Connector housing, connector, and locking method for locking terminals in connector housing

Abstract

A connector housing, a connector, and a locking method for locking a terminal in the connector housing. The connector housing includes a fixed housing portion and a terminal locking portion. The fixed housing portion is switchably locked between two locking positions. At one locking position, the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion is entirely located radially outside or flush with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating cavity of the fixed housing portion. At the other locking position, at least a portion of the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion protrudes radially inside the inner peripheral surface, thereby locking the terminal from the rear to restrict movement of the terminal in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. When the terminal locking portion returns to the one locking position from the other locking position, the locking of the terminal by the locking protrusion is released. The present invention can achieve locking and unlocking of the terminal using a simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector housing which can easily lock and unlock terminals with simple operations. The present invention also relates to a connector having the connector housing and a locking method for locking terminals in the connector housing. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, in order to achieve electrical connection between wiring harnesses, the end of the wire is usually crimped to the terminal and the terminal with the crimped wire is inserted into the connector. By matching the male connector and the female connector with each other, the male terminal and the female terminal in the connector are electrically connected to each other and conductive, thereby achieving electrical connection.

[0003] In order to ensure the stability and reliability of the electrical connection, it is necessary to ensure that the terminal can be locked in the connector housing reliably and stably. In the prior art, an elastically deformable lance is usually provided in the connector housing. When the terminal is inserted into the normal position, the lance locks the terminal from the rear, thereby preventing the terminal from falling. Since the lance is an elastic member that can be elastically deformed, it is easy to be deformed in the unlocking direction due to vibration, etc., so that the lock on the terminal is accidentally released. In order to prevent this situation, the prior art usually provides a retainer. When the lance is locked to the terminal, the retainer is inserted into the connector housing so that it is located between the lance and the inner peripheral wall of the connector housing, thereby blocking the deformation of the lance in the unlocking direction. In this way, the terminal is doubly locked in the connector housing, ensuring that the terminal can be reliably and stably locked in the connector housing.

[0004] However, with this conventional connector, when the wiring harness needs to be replaced or the terminals need to be removed from the connector housing, the operator must detach the retainer from the connector housing, requiring the entire connector to be disassembled to replace the wiring harness or remove the terminals, increasing maintenance time and labor costs. Furthermore, the detached retainer is likely to be damaged and unusable, or even if it is still usable, it may be lost, which is a significant disadvantage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems existing in the traditional connector, the present invention provides a connector housing, which can lock and unlock the terminals with a very simple structure.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides a connector housing, comprising:

[0007] a housing body portion having at least one first terminal accommodating cavity formed therein, and

[0008] a terminal locking portion, wherein at least one second terminal accommodating cavity is formed in the terminal locking portion, the second terminal accommodating cavity being in communication with the first terminal accommodating cavity,

[0009] The terminal locking portion has a rigid locking protrusion, and the terminal locking portion can move relative to the housing body in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the second terminal accommodating cavity, thereby being switchably locked in two locking positions relative to the housing body.

[0010] Wherein, at one of the two locking positions, the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion is entirely located radially outside the inner circumferential surface of the first terminal accommodating cavity of the housing body or flush with the inner circumferential surface, so as to allow the terminal to be inserted into the first terminal accommodating cavity and the second terminal accommodating cavity.

[0011] wherein, at the other locking position of the two locking positions, at least a portion of the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion protrudes radially inward of the inner circumferential surface of the first terminal accommodating cavity of the housing body portion, thereby locking the inserted terminal to restrict movement of the terminal in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, and

[0012] When the terminal locking portion returns from the other locking position to the one locking position, the locking of the terminal by the locking protrusion is released.

[0013] According to the connector housing having the above structure, simply by moving the terminal locking portion relative to the housing body portion so that the locking position of the terminal locking portion is switched between one locking position and another locking position, the terminal can be locked and unlocked to prevent the terminal from falling out in the direction opposite to the terminal insertion direction. The operation is very simple. Even when the connector harness needs to be replaced or there is a need to remove the terminal from the connector housing, the harness can be replaced or the terminal can be removed through a simple operation without disassembling the entire connector housing and without causing damage to the components of the connector housing. In addition, in the connector housing of the present invention, the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion is rigid and difficult to elastically deform. Therefore, it is possible to achieve reliable locking of the terminal by the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion alone, thereby eliminating the need for a lance in a conventional connector and simplifying the structure of the connector housing.

[0014] Preferably, the housing body portion includes a fixed housing portion and a base portion, and the base portion and the fixed housing portion are fastened together in a state in which the terminal locking portion is interposed between the base portion and the fixed housing portion.

[0015] According to the connector housing having the above structure, since the housing body portion includes a split structure of a fixed housing portion and a base portion, and the base portion is fastened to the fixed housing portion when the terminal locking portion is inserted between the base portion and the fixed housing portion, installation and fixation of the terminal locking portion in the connector housing is very easy. Since the terminal locking portion is sandwiched between the fixed housing portion and the movable housing portion, the terminal locking portion is positioned in the terminal insertion direction and does not shift in the terminal insertion direction, thereby deteriorating the terminal locking effect. In addition, since the terminal locking portion is sandwiched, most of the terminal locking portion is covered by the fixed housing portion and the movable housing portion and is not exposed to the outside. This can effectively protect the terminal locking portion and prevent it from being damaged from the outside, thereby compromising the terminal locking effect.

[0016] Preferably, in the connector housing of the present invention, at the locking position of the terminal locking portion, the terminal locking portion is locked to the fixed housing portion and / or the base portion.

[0017] According to the connector housing having the above structure, the locking of the terminal locking portion is achieved by directly locking the terminal locking portion to the fixed housing portion and / or the base portion without the need for other structures. Therefore, the locking of the terminal locking portion is easy to design and implement.

[0018] Preferably, in the connector housing of the present invention, the terminal locking portion is provided with a cantilevered, elastically deformable locking arm, with a locking claw at the distal end of the locking arm. Two locking grooves are provided side by side on the base portion and / or the fixed housing portion along the direction of movement of the terminal locking portion. As the terminal locking portion moves relative to the fixed housing portion, the locking claw can be locked into a corresponding one of the locking grooves, thereby locking the terminal locking portion to the base portion and / or the fixed housing portion.

[0019] According to the connector housing having the above structure, the locking claw of the locking arm engages with the locking groove to achieve the switching of the locking and locking positions of the terminal locking portion relative to the fixed housing portion. Since the locking arm is elastically deformable, when the terminal locking portion switches between the two locking positions relative to the fixed housing portion, the elastic deformation of the locking arm can be utilized to easily achieve such switching without requiring a complex structure.

