Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of achieving both of operability and holding force of a retainer.SOLUTION: A housing 20 includes: one surface 27; a side surface 28 crossed to the one surface 27; a retainer mounting hole 29 that is opened to the one surface 27 and the side surface 28; and engagement parts 34 and 35 that are projected to the side surface 28. A retainer 60 includes: a main body part 61 that can engage a terminal metal fitting 90 so as to be arranged to the inner side of the retainer mounting hole 29; and a side plate part 62 that is projected to a direction crossed to the movement direction of the retainer 60 from the main body part 61, and covers the side surface 28 from the outer side. The side plate part 62 includes an engaged part 65 that is engaged to the engagement parts 34 and 35 so as to be projected to the inner surface. The engagement parts 34 and 35 include an inclination part 36 that is inclined to a direction separated from the open of the retainer mounting hole 29 on the end surface directed to the open side of the retainer mounting hole 29.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] The connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes terminal fittings, a connector housing that accommodates the terminal fittings, and a retainer that is arranged to be movable relative to the connector housing between a provisionally locked state and a fully locked state. The connector housing is provided with a retainer mounting hole that opens to the bottom and both side surfaces. A fully locked portion and a provisionally locked portion (hereinafter simply referred to as a "locking portion") are protruded from the side surface forward of the retainer mounting hole. The retainer has a base that is arranged in the retainer mounting hole and is capable of locking the terminal fittings, and a side wall portion that protrudes from the base and covers the side surface. The side wall portion has an inner surface provided with a lock receiving portion that can be locked with the locking portion. The retainer is inserted into the retainer mounting hole through the opening in the bottom surface and moves upward from the provisionally locked state to the fully locked state. When the retainer is assembled into the temporary locked state (when inserted into the retainer insertion hole) and when it moves from the temporary locked state to the full locked state, the lock receiving portion rides up onto the locking portion, and the side wall portion is elastically deformed outward with the connection portion with the base as a fulcrum. Connectors equipped with retainers are also disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-222758 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-302350 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2017-27678 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, the locking portion is disposed close to the retainer mounting hole. The fulcrum of the bending motion of the side wall portion is also close to the retainer mounting hole. If the lock receiving portion strongly interferes with and rides up on the rear end portion of the locking portion (the end portion facing the opening side of the retainer mounting hole) during the movement of the retainer, a large stress will act on the rear end portion of the locking portion. In contrast, if the locking portion is disposed away from the retainer mounting hole, it is possible to prevent the lock receiving portion from strongly interfering with the rear end portion of the locking portion. However, if the locking position between the lock receiving portion and the locking portion is far from the fulcrum of the bending motion of the side wall portion, there is a risk that a sufficient locking force cannot be secured between the lock receiving portion and the locking portion. As a result, a problem occurs in that the holding force of the retainer to the connector housing is reduced.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can achieve both operability and holding force of a retainer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure comprises terminal fittings, a housing that accommodates the terminal fittings, and a retainer arranged to be movable relative to the housing between a temporary engagement position and a full engagement position, the housing having one surface, a side surface that intersects with the one surface, a retainer mounting hole that opens into the one surface and the side surface, and a locking portion protruding from the side surface, the retainer having a main body portion that is arranged inside the retainer mounting hole and is capable of locking the terminal fittings, and a side plate portion that protrudes from the main body portion in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the retainer and covers the side surface from the outside, the side plate portion having an engaged portion that protrudes from an inner surface opposite the side surface and is engaged with the locking portion at at least one of the temporary engagement position and the full engagement position, and the locking portion has a slope portion on an end face facing the opening of the retainer mounting hole that inclines in a direction away from the opening of the retainer mounting hole. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector that can achieve both operability and holding force of a retainer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a state in which a retainer is held in a provisionally locked position relative to a housing in the connector of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the retainer is held in a full locking position relative to the housing. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retainer is held in a full locking position relative to the housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the housing having a retainer mounting hole and an engagement portion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a side plate portion at an end portion of the retainer. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the inner shape of a side plate portion at an end portion of the retainer. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional plan view showing a state in which the locked portion of the retainer is placed on the locking portion of the housing. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional plan view showing a state in which the locked portion of the retainer is locked to the locking portion of the housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure comprises: (1) A terminal fitting, a housing for accommodating the terminal fitting, and a retainer arranged to be movable relative to the housing between a temporary engagement position and a full engagement position, the housing having one surface, a side surface intersecting the one surface, a retainer mounting hole opening into the one surface and the side surface, and a locking portion protruding from the side surface, the retainer having a main body portion arranged inside the retainer mounting hole and capable of locking the terminal fitting, and a side plate portion protruding from the main body portion in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the retainer and covering the side surface from the outside, the side plate portion having an engaged portion protruding from an inner surface opposite the side surface and engaged with the locking portion at at least one of the temporary engagement position and the full engagement position, the locking portion having a slope portion on an end surface facing the opening of the retainer mounting hole that is inclined in a direction away from the opening of the retainer mounting hole.

