connector

Abstract

A connector (30) of one aspect of the present disclosure has an electric wire (20), a connection terminal (40) connected to an end portion of the electric wire (20), a connector housing (50) that holds the connection terminal (40), and a ring-shaped rubber plug that is fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the electric wire (20). The connector (30) has a rear stopper (120) that is fitted to the connector housing (50) and presses the rubber plug, and a shield case (170) that covers an outer periphery of the connector housing (50). The connector housing (50) has a housing space (79) and a locking piece (77) configured to be elastically deformed toward the housing space (79) and locked with the shield case (170). The rear stopper (120) has a protrusion (142, 143) that is housed in the housing space (79) and contacts the locking piece (77).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connector. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, connectors are known to be mounted in the housing of electrical equipment installed in vehicles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such connectors have terminal parts that connect to the ends of wires, a connector housing that holds the terminal parts, and a shielding shell that covers the connector housing from the outside. A locking arm is provided on the connector housing to engage with the shielding shell, which is fitted into the connector housing. When the shielding shell is engaged, the locking arm is pressed by the shielding shell and retracts into a flexural space; if the shielding shell is engaged in its proper position, it elastically returns to its original position and locks into the shielding shell. This prevents the shielding shell from detaching from the connector housing.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-41635 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the connector described above, if, for example, the locking arm becomes longer, the locking arm is prone to bending. If the locking arm bends, the holding force of the locking arm on the shielding shell decreases, raising concerns that the shielding shell may detach from the connector housing.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a connector capable of preventing the shield from detaching from the connector housing.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The connector disclosed herein includes: a wire; a connection terminal connected to an end of the wire; a connector housing retaining the connection terminal; and a mount on the outer peripheral surface of the wire.

[0011] An annular rubber plug; a rear stop mounted on the connector housing and pressing the rubber plug; and a shielding shell covering the outer periphery of the connector housing, the connector housing having a receiving space and a locking piece configured to elastically deform toward the receiving space and engage with the shielding shell, the rear stop having a contact portion that is received in the receiving space and contacts the locking piece.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] The connector according to this disclosure has the effect of preventing the shielding shell from falling off the connector housing. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a wiring harness according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a connector and housing according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of the connector.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connector assembled in a housing according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the connector housing.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the connector.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of a connector housing according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the connector.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view showing a rear stop according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0025] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0026] [1] The connector disclosed herein has: a wire; a connection terminal connected to an end of the wire; a connector housing for retaining the connection terminal; an annular rubber plug mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the wire; a rear stop mounted on the connector housing and pressing the rubber plug; and a shielding shell covering the outer periphery of the connector housing, the connector housing having a receiving space and a locking piece configured to elastically deform toward the receiving space and lock with the shielding shell, the rear stop having a contact portion that is received in the receiving space and contacts the locking piece.

[0027] According to this structure, a contact portion is provided in the rear stop member used to prevent the rubber plug installed on the wire from detaching; this contact portion contacts the locking tab of the connector housing. This contact portion contacts the locking tab within the housing space, thereby supporting the locking tab and limiting its elastic deformation towards the housing space. Therefore, accidental release of the locking tab from the shielding shell can be prevented. Furthermore, since the locking tab is supported by the contact portion, even if the locking tab becomes longer, buckling of the locking tab can be prevented, thereby preventing a decrease in the retaining force of the locking tab on the shielding shell. Thus, detachment of the shielding shell from the connector housing can be prevented.

[0028] [2] Preferably, the rear stop has a stop portion for pressing the rubber plug and a connecting portion connected to the stop portion, and the contact portion is a protrusion protruding from the connecting portion toward the locking piece. According to this structure, the locking piece is supported by the protrusion protruding from the connecting portion toward the locking piece. As a result, elastic deformation of the locking piece toward the storage space can be suppressed.

[0029] [3] Preferably, the protrusion is formed to extend in the direction in which the locking piece extends. According to this structure, since the locking piece can be supported by the protrusion extending in the direction in which the locking piece extends, the bending of the locking piece can be appropriately suppressed even when the locking piece becomes longer.

[0030] [4] Preferably, the connecting portion has a protrusion that protrudes more than the stop portion toward the insertion direction in the insertion direction of the rear stop relative to the connector housing, and the connector housing has a receiving portion for receiving the protrusion.

[0031] According to this structure, the protrusion provided at the connecting portion inserts deeper into the connector housing than the stop portion of the pressing rubber plug. Therefore, even when water pressure is applied to the rubber plug, for example, it is possible to prevent the rear stop from tilting in a direction intersecting the insertion direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rear stop from falling out of the connector housing due to tilting of the rear stop.

[0032] [5] Preferably, the end face of the protrusion in the direction intersecting the insertion direction contacts the inner surface of the receiving portion. According to this structure, the end face of the protrusion contacts the inner surface of the receiving portion, thereby appropriately suppressing the rear stop from tilting in the direction intersecting the insertion direction. Thus, it is possible to appropriately suppress the rear stop from detaching from the connector housing.

[0033] [6] Preferably, the connecting terminal has a wire connection portion connected to the wire and a terminal connection portion connected to the other terminal, the connector housing has a retaining hole for retaining the terminal connection portion, the top end portion of the terminal connection portion protrudes from the opening edge of the retaining hole, the terminal connection portion has at least a portion of an opposing surface opposite to the other terminal, and the connector housing has a support portion for supporting the opposing surface of the terminal connection portion, the support portion protruding from the opening edge of the retaining hole.

[0034] According to this structure, since the opposing surface of the terminal connection portion protruding from the end face of the retaining hole is supported by the support portion, it is possible to prevent the terminal connection portion from tilting towards the other terminal. Therefore, when the connector is inserted into the housing or other component of the connected object, it is possible to prevent the top end of the terminal connection portion from contacting the other terminal. Thus, the connector insertion operation can be performed smoothly, thereby improving the connector's insertion operability.

[0035] In this specification, "opposite" refers to a situation where surfaces or components are positioned face-to-face, including not only situations where they are completely face-to-face but also situations where they are partially face-to-face. Furthermore, "opposite" in this specification includes both situations where a component different from the two parts is sandwiched between the two parts and situations where no component is sandwiched between the two parts.

[0036] [7] Preferably, the support portion has a main body portion facing the opposite face of the terminal connection portion, and a rib protruding from the main body portion in the direction opposite to the terminal connection portion. According to this structure, by providing a rib in the main body portion, the overall strength of the support portion can be improved. Therefore, the terminal connection portion can be properly supported by the support portion, thereby appropriately suppressing the tilting of the terminal connection portion toward the opposite terminal.

[0037] [8] Preferably, the locking piece is a first locking piece, and the connector housing has a second locking piece disposed inside the retaining hole and locking with the terminal connection portion. The retaining hole has a bottom wall portion facing the end face of the terminal connection portion, and the bottom wall portion has a recess that opens at a position opposite to the second locking piece across the terminal connection portion. The main body portion is formed protruding from the end face of the bottom wall portion other than the recess. According to this structure, since the main body portion is formed only in the bottom wall portion other than the recess, the enlargement of the main body portion can be suppressed. As a result, the increase in the amount of resin in the connector housing due to the provision of the support portion can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the increase in the cost of the connector housing.

[0038] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein]

[0039] Hereinafter, specific examples of the connectors of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for ease of explanation, a portion of the structure is sometimes shown exaggeratedly or simplified. Additionally, the dimensional ratios of the parts may differ in different drawings. The terms "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification do not refer only to strictly parallel or orthogonal situations, but also to generally parallel or orthogonal situations within the range that achieves the desired effect of this embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, but refers to the invention as shown in the claims, and includes all modifications with the same meaning and scope as the claims.

