Connector

Abstract

A connector can prevent a holding body from deviating relative to a housing in a manner of being inclined from an assembly direction. The connector (11) is provided with a holding body (14) that is attached to the housing (13) in an attachment direction that intersects the insertion direction (X1) of the terminal (12) into the housing (13). The holding body (14) is provided with an upper wall (14a), a lower wall (14b), a base end connecting wall and a connecting part (14d), and can move between a temporary clamping position and a main clamping position. The housing (13) has a first protruding portion, the upper wall (14a) has a first locking portion provided at an end portion on the opposite side from the connecting portion (14d), and the first locking portion is bent upward by the upper wall (14a) so as to be able to pass over the first protruding portion. The housing (13) has a guide groove (13d) extending in the assembly direction, and the upper wall (14a) has a guide rib (44) extending in the assembly direction and fitted into the guide groove (13d).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector, there are provided a terminal, a housing into which the terminal is inserted, and a holding body assembled to the housing in an assembling direction crossing the insertion direction of the terminal (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). The holding body has a parallel upper wall, a holding wall, and side walls. The housing is disposed between the upper wall and the holding wall, and the side walls connect the upper wall and the holding wall at the rear ends in the assembling direction. Further, the holding body can move between a temporary locking position allowing insertion and removal of the terminal with respect to the housing and a formal locking position restricting the terminal from coming off at a position in front of the temporary locking position in the assembling direction by flexing the holding wall having a locking portion. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-16519 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the connector as described above, for example, when the holding wall is flexed, etc., the holding body may be inclined and displaced relative to the housing in the assembling direction. This causes, for example, the holding body to come off from the housing.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of preventing the holding body from being displaced relative to the housing in an inclined manner from the assembling direction. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connector of the present invention includes terminals, a housing, and a retaining body. The terminals are inserted into the housing, and the retaining body is assembled to the housing in an assembly direction that intersects the insertion direction of the terminals into the housing. The retaining body has a parallel upper wall and lower wall, a proximal connecting wall, and a connecting portion. The housing is disposed between the upper wall and the lower wall. The proximal connecting wall connects the upper wall and the lower wall at an end portion behind the retaining body in the assembly direction. The connecting portion connects the upper wall and the lower wall at an end portion in front of the retaining body in the insertion direction. The retaining body can move between a temporary locking position that allows the terminals to be inserted and removed relative to the housing and a formal locking position that restricts the terminals from falling off at a position in front of the temporary locking position in the assembly direction. The housing has a first convex portion, and the upper wall has a first locking portion. The first locking portion is provided at an end portion of the upper wall on the side opposite to the connecting portion. When the retaining body is in the temporary locking position, the first locking portion is disposed behind the first convex portion in the assembly direction, and when the retaining body is in the formal locking position, the first locking portion is disposed in front of the first convex portion in the assembly direction. When the retaining body moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the first locking portion can cross over the first convex portion by the upper wall flexing upward. Further, the housing has a guide groove extending along the assembly direction, and the upper wall has a guide rib. The guide rib extends along the assembly direction and is inserted into the guide groove. Advantages of the Invention

[0007] In the connector according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the retaining body from shifting relative to the housing in a tilted manner from the assembly direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector in one embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector in one embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the temporary locking position of a connector in one embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a retaining body in one embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a retaining body in one embodiment. Figure 6 is a rear view of a retaining body in one embodiment. Figure 7 is along Figure 6 sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Figure 8 is along Figure 1Cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 line 9-9 in Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 3 line 10-10 in Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 3 line 11-11 in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example. The connector of the present invention [1] includes a terminal, a housing, and a holding body. The terminal is inserted into the housing. The holding body is assembled to the housing in an assembling direction that intersects the insertion direction of the terminal into the housing. The holding body has parallel upper and lower walls, a base-end connecting wall, and a connecting portion. The housing is disposed between the upper and lower walls. The base-end connecting wall connects the upper and lower walls at an end portion behind the holding body in the assembling direction. The connecting portion connects the upper and lower walls at an end portion in front of the holding body in the insertion direction. The holding body is movable between a temporary locking position that allows the terminal to be inserted into and removed from the housing, and a formal locking position that restricts the terminal from falling off at a position in front of the temporary locking position in the assembling direction. The housing has a first protrusion. The upper wall has a first locking portion. The first locking portion is provided at an end portion of the upper wall on the side opposite to the connecting portion. When the holding body is in the temporary locking position, the first locking portion is disposed behind the first protrusion in the assembling direction. When the holding body is in the formal locking position, the first locking portion is disposed in front of the first protrusion in the assembling direction. When the holding body moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the first locking portion can pass over the first protrusion by the upper wall flexing upward. Further, the housing has a guiding groove extending along the assembling direction, and the upper wall has a guiding rib. The guiding rib extends along the assembling direction and is inserted into the guiding groove.

