Connector

Abstract

The connector (10) has a core wire (13) and an insulating coating part (14) covering the outer periphery of the core wire (13), and is connected to an electric wire (11) extending in the front-back direction, and the connector (10) is provided with: a terminal (12) connected to the core wire (13); a connector housing (30) in which the terminals (12) are accommodated; and a rear holder (31) attached to a rear portion of the connector housing (30), the terminal (12) including a terminal main body (15) and a sliding portion (16) capable of sliding in the front-rear direction in a state of being fitted to the terminal main body (15) from the outside, the terminal main body (15) being provided with a clamping portion (18) for clamping the core wire (13), and the sliding portion (16) being slidably movable in the front-rear direction in a state of being fitted to the terminal main body (15) from the outside. The sliding part (16) has a core wire insertion opening (29) into which the core wire (13) is inserted from the rear and a pressing part (25) for pressing the clamping part (18) with respect to the core wire (13) inserted from the core wire insertion opening (29), and the rear holder (31) is provided with a main body part (45), an insertion hole (46) which passes through the main body part (45) in the front-rear direction and into which the electric wire (11) is inserted, and an elastic piece (47) which extends from the main body part (45) and is disposed on the front side of the interior of the insertion hole (46). The elastic piece (47) is elastically deformable in a direction intersecting a direction in which the electric wire (11) extends, and a guide portion (49) is formed on the elastic piece (47), the guide portion (49) being inclined toward the inside of the insertion hole (46) toward the front.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors. Background Art

[0002] In the past, the female terminal described in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2019-145208 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) is known. The female terminal comprises: a terminal body having a deformable upper connecting piece and a lower connecting piece extending in an extension direction; and a sliding portion that can move relative to the terminal body in the extension direction. In a state where a core wire of an electric wire is arranged between the upper connecting piece and the lower connecting piece, the upper abutting portion and the lower abutting portion provided on the sliding portion press the upper connecting piece and the lower connecting piece against the core wire by moving the sliding portion, so that the terminal body and the electric wire can be electrically connected. In addition, the following Patent Document 1 also describes the following connector as a connector including the female terminal, which comprises a connector housing for accommodating the female terminal, and a rear retainer installed at the rear end portion of the connector housing in the extension direction. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-145208 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] The above-mentioned connector is manufactured as follows. First, the female terminal is housed in the connector housing, and the rear retaining member is assembled to the rear end portion of the connector housing. In this state, the rear retaining member is maintained in a temporary locking position relative to the connector housing. Next, the electric wire is inserted into the insertion hole of the rear retaining member, and the core wire of the electric wire is inserted into the interior of the female terminal. At this time, the core wire is arranged between the upper connecting piece and the lower connecting piece. Subsequently, by moving the sliding portion forward relative to the terminal body, the upper abutting portion and the lower abutting portion press the upper connecting piece and the lower connecting piece against the core wire, thereby achieving the connection between the female terminal and the electric wire. Finally, the rear retaining member is moved from the temporary locking position to the formal locking position in the front to prevent the female terminal from escaping from the connector housing, thereby completing the manufacture of the connector.

[0005] When manufacturing the above connector, in order to ensure that the core wire is reliably inserted into the interior of the female terminal, it is considered to provide a guide portion on the inner wall of the insertion hole of the rear retainer to guide the insertion of the core wire into the interior of the female terminal. For example, the guide portion can be configured to be located further inside the insertion hole as it moves forward, and guide the core wire into the interior of the female terminal by sliding contact with the core wire.

