Connector

Abstract

The present invention according to one aspect provides a connector with which it is possible to facilitate assembly tasks. This connector (10) comprises a terminal (20), a housing (30) that holds the terminal (20, a slider (60) that is housed inside the housing (30) and is provided so as to be movable between a first position and a second position along a first axis (X), and a spring (80) that is assembled to the slider (60). The slider (60) has a spring housing part (63) in which some of the spring (80) is housed. Once housed in the spring housing part, the spring (80) biases the slider (60) toward the first position.

Description

connector

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors.

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles are equipped with so-called squib connectors, which are used to control devices such as airbag inflators (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of connector includes terminals, a housing that holds the terminals, a slider housed inside the housing, and a spring that biases the slider. The spring has a pair of actuating arms that press the slider and a torsion coil portion provided at each end of the pair of actuating arms. The connector ensures mating between the connector and the mating connector by sliding the slider using the biasing force of the spring. Specifically, when the connector and the mating connector are mated, the slider is moved rearward while receiving the reaction force of the spring. Then, after the connector and the mating connector are completely mated, the slider is moved forward by the reaction force of the spring.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-21397

[0004] However, it is desirable to improve the ease of assembly of the connector. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can improve the ease of assembly.

[0005] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a terminal, a housing that holds the terminal, a slider that is accommodated inside the housing and is movable along a first axis between a first position and a second position, and a spring assembled to the slider, wherein the first position is a position toward a first direction that is one direction along the first axis from the second position, the slider has a spring accommodating portion in which a portion of the spring is accommodated, and the spring, when accommodated in the spring accommodating portion, urges the slider toward the first position.

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure has the effect of improving assembly workability.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector and a mating connector according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a portion of the connector according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to an embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3). FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cover member according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a slider and a spring according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a slider and a spring according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to an embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 3). FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to an embodiment and a mating connector according to an embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 3). FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to an embodiment.

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] A connector of the present disclosure includes terminals, a housing that holds the terminals, a slider that is accommodated inside the housing and is movable along a first axis between a first position and a second position, and a spring assembled to the slider, the first position being a position toward a first direction that is one direction along the first axis from the second position, the slider having a spring accommodating portion that accommodates a portion of the spring, and the spring, when accommodated in the spring accommodating portion, biases the slider toward the first position.

[0009] According to this configuration, the spring is assembled to the slider by receiving a portion of the spring in the spring receiving portion of the slider. This allows the spring and slider to be integrated, allowing them to be handled as a single component. The slider can then be attached to the housing with the spring integrated. This improves the ease of assembly of the connector compared to when the spring and slider are attached to the housing separately.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the spring is a leaf spring formed from a plate material, and the spring has an insertion portion inserted into the spring accommodating portion and a first folded portion folded back from an end of the insertion portion, the insertion portion extending along a second axis intersecting the first axis, the insertion portion having a first end connected to the first folded portion and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end, and the first folded portion may be folded back toward a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction and toward the second end.

[0011] With this configuration, the insertion portion inserted into the spring accommodating portion is formed in a plate shape. This makes it easier to increase the engagement area between the insertion portion and the spring accommodating portion compared to when the insertion portion is formed from wire. This allows the spring to be stably fixed to the slider.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the spring has a second folded portion folded from the end of the first folded portion toward the first direction, and a first connection portion between the first folded portion and the second folded portion is formed in a curved shape, and the first connection portion may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing.

[0013] According to this configuration, the first connecting portion that comes into contact with the inner surface of the housing is formed in a curved shape, which makes it possible to preferably prevent damage to the inner surface of the housing due to contact with the first connecting portion.

[0014] [4] In the above [3], the spring accommodating portion has a bottom surface, a first wall portion protruding from the bottom surface in the first opposite direction, a second wall portion protruding from the bottom surface in the first opposite direction, and a third wall portion connecting the first wall portion and the second wall portion, the first wall portion and the second wall portion facing each other on a third axis that intersects both the first axis and the second axis, the insertion portion is inserted into a space surrounded by the bottom surface, the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion, and the insertion portion may be formed to be able to engage with the bottom surface in the first direction and to be able to engage with the third wall portion in the first opposite direction.

[0015] According to this configuration, the insertion portion inserted into the spring accommodating portion is engageable with the bottom surface of the spring accommodating portion in the first direction. The engagement between the insertion portion and the bottom surface effectively prevents the insertion portion from moving in the first direction inside the spring accommodating portion. Furthermore, the insertion portion inserted into the spring accommodating portion is engageable with the third wall portion of the spring accommodating portion in the first opposite direction. The engagement between the insertion portion and the third wall portion effectively prevents the insertion portion from moving in the first opposite direction inside the spring accommodating portion. Thus, the engagement between the insertion portion and the bottom surface and the third wall portion effectively prevents the insertion portion from moving in the first direction and the first opposite direction inside the spring accommodating portion. As a result, displacement of the spring relative to the slider can be effectively prevented.

[0016] [5] In the above [4], the insertion portion may be provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the bottom surface. According to this configuration, the insertion portion is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the bottom surface of the spring accommodating portion. Here, when the slider moves from the first position to the second position as the connector and the mating connector are mated, the first folded portion of the spring elastically deforms so as to be compressed about the first axis between the slider and the inner surface of the housing. Since the insertion portion makes surface contact with the bottom surface of the spring accommodating portion, the contact area between the slider and the spring can be increased compared to when the insertion portion makes point or line contact with the bottom surface of the spring accommodating portion. Therefore, when the first folded portion elastically deforms, the slider can be suitably supported by the insertion portion of the spring. Therefore, the slider can be moved in a stable posture when moving from the first position to the second position. As a result, the spring reaction force of the spring can be suitably applied to the slider.

[0017] [6] In the above [4] or [5], the insertion portion, the first folded portion, and the second folded portion have a triangular planar shape when viewed from the third axis, the spring has a third folded portion folded from an end of the second folded portion toward the first opposite direction, a second connection portion between the second folded portion and the third folded portion is formed so as to be able to come into contact with the insertion portion, and the third wall portion may be sandwiched between the second connection portion and the insertion portion.

[0018] With this configuration, the third wall of the spring accommodating portion is sandwiched between the second connecting portion and the insertion portion of the spring. This allows the spring reaction force of the spring to be utilized to hold the third wall. This allows the spring to be stably fixed to the slider. As a result, displacement of the spring relative to the slider can be effectively prevented.

