connector

Abstract

Provided is a connector that can easily perform a connection operation of a connection object and the connector. The connector (10) includes an electric wire (20) having flexibility, a terminal (30) connected to the electric wire (20), and a housing (40) that houses the electric wire (20) and the terminal (30). The housing (40) includes a housing main body (50) that houses the electric wire (20), and a holding body (70) that houses and holds the terminal (30). The holding body (70) is fitted to the housing main body (50) with a clearance therebetween, and is configured to be able to swing together with the terminal (30) with respect to the housing main body (50) in a surface direction. The electric wire (20) extends to the outside of the housing main body (50) in an extension direction that intersects the Z-axis direction, and is configured to be able to slide with respect to the housing main body (50) in the extension direction following the swinging of the terminal (30). A gap is provided between the housing main body (50) and the electric wire (20), and the gap allows bending of the electric wire (20) following the swinging of the terminal (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, connectors for connecting to vehicles or other machinery were known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The connector described in Patent Document 1 includes terminals, wires connected to the terminals, and a shielding shell covering the terminals and wires.

[0003] The terminals extend in the connection direction between the machine and the connector. The wires extend to the outside of the shielding housing in a direction orthogonal to the connection direction. An insulating resin portion is provided between the terminals, wires, and the shielding housing. The insulating resin portion integrates the terminals, wires, and shielding housing.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-113119 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the connector described in Patent Document 1, the insulating resin portion, terminals, and shielding shell are integrated. Therefore, if the positions of the connected object and the connector deviate from their normal positions, the operation of connecting the connected object and the connector may become difficult.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a way to easily perform connection operations between connected objects and connectors.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The connector disclosed herein connects to a connecting object and includes: a flexible wire; terminals for connecting the wire; and a housing for housing the wire and the terminals. When the direction in which the connecting object and the connector are connected is defined as the connection direction, and the direction along an imaginary plane orthogonal to the connection direction is defined as the surface direction, the housing includes a housing body for housing the wire and a retainer for housing and holding the terminals. The retainer is fitted to the housing body with a clearance between it and the housing body, thereby being configured to be able to rock relative to the housing body and together with the terminals in the surface direction. The wire extends to the outside of the housing body in an extension direction intersecting the connection direction and is configured to slide relative to the housing body in the extension direction following the rocking of the terminals. A gap is provided between the housing body and the wire, the gap allowing the wire to bend as it follows the rocking of the terminals.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to easily perform connection operations between connection objects and connectors. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the connector.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exploded 3D view of the shell.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a top view of the main body of the shell.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the main body of the shell.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the retainer.

[0021] Figure 8 This is the front view of the connector.

[0022] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view along line 9-9.

[0023] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view along line 10-10.

[0024] Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view along line 11-11.

[0025] Figure 12 It's a 3D model of the cover.

[0026] Figure 13 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line 13-13.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector when the retainer is rocking in the X-axis direction.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector when the retainer is rocking in the Y-axis direction. Detailed Implementation

[0029] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0030] First, the implementation methods of this disclosure are listed and explained.

[0031] [1] The connector disclosed herein is connected to a connecting object. The connector includes: a flexible wire; a terminal connected to the wire; and a housing for housing the wire and the terminal. When the direction in which the connecting object and the connector are connected is defined as the connection direction, and the direction along an imaginary plane orthogonal to the connection direction is defined as the surface direction, the housing includes a housing body for housing the wire and a retainer for housing and holding the terminal. The retainer is fitted to the housing body with a clearance between it and the housing body, thereby being configured to be able to rock relative to the housing body and the terminal in the surface direction. The wire extends to the outside of the housing body in an extension direction intersecting the connection direction and is configured to slide relative to the housing body in the extension direction following the rocking of the terminal. A gap is provided between the housing body and the wire, the gap allowing the wire to bend in accordance with the rocking of the terminal.

[0032] According to this configuration, the retainer of the terminal is configured to be able to rock in the planar direction relative to the housing body. The wire is configured such that it is inside the housing body, able to bend in accordance with the rocking of the terminal relative to the housing body, and can slide in the extension direction. Therefore, by having the terminal and retainer rock in the planar direction as a single unit relative to the housing body, misalignment of the connected object and connector can be absorbed. Thus, the connection operation of the connected object and connector is facilitated.

[0033] [2] Preferably, the terminal has: a first extension portion electrically connected to the connected object and extending in the connection direction; a second extension portion electrically connected to the wire and extending in the extension direction; and a bend portion located between the first extension portion and the second extension portion.

[0034] According to this configuration, the terminal has a first extension extending in the connection direction, a second extension extending in the wire extension direction, and a bending portion. Because the wire is connected to this second extension, the wire's extension direction can be different from the connection direction without bending the wire. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wire from being housed in a bent state inside the housing body. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the generation of load on the wire.

[0035] [3] Preferably, the housing body has: a first storage portion having the gap; and a second storage portion supporting the wire so as to be able to slide in the extension direction, the second storage portion being located at a position further away from the holder than the first storage portion.

