Coupling structure of connector ane connector cover

Abstract

To enable easy coupling of a connector and a connector cover with small force, and to increase the retention of the coupled state.SOLUTION: A connector 10 is provided with a side wall 14 surrounding the outer circumference from the mating side 11A with a mating connector to the opposite wire drawer side 11B, and a pair of outward-facing flanges 12 and 13 are provided on the side walls in a mutually opposite position. A pair of U-grooved engagement sections 22A and 22B is provided on the connector cover 20, each having a U-shaped groove 22D extending perpendicular to the connector mating direction, and is engaged with the connector when the flange of the connector is slid into the U-shaped groove.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a joining structure between a connector and a connector cover. [Background technology]

[0002] A connector cover is attached to the rear of the connector to guide and guide electric wires drawn out from the rear of the connector in a predetermined direction so as not to become entangled (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] When attaching such a connector cover to a connector, the connector and the connector cover are generally fitted together in a direction along the mating direction of the mating connector, so that the locking portion of the connector and the locked portion of the connector cover engage with each other to maintain the connection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-32037 [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-338339 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When fitting a connector and a connector cover in a direction along the mating direction with the mating connector, unless the engaging force between the locking part on the connector side and the locked part on the connector cover side is large, there is a risk that the engagement may loosen or come off due to external forces when fitting with the mating connector or when disengaging from the mating connector. Also, if the locking part and the locked part are configured to have a strong engaging force to prevent this, it will no longer be possible to join the connector and the connector cover with a small operating force.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a connection structure between a connector and a connector cover which enables the connector and the connector cover to be easily connected with little force and which increases the force with which the connected state is maintained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the connector and connector cover coupling structure according to the present invention has the following features. A connection structure of a connector and a connector cover that guides electric wires drawn from the connector in a predetermined direction, The connector is provided with side walls surrounding an outer periphery from a mating side with a mating connector to an opposite electric wire drawing side, and a pair of flanges protruding outward in opposite directions are provided on side walls facing each other, The connector cover has a U-shaped groove extending in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector with the mating connector and with open faces facing each other, and is provided with a pair of engagement portions with U-shaped grooves that are engaged with the connector by slidingly inserting a pair of flanges of the connector into the U-shaped grooves, respectively. The joining structure of the connector and the connector cover. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the connector and the connector cover can be easily connected with a small force, and the connected state can be maintained with a high degree of force.

[0009] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading the following description of the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiment") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a coupling operation between a connector and a connector cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a state in which the connector is about to be slid into the connector cover in an oblique position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which, as a next operation after FIG. 1, the connector is slidably inserted into the connector cover and then the rear end of the connector is dropped into a connector rear end regulating portion of the connector cover. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connector and the connector cover in the first embodiment as viewed from one side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector and the connector cover in a completely joined state, as viewed from the same direction as FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the respective configurations of the connector and the connector cover in the first embodiment as viewed from a different side than that in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the connector and the connector cover in a completed state, as viewed from the same direction as FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the connector cover in the first embodiment, and is a perspective view showing that a crushing rib is provided on the inner wall of the U-shaped groove. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing that a locking portion (locking protrusion) is provided on a connector rear end regulating portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a connector rear end regulating portion of a connector cover in the second embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the second embodiment, and is a perspective view showing the state in which, when the rear end of the connector is dropped into a fixed position inside the connector rear end regulating portion of the connector cover, the rear end support wall of the connector rear end regulating portion is elastically deformed rearward due to the collision between the connector flange and the locking portion. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the next stage after Figure 10, in which the rear end of the connector is dropped into a fixed position inside the connector rear end regulating portion of the connector cover, the rear end support wall of the connector rear end regulating portion elastically returns to its original position, and the locking portion locks the flange. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a reference example of an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a state before the connector and the connector cover are joined together in an example in which the connector cover is divided into two parts. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the next step after FIG. 12, and is a perspective view showing the state in which the connector and the connector cover have been completely coupled together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a coupling operation of a connector and a connector cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a state in which the connector is about to be slid into the connector cover in an oblique posture. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rear end of the connector is dropped into the connector rear end restriction portion after the connector is slid into the connector cover as the next operation after Fig. 1.

