connector

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a connector, and the connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a connector body including a main body portion providing a receiving space and a sub-body portion connected to the receiving space and providing a connection space with one side open; a cable having an end disposed in the receiving space; a terminal including a cable coupling portion coupled to the end of the cable and a terminal portion extending from the cable coupling portion to the connection space; and a retainer coupling the terminal and the connector body, wherein the retainer may include a retainer body portion disposed in the receiving space and fixing the cable coupling portion in position; and a terminal receiving portion extending from the retainer body portion and accommodating the terminal portion therein.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0054789 filed on April 24, 2024 in the Republic of Korea, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector, and more specifically, to a connector capable of allowing an electrical device to electrically communicate.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A connector electrically connected to one configuration is an electrical component capable of allowing the one configuration to electrically communicate with another configuration by being coupled to another connector electrically connected to the other configuration. In general, the connector is composed of a connector body forming an overall appearance and a conductive terminal penetratively coupled to the connector body. The connector body is coupled to the body of another connector in a shape-fitting manner to achieve a coupling between the connectors, and the terminal is coupled to the terminal of another connector to achieve an electrical connection between the configurations.

[0004] However, in conventional connectors, the terminal is exposed to the outside of the connector body, so that there is a problem of being difficult to sufficiently secure insulation from other electrical components. In particular, the connector generally has a pair of terminals each forming a positive electrode and a negative electrode, but in conventional connectors, it is difficult to secure sufficient insulation distance or insulation performance between such pair of terminals with high reliability. Additionally, in conventional connectors, the coupling or assembly between the terminal and the connector body is weak, so that unexpected defects, such as the two configurations falling out from each other, occur. Accordingly, there has been an urgent need to develop a connector capable of sufficiently securing the insulation of the terminal and having high coupling and assembly properties.SUMMARY TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and therefore the present disclosure is directed to providing a connector having improved insulation for the terminal.

[0006] The present disclosure is also directed to providing a connector having improved coupling and assembly properties between the connector body forming the appearance of the connector and the terminal.

[0007] Technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described problems, and other problems not mentioned herein may be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art from the following description of the present disclosure.TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector including a connector body including a main body portion providing a receiving space and a sub-body portion connected to the receiving space and providing a connection space with one side open; a cable having an end disposed in the receiving space; a terminal including a cable coupling portion coupled to the end of the cable and a terminal portion extending from the cable coupling portion to the connection space; and a retainer coupling the terminal and the connector body, wherein the retainer includes a retainer body portion disposed in the receiving space and fixing the cable coupling portion in position; and a terminal receiving portion extending from the retainer body portion and accommodating the terminal portion therein.

[0009] At this time, the terminal receiving portion may have a hollow shape.

[0010] At this time, the terminal portion may have a cylindrical shape, and the terminal receiving portion may be coaxially arranged with the terminal portion.

[0011] At this time, the terminal receiving portion may have a longer length than the terminal portion to cover an outer circumferential surface of the terminal portion.

[0012] At this time, the retainer may further include a terminal catch portion protruding from the terminal receiving portion so that the terminal portion is not moved to the outside of the terminal receiving portion.

[0013] At this time, the terminal catch portion may protrude from an inner circumferential surface of the terminal receiving portion at an end of the terminal receiving portion.

[0014] At this time, the terminal catch portion may be in the shape of a ring having an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of an end of the terminal portion.

[0015] At this time, the sub-body portion may extend parallel to the terminal portion.

[0016] At this time, the sub-body portion may have a longer length than the terminal portion and the terminal receiving portion.

[0017] At this time, the retainer body portion may have an enclosure shape accommodating the cable coupling portion and having one side open to allow the end of the cable to enter thereinto.

[0018] At this time, the retainer body portion and the terminal receiving portion may have different widths to allow a connection portion connecting the retainer body portion and the terminal receiving portion to be stepped, wherein the connector body may further include a retainer catch portion provided between the receiving space and the connection space to allow the connection portion to be caught.

[0019] At this time, the retainer may further include a body-side catch portion provided on an outer surface of the retainer body portion and capable of being caught on an inner wall of the receiving space.

[0020] At this time, the body-side catch portions may be configured in a pair and face each other with the retainer body portion therebetween.

