JP2666795C

JP2666795C -

Info

Publication number: JP2666795C
Authority: JP
Original assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Publication date: 1999-07-12

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】【０００１】【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、ターミナルを二重係止するための固定部材をハウジングの前面側か
ら装着するタイプのコネクタの改良に関する。【０００２】【従来の技術】従来、主に防水型のコネクタでは、ターミナルの二重係止を図るべく固定部材
をハウジングの前面側から装着するタイプのものが使用されており、例えば米国
特許第３６８６６１９号および同第３６０１７６０号に開示されている。これは
詳細には、ハウジング内の収容通路にターミナルを後方から挿入すると、その収
容通路に撓み変形可能に設けられた弾性腕によりターミナルが抜け止め状態で係
止され、その後ハウジングの前方から固定部材を装着して弾性腕の撓み変形領域
に突入させることで弾性腕の撓み変形を規制し、もってターミナルの二重係止を
行うというものである。【０００３】【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところが従来のものは、ハウジングの収容通路にターミナルを挿入して弾性腕
による係止が完了して初めて固定部材が装着できる構造であった。そのため、コ
ネクタにターミナルを組み付けるアッセンブリラインでは、ハウジング、ターミ
ナルおよび固定部材を別々に搬入し、それらをライン上で新たに組み付ける必要
があり、組み付けの自動化を図ろうとすれば大掛かりな設備が必要であり、また
輸送等も含めてそれらの部品を個別に管理しなくてはならず、製造コストが高く
ならざるを得ないという問題があった。【０００４】本発明のコネクタは上記のような事情に基づいて完成されたものであって、固
定部材を予め仮装着した状態でアッセンブリラインに供給できるようにすること
を第１の目的としている。また第２の目的は、固定部材が仮装着位置から誤って
本装着位置に移行するのを防止することにある。【０００５】【課題を解決するための手段】上記の目的を達成するための手段として、請求項１の発明は、ターミナルの収
容通路を内部に設けた筒状部が備えられ、前記収容通路に後方から挿入されたタ
ーミナルは、前記筒状部の側壁を一部切り欠いて形成され前記ターミナルの挿入
方向に沿って延びる可撓性の片持ち梁状の弾性腕により抜け止め状態で係止され
、かつ前記筒状部の前方から装着される固定部材を弾性腕の撓み変形領域に位置
させることでターミナルの二重係止を行うようにしたコネクタにおいて、前記固定
部材は、筒状部における弾性腕の撓み変形領域の手前の位置でかつ前記弾性腕の
上面位置とは高さ方向にほぼ隙間のない高さ位置で仮係止可能とされ、前記弾性
腕の上面に沿ったさらなる押し込みにより前記撓み変形領域に進出した位置に本
係止可能とされている構成としたところに特徴を有する。【０００６】請求項２の発明は、請求項１の発明において、前記固定部材は、そこに設けら
れた２種類の係止突起のうちの１つが前記筒状部に設けられた第１の係止部位に
係合することで仮係止され、他の係止突起が同筒状部に設けられた第２の係止部
位に対して仮係止時期よりも遅い時期に係合することで本係止される構成とした
ところに特徴を有する。【０００７】請求項３の発明は、請求項１または請求項２の発明において、前記筒状部の外
側には相手側コネクタに向けて開口するスカート部が形成され、前記固定部材は
、そのスカート部からほぼ突出することなく収容された状態で前記筒状部に仮係
止可能とされている構成としたところに特徴を有する。【０００８】【発明の作用及び効果】＜請求項１の発明＞固定部材を筒状部の前面側から装着すると、固定部材はまず弾性腕の撓み変形
領域の手前の位置で仮組みされる。この状態では弾性腕は撓み変形が可能である
ので、ターミナルは収容通路の後方から弾性腕を撓み変形領域に向けて撓み変形
させつつ挿入され、所定位置まで挿入されると弾性腕が元姿勢に復元しつつター
ミナルと係合して一次係止する。次に固定部材をさらに押し込むと、固定部材は
撓み変形領域に進出した位置に本組みされる。それにより弾性腕の撓み変形が規
制され、もってターミナルが二重係止される。【０００９】またターミナルの挿入時に半挿入状態に留め置かれると、弾性腕が撓み変形領
域に突出した状熊に留められる。そのため、仮組みされた固定部材を本係止位置に押し込もうとした場合に、突出した弾性腕に当たることで押し込みができず、
それを持ってターミナルが半挿入状熊にあることが検知される。【００１０】すなわち請求項１の発明によれば、固定部材をターミナルが挿入可能な状態で
筒状部に仮組みすることが可能であるから、コネクタのアッセリブリラインへは
、固定部材が仮組みされたハウジングとターミナルとを搬入すればよく、自動化
にも簡単に対応できるとともに、部品管理費を削減でき、製造コストの低減を期
することができる。また、ターミナルの半挿入検知を行うことができる効果があ
る。【００１１】＜請求項２の発明＞固定部材を筒状部の前面側から装着すると、そこに設けられた１つの係止突起
がまず筒状部に設けられた第１の係止部位に係合することで仮係止される。さら
に固定部材を押し込むと、別の係止突起が同筒状部に設けられた第２の係止部位
に係合することで本係止される。【００１２】＜請求項３の発明＞固定部材はスカート部からほぼ突出しない状態で筒状部に仮組みされる。この
ため、固定部材が仮組みされてアッセンブリラインへ搬入される途中や、アッセ
ンブリを行う途中において、スカート部が保護壁の役目を果たして、固定部材が
外部部材に突き当たる可能性が少なくなる。このことは、固定部材がターミナル
の挿入前において不用意に本係止位置まで押し込まれることが防止できることを
意味し、円滑なアッセンブリを期することができる。【００１３】【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の一実施形態を添付図面に基づいて説明する。図１から図８は雌コネクタＡ、図９から図１６は雄コネクタＢを示す。雌コネクタＡは、ハウジング１、ターミナル２、無端状弾性シールリング３及
び固定部材４から成る。ハウジング１は、ターミナル２を収容する通路１１ａを
有した一対の筒状部１１，１１´、これら筒状部１１，１１´と適宜間隔をおき
、これらを囲んだ状態でハウジング１の前半分に設けられたスカート部１２、筒状
部１１，１１´の同軸方向上中央位置でこれと直交して立ち上がり、上記スカー
ト部１２の後端に継続する垂壁部１３及び上記垂壁部１３と上記筒状部１１，１
１´とが直交する位置において、対となる２つの筒状部１１，１１´に跨ってそ
の側壁との間に段差を有して形成された弾性シールリング３の巻き付け台１４と
から成る。【００１４】筒状部１１，１１´は、その側壁１１ｂ上に切り欠き部１１ｃを有し、その切
り欠き部１１ｃ内に可撓性の片持ち梁り状弾性腕１１ｄを構成している。筒状部
１１，１１´は、上記側壁１１ｂを縦方向に向けた状態で、それと直交する方向
へ適宜間隔をおいて相並んでいる。【００１５】弾性腕１１ｄは、通路１１ａに収容されるターミナル２の挿入方向へ自由端１
１ｄ−１を延ばしており、その自由端近くに通路１１ａ内へ突出する凸部１１ｄ
