Connectors and electrical connection devices

Abstract

A connector (10) comprises: a housing (20) having a cavity (21); and a terminal part (90) housed in the cavity (21). The cavity (21) extends in a front-rear direction and has openings on the front surface (31) and rear surface (32) of the housing (20). A first groove (26) and a second groove (27) are recessed on the upper surface (35) of the housing (20). The first groove (26) extends in a front-rear direction and has an opening on at least one of the front surface (31) and rear surface (32) of the housing (20). The second groove (27) extends in a right-hand direction, intersects with the first groove (26), and has an opening on at least one of the left and right side surfaces (33, 34) of the housing (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors and electrical connection devices. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a connector comprising: a housing (male housing) having a terminal insertion hole; and a terminal part (male terminal part) pressed into the terminal insertion hole. A liquid accumulation portion is formed on the upper surface of the housing, consisting of a longitudinal groove extending in the front-to-back direction and a transverse groove extending in the left-to-right direction. When liquid adheres to the upper surface of the housing, the liquid can be stored in the liquid accumulation portion. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that can prevent foreign matter from entering the cavity of the housing. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-65140 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-147103 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, in order to prevent liquid from seeping into the substrate connected to the terminal parts, the liquid is configured to be temporarily stored in the liquid accumulation section and the stored liquid is drained to the outside of the housing. In contrast, when the terminal parts are housed in the cavity of the housing, it is required that the liquid falling into the housing be quickly drained to the outside of the housing so as to ensure that the liquid between adjacent cavities is electrically connected and no leakage path is formed.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a connector and electrical connection device that can prevent leakage paths formed by liquid falling into the housing. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The connector of the present invention comprises: a housing having a cavity; and a terminal part housed in the cavity, the cavity extending in a front-rear direction and opening on the front and rear surfaces of the housing, a first groove and a second groove recessed on the upper surface of the housing, the first groove extending in a front-rear direction and opening on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the housing, and the second groove extending in a left-right direction, intersecting the first groove and opening on at least one of the left and right sides of the housing.

[0007] In addition, the electrical connection device of the present invention includes a housing for receiving the connector, the housing having: an opening that exposes the rear surface of the housing; and an eaves that is located above the opening and extends rearward beyond the opening. Invention Effects

[0008] According to the present invention, a connector and electrical connection device can be provided that can prevent leakage paths from liquid falling into the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electrical connection device including the connector of Embodiment 1, viewed from a rear-facing angle. Figure 2 This is a side view of the connector according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 This is a top view of the connector according to embodiment 1. Figure 4 This is a top sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 This is an enlarged perspective view of the mating connector of the connector in Embodiment 1. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the connector housing of Embodiment 1 viewed from the right. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the connector housing of Embodiment 1 viewed from the left. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the connector rod of Embodiment 1 as seen from a rearward angle. Figure 9 This is an enlarged perspective view of the upper end of the connector in Embodiment 1, viewed from a diagonal front. Detailed Implementation

[0010] (Description of embodiments of the present invention) First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. (1) The connector of the present invention comprises: a housing having a cavity; and a terminal part housed in the cavity, the cavity extending in a front-rear direction and opening on the front and rear surfaces of the housing, a first groove and a second groove recessed on the upper surface of the housing, the first groove extending in a front-rear direction and opening on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the housing, and the second groove extending in a left-right direction, intersecting the first groove and opening on at least one of the left and right sides of the housing.

[0011] According to the configuration described in (1) above, when liquid adheres to the upper surface of the casing, the liquid can enter the first groove. The liquid can flow from the first groove through the second groove to the left and right sides of the casing, and further fall downwards from the left and right sides. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid adhering to the upper surface of the casing from flowing to the front and rear surfaces of the casing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the formation of leakage paths caused by liquid in the cavities between the openings on the front and rear surfaces of the casing.

[0012] (2) In the connector described in (1) above, it is preferable that the depth of the second groove portion, measured from the upper surface of the housing, is deeper than the depth of the first groove portion, measured from the upper surface of the housing. According to the above (2) configuration, at the intersection of the second groove and the first groove, the bottom surface of the second groove is positioned lower than the bottom surface of the first groove, so the liquid flowing in the first groove can be easily transferred to the second groove, and drainage from the left and right sides of the shell can be carried out more effectively.

