connector

Abstract

A half insertion state of a terminal member is detected well. A connector (1) is provided with a terminal member (20), a housing (10), and a stopper (70), the housing has a large cavity (11C), the terminal member has a cylindrical box portion (21) and a stabilizing portion (25) protruding from the box portion, the stopper has a box portion detection portion (72D), a protruding portion detection portion (72E), and a box portion locking portion (72F), the large cavity has a box portion insertion portion (15) and a stopper insertion portion (18) located rearward thereof, the housing has a retreat portion (12A) communicating with the stopper insertion portion from a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, when the terminal member is in a normal insertion state, the box portion is normally disposed in the box portion insertion portion, and the box portion locking portion is disposed in the stopper insertion portion, when the terminal member is in a half insertion state, at least one of the box portion detection portion is in a box portion contact state and the protruding portion detection portion is in a protruding portion contact state is obtained, and a protruding portion (72C) is disposed in the retreat portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for inserting a terminal component into a cavity of a housing. In the structure of Patent Document 1, when the stop body is pressed from a temporary locking position to a permanent locking position, the terminal component is detected to be in a semi-inserted state relative to the cavity when the lower surface of the main body of the terminal component contacts the locking protrusion of the stop body. Connector-related technologies are also known and disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-243826

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-94230

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-5109 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] Terminal parts must be avoided from being used in products in a partially inserted state, and a more accurate method for detecting the partially inserted state is desired.

[0010] The connector disclosed herein is based on the above-described situation and is intended to more accurately detect the semi-insertion state of the terminal parts.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] The connector disclosed herein includes terminal parts, a housing, and a stop.

[0013] The housing has a cavity extending in the front-rear direction.

[0014] The terminal component has a cylindrical box-shaped portion and a protrusion protruding from the peripheral wall of the box-shaped portion.

[0015] The stop body has a housing detection part, a protrusion detection part, and a housing locking part.

[0016] The cavity has a box-shaped insertion portion and a stop body insertion portion located behind the box-shaped insertion portion.

[0017] The housing has a retraction portion that communicates with the stop insertion portion in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction.

[0018] When the terminal component is in its properly inserted position within the cavity, the housing portion is properly positioned within the housing portion insertion portion, and the housing portion locking portion is positioned within the stop body insertion portion.

[0019] When the terminal part is in a semi-inserted state without being properly positioned in the cavity, at least one of the following states is obtained: a box contact state where the box detection part contacts the box part, and a convex contact state where the convex detection part contacts the convex part, and the box locking part is disposed on the retraction part.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to this disclosure, the semi-insertion state of terminal parts can be detected more accurately. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 2 This is the rear view of the casing.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA section view in the image.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the terminal component.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view of the stop body and an enlarged three-dimensional view of the large cavity engagement part.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 BB section view in the middle.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a rear view of the housing with the stop body positioned in a temporary locking position.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a side sectional view showing the large cavity insertion terminal part and the stabilizing part not inserted into the stop body.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a side sectional view showing the state in which the large cavity insertion terminal part and the stabilizing part are inserted into the stop body.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a side sectional view showing the large cavity insertion terminal part with the stabilizing part positioned above the protrusion detection part.

[0032] Figure 11 It is a side sectional view showing the state of the terminal part inserted in the large cavity, the stabilizing part passing forward through the protrusion and the convex detection part.

[0033] Figure 12 It is a side sectional view showing the terminal part inserted into the large cavity in the correct insertion position.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a side sectional view showing the terminal component in its normal insertion state and the stop body in its normal locking position.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a rear view showing the terminal parts in the normal insertion state and the stop body in the normal locking position. Detailed Implementation

[0036] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0037] First, the implementation methods of this disclosure are listed and explained.

[0038] The connector disclosed herein,

[0039] (1) The device comprises a terminal part, a housing, and a stop body. The housing has a cavity extending in the front-rear direction. The terminal part has a cylindrical box portion and a protrusion protruding from the peripheral wall of the box portion. The stop body has a box portion detection portion, a protrusion detection portion, and a box portion locking portion. The cavity has a box portion insertion portion and a stop body insertion portion located behind the box portion insertion portion. The housing has a retraction portion communicating with the stop body insertion portion in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction. When the terminal part is in a properly inserted state where it is properly positioned in the cavity, the box portion is properly positioned in the box portion insertion portion, and the box portion locking portion is positioned in the stop body insertion portion. When the terminal part is in a semi-inserted state where it is not properly positioned in the cavity, at least one of the following states is obtained: a box portion contact state where the box portion detection portion contacts the box portion, and a protrusion contact state where the protrusion detection portion contacts the protrusion. The box portion locking portion is positioned in the retraction portion.

[0040] According to this structure, when the terminal part is in a semi-insertion state, at least one of the housing contact state and the protrusion contact state can be obtained, thereby improving the performance of detecting the semi-insertion state of the terminal part relative to the cavity.

