connector

Abstract

In the connector, the retainer is installed on the housing to prevent the terminal components from being poorly assembled, thereby reducing the generation of defective products. The connector (10) has a housing (22), a terminal component (38) and a retainer (62), wherein the housing defines a terminal receiving chamber (34) extending in a predetermined direction; the terminal component is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber (34) in a predetermined insertion direction (A); the retainer is installed on the housing (22) by being inserted into the housing (22) from a direction (B) orthogonal to the insertion direction (A), and engages with a locking portion (46B) provided on the terminal component (38) to prevent the terminal component (38) from falling off. The terminal component (38) is a bent-formed part of a sheet metal including a convex part (80), the convex part having a top on the side of the retainer (62) relative to the insertion direction (B) of the housing (22), and the end face of the convex part (80) facing the insertion direction (A) of the terminal component (38) constitutes the locking portion (46B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector, and more specifically, to a connector for electrical connection. Background Technology

[0002] As a connector for electrical connection, a connector having an electrically insulating housing, a conductive terminal component, and a retainer is known, wherein the housing has a terminal receiving chamber extending in a front-rear direction; the terminal component is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber; and the retainer is mounted on the housing (e.g., Patent Documents 1-3).

[0003] The retainer is inserted relative to the housing in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned direction (vertical direction), with the retainer side facing the front-rear direction and the terminal side facing the terminal component, thereby preventing the terminal component from being dislodged from the terminal receiving chamber.

[0004] [Existing technical documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] Patent Document 1: WO2018 / 207651

[0007] Patent Document 2: P2019-192613A

[0008] Patent Document 3: P2020-24866A Summary of the Invention

[0009] [The technical problem that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] When the terminal component is not inserted into the specified position in the front-rear direction of the terminal receiving chamber, that is, when the terminal component is poorly assembled, the retainer is pressed onto the housing when it is desired to assemble the retainer onto the housing. When the retainer is pushed with force, the portion of the terminal component pressed onto by the retainer deforms, thus making it possible to install the retainer onto the housing even when the terminal component is poorly assembled.

[0011] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to prevent the retainer from being installed in the housing when the terminal components are poorly assembled, thereby reducing the production of defective products.

[0012] [Technical solutions used to solve technical problems]

[0013] One embodiment of the connector (10) of the present invention has a housing (22), a terminal component (38), and a retainer (62), wherein the housing defines a terminal receiving chamber (34) extending in a predetermined direction; the terminal component is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber in a predetermined insertion direction (A); the retainer is installed in the housing by being inserted from a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction (B) to prevent the terminal component from falling off by engaging with a locking portion (46B) provided on the terminal component, wherein the terminal component includes a convex portion (80) having a top on the side of the retainer relative to the insertion direction of the housing, and the end face of the convex portion facing the insertion direction of the terminal component constitutes the locking portion.

[0014] According to this structure, the buckling strength of the retainer in the insertion direction of the convex part constituting the locking part is increased, thereby preventing the retainer from being installed in the housing under poor assembly conditions of the terminal components and reducing the generation of defective products.

[0015] In the above-mentioned connector, the terminal component is preferably a bent and formed part of a sheet metal.

[0016] Based on this structure, it is easy to manufacture terminal components that include convex-shaped portions.

[0017] In the connector described above, the terminal component preferably has: a first sidewall (42) and a second sidewall (44) located on the left and right sides; and a first extension piece (72) inclined from the first sidewall toward the second sidewall and a second extension piece (74) inclined from the second sidewall toward the first sidewall, wherein the first extension piece and the second extension piece support each other at their respective free ends along the insertion direction of the terminal component in a manner offset from each other to form the convex shape portion.

[0018] According to this structure, a convex shape with high bending strength is formed in the insertion direction of the retainer, preventing the retainer from being installed in the housing under poor assembly conditions of the terminal components.

[0019] In the connector described above, it is preferable that the first extension piece is bent along the second extension piece on the free end side to overlap with the second extension piece, and the second extension piece is bent along the first extension piece on the free end side to overlap with the first extension piece.