[0040] (Overall structure of wire harness 10)

[0041] Figure 1 The wiring harness 10 shown electrically connects two or more electrical devices. For example, the wiring harness 10 electrically connects an inverter 11 located at the front of a vehicle V, such as a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle, to a high-voltage battery 12 located at the rear of the vehicle V, beyond the inverter 11. The inverter 11 is connected to a wheel drive motor (not shown) that serves as the power source for the vehicle's movement. The inverter 11 generates alternating current from the direct current (DC) of the high-voltage battery 12 and supplies this AC current to the motor. The high-voltage battery 12 is, for example, a battery capable of supplying several hundred volts.

[0042] The wiring harness 10 has multiple (two in this embodiment) wires 20, an outer casing 25 surrounding the multiple wires 20, and a pair of connectors 30 mounted at both ends of the wires 20. One end of the wire 20 is connected to the inverter 11 via the connector 30, and the other end of the wire 20 is connected to the high-voltage battery 12 via the connector 30. The wires 20 are, for example, high-voltage wires capable of handling high voltage and high current. The outer casing 25 protects the internally housed wires 20 from impacts by flying objects and water droplets.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, each connector 30 is fixed to the inverter 11 and the high-voltage battery 12 (see reference). Figure 1 The conductive housing 15 of electrical equipment such as connectors 30. Each connector 30, for example, connects to a counterpart terminal 200 (see reference 200) disposed within the housing 15. Figure 5 Electrical connection. The material of the housing 15 can be, for example, iron-based, aluminum-based, or other metallic materials.

[0044] (Structure of shell 15)

[0045] The housing 15 has a box-shaped housing body 16 and an annular mounting portion 17 integrally disposed on the housing body 16 and protruding outward from the housing body 16. The mounting portion 17 is formed into an annular shape through a mounting hole 17X having a through-hole 17X.

[0046] In this specification, "ring" refers to a structure that is seamlessly connected, forming a loop, i.e., 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, "ring-shaped" in this specification can be considered as a whole as a ring, including shapes such as a C-shape with cuts, slits, etc., in some parts.

[0047] The mounting hole 17X is formed to communicate between the internal space of the housing body 16 and the external space of the housing body 16. The shape of the mounting hole 17X, when viewed from the through direction, is a flat shape having a long side and a short side. In this specification, "flat shape" includes, for example, a rectangle, an oblong shape, an ellipse, etc. Furthermore, "rectangle" in this specification refers to a shape having a long side and a short side, other than a square. Additionally, "rectangle" in this specification also includes shapes with chamfered edges and shapes with rounded edges. "Oblong shape" in this specification is a shape composed of two parallel lines of approximately equal length and two semicircles. The mounting hole 17X of this embodiment is formed as an oblong shape when viewed from the through direction.

[0048] In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the X-axis represents the front-back direction of connector 30, the Y-axis represents the left-right direction (width direction) of connector 30 orthogonal to the X-axis, and the Z-axis represents the up-down direction (height direction) of connector 30 orthogonal to the XY plane. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the direction extending along the X-axis will be referred to as the front-back direction X, the direction extending along the Y-axis will be referred to as the left-right direction Y, and the direction extending along the Z-axis will be referred to as the up-down direction Z. Furthermore, in the following description, Figure 2 In the diagram, the X arrow is set to forward, and the Z arrow is set to upward.

[0049] The housing 15 has one or more (two in this embodiment) fixing portions 18 for securing the connector 30 to the housing 15. The two fixing portions 18 are provided, for example, on both sides of the assembly portion 17 in the left-right direction Y. Each fixing portion 18 is formed to protrude outwards from the housing body 16. Each fixing portion 18 has a bolt fixing hole 18X extending through it in the up-down direction Z.

[0050] (Structure of connector 30)

[0051] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connector 30 has a plurality of connection terminals 40 respectively connected to the ends of a plurality of wires 20, and a connector housing 50 for holding the plurality of connection terminals 40. Figure 4 As shown, the connector 30 has rubber rings 91, 92, and 93 fitted to the outer periphery of the connector housing 50, a front stop 100, a rubber plug 110 fitted to the end of the wire 20, a rear stop 120, and a shield 170 covering the connector housing 50 from the outside.

[0052] (Structure of connecting terminal 40)

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, each connecting terminal 40 has, for example, a wire connection portion 41 that connects to the end of the wire 20 and a terminal connection portion 42 that connects to the counterpart terminal 200. Each connecting terminal 40 is, for example, a single component formed by connecting the wire connection portion 41 and the terminal connection portion 42 in the front-rear direction X. The material for each connecting terminal 40 can be, for example, metal materials such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel. The connecting terminal 40 can be formed, for example, by stamping a metal sheet with excellent conductivity.

[0054] (Structure of wire connection part 41)

[0055] The wire connection portion 41 is electrically connected to the end of the wire 20. Here, the wire 20 is a sheathed wire having a core wire 21 made of conductor and an insulating sheath portion 22 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 21. The wire connection portion 41 is connected, for example, to the end of the core wire 21 exposed from the insulating sheath portion 22. The wire connection portion 41 is connected to the core wire 21, for example, by crimping, ultrasonic welding, or the like. Thus, the wire connection portion 41 is electrically and mechanically connected to the core wire 21.

[0056] (Structure of terminal connection part 42)

[0057] The terminal connection portion 42 is, for example, formed in a flat plate shape. For example, a through hole 42X for inserting a bolt B1 is formed in the terminal connection portion 42. The through hole 42X extends through the terminal connection portion 42 along the plate thickness direction (here, the vertical direction Z). The terminal connection portion 42 is electrically and mechanically connected to the counterpart terminal 200, for example, by means of the bolt B1. The terminal connection portion 42 has at least a portion of a facing surface 42A (here, the lower surface) that faces the counterpart terminal 200. A locking hole 42Y extending through the terminal connection portion 42 along the plate thickness direction is formed in the terminal connection portion 42, for example, between the through hole 42X and the wire connection portion 41.

[0058] (Structure of connector housing 50)

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector housing 50 is, for example, an annular shape extending in the front-rear direction X. The connector housing 50 is, for example, formed into a flat shape that is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the vertical direction Z. The connector housing 50 has an insertion portion 51 that is inserted into a mounting hole 17X of the housing 15 and an outer placement portion 70 disposed on the outside of the housing 15. The insertion portion 51 is inserted (fitted) from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction X relative to the mounting hole 17X. The connector housing 50 is, for example, a single component formed by connecting the insertion portion 51 and the outer placement portion 70 in the axial direction (in this case, the front-rear direction X) of the connector housing 50. As the material of the connector housing 50, insulating materials such as synthetic resin can be used, for example.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the insertion portion 51 is formed, for example, protruding forward from the front end of the outer configuration portion 70. The insertion portion 51 is formed to have a mounting hole 17X (see reference). Figure 2 The inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 51 is annular, corresponding to the shape of the outer circumferential surface. For example, the insertion portion 51 is formed as a flat shape that is longer in the left-right direction (Y) than in the vertical direction (Z). In this embodiment, the insertion portion 51 is formed as an elongated annular shape.

[0061] (Structure of the insertion part 51)

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, a receiving groove 51X for receiving a rubber ring 91 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. The receiving groove 51X is formed to be recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. The receiving groove 51X is formed, for example, covering the entire circumferential surface of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. A rubber ring 91 is fitted into the receiving groove 51X. The rubber ring 91 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the connector housing 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 15.

[0063] A receiving groove 51Y for receiving a rubber ring 92 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. The receiving groove 51Y is, for example, located rearward than the receiving groove 51X. The receiving groove 51Y is formed to be recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. The receiving groove 51Y is, for example, formed over the entire circumferential surface of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 51. A rubber ring 92 is fitted into the receiving groove 51Y. The rubber ring 92 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the connector housing 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 15.

[0064] (Structure of rubber rings 91 and 92)

[0065] The rubber rings 91 and 92 are configured to be elastically deformable. The rubber rings 91 and 92 are, for example, O-rings. The rubber rings 91 and 92 are, for example, formed as continuous rings covering the entire circumference of the insertion portion 51. In this embodiment, the rubber rings 91 and 92 are formed as elongated rings with both their inner and outer circumferential shapes being oblong.

