Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

A connector (21) according to one aspect of the present invention is provided with a connector housing (22) fixed to a lamp body (41), and the lamp body (41) has a fixing hole (42) penetrating along a first axis (X). The connector housing (22) is provided with: a main body part (24) which can pass through the fixing hole (42); a flange section (25) extending from the main body section (24) to the outside in the direction intersecting the first axis (X); a support surface (26) provided on the flange portion (25) and capable of abutting against the lamp body (41) along a first axis (X); an elastic locking piece (27) extending from the support surface (26) along a first axis (X) and capable of being locked to the lamp body (41); and a protective wall (29) that is provided adjacent to the elastic locking piece (27) and protects the elastic locking piece (27). The protective wall (29) has an anti-rotation rib (30) that protrudes in a direction intersecting the first axis (X) and prevents the connector housing (22) from rotating about the first axis (X) with respect to the lamp body (41).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is a connector assembly in which one connector constituting the connector assembly is fixed to a fixing member having a fixing hole (for example, see Patent Document 1). The connector housing of such a connector has: a cylindrical main body portion penetrating the fixing hole; and an elastic locking portion locked to the fixing member. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-102872 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, for example, when a waterproof rubber ring is provided around the connector housing and is pressed against the inner wall surface of the fixing hole, if the connector housing rotates relative to the fixing member about an axis along the penetrating direction of the fixing hole, the waterproof performance of the rubber ring deteriorates. In such a case, it is necessary to firmly suppress the rotation of the connector relative to the fixing member.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector and a connector assembly capable of appropriately suppressing the rotation of the connector relative to a fixing member. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0006] The connector of the present invention comprises a connector housing, which is fixed to a fixing member, and the fixing member has a fixing hole extending through the fixing member along a first axis, and the connector housing comprises: a main body portion, which can extend through the fixing hole; a flange portion, which extends from the main body portion to the outside in a direction intersecting the first axis; a supporting surface, which is arranged on the flange portion and can abut against the fixing member along the first axis; an elastic locking piece, which extends from the supporting surface along the first axis and can be locked to the fixing member; and a protective wall, which is arranged adjacent to the elastic locking piece to protect the elastic locking piece, wherein the protective wall has an anti-rotation rib, which protrudes in a direction intersecting the first axis to prevent the connector housing from rotating relative to the fixing member around the first axis.

[0007] The connector assembly of the present invention comprises a connector and a rear-mounted connector, the connector comprising a connector housing, the connector housing being fixed to a fixing member, the fixing member having a fixing hole penetrating along a first axis, the rear-mounted connector comprising a rear-mounted connector housing, the rear-mounted connector housing being embedded in the connector housing fixed to the fixing member, the connector housing comprising: a main body portion capable of penetrating the fixing hole; a flange portion extending from the main body portion to the outside in a direction intersecting the first axis; a supporting surface provided on the flange portion capable of abutting against the fixing member along the first axis; An elastic locking piece extends from the supporting surface along the first axis and can be locked to the fixed member; and a protective wall is arranged adjacent to the elastic locking piece to protect the elastic locking piece, wherein the protective wall has an anti-rotation rib, and the anti-rotation rib protrudes in a direction intersecting the first axis to prevent the connector housing from rotating relative to the fixed member around the first axis, and the rear-installed connector housing has a deformation limiting portion, and the deformation limiting portion is inserted between the elastic locking piece and the main body that is locked to the fixed member, thereby limiting the elastic deformation of the elastic locking piece. Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the connector and the connector assembly of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately suppress the rotation of the connector relative to the fixing member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lamp body and a connector assembly in one embodiment. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of a lamp body and a connector in one embodiment. Figure 3 It is a front view of a lamp body and a connector in one embodiment. Figure 4 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line 4-4. Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a connector in one embodiment. Figure 6 It is a partially enlarged top view of a connector in one embodiment. Figure 7 It is a partially enlarged perspective view of a connector in one embodiment. Figure 8 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line 8-8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples. [1] The connector of the present invention comprises a connector housing, wherein the connector housing is fixed to a fixing member, the fixing member has a fixing hole extending along a first axis, the connector housing comprises: a main body portion extending through the fixing hole; a flange portion extending from the main body portion to the outside in a direction intersecting the first axis; a support surface provided on the flange portion and capable of abutting against the fixing member along the first axis; an elastic retaining plate extending from the support surface along the first axis and capable of retaining on the fixing member; and a protective wall provided adjacent to the elastic retaining plate to protect the elastic retaining plate, wherein the protective wall has an anti-rotation rib protruding in a direction intersecting the first axis to prevent the connector housing from rotating relative to the fixing member about the first axis.

