Connector
The connector design with upward-flexing locking portions and recessed key protrusions stabilizes the retainer, preventing detachment and ensuring secure terminal retention.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023216524
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing connectors face the risk of retainer detachment from the housing due to torsional forces, which can lead to unintended removal of terminals.
The connector design includes a retainer with parallel upper and lower walls, a first locking portion that flexes upward to overcome convex portions, and a detachment prevention portion with a key protrusion fitting into a recessed key recess to prevent upward deflection, ensuring secure locking positions.
Prevents retainer detachment from the housing by maintaining stable locking positions despite applied forces, ensuring secure terminal retention.
Smart Images

Figure 2025099673000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, as a connector, there is one including a terminal, a housing into which the terminal is inserted, and a retainer assembled in an assembling direction intersecting the insertion direction of the terminal with respect to the housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This retainer has parallel upper surface walls and holding walls between which the housing is disposed, and side surface walls connecting the upper surface walls and the holding walls at the rear end in the assembling direction. Then, the retainer is movable between a temporary locking position that allows insertion and removal of the terminal with respect to the housing by bending of the holding wall having a locking portion, and a main locking position that restricts removal of the terminal at a position in front of the temporary locking position in the assembling direction. Further, the housing has a detachment restricting surface substantially perpendicular to the assembling direction, the retainer has a rear side locking surface substantially perpendicular to the assembling direction, and the detachment restricting surface and the rear side locking surface engage with each other at the temporary locking position to prevent the retainer from detaching from the housing.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, in the connector as described above, for example, there is a risk that a component force that bends the holding wall is generated between the detachment restricting surface and the rear side locking surface only by applying a slightly torsional force, and the retainer may detach from the housing.
[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of preventing the retainer from detaching from the housing.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The connector of the present disclosure includes a terminal, a housing into which the terminal is inserted, and a retainer assembled in an assembling direction intersecting the insertion direction of the terminal with respect to the housing. The retainer has parallel upper and lower walls between which the housing is disposed, and a proximal connecting wall connecting the upper and lower walls at an end portion rearward in the assembling direction. The retainer is movable between a temporary locking position that allows insertion and removal of the terminal with respect to the housing and a main locking position that restricts removal of the terminal at a position forward of the temporary locking position in the assembling direction. The housing has a first convex portion and a second convex portion disposed forward of the first convex portion in the assembling direction. The upper wall has a first locking portion disposed rearward of the first convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position and disposed between the first convex portion and the second convex portion at the main locking position, and a detachment preventing portion disposed forward of the second convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position and the main locking position. The first locking portion is configured such that the upper wall can straddle the first convex portion by flexing upward when the retainer moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position. The second convex portion has a key recess recessed rearward in the assembling direction. The detachment preventing portion has a key protrusion that fits into the key recess at the temporary locking position to prevent upward flexing of the upper wall.
Effect of the Invention
[0007] According to the connector of the present disclosure, detachment of the retainer from the housing can be prevented.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0008]
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure is [1] A connector comprising a terminal, a housing into which the terminal is inserted, and a retainer assembled in an assembling direction intersecting the insertion direction of the terminal with respect to the housing, the retainer having parallel upper and lower walls with the housing disposed therebetween, and a base end connecting wall connecting the upper and lower walls at a rear end in the assembling direction, and being movable between a temporary locking position allowing insertion and removal of the terminal with respect to the housing and a main locking position regulating removal of the terminal at a position in front of the temporary locking position in the assembling direction, wherein the housing has a first convex portion and a second convex portion disposed in front of the first convex portion in the assembling direction, the upper wall has a first locking portion disposed behind the first convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position and disposed between the first convex portion and the second convex portion at the main locking position, and a detachment preventing portion disposed in front of the second convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position and the main locking position, the first locking portion being configured to allow the upper wall to flex upward to overcome the first convex portion when the retainer moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position, the second convex portion having a key recess recessed toward the rear in the assembling direction, and the detachment preventing portion having a key protrusion that fits into the key recess at the temporary locking position to prevent upward flexure of the upper wall.
