Connector

Abstract

The invention provides a connector capable of ensuring the stability of clamping of a holding body relative to a terminal. The holding body (60) is disposed in a mounting hole (37) of the housing (30) and moves in the left-right direction from the temporary locking position to the formal locking position. A main body portion (61) of the holding body (60) is disposed so as to have a gap with a hole surface on the front side of the mounting hole (37) in the temporary locking position. Front protrusions (end-side front protrusions (74) and intermediate front protrusions (73)) of the holding body (60) face the front hole surface of the mounting hole (37) so as to be contactable in the temporary locking position. The hole surface on the rear side of the mounting hole (37) is provided with a press-in part (45) which presses the holding body (60) moving from the temporary locking position to the main locking position forward. The front-side hole surface of the mounting hole (37) has recesses (end-side recesses (48) and intermediate recesses (44)) for accommodating the front protrusions at the main locking position of the holder (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] The connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes terminals, a housing for receiving the terminals, and a side retainer (hereinafter referred to as "retainer") mounted on the housing. The retainer is movable in the left-right direction relative to the housing between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position. The retainer has a spear-shaped portion that can elastically deform. The spear-shaped portion is configured to lock against the terminals from the rear in both the temporary locking position and the permanent locking position. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-191827 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] When the retainer is in the properly locked position, a clearance (gap) may occur between the terminal and the spear-shaped part due to assembly tolerances or dimensional tolerances. If a large clearance occurs between the terminal and the spear-shaped part, the stability of the retainer's locking relative to the terminal may be compromised, such as the stability of the connection between the terminal and the other terminal.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can ensure the stability of the locking of the retainer relative to the terminal. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The connector of the present invention includes a housing, a retainer, and terminals. The housing has a cavity extending in a front-rear direction and a mounting hole intersecting the cavity. The retainer is configured to move between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction when disposed relative to the housing in the mounting hole. The terminals are disposed in the cavity and are prevented from falling rearward from the cavity by the retainer in the permanent locking position. The retainer has a main body and a forward protrusion protruding forward from the main body. The main body is configured to have a gap between itself and the front surface of the mounting hole in the temporary locking position. The forward protrusion is contactably opposed to the front surface of the mounting hole in the temporary locking position. The rear surface of the mounting hole has a press-in portion that presses the retainer forward as it moves from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position. The front surface of the mounting hole has a recess that receives the forward protrusion in the permanent locking position of the retainer. Invention Effects

[0007] According to the present invention, a connector that can ensure the stability of the locking of the retainer relative to the terminal can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the terminal housed in the housing is engaged with the spear-shaped portion of the retainer in the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a side view of the housing of the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, viewed from one side. Figure 4 This is a top sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the shell cut in the middle of the upper and lower parts. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the retainer in the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, viewed from the front. Figure 6 This is a top view of the retainer in the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a side view of the retainer in the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a transverse cross-sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, taken at the position corresponding to the spear-shaped portion when the housing is disposed in a temporary locking position relative to the retainer. Figure 9 This is a transverse cross-sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, taken at the position corresponding to the spear-shaped portion when the retainer is positioned relative to the housing in the formal locking position. Figure 10 This is an enlarged top sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, taken at a position corresponding to the upper end of the retainer when the retainer is disposed in a temporary locking position relative to the housing. Figure 11 This is an enlarged top sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, taken at a position corresponding to the upper end of the retainer when the retainer is positioned relative to the housing in the formal locking position. Figure 12 This is an enlarged side view of the housing portion of the retainer in the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when the retainer is configured in a temporary locking position relative to the housing. Figure 13 This is an enlarged side view of the housing portion of the retainer in the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when the retainer is configured in a temporary locking position relative to the housing. Figure 14 This is a side view of the connector as described in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, with the retainer positioned relative to the housing in the locked position, viewed from the other side. Detailed Implementation

[0009] [Description of embodiments of the present invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. (1) The connector of the present invention includes a housing, a retainer, and a terminal. The housing has a cavity extending in a front-rear direction and a mounting hole intersecting the cavity. The retainer is configured to move between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction when the retainer is positioned relative to the housing in the mounting hole. The terminal is positioned in the cavity and is prevented from falling rearward from the cavity by the retainer in the permanent locking position. The retainer has a main body and a front protrusion protruding forward from the main body. The main body is configured to have a gap between itself and the front surface of the mounting hole in the temporary locking position. The front protrusion is contactably opposed to the front surface of the mounting hole in the temporary locking position. The rear surface of the mounting hole has a press-in portion that presses the retainer forward as it moves from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position. The front surface of the mounting hole has a recess that receives the front protrusion in the permanent locking position of the retainer.

