Connector

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is, in a structure in which a terminal holder is held in a housing, to improve the strength of a rear end portion from which an electric wire extends in the terminal holder, and to firmly hold the rear end portion in the housing. The connector holds a terminal by means of a terminal holder, and is provided with: a terminal-equipped electric wire having an electric wire and the terminal attached to the end of the electric wire; a terminal holder having a cavity in which the terminal is accommodated; and a housing having a holder holding portion that holds the terminal holder, and an electric wire guide portion that guides the electric wire extending from the holder holding portion. The terminal holding body has a protruding portion protruding outward on an outer peripheral portion of a rear end portion of the terminal holding body from which the electric wire extends, the holding body holding portion has a holding body accommodating space and a recessed portion, the holding body accommodating space accommodates the terminal holding body, and at least a portion of the protruding portion is fitted into the recessed portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector provided with a terminal member, a sub-housing that houses the terminal member in a state of being prevented from coming off, and a housing that houses the terminal member and the sub-housing in a state of being prevented from coming off. PRIOR ART DOCUMENT PATENT DOCUMENT

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-126408 SUMMARY PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] In a structure in which a terminal holder is held in a housing, it is desirable to increase the strength of a rear end portion of an electric wire that extends out of the terminal holder, and to firmly hold the rear end portion in the housing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present application is to increase the strength of a rear end portion of an electric wire that extends out of a terminal holder, and to firmly hold the rear end portion in a housing, in a structure in which the terminal holder is held in the housing. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0006] The connector of the present application holds a terminal by a terminal holder, the connector being provided with: an electric wire with terminal, having an electric wire and the terminal fitted to an end portion of the electric wire; the terminal holder, having a cavity that houses the terminal; and a housing, having a holder holding portion that holds the terminal holder, and an electric wire guide portion that guides the electric wire that extends out of the holder holding portion, the terminal holder having a protruding portion that protrudes outward at an outer peripheral portion of a rear end portion of the electric wire that extends out of the terminal holder, the holder holding portion having a holder housing space that houses the terminal holder, and a recess portion into which at least a part of the protruding portion is fitted. EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the present application, in a structure in which a terminal holder is held in a housing, it is possible to increase the strength of a rear end portion of an electric wire that extends out of the terminal holder, and to firmly hold the rear end portion in the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a connector of an embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the connector of the above. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector. Figure 5 is a V-V line cross-sectional view of Figure 1 Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal module. Figure 7 is a perspective view partially cutting the housing. Figure 8 is a perspective view partially cutting the housing. Figure 9 is a perspective view partially cutting the housing. Figure 10 is an X-X line cross-sectional view of Figure 2 Figure 11 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the protruding portion of the terminal holder is embedded in the recessed portion. Figure 12 is a rear view showing the terminal module held in the holder holding portion. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing another connector. Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector. Figure 15 is a perspective view partially cutting the housing. Figure 16 is an XVI-XVI line cross-sectional view of Figure 13 Figure 17 is a rear view showing the terminal module held in the holder holding portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Explanation of Embodiments of the Invention] First, an embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0010] The connector of the present invention is as follows.

[0011] (1) A connector holding a terminal by a terminal holder, the connector comprising: a terminal-equipped electric wire having an electric wire and the terminal fitted to an end portion of the electric wire; the terminal holder having a cavity accommodating the terminal; and a housing having a holder holding portion holding the terminal holder and an electric wire guide portion guiding the electric wire extending from the holder holding portion, the terminal holder having a protruding portion protruding outward at an outer peripheral portion of a rear end portion of the electric wire extending in the terminal holder, the holder holding portion having a holder accommodating space accommodating the terminal holder and a recessed portion into which at least a part of the protruding portion is embedded.​​​

[0012] According to the present application, the terminal holder has a protrusion on the outer periphery of the rear end portion on the side where the electric wire extends, and thus the strength of the rear end portion of the terminal holder where the electric wire extends is improved. In addition, since the protrusion is fitted into the recess of the housing, the rear end portion of the terminal holder can be securely held in the housing.

[0013] (2) In the connector of (1), the protrusion can have a support target surface facing a guide direction of the electric wire by the electric wire guide portion, and the recess can have a support surface facing the support target surface.

[0014] When the electric wire is pulled in the guide direction of the electric wire, the rear end portion of the terminal holder is also pulled in the guide direction. According to this connector, the support target surface and the support surface come into contact, and thus the movement of the rear end portion of the terminal holder in the guide direction is restricted. Therefore, the rear end portion of the terminal holder can be securely held in the housing.

[0015] (3) In the connector of (1) or (2), the protrusion can include a rim reinforcement portion along an edge of the rear end portion of the terminal holder.

[0016] Thus, in the case where the electric wire is pulled, the portion where the force is easily applied is reinforced by the rim reinforcement portion.

[0017] (4) In the connector of (3), the rim reinforcement portion can include a first support end portion, a second support end portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first support end portion and the second support end portion, the first support end portion and the second support end portion are supported by the recess in the case where the electric wire is pulled in the guide direction of the electric wire by the electric wire guide portion, and the connecting portion includes a portion in an arch shape recessed to the side opposite to the guide direction of the electric wire.

[0018] Thus, in the case where the electric wire is pulled, the connecting portion between the first support end portion and the second support end portion can be securely supported by the arch structure. Thus, even in the case where the portion between the first support end portion and the second support end portion of the terminal holder cannot be directly supported by the housing, the portion between the first support end portion and the second support end portion can be securely supported.

[0019] (5) In the connector of any one of (1) to (4), the protrusion can include a rib portion extending in the extension direction of the cavity.

[0020] In this case, the terminal holder is difficult to be deformed in a manner bent with respect to the extension direction of the terminal.

[0021] (6) In the connector of any one of (1) to (5), the terminal holder can also have a base holder, an intermediate holder overlapping the base holder, and a cover holder overlapping the intermediate holder on a side opposite the base holder, the cavities being formed in the base holder and the intermediate holder, and the protrusion being formed in the intermediate holder.

[0022] Since the intermediate holder is disposed between the base holder and the cover holder, it is difficult to bring the intermediate holder into contact with the face surrounding the holding space. Therefore, by forming the protrusion in the intermediate holder, the protrusion is fitted into the recess, so that the intermediate holder is easily positioned.

[0023] (7) In the connector of (6), the wire guide portion can guide the wire along an overlapping direction of the base holder, the intermediate holder, and the cover holder, the protrusion can include a cross protrusion protruding in a direction crossing the overlapping direction, and the cross protrusion can be fitted into the recess in a manner to be in contact with an inner surface of the recess in a direction in which the wire is guided.

[0024] In this case, by providing the cross protrusion of the intermediate holder disposed between the base holder and the cover holder, which protrudes in a direction crossing the overlapping direction, position restriction in the direction in which the wire is guided is effectively performed.

[0025] (8) In the connector of (6), the wire guide portion can guide the wire along a direction crossing both an extending direction of the cavity and an overlapping direction of the base holder, the intermediate holder, and the cover holder, the protrusion can include a guide direction side protrusion protruding in the direction in which the wire is guided, and a top of the guide direction side protrusion can be fitted into the recess in a manner to be in contact with an inner surface of the recess.

[0026] In this case, by bringing the top of the guide direction side protrusion into contact with the inner surface of the recess, position restriction of the intermediate holder in the direction in which the wire is guided is effectively performed.