[0013] (3) In the connector described in (1) or (2) above, it is preferred that the width of the second groove in the front-to-back direction is wider than the width of the first groove in the left-to-right direction. According to the above (3) configuration, at the intersection of the second groove and the first groove, the liquid flowing in the first groove can be easily transferred to the second groove with a wider groove width, which can more effectively drain water from the left and right sides of the shell.

[0014] (4) In any of the connectors described in (1) to (3) above, it is preferred that the first groove portion opens on the front surface and the rear surface of the housing respectively, and the second groove portion opens on the left and right sides of the housing respectively. According to the above (4) configuration, in addition to the first groove easily capturing the liquid attached to the upper surface of the shell, the liquid can also flow from the first groove to the second groove extending in either the left or right direction, so that drainage from the left and right sides of the shell can be carried out more reliably.

[0015] (5) In any of the connectors described in (1) to (4) above, it is preferred that the first groove is a groove that engages with a protrusion of the other connector for preventing misfitting. According to the above (5) configuration, the first groove can serve as both a flow path and a way to prevent accidental mating with the other connector.

[0016] (6) In any of the connectors described in (1) to (5) above, preferably, the front surface of the housing is a mating surface opposite to the other connector, and a rod for mating with the other connector is installed on the housing, the rod having a cam plate portion arranged along the left and right sides of the housing, and an inclined surface that slopes downwards and backwards from the side opening facing the second groove portion is formed on the upper end surface of the cam plate portion. According to the configuration described in (6) above, liquid can fall from the side opening of the second groove, and the falling liquid further flows down the inclined surface of the upper end face of the cam plate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid falling from the side opening of the second groove from flowing down the cam plate towards the front surface of the housing.

[0017] (7) The electrical connection device of the present invention comprises a housing for housing the connector described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the housing having: an opening that exposes the rear surface of the housing; and an eaves that is located above the opening and extends rearward beyond the opening. According to the above configuration (7), liquid falling from above can adhere to the upper surface of the eaves and fall downwards from the outer end of the eaves. Therefore, liquid can be prevented from entering the connector by adhering to the upper surface of the housing through the gap between the rear surface of the housing and the upper edge of the opening. Since the eaves can be used to prevent liquid from entering the connector, the waterproof structure of the connector can be completed with a simple waterproof structure like the second groove.

[0018] (Details of embodiments of the present invention) Specific examples of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims, as shown by the claims.

[0019] <Implementation Method 1> like Figure 4 As shown, the connector 10 of Embodiment 1 includes a housing 20, a rod 60, a stop 80, and a terminal part 90. The housing 20 can be connected to... Figure 5 The opposite connector 100 shown is engaged. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, connector 10 is provided on electrical connection device 10A. It should be noted that in the following description, regarding the front-rear direction, the direction in which housing 20 engages with the counterpart connector 100 is considered the front. The front surface 31 of housing 20 serves as the engagement surface opposite to the counterpart connector 100. The vertical direction is based on the vertical direction of connector 10 and electrical connection device 10A mounted on a vehicle (not shown) or similar vehicle, with the direction of gravity considered downward. The horizontal direction is the direction orthogonal to the vertical and front-rear directions, based on the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. The vertical direction is synonymous with the height direction, and the horizontal direction is synonymous with the width direction. In each figure, the front is indicated by reference numeral X, the right by reference numeral Y, and the top by reference numeral Z.

[0020] (Electrical connection device 10A) like Figure 1 As shown, the electrical connection device 10A is exemplified as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted in a vehicle and controlling various in-vehicle devices. The electrical connection device 10A includes a connector 10 and a counterpart connector 100 (see reference). Figure 5 ), a circuit board (not shown) assembling the counterpart connector 100, and a housing 11 for housing the connectors 10, the counterpart connector 100, and the circuit board.