[0012] 3 to 7 are explanatory diagrams showing in detail the respective components of the connector and connector cover in the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the connector and connector cover as viewed from one side, and Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the connector and connector cover in a state where the coupling is completed as viewed from the same direction as Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the respective components of the connector and connector cover as viewed from the other side different from Fig. 3, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the connector and connector cover in a state where the coupling is completed as viewed from the same direction as Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing that a crushing rib is provided on the inner wall of the U-shaped groove of the connector cover.

[0013] Here, the directions defined for convenience of explanation will be explained. Each direction is set based on the direction at the time of coupling operation of the connector to the connector cover. In Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, the direction indicated by the arrow X is the front-rear direction, the direction indicated by the arrow Y is the left-right direction based on the front-rear direction X, and the direction indicated by the arrow Z is the up-down direction based on the up-down direction at the time of coupling operation. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are perpendicular to each other. The front direction in the X direction is indicated by the arrow X1, the rear direction is indicated by the arrow X2, the left direction in the Y direction is indicated by the arrow Y1, the right direction is indicated by the arrow Y2, the up direction in the Z direction is indicated by the arrow Z1, and the down direction is indicated by the arrow Z2. The front direction X1 is the direction in which the connector slides into the connector cover, and the up direction Z1 is the direction in which the connector fits into the mating connector (not shown). The distinction between left and right corresponds to the left and right when facing the front side of the connector insertion direction.

[0014] The connector 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is combined with a connector cover 20 that guides electric wires (not shown) drawn out from the connector 10 in a predetermined direction, and is put to practical use.

[0015] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, connector 10 has a mating surface 11 with a mating connector on the upper end surface in the figures. Connector 10 has side walls 14 surrounding the outer periphery from mating side 11A with the mating connector to the opposite electric wire drawing side 11B. Side walls 14 surrounding the outer periphery have a cross section viewed from the mating direction with the mating connector (Z direction) that is rectangular with one opposing side wide and the other opposing side narrow. Of side walls 14, wide left and right side walls 14A, 14B that are positioned opposite each other are provided at the ends of electric wire drawing side 11B with a pair of flanges 12, 13 that protrude outward in opposite directions.

[0016] 5, a locking portion 15 for locking with a mating connector is provided on the right side wall 14A, and a stopper 12c (described later) is provided in a bent frame shape in the middle of the front-rear direction of the right flange 12. The right flange 12 and the left flange 13 have different thicknesses t1, t2 (t1>t2) in the height direction (Z direction).

[0017] On the other hand, the connector cover 20 includes a cover body 21. The cover body 21 is a member having a U-shaped cross section and a bottom wall 21a and left and right side walls 21b, 21b, and the inner space surrounded by the bottom wall 21a and the left and right side walls 21b, 21b serves as an electric wire guide groove 24 with an open upper end. The electric wire guide groove 24 is a portion that receives the electric wire drawn out from the connector 10 and guides it in a predetermined direction (forward X1 in this example), and while its front end is open, its rear end is closed by a rear end wall 21f.

[0018] Outward flanges 21c, 21c are provided at the upper ends of the left and right side walls 21b, and U-grooved engagement parts 22A, 22B, which will be described later, are provided on the upper sides of the middle parts of the left and right flanges 21c, 21c in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, connector rear end regulation parts 23A, 23B, which will be described later, are provided on the upper sides of the rear ends of the left and right flanges 21c, 21c. Between the front U-grooved engagement parts 22A, 22B and the rear connector rear end regulation parts 23A, 23B, spaces 25, 25 capable of accommodating the stopper 12c of the connector 10 are provided.

[0019] The pair of left and right engagement parts 22A, 22B with U-shaped grooves are formed symmetrically, and each has a vertical wall 22a protruding upward from the flange part 21c of the cover body 21, and upper and lower horizontal walls 22b, 22c protruding inward from the vertical wall 22a. A U-shaped groove 22d is provided between the upper and lower horizontal walls 22b, 22c.

