connector

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector that allows for easy disengagement of the retainer from the housing, and that avoids contact between the jig and the locking portion of the housing and the retainer during disengagement. [Solution] The retainer 60 has a base portion 61 positioned in the mounting hole 53 through an opening on one side of the housing 40, a pair of side portions 62 protruding from the base portion 61 and facing a pair of sides of the housing 40, a locking portion 63 provided on the pair of side portions 62, and a retaining portion 67 positioned between the pair of side portions 62 in the left-right direction and protruding from the base portion 61. The base portion 61 has a pair of jig engaging portions 68 on both sides in the left-right direction of the inner surface on the cavity 43 side. The housing 40 has a pair of jig receiving portions 44, 51 on both sides in the left-right direction of one surface facing the pair of jig engaging portions 68.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a high-frequency connector including an inner terminal (hereinafter referred to as a "terminal"), an inner housing (hereinafter referred to as a "housing"), and a female-side spacer (hereinafter referred to as a "retainer"). The housing has an inner terminal accommodating chamber (hereinafter referred to as a "cavity") and a spacer insertion hole (hereinafter referred to as a "mounting hole") that intersects the cavity and opens on the lower surface of the housing. The terminal is accommodated in the cavity of the housing from the rear. The retainer is accommodated in the mounting hole of the housing from below. The retainer locks the terminal at the main locking position and suppresses the withdrawal of the terminal from the cavity to the rear. The housing has locking portions for temporary locking and main locking on a pair of side surfaces facing the left and right outer sides (Patent Document 1). The retainer has locking portions that can be locked to the locking portions on a pair of side portions facing each side surface. By locking the locking portion to the locking portion, the retainer is held at the temporary locking position and the main locking position with respect to the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above, when moving the retainer from the permanent locking position to the temporary locking position, it is necessary to release the lock between the permanent locking part and the locked part beforehand. For example, it is possible to release the lock between the locking part and the locked part by inserting the tip of a tool such as a flathead screwdriver between the side of the retainer and the side of the housing and twisting the tool, thereby separating the side from the side. However, in this case, there is a risk that the locking part between the locking part and the locked part may be damaged by the tip of the tool. Alternatively, it is possible to apply the tool at a position away from the side so that the tip of the tool does not come into contact with the locking part. However, in this case, there is a concern that the operating force of the tool may not be sufficiently transmitted to the locking part, making it difficult to smoothly release the lock.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a connector that allows for easy disengagement of the retainer from the housing and avoids contact between the jig and the locking portion between the housing and the retainer during disengagement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a terminal, a housing for housing the terminal, and a retainer mounted on the housing, wherein the housing has a cavity extending in the front-rear direction, a mounting hole intersecting the cavity and opening on one surface of the housing, and locking portions provided on a pair of sides of the housing facing left-right and intersecting the one surface, the terminal is disposed in the cavity, and the retainer has a base portion positioned from the opening on the one surface into the mounting hole, a pair of side portions protruding from the base portion and facing the pair of side portions, and provided on the pair of side portions The connector has a locking portion and a retaining portion that is located between the pair of side portions in the left-right direction and protrudes from the base portion, wherein the locking portion locks the locking portion, the retainer is held in the housing, and the retaining portion locks the terminal, preventing the terminal from coming out of the cavity to the rear, the base portion has a pair of jig engaging portions on both sides in the left-right direction on the inner surface on the cavity side, and the housing has a pair of jig receiving portions on both sides in the left-right direction on one surface facing the pair of jig engaging portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector that allows for easy disengagement of the retainer from the housing and that avoids contact between the jig and the locking portion between the housing and the retainer when disengaging. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of this embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of this embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to this embodiment 1, taken along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the housing in the connector of this embodiment 1. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a perspective view of the retainer in the connector of this embodiment 1, viewed from the front. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the retainer in the connector of this embodiment 1, viewed from the rear. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the connector of this embodiment 1, in which the retainer is held in the locked position relative to the housing, and the tip of the jig is engaged with the locking engagement portion from the recess of the jig receiving portion. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the connector of this embodiment 1, where the retainer has moved from the state shown in Figure 7 to a temporary locking position relative to the housing. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view from the rear and lower side of the connector of this embodiment 1, showing the retainer in a state where it is temporarily held in a locked position relative to the housing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. The connector disclosed herein is (1) A device comprising a terminal, a housing for housing the terminal, and a retainer mounted on the housing, wherein the housing has a cavity extending in the front-rear direction, a mounting hole opening on one surface of the housing intersecting the cavity, and locking portions provided on a pair of sides of the housing facing left-right and intersecting the one surface, the terminal is positioned in the cavity, the retainer has a base positioned in the mounting hole from the opening on the one surface, a pair of side portions protruding from the base and facing the pair of side portions, a locking portion provided on the pair of side portions, and a retaining portion positioned between the pair of side portions in the left-right direction and protruding from the base, wherein the locking portion locks the locking portion, the retainer is held in the housing, and the retaining portion locks the terminal, preventing the terminal from coming out of the cavity to the rear, and the base has a pair of jig engaging portions on both sides in the left-right direction on the inner surface on the cavity side, The housing has a pair of jig receiving portions on both sides in the left-right direction of one surface, facing the pair of jig engaging portions.