[0010] According to this structure, the first locking portion of the upper wall is configured such that when the holding body moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, it passes over the first convex portion of the housing by the upward flexure of the upper wall. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holding body from simply switching to the temporary locking position or the formal locking position. Also, by applying a certain degree of operating force, the holding body is switched to the temporary locking position and the formal locking position. In addition, the housing has a guide groove extending along the assembly direction of the holding body, and the upper wall has a guide rib that extends along the assembly direction of the holding body and is inserted into the guide groove. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holding body from shifting relative to the housing in a manner inclined from the assembly direction. Thus, for example, it is possible to prevent the holding body from detaching from the housing.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], it may also be that the guide rib has an inclined portion at the front end in the assembly direction, and the amount of protrusion of the inclined portion from the upper wall decreases as it approaches the end. According to this structure, since the guide rib has an inclined portion at the front end in the assembly direction and the amount of protrusion of the inclined portion from the upper wall decreases as it approaches the end, it is possible to suppress the hooking of the guide rib when the holding body is assembled to the housing, and the assemblability becomes good.

[0012] [3] In the above [1] or the above [2], it may also be that the guide rib is continuously provided in the entire assembly direction in the upper wall. According to this structure, since the guide rib is continuously provided in the entire assembly direction in the upper wall, it is possible to engage with the guide groove throughout the entire assembly direction of the upper wall. Therefore, compared with the case where the guide rib is provided in a part of the assembly direction of the upper wall, it is possible to further prevent the holding body from shifting relative to the housing in a manner inclined from the assembly direction.

[0013] [4] In any one of the above [1] to the above [3], it may also be that the guide rib is provided separately from the first locking portion in the insertion direction. According to this structure, since the guide rib is provided separately from the first locking portion in the insertion direction of the terminal, it is not easily affected by the flexure of the upper wall when the first locking portion passes over the first convex portion. That is, for example, when the guide rib and the first locking portion are continuously provided, it is easily affected by the flexure of the upper wall when the first locking portion passes over the first convex portion, and thus may fall off from the guide groove. However, this technical solution can suppress this situation.

[0014] [5] In any one of the above [1] to the above [4], it may also be that the guide groove has a bottom. According to this structure, since the guide groove has a bottom, for example, compared with the case where the guide groove is a through hole without a bottom, it is possible to ensure higher rigidity of the housing.

[0015] [6]In any one of the above [1] to the above [5], it is also possible that the housing has a communication hole, the communication hole communicates with the portion where the terminal is disposed at a position facing the lower wall and extends along the assembling direction, the lower wall has a base portion, the base portion extends along the assembling direction and is inserted into the communication hole, the base portion has a retaining protrusion, and the retaining protrusion can engage with the terminal to restrict the terminal from falling off when the holding body is in the formal locking position.

[0016] According to this structure, since the housing has a communication hole extending along the assembling direction of the holding body, and the lower wall has a base portion that extends along the assembling direction and is inserted into the communication hole, it is possible to prevent the holding body from shifting relative to the housing in a manner inclined from the assembling direction even on the lower wall side. Also, since the communication hole communicates with the portion where the terminal is disposed, and the base portion has a retaining protrusion that can engage with the terminal to restrict the terminal from falling off when the holding body is in the formal locking position, the falling off of the terminal can be restricted. That is, in this structure, the base portion has both the function of preventing the holding body from shifting in a manner inclined from the assembling direction and the function of the retaining protrusion for restricting the terminal from falling off.

