Connector

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a connector including a terminal holding body for holding a terminal, the terminal holding body including a first terminal holding part and a second terminal holding part which are combined with each other, the terminal having an opening locally on the surface thereof, at least one of the first terminal holding part and the second terminal holding part has a convex part which can be arranged in the opening of the terminal, a central part of the convex part along the shorter direction of the terminal is thicker than an edge part.

Description

Connector 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to a connector. 【0002】 Conventionally, a mode of electrically connecting to the terminal of the other connector via the terminal of the connector has been known. 【0003】 Japanese Patent No. 5885037 【0004】 In order to implement the above mode, a connector in which a terminal holder for holding a terminal is attached in a housing may be used. In this case, due to the influence of an external force or the like, the terminal may be pulled, and / or the terminal may rotate about an axis during assembly, making it difficult to hold the terminal at a predetermined position within the terminal holder. Therefore, it may be difficult to achieve a suitable electrical connection with the terminal of the other connector. 【0005】 The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems. That is, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of suitably holding a terminal at a predetermined position within a terminal holder. 【0006】 In order to achieve the above object, in the present disclosure, a connector is provided that includes a terminal holder for holding a terminal, the terminal holder includes a first terminal holding portion and a second terminal holding portion that are combined with each other, the terminal locally has an opening on a surface, at least one of the first terminal holding portion and the second terminal holding portion has a convex portion that can be disposed within the opening of the terminal, and a central portion of the convex portion along the short side direction of the terminal is thicker than an edge portion. 【0007】 According to the connector of the present disclosure, the terminal can be suitably held at a predetermined position within the terminal holder. 【0008】Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the terminal holder of the connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the second terminal holding portion of the terminal holder. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the first terminal holding portion of the terminal holder. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the first terminal holding portion of the terminal holder when viewed from a different direction than in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view of region A shown in Figure 5. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view between line segments B-B in Figure 7. Figure 9 is another example of a schematic cross-sectional view between line segments B-B in Figure 7. Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a plurality of terminals used in a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the terminals in region C shown in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the terminals when viewed from a different direction than in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the engagement state between the first terminal holding portion of a terminal holder and a plurality of terminals, which is a component of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the engagement state between the first terminal holding portion of the terminal holder and a plurality of terminals, when viewed from a different direction than that of Figure 13. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view between line segments D-D in Figure 14 (when cut off at the edge of the terminal opening extending in the axial direction of the terminal) (before axial rotation of the terminal). Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view between line segments D-D in Figure 14, when viewed from a different direction than that of Figure 15 (before axial rotation of the terminal). Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view when cut off at the edge of the terminal opening extending in the short direction of the terminal (before axial rotation of the terminal). Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view between line segments D-D in Figure 14 (when cut off at the edge of the terminal opening extending in the axial direction of the terminal) (during axial rotation of the terminal). Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view between line segments D-D in Figure 14, viewed from a different direction than in Figure 18 (during axial rotation of the terminal). Figure 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken at the edge of the terminal opening extending in the short direction of the terminal (during axial rotation of the terminal). 【0009】Hereinafter, a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Various elements in the drawings are shown schematically and illustratively for the purpose of explaining the present disclosure, and their appearance, dimensional ratios, etc., may differ from those of the actual product. 【0010】 Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 1. 【0011】 The connector 100 of this disclosure comprises a housing 10 and a terminal holder 30 positioned within the housing 10 and capable of holding terminals 20. The housing 10 includes a space capable of accommodating the terminal holder 30. 