Abstract:
A connector is provided that retains a terminal fitting when a retainer is attached to a connector housing from the side. The connector housing has a cavity into which a terminal fitting is inserted and a retainer insertion hole. The retainer is attached to the connector housing from the side through the retainer insertion hole. The retainer insertion hole extends entirely through the connector housing and penetrates from opposing outer side walls of the connector housing. The retainer is displaced between a provisional engaging position and a complete engagement position in which the terminal fitting is locked. The retainer preferably has a same height as the height between the opposing outer side walls.

Description:
This is a Division of application Ser. No. 09/182,309 filed Oct. 30, 1998, which in turn is which is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 08/613,660, filed Mar. 11, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,661. The entire disclosure of the prior application is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a metallic mold for manufacturing a connector and also relates to a method for manufacturing the connector. More particularly, the present invention relates to a metallic mold for manufacturing a connector having a retainer to be attached to a connector housing from the side and also relates to a method for manufacturing the connector. 
     A conventional connector is well known in which a terminal fitting is engaged double when a retainer is attached to a connector housing from the side (shown in FIGS. 1 to  6 ). In the connector housing  1  of this connector, there is formed a cavity  3  into which a terminal fitting  2  can be inserted from the back. On a bottom face of the cavity  3 , there is provided a flexible lance  4  engaged with the terminal fitting  2 . 
     On the other hand, a retainer  5  for preventing the terminal fitting  2  from being disconnected is attached onto an upper face of the connector housing  1 . Accordingly, there is formed a retainer insertion hole  6  on the upper face of the connector housing  1  in such a manner that the retainer insertion hole  6  crosses the cavity  3 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the retainer  5  is provided with a protruding piece  5   a  to be inserted between the cavities  3  and also provided with an engaging portion  9  which protrudes in the cavity  3  and engages with a jaw portion  8  of the terminal fitting  2 . Although the detail of the retainer  5  is not shown in the drawings, it can be held at two positions, one is a provisional engaging position at which the retainer  5  is inserted into the housing  1  by a small distance, and the other is a complete engaging position at which the retainer  5  is inserted into the housing  1  by a distance longer than the distance of the provisional engaging position. 
     Under the condition shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 in which the retainer  5  is held at the provisional engaging position, each engaging portion  9  of the retainer  5  is withdrawn upward so that the terminal fitting  2  can be attached. When the terminal fitting  2  is inserted to a normal position under the above condition, the terminal fitting  2  is primarily engaged with the lance  4 . Next, when the retainer  5  is pushed to the complete engaging position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, each engaging portion  9  of the retainer  5  is engaged with the jaw portion  8  of the terminal fitting  2 , so that the retainer  5  is secondarily engaged. In this way, the terminal fitting  2  can be double engaged with the connector. This connector is temporarily assembled while the retainer  5  is held at the provisional engaging position and then transported to a site in which the terminal is inserted into the connector. 
     Conventionally, until the housing  1  and the retainer  5  are temporarily assembled to each other, the housing  1  and the retainer  5  are formed separately from each other, that is, they are respectively formed by different forming machines and transported to a temporarily assembling site. After that, the housing  1  and the retainer  5  are finally assembled. In this case, assembly is conducted by an automatic machine provided with a parts feeder or alternatively assembly is manually conducted by a worker. 
     As described above, according to the prior art, the housing  1  and retainer  5  are molded and assembled separately, and the manufacture of a temporarily assembled connector is completed through the processes of molding, transportation and assembly. When assembly is conducted by the manual operation of a worker, it is necessary to provide a different inspection process. Due to the foregoing, a large number of processes are required to complete the manufacture of the connector, so that the manufacturing cost is increased. Further, it is necessary to manage the metallic molds for each housing  1  and retainer  5 , which also increases the management cost. 
     The present invention has been accomplished to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a metallic mold and a method for manufacturing a connector at low cost. 
     According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is provided a method for manufacturing a connector, the connector comprising a connector housing in which a cavity open in the longitudinal direction is formed for the insertion of a terminal fitting, a retainer insertion hole extending from the outside into the cavity is also formed, and a retainer is inserted from the side into the retainer insertion hole so as to engage with the terminal fitting, the method for manufacturing the connector comprising the steps of: molding the connector housing and the retainer in a metallic mold in a positional condition that the retainer is opposed to the retainer insertion hole from the side; withdrawing the metallic mold between the connector housing and the retainer in the longitudinal direction in the movement process of the mold; and relatively moving the connector housing and the retainer in the transverse direction while they are being held, so as to assemble the retainer to the connector housing. 
     In this invention, first, the connector housing and retainer are simultaneously molded in the molding process. Next, in the mold movement process, the metallic mold for molding the connector housing is moved in the longitudinal direction in accordance with the direction of the cavity opening. When the metallic mold between the connector housing and the retainer is withdrawn, a space is formed between the connector housing and the retainer, so that the retainer is put in a condition in which the retainer is opposed to the retainer insertion hole. When the connector housing and retainer are held and moved relatively in this condition, the retainer is inserted into the retainer insertion hole. In this way, the connector can be obtained. 
     Further, according to the invention, the retainer insertion hole is formed when a metallic mold for molding the cavity and a metallic mold for molding a connector housing outside, which are contacted with each other, are moved in the opposite directions along the side of the connector housing, and the metallic mold is opened. 
     In this invention, resin is not filled in a portion where the cavity molding metallic mold comes into contact with the connector housing outside forming mold. When both metallic molds are moved in the longitudinal direction in the mold moving process, the contact portion of both metallic molds are open on the side of the connector housing, and this opening becomes the retainer insertion hole. 
     Furthermore, according to the first aspect of the invention, it is to provide a metallic mold for manufacturing a connector, the connector comprising a connector housing in which a cavity open in the longitudinal direction is formed for the insertion of a terminal fitting, a retainer insertion hole extending from the outside into the cavity is also formed, and a retainer is inserted from the side into the retainer insertion hole so as to engage with the terminal fitting, the metallic mold for manufacturing the connector comprising: a molding structure capable of molding the connector housing and the retainer in a positional relation in which the retainer is opposed from the side to the retainer insertion hole; a mold moving structure for withdrawing the metallic mold between the connector housing and the retainer in the longitudinal direction; and an operating structure for assembling the retainer to the connector housing when the connector housing and the retainer are relatively moved in the transverse direction while they are being held. 
