Electrical connector and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

To prevent deformation of a terminal when a terminal is connected to a mating conductive portion, and to reduce costs by molding a housing using a mold having a simple structure.SOLUTION: An electrical connector 1 includes a conductive terminal 2, an insulating housing 3 having a first regulating portion 32 that engages with a first engaging portion 23 to regulate the movement of the terminal 2 in a direction in which it falls out of a first insertion hole 31, and a second regulating portion 34 that engages with a second engaging portion 24 to regulate the movement of a first connection portion 21 that connects to a mating conductive portion 11 inserted into a second insertion hole 33 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which it falls out, and the first regulating portion 32 is visible when the housing 3 is viewed from the front side, and the second regulating portion 34 is visible through the first insertion hole 31 when the housing 3 is viewed from the rear side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector to which an electric wire is connected and a method for manufacturing the electrical connector. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in Fig. 30, Patent Document 1 relates to an electrical connector 900 to which electric wires are connected, in which a lance 1002 of a housing 1000 prevents a contact 2000 from coming out of the housing 1000. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 also discloses that a mating contact 3001 of a mating connector 3000 is inserted between opposing contact portions of the contact 2000 and comes into contact with the contact portions, thereby electrically connecting the contact 2000 and the mating contact 3001.

[0003] However, in such a connector, when a contact and a mating contact come into contact, the contacting portion of the contact is pressed in the direction of insertion of the mating contact into the contact, which may cause the contact to lift up and become deformed.

[0004] In response to this, it is conceivable to prevent the contacts from floating up by using the housing to restrict movement of the contacts in the insertion direction of the mating contact relative to the contacts. For example, in the electrical connector 900 of Patent Document 1, when the contact 2000 and the mating contact 3001 come into contact with each other, if the contact portion of the contact 2000 is pressed in the insertion direction of the mating contact 3001 relative to the contact 2000 (upward in FIG. 30), it is conceivable to restrict the contact 2000 from floating up by the receiving portion 1003 of the housing 1000. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the contacts from floating up. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5774402 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the above-described conventional configuration for preventing deformation due to floating of the contacts has the problem that the configuration of the housing becomes complicated, and the structure of the mold for forming the housing becomes complicated. For example, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide gap 1004 between receiving portion 1003 and lance 1002 of housing 1000, so housing 1000 needs to be formed using a mold that has a mechanism that moves up and down in Fig. 30 in addition to a mechanism that moves left and right in Fig. 30, and it is difficult to form the housing using a mold with a simple configuration.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector and a method for manufacturing an electrical connector that can prevent deformation of the terminal when the terminal is connected to the mating conductive part and can reduce costs by allowing the housing to be formed using a mold with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The electrical connector according to the present invention is an electrical connector to which an electric wire is connected, and includes a conductive terminal having a first connection portion that connects with a mating conductive portion of a mating connector, a second connection portion that connects with the electric wire, a first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion; a first insertion hole into which the terminal is inserted; a first restriction portion that engages with the first engagement portion to restrict movement of the terminal in a direction to fall out of the first insertion hole; and to be connected toand an insulating housing including a second insertion hole into which the mating conductive part can be inserted, and a second restriction part that restricts movement of the first connection part, which is connected to the mating conductive part inserted into the second insertion hole by engaging with the second engagement part, in a floating direction perpendicular to the removal direction, wherein the first restriction part is visible when the housing is viewed from the side opposite to the removal direction, and the second restriction part is visible through the first insertion hole when the housing is viewed from the side in the removal direction. the law of nature , The second insertion hole allows the mating conductive part to be inserted in the lifting direction and the falling direction, the first connection parts are provided as a pair on the left and right sides of the terminal and connect to the mating conductive part by sandwiching the mating conductive part from the left and right sides, the second engagement parts are provided as a pair on the left and right sides of the terminal, and the left-right distance between the pair of second engagement parts is larger than the left-right distance between the pair of first connection parts. .

