Connector and connector structure

Abstract

A connector (11) is connected to a second electric wire (14), the connector (11) is provided with a first electric wire (13), a terminal (20), a rubber plug (30), and a housing (40) for housing the rubber plug (30), the first electric wire (13) is provided with a first core wire (13A) and a first insulating coating layer (13B) covering the first core wire (13A), and the second electric wire (14) is provided with a second core wire (14A) and a second insulating coating layer (14B) covering the second core wire (14A). The terminal (20) is provided with a first connecting part (23) connected to the first core wire (13A) and a second connecting part (24) connected to the second core wire (14A), a cavity (32) is formed in the rubber plug (30), the cavity (32) extends in the first direction, the terminal (20), the first electric wire (13) and the second electric wire (14) are inserted into the cavity (32), a first sealing part (36) and a second sealing part (37) are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cavity (32), the first sealing part (36) is arranged on one side of the terminal (20) in the first direction, and the second sealing part (37) is arranged on the other side of the terminal (20) in the second direction. A sealing member (13) for sealing the outer peripheral surface of the first insulating coating layer (13B); and a second sealing part (37) that is disposed on the other side in the first direction with respect to the terminal (20) and seals the outer peripheral surface of the second insulating coating layer (14B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector and a connector structure. Background Art

[0002] As a connector for connecting two wires without using a crimping terminal, a connector described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-187997 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) is known in the past. The connector has a female connector and a male connector that fit into each other. The female connector includes a female housing, a connection device housed in the female housing, and a first covered wire. The male connector includes a male housing and a second covered wire.

[0003] The connecting device is a device for connecting a first covered electric wire and a second covered electric wire. The connecting device comprises: a movable side conductive member and a fixed side conductive member, which are in electrical contact with a first conductor of the first covered electric wire and a second conductor of the second covered electric wire from opposite sides; and a pressing member, which presses the movable side conductive member and the fixed side conductive member to the first conductor and the second conductor in a contact direction. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-187997 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] In the above connector, waterproofness is not considered. Therefore, for example, water may sometimes penetrate into the inside of the connector from the mating surface of the female connector and the male connector. In addition, if a sealing member is simply added to the above structure, the number of parts will increase. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0006] The connector of the present invention is connected to a second electric wire, and the connector includes a first electric wire, a terminal, a rubber plug, and a housing for accommodating the rubber plug. The first electric wire includes a first core wire and a first insulating coating covering the first core wire, the second electric wire includes a second core wire and a second insulating coating covering the second core wire, the terminal includes a first connecting portion connected to the first core wire and a second connecting portion connected to the second core wire, a cavity is formed in the rubber plug, the cavity extends in a first direction, the terminal, the first electric wire, and the second electric wire are inserted into the cavity, and a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cavity, the first sealing portion is arranged on one side of the terminal in the first direction, and seals the outer peripheral surface of the first insulating coating, and the second sealing portion is arranged on the other side of the terminal in the first direction, and seals the outer peripheral surface of the second insulating coating. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a waterproof connector with a simple structure can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the connector structure according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector structure. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the other party's connector. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the connector. Figure 5 is the rear view of the connector. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 AA section view. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 BB cross-sectional view. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 CC cross-sectional view. Fig. 9 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the connector structure in section AA. Fig.10 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the connector structure in the CC section. Fig.11 This is a top view of the first electric wire module. Fig.12 yes Fig.11 DD cross-sectional view. Fig.13 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a rubber stopper. Fig.14 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the terminal. Fig.15 is a side view of the terminal. Fig.16 yes Fig.15 EE cross-sectional view. Fig.17 It is a front perspective view of the rear retaining body. Fig.18 It is a rear stereoscopic view of the rear retaining body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples.

[0010] (1) A connector of the present invention is connected to a second electric wire, the connector comprising a first electric wire, a terminal, a rubber plug, and a housing for accommodating the rubber plug, the first electric wire comprising a first core wire and a first insulating coating covering the first core wire, the second electric wire comprising a second core wire and a second insulating coating covering the second core wire, the terminal comprising a first connecting portion connected to the first core wire and a second connecting portion connected to the second core wire, the rubber plug having a cavity formed therein, the cavity extending in a first direction, the terminal, the first electric wire, and the second electric wire being inserted into the cavity, a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion being formed on an inner peripheral surface of the cavity, the first sealing portion being arranged on one side of the terminal in the first direction to seal an outer peripheral surface of the first insulating coating, and the second sealing portion being arranged on the other side of the terminal in the first direction to seal an outer peripheral surface of the second insulating coating.

