Electric connector

Abstract

The invention provides an electric connector which can well maintain the connection state of terminals installed on a cable. An electrical connector (1) having a first terminal (10) attached to a first cable (C1) and a second terminal (30) attached to a second cable (C2), the first cable (C1) and the second cable (C2) being electrically connected by fitting the second terminal (30) forward to the first terminal (10), the first terminal (10) and the second terminal (30) each having a shape formed by bending a metal plate member, the first terminal (10) has a receiving portion (11) in which a space for receiving the second terminal (30) is formed, the receiving portion (11) has a locking portion (27), the second terminal (30) has an insertion portion (31) that is inserted into the receiving portion (11), and the insertion portion (31) has a locked portion (35B-2) that can be locked from the front with respect to the locking portion (27) in the fitted state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric connector for mating and connecting terminals mounted on cables. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a socket terminal mounted on one end of an electric wire and a counterpart-side plug-in terminal mounted on the other end of an electric wire. Both the socket terminal and the counterpart-side plug-in terminal are made by bending a metal plate member, and the counterpart-side plug-in terminal is inserted into and connected to the socket terminal. The socket terminal has a fitting clamping portion with a quadrangular cylindrical shape, and a cantilever beam-shaped main spring extending in the direction of terminal insertion and removal is provided in the fitting clamping portion. When connecting the terminals to each other, a flat-plate-shaped protrusion provided on the counterpart-side plug-in terminal is inserted between the main spring and the upper plate portion of the fitting clamping portion. As a result, the protrusion is clamped by the main spring and the upper plate portion and contacts the main spring with contact pressure, and the terminals are electrically connected to each other.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-237375

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the connection between the receptacle terminal and the mating plug-in terminal is maintained solely by the clamping force exerted on the mating plug-in terminal's tab by the main spring and upper plate of the receptacle terminal. Therefore, if an external force greater than the clamping force unexpectedly acts on the mating plug-in terminal while the terminals are connected, the mating plug-in terminal could easily become dislodged from the receptacle terminal, rendering the connection impossible. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector capable of satisfactorily maintaining the connection state between terminals mounted on a cable.

[0006] (1) The electrical connector according to the present invention includes a first terminal mounted on a first cable and a second terminal mounted on a second cable. The first cable and the second cable are electrically connected by fitting the second terminal forwardly into the first terminal.

[0007] For this electrical connector, in the present invention, it is characterized in that the above-mentioned first terminal and the above-mentioned second terminal are respectively in a shape formed by bending a metal plate part, and can contact each other in a mating state, the above-mentioned first terminal has a receiving portion formed with a space for receiving the above-mentioned second terminal, the above-mentioned receiving portion has a locking portion, and the above-mentioned second terminal has an insertion portion inserted into the above-mentioned receiving portion, and the above-mentioned insertion portion has a locked portion that can be locked from the front relative to the above-mentioned locking portion in the mating state.

[0008] In the present invention, when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, the insertion portion of the second terminal is inserted into the receiving portion of the first terminal toward the front and is engaged with the first terminal. When the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, the locked portion of the second terminal is positioned so that it can be locked from the front relative to the locking portion of the first terminal. Therefore, if an external force acts on the second terminal toward the rear, that is, in the direction of removal of the second terminal, the locked portion of the second terminal is locked from the front to the locking portion of the first terminal, thereby preventing the second terminal from moving backward. As a result, the second terminal can be effectively prevented from accidentally falling off from the first terminal.

[0009] (2) In the embodiment of (1), the insertion portion may include a locked piece extending in the front-rear direction, the locked piece being elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, and the locked portion being provided on the locked piece.

[0010] (3) Alternatively, based on the above-mentioned scheme (1) or (2), the above-mentioned receiving portion may include: a base portion having a plate surface intersecting with the thickness direction of the above-mentioned electrical connector; a side plate portion extending from each side edge of the above-mentioned base portion in the width direction of the above-mentioned electrical connector along the above-mentioned thickness direction; and a covering plate portion extending from at least one of the above-mentioned side plate portions along the above-mentioned width direction and opposite to the above-mentioned base portion in the above-mentioned thickness direction.

[0011] (4) Alternatively, based on the solution of (3), the covering plate portion may be provided in a part of the range in the front-to-back direction of the receiving portion, and the receiving portion may include: a cylindrical receiving portion formed in the range in the front-to-back direction of the covering plate portion; and an open receiving portion formed at a position further rearward than the cylindrical receiving portion, the open receiving portion being open in the thickness direction over the entire range in the front-to-back direction, the locked piece having a lock release operation portion for receiving a lock release operation by being pressed in the thickness direction, and the lock release operation portion being provided in the range of the open receiving portion in the front-to-back direction and the width direction in the engaged state.

[0012] In this structure, the open receiving portion is open in the thickness direction throughout its entire front-to-back direction. Therefore, when the second terminal is pulled rearward from the first terminal, while the unlocking operation portion is pressed with a jig, finger, etc., there is no portion behind the unlocking operation portion or the jig, finger, etc. that would interfere with them. Therefore, while the unlocking operation portion is pressed with a jig, finger, etc., the second terminal can be moved rearward and out of the first terminal together with the jig, finger, etc., maintaining the state in which the unlocking operation portion is pressed. This makes it easy to pull the second terminal out of the first terminal.

[0013] (5) Alternatively, based on the above-mentioned scheme (3) or (4), the above-mentioned receiving portion may have a contact piece extending from the above-mentioned covering portion in the front-to-back direction, the above-mentioned contact piece being located between the above-mentioned base portion and the above-mentioned covering portion in the above-mentioned thickness direction and being capable of elastic deformation in the above-mentioned thickness direction, the above-mentioned inserting portion may have an inserting plate portion having a plate surface intersecting the above-mentioned thickness direction and being inserted into the above-mentioned receiving portion, the above-mentioned inserting plate portion being located between the above-mentioned base portion and the above-mentioned contact piece in the above-mentioned thickness direction in the fitted state, and having a contacted portion capable of contacting the above-mentioned contact piece with contact pressure in a state supported by the above-mentioned base portion, and the above-mentioned base portion continuously extending over the entire range in the above-mentioned width direction over at least a portion of the range in the front-to-back direction.

[0014] In such a structure, when the second terminal is connected to the first terminal, the insertion plate portion of the second terminal enters from the rear between the base and the contact piece of the first terminal. The contacted portion of the insertion plate portion contacts the contact piece with contact pressure while being supported by the base, and is clamped by the base and the contact piece. At this time, the contact piece presses the contacted portion toward the base side in the above-mentioned thickness direction, so that the base receives a pressing force from the contact piece via the contacted portion. Assuming that the base is discontinuous in the above-mentioned width direction over the entire range of the front-to-back direction, the base receiving the above-mentioned pressing force may be deformed in a manner such that the discontinuous portion opens. On the other hand, based on the above-mentioned scheme (5), the base extends continuously over the entire range of the above-mentioned width direction over at least a part of the range in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the base can resist the above-mentioned pressing force with sufficient strength, and is therefore not easily deformed even if it receives the above-mentioned pressing force. As a result, a contact state with sufficient contact pressure between the contact piece and the contacted portion can be well ensured.

