JP2002005375A - Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a connector capable of preventing a user from forgetting to return a retainer. SOLUTION: In the connector 1 having a substantially tubular socket 2 and the retainer 4, the vicinity at one end of the retainer 4 is restrained on an outer periphery of the socket 2 in a peripheral direction. A part 7 of the retainer 4 is projected into an inner hole 19 from a groove 26 and the projecting part 7 prevents a plug 12 from extracting from the socket 2. While operating force of the peripheral direction 4a is applied to the retainer 4, the retainer 4 is rotated with the restraining part as a center and the projecting part 7 is retreated from the inner hole 19. When the operating force is lost, the projecting part 7 is recovered to position and attitude for projecting into the inner hole 19.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector for connecting pipes, tubes and hoses.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A connector receives a plug to prevent it from falling off. For this purpose, a retainer is attached to the socket. A conventional connector will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0003] First, a plug 60 connected to a connector will be described. The plug 60 is substantially tubular, and has a small-diameter portion 62 from the distal end, and a tapered portion 6 having an increased diameter from the small-diameter portion.
4. The tapered portion 64 has a reduced diameter portion 70 reduced in diameter from an increased diameter portion 72 expanded in diameter. The diameter of the reduced diameter portion 70 is actually reduced by the groove. The enlarged diameter portion 72 can be inserted into an inner hole 86 of the socket 80 described later. Plug 60
Is formed with a through hole 66 penetrating from the front end to the rear end.

Next, a connector for receiving the plug and preventing the plug from coming off will be described. In the connector, a retainer 50 is attached to a socket 80. The socket 80 is substantially tubular, and has an insertion port 82 and a main body 84 coaxially. The insertion port 82 is inserted into an inner hole of a pipe, a tube, a hose, or the like. The main body 84 has an inner hole 86 from its outer periphery.
Are provided. This groove 88
Extends in a plane intersecting (in this case, substantially orthogonal) the central axis of the socket 80. A retainer 5, which will be described later, is provided at a position substantially in the middle of each groove 88 and axially adjacent to the groove 88.
A temporary fixing concave portion 90 is provided for engaging the hook 52 of No. 0 and holding the retainer 50 in the temporary fixing state. The inner hole 86 penetrates from the front end to the rear end of the socket 80. The retainer 50 has a spring property and is formed in a substantially U-shape.
It is engaged with the groove 88 of the book. When no external force is applied, a part of the retainer 50 projects from the groove 88 into the inner hole 86 of the socket 80. The distance between two projecting portions 54 (one of which is shaded and not shown in FIG. 16) projecting into the inner hole 86 is larger than the diameter of the small-diameter portion 62 of the plug 60, and Smaller than the diameter. Both ends of the retainer 50 are provided in the axial direction of the socket 80 (the temporary fixing recess 9).
A bent hook 52 is formed on the side where 0 exists.

[0005] The case where the plug 60 is connected to the socket 80 will be described first. As shown in FIG. 16, the retainer 50 is engaged with the two grooves 88 of the socket 80 in advance. In this state, a part 54 of the retainer 50 is
From the inner hole 86 of the socket 80. Inner hole 8
The distance between the two projecting portions 54 projecting into the inside 6 is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 62 of the plug 60 and smaller than the diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 72. In this state, the plug 60 is inserted into the inner hole 86 of the socket 80 from the distal end side. The distance between the two projecting portions 54 of the retainer 50 projecting into the inner hole 86 is the plug 60.
Since the diameter of the small diameter portion 62 is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 62, the small diameter portion 62 smoothly enters between the projecting portions 54 of the retainer 50. Inner hole 8
6 is smaller than the diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 72 of the plug 60,
When the plug 60 is inserted further into the socket 80,
The pair of protrusions 54 of the retainer 50 are pushed outward by the tapered portion 64. The enlarged diameter portion 72 passes between the pair of protrusions 54 of the retainer 50, and the reduced diameter portion 70
0, the distance between the pair of protrusions 54 is reduced by the spring property of the retainer 50, and the pair of protrusions 54 of the retainer 50 is reduced in diameter (ie, grooves) 70.
Get inside. When the distance between the pair of protrusions 54 of the retainer 50 shrinks corresponding to the diameter-reduced portion 70, the retainer 50 whose axial position is restricted by the groove 88 increases the diameter even if the plug 60 is to be pulled out of the socket 80. The plug 60 does not come off because it comes into contact with a step surface (a surface perpendicular to the axis) between the portion 72 and the reduced diameter portion 70, and the plug 60 is prevented from coming off with respect to the socket 80.

