EP0903814B1 - Connector provided with a retainer - Google Patents
Connector provided with a retainer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0903814B1 EP0903814B1 EP98117554A EP98117554A EP0903814B1 EP 0903814 B1 EP0903814 B1 EP 0903814B1 EP 98117554 A EP98117554 A EP 98117554A EP 98117554 A EP98117554 A EP 98117554A EP 0903814 B1 EP0903814 B1 EP 0903814B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- retainer
- housing
- connector
- locking
- cavity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/436—Securing a plurality of contact members by one locking piece or operation
- H01R13/4361—Insertion of locking piece perpendicular to direction of contact insertion
- H01R13/4362—Insertion of locking piece perpendicular to direction of contact insertion comprising a temporary and a final locking position
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
- H01R13/506—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces assembled by snap action of the parts
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
- H01R13/5202—Sealing means between parts of housing or between housing part and a wall, e.g. sealing rings
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a connector provided with a retainer.
- a side retainer type see Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 6-5870
- a front retainer type see Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 5-23455 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-250215.
- the side retainer type connector is such as shown in FIG. 7 that a retainer 3 is mounted in a direction normal to the insertion direction of terminal fittings 2 into a connector housing 1. Accordingly, a retainer insertion hole 4 is open in one side surface of the connector housing 1.
- This type has an advantage of retaining the terminal fittings 2 with a larger force since the retainer 3 directly locks the terminal fittings 2 as shown in FIG. 8.
- the front retainer type connector is such as shown in FIG. 9 that a retainer 5 is inserted into a connector housing 6 along the insertion direction of terminal fittings 2, and a retainer insertion hole 7 is accordingly open in an engaging surface with a mating connector. This type has an advantage that the retainer insertion hole 7 is not exposed by being covered by the mating connector.
- a side retainer type connector according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP-0 700 125 A2. Furthermore, DE 41 23 505 C1 discloses a connector coupling formed to two connector housings and an intermediate housing.
- the inner housing is formed with the at least one cavity.
- the inner housing is provided with the retainer insertion portion.
- a connector provided with a retainer, comprising:
- the retainer is located substantially at the back of the retainer insertion hole and projects into the cavity to face the terminal fitting inserted thereinto in such a direction as to prevent the terminal fitting from coming out of the cavity. Since the retainer directly prevents the terminal fitting from coming out, the terminal fitting can be retained with a large force. Further, since the retainer insertion hole is formed in the inner housing, it is not exposed to the outside by being covered by the outer housing.
- the retainer projects outward from the housing, preferably the inner housing while being located in such a (non-locking) position of or in the retainer insertion hole where it does not securely retain the terminal fitting so as not to come out of the cavity.
- the retainer projects outward from the inner housing, interfering the outer housing if the retainer is not locking the terminal fitting, with the result that the inner and outer housings cannot be assembled. This prevents the connector from being assembled while the terminal fitting is not locked by the retainer.
- the clearance communicating the cavity and the outside is sealed by the first and second waterproof rings, eliminating a likelihood that the terminal fitting is exposed to water.
- the connector is provided with a double-lock function, which facilitates the mounting and overall handling.
- the retainer comprises one or more insertion spaces into which the terminal fittings are insertable when the retainer is located in a non-locking position, and one or more locking spaces substantially communicating with the corresponding insertion spaces, the terminal fittings being displaced into the one or more locking spaces when the retainer is moved into its locking position.
- a portion of the retainer adjacent to the locking spaces interact with a portion of the terminal fittings, preferably an end surface of a main portion thereof.
- the retainer and/or the housing, preferably the inner housing comprise retainer locking means for locking the retainer in the housing, when the retainer is arranged in the locking position.
- a connector housing of a connector according to this embodiment is comprised of outer (see FIG. 1) and inner (see FIG. 2) housings 11, 12 which are substantially engageable with each other.
- a left end surface of FIG. 1 is a front surface to be engaged with a mating connector (not shown).
- a mating connector (not shown).
- a first waterproof ring 16 is fitted on the outer surface of the main body 14, and is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the mating receptacle and the outer surface of the main body 14 by being compressed between these surfaces.
- a through hole extending substantially in an engaging direction ED with the mating connector is formed as an accommodation hole 17 for accommodating the inner housing 12.