[0010] During the movement of the retainer from the temporary locking position to the final locking position, the retainer is pressed forward by the press-in portion, thus blocking the gap between the retainer and the terminal and ensuring the stability of the retainer's locking relative to the terminal. When the retainer is in the temporary locking position, there is a gap between the main body of the retainer and the front surface of the mounting hole, but because the front protrusion can contact the front surface of the mounting hole, the retainer can be positioned inside the mounting hole without wobbling. When the retainer is in the final locking position, the front protrusion can retract into the recess, thus avoiding interference between the front protrusion and the housing and preventing increased assembly resistance as the retainer moves to the final locking position.

[0011] (2) In the connector described in (1) above, preferably, the retainer has a rear protrusion that protrudes rearward from the main body, and the rear protrusion is in contact with the rear surface of the mounting hole in the formal locking position.

[0012] When the retainer is in the fully locked position, if the front protrusion retracts into the recess, a gap may be created between the main body and the rear surface of the mounting hole. However, according to the structure described in (2) above, since the rear protrusion can be contacted and opposed to the rear surface of the mounting hole in the fully locked position, the retainer can be positioned inside the mounting hole without wobbling in the fully locked position.

[0013] (3) In the connector described in (1) or (2) above, preferably, the mounting hole has an insertion port that opens on one side of the housing, and the front protrusion reduces the amount of exposure from the insertion port from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position.

[0014] Based on the structure described above (3), after the movement of the retainer to the final locking position is performed, the degree of reduction in the amount of protrusion exposed at the front is confirmed through the insertion port, thereby detecting whether the retainer has been correctly moved to the final locking position.

[0015] (4) In any of the connectors described in (1) to (3) above, preferably, the mounting hole extends from the insertion port that opens on one side of the housing to the inner end face near the other side of the housing, and the other side of the housing has a window opening that communicates with the mounting hole, and the front protrusion is configured to face the window opening in the formal locking position.

[0016] Based on the structure described in (4) above, after the movement of the retainer to the final locking position is performed, by confirming whether the front protrusion can be visually identified through the window, it is possible to more reliably detect whether the retainer has been correctly moved to the final locking position.

[0017] (5) In any of the connectors described in (1) to (4) above, it is preferred that the retainer has a spear-shaped portion that can be elastically deformed, the spear-shaped portion being opposed to the terminal from the rear at the respective positions of the temporary locking position and the formal locking position, the spear-shaped portion being in contact with the terminal at the formal locking position.

[0018] By positioning the spear-shaped portion in the locked position to contact the terminal, the terminal is retracted into the cavity without wobbling. For example, in the case of a shielded terminal that connects to a shielded wire, improved shielding performance can be achieved.

[0019] [Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention] Specific examples of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to these examples; the claims are intended to encompass all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0020] <Implementation Method 1> The connector 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes terminals 20, a housing 30 for housing the terminals 20, and a retainer 60 mounted on the housing 30. The terminals 20 are so-called shielded terminals, connected to the terminal portion of a shielded wire 100. The housing 30 is fitted with a counterpart connector (not shown). It should be noted that in the following description, regarding the front-back direction, the side of the housing 30 that fits with the counterpart connector is referred to as the front side. The vertical direction is excluded... Figure 6 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The vertical direction of all other figures is used as the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The reference numerals X, Y, and Z in the attached diagram represent forward, right, and upward, respectively. The reference for direction is for convenience and is not always consistent with the reference for direction when the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle or other vehicle not shown.

[0021] (terminal) like Figure 2 As shown, terminal 20 has an inner conductor 21, a dielectric body 22 housing the inner conductor 21, and an outer conductor 23 surrounding the dielectric body 22. The inner conductor 21 and outer conductor 23 are made of conductive metals. The dielectric body 22 is made of synthetic resin (insulating resin). The dielectric body 22 maintains an insulating state between the outer conductor 23 and the inner conductor 21. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the inner conductors 21 are housed in pairs inside the dielectric body 22 in the left-right direction, and are connected to the sheathed wires 110 (twisted pair, etc.) of the shielded wire 100 by crimping. Figure 2 As shown, the inner conductor 21 has a male connector 24 at the front. The outer conductor 23 has a cylindrical portion 25 further forward than the dielectric body 22. The male connector 24 protrudes from the dielectric body 22 into the interior of the cylindrical portion 25.

