connector

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a connector. A positioner of the connector is attached to a housing, allowing the connector to move from a first position to a second position. The housing is made of metal, and each of the sidewall portions of the housing is provided with a first hole and a second hole. The positioner has a protrusion. When the positioner is in the first position, each of the protrusions is located in the first hole. When the positioner is in the second position, the protrusion is located in the second hole. The housing is made of metal such that the housing has a predetermined strength even with the first and second holes provided in it. Since the first and second holes penetrate the sidewall portions in the width direction, the protrusions of the positioner are visible. Therefore, the position of the positioner can be determined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a connector having a structure that interconnects wires and terminals by means of a movable positioner. Background Technology

[0002] JP 20006-236855A (Patent Document 1) discloses a connector for Insulated Displacement Connection (IDC).

[0003] Reference Figure 20 The connector 90 of Patent Document 1 is provided with a wire holding block (or positioner) 92 and a contact block (or housing) 94. The contact block 94 is held in a receiving portion (not shown) for receiving the wire holding block 92, which protrudes from an IDC terminal (not shown). The wire holding block 92 is formed with holding holes (not shown) for holding wires 96 respectively and receiving slots (not shown) for receiving IDC terminals respectively.

[0004] like Figure 20 As shown, the wire retaining block 92 is provided with a temporary stop protrusion 921 and a protrusion 923. The wire retaining block 92 can be held in a temporarily stopped position in contact block 94 by using the temporary stop protrusion 921. The wire retaining block 92 can also be held in a pushed position in contact block 94 by using the protrusion 923.

[0005] like Figure 20 As shown, with the wire holding block 92 held in the temporary stop position of the contact block 94, the ends of the wires 96 can be inserted into the holding holes (not shown) of the wire holding block 92. When the wire holding block 92 is pushed from the above state into the receiving portion (not shown) of the contact block 94, the IDC terminal (not shown) and the wire 96 are electrically connected to each other. Furthermore, the wire holding block 92 is held in the pushed position of the contact block 94 by the function of the protrusion 923.

[0006] In the connector 90 of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to check whether the wire retaining block 92 is in the pushed position of the contact block 94. Therefore, in the connector 90 of Patent Document 1, the wire 96 sometimes detaches from the IDC terminal when the connector 90 is used. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connector that improves connection reliability by identifying the position of the locator.

[0008] The protrusions on the locator can be seen through the first and second holes, thus allowing for precise determination of the locator's position. The invention also ensures strength by providing the first and second holes within the metal casing.

[0009] In detail, one aspect of the present invention provides a connector attachable to a wire. The connector is compatible with a mating connector having mating terminals. The connector includes a housing, at least one terminal, a shell, and a positioner. The terminal is held by the housing. The terminal has a contact portion and a connecting portion, the contact portion contacting the mating terminal when the connector mates with the mating connector, and the connecting portion being connected to the wire. The shell is made of metal and has two sidewall portions positioned apart from each other along its width direction. Each sidewall portion has a first hole and a second hole. The first hole and the second hole penetrate the sidewall portion along its width direction and are positioned apart from each other along a first direction perpendicular to the width direction. The positioner is attached to the shell such that the positioner can move from a first position to a second position along the first direction. The positioner has a first end face, a second end face, a receiving hole, a receiving portion, and two protrusions. The first end face and the second end face are located at opposite ends of the positioner along a second direction perpendicular to the width direction and intersecting the first direction. The receiving hole extends from the second end face to the first end face through the positioner and receives one end of a wire. The receiving portion communicates with the receiving hole and allows the connecting portion to move within the receiving portion when the positioner moves. The protrusions correspond to the sidewall portions. Each of the protrusions protrudes outward along its width. When the locator is in the first position, each of the protrusions is positioned in a first hole in the sidewall portion corresponding to the protrusion. When the locator is in the second position, each of the protrusions is positioned in a second hole in the sidewall portion corresponding to the protrusion, while the connecting portion is partially positioned in the receiving hole.

[0010] Another aspect of the invention provides a connector attachment wire that includes the connector described above. The connector is attached to the connector attachment wire.