The plug 60, which has been prevented from being removed, is
17, a tool such as a screwdriver is inserted into the gap between the retainer 50 and the socket 80, and the hook 52 of the retainer 50 is inserted into the temporary fixing recess 90, as shown in FIG.
Pull out until it engages. By this time, the hook 52 of the retainer 50 is pushed out by the outer periphery of the socket 80, and the protrusion 54 of the retainer 50 is retracted into the groove 88. When the retainer 50 is temporarily fixed in this expanded state, the retainer 50 does not interfere with the enlarged diameter portion 72 of the plug 60. Therefore, the plug 60 can be removed from the socket 80.

When the plug 60 is connected to the socket 80 again, the retainer 50 held in the temporarily fixed state is pushed back along the groove 88. Thereafter, the plug 60 is inserted into the inner hole 86 of the socket 80 from the front end side. Hereinafter, the plug 60 is prevented from being removed from the socket 80 by the retainer 50 in accordance with the operation and phenomenon when the plug 60 is connected to the socket 80 described above.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a conventional connector,
When removing the plug from the socket and reconnecting, the retainer held in the temporarily fixed state is pushed back along the groove provided in the socket, and then the plug is inserted. Therefore, in the conventional connector, an operation of “pushing back” is required at the time of reconnection, and it is easy to forget to return the retainer at an actual assembly site and to incompletely assemble the connector.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to realize a connector that can prevent forgetting to return a retainer.

[0010]

The connector according to the present invention receives a plug having a small-diameter portion, a large-diameter portion, and a small-diameter portion in order from the front end to prevent the plug from coming off. The connector of the present invention
A retainer is assembled to the socket to form a connector. The socket is substantially tubular and has a plurality of grooves extending in a plane intersecting the axis and reaching the inner hole from the outer periphery of the socket. The retainer has a spring property and is engaged with the plurality of grooves, and protrudes into the inner hole of the socket without an external force acting. The diameter formed by the plurality of protrusions protruding into the inner hole is larger than the diameter of the small diameter part and smaller than the diameter of the large diameter part. What is characteristic here is that the retainer is circumferentially restrained by the outer periphery of the socket near one end thereof. For this reason, while a circumferential operation force is applied to the retainer, the retainer rotates around the restraining portion, and the protruding portion retreats from the inner hole. When the operating force is lost, the protrusion returns to the position and posture in which the protrusion protrudes into the inner hole. It should be noted that the term “tubular” referred to above is not limited to those having a straight axis. For example, those that are bent in a hook shape are also included. Further, the cross section of the “tube” is not limited to a circular shape, but includes a square shape.

The connector of the present invention operates essentially the same as a conventional connector, and retains a plug inserted in the socket with a retainer. When the plug is removed from the socket by releasing the retaining state, a circumferential force is applied to the retainer. Then, in the connector according to the present invention, since the retainer is constrained in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer periphery of the socket near one end thereof, the retainer rotates around the constrained portion, and the protrusion protrudes into the inner hole of the socket. The part recedes from the inner hole. As a result, the retaining state is released,
The plug can be removed from the socket. When the above operating force is lost, the protrusion returns to the position and posture in which the protrusion protrudes into the inner hole, so that the protrusion naturally returns to the retaining state, and the plug is inserted into the socket but is not retained. There is no neglected.

In particular, it is preferable that a projecting shape for operation is provided at a portion other than the restrained portion of the retainer. According to this configuration, the operability when removing the plug from the socket is improved.

[0013] Alternatively, it is preferable that the retainer extends from the restraining portion to the side opposite to the groove, and that the extended portion is restrained so as to substantially abut the outer periphery of the socket against the operating force.
Alternatively, it is preferable that the retainer extends from the restraining portion, and that the extending portion is restrained by the socket by the second restraining portion. In these cases, due to the deformation between the extension almost confined to the socket and the rest of the retainer, in addition to the restoring force of the expanded retainer trying to close while the operating force is being applied to the retainer The restoring force can be obtained, and two restoring forces can be generated in the retainer. That is, a larger restoring force can be generated. As a result, the retainer reliably returns to the retaining position.

[0014] In the case of this connector, it is preferable that the retainer is restrained at the restraining portion in a state that it is allowed to move within a predetermined range in the circumferential direction and the radial direction. In this case, the retainer is easily deformed when the plug is inserted into the socket, and the connection can be made with a light force.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, the main features of the embodiments of the present invention will be listed. (Embodiment 1) In claim 1, a pair of stopper projections are provided on both sides in the axial direction of the groove on the outer periphery of the socket. In the case of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the retainer from falling down in the axial direction of the socket while the operating force is being applied to the retainer. (Feature 2) The retainer according to claim 1, wherein the retainer having the substantially U-shaped portion is bent along a substantially circumferential direction of the socket at an end on a side not restrained by the socket. And In the case of the present embodiment, it is effective to reduce the size of the protrusion that engages with the end of the retainer and prevents over-opening. (Mode 3) In claim 1, the retainer is restricted to the socket at one point. Even with this simple form, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to keep the hook.

