connector

Abstract

To provide a connector that securely locks the terminal fittings in place with a simple mold structure. [Solution] The connector 10 comprises a housing 16 having a cavity 16A, a lance 16F provided on the housing 16 for preventing the terminal fitting 15 inserted into the cavity 16A from coming out, and a deflection prevention member 17 which is a separate component from the housing 16, attached to the housing 16, and allows the lance 16F to bend to a position that releases the terminal fitting 15 from coming out, and prevents the lance 16F from bending excessively beyond its elastic limit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional joint connector. In this connector, the tip of a jig is inserted into an insertion groove formed in a connector housing, and by elastically deforming a lock piece, the locking of a terminal fitting that has been locked is released. The connector housing is provided with a stopper that prevents the lock piece from being excessively elastically deformed by the jig.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the connector of Patent Document 1, since the stopper is provided integrally with the connector housing, the mold structure of the connector housing tends to become complicated.

[0005] The connector of the present disclosure has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a connector that can simplify the structure of the housing mold and prevent the lance from being excessively bent.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure a housing having a terminal accommodation chamber, and a lance provided on the housing for locking and unlocking a terminal fitting inserted into the terminal accommodation chamber, A deflection prevention member, which is a separate component from the housing, is attached to the housing and allows the lance to bend to a position that releases the terminal fitting from coming loose, and prevents the lance from bending excessively beyond its elastic limit. It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, terminal fittings can be securely held in place with a simple mold structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector of this disclosure in an exploded state. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the terminal fittings. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view showing the terminal fittings. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear view of the connector of this disclosure, seen from the rear. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the deflection prevention member. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the deflection prevention member. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 corresponds to the BB cross-section in Figure 2 and shows the state in which the deflection prevention member is held in the temporary locking position. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of CC in Figure 5. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the DD in Figure 2. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of this disclosure, showing how a bending prevention member is moved from the permanent locking position to the temporary locking position using a jig. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 corresponds to the C-C cross-sectional view in FIG. 5 and shows a state where the deflection prevention member is held at the temporary locking position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of the present disclosure, showing a state where the lance is elastically deformed using a jig.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure (1) a housing having a terminal accommodation chamber, a lance provided on the housing for preventing the removal of a terminal fitting inserted into the terminal accommodation chamber, and a component separate from the housing, attached to the housing, allowing the lance to bend to a position where it releases the prevention of the removal of the terminal fitting, and a deflection prevention member for preventing the lance from bending excessively beyond the elastic limit of the lance.

[0010] According to this configuration, while simplifying the structure of the mold of the housing, it is possible to prevent the lance from bending excessively beyond the elastic limit of the lance.

[0011] (2) Preferably, the deflection prevention member has a retaining portion for preventing the removal of the terminal fitting. According to this configuration, since the deflection prevention member also has a function of preventing the removal of the terminal fitting (i.e., a function as a retainer), it is not necessary to provide a separate retainer, and the number of components does not need to be increased.

[0012] (3) In (2), a recess for the lance to engage is formed in the terminal fitting, and preferably, the retaining portion engages with the recess. According to this configuration, in the terminal fitting, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of recesses, and the shape of the terminal fitting can be easily simplified.

[0013] In (4)(3), it is preferable that the retaining portion approaches the terminal fitting from the same direction as the lance and engages with the recess. With this configuration, the deflection prevention member is positioned to sandwich the lance between itself and the terminal fitting, so it is possible to effectively prevent the lance from deflecting excessively in the direction away from the terminal fitting. Furthermore, when the deflection prevention member is held in the deflection-restricting position, it restricts the lance from deflecting, so the lance can be kept in a state where it has not come off the terminal fitting.

