Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of improving connection reliability with a mating connector.SOLUTION: A connector 10 includes: a terminal 20; a housing 30 that holds the terminal 20; a slider 60 that is accommodated in the housing 30 and is provided to be movable between a first position and a second position along a first axis X; and a spring 70 that biases the slider 60. The spring 70 includes: a pair of arms 71 extending toward a second axis Y intersecting the first axis X; and a coupling part 75 coupling the pair of arms 71 and contacting the slider 60. The coupling part 75 extends along a third axis Z intersecting both the first axis X and the second axis Y. The spring 70 biases the slider 60 toward the first position in a state where the coupling part 75 is in contact with the slider 60 along the third axis Z.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles are equipped with so-called squib connectors, which are connectors used to control airbag inflators and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of connector includes terminals, a housing that holds the terminals, a slider housed inside the housing, and a spring that biases the slider. The spring has a pair of actuating arms that press the slider, and a torsion coil portion provided at each end of the pair of actuating arms. The connector ensures mating between the connector and the mating connector by sliding the slider using the biasing force of the spring. Specifically, when the connector and the mating connector are mated, the slider is moved rearward while receiving the reaction force of the spring. Then, after the connector and the mating connector are completely mated, the slider is moved forward by the reaction force of the spring. Specifically, the slider is moved forward while being pressed by the pair of actuating arms. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-21397 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is desired that the above connectors have a further improved connection reliability with mating connectors. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can improve the reliability of connection with a mating connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a terminal, a housing that holds the terminal, a slider that is accommodated inside the housing and is movable along a first axis to a first position and a second position, and a spring that biases the slider, the spring having a pair of arms that extend along a second axis that intersects the first axis, and a connecting portion that connects the pair of arms and contacts the slider, the connecting portion extending along a third axis that intersects both the first axis and the second axis, and the spring biases the slider toward the first position with the connecting portion in contact with the slider along the third axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure has the effect of improving the reliability of connection with the mating connector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector and a mating connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a portion of the connector of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3) showing the connector of one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a slider according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3) showing the connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 3) showing the connector and the mating connector of one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector and a mating connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector and a mating connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector and a mating connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a spring according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a terminal, a housing for holding the terminal, a slider accommodated within the housing and movable along a first axis to a first position and a second position, and a spring for biasing the slider, the spring having a pair of arms extending along a second axis intersecting the first axis, and a connecting portion connecting the pair of arms and contacting the slider, the connecting portion extending along a third axis intersecting both the first axis and the second axis, and the spring biasing the slider toward the first position with the connecting portion contacting the slider along the third axis.

[0009] According to this configuration, the slider is biased toward the first position by the spring while the connecting portion connecting the pair of arms is in line contact with the slider along the third axis. This increases the contact area between the spring and the slider, particularly along the third axis, compared to when only the pair of arms are in contact with the slider. Therefore, when the slider moves from the second position to the first position along the first axis due to the biasing force of the spring, a balanced biasing force can be applied to the slider, allowing the slider to move in a balanced manner. Therefore, when the slider moves from the second position to the first position, tilting of the slider with respect to the third axis can be effectively prevented, allowing the slider to move in a stable posture. As a result, the spring reaction force of the spring can be effectively applied to the slider, thereby effectively ensuring mating with the mating connector using the spring and slider. This effective mating assurance effectively prevents mating defects, such as a partially mated state between the connector and the mating connector, from occurring. As a result, the reliability of the connection between the connector and the mating connector can be improved.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], each of the pair of arms may have a first end connected to the connecting portion and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end, and the spring may further have a folded portion folded from the second end toward the first end.

[0011] This configuration allows the spring to be structured so that the second end of each arm does not have a torsion coil shape, which allows the spring to be made smaller than in conventional structures that have a torsion coil shape.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the spring may further have an extension extending from the folded portion along the third axis, and the extension may be capable of contacting an inner surface of the housing.

[0013] This configuration increases the contact area between the spring and the inner surface of the housing by the amount of the extension. This contact between the spring and the inner surface of the housing effectively restricts the movement of the spring inside the housing. This effectively maintains the desired position of the spring inside the housing.

[0014] [4] In any of [1] to [3] above, each of the pair of arms may have a rising portion rising from the connecting portion in a first diagonal direction and a falling portion falling from an end of the rising portion in a second diagonal direction intersecting the first diagonal direction, and the rising portion may be inclined in a direction away from the slider as it moves away from the connecting portion.

[0015] According to this configuration, each arm of the spring is bent in an inverted V shape, which allows each arm to apply a suitable biasing force to the slider. [5] In any of the above [1] to [4], the slider may have a mating assurance portion that guarantees mating with the mating connector, the mating assurance portion being a portion that is pressed against the mating mating assurance portion of the mating connector, and the connecting portion may be positioned so as to overlap with the mating assurance portion in a plan view seen from the first axis.

