Male terminal component and connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a male terminal member and a connector, which can suppress damage of a gasket by a tab portion. The male terminal member includes a base wall and a tab portion. The tab portion includes a first wall portion extending forward from a front end portion of the base wall, a second wall portion opposite to the first wall portion, a connecting wall portion connecting one of left and right side edges of the first wall portion and the second wall portion to each other, and an abutting wall portion extending from the other of the left and right side edges of the first wall portion toward the second wall portion and abutting the second wall portion. A first top end portion of the first wall portion is provided at the front end portion thereof and approaches the second wall portion as it goes forward. A second top end portion of the second wall portion is provided at the front end portion thereof and approaches the first wall portion as it goes forward. A first abutting portion of the front end portion of the first top end portion and a second abutting portion of the front end portion of the second top end portion abut each other. The front end portions of the first and second abutting portions are located on the second wall portion side from a central position of a gap between an outer surface of the first wall portion and an outer surface of the second wall portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to male terminal components and connectors. Background Technology

[0002] A male terminal component, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-224701, is known as a male terminal component formed by bending a sheet metal. This male terminal component has a tab at its front end that connects to a terminal on the opposite side. The end edges of the sheet metal constituting the male terminal component are in contact with each other on the upper surface of the tab. The portion of the end edges of the sheet metal in contact with each other extends from the front end to the rear end of the tab.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-224701 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] When a male terminal part, as described above, has a structure in which the end edges of metal plates in contact with each other at the front end of the tab, is applied to a connector with a sealing gasket, the connector's water resistance may be reduced for the following reasons.

[0008] The sealing gasket has a through-hole for the male terminal component to pass through. The sealing gasket is fitted into a connector housing with a cavity, in which the male terminal component is housed. With the sealing gasket fitted into the connector housing, the male terminal component is inserted into the through-hole of the sealing gasket.

[0009] An inwardly protruding inner lip is formed within the through-hole of the sealing gasket. By tightly adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the wire, the wire and connector housing are liquid-tightly sealed.

[0010] When the male terminal component is inserted into the through hole, the front end of the tab may sometimes contact the inner lip. If there is a portion where the edge of the metal plate contacts each other at the front end of the tab, the inner lip may be damaged by the sharp edge of the metal plate. This raises concerns about reduced water resistance of the connector.

[0011] This disclosure is made based on the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology relating to a male terminal part that can suppress damage to the sealing gasket by the tab portion.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] This disclosure discloses a male terminal component comprising a base wall extending in a front-rear direction and a plate-shaped protrusion extending forward from a front end portion of the base wall. The protrusion includes: a first wall portion extending forward from the front end portion of the base wall; a second wall portion opposing the first wall portion; a connecting wall portion connecting one of the left and right side edges of the first wall portion and the second wall portion to each other; and an abutting wall portion extending from the other side edge of the first wall portion toward the second wall portion and abutting the second wall portion. The first wall portion has a first top end portion that approaches the second wall portion as it moves forward, and the second wall portion has a second top end portion that approaches the first wall portion as it moves forward. The first abutting portion at the front end of the first top end portion and the second abutting portion at the front end of the second top end portion abut each other. The front ends of the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion are located on the side of the second wall portion at a position closer to the center of the distance between the outer surfaces of the first wall portion and the outer surfaces of the second wall portion.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to this disclosure, damage to the sealing gasket can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This illustrates the connector of embodiment 1. Figure 2 Sectional view along line II.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a rear view showing the connector.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the male terminal component.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the male terminal component.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a bottom view showing the male terminal component.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Sectional view along line VI-VI.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged side view showing the front end of the tab.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a plan view (developed view) of a metal sheet before bending.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state of the tab entering the through hole of the sealing gasket.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the contact between the tab and the inner lip of the sealing gasket.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a front view of a male terminal part showing the positional relationship between the protruding portion of the male terminal part and the opening edge of the insertion hole of the inner lip.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a partially enlarged front view showing the front end of the tabular portion. Detailed Implementation

[0028] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0029] First, the implementation methods of this disclosure are listed and explained.

[0030] (1) This disclosure relates to a male terminal component comprising a base wall extending in a front-rear direction and a plate-shaped protrusion extending forward from a front end portion of the base wall, the protrusion comprising: a first wall portion extending forward from a front end portion of the base wall; a second wall portion opposing the first wall portion; a connecting wall portion connecting one of the left and right side edges of the first wall portion and the second wall portion to each other; and an abutting wall portion extending from the other side edge of the left and right side edges of the first wall portion toward the second wall portion and abutting the second wall portion. The wall portions abut each other, and a first top end portion that approaches the second wall portion as it moves forward is provided at the front end of the first wall portion, and a second top end portion that approaches the first wall portion as it moves forward is provided at the front end of the second wall portion. The first abutting portion at the front end of the first top end portion and the second abutting portion at the front end of the second top end portion abut each other. The front ends of the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion are located on the side of the second wall portion at a position closer to the center of the distance between the outer surfaces of the first wall portion and the outer surfaces of the second wall portion.