[0011] According to such a structure, the terminal, the first electric wire and the second electric wire are inserted into the cavity of the rubber stopper, and the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cavity. Therefore, the increase in the number of components can be suppressed and waterproofness can be imparted to the connector.

[0012] (2) Preferably, the rubber stopper includes a locking protrusion that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the cavity toward the inside of the cavity, and the terminal includes a locking recess that is locked with the locking protrusion.

[0013] According to such a structure, the terminal can be easily held in the cavity by the locking projection and the locking recess.

[0014] (3) Preferably, the rubber stopper includes a protrusion that protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper and contacts an inner peripheral surface of the housing.

[0015] According to such a structure, by providing the protrusion on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper, the contact area between the outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper and the inner peripheral surface of the housing can be reduced, thereby reducing the insertion force of the rubber stopper into the housing.

[0016] (4) Preferably, the housing includes: a rubber stopper housing portion housing the rubber stopper; and a rear retainer assembled to the rubber stopper housing portion from one side in the first direction to prevent the rubber stopper from falling out inside the rubber stopper housing portion.

[0017] According to such a structure, the rubber stopper can be easily accommodated in the housing.

[0018] (5) Preferably, the housing includes a first electric wire holding portion, and the first electric wire holding portion is assembled to the rear holding body and holds the first electric wire.

[0019] According to such a structure, the first electric wire can be easily held in the housing.

[0020] (6) Preferably, the first core wire and the second core wire are single core wires.

[0021] According to such a configuration, since the first core wire and the second core wire are single core wires, the first core wire and the second core wire can be easily inserted into the cavity.

[0022] (7) Preferably, the terminal includes a cylindrical portion elongated in the first direction and a protruding portion protruding from an inner surface of the cylindrical portion toward an inner side of the cylindrical portion, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion include the protruding portion.

[0023] According to such a structure, by inserting the first core wire and the second core wire into the inside of the cylindrical part, it becomes easy to connect the terminal with the first core wire and the second core wire. In addition, by making the first connecting part and the second connecting part include the protruding part, the contact area of ​​the first core wire and the second core wire with the inner surface of the cylindrical part can be reduced. Therefore, the insertion force of the first core wire and the second core wire into the cylindrical part can be reduced.

[0024] (8) Preferably, the connector structure of the present invention includes the above-mentioned connector and a mating connector to be fitted with the connector, wherein the mating connector includes the second electric wire and a mating housing that holds the second electric wire.

[0025] According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide waterproofness to the connector structure while suppressing an increase in the number of components.

[0026] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The present invention is not limited to these examples but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0027] <Implementation Method> Reference Figures 1 to 18 The embodiment of the present invention is described. In the following description, the direction indicated by the arrow line Z is described as the top, the direction indicated by the arrow line X is described as the front, and the direction indicated by the arrow line Y is described as the left. In this embodiment, the front-back direction is an example of the first direction. In addition, with respect to a plurality of identical components, sometimes only some of the components are marked with reference numerals, and the reference numerals of the other components are omitted.

[0028] [Connector structure] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector structure 10 according to the present embodiment includes a connector 11 and a mating connector 12 that is fitted with the connector 11. The connector structure 10 is used for waterproofing.

[0029] [Connector, mating connector] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector 11 includes a first electric wire 13, a terminal 20 connected to the first electric wire 13, a rubber plug 30, and a housing 40 that accommodates the rubber plug 30. The counterpart connector 12 includes a second electric wire 14 and a counterpart housing 60 that holds the second electric wire 14. By inserting the second electric wire 14 into the terminal 20, the first electric wire 13 and the second electric wire 14 are connected.

[0030] [First electric wire, second electric wire] The first electric wire 13 includes a first core wire 13A and a first insulating coating 13B covering the outer periphery of the first core wire 13A. In the present embodiment, the first core wire 13A is a single core wire. The second electric wire 14 includes a second core wire 14A and a second insulating coating 14B covering the outer periphery of the second core wire 14A. In the present embodiment, the second core wire 14A is a single core wire.

