connector

Abstract

To provide a connector configured so that a boundary located between a fit portion and an outer molded body does not have a gap.SOLUTION: A connector 10 comprises an inner structure 20 and an outer molded body 70. The inner structure 20 comprises an inner molded body 30, a fit portion 40 and a projecting portion 60. The fit portion 40 projects forward from the inner molded body 30. The projecting portion 60 projects from the fit portion 40 or the inner molded body 30. At least a part of the projecting portion 60 is located outward of the fit portion 40 in an upper-lower direction (Z direction). The outer molded body 70 has a rear portion 72 and a front portion 74. The rear portion 72 covers the inner molded body 30 in a perpendicular plane perpendicular to a front-rear direction (X direction). The front portion 74 extends forward from the rear portion 72 and partially covers the fit portion 40 in the perpendicular plane. The projecting portion 60 is, at least in part, embedded in the front portion 74.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector including an internal structure and an outer mold molded to cover the internal structure. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses this type of connector.

[0003] 15, the connector 90 disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an internal structure 92 and an outer mold 94. The internal structure 92 is connected to a cable 98. The internal structure 92 includes a fitting portion 922. The outer mold 94 is molded so as to cover a portion of the internal structure 92 excluding the fitting portion 922 and a part of the cable 98. The fitting portion 922 protrudes from the outer mold 94. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-152244 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the connector 90 of Patent Document 1 is manufactured, a gap may occur at the boundary portion 93 between the fitting portion 922 and the outer mold 94. The gap not only mars the appearance of the connector 90, but also may cause the connector 90 to be damaged.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector that is configured so that no gap occurs at the boundary between the fitting portion and the outer mold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a first connector, A connector that can be connected to a mating connector having a mating fitting portion along a front-rear direction, The connector includes an internal structure and an outer mold, The internal structure includes an inner mold, a fitting portion, and a protruding portion, the mating portion protrudes forward from the inner mold and is mated with the mating mating portion when the connector is connected to the mating connector; the protruding portion protrudes from the fitting portion or the inner mold, At least a portion of the protruding portion is located outside the fitting portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, The outer mold has a rear portion and a front portion, The rear portion covers the inner mold in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction, The front side portion extends forward from the rear side portion and partially covers the fitting portion in the orthogonal plane, The protrusion is at least partially embedded within the front portion. Provide a connector.

[0008] The present invention provides a first connector as a second connector, the outer mold is made of a resin, The protrusion prevents the resin from moving from a portion corresponding to the front side portion toward a portion corresponding to the rear side portion when the resin is molded. Provide a connector.

[0009] The present invention provides a third connector, which is the first or second connector, The protrusion is connected to a heat dissipation path that extends to the outside of the outer mold. Provide a connector.

[0010] The present invention provides a fourth connector, which is any one of the first to third connectors, the internal structure includes a backshell; the protrusion is a part of the backshell, The back shell is partially located behind the fitting portion and partially located inside the inner mold. Provide a connector.

[0011] The present invention provides a fifth connector, which is any one of the first to fourth connectors, The protrusion has a first portion, The first portion extends in a direction intersecting the up-down direction. Provide a connector.

[0012] The present invention provides a sixth connector, which is the fifth connector, The protrusion has a second portion, The second portion extends away from the fitting portion in the up-down direction, The first portion extends from a tip of the second portion. Provide a connector.

[0013] The present invention provides a seventh connector, which is any one of the first to fourth connectors, The protrusion has a first portion, The first portion extends in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, The first portion has a hole formed therein. Provide a connector.