[0031] When the male terminal part is inserted into the through hole of the sealing gasket which has an inner lip, the outer surface of the first tip of the male terminal part contacts the inner lip of the sealing gasket. This prevents damage to the inner lip of the sealing gasket.

[0032] (2) Preferably, the first angle formed by the outer surface of the first top end and the outer surface of the first wall is greater than the second angle formed by the outer surface of the second top end and the outer surface of the second wall.

[0033] Because the projected area of ​​the first tip is larger than that of the second tip when viewed from the front, the outer surface of the first tip is more likely to come into contact with the inner lip of the sealing gasket. This further reduces the risk of damage to the inner lip of the sealing gasket.

[0034] (3) Preferably, the first angle formed by the outer surface of the first top end and the outer surface of the first wall is 203.6° or more and 212.7° or less, and the second angle formed by the outer surface of the second top end and the outer surface of the second wall is 190.6° or more and 197.9° or less.

[0035] The first angle formed by the outer surface of the first tip and the outer surface of the first wall is 203.6° or more, thereby increasing the possibility of the outer surface of the first tip coming into contact with the sealing gasket, thus further suppressing damage to the inner lip of the sealing gasket.

[0036] The second angle formed by the outer surfaces of the second tip and the second wall is 190.6° or more, so the outer surface of the second tip is inclined towards the first wall as it faces forward, making it easier for the tab to enter the insertion hole of the sealing gasket. In addition, the inclined outer surface of the second tip reduces the insertion resistance when the tab contacts the elastic contact piece of the opposite terminal.

[0037] (4) Preferably, the distance between the imaginary plane extending forward from the outer surface of the first wall portion and the front end portion of the first top portion is 35% to 52% relative to the distance between the outer surface of the first wall portion and the outer surface of the second wall portion.

[0038] Because the projected area of ​​the first tip is larger than that of the second tip when viewed from the front, the outer surface of the first tip is more likely to come into contact with the inner lip of the sealing gasket. This further reduces the risk of damage to the inner lip of the sealing gasket.

[0039] (5) Preferably, the protruding length of the first top end portion from the front end of the first wall portion forward is greater than the protruding length of the second top end portion from the front end of the second wall portion forward.

[0040] Because the projected area of ​​the first tip is larger than that of the second tip when viewed from the front, the outer surface of the first tip is more likely to come into contact with the inner lip of the sealing gasket. This further reduces the risk of damage to the inner lip of the sealing gasket.

[0041] (6) Preferably, the percentage of the protruding length of the first top end portion measured from the front end portion of the first wall portion relative to the protruding length of the second top end portion measured from the front end portion of the second wall portion is 101.8% or more and 138.2% or less.

[0042] The percentage of the protruding length of the first tip portion, measured from the front end of the first wall portion, relative to the protruding length of the second tip portion, measured from the front end of the second wall portion, is more than 101.8%, thereby increasing the likelihood of contact between the outer surface of the first tip portion and the sealing gasket, thus further suppressing damage to the inner lip of the sealing gasket.

[0043] Since the percentage of the protruding length of the first tip portion, measured from the front end of the first wall portion, relative to the protruding length of the second tip portion, measured from the front end of the second wall portion, is less than 138.2%, the outer surface of the second tip portion slopes towards the first wall portion as it faces forward, making it easier for the protruding portion to enter the insertion hole of the sealing gasket. Furthermore, the inclined outer surface of the second tip portion reduces the insertion resistance when the protruding portion contacts the elastic contact piece of the opposite terminal.

[0044] (7) Preferably, the front end of the first top end protrudes forward more than the front end of the second top end.

[0045] Because the front end of the first tip of the protrusion is located at the foremost position, the outer surface of the first tip can easily contact the inner lip of the sealing gasket. This further suppresses damage to the inner lip of the sealing gasket.

[0046] (8) Preferably, the area where the first abutting part and the second abutting part abut together is inclined toward the second wall part as it faces forward.

[0047] When viewed from the front, the projected area of ​​the first tip is larger than that of the second tip, thus increasing the likelihood that the upper surface of the first tip will contact the inner lip of the sealing gasket. This further suppresses damage to the inner lip of the sealing gasket.