[0015] (6) Alternatively, based on the solution of (5), the cylindrical receiving portion may include an outer limiting portion extending from at least one of the side plate portions along the width direction, the outer limiting portion being arranged on the side opposite to the base portion relative to the covering portion in the thickness direction, and being positioned to have a range overlapping with the covering portion when viewed in the thickness direction, and being able to limit the displacement of the covering portion in the thickness direction by abutting against the covering portion.

[0016] When the contact piece of the first terminal is in contact with the contacted portion of the second terminal, the contact piece receives a reaction force from the contacted portion in the thickness direction toward the cover portion. The contact piece is arranged to extend from the cover portion, so that the cover portion receives a force in the thickness direction in the same direction as the reaction force. Based on the above-mentioned solution (6), the displacement of the cover portion in the thickness direction can be limited by the external limiting portion. Therefore, in the mating state, it is possible to suppress unintended deformation of the cover portion and maintain the contact state between the contact piece and the contacted portion.

[0017] (7) Alternatively, based on the above-mentioned scheme (5) or (6), the above-mentioned cylindrical receiving portion may have an inner limiting portion extending from at least one of the above-mentioned side plate portions along the above-mentioned width direction, and the above-mentioned inner limiting portion is arranged on the side opposite to the above-mentioned base portion in the above-mentioned thickness direction relative to the above-mentioned locked piece in the engaged state, and is positioned to have a range overlapping with the above-mentioned locked piece when viewed in the above-mentioned thickness direction, and can limit the displacement of the above-mentioned locked piece in the above-mentioned thickness direction by abutting against the above-mentioned locked piece.

[0018] In this structure, even if an external force acts on the second terminal in the thickness direction toward the cover portion in the mating state, the inner limiting portion abuts against the locked piece, thereby limiting the displacement of the locked piece and, consequently, the second terminal. As a result, the connection between the first and second terminals can be well maintained.

[0019] (8) Based on the solution of (7), the covering plate portion may be arranged on the side opposite to the base portion relative to the inner limiting portion in the thickness direction, and positioned to have a range overlapping with the inner limiting portion when viewed in the thickness direction, so as to limit the displacement of the inner limiting portion in the thickness direction by abutting against the inner limiting portion.

[0020] In this structure, even if an external force in the thickness direction toward the cover plate portion acts on the inner restricting portion due to the locked piece of the second terminal abutting against the inner restricting portion of the first terminal in the thickness direction, the abutment between the cover plate portion and the inner restricting portion limits displacement of the inner restricting portion. Consequently, displacement of the locked piece abutting against the inner restricting portion, and therefore the second terminal, is also limited. As a result, the connection between the first and second terminals can be well maintained.

[0021] (9) Based on any one of the schemes (1) to (8), the receiving portion may have an abutment portion protruding in the width direction toward the space of the receiving portion, and the abutment portion may abut against the insertion portion from the front in the engaged state.

[0022] In this structure, when the insertion portion of the second terminal is inserted into the receiving portion of the first terminal, the abutment portion of the first terminal abuts against the insertion portion of the second terminal from the front, thereby preventing the second terminal from moving excessively forward. Therefore, the second terminal stays in an appropriate position in the front-to-back direction, thereby ensuring a good connection between the first and second terminals.

[0023] (10) Alternatively, based on the solution of any one of (1) to (9), the first terminal may have a first crimping piece crimped to the first cable, the second terminal may have a second crimping piece crimped to the second cable, and the first crimping piece and the second crimping piece may be arranged on the same side of each other in the thickness direction of the electrical connector.

[0024] In such a structure, if the operator positions the first and second terminals so that both the first and second crimping pieces can be seen from the same side in the thickness direction and then engages them, the terminals can be reliably engaged with each other. Therefore, incorrect engagement of the terminals can be effectively avoided, making the engagement connection operation easier.

[0025] The present invention can provide an electrical connector capable of satisfactorily maintaining the connection state between terminals mounted on a cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the electric connector according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state before mating connection as viewed from above.

[0027] Figure 2 is shown upside down Figure 1 A perspective view of an electrical connector.

[0028] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the electrical connector in a mating connection state.

[0029] Figure 4 (A) is a perspective view of the first terminal, Figure 4 (B) is a perspective view of the second terminal.

[0030] Figure 5 (A) is a top view of the first terminal, Figure 5 (B) is Figure 5 (A) VB-VB cross-sectional view, Figure 5 (C) is Figure 5 (A) VC-VC cross-sectional view.

[0031] Figure 6 (A) is Figure 5 (A) VIA-VIA cross-sectional view, Figure 6 (B) is Figure 5 (A) VIB-VIB cross-sectional view.

[0032] Figure 7 (A) is a top view of the second terminal, Figure 7 (B) is Figure 7(A) VIIB-VIIB sectional view, Figure 7 (C) is Figure 7 VIIC-VIIC cross-sectional view of (A).

[0033] Figure 8 FIG is a diagram showing a portion of an electrical connector in a mating connection state, wherein Figure 8 (A) is a top view, Figure 8 (B) is Figure 8 (A) VIIIB-VIIIB cross-sectional view, Figure 8 (C) is Figure 8 (A) VIIIC-VIIIC cross-sectional view.

[0034] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a portion of an electrical connector in a mating connection state, Figure 9 (A) is Figure 8 (A) IXA-IXA cross-sectional view, Figure 9 (B) is Figure 8 IXB-IXB cross-sectional view of (A).

[0035] Description of Reference Numerals

[0036] 1…connector; 10…first terminal; 11…receiving portion; 12…cylindrical receiving portion; 13…open receiving portion; 15…core wire crimping piece (first crimping piece); 16…covering crimping piece (first crimping piece); 18…base; 19, 19A, 19B…side plate portion; 20…covering plate portion; 21…inner limiting portion; 22…outer limiting portion; 23…abutting portion; 24…contact piece; 27…locking portion; 30…second terminal; 32…inserting plate portion; 32B…contacted portion; 34…locked piece; 35B-2…locked portion; 36A…unlocking operation portion; 39…core wire crimping piece (second crimping piece); 40…covering crimping piece (second crimping piece); C1…first cable (first cable); C2…second cable (second cable). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an electrical connector 1 of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "connector 1") comprises a first terminal 10 configured as a receptacle terminal and a second terminal 30 configured as a plug terminal that mates with the first terminal 10. Hereinafter, the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 30 will be collectively referred to as "terminals 10, 30" as needed. Each of the terminals 10, 30 has a shape formed by bending a metal plate member in the thickness direction and is capable of contacting each other when mated.