[0036] According to this configuration, the wire is configured to bend inside the first receiving portion and slide inside the second receiving portion. This second receiving portion is located further away from the retainer than the first receiving portion. Therefore, when an external force acts on the portion of the wire extending outside the housing, vibration of the wire inside the first receiving portion can be suppressed. Thus, the transmission of the aforementioned external force to the terminal and the retainer can be suppressed.

[0037] [4] Preferably, the second receiving portion has a support protrusion that protrudes from the inner surface of the second receiving portion toward the wire and supports the wire so that it can slide in the extending direction.

[0038] According to this configuration, the wire is supported by the support protrusion so that it can slide in the extending direction inside the second receiving portion. Because the support protrusion protrudes from the inner surface of the second receiving portion toward the wire, the outer surface of the wire is partially supported by the support protrusion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase of the contact area between the second receiving portion and the wire. As a result, the wire can slide smoothly in the extending direction inside the second receiving portion. Therefore, it is possible to allow the terminal and the retainer to swing smoothly relative to the housing body.

[0039] [5] Preferably, the housing body has an insertion port that opens in the connection direction on the side opposite to the retainer and is configured to allow the wire to be inserted. The housing has a cover that is fitted to the housing body and covers the insertion port.

[0040] According to this configuration, after the wire is placed inside the housing body through the insertion port, the cover is assembled onto the housing body, allowing the wire to be stored within the housing body. Therefore, the connector can be easily assembled.

[0041] [6] Preferably, the housing has a stop body fitted to the outer surface of the housing body, the housing body has an insertion portion that opens in the connection direction, and the retaining body is inserted into the insertion portion. A notch is provided at the opening edge of the insertion portion. The retaining body has a protrusion that is inserted into the notch with a clearance between it and the notch. The stop body has a limiting portion that contacts the opening edge to close the notch and restricts the protrusion from disengaging from the notch.

[0042] According to this configuration, by assembling a stopper on the outer surface of the housing body with the protrusion of the retainer inserted into the notch of the housing body, the retainer can be prevented from detaching from the housing body. Thus, a retainer configured to rock relative to the housing body can be easily embodied.

[0043] [7] Preferably, the connector has a plurality of terminals and a plurality of wires connected to each of the terminals, the retainer holds the plurality of terminals together, and is configured to be able to rock in the surface direction together with the plurality of terminals relative to the housing body.

[0044] According to this configuration, multiple terminals are held together by the retainer. Therefore, changes in the relative positions of the terminals within the retainer can be prevented. Consequently, multiple terminals can be easily connected to the connected object.

[0045] [8] Preferably, the plurality of wires are arranged inside the housing body in a direction orthogonal to both the connection direction and the extension direction.

[0046] According to this configuration, compared with a configuration in which multiple wires extend in a direction intersecting the connection direction and are arranged in the connection direction, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the connector in the connection direction.

[0047] [9] Preferably, the connector is fixed to the machine housing and together with the housing constitutes the machine. The housing body has a fixing part fixed to the housing and the fixing part has a bolt hole through which the fixing part passes in the connection direction.

[0048] According to this configuration, the bolt hole of the fixing part penetrates the fixing part in the connection direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the multiple wires. Therefore, compared to the case where, for example, the bolt hole penetrates the fixing part in the arrangement direction, the increase in size of the fixing part in the connection direction can be suppressed. Therefore, the increase in size of the connector in the connection direction can be suppressed.

[0049] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0050] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 Specific examples of the connectors disclosed herein are described below. In the accompanying drawings, for ease of explanation, some components are sometimes shown enlarged or simplified. Additionally, the dimensional ratios of the various parts sometimes differ in the drawings. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended, through the claims, to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. The term "orthogonal" in this specification includes not only strictly orthogonal cases, but also cases where they are substantially orthogonal to the extent that they achieve the desired effect in this embodiment.

[0051] (Composition of connector 10)

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, connector 10 is electrically connected, for example, to connector 200, which is the other party to be connected. Connector 10 is fixed to a part of the machine housing 110 (see reference). Figure 5Together with the housing 110, they constitute the machine.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector 10 includes multiple wires 20, multiple terminals 30, and a housing 40. The connector 10 of this embodiment includes two wires 20 and two terminals 30.

[0054] The housing 40 houses multiple wires 20 and multiple terminals 30. The multiple wires 20 are arranged side by side. The wires 20 extend to the outside of the housing 40. The terminals 30 are electrically connected to the wires 20.

[0055] In the mutually orthogonal XYZ axes of each figure, the X-axis follows the arrangement direction of the multiple wires 20. The Z-axis follows the connection direction of the connectors 200 and 10. Hereinafter, the directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis will be referred to as the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction, respectively. Furthermore, the direction along an imaginary plane orthogonal to the Z-axis direction will be called the plane direction. This imaginary plane can also be referred to as the XY plane.

[0056] (Composition of wire 20)

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, wire 20 extends to the outside of housing 40 in the YZ plane in a direction intersecting the Z-axis. In other words, wire 20 extends further away from housing 40 in both the Z-axis and Y-axis directions. Hereinafter, the direction in which wire 20 extends will be referred to as the extension direction.

[0058] The wire 20 has a core wire 21 made of conductor and an insulating covering portion 22 that covers the outer periphery of the core wire 21. The wire 20 is flexible and is configured to bend.