[0010] According to the same configuration, since the first locking portion of the upper wall is configured to overcome the first convex portion of the housing by the upper wall deflecting upward when the retainer moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position, the retainer is prevented from easily switching to the temporary locking position or the main locking position. And the retainer can be switched between the temporary locking position and the main locking position by applying a certain amount of operating force. Further, the second convex portion of the housing has a key recess recessed rearward in the assembling direction of the retainer, and the detachment prevention portion of the retainer has a key protrusion that fits into the key recess at the temporary locking position to prevent the upper wall from deflecting upward. Therefore, the detachment of the retainer from the housing is prevented. That is, even if a large force is applied to the retainer in the rearward direction in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position, the key protrusion fits into the key recess, so that the upward deflection of the upper wall is prevented and the detachment prevention portion is prevented from overcoming the second convex portion. Thereby, the detachment of the retainer from the housing is prevented.
[0011] [2] In the above [1], the detachment prevention portion may be provided at the front end portion of the upper wall in the assembling direction. According to the same configuration, since the detachment prevention portion is provided at the front end portion of the upper wall in the assembling direction, it is possible to prevent the upward deflection of the upper wall at the portion where the upper wall is most easily displaced in the assembling direction when the upper wall deflects upward. Therefore, the upward deflection of the upper wall can be effectively prevented.
[0012] [3] In the above [1] or the above [2], the retainer has a connecting portion that connects the upper wall and the lower wall at the front end portion of the terminal in the insertion direction, and the first locking portion and the detachment prevention portion may be provided at the end portion of the upper wall opposite to the connecting portion.
[0013] According to the same configuration, since the retainer has a connecting portion that connects the upper wall and the lower wall at the front end in the insertion direction of the terminal, the rigidity of the entire retainer is ensured to be high, and the upper wall and the lower wall are less likely to bend in front of the insertion direction of the terminal. And since the first locking portion and the detachment prevention portion are provided at the end of the upper wall on the side opposite to the connecting portion and at a portion that is easily bendable, they can function normally. That is, for example, when the first locking portion and the detachment prevention portion are provided closer to the connecting portion than the end of the upper wall on the side opposite to the connecting portion, there is a possibility that they may not function normally because the upper wall is difficult to bend, but this can be avoided.
[0014] [4] In any one of the above [1] to [3], the housing has a third convex portion disposed rearward of the first convex portion in the assembling direction, and the upper wall has a second locking portion disposed rearward of the third convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position and disposed between the first convex portion and the third convex portion at the main locking position, and the second locking portion may be configured to be able to overcome the third convex portion of the housing by the upper wall bending upward when the retainer moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position.
[0015] According to the same configuration, the second locking portion of the upper wall is configured to overcome the third convex portion of the housing by the upper wall bending upward when the retainer moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position. Therefore, it is prevented that the retainer is easily switched to the temporary locking position or the main locking position. That is, the second locking portion functions in the same way as the first locking portion. Therefore, it is further prevented that the retainer is easily switched to the temporary locking position or the main locking position. In other words, the state in which the retainer is in the temporary locking position or the main locking position can be maintained more strongly.
[0016] [5] In [4] above, the housing has a fourth convex portion disposed rearward of the third convex portion in the assembling direction. With the retainer in the temporary locking position, the second locking portion is disposed between the third convex portion and the fourth convex portion. With the retainer in the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the fourth convex portion to the second locking portion is a first orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction. With the retainer in the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the second locking portion to the fourth convex portion may be a second orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction.
[0017] According to this configuration, with the retainer in the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the fourth convex portion to the second locking portion is a first orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction, and the opposing surface of the second locking portion to the fourth convex portion is a second orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction. Therefore, a component force that deflects the upper wall upward is unlikely to occur. Thus, it is possible to suppress a large force from being applied to the key convex portion and the key concave portion. Also, detachment of the retainer from the housing is prevented by the engagement between the fourth convex portion and the second locking portion.
[0018] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may be different in each drawing. Further, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.
