Connector

Abstract

Provided is a connector capable of improving vibration resistance even if a front holder is provided. A connector (10) is provided with a first housing (11) and a second housing (12). The first housing (11) has a cylindrical cover section (17). The second housing (12) has a housing main body section (43) fitted to the inside of the cover section (17), and a front holder (14) attached to the housing main body section (43). A recessed portion (61) is formed on one of a side surface of the housing main body portion (43) facing a direction intersecting with a fitting direction of the housing main body portion (43) and an inner surface of the housing main body portion (43), and a protruding portion (26) fitted to the recessed portion (61) is formed on the other of the housing main body portion (43) and the inner surface of the housing main body portion (43). The front holder (14) has an avoidance portion (98) that avoids the convex portion (26) at a position facing the concave portion (61).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector. Background Art

[0002] The connector described in Patent Document 1 comprises a housing and a mating housing that can be mated with each other. The housing comprises a housing body and a mating cylinder surrounding the outer periphery of the housing body. The mating housing comprises a cylindrical cover that is mated between the housing body and the mating cylinder. A step portion is formed on the outer surface of the housing. The connector forms a structure with improved vibration resistance by positioning the center of gravity of the housing on the mating center side of the connector through the step portion. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-125545 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the structure of Patent Document 1, the outer dimensions of the housing become larger due to the step portion, and there is a possibility that the connector will be enlarged. In response to this, for example, a convex portion extending in the front-to-back direction is formed on the inner surface of the cover portion, and a concave portion extending in the front-to-back direction is formed on the side of the housing body portion. The structure in which the convex portion is engaged with the concave portion can avoid the housing from being enlarged and help improve the vibration resistance. However, when the above structure is adopted, if a front retainer having a shape surrounding the side of the housing body portion is installed on the housing body portion, the convex portion interferes with the front retainer and cannot be engaged with the concave portion.

[0005] In view of this, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of improving vibration resistance even if a front retainer is provided. Solutions for solving problems

[0006] The connector disclosed in the present invention comprises a first shell and a second shell, wherein the first shell has a cylindrical cover portion, and the second shell has a shell body portion fitted inside the cover portion and a front retainer mounted on the shell body portion, wherein a recess is formed on one of a side surface of the shell body portion facing a direction intersecting with a fitting direction of the cover portion and an inner surface of the cover portion, and a protrusion fitted into the recess is formed on the other side, and the front retainer is a retainer having a shape surrounding the side surface of the shell body portion, and has an escape portion for escaping the protrusion at a position opposite to the recess. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector capable of improving vibration resistance even when a front retainer is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1It is an exploded perspective view of a first housing and a second housing in the connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a side cross-sectional view of the first shell and the second shell in a mutually engaged state. Figure 3 This is a front view of the first housing and the second housing in a mutually engaged state, with the second housing side cut away. Figure 4 It is an enlarged front view of the cut-off convex portion side of the concave portion and the convex portion in a mutually engaged state. Figure 5 It is a side cross-sectional view of the concave portion and the convex portion in a mutually engaged state. Figure 6 It is an enlarged front view of the cut-off locking portion side of the locking portion and the locking arm in which a portion of the locking portion is disposed inside the cutout portion and locked with each other. Figure 7 This is the front view of the first shell. Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional view of the first shell. Fig. 9 It is an enlarged side view of a portion corresponding to the locking portion in the first housing. Fig.10 This is the front view of the second shell. Fig.11 It is an enlarged perspective view of a portion corresponding to the lock arm and the cutout portion in the second housing. Fig.12 It is an enlarged perspective view of a portion corresponding to the recessed portion in the second shell. Fig.13 It is a front view of the front retainer. Fig.14 is a side view of the front retainer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of examples. The connector disclosed herein, (1) A first shell and a second shell are provided, wherein the first shell has a cylindrical cover portion, and the second shell has a shell body portion fitted inside the cover portion and a front retainer mounted on the shell body portion, wherein a recess is formed on one of a side surface of the shell body portion facing a direction intersecting with a fitting direction of the cover portion and an inner surface of the cover portion, and a convex portion fitted into the recess is formed on the other side, and the front retainer is a retainer having a shape surrounding the side surface of the shell body portion, and having a relief portion for escaping the relief portion at a position opposite to the recess. In the above structure, the convex part is engaged with the concave part, so that the looseness of the shell body inside the cover part can be suppressed, thereby improving the vibration resistance of the connector. Here, even if the front retainer surrounds the side of the shell body, the front retainer has a relief portion, so the structure of the convex part being engaged with the concave part can be achieved.

[0010] (2) It is preferred that a gap is formed between an outer surface of the convex portion and an inner surface of the escape portion. According to the above configuration, since the convex portion can be prevented from coming into contact with the front retainer, it is possible to prevent the fitting resistance between the first housing and the second housing from becoming excessively large.

