connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector capable of being connected to a mating connector in a front-rear direction, the mating connector having a mating fitting portion, wherein: the connector includes an inner structure and an outer profile; the inner structure includes an inner profile, a fitting portion, and a protruding portion; the fitting portion protrudes forward from the inner profile and mates with the mating fitting portion when the connector is connected to the mating connector; the protruding portion protrudes from the fitting portion or the inner profile; at least a portion of the protruding portion is located outside the fitting portion in an up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction; the outer profile has a rear portion and a front portion; the rear portion covers the inner profile in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction; the front portion extends forward from the rear portion and partially covers the fitting portion in the vertical plane; and the protruding portion is at least partially embedded in the front portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector comprising an internal structure and an outer molded body formed to cover the internal structure. Background Technology

[0002] For example, this type of connector is disclosed in JPA 2018-152244 (Patent Document 1), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] refer to Figure 15 Patent Document 1 discloses a connector 90 comprising an internal structure 92 and an outer molded body 94. The internal structure 92 is connected to a cable 98. The internal structure 92 includes an assembly portion 922. The outer molded body 94 is molded to cover a portion of the cable 98 and the internal structure 92 except for the assembly portion 922. The assembly portion 922 protrudes from the outer molded body 94.

[0004] When manufacturing the connector 90 of Patent Document 1, a gap sometimes forms at the boundary 93 between the assembly part 922 and the outer molded body 94. This gap not only detracts from the appearance of the connector 90, but can also cause damage to the connector 90. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector configured such that no gap is formed at the boundary between the assembly and the outer molded body.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector capable of being connected to a mating connector in a front-rear direction, the mating connector having a mating assembly portion. The connector includes an internal structure and an outer molded body. The internal structure includes an inner molded body, an assembly portion, and a protrusion. The assembly portion projects forward from the inner molded body and mates with the mating assembly portion when the connector is connected to the mating connector. The protrusion projects from either the assembly portion or the inner molded body. At least a portion of the protrusion is located outside the assembly portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The outer molded body has a rear portion and a front portion. The rear portion covers the inner molded body in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The front portion extends forward from the rear portion and partially covers the assembly portion in the vertical plane. The protrusion is at least partially embedded in the front portion.

[0007] In the above-described aspect of the present invention, the protrusion of the internal structure is embedded in the outer molded body. As can be seen from this structure, the outer molded body of the above-described aspect of the present invention is molded to cover the internal structure. More specifically, the outer molded body is formed by cooling and hardening liquid resin placed in a mold. According to the prior art, when the resin is cooled, a gap easily forms at the boundary between the assembly part and the outer molded body. However, according to the inventors' research according to the present invention, the protrusion embedded in the front side of the resin reduces the formation of gaps. Therefore, the above-described aspect of the present invention provides a connector configured such that no gap forms at the boundary between the assembly part and the outer molded body.

[0008] A more comprehensive understanding of the purpose and structure of the present invention can be gained by studying the following description of preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the outline of the connector being connected to the cable, the outline of the mating assembly of the connector, the outline of the hidden inner molded body, and the outline of the hidden portion of the cable are shown in dashed lines.

[0010] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the internal structure of the connector, in which a portion of the internal structure, surrounded by dashed lines, is shown enlarged;

[0011] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The front view of the connector, where the location of the boundary is shown by dashed lines;

[0012] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A rough sectional view of the connector taken along line IV-IV, which schematically shows the cross-section of the assembly excluding the housing, the outline of the cable is shown by a dotted line, a portion of the connector surrounded by a dashed line is shown enlarged, and in the enlarged view, the structure of the assembly is not shown except for the housing;

[0013] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of the first variant of the internal structure, showing an enlarged portion of the internal structure enclosed by dashed lines;

[0014] Figure 6 This shows the section taken along line IV-IV. Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a first variant of the connector, wherein the connector includes Figure 5 The internal structure of the assembly is not shown, except for the outer shell;

[0015] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 2A perspective view of a second variant of the internal structure, in which a portion of the internal structure enlarged and surrounded by dashed lines is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 This shows the section taken along line VIII-VIII. Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a second variant of the connector, wherein the connector includes Figure 7 The internal structure of the assembly is not shown, except for the outer shell;

[0017] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of the third variant of the internal structure, showing an enlarged portion of the internal structure enclosed by dashed lines;

[0018] Figure 10 This shows the section taken along line VIII-VIII. Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a third variant of the connector, wherein the connector includes Figure 9 The internal structure of the assembly is not shown, except for the outer shell;

[0019] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of the fourth variant of the internal structure, in which a portion of the internal structure enlarged and surrounded by dashed lines is shown.