[0048] (9) Preferably, the abutting area of ​​the second wall portion that abuts the abutting wall portion is formed as a recessed portion that is stepped inward relative to other areas of the second wall portion.

[0049] Because it can increase the vertical length of the contact wall, it can prevent the contact wall from springing away from the second wall.

[0050] (10) The connector of this disclosure comprises: a male terminal part as described in any one of (1) to (9) above; a connector housing having a cavity for receiving the male terminal part; a sealing gasket having an insertion hole corresponding to the cavity and being fitted to the connector housing; and a retainer holding the sealing gasket fitted to the connector housing in a mounting direction from the sealing gasket toward the connector housing, the retainer having a receiving hole at a position corresponding to the insertion hole, the receiving hole extending in a front-rear direction, and the male terminal part being inserted into the receiving hole, and sliding between the outer surface of the first wall portion of the male terminal part and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole, thereby guiding the tab portion of the male terminal part by the insertion hole of the sealing gasket.

[0051] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0052] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is shown by way of the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0053] <Implementation Method 1>

[0054] Combination Figures 1 to 12 Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the connector 10 of this embodiment includes a connector housing 11, a male terminal part 12, a sealing gasket 13, and a retainer 14. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow line Z is upward, the direction indicated by arrow line Y is forward, and the direction indicated by arrow line X is leftward. The above directions are set for ease of explanation. Furthermore, the content of this disclosure is not limited by the above directions. In addition, regarding multiple identical components, sometimes only some components are labeled with reference numerals, and reference numerals are omitted for other components.

[0055] [Connector 10]

[0056] The connector housing 11 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a cover 15 is formed at the front end of the connector housing 11 with an opening at the front. The cover 15 is for fitting a female connector (not shown). A tower 17 is formed on the inner side of the cover 15 with a forward protrusion. The tower 17 has a cavity 16 for receiving the male terminal part 12.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the cavity 16 is divided into upper and lower layers, and multiple (eight in this embodiment) cavities 16 are formed in a left-right direction in each layer. A spear-shaped portion 18 protruding inward from the inner wall of the cavity 16 is formed within each cavity 16. The spear-shaped portion 18 is elastically deformable. The spear-shaped portion 18 engages with the male terminal part 12 (described later) from the rear, thereby holding the male terminal part 12 in an anti-dislodgement state within the cavity 16. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a structure in which a male terminal component 12 is housed within a cavity 16; the male terminal component 12 is omitted in other cavities 16.

[0058] A front stop 19 is fitted into the front end of the tower portion 17. The front stop 19 is made of insulating synthetic resin. When the front stop 19 is fitted into the tower portion 17, the locking portion 20 of the front stop 19 is positioned within the flexural space of the lance-shaped portion 18. This suppresses elastic deformation of the lance-shaped portion 18. As a result, the male terminal part 12 is doubly locked to the connector housing 11 by both the lance-shaped portion 18 and the front stop 19.

[0059] A receiving recess 21 is formed at the rear end of the connector housing 11 in such a rearward opening manner, and a sealing gasket 13 is received in the receiving recess 21.

[0060] The sealing gasket 13 is made of rubber and is shaped to be slightly larger than the internal shape of the receiving recess 21. Multiple through holes 22 are formed in the sealing gasket 13 in a through-and-through manner. When the sealing gasket 13 is housed in the receiving recess 21, the through holes 22 of the sealing gasket 13 correspond to the cavity 16 of the connector housing 11. Two inner lips 24 are formed at intervals in the front-to-back direction on the inner periphery of the through holes 22, and the inner lips 24 are in close contact with the outer periphery of the wire 23 (described later).

[0061] Two outer lips 25 are formed at intervals in the front-back direction on the outer periphery of the sealing gasket 13, and the outer lips 25 are in close contact with the inner wall surface of the receiving recess 21.

[0062] A retainer 14 is assembled at the rear end of the connector housing 11, behind the receiving area of ​​the sealing gasket 13. The retainer 14 is made of insulating synthetic resin. With the retainer 14 assembled in the connector housing 11, the retainer 14 abuts against the sealing gasket 13 from the rear. Thus, the sealing gasket 13 is held in the connector housing 11 in an anti-detachment state. A receiving hole 26 is formed on the retainer 14 at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 22 of the sealing gasket 13, extending through in the front-rear direction.

