Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of improving workability of attachment to and detachment from a mating connector, and a connector assembly.SOLUTION: A first connector 11 comprises a shield shell 31 which is fixed to a fixture member 13 in which a second connector 12 is provided, and a connector body 41 which is held by the shield shell 31 and fitted to the second connector 12 in a first direction D1. The shield shell 31 includes a cylindrical shell body part 32 which holds the connector body 41 inside, and a fastening and fixing part 33 which is provided at a position deviated from the shell body part 32 in a second direction D2 which is orthogonal to the first direction D1, fastened and fixed to the fixture member 13 by a bolt. The connector body 41 is held with respect to the shell body part 32 rotatably around a rotation axis L1 in a third direction which is orthogonal to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors and connector assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a connector that includes a shield shell and a connector main body held by the shield shell (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The connector main body is electrically connected to the mating connector by being mated with the mating connector in a first direction. The shield shell has a shell main body portion that holds the connector main body, and a fastening / fixing portion extending from a side surface of the shell main body. The fastening / fixing portion is provided at a position offset from the shell main body portion in a second direction that is perpendicular to the mating direction (first direction) with respect to the mating connector. The fastening / fixing portion is fastened and fixed by a bolt to a fixing member on which the mating connector is provided. In such a connector, the mating of the connector main body with the mating connector is assisted by the axial force of the bolt, making it possible to fit the connector main body to the appropriate position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-238465 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the connector described above, the position where the connector main body is mated with the mating connector and the position of the fastening portion where it is fixed by the bolt are misaligned in the second direction. When the connector main body is mated with the mating connector, the connector main body is subjected to a mating resistance force, causing the fastening portion of the shield shell to approach the fixing member first. As a result, the shield shell and the connector main body held by the shield shell tilt relative to the mating connector, increasing the resistance force during mating. Similarly, when the connector main body is removed from the mating connector, the fastening portion of the shield shell moves away from the fixing member first, causing the shield shell and the connector main body to tilt relative to the mating connector. As a result, the resistance force when removing the connector main body from the mating connector increases. As such, the connector described above has a problem in that the increased resistance force when attaching and detaching the connector to and from the mating connector reduces the ease of attaching and detaching the connector to and from the mating connector.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector and a connector assembly that can improve the workability of attachment and detachment to and from a mating connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a shield shell fixed to a fixing member on which a mating connector is provided, and a connector main body held by the shield shell and fitted to the mating connector in a first direction, wherein the shield shell has a cylindrical shell main body portion that holds the connector main body inside, and a fastening fixing portion that is provided at a position offset from the shell main body portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is fastened to the fixing member by a bolt, and the connector main body is held rotatably relative to the shell main body portion about a rotation axis along a third direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The connector and connector assembly of the present disclosure can improve the workability of attachment and detachment to and from a mating connector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the connector assembly in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second connector in the same embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector in the same embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view for explaining a mode of attachment of the second connector in the connector assembly of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating a state in which the second connector of the connector assembly of the embodiment is removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure comprises: [1] A connector comprising: a shield shell fixed to a fixing member on which a mating connector is provided; and a connector main body held by the shield shell and fitted to the mating connector in a first direction, wherein the shield shell has a cylindrical shell main body portion that holds the connector main body inside, and a fastening fixing portion that is provided at a position offset from the shell main body portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is fastened to the fixing member by a bolt, and the connector main body is held rotatably relative to the shell main body portion around a rotation axis along a third direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction.

[0010] According to this configuration, when the shield shell tilts during attachment or detachment of the bolt, the connector main body rotates about a rotation axis along the third direction relative to the shell main body. This keeps the connector main body upright relative to the mating connector during attachment or detachment, thereby suppressing an increase in resistance during attachment or detachment. This improves the ease of attachment and detachment of the connector to the mating connector.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the connector may include a first transmission part that transmits the axial force of the bolt along the first direction to the connector body, and the first transmission part may be configured to be able to transmit the axial force of the bolt from the shield shell to the connector body when the shield shell is rotated around the rotation axis relative to the connector body facing the first direction.