[0031] [First wire holding portion] The connector 11 includes a plurality of first electric wires 13. The plurality of first electric wires 13 are fixed to a fixing member 15 such as a nonwoven fabric in a state of being arranged in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extending direction of the first electric wires 13. The plurality of first electric wires 13 fixed to the fixing member 15 are further held by a first electric wire holding portion 43. The first electric wire holding portion 43 is made of an insulating synthetic resin. The first electric wire holding portion 43 is included in the housing 40 of this embodiment. Fig.11 As shown, the first wire holding portion 43 includes locking portions 43A protruding to the left and right from both sides of the front side of the first wire holding portion 43. The plurality of first wires 13, the fixing member 15, and the first wire holding portion 43 constitute a first wire module 16.

[0032] like Fig.12 As shown, the first electric wire holding portion 43 includes: a lower holding portion 50, which is integrally formed with the plurality of first electric wires 13 fixed to the fixing member 15; and an upper holding portion 51, which clamps the plurality of first electric wires 13 together with the lower holding portion 50. The lower holding portion 50 includes a lower plate portion 52 arranged on the lower side of the fixing member 15 and a holding protrusion 53 extending upward from the lower plate portion 52. The holding protrusion 53 is arranged on both left and right sides of the lower plate portion 52. The holding protrusion 53 includes a shaft portion 53A and an expanded diameter portion 53B, and the expanded diameter portion 53B is arranged at the upper end of the shaft portion 53A and is formed to expand in diameter toward the outside of the shaft portion 53A. The shaft portion 53A is inserted into the through hole 15A provided in the fixing member 15. The expanded diameter portion 53B is formed in a shape that becomes increasingly thinner toward the end.

[0033] The upper holding portion 51 includes an upper plate portion 54 and two ridges 55, which protrude upward from the upper plate portion 54 and extend in the front-rear direction. A wire receiving portion 54A is formed on the lower surface of the upper plate portion 54 so as to be recessed along the outer peripheral surface of the first wire 13. The upper holding portion 51 is provided with an insertion hole 54B that penetrates the upper plate portion 54 in the up-down direction. The shaft portion 53A of the retaining protrusion 53 is inserted into the insertion hole 54B. The inner wall of the insertion hole 54B is inclined in such a manner that the inner diameter of the insertion hole 54B increases as it moves downward. As a result, the enlarged diameter portion 53B of the retaining protrusion 53 is easily inserted into the insertion hole 54B. In the state where the lower holding portion 50 and the upper holding portion 51 are assembled, the first wire 13 is retained by the lower plate portion 52 and the wire receiving portion 54A. The hole edge of the insertion hole 54B disposed on the upper surface of the upper plate portion 54 abuts against the enlarged diameter portion 53B.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the counterpart connector 12 includes a plurality of second electric wires 14. The second electric wires 14 are also held by the fixing member 15 and the second electric wire holding portion 62, similarly to the first electric wire 13. The second electric wire holding portion 62 is similarly configured to the first electric wire holding portion 43 and includes a locking portion 43A (see Fig.10 ), the lower holding portion 50 and the upper holding portion 51. The second wire holding portion 62 is included in the counterpart housing 60 of this embodiment. The plurality of second wires 14, the fixing member 15 and the second wire holding portion 62 constitute the second wire module 17.

[0035] [Terminal] The terminal 20 is formed by stamping a conductive metal plate. The metal constituting the terminal 20 can be selected from any metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. as needed. A plating layer can also be formed on the surface of the terminal 20. The metal constituting the plating layer can be selected from any metal such as tin, nickel, silver, etc. as needed.

[0036] [Tubular part, locking recessed part] like Fig.14 As shown, the terminal 20 has a cylindrical portion 21 that is roughly cylindrical. Specifically, the terminal 20 is formed in a shape in which the left and right side edges of the metal plate are bent upward in a manner close to each other. A locking recess 22 is formed at the front and rear center of the cylindrical portion 21. The locking recess 22 is formed in a slit shape by cutting the left and right side walls of the cylindrical portion 21.

[0037] [First connection part, second connection part] like Fig.15 As shown, the terminal 20 includes a first connection portion 23 and a second connection portion 24. In this embodiment, the first connection portion 23 is provided on the cylindrical portion 21 at the rear side of the locking recess 22, and the second connection portion 24 is provided on the cylindrical portion 21 at the front side of the locking recess 22. Fig. 9 As shown, the first connection portion 23 is connected to the first core wire 13A. The second connection portion 24 is connected to the second core wire 14A.

