JP5243587B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector for fixing a terminal metal fitting without using a retainer.

  The conventional connector uses a retainer that presses the terminal fitting from a substantially vertical direction in order to make it difficult for the terminal fitting to come out of the cavity after the terminal fitting is received in the cavity formed in the connector housing. Since the connector is for electrical connection, it is necessary to prevent the terminal fitting from coming out of the cavity even when a force is applied to the cable connected to the terminal fitting. For this reason, in the conventional connector, when the terminal metal fitting is accommodated in the cavity, the terminal metal fitting is pressed using the retainer to make the electrical connection of the connector accurate (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

  A connector for attaching a terminal fitting to a cavity without using a retainer has also been devised (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2009-266497 A JP 2003-53570 A

  As described above, in the conventional connector, the terminal fitting is attached to the connector housing by pressing the terminal fitting using the retainer. For this reason, it was necessary to prepare a retainer in addition to the connector housing and the terminal fitting. For this reason, the number of parts of the connector is increased, and it is necessary to attach the retainer to the connector housing after the terminal fitting is attached to the connector housing, which complicates the assembly work at the site.

  Further, in the case of a connector that does not require a retainer, the structure in which adjacent cavities of the connector housing communicate with each other increases the locking force of the lance. However, the structure in which adjacent cavities communicate with each other is complicated, and the manufacturing process of the connector housing has to be complicated. In addition, the locking force can be increased by increasing the locking member of the lance, but if the connector has to be enlarged and the connector is downsized, the locking force cannot be maintained and the connector is damaged. It had to be easy.

  Furthermore, a method of increasing the locking force by changing the structure of the terminal metal fitting without changing the structure of the connector is also assumed, but it becomes necessary to newly examine and provide the structure of the terminal metal fitting. It is more convenient for the user of the connector to use the terminal fittings in circulation as they are.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and the object of the present invention is to fix the terminal fitting without using a retainer and to sufficiently maintain the locking force even when it is downsized. Then, it is providing the connector which can hold | maintain the state which attached the terminal metal fitting to the connector housing.

The features according to the embodiment of the present invention are as follows:
A connector (for example, a connector 100 described later) having a connector housing (for example, a connector housing 110 described later) formed with a cavity (for example, a cavity 120 described later) capable of accommodating a terminal metal (for example, a terminal metal fitting 200 described later). Because
A lance having a terminal fitting locking portion for locking the terminal fitting housed in a normal position of the cavity (for example, a position shown in FIG. 6A described later), and deformed by contact with the terminal fitting. Possible lances (eg, lance 150 described below);
Wall constituting the cavity (e.g., an inner wall bottom surface 122 to be described later) fixedly provided to the solid設係stop portion (e.g., a solid設係stop portion 140 to be described later) has, and,
The lance has a movable locking surface (for example, a movable locking member described later) that is movable at least partially to a position facing the fixed locking portion when the terminal fitting is accommodated in the cavity and the lance is deformed. A stop surface 152).

  The terminal fitting locking portion locks the terminal fitting stored in the normal position of the cavity, and at least a part of the movable locking surface is fixedly engaged when the terminal fitting is received in the cavity and the lance is deformed. Since it can move to a position facing the stop, the terminal fitting can be fixed without using a retainer.

The feature according to the embodiment of the present invention is the above-described configuration.
The lance has an elongated shape along the cavity;
A first end (for example, an end 154 to be described later) connected to the wall surface constituting the cavity, and a second end formed at a position separated from the first end along the longitudinal direction of the lance. An end (for example, a movable locking surface 152 described later),
It has leg portions (for example, leg portions 166a and 166b described later) that extend from the second end portion and can be deformed.

  The first end portion is connected to the wall surface constituting the cavity, and the second end portion has a deformable leg portion, so that even when the size is reduced, the locking force is sufficiently maintained and the terminal The state where the metal fitting is attached to the connector housing can be maintained.

Furthermore, the characteristics according to the embodiment of the present invention are as follows.
The cavity has an insertion end (for example, an insertion hole 130 described later) into which the terminal fitting is inserted into the cavity,
When a force is applied to the terminal fitting while the terminal fitting is housed in the cavity, the movable locking surface is locked by the fixed locking surface.

  Even when a force is applied to the terminal fitting, the movable locking surface is locked by the fixed locking surface, so that the terminal fitting can be fixed without using a retainer.

The features according to the embodiment of the present invention are as follows:
A connector (for example, a connector 100 described later) having a connector housing (for example, a connector housing 110 described later) formed with a cavity (for example, a cavity 120 described later) capable of accommodating a terminal metal (for example, a terminal metal fitting 200 described later). Because
A lance having a terminal fitting locking portion for locking the terminal fitting housed in a normal position of the cavity (for example, a position shown in FIG. 6A described later), and deformed by contact with the terminal fitting. Possible lances (eg, lance 150 described below);
A fixed locking portion (for example, a fixed locking portion 140 described later) provided on a wall surface (for example, an inner wall lower surface 122 described later) constituting the cavity,
The lance has a movable locking surface (for example, a movable locking member described later) that is movable at least partially to a position facing the fixed locking portion when the terminal fitting is accommodated in the cavity and the lance is deformed. A stop surface 152),
The lance has an elongated shape along the cavity;
The lance is formed at a position separated from the first end along the longitudinal direction of the lance, and a first end (for example, an end 154 described later) connected to the wall surface constituting the cavity. A second end (for example, a movable locking surface 152 described later),
The lance has leg portions (for example, leg portions 166a and 166b described later) that extend from the second end portion and can be deformed.
The leg portion includes a first leg body (for example, a leg portion 166a described later) extending in a direction away from the second end portion, and a second leg formed substantially in equilibrium with the first leg body. A leg body (for example, a leg portion 166b described later),
The fixed locking portion is located with a gap between the first leg and the second leg,
When the terminal fitting is received in the cavity, the lance, the first leg, and the second leg are deformed, and at least a part of the movable locking surface is the fixed locking surface. Is to face each other.