−２を有している。凸部１１ｄ−２は、弾性腕１１ｄの自由端方向側において、
垂直な面を、その背向する側に傾斜面を有している。また、筒状部１１，１１´
は、筒状部１１，１１´の並び方向の両外側に位置する側壁１１ｅに筒状部１１
，１１´の軸方向へ長い長孔１１ｆを有している。【００１６】ターミナル２は凹部２１を有している。ハウジング１に設けられた通路１１ａ
内に挿入されたターミナル２は、片持ち梁り状弾性腕１１ｄの自由端１１ｄ−１
の凸部１１ｄ−２に当接し、その傾斜面を利用して、自由端を筒状部１１，１１
´の外方へ変位させた状態で移動し、通路１１ａ内の所定位置に来たとき、弾性
腕１１ｄの自由端近くの凸部１１ｄ−２を凹部２１内に迎え入れ、当該部分に係
止される。シールリング３は、上述した巻き付け台１４に巻装され、スカート部１２との
間に適宜間隔を有する。【００１７】固定部材４は、相直交する４つの側壁を有し、且つ窓口付き底壁４１を有した枠状の形で構成され、相並ぶ一対の筒状部１１，１１´に跨って被冠可能である
。一方、固定部材４の開口端縁には外方へ広がるフランジ４２が設けられている
。固定部材４の４つの側壁の一方の相対向する側壁４３，４３´の内面には、開
口端近くに小突起４３ａ，４３ａ´が設けられ、他方の相対向する側壁の一方の
側壁４４にはその部分から切り欠き形成された片持ち梁り状の弾性片４４ａが設
けられており、弾性片４４ａの内面における固定部材４の軸方向上の中央位置と
対応する部分には、相互に間隔をおいて一対の突起４４ａ−１，４４ａ−１´が
設けられている。小突起４３ａ，４３ａ´及び突起４４ａ−１，４４ａ−１´は
共に、固定部材４を筒状部１１，１１´に被冠すべく嵌め入れていく方向側にあ
る面を傾斜面としている。【００１８】一対の筒状部１１，１１´に跨って被冠される固定部材４は、上述した小突起
４３ａ，４３ａ´が筒状部１１，１１´の長孔１１ｆに嵌入し、また上述した突
起４４ａ−１，４４ａ−１´の傾斜面が筒状部１１、１１´の側壁１１ｂの先端
に当接した状態で、且つ固定部材４の側壁４４が筒状部１１，１１´の側壁１１
ｂ上における弾性腕１１ｄの形成部分から外れたところに位置した状態（図４、
図７参照）でハウジング１に仮装着される。【００１９】したがって、雌コネクタＡにおける固定部材４とハウジング１の仮係止手段及
び仮被係止手段は、固定部材４における側壁４３，４３´の内面の小突起４３ａ
，４３ａ´と側壁４４上の弾性片４４ａに形成された突起４４ａ−１，４４ａ−
１´及び上記筒状部１１，１１´における側壁１１ｂの先端と側壁１１ｅの長孔
１１ｆとから構成されていることが理解出来るであろう。【００２０】上述の如く、固定部材４を仮装着したハウジング１は、筒状部１１，１１´の
夫々の通路１１ａ内にターミナル２を迎え入れ、弾性腕１１ｄの凸部１１ｄ−２
をターミナル２の凹部２１に嵌合させ、また巻き付け台１４上にシールリング３
を装着した状態（図５参照）で、固定部材４の本装着の作業を待つことになる。【００２１】本装着は、固定部材４を仮装着の状態からさらに筒状部１１，１１´に押し付
け、弾性片４４ａの撓みと、突起４４ａ−１，４４ａ−１´の傾斜面とを利用し
、突起４４ａ−１，４４ａ−１´を、筒状部１１，１１´の側壁１１ｂの先端か
ら側壁１１ｂ上に乗り越えさせ、固定部材４の底壁４１を筒状部１１，１１´の
先端面に当接させ、突起４４ａ−１，４４ａ−１´を切り欠き部１１ｃに嵌入さ
せ、その切り欠き端に係止させることにより成される（図６、図８参照）。【００２２】すなわち、固定部材４はターミナル２が挿入可能な状態で筒状部１１，１１´
に仮組みすることが可能であるから、コネクタのアッセリブリラインへは、固定
部材４が仮組みされたハウジング１とターミナル２とを搬入すればよく、自動化
にも簡単に対応できるとともに、部品管理費を削減でき、製造コストの低減が図
られる。【００２３】またターミナル２を通路１１ａに挿入する際、それが半挿入状態に留め置かれ
ると、弾性腕１１ｄの自由端１１ｄ−１が側壁１１ｂの外方に突出した状態に留
められる。そのため仮組みされた固定部材４を本係止位置に押し込もうとした場
合に、突出した弾性腕１１ｄの自由端１１ｄ−１に当たることで押し込みができ
ず、それを持ってターミナル２が半挿入状態にあることが検知される。【００２４】さらに、固定部材４はスカート部１２から突出することなくその中に収められ
た状態で筒状部１１，１１´に仮組みされるため、固定部材４が仮組みされてア
ッセンブリラインへ搬入される途中や、アッセンブリを行う途中において、スカ
ート部１２が保護壁の役目を果たして、固定部材４が外部部材に突き当たる可能
性が少なくなる。そのため、固定部材４がターミナル２の挿入前において不用意
に本係止位置まで押し込まれることが防止される。【００２５】雄コネクタＢは、ハウジング５、ターミナル６及び固定部材７とから成る。ハ
ウジング５は、ターミナル６を収容する通路５１ａを有した一対の筒状部５１，
５１´、これら筒状部５１，５１´と適宜間隔をおき、これらを囲んだ状態でハウジング５の前半分に設けられたスカート部５２、筒状部５１，５１´の同軸方
向上の中央位置でこれと直交して立ち上がり、上記スカート部５２の後端に継続
する垂壁部５３及び上記スカート部５２の内側面上に構成される断面凸形状部５
４とから成る。【００２６】筒状部５１，５１´は、その側壁５１ｂ上に切り欠き部５１ｃを有し、その切
り欠き部５１ｃ内に可撓性の片持ち梁り状弾性腕５１ｄを形成している。筒状部
５１，５１´は、上記側壁５１ｂを縦方向に向けた状態でそれと直交する方向へ
適宜間隔をおき相並んでいる。【００２７】弾性腕５１ｄは、通路５１ａに挿入されてくるターミナル６の挿入方向へ自由
端５１ｄ−１を延ばし、その自由端近くに通路５１ａ内へ突出する凸部５１ｄ−
２を有している。凸部５１ｄ−２は、弾性腕５１ｄの自由端方向側において、垂
直な面を、またその背向する側に傾斜面を有している。また筒状部５１，５１´
は、その並び方向において相対峙する内側の側壁５１ｅの夫々に筒状部５１，５
１´の軸方向へ長い長孔５１ｆを有している。【００２８】ターミナル６は凹部６１を有している。ハウジング５に設けられた通路５１ａ
内に挿入されたターミナル６は、片持ち梁り状弾性腕５１ｄの自由端５１ｄ−１
の凸部５１ｄ−２に当接し、その傾斜面を利用して自由端を筒状部５１，５１´
の外方へ変位させた状態で移動し、通路５１ａ内の所定位置に来たとき、弾性腕
５１ｄの自由端近くの凸部５１ｄ−２を凹部６１内に迎え入れ、当該部分に係止
される。【００２９】固定部材７は直交する４つの側壁を有して枠状に形成され、一方の開口部には
、窓口つきの底壁７１が形成され、またその底壁７１の中央部からは、固定部材
７の軸方向前後に延びる係止片７２とガイド片７３とが突出形成されている。【００３０】固定部材７の一つの側壁７４には、その部分から切り欠き形成された片持ち梁り状弾性片７４ａが２つ設けられ、夫々の弾性片７４ａ上には、外方へ突出する
突起７４ａ−１が形成されている。係止片７２における固定部材７の筒状部５１
，５１´への披着方向側の自由端近くには、その両側面に小突起７２ａ，７２ａ
´が設けられている。突起７４ａ−１及び小突起７２ａ，７２ａ´はともに固定
部材７の筒状部５１，５１´への披着方向側の面を傾斜面としている。【００３１】一対の筒状部５１，５１´に跨って被冠される固定部材７は、上述した小突起
７２ａ，７２ａ´が、筒状部５１，５１´の長孔５１ｆに嵌入し、また上述した
突起７４ａ−１の傾斜面がスカート部５２の内側面上の断面凸形状部５４に当接