[0020] Preferably, in the connector housing of the present invention, the direction in which the terminal locking portion moves from the one locking position to the other locking position is the locking direction, and the opposite direction of the locking direction is the unlocking direction, the surface of the locking claw on the front side in the locking direction is an inclined surface, which is inclined more toward the unlocking direction toward the top end of the locking claw, and the surfaces of the locking groove on the front side in the locking direction are all inclined surfaces, which are inclined more toward the unlocking direction toward the bottom surface of the locking groove.

[0021] According to the connector housing having the above structure, since the front surfaces of the locking claw and the locking groove in the locking direction are both inclined surfaces inclined in a predetermined direction, when the terminal locking portion moves in the locking direction, the inclined surface of the locking claw can smoothly move on the inclined surface of the locking groove and slide over one locking groove and enter the next adjacent locking groove, thereby guiding the movement of the locking arm in the locking direction by the mutual sliding between the inclined surfaces. In addition, the force required for the movement of the terminal locking portion in the locking direction can be adjusted by appropriately setting the inclination angle of the inclined surface. The gentler the inclination, the smaller the required force, and vice versa.

[0022] Preferably, in the connector housing of the present invention, the surface of the rear side of the locking claw in the locking direction includes an inclined surface, which is inclined more toward the locking direction as it approaches the top end of the locking claw, and the surface of the rear side of the locking groove in the locking direction is an inclined surface, which is inclined more toward the locking direction as it approaches the bottom surface of the locking groove.

[0023] According to the connector housing having the above structure, since the rear surfaces of the locking claw and the locking groove in the locking direction are both inclined in a predetermined direction, when the terminal locking portion moves in the unlocking direction, the inclined surface of the locking claw can smoothly move on the inclined surface of the locking groove and slide over one locking groove and enter the next adjacent locking groove, thereby guiding the movement of the locking arm in the unlocking direction by the mutual sliding between the inclined surfaces. In addition, the force required for the movement of the terminal locking portion in the unlocking direction can be adjusted by appropriately setting the inclination angle of the inclined surface. The gentler the inclination, the smaller the required force, and vice versa.

[0024] In the connector housing of the present invention, the terminal locking portion is provided with at least one locking arm. Therefore, the number of locking arms can be appropriately designed according to the situation. A single locking arm can be used to lock the terminal locking portion in two locking positions. Alternatively, more than one locking arm, i.e., two or more locking arms, can be provided to lock the terminal locking portion in two or more different positions. The rational arrangement of the locking portions results in more stable locking.

[0025] In the connector housing of the present invention, the terminal locking portion integrally includes: a main body, the second terminal accommodating cavity is formed in the main body; and the locking protrusion extending linearly from the surface of the main body toward the terminal insertion direction, the locking protrusion is arranged on the surface of the main body along a part of the periphery of the second terminal accommodating cavity, so that the retaining surface of the locking protrusion opposite to the inserted terminal has a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the terminal, and when the terminal locking portion is in the other locking position, the end of the locking protrusion in the extension direction can abut against the inserted terminal and lock the terminal, restricting the terminal from moving in the opposite direction of the insertion direction.

[0026] According to the connector housing having the above structure, the locking protrusion is provided on the surface of the main body along a portion of the periphery of the second terminal accommodating cavity, so that the retaining surface of the locking protrusion opposite to the inserted terminal has a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the terminal. Thus, the retaining surface of the locking protrusion can wrap around the terminal in accordance with the shape of the outer surface of the terminal, and can also provide a reliable retaining force to the terminal in the radial direction of the terminal.

[0027] In the connector housing of the present invention, the housing body has a locking lance, which extends into the radial inner side of the first terminal accommodating cavity in a cantilevered manner, extends in the terminal insertion direction, and is capable of elastically deforming in the radial direction of the first terminal accommodating cavity, and the locking lance includes a locking surface on the end side of the extension direction, which can temporarily lock the terminal before the terminal is locked by the locking protrusion of the terminal locking part to prevent the terminal from falling from the connector housing, and the end in the extension direction of the locking protrusion of the terminal locking part is located further on the insertion direction side than the locking surface of the locking lance of the fixed housing part.

[0028] According to the connector housing having the above structure, in addition to the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion, a locking lance can be provided on the housing body. Thus, the terminal can be double-locked by the locking lance and the locking protrusion. During terminal insertion, the locking lance on the fixed housing first locks the rear of the terminal. A worker can determine that the terminal has been temporarily locked by the locking lance by sensing changes in insertion force and checking whether the terminal can be pulled out in the direction opposite to insertion. Subsequently, the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion can further lock the terminal by moving the terminal locking portion from one locked position to another. According to this structure, although a locking lance is provided, unlike the locking lance used in conventional connectors to ultimately lock the terminal, the locking lance in this application only provides temporary locking, with the final locking being achieved by the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion. According to this structure, the distal end of the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion, in the extension direction, is located further toward the insertion direction than the locking surface of the locking lance on the fixed housing, allowing the locking lance sufficient space for springback, or elastic recovery.

[0029] In the connector housing according to the present invention, the moving direction of the terminal locking portion relative to the fixed housing portion is perpendicular to the elastic deformation direction of the locking lance.

[0030] According to the connector housing having the above structure, since the direction of movement of the terminal locking portion relative to the fixed housing portion is perpendicular to the direction of elastic deformation of the locking lance, even if the terminal locking portion moves relative to the fixed housing portion, the terminal locking portion will not interfere with the locking lance of the fixed housing portion, and the locking lance will not be accidentally elastically deformed by the force from the terminal locking portion, thereby reliably maintaining the locking posture of the locking lance. Moreover, due to this vertical arrangement, the locking force for temporary locking of the terminal and the locking force for final locking are vertically distributed, and the locking force is distributed more evenly.

[0031] In the connector housing of the present invention, a stopper is provided in the first terminal accommodating cavity of the housing body portion, and the stopper engages with the terminal in the normal insertion position to restrict movement of the terminal in the insertion direction.

[0032] According to the connector housing having the above structure, the front and rear terminals are locked by the stopper portion of the housing body and the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion, that is, the terminals are locked in the terminal insertion direction and the terminal insertion reverse direction, enabling accurate positioning.

[0033] In the connector housing of the present invention, the housing body is provided with a plurality of boss portions, and the main body of the terminal locking portion is provided with a plurality of recess portions, the boss portions are accommodated in the recess portions, each of the recess portions includes a guide surface extending in the moving direction, and when the terminal locking portion moves and switches between the one locking position and the other locking position, the boss portion moves along the guide surface, so that the guide surface guides the movement of the terminal locking portion, and each of the recess portions includes a limiting surface, and in the one locking position, the limiting surfaces of a part of the multiple recess portions are in close contact with the boss portion; and in the other locking position, the limiting surfaces of another part of the multiple recess portions are in close contact with the boss portion.