[0027] (9) In the connector of any one of (6) to (8), the intermediate holder can extend further outward than the base holder in the extending direction of the cavity.

[0028] In this case, by the protrusion formed in the intermediate holder, the rear end portion of the intermediate holder is reinforced, and is easily held firmly in a constant position.

[0029] (10) In the connector of (9), the protrusion can also include a rib portion extending in the direction of extension of the cavity, the rib portion extending from a position on the side opposite the direction of extension of the electric wire from the rear end surface of the base holder toward the rear end portion side in the direction of extension of the cavity.

[0030] In this case, the portion of the intermediate holder extending from the base holder can be securely reinforced by the rib portion. In addition, if the rib portion is held in the recess, the portion of the intermediate holder extending from the base holder can be securely held by the rib portion.

[0031] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] The following describes specific examples of the connector of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, 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 range equivalent to the claims.

[0032] [Embodiments] The following describes the connector of the embodiments.

[0033] [Overall Structure] The overall structure of the connector is described. Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the connector 20. Figure 3 and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector 20. Figure 5 is Figure 1 V-V line sectional view of

[0034] The connector 20 is a connector that holds the terminal 12 by a terminal holder 32. The terminal 12 and the terminal holder 32 are described later with reference to Figure 6 The other side terminal of the other side connector is connected to the terminal 12 by connecting the other side connector to the connector 20.

[0035] The connector 20 has a terminal-equipped electric wire 11, the terminal holder 32, and a housing 50.

[0036] The terminal-equipped electric wire 11 has the electric wire 16 and the terminal 12 fitted to the end portion of the electric wire 16.

[0037] The terminal 12 is housed in the terminal holder 32. The terminal 12 and the terminal holder 32 housing the terminal 12 constitute a terminal module 30. The electric wire 16 extends outward from the terminal holder 32. The terminal 12 is fitted into the housing 50 in a state of being housed in the terminal module 30.

[0038] The housing 50 holds the terminal 12 by the terminal holder 32. The housing 50 has a holder holding portion 60 and a wire guide portion 52. The terminal holder 32 is housed in the holder holding portion 60. The wire guide portion 52 is integrally connected with the holder holding portion 60, and guides the electric wire 16 extending out from the holder holding portion 60. The electric wire 16 is guided in the direction of extension from the connector 20 by the wire guide portion 52.

[0039] Further, a stopper 90 is installed in the above-described holder holding portion 60. The terminal module 30 is held from falling out of the housing 50 by the stopper 90. In the present embodiment, the stopper 90 is installed in the housing 50 from the side opposite to the direction of extraction of the electric wire 16 from the terminal module 30. Such a stopper 90 can also be referred to as a front stopper.

[0040] With respect to the present connector 20, a counterpart connector is connected from the side opposite to the direction of extraction of the electric wire 16 from the terminal module 30. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the side connecting the counterpart connector can be referred to as the front side, and the side opposite thereto can be referred to as the rear side. In addition, the locking piece 68a that maintains the connected state with the counterpart connector is located in the housing 50. For the sake of convenience, the side on which the locking piece 68a is located with respect to the housing 50 can be referred to as the upper side, and the side opposite thereto can be referred to as the lower side. Further, left and right can be referred to with those front and rear, upper and lower as references.

[0041] The structure of each portion will be described.

[0042] <Regarding the Terminal Module> Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal module 30. As shown in Figures 3 to 6 the terminal module 30 includes the terminal 12 and the terminal holder 32 holding the terminal 12. The terminal 12 is a member formed by press working or the like of a metal plate, and includes a wire connecting portion 12a and a terminal connecting portion 12b. The wire connecting portion 12a and the terminal connecting portion 12b are connected, for example, in a straight line. The wire connecting portion 12a of the end portion of the terminal 12 is connected to the end portion of the electric wire 16 by crimping or the like. The terminal connecting portion 12b is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and a pin-shaped or tab-shaped male connecting portion of a counterpart terminal is inserted and connected to this terminal connecting portion 12b.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the terminal module 30 includes a plurality of terminals 12. More specifically, the terminal module 30 includes four terminals 12. The four terminals 12 are arranged in two in the lateral direction, and two layers in the vertical direction. A plurality of electric wires 16 extend out from the rear end of the terminal module 30. The number of terminals 12 held by the terminal module 30 is arbitrary, and can include only one terminal, or two or more terminals.

[0044] The terminal holding body 32 is a resin member having cavities 34g1, 34g2, 36g1, 36g2 that accommodate the terminals 12. The terminal holding body 32 holds the plurality of terminals 12 in a predetermined arrangement while insulating the plurality of terminals 12 from each other. The terminal holding body 32 is held to the case 50 in a state in which the plurality of terminals 12 are held by the terminal holding body 32. Thus, the plurality of terminals 12 can be easily held in the case 50 in a predetermined arrangement state.

[0045] More specifically, the terminal holding body 32 includes a base holding body 34, an intermediate holding body 36, and a cover holding body 38. The intermediate holding body 36 overlaps the base holding body, and the cover holding body 38 overlaps the intermediate holding body 36 on the side opposite the base holding body 34.

[0046] The base holding body 34 is formed with a plurality of (two in this case) cavities 34g1, 34g2. The cavities 34g1, 34g2 are juxtaposed and open on the upper and rear sides. A front wall 34FW is erected on the front edge of the base holding body 34. The terminals 12 are arranged in the cavities 34g1, 34g2 through the openings on the upper and rear sides of the cavities 34g1, 34g2. The cavity 34g1 is an example of a first cavity, and the cavity 34g2 is an example of a second cavity. More cavities can also be formed in the base holding body 34.

[0047] The base holding body 34 includes a partition wall 34W and a pair of side walls 34SW. The partition wall 34W is a wall that partitions the first cavity 34g1 and the second cavity 34g2. The pair of side walls 34SW are walls that partition the outer sides of the two sides of the cavities 34g1, 34g2.

[0048] Positioning protrusions 34gp protrude on the bottoms of the cavities 34g1, 34g2. The terminals 12 have recesses 12g that are recessed between the covering crimp portions that are crimped to the covering portions of the electric wires in the wire connecting portions 12a and the terminal connecting portions 12b. The terminals 12 are positioned in the positioning protrusions 34gp by the positioning protrusions 34gp being fitted into the recesses 12g of the terminals 12.

[0049] The intermediate holding body 36 is a member that has an extent that can plug the upper openings of the plurality of cavities 34g1, 34g2. The intermediate holding body 36 has a locking piece 36p that can be locked to the locking protrusions 34r1 of the base holding body 34.

[0050] In a state in which the intermediate holding body 36 plugs the upper openings of the plurality of cavities 34g1, 34g2, the locking piece 36p is locked to the locking protrusions 34r1 on both sides of the base holding body 34, whereby the intermediate holding body 36 is held in a state of overlapping the base holding body 34. In this state, the terminals 12 in the cavities 34g1, 34g2 are restricted from moving upward, and the state in which the positioning protrusions 34gp are fitted into the recesses 12g is maintained.

[0051] The intermediate holder 36 has a plurality of (two in this example) cavities 36gl, 36g2 on the side opposite the base holder 34. The cavities 36gl, 36g2 are juxtaposed and open on the upper and rear sides. In the state in which the intermediate holder 36 is combined with the base holder 34, the front wall 34FW of the base holder 34 is positioned on the front side of the front-side openings of the cavities 36gl, 36g2. The terminal 12 is disposed in the cavities 36gl, 36g2 through the upper and rear openings of the cavities 36gl, 36g2.

