connector

Abstract

To suppress assembly failures of a connector.SOLUTION: A connector 10 that holds a first terminal and a second terminal, comprises: a housing 30 that has a first terminal accommodation part 32 with a first cavity for accommodating the first terminal, and a second terminal accommodation part 42 with a second cavity for accommodating the second terminal; a first holding member 60 that comes together with the first terminal accommodation part at a first normal position to hold the first terminal in the first cavity; and a second holding member 80 that comes together with the second terminal accommodation part at a second normal position to hold the second terminal in the second cavity. The first holding member reaches the first normal position in a first direction P1 and comes together with the first terminal accommodation part. The second holding member 80 reaches the second normal position in a second direction P2 different from the first direction P1 and comes together with the second terminal accommodation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector including a housing in which a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers are formed in an upper stage and a lower stage. The electric wire terminals accommodated in the upper and lower terminal accommodating chambers are retained against withdrawal by a common retainer.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, it has been desired to further suppress poor assembly of connectors.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress poor assembly of connectors.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A connector according to the present disclosure holds a first terminal and a second terminal, and includes: a housing including a first terminal accommodating portion having a first cavity that accommodates the first terminal, and a second terminal accommodating portion having a second cavity that accommodates the second terminal; a first holding member that is combined with the first terminal accommodating portion at a first proper position to hold the first terminal in the first cavity; and a second holding member that is combined with the second terminal accommodating portion at a second proper position to hold the second terminal in the second cavity, wherein the first holding member reaches the first proper position along a first direction to be combined with the first terminal accommodating portion, and the second holding member reaches the second proper position along a second direction different from the first direction to be combined with the second terminal accommodating portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, assembly defects in connectors are suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the VV line in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a rear view showing the connector with the retainer temporarily held in place. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view showing the state in which the cover and retainer interfere with each other. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The connectors of this disclosure are as follows:

[0011] (1) A connector for holding a first terminal and a second terminal, comprising a housing including a first terminal housing portion having a first cavity for housing the first terminal and a second terminal housing portion having a second cavity for housing the second terminal, a first holding member that combines with the first terminal housing portion at a first normal position to hold the first terminal in the first cavity, and a second holding member that combines with the second terminal housing portion at a second normal position to hold the second terminal in the second cavity, wherein the first holding member reaches the first normal position along a first direction and combines with the first terminal housing portion, and the second holding member reaches the second normal position along a second direction different from the first direction and combines with the second terminal housing portion.

[0012] According to this disclosure, the first direction in which the first retaining member reaches the first normal position is different from the second direction in which the second retaining member reaches the second normal position. Therefore, the operation of setting the first terminal and joining it with the first retaining member and the operation of setting the second terminal and joining it with the second retaining member can be clearly distinguished and performed accordingly. As a result, the terminal is less likely to be set in the wrong cavity, and assembly defects of the connector are suppressed.

[0013] (2) The connector of (1), wherein the second retaining member, which moves along the second direction to the second normal position, is set to be in a positional relationship with the first retaining member, which is located in front of the first normal position, so as to interfere with it.

[0014] In this case, when the first retaining member is positioned in front of the first correct position, the second retaining member interferes with the first retaining member. Therefore, the inability to move the second retaining member to the second correct position indicates that the first retaining member is not assembled in the correct position. This helps to prevent assembly defects in the connector.

[0015] The connector according to (3) (1) or (2), wherein the first terminal accommodating portion has a first setting opening on a side opposite to the second terminal accommodating portion, the first direction is a direction along the extending direction of the first cavity, the first proper position is a position where the first holding member closes the first setting opening, the second terminal accommodating portion has a second setting opening on one side in the extending direction of the second cavity and a positioning opening on a side opposite to the first terminal accommodating portion, the second direction is a direction intersecting the extending direction of the second cavity, and the second proper position may be a position where the second holding member is fitted into the positioning opening.

[0016] In this case, the first holding member can reach the first proper position along the first direction along the extending direction of the first cavity. The second holding member can reach the second proper position along the second direction intersecting the extending direction of the second cavity. Therefore, the setting work of the first terminal and the setting work of the second terminal can be made clearly different, and assembly defects of the connector are suppressed.

[0017] The connector according to (4) (3), wherein a first terminal positioning protrusion is formed on a side opposite to the first setting opening in an inner peripheral portion of the first cavity, and a second terminal positioning protrusion that can protrude into the second cavity may be formed on the second holding member.

[0018] Accordingly, the first terminal in the first cavity can be positioned by the first terminal positioning protrusion from the second terminal accommodating portion side. The second terminal in the second cavity can be positioned by the second terminal positioning protrusion protruding into the second cavity from the positioning opening side. Therefore, in the first cavity and the second cavity, the postures of the terminals can be easily aligned. Further, since it is not necessary to form a protrusion for terminal positioning on the first holding member, a configuration in which the first holding member moves along the extending direction of the first cavity to reach the first proper position is easily realized.

[0019] The connector according to (5) or (4), wherein when the second terminal is incompletely set in the second cavity, the second terminal positioning projection interferes with the second terminal; in both a state where the second terminal positioning projection interferes with the second terminal and a state where the second holding member moving toward the second normal position along the second direction interferes with the first holding member located before the first normal position, at least a part of the second holding member may protrude from the housing.

[0020] In this case, since at least a part of the second holding member protrudes from the housing, it can be recognized that the first holding member does not reach the first normal position, or the second terminal is incompletely set in the second cavity.