[0012] According to this configuration, even if the shield shell rotates around the rotation axis when connecting the connector to the mating connector, the axial force of the bolt can be transmitted from the shield shell to the connector body by the first transmission part.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], the first transmission part may include a cover provided at the tip of the shell main body part in a fourth direction opposite to the first direction, and a rolling element interposed between the cover and the connector main body, and the axial force of the bolt may be transmitted from the shield shell to the connector main body via the cover and the rolling element.

[0014] With this configuration, even if the shield shell rotates around the pivot axis when connecting the connector to the mating connector, the axial force of the bolt can be transmitted from the shield shell to the connector body via the cover and rolling element.

[0015] [4] In the above [3], the rolling elements may be spherical. With this configuration, even if the shield shell rotates around the pivot axis when connecting the connector to the mating connector, the axial force of the bolt can be effectively transmitted from the shield shell to the connector body via the cover and rolling element.

[0016] [5] In any of [1] to [4] above, when the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a fourth direction, the connector may include a second transmission unit that transmits a force in the fourth direction applied to the shield shell to the connector body, and the second transmission unit may be configured to be able to transmit a force in the fourth direction from the shield shell to the connector body when the shield shell is rotated around the rotation axis with respect to the connector body facing the first direction.

[0017] With this configuration, even if the shield shell rotates around the rotation axis when the connector is removed from the mating connector, the force in the direction of removing the connector body (fourth direction) can be transmitted from the shield shell to the connector body by the second transmission part.

[0018] [6] In the above [5], the connector main body may include a housing having a flange portion on its outer periphery, and the second transmission part may include a connecting member connected to the tip of the shell main body part in the fourth direction, and a locking member connected to the connecting member so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis and locking to the flange portion toward the fourth direction.

[0019] With this configuration, even if the shield shell rotates around the rotation axis when the connector is removed from the mating connector, a force in the fourth direction can be transmitted from the shield shell to the connector body via the connecting member and the locking member.

[0020] [7] In the above item [6], the locking member is annular and surrounds the connector body, The second transmission unit may include a pair of the connecting members, and the pair of connecting members may be rotatably connected to both ends of the locking member in a direction along the rotation axis.

[0021] With this configuration, even if the shield shell rotates around the rotation axis when the connector is removed from the mating connector, the force in the fourth direction can be suitably transmitted from the shield shell to the connector body via the pair of connecting members and locking members.

[0022] [8] The connector assembly of the present disclosure comprises a connector according to any one of [1] to [7] above, and a mating connector provided on the fixing member and connected to the connector.

[0023] According to this configuration, when the shield shell tilts during attachment or detachment of the bolt, the connector main body rotates about a rotation axis along the third direction relative to the shell main body. This keeps the connector main body upright relative to the mating connector during attachment or detachment, thereby suppressing an increase in resistance during attachment or detachment. This improves the ease of attachment and detachment of the connector to the mating connector.

[0024] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of connectors and connector assemblies according to the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. The dimensional proportions of the components may differ from one drawing to another. Each drawing illustrates an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, which are mutually orthogonal. In this specification, the direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is referred to as the Z-axis direction. Note that "orthogonal" in this specification does not only refer to a strict orthogonal relationship, but also includes a roughly orthogonal relationship within the scope of the functions and effects of this embodiment. Furthermore, the term "cylindrical" used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical structure formed by combining multiple components, but also includes a cylindrical structure with a C-shape or other structure with a notch or other feature along the circumference. The term "cylindrical" also includes circular, elliptical, and polygonal structures with pointed or rounded corners. The term "annular" as used herein may refer to any structure that forms a loop, a continuous shape without ends, or a generally loop-shaped structure with gaps, such as a C-shape. An "annular" shape includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon with sharp or rounded corners. The term "opposite" as used herein refers to surfaces or components facing each other, including not only cases where the surfaces or components are completely facing each other, but also cases where the surfaces are partially facing each other. The term "opposite" as used herein also includes cases where two components are separated by a separate component, and cases where there is no intervening component between the two components. Terms such as "first" and "second" are used herein merely to distinguish between objects and not to rank them. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0025] (Configuration of connector assembly 10) As shown in FIG. 1 , the connector assembly 10 includes a first connector 11 and a second connector 12 to which the first connector 11 is connected. The first connector 11 is fixed to a fixed member 13. The connector assembly 10 is installed, for example, in a vehicle. The fixed member 13 is, for example, part of the case of a device installed in the vehicle. The second connector 12 is mated with the first connector 11 held by the fixed member 13 in a first direction D1 along the X axis. The connector assembly 10 also includes a bolt 14 and a nut 15 that assist in mating the first connector 11 and the second connector 12. The bolt 14 is, for example, held non-rotatably by a shield shell 31 of the second connector 12, which will be described later.

