Shielded connector

Abstract

The present application provides a shielded connector capable of improving the strength of a joint between a housing and a retainer. A shielded connector (1) includes a cylindrical housing (2) that houses a terminal (20) and holds the terminal; a ring-shaped sealing member (3) that seals between an outer peripheral surface of an electric wire (7) connected to the terminal and an inner wall surface of the housing; a retainer (4) that is joined to the housing along an axial direction (X) of the housing to support the sealing member; and a conductive shell (5) that houses and holds the housing and the retainer joined to each other inside. An outer wall portion of the housing has a protruding portion (22c) that protrudes toward the outside. The retainer has an engaging piece (43) that extends along the axial direction. The retainer is joined to the housing by engaging the engaging piece with the protruding portion from the outside. The shell has an opposing surface (54) that opposes the engaging piece from the outside. The engaging piece is restricted from deforming toward the outside by the opposing surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a shielded connector. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, shielded connectors existed. Patent document 1 discloses a connector having a housing, a rear retainer held by the housing, and a rubber plug clamped by the housing and the rear retainer.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-39889 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In shielded connectors, it is desirable to improve the robustness of the connection so that the connection between the housing and the cage is not easily detached. A robust connection improves waterproofing performance.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a shielded connector that can improve the robustness of the connection between the housing and the cage.

[0009] Technical means for solving problems

[0010] The shielded connector of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a cylindrical housing that accommodates and holds terminals; an annular sealing member that seals between the outer peripheral surface of a wire connected to the terminal and the inner wall surface of the housing; a retainer that is connected to the housing along the axial direction of the housing and supports the sealing member; and a conductive outer shell that accommodates and holds the interconnected housing and the retainer inside, the outer wall of the housing having a protrusion protruding outward, the retainer having an engaging tab extending along the axial direction and being connected to the housing by engaging the engaging tab with the protrusion from the outside, the outer shell having an opposing surface opposite the engaging tab from the outside, the opposing surface restricting the outward deformation of the engaging tab.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] In the shielded connector of this invention, the housing has a facing surface that opposes the engaging tab from the outside, thereby restricting the outward deformation of the engaging tab. According to the shielded connector of this invention, the connection between the housing and the retainer is strengthened. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the shielded connector involved in the implementation method.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the shielded connector involved in the implementation method.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the housing involved in the implementation method.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the support body involved in the implementation method.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the outer casing involved in the implementation method.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the housing and cage involved in the implementation method.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector involved in the implementation method.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the connector and the outer casing involved in the implementation method.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a top view of the shielded connector according to the implementation method.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the shielded connector according to the implementation method.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure involved in the implementation method.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure involved in the implementation method.

[0025] Symbol Explanation

[0026] 1: Shielded connector

[0027] 2: Housing; 3: Sealing component; 4: Cage; 5: Outer shell

[0028] 6: Woven fabric, 7: Electrical wire, 10: Connector

[0029] 20: Terminal

[0030] 21: Holding part; 22: Cylindrical part; 22a: Base; 22b: End part; 22c: Protrusion

[0031] 23: Flange portion

[0032] 40: Support body; 41: Side wall portion; 42: Rear wall portion

[0033] 43: Locking piece; 43a: Through hole; 43b: Locked part; 43c: End point

[0034] 44: Clamping piece; 44a: Through hole; 45: Support wall

[0035] 50: Main body, 51: Fixing part, 52: Protrusion, 53: Fastening part, 54: Opposing surface

[0036] 54A: First Opposite Plane, 54B: Second Opposite Plane

[0037] S1: Inner side, S2: Outer side

[0038] X: Axial direction, X1: Front, X2: Rear, Y: Width direction, Z: Height direction Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, the shielded connector according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, the structural elements of the following embodiments include structural elements that are readily conceived or substantially the same by those skilled in the art.

[0040] [Implementation Method]

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 12 The implementation method will be described below. This implementation method relates to a shielded connector. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the shielded connector involved in the implementation method. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the shielded connector involved in the implementation method. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the housing involved in the implementation method. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the support body involved in the implementation method. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the outer casing involved in the implementation method. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the housing and cage involved in the implementation method. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector involved in the implementation method. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the connector and the outer casing involved in the implementation method. Figure 9 This is a top view of the shielded connector involved in the implementation method. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the shielded connector according to the embodiment. Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure involved in the implementation method. Figure 10 Show Figure 9 XX section.