[0063] [Male terminal component 12]

[0064] The male terminal part 12 is formed by stamping a metal sheet into a specified shape. For example... Figure 1As shown, the male terminal component 12 is connected to the front end of the wire 23 (see reference). Figure 1 A wire 23 is connected to the rear end of the male terminal part 12. The wire 23 has a metal core wire 28 and an insulating cover 29 made of insulating synthetic resin, which surrounds the outer periphery of the core wire 28.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the male terminal part 12 has a base wall 27 extending in the front-rear direction. At the rear end of the base wall 27, a wire spool portion 30 is provided in a front-rear arrangement for crimping with the core wire 28 of the wire 23; and an insulating tube portion 31 is crimped with an insulating covering portion 29 that surrounds the core wire 28 of the wire 23. The wire spool portion 30 is provided in front of the insulating tube portion 31.

[0066] A cylindrical main body 32 in the shape of a square tube is formed in the front half of the base wall 27 and in front of the tube portion 30. Side walls 33 extending downwards perpendicular to the wall surface of the base wall 27 are formed on the left and right sides of the cylindrical main body 32. A covering wall 34 extending toward the other side wall 33 is formed from the top of one side wall 33. The base wall 27 extends from the rear end of the insulating tube portion 31 to the front end of the cylindrical main body 32.

[0067] A stabilizing portion 35 protruding upwards is formed near the front end of the base wall 27. The stabilizing portion 35 is formed in the shape of a mountain protruding upwards when viewed from the side. The stabilizing portion 35 can prevent the male terminal part 12 from being inserted into the receiving hole 26 of the retainer 14 in an opposite posture in the vertical direction when it is inserted.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, with the male terminal part 12 housed in the cavity 16, the front end of the spear-shaped part 18 is locked from the rear end of the cylindrical body part 32, thereby keeping the male terminal part 12 in the cavity 16 in an anti-detachment state.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, a plate-shaped protrusion 36 extends elongated forward from the front end of the base wall 27 at the front of the cylindrical main body 32. The height of the protrusion 36 in the vertical direction is set smaller than the height of the cylindrical main body 32. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the left-right direction, the width of the tab portion 36 is set to be smaller than the width of the cylindrical main body portion 32. The upper surface 60 (an example of the outer surface) of the base wall 27 and the upper surface 61 (an example of the outer surface) of the first wall portion 37 are formed flush.

[0070] like Figure 6As shown, the tab portion 36 has: a first wall portion 37 extending forward from the front end of the base wall 27; a second wall portion 38 opposite to the first wall portion 37; a connecting wall portion 39 connecting the left side edge of the first wall portion 37 and the left side edge of the second wall portion 38 to each other; and an abutting wall portion 40 extending from the right side edge of the first wall portion 37 toward the second wall portion 38 and abutting against the second wall portion 38.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, a recess 41 is formed in the second wall portion 38 in the area abutting the lower end of the abutting wall portion 40. The recess 41 is stepped inward relative to other areas in the second wall portion 38. The top end of the abutting wall portion 40 abuts against the inner wall surface of the recess 41.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, a first top end portion 42 is provided at the front end of the first wall portion 37, which bends towards the second wall portion 38 as it faces forward. The first top end portion 42 is formed as a triangle that tapers to a point in the left and right directions when viewed from above.

[0073] A second top portion 43 is provided at the front end of the second wall portion 38, which bends towards the first wall portion 37 as it faces forward. The second top portion 43 is formed as a triangle that tapers to a point in the left and right directions when viewed from below.

[0074] The front end of the first top portion 42 is formed as a first front portion 46, and the front end of the second top portion 43 is formed as a second front portion 47. The portion near the first front portion 46 and the portion near the second front portion 47 abut against each other. The portion of the first top portion 42 that abuts against the second top portion 43 is formed as a first abutting portion 44, and the portion of the second top portion 43 that abuts against the first top portion 42 is formed as a second abutting portion 45. The area where the first abutting portion 44 and the second abutting portion 45 abut against each other slopes from the first wall portion 37 toward the second wall portion 38 as it faces forward.

[0075] The front ends of the first abutting portion 44 and the second abutting portion 45 are formed into a third front end portion 48. The third front end portion 48 is offset towards the second wall portion 38 at the central position C of the distance L between the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 and the lower surface 63 (an example of the outer surface) of the second wall portion 38.

[0076] The first angle α formed by the upper surface 62 (an example of the outer surface) of the first top end portion 42 and the upper surface 61 (an example of the outer surface) of the first wall portion 37 is set to be greater than the second angle β formed by the lower surface 64 (an example of the outer surface) of the second top end portion 43 and the lower surface 63 (an example of the outer surface) of the second wall portion 38. The first angle α formed by the upper surface 62 of the first top end portion 42 and the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 is preferably set to be 203.6° or more and 212.7° or less. The second angle β formed by the lower surface 64 of the second top end portion 43 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38 is preferably set to be 190.6° or more and 197.9° or less.