した状態で、且つ固定部材７の側壁が筒状部５１，５１´の弾性腕５１ｄの形成
部分から外れたところに位置した状態（図１２、図１５参照）でハウジング５に
仮装着される。【００３２】したがって、雄コネクタＢにおける固定部材７とハウジング５との仮係止手段
及び仮被係止手段は、ハウジング５におけるスカート部５２の内側面上の断面凸
形状部５４と上記筒状部５１，５１´の相対峙する側壁５１ｅに設けられた長孔
５１ｆ及び固定部材７における係止片７２の先端部両側面上の小突起７２ａ，７
２ａ´と側壁７４上の弾性片７４ａの外方へ突出した突起７４ａ−１とで構成さ
れていることが理解出来るであろう。【００３３】上述した如く、固定部材７を仮装着したハウジング５は、筒状部５１，５１´
の夫々の通路５１ａ内にターミナル６を迎え入れ、弾性腕５１ｄの凸部５１ｄ−
２をターミナル６の凹部６１に嵌合させた状態（図１３参照）で、本装着の作業
を待つことになる。【００３４】本装着は、固定部材７を仮装着した状態からさらに筒状部５１，５１´に対し
押し付け、弾性片７４ａの可撓性と突起７４ａ−１の傾斜面とを利用し、突起７
４ａ−１をハウジング５のスカート部５２の内側面に構成された断面凸形状部５
４の一方の段差から乗り越えさせ、固定部材７の底壁７１を筒状部５１，５１´ の先端に当接させ、突起７４ａ−１を断面凸形状部５４の他方の段差に係止させ
ることにより成される（図１４、図１６参照）。【００３５】すなわち、固定部材７はターミナル６が挿入可能な状態で筒状部５１，５１´
に仮組みすることが可能であるから、コネクタのアッセリブリラインへは、固定
部材７が仮組みされたハウジング５とターミナル６とを搬入すればよく、自動化
にも簡単に対応できるとともに、部品管理費を削減でき、製造コストの低減が図
られる。【００３６】またターミナル６を通路５１ａに挿入する際、それが半挿入状態に留め置かれ
ると、弾性腕５１ｄの自由端５１ｄ−１が側壁５１ｂの外方に突出した状態に留
められる。そのため仮組みされた固定部材７を本係止位置に押し込もうとした場
合に、突出した弾性腕５１ｄの自由端５１ｄ−１に当たることで押し込みができ
ず、それを持ってターミナル６が半挿入状態にあることが検知される。【００３７】さらに固定部材７はスカート部５２内にほぼ収められた状態で筒状部５１，５
１´に仮組みされるため、固定部材７が仮組みされてアッセンブリラインへ搬入
される途中や、アッセンブリを行う途中において、スカート部５２が保護壁の役
目を果たして、固定部材７が外部部材に突き当たる可能性が少なくなる。そのた
め、固定部材７がターミナル６の挿入前において不用意に本係止位置まで押し込
まれることが防止される。Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a connector in which a fixing member for double-locking a terminal is mounted from the front side of a housing. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a waterproof connector, a type in which a fixing member is mounted from the front side of a housing in order to achieve double locking of a terminal has been used. No. 3686619 and No. 36001760. Specifically, when the terminal is inserted into the housing passage in the housing from the rear, the terminal is locked in a retaining state by an elastic arm provided to be able to bend and deform in the housing passage, and thereafter, the fixing member is fixed from the front of the housing. Is attached to the elastic arm so as to protrude into the flexural deformation area of the elastic arm, thereby restricting the flexural deformation of the elastic arm, thereby performing double locking of the terminal. [0003] However, the conventional structure has a structure in which the fixing member can be mounted only after the terminal is inserted into the housing passage of the housing and locking by the elastic arm is completed. Therefore, in the assembly line where the terminal is assembled to the connector, it is necessary to separately carry in the housing, the terminal, and the fixing member, and to newly assemble them on the line.To automate the assembly, large-scale equipment is required. In addition, there is a problem that these parts, including transportation, must be individually managed, and the manufacturing cost must be increased. [0004] The connector of the present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to supply a fixing member to an assembly line in a state where the fixing member is temporarily mounted in advance. A second object is to prevent the fixing member from erroneously shifting from the temporary mounting position to the full mounting position. [0005] As means for achieving the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a tubular portion provided with a terminal accommodating passage therein, wherein the accommodating passage is provided. The terminal