connector

Abstract

The present invention aims to suppress erroneous insertion and strength reduction of a terminal fitting. A terminal fitting having a terminal connecting portion, and a housing provided with a terminal accommodating portion that accommodates the terminal fitting in a terminal insertion direction to an inside and accommodates the terminal connecting portion in a completed accommodation position, the terminal connecting portion is a cylindrical portion that bends end surfaces (11x1, 11y1) of both end portions (11x, 11y) to face each other in a cylindrical shape, has a recessed portion (16) recessed in a terminal extraction direction opposite to the terminal insertion direction from a terminal insertion direction side end (11f) toward the opposite direction, the recessed portion is formed by two cutout portions (16a, 16b) that cut each corner portion of both end portions at the terminal insertion direction side end of the terminal connecting portion, and the terminal accommodating portion has a protrusion (25) that protrudes in a direction opposite to the arrangement direction of the end surfaces of both end portions in the recessed portion of the terminal connecting portion inserted into the completed accommodation position, and the width of the protrusion is larger than the gap between the end surfaces of both end portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector. Background Technology

[0002] As a connector, there exists a type of connector whose terminal fitting has a cylindrical terminal connection portion, which can be accommodated in the housing even when the terminal fitting is rotated about its cylindrical axis. Furthermore, in such connectors, typically, the terminal fitting can only physically and electrically connect with the mating terminal fitting when it is accommodated in the housing in the correct insertion position. If the terminal fitting is accommodated in the housing in an incorrect insertion position after being rotated from the correct position, physical connection between the terminal fitting and the mating terminal fitting cannot be achieved, thus compromising the quality of the electrical connection between the terminal fitting and the mating terminal fitting. Therefore, for example, in conventional connectors, an outwardly protruding protrusion is provided on the terminal fitting to ensure that the housing accommodates the terminal fitting when inserted in the correct insertion position, thereby suppressing mis-insertion of the terminal fitting (see Patent Document 1 below). However, for such a protrusion on the terminal fitting, the insertion trajectory must be ensured by the housing, potentially leading to a larger housing volume. Therefore, in conventional connectors, the cutouts provided on the terminal connection portion of the terminal accessory and the protrusions provided on the housing are configured to engage only when the terminal accessory is inserted in the correct insertion position, so that only the terminal accessory inserted in the correct insertion position is accommodated in the housing, thereby suppressing the misinsertion of the terminal accessory (Patent Document 2 below).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-133759

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-72222 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the cuts in the terminal fittings can be a cause of stress concentration and reduced strength, depending on how the terminal connection is configured on the wall.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of suppressing misinsertion of terminal components and reduction of strength.

[0010] Technical means for solving problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is characterized by comprising: a terminal fitting having a terminal connection portion physically and electrically connected to a mating terminal fitting; and a housing having a terminal receiving portion, the terminal receiving portion allowing the terminal fitting to be inserted into an inner terminal receiving chamber along a terminal insertion direction and received in a received position; the terminal connection portion being a cylindrical portion with its two end faces bent together to form a cylindrical shape; the terminal connection portion having a recess with the terminal insertion direction as the cylindrical axis direction and recessed from the end on the terminal insertion direction side toward a terminal pull-out direction opposite to the terminal insertion direction; the recess being formed by two cut-out portions, the two cut-out portions being formed by cutting off each corner of the two end sides at the end of the terminal connection portion; and the terminal receiving portion having a protrusion that is inserted from the end side into the recess of the terminal connection portion in the received position.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] In the connector according to the present invention, when the terminal accessory is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber in the correct insertion posture, the protrusion of the terminal receiving portion is inserted into the recess of the terminal connecting portion. Therefore, in this connector, when the terminal accessory is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber in the correct insertion posture, the terminal accessory can be inserted to the fully received position. On the other hand, in this connector, when the terminal accessory is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber in an incorrect insertion posture after rotating 180 degrees around the cylindrical axis of the terminal connecting portion, the end of the terminal connecting portion jams the protrusion of the terminal receiving portion. Therefore, in this connector, when the terminal accessory is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber in an incorrect insertion posture, when the end of the terminal connecting portion jams the protrusion, the insertion of the terminal accessory to a deeper position is suppressed, preventing the terminal accessory from reaching the fully received position. Therefore, in this connector, for example, it is possible for an operator to detect the incorrect insertion of the terminal accessory. Furthermore, in this connector, since the recess is formed by cutting off the corners of the two ends of the terminal connection portion, for example, compared to the case where a recess of the same size as the recess described above is formed by cutting off one wall portion, the cut area in one wall portion is narrower, which can suppress the reduction of the strength of the terminal connection portion. Therefore, the connector of the present invention can suppress the misinsertion of terminal accessories and the reduction of strength. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the connector and mating side connector of the embodiment from another angle, showing them before their mating connection.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a top view of the connector according to the embodiment, viewed from the side of the terminal receiving portion.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the cross section along line X1-X1.

