Cable terminal and connector

Abstract

To reduce the height of a connector having a retainer formed with a positioning post. A cable terminal (20) has an inclined portion (22) formed between a front upper plate portion (21a) and a rear upper plate portion (3a) and inclined rearward and close to a center line (C1). The retainer (40) has a positioning post (41) located rearward of the inclined portion (22) and restricting the cable terminal (20) from moving in a rearward direction of the cable terminal (20).

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent No. 2020-099507, filed on June 8, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to cable terminals and connectors with cable terminals mounted thereon. Background Technology

[0004] Patent document 1 listed below discloses a connector having: a base with a terminal receiving chamber into which a cable terminal is inserted; and a retainer attached to the base for preventing the cable terminal from dislodging (i.e., moving rearward from the terminal receiving chamber). The cable terminal includes a locking portion. The retainer has a forward-extending terminal locking tab. The terminal locking tab is located behind the locking portion of the cable terminal and restricts rearward movement of the cable terminal.

[0005] Prior art literature; patent literature; Patent literature 1: Japanese unexamined patent application JPH06-275334 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the connector of Patent Document 1, a terminal locking tab extends forward from the base of the retainer and is arranged on the upper side of the rear portion of the cable terminal. Then, the front portion of the terminal locking tab bends downward, and the end of the terminal locking tab abuts against the rear side of the locking portion of the cable terminal. With this structure, the terminal locking tab is high. This results in a high connector height.

[0007] An example of a connector disclosed herein includes: a cable terminal formed of a metal plate and disposed at the end of a cable; a base that houses the cable terminal and forms a terminal receiving chamber, the cable terminal being insertable from the rear to the front of the terminal receiving chamber; and a retainer attached to the base. The cable terminal includes: a front portion having a front plate portion formed along the centerline of the cable terminal in a front-rear direction; a rear portion having a rear plate portion formed along the centerline of the cable terminal; and an inclined portion formed between the front plate portion and the rear plate portion and inclined rearward and close to the centerline. The retainer includes a positioning post located behind the inclined portion and restricting rearward movement of the cable terminal. This configuration allows for a reduction in the position of the positioning post relative to the cable terminal.

[0008] An example of a cable terminal disclosed herein is a cable terminal formed of a metal plate and disposed at the end of a cable, comprising: a front portion having a front plate portion formed along a centerline of the cable terminal in a front-rear direction; a rear portion having a rear plate portion formed along the centerline; and an inclined portion formed between the front plate portion and the rear plate portion and inclined rearward and close to the centerline. At least a portion of the inner edge of a hole through the metal plate is located in the inclined portion. Using such a connector, the height of the connector can be reduced. Furthermore, because the metal plate has a through hole, force can be effectively applied to the cable terminal from the positioning post of the retainer. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a connector assembly including the connectors proposed in this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the connector assembly.

[0011] Figure 3A It is a 3D view of the cable terminal.

[0012] Figure 3B It is a 3D view of the cable terminal.

[0013] Figure 3C It is along Figure 3A The cross-sectional view of the cable terminal is shown in section IIIc-IIIc.

[0014] Figure 3D This is a plan view of the front part of the terminal provided on the cable terminal.

[0015] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of the connector, showing the cable terminals positioned correctly in the terminal housing and the retainer attached to the base.

[0016] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of the connector, showing the process of inserting the cable terminals.

[0017] Figure 5 In the context of Figure 4A A side view of the connector in the same state, showing the retainer attached to the base.

[0018] Figure 6A It is a three-dimensional view of the retainer.

[0019] Figure 6B This is a side view of the retainer.

[0020] Figure 7A This is a rear view of the base.

[0021] Figure 7B Through Figure 7A A sectional view of the base made from the section of line VIIb-VIIb.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a connector assembly according to a modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The connectors proposed in this disclosure will now be described. In the following text, Figure 1 In the diagram, X1 and X2 directions are referred to as right and left, Y1 and Y2 directions as front and rear, and Z1 and Z2 directions as top and bottom, respectively. These directions are used to describe the relative positional relationships of the connector's parts and do not limit the connector's orientation when attached to other devices.

[0024] All

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector assembly has a connector 10 that can be assembled in the front-to-back direction and a mating connector 90. Figure 1 As shown, connector 10 has a plurality of cable terminals 20, a base 30 for holding the plurality of cable terminals 20, and a retainer 40 attached to the base 30. Mating connector 90 has a plurality of terminals 91 and a base 92 for holding the plurality of terminals 91.

[0026] For example, the mating connector 90 has two terminals 91 arranged in the left-right direction. For example, the mating connector 90 is a connector provided on a circuit board (not shown), and the terminals 91 may have a connection portion 91a at their ends that connects to a conductor pattern on the circuit board.

[0027] The base 92 of the mating connector 90 may have a box-shaped fitting portion 92a facing the opening of the connector 10 (see reference). Figure 2 The contact portion of terminal 91 is housed within the mating portion 92a. The base 30 of connector 10 is embedded within the mating portion 92a, and the plurality of cable terminals 20 respectively contact the plurality of terminals 91. The base 30 may have a locking mechanism that engages with the base 92 of mating connector 90. Figure 2 As shown, for example, the base 30 has a locking lever 33 as a locking mechanism. A hook formed at the front end of the locking lever 33 hooks onto the engaged portion 92b formed on the upper side of the base 92. This restricts separation between the connector 10 and the mating connector 90.