[0010] According to the configuration described in (1) above, the locking between the locking part and the locked part can be released by placing the jig on the jig receiving part and engaging the tip of the jig with the jig engaging part. In particular, since the engagement position of the tip of the jig is at the base rather than the side, it is possible to avoid the tip of the jig coming into contact with the locking portion between the locking part and the locked part. Furthermore, since the engagement position of the tip of the jig is closer to the pair of sides at the base, the operating force of the jig can be efficiently transmitted to the locking portion, making it easy to release the lock of the retainer from the housing.

[0011] (2) In the connector described in (1) above, it is preferable that the pair of jig receiving portions have a jig contact portion at the corner of the stepped portion protruding from one surface. According to the configuration described in (2) above, the jig can be rotated using the lever principle with the jig contact point as the fulcrum. As a result, the retainer can be released more easily.

[0012] (3) In the connector according to (1) above, the housing has an elastically deformable lance for locking the terminal, and the lance preferably faces the mounting hole and is disposed between the pair of jig receiving portions in the left-right direction. According to the configuration of (3) above, since the tip of the jig can be prevented from contacting the lance, the function of the lance can be properly exhibited.

[0013] (4) In the connector according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the terminal is a shield terminal having an inner conductor, a dielectric for housing the inner conductor, and an outer conductor for housing the dielectric, and it is preferable that the retaining portion locks the outer conductor. According to the configuration of (4) above, the locking portion is less likely to be damaged, and a state where the retainer is stably locked to the housing can be realized. Therefore, the positional variation of the outer conductor locked by the retaining portion can be suppressed, and the terminal can ensure a predetermined shielding property.

[0014] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this exemplification, and is intended to be shown by the claims and to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] The connector 10 of Embodiment 1 is a so-called shield connector. As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 10 includes a terminal 20, a housing 40 for housing the terminal 20, and a retainer 60 for preventing the terminal 20 from coming off the housing 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 20 is connected to the terminal portion of the shielded electric wire 90. The housing 40 is configured to be fitted to a mating connector not shown. In the following description, for the front-rear direction, the side where the housing 40 is fitted to the mating connector is defined as the front side. The up-down direction is based on the up-down direction of each figure except FIG. 4. The reference of each direction does not necessarily coincide with the reference of the direction in the state where the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle or the like not shown.

[0016] (Terminal 20 and shielded wire 90) The terminal 20 is shaped so as to extend long in the front - rear direction as a whole. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 20 has an inner conductor 21, an outer conductor 22, and a dielectric 23. The inner conductor 21 is formed by bending a conductive metal plate material or the like. The inner conductor 21 has a cylindrical connection portion 33 and a crimping portion 25 that continues behind the connection portion 33. The connection portion 33 is connected to a mating inner conductor not shown. The crimping portion 25 is connected to the core wire 91 at the terminal portion of the shielded wire 90 by crimping. The shielded wire 90 is a so - called coaxial line, and has an insulating coating 92 that surrounds the outer periphery of the core wire 91, a net - cylindrical braided wire 93 that surrounds the outer periphery of the coating 92, and an insulating sheath 94 that surrounds the outer periphery of the braided wire 93. The core wire 91 has a function of transmitting high - frequency signals. The braided wire 93 has a function of shielding electromagnetic waves.

