connector

Abstract

To provide a connector that improves the holding strength of cables. [Solution] The connector 1 comprises an inner terminal 20 attached to a core wire 101, an insulating inner housing 30 covering the inner terminal 20, an outer terminal 40 covering the inner housing 30, a sleeve 50 assembled to a braid 103 covering an insulator 102, with a folded portion 103a of the tip 105 of the braid 103, which is folded outward, positioned on the outer circumference, and an outer housing 11 having a terminal housing chamber 11a for housing the outer terminal 40. The outer terminal 40 has a pair of crimping pieces 43 that are crimped to the braid 103 so as to include the sleeve 50 on the inner circumference, and a folded portion 43a at the end of each crimping piece 43 which is folded inward. At least a portion of the space between the outer surface of the portion of the crimping piece 43 where the folded portion 43a is formed and the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a is not set.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various techniques have been proposed for connectors to improve the holding strength when holding a cable. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique relating to a terminal that ensures conductive connection. In the terminal, at least one pair of protrusions is arranged on the inner surface of the crimping portion at a position where the protrusions bite into and clamp the inverted outer conductor on the sheath of the electric wire, so that it is described that sufficient adhesion strength can be obtained between the inverted portion and the outer crimping portion. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-164263 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the terminal disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if the protrusions bite into the outer conductor, it is assumed that the crimping pieces will open if the caulking force at the crimping portion is weak. In this case, the biting state of the protrusions cannot be maintained, and there is a risk that the holding strength of the electric wire may decrease.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems of such conventional techniques. An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that improves the holding strength of a cable. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connector according to an aspect of the present invention is a connector attached to the end of a cable having an internal conductor, an insulator covering the internal conductor, and an external conductor covering the insulator, comprising: an inner terminal attached to the internal conductor; an insulating inner housing covering the inner terminal; an outer terminal covering the inner housing; a sleeve assembled to the external conductor covering the insulator, with a folded portion of the tip of the external conductor that is folded outward positioned on the outer circumference; and an outer housing having a terminal housing chamber for accommodating the outer terminal, wherein the outer terminal has a pair of crimping pieces that are crimped to the external conductor so as to include the sleeve on the inner circumference, and folded pieces where the ends of each crimping piece are folded inward so as to be located behind the sleeve in the axial direction of the outer terminal, and at least a portion of the space between the outer surface of the portion of the crimping piece where the folded piece is formed and the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber is not set. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that improves the holding strength of a cable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of a connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector corresponding to section III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a disassembled perspective view of the terminal assembly. [Figure 5A] This is a front view of the outer terminal before assembly. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional view of the outer terminal corresponding to the VB-VB section in Figure 5A. [Figure 6A] This is a front view of the outer housing. [Figure 6B] This is a cross-sectional view of the outer housing corresponding to the VIB-VIB section in Figure 6A. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the connector corresponding to the VII-VII section in Figure 3. [Figure 8] It is a side view illustrating the first step of the connector assembly process. [Figure 9] It is a side view illustrating the second step of the connector assembly process. [Figure 10] It is a side view illustrating the third step of the connector assembly process. [Figure 11] It is a side view illustrating the fourth step of the connector assembly process. [Figure 12] It is a side view illustrating the fifth step of the connector assembly process. [Figure 13] It is a side view illustrating the sixth step of the connector assembly process. [Figure 14] It is a side view illustrating the seventh step of the connector assembly process. [Figure 15A] It is a side view illustrating the eighth step of the connector assembly process. [Figure 15B] It is a cross-sectional view of the terminal assembly shown in Figure 15A. [Figure 15C] It is a partially enlarged view of the terminal assembly corresponding to the XVC portion in Figure 15B. [Figure 16A] It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ninth step of the connector assembly process. [Figure 16B] It is a cross-sectional view of the connector after completion of the ninth step. [Figure 16C] It is a partially enlarged view of the connector corresponding to the XVIC portion in Figure 16B. [Figure 17A] It is a cross-sectional view of the connector illustrating a state when a tensile force acts thereon. [Figure 17B] It is a partially enlarged view of the connector corresponding to the XVIIB portion in Figure 17A. [Figure 18A] It is a cross-sectional view of the connector illustrating the effect when a tensile force acts thereon. [Figure 18B] It is a partially enlarged view of the connector corresponding to the XVIIIB portion in Figure 18A. [Figure 18C]It is a cross-sectional view of the connector corresponding to the XVIIIC-XVIIIC cross-section of FIG. 18A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the connector according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may differ from actual ratios.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the connector 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of main parts of the connector 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 corresponding to the III-III cross-section in FIG. 1. The cut plane in FIG. 3 is an imaginary plane that includes the central axis of the terminal end of the cable 100 connected to the terminal assembly 10 and extends along the assembling direction of the spacer 12 with respect to the outer housing 11.