[0041] (2) Preferably, the stop body has a protrusion that protrudes from the side opposite to the terminal part, a protrusion detection part is formed on one side of the stop body, a box detection part is formed on the top surface of the protrusion in the protrusion direction, and a box locking part is formed on the front surface. According to this structure, it is easy to configure a form in which the box detection part and the protrusion detection part are concentrated.

[0042] (3) Preferably, with the stop body disposed in the stop body insertion portion, the protrusion is disposed offset to one side from the center in the width direction of the stop body insertion portion. According to this structure, the box detection portion and the box locking portion can be provided separately from the structure of the spear-shaped portion locking.

[0043] (4) Preferably, a protruding locking part is provided at the front end of the stop body. When the terminal part is in the normal insertion state, the housing locking part is configured to lock into the housing, and the protruding locking part is configured to lock into the protrusion. According to this structure, when the terminal part is in the normal insertion state, both the protruding locking part and the housing locking part can lock into the terminal part, so the terminal part in the normal insertion state can be more reliably set to the anti-disengagement state.

[0044] (5) Preferably, the protrusion is a stabilizing part that inhibits the misinsertion of terminal parts relative to the housing. According to this structure, the protrusion can prevent the misinsertion of terminal parts into the cavity, and a single structure (protrusion) can perform multiple functions, thus simplifying the structure.

[0045] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0046] [Implementation Method 1]

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 13 This describes Embodiment 1, which embodies the present disclosure. In Embodiment 1, regarding the front-back direction, Figure 1 The upper right corner is defined as the front, and the lower left corner is defined as the back. Regarding the vertical direction, [the text continues with further details about directions]. Figure 1 The directions shown are defined as up and down as is. Regarding the left and right directions, Figure 1 The top left corner is defined as the left side, and the bottom right corner is defined as the right side.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 1 in this embodiment is configured to include a housing 10 made of synthetic resin, a plurality of metal terminal parts 20, and a stop body 70 made of synthetic resin.

[0049] [About the casing]

[0050] Multiple cavities 11 are formed inside the housing 10. For example... Figure 2 As shown, cavity 11 has multiple small cavities 11A, multiple medium cavities 11B, and multiple large cavities 11C. The multiple small cavities 11A are located at the center in the width direction (left-right direction). The multiple medium cavities 11B are located on both sides of the multiple small cavities 11A in the left-right direction. The multiple large cavities 11C are located on the outer side in the left-right direction, compared to the multiple medium cavities 11B. The small cavities 11A, medium cavities 11B, and large cavities 11C extend through the housing 10 in the front-back direction. Terminal parts of corresponding sizes can be inserted from the rear into the small cavities 11A, medium cavities 11B, and large cavities 11C. Terminal parts inserted into the small cavities 11A and medium cavities 11B are not shown.

[0051] [About the large aria]

[0052] like Figure 3As shown, the large cavity 11C has a housing insertion portion 15, a stopper insertion portion 18, and a spear-shaped portion 14. The housing insertion portion 15 is formed at the front of the large cavity 11C. The housing portion 21 of the terminal part 20 is inserted into the housing insertion portion 15 (see reference). Figure 12 , 13 The stop insert 18 is located behind the box insert 15 in the large cavity 11C. The stop insert 18 is part of the mounting hole 12, which will be described later. The stop insert 18 is located in the area where the large cavity 11C and the mounting hole 12 overlap, above the upper surface of the main body 16 of the spear-shaped part 14.

[0053] The spear-shaped portion 14 extends forward in a cantilever shape along the lower surface wall of the large cavity 11C. The tip of the spear-shaped portion 14 is disposed within the box insertion portion 15. Within the large cavity 11C, the spear-shaped portion 14 is disposed separately from the left and right partition walls (see reference). Figure 2 The spear-shaped portion 14 maintains its locking posture, holding the terminal in place, in its natural state without any external force. When the terminal part 20 is inserted into the large cavity 11C and pressed downward by the housing portion 21 of the terminal part 20, the spear-shaped portion 14 elastically deforms downward at its rear end as a fulcrum, thus releasing the locking posture (see reference). Figure 10 , 11 The direction of elastic deformation of the spear-shaped portion 14 is orthogonal to the left-right direction. The spear-shaped portion 14 has a main body portion 16 that extends forward in a cantilever shape. When the spear-shaped portion 14 is in a locked position, the upper surface and the lower surface of the main body portion 16 are parallel to the assembly direction of the terminal part 20 relative to the housing 10 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0054] A locking protrusion 17 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 16, protruding upward. The locking protrusion 17 is located at the center of the main body 16 (spear-shaped part 14) in the front-rear direction. The front surface of the locking protrusion 17 has a surface that is vertically precipitous when the spear-shaped part 14 is in the locking position.