[0038] [Protrusion] like Fig.14 and Fig.16 As shown, a protrusion 25 protruding toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 21 is provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 21. The protrusion 25 of this embodiment is formed by knocking the cylindrical portion 21 inward. Therefore, a recess 26 recessed toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 21 is formed at a position corresponding to the protrusion 25 on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 21. The recess 26 and the protrusion 25 extend in the front-rear direction. Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the first connection portion 23 is composed of three protrusions 25. The first core wire 13A ( Fig.16 The single-dot chain line (shown in FIG. 1 ) is surrounded by three protrusions 25 , and the first core wire 13A and the terminal 20 are electrically connected by line contact or surface contact with the three protrusions 25 .

[0039] Like the first connection portion 23 , the second connection portion 24 is composed of three protrusions 25 . The second core 14A is surrounded by the three protrusions 25 , and is in line contact or surface contact with the three protrusions 25 , so that the second core 14A and the terminal 20 are electrically connected.

[0040] Providing the protrusions 25 on the first connection portion 23 and the second connection portion 24 can reduce the contact area between the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 21. Therefore, the insertion force of the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A into the cylindrical portion 21 can be reduced.

[0041] [Rubber stopper] The rubber stopper 30 is made of, for example, silicone rubber. Fig.13 As shown, the rubber stopper 30 is substantially in the shape of an elliptical column. The rubber stopper 30 includes a main body 31 and two protrusions 31A protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the main body 31. The protrusions 31A are provided around the outer periphery of the main body 31. In the rubber stopper 30, a plurality of cavities 32 are formed so as to penetrate the main body 31 in the front-rear direction.

[0042] [Cavity] like Fig. 9 As shown, the terminal 20, the first electric wire 13, and the second electric wire 14 are inserted into each cavity 32. That is, a terminal receiving portion 33 for receiving the terminal 20, a first electric wire insertion portion 34 for inserting the first electric wire 13, and a second electric wire insertion portion 35 for inserting the second electric wire 14 are continuously provided in the same cavity 32. The terminal receiving portion 33 is provided at the front and rear center position of the cavity 32. The first electric wire insertion portion 34 is provided at the rear side portion of the cavity 32. The second electric wire insertion portion 35 is provided at the front side portion of the cavity 32.

[0043] [Locking protrusion] like Figure 6 As shown, the terminal receiving portion 33 includes a locking protrusion 33A that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the cavity 32 toward the inner side of the cavity 32. The locking protrusion 33A is locked with the locking recess 22 of the terminal 20.

[0044] [First sealing part, second sealing part] like Fig. 9 As shown, a first sealing portion 36 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 32 constituting the first wire insertion portion 34, which is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first insulating coating layer 13B. Thus, water is prevented from entering the cavity 32 from the rear side of the cavity 32. Similarly, a second sealing portion 37 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 32 constituting the second wire insertion portion 35, which is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the second insulating coating layer 14B. Thus, water is prevented from entering the cavity 32 from the front side of the cavity 32.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the second sealing portion 37 is disposed inside the connector 11. Therefore, even without providing a sealing ring for sealing the mating surface between the connector 11 and the mating connector 12, the connector structure 10 can exhibit waterproof properties. In addition, the rubber plug 30 has both the first sealing portion 36 and the second sealing portion 37. Therefore, the number of components of the connector structure 10 can be reduced, and the structure of the connector structure 10 can be simplified.

[0046] On the other hand, unlike the present embodiment, in order to provide waterproofness to the connector structure having a male connector with a male terminal and a female connector with a female terminal, a sealing ring is required to seal the mating surfaces of the male connector and the female connector. In addition, a sealing portion for sealing the electric wires is required to be provided in each connector.

[0047] like Fig.13 As shown, a plurality of engagement recesses 38 that are recessed forward from the rear surface are provided on the rear surface of the main body 31 of the rubber stopper 30. The engagement recesses 38 are arranged at positions offset upward and downward relative to the cavity 32. Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of engagement recesses 38 recessed rearward from the front surface are also provided on the front surface of the main body 31 .

[0048] [case] The housing 40 is made of insulating synthetic resin. Figure 6 As shown, the housing 40 of this embodiment includes: a rubber stopper storage portion 41 for storing the rubber stopper 30; a rear retainer 42 for preventing the rubber stopper 30 from falling out in the rubber stopper storage portion 41; and the above-mentioned first wire retaining portion 43.

[0049] [Rubber stopper storage section] The rubber stopper receiving portion 41 is substantially cylindrical. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 4 , the rubber stopper storage portion 41 includes a front wall 44 and a peripheral wall 45 extending rearward from the outer edge of the front wall 44. Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion 31A of the rubber plug 30 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 45. A plurality of wire insertion holes 44A are formed through the front wall 44 in the front-to-back direction. The wire insertion holes 44A are arranged at positions corresponding to the cavities 32 of the rubber plug 30 accommodated in the rubber plug accommodation portion 41. The inner wall of the wire insertion hole 44A is inclined in such a manner that the inner diameter of the wire insertion hole 44A increases toward the front. As a result, it is easy to guide the second wire 14 into the inside of the wire insertion hole 44A (see Fig. 9 ).