[0011] The connector 1 is a female connector attached to the terminal end of the cable 100 and mated with a male connector which is a mating connector. The connector 1 has a shielding function for suppressing electromagnetic wave noise entering from the outside via the cable 100. Further, the connector 1 functions, for example, as a high-frequency connector capable of transmitting high-frequency signals.

[0012] The cable 100 is a coaxial cable including a core wire 101 as an inner conductor, an insulator 102 covering the core wire 101, a braid 103 as an outer conductor covering the insulator 102, and an outermost sheath 104. The braid 103 functions as a ground by being connected to a ground wire (not shown). The sheath 104 covers a portion of the braid 103 excluding the tip end portion 105 (see FIG. 4).

[0013] The connector 1 includes, as main components, a terminal assembly 10, an outer housing 11, and a spacer 12.

[0014] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal assembly 10. The terminal assembly 10 is a unit that is attached to the end of the cable 100. The terminal assembly 10 comprises an inner terminal 20, an inner housing 30, an outer terminal 40, and a sleeve 50.

[0015] The inner terminal 20 is made of metal and is attached to the core wire 101 of the cable 100. The inner terminal 20 is located at the radial center of the connector 1 and connects to the male inner terminal on the male connector when the connector 1 is mated with the male connector.

[0016] The inner housing 30 is made of synthetic resin and is a hollow cylindrical component that covers the inner terminal 20. The inner housing 30 is positioned to cover the inner terminal 20 in the radial direction and also serves as an insulating component that electrically insulates the inner terminal 20 from the outer terminal 40.

[0017] Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams relating to the outer terminal 40. Figure 5A is a front view of the outer terminal 40 before assembly. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the outer terminal 40 corresponding to the VB-VB section in Figure 5A. The cross-sectional plane in Figure 5B includes the central axis of the cylindrical portion 45 and is the reference plane for the symmetrical relationship of the pair of crimping pieces 43.

[0018] The outer terminal 40 is made of metal and covers the inner housing 30. The outer terminal 40 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape by, for example, punching or bending a metal plate using a mold. The outer terminal 40 is positioned to cover the inner housing 30 around its entire circumference and is crimped to the braid 103 of the cable 100, thereby electrically connecting with the braid 103. The outer terminal 40 comprises a plurality of contact springs 41 arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, a cylindrical tubular portion 45, a pair of crimping pieces 43, a pair of sheath crimping pieces 42, and an annular projection 47.

[0019] Multiple contact springs 41 are provided at the tip of the outer terminal 40 and, when the connector 1 and the male connector are mated, they contact the inner surface of the male outer terminal and electrically connect with the male outer terminal. The braid of the mating cable (not shown) attached to the end of the male connector, the male outer terminal, the outer terminal 40, and the braid 103 are electrically connected and function as a ground, shielding electromagnetic noise that enters from the outside through the mating cable.

[0020] The cylindrical portion 45 is equipped with an inner housing chamber 48 that houses the inner housing 30 inside. The tip of the inner housing 30 housed in the inner housing chamber 48 extends outward through the tip opening 49 of the outer terminal 40. When the connector 1 and the male connector are mated, the male inner terminal enters the inner terminal 20 located inside the inner housing 30 through the tip opening 49.