[0055] During the process of inserting the terminal part 20 into the large cavity 11C (that is, when the terminal part 20 is partially inserted), the locking protrusion 17 is pressed downward by the box portion 21 of the terminal part 20, so the spear-shaped portion 14 elastically deforms and changes to a released locking position (see reference). Figure 10 , 11 When terminal part 20 is inserted into the correct position in the large cavity 11C, the spear-shaped part 14 elastically returns to its locking position, locking terminal part 20 (see reference). Figure 12 In this way, the terminal part 20 is initially locked by the spear-shaped part 14 to prevent it from falling off.

[0056] A bottomed mounting hole 12, elongated in the left-right direction, is formed at the center of the lower surface of the housing 10. The mounting hole 12 is located rearward of the insertion portion 15 of the housing section. The mounting hole 12 communicates with each cavity 11. A stop 70 is mounted from below through the mounting hole 12. A retraction portion 12A is formed in the mounting hole 12 of the housing 10. The retraction portion 12A is... Figure 3 The area filled with gray paint. The retraction portion 12A is the area below the stop insert portion 18 (that is, the area below the upper surface of the main body portion 16 of the spear-shaped portion 14 in its natural state), and it communicates with the stop insert portion 18 from below (in a direction intersecting the front and rear directions). Furthermore, the lower end of the retraction portion 12A is the lower surface of the large cavity 11C.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, a formal locking part 76 and a temporary locking part 77 are provided on the left and right sides of the assembly hole 12, respectively, between the middle cavity 11B and the large cavity 11C, to hold the stop body 70 in a temporary locking position and a formal locking position. The formal locking part 76 is located above the temporary locking part 77. When the stop body 70 is locked to the formal locking part 76, it is held in the formal locking position (not shown). When the stop body 70 is locked to the temporary locking part 77, it is held in the temporary locking position (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0058] [Regarding terminal components]

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, terminal part 20 is a male terminal with a tab 22 protruding forward toward the housing portion 21. Terminal part 20 is generally elongated in the front-rear direction, and a housing portion 21 formed into a square tube is provided in the central part in the front-rear direction. Terminal part 20 is inserted into the large cavity 11C of housing 10 from the rear of housing 10 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0060] Terminal part 20 has an open cylindrical wire crimping portion 23 extending rearward from housing part 21. A wire W is crimped into the wire crimping portion 23. The wire W extends from the rear surface of housing 10 to the outside (see reference). Figure 12 , 13 ).

[0061] A locking hole 24, which is quadrilateral in shape and extends through the thickness of the plate, is formed at the center of the base plate of the housing 21 in both the front-rear and left-right directions. When the terminal part 20 is inserted into the correct position in the large cavity 11C, the locking protrusion 17 of the spear-shaped part 14 locks into the front edge of the opening area of ​​the locking hole 24, and the terminal part 20 is initially locked to prevent it from falling out (see reference). Figure 12 , 13 ).

[0062] A stabilizing portion 25, which is a protrusion, is provided in the housing portion 21. The stabilizing portion 25 prevents the terminal part 20 from being mistakenly inserted relative to the housing 10. The stabilizing portion 25 functions to prevent the terminal part 20 from being inserted relative to the housing 10 in the wrong direction when it is in an upside-down position reversed from its normal position. The stabilizing portion 25 protrudes downward flush with the right side plate, which is part of the peripheral wall of the housing portion 21. That is, the stabilizing portion 25, as a protrusion, protrudes from the peripheral wall of the housing portion 21. The lower edge of the stabilizing portion 25 is parallel to the front-rear direction. The stabilizing portion 25 is located at the center of the housing portion 21 in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the stabilizing portion 25 is located forward of the rear end of the housing portion 21.

[0063] [Regarding the stop body]

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the stop body 70 is formed in a shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The stop body 70 has a small cavity engaging portion 70A, a medium cavity engaging portion 70B, and a large cavity engaging portion 70C. The small cavity engaging portion 70A is located at the center of the stop body 70 in the left-right direction. The medium cavity engaging portion 70B is arranged adjacent to the small cavity engaging portion 70A on both its left and right sides. The large cavity engaging portion 70C is arranged adjacent to the medium cavity engaging portion 70B on its left and right outer sides.

[0065] Multiple through holes 71A are formed in the small cavity engaging portion 70A, corresponding to the small cavities 11A of the middle and lower layers. A locking protrusion 72A is provided at the lower end of the inner surface of each through hole 71A, protruding upwards to prevent terminal parts inserted into the small cavity 11A from dislodging. Multiple locking protrusions 73A are provided at the upper edge of the small cavity engaging portion 70A, protruding upwards to prevent terminal parts inserted into the upper small cavity 11A from dislodging.

[0066] Four through holes 71B are formed in the cavity engagement portion 70B, corresponding to the cavities 11B of the middle and lower layers. A locking protrusion 72B is provided at the lower end of the inner surface of each through hole 71B, protruding upwards to prevent terminal parts inserted into the cavity 11B from dislodging. A locking protrusion 73B is provided at the upper edge of the cavity engagement portion 70B, protruding upwards to prevent terminal parts inserted into the upper cavity 11B from dislodging.