[0034] According to the connector housing having the above structure, the terminal locking portion can move smoothly in the moving direction by being guided by the guiding surface of the recessed portion, and the position of the terminal locking portion at each locking position is limited by the limiting surface of the recessed portion, so that it cannot move or rotate.

[0035] A second aspect of the present invention provides a connector including the connector housing according to the first aspect and a terminal.

[0036] Since the second aspect of the present invention uses the connector housing according to the first aspect, it can achieve the various technical effects of the connector housing of the first aspect mentioned above, and easily achieve locking and unlocking of the terminals in the connector housing.

[0037] Preferably, in the connector of the present invention, the terminal includes an electrical connection portion for electrically connecting to a mating terminal, a wire crimping portion for crimping to an electric wire, and a flange portion arranged between the electrical connection portion and the wire crimping portion and protruding uniformly around the outer peripheral surface of the terminal, and when the terminal locking portion is in the other locking position, the flange portion is engaged with at least the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion.

[0038] In the connector of the second aspect of the present invention, the locking projection of the terminal locking portion and the terminal can be locked by simply providing a protruding flange portion on the outer surface of the terminal. In addition, the flange portion can also be engaged with a stop portion in the housing body portion, so that when the terminal is in the normal insertion position, the flange portion of the terminal is locked between the stop portion of the housing body portion and the locking projection of the terminal locking portion.

[0039] A third aspect of the present invention provides a locking method for locking a terminal in a connector housing in an unlockable manner, wherein the connector housing is the connector housing according to the first aspect, and the locking method sequentially comprises:

[0040] inserting the terminal from the opening of the first terminal accommodating cavity of the housing body portion of the connector housing; and

[0041] When the terminal is inserted into the normal insertion position, the terminal locking portion is moved from the one locking position to the other locking position and locked at the other locking position, so that the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion engages with the terminal, so that the terminal is locked by the locking protrusion, restricting the terminal from moving in the opposite direction of the terminal insertion direction.

[0042] Since the second aspect of the present invention uses the connector housing according to the first aspect, it is possible to achieve the various technical effects of the connector housing of the first aspect mentioned above, and to easily lock the terminals in the connector housing.

[0043] In the locking method of the third aspect, when the terminal is unlocked by the locking projection of the terminal locking portion, the terminal locking portion is moved from the other locking position to the one locking position.

[0044] According to the above locking method, the terminal can be unlocked by simply moving the terminal locking part from another locking position to one locking position, and the terminal can be easily pulled out from the connector housing, and the wiring harness or terminal can be easily replaced, etc. There is no need to disassemble the entire connector and no damage will be caused to the connector components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The accompanying drawings are provided for a better understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0046] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a connector to which a connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied;

[0047] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a terminal locking portion of a connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the fixed housing portion side and an enlarged view of relevant parts, wherein the terminal locking portion is in a locked position;

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the fixed housing portion side and an enlarged view of relevant parts, wherein the terminal locking portion is in another locking position;

[0050] Figure 5Ais a schematic plan view of a connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the terminal locking portion side, wherein the terminal locking portion is at a locking position;

[0051] Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of a state between the terminal locking portion and the terminal when the terminal locking portion is at a locking position;

[0052] Figure 6A is a schematic plan view of a connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the terminal locking portion side, wherein the terminal locking portion is at another locking position;

[0053] Figure 6B is a schematic perspective view of a state between the terminal locking portion and the terminal when the terminal locking portion is at another locking position;

[0054] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of a starting stage of insertion when a terminal is inserted into a connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7B is a schematic diagram during insertion and Figure 7C This is a schematic diagram when the insertion is completed;

[0055] Figure 8A is a schematic perspective view of a state in which the terminal locking portion is at a locking position and the terminal is not locked after the terminal insertion is completed; and

[0056] Figure 8B This is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which, after the terminal insertion is completed, the terminal locking portion moves from one locking position to another locking position to lock the terminal.

[0057] Explanation of symbols

[0058] 10 Housing body

[0059] 100 fixed housing part

[0060] 110 first terminal accommodating cavity

[0061] 120 Locking Spear

[0062] 121 locking surface

[0063] 130 First notch

[0064] 140 Second notch

[0065] 150 Third gap

[0066] 160 through hole

[0067] 200 Terminal locking part

[0068] 201 Main body

[0069] 210 Second terminal accommodating cavity

[0070] 211 groove

[0071] 220 locking protrusion

[0072] 221 Keep Surface

[0073] 222 Strengthening Department

[0074] 230 Locking Arm

[0075] 231 Locking claw

[0076] 232, 233 inclined surface

[0077] 240 Operation Department

[0078] 241 Operation part convex part

[0079] 250 notch

[0080] 2501 Limiting surface

[0081] 2502 guide surface

[0082] 300 base

[0083] 310 first terminal accommodating cavity

[0084] 320 locking slot

[0085] 321, 322 inclined surface

[0086] 330 stopper

[0087] 350 fastening boss

[0088] 400 terminal

[0089] 410 flange

[0090] 500 Fasteners

[0091] W Wire

[0092] P1, P2 locked position

[0093] M Panel DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] Hereinafter, the technical solutions of the present invention will be more clearly explained by describing specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0095] It should be noted that the drawings in the present invention are merely schematic diagrams for the purpose of clearly illustrating the parts related to the solutions of the present invention, and do not show some non-essential parts that may exist. Therefore, these drawings should not be understood as limiting the present invention, and they may differ from the actual structure when used. In addition, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", etc. that may appear in the following description to indicate direction or position are for the purpose of convenience of explanation and are not restrictive. Similarly, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, the description of well-known functions and structures is omitted in the following description.

[0096] Figure 1 The figure shows an exploded view of a connector using a connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connector housing according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a housing body 10 and a terminal locking portion 200. In this embodiment, the housing body 10 adopts a split structure, including a fixed housing portion 100 and a base portion 300. At least one first terminal accommodating cavity 110, 310 is formed in each of the fixed housing portion 100 and the base portion 300. Figure 1 In the example shown, there are seven, but this is not restrictive, thereby constituting the terminal accommodating cavity of the housing body. Seven corresponding second terminal accommodating cavities 210 are formed in the terminal locking portion 200. These terminal accommodating cavities 110, 210 and 310 are arranged corresponding to each other and communicate with each other, so that when the fixed housing portion 100, the terminal locking portion 200 and the base portion 300 are assembled together, they can constitute a complete terminal accommodating cavity of the connector housing.