  The state in which the terminal fitting is attached to the connector housing can be maintained by sufficiently maintaining the locking force by the deformation of the first leg and the second leg.

  The terminal fitting can be fixed without using a retainer, and the electrical connection of the connector can be made sufficient.

It is a perspective view which shows the whole connector. It is a perspective view which shows the outline | summary of the inside of the cavity formed in the connector housing. It is a perspective view which shows the outline | summary of the inside of the cavity formed in the connector housing. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline | summary of the inside of a cavity. It is sectional drawing which shows a state when a terminal metal fitting is inserted in a cavity and a lance deform | transforms. It is sectional drawing which shows a state when a terminal metal fitting is accommodated in a cavity and a terminal metal fitting is attached.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<<< Configuration of Connector 100 >>>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an outline of the connector 100.
The connector 100 includes a connector housing 110. The connector housing 110 is made of a nonconductive and elastically deformable synthetic resin, for example, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). The connector 100 described in this embodiment is a female connector, and has a structure that is detachable from a male connector (not shown). When a male connector is coupled to connector 100, an electrical connection is formed.

  A plurality of, for example, twelve cavities 120 are formed in the connector housing 110. The twelve cavities 120 are formed in parallel to each other. Each of the cavities 120 has an elongated shape. One terminal fitting 200 (see FIG. 6A) is attached to one cavity 120.

<< Terminal fitting 200 >>
The terminal fitting 200 is made of a conductive metal. The terminal fitting 200 is formed by punching a metal plate into a predetermined shape and then bending it. As shown in FIG. 6A, the terminal fitting 200 includes a connection portion 230 having a substantially box shape that opens in the front-rear direction of the terminal fitting 200, and a barrel portion 240 that can be crimped to an end of an electric wire (not shown). It is composed of In the present specification, the front side of the terminal fitting 200 refers to the side corresponding to the insertion hole 130 of the cavity 120 described later, and the rear side of the terminal fitting 200 corresponds to the end portion 132 of the cavity 120 described later. Say the side.

  Note that the terminal fitting 200 described in the present embodiment is a female terminal fitting and is attached to the connector 100 which is a female connector. The terminal fitting 200, which is a female terminal fitting, has a structure that can be electrically connected to the male terminal fitting. The female terminal fitting is attached to the female connector, and the male terminal fitting is attached to the male connector. By connecting the female connector and the male connector, the female terminal fitting and the male terminal fitting are electrically connected.

  The barrel portion 240 has a caulking piece 242. The caulking piece 242 is caulked to the core portion (not shown) of the electric wire. In this way, the electric wire and the terminal fitting 200 are electrically connected.

  In the connecting portion 230, an elastic contact piece (not shown) is formed that bends a metal plate constituting the terminal fitting 200 and extends backward. The elastic contact piece has a bendable shape that can be bent, and is elastically brought into electrical contact with a tab (not shown) of a male terminal fitting inserted from the front of the connection portion 230.

  A stabilizer 250 is formed substantially at the center along the longitudinal direction of the terminal fitting 200. When the terminal fitting 200 is accommodated in the cavity 120, the terminal fitting 200 is formed so as to protrude toward the inner wall lower surface 122 described later. The stabilizer 250 has two corners 252 and 254 formed substantially at right angles, and is formed in a substantially square shape. A substantially linear guide side 256 is formed between the two corners 252 and 254.

  The stabilizer 250 is provided to prevent the terminal fitting 200 from being inserted into the cavity 120 in the reverse direction (the direction in which the stabilizer 250 faces the inner wall upper surface 124 (described later)). Further, the stabilizer 250 is guided by the inner wall side surfaces 126a and 126b and the inner wall lower surface 122 when the terminal fitting 200 is inserted into the cavity 120 in an appropriate direction, and makes the insertion posture of the terminal fitting 200 appropriate. This is for making the attaching operation of the terminal fitting 200 simple and stable. When trying to insert the terminal fitting 200 into the cavity 120 in the opposite direction, the stabilizer 250 is blocked by the insertion hole 130 of the cavity 120, and the terminal fitting 200 cannot be inserted into the cavity 120.

  A retainer locking portion 258 is formed between the connection portion 230 and the stabilizer 250. When the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the connector 100 using a retainer (not shown), the terminal fitting 200 can be locked by the retainer by pushing the retainer into the retainer locking portion 258. As will be described later, the connector 100 of the present application can attach the terminal fitting 200 to the connector 100 without using a retainer. Therefore, the terminal fitting 200 can be attached to the connector 100 without using the retainer with the conventional structure without changing the structure of the terminal fitting 200. That is, the attachment work of the terminal fitting 200 to the connector 100 can be performed without changing the terminal fitting that is a component used in the attachment work.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the terminal fitting 200 has a long shape. The terminal fitting 200 includes a first end 210 and a second end 220. When the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the cavity 120, the first end portion 210 is positioned at the end portion 132 of the cavity 120 described later. An electric wire is electrically connected to the second end 220. When the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the cavity 120, the second end 220 protrudes from the insertion hole 130 together with the cable (see FIG. 6A).