[0020] The U-grooves 22d, 22d of the left and right U-grooved engagement parts 22A, 22B extend in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction with the mating connector (front-rear direction X), and are arranged with their open faces facing each other. These U-grooves 22d, 22d are grooves into which the pair of flanges 12, 13 of the connector 10 are slidably inserted. The connector 10 and the connector cover 20 are engaged with each other by inserting the pair of flanges 12, 13 of the connector 10 into these U-grooves 22d, 22d, respectively.

[0021] The pair of left and right connector rear end regulation portions 23A, 23B provided at the rear end of the connector cover 20 are frame-shaped portions that regulate the position of the rear end 10B of the connector 10, and are formed in a symmetrical shape. Each connector rear end regulation portion 23A, 23B has a side support wall 23a that regulates the left-right position of the rear end 10B of the connector 10, a rear support wall 23b that regulates the front-rear position of the rear end 10B of the connector 10, and a shelf portion 23c on which the underside of the rear end 10B of the connector 10 is placed.

[0022] The side support walls 23a and the rear support wall 23b form a frame-like wall that is L-shaped in plan view so as to cover the left and right corners of the lower end of the rear end 10B of the connector 10. The upper surface of the shelf portion 23c functions as a connector mounting surface, and is formed to be at the same height as the upper surface of the lower horizontal wall 22c that forms the U-grooves 22d, 22d of the U-grooved engagement portions 22A, 22B. The rear end 10B of the connector 10 is positioned by dropping it onto the shelf portions 23c at fixed positions inside the pair of left and right connector rear end regulating portions 23A, 23B.

[0023] Since the rear end 10B of the connector 10 needs to be set at a fixed position inside the connector rear end regulating portions 23A and 23B in this way, the position of the rear end 10B of the connector 10 is regulated so as to fit inside the connector rear end regulating portions 23A and 23B at the time of sliding and inserting. Also, the length from the position of the inner rear end of the connector rear end regulating portions 23A and 23B of the connector cover 20 to the position of the rear end (rear end entrance of the U-shaped groove 22d) of the engagement portions 22A and 22B with U-shaped grooves is set to be smaller than the length in the front-rear direction of the connector 10. Therefore, when the flanges 12 and 13 of the connector 10 are inserted from the front end 10A side into the rear end entrance of the U-shaped grooves 22d and 22d of the connector cover 20 while regulating the position of the rear end 10B of the connector 10, it is necessary to set the insertion posture of the connector 10 at an angle (see FIG. 1).

[0024] In order to enable the flanges 12, 13 of the connector 10 to be inserted into the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d of the connector cover 20 in this oblique position, play is provided between the flanges 12, 13 of the connector 10 and the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d of the connector cover 20.

[0025] That is, a play in the vertical direction (Z direction) is provided between the U-grooves 22d, 22d of the U-groove engagement parts 22A, 22B and the flanges 12, 13. This play enables the flanges 12, 13 to be slidably inserted into the U-grooves 22d, 22d from their front ends while regulating the position of the rear end 10B of the connector 10 in accordance with the position of the connector rear end regulating parts 23A, 23B. Specifically, this play means that the groove width D of the U-grooves 22d, 22d, i.e., the dimension between the lower surface of the upper horizontal wall 22b and the upper surface of the lower horizontal wall 22c, is set larger than the thicknesses t1, t2 of the flanges 12, 13.

[0026] Moreover, this play may cause rattling of the flanges 12, 13 when the sliding insertion is finally completed. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7, crushing ribs 22e, 22e with a triangular cross section are provided on the inner wall of the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d, i.e., on the lower surface of the upper horizontal wall 22b. The crushing ribs 22e, 22e are intended to accommodate the sliding insertion of the flanges 12, 13 into the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d while being crushed by the flanges 12, 13 as the flanges 12, 13 are slidably inserted into the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d in an oblique position. The crushing ribs 22e, 22e serve to limit the amount of play between the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d and the flanges 12, 13 while being crushed.