[0019] (Configuration of Connector 11) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connector 11 includes a terminal 12, a housing 13, and a retainer 14. In the figures, a first axis X, a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, and a third axis Z orthogonal to both the first axis X and the second axis Y are illustrated. Also in the figures, an insertion direction X1, which is one direction along the first axis X, in other words, the front X1 of the insertion direction, and a rear X2 of the insertion direction, which is the other direction along the first axis X and is opposite to the front X1 of the insertion direction, are illustrated. Further, in the figures, an assembling direction Y1, which is one direction along the second axis Y, in other words, the front Y1 of the assembling direction, and a rear Y2 of the assembling direction, which is the other direction along the second axis Y and is opposite to the front Y1 of the assembling direction, are illustrated. Additionally, in the figures, an upward direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a downward direction Z2, which is the other direction along the third axis Z and is opposite to the upward direction Z1, are illustrated.
[0020] (Configuration of Terminal 12) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the terminal 12 is a female terminal made of metal that extends along the first axis X. The base end portion of the terminal 12 is connected to the electric wire 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the electric wire 21 has a core wire 21a made of a conductor and an insulating coating 21b that covers the outer periphery of the core wire 21a. And the terminal 12 has its base end portion connected to the end portion of the core wire 21a that is exposed from the end portion of the electric wire 21. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connector 11 of the present embodiment includes a plurality, specifically three terminals 12. The three terminals 12 are arranged side by side along the second axis Y.
[0021] (Configuration of Housing 13) The housing 13 is made of resin. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing 13 has a cylindrical portion 13a that extends along the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12 for the terminal 12 to be inserted, and an outer shape portion 13b that covers the base end side of the cylindrical portion 13a while being connected to the base end portion of the cylindrical portion 13a. The cylindrical portion 13a is formed to be able to hold three terminals 12 arranged side by side along the second axis Y.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 9, the cylindrical portion 13a has a communication hole 13c that communicates from below Z2 to the portion where the terminal 12 is disposed and extends along the second axis Y. The communication hole 13c is continuously formed in a range along the second axis Y that includes all three terminals 12 arranged along the second axis Y.
[0023] Further, a waterproof rubber ring 22 is externally fitted to the outer periphery of the proximal end side of the cylindrical portion 13a. The waterproof rubber ring 22 prevents the intrusion of liquid by being compressed by the mating connector in a state where a mating connector (not shown) is fitted to the connector 11.
[0024] (Configuration of the retainer 14) The retainer 14 is made of resin. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the retainer 14 is assembled to the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 in an assembling direction Y1 that intersects the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12.
[0025] The retainer 14 has parallel upper wall 14a and lower wall 14b between which the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 is disposed, and a proximal end connecting wall 14c that connects the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b at the end in the rear Y2 in the assembling direction of the retainer 14. Further, the retainer 14 has a connecting portion 14d that connects the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b at the end in the front X1 in the insertion direction of the terminal 12. The connecting portion 14d connects the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b except for the portion corresponding to the three terminals 12.
[0026] The retainer 14 is movable between a temporary locking position (see FIG. 3) that allows the insertion and removal of the terminal 12 with respect to the housing 13 and a main locking position (see FIG. 1) that restricts the removal of the terminal 12 at a position in the front Y1 in the assembling direction from the temporary locking position.
[0027] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower wall 14b of the retainer 14 has a base portion 14e that extends along the assembly direction Y1 of the retainer 14 and fits into the communication hole 13c of the housing 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the base portion 14e is formed in the entire assembly direction Y1 on the lower wall 14b. And the base portion 14e has a retaining projection 14f that can engage with the terminal 12 to restrict the removal of the terminal 12 at the main locking position.
[0028] The retaining projection 14f is provided in a part of the assembly direction Y1 on the base portion 14e. In this embodiment, three retaining projections 14f corresponding to the three terminals 12 are arranged side by side in the assembly direction Y1. As shown in FIG. 9, the retaining projection 14f is arranged at a position where it can engage with the engaged portion 12a of the terminal 12 at the main locking position, thereby restricting the removal of the terminal 12 from the housing 13, in other words, restricting the movement in the rearward X2 direction of the insertion direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the retaining projection 14f is arranged at a position where it cannot engage with the engaged portion 12a of the terminal 12 at the temporary locking position, thereby allowing the insertion and removal of the terminal 12 with respect to the housing 13.