[0011] In a connector according to one aspect of the invention, a positioner is connected to a housing, allowing the positioner to move from a first position to a second position. The housing is made of metal, and each of the sidewall portions has a first hole and a second hole extending through in the width direction. The positioner has a protrusion projecting outward in the width direction. When the positioner is in the first position, each of the protrusions is positioned in the first hole of the sidewall portion corresponding to the protrusion. When the positioner is in the second position, each of the protrusions is positioned in the second hole of the sidewall portion corresponding to the protrusion. Because the housing is made of metal, the housing has a predetermined strength even with the first and second holes provided. Since the first and second holes extend through their corresponding sidewall portions, the protrusions of the positioner are visible. Therefore, the position of the positioner can be determined.

[0012] By studying the following description of preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings, one can understand the purpose of the invention and its structure more fully. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a connector with attached wires according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the connector in the connector attached to the wire.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another exploded perspective view of the connector.

[0016] Figure 4 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A perspective view of the main body of the connector and the insulated wire in a connector attachment cable. In the main body of the connector, the locator is in the first position. The main body of the connector and the insulated wire are separated from each other.

[0017] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A perspective view of the main body of the connector and the insulated wire. In the main body of the connector, the locator is in the first position. The insulated wire is partially inserted into the receiving hole of the locator.

[0018] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 Another perspective view of the main components of the connector and the insulated wires.

[0019] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A plan view of the main components of the connector and the insulated wires. The locator and its surrounding area are shown in an expanded manner.

[0020] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 5 Another perspective view of the main part of the connector and the insulated wire. In the main part of the connector, the locator is in the second position.

[0021] Figure 9 It is shown that it includes Figure 3 A 3D view of the locator in the connector.

[0022] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 Another 3D view of the locator in the image.

[0023] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 4 Side view of the main part of the connector. The locator is in the first position.

[0024] Figure 12 It is taken along line AA. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the main part of the connector.

[0025] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 4 Another side view of the main part of the connector. The locator is in the second position.

[0026] Figure 14 It was cut along the BB line. Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the main part of the connector.

[0027] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 8 A perspective view of the main components of the connector and the insulated wires. The positioner is omitted from the figure.

[0028] Figure 16 yes Figure 8 Another perspective view of the main components of the connector and the insulated wires. The locator and the first housing are omitted from the figure. In one of the insulated wires, the insulating coating has been partially removed.

[0029] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 1 Another perspective view of the connector with attached wires. The cover is omitted in the figure. The second housing is not yet connected to the first housing.

[0030] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 17 A 3D view of the connector with attached wires. The second housing is connected to the first housing.

[0031] Figure 19 It is shown Figure 1 Another perspective view of the connector attached to the wire. The cover is not yet attached to the housing.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a view showing the insulating displacement connector disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0033] While the invention is readily subject to various modifications and substitutions, specific embodiments thereof are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and their detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but rather are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Reference Figure 1 According to one embodiment of the present invention, a connector attached electric wire 10 has a connector 20 and a cable 80. In this embodiment, the cable 80 has two insulated wires 82 (wires: see...). Figure 4Connector 20 is connected to one end of insulated wire 82. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Connector 20 can be a connector to be connected to at least one wire.

[0035] Figure 1 The connector 20 shown is mates with and can be detached from a mating connector (not shown) in the front-to-back direction, the mating connector being provided with mating terminals (not shown). In this embodiment, the front-to-back direction is the Y direction. The negative Y direction points forward, while the positive Y direction points backward. Furthermore, in this embodiment, connector 20 is a plug connector for Single Pair Ethernet. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The invention can also be applied to any connector other than those for Single Pair Ethernet. Furthermore, the invention can be applied to any connector other than plug connectors, such as interconnect connectors.

