connector

Abstract

One embodiment provides a connector that can improve ease of assembly. [Solution] A connector according to one embodiment comprises a housing having a terminal housing space and a slot opening, a terminal member connected to the end of a wire extending along a first direction and housed in the terminal housing space, and a spacer inserted into the housing through the slot opening along a second direction, wherein the spacer is provided to be transitionable between a temporary locking state in which the terminal member is temporarily locked to the housing, with its movement to both one side and the other side of the second direction restricted when the terminal member is insertable into the terminal housing space, a unlocked state in which the temporary locking to the housing is released when the terminal member is inserted into the terminal housing space, allowing it to move in the second direction, and a permanent locking state in which the terminal member housed in the terminal housing space is permanently locked to the housing while its movement in the first direction is restricted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to connectors.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a male joint connector, a female connector inserted and housed from a first direction, and a spacer engaged with the male joint connector to restrict the movement of the female connector in the first direction. In this disclosure, the spacer is configured to be temporarily engaged and permanently engaged with the connector housing. Further, in the disclosure, the female connector is inserted into the male joint connector with the spacer temporarily engaged with the connector housing. Furthermore, in the disclosure, after the female connector is inserted into the male joint connector, the spacer is permanently engaged with the connector housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when assembling the connector, if the temporarily engaged spacer is accidentally permanently engaged before inserting the female connector into the male joint connector, the female connector cannot be assembled, and it takes time to return the spacer to the temporarily engaged state. Therefore, it is desired to improve the assembly property.

[0005] One embodiment provides a connector capable of improving the assembly property.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connector according to one embodiment comprises a housing formed of an insulating material and having a terminal housing space extending in a first direction and a slot opening extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and communicating with the terminal housing space; a terminal member formed of a conductive material, connected to the end of a wire extending along the first direction and housed in the terminal housing space; and a spacer inserted into the housing through the slot opening along the second direction, wherein the spacer is transitionable between a temporary locking state in which the terminal member is temporarily locked to the housing, with its movement to both one side of the second direction and the other side of the second direction restricted, when the terminal member is insertable into the terminal housing space, a release state in which the temporary locking to the housing is released and the terminal member is made movable in the second direction, and a permanent locking state in which the terminal member housed in the terminal housing space is permanently locked to the housing, with its movement to the first direction restricted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, ease of assembly can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the connector of the embodiment, seen from a different direction than in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A perspective view of the terminal member of the embodiment. [Figure 5] A perspective view of the terminal member of the embodiment, seen from the other side in the second direction. [Figure 6] A perspective view of the spacer of the embodiment, seen from the other side in the first direction. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the spacer of the embodiment, seen from one side in the first direction. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of the spacer in the embodiment, shown from the first direction in a temporarily locked state. [Figure 9]A plan view showing a spacer in an embodiment of the transition from a temporarily locked state to a unlocked state. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view of the unlocked state of the spacer in the embodiment, as seen from the first direction. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view of the locked state of the spacer in the embodiment, as seen from the first direction. [Figure 12] A plan view of the spacer in its locked state according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] A plan cross-sectional view showing the terminal member of the embodiment inserted into the terminal housing space in the opposite direction in the second direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. Note that the components described below do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0010] In this disclosure, terms are defined as follows: “Connection” may include electrical connections, not just mechanical ones. That is, “Connection” may include cases where two elements to be connected are connected with another element in between, not just directly connected. “Accommodation” may include cases where only a portion of a part is accommodated (with the remaining portion of the part protruding), not just the entire part. “Parallel,” “orthogonal,” or “same” may include cases where they are “approximately parallel,” “approximately orthogonal,” or “approximately the same,” respectively.