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described below. First, using FIGS.
The structure of the connector of the embodiment will be described. The connector 1 includes a socket 2 and a retainer 4. Socket 2
Is substantially tubular, and has a tubular insertion port 3 and a main body 5 coaxially. The insertion port 3 is inserted into an inner hole of a pipe, a tube, a hose, or the like. The main body 5 has an inner hole 1
9, two grooves 26 are provided. This groove 26
Extend in a plane intersecting (in this case, substantially perpendicular to) the central axis of the socket 2. The outer periphery of the socket 2 has a groove 2
A pair of non-slip projections 32, 33 are provided on both sides in the axial direction of 6 (not shown in FIG. 1 for clarity of illustration; see FIGS. 2 to 4). On the outer periphery of the main body 5, a projection 34 for preventing over-opening is provided at a position where it comes into contact with an end of a retainer 4 described later (FIGS. 2 and 4). A mounting projection 24 is formed on the outer periphery of the main body 5 of the socket 2 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3), and a restraining portion 25 projects from the mounting projection 24 in an eaves shape (see FIG. 2). ). The mounting projection 24 extends outward so as not to prevent the retainer 4 from opening when the plug 12 is inserted. Since the restriction portion 25 is formed at the tip, the retainer 4 can be opened until the retainer 4 contacts the restriction portion 25. Actually, the plug 12 is inserted before the retainer 4 comes into contact with the restraining portion 25. The mounting projection 24 and the restraining portion 25 are connected to the plug 12
Does not restrict the opening of the retainer 4 due to the insertion. On the other hand, when the retainer 4 rotates in the clockwise direction as shown by a broken line in FIG.
2 is pressed against the corner between the upper surface of the mounting projection 24 and the outer periphery of the socket 2 to prohibit the retaining portion 22 of the retainer from further moving in the clockwise direction. The upper surface of the mounting projection 24 restricts the vicinity of one end of the retainer 4 in the circumferential direction. In addition, the restraint part 25 is the retainer 4
This is provided to prevent disconnection in the event that an abnormal operation is performed, and can be omitted. In order to seal between the outer periphery of the plug 12 and the inner periphery of the socket 2 when assembling the plug 12 to be described later, a seal member 42 such as an O-ring and the seal member 42 are provided in the inner hole 19 of the main body 5. A bush 44 for fixing is provided (see FIG. 6).

The retainer 4 constituting the connector 1 has a spring property, is formed in a substantially U-shape, and is engaged with two grooves 26. When no external force acts on the retainer 4
The pair of parts 7 project into the inner hole 19 of the socket 2 (one is shaded and not shown in FIG. 1). The distance between the pair of protrusions 7 protruding into the inner hole 19 is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 8 of the plug 12 described later, and
Smaller than the diameter of. As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the retainer 4 is bent in the axial direction of the socket 2 (on the side where the overspreading prevention protrusion 34 is provided). Retainer 4
2 and 3 are first bent in the axial direction (this is referred to as a locking portion 22), then in the circumferential direction (this is referred to as an extension portion 20) and finally again. It is bent in the axial direction (23). Retainer 4
2 is formed with a protruding operating portion 6 so that the operator can easily put his / her finger and rotate in the direction of arrow 4a.

The plug 12 received by the connector 1 has a substantially tubular shape.
The tapered portion 10 has an increased diameter, and a reduced diameter portion 18 reduced in diameter from an increased diameter portion 16 expanded by the tapered portion 10. The diameter of the reduced diameter portion 18 is actually reduced by the groove. The enlarged diameter portion 16 can be inserted into the inner hole 19 of the socket 2. The plug 12 has a through hole 1 penetrating from the front end to the rear end.
3 are formed. A pipe or hose may be connected to the rear end of the plug 12, or the rear end of the plug 12 may be directly fixed to a device such as a radiator.