[0097] In this embodiment, the terminal 400 is as follows Figure 1 The illustrated terminal is a circular terminal, and thus the terminal receiving cavities of the fixed housing portion 100, the terminal locking portion 200, and the base portion 300 generally have a circular shape corresponding to the outer contour of the terminal. However, it will be understood that this is not restrictive, and the terminal may have other shapes, and accordingly, the terminal receiving cavities may have other corresponding shapes.

[0098] Terminal 400 includes a Figure 1 The electrical connection part at the left end of the Figure 1 The terminal 400 includes a wire connection portion (the right end in FIG) and a flange portion 410 provided between the wire connection portion and the wire crimping portion and protruding uniformly around the outer circumference of the terminal. The electrical connection portion of the terminal 400 is used to electrically connect to the electrical connection portion of the mating terminal, and the wire connection portion of the terminal 400 is used to be connected to the wire W.

[0099] Next, the fixed housing portion 100 and the base portion 300 constituting the housing body portion 10 according to the present embodiment, and the terminal locking portion 200 will be described separately.

[0100] like Figure 8A and 8B As shown, the peripheral wall of the fixed housing portion 100 may extend in the terminal insertion direction to a certain extent, thereby forming an enclosed space inside the peripheral wall, and the terminal locking portion 200 may be partially accommodated in the enclosed space. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 As shown, the fixed housing portion 100 is provided with a first notch 130, a second notch 140, and a third notch 150, each of which has a portion of its outer periphery cut away. When the fixed housing portion 100, the terminal locking portion 200, and the base portion 300 are assembled and the terminal locking portion is accommodated in the above-mentioned enclosed space of the fixed housing portion 100, the operating portion 240 of the terminal locking portion 200 is exposed from the first notch 130, and the two locking arms 230 of the terminal locking portion 200 are exposed from the second notches 140 and 150, respectively. This allows a worker to operate the operating portion 240 of the terminal locking portion 200 and thereby control the locking position of the locking arms 230 of the terminal locking portion 200. It should also be noted that although the terminal locking portion 200 is accommodated in the enclosed space formed by the peripheral wall of the fixed housing portion 100, the peripheral wall of the fixed housing portion does not affect the movement of the terminal locking portion within the enclosed space. In addition, although the terminal locking portion 200 in the embodiment is accommodated in the enclosed space of the fixed housing portion 100, this is not necessary. The terminal locking portion 200 may also be arranged close to the fixed housing portion 100 instead of being accommodated in the fixed housing portion.

[0101] like Figures 7A-7C As shown, the fixed housing portion 100 may include a pair of upper and lower locking lances 120. The locking lances 120 extend radially inwardly of the first terminal accommodating cavity 110 in a cantilevered manner, extend in the terminal insertion direction, and are elastically deformable in the radial direction of the first terminal accommodating cavity. The locking lances 120 include a retaining surface 121 on the distal end side in the extension direction. The retaining surface 121 can temporarily lock the terminal and temporarily restrict the terminal from moving in the direction opposite to the insertion direction by contacting the flange portion 410 of the terminal.

[0102] Figure 2-6AThe terminal locking portion 200 is shown. As shown, the terminal locking portion 200 includes a main body 201 and a locking protrusion 220 protruding from the surface of the main body 201. As described above, the main body 201 of the terminal locking portion can be accommodated within the space enclosed by the fixed housing portion 100, such that the main body 201 is substantially flush with the end of the peripheral wall of the fixed housing portion 100 or slightly protrudes from the end of the peripheral wall. A second terminal accommodating cavity 210 is formed in the main body 201 and has a shape that generally corresponds to the first terminal accommodating cavity 110, 310 of the housing body. The locking protrusion 220 is provided near the periphery of the second terminal accommodating cavity 210 of the main body 201, along a portion of the periphery, and extends linearly in the terminal insertion direction, that is, in the same direction as the locking lance 120 of the fixed housing portion 100. Unlike the flexible locking lance 120, the locking protrusion 220 of the terminal locking portion 200 is thick and rigid, making it difficult to deform. The retaining surface 221 of the locking protrusion 220 facing the corresponding terminal accommodating cavity 210, that is, the surface opposite to the inserted terminal, can have a shape corresponding to the outer contour of the terminal. For example, in the present embodiment, the terminal 400 is Figure 1 In the case of the circular terminal shown, the retaining surface 221 of the locking protrusion 220 can be a curved arc surface, so that when the terminal is inserted, the locking protrusion 220 of the terminal locking portion 200 is in a state of wrapping a part of the outer surface of the terminal, which can support the terminal in the radial direction and stabilize the locking posture of the terminal. Figure 2 As specifically shown, the locking protrusion 220 is formed along a portion of the periphery of the second terminal accommodating cavity 210, so that the retaining surface 221 of the locking protrusion 220 is substantially flush with the surface of the corresponding terminal accommodating cavity 210. That is, the retaining surface 221 of the locking protrusion 220 can be considered an extension of the second terminal accommodating cavity 210. However, it should be noted that the locking protrusion 220 can also be located slightly radially outward of the surface of the second terminal accommodating cavity as a whole, rather than requiring the retaining surface 221 to be flush with the surface of the second terminal accommodating cavity 210.

[0103] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, in order to ensure the rigidity and strength of the locking protrusion 220, a rib-shaped reinforcement portion 222 can be provided on both ends of the locking protrusion 220. By providing the reinforcement portion 222, the rigidity and strength of the locking protrusion 220 are improved, and elastic deformation is less likely to occur. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, the two upper locking protrusions 220 are not provided with reinforcements, while the five lower locking protrusions 220 are provided with reinforcements 222. This is because, according to the layout of the second terminal accommodating cavity 210 of this embodiment, the two upper locking protrusions 220 have sufficient space to form, so that the two locking protrusions can be set to have a thicker thickness, which can ensure sufficient rigidity and is not easily deformed. In contrast, the five lower locking protrusions have limited space to form, so they are thinner. Therefore, by providing reinforcements 222 at both ends of the locking protrusions with a larger installation space, the overall rigidity of the locking protrusions 220 can be improved, and even if the locking protrusions 220 are thinner, they are not easily deformed. The shape and position of the reinforcement 222 are not limited to the form in this embodiment, and any other form can be adopted as long as it can improve rigidity.

[0104] In addition, if Figure 5B 、 6B As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the terminal locking portion 200 may include an operating portion 240. The operating portion 240 is formed in the direction of movement of the terminal locking portion 200. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, it is arranged on the side opposite to the locking direction. Therefore, by operating the operating portion 240, such as pushing the operating portion 240, the movement of the terminal locking portion 200 can be assisted. In addition, as shown in the figure, one end of the operating portion 240 can protrude a certain distance from the main body portion 201 toward the side of the fixed housing portion 100, forming an operating portion protrusion 241.