[0036] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connector 20 is provided with a housing 30, at least one terminal 40, a shell 50, a positioner 60, and a cover 70. In this embodiment, the housing 30 is composed of a first shell 32 and a second shell 38. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of at least one terminal 40 is two. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shell 50 is composed of a first shell 52 and a second shell 58. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The housing 30 may be composed of a single component. The number of at least one terminal 40 may be one, three, or more. The shell 50 may be composed of a single component. The cover 70 is not essential in this invention.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, terminals 40 are arranged along a width direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the width direction is the X direction. Each of the terminals 40 is formed from a single metal sheet and has a held portion 401, a support portion 403, a contact portion 405, and a connecting portion 407. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The shape of each of the terminals 40 is not particularly limited, as long as it has a contact portion 405 and a connecting portion 407, wherein when the connector 20 mates with a mating connector (not shown), the contact portion 405 contacts a mating terminal (not shown), and wherein the connecting portion 407 is connected to an insulated wire 82. For example, the terminal 40 may be a compression type terminal.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the held portion 401 of terminal 40 is at least partially held by housing 30. In this embodiment, the held portion 401 is partially held by first housing 32.

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the support portion 403 of the terminal 40 extends forward from the held portion 401 in the front-rear direction. The support portion 403 supports the contact portion 405. In this embodiment, the contact portion 405 is a part of the surface of the support portion 403. The support portion 403 is elastically deformable. Through the elastic deformation of the support portion 403, the contact portion 405 can move at least in the vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the width direction. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. The positive Z direction points upward, while the negative Z direction points downward.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the connecting portion 407 of the terminal 40 extends from the held portion 401 along a first direction perpendicular to the width direction. Here, as described below, the first direction is the movable direction of the positioner 60. In this embodiment, the first direction is the same as the vertical direction. However, the invention is not limited thereto. If the following movement of the positioner 60 is permitted, the first direction may be tilted relative to the vertical direction.

[0041] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 407 of the terminal 40 is an insulating displacement connector with a forked shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The connecting portion 407 may be a through-hole connector for passing through the insulated wire 82.

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first housing 32 has a front portion 321 and a rear portion 323. The rear portion 323 has a base 34 and a front wall 36. The front wall 36 extends upward from the front end of the base 34. The front portion 321 protrudes forward from the base 34. The support portion 403 of the terminal 40 extends forward from the front portion 321. The base 34 is provided with a guide portion 341 and two recesses 343. The guide portion 341 is an upwardly opening hole with a bottom. The guide portion 341 receives and guides the guided portion 66 of the locator 60, which will be mentioned below. The recesses 343 are located outside the guide portion 341 in the width direction. Each of the recesses 343 opens inward and outward in the width direction. The recesses 343 partially receive the support portion 64 of the locator 60, which will be mentioned below, and allow the support portion 64 to elastically deform. The connecting portion 407 of the terminal 40 is located between the front wall 36 and the guide portion 341 in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the first housing 32 is made of insulating resin and is integrally formed with the terminal 40. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The terminal 40 can be held by the first housing 32 by any other means, such as press-fit.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the second housing 38 is attached to the first housing 32 and together with the first housing 32 forms the housing 30. The second housing 38 is made of the same or different insulating resin as the first housing 32. When attached to the first housing 32, the second housing 38 accommodates the front portion 321 of the first housing 32 within the second housing 38. The second housing 38 is provided with receiving grooves 381 that at least partially accommodate the support portions 403 of the terminals 40. When the second housing 38 is attached to the first housing 32, the contact portion 405 of the terminal 40 is located outside the receiving groove 381 of the second housing. In this embodiment, the contact portion 405 of each of the terminals 40 is part of the surface of the support portion 403 of the terminal 40 and is oriented upward. With this structure, when the connector 20 mates with a mating connector (not shown), the contact portion 405 of the terminal 40 can contact the mating terminal (not shown) provided on the mating connector.

[0044] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first housing 52 has a front portion 521 and a rear portion 523. The front portion 521 has a generally square tube shape that is longer in the front-rear direction. The front portion 521 has a locking arm 537 disposed on one side of the upper surface.

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rear portion 523 of the first housing 52 opens upwards. Specifically, the rear portion 523 of the first housing 52 has two sidewall portions 531 and a bottom 533. The two sidewall portions 531 are separated from each other in the width direction, and the bottom 533 connects the sidewall portions 533. The bottom 533 is provided with a wire support portion 535 extending rearward in the front-rear direction. The first housing 52 is made of metal. In this embodiment, the first housing 52 is made using a single metal sheet. By using a metal sheet, the housing 52 can obtain the necessary and sufficient strength.