[0018] Figure 5 Is to make Figure 3 A magnified view of the section along line Y1-Y1 after rotating it 90 degrees.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the cross section along line X2-X2.

[0020] Figure 7 Is to make Figure 3 A magnified view of the section of line Y2-Y2 after rotating it 90 degrees.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the terminal accessories and anti-detachment components.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the terminal fittings and anti-disengagement components in a locked state.

[0024] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the terminal housing and the anti-detachment component.

[0025] Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing the terminal housing and anti-dislodgement component in a locked state inside a part of the housing.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the terminal housing and anti-dislodgement components in a locked state, viewed from another angle by cutting open a portion of the housing.

[0027] Figure 14 Is with Figure 3 The enlarged view of the X1-X1 line section shows the incorrect insertion of the terminal fitting.

[0028] Symbol Explanation

[0029] 1 Connector

[0030] 10-terminal accessories

[0031] 11 Terminal connection section

[0032] 11f end

[0033] 11x, 11y ends

[0034] 11x1, 11y1 end faces

[0035] 14. Stuck part

[0036] 15 Anti-hair loss compartment

[0037] 16 recess

[0038] Resection sections 16a and 16b

[0039] 17. Strengthening Department

[0040] 20. Housing

[0041] 20a Terminal Reception Chamber

[0042] 22 Terminal Receiving Section

[0043] 25 convex part

[0044] 40 Anti-detachment components

[0045] 43 Terminal locking part

[0046] 510 Mating Side Terminal Accessories Detailed Implementation

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the connector according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0048] [Implementation Method]

[0049] based on Figures 1 to 14 One embodiment of the connector involved in this invention will be described.

[0050] Figures 1 to 8 The symbol 1 indicates the connector of this embodiment. This connector 1 is mounted on the end of the wire We and is electrically connected to the target device (not shown) of the wire We. Furthermore, this connector 1 connects to the mating-side terminal fitting 510 of the mating-side device 500. Figure 2 The mating-side terminal fitting 510 is disposed in the mating-side fitting space 500b of the housing 500a of the mating-side device 500 and is electrically connected to the connector 1 embedded in the mating-side fitting space 500b. For example, in this case, the target device of the wire We is the inverter of a vehicle, and the mating-side device 500 is the rotating machine of the vehicle.

[0051] The connector 1 includes terminal fittings 10, housing 20, shielding shell 30, and anti-disengagement component 40. Figure 3 as well as Figure 8 ).

[0052] Terminal fitting 10 is formed from a conductive material such as metal. The terminal fitting 10 is formed into a predetermined shape by stamping a metal sheet as a base material through bending, cutting, and other processes. The terminal fitting 10 is installed at the end of the wire We for electrical connection. Furthermore, the terminal fitting 10 is physically and electrically connected to the mating-side terminal fitting 510 disposed in the mating-side fitting space 500b. Therefore, the terminal fitting 10 has: a terminal connection portion 11, which is physically and electrically connected to the mating-side terminal fitting 510; and a wire connection portion 12, which is physically and electrically connected to the end of the wire We. Figure 8 ).

[0053] The terminal connection portion 11 is fitted and connected to the mating-side terminal connection portion 511 of the mating-side terminal fitting 510. This terminal connection portion 11 is formed in the shape of a cylindrical female terminal. Figures 8 to 10 The mating side terminal connection portion 511 is inserted into the inner side of the connector 1. As the housing 20 of the connector 1 is inserted into the mating side fitting space 500b along the housing insertion direction, the mating side terminal connection portion 511 is inserted into the terminal connection portion 11 in the opposite direction to the housing insertion direction.

[0054] Specifically, the terminal connection portion 11 is formed by bending the end faces 11x1 and 11y1 of the two ends 11x and 11y together into a cylindrical shape. Figure 5 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Furthermore, the terminal connection portion 11 is housed in the housing 20 in the completed housing position with its cylindrical axis oriented in the same terminal insertion direction as the housing insertion direction (the insertion direction of the terminal fitting 10 into the housing 20). The terminal connection portion 11 shown here is formed as a square cylindrical shape with four wall surfaces. Moreover, the mating side terminal connection portion 511 shown here is formed as a plate-shaped (so-called male connector shape) male terminal. Figure 2 ).

[0055] The terminal connection portion 11 has a first wall portion 11a forming one of the four wall surfaces. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Additionally, the terminal connection portion 11 has a second wall portion 11b and a third wall portion 11c, which respectively form two wall surfaces orthogonal to the wall surface of the first wall portion 11a. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Additionally, the terminal connection portion 11 has a fourth wall portion 11d and a fifth wall portion 11e, which together form the remaining wall surface parallel to the wall surface of the first wall portion 11a and orthogonal to the wall surfaces of the second wall portion 11b and the third wall portion 11c. Figure 9 and Figure 10The first wall portion 11a to the fifth wall portion 11e are respectively formed as generally rectangular and generally flat. In the terminal connection portion 11, the end 11x of the fourth wall portion 11d and the end 11y of the fifth wall portion 11e are abutted on the same plane, and their end faces 11x1 and 11y1 are arranged opposite each other with a small gap.