[0028] The number of cable terminals 20 provided on connector 10 and the number of terminals 91 provided on mating connector 90 may both exceed two or both be one. Furthermore, the multiple cable terminals 20 may be arranged not only in the left-right direction but also in the up-down direction. Similarly, the terminals 91 of mating connector 90 may be arranged not only in the left-right direction but also in the up-down direction. Furthermore, for example, mating connector 90 may be a connector attached to the end of a cable, rather than a connector mounted on a circuit board. In this case, mating connector may be a base and cable terminals (see below) that can be attached to the retaining member of this disclosure described later. Figure 8 ) connector.

[0029] Connector Overview

[0030] Terminal housing S for housing cable terminal 20 (refer to) Figure 7B A terminal receiving chamber S is formed in the base 30. The terminal receiving chamber S extends through the base 30 in the front-rear direction, and the cable terminal 20 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber S from the rear side to the front side of the base 30. The connector 10 has two cable terminals 20 arranged in the left-right direction. An equal number of terminal receiving chambers S arranged in the left-right direction are formed in the base 30.

[0031] The stopped part 21e described later (see reference) Figure 3C This is formed on the cable terminal 20. For example... Figure 4A As shown, the base 30 has a locking arm 31 at its lower part. The locking arm 31 hooks onto the stopped part 21e and restricts the rearward movement of the cable terminal 20. Hereinafter, the position of the locking arm 31 hooking onto the cable terminal 20 is described as follows: Figure 4A The position of the cable terminal 20 shown is called the correct position. Furthermore, the stopped portion 21e is called the "second stopped portion".

[0032] Stopped part 24a (refer to) Figure 3C A stop portion 24a is formed on the cable terminal 20. In this example of connector 10, the stop portion 24a is part of the inner edge of the hole Ha formed on the cable terminal 20. The retainer 40 has a forward-extending positioning post 41 (see reference). Figure 1The positioning post 41 is positioned behind the stop portion 24a and restricts the cable terminal 20 from moving backward (disengaging from the correct position in the terminal receiving chamber S). Furthermore, during the insertion of the cable terminal 20 into the terminal receiving chamber S, if the cable terminal 20 does not reach the correct position in the terminal receiving chamber S, the positioning post 41 pushes the stop portion 24a forward when the retainer 40 is attached to the base 30, thereby moving the cable terminal 20 to the correct position. In other words, the positioning post 41 prevents partial engagement between the cable terminal 20 and the base 30. Hereinafter, the stop portion 24a is referred to as the "first stop portion". Furthermore, during the process of inserting the cable terminal 20 into the terminal receiving chamber S, if the cable terminal 20 does not reach the correct position in the terminal receiving chamber S and the second stop portion 21e is located further back than the stop portion 31a, then when the retainer 40 is attached to the base 30, the positioning post 41 contacts the second stop portion 24a and presses down on the cable terminal 20 in the insertion direction, causing the second stop portion 21e to press down on the stop portion 31a and pass over the stop portion 31a.

[0033] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the base 30 may have a mating portion 34. For example, the mating portion 34 may be formed on the left and right sides of the base 30. The mating portion 34 may be a protrusion projecting from the side. Alternatively, the retainer 40 may have mating portions 43 on its left and right sides. Figure 5 As shown, for example, the joint 43 is a generally U-shaped portion extending toward the side of the base 30 in a side view. When the joined portion 34 engages with the joint 43, the joined portion 34 is placed within the joint 43 and restricts the retainer 40 from moving rearward relative to the base 30 (e.g., the retainer 40 and the base 30 separate).

[0034] The shapes of the engaging portion 43 and the engaged portion 34 are not limited to the example of connector 10, as long as the shapes of the engaging portion 43 and the engaged portion 34 restrict the separation between the base 30 and the retainer 40. Furthermore, in an example different from that of connector 10, the protrusion of the engaging portion 43 is formed on the side of the retainer 40, while the engaged portion 34 may be formed on the side of the base 30 and extend toward the retainer 40.

[0035] Cable terminals

[0036] The cable terminal 20 will be described in detail. The cable terminal 20 is a component formed by pressure processing of a metal plate (such as a copper plate, aluminum plate, etc.). Specifically, pressure processing includes stamping, bending, drawing, etc.

[0037] like Figure 3A As shown, the cable terminal 20 has: a terminal front portion 21, having a portion along the center line C1 (refer to...) Figure 3CThe front upper plate portion 21a is formed along the front-rear direction; and the terminal rear portion 23 has a rear upper plate portion 23a formed along the center line C1.

[0038] like Figure 3A As shown, the front portion 21 of the terminal may have two side plate portions 21b that descend from the right and left edges of the front upper plate portion 21a. The front upper plate portion 21a and the two side plate portions 21b surround the center line C1. The cable terminal 20 may have contact portions 21c extending forward from the front ends of the left and right side plate portions 21b. The left and right contact portions 21c are formed to face each other and are elastically deformable, thereby widening or narrowing the gap between the left and right contact portions 21c. The terminal 91 of the mating connector 90 is inserted between the two contact portions 21c and contacts the two contact portions 21c.