[0017] The outer conductor 22 is formed by bending a conductive metal plate material or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer conductor 22 has a first outer conductor 26 and a second outer conductor 27 that are separate from each other. Both the first outer conductor 26 and the second outer conductor 27 have a cylindrical shape with their axes oriented in the front - rear direction. The front end portion of the first outer conductor 26 is fitted inside the rear end portion of the second outer conductor 27. The first outer conductor 26 and the second outer conductor 27 are connected by welding such as spot welding applied to their mating portions.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, on the outer peripheral surface of the front portion of the second outer conductor 27, a plurality of contact portions 28 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. A mating outer conductor not shown is fitted to the front portion of the second outer conductor 27 from the front. When each contact portion 28 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the mating outer conductor, the outer conductor 22 and the mating outer conductor are electrically connected. The rear end portion of the first outer conductor 26 is connected to the braided wire 93 of the shielded wire 90 by crimping. The first outer conductor 26 has a constricted portion 29 with a shape that is reduced in diameter radially inward between the rear end portion crimped to the braided wire 93 of the shielded wire 90 and the front end portion fitted to the second outer conductor 27.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the rear end of the second outer conductor 27 (corresponding to the front-to-rear intermediate part of the outer conductor 22) has a first protrusion 31 and a second protrusion 32 that project radially outward. The first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion 32 are provided side by side on both the left and right sides (both sides in the circumferential direction) of the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of the second outer conductor 27.

[0020] The first protrusion 31 is fitted into the first recessed groove 46 (see Figure 3), which will be described later, of the housing 40. When the terminal 20 is inserted into the housing 40, if the terminal 20 is in an incorrect position in the circumferential direction, the first protrusion 31 will not align with the first recessed groove 46 and will abut against the opposing wall surface of the housing 40. This prevents the incorrectly positioned terminal 20 from being inserted into the housing 40. The second protrusion 32 is fitted into the second recessed groove 47, which will be described later, of the housing 40. The circumferential contact between the circumferential sides of the second protrusion 32 and the inner surface of the second recessed groove 47 suppresses the rotation of the terminal 20 around its axis within the housing 40.

[0021] The dielectric 23 is molded from an insulating synthetic resin material. The dielectric 23 as a whole is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axis oriented in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 2, the dielectric 23 has a housing hole 38 that extends in the axial direction. The inner conductor 21 is inserted into and housed in the housing hole 38 of the dielectric 23 from the rear. The shield wire 90 is positioned behind the dielectric 23, except for the tip of the core wire 91 connected to the inner conductor 21. The inner conductor 21 and the outer conductor 22 are kept insulated from each other by the dielectric 23 interposed between them.

[0022] (Housing 40) The housing 40 is molded from an insulating synthetic resin material. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 40 has a housing body 41 and a hood portion 42 that protrudes forward from the housing body 41. A mating connector is fitted into the interior of the hood portion 42. An elastically deformable locking arm 59 is formed protruding from the upper surface of the housing 40. The locking arm 59 extends in the front-rear direction from the hood portion 42 to the housing body 41. The locking arm 59 has the function of locking the mating connector and holding the connector 10 and the mating connector in a mated state. As shown in Figure 2, the housing body 41 has a cavity 43 that extends in the front-rear direction. The front end of the cavity 43 is open at the rear end surface (the rear side facing forward) of the hood portion 42. The terminal 20 is inserted into and housed in the cavity 43 from the rear.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 43 has a circular cross-sectional shape (open shape). As shown in Figure 3, the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 43 has a first groove 46 that receives the first protrusion 31 and a second groove 47 that receives the second protrusion 32. The first groove 46 and the second groove 47 are recessed side by side on both the left and right sides (both sides in the circumferential direction) at the upper end of the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 43.

[0024] The housing body 41 has a mounting hole 53 that intersects with the cavity 43. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the mounting hole 53 is formed from the lower surface (one surface) of the housing body 41 to the middle of the front-to-rear portion of the cavity 43. In short, the mounting hole 53 penetrates the lower end of the housing body 41 in the vertical direction. The retainer 60 is inserted into the mounting hole 53 from below the housing body 41. The opening circumferential surface of the mounting hole 53 on the lower surface of the housing body 41 is a flat opposing surface 48 that faces the base 61 of the retainer 60, which will be described later.

