JP3530009B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、コネクタハウジン
グ内に挿入した端子を係止部で係止するコネクタに関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector in which a terminal inserted in a connector housing is locked by a locking portion.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】この種のコネクタとして特開平６−６８
９２８号公報に開示されたものがある。このコネクタは
図６に示すように、コネクタハウジング１内には撓み空
間Ｖを形成する２枚の仕切壁２が設けられ、この２枚の
仕切壁２の両外側に端子収容室３がそれぞれ設けられて
いる。この各端子収容室３にはコネクタハウジング１の
端子挿入口（図示せず）から端子４をそれぞれ挿入でき
るよう構成されている。2. Description of the Related Art A connector of this type is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-68.
There is one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 928. As shown in FIG. 6, this connector is provided with two partition walls 2 that form a bending space V in a connector housing 1, and terminal accommodating chambers 3 are provided on both outer sides of the two partition walls 2. Has been. The terminals 4 are inserted into the respective terminal accommodating chambers 3 through the terminal insertion openings (not shown) of the connector housing 1.

【０００３】各仕切壁２には撓み変形可能な弾性ア−ム
５がそれぞれ設けられ、この弾性ア−ム５の自由端には
係止突部６が設けられている。この係止突部６は端子収
容室３に突出し、弾性ア−ム５の撓み空間Ｖ側（図６の
矢印方向）へのたわみ変形によって端子収容室３外に退
出するよう構成されている。又、各弾性ア−ム５の自由
端部両側には撓み空間Ｖ側で仕切壁２に当接する撓み防
止耳片７がそれぞれ設けられている。一方、端子４には
端子収容室２に完全挿入状態で上記係止突部７が係止す
る被係止溝部８が設けられている。Each partition wall 2 is provided with a resiliently deformable elastic arm 5, and a locking projection 6 is provided at the free end of this elastic arm 5. The locking projection 6 is configured to project into the terminal accommodating chamber 3 and to be withdrawn to the outside of the terminal accommodating chamber 3 by the elastic deformation of the elastic arm 5 toward the bending space V (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6). Further, on both sides of the free ends of the respective elastic arms 5, there are provided anti-deflection ear pieces 7 that come into contact with the partition wall 2 on the side of the flexure space V. On the other hand, the terminal 4 is provided with a locked groove portion 8 with which the locking projection 7 is locked in the terminal accommodating chamber 2 in a completely inserted state.

【０００４】このようなコネクタの組み立ては、先ず、
コネクタハウジング１内のいずれか一方の端子収容室３
に端子４を挿入する。すると、端子４に係止突部７が突
き当たり、これにより弾性ア−ム５が撓み空間Ｖ側へ撓
み変形して端子４の挿入が許容される。そして、端子４
が完全挿入位置まで挿入されると、係止突部６が弾性復
帰力により端子４の被係止溝部８に係止する。次に、上
記と同様にして他方の端子収容室３に端子４を挿入す
る。To assemble such a connector, first,
One of the terminal housing chambers 3 in the connector housing 1
Insert the terminal 4 into. Then, the locking projection 7 abuts against the terminal 4, whereby the elastic arm 5 is flexibly deformed toward the flexing space V and the insertion of the terminal 4 is permitted. And terminal 4
Is inserted to the complete insertion position, the locking projection 6 is locked in the locked groove 8 of the terminal 4 by the elastic return force. Next, the terminal 4 is inserted into the other terminal accommodating chamber 3 in the same manner as above.

【０００５】端子４の挿入完了後において、何等かの理
由により端子４に挿入方向とは反対の外力（抜け力）が
加わると、この外力が係止突部６に伝わり弾性ア−ム５
を撓み変形させようとする。しかし、弾性ア−ム５は撓
み防止耳片７が仕切壁２に当接し撓み変形が規制される
ため、撓み変形することなく係止突部６は被係止溝部８
に係止された状態を保持する。すなわち、弾性ア−ム５
の端子収容室３側への撓みが阻止されるため、弾性ア−
ム５が根元から折れることがなく、又、端子４に弾性ア
−ム５を撓み変形させる以上の強い抜け力が加わっても
端子４が抜けることがないものである。After the insertion of the terminal 4 is completed, if an external force (withdrawal force) opposite to the insertion direction is applied to the terminal 4 for some reason, this external force is transmitted to the locking projection 6 and the elastic arm 5 is formed.
Try to bend and deform. However, the elastic arm 5 has the anti-deflection ear piece 7 abutting against the partition wall 2 so that the elastic deformation of the elastic arm 5 is restricted.
Holds the state of being locked to. That is, the elastic arm 5
Since the bending of the terminal to the terminal accommodating chamber 3 side is blocked, the elastic arm
The hole 5 does not break from the root, and the terminal 4 does not come off even if a strong pulling force is applied to the terminal 4 to bend and deform the elastic arm 5.

【０００６】[0006]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところで、上記した端
子４の挿入工程において、端子４が不完全挿入位置まで
しか挿入されない場合があるが、上記従来の構成では端
子４の不完全挿入状態を外部から認識できないため、端
子組付け後の嵌合チエックが必要不可欠であった。By the way, in the inserting step of the terminal 4 described above, the terminal 4 may be inserted only up to the incomplete insertion position. Since it cannot be recognized from the above, the mating check after the terminal assembly was indispensable.

【０００７】そこで、本発明は、前記した課題を解決す
べくなされたものであり、端子の不完全挿入状態を端子
の組付け時点で知ることができ、端子組付け後の嵌合チ
エックが不要であるコネクタを提供することを目的とす
る。Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the incompletely inserted state of the terminal can be known at the time of assembling the terminal, and the fitting check after the terminal is not required. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a connector.