     In the invention, the connector housing and the retainer are simultaneously molded in one metallic mold in the molding process. In the mold opening process, the metallic mold for molding the connector housing is moved in the longitudinal direction in accordance with the cavity opening direction. When the metallic mold is withdrawn, a space is formed between the connector housing and the retainer, so that the retainer is opposed to the retainer insertion hole. When the connector housing and the retainer are relatively moved in the transverse direction while they are being held, the retainer is inserted into the retainer insertion hole, and the connector in which the connector housing and the retainer are integrated into one body can be obtained. 
     Moreover, according to the invention, the retainer insertion hole is formed when a cavity molding metallic mold and a connector housing outside molding metallic mold, which are opened when they are moved along the side of the connector housing in the opposite directions, are contacted with each other. 
     In the invention, resin is not filled in a portion where the cavity molding metallic mold comes into contact with the connector housing outside molding metallic mold. When both metallic molds are moved in the longitudinal direction in the mold opening process, the contact portion of both metallic molds is open onto the side of the connector housing, and this opening becomes the retainer insertion hole. 
     According to the invention described above, it is possible to conduct the molding and the assembling process of the connector housing and the retainer by one machine. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a conveyance process in which the parts are conveyed from the molding position to the assembling position. Further, it is not necessary to conduct the assembling process separately from the molding process after conveyance. 
     Accordingly, as compared with a case in which assembly is conducted by an automaton, the assembling time can be shortened because the supply of parts conducted by a parts feeder is unnecessary. Further, it is unnecessary to provide two automatons respectively used for molding and assembling. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the installation space. Compared with a case in which assembly is manually conducted by a worker, it is possible to greatly reduce the assembling time when an automaton is adopted, and further it is not necessary to provide an inspection process. When the aforementioned advantages are put together, the manufacturing cost of the connector can be reduced. 
     Further, the metallic mold withdrawing from a space between the connector housing and the retainer is moved in the longitudinal direction in the same manner as that of the metallic mold used for molding the connector housing. Accordingly, when both metallic molds are integrally moved, the manufacturing efficiency can be enhanced. 
     Moreover, according to the invention, when the metallic mold for molding the retainer insertion hole is moved in the longitudinal direction, the metallic mold can be opened. Accordingly, as compared with a method in which the metallic mold for molding the retainer insertion hole is withdrawn when the metallic mold is moved toward the retainer in the transverse direction, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the manufacturing efficiency can be enhanced. 
     According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is provided a method for manufacturing a connector, the connector comprising a connector housing in which a cavity is formed for the insertion of a terminal fitting, and a retainer attached to the connector housing from the side, the retainer engaging with the terminal fitting so as to lock it when the retainer is attached to the connector housing, 
     the method for manufacturing the connector comprising the steps of: closing a pair of metallic molds capable of being respectively contacted with and separated from each other in one direction while a sliding mold is interposed between the pair of metallic molds, the sliding mold being assembled to one of the pair of metallic molds so that the sliding mold can be moved in a direction intersecting to the contacting and separating direction of the pair of metallic molds; molding a housing having an insertion hole for inserting a retainer via the sliding mold and also molding a retainer located at the rear of the sliding mold in the advancing and withdrawing direction; drawing the sliding mold from the retainer insertion hole by withdrawing the sliding mold; retreating the sliding mold onto the side of an advancing and withdrawing passage in accordance with the opening operation of the mold or by the action of a drive mechanism; and inserting the retainer into the retainer insertion hole from the open passage so as to assemble the retainer in a predetermined condition. 
     Further, according to the invention, when the retainer is inserted from the open passage into the retainer insertion hole, the entire width of the retainer is supported. 
     Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is provided a metallic mold for manufacturing a connector, the connector comprising a connector housing in which a cavity is formed for the insertion of a terminal fitting, and a retainer attached to the connector housing from the side, the retainer engaging with a terminal fitting so as to lock it when the retainer is attached to the connector housing, 
     the metallic mold being composed of a pair of metallic molds capable of being relatively contacted with and separated from each other in one direction, a sliding mold capable of moving along an advancing and withdrawing passage provided in a direction intersecting to the contacting and separating direction of the metallic molds being assembled to one of the pair of metallic molds, the pair of metallic molds forming a molding space when the metallic molds are closed to each other under the condition that the sliding mold is advanced, the molding space being capable of molding a housing having a retainer insertion hole into which the retainer is inserted, via the sliding mold and also capable of molding a retainer located in at the rear of the sliding mold, the pair of metallic molds comprising: a retreating means for retreating the sliding mold to the side of the advancing and withdrawing passage after the sliding mold has been withdrawn; and an insertion means for inserting the retainer molded in a retainer molding space into the retainer insertion hole of the housing by advancing the retainer along the advancing and withdrawing passage. 
     Moreover, the insertion means supports the entire width of the retainer to be inserted into the retainer insertion hole. 
     According to the above-mentioned invention, under the condition that a pair of metallic molds are closed while the sliding mold is interposed between the metallic molds, the housing is molded into a shape in which the retainer insertion hole is formed on one side, and the retainer is simultaneously molded at the rear of the sliding mold. After the sliding mold has been withdrawn along the advancing and withdrawing passage and drawn out from the retainer insertion hole, it is retreated to the side of the advancing and withdrawing passage by the retreat means. Then, the retainer passes through the open advancing and withdrawing passage and is inserted into the retainer insertion hole, so that the retainer and housing are integrally assembled into one body in a predetermined condition. 
     In this connection, when the entire width of the retainer is not supported, the retainer is bent by a frictional force caused in the process of insertion of the retainer into the insertion hole. Specifically, since the engaging portion  9 , which protrudes to the side, comes into contact with an edge portion of the cavity  3 , the protruding piece  5   a , which is not supported by the insertion means, is further pushed and damaged. However, according to the present invention, since the entire width of the retainer is supported by the insertion means, even when the protruding piece collides with the edge portion of the cavity, it is not bent to the side but pressed in a perpendicular direction, so that the protruding piece can be inserted into the hole. 