[0022] An upwardly protruding locking protrusion 26 is formed on the outer conductor 23. The locking protrusion 26 is claw-shaped and is formed by a cut (bend) through a portion of the upper wall of the outer conductor 23. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the locking protrusion 26 can lock the spear-shaped portion 66 of the retainer 60 (described later). Additionally, a pair of downwardly protruding left and right tabs 27 are formed on the outer conductor 23. (As shown...) Figure 1 As shown, the tab portion 27 is plate-shaped along the front-to-back direction and is composed of downwardly projecting portions from the left and right sidewalls of the outer conductor 23. Figure 9 As shown, each protrusion 27 is engaged with the anti-detachment portion 72 of the retainer 60 (described later).

[0023] (case) The casing 30 is made of synthetic resin. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the housing 30 is constructed by connecting the fitting portion 31, the housing body 32, and the rear cylindrical portion 33 sequentially from the front to the rear. Figure 1 As shown, the fitting part 31, the main body of the housing 32, and the rear cylindrical part 33 are all quadrilateral in shape. The fitting part 31 and the main body of the housing 32 are each formed to be one size larger than the rear cylindrical part 33.

[0024] The fitting portion 31 has a front cylindrical portion 34 and a cover portion 35 that surrounds the outer periphery of the front cylindrical portion 34. A counterpart housing (not shown) of a counterpart connector is fitted between the cover portion 35 and the front cylindrical portion 34. It should be noted that a locking portion is formed on the upper wall of the cover portion 35 to lock the counterpart housing in place during fitting, but this is not shown in the figure.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, the front cylindrical portion 34 and the rear cylindrical portion 33 have cavities 36 extending in the front-rear direction. The housing body 32 has mounting holes 37 intersecting the cavities 36. Terminals 20 are housed in the cavities 36 and mounting holes 37 of the front cylindrical portion 34. The terminal portion of the shielded wire 100 is housed in the cavity 36 of the rear cylindrical portion 33.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the mounting hole 37 has an insertion port 38 that opens on one side (right side) of the housing body 32. Figure 4 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the mounting hole 37 extends from the insertion port 38 in the housing body 32 in a left-right direction to the inner end face 46 near the other side (left side). The retainer 60 is inserted into the mounting hole 37 from one side (right side) of the housing body 32 through the insertion port 38.

[0027] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a first locking receiving portion 41 and a second locking receiving portion 42 are recessed in a left-right direction on the upper and lower surfaces (the downward-facing surface and the upward-facing surface) of the mounting hole 37, respectively. The first locking receiving portion 41 is positioned to one side further than the second locking receiving portion 42. The left-right opening width of the second locking receiving portion 42 is greater than the left-right opening width of the first locking receiving portion 41. The first locking receiving portion 41 and the second locking receiving portion 42 can engage with the first locking portion 67 and the second locking portion 68 of the retainer 60, which will be described later.

[0028] like Figure 3As shown, regarding the width of the mounting hole 37 in the front-rear direction, the upper and lower middle portions are narrower than the upper and lower ends, and the mounting hole 37 has an H-shape (inverted H-shape) in side view. The housing body 32 has a pair of intermediate protrusions 39 extending forward and backward inward from the upper and lower middle portions of the mounting hole 37. Each intermediate protrusion 39 is positioned opposite the mounting hole 37 at a distance in the front-rear direction via the upper and lower middle portions of the mounting hole 37. Figure 4 As shown, a central inclined portion 43 is formed on one side of the rear central protrusion 39, which slopes inward to the left and right (the other side) as it moves forward. A central recess 44 extending in the left and right direction is formed on the rear surface of the front central protrusion 39 (the surface opposite to the rear central protrusion 39).