- the inner housing 12 is insertable into the accommodation hole 17 through its rear opening.
- a substantially front (left in FIG. 1) opening of the accommodation hole 17 forms a tab insertion opening 18.
- Male tabs (not shown) of the mating connector are insertable through the tab insertion opening 18.
- a substantially rear part of the accommodation hole 17 is preferably entirely or circumferentially widened, thereby forming a stepped portion 19.
- Lock holes 19A are formed in the upper and lower surfaces at a rear part of the stepped portion 19.
- the inner housing 12 which is entirely shown in FIG. 4 has such length and cross section that it can be at least partially fitted into the accommodation hole 17.
- a flange 20 bulging sideways over its preferably entire outer surface so as to correspond to the stepped portion 19 of the outer housing 11 is provided at a rear end portion of the inner housing 12, and lock projections 20A engageable with the lock holes 19A are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the flange 20.
- a second waterproof ring 21 is mounted on a rear part of the outer surface of the inner housing 12 in such a manner as to substantially abut against the flange 20. The second waterproof ring 21 is brought into sealing contact with the inner surface of the stepped portion 19 of the outer housing 11 and the outer surface of the inner housing 12 by being compressed and deformed therebetween.
- a pair of cavities 15 are so formed in the inner housing 12 as to extent in the substantially engaging direction ED with the outer housing 11, and terminal fittings 30 are inserted or insertable thereinto.
- a front side of each cavity 15 is open in the lower surface of the inner housing 12, and this open portion is closed by the inner wall of the accommodation hole 17 (see FIG. 3).
- the open portions of the cavities 15 (15A in FIGS. 2 and 3) are aligned with the tab insertion openings 18 of the outer housing 11, and the male tabs are inserted into the cavities 15 through the tab insertion openings 18.
- the terminal fitting 30 is formed as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 e.g. by cutting a conductive metal plate and bending the cut piece.
- a front end surface 31A of a main portion 31 substantially in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped is brought into contact with a contact wall (not shown) formed in the cavity 15, thereby substantially positioning the terminal fitting 30 in the cavity 15 with respect to the forward direction (leftward direction in FIG. 2).
- a pair of opposite pieces 32 extend substantially forward from the front end surface 31A of the main portion 31 in such a manner as to be closer to each other or that a distance therebetween tapers or decreases, and the male tab is held or holdable between these opposite pieces 32 to establish an electrical connection therewith.
- a pair of metal lances or locking portions 33 extend obliquely backward from opposite side walls of the main body 31. These metal locking portions 33 are locked with receiving projections 22 formed in the cavity 15 so as to prevent the terminal fitting 30 from coming out of the cavity 15 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).
- a connecting portion 34 extends substantially backward from a substantially center portion thereof.
- a barrel portion 35 for the connection with a wire 36 is provided at the leading end of the connecting portion 34.
- the connecting portion 34 has a cross section smaller than the main portion 31 as shown in FIG. 5 so as to be fittable into a locking space 45 provided in a retainer 40 to be described later.
- a waterproof rubber plug 37 is mounted or mountable on the barrel portion 35 as well as on an end of the wire 36 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This waterproof rubber plug 37 is or can be brought in sealing contact with the outer sheath of the wire 36 and the inner surface of the cavity 15.
- a retainer insertion hole 23 is so formed in the inner housing 12 as to preferably extend over the substantially entire width of the inner housing 12 in a direction at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably substantially normal to the extension of the cavities 15. Intersecting portions of the cavities 15 and the retainer insertion hole 23 correspond to the connecting portions 34 of the terminal fittings 30 properly accommodated in the cavities 15 as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of projections 24 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the retainer insertion hole 23 near a right opening of FIG. 5, and lock portions 42 provided on the retainer 40 as described later are lockingly engaged or engageable with these projections 24.
- the retainer 40 has such a substantially platelike shape as a whole as to be fittable into the retainer insertion hole 23 as shown in FIG. 4, and the aforementioned pair of lock portions 42 extend forward from the front surface of the retainer 40 with respect to its insertion direction.
- a pair of terminal retaining portion 43 are provided between the locking portions 42 and/or in a plate portion 40A.