[0010] When the retainer is assembled to the temporary locking position or moved from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, the side plate portion elastically deforms and the locked portion rides up onto the locking portion. When the locked portion contacts the inclined portion, the stress acting on the locking portion is dispersed in the length direction of the inclined portion (direction away from the opening of the retainer mounting hole). Therefore, stress is not concentrated on the corners of the locking portion, and the side plate portion can smoothly elastically deform, improving the operability of the retainer. In addition, since the locking portion can be extended toward the opening side of the retainer mounting hole by the length of the inclined portion, the necessary locking force can be secured between the locking portion and the locked portion, improving the holding force of the retainer.

[0011] (2) In the connector described in (1) above, it is preferable that the inclined surface portion is inclined at an inclination angle of 45 degrees or less with respect to a plane direction of the side surface.

[0012] If the inclination angle of the sloping surface is 45 degrees or less, the length of the sloping surface can be increased, which enhances the effect of dispersing the stress acting on the locking portion. In addition, the length of the locking portion including the sloping surface can be increased, which ensures a sufficient locking force between the locking portion and the locked portion.

[0013] (3) In the connector described in (1) or (2) above, it is preferable that the side surface has a holding portion that faces from the outside to the tip of the side plate portion in the protruding direction, on a position opposite the opening side of the retainer mounting hole across the locking portion, and the side plate portion is configured to be displaceable between a cantilever state in which it is positioned away from the holding portion, and a doubly-supported state in which it is positioned in contact with the holding portion by the locked portion riding over the locking portion.

[0014] The tip of the side plate in the protruding direction comes into contact with the pressing portion, thereby restricting the side plate from floating up from the side surface. When the retainer is assembled to the temporary locking position or moved from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, if the locked portion rides up on the locking portion, the side plate can be elastically deformed into a double-supported state with the connection portion with the main body side and the contact portion with the pressing portion as fulcrums. As the locked portion rides up on the locking portion, the side plate quickly returns to its original elastic state, and the locked portion and the locking portion can be engaged with each other with a good sense of control. When the retainer starts to be assembled to the temporary locking position or moved from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, the side plate is maintained in a cantilevered state, thereby reducing assembly resistance or movement resistance compared to the double-supported state.

[0015] (4) In the connector described in any one of (1) to (3) above, it is preferable that the locking portion is composed of a temporary locking portion that locks the locked portion at the temporary locking position and a full locking portion that locks the locked portion at the full locking position, and that the inclined portion is provided on both the full locking portion and the temporary locking portion.

[0016] When the retainer is assembled to the partial locking position, the locked portion rides up on the partial locking portion, and when the retainer is moved to the full locking position, the locked portion rides up on the full locking portion. In either state, when the retainer is assembled or moved, as described in (1) above, the inclined surface can improve the operability and holding force of the retainer.

[0017] (5) In the connector described in (4) above, it is preferable that the inclined surfaces of the full-locking portion and the provisional-locking portion have the same inclination angle with respect to the plane direction of the side surface.

[0018] Since the side plate can be elastically deformed in the same manner when the engaged portion rides on the provisionally-retained portion and the fully-retained portion, respectively, the side plate can be smoothly deflected. Furthermore, the mold structure for forming the inclined surface does not become complicated.

[0019] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0020] <Embodiment 1> As shown in FIG. 3, the connector 10 of the first embodiment includes a housing 20, a terminal fitting 90 accommodated in the housing 20, and a retainer 60 movably assembled to the housing 20. The housing 20 is adapted to be mated with a mating connector (not shown). In the following description, the front-rear direction refers to the surface side of the housing 20 that faces the mating connector when mating begins. The up-down direction is based on the up-down direction in each drawing except for FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The up-down direction is synonymous with the height direction. The left-right direction is a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The left-right direction is synonymous with the width direction. In each drawing, the front is represented by the symbol X, the side (here, the right side when viewed from the front) is represented by the symbol Y, and the upper side is represented by the symbol Z. These directional standards are for convenience and do not necessarily coincide with the directional standards when the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown) or the like.