[0050] like Fig. 9 As shown, the rubber plug receiving portion 41 has a fitting locking portion 45A on the upper portion of the peripheral wall 45. The fitting locking portion 45A is locked with the fitting locking receiving portion 66 of the other housing 60. A locking protrusion 45B is formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 45 to protrude outward. A locking protrusion 45B is provided on the outer surface of the lower side of the peripheral wall 45. Figure 4 As shown, two locking protrusions 45B are provided on the outer surface of the upper side of the peripheral wall 45 .

[0051] [Back holding body] like Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the rear retaining body 42 includes a fall-off prevention barrel 46 and a wire holding portion receiving portion 47. The fall-off prevention barrel 46 is substantially cylindrical. The fall-off prevention barrel 46 includes an inner wall 48 and a surrounding wall 49 extending forward from the outer edge of the inner wall 48. Figure 6 As shown, the anti-dropping cylinder 46 is engaged with the rubber plug receiving portion 41 from the rear to prevent the rubber plug 30 in the rubber plug receiving portion 41 from falling backward. The surrounding wall 49 is provided with a locking receiving portion 49A that is locked with the locking protrusion 45B. A plurality of openings 48A are formed through the inner wall 48 in the front-to-back direction. The openings 48A are arranged at positions corresponding to the cavity 32. The inner wall of each opening 48A is inclined in such a manner that the inner diameter of the opening 48A increases toward the rear. As a result, it is easy to guide the first electric wire 13 into the inside of the opening 48A.

[0052] like Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 4 , the rear retaining body 42 includes an engaging protrusion 48B protruding forward from the inner wall 48. Figure 7 As shown, the engaging protrusion 48B engages with the engaging recess 38 provided on the rear surface of the rubber stopper 30. In addition, the rubber stopper storage portion 41 also has an engaging protrusion 44B protruding rearward from the front wall 44. The engaging protrusion 44B engages with the engaging recess 38 provided on the front surface of the rubber stopper 30. The rubber stopper 30 can be positioned in the rubber stopper storage portion 41 by engaging the engaging protrusions 44B and 48B with the engaging recess 38.

[0053] like Fig.18 As shown, the wire holding portion receiving portion 47 is arranged behind the anti-slip cylinder portion 46. The wire holding portion receiving portion 47 has an insertion space 47A. The insertion space 47A is connected to a plurality of openings 48A. On the upper side wall portion of the wire holding portion receiving portion 47, two protrusion receiving portions 47B are recessed upward. A locking hole 47C is formed through the left and right walls of the wire holding portion receiving portion 47 in the left and right directions. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first wire module 16 is inserted into the insertion space 47A of the wire holding portion receiving portion 47. The protrusion receiving portion 47B guides the insertion of the first wire module 16 by sliding with the protrusion 55. Figure 8 As shown, the inner wall of the locking hole 47C is locked with the locking portion 43A.

[0054] [Other shell] The other housing 60 is made of insulating synthetic resin. Figure 3 As shown, the counterpart housing 60 of this embodiment includes a cover portion 61 and the above-mentioned second wire holding portion 62. The cover portion 61 includes a fitting cylinder portion 63 and a wire holding portion receiving portion 64. The fitting cylinder portion 63 is substantially cylindrical. A plurality of openings 65A are formed through the inner wall 65 of the fitting cylinder portion 63 in the front-to-back direction. The second wire 14 inserted through each opening 65A is arranged in the fitting cylinder portion 63 so as to extend rearward.

[0055] like Fig. 9 As shown, the fitting cylinder 63 is fitted into the rubber stopper housing 41 from the front side. The cover 61 is provided with a fitting lock receiving portion 66 which is engaged with the fitting lock portion 45A.

[0056] The wire holding portion receiving portion 64 is arranged in front of the fitting cylinder portion 63. Figure 1 As shown, the wire holding portion receiving portion 64 is configured similarly to the wire holding portion receiving portion 47 of the rear holding body 42, and has an insertion space 47A, a protrusion receiving portion 47B, and a locking hole 47C. The second wire module 17 is inserted into the insertion space 47A of the wire holding portion receiving portion 64.