[0026] (Configuration of first connector 11 and fixing member 13) 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 10, taken along the 3-3 cross-sectional indication line in the plan view of FIG. 2, showing the connector assembly 10 in a state in which the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are connected to each other. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the fixing member 13 has a holding portion 21 that holds the first connector 11, and a fixing portion 22 that extends from the holding portion 21. The fixing portion 22 extends from the holding portion 21 in a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The fixing portion 22 has a bolt insertion hole 23 (see FIG. 1) that passes through along the first direction D1. A bolt 14 is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 23.

[0027] The first connector 11 includes a first housing 24 made of, for example, resin. The first housing 24 is held by the holding portion 21 of the fixing member 13. The first housing 24 includes a cylindrical first fitting portion 25 and a first terminal (not shown) disposed inside the first fitting portion 25. The first terminal is electrically connected to an internal component of the device. A connector body 41 of the second connector 12 (described later) is fitted into the inside of the first fitting portion 25.

[0028] 1, a first seal member 26 is provided on the outer periphery of the first fitting portion 25 of the first housing 24 to seal between the first fitting portion 25 and the shield shell 31 of the second connector 12. The first housing 24 has, for example, an extension portion 27 extending in the Z-axis direction from the first fitting portion 25. The extension portion 27 is fixed to the fixing member 13 by, for example, screws 28.

[0029] (Configuration of second connector 12) As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second connector 12 includes a shield shell 31, a connector body 41 held by the shield shell 31, a first transmission part 51 that transmits force, and a second transmission part 61 that transmits force.

[0030] (Shield Shell 31 Configuration) The shield shell 31 is made of, for example, a metal material. The shield shell 31 is configured to be fixable to the fixing member 13. The shield shell 31 includes a cylindrical shell main body 32 that houses and holds the connector main body 41 therein, and a fastening / fixing portion 33 that extends from the shell main body 32 in the second direction D2. The fastening / fixing portion 33 is provided at a position offset from the shell main body 32 in the second direction D2. The fastening / fixing portion 33 is fastened and fixed to the fixing member 13 by a bolt 14 and a nut 15 when the connectors are fitted and fastened. Note that the bolt 14 is held non-rotatably in the fastening / fixing portion 33 by, for example, fitting into a hexagonal fitting recess 33a, for example. The bolt 14 is also immobilized in the axial direction by, for example, a C-ring 34 fixed to the shaft of the bolt 14.

[0031] (Configuration of connector body 41) The connector main body 41 of the second connector 12 is held rotatably about a rotation axis L1 along a third direction D3 that is perpendicular to each of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 with respect to the shell main body 32. In other words, the shield shell 31 is rotatable about the rotation axis L1 with respect to the connector main body 41.

[0032] The connector main body 41 includes a second housing 42 made of resin, second terminals 43 (see FIG. 5) accommodated in the second housing 42, and electric wires 44 connected to the second terminals 43. The second housing 42 is held inside the shell main body 32 of the shield shell 31. The second housing 42 includes a second fitting portion 45. The second fitting portion 45 is fitted into the first fitting portion 25 of the first connector 11 in the first direction D1. A second seal member 46 is provided on the outer periphery of the second fitting portion 45 to seal between the second fitting portion 45 and the first fitting portion 25.