[0059] The core wire 21 is, for example, a stranded wire made by twisting together multiple metal wires. The core wire 21 protrudes from the insulation covering portion 22 at the end of the wire 20. The core wire 21 exposed from the insulation covering portion 22 is electrically connected to the terminal 30.

[0060] The cross-sectional shape of the core wire 21 can be any shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the core wire 21 can be circular, semi-circular, polygonal, square, or flat. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the core wire 21 is circular. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the wire 20 in this embodiment is circular.

[0061] For example, copper-based or aluminum-based metals can be used as the material for the core wire 21.

[0062] As the material for the insulating covering part 22, resin materials with polyolefin resins as the main component, such as cross-linked polyethylene and cross-linked polypropylene, can be used.

[0063] (Construction of terminal 30)

[0064] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, terminal 30 has a first extension 31, a second extension 34, and a bent portion 36. Terminal 30 is formed, for example, by bending a metal sheet. The material of terminal 30 can be, for example, iron-based, copper-based, or aluminum-based metals.

[0065] The first extension 31 extends in the Z-axis direction. The first extension 31 has a connection portion 32 that is electrically connected to a counterpart terminal (not shown) provided on the counterpart connector 200.

[0066] The connecting portion 32 is cylindrical in shape, allowing the other terminal to be inserted. A spring member 33 is housed inside the connecting portion 32. The other terminal is electrically connected to the terminal 30 by being pressed against the inner surface of the connecting portion 32 by the spring member 33.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, a recess 32a is provided in the connecting portion 32, and the spear-shaped portion 73 of the retaining body 70, which will be described later, is engaged in the recess 32a. The recess 32a extends through the connecting portion 32 in the Y-axis direction.

[0068] The second extension 34 extends in the extending direction. The second extension 34 extends obliquely relative to the first extension 31, moving further away from the first extension 31 in the Z-axis direction and further away from the first extension 31 in the Y-axis direction. The angle formed by the first extension 31 and the second extension 34 is, for example, 100°. Therefore, in this embodiment, the angle formed by the Z-axis direction (the connection direction in the connector 10) and the extending direction of the wire 20 is 100°.

[0069] The second extension 34 has a wire connection portion 35 that is electrically connected to the wire 20. The core wire 21 exposed from the insulation covering portion 22 is crimped to the wire connection portion 35.

[0070] The bend 36 is located between the first extension 31 and the second extension 34. The bend 36 connects the first extension 31 and the second extension 34.

[0071] (Composition of the shell 40)

[0072] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 40 includes a housing body 50, a retainer 70, a stop 80, and a cover 90. The housing 40 is formed, for example, of a resin material. The housing 40 is formed with a surface-symmetrical shape about the YZ plane.

[0073] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the wire 20 and terminal 30 are housed inside the housing body 50. The retainer 70 is fitted to the housing body 50 with a clearance between it and the housing body 50, thereby enabling it to rock relative to the housing body 50 in the planar direction. The housing body 50 has an insertion port 50a, which opens in the Z-axis direction on the side opposite to the retainer 70, and is configured to allow the wire 20 and terminal 30 to be inserted. A stop 80 is fitted to the outer surface of the housing body 50 to prevent the retainer 70 from detaching from the housing body 50. A cover 90 is fitted to the housing body 50, covering the insertion port 50a.

[0074] (Composition of the main body 50 of the shell)

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing body 50 has an insertion portion 51, a plurality of first storage portions 56, a plurality of second storage portions 58, and a plurality of fixing portions 60. In this embodiment, the housing body 50 has two first storage portions 56, two second storage portions 58, and two fixing portions 60.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the insertion portion 51 extends in the Z-axis direction. The first extension 31 of the retainer 70 and the terminal 30 is inserted into the insertion portion 51.

[0077] The first storage section 56 extends from the insertion section 51 in the extending direction. The first storage section 56 houses the second extension section 34 of the terminal 30 and the wire 20.

[0078] The second storage section 58 extends from the first storage section 56 in the extending direction. The second storage section 58 stores the wire 20.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing body 50 has a partition wall 52 that divides the interior of the housing body 50 into two parts. Through the partition wall 52, the interior of the housing body 50 is divided into two first storage sections 56 and two second storage sections 58. Therefore, the two first storage sections 56 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. Additionally, the two second storage sections 58 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction.

[0080] (The structure of the insertion part 51)

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, the insertion part 51 is open in the Z-axis direction. The interior of the insertion part 51 is divided into two by a partition wall 52.

[0082] The insertion part 51 has two opposing walls 53a and 53b that are opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction. The opposing wall 53a is located further away from the second storage part 58 in the Y-axis direction than the opposing wall 53b.

[0083] The opening edge 51a of the insertion part 51 has a plurality of notches 54 spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. The plurality of notches 54 are provided in each of the opposing walls 53a and 53b. The notches 54 penetrate the opposing walls 53a and 53b in the Y-axis direction.

