Connector Retainer Terminal Alignment Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face inefficiencies due to the tab of the male terminal fitting intruding into the mold removal space during insertion, caused by improper posture, leading to reduced operational efficiency as the terminal must be pulled out and reinserted correctly.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a retainer with a restriction that prevents the male terminal fitting from tilting, utilizing a partition to separate the mold removal space and insertion hole, and a retainer that pivots to lock the terminal in place, ensuring proper posture and preventing tab intrusion into the mold removal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the facing wall area is retracted to allow mold formation, then the lock can be formed by the mold, but the clearance increases allowing the male terminal fitting to tilt and the tab to enter the mold removal space
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction is provided on the retainer to preliminarily prevent the male terminal fitting from tilting during insertion. By restricting the movement of the terminal fitting in advance, the tab is prevented from entering the mold removal space before the insertion process completes, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while allowing the facing wall to be retracted for mold formation
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction acts as an intermediary element between the retainer and the male terminal fitting. It mediates the interaction by providing a physical barrier that prevents improper tilting of the terminal fitting, thereby maintaining insertion posture accuracy without interfering with the mold formation process
2Ease of operation
If the tab enters the mold removal space due to tilting, then the male terminal fitting must be pulled out and reinserted, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction provides preliminary anti-action by preventing the tab from entering the mold removal space in the first place. By restricting the tilting movement before it can cause the tab to enter the mold removal space, the need to pull out and reinsert the terminal fitting is eliminated, thus maintaining operational efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (A) includes a partition (40) for partitioning an insertion hole (35) for a tab (15) and a mold removal space (39) for a locking lance (37). A retainer (44) is pivoted between a partial locking position and a full locking position. A lock (43) restricts a displacement of the retainer (44). A retracted portion (50) is formed in an area (41R) of a facing wall (41) behind the retainer (44) to mold the lock (43) and retracted from an insertion path for a male terminal fitting (10) as compared with an area (41F) of the facing wall (41) before the retainer (44). The retainer (44) includes a restriction (48) for restricting the inclination of the male terminal fitting (10) by being so displaced, at the partial locking position, that a rear end of the male terminal fitting (10) moves toward the retracted portion (50).