JP2023024070A - Connector, connector inspection device, and connector inspection method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of automating retainer operation and preventing damage to a tab, a connector inspection device, and a connector inspection method.SOLUTION: A connector 10, in which a conduction inspection is performed by a connector inspection device 50 including a jig 51 and an inspection probe 52, includes a retainer 30 that is assembled to a housing so as to be movable between a temporary locking position and a final locking position. A moving direction in which the retainer is movable intersects a fitting direction in which a mating connector is fitted to the housing. The retainer includes an inclined surface 37 that intersects both the fitting direction and the moving direction. When the connector inspection device 50 is moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing, the inclined surface comes into sliding contact with the jig, thereby moving the retainer from the temporary locking position to the final locking position. After the retainer has moved to the final locking position, the connector inspection device is moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing so that it is pressed against the inspection probe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

The present disclosure relates to a connector, a connector inspection device, and a connector inspection method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a connector provided with a side retainer, the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2000-208195 (Patent Document 1 below) is known. This connector includes a male terminal fitting, a housing for accommodating the male terminal fitting, and a side retainer for retaining the male terminal fitting in a cavity of the housing. The side retainer is inserted into the housing in a direction (horizontal direction) crossing the insertion direction of the male terminal fitting into the cavity, thereby retaining the male terminal fitting.

In the above configuration, the front end of the side retainer is provided with the operating portion projecting forward within the fitting recess of the housing. By laterally moving the operation portion with a jig inserted into the fitting recess, the side retainer is moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position, thereby preventing the male terminal fitting from coming off. It has become.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-208195

In the above configuration, when an operator presses the operating portion of the side retainer with a jig, the jig may interfere with the tab of the male terminal fitting projecting into the fitting recess and damage the tab. Automating the step of moving the side retainer is conceivable in order to avoid such tab damage, but it is not desirable to add a new step in the connector manufacturing process in addition to the inspection step. .

The present disclosure has been completed based on the above circumstances, and a connector capable of automating the retainer operation and preventing damage to the tab by combining the retainer operation process and the continuity test process of the connector, An object of the present invention is to provide a connector inspection device and a connector inspection method.

A connector according to the present disclosure is a connector subjected to a conduction test by a connector inspection device including a jig, an inspection probe, and a main body to which the jig and the inspection probe are attached, the connector having a tab; a housing having a terminal accommodating portion in which the terminals are accommodated; and a retainer assembled to the housing so as to be movable between a temporary locking position and a full locking position, wherein the retainer is movable. The moving direction intersects the mating direction for mating the mating connector with the housing, and when the retainer is held at the temporary locking position, the terminals are moved into the terminal receiving portions. When insertion is permitted and the retainer is held at the final locking position, the terminals are retained inside the terminal accommodating portion, and the retainer intersects both the fitting direction and the moving direction. At least one of the retainer and the housing has an internal space arranged in the fitting direction with respect to the inclined surface, and the connector inspection device is fitted to the housing. When the retainer is moved in the direction, the inclined surface comes into sliding contact with the jig, thereby moving the retainer from the temporary locking position to the final locking position. Further, when the connector inspection device is moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing, the jig enters the internal space and the tip of the tab is pressed against the inspection probe. connector.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector, a connector inspection device, and a connector inspection method capable of automating retainer operation and preventing breakage of tabs.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a state in which a retainer is held at a temporary locking position in the connector according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the retainer is held at the final locking position in the connector. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along BB in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retainer is held at the temporary locking position in the EE cross section of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retainer is held at the full locking position in the EE cross section of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retainer is held at the temporary locking position, taken along line FF of FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retainer is held at the final locking position in cross section FF of FIG. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the retainer. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a retainer. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing how a jig is inserted into the first concave portion of the retainer held at the temporary locking position in the CC cross section of FIG. 2. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inclined surface and the jig-side inclined surface abut on the CC cross section of FIG. 2. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retainer is moved to the final locking position by sliding contact between the inclined surface and the jig-side inclined surface in the CC cross section of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the jig has entered the internal space provided in the first concave portion on the CC cross-section of FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a connector inspection device. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the connector inspection device. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing how the fitting hood portion of the connector inspection device and the hood portion of the outer housing start to fit together in the DD cross section of FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retainer is moved to the final locking position by sliding contact between the inclined surface and the jig-side inclined surface in the DD cross section of FIG. 2. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the fitting hood portion of the connector inspection device and the hood portion of the outer housing are completely fitted in the DD cross section of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector attached to the panel in the DD cross section of FIG. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the connector attached to the panel.

[Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]
First, embodiments of the present disclosure are enumerated and described.

(1) A connector of the present disclosure is a connector that is subjected to a conduction test by a connector inspection device that includes a jig, an inspection probe, and a main body to which the jig and the inspection probe are attached, and has a tab. a terminal, a housing having a terminal accommodating portion in which the terminal is accommodated, and a retainer assembled to the housing so as to be movable between a temporary locking position and a full locking position, wherein the retainer moves. The possible moving direction intersects with the fitting direction for fitting the mating connector to the housing, and when the retainer is held at the temporary locking position, the terminal housing movement of the terminal is prevented. When the retainer is held at the full locking position, the terminals are prevented from coming off inside the terminal accommodating portion, and the retainer is positioned in the fitting direction and the moving direction. At least one of the retainer and the housing has an internal space arranged in the fitting direction with respect to the inclined surface, and the connector inspection device is mounted on the housing. When it is moved in the fitting direction, the inclined surface comes into sliding contact with the jig, whereby the retainer moves from the temporary locking position to the final locking position, and the retainer moves to the final locking position. After that, when the connector inspection device is further moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing, the jig enters the internal space, and the tip of the tab is pressed against the inspection probe. is the connector.

