Connector assembly and waterproof cover

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a connector assembly capable of preventing water from penetrating from an insertion port of a housing of an electronic device with a simple structure and without a large volume. The connector assembly of the present invention is such that, when a waterproof cover (31) is installed in a housing (11), a first protrusion (37) protruding from an outer peripheral surface of a cover body (32) while continuously surrounding the entire outer peripheral surface and made of an elastic material is pressed into an insertion port (12) of the housing (11), and the first protrusion (37) is in contact with the entire circumference of an inner peripheral surface (13) of the insertion port (12) in an elastically compressed state, a second protrusion (38) made of an elastic material is more protruding than the arrangement position of the first protrusion (37) from the outer peripheral surface of the front end side of the cover body (32) in the fitting direction, the second protrusion (38) is inserted into the inside of a connector (21), and is in contact with a pair of inner surfaces (27) and (28) opposite to each other of a metal shell (24) in an elastically compressed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly to a connector assembly in which, when the connector is engaged, a waterproof cap is used to seal the insertion port of the housing of an electronic device into which the connector on the opposite side is inserted.

[0002] In addition, the present invention also relates to a waterproof cover that can be detachably mounted on the casing of an electronic device to seal the insertion port. Background Technology

[0003] In the prior art, a known structure is that the housing has a connector for connecting an external device, and an insertion port for inserting the connector on the other side is formed in the housing in a manner close to the connector. In such an electronic device, when the connector is not used, the insertion port of the housing is covered with a cover to prevent water from seeping into the housing from the outside.

[0004] For example, such as FIG. 14 As shown, Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile phone port, wherein an insertion port 2 is formed on the housing 1, and a connector 3 is disposed inside the insertion port 2. A connector (not shown) on the opposite side is inserted into the insertion port 2 and fitted into the connector 3, thereby enabling connection to an external device (not shown) via the connector 3. The insertion port 2 has a rectangular opening 2A protruding from the front of the housing 1 and an elliptical connecting hole 2B extending continuously from the opening 2A into the interior of the housing 1.

[0005] For waterproofing, a removable connector is installed at insertion port 2. FIG. 15 The cover member 4 is shown. The cover member 4 has a rectangular front panel portion 4A that covers the opening 2A of the insertion port 2, and an insertion portion 4B that protrudes from the inner surface of the front panel portion 4A and is inserted into the communication hole 2B of the insertion port 2. A recess 5 is formed on the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the insertion portion 4B, and a pair of claw portions 6 are formed at both ends of the insertion portion 4B in the longitudinal direction.

[0006] like FIG. 16 As shown, the O-ring 7 is embedded in the recess 5. When the insertion part 4B is inserted into the connecting hole 2B of the outer casing 1, the O-ring 7 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface 2C of the connecting hole 2B while simultaneously contacting the inner circumferential surface 2C of the connecting hole 2B, thereby waterproofing the insertion port 2. Furthermore, the claw part 6 is inserted until it is closer to the inner side of the outer casing 1 than the inner circumferential surface 2C of the connecting hole 2B, and hooks onto the edge part 8 formed on the inner side of the inner circumferential surface 2C of the connecting hole 2B, thereby preventing the cover member 4 from falling off the insertion port 2.

[0007] Furthermore, when attaching or detaching the cover component 4 onto the insertion port 2, the claw portion 6 rubs against the inner circumferential surface 2C of the connecting hole 2B, causing the inner circumferential surface 2C to wear down, thereby reducing the waterproof effect of the O-ring 7. To prevent this from happening, the edge portion 8 that the claw portion 6 hooks onto is formed to protrude closer to the inner side of the outer casing 1 and closer to the center side of the connecting hole 2B than the inner circumferential surface 2C of the connecting hole 2B.