[0021] The connector according to any one of (6), (3) to (5), wherein the first holding member includes a cover body that closes the first setting opening, and a pair of side wall portions extending along both side surfaces of the first terminal accommodating portion from both sides of the cover body, the pair of side wall portions has an interference projection partially protruding from a distal end portion of at least one of the side wall portions, the interference projection is arranged at a position that interferes with the second holding member moving toward the second normal position in a state before the first holding member reaches the first normal position, and when the first holding member reaches the first normal position, the interference projection may be arranged at a position avoiding the movement path of the second holding member moving toward the second normal position.

[0022] In this case, if the first holding member is in an incompletely assembled state, the second holding member interferes with the interference projection, so that the incompletely assembled state can be recognized.

[0023] The connector according to (7) or (6), wherein the second holding member includes a retainer main body attached to the positioning opening, and a pair of locking wall portions extending along both sides of the second terminal accommodating portion from both sides of the retainer main body, and at least one of the pair of locking wall portions may be arranged at a position capable of interfering with the interference projection.

[0024] This allows interference to be caused by utilizing the locking wall portion of the retainer. Since the locking wall portion can be locked to the housing in the portion without interference protrusions, the length of the locking wall portion can be increased.

[0025] (8)(7) The connector, wherein the housing includes a pair of locking portions that lock with the pair of locking walls when the second retaining member is in the second normal position, and a pair of temporary locking portions that lock with the pair of locking walls before the second retaining member positions the second terminal, and the first retaining member may be set to move toward the first normal position while avoiding interference between at least one of the pair of locking walls and the interference protrusion when the pair of locking walls are locked with the pair of temporary locking portions.

[0026] This allows the first retaining member to be moved toward the first correct position while the second retaining member is temporarily assembled to the housing. Therefore, the assembly workability of the connector is excellent.

[0027] (9)(7) or (8) connector, wherein at least one of the pair of locking wall portions has a guide projection that protrudes toward the housing and extends along the second direction, a guide groove is formed in the housing for guiding the guide projection, and the portion of the pair of locking wall portions on which the guide projection is formed is formed to interfere with the interference projection.

[0028] In this case, since the portion of the pair of locking walls on which the guide projection is formed is formed to interfere with the interference projection, the interference state is more reliably maintained when the first retaining member is not assembled in the first normal position.

[0029] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the connectors of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, and all modifications are intended to be included in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims as indicated by the claims.

[0030] [Embodiment] The connector according to the embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing connector 10. Figures 2 and 3 are exploded perspective views showing connector 10. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 1. Terminals 10A and 10B are shown in Figures 2 to 4, and the wire 18 is shown by a dashed line in Figure 4.

[0031] <Overall structure of the connector> The overall structure of the connector will be described below. Connector 10 holds the first terminal 10A and the second terminal 10B.

[0032] The first terminal 10A and the second terminal 10B are formed by pressing a metal plate or the like. The first terminal 10A includes a coating crimping portion 11A, a core wire crimping portion 12A, and a terminal connection portion 13A. The coating crimping portion 11A is the portion that is crimped to the coating portion at the end of the electric wire 18. The core wire crimping portion 12A is the portion that is crimped to the core wire portion exposed at the end of the electric wire 18. The terminal connection portion 13A is the portion that is connected to the other terminal and is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The coating crimping portion 11A, the core wire crimping portion 12A, and the terminal connection portion 13A are arranged in a straight line in this order. The thickness of the coating crimping portion 11A and the terminal connection portion 13A is greater than the thickness of the core wire crimping portion 12A. Therefore, when the first terminal 10A is observed from the side, a recess can be seen on the core wire crimping portion 12A, between the insulated crimping portion 11A and the terminal connection portion 13A.

[0033] The second terminal 10B, like the first terminal 10A, includes a coating crimping portion 11B, a core wire crimping portion 12B, and a terminal connection portion 13B.

[0034] Note that the first terminal 10A and the second terminal 10B may be terminals of the same size and material, or they may be terminals of different sizes or materials.

[0035] In this embodiment, the connector 10 comprises a plurality (in this case, two) of first terminals 10A and a plurality (in this case, two) of second terminals 10B. The plurality of first terminals 10A are arranged in a line in a parallel state. The plurality of second terminals 10B are also arranged in a line in a parallel state. The plurality of first terminals 10A and the plurality of second terminals 10B are adjacent to each other. In other words, the connector 10 holds the plurality of first terminals 10A and the plurality of second terminals 10B in a first stage and a second stage. The number of first terminals 10A and second terminals 10B held by the connector 10 is arbitrary.

[0036] In the following explanation, the terminal connection portion 13A side may be referred to as the front side and the insulated crimp portion 11A side as the rear side in the extending direction of the first terminal 10A. Also, the first terminal 10A side may be referred to as the lower side and the second terminal 10B side as the upper side. Furthermore, the first terminal 10A In contrast In some cases, the left and right directions may be referenced assuming a forward-facing orientation.

[0037] The connector 10 comprises a housing 30, a cover 60 as a first retaining member, and a retainer 80 as a second retaining member.

[0038] The housing 30 is made of resin or the like and includes a first terminal housing section 32 and a second terminal housing section 42. The first terminal housing section 32 has a first cavity 34 that houses the first terminal 10A. In this embodiment, the first terminal housing section 32 has a plurality (two in this case) of first cavities 34 arranged in parallel. The second terminal housing section 42 has a second cavity 44 that houses the second terminal 10B. In this embodiment, the second terminal housing section 42 has a plurality (two in this case) of second cavities 44 arranged in parallel.