[0017] [7]In the above [6], it is also possible that the guiding rib is provided at a position overlapping the base portion in the insertion direction. According to this structure, since the guiding rib is provided at a position overlapping the base portion in the insertion direction of the terminal, it is possible to prevent the holding body from shifting relative to the housing in a manner inclined from the assembling direction at the same position on both the upper wall side and the lower wall side.

[0018] [8]In any one of the above [1] to the above [7], it is also possible that the housing has a second convex portion, the second convex portion is disposed in front of the first convex portion in the assembling direction, the upper wall has a detachment prevention portion, the detachment prevention portion is disposed in front of the second convex portion in the assembling direction when the holding body is in the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the second convex portion has a locking concave portion recessed toward the rear in the assembling direction, the detachment prevention portion has a locking convex portion, and the locking convex portion prevents the upper wall from flexing upward by being inserted into the locking concave portion when the holding body is in the temporary locking position.

[0019] According to this structure, since the second convex portion of the housing has a locking recess recessed rearward in the assembly direction, the detachment prevention portion of the holding body has a locking convex portion. The locking convex portion prevents the upper wall from flexing upward by being inserted into the locking recess when the holding body is in the temporary locking position. Therefore, the holding body can be prevented from detaching from the housing. That is, even if a large force is applied to the holding body in the rearward direction of the assembly direction at the temporary locking position, the locking convex portion is inserted into the locking recess, thereby preventing the upper wall from flexing upward and preventing the detachment prevention portion from passing over the second convex portion. Thus, the holding body can be prevented from detaching from the housing.

[0020] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Invention] Specific examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, for ease of explanation, sometimes a part of the structure is shown enlarged or simplified. In addition, regarding the dimensional ratios of the respective parts, they may be different in each of the drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0021] (Structure of Connector 11) As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the connector 11 includes terminals 12, a housing 13, and a holding body 14. In addition, in the figure, the first axis X, the second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, and the third axis Z orthogonal to the first axis X and the second axis Y are shown. In addition, in the figure, the insertion direction X1 as one direction along the first axis X, in other words, the front X1 of the insertion direction, and the rear X2 of the insertion direction are shown. The rear X2 of the insertion direction is the opposite direction of the front X1 of the insertion direction, which is the other direction along the first axis X. In addition, in the figure, the assembly direction Y1 as one direction along the second axis Y, in other words, the front Y1 of the assembly direction, and the rear Y2 of the assembly direction are shown. The rear Y2 of the assembly direction is the opposite direction of the front Y1 of the assembly direction, which is the other direction along the second axis Y. In addition, in the figure, the upper Z1 and the lower Z2 as one direction along the third axis Z are shown. The lower Z2 is the opposite direction of the upper Z1, which is the other direction along the third axis Z.

[0022] (Structure of Terminal 12) As Figure 3 and Figure 9 shown, the terminal 12 is a female terminal made of metal extending along the first axis X. The base end portion of the terminal 12 is connected to the electric wire 21. Specifically, as Figure 9 shown, the electric wire 21 has a core wire 21a made of a conductor and an insulating coating 21b covering the outer periphery of the core wire 21a. And, the base end portion of the terminal 12 is connected to the end portion of the core wire 21a exposed from the end of the electric wire 21. As Figures 1 to 3As shown, the connector 11 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of, i.e., three terminals 12. The three terminals 12 are arranged along the second axis Y.

[0023] (Structure of the housing 13) The housing 13 is made of resin. As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the housing 13 has a cylindrical portion 13a and an outer shape portion 13b. The cylindrical portion 13a extends along the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12 to allow the terminal 12 to be inserted. The outer shape portion 13b is connected to the base end portion of the cylindrical portion 13a and covers the base end side of the cylindrical portion 13a. The cylindrical portion 13a is formed to hold the three terminals 12 arranged along the second axis Y.

[0024] As Figure 9 shown, the cylindrical portion 13a has a communication hole 13c. The communication hole 13c communicates from below Z2 to the portion where the terminal 12 is arranged and extends along the second axis Y. The communication hole 13c is continuously formed in the range along the second axis Y including all three terminals 12 arranged along the second axis Y.

[0025] In addition, a waterproof rubber ring 22 is externally fitted to the outer periphery of the base end side of the cylindrical portion 13a. In a state where a mating connector (not shown) is fitted to the connector 11, the waterproof rubber ring 22 prevents the intrusion of liquid by being compressed by the mating connector.

