JP7763709B2 - electrical connectors - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical connector.

In some cases, on-site workers connect cables to electrical connectors, but because the outer diameter of the cable varies depending on factors such as the number of core wires, electrical connectors must be prepared according to the cable's outer diameter. Therefore, clamp-type electrical connectors that can be connected regardless of the cable's outer diameter have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, the cable is caught from above and below by the tabs on the fixed cover and the movable cover. A ratchet mechanism restricts the opening of the movable cover relative to the fixed cover, maintaining the cable clamped between the fixed and movable covers.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-027757

However, once a cable is attached to the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, the movable cover cannot be opened relative to the fixed cover, making it difficult to remove the cable from the electrical connector.

The present invention was developed in light of these issues, and aims to provide an electrical connector that allows cables to be easily connected and disconnected even when the cable's outer diameter size changes.

One aspect of the present invention provides an electrical connector to which a cable is connected, comprising: a first cover that covers the outer surface of the cable from one side; a second cover that covers the outer surface of the cable from the other side; a swing clamper that is connected to the second cover and faces the first cover; and a latching member that is attached to the first cover and latches the swing clamper. Ratchet teeth are formed on the swing clamper, and a latching claw is formed on the latching member. When the swing clamper approaches the first cover, the cable is clamped between the swing clamper and the first cover, and when the cable is clamped, the latching claw engages with the ratchet teeth to prevent release of the clamp. The above-mentioned problem is solved by the fact that the latching member is slidable in a direction that moves the latching claw away from the ratchet teeth.

In one aspect of the electrical connector of the present invention, even if the outer diameter size of the cable changes, the swing clamper approaches the first cover, clamping the cable between the swing clamper and the first cover. When the cable is clamped, the latching claw engages with the ratchet teeth, restricting release of the clamp and preventing the cable from coming off the electrical connector. Furthermore, by sliding the latching member, the latching claw moves away from the ratchet teeth, releasing the clamp on the cable, and the swing clamper moves away from the first cover, allowing the cable to be easily removed from the electrical connector.

1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention with the cover open; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first cover of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second cover and a swing clamper according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hooking member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the electrical connector of the present embodiment. 1A and 1B are a side view and a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of the present embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating transitions of clamping operations performed by the electrical connector of the present embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the transition of the clamp release operation by the electrical connector of the present embodiment.

The electrical connector of this embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electrical connector of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cover of this embodiment in an open state. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first cover of this embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second cover and swing clamper of this embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the latching member of this embodiment. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rear of the electrical connector of this embodiment. In the following description, the first cover side will be referred to as the lower side of the electrical connector, the second cover side will be referred to as the upper side of the electrical connector, the leading end side in the cable insertion direction will be referred to as the front side of the electrical connector, and the rear end side in the cable insertion direction will be referred to as the rear side of the electrical connector. In each figure, the lower side of the electrical connector will be indicated by arrow LO, the upper side by arrow U, the front side by arrow FR, the rear side by arrow RE, the left side by arrow L, and the right side by arrow R.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrical connector 1 is a cable connector to which a cable 2, such as a shielded multi-core cable, is connected. The electrical connector 1 houses the end of the cable 2 using a first cover 10 and a second cover 20. The first cover 10 covers the outer surface of the cable 2 from below, and the second cover 20 covers the outer surface of the cable 2 from above. A housing 5 is housed in front of the first and second covers 10, 20, and the end of the cable 2 is connected to the housing 5. A plug 6 is provided on the front of the housing 5, and protrudes forward from the first and second covers 10, 20.

The second cover 20 is shorter than the first cover 10 in the cable 2 insertion direction, and the rear end of the second cover 20 is located forward of the rear end of the first cover 10. A swing clamper 30 is connected to the rear of the second cover 20 so that it can swing up and down, and faces the first cover 10 with the cable 2 sandwiched between them. When the swing clamper 30 approaches the first cover 10, the cable 2 is clamped from above and below by the swing clamper 30 and the first cover 10. A hook portion 35 for a tool is formed on the outer surface of the swing clamper 30, and the hook portion 35 accepts swing operations for the swing clamper 30.