【0012】 The terminal 20 within the terminal holder 30 housed in the housing 10 is capable of contacting the terminal of the mating connector. This contact enables an electrical connection between the terminal 20 of the connector 100 of this disclosure and the terminal of the mating connector. 【0013】 Furthermore, the connector 100 of this disclosure may further include a retainer 40 for positioning the terminal holder 30, a locking member 50 for locking a mating connector that is mated with the connector 100, and a wire fixing portion 60 for fixing the wire 23 extending from the terminal 20. The wire fixing portion 60 may also be referred to as a crimper or a crimping portion. 【0014】 The retainer 40 may be configured to engage with both the housing 10 and the terminal holder 30 located within the housing 10. The retainer 40 may be combined with the housing 10 and the terminal holder 30 after the terminal holder 30 is housed within the housing 10. For example, the first terminal holder 32 and the retainer 40 may be combined along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the terminal 20 housed in the terminal holder 30, for example, a perpendicular direction. 【0015】The terminal holder 30 can be positioned within the housing 10 by the retainer 40. In other words, the combination of the retainer 40, the housing 10, and the terminal holder 30 restricts the relative movement between the housing 10 and the terminal holder 30. This restriction of movement indirectly restricts the movement of the terminal 20 held inside the terminal holder 30. This helps to stabilize the electrical connection of the terminal 20. 【0016】 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing the terminal holder of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the second terminal holding portion of the terminal holder. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the first terminal holding portion of the terminal holder. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the first terminal holding portion of the terminal holder when viewed from a different direction than in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view of region A shown in Figure 5. 【0017】 Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view between line segments B-B in Figure 7. Figure 9 is another example of a schematic cross-sectional view between line segments B-B in Figure 7. Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a plurality of terminals used in a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the terminals in region C shown in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the terminals when viewed from a different direction than in Figure 11. 【0018】 The connector 100 of this disclosure is characterized by the configuration of the terminal holder 30, which is capable of holding the terminal 20, among the above-mentioned components. Its features will be described below. 【0019】 It should be noted that the configuration of the terminal holder 30 shown in Figure 3 is the same as the terminal holder 30 shown in Figure 2, but inverted vertically. For details on the terminal holder 30 with its characteristic configuration in this disclosure, please refer to the drawings from Figure 3 onward. 【0020】 First, in this disclosure, the terminal holder 30 comprises a first terminal holder portion 32 and a second terminal holder portion 34 that are combined with each other. The combination of the first terminal holder portion 32 and the second terminal holder portion 34 can define a terminal holder space inside the terminal holder 30 that can accommodate the terminal 20. 【0021】 The first terminal holding portion 32 and the second terminal holding portion 34 described above can be combined in a stacked manner in a direction Y that intersects with the axial direction Z of the terminal 20 housed in the terminal holding body 30, for example, in the vertical direction. In this case, the terminal holding body 30 may be referred to as a stacked terminal holding body. 【0022】 In the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal holding portion 34 has a receiving portion 35 on its inner surface 37 for receiving a part of the contour surface of the terminal 20 (see Figure 4). This receiving portion 35 may, for example, have a recessed shape. 【0023】 As will be described later, when multiple terminals (for example, two) are used in this disclosure, multiple receiving portions 35 for receiving a part of each terminal 20 may be arranged in the second terminal holding portion 34. In this case, each receiving portion 35 may be separated by a partition wall 36. 【0024】 Furthermore, the first terminal holding portion 32 has a receiving portion α on its inner surface 33 for receiving the remaining portion of the contour surface of the terminal 20. This receiving portion α may, for example, have a recessed shape. In the first terminal holding portion 32, the receiving portion α of the terminal with the recessed shape may have a form that extends along the axial direction of the terminal 20. 【0025】 As will be described later, when multiple (for example, two) terminals 20 are used in this disclosure, multiple receiving portions α for receiving each terminal 20 can be arranged in the first terminal holding portion 32. In this case, each receiving portion α can be separated by a partition wall 32g. 【0026】 Furthermore, the first terminal holding portion 32 may have another receiving portion β that is spaced apart from the receiving portion α in the same axial direction. In this disclosure, a convex portion 32a of the terminal holding portion, described later, is formed at the end of this receiving portion β along the axial direction of the terminal 20. 