- Each terminal retaining portion 43 is comprised of an insertion space 44 into which the main portion 31 of the terminal fitting 30 is insertable substantially in a direction of the thickness of the retainer 40 and the locking space 45 which communicates with the insertion space 44 and into which only the connecting portion 34 of the terminal fitting 30 is insertable. As shown in FIG.
- the insertion spaces 44 substantially face or communicate with the cavities 15.
- the retainer 40 projects from the inner housing 12 with the locking portions 42 preferably in abutment against the projections 24, whereas it is substantially accommodated in the retainer insertion hole 23 with the locking portions 42 engaged with the projections 24.
- the retainer 40 is first inserted into the retainer insertion hole 23 of the inner housing 12 until the locking portions 42 of the retainer 40 are struck against the projections 24 (see FIG. 5). Then, the insertion spaces 44 of the retainer 40 substantially face the cavities 15.
- the terminal fittings 30 can be inserted into the cavities 15 without being interfered by the retainer 40 since the main portions 31 of the terminal fittings 30 are insertable into the insertion spaces 44.
- the terminal fittings 30 are inserted to the back of the cavities 15, the metal locking portions 33 thereof move over the receiving projections 22, thereby being locked therewith (see FIG. 2). This is referred to as "partial locking".
- the terminal fittings 30 are positioned with respect to the forward direction by the main portions 31 thereof abutting against the contact walls (not shown) of the cavities 15.
- the retainer 40 is preferably strongly pushed into the retainer insertion hole 23. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the connecting portions 34 of the terminal fittings 30 enter the locking spaces 45 of the retainer 40, and the plate portion 40A of the retainer 40 substantially faces the rear end surfaces 31B of the main portions 31 of the terminal fittings 30 (see FIG. 2), with the result that the terminal fittings 30 are directly retained by the retainer 40 so as not to come out of the cavities 15, thereby being brought into their double-locked states. At this time, the locking portions 42 of the retainer 40 move over the projections 24 in the retainer insertion hole 23, thereby being locked therewith (see FIG. 6).
- the terminal fittings 30 are insufficiently inserted, the main portions 31 thereof are located in the insertion spaces 44 of the retainer 40 and the retainer 40 interferes the terminal fittings 30.
- the retainer 40 cannot be pushed to the back and, as a result, the insufficient insertion of the terminal fittings 30 can be detected.
- the inner housing 12 is inserted to the back of the accommodation hole 17 of the outer housing 11. Then, the inner housing 12 is retained in the accommodation hole 17 so as not to come therefrom by the engagement of the lock projections 20A of the inner housing 12 and the lock holes 19A of the outer housing 12, and a clearance between the outer and inner housings 11 and 12 is sealed by the second waterproof ring 21.
- the retainer 40 is such a position as to retain the terminal fittings 30, it projects from the side surface of the inner housing 12, thereby interfering the outer housing 11. Accordingly, the inner housing 12 cannot be substantially fitted into the outer housing 11. This prevents the connector of this embodiment from being assembled without the terminal fittings being locked by the retainer 40 (double lock state).
- the terminal fittings 30 can be retained with a strong force since the retainer 40 directly retains the terminal fittings 30 so as not come out. Further, since the retainer insertion hole 23 is provided in the inner housing 12, it is not exposed outside by being covered by the outer housing 11. In other words, the present invention provides a connector having the advantages of the prior art side retainer type connector and front retainer type connector. Further, since the clearances communicating the cavities 15 with the outside are sealed by the first and second waterproof rings 16, 21 and the waterproof plug 37, the terminal fittings 30 are not to be exposed to water.
- the number of the terminal fittings may be 1 or 3 or more.
- the retainer may be provided with terminal locking portions corresponding to the number of the terminal fitting(s).
Description
- The present invention relates to a connector provided with a retainer.
- Generally, there are two types of connectors provided with a retainer: a side retainer type (see Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 6-5870) and a front retainer type (see Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 5-23455 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-250215).