[0019] [7] In the above [6], the internal space of the spring accommodating portion is formed in a groove shape extending along the second axis, the internal space of the spring accommodating portion is open in a second direction which is one direction along the second axis, the insertion portion is inserted into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion along the second opposite direction with the second end of the insertion portion facing a second opposite direction which is the opposite direction to the second direction, and the third folded portion may have a guide surface which faces the insertion portion and is inclined with respect to the second axis.

[0020] With this configuration, the guide surface is formed to be inclined with respect to the direction in which the spring is inserted into the spring accommodating portion, and the third wall portion of the spring accommodating portion moves along this guide surface, so that when the spring is inserted into the spring accommodating portion, the third wall portion can be smoothly guided between the second connection portion and the insertion portion.

[0021] [8] In any of [3] to [7] above, the housing may have a housing main body having a terminal accommodating portion that accommodates the terminal, and a cover member attached to the housing main body, the housing main body being formed in a box shape that opens in the first opposite direction, the cover member being formed to cover the opening of the housing main body in the first opposite direction, the inner surface of the cover member having an accommodating recess that is recessed toward the first opposite direction and that accommodates the first connecting portion, and the inner surface of the accommodating recess being formed into an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis.

[0022] According to this configuration, the inner surface of the accommodation recess that accommodates the first connecting portion of the spring is formed as an inclined surface. By adjusting the inclination angle of this inclined surface, the magnitude of the load applied from the cover member to the spring can be adjusted. This makes it possible to adjust the spring reaction force of the spring and ensure that a stable spring reaction force is applied to the slider.

[0023] [9] In the above [8], the housing main body may have a recess in which the first end of the insertion portion is accommodated, and the recess may be formed so as to be able to engage with the first end in a direction along a third axis that intersects both the first axis and the second axis.

[0024] According to this configuration, the first end of the insertion portion is provided so as to be engageable with the recess along the third axis. The engagement between the insertion portion and the recess effectively prevents the insertion portion from moving along the third axis within the recess. As a result, the spring is effectively prevented from moving along the third axis within the housing.

[0025] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of connectors of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ between the drawings. In this specification, "orthogonal" and "parallel" do not necessarily mean strictly orthogonal or parallel, but also include roughly orthogonal or parallel within the scope of the present embodiment's effects. The term "cylindrical" used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical shape formed by assembling multiple components, but also includes shapes with a circumferentially cutout, such as a C-shape or U-shape. The term "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with sharp or rounded corners. In this specification, "facing" refers to surfaces or components facing each other, including not only cases where the surfaces or components are completely facing each other, but also cases where the surfaces or components are partially facing each other. In this specification, "facing" includes not only cases where two members are separated from each other, but also cases where two members are in contact with each other. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used in this specification merely to distinguish between objects and not to rank them. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0026] (Overall Configuration of Connector 10) As shown in Fig. 1, the connector 10 is configured to be able to mate with a mating connector 200. The connector 10 is installed in a vehicle (not shown), such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The connector 10 is a so-called squib connector, a connector used to control a seatbelt pretensioner, an airbag inflator, or the like in the vehicle.

[0027] Each drawing illustrates a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z perpendicular to both the first axis X and the second axis Y. Each drawing also illustrates a forward direction X1, which is one direction along the first axis X, and a rearward direction X2, which is another direction along the first axis X and opposite the forward direction X1. Here, the forward direction X1 is the forward direction of the mating direction of the connector 10 with the mating connector 200. Each drawing also illustrates an upward direction Y1, which is one direction along the second axis Y, and a downward direction Y2, which is another direction along the second axis Y and opposite the upward direction Y1. Each drawing also illustrates a first width direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a second width direction Z2, which is another direction along the third axis Z and opposite the first width direction Z1. Note that the directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the orientation of the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 during use. Furthermore, the directions of the mating connector 200 will be described based on the state in which the mating connector 200 is mated with the connector 10 .

[0028] (Configuration of Mating Connector 200) The mating connector 200 has mating terminals 201 and a mating housing 202 that holds the mating terminals 201. The mating housing 202 has a mating tubular fitting portion 203 that fits into the housing 30 of the connector 10, and a mating mating assurance portion 204 that ensures the fitting of the connector 10 and the mating connector 200. The mating mating assurance portion 204 is provided inside the mating tubular fitting portion 203. The mating terminals 201 are provided inside the mating tubular fitting portion 203.

[0029] 2, the connector 10 includes terminals 20, a housing 30, a slider 60, a spring 80, and a ferrite core 90. The connector 10 of this embodiment includes two terminals 20. The connector 10 of this embodiment includes two springs 80.

[0030] (Configuration of terminals 20) Two terminals 20 are arranged side by side along the third axis Z. Each terminal 20 has an electric wire connection portion 21 and a female terminal portion 22. The electric wire connection portion 21 extends along the second axis Y. The female terminal portion 22 extends along the first axis X. Each terminal 20 is formed into an L-shape as a whole. Each terminal 20 is made of metal.

[0031] The electric wire connection portion 21 is connected to the electric wire 100. Here, the electric wire 100 is a coated electric wire having a conductive core wire and an insulating coating that coats the outer periphery of the core wire. The electric wire connection portion 21 is connected to the end of the core wire of the electric wire 100 by crimping, ultrasonic welding, or the like.

[0032] The female terminal portion 22 is connected to the end portion in the upward direction Y1 of the electric wire connecting portion 21. The female terminal portion 22 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire connecting portion 21. The female terminal portion 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0033] (Configuration of the housing 30) The housing 30 has a housing main body 31 and a cover member 50 that is formed so as to be attachable to the housing main body 31. The housing main body 31 is formed in a box shape that opens in the rear direction X2. The cover member 50 is attached to the housing main body 31 so as to close the opening of the housing main body 31 in the rear direction X2. The housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 are separate parts. The housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 are each made of resin.

[0034] The housing 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50, and surrounds the terminals 20, the slider 60, and the spring 80. In other words, the terminals 20, the slider 60, and the spring 80 are accommodated in the internal space of the housing 30 formed by the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50.

[0035] 2 and 3, the housing body 31 has a base 32 and peripheral walls 33, 34, 35, and 36 that protrude from the base 32 in the rear direction X2. The housing body 31 has a terminal accommodating portion 37 that accommodates the terminal 20, a ferrite accommodating portion 38 that accommodates the ferrite core 90, and an attachment portion 40 to which the slider 60 is attached. Note that, in FIG. 3, the cover member 50 is not shown to simplify the drawing.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the base 32 is formed in a flat plate shape. The peripheral wall 33 is provided at the end of the base 32 in the upward direction Y1. The peripheral wall 34 is provided at the end of the base 32 in the downward direction Y2. The peripheral walls 33, 34 extend along the third axis Z. The peripheral wall 35 is provided at the end of the base 32 in the first width direction Z1. The peripheral wall 36 is provided at the end of the base 32 in the second width direction Z2. The peripheral walls 35, 36 extend along the second axis Y.