[0020] According to this structure, the bending strength of the retainer in the insertion direction of the convex part is further increased, preventing the retainer from being installed on the housing in a poorly assembled state of the terminal component.

[0021] In the connector described above, the terminal component preferably has: a first sidewall (42) and a second sidewall (44) located on the left and right sides; and a first extension piece (76) extending in an arched shape from the first sidewall to the second sidewall and having its free end supported on the second sidewall, the first extension piece constituting the convex shape portion.

[0022] According to this structure, the bending strength of the retainer in the insertion direction of the convex part constituting the locking part is increased, thereby preventing the retainer from being installed in the housing under poor assembly conditions of the terminal components and reducing the generation of defective products.

[0023] In the connector described above, it is preferable to also have a second extension piece (78) extending from the second sidewall to the first sidewall, the first extension piece being supported on the second sidewall by the second extension piece.

[0024] According to this structure, the bending strength of the retainer in the insertion direction of the convex part constituting the locking part is increased, thereby preventing the retainer from being installed in the housing under poor assembly conditions of the terminal components and reducing the generation of defective products.

[0025] In the connector described above, the second extension piece preferably includes a free end (78A) which is supported on the first sidewall by a cutout (76A) provided at the base end of the first extension piece.

[0026] According to this structure, the bending strength of the retainer in the insertion direction of the convex part is further increased, preventing the retainer from being installed on the housing in a poorly assembled state of the terminal component.

[0027] In the connector described above, the locking portion preferably includes a locking end face (46B) extending in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, and the retaining member has an inclined end face (66B) that is inclined relative to the insertion direction and abuts against the locking end face.

[0028] According to this structure, the insertion of the retainer relative to the housing is assisted in the insertion of the terminal component relative to the housing.

[0029] In the connector described above, the terminal component preferably has a rearward-facing end face (56A) relative to the insertion direction, and the housing has a spear-shaped piece (58) facing the rearward-facing end face and formed by a cantilever beam, the spear-shaped piece including a free end (58A) facing the rearward-facing end face.

[0030] According to this structure, in addition to the retaining element, the terminal component is also locked relative to the housing by a spear-shaped piece.

[0031] [Invention Effects]

[0032] According to the connector of the present invention, the retainer is prevented from being installed on the connector housing in a poorly assembled state of the terminal components, thereby reducing the generation of defective products. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing Embodiment 1 of the connector of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector according to Embodiment 1.

[0035] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 Sectional view of line III-III.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to a cross-section along) showing an example of the assembly process of the retainer of the connector in Embodiment 1. Figure 1 (Sectional view of line III-III).

[0037] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line VV.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the retaining member used in the connector of Embodiment 1, with it flipped up and down.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the terminal components used in the connector of Embodiment 1, viewed from above.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the terminal component from below.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a top view of the main part of the terminal component.

[0042] Figure 10A It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of line X(A)-X(A). Figure 10B It is along Figure 9 A sectional view of line X(B)-X(B).

[0043] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the terminal components used in the connector of Embodiment 2, viewed from above.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a top view of the main part of the terminal component.

[0045] Figure 13A It is along Figure 12 A sectional view of line XIII(A)-XIII(A). Figure 13B It is along Figure 12A sectional view of line XIII(B)-XIII(B).

[0046] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the terminal components used in the connector of Embodiment 3, viewed from above.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a top view of the main part of the terminal component.

[0048] Figure 16A It is along Figure 15 A sectional view of line XVI(A)-XVI(A). Figure 16B It is along Figure 15 A sectional view of line XVI(B)-XVI(B).

[0049] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the terminal components used in the connector of Embodiment 4, viewed from above.

[0050] Figure 18 This is a top view of the main part of the terminal component.

[0051] Figure 19 It is along Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of line XIX-XIX.

[0052] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the terminal components used in the connector of Embodiment 5, viewed from above.

[0053] Figure 21 This is a top view of the main part of the terminal component.

