Connector
By designing a retaining body that can move between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position in the connector, and using the structure of the projection and locking portion of the housing, the problem of the existing connector retaining the body disengagement under torsional force is solved, achieving higher stability and anti-detachment effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411820437.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-22
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-24
AI Technical Summary
The existing connectors may cause the retaining body to be disengaged from the housing when the torsional force is applied.
A connector is designed, with the retaining body having parallel upper and lower walls, and a base end connecting walls that can be moved between a temporary locking position and a formal locking position. The case has a first convex portion and a second convex portion, and the upper wall has a first locking portion and a detachment preventing portion from flexing through the key recessed portion embedded in the case.
The retaining body is effectively prevented from being disengaged from the housing, and even if a large force is applied in the temporary locking position, it can prevent the upper wall from deflecting and prevent the disengagement part from being displaced.
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Figure CN120200052A_ABST
Abstract
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 surface wall, a holding wall, and side walls. The housing is disposed between the upper surface wall and the holding wall, and the side walls connect the upper surface 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. In addition, the housing has a restricting detachment surface substantially perpendicular to the assembling direction, and the holding body has a rear-side locking surface substantially perpendicular to the assembling direction. The holding body is prevented from detaching from the housing by the engagement of the restricting detachment surface and the rear-side locking surface at the temporary locking position. 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, if a torsional force is slightly applied, a component force that flexes the holding wall may be generated on the restricting detachment surface and the rear-side locking surface, and thus the holding body may detach from the housing.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of preventing the holding body from detaching from the housing. 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. The retaining body has parallel upper and lower walls and a base-end connecting wall. The housing is disposed between the upper and lower walls. The base-end connecting wall connects the upper and lower walls at the rear end in the assembly direction. The retaining body can move between a temporary locking position that allows the insertion and removal of the terminals relative to the housing and a formal locking position that restricts the detachment of the terminals at a position in front of the temporary locking position in the assembly direction. The housing has a first convex portion and a second convex portion disposed in front of the first convex portion in the assembly direction. The upper wall has a first locking portion and a detachment prevention portion. The first locking portion is disposed behind the first convex portion in the assembly direction at the temporary locking position and is disposed between the first convex portion and the second convex portion at the formal locking position. The detachment prevention portion is disposed in front of the second convex portion in the assembly direction at the temporary locking position and the formal locking position. When the retaining body moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the first locking portion can pass over the first convex portion by the upward flexure of the upper wall. The second convex portion has a key recess recessed toward the rear in the assembly direction, and the detachment prevention portion has a key protrusion. The key protrusion prevents the upward flexure of the upper wall by being inserted into the key recess at the temporary locking position. Advantages of the Invention
[0007] According to the connector of the present invention, detachment of the retaining body from the housing can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector in an embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector in an embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the temporary locking position of a connector in an embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a retaining body in an embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a retaining body in an embodiment. Figure 6 is a rear view of a retaining body in an embodiment. Figure 7 is along Figure 6 the 7-7 line in Figure 8 is along Figure 1 the 8-8 line in Figure 9 is a sectional view along Figure 1 the 9-9 line in Figure 10 is a sectional view along Figure 3 the 10-10 line in Figure 11 is a sectional view along Figure 3 the 11-11 line in DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described with examples. The connector of the present invention [1] includes a terminal, a housing, and a holder. The terminal is inserted into the housing. The holder is assembled to the housing in an assembling direction that intersects the insertion direction of the terminal. The holder has parallel upper and lower walls and a base-end connecting wall. 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 in the assembling direction. The holder can move 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 convex portion and a second convex portion disposed in front of the first convex portion in the assembling direction. The upper wall has a first locking portion and a detachment prevention portion. The first locking portion is disposed behind the first convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position, and is disposed between the first convex portion and the second convex portion at the formal locking position. The detachment prevention portion is disposed in front of the second convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position and the formal locking position. When the holder moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the first locking portion can cross over the first convex portion by the upward flexure of the upper wall. The second convex portion has a key recess recessed toward the rear in the assembling direction. The detachment prevention portion has a key protrusion. The key protrusion prevents the upward flexure of the upper wall by being inserted into the key recess at the temporary locking position.
