Connector and cable connector comprising connector and cable

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector and a cable connector including a connector and a cable, the connector being configured to be attached to a front end of the cable in a front-back direction, in which: the connector includes a connector body and a sleeve; the connector body is provided with a body and a barrel; the cylinder is located behind the body. The sleeve has a main body part and a protruding part; when the connector is in an attached state in which the connector is attached to the cable, the main body portion surrounds the cable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-back direction and is fixed to the cable; the protruding part extends forwards from the main body part and is provided with a retainer; the retainer is positioned in front of the main body part; when the connector is in the attached state, the stopper is located outside the main body part in a vertical plane; and when the connector is in the attached state, the barrel surrounds and is fixed to the main body portion in a vertical plane, and the stopper is located in front of the barrel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector configured to be attached to a cable.

[0002] For example, this type of connector is disclosed in JP2021-086677A (Patent Document 1), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] refer to Fig.30 Patent document 1 discloses a connector 90 attached to a cable 98. The connector 90 includes a sleeve 96 and a shield shell 92 having a crimped braid (barrel) 94. Fig.31 , the cable 98 includes a braid 984 and a sheath 982 covering the braid 984. The braid 984 has an end exposed from the sheath 982. The sleeve 96 is crimped onto the braid 984. Fig.32 , the ends of the braid 984 are folded back and cover the sleeve 96. Fig.30 , a portion of the cylinder 94 is crimped onto the braid 984 covering the sleeve 96. Therefore, the braid 984 is electrically connected to the shield shell 92 via the sleeve 96.

[0004] Generally speaking, the sleeve 96 is crimped onto the cable 98 with a large force to be firmly fixed to the cable 98. In contrast, if the barrel 94 is crimped onto the sleeve 96 with a large force, electrical connection problems may sometimes occur. Therefore, the barrel 94 is crimped with a relatively small force. According to this crimping method, when the cable 98 is pulled with force, the barrel 94 may be deformed to open, so that the sleeve 96 may move with the cable 98 and may be displaced relative to the barrel 94. However, referring to Fig.31 The sleeve 96 has a cylindrical body 962 and a protruding member (protrusion) 964. The protrusion 964 is provided on the outer surface of the body 962 and protrudes outward from the body 962. Fig.30 , even when the barrel 94 is deformed and opened due to the force applied to the cable 98, and even when the sleeve 96 and the cable 98 are Fig.30 When moving to the right in the middle, the protrusion 964 also abuts against the end of the barrel 94, and the abutment stops the movement of the cable 98. Therefore, the displacement of the sleeve 96 relative to the barrel 94 is reduced.

[0005] However, since the protrusion of Patent Document 1 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the sleeve, the barrel may be inadvertently crimped on the protrusion. When the barrel is crimped on the protrusion, the barrel may not be fully fixed around the sleeve. In addition, when the protrusion is subjected to force during the crimping process of the barrel, the protrusion may be damaged. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector having a structure that can reduce displacement of a sleeve relative to a barrel and can prevent damage to the sleeve when the barrel is crimped onto the sleeve.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector configured to be attached to the front end of a cable in a front-to-back direction. The connector includes a connector body and a sleeve. The connector body has a body and a barrel. The barrel is located at the rear of the body. The sleeve has a main body and a protrusion. When the connector is in an attached state in which the connector is attached to the cable, the main body surrounds the cable and is fixed to the cable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. The protrusion extends forward from the main body and has a stopper. The stopper is located in front of the main body. When the connector is in an attached state, the stopper is located outside the main body in a vertical plane. When the connector is in an attached state, the barrel surrounds the main body in a vertical plane and is fixed to the main body, and the stopper is located in front of the barrel.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a cable connector, comprising a connector and a cable. The connector is attached to the front end of the cable in the front-to-back direction. The connector comprises a connector body and a sleeve. The connector body has a body and a barrel. The barrel is located at the rear of the body. The sleeve has a main body and a protrusion. The main body surrounds the cable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and is fixed to the cable. The protrusion extends forward from the main body and has a stopper. The stopper is located in front of the main body and is located outside the main body in the vertical plane. The barrel surrounds the main body in the vertical plane and is fixed to the main body. The stopper is located in front of the barrel.

[0009] According to the sleeve of one aspect of the present invention, the protrusion does not protrude outward from the outer surface of the main body, but extends forward from the main body. The stopper of the protrusion is located in front of the main body and the barrel, and protrudes outward beyond the outer surface of the main body. The stopper formed in this way can reduce the displacement of the sleeve. In addition, even when the barrel is crimped on the stopper, the stopper moves toward the cable, thereby preventing the protrusion from being damaged. Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides a connector having a structure that can reduce the displacement of the sleeve relative to the barrel and can prevent the sleeve from being damaged when the barrel is crimped.