inserted from the rear is locked in a state of being cut off by a flexible cantilever-shaped elastic arm formed by partially cutting out the side wall of the cylindrical portion and extending along the insertion direction of the terminal. In a connector in which the terminal is double-locked by positioning a fixing member mounted from the front of the cylindrical portion in a bending deformation region of an elastic arm, the fixing member has an elasticity in the cylindrical portion. It is possible to temporarily lock at a position just before the bending deformation area of the arm and at a height position where there is almost no gap in the height direction from the upper surface position of the elastic arm, and further pushing along the upper surface of the elastic arm makes it possible to lock the arm. Deflection Characterized in place where the structure is capable Hongakaritome a position advanced to the region. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the fixing member has a first engagement member in which one of two types of locking projections provided on the fixing member is provided on the cylindrical portion. The temporary locking is performed by engaging the locking portion, and the other locking projection is engaged with the second locking portion provided on the cylindrical portion at a later time than the temporary locking timing. The feature is that it is configured to be fully locked. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, a skirt portion that opens toward the mating connector is formed outside the cylindrical portion, and the fixing member is a skirt portion. It is characterized in that it can be temporarily locked to the tubular portion in a state of being housed without substantially protruding from the portion. When the fixing member is mounted from the front side of the tubular portion, the fixing member is first temporarily assembled at a position before the bending deformation region of the elastic arm. In this state, the elastic arm can be flexed and deformed, so the terminal is inserted from the rear of the accommodation passage while flexing and deforming the elastic arm toward the flex deformation area, and when the terminal is inserted to a predetermined position, the elastic arm returns to the original posture. While being restored, it engages with the terminal for primary locking. Next, when the fixing member is further pushed in, the fixing member is fully assembled at a position advanced to the bending deformation region. Thereby, the bending deformation of the elastic arm is restricted, and the terminal is double-locked. If the terminal is left in a half-inserted state when the terminal is inserted, the elastic arm is held in a state where the elastic arm protrudes into the bending deformation region. Therefore, when trying to push the temporarily assembled fixing member to the final locking position, it cannot be pushed by hitting the protruding elastic arm,