[0016] According to this configuration, when the connector and the mating connector are mated, the mating assurance portion of the slider is pressed by the mating assurance portion. The connecting portion of the spring is provided so as to overlap with the mating assurance portion in a plan view. Therefore, when the mating assurance portion presses the mating assurance portion, the connecting portion comes into line contact with the slider along the third axis at a position where it overlaps with the mating assurance portion. Therefore, when the mating assurance portion presses the mating assurance portion, the connecting portion of the spring can suitably support the slider. As a result, when the slider moves from the first position to the second position due to pressure from the mating assurance portion, tilting of the slider with respect to the third axis can be suitably prevented, allowing the slider to move in a stable posture.

[0017] [6] In any of [1] to [5] above, the housing may have a guide groove extending along the first axis, the slider may have a guide protrusion that fits into the guide groove and extends along the first axis, the guide protrusion being formed to be able to engage with the guide groove on the second axis, and the slider may be movable along the first axis with the guide protrusion fitted into the guide groove.

[0018] With this configuration, the slider is moved along the first axis with the guide protrusion fitted in the guide groove. At this time, the guide protrusion is engaged with the guide groove on the second axis. Therefore, when the slider moves along the first axis, tilting of the slider with respect to the second axis can be effectively suppressed, and the slider can be moved in a stable position.

[0019] [7] In any of the above [1] to [6], the slider may have a spring accommodating section in which the arm and the connecting section are accommodated, the spring accommodating section having a bottom surface and a wall section protruding from the bottom surface, and the wall section may have a guide section that guides the spring into the internal space of the spring accommodating section.

[0020] With this configuration, when attaching the spring to the housing, the spring can be moved along the guide portion, allowing the spring to be smoothly inserted into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the connector.

[0021] [8] In any of the above [1] to [7], the housing may have a housing main body having a terminal accommodating portion for accommodating the terminal, and a cover member attached to the housing main body, and the housing may be formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the slider and the outer periphery of the terminal by combining the housing main body and the cover member.

[0022] According to this configuration, the housing is formed into a cylindrical shape with multiple components, including the housing main body and the cover member, surrounding the outer periphery of the slider and the outer periphery of the terminals. As a result, while the housing is cylindrical, the housing is separated into multiple components, making it possible to later attach the housing to the terminals, etc. This improves the ease of assembling the terminals, etc., and the connector, thereby improving the workability of assembling the connector.

[0023] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of connectors according to the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ between drawings. In this specification, "orthogonal" and "parallel" do not necessarily mean strictly orthogonal or parallel, but also include roughly orthogonal or parallel within the scope of the present embodiment's effects. The term "cylindrical" used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical connector having a continuous peripheral wall along its entire circumference, but also includes a cylindrical connector formed by combining multiple components, or a cylindrical connector having a partial circumferential cutout, such as a C-shape or U-shape. The term "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with sharp or rounded corners. In this specification, "facing" refers to two surfaces or components facing each other, and includes not only cases where the surfaces are completely facing each other, but also cases where the surfaces are partially facing each other. In this specification, "facing" refers not only to cases where two components are separated from each other, but also to cases where the two components are in contact with each other. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in this specification are used merely to distinguish between objects and do not rank the objects. 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 equivalent to the claims.

[0024] (Overall configuration of connector 10) 1, connector 10 is configured to be able to mate with mating connector 200. Connector 10 is installed in a vehicle (not shown), such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. Connector 10 is a so-called squib connector, a connector used to control a seatbelt pretensioner, airbag inflator, etc., of the vehicle.

[0025] Each drawing illustrates a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z perpendicular to both the first axis X and the second axis Y. Each drawing also illustrates a forward direction X1, which is one direction along the first axis X, and a rearward direction X2, which is another direction along the first axis X and opposite the forward direction X1. Here, the forward direction X1 is the forward direction of the mating direction of the connector 10 with the mating connector 200. Each drawing also illustrates an upward direction Y1, which is one direction along the second axis Y, and a downward direction Y2, which is another direction along the second axis Y and opposite the upward direction Y1. Each drawing also illustrates a first width direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a second width direction Z2, which is another direction along the third axis Z and opposite the first width direction Z1. Note that the directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the orientation of the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 during use. Furthermore, the directions in the mating connector 200 will be described based on the state in which the mating connector 200 is mated with the connector 10.

[0026] (Configuration of mating connector 200) The mating connector 200 has mating terminals 201 and a mating housing 202 that holds the mating terminals 201. The mating housing 202 has a mating cylindrical portion 203 that fits into the housing 30 of the connector 10, and a mating assurance portion 204 that ensures the fit between the connector 10 and the mating connector 200. The mating terminals 201 are provided inside the mating cylindrical portion 203. The mating assurance portion 204 is provided inside the mating cylindrical portion 203.

[0027] (Configuration of Connector 10) 2, the connector 10 includes a terminal 20, a housing 30, a slider 60, a spring 70, and a ferrite core 80. The connector 10 of this embodiment includes two terminals 20.

[0028] (Terminal 20 Configuration) The two terminals 20 are arranged side by side along the third axis Z. Each terminal 20 has an electric wire connecting portion 21 and a female terminal portion 22. The electric wire connecting portion 21 extends along the second axis Y. The female terminal portion 22 extends along the first axis X. Each terminal 20 is formed into an L-shape as a whole. Each terminal 20 is made of metal.