<< Cavity 120 >>
2 and 3 are perspective views showing the inside of the cavity 120. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the cavity 120.

  As described above, in the connector housing 110, a total of 12 cavities 120 are formed in parallel, 6 in the upper stage and 6 in the lower stage. As described above, each of the cavities 120 has an elongated shape. Each of the cavities 120 is mainly configured by an inner wall lower surface 122, an inner wall upper surface 124, two inner wall side surfaces 126 a and 126 b, an intermediate body 128, an insertion hole 130, and a terminal end portion 132. The inner wall lower surface 122, the inner wall upper surface 124, and the two inner wall side surfaces 126a and 126b correspond to “wall surfaces constituting the cavity”.

  In the present specification, the insertion hole 130 side may be simply referred to as the front side of the connector housing 110, the cavity 120, or the like. In addition, the terminal end 132 side may be simply referred to as a rear side such as the connector housing 110 or the cavity 120.

  In addition, a through hole 138 is formed in the terminal end portion 132. When the male terminal fitting is attached to the terminal fitting 200 (female terminal fitting), the tab (not shown) of the male terminal fitting is electrically connected to the connecting portion 230 of the terminal fitting 200 through the through hole 138. (FIG. 6A).

<Inner wall lower surface 122>
The inner wall lower surface 122 constitutes the bottom surface of one cavity 120. A fixed locking portion 140 described later is fixed to the inner wall lower surface 122. As described above, when the terminal fitting 200 is inserted into the cavity 120, the terminal fitting 200 is guided by the inner wall lower surface 122.
<Fixed locking portion 140>
The fixed locking portion 140 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The fixed locking portion 140 is formed so as to protrude toward the inner wall upper surface 124 described later. The fixed locking portion 140 has a fixed locking surface 142 and a tapered surface 144.

  The fixed locking surface 142 is formed substantially perpendicular to the inner wall lower surface 122. The fixed locking surface 142 is formed so as to face a lance 150 described later. Specifically, the fixed locking surface 142 is formed so as to face at least a part of the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 when the lance 150 is displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122 (described later). (See FIGS. 6A and 6B).

  The tapered surface 144 can smoothly guide the terminal fitting 200 in the cavity 120 when the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the connector 100, and the tapered fitting 144 allows the terminal fitting 200 to be located at a desired position in the cavity 120. Can be in a posture to do.

<Inner wall upper surface 124>
Specifically, the inner wall upper surface 124 is formed substantially parallel to the inner wall lower surface 122 so as to face each other. The inner wall upper surface 124 constitutes the top of one cavity 120. The inner wall upper surface 124 is formed substantially flat. When the terminal fitting 200 is inserted into the cavity 120, the terminal fitting 200 is guided by the inner wall upper surface 124.

<Intermediate 128>
An intermediate body 128 is formed between the inner wall lower surface 122 and the inner wall upper surface 124. The intermediate body 128 has a substantially thin plate shape. The intermediate body 128 is formed substantially parallel to the inner wall lower surface 122 and the inner wall upper surface 124. The intermediate body 128 is formed so as to be connected to the two inner wall side surfaces 126 a and 126 b through the joint portion 134. That is, the intermediate body 128 is formed to be supported by the two inner wall side surfaces 126a and 126b.

  The intermediate body 128 has an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction of the cavity 120. The intermediate body 128 has a length shorter than the length of the cavity 120 in the longitudinal direction. An end 154 of the lance 150 is connected to the intermediate body 128. The lance 150 is supported by the intermediate body 128. As will be described later, the lance 150 is displaceable, and the lance 150 is supported by the intermediate body 128 so as to be displaceable.

  When the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the cavity 120, the terminal fitting 200 is positioned between the intermediate body 128 and the inner wall upper surface 124, and the first end 210 of the terminal fitting 200 is formed at the terminal end 132 of the cavity 120. Positioned (FIG. 6 (a)).

<Gap 136>
As described above, by forming the intermediate body 128 in the cavity 120, the gap 136 can be formed between the intermediate body 128 and the inner wall lower surface 122. By forming the gap 136, the lance 150 and the fixed locking surface 142 can be formed inside the cavity 120 by molding. That is, as will be described later, a mold (not shown) for molding from the insertion hole 130 side (hereinafter referred to as a front mold) and a mold for molding from the end portion 132 side (not shown). Both the lance 150 and the fixed locking surface 142 can be formed by two molds (hereinafter referred to as rear molds). By doing in this way, the molding process of the connector 100 can be made simple and easy.

  As will be described later, by forming the gap 136, the extended portion 156 of the lance 150 can be deformed, and a space that can accommodate the protruding portion 158 displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122 when the extended portion 156 is deformed. Can be secured. By doing in this way, the extension part 156 can fully be deform | transformed and the terminal metal fitting 200 can be attached to the cavity 120 smoothly.

<< Lance 150 >>
The lance 150 is a part of the connector 100 and is made of the same material as the connector 100. Specifically, the lance 150 is made of an elastically deformable material, for example, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate).

  The lance used for the conventional connector is mainly used for positioning the terminal fitting at a predetermined position of the cavity. On the other hand, the lance 150 of the present application is used for positioning the terminal fitting 200 at a predetermined position of the cavity 120 and locking the terminal fitting 200 to the cavity 120. Therefore, the terminal fitting 200 can be attached to the connector 100 without using a retainer.