[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, thereby preventing the holding body from simply switching to the temporary locking position or the formal locking position. Also, the holding body is switched to the temporary locking position and the formal locking position by applying a certain degree of operating force. In addition, the second convex portion of the housing has a key recess recessed rearward in the assembly direction of the holding body, and the detachment prevention portion of the holding body has a key protrusion. The key protrusion prevents the upper wall from flexing upward by being inserted into the key recess at the temporary locking position. Thus, detachment of the holding body from the housing can be prevented. 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 key protrusion is inserted into the key recess, thereby preventing the upper wall from flexing upward and preventing the detachment prevention portion from passing over the second convex portion. Thereby, detachment of the holding body from the housing can be prevented.
[0011] [2] In the above [1], it may also be that the detachment prevention portion is provided at the end of the upper wall in the front of the assembly direction. According to this structure, the detachment prevention portion is provided at the end of the upper wall in the front of the assembly direction, so that when the upper wall flexes upward, it can prevent the upper wall from flexing upward at the portion that is most easily displaced in the assembly direction. Therefore, the upward flexure of the upper wall can be effectively prevented.
[0012] [3] In the above [1] or the above [2], it may also be that the holding body has a connecting portion that connects the upper wall and the lower wall at the end in front of the insertion direction of the terminal, and the first locking portion and the detachment prevention portion are provided at the end of the upper wall on the side opposite to the connecting portion.
[0013] According to this structure, the holding body has a connecting portion that connects the upper wall and the lower wall at the end in front of the insertion direction of the terminal, so that the rigidity of the entire holding body can be ensured relatively highly, and in front of the insertion direction of the terminal, the upper wall and the lower wall are difficult to flex. Also, the first locking portion and the detachment prevention portion are provided at the end of the upper wall on the side opposite to the connecting portion and at a portion that is easily flexed, so that they can function properly. That is, for example, if the first locking portion and the detachment prevention portion are provided on the upper wall closer to the connecting portion than the end on the side opposite to the connecting portion, the upper wall is difficult to flex, which may cause abnormal functioning, but this situation can be avoided.
[0014] [4]In any one of the above [1] to the above [3], it may also be that the housing has a third convex portion, the third convex portion is disposed behind the first convex portion in the assembling direction, the upper wall has a second locking portion, and the second locking portion is disposed behind the third convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position, and is disposed between the first convex portion and the third convex portion at the formal locking position. When the holding body moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the second locking portion can cross over the third convex portion by the upper wall flexing upward.
[0015] According to this structure, the second 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 crosses over the third convex portion of the housing by the upper wall flexing upward, so that it is possible to prevent the holding body from simply switching to the temporary locking position or the formal locking position. That is, the second locking portion functions in the same way as the first locking portion. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the holding body from simply switching to the temporary locking position or the formal locking position. In other words, the state where the holding body is located at the temporary locking position or the formal locking position can be maintained more strongly.
[0016] [5]In the above [4], it may also be that the housing has a fourth convex portion, the fourth convex portion is disposed behind the third convex portion in the assembling direction, in a state where the holding body is located at the temporary locking position, the second locking portion is disposed between the third convex portion and the fourth convex portion, in a state where the holding body is located at the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the fourth convex portion and the second locking portion is a first orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction, and in a state where the holding body is located at the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the second locking portion and the fourth convex portion is a second orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction.
[0017] According to this structure, in a state where it is located at the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the fourth convex portion and the second locking portion is a first orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction, and the opposing surface of the second locking portion and the fourth convex portion is a second orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction, so that it is difficult to generate a component force that causes the upper wall to flex upward. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a large force being applied to the key convex portion and the key concave portion. In addition, by the engagement of the fourth convex portion and the second locking portion, it is possible to prevent the holding body from detaching from the housing.