     According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a connector is manufactured, it is possible to mold a housing and a retainer in a metallic mold, and it is also possible to assemble them to each other. Accordingly, the manufacturing work period of the connector and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Even a wide retainer which tends to be bent easily is used, it is possible to insert the retainer straight so that it can not be damaged. 
     According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is provided a method of manufacturing a connector, the connector comprising a connector housing in which a cavity is formed for the insertion of a terminal fitting, and a retainer attached to the connector housing from the side, the retainer engaging with the terminal fitting so as to lock it when the retainer is attached to the connector housing, 
     the method of manufacturing the connector comprising the steps of: closing a pair of metallic molds capable of being respectively contacted with and separated from each other in one direction while a sliding mold is interposed between the pair of metallic molds, the sliding mold being assembled to one of the pair of metallic molds so that the sliding mold can be moved in a direction intersecting to the contacting and separating direction of the pair of metallic molds; molding a housing having a through-hole for inserting a retainer via the sliding mold and also molding the retainer located in the front of the sliding mold; withdrawing the sliding mold to the back of the retainer insertion hole after the molds are opened; and assembling the connector into a predetermined condition by inserting the retainer from the front. 
     Under the condition that the pair of metallic molds are closed, the housing is molded into a shape in which the through-hole-shaped retainer insertion hole is formed by the existence of the sliding mold, and the retainer is also formed in the front of the housing. After the pair of molds have been opened, the sliding mold is withdrawn from the retainer insertion hole, and the retainer is inserted into the retainer insertion hole, so that the retainer and the housing are integrally assembled under a predetermined condition. 
     Further, according to the invention, it is to provide a metallic mold for manufacturing a connector, the connector comprising a connector housing in which a cavity is formed for the insertion of a terminal fitting, and a retainer attached to the connector housing from the side, the retainer engaging with the terminal fitting so as to lock it when the retainer is attached to the connector housing, 
     the metallic mold being composed of a pair of metallic molds capable of being relatively contacted with and separated from each other in one direction, a sliding mold capable of moving in a direction intersecting to the contacting and separating direction of the metallic molds being assembled to one of the pair of metallic molds, the pair of metallic molds forming a molding space when the metallic molds are closed to each other under the condition that the sliding mold is advanced, the molding space being capable of molding a housing having a through-hole into which the retainer is inserted via the sliding mold and also capable of molding a retainer located in the front of the sliding mold, the pair of metallic molds comprising an insertion drive section capable of inserting the retainer into the retainer insertion hole of the connector housing from the front. 
     Under the condition that the pair of metallic molds are closed, the housing is molded into a shape, in which a through-hole-shaped retainer insertion hole is provided, by the existence of the sliding mold, and the retainer is also molded in the front of the housing. After the pair of metallic molds have been opened, the sliding mold is withdrawn from the retainer insertion hole, and at the same time the retainer is inserted into the retainer insertion hole from the front by the action of the insertion drive means, so that the retainer and the housing are integrally assembled to each other under a predetermined condition. 
     Moreover, the according to the present invention, it is provided a connector comprising: a connector housing having a cavity into which a terminal fitting is inserted; and a retainer attached to the connector housing from the side, the retainer being displaced between a provisional engaging position and a complete engagement position, the retainer engaging with the terminal fitting so as to lock it at the complete engagement position, wherein a retainer insertion hole for inserting the retainer is formed in the connector housing while it penetrates two sides of the connector housing opposed to each other. 
     Since the retainer insertion hole is formed while it penetrates the connector housing, for example, in the process of manufacturing the connector, while an intermediate core is provided in the metallic mold, the housing is molded in which a retainer insertion hole is formed while it penetrates the connector housing. At the same time, the retainer is formed in the front of the intermediate core. While the intermediate core is being withdrawn in the metallic mold, the retainer is inserted into the retainer insertion hole so that it can be integrally assembled at the provisional engaging position. It is possible to realize the above manufacturing means. 
     According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a connector is manufactured, it is possible to mold and assemble a housing and a retainer in a metallic mold. Accordingly, the manufacturing work period of the connector is shortened, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector, the retainer of which is set at a provisional engaging position; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a condition that the retainer is set at a complete engaging position; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the retainer of FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another connector, the retainer of which is set at a provisional engaging position; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a condition that the retainer is set at a complete engaging position; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the retainer of FIGS. 5 and 6; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the connector manufactured by the metallic mold of a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector is in a separate condition; 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration showing a condition in which the movable mold is closed in the manufacturing process; 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration showing a condition in which the movable mold is open in the manufacturing process; 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration showing a condition in which the retainer is assembled to the connector housing in the manufacturing process; 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken on line Z—Z in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the metallic mold of the second embodiment in a molding condition; 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the metallic mold in a condition that only the rear metallic mold of the movable metallic mold is opened; 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view in a condition that the metallic mold is opened; 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a condition that the retainer is assembled to the housing; 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a condition that the finished product is taken out from the metallic mold; 
     FIG. 17 is a front view showing a condition that the auxiliary sliding mold supports the retainer; 
     FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer of the connector of the third embodiment which is set at a provisional engaging position; 
     FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer which is set at a complete engaging position; 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the retainer; 
     FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a molding condition of the metallic mold of the third embodiment; 
     FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a condition in which the metallic mold is open; 
     FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembling motion of the retainer; 
     FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a condition in which a finished product is taken out from the mold. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
     Referring to FIGS. 7 to  11 , an embodiment of the present invention will be explained as follows. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a connector  110  which is molded and assembled by the manufacturing method and the manufacturing metallic mold of the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the detailed shape of the connector  110  is omitted in the following explanations. 
     The connector  110  is composed of a connector housing  111  and a retainer  115 . In the connector housing  111 , there are provided a plurality of cavities  112  which are open onto both end faces of the connector in the longitudinal direction, wherein the plurality of cavities  112  are disposed in an upper and a lower row, and three cavities are formed in each row. Further, the plurality of cavities  112  are open onto both sides of the connector housing in the transverse direction, and there are provided two retainer insertion holes  113  on each side, which communicate two cavities  112  in the upper row with two cavities  112  in the lower row. The retainer insertion holes  113  are open on the side of the connector housing  111  in such a manner that the retainer insertion holes  113  are slender in the longitudinal direction. The retainer  115  described later is inserted into the two retainer insertion holes  113  which are open onto the left side of the connector housing  11 . 