[0011] (3) Preferably, the housing body has a cavity for accommodating the second terminal part, and the portion of the side surface of the housing body where the recess or the projection is formed is arranged at a height position overlapping the cavity in the height direction of the side surface. According to the above configuration, since the second terminal part can be connected to the first terminal part on the other side at a height position overlapping the fitting structure of the recess and the projection, sliding wear between the first terminal part and the second terminal part can be avoided.

[0012] (4) It is preferable that a small convex portion extending in the fitting direction and in contact with the convex portion is formed on the inner surface of the concave portion. According to the above configuration, the small protrusions come into contact with the protrusions, thereby more effectively suppressing looseness of the housing body inside the cover.

[0013] (5) It is preferable that the small projections are formed on surfaces facing each other in the inner surface of the recess. According to the above configuration, the small projections formed on the mutually opposing surfaces of the recessed portion come into contact with the projections, thereby more effectively suppressing loosening of the housing body portion inside the cover portion.

[0014] (6) Preferably, the shell body has a plurality of cavity tower portions spaced apart in a height direction of the side surface, the plurality of cavity tower portions each having a cavity for accommodating a second terminal component, and the recessed portion or the convex portion is respectively formed on the side surface of each of the cavity tower portions. According to the above configuration, since the fitting structure of the concave portion and the convex portion is formed in each cavity tower portion, loosening of the housing body portion inside the cover portion can be more reliably suppressed.

[0015] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the examples, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0016] <Implementation method 1> like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the connector 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 that can be mated with each other. The second housing 12 includes a main housing 13 and a front retainer 14 mounted on the main housing 13. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the main housing 13 contains a plurality of second terminal parts 15. The first housing 11 is provided with a plurality of first terminal parts 16. In the following description, regarding the front-to-back direction, the side facing each other when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are initially engaged is referred to as the front side. The left-right direction is synonymous with the width direction. Figure 3 The left and right directions of the figure are used as the reference. The up and down directions are synonymous with the height directions, and the up and down directions of each figure are used as the reference. Figure 1 In the drawings, the front-rear direction is represented by the symbol X, the left-right direction is represented by the symbol Y, and the up-down direction is represented by the symbol Z. These directions are based on convenience.

[0017] In the following description, the “outer side” means a side that does not include the portion and is far from the central axis of the connector 10, and the “inner side” means a side of the portion that is close to the central axis of the connector 10. For example, with respect to the radial direction orthogonal to the mating direction of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the “outer side” corresponds to the radial outer side of the connector 10, and the “inner side” corresponds to the radial inner side of the connector 10.

[0018] (First housing, first terminal part) The first housing 11 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the cover portion 17 has a square tube shape. The cover portion 17 has an inner wall 18 with the wall surface facing the front and back, a pair of side walls 19 opposite to each other on the left and right, and an upper wall 21 and a lower wall 22 opposite to each other on the top and bottom. Each of the side walls 19, the upper wall 21 and the lower wall 22 protrude forward from the inner wall 18. At the four corners of the cover portion 17, the left and right ends of the upper wall 21 are respectively connected to the upper ends of the side walls 19 in a curved shape, and the left and right ends of the lower wall 22 are respectively connected to the lower ends of the side walls 19 in a curved shape.

[0019] The upper end and the lower end of the inner wall 18 are respectively formed with terminal mounting holes 23. Figure 2 As shown, the first terminal parts 16 are press-fitted and mounted in each terminal mounting hole 23 .

[0020] The first terminal part 16 is a plate-shaped male terminal made of a conductive metal. Figure 2As shown, the first terminal part 16 has a terminal connection part 24 that is configured to protrude to the inner side of the cover part 17 in a state of penetrating the inner wall 18, and a substrate connection part 25 that is configured to be exposed on the rear side of the cover part 17. When the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly engaged, the terminal connection part 24 is connected to the second terminal part 15. The substrate connection part 25 is connected to the circuit board P by soldering.

[0021] like Figure 7 As shown, the cover portion 17 has a plurality of protrusions 26 protruding from the inner surface of each side wall 19. Each protrusion 26 has a rectangular cross section and protrudes horizontally from the upper end and the lower end of the inner surface of each side wall 19. The terminal mounting hole 23 of the inner wall 18 and the first terminal part 16 mounted in each terminal mounting hole 23 are arranged between the left and right protrusions 26 in the width direction and overlap with the left and right protrusions 26 in the height direction. The detailed position is a position within the height range of the left and right protrusions 26.

[0022] The cover portion 17 has a pair of demarcating protrusions 27 protruding horizontally from the upper and lower middle portions of the inner surface of each side wall 19. Each demarcating protrusion 27 is arranged between the upper and lower protrusions 26 in the height direction. Each demarcating protrusion 27 is in the shape of a rectangular plate and protrudes inward from the inner surface of the side wall 19 further than the protrusion 26. Figure 8 As shown, the front ends of the defining protrusions 27 in the protruding direction are opposed to each other and arranged in the front-rear direction. A fitting rib 28 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper surface of each defining protrusion 27.