【０００８】[0008]

【課題を解決するための手段】請求項１の発明は、コネ
クタハウジング内に各端子が挿入によってそれぞれ収容
される少なくとも一対の端子収容室を設け、この少なく
とも一対の端子収容室の間にはリテ−ナが挿入によって
嵌合されるリテ−ナ嵌合室を設け、上記各端子収容室と
上記リテ−ナ嵌合室との間には撓み変形可能な弾性ア−
ムをそれぞれ設け、この少なくとも一対の弾性ア−ムに
は上記各端子の挿入過程で、上記各端子より外力を受け
て上記各弾性ア−ムが上記リテ−ナ嵌合室側に撓み変形
することによって上記各端子の挿入を許容し、かつ、上
記各端子が完全挿入状態になると上記各弾性ア−ムの撓
みが元に戻ることによって上記各端子の被係止部に係止
する係止部をそれぞれ設け、上記少なくとも一対の弾性
ア−ムの端子挿入過程における撓み変形領域が重なり合
うよう構成し、かつ、上記少なくとも一対の弾性ア−ム
のいずれか一方が撓み変形状態では上記少なくとも一対
の弾性ア−ムの互いの対向面間の幅が上記リテ−ナの挿
入先端部分の幅よりも小さく設定し、前記少なくとも一
対の端子収容室にそれぞれ端子が完全挿入された状態で
は、少なくとも一対の弾性ア−ムの先端の対向面間の幅
を他の部分に比べて最も狭くなるよう構成し、かつ、こ
の少なくとも一対の弾性ア−ムの先端の対向面間の幅を
リテ−ナの挿入先端部分の幅と略同一に設定したことを
特徴とする。According to a first aspect of the present invention, at least a pair of terminal accommodating chambers for accommodating respective terminals by insertion are provided in a connector housing, and a retainer is provided between the at least a pair of terminal accommodating chambers. -A retainer fitting chamber in which the retainer is fitted by insertion is provided, and a flexible deformable elastic arm is provided between each terminal accommodating chamber and the retainer fitting chamber.
Each of the elastic arms is flexibly deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber side by receiving an external force from each of the terminals in the process of inserting each of the terminals into the at least one pair of elastic arms. By so doing, the insertion of the terminals is allowed, and when the terminals are in the completely inserted state, the flexure of the elastic arms returns to the original state, and the terminals are engaged with the engaged portions of the terminals. Each of the at least one pair of elastic arms is configured to overlap with each other in the flexural deformation regions of the at least one pair of elastic arms in the terminal insertion process, and at least one of the at least one pair of elastic arms is in the flexurally deformed state. The width between the facing surfaces of the elastic arm is set to be smaller than the width of the insertion tip portion of the retainer , and
With the terminals completely inserted in the pair of terminal accommodating chambers
Is the width between the facing surfaces of the tips of at least one pair of elastic arms.
Is configured to be the narrowest compared to other parts, and
The width between the facing surfaces of the tips of at least one pair of elastic arms
It is characterized in that the width is set to be substantially the same as the width of the insertion tip portion of the retainer .

【０００９】このコネクタによれば、いずれか一方の端
子収容室に端子を挿入し、この挿入が不完全挿入の場合
には一方の弾性ア−ムがリテ−ナ嵌合室側に撓み変形し
た状態となり、この状態で他方の端子収容室に端子を挿
入しても他方の弾性ア−ムがリテ−ナ嵌合室側に撓み変
形できないため、端子の挿入が出来ず、又、いずれか一
方の端子収容室に端子を挿入し、この挿入が完全挿入の
場合には一方の弾性ア−ムがリテ−ナ嵌合室側に突出せ
ず、この状態で他方の端子収容室に端子を挿入し、この
挿入が不完全挿入の場合には他方の弾性ア−ムがリテ−
ナ嵌合室側に撓み変形した状態となるため、今度はリテ
−ナがリテ−ナ嵌合室に挿入できない。According to this connector, the terminal is inserted into either one of the terminal accommodating chambers, and when this insertion is incomplete, one elastic arm is flexibly deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber side. In this state, even if the terminal is inserted into the other terminal accommodating chamber, the other elastic arm cannot bend and deform toward the retainer fitting chamber side, so the terminal cannot be inserted, and either one of them cannot be inserted. Insert the terminal into the terminal accommodating chamber, and if this insertion is complete, one elastic arm does not project to the retainer fitting chamber side, and in this state insert the terminal into the other terminal accommodating chamber. However, if this insertion is incomplete, the other elastic arm is retained.
The retainer cannot be inserted into the retainer fitting chamber because the retainer is flexibly deformed toward the fitting chamber.

【００１０】[0010]

【００１１】このコネクタでは、一対の端子収容室に各
端子が完全挿入状態とされた場合、リテ−ナをリテ−ナ
嵌合室に挿入すると、リテ−ナの挿入先端部分が一対の
弾性ア−ム間に挿入され、かつ、リテ−ナの挿入先端側
面が一対の弾性ア−ムの各先端部分でのみ接触、すなわ
ち、２カ所のポイントでのみ接触するため、一対の弾性
ア−ムからの接触抵抗をほとんど受けることなくスム−
ズに挿入でき、又、リテ−ナが一対の弾性ア−ムに対し
２箇所で接触するためリテ−ナのガタを吸収できる。In this connector, when each terminal is completely inserted into the pair of terminal accommodating chambers, when the retainer is inserted into the retainer fitting chamber, the insertion tip portion of the retainer has a pair of elastic arms. -The insertion side of the retainer comes into contact with only the respective tip portions of the pair of elastic arms, that is, the contact is made only at two points. With almost no contact resistance of
The retainer can be inserted into the groove, and the play of the retainer can be absorbed because the retainer comes into contact with the pair of elastic arms at two positions.