[0014] The present invention provides an eighth connector, which is any one of the first to seventh connectors, a size of the fitting portion in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is larger than a size of the fitting portion in the up-down direction; At least a portion of the protrusion is located at a middle portion of the fitting portion in the lateral direction. Provide a connector. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The protrusion of the internal structure according to the present invention is embedded inside the outer mold. As can be understood from this structure, the outer mold of the present invention is molded to cover the internal structure. More specifically, the outer mold is formed by cooling and hardening liquid resin injected into a metal mold. According to the conventional technology, when the resin is cooled, a gap is likely to be formed at the boundary between the mating portion and the outer mold. On the other hand, according to the research of the inventor of the present invention, the formation of the gap can be suppressed by embedding the protrusion inside the resin of the front side. That is, according to the present invention, a connector configured so that a gap does not occur at the boundary between the mating portion and the outer mold can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a connector for connecting a cable to a mating part of the mating connector. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the connector in FIG 1. A part of the internal structure (a part surrounded by a dashed line) is drawn in an enlarged manner. [Diagram 3] 2 is a front view showing the connector of FIG 1, with the position of the boundary portion drawn by a dashed line. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector in FIG. 3 taken along line IV-IV. In particular, the cross-section of the mating portion excluding the shell is not accurate. The outline of the cable is drawn with a dashed line. A part of the connector (encircled with a dashed line) is drawn enlarged. In the enlarged view, the structure of the mating portion excluding the shell is not drawn. [Diagram 5] 3 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the internal structure of FIG. 2. A part of the internal structure (a part surrounded by a dashed line) is drawn in an enlarged manner. [Figure 6]6 is a cross-sectional view partially showing a connector according to a first modified example having the internal structure of FIG. 5 taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. The structure of the fitting portion excluding the shell is not depicted. [Figure 7] 3 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the internal structure of FIG. 2. A part of the internal structure (a part surrounded by a dashed line) is drawn in an enlarged manner. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view partially showing a connector according to a second modified example having the internal structure of FIG. 7, taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 3. The structure of the fitting portion excluding the shell is not depicted. [Figure 9] 3 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the internal structure of FIG. 2. A part of the internal structure (a part surrounded by a dashed line) is drawn in an enlarged manner. [Figure 10] 8 is a cross-sectional view partially showing a connector according to a third modified example having the internal structure of FIG. 9 taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 3. The structure of the fitting portion excluding the shell is not depicted. [Figure 11] 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fourth modified example of the internal structure of FIG. 2. A part of the internal structure (a part surrounded by a dashed line) is drawn in an enlarged manner. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view partially showing a connector according to a fourth modified example having the internal structure of FIG. 11 taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. The structure of the fitting portion excluding the shell is not depicted. [Figure 13] 10 is a perspective view showing a fifth modified example of the inner structure of FIG. 2. A part of the inner structure (a part surrounded by a dashed line) is drawn in an enlarged manner. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view partially showing a connector according to a fifth modified example having the internal structure of FIG. 13, taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. The structure of the fitting portion excluding the shell is not depicted. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the connector of Patent Document 1 together with a cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] 1 together with FIG. 4, connector 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be connected to cable 84 which is a bundle of multiple electric wires 86. That is, connector 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called cable connector. Connector 10 connected to cable 84 forms a harness. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various connectors.

[0018] 1, the connector 10 can be connected to a mating connector 80 having a mating fitting portion 82 along the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction in this embodiment is the X direction. The front is the +X direction. The rear is the -X direction. In a connected state in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 80 are connected to each other, an electronic device (not shown) connected to the cable 84 is electrically connected to a mating electronic device (not shown) connected to the mating connector 80.

[0019] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the connector 10 includes an internal structure 20 and an outer mold 70. The internal structure 20 of the present embodiment includes an inner mold 30, a fitting portion 40, and a back shell 50 made of a metal plate. That is, the connector 10 of the present embodiment includes the inner mold 30, the fitting portion 40, the back shell 50, and the outer mold 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the back shell 50 may be provided as necessary. Meanwhile, the connector 10 may include other members in addition to the above-mentioned members.

[0020] The fitting portion 40, the back shell 50, the inner mold 30, and the outer mold 70 of this embodiment will be described below in that order.

[0021] 1, the fitting portion 40 is located at the front end of the connector 10. The fitting portion 40 extends forward from the outer mold 70, and fits into a mating fitting portion 82 when the connector 10 is connected to a mating connector 80. The fitting portion 40 of this embodiment is received inside the mating fitting portion 82 in a mated state in which the fitting portion 40 and the mating fitting portion 82 are mated with each other. That is, the connector 10 of this embodiment is a plug. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connector 10 may be a receptacle.

[0022] 2, the fitting portion 40 of this embodiment includes a plurality of terminals (not shown) made of a conductor, a housing 44 made of an insulator, and a shell 46 made of a metal plate. The terminals are accommodated inside the housing 44. The housing 44 holds the terminals. The shell 46 surrounds the housing 44 in an orthogonal plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In other words, the housing 44 is covered by the shell 46 in the up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and is covered by the shell 46 in the lateral direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The up-down direction in this embodiment is the Z direction. The upside is the +Z direction. The downside is the -Z direction. The lateral direction in this embodiment is the Y direction.