[0066] (Structure of the insertion part 51)

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the insertion portion 51 has, for example, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) retaining holes 52 arranged in the left-right direction Y. Each retaining hole 52 is formed to penetrate the insertion portion 51 in the front-back direction X. A connecting terminal 40 is held inside each retaining hole 52. When viewed from the front-back direction X, the plurality of connecting terminals 40 held inside the retaining holes 52 are arranged at intervals along the long side of the insertion portion 51.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, a locking piece 53 is provided inside each retaining hole 52. A receiving space 62 is formed above each locking piece 53. Each receiving space 62 is formed by a gap between the upper surface of the locking piece 53 and the inner peripheral surface of the retaining hole 52. Each receiving space 62 is formed to open forward.

[0069] Each locking piece 53 is configured, for example, to protrude downward from the inner circumferential surface at the rear end of the retaining hole 52 inside the retaining hole 52, and then extend forward in the front-rear direction X inside the retaining hole 52. Each locking piece 53 is configured as a cantilever, with a base end (here, the rear end) connected to the inner circumferential surface of the retaining hole 52 as a fixed end and a top end (here, the front end) located on the side opposite to the base end in the front-rear direction X as a free end. Each locking piece 53 is elastic. Each locking piece 53 is configured to be elastically deformable so that inside the retaining hole 52, the top end of the locking piece 53 is offset in the vertical direction Z relative to the base end of the locking piece 53. Each locking piece 53 is configured, for example, to be able to flex in the vertical direction Z by elastic deformation. Each locking piece 53 is configured, for example, to be able to elastically deform toward the receiving space 62. At the top end of each locking piece 53, a locking protrusion 54 is formed protruding downward from the lower surface of the locking piece 53.

[0070] Each connecting terminal 40 is inserted into its corresponding retaining hole 52 from the rear side. For example, the terminal connecting portion 42 of each connecting terminal 40 is inserted into its corresponding retaining hole 52. The terminal connecting portion 42 is disposed, for example, inside the retaining hole 52 below the locking piece 53. The connecting terminal 40 is retained inside the retaining hole 52 by engaging the locking protrusion 54 of the locking piece 53 with the locking hole 42Y of the terminal connecting portion 42. Here, when the connecting terminal 40 is inserted into the retaining hole 52, each locking piece 53 is pressed upward by the terminal connecting portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40 and retracts into the receiving space 62. That is, each locking piece 53 is pressed by the terminal connecting portion 42 during the insertion of the connecting terminal 40 and elastically deforms, bending upward and retracting into the receiving space 62. Afterward, if the connecting terminal 40 is inserted into the correct position, each locking piece 53 elastically returns to its original position and locks into the connecting terminal 40. Specifically, if the locking hole 42Y of the terminal connection part 42 is inserted into the position overlapping with the locking protrusion 54 in the vertical direction Z, the locking piece 53 elastically recovers and the locking protrusion 54 fits into the locking hole 42Y, and the locking protrusion 54 is locked in the locking hole 42Y.

[0071] For example, a front stop 100 is housed in the receiving space 62. The front stop 100 is, for example, formed in the shape of a plate. The front stop 100 is, for example, housed in the receiving space 62 from the front end side of the connector housing 50. The front stop 100 is inserted into the receiving space 62 from the front, for example, after each connecting terminal 40 is inserted into the corresponding retaining hole 52. The front stop 100, for example, has the function of limiting the bending of the locking tab 53 toward the receiving space 62.

[0072] The front end portion of the terminal connection portion 42, which has a through hole 42X, is formed to protrude further forward than the opening edge of the retaining hole 52. That is, the front end portion of the terminal connection portion 42 protrudes outside the retaining hole 52 (insertion portion 51).

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown, each retaining hole 52 has a bottom wall portion 55. The bottom wall portion 55 is, for example, located below the locking tab 53. For example, a downwardly recessed recess 55X is formed in the bottom wall portion 55 at a position opposite to the locking tab 53. The recess 55X is, for example, formed to be recessed downward from the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 55. The recess 55X is, for example, located at a position opposite to the locking tab 53, separated by the connecting terminal 40. The recess 55X extends, for example, in the front-rear direction X.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, the insertion portion 51 has, for example, a support portion 57 that protrudes forward from the opening edge of the retaining hole 52 and supports the opposing surface 42A of the terminal connection portion 42. The support portion 57 is located below the terminal connection portion 42. The support portion 57 restricts the terminal connection portion 42 from tilting towards the opposite terminal 200. The support portion 57 extends forward, for example, in the front-rear direction X.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, the support portion 57 is provided, for example, only on one side of the end of the connecting terminal 40 in the width direction (here, the left-right direction Y). In this embodiment, the support portion 57 is configured to support only the end of the connector housing 50 in the left-right direction Y of the end of the connecting terminal 40 in the width direction. That is, in this embodiment, the support portion 57 supports the opposing surface 42A of the terminal connection portion 42 only at the end on the outer side in the left-right direction Y.

[0076] The support portion 57 has an L-shaped planar shape when viewed from the opposite direction (here, the front-rear direction X) of the insertion direction of the connecting terminal 40 relative to the connector housing 50. For example, the support portion 57 has an L-shaped planar shape when viewed from the through direction of the retaining hole 52. The support portion 57 has, for example, a main body portion 57A that supports the opposing surface 42A of the terminal connection portion 42 and a rib 57B that protrudes upward from the main body portion 57A. In the support portion 57, for example, the main body portion 57A and the rib 57B are formed integrally and continuously.

[0077] The main body 57A faces, for example, the opposing surface 42A of the terminal connection portion 42. The main body 57A extends, for example, in the left-right direction Y. The main body 57A is formed, for example, in the portion other than the recess 55X in the bottom wall portion 55 of the retaining hole 52. The rib 57B extends, for example, in the direction opposite to the opposing surface 42A of the main body 57A (here, the vertical direction Z). The rib 57B extends upward from the upper surface of the main body 57A in the vertical direction Z. The rib 57B extends upward from the upper surface of the end of the main body 57A in the left-right direction Y. The rib 57B is provided, for example, facing the end face of the terminal connection portion 42 in the left-right direction Y. The thickness of the rib 57B in the left-right direction Y is, for example, greater than the thickness of the main body 57A in the vertical direction Z.

[0078] (Structure of the outer configuration section 70)

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer configuration portion 70 is formed, for example, protruding rearward from the rear end of the insertion portion 51. The outer configuration portion 70, when viewed from the front-rear direction X, is an annular shape that is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the vertical direction Z. The outer perimeter of the outer configuration portion 70 is, for example, smaller than the outer perimeter of the insertion portion 51.

[0080] In this specification, "the outer circumferential dimension of component A" refers to the length of one circumference of component A's outer circumference. Similarly, "the inner circumferential dimension of component A" refers to the length of one circumference of component A's inner circumferential surface.

[0081] The outer configuration portion 70 has, for example, a plurality (two in this case) of receiving holes 71 arranged in the left-right direction Y. Each receiving hole 71 is formed to penetrate the outer configuration portion 70 in the front-back direction X. Each receiving hole 71 is, for example, in an annular shape extending in the front-back direction X.

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown, a receiving groove 70X for receiving a rubber ring 93 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer configuration portion 70. A pair of receiving protrusions 72 and 73 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer configuration portion 70. Each receiving protrusion 72 and 73 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer configuration portion 70. Each receiving protrusion 72 and 73 is continuously arranged in a ring shape throughout the entire circumference of the outer configuration portion 70. The pair of receiving protrusions 72 and 73 are arranged parallel to each other, for example, at intervals in the front-rear direction X. The heights of the receiving protrusions 72 and 73 from the outer peripheral surface of the outer configuration portion 70 are, for example, equal. For example, the heights of each receiving protrusion 72 and 73 from the outer peripheral surface of the outer configuration portion 70 are constant throughout the entire circumference of the outer configuration portion 70. The receiving groove 70X is formed by the aforementioned pair of receiving protrusions 72 and 73. The receiving groove 70X is formed, for example, over the entire circumferential surface of the outer peripheral surface of the outer configuration portion 70. A rubber ring 93 is fitted into the receiving groove 70X. The rubber ring 93 seals the outer peripheral surface of the connector housing 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the shielding housing 170.