[0052] The cavity 36gl is an example of a first cavity, and the cavity 36g2 is an example of a second cavity. More cavities can be formed in the base holder 34.

[0053] The intermediate holder 36 includes a partition wall 36W and a pair of side walls 36SW. The partition wall 36W is a wall that separates the first cavity 36gl and the second cavity 36g2. The pair of side walls 36SW are walls that separate the outer sides of the two cavities 36gl, 36g2.

[0054] A positioning protrusion 36gp protrudes on the bottom of the cavities 36gl, 36g2. The terminal 12 is positioned in the positioning protrusion 36gp by the positioning protrusion 36gp being fitted into the recess 12g of the terminal 12.

[0055] If the terminal holder 32 is provided with a plurality of intermediate holders 36, the terminal holder 32 can hold three or more layers of terminals 12 in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] In the extension direction of the cavities 34gl, 34g2, 36gl, 36g2, the intermediate holder 36 extends to the outer side, i.e., the rear side, of the base holder 34.

[0057] The cover holder 38 is a member having an extent that can plug the upper openings of the plurality of cavities 36gl, 36g2. The cover holder 38 has a locking piece 38p that can be locked to the locking protrusion 34r2 of the base holder 34.

[0058] In the state in which the cover holder 38 plugs the upper openings of the plurality of cavities 36gl, 36g2, the locking piece 38p is locked to the locking protrusions 34r2 on both sides of the base holder 34 beyond the outer side of the intermediate holder 36. Thus, in the state in which the intermediate holder 36 is disposed between the base holder 34 and the cover holder 38, the cover holder 38 is held in the combined state with respect to the base holder 34. In this state, the terminal 12 in the cavities 36gl, 36g2 is restricted from moving upward, and the state in which the positioning protrusion 36gp is fitted into the recess 12g is maintained.

[0059] In a state where the plurality of terminals 12 are held by the terminal holder 32, the plurality of electric wires 16 extend out from the rear openings of the cavities 34g1, 34g2, 36g1, 36g2.

[0060] In addition, the front wall 34FW is formed with a through-hole through which the counterpart terminals can pass. The plurality of counterpart terminals are connected to the corresponding terminals 12 through the through-holes, respectively.

[0061] A locking recess 33 in which the lance 66 can be locked is formed in the side surface of the terminal holder 32. In the present embodiment, a square hole that penetrates the inside and the outside is formed in the base end portion of the locking piece 38p of the cover holder 38, and this hole is the locking recess 33. The recess in which the lance is locked can also be a bottomed recess.

[0062] The rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 is further described later in detail for reinforcement and firm holding in the housing 50.

[0063] <Concerning the Housing> Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a perspective view in which the housing 50 is partially cut away so that the engaging portion of the stopper 90 in the housing 50 can be seen. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the Figure 7 is a view showing the internal structure of the holder holding portion 60 as viewed from the left side, Figure 8 is a view showing the internal structure of the holder holding portion 60 as viewed from the right side. Figure 9 is a perspective view in which the housing 50 is partially cut away so that the engaging portion of the stopper 90 in the housing 50 can be seen. Figure 10 is Figure 2 X-X sectional view of Figure 10 In the

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 to 5 , Figures 7 to 10 the housing 50 is a mold-formed member of resin or the like. As described above, the housing 50 has the holder holding portion 60 and the electric wire guide portion 52.

[0065] The holder holding portion 60 is a portion that holds the terminals 12 by holding the terminal module 30. In addition, the holder holding portion 60 is a portion that is connected to the counterpart connector in a state of holding the terminals 12.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the holder holding portion 60 has the accommodation wall portion 62 and the outer wall portion 68.

[0067] The housing wall portion 62 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the terminal module 30. The outer wall portion 68 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the front portion of the housing wall portion 62 with a space therebetween. In the present embodiment, the housing wall portion 62 and the outer wall portion 68 are formed in a square cylindrical shape. Here, the square cylindrical shape is not only a square cylindrical shape in which the corners are right angles, but also a shape in which the corners of the square cylindrical shape are rounded.

[0068] The rear side opening of the housing wall portion 62 is the first opening 62a, and the front side opening is the second opening 62b. The terminal module 30 is disposed in the housing wall portion 62 in a state in which the electric wire 16 is drawn out from the first opening 62a.

[0069] The middle portion of the housing wall portion 62 in the extending direction and the rear end portion of the outer wall portion 68 are connected via the connecting wall 61. That is, the connecting wall 61 is located at the middle portion of the housing wall portion 62 in the extending direction, and the portion of the housing wall portion 62 that is located forward of the connecting wall 61 constitutes a double wall together with the outer wall portion 68.

[0070] The front portion of the housing wall portion 62 and the outer wall portion 68 described above are portions that are connected to the counterpart connector. The cylindrical portion of the counterpart connector can enter between the front portion of the housing wall portion 62 and the outer wall portion 68. Therefore, the connection portion of the terminal 12 and the counterpart terminal is surrounded by the housing wall portion 62, the cylindrical portion of the counterpart connector, and the outer wall portion 68. Thus, the water resistance and the protection of the terminal connection portion are improved. In addition, the annular elastic member G1 can be interposed between the housing wall portion 62 and the cylindrical portion of the counterpart connector, whereby the water resistance of the connection portion described above can be improved.

[0071] The locking piece 68a that is locked to the counterpart connector is formed in a portion (upper portion) of the outer wall portion 68 in the circumferential direction.

[0072] The rear portion of the housing wall portion 62 is formed in a thick wall compared to the front portion and extends rearward of the rear end of the outer wall portion 68. The recesses 80, 84 are formed in the inner portion of the rear portion of the housing wall portion 62, and at least a portion of the protrusions 40 of the terminal holder 32 described later are fitted into the recesses 80, 84.

[0073] The holder holding portion 60 has a lance-shaped portion 66. The lance-shaped portion 66 is formed so as to be elastically deformable with the base end connected to the housing wall portion 62 as a fulcrum. The lance-shaped portion 66 has a locking protrusion 67 that protrudes toward the inside of the housing wall portion 62 and can be locked to the terminal module 30 inside the housing wall portion 62.

[0074] The lance portion 66 is formed so as to be elastically deformable to the inside and outside of the housing wall portion 62. The locking protrusion 67 of the lance portion 66 protrudes to the inside of the housing wall portion 62 in the initial state. When the terminal module 30 is inserted into the housing wall portion 62, the lance portion 66 is elastically deformed to the outside to allow the insertion of the terminal module 30. In the state where the terminal module 30 is housed in the housing wall portion 62, the lance portion 66 is restored to the original position by the elastic force to the inside. Thus, the locking protrusion 67 can be locked to the terminal module 30.

[0075] More specifically, the front side portion of the housing wall portion 62 has a pair of side walls 63, an upper wall 64, and a lower wall 65. The pair of side walls 63, the upper wall 64, and the lower wall 65 are connected in a manner to form a square tube.

[0076] The upper wall 64 and the lower wall 65 extend to the front side than the pair of side walls 63. The plate-shaped lance portion 66 extends from the front edge of the pair of side walls 63.