[0039] The upper front plate portion 21a is located above the two contact portions 21c. For example... Figure 3D As shown in the plan view of the cable terminal 20, both contact portions 21 are entirely covered by the front upper plate portion 21a. Therefore, contact portion 21c can be protected by the front upper plate portion 21a. Figure 3C As shown, the front end of the upper front plate portion 21a is located in front of the front end of the contact portion 21c. Therefore, the front end of the contact portion 21c can be protected by the upper front plate portion 21c.

[0040] like Figure 3C As shown, the front end 21h of the upper front plate 21a bends downward. In other words, the front end 21h of the upper front plate 21c bends toward the center line C1 of the cable terminal 20. When the cable terminal 20 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber S, even if the front end 21h of the upper front plate 21c collides with the edge of the terminal receiving chamber S, the cable terminal 20 can be guided into the terminal receiving chamber S by tilting the front end 21h.

[0041] The cable terminal 20 has two base plates 21d extending from the lower edges of the left and right side plates 21b, respectively. The base plates 21d are located on the opposite side of the front upper plate 21a, separated by a center line C1. The two base plates 21d can overlap each other. This increases the strength of the cable terminal 20.

[0042] like Figure 3CAs shown, the length W12 of the side plate portion 21b in the front-rear direction is less than the length W11 of the front upper plate portion 21a in the front-rear direction. The length W13 of the bottom plate portion 21d in the front-rear direction is less than the length W12 of the side plate portion 21b in the front-rear direction. The bottom plate portion 21d is formed only at the rear of the terminal front portion 21 and does not need to be formed between the left and right contact portions 21c. In this way, the width of the front portion of the cable terminal 20 in the vertical direction can be reduced. Furthermore, since the bottom plate portion 21d is formed only at the rear of the terminal front portion 21, the length of the bottom plate portion 21d in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the front upper plate portion 21a in the front-rear direction. However, since the two bottom plate portions 21d overlap each other, their strength can be maintained without reducing mechanical strength.

[0043] like Figure 3A As shown, a protrusion 21g extending in the front-rear direction can be formed on the upper front plate portion 21a of the terminal front portion 21. This improves the strength of the upper front plate portion 21a. The inner surface of the terminal receiving chamber S of the base 30 has an upper side surface facing the upper front plate portion 21a of the terminal front portion 21 into which the terminal receiving chamber S is inserted. Figure 7A As shown, a recess 30e along the front-to-back direction can be formed on the upper side of the inner surface of the terminal receiving chamber S. A relatively protruding convex portion 30f can be formed on the right and left sides of the recess 30e. When the front portion 21 of the terminal is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber S, the convex portion 21g formed on the front upper plate portion 21a is placed within the recess 30e. This prevents the cable terminal 20 from being inserted into the terminal receiving chamber S in an upside-down position.

[0044] The terminal rear portion 23 may have cable holding portions 23b and 23d extending from the rearmost portion of the upper rear plate portion 23a. For example, the cable holding portions 23b and 23d are formed by bending a metal plate. The cable holding portion 23b extends from the right and left sides of the rearmost portion of the upper rear plate portion 23a. The cable holding portion 23d is formed in front of the cable holding portion 23b and extends from the right and left sides of the upper rear plate portion 23a. The rearmost cable holding portion 23b clamps and holds the outer sheath 29a of the cable 29. The outer sheath 29a of the cable 29 is removed at the end of the cable 29, while the front cable holding portion 23d is electrically connected to the conductor of the cable 29.

[0045] like Figure 3A and Figure 3C As shown, the height of the upper surface (surface facing the Z1 direction) of the rear upper plate portion 23a can be constant in the extending direction (front-rear direction) of the rear upper plate portion 23a. Alternatively, when the cable 29 held by the cable holding portion 23b is thicker than shown in the figure, the rear upper plate portion 23a may have a step 23f, so that the rear part of the rear upper plate portion 23a is positioned higher than the front part of the rear upper plate portion 23a, such as... Figure 3CAs shown by the two double-dotted lines. Furthermore, the cable retaining portion 23b may have a higher height (width in the vertical direction), as shown by the two double-dotted lines. In this case, the upper part of the inclined portion 22a of the cable terminal 20 (described later) is preferably higher than the rear part of the rear upper plate portion 23a (the upper edge of the step 23f). In other words, the upper part of the inclined portion 22a of the cable terminal 20 (described later) is preferably higher than the horizontal plane passing through the rear of the rear upper plate portion 23a. Thus, the inclined portion 22a can be pushed forward by the positioning post 41 of the retainer 40.

[0046] Connecting parts

[0047] like Figure 3A As shown, the cable terminal 20 may have a connecting portion 22 located between the front upper plate portion 21a and the rear upper plate portion 23a. The connecting portion 22 has an inclined portion 22a on its upper part. The inclined portion 22a is inclined relative to the center line C1 so that it approaches the center line C1 of the cable terminal 20 from its front end toward its rear end.

[0048] like Figure 3C As shown, the rear upper plate portion 23a can extend straight along the center line C1. In other words, the rear upper plate portion 23a can be parallel to the center line C1. Due to the presence of the inclined portion 22a, the position of the rear upper plate portion 23a is lower than the position of the front upper plate portion 21a. In other words, the distance between the rear upper plate portion 23a and the center line C1 is less than the distance between the front upper plate portion 21a and the center line C1.