<Extension part 156>
The lance 150 has an extension 156 from the end 154. The extension part 156 has a long shape along the longitudinal direction of the cavity 120. The extending part 156 is formed so that the thickness gradually increases as the distance from the end part 154 increases. By doing in this way, while being able to make the extension part 156 bend easily centering on the edge part 154, the intensity | strength of the extension part 156 can be ensured. Further, when the connector 100 is molded with a mold, the mold can be easily removed from the molded connector 100.

<Protrusion 158>
A protruding portion 158 is formed on the upper surface 168 of the extending portion 156 of the lance 150 so as to protrude toward the inner wall upper surface 124. The upper surface 168 is a surface formed so as to face the inner wall upper surface 124 of the cavity 120. The protruding portion 158 is formed with a locking portion 160, a flat portion 162, a tapered portion 164, and a movable locking surface 152.

<Locking part 160>
The locking portion 160 is formed substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 168 of the lance 150 and along the short side direction of the lance 150. A step is formed by the locking portion 160. The locking end 160 is locked with the locking end 230 of the terminal fitting 200 (see FIG. 6A).

<Flat portion 162>
The flat portion 162 is formed substantially parallel to the inner wall upper surface 124 and the inner wall lower surface 122 when the lance 150 is in a natural state. As will be described later, when the terminal fitting 200 is attached, the connecting portion 230 and the stabilizer 250 of the terminal fitting 200 move while being in contact (rubbed) with the flat portion 162. The flat part 162 is formed so that the connection part 230 and the stabilizer 250 can move smoothly.

<Tapered portion 164>
The tapered portion 164 is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface 168 of the lance 150. Specifically, it is formed so as to gradually move toward the inner wall lower surface 122 of the cavity 120 as the distance from the end 154 increases. That is, the protruding portion 158 is formed so that the thickness gradually decreases as it moves away from the end portion 154 and toward the movable locking surface 152 described later. Thus, by forming the tapered portion 164, when the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the connector 100, the terminal fitting 200 can be smoothly guided and guided to the protruding portion 158 (see FIG. 5).

  That is, the extension part 156 can be gradually bent and deformed as the terminal fitting 200 advances toward the end part 132 of the cavity 120. Therefore, the terminal fitting 200 can be attached to the cavity 120 without damaging or damaging the lance 150 so that a force is not suddenly applied to the lance 150.

<Movable locking surface 152>
The movable locking surface 152 is a flat surface formed at a position farthest from the end 154 of the lance 150. The movable locking surface 152 is formed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cavity 120 and also substantially perpendicular to the inner wall lower surface 122 and the inner wall upper surface 124 when the lance 150 is in a natural state. . The movable locking surface 152 can be displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122 when the extending portion 156 is bent. When the movable locking surface 152 is displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122, at least a part of the movable locking surface 152 can face the fixed locking surface 142 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

  Even when a force is applied to the terminal fitting 200 in a direction in which the terminal fitting 200 is pulled out from the insertion hole 130 with at least a part of the movable locking surface 152 facing the fixed locking surface 142, the movable locking surface 152 is movable. The locking surface 152 is locked by the fixed locking surface 142. The terminal fitting 200 can be prevented from being pulled out of the insertion hole 130 by the locking of the movable locking surface 152 by the fixed locking surface 142.

  Further, since the movable locking surface 152 is locked to the fixed locking surface 142, the movable locking surface 152 moves toward the insertion hole 130, that is, a force toward the insertion hole 130 is applied to the lance 150. Can be disturbed. Therefore, the lance 150 can be prevented from being damaged or broken.

<Legs 166a and 166b>
As shown in FIG. 3, two leg portions 166 a and 166 b are connected to the movable locking surface 152 formed at the position farthest from the end 154 of the lance 150. The two legs 166 a and 166 b are also part of the connector 100 and are made of the same material as the connector 100. Specifically, the leg portions 166a and 166b are made of an elastically deformable material, for example, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate).

  The leg portion 166a has an extending portion 165a extending from the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 toward the insertion hole 130, a curved curved portion 167a, and an inner wall toward the inner wall lower surface 122 via the curved portion 167a. The connecting portion 169a is connected to the lower surface 122. Similarly, the leg portion 166b is directed toward the inner wall lower surface 122 through the extended portion 165b extending from the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 toward the insertion hole 130, the curved curved portion 167b, and the curved portion 167b. And a connecting portion 169b connected to the inner wall lower surface 122. When the curved portion 167a is provided on the leg portion 166a and the curved portion 167b is provided on the leg portion 166b, the leg portions 166a and 166b can be easily deformed around the curved portions 167a and 167b, and the lance 150 is deformed. , Can cope with the deformation.

  A fixed locking portion 140 is disposed between the two leg portions 166a and 166b. A gap having a predetermined interval is formed between both the fixed locking portion 140 and the leg portion 166a and between the fixed locking portion 140 and the leg portion 166b (see FIG. 3). A gap is also formed between the leg portion 166a and the inner wall side surface 126a. Similarly, a gap is formed between the leg portion 166b and the inner wall side surface 126b. By providing these gaps, the two legs 166a and 166b can be deformed and bent separately.

  Further, by providing the gap, the leg portion 166a can be deformed while being guided by the fixed locking portion 140 and the inner wall side surface 126a. Similarly, the leg portion 166b can be deformed while being guided by the fixed locking portion 140 and the inner wall side surface 126b. By doing so, the two leg portions 166a and 166b can be stably deformed.