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each of the sidewall portions 531 of the first housing 52 is provided with a first hole 541, a second hole 543, a third hole 545, and a fourth hole 547. However, the third hole 545 and the fourth hole 547 are not essential in this invention. In detail, the third opening 545 and the fourth opening 547 are not essential when the supplementary protrusion 629, which will be mentioned below, is not present.

[0047] remove Figure 2 and Figure 3 In addition, refer to Figure 11 and Figure 13The first hole 541, the second hole 543, the third hole 545, and the fourth hole 547 penetrate the sidewall portion 531 in the width direction. The first hole 541 and the second hole 543 are separated from each other in a first direction. In this embodiment, the first hole 541 and the second hole 543 are separated from each other in the vertical direction. Similarly, the third hole 545 and the fourth hole 547 are separated from each other in the first direction.

[0048] like Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, the first hole 541 and the third hole 545 are separated from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the width direction and intersecting the first direction. In this embodiment, the second direction is the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the first hole 541 and the third hole 545 are separated from each other along both the front-back and vertical directions. Similarly, the second hole 543 and the fourth hole 547 are separated from each other along the second direction. In this embodiment, the second hole 543 and the fourth hole 547 are separated from each other along both the front-back and vertical directions. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown, the third hole 545 and the fourth hole 547 overlap with the connecting portion 407 of the terminal 40 along the second direction. This is to maximize the distance between the connecting portion 407 and the side wall portion 531.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the first outer casing 52 almost completely houses the entire casing 30. The sidewall portion 531 of the first outer casing 52 extends such that it almost reaches the rear end of the first casing 32 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the sidewall portion 531 of the first outer casing 52 extends such that it almost reaches the upper end of the front wall 36 of the first casing 32 in the vertical direction (see...). Figure 6 Therefore, the space between the sidewall portions 531 of the first housing 52 is formed behind the front wall 36 of the first housing 32. This space forms a receiving portion 56 for accommodating the locator 60. Specifically, besides... Figure 4 In addition, refer to Figure 15 The front wall 36 of the first housing 32 has a receiving surface 361 intersecting the second direction. The receiving surface 361 and the side wall portion 531 of the first housing 52 form a receiving portion 56 for accommodating the locator 60.

[0050] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the locator 60 has a main portion 62, a support portion 64, and a guided portion 66, all in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The locator 60 is formed of insulating resin. The support portion 64 is located at both ends of the main portion 62 along its width and extends from the main portion 62 along a first direction. The guided portion 66 extends from the lower surface of the main portion 62 along the first direction. In this embodiment, each of the support portion 64 and the guided portion 66 extends downward. The locator 60 is provided with a first end face 621, a second end face 623, two receiving holes 625, two receiving portions 627, two protrusions 641, and two supplementary protrusions 629. The first end face 621, the second end face 623, the receiving holes 625, the receiving portions 627, and the supplementary protrusions 629 are disposed on the main portion 62 of the locator 60. The protrusions 641 are respectively disposed on the support portion 64 of the locator 60. In other words, the support portion 64 of the locator 60 corresponds to and supports the protrusions 641 respectively. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The number of receiving holes 625 and the number of receiving portions 627 each depend on the number of terminals 40. Furthermore, the supplementary protrusions 629 are not essential in this invention.

[0051] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first end face 621 and the second end face 623 of the locator 60 are located at both ends of the locator 60 along the second direction. In this embodiment, the first end face 621 and the second end face 623 are located at the front end and the rear end of the main part 62 of the locator 60, respectively.

[0052] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 As shown, the receiving hole 625 of the positioner 60 extends from the second end face 623 to the first end face 621 through the main portion 62. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, each of the receiving holes 625 has an inner diameter that can receive one end of the insulated wire 82. In this embodiment, each of the receiving holes 625 has a circular shape when viewed in the front-back direction. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The shape of the receiving hole 625 can be any shape other than circular, such as elliptical, oval, or polygonal. Furthermore, the shape and size of the receiving hole 625 in the first end face 621 can be different from the size and shape of the receiving hole 625 in the second end face 623. For example, the size of the receiving hole 625 in the second end face 623 can be larger than the size of the receiving hole 625 in the first end face 621. In addition, the receiving holes 625 can be interconnected in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0053] like Figure 9 As shown, the receiving portion 627 of the positioner 60 corresponds to the receiving hole 625. Furthermore, as... Figure 3As shown, the receiving portions 627 correspond to the connecting portions 407 of the terminals 40. Each of the receiving portions 627 opens downward and communicates with a corresponding receiving hole 625. The receiving portion 627 is sized to accommodate the connecting portion 407 and allow the positioner 60 to move therein.