[0039] In this embodiment, the front-to-back direction is defined as the X-axis (the X1 direction represents the front, and the X2 direction represents the rear), the width direction of the connector 1 is defined as the Y-axis, and the thickness direction of the connector 1, i.e., the vertical direction, is defined as the Z-axis (the Z1 direction represents the top, and the Z2 direction represents the bottom). Furthermore, the width direction of each of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 30 is the same as the width direction of the connector 1, i.e., the Y-axis. Hereinafter, in the description of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 30, the width direction of each of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 30 will be referred to as the "terminal width direction."

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the first terminal 10 is attached to the rear end (the end on the X2 side) of a first cable C1 (hereinafter referred to as "first cable C1") extending in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). The second terminal 30 is attached to the front end (the end on the X1 side) of a second cable C2 (hereinafter referred to as "second cable C2") extending in the front-to-back direction. The second terminal 30 engages with the first terminal 10 facing forward (in the X1 direction), thereby electrically connecting the first cable C1 and the second cable C2.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown in (A), the first terminal 10 includes: a receiving portion 11 forming a space for receiving the second terminal 30; a wiring portion 14 connected to the first cable C1 at a position forward of the receiving portion 11; and a transition portion 17 connecting the receiving portion 11 to the wiring portion 14.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the receiving portion 11 comprises a cylindrical receiving portion 12 located in the front region I and an open receiving portion 13 located in the rear region II. The receiving portion 11 comprises a base 18 having a plate surface (X-Y plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction); a pair of side panels 19, each of which bends at a right angle at the side edges of the base 18 in the terminal width direction (Y-axis direction) and extends upward; and a cover panel 20, which bends at a right angle at the upper edge of one side panel 19 and extends in the terminal width direction. Hereinafter, the Y1-side side panel 19 of the pair of side panels 19 will be referred to as "side panel 19A," and the Y2-side side panel 19 will be referred to as "side panel 19B." In this embodiment, the cover panel 20 bends at a right angle at the upper edge of the side panel 19A and extends toward the Y2 side in the terminal width direction. The cover panel 20 extends to the position of the side panel 19B, facing the base 18 from above.

[0043] On the upper surface of the base 18, two supporting protrusions 18A that protrude upward and extend in the front-to-back direction are formed by hammering and embossing. The pair of supporting protrusions 18A are adjacent to each other in the terminal width direction in the central area of ​​the base 18 in the terminal width direction. In addition, the supporting protrusions 18A are formed in the front-to-back direction in a range spanning the front domain I and the rear domain II. Specifically, the supporting protrusions 18A are formed in a range that is almost the same as the later-described insertion plate portion 32 of the second terminal 30 when the terminals 10 and 30 are in a state where the terminals 10 and 30 are in a mating connection state (hereinafter referred to as the "mating connection state") (refer to Figure 8 (B), (C)), the insert plate portion 32 is supported from below (refer to Figure 8 (B), (C) and Figure 9 (B)).

[0044] The cylindrical receiving portion 12 is in the front region I, i.e., the front-to-back direction of the cover plate portion 20, and is surrounded by the base portion 18, the two side plates 19, and the cover plate portion 20, and is substantially quadrangular in shape and extends in the front-to-back direction. The cylindrical receiving portion 12 further comprises: an inner limiting portion 21 and an outer limiting portion 22 extending from the side plate portion 19B; a pair of abutting portions 23 extending from the two side plates 19; and a contact piece 24 (see Figure 5 (B), (C)) and the limiting piece 25 extend from the covering plate portion 20.

[0045] The inner restricting portion 21 is bent at a right angle at the upper end edge of the side plate portion 19B at the rear portion of the cylindrical receiving portion 12 and extends toward the Y1 side. Figure 6 As shown in (A), the front end (free end) of the inner restricting portion 21 is located on the Y2 side of the support protrusion 18A in the terminal width direction. That is, the inner restricting portion 21 is located on the upper part of the cylindrical receiving portion 12 and is provided on the Y2 side in the terminal width direction.

[0046] In addition, if Figure 4 (A) and Figure 6 As shown in (A), the inner limiting portion 21 is located directly below the cover portion 20. In other words, the cover portion 20 is directly above the inner limiting portion 21 and is positioned so as to overlap with the inner limiting portion 21 when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, the cover portion 20 can abut against the inner limiting portion 21 from above to limit the upward displacement of the inner limiting portion 21. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in (A), a slight gap is formed between the inner limiting portion 21 and the cover plate portion 20, but instead, the inner limiting portion 21 and the cover plate portion 20 may be arranged to be in surface contact with each other. In addition, as will be described later, the inner limiting portion 21 is located directly above the locked piece 34 provided on the Y2 side of the second terminal 30 in the mating connection state, restricting the upward movement of the locked piece 34 (see Figure 9 (A), (B)).

[0047] The outer limiting portion 22 is located in the front portion of the cylindrical receiving portion 12, that is, in front of the inner limiting portion 21, and is bent at a right angle at the upper edge of the side plate portion 19B and extends toward the Y1 side. Figure 6 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 , the outer restricting portion 22 extends to the position of the side plate portion 19A and is provided over almost the entire range of the cylindrical receiving portion 12 in the terminal width direction.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer limiting portion 22 is positioned directly above the front portion of the cover plate portion 20 and is positioned so as to overlap the front portion of the cover plate portion 20 over almost the entire range when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, the outer limiting portion 22 can abut against the cover plate portion 20 from above to limit the upward displacement of the cover plate portion 20. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 (A), a slight gap is formed between the outer restricting portion 22 and the cover plate portion 20. However, instead of this, the outer restricting portion 22 and the cover plate portion 20 may be provided in surface contact with each other.

[0049] The contact portion 23 is formed by cutting and bending the lower portions of the two side plate portions 19 within the range of the front-back direction of the outer restricting portion 22 and bending them toward the inside in the terminal width direction. Figure 6 As shown in (B), the contact portion 23 protrudes toward the lower portion of the space of the cylindrical receiving portion 12. Figure 2 As shown, a notch 29 is formed around the contact portion 23, extending across the base 18 and the side plate 19, and penetrating the first terminal 10 in the plate thickness direction. The rear end surface (plate thickness surface on the X2 side) of the contact portion 23 is positioned so as to face the front end of the locked piece 34 of the second terminal 30 from the front in the mating connection state as described later (see FIG. Figure 9 (A)). Therefore, the contact portion 23 can contact the locked piece 34 from the front, thereby preventing the locked piece 34 from excessively moving forward.