     There are provided protrusions  111 B on both outsides  111 A of the connector housing  111  in the transverse direction. Front end edges of the retainer insertion holes  113  are open onto the front end faces of the protrusions  111 B. Due to the above arrangement, it is possible to form the retainer insertion holes  113 , which are open onto the sides of the connector housing  111 , by the movable metallic mold  122  which is opened in the longitudinal direction as described later. 
     The retainer  115  includes: an insertion plate portion  115 A,  115 A composed of an upper insertion plate and a lower insertion plate which are arranged in parallel with each other; and a connecting portion  115 B which connects the left end portions of both the inserting plates  115 A,  115 A, wherein the overall retainer  115  is formed into a C-shape. In the connecting section  115 B, there are provided a pair of recesses  115 D,  115 D which are formed by cutting out both end portions on the outside of the connecting section  115 B in the longitudinal direction. These recesses  115 D correspond to the protrusions  128 B,  128 B of a pushing pin  128  described later. After the completion of molding, since the recesses  115 D engage with the protrusions  128 B, the retainer  115  is held by the pushing pin  128 . 
     When the inserting plates  115 A of the retainer  115  are inserted into the cavities  112  through the retainer insertion holes  113 , the retainer  115  can be assembled at a provisional engaging position of the connector housing  111 . At this provisional engaging position, the movement of the retainer  115  in the drawing direction is restricted by an engaging means (not shown in the drawing), however, when a relatively low intensity of force is given, the retainer  115  can be moved to a complete engaging position. 
     In a condition before the terminal fitting  116  is incorporated into the connector housing  111 , the retainer  115  is assembled at the provisional engaging position (shown in FIG.  10 ). In this provisional engaging condition, the relief groove  115 C formed on a lower face of the inserting plate portion  115 A is located at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion  116 A of the terminal fitting  116 . Therefore, the insertion of the terminal fitting  116  into the cavity can be allowed. When the retainer  115  is moved to the complete engaging position, the relief groove  115 C is shifted from the position corresponding to the engaging protrusion  116 A. Accordingly, this engaging protrusion  116 A is engaged with a front edge of the inserting plate portion  116 A in a locking condition. In this way, the terminal fitting  116  can be double engaged. 
     Next, a metallic mold to manufacture the above connector will be explained below. Detailed explanations of this metallic mold will be omitted here in the same manner as the explanations of the above connector  110 . 
     The metallic mold includes: a stationary metallic mold (not shown in the drawing) that is located at a position on the viewer&#39;s side with respect to the surfaces of FIGS. 8 to  10 ; and a movable metallic mold  122  that is shown on the surfaces of the drawings. 
     The movable metallic mold  122  includes: a bottom metallic mold  123  for forming a bottom face of the connector housing  111 ; a right metallic mold  124  for forming a right side of the connector housing  111  while the right metallic mold  124  is integrated into the bottom metallic mold  123 ; a left metallic mold  125  for forming a left side of the connector housing  111 ; a front metallic mold  126  for forming a front end of the connector housing  111 , wherein the front metallic mold  126  is capable of moving in the longitudinal direction along the right and left metallic mold  124 ,  125 ; a rear metallic mold  127  for forming a rear end of the connector housing  111 ; a pushing pin  128  to move the retainer  115 , which has been already molded, onto the connector housing  111  side; and protruding pin  129  to protrude the connector  110 , which has already been molded and assembled, outside the metallic mold. 
     On the bottom metallic mold  123 , the connector housing  111  is molded in a region  123 A adjacent to the right metallic mold  124 , and at the same time, the retainer  115  is molded in a region  123 B adjacent to the left metallic mold  125 . The level of the region  123 B for molding the retainer is higher than the level of the region  123 A for molding the connector housing. Therefore, after the molding has been completed, the level of the inserting plate  115 A of the retainer  115  is the same as the level of the retainer insertion hole  113  (shown in FIG.  11 ). 
     The right metallic mold  124  is one of the components of the present invention and defined as a metallic mold for molding a connector housing outside. This right metallic mold  124  is provided with a recess  124 A corresponding to a protrusion  111 B at the right side rear portion of the connector housing  111 . A face on the front side of this recess  124 A is a face  124 B for molding the connector housing outside by which the right retainer insertion hole  113  is molded from the outside and also the right outside  111 A of the connector housing  111  including the molding region of the retainer insertion hole  113  is molded. 
     On the other hand, the left metallic mold  125  is provided with a recess  125 A corresponding to the connecting portion  115 B of the retainer  115 , and an end of the pushing pin  128  faces the inside of the recess  125 A. This pushing pin  128  is guided in the left metallic mold  125  in such a manner that the pushing pin  128  can be moved in the transverse direction, that is, the pushing pin  128  is capable of advancing from and withdrawing into the left metallic mold  125 . An end of the pushing pin  128  is formed into a molding face  129 A of the connecting portion  115 B of the retainer  115 . At this end of the pushing pin  128 , there is provided a pair of protrusions  128 B,  128 B for molding the recesses  115 D,  115 D of the connecting portion  115 B. When these protrusions  128 B,  128 B are engaged with the recesses  115 D, the retainer  115  can be held. Although the retainer  115  is held in this way, it is released when a tension applied to the retainer in the acting direction exceeds a predetermined value. 
     The front metallic mold  126  is one of the component of the present invention and defined as a metallic mold for molding a connector housing outside. The front metallic mold  126  includes: a cavity molding portion  126 A for molding a front end portion of the cavity  112 ; a connector housing front end molding face  126 B for molding a front end face of the connector housing; and a connector housing outside center molding face  126 C for molding the left outside  111 A of the connector housing  111  and the retainer inserting hole  113  open to the left outside  111 A. 