According to such a configuration, the retainer can be moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position by slidingly contacting the inclined surface while moving the jig in the fitting direction. Since at least one of the retainer and the housing has an internal space, it is possible to move the jig further in the fitting direction after moving the retainer to the final locking position. Therefore, it is possible to reliably move the retainer to the final locking position and then move the test probe in the fitting direction to test the continuity of the terminals. Moreover, since the retainer can be operated automatically by the connector inspection device, damage to the tab can be suppressed.

(2) Preferably, the retainer includes at least one support surface extending in the fitting direction and connected to the inclined surface.

According to such a configuration, the support surface can improve the strength of the inclined surface. Further, it is possible to guide the movement of the jig in the fitting direction.

(3) Preferably, the retainer includes a jig insertion recess for receiving the jig inside, and the jig insertion recess includes the inclined surface.

With such a configuration, the inclined surface can be protected within the jig insertion recess.

(4) It is preferable that the jig insertion recess has the internal space.

According to such a configuration, after moving the retainer to the final locking position, it is possible to further move the jig in the fitting direction in the jig insertion recess.

(5) A connector inspection device according to the present disclosure is a connector inspection device for conducting continuity inspection of a connector, wherein the connector includes a terminal having a tab and a housing including a terminal accommodating portion in which the terminal is accommodated. and a retainer assembled to the housing so as to be movable between a temporary locking position and a full locking position, wherein the movement direction in which the retainer is movable corresponds to the mating connector with respect to the housing. In a state where the retainer is held at the temporary locking position, the terminal is allowed to be inserted into the terminal receiving portion, and the retainer is at the full locking position. In the retained state, the terminals are prevented from coming off inside the terminal accommodating portions, and the retainer has an inclined surface that intersects both the fitting direction and the moving direction, and at least one of the retainer and the housing One has an internal space arranged in the fitting direction with respect to the inclined surface, and the connector inspection device includes a jig, an inspection probe, and a main body to which the jig and the inspection probe are attached. and when the connector inspection device is moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing, the jig slides on the inclined surface to move the retainer from the temporary locking position to the final locking position. , and after the retainer has moved to the final locking position, the connector inspection device is further moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing, the jig enters the internal space, and the inspection is performed. In the connector inspection device, a probe is pressed against the tip of the tab.

With such a configuration, the retainer can be moved to the final locking position by moving the connector inspection device in the fitting direction with respect to the housing. Damage to the tab can be suppressed.

(6) The body portion is a fitting hood portion that can be fitted to the housing from the outside, and the fitting hood portion is a guide portion that guides the fitting of the fitting hood portion and the housing. It is preferred to have

According to such a configuration, by fitting the housing and the fitting hood portion together, the retainer operation and the continuity test of the connector can be performed. Further, the guide portion can guide the fitting between the housing and the fitting hood portion.

(7) A connector inspection method of the present disclosure is a connector inspection method including an inspection step of performing a continuity inspection of a connector by a connector inspection device, wherein the connector includes terminals having tabs and terminals accommodated therein. and a retainer assembled to the housing so as to be movable between a temporary locking position and a full locking position. The mating direction intersects with the mating direction in which the mating connector is fitted to the retainer. is held at the full locking position, the terminal is prevented from coming off inside the terminal accommodating portion, the retainer has an inclined surface intersecting both the fitting direction and the moving direction, and the At least one of the retainer and the housing has an internal space arranged in the fitting direction with respect to the inclined surface, and the connector inspection device comprises a jig, an inspection probe, the jig and the inspection. a body portion to which a probe is attached, wherein the inspection step includes a first procedure of moving the retainer to the final locking position by bringing the jig into sliding contact with the inclined surface; and the first procedure. and a second step of pressing the inspection probe against the tip of the tab, wherein the first step and the second step are performed by placing the connector inspection device with respect to the housing in the mating direction. It is a connector inspection method that is performed continuously by moving the

According to such a connector inspection method, after the first procedure of moving the retainer to the final locking position is reliably completed, the second procedure of pressing the inspection probe against the distal end portion of the tab can be performed. Further, by moving the connector inspection device in the mating direction with respect to the connector, the first and second procedures can be completed within one inspection process, so that the retainer operation can be automated, and the tab can be inspected. Damage can be suppressed.

[Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents to the scope of the claims.

<Embodiment>
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21. FIG. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow Z is upward, the direction indicated by arrow X is forward, and the direction indicated by arrow Y is leftward. In addition, regarding a plurality of identical members, only some members may be given reference numerals, and the reference numerals of other members may be omitted.

