JP2000357555A - Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a play of each terminal metal fitting within a cavity to prevent slight sliding abrasion between the terminal metal fittings. SOLUTION: The bottom face of a cavity 11 is bendably formed with a lance 15 having a protrusion 16, while the bottom face of a connection part 22 of a female terminal metal fitting 21 is formed with an opening 27 allowing insertion of the protrusion 16 of the lance 15. The right and left side edges of the front end of the female terminal metal fitting 21 are formed with a pair of elastic deformation parts 30 by forming slits 31, while pressing parts 33 are formed at the corresponding positions on the front wall of the cavity 11. The female terminal metal fitting 21 is inserted into the cavity 11 with bending and deforming the lance 15, and in the final stages, the pressing parts 33 abut on the elastic deformation parts 30 to elastically deform the elastic deformation parts 30. When the female metal fitting 21 is regularly inserted and the lance 15 is returned, resilience of the elastic deformation part 30 pushes back the female terminal metal fitting 21 to elastically press a locked edge 28 of the opening 27 onto a locking face 17 of the protrusion 16.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector having a structure in which a terminal fitting inserted into a cavity of a connector housing is housed in a locking state by a lance.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a general structure of a connector, as shown in FIG. 15, a female terminal fitting 3 is inserted into a cavity 2 provided in a female housing 1 and accommodated in a state of being prevented from coming off by a lance 4. The male terminal fittings 6 are inserted into the cavities 2 provided in the male housings 5 and accommodated in the same manner by the lances 4 so as not to come off. 3, 6 are connected to each other.

[0003] Here, a detailed view of the structure for accommodating the terminal fitting in the cavity in a retaining state is, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 on the female housing 1 side. That is, the lance 4 has a shape having a protrusion 7 on its upper surface, and is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the cavity 2 so as to be cantilevered and deformable. When the lance 4 is inserted to a predetermined position and the lance 4 is restored and deformed, the projection 7
Is fitted into the opening 8 on the bottom surface of the housing, so that it can be housed in a retaining state. The male housing 5
But the same is true. Further, such a locking structure of the terminal fitting by the lance is described, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-55674.

[0004]

By the way, as described above, in the case where the lance 4 is provided as the locking mechanism, the lance 4 swings around the base end side. A certain clearance must be set between the projection 7 and the locked edge 8A of the opening 8. Then, for example, when a force for pushing and pulling the wire 9 is applied, the female terminal fitting 3 rattles back and forth in the cavity 2, and the contact portions of the male and female terminal fittings 3 and 6 may repeat fine sliding. Therefore, there is a problem that the contact portion is gradually worn to cause adverse effects such as a decrease in contact pressure. The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a terminal fitting from rattling in a cavity in order to prevent fine sliding wear between the terminal fittings.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing having a cavity in which a terminal fitting can be inserted.
A lance having an engaging portion is provided on one of the side wall of the cavity and the side surface of the terminal fitting so as to be cantilevered and deformable, and the other is engageable with the engaging portion. A locked portion is provided, and the terminal fitting is inserted while flexing and deforming the lance, and when regular insertion is reached, the lance is moved back and the locked portion is locked to the locking portion. Thus, in the connector which is held in a retaining state, the terminal fitting is elastically displaced between the facing surfaces of the terminal fitting and the cavity in the insertion direction when the terminal fitting is inserted to a predetermined position. It is characterized in that an elastic displacement means for moving and urging the terminal fitting in a direction in which the stop portion and the locked portion come into close contact with each other is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the elastic displacement means is formed integrally with the terminal fitting or the opposing surface of the cavity. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the elastic displacement means is provided as a separate member from the terminal fitting and the connector housing.

[0007]

<Effects and Effects of the Invention><Invention of claim 1> When the lance moves back, the elastic displacement means is elastically displaced. Thus, the locking portion and the locked portion come into close contact with each other. Thereby, the terminal fitting does not rattle before and after along the insertion direction in the cavity. As a result, when this connector housing is fitted with the mating connector housing and the corresponding terminal fittings come into contact with each other, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of fine sliding wear between the terminal fittings.