[0077] The lance portion 66 is formed so as to be elastically deformable to the inside and outside of the housing wall portion 62. In the present embodiment, the lance portion 66 is formed in a plate shape extending from the front edge of the side wall 63 to the front side. A slit S is formed between the upper edge of the lance portion 66 and the upper wall 64 and between the lower edge of the lance portion 66 and the lower wall 65 in the front-rear direction. Thus, the lance portion 66 is elastically deformable to the inside and outside of the housing wall portion 62 with the base end of the rear end side connected to the side wall as a fulcrum. That is, the lance portion 66 is supported in a cantilever shape in the axial direction of the housing wall portion 62 in a manner to face the front side (the 2nd opening 62b side) opposite to the side where the electric wire 16 extends from the housing wall portion 62.

[0078] The locking protrusion 67 is a portion of the lance portion 66 protruding to the holding body housing space 62S side. In the present embodiment, the locking protrusion 67 partially protrudes in the width direction of the lance portion 66. More specifically, the locking protrusion 67 is formed in the upper portion of the inner surface of the lance portion 66. The locking protrusion 67 is formed at a position to be fitted into the locking recess 33 of the terminal module 30 in the state where the terminal module 30 is housed in the housing wall portion 62. The locking protrusion 67 has a guide surface 67f1 gradually decreasing in the protrusion size toward the rear. When the terminal module 30 is inserted into the housing wall portion 62, the locking protrusion 67 is moved to the outside by the terminal module 30 pressing against the guide surface 67f1. By the lance portion 66 returning to the original shape, the locking protrusion 67 is fitted into the locking recess 33 of the terminal module 30, so that the terminal module 30 is positionally restricted in a manner not to be pulled out to the rear.

[0079] The wire guide portion 52 is a portion that is integrally molded with the holding body holding portion 60 by a mold with resin. The wire guide portion 52 is formed in a square tube shape. The upper end portion of the wire guide portion 52 is continuous with the rear end side of the housing wall portion 62. Therefore, the upper side and the left and right of the rear space of the housing wall portion 62 are surrounded by the upper end portion of the wire guide portion 52.

[0080] The wire guide portion 52 extends downward from the portion continuous with the rear end side of the housing wall portion 62. The inner space of the wire guide portion 52 is formed in a manner that faces downward from the rear of the terminal module 30. The wire 16 extending out from the terminal module 30 is bent downward in the upper side inner space of the wire guide portion 52 at the rear of the terminal module 30. The wire 16 is further guided out downward inside the wire guide portion 52.

[0081] The direction in which the wire guide portion 52 guides the wire 16 is a direction along the overlapping direction of the base holding body 34, the intermediate holding body 36, and the cover holding body 38, that is, the up and down direction.

[0082] An assembly opening 52h is formed in the rear portion of the wire guide portion 52.

[0083] The assembly opening 52h is opened at the rear of the housing wall portion 62, and therefore it is easy to assemble the terminal module 30 into the housing wall portion 62 through the assembly opening 52h. In addition, the assembly opening 52h is opened from the rear of the housing wall portion 62 in the wire leading-out direction of the wire 16 that is downward. Therefore, at the time of assembly work of the terminal module 30, it is possible to lead out the wire 16 extending out from the terminal module 30 from the housing 50 through the assembly opening 52h in advance. Therefore, at the time of assembly work of the terminal module 30, it is easy to secure the operation space of the wire 16.

[0084] The assembly opening 52h is closed by a cover member 70. The cover member 70 is a member that is integrally molded by a mold with resin or the like. The cover member 70 has a plate-shaped cover body 71 that closes the assembly opening 52h and a locking piece 72 extending out from the cover member 70. In a state in which the cover body 71 closes the assembly opening 52h, the locking protrusion portion 50p1 of the outer side surface of the housing 50 is locked to the locking hole of the locking piece 72. Thus, the cover member 70 is integrated with the housing 50 in a state in which the assembly opening 52h is closed.

[0085] It is also possible to arrange an annular elastic member G2 that plugs the gap between the inner periphery of the assembly opening 52h and the cover member 70.

[0086] The lower end portion of the side opposite to the holding body holding portion 60 in the wire guide portion 52 is formed as a leading-out end portion 54 that is entirely surrounded. The wire 16 is guided out to the outside further through the leading-out end portion 54 inside the wire guide portion 52.

[0087] Alternatively, a rubber plug G3 can be installed at the aforementioned lead-out end 54, and the wire 16 is inserted into the through hole formed in the rubber plug G3. This prevents water from entering along the wire 16. The rubber plug G3 can also be pressed from the outside by the pressing member 74 to prevent it from falling off the lead-out end 54.

[0088] In this embodiment, an example of the wire guide 52 guiding the wire 16 downwards is described. The wire guide 52 may also guide the wire 16 in other directions. For example, the wire guide 52 may guide the wire 16 directly backwards, to the right, to the left, or upwards. Next, an example of a housing extending horizontally, and more specifically to the right, relative to the retaining part of the retainer will be described.

[0089] <About stop bodies> like Figures 2 to 5 , Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the stop 90 is a component that restricts the elastic deformation of the spear-shaped portion 66. More specifically, the stop 90 restricts the outward deformation of the spear-shaped portion 66. With the spear-shaped portion 66 locked in place by the terminal module 30, the stop 90 restricts the outward deformation of the spear-shaped portion 66. As a result, the terminal module 30 is prevented from detaching from the receiving wall portion 62.

[0090] The stop 90 is a molded component made of resin or the like. In this embodiment, the stop 90 is installed at the end of the second opening 62b on the front side of the receiving wall portion 62.

[0091] More specifically, the stop body 90 has a front wall 91 and a peripheral wall 92.

[0092] The front wall 91 is formed as a plate that can be configured to block the second opening 62b. Through holes that allow the opposite terminals to pass through are formed in the front wall 91 at positions corresponding to each terminal 12.

[0093] The peripheral wall 92 is formed into a square tube shape that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the receiving wall portion 62. Mounting recesses 92g are formed on the inner surfaces of the left and right wall portions of the peripheral wall 92 (see reference). Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, a mounting protrusion 62p is formed on the outer side of the spear-shaped portion 66 (see reference). Figure 9 A mounting protrusion may also be formed on the outer surface of the receiving wall portion 62. When the stop 90 is externally inserted into the top of the receiving wall portion 62, the mounting protrusion 62p is inserted into the mounting recess 92g. Thus, with the peripheral wall 92 surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion of the receiving wall portion 62 and the front wall 91 disposed on the front side of the receiving wall portion 62, the stop 90 is installed at the front end portion of the receiving wall portion 62.

[0094] The stopper 90 has a restriction portion 94 that is located outside the lance portion 66 and restricts the lance portion 66 from moving outward. In the present embodiment, the inner surfaces of the left and right wall portions of the peripheral wall 92 and the adjacent portions of the mounting recessed portions 92g are the restriction portion 94. In a state where the stopper 90 is mounted to the front end portion of the housing wall portion 62, the restriction portion 94 is disposed at a position that faces outward from the tip end portion of the lance portion 66. Here, the restriction portion 94 is disposed at a position that faces outward from the tip end portion of the lance portion 66.

[0095] The restriction portion 94 and the lance portion 66 can also be in contact. A gap can also be formed between the restriction portion 94 and the lance portion 66 within a range where the locking of the locking protrusion 67 with respect to the locking recessed portion 33 cannot be released. This gap is preferably set to be as small as possible.

