Connector Guide Portion Sideways Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors risk damaging the terminal fitting's contact portion when using an unlocking jig due to the jig's insertion direction, and there is a need to prevent external matter entry through the jig insertion hole.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a locking lance that can be disengaged by a jig via a jig insertion hole, with a guide portion allowing the jig to reach the lance from a direction crossing the terminal fitting's insertion path, and a deformation restricting portion that closes the jig insertion hole to prevent external entry, ensuring the jig operates safely and effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the unlocking jig is inserted from the front toward the locking lance, then the locking lance can be deformed to unlock the terminal fitting, but the contact portion of the terminal fitting may be damaged by the unlocking jig
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the insertion direction of the unlocking jig from the front (along the terminal fitting's insertion path) to the side (perpendicular to the terminal fitting's insertion path). The jig insertion hole is formed in the side wall of the housing, allowing the unlocking jig to approach the locking lace from a different spatial dimension, thereby avoiding contact with the terminal fitting's contact portion while still enabling the locking lace to be deformed for unlocking.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the jig insertion hole is formed in the housing for side insertion of the unlocking jig, then the unlocking operation can be performed without damaging the terminal fitting, but external matters may enter through the jig insertion hole
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation restricting portion is designed to be movable between a restricting position (where it blocks the jig insertion hole) and a retracted position (where it allows the unlocking jig to pass through). When the unlocking operation is performed, the deformation restricting portion is pushed back to allow jig insertion. After unlocking, it returns to the restricting position to close the hole, dynamically adapting its position based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation restricting portion automatically returns to the restricting position after being pushed back during unlocking, using its own elastic deformation capability to close the jig insertion hole and prevent external matter entry, without requiring additional actuation or external intervention.
3Reliability
If the deformation restricting portion enters the deformation space, then the terminal fitting is reliably retained by preventing resilient deformation of the locking lace, but the unlocking jig cannot reach the locking lace
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation restricting portion dynamically changes its position between restricting the deformation space (during normal operation to ensure reliable retention) and being pushed back (during unlocking operation to allow jig access). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliability during normal use while enabling easy unlocking when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution prevents damage to the terminal fitting's contact portion during unlocking and ensures reliable operation by guiding the jig to deform the locking lance without disengagement, while also preventing external matter entry through the jig insertion hole.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking lace formed to substantially extend forward in a cantilever manner along an inner wall of the cavity, normally located at a locking position where the locking lace can lock the terminal fitting in a retained state and resiliently deformable to an unlocking position where the locking lace is disengaged from the terminal fitting
Implementation Method 2
the deformation restricting portion at least partly enters the deformation space to restrict the resilient deformation of the locking lace with the front retainer located at the restricting position
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to prevent damage of a terminal fitting by an unlocking jig. A housing 10 is formed with jig insertion holes 20 penetrating through an outer wall portion 19 located at a side of deformation spaces 17 opposite to locking lances 14. Deformation restricting portions 42 of a front retainer 40 are formed with guide portions 49 which are so cut out as to allow an unlocking jig inserted through the jig insertion hole 20 to reach the locking lance 14 with the front retainer 40 located at a retracted position and position the unlocking jig in a width direction crossing both a resiliently deforming direction of the locking lances 14 and an inserting direction of terminal fittings 30 into cavities 13.