[0021] The housing 11 is made of synthetic resin and is generally square-shaped. The upper surface of the housing 11 is located at the upper end of the electrical connection device 10A. An opening 12 is formed on the rear surface of the housing 11. The connector 10 is housed and held inside the housing 11 with the rear surface 32 of the housing 20 facing the opening 12. The wire W extending from the rear surface 32 of the housing 20 (see reference) Figure 4 It extends rearward from the electrical connection device 10A through the opening 12.

[0022] The housing 11 has an eave 13 that extends rearward from the opening 12 above the opening 12. The eave 13 is a plate that is longer in the left-right direction and is positioned above the operating part 62, which will be described later, of the rod 60 that protrudes from the opening 12.

[0023] (Contact 100 from the other party) like Figure 5 As shown, the male connector 100 is a female connector, comprising a male housing 120 and a plurality of male terminal parts 190. The male housing 120 is made of synthetic resin and has a cylindrical cover 121 that opens at the rear (in the direction of mating with the connector 10). Specifically, the cover 121 is a rectangular tube that is elongated in the vertical direction.

[0024] Each counterpart terminal component 190 is a conductive metal wire bent into an L-shape. The end of the portion extending in the left-right direction of each counterpart terminal component 190 is soldered to a circuit board (not shown) for electrical connection. Additionally, the portion extending in the front-back direction of each counterpart terminal component 190 protrudes into the interior of the cover 121. The housing 20 of the connector 10 is fitted inside the cover 121. Each counterpart terminal component 190 is electrically connected to its corresponding terminal component 90 inside the cover 121.

[0025] A protrusion 122 for preventing misfitting is formed on the inner surface of the cover portion 121. The protrusion 122 is rib-shaped and extends along the front-rear direction on the inner surface of the cover portion 121. When the other connector 100 is in the correct engagement position relative to the housing 20, the protrusion 122 engages with the first groove portion 26 of the housing 20 (described later). Conversely, when the other connector 100 is in an improper engagement position relative to the housing 20, such as flipping up or down, the protrusion 122 abuts against the front surface 31 of the housing 20, stopping the engagement of the connector 10 and the other connector 100. This prevents misfitting of the connector 10 and the other connector 100.

[0026] A pair of cam pins 123 are formed protruding from the inner surfaces of the left and right side walls of the cover 121. Figure 5 (Only one side is shown in the figure). The cam pin 123 engages with the cam groove 66 of the rod 60 (described later), so that the connector 10 and the other connector 100 are engaged with a low engagement force.

[0027] (Connector 10) The casing 20 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, it has a rectangular shape that is longer in the vertical direction. Multiple cavities 21 are formed throughout the shell 20 in the front-to-back direction. (See figure) Figure 4 As shown, the terminal part 90 is inserted from the rear and stored in the corresponding cavity 21.

[0028] Terminal part 90 is made of conductive metal and has a cylindrical housing 91 at its front end. A counterpart terminal part 190 is inserted into the housing 91 of terminal part 90. When connector 10 and counterpart connector 100 are engaged, terminal part 90 and counterpart terminal part 190 are electrically connected by contact between counterpart terminal part 190 and an elastic contact piece (not shown) inside housing 91. The rear end of terminal part 90 is crimped to the end of wire W for both electrical and mechanical connection.

[0029] like Figure 6 As shown, on one of the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20, side 33 ( Figure 6 The outer surface of the paper and Figure 4 The right side of the housing 20 has an opening forming a stop body mounting hole 22. The stop body mounting hole 22 opens in a vertically elongated shape between the support shaft 23 (described later) and the locking receiving portion 24 on one side surface 33 of the housing 20 in the front-rear direction. The stop body mounting hole 22 communicates with each cavity 21 inside the housing 20. The stop body 80 is inserted into the stop body mounting hole 22 from the side. Figure 4 As shown, the terminal part 90 is prevented from falling rearward from the cavity 21 by being locked in place by the stop body 80.

[0030] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, support shafts 23 protrude from the upper and lower center portions near the rear end of the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20. The rod 60 is rotatably supported on each support shaft 23. Furthermore, locking receiving portions 24 protrude from the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20, forward and downward of the support shafts 23. The rod 60 in a temporary locking position locks into each locking receiving portion 24. Further, guide ribs 25 protrude from the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20, extending in a concentric arc shape with the outer periphery of the support shaft 23, extending concentrically from the outer periphery of the support shaft 23. The guide ribs 25 guide the rotational operation of the rod 60 centered on the support shaft 23.