A hook member 40 is installed at the rear of the first cover 10, and the swing clamper 30 is hooked by the hook member 40. A pair of ratchet arms 33 protrude from both left and right ends of the swing clamper 30 toward the hook member 40, and a pair of hook arms 46 protrude from both left and right ends of the hook member 40 toward the swing clamper 30. A plurality of ratchet teeth 34 are formed on the pair of ratchet arms 33, and a hook pawl 47 is formed on the pair of hook arms 46. The multiple ratchet teeth 34 protrude forward from the ratchet arm 33, and the hook pawl 47 protrudes rearward from the hook arm 46. The ratchet teeth 34 and the hook pawl 47 form a ratchet mechanism that swings the swing clamper 30 downward only.

The first cover 10 and second cover 20 are connected via the housing 5 on the front side of the electrical connector 1 so as to be able to open and close. A pair of retaining arms 44 protrude upward from both left and right ends of the latching member 40, and the rear ends of both side walls 21 of the second cover 20 protrude partially rearward. Retaining claws 45 are formed on the pair of retaining arms 44, and claw receivers 26 are formed by protruding portions on both side walls 21 of the second cover 20. The retaining claws 45 and claw receivers 26 are snap-fitted together, and the elastic force of the retaining arms 44 is used to mechanically connect the first cover 10 and second cover 20.

As shown in Figure 3, the first cover 10 is a die-cast product and has a pair of side walls 11 and a bottom wall 12. The front portions of the pair of side walls 11 extend further forward than the bottom wall 12, and pivot shafts 13 protrude from the inner surfaces of the front portions of the pair of side walls 11. The pair of pivot shafts 13 are inserted into shaft holes in the housing 5 (see Figure 2), so that the first cover 10 is attached to the housing 5 so that it can open downward. Parts of the rear portions of the pair of side walls 11 are cut out in a concave shape, and the pair of notches 14 lower the upper edges of the pair of side walls 11 by one step. Rear of the pair of notches 14, the upper edges of the pair of side walls 11 are higher, forming high wall portions 15.

A pair of support pillars 16 protrude from the inner bottom surface of the bottom wall 12, laterally inward of the pair of notches 14. As will be described in detail below, the tips of the pair of support pillars 16 support a pair of connecting shafts 31 of the swing clamper 30 (see Figure 4) from below. A holding portion 17 that holds a hook member 40 is formed between the pair of support pillars 16. When the holding portion 17 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction, the holding portion 17 is formed in an inverted L-shape in cross section, and the hook member 40 (see Figure 5) is held inside the holding portion 17 so that it can slide in the front-rear direction. An opening 18 that partially exposes the hook member 40 is formed in the bottom wall 12 below the holding portion 17, and the hook member 40 can be slid through the opening 18 (see Figure 6 in particular).

As shown in Figure 4, the second cover 20 is a die-cast product and has a pair of side walls 21 and an upper wall 22. The front portions of the pair of side walls 21 extend further forward than the upper wall 22, and pivot shafts 24 protrude from the inner surfaces of the front portions of the pair of side walls 21. The pair of pivot shafts 24 are inserted into shaft holes in the housing 5 (see Figure 2), so that the second cover 20 is attached to the housing 5 in an upwardly openable manner. Parts of the rear portions of the pair of side walls 21 protrude downward, and the pair of protruding portions 25 lower the lower edges of the pair of side walls 21 by one step. When the first and second covers 10, 20 are closed, the pair of protruding portions 25 fit into the pair of cutouts 14 (see Figure 1).