[0021] The pair of crimping pieces 43 are crimped to the braid 103 of the cable 100. After crimping, the overall shape of the pair of crimping pieces 43 is a cylindrical shape extending coaxially from the end opposite to the end that is continuous with the multiple contact springs 41 in the cylindrical portion 45. Hereinafter, the radius of the outer surface of the pair of crimping pieces 43 after crimping is defined as the first radius R1 (see Figure 15C).

[0022] Furthermore, each pair of crimping pieces 43 has a folded-over piece 43a formed by folding the end of the crimping piece 43 inward. The folded-over piece 43a provided on the pair of crimping pieces 43 may simply have a shape in which the end of the plate portion 46 is folded over. In this embodiment, the folded-over piece 43a has a chamfered portion 43b at its inner edge. The specific shape of the chamfered portion 43b is not limited to an inclined surface or a curved surface.

[0023] Here, the end of the crimping piece 43 on the side where the folded-back piece 43a is provided is the end opposite to the end on the side that is continuous with the cylindrical portion 45 in the axial direction of the outer terminal 40. In other words, the tip portion of the folded-back piece 43a extends in the opposite direction to the root portion that extends from the cylindrical portion 45. Hereafter, the radius of the outermost surface of the portion where the folded-back piece 43a is formed in the pair of crimping pieces 43 after crimping is defined as the second radius R2 (see Figure 15C). The second radius R2 may be larger than the first radius R1, which is the radius of the outermost surface of the portion where the folded-back piece 43a is not formed in the pair of crimping pieces 43 after crimping.

[0024] In the terminal assembly 10, the folded piece 43a is located behind the sleeve 50 in the axial direction of the outer terminal 40. Also, if we define the folded portion 103a as a part of the tip 105 of the braided cable 103 that is folded outwards, then the folded piece 43a is located between the folded portion 103a and the sheath 104.

[0025] The pair of sheath crimping pieces 42 are crimped onto the sheath 104 of the cable 100. The pair of sheath crimping pieces 42 are adjacent to the crimping piece 43 in the axial direction of the outer terminal 40, separated by a notch 44.

[0026] The annular projection 47 is formed coaxially with respect to the cylindrical portion 45 and is locked by the terminal locking lance 11d when the terminal assembly 10 is housed in the terminal housing chamber 11a of the outer housing 11.

[0027] Here, the outer terminal 40 may have a plate portion 46 extending axially from the cylindrical portion 45 as a pair of crimping pieces 43. This is advantageous in that the folded piece 43a is formed by simply folding back the end of the plate portion 46, thus making the manufacturing of the outer terminal 40 easier.

[0028] Furthermore, the pair of crimping pieces 43 may be provided with locking projections 43c and locking recesses 43d on their respective edges that are close to each other and facing each other after the pair of crimping pieces 43 have been crimped. Specifically, the locking projections 43c are provided on the edge of one crimping piece 43, and the locking recesses 43d are provided on the edge of the other crimping piece 43. This prevents relative misalignment between the pair of crimping pieces 43.

[0029] The sleeve 50 is a cylindrical member that is assembled to the portion of the braid 103 that covers the insulator 102, that is, the portion other than the folded portion 103a. When the sleeve 50 is assembled to the terminal assembly 10, the folded portion 103a is positioned on the outer circumference of the sleeve 50.

[0030] Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams relating to the outer housing 11. Figure 6A is a front view of the outer housing 11. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the outer housing 11, corresponding to the VIB-VIB section in Figure 6A. The cross-section in Figure 6B is a virtual plane that includes the central axis of the terminal housing chamber 11a and is aligned with the assembly direction of the spacer 12 to the outer housing 11.

[0031] The outer housing 11 is made of synthetic resin and constitutes the exterior of the connector 1 while holding the terminal assembly 10. The outer housing 11 has a terminal housing chamber 11a, a terminal locking lance 11d, a locking arm 11e, a locking projection 11f, and a spacer housing chamber 11g.

[0032] The terminal housing chamber 11a houses the terminal assembly 10. The terminal housing chamber 11a forms a cylindrical internal space with one opening designated as the front opening 11b and the other as the rear opening 11c. The front opening 11b is an opening that directs the tip opening 49 of the outer terminal 40 outward. The rear opening 11c is an opening into which the terminal assembly 10 is inserted when assembling the connector 1.