[0042] The shielded connector 1 in this embodiment is connected, for example, to equipment mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2As shown, the shielded connector 1 has a housing 2, a sealing component 3, a retainer 4, and an outer shell 5. The shielded connector 1 is connected to a wire 7 covered by a braided fabric 6. The outer shell 5 is a cylindrical component made of conductive metal and is called the shielding shell. The ends of the braided fabric 6 are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the outer shell 5. The outer shell 5 is fixed to the frame of the device to which it is connected and is electrically connected to the frame. That is, the braided fabric 6 is grounded through the outer shell 5 connected to the frame of the device.

[0043] The housing 2 is a cylindrical component that houses and holds the terminal connected to the end of the wire 7. The housing 2 is formed, for example, of an insulating synthetic resin. The wire 7 extends outward from the end of the housing 2. The sealing member 3 is a component that seals between the outer peripheral surface of the wire 7 and the inner wall surface of the housing 2. The sealing member 3 is formed, for example, of an elastic resin. The retainer 4 is a component connected to the housing 2 and supporting the sealing member 3. The retainer 4 is formed, for example, of an insulating synthetic resin. An example retainer 4 is constructed by combining two support bodies 40.

[0044] The housing 2 and the retainer 4 are inserted into the outer shell 5 in a mutually connected state and engage with the outer shell 5. As described below, the shielded connector 1 of this embodiment maintains the connection between the housing 2 and the retainer 4 via the outer shell 5. The outer shell 5 restricts the deformation of the engaging tab 43 of the retainer 4, preventing the connection from being released. Therefore, the shielded connector 1 of this embodiment improves the robustness of the locking performance of the connection.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, housing 2 has a flat, cylindrical shape extending in a straight line. In the following description, the axial direction of housing 2 is referred to as "axial direction X", and the width direction of housing 2 is referred to as "width direction Y". Wires 7 are led out from housing 2 along axial direction X. Housing 2 arranges and holds multiple wires 7 in the width direction Y. The direction orthogonal to both axial direction X and width direction Y is referred to as "height direction Z".

[0046] The housing 2 has two retaining portions 21 and two cylindrical portions 22. The retaining portions 21 and cylindrical portions 22 extend along the axial direction X. The two retaining portions 21 and two cylindrical portions 22 are arranged in the width direction Y. One retaining portion 21 communicates with one cylindrical portion 22, and the other retaining portion 21 communicates with the other cylindrical portion 22. The retaining portion 21 is part of the retaining terminal 20. An example retaining portion 21 has a rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0047] The cylindrical portion 22 is the part through which the power supply wire 7 is inserted. The cylindrical portion 22 has a base 22a and an end portion 22b. The base 22a is the portion on the base end side of the cylindrical portion 22 and is connected to the retaining portion 21. The base 22a is rectangular in shape. The end portion 22b is the portion on the end side of the cylindrical portion 22, located on the side opposite to the retaining portion 21. The end portion 22b is cylindrical in shape. A sealing member 3 is inserted into the end portion 22b. The sealing member 3 seals the outer peripheral surface of the wire 7 with the inner wall surface of the end portion 22b.

[0048] The outer wall of the end portion 22b has a protrusion 22c. The protrusion 22c protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the end portion 22b in a radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction X. One end portion 22b has two protrusions 22c protruding in opposite directions. The two protrusions 22c protrude along the height direction Z. The two protrusions 22c are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis CL of the cylindrical portion 22. In other words, the two protrusions 22c are 180° out of phase. The shape of the protrusion 22c when viewed from the axial direction X is approximately rectangular. The end face 22d of the protrusion 22c on the axial direction X is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the height direction Z.

[0049] A flange 23 is provided at the connection between the retaining part 21 and the cylindrical part 22. The flange 23 is engaged by the inner wall of the outer casing 5, thereby positioning the casing 2 in the axial direction X.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the support body 40 has a flat, semi-cylindrical shape. The two support bodies 40 of the cage 4 have the same shape. By combining the two support bodies 40, a cylindrical body with an elongated oval cross-sectional shape is formed. Each support body 40 has a pair of sidewall portions 41, 41, a rear wall portion 42, a pair of engaging tabs 43, 43, and 44, and a pair of support walls 45, 45. The rear wall portion 42 is located on the rear side X2 of the support body 40 in the axial direction X. The front side X1 in the axial direction X indicates the front side of the engagement direction when the cage 4 is engaged with the housing 2. The rear side X2 indicates the side opposite to the front side X1 in the axial direction X.

[0051] The rear wall portion 42 is a flat plate orthogonal to the axial direction X. A pair of support walls 45, 45 protrude from the rear wall portion 42 toward the front side X1 of the axial direction X. The support walls 45 have a semi-cylindrical shape and support the sealing member 3. The pair of support walls 45, 45 are arranged in the width direction Y.