[0029] The electric wire connection part 21 is connected to the electric wire 90. Here, the electric wire 90 is a coated electric wire having a conductive core wire and an insulating coating that coats the outer periphery of the core wire. The electric wire connection part 21 is connected to an end of the core wire of the electric wire 90. The electric wire connection part 21 is connected to the core wire of the electric wire 90 by, for example, crimping or ultrasonic welding.

[0030] The female terminal portion 22 is connected to the end portion in the upward direction Y1 of the electric wire connecting portion 21. The female terminal portion 22 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire connecting portion 21. The female terminal portion 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0031] (Configuration of housing 30) The housing 30 has a housing main body 31 and a cover member 50 formed so as to be attachable to the housing main body 31. The housing main body 31 is formed in a box shape that opens in the rear direction X2. The cover member 50 is attached to the housing main body 31 so as to close the opening of the housing main body 31. The housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 are separate parts. The housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 are each made of resin.

[0032] The housing 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50, and surrounds the terminals 20, the slider 60, and the spring 70. In other words, the terminals 20, the slider 60, and the spring 70 are accommodated in the internal space of the housing 30 formed by the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50.

[0033] 2 and 3, the housing body 31 has a base 32 and peripheral walls 33, 34, 35, and 36 that protrude from the base 32 in the rear direction X2. The housing body 31 has a terminal accommodating portion 37 that accommodates the terminal 20 and a ferrite accommodating portion 38 that accommodates the ferrite core 80. The housing body 31 has an attachment portion 40 to which the slider 60 is attached and a spring accommodating portion 45 that accommodates the spring 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing body 31 of this embodiment has two spring accommodating portions 45. Note that, in FIG. 3, the cover member 50 is not shown to simplify the drawing.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 2, the base 32 is formed in a flat plate shape. The peripheral wall 33 is provided at the end of the base 32 in the upward direction Y1. The peripheral wall 34 is provided at the end of the base 32 in the downward direction Y2. The peripheral walls 33, 34 extend along the third axis Z. The peripheral wall 35 is provided at the end of the base 32 in the first width direction Z1. The peripheral wall 36 is provided at the end of the base 32 in the second width direction Z2. The peripheral walls 35, 36 extend along the second axis Y.

[0035] The terminals 20 are inserted in the forward direction X1 into the terminal accommodating portion 37. The terminal accommodating portion 37 is formed so as to be able to hold two terminals 20 aligned along the third axis Z. 4, the terminal accommodating portion 37 has a cylindrical portion 37A that protrudes in the rear direction X2 from the base portion 32, and a cylindrical portion 37B that protrudes in the forward direction X1 from the base portion 32. The internal spaces of the cylindrical portions 37A and 37B are in communication with each other. The female terminal portion 22 of the terminal 20 is accommodated in the cylindrical portions 37A and 37B.

[0036] 3, the terminal accommodating portion 37 has an accommodating groove 37C that accommodates the wire connecting portion 21 of the terminal 20. The accommodating groove 37C extends downward in the Y2 direction from the cylindrical portion 37A. The internal space of the accommodating groove 37C is in communication with the internal space of the cylindrical portion 37A.

[0037] 2, the ferrite core 80 attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire 90 is inserted into the ferrite accommodating portion 38 in the forward direction X1. The ferrite accommodating portion 38 extends downward in the Y2 direction from the accommodating groove 37C of the terminal accommodating portion 37. The internal space of the ferrite accommodating portion 38 is in communication with the internal space of the accommodating groove 37C.

[0038] The slider 60 is attached to the attachment portion 40 along the forward direction X1. The attachment portion 40 holds the slider 60 so that it can move along the first axis X in the internal space of the housing 30. The attachment portion 40 has a guide groove 41 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 37A, a through-hole 42 (see FIG. 4) that penetrates the base portion 32, and cutout portions 43 provided in the peripheral walls 35, 36.

[0039] The guide protrusion 69 of the slider 60 is inserted into the guide groove 41 along the forward direction X1. The guide groove 41 extends along the first axis X. The guide groove 41 extends over the entire axial length of the cylindrical portion 37A.

[0040] 4, the through-hole 42 is provided on the upward Y1 side of the cylindrical portion 37A. The fit assurance portion 68 of the slider 60 is inserted into the through-hole 42 along the forward direction X1. 2, the notch 43 is provided in each of the peripheral walls 35, 36. The notch 43 is formed so as to cut out the end portions of the peripheral walls 35, 36 in the upward direction Y1.

[0041] The two spring accommodating portions 45 are provided at both ends of the third axis Z. An arm 71 of the spring 70 is inserted into each spring accommodating portion 45 along the forward direction X1. As shown in FIG. 3 , the spring accommodating portions 45 are formed in a groove shape extending along the second axis Y. The spring accommodating portion 45 provided at the end in the first width direction Z1 is surrounded by the outer peripheral surface of the ferrite accommodating portion 38, the peripheral wall 34, and the peripheral wall 35. The spring accommodating portion 45 provided at the end in the second width direction Z2 is surrounded by the outer peripheral surface of the ferrite accommodating portion 38, the peripheral wall 34, and the peripheral wall 36.