[0057] [Regarding the assembly process of connectors and connector structures] Next, an example of an assembly process of the connector 11 and the connector structure 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the terminal 20 is inserted into the cavity 32 of the rubber stopper 30 . The terminal 20 is arranged at a regular position of the terminal receiving portion 33 in the cavity 32 by being locked by the locking protrusion 33A and the locking recess 22 .

[0058] The rubber plug 30 containing the terminal 20 is stored in the rubber plug storage portion 41. At this time, the protrusion 31A of the rubber plug 30 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the main body 31 and is provided in a manner of contacting the inner peripheral surface of the rubber plug storage portion 41. Therefore, compared with a case where the protrusion 31A is not provided and the entire outer peripheral surface of the main body 31 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the rubber plug storage portion 41, it is easier to insert the rubber plug 30 into the rubber plug storage portion 41.

[0059] Next, the rear retaining body 42 is assembled from the rear of the rubber stopper storage section 41. The anti-dropout cylinder 46 is engaged with the rear of the rubber stopper storage section 41 from the outside. The lock receiving section 49A and the lock protrusion 45B are locked. The inner wall 48 prevents the rubber stopper 30 from falling out to the rear in the rubber stopper storage section 41.

[0060] A first core wire 13A of a predetermined length is exposed at the terminal end of the first electric wire 13. In a state where the plurality of first electric wires 13 are arranged in the left-right direction with the first core wire 13A disposed at the front end, the plurality of first electric wires 13 are collectively fixed by the fixing member 15. The lower holding portion 50 is formed integrally with the fixing member 15. The holding protrusion 53 of the lower holding portion 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 54B of the upper holding portion 51, so that the plurality of first electric wires 13 are clamped by the lower holding portion 50 and the upper holding portion 51. Thus, the first electric wire module 16 is formed.

[0061] The first electric wire module 16 is inserted into the insertion space 47A of the electric wire holding portion receiving portion 47. The first core wire 13A is inserted into the opening 48A and then inserted into the cavity 32.

[0062] When the first electric wire 13 is further pressed forward, the first core wire 13A enters the cylindrical portion 21 of the terminal 20. The first core wire 13A contacts the protruding portion 25, thereby electrically connecting the first electric wire 13 to the terminal 20. Since the first core wire 13A is a single core wire, it is easier to insert into the cavity 32 and the cylindrical portion 21 than a core wire composed of a plurality of metal thin wires.

[0063] After the first core wire 13A enters the cylindrical portion 21 , the first insulating coating 13B passes through the opening 48A and enters the cavity 32 .

[0064] When the first wire holding portion 43 enters the insertion space 47A, the protrusion receiving portion 47B and the protrusion 55 are in sliding contact, thereby guiding the insertion of the first wire module 16. The locking portion 43A is locked with the inner wall of the locking hole 47C, and the first wire holding portion 43 is arranged at the regular position of the wire holding portion receiving portion 47. In addition, the first wire 13 is arranged at the regular position of the first wire insertion portion 34 in the cavity 32, and the outer peripheral surface of the first wire 13 is sealed by the first sealing portion 36. Through the above, the assembly of the connector 11 is completed.

[0065] The second electric wire module 17 is configured similarly to the first electric wire module 16. The second electric wire module 17 is inserted into the insertion space 47A of the electric wire holding portion receiving portion 64. The second electric wire 14 is inserted into the opening 65A.

[0066] When the second wire holding portion 62 is inserted into the insertion space 47A, the protrusion receiving portion 47B and the protrusion 55 slide together, thereby guiding the insertion of the second wire module 17. The locking portion 43A is locked with the inner wall of the locking hole 47C, and the second wire holding portion 62 is arranged at the regular position of the wire holding portion receiving portion 64. Through the above, the assembly of the counterpart connector 12 is completed.

[0067] The mating connector 12 is fitted to the connector 11 from the front. The second electric wire 14 is inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 44A and then inserted into the cavity 32.

[0068] When the second core wire 14A enters the cavity 32, the cover portion 61 begins to engage with the rubber plug receiving portion 41 from the outside. When the connector 11 and the mating connector 12 are further engaged, the second core wire 14A enters the cylindrical portion 21 of the terminal 20. The second core wire 14A contacts the protrusion 25, so that the second electric wire 14 is electrically connected to the terminal 20. Since the second core wire 14A is a single core wire, it is easier to insert into the cavity 32 and the cylindrical portion 21 than a core wire composed of multiple metal thin wires.

