Chimeric devices

Abstract

A chimeric device (10) is provided with a connection terminal, a cylindrical housing (40) covering the outer periphery of the connection terminal, a rubber ring (50) mounted to the outer peripheral surface of the housing (40), and a retainer (60) for preventing the rubber ring (50) from coming off. The retainer (60) has a cylindrical main body portion (61) covering the insertion portion (41) and a plurality of arm portions (66) extending in the front-rear direction X from the main body portion (61) and configured to be elastically deformable. The arm portion (66) has an extension portion (67) extending in the front-rear direction X from the main body portion (61) toward the rubber ring (50), a first protrusion (68) protruding from the extension portion (67) toward the inner peripheral surface defining the opening portion (103), and a second protrusion (69) protruding from the extension portion (67) toward the outer peripheral surface of the housing (40) and configured to be engageable with the recess portion (41a). The second protrusion (69) is inserted into the recess portion (41a) by an insertion amount greater than the gap between the tip of the first protrusion (68) and the inner peripheral surface defining the opening portion (103).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a fitting device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector configured to mate with a female connector. The connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a housing for inserting terminal parts, a waterproof rubber ring between the connector and the female connector, and a retaining member that supports the terminal parts and prevents the rubber ring from dislodging. Furthermore, this retaining member is referred to as a retaining component in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The housing has a terminal housing for inserting terminal components and a cylindrical cover surrounding the terminal housing. The cover is connected to the terminal housing via a connecting portion extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the terminal housing. A female connector is fitted between the cover and the terminal housing. A rubber ring is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the terminal housing.

[0004] The retainer is assembled to the terminal housing from the front, i.e., from the top side of the housing. The retainer has a cylindrical retaining plate covering the outer peripheral surface of the terminal housing. A retaining protrusion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the retaining plate, engaging with a retaining groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the terminal housing. The retainer is assembled to the terminal housing by engaging the retaining protrusion with the retaining groove. The retaining plate faces the front end of the rubber ring. This prevents the rubber ring from detaching from the housing.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3968638 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, if a load is applied to the retainer when the connector is pulled out or inserted relative to the female connector, the retaining protrusion of the retainer may disengage from the retaining groove, thus raising concerns that the retainer may detach from the housing.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a fitting device capable of preventing the retainer from disengaging.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] The disclosed fitting device fits into an opening in a housing for accommodating a vehicle-mounted device. The fitting device includes: a conductive circuit connected to the vehicle-mounted device; a cylindrical body having an insertion portion for inserting into the opening and covering the outer periphery of the conductive circuit; a sealing member mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion for waterproofing between the cylindrical body and the housing; and a retaining member mounted on the insertion portion and preventing the sealing member from detaching from the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has a recess on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion, and the retaining member has a recess covering the... The insertion portion has a cylindrical main body portion on its outer peripheral surface and an arm portion extending from the main body portion and configured to be elastically deformable. The arm portion has: an extension portion extending from the main body portion toward the sealing member in the axial direction of the main body portion; a first protrusion protruding from the extension portion toward the inner peripheral surface defining the opening portion; and a second protrusion protruding from the extension portion toward the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and configured to engage with the recess portion. The insertion amount of the second protrusion into the recess portion is greater than the gap between the first protrusion and the inner peripheral surface defining the opening portion.

[0013] The effects of the invention

[0014] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the retaining element. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing the fitting device and the housing in one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a fitting device that fits into the housing in one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a retainer in one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a top view showing a retainer in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A sectional view along line 5-5.

[0020] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A sectional view along line 6-6.

[0021] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a fitting device that fits into the housing in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fitting device that fits into the housing in a modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0023] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0024] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0025] [1] The fitting device of this disclosure fits into an opening provided in a housing for accommodating a vehicle-mounted device, wherein the fitting device comprises: a conductive circuit connected to the vehicle-mounted device; a cylindrical body having an insertion portion for insertion into the opening and covering the outer periphery of the conductive circuit; a sealing member mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion for waterproofing between the cylindrical body and the housing; and a retaining member mounted on the insertion portion and preventing the sealing member from detaching from the cylindrical body, the cylindrical body having a recess provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion, and the retaining member having a covering portion. The insertion portion has a cylindrical main body portion on its outer peripheral surface and an arm portion extending from the main body portion and configured to be elastically deformable. The arm portion has: an extension portion extending from the main body portion toward the sealing member in the axial direction of the main body portion; a first protrusion protruding from the extension portion toward the inner peripheral surface defining the opening portion; and a second protrusion protruding from the extension portion toward the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and configured to engage with the recess portion. The insertion amount of the second protrusion into the recess portion is greater than the gap between the first protrusion and the inner peripheral surface defining the opening portion.