[0105] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 201 of the terminal locking portion 200 is provided with a cantilevered elastically deformable locking arm 230 and a locking claw 231 at the end of the locking arm 230 on the upper and lower sides respectively. The locking mechanism composed of the locking arm and the locking claw allows the terminal locking portion 200 to be locked and fixed in different locking positions. In this embodiment, a locked mechanism capable of engaging with the locking mechanism of the terminal locking portion is provided on the base portion 300 to achieve switching between different locking positions of the terminal locking portion 200, which will be described in detail later.

[0106] like Figure 2 As shown, a groove 211 is formed on the upper side and / or lower side of the second terminal accommodating cavity 210 of the terminal locking portion 200 of this embodiment. When the terminal locking portion 200 is assembled to the fixed housing portion 100, the locking lance 120 of the fixed housing portion 100 can pass through the groove 211 and elastically deform in the groove 211.

[0107] Figure 1 、 3 , 4, 8A and 8B show the base portion 300 of the housing body portion 10. Figure 1As shown, the base portion 300 has a dimension longer than the fixed housing portion 100 and the terminal locking portion 200, and the base portion can be fitted into the mounting hole of the panel M. Figure 8A and 8B As shown, the first terminal accommodating cavity 310 of the base portion 300 has a double-wall structure with two layers inside and outside, and a part of the wall of the inner layer is cut off in the height direction, that is, it becomes a lower height part. The locking protrusion 220 of the terminal locking portion 200 and the locking lance 120 of the fixed housing portion 100 can be accommodated in the lower height part of the inner layer wall. A stopper 330 is provided in the inner peripheral portion of the inner layer wall of the first terminal accommodating cavity 310 of the base portion 300, as shown in FIG. Figures 8A-8B The stopper 330 may be a step portion as shown, and when the terminal 400 is inserted into the normal insertion position, the stopper 330 can engage with the flange portion 410 of the terminal 400 and lock the terminal 400 to prevent the terminal from further moving in the insertion direction.

[0108] like Figure 3-6B As shown, the base portion 300 is formed with a locking mechanism capable of engaging with the locking mechanism of the terminal locking portion 200, which is composed of a locking arm 230 and a locking claw 231. In this embodiment, two locking grooves 320 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the base portion 300, arranged side by side along the movement direction of the terminal locking portion. The locking claw 231 at the end of the locking arm 230 of the terminal locking portion 200 can be correspondingly engaged with a corresponding locking groove 320, so that the terminal locking portion 200 can be positioned in two different locking positions P1 and P2 by the engagement of the locking claw 231 with the corresponding locking groove 320. In this embodiment, the direction in which the terminal locking portion 200 moves from one locking position P1 to the other locking position P2 is defined as the locking direction, and the opposite direction of the locking direction is defined as the unlocking direction.

[0109] In this embodiment, if Figure 3-6BAs shown, the front surface of the locking claw 231 in the locking direction is an inclined surface 232 that tilts more toward the unlocking direction toward the top of the locking claw. Furthermore, the front surface of the locking groove 320 in the locking direction is an inclined surface 321 that tilts more toward the unlocking direction toward the bottom of the locking groove 320. More preferably, the inclined surface 232 of the locking claw 231 and the inclined surface 321 of the locking groove 320 have substantially the same inclination. Furthermore, the rear surface of the locking claw 231 in the locking direction also includes an inclined surface 233 that tilts more toward the locking direction toward the top of the locking claw. Furthermore, the rear surface of the locking groove 320 in the locking direction is an inclined surface 322 that tilts more toward the locking direction toward the bottom of the locking groove. More preferably, the inclined surface 233 of the locking claw 231 and the inclined surface 322 of the locking groove 320 have substantially the same inclination. Due to the arrangement of the above-mentioned inclined surfaces of the locking claw 231 and the locking groove 320, the movement of the locking arm in the locking direction and the unlocking direction can be guided by the sliding movement between the inclined surfaces. In addition, the force required to move the terminal locking portion 200 in the locking direction and the unlocking direction can be adjusted by appropriately setting the inclination angle of the inclined surface. The gentler the inclination, the smaller the force required, and vice versa.

[0110] It's worth noting that the aforementioned inclined surfaces 233 of the locking pawl 230 and the corresponding inclined surfaces 322 of the locking groove 320 are designed to facilitate the unlocking operation. However, to prevent the locking pawl 230 from accidentally moving out of the locking groove 320 when locked in it and to ensure more reliable locking, the two inclined surfaces 233 and 322 can also be arranged vertically or inclined in opposite directions. Even in this case, the locking pawl can still be removed from the locking groove using a jig, though a greater unlocking force is required.

[0111] Figure 3 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B and Figure 8AThe figure shows the state when the terminal locking portion is locked in a locking position P1. The locking position P1 is the initial installation position of the terminal locking portion 200. In this locking position P1, the terminal locking portion 200 as a whole, or only the locking protrusion 220 of the terminal locking portion 200 as a whole, is located radially outside or flush with the inner peripheral surface of the corresponding first terminal accommodating cavity 110 of the fixed housing portion 100. Therefore, when the terminal is inserted from the first terminal accommodating cavity 110 of the fixed housing portion 100 into the second terminal accommodating cavity 210 of the terminal locking portion 200, the terminal locking portion 220 does not hinder the insertion of the terminal, thereby allowing the terminal to be inserted into the second terminal accommodating cavity 210. When the terminal is completely inserted, the locking protrusion 220 does not contact the terminal. At a locking position P, in the locking direction, there is a gap between the operating portion protrusion 241 of the operating portion 240 of the terminal locking portion 200 and the fixed housing portion 100, and there is a gap of corresponding size between the outer peripheral surface of the terminal locking portion 200 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the fixed housing portion 100.

[0112] Figure 4 、 Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Figure 8B The state when the terminal locking part is locked in another locking position P2 is shown. At the other locking position P2, the terminal locking part 200 is pushed toward the locking direction, and the locking claw 231 of the locking arm 230 of the terminal locking part 200 disengages from one locking groove 320 and enters and is locked in the next locking groove 230 in the locking direction, so that at least a part or all of the locking protrusion 220 of the terminal locking part 200 enters the radial inner side of the inner peripheral surface of the first terminal accommodating cavity 110 of the fixed housing part 100, so that the end of the locking protrusion 220 contacts and abuts against the flange part 410 of the terminal 400, thereby finally locking the terminal 400 and limiting the movement of the terminal in the opposite direction of the insertion direction. In addition, as Figure 8B As shown, in the locking direction, as the terminal locking part 200 moves, the gap between the operating part protrusion 241 of the operating part 240 of the terminal locking part 200 and the fixed housing part 100 and the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the terminal locking part 200 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the fixed housing part are filled by the terminal locking part 200, so that the operating part protrusion 241 of the operating part 240 of the terminal locking part 200 contacts the fixed housing part 100 and the outer peripheral surface of the terminal locking part contacts the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the fixed housing part.

