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 relative to the connector housing and is movable between a provisionally locked state and a fully locked state. The connector housing has retainer mounting holes that open to the bottom and both side surfaces. A fully locked portion and a provisionally locked portion (hereinafter simply referred to as "locking portion") protrude from the side surfaces forward of the retainer mounting holes. The retainer has a base that is arranged in the retainer mounting hole and is capable of locking the terminal fittings, and sidewall portions that protrude from the base and cover the side surfaces. The sidewall portions have lock receiving portions on their inner surfaces that can lock with the locking portions. 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 locking state (when inserted into the retainer insertion hole) and when it moves from the temporary locking state to the full locking state, the lock receiving portion rides up on 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] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-222758 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-302350 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-27678 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, the locking portion is located close to the retainer mounting hole. The fulcrum of the deflection 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 of the locking portion (the end facing the opening of the retainer mounting hole) during the movement of the retainer, a large stress will be applied to the rear end of the locking portion. In contrast, if the locking portion is located away from the retainer mounting hole, it can be prevented from strongly interfering with the rear end of the locking portion. However, if the engagement position between the lock receiving portion and the locking portion is far from the fulcrum of the deflection of the side wall portion, there is a risk that sufficient locking force will not be secured between the lock receiving portion and the locking portion. As a result, a problem occurs in which the holding force of the retainer to the connector housing is reduced.

[0005] Therefore, 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 that is arranged to be movable relative to the housing between a temporary locking position and a full locking 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 locking position and the full locking position, and the locking portion has a slope portion on the end surface facing the opening of the retainer mounting hole that inclines in a direction away from the opening of the retainer mounting hole. [Effects 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 the retainer. [Brief explanation 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 a connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the retainer is held in the full locking position relative to the housing. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retainer is held in the 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 a locking portion. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a side plate portion at an end of the retainer. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the inner shape of the side plate portion at the end 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 with the locking portion of the housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, 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 locking position and a full locking 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 locking position and the full locking position, the locking portion having a slope portion on an end surface facing the opening of the retainer mounting hole that slopes 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 elastically deforms and the locked portion rides up onto the locking portion. When the locked portion contacts the sloped portion, stress acting on the locking portion is dispersed along the length of the sloped portion (direction away from the opening of the retainer mounting hole). This prevents stress from concentrating on corners of the locking portion, allowing the side plate to elastically deform smoothly, improving the operability of the retainer. Furthermore, because the locking portion can be extended toward the opening of the retainer mounting hole by the length of the sloped 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 angle of 45 degrees or less with respect to the plane direction of the side surface.

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

[0013] (3) In the connector described in (1) or (2) above, the side surface has a holding portion that faces the tip of the side plate portion in the protruding direction from the outside, at a position opposite the opening side of the retainer mounting hole across the locking portion, and it is preferable that the side plate portion is configured to be displaceable between a cantilevered 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 up onto 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 lifting up from the side surface. Furthermore, 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 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, thereby achieving a well-defined locked state between the locked portion and the locking portion. When the retainer begins to be assembled to the temporary locking position or when it begins to move 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 a double-supported state.

[0015] (4) In the connector described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the locking portion is preferably 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 the inclined portion is preferably provided on both the full locking portion and the temporary locking portion.

[0016] When the retainer is assembled to the temporary locking position, the locked portion rides up on the temporary locking portion, and when the retainer is moved to the full locking position, the locked portion rides up on the full locking portion. In both the state when the retainer is assembled and when it is 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 main locking portion and the temporary locking portion have the same inclination angle relative to the plane direction of the side surface.

[0018] The side plate can be elastically deformed in the same manner when the retained portion rides on the provisionally retaining portion and the fully retaining portion, ensuring smooth bending of the side plate. Furthermore, the mold structure for forming the sloped portion does not become complicated.

[0019] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, 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, terminal fittings 90 accommodated in the housing 20, and a retainer 60 movably mounted to the housing 20. The housing 20 is matable with a mating connector (not shown). In the following description, the front side of the housing 20 facing the mating connector at the start of mating is referred to as the front. The up-down direction is based on the up-down direction in each drawing except for FIGS. 7 and 8. The up-down direction is synonymous with the height direction. The left-right direction is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction. The left-to-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 top is represented by the symbol Z. These directional references are for convenience and do not necessarily coincide with the directional references when the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown).