[0049] like Figure 6A As shown, the retainer 40 may have a post base 42. A positioning post 41 extends forward from the post base 42. Figure 4A As shown, the positioning post 41 can be positioned behind the inclined portion 22a of the cable terminal 20, and can restrict the cable terminal 20 from moving backward (in other words, from dislodging from the terminal receiving chamber S). By forming the inclined portion 22a in the cable terminal 20 in this way, the relative position of the positioning post 41 to the cable terminal 20 can be reduced.

[0050] like Figure 3C As shown, the width W2 of the rear portion 23 of the terminal in the vertical direction (the height of the cable holding portion 23b) can be smaller than the width W1 of the front portion 21 of the terminal in the vertical direction (the height of the base plate portion 21d). Because the width W2 of the rear portion 23 of the terminal is smaller than the width W1 of the front portion 21 of the terminal, the inclined portion 22a can be formed on the cable terminal 20 and the position of the positioning post 41 can be lowered, but it is not necessary to lower the position of the cable holding portion 23b relative to the front portion 21 of the terminal. As a result, the height of the connector 10 can be reduced. In other words, through the aforementioned relationship between the widths W1 and W2, the inclined portion 22a formed on the cable terminal 20, and the positioning post 41, the height of the connector 10 can be reduced.

[0051] like Figure 4A As shown, the positioning post 41 may have a first extension 41a extending from the post base 42 and a second extension 41b extending forward from the first extension 41a. The first extension 41a may extend downward and backward simultaneously from the post base 42 by bending or buckling. The second extension 41b extends forward linearly from the lower end of the first extension 41a and is positioned behind the inclined portion 22a. The lower surface 41c of the second extension 41b is entirely lower than the upper surface 21i of the front upper plate portion 21a. As a result, the position of the second extension 41b is lowered, and therefore the height of the connector 10 can be reduced. The second extension 41b and the rear upper plate portion 23a of the terminal rear portion 23 may be arranged in parallel.

[0052] Note that the first extension 41a of the positioning post 41 is not necessarily bent. In this case, the positioning post 41 may extend forward in a straight line from its base. Furthermore, the lower surface of its straight-extending portion may be lower than the upper surface 21i of the front upper plate portion 21a. As described later, the bending of the first extension 41a in the connector 10 allows the first extension 41a to elastically deform. If at least the first extension 41a is an elastically deformable structure, the first extension 41a may be of any type, may have a buckled or helical spring structure, or may be formed of an elastic material.

[0053] Through hole

[0054] like Figure 3A As shown, a hole Ha penetrating the metal plate, which is the material of the cable terminal 20, may be formed on part or all of the inclined portion 22a. The front end 41e of the positioning post 41 (see Figure 6) may contact the inner edge of the hole Ha and restrict the rearward movement of the cable terminal 20. More specifically, the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 may contact the front side 24a of the inner edge of the hole Ha to ensure that the cable terminal 20 is inserted in the correct position or to restrict the rearward movement of the cable terminal 20. The front side 24a of the inner edge of the hole Ha is the aforementioned "first stop portion".

[0055] According to this structure, a rearward-facing surface (a surface with a height corresponding to the thickness of the metal plate) is formed on the front side 24a of the inner edge of the hole Ha. Furthermore, the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 (see reference...) Figure 6A A forward-facing surface is formed. As a result, the force of the positioning post 41 pushing the cable terminal 20 forward is effectively applied to the cable terminal 20. In this example of connector 10, the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 protrudes forward compared to the right and left portions of the positioning post 41.

[0056] It should be noted that, Figure 3DIn the example shown, hole Ha is formed in inclined portion 22a, and the front side 24a of the inner edge of hole Ha (i.e., the first stopped portion) is located at the junction between inclined portion 22a and front upper plate portion 21a. In contrast, hole Ha may be formed straddling inclined portion 22a and front upper plate portion 21a. In other words, the first stopped portion 24a may be located on front upper plate portion 21a.

[0057] In this example of cable terminal 20, the boundary between the rear side 24b of the inner edge of hole Ha and the inclined portion 22a and the rear upper plate portion 23a is different. This prevents the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 from interfering with the rear side of hole Ha when the positioning post 41 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber S and the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 contacts the front side 24a of the inner edge of hole Ha. In contrast, the rear side 24b of the inner edge of hole Ha may be located further rearward than the boundary between the inclined portion 22a and the rear upper plate portion 23a. Conversely, the rear side 24b of the inner edge of hole Ha may be located further forward than the boundary between the inclined portion 22a and the rear upper plate portion 23a.

[0058] Hole Ha can be a hole that passes through a metal plate, which is the material of the cable terminal 20, or it can be a recess with a bottom. Even in this case, hole Ha has a front side 24a (first stopped portion) of its inner edge, and the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 can push the front side 24a of the inner edge.

[0059] The through hole Ha may be formed on only a portion of the inclined portion 22a. In this example of the cable terminal 20, the inclined portion 22a has connecting shoulders 22c, described later, located on the right and left sides of the through hole Ha. Furthermore, in this example of the cable terminal 20, the boundary between the front side 24a (first stopped portion) of the inner edge of the through hole Ha and the inclined portion 22a and the front upper plate portion 21a is different but may be located further rearward than this boundary. Furthermore, in this example of the cable terminal 20, the boundary between the rear side 24b of the inner edge of the through hole Ha and the inclined portion 22a and the rear upper plate portion 23a is different but may be located further forward than the boundary between the inclined portion 22a and the rear upper plate portion 23a.