[0054] Figure 22 It is along Figure 21 A sectional view of line XXII-XXII. Detailed Implementation

[0055] (Implementation Method 1)

[0056] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 10B Embodiment 1 of the connector of the present invention will be described. In the following description, as... Figure 1 The arrows are used to define up / down, left / right, and front / back for illustration. However, this definition of direction is for ease of explanation and is not a limitation.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 10 in this embodiment is a snap-edge connector mounted on the edge portion 12 of the electrical circuit board (printed wiring board) 14, for electrical connection with a plurality of board-side terminal portions 16 formed on the lower surface of the edge portion 12.

[0058] like Figures 1-4As shown, the connector 10 has an electrically insulating housing 22 made of resin molding. The housing 22 is formed into a flat shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The housing 22 has a retaining edge insertion chamber 28 that extends in the front-back direction from an insertion port 26 that opens on the front surface of the housing 22. The edge portion (retaining edge) 12 of the electrical circuit board 14 is inserted into the retaining edge insertion chamber 28 through the insertion port 26.

[0059] The housing 22 has a plurality of terminal receiving chambers 34 spaced apart in the left-right direction and extending in a predetermined direction, namely the front-back direction, on the lower side of the card edge insertion chamber 28. Each terminal receiving chamber 34 penetrates the housing 22 in the front-back direction and communicates with the card edge insertion chamber 28 on the front side.

[0060] Terminal components 38 are disposed in each terminal housing 34. Each terminal component 38 is inserted in a prescribed direction A (refer to...). Figure 4 The terminal receiving chamber 34 is inserted from the rear side to the front side of the housing 22 and is thus received in the corresponding terminal receiving chamber 34.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, the terminal component 38 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 34 until it reaches a position where the front end surface 46A facing forward relative to the insertion direction A of the terminal body 46 (described later) abuts against the front end surface 34A formed on the housing 22 facing backward relative to the insertion direction A.

[0062] Here, the following position is referred to as the normal insertion position (assembly state), that is, the position where the terminal component 38 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 34 until the front end face 46A of the terminal body 46 abuts against the front end face 34A of the housing 22 (assembly state) or the position where the front end face 46A of the terminal body 46 approaches the front end face 34A of the housing 22 (assembly state).

[0063] Each terminal component 38 is a bent and formed part of a conductive sheet material, i.e., a stamped part, such as... Figures 2-4 and Figures 7 to 10B As shown, the terminal body 46 has a groove-shaped cross-section, an elastic contact piece 48, and a core wire cylindrical portion 50 and a sheathing cylindrical portion 52 formed at the rear of the terminal body 46. The terminal body includes a bottom wall 40 and first side walls 42 and second side walls 44 that rise from the left and right edges of the bottom wall 40 and are located on the left and right sides. The contact piece 48 is formed by folding back from the front edge of the bottom wall 40 of the terminal body 46. The core wire 54A of the sheathed cable 54 is crimped to the core wire cylindrical portion 50, and the sheathing portion 54B of the sheathed cable 54 is crimped to the sheathing cylindrical portion 52.

[0064] Each terminal component 38 has a contact piece 48 that protrudes above the terminal body 46 and enters the card edge insertion chamber 28. The upper surface of this portion has a contact portion 48A that protrudes through embossing. The contact portion 48A of each contact piece 48 makes conductive contact with the corresponding substrate-side terminal portion 16 of the edge portion 12 of the electrical circuit board 14 that is inserted into the card edge insertion chamber 28.

[0065] like Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, an opening 56 is formed in the bottom wall 40 of each terminal component 38. (As indicated...) Figure 3 As shown, a flexible spear-shaped piece 58, consisting of a cantilever beam, is formed on the lower wall 22A of the housing 22, corresponding to each terminal receiving chamber 34. When the terminal component 38 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 34 to the correct insertion position, as... Figure 3 As shown, the free end of the spear-shaped piece 58 enters the opening 56, and the approximately vertical front end face (free end) 58A facing forward in the insertion direction faces the approximately vertical opening end face 56A located on the front side of the opening 56 and facing backward relative to the insertion direction A, thereby preventing the terminal component 38 from being dislodged from the terminal receiving chamber 34.