[0054] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, each of the protrusions 641 of the locator 60 is supported by a corresponding support 64 and protrudes outward in the width direction. The support 64 is elastically deformable, and due to the elastic deformation of the support 64, the protrusion 641 is movable at least in the width direction. The protrusion 641 has an inclined surface 643 and an upper surface 645. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 643 is a surface parallel to the front-back direction and intersecting the vertical direction. The inclined surface 643 is oriented downward in the vertical direction and outward in the width direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper surface 645 is a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction. The upper surface 645 is oriented upward. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The upper surface 645 of the protrusion 641 may intersect the vertical direction at an angle to a certain extent.

[0055] like Figure 12 and Figure 14 As shown, the size of the inclined surface 643 of the protrusion 641 is larger in the width direction than the size of the side wall portion 531 of the housing 50. With this structure, the protrusion 641 can easily disengage from the first hole 541 when the positioner 60 moves from the first position to the second position. On the other hand, the size of the upper surface 645 is equal to or slightly larger than the size of the side wall portion 531 of the housing 50. With this structure, if the positioner 60 is subjected to an upward force, the protrusion 641 will be difficult to disengage from the first hole 541 when it is positioned in the first hole 541, and will also be difficult to disengage from the second hole 543 when it is positioned in the second hole 543.

[0056] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the supplementary protrusion 629 protrudes outward from the side surface of the main portion 62 along the width direction. Furthermore, the supplementary protrusion 629 is separated from the protrusion 641 along the second direction. In this embodiment, the supplementary protrusion 629 is located in front of the protrusion 641 along the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the supplementary protrusion 629 is located above the protrusion 641 along the vertical direction. The protrusion 641 primarily serves to maintain the position of the locator 60 along the first direction, and the supplementary protrusion 629 primarily serves to maintain the orientation of the locator 60. In this embodiment, the size of each of the supplementary protrusions 629 is smaller than the size of each of the protrusions 641. In particular, along the width direction, the protrusion amount of the supplementary protrusion 629 is smaller than the protrusion amount of the protrusion 641.

[0057] like Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the locator 60 is attached to the housing 50. Specifically, the locator 60 is attached to the first housing 52 such that the locator can be positioned along a first direction from a first position (…). Figures 4 to 7 Move to the second position. Figure 8 ).like Figures 11 to 14 As shown, the locator 60 attached to the housing 50 is at least partially located in the receiving portion 56 formed by the receiving surface 361 of the first housing 32 and the side wall portion 531 of the housing 50. However, this should not apply to the protrusion 641 and the supplementary protrusion 629. Furthermore, the guided portion 66 of the locator 60 is at least partially located in the guide portion 341 of the first housing 32. Additionally, the connecting portion 407 of each of the terminals 40 is at least partially located in its corresponding receiving portion 627 (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0058] like Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the protrusions 641 of the positioner 60 correspond to the side wall portions 531 of the housing 50. The supplementary protrusions 629 also correspond to the side wall portions 531 of the housing 50.

[0059] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, when the positioner 60 is positioned in the first position, each of the protrusions 641 is positioned in the corresponding first hole 541 of the sidewall portion 531. Furthermore, each of the supplementary protrusions 629 is positioned in the corresponding third hole 545 of the sidewall portion 531.

[0060] like Figure 12 As shown, when the positioner 60 is positioned in the first position, the area occupied by each of the receiving holes 625 of the positioner 60 overlaps with the area occupied by the receiving surface 361 of the first housing 32 along the first direction. On the other hand, a portion of the area occupied by the receiving holes 625 of the positioner 60 lies outside the area occupied by the receiving surface 361 of the first housing 32 along the first direction. In other words, when the receiving hole 625 is viewed from the rear, the receiving surface 361 and the state in front of it are visible. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the connection portion 407 of the terminal 40 is not visible in the receiving hole 625.