[0027] The stopper 12c provided in the middle of the right flange 12 of the connector 10 is located between the front end 10A and the rear end 10B of the connector 10 in the slide insertion direction of the connector 10. This stopper 12c abuts against the rear ends of the U-grooved engagement parts 22A and 22B after the flanges 12 and 13 of the connector 10 are slid from their front ends into the U-grooves 22d and 22d by a predetermined amount, thereby regulating the slide insertion position of the connector 10. In this embodiment, the stopper 12c is formed by bending the middle part of the right flange 12 in the front-rear direction. When the connector 10 and the connector cover 20 are completely coupled, the stopper 12c fits into the space 25 between the U-grooved engagement part 22A and the connector rear end regulation part 23A as shown in FIG. 6.

[0028] Next, the operation will be described. When connecting the connector 10 and the connector cover 20, the flanges 12, 13 of the connector 10 are slidably inserted into the U-grooves 22d, 22d of the U-grooved engagement portions 22A, 22B provided on the connector cover 20, as shown in FIGS.

[0029] Specifically, the electric wires (not shown) drawn out from below the connector 10 are accommodated in the electric wire guide grooves 24 of the connector cover 20. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the connector 10 is tilted to assume an oblique posture while the flanges 12, 13 are inserted into the U-grooves 22d, 22d of the U-grooved engagement portions 22A, 22B of the connector cover 20 (operation indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1). Here, there is an appropriate amount of play between the U-grooves 22d, 22d and the flanges 12, 13. Therefore, while the position of the rear end 10B of the connector 10 is restricted to match the position of the connector rear end restriction portions 23A, 23B, the flanges 12, 13 can be slid obliquely into the U-grooves 22d, 22d from their front ends.

[0030] In this way, while sliding the flanges 12, 13 of the connector 10 into the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d, the rear end 10B of the connector 10 can be smoothly set at a fixed position inside the connector rear end regulating portions 23A, 23B as shown in Fig. 2 (operation of arrow B in Fig. 2). By setting in this manner, the forward position of the connector 10 is regulated by the stopper 12c of the connector 10, and the rearward position of the connector 10 is regulated by the connector rear end regulating portions 23A, 23B.

[0031] Furthermore, during such a coupling operation, if there is a large amount of play between the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d and the flanges 12, 13, rattling will occur at the coupled portion of the connector 10 and the connector cover 20. However, the remaining crushed portions of the crushed ribs 22e, 22e provided on the inner walls of the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d reduce the play between the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d and the flanges 12, 13, thereby making it possible to suppress rattling of the connector 10 in the final coupled state.

[0032] As described above, the connector 10 and the connector cover 20 can be easily coupled with one action by sliding the flanges 12, 13 of the connector 10 into the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d of the connector cover 20. Therefore, the wires can be smoothly guided while preventing them from getting caught. In addition, since the coupling operation requires only sliding the connector 10 onto the connector cover 20, coupling can be easily performed even if other components or wires are already attached to the connector 10.

[0033] Moreover, this embodiment is more advantageous than the case where split covers are joined together as in the reference example described later. Since the connector cover 20 can be made integral, there is no need to worry about electric wires getting caught when the split covers are joined together. Furthermore, since the connector 10 is slid, the connector 10 and the connector cover 20 are joined by an operation similar to sliding between two parts. Therefore, there is no need to worry about electric wires getting caught in the joint of the fitting, as occurs when two parts are brought close to each other from separate positions and then fitted together. Therefore, the joining operation can be performed smoothly and easily.

[0034] According to this embodiment, the connector 10 and the connector cover 20 are coupled to each other by sliding the flanges 12 and 13 of the connector 10 into the U-grooves 22d and 22d of the connector cover 20 that extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of coupling with the mating connector. Therefore, an external force applied when coupling or uncoupling the connector 10 and the mating connector does not act in a direction that causes the flanges 12 and 13 to come out of the U-grooves 22d and 22d. Therefore, the external force can be reliably received by the engagement between the U-grooves 22d and 22d and the flanges 12 and 13, and the coupling state can be held with high force. In addition, the coupling operation can be easily performed with little force because the coupling operation is performed by simply sliding the flanges 12 and 13 of the connector 10 into the U-grooves 22d and 22d of the connector cover 20.