[0050] The contact piece 24 is located in the central area of ​​the terminal width direction of the cover plate portion 20, is bent in a folded manner at the front end edge of the cover plate portion 20, and extends toward the rear. Figure 5 As shown in (B) and (C), the contact piece 24 is located between the base 18 and the cover plate portion 20 in the vertical direction, and extends in a manner that tilts downward as it moves toward the rear. In addition, the rear end portion of the contact piece 24 is formed with a contact portion 24A that is located slightly forward of the stopper 25 and is bent in a manner that protrudes downward. The contact piece 24 can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction with its front end portion, that is, the bent portion connected to the cover plate portion 20, as a fulcrum, and can contact the contacted portion 32B of the second terminal 30 described later from above through the contact portion 24A (see Figure 8 (B), (C)).

[0051] The limiting piece 25 is located in the central area of ​​the terminal width direction of the covering plate portion 20, is bent at a right angle at the rear end edge of the covering plate portion 20, and extends downward. The limiting piece 25 is a portion for preventing the second terminal 30 from being misfitted. When the second terminal 30 is inserted into the first terminal 10 in a posture that is reversed upside down from the normal posture, the insertion plate portion 32 of the second terminal 30 abuts against the rear surface (the plate surface on the X2 side) of the limiting piece 25, thereby preventing the second terminal 30 from being mistakenly inserted into the cylindrical receiving portion 12 of the first terminal 10. In addition, the limiting piece 25 is bent downward, is relatively short, and has rigidity, so it can effectively prevent the above-mentioned misfitting of the second terminal 30.

[0052] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown in (B) and (C), the lower end of the limiting piece 25 is positioned so as to overlap with the rear end (free end) of the contact piece 24 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the front end of the second terminal 30 will not abut the rear end of the contact piece 24 from the rear, and the limiting piece 25 prevents the contact piece 24 from being damaged by buckling. In addition, assuming that the insertion plate portion 32 of the second terminal 30 is inserted into the cylindrical receiving portion 12 of the first terminal 10 in a tilted posture slightly raised upward, the upper surface of the insertion plate portion 32 abuts the lower end of the limiting piece 25, and the insertion plate portion 32 is guided downwardly by the limiting piece 25. As a result, the second terminal 30 is smoothly inserted forward into the cylindrical receiving portion 12 while returning from the above-mentioned tilted posture to the normal posture (a posture parallel to the front-to-back direction). In this way, the limiting piece 25 also functions as a guide portion to the cylindrical receiving portion 12.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the open receiving portion 13 is formed by a base 18 and two side plate portions 19 in the rear region II, penetrates in the front-to-back direction and is open at the top. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown in (A), the open receiving portion 13 further includes: an edge plate portion 26 extending from the two side plate portions 19; and a locking portion 27 and a protruding portion 28 extending from the edge plate portion 26. The edge plate portion 26 is in the middle area in the front-to-back direction of the open receiving portion 13, and is bent at a right angle toward the inner side in the terminal width direction at the upper edges of the two side plate portions 19, and extends in the front-to-back direction. In the mating connection state, the edge plate portion 26 is located directly above the side wall portion 37 described later of the second terminal 30, limiting the upward displacement of the side wall portion 37 and even the second terminal 30 (see Figure 9 (A)).

[0054] The locking portion 27 is located in the middle region of the front-to-back direction of the edge plate portion 26, and is bent at the inner edge (edge ​​extending in the front-to-back direction) of the edge plate portion 26 and extends downward. In this embodiment, the locking portion 27 is inclined in a manner that it is directed inward in the terminal width direction as it moves downward. The front end surface (plate thickness surface on the X1 side) of the locking portion 27 is positioned so that it can be opposed to and locked from the rear relative to the locked portion 35B-2 provided on the locked piece 34 of the second terminal 30 in the mating connection state (refer to Figure 8 As a result, the locking portion 27 restricts the rearward movement of the locked portion 35B- 2 , thereby preventing the second terminal 30 from being accidentally removed.

[0055] The protrusion 28 extends from the inner edge of the edge plate portion 26 in the front of the locking portion 27 without bending toward the inside of the terminal width direction. In the mating connection state, the protrusion 28 is located directly above a portion of the locked portion 35B-2 provided on the second terminal 30 (see Figure 8 (A)), limiting the upward displacement of the locked portion 35B-2.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 3 、 Figure 4 As shown in (A) and the like, the wiring portion 14 has a pair of core wire crimping pieces 15 as first crimping pieces, and a pair of covering crimping pieces 16 as first crimping pieces. The core wire crimping pieces 15 are provided on the upper side of the rear portion of the wiring portion 14, and are provided to extend from both sides of the rear portion in the terminal width direction. The core wire crimping pieces 15 are crimped to the core wire (not shown) exposed at the rear end of the first cable C1 by pressing the core wire. When the core wire crimping pieces 15 are crimped, the free ends of the pair of core wire crimping pieces 15 are opposed to each other in the connector width direction, and this opposing state can be identified from above.

[0057] The covering crimping piece 16 is located in front of the core wire crimping piece 15 and is provided on the upper side of the front portion of the wire connection portion 14 and is provided to extend from both sides of the front portion in the terminal width direction. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the sheath crimping pieces 16 are crimped to the sheath at the rear end of the first cable C1 by pressing the sheath. When the sheath crimping pieces 16 are crimped, the free ends of the pair of sheath crimping pieces 16 face each other in the connector width direction, and this facing state can be identified from above.

[0058] The transition portion 17 extends forward from the front end of the receiving portion 11 and is connected to the rear end of the wiring portion 14. Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1A , the dimension of the transition portion 17 in the terminal width direction (Y-axis direction) gradually decreases toward the front.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown in (B), the second terminal 30 includes: an insertion portion 31 inserted into the receiving portion 11 of the first terminal 10; a wiring portion 38 connected to the second cable C2 at a position farther rearward than the insertion portion 31; and a transition portion 41 connecting the insertion portion 31 to the wiring portion 38.

[0060] The insertion portion 31 includes: an insertion plate portion 32 having a plate surface at right angles to the up and down directions; a pair of bent portions 33 bent at the front end edge of the insertion plate portion 32 in a folded manner toward the rear; a locked piece 34 extending backward from the bent portion 33; and a pair of side wall portions 37 bent at the side edges on both sides of the terminal width direction (Y-axis direction) of the insertion plate portion 32 and extending upward.

[0061] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 (B), the insertion plate portion 32 has an entry piece 32A protruding forward in the central region in the terminal width direction at the front. Figure 4 (B) and Figure 7 As shown in (B) and (C), the upper surface of the entry piece 32A is inclined downward as it approaches the front, and the plate thickness (the dimension in the vertical direction) gradually decreases as it approaches the front. The entry piece 32A is located between the pair of bent portions 33 in the terminal width direction. In addition, the front end of the entry piece 32A protrudes forward beyond the bent portions 33.

[0062] The insertion plate portion 32 is located behind the entry piece 32A and is a flat plate with a surface (XY plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The central area of ​​the insertion plate portion 32 in the terminal width direction, specifically the portion between the two locked arms 35 described later, forms a contacted portion 32B for contacting the contact portion 24A of the first terminal 10. As described later, the contacted portion 32B contacts the contact portion 24A with contact pressure via its flat upper surface.