[0026] According to this structure, the retainer is mounted to the cylinder by engaging the second protrusion of the arm with the recess of the insertion portion. Furthermore, the insertion depth of the second protrusion into the recess is greater than the gap between the first protrusion and the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening. Therefore, even if the second protrusion shifts away from the recess due to elastic deformation of the arm, the engagement between the second protrusion and the recess is maintained by keeping the first protrusion in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening. Thus, even if a load is applied to the arm when the fitting device is pulled out or inserted relative to the housing, the engagement between the second protrusion and the recess can be prevented from disengaging. As a result, the retainer can be prevented from detaching from the cylinder.

[0027] [2] Preferably, the thickness of the extension is smaller than the thickness of the main body.

[0028] According to this structure, the extension can easily deform elastically relative to the main body. Therefore, it is easy to attach and detach the retainer relative to the cylinder.

[0029] Furthermore, the extension is prone to elastic deformation relative to the main body, thereby easily releasing the engagement between the second protrusion and the recess. However, since the engagement between the second protrusion and the recess is maintained by contacting the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening with the first protrusion, it is possible to prevent the retainer from detaching from the cylinder.

[0030] [3] Preferably, the main body has a cut that extends along the axial direction and is formed by cutting the end of the main body that is opposite to the sealing member in the axial direction, and the base end of the extension is located inside the cut.

[0031] According to this structure, the base end of the extension is located inside the cut extending along the axial direction. Therefore, compared with a structure without a cut, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the retaining member and the size of the fitting device.

[0032] [4] Preferably, the main body has a protrusion that protrudes toward the opposite side of the sealing member in the axial direction, the cut extends to the protrusion, and the base end of the extension is located in the portion of the cut that extends to the protrusion.

[0033] According to this structure, the base end of the extension is located in the portion extending to the protrusion within the cut. Therefore, the base end of the extension can be positioned away from the sealing member. As a result, it is possible to suppress excessive load on the arm during elastic deformation.

[0034] [5] Preferably, the protruding end of the protrusion is provided with an inclined surface, which is inclined in such a way that the more it is toward the side opposite to the sealing member in the axial direction, the further away from the inner circumferential surface that defines the opening.

[0035] According to this structure, when the fitting device is inserted into the opening of the housing, the inclined surface of the protrusion easily guides the fitting device into the interior of the opening. Therefore, the fitting operation between the fitting device and the housing becomes easier.

[0036] [6] Preferably, the main body has a limiting protrusion that protrudes from the end opposite to the sealing member in the axial direction toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening and restricts the movement of the sealing member in the axial direction. The limiting protrusion is located in the axial direction closer to the sealing member than the top end of the arm.

[0037] According to this structure, the movement of the sealing member in the axial direction is limited by the limiting protrusion. This prevents the sealing member from detaching from the cylinder by overshooting the retainer.

[0038] [7] Preferably, the protruding end of the first protrusion is disposed at a position parallel to the limiting protrusion in the circumferential direction of the main body, and the limiting protrusion protrudes to a position closer to the inner circumferential surface that defines the opening than the protruding end of the first protrusion.

[0039] According to this structure, when the retaining member contacts the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening due to the insertion of the fitting device into the opening of the housing, the protrusion is prevented from contacting the inner circumferential surface before the first protrusion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the excessive load on the arm caused by the first protrusion contacting the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening.

[0040] [8] Preferably, the main body has: a general portion, which is a cylindrical portion covering the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion; and a limiting protrusion, which protrudes from the end of the general portion opposite to the sealing member in the axial direction toward the inner peripheral surface defining the opening and restricts the movement of the sealing member in the axial direction, the protruding end of the first protrusion being disposed at a position parallel to the general portion in the circumferential direction of the main body, the general portion protruding to a position closer to the inner peripheral surface defining the opening than the protruding end of the first protrusion.

[0041] According to this structure, when the retaining member contacts the inner circumferential surface of the designated opening due to the insertion of the fitting device into the opening of the housing, the general part contacts the inner circumferential surface before the first protrusion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the excessive load on the arm due to the first protrusion contacting the inner circumferential surface of the designated opening.

[0042] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein]

[0043] Hereinafter, specific examples of the fitting device of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for ease of explanation, sometimes a portion of the structure is shown exaggeratedly or simplified. Additionally, the dimensional ratios of the parts may differ in different drawings. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples described above, but refers to all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. The terms "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification refer not only to strictly parallel or orthogonal situations, but also to generally parallel or orthogonal situations within the range that achieve the desired effect in this embodiment.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fitting device 10 of this embodiment fits into the opening 103 of the housing 100 for housing the vehicle-mounted equipment. The fitting device 10 is electrically connected, for example, to a counterpart terminal (not shown) provided inside the housing 100.

[0045] (Structure of outer casing 100)

[0046] The outer casing 100 has a box-shaped main body 101 and an assembly part 102 that protrudes from the main body 101 to assemble the fitting device 10.

[0047] For example, metal materials such as aluminum alloy can be used as the material for the outer casing 100.

[0048] The assembly portion 102 has an opening 103 for the fitting device 10 to engage. The opening 103 extends through the assembly portion 102 in the protruding direction. When viewed from the protruding direction, the opening 103 is flat. The assembly portion 102 is formed into a ring shape by having the opening 103.