<Support of Lance 150 by Intermediate Body 128 and Two Legs 166a and 166b>
The lance 150 is supported by the intermediate body 128 and the two legs 166a and 166b. The two legs 166a and 166b are formed in a desired thickness so that they can be bent. In the process of attaching the terminal fitting 200 to the connector 100, the extending portion 156 of the lance 150 is elastically deformed and bent, and the two leg portions 166a and 166b are also elastically deformed and bent (FIG. 5). Even when the terminal fitting 200 is finally attached to the connector 100, the lance 150 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b are elastically deformed and bent (FIG. 6A). Thus, the lance 150 is supported by the intermediate body 128 and the two legs 166a and 166b, and can be elastically deformed by the bending of the extension 156 of the lance 150 and the bending of the two legs 166a and 166b.

  Further, since the two leg portions 166a and 166b are formed, the lance 150 can be in a stable posture before and after the deformation of the lance 150. In other words, in a state where the lance 150 is in a natural state or a deformed state, a cantilever support mechanism including the extension portion 156 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b is used instead of the cantilever state only by the extension portion 156. In addition, the lance 150 can be maintained in a stable posture.

<Natural state of Lance 150>
FIG. 4 shows the natural state of the lance 150. The natural state of the lance 150 means a state in which no force is applied by the terminal fitting 200 or the like, and the extending portion 156 of the lance 150 is bent and not elastically deformed. As will be described later, in the process of attaching the terminal fitting 200 to the cavity 120 or in the attached state, the lance 150 is pressed by the connecting portion 230 and the stabilizer 250 of the terminal fitting 200, and the extending portion 156 of the lance 150 is bent and elastic. Deform. In a state where the extension portion 156 of the lance 150 is elastically deformed, a restoring force is generated in the extension portion 156 so that the extension portion 156 returns to the natural state. Similarly, in a state where the two leg portions 166a and 166b are elastically deformed, a restoring force for returning to the natural state is also generated in the two leg portions 166a and 166b. Therefore, when the terminal fitting 200 is removed from the cavity 120 after the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the cavity 120, the lance 150 can return to the natural state by these restoring forces.

  In the natural state of the lance 150, the lowest side 170 of the movable locking surface 152 is positioned higher than the highest side 146 of the fixed locking surface 142. The lowest side 170 is the side closest to the inner wall lower surface 122 in the movable locking surface 152. The movable locking surface 152 has a substantially quadrangular shape consisting of four sides. The lowest side 170 is the side closest to the inner wall lower surface 122 among the four sides constituting the movable locking surface 152. The highest side 146 is the side farthest from the inner wall lower surface 122 in the fixed locking surface 142. The fixed locking surface 142 also has a substantially quadrangular shape consisting of four sides. The highest side 146 is the side farthest from the inner wall lower surface 122 among the four sides constituting the fixed locking surface 142.

  Further, in the natural state of the lance 150, the fixed locking surface 142 is positioned closer to the insertion hole 130 than the movable locking surface 152.

  As will be described later, in the process of attaching the terminal fitting 200 to the connector 100, the protrusion 158 is displaced by the deformation of the lance 150. As described above, in the natural state of the lance 150, the lowest side 170 of the movable locking surface 152 is positioned higher than the highest side 146 of the fixed locking surface 142, and the fixed locking surface 142 is movable. It is located closer to the insertion hole 130 than the locking surface 152 (see FIG. 4). By doing in this way, the protrusion part 158 can be displaced smoothly, without interfering with the fixed locking surface 142 in the process of displacement.

  Furthermore, when the connector 100 is formed by molding with a mold, the natural state of the lance 150 is the state when molded with the mold. As will be described later, a front mold (mold for molding from the insertion hole 130 side) (not shown) and a rear mold (mold for molding from the end portion 132 side) (not shown). The connector 100 is preferably molded by two molds. In this case, the movable locking surface 152 is formed by the front mold, and the fixed locking surface 142 is formed by the rear mold. That is, the lowest side 170 of the movable locking surface 152 is positioned higher than the highest side 146 of the fixed locking surface 142, and the fixed locking surface 142 is closer to the insertion hole 130 than the movable locking surface 152. The movable locking surface 152 is formed by the front mold so that the fixed locking surface 142 is formed by the rear mold.

<<< Attachment of terminal fitting 200 and displacement of lance 150 >>>
A process of attaching the terminal fitting 200 to the connector 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6A and 6B. The terminal fitting 200 is inserted by the operator from the insertion hole 130 of the cavity 120 with the first end 210 of the terminal fitting 200 at the head (see FIG. 5), and the first end 210 of the cavity 120 is inserted. It is pushed in until it reaches the end portion 132 and abuts (see FIG. 6A). When the first end 210 reaches the end portion 132 of the cavity 120, the terminal fitting 200 is positioned at the normal position of the cavity 120, and the attachment of the terminal fitting 200 is completed.

<< State in which connecting portion 230 of terminal fitting 200 is in contact with tapered portion 164 >>
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the terminal fitting 200 is being inserted into the cavity 120 from the insertion hole 130 and attached to the connector 100. This state is a state in which the connecting portion 230 of the terminal fitting 200 is in contact with the tapered portion 164, the projecting portion 158 is displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122, and the lance 150 is deformed.

  As shown by the black arrow in FIG. 5, when the terminal fitting 200 is inserted toward the terminal end 132 of the cavity 120, the first end 210 of the terminal fitting 200 presses the tapered portion 164. When the taper portion 164 is pressed, the extended portion 156 of the lance 150 is elastically deformed and bent toward the inner wall lower surface 122 as shown by the white arrow in FIG. Further, the two leg portions 166 a and 166 b provided on the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 are also elastically deformed and bent toward the inner wall lower surface 122 by pressing of the tapered portion 164.

