Connector

Abstract

The invention provides a connector capable of suppressing misalignment of terminals. A connector (10) is provided with a terminal (20) and a housing (30) that holds the terminal. The terminal has a female terminal portion (22) extending along a first axis (X) and an electric wire connection portion (21) extending along a second axis (Y) intersecting the first axis. The female terminal part is provided with a groove-shaped connecting part (23) which is connected with the electric wire connecting part. And a cylindrical portion (24) extending from an end portion of the connecting portion toward a front portion (X1) which is a direction along the first axis. The connecting part (23) is open at a rear part (X2) which is the opposite direction of the front part. The housing is provided with a housing main body (31) having a terminal housing part for housing the terminal; and a cover member (50) attached to the case main body. The cover member has a protruding portion (52) which is inserted into the connecting portion (23) and is formed so as to be capable of engaging with the connecting portion on the second axis.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles have been equipped with connectors used to control airbag inflators and other devices, known as squib connectors (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These connectors include terminals, a housing that holds the terminals, a slider housed within the housing, and a spring that urges the slider. In these connectors, the spring forces the slider to slide, ensuring proper mating between the connector and the mating connector. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-21397 Summary of the Invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned connector, it is desired to suppress positional displacement of the terminals inside the housing. An object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of suppressing positional displacement of terminals inside a housing. Solutions to Problems

[0005] 20. The connector of claim 19, wherein the locking cam has an angular channel formed between a first end and a second end of the lead frame, the channel having a channel slot and a cam section that is adapted to move the lead frame toward the second end of the lead frame. Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the connector of the present invention, it is possible to suppress terminal displacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a connector and a mating connector according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a connector according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a plan view showing a portion of a connector according to one embodiment. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an embodiment ( Figure 4 5-5 line section view in the figure). Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a cover member according to one embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an embodiment ( Figure 4 7-7 line section view in the figure). Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an embodiment ( Figure 5 8-8 line section view in the figure). Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an embodiment ( Figure 4 9-9 line section view in the figure). Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to one embodiment. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector and a mating connector according to one embodiment ( Figure 4 11-11 line cross-sectional view). Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described below. [1] The connector of the present invention comprises: a terminal; a housing for holding the terminal; a sliding member housed inside the housing and capable of moving to a first position and a second position along a first axis; and a spring urging the sliding member, wherein the terminal has a female terminal portion extending along the first axis and a wire connecting portion extending along a second axis intersecting the first axis, the female terminal portion having a groove-shaped connecting portion connected to the wire connecting portion and a cylindrical portion extending from an end of the connecting portion toward a first direction which is a direction along the first axis, the connecting portion opening in a first opposite direction which is an opposite direction to the first direction, the housing comprising a housing body having a terminal receiving portion for receiving the terminal and a cover member assembled to the housing body, the cover member having a protrusion inserted into the interior of the connecting portion and formed to be engageable with the connecting portion on the second axis.

[0009] With this structure, when the cover member is assembled with the housing body, with the terminals housed in the terminal receiving portion, the cover member's protrusion is inserted into the groove-shaped connecting portion. The protrusion is configured to engage with the connecting portion along the second axis. The engagement between the connecting portion and the protrusion effectively prevents movement of the terminals within the housing along the second axis. Consequently, misalignment of the terminals within the housing is effectively prevented.

[0010] [2] Alternatively, the shell body may be formed into a box shape that opens in the first opposite direction, and the cover member may include a main body portion that closes the opening of the shell body in the first opposite direction and the protrusion portion that protrudes from the main body portion toward the first direction.

[0011] With this structure, the cover member is assembled to the housing body, forming the housing into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the terminal. Furthermore, by assembling the cover member to the housing body, the protrusion of the cover member can be precisely inserted along the first direction into the connecting portion that opens in the first opposite direction. This allows the connecting portion and the protrusion to engage with each other along the second axis, thereby precisely preventing movement of the terminal within the housing.

[0012] [3] Alternatively, the connecting portion may include: a base; a first wall portion provided in the base at an end portion in a second direction which is a direction along the second axis; and a second wall portion provided in the base at an end portion in a second opposite direction which is a direction opposite to the second direction, wherein the first wall portion and the second wall portion respectively protrude in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, and the protrusion is formed to be engageable with the first wall portion in the second direction and engageable with the second wall portion in the second opposite direction.

[0013] According to this structure, the protrusion is arranged so as to be able to engage with the first wall portion of the connecting portion in the second direction. By engaging these protrusions with the first wall portion, the interior of the terminal housing can be properly restrained from moving toward the second opposite direction. In addition, the protrusion is arranged so as to be able to engage with the second wall portion of the connecting portion in the second opposite direction. By engaging these protrusions with the second wall portion, the terminal can be properly restrained from moving toward the second direction inside the housing. In this way, by engaging the protrusion with the first wall portion and the second wall portion, the terminal can be properly restrained from moving toward the second direction and the second opposite direction inside the housing. As a result, the terminal can be properly restrained from being misaligned inside the housing.