[0033] The terminal locking lance 11d prevents the terminal assembly 10 from coming out of the terminal housing chamber 11a by locking the annular projection 47 provided on the outer terminal 40 when the terminal assembly 10 is housed in the terminal housing chamber 11a.

[0034] The locking arm 11e and locking projection 11f function when mating with the male connector, ensuring mating between connector 1 and the male connector while preventing unintended disengagement. The locking arm 11e has a cantilever shape. The locking projection 11f is formed on the upper surface of the locking arm 11e. When the user inserts the female connector (connector 1) into the male connector, the locking projection 11f is pushed down by the inclination of the locking arm 11e. After the connector 1 is inserted, the locking arm 11e returns to its original position, and the locking projection 11f engages with the locking hole on the male connector side, causing connector 1 and the male connector to mate with each other.

[0035] The spacer housing chamber 11g is used to mount the spacer 12 from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the terminal assembly 10 into the terminal housing chamber 11a. A portion of the spacer housing chamber 11g penetrates between the terminal housing chamber 11a and the outside, allowing a portion of the spacer 12 to enter the terminal housing chamber 11a from the outside.

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of connector 1, corresponding to the VII-VII section in Figure 3. The cross-section in Figure 7 is a virtual plane that passes through the portion of the crimping piece 43 where the folded-back piece 43a is not provided and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the terminal housing chamber 11a.

[0037] In connector 1, a clearance C is set between at least a portion of the outer surface of the portion of the crimping piece 43 where the folded portion 43a is not formed and the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a. In other words, in the normal state of connector 1, for example, when no external force is applied to the cable 100, at least a portion of the portion of the crimping piece 43 where the folded portion 43a is not formed does not come into contact with the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a. Here, if the thickness of the outer terminal 40 is defined as thickness T (see Figure 18C), it is desirable that the value of clearance C be set to be less than or equal to the value of thickness T, even including manufacturing tolerances.

[0038] On the other hand, in the connector 1 according to this embodiment, there is no clearance between at least a portion of the outer surface of the portion of the crimping piece 43 on which the folded portion 43a is formed and the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a. In other words, in the normal state of the connector 1, for example, when no external force is applied to the cable 100, at least a portion of the portion of the crimping piece 43 on which the folded portion 43a is formed is in contact with the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a. For example, the portion of the crimping piece 43 on which the folded portion 43a is formed may be arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the crimping piece 43 without any gap between it and the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a (a so-called zero-touch state). Alternatively, the portion of the crimping piece 43 on which the folded portion 43a is formed may be press-fitted into the terminal housing chamber 11a of the outer housing 11 and arranged so that the restoring force of the crimping piece 43 (the force with which the pair of crimping pieces 43 try to open) presses against the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a.

[0039] During the assembly process of the connector 1, the spacer 12 is installed in the spacer housing chamber 11g after the terminal assembly 10 has been housed in the terminal housing chamber 11a of the outer housing 11. When the spacer 12 is installed in the spacer housing chamber 11g, a portion of the spacer 12 restricts the displacement of the terminal locking lance 11d, which locks the annular projection 47 of the outer terminal 40. In other words, if the mechanism that locks the annular projection 47 with the terminal locking lance 11d is positioned as the first locking mechanism, then the mechanism that restricts the displacement of the terminal locking lance 11d with the spacer 12 is positioned as the second locking mechanism. These two types of locking mechanisms ensure secure retention of the terminal assembly 10 in the terminal housing chamber 11a. Note that the locking of the terminal assembly 10 by the first locking mechanism may be referred to as temporary locking, and the locking of the terminal assembly 10 by the second locking mechanism may be referred to as permanent locking.

[0040] Next, the assembly process (assembly method) of connector 1 will be explained using Figures 3 and 8 through 16C.

[0041] Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the first step in the assembly process of connector 1. In the first step, cable 100 is cut to a predetermined length.