[0039] The cover 60 combines with the first terminal housing 32 to hold the first terminal 10A within the first cavity 34. In other words, the first terminal 10A is set in the first cavity 34 when the cover 60 is not installed in the first normal position. In this state, the cover 60 is installed so that it combines with the first terminal housing 32. This prevents the first terminal 10A from coming out of the first cavity 34. The position in which the cover 60 combines with the first terminal housing 32 so that the first terminal 10A does not come out of the first cavity 34 is the first normal position (see Figures 1 and 4). The state before the cover 60 reaches the first normal position is sometimes called the non-normal state.

[0040] The retainer 80 combines with the second terminal housing 42 to hold the second terminal 10B within the second cavity 44. In other words, the second terminal 10B is set in the second cavity 44 when the retainer 80 is not installed in the second normal position. In this state, the retainer 80 is installed so that it combines with the second terminal housing 42. This prevents the second terminal 10B from coming out of the second cavity 44. The position in which the retainer 80 combines with the second terminal housing 42 so that the second terminal 10B does not come out of the second cavity 44 is the second normal position (see Figures 1 and 4). The state before the retainer 80 reaches the second normal position is sometimes called the non-normal state.

[0041] The cover 60 can reach a first normal position along the first direction P1 (see Figure 2) and be combined with the first terminal housing 32. The retainer 80 can reach a second normal position along a second direction P2 (see Figure 2) which is different from the first direction and be combined with the second terminal housing 42. Therefore, the installation procedures for the cover 60 and the retainer 80 to the housing 30 are different. Thus, the installation and retention of the first terminal 10A to the first cavity 34 and the installation and retention of the second terminal 10B to the second cavity 44 can be clearly recognized as different operations by the operator.

[0042] Furthermore, if the cover 60 is positioned in front of the first normal position, the retainer 80, which moves to the second normal position along the second direction P2, is set to interfere with the cover 60. The positional relationship in which the retainer 80 interferes with the cover 60 is such that the retainer 80 hits the cover 60 and is unable to move toward the second normal position. In other words, if the cover 60 is in an incomplete state of mating with the housing 30, the retainer 80 will not be fully mated with the housing 30. Therefore, the fact that the retainer 80 is not fully mated with the housing 30, that is, that it cannot reach the second normal position, makes it easy to detect that the cover 60 is in an incomplete state of mating with the housing.

[0043] Let's explain the structure of each part in more detail.

[0044] <Regarding the retaining structure of the first terminal> The configuration in which the first terminal housing 32 holds the first terminal 10A will be explained in more detail. Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the VV line in Figure 1.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the housing 30 has a common plate portion 31 located between the first terminal housing portion 32 and the second terminal housing portion 42. A pair of first cavity side walls 33a extend from both side edges of the common plate portion 31. An intermediate partition 33b extends from the middle portion of the common plate portion 31 in the width direction. The pair of first cavity side walls 33a and the intermediate partition 33b protrude from the common plate portion 31 on the same main surface side. The pair of first cavity side walls 33a and the intermediate partition 33b are arranged in parallel with a gap between them in the width direction of the housing 30. The first terminal housing portion 32 is configured to include the lower portion of the common plate portion 31, the pair of first cavity side walls 33a and the intermediate partition 33b, and a plurality of first cavities 34 are formed in the gaps between the pair of first cavity side walls 33a and the intermediate partition 33b.

[0046] The front edge of the housing 30 is provided with a front plate portion 31F that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The front plate portion 31F is located at the front end of the first cavity 34. The first terminal 10A, which is located in the first cavity 34, is restricted from moving forward by contacting the front plate portion 31F. The front plate portion 31F has a connection hole 31Fa into which a mating terminal (for example, a male terminal having an elongated plate portion or a pin-shaped portion) can be inserted. The mating terminal can be connected to the first terminal 10A in the first cavity 34 through the connection hole 31Fa.

[0047] The first terminal housing section 32 has a first setting opening 35 on the opposite side from the second terminal housing section 42. The first setting opening 35 is formed in the shape of a slit that opens downwards. The first setting opening 35 is longer than the first terminal 10A. Therefore, the first terminal 10A can be set into the first cavity 34 by passing through the first setting opening 35. Specifically, the first terminal 10A can be set into the first cavity 34 from the lower side of the first terminal housing section 32 by passing through the first setting opening 35. In actual work, it is also conceivable that the first setting opening 35 may be facing upwards and the terminal may be set into the first cavity 34 from above by passing through the first setting opening 35. The electric wire 18 extending from the first terminal 10A can extend outwards through the rear opening of the first cavity 34.

[0048] A first terminal positioning projection 36 is formed on the inner circumference of the first cavity 34 on the side opposite to the first set opening 35. The part of the inner circumference of the first cavity 34 opposite to the first set opening 35 is the part on the common plate portion 31 side. The first terminal positioning projection 36 is formed in the middle of the extending direction of the first cavity 34, more specifically, in the region where the core wire crimping portion 12A is located in the extending direction of the first cavity 34. With the first terminal 10A placed inside the first cavity 34, the first terminal positioning projection 36 can fit into the recess between the covering crimping portion 11A and the terminal connection portion 13A of the first terminal 10A. This positions the first terminal 10A in its extending direction and prevents it from coming loose to the rear.