[0037] The terminal 20 is inserted into the terminal accommodating portion 37 along the forward direction X1. The terminal accommodating portion 37 is formed to be able to hold two terminals 20 aligned along the third axis Z. As shown in FIG. 4 , the terminal accommodating portion 37 has a cylindrical portion 37A that protrudes from the base portion 32 in the rear direction X2, and a cylindrical portion 37B that protrudes from the base portion 32 in the forward direction X1. The internal spaces of the cylindrical portions 37A and 37B are connected to each other. The female terminal portion 22 of the terminal 20 is accommodated in the cylindrical portions 37A and 37B.

[0038] 2, the terminal accommodating portion 37 has an accommodating groove 37C that accommodates the wire connecting portion 21 of the terminal 20. The accommodating groove 37C extends downward from the cylindrical portion 37A in the Y2 direction. The internal space of the accommodating groove 37C is in communication with the internal space of the cylindrical portion 37A.

[0039] The ferrite core 90 attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire 100 is inserted into the ferrite accommodating portion 38 in the forward direction X1. The ferrite accommodating portion 38 extends in the downward direction Y2 from the accommodating groove 37C of the terminal accommodating portion 37. The internal space of the ferrite accommodating portion 38 is in communication with the internal space of the accommodating groove 37C.

[0040] The slider 60 is attached to the attachment portion 40 along the forward direction X1. The attachment portion 40 holds the slider 60 so that it can move along the first axis X in the internal space of the housing 30. The attachment portion 40 has a guide groove 41 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 37A, a through-hole 42 (see FIG. 4 ) that penetrates the base 32, and cutouts 43 provided in the peripheral walls 35, 36.

[0041] The guide protrusion 72 of the slider 60 is inserted into the guide groove 41 along the forward direction X1. The guide groove 41 extends along the first axis X. The guide groove 41 extends over the entire axial length of the cylindrical portion 37A.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, the through-hole 42 is provided on the upward Y1 side of the cylindrical portion 37A. The fit assurance portion 70 of the slider 60 is inserted into the through-hole 42 along the forward direction X1. As shown in Fig. 2, the cutout portion 43 is provided in each of the peripheral walls 35, 36. The cutout portion 43 is formed so as to cut out the end portion of the peripheral walls 35, 36 in the upward Y1 direction.

[0043] 3, the housing main body 31 has recesses 44 in which portions of the springs 80 are accommodated. The housing main body 31 has two recesses 44 corresponding to the two springs 80, respectively. The two recesses 44 are provided in the peripheral wall 33. Each recess 44 is formed so as to recess from an end face of the peripheral wall 33 in the downward direction Y2 toward the upward direction Y1. Each recess 44 accommodates an end portion of the insertion portion 81 of the spring 80 in the upward direction Y1.

[0044] 1, the housing main body 31 has a fitting tubular portion 46 that fits into the mating fitting tubular portion 203 of the mating housing 202. The fitting tubular portion 46 fits into the inside of the mating fitting tubular portion 203. As shown in FIG. 2, the fitting tubular portion 46 protrudes from the base portion 32 in the forward direction X1.

[0045] 3, the housing main body 31 has engaging portions 47 provided on the peripheral walls 33, 35, and 36. The engaging portions 47 are engaging protrusions that protrude outward from the outer surfaces of the peripheral walls 33, 35, and 36. One engaging portion 47 is provided on the peripheral wall 33. Two engaging portions 47 are provided on each of the peripheral walls 35 and 36.

[0046] 1, the cover member 50 is attached to the housing main body 31. The cover member 50 is formed so as to be detachable from the housing main body 31.

[0047] 5, the cover member 50 has a main body 51, an accommodating recess 52 provided on the inner surface of the cover member 50, specifically on the end surface of the main body 51 in the forward direction X1, and an engaging portion 56 protruding from the main body 51 in the forward direction X1. The cover member 50 of this embodiment has two accommodating recesses 52 corresponding to the two springs 80 (see FIG. 2), respectively. The cover member 50 of this embodiment has three engaging portions 56 corresponding to the engaging portions 47 (see FIG. 3) of the housing main body 31.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 2, the main body 51 is formed in a flat plate shape so as to close the opening of the housing main body 31 in the rear direction X2. As shown in Fig. 5, each accommodating recess 52 has protruding walls 53, 54 that protrude in the forward direction X1 from the end surface of the main body 51 in the forward direction X1.

[0049] The protruding wall 53 is formed to extend downward in the Y2 direction from the end of the main body 51 in the upward direction Y1. The protruding wall 54 is provided at a position spaced apart from the protruding wall 53 in the downward direction Y2. The protruding walls 53 and 54 face each other on the second axis Y.

[0050] The protruding wall 53 has an inclined surface 53A facing the protruding wall 54. The inclined surface 53A is provided at an end of the protruding wall 53 in the downward direction Y2. The inclined surface 53A is formed to be inclined with respect to the first axis X. The inclined surface 53A is formed to be inclined with respect to the second axis Y. The inclined surface 53A is formed to be inclined toward the main body 51 (here, toward the rear direction X2) as it approaches the protruding wall 54. The protruding wall 54 has an inclined surface 54A facing the protruding wall 53. The inclined surface 54A is provided at an end of the protruding wall 54 in the upward direction Y1. The inclined surface 54A is formed to be inclined with respect to the first axis X. The inclined surface 54A is formed to be inclined with respect to the second axis Y. The inclined surface 54A is formed to be inclined toward the main body 51 (here, toward the rear direction X2) as it approaches the protruding wall 53.

[0051] The accommodating recess 52 is formed by a space surrounded by the inclined surface 53A of the protruding wall 53, the end face of the main body 51 in the forward direction X1, and the inclined surface 54A of the protruding wall 54. In other words, the inclined surfaces 53A and 54A form the inner side surface of the accommodating recess 52, and the end face of the main body 51 in the forward direction X1, which is provided between the inclined surfaces 53A and 54A, forms the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 52.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2 , each engaging portion 56 protrudes from the main body portion 51 toward the housing main body 31. Each engaging portion 56 is an elastic piece formed to be elastically deformable. Each engaging portion 56 is formed on the frame body. Each engaging portion 56 has an engaging hole 57 that can engage with the engaging portion 47. The engaging portion 47 and the engaging hole 57 are engaged with each other by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 56. The engagement between the engaging portion 47 and the engaging hole 57 maintains the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 in a combined state.