[0113] like Figure 1 As shown, through holes 160 are provided at four positions on the periphery of the fixed housing portion 100. The number of 4 in the figure is not restrictive, and the layout and number of the through holes can be reasonably designed. Figure 2As shown, notches 250 are formed on the terminal locking portion 200 at positions corresponding to the four through holes 150 of the terminal locking portion 100. Figure 1 As shown, four bosses 350 are formed on the base portion 300 at positions corresponding to the four through holes 150 of the terminal locking portion 100 , and fastening holes are formed in the fastening bosses 350 .

[0114] By clamping the terminal locking portion 200 between the fixed housing portion 100 and the base portion 300, the fastening boss 350 of the base portion passes through the recessed portion 250 of the terminal locking portion 200 and abuts against the fixed housing portion 100, and by inserting a fastener 500 such as a screw through the through hole 160 of the fixed housing portion 100 and tightening it into the fastening hole of the fastening boss 350 of the base portion 300, the fixed housing portion 100 and the base portion 300 can be fixed together as a whole, and the terminal locking portion 200 can be moved relative to the fixed housing portion 100, thereby forming a connector.

[0115] In addition, the fastening boss 350 and the notch portion 250 are used for screw fixing in addition to the above-mentioned screw fixing. Figure 2 As shown, the recessed portion 250 is also designed with a limiting surface 2501 and a guide surface 2502. The guide surface 2502 is a plane extending in the moving direction of the terminal locking portion. When the terminal locking portion moves to switch between one locking position P1 and another locking position P2, the fastening boss 350 can move along the guide surface 2502, so that the guide surface 2502 guides the movement of the terminal locking portion and limits the moving direction of the terminal locking portion. In addition, each recessed portion 250 includes a limiting surface 2502, which is an arc-shaped surface corresponding to the outer surface of the fastening boss 350, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A As shown, in a locking position P1, the limiting surfaces of the two notches 250 on the left are in close contact with the fastening boss, while the two limiting surfaces on the right do not contact the fastening boss, and as shown in FIG. Figure 6A As shown, in another locking position P2, the two limiting surfaces on the left side leave the fastening boss, while the two limiting surfaces on the right side are in close contact with the fastening boss.

[0116] Therefore, the terminal locking portion 200 can be smoothly moved in the moving direction by being guided by the guide surface 2501 of the notch portion 250 of the terminal locking portion 200, and the position of the terminal locking portion at each locking position is restricted by the limiting surface 2502 of the notch portion 250, so that it cannot move or rotate. As a result, the terminal locking portion can more reliably move to the corresponding locking position and be locked at the corresponding locking position.

[0117] The above has roughly described the structure of the fixed shell part 100, the base part 300 and the terminal locking part 200 of the shell body part 10 of the connector of this embodiment. Now, the terminal insertion process and the effect of the connector of this embodiment with the above structure will be mainly described.

[0118] First, if Figure 1 As shown, when the terminal locking portion 200 is located between the fixed housing portion 100 and the base portion 300 and the terminal locking portion 200 is in a locking position P1, i.e., an initial installation position, relative to the base portion by being locked between the locking claw 231 and a locking groove 320, the fastener 500 is inserted through the through hole 160 of the fixed housing portion 100 and tightened into the fastening hole of the fastening boss 350 of the base portion 300, thereby fixing the fixed housing portion 100 and the base portion 300 together as an integral whole.

[0119] Next, the terminal 400 is inserted into the opening of the first terminal receiving cavity 110 of the fixed housing portion 100, and as the insertion proceeds, as shown in FIG. Figure 7A As shown, the flange portion 410 of the terminal 400 begins to contact the locking lance 120 in the fixed housing portion 100. Figure 7B As shown, when the terminal 400 continues to move forward, the locking lance 120 is elastically deformed radially outward due to the compression of the flange portion 410 of the terminal 400, and the terminal 400 can continue to be inserted. Figure 7C As shown, when the flange portion 410 of the terminal 400 passes through the retaining surface 121 of the locking lance 120, the locking lance 120 is no longer squeezed by the flange portion 410, thereby elastically recovering. At this time, the retaining surface 121 of the elastically recovered locking lance 120 interferes with the flange portion 410 of the terminal 400 in the opposite direction of the terminal insertion direction, that is, the terminal withdrawal direction, so that the terminal 400 is temporarily locked, limiting the terminal 400 from being accidentally removed due to movement in the opposite direction of the insertion direction.

[0120] Then, continue inserting the terminal 400 until the flange portion 410 of the terminal 400 is as shown in FIG. Figure 8A As shown, the terminal 400 is inserted into the stopper 330 of the base portion 300. At this time, the terminal 400 is inserted into the normal insertion position. At this time, since the flange portion 410 of the terminal 400 is pressed against the stopper 330 of the base portion 300, the terminal cannot move forward in the terminal insertion direction, so that it can be judged that the terminal is in the normal insertion position.

[0121] According to this embodiment, since the terminal locking portion 200 does not extend radially inward from the first terminal accommodating cavity 110 or is located radially inward of the first terminal accommodating cavity 110 when the terminal locking portion 200 is in a locking position, namely the initial installation position P1, it will not cause interference with the terminal on the terminal insertion path and will not affect the insertion of the terminal.

[0122] Next, when the terminal 400 has been completely inserted and is located at the regular insertion position, the terminal lock portion 200 is pushed so as to switch from one locking position, ie, the initial mounting position P1 , to another locking position P2 .

[0123] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the operating portion 240 of the terminal locking portion 200 exposed from the first notch portion 130 of the fixed housing portion 100 is pushed. At this time, due to the thrust received, the inclined surfaces 232 of the locking claws 231 of the upper and lower pair of locking arms 230 of the terminal locking portion slide on the inclined surfaces 321 of the locking groove 320, and the locking arms 230 are elastically deformed outward. As the pushing continues, the guide surface of the notched portion 250 of the terminal locking portion 200 slides in contact with the fastening boss 350, guiding the moving direction of the terminal locking portion 200. As the terminal locking portion 200 moves, the two locking claws 231 respectively move out of one locking groove 320 and enter the next locking groove in the locking direction, and engage with the next locking groove, and the locking arms 230 elastically recover, see Figure 4 . Therefore, the terminal locking portion 200 switches from one locking position P1 to another locking position P2, and the limiting surface of the notch portion 250 is in close contact with the corresponding fastening boss. It can be understood that although the design of the inclination of the above-mentioned inclined surfaces 233 and 322 can effectively control the thrust when the locking claw switches from one locking groove to another, so that the movement in the unlocking direction can be easily achieved simply by directly pushing the terminal locking portion 200, in special circumstances, a jig can also be used to move the locking arm 230 to achieve the switching of the locking claw from one locking groove to another.