[0042] Figure 9 is a side view illustrating the second step in the assembly process of connector 1. In the second step, a portion of the sheath 104 is stripped at the end of the cable 100, exposing the tip of the braid 103.

[0043] Figure 10 is a side view illustrating the third step in the assembly process of connector 1. In the third step, the sleeve 50 is placed over the braid 103 and the braid 103 is crimped.

[0044] Figure 11 is a side view illustrating the fourth step in the assembly process of connector 1. In the fourth step, a portion of the tip of the braid 103 is folded back towards the sleeve 50 and placed over the sleeve 50. The portion placed over the sleeve 50 is the folded portion 103a. After the braid 103 is folded back, a portion of the exposed insulator 102 is removed, exposing the tip of the core wire 101.

[0045] Figure 12 is a side view illustrating the fifth step in the assembly process of connector 1. In the fifth step, the inner terminal 20 is attached to the core wire 101 by crimping.

[0046] Figure 13 is a side view illustrating the sixth step in the assembly process of connector 1. In the sixth step, the inner terminal 20 is inserted into the inner housing 30. The inner terminal 20 has a locking projection 21 on its outer surface. The locking projection 21 engages with a recess (not shown) provided on the inner circumference of the inner housing 30, thereby restricting the position of the inner terminal 20 relative to the inner housing 30.

[0047] Figure 14 is a side view illustrating the seventh step in the assembly process of connector 1. In the seventh step, the inner housing 30 and the inner terminals 20 inside it are inserted into the inner housing chamber 48 of the outer terminal 40. Note that the pair of crimping pieces 43 have not yet been crimped at the folded portion 103a.

[0048] Figures 15A to 15C are diagrams relating to the eighth step in the assembly process of connector 1. Figure 15A is a side view illustrating the eighth step. Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view of the terminal assembly 10 shown in Figure 15A. The cross-section of Figure 15B is the same as the cross-section in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3. Figure 15C is a partially enlarged view of the terminal assembly 10, corresponding to the XVC section in Figure 15B.

[0049] In the eighth step, the crimping piece 43 of the outer terminal 40 crimps the folded portion 103a of the cable 100, and the sheath crimping piece 42 of the outer terminal 40 crimps the sheath 104 of the cable 100. This completes the assembly of the terminal assembly 10. At this time, the folded portion 43a is located between the folded portion 103a and the sheath 104 in the axial direction of the outer terminal 40, and is located behind the sleeve 50. Therefore, as shown in Figure 15C, the folded portion 43a is in a position that does not overlap with the sleeve 50, and the folded portion 43a and the sleeve 50 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the outer terminal 40.

[0050] Figures 16A to 16C are diagrams relating to the ninth step in the assembly process of connector 1. Figure 16A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ninth step. Figure 16B is a cross-sectional view of connector 1 after the completion of the ninth step. The cross-sections in Figures 16A and 16B are the same as the cross-sections in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3. Figure 16C is a magnified view of a part of connector 1 corresponding to the XVIC section in Figure 16B.

[0051] In the ninth step, the terminal assembly 10 assembled up to the eighth step is inserted into the terminal housing chamber 11a of the outer housing 11. The terminal locking lance 11d provided on the outer housing 11 locks onto the annular projection 47 provided on the outer terminal 40, thereby holding the terminal assembly 10 in the terminal housing chamber 11a of the outer housing 11.

[0052] Then, in the tenth and final step of the assembly process for connector 1, as shown in Figure 3, the spacer 12 is fitted into the spacer housing chamber 11g of the outer housing 11, thereby suppressing the displacement of the terminal locking lance 11d and completing connector 1.

[0053] Next, we will explain the function and effects of connector 1.