[0096] <Retention structure of terminal module> When the terminal module 30 is inserted into the housing wall portion 62 from the rear side, the front end edge of the terminal module 30 comes into contact with the guide surface 67fl of the locking protrusion 67, and the lance portion 66 is displaced outward. When the front end edge of the terminal module 30 passes over the locking protrusion 67, the lance portion 66 returns to its original shape by the elastic force, and the locking protrusion 67 is inserted into the locking recessed portion 33. Thus, the terminal module 30 is prevented from coming off toward the rear.

[0097] In addition, the terminal module 30 is prevented from moving forward by the protrusion 30P of the rear end of the terminal module 30 coming into contact with the rear end portion of the housing wall portion 62 (see Figure 10 ).

[0098] Subsequently, the stopper 90 is mounted to the front end portion of the housing wall portion 62. Thus, the restriction portion 94 faces outward from the lance portion 66. Thus, the tip end portion of the lance portion 66 is restricted from moving outward, and the locking protrusion 67 is difficult to move outward from the locking recessed portion 33.

[0099] <Strengthening and retention structure of terminal module> As described above, the electric wire 16 extends from the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32. In addition, the electric wire 16 is guided by the electric wire guide portion 52 toward a direction that intersects the extending directions of the cavities 34gl, 34g2, 36gl, 36g2. Therefore, when the electric wire 16 is pulled, it is possible that the electric wire 16 strongly presses against the rear side opening edge of the cavities 34gl, 34g2, 36gl, 36g2. Therefore, it is desirable to strengthen the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 and securely retain the terminal holder 32 in the housing 50.

[0100] Figure 11 is an explanatory view that shows a state where the protrusion 40 of the terminal holder 32 is inserted into the recessed portion 84 of the housing 50. Figure 12is a rear view showing the terminal module 30 held in the holder holding portion 60. As shown in Figures 6 to 8 、 Figures 10 to 12 In the present embodiment, the terminal holder 32 has a protrusion 40 protruding outward on the outer peripheral portion of the rear end portion 32R of the side where the electric wire 16 extends out of the terminal holder 32. The rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 is a portion closer to the rear than the center of the front end and the rear end of the terminal holder 32. Preferably, the protrusion 40 is formed in the region on the front side from the rear end surface of the terminal holder 32. The outer side of the terminal holder 32 is the side opposite to the inner side of the terminal holder 32, for example, the side opposite to the cavities 34gl, 34g2, 36gl, 36g2. The rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 is reinforced by the protrusion 40.

[0101] In the present embodiment, an example in which the protrusion 40 is formed in the intermediate holder 36 is described. The protrusion can also be formed in the base holder or the cover holder. The terminal holder is not necessarily in the split structure, and can be composed of a single holder housing and a stopper. In this case, the protrusion can also be formed in the holder housing.

[0102] The holder holding portion 60 has recesses 80, 84 into which at least a part of the protrusion 40 is fitted. In the present embodiment, the recesses 80, 84 are formed in the portions of the inner surfaces of the both sides of the accommodation wall portion 62 extending toward the rear end from the outer wall portion 68.

[0103] Also, at least a part of the protrusion 40 is fitted into the recesses 80, 84 in the state where the terminal holder 32 is accommodated in the holder accommodation space 62S. Thus, the terminal holder 32 is securely held in the housing 50.

[0104] More specifically, the protrusion 40 includes rim reinforcing portions 41, 42, 43 protruding along the edges of the rear end portion 32R in the terminal holder 32.

[0105] The rim reinforcing portions 41, 42 protrude along the left and right edges of the rear end portion 32R in the terminal holder 32 (see FIG. 6). Figures 6 to 8 More specifically, the rim reinforcing portion 41 is formed in a shape protruding along the left edge of the rear end of the intermediate holder 36 and toward the left outer side. Also, the rim reinforcing portion 42 is formed in a shape protruding along the right edge of the rear end of the intermediate holder 36 and toward the right outer side. The upper portions of the rim reinforcing portions 41, 42 are formed in a shape in which the protruding length gradually decreases toward the upper side. The intermediate holder 36 protrudes toward the rear side more than the cover holder 38, and the front surface of the upper end portion of the rim reinforcing portions 41, 42 can contact the rear end of the cover holder 38. The rim reinforcing portions 41, 42 protrude toward the outer side more than the both side surfaces of the base holder 34 and the cover holder 38.

[0106] The edge reinforcing portion 43 is along the lower edge of the rear end portion 32R in the terminal holder 32. More specifically, the edge reinforcing portion 43 is formed in a shape that protrudes along the lower edge of the rear end of the intermediate holder 36 and toward the lower outer side.

[0107] As described above, the rear end portion of the intermediate holder 36 extends farther rearward than the rear end portion of the base holder 34, and the edge reinforcing portion 43 is positioned rearward of the base holder 34. The edge reinforcing portion 43 is positioned farther rearward with respect to the rear surface of the base holder 34. The electric wire 16 that is drawn out from the rear end portion of the base holder 34 can be bent between the rear surface of the base holder 34 and the edge reinforcing portion 43. The edge reinforcing portion 43 can be positioned farther upward than the lower surface of the base holder 34, or can extend farther downward from the lower surface of the base holder 34.

[0108] The edge reinforcing portion 43 is connected to the lower ends of the edge reinforcing portions 41 and 42 described above at both ends thereof. It can be said that the edge reinforcing portions 41 and 42 described above extend farther upward from both ends of the edge reinforcing portion 43.

[0109] The protrusion 40 includes a rib portion 45 and 46 that extends along the extending direction of the cavities 34g1, 34g2, 36g1, 36g2.

[0110] The rib portion 45 is a portion that protrudes from the left side surface of the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32. More specifically, the rib portion 45 is a protrusion that extends toward the front side from the lower end of the edge reinforcing portion 41 and the left end of the edge reinforcing portion 43 on the left side surface of the rear end portion of the intermediate holder 36. The rib portion 45 protrudes farther outward than the left side surface of the base holder 34 and the cover holder 38.

[0111] The rib portion 45 has an elongated protrusion 45a that extends toward the front side from the upper portion of the front side thereof along the extending direction of the cavities 34g1, 34g2, 36g1, 36g2. With the protrusion 45a, the contact area of the protrusion 40 and the recess 80 can be increased. In addition, the rib portion 45 has an inclined surface 45b that extends toward the rear obliquely from the base end portion of the lower side of the protrusion 45a. With the inclined surface 45b, the rib portion 45 can be easily inserted into the recess 80 from the rear.

[0112] The rib portion 46 is a portion that protrudes from the right side surface of the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32. More specifically, the rib portion 46 is an elongated protrusion that extends toward the front side from the lower end of the edge reinforcing portion 42 on the right side surface of the rear end portion of the intermediate holder 36. The rib portion 46 protrudes farther outward than the right side surface of the base holder 34 and the cover holder 38.

[0113] The upper and lower dimensions of the rib portion 46 are smaller than the upper and lower dimensions of the rib portion 45. More specifically, the lower end of the rib portion 46 is positioned farther upward than the lower end of the rib portion 45. Therefore, a gap is formed between the rear end surface of the base holder 34 and the edge reinforcing portion 43 when viewed from the right side.