[0083] In addition, the term "equal" in this specification includes not only cases where they are correctly equal, but also cases where the objects being compared have slight differences due to factors such as dimensional tolerances.

[0084] (Structure of rubber ring 93)

[0085] The rubber ring 93 is configured to be elastically deformable. The rubber ring 93 is, for example, an O-ring. The rubber ring 93 is, for example, formed as a continuous ring extending circumferentially throughout the outer outer portion 70. In this embodiment, the rubber ring 93 is formed as an elongated ring with both its inner and outer circumferential shapes being elongated.

[0086] (Structure of the outer configuration section 70)

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, a pair of locking arms 75 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer configuration portion 70. The pair of locking arms 75 are integrally provided on the outer configuration portion 70, for example. For example, one locking arm 75 is provided on each of the two sides of the outer configuration portion 70 in the vertical direction Z. Figure 4 As shown, each locking arm 75 is disposed, for example, between the outer peripheral surfaces of adjacent storage holes 71.

[0088] Here, as Figure 8As shown, for example, a recess 70Y is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer configuration portion 70 located between adjacent receiving holes 71, recessed radially inward toward the outer configuration portion 70. The recess 70Y extends rearward from the receiving protrusion 73 in the front-rear direction X, for example. The recess 70Y is formed to open rearward, for example. The recess 70Y is formed to open radially outward toward the connector housing 50, for example.

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, each locking arm 75 has, for example, a post 76 extending radially outward from the bottom surface of the recess 70Y towards the outerly positioned portion 70, and a locking tab 77 extending rearward from the post 76 in the front-rear direction X. Each post 76 is, for example, formed to stand vertically from the bottom surface of the recess 70Y in the vertical direction Z. Each post 76 is, for example, spaced apart from the receiving protrusion 73. Here, a receiving space 79 is formed between each locking tab 77 and the bottom surface of each recess 70Y. Each receiving space 79 is, for example, formed to open rearward.

[0090] Each locking tab 77 extends rearward from the protruding tip of the post portion 76, for example. The tip of each locking tab 77 (here, the rear end) is formed, for example, into a receiving hole 71 (see reference). Figure 5 The rear end face of the locking tab 77 protrudes further rearward. A locking protrusion 78 is formed at the top of each locking tab 77, protruding radially outward from the side opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the outer configuration portion 70. Each locking tab 77 is, for example, formed as a cantilever, with the base end (here, the front end) connected to the post portion 76 as a fixed end and the top end (here, the rear end) located on the side opposite to the base end in the front-rear direction X as a free end. Each locking tab 77 is elastic. Each locking tab 77 is configured to be elastically deformable so that the top end of the locking tab 77 is offset relative to the base end of the locking tab 77 in the vertical direction Z. Each locking tab 77 is, for example, configured to be able to flex in the vertical direction Z by elastic deformation. Each locking tab 77 is, for example, configured to be elastically deformable toward the receiving space 79. Each locking tab 77 is, for example, formed in the axial direction of the connector housing 50 at the rear end opposite to the front end where the support portion 57 is formed.

[0091] The shielding shell 170 is fitted into the outer periphery of the outer mounting portion 70 from the rear side. Here, the structure of the shielding shell 170 will be described.

[0092] (Structure of shielding shell 170)

[0093] The shielding shell 170 has, for example, a covering portion 171 that covers the outer periphery of the outer configuration portion 70 and a fixing portion 172 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the covering portion 171. The shielding shell 170 is a single component in which the covering portion 171 and the fixing portion 172 are integrally formed. As the material of the shielding shell 170, for example, copper-based, aluminum-based, and other metallic materials can be used.

[0094] (Structure of the covering part 171)

[0095] The covering portion 171 is formed, for example, to surround the outer periphery of the outer arrangement portion 70 throughout the entire circumference. The covering portion 171 is formed, for example, to be annular with an inner circumferential surface having a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the outer arrangement portion 70. In this embodiment, the covering portion 171 is formed into an elongated annular shape.

[0096] The covering portion 171 has, for example, a first cylindrical portion 173 and a second cylindrical portion 174. The first cylindrical portion 173 is positioned forward of the second cylindrical portion 174. The first cylindrical portion 173 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the receiving groove 70X in the outer arrangement portion 70 throughout the entire circumference. The inner circumferential dimension of the first cylindrical portion 173 is, for example, set to be equal to the outer circumferential dimension of the receiving protrusions 72 and 73 constituting the receiving groove 70X. The length of the first cylindrical portion 173 in the front-rear direction X is, for example, equal to the distance between the rear end face of the insertion portion 51 and the rear end face of the receiving protrusion 73.

[0097] The inner circumferential dimension of the second cylindrical portion 174 is, for example, smaller than the inner circumferential dimension of the first cylindrical portion 173. Therefore, a height difference is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the covering portion 171. For example, on the inner side of the covering portion 171, the front end face of the second cylindrical portion 174 protrudes from the first cylindrical portion 173. The second cylindrical portion 174 is formed to circumferentially surround the outer circumferential surface of the outer arrangement portion 70 located rearward of the receiving groove 70X. The inner circumferential dimension of the second cylindrical portion 174 is, for example, set to be equal to the outer circumferential dimension of the outer arrangement portion 70 excluding the receiving groove 70X. The length of the second cylindrical portion 174 in the front-rear direction X is, for example, equal to the distance between the rear end face of the receiving protrusion 73 and the locking protrusion 78.

[0098] (Structure of fixing part 172)

[0099] The fixing portion 172 is formed, for example, to protrude upward from the front end of the covering portion 171 (first cylindrical portion 173). The width of the fixing portion 172 in the left-right direction Y is wider than the width of the covering portion 171 in the left-right direction Y. At both ends of the fixing portion 172 in the left-right direction Y, a connecting portion 175 protruding forward in the front-back direction X is provided. A fixing hole 175X is formed in each connecting portion 175, which passes through the connecting portion 175 in the vertical direction Z.

[0100] The shielding shell 170 is fitted onto the outer side of the outer configuration portion 70 from the rear end side of the connector housing 50. The shielding shell 170 is fitted onto the outer side of the outer configuration portion 70, for example, before the rear stop 120 is housed in the stop housing portion 81. The shielding shell 170 surrounds the outer periphery of the outer configuration portion 70. For example, the shielding shell 170 is positioned relative to the connector housing 50 in the front-rear direction X by engaging the rear end face of the covering portion 171 (second cylindrical portion 174) with the locking protrusion 78 of the locking tab 77. Here, when the shielding shell 170 is fitted onto the outer side of the outer configuration portion 70, each locking tab 77 is pressed by the covering portion 171 of the shielding shell 170 and retracts into the housing space 79. That is, when the shielding shell 170 is fitted, each locking tab 77 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the covering portion 171 and elastically deformed, flexing towards the bottom surface of the recess 70Y, thereby retracting into the housing space 79. Subsequently, if the shielding shell 170 is fitted into the correct position, it elastically returns to its original position, and the locking protrusion 78 locks into the rear end face of the covering portion 171. At this time, for example, the front end face of the first cylindrical portion 173 contacts the rear end face of the insertion portion 51, and the front end face of the second cylindrical portion 174 contacts the rear end face of the receiving protrusion 73. For example, the first cylindrical portion 173 covers the outer peripheral surface of the outer arrangement portion 70 from the rear end face of the insertion portion 51 to the receiving protrusion 73. Inside the first cylindrical portion 173, the rubber ring 93 seals the bottom surface of the receiving groove 70X with the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 173. Figure 5 As shown, the second cylindrical portion 174, for example, covers the outer peripheral surface of the outer arrangement portion 70 from the rear end face of the receiving protrusion 73 to the rear end face of the receiving hole 71.