[0077] The percentage of the imaginary plane P extending forward from the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 and the distance M between the first front end portion 46 and the distance L between the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38 is preferably 35% or more and 52% or less.

[0078] The first anterior portion 46 protrudes forward more than the second anterior portion 47.

[0079] [Manufacturing process of the implementation method]

[0080] Next, an example of the manufacturing process of the connector 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The manufacturing process of the connector 10 is not limited to the following description.

[0081] The metal sheet 49 is formed by stamping. Figure 8 The unfolded shape is shown. Next, the metal sheet 49, which has been processed into an unfolded shape, is bent to form the male terminal part 12 into a predetermined shape. Furthermore, by applying a stamping process, the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 43 are formed into predetermined shapes.

[0082] The sealing gasket 13 is inserted into the receiving recess 21 of the connector housing 11 from the rear. Next, the retainer 14 is assembled from the rear end of the connector housing 11. Thus, the sealing gasket 13 is held in the connector housing 11 in an anti-detachment state. Furthermore, the sealing gasket 13 and the connector housing 11 are liquid-tightly sealed by the outer lip 25 of the sealing gasket 13 abutting against the inner wall of the receiving recess 21.

[0083] A male terminal part 12 is assembled at the front end of the stripped wire 23. Specifically, the wire spool 30 is crimped to the core wire 28 of the wire 23, and the insulating spool 31 is crimped to the insulating sheath 29 of the wire 23.

[0084] The male terminal part 12 is disposed at the rear of the connector housing 11 with the protrusion 36 on the front and the stabilizing part 35 on the upper side. The male terminal part 12 is inserted into the receiving hole 26 of the retainer 14 from the rear with the protrusion 36 facing forward.

[0085] like Figure 9 As shown, the male terminal 12 is held in a predetermined posture within the receiving hole 26 by sliding contact between the inner wall of the receiving hole 26 and the stabilizing part 35 and the outer surface of the cylindrical body part 32 of the male terminal 12. The male terminal 12 can move up and down and left and right within the receiving hole 26 within the tolerance tolerance range.

[0086] When the male terminal part 12 is pressed further forward, the front end of the protrusion 36 enters the insertion hole 22 of the sealing gasket 13.

[0087] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the first tip portion 42 and the second tip portion 43 of the protrusion portion 36, when viewed from above, form a triangle that tapers towards the left and right. Therefore, the left and right side edges of the first tip portion 42 and the second tip portion 43 of the protrusion portion 36 do not contact the left and right side edges of the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13.

[0088] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, because the second tip portion 43 of the tab portion 36 bends obliquely forward and upward from the second wall portion 38, the second tip portion 43 of the tab portion 36 does not contact the lower edge of the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the third front end portion 48 is closer to the second wall portion 38 than the center position C of the distance L between the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38. Therefore, the third front end portion 48 is offset in the vertical direction to the side closer to the second wall portion 38 than the center position C of the distance L between the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38. As a result, when the male terminal part 12 is inserted into the receiving hole 26, the first tip portion 42 and the second tip portion 43 of the tab portion 36 do not contact the upper edge of the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13, or the upper surface 62 of the first tip portion 42 of the tab portion 36 contacts the upper edge of the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13.

[0090] When the first tip portion 42 and the second tip portion 43 of the tab portion 36 do not contact the upper edge of the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13, the first tip portion 42 and the second tip portion 43 of the tab portion 36 do not contact the entire periphery of the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13. Therefore, by having the inner lip 24 contact the first tip portion 42 and the second tip portion 43 of the tab portion 36, damage to the inner lip 24 can be suppressed.

[0091] like Figure 10As shown, when the upper surface 62 of the first tip portion 42 in the tab portion 36 contacts the upper edge of the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13, since there is no portion on the upper surface 62 of the first tip portion 42 that abuts against the end edge of the metal plate 49 constituting the male terminal part 12, damage to the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13 due to contact with the end edge of the metal plate 49 constituting the male terminal part 12 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the first front portion portion 46 does not contact the upper edge of the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13, damage to the first front portion portion 46 due to contact with the upper edge of the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13 can be prevented.

[0092] The male terminal 12 is further pushed forward, thereby entering the cavity 16 of the connector housing 11. The spear-shaped portion 18 elastically engages with the rear end of the cylindrical body portion 32 of the male terminal 12 from the rear, thereby keeping the male terminal 12 in a non-detachable state within the cavity 16.

[0093] The inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13 is tightly attached to the outer periphery of the insulating covering portion 29 of the wire 23, thereby the wire 23 and the sealing gasket 13 are liquid-tightly sealed.