[0026] (Structure of the holding body 14) The holding body 14 is made of resin. As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the holding body 14 is assembled to the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 in the assembling direction Y1 that intersects the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12.

[0027] The holding body 14 has parallel upper wall 14a and lower wall 14b and a base end connecting wall 14c that connects the base ends of the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b at the end in the rear Y2 in the assembling direction of the holding body 14. The cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 is arranged between the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b. In addition, the holding body 14 has a connecting portion 14d that connects the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b at the end in the front X1 in the insertion direction of the terminal 12. The connecting portion 14d connects the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b except for the portions corresponding to the three terminals 12.

[0028] Moreover, the holding body 14 can move between a temporary locking position (refer to Figure 3 ) that allows the terminal 12 to be inserted and removed relative to the housing 13, and a formal locking position (refer to Figure 1 ) that restricts the terminal 12 from falling off at a position in front Y1 in the assembling direction compared to the temporary locking position.

[0029] Specifically, asFigure 9 As shown, the lower wall 14b of the holding body 14 has a base portion 14e that extends along the assembly direction Y1 of the holding body 14 and is embedded in the communication hole 13c of the housing 13. As Figure 4 shown, the base portion 14e is formed throughout the assembly direction Y1 in the lower wall 14b. Further, the base portion 14e has a retaining projection 14f that can engage with the terminal 12 to restrict the detachment of the terminal 12 at the formal locking position.

[0030] The retaining projection 14f is provided on a part of the base portion 14e in the assembly direction Y1. In this embodiment, three retaining projections 14f are arranged in the assembly direction Y1 corresponding to the three terminals 12. As Figure 9 shown, the retaining projection 14f restricts the detachment of the terminal 12 relative to the housing 13, that is, the movement of the terminal 12 in the rearward X2 direction of the insertion direction, by being disposed at a position where it can engage with the engaged portion 12a of the terminal 12 at the formal locking position. Further, as Figure 11 shown, the retaining projection 14f allows the insertion and removal of the terminal 12 relative to the housing 13 by being disposed at a position where it cannot engage with the engaged portion 12a of the terminal 12 at the temporary locking position.

[0031] (Detailed structures of the housing 13 and the holding body 14) As Figure 2 and Figure 8 shown, the housing 13 has a first convex portion 31, a second convex portion 32, a third convex portion 33, and a fourth convex portion 34 on the opposing surface of the cylindrical portion 13a that opposes the upper wall 14a of the holding body 14. The first convex portion 31, the second convex portion 32, the third convex portion 33, and the fourth convex portion 34 project upward Z1 from the cylindrical portion 13a. The second convex portion 32 is disposed closer to the front Y1 in the assembly direction than the first convex portion 31. The third convex portion 33 is disposed closer to the rear Y2 in the assembly direction than the first convex portion 31. The fourth convex portion 34 is disposed closer to the rear Y2 in the assembly direction than the third convex portion 33.

[0032] As Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 8 shown, the upper wall 14a of the holding body 14 has a first locking portion 41, a second locking portion 42, and a detachment prevention portion 43. The first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 project downward Z2 from the upper wall 14a. Further, the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 are provided at the end portion of the upper wall 14a on the side opposite to the connecting portion 14d, that is, the end portion in the rearward X2 direction of the insertion direction. The second locking portion 42 is disposed closer to the rear Y2 in the assembly direction than the first locking portion 41. The detachment prevention portion 43 is disposed closer to the front Y1 in the assembly direction than the first locking portion 41. Further, the detachment prevention portion 43 is provided at the end portion of the upper wall 14a in the front Y1 in the assembly direction.

[0033] As Figure 10 shown, the first locking portion 41 is arranged behind the first convex portion 31 in the assembly direction Y2 at the temporary locking position and is arranged between the first convex portion 31 and the third convex portion 33. In addition, as Figure 8 shown, the first locking portion 41 is arranged in front of the first convex portion 31 in the assembly direction Y1 at the formal locking position and is arranged between the first convex portion 31 and the second convex portion 32.

[0034] When the holding body 14 moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the first locking portion 41 arranged as described above can bend upward in the Z1 direction through the upper wall 14a and can cross over the first convex portion 31.