[0020] Figure 12 This shows the section taken along line IV-IV. Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a fourth variant of the connector, wherein the connector includes Figure 11 The internal structure of the assembly is not shown, except for the outer shell;

[0021] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of the fifth variant of the internal structure, in which a portion of the internal structure enlarged and surrounded by dashed lines is shown.

[0022] Figure 14 It is taken along line IV-IV. Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a fifth variant of the connector, wherein the connector includes Figure 13 The internal structure of the assembly is not shown, except for the outer shell;

[0023] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing the connector and cable of Patent Document 1.

[0024] While the invention is readily subject to various modifications and substitutions, specific embodiments thereof are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and their detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but rather are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0025] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connector 10 can be connected to a cable 84, in which two or more wires 86 are bundled. Therefore, the connector 10 of this embodiment is a so-called cable connector. The connector 10 connected to the cable 84 forms a wire harness. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but can be applied to various connectors.

[0026] refer to Figure 1 Connector 10 can be connected to mating connector 80 in a front-to-back direction. Mating connector 80 has a mating assembly portion 82. In this embodiment, the front-to-back direction is the X direction. "Forward" refers to the positive X direction. "Backward" refers to the negative X direction. In the connected state where connector 10 and mating connector 80 are connected to each other, an electronic device (not shown) connected to cable 84 is electrically connected to a mating electronic device (not shown) connected to mating connector 80.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector 10 includes an internal structure 20 and an outer molded body 70. In this embodiment, the internal structure 20 includes an inner molded body 30, an assembly portion 40, and a rear shell 50 formed of a metal plate. Therefore, the connector 10 of this embodiment includes an inner molded body 30, an assembly portion 40, a rear shell 50, and an outer molded body 70. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the rear shell 50 can be provided as needed. Optionally, the connector 10 may also include other components besides those described above.

[0028] The assembly part 40, the rear shell 50, the inner molded body 30, and the outer molded body 70 of this embodiment will be described in turn below.

[0029] refer to Figure 1 The assembly portion 40 is located at the front end of the connector 10. The assembly portion 40 protrudes forward from the outer molded body 70 and mates with the mating assembly portion 82 when the connector 10 is connected to the mating connector 80. In this embodiment, the assembly portion 40 is housed within the mating assembly portion 82 in a mating state where the assembly portion 40 and the mating assembly portion 82 are mated together. Therefore, the connector 10 in this embodiment is a plug. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the connector 10 could also be a socket.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 The assembly part 40 of this embodiment includes a plurality of terminals (not shown), each made of a free conductor, a housing 44 made of an insulator, and an outer shell 46 made of a metal plate. The terminals are housed within the housing 44. The housing 44 holds the terminals. The outer shell 46 surrounds the housing 44 in a vertical plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the front-back direction. In other words, the housing 44 is covered by the outer shell 46 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, and also in the transverse direction perpendicular to both the front-back and vertical directions. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. "Up" refers to the positive Z direction. "Down" refers to the negative Z direction. In this embodiment, the transverse direction is the Y direction.

[0031] The assembly part 40 in this embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the structure of the assembly part 40 of the present invention is not specifically limited, as long as the assembly part 40 can mate with the mating assembly part 82 (see...). Figure 1 That is, it can be done. For example, in addition to the components mentioned above, the assembly part 40 may also include other components. The number of terminals (not shown) may be one.