[0049] In the assembly section 102, one or more female threaded portions 102a are provided for fixing the fitting device 10 to the housing 100 by bolts (not shown). In this embodiment, two female threaded portions 102a are provided on opposite sides of each other, separated by an opening 103.

[0050] (Overall structure of the fitting device 10)

[0051] The fitting device 10 includes a plurality of connecting terminals 30 electrically connected to the aforementioned counterpart terminals, a cylindrical housing 40 covering the outer periphery of the plurality of connecting terminals 30, a rubber ring 50 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 40, and a retaining member 60 for preventing the rubber ring 50 from detaching. Additionally, the fitting device 10 includes a rubber plug 70 fitted to the end of the housing 40 and a rear retaining member 80 for preventing the rubber plug 70 from detaching from the housing 40.

[0052] In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the X-axis represents the axial direction of the fitting device 10, the Y-axis represents the width direction of the fitting device 10 orthogonal to the X-axis, and the Z-axis represents the height direction of the fitting device 10 orthogonal to the XY plane. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the front-back direction X, the direction along the Y-axis as the left-right direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis as the up-down direction Z. Furthermore, in the following description, Figure 1 In the diagram, the X arrow is set to forward, and the Z arrow is set to upward.

[0053] In this specification, "flat shape" includes, for example, rectangles, ovals, and ellipses. "Olive" in this specification refers to a shape composed of two parallel lines of approximately equal length and two semicircles.

[0054] In this specification, "ring" refers to a structure that is seamlessly connected, forming a loop; that is, a ring-shaped structure with the same starting and ending points. Furthermore, "ring" in this specification includes rings with circular outer edges, rings with elliptical or oblong outer edges, polygonal rings with polygonal outer edges, and rings with rounded polygonal outer edges; it refers to a shape formed by any closed shape whose outer edges are connected by straight lines or curves. A "ring" in top view has a through-hole shape, including cases where the outer edge shape is the same as the inner circumference of the through-hole, and cases where the outer edge shape is different from the inner circumference of the through-hole. A "ring" includes a shape having a predetermined length extending axially along a central axis passing through the center of the through-hole; the length is not limited. Additionally, the term "ring-shaped" in this specification can be considered as a whole, including shapes such as a C-shape with cuts, slits, etc., in some parts. In this instruction manual, "cylindrical" can be considered as a whole, including shapes that combine multiple parts into a cylindrical shape, and shapes like the letter C that have cuts, slits, etc. in a part.

[0055] (Structure of connecting terminal 30)

[0056] The connecting terminal 30 is electrically connected to the end of the wire 20. The fitting device 10 of this embodiment has two connecting terminals 30 that are respectively connected to the ends of the two wires 20.

[0057] The wire 20 is a sheathed wire having a core wire 21 made of conductor and an insulating sheath 22 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 21.

[0058] The connecting terminal 30 has a wire connection portion 31 that connects to the end of the wire 20 and a terminal connection portion 32 that connects to a counterpart terminal (not shown). The front end of the terminal connection portion 32 protrudes from the front end of the housing 40.

[0059] The material used for the connecting terminal 30 can be, for example, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or other metallic materials. The connecting terminal 30 is formed, for example, by stamping a metal plate with excellent conductivity.

[0060] The wire connection portion 31 is electrically connected to the end of the core wire 21 exposed from the insulation covering portion 22. The connection terminal 30 is connected to the core wire 21, for example, by crimping or ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, the wire 20 and the connection terminal 30 constitute an example of a conductive circuit.

[0061] The terminal connection portion 32 is, for example, formed in the shape of a flat plate. A through hole 32a extending along the thickness direction is formed at the front end of the terminal connection portion 32. The terminal connection portion 32 is electrically connected to the other terminal, for example, by means of a bolt (not shown) inserted into the through hole 32a.

[0062] (Structure of shell 40)

[0063] The shell 40 is cylindrical, extending in the front-rear direction X. For example, the shell 40 is formed as a flat shape that is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the shell 40 is an example of a cylindrical body.

[0064] For example, insulating materials such as synthetic resins can be used as the material for the housing 40.

[0065] The housing 40 has an insertion part 41 that is inserted into the opening 103 and a placement part 44 disposed on the outside of the housing 100. The insertion part 41 is inserted into the opening 103 from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction X.

[0066] (Structure of insertion part 41)

[0067] The insertion portion 41 is formed protruding forward from the front end of the configuration portion 44. When viewed from the front-rear direction X, the insertion portion 41 is, for example, formed as a flat shape that is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the vertical direction Z. The insertion portion 41 has an outer peripheral surface with a shape corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the defined opening portion 103.

[0068] At the rear end of the insertion portion 41, a protrusion 42 is provided, protruding toward the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103. The protrusion 42 extends circumferentially along the housing 40. A groove 42a is provided on a portion of the protrusion 42 in the circumferential direction. The groove 42a is provided at the center of the insertion portion 41 in the left-right direction Y. In this embodiment, one groove 42a is provided on each side of the insertion portion 41 in the up-down direction Z.