[connector]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the connector 10 of this embodiment includes terminals 11 , a housing 18 that accommodates the terminals 11 inside, and a retainer 30 that prevents the terminals 11 from coming out of the housing 18 . In the present embodiment, the backward direction is an example of a fitting direction in which a mating connector (not shown) is fitted to the housing 18 . Further, the left-right direction is an example of a moving direction in which the retainer 30 can move.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the connector 10 of this embodiment is a waterproof connector attached to a panel P of equipment or the like. Although not shown, the connector 10 is mated with a mating connector in the front-rear direction, and their mating surfaces are waterproof. Specifically, for example, the connector 10 is fitted inside the mating hood portion of the mating connector, and an elastic member is in a compressed state between the outer peripheral surface of the connector 10 and the inner peripheral surface of the mating hood portion. are distributed.

[terminal, tab]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plurality of terminals 11 of the connector 10 are composed of two types, large and small. The terminal 11 includes a tab 12 , a body portion 13 arranged inside the terminal accommodating portion 41 of the inner housing 40 , and a wire connection portion 14 connected to the terminal portion of the wire W. A cut-and-raised metal lance 16 is provided on the body portion 13 . The metal lance 16 protrudes toward the inner wall of the terminal accommodating portion 41 . The metal lance 16 is engaged with the lance receiving portion 41A of the terminal accommodating portion 41. As shown in FIG. The connector 10 and the mating connector are electrically connected by inserting the tab 12 of the terminal 11 into the connecting tubular portion of the female terminal of the mating connector (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 10 is provided with a moving plate 60 for positioning the tab 12 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the moving plate 60 has a plate body portion 61 and an insertion hole 62 provided in the plate body portion 61 . The tab 12 is inserted through the insertion hole 62 . The outer edge of the plate main body portion 61 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hood portion 22 of the outer housing 20 so that the moving plate 60 can be positioned between a protective position (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and a retracted position behind the protective position (see FIGS. 3 and 4). not shown). Only the front portion of the tab 12 is exposed forward of the hood portion 22 when the moving plate 60 is in the protective position. Therefore, the tab 12 can be protected by the moving plate 60 .

Although detailed description is omitted, when the moving plate 60 is in the retracted position, the rear surface of the plate main body 61 and the front surface of the inner housing 40 are in contact with each other, and the tab 12 is prevented from moving forward from the plate main body 61 . The projecting dimension is greater than in the protected position. By mating the connector 10 with the mating connector, the moving plate 60 moves from the protection position to the retracted position.

[housing]
As shown in FIG. 4 , the housing 18 of this embodiment includes an outer housing 20 and an inner housing 40 housed inside the outer housing 20 . A retainer body 31 of the retainer 30 is arranged between the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 40 in the front-rear direction. Although not shown, the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 40 have a lock structure that locks them in the front-rear direction.

The outer housing 20 is made of insulating synthetic resin. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer housing 20 includes a main body portion 21 and a receptacle portion 22 that expands in diameter from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 21 and opens forward. The body portion 21 is provided with a plurality of wire housing portions 23 penetrating in the front-rear direction. Two types of wire accommodating portions 23, large and small, are provided. As shown in FIG. 4 , the outer housing 20 has a protruding portion 27 that protrudes forward from the inner wall 22A of the receptacle 22 . The projecting portion 27 is provided on the front portion of the main body portion 21 .

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, cam pins 22B and protrusions 22C are provided on the left and right outer peripheral surfaces of the receptacle 22 so as to protrude outward. The cam pin 22B engages with the inner wall of a cam groove provided in the lever of the mating connector (not shown) to assist the mating of the connector 10 and the mating connector. As shown in FIG. 21, the protrusion 22C is adapted to be received in a protrusion receiving portion 22D formed on the panel P. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the connector 10 and the panel P are positioned.

As shown in FIG. 20 , a rear hood portion 24 that opens rearward is provided behind the hood portion 22 . The rear hood portion 24 covers the body portion 21 from the outside. The rear half portion of the rear hood portion 24 has a groove-shaped waterproof recess 24A that expands in diameter like a flange. A seal member 24B, which is an annular elastic member, is attached to the water stop recess 24A. The sealing member 24B is compressed between the fitting portion 24C and the water stop recess 24A by fitting the tubular fitting portion 24C provided in the panel P into the water stop recess 24A. Thereby, the outer housing 20 and the panel P are waterproofed.

[Inner housing]
The inner housing 40 is made of insulating synthetic resin and has a block shape as a whole. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner housing 40 has a plurality of terminal accommodating portions 41 penetrating in the front-rear direction. As with the wire housing portion 23, the terminal housing portion 41 has two types, large and small.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner wall of the terminal accommodating portion 41 is provided with a lance receiving portion 41A. The lance receiving portion 41A has a surface substantially parallel to the front surface of the inner housing 40 . The terminal 11 is held in the terminal accommodating portion 41 by engaging the lance receiving portion 41A with the metal lance 16 of the terminal 11 .

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a temporary locking recess 48 and a final locking recess 49 are provided at the upper left rear end portion of the inner housing 40 . The final locking recess 49 is arranged to the left of the temporary locking recess 48 with a space therebetween. The temporary locking recesses 48 and the final locking recesses 49 are recessed upward from the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall that covers the retainer 30 from the outside. As shown in FIG. 5, when the retainer 30 is in the temporary locking position, the locking projections 33A of the retainer 30 are arranged in the temporary locking recesses 48. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, when the retainer 30 is at the full locking position, the locking protrusions 33A are arranged in the full locking recesses 49. As shown in FIG.