[0010] A more complete appreciation of the objectives of the present invention and a more complete understanding of its structure may be had by studying the following description of the preferred embodiment and referring to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a cable connector and an object according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a portion of the cable connector surrounded by a dotted line is enlarged and shown;

[0012] Figure 2 To show Figure 1 A perspective view of a cable of the cable connector;

[0013] Figure 3 To show Figure 1 A perspective view of a connector of a cable connector, wherein the connector is shown having a shape when the connector is not attached to a cable;

[0014] Figure 4 To show Figure 3 A perspective view of a connector of , wherein the connector is shown having a shape when the connector is attached to a cable, and the outline of the braid is shown with a dotted line, and the second sleeve of the connector is configured to be crimped onto the braid;

[0015] Figure 5 To show Figure 4 A perspective view of the sleeve of the connector, with the sleeve crimped onto Figure 2 On the cable, the outline of the hidden second sleeve and the imaginary central axis of the connector are shown with dotted lines;

[0016] Figure 6 To show Figure 4 A stereoscopic view of a connector body and a sleeve of a connector, wherein the connector barrel is crimped onto Figure 5 The sleeve is on the connector, and the imaginary central axis of the connector is indicated by a dotted line;

[0017] Figure 7 To show Figure 4 A top view of a sleeve of a connector;

[0018] Figure 8 To show Figure 4 A front view of a sleeve of a connector, wherein a boundary between the first portion and the second portion of each protrusion is indicated by a dotted line;

[0019] Fig. 9 To show Figure 4 A perspective view of a first variant of a sleeve of a connector, wherein an imaginary central axis of the connector is indicated by a dotted line;

[0020] Fig.10 To show Fig. 9 A top view of a sleeve;

[0021] Fig.11 To show Fig. 9 A front view of the sleeve, wherein the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of each protrusion is indicated by a dotted line;

[0022] Fig.12 To show Figure 4 A perspective view of a second variant of the sleeve of the connector, wherein the imaginary central axis of the connector is indicated by a dotted line;

[0023] Fig.13 To show Fig.12 A top view of a sleeve;

[0024] Fig.14 To show Fig.12 A front view of the sleeve, wherein the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of each protrusion is indicated by a dotted line;

[0025] Fig.15 To show Figure 4 A perspective view of a third variant of the sleeve of the connector, wherein the imaginary central axis of the connector is indicated by a dotted line;

[0026] Fig.16 To show Fig.15 A top view of a sleeve;

[0027] Fig.17 To show Fig.15 A front view of the sleeve, wherein the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of each protrusion is indicated by a dotted line;

[0028] Fig.18 To show Figure 4 A perspective view of a fourth variant of the sleeve of the connector, wherein the imaginary central axis of the connector is indicated by a dotted line;

[0029] Fig.19 To show Fig.18 A top view of a sleeve;

[0030] Fig. 20 To show Fig.18 A front view of the sleeve, wherein the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of each protrusion is indicated by a dotted line;

[0031] Fig.21 To show Figure 4 A perspective view of a fifth variant of the sleeve of the connector, wherein the imaginary central axis of the connector is shown by a dotted line;

[0032] Fig. 22 To show Fig.21 A top view of a sleeve;

[0033] Fig.23 To show Fig.21 A front view of the sleeve, wherein the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of each protrusion is indicated by a dotted line;

[0034] Fig.24 To show Figure 4 A perspective view of a sixth variant of the sleeve of the connector, wherein the imaginary central axis of the connector is indicated by a dotted line;

[0035] Fig.25 To show Fig.24 A top view of a sleeve;

[0036] Fig.26 To show Fig.24 A front view of a sleeve;

[0037] Fig. 27 To show Figure 4 A perspective view of a seventh variant of the sleeve of the connector, wherein the imaginary central axis of the connector is indicated by a dotted line;

[0038] Fig.28 To show Fig. 27 A top view of a sleeve;

[0039] Fig.29 To show Fig. 27 A front view of the sleeve, wherein the position of the upper end of the hidden first portion of the protrusion is indicated by a dotted line;

[0040] Fig.30 A side view showing the cable connector of Patent Document 1;

[0041] Fig.31 To show Fig.30 A perspective view of a cable connector, wherein a sleeve of the cable connector is crimped onto a cable;

[0042] Fig.32 To show Fig.31 A perspective view of a cable connector with the braid of the cable folded over the sleeve.

[0043] Although the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings by way of example and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the cable connector 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a connector 12 and a cable 18. The connector 12 is attached to the cable 18. Therefore, the connector 12 of the present embodiment is configured to be attached to the cable 18.