[0035] In addition, as Figure 10 shown, the second locking portion 42 is arranged behind the third convex portion 33 in the assembly direction Y2 at the temporary locking position and is arranged between the third convex portion 33 and the fourth convex portion 34. In addition, as Figure 8 shown, the second locking portion 42 is arranged in front of the third convex portion 33 in the assembly direction Y1 at the formal locking position and is arranged between the first convex portion 31 and the third convex portion 33.

[0036] When the holding body 14 moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the second locking portion 42 arranged as described above can bend upward in the Z1 direction through the upper wall 14a and can cross over the third convex portion 33.

[0037] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the holding body 14 is in the temporary locking position (refer to Figure 10 ) or the formal locking position (refer to Figure 8 ), the opposing surfaces of the first convex portion 31 and the first locking portion 41 are formed as inclined surfaces inclined with respect to the plane orthogonal to the assembly direction Y1. In addition, when the holding body 14 is in the temporary locking position or the formal locking position, the opposing surfaces of the third convex portion 33 and the second locking portion 42 are formed as inclined surfaces inclined with respect to the plane orthogonal to the assembly direction Y1. These inclined surfaces are set such that when a force in the forward Y1 direction or the rearward Y2 direction of the assembly direction is applied to the holding body 14, a component force that bends the upper wall 14a upward in the Z1 direction is generated. Therefore, by applying a force in the forward Y1 direction or the rearward Y2 direction of the assembly direction to the holding body 14, the upper wall 14a can be bent upward in the Z1 direction. Therefore, by the first locking portion 41 crossing over the first convex portion 31 and the second locking portion 42 crossing over the third convex portion 33, the holding body 14 can be moved to the temporary locking position or the formal locking position. In addition, each inclined surface is set to a relatively large inclination angle or a relatively small inclination angle according to the force required when operating the holding body 14.

[0038] In addition, asFigure 10 As shown, with the holder 14 in the temporarily locked position, the opposing surface of the fourth convex portion 34 that faces the second locking portion 42 is formed as a first orthogonal surface 34a that is orthogonal to the assembly direction Y1. Further, with the holder 14 in the temporarily locked position, the opposing surface of the second locking portion 42 that faces the fourth convex portion 34 is formed as a second orthogonal surface 42a that is orthogonal to the assembly direction Y1. Thus, it is configured such that, with the holder 14 in the temporarily locked position, even when a force in the rearward Y2 direction of the assembly direction is applied to the holder 14, a component force that causes the upper wall 14a to flex upward in the Z1 direction is not easily generated.

[0039] Further, the second convex portion 32 has a locking recess 32a that is recessed toward the rearward Y2 direction of the assembly direction, and the anti-disengagement portion 43 has a locking projection 43a. The locking projection 43a prevents the upper wall 14a from flexing upward in the Z1 direction by being inserted into the locking recess 32a in the temporarily locked position. The locking recess 32a is formed at the base end portion of the second convex portion 32 that protrudes upward in the Z1 direction from the cylindrical portion 13a. The locking projection 43a is formed at the tip end portion of the anti-disengagement portion 43 that protrudes downward in the Z2 direction from the upper wall 14a. In the present embodiment, the thickness along the third axis Z of the portion of the second convex portion 32 that protrudes forward in the Y1 direction of the assembly direction by forming the locking recess 32a is set to be the same as the thickness along the third axis Z of the locking projection 43a.

[0040] Further, as Figure 2 and Figure 9 shown, the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 has a guide groove 13d that extends along the assembly direction Y1. The guide groove 13d of the present embodiment has a bottom 13e. In other words, the guide groove 13d does not communicate with the portion where the terminals 12 are disposed. And, as Figure 9 shown, the upper wall 14a of the holder 14 has a guide rib 44 that extends along the assembly direction Y1 and is inserted into the guide groove 13d.

[0041] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the guide rib 44 has an inclined portion 44a at the end portion in the forward Y1 direction of the assembly direction, and the protruding amount of the inclined portion 44a from the upper wall 14a becomes smaller as it approaches the end portion. Further, the guide rib 44 is provided continuously with the entire holder 14 in the assembly direction Y1 of the upper wall 14a. Further, as Figure 5 shown, the guide rib 44 is provided separately from the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the anti-disengagement portion 43 in the insertion direction X1. In other words, the guide rib 44 is provided with respect to the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the anti-disengagement portion 43 with a flat surface 45 therebetween.