[0006] However, in a connector having the above-mentioned guide portion, if an attempt is made to move the rear retainer backward from the temporary locking position, the guide portion may interfere with the insulating coating of the wire, thereby making it impossible to move the rear retainer backward. In other words, it may be impossible to remove the rear retainer from the connector. Therefore, for example, it becomes difficult to perform maintenance work on the female terminal. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0007] The connector disclosed in the present invention has a core wire and an insulating covering portion covering the outer periphery of the core wire, and is connected to an electric wire extending in a front-to-back direction. The connector includes: a terminal connected to the core wire; a connector housing that accommodates the terminal inside; and a rear retainer mounted on the rear side portion of the connector housing, the terminal including a terminal body and a sliding portion, the sliding portion being able to slide and move in the front-to-back direction in a state of being fitted into the terminal body from the outside, the terminal body including a clamping portion that clamps the core wire, the sliding portion including a core wire insertion port for inserting the core wire from the rear, and a pressing portion that presses the clamping portion relative to the core wire inserted from the core wire insertion port, the rear retainer including a main body, an insertion hole that penetrates the main body in the front-to-back direction and inserts the electric wire inside, and an elastic sheet extending from the main body and disposed on the front side of the inside of the insertion hole, the elastic sheet being able to elastically deform in a direction intersecting the direction in which the electric wire extends, and a guide portion that is inclined toward the inside of the insertion hole as it moves forward is formed on the elastic sheet. Effects of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure provides a connector capable of guiding the insertion of a core wire into a terminal accommodated in a connector housing and facilitating the removal of a rear retainer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the connector according to the embodiment. Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the rear retainer is retained in the connector housing at a temporary locking position. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal whose sliding portion is disposed at a separated position relative to a terminal body is accommodated in a connector housing and a rear retainer is retained at a temporary locking position relative to the connector housing. Figure 4 It means from Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing a state in which the core wire is inserted into the insertion hole and the front end portion of the core wire is in sliding contact with the guide portion. Figure 5 It means from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing a state in which a core wire is inserted into the interior of a terminal from a state of being inserted into the interior of a terminal. Figure 6 It means from Figure 5 A sectional view showing a state in which the sliding portion is moved to a pressing position relative to the terminal body from a state in which the sliding portion is moved to a pressing position relative to the terminal body. Figure 7 It means from Figure 6 A sectional view showing a state in which the rear retainer is moved to a formal locking position relative to the connector housing from the state of FIG. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rear retainer is moved rearward from a temporary locking position relative to the connector housing after the connector is manufactured. Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing the terminals as viewed from behind the rear retainer. Fig.10 is a rear view of the rear retainer. Fig.11 It is a perspective view of the rear retainer. Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of the elastic sheet. Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing the elastic piece with the upper portion of the rear retainer omitted. Fig.14 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a sliding part. Fig.15 This is a perspective view of the terminal body. Fig.16 This is a side view of the terminal in which the sliding portion is arranged at a pressing position relative to the terminal body. Fig.17 This is a side view of the terminal in which the sliding portion is disposed at a separated position relative to the terminal body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described.

[0011] (1) A connector disclosed herein has a core wire and an insulating covering portion covering the outer periphery of the core wire, and is connected to an electric wire extending in a front-to-rear direction, the connector comprising: a terminal connected to the core wire; a connector housing that accommodates the terminal therein; and a rear retainer mounted on a rear portion of the connector housing, the terminal comprising a terminal body and a sliding portion, the sliding portion being slidable in the front-to-rear direction in a state of being fitted into the terminal body from the outside, the terminal body comprising a clamping portion that clamps the core wire, the sliding portion comprising a core wire insertion port into which the core wire is inserted from the rear, and a pressing portion that presses the clamping portion against the core wire inserted from the core wire insertion port, the rear retainer comprising a main body, an insertion hole that penetrates the main body in the front-to-rear direction and into which the electric wire is inserted, and an elastic sheet extending from the main body and disposed on the front side of the insertion hole, the elastic sheet being elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the direction in which the electric wire extends, and a guide portion that is inclined toward the inside of the insertion hole as it moves forward is formed on the elastic sheet.

[0012] According to such a configuration, the core wire can be inserted into the core wire insertion port by the guide portion. If the guide portion is provided on the rear retainer, when the rear retainer needs to be detached from the connector housing for repairing the terminal, etc., the guide portion hits the insulating covering portion. In the above configuration, the guide portion is provided on the elastic sheet that can be elastically deformed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the wire extends, so that the elastic sheet can be elastically deformed by the insulating covering portion, and the rear retainer can be easily detached from the connector housing.

[0013] (2) Preferably, the distal end portion of the guide portion is close to the core wire insertion port.

[0014] According to such a configuration, the core wire can be more easily inserted into the core wire insertion port by being guided by the guide portion.

[0015] (3) Preferably, the guide portion is curved.

[0016] According to such a configuration, the core wire can be easily guided to the center of the core wire insertion opening.

[0017] (4) Preferably, the radius of curvature of the distal end portion of the guide portion is smaller than the radius of curvature of the rear end portion of the guide portion.

[0018] According to such a configuration, the core wire can be guided more easily toward the center of the core wire insertion opening at the distal end portion of the guide portion.

[0019] (5) Preferably, the guide portion includes a first guide portion and a second guide portion provided continuously in front of the first guide portion, and the second guide portion is inclined more gently than the first guide portion.

[0020] According to this structure, the first guide portion can guide the position of the core wire to the inside of the core wire insertion port, while the second guide portion can suppress the core wire from tilting relative to the insertion direction near the core wire insertion port.

[0021] (6) Preferably, the rear retainer includes a guide portion that protrudes from the inner wall of the insertion hole toward the inside of the insertion hole as it moves forward, and the guide portion faces the guide portion in a direction in which the elastic piece can elastically deform.

[0022] According to such a configuration, the core wire can be more easily inserted into the core wire insertion opening by the guide portion.

[0023] [Detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0024] <Implementation Method> Reference Figures 1 to 17 The embodiments of the present disclosure are described. In the following description, the direction indicated by the arrow Z is referred to as the upper direction, the direction indicated by the arrow X is referred to as the front direction, and the direction indicated by the arrow Y is referred to as the left direction. In addition, for a plurality of identical components, sometimes only some of the components are marked with reference numerals while the reference numerals of other components are omitted.