[0009] The method for manufacturing an electrical connector according to the present invention includes a conductive terminal including a first connection portion for connecting with a mating conductive portion of a mating connector, a second connection portion for connecting with an electric wire, a first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion; a first insertion hole into which the terminal is inserted; a first restriction portion that engages with the first engagement portion to restrict movement of the terminal in a direction to fall out of the first insertion hole; to be connected to an insulating housing including a second insertion hole into which the mating conductive part can be inserted, and a second restriction part that restricts movement of the first connection part, which is connected to the mating conductive part inserted into the second insertion hole by engaging with the second engagement part, in a lifting direction perpendicular to the falling-off direction. The second insertion hole allows the mating conductive part to be inserted in the lifting direction and the falling direction, the first connection parts are provided as a pair on the left and right sides of the terminal and connect to the mating conductive part by sandwiching the mating conductive part from the left and right sides, and the second engagement parts are provided as a pair on the left and right sides of the terminal, and the left-right distance between the pair of second engagement parts is larger than the left-right distance between the pair of first connection parts. A method for manufacturing an electrical connector includes filling a cavity formed by a first mold and a second mold with molten resin and cooling it, and then sliding the first mold in the removal direction and sliding the second mold in the opposite direction to the removal direction, thereby forming a housing in which the first regulating portion is visible when viewed from the opposite side and the second regulating portion is visible through the first insertion hole when viewed from the removal direction side.

[0010] When the mating conductive part is inserted through the second insertion hole and connected to the first connection part, the first connection part is pressed in the lifting direction by the mating conductive part, and the second engagement part engaged with the second regulating part regulates the movement of the terminal in the lifting direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, deformation of the terminal when the terminal is connected to the mating conductive part can be prevented, and costs can be reduced by molding the housing using a mold with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a terminal of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a rear view of a terminal of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a plan view of a terminal of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 taken along line B-B. [Figure 9] 1 is a plan view of a housing of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a front view of a housing of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the housing of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 9. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a mating connector that mates with the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]FIG. 2 is a front view showing the relationship between the housing of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a second mold. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the relationship between the housing and the first mold of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a mating connector in a mated state. [Figure 17] 1 is a plan view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a mating connector in a mated state. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 15. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 19 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 18 taken along the line E-E. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a housing of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a front view of a housing of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the housing of the electrical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 23 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 22 shown in FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the relationship between a housing of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a second mold. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the relationship between the housing and the first mold of the electrical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a terminal of an electrical connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a terminal of an electrical connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional electrical connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the drawings, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis form a three-axis Cartesian coordinate system, with the positive direction of the y-axis being the forward direction, the negative direction of the y-axis being the backward direction, the positive direction of the x-axis being the left direction, the negative direction of the x-axis being the right direction, the positive direction of the z-axis being the upward direction, and the negative direction of the z-axis being the downward direction.

[0014] (First embodiment) <Electrical connector configuration> The configuration of an electrical connector 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0015] An electric wire 100 is connected to the electric connector 1. The electric connector 1 detachably mates with a mating connector 10. The electric connector 1 has terminals 2 formed by processing a conductive metal plate, and a housing 3 formed from an insulating material such as resin.

[0016] The terminal 2 includes a base portion 20, a first connecting portion 21, a second connecting portion 22, a first engaging portion 23, and a second engaging portion 24.

[0017] The base portion 20 connects the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the first engaging portion 23, and the second engaging portion 24.

[0018] A pair of first connection portions 21 are provided on the left and right sides of the base 20. The first connection portions 21 are bent downward from the left and right ends, which are the left and right lateral ends of the base 20, and are bent downward in directions that bring them closer to each other. The first connection portions 21 have contact portions 211 that come into contact with the mating conductive portion 11 of the mating connector 10. The left and right contact portions 211 face each other with a gap B between them (see FIG. 6). The first connection portions 21 connect to the mating conductive portion 11 by clamping the mating conductive portion 11 with the contact portions 211 and pressing them against the mating conductive portion 11.