[0011] In this disclosure, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are defined as follows: The first direction D1 is the direction in which the terminal member 3 is inserted into and removed from the housing 2, which will be described later. The second direction D2 intersects (e.g., perpendicular to) the first direction D1 and is the direction in which the spacer 5 is inserted into the housing 2. The third direction D3 intersects (e.g., perpendicular to) the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0012] (Embodiment) <1. Configuration of Connector> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector according to the embodiment as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connector 1 is provided at the end of the wiring 4. The connector 1 includes a housing 2, a terminal member 3 (see FIG. 3), and a spacer 5 (see FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, the terminal member 3 is, for example, a male terminal member 3.

[0013] (Housing) As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 2 houses the terminal member 3 and the spacer 5. The housing 2 is formed of a resin which is an insulating material. In the present embodiment, the housing 2 houses, for example, three terminal members 3 arranged at intervals in the third direction D3. Note that the number and arrangement of the terminal members 3 housed in the housing 2 can be changed as appropriate.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing 2 is formed in a flat oval shape or an elliptical shape having the second direction D2 as the short axis direction and the third direction D3 as the long axis direction when viewed from the first direction D1. The housing 2 integrally has a terminal housing portion 21, a connector portion 22, and a sleeve portion 23.

[0015] The terminal housing portion 21 is formed in the middle portion of the housing 2 in the first direction D1. The terminal housing portion 21 has a plurality of terminal housing spaces 24. The plurality of terminal housing spaces 24 are provided at intervals in the third direction D3. Each terminal housing space 24 opens within the sleeve portion 23 toward one side D1a in the first direction D1. A terminal member 3 is inserted into each terminal housing space 24 from one side D1a toward the other side D1b in the first direction D1. The end of the terminal housing space 24 toward the other side D1b in the first direction D1 is provided with the tip wall portion 25s of the connector portion 22, which will be described later. In other words, the terminal housing space 24 extends into the interior of the connector portion 22, which will be described later. The terminal housing space 24 communicates with the other side D1b in the first direction D1 through the insertion hole 25h formed in the tip wall portion 25s.

[0016] The connector section 22 is provided at the other end D1b of the housing 2 in the first direction D1. The connector section 22 has a plurality of male connector sections 25 and a hood 26. The plurality of male connector sections 25 are provided at intervals in the third direction D3.

[0017] Each male connector portion 25 is a rectangular tube extending in the first direction D1, and is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction D1. However, the shape of each male connector portion 25 when viewed from the first direction D1 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be any other shape as appropriate, depending on the shape of the female connector portion (not shown) of the other connector to which connector 1 is connected.

[0018] Each male connector portion 25 is provided with a tip wall portion 25s that extends along a plane intersecting the first direction D1 at the tip of the other side D1b in the first direction D1. A through hole 25h is formed in the center of the tip wall portion 25s, penetrating the tip wall portion 25s in the first direction D1. When connecting connector 1 to another connector, the male terminal member (not shown) provided on the other connector is connected to the female terminal member 3 housed in the terminal housing space 24 through the through hole 25h.

[0019] The hood 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the terminal housing portion 21 to the other side D1b in the first direction D1. The hood 26 is formed to surround a plurality of male connector portions 25.

[0020] The sleeve portion 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the terminal housing portion 21 to one side D1a in the first direction D1. The sleeve portion 23 is formed to surround the end of the wiring 4 connected to each of the multiple terminal members 3.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the housing 2 has slot openings 27 for inserting the spacer 5. The slot openings 27 are formed, for example, in each male connector portion 25. The slot openings 27 are provided in pairs, spaced apart in a third direction D3, so that a pair of second arms 54 of the spacer 5, described later, can be inserted through them. The pair of slot openings 27 penetrate the male connector portion 25 in a second direction D2 and communicate with the terminal housing portion 21.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the hood 26 has an insertion opening 28 formed in a position that overlaps with the slot opening 27 when viewed from the second direction D2. The spacer 5, described later, is inserted into the slot opening 27 through the insertion opening 28. The insertion opening 28 is formed in a T-shape when viewed from the first direction D1, so that the T-shaped base 51, described later, can be inserted through it.