[0011] According to this structure, the connector housing is provided with a protective wall, and the protective wall is provided adjacent to the elastic locking piece to protect the elastic locking piece, so that, for example, it is possible to suppress an unexpected large force from being applied to the elastic locking piece in a state before the connector housing is fixed to the fixing member. Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress damage to the elastic locking piece. In addition, the protective wall has an anti-rotation rib, and the anti-rotation rib protrudes in a direction intersecting the first axis to prevent the connector housing from rotating with respect to the fixing member around the first axis, so that it is possible to prevent the connector from rotating with respect to the fixing member around the first axis. The anti-rotation rib is provided on the protective wall, so that, compared with the case where the anti-rotation rib is provided separately at a position different from the protective wall, for example, the structure of the connector housing can be simplified. In other words, the protective wall having the anti-rotation rib plays a function of protecting the elastic locking piece in a state before the connector housing is fixed to the fixing member, and plays a function of preventing the connector from rotating in a state where the connector housing is fixed to the fixing member.

[0012] [2] The protective wall may be provided in pair so as to sandwich the elastic locking piece. According to this structure, a pair of protective walls are provided in a manner of sandwiching the elastic locking piece, so it is possible to further suppress an unexpected large force from being applied to the elastic locking piece. Therefore, for example, it is possible to further suppress damage to the elastic locking piece.

[0013] [3] The anti-rotation rib may be provided at a position close to the support surface in the direction along the first axis. According to this structure, the anti-rotation rib is provided at a position close to the supporting surface in the direction along the first axis, so that the following situation can be suppressed: in the initial stage of inserting the main body into the fixing hole, the anti-rotation rib and the fixing member slide more than a predetermined amount. Therefore, for example, the assembly performance of inserting the main body into the fixing hole is good. In addition, for example, the wear of the anti-rotation rib can be suppressed. Therefore, in the final stage of abutting the supporting surface against the fixing member, the anti-rotation rib and the fixing member can be well abutted, and the connector housing can be well prevented from rotating relative to the fixing member around the first axis.

[0014] [4] The anti-rotation rib may have an inclined surface whose protrusion increases as it approaches the support surface from an end portion away from the support surface.

[0015] According to this configuration, the anti-rotation rib has an inclined surface whose protrusion increases as it approaches the support surface from the end portion away from the support surface, so that the assembly of the main body portion by inserting it into the fixing hole is smooth.

[0016] [5] Alternatively, the main body may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the direction along the first axis, and the elastic retaining plate and the protective wall may be disposed at positions deviating from the center of the main body in the long side direction when viewed from the direction along the first axis.

[0017] According to this structure, the elastic retaining piece and the protective wall are arranged at a position deviated from the center in the long side direction of the main body when viewed from the direction along the first axis, so that the connector can be further prevented from rotating relative to the fixing member around the first axis. That is, for example, even if the shaking is suppressed to be small at the center position in the long side direction of the main body, the shaking at the position deviated from the center in the long side direction of the main body becomes larger. In contrast, the elastic retaining piece and the protective wall are arranged at a position deviated from the center in the long side direction of the main body, so that the shaking at the position deviated from the center in the long side direction of the main body can be suppressed to be small, so that the rotation of the connector can be further prevented.

[0018] [6] A rubber ring may be fitted around the flange portion, and the rubber ring may be pressed against the inner wall surface of the fixing hole. According to this structure, a rubber ring is externally fitted around the flange portion, and the rubber ring can be pressed against the inner wall surface of the fixing hole, so that the portion is watertight. In addition, in such a connector, when the connector is rotated around the first axis, the force of pressing against the inner wall surface of the fixing hole is partially weakened, so that the watertightness of the rubber ring may be deteriorated, but this situation can be avoided, so the watertightness can be well maintained.