[0014] [4] The cover member may include a rotation restricting portion extending from the protrusion toward the second opposite direction, and the rotation restricting portion may be formed to be engageable with the second wall portion in a rotational direction of the terminal centered on the first axis.

[0015] According to this structure, the rotation restricting portion of the cover member is formed to engage with the second wall portion in the direction of rotation centered on the first axis. The engagement of the second wall portion with the rotation restricting portion restricts the rotation of the terminal centered on the first axis. This effectively prevents misalignment of the terminal associated with rotation.

[0016] [5] Alternatively, the connecting portion may include a cutout portion provided at the end portion in the first opposite direction in the first wall portion, the protruding portion may include a cylindrical base portion connected to the main body portion and a cylindrical terminal portion protruding from the base portion toward the first direction, the outer diameter of the terminal portion may be smaller than the outer diameter of the base portion, and the end face of the base portion in the first direction may be formed to be engageable with the end face in the first opposite direction of the first wall portion exposed from the cutout portion on the first axis.

[0017] According to this structure, the base end of the protrusion is configured to engage with the first wall portion of the connecting portion along the first axis. The engagement between the base end and the first wall portion effectively prevents the terminal from moving in the first opposite direction within the housing. As a result, misalignment of the terminal within the housing can be effectively prevented.

[0018] [6] Alternatively, the second wall portion is opposite to the rotation limiting portion in the third direction, the protrusion portion has an engaging surface extending from the terminal portion toward the third direction, the first wall portion is formed into a curved shape along the outer peripheral surface of the terminal portion, and the engaging surface is formed to be engageable with the circumferential end surface of the first wall portion in the rotation direction.

[0019] According to this structure, the engaging surface of the cover member is formed to engage with the circumferential end surface of the first wall portion in the direction of rotation centered on the first axis. The engagement of the first wall portion with this engaging surface restricts the rotation of the terminal centered on the first axis. This effectively suppresses misalignment of the terminal associated with rotation.

[0020] [7] The cover member may include a position restriction portion protruding from the main body toward the first direction, and the position restriction portion may be formed to be engageable with the wire connecting portion on the first axis.

[0021] According to this structure, the position limiting portion is arranged to engage with the wire connecting portion on the first axis. The engagement between the position limiting portion and the wire connecting portion effectively prevents the terminal from moving in the first opposite direction within the housing. As a result, misalignment of the terminal within the housing can be effectively prevented.

[0022] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] Specific examples of the connector of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, portions of the structure may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of various components may differ between the drawings. The terms "orthogonal" or "parallel" in this specification include not only strictly orthogonal or parallel but also approximately orthogonal or parallel within the scope of achieving the functional effects of the present embodiment. The term "cylindrical" as used in this specification includes not only a cylindrical shape with a continuous circumferential wall, but also shapes formed by combining multiple components, or shapes with a circumferential cutout, such as a C-shaped or U-shaped shape. Furthermore, "cylindrical" shapes include, but are not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with pointed or rounded corners. "Opposing" in this specification refers to surfaces or components facing each other, and includes not only completely facing each other but also partially facing each other. "Opposing" in this specification includes not only two components separated from each other but also contacting each other. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" in this specification are used only to distinguish objects and are not used to rank the objects. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to these examples but is defined by the claims, which are intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0023] (Overall Structure of Connector 10) like Figure 1 As shown, connector 10 is configured to be matable with mating connector 200. Connector 10 is provided in a vehicle (not shown), such as a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle. Connector 10 is also a so-called squib connector used to control a vehicle's seatbelt pretensioner, airbag inflator, and the like.

[0024] In each of the drawings, a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z perpendicular to both the first axis X and the second axis Y are illustrated. Furthermore, each of the drawings illustrates a front direction X1, which is one direction along the first axis X, and a rear direction X2, which is another direction along the first axis X, that is, in the opposite direction to the front direction X1. Here, the front direction X1 represents the front of the mating direction of the connector 10 relative to the mating connector 200. In each of the drawings, an upper direction Y1, which is one direction along the second axis Y, and a lower direction Y2, which is another direction along the second axis Y, that is, in the opposite direction to the upper direction Y1, are illustrated. In each of the drawings, a first width direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a second width direction Z2, which is another direction along the third axis Z, that is, in the opposite direction to the first width direction Z1, are illustrated. Furthermore, the directions in the drawings do not necessarily represent the postures of the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 during use. In addition, the description of the directions in the mating connector 200 is based on the state in which the mating connector 200 and the connector 10 are fitted together.

[0025] (Configuration of Mating Connector 200) The mating connector 200 includes a mating terminal 201 and a mating housing 202 that holds the mating terminal 201. The mating housing 202 includes a mating-side fitting cylinder 203 that fits with the housing 30 of the connector 10, and a mating-side fitting securing portion 204 that secures the mating of the connector 10 and the mating connector 200. The mating-side fitting securing portion 204 is disposed within the mating-side fitting cylinder 203. The mating terminal 201 is disposed within the mating-side fitting cylinder 203.