  As the terminal fitting 200 advances toward the end portion 132, the connecting portion 230 (see FIG. 6A) of the terminal fitting 200 gradually moves toward the end portion 132 while being in contact with the tapered portion 164. The tapered portion 164 is gradually pushed down toward the inner wall lower surface 122. When the tapered portion 164 is pushed down, the extending portion 156 of the lance 150 is gradually bent toward the inner wall lower surface 122. When the lance 150 is bent, the protrusion 158 is displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122.

  As described above, the gap 136 is formed below the lance 150. When the protrusion 158 is displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122, the protrusion 158 is accommodated in the gap 136. The gap 136 can also accommodate a bent extending portion 156.

  Further, the extension portion 156 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b are elastically deformed by the bending of the extension portion 156 of the lance 150. The extension portion 156 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b are elastically deformed, whereby a restoring force is generated in the extension portion 156 of the lance 150. The restoring force acts so that the extending portion 156 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b return to the original natural state (see FIG. 4), that is, in a direction toward the inner wall upper surface 124.

<< State in which connecting portion 230 of terminal metal fitting 200 is not in contact with tapered portion 164 >>
When the terminal fitting 200 further advances toward the end portion 132 and the connecting portion 230 of the terminal fitting 200 is separated from the tapered portion 164 and does not come into contact with the tapered portion 164, the lance 150 is released from the pressed state by the terminal fitting 200. Is done. That is, the lance 150 is displaced toward the inner wall upper surface 124 so as to return to the original natural state by the restoring force generated by the elastic deformation of the extending portion 156 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b.

<< State in which the stabilizer 250 of the terminal fitting 200 is in contact with the tapered portion 164 >>
Further, as the terminal metal fitting 200 advances toward the terminal end portion 132, the stabilizer 250 of the terminal metal fitting 200 gradually moves toward the terminal end portion 132 while being in contact with the taper portion 164, while the tapered portion 164 is moved toward the inner wall lower surface 122. Press down gradually toward. When the tapered portion 164 is pushed down, the extending portion 156 of the lance 150 is gradually bent toward the inner wall lower surface 122. When the lance 150 is bent, the protrusion 158 is displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122.

  Even when the tapered portion 164 is pressed by the stabilizer 250, the extending portion 156 of the lance 150 is elastically deformed and bent toward the inner wall lower surface 122, and the two leg portions 166a and 166b are also elastically deformed to be elastically deformed. Deflection toward The elastic deformation of the extending portion 156 of the lance 150 and the elastic deformation of the two leg portions 166a and 166b are the same as when the connection portion 230 of the terminal fitting 200 is in contact with the tapered portion 164.

<Functions of the two legs 166a and 166b>
In the process of inserting the terminal fitting 200 into the cavity 120 through the insertion hole 130 and attaching it to the connector 100, the tapered portion 164 contacts the connecting portion 230 of the terminal fitting 200 or the stabilizer 250 of the terminal fitting 200 as described above. Or touch. By this contact, a force directed to the end portion 132 of the cavity 120 is applied to the protruding portion 158. This force may cause the lance 150 to be in an inappropriate posture.

  The configuration of the lance 150 is a dual-supporting mechanism that includes an extending portion 156 and two leg portions 166a and 166b. Therefore, the projecting portion 158 can be supported from both the end portion 132 and the insertion hole 130, and the extension portion 156 and the two leg portions are provided even when a force toward the end portion 132 is applied to the projecting portion 158. Since the protrusion 158 can be supported by both 166a and 166b, the posture of the lance 150 can be stabilized.

  In particular, the leg 166a has a curved portion 167a, and the leg 166b has a curved portion 167b. For this reason, when force is applied to the projecting portion 158, the leg portions 166a and 166b can be elastically deformed around the curved portions 167a and 167b. Specifically, the leg portion 166a and the leg portion 166b can expand or contract around the curved portions 167a and 167b. The posture of the lance 150 can be stabilized by elastic deformation of the leg 166a and the leg 166b.

<< State in which terminal fitting 200 is positioned at the normal position >>
As shown in FIG. 6A, when the first end 210 of the terminal fitting 200 reaches the terminal end 132 of the cavity 120, the attachment of the terminal fitting 200 to the connector 100 is completed. In this state, even if a force toward the terminal end portion 132 is applied to the terminal fitting 200, the first end portion 210 of the terminal fitting 200 abuts against the terminal end portion 132 of the cavity 120, so that the terminal fitting 200 further moves. It is not possible. The position of the terminal fitting 200 in the cavity 120 at this time is the normal position of the terminal fitting 200.

  FIG. 6B shows a state in which the first end portion 210 of the terminal fitting 200 has reached the end portion 132 of the cavity 120, and the terminal fitting 200 is omitted to show the displacement state of the lance 150. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a natural state of the lance 150 (a state not displaced and a state shown in FIG. 4) by a broken line. When the terminal fitting 200 reaches the normal position, the lance 150 is deformed more than the natural state, and the extended portion 156 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b are elastically deformed. Therefore, a restoring force is generated in both the extending portion 156 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b, and the protruding portion 158 presses the terminal fitting 200 by the restoring force.

  Through the process described above, the terminal fitting 200 inserted from the insertion hole 130 of the cavity 120 can be positioned at the normal position of the cavity 120 to complete the attachment.