First, a description will be given of a case where the plug 12 is connected to the socket 2 for connecting the pipes. 1 and 2
The retainer 4 is previously engaged with the two grooves 26 of the socket 2 as shown in FIG. In this state, retainer 4
The pair of parts 7 project from the groove 26 into the inner hole 19 of the socket 2. The distance between the pair of projecting portions 7 projecting into the inner hole 19 is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 8 of the plug 12,
6 smaller than the diameter. In this state, the plug 12 is inserted into the inner hole 19 of the socket 2 from the front end side. The distance between the pair of projecting portions 7 of the retainer 4 projecting into the inner hole 19 is determined by the plug 1
Since the diameter of the small-diameter portion 8 is larger than the diameter of the small-diameter portion 8, the small-diameter portion 8 smoothly enters between the pair of protrusions 7 of the retainer 4. Inner hole 1
Since the distance between the pair of protrusions 7 protruding into the plug 9 is smaller than the diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 16 of the plug 12, when the plug 12 is further inserted into the socket 2, the pair of protrusions 7 of the retainer 4 It is pushed outward by the tapered portion 10.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the restraining portions 25 of the mounting protrusions 24 formed on the outer periphery of the main body 5 of the socket 2.
Is located at a distance from the outer periphery of the socket 2 in the radial direction, the restraining portion 25 does not prevent the retainer 4 from being pushed outward, and the plug 12 is inserted into the socket 2 with a small force. The enlarged diameter portion 16 is formed by a pair of protrusions 7 of the retainer 4.
The diameter-reduced portion 18 passes through the pair of protrusions 7 of the retainer 4.
When located between, the distance between the pair of protrusions 7 contracts due to the spring property of the retainer 4, and the pair of protrusions 7 of the retainer 4
Penetrates into the reduced diameter portion (ie, groove) 18. When the distance between the pair of protrusions 7 of the retainer 4 shrinks in accordance with the diameter-reduced portion 18, even if the plug 12 is to be pulled out of the socket 2, the retainer 4 is not stepped between the enlarged diameter portion 16 and the diameter-reduced portion 18. The plug 12 does not come off because it comes into contact with a surface (a surface perpendicular to the axis), and the plug 12 is prevented from coming off with respect to the socket 2.

When pulling out the plug 12 from the socket 2, the operator pushes the protruding operating portion 6 provided on the retainer 4 with a finger as shown by broken lines in FIGS. Push in direction 4a. At this time, since the locking portion 22 of the retainer 4 abuts on the mounting protrusion 24 and cannot move in the circumferential direction, the retainer 4 centers around the abutting portion of the locking portion 22 and the mounting protrusion 24. 2 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2 to the position and shape indicated by the broken line. It is understood that the upper surface of the mounting projection 24 restricts the vicinity of one end of the retainer 4 in the circumferential direction. In the shape of the broken line, the retainer 4 is
Are spread out by the edge 28 (see FIG. 5). At the same time, in the position indicated by the broken line, the remaining retainer is deformed clockwise with respect to the extension 20 of the retainer 4. Retainer 4
While the is extended, the extension 20 is restricted by the outer periphery of the socket 2 and cannot be displaced or deformed. An operator operates against these deformations of the retainer (the deformation that is pushed out by the edge 28 of the groove 26 and the rotation that rotates clockwise with respect to the extension 20 that is restricted by the socket and cannot be deformed). When a circumferential operating force is applied to the portion 6, the retainer 4
Are the positions and postures indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 2 and FIG. In this position and posture, since the retainer 4 does not protrude from the groove 26 into the inner hole 19 of the socket 2, the enlarged diameter portion 16 of the plug 12
And the retainer 4 do not interfere. Therefore, the plug 12 can be extracted from the socket 2. At this time, the operator can press the operation unit 6 with a finger, so that the plug 12 can be extracted without using a tool.

The socket 2 of this embodiment is provided with a pair of stopper projections 32, 33 on both sides of the groove 26 in the axial direction (see FIGS. 2 to 4). Therefore, even if the retainer 4 is rotated and expanded until it reaches the position and posture shown by the broken line, even if the engagement relationship between the retainer 4 and the groove 26 becomes insufficient, the pair of slip prevention projections 32 and 33 remain. Since the retainer 4 is supported from both sides in the axial direction, the retainer 4 does not fall down in the axial direction of the socket 2.

The body portion 5 of the socket 2 is provided with a projection 34 for preventing over-opening, so that when the operator pushes the operating section 6 in the direction of the arrow 4a, the hook 21 is prevented from over-opening. 34 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). As a result, excessive rotation of the retainer 4 is limited. For this reason, the operator pushes the retainer 4 too much in the direction of the arrow 4a, disengaging even the engagement with the slip prevention projections 32, 33, and the retainer 4 falls down in the axial direction of the socket 2, and furthermore, Can prevent the retainer 4 from coming off the socket 2.