[0023] In addition to the convex portions 26 and the demarcated convex portions 27, a plurality of ribs 29 are protrudingly formed on the inner surface of the cover portion 17. The ribs 29 are arranged at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the cover portion 17. Each convex portion 26, each demarcated convex portion 27 and each rib 29 are shaped to extend in the front-to-back direction, with the rear end connected to the inner wall 18 of the cover portion 17 and the front end arranged in a manner that is further rearward than the front end (opening end) of the cover portion 17. The portion of the front end of each demarcated convex portion 27 that is close to the central axis of the cover portion 17 is arranged in a manner that is further forward than the front ends of the convex portions 26 and the ribs 29.

[0024] The first housing 11 has a flange portion 31 that protrudes outward over the entire circumference from the inner wall 18 located at the rear end portion of the cover portion 17 . The cover 17 has a pair of guide ribs 32 protruding from the left and right ends of the upper surface of the upper wall 21. Each guide rib 32 extends the same length as the entire length of the cover 17 in the front-rear direction, and the rear end is connected to the flange 31.

[0025] The cover portion 17 has a locking portion 33 protruding from the left and right middle portions of the upper surface of the upper wall 21. Fig. 9As shown, the locking portion 33 includes: an extension portion 34 extending in the front-to-back direction on the upper surface of the upper wall 21; and a locking protrusion 35 protruding upward from a position close to the front end of the extension portion 34. The extension portion 34 has a thickened portion 36 in the rear portion of the front and rear portions sandwiching the locking protrusion 35, which is thicker than the front portion and has a thickness in the up-down direction.

[0026] The rear surface of the locking protrusion 35 is formed as a stopper surface 37 vertically erected from the upper surface of the thickened portion 36, and is stopped by a locking arm 46 described later of the second housing 12. The front surface of the locking protrusion 35 is inclined from the front side portion of the extension portion 34 to the top surface of the locking protrusion 35, and is formed as an inclined surface 38 for guiding the bending action of the locking arm 46. The lower end position of the inclined surface 38 is located at a position lower than the lower end of the stopper surface 37, and the height difference is the height of the thickened portion 36.

[0027] The upper surface of the thickened portion 36 is formed with a collision surface 39 extending in the front-rear direction and connected to the lower end of the stop surface 37 of the locking protrusion 35. When the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly fitted, the locking arm 46 collides with the collision surface 39 to produce a locking sound (see Figure 2 ).

[0028] The locking portion 33 has a groove 41 at the lower end of the extending portion 34 on the base end side as the protruding direction. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the cross section of the groove 41 is rectangular and is respectively recessed on the left and right sides of the lower end of the extension portion 34. The groove 41 extends in the front-to-back direction with the same length as the full length of the locking portion 33, with the front end opening at the front surface of the locking portion 33 and the rear end being blocked at the flange portion 31.

[0029] In the groove surface of the groove 41, the upper side surface (the downward surface) and the lower side surface (the upward surface) that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction are arranged parallel to each other in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, and the side surface facing the outer side in the width direction is arranged in the front-to-back direction and the vertical direction. The lower side surface of the groove 41 is formed on the upper surface of the upper wall 21 of the cover part 17. The upper side surface of the groove 41 is formed as a push surface 42, and the push surface 42 is opposed to the opposite end 75 of the later-described dividing wall part 74 of the second shell 12 in a manner that can contact from the upper side (outside). The side surface of the groove 41 is arranged within the same height range as the flange part 31.

[0030] (Main housing, second terminal parts) As described above, the second housing 12 is composed of the main housing 13 and the front holder 14 which are separate from each other. The main housing 13 is made of synthetic resin such as Fig.10As shown, it has a housing body 43, a fitting cylinder 44 surrounding the outer periphery of the housing body 43, a connecting portion 45 connecting the housing body 43 and the fitting cylinder 44 in the radial direction, a locking arm 46 arranged on the upper side (outside) of the fitting cylinder 44, and a covering portion 47 covering the locking arm 46. Figure 2 As shown, cavities 48 extending in the front-rear direction are respectively formed at the upper end and the lower end of the housing body 43 .

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing body 43 has a surrounding portion 49 having a longitudinally long elliptical outer shape formed in the rear portion of the front and rear portions sandwiching the connection portion 45, and a pair of cavity tower portions 51 divided into upper and lower parts are formed in the front portion.

[0032] Each cavity tower 51 is formed in each cavity 48. Fig.10 As shown, each cavity tower portion 51 has a front wall 52 that blocks the front end of the cavity 48. A laterally long insertion port 53 is formed on the front wall 52, through which the first terminal part 16 can be inserted from the front side. Each cavity tower portion 51 has a lance 55 on the inner wall 54 that is spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The lance 55 can be elastically deformed in the space between the inner walls 54 of each cavity tower portion 51.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, a rubber plug receiving portion 56 having a larger opening than the front end of each cavity 48 is formed at the rear end side of each cavity 48. Each rubber plug receiving portion 56 is defined by a cylindrical portion (not shown) formed inside the surrounding portion 49.