[0014] (5) In any of (2) to (4), it is preferable that a pair of retaining portions are provided on the deflection prevention member, and that the pair of retaining portions are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the terminal fitting and along the outer surface of the terminal fitting, with a lance positioned between the pair of retaining portions. With this configuration, it is possible to ensure that the load from the terminal fitting is applied equally to each retaining portion, while suppressing deformation of the lance due to the load from the terminal fitting.

[0015] (6) In any of (2) to (5), the deflection prevention member preferably has a pair of locking parts that engage with the housing, and the pair of locking parts are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the terminal fitting and along the outer surface of the terminal fitting, sandwiching a pair of retaining parts. With this configuration, since the pair of locking parts are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the terminal fitting and along the outer surface of the terminal fitting, sandwiching a retaining part, it is easy to stably maintain the state in which the pair of retaining parts are locked to the terminal fitting.

[0016] (7) The deflection prevention member is movable relative to the housing in a deflection-permitting position that allows deflection of the lance and a deflection-restricting position that restricts deflection. The deflection prevention member in the deflection-permitting position allows the lance to elastically deform and release its locking mechanism from the terminal fitting, while preventing the lance from deflecting excessively beyond its elastic limit. The deflection prevention member in the deflection-restricting position preferably restricts the deflection of the lance to maintain the locking mechanism from the terminal fitting by the lance. With this configuration, the deflection prevention member in the deflection-permitting position allows the lance to elastically deform and release its locking mechanism from the terminal fitting, while restricting the lance from deflecting excessively beyond its elastic limit, so that the lance can be repeatedly elastically deformed.

[0017] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] [Embodiment 1] Embodiment 1 of the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 15. In the following description, the front-to-back direction is defined as the left side in Figure 2 being the front and the right side being the rear. The up-and-down direction is defined as the top side in Figure 2 being the top and the bottom side being the bottom. The left-to-right direction is defined as the far side in Figure 2 being the right and the near side being the left.

[0018] [Connector configuration] As shown in Figure 1, the connector 10 comprises a terminal fitting 15, a housing 16, and a deflection prevention member 17. As shown in Figure 2, the connector 10 is attached to the end of the shielded wire W. The terminal fitting 15 has a sleeve 11, an inner conductor 13, a dielectric 14, a first outer conductor 15A, and a second outer conductor 15B. The sleeve 11, the first outer conductor 15A, the second outer conductor 15B, and the inner conductor 13 are made of metal. The dielectric 14, the housing 16, and the deflection prevention member 17 are made of synthetic resin.

[0019] The shielded wire W is a so-called coaxial cable. The shielded wire W has a conductive core wire 51 made of multiple strands twisted together, an insulating sheath 52 surrounding the outer circumference of the core wire 51, a conductive braided wire 53 made of strands arranged in a mesh pattern surrounding the outer circumference of the sheath 52, and an insulating sheath 54 surrounding the outer circumference of the braided wire 53. The core wire 51 has the function of transmitting high-frequency signals. The braided wire 53 has the function of shielding electromagnetic waves. The shielded wire W is in a form in which the core wire 51 and the braided wire 53 are exposed in order from the tip side by stripping the sheath 54 and the sheath 52.

[0020] The sleeve 11 is annular in shape. The sleeve 11 is positioned to surround the outer circumference of the braided wire 53, and its outer surface is covered by the folded-back ends of the braided wire 53. The sleeve 11 has the function of receiving a crimping load.

[0021] The inner conductor 13 is formed by bending a metal plate or the like. The inner conductor 13 is composed of a mating connection portion 13A, a cylindrical portion 13B, and a central conductor crimping portion 13C, arranged in order from the front to the rear.

[0022] The cylindrical portion 13B is elongated in the front-to-back direction. The mating connection portion 13A is composed of a pair of elastic pieces 13D that protrude forward from the cylindrical portion 13B. Each elastic piece 13D is positioned opposite to the axis of the cylindrical portion 13B. When a tab (not shown) of the mating inner conductor is inserted from the front between each elastic piece 13D, each elastic piece 13D expands to guide the tab and clamp it. The central conductor crimping portion 13C is open barrel-shaped and is connected to the rear end of the cylindrical portion 13B. The exposed core wire 51 of the shielded wire W is inserted through the central conductor crimping portion 13C. The central conductor crimping portion 13C is crimped onto the core wire 51, thereby connecting the inner conductor 13 and the core wire 51.