[0114] As described later, the present terminal holder 32 can also be applied to the case 150 for leading the electric wire 16 to the right direction. In this case, the electric wire 16 is led out through the gap. The terminal holder 32 can also be a special product for the case 50 for leading the electric wire 16 downward, in which case the rib 46 can also be the same shape as the rib 45.

[0115] The ribs 45, 46 are examples of cross ribs that protrude in a direction (left-right direction) that intersects with a direction (up-down direction) in which the base holder 34, the intermediate holder 36, and the cover holder 38 overlap.

[0116] The ribs 45, 46 described above extend toward the rear from a position on the front side, which is the side opposite the extending direction of the electric wire 16, of the rear end surface of the base holder 34, in the extending direction of the cavities 34gl, 34g2, 36gl, 36g2. That is, the front end of the ribs 45, 46 is located on the front side of the rear end surface of the base holder 34 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the portion of the intermediate holder 36 that extends toward the rear of the base holder 34 is reinforced by the ribs 45, 46. In addition, the portion of the intermediate holder 36 that extends toward the rear of the base holder 34 is securely held by the ribs 45, 46 by the ribs 45, 46 being fitted into the recesses 80, 84. Figure 11 ) Therefore, the portion of the intermediate holder 36 that extends toward the rear of the base holder 34 is reinforced by the ribs 45, 46. In addition, the portion of the intermediate holder 36 that extends toward the rear of the base holder 34 is securely held by the ribs 45, 46 by the ribs 45, 46 being fitted into the recesses 80, 84.

[0117] The recess 80 is formed in the portion of the left inner surface of the housing wall portion 62 that extends toward the rear end of the outer wall portion 68. The recess 80 is formed in a shape that enables the left end portions of the rim reinforcing portions 41, 43 and the rib 45 to be fitted therein. More specifically, the recess 80 is formed in a shape that is recessed on the left inner surface of the housing wall portion 62. The recess 80 is open on the holder housing space 62S side and the rear side. When the terminal holder 32 is viewed from the left side, the recess 80 is formed in a shape that is recessed on the left inner surface of the housing wall portion 62 in the same shape as the area in which the left end portions of the rim reinforcing portions 41, 43 and the rib 45 extend. Further, the recess 80 can be formed in a shape that is recessed on the left inner surface of the housing wall portion 62 in a shape that is larger than the area in which the left end portions of the rim reinforcing portions 41, 43 and the rib 45 extend (for example, 10% larger in terms of size, and preferably 5% larger) within a range in which the protrusion 40 and the recess 80 are in contact when the electric wire 16 is pulled and can withstand the pulling force.

[0118] The recess 84 is formed in a portion of the right inner surface of the housing wall portion 62 extending toward the rear end of the outer wall portion 68. The recess 84 is formed in a shape in which the right end portions of the rim reinforcement portions 42, 43 and the rib portion 46 can be fitted. More specifically, the recess 84 is formed in a shape in which it is recessed on the right inner surface of the housing wall portion 62. The recess 80 is open on the side of the holder housing space 62S and on the rear side. When the terminal holder 32 is viewed from the left side, the recess 84 is formed in a shape in which the recessed portion of the right inner surface of the housing wall portion 62 is extended in the same shape as the area in which the rim reinforcement portions 42, 43 and the rib portion 46 are extended. Further, as with the recess 80 described above, the recess 80 can be formed in a shape in which the recessed portion is extended to be larger than the area in which the rim reinforcement portions 42, 43 and the rib portion 46 are extended, within a range in which the protrusion 40 is in contact with the recess 80 and can withstand the pulling force when the electric wire 16 is pulled.

[0119] The surface of the protrusion 40 that is disposed in the recesses 80, 84 and faces the direction in which the electric wire 16 is guided by the wire guide portion 52 (downward) is a support target surface. In the present embodiment, the lower surfaces of the left and right end portions of the rim reinforcement portion 43 and the lower surfaces of the rib portions 45, 46 are the support target surfaces 40F.

[0120] Further, the surface on the lower side of the recesses 80, 84 that opposes the support target surfaces 40F described above is a support surface 80F, 84F.

[0121] When the terminal module 30 is inserted into the housing wall portion 62 from the rear side, the left end portions of the rim reinforcement portions 41, 43 and the rib portion 45 are fitted into the recess 80 from the rear. Further, the right end portions of the rim reinforcement portions 42, 43 and the rib portion 46 are fitted into the recess 84 from the rear.

[0122] The terminal module 30 is restricted from moving to the front side in a state in which it is housed in the holder housing space 62S by the front-facing surface of the protrusion 40 being in contact with the rear-facing surface of the recesses 80, 84. Further, the support target surfaces 40F are in a state in which they oppose the support surfaces 80F, 84F.

[0123] In this state, when the electric wire 16 is pulled downward, the lower portions of the rear open edge portions of the cavities 36gl, 36g2 are pushed downward. Since the rim reinforcement portion 43 is formed along the lower edge of the rear end of the intermediate holder 36, the lower portions of the cavities 36gl, 36g2 are reinforced in strength.

[0124] Furthermore, the lower surfaces of the left and right ends of the edge reinforcement 43 are support surfaces 40F, which are opposite to the support surfaces 80F and 84F of the recesses 80 and 84. When the wire 16 is pulled and the rear end 32R of the terminal holder 32 is about to move downward, the support surfaces 40F of the left and right ends of the edge reinforcement 43 come into contact with the support surfaces of the recesses 80 and 84, thus restricting the downward movement of the terminal holder 32.

[0125] Furthermore, the lower surfaces of the ribs 45 and 46 are also support surfaces 40F, which are opposite to the support surfaces 80F and 84F of the recesses 80 and 84. Therefore, by having the support surfaces 40F of the ribs 45 and 46 in contact with the support surfaces 80F and 84F of the recesses 80 and 84, the downward movement of the terminal holder 32 can also be restricted.

[0126] In this embodiment, the edge reinforcement 43 includes a first support end 43a, a second support end 43b, and a connecting portion 43c (see reference). Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 12 The connecting part 43c connects the first support end 43a and the second support end 43b.

[0127] As described above, when the wire is pulled downward in the direction that guides the wire 16, the left and right ends of the edge reinforcement 43, namely the first support end 43a and the second support end 43b, are supported by the recess 80.

[0128] The connecting portion 43c is separated from the housing 50. The connecting portion 43c is arched, recessed to the side (upper side) opposite to the downward direction of the guiding direction of the wire 16. When the lower parts of the cavities 36g1 and 36g2 are pressed downward, the force is supported by the first support end 43a and the second support end 43b via the connecting portion 43c forming the arched structure. By forming the connecting portion 43c into an arched structure, the lower rear end of the intermediate retainer 36 can be firmly held. In addition, by forming the connecting portion 43c into an arched structure, material can be reduced and weight can be reduced. Furthermore, at least a portion of the rear of the cavities 36g1 and 36g2 can be opened, thus easily ensuring space for leading the wire 16 out of the terminal retainer 32. For example, the wire 16 extending from the terminal retainer 32 can enter the recess of the connecting portion 43c and can be guided by the wire guide portion 52.

[0129] Furthermore, the lower parts of the rear opening edges of cavities 34g1 and 34g2 are also pressed downwards, but the lower rear edge of the base holder 34 is located on the lower inner surface of the storage wall 62. Therefore, the lower rear edge of the base holder 34 is firmly held by the inner surface of the storage wall 62 itself.