[0025] A stepped portion 49 is formed at the rear end of the lower surface of the housing body 41, protruding downward from the front portion. The opposing surface 48 is connected to the rear surface of the stepped portion 49, which will be described later. Of the lower end portion of the housing body 41 (the portion below the cavity 43), the portion corresponding to the stepped portion 49 is formed to be thicker than the front portion. As shown in Figures 4 and 9, a pair of recesses 51 are formed in the stepped portion 49, spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, each recess 51 has a U-shape when viewed from below. Each recess 51 has a depth in the vertical direction that corresponds to the protruding dimension of the stepped portion 49. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the back surface of the recess 51 in the vertical direction (the surface facing downward on the upper side) is continuous with the opposing surface 48 without any step. The front end of the recess 51 opens to the front surface of the stepped portion 49. The rear end of the recess 51 is a vertical closed surface 52 facing forward. The closed surface 52 of each recess 51 has a jig contact portion 44 with a beveled, slanted shape (C-shaped) at the corner (opening edge) that intersects with the lower surface of the stepped portion 49.

[0027] The jig contact portion 44 is inclined upward from the lower surface of the stepped portion 49 toward the opposing surface 48. As shown in Figure 7, the jig 100 for releasing the locking of the retainer 60, which will be described later, is placed against the jig contact portion 44, and can be rotated using the jig contact portion 44 as a pivot point. The recess 51 and the jig contact portion 44 are configured as jig receiving portions 44 and 51 that receive the jig 100.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, a lance 54 is formed at the lower end of the housing body 41. As shown in Figure 4, the lance 54 protrudes forward in a cantilevered manner from the rear end of the mounting hole 53. The lance 54 faces the mounting hole 53 and divides the left and right middle portions of the mounting hole 53. The lance 54 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction with its base, which corresponds to the rear end of the mounting hole 53, as a pivot point.

[0029] The lower surface of the lance 54 and the opposing surface 48 are continuous without any steps along the front-rear direction. A reinforcing portion 45 is formed at the rear end of the lower surface of the lance 54. The reinforcing portion 45 is formed in a rib shape from the rear end of the lower surface of the lance 54 to the opposing surface 48. The reinforcing portion 45 gradually becomes thicker towards the rear. The rear end of the reinforcing portion 45 is connected to the portion between each recess 51 on the front surface of the stepped portion 49. The repulsive force of the lance 54 can be adjusted by the reinforcing portion 45.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, a locking projection 55 is formed at the tip (front end) of the lance 54. The locking projection 55 protrudes into the middle of the cavity 43. When the terminal 20 is inserted into the cavity 43, the locking projection 55 enters the constricted portion 29 and faces the rear end of the second outer conductor 27 so as to be able to lock into it. The terminal 20 is locked into the locking projection 55, and its movement out of the cavity 43 to the rear is temporarily prevented.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, a rectangular plate-shaped projection 81 is formed at the lower end of the housing body 41, extending rearward from the front end of the mounting hole 53. The tip (rear end) of the projection 81 and the tip (front end) of the lance 54 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction and face each other in the mounting hole 53. The mounting hole 53 opens in an H-shape on the lower surface (opposing surface 48) of the housing body 41 due to the presence of the lance 54 and the projection 81. A shallow recess 82 is formed on the lower surface (outer surface) of the projection 81. The recess 82 is recessed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the bottom in the middle of the left and right sides of the lower surface of the projection 81. The recess 82 opens on the rear surface of the projection 81 and faces the tip of the lance 54 from the rear. As shown in Figure 2, the recess 82 has the function of receiving the jig 110 for releasing the lock of the lance 54 and guiding it to the lance 54.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a pair of mounting surfaces 56 are formed on the left and right outer surfaces (sides) of the housing body 41. Each mounting surface 56 is positioned on both sides of the housing body 41 in a recessed position from the adjacent portion, along the front-rear and up-down directions. Temporary and permanent locking portions 57 and 58 are formed protruding from the mounting surfaces 56. Each locking portion 57 and 58 has a rib shape extending in the front-rear direction and is positioned side-by-side with the others in the up-down direction. The permanent locking portion 58 is positioned above the temporary locking portion 57. The side portions 62 of the retainer 60, described later, are positioned opposite and cover the mounting surfaces 56. Each locking portion 57 and 58 has the function of locking the retained portion 63 of the retainer 60, described later, and holding the retainer 60 in the temporary locking position and the permanent locking position relative to the housing 40.