[Retainer]
The retainer 30 is made of insulating synthetic resin. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the retainer 30 includes a retainer body 31 and an operation portion 32 projecting forward from the front surface of the retainer body 31 . As shown in FIG. 4, in the connector 10, the retainer body 31 is sandwiched between the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 40 in the front-rear direction. The operating portion 32 is provided at the upper end portion of the retainer body 31 . The retainer 30 is movable in the left-right direction between a temporary locking position shown in FIG. 5 and a full locking position shown in FIG. The final locking position is located to the left of the temporary locking position. As will be described later, the retainer 30 can be moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position by operating the operating portion 32 using the jig 51 (see FIGS. 11 to 13).

As shown in FIG. 10 , the retainer 30 has a flexible piece 33 projecting leftward from the left edge of the retainer body 31 . The flexible piece 33 is formed thin in the vertical direction and is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. A locking projection 33A projecting upward from the upper surface of the flexible piece 33 is provided at the tip of the flexible piece 33. As shown in FIG. As described above, the retainer 30 is held at the temporary locking position by locking the locking projections 33A and the temporary locking recesses 48 of the inner housing 40 (see FIG. 5). The retainer 30 is held at the final locking position by locking the locking projections 33A and the final locking recesses 49 of the inner housing 40 (see FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 10, the retainer main body 31 has a plurality of through holes 34 penetrating in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the retainer 30 and the inner housing 40 are assembled to the outer housing 20, the terminal accommodating portion 41 of the inner housing 40, the through hole 34, and the wire accommodating portion 23 of the outer housing 20 are positioned forward and backward. It is designed to communicate in the direction. The plurality of through-holes 34 are formed in two sizes, similar to the plurality of wire accommodating portions 23 and the plurality of terminal accommodating portions 41 . As shown in FIG. 10, the hole edge on the right side of each through-hole 34 serves as a retaining portion 34A. A recessed stepped portion 34B is formed on the left end portion of the retainer body 31, and a retaining portion 34A is provided on the stepped portion 34B.

When the retainer 30 is held at the temporary locking position, the retaining portion 34A is positioned so as not to interfere with the terminals 11, as shown in FIGS. Insertion is possible. When the retainer 30 is held at the full locking position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the retaining portion 34A is arranged at a position overlapping the terminal 11 in the front-rear direction. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear end portion of the body portion 13 is engaged with the retaining portion 34A, thereby preventing the terminal 11 from coming out of the terminal accommodating portion 41 rearward. It's becoming

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the retainer 30 has retainer-side recesses 35 that cover the protrusions 27 of the outer housing 20 from the outside. The shape of the inside of the retainer-side concave portion 35 is larger than the shape of the outside of the projecting portion 27 in the left-right direction. The inner peripheral surface of the retainer-side recessed portion 35 has portions that come into sliding contact with parts of the upper and lower outer peripheral surfaces of the projecting portion 27 . This restricts the vertical movement of the retainer 30 with respect to the outer housing 20 . The retainer-side concave portion 35 and the projecting portion 27 are in sliding contact with each other, so that the retainer 30 moves in the lateral direction with respect to the outer housing 20 between a temporary locking position (see FIG. 5) and a full locking position (see FIG. 6). It is possible.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the retainer 30 includes a first recess 32A (an example of a jig insertion recess) and a second recess 32B which are recessed upward from the lower outer peripheral surface of the operation portion 32. . The first concave portion 32A is formed from the central portion to the right end portion of the operation portion 32 . As shown in FIG. 9, the first recess 32A has an inclined surface 37 that intersects both a virtual axis A1 extending in the front-rear direction and a virtual axis A2 extending in the left-right direction. The inclined surface 37 is inclined to the right as it goes rearward. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slanted surface 37 faces forward on the connector 10 .

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first recess 32A has an upper surface 36A, a right side 36B, two left sides 36C and 36D, and a rear surface 36E. The left side surface 36C is arranged on the front side of the inclined surface 37, and the left side surface 36D is arranged on the rear side of the inclined surface 37. As shown in FIG. The upper surface 36A and the left side surfaces 36C and 36D are support surfaces that extend in the front-rear direction and are connected to the inclined surface 37. As shown in FIG. The first recess 32</b>A has an internal space 38 behind and to the right of the inclined surface 37 . The interior space 38 is defined by a top surface 36A, a right side 36B, a left side 36D and a rear side 36E.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the second recess 32B is provided at the left end of the front portion of the operating portion 32. As shown in FIGS. The second concave portion 32B has a release contact surface 39 that is inclined to the left as it goes rearward. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the release abutment surface 39 faces forward in the connector 10 . Although not shown, the retainer 30 can be moved from the full locking position to the temporary locking position by moving the releasing jig rearward while slidingly contacting the releasing contact surface 39 .

[jig]
The connector 10 of this embodiment is assembled by sequentially inserting the retainer 30 and the inner housing 40 inside the outer housing 20 . A jig 51 is used to move the retainer 30 from the temporary locking position to the final locking position (see FIGS. 11 to 14). The jig 51 is a part of the connector inspection device 50 which will be described later, but only the jig 51 of the connector inspection device 50 is shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 for the sake of simplicity. The jig 51 is elongated in the front-rear direction, and has a jig-side inclined surface 51A substantially parallel to the inclined surface 37 on the left side of the rear end (tip).