[0019] [7] The connector assembly of the present invention comprises a connector and a rear-mounted connector, the connector comprising a connector housing, the connector housing being fixed to a fixing member, the fixing member having a fixing hole extending along a first axis, the rear-mounted connector comprising a rear-mounted connector housing, the rear-mounted connector housing being embedded in the connector housing fixed to the fixing member, the connector housing comprising: a main body portion extending through the fixing hole; a flange portion extending from the main body portion to the outside in a direction intersecting the first axis; a supporting surface provided on the flange portion and being able to abut against the fixing member along the first axis. component; an elastic locking piece extending from the supporting surface along the first axis and capable of being locked to the fixed component; and a protective wall arranged adjacent to the elastic locking piece to protect the elastic locking piece, the protective wall having an anti-rotation rib, the anti-rotation rib protruding in a direction intersecting the first axis to prevent the connector housing from rotating relative to the fixed component around the first axis, the rear-installed connector housing having a deformation limiting portion, the deformation limiting portion limiting the elastic deformation of the elastic locking piece by being inserted between the elastic locking piece and the main body that are locked to the fixed component.

[0020] According to this structure, the connector housing is provided with a protective wall, and the protective wall is provided adjacent to the elastic locking piece to protect the elastic locking piece, so that, for example, it is possible to suppress an unexpected large force from being applied to the elastic locking piece in a state before the connector housing is fixed to the fixing member. Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress damage to the elastic locking piece. In addition, the protective wall has an anti-rotation rib, and the anti-rotation rib protrudes in a direction intersecting the first axis to prevent the connector housing from rotating with respect to the fixing member around the first axis, so that it is possible to prevent the connector from rotating with respect to the fixing member around the first axis. The anti-rotation rib is provided on the protective wall, so that, compared with the case where the anti-rotation rib is provided separately at a position different from the protective wall, for example, the structure of the connector housing can be simplified. In other words, the protective wall having the anti-rotation rib plays a function of protecting the elastic locking piece in a state before the connector housing is fixed to the fixing member, and plays a function of preventing the connector from rotating in a state where the connector housing is fixed to the fixing member. In addition, the rear mounted connector housing is provided with a deformation limiting portion, which is inserted between the elastic locking piece locked in the fixing member and the main body, thereby limiting the elastic deformation of the elastic locking piece, thereby preventing the elastic locking piece from being released from the fixing member. Therefore, the connector can be prevented from falling off from the fixing member.

[0021] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] The following is a description of specific examples of the connector assembly of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, for the sake of convenience, a portion of the structure is sometimes enlarged or simplified. In addition, the dimensional ratios of the various parts are sometimes different in the various drawings. "Parallel", "orthogonal" or "perfect circle" in this specification not only include the case of being strictly parallel, orthogonal or a perfect circle, but also include the case of being approximately parallel, orthogonal or a perfect circle within the scope of the effect of the present embodiment. In addition, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0022] (Structure of Connector Assembly 11) like Figure 1 As shown, the connector assembly 11 includes a connector 21 and a rear-mounted connector 31 connected to the connector 21. The connector assembly 11 is used, for example, to connect a lamp and an electric wire that are not shown in the figure and are provided on a vehicle. The connector 21 of the present embodiment is connected to the lamp and is fixed to a lamp body 41 that serves as a fixing member. In addition, the rear-mounted connector 31 is connected to the electric wire and is embedded in the connector 21 fixed to the lamp body 41. In addition, in the figure, a first axis X, a second axis Y that is orthogonal to the first axis X, and a third axis Z that is orthogonal to the first axis X and the second axis Y are illustrated. In the present embodiment, the direction along the first axis X is sometimes referred to as a penetration direction or a depth direction, the direction along the second axis Y is referred to as a width direction, and the direction along the third axis Z is referred to as a height direction.

[0023] (Structure of lamp body 41) like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in FIG. 4 , the lamp body 41 has a fixing hole 42 penetrating along the first axis X. Figure 3 As shown, the fixing hole 42 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the direction along the first axis X. In addition, in the present embodiment, when viewed from the direction along the first axis X, the long side direction of the fixing hole 42 is along the direction along the second axis Y, which is the width direction, and the short side direction of the fixing hole 42 is along the direction along the third axis Z, which is the height direction. The fixing hole 42 has a locking portion 44 and a positioning groove 45, etc., on a portion of its inner wall surface 43.

[0024] (Structure of Connector 21) like Figure 3 As shown, the connector 21 includes a connector housing 22 and a plurality of terminals 23 held in the connector housing 22. The connector housing 22 is made of a resin material.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the connector housing 22 includes a main body 24, a flange 25, a support surface 26, an elastic locking piece 27, a positioning protrusion 28, and a protective wall 29. The main body 24 can pass through the fixing hole 42 and be fixed to the lamp body 41 in the state of passing through the fixing hole 42. Figure 3 As shown, the main body 24 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the direction along the first axis X. The main body 24 is formed into a rectangular tube and holds a plurality of terminals 23 inside. In addition, when viewed from the direction along the first axis X, the plurality of terminals 23 of the present embodiment are arranged along the long side direction of the main body 24.