[0019] The second connecting portions 22 are provided in pair on the left and right sides of the base 20 behind the first connecting portion 21, and include a first crimping portion 221, a second crimping portion 222, and a third crimping portion 223.

[0020] The first crimping portion 221 is bent downward from each of the left and right ends of the base 20 at the rear end of the base 20, and is crimped to the electric wire 100 to be fixed and connected to the electric wire 100.

[0021] The second crimping portion 222 is bent downward from each of the left and right ends of the base 20 between the first crimping portion 221 and the third crimping portion 223, and is crimped to the electric wire 100 to be fixed and connected to the electric wire 100.

[0022] The third crimping portion 223 is bent downward from each of the left and right ends of the base 20 between the second crimping portion 222 and the first connecting portion 21, and is crimped to a conductive portion (not shown) of the electric wire 100 to be fixed and connected thereto.

[0023] The first engaging portion 23 is formed by cutting out a portion of the base 20 and bending it upward, and is provided at the same position in the front-rear direction as the first connecting portion 21. The first engaging portion 23 engages with the first restricting portion 32 of the housing 3.

[0024] The second engaging portion 24 is bent downward from each of the left and right ends of the base 20 at the front end of the base 20, and the tip end in the bending direction is further bent inward toward the central axis of the terminal 2 to face each other with a distance A therebetween, and engages with the second restricting portion 34 of the housing 3. Here, the central axis of the terminal 2 is an axis parallel to the front-rear direction of the terminal 2.

[0025] The housing 3 includes a first insertion hole 31 , a first restriction portion 32 , a second insertion hole 33 , a second restriction portion 34 , and a communication hole 35 .

[0026] The first insertion hole 31 extends forward from the rear end of the housing 3. The terminal 2 is inserted into the first insertion hole 31. The first insertion hole 31 allows the entire second restricting portion 34 to be visible when the housing 3 is viewed from the rear side.

[0027] The first restricting portion 32 engages with the first engaging portion 23 of the terminal 2 inserted into the first insertion hole 31, thereby restricting rearward movement of the terminal 2, which is the direction in which the terminal 2 falls out of the first insertion hole 31. The first restricting portion 32 protrudes into the communication hole 35 from the front end of the upper wall portion 3a of the housing 3, and is visible through the communication hole 35 when the housing 3 is viewed from the front side, as shown in FIG.

[0028] The second insertion hole 33 is a through-hole that penetrates the bottom wall 3b of the housing 3 in the up-down direction, which is the plate thickness direction, and also penetrates the front wall 3c of the housing 3 in the front-rear direction, which is the plate thickness direction. The second insertion hole 33 exposes the first connection portion 21 of the terminal 2 to the outside, and allows the mating conductive portion 11 of the mating connector 10 to be inserted from below.

[0029] The second restricting portions 34 protrude rearward beyond the left and right front wall portions 3c of the second insertion hole 33 in the first insertion hole 31, and face the lower wall portion 3b at a distance. As shown in Fig. 11, the second restricting portions 34 are visible through the first insertion hole 31 when the housing 3 is viewed from the rear side. The second restricting portions 34 engage with the second engaging portions 24 of the terminals 2, thereby restricting upward movement of the first connecting portions 21 of the terminals 2, which connect with the mating conductive portions 11 inserted into the second insertion holes 33, in a lifting direction perpendicular to the removal direction.

[0030] The communication hole 35 connects the first insertion hole 31 to the outside in the upper wall portion 3a of the housing 3. The communication hole 35 makes the entire first restricting portion 32 visible when the housing 3 is viewed from the front side.