[0033] (Retainer 60) The retainer 60 is molded from an insulating synthetic resin material. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the retainer 60 has a rectangular plate-shaped base 61 in bottom view and a pair of left and right side portions 62 rising from the left and right ends of the base 61. Each side portion 62 is rectangular in shape in side view. The retainer 60 is positioned to move between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position relative to the housing 40. As shown in Figure 8, when the retainer 60 is in the temporary locking position, the base 61 is positioned below the opposing surface 48 of the housing body 41. As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 7, when the retainer 60 is in the permanent locking position, the base 61 is positioned close to the opposing surface 48 of the housing body 41. The upper surface of the base 61 is the inner surface facing the cavity 43. As shown in Figure 2, excessive downward deflection of the lance 54 is suppressed by being covered by the base 61.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, each side portion 62 is positioned to cover each mounting surface 56 in the main locking position. A pair of left and right locking portions 63 are formed protruding from the inner surface (opposite surfaces) of the upper end of each side portion 62. As shown in Figure 6, each locking portion 63 has a rib shape extending in the front-rear direction on the inner surface of the upper end of each side portion 62. The locking portion 63 is positioned between the locking portions 57 and 58, thereby holding the retainer 60 in a temporary locking position relative to the housing 40. As shown in Figure 3, the locking portion 63 is positioned above the locking portion 58 for main locking, and the base portion 61 is positioned to be able to contact the opposing surface 48 of the housing body 41 from below, thereby holding the retainer 60 in the main locking position relative to the housing 40.

[0035] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the retainer 60 has a pair of left and right protruding wall portions 64 that project from the upper surfaces on both the left and right sides of the base portion 61. Each protruding wall portion 64 is positioned facing the outer circumferential surface of the outer conductor 22 from below. Each protruding wall portion 64 is wall-shaped, with its wall surface facing left and right. The wall surfaces of each side portion 62 of each protruding wall portion 64 face each other on the left and right inner sides, spaced apart from each other. As shown in Figure 3, the upper end surface of each protruding wall portion 64 is a receiving surface 65 that curves in an arc along the outer circumferential surface of the outer conductor 22. As shown in Figure 5, each protruding wall portion 64 has a pair of left and right projection portions 66 that project forward from the base portion 61. When the retainer 60 is in the locking position, the overhang portion 81 is positioned so that it is sandwiched between the projection portions 66.

[0036] A pair of left and right retaining portions 67 are formed protruding from the front-rear intermediate portion of the receiving surface 65 of each protruding wall portion 64. The upper end surface of each retaining portion 67 is curved in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface of the constricted portion 29 of the first outer conductor 26. The front surface of each retaining portion 67 is arranged along the vertical direction. When the retainer 60 is in the temporary locking position, each retaining portion 67 is positioned below the front-rear intermediate portion of the cavity 43 (the insertion space for the terminal 20), allowing the terminal 20 to be inserted into the cavity 43. When the retainer 60 is in the permanent locking position, each retaining portion 67 enters the constricted portion 29 and faces the rear end of the second outer conductor 27 so as to be able to lock into it. This secondarily prevents the terminal 20 from coming out of the cavity 43 to the rear.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the retainer 60 has a pair of left and right jig engagement portions 68 on the upper surface of the base portion 61. Each jig engagement portion 68 is formed symmetrically on the upper surface of the base portion 61, behind each retaining portion 67 and on both the left and right sides of the left-right center. Specifically, each jig engagement portion 68 is recessed on both the left and right sides of the upper surface of the base portion 61. The rear end of each jig engagement portion 68 opens at a position recessed one step from the rear surface of the base portion 61. The front inner surface (the front surface facing rear) of each jig engagement portion 68 is continuous with the rear surface of each protruding wall portion 64 without any steps along the vertical direction. The left-right spacing between each jig engagement portion 68 is equal to the spacing between each protruding wall portion 64 facing each other in the left-right direction. A concave surface portion 69 is formed on the upper surface of the base portion 61 in the area between each jig engagement portion 68. As shown in Figure 2, when the retainer 60 is in the locked position, the reinforcing portion 45 is in contact with the concave portion 69.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the left-right opening width of the jig engagement portion 68 is greater than the left-right wall thickness of the protruding wall portion 64. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the bottom surface (the surface facing upward on the underside) of the jig engagement portion 68 is inclined upward as it goes forward. The inclination angle of the bottom surface of the jig engagement portion 68 (inclination angle with respect to the front-rear direction) is smaller than the inclination angle of the jig contact portion 44.