To reconnect the plug 12 to the socket 2, first release the finger from the operating part 6 of the retainer 4, and the retainer 4 projects the plug 12 into the socket 2 while projecting into the inner hole 19 of the socket 2. It may be inserted into the hole 19.
In this case, the plug 12 is connected to the socket 2 again by the above-described operation, and is prevented from falling out. Or,
Reconnection may be performed as follows. In this procedure, the operator keeps pushing the operating portion 6 of the retainer 4 in the arrow direction 4a with a finger, and the retainer 4 is moved from the groove 26 to the inner hole 19 of the socket 2.
2 (a state shown by a broken line in FIGS. 2 and 5). Thereafter, the plug 12 is inserted into the inner hole 19 of the socket 2 until the reduced diameter portion 18 is located at a position corresponding to the groove 26.
Insert 2 and 5, the retainer 4 is expanded by the edge 28 of the groove 26. Further, the remaining retainer is deformed clockwise with respect to the extension 20 of the retainer 4. Therefore, a restoring force acting on the retainer 4 to return to the original shape from the expanded state and a restoring force acting on the extended portion 20 so that the remaining retainer returns to the position before deformation. These restoring forces rotate the retainer 4 counterclockwise (arrow 4b).
Try to rotate in the direction. Therefore, when the operator removes his / her finger from the operation unit 6 of the retainer 4, the retainer 4 automatically returns to the position shown by the solid line with a strong force. Even if the reduced diameter portion 18 does not match the position corresponding to the groove 26, when the reduced diameter portion 18 is moved to the position corresponding to the groove 26 by moving the connector back and forth, the retainer 4 is securely inserted into the reduced diameter portion 18. Get into it. Retainer 4
Has a strong restoring force, so that when the plug 12 is inserted to an appropriate position, it surely returns to the position shown by the solid line,
It protrudes into the inner hole 19 of the socket 2 to reliably prevent the plug 12 from coming off.

(Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The connector according to the present embodiment has a restraining portion 125 (a portion for restraining the retainer 4 to the socket 2).
It has features. The same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description will be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the socket 2 of the present embodiment is provided with a mounting portion 36 with a stopper. Mounting part 36 with slip prevention
Are provided along the groove 26. The attachment portion 36 with a stopper is provided with a restraining opening 37 for receiving the locking portion 22 of the retainer 4. As shown in FIG. 7, the restraining opening 37 allows the locking portion 22 of the retainer 4 inserted therein to float within a certain range in the circumferential direction and the radial direction within a certain range. Constrained in the circumferential and radial directions.

When the plug 12 is connected to the socket 2 in the connector of the second embodiment, the tapered portion 10 of the plug 12
The retainer 4 is inserted into the socket 2 while being spread.
At this time, the locking portion 22 of the retainer 4 can move in the circumferential direction and the radial direction within the restricting opening 37. As a result, the retainer 4 tends to spread when the plug 12 is inserted, despite being restricted to the socket 2 by the restriction opening 37 near one end thereof. Therefore, a large force is not required when inserting the plug 12 into the socket.

When a circumferential force is applied to the operating portion 6 of the retainer 4 in order to remove the plug 12, the engaging portion 22 of the retainer 4 is restrained in the circumferential direction by the restraining opening 37. The position and posture indicated by the broken line change. In this state, the plug 12 can be pulled out of the socket 2.

The connector of this embodiment is provided with a mounting portion 36 with a stopper and a stopper 33 along the groove 26 provided in the socket 2. Therefore, the retainer 4 is changed to the position and posture shown by the broken line in FIG.
Even when the retainer 4 does not engage with the groove 26 sufficiently, the retainer 4 is supported by the attachment portion 36 with the stopper and the stopper 33, so that the socket 2 does not fall down in the axial direction of the socket 2.

In the case of the connector of this embodiment, the retainer 4
7 is changed to the posture shown by the broken line in FIG. 7, similarly to the connector of the first embodiment, the edge 28 of the groove 26 (FIG.
), The retainer 4 is expanded. Therefore, since a restoring force is generated in the retainer 4 to return to the original shape from the expanded state, when the operator removes the finger from the operation unit 6, the retainer 4 is automatically changed to a solid line by the restoring force. Return to the position shown.

(Third Embodiment) Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The connector of this embodiment is characterized in that one of the legs of the retainer 4 has a substantially U-shape. A description overlapping with the first and second embodiments will be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, in the retainer 4 of the present embodiment, the arm 40 is further extended from the end that is not restrained. The arm 40 is bent substantially along the circumference of the socket 2. The tip of the arm 40 is bent in the axial direction to form the hook 21.

The retainer 4 of the present embodiment has the arm 40 bent along the outer periphery of the socket 2,
To remove the plug 12 from the socket 2,
The operator operates the projection-shaped operation unit 6 provided on the
10, the hook 21 formed at the tip of the retainer 4 is moved to the vicinity of the outer periphery of the socket 2 as shown in FIG. Can be located. As a result, a connector 38 for preventing the retainer 4 from being detached from the socket 2 for restricting the movement of the retainer 4 is provided with the over-opening preventing protrusion 34 provided in the connector of the first or second embodiment. It is possible to reduce the size more. In the connector of the present embodiment, the movement of the retainer 4 can be restricted by the small over-opening preventing protrusion 38, and the over-opening preventing protrusion 38 can be prevented from interfering with work or the like.

