Connector Retainer Structure for Half-Inserted Terminal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in detecting the half-inserted state of terminal fittings without interfering with the assembly of the retainer and terminal fitting to the housing, especially when the connector is miniaturized.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a retainer with a detection portion that protrudes from the wall surface portion of the insertion portion, capable of interfering with the terminal fitting in a half-inserted state, and configured to reduce protrusion from the housing as it moves from the temporary locking position to the full locking position, with a recess shaped to move away from the protrusion at the temporary locking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the protruding dimension of the terminal locking portion is increased to increase the amount of protrusion of the retainer for detection, then the detection capability is improved, but the terminal locking portion abuts against the connecting side wall even when the terminal fitting is inserted to proper depth, preventing the retainer from reaching the full locking position
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is separated from the locking function by providing a dedicated detection portion distinct from the terminal locking portion. The detection portion includes a detection protrusion that can be locked to the first wall, while the terminal locking portion locks to the rear end of the connecting portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection protrusion acts as an intermediary element that provides detection capability without interfering with the locking operation. By positioning the detection protrusion to lock to the first wall rather than relying on the terminal locking portion protruding from the housing, the system achieves detection functionality while maintaining proper locking operation.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized to reduce size, then the compactness is improved, but the amount of protrusion of the retainer cannot be sufficiently ensured for detection
Solution Approach 1:
The detection mechanism transitions from relying on vertical protrusion from the housing to utilizing horizontal locking engagement between the detection protrusion and the first wall. This dimensional shift allows effective detection within a more compact overall structure, as the detection protrusion engages laterally rather than requiring significant outward protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is localized to specific interaction points between the detection protrusion and the first wall, rather than requiring the entire retainer to protrude significantly. This localized approach enables sufficient detection capability within a miniaturized connector structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer has insertion portions and that allow a body portion of a terminal fitting to pass therethrough at a temporary locking position, and a detection portion protruding from a wall surface portion that defines the insertion portions and capable of interfering with a first wall of the terminal fitting in a half-inserted state into a housing from a side opposite to a second wall, and is configured to reduce an amount of protrusion from an outer surface of the housing as it goes from the temporary locking position to a full locking position. The detection portion has a recess shaped to move away from protrusions at the temporary locking position, and is disposed corresponding to a middle portion excluding both end portions in a width direction in the wall surface portion.