[0026] (Configuration of Connector 10) like Figure 2 As shown, the connector 10 includes a terminal 20, a housing 30, a slider 60, a spring 70, and a ferrite core 80. The connector 10 of this embodiment includes two terminals 20.

[0027] (Configuration of Terminal 20) The two terminals 20 are arranged along the third axis Z. Each terminal 20 includes a wire connection portion 21 and a female terminal portion 22. The wire connection portion 21 extends along the second axis Y. The female terminal portion 22 extends along the first axis X. Each terminal 20 is formed into an L shape as a whole. Each terminal 20 is made of metal.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the wire connection portion 21 is connected to the wire 90. Here, the wire 90 is a covered wire having a core wire 91 and an insulating coating 92 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 91. The core wire 91 is conductive. At the end of the wire 90, the end of the core wire 91 is exposed from the end of the insulating coating 92.

[0029] The wire connector 21 is electrically connected to the end of the core wire 91 exposed from the insulating coating 92. The wire connector 21 includes a base 21A, a pair of side walls 21B protruding from the base 21A in the first width direction Z1, a core wire connector 21C, and a coating connector 21D.

[0030] The base portion 21A extends in a strip shape along the second axis Y. The pair of side walls 21B are provided on the first axis X so as to face each other. The core wire connecting portion 21C is connected to the end of the core wire 91 exposed from the insulating coating 92. The core wire connecting portion 21C and the core wire 91 can be joined by, for example, crimping, ultrasonic welding, or the like. The core wire connecting portion 21C of this embodiment is joined to the core wire 91 by crimping. The coating connecting portion 21D is connected to the end of the insulating coating 92. The coating connecting portion 21D of this embodiment is crimped to the end of the insulating coating 92.

[0031] A portion of the electric wire connecting portion 21 located on the upper Y1 side relative to the core wire connecting portion 21C is formed into a groove shape open in the first width direction Z1 by the base 21A and the pair of side walls 21B. The female terminal portion 22 is connected to the upper end Y1 of the wire connecting portion 21. The female terminal portion 22 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire connecting portion 21. The female terminal portion 22 includes a connecting portion 23 connected to the wire connecting portion 21 and a cylindrical portion 24.

[0032] The connection portion 23 is formed in a groove shape that opens in the first width direction Z1. The connection portion 23 opens in the front X1 and in the rear X2. The connection portion 23 extends from the wire connection portion 21 in the front X1 and in the rear X2.

[0033] The connection portion 23 includes a base portion 25 , and a first wall portion 26 and a second wall portion 27 that protrude from the base portion 25 in the first width direction Z1 . The base portion 25 extends in a belt shape along the first axis X. The base portion 25 is continuously and integrally formed with the base portion 21A.

[0034] The first wall portion 26 is provided at the upper end portion Y1 of the base portion 25. The first wall portion 26 is formed so as to protrude in a curved manner from the base portion 25. The first wall portion 26 extends along the first axis X. A notch portion 28 is provided in the first wall portion 26. The notch portion 28 is formed by notching the rear end portion X2 of the first wall portion 26.

[0035] The second wall portion 27 is provided at the lower end Y2 of the base portion 25. The second wall portion 27 is formed integrally and continuously with each of the pair of side walls 21B. The second wall portion 27 projects linearly from the base portion 25 along the third axis Z. The second wall portion 27 extends along the first axis X. The second wall portion 27 is formed by partially notching so that the interior space of the connecting portion 23 and the interior space of the wire connecting portion 21 communicate with each other.

[0036] The cylindrical portion 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the end portion of the front X1 of the connecting portion 23 toward the front X1. Figure 1 The interior space of the cylindrical portion 24 communicates with the interior space of the connecting portion 23 .

[0037] (Configuration of Housing 30) like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 30 includes a housing body 31 and a cover member 50 formed to be assembled with the housing body 31. The housing body 31 is formed into a box shape with an opening at the rear X2. The cover member 50 is assembled to the housing body 31 to close the opening of the housing body 31. The housing body 31 and the cover member 50 are separate components. Both the housing body 31 and the cover member 50 are made of resin.

[0038] The housing 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining the housing body 31 and the cover member 50 to surround the terminal 20, the slider 60 and the spring 70. In other words, the terminal 20, the slider 60 and the spring 70 are accommodated in the internal space of the housing 30 formed by the housing body 31 and the cover member 50.

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing body 31 has a base 32 and peripheral walls 33, 34, 35, and 36 protruding from the base 32 toward the rear X2. The housing body 31 has a terminal receiving portion 37 for receiving the terminal 20 and a ferrite receiving portion 38 for receiving the ferrite core 80. The housing body 31 has an assembly portion 40 for assembling the slider 60 and a spring receiving portion 45 for receiving the spring 70. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing body 31 of this embodiment has two spring receiving portions 45. Figure 4 In order to simplify the drawings, the cover member 50 is omitted from the illustration.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the base 32 is formed into a flat plate shape. A peripheral wall 33 is provided at the upper end Y1 of the base 32. A peripheral wall 34 is provided at the lower end Y2 of the base 32. The peripheral walls 33 and 34 extend along the third axis Z. The peripheral wall 35 is provided at the end of the base 32 in the first width direction Z1. The peripheral wall 36 is provided at the end of the base 32 in the second width direction Z2. The peripheral walls 35 and 36 extend along the second axis Y.