[0039] (Function of connector 10) Before the terminal 20 is assembled, the retained portion 63 is locked to the main locking portion 58, and the retainer 60 is held in the housing 40 in the main locking position, with movement to the temporary locking position suppressed. As shown in Figure 7, when the retainer 60 is in the main locking position, the front inner surface of the jig engagement portion 68 (the surface connected to the rear surface of the protruding wall portion 64) is positioned opposite the recess 51. The bottom surface of the jig engagement portion 68 and the opposing surface 48 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The jig contact portion 44 is positioned to face the jig engagement portion 68 through a clearance formed between it and the rear end of the jig engagement portion 68 (a gap in the front-rear direction formed between reference numeral 44 and reference numeral 61 in Figure 7). The recess 51 is opened downward through the above clearance. At this point, the jig 100 for releasing the lock of the retainer 60 is used to move the retainer 60 to the temporary locking position.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, the tip of the jig 100 is inserted into the recess 51 from below the housing body 41 and positioned diagonally forward and upward inside the recess 51 between the front of the back surface of the recess 51 and the jig engagement portion 68. The tip of the jig 100 also contacts the rear end of the jig contact portion 44 (the corner that intersects with the lower surface of the stepped portion 49) behind the entry portion into the recess 51. In this state, a force is applied to the jig 100 that causes it to rotate with the jig contact portion 44 as the pivot point. As a result, the tip of the jig 100 presses against the bottom surface of the jig engagement portion 68, the side portion 62 elastically expands, and the locking between the locked portion 63 and the locking portion 58 is released. Furthermore, as the jig 100 rotates with the jig contact portion 44 as a pivot point, the jig engagement portion 68 is pushed downward by the tip of the jig 100, and the retainer 60 is moved from the permanent locking position to the temporary locking position. When the retainer 60 reaches the temporary locking position, the locked portion 63 is locked into the temporary locking portion 57, preventing the retainer 60 from moving. At this point, the tip of the jig 100 is removed from the recess 51 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0041] In the above, a flathead screwdriver or the like can be used as the jig 100. For example, the jig 100 can be applied individually to the jig engagement parts 68 on both the left and right sides to sequentially release the locking between the locking parts 58 and the locked parts 63 on both the left and right sides. Alternatively, a U-shaped jig having two working parts can be used, and the jig can be applied simultaneously to the jig engagement parts 68 on both the left and right sides to release the locking between the locking parts 58 and the locked parts 63 on both the left and right sides at once.

[0042] In this way, by rotating the jig 100 using the jig contact portion 44 as a fulcrum and applying the lever principle, the retainer 60 can be easily moved from the permanent locking position to the temporary locking position. In particular, in this embodiment 1, since the jig engagement portion 68 is formed on both the left and right sides of the base portion 61, it can be positioned closer to the locking portion between the locking portion 58 and the locked portion 63 than if the jig engagement portion 68 were formed on the left and right central side of the base portion 61. Therefore, the operating force of the jig 100 is efficiently transmitted to the locking portion, and the locking between the locking portion 58 and the locked portion 63 can be smoothly released. Furthermore, since the jig engagement portion 68 is provided on both sides of the base portion 61 that sandwich the lance 54 in the left and right direction, the tip of the jig 100 can avoid contact with the lower surface of the lance 54, and the lower surface of the lance 54 can be prevented from being damaged by the tip of the jig 100.