[0069] After the second core wire 14A enters the cylindrical portion 21 , the second insulating coating 14B passes through the wire insertion hole 44A and enters the cavity 32 .

[0070] The fitting lock receiving portion 66 of the cover portion 61 and the fitting lock portion 45A of the rubber stopper housing portion 41 are locked, thereby completing the fitting of the connector 11 and the mating connector 12. The second electric wire 14 is arranged at the regular position of the second electric wire insertion portion 35 in the cavity 32, and the outer peripheral surface of the second electric wire 14 is sealed by the second sealing portion 37. Through the above, the assembly of the connector structure 10 is completed.

[0071] [Effects of the Embodiments] According to the embodiment, the following actions and effects are achieved. The connector 11 of the embodiment is a connector connected to the second electric wire 14, and the connector 11 includes a first electric wire 13, a terminal 20, a rubber plug 30, and a housing 40 for accommodating the rubber plug 30. The first electric wire 13 includes a first core wire 13A and a first insulating coating 13B covering the first core wire 13A, the second electric wire 14 includes a second core wire 14A and a second insulating coating 14B covering the second core wire 14A, and the terminal 20 includes a first connecting portion 23 connected to the first core wire 13A and a second connecting portion 23 connected to the second core wire 14A. The connecting portion 24 is provided with a cavity 32 formed in the rubber stopper 30. The cavity 32 extends in the first direction (front-rear direction). The terminal 20, the first electric wire 13 and the second electric wire 14 are inserted into the cavity 32. The inner peripheral surface of the cavity 32 is provided with: a first sealing portion 36 that seals the outer peripheral surface of the first insulating coating 13B on one side (rear side) of the terminal 20 arranged in the first direction; and a second sealing portion 37 that seals the outer peripheral surface of the second insulating coating 14B on the other side (front side) of the terminal 20 arranged in the first direction.

[0072] According to such a structure, since the terminal 20, the first electric wire 13 and the second electric wire 14 are inserted into the cavity 32 of the rubber plug 30, and the first sealing portion 36 and the second sealing portion 37 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cavity 32, the increase in the number of components can be suppressed and the connector 11 can be provided with waterproofness.

[0073] In the embodiment, the rubber stopper 30 includes the locking protrusion 33A that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the cavity 32 toward the inside of the cavity 32 , and the terminal 20 includes the locking recess 22 that is locked with the locking protrusion 33A.

[0074] According to such a structure, the locking projection 33A is locked with the locking recess 22 , so that the terminal 20 is easily held in the cavity 32 .

[0075] In the embodiment, the rubber stopper 30 includes the protrusion 31A, which protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper 30 and contacts the inner peripheral surface of the housing 40 .

[0076] According to such a configuration, the contact area between the outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper 30 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 40 can be reduced by providing the protrusion 31A on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper 30. Therefore, the insertion force of the rubber stopper 30 into the housing 40 can be reduced.

[0077] In the embodiment, the housing 40 includes a rubber stopper housing portion 41 housing the rubber stopper 30 and a rear retainer 42 assembled to the rubber stopper housing portion 41 from one side in the first direction to prevent the rubber stopper 30 from falling out inside the rubber stopper housing portion 41 .

[0078] With such a structure, the rubber stopper 30 can be easily housed in the housing 40 .

[0079] In the embodiment, the housing 40 includes the first wire holding portion 43 , and the first wire holding portion 43 is assembled to the rear holding body 42 to hold the first wires 13 .

[0080] With such a structure, the first electric wires 13 can be easily held in the housing 40 .

[0081] In the embodiment, the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A are single core wires.

[0082] According to such a configuration, since the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A are single core wires, the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A can be easily inserted into the cavity 32 .

[0083] In the embodiment, the terminal 20 includes the cylindrical portion 21 elongated in the first direction and the protruding portion 25 protruding from the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 21 toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 21 , and the first connecting portion 23 and the second connecting portion 24 include the protruding portion 25 .

[0084] According to such a structure, the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A are inserted into the inside of the cylindrical portion 21, so that the connection terminal 20 and the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A become easy. In addition, by making the first connecting portion 23 and the second connecting portion 24 include the protrusion 25, the contact area of ​​the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 21 can be reduced. Therefore, the insertion force of the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A into the cylindrical portion 21 can be reduced.

[0085] The connector structure 10 of the first embodiment includes a connector 11 and a mating connector 12 that is fitted with the connector 11 , and the mating connector 12 includes a second electric wire 14 and a mating housing 60 that holds the second electric wire 14 .