【００１２】請求項２の発明は、請求項１記載のコネク
タであって、上記リテ−ナのリテ−ナ嵌合室への挿入方
向は、上記弾性ア−ムが上記リテ−ナ嵌合室側に撓み変
形した状態では上記弾性ア−ムの側面に突き当たる方向
であることを特徴とする。A second aspect of the present invention is the connector according to the first aspect, wherein the elastic arm is inserted into the retainer fitting chamber in a direction in which the elastic arm is inserted into the retainer fitting chamber. It is characterized in that it is in the direction of abutting the side surface of the elastic arm in the state of being flexibly deformed to the side.

【００１３】このコネクタでは、弾性ア−ムがリテ−ナ
嵌合室側に撓み変形した状態ではリテ−ナが弾性ア−ム
の側面に突き当たるため、リテ−ナの押圧力が弾性ア−
ムの先端面に作用する場合に比べて弾性ア−ムが変形し
にくく変形・破損に強い。In this connector, since the retainer abuts the side surface of the elastic arm when the elastic arm is flexed and deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber side, the pressing force of the retainer causes the elastic arm to press.
The elastic arm is less likely to be deformed and stronger against deformation and damage than when it is applied to the tip surface of the arm.

【００１４】請求項３の発明は、請求項２記載のコネク
タであって、上記リテ−ナの先端面は円弧面形状である
ことを特徴とする。A third aspect of the present invention is the connector according to the second aspect, characterized in that the tip end surface of the retainer has an arcuate surface shape.

【００１５】このコネクタでは、弾性ア−ムがリテ−ナ
挿入室側に撓み変形した状態でリテ−ナを挿入すると、
リテ−ナの先端面が円弧状であるため、リテ−ナの中心
と一対の弾性ア−ム間の中心が多少ずれていてもスム−
ズに一対の弾性ア−ム間に入り込む。In this connector, when the retainer is inserted with the elastic arm bent and deformed toward the retainer insertion chamber,
Since the tip surface of the retainer is arcuate, even if the center of the retainer and the center of the pair of elastic arms are slightly displaced, the smooth
Into the gap between the pair of elastic arms.

【００１６】[0016]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の一実施形態を図面
に基づいて説明する。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

【００１７】図１にはコネクタハウジングの一部平面
図、図２（ａ）には図１のＡ−Ａ線の端子が完全挿入さ
れた状態を示す断面図、図２（ｂ）には弾性ア−ムの一
方が撓み変形した状態を示す要部拡大断面図、図２
（ｃ）にはリテ−ナが挿入された状態を示す要部拡大断
面図、図３（ａ）及び（ｂ）にはそれぞれ端子が不完全
挿入された状態を示す断面図、図４には端子の不完全挿
入状態にあってリテ−ナの挿入過程を示す平面図、図５
にはリテ−ナの斜視図がそれぞれ示されている。FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of the connector housing, FIG. 2 (a) is a sectional view showing a state in which the terminal of line AA of FIG. 1 is completely inserted, and FIG. 2 (b) is elastic. FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of an essential part showing a state in which one of the arms is flexibly deformed.
FIG. 3C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an essential part showing a state in which the retainer is inserted, FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the terminals are incompletely inserted, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the process of inserting the retainer when the terminals are incompletely inserted.
The perspective views of the retainers are respectively shown in FIG.

【００１８】図１から図５において、コネクタのコネク
タハウジング１０内には端子１１が挿入によって収容さ
れる端子収容室１２が複数設けられており、これらのう
ちの隣接する一対の端子収容室１２の間にはリテ−ナ１
３が挿入によって嵌合されるリテ−ナ嵌合室１４が設け
られている。端子収容室１２にはコネクタハウジング１
０の下面側に設けられた端子挿入口１５より端子１１を
挿入できるよう構成されている。また、リテ−ナ嵌合室
１４にはコネクタハウジング１０の正面側に設けられた
リテ−ナ挿入口１６よりリテ−ナ１３を挿入できるよう
構成されており、このリテ−ナ１３のリテ−ナ嵌合室１
４の挿入方向は、下記する弾性ア−ム１７が上記リテ−
ナ嵌合室１４側に撓み変形した状態では上記弾性ア−ム
１７の側面１７ａに突き当たる方向とされている。1 to 5, a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 12 for accommodating the terminals 11 are provided in a connector housing 10 of the connector, and a pair of adjacent terminal accommodating chambers 12 among them are provided. Retainer 1 in between
A retainer fitting chamber 14 into which 3 is fitted by insertion is provided. The terminal housing chamber 12 has a connector housing 1
The terminal 11 can be inserted through the terminal insertion port 15 provided on the lower surface side of the 0. Further, the retainer fitting chamber 14 is configured so that the retainer 13 can be inserted from a retainer insertion opening 16 provided on the front side of the connector housing 10, and the retainer of this retainer 13 can be inserted. Mating chamber 1
In the insertion direction of No. 4, the elastic arm 17 described below is attached to the retainer.
In a state where the elastic arm 17 is flexed and deformed toward the side of the fitting chamber 14, the direction is such that the side surface 17a of the elastic arm 17 is abutted.