[0023] The fitting portion 40 of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned structure. However, as long as the fitting portion 40 can be fitted with the mating fitting portion 82 (see FIG. 1), the structure of the fitting portion 40 of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, the fitting portion 40 may further include other members in addition to the above-mentioned members. The number of terminals (not shown) may be one.

[0024] 2 and 4, the back shell 50 of this embodiment is partially located behind the mating portion 40. More specifically, the back shell 50 has a main portion 52 and a protruding portion 60. The protruding portion 60 is located at the front end of the back shell 50 and is fixed to the rear end of the shell 46 of the mating portion 40. That is, the main portion 52 extends rearward from the mating portion 40. The main portion 52 of this embodiment is a box-shaped portion having a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The back shell 50 of this embodiment has the structure described above. However, the structure of the back shell 50 of the present invention is not particularly limited.

[0025] 4, cable 84 is fixed to main portion 52 of backshell 50. Electric wires 86 of cable 84 extend forward through the inside of main portion 52 and are respectively connected to terminals (not shown) of mating portion 40. In the mated state, the terminals respectively contact mating terminals (not shown) of mating connector 80 (see FIG. 1).

[0026] 2 and 4, the inner mold 30 of this embodiment is molded from resin. The inner mold 30 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The inner mold 30 extends continuously along the front-rear direction and covers the rear end of the fitting portion 40 in the YZ plane. That is, the fitting portion 40 protrudes forward from the inner mold 30. When the internal structure 20 is viewed from the front, the fitting portion 40 is located in the middle of the inner mold 30 in the YZ plane.

[0027] The inner mold 30 of the present embodiment covers the main portion 52 of the back shell 50 in the YZ plane. The main portion 52 is completely embedded inside the inner mold 30. On the other hand, the protruding portion 60 of the back shell 50 is located outside the inner mold 30. That is, the back shell 50 is partially located inside the inner mold 30.

[0028] The inner mold 30 of the present embodiment has the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure of the inner mold 30 can be modified as necessary. For example, the inner mold 30 may partially cover the main portion 52 of the back shell 50 in the YZ plane. In other words, the main portion 52 may be partially exposed to the outside of the inner mold 30.

[0029] 1, the outer mold 70 of the present embodiment is formed by molding resin. Referring to Fig. 1 together with Fig. 2, the outer mold 70 is formed so as to completely embed the inner mold 30, and extends continuously along the front-rear direction.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, the outer mold 70 of this embodiment has a rear side portion (thin portion) 72, a front side portion (thick portion) 74, and a cable protection portion 78. The rear side portion 72 is located between the front end and the rear end of the inner mold 30 in the front-rear direction. The rear side portion 72 covers the inner mold 30 in the YZ plane. The front side portion 74 extends forward from the rear side portion 72. The front side portion 74 covers the rear end of the fitting portion 40 in the YZ plane. Meanwhile, most of the fitting portion 40 is located outside the outer mold 70. That is, the front side portion 74 partially covers the fitting portion 40 in the YZ plane. The cable protection portion 78 extends rearward from the rear side portion 72. The cable protection portion 78 covers a front portion of the cable 84 in the YZ plane and protects the cable 84.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 1, the rear side portion 72 and the front side portion 74 of the outer mold 70 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The size (thickness) in the vertical direction of the front side portions 74 located above and below the fitting portion 40 is larger than the size (thickness) in the vertical direction of the rear side portions 72 located above and below the inner mold 30. In addition, the size (thickness) in the horizontal direction of the front side portions 74 located on both sides in the horizontal direction of the fitting portion 40 is larger than the size (thickness) in the horizontal direction of the rear side portions 72 located on both sides in the horizontal direction of the inner mold 30. That is, the front side portion 74 is thicker than the rear side portion 72 in the YZ plane. Referring to FIG. 3, when the connector 10 is viewed from the front, the fitting portion 40 is located in the middle part of the outer mold 70 in the YZ plane. In other words, the fitting portion 40 protrudes forward from the middle part of the outer mold 70 in the YZ plane.

[0032] The outer mold 70 of the present embodiment has the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure of the outer mold 70 can be modified as necessary. For example, the fitting portion 40 may protrude forward from a lower portion of the outer mold 70.