<< Engagement between terminal fitting 200 and lance 150 >>
As described above, when the first end portion 210 of the terminal fitting 200 reaches the end portion 132 of the cavity 120, the terminal fitting 200 reaches a normal position in the cavity 120. When the terminal fitting 200 reaches the normal position in the cavity 120, the stabilizer 250 of the terminal fitting 200 is engaged with the locking portion 160 of the lance 150. That is, the normal position of the terminal fitting 200 means that the first end 210 of the terminal fitting 200 reaches the terminal end 132 of the cavity 120, and the stabilizer 250 of the terminal fitting 200 engages with the locking portion 160 of the lance 150. It is the position that has reached the state.

  More specifically, when the terminal fitting 200 reaches the normal position in the cavity 120, the lance 150 is elastically deformed. The restoring force generated by the elastic deformation of the lance 150 causes the lance 150 to urge the stabilizer 250, and the corner portion 252 of the stabilizer 250 engages with the locking portion 160 of the lance 150.

  When the stabilizer 250 of the terminal fitting 200 is engaged with the locking portion 160 of the lance 150, the terminal fitting 200 is locked by the lance 150 (A portion in FIG. 6A). Specifically, when the first end 210 of the terminal fitting 200 is positioned at the end portion 132 of the cavity 120, the locking end 230 of the terminal fitting 200 can be engaged with the locking portion 160 of the lance 150. The locking portion 160 of the lance 150 is formed in advance at the position. In this way, the terminal fitting 200 can be attached to the connector 100.

  As described above, when the terminal fitting 200 reaches the normal position, the lance 150 is deformed more than the natural state, and the extension portion 156 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b are elastically deformed. Yes. For this reason, the protrusion 158 presses the terminal fitting 200 by the restoring force generated in both the extending portion 156 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b. Thus, since the terminal fitting 200 can be urged by the restoring force, the locked state of the terminal fitting 200 can be further stabilized.

  Thus, the stabilizer 250 of the terminal fitting 200 is engaged with the locking portion 160 of the lance 150 and the terminal fitting 200 is biased by the restoring force, so that the terminal fitting 200 can be locked to the lance 150. Therefore, even when a force is applied to the terminal fitting 200 in the direction in which the terminal fitting 200 is pulled out from the insertion hole 130, the terminal fitting 200 can be prevented from coming out of the insertion hole 130. Thus, the state where the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the connector 100 can be stably maintained without using a retainer.

<< Engagement of Lance 150 and Fixed Locking Section 140 >>
As shown in FIG. 6A, in a state where the first end portion 210 of the terminal fitting 200 reaches the end portion 132 of the cavity 120 and reaches the normal position, the lance 150 and the two leg portions 166a. And 166b are elastically deformed and bent toward the inner wall lower surface 122. In such a state, the lance 150 is displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122, and the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 is also displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122. That is, when the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 is displaced toward the inner wall lower surface 122, the lowest side 170 of the movable locking surface 152 is positioned lower than the highest side 146 of the fixed locking surface 142. Will do. Due to the displacement of the movable locking surface 152, the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 faces the fixed locking surface 142 (B portion in FIG. 6A). By being in such a state, the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 can be engaged with the fixed locking surface 142 of the fixed locking portion 140.

<< Applying force to terminal fitting 200 >>

  When a force is applied to the terminal fitting 200 in a direction in which the terminal fitting 200 is pulled out from the insertion hole 130 in a state where the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the connector 100, the terminal fitting 200 is placed on the locking portion 160 of the lance 150. A force is applied by the locking end 230.

  Furthermore, as described above, when the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the connector 100, the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 faces the fixed locking surface 142, and the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 is It is in a state that can be engaged with the fixed locking surface 142 of the fixed locking portion 140. Therefore, when a force is applied to the terminal fitting 200 in a direction in which the terminal fitting 200 is pulled out of the insertion hole 130 with the terminal fitting 200 attached to the connector 100, the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 is fixed. It can move slightly toward the fixed locking surface 142 of the installation locking portion 140 and can come into contact therewith. As described above, the fixed locking surface 142 is fixed to the inner wall lower surface 122. Therefore, when the movable locking surface 152 of the lance 150 abuts on the fixed locking surface 142 of the fixed locking portion 140, the fixed locking surface 142 can lock the movable locking surface 152, Even when force is applied to the terminal fitting 200, the lance 150 can be supported by the fixed locking surface 142 and the terminal fitting 200 can be held by the lance 150. As described above, when a force is applied to the terminal fitting 200, the terminal fitting 200 is held by the fixed locking surface 142 via the lance 150, and the terminal fitting 200 can be prevented from being pulled out of the cavity 120. .

<< Removal of terminal fitting 200 from connector 100 >>
When it is necessary to remove the terminal fitting 200 from the connector 100, a predetermined jig (not shown) is inserted into the cavity 120, and the terminal fitting 200 and the lance 150 are unlocked to release the terminal fitting. 200 can be removed.

  In the process of removing the terminal fitting 200 from the connector 100, the taper portion 164 contacts the connecting portion 230 of the terminal fitting 200 or the stabilizer 250 of the terminal fitting 200 in the same manner as when attaching. When removing the terminal fitting 200, a force directed to the insertion hole 130 of the cavity 120 is applied to the protruding portion 158. This force may cause the lance 150 to be in an inappropriate posture.