[0025] [Connectors] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 10 according to the present embodiment includes: a connector housing 30 having terminals 12 connected to the ends of the electric wires 11 and a receiving portion 32 for receiving the terminals 12 ; and a rear retainer 31 mounted on the rear side of the connector housing 30 .

[0026] [electric wire] like Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the electric wire 11 is arranged to extend in the front-to-back direction. The electric wire 11 is formed by surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the core wire 13 with an insulating coating 14 made of insulating synthetic resin. The core wire 13 is made of conductive metal and is composed of a stranded wire formed by twisting a plurality of metal wires or a single metal wire. At the front end of the electric wire 11, the insulating coating 14 is removed to expose the core wire 13.

[0027] [Terminal] The terminal 12 is made of conductive metal. Fig.16 and Fig.17As shown, the terminal 12 includes a terminal body 15 and a sliding portion 16 that can move in the front-rear direction relative to the terminal body 15. The terminal body 15 and the sliding portion 16 are formed into a predetermined shape by known means such as stamping, cutting, and casting. The metal constituting the terminal body 15 and the sliding portion 16 can be selected from any metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. as needed. A plating layer can be formed on the surface of the terminal body 15 and the sliding portion 16. The metal constituting the plating layer can be selected from any metal such as tin, nickel, silver, etc. as needed.

[0028] [Terminal body] like Fig.15 As shown, the front side portion of the terminal body 15 is a square cylindrical connecting tube 17 extending in the front-to-back direction. The connecting tube 17 can be inserted from the front into a plate-shaped counterpart terminal (omitted in the figure). An elastic contact piece not shown is arranged inside the connecting tube 17, and the counterpart terminal inserted into the connecting tube 17 contacts the elastic contact piece. A spear-shaped portion 21 protruding upward in a mountain shape is formed on the front side of the upper wall of the connecting tube 17.

[0029] A square-tube-shaped base 20 is provided behind the connecting tube 17. A locking protrusion 28 protruding outward is formed on the side wall of the base 20. A clamping portion 18 is provided at the rear end of the base 20.

[0030] [Clamping part] The clamping portion 18 includes an upper connecting piece 18A extending rearward from the rear end of the upper wall of the base 20, and a lower connecting piece 18B extending rearward from the rear end of the lower wall of the base 20. The upper connecting piece 18A and the lower connecting piece 18B are elongated in the front-to-back direction, and their lengths in the front-to-back direction are substantially the same. The upper connecting piece 18A and the lower connecting piece 18B can be elastically deformed in the upward and downward directions with the rear end of the base 20 as a fulcrum. Figure 6 As shown, the lower surface of the upper connecting piece 18A and the upper surface of the lower connecting piece 18B can clamp the core wire 13, so that the electric wire 11 and the terminal body 15 can be electrically connected.

[0031] like Fig.15 As shown in the figure, an upper holding protrusion 23A protruding downward is provided at a position forward of the rear end portion of the lower surface of the upper connecting piece 18A. A lower holding protrusion 23B protruding upward is provided at the rear end portion of the upper surface of the lower connecting piece 18B. The upper holding protrusion 23A and the lower holding protrusion 23B are provided at positions staggered in the front-rear direction.

[0032] [Sliding part] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the sliding portion 16 is in the shape of a square tube extending in the front-rear direction. Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the cross section of the inner shape of the sliding portion 16 is the same as or slightly larger than the cross section of the outer shape of the region of the terminal body 15 where the clamping portion 18 is provided. Therefore, the sliding portion 16 can be externally fitted in the region of the terminal body 15 where the clamping portion 18 is provided.

[0033] [Pressing part] like Figure 6 As shown, the slide portion 16 is provided with a pressing portion 25. Among the pressing portions 25, an upper pressing portion 25A protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the upper wall of the slide portion 16, and a lower pressing portion 25B protruding upward is provided on the upper surface of the lower wall of the slide portion 16.

[0034] like Fig.14 As shown, a temporary stop receiving portion 26 is opened at a position near the front end of the side wall of the sliding portion 16. In addition, a formal stop receiving portion 27 is opened at a position behind the temporary stop receiving portion 26 in the side wall of the sliding portion 16. The temporary stop receiving portion 26 and the formal stop receiving portion 27 can elastically stop the stop protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15.

[0035] like Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15 is locked with the temporary locking receiving portion 26 of the sliding portion 16, and the sliding portion 16 is held in a separated position relative to the terminal body 15. In this state, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the pressing portion 25 of the sliding portion 16 is disposed behind the rear end edge of the clamping portion 18 of the terminal body 15. In this state, the interval between the upper connecting piece 18A and the lower connecting piece 18B is set larger than the diameter of the core wire 13.

[0036] like Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15 is locked with the formal locking receiving portion 27 of the sliding portion 16, and the sliding portion 16 is locked at the pressing position relative to the terminal body 15. In this state, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the upper pressing portion 25A of the sliding portion 16 contacts the upper surface of the upper connecting piece 18A of the terminal body 15 from above. In addition, the lower pressing portion 25B of the sliding portion 16 contacts the lower surface of the lower connecting piece 18B of the terminal body 15 from below.