[0031] Rod 60 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 8 As shown, it has a pair of cam plate portions 61 in the left-right direction, and an operating portion 62 in the left-right direction connecting the upper ends of each cam plate portion 61. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, each cam plate portion 61 is arranged along the left and right sides 33, 34 of the housing 20. Figure 8 As shown, each cam plate portion 61 has a shaft hole 63 for receiving the support shaft 23, a guide groove 64 for receiving the guide rib 25, and an elastic locking portion 65 that can be locked into the locking receiving portion 24. In addition, a cam groove 66 is formed in each cam plate portion 61, and the cam groove 66 extends in a curved shape at a position away from the shaft hole 63, so that the inlet opens at the outer edge of each cam plate portion 61.

[0032] The lever 60 is supported relative to the housing 20 by the support shaft 23 embedded in the shaft hole 63, and can rotate around the support shaft 23 to a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position. Although not shown, in the temporary locking position, the elastic locking part 65 is locked to the locking receiving part 24, the operating part 62 protrudes rearward beyond the housing 20, and the entrance of the cam groove 66 is positioned facing forward. When the housing 20 is shallowly engaged with the interior of the cover 121, the locking of the elastic locking part 65 and the locking receiving part 24 is released, and the lever 60 becomes capable of rotating from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position. Furthermore, when the housing 20 is shallowly engaged with the interior of the cover 121, the cam pin 123 enters the entrance of the cam groove 66. When the lever 60 is rotated while holding the operating part 62, the cam pin 123 slides on the groove surface of the cam groove 66, and the opposite connector 100 is pulled closer to the housing 20 with a low engagement force. When the lever 60 reaches the permanent locking position, as... Figure 2 As shown, the rear end of the cam plate portion 61 is close to the rear surface 32 of the housing 20, and the operating portion 62 is disposed above the housing 20. Furthermore, the cam pin 123 reaches the inner side of the cam groove 66, so that the housing 20 is fitted into the interior of the cover portion 121 at a normal depth.

[0033] Next, as Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a first groove 26 and a second groove 27 are recessed on the upper surface 35 of the housing 20. The first groove 26 and the second groove 27 function as flow paths for liquid flow. The first groove 26 is positioned offset to one side (towards the side 34 opposite to the side 33 where the stop body mounting hole 22 opens) from the left or right center of the upper surface 35 of the housing 20. The first groove 26 extends in the front-rear direction, with its front end opening on the front surface 31 of the housing 20 and its rear end opening on the rear surface 32 of the housing 20. Specifically, the first groove 26 extends along the entire length of the upper surface 35 of the housing 20 in the front-rear direction, except for the intersection 28 with the second groove 27. The cross-sectional shape of the first groove 26 cut in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction is a U-shape with a flat bottom, opening upwards. The opening 38 on the upper surface of the first groove 26 is curved relative to the portion of the upper surface 35 of the housing 20 adjacent to the first groove 26.

[0034] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second groove 27 is disposed on the upper surface 35 of the housing 20, offset from the front-rear center to the front end near the front end. The second groove 27 extends in the left-right direction, with one end opening on one side 33 of the housing 20 in the left-right direction and the other end opening on the other side 34 of the housing 20 in the left-right direction. The second groove 27 extends across the entire width of the upper surface 35 of the housing 20 in the left-right direction, passing through the first groove 26 near the other side 34. The intersection 28 of the first groove 26 and the second groove 27 is orthogonal. The cross-sectional shape of the second groove 27 cut in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction is a U-shape with a flat bottom, opening upwards. The upper surface opening 39 of the second groove 27 is perpendicularly connected to the portion of the upper surface 35 of the housing 20 adjacent to the second groove 27.