[0056] Additionally, the terminal connection portion 11 shown here has an integral or separate elastic contact portion 13a on its inner side. Figure 4 The elastic contact portion 13a is a part that uses the elastic force accompanying elastic deformation to ensure the contact pressure between the contact and the mating terminal connection portion 511. Here, the contact component 13, which is separate from the terminal accessory 10, has the elastic contact portion 13a. In this connector 1, the elastic contact portion 13a is disposed inside the terminal connection portion 11 by assembling the contact component 13 inside the terminal connection portion 11. The elastic contact portion 13a contacts a plane of the sheet-like mating terminal connection portion 511 and applies an elastic force to that plane, for example, in an orthogonal direction.

[0057] The wire connector 12 is physically and electrically connected to the wire We, for example, by crimping or welding the core wire at the end of the wire We. The wire connector 12 shown here is crimped to the core wire by fastening two cylindrical plates to the exposed core wire.

[0058] In this example, the terminal fitting 10 is formed in a straight line shape, arranging the terminal connection portion 11 and the wire connection portion 12 on a straight line. Therefore, the wire We is led out from the wire connection portion 12 in the extending direction of the terminal fitting 10 along this straight line. However, the terminal fitting 10 may also have the terminal connection portion 11 and the wire connection portion 12 arranged orthogonally, or the terminal connection portion 11 and the wire connection portion 12 arranged crosswise.

[0059] The connector 1 shown here has a combination of 3 pairs of terminal accessories 10 and wires We.

[0060] The housing 20 is formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The housing 20 accommodates the terminal fitting 10 and the wire We in an inner, fully accommodated position. Furthermore, within the housing 20, the terminal fitting 10 is held in the fully accommodated position, and the wire We is led out from the inside to the outside.

[0061] The housing 20 has a fitting wall 21, which is inserted from the insertion port 500c into the mating side fitting space 500b along the housing insertion direction. Figure 2 The mating space 500b shown here is formed as an elongated through hole. Therefore, the mating wall 21 shown here is formed as an elongated outer peripheral surface 21a having a similar shape to the mating space 500b.

[0062] Additionally, the housing 20 has a terminal receiving portion 22, which allows the terminal fitting 10 to be received in the inner terminal receiving chamber 20a. Figure 1 as well as Figures 3 to 8 Terminal fitting 10 is inserted into terminal receiving chamber 20a from wire outlet 24a (described later) along the terminal insertion direction. Terminal receiving portion 22 protrudes further into the housing insertion direction than fitting wall 21 and is inserted together with fitting wall 21 from insertion port 500c into mating side fitting space 500b.

[0063] In this connector 1, in order to generate the appropriate contact pressure between the contact and the mating terminal connection portion 511 due to the elastic deformation of the elastic contact portion 13a, the terminal accessory 10 is housed in the terminal receiving chamber 20a as a component that can move relative to the mating terminal connection portion 511 in the direction of the contact pressure. That is, the connector 1 has a self-aligning function that adjusts the terminal accessory 10 along the direction of the contact pressure. Therefore, the terminal receiving chamber 20a is formed as an interior space that allows the terminal accessory 10 to move relative to a self-aligning direction orthogonal to the opposing arrangement direction of the end faces 11x1 and 11y1 of the two ends 11x and 11y in the terminal connection portion 11. Therefore, the terminal receiving chamber 20a is formed such that the terminal accessory 10 can be arranged with a gap between the first wall 22a and the second wall 22b of the terminal receiving portion 22. Figure 4 and Figure 6 ).

[0064] The first wall 22a and the second wall 22b are walls that form the terminal receiving chamber 20a in the terminal receiving portion 22, and are arranged opposite each other at a distance in the adjusting direction. In addition, in the terminal receiving chamber 20a, the size of the gap between the first wall 22a and the terminal accessory 10 and the size of the gap between the second wall 22b and the terminal accessory 10 are set so that the relative movement of the terminal accessory 10 relative to the mating terminal connection portion 511 can be ensured to generate only the appropriate amount of contact pressure between the contact of the elastic contact portion 13a and the mating terminal connection portion 511.