[0037] When the sliding portion 16 is held in a pressed position relative to the terminal body 15, the upper connecting piece 18A is pressed from above by the upper pressing portion 25A, so that the upper connecting piece 18A is elastically deformed downward. In addition, the lower connecting piece 18B is pressed from below by the lower pressing portion 25B, so that the lower connecting piece 18B is elastically deformed upward. Thus, in the space between the upper connecting piece 18A and the lower connecting piece 18B, the core wire 13 is arranged in a state extending in the front-to-back direction, and when the sliding portion 16 is held in a pressed position relative to the terminal body 15, the core wire 13 is clamped from the top and bottom directions by the elastically deformed upper connecting piece 18A and the lower connecting piece 18B.

[0038] When the sliding portion 16 is held in a pressed position relative to the terminal body 15, the upper retaining protrusion 23A of the upper connecting piece 18A presses the core wire 13 from above, and the lower retaining protrusion 23B of the lower connecting piece 18B presses the core wire 13 from below. In this way, the core wire 13 is pressed from above by the upper retaining protrusion 23A, and the core wire 13 is pressed from below by the lower retaining protrusion 23B arranged at a position offset from the upper retaining protrusion 23A in the front-to-back direction, so that the core wire 13 is held in a state of bending in the up-down direction. This can improve the holding force of the terminal body 15 on the core wire 13.

[0039] like Fig.14 As shown, a clamp contact portion 24 protruding upward from the upper wall is provided at the front end of the slide 16. The slide 16 can move forward because a clamp (not shown) abuts against the clamp contact portion 24 from behind and pushes the slide 16 forward.

[0040] [Core wire insertion port] A core wire insertion opening 29 is formed at the rear end of the rectangular cylindrical sliding portion 16 . The core wire insertion opening 29 is used to insert the core wire 13 into the interior of the sliding portion 16 .

[0041] [Connector housing] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector housing 30 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is shorter in the vertical direction and longer in the left-right direction. The connector housing 30 is made of an insulating synthetic resin. The connector housing 30 extends in the front-to-back direction and has a plurality of storage portions 32 for storing the terminals 12. The storage portions 32 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and overlap in two layers in the vertical direction. The storage portions 32 formed in the upper layer are staggered with the storage portions 32 formed in the lower layer. The number and relative arrangement of the storage portions 32 can be appropriately adjusted as needed.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, when the terminal 12 is received in the receiving portion 32, a lance receiving portion 33 is provided on the connector housing 30 in a manner corresponding to the position of the lance 21 of the terminal 12. The lance receiving portion 33 stops the lance 21, so that the terminal 12 does not fall out to the rear.

[0043] Although not shown, the front end of the connector housing 30 is provided with a front stopper that contacts the front end of the terminal 12. When the terminal 12 is inserted into the receiving portion 32, the front stopper contacts the terminal to prevent the terminal 12 from coming out forward of the connector housing 30.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the connector housing 30 has a partition wall 41 that separates the storage portion 32 formed in the upper layer from the storage portion 32 formed in the lower layer. Figure 1 As shown, the connector housing 30 further includes a partition wall 42 that partitions each housing portion 32 in the left-right direction. The partition wall 42 electrically insulates the terminal 12 housed in each housing portion 32 from the terminal 12 adjacent in the left-right direction.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a temporary locking portion 36 and a formal locking portion 37 protruding outward are provided on the left and right side walls of the connector housing 30. The temporary locking portion 36 is arranged near the rear end of the connector housing 30, and the formal locking portion 37 is arranged forward of the temporary locking portion 36.

[0046] [Rear retainer] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the rear retainer 31 is in the shape of a box with an opening at the front. The rear retainer 31 is made of insulating synthetic resin. Figure 1 As shown, the rear retainer 31 is fitted from the outside into the rear half of the connector housing 30. Lock receiving portions 38 are provided at the front ends of the left and right side walls of the rear retainer 31. The lock receiving portions 38 are substantially gate-shaped.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the temporary locking lock portion 36 of the connector housing 30 is locked with the lock receiving portion 38 of the rear retainer 31, so that the rear retainer 31 is maintained at the temporary locking position relative to the connector housing 30. Figure 1 As shown, the permanent locking portion 37 of the connector housing 30 is locked with the lock receiving portion 38 of the rear retainer 31 , so that the rear retainer 31 is held at the permanent locking position relative to the connector housing 30 .

[0048] like Figure 7As shown, the rear retainer 31 is provided with a cover portion 43 for the connector housing 30 to be embedded, and the cover portion 43 is open to the front. The rear retainer 31 is provided with a locking portion 44 at the rear end of the cover portion 43. The locking portion 44 is opposite to the rear end of the terminal 12 in the front-to-back direction. The locking portion 44 is locked with the rear end of the terminal 12 in the front-to-back direction, thereby preventing the terminal 12 from slipping out to the rear in the storage portion 32.