[0045] refer to Figure 2, the cable 18 of this embodiment includes two electric wires 72, a braid 76 made of a conductor and a sheath 78 made of an insulator. The braid 76 is formed by weaving fine wires made of metal such as copper into a mesh. Each electric wire 72 includes a core wire 73 made of a conductor and a coating 74 made of an insulator. Each coating 74 covers the core wire 73. Each core wire 73 has a front end in the front-to-back direction exposed from the coating 74. The front-to-back direction of this embodiment is the X direction. In this embodiment, "forward" refers to the positive X direction, and "backward" refers to the negative X direction. In the present invention, words indicating a positional relationship, such as the front-to-back direction, do not indicate an absolute relationship relative to the ground, but merely indicate a relative positional relationship based on the extension direction of the cable 18 shown being the front-to-back direction.

[0046] The two wires 72 are covered by the braid 76 in a vertical plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the front-back direction, thereby being electromagnetically shielded. The braid 76 is covered by the sheath 78 in the vertical plane. The braid 76 has a front end exposed from the sheath 78. Each wire 72 has a front end exposed from the braid 76. The cable 18 of the present embodiment has the above structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but the structure of the cable 18 can be changed as needed. For example, the number of wires 72 can be one, three or more.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 , the connector 12 is attached to the front end of the cable 18 in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the connector 12 of the present embodiment is configured to be attached to the front end of the cable 18 in the front-to-back direction. Figure 1 ) for explanation.

[0048] The connector 12 of the present embodiment includes: a front shell 13 made of metal, a connector body 14 made of metal, and a sleeve 16 made of metal. Each of the front shell 13, the connector body 14, and the sleeve 16 of the present embodiment is formed by bending a single metal plate. The connector 12 of the present embodiment includes the above three components. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the above three components, the connector 12 may also include other components. The connector 12 does not need to include the front shell 13. The connector body 14 may be composed of a plurality of metal parts connected together.

[0049] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 1 The connector 12 of this embodiment can be connected to an object 80 located in front of it in the front-to-back direction. The connector body 14 has a body 20 and a barrel 30. The barrel 30 is located behind the body 20 in the front-to-back direction. Specifically, the body 20 of this embodiment is located at the front end of the connector body 14. When the connector 12 is in the attached state of the connector 12 attached to the cable 18, the body 20 receives the wire 72 (see Figure 2 ) of the exposed core wire 73 (see Figure 2 ). The barrel 30 of this embodiment is located at the rear end of the connector body 14. The body 20 and the barrel 30 are formed integrally with each other.

[0050] The connector body 14 of the present embodiment is the rear shell of the connector 12. Each of the body 20 and the barrel 30 is a part of the rear shell. The body 20 of the connector body 14 is covered by the front shell 13. The front shell 13 can be connected to the object 80 together with the body 20 of the connector body 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case where the front shell 13 is not provided, only the body 20 can be connected to the object 80.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 , the object 80 of the present embodiment is an outer shell, which is configured to receive and hold the front shell 13 and the connector body 14. In a state where the object 80 holds the front shell 13 and the connector body 14, the object 80 of the present embodiment can be mated with a mating connector (not shown). Therefore, the connector 12 of the present embodiment can be mated with a mating connector located in front of it in the front-to-back direction along the front-to-back direction. When the mating connector is mated with the object 80 holding the front shell 13 and the connector body 14, the electronic device (not shown) connected to the cable 18 is electrically connected to the mating electronic device (not shown) connected to the mating connector. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the object 80 can be a mating connector connected to a mating electronic device.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 , the sleeve 16 of the present embodiment includes a first sleeve 42 and a second sleeve 46. When the connector 12 is in an unattached state where the connector 12 is not attached to the cable 18 (see Figure 5 ), each of the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 has a shape that opens downward in the up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The up-down direction of this embodiment is the Z direction. In this embodiment, "upward" refers to the positive Z direction, and "downward" refers to the negative Z direction.

[0053] Specifically, each of the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 has two side plates. The two side plates of each of the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 are located on opposite sides of the sleeve 16 in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The upper ends of the two side plates are connected to each other. The lower ends of the two side plates are separated from each other in the lateral direction. The lateral direction of the present embodiment is the Y direction.

[0054] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5, when the connector 12 is attached to the cable 18, the first sleeve 42 is crimped onto and secured around the jacket 78 of the cable 18, and the second sleeve 46 is crimped onto and secured around the braid 76 of the cable 18. Thus, when the connector 12 is in the attached state, the first sleeve 42 surrounds and secures the jacket 78 in a vertical plane (YZ plane), and the second sleeve 46 surrounds and secures the braid 76 in a vertical plane.

[0055] According to the present embodiment, after the second sleeve 46 is crimped onto the braid 76, the braid 76 is folded back so that the second sleeve 46 is covered by the braid 76 in the vertical plane (YZ plane). According to the present embodiment, when the connector 12 is in an attached state, the second sleeve 46 covers the braid 76 in the vertical plane and is completely covered by the folded braid 76. According to this structure, the second sleeve 46 can reliably contact the braid 76. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the folded braid 76 may partially cover the second sleeve 46 in the vertical plane. The braid 76 does not need to be folded back. In other words, the outer surface of the second sleeve 46 does not need to be covered by the braid 76.