[0084] In opposing wall 53a, two notches 54 are provided on each side of the partition wall 52 in the X-axis direction. In opposing wall 53b, one notch 54 is provided on each side of the partition wall 52 in the X-axis direction. The two notches 54 of opposing wall 53b and the two notches 54 on both sides of opposing wall 53a in the X-axis direction are opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0085] Each of the opposing walls 53a and 53b has a plurality of engaging recesses 55 spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The engaging recesses 55 penetrate the opposing walls 53a and 53b in the Y-axis direction.

[0086] On each of the opposing walls 53a and 53b, there is one engaging recess 55 on each side in the X-axis direction, separated by a partition wall 52. The two engaging recesses 55 of the opposing wall 53a and the two engaging recesses 55 of the opposing wall 53b are opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0087] (The structure of the first storage section 56)

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, the first storage portion 56 opens in the Z-axis direction on the side opposite to the retaining body 70. The cross-sectional shape of the first storage portion 56, orthogonal to the extending direction, is, for example, like a water pipe. The opening of the first storage portion 56 forms part of the insertion port 50a of the aforementioned housing body 50.

[0089] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the widths of the first storage portion 56 in both the X-axis and Z-axis directions are greater than the diameter of the wire 20. Furthermore, the widths of the first storage portion 56 in both the X-axis and Z-axis directions are greater than the widths of the second extension portion 34 in both the X-axis and Z-axis directions. Therefore, gaps are provided between the wire 20 and the terminal 30 and the first storage portion 56 in both the X-axis and Z-axis directions. These gaps allow for bending of the wire 20 inside the first storage portion 56.

[0090] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, on the outer surface of each first storage section 56 in the X-axis direction, two engaging protrusions 57 are provided at intervals in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, four engaging protrusions 57 are provided on the housing body 50.

[0091] (The composition of the second storage section 58)

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the second storage portion 58 opens in the Z-axis direction on the side opposite to the retaining body 70. The cross-sectional shape of the second storage portion 58, orthogonal to the extending direction, is, for example, formed as an arc along the outer periphery of the wire 20. The opening of the second storage portion 58 constitutes part of the insertion port 50a of the aforementioned housing body 50. Furthermore, the insertion port 50a is formed by the opening of the first storage portion 56 and the opening of the second storage portion 58.

[0093] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the second storage portion 58 is connected to the first storage portion 56 in the extending direction. The second storage portion 58 is located further away from the retainer 70 than the first storage portion 56. The second storage portion 58 forms an end portion of the housing body 50 in the extending direction. Therefore, the wire 20 extends from the second storage portion 58 to the outside of the housing body 50.

[0094] The width of the second storage section 58 in the X-axis direction and the width in the Z-axis direction are smaller than the width of the first storage section 56 in the X-axis direction and the width in the Z-axis direction.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown, the second receiving portion 58 has a plurality of support protrusions 58a that protrude from the inner surface of the second receiving portion 58 toward the wire 20 and support the wire 20 so that it can slide in the extending direction. The plurality of support protrusions 58a are provided spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the wire 20. Each second receiving portion 58 in this embodiment has two support protrusions 58a.

[0096] The support protrusion 58a extends integrally along the extension direction of the second receiving portion 58. The protruding end face of the support protrusion 58a is curved into an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the wire 20. The wire 20 is partially supported by the support protrusion 58a inside the second receiving portion 58, thereby enabling it to slide relative to the housing body 50 in the extension direction.

[0097] On the end edge of the second storage section 58 on the side opposite to the first storage section 56 in the extension direction, an arc-shaped anti-slip part 59 protruding outward is provided.

[0098] (Composition of the fixing part 60)

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown, the fixing part 60 has a first part 61 and a second part 62.

[0100] The first part 61 protrudes from the outer surface of the first receiving part 56 in the X-axis direction and bends to extend in the Z-axis direction. The first part 61 extends in the Z-axis direction from the insertion part 51 toward the retaining body 70.

[0101] The second part 62 extends from the first part 61 in the Y-axis direction to the side opposite to the second receiving part 58. The second part 62 has a bolt hole 63 that passes through the second part 62 in the Z-axis direction.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, the fixing part 60 is fixed to the machine housing 110 by bolts (not shown) inserted into bolt holes 63. Therefore, in this embodiment, the assembly direction of the connector 10 and the housing 110 is consistent with the Z-axis direction, which is the connection direction in the connector 10.

[0103] (The composition of body 70)

[0104] like Figure 7 As shown, the retainer 70 has a plurality of terminal receiving portions 71 for receiving the first extension 31 of the terminal 30 and a connecting portion 72 for connecting the terminal receiving portions 71 to each other. The retainer 70 of this embodiment has two terminal receiving portions 71.

[0105] Inside the terminal receiving portion 71, a spear-shaped portion 73 is provided that engages with the recess 32a of the terminal 30. The spear-shaped portion 73 protrudes from the inner surface of the terminal receiving portion 71 toward the terminal 30 in the Y-axis direction. By engaging the spear-shaped portion 73 with the recess 32a, the terminal 30 is held in the terminal receiving portion 71. The retaining body 70 holds both terminals 30 stored in the two terminal receiving portions 71 together.