[0101] The connecting portion 175 of the fixing portion 172 coincides with the fixing portion 18, for example, in such a way that the fixing hole 175X overlaps with the bolt fixing hole 18X of the fixing portion 18 in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the connecting portion 175 and the fixing portion 18 are fixed by bolts B2 inserted into the fixing hole 175X and the bolt fixing hole 18X. Thus, the shielding shell 170 is fixed to the housing 15, and the shielding shell 170 is electrically connected to the housing 15.

[0102] (Structure of storage hole 71)

[0103] Each receiving hole 71 communicates with a corresponding retaining hole 52. For example, the connection portion between the wire connecting part 41 and the core wire 21 of the wire 20 is received inside each receiving hole 71. For example, the end of the insulation covering part 22 of the wire 20 is received inside the receiving hole 71.

[0104] like Figure 9As shown, the outer configuration portion 70, for example, has a partition wall 80 disposed between a plurality of storage holes 71. The partition wall 80, for example, is configured to separate two storage holes 71 arranged in the left-right direction Y. The partition wall 80, for example, extends rearward from the inner sidewall of the outer configuration portion 70 along the front-rear direction X. The rear end face of the partition wall 80, for example, is disposed at a position forward of the rear end face of the storage hole 71 (towards the insertion portion 51). That is, the rear end face of the partition wall 80 is disposed at a position further forward and backward than the rear end face of the storage hole 71.

[0105] For example, an annular rubber plug 110 fitted to the wire 20 is housed inside each receiving hole 71. The rubber plug 110 seals the outer peripheral surface of the wire 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole 71. For example, a stop member receiving portion 81 for housing the rear stop member 120 is formed at the rear end of each receiving hole 71. The stop member receiving portion 81 is located, for example, further rearward than the partition wall 80. The stop member receiving portion 81 is configured, for example, by interconnecting the internal spaces at the rear ends of the plurality of receiving holes 71. For example, the internal spaces at the rear ends of the plurality of receiving holes 71 are interconnected through a space located behind the partition wall 80. The stop member receiving portion 81 is configured, for example, by the internal spaces at the rear ends of the plurality of receiving holes 71 and a space connecting the aforementioned internal spaces. The stop member receiving portion 81 is configured to open rearward. For example, the rear stop member 120 is inserted into the stop member receiving portion 81 along the insertion direction D1. In this embodiment, the insertion direction D1 is parallel to the front-back direction X, and is a direction from the rear of the front-back direction X toward the front.

[0106] (Structure of the stopper storage section 81)

[0107] like Figure 8 As shown, the stop member receiving portion 81, for example, has a slit 82 provided in the recess 70Y. The slit 82 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 70Y. The slit 82 extends from the rear end face of the bottom surface of the recess 70Y along the insertion direction D1 (in this case, forward). The slit 82 opens rearward. The slit 82, for example, extends to a position forward of the rear end face of the partition wall 80. The slit 82 is provided in the vertical direction Z at a position overlapping with the locking piece 77. The slit 82 is, for example, provided in the center portion of the recess 70Y in the horizontal direction Y.

[0108] The stop member storage portion 81, for example, has a storage portion 83 provided on the partition wall 80. The storage portion 83 is provided, for example, in the vertical direction Z between a pair of recesses 70Y. The storage portion 83 extends, for example, from the rear end face of the partition wall 80 along the insertion direction D1 (in this case, the front). The storage portion 83 opens rearward.

[0109] The storage section 83 has, for example, an upper wall section 84, a bottom wall section 85, and a pair of side wall sections 86. Each side wall section 86 is configured to separate the storage section 83 from each storage hole 71. The rear end face of each side wall section 86 is, for example, located at a position further forward than the rear end faces of the upper wall section 84 and the bottom wall section 85.

[0110] For example, a slit 87 is formed on the rear end face of the upper wall portion 84 and the bottom wall portion 85. The slit 87 extends from the rear end face of the upper wall portion 84 and the bottom wall portion 85 along the insertion direction D1 (in this case, the front). The slit 87 opens rearward, for example. The slit 87 extends to the side wall portion 86, for example, in the front-rear direction X. The slit 87 is positioned in the vertical direction Z, for example, overlapping with the locking piece 77. The slit 87 is positioned in the vertical direction Z, for example, overlapping with the slit 82. The slit 87 is positioned in the center of the storage portion 83 in the left-right direction Y.

[0111] (Structure of rear stop 120)

[0112] like Figure 9 As shown, the rear stop 120 is housed in the stop housing 81. The rear stop 120 is provided, for example, behind the rubber plug 110. The rear stop 120 prevents the rubber plug 110 from falling out of the housing hole 71 by pressing the rubber plug 110 from the rear.

[0113] The rear stop 120, for example, has a stop portion 130 housed in the rear end portion of the receiving hole 71 and a connecting portion 140 connected to the stop portion 130. In this embodiment, the rear stop 120 has two stop portions 130 and a connecting portion 140 connecting the two stop portions 130. The two stop portions 130 and the connecting portion 140 are arranged, for example, in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1 (here, the left-right direction Y). The two stop portions 130 are configured, for example, to clamp the connecting portion 140 in the left-right direction Y. The rear stop 120 is, for example, a single component formed integrally with the stop portions 130 and the connecting portion 140.

[0114] like Figure 5As shown, each stop portion 130 is, for example, an annular shape extending in the front-rear direction X. Each stop portion 130 has, for example, an outer peripheral surface shaped along the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole 71. Each stop portion 130 has, for example, a through hole 130X extending through each stop portion 130 in the insertion direction D1 (here, the front-rear direction X). The inner peripheral surface of each through hole 130X is, for example, shaped along the outer peripheral surface of the insulation covering portion 22 of the wire 20. The front end face of each stop portion 130 contacts, for example, the rear end face of the rubber plug 110. Each stop portion 130 has, for example, a plurality of retaining claws 131 formed on the outer peripheral surface of each stop portion 130. The stop member receiving portion 81 is provided with a number of locking holes 88 equal to the number of retaining claws 131. The stop member 120 is fixed relative to the stop member receiving portion 81 by inserting the plurality of retaining claws 131 of each stop portion 130 into the locking holes 88 respectively. In addition, each wire 20 passes through the through hole 130X of each stop portion 130 and is led out from the rear end of the receiving hole 71 to the outside of the connector housing 50.

[0115] like Figure 10 As shown, a connecting portion 140 is provided, for example, between two stop portions 130, and is configured to connect the two stop portions 130. The connecting portion 140 is, for example, formed in a flat plate shape. The connecting portion 140 has, for example, a predetermined thickness in the vertical direction Z. The connecting portion 140 extends, for example, between the two stop portions 130 in the horizontal direction Y. The length of the connecting portion 140 in the front-rear direction X is, for example, equal to the length of each stop portion 130 in the front-rear direction X. The front end face of the connecting portion 140 is, for example, formed on the same plane as the front end face of each stop portion 130. The rear end face of the connecting portion 140 is, for example, formed on the same plane as the rear end face of each stop portion 130.

[0116] For example, at the rear end of the connecting portion 140, a wall portion 141 is provided extending in a direction that intersects both the arrangement direction (in this case, the left-right direction Y) and the insertion direction D1 (in this case, the front-back direction) of the stop portion 130 and the connecting portion 140 (in this case, the vertical direction Z). For example, the rear stop 120 is housed in the stop storage portion 81 (see reference). Figure 9 In the case of ), wall portion 141 and partition wall 80 (refer to) Figure 9 ) Contact. Wall 141, for example, restricts the rear stop 120 relative to the connector housing 50 (see reference). Figure 9 The insertion amount is specified. The wall portion 141 protrudes from both the upper and lower surfaces of the connecting portion 140 in the vertical direction Z, for example. For example, the wall portion 141 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the connecting portion 140 and downward from the lower surface of the connecting portion 140. The wall portion 141 extends, for example, along the entire length of the connecting portion 140 in the horizontal direction Y. The length of the wall portion 141 in the front-rear direction X is shorter than the length of the connecting portion 140 in the front-rear direction X. The rear end face of the wall portion 141 is, for example, formed on the same plane as the rear end face of each stop portion 130.