[0026] The flange portion 25 extends outward from the outer periphery of the main body portion 24 in a direction intersecting the first axis X. A rubber ring 51 is fitted around the flange portion 25 , and the rubber ring 51 can be pressed against the inner wall surface 43 of the fixing hole 42 .

[0027] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the connector housing 22 is fixed to the lamp body 41 , the rubber ring 51 is pressed against the inner wall surface 43 of the fixing hole 42 to stop water from entering the area. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the interior of the connector housing 22 is schematically shown, and illustration of the terminals 23 and the like is omitted.

[0028] The support surface 26 is a surface provided on the flange portion 25 and capable of abutting against the lamp body 41 along the first axis X. That is, the support surface 26 is a surface of the flange portion 25 extending outward from the outer periphery of the main body portion 24 and perpendicular to the first axis X, and abuts against the lamp body 41 in the direction along the first axis X when the connector housing 22 is fixed to the lamp body 41.

[0029] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the elastic locking piece 27 extends from the supporting surface 26 along the first axis X and can be locked to the lamp body 41 . In detail, Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the elastic locking piece 27 includes: an extension portion 27a having a gap with the main body 24 and extending from the support surface 26 along the first axis X; and a claw portion 27b protruding from the end of the extension portion 27a in a direction away from the main body 24. The extension portion 27a of the elastic locking piece 27 is elastically deformable. In addition, when the main body 24 is inserted into the fixing hole 42, the extension portion 27a of the elastic locking piece 27 is elastically deformed. When the support surface 26 abuts against the lamp body 41, the elastic deformation of the extension portion 27a is released, so that the claw portion 27b is locked to the locking portion 44 of the lamp body 41.

[0030] like Figure 3As shown in the figure, the elastic locking piece 27 is arranged at a position deviated from the center in the long side direction of the main body 24 when viewed from the direction along the first axis X. In other words, the elastic locking piece 27 is arranged at a position deviated from the center of the main body 24 in the width direction along the second axis Y. In addition, when viewed from the direction along the first axis X, the elastic locking piece 27 is arranged on both sides in the short side direction of the main body 24. In other words, two elastic locking pieces 27 are arranged in the height direction along the third axis Z. And, in the height direction, the two elastic locking pieces 27 are arranged at positions deviated in the opposite direction from the center in the long side direction of the main body 24.

[0031] The positioning protrusion 28 is erected from a part of the main body 24. When viewed from the direction along the first axis X, the positioning protrusion 28 is provided at a position deviated from the center in the long side direction of the main body 24 and on a side where the elastic locking piece 27 is not provided. When viewed from the direction along the first axis X, the positioning protrusion 28 is provided only on one side in the short side direction of the main body 24. When the main body 24 is inserted into the fixing hole 42, the positioning protrusion 28 is embedded in the positioning groove 45 of the lamp body 41 to prevent incorrect assembly.

[0032] The protective wall 29 is provided adjacent to the elastic locking piece 27 in order to protect the elastic locking piece 27. A pair of protective walls 29 are provided so as to sandwich the elastic locking piece 27. The protective wall 29 is erected from the main body 24 so as to cover the lateral sides of the extended portion 27a of the elastic locking piece 27 in the width direction. The protective wall 29 is formed from the support surface 26 to a position beyond the end of the elastic locking piece 27 in the direction along the first axis X. The protective wall 29 suppresses an unexpected large force from being applied to the elastic locking piece 27 before the connector housing 22 is fixed to the lamp body 41.

[0033] And, if Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the protection wall 29 has an anti-rotation rib 30. The anti-rotation rib 30 protrudes in a direction intersecting the first axis X, and prevents the connector housing 22 from rotating about the first axis X relative to the lamp body 41.

[0034] The anti-rotation rib 30 of this embodiment is provided on the protection wall 29 provided adjacent to one of the two elastic locking pieces 27. Specifically, the anti-rotation rib 30 is provided on the protection wall 29 on the side where the positioning protrusion 28 is not provided in the height direction along the third axis Z.