[0053] 6 and 7, the slider 60 has a main body 61, a spring accommodating portion 63, a fit assurance portion 70, and a guide protrusion 72. The slider 60 is a single component in which the main body 61, the spring accommodating portion 63, the fit assurance portion 70, and the guide protrusion 72 are integrally formed. The slider 60 is made of resin.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12 , the slider 60 is accommodated inside the housing 30. The slider 60 is held by the housing main body 31 so as to be movable along the first axis X between a first position (see FIGS. 8 and 12 ) and a second position (see FIGS. 10 and 11 ). As shown in FIGS. 8 and 12 , the first position is a position where the main body portion 61 is engaged with the base portion 32 of the housing main body 31 along the first axis X. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the second position is a position where the slider 60 is pressed in the rear direction X2 by the mating housing 202. The second position is a position toward the rear direction X2 from the first position, specifically, a position closer to the cover member 50 than the first position.

[0055] When the housing 30 and the mating housing 202 are mated, the slider 60 is pressed in the rear direction X2 by the mating housing 202. As a result, the slider 60 moves parallel from the first position to the second position along the first axis X while compressing the spring 80 along the first axis X against the biasing force of the spring 80. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the slider 60 is further pressed by the mating housing 202 with the slider 60 disposed in the second position, the mating assurance portion 70 elastically deforms to widen its opening, and the mating mating assurance portion 204 enters the mating assurance portion 70. This allows the slider 60 to move in the forward direction X1. When the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are properly mated, the slider 60 disposed in the second position is biased by the spring 80 toward the first position, and the slider 60 moves parallel from the second position to the first position along the first axis X, as shown in FIG. 12 .

[0056] 2, the main body 61 of the slider 60 has a through-hole 62 that penetrates the main body 61 along the first axis X. The terminal accommodating portion 37 of the housing main body 31 is inserted into the through-hole 62.

[0057] 6, the slider 60 of this embodiment has two spring accommodating portions 63 corresponding to the two springs 80, respectively. The two spring accommodating portions 63 accommodate the two springs 80, respectively.

[0058] Each spring accommodating portion 63 is formed in a groove shape into which the insertion portion 81 of each spring 80 is inserted. Each spring accommodating portion 63 extends linearly along the second axis Y. Each spring accommodating portion 63 extends from an end face of the slider 60 in the upward direction Y1 toward the downward direction Y2. Each spring accommodating portion 63 is open in the upward direction Y1. A spring 80 is inserted into each spring accommodating portion 63 along the downward direction Y2.

[0059] Each spring accommodating portion 63 has a bottom surface 64, a first wall portion 65 and a second wall portion 66 protruding from the bottom surface 64 in the rear direction X2, and a third wall portion 67 connecting the first wall portion 65 and the second wall portion 66. The bottom surface 64 is formed by the end surface of the main body portion 61 in the rear direction X2. The internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63 is formed by a space surrounded by the bottom surface 64, the first wall portion 65, the second wall portion 66, and the third wall portion 67.

[0060] The first wall portion 65 is provided at an end portion of the main body portion 61 in the first width direction Z1 and an end portion of the main body portion 61 in the second width direction Z2. The first wall portion 65 extends linearly along the second axis Y. The first wall portion 65 extends from an end face of the slider 60 in the upward direction Y1 toward the downward direction Y2. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first wall portion 65 is housed inside the cutout portion 43 of the mounting portion 40.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6 , the second wall portion 66 is provided between the pair of first wall portions 65. The second wall portion 66 faces the first wall portion 65 along the third axis Z. The second wall portion 66 extends from an end surface of the slider 60 in the upward direction Y1 toward the downward direction Y2. The second wall portion 66 has a protruding wall 66A provided on the periphery of the through hole 62. The protruding wall 66A is formed along the entire periphery of the through hole 62. The protruding wall 66A is formed so as to protrude in the rear direction X2 beyond the portion of the second wall portion 66 other than the protruding wall 66A. The protruding wall 66A has a U-shaped planar shape when viewed from the forward direction X1.

[0062] The third wall portion 67 is provided so as to close a part of the opening of the spring accommodating portion 63 in the rear direction X2. The third wall portion 67 is formed so as to connect the protruding wall 66A and the first wall portion 65. The third wall portion 67 extends linearly along the second axis Y. The third wall portion 67 has the function of preventing the spring 80 from coming out of the spring accommodating portion 63 in the rear direction X2.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, each spring accommodating portion 63 has a protruding wall 68 that protrudes in the downward direction Y2 further than the through hole 62. The protruding wall 68 protrudes in the downward direction Y2 further than the first wall portion 65. The protruding wall 68 is formed integrally and continuously with the third wall portion 67. The protruding wall 68 is formed in a columnar shape that extends linearly along the second axis Y. The internal space of each spring accommodating portion 63 extends from the end face of the slider 60 in the upward direction Y1 to the intermediate position of the protruding wall 68 in the second axis Y. In other words, the innermost end of the internal space of each spring accommodating portion 63 is defined by the protruding wall 68.

[0064] A confirmation window 69 is provided in the protruding wall 68. The confirmation window 69 is provided on an end face of the protruding wall 68 that faces the other protruding wall 68. The confirmation window 69 communicates with the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63 and is formed to open toward the other protruding wall 68. The confirmation window 69 is formed so that the insertion portion 81 of the spring 80 accommodated in the spring accommodating portion 63 can be seen from outside the spring accommodating portion 63.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6 , the fit assurance portion 70 has two elastic pieces 71. The two elastic pieces 71 are arranged to face each other along the third axis Z. Each elastic piece 71 extends from the main body portion 61 in the forward direction X1. Each elastic piece 71 is formed in a cantilever shape with a base end connected to the main body portion 61 as a fixed end and a tip end opposite the base end as a free end. Each elastic piece 71 is configured to bend in a direction along the third axis Z due to elastic deformation. The two elastic pieces 71 are configured to bend in directions away from each other.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2 , the slider 60 has two guide protrusions 72. The two guide protrusions 72 are arranged to face each other along the third axis Z. Each guide protrusion 72 extends along the first axis X. Each guide protrusion 72 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 62. As shown in FIG. 3 , each guide protrusion 72 is formed to be able to fit into the guide groove 41 of the housing main body 31. Each guide protrusion 72 is formed to be able to engage with the guide groove 41 in both the upward direction Y1 and the downward direction Y2 when fitted into the guide groove 41. With each guide protrusion 72 fitted into the guide groove 41, the slider 60 is movable along the first axis X between a first position and a second position.