[0049] [Main body, insertion hole] like Fig.10 As shown, the rear retainer 31 has a main body 45 and a plurality of insertion holes 46 that penetrate the main body 45 in the front-to-back direction. The insertion holes 46 are provided at positions corresponding to the respective receiving portions 32 of the connector housing 30. That is, the plurality of insertion holes 46 are arranged neatly in the left-right direction and are provided in two layers in the top-to-bottom direction. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 46 is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insulating covering 14 of the electric wire 11. Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the electric wire 11 is inserted through the insertion hole 46. The insertion hole 46 communicates with each housing portion 32 of the connector housing 30 in the front-rear direction.

[0050] [Elastic sheet] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the rear retainer 31 includes a plurality of elastic pieces 47 extending forward from the vertical center of the main body 45. Each elastic piece 47 is disposed on the front side of the inside of each insertion hole 46. Fig.10 As shown, in the insertion hole 46 of the upper layer, the elastic piece 47 is provided at the lower side, and in the insertion hole 46 of the lower layer, the elastic piece 47 is provided at the upper side.

[0051] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the elastic sheet 47 can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction with the rear end portion of the connection portion connected to the main body 45 as a fulcrum. An entry space 48 is provided between the upper and lower elastic sheets 47. The details will be described later. When the rear retainer 31 is to be separated from the connector housing 30 after the connector 10 is manufactured, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the elastic piece 47 is pressed by the insulating coating 14 of the electric wire 11 and elastically deforms toward the outside of the insertion hole 46. That is, the elastic piece 47 of the upper layer is elastically deformed downward. Figure 8 The elastic deformation is not shown in the figure, but the elastic deformation is upward. If the elastic piece 47 abuts against the insulating cover 14 and elastically deforms, it is arranged to enter the space 48. Figure 8 , the cross-sectional view of the terminal 12 is omitted, and only the outer shape of the terminal 12 is shown.

[0052] like Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1 , when the rear retainer 31 is held in the temporary locking position relative to the connector housing 30, the rear end edge of the partition wall 41 of the connector housing 30 is arranged on the front side of the entry space 48. However, since there is a gap between the partition wall 41 and the elastic sheet 47, the partition wall 41 does not hinder the elastic deformation of the elastic sheet 47. Figure 7 As shown, in a state where the rear retainer 31 is held at the final locking position relative to the connector housing 30 , the partition wall 41 enters deep into the entry space 48 .

[0053] Since the elastic sheet 47 of the upper layer and the elastic sheet 47 of the lower layer are configured symmetrically, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the elastic sheet 47 will be described based on the positional relationship of the upper layer.

[0054] [Guide] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , a guide portion 49 is formed on the upper surface of the elastic piece 47. The guide portion 49 is inclined toward the inside of the insertion hole 46 (here, upward) as it moves forward. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the terminal 12 with the sliding portion 16 held in the separated position is housed in the housing portion 32 of the connector housing 30 and the rear retainer 31 is held in the temporary locking position relative to the connector housing 30, the distal end of the guide portion 49 is arranged to be opposite to the core wire insertion port 29 in the front-to-back direction. In addition, the front end of the guide portion 49 is close to the core wire insertion port 29. Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, when the electric wire 11 is inserted into the insertion hole 46 , the tip end of the core wire 13 comes into sliding contact with the guide portion 49 , and the core wire is guided into the core wire insertion port 29 .

[0055] [First guide portion, second guide portion] like Fig.12 As shown, the guide portion 49 of the present embodiment includes a first guide portion 50 and a second guide portion 51 continuously formed on the front side of the first guide portion 50. The second guide portion 51 is a portion of approximately one-fourth of the front side of the guide portion 49. The first guide portion 50 is a portion of the guide portion 49 excluding the second guide portion 51. The inclination angle of the first guide portion 50 relative to the insertion direction (front-rear direction) of the insertion of the electric wire 11 is greater than the inclination angle of the second guide portion 51 relative to the insertion direction. Therefore, by the sliding contact between the core wire 13 and the first guide portion 50, the position of the front end portion of the core wire 13 can be greatly moved toward the inside of the core wire insertion port 29. On the other hand, since the inclination angle of the second guide portion 51 is set to be small, the second guide portion 51 fine-tunes the position of the front end portion of the core wire 13 while guiding the core wire 13 into the core wire insertion port 29 in a posture along the general insertion direction (see Figure 4 ).

[0056] For example, when the core wire 13 is greatly inclined relative to the insertion direction and approaches the core wire insertion port 29, the front end of the core wire 13 is hooked on the rear end of the upper wall of the sliding portion 16, which may prevent the core wire 13 from entering the core wire insertion port 29. However, in this embodiment, the second guide portion 51 allows the core wire 13 to approach the core wire insertion port 29 without being greatly inclined, so the core wire 13 can enter the core wire insertion port 29 more easily and smoothly.