- The side retainer type connector is such as shown in FIG. 7 that a
retainer 3 is mounted in a direction normal to the insertion direction ofterminal fittings 2 into aconnector housing 1. Accordingly, aretainer insertion hole 4 is open in one side surface of theconnector housing 1. This type has an advantage of retaining theterminal fittings 2 with a larger force since theretainer 3 directly locks theterminal fittings 2 as shown in FIG. 8. On the other hand, the front retainer type connector is such as shown in FIG. 9 that a retainer 5 is inserted into aconnector housing 6 along the insertion direction ofterminal fittings 2, and aretainer insertion hole 7 is accordingly open in an engaging surface with a mating connector. This type has an advantage that theretainer insertion hole 7 is not exposed by being covered by the mating connector. - A side retainer type connector according to the preamble of
claim 1 is known from EP-0 700 125 A2. Furthermore, DE 41 23 505 C1 discloses a connector coupling formed to two connector housings and an intermediate housing. - However, there has been no connector provided with a retainer which has advantages of both types. Further, since in the connector of EP-0 700 125 A2, the retainer can be in a locked or an unlocked state when the housing is assembled, there is a risk of malfunction if the connector is operated while the retainer is in its unlocked state.
- It is the object of the invention to provide a connector provided with a retainer in which a retainer insertion hole is covered, terminal fittings are retained with a large force, the likelihood is eliminated that the terminal fitting is exposed to water, and in which reliability of operation is easily improved.
- This object is fulfilled by a connector having the features disclosed in
claim 1. - Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the inner housing is formed with the at least one cavity.
- Preferably, the inner housing is provided with the retainer insertion portion.
- According to a further preferred embodiment, there is provided a connector provided with a retainer, comprising:
- a connector housing comprised of inner and outer housings which are lockingly engaged with each other, the inner housing being formed with at least one cavity into which a terminal fitting is insertable along an engaging direction of the inner housing with the outer housing and a retainer insertion hole extending in a direction normal to the extension of the cavity, and
- a retainer insertable into the retainer insertion hole, wherein the terminal fitting inserted into the cavity is securely retained so as not to come out of the cavity when the retainer is positioned at the back of the retainer insertion hole.
-
- Accordingly, the retainer is located substantially at the back of the retainer insertion hole and projects into the cavity to face the terminal fitting inserted thereinto in such a direction as to prevent the terminal fitting from coming out of the cavity. Since the retainer directly prevents the terminal fitting from coming out, the terminal fitting can be retained with a large force. Further, since the retainer insertion hole is formed in the inner housing, it is not exposed to the outside by being covered by the outer housing.
- Preferably, the retainer projects outward from the housing, preferably the inner housing while being located in such a (non-locking) position of or in the retainer insertion hole where it does not securely retain the terminal fitting so as not to come out of the cavity.
- Accordingly, the retainer projects outward from the inner housing, interfering the outer housing if the retainer is not locking the terminal fitting, with the result that the inner and outer housings cannot be assembled. This prevents the connector from being assembled while the terminal fitting is not locked by the retainer.
- Accordingly, the clearance communicating the cavity and the outside is sealed by the first and second waterproof rings, eliminating a likelihood that the terminal fitting is exposed to water.
- Accordingly, the connector is provided with a double-lock function, which facilitates the mounting and overall handling.
- Preferably, the retainer comprises one or more insertion spaces into which the terminal fittings are insertable when the retainer is located in a non-locking position, and one or more locking spaces substantially communicating with the corresponding insertion spaces, the terminal fittings being displaced into the one or more locking spaces when the retainer is moved into its locking position.
- Further preferably, a portion of the retainer adjacent to the locking spaces interact with a portion of the terminal fittings, preferably an end surface of a main portion thereof.
- Most preferably, the retainer and/or the housing, preferably the inner housing comprise retainer locking means for locking the retainer in the housing, when the retainer is arranged in the locking position.
- These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a side view in section of an outer housing of one embodiment of the invention,
- FIG. 2 is a side view in section of an inner housing of the embodiment,
- FIG. 3 is a side view in section of the inner and outer housings in their assembled state,
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment,
- FIG. 5 is a section along A-A of FIG. 2 showing a position of a retainer partly locked,
- FIG. 6 is a section of A-A of FIG. 2 showing a position of the retainer fully locked,
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a prior art side retainer type connector,
- FIG. 8 is a partial side view of this prior art connector, and
- FIG. 9 is a side view in section of a prior art front retainer type connector.