[0106] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the retainer 70 has a plurality of protrusions 74 that are inserted into the notch 54 of the housing body 50. The protrusions 74 protrude in the Y-axis direction from the portion of the terminal receiving portion 71 opposite to the notch 54. More specifically, each terminal receiving portion 71 has two protrusions 74 in the portion opposite to the opposing wall 53a, and one protrusion 74 in the portion opposite to the opposing wall 53b. Therefore, the retainer 70 has six protrusions 74.

[0107] like Figure 8 As shown, the width of the protrusion 74 in the X-axis direction is smaller than the width of the notch 54 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the protrusion 74 is inserted into the notch 54 with a clearance between it and the notch 54.

[0108] (Composition of stop body 80)

[0109] like Figure 4 As shown, the stop body 80 is formed in the shape of a frame that surrounds the insertion portion 51 of the housing body 50. The stop body 80 is formed in a plane-symmetrical shape with the YZ plane as the plane of symmetry, and also in a plane-symmetrical shape with the XZ plane as the plane of symmetry.

[0110] The stop body 80 has a plurality of engaging protrusions 81 and a plurality of through holes 82. The stop body 80 of this embodiment has four engaging protrusions 81 and eight through holes 82.

[0111] like Figure 9 As shown, the engaging protrusion 81 protrudes in the Y-axis direction from the portion of the inner surface of the stop 80 that opposes the engaging recess 55 of the housing body 50. The engaging protrusion 81 engages with the engaging recess 55. By engaging the engaging protrusion 81 with the engaging recess 55, the stop 80 is assembled to the housing body 50.

[0112] like Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, four through holes 82 are provided in the portion of the stop body 80 that are opposite to each of the opposing walls 53a and 53b. The through holes 82 penetrate the stop body 80 in the Y-axis direction.

[0113] like Figure 11 As shown, six of the eight through holes 82 are positioned corresponding to the notches 54 of the housing body 50 and the protrusions 74 of the retaining body 70. Therefore, these six through holes 82 communicate with each notch 54 in the Y-axis direction.

[0114] Two of the eight through holes 82 are opposite to the opposing wall 53b of the housing body 50. Alternatively, these two through holes 82 may not be necessary on the stop body 80, but their inclusion improves its versatility. That is, even when the stop body 80 is reversed about the Z-axis, it can still be fitted onto the housing body 50.

[0115] like Figure 4 As shown, a limiting portion 83 protruding inward is provided at one end edge of the stop body 80 in the Z-axis direction. The limiting portion 83 forms a discontinuous ring shape in the circumferential direction of the stop body 80. The portion of the limiting portion 83 opposite to each engaging protrusion 81 in the Z-axis direction becomes discontinuous.

[0116] like Figure 9 As shown, when the engaging protrusion 81 and engaging recess 55 are engaged, the limiting portion 83 contacts the opening edge 51a of the insertion portion 51. Thus, as... Figure 10 As shown, the limiting part 83 closes the notch 54 in the Z-axis direction and prevents the protrusion 74 from disengaging from the notch 54. At this time, the limiting part 83 contacts the protrusion 74 in the Z-axis direction. Thus, the protrusion 74 is clamped by the notch 54 and the limiting part 83 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the movement of the protrusion 74 in the Z-axis direction, that is, the movement of the retaining body 70 in the Z-axis direction, is restricted.

[0117] (The composition of 90)

[0118] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover 90 has a first cover portion 91 and two second cover portions 92. The first cover portion 91 covers the openings of each of the first storage portions 56. The second cover portions 92 cover the openings of the second storage portions 58.

[0119] The first cover portion 91 is flat. The first cover portion 91 is provided with a plurality of engaging portions 93 that engage with engaging protrusions 57 of the housing body 50. In this embodiment, the first cover portion 91 is provided with four engaging portions 93. The cover 90 is assembled to the housing body 50 by engaging the engaging portions 93 with the engaging protrusions 57.

[0120] like Figure 3 As shown, a gap is provided in the Z-axis direction between the first cover 91 and the wire 20 and terminal 30.

[0121] like Figure 12 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the second cover portion 92, orthogonal to the extending direction, forms an arc along the outer peripheral surface of the wire 20. The second cover portion 92 has a plurality of support protrusions 92a that protrude from the inner surface of the second cover portion 92 toward the wire 20 and support the wire 20 so that it can slide in the extending direction. The plurality of support protrusions 92a are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the wire 20. In this embodiment, the second cover portion 92 has two support protrusions 92a.

[0122] The support protrusion 92a extends integrally along the extension direction of the second cover 92. The protruding end face of the support protrusion 92a is curved into an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the wire 20. The wire 20 is partially supported by the support protrusion 92a inside the second cover 92, thereby being configured to slide relative to the cover 90 in the extension direction.

[0123] like Figure 13 As shown, the wire 20 is partially supported by the support protrusion 58a of the second receiving portion 58 and the support protrusion 92a of the second cover portion 92. In this embodiment, the wire 20 is partially supported by the support protrusions 58a and 92a in the circumferential direction of the wire 20. Therefore, a gap G1 is partially provided between the second receiving portion 58 and the wire 20. Similarly, a gap G2 is partially provided between the second cover portion 92 and the wire 20. The gaps G1 and G2 are provided throughout the entire extension direction of the second receiving portion 58 and the second cover portion 92.