[0032] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the rear shell 50 is partially located behind the assembly portion 40. Specifically, the rear shell 50 has a main body 52 and a protrusion 60. The protrusion 60 is located at the front end of the rear shell 50 and is fixed to the rear end of the outer shell 46 of the assembly portion 40. The main body 52 extends rearward from the assembly portion 40. In this embodiment, the main body 52 is a box-shaped portion, which is generally cuboid in shape. The rear shell 50 of this embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the structure of the rear shell 50 of the present invention is not particularly limited.

[0033] refer to Figure 4 Cable 84 is fixed to the main body 52 of the rear housing 50. The wires 86 of cable 84 extend forward through the interior of the main body 52 and connect to terminals (not shown) of the assembly part 40. In the mating state, the terminals are respectively connected to the mating connector 80 (see...). Figure 1 The mating terminal (not shown) is in contact.

[0034] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the inner molded body 30 is molded from resin. The inner molded body 30 has a cuboid shape. The inner molded body 30 extends continuously in the front-rear direction and covers the rear end of the assembly portion 40 in the YZ plane. The assembly portion 40, thus covered, protrudes forward from the inner molded body 30. When the internal structure 20 is viewed from the front, the assembly portion 40 is located in the middle of the inner molded body 30 in the YZ plane.

[0035] In this embodiment, the inner molded body 30 covers the main body 52 of the rear shell 50 in the YZ plane. The main body 52 is completely embedded in the inner molded body 30. Conversely, the protrusion 60 of the rear shell 50 is located outside the inner molded body 30. Therefore, the rear shell 50 is partially located within the inner molded body 30.

[0036] The inner molded body 30 of this embodiment has the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structure of the inner molded body 30 can be modified as needed. For example, the inner molded body 30 may partially cover the main body 52 of the rear shell 50 in the YZ plane. In other words, the main body 52 may be partially exposed outward from the inner molded body 30.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 In this embodiment, the outer molded body 70 is molded from resin. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outer molded body 70 is formed such that the inner molded body 30 is completely embedded therein. The outer molded body 70 extends continuously in the front-to-back direction.

[0038] refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, the outer molded body 70 has a rear portion (thin portion) 72, a front portion (thick portion) 74, and a cable protector 78. The rear portion 72 is located between the front end and the rear end of the inner molded body 30 in the front-rear direction. The rear portion 72 covers the inner molded body 30 in the YZ plane. The front portion 74 extends forward from the rear portion 72. The front portion 74 covers the rear end of the mounting portion 40 in the YZ plane. However, most of the mounting portion 40 is located outside the outer molded body 70. Therefore, the front portion 74 partially covers the mounting portion 40 in the YZ plane. The cable protector 78 extends rearward from the rear portion 72. The cable protector 78 covers the front portion of the cable 84 in the YZ plane to protect the cable 84.

[0039] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 1 The rear portion 72 and front portion 74 of the outer molded body 70 have a cuboid shape. Each of the two portions of the front portion 74 located above and below the assembly portion 40 has a first vertical dimension (thickness) in the vertical direction. Each of the two portions of the rear portion 72 located above and below the inner molded body 30 has a second vertical dimension (thickness) in the vertical direction. The first vertical dimension is greater than the second vertical dimension. Additionally, each of the two portions of the front portion 74 located on opposite sides of the assembly portion 40 in the horizontal direction has a first horizontal dimension (thickness) in the horizontal direction. Each of the two portions of the rear portion 72 located on opposite sides of the inner molded body 30 in the horizontal direction has a second horizontal dimension (thickness) in the horizontal direction. The first horizontal dimension is greater than the second horizontal dimension. In other words, in the YZ plane, the front portion 74 is thicker than the rear portion 72. (Reference) Figure 3When the connector 10 is viewed from the front, the assembly portion 40 is located in the middle of the outer molded body 70 within the YZ plane. In other words, the assembly portion 40 protrudes forward from the middle of the outer molded body 70 within the YZ plane.

[0040] The outer molded body 70 of this embodiment has the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structure of the outer molded body 70 can be modified as needed. For example, the assembly portion 40 may protrude forward from the lower portion of the outer molded body 70.