[0041] The terminal 20 is inserted into the terminal receiving portion 37 along the front X1. The terminal receiving portion 37 is formed so as to be able to hold two terminals 20 arranged along the third axis Z. like Figure 5 As shown, the terminal receiving portion 37 includes a cylindrical portion 37A that projects rearward (X2) from the base 32, and a cylindrical portion 37B that projects forward (X1) from the base 32. The interior spaces of the cylindrical portions 37A and 37B communicate with each other. The cylindrical portions 37A and 37B accommodate the female terminal portions 22 of the terminals 20.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the terminal receiving portion 37 has a receiving groove 37C for receiving the wire connecting portion 21 of the terminal 20. The receiving groove 37C extends from the cylindrical portion 37A along the lower side Y2. The internal space of the receiving groove 37C communicates with the internal space of the cylindrical portion 37A.

[0043] The ferrite core 80 attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire 90 is inserted into the ferrite housing 38 along the front X1. The ferrite housing 38 extends downward along the Y2 from the housing groove 37C of the terminal housing 37. The interior space of the ferrite housing 38 communicates with the interior space of the housing groove 37C.

[0044] The slider 60 is mounted on the mounting portion 40 along the front direction X1. The mounting portion 40 holds the slider 60 so as to be movable along the first axis X in the interior space of the housing 30. The mounting portion 40 includes a guide groove 41 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 37A and cutouts 43 provided on the peripheral walls 35 and 36.

[0045] The guide protrusion 69 of the slider 60 is inserted into the guide groove 41 along the front direction X1. The guide groove 41 extends along the first axis X. The guide groove 41 extends over the entire axial length of the cylindrical portion 37A.

[0046] The peripheral walls 35 and 36 are provided with cutout portions 43. The cutout portions 43 are formed by cutting out the upper end portions Y1 of the peripheral walls 35 and 36. The two spring receiving portions 45 are respectively provided at both ends of the third axis Z. The arms 71 of the spring 70 are inserted into the spring receiving portions 45 along the front X1. Figure 4 As shown, the spring receiving portion 45 is formed in a groove shape extending along the second axis Y. The spring receiving portion 45 provided at the end portion in the first width direction Z1 is surrounded by the outer peripheral surface of the ferrite receiving portion 38, the peripheral wall 34, and the peripheral wall 35. The spring receiving portion 45 provided at the end portion in the second width direction Z2 is surrounded by the outer peripheral surface of the ferrite receiving portion 38, the peripheral wall 34, and the peripheral wall 36.

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, the housing body 31 has a fitting cylindrical portion 46 that fits into the fitting cylindrical portion 203 of the counterpart housing 202. The fitting cylindrical portion 46 fits into the inner side of the fitting cylindrical portion 203 of the counterpart housing 202. Figure 2 As shown, the fitting cylindrical portion 46 protrudes from the base portion 32 toward the front X1.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing body 31 has engaging portions 47 provided on the peripheral walls 33, 35, and 36. The engaging portions 47 are engaging protrusions that protrude outward from the outer surfaces of the peripheral walls 33, 35, and 36. One engaging portion 47 is provided on the peripheral wall 33. Two engaging portions 47 are provided on each of the peripheral walls 35 and 36.

[0049] (Configuration of Cover Member 50) like Figure 1 As shown, the cover member 50 is attached to the housing body 31. The cover member 50 is formed on the housing body 31 so as to be attachable and detachable.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the cover member 50 has a main body 51, a protrusion 52 protruding from the main body 51 toward the front X1, and a rotation limiting portion 53 protruding from the protrusion 52 toward the bottom Y2. The cover member 50 has a position limiting portion 54 protruding from the main body 51 toward the front X1 and a locking portion 55 protruding from the main body 51 toward the front X1. The cover member 50 of this embodiment has a position limiting portion 54 protruding from the main body 51 toward the front X1 and a locking portion 55 protruding from the main body 51 toward the front X1. Figure 2 ) respectively correspond to two protrusions 52, two rotation limiting portions 53 and two position limiting portions 54.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 5 , the main body 51 is formed in a flat plate shape and is formed so as to close the rear opening X2 of the housing body 31 . like Figure 5 As shown, each protrusion 52 protrudes from the inner surface of the cover member 50, that is, the end surface in front of the main body 51 at X1, toward the terminal 20. Each protrusion 52 is inserted into the internal space of the connecting portion 23 of the terminal 20. Each protrusion 52 is formed to be able to engage with the connecting portion 23 on the second axis Y. Each protrusion 52 has the function of limiting the upward movement Y1 of the terminal 20 and the downward movement Y2 of the terminal 20 by being inserted into the internal space of the connecting portion 23.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, each protrusion 52 includes a base end portion 52A connected to the main body portion 51 and a terminal portion 52B that protrudes forward X1 from the base end portion 52A. The base end portion 52A is generally cylindrical. The terminal portion 52B is generally cylindrical. The outer diameter of the base end portion 52A is larger than the outer diameter of the terminal portion 52B. Therefore, a step is formed at the boundary between the base end portion 52A and the terminal portion 52B.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the base end portion 52A is inserted into the interior space of the connecting portion 23. The front end surface X1 of the base end portion 52A faces the rear end surface X2 of the first wall portion 26 of the connecting portion 23. Specifically, the front end surface X1 of the base end portion 52A is formed so as to be engageable with the rear end surface X2 of the first wall portion 26 exposed from the cutout portion 28 along the first axis X. The base end portion 52A is formed so as to be engageable with the second wall portion 27 at the lower side Y2.