[0029] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the front surfaces (facing rearward) of the mounting holes 37 at both ends of the housing body 32, excluding the end recesses 48 described later, become front wall surfaces 53 arranged in the left-right direction. The rear surfaces (facing forward) of the mounting holes 37 at both ends of the housing body 32, excluding the press-in portions 45 described later, become rear wall surfaces 54 arranged in the left-right direction. It should be noted that the front and rear surfaces of the mounting holes 37 at the upper and lower middle portions of the housing body 32 also become wall surfaces corresponding to the front wall surface 53 and the rear wall surface 54, respectively. like Figure 3 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, a pressing portion 45 with a sloped shape that tilts forward as it moves to the other side is formed on the rear wall surface 54 of the mounting hole 37. The pressing portion 45 is disposed near the inner end surface 46 of the mounting hole 37. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a straight portion 47 along the left-right direction is formed between the inner end face 46 of the mounting hole 37 and the pressing portion 45. As will be described later, the upper and lower pair of pressing portions 45 function to press the retaining body 60, which has moved toward the final locking position, forward.

[0030] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, an end-side recess 48 is formed in the front wall surface 53 of the mounting hole 37. The end-side recess 48 is located near the inner end surface 46 of the mounting hole 37 and is opposite to the press-in portion 45 and the straight portion 47 in the front-rear direction. One side of the end-side recess 48 (the side facing the other direction) is a sloped shape that tilts forward as it moves to the other side.

[0031] like Figure 14As shown, on the other side of the housing body 32, there is an upper and lower pair of end-side window holes 51 and an intermediate window hole 52 located between each end-side window hole 51 in the vertical direction. Each end-side window hole 51 is a slit-like hole along the vertical direction and communicates with each end-side recess 48 (see reference). Figure 10 and Figure 11 The central window 52 is also a slit-like opening extending vertically, communicating with the central recess 44 (see reference). Figure 4 The central window 52 is positioned further forward than each end window 51 in the front-rear direction. Each end window 51 is positioned at the same location as the others in the front-rear direction.

[0032] (Maintaining the body) The retainer 60 is made of synthetic resin. When inserted into the mounting hole 37, the retainer 60 can be in a temporary locking position relative to the housing 30 (see reference). Figure 8 and Figure 10 ) and the official stopping position (refer to Figure 9 and Figure 11 It moves between left and right directions.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, the retainer 60 has a main body 61 that is quadrilateral in shape from the front view. The main body 61 is H-shaped (inverted H-shaped) from the side view. Figure 10 As shown, when the retainer 60 is in the temporary locking position, the main body 61 is in contact with the rear wall surface 54 of the mounting hole 37, and is configured to be away from the front wall surface 53 of the mounting hole 37. Figure 11 As shown, when the retainer 60 is in the locked position, the main body 61 is in contact with the front wall surface 53 of the mounting hole 37 and is configured to be away from the rear wall surface 54 of the mounting hole 37.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, the main body 61 has a lower wall 62, an upper wall 63, and a pair of left and right side walls 64 and 65 connecting the lower wall 62 and the upper wall 63 respectively. Each side wall 64 and 65 is mounted in the vertical direction between the lower surface of the lower wall 62 and the upper surface of the upper wall 63 at their respective front and rear middle portions. Among the pair of left and right side walls 64 and 65, the thickness of one side wall 64 in the horizontal direction is greater than that of the other side wall 65.

[0035] A spear-shaped portion 66 is formed on the upper wall 63 of the main body 61. The spear-shaped portion 66 is elastically deformable within a pair of left and right cuts, which are formed on a portion of the upper wall 63 of the main body 61. The spear-shaped portion 66 is shaped to extend in the front-back direction within each cut and can elastically deform in the vertical direction with the rear end of the main body 61 as a fulcrum.

[0036] On the upper surface of the upper wall 63 and the lower surface of the lower wall 62 of the main body 61, a first locking portion 67 and a second locking portion 68 are respectively formed protruding in a left-right direction. Both the first locking portion 67 and the second locking portion 68 are rib-shaped extending in a front-back direction. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first locking portion 67 is positioned rearward and to one side of the second locking portion 68. Figure 5 As shown, a flexible space 69 is formed on the upper wall 63 and lower wall 62 of the main body 61, allowing the first locking part 67 and the second locking part 68 to elastically deform. On the upper wall 63 of the main body 61, the first locking part 67, the second locking part 68, and the flexible space 69 are arranged with the spear-shaped part 66 at a position further to one side than the spear-shaped part 66.