[0021] (Housing 20 and terminal fitting 90) 3, the housing 20 has a housing main body 21, a lock arm 22 protruding from an upper surface 26 of the housing main body 21, and a front member 23 that is separate from the housing main body 21 and covers the front surface of the housing main body 21. The lock arm 22 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, and engages a mating connector (not shown) to hold the mating connector and the housing 20 in a mated state.

[0022] The housing body 21 has a plurality of cavities 24 penetrating therethrough in the front-rear direction, and elastically deformable lances 25 protruding forward from the inner walls of each cavity 24 . The terminal fitting 90 is made of conductive metal and is inserted into the corresponding cavity 24 from the rear. The terminal fitting 90 is exemplified as a female terminal and has a cylindrical box portion 91 at the front. The box portion 91 receives a tab of a mating terminal fitting (not shown) and is electrically connected to the mating terminal fitting. The rear portion of the terminal fitting 90 is crimped to an end portion of the electric wire 100 and is electrically and mechanically connected to the end portion. The front member 23 stops the box portion 91 from the front and prevents the terminal fitting 90 from slipping out forward.

[0023] The housing body 21 has an outer surface facing outward. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer surface of the housing body 21 has an upper surface 26 to which the lock arm 22 is connected, one surface 27 as a bottom surface (lower surface), and a pair of side surfaces 28 (only the right side surface 28 is shown) that intersect with the upper surface 26 and the one surface 27 and face to the left and right. The one surface 27 is disposed horizontally along the front-rear direction. Each side surface 28 is disposed vertically along the up-down direction.

[0024] The housing body 21 has a retainer attachment hole 29 that opens across one face 27 and each of the side faces 28. As shown in Fig. 3, the retainer attachment hole 29 communicates with each of the cavities 24 inside the housing body 21 and is located rearward of each of the lances 25. A main body portion 61 of a retainer 60 (described later) is inserted into the retainer attachment hole 29 through an opening in one face 27 of the retainer attachment hole 29.

[0025] 1, 7 and 8, each side surface 28 of the housing body 21 has an opposing surface 31 along the up-down and front-rear directions at a position facing forward from the opening of the retainer attachment hole 29. The opposing surface 31 is disposed opposite a side plate portion 62 (described later) of the retainer 60. Each side surface 28 of the housing body 21 has an outer surface 32 disposed forward of the opposing surface 31 and on the left and right sides thereof.

[0026] 7 and 8, each side surface 28 of the housing body 21 has a step-like pressing portion 33 between the opposing surface 31 and the outer surface 32. The pressing portion 33 is an inversely tapered surface that slopes backward from the opposing surface 31 toward the outer surface 32. On each side surface 28 of the housing body 21, a groove portion 44 having a V-shaped cross section and a partial shape of a dovetail is formed by the pressing portion 33 and the opposing surface 31. The pressing portion 33 is disposed so as to cover the front end portion of the side plate portion 62 of the retainer 60 from the outside, and restricts the side plate portion 62 from floating up outward.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the locking portions 34, 35 are protruding from the opposing surfaces 31 of the side surfaces 28 of the housing main body 21. The locking portions 34, 35 are composed of a full locking portion 34 and a temporary locking portion 35 disposed below the full locking portion 34. The full locking portion 34 and the temporary locking portion 35 are both rib-shaped extending in the front-rear direction. The vertical thickness of the temporary locking portion 35 is greater than the vertical thickness of the full locking portion 34. The full locking portion 34 and the temporary locking portion 35 are locked to a locked portion 65 of the retainer 60, which will be described later, and serve to hold the retainer 60 at the full locking position and the temporary locking position relative to the housing 20, respectively. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the full locking portion 34 and the temporary locking portion 35, the full locking portion 34 and the temporary locking portion 35 will be simply referred to as the locking portion 34, 35.