[0021] At this time, the connector may further include a coupling member having one side coupled to the retainer body portion and the other side coupled to the cable coupling portion.

[0022] At this time, the coupling member may include a coupling body portion fitted into the retainer body portion; and a ring portion extending from the coupling body portion and surrounding the cable coupling portion in a circumferential direction of the cable.

[0023] At this time, the connector body may further include a partition wall portion dividing the receiving space into first and second receiving spaces that extend parallel to each other

[0024] At this time, the terminal may include first and second terminals, wherein the cable coupling portion of the first terminal may be disposed in the first receiving space, the cable coupling portion of the second terminal may be disposed in the second receiving space, and the terminal portions of the first and second terminals may be disposed together in the connection space.

[0025] At this time, the retainer may include first and second retainers, wherein the terminal receiving portion of the first retainer may accommodate the terminal portion of the first terminal, and the terminal receiving portion of the second retainer may accommodate the terminal portion of the second terminal.ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

[0026] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the terminal receiving portion of the retainer accommodates the terminal portion of the terminal therein, so that the insulation of the connector may be improved.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the retainer body portion of the retainer may fix the terminal receiving portion of the terminal coupled to the cable in position, so that the assembly and coupling properties of the connector may be improved.

[0028] Effects to be obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects not mentioned herein may be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of one part of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of another part of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a terminal, a retainer, and a coupling member of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail to enable those skilled in the art to easily carry out the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0031] To clearly describe the present disclosure, an irrelevant description or a detailed description of related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure is omitted, and in affixing the reference numerals to the elements in each drawing, the identical or similar reference numerals are affixed to the identical or similar elements throughout the present disclosure.

[0032] Additionally, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the present disclosure and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but rather interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspect of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define terms appropriately for the best explanation.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of one part of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of another part of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a terminal, a retainer, and a coupling member of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. The connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a connector for allowing a cable 20 to electrically communicate with another electrical device.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a connector body 10. The connector body 10 may accommodate and protect other configurations of the connector 1 therein, or may provide a base on which other configurations are installed. To this end, the connector body 10 may be made of plastic or the like having a predetermined rigidity, but the material of the connector body 10 is not limited thereto.

[0036] In this embodiment, the connector body 10 may include a main body portion 12. The main body portion 12 may be configured to provide a receiving space A. The receiving space A may be a space that accommodates an end of the cable 20 and a cable coupling portion 32 of the terminal 30 coupled to the end of the cable 20.

[0037] In this embodiment, the main body portion 12 may be provided as a member in the shape of a cylinder extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Accordingly, the receiving space A may be formed inside the main body portion 12. The receiving space A may have a predetermined length in the extension direction of the main body portion 12.

[0038] At this time, in this embodiment, the receiving space A may be opened downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis). To this end, a main body-side opening 12a may be provided on the lower side (negative direction of the Z-axis) of the main body portion 12. The main body-side opening 12a may be an opening connected to the lower part of the receiving space A.

[0039] Accordingly, the cable 20 may enter into the main body portion 12, and the end of the cable 20 may be disposed in the receiving space A. And, the main body portion 12 may protect the end of the cable 20 and the cable coupling portion 32 coupled thereto from external impact or contamination.

[0040] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the upper part of the receiving space A may be connected to the connection space B to be described later. To this end, the upper part of the receiving space A may be opened upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0041] At this time, referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the connector body 10 of the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a partition wall portion 14. The partition wall portion 14 may be positioned in the receiving space A. The partition wall portion 14 may divide the receiving space A into a first receiving space A1 and a second receiving space A2.

[0042] This configuration may be for a pair of cables 20 to be disposed in the first and second receiving spaces A1, A2, respectively. The pair of cables 20 may constitute a negative electrode and a positive electrode, respectively. The partition wall portion 14 may be disposed between the pair of cables 20 to insulate them from each other.

[0043] In this embodiment, the partition wall portion 14 may extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) parallel to the main body portion 12. Accordingly, the first and second receiving spaces A1, A2 may extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) parallel to each other.

[0044] The first and second receiving spaces A1, A2 may be opened downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis), respectively. The main body-side opening 12a may be divided by the lower part of the partition wall portion 14, thereby forming a pair of sub-openings. The upper parts of the first and second receiving spaces A1, A2 may be connected to the connection space B, respectively.