[0035] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing that a locking portion (locking protrusion) is provided on the connector rear end regulating portion. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the connector rear end regulating portion of the connector cover, as seen from above. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rear end support wall of the connector rear end regulating portion is elastically deformed rearward due to the collision between the flange of the connector and the locking portion when the rear end of the connector is dropped into a fixed position inside the connector rear end regulating portion of the connector cover. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the next stage of Fig. 10, showing a state in which the rear end of the connector is dropped into a fixed position inside the connector rear end regulating portion of the connector cover, the rear end support wall of the connector rear end regulating portion is elastically restored, and the locking portion locks the flange.

[0036] 8 to 11, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that locking portions (locking protrusions) 23d, 23d are provided on the inner surfaces of the rear support walls 23b, 23b of the connector rear end regulating portions 123A, 123B of the connector cover 120. These locking portions 23d, 23d prevent the flanges 12, 13 from floating up after the flanges 12, 13 of the connector 10 have been slid into the U-shaped grooves 22d, 22d of the connector cover 120.

[0037] The rear support walls 23b, 23b provided with the locking portions 23d, 23d must be elastically deflected outward once when the flanges 12, 13 engage with the locking portions 23d, 23d (see arrow C in FIG. 10). For this reason, the rear support walls 23b, 23b are separated from the side support walls 23a, 23a by slits 23e, 23e. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0038] In this embodiment, the flanges 12, 13 of the rear end 10B of the connector 10 are dropped into fixed positions inside the connector rear end regulating portions 123A, 123B of the connector cover 120, so that the rear ends of the flanges 12, 13 can be engaged with the locking portions 23d, 23d. Therefore, the rear end 10B of the connector 10 can be securely held by the locking portions 23d, 23d, and the holding force of the connector 10 in the state of being connected to the connector cover 20 can be improved. In addition, the operator can feel the engagement when the locking portions 23d, 23d engage with the rear ends of the flanges 12, 13 of the connector 10, so that the operator can sense by touch that the connector 10 has been properly connected.

[0039] Next, a reference example will be briefly described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a reference example of an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a state before the connector and the connector cover are joined in an example in which the connector cover is divided into two parts. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the next step of Fig. 12, and is a perspective view showing a state in which the connector and the connector cover have been joined.

[0040] In this reference example, connector cover 220 is divided into a left and right half. Two split covers 220A, 220B are fitted together with connector 10 sandwiched therebetween (operation indicated by arrow E in FIG. 12) to form one connector cover 220. Also, each split cover 220A, 220B is provided with an engaging portion 227 and an engaged portion 228 for engaging split covers 220A, 220B with each other when split covers 220A, 220B are fitted together.

[0041] When connector cover 220 has a split structure in this way, flanges 12, 13 of connector 10 can be engaged with U-grooved engagement portions 22A, 22B without sliding them in. However, this structure has the risk of increasing the number of parts, making it easier for electric wires to be pinched when split covers 220A, 220B are joined, and water seeping in through the seams between split covers 220A, 220B. In contrast, the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to avoid these problems.

[0042] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, values, forms, numbers, locations, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the connector covers 20, 120 are configured symmetrically, so that the connector 10 can be slid in and inserted with the front and back reversed.

[0043] Here, the features of the connecting structure of the connector and the connector cover according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [6].

[0044] [1] A connection structure of a connector (10) and a connector cover (20) that guides electric wires drawn from the connector in a predetermined direction, The connector is provided with a side wall (14) surrounding the outer periphery from a mating side (11A) with a mating connector to an opposite electric wire drawing side (11B), and a pair of flanges (12, 13) protruding outward in opposite directions are provided on side walls (14A, 14B) that are opposed to each other, The connector cover has a U-shaped groove (22d) extending in a direction (X) perpendicular to the mating direction (Z) of the connector with the mating connector and with its open surfaces facing each other, and is provided with a pair of U-shaped grooved engagement parts (22A, 22B) that are engaged with the connector by sliding a pair of flanges of the connector into the U-shaped groove, respectively. The joining structure of the connector and the connector cover.