[0054] The entire terminal portion 52B is inserted into the internal space of the connecting portion 23. The terminal portion 52B is formed so as to be engageable with the first wall portion 26 at the upper side Y1. The terminal portion 52B is formed so as to be engageable with the second wall portion 27 at the lower side Y2. In this way, the terminal portion 52B is formed so as to be engageable with the connecting portion 23 in two directions along the second axis Y, namely, at the upper side Y1 and at the lower side Y2. Figure 3 As shown, the first wall portion 26 is formed in a curved shape that curves along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical terminal portion 52B.

[0055] Each rotation restricting portion 53 protrudes downwardly (Y2) from the distal end 52B of each protrusion 52. Each rotation restricting portion 53 is formed so as to protrude further in the first width direction (Z1) than the distal end 52B. This creates a step at the boundary between the rotation restricting portion 53 and the distal end 52B, and forms an engagement surface 53A facing upwardly (Y1). The engagement surface 53A extends from the distal end 52B in the first width direction (Z1) and along the first axis (X).

[0056] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , each rotation restricting portion 53 is provided so as to be opposed to the second wall portion 27 on the third axis Z. Figure 8 As shown, each rotation limiting portion 53 is formed so as to be able to engage with the second wall portion 27 in the rotation direction of the terminal 20 with the first axis X as the center. Each rotation limiting portion 53 has the function of limiting the terminal 20 from rotating in a rotation direction with the first axis X as the center, in this case, in a clockwise (right) direction. The engaging surface 53A is formed so as to be able to engage with the circumferential end surface of the first wall portion 26 in the rotation direction of the terminal 20 with the first axis X as the center. The engaging surface 53A has the function of limiting the terminal 20 from rotating in a rotation direction with the first axis X as the center, in this case, in a counterclockwise (left) direction. In addition, when the terminal 20 is housed in the terminal receiving portion 37 of the shell body 31, the terminal 20 can also be limited from rotating in the counterclockwise direction by utilizing the wall portion constituting the terminal receiving portion 37.

[0057] like Figure 5As shown, each position limiting portion 54 is arranged in a manner opposite to the wire connection portion 21 of each terminal 20 on the first axis X. Each position limiting portion 54 is formed to be able to engage with each wire connection portion 21 on the first axis X. Each position limiting portion 54 is arranged to be able to make surface contact with each wire connection portion 21. Each position limiting portion 54 is formed to be able to press each wire connection portion 21 toward the front X1. Each position limiting portion 54 has the function of limiting the movement of the terminal 20 toward the rear X2. Each position limiting portion 54 extends along the second axis Y. As shown Figure 6 As shown, each position restricting portion 54 is formed integrally and continuously with the rotation restricting portion 53 .

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the cover member 50 of this embodiment has three engaging portions 55 corresponding to the engaging portions 47 of the housing body 31. Each engaging portion 55 protrudes from the main body 51 toward the housing body 31. Each engaging portion 55 is an elastic sheet formed to be elastically deformable. Each engaging portion 55 is formed as a frame. Each engaging portion 55 has an engaging hole 56 that can engage with the engaging portion 47. The engaging portion 47 and the engaging hole 56 engage with each other by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 55. The engagement between the engaging portion 47 and the engaging hole 56 can maintain the housing body 31 and the cover member 50 in a state of being combined.

[0059] (Configuration of Slider 60) like Figure 2 As shown, the slider 60 includes a main body 61, a spring receiving portion 63, a fitting securing portion 68, and a guide protrusion 69. The slider 60 is a single component in which the main body 61, the spring receiving portion 63, the fitting securing portion 68, and the guide protrusion 69 are integrally formed. The slider 60 is made of resin.

[0060] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the slider 60 is housed inside the housing 30. The slider 60 is held by the housing body 31 so as to be movable to the first position along the first axis X (see FIG. Figure 9 and Figure 12 ) and the second position (refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 ).like Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first position is a position where the main body 61 engages with the base 32 of the housing body 31 on the first axis X. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the second position is a position in which the slider 60 is pressed toward the rear X2 by the mating housing 202. The second position is a position toward the rear X2 from the first position, specifically, a position closer to the cover member 50 than the first position.