[0008] Existing patent literature

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-98078 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0012] However, the problem is that in order to prevent the cover member 4 from falling off the insertion port 2, the pair of claws 6 of the cover member 4 need to be inserted until they are closer to the inside of the housing 1 than the inner peripheral surface 2C of the connecting hole 2B and hook onto the edge portion 8. In addition, in order to prevent the claws 6 from rubbing against the inner peripheral surface 2C of the connecting hole 2B, it is necessary to form the edge portion 8 to protrude closer to the inside of the housing 1 than the inner peripheral surface 2C of the connecting hole 2B and closer to the center side of the connecting hole 2B than the inner peripheral surface 2C. This makes the structure of the insertion port 2 of the housing 1 and the cover member 4 complicated.

[0013] Furthermore, there is another issue: between the insertion port 2 of the housing 1 and the connector 3, there is a space required to hold the claw 6 onto the edge 8.

[0014] The present invention is proposed to solve the problems existing in the prior art as described above, and its purpose is to provide a connector assembly that can prevent water from entering from the insertion port of the electronic device housing with a simple structure and without large volume.

[0015] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a waterproof cover for preventing water from entering through the insertion port of the casing of an electronic device.

[0016] Means for solving the technical problem

[0017] The connector assembly of the present invention comprises: a connector that engages with a counterpart connector along a mating direction; a housing of an electronic device that houses the connector and has an insertion port for inserting the counterpart connector; and a waterproof cover that is detachably mounted to the housing from the outside and for closing the insertion port; wherein,

[0018] The waterproof cover has:

[0019] The cover body extends along the fitting direction;

[0020] The first protrusion, made of elastic material, is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction while continuously surrounding the entire outer peripheral surface.

[0021] The second protrusion, made of elastic material, is located on the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the cover body in the fitting direction, which is closer to the location of the first protrusion than the first protrusion, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction.

[0022] When the waterproof cover is installed on the housing, the first protrusion is pressed into the insertion port of the housing and contacts the entire inner circumferential surface of the insertion port in an elastically compressed state, and the second protrusion is inserted into the interior of the connector and contacts at least two opposing surfaces of the interior of the connector in an elastically compressed state.

[0023] The connector has at least one connection terminal, which connects to the connection terminal of the other-side connector when connected to it.

[0024] The cover body has a recess that is recessed from the front end of the cover body toward the rear end of the cover body and accommodates at least one connection terminal of the connector.

[0025] Additionally, preferably, the connector has a mating member, in which a concave mating connector receiving portion is formed for accommodating the mating connector.

[0026] When the waterproof cover is installed on the housing, the second protrusion is inserted into the interior of the connector receiving portion on the opposite side of the fitting member, and contacts at least the two opposing surfaces of the fitting member in an elastically compressed state.

[0027] A metal shell can be used as a fitting component.

[0028] For an electronic device housing that houses a connector that mates with the other side connector along the mating direction and has an insertion port for the other side connector to be inserted, the waterproof cover of the present invention is a waterproof cover that is detachably installed on the housing from the outside of the housing and closes the insertion port.

[0029] The waterproof cover features:

[0030] The cover body extends along the fitting direction;

[0031] The first protrusion, made of elastic material, is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction while continuously surrounding the entire outer peripheral surface.

[0032] The second protrusion, made of elastic material, is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the cover body closer to the fitting direction than the first protrusion, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction.

[0033] When the waterproof cover is installed on the housing, the first protrusion is pressed into the insertion port of the housing and contacts the entire inner circumferential surface of the insertion port in an elastically compressed state, and the second protrusion is inserted into the interior of the connector and contacts at least two opposing surfaces inside the connector in an elastically compressed state.

[0034] The cover body may have a recess that extends from the front end of the cover body toward the rear end of the cover body.

[0035] Preferably, the recess is positioned in the fitting direction at a position overlapping the second protrusion.

[0036] Preferably, the cover body is formed of insulating resin, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are respectively formed of rubber material.

[0037] In addition, the waterproof cover of the present invention may have an elastic member integrally formed with a first protrusion and a second protrusion, or it may have a first elastic member having a first protrusion and a second elastic member separated from the first elastic member and having a second protrusion.

[0038] The second protrusion protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the cover body within a surface perpendicular to the fitting direction, while continuously surrounding the entire outer peripheral surface.