[0067] [Regarding the large locking section on the right side]

[0068] Two through holes 71C are formed in the large cavity engaging portion 70C located on the right side, corresponding to the large cavities 11C of the middle and lower layers. The inner surfaces of these through holes 71C are opposing portions 74 that face the terminal parts 20 inserted into the large cavities 11C. A stepped portion 71F is provided protruding upward at the lower end of the right side of the inner surface of each through hole 71C. The stepped portion 71F protrudes toward the opposing portion 74. The stepped portion 71F extends in the front-rear direction, from the front end to the rear end of the stop body 70. On the upper side of the front end of the stepped portion 71F, as shown... Figure 13 As shown, an upward and rearward inclined surface is formed as a protruding locking portion 71G. That is, a protruding locking portion 71G is provided at the front end of the stepped portion 71F that protrudes from the opposing portion 74 of the stop body 70.

[0069] On the upper surface of the side that serves as the center portion in the front-rear direction of the stepped portion 71F, there is a protrusion 72C and a convexity detection portion 72E that protrude upward from the upper surface. The protrusion 72C has the function of preventing the terminal part 20 inserted into the large cavity 11C from falling off. When viewed from above, the stepped portion 71F, the protrusion 72C, and the convexity detection portion 72E are arranged offset to the right (one side) from the center in the left-right direction (width direction) of the opposing portion 74 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0070] The protrusion 72C has a housing detection portion 72D and a housing locking portion 72F. That is, the stop body 70 has a housing detection portion 72D, a protrusion detection portion 72E, and a housing locking portion 72F. The housing detection portion 72D is formed flat on the top surface (upper end surface) of the protrusion 72C in the protruding direction. The housing detection portion 72D is positioned to the left of the right wall of the through hole 71C. The housing detection portion 72D is spaced apart by a predetermined size from the right wall of the through hole 71C. The housing locking portion 72F is formed on the front end surface of the protrusion 72C. The housing detection portion 72D and the housing locking portion 72F are connected via an upwardly and rearwardly inclined surface 72G (see reference). Figure 6 , 8 ).

[0071] The protrusion detection unit 72E is arranged to the right of the protrusion 72C. The protrusion detection unit 72E is located between the housing detection unit 72D and the right wall of the through hole 71C. The protrusion detection unit 72E is configured to connect the housing detection unit 72D and the right wall of the through hole 71C. The upper end face of the protrusion 72C (i.e., the housing detection unit 72D) is located above the upper end face of the protrusion detection unit 72E.

[0072] The upper end of the large cavity engaging portion 70C located on the right side is also a counter portion 74 opposite to the terminal part 20 inserted into the upper large cavity 11C. A stepped portion 71H is provided protruding upward on the right side of the upper end of the large cavity engaging portion 70C (counter portion 74) located on the right side. The stepped portion 71H is provided in the counter portion 74. The stepped portion 71H extends in the front-rear direction, from the front end of the stop body 70 to the rear end. An upward and rearward inclined surface is formed on the upper side of the front end of the stepped portion 71H as a protruding locking portion 71J.

[0073] A protrusion 73C and a convexity detection part 73E are provided protruding upward from the center of the stepped portion 71H in the front-rear direction. The protrusion 73C has the function of preventing the terminal part 20 inserted into the upper cavity 11C from falling off. When viewed from above the upper surface of the opposing portion 74 of the stop body 70, the stepped portion 71H, the protrusion 73C, and the convexity detection part 73E are disposed offset to the right (one side) from the center of the opposing portion 74 in the left-right direction (width direction) (not shown).

[0074] The protrusion 73C has a housing detection portion 73D and a housing locking portion 73F. The housing detection portion 73D is formed flatly on the top surface (upper end surface) of the protrusion 73C in the protruding direction. The housing locking portion 73F is formed on the front end surface of the protrusion 73C. The housing detection portion 73D and the housing locking portion 73F are connected via an upwardly and rearwardly inclined surface 73G.

[0075] The protrusion detection section 73E is arranged to the right of the protrusion 73C. The upper end face of the protrusion 73C (i.e., the box section detection section 73D) is located above the upper end face of the protrusion detection section 73E.

[0076] [Regarding the large locking section on the left side]

[0077] Three stepped portions 71K, 71L, and 71M, corresponding to the upper, middle, and lower large cavities 11C, are provided protruding to the left from the large cavity engaging portion 70C located on the left side. The stepped portions 71K and 71L extend in the front-rear direction, from the front end of the stop body 70 to the rear end. The stepped portion 71M is provided protruding to the left from the lower end of the large cavity engaging portion 70C located on the left side.