[0065] The terminal receiving portion 22 shown here is formed in a square cylindrical shape, and the terminal receiving chamber 20a inside it accommodates the square cylindrical terminal connecting portion 11. Furthermore, in the terminal receiving portion 22 shown here, one of the two sets of opposing walls arranged at intervals is a first wall 22a and a second wall 22b. In the terminal receiving chamber 20a, the first wall portion 11a of the terminal connecting portion 11 is arranged opposite to the first wall 22a, and the fourth wall portion 11d and the fifth wall portion 11e of the terminal connecting portion 11 are arranged opposite to the second wall 22b. Additionally, in the terminal receiving portion 22 shown here, the mating-side terminal connecting portion 511 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 20a through an opening in the cylindrical axis direction, and the mating-side terminal connecting portion 511 is inserted into the terminal connecting portion 11 in the terminal receiving chamber 20a.

[0066] The housing 20 has a terminal receiving portion 22 for each terminal accessory 10. Furthermore, in the housing 20, the terminal receiving portions 22 are arranged at intervals in an orthogonal direction to the terminal insertion direction and the adjusting direction (i.e., the opposing arrangement direction of the end faces 11x1 and 11y1 of the two ends 11x and 11y in the terminal connection portion 11). The housing 20 has a cylindrical cover portion 23 disposed on the housing insertion direction side of the fitting wall 21, covering the protruding portions of each terminal receiving portion 22 that protrude from the fitting wall 21 at intervals from the outside. Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 8 as well as Figures 11 to 13 The cover 23 shown here is formed as an elongated cylindrical shape with an elongated outer peripheral surface having a shape similar to that of the mating side fitting space 500b. In the housing 20, the elongated cylindrical mating side terminal receiving portion 521 of the mating side housing 520 ( Figure 2 The mating side housing 520 is embedded in the elongated annular gap between the cover 23 and each terminal receiving portion 22. Simultaneously, the mating side terminal connecting portions 511 inside the mating side terminal receiving portion 521 are inserted into each terminal receiving chamber 20a. The mating side housing 520 is fixed to the frame 500a of the mating side device 500 and disposed in the mating side fitting space 500b of the frame 500a. Figure 2 ).

[0067] In the connector 1 shown here, the cover portion 23 has an outer peripheral surface of a similar shape that is larger than the outer peripheral surface 21a of the mating wall 21. Furthermore, the connector 1 includes an annular or cylindrical sealing member (hereinafter referred to as the "first sealing member") 51, which fills the annular or cylindrical gap between the outer peripheral surface 21a of the mating wall 21 and the inner peripheral surface 500b1 of the mating side mating space 500b throughout the entire circumference. Figures 1 to 6 as well as Figure 8The first sealing member 51 is formed in an elongated oval ring or elongated cylindrical shape, similar in shape to the mating side fitting space 500b. The first sealing member 51 shown here is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape, similar in shape to the mating side fitting space 500b, and is assembled to the outer peripheral surface 21a of the fitting wall 21.

[0068] In addition, in the housing 20, a cylindrical wire receiving part 24 is provided for each wire We, which houses the wire We inside and leads it outward. Figure 8 A cylindrical sealing member (hereinafter referred to as "second sealing member") 52 is assembled inside the wire receiving portion 24. The sealing member 52 fills a portion of the cylindrical gap between the inner peripheral surface of the wire receiving portion 24 and the outer peripheral surface of the wire We. Figure 8 The terminal fitting 10, installed at the end of the wire We, extends from the wire outlet 24a of the wire receiving portion 24. Figure 8 The connector 1 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 20a. The connector 1 has a rear support 60 that is fitted into the gap between the wire outlet 24a and the wire We of each wire receiving portion 24. Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 8 ).

[0069] The shielding shell 30 suppresses external noise from intruding into the inner wires We by covering each wire receiving portion 24 from the outside. Therefore, the shielding shell 30 is formed of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum or aluminum alloy).

[0070] The shielding shell 30 has an elongated cylindrical portion 31 that covers each wire receiving portion 24 from the outside. Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 8 In the housing 20, an elongated annular sealing member (hereinafter referred to as the "third sealing member") 53 is assembled on the elongated outer peripheral surface of the fitting wall 21 near the wire receiving portion 24. Figure 8 The third sealing component 53 is a waterproof component that fills a portion of the elongated cylindrical gap between the elongated outer circumferential surface of the housing 20 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31 of the shielding shell 30.

[0071] An elongated annular flange 32 is connected to the cylindrical portion 31. Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 8 The shielding shell 30 is threadedly fastened to the internal thread N of the frame 500a of the mating device 500 by the fixing part 33 protruding from the flange 32 using the external threaded component B. Figure 2 ).

[0072] The anti-detachment component 40 is formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. This anti-detachment component 40 is assembled to the terminal receiving portion 22. The anti-detachment component 40 prevents the terminal accessory 10 from shifting towards the wire outlet 24a in its assembled position and prevents the terminal accessory 10 from falling out of the wire outlet 24a. That is, in the assembled position, the anti-detachment component 40 stops the terminal accessory 10 from moving relative to the terminal receiving portion 22 in the terminal withdrawal direction, opposite to the terminal insertion direction, thus holding the terminal accessory 10 in the receiving position within the terminal receiving chamber 20a. This anti-detachment component 40 can be provided for each terminal accessory 10, for multiple terminal accessories 10, or for all terminal accessories 10. The anti-detachment component 40 shown here is provided for each terminal accessory 10.