[0018] [Details of the embodiment of the present invention] The specific examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, for convenience 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.
[0019] (Structure of Connector 11) As shown Figures 1 to 3 in the figure, the connector 11 includes a terminal 12, a housing 13, and a holding body 14. In addition, in the figure, a first axis X, a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, and a third axis Z orthogonal to both the first axis X and the second axis Y are illustrated. Further, in the figure, an insertion direction X1, which is one direction along the first axis X, in other words, the front X1 of the insertion direction, and a rear X2 of the insertion direction, which is the other direction along the first axis X, are illustrated. The rear X2 of the insertion direction is the opposite direction of the front X1 of the insertion direction. Additionally, in the figure, an assembly direction Y1, which is one direction along the second axis Y, in other words, the front Y1 of the assembly direction, and a rear Y2 of the assembly direction, which is the other direction along the second axis Y, are illustrated. The rear Y2 of the assembly direction is the opposite direction of the front Y1 of the assembly direction. Moreover, in the figure, an upper Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a lower Z2, which is the other direction along the third axis Z, are illustrated. The lower Z2 is the opposite direction of the upper Z1.
[0020] (Structure of Terminal 12) As shown Figure 3 and Figure 9 in the figure, the terminal 12 is a metal female terminal extending along the first axis X. The base end portion of the terminal 12 is connected to the electric wire 21. Specifically, as shown Figure 9 in the figure, 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 shown Figures 1 to 3 in the figure, the connector 11 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of, namely three, terminals 12. The three terminals 12 are arranged along the second axis Y.
[0021] (Structure of Housing 13) The housing 13 is made of resin. As shown Figures 1 to 3 in the figure, 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 be able to hold the three terminals 12 arranged along the second axis Y.
[0022] As shown Figure 9As shown, the cylindrical portion 13a has a communication hole 13c that communicates from below Z2 to the portion where the terminals 12 are arranged and extends along the second axis Y. The communication hole 13c is continuously formed within the range along the second axis Y that includes all three terminals 12 arranged along the second axis Y.
[0023] In addition, a waterproof rubber ring 22 is externally fitted to the outer periphery of the proximal end side of the cylindrical portion 13a. The waterproof rubber ring 22 is compressed by the mating connector (not shown) when the mating connector is engaged with the connector 11, thereby preventing the intrusion of liquid.
[0024] (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 assembly direction Y1 that intersects the insertion direction X1 of the terminals 12.
[0025] The holding body 14 has parallel upper wall 14a and lower wall 14b and a proximal end connecting wall 14c. The cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 is arranged between the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b. The proximal end connecting wall 14c connects the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b at the end in the rear Y2 of the assembly direction of the holding body 14. 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 of the insertion direction of the terminals 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.
[0026] Moreover, the holding body 14 can move between a temporary locking position (refer to Figure 3 ) and a formal locking position (refer to Figure 1 ). At the temporary locking position, the insertion and removal of the terminals 12 relative to the housing 13 are permitted, and at the formal locking position, the detachment of the terminals 12 is restricted at a position in front Y1 of the temporary locking position in the assembly direction.
[0027] Specifically, as Figure 9 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 inserted into the communication hole 13c of the housing 13. As Figure 4 shown, the base portion 14e is formed over the entire assembly direction Y1 of the lower wall 14b. Moreover, the base portion 14e has a detachment restricting protrusion 14f that can engage with the terminals 12 at the formal locking position to restrict the detachment of the terminals 12.
[0028] The restricting detachment protrusion 14f is provided in a part of the base part 14e in the assembling direction Y1. In the present embodiment, three restricting detachment protrusions 14f are arranged in the assembling direction Y1 corresponding to the three terminals 12. As Figure 9 shown, the restricting detachment protrusion 14f is arranged at a position where it can be engaged with the engaged part 12a of the terminal 12 at the formal locking position, thereby restricting the detachment of the terminal 12 from the housing 13. In other words, the movement of the terminal 12 in the rearward X2 direction of the insertion direction is restricted. In addition, as Figure 11 shown, the restricting detachment protrusion 14f is arranged at a position where it cannot be engaged with the engaged part 12a of the terminal 12 at the temporary locking position, thereby allowing the terminal 12 to be inserted and removed relative to the housing 13.