[0034] The second terminal parts 15 are inserted from the rear side into the cavities 48 of the housing body 43. The second terminal parts 15 are female terminals formed by bending a plate made of a conductive metal. Figure 2 As shown, the second terminal part 15 has a cylindrical box portion 57 that opens to the front and rear, an elastic contact portion 58 that protrudes to the inner side of the box portion 57, and a crimping portion 59 that is connected to the electric wire W at a position further back than the box portion 57. When the second terminal part 15 is properly inserted into the cavity 48, the box portion 57 is stopped by the lance 55. The terminal connection portion 24 of the first terminal part 16 is inserted into the box portion 57 from the insertion port 53, contacts the elastic contact portion 58, and is electrically connected to the second terminal part 15. The electric wire W is crimped to the crimping portion 59 and led out from the shell body 43 to the rear side. A rubber plug 60 is accommodated in a liquid-tight manner on the inner side of the rubber plug storage portion 56. The rubber plug 60 is made of rubber such as silicone, is installed on the outer periphery of the electric wire W, and is connected to the second terminal part 15 through the crimping portion 59.

[0035] like Fig.10As shown, the housing body 43 has a plurality of recesses 61 on the left and right sides. The cross section of each recess 61 is U-shaped and is recessed in pairs on the left and right sides of each cavity tower 51. Fig.12 As shown, the recess 61 extends in the front-to-back direction by the same length as the entire length of each cavity tower portion 51 , with the front end opening at the front surface of each cavity tower portion 51 and the rear end being blocked by the connecting portion 45 .

[0036] In the groove surface of the concave portion 61, the upper side surface (the downward surface) and the lower side surface (the upward surface) facing each other are arranged in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, and the side surface facing the outer side in the width direction is arranged in the front-to-back direction and the up-to-down direction. In the groove surface of the concave portion 61, arc-shaped curved surfaces 63 are formed between the upper side surface and each side surface, and between the lower side surface and each side surface. Each cavity tower portion 51 has a rib-shaped elastic wall portion 64 at the left and right side ends, and the elastic wall portion 64 demarcates the upper side surface and the lower side surface of the concave portion 61 and extends in the front-to-back direction.

[0037] A plurality of small protrusions 62 are formed on the groove surface of the concave portion 61. Figure 4 As shown, each small protrusion 62 has an arc-shaped cross section and is disposed opposite to the left and right middle portions of the upper and lower sides of the concave portion 61, and is disposed in the upper and lower middle portions of the side surfaces. Fig.12 As shown, each small protrusion 62 extends in the front-rear direction by the same length as the entire length of each recess 61, and has a chamfered inclined surface 65 at the front end.

[0038] like Fig.10 As shown, an entry groove 66 is recessed at each position on the left and right of the inner wall 54 of each cavity tower portion 51 on the surface facing each other, separated by the lance-shaped portion 55. Each entry groove 66 extends in the front-to-back direction and the front end is opened at the front surface of the cavity tower portion 51. Each cavity tower portion 51 has a dam-shaped stopper 67 that blocks each entry groove 66 in the front-to-back direction. The stopper 67 is locked to a retainer locking portion 97 of the front retainer 14 described later.

[0039] The fitting cylinder 44 is in the shape of a square cylinder. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the upper wall 69 and the lower wall 71 are provided with a pair of side walls 68 disposed opposite to each other, and an upper wall 69 and a lower wall 71 disposed opposite to each other. A guide recess 72 is provided at the left and right ends of the inner surface of the upper wall 69. Figure 3 As shown, each guide rib 32 of the cover portion 17 is engaged with each guide recess 72. Fig.11 As shown, the fitting cylinder 44 has a cutout portion 73 that cuts the left and right middle portions of the upper wall portion 69. The cutout portion 73 extends in the front-to-back direction, with the front end opening at the front end surface of the upper wall portion 69 and the rear end blocked by the connecting portion 45. The cutout portion 73 has a constant opening width in the left-to-right direction except for the front end side portion, and the front end side portion gradually widens toward the front side.

[0040] like Fig.11 As shown, the upper wall portion 69 has a pair of partition wall portions 74 partitioned left and right by the cutout portion 73. Each partition wall portion 74 is in a plate shape along the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and the end portion located on the opposite side to the end portion facing the cutout portion 73 is connected to the side wall portion 68 via the guide recess 72, and the rear end portion is connected to the connection portion 45. In addition, except for the cutout portion 73, the fitting cylinder portion 44 is continuous in the circumferential direction.