[0063] The bent portion 33 is provided so as to extend from the front edge of the insertion plate portion 32 at both end regions in the terminal width direction of the insertion plate portion 32. The bent portion 33 is bent so as to bend back toward the rear at a position above the insertion plate portion 32. In addition, the distance between the outer surfaces of the bent portion 33 on both sides in the terminal width direction is set to be slightly smaller than the distance between the inner surfaces of the side plate portions 19 on both sides of the cylindrical receiving portion 12 of the first terminal 10.

[0064] The locked piece 34 includes a pair of locked arms 35 extending rearward from the bent portion 33 and capable of elastic deformation in the vertical direction, and a connecting portion 36 connecting the rear ends of the pair of locked arms 35. Consequently, the locked piece 34 has a generally U-shaped shape, open toward the front, when viewed from the vertical direction. The provision of the pair of locked arms 35 reduces the width of each arm 35, facilitating elastic deformation. Furthermore, the connection of the two locked arms 35 by the connecting portion 36 enhances the strength of the locked piece 34.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 3 (B), the pair of locked arms 35 include an oblique portion 35A extending so that the distance between the locked arms 35 decreases as they move rearward from the bent portion 33; and a parallel portion 35B extending rearward while continuing from the oblique portion 35A and maintaining parallelism with the oblique portion 35A. Furthermore, the parallel portion 35B includes an oblique portion 35B-1 extending rearward and upward in the middle portion in the front-to-back direction.

[0066] The pair of locked arms 35 are provided at different positions from the contact piece 24 and the stopper piece 25 of the first terminal 10 in the terminal width direction. When the locked arms 35 are inserted into the cylindrical receiving portion 12 of the first terminal 10, they are brought to both sides of the contact piece 24 and the stopper piece 25 (see FIG. Figure 8 (A)~(C) and Figure 9 (A), (B)). In addition, a pair of locked arms 35 are provided at positions where they overlap with the contact piece 24 and the stopper piece 25 in the vertical direction (see Figure 8 (B), (C) and Figure 9 (A) and (B)). Thus, in this embodiment, by positioning the locked arm portion 35 at a different position than the contact piece 24 and the stopper piece 25 in the terminal width direction, the two can be positioned so as to overlap each other vertically without interfering with each other. As a result, the vertical dimension of the connector 1 can be reduced by an amount corresponding to the overlapping portion, enabling the connector 1 to be miniaturized in the vertical direction.

[0067] The rear end portion of the parallel portion 35B is formed with a locked portion 35B-2 on its rear end surface (the plate thickness surface on the X2 side) that can be locked with respect to the locking portion 27 of the first terminal 10. The plate surface of the locked portion 35B-2 is almost parallel to the plate surface of the insertion plate portion 32B (the plate surface at right angles to the vertical direction), but strictly speaking, as shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown in (B) and (C), it extends in a manner that is slightly inclined upward as it moves toward the rear. In this embodiment, the locked portion 35B-2 is configured to be able to be locked relative to the locking portion 27, thereby limiting the movement of the locked portion 35B-2 toward the rear. In addition, in the interlocking connection state, a portion of the locked portion 35B-2 is located below the protrusion 28 of the first terminal 10 and can abut against the protrusion 28 from below (refer to Figure 8 (A) In this embodiment, the locked portion 35B- 2 contacts the protruding portion 28 from below, thereby restricting excessive elastic deformation of the locked arm portion 35B- 2 in the upward direction.

[0068] In this embodiment, the plate surface of the locked portion 35B-2 faces the plate surface of the insertion plate portion 32. On the other hand, the plate surface of the locking portion 27 of the first terminal 10 extends in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the base portion 18 of the first terminal 10. Therefore, the locked portion 35B-2 and the locking portion 27 are positioned in an intersecting relationship when viewed in the front-to-back direction. In this positional relationship, if the second terminal 30 is pulled rearward in the mating connection state, the locked portion 35B-2 more reliably abuts against the locking portion 27, making it easier to lock. As a result, the second terminal 30 is effectively prevented from being accidentally removed.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking portion 27 and the locked portion 35B-2 abut and lock against each other through the plate thickness, thereby providing a greater strength against abutting forces. Furthermore, the locked portion 35B-2 of the second terminal 30 is arranged substantially parallel to the plate surface of the insertion plate portion 32B as described above, thereby preventing the second terminal 30 from being enlarged in the vertical direction due to the presence of the locked portion 35B-2.

[0070] The connecting portion 36 is provided so as to extend in the terminal width direction in such a manner as to connect the rear end portions of the locked portions 35B-2 to each other. The connecting portion 36 has a lock release operating portion 36A protruding rearward from the center portion in the terminal width direction. The lock release operating portion 36A is a portion that receives a pressing force from above for the lock release operation between the terminals 10 and 30 when the connector is unplugged. In the present embodiment, the lock release operating portion 36A protrudes rearward to ensure a larger area of ​​the upper surface, thereby facilitating the lock release operation. In addition, the lock release operating portion 36A is located between the two locking portions 27 of the first terminal 10 in the mating connection state, thereby avoiding interference with the locking portion 27 (refer to Figure 8 (A)).

[0071] The side wall portions 37 are formed to rise from both side edges of the insertion plate portion 32 between the position immediately behind the bent portion 33 and the transition portion 41 in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the distance between the outer surfaces of the two side wall portions 37 is substantially the same as the distance between the outer surfaces of the bent portion 33 located on both sides of the front of the side wall portion 37. Therefore, when the first terminal 10 is mated, if the bent portion 33 is received by the cylindrical receiving portion 12 in the front region I, the side wall portion 37 is received by the open receiving portion 13 in the rear region II of the first terminal 10.

[0072] A recessed portion 37A is formed in the side wall portion 37 at a middle position in the front-to-back direction, which is recessed from the upper edge. In addition, a stepped positioning portion 37B is formed in the side wall portion 37 by cutting away the upper portion of the front end portion. The positioning portion 37B of the side wall portion 37 located on the Y2 side is positioned so that, in the mating connection state, the front end surface (plate thickness surface) at right angles to the front-to-back direction faces the rear end surface (plate thickness surface) of the inner limiting portion 21 of the first terminal 10 from behind and can abut against it (see FIG. Figure 9 (A)).

[0073] In addition, the portion of the side wall portion 37 located behind the recess 37A is located directly below the edge plate portion 26 of the first terminal 10 in the mating connection state and can abut against the edge plate portion 26 from below (see FIG. Figure 9 (A) In this embodiment, the side wall portion 37 contacts the edge plate portion 26 from below, thereby restricting the upward movement of the side wall portion 37.