[0029] (Detailed structure of the housing 13 and the holding body 14) As Figure 2 and Figure 8 shown, the housing 13 has a first convex part 31, a second convex part 32, a third convex part 33, and a fourth convex part 34 on the opposing surface of the cylindrical part 13a to the upper wall 14a of the holding body 14. The first convex part 31, the second convex part 32, the third convex part 33, and the fourth convex part 34 protrude upward Z1 from the cylindrical part 13a. The second convex part 32 is arranged in front of the first convex part 31 in the assembling direction Y1. The third convex part 33 is arranged behind the first convex part 31 in the assembling direction Y2. The fourth convex part 34 is arranged behind the third convex part 33 in the assembling direction Y2.
[0030] As Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 8 shown, the upper wall 14a of the holding body 14 has a first locking part 41, a second locking part 42, and a detachment preventing part 43. The first locking part 41, the second locking part 42, and the detachment preventing part 43 protrude downward Z2 from the upper wall 14a. In addition, the first locking part 41, the second locking part 42, and the detachment preventing part 43 are provided at the end on the side opposite to the connecting part 14d on the upper wall 14a, that is, the end in the rearward X2 direction of the insertion direction. The second locking part 42 is arranged behind the first locking part 41 in the assembling direction Y2. The detachment preventing part 43 is arranged in front of the first locking part 41 in the assembling direction Y1. In addition, the detachment preventing part 43 is provided at the end in the frontward Y1 direction of the assembling direction on the upper wall 14a.
[0031] As Figure 10 shown, the first locking part 41 is arranged between the first convex part 31 and the third convex part 33 and behind the first convex part 31 in the assembling direction Y2 at the temporary locking position. In addition, as Figure 8 shown, the first locking part 41 is arranged between the first convex part 31 and the second convex part 32 and in front of the first convex part 31 in the assembling direction Y1 at the formal locking position.
[0032] When the first locking portion 41 configured as described above moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the upper wall 14a flexes upward in the Z1 direction to pass over the first convex portion 31.
[0033] In addition, as Figure 10 shown, the second locking portion 42 is disposed behind the third convex portion 33 in the assembly direction Y2 and between the third convex portion 33 and the fourth convex portion 34 at the temporary locking position. In addition, as Figure 8 shown, the second locking portion 42 is disposed in front of the third convex portion 33 in the assembly direction Y1 and between the first convex portion 31 and the third convex portion 33 at the formal locking position.
[0034] When the second locking portion 42 configured as described above moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the upper wall 14a flexes upward in the Z1 direction to pass over the third convex portion 33.
[0035] 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 inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the surface 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 inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the surface orthogonal to the assembly direction Y1. These inclined surfaces are set such that when a force in the forward direction Y1 or the rearward direction Y2 of the assembly direction is applied to the holding body 14, a component force that causes the upper wall 14a to flex upward in the Z1 direction is generated. Therefore, by applying a force in the forward direction Y1 or the rearward direction Y2 of the assembly direction to the holding body 14, the upper wall 14a can be flexed upward in the Z1 direction. Therefore, by passing the first locking portion 41 over the first convex portion 31 and the second locking portion 42 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 or relatively small inclination angle according to the force required when operating the holding body 14.
[0036] In addition, as Figure 10As shown, in a state where the holding body 14 is positioned at the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the fourth convex portion 34 and the second locking portion 42 is a first orthogonal surface 34a orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1. Further, in a state where the holding body 14 is positioned at the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the second locking portion 42 and the fourth convex portion 34 is a second orthogonal surface 42a orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1. Thus, it is configured such that in a state where the holding body 14 is positioned at the temporary locking position, even if a force in the rearward Y2 direction of the assembling direction is applied to the holding body 14, it is difficult to generate a component force that causes the upper wall 14a to flex upward in the Z1 direction.