[0073] The anti-detachment component 40 is held in the terminal receiving portion 22 at the assembled position relative to the terminal receiving portion 22. Therefore, a held portion 41A is provided in the anti-detachment component 40 that is held in the terminal receiving portion 22. Figure 4 , Figure 6 as well as Figures 9 to 12 Furthermore, the anti-detachment component 40 is provided with a locking portion (hereinafter referred to as the "first locking portion") 42A, which locks the movement of the terminal receiving portion 22 relative to the terminal pull-out direction against the terminal receiving portion 22. Figure 4 , Figure 6 as well as Figures 9 to 11 On the other hand, the terminal receiving portion 22 is provided with: an anti-detachment insertion hole 22c, which allows the anti-detachment member 40 to be inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 20a in an anti-detachment insertion direction toward an adjusting direction; and an anti-detachment holding portion 22d, which is disposed opposite to the held portion 41A of the anti-detachment member 40 in the assembled position in an anti-detachment pull-out direction opposite to the anti-detachment insertion direction, and stops the movement of the held portion 41A in the anti-detachment pull-out direction. Figure 4 , Figure 6 as well as Figures 11 to 13 Furthermore, an anti-disengagement locking part 22e is provided in the terminal receiving portion 22. The anti-disengagement locking part 22e is disposed opposite to the first locking part 42A of the anti-disengagement member 40 in the terminal pulling direction, and the first locking part 42A of the anti-disengagement member 40 is locked in the terminal pulling direction. Figure 4 and Figure 6 ).

[0074] In the terminal receiving portion 22 shown here, the first wall 22a has an anti-dislodgement insertion hole 22c. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 13The anti-detachment insertion hole 22c is a through hole through which the anti-detachment member 40 is inserted from the first wall 22a side toward the second wall 22b side. Furthermore, in the first wall 22a, the peripheral wall on the terminal pull-out direction side of the anti-detachment insertion hole 22c serves as an anti-detachment locking part 22e. Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 ).

[0075] Furthermore, the anti-detachment insertion hole 22c is covered from the outside by the cover portion 23. Therefore, in the housing 20, a through hole 23a is provided in the cover portion 23 at a location opposite to the anti-detachment insertion hole 22c, through which the anti-detachment member 40 is inserted into the anti-detachment insertion hole 22c. Figure 4 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 11 ).

[0076] Additionally, in the terminal receiving portion 22 shown here, the second wall 22b has an anti-disengagement insertion through hole 22f, which allows the held portion 41A of the anti-disengagement member 40 to be inserted from the terminal receiving chamber 20a to the outside. Figure 6 as well as Figure 12 The anti-disengagement through-hole 22f is a through-hole through which the retaining part 41A, which is inserted from the anti-disengagement insertion hole 22c into the terminal receiving chamber 20a, extends outward from the terminal receiving chamber 20a along the anti-disengagement insertion direction. Furthermore, in the second wall body 22b, the peripheral wall of the anti-disengagement through-hole 22f serves as the anti-disengagement retaining part 22d. Figure 6 as well as Figure 12 For the anti-detachment retaining portion 22d of the second wall 22b shown here, the peripheral wall on the terminal insertion direction side of the anti-detachment insertion hole 22f in the second wall 22b is utilized. Furthermore, for the retaining portion 41A shown here, a protrusion is formed that protrudes in the terminal insertion direction when the anti-detachment member 40 is in the assembled position and is disposed opposite to the peripheral wall on the terminal insertion direction side of the anti-detachment insertion hole 22f in the anti-detachment pull-out direction. Figure 6 Here, the retaining part 41A is formed in a claw shape.

[0077] Furthermore, in the connector 1 shown here, in addition to the combination of the retained part 41A and the anti-detachment retaining part 22d, a combination of the retained part 41B and the anti-detachment retaining part 22g is also provided. Figure 4That is, the anti-detachment component 40 has another retaining portion 41B, which is separately disposed from the retaining portion 41A of the anti-detachment retaining portion 22d that is locked in the second wall 22b and is held in the terminal receiving portion 22. Furthermore, in addition to the anti-detachment retaining portion 22d disposed in the second wall 22b, the terminal receiving portion 22 also has another anti-detachment retaining portion 22g, which is disposed opposite to the other retaining portion 41B of the anti-detachment component 40 in the anti-detachment pull-out direction and locks the movement of the other retaining portion 41B in the anti-detachment pull-out direction. This other anti-detachment retaining portion 22g is disposed in the first wall 22a. For example, for the other anti-detachment retaining portion 22g of the first wall 22a shown here, the peripheral wall on the terminal pull-out direction side of the anti-detachment insertion hole 22c in the first wall 22a is utilized. Furthermore, the other retaining portion 41B shown here is formed as a protrusion that protrudes in the terminal pull-out direction when the anti-detachment member 40 is in the assembled position and is disposed opposite to the peripheral wall of the anti-detachment insertion hole 22c on the terminal pull-out direction side in the anti-detachment pull-out direction. Here, the other retaining portion 41B is formed in the shape of a claw.