[0061] When the housing 30 and the counterpart housing 202 are fitted together, the slider 60 is pressed toward the rear X2 by the counterpart housing 202. As a result, the slider 60 moves parallel to the first axis X from the first position to the second position while resisting the force of the spring 70 to compress the spring 70 on the first axis X. Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the slider 60 is in the second position and is further pressed by the mating housing 202, the mating securing portion 68 elastically deforms to expand its opening, and the mating securing portion 204 on the mating side enters the interior of the mating securing portion 68. This allows the slider 60 to move forward X1. Furthermore, when the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are properly mated, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown, the slider 60 disposed at the second position is urged toward the first position by the spring 70 , and the slider 60 moves parallel to the first axis X from the second position to the first position.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 61 of the slider 60 has a through hole 62 that penetrates the main body 61 along the first axis X. The terminal receiving portion 37 of the housing body 31 is inserted into the through hole 62 .

[0063] The spring housing portion 63 is formed so as to be able to house a part of the spring 70. The spring housing portion 63 is formed in a U-shape in a plan view as viewed from the front X1. like Figure 11 As shown, the mating ensuring portion 68 has two elastic pieces 68A. The two elastic pieces 68A are arranged in a manner opposite to each other on the third axis Z. Each elastic piece 68A extends from the main body 61 toward the front X1. Each elastic piece 68A is formed into a cantilever shape with a base end connected to the main body 61 as a fixed end and a terminal end on the side opposite to the base end as a free end. Each elastic piece 68A is configured to be able to bend toward the third axis Z by utilizing elastic deformation. When the housing 30 and the other housing 202 are mated, each elastic piece 68A is pressed toward the rear X2 by the mating ensuring portion 204 on the other side. The two elastic pieces 68A are configured to be able to bend in a direction of separation from each other by being pressed by the mating ensuring portion 204 on the other side.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the slider 60 has two guide protrusions 69. The two guide protrusions 69 are arranged in a manner opposite to each other on the third axis Z. Each guide protrusion 69 extends along the first axis X. Each guide protrusion 69 is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 62. Figure 4As shown, each guide protrusion 69 is formed to fit within the guide groove 41 of the housing body 31. Each guide protrusion 69 is formed so that, when fitted within the guide groove 41, it can engage with the guide groove 41 in both the upper direction Y1 and the lower direction Y2. With each guide protrusion 69 fitted within the guide groove 41, the slider 60 can move along the first axis X between a first position and a second position.

[0065] (Configuration of Spring 70) like Figure 2 As shown, spring 70 is formed from a wire rod. Spring 70 is made of metal. It includes a pair of arms 71 and a connecting portion 75 connecting the pair of arms 71. Spring 70 includes a pair of folded portions 76 provided at the ends of each of the pair of arms 71, and a pair of extended portions 77 provided at the ends of each of the pair of folded portions 76. Spring 70 is a single member in which the arms 71, connecting portion 75, folded portions 76, and extended portions 77 are continuously and integrally formed. The spring 70 of this embodiment does not have a twisted coil shape.

[0066] The pair of arms 71 are provided so as to face each other on the third axis Z. Each arm 71 extends entirely along the second axis Y. Each arm 71 is formed so as to be bent into an inverted V shape when viewed from above from the third axis Z, for example.

[0067] The connection portion 75 connects the upper ends Y1 of the pair of arms 71. The connection portion 75 extends along the third axis Z. The connection portion 75 is housed in the spring housing portion 63 of the slider 60. The connection portion 75 is in line contact with the bottom surface of the spring housing portion 63.

[0068] The pair of folded-back portions 76 are disposed so as to oppose each other on the third axis Z. Each folded-back portion 76 is formed so as to fold back from the lower end Y2 of each arm 71 toward the upper end Y1 of each arm 71. Each folded-back portion 76 is formed so as to fold back in a direction away from the base portion 32 of the housing body 31 (here, rearward X2). Each folded-back portion 76 folds back in a U-shape from the lower end Y2 of each arm 71. Each folded-back portion 76 is disposed so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the cover member 50.

[0069] Each extension portion 77 extends from the distal end of each folded portion 76 (here, the upper end Y1) toward the other arm 71. Each extension portion 77 extends along the third axis Z. The pair of extension portions 77 are spaced apart from each other. In other words, a gap is provided between the pair of extension portions 77. Each extension portion 77 is provided so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the cover member 50.

[0070] (Configuration of Ferrite Core 80) The ferrite core 80 is attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire 90. The ferrite core 80 is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the electric wire 90. The electric wire 90 is formed so as to penetrate the ferrite core 80 along the second axis Y. The ferrite core 80 is housed in the ferrite housing portion 38 of the case body 31.

[0071] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The connector 10 includes: a terminal 20; a housing 30 that holds the terminal 20; a slider 60 that is housed inside the housing 30 and is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position along a first axis X; and a spring 70 that urges the slider 60. The terminal 20 includes a female terminal portion 22 that extends along the first axis X and a wire connection portion 21 that extends along a second axis Y that intersects the first axis X. The female terminal portion 22 includes a groove-shaped connection portion 23 that is connected to the wire connection portion 21; and a cylindrical portion 24 that extends from the end of the connection portion 23 toward a first direction (in this embodiment, the front X1) that is a direction along the first axis X. The connection portion 23 opens in a first opposite direction (in this embodiment, the rear X2) that is the opposite direction to the first direction. The housing 30 includes a housing body 31 that includes a terminal storage portion 37 that stores the terminal 20; and a cover member 50 that is assembled to the housing body 31. The cover member 50 includes a protrusion 52 . The protrusion 52 is inserted into the connection portion 23 and is formed so as to be engageable with the connection portion 23 along the second axis Y.