[0037] Further, the second convex portion 32 has a key recess 32a recessed toward the rearward Y2 direction of the assembling direction, and the anti-disengagement portion 43 has a key projection 43a. The key projection 43a prevents the upper wall 14a from flexing upward in the Z1 direction by being inserted into the key recess 32a at the temporary locking position. The key 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 key projection 43a is formed at the top 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 that becomes a portion protruding forward in the Y1 direction of the assembling direction by forming the key recess 32a in the second convex portion 32 is set to be the same as the thickness along the third axis Z of the key projection 43a.
[0038] Further, as Figure 2 and Figure 9 shown, the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 has a guide groove 13d extending along the assembling 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 arranged. And, as Figure 9 shown, the upper wall 14a of the holding body 14 has a guide rib 44, and the guide rib 44 extends along the assembling direction Y1 and is inserted into the guide groove 13d.
[0039] 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 assembling 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 upper wall 14a of the holding body 14 in the assembling direction Y1. 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 interposed therebetween.
[0040] Further, as Figure 7As shown, the guide rib 44 is provided at a position overlapping the base portion 14e in the insertion direction X1. In the present embodiment, the guide rib 44 is provided so as to be entirely accommodated within the range where the base portion 14e is provided in the insertion direction X1. Further, as Figure 9 shown, the guide groove 13d is provided at a position overlapping the communication hole 13c in the insertion direction X1.
[0041] (Function of the embodiment) Next, the function of the present embodiment will be described. The holder 14 is assembled to the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 in the assembling direction Y1 intersecting the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12. Specifically, the holder 14 is assembled to the housing 13 such that the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 is inserted between the top ends of the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b.
[0042] And, in a state where the holder 14 is in the temporary locking position (refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 ), the restriction release protrusion 14f is disposed at a position where it cannot engage with the engaged portion 12a of the terminal 12, thereby allowing the terminal 12 to be inserted into and removed from the housing 13.
[0043] Further, in a state where the holder 14 is in the formal locking position (refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 ), the restriction release protrusion 14f is disposed at a position where it can engage with the engaged portion 12a of the terminal 12, thereby restricting the removal of the terminal 12 from the housing 13.
[0044] (Effect of the embodiment) Next, the effects of the above-described 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 upward flexure of the upper wall 14a in the Z1 direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holding body 14 from simply and, for example, unexpectedly switching to the temporary locking position or the formal locking position. Also, the holding body 14 is switched to the temporary locking position and the formal locking position by applying a certain degree of operating force. In addition, the second convex portion 32 of the housing 13 has a key recess 32a recessed in the rearward Y2 direction of the assembly direction of the holding body 14, and the detachment prevention portion 43 of the holding body 14 has a key projection 43a. The key projection 43a prevents the upward flexure of the upper wall 14a in the Z1 direction by being inserted into the key recess 32a in the temporary locking position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holding body 14 from detaching from the housing 13. That is, even if a large force in the rearward Y2 direction of the assembly direction is applied to the holding body 14 in the temporary locking position, the upward flexure of the upper wall 14a in the Z1 direction is blocked by the key projection 43a being inserted into the key recess 32a, and the detachment prevention portion 43 can be blocked from passing over the second convex portion 32. Thereby, the holding body 14 is prevented from detaching from the housing 13.
[0045] (2) The detachment prevention portion 43 is provided at the end of the upper wall 14a in the forward Y1 direction of the assembly direction. Therefore, when the upper wall 14a flexes upward in the Z1 direction, it can block the upward flexure of the upper wall 14a in the Z1 direction at the portion that is most easily displaced in the assembly direction Y1. Therefore, the upward flexure of the upper wall 14a in the Z1 direction can be effectively blocked.