【００１９】上記各端子収容室１２と上記リテ−ナ嵌合
室１４との間には撓み変形可能な弾性ア−ム１７がそれ
ぞれ設けられており、この各弾性ア−ム１７の自由端側
には係止部である係止突部１８が設けられている。係止
突部１８は端子１１の非収容時には端子収容室１２に突
出しているが、上記端子１１の挿入過程で、上記端子１
１より外力を受けて上記弾性ア−ム１７が上記リテ−ナ
嵌合室１４側に撓み変形することによって上記端子１１
の挿入を許容する。Elastic arms 17 which can be flexibly deformed are provided between the terminal accommodating chambers 12 and the retainer fitting chambers 14, and the elastic arms 17 have free ends. A locking projection 18 that is a locking portion is provided on the. The locking projection 18 projects into the terminal accommodating chamber 12 when the terminal 11 is not accommodated, but the terminal 1 is inserted during the insertion process of the terminal 11.
1, the elastic arm 17 is bent and deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber 14 side by receiving an external force from the terminal 11.
Allow insertion of.

【００２０】すなわち、この一対の弾性ア−ム１７の端
子挿入過程における撓み変形領域は共にリテ−ナ嵌合室
１４であり、かつ、一対の弾性ア−ム１７の撓み変形領
域が重なり合うよう構成されている。又、図２（ｂ）に
示すごとく、一対の弾性ア−ム１７のいずれか一方が撓
み変形状態では一対の弾性ア−ム１７の互いの対向面間
の幅Ｗ４がリテ−ナ１３の挿入先端部分の幅Ｗ２よりも
小さく設定されている。That is, the flexural deformation regions of the pair of elastic arms 17 in the terminal insertion process are both the retainer fitting chamber 14, and the flexural deformation regions of the pair of elastic arms 17 overlap each other. Has been done. Also, as shown in FIG. 2B, when one of the pair of elastic arms 17 is in a flexurally deformed state, the width W4 between the opposing surfaces of the pair of elastic arms 17 is such that the retainer 13 is inserted. It is set smaller than the width W2 of the tip portion.

【００２１】また、図２（ｃ）に示すように、一対の端
子収容室１２にそれぞれ端子１１が完全挿入された状態
では、一対の弾性ア−ム１７の先端の対向面間の幅Ｗ１
が他の部分に比べて最も狭くなるよう構成されている。
又、この一対の弾性ア−ム１７の先端の対向面間の幅Ｗ
１はリテ−ナ１３の挿入先端部分の幅Ｗ２と略同一に設
定されている。そして、リテ−ナ嵌合室１４の幅Ｗ３は
リテ−ナ１３の挿入先端部分の幅Ｗ２や一対の弾性ア−
ム１７の先端の対向面間の幅Ｗ１より大きく設定されて
いる。As shown in FIG. 2 (c), when the terminals 11 are completely inserted into the pair of terminal accommodating chambers 12, the width W1 between the facing surfaces of the tips of the pair of elastic arms 17 is increased.
Is configured to be the narrowest as compared to other parts.
In addition, the width W between the facing surfaces of the tips of the pair of elastic arms 17
1 is set to be substantially the same as the width W2 of the insertion tip portion of the retainer 13. The width W3 of the retainer fitting chamber 14 is the width W2 of the insertion tip of the retainer 13 and the pair of elastic arms.
It is set to be larger than the width W1 between the facing surfaces of the tips of the holes 17.

【００２２】更に、上記各端子収容室１２には他のリテ
−ナ嵌合室１９が開口しており、この他のリテ−ナ嵌合
室１９にも他のリテ−ナ（図示せず）がそれぞれ挿入さ
れる。Further, another retainer fitting chamber 19 is opened in each of the terminal accommodating chambers 12, and another retainer (not shown) is also provided in the other retainer fitting chamber 19. Are inserted respectively.

【００２３】一方、端子１１はこの実施形態ではヒュ−
ズ用端子であり、上述の如く端子収容室１２に挿入でき
る外形寸法を有し、その側部には被係止部である被係止
溝部２０が設けられている。この被係止溝部２０は端子
収容室１２の完全挿入状態で係止突部１８に係止され
る。又、図５、図４に示すように、リテ−ナ１３は上述
のごとくリテ−ナ嵌合室１４に挿入できる外形寸法を有
し、その先端面１３ａが円弧面形状に構成されている。On the other hand, the terminal 11 is a fuse in this embodiment.
As described above, the terminal has an outer size that can be inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 12 as described above, and a locked groove portion 20 that is a locked portion is provided on a side portion thereof. The locked groove portion 20 is locked to the locking projection 18 in a state where the terminal accommodating chamber 12 is completely inserted. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 4, the retainer 13 has an outer dimension that can be inserted into the retainer fitting chamber 14 as described above, and its tip end surface 13a is formed in an arc surface shape.

【００２４】上記構成のコネクタを組み付けるには、先
ず、例えば端子１１をコネクタハウジング１０の端子挿
入口１５より左側の端子収容室１２に挿入する。する
と、端子１１に係止突部１８が突き当たり、これにより
弾性ア−ム１７がリテ−ナ嵌合室１４側へ撓み変形して
端子１１の挿入が許容される。そして、端子１１が完全
挿入位置まで挿入されると、係止突部１８が弾性復帰力
により端子１１の被係止溝部２０に係止するが、この挿
入が不完全挿入の場合には図３（ａ）に示すように、左
側の一方の弾性ア−ム１７がリテ−ナ嵌合室１４側に撓
み変形した状態となり、この状態で右側の端子収容室１
２に端子１１を挿入しても右側の弾性ア−ム１７がリテ
−ナ嵌合室１４側に撓み変形できないため、端子１１の
挿入が出来ず、これにより左側の端子１１が不完全挿入
であることを認識できる。To assemble the connector having the above structure, first, for example, the terminal 11 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 12 on the left side of the terminal insertion port 15 of the connector housing 10. Then, the locking projection 18 abuts against the terminal 11, whereby the elastic arm 17 is flexibly deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber 14 side, and the insertion of the terminal 11 is permitted. Then, when the terminal 11 is inserted to the complete insertion position, the locking projection 18 is locked in the locked groove portion 20 of the terminal 11 by the elastic return force. As shown in (a), one elastic arm 17 on the left side is bent and deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber 14 side, and in this state, the right terminal accommodating chamber 1
Even if the terminal 11 is inserted into the terminal 2, the right side elastic arm 17 cannot be bent and deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber 14 side, so that the terminal 11 cannot be inserted. I can recognize that there is.