(Fourth Embodiment) An example in which the vicinity of one end of the retainer 4 is movably restrained by the socket 2 within a predetermined range in the circumferential direction and the radial direction has been described. According to the technology of the present invention, the locking portion 22 of the retainer 4 can also be restrained in such a manner that it cannot move in the circumferential direction of the socket 2 in the radial direction.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the socket 2 is provided with a mounting portion 39 with a stopper. The attachment portion 39 with a stopper is provided along the groove 26, similarly to the connector of the above-described embodiment. A mounting hole 41 is provided in the mounting portion 39 with a stopper. The mounting hole 41 has a size substantially corresponding to the locking portion 22 of the retainer 4. When the locking portion 22 is inserted into the mounting hole 41, the locking portion 22 is also circumferentially mounted in the socket 2 in the radial direction. It is restrained in such a manner that it cannot move in the direction.

Also in the connector of this embodiment, the operator operates the projecting operation section 6 provided on the retainer 4 with a finger in the arrow direction 4.
a, the retainer 4 is pressed as shown in FIG.
Rotates around the locking portion 22, and changes to the position and posture shown by the broken line in FIG. In this state, since the retainer 4 indicated by the broken line does not protrude from the groove 26 into the inner surface of the socket 2, it does not interfere with the enlarged diameter portion 16 of the plug 12. Therefore, the plug 12 can be removed from the socket 2. Also in the connector of this embodiment, since the operation unit 6 can be pressed with a finger, the operation of removing the plug 12 can be performed without the need for a tool.

In this embodiment, since one end of the retainer 4 is immovably restrained, a relatively large force is required when inserting the plug into the socket. On the other hand, since the locking portion 22 is strictly restrained by the mounting hole 41, there is little danger that the retaining state is accidentally released or the retainer falls down in the axial direction.

(Fifth Embodiment) Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The connector of this embodiment is characterized by the outer periphery of the socket 2 and one foot of the retainer 4. A description overlapping with any one of the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, an insertion mounting groove base 102 and an insertion mounting groove 106 are formed on the outer periphery of the socket 2 of the present embodiment. The insertion mounting groove 102 is
It protrudes from the outer periphery of the socket 2 in a substantially circumferential tangential direction. An insertion mounting groove 106 is formed along the upper surface of the insertion mounting groove base 102. The insertion mounting groove 106 is provided in the insertion mounting groove base 10.
2 and a space between the lower surface of the insertion mounting groove upper portion 104. The protruding shape of the insertion mounting groove upper portion 104 is formed according to the allowance required for processing the socket 2 and the shape of the retainer 4. In the case of the socket 2 of the embodiment, the insertion mounting groove base 102, the insertion mounting groove 106, and the insertion mounting groove upper portion 104 are located at the tip of the main body 5 (the side where the plug 12 is inserted).
And may not be formed. As shown in FIG. 22, like the insertion mounting groove base 112, the insertion mounting groove 106, and the insertion mounting groove upper portion 114, the groove 26
May be formed to have a width of about.

A flange 108 is provided along the groove 26, as best shown in FIGS. The flange 108 intersects the insertion mounting groove 102 (in this case, substantially orthogonal). In the case of the socket 2 of this embodiment, the flange 1
08 may not be formed (see FIGS. 21 and 22). It is sufficient that the insertion mounting groove base 102 and its base have sufficient rigidity and can exert two restoring forces described later. When the flange 108 is formed, the flange 108 and the stopper 32 are connected to the retainer 4 in the case of a socket shape in which the stopper 33 is not formed.
Can be supported from both sides of the socket 2 in the axial direction.

As best shown in FIG.
One leg of the retainer 4 can be inserted into the insertion mounting groove 106. One end of the retainer 4 is bent in a substantially L-shape toward the inside of the socket 2 (this is referred to as a locking portion 122), and extends by a predetermined distance (this is referred to as an extension portion 120).
). The extension 120 extends in a plane intersecting (in this case, substantially perpendicular to) the central axis of the socket 2, and
6 is the same plane as the axial direction. Insert mounting groove upper part 10
In order to suppress damage to the lower surface of the extension 4, the distal end of the extension 120 is bent such that the edge of the distal end does not contact the wall surface of the insertion mounting groove 106. The extended portion 120 abuts on the lower surface of the insertion mounting groove upper portion 104 at a portion (abutting portion 124) bent at the tip. The circumferential position of the retainer 4 is restricted by the engagement of the locking portion 122 with the wall surface of the insertion mounting groove 106. Retainer 4 is restraining part (locking part)
It extends beyond 122, and its circumferential position is also restrained by the extension 120 also abutting against the wall surface of the insertion mounting groove 106. A second restraint is reserved for the extension. The extension 120 extends in the plane of the retainer 4. Therefore, the retainer 4 of the present embodiment is easy to bend and has higher productivity than a retainer having a portion bent in the axial direction.