[0072] With this structure, when the cover member 50 is mounted on the housing body 31 with the terminal 20 housed in the terminal receiving portion 37, the protrusion 52 of the cover member 50 is inserted into the groove-shaped connecting portion 23. At this time, the protrusion 52 is configured to engage with the connecting portion 23 along the second axis Y. The engagement between the connecting portion 23 and the protrusion 52 effectively prevents the terminal 20 from moving along the second axis Y within the housing 30. As a result, misalignment of the terminal 20 within the housing 30 is effectively prevented.

[0073] (2) The connecting portion 23 includes a base 25 and a first wall portion 26. The first wall portion 26 is provided at an end portion of the base 25 in the second direction (in this embodiment, the upper direction Y1), which is a direction along the second axis Y. The connecting portion 23 includes a second wall portion 27. The second wall portion 27 is provided at an end portion of the base 25 in the second opposite direction (in this embodiment, the lower direction Y2), which is the opposite direction to the second direction. The first wall portion 26 and the second wall portion 27 protrude toward a third direction (in this embodiment, the first width direction Z1) that intersects both the front X1 and the upper direction Y1. The protrusion 52 is formed so as to be engageable with the first wall portion 26 in the upper direction Y1 and so as to be engageable with the second wall portion 27 in the lower direction Y2.

[0074] According to this structure, the protrusion 52 is arranged so as to be engaged with the first wall portion 26 of the connecting portion 23 at the upper side Y1. By engaging the protrusion 52 with the first wall portion 26, the terminal 20 can be properly restrained from moving toward the lower side Y2 inside the housing 30. In addition, the protrusion 52 is arranged so as to be engaged with the second wall portion 27 of the connecting portion 23 at the lower side Y2. By engaging the protrusion 52 with the second wall portion 27, the terminal 20 can be properly restrained from moving toward the upper side Y1 inside the housing 30. In this way, by engaging the protrusion 52 with the first wall portion 26 and the second wall portion 27, the terminal 20 can be properly restrained from moving toward the upper side Y1 and the lower side Y2 inside the housing 30. As a result, the terminal 20 can be properly restrained from being misaligned inside the housing 30.

[0075] (3) The protrusion 52 engages with the first wall portion 26 and the second wall portion 27, thereby holding the terminal 20 from the inner side of the connecting portion 23. Thus, even if the electric wire 90 connected to the terminal 20 is pulled downward Y2, for example, the terminal 20 can be held by the protrusion 52, thereby suppressing deformation of the terminal 20.

[0076] (4) The rotation restricting portion 53 of the cover member 50 is formed so as to be engageable with the second wall portion 27 in the rotational direction of the terminal 20 centered about the first axis X. The engagement of the second wall portion 27 with the rotation restricting portion 53 restricts the rotation of the terminal 20 centered about the first axis X. Thus, displacement of the terminal 20 associated with the rotation of the terminal 20 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0077] (5) In addition, the rotation of the terminal 20 can be limited by the rotation limiting portion 53, thereby reducing damage or wear of the terminal 20 caused by the rotation. Furthermore, when the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are properly engaged, the sliding or wear between the terminal 20 and the mating terminal 201 can be reduced.

[0078] (6) The engaging surface 53A of the cover member 50 is formed so as to be engageable with the circumferential end surface of the first wall portion 26 in the rotational direction of the terminal 20 centered on the first axis X. The first wall portion 26 is engaged with the engaging surface 53A, thereby restricting the rotation of the terminal 20 centered on the first axis X. Thus, the displacement of the terminal 20 accompanying the rotation of the terminal 20 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0079] (7) The base end portion 52A of the protrusion 52 is configured to engage with the first wall portion 26 of the connection portion 23 on the first axis X. The engagement between the base end portion 52A and the first wall portion 26 effectively prevents the terminal 20 from moving rearwardly X2 within the housing 30. As a result, positional displacement of the terminal 20 within the housing 30 can be effectively prevented.

[0080] (8) The position restricting portion 54 is provided so as to be engageable with the wire connecting portion 21 on the first axis X. The engagement of the position restricting portion 54 with the wire connecting portion 21 effectively prevents the terminal 20 from moving rearwardly X2 within the housing 30. As a result, positional displacement of the terminal 20 within the housing 30 can be effectively prevented.

[0081] (9) Providing the position restricting portion 54 increases the contact area between the cover member 50 and the terminal 20. This allows the position of the terminal 20 to be restricted over a larger surface, thereby properly suppressing movement of the terminal 20 within the housing 30.