[0060] Side of the inclined part

[0061] like Figure 3A and Figure 3D As shown, the connecting portion 22 may have two side portions 22b extending rearward from the left and right side plate portions 21b and connecting to the rear upper plate portion 23a. The rear upper plate portion 23a is curved to surround the center line C1, and the two side portions 22b may be connected to the right and left portions of the rear upper plate portion 23a, respectively. The side portions 22b can increase the strength of the inclined portion 22a forming the through hole Ha.

[0062] like Figure 3A and Figure 3D As shown, the front portion 21 of the terminal has a curved shoulder 21f between the front upper plate portion 21a and the side plate portion 21b. The inclined portion 22a may have a portion 22c extending rearward from the shoulder 21f and connecting to the rear portion 23 of the terminal. Hereinafter, portion 22c is referred to as the connecting shoulder. The connecting shoulder 22c is the portion of the inner edge of the hole Ha between the right edge and the right side portion 22b and the portion of the inner edge of the hole Ha between the left edge and the left side portion 22b. Due to the presence of the connecting shoulder 22c, the size of the hole Ha in the left-right direction is suppressed, and the strength of the connecting portion 22 is ensured. In addition, the connecting shoulder 22c bends from the upper part of the side portion 22b toward the center in the left-right direction. This bend also helps to increase the strength of the connecting portion 22.

[0063] Unlike the example of cable terminal 20, the connector 22 may not have a connector shoulder 22c. In other words, the right and left edges of the inner edge of the through hole Ha may extend to the side portion 22b of the connector 22. Furthermore, the side portion 22b may also be inclined relative to the centerline C1. Specifically, the side portion 22b may be inclined so that it approaches the centerline C1 from its front end toward its rear end. In other words, the connector 22, including the portion 22c and the side portion 22b, has a generally nozzle-like shape that gradually extends from its front to its rear toward the centerline C1, and has a portion ( Figure 3C The lower portion of the connector 22 is cut off and has a generally nozzle-shaped structure. This connector 22 can be formed by drawing.

[0064] like Figure 3C As shown, the front portion 23c of the right edge (lower right edge) of the terminal rear portion 23 and the front portion 23c of the left edge (lower left edge) of the terminal rear portion 23 are connected to the lower edge 22e of the side portion 22d of the connecting portion 22. The front portions 23c of the left and right edges of the terminal rear portion 23 extend forward and downward. This ensures the vertical dimension of the connecting portion 22 and its strength. Furthermore, the front portion of the lower edge 22e of the connecting portion 22 curves downward and connects to the rear edge of the side plate portion 21b. This increases the connection strength between the connecting portion 22 and the side plate portion 21b.

[0065] Second blocked part

[0066] As mentioned above, such as Figure 3B As shown, the cable terminal 20 may have two base plates 21d, each extending from the lower end of one of the side plates 21b and located on the opposite side of the front upper plate 21a across the center line C1. In this example of the connector 10, the terminal front portion 21 may have two base plates 21d extending from the left and right side plates 21b and overlapping each other. In contrast, the base plate 21d may be formed only on one of the side plates 21b. This base plate 21d may be connected to the side plate 21b on the opposite side.

[0067] Locking arm 31 of base 30 (see reference) Figure 4A It has a stop portion 31a positioned behind the base plate portion 21d. When the cable terminal 20 is in the correct position in the terminal receiving chamber S, the stop portion 31a is positioned behind the rear edge of the base plate portion 21d (the second stop portion 21e) and restricts the cable terminal 20 from moving backward.

[0068] The locking arm 31 can move up and down around its base 31b. During the insertion of the cable terminal 20 from the rear to the front of the base 30, the locking arm 31 is pushed downwards by the bottom plate 21d of the cable terminal 20, as... Figure 4B As shown. Subsequently, when the base plate portion 21d passes the protrusion of the locking arm 31 and the cable terminal 20 reaches... Figure 4A When in the correct position as shown, the locking arm 31 returns to its initial position due to its elastic force. As a result, the stop 31a is positioned behind the rear edge of the base plate 21d (the second stopped part 21e).

[0069] like Figure 3C As shown, the inclined portion 22 is connected to the rear edge of the terminal front portion 21. The base plate portion 21d of the second stop portion 21e, which is formed at the rearmost part of the terminal front portion 21, is formed. Therefore, the position of the front side 24a (first stop portion) of the hole Ha formed in the inclined portion 22 in the front-rear direction can substantially coincide with the position of the rear edge 21e (second stop portion) of the base plate portion 21d in the front-rear direction.

[0070] retainer

[0071] The retainer 40 will be described in detail. The retainer 40 has multiple positioning posts 41 and post bases 42. The post bases 42 bridge the left and right wall portions 44a of the retainer 40, as shown below. Figure 6A As shown. The same number of positioning posts 41 as cable terminals 20 are connected to the post base 42.

