engagement latch  23  and the engagement catch  13  are not in a latched condition. In addition, the engagement latch  23  as a protrusion catch is latched by the protrusion  35 . Hence, the sliding member  30  is in a condition in which the sliding action in the −Y direction is restricted. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , when the engagement between both the outer and inner housings  10 ,  20  completes, the engagement latch  23  moves upwardly (+Z side) and latches the engagement catch  13 . Conversely, when the engagement latch  23  moves upwardly (+Z side), the latching between the protrusion  35  and the engagement latch  23  is released. Hence, the sliding member  30  becomes a condition capable of passing through the slide channel  70  in the −Y direction. 
     When the engagement between both the outer and inner housings  10 ,  20  completes, the user who attempts to check the engagement condition between both the outer and inner housings  10 ,  20  moves the sliding member  30  from the first position (initial position) illustrated in  FIG. 18A  along the sliding channel  70 . Note that the sliding direction D 2  of the sliding member  30  is consistent with the −Y direction. 
     When the sliding member  30  is being slid, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the protrusion  35  of the sliding member  30  moves from the parallel surface  13   b  of the engagement catch  13  to the lower parallel surface  23   d  of the engagement latch  23 , and is guided by the lower parallel surface  23   d , and thus the sliding member  30  is moved in parallel with the −Y direction. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 18A , when the sliding member  30  is moved in parallel with the −Y direction, the respective latches  36  of the sliding member  30  abut the locking arms  60 R,  60 L (more specifically, the respective rear-end-side locking arm parts  63 R,  63 L). 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 18B , when the sliding member  30  is further slid, the latches  36  are guided by the locking arms  60 R,  60 L, respectively, and thus the latching arms  33 R,  33 L are deflected. Still further, the depressions by the locking arms  60 R,  60 L causes, as indicated by an arrow A 4 , the gap between the pair of latching arms  33 R,  33 L to be decreased. 
     Yet still further, as illustrated in  FIG. 18C , when the sliding member  30  is further slid, the latches  36  go over the locking arms  60 R,  60 L, respectively, and thus the latching arms  33 R,  33 L are subjected to elastic recovery, and the gap therebetween increases. Hence, the locking arms  60 R,  60 L are latched by the latching arms  33 R,  33 L. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the protrusion  35  goes over the engagement latch  23 , and thus the deflection of the main arm  32  is canceled. Still further, based on the elastic recovery by the main arm  32 , as indicated by an arrow A 5 , the protrusion  35  is returned upwardly (+Z side). Consequently, the engagement latch  23  is latched by the protrusion  35 . 
     When the engagement latch  23  is latched by the protrusion  35 , the main arm  32  is positioned below (−Z side) the engagement latch  23 . Hence, the engagement latch  23  is not capable of moving by what corresponds to the amount necessary to cancel the engagement with the engagement catch  13 , thus not capable of moving down to a position for canceling the engagement. Consequently, the engagement between the outer housing  10  and the inner housing  20  is locked by the sliding member  30 . 
     Through the above actions, the movement of the sliding member  30  from the first position (initial position) illustrated in  FIG. 18A  to the second position (engagement locking position) illustrated in  FIG. 18C  completes. The user who pushes the sliding member  30  in the second position becomes able to check whether or not the engagement between both the outer and inner housings  10 ,  20  has completed. 
     Next, an explanation will be given of how to detach the inner housing  20  of the connector  1  from the outer housing  10  thereof with reference to  FIGS. 21 to 25 . As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the direction in which the inner housing  20  is pulled out from the outer housing  10  (detaching direction D 3 ) is consistent with the +Y direction. 
     When the engagement between the outer housing  10  and the inner housing  20  is to be canceled, first, the sliding member  30  is moved from the second position (engagement locking position) illustrated in  FIG. 23A  to the first position (initial position) illustrated in  FIG. 23C  along a reverse sliding direction D 4 . Hence, the locking by the sliding member  30  is canceled, and a condition is accomplished in which the engagement between both the outer and inner housings  10 ,  20  can be canceled. Note that the reverse sliding direction D 4  of the sliding member  30  is an opposite direction to the sliding direction D 2 . 
     When the sliding member  30  is further slid in the reverse sliding direction D 4 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the rear end surface  35   a  of the protrusion  35  of the sliding member  30  is guided by the engagement latch  23 . Next, as is indicated by an arrow A 6 , the protrusion  35  moves downwardly (−Z side), and thus the main arm  32  of the sliding member  30  is deflected. Consequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the latching between the protrusion  35  and the engagement latch  23  is canceled. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 23A , when the sliding member  30  is further slid in the reverse sliding direction D 4 , as illustrated in  FIG. 23B , the latches  36  of the sliding member  30  are guided by the respective locking arms  60 R,  60 L, and thus the latching arms  33 R,  33 L are deflected. Hence, as indicated by an arrow A 7 , the gap between the pair of latching arms  33 R,  33 L is decreased. 