[0066] The front end face 46A of each terminal component 38 abuts against and approaches the front end face 34A of the housing 22, and the front end face 58A of the spear-shaped piece 58 abuts against and approaches the open end face 56A, thereby fixing each terminal component 38 to the housing 22 in the proper insertion position.

[0067] A retainer insertion opening 60, which is elongated in the left-right direction and roughly rectangular in plan view, is formed on the upper wall 22B of the housing 22. The retainer insertion opening 60 extends vertically through the upper wall 22B and faces the terminal receiving chambers 34, opening together. The retainer 62 extends downwards from the top, i.e., as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the retainer insertion opening 60 is inserted from the insertion direction (vertical direction) B, which is orthogonal to the insertion direction A of the terminal component 38.

[0068] The retainer 62 is a resin molded part with electrical insulation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the device has a retainer base 64 that is elongated in the left-right direction and generally rectangular in top view, and a plurality of protrusions 66 that protrude below the lower surface of the retainer base 64. Each protrusion 66 has a forward-facing, generally vertical locking end face 66A extending in a direction generally orthogonal to the insertion direction A, which enters the space between the first sidewall 42 and the second sidewall 44 of the corresponding terminal member 38, and as... Figure 3As shown, when the terminal component 38 is in the normal insertion position, it abuts against or is separated from the locking end face 46B by a small gap. The locking end face 46B refers to the end face that is provided on the corresponding terminal component 38 forming the locking portion and is approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction A.

[0069] The retainer 62 is inserted into the retainer insertion opening 60, and each locking end face 46B abuts against or faces the locking end face 46B of the corresponding terminal component 38. In this way, in addition to the spear-shaped piece 58, the terminal component 38 is also prevented from falling backward relative to the housing 22.

[0070] Each protrusion 66 has an inclined end face 66B that slopes rearward from the lower end of the locking end face 66A relative to the insertion direction A. For example... Figure 4 As shown, when the terminal component 38 is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 34 and is close to the normal insertion position, if the locking end face 46B of the terminal component 38 is located in front of the inclined end face 66B of the protrusion 66, the inclined end face 66B abuts against the locking end face 46B by inserting the retainer 62 into the retainer insertion opening 60. By further inserting the retainer 62 into the retainer insertion opening 60, the inclined end face 66B pushes the locking end face 46B forward, thereby moving the terminal component 38 to the normal insertion position.

[0071] Accordingly, the retainer 62 also functions to move the terminal component 38 to the correct insertion position. That is, by inserting (installing) the retainer 62 relative to the housing 22, the terminal component 38 is assisted in being inserted into the correct insertion position relative to the housing 22.

[0072] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the retainer 62 has locking legs 68 protruding downward from both the left and right ends of the retainer base 64. Each locking leg 68 has a locking claw 70 at its free end. The retainer 62 is fixed to the housing 22 by engaging with the locking portions 30 formed on the left and right sides of the housing 22 by the locking claws 70.

[0073] Next, refer to Figures 7-9 To illustrate the details of the locking end face 46B provided on each terminal component 38.

[0074] Terminal component 38, as a bent sheet metal part, has a first extension piece 72 inclined from the upper edge of the first sidewall 42 of the terminal body 46 toward the second sidewall 44, and a second extension piece 74 inclined from the upper edge of the second sidewall 44 toward the first sidewall 42. The abutment portions 72B and 74B of the first extension piece 72 and the second extension piece 74 at their respective free ends support each other in a way that is offset from each other along the insertion direction A (front-back direction) of the terminal component 38, forming a mountain-shaped (arch-shaped) locking end face 46B. That is, the first extension piece 72 abuts against the cut end face 74A of the second extension piece 74 through its abutment portion 72B and is supported by the second extension piece 74, and the second extension piece 74 abuts against the cut end face 72A of the first extension piece 72 through its abutment portion 74B and is supported by the first extension piece 72.