【００２５】尚、左側の端子１１が不完全挿入であるに
もかかわらず完全挿入であると誤認しても、一対の弾性
ア−ム１７間がリテ−ナ１３の挿入先端部分の幅Ｗ２よ
り狭くなり、図４に示すように、リテ−ナ１３がリテ−
ナ嵌合室１４に挿入できず、これによっても端子１１が
不完全挿入であることを認識できる。Even if the terminal 11 on the left side is erroneously recognized as being completely inserted even though it is incompletely inserted, the distance between the pair of elastic arms 17 is larger than the width W2 of the insertion tip portion of the retainer 13. It becomes narrower, and the retainer 13 is retained as shown in FIG.
The terminal 11 cannot be inserted into the fitting chamber 14, and it can be recognized that the terminal 11 is incompletely inserted.

【００２６】また、図３（ｂ）に示すように、最初に右
側の端子収容室１２に端子を挿入し、この挿入が完全挿
入の場合には右側の弾性ア−ム１７がリテ−ナ嵌合室１
４側に突出せず、この状態で左側の端子収容室１２に端
子１１を挿入し、この挿入が不完全挿入の場合には左側
の弾性ア−ム１７がリテ−ナ嵌合室１４側に撓み変形し
た状態となる。そのため、一対の弾性ア−ム１７間がリ
テ−ナ１３の挿入先端部分の幅Ｗ２より狭くなり、図４
に示すように、リテ−ナ１３がリテ−ナ嵌合室１４に挿
入できず、これにより左側の端子１１が不完全挿入であ
ることを認識できる。すなわち、リテ−ナ１３の挿入ス
トロ−クがリテ−ナ嵌合室１４に挿入された場合に比べ
て短いので、この時点で端子１１の不完全挿入を目視で
外部より容易に認識できる。従って、端子１１の組付け
後の嵌合チエックをする必要がなく省くことができる。Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, first, the terminal is inserted into the right terminal accommodating chamber 12, and when this insertion is complete, the right elastic arm 17 is fitted with the retainer. Shared room 1
The terminal 11 is inserted into the terminal housing chamber 12 on the left side in this state without protruding to the 4 side, and when this insertion is incomplete insertion, the elastic arm 17 on the left side is placed on the retainer fitting chamber 14 side. It will be in a flexed and deformed state. Therefore, the space between the pair of elastic arms 17 becomes narrower than the width W2 of the insertion tip portion of the retainer 13, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the retainer 13 cannot be inserted into the retainer fitting chamber 14, and it can be recognized that the left side terminal 11 is incompletely inserted. That is, since the insertion stroke of the retainer 13 is shorter than that when it is inserted into the retainer fitting chamber 14, the incomplete insertion of the terminal 11 can be easily visually recognized from the outside at this point. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the fitting check after the terminal 11 is assembled, and this can be omitted.

【００２７】上記リテ−ナ１３の挿入に際して、弾性ア
−ム１７がリテ−ナ嵌合室１４側に撓み変形した状態で
はリテ−ナ１３が弾性ア−ム１７の側面１７ａに突き当
たるため、リテ−ナ１３の押圧力が弾性ア−ム１７の先
端面に作用する場合に比べて弾性ア−ム１７が変形しに
くく変形・破損に強い。When the retainer 13 is inserted, when the elastic arm 17 is flexed and deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber 14 side, the retainer 13 abuts on the side surface 17a of the elastic arm 17, so that the retainer 13 is abutted. The elastic arm 17 is less likely to be deformed and is more resistant to deformation / damage as compared with the case where the pressing force of the nare 13 acts on the tip end surface of the elastic arm 17.

【００２８】さらに、図２（ａ）に示すように、一対の
端子収容室１２に各端子１１が完全挿入状態とされた場
合、リテ−ナ１３をリテ−ナ嵌合室１４に挿入すると、
図２（ｃ）に示すように、リテ−ナ１３の挿入先端部分
は一対の弾性ア−ム１７間に挿入され、かつ、リテ−ナ
１３の挿入先端部分は一対の弾性ア−ム１７の各先端部
分でのみ接触、すなわち、２カ所のポイントでのみ接触
するため、一対の弾性ア−ム１７からの接触抵抗をほと
んど受けることなくスム−ズに挿入でき、又、リテ−ナ
１３が一対の弾性ア−ム１７に対し２箇所で接触するた
めリテ−ナ１３のガタを吸収できる。ここで、リテ−ナ
１３の挿入先端部分が一対の弾性ア−ム１７間に挿入さ
れるに際して、リテ−ナ１３の先端面１３ａが円弧状で
あるため、リテ−ナ１３の中心と一対の弾性ア−ム１７
間の中心が多少ずれていてもスム−ズに一対の弾性ア−
ム１７間に入り込むことができる。Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the terminals 11 are completely inserted into the pair of terminal accommodating chambers 12, when the retainer 13 is inserted into the retainer fitting chamber 14,
As shown in FIG. 2C, the insertion tip portion of the retainer 13 is inserted between the pair of elastic arms 17, and the insertion tip portion of the retainer 13 is formed of the pair of elastic arms 17. Since the contact is made only at each tip portion, that is, only at two points, it can be inserted into the smooth with almost no contact resistance from the pair of elastic arms 17, and the retainer 13 is paired. Since the elastic arm 17 comes into contact with the elastic arm 17 at two positions, the play of the retainer 13 can be absorbed. Here, when the insertion tip portion of the retainer 13 is inserted between the pair of elastic arms 17, the tip surface 13a of the retainer 13 has an arcuate shape, so that the center of the retainer 13 and the pair of elastic arms 17 are paired with each other. Elastic arm 17
Even if the center of the gap is slightly offset, the pair of elastic arms
You can get into the space between the 17