[0124] When the terminal locking portion 200 is switched to another locking position P2 as above, Figure 6B and 8B As shown, the locking protrusion 220 of the terminal locking portion 200 moves to the radial inner side of the first terminal accommodating cavity 110 of the fixed housing portion 100 and enters the first terminal accommodating cavity 110, thereby abutting against the flange portion 410 of the terminal 400 from the rear side of the terminal insertion direction to lock the terminal. At this time, the flange portion 410 of the terminal is locked between the stop portion 330 of the base portion 300 and the locking protrusion 220 of the terminal locking portion 200, and the terminal 400 is converted from a temporary locked state to a final locked state.

[0125] In addition, if Figure 8B As shown, when the terminal locking portion 200 is in another locking position P2 and the terminal is thus finally locked, the operating portion protrusion 241 of the operating portion 240 of the terminal locking portion 200 abuts against the fixed housing portion 100, thereby limiting the continued movement of the terminal locking portion 200 in the locking direction, preventing the terminal locking portion 200 from being subjected to force, causing the locking arm 230 to be accidentally elastically deformed due to the force and the locking claw to escape from the locking groove. In addition, by observing the operating portion protrusion 241, it is also possible to visually confirm that the terminal locking portion is currently in another locking position P2 that finally locks the terminal. In addition, in the unlocking operation of switching the terminal locking portion from another locking position P2 back to a locking position P1, the operating portion protrusion 241 can also assist in moving the terminal locking portion 200 in the unlocking direction.

[0126] As described above, the terminal can be locked simply by moving the terminal locking portion to switch the locking position.

[0127] On the other hand, when there is a need to pull the terminal out of the connector, in contrast to the locking operation, the terminal locking portion 200 is directly pushed, causing the locking claw 231 of the locking arm 230 of the terminal locking portion 200 to disengage from the current locking groove and enter the next locking groove in the unlocking direction, so that the terminal locking portion 200 returns from another locking position P2 to a locking position P1, that is, the final locked state of the terminal can be released. Afterwards, by inserting a jig into the connector to elastically deform the locking lance of the fixed housing portion 100, the terminal can be simply pulled out.

[0128] The connector of the present invention has been described above. Because it utilizes a terminal locking portion that can be switched between different locking positions, the terminal can be locked and unlocked simply by moving the terminal locking portion, making operation convenient. Furthermore, even when the connector wiring harness needs to be replaced or the terminal needs to be removed from the connector housing, the wiring harness can be replaced or the terminal can be removed through simple operations without disassembling the entire connector and without damaging the connector components.

[0129] It is worth noting that the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, in the embodiments, the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion extends further than the locking lance of the fixed housing portion, or in other words, the terminal locking portion's distal end in the extension direction is located further toward the insertion direction than the locking lance's retaining surface. Therefore, when the terminal is properly inserted, the terminal flange portion actually only abuts against the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion and not against the retaining surface of the locking lance. Therefore, although the fixed housing portion 100 in the embodiments is provided with a locking lance 120 for temporarily locking the terminal, this is not necessary. Because the locking protrusion 220 of the terminal locking portion 200 is rigid and not easily deformed, the locking protrusion 220 of the terminal locking portion 200 is sufficient to ensure locking strength, eliminating the need for the locking lance 120, and the terminal locking portion 200 alone can complete the locking of the terminal, resulting in a simpler structure and a simpler unlocking procedure. Furthermore, since the locking projection of the terminal locking portion extends longer than the locking lance of the fixed housing portion as described above, the locking lance has sufficient space to rebound, ie, to elastically restore, when the locking lance is formed.

[0130] In addition, in the above embodiment, the shell body portion 10 of the connector shell is a split structure including a base portion 300 and a fixed shell portion 100, however, this is not restrictive, and the shell body portion 10 can also be composed of only a single shell portion such as the base portion 300, as long as the terminal locking portion 200 can be installed.

[0131] In addition, in the above embodiment, when the locking lance is formed, the locking lance is formed on the fixed housing portion, but this is not restrictive and the locking lance portion may also be formed on the base portion as long as it is formed on the housing body portion.

[0132] In addition, in this embodiment, a pair of locking arms 230 of the terminal locking portion 200 are respectively arranged on the upper side and the lower side of the terminal locking portion, both extending in the locking direction, and are arranged staggered in the locking direction. Due to this arrangement of the locking arms, the locking portion of the terminal locking portion and the base portion can be reasonably arranged and a reliable locking force can be obtained, so that the terminal locking portion can be reliably locked in each locking position. However, this is not restrictive, and the locking arm can be provided with only one, as long as the terminal locking portion can be reliably locked in each locking position; and the locking arm can also be provided with more than two, and a part can also extend in the locking direction and the rest can extend in the unlocking direction, as long as the terminal locking portion can be switched between different locking positions.

[0133] In addition, in this embodiment, the terminal locking portion is locked to the base portion, but this is not restrictive. The terminal locking portion may also be locked to the fixed housing portion or other possible components, or locked to both the fixed housing portion and the base portion, as long as the terminal locking portion can be moved relative to the fixed housing portion and has two locking positions.

[0134] In addition, in this embodiment, the shape of the terminal is circular, and accordingly, the shape of each terminal receiving cavity is also circular, but this is not restrictive. For example, the terminal may also be square, etc.

[0135] In addition, in this embodiment, the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion is a protrusion extending from the main body of the terminal locking portion toward the terminal insertion direction. However, this is not restrictive and the structure of the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion can be flexibly set according to the structure of the terminal to be inserted. For example, in the case where the inserted terminal does not have a flange portion but has a locking hole, the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion can be a protrusion protruding toward the radial inside. By moving the terminal locking portion in the locking direction, the protrusion can be locked in the locking hole of the terminal, thereby achieving final locking of the terminal, etc.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking lances in the fixed housing portion are provided as a pair, one above the other, capable of elastically deforming in the vertical direction. The terminal locking portion moves in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elastic deformation of the locking lances, and the locking protrusion is positioned in the direction of movement of the terminal locking portion. Therefore, regardless of the movement of the terminal locking portion, the terminal locking portion does not affect the locking lances in the fixed housing portion. However, this is not restrictive, and the terminal locking portion can be moved in a direction other than the direction of elastic deformation of the locking lances in the fixed housing portion.