[0033] The protrusion 60 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0034] 2 and 4, the protruding portion 60 of this embodiment is a part of the back shell 50. That is, the internal structure 20 of this embodiment includes the protruding portion 60 formed integrally with the back shell 50. The protruding portion 60 protrudes forward from the inner mold 30. The protruding portion 60 has an outer circumferential portion 62, two first portions 64, and two second portions 66.

[0035] The outer peripheral portion 62 surrounds the shell 46 of the fitting portion 40 in the YZ plane. In other words, the outer peripheral portion 62 is located on the outer periphery of the fitting portion 40 in the YZ plane. The outer peripheral portion 62 is in contact with the shell 46 over the entire circumference. The outer peripheral portion 62 has two protruding portions 63. One of the protruding portions 63 is formed in a portion of the outer peripheral portion 62 that is located on the upper surface of the shell 46 (upper portion). The other of the protruding portions 63 is formed in a portion of the outer peripheral portion 62 that is located on the lower surface of the shell 46 (lower portion). Each of the protruding portions 63 is located at the front end of a middle portion in the lateral direction of the outer peripheral portion 62. Each of the protruding portions 63 protrudes forward.

[0036] The two second parts 66 correspond to the two overhanging parts 63, respectively. Each of the second parts 66 in this embodiment extends from the front end of the corresponding overhanging part 63 in the up-down direction so as to move away from the fitting part 40. More specifically, each of the second parts 66 in this embodiment has a rectangular flat plate shape and extends parallel to the YZ plane. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the second parts 66 may extend from the front end of the corresponding overhanging part 63 in a direction oblique to the up-down direction. That is, each of the second parts 66 may extend in the up-down direction so as to move away from the fitting part 40.

[0037] The two first parts 64 correspond to the two second parts 66, respectively. Each of the first parts 64 in this embodiment extends forward from the tip (upper end or lower end) of the corresponding second part 66 along the front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. More specifically, each of the first parts 64 in this embodiment has a rectangular flat plate shape and extends parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the first parts 64 may extend from the tip of the corresponding second part 66 along a direction obliquely intersecting the up-down direction. That is, each of the first parts 64 may extend in a direction intersecting the up-down direction.

[0038] Each of the first portions 64 and the corresponding second portion 66 in this embodiment has the above-mentioned structure and has an L-shape in the YZ plane. The two L-shaped portions of the protrusion 60 are located above and below the fitting portion 40, respectively. That is, at least a part of the protrusion 60 is located outside the fitting portion 40 in the up-down direction. Also, at least a part of the protrusion 60 is separated from the fitting portion 40 in the up-down direction. In other words, at least a part of the protrusion 60 is separated from the fitting portion 40 in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and located outside the fitting portion 40. In this embodiment and the modified example described later, this predetermined direction is defined as the up-down direction.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 60 is completely covered by the front portion 74 when the outer mold 70 is formed. That is, the protruding portion 60 is completely embedded inside the front portion 74. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protruding portion 60 may be partially exposed to the outside of the outer mold 70. That is, it is sufficient that the protruding portion 60 is at least partially embedded inside the front portion 74.

[0040] As described above, the outer mold 70 of the present embodiment is molded to cover the internal structure 20. More specifically, the outer mold 70 is formed by cooling and hardening a liquid resin injected into a metal mold. Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 3, when the resin is cooled without providing the protruding portion 60 according to the present embodiment, a gap (not shown) is likely to be formed at the boundary portion 12 between the fitting portion 40 and the outer mold 70. According to research by the inventor of the present invention, the gap at the boundary portion 12 is formed by the following process.

[0041] The resin injected around the inner mold 30 (hereinafter referred to as "thin resin") is thinner in the YZ plane than the resin injected around the fitting portion 40 (hereinafter referred to as "thick resin"). Therefore, the thin resin cools and hardens faster than the thick resin. When the thin resin cools and hardens, it shrinks, thereby forming the rear side portion 72. As the thin resin shrinks, the thick resin moves away from the fitting portion 40 toward the rear side portion 72. As a result, a gap (not shown) is likely to be formed at the boundary portion 12. In addition, the thick resin covers a metal material (shell 46) that is a material different from the resin, and gaps are more likely to be formed.