[0069] A plurality of recesses 41a are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 41. The recesses 41a are located on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 41 at positions away from the protrusion 42 in the front-rear direction X. In this embodiment, two recesses 41a that are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction Y are provided on both sides of the insertion portion 41 in the vertical direction Z. That is, the housing 40 of this embodiment has four recesses 41a.

[0070] The insertion portion 41, for example, has two retaining holes 43 arranged in the left-right direction Y. The retaining holes 43 are formed to pass through the insertion portion 41 in the front-back direction X. The terminal connection portion 32 of the connecting terminal 30 is held inside the retaining hole 43. The two connecting terminals 30 held inside the retaining hole 43 are arranged at intervals between each other in the left-right direction Y.

[0071] (Structure of Configuration Unit 44)

[0072] The placement portion 44 is formed protruding rearward from the rear end of the insertion portion 41. When viewed from the front-rear direction X, the placement portion 44 is, for example, formed as a ring that is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the vertical direction Z. The outer shape of the placement portion 44 is, for example, smaller than the outer shape of the insertion portion 41.

[0073] At the front end of the configuration section 44, an annular flange portion 45 protruding outward is provided throughout the entire circumference. The flange portion 45 protrudes further outward than the protrusion 42 of the insertion section 41. Two through holes 45a are provided in the flange portion 45, extending in the front-rear direction X. The two through holes 45a are located at positions corresponding to the two female threaded portions 102a of the housing 100.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the configuration unit 44 has insertion holes 46 for inserting the power supply line 20 and the connection terminal 30. The configuration unit 44 has, for example, two insertion holes 46 arranged in the left-right direction (Y). The insertion holes 46 are formed to penetrate the configuration unit 44 in the front-back direction (X). The insertion holes 46 communicate with the retaining hole 43 in the front-back direction (X). For example, the wire connection portion 31 of the connection terminal 30 is located inside the insertion hole 46.

[0075] A plurality of engaging holes 47 are provided at the rear end of the configuration section 44. The engaging holes 47 are formed to penetrate the configuration section 44 in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, two engaging holes 47 that are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction Y are provided on both sides of the configuration section 44 in the vertical direction Z. That is, the housing 40 of this embodiment has four engaging holes 47.

[0076] Two annular rubber plugs 70 are housed at the rear end of the configuration section 44. Wires 20 are inserted into the rubber plugs 70. The rubber plugs 70 provide waterproofing between the outer peripheral surface of the wires 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the designated insertion hole 46.

[0077] A rear retainer 80 is housed at the rear end of the configuration section 44. The rear retainer 80 contacts, for example, the rear end faces of the two rubber plugs 70, thereby preventing the two rubber plugs 70 from detaching from the housing 40.

[0078] The rear retainer 80 has two through holes 80a extending in the front-rear direction X. A wire 20 is inserted into the through hole 80a.

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, the rear retainer 80 has, for example, a plurality of retaining claws 81 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the rear retainer 80 to the outer peripheral side. The rear retainer 80 is fixed relative to the housing 40 by engaging the retaining claws 81 with the engaging holes 47. In addition, the wire 20 passes through the through hole 80a of the rear retainer 80 and is led out from the rear end of the housing 40 to the outside.

[0080] (Structure of rubber ring 50)

[0081] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rubber ring 50 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part 41. The rubber ring 50 provides waterproofing between the housing 40 and the outer casing 100. Furthermore, the rubber ring 50 is an example of a sealing component.

[0082] The rubber ring 50 has an annular main body 51 and a positioning protrusion 52 protruding rearward from the main body 51. The main body 51 and the positioning protrusion 52 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, one positioning protrusion 52 is provided on each of the two sides of the main body 51 in the vertical direction Z.

[0083] The rubber ring 50 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part 41 with the positioning protrusion 52 embedded in the groove 42a. Thus, the rubber ring 50 is positioned relative to the insertion part 41 in the circumferential direction.

[0084] (Structure of retainer 60)

[0085] The retainer 60 is mounted on the insertion portion 41. The retainer 60 is positioned opposite the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X. Therefore, by mounting the retainer 60 on the insertion portion 41, the rubber ring 50 is prevented from detaching from the housing 40.

[0086] The retainer 60 has a cylindrical main body 61 that covers the insertion portion 41, and a plurality of arms 66 that extend from the main body 61 in the front-rear direction X and are configured to be elastically deformable.

[0087] (Structure of main body 61)

[0088] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the front-rear direction X, the main body 61 is formed into a flat shape that is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the vertical direction Z. The main body 61 has a general portion 62 that is a cylindrical part covering the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 41, a limiting protrusion 63 that protrudes from the general portion 62 toward the inner peripheral surface of the defined opening portion 103, and a plurality of protrusions 64 that protrude from the general portion 62 toward the opposite side of the rubber ring 50 in the axial direction of the main body 61. In addition, the axial direction of the main body 61 in this embodiment is consistent with the front-rear direction X.

[0089] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the front end of the general part 62 protrudes more towards the inner periphery than the rest of the main body part 61 in the circumferential direction.