[0021] (Housing 20 and terminal fittings 90) 3, the housing 20 is made of synthetic resin and has a housing main body 21, a locking 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 locking arm 22 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, and engages with a mating connector (not shown) to maintain the mating connector and housing 20 in a mated state.

[0022] The housing body 21 has a plurality of cavities 24 penetrating 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 the end portion of the electric wire 100 and is electrically and mechanically connected to it. The front member 23 holds the box portion 91 in place 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, a surface 27 serving as the 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 surface 27 and face to the left and right. The surface 27 is disposed horizontally along the front-to-rear direction. The side surfaces 28 are disposed vertically along the up-down direction.

[0024] The housing body 21 has a retainer mounting hole 29 that opens across one surface 27 and each side surface 28. As shown in Figure 3, the retainer mounting hole 29 communicates with each cavity 24 inside the housing body 21 and is located rearward of each lance 25. A main body 61 of a retainer 60 (described later) is inserted into the retainer mounting hole 29 through an opening in one surface 27 of the retainer mounting 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 outward on the left and right of the opposing surface 31.

[0026] 7 and 8, each side surface 28 of the housing body 21 has a stepped pressing portion 33 between the opposing surface 31 and the outer surface 32. The pressing portion 33 has an inversely tapered surface that slopes rearward from the opposing surface 31 toward the outer surface 32. On each side surface 28 of the housing body 21, a groove portion 44 is formed by the pressing portion 33 and the opposing surface 31, and has a V-shaped cross section and is shaped like a part of a dovetail groove. 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 prevents the side plate portion 62 from lifting outward.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4 , locking portions 34, 35 protrude 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. Both the full-locking portion 34 and the temporary-locking portion 35 are rib-shaped and extend 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 (described later) and serve to hold the retainer 60 in the full-locking position and the temporary-locking position relative to the housing 20, respectively. In the following description, unless it is necessary 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 located above the vertical center of the opposing surface 31. The locking portions 34, 35 are located close to the retainer attachment 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 attachment hole 29. An inclined surface 36 that slopes forward away from the retainer attachment hole 29 is formed on the rear surfaces of the locking portions 34, 35. The inclined surface 36 is inclined at an 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 partial 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, sloping 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, sloping downward toward the tip surface of the full locking portion 34 in the protruding direction. The tip surface of the locking portions 34, 35 in the protruding direction is a vertical surface that extends elongatedly in the front-to-rear direction. The upper surface of the temporary locking portion 35 is a horizontal surface that extends elongatedly in the front-to-rear direction.

[0030] The locking portions 34, 35 have a linear ridge portion 39 between the inclined portion 36 and the second inclined portion 37 that 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 longer than that of the full locking portion 34. The full locking portion 34 has an upper ridge portion 41 between the inclined portion 36 and the third inclined portion 38 that slopes downward and forward from the rear end of the full locking portion 34. The front surfaces of the locking portions 34, 35 are vertical surfaces that extend elongated in the up-down direction.

[0031] (Retainer 60) The retainer 60 is made of synthetic resin and, although not shown in its entirety, has a main body 61 extending elongately 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 5 and Figure 6. The main body portion 61 is disposed inside the retainer mounting hole 29, as shown in Figure 3, 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 the corresponding 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 to communicate with the cavities 24 in the lower tier. The retaining portions 64 are arranged to individually correspond to the cavities 24 in the two tiers, upper and lower.

[0033] When the retainer 60 is in the temporary locking position relative to the housing 20, the stopper portions 64 are positioned away from the insertion paths of the terminal fittings 90, allowing the terminal fittings 90 to be inserted into the cavities 24. As shown in Fig. 4, when the retainer 60 is in the full locking position relative to the housing 20, the stopper portions 64 enter the insertion paths of the terminal fittings 90 and are positioned so as to be able to lock onto the rear surface of the box portion 91. The terminal fittings 90 are held in the cavities 24 by the stopper portions 64 in a locked state.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 6, each side plate 62 is shaped like a plate with its plate surface facing left and right and has a rectangular outer shape in side view. Each side plate 62 is elastically deformable left and right with its rear end portion connected to the main body 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 62, sloping rearward as it extends outward to the left and right. The pressed portion 68 is arranged so as to be covered by the pressing portion 33.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, a locking portion 65 protrudes from the inner surface of each side plate portion 62. The locking portion 65 is rib-shaped and extends 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 locking portion 65, sloping downward from the upper end surface of each side plate portion 62 toward the tip surface in the protruding direction. The lower surface of the locking portion 65 is a horizontal surface extending in the front-rear direction.