[0028] The locking portions 34, 35 are disposed above the vertical center of the opposing surface 31. The locking portions 34, 35 are disposed adjacent to the retainer mounting hole 29. The rear surfaces of the locking portions 34, 35 are end surfaces facing the opening of the side surface 28 of the retainer mounting hole 29. An inclined surface portion 36 is formed on the rear surfaces of the locking portions 34, 35, inclining forward away from the retainer mounting hole 29. The inclined surface portion 36 is inclined at an inclination angle of 45 degrees or less with respect to the surface direction (front-to-back direction) of the opposing surface 31. The inclined surface portions 36 of the full locking portion 34 and the temporary locking portion 35 are inclined at the same inclination angle.

[0029] A second inclined surface 37 is formed on the lower surface of the locking portions 34, 35, inclining upward toward the tip surface of the locking portions 34, 35 in the protruding direction. A third inclined surface 38 is formed on the upper surface of the full locking portion 34, inclining downward toward the tip surface of the full locking portion 34 in the protruding direction. The tip surfaces of the locking portions 34, 35 in the protruding direction are vertical surfaces that extend in an elongated manner in the front-to-rear direction. The upper surface of the temporary locking portion 35 is a horizontal surface that extends in an elongated manner in the front-to-rear direction.

[0030] The locking portions 34, 35 have a linear ridge portion 39 between the inclined surface portion 36 and the second inclined surface portion 37, which slopes upward and forward from the rear end of the locking portions 34, 35. The ridge portion 39 of the temporary locking portion 35 is formed to be longer than that of the full locking portion 34. The full locking portion 34 has an upper ridge portion 41 between the inclined surface portion 36 and the third inclined surface portion 38, which slopes downward and forward from the rear end of the full locking portion 34. The front surface of the locking portions 34, 35 is a vertical surface that extends in an elongated manner in the up-down direction.

[0031] (Retainer 60) The retainer 60 is made of synthetic resin, and although not shown in its entirety, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, it has a main body 61 extending long in the left-right direction, and a pair of side plate portions 62 (only one of the side plate portions 62 is shown) protruding forward from both left and right ends of the main body portion 61. As shown in Figure 3, the main body portion 61 is disposed inside the retainer mounting hole 29, and moves up and down inside the retainer mounting hole 29 between a temporary locking position and a full locking position. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each side plate portion 62 is disposed so as to cover each opposing surface 31 of the housing 20.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5, the main body 61 is formed with a plurality of through holes 63 penetrating in the front-rear direction. The through holes 63 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the main body 61. The main body 61 has a plurality of retaining portions 64 protruding from the inner lower surface of each through hole 63. The retaining portions 64 are also formed side by side in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the main body 61. When the main body 61 is arranged inside the retainer attachment hole 29, the through holes 63 are arranged in communication with the lower cavity 24. The retaining portions 64 are arranged to correspond individually to the cavities 24 in the upper and lower two stages.

[0033] When the retainer 60 is in the temporary locking position relative to the housing 20, the stopper portion 64 is positioned away from the insertion path of the terminal fitting 90, allowing the terminal fitting 90 to be inserted into the cavity 24. As shown in Fig. 4, when the retainer 60 is in the full locking position relative to the housing 20, the stopper portion 64 enters the insertion path of the terminal fitting 90 and is positioned so as to be able to be locked onto the rear surface of the box portion 91. The terminal fitting 90 is held in the cavity 24 by the stopper portion 64 in a non-dislodging state.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 6, each side plate portion 62 is in the form of a plate with its plate surface facing in the left-right direction and has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from the side. Each side plate portion 62 is elastically deformable in the left-right direction with its rear end portion connected to the main body portion 61 as a fulcrum. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a pressed portion 68 is formed on the front end surface of each side plate portion 62, which is inclined rearward as it approaches the left and right outer sides. The pressed portion 68 is arranged so as to be covered by the pressing portion 33.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 6, a locked portion 65 is protruded from the inner surface of each side plate portion 62. The locked portion 65 is rib-shaped extending in the front-rear direction and is formed along the upper end of the inner surface of each side plate portion 62. An inclined surface 66 is formed on the upper surface of the locked portion 65, inclining downward from the upper end surface of each side plate portion 62 to the tip surface in the protruding direction. The lower surface of the locked portion 65 is a horizontal surface extending in the front-rear direction.