When pulling out the plug 12 that has been prevented from being removed from the socket 2, as shown by the broken line in FIG.
The operator presses the protruding operation unit 6 provided on the retainer 4 with the finger in the arrow direction 4a. At this time, the retaining portion 122 of the retainer 4 cannot move in the circumferential direction because the retaining portion 122 of the retainer 4 comes into contact with the insertion mounting groove base 102.
19 around the contact portion of the insert mounting groove base 102 in the clockwise direction in FIG. At this time, the contact portion 124 of the retainer 4 is inserted into the upper part of the insertion mounting groove 1.
04 is in contact with the lower surface. It is understood that the upper surface of the insertion mounting groove base 102 and the lower surface of the insertion mounting groove upper portion 104 restrain the vicinity of one end of the retainer 4 (extended portion 120) in the circumferential direction.

In the position and posture shown by the broken line in FIG.
The retainer 4 is pushed out by the edge 28 of the groove 26. Further, the locking portion 122 of the retainer 4 and the contact portion 124
Abuts against the wall surface of the insertion mounting groove 106 of the socket 2, so that the retainer 4 is leveraged.
The remaining retainer is deformed in the clockwise direction with respect to the extension 120. Therefore, the restoring force acting on the retainer 4 to return to the original shape from the expanded state, and the restoring force acting on the extension 120 to return the remaining retainer to the position before deformation. These restoring forces tend to rotate the retainer 4 in the counterclockwise direction (arrow 4b). Therefore, when the operator removes his / her finger from the operation unit 6 of the retainer 4, the retainer 4 automatically returns to the position shown by the solid line with a strong force.

(Sixth Embodiment) Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The connector of the present embodiment is characterized by the operation section of the retainer 4. A description overlapping with any one of the first to fifth embodiments will be omitted. 23, the left shoulder of the retainer 4 of the present embodiment has
An operation unit 126 having a shape in which the protruding shape is chamfered is formed. The operation unit 126 has a shape substantially along the outer periphery of the socket 2. As a result, the connector of the present embodiment is
It is possible to reduce the size more than the connectors of Nos. 1 to 5. In the connector of this embodiment, the operation section 126 having a chamfered shape is used.
, The rotation of the retainer 4 can be operated, and the operation unit 126 can be prevented from being reduced in the degree of freedom of arrangement of the connector 1 and the like. The operation unit 126 is a socket 2
Since the amount of protrusion from the touch panel is small, the possibility of unintended contact with the operation unit 126 is low. Therefore, there is little danger that the retaining state is accidentally released due to a malfunction.

(Seventh Embodiment) Hereinafter, a seventh embodiment embodying the present invention will be described. The connector of this embodiment is characterized by the shape of the opening of the mounting portion 136 of the socket 2. A description overlapping with any one of the first to sixth embodiments will be omitted. As well shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the socket 2 of this embodiment is provided with a mounting portion 136. The mounting portion 136 is provided along the groove 26. Mounting part 1
A mounting groove 137 for receiving the locking portion 132 of the retainer 4 is formed in 36. The mounting groove 137 is open outward. The mounting groove 137 restricts the locking portion 132 in the circumferential direction in a state where the locking portion 132 of the retainer 4 inserted therein can freely move in and out of the socket 2. The width 140 of the mounting groove 137 is substantially the same as the wire diameter of the retainer 4, but is a width that does not cause inconvenience in inserting and removing the retainer 4 from the mounting groove 137.

Since the mounting groove 137 is open outward,
The retainer 4 can be easily assembled to the socket 2 not only from the axial direction of the socket 2 but also from the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the socket 2 along the groove 26. Since the width 140 of the mounting groove 137 is substantially the same as the wire diameter of the retainer 4, the retainer 4 in a state where the retainer 4 is assembled to the socket 2.
Rattling can be suppressed.

When the plug 12 is connected to the socket 2 in the connector of the seventh embodiment, the tapered portion 10
Is inserted into the socket 2 while pushing and spreading the retainer 4. At this time, since the mounting groove 137 has a width 140,
The locking portion 132 of the retainer 4 moves in the circumferential direction and the radial direction in the mounting groove 137 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 24).
can do. As a result, the retainer 4 can be expanded when the plug 12 is inserted, even though the retainer 4 is restricted to the socket 2 by the mounting groove 137 near one end thereof. Therefore, the socket 2 of the present embodiment also has the plug 1
No large force is required when inserting 2 into socket 2.