[0052] The side wall portion 41 is erected from the edge of the rear wall portion 42 toward the front side X1 in the axial direction X. One side wall portion 41 is connected to one end of the rear wall portion 42 in the width direction Y, and the other side wall portion 41 is connected to the other end of the rear wall portion 42 in the width direction Y. The cross-sectional shape of the side wall portion 41 is an arc shape.

[0053] The engaging tab 43 is the part that engages with the housing 2 to connect the support body 40 to the housing 2. A pair of engaging tabs 43, 43 are erected from the edge of the rear wall portion 42 toward the front side X1 in the axial direction X. The engaging tabs 43 are disposed between a pair of side wall portions 41, 41. The pair of engaging tabs 43, 43 are arranged in the width direction Y. One engaging tab 43 is opposite a support wall 45 in the height direction Z. The other engaging tab 43 is opposite another support wall 45 in the height direction Z.

[0054] The base end of the engaging tab 43 is supported by the rear wall portion 42, and the end of the engaging tab 43 is a free end. The engaging tab 43 is elastic in a manner that allows it to flex in the height direction Z. The shape of the engaging tab 43 when viewed from the height direction Z is approximately rectangular. The engaging tab 43 has a through hole 43a. The through hole 43a extends through the engaging tab 43 along the height direction Z. The shape of the through hole 43a when viewed from the height direction Z is approximately rectangular. The engaging tab 43 has a locking portion 43b. The locking portion 43b is the end portion of the engaging tab 43 and is locked by the protrusion 22c of the housing 2. The locking portion 43b is plate-shaped and extends along the width direction Y.

[0055] The ends of a pair of sidewall portions 41 are connected to each other by a connecting wall 46 extending along the width direction Y. A locking tab 44 is the portion that engages with and is locked by the housing 5. The locking tab 44 protrudes from the connecting wall 46 toward the rear side X2 in the axial direction X. The end of the locking tab 44 is opposite to the ends of a pair of locking tabs 43, 43 in the axial direction X. The locking tab 44 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from the height direction Z. The locking tab 44 has a through hole 44a. The through hole 44a extends through the locking tab 44 along the height direction Z. The through hole 44a is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from the height direction Z.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer casing 5 has a cylindrical main body 50, a fixing part 51, and a protrusion 52. The main body 50 has an elongated oval shape in a cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction X. The fixing part 51 protrudes from the outer wall surface of the main body 50 toward the height direction Z. The fixing part 51 has a through hole 51a through which a fastening member 53 can be inserted. The main body 50 has a fitting part 50a that fits into an opening provided in the frame of the device. A sealing member 30 is installed on the outer wall surface of the fitting part 50a. The sealing member 30 seals the space between the fitting part 50a and the opening of the frame.

[0057] The protrusion 52 protrudes from the inner wall surface of the main body 50 toward the height direction Z. The protrusion 52 engages with the engaging tab 44 of the retainer 4 to lock the retainer 4. The outer shell 5 has two protrusions 52 corresponding to the two supports 40.

[0058] like Figure 6As shown, two support bodies 40 are connected to the housing 2 along the axial direction X. Each of the two support bodies 40 is mounted on the housing 2 while sliding relative to the housing 2 towards the front X1. The engaging tab 43 of one support body 40 engages with a protrusion 22c protruding towards the side facing the height direction Z. The engaging tab 43 of the other support body 40 engages with a protrusion 22c protruding towards the other side facing the height direction Z.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, the engaging tab 43 of the support body 40 engages with the protrusion 22c of the housing 2 from the outer side S2. The outer side S2 is the side away from the central axis CL of the cylindrical part 22, and the inner side S1 is the side close to the central axis CL. When the engaging tab 43 engages with the protrusion 22c, the locked part 43b passes over the protrusion 22c. At this time, the engaging tab 43 flexes and deforms towards the outer side S2. The protrusion 22c enters the through hole 43a of the engaging tab 43, locking the locked part 43b. The protrusion 22c restricts the relative movement of the support body 40 relative to the housing 2 towards the rear X2.