     The rear metallic mold  127  is one of the components of the present invention and defined as a metallic mold for molding a cavity. The rear metallic mold  127  includes: a cavity molding portion  127 A for molding a center and a rear end portion of the cavity  112 ; a connector housing outside front portion molding face  127 B for molding the left protruding portion  111 B; a connector housing rear end face molding face  127 C for molding a rear end face of the connector housing  111 ; and cavity inside molding faces  127 D,  127 D for molding the right and left retainer insertion holes  113  from the inside. 
     Also, the front metallic mold  126  has a retainer molding portion  126 D located at a position interposed between the upper and the lower inserting plates  115 A,  115 A of the retainer  115 . This retainer molding portion  126 D is provided with a protrusion  126 E for molding a relief groove  115 C on the lower face of the inserting plate  115 A. On the other hand, the rear metallic mold  127  is provided with a retainer molding face  127 E for molding a rear end face of the inserting plate  115 A. 
     Further, in the front metallic mold  126 , there is provided a withdrawal portion  126 G which is located between the connector housing  111  and the retainer  115  in the molding process and withdrawn from a position between the connector housing  111  and the retainer  115  to the front side so that a space can be formed between the connector housing  111  and the retainer  115 . 
     Next, a method of manufacturing the connector  110  using the metallic mold composed as described above will be explained below. 
     In the beginning of the manufacturing process, as shown in FIG. 8, the front metallic mold  126  and the rear metallic mold  127  of the movable metallic mold  122  approach each other, and both end portions are closely contacted with each other. This movable metallic mold  122  approaches the stationary metallic mold, and both are closely contacted with each other. Under the above condition, spaces for molding the connector housing  111  and the retainer  115  are formed. 
     Under the above condition, the connector housing outside molding face  124 B of the right metallic mold  124  and the cavity inside molding front metallic mold  127 D on the right of the rear metallic mold  127  are closely contacted with each other in an opening region of the right retainer insertion hole  113 . At the same time, the connector housing outside center molding face  126 C of the front metallic mold  126  and the cavity inside molding front metallic mold  127 D on the left are closely contacted with each other in an opening region of the left retainer insertion hole  113 . Molten resin is filled into the thus arranged molding spaces through an injection passage (not shown in the drawing) provided in the metallic mold. When the injected resin is solidified, the metallic mold is opened. 
     In the metallic mold moving process, the movable metallic mold  122  is moved so that the entire movable metallic mold  122  can be separate from the stationary metallic mold, and at the same time, the front metallic mold  126  and the rear metallic mold  127  are moved in the longitudinal direction so that both metallic molds can be separate from each other. Since the protrusion  111 B of the connector housing  111  is engaged with the recess  124 A at this time, the protrusion  111 B of the connector housing  111  can be held at the same position as that in the molding process. On the other hand, since the connecting portion  115 B of the retainer  115  is engaged with the pushing pin  128 , it can be held at the same position as that in the molding process. Due to the foregoing, the front metallic mold  126  and the rear metallic mold  127  are separated from the connector housing  111  and the retainer  115 . 
     In accordance with the movement of the front metallic mold  126  and the rear metallic mold  127 , the withdrawal portion  126 G is withdrawn to the front, and a space is formed between the connector housing  111  and the retainer  115 . Therefore, an end of the inserting plate  115 A of the retainer  115  is opposed to the retainer insertion hole  113  in the transverse direction (shown in FIGS.  9  and  11 ). 
     At this time, the withdrawal portion  126 G is not moved in the transverse direction but moved to the front in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the movement of the withdrawal portion  126 G is not obstructed by the connector housing  111  and the retainer  115 . 
     After that, the pushing pin  128  is advanced. Then, the retainer  115  held by the pushing pin  128  through the engagement of the recess  115 D and the protrusion  128 B slides on the region  123 B of the bottom metallic mold  123  and moved to the connector housing  111 . Then, the inserting plates  115 A,  115 A of the retainer  115  are inserted into the retainer insertion holes  113 ,  13 , so that the retainer  15  is assembled to the connector housing  111  at the provisional engaging position. In this way, the connector  110  can be provided. In the above condition, since an end of the inserting plate  115 A is located inside the right outside of the connector housing  111 , the end of the inserting plate  115 A does not collide with the right metallic mold  124 . 
     After the completion of assembly, the pushing pin  128  is withdrawn backward and disengaged from the retainer  115 . At this time, the retainer  115  is given a tension caused by the friction between the recess  115 D and the protrusion  128 B. However, it is impossible for the retainer  115  to move from the provisional engaging position of the connector housing  111 . Therefore, the pushing pin  128  is separated from the retainer  115  and returns into the left metallic mold  125 . Then, the protruding pin  129  which faces the molding region  123 A of the connector housing  111  of the bottom metallic mold  123  advances forward and protrudes the connector  110 , which has already been assembled, outside the metallic mold. 
     As described above, the connector housing  111  and the retainer  115  are simultaneously molded in a single metallic mold including the front metallic mold  126  and the rear metallic mold  127  capable of sliding in the longitudinal direction. In the mold moving process, there is formed a space between the connector housing  111  and the retainer  115  so that both can be relatively moved in the assembling direction. While the connector housing  111  and the retainer  115  are being held by the recess  124 A and the pushing pin  128 , both are assembled to each other. 
     Due to the foregoing, unlike a case in which the molding process and the assembling process are carried out at different positions by different apparatus, it is not necessary to provide a conveyance process in which parts are conveyed from a molding position to an assembling position. Further, it is not necessary to provide an assembling process after the conveyance. Accordingly, the connector manufacturing method of the invention is advantageous in that the manufacturing efficiency is high and the manufacturing cost is low. 
     In this embodiment, the retainer insertion hole  113  is formed by the metallic mold which is open when it is moved not in the transverse direction but in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, it is possible to mold the retainer  115  at a position which faces the retainer insertion hole  113 . Due to the foregoing, unlike a case in which the retainer  115  is molded at a position except for the side of the connector housing  111 , it is not necessary to provide a conveyance means for conveying the retainer to a position opposed to the retainer insertion hole. As a result, the metallic mold structure can be simplified. 
     Furthermore, according to the invention, when forming of the connector housing and the retainer, different resins in material or color may be filled in the connector forming mold and the retainer forming mold, so that the connector housing and the retainer can be made different in material or color. 