【００２９】又、図２（ｃ）に示すように、組付け後の
完全挿入状態の端子１１は弾性ア−ム１７の係止突部１
８に係止され、かつ、弾性ア−ム１７の撓み変形がリテ
−ナ１３で規制されるため端子１１は二重係止されるこ
とになる。この端子１１の完全挿入状態において、何等
かの理由により端子１１に挿入方向とは反対の外力（抜
け力）が加わると、この外力が係止突部１８に伝わり弾
性ア−ム１７を撓み変形させようとする。しかし、弾性
ア−ム１７はリテ−ナ１３で撓み変形が規制されている
ため、撓み変形することなく係止突部１８は被係止溝部
２０に係止された状態を保持する。すなわち、弾性ア−
ム１７が根元で折れることがなく、又、端子１１に弾性
ア−ム１７を撓み変形させる以上の強い抜け力が加わっ
ても端子１１が抜けることがない。Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the terminal 11 in the fully inserted state after assembly is the locking projection 1 of the elastic arm 17.
8 and the bending deformation of the elastic arm 17 is restricted by the retainer 13, so that the terminal 11 is doubly locked. When an external force (withdrawal force) opposite to the insertion direction is applied to the terminal 11 for some reason in the completely inserted state of the terminal 11, this external force is transmitted to the locking projection 18 and the elastic arm 17 is bent and deformed. I will try to let you. However, since the elastic arm 17 is restricted from being flexibly deformed by the retainer 13, the locking projection 18 is held in the locked groove 20 without being flexibly deformed. That is, the elastic arm
The hole 17 does not break at the root, and the terminal 11 does not come off even if a strong pulling force that causes the elastic arm 17 to flex and deform is applied to the terminal 11.

【００３０】尚、上記実施形態によれば、係止部を係止
突部１８として、被係止部を被係止溝部２０としてそれ
ぞれ構成したが、係止部を溝部として、被係止部を突部
として構成しても良く、端子挿入過程で係止できる構成
であれば良い。According to the above-described embodiment, the locking portion is configured as the locking projection portion 18 and the locked portion is configured as the locked groove portion 20, respectively, but the locking portion is configured as the groove portion and the locked portion is configured. May be configured as a protrusion, as long as it can be locked in the process of inserting the terminal.

【００３１】また、上記実施形態によれば、端子１１が
ヒュ−ズ用端子の場合について説明したが、本発明はそ
れ以外の全ての端子（信号線用端子、電源用端子等）に
適用できる。Further, according to the above embodiment, the case where the terminal 11 is a fuse terminal has been described, but the present invention can be applied to all other terminals (signal line terminals, power supply terminals, etc.). .

【００３２】さらに、端子収容室に弾性アーム１７は、
それぞれ複数対設けられるものでもよい。Further, the elastic arm 17 is provided in the terminal accommodating chamber,
A plurality of pairs may be provided for each.

【００３３】[0033]

【発明の効果】以上説明したように、請求項１の発明に
よれば、コネクタハウジング内に少なくとも一対の端子
収容室を設け、この少なくとも一対の端子収容室の間に
はリテ−ナが挿入によって嵌合されるリテ−ナ嵌合室を
設け、上記各端子収容室と上記リテ−ナ嵌合室との間に
は撓み変形可能な弾性ア−ムをそれぞれ設け、この少な
くとも一対の弾性ア−ムには上記各端子の挿入過程で、
上記各端子より外力を受けて上記各弾性ア−ムが上記リ
テ−ナ嵌合室側に撓み変形することによって上記各端子
の挿入を許容する係止部をそれぞれ設け、上記少なくと
も一対の弾性ア−ムの端子挿入過程における撓み変形領
域が重なり合うよう構成し、かつ、上記少なくとも一対
の弾性ア−ムのいずれか一方が撓み変形状態では上記少
なくとも一対の弾性ア−ムの互いの対向面間の幅が上記
リテ−ナの挿入先端部分の幅よりも小さく設定したの
で、いずれか一方の端子収容室に端子を挿入し、この挿
入が不完全挿入の場合には一方の弾性ア−ムがリテ−ナ
嵌合室側に撓み変形した状態となり、この状態で他方の
端子収容室に端子を挿入しても他方の弾性ア−ムがリテ
−ナ嵌合室側に撓み変形できないため、端子の挿入が出
来ず、又、いずれか一方の端子収容室に端子を挿入し、
この挿入が完全挿入の場合には一方の弾性ア−ムがリテ
−ナ嵌合室側に突出せず、この状態で他方の端子収容室
に端子を挿入し、この挿入が不完全挿入の場合には他方
の弾性ア−ムがリテ−ナ嵌合室側に撓み変形した状態と
なるため、リテ−ナがリテ−ナ嵌合室に挿入できず、以
上より端子の不完全挿入状態を端子の組付け時点で知る
ことができ、端子組付け後の嵌合チエックが不要であ
る。As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, at least a pair of terminal accommodating chambers are provided in the connector housing, and the retainer is inserted between the at least a pair of terminal accommodating chambers. A retainer fitting chamber to be fitted is provided, and elastic arms capable of bending and deforming are provided between the terminal accommodating chambers and the retainer fitting chamber, and at least a pair of these elastic arms. In the process of inserting the above terminals,
Each of the elastic arms receives an external force from each of the terminals, and each elastic arm is bent and deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber to provide a locking portion that allows the insertion of each of the terminals. -The bending deformation regions in the terminal insertion process of the arm are overlapped with each other, and when one of the at least one pair of elastic arms is in the bending deformation state, between the opposing surfaces of the at least one pair of elastic arms. Since the width is set to be smaller than the width of the insertion tip of the retainer, the terminals are inserted into one of the terminal accommodating chambers, and if this insertion is incomplete, one elastic arm is retained. -When the terminal is inserted into the other terminal accommodating chamber under this condition, the other elastic arm cannot be flexibly deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber. Cannot be inserted, or either Insert the terminal in a square terminal receiving chamber of,
If this insertion is complete insertion, one elastic arm does not project to the retainer fitting chamber side, and in this state the terminal is inserted into the other terminal accommodating chamber, and this insertion is incomplete insertion. Since the other elastic arm is flexed and deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber side, the retainer cannot be inserted into the retainer fitting chamber. It can be known at the time of assembling, and the mating check after assembling the terminal is not necessary.