[0090] The limiting protrusion 63 protrudes from the end of the general portion 62 opposite to the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X, i.e., the rear end of the general portion 62, toward the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103. The limiting protrusion 63 extends integrally throughout the circumference of the general portion 62. When viewed from the front-rear direction X, the limiting protrusion 63 is formed as a ring that is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the up-down direction Z.

[0091] The limiting protrusion 63 is in circumferential contact with the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103. The limiting protrusion 63 restricts the movement of the rubber ring 50 in the longitudinal direction X, and more specifically, restricts the forward movement of the rubber ring 50.

[0092] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the protrusion 64 protrudes from the end of the general portion 62 located on the opposite side of the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X, i.e., the front end of the general portion 62, toward the opposite side. In this embodiment, two protrusions 64 that are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction Y are provided on both sides of the general portion 62 in the up-down direction Z. That is, the main body portion 61 of this embodiment has four protrusions 64.

[0093] like Figure 6 As shown, an inclined surface 64a is provided at the protruding end of the protrusion 64. This inclined surface 64a is inclined in such a way that it is further away from the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103 as it moves towards the opposite side of the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X. The inclined surface 64a is inclined relative to the front-rear direction X such that it is located closer to the inner circumferential side of the main body 61 as it moves forward.

[0094] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the main body 61 has a plurality of cuts 65 formed by cutting the end of the main body 61 that faces the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X, i.e., the rear end of the main body 61. The cuts 65 are provided corresponding to the portions of the main body 61 in which the protrusions 64 are provided. That is, the main body 61 of this embodiment has four cuts 65.

[0095] The cut 65 extends from the rear end of the main body 61 to the protrusion 64 in the front-rear direction X. In addition, the portion of the main body 61 in which the cut 65 is provided is in a discontinuous ring shape in the circumferential direction of the main body 61.

[0096] (Structure of arm 66)

[0097] Arms 66 are provided at positions corresponding to the cutouts 65. That is, the retainer 60 of this embodiment has four arms 66.

[0098] The top of the arm portion 66 is located forward of the rear end face of the limiting protrusion 63 of the main body portion 61. In other words, the limiting protrusion 63 is positioned closer to the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X than the top of the arm portion 66.

[0099] The arm portion 66 has: an extension 67 that extends from the main body portion 61 toward the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X; a first protrusion 68 that protrudes from the extension 67 toward the inner peripheral surface of the defined opening portion 103; and a second protrusion 69 that protrudes from the extension 67 toward the outer peripheral surface of the housing 40.

[0100] The extension 67 extends in the front-rear direction X inside the cut 65. The base of the extension 67 is located in the portion of the cut 65 that extends to the protrusion 64. More specifically, the extension 67 extends from the front end of the cut 65.

[0101] like Figure 6 As shown, the thickness of the extension 67 is less than the thickness of the main body 61. The extension 67 is located on the inner periphery side of the main body 61, closer to the outer periphery. The inner periphery surface of the extension 67 is approximately on the same plane as the inner periphery surface of the main body 61.

[0102] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first protrusion 68 protrudes from the top of the extension 67. More specifically, the first protrusion 68 protrudes from the center of the top in the left-right direction Y. Therefore, the width of the first protrusion 68 in the left-right direction Y is smaller than the width of the extension 67 in the left-right direction Y.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, the front end face of the first protrusion 68 is inclined such that it faces forward and is located closer to the inner periphery of the main body 61. The protruding end of the first protrusion 68 is positioned parallel to the limiting protrusion 63 in the circumferential direction of the main body 61. Furthermore, the protruding end of the first protrusion 68 is located closer to the inner periphery of the main body 61 than the outer periphery of the limiting protrusion 63, and closer to the outer periphery of the main body 61 than the outer periphery of the general portion 62. In other words, the limiting protrusion 63 protrudes closer to the inner periphery of the defined opening 103 than the protruding end of the first protrusion 68. A small gap is provided between the protruding end of the first protrusion 68 and the inner periphery of the defined opening 103.

[0104] The second protrusion 69 protrudes from the top of the extension 67 toward the opposite side of the first protrusion 68. The width of the second protrusion 69 in the left-right direction Y is the same as the width of the extension 67 in the left-right direction Y.

[0105] The rear end face of the second protrusion 69 is inclined such that it is located closer to the inner periphery of the main body 61 as it faces forward. The second protrusion 69 is positioned alongside the limiting protrusion 63 in the circumferential direction of the main body 61.

[0106] The second protrusion 69 protrudes further inward than the inner peripheral surface of the main body 61. The second protrusion 69 is configured to engage with the recess 41a of the insertion portion 41. By engaging the second protrusion 69 with the recess 41a, the retainer 60 is mounted to the housing 40.

[0107] like Figure 7As shown, the insertion amount of the second protrusion 69 into the recess 41a is greater than the gap between the protruding end of the first protrusion 68 and the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103. In this specification, "insertion amount" refers to the distance in the vertical direction Z between the area where the second protrusion 69 and the recess 41a are opposed along the front-rear direction X.