<Invention of Claim 2> Since the elastic displacement means is integrally formed on the opposing surface of the terminal fitting or the cavity, the structure can be simplified. <Invention of claim 3> Since the elastic displacement means is provided as a separate member,
It is possible to cope without changing the shape of the terminal fitting or the cavity, or with a small change in the shape.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a female connector is illustrated. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a female connector housing (hereinafter simply referred to as a female housing) made of a synthetic resin material.
Is formed, and the female terminal fitting 21 crimped to the end of the electric wire 20 can be inserted from behind.

The female terminal fitting 21 is formed by pressing a conductive metal plate, and is formed with a rectangular cylindrical connecting portion 22 having an elastic contact piece 23 provided therein in order from the front end side. A wire barrel 24 that is crimped on the core wire of the electric wire 20 and an insulation barrel 25 that is crimped on the coating of the electric wire 20 are formed. Also, the connection unit 22
An opening 27 for locking is formed on the bottom surface of the opening 2.
The front edge 7 is a locked edge 28.

On the other hand, on the front wall 11A of the cavity 11,
A terminal insertion opening 14 into which a tab 13A (see FIG. 4) of the mating male terminal fitting 13 can be inserted is formed, and a lance 15 is integrally formed on the bottom surface. The lance 15 is formed to extend forward in a cantilever shape,
The extension end side can be bent and deformed downward, and a projection 16 that can be fitted into the opening 27 of the female terminal fitting 21 is formed at a position near the extension end on the upper surface. The front side of the projection 16 is a locking surface 1 which is almost vertically raised.
7, and the rear surface side is a guide surface 18 having a downward slope toward the rear. When the female terminal fitting 21 is inserted into the cavity 11 and its front end reaches a position where it contacts the front wall 11 </ b> A of the cavity 11, the locked edge 28 of the opening 27 engages with the projection 16 of the lance 15.
Is set to pass through the locking surface 17.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of elastically displaceable portions 30 are formed on the left and right side edges of the front end of the female terminal fitting 21, respectively. These elastic displacement parts 30 are, in detail,
A vertical slit 31 is formed at a position a little deeper from the front edge of the left and right side surfaces of the connection portion 22. On the other hand, a pair of pressing portions 33 is formed at the left and right side edges of the inner surface of the front wall 11A of the cavity 11, that is, at positions facing the elastic displacement portions 30 of the female terminal fitting 21 described above. The pressing portion 33 is formed in, for example, a vertically long trapezoidal shape.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. The female terminal fitting 21 is crimped to the end of the electric wire 20 by caulking the barrels 24 and 25. The female terminal fitting 21 is connected to the female housing 10 as shown by the arrow in FIG.
Into the cavity 11 from behind. During the insertion, the proximal end side of the elastic contact piece 23 hits the guide surface 18 of the projection 16 of the lance 15, and the female terminal fitting 21 is pushed in while the lance 15 is bent and deformed downward. When the insertion operation approaches the end, the front end of the female terminal fitting 21 is
As shown in FIG. 3, the pressing portion 33 formed on the inner surface of the front wall 11 </ b> A hits the elastic displacement portion 30 of the female terminal fitting 21, and
To make it elastically displaced.

When the female terminal fitting 21 is pushed into a predetermined position, the locked edge 28 of the opening 27 on the bottom surface of the connecting portion 22 passes through the position of the locking surface 17 of the projection 16 of the lance 15. The projection 15 is restored to the original posture, the projection 16 is fitted into the opening 27, and is locked in a retaining state.
At that time, normally, a clearance occurs between the locking surface 17 of the projection 16 of the lance 15 and the locked edge 28 of the opening 27, but at the same time as the lance 15 returns, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the female terminal fitting 21 is pushed back by the restoring elasticity of the elastic displacement portion 30, and the locked edge 2 of the opening 27 is formed.
8 is elastically pressed against the locking surface 17 of the projection 16.