With that, it is detected that the terminal is in the half-inserted bear. In other words, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the fixing member can be temporarily assembled to the tubular portion in a state where the terminal can be inserted, the fixing member is temporarily assembled to the connector assembly line. It is only necessary to carry in the housing and the terminal that have been set, and it is possible to easily cope with automation, reduce the parts management cost, and reduce the manufacturing cost. Further, there is an effect that the half insertion of the terminal can be detected. <Invention of Claim 2> When the fixing member is mounted from the front side of the cylindrical portion, one locking projection provided on the fixing member is first engaged with the first locking portion provided on the cylindrical portion. Temporarily locked by joining. When the fixing member is further pushed in, another locking projection engages with a second locking portion provided on the same cylindrical portion to be fully locked. <Invention of Claim 3> [0012] The fixing member is temporarily assembled to the cylindrical portion without substantially protruding from the skirt portion. For this reason, while the fixing member is temporarily assembled and carried into the assembly line, or during assembly, the skirt portion serves as a protective wall, and the possibility that the fixing member abuts on the external member is reduced. This means that the fixing member can be prevented from being inadvertently pushed to the final locking position before the terminal is inserted, and a smooth assembly can be expected. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 8 show a female connector A, and FIGS. 9 to 16 show a male connector B. The female connector A includes a housing 1, a terminal 2, an endless elastic seal ring 3, and a fixing member 4. The housing 1 has a pair of cylindrical portions 11 and 11 ′ having a passage 11 a for accommodating the terminal 2, and is appropriately spaced from the cylindrical portions 11 and 11 ′. The vertical wall 13, the vertical wall 13, and the vertical wall 13, which stand perpendicular to the skirt 12 and the cylindrical portions 11, 11 ′ at the central position in the coaxial direction and continue to the rear end of the skirt 12. Tubular part 11, 1
At the position orthogonal to 1 ', a winding base 14 of the elastic seal ring 3 is formed so as to straddle the pair of cylindrical portions 11 and 11' and have a step between the side walls thereof. Each of the cylindrical portions 11 and 11 ′ has a notch 11 c on a side wall 11 b thereof, and forms a flexible cantilever elastic arm 11 d in the notch 11 c. The tubular portions 11, 11 'are arranged side by side at appropriate intervals in a direction perpendicular to the side wall 11b with the side wall 11b oriented in the vertical direction. The elastic arm 11d has a free end 1 in the insertion direction of the terminal 2 accommodated in the passage 11a.
1d-1, extending near its free end and projecting into the passage 11a.
-2. The convex portion 11d-2 is on the free end direction side of the elastic arm 11d.
It has a vertical surface and an inclined surface on the opposite side. Further, the cylindrical portions 11, 11 '
Are provided on the side walls 11e located on both outer sides in the direction in which the cylindrical portions 11 and 11 'are arranged.
, 11 ′ have elongated holes 11 f that are long in the axial direction. The terminal 2 has a concave portion 21. Passage 11a provided in housing 1
Terminal 2 inserted into the inside is free end 11d-1 of cantilevered elastic arm 11d.