[0054] Connector 1 is attached to the end of a cable 100 having a core wire 101 which is an internal conductor, an insulator 102 which covers the core wire 101, and a braid 103 which is an external conductor which covers the insulator 102. Connector 1 comprises an inner terminal 20 which is attached to the core wire 101, an insulating inner housing 30 which covers the inner terminal 20, and an outer terminal 40 which covers the inner housing 30. Connector 1 is assembled to the braid 103 which covers the insulator 102 and includes a sleeve 50 which positions a folded portion 103a, which is a part of the tip portion 105 of the braid 103 and is folded back outwards, on the outer circumference. Connector 1 also includes an outer housing 11 which has a terminal housing chamber 11a for housing the outer terminal 40. The outer terminal 40 has a pair of crimping pieces 43 that are crimped to the braid 103 so as to include the sleeve 50 on its inner circumference, and a folded piece 43a where the end of the crimping piece 43 is folded inward so as to be located behind the sleeve 50 in the axial direction of the outer terminal 40. There is no clearance between at least a portion of the outer surface of the portion of the crimping piece 43 where the folded piece 43a is formed and the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a.

[0055] According to the configuration of connector 1, the folded piece 43a crimps the braid 103 while simultaneously acting as a beam, thereby improving the rigidity of the crimping piece 43. As a result, the crimping repulsive force is improved, and the connection between the braid 103 and the outer terminal 40 is maintained. Consequently, the opening of the outer terminal 40, which is formed by bending a metal plate, due to external forces from the cable 100 can be suppressed, and as a result, the holding strength of the cable 100 by the outer terminal 40 can be improved.

[0056] Furthermore, in connector 1, the folded piece 43a is formed by folding the ends of a pair of crimping pieces 43 inward. The folded piece 43a can be formed in the manufacturing process of the outer terminal 40 by bending the ends of the crimping pieces 43 with a die. As a result, the bent portion of the folded piece 43a becomes rounded, and since the folded piece 43a is formed by folding the ends of the crimping pieces 43 inward, a portion of the folded piece 43a faces the sleeve 50 in the axial direction of the outer terminal 40.

[0057] Figure 17A is a cross-sectional view of connector 1 illustrating the state when a tensile force F acts as an external force on cable 100. The cross-section in Figure 17A is the same as the cross-section in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3. Figure 17B is a partially enlarged view of connector 1, corresponding to section XVIIB in Figure 17A.

[0058] As shown in Figure 17A, assuming a tensile force F is applied to the cable 100, the sleeve 50 also moves along the direction of the tension as the cable 100 moves relative to the outer housing 11, as shown by the arrow in Figure 17B. Here, a portion of the folded portion 43a of the crimping piece 43 faces the sleeve 50 in the axial direction of the outer terminal 40, i.e., in the direction of movement of the sleeve 50. Therefore, as the movement of the sleeve 50 continues, as shown in Figure 17B, the corner portion 50a of the sleeve 50 will eventually come into contact with a portion of the folded portion 43a of the crimping piece 43 (in this embodiment, the chamfered portion 43b).

[0059] Figure 18A is a cross-sectional view of connector 1 illustrating the effect when a tensile force F is applied to cable 100. The cross-section in Figure 18A is the same as the cross-section in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3. Figure 18B is an enlarged view of a part of connector 1 corresponding to section XVIIIB in Figure 18A. Figure 18C is a cross-sectional view of connector 1 corresponding to the XVIIIC-XVIIIC section in Figure 18A. The cross-section in Figure 18C is a virtual plane that passes through the portion where the folded-back piece 43a of the crimping piece 43 is provided and is perpendicular to the extension direction of terminal housing chamber 11a.

[0060] As the sleeve 50 continues to move from the state shown in Figure 17B, the folded-back pieces 43a of each crimping piece 43 spread outward as shown by the arrows in Figure 18B and open in the direction shown by the arrows in Figure 18C. The outer surface of the portion of the crimping piece 43 where the folded-back pieces 43a are formed then contacts and presses against the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a, improving the fixing force of the cable 100, and as a result, the holding strength of the cable 100 by the outer terminal 40 can be further improved.

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, a connector 1 that improves the holding strength of the cable 100 can be provided.

[0062] In addition, in connector 1, the folded-back piece 43a and the sleeve 50 may be spaced apart in the axial direction of the outer terminal 40.