[0108] The function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0109] According to this embodiment, the retainer 60 is mounted to the housing 40 by engaging the second protrusion 69 of the arm portion 66 with the recess 41a of the insertion portion 41. Furthermore, the insertion depth of the second protrusion 69 into the recess 41a is greater than the gap between the first protrusion 68 and the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103. Therefore, even if the second protrusion 69 displaces away from the recess 41a due to elastic deformation of the arm portion 66, the engagement state between the second protrusion 69 and the recess 41a is maintained by bringing the first protrusion 68 into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103.

[0110] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0111] (1) The arm portion 66 has: an extension portion 67 that extends from the main body portion 61 toward the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X; a first protrusion 68 that protrudes from the extension portion 67 toward the inner peripheral surface of the defined opening portion 103; and a second protrusion 69 that protrudes from the extension portion 67 toward the outer peripheral surface of the housing 40, and is configured to engage with the recess 41a. The insertion amount of the second protrusion 69 into the recess 41a is greater than the gap between the protruding end of the first protrusion 68 and the inner peripheral surface of the defined opening portion 103.

[0112] Based on this structure, the aforementioned function is achieved, thus preventing the second protrusion 69 from disengaging from the recess 41a even when a load is applied to the arm 66 when the fitting device 10 is inserted relative to the housing 100. As a result, it is possible to prevent the retainer 60 from detaching from the housing 40.

[0113] (2) The thickness of the extension 67 is smaller than the thickness of the main body 61.

[0114] With this structure, the extension 67 can easily deform elastically relative to the main body 61. Therefore, the retainer 60 can be easily attached or detached from the housing 40.

[0115] Furthermore, the extension 67 is easily elastically deformable relative to the main body 61, thereby easily releasing the engagement between the second protrusion 69 and the recess 41a. However, since the engagement between the second protrusion 69 and the recess 41a is maintained by contacting the first protrusion 68 with the inner peripheral surface of the defined opening 103, it is possible to prevent the retainer 60 from detaching from the housing 40.

[0116] (3) The main body 61 has a cut 65 that extends in the front-rear direction X and is formed by cutting the portion of the main body 61 that is opposite to the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X. The base of the extension 67 is located inside the cut 65.

[0117] With this structure, the base end of the extension 67 is located inside the cutout 65 extending in the front-rear direction X. Therefore, compared with a structure without the cutout 65, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the retainer 60 and the size of the fitting device 10.

[0118] (4) The main body 61 has a protrusion 64 that protrudes toward the opposite side of the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X. The cut 65 extends to the protrusion 64. The base of the extension 67 is located in the portion of the cut 65 that extends to the protrusion 64.

[0119] With this structure, the base end of the extension 67 is located in the portion extending to the protrusion 64 within the cutout 65. Therefore, the base end of the extension 67 can be positioned away from the rubber ring 50. As a result, excessive load on the arm 66 during elastic deformation can be suppressed.

[0120] (5) An inclined surface 64a is provided at the protruding end of the protrusion 64, which is inclined in such a way that the closer to the opposite side of the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X, the further away from the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103.

[0121] With this structure, when the fitting device 10 is inserted into the opening 103 of the housing 100, the inclined surface 64a of the protrusion 64 easily guides the fitting device 10 into the interior of the opening 103. Therefore, the fitting operation between the fitting device 10 and the housing 100 becomes easier.

[0122] (6) The main body 61 has a limiting protrusion 63 that protrudes from the end opposite to the rubber ring 50 toward the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103 and limits the movement of the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X. The limiting protrusion 63 is located closer to the rubber ring 50 in the front-rear direction X than the top of the arm 66.

[0123] With this structure, the movement of the rubber ring 50 in the longitudinal direction X is restricted by the limiting protrusion 63. This prevents the rubber ring 50 from detaching from the housing 40 by climbing over the retainer 60.

[0124] (7) The protruding end of the first protrusion 68 is positioned parallel to the limiting protrusion 63 in the circumferential direction of the main body 61. The limiting protrusion 63 protrudes to a position closer to the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103 than the protruding end of the first protrusion 68.

[0125] With this structure, when the retaining member 60 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103 due to the insertion of the fitting device 10 into the opening 103 of the housing 100, the protrusion 63 is prevented from contacting the inner circumferential surface before the first protrusion 68. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the excessive load on the arm portion 66 caused by the first protrusion 68 contacting the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103.

[0126] <Variation Example>

[0127] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following variations can be combined with each other to implement them without creating technical inconsistencies.

[0128] ·like Figure 8 As shown, the protruding end of the first protrusion 68 can also be positioned parallel to the general portion 62 in the circumferential direction of the main body 61 and closer to the inner circumferential side of the main body 61 than the outer circumferential surface of the general portion 62. In other words, the general portion 62 can also protrude to a position closer to the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103 than the protruding end of the first protrusion 68. In this case, by increasing the insertion amount of the second protrusion 69 into the recess 41a relative to the retaining member 60 of this embodiment, the insertion amount can be made larger than the gap between the first protrusion 68 and the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103. According to this structure, when the retaining member 60 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103 due to the insertion of the fitting device 10 into the opening 103 of the housing 100, the general portion 62 contacts the inner circumferential surface before the first protrusion 68. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the excessive load on the arm portion 66 caused by the contact between the first protrusion 68 and the inner circumferential surface of the defined opening 103.