[0067] (Configuration of springs 80) As shown in FIG. 6 , each spring 80 is a leaf spring made of a plate material. Each spring 80 is made of metal. Each spring 80 is formed as a separate part from the slider 60. The two springs 80 have the same structure. Each spring 80 is assembled to the slider 60. Each spring 80 is integrated with the slider 60 by being housed in the spring housing portion 63 of the slider 60. When housed in the spring housing portion 63, each spring 80 biases the slider 60 toward the first position.

[0068] Each spring 80 has an insertion portion 81, a first folded portion 82, a second folded portion 83, and a third folded portion 84. The insertion portion 81, the first folded portion 82, the second folded portion 83, and the third folded portion 84 are each formed in a plate shape. The spring 80 is a single component in which the insertion portion 81, the first folded portion 82, the second folded portion 83, and the third folded portion 84 are continuously and integrally formed. The spring 80 of this embodiment does not have a torsion coil shape.

[0069] The insertion portion 81 extends linearly along the second axis Y. The insertion portion 81 has a first end (here, an end in the upward direction Y1) connected to the first folded portion 82 and a second end (here, an end in the downward direction Y2) provided on the opposite side of the first end. The insertion portion 81 is inserted into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63, i.e., the space surrounded by the bottom surface 64, the first wall portion 65, the second wall portion 66, and the third wall portion 67. Specifically, the insertion portion 81 is inserted into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63 along the downward direction Y2 with the second end of the insertion portion 81 facing downward in the Y2 direction. As shown in FIG. 8 , the insertion portion 81 is formed to be engageable with the bottom surface 64 of the spring accommodating portion 63 in the forward direction X1. The insertion portion 81 is formed to be able to come into surface contact with the bottom surface 64, for example. The insertion portion 81 is formed to be engageable with the third wall portion 67 of the spring accommodating portion 63 in the rearward direction X2. The insertion portion 81 is formed so as to be able to come into surface contact with the third wall portion 67, for example.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 6, the first folded portion 82 is folded back from the first end of the insertion portion 81 toward the second end of the insertion portion 81. The first folded portion 82 is folded back in a direction away from the slider 60, i.e., toward the rearward direction X2. The first folded portion 82 is folded back from the first end of the insertion portion 81 toward the rearward direction X2 and the downward direction Y2. The first folded portion 82 is formed to rise in a first oblique direction from the first end of the insertion portion 81. Here, the first oblique direction is a direction inclined with respect to the first axis X and with respect to the second axis Y.

[0071] The second folded portion 83 is folded back from an end of the first folded portion 82 (here, the end in the rear direction X2) toward the slider 60 (here, toward the front direction X1). The second folded portion 83 is folded back from an end of the first folded portion 82 toward a second end of the insertion portion 81 (here, the end in the downward direction Y2). The second folded portion 83 is folded back from the end of the first folded portion 82 toward the front direction X1 and the downward direction Y2. The second folded portion 83 is formed to extend downward from the end of the first folded portion 82 in a second oblique direction intersecting the first oblique direction. Here, the second oblique direction is a direction inclined with respect to the first axis X and with respect to the second axis Y. A first connection portion 85 between the second folded portion 83 and the first folded portion 82 is formed in a curved shape. The outer surface of the first connection portion 85, i.e., the end surface of the first connection portion 85 in the rear direction X2, is formed in a curved surface.

[0072] Here, the insertion portion 81, the first folded portion 82, and the second folded portion 83 are formed to have a triangular planar shape when viewed from the third axis Z. In other words, the first folded portion 82 and the second folded portion 83 are formed to protrude in a mountain shape from the first end of the insertion portion 81 toward the rear direction X2.

[0073] The third folded portion 84 is folded back from an end of the second folded portion 83 (here, an end in the forward direction X1) toward the first connecting portion 85. The third folded portion 84 is folded back in a direction away from the slider 60, i.e., toward the rearward direction X2. The third folded portion 84 is folded back from the end of the second folded portion 83 toward the rearward direction X2 and the downward direction Y2. The third folded portion 84 is formed to rise from the end of the second folded portion 83 in a third oblique direction that intersects with the second oblique direction. Here, the third oblique direction is a direction inclined with respect to the first axis X and the second axis Y. As shown in FIG. 8 , a second connecting portion 86 between the third folded portion 84 and the second folded portion 83 is formed in a curved shape. The inner surface of the second connecting portion 86, i.e., the end surface of the second connecting portion 86 facing the insertion portion 81, is formed in a curved surface. The inner surface of the second connecting portion 86 is formed so as to be able to come into contact with the insertion portion 81 .

[0074] The third folded portion 84 has a guide surface 87 that faces the insertion portion 81 and is inclined with respect to the second axis Y. The guide surface 87 is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the spring 80 into the spring accommodating portion 63 (here, the downward direction Y2). The guide surface 87 has the function of smoothly guiding the third wall portion 67 of the spring accommodating portion 63 between the second connecting portion 86 and the insertion portion 81 when the insertion portion 81 is inserted into the spring accommodating portion 63. When the insertion portion 81 is accommodated in the spring accommodating portion 63, the third wall portion 67 is sandwiched between the insertion portion 81 and the second connecting portion 86.

[0075] (Configuration of Ferrite Core 90) As shown in Fig. 2 , the ferrite core 90 is attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire 100. The ferrite core 90 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the electric wire 100. The electric wire 100 is formed to penetrate the ferrite core 90 along the second axis Y. The ferrite core 90 is accommodated in the ferrite accommodating portion 38 of the housing main body 31.

[0076] (Manufacturing Method of Connector 10) Next, a manufacturing method of the connector 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6 , first, a slider 60 and two springs 80 are prepared. Next, the two springs 80 are assembled to the slider 60. More specifically, with the second end (here, the end in the downward direction Y2) of the insertion portion 81 of each spring 80 facing the downward direction Y2, the insertion portion 81 is inserted into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63 along the downward direction Y2. As shown in FIG. 7 , the insertion portion 81 is inserted into the spring accommodating portion 63 until the second end (here, the end in the downward direction Y2) of the insertion portion 81 engages with the innermost end of the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63 in the downward direction Y2. At this time, the insertion portion 81 engages with the third wall portion 67 of the spring accommodating portion 63 in the rear direction X2 and with the bottom surface 64 (see FIG. 8 ) of the spring accommodating portion 63 in the forward direction X1. The insertion portion 81 is engaged with the first wall portion 65 and the second wall portion 66 along the third axis Z. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8 , the third wall portion 67 of the spring accommodating portion 63 is sandwiched between the insertion portion 81 of the spring 80 and the second connecting portion 86. By accommodating the insertion portion 81 in the internal space of the spring accommodating portion 63 in this manner, each spring 80 can be integrated with the slider 60. This allows the two springs 80 and the slider 60 to be treated as a single component.