[0023] (Terminal component) Figure 4 is a perspective view of the terminal member of the embodiment. The terminal member 3 is connected to the end of the wiring 4. The terminal member 3 is made of a metal, which is a conductive material. The terminal member 3 is formed into a predetermined shape by press-forming a metal plate. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the terminal member 3 integrally includes a wiring connection portion 31, an extension portion 32, and a terminal body 33.

[0024] The wiring connection portion 31 is formed at one end D1a of the terminal member 3 in the first direction D1. The wiring connection portion 31 is mechanically and electrically connected to the wiring 4 by crimping it onto the core wire 41 (see Figure 3) of the wiring 4.

[0025] The extension portion 32 extends from the wiring connection portion 31 to the other side D1b in the first direction D1. The extension portion 32 connects the wiring connection portion 31 and the terminal body 33.

[0026] The terminal body 33 is formed in a rectangular tube shape extending in the first direction D1. The terminal body 33 is formed in a flattened rectangular shape with the second direction D2 being the short side and the third direction D3 being the long side when viewed from the first direction D1. The terminal body 33 has a first wall portion 33a and a second wall portion 33b provided at a distance in the second direction D2, and a third wall portion 33c and a fourth wall portion 33d provided at a distance in the third direction D3.

[0027] The inner circumferential surface of the terminal body 33 is formed with appropriate protrusions or the like (not shown) that engage with the male terminal member inserted into the inside of the terminal body 33 and prevent the male terminal member from coming loose.

[0028] A pair of notches 35 are formed in the middle of the terminal body 33 of the terminal member 3 in the first direction D1. The pair of notches 35 are formed by cutting out the third wall portion 33c and the fourth wall portion 33d on both sides of the terminal body 33 in the middle of the first direction D1. The pair of notches 35 are formed to be recessed inward in the third direction D3 from each of the third wall portion 33c and the fourth wall portion 33d. In the portion of the terminal body 33 where the pair of notches 35 are formed, the first wall portion 33a and the second wall portion 33b are exposed outward in the third direction D3.

[0029] The terminal body 33 does not have a projection (lance) for retaining the terminal body 33 that protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction D1. With this configuration, there is no need to secure space in the terminal housing portion 21 of the housing 2 to accommodate a projection for retaining the terminal body 33, and the housing 2 can be made smaller.

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the terminal member of the embodiment, seen from the other side in the second direction. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tip of the terminal body 33 on the other side D1b in the first direction D1 has a first tapered surface (tapered surface) 36, a second tapered surface (tapered surface) 37, and a contact surface 38. The first tapered surface 36 and the second tapered surface 37 are formed on parts of the third wall portion 33c and the fourth wall portion 33d of the terminal body 33. In other words, a pair of the first tapered surface 36 and the second tapered surface 37 are provided on both sides in the third direction D3. The first tapered surface 36 is provided on one side in the second direction D2 relative to the second tapered surface 37.

[0031] The pair of first tapered surfaces 36 are formed such that the width dimension of the tip of the terminal member 3 in the third direction D3 gradually decreases from one side D1a to the other side D1b in the first direction D1.

[0032] The pair of second tapered surfaces 37 are formed such that the width dimension of the tip of the terminal member 3 in the third direction D3 gradually decreases from one side D1a to the other side D1b in the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 5, the second tapered surface 37 is formed such that the inclination angle θ2 with respect to the first direction D1 when viewed from the second direction D2 is greater than the inclination angle θ1 of the first tapered surface 36 with respect to the first direction D1.

[0033] The contact surface 38 is formed to extend inward in the third direction D3 from the leading edge 36s of the other side D1b of the first tapered surface 36 in the first direction D1. In other words, the contact surface 38 is formed along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. When viewed from the first direction D1, the contact surface 38 extends outward in the third direction D3 beyond the leading edge 37s of the other side D1b of the second tapered surface 37 in the first direction D1.

[0034] (Spacer) Figure 6 is a perspective view of the spacer of the embodiment, viewed from the other side in the first direction. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the spacer of the embodiment, viewed from one side in the first direction. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the spacer 5 is made of resin, which is an insulating material, and has a base portion 51 and a pair of arm portions 52.