[0129] • In the above-described modified example, the protruding end of the first protrusion 68 is located on the same plane as the outer peripheral surface of the general part 62.

[0130] • The limiting protrusions 63 may also be provided discontinuously and spaced apart in the circumferential direction in the portion of the main body 61 where the cutouts 65 are not provided.

[0131] • The protruding end of the first protrusion 68 may also be located on the same plane as the outer peripheral surface of the limiting protrusion 63. In this case, the protruding end of the first protrusion 68 may also contact the inner peripheral surface of the defining opening 103. That is, no gap may be formed between the first protrusion 68 and the inner peripheral surface of the defining opening 103.

[0132] • The arm 66 may also extend in the longitudinal direction X to a position closer to the rubber ring 50 than the limiting protrusion 63. In this case, a limiting part can also be provided at the top of the arm 66 to limit the movement of the rubber ring 50 in the longitudinal direction X by opposing the rubber ring 50.

[0133] • The limiting protrusion 63 can also be omitted from the main body 61.

[0134] • The inclined surface 64a can also be omitted from the protrusion 64.

[0135] • The protrusion 64 may also be omitted from the main body 61. In this case, a cutout 65 extending to the front end of the general part 62 may be used, and the base end of the extension 67 may be located in the portion of the extension to the front end of the general part 62 in the cutout 65.

[0136] • Alternatively, the cutout 65 can be omitted from the main body 61. In this case, the extension 67 can extend from the general part 62.

[0137] • The thickness of the extension 67 can be the same as the thickness of the main body 61, or it can be greater than the thickness of the main body 61.

[0138] • At least one of the first protrusion 68 and the second protrusion 69 may also protrude from the portion near the base end of the extension 67.

[0139] • The number and position of arm 66 can be changed appropriately.

[0140] The conductive circuit in this embodiment is composed of a wire 20 and a connecting terminal 30, but is not limited thereto. If the conductive circuit is electrically connected to an on-board device, it may also be composed of one or more conductors such as a wire, a connecting terminal, or a busbar.

[0141] The fitting device 10 may have one conductive circuit or more than three conductive circuits.

[0142] • The housing 40 may also be made of metal materials such as aluminum alloy.

[0143] • The housing 40 may not retain the connection terminal 30. That is, the housing 40 may only cover the outer periphery of the conductive circuit.

[0144] This disclosure includes the following aspects. Reference numerals are used to indicate several constituent elements of embodiments that are illustrated but not for limitation, but rather as examples to aid understanding. Some of the items described in the following aspects may be omitted, or several items described in the aspects may be selected or extracted and combined.

[0145] [Note 1] The fitting device (10) of several embodiments of the present disclosure fits into the inner peripheral surface (opening 103) of the housing (100) for housing vehicle-mounted equipment, the fitting device (10) comprising:

[0146] Conductive circuits (20, 30) are connected to the vehicle-mounted equipment;

[0147] The fitting (40) is a fitting (cylinder 40) having an outer peripheral surface (insertion portion 41) disposed on the inner side of the inner peripheral surface (103) and one or more recesses (41a) opening on the outer peripheral surface (41), and through which the conductive circuit (20, 30) passes.

[0148] A sealing member (50) disposed between the outer peripheral surface (41) and the inner peripheral surface (103); and

[0149] A retainer (60), which is mounted on the outer peripheral surface (41), is configured to prevent the sealing member (50) from disengaging from the fitting (40).

[0150] The retainer (60) has:

[0151] One or more resilient arms (arms 66) extending toward the sealing member (50);

[0152] A first protrusion (68) protruding from the top of each elastic arm (66) toward the inner peripheral surface (103); and

[0153] A second protrusion (69) protrudes from the top end toward the corresponding recess (41a).

[0154] The insertion length of the second protrusion (69) into the recess (41a) is greater than the distance between the first protrusion (68) and the inner peripheral surface (103).

[0155] [Note 2] In several installation examples, the more than one recess (41a) may also be included in a plurality of recesses (41a) arranged circumferentially spaced apart on the outer peripheral surface (41), and the more than one elastic arm (arm 66) may also be included in a plurality of elastic arms (arm 66) arranged circumferentially spaced apart on the inner peripheral surface (103).

[0156] [Note 3] In several installation examples, the retainer (60) may also have a peripheral wall (general portion 62) extending along the outer periphery of the outer peripheral surface (41).

[0157] [Note 4] In several installation examples, the inner peripheral surface (103), the outer peripheral surface (41), the sealing member (50), and the peripheral wall (general part 62) may also have similar shapes to each other.

[0158] [Note 5] In several installation examples, the inner circumferential surface (103) may also define an elongated hole penetrating the housing (100).