[0042] On the other hand, the protrusion 60 in this embodiment is located inside the thick resin when the outer mold 70 is molded, thereby preventing the thick resin from moving toward the rear side portion 72. As a result, the thick resin hardens while shrinking without moving away from the fitting portion 40. In other words, the formation of a gap at the boundary portion 12 between the fitting portion 40 and the outer mold 70 is prevented. As can be understood from the above description, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a connector 10 that is configured so that no gap occurs at the boundary portion 12 between the fitting portion 40 and the outer mold 70.

[0043] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the resin is molded, the protrusion 60 prevents the movement of the resin from the region corresponding to the front portion 74 toward the region corresponding to the rear portion 72. That is, the protrusion 60 in the present embodiment has a blocking function that prevents the movement of the resin.

[0044] According to this embodiment, a heat dissipation path is formed that extends from the metallic protrusion 60 through the metallic shell 46 to the outside of the outer mold 70. In other words, the protrusion 60 of this embodiment is connected to a heat dissipation path that extends to the outside of the outer mold 70, and thereby functions as a heat sink. More specifically, the protrusion 60 has a cooling function that promotes cooling of the thick resin. The thick resin cools at the same speed as the thin resin due to the cooling function of the protrusion 60, and thus the movement of the thick resin toward the rear side portion 72 is suppressed.

[0045] To summarize the above description, the protruding portion 60 of the present embodiment has two functions, a blocking function and a cooling function. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The protruding portion 60 only needs to have at least one of the blocking function and the cooling function, and more specifically, the protruding portion 60 only needs to have at least one of a structure suitable for preventing the movement of resin and a structure connected to a heat dissipation path extending to the outside of the outer mold 70.

[0046] In this embodiment, each of the first portions 64 of the protruding portion 60 divides the thick resin into two portions, one above the other. As a result, cooling of each of the two portions of the thick resin is promoted, and the movement of the thick resin away from the fitting portion 40 is more reliably prevented. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure of the protruding portion 60 can be modified in various ways.

[0047] The protruding portion 60 in this embodiment is provided on the back shell 50 and protrudes from the inner mold 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protruding portion 60 may be a member formed separately from the back shell 50. In this case, the protruding portion 60 may be fixed to the back shell 50. On the other hand, the protruding portion 60 may be fixed to the shell 46 of the fitting portion 40, or may protrude from the fitting portion 40. In other words, it is sufficient that the protruding portion 60 protrudes from the fitting portion 40 or the inner mold 30.

[0048] The protruding portion 60 in this embodiment has an outer peripheral portion 62 in addition to a first portion 64 and a second portion 66. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protruding portion 60 may have only the first portion 64 and the second portion 66. In this case, each of the second portions 66 may extend in the up-down direction after protruding forward from the inner mold 30. Also, each of the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 may have a rod shape instead of a flat plate shape.

[0049] The fitting portion 40 of the present embodiment has a wide structure. More specifically, the size of the fitting portion 40 in the horizontal direction is larger than the size of the fitting portion 40 in the vertical direction. According to this wide structure, the size in the vertical direction of the front side portions 74 located above and below the fitting portion 40 is likely to be larger than the size in the horizontal direction of the front side portions 74 located on both sides of the fitting portion 40 in the horizontal direction. As a result, a gap is likely to be formed in the portion of the boundary portion 12 located at the boundary between the fitting portion 40 and the outer mold 70 in the vertical direction. In particular, a gap is likely to be formed in the middle portion of the boundary portion 12 in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 of the protruding portion 60 of the present embodiment are located in the middle portion of the fitting portion 40 in the horizontal direction. According to this structure, the formation of a gap in the boundary portion 12 can be effectively prevented.

[0050] The first portion 64 and the second portion 66 of the protruding portion 60 in this embodiment are located both above and below the fitting portion 40. This structure can more effectively prevent the formation of a gap at the boundary portion 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the protruding portion 60 protrudes from the lower portion of the outer mold 70, the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 may be located only above the fitting portion 40. The first portion 64 and the second portion 66 may be located on both sides of the fitting portion 40 in the lateral direction in addition to above and below the fitting portion 40. The first portion 64 and the second portion 66 may surround the entire circumference of the fitting portion 40 in the YZ plane. A large number of the first portions 64 and the second portions 66 may be arranged at intervals in the YZ plane.