[0033] The second terminal 43 of the second connector 12 is accommodated inside the second fitting portion 45. When the second fitting portion 45 is fitted into the first fitting portion 25, the second terminal 43 is connected to the first terminal of the first connector 11. This electrically connects the second terminal 43 to an internal component of the device via the first terminal of the first connector 11. The electric wire 44 is led out from the second housing 42 in a fourth direction D4 opposite to the first direction D1.

[0034] The second housing 42 of the connector main body 41 has a flange portion 47 on its outer periphery. The flange portion 47 protrudes outward from the second housing 42. The flange portion 47 is provided, for example, around the entire periphery of the second housing 42.

[0035] 3, the connector main body 41 further includes a retainer 48 and a sealing plug 49. The sealing plug 49 is made of, for example, rubber. The sealing plug 49 is provided inside the opening 42a at the tip end of the second housing 42 in the fourth direction D4, thereby closing the opening 42a.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the retainer 48 is provided in the opening 42a of the second housing 42. The retainer 48 serves to hold the sealing plug 49 inside the opening 42a. The retainer 48 is divided into two parts so that it can be attached later without having to first pass the electric wires 44 through. The retainer 48 has a first locking portion 48a that is locked to a first locked portion 42b provided on the outer periphery of the second housing 42. The first locking portion 48a is locked to the first locked portion 42b, thereby fixing the retainer 48 to the second housing 42. A plurality of pairs of the first locking portion 48a and the first locked portion 42b may be provided, for example.

[0037] 3 and 5, a first recess 48b is formed on the upper surface (front surface in the fourth direction D4) of the retainer 48. The first recess 48b is recessed, for example, in a hemispherical shape. For example, a pair of the first recesses 48b are provided side by side in the Y-axis direction.

[0038] (Configuration of first transmission unit 51) The first transmission part 51 of the second connector 12 includes a cover 52 and, for example, a spherical rolling element 53. The cover 52 is provided at the tip end 32a of the shell main body 32 in the fourth direction D4 and closes the opening of the tip end 32a. The cover 52 is divided into two parts so that, for example, the electric wires 44 can be attached later without having to be threaded through the cover 52 in advance. The cover 52 includes a second locking part 54 that is locked to a second locked part 35 provided on the outer periphery of the shell main body 32. The second locking part 54 is locked to the second locked part 35, thereby fixing the cover 52 to the tip end 32a of the shell main body 32. For example, a plurality of pairs of the second locking part 54 and the second locked part 35 may be provided.

[0039] 3, a second recess 55 is formed on the lower surface (front surface in the first direction D1) of the cover 52. The second recess 55 is recessed, for example, in a hemispherical shape. For example, a pair of second recesses 55 are provided side by side in the Y-axis direction.

[0040] The cover 52 faces the retainer 48 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, each of the second recesses 55 faces each of the first recesses 48b of the retainer 48 in the first direction D1. The rolling elements 53 are interposed between the first recesses 48b and the second recesses 55. When the shield shell 31 rotates relative to the connector main body 41 about the rotation axis L1 during fastening of the bolt 14, the rolling elements 53 sandwiched between the first recesses 48b and the second recesses 55 roll due to misalignment of the first recesses 48b and the second recesses 55 in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, when the fastening and fixing portion 33 of the shield shell 31 is fastened to the fixing portion 22 of the fixing member 13 by the bolt 14, the axial force of the bolt 14 along the first direction D1 is transmitted from the shell main body 32 to the retainer 48 of the connector main body 41 via the cover 52 and the rolling elements 53.

[0041] (Configuration of second transmission unit 61) 4 and 5, the second transmission part 61 that transmits force includes, for example, a pair of connecting members 62 and a locking member 63. The locking member 63 is, for example, annular and surrounds the connector main body 41. The locking member 63 has a pivotal support part 64 at each end in the direction along the rotation axis L1 (Z-axis direction). The base end of each connecting member 62 is connected to the corresponding pivotal support part 64 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis L1.