[0075] In this way, the first extension piece 72 and the second extension piece 74 are offset from each other and support each other along the insertion direction A (front-back direction) of the terminal member 38, thus forming a convex shape 80 with a top on one side (upper side) of the retainer 62 relative to the insertion direction B of the housing 22. In other words, the convex shape 80 includes a generally vertical locking end face 46B facing the rear of the retainer 62 in the insertion direction A. When viewed from the insertion direction A of the terminal member 38 relative to the housing 22, the convex shape 80 has a generally triangular shape, referred to as a triangular arch or pointed arch.

[0076] For the convex portion 80, when the retainer 62 abuts against its top and is subjected to a load from the insertion direction B of the retainer 62, the shape disperses the load from the insertion direction B of the retainer 62 to the left and right first sidewalls 42 and second sidewalls. Therefore, compared with the case where this portion is a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the stiffness of the retainer 62 in the vertical direction, i.e., in the insertion direction B, is high, in other words, the buckling strength is high.

[0077] Accordingly, even in the case of a poorly assembled terminal component 38 where the insertion of the terminal component 38 relative to the terminal receiving chamber 34 is not performed to the correct insertion position, even if the retainer 62 is to be assembled to the housing 22 such that the protrusion 66 of the retainer 62 abuts against the terminal component 38 at the convex portion 80, the retainer 62 is forcefully pushed in the insertion direction B, and the convex portion 80 is less prone to bending or deformation compared to the prior art. Therefore, the retainer 62 is prevented from being inserted into the housing 22 to a fixed position due to the obstruction of the convex portion 80. Figure 5 As shown, the fixed position of the retainer 62 relative to the housing 22 refers to the position where the retainer 62 is inserted into the retainer insertion opening 60 until the retainer 62's locking claw 70 engages with the locking portion 30 of the housing 22.

[0078] Through the above-described function, the retainer 62 is prevented from being fixed to the housing 22 in the case of poorly assembled terminal component 38, thereby reducing the generation of defective products including poorly assembled terminal component 38.

[0079] In addition, since the convex part 80 is less prone to bending and deformation compared to the prior art, the possibility of the terminal part 38 being significantly deformed and damaged by the retainer 62, or the terminal part 38 being unable to be removed from the housing 22 due to deformation of the terminal part 38 when replacing parts, is reduced.

[0080] Since the locking end face 46B is a triangular mountain shape that matches the end face shape of the convex portion 80, the contact area with the locking end face 66A of the retainer 62 can be increased compared to the case where it is a simple straight line shape. Accordingly, the locking force of the terminal component 38 relative to the housing 22 implemented by the retainer 62 is increased, and the effect of preventing the terminal component 38 from falling off the housing 22 is increased.

[0081] (Implementation Method 2)

[0082] Next, refer to Figures 11 to 13B This section describes Embodiment 2 of the connector of the present invention. The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 lies solely in the structure of the convex portion 80 and the locking end face 46B provided on each terminal component 38; therefore, details related to these structures are omitted. Figures 1-6 The other parts shown are the same as the descriptions of the parts. Furthermore, in Figures 11 to 13B In, with Figures 7 to 10B The corresponding part of the annotation and Figures 7 to 10B The accompanying figures are labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the figures below, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0083] In embodiment 2, the free ends of the first extension piece 72 and the second extension piece 74 extending upward from the contact portions 72B and 74B include parallel pieces 72C and 74C that are bent and extend substantially parallel to the bottom wall 40.

[0084] In Embodiment 2, when the terminal component 38 is not properly inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 34 and is in a poorly assembled state, when it is desired to assemble the retainer 62 into the housing 22, the protrusion 66 of the retainer 62 first abuts against the parallel plates 72C and 74C of the terminal component 38, causing the parallel plates 72C and 74C to deform, and then abuts against the convex shape portion 80.

[0085] Therefore, even if the retainer 62 is forcefully pushed in the insertion direction B when the terminal component 38 is poorly assembled, the convex part 80 is not easily bent or deformed because the parallel pieces 72C and 74C deform first.

[0086] Therefore, in Embodiment 2, it is also prevented that the retainer 62 is fixed to the housing 22 when the terminal component 38 is poorly assembled, thereby reducing the generation of defective products including poorly assembled terminal components 38.