[0086] According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide the connector structure 10 with waterproof properties while suppressing an increase in the number of components.

[0087] <Other Implementation Methods> (1) In the above embodiment, the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A are single core wires, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and at least one of the first core wire and the second core wire may be formed of a plurality of metal thin wires. (2) In the above embodiment, the terminal 20 includes the cylindrical portion 21 , but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the terminal may not be cylindrical. (3) In the above embodiment, the first connection part 23 and the second connection part 24 are composed of three protrusions 25, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first connection part and the second connection part may be composed of a protrusion and the inner surface of the cylindrical part, or may be composed without a protrusion. (4) In the above embodiment, the connector 11 includes a plurality of first electric wires 13 , but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the connector may be configured to include a single first electric wire. (5) In the above embodiment, the first wire module 16 includes the fixing member 15 and the first wire holding portion 43, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first wire module may not include the fixing member. In addition, the first wire holding portion may be composed of a single member and formed integrally with the plurality of first wires. Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 10: Connector structure 11: Connector 12: Other connector 13: 1st wire 13A: 1st core 13B: 1st insulation coating 14: 2nd wire 14A: Second core wire 14B: Second insulation coating 15: Fixed components 15A: Through hole 16: 1st wire module 17: 2nd wire module 20: Terminal 21: Cylindrical part 22: Locking recess 23: First connection 24: Second connection 25: Protrusion 26: concave part 30: Rubber stopper 31: Main body 31A: protrusion 32: Cavity 33: Terminal storage part 33A: Locking protrusion 34: First wire insertion portion 35: Second wire insertion portion 36: 1st sealing part 37: Second sealing part 38: Engagement recess 40: Shell 41: Rubber stopper storage 42: Rear holding body 43: First wire holding portion 43A: Stopper 44: Anterior wall 44A: Wire insertion hole 44B: Engagement convex part 45: Peripheral wall 45A: Locking part 45B: Locking protrusion 46: Anti-drop tube 47: Wire holding portion receiving portion 47A: Insert space 47B: protrusion receiving portion 47C: locking hole 48: inner wall 48A: Open 48B: Engagement convex part 49: Encircling Wall 49A: Lock receiving portion 50: Lower side holding part 51: Upper side holding part 52: Lower side panel 53: Keep the protrusion 53A: Shaft 53B: Expanded diameter 54: Upper side panel 54A: Wire receiving part 54B: Through hole 55: protrusion 60: Other shell 61: Hood 62: Second wire holding portion 63: Fitting barrel 64: Wire holding portion receiving portion 65: Inner wall 65A: Open 66: Fitting lock receiving portion

Claims

1. A connector connected to a second electric wire, the connector comprising: First wire, terminal, Rubber stoppers, and A housing for housing the rubber stopper, wherein: The first electric wire includes a first core wire and a first insulating coating layer covering the first core wire. The second electric wire includes a second core wire and a second insulating coating layer covering the second core wire. The terminal includes a first connection portion connected to the first core wire and a second connection portion connected to the second core wire. The rubber stopper has a cavity formed therein, the cavity extending in a first direction, and the terminal, the first electric wire, and the second electric wire are inserted into the cavity. A first sealing portion and a second sealing portion are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cavity, the first sealing portion is arranged on one side in the first direction relative to the terminal, and seals the outer circumferential surface of the first insulating coating layer, and the second sealing portion is arranged on the other side in the first direction relative to the terminal, and seals the outer circumferential surface of the second insulating coating layer.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The rubber stopper has a locking protrusion protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the cavity toward the inner side of the cavity. The terminal includes a locking recessed portion that is locked with the locking protrusion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The rubber stopper includes a protrusion that protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper and contacts an inner peripheral surface of the housing.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: A rubber stopper receiving portion for receiving the rubber stopper; and The rear retainer is assembled to the rubber stopper housing portion from one side in the first direction to prevent the rubber stopper from falling out inside the rubber stopper housing portion.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: The housing comprises: A first electric wire holding portion is assembled to the rear holding body and holds the first electric wire.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first core wire and the second core wire are single core wires.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal includes a cylindrical portion elongated in the first direction and a protruding portion protruding from an inner surface of the cylindrical portion toward the inner side of the cylindrical portion. The first connection portion and the second connection portion include the protruding portion.

8. A connector structure, comprising: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and A counterpart connector that is mated with the connector, wherein: The mating connector includes the second electric wire and a mating housing that holds the second electric wire.

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