-
- Hereafter, one embodiment of the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
- A connector housing of a connector according to this embodiment is comprised of outer (see FIG. 1) and inner (see FIG. 2)
housings - In the
outer housing 11, a left end surface of FIG. 1 is a front surface to be engaged with a mating connector (not shown). Into aspace 14A defined between areceptacle 13 projecting forward from the front surface and amain body 14 provided inside thereceptacle 13 is insertably fitted or fittable a mating receptacle for the connection of the two connectors. A firstwaterproof ring 16 is fitted on the outer surface of themain body 14, and is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the mating receptacle and the outer surface of themain body 14 by being compressed between these surfaces. Inside themain body 14, a through hole extending substantially in an engaging direction ED with the mating connector is formed as anaccommodation hole 17 for accommodating theinner housing 12. Theinner housing 12 is insertable into theaccommodation hole 17 through its rear opening. A substantially front (left in FIG. 1) opening of theaccommodation hole 17 forms a tab insertion opening 18. Male tabs (not shown) of the mating connector are insertable through the tab insertion opening 18. Further, a substantially rear part of theaccommodation hole 17 is preferably entirely or circumferentially widened, thereby forming astepped portion 19.Lock holes 19A are formed in the upper and lower surfaces at a rear part of thestepped portion 19. - On the other hand, the
inner housing 12 which is entirely shown in FIG. 4 has such length and cross section that it can be at least partially fitted into theaccommodation hole 17. Aflange 20 bulging sideways over its preferably entire outer surface so as to correspond to thestepped portion 19 of theouter housing 11 is provided at a rear end portion of theinner housing 12, andlock projections 20A engageable with thelock holes 19A are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of theflange 20. Further, a secondwaterproof ring 21 is mounted on a rear part of the outer surface of theinner housing 12 in such a manner as to substantially abut against theflange 20. The secondwaterproof ring 21 is brought into sealing contact with the inner surface of thestepped portion 19 of theouter housing 11 and the outer surface of theinner housing 12 by being compressed and deformed therebetween. - A pair of
cavities 15 are so formed in theinner housing 12 as to extent in the substantially engaging direction ED with theouter housing 11, andterminal fittings 30 are inserted or insertable thereinto. As shown in FIG. 2, a front side of eachcavity 15 is open in the lower surface of theinner housing 12, and this open portion is closed by the inner wall of the accommodation hole 17 (see FIG. 3). The open portions of the cavities 15 (15A in FIGS. 2 and 3) are aligned with thetab insertion openings 18 of theouter housing 11, and the male tabs are inserted into thecavities 15 through thetab insertion openings 18. - The
terminal fitting 30 is formed as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 e.g. by cutting a conductive metal plate and bending the cut piece. Afront end surface 31A of amain portion 31 substantially in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped is brought into contact with a contact wall (not shown) formed in thecavity 15, thereby substantially positioning the terminal fitting 30 in thecavity 15 with respect to the forward direction (leftward direction in FIG. 2). A pair ofopposite pieces 32 extend substantially forward from thefront end surface 31A of themain portion 31 in such a manner as to be closer to each other or that a distance therebetween tapers or decreases, and the male tab is held or holdable between theseopposite pieces 32 to establish an electrical connection therewith. Further, a pair of metal lances or lockingportions 33 extend obliquely backward from opposite side walls of themain body 31. Thesemetal locking portions 33 are locked withreceiving projections 22 formed in thecavity 15 so as to prevent the terminal fitting 30 from coming out of the cavity 15 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). - At a
rear end surface 31 B of themain portion 31, a connectingportion 34 extends substantially backward from a substantially center portion thereof. Abarrel portion 35 for the connection with awire 36 is provided at the leading end of the connectingportion 34. The connectingportion 34 has a cross section smaller than themain portion 31 as shown in FIG. 5 so as to be fittable into a lockingspace 45 provided in aretainer 40 to be described later. Further, awaterproof rubber plug 37 is mounted or mountable on thebarrel portion 35 as well as on an end of thewire 36 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thiswaterproof rubber plug 37 is or can be brought in sealing contact with the outer sheath of thewire 36 and the inner surface of thecavity 15. - As shown in FIG. 4, a