[0042] Further, as Figure 7As shown, the guiding rib 44 is provided at a position overlapping with the base portion 14e in the insertion direction X1. In the present embodiment, the guiding rib 44 is provided in such a manner that it is entirely accommodated within the range where the base portion 14e is provided in the insertion direction X1. Additionally, as Figure 9 shown, the guiding groove 13d is provided at a position overlapping with the communication hole 13c in the insertion direction X1.

[0043] (Function of the Embodiment) Next, the function of the present embodiment will be described. The holding body 14 is assembled to the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 in the assembling direction Y1 that intersects the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12. Specifically, the holding body 14 is assembled to the housing 13 in such a manner that it is inserted between the top ends of the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b into the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13.

[0044] And, in a state where the holding body 14 is located at the temporary locking position (refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 ), the limit release protrusion 14f is arranged at a position where it cannot be engaged with the engaged portion 12a of the terminal 12, thereby allowing the terminal 12 to be inserted and removed relative to the housing 13.

[0045] In addition, in a state where the holding body 14 is located at the formal locking position (refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 ), the limit release protrusion 14f is arranged at a position where it can be engaged with the engaged portion 12a of the terminal 12, thereby restricting the terminal 12 from detaching from the housing 13.

[0046] (Effect of the Embodiment) Next, the effects of the above embodiment will be described below. (1) The first locking portion 41 of the upper wall 14a is configured such that when the holding body 14 moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, it passes over the first convex portion 31 of the housing 13 by the upper wall 14a flexing upward in the Z1 direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holding body 14 from simply and accidentally switching to the temporary locking position or the formal locking position, for example. And, by applying a certain degree of operating force, the holding body 14 is switched to the temporary locking position and the formal locking position. Additionally, the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 has a guiding groove 13d extending along the assembling direction Y1 of the holding body 14, and the upper wall 14a has a guiding rib 44 that extends along the assembling direction Y1 of the holding body 14 and is inserted into the guiding groove 13d. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the following situation: for example, when viewed from above in the Z1 direction, the holding body 14 is offset relative to the housing 13 in a manner inclined from the assembling direction Y1. Thus, for example, it is possible to prevent the holding body 14 from detaching from the housing 13.

[0047] (2) The end portion of the guiding rib 44 in the front Y1 in the assembling direction has an inclined portion 44a, and the protruding amount of the inclined portion 44a from the upper wall 14a becomes smaller as it approaches the end portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the hooking of the guiding rib 44 when the holding body 14 is assembled to the housing 13, and the assemblability is improved.

[0048] (3) The guiding rib 44 is continuously provided in the entire assembling direction Y1 in the upper wall 14a. Therefore, it can be engaged with the guiding groove 13d throughout the entire assembling direction Y1 of the upper wall 14a. Therefore, compared with the case where the guiding rib 44 is provided in a part of the assembling direction Y1 in the upper wall 14a, it is possible to further prevent the holding body 14 from shifting relative to the housing 13 in a manner inclined from the assembling direction Y1.

[0049] (4) The guiding rib 44 is provided separately from the first locking portion 41 and the second locking portion 42 in the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12. Therefore, it is not easily affected by the flexure of the upper wall 14a when the first locking portion 41 and the second locking portion 42 cross over the first convex portion 31 or the third convex portion 33. That is, for example, when the guiding rib 44 is continuously provided with the first locking portion 41 and the second locking portion 42, it is easily affected by the flexure of the upper wall 14a when the first locking portion 41 and the second locking portion 42 cross over the first convex portion 31 or the third convex portion 33. Thus, the guiding rib 44 may come off from the guiding groove 13d, but this technical solution can suppress this situation.

[0050] (5) The guiding groove 13d has a bottom 13e. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the guiding groove 13d is a through hole without a bottom 13e, the rigidity of the housing 13 can be ensured to be relatively high.