[0072] The positioning post 41 is elastically deformable to move in the front-rear direction. For example, the positioning post 41 may have a first extension 41a connected to the post base 42 and a second extension 41b extending forward from the first extension 41a, such as... Figure 4A As shown. Movement of the first extension 41a about the base 42 changes the position of the second extension 41b in the front-rear direction. The positioning post 41 is elastically deformable to move in the front-rear and left-right directions. In this example of the retainer 40, movement of the first extension 41a about the base 42 changes the position of the second extension 41b in the left-right direction.

[0073] According to the retainer 40, the dimensional tolerances of the components can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the positioning post 41. As a result, the retainer 40 can be properly attached to the base 30 and the cable terminal 20 can be reliably positioned correctly. With conventional connectors, when the positioning post 41 presses against the first stop 24a of the cable terminal 20 and the cable terminal 20 is inserted into the foremost part of the base 30, the engagement portion 43 of the retainer 40 may not engage with the engagement portion 34 of the base 30 due to the cumulative effect of the dimensional tolerances of the various parts and the gaps between the various parts. However, in the connector 10 of this disclosure, even if the cable terminal 20 is inserted into the foremost part of the base 30 and the front end 21h of the front upper plate portion 21a of the cable terminal 20 formed at the foremost part of the base 30 abuts against the front stop 35 exposed in the terminal receiving chamber S, the second extension 41b moves backward due to the elastic deformation of the first extension 41a of the retainer 40. As a result, the engagement portion 43 of the retainer 40 can engage with the engagement portion 34 of the base 30. In this manner, the cable terminal 20 is reliably inserted into the foremost part (correct position) of the base 30, and the second stop portion 21e (see reference) Figure 4A The gap between the stop portion 31a of the locking arm 31 and the locking arm 31 can be reduced. Therefore, the connector can be miniaturized.

[0074] The positioning post 41 may have at least one bend or buckle between the post base 42 and the front end 41e of the positioning post 41. This allows the positioning post 41 to deform elastically. In this example of the connector 10, a first extension 41a connected to the post base 42 extends downward from the rear side of the post base 42 and bends simultaneously. A second extension 41b extends forward from the lower end of the first extension 41a. For example, the second extension 41b is formed in a straight line. When viewed in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the second extension 41b, the second extension 41b and the post base 42 overlap each other. More specifically, the second extension 41b and the post base 42 overlap in a plan view.

[0075] like Figure 4A As shown, the thickness W8 of the first extension 41a (bent portion) is less than the thickness W6 of the column base 42. This suppresses deformation of the column base 42 while allowing the first extension 41a to deform easily. In this example of the retainer 40, the thickness of the second extension 41b and the thickness of the first extension 41a can be substantially the same.

[0076] like Figure 4A As shown, the width W7 of the column base 42 in the front-to-back direction is greater than its thickness W6 in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the front end 41e of the positioning column 41 contacts the first stopped portion 24a (the front edge of the hole Ha), the rearward displacement of the column base 42 can be suppressed.

[0077] like Figure 4AAs shown, the upper surface 42a of the pillar base 42 is positioned below the height of the uppermost part of the base 30. In this example of the connector 10, the upper surface 42a of the pillar base 42 is positioned below the uppermost part 33a of the locking arm 33. This arrangement of the pillar base 42 prevents any portion of the pillar base 42 from increasing the height of the connector 10.

[0078] like Figure 4A As shown, the first extension 41a (bent portion) extends from the rear side of the base 42, and the rear portion 41f of the first extension 41a is located further rearward than the rear end 42b of the base 42. The retainer 40 has a portion located to the right or left of the first extension 41a that is further rearward than the rear portion 41f of the first extension 41a. This portion ensures space for allowing deformation of the first extension 41a (bent portion). In this example of connector 10, as... Figure 2 As shown, the retainer 40 has sidewall portions 45 located on the right and left sides of the two positioning posts 41. Figure 4A As shown, the rear surface 45a of the sidewall portion 45 is located further rearward than the last portion 41f of the first extension 41a. Furthermore, in the side view, the sidewall portion 45 overlaps with the last portion 41f of the first extension 41a. In other words, the upper end of the rear surface 45a of the sidewall portion 45 is located higher than the last portion 41f of the first extension 41a, and the lower end of the rear surface 45a of the sidewall portion 45 is located lower than the last portion 41f of the first extension 41a. Thus, the rear surface 45a of the sidewall portion 45 ensures space for allowing deformation of the first extension 41a (bent portion).

[0079] Note that, unlike the example described herein, the retainer 40 may have a portion located above or below the first extension 41a and further rearward than the last portion 41f of the first extension 41a. Even in this case, this portion can ensure space for allowing deformation of the first extension 41a (bent portion).

[0080] As described above, the retainer 40 may have engaging portions 43 on its left and right sides. Figure 6A As shown, for example, the joint 43 is a generally U-shaped portion extending toward the side of the base 30 in a side view. The joint 43 has an upper extension 43b and a lower extension 43c extending forward from the sidewall portion 45. Furthermore, the joint 43 has a front portion 43d formed at the ends of the upper extension 43b and the lower extension 43c. The positioning post 41 extends forward beyond the front surface of the front portion 43d of the joint 43. Figure 6BAs shown in this side view of the retainer 40, the positioning post 41 is located between the upper surface of the engagement portion 43 (the upper surface of the upper extension 43b) and the lower surface of the engagement portion 43 (the lower surface of the lower extension 43c). More specifically, in this side view of the retainer 40, for example, the positioning post 41 overlaps the rear surface of the front portion 43d (the opposing surface 43a opposite to the front surface of the engaged portion 34). Based on this positional relationship between the positioning post 41 and the engagement portion 43, when the engagement force (the force pulling the retainer 40 forward) between the engagement portion 43 of the retainer 40 and the engaged portion 34 of the base 30 is transmitted to the first stop portion 24a via the positioning post 41, it is unlikely that a torque will be generated relative to the retainer 40.