【００３４】また、請求項１の発明によれば、前記少な
くとも一対の端子収容室にそれぞれ端子が完全挿入され
た状態では、少なくとも一対の弾性ア−ムの先端の対向
面間の幅を他の部分に比べて最も狭くなるよう構成し、
かつ、この少なくとも一対の弾性ア−ムの先端の対向面
間の幅をリテ−ナの挿入先端部分の幅と略同一に設定し
たので、一対の端子収容室に各端子が完全挿入状態とさ
れた場合、リテ−ナをリテ−ナ嵌合室に挿入すると、リ
テ−ナの挿入先端部分は一対の弾性ア−ム間に挿入さ
れ、かつ、リテ−ナの挿入先端部分は一対の弾性ア−ム
の各先端部分でのみ接触するため、一対の弾性ア−ムか
らの接触抵抗をほとんど受けることなくスム−ズに挿入
でき、又、リテ−ナが一対の弾性ア−ムに対し２箇所で
接触するためリテ−ナのガタを吸収できる。 According to the first aspect of the invention, in a state where the terminals are completely inserted in the at least one pair of terminal accommodating chambers, the width between the facing surfaces of the tips of at least one pair of elastic arms is set to another value. Configured to be the narrowest compared to the part,
Moreover, since the width between the facing surfaces of the tips of the at least one pair of elastic arms is set to be substantially the same as the width of the insertion tip portion of the retainer, each terminal is completely inserted into the pair of terminal accommodating chambers. In this case, when the retainer is inserted into the retainer fitting chamber, the insertion tip of the retainer is inserted between the pair of elastic arms, and the insertion tip of the retainer is inserted into the pair of elastic arms. -Because the contact is made only at each tip of the arm, it can be inserted into the smooth with almost no contact resistance from the pair of elastic arms, and the retainer is provided at two points for the pair of elastic arms. Since it comes into contact with, the play of the retainer can be absorbed.

【００３５】請求項２の発明によれば、請求項１の発明
の効果に加え、上記リテ−ナのリテ−ナ嵌合室への挿入
方向は、上記弾性ア−ムが上記リテ−ナ嵌合室側に撓み
変形した状態では上記弾性ア−ムの側面に突き当たる方
向としたので、端子の不完全挿入状態でリテ−ナが挿入
されるとリテ−ナが弾性ア−ムの側面に突き当たるた
め、リテ−ナの押圧力が弾性ア−ムの先端面に作用する
場合に比べて弾性ア−ムが変形しにくく変形・破損に強
い。According to the invention of claim 2 , in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 , in the inserting direction of the retainer into the retainer fitting chamber, the elastic arm is fitted into the retainer. When the retainer is inserted with the terminal incompletely inserted, the retainer abuts on the side surface of the elastic arm because the direction of the elastic arm is abutted against the side surface of the elastic arm. Therefore, as compared with the case where the pressing force of the retainer acts on the tip end surface of the elastic arm, the elastic arm is less likely to be deformed and is resistant to deformation and damage.

【００３６】請求項３の発明の発明によれば、請求項２
の発明の効果に加え、リテ−ナの先端面形状を円弧状と
したので、弾性ア−ムがリテ−ナ挿入室側に撓み変形し
た状態でリテ−ナを挿入すると、リテ−ナの中心と一対
の弾性ア−ム間の中心が多少ずれていてもスム−ズに一
対の弾性ア−ム間に入り込むため、スム−ズな挿入が可
能である。According to the invention of claim 3 , claim 2
In addition to the effects of the invention described above, since the shape of the tip surface of the retainer is arcuate, when the retainer is inserted while the elastic arm is flexibly deformed toward the retainer insertion chamber, the center of the retainer Even if the center between the pair of elastic arms is slightly displaced, the pair of elastic arms enter the space between the pair of elastic arms, so that smooth insertion is possible.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明の一実施形態を示すコネクタハウジング
の一部平面図である。FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of a connector housing showing an embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】（ａ）は図１のＡ−Ａ線の端子が完全挿入され
た状態を示す断面図、（ｂ）は弾性ア−ムの一方が撓み
変形した状態を示す要部拡大断面図、（ｃ）はリテ−ナ
が挿入された状態を示す要部拡大断面図である。2A is a sectional view showing a state in which a terminal of the line AA in FIG. 1 is completely inserted, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged sectional view of an essential part showing a state in which one of the elastic arms is flexibly deformed. , (C) are enlarged cross-sectional views of a main part showing a state in which the retainer is inserted.