As shown in FIG. 11, a jig 51 is inserted into the first recess 32A of the retainer 30 held at the temporary locking position. The jig 51 is adapted to move in the front-rear direction with respect to the outer housing 20 . By bringing the jig 51 into sliding contact with the upper surface 36A and the left side surface 36C of the first recess 32A, it is possible to guide the movement of the jig 51 inward (backward) of the first recess 32A. As the jig 51 is inserted into the first concave portion 32A, the jig-side inclined surface 51A comes into contact with the inclined surface 37 as shown in FIG. When the jig 51 moves further rearward (toward the connector 10) while the jig-side inclined surface 51A and the inclined surface 37 are in contact with each other, the jig-side inclined surface 51A and the inclined surface 37 come into sliding contact with each other. , the retainer 30 moves to the left.

When the retainer 30 moves leftward from the temporary locking position (see FIG. 5), the locking projection 33A engages with the inner surface of the temporary locking recess 48, and the flexible piece 33 elastically deforms downward. As a result, the locking projection 33A is arranged outside the temporary locking recess 48. As shown in FIG. Further, when the retainer 30 moves to the left, the locking projection 33A is arranged in the final locking recess 49, and the flexible piece 33 is restored and deformed, so that the retainer 30 is held at the final locking position (Fig. 6). When the retainer 30 moves to the full locking position, as shown in FIG. 13, the jig-side inclined surface 51A and the inclined surface 37 are displaced in the left-right direction so as not to contact each other.

When the jig 51 is moved further rearward after the retainer 30 has moved to the full locking position, the jig 51 can enter the inner space 38 behind the first recess 32A. Here, the jig 51 is guided into the internal space 38 by sliding contact with the upper surface 36A and the left side surface 36D of the first recess 32A. As shown in FIG. 14, the jig 51 can move rearward until it contacts the rear surface 36E of the first recess 32A.

[Connector inspection device, inspection probe]
As shown in FIG. 19 , the connector inspection device 50 is an inspection device for conducting continuity inspection of the connector 10 . As shown in FIG. 16, the connector inspection device 50 includes a jig 51, an inspection probe 52, and a body portion 53 to which the jig 51 and the inspection probe 52 are attached. According to the connector inspection device 50 , after the retainer 30 is moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position by the jig 51 , the continuity test of the connector 10 can be performed by the test probe 52 .

The inspection probe 52 is made of a conductive metal. A front end of the inspection probe 52 is connected to a continuity testing device (not shown) via a lead wire (not shown). An electric wire W connected to the terminal 11 is connected to the continuity testing device. In the continuity test, each test probe 52 is pressed against each tab 12 (see FIG. 19). Whether or not the position of the terminal 11 in 10 is possible, whether or not the terminal 11 is electrically connected to the electric wire W, and the like can be determined.

As shown in FIG. 16, the inspection probe 52 of this embodiment includes a tubular portion 52A, a probe portion 52B attached inside the tubular portion 52A, and a spring 52C arranged between the tubular portion 52A and the probe portion 52B. and have The elastic force of the spring 52C urges the probe portion 52B rearward with respect to the tubular portion 52A. As a result, when the probe portion 52B comes into contact with the tab 12 in the conduction test, the spring 52C contracts and the probe portion 52B moves forward, thereby preventing damage to the tab 12 (see FIG. 19).

[Body part]
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the main body portion 53 has a fitting hood portion 55 that opens rearward and has a concave shape. As shown in FIG. 16, the fitting hood portion 55 has a front wall 54 to which the jig 51 and the inspection probe 52 are fixed. As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the fitting hood portion 55 can be fitted to the outer housing 20 from the outside. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the fitting hood portion 55 has a groove-shaped guide groove portion 55A (an example of a guide portion). The guide groove portions 55A are provided on both left and right sides of the fitting hood portion 55 and extend from the rear end portion of the fitting hood portion 55 in the front-rear direction. A positioning portion 55B (an example of a guide portion) projecting outward from the fitting hood portion 55 is provided at the rear end portion of the guide groove portion 55A.

[Connector manufacturing method and inspection method]
An example of a manufacturing method of the connector 10 and an inspection method of the continuity inspection of the connector 10 will be described below.
First, the retainer 30 is inserted into the outer housing 20, and the projection 27 and the retainer-side recess 35 are brought into sliding contact. Next, the inner housing 40 is inserted into the outer housing 20, and the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 40 are locked in the longitudinal direction by the lock structure. The retainer 30 is arranged between the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 40 and is movable between a temporary locking position and a full locking position.

With the retainer 30 held at the temporary locking position, the terminal 11 to which the electric wire W is connected is inserted forward from the electric wire accommodating portion 23 of the outer housing 20 . The terminal 11 is held in the terminal accommodating portion 41 by engaging the metal lance 16 and the lance receiving portion 41A.

Subsequently, the retainer 30 is moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position, thereby performing the first procedure for retaining the terminal 11 in the terminal accommodating portion 41 . In this embodiment, the first procedure is performed using the connector inspection device 50 . As shown in FIG. 17, the connector inspection device 50 is moved rearward with respect to the outer housing 20 while the retainer 30 is held at the temporary locking position. At this time, the fitting hood portion 55 of the connector inspection device 50 is arranged to be fitted to the hood portion 22 from the outside.