[0049] The cover 60 is fitted onto the first terminal housing 32 so as to close the opening 35 for the first set. This prevents the first terminal 10A from coming out of the first cavity 34. Here, the cover 60 plays a role in restricting the first terminal 10A from moving away from the first terminal positioning projection 36 while the opening 35 for the first set is closed. This maintains the state in which the first terminal positioning projection 36 is fitted into the recess of the first terminal 10A, and prevents the first terminal 10A from coming out of the first cavity 34.

[0050] As described above, the position where the cover 60 closes the opening 35 for the first set is the first normal position in which the cover 60 is properly fitted to the first terminal housing 32 (see Figures 1 and 4). The cover 60 can reach the first normal position by moving along the first direction P1. In this embodiment, the first direction P1 is the direction along the extending direction of the first cavity 34. An example of a configuration that realizes this configuration is described below.

[0051] Specifically, coupling protrusions 37 are formed on the outer surfaces of a pair of first cavity side walls 33a. A coupling surface 37f is formed on the side of the coupling protrusion 37 facing the second terminal housing 42. The coupling surface 37f includes a coupling support surface 37fa that is aligned with the extending direction of the first terminal 10A and the width direction of the housing 30, and a coupling guide surface 37fb that extends forward toward the second terminal housing 42. A gap is formed on the side of the coupling surface 37f facing the second terminal housing 42, allowing for the placement of the insertion-side coupling protrusion 65 of the cover 60.

[0052] Furthermore, retaining projections 38 are formed on the outer surface of the pair of first cavity side walls 33a, in this case, at a position closer to the rear. The retaining projections 38 are formed in a shape that includes a portion whose protrusion gradually decreases toward the rear.

[0053] The cover 60 comprises a cover body 62 and a pair of side wall portions 64.

[0054] The cover body 62 is formed in a plate shape, in this case a rectangular plate shape, that is large enough to cover the first set openings 35 of the multiple first cavities 34 at once.

[0055] The pair of side wall portions 64 are plate-shaped, in this case elongated plate-shaped, extending from both sides of the cover body 62 toward both sides of the first terminal housing portion 32. Insertion-side coupling protrusions 65 are formed on the inner surface of the side wall portions 64. The insertion-side coupling protrusions 65 are formed on the inner surface of the side wall portions 64, at a position separate from the cover body 62. Here, the insertion-side coupling protrusions 65 are elongated protrusions extending along the leading edge on the inner surface of the side wall portion 64. An insertion-side coupling surface 65f is formed on the cover body 62 side of the insertion-side coupling protrusions 65. The insertion-side coupling surface 65f is a surface that aligns with the extending direction of the first terminal 10A and the width direction of the housing 30, similar to the coupling support surface 37fa.

[0056] Furthermore, retaining projections 66 are formed on the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 64, in this case, at positions closer to the rear. The retaining projections 66 are formed in a shape that includes a portion whose protrusion gradually decreases towards the front.

[0057] An example of the assembly process for cover 60 is described. With the first terminal 10A housed in the first cavity 34, cover 60 is fitted onto the first terminal housing 32 from the rear (see Figure 6). At this time, a pair of side wall portions 64 are positioned outside the pair of first cavity side walls 33a, and the insertion-side joining projection 65 is inserted into the gap on the second terminal housing 42 side of the joining projection 37.

[0058] When the cover 60 is pushed forward, the retaining projection 66 moves over the retaining projection 38 and locks into place against the retaining projection 38, preventing it from coming off backward. In this state, the cover 60 is in contact with the front plate portion 31F. In this state, the joining support surface 37fa and the insertion-side joining surface 65f are in contact with each other, preventing the cover 60 from coming off downward. Figure 5 (See the dashed line.)

[0059] As the cover 60 moves forward, the connecting guide surface 37fb may guide the cover 60 gradually toward the second terminal housing 42. This makes it less likely for the cover 60 to come into contact with the first terminal 10A in the initial stages, allowing the cover 60 to move smoothly.

[0060] The cover 60 only needs to move along the first direction P1 when it reaches the first normal position, and may move in a direction different from the first direction P1 before that. For example, the cover 60 does not have to be fitted onto the first terminal housing 32 from the rear of the first terminal housing 32. For example, the cover 60 may be pushed toward the first terminal housing 32 from below, and the pair of side wall portions 64 may move over the connecting protrusion 37 from the outside in the width direction and into the gap on the second terminal housing 42 side relative to the connecting protrusion 37.

[0061] As described above, when the cover 60 is joined to the first terminal housing 32, the inner surface of the cover body 62 comes into contact with the first terminal 10A in the first cavity 34 from the side of the first set opening 35. This prevents the first terminal 10A from moving toward the first set opening 35, and keeps the first terminal positioning projection 36 locked onto the first terminal 10A. The locking of the first terminal positioning projection 36 onto the first terminal 10A prevents the first terminal 10A from coming out to the rear of the first cavity 34.

[0062] <Regarding the retaining structure of the second terminal> The configuration in which the second terminal housing 42 holds the second terminal 10B will be explained in more detail.

[0063] The housing 30 has a pair of second cavity side walls 43a extending from both side edges of the common plate section 31. An intermediate partition 43b extends from the middle of the common plate section 31 in the width direction. The pair of second cavity side walls 43a and the intermediate partition 43b project from the common plate section 31 toward the main surface side opposite to the pair of first cavity side walls 33a and the intermediate partition 33b. The pair of second cavity side walls 43a and the intermediate partition 43b are arranged in parallel with a gap between them in the width direction of the housing 30. At least a portion of the opening of the pair of second cavity side walls 43a and the intermediate partition 43b opposite to the common plate section 31 is closed by the ceiling plate section 43c. The second terminal housing section 42 is configured to include the upper portion of the common plate section 31, a pair of second cavity side walls 43a, an intermediate partition 43b, and a ceiling plate section 43c, with multiple second cavities 44 formed in the gaps between the pair of second cavity side walls 43a and the intermediate partition 43b.