[0036] A vertical rib 67 extending in the up-down direction is protruded 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 locking 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-to-rear direction is protruded 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 locking portion 65, vertical rib 67, and horizontal rib 69.

[0037] (Function of connector 10) The main body 61 of the retainer 60 is inserted into the retainer mounting hole 29 from below through the opening in the one surface 27 of the housing 20. During the assembly of the retainer 60, the inclined surface 66 of the locked portion 65 slides over the second inclined surface 37 of the temporary locking portion 35, and as shown in FIG. 7 , the side plate 62 is elastically deformed outward to the left and right with its rear end portion as a fulcrum. The pressed portion 68 on the front end surface of the side plate 62 contacts the pressing portion 33 of the housing 20 from the inside to the left and right, restricting the side plate 62 from opening outward to the left and right. The contact portion of the pressed portion 68 with the pressing portion 33 and the rear end portion, which serves as the fulcrum for the bending motion, cause the side plate 62 to form a doubly supported state, appearing as a doubly supported beam. While the side plate portion 62 is elastically deformed to form the 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 sloped surface portion 36 and the ridge portion 39 (in the direction away from the opening of the retainer attachment 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] When the locked portion 65 climbs over the temporary locking portion 35, the side plate portion 62 quickly and elastically returns to its original state (a natural state where it is not elastically deformed), and as shown in Fig. 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 positioned opposite and contactable with the upper surface of the temporary locking portion 35, and the upper surface of the locked portion 65 is positioned opposite and contactable with the lower surface of the full locking portion 34. This holds the retainer 60 in the temporary locking position relative to the housing 20.

[0039] When the retainer 60 is in the temporary locking 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 side plate portion 62 is no longer supported at both ends. In the temporary locking position, the side plate portion 62 forms a cantilevered 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 temporary locking position relative to the housing 20, terminal fittings 90 are inserted into each cavity 24 from the rear. The terminal fittings 90 are previously connected to the ends of the electric wires 100.

[0040] After the terminal fittings 90 are inserted into the cavities 24, the retainer 60 is pushed up. This causes the locked portions 65 to slide over the second inclined surfaces 37 and 36 of the full-locking portion 34, causing the side plate portions 62 to elastically deform outward to the left and right, with the rear end portions serving as fulcrums (see FIG. 7 ). As described above, the pressed portions 68 of the side plate portions 62 contact the pressing portions 33 of the housing 20 from the inside to the left and right, restricting the side plate portions 62 from opening outward to the left and right. While the side plate portions 62 elastically deform to form a double-supported state, the stress acting from the locked portions 65 on the full-locking portion 34 is dispersed along the length of the inclined surfaces 36 and the ridge portions 39. This prevents excessive stress from being applied to the full-locking portion 34. As a result, deformation (sagging) of the full-locking portion 34 can be prevented.

[0041] When the locked portion 65 overcomes the full-locking portion 34, the side plate 62 quickly and elastically returns to its original state (a natural state without elastic deformation), and as shown in FIG. 2, the locked portion 65 fits between the full-locking portion 34 and the stepped surface 43 that defines the upper end of the opposing surface 31. At this time, the lower surface of the locked portion 65 is positioned so as to face and contact the upper surface of the full-locking portion 34, and the upper surface of the locked portion 65 is positioned so as to face and contact the stepped surface 43. This holds the retainer 60 in the full-locking position relative to the housing 20. At the full-locking position, the side plate 62 forms a cantilevered state (see FIG. 8). Then, when the retainer 60 reaches the full-locking position, the retaining portion 64 is positioned so as to be able to lock the terminal fitting 90, as shown in FIG. 3. The lower surface of the retainer 60 is positioned without any steps on the one surface 27 of the housing 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 is capable of locking the terminal fitting 90, and a side plate portion 62 that protrudes like a cantilever from the main body portion 61 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 a locked portion 65 that protrudes from the inner surface facing the side surface 28 of the housing 20 and is locked by the locking portions 34, 35 at both the temporary locking position and the full locking position. The locking portions 34, 35 have an inclined portion 36 that slopes away from the opening of the retainer mounting hole 29 on the end surface facing the opening 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 elastically deforms and the locked portion 65 rides up onto the locking portions 34, 35. When the locked portion 65 comes into contact with the sloped portion 36, the stress acting on the locking portions 34, 35 is dispersed in the longitudinal direction of the sloped portion 36. This prevents stress from concentrating on a single portion of the side plate 62, allowing the side plate 62 to smoothly elastically deform, improving the operability of the retainer 60. Furthermore, because the locking portions 34, 35 can be extended toward the opening of the retainer mounting hole 29 by the length of the sloped portion 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 36 is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or less relative to the surface direction of the side surface 28 of the housing 20. This allows the length of the inclined surface 36 to be increased, thereby improving the effect of dispersing stress acting on the locking portions 34, 35. Furthermore, the length of the locking portions 34, 35 including the inclined surface 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 the tip end (pressed portion 68) of the side plate portion 62 in the protruding direction, 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 cantilevered 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 as the locked portion 65 rides up onto the locking portions 34, 35.