     Still further, as illustrated in  FIG. 23C , when the sliding member  30  is further slid, the latches  36  go over the locking arms  60 R,  60 L, respectively, the latching arms  33 R,  33 L are subjected to the elastic recovery, and the gap between the latching arms  33 R,  33 L increases. Next, the locking arms  60 R,  60 L are positioned between the respective latches  36  and the respective tentative latches  37 , and the locking arms  60 R,  60 L are tentatively latched by the tentative latches  37 , respectively. This tentative latching restricts a further sliding action of the sliding member  30  in the +Y direction. 
     Yet still further, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , when the sliding member  30  is further slid, as indicated by an arrow A 8 , the protrusion  35  moves from the lower parallel surface  23   d  of the engagement latch  23  to the parallel surface  13   b  of the engagement catch  13 . Hence, a space where none of members is present is created below the engagement latch  23 , and the move-down amount for the engagement latch  23  necessary to fully cancel the latching with the engagement catch  13  is ensured. Consequently, the engagement between both the outer and inner housings  10 ,  20  can be canceled. 
     Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the latching release  24  of the inner housing  20  is pushed down as indicated by an arrow A 9 . This causes the locking arms  60 R,  60 L to be deflected, and as indicated by an arrow A 10 , the engagement latch  23  is pushed downwardly (−Z side). Consequently, the latching between the engagement latch  23  and the engagement catch  13  is canceled. 
     Subsequently, the inner housing  20  is moved in the detaching direction D 3 , and is pulled out from the outer housing  10 . Hence, the detachment of the inner housing  20  from the outer housing  10  completes. Note that when the inner housing  20  is detached from the outer housing  10 , the deflection of the locking arms  60 R,  60 L is canceled, and the latching release  24  returns to the original position. 
     As explained above, according to this embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 26A, 26B , the respective second side surfaces  75  of the grooves forming the respective rails  72  are formed at an inclination angle corresponding to the inclination angle of the respective upper surfaces  30   b  of the support arms  34 R,  34 L. This enables the support arms  34 R,  34 L to be engaged with the respective rails  72  while the respective upper surfaces  30   b  of the support arms  34 R,  34 L face the respective second side surfaces  75  of the grooves. Accordingly, even if external loads F 1 , F 2  are applied to the connector  1 , a detachment of the sliding member  30  from the inner housing  20  is preventable. 
     When, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 26A , the load F 1  is applied to the connector  1  in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), the upper surface  30   b  that is the inclined surface abuts the corresponding second side surface  75  of the rail  72  which is the inclined surface having a substantially equal inclination angle. Hence, as is indicated by an arrow A 11 - 1 , the support arms  34 R,  34 L are moved so as to be pushed out to the external side. Consequently, a detachment of the sliding member  30  from the inner housing  20  is prevented. 
     Conversely, as illustrated in  FIG. 26B , when the load F 2  is applied to the connector  1  in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction), the upper surface  30   b  abuts the corresponding second side surface  75  of the rail  72 . In addition, because of the inclination of the upper surface  30   b , the applied load F 2  applied to the support arms  34 R,  34 L are separated as is indicated by an arrow A 11 - 2 . Consequently, a detachment of the sliding member  30  from the inner housing  20  is prevented. 
     In addition, according to this embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 27 , the respective upper surfaces  30   b  of the support arms  34 R,  34 L are formed and inclined in such a way that a direction A 12  orthogonal to the upper surface  30   b  of the support arm  34 R and a direction A 13  orthogonal to the upper surface  30   b  of the support arm  34 L intersect with each other above the sliding member  30 . Hence, an effect of preventing the sliding member  30  from being detached from the inner housing  20  is further enhanced. 
     An inclination angle θ 1  of the upper surface  30   b  of the support arm  34 R and an inclination angle θ 2  of the upper surface  30   b  of the support arm  34 L are the same inclination angle. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. The inclination angle θ 1  and the inclination angle θ 2  may be different inclination angles from each other. However, the inclination angles θ 1 , θ 2  of the upper surfaces  30   b  are preferably the same inclination angle since, when the external load F 1  is applied, the load F 1  is separated uniformly, and the upper surfaces  30   b  can receive the separated load F 1  uniformly. 
     According to this embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6B and 7B , the rails  72  are formed at the opposing surfaces (internal surfaces) to the pair of ribs  25  concaved by what corresponds to the respective ribs  25 . Hence, formation of the rails  72  in the inner housing  20  does not result in an increase in size of the connector  1 . Consequently, the connector  1  can be downsized while accomplishing the connector position assurance function. 