[0078] Furthermore, in the connector 1 shown here, two sets of a combination of a retaining part 41A and an anti-detachment retaining part 22d are provided. Figure 12 ), and set up a combination of another retaining part 41B and anti-hair loss retaining part 22g ( Figure 4 Furthermore, in the connector 1 shown here, a combination of two sets of first locking portions 42A and anti-detachment locking portions 22e is provided. In the connector 1 shown here, the anti-detachment member 40 is held in the terminal receiving portion 22 in the assembled position relative to the terminal receiving portion 22 by the combination of one of the two sets of retaining portions 41A with the anti-detachment retaining portion 22d, the combination of the other set of retaining portions 41B with the anti-detachment retaining portion 22g, and the combination of the two sets of first locking portions 42A with the anti-detachment locking portions 22e.

[0079] Furthermore, the anti-detachment component 40, at the assembled position relative to the terminal receiving portion 22, prevents the terminal accessory 10 from moving towards the terminal pull-out direction relative to the terminal receiving portion 22. Therefore, a terminal locking portion 43 is provided in the anti-detachment component 40, which is positioned opposite the terminal accessory 10 in the terminal pull-out direction at the assembled position relative to the terminal receiving portion 22, thereby preventing the terminal accessory 10 from moving in the terminal pull-out direction. Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figures 9 to 11On the other hand, a locking part 14 is provided in the terminal fitting 10. This locking part 14 is disposed opposite to the terminal locking part 43 of the anti-disengagement member 40 in the terminal insertion direction side, and the movement of the terminal locking part 43 in the terminal pull-out direction is blocked. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Furthermore, the terminal fitting 10 is provided with an anti-detachment receiving portion 15, which accommodates the terminal locking portion 43 of the anti-detachment component 40 in the assembled position, and is capable of moving relative to the terminal locking portion 43 in the alignment direction. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 ).

[0080] The anti-detachment receiving portion 15 shown here is formed by cutting open the second wall portion 11b and the third wall portion 11c of the terminal connection portion 11, respectively. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Each anti-detachment receiving portion 15 is a space formed by cutting off a portion of the second wall portion 11b and the third wall portion 11c in the self-aligning direction. Therefore, the anti-detachment member 40 is provided with a terminal locking portion 43 for each anti-detachment receiving portion 15. Each anti-detachment receiving portion 15 accommodates the terminal locking portion 43 when the anti-detachment member 40 is in the assembled position, so there is a wall of the terminal receiving portion 22 on the terminal insertion direction side of the terminal locking portion 43. Therefore, the peripheral wall on the terminal insertion direction side of each anti-detachment receiving portion 15 is used as the locking portion 14 of the terminal accessory 10 shown here.

[0081] Specifically, the anti-detachment component 40 shown here has a shaft-shaped first shaft portion 44A and a second shaft portion 44B, which are arranged opposite each other at a distance in the terminal insertion direction and extend in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the terminal insertion direction and the adjusting direction. Figure 9 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 13 Furthermore, the anti-detachment member 40 shown here has: a sheet-like first sheet portion 45A, which connects one end of the first shaft portion 44A and the second shaft portion 44B to each other and extends from that end in the anti-detachment insertion direction; and a sheet-like second sheet portion 45B, which connects the other end of the first shaft portion 44A and the second shaft portion 44B to each other and extends from that end in the anti-detachment insertion direction. Figure 7 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 11 ).

[0082] Here, the first shaft portion 44A is positioned on the terminal insertion direction side, and the second shaft portion 44B is positioned on the terminal removal direction side. Furthermore, in this anti-detachment member 40, the second shaft portion 44B, supported at both ends by the first piece portion 45A and the second piece portion 45B, possesses flexibility, for example, allowing it to flex in both the terminal insertion and terminal removal directions. In this anti-detachment member 40, the first shaft portion 44A and the second shaft portion 44B are positioned in the anti-detachment insertion hole 22c at the assembled position relative to the terminal receiving portion 22. Therefore, the anti-detachment insertion hole 22c is shaped and sized to accommodate the first shaft portion 44A and the second shaft portion 44B.