[0023] The dielectric 14 is cylindrical and has a circular cross-section inner conductor insertion hole 14A that penetrates in the front-to-back direction. The inner conductor 13 is inserted into the inner conductor insertion hole 14A of the dielectric 14 from the rear.

[0024] The first outer conductor 15A is formed into a cylindrical shape by bending a metal plate or the like. The first outer conductor 15A has a first cylindrical portion 15C and a second cylindrical portion 15D. The first cylindrical portion 15C and the second cylindrical portion 15D are arranged coaxially. The outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 15C is larger than the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 15D. A reduced diameter portion 15E is formed between the first cylindrical portion 15C and the second cylindrical portion 15D. The outer diameter of the reduced diameter portion 15E is smaller than the outer diameters of the first cylindrical portion 15C and the second cylindrical portion 15D. The first cylindrical portion 15C surrounds the sleeve 11, which is covered by the tip of the folded braided wire 53. The second cylindrical portion 15D is located in front of the first cylindrical portion 15C and is positioned at the end of the sheath 52 of the shield wire W. The first outer conductor 15A is connected to the shield wire W by crimping it to the front end of the shield wire W. The rear end of the dielectric 14 is positioned adjacent to the tip of the second cylindrical portion 15D.

[0025] The second outer conductor 15B is formed into a cylindrical shape by bending a metal plate or the like. The second outer conductor 15B has a third cylindrical portion 15F and a fourth cylindrical portion 15G. The third cylindrical portion 15F and the fourth cylindrical portion 15G are arranged coaxially. The outer diameter of the third cylindrical portion 15F is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth cylindrical portion 15G. As shown in Figure 3, the third cylindrical portion 15F is provided with multiple outward-projecting protrusions 15U. The second cylindrical portion 15D of the first outer conductor 15A is fitted into the third cylindrical portion 15F (see Figure 2). The fourth cylindrical portion 15G is located in front of the third cylindrical portion 15F.

[0026] The dielectric 14 is inserted into the second outer conductor 15B from the rear. As shown in Figure 4, the third cylindrical portion 15F of the second outer conductor 15B is provided with an inwardly projecting portion 15R. This inwardly projecting portion 15R contacts the rear end of a recess 14D formed on the outer surface of the dielectric 14 from the front, thereby stopping the dielectric 14 in front of the second outer conductor 15B.