[0035] The first groove 26 and the second groove 27 each have a depth extending from the upper surface openings 38 and 39 on the upper surface 35 of the housing 20 to the bottom surface. Here, the depth of the second groove 27 is greater than the depth of the first groove 26. Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the bottom surface of the second groove 27 is positioned at the intersection 28 via a vertical step 29, one level lower than the bottom surface of the first groove 26. The groove width of the second groove 27 in the front-back direction is constant in the vertical direction. The groove width of the first groove 26 in the left-right direction is constant in the vertical direction, except for the side with the upper surface opening 38 and the bottom surface. Figure 3 As shown, the width of the second groove 27 in the front-to-back direction is wider than the width of the first groove 26 in the left-to-right direction (except for the side with the upper surface opening 38 and the bottom surface).

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the opening direction of the second groove 27 on one side 33 of the housing 20 is the same as the opening direction of the stop mounting hole 22. Therefore, the second groove 27 is formed simultaneously with the stop mounting hole 22 using the same mold as the mold for forming the stop mounting hole 22. In addition, the first groove 26 is formed simultaneously with each cavity 21 using the same mold as the mold for forming each cavity 21.

[0037] When connector 10 and the other connector 100 are engaged, the protrusion 122 of the other connector 100 engages with the first groove 26. That is, the first groove 26 functions as a groove 26A to prevent mis-engaging. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, anti-misfit grooves 26A are formed on the upper surface 35, lower surface 36, and left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20, respectively. Except for the first groove 26, the anti-misfit grooves 26A close the rear end at the middle part in the front-rear direction of the housing 20.

[0038] When lever 60 is in the final locking position, such as Figure 3 As shown, the upper ends of each cam plate portion 61 are arranged in such a way that they contact the left and right sides 33, 34 of the housing 20 without gap. Figure 2 As shown, on the upper end surface of the cam plate portion 61, at the position of the side opening 37 facing the second groove portion 27 from below, an inclined surface 68 is formed with a shape that slopes downwards and rearwards. The rear end of the inclined surface 68 is closed by a connecting portion 67 in the cam plate portion 61 that is connected to the operating portion 62. When the lever 60 is in the fully locked position, the connecting portion 67 becomes a shape that stands upright from the rear end of the inclined surface 68. The rear end of the inclined surface 68 is connected to the connecting portion 67 in a curved shape.

[0039] like Figure 7 As shown, the first groove 26 and the second groove 27 are also recessed into the lower surface 36 of the housing 20. The first groove 26 and the second groove 27 are arranged in the same manner on the upper surface 35 and the lower surface 36 of the housing 20. With this configuration, even if the connector 10 is flipped in the vertical direction, the drainage function of the first groove 26 and the second groove 27, which will be described later, can still be performed.

[0040] (Function of connector 10) The electrical connection device 10A of this embodiment 1 is, for example, disposed under the seat of a vehicle (not shown). In the event that a passenger spills a beverage or other liquid, the liquid may fall onto the electrical connection device 10A. Thus, the electrical connection device 10A is sometimes disposed in an environment where liquid is poured from above.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, with the connector 10 housed within the housing 11 of the electrical connection device 10A, the rear surface 32 of the housing 20 and the operating portion 62 of the rod 60 are exposed rearward through the opening 12. Here, liquid adhering to the upper surface of the electrical connection device 10A can flow down the upper surface of the eaves 13 from its outer end downwards. Therefore, liquid can be initially prevented from entering the gap formed between the upper edge of the opening 12 and the upper surface 35 of the housing 20.

[0042] Even though the eaves 13 prevent liquid from seeping into the upper surface 35 of the housing 20 as a precaution, some liquid may still detour to the upper surface 35 of the housing 20 and enter the rear end of the first groove 26 formed on the upper surface 35 of the housing 20. Here, when the liquid flows forward from the rear end of the first groove 26, it flows into the second groove 27 at the intersection 28 with the second groove 27, and flows along the second groove 27 in at least one direction (left or right) (see reference). Figure 9 (The arrow). Furthermore, liquid flows from the side opening 37 of the second groove 27 to the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20. The liquid flowing to the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20 falls onto the inclined surface 68 of the cam plate portion 61 of the rod 60, and flows obliquely downwards and backwards along the inclined surface 68. It should be noted that some steps are provided between the bottom surface of the second groove 27 and the inclined surface 68. Further, liquid drains from the rear end side of the inclined surface 68 along the outer surface of the rear end side of the cam plate portion 61.