[0031] In the electrical connector 1 having the above configuration, the distance A between the left and right tip ends of the second engaging portion 24 (see FIG. 6) is larger than the left-right gap C (see FIG. 10) of the second insertion hole 33 (A>C). As a result, the second engaging portion 24 cannot be seen through the second insertion hole 33 when viewed from below or from the front. Furthermore, the distance C between the left and right contact portions 211 in the left-right direction is larger than the distance B between the left and right contact portions 211 (C>B). As a result, the contact portions 211 are visible through the second insertion hole 33 when viewed from below or from the front. Furthermore, the distance A between the left and right tip ends of the second engaging portion 24 is larger than the distance B between the left and right contact portions 211 (A>B).

[0032] <Manufacturing method for electrical connectors> A method for manufacturing the electrical connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, 14 and 15. FIG.

[0033] Note that FIG. 14 shows only a part (hatched portion) of the second mold 61, and FIG. 15 shows only a part (hatched portion) of the first mold 60.

[0034] First, the terminal 2 is formed by punching a metal plate and then bending it.

[0035] Next, the second connecting portion 22 of the terminal 2 is crimped onto the electric wire 100, thereby connecting and fixing the terminal 2 and the electric wire 100 together.

[0036] Furthermore, the housing 3 is formed by filling a cavity formed by the first mold 60 and the second mold 61 with molten resin and then cooling it.

[0037] Next, the terminal 2 is inserted into the first insertion hole 31 of the housing 3 with the second engagement portion 24 at the front. At this time, the first engagement portion 23 of the terminal 2 is pressed by the inner wall of the first insertion hole 31 and elastically deformed.

[0038] Next, as the first engaging portion 23 of the terminal 2 passes through the first restricting portion 32 of the housing 3, the elastically deformed first engaging portion 23 returns to its original position by its own elastic restoring force and engages with the first restricting portion 32. This restricts rearward movement of the terminal 2, which is the direction in which the terminal 2 falls out of the first insertion hole 31.

[0039] Furthermore, the second engaging portion 24 of the terminal 2 engages with the second restricting portion 34 of the housing 3 .

[0040] This completes the electrical connector 1.

[0041] In the electrical connector 1 manufactured by the above manufacturing method, the left and right tip portions of the second engaging portion 24 can be bent inward so that they face each other, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the electrical connector 1. In particular, when the electrical connector 1 is made multipolar, the distance between the terminals 2 can be narrowed, thereby making it possible to reduce the size.

[0042] Next, a method for manufacturing the housing 3 will be described in more detail.

[0043] A first mold 60 and a second mold 61 are prepared, and the cavity between the first mold 60 and the second mold 61 is filled with molten resin, and the filled resin is then cooled. In this state, the back surface 32a of the first restricting portion 32, the inner wall surface 3d of the front wall portion 3c, and the rear surface 34a of the second restricting portion 34 abut against the front end surface of the first mold 60. In addition, the rearmost wall surface 35a of the inner wall surfaces forming the communication hole 35, and the rearmost wall surface 33a of the inner wall surfaces forming the first restricting portion 32 and the second insertion hole 33 abut against the rear end surface of the second mold 61.

[0044] Next, the first mold 60 is slid rearward and the second mold 61 is slid forward to remove the molded housing 3. At this time, since there is no part of the housing 3 that cannot be seen from both the front and rear sides, the housing 3 can be formed without providing the mold with a mechanism for sliding it up and down.

[0045] In the housing 3 formed in this manner, the first restricting portion 32 is visible through the communicating hole 35 when viewed from the front side, which is the side opposite to the direction in which the terminal 2 falls out of the first insertion hole 31, and the second restricting portion 34 is visible through the first insertion hole 31 when viewed from the rear side, which is the side in which the terminal 2 falls out of the first insertion hole 31.

[0046] <Operation of electrical connector> The operation of the electrical connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0047] The mating conductive part 11 of the mating connector 10 is inserted into the second insertion hole 33 of the electrical connector 1 from below.