[0037] A pair of retraction grooves 71 are formed on the upper surface of the lower wall 62 of the main body 61. Each retraction groove 71 extends in the front-to-back direction and is spaced apart in the left-to-right direction. During the insertion of the terminal 20, each protrusion 27 enters the retraction groove 71 and retracts (see reference). Figure 8 Additionally, a pair of anti-detachment portions 72 are formed on the upper surface of the lower wall 62 of the main body 61, adjacent to each retraction groove 71. Each anti-detachment portion 72 has a forward-facing vertical front surface at the front-rear midpoint of the lower wall 62 of the main body 61. When the retainer 60 is in the fully locked position, the front surface of each anti-detachment portion 72 is in contact with the rear end of each protrusion portion 27, thereby preventing the terminal 20 from falling out of the cavity 36 (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the retainer 60 has a central forward protrusion 73 projecting forward from the front surface of one side wall 64. The central forward protrusion 73 extends in a constant cross-sectional shape (trapezoidal) in the vertical direction. One side of the central forward protrusion 73 forms a sloped shape that bends towards the other side as it moves forward. The top surface (front end surface) of the central forward protrusion 73 is vertically positioned along the vertical direction. Figure 9 As shown, when the body 60 is in the officially locked position, the central front protrusion 73 enters the central recess 44 and retracts.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, the retainer 60 has a pair of upper and lower end-facing front protrusions 74 projecting forward from the front surfaces of the other ends of the upper wall 63 and the lower wall 62. Each end-facing front protrusion 74 extends in a constant cross-sectional shape (trapezoidal) along the vertical direction. The vertical dimension of the lower end-facing front protrusion 74 is smaller than that of the upper end-facing front protrusion 74. One side of each end-facing front protrusion 74 is a sloped shape that inclines to the other side as it moves forward. The top surface (front end surface) of each end-facing front protrusion 74 is vertically arranged along the vertical direction. Figure 11 As shown, when the holding body 60 is in the formal locking position, the front protrusion 74 on the end side enters the end side recess 48 and retracts.

[0040] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the retainer 60 has a pair of upper and lower rearward protrusions 75 projecting rearward from the rear surface of one end of the upper wall 63 and the lower wall 62. Each rearward protrusion 75 extends in a constant cross-sectional shape (trapezoidal cross-section) along the vertical direction. Each rearward protrusion 75 is constructed with the same shape and size as each other. The other side of each rearward protrusion 75 is a sloped shape that slopes towards the other side as it moves forward. The top surface (rear end surface) of each front protrusion 74 is arranged vertically along the vertical direction. Figure 11 As shown, when the retainer 60 is in the locked position, the top surface of the rear protrusion 75 at each end can be contacted and opposed to the rear wall surface 54 of the mounting hole 37.

[0041] (The function of a connector) During assembly, the retainer 60 is inserted from the insertion port 38 of the housing 30 into the mounting hole 37. During insertion of the retainer 60, the other side wall 65 of the main body 61 enters the upper and lower middle portions of the mounting hole 37, which is narrow between the intermediate protrusions 39. (As...) Figure 8 As shown, the second locking portion 68 is elastically inserted into the second locking receiving portion 42, and the first locking portion 67 is elastically inserted into the first locking receiving portion 41, thereby holding the body 60 in a temporary locking position relative to the housing 30. When the body 60 is in the temporary locking position, one end of the main body portion 61 is positioned to one side protruding from the insertion port 38 of the housing 30.

[0042] like Figure 12 As shown, when the retainer 60 is in the temporary locked position, the rear surfaces of the upper wall 63 and lower wall 62 of the main body 61 are in contact with the rear wall surface 54 of the mounting hole 37. Furthermore, in the temporary locked position, the top surface of the central front protrusion 73 is in contact with the front surface of the upper and lower middle portions of the mounting hole 37, and the top surface of each end front protrusion 74 is in contact with the front wall surface 53 of the mounting hole 37. Thus, the retainer 60 is held in the temporary locked position in a state where its movement relative to the housing 30 is suppressed. Figure 10 As shown, the other side of each end rear protrusion 75 is in contact with the chamfered portion 49 formed on one side end of the rear wall surface 54 of the mounting hole 37. Figure 12 As shown, when the holding body 60 is in the temporary locking position, the front protrusions 74 at each end and the front protrusion 73 at the middle are all configured such that a whole side can be visually identified through the insertion port 38. The rear protrusions 75 at each end are configured such that a whole side can be visually identified near the front of the chamfered portion 49.