[0046] The pressed portion 68 of the side plate 62 comes into contact with the pressing portion 33, thereby preventing the side plate 62 from lifting up from the side surface 28. Furthermore, when the retainer 60 is assembled to the temporary locking position or moved from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, if the pressed portion 65 rides up onto the locking portions 34, 35, the side plate 62 can be elastically deformed into a double-supported state with the connection portion with the main body 61 and the contact portion with the pressing portion 33 as fulcrums. As the pressed portion 65 rides up over the locking portions 34, 35, the side plate 62 quickly returns to its original elastic state, thereby achieving a secure locking state between the pressed portion 65 and the locking portions 34, 35. When the retainer 60 begins to be assembled to the temporary locking position or when it begins to move from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, the side plate 62 is maintained in a cantilevered state, thereby reducing assembly resistance or movement resistance compared to a double-supported state.

[0047] Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, the locking portions 34, 35 are configured by 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 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 both the assembled and moved states of the retainer 60, the inclined surfaces 36 formed on the full locking portion 34 and the temporary locking portion 35 improve the operability and holding power of the retainer 60.

[0049] Furthermore, the inclined surfaces 36 of the full-locking portion 34 and the temporary-locking portion 35 have the same inclination angle relative to the plane direction of the side surface 28. This allows the side plate portions 62 to elastically deform in the same manner when the locked portions 65 ride up onto the temporary-locking portion 35 and the full-locking portion 34, respectively, ensuring smooth bending of the side plate portions 62. Furthermore, the mold structure for molding the inclined surfaces 36 does not become complicated.

[0050] [Another embodiment of the present disclosure] The first embodiment disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the case of the above-described first embodiment, 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 located in front of the retainer mounting holes 29 on the side surfaces 28 of the housing 20. In contrast to this, in 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 located in rear of the retainer mounting holes on the side surfaces of the housing. In the case of the above-described first embodiment, 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 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 first embodiment described above, 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 fully contact the sloped portion 36 of the locking portions 34, 35. In contrast, in 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 be configured to partially contact the sloped portion of the locking portion or not contact the sloped portion. According to other embodiments, the contact resistance of the locked portion with 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...Sloped section 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 rib 68...Pressed part 69...Horizontal rib 71...Frame 90...Terminal fitting 91...Hakobe 100...Electric wire

Claims

1. The connector includes a terminal fitting, a housing that accommodates the terminal fitting, and a retainer that is arranged to be movable relative to the housing between a temporary locking position and a full locking position, the housing has one surface, a side surface intersecting the one surface, a retainer mounting 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 that is disposed inside the retainer mounting hole and is capable of locking the terminal fitting, 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 has a locked portion that protrudes from an inner surface facing the side surface and is locked to the locking portion at at least one of the temporary locking position and the full locking position; The connector, wherein the locking portion has an inclined surface on an end surface facing the opening of the retainer mounting hole, the inclined surface 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, the pressing portion being located on a side opposite to an opening side of the retainer mounting hole across the locking portion; The connector of claim 1, wherein the side plate portion is configured to be displaceable between a cantilevered state in which it is positioned away from the pressing portion, and a doubly 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 by 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 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 temporary-locking portion have the same inclination angle relative to the plane direction of the side surface.

Images