[0029] (Detailed Configuration of Housing 13 and Retainer 14) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the housing 13 has a first convex portion 31, a second convex portion 32, a third convex portion 33, and a fourth convex portion 34 on the opposing surface of the cylindrical portion 13a with the upper wall 14a of the retainer 14. The first convex portion 31, the second convex portion 32, the third convex portion 33, and the fourth convex portion 34 protrude upward Z1 from the cylindrical portion 13a. The second convex portion 32 is arranged in front of the first convex portion 31 in the assembly direction Y1. The third convex portion 33 is arranged behind the first convex portion 31 in the assembly direction Y2. The fourth convex portion 34 is arranged behind the third convex portion 33 in the assembly direction Y2.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIG. 8, the upper wall 14a of the retainer 14 has a first locking portion 41, a second locking portion 42, and a detachment prevention portion 43. The first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 project downward Z2 from the upper wall 14a. Further, the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 are provided at an end portion of the upper wall 14a on the side opposite to the connecting portion 14d, in other words, at an end portion in the rearward X2 in the insertion direction. The second locking portion 42 is disposed rearward Y2 in the assembling direction than the first locking portion 41. The detachment prevention portion 43 is disposed forward Y1 in the assembling direction than the first locking portion 41. Further, the detachment prevention portion 43 is provided at an end portion in the forward Y1 in the assembling direction on the upper wall 14a.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 10, the first locking portion 41 is rearward Y2 in the assembling direction than the first convex portion 31 at the temporary locking position, and is disposed between the first convex portion 31 and the third convex portion 33. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the first locking portion 41 is forward Y1 in the assembling direction than the first convex portion 31 at the main locking position, and is disposed between the first convex portion 31 and the second convex portion 32.
[0032] The first locking portion 41 arranged as described above is enabled to overcome the first convex portion 31 by the upper wall 14a bending upward Z1 when the retainer 14 moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position.
[0033] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the second locking portion 42 is rearward Y2 in the assembling direction than the third convex portion 33 at the temporary locking position, and is disposed between the third convex portion 33 and the fourth convex portion 34. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the second locking portion 42 is forward Y1 in the assembling direction than the third convex portion 33 at the main locking position, and is disposed between the first convex portion 31 and the third convex portion 33.
[0034] The second locking portion 42 arranged as described above is enabled to overcome the third convex portion 33 by the upper wall 14a bending upward Z1 when the retainer 14 moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position.
[0035] In this embodiment, with the retainer 14 in the temporary locking position (see FIG. 10) or the main locking position (see FIG. 8), the opposing surfaces of the first convex portion 31 and the first locking portion 41 are inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the surface orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1. Also, with the retainer 14 in the temporary locking position or the main locking position, the opposing surfaces of the third convex portion 33 and the second locking portion 42 are inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the surface orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1. These inclined surfaces are set such that when a force in the forward direction Y1 or the rearward direction Y2 of the assembling direction is applied to the retainer 14, a component force that deflects the upper wall 14a upward in the Z1 direction is generated. Therefore, by applying a force in the forward direction Y1 or the rearward direction Y2 of the assembling direction to the retainer 14, the upper wall 14a can be deflected upward in the Z1 direction. Thus, by the first locking portion 41 overcoming the first convex portion 31 and the second locking portion 42 overcoming the third convex portion 33, it is possible to move the retainer 14 to the temporary locking position or the main locking position. Each of these inclined surfaces is set to a large inclination angle or a small inclination angle according to the force required when operating the retainer 14.
[0036] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, with the retainer 14 in the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the fourth convex portion 34 with respect to the second locking portion 42 is the first orthogonal surface 34a that is orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1. Also, with the retainer 14 in the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the second locking portion 42 with respect to the fourth convex portion 34 is the second orthogonal surface 42a that is orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1. Thereby, with the retainer 14 in the temporary locking position, even when a force in the rearward direction Y2 of the assembling direction is applied to the retainer 14, a component force that deflects the upper wall 14a upward in the Z1 direction is less likely to be generated.