[0043] In the above state, terminal 20 is inserted into cavity 36 of housing 30 from the rear. During the insertion of terminal 20, locking protrusion 26 interferes with spear-shaped portion 66, causing spear-shaped portion 66 to elastically deform upward. After insertion of terminal 20 is completed, spear-shaped portion 66 elastically returns to its original position, and the tip surface of spear-shaped portion 66 is locked behind locking protrusion 26 (see reference). Figure 8 At this time, a clearance can be formed between the spear-shaped portion 66 and the locking protrusion 26 in the front-back direction. Each protruding portion 27 is arranged in a manner that is forward of each retraction groove 71 and on the other side of each anti-slip portion 72.

[0044] Next, the retainer 60 is pressed to the other side, moving towards the final locking position. During the movement of the retainer 60 towards the final locking position, a beveled portion 77 (see reference 60) is formed on the rear surface of the other end of the main body 61 (the top end of the retainer 60 in the direction of movement towards the final locking position). Figure 10 Sliding along the pressing portion 45, a pressing force is applied to the retainer 60, which is moving to the other side, to press the retainer 60 forward. As a result, the retainer 60 moves obliquely forward relative to the left-right direction. During the oblique forward movement of the retainer 60, one side of each end-side front protrusion 74 slides along one side of each end-side recess 48, and the other side of each end-side rear protrusion 75 slides along the chamfered portion 49 of the mounting hole 37.

[0045] By using the pressing part 45 to move the retainer 60 diagonally forward, the gap between the spear-shaped part 66 and the locking protrusion 26 is blocked. During the period before the retainer 60 reaches the final locking position, the tip surface of the spear-shaped part 66 contacts the locking protrusion 26, and the spear-shaped part 66 presses the locking protrusion 26 forward. Figure 9 As shown, when the retainer 60 reaches the final locking position, the first locking portion 67 also elastically engages with the second locking receiving portion 42, and the other side of the main body 61 abuts against the inner end face 46 of the mounting hole 37. Thus, the retainer 60 is held in the final locking position relative to the housing 30. When the retainer 60 is in the final locking position, the main body 61 is entirely housed inside the mounting hole 37. Furthermore, in the final locking position, as... Figure 13 As shown, the front surfaces of the upper wall 63 and lower wall 62 of the main body 61 are in contact with the front wall surface 53 of the mounting hole 37. The rear protrusions 75 at each end are in contact with one side of the rear wall surface 54 of the mounting hole 37. The front protrusions 74 at each end enter the recesses 48 at each end to avoid interference with the housing body 32 (see reference). Figure 11 The central front protrusion 73 also enters the central recess 44 to avoid interference with the housing body 32. Thus, the retainer 60 is held in the properly locked position in a state where its swaying relative to the housing 30 is suppressed.

[0046] When the body 60 is in the fully locked position, the front protrusions 74 on each end side are positioned so as to face the end window 51 from one side. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the operator can visually identify the front protrusion 74 of each end side through the end side window 51 from the other side, thereby detecting that the retainer 60 has reached the formal locking position.

[0047] Additionally, during the process of keeping body 60 moving from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position, such as Figures 12 to 13 As shown, the amount of exposure of the front protrusions 74 and the middle front protrusion 73 on each end facing the insertion port 38 is reduced. For example... Figure 13 As shown, when the retainer 60 reaches the final locking position, the exposed portion of each end front protrusion 74 and the middle front protrusion 73 is zero, and the operator cannot visually identify each end front protrusion 74 and the middle front protrusion 73 from one side through the insertion port 38. Therefore, even if each end front protrusion 74 and the middle front protrusion 73 cannot be visually identified from one side, it can still be detected that the retainer 60 has reached the final locking position.

[0048] When the body 60 is in the properly locked position, in addition to maintaining the locked state (contact state) of the tip surface of the spear-shaped portion 66 and the locking protrusion 26 (see reference). Figure 2 Each anti-slip part 72 can also be positioned in contact with each protruding part 27 from the rear (see reference). Figure 9 Thus, terminal 20 is reliably held in a state where it is prevented from falling out of cavity 36 relative to housing 30. Furthermore, because the lance-shaped portion 66 suppresses the wobbling of terminal 20, shielding performance is improved.