[0045] According to the configuration [1] above, the connector and the connector cover can be easily coupled with one action by sliding the flanges (12, 13) of the connector into the U-groove (22d) of the U-groove engagement parts (22A, 22B) provided on the connector cover (20). In addition, since the coupling operation is completed by simply sliding the connector onto the connector cover, coupling can be easily performed even if other parts or electric wires are already attached to the connector. In addition, because the connector cover can be made as a single unit, there is no need to worry about electric wires getting caught, as occurs when fitting separate covers. In addition, because the connector is slid, the connector and connector cover can be joined by an operation similar to sliding between the two parts. Therefore, there is no need to worry about electric wires getting caught in the joint when fitting, as occurs when two parts are brought close to each other from separate positions and then fitted together. This makes for a smooth and easy joining operation. The connector and connector cover are joined by sliding the flange on the connector side into a U-shaped groove (22d) on the connector cover side that extends in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction with the mating connector. Therefore, external forces applied when mating or unmating the connector and mating connector do not act in a direction that would cause the flange to come out of the U-shaped groove. This allows the external forces to be reliably received by the engagement between the U-shaped groove and the flange, and the retention force of the joined state can be maintained high. Furthermore, the joining operation is performed simply by sliding the flange on the connector side into the U-shaped groove on the connector cover side, so that the joining operation can be easily performed with little force.

[0046] [2] The U-shaped grooved engagement portion (22A, 22B) of the connector cover is disposed at a position where the flange is inserted into the U-shaped groove from the front end side of the connector in the slide insertion direction, A stopper (12c) is provided between the front end (10A) and the rear end (10B) of the connector in the slide insertion direction, so that the stopper (12c) abuts against the U-grooved engagement portion after the flange is slidably inserted into the U-groove (22d) by a predetermined amount from the front end side of the flange, thereby regulating the slide insertion position of the connector. A joint structure between the connector and the connector cover described in [1] above.

[0047] According to the above configuration [2], the position of the connector in the sliding insertion direction is restricted by the stopper (12c) of the connector.

[0048] [3] The connector cover (20) is provided with a connector rear end regulating portion (23A, 23B) that regulates the position of the rear end (10B) of the connector, Between the U-groove (22d) of the U-groove engagement portion and the flanges (12, 13), there is provided a play that enables the flanges to be slidably inserted in an oblique position at the beginning of insertion when the flanges are slidably inserted from their front ends into the U-groove while regulating the position of the rear end (10B) of the connector in accordance with the position of the connector rear end regulation portion. A joining structure of the connector and connector cover described in [2] above.

[0049] According to the configuration [3] above, the position of the rear end (10B) of the connector in the direction opposite to the sliding insertion direction is restricted by the connector rear end restriction portion (23A, 23B). In addition, there is play between the flange and the U-shaped groove (22d) of the U-shaped grooved engagement portion (22A, 22B). With the above configuration, the flange can be slid obliquely into the U-shaped groove from its front end side while restricting the position of the connector's rear end to match the position of the connector rear end restriction portion. Therefore, the rear end of the connector can be smoothly set into the connector rear end restriction portion while sliding the connector flange into the U-shaped groove.

[0050] [4] A crushing rib (22e) is provided on the inner wall of the U-shaped groove (22d) to accept the sliding insertion of the flange into the U-shaped groove while being crushed by the flange as the flange is slidably inserted into the U-shaped groove in the oblique position, thereby limiting the amount of play between the U-shaped groove and the flange. A joining structure of the connector and connector cover described in [3] above.