     It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment explained above with reference to the drawings. Variations may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 to  6  and  12  to  17 , a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained below. An objective connector to be manufactured by the metallic mold and manufacturing method of this embodiment is a side-retainer type connector explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to  6 . The metallic mold of this embodiment is incorporated into an injection molding system, and the primary portion of the metallic mold is described below. However, FIGS. 12 to  17  are simplified for the convenience of explanation. Therefore, FIGS. 12 to  17  do not necessarily correspond to the connector shown in FIGS. 1 to  6 . 
     The metallic mold of the embodiment includes a stationary metallic mold  11  and a movable metallic mold  12  which are formed into a pair of metallic molds. The movable metallic mold  12  is connected to a drive mechanism not shown in the drawing and advanced and withdrawn in the transverse direction by a predetermined stroke. Therefore, the movable metallic mold  12  can be contacted with and separated from the stationary metallic mold  11 . The movable metallic mold  12  is composed of a front metallic mold  13  and a rear metallic mold  14  which can be divided in the transverse direction. 
     On a molding face of the stationary metallic mold  11 , there is provided a housing molding recess  16  for molding one end side of the connector housing  1 . On the molding face of the stationary metallic mold  11 , in a lower portion of the molding recess  16 , there is provided a sliding mold  17 , at the upper end of which a forming portion  18  for forming a retainer insertion hole  6  is provided, in such a manner that the sliding mold  17  is capable of advancing and withdrawing in the upward and downward direction. In the sliding mold  17 , there is formed an oblique insertion hole  19  into which an angular pin  36  can be inserted while a clearance is formed between the insertion hole  19  and the angular pin  36 . A lower end face of the sliding mold  17  is formed into an inclined face  20 , the inclination angle of which is steeper than that of the insertion hole  19 . On a surface to which the sliding mold  17  is attached, there is formed a relief hole  21  into which an end of the angular pin  36  is relieved. 
     As described before, the movable metallic mold  12  is composed of the front metallic mold  13  and the rear metallic mold  14 . On the molding face of the front metallic mold  13 , there is provided a housing molding recess  23  for molding the other end side of the connector housing  1 , and this housing molding recess  23  is arranged corresponding to the housing molding recess  16  of the stationary metallic mold  11 . On the inner face of the housing molding recess  23 , there is provided a protruding pin  24  capable of advancing and withdrawing through the front and the rear metallic molds  13 ,  14 . 
     At a lower position in the drawing of the housing molding recess  23 , there is provided an advancing and withdrawing passage  25  in the longitudinal direction. After the stationary metallic mold  11  and the movable metallic mold  12  have been closed, the aforementioned sliding mold  17  is inserted into the advancing and withdrawing passage  25 , so that the sliding mold  17  can be slid and guided in the upward and downward direction. At a lower position of the advancing and withdrawing passage  25 , there is provided an auxiliary sliding mold  27  having a retainer molding recess  28 , and this auxiliary sliding mold  27  can slide freely in the upward and downward direction. This auxiliary sliding mold  27  is connected with and driven by a drive pin  29  of a cylinder drive mechanism not shown in the drawing. As shown in FIG. 17, the retainer  5  to be molded is supported by the auxiliary sliding mold  27  in the entire width direction. 
     In the middle of the advancing and withdrawing passage  25 , there is provided an insertion hole  31  which is open to a rear face of the front metallic mold  13 , wherein the insertion hole  31  makes a right angle with the rear face of the front metallic mold  13 . From a front face of the rear metallic mold  14 , a core pin  32  to be inserted into the insertion hole  31  is protruded. On an upper face at the end of the core pin  32 , there is formed an oblique reception face  33  which agrees with the inclined face  20  of the sliding mold  17 . Further, on a lower face at the end of the core pin  32 , there is formed a retainer molding recess  34  composing a retainer molding space together with the retainer molding recess  28  of the auxiliary sliding mold  27 . 
     Under the condition that the front and the rear metallic mold  13 ,  14  of the movable metallic mold  12  are closed to each other, as shown in FIG. 12, the fore end of the core pin  32  passes through the insertion hole  31  and protrudes to the advancing and withdrawing passage  25 , so that the sliding mold  17  can be held at an advancing position while the reception face  33  receives the inclined face  20  of the sliding mold  17 . When the sliding mold  17  is located at the advancing position, the molding portion  18  of the sliding mold  17  protrudes from the lower face of the housing molding recess  23  by a predetermined distance. Since the auxiliary sliding mold  27  is pushed onto the lower face of the fore end portion of the core pin  32 , a molding space for molding the retainer  5  is composed by both retainer molding recesses  26 ,  34 . At this time, the auxiliary sliding mold  27  is located at a withdrawing position. As described later, this auxiliary sliding mold  27  passes through the advancing and withdrawing passage  25  and moves the retainer  5  to a position where the retainer  5  can be inserted into the retainer insertion hole  6  of the housing  1 . This position is an advancing position of the auxiliary sliding mold  27 . 
     From the front face of the rear metallic mold  14 , there is protruded an angular pin  36  which is inclined obliquely downward by the same inclination angle as that of the insertion hole  19  of the sliding mold  17 . On the rear face side of the advancing and withdrawing passage  25 , there is formed a relief hole  37  which is open to the rear face of the front metallic mold  13 . Under the condition that the front and the rear metallic mold  13 ,  14  are closed, as shown in FIG. 12, the fore end of the angular pin  36  passes through the relief hole  37  of the front metallic mold  13  and penetrates the oblique insertion hole  19  of the sliding mold  17  wherein a clearance is provided between the angular pin  36  and the oblique insertion hole  19 . The fore end of the angular pin  36  protrudes into the relief hole  21  of the stationary metallic mold  11 . 
     The following are procedures for molding the housing  1  and the retainer  5  using the metallic mold composed as described above, and also the assembling procedure for assembling the housing  1  and the retainer  5  is explained below. 
     FIG. 12 is a view showing a molding condition in which the front and the rear metallic mold  13 ,  14  of the movable mold  12  are closed, and the movable mold  12  and the stationary mold  11  are also closed. The sliding mold  17  advances to the advancing position, and the auxiliary sliding mold  27  withdraws to the withdrawing position, and the core pin  32  is inserted between both sliding molds  17 ,  27 . The angular pin  36  passes through the relief hole  37  and penetrates the insertion hole  19  of the sliding hole  19 . 