[0041] The protrusion 60 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the protrusion 60 is part of the rear shell 50. Therefore, the internal structure 20 of this embodiment includes the protrusion 60 integrally formed with the rear shell 50. The protrusion 60 protrudes forward from the inner molded body 30. The protrusion 60 has a peripheral portion 62, two first portions 64, and two second portions 66.

[0043] The peripheral portion 62 surrounds the housing 46 of the assembly portion 40 in the YZ plane. In other words, the peripheral portion 62 is located on the outer periphery of the assembly portion 40 in the YZ plane. The peripheral portion 62 is in full contact with the housing 46. The peripheral portion 62 has two protrusions 63. One protrusion 63 is formed on the upper part of the peripheral portion 62, located on the upper surface of the housing 46. The remaining protrusion 63 is formed on the lower part of the peripheral portion 62, located on the lower surface of the housing 46. Each of the protrusions 63 is located at the front end of the middle part of the peripheral portion 62, which is located at the middle of the peripheral portion 62 in the lateral direction. Each of the protrusions 63 extends forward.

[0044] The two second portions 66 correspond to the two protrusions 63 respectively. In this embodiment, each of the second portions 66 extends from the front end of the corresponding protrusion 63 in a vertical direction away from the mounting portion 40. More specifically, each of the second portions 66 in this embodiment has a rectangular flat plate shape and extends parallel to the YZ plane. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the second portions 66 may extend from the front end of the corresponding protrusion 63 in a direction inclined to the vertical direction. Therefore, each of the second portions 66 may extend in a vertical direction away from the mounting portion 40.

[0045] Two first portions 64 correspond to two second portions 66. In this embodiment, each of the first portions 64 extends forward from the end (upper or lower end) of the corresponding second portion 66 in a forward-backward direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. More specifically, each of the first portions 64 in this embodiment has a rectangular flat plate shape and extends parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first portions 64 may extend from the end of the corresponding second portion 66 in a direction inclined to the vertical direction. Therefore, each of the first portions 64 may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, each of the first portion 64 and the corresponding second portion 66 is formed in the above-described structure having an L-shape in the XZ plane. These two L-shaped portions of the protrusion 60 are located above and below the mounting portion 40, respectively. Therefore, at least a portion of the protrusion 60 is located outside the mounting portion 40 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, at least a portion of the protrusion 60 is separated from the mounting portion 40 in the vertical direction. As described above, at least a portion of the protrusion 60 is separated from the mounting portion 40 and located outside the mounting portion 40 in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the front-back direction. In this embodiment and the variations described later, this predetermined direction is defined as the vertical direction.

[0047] In this embodiment, the protrusion 60 is entirely covered by the front portion 74 when the outer molded body 70 is formed. The protrusion 60, thus covered, is completely embedded in the front portion 74. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 60 may be partially exposed outward from the outer molded body 70. Therefore, the protrusion 60 may be at least partially embedded in the front portion 74.

[0048] As previously described, the outer molded body 70 of this embodiment is molded to cover the inner molded body 20. More specifically, the outer molded body 70 is formed by cooling and solidifying liquid resin placed in a mold. (See reference...) Figure 4 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, when the resin is cooled without the protrusion 60, a gap (not shown) is easily formed at the boundary 12 between the assembly part 40 and the outer molded body 70. According to the inventor's research, the gap at the boundary 12 is formed by the process described below.

[0049] In the YZ plane, the resin surrounding the inner molded body 30 (hereinafter referred to as "thin resin") is thinner than the resin surrounding the assembly portion 40 (hereinafter referred to as "thick resin"). Compared to the thick resin, the thin resin cools and hardens rapidly. As the thin resin cools and hardens, it shrinks to form the rear portion 72. If the protrusion 60 of this embodiment were not provided, the thick resin would move toward the rear portion 72 away from the assembly portion 40 as the thin resin shrinks. Therefore, a gap (not shown) is easily formed at the boundary 12. This gap is more easily formed because the thick resin covers the outer shell 46, which is made of a different metal material than the resin.