[0061] like Figures 4 to 7As shown, when the locator 60 is in the first position, the ends of the insulated wires 82 can be inserted into the receiving holes 625 respectively. As described above, the area occupied by each of the receiving holes 625 of the locator 60 overlaps with the area occupied by the receiving surface 361 of the first housing 32 along the first direction. Therefore, the ends of the insulated wires 82 inserted into the receiving holes 625 can abut against the receiving surface 361 of the first housing 32. On the other hand, a portion of the area occupied by the receiving holes 625 of the locator 60 is outside the area occupied by the receiving surface 361 of the first housing 32. Therefore, as Figure 6 As shown, the end of the insulated wire 82 is visible from its front or oblique front. In other words, it can be seen whether the insulated wire 82 is properly arranged relative to the locator 60.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, along the second direction, the first end face 621 of the locator 60 is closer to the receiving surface 361 of the housing 30 than the second end face 623 of the locator 60. Furthermore, along the second direction, a gap 68 exists between the first end face 621 of the locator 60 and the receiving surface 361 of the housing 30. Specifically, the receiving surface 361 of the first housing 32 has an elongated protrusion 363 that projects along the second direction and extends along the first direction, and this elongated protrusion 363 forms a gap 68 between the first end face 621 and the receiving surface 362. Through the gap 68, it can be seen whether the ends of the insulated wires 82 are properly arranged relative to the locator 60. Furthermore, the elongated protrusion 363 prevents the ends of the insulated wires 82 from contacting each other. Therefore, short circuits between the insulated wires 82 are prevented.

[0063] like Figure 13 As shown, when the locator 60 is positioned in the second position, each of the protrusions 641 is positioned in its corresponding second hole 543 in the sidewall portion 531. Furthermore, each of the supplementary protrusions 629 is positioned in its corresponding fourth hole 547 in the sidewall portion 531. The locator 60 is moved from the first position to the second position by moving the locator 60 along a first direction. In this embodiment, pressing down moves the locator 60 from the first position to the second position. When the locator 60 is pressed down, due to the elastic deformation of the support portion 64, the protrusions 641 emerge from the first hole 541 and enter the second hole 543. Due to the elastic deformation of at least one of the locator 60 and the first housing 52, the supplementary protrusions 629 emerge from the third hole 545 and enter the fourth hole 547.

[0064] like Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, each of the protrusions 641 is located in a corresponding second hole 543 in the sidewall portion 531, thereby restricting the positioner 60 from moving from the second position to the first position. Furthermore, each of the supplementary protrusions 629 is positioned in a corresponding fourth hole 547 in the sidewall portion 531 to prevent or suppress tilting of the positioner 60.

[0065] like Figure 14 As shown, when the positioner 60 is positioned in the second position, the area occupied by each of the receiving holes 625 is covered along the first direction by the area occupied by the receiving surface 361. In other words, when the receiving holes 625 are viewed from the rear, the front of the receiving surface 361 is not visible. Therefore, when the end of the insulated wire 82 is properly arranged relative to the receiving hole 625, the end of the insulated wire 82 is covered by the receiving surface 361, or is close to and faces the receiving surface 361. Thus, the end of the insulated wire 82 is protected by the front wall 36.

[0066] like Figure 14 As shown, when the positioner 60 is in the second position, the connection portion 407 of the terminal 40 can be seen when viewed from the rear through the receiving hole 625. This means that when the positioner 60 is in the second position, the connection portion 407 of the terminal 40 is partially positioned in the receiving hole 625. In other words, when the positioner 60 moves from the first position to the second position with the end of the insulated wire 82 inserted into the receiving hole 625, the connection portion 407 forms pressure contact with the insulated wire 82.