[0046] (3) 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 forward X1 direction of the insertion direction of the terminal 12. Therefore, the rigidity of the entire holding body 14 can be ensured relatively highly, and in the forward X1 direction of the insertion direction of the terminal 12, the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b are difficult to flex. Also, the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 are provided at the end of the upper wall 14a on the side opposite to the connecting portion 14d and at a portion that is easily flexed. Therefore, they can function normally. That is, for example, when the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 are provided on the upper wall 14a closer to the connecting portion 14d than the end on the side opposite to the connecting portion 14d, the upper wall 14a is difficult to flex, which may cause abnormal functioning, but this situation can be avoided.
[0047] (4) The second locking portion 42 of the upper wall 14a is configured such that when the holder 14 moves between the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, it deflects upward in the Z1 direction by the upper wall 14a and crosses over the third convex portion 33 of the housing 13. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holder 14 from simply and, for example, unexpectedly switching to the temporary locking position or the formal locking position. That is, the second locking portion 42 functions in the same manner as the first locking portion 41. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the holder 14 from simply and, for example, unexpectedly switching to the temporary locking position or the formal locking position. In other words, the state where the holder 14 is located at the temporary locking position or the formal locking position can be maintained more strongly.
[0048] (5) In the state of being located at the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the fourth convex portion 34 and the second locking portion 42 is the first orthogonal surface 34a orthogonal to the assembly direction Y1, and the opposing surface of the second locking portion 42 and the fourth convex portion 34 is the second orthogonal surface 42a orthogonal to the assembly direction Y1. Therefore, it is difficult to generate a component force that deflects the upper wall 14a upward in the Z1 direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the application of a large force to the key convex portion 43a and the key concave portion 32a. In addition, by the engagement of the fourth convex portion 34 and the second locking portion 42, it is also possible to prevent the holder 14 from detaching from the housing 13.
[0049] (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 range where there is no technical contradiction.
[0050] · In the above-described embodiment, the detachment prevention portion 43 is provided at the end portion of the upper wall 14a in the front Y1 direction of the assembly direction, but it is not limited thereto, and it may also be provided at a portion other than the end portion.
[0051] · In the above-described embodiment, the holder 14 has a connecting portion 14d that connects the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b at the end portion in the front X1 direction of the insertion direction of the terminal 12, but it is not limited thereto, and it may also be configured not to have the connecting portion 14d.
[0052] · In the above-described embodiment, 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, but it is not limited thereto, and they may also be provided at a portion other than the end portion.
[0053] · In the above-described embodiment, the connector 11 is configured to have a third convex portion 33 and a second locking portion 42 that function in the same manner as the first convex portion 31 and the first locking portion 41, but it is not limited thereto, and it may also be configured not to have the third convex portion 33 and the second locking portion 42.
[0054] ·In the above-described embodiment, the fourth convex portion 34 is configured to have a first orthogonal surface 34a orthogonal to the assembly direction Y1, and the second locking portion 42 is configured to have a second orthogonal surface 42a orthogonal to the assembly direction Y1. However, it may also be configured not to have the first orthogonal surface 34a and the second orthogonal surface 42a.
[0055] ·In the above-described embodiment, the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 is configured to have a guide groove 13d, and the upper wall 14a is configured to have a guide rib 44. However, it may also be configured not to have the guide groove 13d and the guide rib 44.
[0056] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide rib 44 has an inclined portion 44a at the end in the front Y1 of the assembly direction. The inclined portion 44a has a smaller protruding amount from the upper wall 14a as it approaches the end. However, it is not limited thereto, and it may also be configured not to have the inclined portion 44a.
[0057] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide rib 44 is continuously provided along the entire assembly direction Y1 of the upper wall 14a. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be configured to be intermittently provided in a plurality of positions in the assembly direction Y1.
[0058] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide rib 44 is separately provided in the insertion direction X1 of the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the terminal 12. However, 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.
[0059] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide groove 13d has a shape with a bottom 13e. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the guide groove 13d may also be a through hole without a bottom 13e.
[0060] ·In the above-described embodiment, the lower wall 14b has a base portion 14e. The base portion 14e extends along the assembly direction Y1 and is inserted into the communication hole 13c. However, it is not limited thereto, and it may also be configured not to have the base portion 14e. That is, for example, even on the lower wall 14b side, the base portion 14e for preventing the holding body 14 from being inclined and displaced relative to the housing 13 in the assembly direction Y1 may not be provided.