[0039] In this case, preferably, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction, the maximum distance between the two ends of the first protrusion that continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body is greater than the maximum distance between the two ends of the second protrusion that continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body.

[0040] The waterproof cap may have a flange that is connected to the rear end of the cap body along the fitting direction and protrudes further than the cap body in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction.

[0041] Preferably, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction, the maximum dimension of the flange portion is greater than the maximum distance between the two ends of the first protrusion that continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body.

[0042] Furthermore, the waterproof cover has a button that is connected to the rear end of the flange along the fitting direction.

[0043] Effects of the invention

[0044] According to the present invention, a waterproof cover has a first protrusion disposed on the outer peripheral surface of a cover body, protruding from the outer peripheral surface and continuously surrounding the entire outer peripheral surface in a surface perpendicular to the fitting direction, and a second protrusion disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body at the front end side closer to the fitting direction than the first protrusion, protruding from the outer peripheral surface in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction; when the waterproof cover is installed on a housing, the first protrusion is pressed into the insertion port of the housing and contacts the entire inner peripheral surface of the insertion port in an elastically compressed state, and the second protrusion is inserted into the interior of the connector and contacts at least two opposing surfaces of the interior of the connector in an elastically compressed state. Therefore, water can be prevented from entering from the insertion port of the electronic device housing with a simple structure and without large volume. Attached Figure Description

[0045] FIG. 1 This is a perspective view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the housing of the electronic device used in Embodiment 1 and the side view of the connector.

[0047] FIG. 3 This is a partial front view showing the casing of the electronic device used in Embodiment 1.

[0048] FIG. 4 yes FIG. 3 A sectional view along line AA in the diagram.

[0049] FIG. 5 This is a perspective view of the waterproof cover used in Example 1, viewed from a rear-facing angle.

[0050] FIG. 6 This is a perspective view of the waterproof cover used in Example 1, viewed from a diagonal front.

[0051] FIG. 7 This is a front view showing the waterproof cover used in Embodiment 1.

[0052] FIG. 8 This is a top view showing the waterproof cover used in Embodiment 1.

[0053] FIG. 9 This is a side view showing the waterproof cover used in Embodiment 1.

[0054] FIG. 10 yes FIG. 8 A sectional view along line BB in the image.

[0055] FIG. 11 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 with the waterproof cover installed on the casing of the electronic device.

[0056] FIG. 12 This is a sectional view of the side of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, showing the electronic device with the waterproof cover installed.

[0057] FIG. 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the side of the waterproof cover used in Example 2.

[0058] FIG. 14 It is a perspective view showing a portion of the casing of a mobile phone port in the prior art.

[0059] FIG. 15 This is a perspective view showing a cover component used in a mobile phone port in the prior art.

[0060] FIG. 16 It is a cross-sectional view showing, in part, the state in which a cover member is installed on the casing of a mobile phone port in the prior art.

[0061] Figure Labels

[0062] 1. Housing 2. Insertion port 2A. Opening 2B. Connecting hole 3. Connector 4. Cover component 4A. Front panel

[0063] 4B Insertion part 5 Recess 6 Claw part 7 O-ring 8 Edge part 11 Outer shell 12 Insertion port

[0064] 13 Inner circumferential surface 21 Connector 22 Connecting terminal 23 Insulator 24 Metal shell 25 Tongue part

[0065] 26. Contralateral connector receiving part; 27, 28. Inner surface; 31, 31A. Waterproof cover; 32, 32A. Cover body.

[0066] 33 Flange portion 34 Button portion 35 Recess portion 36 Elastic member 36A First elastic member 36B Second elastic member

[0067] 37 First protrusion 38 Second protrusion 39 Groove 39A First groove 39B Second groove 41 Circuit board

[0068] D. Interlocking direction S. Spacing L0X, L0Z, LY; Length L1X, L2X, L1Z, L2Z; Maximum distance

[0069] L3X, L3Z maximum dimensions Detailed Implementation

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] Example 1

[0072] FIG. 1 This is a perspective view showing a connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The connector assembly includes a housing 11 of an electronic device, a connector 21 housed inside the housing 11, and a detachable waterproof cover 31 mounted on the housing 11.