[0081] like Figure 6A As shown, a forward-extending protrusion 41d may be formed on the second extension 41b. In other words, the right and left portions of the upper surface of the second extension 41b may be lower than the central portion. This avoids (see reference...) Figure 7A The interference between the protrusion 30f and the second extension 41b formed on the inner surface of the terminal receiving chamber S. In addition, the protrusion 41d can increase the strength of the positioning post 41.

[0082] As described above, the first extension 41a is connected to the rear side of the column base 42 (see reference). Figure 4A This allows for a reduction in the distance between the column base 42 and the rear surface 30c of the base 30. As a result, it is possible to reduce changes in the relative position of the base 30 and the retainer 40 (e.g., changes in position in the left-right direction).

[0083] Note that the shape of the positioning post 41 is not limited to this example of connector 10. For example, the first extension 41a may extend straight down at an angle. Furthermore, the second extension 41b may extend forward from the lower end of the first extension 41a. A bend may be formed forward from the post base 42 to allow for elastic deformation.

[0084] Length and initial position of the positioning post

[0085] like Figure 4A As shown, the base 30 has a front stop 35 that restricts the forward movement of the cable terminal 20. For example, the front stop 35 may be a wall formed at the front end of the terminal receiving chamber S. When the cable terminal 20 is inserted into the foremost part of the terminal receiving chamber S, the front end 21h of the upper front plate 21a of the cable terminal 20 contacts the front stop 35.

[0086] With the retainer 40 attached to the base 30 (hereinafter referred to as the retainer attachment state), the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 contacts the first stop portion 24a (i.e., the front side of the inner edge of the hole Ha). In other words, the length and initial position of the positioning post 41 are set such that, regardless of the dimensional tolerances of the retainer 40, cable terminal 20, and base 30, the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 contacts the first stop portion 24a in the retainer attachment state. Thus, the cable terminal 20 is reliably positioned correctly, and the retainer 40 can be attached to the base 30. The retainer attachment state refers to the state in which the forward movement of the cable terminal 20 is restricted by the front stop portion 35, and the engagement portion 43 of the retainer 40 engages with the engaged portion 34 of the base 30. In the retainer attachment state, there is no gap between the opposing surfaces 43a and 34a of the engagement portion 43 and the engaged portion 34 in the front-rear direction (see reference). Figure 5 Note that the length and initial position of the positioning post 41 can be set such that, regardless of the dimensional tolerances of the retainer 40, when the retainer is attached, the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 pushes forward the first stopped portion 24a. In other words, when the retainer is attached, the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 preferably contacts the first stopped portion 24a, and the positioning post 41 preferably elastically deforms backward. Subsequently, the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 preferably pushes the first stopped portion 24a forward by the elastic force of the positioning post 41.

[0087] As described above, the retainer 40 has a plurality of positioning posts 41. The length and initial position of the positioning posts 41 are set such that, in the retainer attached state, the front ends 41e of all the positioning posts 41 respectively contact the first stop portions 24a of the plurality of cable terminals 20.

[0088] With the retainer attached, the retainer 40, except for the front end 41e of the positioning post 41, does not have a surface facing forward and contacting the base 30. For example, as Figure 4A As shown, the front surface of the retainer 40 (specifically, the front surface 42a of the post base 42) is spaced apart from the rear surface 30c of the base 30 to ensure a gap between them. Thus, the forward movement of the retainer 40 is limited only by the first stop 24a contacted by the front end 41e of the positioning post 41. As a result, the cable terminal 20 can be pushed forward by the positioning post 41 until the cable terminal 20 contacts the front stop 35, and therefore, the cable terminal 20 can be more reliably positioned correctly.

[0089] Second blocked part

[0090] like Figure 4AAs shown, this ensures a gap between the second stop portion 21e (the rear edge of the base plate portion 21d) and the stop portion 31a of the locking arm 31. In this example of connector 10, because the positioning post 41 is elastically deformable, the gap between the second stop portion 21e and the stop portion 31a can be set to be small. For example, this gap can be the same as the thickness of the two base plate portions 21d, or it can be less than the thickness of the two base plate portions 21d.

[0091] As described above, because the inclined portion 22 is formed on the cable terminal 20, the height of the upper surface of the terminal rear portion 23 is lower than the height of the upper surface of the front upper plate portion 21a. The second extension 41b of the positioning post 41 extends linearly along the upper surface of the terminal rear portion 23. The entire second extension 41b is positioned behind the first stop portion 24a. In the retainer attached state, the post base 42 is positioned behind the base 30 and above the rear portion of the second extension 41b.