[0035] like Figure 6 As shown, the anti-rotation ribs 30 protrude from a pair of protective walls 29 provided so as to sandwich the elastic locking piece 27 , respectively, in the width direction along the second axis line Y and in directions away from each other.

[0036] The anti-rotation rib 30 is provided at a position close to the support surface 26 in the direction along the first axis X. The anti-rotation rib 30 of the present embodiment is provided at a position connected to the support surface 26 in a portion along the direction of the first axis X. The anti-rotation rib 30 has an inclined surface 30a whose protrusion increases as it approaches the support surface 26 from the end away from the support surface 26.

[0037] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown, in the lamp body 41, the pair of mutually opposed abutting surfaces 46 abutting against the pair of anti-rotation ribs 30 are formed such that the interval becomes slightly wider as they approach the support surface 26. That is, the pair of abutting surfaces 46 are formed as extraction tapered surfaces such that the interval becomes slightly wider as they approach the direction of extraction of the mold during manufacturing.

[0038] When the connector housing 22 is fixed to the lamp body 41, the anti-rotation rib 30 abuts against the abutment surface 46, thereby preventing the connector housing 22 from rotating relative to the lamp body 41 around the first axis X. In other words, the anti-rotation rib 30 prevents the connector housing 22 from shaking in the rotation direction around the first axis X relative to the lamp body 41.

[0039] (Structure of rear-mounted connector 31) like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the rear-mounted connector 31 includes a rear-mounted connector housing 32 and a plurality of terminals (not shown) held by the rear-mounted connector housing 32. The rear-mounted connector housing 32 is made of a resin material.

[0040] The post-mounted connector housing 32 can be fitted into the connector housing 22 fixed to the lamp body 41. In a state where the post-mounted connector housing 32 is fitted into the connector housing 22, the terminals of the post-mounted connector 31 are connected to the terminals 23 of the connector 21.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the rear-mounted connector housing 32 has a deformation restricting portion 33. When the rear-mounted connector housing 32 is fitted into the connector housing 22, the deformation restricting portion 33 is inserted between the elastic retaining piece 27 and the main body 24, thereby restricting the elastic deformation of the elastic retaining piece 27.

[0042] Next, the operation of the connector assembly 11 configured as described above will be described. When the main body 24 of the connector housing 22 is inserted into the fixing hole 42 of the lamp body 41 along the first axis X, the support surface 26 provided on the flange 25 abuts against the lamp body 41. Then, the elastic locking piece 27 is locked to the lamp body 41, and the connector 21 is fixed to the lamp body 41.

[0043] Furthermore, when the connector housing 32 is fitted into the connector housing 22, the terminals of the post-installed connector 31 are connected to the terminals 23 of the connector 21, and the deformation restricting portion 33 is inserted between the elastic locking piece 27 and the main body 24. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the elastic locking piece 27 can be suppressed, and the connector 21 can be suppressed from falling off the lamp body 41.

[0044] Next, the effects of the above-described embodiment will be described below. (1) The connector housing 22 includes the protection wall 29, which is provided adjacent to the elastic locking piece 27 to protect the elastic locking piece 27. Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress an unexpected large force from being applied to the elastic locking piece 27 before the connector housing 22 is fixed to the lamp body 41. Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress damage to the elastic locking piece 27.

[0045] In addition, the protective wall 29 has an anti-rotation rib 30, and the anti-rotation rib 30 protrudes in a direction intersecting the first axis X to prevent the connector housing 22 from rotating relative to the lamp body 41 around the first axis X. Therefore, the connector 21 can be prevented from rotating relative to the lamp body 41 around the first axis X. The anti-rotation rib 30 is provided on the protective wall 29, so that the structure of the connector housing 22 can be simplified compared to, for example, a case where the anti-rotation rib 30 is provided separately at a position different from the protective wall 29. In other words, the protective wall 29 having the anti-rotation rib 30 has a function of protecting the elastic locking piece 27 before the connector housing 22 is fixed to the lamp body 41. In addition, the protective wall 29 having the anti-rotation rib 30 has a function of preventing the connector 21 from rotating when the connector housing 22 is fixed to the lamp body 41.

[0046] (2) Since a pair of protective walls 29 are provided so as to sandwich the elastic locking piece 27, it is possible to further suppress an unexpected large force from being applied to the elastic locking piece 27. Therefore, for example, it is possible to further suppress damage to the elastic locking piece 27.