[0073] An elliptical insertion port 12 extending along a predetermined direction is formed in the housing 11 of the electronic device, and a connector 21 is positioned facing the insertion port 12 from the inside of the housing 11. Furthermore, the connector 21 engages with a counterpart connector along a mating direction D, and the counterpart connector is inserted into the housing 11 from the outside through the insertion port 12 and engages with the connector 21. Additionally, the portion of the housing 11 with the insertion port 12 extends in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction D.

[0074] In the absence of connector 21 (not shown) engaging with connector 21, and in order to prevent water from entering the interior of housing 11 through insertion port 12, waterproof cover 31 is installed on housing 11 from the outside of housing 11 and seals insertion port 12.

[0075] For convenience, we will refer to the direction in which the connector on the opposite side (not shown) engages with the connector 21 along the mating direction D as the +Y direction, the direction in which the elliptical insertion port 12 of the housing 11 extends perpendicularly to the Y direction as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the XY plane as the Z direction.

[0076] like FIG. 2 As shown, the connector 21 is mounted on a circuit board 41 disposed within the housing 11 of the electronic device, and the connector 21 has at least one connection terminal 22, an insulator 23 for retaining the connection terminal 22, and a metal shell 24 covering the connection terminal 22 and the insulator 23.

[0077] The insulator 23 has a tongue-shaped portion 25 protruding along the mating direction D to the -Y direction. The -Y direction end of the connecting terminal 22 is disposed on the surface of the tongue-shaped portion 25 and protrudes toward the +Z direction. In addition, the +Y direction end of the connecting terminal 22 protrudes from the insulator 23 toward the +Y direction and is connected to a connecting plate (not shown) disposed on the surface of the circuit board 41. The central portion of the connecting terminal 22 in the Y direction is embedded in the insulator 23.

[0078] The metal shell 24 is cylindrical in shape and forms a concave receiving portion 26 for the opposite-side connector around the tongue-shaped portion 25 of the insulator 23. The receiving portion 26 for the opposite-side connector is a partial space that accommodates the opposite-side connector when it is fitted into the connector 21 along the mating direction D (not shown).

[0079] The connector 21 is disposed on the +Y direction side of the insertion port 12 of the housing 11 and near the insertion port 12. The connector receiving part 26 on the opposite side of the metal housing 24 is configured to face the insertion port 12 of the housing 11 from the inside of the housing 11.

[0080] In addition, the cylindrical metal shell 24 has a pair of inner surfaces 27, 28 that are opposite to each other in the Z direction, sandwiching the opposite connector receiving part 26, and these inner surfaces 27, 28 are arranged with a gap S in the Z direction.

[0081] like FIG. 3 As shown, the insertion port 12 of the outer casing 11 has an inner circumferential surface 13 with an elliptical shape having a length of L0X in the X direction and a length of L0Z in the Z direction.

[0082] In addition, such as FIG. 4 As shown, the inner circumferential surface 13 of the insertion port 12 has a specified length LY along the Y direction.

[0083] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 The structure of the waterproof cover 31 is shown. The waterproof cover 31 has a cover body 32 extending along the Y direction, a flange portion 33 connected to the rear end of the cover body 32, i.e., the end in the Y direction, and a button portion 34 connected to the further rear end of the flange portion 33.

[0084] Corresponding to the elliptical insertion opening 12 of the outer casing 11, when viewed from the Y direction, the cover body 32 has a flat elliptical shape that extends along the X direction. A recess 35 is formed inside the cover body 32, which is recessed from the front end of the cover body 32, i.e., the +Y direction end, toward the rear of the cover body 32.