When the hood portion 22 and the fitting hood portion 55 are fitted together, the cam pin 22B comes into sliding contact with the inner wall of the guide groove portion 55A so that the fitting operation between the hood portion 22 and the fitting hood portion 55 is guided. It's becoming At the stage when the fitting between the hood portion 22 and the fitting hood portion 55 has progressed (see FIGS. 18 and 19), the projection portion 22C is engaged with the positioning portion 55B, so that the hood portion 22 and the fitting hood portion are separated. The fitting with 55 is guided.

As the fitting between the hood portion 22 and the fitting hood portion 55 progresses, the jig 51 enters deep into the first recess portion 32A while making sliding contact with the inner surface of the first recess portion 32A of the retainer 30 (FIGS. 11 and 17). ), and the jig-side inclined surface 51A and the inclined surface 37 abut (see FIG. 12). Further, when the jig 51 moves rearward, the jig-side inclined surface 51A and the inclined surface 37 are brought into sliding contact, so that the retainer 30 moves to the final locking position (see FIGS. 13 and 18). Thus, the first procedure is completed and the manufacture of the connector 10 is completed.

As described above, in the first procedure, the retainer 30 can be moved to the final locking position by moving the connector inspection device 50 backward with respect to the connector 10, so the first procedure can be automated. . Therefore, when the retainer 30 is moved, damage to the tabs 12 and imperfect movement of the retainer 30 are suppressed. In addition, since the first procedure is incorporated in the preceding process of the continuity test of the connector 10 as will be described later, it is not necessary to add a new automated process.

As shown in FIG. 18, each inspection probe 52 is configured not to come into contact with the tip of each tab 12 when the first procedure is completed. Accordingly, since the tab 12 does not come into contact with the inspection probe 52 during the first procedure, the terminal 11 is prevented from being displaced from the normal position within the terminal accommodating portion 41 . Also, the continuity test can be started after the first procedure is surely completed. In other words, the continuity test is not performed on the incomplete connector 10 in which the retainer 30 has not reached the final locking position.

Following the first procedure, the second procedure of pressing the inspection probe 52 against the tip of the tab 12 is performed. The inspection probe 52 and the tab 12 are brought close to each other by advancing the fitting between the hood portion 22 and the fitting hood portion 55 from the state shown in FIG. 18 . As shown in FIG. 19, the front end of the hood portion 22 abuts the front wall 54 of the fitting hood portion 55, and the projection portion 22C is positioned by the positioning portion 55B, so that the hood portion 22 and the fitting hood portion 55 are positioned. mating is completed. In this state, the inspection probe 52 and the tip of the tab 12 are in contact with each other, and the spring 52C of the inspection probe 52 is contracted. That is, the probe portion 52B is pressed against the tab 12 by the elastic force of the spring 52C. By completing the fitting between the hood portion 22 and the fitting hood portion 55 in this way, the second procedure is completed.

In the second procedure, the jig 51 enters the internal space 38 of the first concave portion 32A so as not to interfere with the fitting between the hood portion 22 and the fitting hood portion 55 (see FIGS. 13 and 13). 14). The jig 51 is configured so as not to come into contact with the rear surface 36E until the second procedure is completed. When the second procedure is completed, the jig 51 may or may not be in contact with the rear surface 36E.

After the second procedure, by measuring the resistance value between each test probe 52 and each tab 12 by a continuity tester, it is possible to determine whether the position of the terminal 11 in the connector 10 is correct and whether the electrical connection between the terminal 11 and the wire W is possible. determine whether or not a connection can be made. By separating the fitting hood portion 55 from the hood portion 22, the conduction test is completed.

[Action and effect of the embodiment]
According to this embodiment, the following functions and effects are obtained.
The connector 10 according to the present embodiment is a connector 10 to be tested for conductivity by a connector testing device 50 having a jig 51, an inspection probe 52, and a body portion 53 to which the jig 51 and the inspection probe 52 are attached. a terminal 11 having a tab 12; a housing 18 having a terminal accommodating portion 41 in which the terminal 11 is accommodated; 30 , and the moving direction (horizontal direction) in which the retainer 30 is movable intersects the mating direction (backward) in which the mating connector is mated with the housing 18 , and the retainer 30 is temporarily The terminal 11 is allowed to be inserted into the terminal accommodating portion 41 when held at the locking position, and the terminal 11 is prevented from coming off inside the terminal accommodating portion 41 when the retainer 30 is held at the final locking position. At least one of the retainer 30 and the housing 18 has an internal space 38 arranged in the fitting direction with respect to the inclined surface 37 . When the connector inspection device 50 is moved in the mating direction with respect to the housing 18, the inclined surface 37 comes into sliding contact with the jig 51, thereby moving the retainer 30 from the temporary locking position to the final locking position. After the retainer 30 has moved to the full locking position, when the connector inspection device 50 is moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing 18, the jig 51 enters the internal space 38, and the tip of the tab 12 is inspected. It is designed to be pressed against the probe 52 .

According to such a configuration, the retainer 30 can be moved from the temporary locking position to the final locking position by sliding the jig 51 on the inclined surface 37 while moving the jig 51 in the fitting direction. Since at least one of the retainer 30 and the housing 18 has an internal space 38, it is possible to move the jig 51 further in the fitting direction after moving the retainer 30 to the final locking position. Therefore, the continuity test of the terminals 11 can be performed by moving the test probes 52 in the fitting direction after the retainer 30 is reliably moved to the final locking position. Further, since the retainer operation can be automatically performed by the connector inspection device 50, breakage of the tab 12 can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, the retainer 30 includes at least one support surface (upper surface 36A and left side surfaces 36C and 36D) extending in the mating direction and connected to the inclined surface 37 .