[0048] As a result, since the distance B between the left and right contact portions 211 of the first connection portion 21 is smaller than the left-right gap C of the second insertion hole 33, the contact portions 211 can be seen through the second insertion hole 33 when viewed from below, and the mating conductive portion 11 and the contact portions 211 abut, and the left and right first connection portions 21 are pressed outward to the left and right by the mating conductive portion 11 and elastically deformed, thereby connecting the first connection portion 21 and the mating conductive portion 11 with a predetermined contact pressure.

[0049] At this time, since the second engaging portion 24 cannot be seen through the second insertion hole 33 when viewed from the downward and front sides, the mating conductive portion 11 can be inserted into the second insertion hole 33 without interfering with the second engaging portion 24. Furthermore, by making the distance A between the left and right tip portions of the second engaging portion 24 larger than the distance B between the left and right contact portions 211, the mating conductive portion 11 can be connected to the first connecting portion 21 without interfering with the second engaging portion 24.

[0050] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 21 is pressed upward by the mating conductive portion 11, which is the direction in which the terminal 2 rises. At this time, the second engaging portion 24 engages with the second restricting portion 34, and therefore restricts the upward movement of the terminal 2. By providing the second engaging portion 24 at the front end of the terminal 2, the position of the terminal 2 in the housing 3 can be stabilized even when the terminal 2 is pressed upward by the mating conductive portion 11.

[0051] As described above, according to this embodiment, there is provided a conductive terminal 2 including a first connection portion 21 that connects with a mating conductive portion 11 of a mating connector 10, a second connection portion 22 that connects with a conductive portion of an electric wire 100, a first engagement portion 23, and a second engagement portion 24, a first insertion hole 31 into which the terminal 2 is inserted, a first restriction portion 32 that engages with the first engagement portion 23 to restrict movement of the terminal 2 in a direction to fall out of the first insertion hole 31, a second insertion hole 33 that exposes the first connection portion 21 to the outside and into which the mating conductive portion 11 can be inserted, and a mating conductive portion 11 that is inserted into the second insertion hole 33 by engaging with the second engagement portion 24. and an insulating housing 3 having a second restricting portion 34 that restricts movement of the first connection portion 21 connected to the terminal 1 in a floating direction perpendicular to the direction of removal, wherein the first restricting portion 32 is visible when the housing 3 is viewed from the direction of removal, and the second restricting portion 34 is visible through the first insertion hole 31 when the housing 3 is viewed from the direction opposite to the direction of removal, thereby preventing deformation of the terminal 2 when the terminal 2 is connected to the mating conductive portion 11, and also reducing costs by allowing the housing 3 to be molded using a first mold 60 and a second mold 61 with a simple configuration.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by arranging the first engagement portion 23 and the first connection portion 21 at the same position in the front-to-rear direction, the length of the terminal 2 in the front-to-rear direction can be shortened, and the electrical connector 1 can be made smaller.

[0053] In this embodiment, two electric wires 100 are connected to the electric connector 1, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to an electric connector that connects one electric wire 100 or three or more electric wires 100.

[0054] (Second embodiment) <Electrical connector configuration> The configuration of an electrical connector 4 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0055] 19 to 25, parts having the same configuration as those in FIGS. 1 to 13 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] An electric wire 100 is connected to the electric connector 4. The electric connector 4 detachably mates with a mating connector 10. The electric connector 4 has terminals 2 formed by processing a conductive metal plate, and a housing 5 formed from an insulating material such as resin.

[0057] The first engagement portion 23 is engaged with the first restriction portion 32 of the housing 5 .

[0058] The second engagement portion 24 is engaged with a second restriction portion 34 of the housing 5 .

[0059] The housing 5 includes a first insertion hole 31, a first restriction portion 32, a second insertion hole 33, a second restriction portion , a hole portion 55, and a flat wall portion .

[0060] The first insertion hole 31 extends forward from the rear end of the housing 5. The first insertion hole 31 makes the entire second restricting portion 34 visible when the housing 5 is viewed from the rear side.