[0027] The second cylindrical portion 15D of the first outer conductor 15A is fitted into the third cylindrical portion 15F of the second outer conductor 15B, so that the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 15D and the inner surface of the third cylindrical portion 15F are in contact (see Figure 2). The second cylindrical portion 15D of the first outer conductor 15A and the third cylindrical portion 15F of the second outer conductor 15B are connected, for example, by spot welding. In this way, the terminal fitting 15 in which the second outer conductor 15B and the first outer conductor 15A are connected has a reduced diameter portion 15E positioned between the first cylindrical portion 15C and the third cylindrical portion 15F. The rear end of the third cylindrical portion 15F is formed as an orthogonal surface 15X that is oriented perpendicular to the axis. The orthogonal surface 15X is positioned in front of the front end of the reduced diameter portion 15E. The terminal fitting 15 has a recessed shape 15H formed by the first cylindrical portion 15C, the third cylindrical portion 15F, and the reduced diameter portion 15E, extending around its entire circumference in the circumferential direction.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 16 has a cavity 16A, which is a terminal housing chamber that penetrates in the front-to-back direction, and has a long, block-like shape in the front-to-back direction. The housing 16 is designed to be fitted into a mating housing (not shown). A locking arm 16B is provided on the upper surface of the housing 16 so as to be elastically deformable. The locking arm 16B has the function of elastically engaging with the locking portion of the mating housing (not shown), and holding the housing 16 and the mating housing in a fitted state.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the housing 16 has multiple grooves 16D that extend in the front-rear direction while communicating with the cavity 16A. In Figure 5, the front-rear direction is defined as the far side being the front and the near side being the rear. These grooves 16D are formed recessed in a direction away from the axis of the cavity 16A. The front ends of these grooves 16D are closed at the center of the housing 16 in the front-rear direction (see Figure 6). The rear ends of these grooves 16D open to the rear surface of the housing 16.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, a lance 16F is provided on the lower wall of the cavity 16A of the housing 16, projecting forward in a cantilevered manner. The lance 16F has the function of preventing the terminal fitting 15 inserted into the cavity 16A from coming loose. An inclined surface 16P is formed on the upper side of the tip of the lance 16F, inclined forward and downward. On the upper side of the lance 16F, behind the inclined surface 16P, there is a locking projection 16G that projects into the cavity 16A. The front end of the locking projection 16G is a locking surface 16H that is vertically sheer. The locking projection 16G is positioned behind the tip of the lance 16F.

[0031] A thickened portion 16M is provided on the lower wall of the housing 16, in the portion behind the base end of the lance 16F, and is formed to protrude downward. An inclined surface 16N is formed on the underside of the front end of the thickened portion 16M, which is inclined upward and forward. An insertion hole 16J is formed through the lower wall of the housing 16 around the lance 16F, opening in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the axis of the cavity 16A. A deflection prevention member 17 is inserted into the insertion hole 16J from below.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, a main holding portion 16K and a temporary holding portion 16L are provided on each of the left and right outer surfaces of the housing 16. The main holding portion 16K and the temporary holding portion 16L extend in a rib-like manner in the front-rear direction and protrude outward in the left-right direction. The main holding portion 16K and the temporary holding portion 16L are spaced apart by a predetermined amount in the vertical direction and are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0033] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the deflection prevention member 17 has a rectangular flat deflection prevention main body portion 17A, a pair of rectangular flat side plate portions 17B that are locking portions rising from both the left and right ends of the deflection prevention main body portion 17A, and a pair of retaining portions 17D positioned between the pair of side plate portions 17B. The deflection prevention member 17 is a separate part from the housing 16 and is movably attached to the housing 16. A rectangular notch portion 17H is formed in the left-right center of the rear end of the deflection prevention main body portion 17A (see Figure 8). When the deflection prevention member 17 is assembled to the housing 16, the deflection prevention main body portion 17A is positioned to close the lower end opening of the insertion hole 16J (see Figure 9). The pair of side plates 17B are positioned to cover the left and right side walls of the housing 16 and are locked to the main holding portion 16K or temporary holding portion 16L of the housing 16, thereby holding the deflection prevention member 17 to the housing 16 (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0034] Locking pieces 17C are provided at the upper ends of the opposing inner surfaces of each side plate portion 17B. These locking pieces 17C extend in the front-rear direction and protrude inward so as to move closer to each other. Each side plate portion 17B is elastically deformable outward in the left-right direction (in a direction that moves away from each other), with the portion connected to the deflection prevention main body portion 17A (base end) as the pivot point.

[0035] A pair of retaining portions 17D are provided on the deflection-preventing main body portion 17A, which is located inward in the left-right direction from the pair of side plate portions 17B. These retaining portions 17D are elongated in the front-rear direction and aligned in the left-right direction, protruding upward from the upper surface of the deflection-preventing main body portion 17A. The front ends of these retaining portions 17D protrude forward from the front ends of the deflection-preventing main body portion 17A. A predetermined dimensional distance is maintained between the left-right outer surfaces of the pair of retaining portions 17D and the left-right inner surfaces of the pair of deflection-preventing main body portions 17A (see Figure 9).