[0036] A vertical rib 67 extending in the up-down direction protrudes from the inner surface of each side plate portion 62. The upper end of the vertical rib 67 is integrally connected to the front end of the locked portion 65. The front surface of the vertical rib 67 faces the front end of the side plate portion 62. Furthermore, a horizontal rib 69 extending in the front-rear direction protrudes from the inner surface of each side plate portion 62. The front end of the horizontal rib 69 is integrally connected to the lower end of the vertical rib 67. The lower surface of the horizontal rib 69 faces the lower end of the side plate portion 62. A gate-shaped frame portion 71 is integrally formed on the inner surface of each side plate portion 62 by the locked portion 65, the vertical rib 67 and the horizontal rib 69.

[0037] (Function of Connector 10) The main body 61 of the retainer 60 is inserted into the retainer mounting hole 29 through the opening of the one surface 27 from below with respect to the housing 20. During the process of assembling the retainer 60, the inclined surface 66 of the locked portion 65 slides on the second inclined surface 37 of the provisionally locked portion 35, and as shown in FIG. 7, the side plate portion 62 is elastically deformed outwardly to the left and right with the rear end portion as a fulcrum. The pressed portion 68 on the front end surface of the side plate portion 62 contacts the pressing portion 33 of the housing 20 from the left and right inner sides, restricting the opening of the side plate portion 62 to the left and right outward. The contact portion of the pressed portion 68 with the pressing portion 33 and the rear end portion as the fulcrum of the bending motion cause the side plate portion 62 to form a double-supported state that appears to be a double-supported beam. While the side plate portion 62 is elastically deformed to form a double-supported state, the stress acting on the temporary locking portion 35 from the locked portion 65 is dispersed in the length direction of the inclined surface portion 36 and the ridge portion 39 (in the direction away from the opening of the retainer mounting hole 29). Therefore, excessive stress is not applied to the temporary locking portion 35. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temporary locking portion 35 from being scraped or deformed by the locked portion 65, resulting in sagging.

[0038] 1, the locked portion 65 fits between the temporary locking portion 35 and the full locking portion 34. At this time, the lower surface of the locked portion 65 is disposed opposite to and contactable with the upper surface of the temporary locking portion 35, and the upper surface of the locked portion 65 is disposed opposite to and contactable with the lower surface of the full locking portion 34. As a result, the retainer 60 is held in the temporary locking position relative to the housing 20.

[0039] When the retainer 60 is in the provisionally-locked position relative to the housing 20, the lower end of the retainer 60 is positioned to protrude downward from one surface 27 of the housing main body 21. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the pressed portion 68 of the side plate portion 62 is positioned away from the pressing portion 33 of the housing 20, and the double-supported state of the side plate portion 62 is released. In the provisionally-locked position, the side plate portion 62 forms a cantilever-like state that is elastically deformable with only the rear end portion connected to the main body portion 61 as a fulcrum. When the retainer 60 is in the provisionally-locked position relative to the housing 20, the terminal fittings 90 are inserted into each cavity 24 from the rear. The terminal fittings 90 are connected to the ends of the electric wires 100 in advance.

[0040] After the terminal fittings 90 are inserted into the cavities 24, the retainer 60 is pushed up. Then, the locked portion 65 slides on the second inclined surface portion 37 and the inclined surface portion 36 of the main locking portion 34, and the side plate portion 62 is elastically deformed outwardly to the left and right with the rear end portion as a fulcrum (see FIG. 7). As described above, the pressed portion 68 of the side plate portion 62 contacts the pressing portion 33 of the housing 20 from the inside to the left and right, and the opening of the side plate portion 62 to the left and right is restricted. While the side plate portion 62 is elastically deformed to form a double-supported state, the stress acting on the main locking portion 34 from the locked portion 65 is dispersed in the length direction of the inclined surface portion 36 and the ridge portion 39. Therefore, excessive stress is not applied to the main locking portion 34. As a result, it is possible to prevent the main locking portion 34 from being deformed (sagging).

[0041] When the locked portion 65 climbs over the full locking portion 34, the side plate portion 62 quickly elastically returns to its original state (natural state without elastic deformation), and as shown in FIG. 2, the locked portion 65 fits between the full locking portion 34 and the step surface 43 that defines the upper end of the opposing surface 31. At this time, the lower surface of the locked portion 65 is arranged to face the upper surface of the full locking portion 34 so as to be able to come into contact with it, and the upper surface of the locked portion 65 is arranged to face the step surface 43 so as to be able to come into contact with it. As a result, the retainer 60 is held in the full locking position relative to the housing 20. At the full locking position, the side plate portion 62 forms a cantilever-like cantilever state (see FIG. 8). Then, when the retainer 60 reaches the full locking position, the retaining portion 64 is arranged to be able to lock the terminal fitting 90, as shown in FIG. 3. The lower surface of the retainer 60 is arranged without any step on the one surface 27 of the housing main body 21.