[0042] 1, the housing main body 31 has a fitting tubular portion 46 that fits into the mating fitting tubular portion 203 of the mating housing 202. The fitting tubular portion 46 fits into the inside of the mating fitting tubular portion 203. As shown in FIG. 2, the fitting tubular portion 46 protrudes from the base 32 in the forward direction X1.

[0043] 3, the housing main body 31 has engagement portions 47 provided on the peripheral walls 33, 35, and 36. The engagement portions 47 are engagement protrusions that protrude outward from the outer surfaces of the peripheral walls 33, 35, and 36. One engagement portion 47 is provided on the peripheral wall 33. Two engagement portions 47 are provided on each of the peripheral walls 35 and 36.

[0044] (Configuration of cover member 50) 1, the cover member 50 is attached to the housing main body 31. The cover member 50 is formed to be detachable from the housing main body 31. The cover member 50 has a main body portion 51 and engagement portions 52 that protrude from the main body portion 51 in the forward direction X1. The cover member 50 of this embodiment has three engagement portions 52 that correspond to the engagement portions 47 of the housing main body 31.

[0045] The main body 51 is formed in a flat plate shape so as to close the opening of the housing main body 31 in the rear direction X2. Each engaging portion 52 protrudes from the main body portion 51 toward the housing main body 31. Each engaging portion 52 is an elastic piece formed to be elastically deformable. Each engaging portion 52 is formed on the frame body. Each engaging portion 52 has an engaging hole 53 that can engage with the engaging portion 47. The engaging portion 47 and the engaging hole 53 are engaged with each other by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 52. The engagement between the engaging portion 47 and the engaging hole 53 maintains the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 in a combined state.

[0046] (Configuration of slider 60) 5, the slider 60 has a main body 61, a spring accommodating portion 63, a fitting assurance portion 68, and a guide protrusion 69. The slider 60 is a single component in which the main body 61, the spring accommodating portion 63, the fitting assurance portion 68, and the guide protrusion 69 are integrally formed. The slider 60 is made of resin.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 12, the slider 60 is accommodated inside the housing 30. The slider 60 is held by the housing main body 31 so as to be movable along the first axis X between a first position (see FIGS. 6, 8, 9, and 12) and a second position (see FIGS. 7, 10, and 11). As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 9, and 12, the first position is a position where the main body portion 61 is engaged with the base portion 32 of the housing main body 31 along the first axis X. As shown in FIGS. 7, 10, and 11, the second position is a position where the slider 60 is pressed in the rear direction X2 by the mating housing 202. The second position is a position toward the rear direction X2 from the first position, specifically, a position closer to the cover member 50 than the first position.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 10 , when the housing 30 and the mating housing 202 are mated, the mating assurance portion 68 of the slider 60 is pressed in the rear direction X2 by the mating mating assurance portion 204. As a result, the slider 60 moves parallel from the first position to the second position along the first axis X while compressing the spring 70 along the first axis X against the biasing force of the spring 70. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the mating mating assurance portion 204 further presses the mating assurance portion 68 with the slider 60 disposed in the second position, the mating assurance portion 68 elastically deforms to widen its opening, and the mating mating assurance portion 204 enters the mating mating assurance portion 68. This allows the slider 60 to move in the forward direction X1. When the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are properly mated, the spring 70 biases the slider 60 toward the first position, and the slider 60 moves parallel to the first axis X from the second position to the first position, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0049] 13 and 14, the main body 61 of the slider 60 has a through hole 62 that penetrates the main body 61 along the first axis X. The terminal accommodating portion 37 of the housing main body 31 is inserted into the through hole 62.

[0050] The spring accommodating portion 63 is formed to be able to accommodate a portion of the spring 70, specifically, a pair of arms 71 of the spring 70 and a connecting portion 75 connecting the pair of arms 71. The spring accommodating portion 63 has a U-shaped planar shape when viewed from the forward direction X1. The spring accommodating portion 63 has a bottom surface 64 and wall portions 65, 66 protruding from the bottom surface 64 in the rear direction X2. The bottom surface 64 is formed by the end surface of the main body portion 61 in the rear direction X2. The internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63 is formed by a space surrounded by the bottom surface 64, the wall portions 65, 66, and the peripheral wall 33 of the housing main body 31.