[0061] The first restricting portion 32 protrudes into the hole 55, and as shown in FIG. 21, is visible through the hole 55 when the housing 5 is viewed from the front side.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 22, the second restricting portion 34 is visible through the first insertion hole 31 when the housing 5 is viewed from the rear side.

[0063] The hole portion 55 is provided between the flat wall portion 56 and the first insertion hole 31, and is in communication with the first insertion hole 31. The hole portion 55 makes the entire first restricting portion 32 visible when the housing 5 is viewed from the front side.

[0064] The flat wall portion 56 is provided above the first insertion hole 31 and the hole portion 55, and is flat along the front-rear direction.

[0065] <Manufacturing method for electrical connectors> A method for manufacturing the electrical connector 4 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0066] 26 shows only a part (hatched portion) of the second mold 63, and FIG. 17 shows only a part (hatched portion) of the first mold 62.

[0067] First, the terminal 2 is formed by punching a metal plate and then bending it.

[0068] Next, the second connecting portion 22 of the terminal 2 is crimped onto the electric wire 100, thereby connecting and fixing the terminal 2 and the electric wire 100 together.

[0069] Furthermore, the housing 5 is formed by filling a cavity formed by the first mold 62 and the second mold 63 with molten resin and then cooling it.

[0070] Next, the terminal 2 is inserted into the first insertion hole 31 of the housing 5 with the second engagement portion 24 at the front. At this time, the first engagement portion 23 of the terminal 2 is pressed by the inner wall of the first insertion hole 31 and elastically deformed.

[0071] Next, as the first engaging portion 23 of the terminal 2 passes through the first restricting portion 32 of the housing 5, the elastically deformed first engaging portion 23 returns to its original position by its own elastic restoring force and engages with the first restricting portion 32. This makes it possible to restrict rearward movement of the terminal 2, which is the direction in which the terminal 2 falls out of the first insertion hole 31.

[0072] Furthermore, the second engaging portion 24 of the terminal 2 engages with the second restricting portion 34 of the housing 5 .

[0073] This completes the electrical connector 4.

[0074] In the electrical connector 4 manufactured by the above manufacturing method, the left and right tip portions of the second engaging portion 24 can be bent inward so that they face each other, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the electrical connector 4. In particular, when the electrical connector 4 is made multipolar, the distance between the terminals 2 can be narrowed, thereby making it possible to reduce the size.

[0075] Next, a method for manufacturing the housing 5 will be described in more detail.

[0076] A first mold 62 and a second mold 63 are prepared, and the cavity between the first mold 62 and the second mold 63 is filled with molten resin, and the filled resin is then cooled. In this state, the back surface 32a of the first restricting portion 32, the inner wall surface 5d of the front wall portion 5c, and the rear surface 34a of the second restricting portion 34 abut against the front end surface of the first mold 62. In addition, the rearmost wall surface 55a of the inner wall surfaces forming the hole 55, and the rearmost wall surface 33a of the inner wall surfaces forming the first restricting portion 32 and the second insertion hole 33 abut against the rear end surface of the second mold 63.

[0077] Next, the first mold 62 is slid rearward and the second mold 63 is slid forward to remove the molded housing 5. At this time, since there is no part of the housing 5 that cannot be seen from both the front and rear sides, the housing 5 can be formed without providing the mold with a mechanism for sliding it up and down.

[0078] In the housing 5 formed in this manner, the first restricting portion 32 is visible through the hole portion 55 when viewed from the front side, which is the side opposite to the direction in which the terminal 2 falls out of the first insertion hole 31, and the second restricting portion 34 is visible through the first insertion hole 31 when viewed from the rear side, which is the side in which the terminal 2 falls out of the first insertion hole 31.

[0079] Furthermore, the flat wall portion 56 of the electrical connector 4 manufactured by the above manufacturing method is sucked by a suction nozzle of a mounting machine (not shown) to mount the electrical connector 4 on a substrate (not shown). By providing the flat wall portion 56, the electrical connector 4 can be automatically mounted on the substrate.