[0092] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a connector assembly according to a modified example. The connector assembly has a first connector 10A and a second connector 10B. In the example shown in this figure, the structure of the connector 1 described above, specifically, the positioning post 41, the inclined portion 22a of the cable terminal 20, the hole Ha, etc., are applied to both connectors 10A and 10B. The differences between connectors 10A and 10B and the aforementioned connector 10 will be explained below. For matters not described, the structure of connector 10 may also be applied to both connectors 10A and 10B.

[0093] The first connector 10A has a base 130A, multiple cable terminals 20, and a retainer 140A. Figure 8 In the example shown, the first connector 10A has six cable terminals 20. Similar to the base 30 described above, a plurality of terminal receiving chambers S into which the cable terminals 20 are inserted are formed in the base 130A. Except for the number of terminal receiving chambers S, the structure of the base 130A may be the same as that of the base 30 described above. Similar to the retainer 40 described above, the retainer 140A has a plurality of positioning posts 41. Except for the number of positioning posts 41, the structure of the retainer 140A may be the same as that of the retainer 40 described above.

[0094] The second connector 10B has a base 130B, a plurality of cable terminals 120B, and a retainer 140B. The second connector 10B has a contact portion 21c that is inserted into the cable terminal 20 of the first connector 10A (see reference). Figure 3AThe base 130B contains six cable terminals 120B. Multiple terminal receiving chambers into which the cable terminals 120B are inserted are formed. Furthermore, the base 130B has a box-shaped fitting portion 130a that opens towards the first connector 10A, which is the side where the base 130A of the first connector 10A is fitted. Similar to the retainers 40 and 140A described above, the retainer 140B has multiple positioning posts 41. However, unlike these, the cable terminals 120B have holes forming inner edges that contact the ends of the positioning posts 41.

[0095] Summarize

[0096] As described above, in the connectors 10, 10A, and 10B proposed in this disclosure, the cable terminals 20 and 120B have an inclined portion 22 formed between the front upper plate portion 21a and the rear upper plate portion 23a, inclined towards the rearward side near the centerline C1. The retainer 40 has a positioning post 41 positioned behind the inclined portion 22 and restricting the movement of the cable terminal 20 to the rear. According to this structure, the positioning post 41 can prevent the base 30 and the cable terminal 20 from being partially engaged. Furthermore, the relative position of the positioning post 41 with respect to the cable terminal 20 can be lowered. Note that the structure of the cable terminals 20 and 120B with the inclined portion 22a is applicable to connectors with retainers having a positioning post that forms an inelastic deformation.

[0097] The cable terminals 20 and 120B disclosed herein have an inclined portion 22 formed between the front upper plate portion 21a and the rear upper plate portion 23a, inclined toward the rearward side near the centerline C1. At least a portion of the inner edge of the hole Ha, which is a metal plate made of the cable terminal 20, is located in the inclined portion 22. According to this structure, the height of the positioning post 41 relative to the inclined portion 22 can be reduced. Furthermore, the force of the positioning post 41 is effectively transmitted to the cable terminal 20 by the front end 41e of the positioning post 41 acting on the inner surface of the hole Ha.

[0098] In the connectors 10, 10A, and 10B disclosed herein, the positioning post 41 is elastically deformable to move in the front-rear direction. According to the connectors, dimensional tolerances of the components can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the positioning post 41. As a result, even when the gap between components is reduced to miniaturize the connector 10, the retainer 40 can be properly attached to the base 30 while reliably positioning the cable terminal 20 correctly. Note that the elastically deformable configuration of the positioning post 41 is applicable to connectors where the inclined portion 22 is not formed at the cable terminal 20.

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a cable terminal formed of a metal plate and provided at an end portion of a cable; a housing which accommodates the cable terminal and is formed with a terminal accommodation chamber into which the cable terminal is insertable from a rear side to a front side; and a retainer attached to the housing; wherein the cable terminal includes a terminal front portion having a front plate portion formed along a center line of the cable terminal in a front-rear direction, a terminal rear portion having a rear plate portion formed along the center line of the cable terminal, and an inclined portion formed between the front plate portion and the rear plate portion and inclined rearward and close to the center line, and the retainer includes a positioning post located rearward of the inclined portion and restricting movement of the cable terminal in a rearward direction of the cable terminal, wherein at least a part of an inner edge of a hole formed through the metal plate is located at the inclined portion, and the positioning post restricts rearward movement of the cable terminal at the inner edge of the hole.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the positioning post includes an extension portion located rearward of the inclined portion and extending in a straight line along the rear plate portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the terminal front portion has left and right side plate portions extending from left and right edges of the front plate portion, respectively, and the inclined portion includes side portions extending rearward from the left and right side plate portions and connected to the terminal rear portion.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the cable terminal has left and right side plate portions extending from left and right edges of the front plate portion, respectively, and a bottom plate portion extending from the side plate portions at positions opposite to each other across the center line.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the housing has a locking arm located rearward of an edge of the bottom plate portion and restricting rearward movement of the cable terminal.

6. A cable terminal formed of a metal plate and provided at an end portion of a cable, comprising: a terminal front portion having a front plate portion formed along a center line of the cable terminal in a front-rear direction; a terminal rear portion having a rear plate portion formed along the center line; and an inclined portion formed between the front plate portion and the rear plate portion and inclined rearward and close to the center line, wherein at least a part of an inner edge of a hole formed through the metal plate is located at the inclined portion. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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