The rear ends of the pair of overhanging portions 25 protrude rearward to form a pair of claw receivers 26. When the overhanging portions 25 fit into the notches 14, a gap is formed between the claw receivers 26 of the second cover 20 and the high wall portion 15 of the first cover 10, allowing the retaining claws 45 of the hooking member 40 to fit in (see Figure 1). A pair of restricting protrusions 27 protrude from the inner top surface of the top wall 22 toward the bottom wall 12 (see Figure 3). As will be described in detail below, the pair of restricting protrusions 27 abut against the front ends of the hooking member 40, restricting the forward sliding of the hooking member 40 (see Figure 8 (B)). The corners of the pair of restricting protrusions 27 facing the hooking member 40 are chamfered to prevent interference between the pair of restricting protrusions 27 and the hooking member 40.

Elongated holes 29 are formed in the rear of the pair of side walls 21, and a pair of connecting shafts 31 are formed in the front of the swing clamper 30. The pair of connecting shafts 31 are inserted into the pair of elongated holes 29, swingably connecting the swing clamper 30 to the second cover 20. The pair of elongated holes 29 extend in the vertical direction, and moving the pair of connecting shafts 31 along the pair of elongated holes 29 changes the relative positional relationship between the second cover 20 and the swing clamper 30. This prevents the swing clamper 30 from moving along with the opening and closing operation of the second cover 20, and allows the second cover 20 to be opened while the cable 2 is clamped by the swing clamper 30 (see Figure 9 (A)).

The swing clamper 30 is a die-cast product and is installed opposite the first cover 10. A pair of connecting shafts 31 are formed on both left and right ends of the front end of the swing clamper 30, and the swing clamper 30 swings around the pair of connecting shafts 31 as fulcrums. A sharp-pointed convex portion 32 protrudes downward from the rear end (tip) of the swing clamper 30. The sharp-pointed convex portion 32 of the swing clamper 30 bites into the outer surface of the cable 2, and the cable 2 is tightly clamped by the swing clamper 30 and the first cover 10. A pair of ratchet arms 33 protrude downward from both left and right ends of the sharp-pointed convex portion 32, and each ratchet arm 33 has two ratchet teeth 34 formed on it.

A hook-shaped hook portion 35 protrudes from the outer surface of the swing clamper 30, extending linearly from the left end to the right end (see Figure 1 in particular). The tip of a tool such as a flathead screwdriver is hooked onto the hook-shaped hook portion 35 to open and close the swing clamper 30. A pair of positioning portions 36 protrude from the outer surface of the swing clamper 30 behind the hook portion 35. The pair of positioning portions 36 are located to avoid the left-right center of the swing clamper 30, and a tool is inserted between the pair of positioning portions 36 to position the tool relative to the swing clamper 30. Left-right misalignment between the hook portion 35 and the tool is reduced, making it difficult for the tool to come off the hook portion 35.

As shown in Figures 5(A) and (B), the hooking member 40 is molded from synthetic resin. A pair of base portions 41 of the hooking member 40 extends forward and backward, and the pair of base portions 41 are connected via front and rear bridges 42, 43. The corners at the front ends of the pair of base portions 41 are chamfered, and these chamfered surfaces 48 are formed to be able to come into surface contact with the chamfered surfaces 28 of the pair of restricting protrusions 27. Retaining arms 44 protrude upward from the front of the pair of base portions 41, and retaining claws 45 are formed at the tips of the pair of retaining arms 44. Retaining arms 46 protrude diagonally upward and rearward from the center of the pair of base portions 41, and retaining claws 47 are formed at the tips of the pair of hooking arms 46.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the front and rear bridges 42, 43 are inserted from the rear into the gap between the bottom wall 12 and the retaining portion 17 of the first cover 10. As will be described in detail below, the latching member 40 is slidable in a direction that moves the latching pawl 47 away from the ratchet teeth 34. The front bridge 42 is exposed from the opening 18 in the bottom wall 12 and can be slid from outside through the opening 18. The rear bridge 43 is formed with a linear protrusion 49 that fits into the opening 18. When the linear protrusion 49 contacts the edge of the opening, the latching member 40 is positioned at rear position P2 (see Figure 8 (B)) where the latching pawl 47 can engage with the ratchet teeth 34.