[0082] (Variation) The above embodiment can be implemented as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0083] The structure of the housing 30 in the above-described embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The engagement structure between the housing body 31 and the cover member 50 may be modified as appropriate. In the housing 30 of the above embodiment, the housing body 31 and the cover member 50 are formed as separate components, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the housing body 31 and the cover member 50 may be integrally formed via a hinge or the like.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the housing 30 is composed of two divided bodies, namely, the housing body 31 and the cover member 50 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the housing 30 may be composed of three or more divided bodies.

[0085] The structure of the cover member 50 may be modified as appropriate. The position restricting portion 54 may be omitted. The rotation restricting portion 53 may be omitted. The structure of the housing body 31 may be modified as appropriate. The guide groove 41 may be omitted. The cutout portion 43 may be omitted.

[0086] The structure of the spring 70 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The extension portion 77 of the spring 70 may be omitted. The structure of each arm 71 may be changed.

[0087] The connecting portion 75 of the spring 70 may be omitted. The structure of the slider 60 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The guide protrusion 69 of the slider 60 may be omitted.

[0088] The structure of the fitting ensuring portion 68 may be modified as appropriate. The ferrite core 80 in the above embodiment may be omitted. The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Description of Reference Numerals

[0089] 10 Connectors 20 terminals 21 Wire connection 21A base 21B side wall 21C core wire connection part 21D Covered connection 22 Female terminal 23 Connection 24 cylindrical part 25 base 26 1st wall 27 Second wall 28 incision 30 Shell 31 Shell body 32 base 33, 34, 35, 36 surrounding walls 37 Terminal storage area 37A, 37B cylindrical part 37C Storage Slot 38 Ferrite storage area 40 Assembly Department 41 guide groove 43 incision 45 Spring storage part 46 fitting cylinder 47 snap-fit ​​portion 50 Cover member 51 Main body 52 protrusion 52A base end 52B end 53 Rotation limiting part 53A snap-on surface 54 Position restriction unit 55 snap-fit ​​portion 56 snap-in hole 60 Slide 61 Main body 62 through holes 63 Spring storage unit 68 Fitting Assurance Department 68A elastic sheet 69 guide protrusion 70 Spring 71 Arm 75 connection 76 Turnback 77 Extension 80 ferrite core 90 Wire 91 core wire 92 Insulation coating 200 other connector 201 other terminal 202 other shell 203 Mating cylinder on the other side 204 Mating securing portion on the other side X 1st axis X1 forward (first direction) X2 rear (opposite direction to the first) Y 2nd axis Y1 Upward (2nd direction) Y2 below (2nd opposite direction) Z 3rd axis Z1 1st width direction (3rd direction) Z2 2nd width direction

Claims

1. A connector comprising: terminal; a housing for holding the terminals; a sliding member housed in the housing and movable along a first axis to a first position and a second position; and A spring applies force to the sliding member, wherein The terminal includes a female terminal portion extending along the first axis and a wire connecting portion extending along a second axis intersecting the first axis. The female terminal portion includes a groove-shaped connection portion connected to the wire connection portion and a cylindrical portion extending from an end portion of the connection portion toward a first direction that is a direction along the first axis. The connecting portion opens in a first opposite direction which is an opposite direction to the first direction. The housing includes a housing body having a terminal receiving portion for receiving the terminal and a cover member mounted on the housing body. The cover member includes a protrusion that is inserted into the connecting portion and is formed to be engageable with the connecting portion on the second axis.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The housing body is formed into a box shape that is open in the first opposite direction. The cover member includes a main body portion that closes the opening of the case body in the first opposite direction, and the protrusion portion that protrudes from the main body portion toward the first direction.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The connecting portion comprises: a base; a first wall portion provided in the base as an end portion in a second direction along a direction of the second axis; and a second wall portion provided in the base as an end portion in a second opposite direction in an opposite direction to the second direction. The first wall portion and the second wall portion each protrude toward a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. The protrusion is formed to be engageable with the first wall portion in the second direction and to be engageable with the second wall portion in the second opposite direction.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein The cover member has a rotation restricting portion extending from the protrusion toward the second opposite direction, The rotation restricting portion is formed to be engageable with the second wall portion in a rotational direction of the terminal about the first axis.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein The connecting portion has a cutout portion provided at the first opposite end portion of the first wall portion. The protrusion has a cylindrical base end portion connected to the main body portion and a cylindrical terminal portion protruding from the base end portion toward the first direction. The outer diameter of the distal end portion is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the base end portion, The end surface of the base end portion in the first direction is formed to be engageable with the end surface in the first opposite direction of the first wall portion exposed from the cutout portion on the first axis. The connector according to claim 5 , wherein: The second wall portion faces the rotation restricting portion in the third direction. The protrusion has an engaging surface extending from the terminal end toward the third direction. The first wall portion is formed into a curved shape along the outer peripheral surface of the terminal portion. The engaging surface is formed to be engageable with an end surface in the circumferential direction of the first wall portion in the rotational direction.

7. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The cover member includes a position restriction portion protruding from the main body toward the first direction. The position restriction portion is formed to be engageable with the electric wire connection portion on the first axis.

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