Although illustration and detailed description are omitted,
Similarly, on the mating male connector side as well, the male terminal fitting 13 is accommodated in the cavity of the male housing without play.
Then, when the female housing 10 and the male housing are fitted, as shown by a chain line in FIG.
The third tab 13A enters the connection portion 22 of the female terminal fitting 21 and is connected to the elastic contact piece 23. For example, it is assumed that a force for pushing and pulling the electric wire 20 acts on the female connector side. Also, since the female terminal fitting 21 does not rattle back and forth in the cavity 11, the elastic contact piece 23 of the female terminal fitting 21 and the tab 13 of the male terminal fitting 13 are formed.
The occurrence of fine sliding between A is prevented. This prevents the contact portions between the male and female terminal fittings 21 and 13 from being worn and maintains a good contact state such as contact pressure for a long period of time.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the female terminal fitting 21
The elastic displacement portions 35 provided on the left and right side edges of the front end of the connection portion 22 are formed in a cantilever shape having a lower end portion separated from the side surface of the connection portion 22. The other structures, functions and effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

<Third Embodiment> FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the elastic displacement plate 37 is formed so as to project obliquely downward from the upper edge of the front end of the connection portion 22 of the female terminal fitting 21. Here, when the insertion operation of the female terminal fitting 21 into the cavity 11 approaches the end stage, the elastic displacement plate 37 is elastically displaced so as to turn to a vertical posture by hitting the front wall 11A of the cavity 11. Therefore, when the lance 15 moves back, the female terminal fitting 21 is pushed back by the restoring elasticity of the elastic displacement plate 37, and the locked edge 28 of the opening 27 is similarly moved to the locking surface 17 of the projection 16. It is in a state of being elastically pressed. As shown in FIG. 6, when the elastic contact piece 23 is formed on the ceiling side of the connection portion 22, the elastic contact piece 2
It is also possible to provide the device 3 with a function of preventing a foreign object or the like from accidentally hitting it.

<Fourth Embodiment> FIGS. 8 and 9 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, an outer case 40 that is tightly fitted to the outer periphery of the connection portion 22 of the female terminal fitting 21 is provided. Fitting holes 41 are opened on the left and right side surfaces of the connection portion 22 of the female terminal fitting 21, and protrusions fitted on the fitting holes 41 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the outer case 40. 42 is formed by being punched inward. The outer case 40 includes the female terminal fitting 2.
The first connection portion 22 is fitted from the front, and the protrusion 42 is fitted into the fitting hole 41, so that the two are integrally assembled in a state in which they cannot move in the front-rear direction. The projection 16 of the lance 15
Is formed from the bottom surface of the outer case 40 to the bottom surface of the connection portion 22.

The slit 45 is formed at a position slightly inward from the front edges of the left and right side surfaces of the outer case 40, so that the elastic displacement portions 44 are formed at the left and right side edges of the front end of the outer case 40. I have. In this case, as the outer case 40 is fitted, the width of the cavity 11 is widened, and the left and right side edges of the front wall 11A of the cavity 11 are
The pressing portion 33 capable of pressing the elastic displacement portion 44 is formed as in the first embodiment. The same operation and effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

<Fifth Embodiment> FIGS. 10 and 11 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Here, a separate elastic displacement plate 50 is provided. The elastic displacement plate 50 has a displacement portion 52 that is bent obliquely upward at the front edge of a substrate 51 that can be almost tightly inserted into the connection portion 22 of the female terminal fitting 21. Protrusions 5 on left and right side edges
3 is formed to project. On the other hand, the female terminal fitting 21
On the ceiling side of the left and right side surfaces of the connection portion 22 of the
A fitting hole 54 into which the fitting 3 is tightly fitted is opened.

That is, the elastic displacement plate 50 is inserted along the ceiling surface of the connecting portion 22 so that the two projecting portions 53
4 and are integrally connected by being fitted into the connecting portion 22. At this time, the displacement portion 52 of the elastic displacement plate 50 is in a state of projecting obliquely upward from the lower surface of the front edge of the ceiling plate of the connection portion 22. here,
When the insertion operation of the female terminal fitting 21 into the cavity 11 approaches the end stage, the displacement portion 52 of the elastic displacement plate 37 hits the front wall 11A of the cavity 11 and is elastically displaced so as to change its orientation to a vertical posture. Therefore, when the lance 15 returns, the female terminal fitting 2 is restored by the restoring elasticity of the displacement portion 52.
1 is pushed back and the locked edge 28
Is elastically pressed against the locking surface 17 of the projection 16 of the lance 15.