[0060] The support 40 clamps and holds the end portion 22b of the housing 2 via the engaging tab 43 and the support wall 45. Furthermore, the end face of the support wall 45 abuts against the sealing member 3 to support the sealing member 3. Figure 7 As shown, the holding part 21 of the housing 2 holds the terminal 20. The wire 7 connected to the terminal 20 extends to the external space through the internal space of the cylindrical part 22, the sealing member 3, and the holder 4.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, the interconnected housing 2 and retainer 4 are inserted into the outer shell 5. The connector 10, formed by the interconnection of the housing 2 and retainer 4, is inserted into the fitting portion 50a of the outer shell 5 with the retainer 4 as the front end. The engaging tab 44 engages with and is locked by the protrusion 52 of the outer shell 5. The outer shell 5 accommodates and holds the connector 10 inside the outer shell 5.

[0062] like Figure 9 As shown, the housing 5, which holds the connector 10, is mounted on the wall portion 101 of the device frame 100. The fitting portion 50a is inserted into and engages with the opening in the wall portion 101. The housing 5 is secured to the wall portion 101 by a fastening member 53. The fastening member 53 is, for example, a bolt inserted into a through hole 51a in the housing 5. In this case, a nut engages with the fastening member 53 inserted into the wall portion 101. The retaining portion 21 of the housing 2 is connected, for example, to the device connector. The terminal 20 is connected to the terminal of the mating connector.

[0063] like Figure 10As shown, the outer casing 5 has opposing surfaces 54. The opposing surfaces 54 are surfaces that oppose the engaging tab 43 from the outer side S2. The opposing surfaces 54 can limit the deformation of the engaging tab 43 towards the outer side S2. In this embodiment, the opposing surfaces 54 are the inner peripheral surfaces of the main body 50. The outer casing 5 has a first opposing surface 54A and a second opposing surface 54B as opposing surfaces 54. The first opposing surface 54A and the second opposing surface 54B are opposite each other in the height direction Z.

[0064] The first opposing surface 54A is opposite to the engaging tab 43 of one support body 40. The second opposing surface 54B is opposite to the engaging tab 43 of another support body 40. That is, the first opposing surface 54A and the second opposing surface 54B sandwich the two support bodies 40 in the middle and are opposite to each other.

[0065] The opposing surface 54 restricts the deformation of the locking piece 43, such that the locked portion 43b extends beyond the protrusion 22c. For example... Figure 11 As shown in the enlarged view, the opposing surface 54 is opposite to the locked portion 43b in the height direction Z, and has a small gap between it and the locked portion 43b. Figure 12 As shown, when a force F1 is applied to the locking piece 43 in the outward direction S2, the opposing surface 54 abuts against the locking piece 43 to limit the deformation of the locking piece 43. That is, the shielded connector 1 of this embodiment has a double locking structure in which the locking piece 4 is locked in the axial direction X by the protrusion 22c and in the height direction Z by the opposing surface 54.

[0066] With the engaging tab 43 abutting against the opposing surface 54, the locking surface 22e of the protrusion 22c and the locked portion 43b are opposed in the axial direction X. That is, the protrusion 22c has a protrusion amount that can lock the locked portion 43b when the engaging tab 43 abuts against the opposing surface 54. Thus, the locking state of the engaging tab 43 and the protrusion 22c is maintained. Therefore, the shielded connector 1 of this embodiment can improve the locking performance of the connection between the engaging tab 43 and the protrusion 22c.

[0067] return Figure 11 The width G1 of the gap between the locked portion 43b and the opposing surface 54 is, for example, less than or equal to the overlap width E1. The overlap width E1 refers to the amount of engagement between the locked portion 43b and the protrusion 22c, which is the width in the height direction Z of the overlapping portion of the locked portion 43b and the protrusion 22c when viewed from the axial X direction. With this structure, the opposing surface 54 can maintain the engagement state between the engaging piece 43 and the protrusion 22c.

[0068] The width G2 of the gap between the tip of the protrusion 22c and the opposing surface 54 is, for example, set to be less than or equal to the thickness t1 of the locked portion 43b. With this structure, the opposing surface 54 can limit the deformation of the locking piece 43 when the lock is released.

[0069] In this embodiment, the opposing surface 54 is an inclined surface tilted relative to the axial direction X. The opposing surface 54 is tilted relative to the axial direction X in such a way that it moves away from the central axis CL as it moves towards the rearward side X2. Figure 12 As shown, when the engaging tab 43 deforms outwards S2, the opposing surface 54 supports the end 43c of the engaging tab 43. Because the opposing surface 54 is inclined, during the stage when the deformation of the engaging tab 43 is small, the opposing surface 54 abuts against the engaging tab 43, thus limiting further deformation of the engaging tab 43. Therefore, the opposing surface 54 of this embodiment can appropriately suppress accidental release of the lock.