     In addition, according to this embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , the support arms  34 R,  34 L each include the first support arm part  34 A and the second support arm part  34 B. Conversely, the rails  72  include the first rail part  72 A to be engaged with the first support arm part  34 A, and the second rail part  72 B to be engaged with the second support arm part  34 B. Accordingly, since the inner housing  20  and the sliding member  30  have two engagement components, the effect of preventing the sliding member  30  from being detached from the inner housing  20  is further enhanced. 
     Still further, according to this embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 28 , formed at the respective leading end parts of the latching arms  33 R,  33 L and the support arms  34 R,  34 L are protrusions P 1 , P 2  protruding in the direction facing each other. The protrusions P 1 , P 2  are formed in a shape and in a dimension that do not allow each arm (the main arm  32 , the latching arms  33 R,  33 L, and the support arms  34 R,  34 L) of the sliding member  30  to enter the gap C formed between the protrusions P 1 , P 2 . Hence, each arm of other sliding member  30  is prevented from entering a space between the latching arms  33 R,  33 L and the support arms  34 R,  34 L. Accordingly, the sliding member  30  is prevented from getting caught each other at the time of manufacturing and assembling of the connector  1 . 
     Yet still further, according to this embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 29 , the guide surfaces G 1  are formed at the leading end parts of the latching arms  33 R,  33 L. Likewise, the guide surfaces G 2 , G 3  are also formed at the leading end parts of the support arms  34 R,  34 L. Hence, the fitting of the sliding member  30  into the inner housing  20  is guided, improving the fitting easiness. For example, when the sliding member  30  is attached to the inner housing  20 , the respective leading end parts of the latching arms  33 R,  33 L, and of the support arms  34 R,  34 L may contact the locking arms  60 R,  60 L. In this case, even if such leading end parts are in contact with the locking arms  60 R,  60 L, those leading end parts are guided by the guide surfaces G 1  to G 3 , while at the same time, the sliding member  30  is fitted in the slide channel  70 . Next, this sliding member  30  is guided to the first position that is a normal attachment position by the actions of the guide surfaces G 1  to G 3 . Since the fitting of the sliding member  30  into the inner housing  20  is guided, the fitting easiness is improved, and thus the assembling workability is improved. 
     Moreover, according to this embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 30 , the rails  72  are formed with the guide surfaces G 4  inclined relative to the Y-axis direction. Hence, when the sliding member  30  is attached to the inner housing  20 , the sliding member  30  is fitted in the slide channel  70  while the leading end parts of the support arms  34 R,  34 L are being guided by the guide surfaces G 4 . The sliding member  30  is guided to the first position that is the normal attachment position by the action of the guide surfaces G 4 . Since the fitting of the sliding member  30  into the inner housing  20  is guided, the fitting easiness is improved, and thus the assembling workability is improved. 
     The embodiment of the present disclosure has been explained above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. 
     For example, according to the above embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer housing  10  is the housing of a receptacle connector to be mounted on the wiring board S, while the inner housing  20  is the housing of a plug connector to be connected with the wiring W. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. For example, both the connectors may include respective terminals, and the wirings W may be connected thereto. 
     In the above embodiment, the respective upper surfaces  30   b  of the support arms  34 R,  34 L are each a flat and smooth inclined surface. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. As illustrated in  FIG. 31 , the respective upper surfaces  30   b  of the support arms  34 R,  34 L may be each a curved inclined surface. In addition, the upper surface  30   b  may be a combination of an inclined surface part that is a flat and smooth surface with an inclined surface part that is a curved surface. The term “inclined surface” in the appended claims covers a flat and smooth inclined surface, a curved inclined surface, or the combination thereof. 
     In the above embodiment, although the respective upper surfaces  30   b  of the support arms  34 R,  34 L are inclined surfaces and the lower surfaces  30   a  are parallel surfaces to the slide surface  71 , the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. As illustrated in  FIG. 32 , both the upper surface  30   b  and the lower surface  30   a  may be respective inclined surfaces. 
     In the above embodiment, although the protrusions P 1 , P 2  are formed at all leading end parts of the latching arms  33 R,  33 L, and the support arms  34 R,  34 L. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. For example, only either one of the protrusions P 1 , P 2  may be formed as long as such a single protrusion is formed in a shape and in a dimension that do not allow each arm, and the like, of the sliding member  30  to enter the gap C between the leading end parts of the latching arms  33 R,  33 L and the leading end parts of the support arms  34 R,  34 L. 
     The foregoing describes some example embodiments for explanatory purposes. Although the foregoing discussion has presented specific embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. This detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the included claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.