[0137] In addition, in this embodiment, the length of the locking protrusion 220 of the terminal locking portion extending along the periphery of the second terminal receiving cavity 210 of the main body 201 is not limited to Figure 2 The dimensions shown can be reasonably set according to actual conditions or space requirements. In other words, the length of the retaining surface 221 of the locking protrusion 220 can be set as needed to provide an appropriate wrapping for the terminal.

[0138] The above specific embodiments do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector housing, characterized in that: The connector housing comprises: a housing body portion having at least one first terminal accommodating cavity formed therein, and a terminal locking portion, wherein at least one second terminal accommodating cavity is formed in the terminal locking portion, the second terminal accommodating cavity being in communication with the first terminal accommodating cavity, The terminal locking portion has a rigid locking protrusion, and the terminal locking portion can move relative to the housing body in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the second terminal accommodating cavity, thereby being switchably locked in two locking positions relative to the housing body. At one of the two locking positions, the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion is entirely located radially outside the inner circumferential surface of the first terminal accommodating cavity of the housing body or flush with the inner circumferential surface, so as to allow the terminal to be inserted into the first terminal accommodating cavity and the second terminal accommodating cavity. At the other locking position of the two locking positions, at least a portion of the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion protrudes radially inward of the inner circumferential surface of the first terminal accommodating cavity of the housing body portion, thereby locking the inserted terminal to restrict movement of the terminal in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. When the terminal locking portion returns from the other locking position to the one locking position, the locking of the terminal by the locking protrusion is released. The terminal locking portion integrally includes: a main body portion, in which the second terminal accommodating cavity is formed; and the locking protrusion extending linearly from the surface of the main body portion toward the terminal insertion direction, The locking protrusion is provided on the surface of the main body along a portion of the periphery of the second terminal accommodating cavity so that a retaining surface of the locking protrusion opposite to the inserted terminal has a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the terminal, and When the terminal locking portion is located at the other locking position, the distal end of the locking protrusion in the extending direction can abut against the inserted terminal and lock the terminal, restricting the terminal from moving in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

2. The connector housing according to claim 1, wherein: The housing body comprises a fixed housing portion and a base portion, and The base portion and the fixed housing portion are fastened together in a state in which the terminal locking portion is interposed between the base portion and the fixed housing portion.

3. The connector housing according to claim 2, wherein: At the locking position of the terminal locking portion, the terminal locking portion is locked to the fixed housing portion and / or the base portion.

4. The connector housing according to claim 3, wherein: The terminal locking portion is provided with a cantilevered elastically deformable locking arm, the end of which is provided with a locking claw. On the base portion or / and the fixed housing portion, two locking grooves are arranged side by side along the moving direction of the terminal locking portion, and By moving the terminal locking portion relative to the fixed housing portion, the locking claw can be locked in a corresponding one of the locking grooves, so that the terminal locking portion is locked to the base portion and / or the fixed housing portion.

5. The connector housing according to claim 4, wherein: The direction in which the terminal locking portion moves from the one locking position to the other locking position is a locking direction, and the opposite direction to the locking direction is an unlocking direction. The front surface of the locking claw in the locking direction is an inclined surface, which is inclined toward the unlocking direction toward the top end of the locking claw, and The front surface of the locking groove in the locking direction is an inclined surface, and the surface is inclined toward the unlocking direction as it moves toward the bottom surface of the locking groove.

6. The connector housing according to claim 5, wherein: The rear surface of the locking claw in the locking direction includes an inclined surface that is inclined toward the locking direction toward the top end of the locking claw, and The rear surfaces of the locking grooves in the locking direction are all inclined surfaces, and the surfaces are inclined more toward the locking direction as they go toward the bottom surface of the locking grooves.

7. The connector housing according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: At least one locking arm of the terminal locking portion is provided.

8. The connector housing according to claim 2, wherein: The housing body has a locking lance that extends radially inwardly of the first terminal accommodating cavity in a cantilevered manner, extends in the terminal insertion direction, and is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the first terminal accommodating cavity. The locking lance includes a stopper surface on a distal end side in an extending direction, the stopper surface being capable of temporarily locking the terminal before the terminal is locked by the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion, preventing the terminal from falling out of the connector housing, and The distal end in the extending direction of the locking projection of the terminal locking portion is located further on the insertion direction side than a latching surface of the locking lance of the fixed housing portion.

9. The connector housing according to claim 8, wherein: A moving direction of the terminal locking portion relative to the fixed housing portion is perpendicular to an elastic deformation direction of the locking lance.

10. The connector housing according to claim 1, wherein A stopper is provided in the first terminal accommodating cavity of the housing body, and the stopper engages with the terminal in the normal insertion position to limit movement of the terminal in the insertion direction.

11. The connector housing according to claim 1, wherein The housing body portion is provided with a plurality of boss portions, and the main body portion of the terminal locking portion is provided with a plurality of notch portions, The boss portion is received in the recess portion, Each of the notch portions includes a guide surface extending in the moving direction of the terminal locking portion, and when the terminal locking portion moves to switch between the one locking position and the other locking position, the boss portion moves along the guide surface, so that the guide surface guides the movement of the terminal locking portion, and Each of the notch portions includes a limiting surface, and in the one locking position, the limiting surfaces of a portion of the multiple notch portions are in close contact with the boss portion; and in the other locking position, the limiting surfaces of another portion of the multiple notch portions are in close contact with the boss portion.

12. A connector, characterized in that: The connector comprises: The connector housing according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and terminal.

13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein: The terminal includes an electrical connection portion for electrically connecting to a mating terminal, a wire crimping portion for crimping to a wire, and a flange portion disposed between the electrical connection portion and the wire crimping portion and protruding uniformly around the outer circumference of the terminal. When the terminal locking portion is located at the other locking position, the flange portion is engaged with at least the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion.

14. A locking method for locking a terminal in a connector housing in an unlockable manner, wherein the connector housing is the connector housing according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The locking method includes: inserting the terminal from the opening of the first terminal accommodating cavity of the housing body portion of the connector housing; and When the terminal is inserted into the normal insertion position, the terminal locking portion is moved from the one locking position to the other locking position and locked at the other locking position, so that the locking protrusion of the terminal locking portion engages with the terminal, so that the terminal is locked by the locking protrusion, restricting the terminal from moving in the opposite direction of the terminal insertion direction.

15. The locking method according to claim 14, characterized in that: When the locking of the terminal by the locking projection of the terminal locking portion is released, the terminal locking portion is moved from the other locking position to the one locking position.

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