[0043] With the retainer 60 held in a temporary locking position relative to the housing 40, the terminal 20 is inserted into the cavity 43 of the housing 40 from the rear. Then, the retainer 60 is moved to the permanent locking position. The terminal 20 is double-locked by the lance 54 and the retaining portion 67, and is securely prevented from coming out of the cavity 43 of the housing 40.

[0044] For example, when removing the terminal 20 from the cavity 43 of the housing 40 for maintenance or other reasons, first, the retainer 60 release tool 100 is applied to the tool engagement part 68 through the tool receiving parts 44 and 51 using the procedure described above, moving the retainer 60 from the permanent locking position to the temporary locking position. In this state, the lance 54 release tool 110 shown in Figure 2 is applied to the tip of the lance 54 through the recess 82 of the protruding part 81. The lance 54 is elastically deformed downward by the tool 110, releasing the lock between the terminal 20 and the locking projection 55. With the lance 54 elastically deformed, the shield wire 90 is pulled backward, and the terminal 20 is removed from the cavity 43.

[0045] As described above, the connector 10 of this embodiment 1 comprises a terminal 20, a housing 40 that houses the terminal 20, and a retainer 60 that is mounted on the housing 40. The housing 40 has a cavity 43 extending in the front-rear direction, a mounting hole 53 that intersects the cavity 43 and opens on the lower surface which is one surface of the housing 40, and locking portions (locking portion 58 for this locking) provided on a pair of sides of the housing 40 that face left-right and intersect the lower surface. The terminal 20 is positioned in the cavity 43. The retainer 60 has a base portion 61 positioned in the mounting hole 53 from the opening on the lower surface of the housing 40, a pair of side portions 62 that protrude from the base portion 61 and face the pair of sides of the housing 40, a locking portion 63 provided on the pair of side portions 62, and a retaining portion 67 that is located between the pair of side portions 62 in the left-right direction and protrudes from the base portion 61. The locking portion 58 locks the locked portion 63, holding the retainer 60 in the housing 40. The retaining portion 67 locks the terminal 20, preventing the terminal 20 from coming out of the cavity 43 towards the rear. The base portion 61 has a pair of jig engaging portions 68 on both sides in the left-right direction of the upper surface, which is the inner surface on the cavity 43 side. The housing 40 has a pair of jig receiving portions 44, 51 on both sides in the left-right direction of the lower surface, facing the pair of jig engaging portions 68.

[0046] As described above, by having the jig 100 received by the jig receiving parts 44 and 51 and engaging the tip of the jig 100 with the jig engaging part 68, the locking between the locking part 58 and the locked part 63 can be released. In particular, since the engagement position of the tip of the jig 100 is at the base part 61 rather than the side part 62, it is possible to avoid the tip of the jig 100 coming into contact with the locking portion between the locking part 58 and the locked part 63. Furthermore, since the engagement position of the tip of the jig 100 is closer to the pair of side parts 62 on the base part 61, the operating force of the jig 100 can be efficiently transmitted to the locking portion, making it easy to release the locking of the retainer 60 from the housing 40.

[0047] Furthermore, the pair of jig receiving portions 44 and 51 have jig contact portions 44 at the corners of the stepped portions 49 that protrude from the lower surface of the housing 40. This allows the jig to be rotated using the principle of leverage, with the jig contact portion 44 as a fulcrum. As a result, the locking and disengaging of the retainer 60 can be made easier.

[0048] Furthermore, the housing 40 has an elastically deformable lance 54 that locks the terminal 20. The lance 54 faces the mounting hole 53 and is positioned between a pair of jig receiving portions 44 and 51 in the left-right direction. This prevents the tip of the jig 100 from coming into contact with the lance 54, so that the lance 54 can perform its function properly.

[0049] Furthermore, the terminal 20 is a shield terminal having an inner conductor 21, a dielectric 23 housing the inner conductor 21, and an outer conductor 22 housing the dielectric 23. The retaining portion 67 locks the outer conductor 22. According to this embodiment 1, as described above, the locking portion 58 is less likely to be damaged, and the retainer 60 can be stably locked to the housing 40, so that the positional movement of the outer conductor 22 locked to the retaining portion 67 can be suppressed, and the terminal 20 can exhibit a predetermined shielding performance.