[0064] The front plate portion 31F is also located at the front end of the second cavity 44. The second terminal 10B, which is located inside the second cavity 44, is restricted from moving forward by contacting the front plate portion 31F. A connection hole 31Fa is also formed in the front plate portion 31F at a position corresponding to the second cavity 44. The mating terminal can be connected to the second terminal 10B inside the second cavity 44 through the connection hole 31Fa.

[0065] The second terminal housing section 42 has a second setting opening 45 on one side in the extending direction of the second cavity 44, in this case, on the rear side. The second setting opening 45 is larger than the shape of the second terminal 10B projected in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the second terminal 10B can be set into the second cavity 44 by passing through the second setting opening 45. The first cavity 34 has a first terminal positioning projection 36 that protrudes into the first cavity 34. Therefore, if the first terminal 10A is inserted from the rear opening of the first cavity 34, it is conceivable that the first terminal 10A may get caught on the first terminal positioning projection 36 along the way. For this reason, it is considered appropriate to set the first terminal 10A in the first cavity 34 from the first setting opening 35. Since the second cavity 44 does not have a protrusion to prevent it from coming loose, like the first terminal positioning protrusion 36, the second terminal 10B is smoothly set into the second cavity 44 through the second set opening 45.

[0066] The second terminal housing section 42 has a positioning opening 48 on the opposite side from the first terminal housing section 32. The positioning opening 48 is an opening for mounting a retainer 80 for positioning. In this embodiment, the positioning opening 48 is formed on the side of the second cavity 44 opposite to the first terminal housing section 32. The positioning opening 48 is located behind the ceiling plate section 43c. In this embodiment, the positioning opening 48 reaches the rear opening of the second cavity 44, i.e., the second set opening 45. It is also conceivable that the positioning opening is partially formed in the middle part of the second cavity in the extending direction.

[0067] The recess between the insulated crimp portion 11B and the terminal connection portion 13B of the second terminal 10B, which is set in the second cavity 44, is positioned to be exposed to the outside through the second set opening 45.

[0068] The retainer 80 is fitted into the positioning opening 48 and then joined to the second terminal housing 42. In this state, the retainer 80 fits into the recess of the second terminal 10B, preventing the second terminal 10B from coming out of the second cavity 44 towards the second set opening 45.

[0069] As described above, the second normal position is when the retainer 80 is fitted into the positioning opening 48 and into the recess of the second terminal 10B (see Figures 1 and 4). The retainer 80 can reach the second normal position by moving along the second direction P2. In this embodiment, the second direction P2 is a direction that intersects the extending direction of the second cavity 44, and more specifically, a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the second cavity 44. An example of a configuration that realizes this configuration is described below.

[0070] Specifically, a pair of locking portions 46 and a pair of temporary locking portions 47 are formed on the outer surface of the pair of second cavity side walls 43a.

[0071] The pair of locking portions 46 protrude outward from the outer surface of the pair of second cavity side walls 43a. The pair of locking portions 46 are formed in a shape that includes the tip of the second cavity side wall 43a, that is, a portion whose protruding dimension gradually decreases toward the top.

[0072] The pair of temporary locking portions 47 protrude outward from the outer surface of the pair of second cavity side walls 43a. The pair of temporary locking portions 47 are formed in a shape that includes the tip of the second cavity side wall 43a, that is, a portion whose protruding dimension gradually decreases toward the top.

[0073] The pair of temporary locking portions 47 are located on the side away from the first terminal housing portion 32, i.e., on the upper side, relative to the pair of locking portions 46. Therefore, the retainer 80 can be temporarily locked to the pair of temporary locking portions 47 and then locked to the pair of locking portions 46.

[0074] The retainer 80 comprises a retainer body 82 and a pair of locking wall portions 84.

[0075] The retainer body 82 is formed in a plate shape, in this case a rectangular plate shape, that is large enough to collectively close the positioning openings 48 corresponding to the multiple second cavities 44.

[0076] A second terminal positioning projection 83 is formed on the retainer body 82. Here, multiple second terminal positioning projections 83 are formed in parallel, corresponding to multiple second cavities 44. The second terminal positioning projections 83 are formed in the middle of the second cavity 44 in the extending direction, more specifically, in the region where the core wire crimping portion 12B is located in the extending direction of the second cavity 44. With the retainer body 82 mounted in the positioning opening 48, the second terminal positioning projections 83 can protrude into the second cavity 44. In this state, the second terminal positioning projections 83 can fit into the recess between the insulated crimping portion 11B and the terminal connection portion 13B of the second terminal 10B within the second cavity 44. As a result, the second terminal 10B is positioned in its extending direction, and its rearward dislodgement is suppressed.

[0077] The pair of locking walls 84 extend from both sides of the retainer body 82 to both sides of the second terminal housing 42, in this case, along the outer surfaces of the pair of second cavity side walls 43a. A retaining projection 85 is formed on the inner surface of the pair of locking walls 84, near the tip. The retaining projection 85 is a projection that protrudes from the inner surface of the locking wall 84, and the retaining projection 85 is formed in a shape that includes a portion in which the protruding dimension gradually decreases toward the tip side of the locking wall 84. The pair of locking walls 84 can be locked to a pair of temporary locking portions 47 or a pair of locking portions 46.