[0130] <Effects, etc.> According to the connector 20 configured as above, the outer peripheral portion of the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 on the side from which the electric wire 16 extends out has the protrusion 40 protruding to the outside. Therefore, the strength of the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 is increased. In addition, since the protrusion 40 is fitted into the recesses 80, 84, the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 is securely held in the housing 50. If the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 is strengthened and securely held, the handleability at the time of assembly, connection work, and the like of the connector 20 is increased. With the increased handleability of the connector 20, the cost reduction of the connector 20 can be facilitated.

[0131] In addition, the protrusion 40 has a support target surface 40F facing downward in the direction in which the electric wire 16 is guided, and the recesses 80, 84 have support surfaces 80F, 84F facing the support target surface 40F. When the electric wire 16 is pulled in the direction in which the electric wire 16 is guided, the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 is also pulled in the direction. Then, the support target surface 40F comes into contact with the support surfaces 80F, 84F, and the movement of the terminal holder 32 in the direction is restricted. Therefore, the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 is securely held in the housing 50.

[0132] In addition, the protrusion 40 includes the edge reinforcing portions 41, 42, 43 along the edges of the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32. Therefore, the edges of the rear end portion 32R are reinforced by the edge reinforcing portions 41, 42, 43.

[0133] In addition, the edge reinforcing portion 43 includes the linking portion 43c in an arched shape. Therefore, in the case where the electric wire 16 is pulled, the linking portion 43c between the first support end portion 43a and the second support end portion 43b can be securely supported by the arched structure. Thus, even in the case where the portion between the first support end portion 43a and the second support end portion 43b in the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holder 32 cannot be directly supported by the housing 50, the portion can be securely supported.

[0134] In addition, the protrusion 40 includes the rib portions 45, 46 extending along the extension directions of the cavities 34gl, 34g2, 36gl, 36g2. Therefore, the terminal holder 32 is less likely to be deformed in a manner bent with respect to the extension direction of the terminal 12.

[0135] Since the intermediate holder 36 is disposed between the base holder 34 and the cover holder 38, the intermediate holder 36 is less likely to come into contact with the inner surface of the holder holding portion 60. Therefore, by forming the protrusion 40 in the intermediate holder 36 and fitting the protrusion 40 into the recesses 80, 84, the intermediate holder 36 is easily positioned.

[0136] Further, the ribs 45, 46, which are examples of the cross protrusions, protrude in a direction (left-right direction) intersecting the direction (up-down direction) in which the terminal holder 32 overlaps, and are inserted into the recesses 80, 84 in a manner that they can contact the inner surfaces of the recesses 80, 84 in the direction in which the electric wire 16 is guided. Thus, the intermediate holder 36 disposed between the base holder 34 and the cover holder 38 can be effectively positionally restricted in the direction in which the electric wire 16 is guided.

[0137] Further, in the case where the intermediate holder 36 extends further outward than the base holder 34, it is difficult to support the rear end portion of the intermediate holder 36 with the housing 50. Therefore, if the protrusion 40 is formed in the intermediate holder 36, the rear end portion of the intermediate holder 36 is easily reinforced, and firmly held at a constant position.

[0138] Further, when the ribs 45, 46 extend in the extension direction of the cavities 34gl, 34g2, 36gl, 36g2 from the front side toward the rear side of the rear end surface of the base holder 34, the portion of the intermediate holder 36 extending from the base holder 34 can be firmly reinforced with the ribs 45, 46. Further, if the ribs 45, 46 are held in the recesses 80, 84, the portion of the intermediate holder 36 extending from the base holder 34 can be firmly held with the ribs 45, 46.

[0139] <Changes related to the direction in which the electric wire is guided> The housing 50 described above is formed in a shape in which the electric wire guide portion 52 extends downward with respect to the holder holding portion 60. The terminal module 30 can also be mounted to a housing that guides the electric wire 16 in a direction different from the housing 50.

[0140] Figure 13 FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a connector 120 different from the connector 20. Figure 14 FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector 120. Figure 15 FIG. 19 is a perspective view partially cutting the housing 150. Figure 16 FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI of FIG. 19. Figure 13 FIG. 21 is a rear view showing the terminal module 30 held to the holder holding portion 160. Figure 17

[0141] The present connector 120 is configured to guide the electric wire 16 in a lateral direction with respect to the terminal module 30.

[0142] The present connector 120 will be described with a focus on the points different from the connector 20.

[0143] The connector 120 includes the terminal-equipped electric wire 11, the terminal holder 32, and a housing 150.

[0144] ​The terminal-equipped electric wire 11 and the terminal holding body 32 are the same as those of the terminal-equipped electric wire 11 and the terminal holding body 32 described with respect to the connector 20. Therefore, the terminal module 30 is used as a component common to the connector 20 and the connector 120.

[0145] The stopper 90 can also be the same as the stopper 90 described with respect to the connector 20.

[0146] The housing 150 has a holding body holding portion 160 and an electric wire guide portion 152. The holding body holding portion 160 can be the same as the holding body holding portion 60 described with respect to the connector 20 except for the structure related to the recess into which the protrusion 40 is fitted.

[0147] Like the electric wire guide portion 52 described above, the electric wire guide portion 152 can be a portion that is integrally molded with the holding body holding portion 160 by a mold using resin and is formed in a square tube shape.

[0148] Unlike the electric wire guide portion 52, the electric wire guide portion 152 extends in the horizontal direction, and one end portion (left end portion) thereof is connected to the rear end side of the housing wall portion 62. Therefore, the electric wire guide portion 152 extends in the horizontal direction from the portion connected to the rear end side of the housing wall portion 62. The inside space of the electric wire guide portion 152 is formed so as to face the right side along the horizontal direction from the rear of the terminal module 30. The electric wire 16 extending out of the terminal module 30 is bent in the right direction in the inside space of the one end portion (left end portion) of the electric wire guide portion 152 at the rear of the terminal module 30. The electric wire 16 further passes through inside of the electric wire guide portion 152 and is guided to the right outer side.

[0149] Therefore, the electric wire guide portion 152 guides the electric wire 16 in a direction intersecting both the extending direction (front-rear direction) of the cavities 34g1, 34g2, 36g1, 36g2 and the overlapping direction (up-down direction) of the base holding body 34, the intermediate holding body 36, and the cover holding body 38.

[0150] That is, the housings 50 and 150 guide the electric wire 16 extending out of the terminal module 30 toward a direction intersecting the extending direction of the terminal 12, but the directions of the guidance are different. The housing 50 guides the electric wire 16 toward the base holding body 34 in the direction of the layering of the intermediate holding body 36 with respect to the base holding body 34. The housing 150 guides the electric wire 16 in the direction in which the first cavities 34g1, 36g1 and the second cavities 34g2, 36g2 are arranged (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0151] In the rear portion of the electric wire guide portion 152, an assembly opening 152h is formed like the electric wire guide portion 52.

[0152] The assembly opening 152h is opened at the rear of the housing wall portion 62, so the terminal module 30 is easily assembled into the housing wall portion 62 through the assembly opening 152h. In addition, the assembly opening 152h is opened from the rear of the housing wall portion 62 in the direction in which the electric wire 16 is drawn out, and the direction in which the electric wire 16 is drawn out is along the horizontal direction. Therefore, at the time of assembly work of the terminal module 30, the electric wire 16 extending from the terminal module 30 can be drawn out from the housing 150 through the assembly opening 152h in advance. Therefore, at the time of assembly work of the terminal module 30, the operation space of the electric wire 16 is easily ensured.