[0051] The wall portion 65 is provided at an end portion in the first width direction Z1 and an end portion in the second width direction Z2 of the main body portion 61. The wall portion 65 extends linearly along the second axis Y. As shown in FIG. 3 , the wall portion 65 is accommodated inside the cutout portion 43 of the mounting portion 40.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 13 , the wall portion 66 is provided on the periphery of the through hole 62. The wall portion 66 is formed around the entire periphery of the through hole 62 along the periphery of the through hole 62. The wall portion 66 has a U-shaped planar shape when viewed from the forward direction X1. The wall portion 66 has, for example, a guide portion 67. The guide portion 67 is formed on an inclined surface that slopes in the forward direction X1 from the protruding tip surface of the wall portion 66 (i.e., the end surface in the rear direction X2) toward the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63. The guide portion 67 has the function of guiding the spring 70 into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 9 , the fit assurance portion 68 has two elastic pieces 68A. The two elastic pieces 68A are arranged to face each other along the third axis Z. Each elastic piece 68A extends from the main body 61 in the forward direction X1. Each elastic piece 68A is formed in a cantilever shape, with a base end connected to the main body 61 as a fixed end and a tip end opposite the base end as a free end. Each elastic piece 68A is configured to bend toward the third axis Z due to elastic deformation. When the housing 30 and the mating housing 202 are mated, each elastic piece 68A is pressed toward the rear direction X2 by the mating fit assurance portion 204. The two elastic pieces 68A are configured to bend in directions away from each other by the pressure from the mating fit assurance portion 204.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the slider 60 has two guide protrusions 69. The two guide protrusions 69 are arranged to face each other along the third axis Z. Each guide protrusion 69 extends along the first axis X. Each guide protrusion 69 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 62. As shown in FIG. 3, each guide protrusion 69 is formed to be able to fit into the guide groove 41 of the housing main body 31. Each guide protrusion 69 is formed to be able to engage with the guide groove 41 in both the upward direction Y1 and the downward direction Y2 when fitted into the guide groove 41. With each guide protrusion 69 fitted into the guide groove 41, the slider 60 is movable along the first axis X between a first position and a second position.

[0055] (Spring 70 configuration) As shown in FIG. 15 , the spring 70 is formed from a wire rod. The spring 70 is made of metal. The spring 70 has a pair of arms 71 and a connecting portion 75 that connects the pair of arms 71. The spring 70 has a pair of folded portions 76 provided at the end of each of the pair of arms 71, and a pair of extended portions 77 provided at the tip of each of the pair of folded portions 76. The spring 70 is a single member in which the arms 71, connecting portion 75, folded portions 76, and extended portions 77 are continuously and integrally formed. The spring 70 of this embodiment does not have a torsion coil shape.

[0056] The pair of arms 71 are provided to face each other along the third axis Z. Each arm 71 extends generally along the second axis Y. A connecting portion 75 is connected to an end of each arm 71 in the upward direction Y1. Each arm 71 is formed, for example, to be bent in an inverted V shape when viewed from a plane along the third axis Z. Each arm 71 has a rising portion 72 that rises from the connecting portion 75 in a first oblique direction and a falling portion 73 that falls from an end of the rising portion 72 (specifically, an end in the downward direction Y2) in a second oblique direction intersecting the first oblique direction. As shown in FIG. 6 , the rising portion 72 is formed to incline toward the cover member 50 (here, toward the rear direction X2) as it becomes more distant from the connecting portion 75. The falling portion 73 is formed to incline toward the housing main body 31 (here, toward the forward direction X1) as it becomes more distant from the rising portion 72. The upward Y1 end of the rising portion 72, i.e., the upward Y1 end of the arm 71, is in contact with the slider 60. The downward Y2 end of the falling portion 73, i.e., the downward Y2 end of the arm 71, is in contact with the housing main body 31. As shown in FIG. 3 , the rising portion 72 is housed in the spring housing portion 63 of the slider 60. The falling portion 73 is housed in the spring housing portion 45 of the housing main body 31.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 15 , the connecting portion 75 connects the ends of the pair of arms 71 in the upward direction Y1. The connecting portion 75 extends continuously from the end of one arm 71 in the upward direction Y1 to the end of the other arm 71 in the upward direction Y1. The connecting portion 75 extends along the third axis Z. As shown in FIG. 9 , the connecting portion 75 is housed in the spring accommodating portion 63 of the slider 60. Specifically, the connecting portion 75 is housed in a portion of the spring accommodating portion 63 that overlaps with the fit assurance portion 68 along the first axis X. The connecting portion 75 is in contact with the bottom surface 64 of the spring accommodating portion 63. The connecting portion 75 is in linear contact with the bottom surface 64 along the third axis Z. That is, the connecting portion 75 is in line contact with the bottom surface 64.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 15, the pair of folded portions 76 are arranged to face each other on the third axis Z. Each folded portion 76 is formed so as to be folded back from the end of each arm 71 in the downward direction Y2 toward the end of each arm 71 in the upward direction Y1. As shown in Fig. 6, each folded portion 76 is formed so as to be folded back in a direction away from the base 32 of the housing main body 31 (here, the rearward direction X2). Each folded portion 76 is folded back in a U-shape from the end of each arm 71 in the downward direction Y2. Each folded portion 76 is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the inner surface of the cover member 50, i.e., the end surface of the main body portion 51 in the forward direction X1.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 15, each extension portion 77 extends from the tip of each folded portion 76 (here, the end portion in the upward direction Y1) toward the other arm 71. Each extension portion 77 extends along the third axis Z. A pair of extension portions 77 is provided apart from each other. In other words, a gap is provided between the pair of extension portions 77. Each extension portion 77 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the inner surface of the cover member 50 (see FIG. 4).

[0060] (Configuration of ferrite core 80) As shown in Fig. 2, the ferrite core 80 is attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire 90. The ferrite core 80 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the electric wire 90. The electric wire 90 is formed to penetrate the ferrite core 80 along the second axis Y. The ferrite core 80 is accommodated in the ferrite accommodating portion 38 of the housing main body 31.