[0049] As described above, the connector 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes a housing 30, a retainer 60, and a terminal 20. The housing 30 has a cavity 36 extending in the front-rear direction and a mounting hole 37 intersecting the cavity 36. The retainer 60 is configured to move in a left-right direction intersecting the front-rear direction between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position relative to the housing 30 and the mounting hole 37. The terminal 20 is disposed in the cavity 36 and is prevented from falling rearward from the cavity 36 by the retainer 60 in the permanent locking position. The retainer 60 has a main body 61 and front protrusions 74 and 73 (front protrusions) at each end protruding forward from the main body 61. The main body 61 is configured to have a gap between itself and the front wall surface 53 (front hole surface) of the mounting hole 37 in the temporary locking position. The front protrusions 74 at each end protruding forward and the 73 at the middle protrusion are in contact with the front wall surface 53 of the mounting hole 37 in the temporary locking position. The rear wall surface 54 (rear hole surface) of the mounting hole 37 has a pressing portion 45, which presses the retainer 60, which moves from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position, forward. The front wall surface 53 of the mounting hole 37 has end recesses 48 and a middle recess 44 (recesses), which receive the end front protrusions 74 and the middle front protrusions 73 in the permanent locking position of the retainer 60.

[0050] During the movement of the retainer 60 from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position, the retainer 60 is pressed forward by the pressing part 45, thus blocking the gap between the retainer 60 and the terminal 20 and ensuring the stability of the retainer 60's locking relative to the terminal 20. When the retainer 60 is in the temporary locking position, there is a gap between the main body 61 of the retainer 60 and the front wall surface 53 of the mounting hole 37. However, because the front protrusions 74 at each end and the middle front protrusion 73 are in contact with the front wall surface 53 of the mounting hole 37 (specifically, the middle front protrusion 73 is in contact with the front surface of the upper and lower middle portions of the mounting hole 37), the retainer 60 can be positioned inside the mounting hole 37 without wobbling. When the retainer 60 is in the final locking position, the front protrusions 74 on each end and the front protrusion 73 in the middle can be retracted to the recesses 48 on each end and the recess 44 in the middle, so interference with the housing 30 can be avoided, and the assembly resistance of the retainer 60 moving to the final locking position can be prevented from increasing.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the retainer 60 has rearward protrusions 75 on each end side protruding from the main body 61, and each rearward protrusion 75 is in contact with the rear wall surface 54 (rear hole surface) of the mounting hole 37 in the properly locked position. Because each rearward protrusion 75 is in contact with the rear wall surface 54 of the mounting hole 37 in the properly locked position, the retainer 60 can be disposed inside the mounting hole 37 without wobbling in the properly locked position.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the mounting hole 37 has an insertion port 38 that opens on one side of the housing 30, and the amount of exposure of each end front protrusion 74 and the middle front protrusion 73 (front protrusion) decreases from the temporary locking position to the final locking position. After the retainer 60 is moved to the final locking position, the degree of reduction in the amount of exposure of each end front protrusion 74 and the middle front protrusion 73 is confirmed through the insertion port 38 (in this embodiment 1, the amount of exposure is zero), thereby detecting whether the retainer 60 has been correctly moved to the final locking position.

[0053] Furthermore, in the case of this embodiment 1, the mounting hole 37 extends from the insertion port 38, which opens on one side of the housing 30, to the inner end face 46 near the other side of the housing 30. Each end-side window 51 (window hole) communicating with the mounting hole 37 is opened on the other side of the housing 30. Each end-side front protrusion 74 (front protrusion) is arranged to face each end-side window 51 in the final locking position. Therefore, after moving the retainer 60 to the final locking position, by confirming whether the end-side front protrusion 74 can be visually identified through each end-side window 51, it is possible to more reliably detect whether the retainer 60 has correctly moved to the final locking position.

[0054] Furthermore, the retainer 60 has a spear-shaped portion 66 that can elastically deform, which faces the terminal 20 from the rear in both the temporary locking position and the permanent locking position. Because the spear-shaped portion 66 contacts the terminal 20 in the permanent locking position, the terminal 20 is housed in the cavity 36 without wobbling. In particular, in the case of this embodiment 1, since the terminal 20 is a shielded terminal connected to the shielded wire 100, the shielding performance can be improved.