[0037] Further, the second convex portion 32 has a key recess 32a recessed toward the rear Y2 in the assembling direction, and the detachment prevention portion 43 has a key projection 43a that fits into the key recess 32a at the temporary locking position to prevent the upper wall 14a from deflecting upward in the Z1 direction. The key recess 32a is formed at the base end portion of the second convex portion 32 that protrudes upward in the Z1 direction from the cylindrical portion 13a. The key projection 43a is formed at the tip end portion of the detachment prevention portion 43 that protrudes downward in the Z2 direction from the upper wall 14a. In the present embodiment, the thickness along the third axis Z of the portion that protrudes forward in the Y1 direction in the assembling direction due to the formation of the key recess 32a in the second convex portion 32 is set to be the same as the thickness along the third axis Z of the key projection 43a.
[0038] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 has a guide groove 13d extending along the assembling direction Y1. The guide groove 13d of the present embodiment has a bottom 13e. In other words, the guide groove 13d does not communicate to the portion where the terminal 12 is disposed. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper wall 14a of the retainer 14 has a guide rib 44 that extends along the assembling direction Y1 and fits into the guide groove 13d.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the guide rib 44 has an inclined portion 44a at the end in the forward Y1 direction of the assembling direction, and the amount of protrusion from the upper wall 14a decreases toward the end. Further, the guide rib 44 is continuously provided throughout the assembling direction Y1 of the retainer 14 on the upper wall 14a. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the guide rib 44 is provided at a distance from the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 in the insertion direction X1. In other words, the guide rib 44 is provided with respect to the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 via a flat surface 45.
[0040] Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the guide rib 44 is provided at a position overlapping the base portion 14e in the insertion direction X1. In the present embodiment, the guide rib 44 is provided so as to be entirely within the range where the base portion 14e is provided in the insertion direction X1. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the guide groove 13d is provided at a position overlapping the communication hole 13c in the insertion direction X1.
[0041] (Operation of the Embodiment) Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. The retainer 14 is assembled to the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 in the assembling direction Y1 that intersects the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12. Specifically, the retainer 14 is assembled to the housing 13 such that the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 is inserted between the tip portions of the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b.
[0042] And in a state where the retainer 14 is in the temporary locking position (see FIGS. 10 and 11), the removal restricting projection 14f is arranged at a position where it cannot engage with the engaged portion 12a of the terminal 12, so that the insertion and removal of the terminal 12 with respect to the housing 13 are permitted.
[0043] Also, in a state where the retainer 14 is in the main locking position (see FIGS. 8 and 9), the removal restricting projection 14f is arranged at a position where it can engage with the engaged portion 12a of the terminal 12, so that the removal of the terminal 12 with respect to the housing 13 is restricted.
[0044] (Effect of the Embodiment) Next, the effects of the above embodiment will be described below. (1) The first locking portion 41 of the upper wall 14a is configured such that when the retainer 14 moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position, the upper wall 14a bends upward in the Z1 direction to overcome the first convex portion 31 of the housing 13. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the retainer 14 from being easily switched to the temporary locking position or the main locking position, for example, unintentionally. And the retainer 14 can be switched between the temporary locking position and the main locking position by applying a certain amount of operating force. Further, the second convex portion 32 of the housing 13 has a key recess 32a recessed toward the rear Y2 in the assembling direction of the retainer 14, and the detachment prevention portion 43 of the retainer 14 has a key projection 43a that fits into the key recess 32a at the temporary locking position to prevent the upper wall 14a from bending upward in the Z1 direction. Therefore, detachment of the retainer 14 from the housing 13 is prevented. That is, even if a large force is applied to the retainer 14 in the rear Y2 direction in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position, the key projection 43a fits into the key recess 32a, thereby preventing the upper wall 14a from bending upward in the Z1 direction and preventing the detachment prevention portion 43 from overcoming the second convex portion 32. Thereby, detachment of the retainer 14 from the housing 13 is prevented.
[0045] (2) Since the detachment prevention portion 43 is provided at the end of the upper wall 14a in the front Y1 direction in the assembling direction, it is possible to prevent the upper wall 14a from bending upward in the Z1 direction at the portion that is most easily displaced in the assembling direction Y1 when the upper wall 14a bends upward in the Z1 direction. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the upper wall 14a from bending upward in the Z1 direction.