When a force in the circumferential direction (arrow 4a) is applied to the operating portion 6 of the retainer 4 to remove the plug 12, the engaging portion 132 of the retainer 4 is restrained in the circumferential direction by the mounting groove 137. 24, the position and the posture indicated by the broken line in FIG. In this state, the plug 12 can be pulled out of the socket 2. Also in the case of the connector of this embodiment,
In a state where the retainer 4 is changed to the posture shown by the broken line in FIG. 24, the retainer 4 is expanded by the edge 28 of the groove 26 as in the case of the connectors of the first to sixth embodiments. . Therefore, since a restoring force is generated in the retainer 4 to return to the original shape from the expanded state, when the operator removes the finger from the operation unit 6, the retainer 4 is automatically changed to a solid line by the restoring force. Return to the position shown.

[0045]

The connector using the technique of the present invention does not require an operator to return the retainer when reconnecting.
Therefore, in the connector of the present invention, there is no possibility of forgetting to return the retainer and causing incomplete assembly of the connector and the plug at the actual assembly site.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a connector and a plug of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the front of the connector to which the plug of the first embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 3 is an external view showing a side surface (a right side surface in FIG. 2) of the connector to which the plug of the first embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing a side surface (left side surface in FIG. 2) of the connector to which the plug of the first embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the movement of the retainer at the time of removing the plug according to the first embodiment from the front.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the connector to which the plug of the first embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 7 is an external view showing a front surface of a connector to which a plug of a second embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 8 is an external view showing a side surface (the right side surface in FIG. 7) of the connector to which the plug of the second embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 9 is an external view showing a side surface (left side surface in FIG. 7) of the connector to which the plug of the second embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 10 is an external view showing a front surface of a connector to which a plug according to a third embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 11 is an external view showing a side surface (a right side surface in FIG. 10) of a connector to which a plug of a third embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 12 is an external view showing a side surface (left side surface in FIG. 10) of a connector to which a plug according to a third embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 13 is an external view showing a front surface of a connector to which a plug of a fourth embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 14 is an external view showing a side surface (a right side surface in FIG. 13) of a connector to which a plug of a fourth embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 15 is an external view showing a side surface (left side surface in FIG. 13) of a connector to which a plug according to a fourth embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a conventional connector and plug.

FIG. 17 is a front sectional view showing the movement of a retainer at the time of pulling out a plug in a conventional connector.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically showing the socket of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing the movement of the retainer when the plug is removed according to the fifth embodiment, as viewed from the front.

FIG. 20 is an external view showing a side surface (a right side surface in FIG. 19) of the connector of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing a second mode of the socket of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view schematically showing a third embodiment of the socket of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the movement of the retainer at the time of removing the plug according to the sixth embodiment from the front.

FIG. 24 is a front sectional view showing the movement of the retainer when the plug is removed and when the plug is assembled in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an external view showing a side surface (a right side surface in FIG. 24) of the connector of the seventh embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1. Connector 2. Socket 4. Retainer 6. Operating part 12. Plug 20. Extension part 22. Locking part 24. Mounting protrusion 25. Restricted part 26. Groove 32 .. Slip stopper projection 33 Slip stopper projection 34 Overspread prevention projection 36 Mounting part with slip stopper 37 Restriction opening 38 Small overspread prevention projection 40 Arm 41・ Mounting hole 106 ・ ・ Insertion mounting groove 120 ・ ・ Extension part 122 ・ ・ Locking part 124 ・ ・ Contact part 126 ・ ・ Operation part 132 ・ ・ Locking part 137 ・ ・ Mounting groove 140 ・ ・ Width

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A connector in which a retainer is assembled to a socket for receiving and stopping a plug having a small diameter portion, a large diameter portion, and a small diameter portion in order from a front end, wherein the socket has a substantially tubular shape. A plurality of grooves extending in a plane intersecting with the socket and reaching the inner hole from the outer periphery of the socket, the retainer has a spring property, is engaged with the plurality of grooves, and the retainer is in a state where no external force acts. The diameter formed by the plurality of protrusions projecting into the inner hole of the socket and projecting into the inner hole is larger than the diameter of the small diameter part and smaller than the diameter of the large diameter part, and the retainer is near one end thereof. At the outer periphery of the socket in the circumferential direction, and while applying a circumferential operating force to the retainer, the retainer rotates around the restraining portion and the projecting portion moves from the inner hole. Retreats, loses control That the connector, wherein the protruding portion is returned to the position and orientation projecting into said bore. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion for operation is provided on a portion of the retainer other than the restraining portion. 3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the retainer extends from the restraining portion to a side opposite to the groove, and the extended portion is restrained to a position substantially abutting against the outer periphery of the socket against the operating force. A connector characterized by being made. 4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein said retainer extends from said restraining portion, and said extension is restrained by said socket by a second restraining portion. 5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the retainer is restrained at the restraining portion in a state in which the retainer is allowed to move within a predetermined range in a circumferential direction and a radial direction. connector.