[0045] As a result, the first and second receiving spaces A1, A2 divided by the partition wall portion 14 are not directly connected to each other, but may be indirectly connected through the connection space B or the outside.

[0046] At this time, referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, a retainer catch groove 12b may be formed in the main body portion 12. The retainer catch groove 12b may be a groove on which the body-side catch portion 44 of the retainer 40 to be described later is caught. Accordingly, the coupling and assembly properties between the retainer 40 and the connector body 10 may be improved.

[0047] In this embodiment, the retainer catch groove 12b may be formed on the inner wall of the receiving space A. At this time, the retainer catch groove 12b may be configured in plurality and may be formed on the inner walls of the first and second receiving spaces A1, A2, respectively.

[0048] Hereinafter, a description will be made based on the retainer catch groove 12b formed in the first receiving space A1. The retainer catch groove 12b described below may be configured in the same manner in the second receiving space A2.

[0049] In this embodiment, the retainer catch groove 12b may be concavely recessed in the inner wall of the first receiving space A1. At this time, the retainer catch groove 12b may be configured in a pair. The pair of retainer catch grooves 12b may be disposed to face each other with the retainer 40 therebetween. Accordingly, both sides of the retainer 40 may be stably fixed to the connector body 10.

[0050] More specifically, as shown, the pair of retainer catch grooves 12b may be formed at the front (positive direction of the X-axis) and the rear (negative direction of the X-axis), respectively. If necessary, the position of the retainer catch groove 12b may be appropriately modified.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 again, the connector body 10 of the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sub-body portion 16. The sub-body portion 16 may be configured to provide a connection space B. The connection space B may be a space where other connectors enter and are coupled in a shape-fitting manner. Accordingly, the terminal 30 of this connector 1 may electrically communicate with the terminal of another connector in the connection space B.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the sub-body portion 16 may extend upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis) from the main body portion 12. The sub-body portion 16 may be provided in a cylindrical or hollow shape extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Accordingly, the connection space B may be formed inside the sub-body portion 16.

[0053] In this embodiment, the connection space B may be opened upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). This may be to allow other connectors to enter the connection space B. To this end, a sub-body side opening 16a may be provided at the upper end of the sub-body portion 16.

[0054] In this embodiment, the sub-body side opening 16a may be an opening connected to the upper part of the connection space B. The sub-body side opening 16a may have a width large enough to allow other connectors to enter.

[0055] At this time, referring to FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the length L_16 of the sub-body portion 16 may be longer than the length L_34 of the terminal portion 34 of the terminal 30 to be described later and the length L_46 of the terminal receiving portion 46 of the retainer 40. At this time, the length may be a length measured based on the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0056] This configuration may be to ensure that the terminal portion 34 of the terminal 30 and the terminal receiving portion 46 of the retainer 40 are disposed inside the connection space B without protruding to the outside of the connection space B. Accordingly, the configurations may be protected from external impact or contamination.

[0057] Of course, if necessary, the terminal portion 34 of the terminal 30 and / or the terminal receiving portion 46 of the retainer 40 may be provided with a longer length than the sub-body portion 16. In this case, the end of the terminal portion 34 of the terminal 30 and / or the terminal receiving portion 46 of the retainer 40 will be exposed to the outside of the connector body 10.

[0058] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the connector body 10 of the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a retainer catch portion 18. The retainer catch portion 18 may be configured to prevent the retainer 40 to be described later from escaping toward the upper side (positive direction of the Z-axis) of the connector body 10.

[0059] In this embodiment, the retainer catch portion 18 may be provided between the connection space B and the receiving space A. The retainer catch portion 18 may be provided as a partition wall dividing the connection space B and the receiving space A. The retainer catch portion 18 may extend in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction or X-axis direction).

[0060] At this time, predetermined holes 18a, 18b may be formed in the retainer catch portion 18. The holes 18a, 18b may be holes for allowing the connection space B to communicate with the receiving space A. The holes 18a, 18b may include a first hole 18a allowing the connection space B to communicate with the first receiving space A1 and a second hole 18b allowing the connection space B to communicate with the second receiving space A2.