[0035] The base portion 51 extends in a third direction D3. The base portion 51 has a protruding piece 51t that projects from the central part of the base portion 51 in the third direction D3 to the other side D1b in the first direction D1. With this configuration, the base portion 51 is formed in a T shape when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0036] A pair of arm portions 52 extend from both ends of the base portion 51 in the third direction D3 to one side in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, each arm portion 52 has a first arm 53 and a second arm 54. The first arm 53 is provided on the other side D1b of the first direction D1 relative to the second arm 54. The first arm 53 and the second arm 54 extend parallel to one side in the second direction D2 from the base portion 51. The second arm 54 extends longer than the first arm 53 to one side in the second direction D2. Each of the first arm 53 and the second arm 54 is elastically deformable in the third direction D3, with the tip end being centered on the base end joined to the base portion 51. With this configuration, the pair of first arms 53 and the pair of second arms 54 are each elastically deformable to open and close in the third direction D3.

[0037] A first locking claw 55 is formed at the tip of each of the pair of first arms 53. The first locking claw 55 protrudes inward from the tip of the first arm 53 in a third direction D3. This first locking claw 55 is used to lock to the housing 2 in both the temporary locking state P1 (see Figure 8) and the permanent locking state P3 (see Figure 11), which will be described later.

[0038] A second locking claw 57 is formed at the tip of each of the pair of second arms 54. The second locking claw 57 protrudes inward from the tip of the second arm 54 in a third direction D3. The second locking claw 57 is used to lock to the housing 2 in the main locking state P3 described later.

[0039] Furthermore, the tips of the pair of second arms 54 form a stopper portion 56 that abuts against a part of the housing 2 in the temporary locking state P1, as will be described in detail later.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, each of the pair of second arms 54 has a first guide surface 58, a second guide surface 59, and a contact surface 60. The first guide surface 58 is provided on one side of the second direction D2 relative to the second guide surface 59. The first guide surface 58 is formed to face the first tapered surface 36 in the first direction D1 in the temporary locking state P1 described later. The second guide surface 59 is formed to face the second tapered surface 37 in the first direction D1 in the temporary locking state P1.

[0041] The pair of first guide surfaces 58 are formed such that the distance between them in the third direction D3 gradually decreases from one side D1a to the other side D1b in the first direction D1. The pair of second guide surfaces 59 are formed such that the distance between them in the third direction D3 gradually decreases from one side D1a to the other side D1b in the first direction D1. Here, the first guide surface 58 is formed such that its inclination angle θ3 with respect to the third direction D3 is smaller than the inclination angle θ4 of the second guide surface 59 with respect to the third direction D3.

[0042] The contact surface 60 is formed on the outside in the third direction D3 relative to the second guide surface 59. The contact surface 60 is formed along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. When the terminal member 3 is inserted into the terminal housing space 24 in the reverse direction in the second direction D2, the contact surface 60 is formed to face the contact surface 38 of the terminal member 3 in the first direction D1.

[0043] <2. Changes in the state of the spacer> Spacer 5 is designed to be able to transition between the following states: temporary locking state P1, unlocked state P2, and permanent locking state P3. (Temporarily locked state) Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the temporary locking state of the spacer in the embodiment, viewed from the first direction. As shown in Figure 8, in the temporary locking state P1, the first locking claws 55 provided on the pair of first arms 53 of the spacer 5 are engaged with the locking surface 25f. The locking surface 25f is the surface facing one side of the second direction D2 on the other side wall portion 25b of the rectangular tubular male connector portion 25 in the second direction D2. With this configuration, the spacer 5 is constrained from moving to the other side of the second direction D2 in the temporary locking state P1.

[0044] Furthermore, in the temporary locking state P1, a pair of second arms 54 are inserted into the terminal housing space 24, and the stopper portions 56 at the tips of the pair of arm portions 52 face the abutment surface 25g in the second direction D2. The abutment surface 25g is the surface facing the other side of the second direction D2 on one side of the wall portion 25a of the rectangular tubular male connector portion 25 that forms the terminal housing space 24. The movement of the spacer 5 in one side of the second direction D2 in the temporary locking state P1 is restrained by the stopper portions 56 abutting against the abutment surface 25g.