retainer insertion hole 23 is so formed in theinner housing 12 as to preferably extend over the substantially entire width of theinner housing 12 in a direction at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably substantially normal to the extension of thecavities 15. Intersecting portions of thecavities 15 and theretainer insertion hole 23 correspond to the connectingportions 34 of theterminal fittings 30 properly accommodated in thecavities 15 as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 5, a pair ofprojections 24 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of theretainer insertion hole 23 near a right opening of FIG. 5, and lockportions 42 provided on theretainer 40 as described later are lockingly engaged or engageable with theseprojections 24. - The
retainer 40 has such a substantially platelike shape as a whole as to be fittable into theretainer insertion hole 23 as shown in FIG. 4, and the aforementioned pair oflock portions 42 extend forward from the front surface of theretainer 40 with respect to its insertion direction. A pair ofterminal retaining portion 43 are provided between the lockingportions 42 and/or in aplate portion 40A. Eachterminal retaining portion 43 is comprised of aninsertion space 44 into which themain portion 31 of the terminal fitting 30 is insertable substantially in a direction of the thickness of theretainer 40 and the lockingspace 45 which communicates with theinsertion space 44 and into which only the connectingportion 34 of the terminal fitting 30 is insertable. As shown in FIG. 5, when the leading end of thelock portions 42 of theretainer 40 inserted into theinsertion hole 23 from the left side of FIG. 5 abuts against theprojection 24, theinsertion spaces 44 substantially face or communicate with thecavities 15. When theretainer 40 is further pushed to engage the lockingportions 42 with theprojections 24 as shown in FIG. 6, the lockingspaces 45 substantially face thecavities 15. Further, theretainer 40 projects from theinner housing 12 with the lockingportions 42 preferably in abutment against theprojections 24, whereas it is substantially accommodated in theretainer insertion hole 23 with the lockingportions 42 engaged with theprojections 24. - Next, the action of this embodiment is described.
- In order to assemble the connector of this embodiment, the
retainer 40 is first inserted into theretainer insertion hole 23 of theinner housing 12 until the lockingportions 42 of theretainer 40 are struck against the projections 24 (see FIG. 5). Then, theinsertion spaces 44 of theretainer 40 substantially face thecavities 15. Theterminal fittings 30 can be inserted into thecavities 15 without being interfered by theretainer 40 since themain portions 31 of theterminal fittings 30 are insertable into theinsertion spaces 44. When theterminal fittings 30 are inserted to the back of thecavities 15, themetal locking portions 33 thereof move over the receivingprojections 22, thereby being locked therewith (see FIG. 2). This is referred to as "partial locking". At this time, theterminal fittings 30 are positioned with respect to the forward direction by themain portions 31 thereof abutting against the contact walls (not shown) of thecavities 15. - In this state, the
retainer 40 is preferably strongly pushed into theretainer insertion hole 23. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the connectingportions 34 of theterminal fittings 30 enter the lockingspaces 45 of theretainer 40, and theplate portion 40A of theretainer 40 substantially faces the rear end surfaces 31B of themain portions 31 of the terminal fittings 30 (see FIG. 2), with the result that theterminal fittings 30 are directly retained by theretainer 40 so as not to come out of thecavities 15, thereby being brought into their double-locked states. At this time, the lockingportions 42 of theretainer 40 move over theprojections 24 in theretainer insertion hole 23, thereby being locked therewith (see FIG. 6). Here, if theterminal fittings 30 are insufficiently inserted, themain portions 31 thereof are located in theinsertion spaces 44 of theretainer 40 and theretainer 40 interferes theterminal fittings 30. Thus, theretainer 40 cannot be pushed to the back and, as a result, the insufficient insertion of theterminal fittings 30 can be detected. - Finally, the
inner housing 12 is inserted to the back of theaccommodation hole 17 of theouter housing 11. Then, theinner housing 12 is retained in theaccommodation hole 17 so as not to come therefrom by the engagement of thelock projections 20A of theinner housing 12 and the lock holes 19A of theouter housing 12, and a clearance between the outer andinner housings waterproof ring 21. Here, unless theretainer 40 is such a position as to retain theterminal fittings 30, it projects from the side surface of theinner housing 12, thereby interfering theouter housing 11. Accordingly, theinner housing 12 cannot be substantially fitted into theouter housing 11. This prevents the connector of this embodiment from being assembled without the terminal fittings being locked by the retainer 40 (double lock state). - When this connector is connected with a mating connector, the male terminals of the mating connector are inserted into the