[0080] Incidentally, in the configuration of Patent Document 1 (configuration of FIG. 30), a mechanism that slides up and down must be provided in the mold to form the gap 1004, and therefore the flat wall portion 56 cannot be provided.

[0081] The operation of the electrical connector 4 is the same as that of the electrical connector 1 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] Thus, according to this embodiment, the housing 5 is provided with a flat wall portion 56 that is flat along the front-to-rear direction above the first insertion hole 31, and a hole portion 55 that is provided between the flat wall portion 56 and the first insertion hole 31 and makes the first regulating portion 32 visible from the front side.In this way, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, the housing 5 having the flat wall portion 56 can be molded using a first mold 62 and a second mold 63 that have a simple configuration, thereby reducing costs.

[0083] In this embodiment, two electric wires 100 are connected to the electric connector 4, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to an electric connector that connects one electric wire 100 or three or more electric wires 100.

[0084] (Third embodiment) <Electrical connector configuration> The configuration of an electrical connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0085] 28, parts that are the same as those in Figures 5 to 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Also, the housing 7 of the electrical connector according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the housing 3 except that it is provided with a second restricting portion 134 instead of the second restricting portion 34, and therefore its description and description will be omitted.

[0086] The terminal 6 includes a base portion 20, a first connecting portion 21, a second connecting portion 22, a first engaging portion 23, and a second engaging portion 124.

[0087] The base portion 20 connects the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the first engaging portion 23, and the second engaging portion 124.

[0088] The second engaging portion 124 is bent downward from each of the left and right ends of the base 20 at the front end of the base 20, and its tip is bent outward opposite the central axis of the terminal 6, and engages with a second restricting portion 134 of the housing 7. By engaging with the second restricting portion 134, the second engaging portion 124 restricts the upward movement of the terminal 6.

[0089] The manufacturing method and operation of the electrical connector according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0091] In this embodiment, two electric wires 100 are connected to the electric connector, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to an electric connector that connects one or three or more electric wires 100.

[0092] (Fourth embodiment) <Electrical connector configuration> The configuration of an electrical connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0093] 29, parts that are the same as those in Figures 5 to 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Also, the housing 9 of the electrical connector according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the housing 3 except that it is provided with a second restricting portion 234 instead of the second restricting portion 34, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0094] The terminal 8 includes a base portion 20, a first connecting portion 21, a second connecting portion 22, a first engaging portion 23, and a second engaging portion 224.

[0095] The base portion 20 connects the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the first engaging portion 23, and the second engaging portion 224.

[0096] The second engaging portion 224 is bent downward from each of the left and right ends of the base 20 at the front end of the base 20, and has an L-shape in left side view with its tip extending forward, and engages with the second restricting portion 234 of the housing 9. The second engaging portion 224 restricts upward movement of the terminal 8 by engaging with the second restricting portion 134.

[0097] The manufacturing method and operation of the electrical connector according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0099] In this embodiment, two electric wires 100 are connected to the electric connector, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to an electric connector that connects one or three or more electric wires 100.

[0100] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments in terms of the types, arrangements, numbers, etc. of components, and can of course be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the invention, such as by appropriately replacing the components with components that have equivalent effects. [Industrial Applicability]

[0101] The present invention is suitable for an electrical connector to which an electric wire is connected and a method for manufacturing the electrical connector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 Electrical Connector Terminal 2 3. Housing 4 Electrical Connectors 5. Housing 5c Front wall 5d Inner wall Terminal 6 7. Housing Terminal 8 9. Housing 20 base 21 First connection 22 Second connection 23 first engagement portion 24 second engagement portion 31 First insertion hole 32 First Regulatory Department 32a back 33 Second insertion hole 33a wall 34 Second Regulatory Department 34a Posterior side 35 Communication hole 35a Wall 55 Hole 55a Wall 56 Flat wall section 60 First Mold 61 Second mold 62 First Mold 63 Second Mold 100 wire 124 second engagement portion 134 Second Regulatory Department 211 Contact point 221 First crimping part 222 Second crimping part 223 Third Crimping Section 224 second engagement portion 234 Second Regulatory Department