[0041] The cover portion 47 includes a top plate portion 76 that is opposed to the upper wall portion 69 from the upper side and a pair of side plate portions 77 that are opposed to each other on the left and right sides. The top plate portion 76 is in the shape of a plate along the front-back direction and the left-right direction, and has a recess 78 that is open at the rear end. The side plate portion 77 is in the shape of a plate along the front-back direction and the left-right direction, and connects the top plate portion 76 and the upper wall portion 69 (partition wall portion 74) in the height direction. A reinforcement portion 79 that extends outward in the width direction is formed at the front end of the side plate portion 77. The reinforcement portion 79 is in the shape of a triangular plate when viewed from the front, and is vertically arranged on the upper surface of the partition wall portion 74.

[0042] The lock arm 46 includes an arm body portion 81 extending in the front-rear direction and a pair of support portions 82 extending outward in the width direction from the left and right end surfaces of the arm body portion 81. Figure 6 As shown, each support portion 82 is connected to the side plate portion 77 opposite thereto. The arm body portion 81 is arranged between the top plate portion 76 and the upper wall portion 69 in the height direction, and can be elastically deformed (can be swung and deformed) like a seesaw with each support portion 82 as a fulcrum. Figure 2 As shown, a locking hole 83 is formed in the arm main body 81 and penetrates in the vertical direction. A mating detection component (not shown) is accommodated between the cover portion 47 and the upper wall portion 69 and on the outer periphery of the lock arm 46. When the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly mated, the mating detection component can move relative to the main housing 13, thereby detecting the mating state of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12.

[0043] (Front retainer) The front retainer 14 is made of synthetic resin and has a rectangular frame shape, and is mounted to each cavity tower portion 51 of the housing body 43 from the front side. Fig.13 As shown, the front retainer 14 has an upper portion 84 and a lower portion 85 opposed to each other in the vertical direction and a pair of side portions 86 opposed to each other in the left and right direction. The left and right ends of the upper portion 84 are connected to the upper ends of the side portions 86 via curved upper corner portions 87. The left and right ends of the lower portion 85 are connected to the lower ends of the side portions 86 via curved lower corner portions 88.

[0044] A plurality of rib receiving grooves 89 are formed on the outer surfaces of the upper portion 84 and the lower portion 85. Each rib receiving groove 89 extends in the front-to-back direction, and the front end is opened on the front surface of the upper portion 84 and the lower portion 85. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 8 , each rib 29 of the cover portion 17 is fitted into each rib receiving groove 89. Fig.14 As shown, rib receiving grooves 89 are also formed in the side portion 86 .

[0045] like Fig.13 As shown, the front retainer 14 has a partition 91 extending in the left-right direction and having left and right ends connected to the upper and lower middle parts of each side portion 86. The upper and lower spaces of the front retainer 14 divided by the partition 91 become a fitting space 92 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction. The cavity tower portion 51 is fitted into the fitting space 92 from the rear side. A pair of left and right demarcated recesses 93 that penetrate the side portion 86 and are open to the outside and the front side in the width direction are formed in the upper and lower middle parts of the partition 91. Figure 3 As shown, the defining protrusions 27 of the cover 17 are fitted into the defining recesses 93. Rib receiving portions 94 for fitting the fitting ribs 28 of the cover 17 are formed in the defining recesses 93 of the partition 91.

[0046] Restriction surfaces 95 are formed at left and right middle portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the partition 91. Figure 3 As shown, each restriction surface 95 is opposed to the corresponding lance 55 in the bending direction so as to be able to contact the lance 55, thereby restricting the bending action of the lance 55. At positions corresponding to the left and right ends of each restriction surface 95 on the upper surface and the lower surface of the partition 91, a protrusion 96 for defining the width dimension of each restriction surface 95 is formed. Each protrusion 96 is in the shape of a rib extending in the front-back direction, and is arranged at intervals corresponding to the width dimension of the lance 55 in the width direction. Each protrusion 96 restricts the displacement of the lance 55 in the width direction.

[0047] like Fig.13 As shown, at the positions close to the protrusions 96 on the outer sides of the width direction of the protrusions 96 at the rear ends of the upper and lower surfaces of the partition 91, retainer locking portions 97 are respectively formed protrudingly (see Figure 1 ). During the process of assembling the front retainer 14 to the main housing 13, each retainer locking portion 97 enters each entry groove 66 of each cavity tower portion 51. Afterwards, each retainer locking portion 97 elastically passes over each stopper 67 and is locked to each stopper 67, and the front retainer 14 is retained by the main housing 13.

[0048] like Fig.13 As shown, each side portion 86 has a relief portion 98 at the upper and lower portions across the defined recess 93. Fig.14 As shown, each escape portion 98 is in the shape of a groove extending in the front-to-back direction, with the front end opening at the front end surface of each side portion 86 and the rear end blocked by the rear end of each side portion 86. The groove width of the escape portion 98 in the vertical direction is constant in the front-to-back direction and is larger than the vertical dimension of the convex portion 26 of the cover portion 17. Figure 4As shown, the protrusion 26 is inserted into the inner side of the escape portion 98 with a gap in the vertical direction. The escape portion 98 communicates with the upper and lower middle parts of the fitting space 92 on the inner side in the width direction.