[0046] (3) Since the retainer 14 has a connecting portion 14d that connects the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b at the front end X1 in the insertion direction of the terminal 12, the rigidity of the entire retainer 14 is ensured to be high, and the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b are difficult to bend at the front X1 in the insertion direction of the terminal 12. And since the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 are provided at an end portion on the side opposite to the connecting portion 14d on the upper wall 14a and at a portion that is easy to bend, they can function normally. That is, for example, when the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 are provided closer to the connecting portion 14d than the end portion on the side opposite to the connecting portion 14d on the upper wall 14a, there is a risk that they may not function normally because the upper wall 14a is difficult to bend, but this can be avoided.
[0047] (4) The second locking portion 42 of the upper wall 14a is configured such that when the retainer 14 moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position, the upper wall 14a bends upward Z1 to get over the third convex portion 33 of the housing 13. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the retainer 14 from easily switching to the temporary locking position or the main locking position, for example, unintentionally. That is, the second locking portion 42 functions in the same way as the first locking portion 41. Therefore, it is further possible to prevent the retainer 14 from easily switching to the temporary locking position or the main locking position, for example, unintentionally. In other words, the state where the retainer 14 is in the temporary locking position or the main locking position can be maintained more strongly.
[0048] (5) In the state of being in the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the fourth convex portion 34 with respect to the second locking portion 42 is a first orthogonal surface 34a orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1, and the opposing surface of the second locking portion 42 with respect to the fourth convex portion 34 is a second orthogonal surface 42a orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1. Therefore, a component force that bends the upper wall 14a upward Z1 is unlikely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a large force from being applied to the key convex portion 43a and the key concave portion 32a. Also, the engagement between the fourth convex portion 34 and the second locking portion 42 prevents the retainer 14 from detaching from the housing 13.
[0049] (Modified Example) The above-described embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above-described embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other as long as they do not technically conflict with each other.
[0050] ·In the above-described embodiment, the detachment prevention portion 43 is provided at the end portion in the forward direction Y1 in the assembling direction on the upper wall 14a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be provided at a portion other than the end portion.
[0051] ·In the above-described embodiment, the retainer 14 has a connecting portion 14d that connects the upper wall 14a and the lower wall 14b at the end portion in the forward direction X1 in the insertion direction of the terminal 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration without the connecting portion 14d may be adopted.
[0052] ·In the above-described embodiment, the first locking portion 41, the second locking portion 42, and the detachment prevention portion 43 are provided at the end portion on the side opposite to the connecting portion 14d on the upper wall 14a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and they may be provided at a portion other than the end portion.
[0053] ·In the above-described embodiment, the connector 11 is configured to have a third convex portion 33 and a second locking portion 42 that function in the same manner as the first convex portion 31 and the first locking portion 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration without the third convex portion 33 and the second locking portion 42 may be adopted.
[0054] ·In the above-described embodiment, the fourth convex portion 34 has a first orthogonal surface 34a orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1, and the second locking portion 42 has a second orthogonal surface 42a orthogonal to the assembling direction Y1. However, a configuration without the first orthogonal surface 34a and the second orthogonal surface 42a may be adopted.
[0055] ·In the above-described embodiment, the cylindrical portion 13a of the housing 13 has a guide groove 13d, and the upper wall 14a has a guide rib 44. However, a configuration without the guide groove 13d and the guide rib 44 may be adopted.
[0056] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide rib 44 has an inclined portion 44a at the end in the forward Y1 direction of the assembling direction, and the protruding amount from the upper wall 14a decreases toward the end. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration without the inclined portion 44a may be adopted.
[0057] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide rib 44 is provided continuously throughout the assembling direction Y1 on the upper wall 14a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration in which a plurality of guide ribs 44 are intermittently provided in the assembling direction Y1 may be adopted.
[0058] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide rib 44 is provided at a distance from the first locking portion 41 and the second locking portion 42 in the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the guide rib 44 may be provided continuously with the first locking portion 41 and the second locking portion 42.
[0059] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide groove 13d has a shape having a bottom portion 13e. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the guide groove 13d may be a through hole without the bottom portion 13e.
[0060] ·In the above-described embodiment, the lower wall 14b extends along the assembling direction Y1 and has a base portion 14e that fits into the communication hole 13c. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration without the base portion 14e may be adopted. That is, for example, even on the lower wall 14b side, there may be no base portion 14e for preventing the retainer 14 from being displaced so as to tilt from the assembling direction Y1 with respect to the housing 13.