<Sixth Embodiment> FIG. 12 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the sixth embodiment, the cavity 11
An elastic displacement portion 56 is formed integrally with the front wall 11A. This elastic displacement portion 56 is formed in a drooping shape by slitting both sides at both left and right end portions of the front wall 11A, and a contact portion 57 is projected from a rear surface of a lower end.

Here, when the operation of inserting the female terminal fitting 21 into the cavity 11 approaches the end stage, the female terminal fitting 2
Left and right side edges of the front end of the elastic displacement portion 56 are contact portions 57 of the elastic displacement portion 56.
, And the elastic displacement portion 56 is bent forward and deformed as shown by a chain line in FIG. Therefore, when the lance 15 is moved back, the female terminal fitting 21 is pushed back by the restoring elasticity of the elastic displacement portion 56, and similarly, the locked edge 2 of the opening 27 is moved.
8 is elastically pressed against the locking surface 17 of the projection 16 of the lance 15.

<Seventh Embodiment> FIGS. 13 and 14 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the seventh embodiment, an elastic displacement plate 60 that is supported by being in contact with the inner surface of the front wall 11A of the cavity 11 is provided as a separate member. As shown in FIG. 14, on the left and right side edges of the elastic displacement plate 60, there are formed displacement portions 61 bent obliquely downward from the upper end to the rear.

Here, when the operation of inserting the female terminal fitting 21 into the cavity 11 approaches the end stage, the female terminal fitting 2
The left and right side edges of the front end of the elastic displacement plate 1
And elastically displace it so that it lies flat. Therefore, when the lance 15 returns, the displacement portion 61
The female terminal fitting 21 is pushed back by the restoring elasticity, and the locked edge 28 of the opening 27 is similarly elastically pressed against the locking surface 17 of the projection 16 of the lance 15.

<Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. (1) In the above embodiments, a female connector is illustrated, but the present invention can be similarly applied to a male connector in which a male terminal fitting is locked in a cavity by a lance. (2) The present invention can be similarly applied to a type in which a metal lance is provided on the terminal fitting side and the metal lance is locked to a locked portion of the side wall of the cavity to prevent it from falling off.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a state before insertion of a female terminal fitting according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a female terminal fitting.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state at the end of inserting the female terminal fitting.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view when insertion is completed.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view when the insertion of the female terminal fitting according to the second embodiment is completed.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when the insertion of the female terminal fitting according to the third embodiment is completed.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a female terminal fitting.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a female terminal fitting according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the female terminal fitting.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a female terminal fitting according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an elastic displacement plate.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view when the insertion of the female terminal fitting according to the sixth embodiment is completed.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the female terminal according to the seventh embodiment when insertion is completed.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an elastic displacement plate.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a conventional example.

FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Female housing 11 ... Cavity 11A ... Front wall (of cavity 11) 15 ... Lance 16 ... Protrusion (locking part) 17 ... Locking surface 20 ... Electric wire 21 ... Female terminal fitting 22 ... Connection part 23 ... Elastic contact piece 27 ... opening 28 ... locked edge (locked part) 30 ... elastic displacement part 31 ... slit 33 ... pressing part 35 ... elastic displacement part 37 ... elastic displacement plate 40 ... outer case 44 ... elastic displacement part 45 ... slit 50 ... elastic displacement plate 52 ... displacement part 56 ... elastic displacement part 60 ... elastic displacement plate 61 ... displacement part

Claims (3)

[Claims] A cavity in which a terminal fitting can be inserted is formed in a connector housing, and a lance having a locking portion is cantilevered on one of a side wall of the cavity and a side surface of the terminal fitting. Is provided so as to be able to bend and deformed, and the other is provided with a locked portion that can be locked to the locking portion, and the terminal fitting is inserted while deforming the lance, and when the normal insertion is reached, In a connector in which the lance is moved back and the locked portion is locked to the locking portion so as to be kept in a retaining state, the surface of the terminal metal and the cavity facing each other in the insertion direction is inserted. Elastic displacement means for elastically displacing the terminal fitting in a direction in which the locking portion and the locked portion come into close contact with each other when the terminal fitting is inserted to a predetermined position is provided therebetween. Specially Connector to be. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein said elastic displacement means is integrally formed on an opposing surface of said terminal fitting or said cavity. 3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the elastic displacement means is provided as a separate member from the terminal fitting and the connector housing.