[0094] A front stop 19 is mounted from the front end of the tower portion 17. The locking portion 20 of the front stop 19 enters the flexural space of the spear-shaped portion 18. Thus, the male terminal part 12 is doubly locked by the front stop 19. With the above, the connector 10 is completed (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0095] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0096] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained. The male terminal component 12 of this embodiment includes a base wall 27 extending in the front-rear direction and a plate-shaped protrusion 36 extending forward from the front end of the base wall 27. The protrusion 36 has: a first wall portion 37 extending forward from the front end of the base wall 27; a second wall portion 38 opposite to the first wall portion 37; a connecting wall portion 39 connecting one of the left and right side edges of the first wall portion 37 and the second wall portion 38 to each other; and an abutting wall portion 40 extending from the other side edge of the first wall portion 37 toward the second wall portion 38. It abuts against the second wall portion 38. A first top end portion 42 is provided at the front end of the first wall portion 37, which approaches the second wall portion 38 as it moves forward. A second top end portion 43 is provided at the front end of the second wall portion 38, which approaches the first wall portion 37 as it moves forward. The first abutting portion 44 at the front end of the first top end portion 42 and the second abutting portion 45 at the front end of the second top end portion 43 abut against each other. The third front end portion 48 is closer to the second wall portion 38 than the center position C of the distance L between the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38.

[0097] Furthermore, the connector 10 of this embodiment includes: the aforementioned male terminal part 12; a connector housing 11 having a cavity 16 for receiving the male terminal part 12; a sealing gasket 13 having an insertion hole 22 corresponding to the cavity 16 and being fitted to the connector housing 11; and a retainer 14 holding the sealing gasket 13 fitted to the connector housing 11 from the rear. The retainer 14 has a receiving hole 26 at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 22. The receiving hole 26 extends in the front-rear direction and is through which the male terminal part 12 is inserted. The outer surface of the first wall portion 37 of the male terminal part 12 slides against the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole 26, thereby guiding the protrusion portion 36 of the male terminal part 12 through the insertion hole 22 of the sealing gasket 13.

[0098] In this embodiment, the third front end portion 48 is closer to the second wall portion 38 than the center position C of the distance L between the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38. As a result, the front ends of the first abutting portion 44 and the second abutting portion 45 are offset in the vertical direction to the second wall portion 38 than the center position C of the distance L between the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38.

[0099] Figure 11 The diagram shows the relative positions of the opening edge 50 of the inner lip 24 and the first and second tip portions 42 and 43, with the male terminal part 12 located at the uppermost side within the receiving hole 26 of the retainer 14. The first and second front portions 46 and 47 are located within the space surrounded by the opening edge 50 of the inner lip 24. This prevents the inner lip 24 from contacting the first and second front portions 46 and 47, thus preventing damage to the inner lip 24 from the protrusion portion 36.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the tab portion 36 has: a first wall portion 37 extending forward from the front end of the base wall 27; a second wall portion 38 opposite to the first wall portion 37; a connecting wall portion 39 connecting the left edges of the first wall portion 37 and the second wall portion 38 to each other; and an abutting wall portion 40 extending from the right edge of the first wall portion 37 toward the second wall portion 38 and abutting against the second wall portion 38. Thus, the portion where the end edges of the metal plate 49 constituting the male terminal part 12 contact each other is located at the portion where the abutting wall portion 40 and the second wall portion 38 abut. As a result, the portion where the end edges of the metal plate 49 constituting the male terminal part 12 contact each other is not located on the upper surface 62 of the first tip portion 42, which may have contact with the inner lip 24. Consequently, the end edges of the metal plate 49 constituting the male terminal part 12 do not contact the inner lip 24, thus suppressing damage to the inner lip 24.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the first angle α formed by the upper surface 62 of the first top end portion 42 and the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 is greater than the second angle β formed by the lower surface 64 of the second top end portion 43 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38.

[0102] like Figure 12 As shown, when the tab portion 36 is viewed from the front, the projected area of ​​the first tip portion 42 from the front is larger than the projected area of ​​the second tip portion 43 from the front, so the outer surface of the first tip portion 42 is more likely to come into contact with the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13. As a result, damage to the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13 can be further suppressed.

[0103] According to this embodiment, the first angle α formed by the upper surface 62 of the first top end portion 42 and the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 is 203.6° or more and 212.7° or less, and the second angle β formed by the lower surface 64 of the second top end portion 43 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38 is 190.6° or more and 197.9° or less.

[0104] The first angle α formed by the upper surface 62 of the first tip portion 42 and the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 is 203.6° or more, thereby increasing the possibility of the upper surface 62 of the first tip portion 42 contacting the sealing gasket 13, thus further suppressing damage to the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13.