Abuts against the convex portion 11d-2, and uses the inclined surface thereof to set the free end to the cylindrical portion 11, 11.
′, Moves to a predetermined position in the passage 11a, and receives the convex portion 11d-2 near the free end of the elastic arm 11d into the concave portion 21 and is locked by the portion. You. The seal ring 3 is wound around the above-described winding table 14 and has an appropriate space between the seal ring 3 and the skirt portion 12. The fixing member 4 is formed in a frame shape having four side walls that are orthogonal to each other and a bottom wall 41 with a window, and is covered over a pair of cylindrical parts 11 and 11 ′ arranged side by side. Can be crowned. On the other hand, a flange 42 extending outward is provided at the opening edge of the fixing member 4. Small projections 43a, 43a 'are provided near the open end on one of the four opposing side walls 43, 43' of the four side walls of the fixing member 4, and one of the opposing side walls 44 is provided on the other opposing side wall. A cantilevered elastic piece 44a cut out from that portion is provided, and a portion corresponding to the axial center position of the fixing member 4 on the inner surface of the elastic piece 44a is spaced apart from each other. In this case, a pair of projections 44a-1 and 44a-1 'are provided. Both the small projections 43a, 43a 'and the projections 44a-1, 44a-1' have inclined surfaces on the side in which the fixing member 4 is fitted to cover the tubular portions 11, 11 '. In the fixing member 4 covered over the pair of cylindrical portions 11 and 11 ′, the small projections 43 a and 43 a ′ described above are fitted into the elongated holes 11 f of the cylindrical portions 11 and 11 ′. The projections 44a-1 and 44a-1 'are in contact with the tips of the side walls 11b of the cylindrical portions 11 and 11', and the side wall 44 of the fixing member 4 is in contact with the side walls of the cylindrical portions 11 and 11 '. 11
(b) is located away from the portion where the elastic arm 11d is formed.
(See FIG. 7). Therefore, the provisional locking means and the provisionally locked means of the fixing member 4 and the housing 1 in the female connector A are formed by small projections 43 a on the inner surfaces of the side walls 43 and 43 ′ of the fixing member 4.
, 43a 'and protrusions 44a-1, 44a- formed on the elastic piece 44a on the side wall 44.
It can be understood that it is composed of the front end of the side wall 11b of the cylindrical portion 11 'and the cylindrical portion 11' and the elongated hole 11f of the side wall 11e. As described above, the housing 1 in which the fixing member 4 is temporarily mounted receives the terminal 2 in each of the passages 11a of the tubular portions 11 and 11 ', and the convex portion 11d-2 of the elastic arm 11d.
Into the concave portion 21 of the terminal 2, and the seal ring 3
In this state (see FIG. 5), the operation of fully mounting the fixing member 4 is waited. In the actual mounting, the fixing member 4 is further pressed against the tubular portions 11 and 11 ′ from the temporarily mounted state, and the bending of the elastic pieces 44 a and the inclined surfaces of the projections 44 a-1 and 44 a-1 ′ are used. , The projections 44a-1, 44a-1 'are passed over the side wall 11b from the distal end of the side wall 11b of the cylindrical portion 11, 11', and the bottom wall 41 of the fixing member 4 is moved to the distal end surface of the cylindrical portion 11, 11 '. , And the projections 44a-1 and 44a-1 'are fitted into the cutouts 11c and engaged with the cutout ends (see FIGS. 6 and 8). That is, the fixing member 4 is in a state where the terminal 2 can be inserted into the cylindrical portions 11 and 11 ′.
Since the housing 1 and the terminal 2 in which the fixing member 4 has been temporarily assembled may be carried into the connector assembly line of the connector, automation can be easily performed, and component management can be easily performed. Costs can be reduced, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. When the terminal 2 is inserted into the passage 11a and held in a half-inserted state, the free end 11d-1 of the elastic arm 11d is kept in a state of protruding outward from the side wall 11b. Therefore, when the temporarily assembled fixing member 4 is to be pushed into the final locking position, it cannot be pushed because it hits the free end 11d-1 of the protruding elastic arm 11d, and the terminal 2 is half-inserted with it. The state is detected. Further, since the fixing member 4 is temporarily assembled to the tubular portions 11 and 11 ′ without being protruded from the skirt portion 12, the fixing member 4 is temporarily assembled to the assembly line. The skirt portion 12 functions as a protective wall during the loading and the assembly, and the possibility that the fixing member 4 abuts against the external member is reduced. Therefore, the fixing member 4 is prevented from being inadvertently pushed to the final locking position before the terminal 2 is inserted. The male connector B includes a housing 5, a terminal 6, and a fixing member 7. The housing 5 includes a pair of cylindrical portions 51 having a passage 51a for accommodating the terminal 6,
51 ', a skirt portion 52 provided in the front half of the housing 5 in a state where these members are appropriately spaced from the tubular portions 51, 51', and a central position in the coaxial direction of the tubular portions 51, 51 '. The vertical wall portion 53 which rises orthogonally to this and continues to the rear end of the skirt portion 52 and the convex section 5 formed on the inner surface of the skirt portion 52
4 Each of the cylindrical portions 51 and 51 ′ has a notch 51 c on a side wall 51 b thereof, and a flexible cantilever-like elastic arm 51 d is formed in the notch 51 c. The tubular portions 51, 51 'are arranged side by side at appropriate intervals in a direction perpendicular to the side wall 51b with the side wall 51b oriented vertically. The elastic arm 51d has a free end 51d-1 extending in the insertion direction of the terminal 6 inserted into the passage 51a, and a convex portion 51d- protruding into the passage 51a near the free end.