[0078] The upper surface and left side of the stepped portion 71K are opposing portions 74 that face the terminal part 20 inserted into the large cavity 11C of the upper layer. The lower surface of the stepped portion 71K, the surface of the base wall 70E, the upper end surface of the stepped portion 71L, and the left side are opposing portions 74 that face the terminal part 20 inserted into the large cavity 11C of the middle layer. The lower surface of the stepped portion 71L, the surface of the base wall 70E, the upper surface of the stepped portion 71M, and the upper side of the left side are opposing portions 74 that face the terminal part 20 inserted into the large cavity 11C of the lower layer.

[0079] An upward and backward inclined surface is formed on the upper side of the front end of the stepped portions 71K, 71L, and 71M as a protruding locking portion 71N.

[0080] A protrusion 75C and a convexity detection part 75E are provided on the upper surface of the stepped portions 71K, 71L, and 71M, protruding upward from the center in the front-rear direction. The protrusion 75C has the function of preventing the terminal part 20 inserted into the large cavity 11C on the left side of the housing 10 from falling out.

[0081] The protrusion 75C has a housing detection portion 75D and a housing locking portion 75F. The housing detection portion 75D is formed flat on the top surface (upper end surface) of the protrusion 75C in the protruding direction. The protrusion 75C is disposed on the left side of each of the stepped portions 71K, 71L, and 71M. The housing detection portions 75D provided on the stepped portions 71L and 71M are spaced by a predetermined size relative to the base wall 70E of the large cavity engaging portion 70C on the left side.

[0082] The protrusion detection units 75E provided on the step portions 71K, 71L, and 71M are arranged to the right of the protrusion 75C. The protrusion detection units 75E on the step portions 71L and 71M are provided between the protrusion 75C and the base wall 70E. The protrusion detection units 75E on the step portions 71L and 71M are arranged in a manner that connects the protrusion 75C and the base wall 70E. The upper end face (i.e., the box portion detection unit 75D) of the protrusion 75C on the step portions 71K, 71L, and 71M is located above the upper end face of the protrusion detection units 75E.

[0083] With the stop 70 fitted into the mounting hole 12 of the housing 10, the protrusions 72C, 73C, and 75C are arranged to the right of the spear-shaped portion 14 (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0084] A locking piece 70D is provided on each of the left and right sides of the stop body 70, between the middle cavity engaging portion 70B and the large cavity engaging portion 70C. Each locking piece 70D holds the stop body 70 in a temporary locking position by engaging with the temporary locking portion 77 of the housing 10 (see reference). Figure 7 Each locking piece 70D engages with the formal locking portion 76 of the housing 10, thereby holding the stop body 70 in the formal locking position. The situation where each locking piece 70D engages with the formal locking portion 76 of the housing 10 is not shown.

[0085] [Connector assembly steps]

[0086] Next, an example of the assembly steps for connector 1 will be described. First, the stop 70 is assembled into the housing 10. Specifically, the stop 70 is inserted into the mounting hole 12 from below the housing 10. Then, the locking piece 70D is locked into the temporary locking portion 77 (see reference). Figure 7 Accordingly, the stop body 70 remains in the temporary locked position.

[0087] Next, the terminal part 20, which is fixed to the end of the wire W, is inserted from the rear into the large cavity 11C of the housing 10. At this time, the insertion direction of the terminal part 20 is such that the stabilizing part 25 protrudes downward. Here, the case where the terminal part 20 is inserted through the through hole 71C of the stop body 70 will be described.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, the terminal part 20 is inserted from the rear through the through hole 71C of the stop body 70, and the housing part 21 is positioned above the protrusion 72C, while the stabilizing part 25 is not inserted through the through hole 71C (i.e., the stabilizing part 25 is positioned further rearward than the stop body 70). At this time, the terminal part 20 is in a semi-inserted state in the large cavity 11C, not in its proper position. At this time, if the operator mistakenly presses the stop body 70 into the mounting hole 12 in a way that moves it from the temporary locking position to the proper locking position, the upper end surface of the protrusion 72C (the housing detection part 72D) will contact the bottom surface of the housing part 21, resulting in a housing contact state where the stop body 70 cannot move to the proper locking position. Based on this, it can be detected that the terminal part 20 is in a semi-inserted state. At this time, the housing locking part 72F is positioned in the retraction part 12A of the mounting hole 12.

[0089] Next, as Figure 9 As shown, the terminal part 20 advances into the large cavity 11C, changing to a state where the stabilizing part 25 is inserted through the through hole 71C (i.e., the stabilizing part 25 and the opposing part 74 of the stop 70 are opposed). At this time, the vertical dimension L1 (hereinafter referred to as dimension L1) of the upper end face (box detection part 72D) of the housing 21 and the protrusion 72C is slightly smaller than the vertical dimension L2 (hereinafter referred to as dimension L2) of the lower end edge of the stabilizing part 25 and the upper end face of the stepped part 71F. Therefore, when the operator mistakenly presses the stop 70 into the assembly hole 12 in a manner that moves it from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position, the upper end face (box detection part 72D) of the protrusion 72C contacts the bottom surface of the housing 21, preventing the stop 70 from moving to the permanent locking position. At this time, because dimension L1 is slightly smaller than dimension L2, the upper end face of the stepped part 71F does not contact the lower end edge of the stabilizing part 25.