[0036] Each retaining portion 17D is provided with a retaining body portion 17E that protrudes upward from the front-to-back ends, centered in the front-to-back direction. The front end of each retaining body portion 17E is formed as a locking surface 17F perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. On the upper inner side of each retaining portion 17D in the left-to-right direction, an inclined surface 17G is formed that slopes downward toward the center in the left-to-right direction. These inclined surfaces 17G are formed as curved surfaces that are concave downward.

[0037] The deflection prevention member 17 is assembled to the housing 16 from below. At this time, as the locking piece 17C moves upward over the temporary holding portion 16L, the pair of side plates 17B elastically deform outward in the left-right direction. Then, when the locking piece 17C enters between the main holding portion 16K and the temporary holding portion 16L of the housing 16, the pair of side plates 17B return to their original position. In this way, the deflection prevention member 17 is held in a temporary locking position relative to the housing 16 (see Figure 10).

[0038] The deflection prevention member 17, which is held in the temporary locking position, is pushed further upward. As the locking piece 17C moves upward over the main holding part 16K, the pair of side plates 17B elastically deform outward. When the locking piece 17C reaches above the main holding part 16K of the housing 16, the pair of side plates 17B return to their original position. The locking piece 17C is then supported from below by the main holding part 16K (see Figure 9). In this way, the deflection prevention member 17 is held in the permanent locking position relative to the housing 16 (see Figure 9). At this time, the pair of retaining parts 17D are inserted into the insertion hole 16J with the lance 16F in between (see Figure 9).

[0039] [Regarding connector assembly] Next, the assembly of the connector 10 will be described. First, the deflection prevention member 17 is held in a temporary locking position relative to the housing 16 (see Figure 10). At this time, the lance 16F is held in place from the left and right by a pair of retaining parts 17D (see Figure 10).

[0040] Then, the terminal fitting 15 is inserted into the cavity 16A of the housing 16 from the rear. During the insertion of the terminal fitting 15 into the cavity 16A, the outward projection 15U of the third cylindrical portion 15F moves forward within the groove 16D, guiding the insertion of the terminal fitting 15 (see Figure 6). When the deflection prevention member 17 is in the temporary locking position, each retaining portion 17D is retracted from the cavity 16A (see Figure 10). Therefore, interference between the retaining portion 17D and the terminal fitting 15 is avoided during the insertion of the terminal fitting 15 into the cavity 16A. During the insertion of the terminal fitting 15 into the cavity 16A, when the front end of the third cylindrical portion 15F contacts the locking projection 16G of the lance 16F from the rear, the lance 16F is pushed downward by the third cylindrical portion 15F and undergoes elastic deformation.

[0041] Then, the outward-facing projection 15U comes into contact with the front end of the groove 16D, and the outward-facing projection 15U is stopped by the groove 16D (see Figure 6). In this way, the terminal fitting 15 is positioned in the correct insertion position relative to the cavity 16A (see Figure 6). Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, when the rear end of the third cylindrical portion 15F is positioned in front of the locking surface 16H of the locking projection 16G, the elastically deformed lance 16F returns to its original position. Then, the locking projection 16G of the lance 16F enters the recess 15H, and the locking surface 16H of the locking projection 16G is positioned to lock into the orthogonal surface 15X of the second outer conductor 15B from the rear. In other words, the locking projection 16G of the lance 16F locks into the recess 15H.

[0042] Next, the deflection prevention member 17 is pushed upward. As a result, the deflection prevention member 17 reaches its locking position, and the retaining body portion 17E enters the recess 15H, and the locking surface 17F of the retaining body portion 17E is positioned to lock onto the orthogonal surface 15X of the second outer conductor 15B from the rear (see Figure 11). At this time, the retaining body portion 17E of the retaining portion 17D approaches the terminal fitting 15 from the same direction as the lance 16F and locks into the recess 15H (see Figure 12). The inclined surface 17G of the retaining body portion 17E is positioned along the outer surface of the reduced diameter portion 15E of the first outer conductor 15A (see Figure 12). On the lower surface of the lance 16F, the upper surfaces of the deflection prevention body portions 17A, which are located inward in the left-right direction of the pair of retaining portions 17D, are positioned adjacent to each other (see Figure 12).