[0049] (Function of connector) Before assembling the second housing 12, the second terminal fittings 15 are inserted from the rear side into the cavities 48 of the housing body 43. The second terminal fittings 15 are locked to the lances 55, thereby being primarily prevented from falling out of the housing body 43.

[0050] When assembling the second housing 12, the front retainer 14 is mounted to the housing body 43 from the front side. The front retainer 14 is properly mounted to the housing body 43 by the retainer locking portions 97 being locked to the stopper portions 67. At this time, the cavity tower portions 51 are respectively inserted into the corresponding fitting spaces 92, and the outer periphery of each cavity tower portion 51 is surrounded by the front retainer 14 (see Figure 2 ). The partitioning portion 91 of the front retainer 14 is embedded in the space between the inner walls 54 of each cavity tower portion 51. Here, each limiting surface 95 of the partitioning portion 91 is opposed to each lance 55 to limit the bending action of each lance 55, thereby further preventing the second terminal part 15 from falling off from the housing body 43. Each avoidance portion 98 of the front retainer 14 is arranged at a height position overlapping with the concave portion 61 of the corresponding cavity tower portion 51, and is opposed to and communicated with the concave portion 61.

[0051] Next, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are fitted together. During the fitting process of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the ribs 29 of the cover 17 are inserted into the rib receiving grooves 89 of the front retainer 14 in a fitted state, and at the same time, the convex portions 26 of the cover 17 are avoided by the avoidance portions 98 of the front retainer 14 and inserted into the concave portions 61 of the housing body 43 in a fitted state.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the base portion of the protrusion 26, which is the base end side of the protrusion direction from the side wall 19, is arranged at a distance from the opposing surface in a state of not contacting the upper and lower opposing surfaces (inner surfaces) of the avoidance portion 98. On the other hand, the front end portion of the protrusion 26, which is the front end side of the protrusion direction from the side wall 19, contacts each small protrusion 62 in a state of being fitted into the recess 61. Specifically, the upper surface, the lower surface, and the front end surface of the protrusion 26 are respectively in contact with the corresponding small protrusion 62 along the long dimension in the front-back direction (refer to Figure 5 ). Therefore, the looseness between the cover portion 17 and the housing body 43 can be suppressed. In addition, since the upper and lower small protrusions 62 are in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the protrusion 26, the upper and lower elastic wall portions 64 can be elastically deformed in directions away from each other, so that the small protrusions 62 can be maintained in a state where they are not compressed and deformed.

[0053] In addition, during the mating process of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the lower end of the locking portion 33 of the cover portion 17 enters the inner side of the cutout portion 73 of the mating cylinder 44, and the opposite end portions 75 of each partition wall portion 74 are respectively inserted into the groove 41 of the locking portion 33 in an embedded state. Figure 6 As shown, the opposing end 75 of the partition wall portion 74 is clamped by the first housing 11 from top to bottom inside the groove 41, the pressing surface 42 of the groove 41 and the upper surface of the opposing end 75 of the partition wall portion 74 are opposed to each other in a contacting manner, and the lower side surface of the groove 41 and the lower surface of the opposing end 75 of the partition wall portion are opposed to each other in a contacting manner. Therefore, each partition wall portion 74 is positioned by the first housing 11, and the upper wall portion 69 as the fitting cylinder portion 44 maintains a constant shape. Thus, even if the cutout portion 73 is formed in the upper wall portion 69 of the fitting cylinder portion 44, the partition wall portion 74 can be prevented from expanding and deforming in the direction of expanding the opening width of the cutout portion 73.

[0054] Furthermore, the following structure is set: during the fitting process of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the tip end (front end) of the arm main body 81 of the lock arm 46 contacts the inclined surface 38 of the lock protrusion 35, and the lock arm 46 does not contact the portion other than the lock protrusion 35 of the cover 17. In this way, the front end of the arm main body 81 slides on the inclined surface 38 of the lock protrusion 35, so that the lock arm 46 can be bent and deformed appropriately, and unnecessary friction resistance can be prevented from being generated between the lock arm 46 and the first housing 11.

[0055] Afterwards, the locking projection 35 is inserted into the locking hole 83 by the elastic recovery of the locking arm 46, so that the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can be kept in the mating state. At the same time, the first terminal part 16 and the second terminal part 15 are connected to the normal state (refer to Figure 2 ). In addition, by pressing the rear end of the lock arm 46 with the recess 78, the locking between the lock arm 46 and the lock portion 33 can be released.

[0056] If the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are not facing each other at the beginning of the mating, for example, when the second housing 12 changes from a normal posture to an inclined posture relative to the first housing 11, the tip end (front end) of each protrusion 26 interferes with the opposing wall surface of the second housing 12, restricting the mating action of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. As a result, the terminal connection portion 24 of the first terminal part 16 can be prevented from being warped and deformed due to interference with the second housing 12. In addition, at the initial stage when the mating starts, since the opposing end 75 of the partition wall portion 74 is engaged with the groove 41, the inclined posture of the second housing 12 relative to the first housing 11 can be quickly corrected, which can also prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned warped mating.