[0056] According to the present embodiment, when the connector 12 is in the attached state, each of the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 has a seamless cylindrical shape surrounding the central axis AX parallel to the front-to-back direction and extends in the front-to-back direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 may have a polygonal shape, such as a hexagonal shape, in a vertical plane (YZ plane). In addition, when the connector 12 is in the attached state, the joint of each of the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 may be slightly opened.

[0057] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 In addition to the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46, the sleeve 16 of this embodiment further has a coupling portion 44. The coupling portion 44 extends in the front-to-back direction and couples the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 together. The second sleeve 46 is located in front of the first sleeve 42. Since the coupling portion 44 is provided, the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 can be formed integrally, and the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 can be easily crimped onto the sheath 78 and the braid 76, respectively.

[0058] The sleeve 16 of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but the structure of the sleeve 16 can be variously modified. For example, the sleeve 16 can only have the second sleeve 46. In addition, the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 can be components separated from each other. In this case, there is no need to set the joint 44.

[0059] When the connector 12 is in an unattached state, the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 can be cylinders separated from each other. In this case, the cable 18 can be inserted into the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46, and the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 can be arranged so that they surround the jacket 78 and the braid 76, respectively. Then, the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46 can be crimped onto the jacket 78 and the braid 76, respectively.

[0060] refer to Figure 3 , the barrel 30 of the present embodiment includes a first barrel (barrel) 32 corresponding to the first sleeve 42 and a second barrel (barrel) 36 corresponding to the second sleeve 46. Therefore, the connector body 14 of the present embodiment has two barrels 32 and 36. Each of the two barrels 32 and 36 is located behind the body 20 in the front-to-rear direction, and has a shape that opens upward when the connector 12 is in an unattached state.

[0061] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 , when the connector 12 is attached to the cable 18, the first sleeve 32 is crimped onto and secured around the first sleeve 42, and the second sleeve body 36 is crimped onto and secured around the second sleeve 46 via the braid 76. Therefore, when the connector 12 is in the attached state, the first barrel 32 surrounds and secures the first sleeve 42 in a vertical plane (YZ plane), and the second barrel 36 surrounds and secures the second sleeve 46 in a vertical plane.

[0062] When the connector 12 is in the attached state, the second barrel 36 and the second sleeve 46 covered by the braid 76 sandwich the braid 76 and contact the braid 76, so that the connector body 14 is electrically connected to the braid 76 of the cable 18. Therefore, when the connector 12 is in the attached state, the connector body 14 has the same ground potential as the braid 76, and the exposed core wire 73 (see FIG. 1 ) of the cable 18 is electromagnetically shielded. Figure 2 ).

[0063] In the present embodiment, the second barrel 36 is crimped onto the second sleeve 46 via the braid 76. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a case where the second sleeve 46 is not covered by the braid 76, the second barrel 36 may be directly crimped onto the second sleeve 46. In another case where the second sleeve 46 is a member separate from the first sleeve 42 and has a cylindrical shape, the second sleeve 46 may be inserted into the inside of the braid 76 in a vertical plane (YZ plane), and the second barrel 36 may be crimped onto the second sleeve 46 together with the braid 76.

[0064] Each of the first barrel 32 and the second barrel 36 of the present embodiment has a seamless cylindrical shape, which surrounds the central axis AX and extends in the front-to-back direction when the connector 12 is in the attached state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the first barrel 32 and the second barrel 36 can have a polygonal shape, such as a hexagonal shape, in a vertical plane (YZ plane). In addition, when the connector 12 is in the attached state, the joint of each of the first barrel 32 and the second barrel 36 can be slightly opened.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 In addition to the first barrel 32 and the second barrel 36, the barrel 30 of this embodiment further has a middle portion 34. The middle portion 34 extends in the front-to-back direction and combines the first barrel 32 and the second barrel 36 together. The second barrel 36 is located in front of the first barrel 32. Since the middle portion 34 is provided, the first barrel 32 and the second barrel 36 can be formed integrally, and the first barrel 32 and the second barrel 36 can be easily crimped onto the first sleeve 42 and the second sleeve 46, respectively.

[0066] The barrel 30 of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but various modifications may be made to the structure of the barrel 30. For example, in the case where the sleeve 16 has only the second sleeve 46, the barrel 30 may have only the second barrel 36. Thus, the connector body 14 may have only one barrel. On the contrary, the connector body 14 may have more than three barrels.

[0067] The sleeve 16 of this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0068] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the sleeve 16 of the present embodiment has a main body 50 and two protrusions 52. As described below, each protrusion 52 is a component for reducing the displacement of the sleeve 16 relative to the barrel 30. In the present embodiment, the main body 50 and the protrusion 52 are arranged on the first sleeve 42. According to this structure, the second sleeve 46 is easily covered by the braid 76. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case where the second sleeve 46 is not covered by the braid 76, or in another case where the sleeve 16 only has the second sleeve 46, the main body 50 and the protrusion 52 may be arranged on the second sleeve 46.