Referring to Figure 7, the clamping state of the cable by the electrical connector will be described. Figure 7 shows a side view and a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of this embodiment. Note that Figure 7(A) is a side view of the electrical connector. Figure 7(B) is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of Figure 7(A) taken along line A-A. Figure 7(C) is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of Figure 7(A) taken along line B-B.

As shown in Figure 7 (A), when the cable 2 is clamped by the swing clamper 30, the latching claw 47 of the latching member 40 engages with the ratchet teeth 34 of the swing clamper 30. The ratchet teeth 34 are engaged with the latching claw 47, preventing the swing clamper 30 from swinging upward and restricting release of the clamp. The clamped state of the cable 2 is maintained, preventing the cable 2 from coming off the electrical connector 1. At this time, the restricting protrusion 27 of the second cover 20 restricts the forward sliding of the latching member 40, preventing the latching claw 47 from coming off the ratchet teeth 34.

The swing clamper 30 is formed with two ratchet teeth 34, one on top and one on bottom. The latching pawl 47 engages with either of the ratchet teeth 34, allowing the clamping position of the swing clamper 30 to be adjusted in two stages. When clamping a relatively thin cable 2 as shown in Figure 7(A), the upper ratchet tooth 34 is latched onto the latching pawl 47, and when clamping a relatively thick cable (not shown), the lower ratchet tooth 34 is latched onto the latching pawl 47. In this way, by forming multiple ratchet teeth 34 on the swing clamper 30, it is possible to clamp cables with widely different outer diameter sizes.

As shown in Figures 7(A) and (B), the connecting shaft 31 of the swing clamper 30 is inserted into the elongated hole 29 of the second cover 20. At this time, the connecting shaft 31 is supported from below by the support pillar 16 of the first cover 10 inside the second cover 20, and the connecting shaft 31 is sandwiched from above and below by the upper end of the support pillar 16 and the upper edge of the elongated hole 29. As shown in Figures 7(A) and (C), when the first cover 10 and second cover 20 are closed, the retaining claw 45 of the hook member 40 fits from the inside into the gap between the claw receiver 26 of the second cover 20 and the high wall portion 15 of the first cover 10. As a result, the retaining claw 45 is snap-fitted into the claw receiver 26 of the second cover 20.

The clamping and unclamping operations of the electrical connector will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a transition diagram of the clamping operation of the electrical connector of this embodiment. Figure 9 is a transition diagram of the clamping operation of the electrical connector of this embodiment.

As shown in Figure 8 (A), before the clamping operation by the electrical connector 1, the second cover 20 is open relative to the first cover 10. At this time, the restricting protrusion 27 of the second cover 20 is separated from the bottom wall 12 of the first cover 10. The latching member 40 is located at the forward position P1, and the chamfered surface 28 of the restricting protrusion 27 is supported from below by the chamfered surface 48 of the latching member 40. Because the second cover 20 is open, the claw receiver 26 of the second cover 20 is located above the retaining claw 45 of the latching member 40. Because the latching member 40 is located at the forward position P1, the latching claw 47 of the latching member 40 is separated rearward from the ratchet teeth 34 of the swing clamper 30.

As shown in Figure 8 (B), when the second cover 20 is closed over the first cover 10, the restricting protrusion 27 of the second cover 20 is pushed toward the bottom wall 12 of the first cover 10. Because the chamfered surfaces 48, 28 of the hook member 40 and the restricting protrusion 27 are in contact at an angle, the pushing action of the restricting protrusion 27 causes the hook member 40 to slide rearward. The linear protrusion 49 (see Figure 6) of the hook member 40 abuts against the edge of the opening of the first cover 10 (the rear edge of the opening 18), positioning the hook member 40 at rear position P2. Then, with the first cover 10 and the second cover 20 closed, the retaining claw 45 of the hook member 40 snap-fits into the claw receiver 26 of the second cover 20.