[0051] (6) The cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 has a communication hole 13c extending along the assembling direction Y1 of the holding body 14, and the lower wall 14b has a base portion 14e. The base portion 14e extends along the assembling direction Y1 and is inserted into the communication hole 13c. Therefore, even on the lower wall 14b side, it is possible to prevent the holding body 14 from shifting relative to the housing 13 in a manner inclined from the assembling direction Y1. And since the communication hole 13c communicates with the portion where the terminal 12 is disposed, the base portion 14e has a retaining projection 14f, and the retaining projection 14f can be engaged with the terminal 12 to restrict the detachment of the terminal 12 at the official locking position. Therefore, the detachment of the terminal 12 can be restricted. That is, in this structure, the base portion 14e has both the function of preventing the holding body 14 from shifting in a manner inclined from the assembling direction Y1 and the function of having the retaining projection 14f for restricting the detachment of the terminal 12.

[0052] (7) The guiding rib 44 is provided at a position overlapping with the base portion 14e in the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holding body 14 from shifting relative to the housing 13 in a manner inclined from the assembling direction Y1 at the same position on the upper wall 14a side and the lower wall 14b side.

[0053] (8) The second convex portion 32 of the housing 13 has a locking recess 32a recessed toward the rear Y2 in the assembling direction. The anti-disengagement portion 43 of the holding body 14 has a locking projection 43a. The locking projection 43a is inserted into the locking recess 32a at the temporary locking position to prevent the upper wall 14a from flexing upward in the Z1 direction. Therefore, the holding body 14 can be prevented from detaching from the housing 13. That is, even if a large force in the rear Y2 direction in the assembling direction is applied to the holding body 14 at the temporary locking position, the locking projection 43a is inserted into the locking recess 32a, thereby preventing the upper wall 14a from flexing upward in the Z1 direction and preventing the anti-disengagement portion 43 from passing over the second convex portion 32. Thus, the holding body 14 can be prevented from detaching from the housing 13.

[0054] (Modification example) The above-described embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above-described embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non-contradictory range.

[0055] · In the above-described embodiment, the guiding rib 44 has an inclined portion 44a at the end in the front Y1 direction of the assembling direction. The protruding amount of the inclined portion 44a from the upper wall 14a becomes smaller as it approaches the end, but it is not limited thereto. It may also have a structure without the inclined portion 44a.

[0056] · In the above-described embodiment, the guiding rib 44 is continuously provided in the entire assembling direction Y1 on the upper wall 14a, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be configured to be intermittently provided with a plurality of ribs in the assembling direction Y1.

[0057] · In the above-described embodiment, the guiding rib 44 is provided separately from the first locking portion 41 and the second locking portion 42 in the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be continuously provided with the first locking portion 41 and the second locking portion 42.

[0058] · In the above-described embodiment, the guiding groove 13d has a shape with a bottom 13e, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the guiding groove 13d may also be a through hole without a bottom 13e.

[0059] · In the above-described embodiment, the lower wall 14b has a base portion 14e. The base portion 14e extends along the assembling direction Y1 and is inserted into the communication hole 13c, but it is not limited thereto. It may also be configured without the base portion 14e. That is, for example, even on the lower wall 14b side, there may be no base portion 14e for preventing the holding body 14 from shifting relative to the housing 13 in an inclined manner from the assembling direction Y1.

[0060] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide rib 44 is provided so as to be entirely accommodated within the range of the mounting base portion 14e in the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12. However, it is not limited thereto, and only a part of the guide rib 44 may be provided at a position overlapping with the range of the mounting base portion 14e. Further, for example, the guide rib 44 may be provided at a position not overlapping with the base portion 14e in the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12.

[0061] ·In the above-described embodiment, the housing 13 has a second convex portion 32, the second convex portion 32 has a locking recess 32a, the retaining body 14 has a detachment prevention portion 43, and the detachment prevention portion 43 has a locking projection 43a. However, it is not limited thereto, and the second convex portion 32 and the detachment prevention portion 43 may not be provided.

[0062] ·In the above-described embodiment, the detachment prevention portion 43 is provided at the end portion in the front Y1 in the assembling direction in the upper wall 14a. However, it is not limited thereto, and the detachment prevention portion 43 may be provided at a portion other than the end portion.

[0063] ·In the above-described embodiment, the connector 11 is configured to have a third convex portion 33 and a second locking portion 42 that perform the same functions as the first convex portion 31 and the first locking portion 41. However, it is not limited thereto, and the connector 11 may be configured not to have the third convex portion 33 and the second locking portion 42.