[0050] However, in this embodiment, the protrusion 60 is located within the thick resin during the molding of the outer molded body 70, thus preventing the thick resin from moving towards the rear portion 72. Therefore, the thick resin shrinks and hardens without separating from the assembly portion 40. This prevents the formation of a gap at the boundary 12 between the assembly portion 40 and the outer molded body 70. As can be seen from the above description, this embodiment provides a connector 10 configured such that no gap is formed at the boundary 12 between the assembly portion 40 and the outer molded body 70.

[0051] As described above, the protrusion 60 in this embodiment prevents resin from moving from the portion corresponding to the front portion 74 towards the other portion corresponding to the rear portion 72 during molding. In other words, the protrusion 60 in this embodiment has a blocking function to prevent resin movement.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the connector 10 forms a heat transfer path that extends from the metal protrusion 60 through the metal housing 46 to the outside of the outer molded body 70. In other words, the protrusion 60 of this embodiment is connected to the heat transfer path, which extends to the portion located on the outside of the outer molded body 70, and thus serves as a heat sink. More specifically, the protrusion 60 has a cooling function to accelerate the cooling of the thick resin. Through the cooling function of the protrusion 60, the thick resin is cooled at approximately the same rate as the thin resin, thereby reducing the movement of the thick resin toward the rear portion 72.

[0053] In summary, the protrusion 60 of this embodiment has two functions: a blocking function and a cooling function. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 60 should have at least one of the blocking function and the cooling function. More specifically, the protrusion 60 should have at least one of two structures: one is a structure adapted to prevent resin movement, and the other is a structure connected to a heat transfer path extending outward from the outer molding body 70.

[0054] In this embodiment, each of the first portions 64 of the protrusions 60 vertically divides the thick resin into two parts. This accelerates the cooling of each of the two portions of the thick resin and further reliably prevents the thick resin from moving away from the assembly portion 40. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made to the structure of the protrusions 60.

[0055] In this embodiment, the protrusion 60 is provided on the rear housing 50 and protrudes from the inner molded body 30. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 60 may be a component formed separately from the rear housing 50. The protrusion 60 thus formed can be fixed to the rear housing 50. Alternatively, the protrusion 60 thus formed can be fixed to the outer shell 46 of the assembly portion 40 and can protrude from the assembly portion 40. Therefore, the protrusion 60 should protrude from either the assembly portion 40 or the inner molded body 30.

[0056] In this embodiment, the protrusion 60 has a peripheral portion 62 in addition to the first portion 64 and the second portion 66. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 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 a vertical direction after extending forward from the inner molded body 30. Each of the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 may have a rod-like shape instead of a flat plate shape.

[0057] The assembly portion 40 of this embodiment has a wide structure. Specifically, the dimension of the assembly portion 40 in the lateral direction is larger than another dimension in the vertical direction. As previously described, each of the two portions of the front portion 74 located above and below the assembly portion 40 has a first vertical dimension in the vertical direction. Each of the two portions of the front portion 74 located on opposite sides of the assembly portion 40 in the lateral direction has a first lateral dimension in the lateral direction. According to the aforementioned wide structure, the first vertical dimension tends to be larger than the first lateral dimension. Therefore, a gap is more likely to form in a portion of the boundary 12 located between the assembly portion 40 and the outer molded body 70 in the vertical direction. A gap is particularly likely to form in the lateral middle portion of the boundary 12. However, in this embodiment, each of the first portion 64 and the corresponding second portion 66 of the protrusion 60 is located in the middle portion of the assembly portion 40 in the lateral direction. Therefore, at least a portion of the protrusion 60 is located in the middle portion of the assembly portion 40 in the lateral direction. This structure effectively prevents the formation of a gap at the boundary 12.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 of the protrusion 60 are located above and below the assembly portion 40, respectively. This structure further effectively prevents the formation of gaps at the boundary 12. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the protrusion 60 protrudes from the lower part of the outer molded body 70, the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 may only be located above the assembly portion 40. In addition to being above and below the assembly portion 40, the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 may be located on opposite sides of the assembly portion 40 in the transverse direction. The first portion 64 and the second portion 66 may surround the entire circumference of the assembly portion 40 in the YZ plane. A large number of first portions 64 and second portions 66 may be arranged in the YZ plane, forming a certain distance between them.