     Under the above condition, the respective molding spaces of the housing  1  and the retainer  5  are filled with molten resin. Due to the existence of the molding portion  18  of the sliding mold  17 , the housing  1  is molded into a shape in which the retainer insertion hole  6  is open onto the upper face (the lower face in FIGS. 12 to  16 ). Also, the retainer  5  is molded at a lower position of the retainer insertion hole  6 . 
     After a predetermined period of time has passed, the molded resin is solidified. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, only the rear metallic mold  14  of the movable metallic mold  12  is withdrawn by a predetermined distance. In accordance with the withdrawal of the rear metallic mold  14 , the core pin  32  retreats from the advancing and withdrawing passage  25 , and while the fore end of the angular pin  36  is retreating, it pushes an inclined lower face of the insertion hole  19  of the sliding mold  17 . Due to the cam action caused by the fore end of the angular pin  36 , the sliding mold  17  is driven downward along the advancing and withdrawing passage  25 . In this case, since a clearance is provided between the angular pin  36  and the lower face of the insertion hole  19 , first, the core pin  32  starts retreating. Even after the sliding mold  17  has started descending by the engagement with the angular pin  36 , the inclination angle of the reception face  33  of the core pin  32  is larger than that of the angular pin  36 , the sliding mold  17  does not interfere with the core pin  32  but descends in the advancing and withdrawing passage  25  in such a manner that the sliding mold  17  follows the core pin  32 . As shown in FIG. 13, when the angular pin  36  has passed through the insertion hole  19 , the backward movement of the rear metallic mold  14  is stopped. At this time, the sliding mold  17  reaches the withdrawal position, and the molding portion  18  of the sliding mold  17  is drawn out downward from the retainer insertion hole  6 . 
     Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the entire movable metallic mold  12  is withdrawn, so that a space is formed between the stationary metallic maid  11  and the movable metallic mold  12 . In accordance with that, the sliding mold  17  is drawn out to the front of the advancing and withdrawing passage  25  together with the stationary metallic mold  11 . Due to the foregoing, the advancing and withdrawing passage  25  becomes open. At this time, the housing  1  is held by the front metallic mold  13  of the movable metallic mold  12 , and the retainer  5  is held by the auxiliary sliding mold  27 . 
     Successively, as shown in FIG. 15, the drive pin  29  advances, and the auxiliary sliding mold  27  advances along the advancing and withdrawing passage  25 . The retainer  5  held by the auxiliary sliding mold  27  is inserted into the retainer insertion hole  6  from the lower side in the drawing. Due to the foregoing, the retainer  5  is assembled at the provisional engaging position. 
     In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, the entire width of the retainer  5  is supported by the auxiliary sliding mold  27 . Consequently, a reverse side of the root portion of each protruding piece  5   a  comes into contact with the auxiliary sliding mold  27 . Even when a frictional force is given to the protruding piece  5   a  when it is inserted into the insertion hole  6 , the protruding piece  5   a  is not bent to the side but inserted in a straight condition. As a result, it is possible to prevent the protruding piece  5   a  from being broken in the middle portion. 
     In this embodiment, the auxiliary sliding mold  27  supports the entire width of the retainer  5 . Substantially, it is sufficient that the entire width of the retainer  5  in which the protruding pieces  5   a  are formed is supported. In this meaning, the entire width in this invention indicates a width by which the protruding pieces  5   a  on both sides are supported from the reverse side. The retainer insertion hole  6  is a hole which is open to the side of a barrel portion of the connector housing  1 . However, it should be noted that the position where the retainer insertion hole  6  is formed is not limited to the barrel portion, for example, the retainer insertion hole  6  may be formed at a recess where one face adjacent to the end portion is open. As long as the retainer  5  can be inserted into a hole-shaped recess, any shape may be adopted to the retainer insertion hole  6 . A shape of the protruding piece  5   a  of the retainer  5  inserted into the retainer insertion hole  6  is not limited to a plate shape shown in this embodiment. As long as it tends to be bent when a force is given in an oblique direction, any member may be adopted. 
     After the retainer  5  has been assembled at the provisional engaging position, as shown in FIG. 16, the auxiliary sliding mold  27  is withdrawn to the withdrawal position, and the protruding pin  24  is protruded, and a product in which the retainer  5  is temporarily engaged with the housing  1  is protruded to the front of the movable metallic mold  12 . In this way, the product is taken out from the metallic mold. 
     As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to mold both the housing  1  and the retainer  5  in one metallic mold, and it also possible to temporarily assemble them at the same time. Accordingly, unlike the conventional connector, it is unnecessary to convey and assemble the parts. Therefore, the manufacturing work period can be shortened and the lead time of the product can be also shortened. As a result, it is possible to realize the reduction of the manufacturing cost. Since the different parts of the housing  1  and retainer  5  can be molded in one metallic mold, the present invention is useful from the viewpoint of managing the metallic mold. Even if a wide retainer  5  is used, it is possible to prevent the edge portion from being bent, so that the retainer  5  is not damaged. 
     Furthermore, according to the invention, when forming of the connector housing and the retainer, different resins in material or color may be filled in the connector forming mold and the retainer forming mold, so that the connector housing and the retainer can be made different in material or color. 
     It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are included in the scope of the invention, and variations may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The auxiliary sliding mold  27  may be driven by a cam mechanism. 
     In the above embodiment, the sliding mold  17  is withdrawn from the advancing and withdrawing passage  25  in such a manner that the sliding mold  17  is provided on the stationary metallic mold  11  side and withdrawn in accordance with the opening motion of the metallic mold. However, the sliding mold  17  may be provided on the movable metallic mold  12  side and withdrawn in the transverse direction by a different drive mechanism. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Referring to FIGS. 18 to  24 , a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained as follows. In this embodiment, a side retainer type connector is manufactured as shown in FIGS. 18 to  20 . The essential structure and function of the connector of this embodiment are the same as those of the connector explained in the item of the conventional art with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. Only one different point is that a retainer hole  216  provided in a connector housing  211  penetrates from the upper face to the lower face. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, the height of the retainer  215  is the same as the height of the housing  211 , and window holes  207  are formed in the retainer  215  in the same manner as that described before, and an engaging portion  209  is formed in each window hole  207 . 