【0027】 Based on this configuration, the first terminal holding portion 32 and the second terminal holding portion 34 can be arranged such that, when combined, the receiving portion 35 of the second terminal holding portion 34 and the receiving portions α and β of the first terminal holding portion 32 face each other or overlap. With this arrangement, as described above, a terminal holding space capable of accommodating the terminal 20 can be defined inside the terminal holder 30. 【0028】In the above configuration, the terminal 20 is provided on one of the first terminal holding portion 32 and the second terminal holding portion 34, and then the other of the first terminal holding portion 32 and the second terminal holding portion 34 is combined to accommodate the terminal 20 in the terminal holder 36. Therefore, compared to the case where the terminal holder 30 is a single, integrated piece, it becomes possible to form the terminal holder 30 to conform to the outer shape of the terminal 20. This makes it possible to suppress rattling of the terminal 20 housed in the terminal holder 30. 【0029】 To maintain the engagement between the first terminal holding portion 32 and the second terminal holding portion 34, for example, the first terminal holding portion 32 has a latch portion 32f on its inner surface 33. This latch portion 32f is capable of engaging with a groove portion 38 formed on the outer surface of the mating second terminal holding portion 34. 【0030】 With the first terminal holding portion 32 and the second terminal holding portion 34 assembled, one end of the combined first terminal holding portion 32 and the second terminal holding portion 34 can be inserted into the opening 61 (see Figure 2) of the wire fixing portion 60. This allows for the maintenance of the engagement state between the first terminal holding portion 32 and the second terminal holding portion 34. 【0031】 Furthermore, in this disclosure, the terminal 20 has a localized opening 21 on its surface (see Figures 10 to 12). Also, at least one of the first terminal holding portion 32 and the second terminal holding portion 34 has a convex portion 32a that can be positioned within the opening 21 of the terminal 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal holding portion 32 has a convex portion 32a that can be positioned within the opening 21 of the terminal 20 (see Figures 3 to 9). 【0032】 In this configuration, the present disclosure is characterized in that the central portion 32b of the convex portion 32a of the terminal holding portion along the short direction of the terminal 20 is thicker than the edge portion 32c. In this specification, "short direction of the terminal 20" refers to the width direction or radial direction intersecting the axial direction (i.e., the long axis direction) of the terminal 20. 【0033】 In one example, the main surface 32e of the convex portion 32a of the terminal holding portion facing the opening 21 of the terminal 20 may have an inclined surface (see Figure 8). In another example, the main surface of the convex portion 32a of the terminal holding portion facing the opening 21 of the terminal 20 may have an outward curved surface (see Figure 9). 【0034】 According to these features, the edge portion 22 forming the opening 21 of the terminal 20 and the convex portion 32a of the terminal holding portion become more easily engaged with each other (see Figures 13 and 14). 【0035】 As a result, the edge portion 22 forming the opening of the terminal 20 and the end face 32d of the convex portion 32a of the terminal holding portion can come into contact along the axial direction of the terminal 20. Due to this contact, compared to the case where the thickness of the convex portion 32a of the terminal holding portion is constant, movement of the terminal 20 in the axial direction can be suppressed even if the terminal is pulled by external forces or the like (see Figures 17 and 20). 【0036】 Furthermore, along the radial direction of the terminal 20, the edge portion 22 forming the opening 21 of the terminal 20 can come into contact with the main surface 32e of the convex portion 32a of the terminal holding portion. Due to this contact, compared to the case where the thickness of the convex portion 32a of the terminal holding portion is constant, even if the terminal rotates on its axis during assembly, the range of axial rotation of the terminal 20 in the radial direction can be suppressed to a predetermined range (see Figures 15, 16, 18, and 19). 【0037】 As a result, the terminal 20 can be easily and effectively held in a predetermined position within the terminal holder 30. Consequently, a suitable electrical connection can be made with the terminal of the mating connector. 【0038】 In this disclosure, the terminal holder 30 can hold a plurality of terminals 20. In this case, it is preferable that the convex portion 32a of the terminal holding portion (for example, the first terminal holding portion 32) is arranged within the opening 21 of each terminal 20. 【0039】 When the connector 100 of this disclosure is a differential communication connector that uses a so-called multiple terminals 20, maintaining and securing a predetermined distance between the terminals 20 is key. With the above arrangement configuration for each terminal, it is possible to suppress the movement of the terminal 20 in the axial direction and suppress the axial rotation of the terminal 20 in the radial direction, respectively. 【0040】 This makes it easier to hold each terminal 20 in a predetermined position within the terminal holder 30. As a result, it becomes easier to maintain and secure a predetermined distance between the terminals 20, enabling differential communication or differential transmission to be performed effectively. 