As shown in Figure 8 (C), the tip of a flathead screwdriver 50 is hooked onto the hook-shaped catch 35 of the swinging clamper 30, and the swinging clamper 30 is pushed down by the flathead screwdriver 50. The swinging clamper 30 is brought close to the first cover 10, and the cable 2 is clamped from above and below by the swinging clamper 30 and first cover 10. The latching claw 47 of the latching member 40 engages with the ratchet teeth 34 of the swinging clamper 30, preventing release of the clamp. At this time, the restricting protrusion 27 restricts the sliding of the latching member 40, so the latching claw 47 does not separate from the ratchet teeth 34, preventing the cable 2 from being disconnected from the electrical connector 1.

As shown in Figure 9(A), when the electrical connector 1 is released from the clamp, the snap-fit connection between the retaining claws 45 of the latching member 40 and the claw receivers 26 of the second cover 20 is released using a flathead screwdriver 50 (see Figure 8(C)). Because the second cover 20 and the swing clamper 30 are connected via the elongated hole 29, when the second cover 20 is opened relative to the first cover 10, only the second cover 20 is moved while the swing clamper 30 is latched to the latching member 40. At this time, the restricting protrusion 27 of the second cover 20 is separated from the bottom wall 12 of the first cover 10, and the sliding restriction of the latching member 40 by the restricting protrusion 27 is released.

As shown in Figure 9 (B), a flat-head screwdriver 50 is inserted through the opening 18 (see Figure 6) of the first cover 10, and the latching member 40 is slid forward by the flat-head screwdriver 50. At this time, the latching member 40 is positioned at the forward position P1, the latching claw 47 is released from the ratchet teeth 34, and the clamp on the cable 2 is released. Then, as shown in Figure 9 (C), the tip of the flat-head screwdriver 50 is hooked onto the hook portion 35 of the swing clamper 30, and the swing clamper 30 is lifted by the flat-head screwdriver 50. In this way, the cable 2 is removed from the electrical connector 1.

As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the outer diameter size of the cable 2 changes, the swing clamper 30 approaches the first cover 10, and the cable 2 is clamped between the swing clamper 30 and the first cover 10. When the cable 2 is clamped, the latching claw 47 engages with the ratchet teeth 34, restricting release of the clamp and preventing the cable 2 from being removed from the electrical connector 1. Furthermore, by sliding the latching member 40, the latching claw 47 moves away from the ratchet teeth 34, releasing the clamp on the cable 2. The swing clamper 30 moves away from the first cover 10, allowing the cable 2 to be easily removed from the electrical connector 1.

In the electrical connector of this embodiment, multiple ratchet teeth are formed on the ratchet arm of the swing clamper, but the number of ratchet teeth on the ratchet arm is not particularly limited. The ratchet arm may have one ratchet tooth, or three or more ratchet teeth.

In addition, in the electrical connector of this embodiment, the first and second covers are held in a closed state by a snap-fit connection, but the first and second covers may also be held in a closed state by a connection method other than a snap-fit connection.

In addition, in the electrical connector of this embodiment, the restricting protrusion on the second cover contacts the front end of the latching member to restrict sliding of the latching member, but the restricting protrusion may also contact a portion of the latching member other than the front end to restrict sliding of the latching member.

In addition, in the electrical connector of this embodiment, an opening is formed in the first cover that partially exposes the latching member, but the first cover does not need to have an opening as long as the latching member can be slid.

In addition, in the electrical connector of this embodiment, a latching member is inserted into the gap between the holding portion and the bottom wall of the first cover, but the method of installing the latching member is not limited as long as it is installed so that it can slide relative to the first cover.

In addition, in the electrical connector of this embodiment, clamping and unclamping operations are performed using a flat-head screwdriver as a tool, but clamping and unclamping operations may also be performed using a long tool such as a Phillips head screwdriver.

In addition, in the electrical connector of this embodiment, the hook portion is formed in a hook shape, but the hook portion may be formed in any shape as long as it is a shape that allows a tool to be hooked onto the swing clamper. For example, the hook portion may be formed by a groove provided in the swing clamper.