[0042] A third locking portion 65 that locks in the first direction D1 with respect to the tip portion 32a of the shell main body 32 is provided at the tip portion of each connecting member 62. The third locking portion 65 locks in the tip portion 32a of the shell main body 32, thereby connecting the connecting member 62 to the tip portion 32a of the shell main body 32. The locking member 63 locks in the fourth direction D4 with respect to the flange portion 47 of the second housing 42. As a result, a force in the fourth direction D4 that is applied to the shield shell 31 when the second connector 12 is detached from the first connector 11 is transmitted from the shell main body 32 to the second housing 42 via the connecting members 62 and the locking members 63.

[0043] (Action of this embodiment) The operation of this embodiment will be described below. When mating the second connector 12 with the first connector 11 fixed to the fixing member 13, the axial force of the fastening of the nut 15 and the bolt 14 is used to assist the mating. Specifically, when mating the second connector 12 with the first connector 11, the first mating portion 25 of the first connector 11 and the second mating portion 45 of the second connector 12 are aligned, and the nut 15 is screwed onto the bolt 14. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6 , an axial force F1 of the bolt 14 in the first direction D1 acts on the fastening portion 33 of the shield shell 31. At this time, frictional forces such as those between the first terminal and the second terminal 43 of the first connector 11 and those generated by friction between the first seal member 26 and the second seal member 46 act as a resistance force F2 in the fourth direction D4 on the connector main body 41 and the holding portion 21 of the shield shell 31. As a result, the fastening portion 33 of the shield shell 31 approaches the fixing member 13 before the holding portion 21. At this time, the shield shell 31 rotates about the rotation axis L1 while the connector main body 41 maintains a straight posture relative to the first connector 11. In this state, the force of the axial force F1 of the bolt 14, which acts on the shield shell 31 in the first direction D1, is transmitted from the shell main body 32 to the retainer 48 of the connector main body 41 via the cover 52 and the rolling elements 53. In this way, even when the shield shell 31 is rotated relative to the connector main body 41 that is straight relative to the first connector 11, the axial force F1 of the bolt 14 acting in the first direction D1 can be suitably transmitted to the connector main body 41.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7 , when the second connector 12 mated with the first connector 11 is removed, a force F3 of the bolt 14 acting in the fourth direction D4 acts on the fastening portion 33 of the shield shell 31. At this time, frictional forces, such as those between the first and second terminals 43 of the first connector 11 and between the first seal member 26 and the second seal member 46, act as a resistance force F4 in the first direction D1 on the connector main body 41 and the retaining portion 21 of the shield shell 31. Therefore, the fastening portion 33 of the shield shell 31 separates from the fixing member 13 before the retaining portion 21 separates. At this time, the shield shell 31 rotates about the rotation axis L1 while the connector main body 41 maintains a straight position relative to the first connector 11. In this state, the force acting on the shield shell 31 in the fourth direction D4 due to the force F3 is transmitted from the shell main body 32 to the flange portion 47 of the second housing 42 via the connecting members 62 and the locking members 63. At this time, the locking member 63 is rotatable about the rotation axis L1 relative to each connecting member 62, so that the locking member 63 maintains an orientation facing the flange portion 47 (an orientation in which the entire circumference of the locking member 63 abuts against the flange portion 47). This makes it possible to suitably transmit a force in the fourth direction D4 from the locking member 63 to the flange portion 47. In this way, even when the shield shell 31 is rotated with respect to the connector main body 41, which is in an upright position relative to the first connector 11, it is possible to suitably transmit the force F3 in the fourth direction D4 to the connector main body 41.