【0041】 While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art are possible, such as combining the above configurations, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the claims. 【0042】 For example, the above description is based on an embodiment in which the first terminal holding portion 32 has a convex portion 32a that can be positioned within the opening 21 of the terminal 20. 【0043】 In this regard, without being limited to this embodiment, from the viewpoint of more favorably suppressing the movement of the terminal 20 in the axial direction and suppressing the axial rotation of the terminal 20 in the radial direction, in addition to the first terminal holding portion 32, a second terminal holding portion 34 can be provided in place of the first terminal holding portion 32, and a convex portion 32a can be provided within the opening 21 of the terminal 20. In this case, the terminal 20 can have a plurality of openings 21 that face each other in its short-side direction (or width direction or radial direction). 【0044】The connector of the present disclosure includes the following preferred embodiments. <1> A terminal holder for holding terminals, the terminal holder including a first terminal holding portion and a second terminal holding portion that are combined with each other, the terminal having a local opening on the surface, and at least one of the first terminal holding portion and the second terminal holding portion having a convex portion that can be disposed within the opening of the terminal, the central portion of the convex portion along the short side direction of the terminal being thicker than the edge portion, a connector. <2> The connector according to <1>, wherein an edge portion forming the opening of the terminal and the convex portion can be engaged with each other. <3> The connector according to <1> or <2>, wherein an edge portion forming the opening of the terminal and an end surface of the convex portion abut along the axial direction of the terminal. <4> The connector according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein an edge portion forming the opening of the terminal and a main surface of the convex portion abut along the radial direction of the terminal. <5> The connector according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the terminal holder holds a plurality of the terminals, and the convex portion is disposed within the opening of each terminal. <6> The connector according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the main surface of the convex portion facing the opening of the terminal has an outer curved surface. <7> The connector according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the main surface of the convex portion facing the opening of the terminal has an inclined surface. <8> The connector according to any one of <1> to <7>, which is a differential communication connector. 【0045】 The connector of the present disclosure can be suitably used in various technical fields that require connector connection. For example, the connector of the present disclosure can be used as a differential communication connector. 【0046】Connector 100 Housing 10 Terminal 20 Opening 21 Wire 23 Edge forming the opening of the terminal 22 Terminal holder 30 First terminal holder 32, 32I Convex portion of the first terminal holder 32a, 32aI Central portion of the convex portion 32b Edge portion of the convex portion 32c End face of the convex portion 32d Main surface of the convex portion 32e, 32eI Latch portion 32f Partition wall 32g Receiving portion α of the terminal contour surface Another receiving portion β of the terminal contour surface Inner surface of the first terminal holder 33 Second terminal holder 34 Receiving portion of a part of the terminal contour surface 35 Partition wall 36 Inner surface of the second terminal holder 37 Groove formed on the outer surface of the second terminal holder 38 Outer surface of the second terminal holder 39 Retainer 40 Locking member 50 Wire fixing portion 60 Opening 61 of the wire fixing section

Claims

1. A connector comprising a terminal holder for holding a terminal, wherein the terminal holder comprises a first terminal holder portion and a second terminal holder portion that are combined with each other, the terminal has a local opening on its surface, at least one of the first terminal holder portion and the second terminal holder portion has a convex portion that can be positioned within the opening of the terminal, and the central portion of the convex portion along the short direction of the terminal is thicker than the edge portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the edge portion forming the opening of the terminal and the convex portion are mutually engageable.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the edge forming the opening of the terminal and the end face of the convex portion abut along the axial direction of the terminal.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the edge portion forming the opening of the terminal and the main surface of the convex portion abut along the radial direction of the terminal.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the terminal holder holds a plurality of terminals, and the convex portion is arranged in the opening of each terminal.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the main surface of the convex portion facing the opening of the terminal has an outwardly curved surface.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the main surface of the convex portion facing the opening of the terminal has an inclined surface.

8. The connector according to claim 1, which is a differential communication connector.

Images