cavities 15 to be electrically connected with theterminal fittings 30. Further, a clearance between the two connectors is sealed by the firstwaterproof ring 16. - As described above, according to the connector of this embodiment, the
terminal fittings 30 can be retained with a strong force since theretainer 40 directly retains theterminal fittings 30 so as not come out. Further, since theretainer insertion hole 23 is provided in theinner housing 12, it is not exposed outside by being covered by theouter housing 11. In other words, the present invention provides a connector having the advantages of the prior art side retainer type connector and front retainer type connector. Further, since the clearances communicating thecavities 15 with the outside are sealed by the first and secondwaterproof rings waterproof plug 37, theterminal fittings 30 are not to be exposed to water. - The present invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiment, but the following embodiments are also embraced by the technical scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Besides the following embodiments, a variety of other changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
- (1) Although two
terminal fittings 30 are accommodated in the connector of the foregoing embodiment, the number of the terminal fittings may be 1 or 3 or more. In such a case, the retainer may be provided with terminal locking portions corresponding to the number of the terminal fitting(s). -
- 11
- Outer Housing
- 12
- Inner Housing
- 15
- Cavity
- 16
- First Waterproof Ring
- 21
- Second Waterproof Ring
- 23
- Retainer Insertion Hole
- 30
- Terminal Fitting
- 40
- Retainer
Claims (9)
- A connector provided with a retainer, comprising:a connector housing (11; 12) being formed with at least one cavity (15) into which a terminal fitting (30) is insertable substantially along an engaging direction (ED) and a retainer insertion hole (23) extending in a direction at an angle different from 0° or 180° with respect to the insertion direction (ED), preferably substantially normal to the extension of the cavity (15), anda retainer (40) insertable into the retainer insertion hole (23),
a first waterprooef ring (16) is provided between the outer housing (11) and a mating connector housing into which the outer housing (11) is insertable and can be brought into sealable contact with both the outer housing (11) and the mating connector housing, and
a second waterproof ring (21) is provided between the outer surface of the inner housing (12) and the inner surface of the outer housing (11) which can be brought into sealable contact with both the outer and the inner housings (11, 12),
characterized in that the first waterproof ring (16) is fitted on the outer surface of the outer housing (11). - A connector according to claim 1, wherein the inner housing (12) is formed with the at least one cavity (15).
- A connector according to claim 2, wherein the inner housing (12) is provided with the retainer inserting hole (23).
- A connector according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer (40) projects outward from the housing (11; 12), preferably the inner housing (12) while being located in such a non-locking position (Fig. 5) in the retainer insertion hole (23) where it does not securely retain the terminal fitting (30) so as not to come out of the cavity (15).
- A connector according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the second waterproof ring (21) is provided in a position more distanced from the mating connector housing than the retainer insertion hole (23).
- A connector according to one or mote of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal fittings (30) and/or the housing (11; 12), preferably the inner housing (12) are provided with first locking means (33; 22) for locking the terminal fittings (30) in the cavity (15) before the terminal fittings (30) are retained by the retainer (40).
- A connector according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer (40) comprises
one or more insertion spaces (44) into which the terminal fittings are insertable (30) when the retainer is located in a non-locking position (Fig. 5), and
one or more locking spaces (45) substantially communicating with the corresponding insertion spaces (44), the terminal fittings (30) being displaced into the one or more locking spaces (45) when the retainer (40) is moved into its locking position (Fig. 6). - A connector according to claim 7, wherein a portion of the retainer (40) adjacent to the locking spaces (45) interacts with a portion of the terminal fittings (30), preferably an end surface (31A) of a main portion (31) thereof.