[0045] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of this embodiment will be described below. (1) The shield shell 31 includes a cylindrical shell main body 32 that holds the connector main body 41 therein and a fastening portion 33 that is fastened to the fixing member 13 by the bolt 14. The fastening portion 33 is positioned offset from the shell main body 32 in a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The connector main body 41 is held rotatably relative to the shell main body 32 about a rotation axis L1 that extends along a third direction D3 that is perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. With this configuration, when the shield shell 31 tilts during attachment or detachment of the bolt 14, the connector main body 41 rotates relative to the shell main body 32 about the rotation axis L1 that extends along the third direction D3. This keeps the connector main body 41 aligned with the first connector 11 during attachment or detachment, thereby suppressing increases in the resistance forces F2 and F4 during attachment or detachment. This improves the ease of attachment and detachment of the second connector 12 to the first connector 11.

[0046] (2) The second connector 12 includes a first transmission unit 51 that transmits the axial force F1 of the bolt 14 along the first direction D1 to the connector main body 41. The first transmission unit 51 is configured to be able to transmit the axial force F1 of the bolt 14 directed in the first direction D1 from the shield shell 31 to the connector main body 41 in a state in which the shield shell 31 has rotated about the rotation axis L1 with respect to the connector main body 41 facing the first direction D1. With this configuration, when connecting the second connector 12 to the first connector 11, even if the shield shell 31 has rotated about the rotation axis L1, the axial force F1 of the bolt 14 directed in the first direction D1 can be applied from the shield shell 31 to the connector main body 41 by the first transmission unit 51.

[0047] (3) The first transmission part 51 includes a cover 52 provided on the tip end 32a of the shell main body 32 in the fourth direction D4 opposite to the first direction D1, and rolling elements 53 interposed between the cover 52 and the connector main body 41. Therefore, when connecting the second connector 12 to the first connector 11, even if the shield shell 31 is rotated about the rotation axis L1, the axial force F1 of the bolt 14 directed in the first direction D1 can be applied to the connector main body 41 from the shield shell 31 via the cover 52 and the rolling elements 53.

[0048] (4) The rolling elements 53 are spherical. Therefore, even if the shield shell 31 rotates around the rotation axis L1 when the second connector 12 is mated, the axial force F1 of the bolt 14 can be suitably transmitted from the shield shell 31 to the connector body 41 via the cover 52 and the rolling elements 53.

[0049] (5) When the direction opposite to the first direction D1 is defined as a fourth direction D4, the second connector 12 includes a second transmission unit 61 that transmits a force in the fourth direction D4 applied to the shield shell 31 to the connector main body 41. The second transmission unit 61 is configured to be able to transmit the force in the fourth direction D4 from the shield shell 31 to the connector main body 41 in a state in which the shield shell 31 has rotated about the rotation axis L1 with respect to the connector main body 41 facing the first direction D1. Therefore, when removing the second connector 12, even if the shield shell 31 has rotated about the rotation axis L1, the force in the fourth direction D4 for removing the connector main body 41 can be applied from the shield shell 31 to the connector main body 41 by the second transmission unit 61.

[0050] (6) The connector main body 41 includes a second housing 42 having a flange portion 47 on its outer periphery. The second transmission part 61 includes a connecting member 62 connected to the tip end 32a of the shell main body 32 in the fourth direction D4, and a locking member 63 connected to the connecting member 62 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis L1. The locking member 63 is locked to the flange portion 47 in the fourth direction D4. Therefore, even if the shield shell 31 is rotated about the rotation axis L1 when the second connector 12 is removed, a force in the fourth direction D4 can be transmitted from the shield shell 31 to the connector main body 41 via the connecting member 62 and the locking member 63.

[0051] (7) The locking member 63 has a ring shape that surrounds the connector main body 41. The second transmission unit 61 includes a pair of connecting members 62. The pair of connecting members 62 are rotatably connected to both ends of the locking member 63 in the direction along the rotation axis L1 (the Z-axis direction). Therefore, even if the shield shell 31 is rotated about the rotation axis L1 when the second connector 12 is removed, the force in the fourth direction D4 can be suitably transmitted from the shield shell 31 to the connector main body 41 via the pair of connecting members 62 and the locking members 63.