[0061] At this time, the holes 18a, 18b may have a larger diameter than the terminal receiving portion 46 of the retainer 40 to be described later, and a smaller diameter than the retainer body portion 42. Accordingly, the retainer body portion 42 is caught by the retainer catch portion 18, so that the retainer 40 may be restricted from falling out toward the upper side (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0062] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the main body portion 12 and the sub-body portion 16 of the connector body 10 have been described as a cylindrical or hollow shape that provides the receiving space A and the connection space B. However, the shapes of the main body portion 12 and the sub-body portion 16 are not particularly limited as long as they may provide the receiving space A and the connection space B.

[0063] For example, the main body portion 12 and / or the sub-body portion 16 may have open side parts in the extension direction, so that the side parts of the receiving space A and / or the connection space B may be exposed or opened to the outside. Alternatively, the main body portion 12 and / or the sub-body portion 16 may be provided with a part that is curved. Accordingly, the receiving space A or the connection space B may also have a curved shape.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cable 20. The cable 20 may be a cable electrically connecting this connector 1 to an external electrical device.

[0065] At this time, the cables 20 may be provided in a pair. The pair of cables 20 may be disposed side by side with each other. Referring to FIG. 3, the cable 20 positioned relatively to the left (negative direction of the Y-axis) is referred to as a first cable 20-1, and the cable 20 positioned relatively to the right (positive direction of the Y-axis) is referred to as a second cable 20-1. The first and second cables 20-1, 20-1 may form a positive electrode and a negative electrode, respectively.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first and second cables 20-1, 20-2 may extend to the first and second receiving spaces A1, A2, respectively. And, the ends of the first and second cables 20-1, 20-2 may be disposed in the first and second receiving spaces A1, A2, respectively.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a terminal 30 coupled to the cable 20. The terminal 30 may be configured to electrically connect the cable 20 to another terminal 30. Accordingly, the electrical device connected to the cable 20 of this connector 1 may electrically communicate with another electrical device connected to the other terminal 30.

[0068] In this embodiment, the terminals 30 may be configured in a pair to correspond to a pair of cables 20. Hereinafter, the terminal 30 coupled to the first cable 20-1 is referred to as a first terminal 30-1, and the terminal 30 coupled to the second cable 20-2 is referred to as a second terminal 30-2.

[0069] Hereinafter, a description will be made centered on the first terminal 30-1 among the pair of terminals 30. The first terminal 30-1 described below may be configured in the same manner in the second terminal 30-2.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first terminal 30-1 may include a cable coupling portion 32. The cable coupling portion 32 may be disposed in the first receiving space A1. The cable coupling portion 32 may be coupled to an end of the first cable 20. Meanwhile, the cable coupling portions 32 of the second terminal 30-2 may be disposed in the second receiving space A2. Therefore, they may be insulated by the partition wall portion 14.

[0071] In this embodiment, the cable coupling portion 32 may have a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) so that the end of the first cable 20 may be inserted inward. However, the structure or shape of the cable coupling portion 32 is not particularly limited as long as it may be coupled to the end of the first cable 20.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first terminal 30-1 may include a terminal portion 34. The terminal portion 34 may be a portion connected to another terminal outside this connector 1. To this end, the terminal portion 34 may be configured to be coupled to a part of another terminal. For example, the terminal portion 34 may be configured to be coupled to a part of another terminal in a shape-fitting manner. The terminal portion 34 may be configured with various known techniques for implementing connection between terminals.

[0073] In this embodiment, the terminal portion 34 may extend upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis) from the cable coupling portion 32. The terminal portion 34 may penetrate the hole 18a of the retainer catch portion 18. The end of the terminal portion 34 may be disposed in the connection space B. Therefore, the terminal portion 34 may be coupled to the terminal of another connector in the connection space B.

[0074] Meanwhile, the terminal portion 34 of the first terminal 30-1 and the terminal portion 34 of the second terminal 30-2 may be disposed together in the connection space B. The terminal portion 34 of the first terminal 30-1 and the terminal portion 34 of the second terminal 30-2 may be disposed side by side with each other in the connection space B. The terminal portion 34 of the first terminal 30-1 and the terminal portion 34 of the second terminal 30-2 may be disposed at a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0075] However, since the connection space B is not provided with a separate configuration for dividing it, insulation between the terminal portion 34 of the first terminal 30-1 and the terminal portion 34 of the second terminal 30-2 may not be secured. To this end, a terminal receiving portion 46 of a retainer 40 to be described later may be provided on the outside of the terminal portion 34. This will be described later together with the retainer 40.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a retainer 40. The retainer 40 may be configured to fix the end of the cable 20 and the terminal 30 to the connector body 10 while still insulating them from the outside. To this end, the retainer 40 may be made of a material having insulation performance.