[0087] In addition, since the convex part 80 is less prone to bending and deformation compared to the prior art, the possibility of the terminal part 38 being significantly deformed and damaged by the retainer 62, or the terminal part 38 being unable to be removed from the housing 22 due to deformation of the terminal part 38 when replacing parts, is reduced.

[0088] In embodiment 2, the locking end face 46B is a triangular mountain shape that matches the end face shape of the convex shape portion 80. Therefore, compared with the case of a simple straight line shape, the contact area that contacts the locking end face 66A of the retainer 62 is increased. As a result, the locking force of the terminal component 38 relative to the housing 22 based on the retainer 62 is increased, and the effect of preventing the terminal component 38 from falling off the housing 22 is increased.

[0089] (Implementation Method 3)

[0090] Next, refer to Figures 14-16B The following describes Embodiment 3 of the connector of the present invention. The difference between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1 lies only in the structure of the convex portion 80 and the locking end face 46B provided on each terminal component 38; therefore, details related to these aspects are omitted. Figures 1-6 The other parts shown are the same as the descriptions of the parts. Furthermore, in Figures 14-16B In, with Figures 7 to 13B The corresponding part of the annotation and Figures 7 to 13B The accompanying figures are labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the figures below, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0091] In embodiment 3, the first extension piece 72 has an inclined piece 72D that overlaps with the second extension piece 74 when bent along the free end side of the abutment portion 72B. The second extension piece 74 has an inclined piece 74D that overlaps with the first extension piece 72 when bent along the free end side of the abutment portion 74B.

[0092] In Embodiment 3, the tilted piece 72D of the first extension piece 72 coincides with the second extension piece 74, and the tilted piece 74D of the second extension piece 74 coincides with the first extension piece 72, thereby further improving the bending strength of the convex portion 80 compared to Embodiment 1.

[0093] Therefore, even if the protrusion 66 of the retainer 62 abuts against the convex shape 80 of the terminal member 38 and the retainer 62 is forcefully pushed in the insertion direction B, the convex shape 80 is less likely to be bent or deformed.

[0094] Through this function, similar to Embodiment 1, it further prevents the retainer 62 from being fixed to the housing 22 in the case of poorly assembled terminal component 38, thereby further reducing the generation of defective products including poorly assembled terminal component 38.

[0095] Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, since the convex portion 80 is less prone to bending and deformation compared to the prior art, the possibility of the terminal component 38 being significantly deformed and damaged by the retainer 62, or the terminal component 38 being unable to detach from the housing 22 due to deformation of the terminal component 38 when replacing parts, is reduced.

[0096] In embodiment 3, the locking end face 46B is a triangular mountain shape that matches the end face shape of the convex shape portion 80. Compared with the case of a simple straight line shape, it also increases the contact area with the locking end face 66A of the retainer 62, thereby increasing the locking force of the terminal component 38 relative to the housing 22 based on the retainer 62, and increasing the effect of preventing the terminal component 38 from falling off the housing 22.

[0097] (Implementation Method 4)

[0098] Next, refer to Figures 17-19 The present invention will now be described in embodiment 4 of the connector. The difference between embodiment 4 and embodiment 1 lies solely in the structure of the convex portion 80 and the locking end face 46B provided on each terminal component 38; therefore, details related to these aspects are omitted. Figures 1-6 The other parts shown are the same as the descriptions of the parts. Furthermore, in Figures 17-19 In, with Figures 7 to 10B The corresponding part of the annotation and Figures 7 to 10B The accompanying figures are labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the figures below, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0099] In Embodiment 4, the terminal component 38 has a first extension piece 76 extending in a mountain-shaped arch from the upper edge of the first sidewall 42 of the terminal body 46 toward the second sidewall 44, and the first extension piece 76 constitutes a convex portion 80. Similar to Embodiment 1, the convex portion 80 has a top on the side (upper side) of the retainer 62 relative to the insertion direction B of the housing 22, and constitutes a generally vertical locking end face 46B facing the rear of the retainer 62 in the insertion direction A.