[0043] Thus, the locking projection 16G and the retaining body portion 17E of the retaining portion 17D are positioned to lock onto the terminal fitting 15 which is properly inserted into the cavity 16A of the housing 16, thereby holding the terminal fitting 15 in a retaining state in the cavity 16A. When the deflection prevention member 17 is attached to the housing 16, the pair of retaining portions 17D are positioned perpendicular to the insertion direction (front-to-back direction) of the terminal fitting 15 into the cavity 16A and aligned along the outer surface of the terminal fitting 15 (see Figures 9 and 12). When the deflection prevention member 17 is attached to the housing 16, a lance 16F is positioned between the pair of retaining portions 17D (see Figures 9 and 12). With the deflection prevention member 17 attached to the housing 16, the pair of side plate portions 17B are arranged perpendicular to the direction in which the terminal fitting 15 is inserted into the cavity 16A, and along the outer surface of the terminal fitting 15, while sandwiching the pair of retaining portions 17D (see Figure 9).

[0044] In this state, the deflection prevention body portion 17A of the deflection prevention member 17 is positioned to close the lower end opening of the insertion hole 16J while sandwiching the lance 16F between itself and the terminal fitting 15 (see Figures 9 and 12). In this state, even if an external force is applied downward to the lance 16F, the deflection prevention body portion 17A restricts the downward deflection of the lance 16F, preventing the lance 16F from retracting from the recess 15H. When the deflection prevention member 17 is held in the locked position relative to the housing 16, the deflection prevention body portion 17A of the deflection prevention member 17 is held in a deflection restricting position relative to the housing 16 that restricts the deflection of the lance 16F. The deflection prevention member 17 in the deflection restricting position restricts the deflection of the lance 16F and maintains the state in which the terminal fitting 15 is not removed by the lance 16F.

[0045] [Procedure for removing terminal fittings from the housing] Next, the procedure for removing the terminal fitting 15 from the housing 16 will be described. As shown in Figure 13, first, the tip of the jig T is inserted from below the deflection prevention member 17, which is held in the permanent locking position relative to the housing 16, between the notch 17H and the thickened portion 16M. A tool with a long, slender tip, such as a flathead screwdriver, can be used as the jig T. Then, the angle of the jig T is changed using the front end (inclined surface 16N) of the thickened portion 16M as a fulcrum, and the deflection prevention member 17 is moved from the permanent locking position to the temporary locking position by lever action. As a result, the pair of retaining portions 17D retract from the cavity 16A, and the locking surface 17F of the retaining body portion 17E changes from a state facing the orthogonal surface 15X of the second outer conductor 15B to a retracted state (see Figure 14).

[0046] As shown in Figure 15, the upper surface of the deflection prevention body portion 17A of the deflection prevention member 17, when held in the temporary locking position, is separated downward from the lower surface of the lance 16F. In this state, the lance 16F is allowed to deflect. In other words, when the deflection prevention member 17 is held in the temporary locking position relative to the housing 16, the deflection prevention body portion 17A of the deflection prevention member 17 is held in a deflection-allowable position relative to the housing 16 that allows the lance 16F to deflect.