[0077] In this embodiment, the retainer 40 may be configured in a pair corresponding to a pair of cables 20 and a pair of terminals 30. Hereinafter, the retainer 40 fixing the first terminal 30-1 to the connector body 10 is referred to as a first retainer 40-1, and the retainer 40 fixing the second terminal 30-2 to the connector body 10 is referred to as a second retainer 40-2.

[0078] Hereinafter, a description will be made centered on the configuration of the first retainer 40-1. Each configuration of the first retainer 40-1 described below may be applicable in the same manner to the second retainer 40-2.

[0079] The first retainer 40-1 of the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a retainer body portion 42. The retainer body portion 42 may be configured to be disposed in the first receiving space A1 and to fix the cable coupling portion 32 of the first terminal 30-1 to the first receiving space A1 in position.

[0080] In this embodiment, the retainer body portion 42 may have an enclosure shape having a retainer space C provided therein. More specifically, the retainer body portion 42 may be provided as a structure having an approximately box shape. Accordingly, the cable coupling portion 32 may be accommodated inside the retainer body portion 42, and thus may be protected from external impact or contamination, while the insulation from the outside may be further enhanced.

[0081] At this time, the retainer space C may be opened downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis). This may be to allow the end of the first cable 20-1 to enter into the retainer body portion 42. To this end, a retainer body-side opening 42a connected to the retainer space C may be provided at the lower part of the retainer body portion 42. The retainer body-side opening 42a may be formed as an opening that is opened downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis).

[0082] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, in this embodiment, a coupling member coupling portion 42b may be provided at the side part of the retainer body portion 42. The coupling member coupling portion 42b may be a portion to which a coupling member 50 to be described later is coupled.

[0083] In this embodiment, the coupling member coupling portion 42b may be defined as a space that has a rectangular cross-section corresponding to the shape of the coupling member 50 and is open to the outside. The retainer space C may communicate with the outside of the retainer body portion 42 by the coupling member coupling portion 42b. Of course, the structure or shape of the coupling member coupling portion 42b is not particularly limited as long as coupling to the coupling member 50 may be achieved.

[0084] In this embodiment, the retainer body portion 42 may be provided with a coupling protrusion coupling portion 42c. The coupling protrusion coupling portion 42c may be configured to be coupled to a coupling protrusion 56 of the coupling member 50 to be described later. To this end, the coupling protrusion coupling portion 42c may be provided as a groove concavely recessed in the inner wall of the retainer space C.

[0085] And, one side of the coupling protrusion coupling portion 42c may be connected to the coupling member coupling portion 42b. Accordingly, the coupling protrusion 56 of the coupling member 50 coupled to the coupling member coupling portion 42b may be inserted into the coupling protrusion coupling portion 42c.

[0086] At this time, in this embodiment, the coupling protrusion coupling portions 42c may be configured in a pair. The pair of coupling protrusion coupling portions 42c may be disposed symmetrically centered on the cable coupling portion 32 disposed in the retainer space C. The effect of this configuration will be described later together with the coupling member 50.

[0087] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the retainer body portion 42 has been described as a box-shaped structure with one side open. However, the structure or shape of the retainer body portion 42 is not particularly limited as long as it may fix the cable coupling portion 32 to the receiving space A. For example, the retainer body portion 42 may be configured to be partially curved, or partially opened so that the cable coupling portion 32 is exposed to the outside of the retainer body portion 42.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, the retainer 40 of the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body-side catch portion 44. The body-side catch portion 44 may be configured to be caught on the retainer catch groove 12b of the connector body 10 described above to improve the coupling and assembly between the connector body 10 and the retainer 40.