[0083] Furthermore, in this anti-detachment component 40, the terminals of the first piece 45A and the second piece 45B on the terminal insertion direction side are used as terminal locking parts 43. Figure 9 and Figure 11 Therefore, in this anti-detachment component 40, when in the assembled position relative to the terminal receiving portion 22, the first piece 45A is received in one anti-detachment receiving portion 15, and the second piece 45B is received in another anti-detachment receiving portion 15. Furthermore, in this anti-detachment component 40, the terminal pull-out side ends of each of the first piece 45A and the second piece 45B are used as the first locking portion 42A. Figure 9 ).

[0084] Additionally, the anti-detachment component 40 shown here includes: a first flexible portion 46A of the cantilever, which is axial and flexible, extending from the first piece 45A along the anti-detachment insertion direction; and a second flexible portion 46B of the cantilever, which is axial and flexible, extending from the second piece 45B along the anti-detachment insertion direction. Figures 9 to 11 The first flexible portion 46A and the second flexible portion 46B are flexible enough to flex in both the terminal insertion direction and the terminal removal direction. Furthermore, a retaining portion 41A is provided at the free end of each of the first flexible portion 46A and the second flexible portion 46B.

[0085] Additionally, the anti-detachment component 40 shown here has a protrusion 47 that protrudes from the center of the second shaft portion 44B in the extending direction toward the anti-detachment pull-out direction. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 13 The protrusion 47 shown here is formed in a cuboid shape, so that another retained portion 41B protrudes from the wall surface on the side where its terminal is pulled out. Figure 4 ).

[0086] Additionally, the anti-disengagement component 40 shown here has a locking portion (hereinafter referred to as the "second locking portion") 42B, which locks into the terminal receiving portion 22 in such a way that it does not press into the anti-disengagement insertion direction beyond the assembly completion position relative to the terminal receiving portion 22. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figures 9 to 11 as well as Figure 13 The second locking portion 42B protrudes from the center of the first shaft portion 44A in the extension direction toward the anti-pull-out direction and the terminal insertion direction, and is locked onto the second wall 22b of the terminal receiving portion 22.

[0087] However, in this connector 1, even after rotating the terminal accessory 10 180 degrees around the cylindrical axis of the terminal connection portion 11, the terminal accessory 10 can still be inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 20a. Therefore, in this connector 1, it is necessary to suppress the misinsertion of the terminal accessory 10 by configuring it to detect such misinsertion. Furthermore, in this connector 1, the terminal accessory 10 can be moved relative to the terminal receiving chamber 20a in the self-aligning direction, so even if the terminal accessory 10 is misinserted, the mating side terminal connection portion 511 can still engage with the terminal connection portion 11, potentially making it impossible to detect the misinsertion. Additionally, in this connector 1, even if the terminal accessory 10 is misinserted, the anti-disengagement member 40 can be inserted into the assembled position relative to the terminal receiving portion 22, so even with the anti-disengagement member 40, the misinsertion of the terminal accessory 10 cannot be detected.

[0088] Therefore, in this connector 1, a misinsertion detection structure for the terminal fitting 10 is provided. This misinsertion detection structure is composed of a terminal connection portion 11 and a terminal receiving portion 22.

[0089] First, a recess 16 is provided in the terminal connection portion 11, the recess 16 being recessed from the end 11f on the terminal insertion direction side toward the terminal pull-out direction. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The recess 16 is formed by two cut-off portions 16a and 16b after the corners of the two ends 11x and 11y at the end 11f of the terminal connection portion 11 are cut off. Figure 5 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10In one cut-off portion 16a, the corner of the end 11f on the terminal insertion direction side of the end 11x of the fourth wall portion 11d is cut off. In another cut-off portion 16b, the corner of the end 11f on the terminal insertion direction side of the end 11y of the fifth wall portion 11e is rectangularly cut off. The two cut-off portions 16a and 16b shown here are cut into the same rectangular shape and are of the same size. Therefore, the recess 16 shown here is formed into a rectangular shape by these two cut-off portions 16a and 16b.

[0090] Next, a protrusion 25 is provided in the terminal receiving portion 22, which is inserted from the end 11f side into the recess 16 of the terminal connection portion 11 in the receiving completed position. Figures 4 to 6 The protrusion 25 is formed such that the width of the end faces 11x1 and 11y1 of the two ends 11x and 11y in the terminal connection portion 11 in the opposing configuration direction is larger than the gap between the end faces 11x1 and 11y1 of the two ends 11x and 11y. Furthermore, the size of the protrusion 25 in the self-aligning direction of the terminal fitting 10 is larger than the maximum relative movement of the terminal fitting 10 in the self-aligning direction within the terminal receiving chamber 20a.

[0091] Therefore, in the incorrect insertion detection structure of the terminal accessory 10, when the terminal accessory 10 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 20a in the correct insertion posture, the protrusion 25 of the terminal receiving portion 22 is inserted into the recess 16 of the terminal connecting portion 11. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 Therefore, this misinsertion detection structure ensures that the terminal accessory 10 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 20a in the correct insertion posture, thus ensuring that the terminal accessory 10 is inserted to the receiving completion position. Furthermore, since the width of the protrusion 25 is larger than the gap between the end faces 11x1 and 11y1 of the two ends 11x and 11y, the terminal accessory 10 will not be inserted deeper than the receiving completion position.