[0100] The terminal component 38 also has a second extension piece 78 that extends from the upper edge of the second sidewall 44 of the terminal body 46 toward the first sidewall 42 and the bottom wall 40 in parallel.

[0101] The free end of the first extension 76 coincides with the base end of the second extension 78 and is supported by the second sidewall 44 via the second extension 78.

[0102] Accordingly, for the convex portion 80, when the retainer 62 abuts against its top and is subjected to a load from the insertion direction B of the retainer 62, the load from the insertion direction B of the retainer 62 is distributed to the left and right first sidewalls 42 and second sidewalls. Therefore, compared with the case where this portion is a rectangular cross-sectional portion, the stiffness in the vertical direction, that is, the insertion direction B of the retainer 62, is high, in other words, the buckling strength is high.

[0103] Therefore, even if the protrusion 66 of the retainer 62 abuts against the convex shape 80 of the terminal member 38 and the retainer 62 is forcefully pushed in the insertion direction B, the convex shape 80 is not easily bent or deformed.

[0104] Through this function, similar to Embodiment 1, it prevents the retainer 62 from being fixed to the housing 22 in a poorly assembled state of the terminal component 38, thereby reducing the generation of defective products including poorly assembled terminal components 38.

[0105] In addition, in embodiment 4, since the convex part 80 is less prone to bending and deformation compared to the prior art, the possibility of the terminal part 38 being significantly deformed and damaged by the retainer 62, or the terminal part 38 being unable to be removed from the housing 22 due to deformation of the terminal part 38 when replacing parts, is also reduced.

[0106] Since the locking end face 46B is a triangular shape that matches the end face shape of the convex portion 80, the contact area with the locking end face 66A of the retainer 62 is increased compared to the case where it is a simple straight line. Accordingly, the locking force of the terminal component 38 relative to the housing 22 based on the retainer 62 is increased, and the effect of preventing the terminal component 38 from falling off the housing 22 is enhanced.

[0107] (Implementation Method 5)

[0108] Next, refer to Figures 20-22 This invention will now describe embodiment 5 of the connector. The difference between embodiment 5 and embodiment 1 lies solely in the structure of the convex portion 80 and the locking end face 46B provided on each terminal component 38; therefore, details related to these aspects are omitted. Figures 1-6 The other parts shown are the same as the descriptions of the parts. Furthermore, in Figures 20-22 In, with Figures 17-19 The corresponding part of the annotation and Figures 17-19 The accompanying figures are labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the figures below, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0109] In embodiment 4, the second extension piece 78 includes a free end 78A that is directly supported on the first sidewall 42 by a cutout 76A provided at the base end of the first extension piece 76.

[0110] In Embodiment 5, the free end 78A of the first extension piece 76 constituting the convex shape portion 80 is directly supported on the second side wall 44, thereby further improving the bending strength of the convex shape portion 80 compared to Embodiment 4.

[0111] Therefore, even if the protrusion 66 of the retainer 62 abuts against the convex shape 80 of the terminal member 38 and the retainer 62 is forcefully pushed in the insertion direction B, the convex shape 80 is less likely to be bent or deformed.

[0112] Through this function, similar to Embodiment 1, it further prevents the retainer 62 from being fixed to the housing 22 in the case of poorly assembled terminal component 38, thereby further reducing the generation of defective products including poorly assembled terminal component 38.

[0113] In addition, in embodiment 5, since the convex part 80 is less prone to bending and deformation compared to the prior art, the possibility of the terminal part 38 being significantly deformed and damaged by the retainer 62, or the terminal part 38 being unable to be removed from the housing 22 due to deformation of the terminal part 38 when replacing parts, is also reduced.

[0114] In embodiment 5, the locking end face 46B is a triangular shape that matches the end face shape of the convex shape portion 80. Compared with the case where it is a simple straight line shape, the contact area that contacts the locking end face 66A of the retainer 62 is increased. As a result, the locking force of the terminal component 38 relative to the housing 22 based on the retainer 62 is increased, and the effect of preventing the terminal component 38 from falling off the housing 22 is increased.