[0052] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0053] The configurations of the cover 52 and the rolling elements 53 in the first transmission part 51, such as their shapes, are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the second connector 12. In the second connector 12 of the above embodiment, the shape of the rolling elements 53 may be such that they can roll at least in the Y-axis direction, and may be, for example, a cylindrical shape with an axis along the Z-axis.

[0054] In the second connector 12 of the above embodiment, the number of rolling elements 53 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be one or three or more. The positions of the rolling elements 53 may be changed as needed depending on the number of rolling elements 53. Furthermore, the number and positions of the first recesses 48b in the retainer 48 and the number and positions of the second recesses 55 in the cover 52 are changed as needed depending on the number and positions of the rolling elements 53.

[0055] The configurations of the connecting members 62 and the locking members 63 in the second transmission part 61, such as their shapes, are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the second connector 12.

[0056] The bolt 14 may not be held by the fastening portion 33 of the shield shell 31 . The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. That is, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10 Connector Assembly 11 First connector (mating connector) 12 Second connector (connector) 13 Fixing member 14 volts 15 Nut 21 Holding part 22 Fixed part 23 Bolt insertion hole 24 First Housing 25 First fitting part 26 First seal member 27 Extension section 28 screws 31 Shield Shell 32 Shell body 32a Tip 33 Fastening fixing part 33a Fitting recess 34 C-ring 35 Second locked part 41 Connector body 42 Second Housing (Housing) 42a aperture 42b 1st locked part 43 2nd terminal 44 Electric wire 45 Second fitting part 46 Second seal member 47 Flange 48 Retainer 48a 1st locking part 48b First recess 49 Sealing stopper 51 First Transmission Section 52 Cover 53 Rolling elements 54 Second locking part 55 Second recess 61 Second Transmission Section 62 Connecting member 63 Locking member 64 axis branch 65 Third locking part D1~D4 1st~4th direction L1 rotation axis

Claims

1. a shield shell fixed to a fixing member provided with a mating connector; and a connector main body held by the shield shell and fitted to the mating connector in a first direction, the shield shell is a connector having a cylindrical shell main body portion that holds the connector main body therein, and a fastening fixing portion that is provided at a position shifted from the shell main body portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is fastened to the fixing member by a bolt, the connector body is held rotatably relative to the shell body portion about a rotation axis extending along a third direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction; connector.

2. the connector includes a first transmission portion that transmits the axial force of the bolt along the first direction to the connector body, the first transmission portion is configured to be able to transmit the axial force of the bolt from the shield shell to the connector main body in a state in which the shield shell is rotated around the rotation axis with respect to the connector main body facing the first direction. The connector according to claim 1 .

3. The first transmission unit is a cover provided at a tip end of the shell main body in a fourth direction opposite to the first direction; a rolling element interposed between the cover and the connector body, The axial force of the bolt is transmitted from the shield shell to the connector body via the cover and the rolling elements. The connector according to claim 2 .

4. The rolling elements are spherical. The connector according to claim 3 .

5. When the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a fourth direction, the connector includes a second transmission portion that transmits the force applied to the shield shell in the fourth direction to the connector main body, the second transmission portion is configured to be able to transmit a force in the fourth direction from the shield shell to the connector main body in a state in which the shield shell is rotated around the rotation axis with respect to the connector main body facing the first direction. The connector according to claim 1 .

6. The connector body includes a housing having a flange portion on its outer periphery, The second transmission unit is a connecting member connected to a tip end portion of the shell main body in the fourth direction; a locking member that is connected to the connecting member so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis and that is locked to the flange portion in the fourth direction, The connector according to claim 5.

7. the locking member is annular and surrounds the connector body; the second transmission unit includes a pair of the connecting members, The pair of connecting members are rotatably connected to both ends of the locking member in a direction along the rotation axis, The connector according to claim 6.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a mating connector provided on the fixing member and connected to the connector; Equipped with Connector assembly.

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