[0117] like Figure 7 As shown, for example, a pair of protrusions 142 and 143 are provided in the connecting portion 140, each protruding toward one of the two locking tabs 77. Each protrusion 142 and 143 contacts the corresponding locking tab 77. A portion of each protrusion 142 and 143 is housed in the storage space 79. The protrusions 142 and 143 are, for example, positioned to overlap with the locking tabs 77 in the vertical Z direction. Figure 10 As shown, protrusions 142 and 143 protrude from the connecting portion 140 in a direction that intersects both the arrangement direction (in this case, the left-right direction Y) and the insertion direction D1 (in this case, the front-back direction Z) with the stop portion 130 and the connecting portion 140.

[0118] Protrusions 142 and 143 are, for example, provided at the center of the connecting portion 140 in the left-right direction (Y). Protrusions 142 and 143 are, for example, provided at a position where they overlap in the vertical direction (Z). Protrusion 142, for example, protrudes upward from the upper surface of the connecting portion 140. Protrusion 142, for example, protrudes upward further than the upper surface of the wall portion 141. For example, the vertical height (Z) of protrusion 142 from the upper surface of the connecting portion 140 is higher than the vertical height (Z) of the wall portion 141 from the upper surface of the connecting portion 140. Protrusion 143, for example, protrudes downward from the lower surface of the connecting portion 140. Protrusion 143, for example, protrudes downward more than the lower surface of the wall portion 141. For example, the vertical height (Z) of protrusion 143 from the lower surface of the connecting portion 140 is higher than the vertical height (Z) of the wall portion 141 from the lower surface of the connecting portion 140. Each protrusion 142, 143 is formed, for example, along the locking piece 77 (see reference). Figure 7 The protrusions 142 and 143 extend in the direction of the connecting portion 140 (in this case, the front-back direction X). For example, each protrusion 142 and 143 extends along the entire length of the connecting portion 140 in the front-back direction X. For example, the length of each protrusion 142 and 143 in the front-back direction X is longer than the length of the wall portion 141 in the front-back direction X.

[0119] For example, a protrusion 145 is provided on the inner end face (here, the front end face) of the connecting portion 140 in the insertion direction D1, protruding from the front end face along the insertion direction D1 (here, the front). The protrusion 145 protrudes further forward than the front end face of the stop portion 130. The protrusion 145 extends, for example, in the front-rear direction X. The protrusion 145 is provided, for example, at the center of the connecting portion 140 in the left-right direction Y. The protrusion 145 is provided, for example, in the portion of the connecting portion 140 that connects to the base end of the protrusions 142 and 143. The protrusion 145 extends, for example, in the arrangement direction (here, the left-right direction Y) of the stop portion 130 and the connecting portion 140. The length of the protrusion 145 in the left-right direction Y is, for example, shorter than the length of the connecting portion 140 in the left-right direction Y. The protrusion 145 has a predetermined thickness in the vertical direction Z. The length of the protrusion 145 in the vertical direction Z is, for example, equal to the length of the connecting portion 140 in the vertical direction Z. The length of the protrusion 145 in the vertical direction Z is set, for example, to be able to be accommodated within Figure 8 The length of the storage section 83 shown.

[0120] For example, a recess 146 is formed on the lower surface of the protrusion 145. The recess 146 is formed to be recessed upward from the lower surface of the protrusion 145. The recess 146 is provided, for example, at the center of the protrusion 145 in the left-right direction Y. The recess 146 extends, for example, in the front-back direction X. The recess 146 extends, for example, along the entire length of the protrusion 145 in the front-back direction X.

[0121] The rear stop 120 of this embodiment has a pair of segments 150, 151 and a hinge 152 connecting one end of the segments 150, 151 to each other. The segments 150, for example, have a protrusion 142. The segments 151, for example, have a protrusion 143. The hinge 152 is flexible. The hinge 152 is, for example, thinner than the segments 150, 151. The hinge 152 is, for example, connected to one end of the segments 150, 151 in the left-right direction Y. The hinge 152 connects the pair of segments 150, 151 so that they can be opened and closed. That is, the rear stop 120 is configured such that the pair of segments 150, 151 can be opened and closed with the hinge 152 as a fulcrum. For example, the rear stop 120 in the closed position of the pair of segments 150, 151 (refer to...) Figure 10 In this case, the stop portion 130, the connecting portion 140, and the protrusion 145 described above are constituted. At this time, a slit 155 extending in the front-rear direction X is formed in the stop portion 130, the connecting portion 140, and the protrusion 145. The slit 155 extends, for example, throughout the entire length of the left-right direction Y of the dividing bodies 150 and 151.

[0122] like Figure 9As shown, the rear stop 120 is inserted from the rear relative to the stop receiving portion 81 of the connector housing 50 along the insertion direction D1. The rear stop 120 is inserted into the stop receiving portion 81, for example, after the shielding shell 170 is fitted onto the outside of the outer placement portion 70. When the rear stop 120 is inserted into the stop receiving portion 81, each stop portion 130 of the rear stop 120 is received in the corresponding receiving hole 71. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the protrusions 142 and 143 of the rear stop 120 are inserted into the receiving space 79 and slits 82 and 87 of the connector housing 50. At this time, the protrusions 142 and 143 are inserted into the receiving space 79 and slits 82 and 87 while their top surfaces (upper and lower) contact the locking piece 77. If the protrusions 142 and 143 are received in the respective receiving spaces 79, the locking piece 77 is supported by the protrusions 142 and 143, thus limiting the elastic deformation of the locking piece 77 toward the receiving space 79. Here, if the shielding shell 170 is not properly fitted, for example, when the locking protrusion 78 is pressed from the inner circumferential surface of the covering portion 171 toward the bottom surface of the recess 70Y, the protrusions 142 and 143 cannot be inserted into the receiving space 79. This is because the locking protrusion 78 flexes toward the receiving space 79, thereby narrowing the vertical Z-length of the receiving space 79. Therefore, by inserting the rear stop 120 into the stop receiving portion 81, it is possible to detect whether the shielding shell 170 is properly engaged with the connector housing 50. Furthermore, the front end faces of the protrusions 142 and 143, for example, contact the inner sidewalls of the slits 82 and 87.

[0123] Furthermore, when the rear stop 120 is inserted into the stop receiving portion 81, the protrusion 145 of the rear stop 120 is received in the receiving portion 83 of the stop receiving portion 81. At this time, the end faces (upper and lower surfaces in this case) of the protrusion 145 that intersect the insertion direction D1 contact the inner surface of the receiving portion 83. For example, the upper surface of the protrusion 145 contacts the lower surface of the upper wall portion 84 that constitutes the inner surface of the receiving portion 83. In addition, the lower surface of the protrusion 145 contacts, for example, the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 85 that constitutes the inner surface of the receiving portion 83. For example, the lower surface of the protrusion 145 that constitutes the side wall of the recess 146 contacts the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 85.

[0124] Next, the effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0125] (1) The rear stop 120, used to prevent the annular rubber plug 110 installed on the wire 20 from detaching, is provided with protrusions 142 and 143 that contact the locking piece 77 that is locked to the shielding shell 170. According to this structure, the protrusions 142 and 143 contact the locking piece 77 in the receiving space 79, thereby supporting the locking piece 77 and limiting its elastic deformation toward the receiving space 79. Therefore, accidental release of the locking piece 77 from the shielding shell 170 can be prevented, thus preventing the shielding shell 170 from detaching from the connector housing 50. Furthermore, since the locking piece 77 is supported by the protrusions 142 and 143, even if the locking piece 77 becomes longer, bending of the locking piece 77 can be prevented, thereby preventing a decrease in the holding force of the locking piece 77 on the shielding shell 170. Thus, detachment of the shielding shell 170 from the connector housing 50 can be prevented.