[0057] [Guidance Department] like Fig.12 As shown, the rear retainer 31 includes a guide portion 52 that protrudes from the inner wall of the insertion hole 46 to the inner side (here, the lower side) of the insertion hole 46. In addition, the dotted line above the guide portion 52 represents the inner wall of the insertion hole 46. The guide portion 52 is arranged on the front side of the insertion hole 46, and the closer it is to the front, the closer it is to the inner side (here, the lower side) of the insertion hole 46. The core wire 13 can enter the core wire insertion port 29 more easily by sliding contact with the guide portion 52. In addition, the guide portion 52 is opposed to the elastic sheet 47 in the up-down direction. Therefore, the core wire 13 can be guided to enter the core wire insertion port 29 from the opposite side of the elastic sheet 47 through the guide portion 52.

[0058] like Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the guide portion 49 of the present embodiment is in the shape of a curved surface that is concave downward. The guide portion 49 is in the shape of a groove extending in the front-rear direction and has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape. According to this shape, it is easy to guide the core wire 13 to the vicinity of the center of the guide portion 49 in the width direction (left-right direction) through the guide portion 49. In other words, it is easy to guide the core wire 13 to the center of the core wire insertion port 29.

[0059] In addition, if Fig. 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the curvature radius of the distal end of the guide portion 49 is smaller than the curvature radius of the rear end of the guide portion 49. Therefore, the distal end of the guide portion 49 can easily guide the core wire 13 to the center of the core wire insertion port 29.

[0060] [Manufacturing method of connector] An example of a method for manufacturing the connector 10 according to the present embodiment will be described below. The terminal body 15 and the sliding portion 16 are formed by known means. The sliding portion 16 is assembled to the terminal body 15 from the rear. The front edge of the sliding portion 16 abuts against the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15 from the rear, and the side wall of the sliding portion 16 expands and deforms. If the sliding portion 16 is pushed forward further, the side wall of the sliding portion 16 recovers the deformation, and the temporary locking receiving portion 26 of the sliding portion 16 is locked to the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15. In this way, the sliding portion 16 is maintained in a separated position relative to the terminal body 15. The terminal 12 (see Fig.17 ).

[0061] The connector housing 30 and the rear retainer 31 are formed by injection molding a synthetic resin. After the terminal 12 is inserted into the storage portion 32 of the connector housing 30 from the rear, the rear retainer 31 is assembled to the rear end portion of the connector housing 30 from the rear. Then, the lock receiving portion 38 of the rear retainer 31 elastically deforms while passing over the temporary locking portion 36 of the connector housing 30. If the rear retainer 31 is pushed further forward, the lock receiving portion 38 recovers its deformation, and the lock receiving portion 38 elastically locks to the temporary locking portion 36 of the connector housing 30. In this way, the rear retainer 31 is maintained at the temporary locking position relative to the connector housing 30 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0062] A predetermined length of the core wire 13 is exposed at the end of the electric wire 11. The front end of the core wire 13 is inserted from the rear into the insertion hole 46 disposed at the rear of the storage portion 32 for storing the terminal 12. Figure 4 As shown, the core wire 13 inserted into the insertion hole 46 is in sliding contact with the guide portion 49 of the rear retainer 31. Since the guide portion 49 is inclined toward the inner side of the insertion hole 46 as it moves forward, the core wire 13 is guided to the inside of the core wire insertion port 29. Similarly, the core wire 13 is also guided to the inside of the core wire insertion port 29 by the guide portion 52 provided opposite to the guide portion 49 in the up-down direction.

[0063] Since the guide portion 49 has a substantially U-shaped cross section and is formed in a groove shape, the core wire 13 is guided to the vicinity of the center in the width direction (left-right direction) of the elastic piece 47. Therefore, the core wire 13 is easily guided to the center of the core wire insertion port 29.

[0064] In the present embodiment, since the second guide portion 51 having a smaller inclination angle with respect to the insertion direction of the electric wire 11 is provided at the distal end side of the guide portion 49, the core wire 13 near the core wire insertion port 29 is in a posture with almost no inclination with respect to the insertion direction of the electric wire 11. Thus, it is easier to guide the core wire 13 into the core wire insertion port 29. In addition, the curvature radius of the distal end portion of the guide portion 49 is smaller than the curvature radius of the rear end portion of the guide portion 49, so it is easier to guide the core wire 13 near the center of the guide portion 49 in the width direction near the core wire insertion port 29.

[0065] As described above, the core wire 13 of the electric wire 11 inserted into the insertion hole 46 enters the interior of the core wire insertion port 29 by sliding in contact with the guide portion 49 .

[0066] If the electric wire 11 is pushed forward further, the core wire 13 enters the interior of the terminal body 15 and is arranged at the position of the clamping portion 18 in the front-back direction. In other words, the core wire 13 passes between the upper connecting piece 18A and the lower connecting piece 18B (see Figure 5 ).exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the front end of the insulating covering portion 14 is located near the rear end of the elastic piece 47. For example, the insulating covering portion 14 may reach the front end of the insertion hole 46 to bend the elastic piece 47.