[0050] [Other embodiments of this disclosure] Embodiments 1 and 2 disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. In Embodiment 1, the terminal was a shielded terminal having an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the terminal may be a general terminal composed entirely of a conductive metal plate material without having a dielectric. In Embodiment 1, the jig contact portion had a chamfered edge shape, where the corners of the stepped portion protruding from the lower surface of the housing were beveled. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the jig contact portion may have an angular shape, where the corners of the stepped portion protruding from the lower surface of the housing are not beveled. Alternatively, the jig contact portion may have a rounded edge shape, where the corners of the stepped portion protruding from the lower surface of the housing are beveled. In Embodiment 1, the jig receiving portion was composed of a recess and a jig engaging portion. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the jig receiving portion does not have a recess, and the corner of the stepped portion may be configured as the jig contact portion. In Embodiment 1, the jig engagement portion was recessed into the upper surface, which was the inner surface on the cavity side of the base. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the jig engagement portion only needs to be a part that contacts and presses against the tip of the jig, and may not be recessed into the upper surface of the base, but rather a surface that is continuous with the circumferential surface portion on the upper surface without any step difference. In Embodiment 1, the retainer was positioned to be movable between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position relative to the housing. In contrast, the retainer may be structured to lock at a position corresponding to the permanent locking position relative to the housing without remaining in the temporary locking position. In this case, it is preferable that the housing does not need to be provided with a locking portion for temporary locking, and that the locking between the locking portion corresponding to the permanent locking portion and the locked portion is released by a jig that engages with a jig engagement portion, allowing the retainer to be detached from the housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 10… Connectors 20… Terminals 21...Inner conductor 22…Outer conductor 23… Dielectrics 25... Crimping section 26...First outer conductor 27...Second outer conductor 28... Contact point 29... the constricted area 31...First protrusion 32...Second protrusion 33…Connection part 38…Containment port 40… Housing 41… Housing body 42…Food Department 43... Cavity 44... Jig contact section (jig receiving section) 45…Reinforcement 46...1st concave groove 47...Second concave groove 48… Opposite side 49...Dan section 51…Recess (Jig receiving part) 52...Occluded surface 53… Mounting hole 54... Lance 55...Latching protrusion 56… Mounting surface 57... Temporary locking part 58... Locking part for this purpose (locking part) 59... Lock Arm 60…Retainer 61...Base 62... Side 63…Locked part 64...Protruding wall section 65... Receiving surface 66…Protruding piece part 67... Retaining part 68... Jig engagement part 69... Concave part 81...Protrusion 82...dent 90...Shielded power lines 91... Core wire 92... Covering 93...braided wire 94...Sheath 100... Tool for releasing the retainer lock 110... Jig for releasing the lock on the lance

Claims

1. It comprises a terminal, a housing that accommodates the terminal, and a retainer that is mounted on the housing, The housing has a cavity extending in the front-rear direction, a mounting hole intersecting the cavity and opening on one surface of the housing, and locking portions provided on a pair of side surfaces of the housing that intersect the one surface and face left-right directions. The terminals are located in the cavity. The retainer has a base portion positioned in the mounting hole through the opening on one surface, a pair of side portions protruding from the base portion and facing the pair of side portions, a locking portion provided on the pair of side portions, and a retaining portion positioned between the pair of side portions in the left-right direction and protruding from the base portion. The locking portion engages the locked portion, holding the retainer in the housing, and the retaining portion engages the terminal, preventing the terminal from coming out of the cavity towards the rear. The base portion has a pair of jig engagement portions on both sides in the left-right direction on the inner surface of the cavity side, The housing is a connector having a pair of jig receiving portions on both sides in the left-right direction of one surface, facing the pair of jig engaging portions.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the pair of jig receiving portions have jig contact portions at the corners of the stepped portions protruding from one surface.

3. The housing has an elastically deformable lance for locking the terminals, The connector according to claim 1, wherein the lance faces the mounting hole and is positioned between the pair of jig receiving portions in the left-right direction.

4. The terminal is a shield terminal having an inner conductor, a dielectric that houses the inner conductor, and an outer conductor that houses the dielectric. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining portion locks the outer conductor.

Images