[0069] refer to Figure 5Regardless of whether the main body 50 is disposed on the first sleeve 42 or the second sleeve 46, the main body 50 surrounds the cable 18 in a vertical plane (YZ plane) and is fixed to the cable 18 when the connector 12 is in the attached state. Each protrusion 52 extends forward from the main body 50 and has a stopper 58. Each stopper 58 is located in front of the main body 50. When the connector 12 is in the attached state, each stopper 58 is located outside the main body 50 in a vertical plane. Figure 6 When the connector 12 is in the attached state, the barrel 32 surrounds the main body 50 in a vertical plane and is fixed to the main body 50 , and the stopper 58 of the protrusion 52 is located in front of the barrel 32 .

[0070] refer to Figure 1 The cable connector 10 of the present embodiment has the above structure. Specifically, the main body 50 surrounds the cable 18 in the vertical plane (YZ plane) and is fixed to the cable 18. Each protrusion 52 extends forward from the main body 50 and has a stopper 58. The stopper 58 is located in front of the main body 50 and is located outside the main body 50 in the vertical plane. The barrel 32 surrounds the main body 50 in the vertical plane and is fixed to the main body 50. The stopper 58 of the protrusion 52 is located in front of the barrel 32.

[0071] Generally, the sleeve 16 is crimped onto the cable 18 with a large force to be firmly fixed to the cable 18. On the contrary, if the barrel 30 is crimped onto the sleeve 16 with a large force, an electrical connection problem may sometimes occur. For example, the transmission characteristics of the connector 12 may be deteriorated. Therefore, the barrel 30 is crimped with a relatively small force. According to this crimping method, the sleeve 16 may move together with the cable 18 and may be displaced relative to the barrel 30. In particular, when the cable 18 is pulled backward with a large force, the sleeve 16 may be displaced.

[0072] However, the sleeve 16 of the present embodiment has a protrusion 52. The protrusion 52 extends forward from the main body 50. The stopper 58 of the protrusion 52 is located in front of the main body 50 and the barrel 32, and protrudes outward in the vertical plane (YZ plane) beyond the outer surface of the main body 50. When the sleeve 16 moves backward together with the cable 18, the stopper 58 formed in this way abuts against the front end of the barrel 32. Therefore, the displacement of the sleeve 16 can be reduced.

[0073] If the protrusion 52 for reducing displacement protrudes outward from the outer surface of the main body 50, the barrel 32 may be accidentally crimped on the protrusion 52. In this case, the barrel 32 may not be sufficiently fixed to the sleeve 16. In addition, when a force is applied to the protrusion 52 when the barrel 32 is crimped, the protrusion 52 may be damaged.

[0074] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, even when the barrel 32 is crimped on the stopper 58, the stopper 58 moves toward the cable 18. Even when the stopper 58 moves greatly, the protrusion 52 is caught by the soft sheath 78. Therefore, the protrusion 52 can be prevented from being damaged. Therefore, the present embodiment provides a structure for the connector 12, which can reduce the displacement of the sleeve 16 relative to the barrel 30 and can prevent the sleeve 16 from being damaged when the barrel 30 is crimped.

[0075] refer to Figure 6 , each protrusion 52 of the present embodiment can be elastically deformed in a vertical plane (YZ plane). According to this structure, each protrusion 52 can be reliably prevented from being damaged. For example, even in the case where a force is applied to the rear end of the stopper 58 when the cylinder 32 is crimped, the protrusion 52 will restore its original shape after the cylinder 32 is crimped, thereby reducing the displacement of the sleeve 16.

[0076] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 According to the present embodiment, the main body 50 is provided with two protrusions 52. In other words, the number of the protrusions 52 of the present embodiment is two. The two protrusions 52 are respectively located on opposite sides of the coupling portion 44 in the lateral direction, and have a symmetrical shape relative to a predetermined plane (XZ plane). According to this structure, the displacement of the sleeve 16 can be more reliably reduced in a good balance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the two protrusions 52 may have an asymmetrical shape relative to a predetermined plane. The number of the protrusions 52 may be one, three or more.

[0077] Hereinafter, one protrusion 52 will be described. The description described below is applicable to the other protrusion 52.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, according to this embodiment, the protrusion 52 is only located in front of the front end of the main body 50. According to this arrangement, the protrusion 52 can be more reliably prevented from being damaged. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protrusion 52 can be partially located behind the front end of the main body 50.

[0079] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 7 , the protrusion 52 of the present embodiment has a first portion 53 and a second portion 54. The first portion 53 extends forward from the main body 50. The second portion 54 is connected to the first portion 53 and extends outward away from the main body 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The second portion 54 has a folded portion 57 and the above-mentioned stopper 58. Therefore, the protrusion 52 of the present embodiment has a folded portion 57 in addition to the stopper 58.