[0047] In this state, the tip of the jig T is inserted into the insertion hole 16J, which is located in front of the tip of the lance 16F. Then, the angle of the jig T is changed using the rear end of the lower wall of the housing 16 adjacent to the front of the insertion hole 16J as a fulcrum, and the lance 16F is elastically deformed downward by the lever action. As a result, the locking projection 16G of the lance 16F retracts from the cavity 16A, and the locking surface 16H of the locking projection 16G retracts from the state where it was facing the orthogonal surface 15X of the second outer conductor 15B. This makes it possible to remove the terminal fitting 15 from the housing 16. At this time, the tip of the jig T makes surface contact with the inclined surface 16P of the lance 16F. Therefore, deformation of the tip of the lance 16F by the jig T is suppressed.

[0048] The tip of the lance 16F, which is elastically deformed downward by the jig T, contacts the upper surface of the deflection-preventing main body 17A, which is held in the deflection-allowable position. This prevents the lance 16F from deflecting excessively beyond its elastic limit. In other words, the deflection-preventing member 17 in the deflection-allowable position allows the lance 16F to bend elastically to release the locking mechanism from the terminal fitting 15, while preventing the lance 16F from deflecting excessively beyond its elastic limit. Then, the lance 16F is held in the elastically deformed state by the jig T, and the terminal fitting 15 is removed from the housing 16.

[0049] Next, the effects of Embodiment 1 will be explained.

[0050] The connector 10 of this disclosure comprises a housing 16 having a cavity 16A, a lance 16F, and a deflection prevention member 17. The lance 16F is provided on the housing 16 and prevents the terminal fitting 15 inserted into the cavity 16A from coming loose. The deflection prevention member 17 is a separate component from the housing 16 and is attached to the housing 16, allowing the lance 16F to deflect to a position that releases the terminal fitting 15 from coming loose, and preventing the lance 16F from deflecting excessively beyond its elastic limit. This configuration simplifies the mold structure of the housing 16 while preventing the lance 16F from deflecting excessively beyond its elastic limit.

[0051] The deflection prevention member 17 has a retaining portion 17D that prevents the terminal fitting 15 from coming loose. With this configuration, the deflection prevention member 17 also has the function of preventing the terminal fitting 15 from coming loose (i.e., the function of a retainer), so there is no need to provide a separate retainer, and the number of parts does not increase.

[0052] The terminal fitting 15 has a recess 15H into which the lance 16F engages, and the retaining portion 17D engages with the recess 15H. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide multiple recesses 15H in the terminal fitting 15, making it easier to simplify the shape of the terminal fitting 15.

[0053] The retaining portion 17D approaches the terminal fitting 15 from the same direction as the lance 16F and engages with the recess 15H. With this configuration, the deflection prevention member 17 is positioned to sandwich the lance 16F between itself and the terminal fitting 15, so it is possible to effectively prevent the lance 16F from deflecting excessively in the direction away from the terminal fitting 15. Furthermore, when the deflection prevention member 17 is held in the deflection-restricting position, it restricts the deflection of the lance 16F, so that the lance 16F can maintain a state in which it has retained the terminal fitting 15.

[0054] A pair of retaining portions 17D are provided on the deflection prevention member 17. The pair of retaining portions 17D are arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction of the terminal fitting 15 and aligned along the outer surface of the terminal fitting 15, with a lance 16F positioned between the pair of retaining portions 17D. This configuration allows the load from the terminal fitting 15 to be applied equally to each retaining portion 17D while suppressing deformation of the lance 16F due to the load from the terminal fitting 15.

[0055] The deflection prevention member 17 has a pair of side plate portions 17B that lock onto the housing 16. The pair of side plate portions 17B are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the terminal fitting 15 and along the outer surface of the terminal fitting 15, sandwiching a pair of retaining portions 17D. With this configuration, since the pair of side plate portions 17B are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the terminal fitting 15 and along the outer surface of the terminal fitting 15, sandwiching the retaining portions 17D, it is easy to stably maintain the state in which the pair of retaining portions 17D are locked to the terminal fitting 15.