[0078] At least one of the pair of locking wall portions 84 has a guide projection 87 that protrudes toward the housing 30 and extends along the second direction P2 (here, the vertical direction). In this embodiment, the guide projection 87 is formed along the leading edge of the inner surface of the locking wall portion 84.

[0079] A guide groove 30g is formed in the housing 30 to guide the guide projection 87. The guide groove 30g is formed between the front end of the locking portion 46 and the temporary locking portion 47 and the projection located away from the front end.

[0080] When the retainer 80 is mounted in the second terminal housing 42 along the second direction P2, the guide projection 87 is guided along the guide groove 30g. This allows the retainer 80 to move smoothly along the second direction P2. Furthermore, when the retainer 80 is properly fitted to the second terminal housing 42 and positioned in the second normal position, the guide projection 87 contacts the side surface of the guide groove 30g, in this case, the front ends of the locking portion 46 and the temporary locking portion 47. This prevents the retainer 80 from coming loose from the second terminal housing 42.

[0081] In this embodiment, a protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the retainer body 82 at a position towards the front in the middle section, and the retainer 80 is prevented from coming loose to the rear even when this protrusion fits into a recess formed in the intermediate partition 43b.

[0082] An example of the assembly process for retainer 80 is explained.

[0083] For example, a retainer 80 is prepared in a state where the pair of retaining projections 85 of the retainer 80 are engaged with the pair of temporary locking parts 47 (see Figure 6). In this state, the second terminal positioning projection 83 does not protrude into the second cavity 44. Therefore, the second terminal 10B can be smoothly inserted into the second cavity 44 through the rear second set opening 45. In other words, the pair of temporary locking parts 47 are engaged with the retaining projections 85 of the pair of locking wall parts 84 before the retainer 80 positions the second terminal 10B.

[0084] With the second terminal 10B housed in the second cavity 44, the retainer 80 is pushed further. As the retainer 80 is pushed in, the guide projection 87 is guided by the guide groove 30g, so that the retainer 80 can move smoothly along the second direction P2. When the retainer 80 is pushed in, the pair of anti-dislodgement projections 85 move over the pair of locking parts 46 and lock into the pair of locking parts 46. As a result, the retainer 80 moves along the second direction P2 to reach the second normal position and is properly joined to the second terminal housing 42. In other words, with the retainer 80 in the second normal position, the pair of locking parts 46 lock into the anti-dislodgement projections 85 of the pair of locking wall parts 84.

[0085] The retainer 80 only needs to move along the second direction P2 when it reaches the second normal position, and may move in a different direction from the second direction P2 before that. Also, the second direction P2 may be a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the second cavity 44, for example, a direction oblique to the extending direction of the second cavity 44.

[0086] <Regarding the configuration for interference> As described above, when the cover 60 is positioned in front of the first normal position, the retainer 80, which moves to the second normal position along the second direction P2, is set to interfere with the cover 60. An example of such a configuration will be described below.

[0087] At least one of the two side wall portions 64 of the cover 60 has an interference projection 67 at its tip. In this embodiment, both side wall portions 64 have interference projections 67. The interference projection 67 protrudes from the tip of the side wall portion 64 toward the second terminal housing portion 42. The interference projection 67 protrudes partially in the front-rear direction at the tip of the side wall portion 64. Therefore, the portion of the side wall portion 64 where the interference projection 67 is not formed is partially recessed compared to the interference projection 67.

[0088] The interference projection 67 is formed in a position that interferes with the locking wall portion 84 of the retainer 80 as it moves toward the second normal position when the cover 60 has not yet reached the first normal position. Furthermore, when the cover 60 has reached the first normal position, the interference projection 67 is formed in a position that avoids the movement path of the locking wall portion 84 of the retainer 80 as it moves toward the second normal position.

[0089] In this embodiment, on the side surface of the housing 30, the side wall portion 64 of the cover 60 and the locking wall portion 84 of the retainer 80 face each other in the vertical direction. In the front-rear direction, the locking wall portion 84 of the retainer 80 and the side wall portion 64 of the cover 60 partially overlap. In the front-rear direction, no interference protrusion 67 is formed on the portion of the side wall portion 64 of the cover 60 where the locking wall portion 84 overlaps. In the front-rear direction, an interference protrusion 67 is formed on the front side of the side wall portion 64 of the cover 60, ahead of the portion where the locking wall portion 84 overlaps.

[0090] For example, suppose the cover 60 is positioned just before reaching the first normal position along the first direction P1 (see Figure 7). In this state, the rear end of the interference projection 67 is located below the front end of the locking wall 84. Therefore, when the retainer 80 is pressed in this state, the locking wall 84 interferes with the interference projection 67. As a result, the retainer 80 cannot be pressed down, and the retainer 80 remains in a state where it protrudes above the upper surface of the housing 30.

[0091] Therefore, when installing the retainer 80, if one notices that the retainer 80 cannot be properly fitted, one can easily realize that the cover 60 may not be properly fitted.

[0092] Furthermore, since the portion of the locking wall portion 84 on which the guide projection 87 is formed interferes with the interference projection 67, the locking wall portion 84 that interferes with the guide projection 87 is less likely to deform. For this reason, even if the retainer 80 is pressed down with strong force, for example, the locking wall portion 84 that interferes with the interference projection 67 is less likely to deform outward, and the interference state between the locking wall portion 84 and the interference projection 67 is easily maintained.