[0067] Next, a clamp (not shown) is pressed against the clamp contact portion 24 from the rear, so that the slide portion 16 moves forward relative to the terminal body 15. At this time, the locking between the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15 and the temporary locking receiving portion 26 of the slide portion 16 is released, and the side wall of the slide portion 16 spans over the locking protrusion 28 and expands and deforms.

[0068] If the clamp abutment portion 24 is further pressed forward by the clamp, the side wall of the sliding portion 16 recovers its deformation, and the locking protrusion 28 of the terminal body 15 is elastically locked with the formal locking receiving portion 27 of the sliding portion 16. As a result, the sliding portion 16 is held in the pressed position relative to the terminal body 15 (see Figure 6 ).

[0069] When the slide 16 moves to the pressing position relative to the terminal body 15, the upper pressing portion 25A of the slide 16 presses downward the upper connecting piece 18A of the terminal body 15. In addition, the lower pressing portion 25B of the slide 16 presses upward the lower connecting piece 18B of the terminal body 15. As a result, the core wire 13 is clamped by the upper connecting piece 18A and the lower connecting piece 18B, and the electric wire 11 is electrically connected to the terminal 12.

[0070] Next, if the rear retainer 31 is pressed forward, the lock receiving portion 38 of the rear retainer 31 crosses over the formal locking portion 37 of the connector housing 30 and elastically deforms. If the rear retainer 31 is further pressed forward, the formal locking portion 37 and the lock receiving portion 38 are locked. As a result, the rear retainer 31 is held in the formal locking position relative to the connector housing 30 (see Figure 7 and Figure 1 ). As described above, the manufacture of the connector 10 is completed.

[0071] Preferably, Figure 7 As shown, in the state where the connector 10 is manufactured, the elastic piece 47 is not pressed by the insulating cover 14 and is in a natural state. If the elastic piece 47 is in a state of elastic deformation, the strength of the elastic piece 47 may be reduced.

[0072] [Terminal repair work] Next, an example of repair work of the terminal 12 of the connector 10 in this embodiment is shown. The repair of the terminal 12 means replacing a terminal 12 that has failed in the connector 10 with a new terminal 12. First, the rear retainer 31 is removed from the connector housing 30. The lock receiving portions 38 of the rear retainer 31 are bent outward to release the locking of the permanent locking portions 37 and the temporary locking portions 36, and then the rear retainer 31 is moved rearward.

[0073] If the rear retainer 31 is moved backward, the guide portion 49 hits the insulating coating 14 of the electric wire 11. In this embodiment, since the guide portion 49 is provided on the elastic sheet 47 that can be elastically deformed, Figure 8 As shown, the elastic piece 47 is elastically deformed by the insulating coating 14 of the electric wire 11 , so that the rear retainer 31 can be further moved rearward and detached from the connector housing 30 .

[0074] When the rear retainer 31 is disengaged from the temporary locking position to the rear, the rear space of the storage portion 32 can be used, so the terminal 12 to be repaired can be taken out from the storage portion 32. Specifically, the terminal 12 is pulled out to the rear by squeezing the lance 21 of the terminal body 15 with a clamp or the like.

[0075] Next, the new terminal 12 is housed in the housing portion 32, and the connector 10 is reassembled according to the above-mentioned manufacturing method. Alternatively, the new terminal 12 previously connected to the electric wire 11 may be housed in the housing portion 32 to assemble the connector 10.

[0076] [Effects of the Embodiments] According to the embodiment, the following actions and effects are achieved. The connector 10 of the embodiment includes a core wire 13 and an insulating covering portion 14 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 13, and is connected to an electric wire 11 extending in the front-to-back direction. The connector 10 includes: a terminal 12 connected to the core wire 13; a connector housing 30 accommodating the terminal 12 inside; and a rear retainer 31 mounted on the rear side of the connector housing 30. The terminal 12 includes: a terminal body 15; and a sliding portion 16 that can slide in the front-to-back direction in a state of being fitted to the terminal body 15 from the outside. The terminal body 15 includes a clamping portion 18 that clamps the core wire 13. The sliding portion 16 The rear retainer 31 includes: a core wire insertion port 29 into which the core wire is inserted from the rear, and a pressing portion 25 for pressing the clamping portion 18 relative to the core wire 13 inserted from the core wire insertion port 29, and the rear retainer 31 includes: a main body 45; an insertion hole 46 that penetrates the main body 45 in the front-to-back direction and inserts the electric wire 11 therein; and an elastic piece 47 that extends from the main body 45 and is disposed on the front side of the insertion hole 46, the elastic piece 47 being elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the direction in which the electric wire 11 extends, and a guide portion 49 is formed on the elastic piece 47, and the guide portion 49 is inclined toward the inner side of the insertion hole 46 as it moves forward.

[0077] According to such a configuration, the core wire 13 can be inserted into the core wire insertion port 29 by the guide portion 49. If the guide portion 49 is provided on the rear retainer 31, when the rear retainer 31 needs to be detached from the connector housing 30 in order to repair the terminal 12, etc., the guide portion 49 hits the insulating coating 14. In the above configuration, the guide portion 49 is provided on the elastic piece 47 that can be elastically deformed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the electric wire 11 extends, so that the elastic piece 47 is elastically deformed by the insulating coating 14, and the rear retainer 31 is easily detached from the connector housing 30.