[0061] (Method of manufacturing connector 10) Next, a method for manufacturing the connector 10 will be described. 3, first, the slider 60 is attached to the attachment portion 40 of the housing main body 31. More specifically, with the guide protrusions 69 fitted into the guide grooves 41 and the wall portions 65 disposed in the cutouts 43, the slider 60 is slid in the forward direction X1 to a first position. At this time, with the guide protrusions 69 guided by the guide grooves 41, the slider 60 is slid in the forward direction X1.

[0062] Next, the terminal 20, the electric wire 90 connected to the terminal 20, and the ferrite core 80 attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire 90 are inserted into the terminal accommodating portion 37 and the ferrite accommodating portion 38 of the housing body 31 in the forward direction X1.

[0063] Next, the spring 70 is attached to the housing main body 31 and the slider 60. Specifically, the spring 70 is attached to the housing main body 31 so that the ends of the arms 71 of the spring 70 in the downward direction Y2 are housed in the spring housing portions 45 of the housing main body 31. At this time, the connecting portion 75 of the spring 70 may not be housed in the spring housing portion 63 of the slider 60. For example, the connecting portion 75 may rest on the tip surface of the wall portion 66 or the guide portion 67 (see FIG. 13 ).

[0064] Next, as shown in Fig. 6, the cover member 50 is attached to the housing main body 31. The cover member 50 presses the spring 70 forward in the X1 direction. As a result, as shown in Fig. 14, the connecting portion 75 of the spring 70 and the rising portions 72 of each arm 71 are guided along the guide portions 67 into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63. As a result, the spring 70 can be properly accommodated in the spring accommodating portion 63 of the slider 60.

[0065] Through the above steps, the connector 10 can be manufactured. (Method of fitting connector 10 to mating connector 200) Next, a method for fitting the connector 10 to the mating connector 200 will be described.

[0066] First, as shown in Figures 6 and 9, the connector 10 is prepared, and the mating connector 200 is also prepared. Next, as shown in Figure 9, the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are arranged so that the fitting cylindrical portion 46 and the mating fitting cylindrical portion 203 face each other. At this time, the slider 60 is arranged in the first position, and the fitting assurance portion 68 of the slider 60 and the mating assurance portion 204 of the mating connector 200 face each other.

[0067] Next, as shown in FIG. 10 , when mating between the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 begins, the end surface of the mating assurance portion 68 in the forward direction X1 comes into contact with the end surface of the mating assurance portion 204 in the rearward direction X2. As mating between the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 progresses, the mating assurance portion 68 is pressed in the rearward direction X2 by the mating assurance portion 204. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7 , the slider 60 is moved from the first position to the second position along the first axis X while compressing the spring 70 along the first axis X. At this time, as shown in FIG. 14 , the slider 60 is slid from the first position to the second position along the first axis X with the guide protrusions 69 engaged with the guide grooves 41. As a result, the slider 60 slides along the first axis X with the guide protrusions 69 engaged with the guide grooves 41 on the second axis Y, thereby preventing the slider 60 from tilting with respect to the second axis Y. 10, a connecting portion 75 of the spring 70 is provided so as to overlap on the first axis X with the fitting assurance portion 68, which is the portion pressed by the mating fitting assurance portion 204. Because this connecting portion 75 is in contact with the slider 60 along the third axis Z, tilting of the slider 60 with respect to the third axis Z can be suppressed when the slider 60 is slid along the first axis X.

[0068] Next, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the slider 60 is disposed in the second position, the mating assurance portion 68 is further pressed in the rear direction X2 by the mating mating assurance portion 204, causing the pair of elastic pieces 68A of the mating assurance portion 68 to elastically deform so as to move away from each other. This causes the mating mating assurance portion 204 to enter between the pair of elastic pieces 68A. This allows the slider 60 to move in the forward direction X1. Thereafter, when the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are properly mated, as shown in FIG. 12 , the slider 60 is urged toward the first position by the reaction force of the spring 70, and the slider 60 moves parallel from the second position to the first position along the first axis X. At this time, the spring 70 presses the slider 60 in the forward direction X1 via the connecting portion 75, which is in line contact with the slider 60 along the third axis Z. Therefore, when the slider 60 is slid from the second position to the first position along the first axis X, the slider 60 can be prevented from tilting with respect to the third axis Z. In this way, when the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are properly mated, the slider 60 is disposed at the first position with the entire mating assurance portion 204 housed inside the mating assurance portion 68. Note that if the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are not properly mated, for example, the connector 10 is pushed back in the rear direction X2 by the reaction force of the spring 70.

[0069] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) Connector 10 includes terminals 20, a housing 30 that holds terminals 20, a slider 60 that is accommodated inside housing 30 and is movable along a first axis X between a first position and a second position, and a spring 70 that biases slider 60. Spring 70 includes a pair of arms 71 that extend toward a second axis Y that intersects with first axis X, and a connecting portion 75 that connects the pair of arms 71 and contacts slider 60. Connecting portion 75 extends along a third axis Z that intersects both first axis X and second axis Y. With connecting portion 75 in contact with slider 60 along the third axis Z, spring 70 biases slider 60 toward the first position.