[0093] Furthermore, if the second terminal 10B is not fully inserted into the second cavity 44, the second terminal positioning projection 83 will interfere with the coating crimping portion 11B. Therefore, even if the second terminal 10B is not fully set in the second cavity 44, the second terminal positioning projection 83 will interfere with the second terminal 10B, preventing the retainer 80 from being pressed down. In this case as well, the possibility that the second terminal 10B is not properly set can be easily noticed when installing the retainer 80 by realizing that the retainer 80 cannot be properly fitted.

[0094] In other words, the inability to properly attach the retainer 80 allows one to notice that the cover 60 is not properly attached or that the second terminal 10B is not properly set. The fact that the retainer 80 is not properly attached can be easily noticed by confirming that a part of the retainer 80 is protruding from the top surface of the housing 30, as described above.

[0095] When the cover 60 is properly assembled and the second terminal 10B is fully inserted, the retaining projections 85 of the pair of locking wall portions 84 engage with the locking portion 46. In this state, the upper surface of the retainer 80 may be on the same plane as the upper surface of the housing 30, or it may be recessed below the upper surface.

[0096] Furthermore, when the retaining projection 85 of the locking wall portion 84 of the retainer 80 is locked to the temporary locking portion 47, the tip of the locking wall portion 84 is positioned to recede from the movement trajectory of the interference projection 67. Therefore, with the retainer 80 temporarily attached to the second terminal housing portion 42, the cover 60 can move along the first direction P1 to reach the first normal position without the interference projection 67 interfering with the locking wall portion 84.

[0097] Therefore, a housing 30 with the retainer 80 temporarily held in place can be prepared, and the first terminal 10A, the second terminal 10B, and the cover 60 can be assembled to the housing 30 with the retainer 80 temporarily held in place.

[0098] <Effects, etc.> With the connector configured as described above, the cover 60, as the first retaining member, reaches the first normal position along the first direction P1 and combines with the first terminal housing 32, while the retainer 80, as the second retaining member, reaches the second normal position along the second direction P2, which is different from the first direction P1, and combines with the second terminal housing 42. For this reason, the first direction P1, in which the retainer 80 moves to reach the combination, and the second direction P2, in which the cover 60 moves, are different. Therefore, the work of setting the first terminal 10A and combining it with the cover 60 and the work of setting the second terminal 10B and combining it with the retainer 80 are clearly distinguished and performed accordingly. As a result, mistakes between the first terminal 10A and the second terminal 10B, or mistakes in their setting destinations, are suppressed, and assembly defects of the connector 10 are suppressed. In addition, since mistakes between the first terminal 10A and the second terminal can be suppressed, assembly workability is improved, contributing to cost reduction of the connector 10.

[0099] Furthermore, when the cover 60 is positioned in front of the first correct position, the retainer 80 interferes with the cover 60. Therefore, the inability to move the retainer 80 to the second correct position indicates that the cover is not assembled in the first correct position. This allows for more reliable detection of improper mounting of the cover 60, thereby suppressing the occurrence of assembly defects in the connector 10. In addition, the ease of assembly defect inspection contributes to cost reduction of the connector 10.

[0100] Furthermore, the cover 60 can reach a first normal position along a first direction P1 that is aligned with the extending direction of the first cavity 34. The retainer 80 can reach a second normal position along a second direction P2 that intersects with the extending direction of the second cavity 44. Therefore, when the cover 60 is improperly assembled, it is easy for the cover 60 and the retainer 80 to interfere with each other. In addition, the assembly process of the cover 60 and the retainer 80 can be clearly distinguished, which further suppresses assembly defects of the connector 10 due to mistakes such as incorrect terminals 10A and 10B.

[0101] Furthermore, a first terminal positioning projection 36 is formed in the first cavity 34, and a second terminal positioning projection 83 is formed in the retainer 80. Therefore, the first terminal 10A in the first cavity 34 can be positioned by the first terminal positioning projection 36 from the second terminal housing 42 side. The second terminal 10B in the second cavity 44 can be positioned by the second terminal positioning projection 83 from the positioning opening 48. Therefore, the orientation of the recesses into which the positioning projections 36 and 83 fit can be aligned in the first cavity 34 and the second cavity 44, making it easier to align the orientation of the terminals 10A and 10B. In addition, since it is not necessary to form a projection for terminal positioning on the retainer 80, it is easier to realize a configuration in which the retainer 80 moves along the first direction P1 along the extending direction of the first cavity 34 to reach the first normal position.

[0102] Furthermore, if at least a portion of the retainer 80 protrudes from the housing 30, it can be determined that the cover 60 has not reached the first normal position, or that the second terminal 10B is not fully set in the second cavity 44. In other words, by observing the condition of one location, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a defect in either of the two locations.

[0103] Furthermore, the tip of the side wall portion of the retainer 80 partially protrudes to form an interference projection 67. When the retainer 80 is not yet in the first normal position, the interference projection 67 interferes with the retainer 80 as it moves toward the second normal position. When the retainer 80 has reached the first normal position, the interference projection 67 is positioned to avoid the movement path of the retainer 80 toward the second normal position. Therefore, if the cover 60 is in an incomplete assembly state, the interference of the retainer 80 with the interference projection 67 allows the user to know that the assembly state is incomplete.