[0074] The wire connection portion 38 includes a pair of core wire crimping pieces 39, which serve as second crimping pieces, and a pair of covering crimping pieces 40, which serve as second crimping pieces. The core wire crimping pieces 39 are located on the upper side of the front portion of the wire connection portion 38, extending from both sides of the front portion in the terminal width direction. These core wire crimping pieces 39 press against the core wire (not shown) exposed at the front end of the second cable C2 to form a crimped connection with the core wire. When the core wire crimping pieces 39 are crimped, the free ends of the pair of core wire crimping pieces 39 face each other in the connector width direction, and this facing state can be identified from above.

[0075] The sheath crimping piece 40 is located behind the core crimping piece 39, on the upper side of the rear portion of the wire connection portion 38, extending from both sides of the rear portion in the terminal width direction. The sheath crimping piece 40 compresses the sheath at the front end of the second cable C2, thereby crimping the sheath. When the sheath crimping piece 40 is crimped, the free ends of the pair of sheath crimping pieces 40 face each other in the connector width direction, and this facing state can be seen from above.

[0076] The transition portion 41 extends rearward from the rear end of the insertion portion 31 and is connected to the front end of the wire-binding portion 38. Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1B , the dimension of the transition portion 41 in the terminal width direction (Y-axis direction) gradually decreases toward the rear.

[0077] Next, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 8 (A) to (C) and Figure 9 (A) and (B) of the embodiment will now be described for the mating connection operation of the connector 1. Figure 8 (A) is a diagram showing a portion of the electrical connector in a mating connection state, Figure 8 (A) is a top view, Figure 8 (B) is Figure 8 (A) VIIIB-VIIIB cross-sectional view, Figure 8 (C) is Figure 8 (A) VIIIC-VIIIC cross-sectional view. Figure 9 (A) is Figure 8 (A) IXA-IXA cross-sectional view, Figure 9 (B) is Figure 8 (A) IXB-IXB sectional view. In addition, Figure 8 (A)~(C) and Figure 9 In (A) and (B) of FIG. 5 , the wiring portion 14 , the wiring portion 38 , the first cable C1 , and the second cable C2 are omitted from illustration.

[0078] First, if Figure 1 As shown, the first terminal 10 is connected to the first cable C1, and the second terminal 30 is connected to the second cable C2. Then, the first terminal 10 is placed in an upward position so that the core wire crimping piece 15 and the covering crimping piece 16 can be identified from above, and the second terminal 30 is placed in an upward position so that the core wire crimping piece 39 and the covering crimping piece 40 can be identified from above. Figure 1 As shown, with both the first cable C1 and the second cable C2 extending in the front-to-back direction, the second terminal 30 is arranged behind the first terminal 10. Next, the second terminal 30 is moved forward and the insertion portion 31 of the second terminal 30 is inserted into the receiving portion 11 of the first terminal 10.

[0079] In this embodiment, the core wire crimping piece 15 and the covering crimping piece 16 of the first terminal 10 and the core wire crimping piece 39 and the covering crimping piece 40 of the second terminal 30 are all arranged on the upper side, and the state in which the free ends of each pair of crimping pieces are opposed to each other can be identified from above. Therefore, if the operator puts the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 30 into a posture in which both the crimping pieces of the first terminal 10 (the core wire crimping piece 15 and the covering crimping piece 16) and the crimping pieces of the second terminal 30 (the core wire crimping piece 39 and the covering crimping piece 40) can be identified from above at the same time, and then engages them, the terminals will not be mistakenly engaged with each other and can be reliably engaged.

[0080] In addition, assuming that the second terminal 30 is inserted into the first terminal 10 in a posture opposite to the normal posture in the up and down direction, the entry piece 32A of the second terminal 30 abuts against the limit piece 25 of the first terminal 10 from the rear, preventing the second terminal 30 from moving further toward the front, thereby reliably preventing the second terminal 30 from being incorrectly engaged.

[0081] In this embodiment, the crimping tabs of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 30 are respectively located on the upper side of the wiring portion. However, the location of the crimping tabs of the two terminals is not limited to this. For example, they can also be located on the lower side of the wiring portion. In other words, the crimping tabs of the two terminals only need to be located on the same side and can be identified at the same time.

[0082] During insertion of the second terminal 30, the side wall portion 37 of the second terminal 30 is restricted in its movement in the terminal width direction by the inner surface of the side plate portion 19 of the first terminal 10. The side wall portion 37 of the second terminal 30 moves directly below the edge plate portion 26 of the first terminal 10, and upward movement of the second terminal 30 is restricted by the edge plate portion 26. In this way, by restricting the movement of the second terminal 30 in the terminal width direction and the vertical direction, the second terminal 30 can be reliably guided into the cylindrical receiving portion 12.

[0083] As the second terminal 30 is inserted, the inclined surface 35B-1 of the locked piece 34 contacts the lower end of the locking portion 27 of the first terminal 10, causing it to receive a reaction force from this lower end. As a result, the locked arm 35 gradually elastically deforms downward, allowing further forward movement of the second terminal 30 and allowing insertion to proceed. Thus, the second terminal 30 continues to be inserted while the portion of the locked arm 35 further rearward than the inclined surface 35B-1 is pressed by the lower surface (plate thickness) of the locking portion 27, maintaining the locked arm 35 in a state of maximum elastic deformation.

[0084] If the second terminal 30 is inserted further forward into the cylindrical receiving portion 12 of the first terminal 10, the pair of locked arms 35 of the second terminal 30, after passing both sides of the stopper 25 provided on the cylindrical receiving portion 12, further pass both sides of the contact piece 24 and move forward. In other words, the stopper 25 and the contact piece 24 provided on the cylindrical receiving portion 12 enter between the pair of locked arms 35 from the front.

[0085] Furthermore, if the second terminal 30 moves forward and the rear end of the locked arm 35, that is, the locked portion 35B-2, reaches a position forward of the locking portion 27 of the first terminal 10, then Figure 8 As shown in (B) and (C), the locked arm portion 35 is released from the elastically deformed state and restored to a free state. As a result, the locked portion 35B-2 approaches the locking portion 27 in front of the locking portion 27. Therefore, the locked portion 35B-2 can be locked from the front relative to the locking portion 27, becoming a state that prevents the second terminal 30 from moving backward, that is, a locked state. Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 5A , in the locked state, the locked portion 35B- 2 and the connecting portion 36 of the second terminal 30 are located within the range of the open receiving portion 13 in the front-rear direction and the terminal width direction.

[0086] In addition, almost at the same time, Figure 9 As shown in (A), the bent portion 33 approaches the contact portion 23 from behind the contact portion 23, and the positioning portion 37B of the side wall portion 37 on the Y2 side approaches the inner restricting portion 21 from behind the inner restricting portion 21. In this way, the bent portion 33 is positioned so that it can abut against the contact portion 23 from the rear, and the positioning portion 37B is positioned so that it can abut against the inner restricting portion 21 from the rear, thereby restricting further movement of the second terminal 30 toward the front. As a result, the electrical connection and locking state between the terminals are maintained, and the mating connection operation is completed.