Two. The convex portion 51d-2 has a vertical surface on the free end direction side of the elastic arm 51d, and has an inclined surface on the opposite side. Also, the tubular portions 51, 51 '
Are cylindrical portions 51, 5 on the inner side walls 51e facing each other in the arrangement direction.
1 'has an elongated hole 51f long in the axial direction. The terminal 6 has a concave portion 61. Passage 51a provided in housing 5
The terminal 6 inserted therein is a free end 51d-1 of a cantilevered elastic arm 51d.
Abuts on the convex portion 51d-2, and uses the inclined surface to set the free end to the cylindrical portion 51, 51 '.
When the elastic arm 51d moves to a predetermined position in the passage 51a, the convex portion 51d-2 near the free end of the elastic arm 51d is received in the concave portion 61 and is locked by the portion. . The fixing member 7 is formed in a frame shape with four orthogonal side walls, and a bottom wall 71 with a window is formed in one opening, and the fixing member 7 is fixed from the center of the bottom wall 71. A locking piece 72 and a guide piece 73 extending in the axial direction of the member 7 are formed to protrude. One of the side walls 74 of the fixing member 7 is provided with two cantilever elastic pieces 74a cut out from the part, and protrudes outward on the respective elastic pieces 74a. The projection 74a-1 is formed. The tubular portion 51 of the fixing member 7 in the locking piece 72
, 51 'near the free end on the mounting direction side, small projections 72a, 72a on both side surfaces thereof.
'Is provided. Both the projection 74a-1 and the small projections 72a, 72a 'have inclined surfaces on the surface of the fixing member 7 on the direction of attachment to the tubular portions 51, 51'. In the fixing member 7 covered over the pair of cylindrical portions 51 and 51 ′, the small projections 72 a and 72 a ′ described above are fitted into the elongated holes 51 f of the cylindrical portions 51 and 51 ′. In the state where the inclined surface of the above-mentioned projection 74a-1 is in contact with the convex section 54 on the inner surface of the skirt section 52, the side wall of the fixing member 7 forms the elastic arms 51d of the cylindrical sections 51, 51 '. It is temporarily mounted on the housing 5 in a state where it is located away from the portion (see FIGS. 12 and 15). Therefore, the provisional locking means and the provisionally locked means of the fixing member 7 and the housing 5 in the male connector B are formed by a convex section 54 on the inner surface of the skirt portion 52 of the housing 5 and the cylindrical section. The long holes 51f provided in the side walls 51e opposed to each other and the small projections 72a, 7 on the both sides of the distal end of the locking piece 72 in the fixing member 7.
It can be seen that the elastic piece 74a on the side wall 74 includes a protrusion 74a-1 protruding outward. As described above, the housing 5 to which the fixing member 7 has been temporarily mounted has the cylindrical portions 51 and 51 ′.
The terminal 6 is received in each of the passages 51a of the elastic arm 51d.
In the state where 2 is fitted into the concave portion 61 of the terminal 6 (see FIG. 13), the actual mounting operation is waited. In the actual mounting, the fixing member 7 is further pressed against the cylindrical portions 51 and 51 ′ from the temporarily mounted state, and the flexibility of the elastic piece 74 a and the inclined surface of the projection 74 a-1 are used to make the projection 7.
4a-1 is a convex section 5 formed on the inner surface of the skirt section 52 of the housing 5.
4, the bottom wall 71 of the fixing member 7 is brought into contact with the tips of the cylindrical portions 51, 51 ', and the projection 74a-1 is engaged with the other step of the cross-section convex portion 54. (See FIGS. 14 and 16). That is, the fixing member 7 is in a state in which the terminal 6 can be inserted, and the cylindrical portions 51 and 51 ′ are inserted.
Since the housing 5 and the terminal 6 in which the fixing member 7 has been temporarily assembled may be carried into the assembly line of the connector, automation can be easily performed, and component management can be easily performed. Costs can be reduced, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Further, when the terminal 6 is inserted into the passage 51a, if it is kept in a half-inserted state, the free end 51d-1 of the elastic arm 51d is kept in a state of protruding outward from the side wall 51b. Therefore, when the temporarily assembled fixing member 7 is to be pushed into the final locking position, it cannot be pushed because it hits the free end 51d-1 of the protruding elastic arm 51d, and the terminal 6 is half-inserted with it. The state is detected. Further, the fixing member 7 is substantially housed in the skirt portion 52 and the cylindrical portions 51, 5
Since the fixing member 7 is temporarily assembled, the skirt portion 52 serves as a protective wall while the fixing member 7 is temporarily assembled and carried into the assembly line, or during assembly. The chance of hitting is reduced. This prevents the fixing member 7 from being inadvertently pushed to the final locking position before the terminal 6 is inserted.