[0059] In this embodiment, each of the inner molded body 30 and the outer molded body 70 has a rectangular shape in the YZ plane. Conversely, the assembly part 40 in this embodiment has a track-like shape in the YZ plane. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the shape of each component in the YZ plane is not particularly limited, as long as the assembly part 40 is located inside the inner molded body 30 in the YZ plane, and the inner molded body 30 is located inside the outer molded body 70 in the YZ plane. For example, each of the assembly part 40, the inner molded body 30, and the outer molded body 70 may have a circular shape in the YZ plane.

[0060] In addition to the various modifications already described, the connector 10 of this embodiment can be modified in various ways. In particular, the protrusion 60 can be modified into various shapes, as long as it can change the direction of movement of the thick resin to prevent gaps from forming when the thick resin shrinks. The modifications of the protrusion 60 will be described below, and will mainly focus on structures different from the protrusion 60.

[0061] Will Figure 5 and Figure 6 and Figure 2 and Figure 4 In comparison, connector 10A according to the first variant includes an internal structure 20A that differs from the internal structure 20 of connector 10. Internal structure 20A includes a rear shell 50A that differs from the rear shell 50 of internal structure 20. Rear shell 50A has a protrusion 60A that differs from the protrusion 60. Therefore, internal structure 20A includes protrusion 60A. Apart from the differences described above, connector 10A has a similar structure to connector 10 and operates similarly to connector 10.

[0062] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6In this variant, the protrusion 60A is part of the rear shell 50A. The protrusion 60A projects forward from the inner molded body 30. The protrusion 60A has a peripheral portion 62A and two first portions 64A. The peripheral portion 62A surrounds the outer shell 46 of the mounting portion 40 in the YZ plane. The peripheral portion 62A has two extensions 63A. The extensions 63A are formed on the upper and lower portions of the peripheral portion 62A, respectively. Each of the extensions 63A is located at the front end of the middle portion of the peripheral portion 62A, which is located at the middle of the peripheral portion 62A in the transverse direction. Each of the extensions 63A extends forward.

[0063] The two first portions 64A correspond to the two protrusions 63A respectively. Each of the first portions 64A has a rectangular flat plate shape. In this variant, each of the first portions 64A divides the front portion 74 into two parts in the vertical direction. More specifically, each of the first portions 64A extends forward from the front end of the corresponding protrusion 63A in a direction inclined to the vertical direction while moving away from the mounting portion 40. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and each of the first portions 64A may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.

[0064] Each of the first portions 64A in this variant is located above or below the assembly portion 40. Therefore, at least a portion of the protrusions 60A is located outside the assembly portion 40 in the vertical direction. The protrusions 60A in this variant are at least partially embedded in the front portion 74 of the outer molded body 70. This variant provides a connector 10A configured such that the boundary 12 between the assembly portion 40 and the outer molded body 70 (see...) Figure 3 No gaps are formed.

[0065] Will Figure 7 and Figure 8 and Figure 2 and Figure 4 In comparison, connector 10B according to the second variant includes an internal structure 20B that differs from the internal structure 20 of connector 10. Internal structure 20B includes a rear shell 50B that differs from the rear shell 50 of internal structure 20. The rear shell 50B has a protrusion 60B that differs from the protrusion 60. Therefore, internal structure 20B includes a protrusion 60B. Apart from the differences described above, connector 10B has a similar structure to connector 10 and operates similarly to connector 10.

[0066] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8In this variant, the protrusion 60B is part of the rear shell 50B. The protrusion 60B projects forward from the inner molded body 30. The protrusion 60B has a peripheral portion 62B and two first portions 64B. The peripheral portion 62B surrounds the outer shell 46 of the mounting portion 40 in the YZ plane. The peripheral portion 62B has two extensions 63B. The extensions 63B are formed on the upper and lower portions of the peripheral portion 62B, respectively. Each of the extensions 63B is located at the front end of the middle portion of the peripheral portion 62B, which is located at the middle of the peripheral portion 62B in the transverse direction. Each of the extensions 63B extends forward.