[0051] Each of the inner mold 30 and the outer mold 70 in this embodiment has a rectangular shape in the YZ plane. Meanwhile, the fitting portion 40 in this embodiment has a track shape in the YZ plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the fitting portion 40 is located inside the inner mold 30 in the YZ plane, and the inner mold 30 is located inside the outer mold 70 in the YZ plane, the shape of each member in the YZ plane is not particularly limited. For example, each of the fitting portion 40, the inner mold 30, and the outer mold 70 may have a circular shape in the YZ plane.

[0052] The connector 10 of this embodiment can be modified in various ways in addition to the various modifications already described. In particular, the protrusion 60 can be modified into various shapes as long as it is possible to prevent the formation of gaps by changing the direction of movement of the thick resin when it shrinks. Below, modifications of the protrusion 60 will be described, focusing on structures different from the protrusion 60.

[0053] 5 and 6 with FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the connector 10A according to the first modified example includes an inner structure 20A different from the inner structure 20 of the connector 10. The inner structure 20A includes a back shell 50A different from the back shell 50 of the inner structure 20. The back shell 50A includes a protrusion 60A different from the protrusion 60. That is, the inner structure 20A includes a protrusion 60A. Except for the above-mentioned differences, the connector 10A has a similar structure to the connector 10 and functions similarly to the connector 10.

[0054] 5 and 6, the protruding portion 60A of this modified example is a part of the back shell 50A. The protruding portion 60A protrudes forward from the inner mold 30. The protruding portion 60A has an outer peripheral portion 62A and two first portions 64A. The outer peripheral portion 62A surrounds the shell 46 of the fitting portion 40 in the YZ plane. The outer peripheral portion 62A has two overhanging portions 63A. The overhanging portions 63A are formed in the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral portion 62A, respectively. Each of the overhanging portions 63A is located at the front end of a middle portion in the lateral direction of the outer peripheral portion 62A. Each of the overhanging portions 63A overhangs forward.

[0055] The two first portions 64A correspond to the two overhanging portions 63A, respectively. Each of the first portions 64A has a rectangular flat plate shape. Each of the first portions 64A in this modified example divides the front portion 74 in the up-down direction. More specifically, each of the first portions 64A extends forward from the front end of the corresponding overhanging portion 63A along a direction oblique to the up-down direction while moving away from the fitting portion 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each of the first portions 64A may extend in a direction intersecting the up-down direction.

[0056] Each of the first portions 64A in this modified example is located above or below the fitting portion 40. That is, at least a portion of the protruding portion 60A is located outside the fitting portion 40 in the up-down direction. Meanwhile, the protruding portion 60A in this modified example is at least partially embedded inside the front portion 74 of the outer mold 70. According to this modified example, it is possible to provide a connector 10A that is configured so that no gap occurs at the boundary portion 12 (see FIG. 3) between the fitting portion 40 and the outer mold 70.

[0057] 7 and 8 with FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the connector 10B according to the second modified example includes an inner structure 20B different from the inner structure 20 of the connector 10. The inner structure 20B includes a back shell 50B different from the back shell 50 of the inner structure 20. The back shell 50B includes a protrusion 60B different from the protrusion 60. That is, the inner structure 20B includes a protrusion 60B. Except for the above-mentioned differences, the connector 10B has a similar structure to the connector 10 and functions similarly to the connector 10.

[0058] 7 and 8, the protruding portion 60B of this modified example is a part of the back shell 50B. The protruding portion 60B protrudes forward from the inner mold 30. The protruding portion 60B has an outer peripheral portion 62B and two first portions 64B. The outer peripheral portion 62B surrounds the shell 46 of the fitting portion 40 in the YZ plane. The outer peripheral portion 62B has two overhanging portions 63B. The overhanging portions 63B are formed in the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral portion 62B, respectively. Each of the overhanging portions 63B is located at the front end of a middle portion in the lateral direction of the outer peripheral portion 62B. Each of the overhanging portions 63B overhangs forward.

[0059] The two first portions 64B correspond to the two protruding portions 63B, respectively. Each of the first portions 64B has a rectangular flat plate shape. Each of the first portions 64B in this modification extends from the front end of the corresponding protruding portion 63B in the up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction while moving away from the fitting portion 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each of the first portions 64B may extend in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction.

[0060] Four holes 68B are formed in each of the first portions 64B. The holes 68B are arranged in the horizontal direction. Each of the holes 68B is a hole penetrating the first portion 64B in the front-rear direction. Each of the first portions 64B in this modified example has the above-mentioned structure. That is, each of the first portions 64B divides the front side portion 74 in the front-rear direction, and the multiple holes 68B divide the front side portion 74 in the up-down direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the first portions 64B may have one hole 68B extending long in the horizontal direction.