[0061] ·In the above-described embodiment, the guide rib 44 is provided so as to be entirely within the range where the base portion 14e is provided in the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the guide rib 44 may be provided at a position where only a part thereof overlaps with the range where the base portion 14e is provided. Further, for example, the guide rib 44 may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the base portion 14e in the insertion direction X1 of the terminal 12.
[0062] ·In the above-described embodiment, the connector 11 is configured to include three terminals 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be changed to a configuration including two terminals 12 or four or more terminals 12.
Explanation of Reference Numerals
[0063] 11 Connector 12 Terminal 12a Engaged Portion 13 Housing 13a Cylindrical Portion 13b Outer Shape Portion 13c Communication Hole 13d Guide Groove 13e Bottom Portion 14 Retainer 14a Upper Wall 14b Lower Wall 14c Base-End Connection Wall 14d Connection Portion 14e Base Portion 14f Pull-Out Regulation Projection 21 Electric Wire 21a Core Wire 21b Insulation Coating 22 Waterproof Rubber Ring 31 First Convex Portion 32 Second Convex Portion 32a Key Concave Portion 33 Third Convex Portion 34 Fourth Convex Portion 34a First Orthogonal Plane 41 First Locking Portion 42 Second Locking Portion 42a Second Orthogonal Plane 43 Withdrawal Prevention Portion 43a Key Convex Portion 44 Guide Rib 44a Inclined Portion 45 Flat Plane X First Axis X1 Front in Insertion Direction (Insertion Direction) X2 Rear in Insertion Direction Y Second Axis Y1 Front in Assembly Direction (Assembly Direction) Y2 Rear in Assembly Direction Z Third Axis Above Z1 Below Z2
Claims
1. A terminal, a housing into which the terminal is inserted, and a retainer assembled in an assembling direction intersecting the insertion direction of the terminal with respect to the housing, comprising: The retainer has parallel upper and lower walls with the housing disposed therebetween, and a base end connecting wall connecting the upper and lower walls at an end portion rearward in the assembling direction, and is movable between a temporary locking position allowing insertion and removal of the terminal with respect to the housing and a main locking position regulating removal of the terminal at a position forward of the temporary locking position in the assembling direction. A connector, wherein the housing has a first convex portion and a second convex portion disposed forward of the first convex portion in the assembling direction, the upper wall has a first locking portion disposed rearward of the first convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position and disposed between the first convex portion and the second convex portion at the main locking position, and a detachment preventing portion disposed forward of the second convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position and the main locking position, the first locking portion is configured such that the upper wall can bend upward to overcome the first convex portion when the retainer moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position, the second convex portion has a key recess recessed rearward in the assembling direction, and the detachment preventing portion has a key protrusion that fits into the key recess at the temporary locking position to prevent the upper wall from bending upward. Connector.
2. The detachment preventing portion is provided at an end portion forward in the assembling direction on the upper wall. The connector according to claim 1.
3. The retainer has a connecting portion connecting the upper and lower walls at an end portion forward of the terminal in the insertion direction, and the first locking portion and the detachment preventing portion are provided at an end portion of the upper wall opposite to the connecting portion. The connector according to claim 1.
4. The housing has a third convex portion disposed rearward of the first convex portion in the assembling direction, the upper wall has a second locking portion disposed rearward of the third convex portion in the assembling direction at the temporary locking position and disposed between the first convex portion and the third convex portion at the main locking position, and the second locking portion is configured such that the upper wall can bend upward to overcome the third convex portion when the retainer moves between the temporary locking position and the main locking position. The connector according to claim 1.
5. The housing has a fourth convex portion disposed rearward of the third convex portion in the assembling direction. With the retainer in the temporary locking position, the second locking portion is disposed between the third convex portion and the fourth convex portion. With the retainer in the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the fourth convex portion to the second locking portion is a first orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction. With the retainer in the temporary locking position, the opposing surface of the second locking portion to the fourth convex portion is a second orthogonal surface orthogonal to the assembling direction. The connector according to claim 4.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Connector
JP2013016519A