[0090] Assuming that the protrusion dimension of the stabilizing part 25 from the housing part 21 is slightly larger than the design tolerance, or that the terminal part 20 is tilted about its own central axis within the large cavity 11C, the dimension L2 may become less than the dimension L1. In such a case, if the operator mistakenly presses the stop 70 into the mounting hole 12 in a manner that moves it from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position, the upper end face of the step 71F will contact the lower end edge of the stabilizing part 25, preventing the stop 70 from moving to the permanent locking position. Accordingly, it is possible to detect that the terminal part 20 is in a half-insertion state. That is, the upper end face of the step 71F contacts the lower end edge of the stabilizing part 25, thereby performing the function of detecting that the terminal part 20 is in a half-insertion state. At this time, the housing part locking part 72F is disposed in the retraction part 12A of the mounting hole 12. The retraction part 12A is the area that is lower than the upper surface of the main body part 16 of the spear-shaped part 14 in its natural state and higher than the lower surface of the large cavity 11C (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0091] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the terminal part 20 advances into the large cavity 11C, and the stabilizing part 25 is positioned between the protrusion 72C and the right wall of the through hole 71C. At this time, the front end of the housing part 21 contacts the locking protrusion 17 of the spear-shaped part 14, and the spear-shaped part 14 flexes downward. At this time, the dimension L1 is slightly larger than the vertical dimension L3 (hereinafter also referred to as dimension L3) of the lower edge of the stabilizing part 25 and the upper surface of the protrusion detection part 72E. Therefore, if the operator mistakenly presses the stop 70 into the assembly hole 12 in a manner that moves it from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position, the upper surface of the protrusion detection part 72E contacts the lower edge of the stabilizing part 25, resulting in a protrusion contact state, preventing the stop 70 from moving to the permanent locking position. In this way, the connector 1 obtains at least one of the housing contact state and the protrusion contact state.

[0092] Assuming that the protrusion dimension of the stabilizing part 25 from the housing part 21 is slightly smaller than the design tolerance, or that the terminal part 20 is tilted about its own central axis within the large cavity 11C, the dimension L3 may become greater than the dimension L1. In such a case, if the operator mistakenly presses the stop 70 into the mounting hole 12 in a manner that moves it from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position, the upper end face of the protrusion 72C (the housing detection part 72D) will contact the bottom surface of the housing part 21, preventing the stop 70 from moving to the permanent locking position. Based on this, it can be detected that the terminal part 20 is in a half-insertion state. At this time, the housing locking part 72F is positioned in the retraction part 12A of the mounting hole 12.

[0093] Furthermore, such as Figure 11As shown, when the terminal part 20 is inserted into the large cavity 11C, the spear-shaped part 14 is further bent downward by the housing part 21. Furthermore, the stabilizing part 25 passes forward through the protrusion 72C and the protrusion detection part 72E. At this time, if the operator mistakenly presses the stop 70 into the assembly hole 12 in a manner that moves it from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position, the upper end face of the protrusion 72C (housing part detection part 72D) contacts the bottom surface of the housing part 21, preventing the stop 70 from moving to the permanent locking position.

[0094] Assuming that the protrusion dimension of the stabilizing part 25 from the housing part 21 is slightly larger than the design tolerance, or if the terminal part 20 is tilted about its own central axis within the large cavity 11C, the dimension L2 may become less than the dimension L1. In such cases, if the operator mistakenly presses the stop 70 into the mounting hole 12 in a manner that moves it from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position, the upper end face of the step part 71F will contact the lower end edge of the stabilizing part 25, preventing the stop 70 from moving to the permanent locking position. Based on this, it can be detected that the terminal part 20 is in a half-insertion state. At this time, the housing locking part 72F is positioned in the retraction part 12A of the mounting hole 12.

[0095] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, the terminal part 20 advances into the large cavity 11C, and the front end of the locking hole 24 reaches the front of the locking protrusion 17 of the spear-shaped portion 14. Then, the locking protrusion 17 enters the locking hole 24 from below, and the spear-shaped portion 14 elastically returns to its locking position, locking the terminal part 20. Thus, the terminal part 20 is initially locked by the spear-shaped portion 14 to prevent it from dislodging. At this time, the housing portion 21 of the terminal part 20 is properly positioned in the housing insertion portion 15. At this time, the terminal part 20 is in a properly inserted state, properly positioned in the large cavity 11C.