[0045] In the temporary locking state P1, the terminal member 3 is in a state where it can be inserted into the terminal housing space 24. In the temporary locking state P1, the spacer 5 is temporarily locked to the housing 2, with its movement restricted to both one side of the second direction D2 and the other side of the second direction D2. By temporarily locking the spacer 5 to the housing 2 in advance, when connecting the terminal member 3 to the housing 2, the effort of assembling the spacer 5 to the housing is eliminated, and the risk of losing the spacer 5 is also reduced.

[0046] (Lock release state P2) Figure 9 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the spacer of the embodiment as it transitions from a temporarily locked state to a unlocked state. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the unlocked state of the spacer of the embodiment, viewed from the first direction. As shown in Figure 9, when the terminal member 3 is inserted into the terminal housing space 24 from one side D1a to the other side D1b in the first direction D1, the first tapered surface 36 and the second tapered surface 37 of the tip of the terminal member 3 come into contact with the first guide surface 58 and the second guide surface 59 of the spacer 5. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the pair of second arms 54 elastically deform in a direction away from each other. Then the stopper portion 56 detaches from the abutment surface 25g to both sides outward in the third direction D3, releasing the temporary lock to the housing 2 and resulting in the unlocked state P2. In the unlocked state P2, the tips of the pair of second arms 54 become insertable into the slot opening 27, and the spacer 5 becomes movable to one side in the second direction D2.

[0047] (This locking state P3) Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer in the embodiment in its locked state, as seen from the first direction. Figure 12 is a plan cross-sectional view of the spacer in the embodiment in its locked state. In the unlocked state P2 shown in Figure 9, when the terminal member 3 is further pushed into the terminal housing space 24, the terminal member 3 moves through the pair of second arms 54 that are open in the third direction D3 to the other side D1b in the first direction D1.

[0048] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the pair of arm portions 52 reach the notch portion 35 of the terminal member 3, the middle portions of the pair of arm portions 52 are inserted into the notch portion 35 of the terminal member 3. As a result, the terminal member 3 housed in the terminal housing space 24 is restricted from moving in the first direction D1. Subsequently, when the spacer 5 is pushed to one side in the second direction D2, as shown in Figure 11, the second locking claws 57 provided at the tips of the pair of second arms 54 engage with the wall portion 25a on one side in the second direction D2 of the rectangular tubular male connector portion 25. As a result, the spacer 5 is locked to the housing 2, entering the locked state P3. In the locked state P3, the first locking claws 55 provided at the tips of the pair of first arms 53 engage with the second wall portion 33b on the other side D1b in the second direction D2 of the terminal body 33 within the terminal housing space 24 through the slot opening 27. Furthermore, the base 51 of the spacer 5 contacts the other wall portion 25b of the male connector portion 25 in the second direction D2. This configuration restricts the movement of the spacer 5 in the second direction D2.

[0049] <3. How to assemble the connector> To assemble the connector 1 described above, the spacer 5 is first attached to the housing 2 as shown in Figure 8, and temporarily locked in place P1. At this time, the spacer 5 is inserted into the slot opening 27 through the insertion opening 28 of the hood 26. By passing the base 51 of the spacer 5, which is formed in a T shape with a protruding piece 51t, through the T-shaped insertion opening 28, the orientation of the spacer 5 in the first direction D1 is prevented from being reversed.

[0050] After the spacer 5 is temporarily locked in place P1, the terminal member 3 is inserted into the terminal housing space 24 of the housing 2, as shown in Figure 9. At this time, as shown in Figure 10, the pair of second arms 54 are pressed against the tip of the terminal member 3 and open, causing the spacer 5 to transition from the temporarily locked state P1 to the unlocked state P2.