[0115] In embodiment 53, the locking end face 46B is a triangular mountain shape that matches the end face shape of the convex shape portion 80. Compared with the case of a simple straight line shape, the contact area that contacts the locking end face 66A of the retainer 62 is increased. As a result, the locking force of the terminal component 38 relative to the housing 22 based on the retainer 62 is increased, and the effect of preventing the terminal component 38 from falling off the housing 22 is increased.

[0116] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and appropriate changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention so that those skilled in the art can easily understand it.

[0117] For example, the convex part 80 is not limited to a triangular mountain shape (triangular arch) when viewed from the insertion direction A of the terminal part 38 relative to the housing 22, but may also be an arc-shaped arch, etc.

[0118] The connector of the present invention is not limited to the connector 10 connected to the edge portion 12 of the electrical circuit board 14, but may also be various types of connectors called plugs or sockets that include the same retaining member 62 as in the above-described embodiment.

[0119] Furthermore, the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments are not necessarily all necessary constituent elements, and can be appropriately selected or omitted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0120] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0121] 10: Connector; 12: Edge portion; 14: Electrical circuit board; 16: Board-side terminal portion; 22: Housing; 22A: Lower wall; 22B: Upper wall; 26: Insertion port; 28: Edge insertion chamber; 30: Locking portion; 34: Terminal receiving chamber; 34A: Front end face; 38: Terminal component; 40: Bottom wall; 42: First side wall; 44: Second side wall; 46: Terminal body; 46A: Front end face; 46B: Locking end face; 48: Contact piece; 48A: Contact portion; 50: Cylindrical portion for core wire; 52: Cylindrical portion for sheathing portion; 54: Sheathed cable; 54A: Core wire; 54B: Sheathing portion; 56: Opening; 56A: Open end face; 58: Spear-shaped piece; 58A: Front end face; 60: Retainer insertion opening; 62: Retainer; 64: Retainer base; 66: Protrusion; 66A: Locking end face; 66B: Inclined end face; 68: Locking leg; 70: Locking claw; 72: First extension piece; 72A: Cut end face; 72B: Abutting part; 72C: Parallel piece; 72D: Inclined piece; 74: Second extension piece; 74A: Cut end face; 74B: Abutting part; 74C: Parallel piece; 74D: Inclined piece; 76: First extension piece; 76A: Cutting part; 78: Second extension piece; 78A: Free end; 80: Convex part

Claims

1. A connector comprising a housing, terminal components, and a retainer, wherein, The housing defines a terminal receiving chamber extending in a predetermined direction; the terminal component is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber in a predetermined insertion direction; the retainer is installed in the housing by being inserted into the housing from a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, and engages with a locking portion provided on the terminal component to prevent the terminal component from falling off. Its features are, The terminal component includes a convex portion having a top on the side of the retainer relative to the insertion direction of the housing, and the end face of the convex portion facing the insertion direction of the terminal component constitutes the locking portion. The terminal component is a bent and formed part of a sheet metal. The terminal component has: a first sidewall and a second sidewall located on the left and right sides; and a first extension piece inclined from the first sidewall toward the second sidewall and a second extension piece inclined from the second sidewall toward the first sidewall. The first extension piece and the second extension piece support each other at their respective free ends along the insertion direction of the terminal component in a manner offset from each other to form the convex shape.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first extension piece is bent along the second extension piece at its free end side to overlap with the second extension piece, and the second extension piece is bent along the first extension piece at its free end side to overlap with the first extension piece.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking portion includes a locking end face extending in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. The retainer has an inclined end face that is tilted relative to the insertion direction and abuts against the locking end face.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The terminal component has a rearward-facing end face relative to the insertion direction. The housing has a spear-shaped piece formed by a cantilever beam facing the rearward-facing end face, the spear-shaped piece including a free end facing the rearward-facing end face.

5. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The terminal component has a rearward-facing end face relative to the insertion direction. The housing has a spear-shaped piece formed by a cantilever beam facing the rearward-facing end face, the spear-shaped piece including a free end facing the rearward-facing end face.

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