[0126] (2) A protrusion 145 is provided at the connecting portion 140 of the rear stop 120, which protrudes further toward the insertion direction D1 than the stop 130. Furthermore, a receiving portion 83 for receiving the protrusion 145 is provided in the connector housing 50. According to this structure, the protrusion 145 is inserted deeper into the connector housing 50 than the stop 130 of the pressing rubber plug 110. Therefore, even when water pressure is applied to the rubber plug 110, for example, tilting of the rear stop 120 in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1 can be prevented. Thus, it is possible to prevent the rear stop 120 from falling out of the connector housing 50 due to tilting of the rear stop 120.

[0127] (3) The upper surface of the protrusion 145 contacts the lower surface of the upper wall portion 84 that constitutes the inner surface of the receiving portion 83, and the lower surface of the protrusion 145 contacts the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 85 that constitutes the inner surface of the receiving portion 83. Thus, even when water pressure is applied to the rubber stopper 110, for example, the rear stop 120 can be appropriately prevented from tilting in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1.

[0128] (4) A support portion 57 is provided, which protrudes forward from the front end of the retaining hole 52 of the connector housing 50 and supports the opposing surface 42A of the terminal connection portion 42. According to this structure, since the opposing surface 42A of the terminal connection portion 42 is supported by the support portion 57, it is possible to prevent the terminal connection portion 42 from tilting towards the other terminal 200. Therefore, when the connector 30 is inserted into the housing 15, which is the object to be connected, it is possible to prevent the top end of the terminal connection portion 42 from contacting the other terminal 200. For example, when the connector 30 is inserted into the housing 15, it is possible to prevent the top end of the terminal connection portion 42 from contacting the terminal block holding the other terminal 200. Therefore, the insertion operation of the connector 30 can be performed smoothly, thereby improving the insertion operability of the connector 30.

[0129] (5) A support portion 57 is formed by a main body portion 57A facing the opposite surface 42A of the terminal connection portion 42 and a rib 57B protruding from the main body portion 57A in the direction opposite to the terminal connection portion 42. According to this structure, by providing the rib 57B in the main body portion 57A, the overall strength of the support portion 57 can be improved, thereby improving the rigidity of the support portion 57. Therefore, the terminal connection portion 42 can be properly supported by the support portion 57, thereby appropriately suppressing the terminal connection portion 42 from tilting towards the other terminal 200.

[0130] (Other implementation methods)

[0131] The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to implement them without creating technical inconsistencies.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the support portion 57 is configured to support only the outer end of the connector housing 50 in the left-right direction Y of the end portion of the connection terminal 40 in the width direction, but it is not limited to this. For example, the support portion 57 may also be configured to support only the inner end of the connector housing 50 in the left-right direction Y of the end portion of the connection terminal 40 in the width direction. That is, the support portion 57 may also be provided between multiple connection terminals 40 in the left-right direction Y.

[0133] Alternatively, the support portion 57 of the above embodiment can be respectively provided at both ends of the connection terminal 40 in the width direction.

[0134] • Alternatively, the main body 57A of the support portion 57 in the above embodiment can be formed to extend along the entire length of the width direction of the connecting terminal 40.

[0135] Alternatively, in the above embodiment, the support portion 57 may have a protrusion that protrudes from the upper end of the rib 57B in the direction opposite to the connecting terminal 40 and faces the upper surface of the connecting terminal 40. In this case, the planar shape of the support portion 57 when viewed from the through direction of the retaining hole 52 is, for example, U-shaped.

[0136] • In the support portion 57 of the above embodiment, a rib 57B is provided that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the main body portion 57A, but this is not a limitation. A rib that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the main body portion 57A may also be provided.

[0137] • Rib 57B can also be omitted from the support portion 57 in the above embodiment. In this case, the support portion 57 consists only of the main body portion 57A.

[0138] • The support part 57 in the above embodiment can also be omitted.

[0139] • In the above embodiment, a recess 146 is provided in the protrusion 145 of the rear stop 120, but it is not limited to this. For example, the recess 146 may be omitted.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the protrusion 145 may also be provided on the front end face of the connecting portion 140 of the portion connected to the base end of the protrusions 142 and 143, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 145 may be formed only at a position offset from the protrusions 142 and 143 in the left-right direction Y.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the length of the protrusion 145 in the vertical direction Z is set to be equal to the length of the connecting portion 140 in the vertical direction Z, but it is not limited to this. For example, the length of the protrusion 145 in the vertical direction Z can be shorter than the length of the connecting portion 140 in the vertical direction Z, or it can be longer than the length of the connecting portion 140 in the vertical direction Z.

[0142] • Alternatively, a locking part that engages with the stopper storage part 81 can be provided at the protrusion 145 in the above embodiment.

[0143] • The protrusion 145 can also be omitted from the rear stop 120 in the above embodiment.

[0144] • In the rear stop 120 of the above embodiment, a pair of protrusions 142 and 143 are provided, which protrude upward and downward from the connecting portion 140, respectively, but are not limited thereto. For example, one of the protrusions 142 and 143 may be omitted.

[0145] • In the rear stop 120 of the above embodiment, the contact portion is specifically embodied as protrusions 142 and 143, but is not limited thereto. As the contact portion, it is sufficient to have a structure that is housed in the storage space 79 and contacts the locking piece 77, and other structures are not particularly limited.

[0146] • In the above embodiment, the rear stop 120 is constituted by a pair of split bodies 150, 151 and a hinge 152, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the hinge 152 may be omitted, and the pair of split bodies 150, 151 may be formed as one piece. In this case, the slit 155 is omitted.

[0147] • The wall portion 141 can also be omitted from the rear stop 120 in the above embodiment.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the rear stop 120 is provided by pressing a rubber plug 110, but this is not a limitation. For example, the rear stop 120 may also be provided by pressing an annular sealing member made of an elastomer other than rubber. In this case, the annular sealing member is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the wire 20.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the number of connection terminals 40 held by the connector housing 50 is not particularly limited, but the number of connection terminals 40 can be changed according to the specifications of the vehicle V. For example, the number of connection terminals 40 held by the connector housing 50 may be one or more. The number of stop portions 130 of the rear stop 120 can also be changed according to the number of connection terminals 40.

[0150] The configuration relationship between the inverter 11 and the high-voltage battery 12 in vehicle V is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be appropriately modified according to the vehicle structure. For example, the high-voltage battery 12 can also be configured as a general integral part of the floor of vehicle V.

[0151] In the above embodiment, an inverter 11 and a high-voltage battery 12 are used as electrical devices connected via wiring harness 10, but the method is not limited to these. For example, a wiring harness that connects the inverter 11 to a motor for driving the wheels can also be used. In other words, any component that electrically connects the electrical devices mounted on the vehicle can be used.

[0152] • In the above embodiment, the wire 20 is specifically embodied as a high-voltage wire, but the wire 20 can also be specifically embodied as a low-voltage wire.

[0153] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is not limited to the foregoing meaning, but extends to all modifications set forth in the claims and encompassing all equivalent meanings and scope thereof.

[0154] This disclosure includes the following solutions. Reference numerals for several constituent elements of illustrative embodiments are used to aid understanding and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Some of the items described in the following solutions may be omitted, or several items may be selected or combined.

[0155] [Note 1] The connector (30) of several embodiments of this disclosure has the following features:

[0156] Two wires (20);

[0157] Two connecting terminals (40) are respectively connected to the ends of the two wires (20);

[0158] The connector housing (50) is a connector housing (50) that holds the two connecting terminals (40) and has at least one locking tab (77);

[0159] Two annular rubber plugs (110) are provided for the two wires (20) to pass through respectively;

[0160] A shielding shell (170) configured to cover the outer periphery of the connector housing (50) and engage with the at least one locking tab (77); and

[0161] The rear stop (120) is configured to press the two rubber plugs (110) relative to the connector housing (50) and contact the at least one locking tab (77).

[0162] [Note 2] In some embodiments, the rear stop (120) may also have two stops (130) that press the two rubber plugs (110) respectively and a connecting portion (140) extending between the two stops (130).