[0105] The second angle β formed by the lower surface 64 of the second tip portion 43 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38 is 190.6 or more. As a result, the lower surface 64 of the second tip portion 43 is inclined towards the first wall portion 37 as it faces forward, so the protruding piece 36 can easily enter the insertion hole 22 of the sealing gasket 13. In addition, the inclined formation of the lower surface 64 of the second tip portion 43 reduces the insertion resistance when the protruding piece 36 contacts the elastic contact piece (not shown) of the opposite terminal (not shown).

[0106] The percentage of the distance M between the imaginary plane P extending forward from the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 and the first front end portion 46 of the first top portion 42 relative to the distance L between the upper surface 61 of the first wall portion 37 and the lower surface 63 of the second wall portion 38 is 35% or more and 52% or less.

[0107] When the tab portion 36 is viewed from the front, the projected area of ​​the first tip portion 42 from the front is larger than the projected area of ​​the second tip portion 43 from the front, so the outer surface of the first tip portion 42 is more likely to come into contact with the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13. As a result, damage to the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13 can be further suppressed.

[0108] The protruding length S of the first top end portion 42 from the front end of the first wall portion 37 is greater than the protruding length T of the second top end portion 43 from the front end of the second wall portion 38.

[0109] Because the projected area of ​​the first tip portion 42 from the front is larger than that of the second tip portion 43 when viewed from the front, the likelihood of the upper surface 62 of the first tip portion 42 contacting the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13 is increased. This further suppresses damage to the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13.

[0110] The percentage of the protruding length S of the first top end portion 42, measured from the front end of the first wall portion 37, relative to the protruding length T of the second top end portion 43, measured from the front end of the second wall portion 38, is 101.8% to 138.2%.

[0111] The percentage of the protruding length S of the first top end portion 42, measured from the front end of the first wall portion 37, relative to the protruding length T of the second top end portion 43, measured from the front end of the second wall portion 38, is more than 101.8%, thereby increasing the likelihood that the upper surface 62 of the first top end portion 42 will contact the sealing gasket 13, thus further suppressing damage to the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13.

[0112] Since the percentage of the protruding length S of the first tip portion 42, measured from the front end of the first wall portion 37, relative to the protruding length T of the second tip portion 43, measured from the front end of the second wall portion 38, is less than 138.2%, the lower surface 64 of the second tip portion 43 is inclined towards the first wall portion 37 as it faces forward, so the tab portion 36 can easily enter the insertion hole 22 of the sealing gasket 13. In addition, because the lower surface 64 of the second tip portion 43 is formed at an incline, the insertion resistance when the tab portion 36 contacts the elastic contact piece of the opposite terminal can be reduced.

[0113] According to this embodiment, the first front end portion 46 protrudes forward more than the second front end portion 47.

[0114] Because the first front end portion 46 of the tab portion 36 is located at the foremost side, the upper surface 62 of the first tip portion 42 is more likely to come into contact with the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13. As a result, damage to the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13 can be further suppressed.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the area where the first abutting portion 44 and the second abutting portion 45 abut together tilts toward the second wall portion 38 as it faces forward.

[0116] Because the projected area of ​​the first tip portion 42 from the front is larger than that of the second tip portion 43 when viewed from the front, the likelihood of the upper surface 62 of the first tip portion 42 contacting the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13 is increased. This further suppresses damage to the inner lip 24 of the sealing gasket 13.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the abutting region of the second wall portion 38 and the abutting wall portion 40 is formed as a recess 41 that is stepped inward relative to other regions in the second wall portion 38.

[0118] Because the vertical length of the contact wall portion 40 can be increased, it can prevent the contact wall portion 40 from leaving the second wall portion 38 due to springback.

[0119] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0120] (1) The number of insertion holes 22 formed in the sealing gasket 13 and the number of male terminal parts 12 housed in the connector 10 are not limited to the above embodiments.

[0121] (2) In this embodiment, the structure is set as follows: the left edge of the first wall portion 37 and the left edge of the second wall portion 38 are connected by the connecting wall portion 39, and the abutting wall portion 40 is formed on the right edge of the first wall portion 37. However, it is not limited to this. It can also be set as follows: the right edge of the first wall portion 37 and the right edge of the second wall portion 38 are connected by the connecting wall portion 39, and the abutting wall portion 40 is formed on the left edge of the first wall portion 37.

[0122] (3) The recessed portion 41 of the second wall portion 38 may be omitted.

[0123] (4) The number of inner lips 24 formed in the insertion hole of the sealing gasket 13 may be one or more. The number of outer lips 25 formed in the sealing gasket 13 may also be one or more.