[0051] Subsequently, when the terminal member 3 is further pushed into the terminal housing space 24, the pair of arm portions 52 fit into the pair of notches 35, as shown in Figure 12. As a result, the terminal member 3 housed in the terminal housing space 24 is restricted from moving in the first direction D1. Then, as shown in Figure 11, by pushing the spacer 5 to one side in the second direction D2, the spacer 5 enters a fully locked state P3 where it is permanently locked to the housing 2, and the assembly of the connector 1 is completed.

[0052] Figure 13 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the terminal member of the embodiment inserted into the terminal housing space in the opposite direction in the second direction. Here, when inserting the terminal member 3 into the terminal housing space 24, if the terminal member 3 is facing opposite directions in the second direction D2, that is, if the first wall portion 33a of the terminal body 33 faces the other side of the second direction D2 and the second wall portion 33b faces one side of the second direction D2, then as the terminal member 3 is pushed into the terminal housing space 24, as shown in Figure 13, the contact surface 60 will face the contact surface 38 of the terminal member 3 in the first direction D1. Therefore, the terminal member 3 cannot be pushed any further into the terminal housing space 24. Thus, incorrect assembly of the terminal member 3 can be prevented.

[0053] <4. Advantages> In this embodiment, in the temporary locking state P1, the spacer 5 is constrained from moving to both one side and the other side of the second direction D2. This configuration prevents the spacer 5 from unintentionally transitioning from the temporary locking state P1 to the permanent locking state P3. Furthermore, in the temporary locking state P1, the spacer 5 transitions to the unlocked state P2 when the terminal member 3 is inserted into the terminal housing space 24. As a result, it is possible to improve ease of assembly while suppressing erroneous operation of the spacer.

[0054] In this embodiment, the spacer 5 comprises a first locking claw 55 and a stopper portion 56. This configuration allows the spacer 5 to be restrained from moving to one side and the other side in the second direction D2 when in the temporary locking state P1.

[0055] In this embodiment, the terminal member 3 inserted into the terminal housing space 24 causes the pair of arm portions 52 to elastically deform in a direction away from each other, thereby causing the stopper portion 56 to transition from a temporarily locked state P1 to a released state P2. With this configuration, the transition from the temporarily locked state P1 to the released state P2 can be made without particularly manipulating the spacer 5, improving ease of assembly.

[0056] In this embodiment, in the locked state P3, the intermediate portions of the pair of arm portions 52 are inserted into the notch portion 35 of the terminal member 3. This configuration allows the terminal member 3 to be held in a state where its movement in the first direction D1 is restrained. In addition, the second locking claw 57 engages with the housing 2, allowing the spacer 5 to be easily locked to the housing 2.

[0057] In this embodiment, in the locked state P3, the first locking claw 55 is engaged with a part of the terminal member 3. This configuration allows the first locking claw 55 to function effectively in both the temporary locked state P1 and the locked state P3.

[0058] In this embodiment, the tip of the terminal member 3 inserted into the terminal housing space 24 abuts against the first guide surface 58 and the second guide surface 59, causing the pair of arm portions 52 to elastically deform in a direction that separates them from each other. With this configuration, the pair of arm portions 52 can be easily elastically deformed by inserting the terminal member 3 into the terminal housing space 24 without having to manipulate the spacer 5 in particular, thereby improving ease of assembly.

[0059] In this embodiment, the terminal member 3 has a first tapered surface 36 and a second tapered surface 37 that contact the first guide surface 58 and the second guide surface 59 when the terminal member 3 is inserted into the terminal housing space 24. With this configuration, the pair of arm portions 52 can be elastically deformed more easily by inserting the terminal member 3 into the terminal housing space 24.

[0060] In this embodiment, each of the pair of arm portions 52 and the terminal member 3 has contact surfaces 38 and 60 that abut against each other at opposing positions in the first direction D1 when the terminal member 3 is inserted into the terminal housing space 24 with the terminal member 3 facing opposite directions in the second direction D2. This configuration helps to prevent incorrect assembly of the terminal member 3.