【図３】（ａ）及び（ｂ）は本発明の一実施形態を示
す、それぞれ端子が不完全挿入された状態を示す断面図
である。3 (a) and 3 (b) are cross-sectional views showing an embodiment of the present invention in which terminals are incompletely inserted.

【図４】本発明の一実施形態を示す、端子の不完全挿入
状態にあってリテ−ナの挿入過程を示す平面図である。FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the process of inserting the retainer in the incompletely inserted state of the terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

【図５】本発明の一実施形態を示す、リテ−ナの斜視図
である。FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a retainer showing an embodiment of the present invention.

【図６】従来のコネクタの斜視図である。FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a conventional connector.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１０ コネクタハウジング １１ 端子 １２ 端子収容室 １３ リテ−ナ １３ａ 先端面 １４ リテ−ナ嵌合室 １７ 弾性ア−ム １７ａ 側面 １８ 係止突部（係止部） ２０ 被係止溝部（被係止部） 10 Connector housing 11 terminals 12-terminal housing chamber 13 Retainer 13a Tip surface 14 Retainer mating chamber 17 Elastic Arm 17a side 18 Locking protrusion (locking part) 20 Locked groove (locked part)

Claims (3)

(57)【特許請求の範囲】(57) [Claims] 【請求項１】 コネクタハウジング内に各端子が挿入に
よってそれぞれ収容される少なくとも一対の端子収容室
を設け、この少なくとも一対の端子収容室の間にはリテ
−ナが挿入によって嵌合されるリテ−ナ嵌合室を設け、
上記各端子収容室と上記リテ−ナ嵌合室との間には撓み
変形可能な弾性ア−ムをそれぞれ設け、この少なくとも
一対の弾性ア−ムには上記各端子の挿入過程で、上記各
端子より外力を受けて上記各弾性ア−ムが上記リテ−ナ
嵌合室側に撓み変形することによって上記各端子の挿入
を許容し、かつ、上記各端子が完全挿入状態になると上
記各弾性ア−ムの撓みが元に戻ることによって上記各端
子の被係止部に係止する係止部をそれぞれ設け、上記少
なくとも一対の弾性ア−ムの端子挿入過程における撓み
変形領域が重なり合うよう構成し、かつ、上記少なくと
も一対の弾性ア−ムのいずれか一方が撓み変形状態では
上記少なくとも一対の弾性ア−ムの互いの対向面間の幅
が上記リテ−ナの挿入先端部分の幅よりも小さく設定
し、前記少なくとも一対の端子収容室にそれぞれ端子が
完全挿入された状態では、少なくとも一対の弾性ア−ム
の先端の対向面間の幅を他の部分に比べて最も狭くなる
よう構成し、かつ、この少なくとも一対の弾性ア−ムの
先端の対向面間の幅をリテ−ナの挿入先端部分の幅と略
同一に設定したことを特徴とするコネクタ。1. A retainer in which at least a pair of terminal accommodating chambers for accommodating respective terminals by insertion are provided in a connector housing, and a retainer is fitted between the at least a pair of terminal accommodating chambers by insertion. A mating chamber,
Flexible elastic deformable arms are respectively provided between the terminal accommodating chambers and the retainer fitting chamber, and the elastic arms which are capable of being flexibly deformed are inserted into the at least one pair of elastic arms during the process of inserting the terminals. When the elastic arms receive external force from the terminals, the elastic arms flex and deform toward the retainer fitting chamber to allow the terminals to be inserted, and when the terminals are in the completely inserted state, the elasticity of the terminals is reduced. Locking portions for locking the locked portions of the terminals are provided when the bending of the arms returns to their original positions so that the bending deformation regions of the at least one pair of elastic arms overlap during the terminal insertion process. In addition, when one of the at least one pair of elastic arms is in a flexurally deformed state, the width between the facing surfaces of the at least one pair of elastic arms is larger than the width of the insertion tip portion of the retainer. small set, at least Each terminal in the terminal receiving chamber of the pair
When fully inserted, at least a pair of elastic arms
The width between the facing surfaces of the tip of the is narrowest compared to other parts
Of the at least one pair of elastic arms.
The width between the facing surfaces of the tip is approximately the width of the insertion tip of the retainer.
A connector characterized by having the same settings . 【請求項２】 請求項１記載のコネクタであって、上記リテ−ナのリテ−ナ嵌合室への挿入方向は、上記弾
性ア−ムが上記リテ−ナ嵌合室側に撓み変形した状態で
は上記弾性ア−ムの側面に突き当たる方向である ことを
特徴とするコネクタ。2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the retainer is inserted into the retainer fitting chamber in the direction of insertion of the elastic member.
In the state that the flexible arm is flexed and deformed toward the retainer fitting chamber side,
Is a direction in which the side surface of the elastic arm is abutted . 【請求項３】 請求項２記載のコネクタであって、上記リテ−ナの先端面は円弧面形状である ことを特徴と
するコネクタ。3. The connector according to claim 2 , wherein a tip end surface of the retainer has an arc surface shape .