[0163] [Note 3] In some embodiments, the two wires may be arranged in the width direction (Y), and the direction intersecting the axis of the two wires and the width direction (Y) may be the height direction (Z). The connector housing (50) may have two locking tabs (77) arranged along the height direction (Z) and extending along the axis.

[0164] [Note 4] In some embodiments, the rear stop (120) may also have two protrusions (142, 143) that engage with the two locking tabs (77) respectively.

[0165] [Note 5] In some embodiments, the connector housing 50 may also have two receiving holes (71) configured to allow the two wires (20) to pass through respectively.

[0166] [Note 6] In some embodiments, the two locking tabs (77) may also be arranged in the width direction (Y) between the two receiving holes (71).

[0167] [Note 7] In some embodiments, the two locking tabs (77) may be first locking tabs (77), and the connector housing (50) may have two second locking tabs (53) configured to engage with the two connecting terminals (40) respectively.

[0168] [Note 8] In some embodiments, the two second locking tabs (53) may also protrude in the opposite direction to the two first locking tabs (77).

[0169] [Note 9] In some embodiments, the rear stop (120) may also have two segments (151, 152) connected by a hinge (152).

[0170] [Note 10] In some embodiments, the two segments (151, 151) may also be divided into two parts by a slit (155) extending along the width direction (Y).

[0171] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0172] 10 Wire Harness

[0173] 11 Inverter

[0174] 12 High-voltage batteries

[0175] 15. Housing

[0176] 16. Main body of the shell

[0177] 17 Assembly Department

[0178] 17X mounting holes

[0179] 18 Fixing part

[0180] 18X bolt fixing holes

[0181] 20 wires

[0182] 21-core wire

[0183] 22 Insulation Covering Part

[0184] 25 External components

[0185] 30 connectors

[0186] 40 Connecting terminals

[0187] 41. Wire connection part

[0188] 42 Terminal connection section

[0189] 42A Opposite Plane

[0190] 42X Through Hole

[0191] 42Y locking hole

[0192] 50 Connector Housing

[0193] 51 Insertion Section

[0194] 51X and 51Y storage slots

[0195] 52 retaining hole

[0196] 53-card stop (second card stop)

[0197] 54. Locking protrusion

[0198] 55 bottom wall

[0199] 55X recess

[0200] 57 Support section

[0201] 57A Main Body

[0202] 57B Rib

[0203] 62 storage spaces

[0204] 70 External configuration section

[0205] 70X Storage Slot

[0206] 70Y concave part

[0207] 71 storage holes

[0208] 72, 73 Storage protrusions

[0209] 75 Locking Arm

[0210] 76. Column

[0211] 77-card stop (first stop)

[0212] 78. Locking protrusion

[0213] 79 Storage Space

[0214] 80 partition wall

[0215] 81 Stopping Part Storage Section

[0216] 82 Slits

[0217] 83 Storage Department

[0218] 84 Upper wall

[0219] 85 bottom wall

[0220] 86 Side wall portion

[0221] 87 Slit

[0222] 88 locking holes

[0223] 91, 92, 93 rubber rings

[0224] 100 front stop

[0225] 110 Rubber Stopper

[0226] 120 rear stop

[0227] 130 Stop section

[0228] 130X Through Hole

[0229] 131 Fixed claw

[0230] 140 Connecting section

[0231] 141 Wall section

[0232] 142, 143 protrusions

[0233] 145 Protrusion

[0234] 146 recess

[0235] 150, 151 segmentation

[0236] 152 Hinges

[0237] 155 slit

[0238] 170 Shielding Shell

[0239] 171 Covering section

[0240] 172 Fixing part

[0241] 173 First tube section

[0242] 174 Second tube section

[0243] 175 Connecting part

[0244] 175X mounting hole

[0245] 200 opposite terminal

[0246] V vehicle

[0247] B1 bolt

[0248] B2 bolt

[0249] D1 Insertion Direction

Claims

1. A connector having: electric wire; A connection terminal that connects to the end of the wire; The connector housing retains the connection terminals; An annular rubber plug installed on the outer circumference of the wire; The rear stop is installed on the connector housing and presses against the rubber plug; as well as A shielding shell covering the outer periphery of the connector housing. The connector housing has a storage space and a locking piece configured to elastically deform toward the storage space and engage with the shielding shell. The rear stop has a contact portion that is housed in the storage space and contacts the locking piece. The rear stop has a stop portion for pressing the rubber plug and a connecting portion connected to the stop portion. The contact portion is a protrusion that extends from the connecting portion in the direction in which the stop portion and the connecting portion are arranged and in the direction in which the rear stop member is inserted, both of which intersect.

2. A connector having: electric wire; A connection terminal that connects to the end of the wire; The connector housing retains the connection terminals; An annular rubber plug installed on the outer circumference of the wire; The rear stop is installed on the connector housing and presses against the rubber plug; as well as A shielding shell covering the outer periphery of the connector housing. The connector housing has a storage space and a locking piece configured to elastically deform toward the storage space and engage with the shielding shell. The rear stop has a contact portion that is housed in the storage space and contacts the locking piece. The rear stop has a stop portion for pressing the rubber plug and a connecting portion connected to the stop portion. The contact portion is a protrusion that extends from the connecting portion toward the locking piece. The connecting portion has a protrusion that protrudes more than the stop portion in the insertion direction relative to the connector housing. The connector housing has a receiving portion for accommodating the protrusion.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The protrusion is formed to extend in the direction in which the locking tab extends.

4. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The end face of the protrusion in the direction intersecting the insertion direction contacts the inner surface of the receiving part.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The connection terminal has a wire connection portion that connects to the wire and a terminal connection portion that connects to the other terminal. The connector housing has retaining holes for holding the terminal connection portion. The top end of the terminal connector protrudes from the opening edge of the retaining hole. The terminal connection portion has at least a portion of an opposing surface that faces the other terminal. The connector housing has a support portion that supports the opposing surface of the terminal connection portion. The support portion protrudes from the opening edge of the retaining hole.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein, The support portion has a main body portion facing the terminal connection portion, and a rib protruding from the main body portion in the direction in which the main body portion faces the terminal connection portion.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The locking tab is a first locking tab, and the connector housing has a second locking tab disposed inside the retaining hole and locking with the terminal connection portion. The retaining hole has a bottom wall portion facing the opposite side of the terminal connection portion. The bottom wall portion has a recess that opens at a position opposite to the second locking piece, separated by the terminal connection portion. The main body portion is formed protruding from the end face of the bottom wall portion, excluding the recess.

8. A connector having: electric wire; A connection terminal that connects to the end of the wire; The connector housing retains the connection terminals; An annular rubber plug installed on the outer circumference of the wire; The rear stop is installed on the connector housing and presses against the rubber plug; as well as A shielding shell covering the outer periphery of the connector housing. The connector housing has a storage space and a locking piece configured to elastically deform toward the storage space and engage with the shielding shell. The rear stop has a contact portion that is housed in the storage space and contacts the locking piece. The connection terminal has a wire connection portion that connects to the wire and a terminal connection portion that connects to the other terminal. The connector housing has retaining holes for holding the terminal connection portion. The top end of the terminal connector protrudes from the opening edge of the retaining hole. The terminal connection portion has at least a portion of an opposing surface that faces the other terminal. The connector housing has a support portion that supports the opposing surface of the terminal connection portion. The support portion protrudes from the opening edge of the retaining hole. The support portion has a main body portion facing the terminal connection portion, and a rib protruding from the main body portion in the direction opposite to the terminal connection portion. The locking tab is a first locking tab, and the connector housing has a second locking tab disposed inside the retaining hole and locking with the terminal connection portion. The retaining hole has a bottom wall portion facing the opposite side of the terminal connection portion. The bottom wall portion has a recess that opens at a position opposite to the second locking piece, separated by the terminal connection portion. The main body portion is formed protruding from the end face of the bottom wall portion, excluding the recess.

Images