With such a configuration, the strength of the inclined surface 37 can be improved. Further, it is possible to guide the movement of the jig 51 in the fitting direction.

In the present embodiment, the retainer 30 has a jig insertion recess (first recess 32A) for receiving the jig 51 inside, and the jig insertion recess has an inclined surface 37 .

With such a configuration, the inclined surface 37 can be protected within the jig insertion recess.

In this embodiment, the jig insertion recess has an interior space 38 .

According to such a configuration, it is possible to further move the jig 51 in the fitting direction in the jig insertion recess after the retainer 30 is moved to the final locking position.

A connector inspection apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is a connector inspection apparatus 50 for performing continuity inspection of a connector 10. The connector 10 includes a terminal 11 having a tab 12 and a terminal housing inside which the terminal 11 is housed. A housing 18 having a portion 41 and a retainer 30 assembled to the housing 18 so as to be movable between a temporary locking position and a full locking position. , intersects the fitting direction for fitting the mating connector to , and in a state in which the retainer 30 is held at the temporary locking position, the terminal 11 is allowed to be inserted into the terminal accommodating portion 41, and the retainer 30 is In the state held at the full locking position, the terminal 11 is retained inside the terminal accommodating portion 41, and the retainer 30 has an inclined surface 37 that intersects both the fitting direction and the moving direction. 18 has an internal space 38 arranged in the fitting direction with respect to the inclined surface 37, and the connector inspection device 50 includes a jig 51, an inspection probe 52, and a jig 51 and the inspection probe 52. When the connector inspection device 50 is moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing 18, the jig 51 comes into sliding contact with the inclined surface 37, thereby moving the retainer 30 from the temporary locking position. After the retainer 30 has been moved to the final locking position and the connector inspection device 50 is further moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing 18, the jig 51 enters the internal space 38, An inspection probe 52 is pressed against the tip of the tab 12 .

According to such a configuration, the retainer 30 can be moved to the final locking position by moving the connector inspection device 50 with respect to the housing 18 in the mating direction. is possible, and breakage of the tab 12 can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, the body portion 53 is a fitting hood portion 55 that can be fitted to the housing 18 from the outside, and the fitting hood portion 55 guides the fitting of the fitting hood portion 55 and the housing 18 . It has a guide portion (guide groove portion 55A and positioning portion 55B).

According to such a configuration, by fitting the housing 18 and the fitting hood portion 55 together, it is possible to perform the retainer operation and the continuity test of the connector 10 . Further, the guide portion can guide the fitting between the housing 18 and the fitting hood portion 55 .

The connector inspection method according to the present embodiment is a connector inspection method including an inspection step of conducting a conduction inspection of the connector 10 by a connector inspection device 50. The connector 10 includes a terminal 11 having a tab 12 and a terminal 11 having an internal terminal. and a retainer 30 assembled to the housing 18 so as to be movable between a temporary locking position and a full locking position, and the retainer 30 is movable. The direction of movement intersects the direction of fitting of the mating connector into the housing 18, and when the retainer 30 is held at the temporary locking position, the terminals 11 cannot be inserted into the terminal accommodating portions 41. In a state where the retainer 30 is held at the final locking position, the terminals 11 are prevented from coming off inside the terminal accommodating portion 41, and the retainer 30 has an inclined surface 37 that intersects both the fitting direction and the moving direction. At least one of the retainer 30 and the housing 18 has an internal space 38 arranged in the fitting direction with respect to the inclined surface 37, and the connector inspection device 50 includes a jig 51, an inspection probe 52, and a jig. a main body portion 53 to which a jig 51 and an inspection probe 52 are attached, and the inspection process includes a first procedure of moving the retainer 30 to the final locking position by bringing the jig 51 into sliding contact with the inclined surface 37; and a second step of pressing the inspection probe 52 against the tip of the tab 12 after the first step. It is performed continuously by moving to

According to this connector inspection method, after the first procedure of moving the retainer 30 to the final locking position is reliably completed, the second procedure of pressing the inspection probe 52 against the distal end of the tab 12 can be performed. . Further, by moving the connector inspection device 50 in the fitting direction with respect to the connector 10, the first procedure and the second procedure can be completed within one inspection process, so that the retainer operation can be automated. Breakage of the tab 12 can be suppressed.

<Other embodiments>
(1) In the above embodiment, the internal space 38 into which the jig 51 enters is provided inside the first concave portion 32A of the retainer 30, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the internal space may be provided in the housing. It may be provided continuously with the retainer and the housing.
(2) In the above-described embodiment, the body portion 53 of the connector inspection device 50 is the fitting hood portion 55 having a concave shape. may
(3) In the above embodiment, the probe portion 52B of the inspection probe 52 is biased backward by the spring 52C so as to be pressed against the tab 12, but this is not the only option. For example, the inspection probe may have a connecting tube portion for receiving the tab inside, and the elastic contact piece provided in the connecting tube portion and the tab may be connected.

(4) In the above embodiment, the connector 10 is a waterproof connector, but it is not limited to this, and the connector may be a non-waterproof connector that does not have a sealing member or the like.
(5) In the above embodiment, the housing 18 is composed of the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the housing may not be divided into the outer housing and the inner housing. .