[0070] According to this configuration, the slider 60 is biased by the spring 70 toward the first position in a state in which the connecting portion 75 connecting the pair of arms 71 is in line contact with the slider 60 along the third axis Z. This increases the contact area between the spring 70 and the slider 60, particularly the contact area along the third axis Z, compared to when only the pair of arms 71 are in contact with the slider 60. Therefore, when the slider 60 moves from the second position to the first position along the first axis X due to the biasing force of the spring 70, a balanced biasing force can be applied to the slider 60, allowing the slider 60 to move in a balanced manner. Therefore, when the slider 60 moves from the second position to the first position, tilting of the slider 60 with respect to the third axis Z can be suitably suppressed, allowing the slider 60 to move in a stable posture. As a result, the spring reaction force of the spring 70 can be suitably applied to the slider 60, and the spring 70 and the slider 60 can be used to suitably ensure mating with the mating connector 200. When such mating assurance functions suitably, if the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are not properly mated, the reaction force of the spring 70 pushes the connector 10 back in the rear direction X2. This suitably prevents mating failures, such as a partial mating state between the connector 10 and the mating connector 200. As a result, the connection reliability between the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 can be improved.

[0071] (2) Each of the pair of arms 71 has a first end (here, an end in the upward direction Y1) connected to the connecting portion 75 and a second end (here, an end in the downward direction Y2) provided on the opposite side of the first end. The spring 70 has a folded portion 76 folded back from the second end toward the first end.

[0072] According to this configuration, the spring 70 does not have a torsion coil shape at the second end of each arm 71. This allows the spring 70 to be made smaller than a conventional structure in which a torsion coil shape is provided.

[0073] (3) Since the spring 70 can be made smaller, the size of the ferrite core 80 can be increased. In this case, the noise removal performance of the connector 10 can be improved.

[0074] (4) The spring 70 further has an extension 77 extending from the folded portion 76 along the third axis Z. The extension 77 is capable of contacting the inner surface of the housing 30, specifically, the end surface of the main body 51 of the cover member 50 in the forward direction X1.

[0075] With this configuration, the contact area between the spring 70 and the inner surface of the housing 30 can be increased by the amount of the extension 77. This contact between the spring 70 and the inner surface of the housing 30 can suitably restrict movement of the spring 70 inside the housing 30. Therefore, the orientation of the spring 70 inside the housing 30 can be suitably maintained in a desired orientation.

[0076] (5) Each of the pair of arms 71 has a rising portion 72 rising from the connecting portion 75 in a first oblique direction and a falling portion 73 falling from an end of the rising portion 72 in a second oblique direction intersecting the first oblique direction. The rising portion 72 is inclined in a direction away from the slider 60 as it moves away from the connecting portion 75.

[0077] According to this configuration, each arm 71 of the spring 70 is formed so as to be bent in an inverted V shape. This allows each arm 71 to apply a suitable biasing force to the slider 60.

[0078] (6) The slider 60 has a mating assurance portion 68 that ensures mating with the mating connector 200. The mating assurance portion 68 is a portion that is pressed by the mating mating assurance portion 204 of the mating connector 200. The connecting portion 75 is provided at a position that overlaps with the mating assurance portion 68 in a plan view seen from the first axis X.

[0079] According to this configuration, when the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are mated, the mating assurance portion 68 of the slider 60 is pressed by the mating mating assurance portion 204. The connecting portion 75 of the spring 70 is provided so as to overlap the mating assurance portion 68 in a plan view. Therefore, when the mating mating assurance portion 204 presses the mating assurance portion 68, the connecting portion 75 comes into line contact with the slider 60 along the third axis Z at a position overlapping the mating assurance portion 68. Therefore, when the mating mating assurance portion 204 presses the mating assurance portion 68, the connecting portion 75 of the spring 70 can suitably support the slider 60. As a result, when the slider 60 moves from the first position to the second position due to the pressing by the mating mating assurance portion 204, tilting of the slider 60 with respect to the third axis Z can be suitably prevented, and the slider 60 can be moved in a stable posture.

[0080] (7) The housing 30 has a guide groove 41 extending along the first axis X. The slider 60 has a guide protrusion 69 that fits into the guide groove 41 and extends along the first axis X. The guide protrusion 69 is formed to be able to engage with the guide groove 41 on the second axis Y. With the guide protrusion 69 fitted into the guide groove 41, the slider 60 is movable along the first axis X.

[0081] According to this configuration, the slider 60 is moved along the first axis X with the guide protrusions 69 fitted in the guide grooves 41. At this time, the guide protrusions 69 are engaged with the guide grooves 41 on the second axis Y. Therefore, when the slider 60 moves along the first axis X, tilting of the slider 60 with respect to the second axis Y can be suitably suppressed, and the slider 60 can be moved in a stable posture.

[0082] (8) The slider 60 has a spring accommodating portion 63 that accommodates the arm 71 and the connecting portion 75. The spring accommodating portion 63 has a bottom surface 64 and wall portions 65 and 66 that protrude from the bottom surface 64. The wall portion 66 has a guide portion 67 that guides the spring 70 into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63.

[0083] According to this configuration, when attaching the spring 70 to the housing 30, the spring 70 can be smoothly inserted into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63 by moving the spring 70 along the guide portion 67. This improves the ease of assembly of the connector 10.