[0077] Next, as shown in Fig. 3, the slider 60 integrated with the two springs 80 is attached to the attachment portion 40 of the housing main body 31. More specifically, with the guide protrusions 72 fitted into the guide grooves 41 and the first wall portions 65 positioned in the cutouts 43, the slider 60 is slid in the forward direction X1 to the first position. At this time, the slider 60 is slid in the forward direction X1 with the guide protrusions 72 guided by the guide grooves 41.

[0078] Next, the terminal 20, the electric wire 100 connected to the terminal 20, and the ferrite core 90 attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire 100 are inserted in the forward direction X1 into the terminal accommodating portion 37 and the ferrite accommodating portion 38 of the housing main body 31. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8 , the cover member 50 is attached to the housing main body 31.

[0079] The above steps allow the manufacture of the connector 10. (Method of fitting the connector 10 to the mating connector 200) Next, a method of fitting the connector 10 to the mating connector 200 will be described.

[0080] First, as shown in Fig. 8, the connector 10 is prepared, and the mating connector 200 is also prepared. Next, the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are arranged so that the fitting tubular portion 46 and the mating fitting tubular portion 203 face each other. At this time, the slider 60 is arranged in the first position.

[0081] Next, as shown in FIG. 9 , as the mating between the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 progresses, the slider 60 is pressed in the rear direction X2 by the mating housing 202 (specifically, the mating assurance portion 204 shown in FIG. 1 ). As a result, the slider 60 moves from the first position to the second position along the first axis X while compressing the spring 80 along the first axis X. At this time, the spring 80 elastically deforms to extend in the downward direction Y2. Specifically, the spring 80 elastically deforms to extend in the downward direction Y2 while the second connection portion 86 slides on the third wall portion 67. As shown in FIG. 10 , as the mating between the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 further progresses, the slider 60 is moved to the second position.

[0082] Next, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the slider 60 is positioned at the second position, the mating assurance portion 70 is further pressed in the rear direction X2 by the mating mating assurance portion 204, causing the pair of elastic pieces 71 of the mating assurance portion 70 to elastically deform so as to move away from each other. This causes the mating mating assurance portion 204 to enter between the pair of elastic pieces 71. This allows the slider 60 to move in the forward direction X1. Thereafter, when the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are properly mated, as shown in FIG. 12 , the slider 60 is urged toward the first position by the reaction force of the spring 80, and the slider 60 moves parallel from the second position to the first position along the first axis X. In this way, when the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are properly mated, the slider 60 is positioned at the first position. At this time, although not shown, the entire mating assurance portion 204 is housed inside the mating assurance portion 70. If the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are not properly mated, the connector 10 is pushed back in the rear direction X2 by the reaction force of the spring 80. This effectively prevents the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 from being partially mated, or other imperfect mating.

[0083] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The connector 10 includes terminals 20 and a housing 30 that holds the terminals 20. The connector 10 includes a slider 60 that is accommodated within the housing 30 and is movable along a first axis X between a first position and a second position, and a spring 80 that is attached to the slider 60. The first position is a position that faces from the second position toward a first direction (forward direction X1 in this embodiment), which is one direction along the first axis X. The slider 60 has a spring accommodating portion 63 that accommodates a portion of the spring 80. When accommodated in the spring accommodating portion 63, the spring 80 biases the slider 60 toward the first position.

[0084] According to this configuration, a portion of the spring 80, specifically the insertion portion 81, is accommodated in the spring accommodating portion 63 of the slider 60, thereby assembling the spring 80 to the slider 60. This allows the spring 80 and the slider 60 to be sub-assembled, allowing them to be handled as a single component. The sub-assembled spring 80 and slider 60 can then be attached to the housing 30. This improves the assembly efficiency of the connector 10 compared to when the spring 80 and the slider 60 are separately attached to the housing 30. Specifically, with a conventional spring having a torsion coil shape, sub-assembly with the slider was difficult. Therefore, in conventional connectors, it was necessary to attach the torsion coil spring to the housing and slider after attaching the slider to the housing. In contrast, in the connector 10 of this embodiment, the slider 60 and the spring 80 are sub-assembled, which facilitates assembly to the housing 30. This improves the assembly efficiency of the connector 10.

[0085] (2) The spring 80 is a leaf spring formed from a plate material. The spring 80 has an insertion portion 81 that is inserted into the spring accommodating portion 63 and a first folded portion 82 that is folded back from an end of the insertion portion 81. The insertion portion 81 extends along a second axis Y that intersects with the first axis X. The insertion portion 81 has a first end that is connected to the first folded portion 82 and a second end that is provided on the opposite side of the first end. The first folded portion 82 is folded back toward a first opposite direction (in this embodiment, the rearward direction X2) that is the opposite direction to the first direction, and is also folded back toward the second end.

[0086] According to this configuration, the insertion portion 81 inserted into the spring accommodating portion 63 is formed in a plate shape. Therefore, compared to when the insertion portion 81 is formed from a wire rod, it is possible to easily increase the engagement area between the insertion portion 81 and the spring accommodating portion 63. Therefore, it is possible to stably fix the spring 80 to the slider 60.

[0087] (3) The spring 80 has a second folded portion 83 folded back in a first direction (in the present embodiment, the forward direction X1) from an end of the first folded portion 82. A first connection portion 85 between the first folded portion 82 and the second folded portion 83 is formed in a curved shape. The first connection portion 85 contacts the inner surface of the housing 30, which in the present embodiment is the end surface of the cover member 50 in the forward direction X1.

[0088] According to this configuration, the first connection portion 85 that comes into contact with the inner surface of the housing 30 is formed in a curved shape. Therefore, damage to the inner surface of the housing 30 due to contact with the first connection portion 85 can be preferably prevented.