[0089] The body-side catch portion 44 may extend outward from the outer surface of the retainer body portion 42. At this time, the body-side catch portions 44 may be configured in a pair. The pair of body-side catch portions 44 may be disposed oppositely centered on the retainer body portion 42. Accordingly, the retainer body portion 42 may be more stably positioned and fixed in the first receiving space A1.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the first retainer 40-1 of the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a terminal receiving portion 46. The terminal receiving portion 46 may be configured to accommodate the terminal portion 34 of the first terminal 30-1.

[0091] Accordingly, the terminal portion 34 may be protected from external impact or contamination, and in addition, insulation with other configurations may be improved. For example, the insulation between the terminal portion 34 of the first terminal 30-1 and the terminal portion 34 of the second terminal 30-2 that are disposed together in the connection space B may be greatly improved.

[0092] In this embodiment, the terminal receiving portion 46 may extend upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis) from the retainer body portion 42. The terminal receiving portion 46 may penetrate the hole 18a of the retainer catch portion 18. The terminal receiving portion 46 may be disposed in the connection space B.

[0093] At this time, the terminal receiving portion 46 may be provided in a hollow shape so that the terminal portion 34 is accommodated therein. The terminal receiving portion 46 may be coaxially arranged with the terminal portion 34. Accordingly, the structure of the retainer 40 may be configured to be more compact.

[0094] In this embodiment, the length L-46 of the terminal receiving portion 46 may be longer than the length L-34 of the terminal portion 34. At this time, the length may be a length measured in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Accordingly, the outer surface of the terminal portion 34 may be entirely covered by the terminal receiving portion 46. This may further improve the insulation performance of the terminal 30 achieved by the terminal receiving portion 46.

[0095] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the terminal receiving portion 46 has been described as a cylindrical member. However, the structure or shape of the terminal receiving portion 46 is not particularly limited as long as it may accommodate at least a part of the terminal portion 34 therein.

[0096] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the first retainer 40-1 of the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a terminal catch portion 48. The terminal catch portion 48 may be configured to prevent the terminal portion 34 from falling out to the outside of the terminal receiving portion 46.

[0097] In this embodiment, the terminal catch portion 48 may be provided at an end of the terminal receiving portion 46. The terminal catch portion 48 may be positioned higher (in the positive direction of the Z-axis) than the end of the terminal portion 34. This may be to limit the terminal portion 34 from being moved upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0098] At this time, the terminal catch portion 48 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the terminal receiving portion 46. As shown, the terminal catch portion 48 may have a ring shape that is open in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The inner diameter d_48 of the terminal catch portion 48 may be smaller than the outer diameter d_34 of the end of the terminal portion 34.

[0099] Accordingly, the terminal portion 34 may interfere with the terminal catch portion 48 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) to prevent it from falling off. Of course, if necessary, the terminal catch portion 48 may be partially formed on the inner circumferential surface of the terminal receiving portion 46 in the circumferential direction of the terminal catch portion 46.

[0100] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the terminal catch portion 48 has been described as being provided at the end of the terminal receiving portion 46. However, the terminal catch portion 48 may be configured to be positioned lower than the end of the terminal portion 34 and to be caught on the outer circumferential surface of the terminal portion 34.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 8, the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a coupling member 50. The coupling member 50 may be configured to improve the coupling force and assemblability between the retainer 40 and the terminal 30.

[0102] In this embodiment, the coupling member 50 may include a coupling body portion 52. The coupling body portion 52 may be a body that is coupled to the coupling member coupling portion 42b of the retainer body portion 42.

[0103] As shown, the coupling body portion 52 may be provided as a member in the shape of a rectangular plate. Accordingly, the coupling body portion 52 may be fitted into a space defined by the coupling member coupling portion 42b.

[0104] In this embodiment, the coupling member 50 may include a ring portion 54. The ring portion 54 may extend from the coupling body portion 52 to the retainer space C. At this time, the ring portion 54 may have a shape surrounding the outer circumferential portion of the cable coupling portion 32 in the circumferential direction of the cable 20.

[0105] Accordingly, the ring portion 54 may be coupled to the cable coupling portion 32 in a shape-fitting manner. At this time, the ring portion 54 may extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The ring portion 54 may surround the cable coupling portion 32 by a predetermined section in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). As a result, the coupling force between the coupling member 50 and the terminal 30 and the coupling property between the retainer 40 and the terminal 30 may be improved.