  As described above, the structure of the lance 150 is a double-sided support mechanism including the extending portion 156 and the two leg portions 166a and 166b. Therefore, the protruding portion 158 can be supported from both the end portion 132 and the insertion hole 130, and even when a force directed to the insertion hole 130 is applied to the protruding portion 158, the extension portion 156 and the two leg portions Since it can support to the protrusion part 158 by both 166a and 166b, the attitude | position of the lance 150 can be stabilized.

  In particular, the leg 166a has a curved portion 167a, and the leg 166b has a curved portion 167b. For this reason, when a force is applied to the projecting portion 158, the leg portions 166a and 166b can be elastically deformed by expanding or contracting around the curved portions 167a and 167b. The posture of the lance 150 can be stabilized even in the process of removing the lance 150.

<< When force in the direction of removing from the insertion hole 130 is applied to the terminal fitting 200 >>
In addition, even when the work of removing the terminal fitting 200 from the connector 100 is not performed, a force in the direction of removal may be applied to the terminal fitting 200 via the electric wire connected to the terminal fitting 200. In such a case, it is necessary to maintain the state in which the terminal fitting 200 is attached to the connector 100.

  When a force in the removing direction is applied to the terminal fitting 200, the terminal fitting 200 may move slightly in the cavity 120 due to the applied force. By this movement, the two leg portions 166a and 166b are elastically deformed. Due to this elastic deformation, a restoring force is generated in the two leg portions 166a and 166b. By the restoring force generated in the two legs 166a and 166b, the protrusion 158 moves toward the insertion hole 130, that is, the restoring force can counter the force in the removing direction. In this way, it is possible to prevent the lance 150 from being damaged or broken by the two legs 166a and 166b by countering with the restoring force.

<< Molding of connector housing 110 by mold >>
In order to make the manufacturing process of the connector 100 quick and simple, the connector housing 110 is preferably formed by a mold. Specifically, a front mold (mold for molding from the insertion hole 130 side) (not shown) and a rear mold (mold for molding from the end portion 132 side) (not shown). The connector 100 is preferably molded by two molds. By molding the connector 100 with such a mold, it is possible to manufacture it at low cost and in large quantities.

  By the front mold, the movable locking surface 152, the two legs 166a and 166b, the tapered portion 164, and the tapered surface 144 can be mainly formed. Further, the fixed locking surface 142 and the locking portion 160 can be mainly formed by the rear mold.

<< Other forms >>
In the present embodiment, in the natural state of the lance 150, the lowest side 170 of the movable locking surface 152 is positioned higher than the highest side 146 of the fixed locking surface 142, and the first metal fitting 200 has the first side 146. In a state where the end portion 210 reaches the end portion 132 of the cavity 120 and reaches the normal position, the lowest side 170 of the movable locking surface 152 is lower than the highest side 146 of the fixed locking surface 142. In the natural state of the lance 150, the lowest side 170 of the movable locking surface 152 is configured to be positioned lower than the highest side 146 of the fixed locking surface 142. Also good. When the terminal fitting 200 reaches the normal position, the lowest side 170 of the movable locking surface 152 is positioned lower than the highest side 146 of the fixed locking surface 142, and at least one of the movable locking surfaces 152. The part should just be in the state which can face the fixed latching surface 142. FIG. At least a part of the movable locking surface 152 faces the fixed locking surface 142, so that the movable locking surface 152 is fixed even when the movable locking surface 152 moves toward the fixed locking surface 142. It is locked by the locking surface 142 and can prevent the terminal fitting 200 from being pulled out of the cavity 120.

  The connector 100 shown in the present embodiment is a female connector, and the terminal fitting 200 is also a female type, but the same can be achieved by using a male connector and a male terminal fitting.

100 connector 120 cavity 150 lance 200 terminal fitting

Claims (4)

A connector having a connector housing in which a cavity capable of accommodating a terminal fitting is formed,
A lance having a terminal fitting locking portion for locking the terminal fitting housed in a regular position of the cavity, the lance being deformable by contact with the terminal fitting,
Anda fixedly provided been solid設係stop portion on the wall surface constituting the cavity,
The lance is a connector having a movable locking surface that is movable at least partially to a position facing the fixed locking portion when the terminal fitting is received in the cavity and the lance is deformed. The lance has an elongated shape along the cavity;
A first end connected to the wall surface constituting the cavity, and a second end formed at a position spaced apart from the first end along the longitudinal direction of the lance,
The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a deformable leg extending from the second end. The cavity has an insertion end into which the terminal fitting is inserted into the cavity;
The connector according to claim 2, wherein when a force is applied to the terminal fitting while the terminal fitting is accommodated in the cavity, the movable locking surface is locked by the fixed locking surface. A connector having a connector housing in which a cavity capable of accommodating a terminal fitting is formed,
A lance having a terminal fitting locking portion for locking the terminal fitting housed in a regular position of the cavity, the lance being deformable by contact with the terminal fitting,
A fixed locking portion provided on a wall surface constituting the cavity, and
The lance has a movable locking surface that is movable at least partially to a position facing the fixed locking portion when the terminal fitting is accommodated in the cavity and the lance is deformed,
The lance has an elongated shape along the cavity;
The lance has a first end connected to a wall surface constituting the cavity, and a second end formed at a position separated from the first end along the longitudinal direction of the lance. And
The lance extends from the second end and has a deformable leg,
The leg includes a first leg extending in a direction away from the second end, and a second leg formed substantially in equilibrium with the first leg,
The fixed locking portion is located with a gap between the first leg and the second leg,
When the terminal fitting is received in the cavity, the lance, the first leg, and the second leg are deformed, and at least a part of the movable locking surface is the fixed locking surface. the opposite case Uco connector.

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