[0061] Each of the first portions 64B in this modified example is located above or below the fitting portion 40. That is, at least a portion of the protruding portion 60B is located outside the fitting portion 40 in the up-down direction. Meanwhile, the protruding portion 60B in this modified example is at least partially embedded inside the front portion 74 of the outer mold 70. According to this modified example, it is possible to provide a connector 10B that is configured so that no gap occurs at the boundary portion 12 (see FIG. 3) between the fitting portion 40 and the outer mold 70.

[0062] Comparing FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 with FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the connector 10C according to the third modification includes an inner structure 20C different from the inner structure 20B of the connector 10B. The inner structure 20C includes a back shell 50C different from the back shell 50B of the inner structure 20B. The back shell 50C includes a protrusion 60C different from the protrusion 60B. That is, the inner structure 20C includes a protrusion 60C. The protrusion 60C includes an outer periphery 62B that is the same as the protrusion 60B. On the other hand, the protrusion 60C includes two first portions 64C that are different from the first portion 64B of the protrusion 60B. Except for the above-mentioned differences, the connector 10C has a similar structure to the connector 10B and functions in the same manner as the connector 10B.

[0063] 9 and 10, the protruding portion 60C of this modified example is a part of the back shell 50C. The protruding portion 60C protrudes forward from the inner mold 30. The two first portions 64C correspond to the two overhanging portions 63B, respectively. Each of the first portions 64C has a rectangular flat plate shape. Each of the first portions 64C extends from the front end of the corresponding overhanging portion 63B in a direction intersecting with the front-rear direction while moving away from the fitting portion 40.

[0064] Four holes 68C are formed in each of the first portions 64C. The holes 68C are aligned in the horizontal direction. Each of the holes 68C in this modified example is formed by partially recessing the first portion 64C rearward. That is, each of the holes 68C in this modified example is a hole with a bottom. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the structure of each of the first portions 64C can be modified in the same way as the first portion 64B (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0065] Each of the first portions 64C in this modified example is located above or below the fitting portion 40. That is, at least a portion of the protruding portion 60C is located outside the fitting portion 40 in the up-down direction. Meanwhile, the protruding portion 60C in this modified example is at least partially embedded inside the front portion 74 of the outer mold 70. According to this modified example, it is possible to provide a connector 10C that is configured so that no gap occurs at the boundary portion 12 (see FIG. 3) between the fitting portion 40 and the outer mold 70.

[0066] 11 and 12 with FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the connector 10D according to the fourth modification includes an internal structure 20D different from the internal structure 20 of the connector 10. The internal structure 20D includes a mating portion 40D different from the mating portion 40, a back shell 50D different from the back shell 50, and a protrusion 60D different from the protrusion 60. The mating portion 40D includes a shell 46D different from the shell 46. The back shell 50D includes an outer periphery 54D instead of the protrusion 60. The outer periphery 54D surrounds the shell 46D of the mating portion 40D in the YZ plane, similar to the outer periphery 62. Except for the above-mentioned differences, the connector 10D has a structure similar to that of the connector 10, and functions similarly to the connector 10.

[0067] 11 and 12, the internal structure 20D of this modification includes two protrusions 60D. Each of the protrusions 60D of this modification is provided on the shell 46D. More specifically, each of the protrusions 60D is a part of a metal plate forming the shell 46D and is connected to the shell 46D. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the protrusions 60D may be a member formed separately from the shell 46D, or may be fixed to the shell 46D.

[0068] Each of the protruding portions 60D of this modification protrudes in the up-down direction from the fitting portion 40D. Each of the protruding portions 60D has a first portion 64D and a second portion 66D. Each of the first portion 64D and the second portion 66D has a rectangular flat plate shape. Each of the second portions 66D extends in the up-down direction while moving away from the fitting portion 40D. Each of the first portions 64D extends forward from the tip (upper end or lower end) of the second portion 66D. That is, each of the first portions 64D of this modification and the corresponding second portion 66D have an L-shape in the YZ plane.