[0106] In this embodiment, the coupling member 50 may include a coupling protrusion 56. The coupling protrusion 56 may be configured to improve the coupling force between the retainer 40 and the coupling member 50.

[0107] The coupling protrusion 56 may protrude outward from the ring portion 54. Accordingly, the coupling protrusion 56 may be inserted into the coupling protrusion coupling portion 42c provided on the inner wall of the retainer space C. At this time, the coupling protrusion 56 may extend in the circumferential direction of the cable coupling portion 32.

[0108] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the coupling protrusions 56 may be configured in a pair. The pair of coupling protrusions 56 may be disposed oppositely centered on the ring portion 54. Accordingly, the coupling member 50 may be more stably coupled to the retainer body portion 42.

[0109] As such, in this embodiment, the ring portion 54 of the coupling member 50 is coupled to the cable coupling portion 32 of the terminal 30, and the coupling body portion 52 is coupled to the retainer body portion 42, so that the assembly and coupling properties between the retainer 40 and the terminal 30 may be improved.

[0110] The present disclosure has been hereinabove described with regard to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be embodied in different forms by those having ordinary skill in the technical field pertaining to the present disclosure within the technical aspect of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.[List of Reference Numerals]

[0111] 1: Connector 10: Connector body 20: Cable 30: Terminal 40: Retainer 50: Coupling member A: Receiving space B: Connection space C: Retainer space

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a connector body comprising a main body portion providing a receiving space and a sub-body portion connected to the receiving space and providing a connection space with one side open; a cable having an end disposed in the receiving space; a terminal comprising a cable coupling portion coupled to the end of the cable and a terminal portion extending from the cable coupling portion to the connection space; and a retainer coupling the terminal and the connector body, wherein the retainer comprises: a retainer body portion disposed in the receiving space and fixing the cable coupling portion in position; and a terminal receiving portion extending from the retainer body portion and accommodating the terminal portion therein.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the terminal receiving portion has a hollow shape.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the terminal portion has a cylindrical shape, and the terminal receiving portion is coaxially arranged with the terminal portion.

4. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the terminal receiving portion has a longer length than the terminal portion to cover an outer circumferential surface of the terminal portion.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the retainer further comprises a terminal catch portion protruding from the terminal receiving portion so that the terminal portion is not moved to the outside of the terminal receiving portion.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the terminal catch portion protrudes from an inner circumferential surface of the terminal receiving portion at an end of the terminal receiving portion.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the terminal catch portion is in the shape of a ring having an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of an end of the terminal portion.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the sub-body portion extends parallel to the terminal portion.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the sub-body portion has a longer length than the terminal portion and the terminal receiving portion.

10. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the retainer body portion has an enclosure shape accommodating the cable coupling portion and having one side open to allow the end of the cable to enter thereinto.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein the retainer body portion and the terminal receiving portion have different widths to allow a connection portion connecting the retainer body portion and the terminal receiving portion to be stepped, wherein the connector body further comprises a retainer catch portion provided between the receiving space and the connection space to allow the connection portion to be caught.

12. The connector according to claim 10, wherein the retainer further comprises a body-side catch portion provided on an outer surface of the retainer body portion and capable of being caught on an inner wall of the receiving space.

13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein the body-side catch portions are configured in a pair and face each other with the retainer body portion therebetween.

14. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising: a coupling member having one side coupled to the retainer body portion and the other side coupled to the cable coupling portion.

15. The connector according to claim 14, wherein the coupling member comprises: a coupling body portion fitted into the retainer body portion; and a ring portion extending from the coupling body portion and surrounding the cable coupling portion in a circumferential direction of the cable.

16. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector body further comprises a partition wall portion dividing the receiving space into first and second receiving spaces that extend parallel to each other.

17. The connector according to claim 16, wherein the terminal comprises: first and second terminals, wherein the cable coupling portion of the first terminal is disposed in the first receiving space, the cable coupling portion of the second terminal is disposed in the second receiving space, and the terminal portions of the first and second terminals are disposed together in the connection space.

18. The connector according to claim 17, wherein the retainer comprises: first and second retainers, wherein the terminal receiving portion of the first retainer accommodates the terminal portion of the first terminal, and the terminal receiving portion of the second retainer accommodates the terminal portion of the second terminal.

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