[0043] In this embodiment 1, the bottom surface of the second groove 27 is positioned lower than the bottom surface of the first groove 26 via the step 29, and the groove width of the second groove 27 in the front-rear direction is greater than the groove width of the first groove 26 in the left-right direction. Therefore, liquid can easily transfer from the first groove 26 to the second groove 27, but is less likely to flow towards the front end of the first groove 26.

[0044] As described above, by allowing liquid to flow through the second groove 27 and drain from the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20, liquid accumulation on the front surface 31 or rear surface 32 of the housing 20 can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid from entering the cavities 21 that open on the front surface 31 or rear surface 32 of the housing 20, and from entering the terminal parts 9 housed in each cavity 21. In particular, it is possible to prevent short circuits caused by electrical connection between the terminal parts 90 due to liquid between adjacent cavities 21.

[0045] As described above, the connector 10 of this embodiment 1 includes: a housing 20 having a cavity 21; and a terminal part 90 housed in the cavity 21. The cavity 21 extends in a front-rear direction and opens on the front surface 31 and the rear surface 32 of the housing 20. A first groove 26 and a second groove 27 are recessed on the upper surface 35 of the housing 20. The first groove 26 extends in a front-rear direction and opens on the front surface 31 and the rear surface 32 of the housing 20. The second groove 27 extends in a left-right direction, intersects with the first groove 26, and opens on the left and right side surfaces 33 and 34 of the housing 20.

[0046] According to the above configuration, when liquid enters the upper surface 35 of the housing 20, the liquid can enter the first groove 26 and flow rapidly from the first groove 26 through the second groove 27 to the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid entering the upper surface 35 of the housing 20 from flowing to the front surface 31 and rear surface 32 of the housing 20. As a result, it is possible to prevent the formation of a leakage path due to the presence of liquid between the cavities 21 that open on the front surface 31 and rear surface 32 of the housing 20. In particular, since the first groove 26 opens on the front surface 31 and rear surface 32 of the housing 20 respectively, and the second groove 27 opens on the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20 respectively, liquid can also flow from the first groove 26 to the second groove 27 that extends in either the left or right direction, and drainage from the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20 can be performed more reliably.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the depth of the second groove 27, measured from the upper surface 35 (upper surface opening 38) of the housing 20, is greater than the depth of the first groove 26, measured from the upper surface 35 (upper surface opening 39) of the housing 20. Additionally, the width of the second groove 27 in the front-rear direction is greater than the width of the first groove 26 in the left-right direction. Therefore, at the intersection 28 where the second groove 27 and the first groove 26 intersect, liquid flowing in the first groove 26 can easily transfer to the second groove 27, allowing for more efficient drainage from the left and right sides 33 and 34 of the housing 20.

[0048] In addition, in the case of this embodiment 1, the first groove 26 is also a groove 26A that engages with the protrusion 122 of the other connector 100 for preventing mis-engagement, and can serve as both a flow path and a function to prevent mis-engagement with the other connector 100.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the front surface 31 of the housing 20 becomes a mating surface opposite to the counterpart connector 100. A rod 60 for mating with the counterpart connector 100 is installed on the housing 20. The rod 60 has a cam plate portion 61 arranged along the left and right sides 33, 34 of the housing 20. An inclined surface 68 is formed on the upper end surface of the cam plate portion 61, which slopes obliquely downwards and backwards from the side opening 37 facing the second groove portion 27.

[0050] According to the above configuration, liquid can fall from the side opening 37 of the second groove 27, and the falling liquid further flows along the inclined surface 68 of the cam plate 61. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid falling from the side opening 37 of the second groove 27 from flowing along the cam plate 61 toward the opening side of the cavity 21 of the front surface 31 of the housing 20.

[0051] Furthermore, the electrical connection device 10A of this embodiment 1 is an electrical connection device 10A having a housing 11 for housing the aforementioned connector 10. The housing 11 has: an opening 12 that exposes the rear surface 32 of the housing 20; and an eave 13 located above the opening 12 and extending rearward beyond the opening 12.