[0085] An elastic member 36 is installed on the cover body 32, which continuously surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32. The elastic member 36 has a first protrusion 37 located at the rear of the cover body 32 on the -Y direction side, and a second protrusion 38 located closer to the +Y direction end side of the cover body 32 than the first protrusion 37. Both the first protrusion 37 and the second protrusion 38 protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32 toward the outside of the cover body 32 in an XZ plane that intersects perpendicularly to the Y direction, and continuously surround the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32, forming an integral unit with each other.

[0086] like FIG. 7 As shown, in the XZ plane perpendicular to the Y direction, the flange 33 extends further than the cover body 32 in both the X and Z directions. When the cover body 32 is inserted into the insertion port 12 of the outer casing 11 and the waterproof cover 31 is installed on the outer casing 11 from the outside, the flange 33 contacts and abuts against the outside of the outer casing 11, thereby defining the position of the waterproof cover 31 relative to the outer casing 11 in the Y direction.

[0087] like FIG. 8As shown, viewed from the Z direction, the maximum distance L1X between the two ends of the first protrusion 37 that continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32 is set to be longer than the maximum distance L2X between the two ends of the second protrusion 38 that continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32.

[0088] Furthermore, viewed from the Z direction, the maximum dimension L3X of the flange portion 33 is set to be longer than the maximum distance L1X between the two ends of the first protrusion 37 that continuously surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32.

[0089] Similarly, as FIG. 9 As shown, viewed from the X direction, the maximum distance L1Z between the two ends of the first protrusion 37 that continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32 is set to be longer than the maximum distance L2Z between the two ends of the second protrusion 38 that continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32.

[0090] Furthermore, viewed from the X direction, the maximum dimension L3Z of the flange portion 33 is set to be longer than the maximum distance L1Z between the two ends of the first protrusion 37 that continuously surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32.

[0091] also, FIG. 3 The length L0X of the inner peripheral surface 13 of the insertion port 12 of the housing 11 shown in the X direction has the following relationship: it is larger than the maximum distance L2X between the two ends of the second protrusion 38, slightly smaller than the maximum distance L1X between the two ends of the first protrusion 37, and smaller than the maximum dimension L3X of the flange portion 33.

[0092] same, FIG. 3 The length L0Z of the inner peripheral surface 13 of the insertion port 12 of the outer casing 11 in the Z direction has the following relationship: it is larger than the maximum distance L2Z between the two ends of the second protrusion 38, slightly smaller than the maximum distance L1Z between the two ends of the first protrusion 37, and smaller than the maximum dimension L3Z of the flange portion 33.

[0093] The lengths L0X in the X direction and L0Z in the Z direction of the inner peripheral surface 13 of the insertion port 12 are slightly smaller than the maximum distances L1X and L1Z between the two ends of the first protrusion 37, respectively. Therefore, when the first protrusion 37 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32 is pressed into the insertion port 12 of the outer shell 11 from the Y direction, the first protrusion 37 is configured to be able to contact the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 13 of the insertion port 12 in an elastically compressed state.

[0094] Additionally, when viewed in the X direction, it is sandwiched between FIG. 2The distance S between the pair of opposing inner surfaces 27 and 28 of the metal shell 24 and the connector receiving portion 26 shown is set to be slightly smaller than the maximum distance L2Z between the two ends of the second protrusion 38. Therefore, when the +Y direction end of the cover body 32 is inserted into the connector receiving portion 26 of the metal shell 24, the second protrusion 38 can contact the pair of inner surfaces 27 and 28 of the metal shell 24 under elastic compression.

[0095] When the waterproof cover 31 is installed on the housing 11 and when the waterproof cover 31 installed on the housing 11 is removed, the button 34 connected to the rear end of the flange 33 is the place where the user holds it.

[0096] The cover body 32, flange 33, and button 34 of such a waterproof cover 31 are integrally formed of insulating resin, and the elastic member 36, including the first protrusion 37 and the second protrusion 38, is formed of elastic rubber material.

[0097] like FIG. 10 As shown, a groove 39 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32, which continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface. The elastic member 36 is embedded in the groove 39 or installed on the cover body 32 by casting.