[0089] (4) The insertion portion 81 inserted into the spring accommodating portion 63 is engageable with the bottom surface 64 of the spring accommodating portion 63 in a first direction (the forward direction X1 in this embodiment). The engagement between the insertion portion 81 and the bottom surface 64 effectively prevents the insertion portion 81 from moving in the forward direction X1 inside the spring accommodating portion 63. Furthermore, the insertion portion 81 inserted into the spring accommodating portion 63 is engageable with the third wall portion 67 of the spring accommodating portion 63 in a first opposite direction (the rearward direction X2 in this embodiment). The engagement between the insertion portion 81 and the third wall portion 67 effectively prevents the insertion portion 81 from moving in the rearward direction X2 inside the spring accommodating portion 63. Thus, the engagement between the insertion portion 81 and the bottom surface 64 and the third wall portion 67 effectively prevents the insertion portion 81 from moving in the forward direction X1 and the rearward direction X2 inside the spring accommodating portion 63. As a result, displacement of the spring 80 relative to the slider 60 is effectively prevented. This allows the spring reaction force of the spring 80 to be appropriately applied to the slider 60 .

[0090] (5) The insertion portion 81 is provided so as to be in surface contact with the bottom surface 64 of the spring accommodating portion 63. Here, when the slider 60 moves from the first position to the second position as the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 are mated, the first folded portion 82 of the spring 80 elastically deforms to be compressed about the first axis X between the slider 60 and the inner surface of the housing 30. At this time, the insertion portion 81 is in surface contact with the bottom surface 64 of the spring accommodating portion 63, so the contact area between the slider 60 and the spring 80 can be increased compared to when the insertion portion 81 is in point or line contact with the bottom surface 64. Therefore, when the first folded portion 82 elastically deforms, the slider 60 can be suitably supported by the insertion portion 81. Therefore, when the slider 60 moves from the first position to the second position, the slider 60 can be moved in a stable posture. As a result, the spring reaction force of the spring 80 can be suitably applied to the slider 60, and therefore, the spring 80 and the slider 60 can be used to suitably ensure mating with the mating connector 200.

[0091] (6) The third wall portion 67 of the spring accommodating portion 63 is sandwiched between the second connecting portion 86 and the insertion portion 81 of the spring 80. This allows the spring reaction force of the spring 80 to be utilized to hold the third wall portion 67. This allows the spring 80 to be stably fixed to the slider 60. As a result, displacement of the spring 80 relative to the slider 60 can be effectively suppressed.

[0092] (7) The guide surface 87 provided on the third folded portion 84 is formed to be inclined with respect to the insertion direction (the downward direction Y2 in this embodiment) of the spring 80 into the spring accommodating portion 63. By moving the third wall portion 67 of the spring accommodating portion 63 along this guide surface 87, the third wall portion 67 can be smoothly guided between the second connecting portion 86 and the insertion portion 81 when inserting the spring 80 into the spring accommodating portion 63.

[0093] (8) The inner surface of the cover member 50 is recessed in the rear direction X2 and has the accommodation recess 52 that accommodates the first connecting portion 85. The inner surface of the accommodation recess 52 is formed into inclined surfaces 53A, 54A that are inclined with respect to the first axis X.

[0094] According to this configuration, the inner surface of the accommodation recess 52, which accommodates the first connection portion 85 of the spring 80, is formed into inclined surfaces 53A, 54A. By adjusting the inclination angles of these inclined surfaces 53A, 54A, it is possible to adjust the magnitude of the load applied from the cover member 50 to the spring 80. This makes it possible to adjust the spring reaction force of the spring 80, and to preferably apply a stable spring reaction force to the slider 60.

[0095] (9) The first end of the insertion portion 81 (in this embodiment, the end in the upward direction Y1) is provided so as to be engageable with the recess 44 provided in the housing main body 31 in the direction along the third axis Z. The engagement between the insertion portion 81 and the recess 44 can suitably prevent the insertion portion 81 from moving along the third axis Z inside the recess 44. As a result, the spring 80 can suitably prevent the spring 80 from moving along the third axis Z inside the housing 30.

[0096] (10) The spring 80 is installed only on the slider 60. Therefore, the spring 80 can be made smaller than when the spring 80 is installed on both the slider 60 and the housing main body 31. As a result, the connector 10 can be made smaller.

[0097] (11) Alternatively, since the spring 80 can be made smaller, the size of the ferrite core 90 can be increased. In this case, the noise removal performance of the connector 10 can be improved.

[0098] (Modifications) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0099] The structure of the spring 80 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The third folded portion 84 may be omitted. The second folded portion 83 may be modified to a folded portion that extends horizontally from the end of the first folded portion 82 in the downward direction Y2.

[0100] The second folded portion 83 may be omitted. There is no particular limitation on the number of springs 80 assembled to the slider 60. The number of springs 80 assembled to the slider 60 may be one, or three or more.

[0101] The structure of the slider 60 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The spring accommodating portion 63 is not particularly limited in structure as long as it has a structure that allows the spring 80 to be assembled therein. For example, the protruding wall 68 of the spring accommodating portion 63 may be omitted.

[0102] The guide protrusions 72 of the slider 60 may be omitted. The structure of the fit assurance portion 70 may be modified as appropriate. The structure of the housing 30 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate.

[0103] The engagement structure between the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 may be changed as appropriate. In the housing 30 of the above embodiment, the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 are configured as separate parts, but this is not limiting. For example, the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50 may be formed integrally via a hinge or the like.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the housing 30 is configured by two divided bodies, that is, the housing main body 31 and the cover member 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the housing 30 may be configured by three or more divided bodies.

[0105] The structure of the housing main body 31 may be changed as appropriate. The guide groove 41 may be omitted. The notch 43 may be omitted. The recess 44 may be omitted. The structure of the cover member 50 may be changed as appropriate.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the inner surface of the accommodating recess 52 is formed as the inclined surfaces 53A and 54A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The inner surface of the accommodating recess 52 may be formed as a flat surface extending along the first axis X.

[0107] The accommodating recess 52 of the cover member 50 may be omitted. The ferrite core 90 in the above embodiment may be omitted. The structure of the terminal 20 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The terminal 20 may be modified to have a structure in which the wire connection portion 21 and the female terminal portion 22 are aligned in a straight line.

[0108] The present disclosure encompasses the following aspects: Note that, for the purpose of facilitating understanding and not limitation, in the following description, reference signs indicating components of the embodiments are placed in parentheses. (Note 1) A terminal (20); a housing (30) for holding the terminal (20); a slider (60) accommodated in the housing (30) and movable along a first axis (X) between a first position and a second position; and a spring (80) assembled to the slider (60), wherein the first position is a position from the second position toward a first direction (X1) that is one direction along the first axis (X), the slider (60) has a spring accommodating portion (63) in which a part of the spring (80) is accommodated, and the spring (80) biases the slider (60) toward the first position while being accommodated in the spring accommodating portion (63), the spring (80) being a leaf spring, the spring (80) having: an insertion portion (81) having a first end and a second end, the second end of which is accommodated in the spring accommodating portion (63); a first folded portion (82) folded back at the first end of the insertion portion (81) in a first opposite direction (X2) opposite to the first direction (X1); and a second folded portion (83) folded back at an end of the first folded portion (82) that is a first connection portion (85) in the first direction (X1), wherein a wall portion (67) of the spring accommodating portion (63) is clamped between the insertion portion (81) and an end portion (86) of the second folded portion (83) when the insertion portion (81) is accommodated in the spring accommodating portion (63).