[0067] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, when the positioner 60 moves from the first position to the second position, the connecting portion 407 of each of the terminals 40 cuts the insulating coating of the insulated wire 82 and contacts the core wire 821. In the case where the connecting portion 407 is an insulated displacement connector, the insulated wire 82 receives a reaction force from the connecting portion 407, and the positioner 60 can receive a force pointing towards the first position. Even in this case, as referred to above... Figure 13 As described above, the protrusion 641 and the supplementary protrusion 629 are also located in the second hole 543 and the fourth hole 547, respectively, thereby preventing the positioner 60 from moving from the second position to the first position. Therefore, the electrical connection between each of the terminals 40 and its corresponding insulated wire 82 is maintained. By observing that the protrusion 641 and the supplementary protrusion 629 are positioned in the second hole 543 and the fourth hole 547, it can be determined that the positioner 60 is in the second position. Simultaneously, it can be confirmed that the connection portion 407 of the terminal 40 is electrically connected to the insulated wire 82.

[0068] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18The second housing 58 has a cover 581 that covers the locator 60 and the rear portion 523 of the first housing 52. The cover 581 has a top plate portion 583 and a side plate portion 585. In this embodiment, the second housing 58 is provided with a swaging portion 587 for holding the cable 80. The swaging portion 587 is connected to the cover 581 via a connecting portion 589 extending rearward from the top plate portion 583 in the front-rear direction. The second housing 58 is attached to the first housing 52 and covers the locator 60 from above. The cover 581 covers the side wall portion 531 of the first housing 52 from the outside in the width direction. The cover 581 is fixed to the side wall portion 531. To fix the cover 581 to the side wall portion 531, in this embodiment, the cover 581 is formed with a window portion, and each of the side wall portions 533 is formed with a cut-out protrusion. Furthermore, the forged portion 587 is forged into the wire support portion 535 of the cable 80 and the first housing 52. Therefore, the cable 80 or the insulated wire 82 is held by the forged portion 587.

[0069] Reference Figure 19 The cover 70 is pre-attached to the cable 80. The cover 70 is attached to the housing 50 such that it covers the second housing 58 after the second housing 58 is attached to the first housing 52. To secure the cover 70 to the housing 50, in this embodiment, the cover 70 is formed with a window, and each of the side plate portions 585 of the second housing 58 is formed with a cut-out protrusion. The cover 70 has an operating arm 701. Figure 1 As shown, when the operating arm 701 is attached to the housing 50, the operating arm 701 is partially located above the locking arm 537.

[0070] As described above, according to this embodiment, during the manufacturing process of connector 20, the positioner 60 can be checked to be in the second position by observing that the protrusion 641 is positioned in the second hole 543 of the first housing 52. When the positioner 60 is in the second position, it can be determined that the insulated wire 82 is properly connected to the connection portion 407 of the terminal 40, and a high connection reliability can be achieved. Furthermore, the first housing 52 is made of metal, so that even if a third opening 545 and a fourth opening 547 are formed in each of the side wall portions 531 in addition to the first opening 541 and the second opening 543, the first housing 52 has the necessary and sufficient strength.

[0071] Although the present invention has been specifically described above with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and alternatives are permitted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0072] For example, although in the above embodiment, the first position of the locator 60 is located above the second position in the vertical direction, the first position of the locator 60 can also be located below the second position. In this case, the rear portion 523 of the first housing 52 opens downwards, and the connecting portion 407 of each of the terminals 40 extends downwards. Furthermore, the first hole 541 is located below the second hole 543, and the third hole 545 is located below the fourth hole 547. Nevertheless, due to the positional relationship between the locking arm 537 and the locator 60, the above embodiment is easier to assemble.

[0073] Although in the above embodiments, connector 20 is a linear connector with a mating direction that is the same as or parallel to the extension direction of cable 80, connector 20 can also be a right-angle connector with a mating direction perpendicular to the extension direction of cable 80. In this case, the first direction is the same as the front-back direction, and the second direction is the same as the up-down direction.

[0074] Although in the above embodiment, the guide portion 341 and the guided portion 66 only guide the movement of the locator 60, they may be further provided with a locking mechanism to enhance the function of holding the locator 60 in the second position.

[0075] Although the first and second directions are perpendicular to each other in the above embodiments, they can slightly intersect as long as the locator 60 has sufficient room to move.