[0051] When the flange of the connector is slid into the U-groove, if there is a large amount of play between the U-groove and the flange, rattling will occur at the joint between the connector and the connector cover. However, according to the configuration [4] above, the remaining crushed portion of the crushed rib (22e) on the inner wall of the U-groove reduces the play between the U-groove and the flange, thereby suppressing rattling.

[0052] [5] The connector rear end regulating portion (23A, 23B) is provided with a locking portion (23d) that prevents the flange from floating up after the flange has been slid into the U-shaped groove. A connection structure of a connector and a connector cover described in [3] or [4] above.

[0053] According to the configuration [5] above, the rear end of the connector can be reliably held by the locking portion (23d) in the connector rear end restricting portion, improving the holding force of the connector when it is connected to the connector cover. In addition, the fitting feeling can be obtained when the locking portion engages with the rear end of the connector, so that it becomes possible to sense by touch that the connectors have been connected properly.

[0054] [6] The connector cover is provided with an electric wire guide groove (24) that receives the electric wire drawn out from the connector and guides it in a predetermined direction, and the U-shaped grooved engagement portion (22A, 22B) is provided at a rear end side of the electric wire guide groove. A connection structure of a connector and a connector cover described in any one of [1] to [5] above.

[0055] According to the configuration [6] above, the electric wires drawn out from the connector can be accommodated in the electric wire guide grooves (24) of the connector cover while being slid into the U-shaped groove of the connector flange, thereby allowing the connector and the connector cover to be joined together. This allows the electric wires to be smoothly guided while preventing them from becoming caught. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10 Connectors 10A front end 10B rear end 11A Mating side 11B Wire pull-out side 12,13 Flange 20 Connector cover 22A, 22B U-grooved engagement part 22d U-shaped groove 22e Crushed ribs 23d Rock Club 24 Wire guide groove

Claims

1. A connection structure of a connector and a connector cover that guides electric wires drawn from the connector in a predetermined direction, The connector is provided with side walls surrounding an outer periphery from a mating side with a mating connector to an opposite electric wire drawing side, and a pair of flanges protruding outward in opposite directions are provided on side walls facing each other, The connector cover has a U-shaped groove extending in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector with the mating connector and with open faces facing each other, and is provided with a pair of engagement portions with U-shaped grooves that are engaged with the connector by slidingly inserting a pair of flanges of the connector into the U-shaped grooves, respectively. The joining structure of the connector and the connector cover.

2. the engagement portion with a U-shaped groove of the connector cover is disposed at a position where the flange is inserted into the U-shaped groove from the front end side of the connector in the slide insertion direction, A stopper is provided between the front end and the rear end of the connector in the slide insertion direction, the stopper abutting against the U-groove engagement portion after the flange is slidably inserted into the U-groove by a predetermined amount from the front end side of the flange, thereby regulating the slide insertion position of the connector.

2. A joining structure of a connector and a connector cover according to claim 1.

3. the connector cover is provided with a connector rear end restriction portion that restricts the position of the rear end of the connector, Between the U-groove of the U-groove engagement portion and the flange, when the flange is slidably inserted from its front end side into the U-groove while regulating the position of the rear end of the connector to match the position of the connector rear end regulating portion, a play is provided that enables the flange to be slidably inserted in an oblique position at the beginning of the insertion.

3. A joint structure between a connector and a connector cover according to claim 2.

4. A crushing rib is provided on the inner wall of the U-shaped groove to accept the sliding insertion of the flange into the U-shaped groove while being crushed by the flange as the flange is slidably inserted into the U-shaped groove in the oblique position, thereby limiting the amount of play between the U-shaped groove and the flange.

4. A joint structure between a connector and a connector cover according to claim 3.

5. a locking portion that prevents the flange from floating up after the flange has been slid into the U-shaped groove, the locking portion being provided on the rear end of the connector; 4. A joint structure between a connector and a connector cover according to claim 3.

6. The connector cover is provided with a wire guide groove for accommodating the wires drawn out from the connector and guiding them in a predetermined direction, and the U-shaped grooved engagement portion is provided at a rear end side of the wire guide groove. A connection structure of a connector and a connector cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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