     The retainer  215  is incorporated into the through-hole-shaped retainer insertion hole  216  as shown in FIG.  18  and set at a provisional holding position. The terminal fitting  202  is inserted under this condition. Next, the retainer  215  is pushed to a complete engaging position as shown in FIG.  19 . In this way, the terminal fitting  202  can be double engaged. Like reference characters are used to indicate like parts in the above description. Redundant explanations are omitted here. 
     In this case, the metallic mold for manufacturing the connector is incorporated into an injection molding system, and the essential portions are explained below, however, both the metallic mold and the connector are simplified in FIGS. 21 to  24  for the convenience of explanations. 
     The metallic mold of this embodiment includes a stationary metallic mold  221  and a movable metallic mold  222 , which make a pair of metallic molds. On a molding face of the stationary metallic mold  221 , there is provided a housing molding recess  223  by which a front portion of the connector housing  211  is formed. In the upper portion of the housing molding recess  223 , there is protruded a core portion  224  for molding a lower face of the retainer  215  described later. 
     On the other hand, the movable metallic mold  222  is connected with a drive mechanism not shown in the drawing. Therefore, the movable metallic mold  222  is advanced and withdrawn in the transverse direction in the drawing by a predetermined stroke so that it can be contacted with and separated from the stationary metallic mold  221 . On a molding face of the movable metallic mold  222 , there is provided a housing molding recess  225  for molding the back of the connector housing  211  corresponding to the housing molding recess  223  of the stationary metallic mold  221 . On the most inner face of this housing molding recess  225 , there is provided an insertion hole  227  into which the protruding pin  226  is inserted while the protruding pin  226  can be advanced and withdrawn. 
     On the front side of the housing molding recess  225 , there is provided a guide groove  228  in the longitudinal direction in the drawing. In the guide groove  228 , there is provided a sliding mold  229  for forming a retainer insertion hole  216 , wherein the sliding mold  229  can be freely slid in the upward and downward direction. This sliding mold  229  is connected with and driven by a drive pin  230  of the cylinder drive mechanism. In the process of molding, the sliding mold  229  is moved to a position at which the sliding mold  229  penetrates the front side of the housing molding recess  225 , and in the process of assembling the retainer  215  described later, the sliding mold  29  is withdrawn to a position under the housing molding recess  225 . 
     Above the sliding mold  229 , there are provided a core  224  of the stationary metallic mold  221  and a retainer molding recess  231  for molding the retainer  215 . The aforementioned guide groove  228  is provided being communicated with a lower face of the retainer molding recess  231 . On an upper face of the retainer molding recess  231 , there is provided an insertion pin  232  in such a manner that the insertion pin  232  can be freely advanced and withdrawn by a cylinder drive mechanism. 
     The molding and the assembling procedure of the thus composed housing  211  and retainer  215  will be explained as follows when the metallic mold composed as described above is used. 
     Under the condition that the sliding mold  229  advances to the front side of the housing molding recess  225 , the movable metallic mold  222  advances, so that both metallic molds  221 ,  222  are closed to each other. At this time, the core portion  224  of the stationary metallic mold  221  crosses the guide groove  228  and enters a portion between the sliding mold  229  and the retainer molding recess  231 . Under the above condition, molding spaces for the housing  211  and retainer  215  are respectively filled with molten resin. Due to the foregoing, by the existence of the sliding mold  229 , it is possible to mold the housing  211  having the through-hole-shaped retainer insertion hole  216  and also it is possible to mold the retainer  215  above the housing  211 . 
     After a predetermined period of time has passed, the molded resin is solidified. Then, the movable metallic mold  222  is withdrawn, and the metallic molds are opened as shown in FIG.  22 . At this time, the molded housing  211  and retainer  215  are held by the movable metallic mold  222 . 
     Next, when the sliding mold  229  is withdrawn downward along the guide groove  229 , the insertion pin  232  provided in the retainer molding recess  231  is advanced. Due to the foregoing, as shown in FIG. 23, the sliding mold  229  is withdrawn downward from the retainer insertion hole  216  of the housing  211 . At the same time, the retainer  215  is inserted from an upper end of the retainer insertion hole  216 . Due to the foregoing, the retainer  215  is assembled at the provisional engaging position. 
     After that, as shown in FIG. 24, the insertion pin  232  returns to the original position, and the protruding pin  226  protrudes. Therefore, a product in which the retainer  215  is temporarily engaged with the housing  211  is protruded to the front of the movable mold  222 . In this way, the product can be taken out from the metallic mold. 
     According to the connector of this embodiment described above, the retainer insertion hole  216  is formed into a shape in which it penetrates the connector housing  211 . Therefore, it is possible to realize the following manufacturing means. That is, when the sliding mold  229  is provided in the metallic mold, it is possible to mold the housing  211  in which the retainer insertion hole  216  is formed, the shape of which is like a through-hole. At the same time, it is possible to mold the retainer  215  in the front of the sliding mold  229 . Therefore, while the sliding mold  229  is being withdrawn, the retainer  215  is inserted into the retainer insertion hole  216  from the front, so that the retainer  215  can be integrally assembled to the provisional engaging position. 
     In other words, it is possible to mold both the housing  211  and the retainer  215  and temporarily assemble them in one metallic mold. Accordingly, unlike the conventional connector, it is not necessary to conduct the operation of conveyance and assembly, so that the manufacturing work period can be reduced. Therefore, lead time of the product can be shortened and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. It is possible to mold two different moldings of the housing  211  and the retainer  215  by one metallic mold. Therefore, the present invention is useful from the viewpoint of management of the metallic mold. 
     Furthermore, according to the invention, when forming of the connector housing and the retainer, different resins in material or color may be filled in the connector forming mold and the retainer forming mold, so that the connector housing and the retainer can be made different in material or color. 
     It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment explained above with reference to the drawings. For example, the technical scope of the present invention includes the following embodiments. Further, variations may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     For example, when the sliding mold and the retainer insertion pin are advanced and withdrawn, they may be driven by a cam mechanism.