[0084] (9) Since the spring 70 can be inserted into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63 along the guide portion 67, the spring 70 can be set in the normal position, that is, in the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63, in a suitable manner.

[0085] (10) The housing 30 includes a housing main body 31 having terminal accommodating portions 37 that accommodate the terminals 20, and a cover member 50 attached to the housing main body 31. By combining the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50, the housing 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the slider 60 and the outer periphery of the terminals 20.

[0086] According to this configuration, the housing 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape by the multiple components of the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50, surrounding the outer periphery of the slider 60 and the outer periphery of the terminals 20. As a result, while the housing 30 is cylindrical, because the housing 30 is separated into multiple components, the housing 30 can be attached to the terminals 20, etc. later. This improves the ease of assembling the terminals 20, etc., and the workability of assembling the connector 10.

[0087] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0088] The structure of the spring 70 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The extension 77 of the spring 70 may be omitted. The structure of each arm 71 may be changed. For example, the rising portion 72 and the falling portion 73 may be omitted, and each arm 71 may be shaped to extend linearly along the second axis Y.

[0089] The structure of the slider 60 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The guide portion 67 may be omitted from the wall portion 66 of the spring accommodating portion 63. The guide protrusions 69 of the slider 60 may be omitted.

[0090] The structure of the fit assurance portion 68 may be changed as appropriate. The structure of the housing 30 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The engagement structure between the housing body 31 and the cover member 50 may be changed as appropriate.

[0091] In the housing 30 of the above embodiment, the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 are configured as separate parts, but this is not limiting. For example, the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 may be integrally formed via a hinge or the like.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the housing 30 is configured from two divided bodies, that is, the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50, but is not limited to this. For example, the housing 30 may be configured from three or more divided bodies.

[0093] The structure of the housing body 31 may be changed as appropriate. The guide groove 41 may be omitted. The notch 43 may be omitted. The ferrite core 80 in the above embodiment may be omitted.

[0094] The structure of the terminal 20 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The terminal 20 may be modified to have a structure in which the wire connecting portion 21 and the female terminal portion 22 are aligned in a straight line. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10 Connectors 20 terminals 21 Wire connection 22 Female terminal section 30 Housing 31 Housing body 32 Base 33,34,35,36 Peripheral wall 37 Terminal housing 37A, 37B Cylindrical part 37C Receiving groove 38 Ferrite housing 40 Mounting part 41 Guide groove 42 Through hole 43 Notch 45 Spring housing 46 Fitting cylinder 47 Engagement part 50 Cover member 51 Main body 52 Engagement portion 53 Engagement hole 60 sliders 61 Main body 62 Through hole 63 Spring housing 64 bottom 65 Wall 66 Wall 67 Guidance part 68 Mating Assurance Section 68A Elastic piece 69 Guide protrusion 70 Spring 71 Arm 72 Rising section 73 Falling section 75 Connecting part 76 Folded section 77 Extension 80 ferrite core 90 Electric wire 200 Mating Connector 201 Mating terminal 202 Opposite Housing 203 Mating cylinder part 204 Mating guarantee part X 1st axis X1 forward direction X2 rearward Y 2nd axis Y1 upward direction Y2 Downward Z 3rd axis Z1 1st width direction Z2 2nd width direction

Claims

1. The terminal and a housing for holding the terminals; a slider accommodated within the housing and movable between a first position and a second position along a first axis; a spring that biases the slider, The spring is a pair of arms extending along a second axis that intersects with the first axis; a connecting portion that connects the pair of arms and contacts the slider, the coupling portion extends along a third axis that intersects both the first axis and the second axis, The spring biases the slider toward the first position with the connecting portion in contact with the slider along the third axis.

2. Each of the pair of arms has a first end connected to the connecting portion and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the spring further includes a folded portion folded from the second end toward the first end.

3. the spring further includes an extension portion extending from the folded portion along the third axis; The connector of claim 2 , wherein the extension is capable of contacting an inner surface of the housing.

4. each of the pair of arms has a rising portion rising from the connecting portion in a first oblique direction and a falling portion falling from an end of the rising portion in a second oblique direction intersecting the first oblique direction, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the rising portion is inclined in a direction away from the slider as it moves away from the connecting portion.

5. the slider has a mating assurance portion that assures mating with a mating connector, the mating assurance portion is a portion that is pressed against a mating mating assurance portion of the mating connector, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the coupling portion is provided at a position overlapping the mating assurance portion in a plan view seen from the first axis.

6. the housing has a guide groove extending along the first axis, the slider has a guide protrusion that fits into the guide groove and extends along the first axis, the guide protrusion is formed to be able to engage with the guide groove on the second axis, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the slider is movable along the first axis with the guide protrusion fitted in the guide groove.

7. the slider has a spring accommodating portion in which the arm and the connecting portion are accommodated, The spring accommodating portion has a bottom surface and a wall portion protruding from the bottom surface, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the wall portion has a guide portion that guides the spring into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion.

8. The housing includes: a housing body having a terminal accommodating portion for accommodating the terminal; a cover member attached to the housing body, 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining the housing main body and the cover member, the housing surrounding the outer periphery of the slider and the outer periphery of the terminal.

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