[0080] The second portion 54 is connected to the first portion 53 at a boundary 55. The boundary 55 is located at one of the opposite edges of the front end portion of the first portion 53 in the lateral direction, wherein one of the opposite edges is farther from the joint 44 than the other edge. The folded portion 57 is connected to the boundary 55 and is folded toward the joint 44. Specifically, the folded portion 57 is folded into an arc shape so that it is outward away from the main body portion 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The stopper 58 is located outside the main body portion 50 in a vertical plane and extends from the folded portion 57 toward the joint 44.

[0081] The protrusion 52 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but various modifications may be made to the structure of the protrusion 52. Hereinafter, seven modified examples of the protrusion 52 will be described, especially the differences from the present embodiment. Figure 6 , except for the sleeve, each of the connectors of the seven variants has the same structure as the connector 12. Each of the seven variants provides the connector with a structure that can reduce displacement of the sleeve relative to the barrel 30 and can prevent the sleeve from being damaged when the barrel 30 is crimped.

[0082] refer to Fig. 9 According to the first modification, the sleeve 16A has a main body 50 and two protrusions 52A. In addition to the protrusions 52A, the sleeve 16A has the same Figure 4 ) The main body 50 and the protrusion 52A are arranged on the first sleeve 42A. The two protrusions 52A are located on opposite sides of the coupling portion 44 in the lateral direction, and have symmetrical shapes relative to a predetermined plane (XZ plane). Hereinafter, one protrusion 52A will be described. The description described below also applies to the other protrusion 52A.

[0083] refer to Fig.11 and Fig.10 , the protrusion 52A of the present modification has a first portion 53A and a second portion 54A. The first portion 53A extends forward from the main body 50. The second portion 54A is connected to the first portion 53A and extends outward away from the main body 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The second portion 54A has a folded portion 57A and a stopper 58A. Thus, the protrusion 52A of the present modification has a folded portion 57A and a stopper 58A.

[0084] The second portion 54A is connected to the first portion 53A at a boundary 55A. The boundary 55A is located at one of the two opposite edges of the front end portion of the first portion 53A in the lateral direction, wherein one of the two opposite edges is closer to the joint 44 than the other edge. The folded portion 57A is connected to the boundary 55A and is folded away from the joint 44. Specifically, the folded portion 57A is folded into an arc shape so that it is outward away from the main body portion 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The stopper 58A is located outside the main body portion 50 in a vertical plane and extends from the folded portion 57A while being away from the joint 44.

[0085] refer to Fig.12 According to the second modification, the sleeve 16B has a main body 50 and two protrusions 52B. In addition to the protrusions 52B, the sleeve 16B has the same Figure 4 ) The main body 50 and the protrusion 52B are arranged on the first sleeve 42B. The two protrusions 52B are respectively located on opposite sides of the coupling portion 44 in the lateral direction and have symmetrical shapes relative to a predetermined plane (XZ plane). Hereinafter, one protrusion 52B will be described. The description described below applies to the other protrusion 52B.

[0086] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.13 , the protrusion 52B of this modification has a first portion 53B and two second portions 54B. The first portion 53B extends forward from the main body 50. Each second portion 54B is connected to the first portion 53B and extends outward away from the main body 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The two second portions 54B extend away from each other in a vertical plane. Each second portion 54B has a folded portion 57B and a stopper 58B. Therefore, the protrusion 52B of this modification has two folded portions 57B and two stoppers 58B.

[0087] Each second portion 54B is connected to the first portion 53B at a boundary 55B. The two boundaries 55B are located at opposite edges of the front end of the first portion 53B in the lateral direction. Each folded portion 57B is connected to the boundary 55B. Figure 8 ), one folded portion 57B is folded toward the joint portion 44. Similar to the folded portion 57A (see Fig.11 ), the remaining folded portion 57B is folded away from the joint 44. Each stopper 58B is similar to the stopper 58 (see Figure 8 ) or stopper 58A (see Fig.11 ) extends from the folded portion 57B and is located outside the main body portion 50 in the vertical plane.

[0088] See also Fig.15According to the third modification, the sleeve 16C has a main body 50 and two protrusions 52C. In addition to the protrusions 52C, the sleeve 16C has the same Figure 4 ) The main body 50 and the protrusion 52C are arranged on the first sleeve 42C. The two protrusions 52C are respectively located on opposite sides of the coupling portion 44 in the lateral direction, and have a symmetrical shape relative to a predetermined plane (XZ plane). More specifically, when observed in a vertical direction perpendicular to the central axis AX of the sleeve 16C, each protrusion 52C has an L-shaped shape. Hereinafter, one protrusion 52C will be described. The description described below also applies to the other protrusion 52C.