[0052] According to the above configuration, liquid falling from above can adhere to the upper surface 35 of the eaves 13 and fall downward from the outer end of the eaves 13. Therefore, liquid can be prevented from entering the upper surface 35 of the housing 20 through the gap between the rear surface 32 of the housing 20 and the upper edge of the opening 12. Since the eaves 13 can be used to prevent liquid from entering the connector 10, the waterproof structure of the connector 10 can be completed with a simple waterproof structure such as the second groove 27.

[0053] (Other embodiments of the present invention) The above-described embodiment 1 disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the first groove is open on both the front and rear surfaces of the housing. In contrast, the first groove may also be open only on either the front or rear surface of the housing. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the second groove opens on both the left and right sides of the housing. In contrast, the second groove may also be a shape that opens only on either the left or right side of the housing. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the first groove is a shape that extends along the fitting direction, i.e., along the axis of the front-rear direction. In contrast, the first groove can be a shape that extends along the front-rear direction as a whole, or it can extend slightly at an angle relative to the axis of the front-rear direction within a range that can be generally identified by those skilled in the art as having a front-rear direction and being effective. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the second groove is a shape that extends along an axis in the left-right direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. In contrast, the second groove can simply be a shape that extends in the left-right direction as a whole, or it can extend slightly at an angle relative to the axis in the left-right direction within a range that can be generally identified by those skilled in the art as having a left-right direction and being effective. In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the cam plate portion configured as a rod is arranged along the side of the housing, and the liquid from the second groove flows down along the outer surface of the cam plate portion. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the cam plate portion may not exist on the side of the housing, and the liquid from the second groove flows down along the side of the housing. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0054] 10: Connector 10A: Electrical connection device 11: Box 12: Opening 13: Eaves 20: Shell 21: cavity 22: Stop body mounting hole 23: Support shaft 24: Card receiving section 25: Guide rib 26: First groove section 26A: Prevents misfitting of compatible slots 27: Second Groove 28: Intersection 29: Steps 31: Front surface 32: Back surface 33: (One of the left and right side views) 34: (The other side among the left and right sides) 35: Upper surface 36: Lower surface 37: Side opening 38: (The opening on the upper surface of the first groove) 39: (Second groove) Opening on the upper surface 60: Rod 61: Cam plate section 62: Operations Department 63: Shaft hole 64: Guide groove 65: Elastic locking part 66: Cam groove 67: Connecting Part 68: Inclined surface 80: Stopper 90: Terminal parts 91: Box Section 100: The other party's connector 120: The other party's shell 121: Cover 122: Protrusions to prevent misfitting 123: Cam pin 190: Counterparty terminal parts W: Wire

Claims

1. A connector comprising: A shell having a cavity; and Terminal components are housed within the cavity, wherein... The cavity extends in the front-to-back direction and opens on the front and rear surfaces of the housing. The upper surface of the housing is recessed with a first groove and a second groove. The first groove extends in the front-to-back direction and has an opening on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the housing. The second groove extends in the left-right direction and intersects with the first groove, and is open on at least one of the left and right sides of the housing.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The depth of the second groove, measured from the upper surface of the housing, is greater than the depth of the first groove, measured from the upper surface of the housing.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The second groove is wider in the front-to-back direction than the first groove is wider in the left-to-right direction.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first groove opens on the front and rear surfaces of the housing, respectively. The second groove is open on the left and right sides of the housing, respectively.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first groove is a groove that engages with a protrusion of the other connector to prevent misfitting.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The front surface of the housing is a mating surface that is opposite to the other connector. A rod for engaging with the other connector is installed in the housing. The rod has a cam plate portion arranged along the left and right sides of the housing. An inclined surface is formed on the upper end face of the cam plate portion, which slopes downwards and backwards from the side opening facing the second groove portion.

7. An electrical connection device comprising a housing for receiving a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The housing has: an opening that exposes the rear surface of the housing; and an eaves that are located above the opening and extend rearward beyond the opening.

Images