[0124] like Figure 12 As shown, an arc-shaped anti-slip portion 94 protruding outward is provided on the end edge of the second cover portion 92 on the side opposite to the first cover portion 91 in the extension direction.

[0125] (Composition with component 100)

[0126] like Figure 1As shown, connector 10 has two strap members 100. The strap members 100 are formed, for example, from a resin material.

[0127] like Figure 3 As shown, the strap member 100 is wound around the outer periphery of the second storage portion 58 and the second cover portion 92, securing them together. The strap member 100 can prevent the second cover portion 92 from deforming away from the second storage portion 58.

[0128] The component 100 is prevented from detaching from the housing 40 by means of anti-detachment parts 59 and 94.

[0129] (Maintain the shaking method of body 70)

[0130] like Figure 11 As shown, with the retainer 70 assembled to the housing body 50, a gap is provided throughout the entire circumference between the retainer 70 and the housing body 50. The retainer 70 is configured to be able to rock relative to the housing body 50 in the planar direction within the range of the aforementioned gap. As described above, since each terminal 30 is held by the retainer 70, the retainer 70 is configured to be able to rock relative to the housing body 50 together with the terminals 30 in the planar direction.

[0131] like Figure 14 As shown, when the retainer 70 and each terminal 30 are rocked together in the X-axis direction, the retainer 70 contacts the inner surface of the insertion portion 51 from the X-axis direction. This limits the range of rocking of the retainer 70 in the X-axis direction. As described above, a gap is provided between the wire 20 and the terminal 30 and the first receiving portion 56. Therefore, the wire 20 bends inside the first receiving portion 56 following the rocking of the terminal 30 in the X-axis direction.

[0132] like Figure 15 As shown, when the retainer 70 and each terminal 30 are rocked together in the Y-axis direction, the retainer 70 contacts the inner surface of the insertion portion 51 from the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the range of rocking of the retainer 70 in the Y-axis direction is limited. As described above, the wire 20 is configured to slide relative to the housing body 50 and the cover 90 in the extending direction. Therefore, the wire 20 slides relative to the second storage portion 58 and the second cover portion 92 in the extending direction following the rocking of the terminal 30 in the Y-axis direction.

[0133] The function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0134] The retainer 70 of the retaining terminal 30 is configured to be able to rock in the planar direction relative to the housing body 50. The wire 20 is configured to bend following the rocking of the terminal 30 relative to the housing body 50 inside the housing body 50, and to slide in the extension direction. Thus, by the terminal 30 and the retainer 70 rocking in the planar direction relative to the housing body 50 as a whole, misalignment between the connector 200 and the connector 10 can be absorbed.

[0135] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0136] (1) The connector 10 includes: a flexible wire 20; a terminal 30 for connecting to the wire 20; and a housing 40 for housing the wire 20 and the terminal 30. The housing 40 includes a housing body 50 for housing the wire 20 and a retainer 70 for housing and holding the terminal 30. The retainer 70 is fitted to the housing body 50 with a clearance between it and the housing body 50, thereby being configured to be able to rock in the planar direction relative to the housing body 50 together with the terminal 30. The wire 20 extends to the outside of the housing body 50 in an extending direction intersecting the Z-axis direction, and is configured to slide relative to the housing body 50 in the extending direction following the rocking of the terminal 30. A gap is provided between the housing body 50 and the wire 20, the gap allowing the wire 20 to bend as it rocks following the rocking of the terminal 30.

[0137] Because of this configuration, the connection between the connector 200 and the connector 10 can be easily performed.

[0138] (2) The terminal 30 has: a first extension 31, which is electrically connected to the other connector 200 and extends in the Z-axis direction; a second extension 34, which is electrically connected to the wire 20 and extends in the extension direction; and a bend 36, which is located between the first extension 31 and the second extension 34.

[0139] With this configuration, the terminal 30 has a first extension 31 extending in the Z-axis direction, a second extension 34 extending in the extension direction of the wire 20, and a bending portion 36. Because the wire 20 is connected to the second extension 34, the extension direction of the wire 20 can be different from the Z-axis direction without bending the wire 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wire 20 from being housed in a bent state inside the housing body 50. Thus, it is possible to suppress the generation of load on the wire 20.

[0140] (3) The housing body 50 has: a first receiving portion 56 having a gap that allows the wire 20 to bend following the swing of the terminal 30; and a second receiving portion 58 supporting the wire 20 so that it can slide in the extension direction. The second receiving portion 58 is located further away from the retainer 70 than the first receiving portion 56.

[0141] With this configuration, the wire 20 is designed to be bend within the first receiving portion 56 and slide within the second receiving portion 58. The second receiving portion 58 is located further away from the retainer 70 than the first receiving portion 56. Therefore, when an external force acts on the portion of the wire 20 extending outside the housing 40, vibration of the wire 20 within the first receiving portion 56 can be suppressed. Thus, the transmission of the aforementioned external force to the terminal 30 and the retainer 70 can be suppressed.

[0142] (4) The second storage part 58 has a support protrusion 58a, which protrudes from the inner surface of the second storage part 58 toward the wire 20 and supports the wire 20 so that it can slide in the extension direction.