[0089] refer to Fig.17 and Fig.16 , the protrusion 52C of the present modification has a first portion 53C and a second portion 54C. The first portion 53C extends forward from the main body 50. The second portion 54C is connected to the first portion 53C and extends outward away from the main body 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The second portion 54C has a bent portion 56C and a stopper 58C. Therefore, the protrusion 52C of the present modification has a bent portion 56C and a stopper 58C.

[0090] The second portion 54C is connected to the first portion 53C at a boundary 55C. The boundary 55C is located at one of the two opposite edges of the front end portion of the first portion 53C in the lateral direction, wherein one of the two opposite edges is farther from the joint 44 than the other edge. The bent portion 56C is connected to the boundary 55C and is bent outwardly in a vertical plane (YZ plane) away from the main body portion 50. The stopper 58C is connected to the bent portion 56C and is located outside the main body portion 50 in the vertical plane.

[0091] refer to Fig.18 According to the fourth modification, the sleeve 16D has a main body 50 and two protrusions 52D. In addition to the protrusions 52D, the sleeve 16D has the same Figure 4 ) The main body 50 and the protrusion 52D are arranged on the first sleeve 42D. The two protrusions 52D are respectively located on opposite sides of the coupling portion 44 in the lateral direction, and have a symmetrical shape relative to a predetermined plane (XZ plane). More specifically, when observed in a vertical direction perpendicular to the central axis AX of the sleeve 16D, each protrusion 52D has an L-shaped shape. Hereinafter, one protrusion 52D will be described. The description described below also applies to the other protrusion 52D.

[0092] refer to Fig. 20 and Fig.19, the protrusion 52D of the present modification has a first portion 53D and a second portion 54D. The first portion 53D extends forward from the main body 50. The second portion 54D is connected to the first portion 53D and extends outward away from the main body 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The second portion 54D has a bent portion 56D and a stopper 58D. Therefore, the protrusion 52D of the present modification has a bent portion 56D and a stopper 58D.

[0093] The second portion 54D is connected to the first portion 53D at a boundary 55D. The boundary 55D is located at one of the two opposite edges of the front end portion of the first portion 53D in the lateral direction, wherein one of the two opposite edges is closer to the joint 44 than the other edge. The bent portion 56D is connected to the boundary 55D and is bent outwardly away from the main body portion 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The stopper 58D is connected to the bent portion 56D and is located outside the main body portion 50 in a vertical plane.

[0094] refer to Fig.21 According to the fifth modification, the sleeve 16E has a main body 50 and two protrusions 52E. In addition to the protrusions 52E, the sleeve 16E has the same Figure 4 ) The main body 50 and the protrusion 52E are arranged on the first sleeve 42E. The two protrusions 52E are respectively located on opposite sides of the coupling portion 44 in the lateral direction, and have a symmetrical shape relative to a predetermined plane (XZ plane). More specifically, when observed in a vertical direction perpendicular to the central axis AX of the sleeve 16E, each protrusion 52E has a T-shape. Hereinafter, one protrusion 52E will be described. The description described below also applies to the other protrusion 52E.

[0095] refer to Fig.23 and Fig. 22 , the protrusion 52E of the present modification has a first portion 53E and two second portions 54E. The first portion 53E extends forward from the main body 50. Each of the second portions 54E is connected to the first portion 53E and extends outward away from the main body 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The two second portions 54E extend away from each other in a vertical plane. Each of the second portions 54E has a bent portion 56E and a stopper 58E. Therefore, the protrusion 52E of the present modification has two bent portions 56E and two stoppers 58E.

[0096] Each second portion 54E is connected to the first portion 53E at a boundary 55E. The two boundaries 55E are located at opposite edges of the front end portion of the first portion 53E in the lateral direction. Each bent portion 56E is connected to the boundary 55E and is bent outward away from the main body portion 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). Each stopper 58E is connected to the bent portion 56E and is located outside the main body portion 50 in a vertical plane.

[0097] refer to Fig.24 The sleeve 16F according to the sixth modification has a main body 50 and two protrusions 52F. In addition to the protrusions 52F, the sleeve 16F has the same Figure 4 ) The main body 50 and the protrusion 52F are arranged on the first sleeve 42F. The two protrusions 52F are respectively located at opposite sides of the coupling portion 44 in the lateral direction, and have symmetrical shapes relative to a predetermined plane (XZ plane). Hereinafter, one protrusion 52F will be described. The description described below also applies to the other protrusion 52F.

[0098] refer to Fig.26 and Fig.25 , the protrusion 52F of the present modification has a first portion 53F and a second portion 54F. The first portion 53F extends forward from the main body 50. The second portion 54F is connected to the first portion 53F and extends outward away from the main body 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The second portion 54F has a folded portion 57F and a stopper 58F. Therefore, the protrusion 52F of the present modification has a folded portion 57F and a stopper 58F.