[0067] The two first portions 64B correspond to the two protrusions 63B respectively. Each of the first portions 64B has a rectangular flat plate shape. In this variant, each of the first portions 64B extends from the front end of the corresponding protrusion 63B in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, while moving away from the mounting portion 40. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and each of the first portions 64B may extend in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction.

[0068] Each of the first portions 64B has four holes 68B. The holes 68B are arranged in the transverse direction. Each of the holes 68B is a hole that passes through the first portion 64B in the front-back direction. Each of the first portions 64B in this variant has the above-described structure. Each of the first portions 64B divides the front portion 74 into two parts in the front-back direction, and the plurality of holes 68B divides the front portion 74 into two parts in the vertical direction. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first portions 64B may have one of the holes 68B that extends longer in the transverse direction.

[0069] Each of the first portions 64B in this variant is located above or below the assembly portion 40. Therefore, at least a portion of the protrusions 60B is located outside the assembly portion 40 in the vertical direction. The protrusions 60B in this variant are at least partially embedded in the front portion 74 of the outer molded body 70. This variant provides a connector 10B configured such that the boundary 12 between the assembly portion 40 and the outer molded body 70 (see...) Figure 3 No gaps are formed.

[0070] Will Figure 9 and Figure 10 and Figure 7 and Figure 8In comparison, connector 10C according to the third variant includes an internal structure 20C different from the internal structure 20B of connector 10B. Internal structure 20C includes a rear shell 50C different from the rear shell 50B of internal structure 20B. The rear shell 50C has a protrusion 60C different from the protrusion 60B. Therefore, internal structure 20C includes a protrusion 60C. Protrusion 60C has a peripheral portion 62B identical to the peripheral portion of protrusion 60B. However, protrusion 60C has two first portions 64C different from the first portion 64B of protrusion 60B. Apart from the differences described above, connector 10C has a structure similar to connector 10B and operates similarly to connector 10B.

[0071] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this variant, the protrusion 60C is part of the rear shell 50C. The protrusion 60C protrudes forward from the inner molded body 30. Two first portions 64C correspond to two protrusions 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 protrusion 63B in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, while moving away from the mounting portion 40.

[0072] Each of the first portions 64C has four holes 68C. The holes 68C are arranged in the transverse direction. Each of the holes 68C in this variant is formed by recessing a portion of the first portion 64C rearward. In other words, each of the holes 68C in this variant is a hole with a bottom. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the structure of each of the first portions 64C can be modified to resemble that of the first portion 64B (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0073] Each of the first portions 64C in this variant is located above or below the assembly portion 40. Therefore, at least a portion of the protrusions 60C is located outside the assembly portion 40 in the vertical direction. The protrusions 60C in this variant are at least partially embedded in the front portion 74 of the outer molded body 70. This variant provides a connector 10C configured such that the boundary 12 between the assembly portion 40 and the outer molded body 70 (see...) Figure 3 No gaps are formed.

[0074] Will Figure 11 and Figure 12 and Figure 2 and Figure 4In comparison, connector 10D according to the fourth variant includes an internal structure 20D different from the internal structure 20 of connector 10. Internal structure 20D includes an assembly portion 40D, a rear housing 50D, and a protrusion 60D that are different from the assembly portion 40, the rear housing 50, and the protrusion 60, respectively. Assembly portion 40D includes a housing 46D different from the outer housing 46. The rear housing 50D has a peripheral portion 54D instead of the protrusion 60. Similar to peripheral portion 62, peripheral portion 54D surrounds housing 46D of assembly portion 40D in the YZ plane. Apart from the differences described above, connector 10D has a similar structure to connector 10 and operates similarly to connector 10.

[0075] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The internal structure 20D of this variant includes two protrusions 60D. Each of the protrusions 60D in this variant is disposed on the housing 46D. More specifically, each of the protrusions 60D is part of a metal plate forming the housing 46D and is connected to the housing 46D. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the protrusions 60D may be a component formed separately from the housing 46D and fixed to the housing 46D.