[0070] As described above, the shielded connector 1 of this embodiment has a cylindrical housing 2, an annular sealing member 3, a retainer 4, and a conductive outer shell 5. The housing 2 accommodates and holds the terminal 20. The sealing member 3 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the wire 7 connected to the terminal 20 and the inner wall surface of the housing 2. The retainer 4 is connected to the housing 2 along the axial direction X and supports the sealing member 3. The outer shell 5 accommodates and holds the interconnected housing 2 and retainer 4 inside.

[0071] The outer wall of the housing 2 has a protrusion 22c protruding outward. The retainer 4 has a locking tab 43 extending along the axial direction X. The retainer 4 is connected to the housing 2 by engaging the locking tab 43 from the outside with the protrusion 22c. The outer shell 5 has a facing surface 54 opposite the locking tab 43 from the outside. The outer shell 5 restricts the outward deformation of the locking tab 43 by the facing surface 54. The shielded connector 1 of this embodiment can improve the robustness of the connection between the housing 2 and the retainer 4.

[0072] In the shielded connector 1 of this embodiment, the engaging tab 43 is clamped by the housing 2 and the opposing surface 54, making it impossible to easily contact the engaging tab 43 from the outside. That is, the shielded connector 1 is configured such that the connection between the housing 2 and the cage 4 cannot be easily released. Therefore, the possibility of disassembling the shielded connector 1 by someone other than a qualified operator is reduced.

[0073] The retainer 4 in this embodiment is composed of two semi-cylindrical support bodies 40 mounted along the axial direction X on the outside of the housing 2. Each support body 40 has a locking tab 43. In the housing 2, protrusions 22c corresponding to one support body 40 and protrusions 22c corresponding to the other support body 40 protrude in opposite directions. The outer shell 5 has a first opposing surface 54A and a second opposing surface 54B. The first opposing surface 54A opposes the locking tab 43 of one support body 40, and the second opposing surface 54B opposes the locking tab 43 of the other support body 40. The shielded connector 1 of this embodiment can improve the robustness of the connection between the housing 2 and one support body 40, and the connection between the housing 2 and the other support body 40, respectively.

[0074] Furthermore, the structure by which the shielded connector 1 holds the connector 10 is not limited to the combination of the retainer 4's locking tab 44 and the protrusion 52 of the housing 5. For example, the housing 5 can also hold the connector 10 by locking the housing 2.

[0075] The number of terminals 20 held by the shielded connector 1 is not limited to the two illustrated. For example, the shielded connector 1 may also hold more than three terminals 20.

[0076] The number of engaging tabs 43 in a support body 40 is not limited to the two illustrated. For example, a support body 40 may have one or more engaging tabs 43. The retainer 4 may also not be divided into two support bodies 40. That is, the retainer 4 may also be integrally formed in a shape that combines two support bodies 40.

[0077] In the snap fastener 43, the portion into which the protrusion 22c is inserted is not limited to the through hole 43a. For example, in the snap fastener 43, the portion into which the protrusion 22c is inserted may also be a recessed portion along the height direction Z.

[0078] The contents disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined and implemented.

Claims

1. A shielded connector characterized by, Possessing: a cylindrical housing that houses a terminal and holds the terminal; a ring-shaped sealing member that seals between an outer peripheral surface of an electric wire connected to the terminal and an inner wall surface of the housing; a retainer that is coupled to the housing along an axial direction of the housing and supports the sealing member; and a conductive outer shell that houses and holds the housing and the retainer that are coupled to each other inside, an outer wall portion of the housing has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the outside, the retainer has an engaging piece that extends along the axial direction and is coupled to the housing by engaging the engaging piece with the protruding portion from the outside, the outer shell has an opposing surface that opposes the engaging piece from the outside, and the engaging piece is restricted from deforming toward the outside by the opposing surface, the housing has a cylindrical portion that extends along the axial direction and through which the electric wire is inserted, and the opposing surface is inclined with respect to the axial direction in such a manner that the opposing surface is distanced from a central axis of the cylindrical portion as it goes toward a rear side in the direction of engagement when the retainer is engaged with the housing.

2. The shielded connector according to claim 1, wherein the retainer is composed of two half-cylindrical support bodies that are fitted to the outside of the housing along the axial direction, the two support bodies each have the engaging piece, in the housing, the protruding portion corresponding to one of the support bodies and the protruding portion corresponding to the other of the support bodies protrude in mutually opposite directions, and the outer shell has a first opposing surface that opposes the engaging piece of one of the support bodies and a second opposing surface that opposes the engaging piece of the other of the support bodies. ​

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