[0098] Furthermore, the recess 35 of the cover body 32 is positioned in the Y direction at a position overlapping with the second protrusion 38 of the elastic member 36.

[0099] then, FIG. 11 The connector assembly is shown with the waterproof cover 31 installed on the housing 11. The waterproof cover 31 is installed on the housing 11 from the outside along the Y direction, and the flange 33 of the waterproof cover 31 abuts against the outside of the housing 11, so that the insertion port 12 of the housing 11 is not visible from the outside of the housing 11 because it is covered by the flange 33.

[0100] At this time, as FIG. 12 As shown, the cover body 32 of the waterproof cover 31 is inserted into the insertion port 12 of the outer casing 11, and the first protrusion 37 of the elastic member 36 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32 is pressed into the insertion port 12. The length L0X in the X direction and the length L0Z in the Z direction of the inner peripheral surface 13 of the insertion port 12 are slightly smaller than the maximum distance L1X and L1Z between the two ends of the first protrusion 37, respectively. Therefore, the first protrusion 37 contacts the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 13 of the insertion port 12 under elastic compression, thereby preventing water from entering the interior of the outer casing 11 through the insertion port 12.

[0101] like FIG. 4As shown, the inner peripheral surface 13 of the insertion port 12 has a predetermined length LY along the Y direction. Therefore, within the range of this length LY, the first protrusion 37 contacts the inner peripheral surface 13 of the insertion port 12, thereby preventing water ingress. That is, even if the flange 33 of the waterproof cover 31 does not abut against the outside of the outer shell 11, as long as the first protrusion 37 contacts the inner peripheral surface 13 of the insertion port 12 within the predetermined length LY, a waterproof effect can be obtained, ensuring waterproofness.

[0102] In addition, such as FIG. 12 As shown, if the waterproof cover 31 is installed on the housing 11, the front end of the cover body 32, i.e. the +Y direction end, is inserted into the interior of the metal shell 24 of the connector 21 disposed inside the housing 11, onto the opposite side of the connector receiving portion 26.

[0103] At this time, since a recess 35 is formed inside the cover body 32, extending from the front end of the cover body 32 towards the rear end of the cover body 32, the -Y direction end of the connecting terminal 22 is received in the recess 35 of the cover body 32. The -Y direction end of the connecting terminal 22 is disposed on the surface of the tongue-shaped portion 25 protruding in the -Y direction within the connector receiving portion 26 on the opposite side of the connector 21. Therefore, the front end of the cover body 32 does not abut against the tongue-shaped portion 25 and the connecting terminal 22, and the waterproof cover 31 can be installed on the outer casing 11.

[0104] Furthermore, the recess 35 of the cover body 32 is formed in such a way that it faces the tongue 25 and the -Y direction end of the connecting terminal 22 housed inside the cover body 32 at intervals in any of the Y, Z and X directions, and does not contact the tongue 25 and the connecting terminal 22.

[0105] In addition, the front end of the cover body 32 is inserted into the interior of the opposite connector receiving portion 26 of the metal shell 24, thereby the second protrusion 38 of the elastic member 36 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32, located on the front end side of the cover body 32, is also inserted into the interior of the opposite connector receiving portion 26.

[0106] Here, viewed from the X direction, the spacing between the pair of opposing inner surfaces 27 and 28 in the Z direction of the metal shell 24 is set to be slightly smaller than the maximum distance L2Z between the two ends of the second protrusion 38. Therefore, the second protrusion 38 contacts the inner surfaces 27 and 28 of the metal shell 24 in an elastically compressed state and is subjected to pushing force from the inner surfaces 27 and 28 of the metal shell 24.

[0107] As a result, the holding force of the waterproof cover 31 on the outer casing 11 is improved, which can prevent the waterproof cover 31 from falling off the outer casing 11.

[0108] Furthermore, since the second protrusion 38 contacts a pair of inner surfaces 27 and 28 of the metal shell 24 of the connector 21, there is no need to form a special part or part for receiving the second protrusion 38, and a connector assembly that does not require a large volume can be realized with a simple structure.