In addition, in the electrical connector of this embodiment, a positioning portion is formed on the swing clamper, but it is not necessarily required that a positioning portion be formed on the swing clamper.

As described above, the electrical connector (1) of this embodiment is an electrical connector to which a cable (2) is connected, and comprises a first cover (10) that covers the outer surface of the cable from one side (lower side), a second cover (20) that covers the outer surface of the cable from the other side (upper side), a swing clamper (30) that is connected to the second cover and faces the first cover, and a latching member (40) that is attached to the first cover and latches the swing clamper. Ratchet teeth (34) are formed on the swing clamper, and a latching claw (47) is formed on the latching member. When the swing clamper approaches the first cover, the cable is clamped between the swing clamper and the first cover. When the cable is clamped, the latching claw engages with the ratchet teeth, preventing release of the clamp, and the latching member is slidable in a direction that moves the latching claw away from the ratchet teeth. With this configuration, even if the outer diameter of the cable changes, the swing clamper approaches the first cover, clamping the cable between the swing clamper and the first cover. When the cable is clamped, the latching pawl engages with the ratchet teeth, restricting release of the clamp and preventing the cable from coming off the electrical connector. Additionally, by sliding the latching member, the latching pawl separates from the ratchet teeth, releasing the clamp on the cable, and the swing clamper separates from the first cover, allowing the cable to be easily removed from the electrical connector.

In the electrical connector of this embodiment, a retaining claw (45) is formed on the latching member, a claw receiver (26) is formed on the second cover, the first cover and the second cover are openably and closably connected at the tip end (front side) in the cable insertion direction, and when the first cover and the second cover are closed, the retaining claw is snap-fit into the claw receiver. This configuration allows the first cover and the second cover to be mechanically connected. Furthermore, the second cover can be easily opened from the first cover.

In the electrical connector of this embodiment, a restricting protrusion (27) protrudes from the second cover toward the first cover. When the first and second covers are closed, the restricting protrusion restricts the sliding of the latching member. When the first and second covers are open, the restricting protrusion releases the restriction on the sliding of the latching member. With this configuration, when the first and second covers are closed, the restricting protrusion restricts the sliding of the latching member, preventing the latching pawl from separating from the ratchet teeth and preventing the cable from disconnecting from the electrical connector. By opening the second cover from the first cover, the restriction on the sliding of the latching member is released, allowing the latching pawl to separate from the ratchet teeth and allowing the cable to be easily removed from the electrical connector.

In the electrical connector of this embodiment, the corner of the restriction protrusion facing the latching member is chamfered. This configuration prevents interference between the restriction protrusion and the latching member.

In the electrical connector of this embodiment, an elongated hole (29) is formed in the second cover, a connecting shaft (31) is formed in the swing clamper, the connecting shaft is inserted into the elongated hole to connect the swing clamper to the second cover, the elongated hole extends in the direction in which the first and second covers face each other (up and down), and the connecting shaft moves along the elongated hole, changing the relative positional relationship between the second cover and the swing clamper. With this configuration, the second cover can be opened from the first cover while the cable remains clamped by the swing clamper.

In the electrical connector of this embodiment, an opening (18) is formed in the first cover that partially exposes the latching member, and the latching member can be slid through the opening. With this configuration, the latching member can be slid through the opening to easily remove the cable from the electrical connector.

In the electrical connector of this embodiment, the latching member is formed with a linear protrusion (49) that fits into the opening. When the linear protrusion contacts the edge of the opening, the latching member is positioned so that the latching pawl and ratchet teeth can engage. This configuration allows the latching member to be positioned so that the latching pawl and ratchet teeth can engage with each other using a simple structure.

In the electrical connector of this embodiment, a sharp convex portion (32) protrudes from the tip (rear end) of the swing clamper toward the first cover. With this configuration, the sharp convex portion of the swing clamper bites into the outer surface of the cable, allowing the swing clamper and the first cover to tightly clamp the cable.