[0099] The folded portion 57F is connected to the front end of the first portion 53F and is located at the front end of the protruding portion 52F. The folded portion 57F is folded backward. Specifically, the folded portion 57F is folded into an arc shape so that it is outward away from the main body portion 50 in the vertical plane (YZ plane). The stopper 58F is located outside the main body portion 50 in the vertical plane and extends backward from the rear end of the folded portion 57F to the front end of the main body portion 50.

[0100] refer to Fig. 27 The sleeve 16G according to the seventh modification has a main body 50 and a protrusion 52G. The sleeve 16G has a first sleeve 42G and a second sleeve 46, but does not have a coupling portion 44 (see Figure 4 ). Therefore, the first sleeve 42G and the second sleeve 46 are separate components. In addition to the above differences, the sleeve 16G has the same characteristics as the sleeve 16 (see Figure 4 The main body 50 and the protrusion 52G are provided on the first sleeve 42G.

[0101] refer to Fig.28 and Fig.29 , the protrusion 52G of the present modification has a first portion 53G and a second portion 54G. The first portion 53G extends forward from the main body 50. The second portion 54G is connected to the first portion 53G and extends outward away from the main body 50 in a vertical plane (YZ plane). The second portion 54G has a folded portion 57G, a stopper 58G, and an extension 59G. Therefore, the protrusion 52G of the present modification has a folded portion 57G, a stopper 58G, and an extension 59G.

[0102] The folded portion 57G is connected to the front end of the first portion 53G and is located at the front end of the protruding portion 52G. The folded portion 57G is folded backward. Specifically, the folded portion 57G is folded into an arc so that it is outward away from the main body 50 in the vertical plane (YZ plane). The stopper 58G is located outside the main body 50 in the vertical plane. The stopper 58G extends backward from the rear end of the folded portion 57G to the front end of the main body 50, while protruding outward in an arc in the vertical plane. The extension portion 59G extends backward from the rear end of the stopper 58G and partially covers the main body 50 in the vertical plane.

[0103] refer to Fig. 27 and Figure 6 According to this modification, the first barrel 32 is configured to be crimped onto the main body 50 and the extension 59G. When the connector 12 is in the attached state, the barrel 32 surrounds the main body 50 in the vertical plane (YZ plane) and is fixed to both the main body 50 and the extension 59G. The stopper 58G is located in front of the barrel 32 and is located outside both the main body 50 and the extension 59G in the vertical plane. The stopper 58G formed in this way can reduce the displacement of the sleeve 16G.

[0104] Although various modifications are described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. The above modifications can be variously modified and combined similarly to the aforementioned embodiment.

Claims

1. A connector configured to be attached to a front end of a cable in a front-to-rear direction, wherein: The connector comprises a connector body and a sleeve; The connector body comprises a body and a barrel; The cylinder is located behind the main body; The sleeve has a main body and a protruding portion; When the connector is in an attached state in which the connector is attached to the cable, the main body portion surrounds the cable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction and is fixed to the cable; The protrusion extends forward from the main body and has a stopper; The stopper is located in front of the main body; When the connector is in the attached state, the stopper is located outside the main body portion in the vertical plane; and When the connector is in the attached state, the barrel surrounds the main body in the vertical plane and is fixed to the main body, and the stopper is located in front of the barrel.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion is located just in front of the front end of the main body.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein: The cable includes a braid and a sheath; The sleeve comprises a first sleeve and a second sleeve; When the connector is in the attached state, the first sleeve surrounds the sheath and is fixed to the sheath, and the second sleeve surrounds the braid and is fixed to the braid; and The main body and the protrusion are disposed on the first sleeve.

4. The connector of claim 3, wherein: The sleeve has a coupling portion; The combining portion combines the first sleeve and the second sleeve together; and The second sleeve is located in front of the first sleeve.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The protrusion has a bent portion.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The protrusion has a folded portion.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein: The folded portion is located at a front end of the protruding portion.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The protrusion has a first portion and a second portion; The first portion extends forward from the main body; the second portion being connected to the first portion and extending away from the main body portion in the vertical plane; and The second portion has the stopper.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The protrusion has a first portion and two second portions; The first portion extends forward from the main body; Each of the two second portions is connected to the first portion and extends away from the main body portion in the vertical plane; The two second portions extend away from each other in the vertical plane; and Each of the two second parts has the stopper.

10. A cable connector, comprising a connector and a cable, wherein: The connector is attached to a front end of the cable in a front-to-rear direction; The connector comprises a connector body and a sleeve; The connector body comprises a body and a barrel; The cylinder is located behind the main body; The sleeve has a main body and a protruding portion; The main body portion surrounds the cable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction and is fixed to the cable; The protrusion extends forward from the main body and has a stopper; The stopper is located in front of the main body and outside the main body in the vertical plane; The cylinder surrounds the main body in the vertical plane and is fixed to the main body; and The stopper is located in front of the cylinder.

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