[0064] ·In the above-described embodiment, the fourth convex portion 34 is configured to have a first orthogonal surface 34a orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1, and the second locking portion 42 is configured to have a second orthogonal surface 42a orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1. However, the connector 11 may be configured not to have the first orthogonal surface 34a and the second orthogonal surface 42a.

[0065] ·In the above-described embodiment, the connector 11 is configured to include three terminals 12. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the connector 11 may be changed to a structure including two terminals 12 or four or more terminals 12. Description of Reference Numerals

[0066] 11 Connector 12 Terminal 12a Engaged Portion 13 Housing 13a Cylindrical Portion 13b Outer Shape Portion 13c Communication Hole 13d Guide Groove 13e Bottom Portion 14 Retaining Body 14a Upper Wall 14b Lower Wall 14c Base End Connecting Wall 14d Connecting Portion 14e Base Portion 14f limit protrusion 21 Electric wire 21a Core wire 21b Insulation coating 22 Waterproof rubber ring 31 First convex part 32 Second convex part 32a Locking recess 33 Third convex part 34 Fourth convex part 34a First orthogonal surface 41 First locking part 42 Second locking part 42a Second orthogonal surface 43 Anti-disengagement part 43a Locking protrusion 44 Guide rib 44a Tapered part 45 Flat surface X First axis X1 Front in the insertion direction (insertion direction) X2 Rear in the insertion direction Y Second axis Y1 Front in the assembly direction (assembly direction) Y2 Rear in the assembly direction Z Third axis Z1 Above Z2 Below

Claims

1. A connector comprising a terminal, a housing and a retaining body, The terminal is inserted into the housing, The retaining body is assembled to the housing in an assembly direction intersecting with an insertion direction of the terminal into the housing. The retaining body comprises a parallel upper wall and lower wall, a base end connecting wall and a connecting portion, the shell being arranged between the upper wall and the lower wall, the base end connecting wall connecting the upper wall and the lower wall at the end rearward in the assembly direction of the retaining body, the connecting portion connecting the upper wall and the lower wall at the end forward in the insertion direction of the retaining body, and the retaining body being able to move between a temporary locking position for allowing the terminal to be inserted and removed relative to the shell, and a formal locking position for restricting the terminal from falling off at a position forward of the temporary locking position in the assembly direction. The housing has a first convex portion, The upper wall has a first locking portion, the first locking portion is arranged at an end portion of the upper wall on the side opposite to the connecting portion, the first locking portion is arranged more rearward than the first protrusion in the assembly direction when the retaining body is in the temporary locking position, and the first locking portion is arranged more forward than the first protrusion in the assembly direction when the retaining body is in the formal locking position. When the retaining body moves between the temporary locking position and the permanent locking position, the first locking portion is able to pass over the first protrusion by the upper wall being bent upward. Furthermore, the housing has a guide groove extending along the assembling direction. The upper wall has a guide rib extending along the assembling direction and embedded in the guide groove.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The guide rib has an inclined portion at an end portion forward in the assembling direction, and an amount of protrusion of the inclined portion from the upper wall decreases toward the end portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The guide ribs are continuously provided in the upper wall throughout the assembling direction.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The guide rib and the first locking portion are provided to be separated from each other in the insertion direction.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The guide groove has a bottom.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has a communicating hole, the communicating hole communicating with a portion where the terminal is arranged at a portion opposite to the lower wall and extending along the assembling direction, The lower wall has a base portion, the base portion extends along the assembling direction and is embedded in the communicating hole, The base portion has a release-limiting protrusion that can engage with the terminal to limit the terminal from falling off when the retaining body is in the formal locking position.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein: The guide rib is provided at a position overlapping the base portion in the insertion direction.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has a second protrusion, and the second protrusion is arranged forward of the first protrusion in the assembly direction. The upper wall has a separation prevention portion, and the separation prevention portion is arranged forward of the second protrusion in the assembly direction when the retaining body is in the temporary locking position and the formal locking position. The second protrusion has a locking recessed portion that is recessed toward the rear in the assembling direction. The separation prevention portion includes a locking protrusion that prevents the upper wall from bending upward by fitting into the locking recess when the holding body is at the temporary locking position.

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