[0076] In this variant, each of the protrusions 60D protrudes vertically from the mounting portion 40D. Each of the protrusions 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 vertically away from the mounting portion 40D. Each of the first portions 64D extends forward from the end (upper or lower end) of the second portion 66D. Therefore, in this variant, each of the first portion 64D and the corresponding second portion 66D is formed with a structure having a similar L-shaped shape in the XZ plane.

[0077] Each of the first portions 64D in this variant is located above or below the assembly portion 40D. Therefore, at least a portion of each of the protrusions 60D is located outside the assembly portion 40D in the vertical direction. The protrusions 60D in this variant are at least partially embedded in the front portion 74 of the outer molded body 70. This variant provides a connector 10D configured such that the boundary 12 between the assembly portion 40D and the outer molded body 70 (see...) Figure 3 No gaps are formed.

[0078] Will Figure 13 and Figure 14 and Figure 11 and Figure 12In comparison, connector 10E according to the fifth variant includes an internal structure 20E that differs from the internal structure 20D of connector 10D. Internal structure 20E includes an assembly portion 40E and a protrusion 60E that are different from the assembly portion 40D and the protrusion 60D, respectively. The assembly portion 40E includes a housing 46E that differs from the housing 46D. Apart from the differences described above, connector 10E has a similar structure to connector 10D and operates similarly to connector 10D.

[0079] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The internal structure 20E of this variant includes two protrusions 60E. Each of the protrusions 60E in this variant is connected to the housing 46E and protrudes vertically from the mounting 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 vertically within the inner molded body 30 while being away from the mounting portion 40E. Each of the first portions 64E extends from the end (upper or lower end) of the connecting portion 62E within the inner molded body 30 and then protrudes outward from the inner molded body 30.

[0080] Each of the first portions 64E in this variant is located above or below the assembly portion 40E. Therefore, at least a portion of each of the protrusions 60E is located outside the assembly portion 40E in the vertical direction. The protrusions 60E in this variant are at least partially embedded in the front portion 74 of the outer molded body 70. This variant provides a connector 10E configured such that the boundary 12 between the assembly portion 40E and the outer molded body 70 (see...) Figure 3 No gaps are formed.

[0081] The foregoing embodiments and variations can be further modified in various ways and can be combined with each other in various ways. For example, the protrusion can be part of a component other than the outer shell and the rear shell.

Claims

1. A connector capable of being connected to a mating connector in a front-to-back direction, the mating connector having a mating assembly portion, wherein: The connector includes an internal structure and an outer molded body; The internal structure includes an inner molded body, an assembly part, and a protrusion; The assembly portion protrudes forward from the inner molded body and mates with the mating assembly portion when the connector is connected to the mating connector; The protrusion protrudes from the assembly portion or the inner molded body; At least a portion of the protrusion is located outside the assembly in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-back direction; The outer molded body has a rear portion and a front portion; The rear portion covers the inner molded body in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction; The front portion extends forward from the rear portion and partially covers the assembly portion within the vertical plane; The protrusion is at least partially embedded in the front portion; and The outer molded body is molded from resin; and The protrusion prevents the resin from moving from the portion corresponding to the front to the other portion corresponding to the rear during molding.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion is connected to a heat transfer path that extends to a portion located on the outside of the outer molded body.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The inner molded body includes a rear shell; The protrusion is part of the rear shell; and The rear shell is located partially behind the assembly and partially within the inner molded body.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion has a first portion; and The first portion extends in a direction that intersects the vertical direction.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: The protrusion has a second portion; The second portion extends away from the assembly portion in the vertical direction; and The first portion extends from the end of the second portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion has a first portion; The first portion extends in a direction intersecting the front-back direction; and The first part has a hole.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The dimension of the assembly part in the lateral direction, which is perpendicular to both the front-back direction and the vertical direction, is larger than its other dimension in the vertical direction; and At least a portion of the protrusion is located in the middle of the assembly in the lateral direction.

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