[0042] As described above, the retainer 60 of the first embodiment has a main body portion 61 that is disposed inside the retainer mounting hole 29 and capable of locking the terminal fitting 90, and a side plate portion 62 that protrudes from the main body portion 61 in a cantilever shape in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the retainer 60 and covers the side surface 28 of the housing 20 from the outside. The side plate portion 62 has an engaged portion 65 that protrudes from an inner surface facing the side surface 28 of the housing 20 and is engaged with the engaging portions 34, 35 at both the temporary engaging position and the full engaging position. The engaging portions 34, 35 have an inclined surface portion 36 that inclines in a direction away from the opening of the retainer mounting hole 29 on an end surface facing the opening side of the retainer mounting hole 29.

[0043] When the retainer 60 is assembled to the temporary locking position or moved from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, the side plate 62 is elastically deformed and the locked portion 65 rides up onto the locking portions 34, 35. When the locked portion 65 comes into contact with the inclined surface 36, the stress acting on the locking portions 34, 35 is dispersed in the length direction of the inclined surface 36. Therefore, the stress is not concentrated on a part of the side plate 62, and the side plate 62 can be smoothly elastically deformed, improving the operability of the retainer 60. In addition, since the locking portions 34, 35 can be extended to the opening side of the retainer mounting hole 29 by the length of the inclined surface 36, the necessary locking force can be secured between the locking portions 34, 35 and the locked portion 65, improving the holding force of the retainer 60.

[0044] Moreover, the inclined surface portion 36 is inclined at an inclination angle of 45 degrees or less with respect to the surface direction of the side surface 28 of the housing 20. This allows the length of the inclined surface portion 36 to be increased, thereby improving the effect of dispersing the stress acting on the locking portions 34, 35. Furthermore, the length of the locking portions 34, 35 including the inclined surface portion 36 can also be increased, thereby ensuring a sufficient locking force between the locking portions 34, 35 and the locked portion 65.

[0045] Furthermore, the side surface 28 of the housing 20 has a pressing portion 33 that faces from the outside a tip end (pressed portion 68) in the protruding direction of the side plate portion 62, at a position opposite the opening side of the retainer attachment hole 29 with the locking portions 34, 35 in between. The side plate portion 62 is configured to be displaceable between a cantilever state in which it is positioned away from the pressing portion 33, and a doubly-supported state in which it is positioned in contact with the pressing portion 33 by the locked portion 65 riding up onto the locking portions 34, 35.

[0046] The pressed portion 68 of the side plate portion 62 comes into contact with the pressing portion 33, thereby restricting the side plate portion 62 from floating up from the side surface 28. When the retainer 60 is assembled to the temporary locking position or moved from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, the pressed portion 65 rides up on the locking portions 34, 35, and the side plate portion 62 can be elastically deformed to a double-supported state with the connection portion with the main body portion 61 and the contact portion with the pressing portion 33 as fulcrums. As the pressed portion 65 rides over the locking portions 34, 35, the side plate portion 62 quickly returns to its original elastic state, and the locked state between the pressed portion 65 and the locking portions 34, 35 can be realized with a good sense of moderation. When the retainer 60 starts to be assembled to the temporary locking position or moved from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, the side plate portion 62 is maintained in a cantilevered state, so that the assembly resistance or movement resistance can be reduced compared to the case of a double-supported state.

[0047] Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, the locking portions 34, 35 are composed of the temporary locking portion 35 that locks the locked portion 65 at the temporary locking position, and the full locking portion 34 that locks the locked portion 65 at the full locking position. The inclined surface portion 36 is provided on both the full locking portion 34 and the temporary locking portion 35.

[0048] Therefore, when the retainer 60 is assembled to the temporary locking position, the locked portion 65 rides up on the temporary locking portion 35, and when the retainer 60 is moved to the full locking position, the locked portion 65 rides up on the full locking portion 34. In either state, when the retainer 60 is assembled or moved, the inclined surfaces 36 formed on the full locking portion 34 and the temporary locking portion 35 can improve the operability and holding power of the retainer 60.