In the electrical connector of this embodiment, a pair of ratchet arms (33) protrude from both widthwise ends (both left and right ends) of the swing clamper toward the latching member (lower side), and a pair of latching arms (46) protrude from both widthwise ends (both left and right ends) of the latching member toward the swing clamper (upper side). Ratchet teeth are formed on the pair of ratchet arms, and latching pawls are formed on the pair of latching arms. With this configuration, a pair of latching pawls engage with a pair of ratchet teeth on both sides of the cable, allowing the cable to be stably clamped by the swing clamper and the first cover.

In the electrical connector of this embodiment, the swing clamper is formed with multiple ratchet teeth, and the latching claw engages with one of the ratchet teeth, allowing the clamping position of the swing clamper to be adjusted in multiple stages. This configuration makes it possible to clamp cables with widely different outer diameter sizes.

Note that although this embodiment has been described, other embodiments may be combinations of the above embodiments and variations in whole or in part.

Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified, substituted, or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical concept. Furthermore, if technological advances or derived technologies allow the technical concept to be realized in a different way, the invention may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical concept.

1: Electrical connector 2: Cable 10: First cover 18: Opening 20: Second cover 26: Pawl receiver 27: Restricting projection 28: Chamfered surface 29: Slot 30: Swing clamper 31: Connecting shaft 32: Sharp convex portion 33: Ratchet arm 34: Ratchet teeth 40: Latching member 45: Holding pawl 46: Latching arm 47: Latching pawl 49: Linear convex portion

Claims (10)

An electrical connector to which a cable is connected,
a first cover that covers an outer circumferential surface of the cable from one side;
a second cover that covers the outer circumferential surface of the cable from the other side;
a swing clamper connected to the second cover and facing the first cover;
a latch member that is installed on the first cover and latches the swing clamper,
Ratchet teeth are formed on the swing clamper, and a latching claw is formed on the latching member,
the swing clamper approaches the first cover, the cable is clamped by the swing clamper and the first cover, and in the clamped state of the cable, the latching claws engage with the ratchet teeth to restrict release of the clamp;
The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the latching member is slidable in a direction to move the latching pawl away from the ratchet teeth. A retaining claw is formed on the latching member, and a claw receiver is formed on the second cover,
the first cover and the second cover are connected to each other so as to be able to open and close at a tip end side in an insertion direction of the cable,
2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the retaining claws are snap-fitted into the claw receivers when the first cover and the second cover are closed. a restricting projection protruding from the second cover toward the first cover,
When the first cover and the second cover are closed, the restricting protrusion restricts sliding of the latch member,
3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the restriction of sliding of the latch member by the restriction protrusion is released when the first cover and the second cover are in an open state. The electrical connector of claim 3, characterized in that the corner of the restriction protrusion facing the latching member is chamfered. a slot is formed in the second cover, and a connecting shaft is formed in the swing clamper;
The connecting shaft is inserted into the elongated hole to connect the swing clamper to the second cover,
3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the elongated hole extends in the opposing direction of the first cover and the second cover, and the relative positional relationship between the second cover and the swing clamper changes as the connecting shaft moves along the elongated hole. an opening is formed in the first cover to partially expose the latch member;
6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the latch member is slidable through the opening. The hook member is formed with a linear protrusion that fits into the opening,
7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein the linear projections come into contact with the edge of the opening, thereby positioning the latching member at a position where the latching pawl and the ratchet teeth can engage with each other. The electrical connector of claim 1, characterized in that a sharp convex portion protrudes from the tip of the swing clamper toward the first cover. A pair of ratchet arms protrudes from both widthwise ends of the swing clamper toward the latch member,
A pair of latching arms protrude from both widthwise ends of the latching member toward the swing clamper,
2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the ratchet teeth are formed on the pair of ratchet arms, and the latching claws are formed on the pair of latching arms. A plurality of ratchet teeth are formed on the swing clamper,
2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the latching claw engages with any one of the plurality of ratchet teeth, and the clamping position by the swing clamper is adjustable in a plurality of stages.