[0153] The assembly opening 152h is closed by the cover member 70. The same cover member 70 as explained with respect to the connector 20 can be used. In a state in which the cover body 71 closes the assembly opening 152h, the locking protrusion portion 150pl of the outer side surface of the housing 150 is locked to the locking hole of the locking piece 72. Thus, the cover member 70 is integrated with the housing 150 in a state in which the assembly opening 152h is closed.

[0154] A ring-shaped elastic member G2 that plugs the gap between the inner periphery of the assembly opening 152h and the cover member 70 can be provided.

[0155] The lower end portion of the electric wire guide portion 152 on the side opposite to the holding body holding portion 160 is formed as the whole-enclosed drawn-out end portion 54 like the electric wire guide portion 52. The electric wire 16 is drawn out to the outside further through the drawn-out end portion 54 through the electric wire guide portion 152.

[0156] A rubber plug G3 can be installed in the drawn-out end portion 54, and the electric wire 16 is inserted through the insertion hole formed in the rubber plug G3. Thus, the intrusion of water along the electric wire 16 can be suppressed. The rubber plug G3 can be pressed from the outside by the pressing member 74 so as not to be detached from the drawn-out end portion 54.

[0157] The same recessed portion 80 as explained above is formed in the left inner surface of the holding body holding portion 160. A recessed portion 184 is formed in the left inner surface of the holding body holding portion 160. The recessed portion 184 is formed in a shape in which the rib portion 46 is fitted, i.e., a groove shape elongated in the front-rear direction.

[0158] In a state in which the terminal holding body 32 is held in the holding body holding portion 160, the left side of the edge reinforcing portion 41, the left end of the edge reinforcing portion 43, and the rib portion 45 are fitted into the recessed portion 80 like the connector 20 explained above. In addition, the right side of the edge reinforcing portion 42, the right end of the edge reinforcing portion 43, and the rib portion 46 are not fitted into the recessed portion 184, and the rib portion 46 is fitted into the recessed portion 184.

[0159] In the present connector 120, when the electric wire 16 is pulled, then the right side portion in the outlet side opening edge of the right side cavity 36g2 is pressed to the right side. Since the edge reinforcing portion 42 is located at the right edge of the rear end of the intermediate holding body 36, the right side portion in the outlet side opening edge of the right side cavity 36g2 is reinforced.

[0160] Further, the rib portion 46 extends from the edge reinforcing portion 42 and is embedded in the above-mentioned recess 184. In the present connector 120, the rib portion 46 is an example of a guide direction side protrusion which protrudes to the guide direction (right) of the electric wire 16. The top of this rib portion 46 opposes the inner surface of the recess 184. When the electric wire 16 is pulled strongly and the rear end portion 32R of the terminal holding body 32 attempts to move to the right side, then the top of the rib portion 46 contacts the inner surface of the recess 184 and is restricted from moving to the right side. Therefore, the rear end of the terminal holding body 32 is firmly held and is inhibited from moving to the right side. Therefore, the intermediate holding body 36 can be effectively positionally restricted in the guide direction of the electric wire 16.

[0161] Further, the structures explained in the above-mentioned embodiments and each modification example can be appropriately combined as long as they are not contradictory to each other. Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0162] 11 Electric wire with terminal 12 Terminal 12a Electric wire connecting portion 12b Terminal connecting portion 12g Recess 16 Electric wire 20, 120 Connector 30 Terminal module 32 Terminal holding body 32R Rear end portion 33 Latch recess 34 Base holding body 34FW Front wall 34SW, 36SW Side wall 34W, 36W Partition wall 34gl, 34g2, 36gl, 36g2 Cavity 34gp, 36gp Positioning protrusion 34rl, 34r2 Latch protrusion 36 Intermediate holding body 36p, 38p Latch piece 38 Cover holding body 40 Protrusion 40F Support target surface 41, 42, 43 Edge reinforcing portion 43a First support end portion 43b second support end portion 43c connecting portion 45 rib portion (crossed protrusions) 46 rib portion (crossed protrusions, guide direction side protrusions) 45a protrusion 45b inclined surface 50, 150 housing 50p1, 150p1 locking protrusion 52, 152 wire guide portion 52h, 152h assembly opening 54 lead-out end portion 60, 160 holder holding portion 61 connecting wall 62 accommodating wall portion 62S holder accommodating space 62a first opening 62b second opening 62p installation protrusion 63 side wall 64 upper wall 65 lower wall 66 spear portion 67 locking protrusion 67f1 guide surface 68 outer wall portion 68a locking piece 70 cover member 71 cover main body 72 locking piece 74 pressing member 80, 84, 184 recessed portion 80F, 84F support surface 90 stopper 91 front wall 92 peripheral wall 92g installation recessed portion 94 restriction portion G1, G2 ring-shaped elastic member G3 rubber plug S slit

Claims

1. A connector in which terminals are held by a terminal retainer. The connector includes: A terminal wire having a wire and a terminal fitted to the end of the wire; The terminal holder has a cavity for receiving the terminal; and The housing has a retainer portion and a wire guide portion, the retainer portion holding the terminal retainer and the wire guide portion guiding the wire extending from the retainer portion. The terminal holder has an outwardly protruding convex portion on the outer periphery of the rear end of the wire extending from the terminal holder. The retainer portion has a retainer storage space and a recess, the retainer storage space accommodating the terminal retainer, and at least a portion of the protrusion is embedded in the recess.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion has a supporting surface, which faces the direction in which the wire guide portion guides the wire. The recess has a support surface facing the support object.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The protrusion includes an edge reinforcement portion along the edge of the rear end portion in the terminal retainer.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The edge reinforcement includes a first support end, a second support end, and a connecting portion connecting the first support end and the second support end. When the wire is pulled in the direction of the wire guide portion, the first support end and the second support end are supported by the recess. The connecting portion includes an arched section that is recessed to the side opposite to the guiding direction of the wire.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The protrusion includes a rib that extends along the extension direction of the cavity.

6. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The terminal retainer has a base retainer, an intermediate retainer overlapping the base retainer, and a cover retainer overlapping the intermediate retainer on the side opposite to the base retainer. The cavity is formed in both the base holder and the intermediate holder. The protrusion is formed in the intermediate retainer.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The wire guide portion guides the wire along the overlapping direction of the base retainer, the intermediate retainer, and the cover retainer. The protrusion includes a cross protrusion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the overlapping direction. The cross protrusion is inserted into the recess in such a way that it can contact the inner surface of the recess in the guiding direction of the wire.

8. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The wire guide guides the wire in a direction that intersects with both the extension direction of the cavity and the overlapping direction of the base holder, the intermediate holder, and the cover holder. The protrusion includes a guide direction side protrusion that protrudes in the guide direction of the wire. The top of the guide direction protrusion is embedded into the recess in such a way that it can contact the inner surface of the recess.

9. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, In the extending direction of the cavity, the intermediate retainer extends outward compared to the base retainer.

10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein, The protrusion includes ribs that extend along the extension direction of the cavity. The rib extends toward the rear end side from a position opposite to the extension direction of the wire on the rear end face of the base holder in the direction of extension of the cavity.

Images