[0078] In the embodiment, the distal end portion of the guide portion 49 is close to the core wire insertion port 29 .

[0079] According to such a configuration, the core wire 13 can be more easily inserted into the core wire insertion port 29 by being guided by the guide portion 49 .

[0080] In the embodiment, the guide portion 49 has a curved surface shape.

[0081] According to such a configuration, the core wire 13 can be easily guided to the center of the core wire insertion port 29 .

[0082] In the embodiment, the curvature radius of the distal end portion of the guide portion 49 is smaller than the curvature radius of the rear end portion of the guide portion 49 .

[0083] According to such a configuration, the core wire 13 can be guided toward the center of the core wire insertion port 29 more easily at the distal end portion of the guide portion 49 .

[0084] In the embodiment, the guide portion 49 includes a first guide portion 50 and a second guide portion 51 disposed continuously in front of the first guide portion 50 , and the second guide portion 51 is gently inclined with respect to the first guide portion 50 .

[0085] According to such a configuration, the first guide portion 50 can guide the position of the core wire 13 to the inside of the core wire insertion port 29, while the second guide portion 51 can suppress the core wire 13 from tilting relative to the insertion direction near the core wire insertion port 29. Therefore, it is easier to guide the core wire 13 into the core wire insertion port 29.

[0086] In the embodiment, the rear holder 31 includes the guide portion 52 that protrudes from the inner wall of the insertion hole 46 toward the inside of the insertion hole 46 toward the front, and the guide portion 52 faces the guide portion 49 in the direction in which the elastic piece 47 can elastically deform.

[0087] According to such a configuration, the guide portion 52 can more easily guide the core wire 13 into the core wire insertion port 29 .

[0088] <Other embodiments> (1) In the above embodiment, one elastic piece 47 is provided in each insertion hole 46 and is disposed on the upper side or the lower side of each insertion hole 46, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number and position of the elastic pieces provided in each insertion hole can be appropriately changed. For example, one elastic piece can be provided on the upper side and one elastic piece can be provided on the lower side of each insertion hole, for a total of two elastic pieces. (2) In the above embodiment, the rear retainer 31 is retained by the connector housing 30 at the temporary locking position and the final locking position, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the rear retainer may be retained by the connector housing at one locking position. Description of Reference Numerals

[0089] 10: Connector 11: Wires 12: Terminal 13: Core wire 14: Insulation coating 15: Terminal body 16: Sliding part 17: Connecting tube 18: Clamping part 18A: Upper connecting piece 18B: Lower connecting piece 20: Base 21: Spear 23A: Upper retaining protrusion 23B: Lower retaining protrusion 24: Clamp contact part 25: Pressing part 25A: Upper pressing part 25B: Lower pressing part 26: Temporary card stop acceptance department 27: Formal stop of the undertaking department 28: Locking protrusion 29: Core wire insertion port 30: Connector housing 31: Rear retainer 32: Storage Department 33: Spear-shaped receiving part 36: Temporary stop lock 37: Formal locking part 38: Locking receiving part 41: Next Door 42: Partition wall 43: Hood 44: Stopper 45: Main body 46: Through hole 47: Elastic sheet 48: Entering Space 49: Guide 50: First guide part 51: Second guide part 52: Guidance

Claims

1. A connector having a core wire and an insulating coating covering the outer periphery of the core wire, and connected to an electric wire extending in a front-rear direction, The connector has: A terminal connected to the core wire; A connector housing that receives the terminal therein; and a rear retainer mounted on a rear side portion of the connector housing, The terminal includes a terminal body and a sliding portion, wherein the sliding portion is capable of sliding in a front-rear direction while being fitted into the terminal body from the outside. The terminal body includes a clamping portion for clamping the core wire. The sliding portion includes a core wire insertion port for inserting the core wire from the rear, and a pressing portion for pressing the clamping portion against the core wire inserted from the core wire insertion port. The rear retainer includes a main body, an insertion hole that penetrates the main body in the front-rear direction and through which the electric wire is inserted, and an elastic piece that extends from the main body and is disposed on the front side of the insertion hole. The elastic sheet can be elastically deformed in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the electric wire extends, The elastic piece is formed with a guide portion that is inclined toward the inner side of the insertion hole as it moves forward.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The distal end portion of the guide portion is close to the core wire insertion port.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The guide portion is in a curved surface shape.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The curvature radius of the distal end portion of the guide portion is smaller than the curvature radius of the rear end portion of the guide portion.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The guide portion includes a first guide portion and a second guide portion continuously disposed in front of the first guide portion. The second guide portion is inclined more gently than the first guide portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The rear retainer includes a guide portion that protrudes from the inner wall of the insertion hole toward the inside of the insertion hole as it moves forward. The guide portion is opposed to the guide part in a direction in which the elastic piece can be elastically deformed.

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