[0055] [Other embodiments of the present invention] It should be considered that the above-described embodiment 1 disclosed herein is illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. In Embodiment 1 described above, the press-in portion is formed as a slope on the rear wall surface of the mounting hole. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the press-in portion may be formed as a step rather than a slope on the rear wall surface of the mounting hole. For example, any structure that allows the sloped portion of the retaining body to slide relative to the stepped press-in portion and allows the retaining body to move forward is acceptable. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, a rear protrusion is provided in the retainer. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the rear protrusion may not be provided in the retainer. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, a spear-shaped portion is provided in the retainer. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the spear-shaped portion may not be provided in the retainer. For example, it may be a structure in which the front surface of the anti-disengagement portion contacts the protruding portion of the terminal when the retainer is in the fully locked position. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the terminal is a shielded terminal that is connected to a shielded wire. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the terminal may also be a general terminal made entirely of conductive metal that is connected to a general wire. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the front protrusion is composed of each end front protrusion and a middle front protrusion. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the front protrusion may also be composed of either each end front protrusion or the middle front protrusion. In Embodiment 1 described above, the amount of the front protrusion exposed from the insertion port is zero in the fully locked position. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the front protrusion may also be visually identifiable in the fully locked position. In short, it is acceptable as long as the operator can confirm the degree of reduction in the amount of the front protrusion exposed through the insertion port. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0056] 10: Connector 20: Terminal 21: Inner conductor 22: Dielectric 23: External conductor 24: Male connector 25: Cylindrical part 26: Locking protrusion 27: Protuberance 30: Shell 31: Chimeric part 32: Main body of the shell 33: Rear cylindrical section 34: Front tube section 35: Cover 36: cavity 37: Mounting hole 38: Insertion port 39: Middle protrusion 41: Card 1 receiving section 42: Second card receiving section 43: Middle sloping face 44: Center concave part (concave part) 45: Press-in section 46: Inner end face 47: Straight face 48: End side concave portion (recessed portion) 49: Chamfered section 51: End side window 52: Middle window opening 53: Front wall surface (the front side of the mounting hole) 54: Rear wall surface (the hole surface on the rear side of the mounting hole) 60: Maintain body 61: Main body 62: Lower wall 63: Up the wall 64: One side wall (side wall) 65: The other sidewall (side wall) 66: Spear-shaped part 67: First locking part 68: Second stop part 69: Allowable flexural space 71: Retreat Gauge 72: Anti-hair loss section 73: Middle front protrusion (front protrusion) 74: Anterior protrusion on the end side (anterior protrusion) 75: Posterior protrusion at the end (posterior protrusion) 77: Bevel face 100: Shielded wire 110: Insulated wires

Claims

1. A connector comprising a housing, a retainer, and terminals, wherein, The housing has a cavity extending in the front-to-back direction and mounting holes intersecting the cavity. The retainer is configured to move between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction when disposed relative to the housing in the mounting hole. The terminal is disposed in the cavity and is prevented from falling rearward from the cavity by the retaining body in the formal locking position. The retainer has a main body and a forward protrusion extending forward from the main body. The main body is configured to have a gap between itself and the front surface of the mounting hole in the temporary locking position. The front protrusion is in contact with the front surface of the mounting hole in the temporary locking position. The rear side of the mounting hole has a press-in portion, which presses the retaining body forward as it moves from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position. The front side of the mounting hole has a recess that receives the front protrusion at the final locking position of the retainer.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The retainer has a rearward protrusion extending from the main body. The rear protrusion is positioned in contact with the rear surface of the mounting hole in the final locking position.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting hole has an insertion port that opens on one side of the housing. The amount of the protrusion exposed from the insertion port decreases from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The mounting hole extends from the insertion port to the inner end face near the other side of the housing. An opening communicating with the mounting hole is provided on the other side of the housing. The front protrusion is configured to face the window opening in the formal locking position.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The retainer has a spear-shaped portion that can elastically deform, the spear-shaped portion being positioned rearward opposite the terminal at both the temporary locking position and the permanent locking position. The spear-shaped portion contacts the terminal in the formal locking position.

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