[0124] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0125] 10: Connector

[0126] 11: Connector housing

[0127] 12: Male terminal component

[0128] 13: Sealing gasket

[0129] 14: Maintain body

[0130] 15: Cover

[0131] 16: cavity

[0132] 17: Tower Section

[0133] 18: Spear-shaped part

[0134] 19: Front stopper

[0135] 20: Locking part

[0136] 21: Storage recess

[0137] 22: Through hole

[0138] 23: Electrical wire

[0139] 24: Inner lip

[0140] 25: outer lip

[0141] 26: Receiving hole

[0142] 27: Base Wall

[0143] 28: Core wire

[0144] 29: Insulation Covering Section

[0145] 30: Bollard section

[0146] 31: Insulating cylinder section

[0147] 32: Cylindrical main body

[0148] 33: Sidewall

[0149] 34: Covering wall

[0150] 35: Stability Department

[0151] 36: Protuberance

[0152] 37: First wall section

[0153] 38: Second wall section

[0154] 39: Connecting wall section

[0155] 40: Abutting wall portion

[0156] 41: concave part

[0157] 42: The first apex

[0158] 43: Second apex

[0159] 44: First contact section

[0160] 45: Second contact section

[0161] 46: First anterior end

[0162] 47: Second anterior end

[0163] 48: Third anterior end

[0164] 49: Metal Sheets

[0165] 50: Opening edge

[0166] 60: Upper surface of the base wall

[0167] 61: Upper surface of the first wall portion

[0168] 62: The upper surface of the first apex

[0169] 63: Lower surface of the second wall portion

[0170] 64: Lower surface of the second top part

Claims

1. A male terminal component comprising a base wall extending in a front-rear direction and a plate-shaped protrusion extending forward from a front end portion of the base wall. The protruding portion has: a first wall portion extending forward from the front end of the base wall; a second wall portion opposite to the first wall portion; a connecting wall portion connecting one of the left and right side edges of the first wall portion and the second wall portion to each other; and an abutting wall portion extending from the other side edge of the left and right side edges of the first wall portion toward the second wall portion and abutting against the second wall portion. A first top end portion is provided at the front end of the first wall portion, which approaches the second wall portion as it moves forward; and a second top end portion is provided at the front end of the second wall portion, which approaches the first wall portion as it moves forward. The first abutting portion at the front end of the first top end and the second abutting portion at the front end of the second top end abut together. The front ends of the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion are closer to the second wall portion than the center position of the interval between the outer surfaces of the first wall portion and the outer surfaces of the second wall portion.

2. The male terminal component according to claim 1, wherein, The first angle formed by the outer surface of the first top end and the outer surface of the first wall is greater than the second angle formed by the outer surface of the second top end and the outer surface of the second wall.

3. The male terminal component according to claim 2, wherein, The first angle formed by the outer surface of the first top end portion and the outer surface of the first wall portion is 203.6° or more and 212.7° or less, and the second angle formed by the outer surface of the second top end portion and the outer surface of the second wall portion is 190.6° or more and 197.9° or less.

4. The male terminal component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The percentage of the distance between the imaginary plane extending forward from the outer surface of the first wall portion and the front end portion of the first top portion relative to the distance between the outer surface of the first wall portion and the outer surface of the second wall portion is 35% to 52%.

5. The male terminal component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The protruding length of the first top end portion from the front end of the first wall portion is greater than the protruding length of the second top end portion from the front end of the second wall portion.

6. The male terminal component according to claim 5, wherein, The percentage of the protruding length of the first top end portion, measured from the front end of the first wall portion, relative to the protruding length of the second top end portion, measured from the front end of the second wall portion, is 101.8% to 138.2%.

7. The male terminal component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The front end of the first top part protrudes forward more than the front end of the second top part.

8. The male terminal component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The area where the first abutting part and the second abutting part abut together tilts towards the second wall side as they face forward.

9. The male terminal component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The abutting area of ​​the second wall portion that abuts the abutting wall portion is formed as a recessed portion that is stepped inward relative to other areas of the second wall portion.

10. A connector comprising: The male terminal component according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The connector housing has a cavity for receiving the male terminal component; A sealing gasket, having an insertion hole corresponding to the cavity, is assembled into the connector housing; as well as A retainer holds the sealing gasket fitted to the connector housing from the rearward direction of the assembly direction in which the sealing gasket is assembled. The retainer has a receiving hole at a position corresponding to the insertion hole, the receiving hole extending in the front-rear direction, and the male terminal component is inserted into the receiving hole. The tab portion of the male terminal component is guided by the insertion hole of the sealing gasket by sliding contact between the outer surface of the first wall portion of the male terminal component and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole.

Images