[0061] <5. Variation> Next, we will describe some variations. Note that, apart from the configurations described below, the configurations in each variation are the same as those of the embodiments described above.

[0062] In the embodiment described above, the spacer 5 is positioned in the slot opening 27 formed in the male connector portion 25, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The spacer 5 may also be attached to the housing 2 at a location other than the male connector portion 25. Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment exemplified a female terminal member 3, it is not limited to this. The terminal member 3 may also be a male terminal member.

[0063] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 Connector 2 Housing 3 Terminal members 4 Wiring 5 Spacers 24 terminal housing space 25f Locking surface 25g Nose 27 slot openings 35 Notch 36 First tapered surface (tapered surface) 37. Second tapered surface (tapered surface) 38 Contact surface 51 Base 52 Arm section 55 First locking claw 56 Stopper section 57 Second locking claw 58 First guide surface (guide surface) 59 Second guide surface (guide surface) 60 Contact surface P1 Temporary locking state P2 Locking Release State P3 Main locking state

Claims

1. A housing formed from an insulating material, having a terminal housing space extending in a first direction, and a slot opening extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and communicating with the terminal housing space, A terminal member formed from a conductive material, connected to the end of a wiring extending along the first direction, and housed in the terminal housing space, A spacer is inserted into the housing through the slot opening along the second direction, The previous spacer is In a state in which the terminal member can be inserted into the terminal housing space, its movement in both the one side of the second direction and the other side of the second direction is restrained, and it is temporarily locked to the housing; When the terminal member is inserted into the terminal housing space, the temporary locking to the housing is released, and a unlocked state is achieved in which movement in the second direction is possible. In a state in which the terminal member housed in the terminal housing space is permanently locked to the housing, the movement of the terminal member in the first direction is restrained, It is possible to transition between these two. connector.

2. The previous spacer is A base portion extending in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, A pair of arm portions are provided spaced apart in the third direction and extend from the base to one side in the second direction, A first locking claw is provided on the pair of arm portions and engages with a locking surface facing one side of the second direction in the housing, thereby restraining the movement of the spacer to the other side of the second direction in the temporary locking state, The housing includes a stopper portion provided at the tip of the pair of arm portions, which abuts against a stopper surface facing the other side of the second direction in the terminal housing space of the housing, thereby restraining the movement of the spacer toward one side of the second direction in the temporary locking state. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned housing is As the terminal member is inserted into the terminal housing space from one side to the other in the first direction, the pair of arm portions elastically deform in a direction away from each other, causing the stopper portion to detach from the abutment surface to both outward sides in the third direction, and the tips of the pair of arm portions become insertable into the slot opening, thus transitioning from the temporary locking state to the unlocked state. The connector according to claim 2.

4. The terminal member has a notch that is recessed inward in the third direction, The spacer has a second locking claw at the tip of the pair of arm portions, In the aforementioned locked state, the tips of the pair of arm portions are inserted into the slot opening, the middle portions of the pair of arm portions are inserted into the notch of the terminal member, and the second locking claw is engaged with the housing. The connector according to claim 3.

5. In the aforementioned locked state, the first locking claw is engaged with a part of the terminal member. The connector according to claim 4.

6. The pair of arm portions have guide surfaces that inclinate from the outside to the inside in the third direction, from one side in the first direction to the other side. When the tip of the terminal member inserted into the terminal housing space from one side to the other in the first direction abuts against the guide surface, the pair of arm portions elastically deform in a direction away from each other. The connector according to claim 2 or 3.

7. The terminal member has a tapered surface that contacts the guide surface when the terminal member is inserted into the terminal housing space, and the width dimension of the tip of the terminal member in the third direction gradually decreases from one side in the first direction to the other side. The connector according to claim 6.

8. Each of the pair of arm portions and the terminal member has contact surfaces that abut each other at positions facing each other in the first direction when the terminal member is inserted into the terminal housing space with the terminal members facing opposite directions in the second direction. The connector according to claim 7.

Images