- A connector according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer (40) and/or the housing (11; 12), preferably the inner housing (12) comprise retainer locking means (42; 24) for locking the retainer (40) in the housing (11; 12), when the retainer (40) is arranged in the locking position (Fig. 6).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP251779/97 | 1997-09-17 | ||
JP25177997A JP3632811B2 (en) | 1997-09-17 | 1997-09-17 | Connector with retainer |
JP25177997 | 1997-09-17 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0903814A1 EP0903814A1 (en) | 1999-03-24 |
EP0903814B1 true EP0903814B1 (en) | 2005-01-05 |
Family
ID=17227806
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP98117554A Expired - Lifetime EP0903814B1 (en) | 1997-09-17 | 1998-09-16 | Connector provided with a retainer |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0903814B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3632811B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1211836A (en) |
BR (1) | BR9803576A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69828470T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3275296B2 (en) * | 1997-10-29 | 2002-04-15 | 住友電装株式会社 | connector |
ES1044530Y (en) * | 1999-11-10 | 2000-09-01 | Mecanismos Aux Ind | LOCKING ELEMENT FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY. |
JP3463636B2 (en) | 1999-12-13 | 2003-11-05 | 住友電装株式会社 | connector |
JP2002100433A (en) | 2000-07-17 | 2002-04-05 | Yazaki Corp | Connector with retainer |
FR2881000B1 (en) * | 2005-01-18 | 2013-06-14 | Radiall Sa | MULTICONTACT CONNECTOR INSERT AND MULTICONTACT CONNECTOR EQUIPPED WITH SUCH INSERT |
JP4820270B2 (en) * | 2005-11-22 | 2011-11-24 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
JP2009021159A (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2009-01-29 | Tyco Electronics Amp Kk | Electric connector assembly, and male connector |
EP2218146B1 (en) * | 2007-10-22 | 2016-07-27 | Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.à r.l. | Electrical connector system |
DE102008058867B3 (en) * | 2008-11-26 | 2010-07-08 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | Connectors |
EP2413431B1 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2015-03-11 | Tyco Electronics AMP Italia S.r.l. | Electrical connector with an outer housing, an inner housing and an indicator sleeve |
DE102012209298B4 (en) * | 2012-06-01 | 2017-10-05 | Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh | Electrical connector, connector assembly and method of mounting the connector |
JP5700070B2 (en) * | 2013-06-03 | 2015-04-15 | 第一精工株式会社 | Electrical connector |
CN104882706B (en) * | 2014-02-28 | 2017-02-22 | 凡甲电子(苏州)有限公司 | Electric connector and electric connector assembly |
JP6433388B2 (en) * | 2015-07-30 | 2018-12-05 | モレックス エルエルシー | Connectors and connector assemblies |
DE102016217456B3 (en) | 2016-09-13 | 2017-12-21 | Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh | Arrangement for an electrical connector and plug connector with a contact housing, housing and securing element |
US11569605B2 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2023-01-31 | Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh | Contact device and contact system |
DE102016125029B4 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2019-03-14 | Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh | Contact device and contact system |
KR102530933B1 (en) * | 2017-12-08 | 2023-05-11 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Connector |
CN110416838A (en) * | 2019-08-21 | 2019-11-05 | 东莞荣瑞医疗器械有限公司 | A kind of medical lead line water-proof connector |
CN113690700A (en) * | 2021-08-26 | 2021-11-23 | 中航光电科技股份有限公司 | Adapter |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4229279A1 (en) * | 1991-09-04 | 1993-03-11 | Yazaki Corp | Electrical multi contact connector - has block formed with individual locations for wire terminal connectors, and central channel to receive latching element for secure retention. |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4123505C1 (en) * | 1991-07-16 | 1993-01-21 | Kabelwerke Reinshagen Gmbh, 5600 Wuppertal, De | Sealed electrical coupling with locking members \ - has two identical housing parts with axial chambers having drawer openings for locking members |
US5554055A (en) * | 1994-08-31 | 1996-09-10 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Electrical connector employing dual locking contact retention |
-
1997
- 1997-09-17 JP JP25177997A patent/JP3632811B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-09-16 DE DE69828470T patent/DE69828470T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-09-16 BR BR9803576A patent/BR9803576A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-09-16 EP EP98117554A patent/EP0903814B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-09-17 CN CN 98119289 patent/CN1211836A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4229279A1 (en) * | 1991-09-04 | 1993-03-11 | Yazaki Corp | Electrical multi contact connector - has block formed with individual locations for wire terminal connectors, and central channel to receive latching element for secure retention. |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPH1197096A (en) | 1999-04-09 |
BR9803576A (en) | 1999-10-19 |
DE69828470D1 (en) | 2005-02-10 |
DE69828470T2 (en) | 2005-12-15 |
JP3632811B2 (en) | 2005-03-23 |
EP0903814A1 (en) | 1999-03-24 |
CN1211836A (en) | 1999-03-24 |
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