[0061] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide 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 of the terminal 12. However, it is not limited thereto, and it may also be provided at a position where only a part overlaps with the range where the base portion 14e is provided. Additionally, for example, the guide rib 44 may also be provided at a position that does not overlap with the base portion 14e in the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12.
[0062] ·In the above-described embodiment, the connector 11 is configured to include three terminals 12. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be changed to a structure including two terminals 12 or four or more terminals 12. Description of Reference Numerals
[0063] 11 Connector 12 Terminal 12a Engaged Portion 13 Housing 13a Cylindrical Portion 13b Outer Shape Portion 13c Communication Hole 13d Guide Groove 13e Bottom 14 Retaining Body 14a Upper Wall 14b Lower Wall 14c Base-End Connecting Wall 14d Connecting Portion 14e Base Portion 14f Anti-Release Projection 21 Electric Wire 21a Core Wire 21b Insulation Coating 22 Waterproof Rubber Ring 31 First Projection 32 Second Projection 32a Key Recess 33 Third Projection 34 Fourth Projection 34a First Orthogonal Plane 41 First Locking Portion 42 Second Locking Portion 42a Second Orthogonal Plane 43 Anti-Disengagement Portion 43a Key Projection 44 Guide Rib 44a Inclined Portion 45 Flat Surface X First Axis X1 Front in Insertion Direction (Insertion Direction) X2 Rear in Insertion Direction Y Second Axis Y1 Front in Assembly Direction (Assembly Direction) Y2 Rear in 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. The retaining body has parallel upper and lower walls and a base end connecting wall, the housing is arranged between the upper and lower walls, the base end connecting wall connects the upper and lower walls at the rear end in the assembly direction, and the retaining body can move between a temporary locking position that allows the terminal to be inserted and removed relative to the housing, and a formal locking position that restricts the terminal from falling off at a position forward of the temporary locking position in the assembly direction. The housing has a first protrusion and a second protrusion disposed forward of the first protrusion in the assembling direction. The upper wall has a first locking portion and an anti-separation portion, wherein the first locking portion is arranged at the rear of the first protrusion in the assembly direction at the temporary locking position and is arranged between the first protrusion and the second protrusion at the formal locking position, and the anti-separation portion is arranged at the front of the second protrusion in the assembly direction at the temporary locking position and the formal locking position. When the retaining body moves between the temporary locking position and the final locking position, the first locking portion can pass over the first protrusion by the upper wall being bent upward. The second protrusion has a key recessed portion that is recessed toward the rear in the assembling direction. The separation prevention portion includes a key protrusion that prevents the upper wall from bending upward by fitting into the key recess at the temporary locking position.
2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The separation prevention portion is provided at an end portion of the upper wall at the front side in the assembling direction.
3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The holding body has a connecting portion that connects the upper wall and the lower wall at the front end in the insertion direction of the terminal. The first locking portion and the separation preventing portion are provided on the upper wall at an end portion on the opposite side to the connecting portion.
4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has a third protrusion, and the third protrusion is arranged behind the first protrusion in the assembly direction. The upper wall has a second locking portion, the second locking portion is arranged at the rear of the third protrusion in the assembly direction at the temporary locking position, and is arranged between the first protrusion and the third protrusion at the formal locking position. The second locking portion can ride over the third protrusion due to the upper wall being bent upward when the holding body moves between the temporary locking position and the final locking position.
5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: The housing has a fourth protrusion, and the fourth protrusion is arranged behind the third protrusion in the assembly direction. When the holding body is located at the temporary locking position, the second locking portion is arranged between the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion. When the retaining body is located at the temporary locking position, the surface of the fourth protrusion facing the second locking portion is a first orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction. When the holding body is located at the temporary locking position, a surface of the second locking portion that faces the fourth protrusion is a second orthogonal surface that is orthogonal to the assembling direction.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Connector
JP2013016519A