【図面の簡単な説明】【図１】本発明の一実施形態に係る雌コネクタの一部切欠分解斜視図である。【図２】その分解縦断面図である。【図３】その分解横断面図である。【図４】固定部材を仮装着した状態の横断面図である。【図５】ターミナルを挿入した状態の横断面図である。【図６】固定部材を本装着した状態の横断面図である。【図７】固定部材を仮装着した状態の縦断面図である。【図８】固定部材を本装着した状態の縦断面図である。【図９】雄コネクタの一部切欠分解斜視図である。【図１０】その分解縦断面図である。【図１１】その分解横断面図である。【図１２】固定部材を仮装着した状態の横断面図である。【図１３】ターミナルを挿入した状態の横断面図である。【図１４】固定部材を本装着した状態の横断面図である。【図１５】固定部材を仮装着した状態の縦断面図である。【図１６】固定部材を本装着した状態の縦断面図である。【符号の説明】Ａ…雌コネクタ１…ハウジング１１，１１´…筒状部１１ａ…通路１１ｃ…切り欠き部１１ｄ…弾性腕１１ｄ−１…自由端１１ｄ−２…凸部１１ｆ…長孔１２…スカート部２…ターミナル２１…凹部４…固定部材４３ａ，４３ａ´…小突起４４ａ…弾性片４４ａ−１，４４ａ−１´…突起Ｂ…雄コネクタ５…ハウジング５１，５１´…筒状部５１ａ…通路５１ｄ…弾性腕５１ｄ−１…自由端５１ｄ−２…凸部５１ｆ…長孔５２…スカート部５４…断面凸形状部６…ターミナル６１…凹部７…固定部材７２ａ，７２ａ´…小突起７４ａ…弾性片７４ａ−１…突起[Brief description of the drawings] FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway exploded perspective view of the female connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 FIG. FIG. 3 FIG. FIG. 4 It is a cross-sectional view in the state where the fixing member was temporarily mounted. FIG. 5 It is a cross-sectional view in the state where the terminal was inserted. FIG. 6 It is a cross-sectional view in the state where the fixing member was fully mounted. FIG. 7 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view in the state where the fixing member was temporarily mounted. FIG. 8 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view in the state where the fixing member was fully mounted. FIG. 9 It is a partially cutaway exploded perspective view of a male connector. FIG. 10 FIG. FIG. 11 FIG. FIG. It is a cross-sectional view in the state where the fixing member was temporarily mounted. FIG. 13 It is a cross-sectional view in the state where the terminal was inserted. FIG. 14 It is a cross-sectional view in the state where the fixing member was fully mounted. FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view in the state where the fixing member was temporarily mounted. FIG. 16 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view in the state where the fixing member was fully mounted. [Explanation of symbols] A: Female connector 1 ... Housing 11, 11 '... tubular part 11a ... passage 11c: Notch 11d ... elastic arm 11d-1 ... Free end 11d-2 ... convex part 11f ... Long hole 12 ... skirt part 2. Terminal 21 ... recess 4 ... Fixing member 43a, 43a '... small protrusion 44a ... elastic piece 44a-1, 44a-1 '... projection B: Male connector 5 ... Housing 51, 51 '... cylindrical part 51a ... passage 51d ... elastic arm 51d-1 ... Free end 51d-2: convex portion 51f ... Long hole 52 ... Skirt 54 ... Sectional convex part 6 ... Terminal 61 ... recess 7 ... Fixing member 72a, 72a '... small projection 74a ... elastic piece 74a-1 ... projection

Claims

Claims: 1. A terminal having a tubular portion provided therein with a housing passage for a terminal, wherein a terminal inserted into the housing passage from the rear has a partly cut-away side wall of the tubular portion. A flexible cantilever-shaped elastic arm extending along the insertion direction of the terminal is locked in a retaining state, and a fixing member attached from the front of the cylindrical portion is bent by the elastic arm. In the connector configured to perform double locking of the terminal by being located in the deformation area, the fixing member is located at a position before the bending deformation area of the elastic arm in the tubular portion and at the upper surface position of the elastic arm. It is possible to temporarily lock at a height position where there is substantially no gap in the height direction, and it is possible to fully lock at a position where the elastic arm has advanced into the bending deformation area by further pushing along the upper surface. To connect . 2. The fixing member is provisionally locked by engaging one of two types of locking projections provided thereon with a first locking portion provided on the cylindrical portion. The main locking is performed by engaging another locking projection with a second locking portion provided on the cylindrical portion at a later time than the temporary locking timing. The connector according to 1. 3. A skirt portion that opens toward the mating connector is formed outside the cylindrical portion, and the fixing member is accommodated in the cylindrical portion without substantially protruding from the skirt portion. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first member is temporarily lockable.
Or the connector according to claim 2.