[0143] With this configuration, the wire 20 is supported by the support protrusion 58a so that it can slide in the extending direction inside the second receiving portion 58. Because the support protrusion 58a protrudes from the inner surface of the second receiving portion 58 toward the wire 20, the outer surface of the wire 20 is partially supported by the support protrusion 58a. Therefore, the increase in the contact area between the second receiving portion 58 and the wire 20 can be suppressed. As a result, the wire 20 can slide smoothly in the extending direction inside the second receiving portion 58. Therefore, the terminal 30 and the retainer 70 can swing smoothly relative to the housing body 50.

[0144] (5) The housing body 50 has an insertion port 50a, which opens in the Z-axis direction on the side opposite to the retainer 70 and is configured to allow the insertion of a wire 20. The housing 40 has a cover 90, which is fitted to the housing body 50 and covers the insertion port 50a.

[0145] With this configuration, after the wire 20 is placed inside the housing body 50 through the insertion port 50a, the cover 90 is assembled onto the housing body 50, allowing the wire 20 to be stored within the housing body 50. Therefore, the connector 10 can be easily assembled.

[0146] (6) The housing 40 includes a stop 80 fitted onto the outer surface of the housing body 50. The housing body 50 has an insertion portion 51 that opens in the Z-axis direction, and a retainer 70 is inserted into the insertion portion 51. A notch 54 is provided at the opening edge 51a of the insertion portion 51. The retainer 70 has a protrusion 74 that is inserted into the notch 54 with a clearance between it and the notch 54. The stop 80 has a limiting portion 83 that contacts the opening edge 51a to close the notch 54 and prevents the protrusion 74 from disengaging from the notch 54.

[0147] With this configuration, by assembling a stopper 80 on the outer surface of the housing body 50 in a state where the protrusion 74 of the retainer 70 is inserted into the notch 54 of the housing body 50, the retainer 70 can be prevented from detaching from the housing body 50. Therefore, it is easy to embody a retainer 70 configured to be movable relative to the housing body 50.

[0148] (7) The connector 10 has multiple terminals 30 and multiple wires 20 connected to each terminal 30. The retainer 70 holds the multiple terminals 30 together and is configured to be able to rock in the planar direction with the multiple terminals 30 relative to the housing body 50.

[0149] With this configuration, multiple terminals 30 are held together by the retaining body 70. Therefore, changes in the relative positions of the terminals 30 within the retaining body 70 can be prevented. Consequently, multiple terminals 30 can be easily connected to the other connector 200.

[0150] (8) Multiple wires 20 are arranged in the X-axis direction inside the housing body 50.

[0151] With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which multiple wires 20 extend in a direction intersecting the Z-axis and are arranged in the Z-axis direction, the increase in the size of the connector 10 in the Z-axis direction can be suppressed.

[0152] (9) The connector 10 is fixed to the housing 110 of the machine and together with the housing 110 constitutes the machine. The housing body 50 has a fixing part 60 that is fixed to the housing 110. The fixing part 60 has a bolt hole 63 that passes through the fixing part 60 in the Z-axis direction.

[0153] With this configuration, the bolt hole 63 of the fixing part 60 passes through the fixing part 60 in the Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction. Therefore, compared to the case where, for example, the bolt hole 63 passes through the fixing part 60 in the X-axis direction, which is the arrangement direction of the multiple wires 20, the increase in size of the fixing part 60 in the Z-axis direction can be suppressed. Therefore, the increase in size of the connector 10 in the Z-axis direction can be suppressed.

[0154] (10) The connector 10 has a strap member 100 for fastening the second storage portion 58 and the second cover portion 92.

[0155] For example, if the portion of the wire 20 extending to the outside of the housing 40 is bent, the second cover 92 deforms away from the second receiving portion 58 along with this bend, potentially increasing the distance between the second receiving portion 58 and the second cover 92. In this case, the amount of bending of the wire 20 through the interior of the housing 40 increases, potentially causing a load to be applied to the terminal 30.

[0156] In this respect, according to the above configuration, the strap member 100 can prevent the second cover portion 92 from leaving the second storage portion 58. Therefore, the aforementioned undesirable situation can be prevented.

[0157] <Example of Change>

[0158] This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0159] • The direction in which the bolt holes 63 of the fixing part 60 pass through can be appropriately changed according to the assembly direction of the connector 10 relative to the housing 110.

[0160] • The fixing part 60 can be omitted from the main body 50 of the housing.

[0161] The connector 10 may have one wire 20 and one terminal 30, or it may have three or more wires 20 and three or more terminals 30.

[0162] • The stop 80 can be omitted from the housing 40. In this case, the housing body 50 only needs to replace the notch 54 and have a hole through the housing body 50 in the Y-axis direction.

[0163] • The cover 90 can be omitted from the housing 40. In this case, the housing body 50 can be constructed, for example, by two interlocking parts that are separated in the X-axis direction.

[0164] • The number of support protrusions 58a in the second storage section 58 can be appropriately changed.

[0165] • The support protrusion 58a may also be provided in a portion of the extension direction of the second storage portion 58.