[0056] The deflection prevention member 17 is movably mounted relative to the housing 16 in a deflection-permitting position that allows deflection of the lance 16F and a deflection-restricting position that restricts deflection. The deflection prevention member 17 in the deflection-permitting position allows the lance 16F to elastically deform and release its locking mechanism from the terminal fitting, while preventing the lance 16F from deflecting excessively beyond its elastic limit. The deflection prevention member 17 in the deflection-restricting position restricts the deflection of the lance 16F, maintaining the locking mechanism on the terminal fitting 15 by the lance 16F. With this configuration, the deflection prevention member 17 in the deflection-permitting position allows the lance 16F to elastically deform and release its locking mechanism from the terminal fitting 15, while restricting the lance 16F from deflecting excessively beyond its elastic limit, thus allowing the lance 16F to be repeatedly elastically deformed.

[0057] [Other embodiments] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0058] Unlike Embodiment 1, a configuration with only one retaining portion may be provided.

[0059] Unlike Embodiment 1, the third protrusion may be provided in a manner that is continuous with one of the locking portions, and the second protrusion may be provided in a manner that is continuous with the other locking portion. In other words, the second protrusion may have the same configuration as the third protrusion, and the outer shapes of the second and third protrusions may be formed by slits.

[0060] Unlike Embodiment 1, a configuration using twisted pair wires or the like may be used instead of shielded wires. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10… Connectors 11...Sleeves 13...Inner conductor 13A...Mutual connection part 13B...Cylindrical part 13C... Center conductor crimping section 13D…Elastic piece 14…Dielectric 14A…Inner conductor insertion hole 14D... recessed area 15…Terminal fittings 15A...First outer conductor 15B...Second outer conductor 15C…First cylinder part 15D…Second cylinder part 15E…Reduced diameter part 15F...Third cylinder part 15G…4th cylinder part 15H…recess 15R...Inward protrusion 15U... Outward protrusion 15X…Orthogonal plane 16… Housing 16A... Cavity (terminal housing room) 16B... Lock Arm 16D…Groove 16F...Lance 16G…Latching protrusion 16H…Latching surface 16J…Insertion hole 16K…Book holding part 16L... Temporary holding section 17… Deflection prevention member 17A... Main body for preventing bending 17B...Side plate part (locking part) 17C…Locking piece 17D... Retaining part 17E... Retaining body 17F…Latching surface 17G...Slope 51…Core wire 52... Covering 53...braided wire 54... Sheath W...Shielded power line

Claims

1. A housing having a terminal housing chamber, A lance provided in the housing for preventing the terminal fitting inserted into the terminal housing chamber from being removed, A deflection prevention member, which is a separate component from the housing, is attached to the housing and allows the lance to bend to a position that releases the terminal fitting from coming loose, and prevents the lance from bending excessively beyond its elastic limit. A connector equipped with these features.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the deflection prevention member has a retaining portion for preventing the terminal fitting from coming off.

3. The terminal fitting has a recess formed therein in which the lance engages. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the retaining portion engages with the recess.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the retaining portion approaches the terminal fitting from the same direction as the lance and engages with the recess.

5. The aforementioned retaining portion is provided in a pair on the bending prevention member. The pair of retaining portions are arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction of the terminal fitting and aligned along the outer surface of the terminal fitting. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the lance is positioned between the pair of retaining portions.

6. The deflection prevention member has a pair of locking parts that engage with the housing, The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the pair of locking portions are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the terminal fitting and along the outer surface of the terminal fitting, sandwiching the pair of retaining portions.

7. The aforementioned bending prevention member is The lance is movably mounted relative to the housing at a deflection-allowing position that allows deflection and a deflection-restricting position that restricts deflection. The deflection prevention member located at the deflection-permissible position allows the lance to elastically deform and release its locking mechanism from the terminal fitting, while preventing the lance from deflecting excessively beyond its elastic limit. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the deflection-restricting member located at the deflection-restricting position restricts the deflection of the lance and maintains the state in which the terminal fitting is not removed by the lance.

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