[0057] When the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly mated, the above-mentioned convex portions 26 can be kept mated with the concave portions 61, and similarly, the above-mentioned opposite end portions 75 of the partition wall portions 74 can be kept mated with the grooves 41 of the locking portion 33. Therefore, even if the connector 10 is in a vibration environment, looseness between the first housing 11 and the main housing 13 can be suppressed. In particular, the mating structure of the concave portion 61 and the convex portion 26 is formed at the height position overlapping the connection portion, specifically, in the range including the height of the connection portion, on the left and right sides of the connection portion between the terminal connection portion 24 of the first terminal part 16 and the elastic contact portion 58 of the second terminal part 15, respectively. In addition, the mating structure of the concave portion 61 and the convex portion 26 is also formed in the front-back direction, at a position overlapping the above-mentioned connection portion, specifically, in the range including the connection portion. Therefore, when the connector 10 is in a vibration environment, the influence on the connection portion between the first terminal part 16 and the second terminal part 15 can be reduced, and the looseness between the first housing 11 and the main housing 13 can be suppressed.

[0058] As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the protrusion 26 is fitted into the recess 61, the looseness of the housing body 43 inside the cover 17 can be suppressed, and the vibration resistance can be improved. In particular, in the first embodiment, the left and right side surfaces of the housing body 43 are covered by the front retainer 14, and there is a case where the front retainer 14 is interposed between the protrusion 26 and the recess 61. However, since the escape portion 98 of the front retainer 14 can make the protrusion 26 escape, the fitting structure of the recess 61 and the protrusion 26 can be realized.

[0059] In addition, since a gap (clearance) is formed between the outer surface of the protrusion 26 and the inner surface of the escape portion 98, it is possible to avoid excessive resistance to the fitting of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. In addition, since the recess 61 is arranged at a height position overlapping the cavity 48 in the housing body 43, it is possible to avoid sliding wear between the first terminal part 16 and the second terminal part 15.

[0060] In addition, since the small protrusions 62 extending in the front-rear direction and contacting the protrusions 26 are formed on the inner surface of the recess 61, loosening of the housing body 43 inside the cover 17 can be well suppressed. In particular, since the small protrusions 62 are respectively formed on the upper end surface and the lower end surface facing each other in the inner surface of the recess 61, loosening of the housing body 43 inside the cover 17 can be more well suppressed.

[0061] In addition, since the housing body 43 has a plurality of cavity towers 51 spaced apart in the height direction, the recesses 61 are formed on the left and right sides of each cavity tower 51. Therefore, by fitting each convex portion 26 into each recess 61, the housing body 43 inside the cover 17 can be more reliably prevented from loosening.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, since the fitting cylinder 44 of the second housing 12 does not have the locking arm 46, the locking arm 46 is configured to be able to be locked with the locking portion 33 on the upper side of the fitting cylinder 44, it is not necessary to increase the thickness of the fitting cylinder 44, and even the amount of molding resin of the fitting protrusion can be reduced. In particular, even if the locking arm 46 is configured on the upper side of the fitting cylinder 44, the locking arm 46 and the locking portion 33 can be locked by providing the fitting cylinder 44 with the cutout portion 73.

[0063] Furthermore, since the second housing 12 has the pressing surface 42 that is opposed to the partition wall portion 74 of the fitting cylinder portion 44 in a manner that allows contact from the upper side, the partition wall portion 74 can be suppressed from expanding and deforming in the direction of expanding the opening width of the cutout portion 73. In particular, since the opposing end portion 75 of the partition wall portion 74 is engaged with the groove 41 of the locking portion 33, the pressing surface 42 is formed on the groove surface of the groove 41, and thus the structure of the first housing 11 can be prevented from being complicated. Furthermore, by engaging the opposing end portion 75 of the partition wall portion 74 with the groove 41, since looseness between the fitting cylinder portion 44 and the first housing 11 can be suppressed, it can contribute to further improving the vibration resistance.

[0064] In addition, since the cutout portion 73 and the recessed portion 61 are both shaped to extend in the front-rear direction, the range in which the opposing end portion 75 of the partition wall portion 74 is fitted in the recessed groove 41 can be set to be longer in the front-rear direction. As a result, the looseness between the fitting cylinder portion 44 and the first housing 11 can be more effectively suppressed, and the vibration resistance can be further improved.

[0065] Furthermore, since the lock arm 46 is disposed above the fitting cylinder 44 so that the fitting cylinder 44 and the housing body 43 are less restricted by the lock arm 46 , the shape freedom of the fitting cylinder 44 and the housing body 43 can be increased.