[0087] On the other hand, the insertion plate portion 32 of the second terminal 30 enters from the rear between the base portion 18 of the first terminal 10 and the contact piece 24. At this time, after the entry piece 32A of the insertion plate portion 32 passes under the stopper 25, it abuts against the contact portion 24A of the contact piece 24, pressing the contact piece 24 upward to cause it to elastically deform. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in (C), after the second terminal 30 is inserted, the elastic deformation state of the contact piece 24 is maintained, and the contact portion 24A contacts the contacted portion 32B of the insertion plate portion 32 from above with contact pressure. As a result, the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 30 are electrically connected. In addition, Figure 8In (C), the contact piece 24 is not shown in the elastically deformed state, but the contact portion 24A is shown overlapping the contacted portion 32B. However, in reality, the contact piece 24 elastically deforms upward by an amount corresponding to the vertical dimension of the overlap.

[0088] When contacted portion 32B is in contact with contact portion 24A, contacted portion 32B is supported from below by support protrusion 18A of base 18, and is sandwiched between support protrusion 18A and contact portion 24A. At this time, contact portion 24A presses contacted portion 32B from above toward support protrusion 18A, so base 18 having support protrusion 18A receives a pressing force from contact portion 24A via contacted portion 32B.

[0089] Here, assuming that the base of the first terminal is discontinuous in the terminal width direction over the entire range in the front-back direction, the base subjected to the above-mentioned pressing force may be deformed in such a manner that the discontinuous portion opens. Figure 2 As shown, the base 18 of the first terminal 10 extends continuously over the entire width of the terminal, for the majority of its front-to-back direction, i.e., excluding the area of ​​the cutout portion 29. Therefore, the base 18 is able to resist the aforementioned pressing force with sufficient strength and is not easily deformed even when subjected to such a pressing force. As a result, a contact state with sufficient contact pressure between the contact portion 24A and the contacted portion 32B can be well maintained.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base 18 supports the contacted portion 32B via the upwardly projecting support protrusion 18A. Therefore, the supporting force for supporting the contacted portion 32B from below is concentrated on the support protrusion 18A, thereby increasing the contact pressure between the contact portion 24A and the contacted portion 32B compared to a case where the support protrusion 18A is not provided.

[0091] Furthermore, when the contact portion 24A and the contacted portion 32B are in contact, the contact portion 24A experiences an upward reaction force from the contacted portion 32B. Since the contact piece 24 having the contact portion 24A is arranged to extend from the cover portion 20, the cover portion 20 experiences a force in the same direction as this reaction force, namely, an upward force. In this embodiment, the outer restricting portion 22 limits upward displacement of the cover portion 20. Therefore, in the mated connection state, unintended deformation of the cover portion 20 can be suppressed, while maintaining good contact between the contact portion 24A and the contacted portion 32B.

[0092] In this embodiment, the front portion of the second terminal 30 is inserted into the cylindrical receiving portion 12 of the first terminal 10, and the front end of the second terminal 30 is hidden in the cylindrical receiving portion 12, so the insertion extent cannot be confirmed by visual observation. However, even if the second terminal 30 is inserted with a strong operating force, the second terminal 30 will not be inserted excessively because the bent portion 33 and the positioning portion 37B of the second terminal 30 abut against the abutting portion 23 and the inner limiting portion 21 of the first terminal 10, respectively. Therefore, the insertion position of the second terminal 30 is automatically determined. In addition, this abutment can provide a tactile sense that the second terminal 30 has been inserted to the specified position.

[0093] Furthermore, when the second terminal 30 reaches the proper insertion position, the locked arm 35 returns to its free state upward, and the locked portion 35B-2 strikes the protrusion 28 of the first terminal 10 from below, thereby providing a click feeling. Therefore, this click feeling also allows one to recognize that the second terminal 30 has been inserted into the proper insertion position.

[0094] In this embodiment, in the interlocking connection state, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG, the locked portion 35B-2 of the second terminal 30 is opposed to the locking portion 27 of the first terminal 10 so as to be locked from the front. Therefore, even if the second terminal 30 is pulled rearward in the mating connection state, the locked portion 35B-2 is locked to the locking portion 27, and the rearward movement of the second terminal 30 is prevented. As a result, the second terminal 30 is effectively prevented from accidentally falling off.

[0095] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown in (B), the locked portion 35B-2 tilts slightly upward as it moves rearward. Therefore, when the locked portion 35B-2 is in contact with the locking portion 27 and locked (locked state), the locked portion 35B-2 displaces upward, that is, toward the base of the locking portion 27 (the bent portion connected to the edge plate portion 26). In other words, the locked portion 35B-2 moves away from the free end (the lower end of the locking portion 27), where the lock is easily released. As a result, the lock is deepened and difficult to release. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locked portion 35B-2 is tilted. However, if sufficient locking depth can be ensured, the locked portion can also be kept parallel to the front-to-back direction without tilting, for example.

[0096] In the chimeric connection state, Figure 8As shown in Figures (A) and (B), the protrusion 28 of the first terminal 10 is located directly above a portion of the locked portion 35B-2 of the second terminal 30. Therefore, in the mated connection state, even if an external force acting upward unexpectedly acts on the locked arm 35, the locked portion 35B-2 abuts against the edge plate 26 from below, limiting the upward displacement of the locked arm 35. As a result, damage to the locked arm 35 can be effectively prevented.

[0097] In the chimeric connection state, Figure 9 As shown in (A), the edge plate portion 26 of the first terminal 10 is located directly above the side wall portion 37 of the second terminal 30. Therefore, in the mating connection state, even if an external force acts on the second terminal 30, such as when the second cable C2 is accidentally pulled upward and the rear portion of the second terminal 30 is lifted upward, the side wall portion 37 abuts against the edge plate portion 26 from below, thereby limiting the upward displacement of the rear portion of the second terminal 30. As a result, a good mating connection state can be maintained.

[0098] In the chimeric connection state, Figure 9 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIGURE 1 , the inner limiting portion 21 of the first terminal 10 is positioned directly above the front portion of the locked arm 35 on the Y2 side. Therefore, in the mated connection state, even if an external force acts on the second terminal 30, such as if the second cable C2 is accidentally pulled downward and the front portion of the second terminal 30 is lifted upward, the front portion of the locked arm 35 abuts against the inner limiting portion 21 from below, thereby limiting the upward displacement of the front portion of the second terminal 30. As a result, a good mated connection state can be maintained.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover plate portion 20 is provided immediately above the inner restricting portion 21, and the outer restricting portion 22 is provided immediately above the cover plate portion 20. Therefore, when the front portion of the locked arm portion 35 abuts the inner restricting portion 21 from below as described above, upward displacement of the inner restricting portion 21 is restricted by the cover plate portion 20, and upward displacement of the cover plate portion 20 is restricted by the outer restricting portion 22. This effectively restricts displacement of the second terminal 30, and more reliably maintains the mated connection state.