[0092] On the other hand, in the incorrect insertion detection structure of the terminal accessory 10, if the terminal accessory 10 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 20a in an incorrect insertion posture with the terminal connection portion 11 rotated 180 degrees around the cylindrical axis of the terminal connection portion 11, the end 11f of the terminal connection portion 11 (the end 11f of the first wall portion 11a) blocks the protrusion 25 of the terminal receiving portion 22. Figure 14 Therefore, when the terminal accessory 10 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 20a in an incorrect insertion posture, this misinsertion detection structure inhibits the terminal accessory 10 from being inserted deeper into the terminal receiving chamber 20a when the end 11f of the terminal connection portion 11 blocks the protrusion 25, preventing the terminal accessory 10 from reaching the fully received position. Thus, this misinsertion detection structure enables, for example, an operator to detect the misinsertion of the terminal accessory 10.

[0093] Furthermore, in this misinsertion detection structure, since the recess 16 is formed by cutting off the corners of the two ends 11x and 11y of the end 11f of the terminal connection portion 11, for example, compared to the case where the second wall portion 11b and the third wall portion 11c are cut off to form a recess of the same size as the recess 16, the cut area in one wall portion is narrower, which can suppress the reduction in strength of the terminal connection portion 11. Therefore, the connector 1 of this embodiment can suppress misinsertion and strength reduction of the terminal accessory 10.

[0094] Here, the terminal connection portion 11 has a reinforcing portion 17, 17 for each cut-out portion 16a, 16b. The reinforcing portions 17, 17 extend from an adjacent position adjacent to the cut-out portion 16a (16b) in the opposing configuration direction between the end faces 11x1, 11y1 towards the terminal pull-out direction. Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 For example, the reinforcing portions 17, 17 shown here are formed into a so-called reinforcing rib shape in which a portion of each of the fourth wall portion 11d and the fifth wall portion 11e bulges out. This allows the connector 1 to further suppress the reduction in strength of the terminal fitting 10. Furthermore, the reinforcing portions 17, 17 shown here are so-called reinforcing rib shapes in which a portion of each of the fourth wall portion 11d and the fifth wall portion 11e bulges inward toward the terminal connection portion 11, and are formed to sandwich the electrical contact portion of the mating terminal connection portion 511 between itself and the elastic contact portion 13a of the contact member 13 disposed inside the terminal connection portion 11.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, have: Terminal fittings, the terminal fittings having terminal connection portions that are physically and electrically connected to mating terminal fittings; and The housing includes a terminal receiving portion, which allows the terminal accessory to be inserted into a terminal receiving chamber inside the terminal receiving portion along the terminal insertion direction and accommodated in a fully accommodated position. The terminal connection portion is a cylindrical portion formed by bending the end faces of its two ends together to form a cylindrical shape. The terminal connection portion has a recess with the terminal insertion direction as the axis of the cylinder. The recess is recessed from the end on the terminal insertion direction side toward the terminal pull-out direction, which is opposite to the terminal insertion direction. The recess is formed by two cut-out portions, which are formed by cutting off the respective corners of the two end sides at the end of the terminal connection portion. The terminal receiving portion has a protrusion that is inserted from the end side into the recess of the terminal connection portion at the receiving completion position.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal connection portion has a reinforcement portion for each of the cut-out portions, the reinforcement portion extending from an adjacent position adjacent to the cut-out portion in the opposite configuration direction of the end faces of the two ends toward the terminal pull-out direction.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connector includes an anti-disengagement component that holds the terminal fitting in the assembled position relative to the terminal receiving portion, and holds the terminal fitting in the terminal receiving chamber in the assembled position. The terminal receiving chamber is configured as an interior space that allows the terminal fitting to move relative to each other in the alignment direction, the alignment direction being orthogonal to the terminal insertion direction and the opposing configuration direction of the end faces of the two ends. The anti-detachment component, at the assembled position, locks the terminal accessory relative to the terminal receiving portion in the terminal pull-out direction. The anti-detachment component has a terminal locking portion, which, at the assembled position, is positioned opposite to the locked portion of the terminal accessory on the terminal pull-out direction side, thereby locking the movement of the locked portion in the terminal pull-out direction. The terminal accessory has an anti-detachment receiving portion that accommodates the terminal locking portion of the anti-detachment component in the assembled position, and allows the terminal accessory to move relative to the terminal locking portion in the alignment direction. The size of the alignment direction of the protrusion is greater than the maximum relative movement of the terminal fitting in the terminal receiving chamber toward the alignment direction.

Images