[0159] [Note 6] In several installation examples, the retainer (60) may also have a pressing portion (restriction protrusion 63) located closer to the sealing member (50) than the elastic arm (66), and the pressing portion (63) may also extend along the end edge of the peripheral wall (general portion 62).

[0160] [Note 7] In several installation examples, the retainer (60) may also have a first end edge (63) extending along the sealing member (50) and a second end edge on the opposite side of the first end edge (63).

[0161] [Note 8] In several installation examples, the second end edge may also have one or more protrusions (64) protruding from the peripheral wall (general portion 62) in the opposite direction to the elastic arm (66), and each protrusion (64) may also have a trapezoidal shape surrounding the base end of each elastic arm (66).

[0162] [Note 9] In several installation examples, the width of the second protrusion (69) may also be equal to the width of the elastic arm (66).

[0163] [Note 10] In several installation examples, the width of the first protrusion (68) may also be smaller than the width of the elastic arm (66).

[0164] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0165] 10 fitting device

[0166] 20 wires

[0167] 21-core wire

[0168] 22 Insulation Covering Part

[0169] 30 Connecting terminals

[0170] 3.1 Wire connection part

[0171] 32 Terminal connection section

[0172] 32a Through hole

[0173] 40 Housing

[0174] 41 Insertion section

[0175] 41a concave part

[0176] 42. Protrusion

[0177] 42a slot

[0178] 43 Retaining Hole

[0179] 44 Configuration Department

[0180] 45 Flange portion

[0181] 45a Through Hole

[0182] 46 Insertion Holes

[0183] 47. Engagement Hole

[0184] 50 rubber rings

[0185] 51 Main Body

[0186] 52 Positioning convex part

[0187] 60 Retaining parts

[0188] 61 Main body

[0189] 62 General Department

[0190] 63. Limiting protrusions

[0191] 64. Protrusion

[0192] 64a Inclined surface

[0193] 65 incisions

[0194] 66 Arm

[0195] 67 Extension

[0196] 68 First protrusion

[0197] 69 Second protrusion

[0198] 70 Rubber Stopper

[0199] 80s generation retainer

[0200] 80a Through Hole

[0201] 81 Fixed claw

[0202] 100 Casing

[0203] 101 Main Body

[0204] 102 Assembly Department

[0205] 102a Female thread section

[0206] 103 Opening

Claims

1. A fitting device that fits into an opening in a housing for accommodating vehicle-mounted equipment, wherein, The fitting device includes: A conductive circuit, which is connected to the vehicle-mounted equipment; A cylindrical body having an insertion portion for insertion into the opening and covering the outer periphery of the conductive circuit; A sealing component, which is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part, provides waterproofing between the cylinder and the outer shell; as well as A retainer, which is installed in the insertion portion, and prevents the sealing member from detaching from the cylinder. The cylindrical body has a recess on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part. The retainer has a cylindrical main body that covers the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion and an arm that extends from the main body and is configured to be elastically deformable. The arm has an extension that extends from the main body toward the sealing member in the axial direction of the main body; A first protrusion protrudes from the extension toward the inner peripheral surface defining the opening; And a second protrusion, which protrudes from the extension toward the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and is configured to engage with the recess. The second protrusion is inserted into the recess by a greater amount than the gap between the first protrusion and the inner circumferential surface that defines the opening.

2. The fitting device according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the extension is smaller than the thickness of the main body.

3. The fitting device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The main body has a cut that extends along the axial direction and is formed by cutting the end of the main body opposite the sealing member in the axial direction. The base of the extension is located inside the cut.

4. The fitting device according to claim 3, wherein, The main body has a protrusion that projects toward the opposite side of the sealing member in the axial direction. The incision extends to the protrusion. The base of the extension is located in the portion of the cut that extends to the protrusion.

5. The fitting device according to claim 4, wherein, The protruding end of the protrusion is provided with an inclined surface that is inclined in such a way that the more it is directed toward the side opposite to the sealing member in the axial direction, the further away from the inner circumferential surface that defines the opening.

6. The fitting device according to claim 3, wherein, The main body has a limiting protrusion that protrudes from the end opposite the sealing member in the axial direction toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening, and limits the movement of the sealing member in the axial direction. The limiting protrusion is positioned closer to the sealing member in the axial direction than the tip of the arm.

7. The fitting device according to claim 6, wherein, The protruding end of the first protrusion is positioned parallel to the limiting protrusion in the circumferential direction of the main body. The limiting protrusion extends closer to the position defining the inner circumferential surface of the opening than the protruding end of the first protrusion.

8. The fitting device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The main body portion has: The general portion is a cylindrical portion that covers the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion; and A limiting protrusion protrudes from the end of the general portion opposite the sealing member in the axial direction toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening, and restricts the movement of the sealing member in the axial direction. The protruding end of the first protrusion is positioned parallel to the general portion in the circumferential direction of the main body portion. The general portion protrudes to a position closer to the inner circumferential surface defining the opening than the protruding end of the first protrusion.

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