[0109] According to Supplementary Note 1, by accommodating the insertion portion in the spring accommodating portion, the spring and slider can be made into a sub-assembly. Furthermore, because the spring is a leaf spring, the spring can be stably assembled in the spring accommodating portion. Furthermore, when the insertion portion is accommodated in the spring accommodating portion, the wall of the spring accommodating portion is sandwiched between the insertion portion and the end of the second folded portion, which prevents the spring from coming off the slider after the spring is assembled to the slider. As a result, it is easier to attach the sub-assembly of the slider and spring to the housing, improving the assembly workability of the connector.

[0110] (Supplementary Note 2) The connector (10) described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the housing (30) includes an accommodating recess (52) in which the first connection portion (85) is accommodated, and a recess (44) in which the first end of the insertion portion (81) is accommodated, and the spring (80) is elastically deformable so that the end (86) of the second folded portion (83) slides on the wall portion (67) of the spring accommodating portion (63) when the first connection portion (85) is accommodated in the accommodating recess (52) and the first end is accommodated in the recess (44).

[0111] According to Supplementary Note 2, the spring has the two folded portions (the first connection portion and the first end of the insertion portion) supported by the housing, and the end of the second folded portion slides on the wall of the spring accommodating portion. Therefore, the spring is supported at three points by the housing and the slider, allowing it to elastically deform. This allows the spring to elastically deform while suppressing rattle.

[0112] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0113] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Connector 20 Terminal 21 Wire connection portion 22 Female terminal portion 30 Housing 31 Housing body 32 Base portion 33, 34, 35, 36 Peripheral wall 37 Terminal accommodating portion 37A, 37B Cylindrical portion 37C Accommodating groove 38 Ferrite accommodating portion 40 Mounting portion 41 Guide groove 42 Through hole 43 Notch portion 44 Recessed portion 46 Fitting cylindrical portion 47 Engaging portion 50 Cover member 51 Main body portion 52 Accommodating recess 53, 54 Protruding wall 53A, 54A Inclined surface 56 Engaging portion 57 Engaging hole 60 Slider 61 Main body portion 62 Through hole 63 Spring accommodating portion 64 Bottom surface 65 First wall portion 66 Second wall portion 66A Protruding wall 67 Third wall portion 68 Protruding wall 69 Confirmation window 70 Mating assurance portion 71 Elastic piece 72 Guide protrusion 80 Spring 81 Insertion portion 82 First folded portion 83 Second folded portion 84 Third folded portion 85 First connecting portion 86 Second connecting portion 87 Guide surface 90 Ferrite core 100 Electric wire 200 Mating connector 201 Mating terminal 202 Mating housing 203 Mating mating cylindrical portion 204 Mating mating assurance portion X First axis X1 Front direction (first direction) X2 Rear direction (first opposite direction) Y Second axis Y1 Upward direction (second direction) Y2 Downward direction (second opposite direction) Z Third axis Z1 First width direction Z2 Second width direction

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a terminal; a housing that holds the terminal; a slider that is accommodated inside the housing and is movable along a first axis between a first position and a second position; and a spring assembled to the slider, wherein the first position is a position that faces a first direction that is one direction along the first axis from the second position, the slider has a spring accommodating portion that accommodates a part of the spring, and the spring, when accommodated in the spring accommodating portion, urges the slider toward the first position.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the spring is a leaf spring formed from a plate material, the spring has an insertion portion inserted into the spring accommodating portion and a first folded portion folded back from an end of the insertion portion, the insertion portion extends along a second axis intersecting the first axis, the insertion portion has a first end connected to the first folded portion and a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end, and the first folded portion is folded back toward a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction and toward the second end.

3. A connector as described in claim 2, wherein the spring has a second folded portion folded back from an end of the first folded portion in the first direction, a first connecting portion between the first folded portion and the second folded portion is formed in a curved shape, and the first connecting portion is in contact with the inner surface of the housing.

4. A connector as described in claim 3, wherein the spring accommodating portion has a bottom surface, a first wall portion protruding from the bottom surface in the first opposite direction, a second wall portion protruding from the bottom surface in the first opposite direction, and a third wall portion connecting the first wall portion and the second wall portion, the first wall portion and the second wall portion facing each other along a third axis that intersects both the first axis and the second axis, the insertion portion being inserted into a space surrounded by the bottom surface, the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion, and the insertion portion is formed to be engageable with the bottom surface in the first direction and to be engageable with the third wall portion in the first opposite direction.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the insertion portion is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the bottom surface.

6. A connector as described in claim 4, wherein the insertion portion, the first folded portion, and the second folded portion are formed in a triangular shape in plan view from the third axis, the spring has a third folded portion folded back from an end of the second folded portion in the first opposite direction, a second connection portion between the second folded portion and the third folded portion is formed so as to be able to come into contact with the insertion portion, and the third wall portion is sandwiched between the second connection portion and the insertion portion.

7. A connector as described in claim 6, wherein the internal space of the spring accommodating portion is formed in a groove shape extending along the second axis, the internal space of the spring accommodating portion is open in a second direction which is one direction along the second axis, the insertion portion is inserted into the internal space of the spring accommodating portion along the second opposite direction with the second end of the insertion portion facing a second opposite direction which is the opposite direction to the second direction, and the third folded portion has a guide surface which faces the insertion portion and is inclined with respect to the second axis.

8. A connector as described in claim 3, wherein the housing comprises: a housing main body having a terminal accommodating portion that accommodates the terminal; and a cover member attached to the housing main body, the housing main body being formed in a box shape that opens in the first opposite direction, the cover member being formed so as to close the opening of the housing main body in the first opposite direction, the inner surface of the cover member having an accommodating recess that is recessed in the first opposite direction and that accommodates the first connecting portion, and the inner surface of the accommodating recess being formed as an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the first axis.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the housing body has a recess in which the first end of the insertion portion is housed, and the recess is formed so as to be able to engage with the first end in a direction along a third axis that intersects both the first axis and the second axis.

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