[0076] Although in the above embodiment, the supplementary protrusions 629 are provided on the side surface of the main portion 62 of the locator 60, the supplementary protrusions 629 can be supported by the support portion in the same manner as the protrusions 641. Furthermore, each of the supplementary protrusions 629 can have a shape similar to that of the protrusions 641.

[0077] While what is considered a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended that all such embodiments fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A connector capable of being attached to an electrical wire, wherein: The connector can mate with a mating connector that is provided with mating terminals; The connector includes a housing, at least one terminal, an outer shell, and a positioner; The terminal is held by the housing; The terminal has a contact portion and a connecting portion. The contact portion contacts the mating terminal when the connector mates with the mating connector, and the connecting portion is connected to the wire. The outer casing is made of metal and has two sidewall portions that are separated from each other along the width direction; Each of the sidewall portions is provided with a first hole and a second hole; The first hole and the second hole penetrate the sidewall portion along the width direction and are separated from each other along a first direction perpendicular to the width direction; The locator is attached to the housing, enabling the locator to move from a first position to a second position along the first direction; The positioner is provided with a first end face, a second end face, a receiving hole, a receiving part, and two protrusions; The first end face and the second end face are located at both ends of the positioner along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction and intersects with the first direction; The receiving hole extends from the second end face to the first end face through the locator and is capable of receiving one end of the wire; The receiving part communicates with the receiving hole and allows the connecting part to move within the receiving part when the positioner moves; The protruding portions correspond to the sidewall portions; Each of the protrusions protrudes outward along the width direction; When the locator is in the first position, each of the protrusions is positioned in the corresponding first hole in the sidewall portion; and When the locator is in the second position, each of the protrusions is positioned in the corresponding second hole in the sidewall portion, and the connecting portion is partially positioned in the receiving hole.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting part is an insulating displacement connector that extends along the first direction and has a fork-shaped shape; The positioner has a main part and two support parts extending from the main part along the first direction; The receiving hole is disposed in the main part; The support portion is elastically deformable and corresponds to the protrusions respectively; Each of the protrusions is supported by a corresponding support and is movable at least in the width direction; and When each of the protrusions is positioned in the corresponding second hole in the sidewall portion, the positioner is restricted from moving from the second position to the first position.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has a receiving surface that intersects with the second direction; The receiving surface of the housing and the side wall portion of the outer shell form a receiving portion for accommodating the positioner; When the locator is in the second position, the area occupied by the receiving hole is covered by the area occupied by the receiving surface along the first direction; and When the locator is positioned at the first position, the area occupied by the receiving hole overlaps with the area occupied by the receiving surface along the first direction, while a portion of the area occupied by the receiving hole is outside the area occupied by the receiving surface along the first direction.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has a receiving surface that intersects with the second direction; The receiving surface of the housing and the side wall of the outer shell form a receiving portion for accommodating the positioner; Along the second direction, the first end face of the locator is closer to the receiving surface of the housing than the second end face of the locator; When the locator is in the first position, the end of the wire inserted into the receiving hole can abut against the receiving surface; and Along the second direction, a gap is left between the first end face of the locator and the receiving surface of the housing.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the sidewall portions of the housing is provided with a third hole and a fourth hole; The third hole and the fourth hole penetrate the sidewall portion along the width direction and are positioned separately from each other along the first direction; The first hole and the third hole are positioned separately from each other along the second direction; The second hole and the fourth hole are positioned separately from each other along the second direction; The locator is provided with two supplementary protrusions; The additional protruding portions correspond to the sidewall portions; Each of the supplementary protrusions protrudes outward along the width direction; The supplementary protrusion is positioned separately from the protrusion along the second direction; When the locator is in the first position, each of the supplementary protrusions is positioned in the corresponding third hole in the sidewall portion; and When the locator is in the second position, each of the supplementary protrusions is positioned in the corresponding fourth hole in the sidewall portion.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein, The third hole and the fourth hole overlap with the connection portion of the terminal along the second direction.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The locator is provided with a guided portion extending along the first direction; and The housing is provided with a guide portion for receiving and guiding the guided portion.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The outer casing is provided with a forged portion for holding the wire.

9. A connector for attaching wires, comprising the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The connector is attached to the connector attachment wire.

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