[0049] Furthermore, the inclined surfaces 36 of the full-locking portion 34 and the partial-locking portion 35 have the same inclination angle with respect to the surface direction of the side surface 28. Therefore, when the locked portion 65 rides up onto the partial-locking portion 35 and the full-locking portion 34, the side plate portion 62 can elastically deform in the same manner, ensuring smooth bending of the side plate portion 62. Furthermore, the mold structure for forming the inclined surfaces 36 does not become complicated.

[0050] [Another embodiment of the present disclosure] The above-described first embodiment disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the side plate portions 62 are formed to protrude forward from both the left and right ends of the main body portion 61, and the locking portions 34, 35 are disposed in front of the retainer attachment hole 29 in the side surface 28 of the housing 20. In contrast to this, in the case of other embodiments, the side plate portions may be formed to protrude rearward from both the left and right ends of the main body portion, and the locking portions may be disposed in rear of the retainer attachment hole in the side surface of the housing. In the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the locked portion 65 is arranged so as to be able to be locked by the locking portions 34, 35 at both the full-locking position and the partial-locking position, and the sloped portion 36 is formed on both the full-locking portion 34 and the partial-locking portion 35. In contrast to this, in the case of other embodiments, the locked portion may be arranged so as to be able to be locked by the locking portion at either the partial-locking position or the full-locking position, and the sloped portion may be formed on only one of the full-locking portion or the partial-locking portion. In the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, when the retainer 60 is assembled to the temporary locking position or moved from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, the locked portion 65 is configured to come into full contact with the sloped portion 36 of the locking portions 34, 35. In contrast, in the case of other embodiments, when the retainer is assembled to the temporary locking position or moved from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, the locked portion may come into partial contact with the sloped portion of the locking portion or may not come into contact with the sloped portion. According to other embodiments, the contact resistance of the locked portion with respect to the locking portion can be reduced, and the amount of elastic deformation of the side plate portion can be reduced, thereby further improving the operability of the retainer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 10…Connector 20. Housing 21…Housing body 22...Lock arm 23…Front member 24…Cavity 25…Lance 26…Top surface 27...One side 28…Side 29…Retainer mounting hole 31…Opposite surface 32...Outer surface 33…Pressing part 34...Main locking part (locking part) 35...Temporary locking portion (locking portion) 36…Slope 37…Second slope 38…Third slope 39…Ridge 41…Upper ridge 43...Step surface 44…Groove 60…Retainer 61...Main body 62...Side plate part 63...Through hole 64…Retaining part 65…Locked part 66…Slope surface 67...Vertical ribs 68…Pressed part 69...Horizontal ribs 71…Frame 90...Terminal fitting 91...Hakobe 100...Electric wire

Claims

1. the terminal fitting, a housing for accommodating the terminal fitting, and a retainer arranged to be movable relative to the housing between a partial locking position and a full locking position, the housing has one surface, a side surface intersecting the one surface, a retainer attachment hole opening to the one surface and the side surface, and a locking portion protruding from the side surface, the retainer has a main body portion disposed inside the retainer mounting hole and capable of locking the terminal fitting, and a side plate portion protruding from the main body portion in a direction intersecting a moving direction of the retainer and covering the side surface from the outside, the side plate portion has an engaged portion that protrudes from an inner surface facing the side surface and is engaged with the engaging portion at at least one of the temporary engaging position and the full engaging position; A connector, wherein the engaging portion has an inclined portion on an end surface facing the opening of the retainer mounting hole, the inclined portion inclining in a direction away from the opening of the retainer mounting hole.

2. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the inclined surface is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or less with respect to a plane direction of the side surface.

3. the side surface has a pressing portion that faces from outside a tip end of the side plate portion in a protruding direction at a position opposite to an opening side of the retainer mounting hole with the locking portion therebetween, The connector according to claim 1, wherein the side plate portion is configured to be displaceable between a cantilever state in which it is positioned away from the pressing portion, and a double-supported state in which it is positioned in contact with the pressing portion by the engaged portion riding over the engaging portion.

4. the locking portion is configured with a temporary locking portion that locks the locked portion at the temporary locking position and a full locking portion that locks the locked portion at the full locking position, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the inclined surface portion is provided on both the full-locking portion and the temporary-locking portion.

5. The connector according to claim 4 , wherein the inclined surfaces of the full-locking portion and the provisional-locking portion have the same inclination angle with respect to a plane direction of the side surface.

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