[0047] (3) The anti-rotation rib 30 is provided at a position close to the support surface 26 in the direction along the first axis X, so that the following situation can be suppressed: in the initial stage of inserting the main body 24 into the fixing hole 42, the anti-rotation rib 30 and the lamp body 41 slide more than a predetermined amount. Therefore, for example, the assembly performance of inserting the main body 24 into the fixing hole 42 is good. In addition, for example, the wear of the anti-rotation rib 30 can be suppressed. Therefore, in the final stage of abutting the support surface 26 against the lamp body 41, the anti-rotation rib 30 can be well abutted against the abutment surface 46 of the lamp body 41, and the connector housing 22 can be well prevented from rotating relative to the lamp body 41 around the first axis X.

[0048] (4) The anti-rotation rib 30 has the inclined surface 30 a that protrudes more toward the support surface 26 from the end away from the support surface 26 , so that the main body 24 can be assembled smoothly by inserting it into the fixing hole 42 .

[0049] (5) When viewed from the direction along the first axis X, the elastic locking piece 27 and the protective wall 29 are disposed at a position deviated from the center in the long-side direction of the main body 24, so that the connector 21 can be further prevented from rotating relative to the lamp body 41 around the first axis X. That is, for example, even if the shaking is suppressed to be small at the center position in the long-side direction of the main body 24, the shaking at the position deviated from the center in the long-side direction of the main body 24 becomes large. In contrast, the elastic locking piece 27 and the protective wall 29 are disposed at a position deviated from the center in the long-side direction of the main body 24, so that the shaking at the position deviated from the center in the long-side direction of the main body 24 can be suppressed to be small, so that the connector 21 can be further prevented from rotating.

[0050] (6) A rubber ring 51 is fitted around the flange 25, and the rubber ring 51 can be pressed against the inner wall surface 43 of the fixing hole 42, so that the portion is watertight. In addition, in such a connector 21, when the connector 21 is rotated around the first axis X, the force of pressing against the inner wall surface 43 of the fixing hole 42 is partially weakened, so that the watertightness of the rubber ring 51 may be deteriorated, but this can be avoided, so that the watertightness can be maintained well.

[0051] (7) The rear mounted connector housing 32 is provided with a deformation restricting portion 33, which is inserted between the elastic retaining piece 27 locked to the lamp body 41 and the main body 24, thereby restricting the elastic deformation of the elastic retaining piece 27. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the elastic retaining piece 27 from being released from being locked to the lamp body 41. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connector 21 from falling off from the lamp body 41.

[0052] This embodiment can be implemented as the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the range that there is no technical contradiction. In the above embodiment, a pair of protective walls 29 are provided to sandwich the elastic locking piece 27, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the protective walls 29 may be provided only on one side of the elastic locking piece 27. That is, the anti-rotation rib 30 may be provided only on one side of the elastic locking piece 27 together with the protective walls 29.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the anti-rotation rib 30 is provided at a position of the protective wall 29 close to the support surface 26 in the direction along the first axis X, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the anti-rotation rib 30 may be provided at the entire protective wall 29 in the direction along the first axis X. In addition, in the above embodiment, the anti-rotation rib 30 is provided at a position connected to the support surface 26, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the anti-rotation rib 30 may not be connected to the support surface 26.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the anti-rotation rib 30 has the inclined surface 30 a that protrudes more toward the support surface 26 from the end away from the support surface 26 , but the present invention is not limited thereto and the anti-rotation rib 30 may not have the inclined surface 30 a .

[0055] In the above embodiment, the elastic locking piece 27 and the protective wall 29 are provided at positions offset from the center of the main body 24 in the longitudinal direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, either the elastic locking piece 27 or the protective wall 29 may be provided at the center of the main body 24 in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the rubber ring 51 is fitted around the flange 25 and can be pressed against the inner wall surface 43 of the fixing hole 42, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a waterproof member with other structures may be provided at other locations.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the rear-mounted connector housing 32 includes the deformation restricting portion 33 that restricts the elastic deformation of the elastic locking piece 27 , but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be configured without the deformation restricting portion 33 .

[0058] In the above embodiment, the protective wall 29 provided adjacent to one of the two elastic locking pieces 27 is provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the protective wall 29 may be provided.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the connector housing 22 includes two elastic locking pieces 27 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the connector housing 22 may include only one elastic locking piece 27 or three or more elastic locking pieces 27 .