[0109] Installing the waterproof cover 31 on the housing 11 prevents water from entering the interior of the housing 11 through the insertion port 12. In this state, when the opposite connector (not shown) is connected to the connector 21, the button 34 of the waterproof cover 31 is held, and the waterproof cover 31 is pulled out of the housing 11 in the -Y direction, thereby opening the insertion port 12. In this way, the opposite connector can be connected to the connector 21 inside the housing 11 through the insertion port 12.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 1, the second protrusion 38 of the waterproof cover 31 contacts a pair of opposing inner surfaces 27 and 28 of the metal shell 24 of the connector 21 in the Z direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second protrusion 38 may also contact a pair of opposing inner surfaces 27 and 28 of the metal shell 24 of the connector 21 in the X direction.

[0111] The second protrusion 38 of the waterproof cover 31 only needs to contact the two opposing surfaces of the metal shell 24 in an elastically compressed state. Alternatively, the second protrusion 38 does not necessarily need to contact the metal shell 24; contact with the two opposing surfaces inside the connector 21 is sufficient to improve the holding force of the waterproof cover 31.

[0112] In Embodiment 1 described above, the second protrusion 38 of the waterproof cap 31 protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the cap body 32 and continuously surrounds the entire outer periphery of the cap body 32. Therefore, the second protrusion 38 not only contacts a pair of inner surfaces 27 and 28 of the metal shell 24, but can also be configured to make overall contact with the inner periphery of the metal shell 24 under elastic compression. As a result, the retaining force of the waterproof cap 31 can be further improved.

[0113] In addition, when the second protrusion 38 of the waterproof cover 31 only contacts the pair of opposing inner surfaces 27 and 28 of the metal shell 24 in the Z direction, the second protrusion 38 does not need to continuously surround the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32. The second protrusion is formed only on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32 in the +Z and -Z directions, which can also improve the holding force of the waterproof cover 31.

[0114] Furthermore, connector 21 has only the connection terminal 22 disposed on the surface of the tongue portion 25 in the +Z direction. However, the connection terminal 22 may also be disposed on both the surface of the tongue portion 25 in the +Z direction and the surface in the -Z direction. For electronic devices disposed inside the housing 11, such a connector can prevent water from entering the interior of the housing 11 through the insertion port 12 by installing a waterproof cover 31 on the housing 11.

[0115] Example 2

[0116] In the above-described embodiment 1, an elastic member 36, formed integrally with the first protrusion 37 and the second protrusion 38, is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32 of the waterproof cover 31, but it is not limited thereto.

[0117] FIG. 13 This is a sectional view of the side of the waterproof cover used in Embodiment 2. In the waterproof cover 31 used in Embodiment 1, the waterproof cover 31A replaces the cover body 32 and has a cover body 32A, and the first elastic member 36A and the second elastic member 36B are installed on the cover body 32A instead of the elastic member 36. The other structures are the same as the waterproof cover 31 of Embodiment 1.

[0118] A first groove 39A and a second groove 39B are formed on the cover body 32A. The first groove 39A continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32A near the rear of the flange portion 33, and the second groove 39B continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body 32A at a position closer to the +Y direction end side of the cover body 32A than the first groove 39A.

[0119] The first elastic member 36A has a first protrusion 37 and is formed of rubber material, and is mounted on the cover body 32A by being embedded in the first groove 39A. Similarly, the second elastic member 36B has a second protrusion 38 and is formed of rubber material, and is mounted on the cover body 32A by being embedded in the second groove 39B.

[0120] In this way, even if the first protrusion 37 and the second protrusion 38 are formed on the dedicated first elastic member 36A and the second elastic member 36B respectively, water can be prevented from entering the interior of the housing 11 through the insertion port 12 of the housing 11, just like in Embodiment 1. In addition, the holding force of the waterproof cover 31A can be improved, and a connector assembly with a simple structure and no need for a large space can be realized.