Claims

1. An electrical connector to which an electric wire is connected, a conductive terminal including a first connection portion that connects to a mating conductive portion of a mating connector, a second connection portion that connects to the electric wire, a first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion; an insulating housing including: a first insertion hole into which the terminal is inserted; a first restriction portion that engages with the first engagement portion to restrict movement of the terminal in a direction to fall out of the first insertion hole; a second insertion hole into which the mating conductive portion can be inserted so as to be connected to the first connection portion; and a second restriction portion that engages with the second engagement portion to restrict movement of the first connection portion, which connects to the mating conductive portion inserted into the second insertion hole, in a floating direction perpendicular to the direction to fall out; and The first restricting portion includes: The housing is visible when viewed from the side opposite to the detachment direction, The second restricting portion is the housing is visible through the first insertion hole when viewed from the removal direction side, The second insertion hole is The mating conductive part is insertable in the lifting direction and the falling direction, The first connection portion is a pair of terminals are provided on the left and right sides of the terminal, and the terminals sandwich the mating conductive part from the left and right sides to be connected to the mating conductive part; The second engagement portion A pair of the terminals is provided on the left and right sides of the terminal, a distance between the pair of second engaging portions in the left-right direction is greater than a distance between the pair of first connecting portions in the left-right direction; 1. An electrical connector comprising:

2. The housing includes: a flat wall portion that is flat along the falling direction and is located closer to the rising direction than the first insertion hole; and a hole portion that is provided between the flat wall portion and the first insertion hole and that makes the first restriction portion visible from the opposite direction side.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1.

3. The second engagement portion The terminal is bent from the left and right side end portions, and the tip portion in the bending direction is further bent toward the central axis of the terminal.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The terminal The first engaging portion and the first connecting portion are provided at the same position in the removal direction.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a conductive terminal including a first connection portion for connection with a mating conductive portion of a mating connector, a second connection portion for connection with an electric wire, a first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion; an insulating housing including: a first insertion hole into which the terminal is inserted; a first restriction portion that engages with the first engagement portion to restrict movement of the terminal in a direction to fall out of the first insertion hole; a second insertion hole into which the mating conductive portion can be inserted so as to be connected to the first connection portion; and a second restriction portion that engages with the second engagement portion to restrict movement of the first connection portion, which connects to the mating conductive portion inserted into the second insertion hole, in a floating direction perpendicular to the direction to fall out; and The second insertion hole is The mating conductive part is insertable in the lifting direction and the falling direction, The first connection portion is a pair of terminals are provided on the left and right sides of the terminal, and the terminals sandwich the mating conductive part from the left and right sides to be connected to the mating conductive part; The second engagement portion A pair of the terminals is provided on the left and right sides of the terminal, A method for manufacturing an electrical connector, wherein a distance in a left-right direction between the pair of second engaging portions is larger than a distance in a left-right direction between the pair of first connecting portions, a cavity formed by a first mold and a second mold is filled with molten resin and cooled, and then the first mold is slid in the removal direction and the second mold is slid in the direction opposite to the removal direction, thereby forming a housing in which the first restriction portion is visible when the housing is viewed from the opposite side and the second restriction portion is visible through the first insertion hole when the housing is viewed from the removal direction side; 10. A method for manufacturing an electrical connector comprising the steps of:

6. After filling the cavity with molten resin and cooling it, the first mold is slid in the removal direction and the second mold is slid in the opposite direction to form the housing, which includes a flat wall portion that is flat along the removal direction and on the rising direction side of the first insertion hole, and a hole portion that is provided between the flat wall portion and the first insertion hole and that makes the first restriction portion visible from the opposite direction side.

6. The method for manufacturing an electrical connector according to claim 5.

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