[0096] Furthermore, when the terminal part 20 is in the normal insertion state, when the stop body 70 is pressed upward into the assembly hole 12, the locking piece 70D of the stop body 70 is locked in place by the formal locking part 76 (the positional relationship between the locking piece 70D and the formal locking part 76 is referred to...). Figure 7 At this time, such as Figure 13 As shown, the housing portion 72F of the protrusion 72C is positioned behind the housing portion 21, and the protrusion portion 71G of the stepped portion 71F is positioned behind the stabilizing portion 25 (protrusion). Thus, the housing portion 72F of the protrusion 72C is configured to engage with the rear end of the housing portion 21, and the protrusion portion 71G of the stepped portion 71F is configured to engage with the rear end of the stabilizing portion 25 (protrusion). In this way, the terminal part 20 is engaged in a secondary manner by the stop body 70. At this time, the housing portion 21 of the terminal part 20 is positioned in its proper position within the housing insertion portion 15, and the housing portion 72F is positioned within the stop body insertion portion 18.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, with the housing locking part 72F positioned in the stop body insertion part 18, the protrusion 72C is offset to the right (one side) from the center in the left-right direction (center in the width direction) of the stop body insertion part 18. Thus, during the process of inserting the terminal part 20 into the housing 10, while the housing part 21 and the stabilizing part 25 are above the stop body 70, the connector 1 uses the housing part 21 and the stabilizing part 25 to detect the partial insertion state of the terminal part 20.

[0098] Furthermore, during connector 1 assembly, the stepped portions 71H, 71K, 71L, and 71M function in the same way as the stepped portion 71F. The housing detection portions 73D and 75D function in the same way as the housing detection portion 72D. The housing locking portions 73F and 75F function in the same way as the housing locking portion 72F. The protrusion detection portions 73E and 75E function in the same way as the protrusion detection portion 72E. The protrusion locking portions 71J and 71N function in the same way as the protrusion locking portion 71G.

[0099] Next, the effects of Implementation Method 1 will be explained.

[0100] The connector 1 disclosed herein includes a terminal part 20, a housing 10, and a stop body 70. The housing 10 has a large cavity 11C extending in the front-rear direction. The terminal part 20 has a cylindrical box portion 21 and a stabilizing portion 25 (protrusion) protruding from the peripheral wall of the box portion 21. The stop body 70 has a box portion detection portion 72D, a protrusion detection portion 72E, and a box portion locking portion 72F. The large cavity 11C has a box portion insertion portion 15 and a stop body insertion portion 18 located behind the box portion insertion portion 15. The housing 10 has a retraction portion 12A communicating with the stop body insertion portion 18 in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction. When the terminal part 20 is in a properly inserted state, properly positioned in the large cavity 11C, the box portion 21 is properly positioned in the box portion insertion portion 15, and the box portion locking portion 72F is positioned in the stop body insertion portion 18. When the terminal part 20 is in a semi-inserted state, not properly positioned in the large cavity 11C, at least one of the following states is obtained: a box contact state where the box detection part 72D contacts the box part 21, and a protrusion contact state where the protrusion detection part 72E contacts the stabilizing part 25 (protrusion). The box locking part 72F is disposed on the retraction part 12A. According to this structure, when the terminal part 20 is in a semi-inserted state, at least one of the box contact state and the protrusion contact state is obtained, thus improving the performance of detecting the semi-inserted state of the terminal part 20 relative to the large cavity 11C.

[0101] In the connector 1 of this disclosure, the stop body 70 has a protrusion 72C that protrudes from the upper surface (one side) of the stepped portion 71F of the opposing portion 74 opposite to the terminal part 20. A protrusion detection portion 72E is formed on the upper surface (one side) of the stepped portion 71F of the opposing portion 74 of the stop body 70. A housing detection portion 72D is formed on the top surface of the protrusion 72C in the protruding direction, and a housing locking portion 72F is formed on the front end surface. With this structure, the housing detection portion 72D and the protrusion detection portion 72E can easily be arranged in a concentrated form.

[0102] In the connector 1 disclosed herein, with the stop 70 disposed in the stop insert 18, the protrusion 72C is disposed offset to the right (one side) from the center in the width direction of the stop insert 18. According to this structure, the housing detection portion 72D and the housing locking portion 72F can be provided separately from the structure that engages with the spear-shaped portion 14.

[0103] In the connector 1 of this disclosure, a protruding locking portion 71G is provided at the front end of the opposing portion 74 of the stop body 70. When the terminal part 20 is in the normal insertion state, the housing locking portion 72F is configured to lock onto the housing portion 21, and the protruding locking portion 71G is configured to lock onto the stabilizing portion 25 (protrusion). According to this structure, when the terminal part 20 is in the normal insertion state, both the protruding locking portion 71G and the housing locking portion 72F can lock onto the terminal part 20, so the terminal part 20 in the normal insertion state can be more reliably set to the anti-disengagement state.