[0100] To remove the second terminal 30 from the first terminal 10 in the mating connection state, the upper surface of the unlocking operation portion 36A of the second terminal 30 is pressed from above with a jig (not shown) or a finger (not shown), causing the locked arm portion 35 to elastically deform downward, thereby moving the locked portion 35B-2 to a position below the locking portion 27 of the first terminal 10. As a result, the interlocking state (locked state) between the locked portion 35B-2 and the locking portion 27 is released. Then, while maintaining the elastically deformed state of the locked arm portion 35, the second terminal 30 is pulled rearward, causing the locked arm portion 35 to pass under the locking portion 27, thereby allowing the second terminal 30 to be removed.

[0101] In this embodiment, the open receiving portion 13 of the first terminal 10 is open upward throughout its entire range in the front-to-back direction, and the lock release operating portion 36A provided on the connecting portion 36 of the second terminal 30 is provided within the range of the open receiving portion 13 in the front-to-back direction and the terminal width direction. Therefore, when the second terminal 30 is pulled out from the first terminal 10 to the rear, while the lock release operating portion is pressed with a jig, a finger, etc., there is no portion behind the lock release operating portion 36A or the jig, finger, etc. that interferes with them. Therefore, the second terminal 30 can be moved rearward to the outside of the first terminal 10 together with the jig, finger, etc. while the lock release operating portion 36A is pressed with the jig, finger, etc. unchanged. Therefore, the second terminal 30 can be easily pulled out from the first terminal 10.

[0102] In this embodiment, the contact piece 24 of the first terminal 10 extends from the front edge of the cover portion 20 of the cylindrical receiving portion 12 toward the rear within the cylindrical receiving portion 12, but the shape of the contact piece is not limited to this. For example, it can also be set to extend from the rear edge of the cover portion toward the front.

[0103] In this embodiment, a portion of the base 18 of the first terminal 10 in the front-to-back direction, i.e., the portion excluding the cutout 29, extends continuously over the entire width of the terminal. As a modified example, the base may extend continuously over the entire width of the terminal in the front-to-back direction. In this case, no cutout is formed in the base, and thus the abutment portion is provided at a position different from that in this embodiment.

[0104] In this embodiment, the cover plate portion 20 of the first terminal 10 extends only from the Y1-side side plate portion 19A of the pair of side plates 19. However, as a modified example, the cover plate portion may extend from both side plates, or may extend only from the Y2-side side plate portion. In this case, the inner and outer restricting portions are positioned so as not to interfere with the cover plate portion.

[0105] In this embodiment, in the first terminal 10, the inner restricting portion 21 extends only from the Y2-side side plate portion 19B of the pair of side plates 19. However, as a modified example, the inner restricting portion may extend from both side plates, or may extend only from the Y1-side side plate portion. In this case, the cover plate portion and the outer restricting portion are positioned so as not to interfere with the inner restricting portion.

[0106] In this embodiment, the outer restricting portion 22 of the first terminal 10 extends only from the Y2-side side plate portion 19B of the pair of side plates 19. However, as a modified example, the outer restricting portion may extend from both side plates, or may extend only from the Y1-side side plate portion. In this case, the cover plate portion and the inner restricting portion are positioned so as not to interfere with the outer restricting portion.

Claims

1. An electrical connector comprising a first terminal mounted on a first cable and a second terminal mounted on a second cable, wherein the first cable and the second cable are electrically connected by engaging the second terminal with the first terminal facing forward, wherein: The first terminal and the second terminal are each formed by bending a metal plate member and can contact each other in a mating state. The first terminal has a receiving portion having a space formed therein for receiving the second terminal. The receiving portion has a locking portion, The second terminal has an insertion portion inserted into the receiving portion, The insertion portion includes a locked portion that can be locked from the front with respect to the locking portion in a fitted state.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The insertion portion has a locked piece extending in the front-to-back direction. The locked piece can be elastically deformed in a direction intersecting the front-back direction. The locked portion is provided on the locked piece.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein: The receiving unit has: a base having a plate surface intersecting with the thickness direction of the electrical connector; side plate portions extending from respective side edges of the base portion in the width direction of the electrical connector along the thickness direction; as well as The cover plate portion extends from at least one of the side plate portions in the width direction and faces the base portion in the thickness direction.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein: The covering plate portion is provided at a portion of the receiving portion in the front-rear direction. The receiving portion includes: a cylindrical receiving portion formed in the range of the front-rear direction of the covering plate portion; and an open receiving portion formed at a position behind the cylindrical receiving portion. The open receiving portion is open in the front-rear direction toward the thickness direction, The locked piece has a lock releasing operation portion that receives a lock releasing operation by being pressed in the thickness direction. The lock release operation portion is provided so as to be located within the range of the open receiving portion in the front-rear direction and the width direction in the fitted state.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein: The receiving portion further includes a contact piece extending from the cover portion in the front-to-rear direction. The contact piece is located between the base portion and the cover portion in the thickness direction and is elastically deformable in the thickness direction. The insertion portion includes an insertion plate portion having a plate surface intersecting the thickness direction and inserted into the receiving portion. The insert plate portion is located between the base portion and the contact piece in the thickness direction in the fitted state, and has a contacted portion capable of contacting the contact piece with contact pressure in a state supported by the base portion. The base portion extends continuously over at least a portion of the front-rear direction and the entire width direction.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 5, wherein: The cylindrical receiving portion has an outer limiting portion extending from at least one of the side plate portions in the width direction, The outer limiting portion is provided on the opposite side of the base portion relative to the cover portion in the thickness direction and is positioned to overlap with the cover portion when viewed in the thickness direction. The outer limiting portion can limit displacement of the cover portion in the thickness direction by abutting against the cover portion.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The cylindrical receiving portion has an inner restricting portion extending from at least one of the side plate portions in the width direction, The inner limiting portion is arranged on the side opposite to the base portion relative to the locked piece in the thickness direction in the fitted state, and is positioned to have a range overlapping with the locked piece when viewed in the thickness direction. It can limit the displacement of the locked piece in the thickness direction by abutting against the locked piece.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein: The covering plate portion is arranged on the side opposite to the base portion relative to the inner limiting portion in the thickness direction, and is positioned to have a range overlapping with the inner limiting portion when viewed in the thickness direction. By abutting against the inner limiting portion, the displacement of the inner limiting portion in the thickness direction can be limited.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The receiving portion has an abutment portion that protrudes in the width direction toward the interior of the receiving portion. The abutment portion can abut against the insertion portion from the front in the fitted state.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first terminal has a first crimping piece crimped to the first cable. The second terminal has a second crimping piece crimped to the second cable. The first crimping piece and the second crimping piece are arranged on the same side of each other in a thickness direction of the electrical connector.

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