[0104] Furthermore, since the locking wall portion 84 of the retainer 80 can interfere with the interference projection 67, a configuration can be realized that the cover 60 is in an incompletely assembled state by utilizing the locking wall portion 84 of the retainer 80. In addition, since the locking wall portion 84 can be locked to the housing 30 in the portion where the interference projection 67 is absent, the length of the locking wall portion 84 can be increased. This increases the elastic deformation area of ​​the locking wall portion 84, contributing to the smooth assembly of the retainer 80.

[0105] Furthermore, with the retainer 80 temporarily locked, the cover 60 can move toward the first normal position while avoiding interference between the locking wall portion 84 and the interference projection portion 67. Therefore, the connector 10 can be assembled using a component in which the housing 30 and the retainer 80 are temporarily assembled, rather than using them as separate parts. This improves the ease of assembly of the connector 10.

[0106] Furthermore, since the portion of the pair of locking wall portions 84 on which the guide projection 87 is formed is designed to interfere with the interference projection 67, the locking wall portion 84 is less likely to deform even if it interferes with the interference projection 67. Therefore, the interference state is maintained more reliably.

[0107] Furthermore, the configurations described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 10 connectors 10A Terminal 1 10B 2nd terminal 11A, 11B Covered crimp part 12A, 12B core wire crimping section 13A, 13B terminal connection section 18 Electric wire 30 Housing 30g guide groove 31 Common Panel Section 31F Front plate part 31Fa connection port 32 First terminal housing section 33a First cavity side wall 33b Intermediate partition 34. First Cavity 35. Opening for the first set 36 First terminal positioning protrusion 37. Convex part for combining 37f Combining surface 37fa Combined support surface 37fb Combined guide surface 38 Retaining protrusion 42 Second terminal housing section 43a Second cavity side wall 43b Intermediate partition 43c Ceiling panel section 44 Second Cavity 45 Opening for the second set 46 Locking part 47 Temporary locking part 48 Positioning opening 60 Cover (First retaining member) 62 Cover body 64 Side wall section 65 Protrusion for insertion side coupling 65f Insertion side coupling surface 66 Retaining protrusion 67 Interference protrusion 80 Retainer (second retaining member) 82 Retainer body 83 Second terminal positioning protrusion 84 Locking wall section 85 Retaining protrusion 87 Guide protrusion P1 1st direction P2 2nd direction

Claims

1. A connector that holds a first terminal and a second terminal, A housing including a first terminal housing section having a first cavity for housing the first terminal, and a second terminal housing section having a second cavity for housing the second terminal, A first retaining member that combines with the first terminal housing portion in the first normal position to hold the first terminal within the first cavity, A second retaining member that combines with the second terminal housing in the second normal position to hold the second terminal within the second cavity, Equipped with, The first retaining member reaches the first normal position along the first direction and merges with the first terminal housing portion. The second retaining member reaches the second normal position along a second direction different from the first direction and merges with the second terminal housing portion. The first terminal housing has a first set opening on the side opposite to the second terminal housing, The first direction is the direction along the extension direction of the first cavity, The first normal position is the position in which the first retaining member closes the first set opening. The second terminal housing portion has a second set opening on one side in the extending direction of the second cavity and a positioning opening on the opposite side from the first terminal housing portion. The second direction is the direction that intersects the extension direction of the second cavity. The connector wherein the second normal position is the position in which the second retaining member is fitted into the positioning opening.

2. The connector according to claim 1, A connector in which the second retaining member, which moves along the second direction to the second normal position, is set to interfere with the first retaining member, which is located in front of the first normal position.

3. A connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, A first terminal positioning projection is formed on the inner circumference of the first cavity on the side opposite to the opening for the first set. A connector in which a second terminal positioning projection is formed on the second retaining member, which is capable of protruding into the second cavity.

4. The connector according to claim 3, When the second terminal is not fully set in the second cavity, the second terminal positioning projection interferes with the second terminal. A connector in which, when the second terminal positioning projection interferes with the second terminal, and when the second retaining member, which moves along the second direction to the second normal position, interferes with the first retaining member, which is located in front of the first normal position, at least a portion of the second retaining member protrudes from the housing.

5. A connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, The first retaining member includes a cover body that closes the opening for the first set, and a pair of side wall portions that extend from both sides of the cover body along both sides of the first terminal housing portion. At least one of the pair of side wall portions has a partially protruding interference projection, Before the first retaining member reaches the first normal position, the interfering projection is positioned to interfere with the second retaining member toward the second normal position. A connector in which, when the first retaining member reaches the first normal position, the interference projection is positioned to avoid the movement path of the second retaining member toward the second normal position.

6. The connector according to claim 5, The second retaining member includes a retainer body fitted into the positioning opening and a pair of locking wall portions extending from both sides of the retainer body along both sides of the second terminal housing portion. A connector in which at least one of the pair of locking walls is positioned to interfere with the interference projection.

7. The connector according to claim 6, The housing includes a pair of locking portions that engage with the pair of locking walls when the second retaining member is in the second normal position, and a pair of temporary locking portions that engage with the pair of locking walls before the second retaining member positions the second terminal. A connector in which, with the pair of locking walls locked to the pair of temporary locking portions, the first holding member is set to be movable toward the first normal position while avoiding interference between at least one of the pair of locking walls and the interference projection.

8. The connector according to claim 6, At least one of the pair of locking wall portions has a guide projection that protrudes toward the housing and extends along the second direction, A guide groove is formed in the housing to guide the guide projection. A connector in which the portion of the pair of locking wall portions on which the guide projection is formed is formed to interfere with the interference projection.

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