[0104] In the connector 1 of this disclosure, the protrusion is a stabilizing portion 25 that prevents the terminal part 20 from being mistakenly inserted into the housing 10. According to this structure, the protrusion can prevent the terminal part 20 from being mistakenly inserted into the large cavity 11C, and a single structure (protrusion) can perform multiple functions, thus simplifying the structure.

[0105] [Other Embodiments]

[0106] This invention is not limited to Embodiment 1 as described above and illustrated in the drawings, but is shown through the claims. This invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as the embodiments described below.

[0107] Unlike embodiment 1, it can also be a female terminal part without tabs.

[0108] Unlike embodiment 1, a protrusion may be provided on one side and the other side near the center of the stop insertion portion in the width direction. Alternatively, a box-shaped detection portion may be provided on one side in the left-right direction of the spear-shaped portion, and a protrusion detection portion may be provided on the other side in the left-right direction.

[0109] Unlike embodiment 1, instead of the stabilizing part, the object detected by the protrusion detection part can be the spear-shaped part locking part that locks the spear-shaped part.

[0110] Unlike embodiment 1, the upper surface of the stepped portion can also be used as the protrusion detection portion.

[0111] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0112] 1: Connector

[0113] 10: Shell

[0114] 11: Cavity

[0115] 11A: Small cavity

[0116] 11B: Middle cavity

[0117] 11C: Large cavity

[0118] 12: Assembly hole

[0119] 12A: Retreat Section

[0120] 14: Spear-shaped part

[0121] 15: Box insertion part

[0122] 16: Main body

[0123] 17: Locking protrusion

[0124] 18: Insertion part of the stop body

[0125] 20: Terminal parts

[0126] 21: Box Section

[0127] 22: Protrusion

[0128] 23: Wire crimping section

[0129] 24: Locking hole

[0130] 25: Stable part (convex part)

[0131] 70: Stopper

[0132] 70A: Small cavity engagement part

[0133] 70B: Central cavity locking part

[0134] 70C: Large cavity engagement part

[0135] 70D: Locking Film

[0136] 70E: Base Wall

[0137] 71A, 71B, 71C: Through holes

[0138] 71F, 71H, 71K, 71L, 71M: Stepped sections

[0139] 71G, 71J, 71N: convex locking part

[0140] 72A, 72B, 73A, 73B: Locking protrusions

[0141] 72C, 73C, 75C: Protruding parts

[0142] 72D, 73D, 75D: Container Inspection Department

[0143] 72E, 73E, 75E: Convex part detection section

[0144] 72F, 73F, 75F: Box locking part

[0145] 72G, 73G: Inclined surface

[0146] 74: Opposite part

[0147] 76: Formal locking part

[0148] 77: Temporary stop section

[0149] L1, L2, L3: Dimensions

[0150] W: Wire

Claims

1. A connector comprising a terminal member, a housing, and a stopper, the housing having a cavity extending in a front-rear direction, the terminal member having a tubular box portion and a protrusion portion protruding from a peripheral wall of the box portion, the stopper having a box portion detection portion, a protrusion portion detection portion, and a box portion locking portion, the cavity having a box portion insertion portion and a stopper insertion portion located rearward of the box portion insertion portion, the housing having a retreat portion communicating with the stopper insertion portion from a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, in a normal insertion state in which the terminal member is normally disposed in the cavity, the box portion is normally disposed in the box portion insertion portion, and the box portion locking portion is disposed in the stopper insertion portion, in a half insertion state in which the terminal member is not normally disposed in the cavity, at least one of a box portion contact state in which the box portion detection portion is in contact with the box portion and a protrusion portion contact state in which the protrusion portion detection portion is in contact with the protrusion portion is obtained, and the box portion locking portion is disposed in the retreat portion, the stopper having a protruding portion protruding from a surface opposite to the terminal member, the protrusion portion detection portion is adjacent to the protruding portion and is formed by protruding from the surface of the stopper, the box portion detection portion is formed on a tip end surface of the protruding portion in a protruding direction, and the box portion locking portion is formed on a front end surface, in a state in which the stopper is disposed in the stopper insertion portion, the protruding portion is disposed so as to be offset toward one side of a width direction center of the stopper insertion portion, a protrusion portion locking portion is provided at a front end of the stopper, in the normal insertion state of the terminal member, the box portion locking portion is disposed so as to be lockable to the box portion, and the protrusion portion locking portion is disposed so as to be lockable to the protrusion portion, a protrusion portion locking portion is provided at a front end of the stopper, in the normal insertion state of the terminal member, the box portion locking portion is disposed so as to be lockable to the box portion, and the protrusion portion locking portion is disposed so as to be lockable to the protrusion portion, and the protrusion portion is a stabilizing portion that suppresses misinsertion of the terminal member with respect to the housing. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein, ​ 3. The connector of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ 4. The connector of claim 2, wherein, ​ ​ 5. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, ​

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