[0066] Furthermore, since the second housing 12 includes the cover portion 47 that covers the lock arm 46 and the cover portion 47 is connected to the partition wall portion 74 , the lock arm 46 can be protected by the cover portion 47 and the partition wall portion 74 can be reinforced by the cover portion 47 .

[0067] [Other embodiments of the present disclosure] It should be considered that the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 disclosed this time is an illustration and not restrictive in all aspects. In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the recess is formed on the side of the shell body, and the protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the cover. In this regard, according to other embodiments, contrary to the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the recess may be formed on the inner surface of the cover, and the protrusion may be formed on the side of the shell body. According to the first embodiment, small protrusions are formed on the groove surface of the recess. However, according to another embodiment, the groove surface of the recess may not have small protrusions, but the protrusions may contact the groove surface of the recess in a surface contact state. In the first embodiment, the pressing surface is formed on the groove surface of the groove of the lock portion. However, according to another embodiment, the pressing surface may be formed on a portion other than the groove surface of the groove of the lock portion in the first housing. In the first embodiment, the first terminal part has a substrate connection portion and the first housing is provided on the circuit substrate. However, according to other embodiments, the first terminal part may not have a substrate connection portion and the first housing may not be bonded to the circuit substrate. In the first embodiment, the first housing is configured as a male housing for mounting a first terminal part as a male terminal, and the second housing is configured as a female housing for housing a second terminal part as a female terminal. In contrast to the first embodiment, according to other embodiments, the first housing may be configured as a female housing for housing a first terminal part as a female terminal, and the second housing may be configured as a male housing for mounting a second terminal part as a male terminal. According to the first embodiment, a gap is formed between the outer surface of the convex portion and the inner surface of the escape portion. In contrast, according to other embodiments, a gap may not be formed between the outer surface of the convex portion and the inner surface of the escape portion. For example, the outer surface of the convex portion may partially contact the inner surface of the escape portion. Description of Reference Numerals

[0068] 10…Connector 11…1st shell 12…Second shell 13…Main housing 14...Front retainer 15…Second terminal parts 16…1st terminal part 17…Hood 18…inside wall 19…Sidewall 21…up the wall 22…lower wall 23…Terminal mounting hole 24…Terminal connection part 25…Substrate connection part 26…convex part 27…demarcate the convex part 28…fitting rib 29…ribs 31…Flange 32…Guide ribs 33…Locking part 34…Extension 35…Locking protrusion 36…Thickened part 37… Stop surface 38… Inclined surface 39…Collision surface 41…Groove 42…Pushing surface 43…Main body of the housing 44…fitting cylinder 45…Connection 46…Locking arm 47… Covering 48…Cavity 49…Encirclement 51…Cavity tower 52…front wall 53…Through port 54…Inner wall 55…Spear 56…Rubber plug storage section 57…Box 58…Elastic contact part 59…Crimp part 60…Rubber plug 61…concave 62…Small bulge 63…Curved surface 64…Elastic wall 65…slope 66…Enter the slot 67…Stop 68…Side wall 69…Upper wall 71…Lower wall 72…Guide recess 73…Incision 74…dividing wall 75…Opposite end 76…Top plate 77…Side panel 78…concave 79…Reinforcement 81…Arm body 82…Support 83…Locking hole 84…upper part 85…lower part 86…Side 87…upper corner 88…lower corner 89… Rib receiving groove 91…Separator 92…Embedded Space 93…demarcate the concave portion 94…rib receiving part 95…Restricted 96…Protrusion 97 ... retainer locking portion 98…Avoidance P…Circuit board

Claims

1. A connector comprising a first housing and a second housing, The first housing has a cylindrical cover portion. The second housing includes a housing body portion fitted inside the cover portion and a front retainer mounted on the housing body portion. A concave portion is formed on one of a side surface of the housing body that faces a direction intersecting with a fitting direction of the cover and an inner surface of the cover, and a convex portion that fits into the concave portion is formed on the other side. The front retainer is a retainer having a shape surrounding the side surface of the housing body, and has a relief portion for escaping the convex portion at a position facing the concave portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: A gap is formed between the outer surface of the convex portion and the inner surface of the escape portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing body has a cavity for accommodating the second terminal part. The portion of the side surface of the case body portion where the concave portion or the convex portion is formed is arranged at a height position overlapping with the cavity in the height direction of the side surface.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: A small convex portion extending in the fitting direction and in contact with the convex portion is formed on the inner surface of the concave portion.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: The small convex portions are respectively formed on surfaces facing each other in the inner surface of the concave portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing body has a plurality of cavity towers arranged at intervals in the height direction of the side surface. The plurality of cavity tower portions each have a cavity for accommodating a second terminal component. The concave portion or the convex portion is formed on the side surface of each of the cavity tower parts.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein: The portion of the side surface of each of the cavity tower parts where the concave portion or the convex portion is formed is arranged at a height position overlapping with the cavity in the height direction of the side surface.

Images