10: Connector 11: Terminal 12: Tab 13: Body 14: Wire connection 16: Metal lance 18: Housing 20: Outer housing 21: Body 22: Hood 22A: Back wall 22B: Cam pin 22C: Projection 22D: Projection receiving portion 23: Wire housing portion 24: Rear hood portion 24A: Water stop recess portion 24B: Sealing member 24C: Fitting portion 27: Protruding portion 30: Retainer 31: Retainer main body 32: Operation portion 32A: First recess (for jig insertion) concave)
32B: Second concave portion 33: Flexible piece 33A: Locking projection 34: Through hole 34A: Retaining portion 34B: Stepped portion 35: Retainer side concave portion 36A: Upper surface (support surface)
36B: Right side 36C, 36D: Left side (support surface)
36E: Rear surface 37: Inclined surface 38: Internal space 39: Release contact surface 40: Inner housing 41: Terminal accommodating portion 41A: Lance receiving portion 48: Temporary locking recess 49: Final locking recess 50: Connector inspection device 51 : jig 50: connector inspection device 51: jig 51A: jig-side inclined surface 52: inspection probe 52A: cylindrical portion 52B: probe portion 52C: spring 53: body portion 54: front wall 55: fitting hood portion 55A: Guide groove (guide part)
55B: Positioning part (guide part)
60: Moving plate 61: Plate body 62: Insertion hole A1: Virtual axis A2: Virtual axis P: Panel W: Electric wire

Claims (7)

A connector to be tested for continuity by a connector testing device comprising a jig, an inspection probe, and a main body to which the jig and the inspection probe are attached,
a terminal having a tab;
a housing including a terminal accommodating portion in which the terminal is accommodated;
a retainer assembled to the housing movably between a temporary locking position and a full locking position;
a moving direction in which the retainer is movable intersects a fitting direction in which the mating connector is fitted to the housing;
When the retainer is held at the temporary locking position, the terminals are allowed to be inserted into the terminal accommodating portions,
When the retainer is held at the full locking position, the terminal is prevented from coming off inside the terminal accommodating portion,
the retainer has an inclined surface that intersects both the fitting direction and the moving direction;
at least one of the retainer and the housing has an internal space arranged in the fitting direction with respect to the inclined surface;
When the connector inspection device is moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing, the inclined surface comes into sliding contact with the jig, whereby the retainer moves from the temporary locking position to the final locking position,
After the retainer has moved to the final locking position, when the connector inspection device is further moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing, the jig enters the internal space, and the tip of the tab is pushed. A connector adapted to be pressed against the test probe. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein said retainer includes at least one support surface extending in said mating direction and connected with said inclined surface. The retainer has a jig insertion recess for receiving the jig inside,
3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein said jig insertion recess comprises said inclined surface. 4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein said jig insertion recess has said internal space. A connector inspection device for conducting continuity inspection of a connector,
The connector includes a terminal having a tab, a housing having a terminal accommodating portion in which the terminal is accommodated, a retainer assembled to the housing so as to be movable between a temporary locking position and a full locking position, with
a moving direction in which the retainer is movable intersects a fitting direction in which the mating connector is fitted to the housing;
When the retainer is held at the temporary locking position, the terminals are allowed to be inserted into the terminal accommodating portions,
When the retainer is held at the full locking position, the terminal is prevented from coming off inside the terminal accommodating portion,
the retainer has an inclined surface that intersects both the fitting direction and the moving direction;
at least one of the retainer and the housing has an internal space arranged in the fitting direction with respect to the inclined surface;
The connector inspection device includes a jig, an inspection probe, and a main body to which the jig and the inspection probe are attached,
When the connector inspection device is moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing, the jig is brought into sliding contact with the inclined surface to move the retainer from the temporary locking position to the final locking position,
After the retainer has moved to the final locking position, when the connector inspection device is further moved in the fitting direction with respect to the housing, the jig enters the internal space, and the inspection probe moves to the tab. A connector inspection device adapted to be pressed against the tip of the connector. The body portion is a fitting hood portion that can be fitted to the housing from the outside,
6. The connector inspection device according to claim 5, wherein said fitting hood portion has a guide portion for guiding fitting between said fitting hood portion and said housing. A connector inspection method comprising an inspection step of conducting a continuity inspection of a connector by a connector inspection device,
The connector includes a terminal having a tab, a housing having a terminal accommodating portion in which the terminal is accommodated, a retainer assembled to the housing so as to be movable between a temporary locking position and a full locking position, with
a moving direction in which the retainer is movable intersects a fitting direction in which the mating connector is fitted to the housing;
When the retainer is held at the temporary locking position, the terminals are allowed to be inserted into the terminal accommodating portions,
When the retainer is held at the full locking position, the terminal is prevented from coming off inside the terminal accommodating portion,
the retainer has an inclined surface that intersects both the fitting direction and the moving direction;
at least one of the retainer and the housing has an internal space arranged in the fitting direction with respect to the inclined surface;
The connector inspection device includes a jig, an inspection probe, and a main body to which the jig and the inspection probe are attached,
The inspection step includes a first step of moving the retainer to the final locking position by bringing the jig into sliding contact with the inclined surface;
a second step of pressing the inspection probe against the tip of the tab after the first step;
The connector inspection method, wherein the first procedure and the second procedure are continuously performed by moving the connector inspection device with respect to the housing in the fitting direction.

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