[0063] With this connector 1, since the folded-back piece 43a that is folded inward is positioned so as not to overlap with the sleeve 50, it is less likely to obstruct the insertion of the outer terminal 40 into the terminal housing chamber 11a in the ninth step of the connector 1 assembly process. Furthermore, with this connector 1, as explained with reference to Figures 17A to 18C, when a tensile force F is applied to the cable 100, the portion of the crimping piece 43 with the folded-back piece 43a formed thereon can be reliably brought into contact with the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a.

[0064] Furthermore, in connector 1, a clearance C may be set in at least a portion between the outer surface of the portion of the crimping piece 43 where the folded-back piece 43a is not formed and the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a. The value of clearance C may be less than or equal to the plate thickness T of the outer terminal 40.

[0065] With this connector 1, even if the folded-back piece 43a that is folded inward is provided on the outer terminal 40, it is possible to make it difficult to obstruct the insertion of the outer terminal 40 into the terminal housing chamber 11a in the ninth step of the assembly process of the connector 1. Furthermore, with this connector 1, as explained with reference to Figures 17A to 18C, when a tensile force F is applied to the cable 100, the portion of the crimping piece 43 in which the folded-back piece 43a is formed can be reliably brought into contact with the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a.

[0066] In addition, in connector 1, the cable 100 may have a sheath 104 that covers the portion of the braid 103 excluding the tip 105. The folded portion 43a may be located between the folded portion 103a and the sheath 104.

[0067] In this case, when the cable 100 is in a normal state where no tensile force F is acting on it, the folded portion 43a is positioned so as not to press against either the folded portion 103a or the sheath 104. Therefore, with this connector 1, the folded portion 43a can always be compactly arranged inside the connector 1, which can contribute to miniaturization of the connector 1, for example.

[0068] Furthermore, in connector 1, the folded-back piece 43a may have a chamfered portion 43b at its inner edge.

[0069] In this embodiment, a chamfered portion 43b is provided on the inner edge of the folded piece 43a, so that the chamfered portion 43b comes into contact with the sleeve 50, as shown in Figure 18B. Therefore, according to the connector 1 of this embodiment, when a part of the inner edge of the folded piece 43a comes into contact with the sleeve, the sleeve 50 can reliably apply an opening force to the folded piece 43a in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 18C. As a result, the outer surface of the portion of the crimping piece 43 on which the folded piece 43a is formed comes into contact with the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber 11a, improving the fixing force of the cable 100, and consequently, the holding strength of the cable 100 by the outer terminal 40 can be further improved.

[0070] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1 Connector 11 Outer Housing 11a Terminal housing room 20 Inner terminals 30 Inner Housing 40 Outer terminals 43 Crimping pieces 43a Folded piece 43b Chamfered section 50 sleeves 100 Cables 101 Core wire 102 Insulator 103 Braid 103a Folded section 104 Sheath 105 Tip

Claims

1. A connector attached to the end of a cable having an internal conductor, an insulator covering the internal conductor, and an external conductor covering the insulator, An inner terminal attached to the aforementioned internal conductor, An insulating inner housing covering the aforementioned inner terminal, The outer terminal covering the inner housing, A sleeve is assembled to the outer conductor covering the insulator, and a folded portion of the tip of the outer conductor that is folded outward is positioned on the outer circumference, The outer housing comprises an outer housing having a terminal housing chamber for housing the outer terminal, The aforementioned outer terminal is A pair of crimping pieces that are crimped onto the outer conductor so as to include the sleeve on its inner circumference, Each end of the crimping piece has a folded piece that is folded inward so that it is located behind the sleeve in the axial direction of the outer terminal. No clearance is provided between at least a portion of the outer surface of the portion of the crimping piece on which the folded-back piece is formed and the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber. connector.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the folded portion and the sleeve are spaced apart in the axial direction of the outer terminal.

3. A clearance is provided between at least a portion of the outer surface of the portion of the crimping piece in which the folded-over portion is not formed and the inner surface of the terminal housing chamber. The clearance value is less than or equal to the thickness of the outer terminal. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The cable has a sheath that covers the portion of the outer conductor excluding the tip, The folded portion is located between the folded portion and the sheath. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the folded-over piece has a chamfered portion at its inner edge.

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