[0121] Furthermore, the cover body 32, flange portion 33, and button portion 34 of the waterproof cover 31 in Embodiment 1 above, and the cover body 32A, flange portion 33, and button portion 34 of the waterproof cover 31A in Embodiment 2 are formed of insulating resin. However, since these components are configured not to directly contact the connection terminal 22 of the connector 21 and the metal shell 24, they can also be formed of conductive materials such as metal.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes: The connector engages with the connector on the other side along the mating direction; The housing of the electronic device houses the connector and has an insertion port for insertion of the counterpart connector; A waterproof cap, detachably mounted to the outer casing from the outside and used to close the insertion port; wherein, The waterproof cover has: The cover body extends along the fitting direction; The first protrusion, made of elastic material, is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction while continuously surrounding the entire outer peripheral surface; The second protrusion, made of an elastic material, is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body at the front end side in the fitting direction, which is closer to the first protrusion than the first protrusion, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction. The connector has at least one connection terminal, which is connected to the connection terminal of the counterpart connector when connected to the counterpart connector. The cover body has a recess that is recessed from the front end of the cover body toward the rear end of the cover body and accommodates at least one connection terminal of the connector; the recess is disposed in the mating direction at a position overlapping the second protrusion; When the waterproof cover is installed on the housing, the first protrusion is pressed into the insertion port of the housing and contacts the entire inner circumferential surface of the insertion port in an elastically compressed state, and the second protrusion is inserted into the interior of the connector and contacts at least two opposing surfaces of the interior of the connector in an elastically compressed state.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector has a fitting member that forms a concave receiving portion for accommodating the counterpart connector. When the waterproof cover is installed on the housing, the second protrusion is inserted into the interior of the opposite connector receiving portion of the fitting member, and contacts at least two opposing surfaces of the fitting member in an elastically compressed state.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fitting component is made of a metal shell.

4. A waterproof cover, characterized in that, The housing of the electronic device accommodates a connector that mates with a counterpart connector along the mating direction and has an insertion port for insertion of the counterpart connector. A waterproof cover is detachably attached to the housing from the outside, closing the insertion port. The waterproof cover has the following features: The cover body extends along the fitting direction; The first protrusion, made of elastic material, is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction while continuously surrounding the entire outer peripheral surface; The second protrusion, made of an elastic material, is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover body at the front end side of the fitting direction, which is closer to the position of the first protrusion than the position of the first protrusion, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction. The connector has at least one connection terminal, which is connected to the connection terminal of the counterpart connector when connected to the counterpart connector. The cover body has a recess that is recessed from the front end of the cover body toward the rear end of the cover body and accommodates at least one connection terminal of the connector; the recess is disposed in the mating direction at a position overlapping the second protrusion; When the waterproof cover is installed on the housing, the first protrusion is pressed into the insertion port of the housing and contacts the entire inner circumferential surface of the insertion port in an elastically compressed state, and the second protrusion is inserted into the interior of the connector and contacts at least two opposing surfaces of the interior of the connector in an elastically compressed state.

5. The waterproof cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cover body is formed of insulating resin, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are respectively formed of rubber material.

6. The waterproof cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, The waterproof cover has an elastic member formed integrally with the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

7. The waterproof cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, The waterproof cover includes a first elastic member having the first protrusion and a second elastic member separated from the first elastic member and having the second protrusion.

8. The waterproof cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second protrusion protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the cover body in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction, while continuously surrounding the entire outer peripheral surface.

9. The waterproof cover according to claim 8, characterized in that, Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction, the maximum distance between the two ends of the first protrusion that continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body is greater than the maximum distance between the two ends of the second protrusion that continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body.

10. The waterproof cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, The waterproof cover has a flange that is connected to the rear end of the cover body along the fitting direction and protrudes further than the cover body in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction.

11. The waterproof cover according to claim 10, characterized in that, Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction, the maximum dimension of the flange is greater than the maximum distance between the two ends of the first protrusion that continuously surrounds the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover body.

12. The waterproof cover according to claim 10, characterized in that, The waterproof cap has a button portion connected to the rear end of the flange portion along the fitting direction.

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