[0060] In the above embodiment, the fixing member that fixes the connector housing 22 is the lamp body 41 , but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied as a fixing member other than the lamp body 41 .

[0061] The protective wall 29 may also be configured such that the elastic locking piece 27 is elastically deformed to a first elastic deformation amount sufficient to be locked to the lamp body 41, and the elastic locking piece 27 is prevented from being elastically deformed to a second elastic deformation amount sufficient to be broken. For example, when the elastic locking piece 27 is in a non-elastic deformation state or a natural state, a space allowing elastic deformation may be defined between the protective wall 29 and the elastic locking piece 27. For example, Figure 6 In the example shown, when the elastic locking piece 27 is in a non-elastic deformation state or a natural state, each of the pair of protective walls 29 may not contact the elastic locking piece 27. For example, an allowable elastic deformation space may be divided between each protective wall 29 and the elastic locking piece 27 on the second axis Y (in the width direction of the elastic locking piece 27).

[0062] The protection wall 29 may also be configured to prevent the extension portion 27a of the elastic locking piece 27 other than the claw portion 27b from directly contacting non-connector elements other than the connector 21 by cooperating with the support surface 26a. For example, in order to obtain this effect, one or more or all of the relative positions among the support surface 26a, the protection wall 29 and the base end of the elastic locking piece 27, the shape of the protection wall 29 and the size of the protection wall 29 may be adjusted, selected or determined. Description of Reference Numerals

[0063] 11 Connector assembly 21 Connectors 22 Connector housing 23 terminals 24 Main body 25 Flange 26 Support surface 27 Elastic stopper 27a Extension Department 27b Claw 28 Positioning convex part 29 Protective wall 30 Anti-rotation ribs 30a Inclined surface 31 Rear mounted connector 32 Rear mount connector housing 33 Deformation limiting part 41 lamp body (fixed component) 42 Fixing holes 43 inner wall 44 stopper 45 Positioning slot 46 Abutment surface 51 Rubber Ring X1st axis Y 2nd axis Z 3rd axis

Claims

1. A connector comprising a connector housing, wherein the connector housing is fixed to a fixing member, wherein the fixing member has a fixing hole penetrating along a first axis, The connector housing comprises: A main body portion capable of passing through the fixing hole; A flange portion extending from the main body portion toward the outside in a direction intersecting the first axis; a bearing surface, provided on the flange portion, capable of abutting against the fixing member along the first axis; An elastic locking piece extending from the supporting surface along the first axis and capable of being locked to the fixing member; as well as, A protective wall is disposed adjacent to the elastic locking piece to protect the elastic locking piece, wherein: The protection wall has an anti-rotation rib, and the anti-rotation rib protrudes in a direction intersecting the first axis to prevent the connector housing from rotating about the first axis relative to the fixing member.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: A pair of the protection walls is provided in a manner of sandwiching the elastic locking piece.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The anti-rotation rib is provided at a position close to the support surface in a direction along the first axis.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The anti-rotation rib has an inclined surface whose protrusion amount increases as the end away from the support surface approaches the support surface.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed from the direction along the first axis, the main body has a rectangular shape. The elastic locking piece and the protection wall are provided at positions offset from a center in a longitudinal direction of the main body when viewed in a direction along the first axis.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: A rubber ring is embedded around the flange portion, and the rubber ring can be pressed against the inner wall surface of the fixing hole.

7. A connector assembly comprising a connector and a rear mounted connector, The connector includes a connector housing, the connector housing is fixed to a fixing member, and the fixing member has a fixing hole penetrating along a first axis. The post-installation connector includes a post-installation connector housing, and the post-installation connector housing is fitted into the connector housing fixed to the fixing member. The connector housing comprises: A main body portion capable of passing through the fixing hole; A flange portion extending from the main body portion toward the outside in a direction intersecting the first axis; a bearing surface, provided on the flange portion, capable of abutting against the fixing member along the first axis; An elastic locking piece extending from the supporting surface along the first axis and capable of being locked to the fixing member; as well as, A protective wall is disposed adjacent to the elastic locking piece to protect the elastic locking piece, wherein: The protection wall has an anti-rotation rib, the anti-rotation rib protruding in a direction intersecting the first axis to prevent the connector housing from rotating relative to the fixing member around the first axis. The rear mounted connector housing includes a deformation restricting portion, The deformation restricting portion restricts elastic deformation of the elastic locking piece by being inserted between the elastic locking piece locked to the fixing member and the main body.

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