[0069] Each of the first portions 64D of this modified example is located above or below the fitting portion 40D. That is, at least a portion of each of the protruding portions 60D is located outside the fitting portion 40D in the up-down direction. Meanwhile, the protruding portions 60D of this modified example are at least partially embedded inside the front portion 74 of the outer mold 70. This modified example makes it possible to provide a connector 10D that is configured so that no gap occurs at the boundary portion 12 (see FIG. 3) between the fitting portion 40D and the outer mold 70.

[0070] 13 and 14 with FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, connector 10E according to the fifth modification includes an inner structure 20E different from inner structure 20D of connector 10D. Inner structure 20E includes fitting portion 40E and protrusion 60E different from fitting portion 40D and protrusion 60D, respectively. Fitting portion 40E includes a shell 46E different from shell 46D. Except for the above-mentioned differences, connector 10E has a similar structure to connector 10D and functions similarly to connector 10D.

[0071] 13 and 14, the internal structure 20E of this modification has two protrusions 60E. Each of the protrusions 60E of this modification is connected to the shell 46E and protrudes in the up-down direction from the fitting portion 40E. Each of the protrusions 60E has a connecting portion 62E and a first portion 64E. Each of the connecting portion 62E and the first portion 64E has a rectangular flat plate shape. Each of the connecting portions 62E extends inside the inner mold 30 along the up-down direction while moving away from the fitting portion 40E. Each of the first portions 64E extends forward inside the inner mold 30 from the tip (upper end or lower end) of the connecting portion 62E, and then protrudes outside the inner mold 30.

[0072] Each of the first portions 64E in this modification is located above or below the fitting portion 40E. That is, at least a portion of each of the protruding portions 60E is located outside the fitting portion 40E in the up-down direction. Meanwhile, the protruding portions 60E in this modification are at least partially embedded inside the front portion 74 of the outer mold 70. This modification makes it possible to provide a connector 10E that is configured so that no gap occurs at the boundary portion 12 (see FIG. 3) between the fitting portion 40E and the outer mold 70.

[0073] The above-described embodiment and modified examples can be further modified and combined in various ways. For example, the protruding portion may be a part of a member other than the shell or the back shell. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10,10A,10B,10C,10D,10E Connectors 12 Boundary 20,20A,20B,20C,20D,20E Internal structure 30 Inner mold 40, 40D, 40E Fitting part 44 Housing 46, 46D, 46E Shell 50,50A,50B,50C,50D Backshell 52 Main part 54D Outer periphery 60,60A,60B,60C,60D,60E Protrusion 62,62A,62B outer periphery 62E Connecting part 63,63A,63B Overhang 64,64A,64B,64C,64D,64E 1st part 66,66D 2nd part 68B,68C Hole 70 Outer mold 72 Rear side (thin part) 74 Front side (thick part) 78 Cable protection part 80 Mating Connector 82 Mating part 84 Cable 86 Electric wire

Claims

1. A connector that can be connected to a mating connector having a mating fitting portion along a front-rear direction, The connector includes an internal structure and an outer mold, The internal structure includes an inner mold, a fitting portion, and a protruding portion, the mating portion protrudes forward from the inner mold and is mated with the mating mating portion when the connector is connected to the mating connector; the protruding portion protrudes from the fitting portion or the inner mold, At least a portion of the protruding portion is located outside the fitting portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, The outer mold has a rear portion and a front portion, The rear portion covers the inner mold in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction, The front side portion extends forward from the rear side portion and partially covers the fitting portion in the orthogonal plane, The protrusion is located outside the inner mold and is at least partially embedded within the front side. connector.

2. 2. The connector of claim 1, the outer mold is made of a resin, The protrusion prevents the resin from moving from a portion corresponding to the front side portion toward a portion corresponding to the rear side portion when the resin is molded. connector.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, The protrusion is connected to a heat dissipation path that extends to the outside of the outer mold. connector.

4. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the internal structure includes a backshell; the protrusion is a part of the backshell, The back shell is partially located behind the fitting portion and partially located inside the inner mold. connector.

5. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The protrusion has a first portion, The first portion extends in a direction intersecting the up-down direction. connector.

6. 6. The connector of claim 5, The protrusion has a second portion, The second portion extends away from the fitting portion in the up-down direction, The first portion extends from a tip of the second portion. connector.

7. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The protrusion has a first portion, The first portion extends in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, The first portion has a hole formed therein. connector.

8. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a size of the fitting portion in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is larger than a size of the fitting portion in the up-down direction; At least a portion of the protrusion is located at a middle portion of the fitting portion in the lateral direction. connector.

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