[0166] • The support protrusion 58a can be omitted from the second storage section 58. In this case, the gap G1 may not be provided between the second storage section 58 and the wire 20.

[0167] The number of support protrusions 92a in the second cover 92 can be appropriately changed.

[0168] • The support protrusion 92a may also be provided in a portion of the extension direction of the second cover portion 92.

[0169] • The support protrusion 92a can be omitted from the second cover 92. In this case, the gap G2 may not be provided between the second cover 92 and the wire 20.

[0170] • The second storage section 58 can be omitted from the housing body 50. In this case, the wire 20 only needs to be supported inside the first storage section 56 so that it can slide in the extension direction.

[0171] • The wire 20 can also be stored inside the housing body 50 in a bent state. In this case, for example, the second extension 34 and the bent portion 36 can be omitted from the terminal 30, and the wire 20 can be connected to the first extension 31.

[0172] The angle formed by the extension direction of the wire 20 and the Z-axis direction can be appropriately changed within these intersection ranges. Furthermore, when changing the extension direction of the wire 20, it is preferable to change the angle formed by the first extension 31 and the second extension 34. Attached Figure Description

[0174] G1 gap

[0175] G2 gap

[0176] 10 Connectors

[0177] 20 wires

[0178] 21-core wire

[0179] 22 Insulation Covering Part

[0180] 30 terminals

[0181] 31. Extension 1

[0182] 32 Connecting part

[0183] 32a recess

[0184] 33 Spring Components

[0185] 34. Second extension

[0186] 35. Wire connection part

[0187] 36. Bend

[0188] 40 Housing

[0189] 50. Shell body

[0190] 50a Insertion Port

[0191] 51 Insertion section

[0192] 51a Opening edge

[0193] 52. Partition wall

[0194] 53a Opposite wall

[0195] 53b Opposite Wall

[0196] 54 Gap

[0197] 55 engagement recess

[0198] 56 First Storage Department

[0199] 57. Snap protrusion

[0200] 58. Second Storage Department

[0201] 58a Supporting protrusion

[0202] 59 Anti-hair loss section

[0203] 60 Fixing part

[0204] 61 Part 1

[0205] 62 Part 2

[0206] 63 Bolt holes

[0207] 70. Maintain body

[0208] 71 Terminal storage section

[0209] 72 Connecting parts

[0210] 73 Spear-shaped part

[0211] 74 protrusions

[0212] 80 stop body

[0213] 81. Snap protrusion

[0214] 82 Through Hole

[0215] 83 Restriction Department

[0216] 90 caps

[0217] 91 1st cover

[0218] 92 2nd cover

[0219] 92a Supporting protrusion

[0220] 93 Card Section

[0221] 94 Anti-hair loss section

[0222] 100 with components

[0223] 110 enclosure

[0224] 200 Partner Connector (Connection Object)

Claims

1. A connector for connecting to a connected object, said connector comprising: Flexible wires; Terminals, connected to the wires; and The housing contains the wires and the terminals. When the direction in which the connecting object and the connector are connected is defined as the connection direction, and the direction along an imaginary plane orthogonal to the connection direction is defined as the surface direction, The housing includes a housing body for receiving the wires and a retainer for receiving and holding the terminals. The retainer is assembled to the housing body with a clearance between it and the housing body, thereby enabling it to rock in the planar direction relative to the housing body along with the terminal. The wire extends to the outside of the housing body in an extension direction intersecting the connection direction, and is configured to slide relative to the housing body in the extension direction in response to the rocking of the terminal. A gap is provided between the housing body and the wire, the gap allowing the wire to bend in accordance with the movement of the terminal. The housing includes a stop that is fitted onto the outer surface of the housing body. The housing body has an insertion portion that opens in the connection direction, and the retaining body is inserted into the insertion portion. A notch is provided at the opening edge of the insertion portion. The retainer has a protrusion that is inserted into the notch with a clearance between it and the notch. The stop has a limiting portion that contacts the opening edge to close the notch and restricts the protrusion from disengaging from the notch.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal has: The first extension is electrically connected to the connected object and extends in the connection direction; The second extension is electrically connected to the wire and extends in the extension direction; as well as The bent portion is located between the first extension and the second extension.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The housing body has: a first receiving portion having the gap; and a second receiving portion supporting the wire so as to allow it to slide in the extending direction. The second storage section is located further away from the retaining body than the first storage section.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The second receiving portion has a support protrusion that protrudes from the inner surface of the second receiving portion toward the wire and supports the wire so that it can slide in the extending direction.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The housing body has an insertion port that opens in the connection direction on a side opposite to the retainer, and is configured to allow the insertion of the wire. The housing has a cover, which is fitted to the housing body and covers the insertion port.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The connector has multiple terminals and multiple wires connected to each of the terminals. The retainer holds the plurality of terminals together and is configured to be able to rock in the surface direction together with the plurality of terminals relative to the housing body.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The multiple wires are arranged inside the housing body in a direction orthogonal to both the connection direction and the extension direction.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein, The connector is fixed to the machine's housing, and together with the housing, constitutes the machine. The main body of the shell has a fixing part that is fixed to the box body. The fixing part has a bolt hole through which the fixing part passes in the connection direction.

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