Connector and connector structure

Abstract

To provide a waterproof connector with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A connector 11 to be connected to a second electric wire 14 comprises a first electric wire 13, a terminal 20, a rubber plug 30, and a housing 40 for housing the rubber plug. The first electric wire has: a first core wire 13A; and a first insulation coating 13B which covers the first core wire. The second electric wire has: a second core wire 14A; and a second insulation coating 14B which covers the second core wire A. The terminal has: a first connection part 23 which is connected to the first core wire; and a second connection part 24 which is connected to the second core wire. The rubber plug is provided with a cavity 32 which extends in a first direction, and into which the terminal, the first electric wire, and the second electric wire are inserted. An inner peripheral surface of the cavity is provided with: a first sealing part 36, located on one side in the first direction, which seals an outer peripheral surface of the first insulation coating; and a second sealing part 37, located on the other side in the first direction, which seals an outer peripheral surface of the second insulation coating. The first core wire and the second core wire are disposed away from each other with a gap provided therebetween.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A conventional connector that connects two electric wires without using crimp terminals is described in JP 2020-187997 A (Patent Document 1 below). This connector has a female connector and a male connector that fit together. The female connector includes a female housing, a connection device accommodated in the female housing, and a first coated electric wire. The male connector includes a male housing and a second coated electric wire.

[0003] The connection device is a device for connecting a first coated electric wire and a second coated electric wire, and includes a movable conductive member and a fixed conductive member that electrically contact the first conductor of the first coated electric wire and the second conductor of the second coated electric wire from opposite sides, and a pressing member that presses the movable conductive member and the fixed conductive member toward the first conductor and the second conductor in the contact direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-187997 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The connectors described above do not take waterproofing into consideration. As a result, water may seep into the connectors through the mating surfaces of the female and male connectors. Furthermore, simply adding a sealing member to the above configuration increases the number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure is a connector to be connected to a second electric wire, and comprises a first electric wire, a terminal, a rubber stopper, and a housing that accommodates the rubber stopper, wherein the first electric wire comprises a first core wire and a first insulating coating that covers the first core wire, the second electric wire comprises a second core wire and a second insulating coating that covers the second core wire, the terminal comprises a first connection portion connected to the first core wire and a second connection portion connected to the second core wire, and the rubber stopper has a cavity that extends in a first direction and into which the terminal, the first electric wire, and the second electric wire are inserted, and the inner surface of the cavity is formed with a first seal portion that is arranged on one side of the terminal in the first direction and seals the outer surface of the first insulating coating, and a second seal portion that is arranged on the other side of the terminal in the first direction and seals the outer surface of the second insulating coating. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a waterproof connector with a simple configuration can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mating connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 10]10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly taken along the line CC in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the first electric wire module. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rubber stopper. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of the terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the rear holder. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the rear holder. 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.

[0010] (1) A connector of the present disclosure is a connector to be connected to a second electric wire, and comprises a first electric wire, a terminal, a rubber stopper, and a housing that accommodates the rubber stopper. The first electric wire comprises a first core wire and a first insulating coating that covers the first core wire. The second electric wire comprises a second core wire and a second insulating coating that covers the second core wire. The terminal comprises a first connection portion connected to the first core wire and a second connection portion connected to the second core wire. The rubber stopper has a cavity that extends in a first direction and into which the terminal, the first electric wire, and the second electric wire are inserted. The inner surface of the cavity is formed with a first seal portion that is arranged on one side of the terminal in the first direction and seals the outer surface of the first insulating coating, and a second seal portion that is arranged on the other side of the terminal in the first direction and seals the outer surface of the second insulating coating.

[0011] With this configuration, the terminal, the first electric wire, and the second electric wire are inserted into the cavity of the rubber plug, and the first seal portion and the second seal portion are provided on the inner surface of the cavity, thereby making it possible to provide waterproofing to the connector while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0012] (2) It is preferable that the rubber plug has a locking projection that projects inward from the inner peripheral surface of the cavity, and the terminal has a locking recess that locks with the locking projection.

[0013] With this configuration, the locking projection and the locking recess are locked together, making it easier to hold the terminal within the cavity.

[0014] (3) It is preferable that the rubber plug has a protrusion that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the rubber plug and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the housing.

[0015] With this configuration, the protrusions on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper can reduce the contact area between the outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper and the inner peripheral surface of the housing, thereby reducing the force required to insert the rubber stopper into the housing.

[0016] (4) It is preferable that the housing includes a rubber stopper accommodating portion that accommodates the rubber stopper, and a rear holder that is assembled to the rubber stopper accommodating portion from one side in the first direction and prevents the rubber stopper from coming out inside the rubber stopper accommodating portion.

[0017] This configuration makes it easier to accommodate the rubber plug within the housing.

[0018] (5) It is preferable that the housing includes a first electric wire holding portion that is attached to the rear holder and that holds the first electric wire.

[0019] With this configuration, the first electric wire can be easily held in the housing.

[0020] (6) It is preferable that the first core wire and the second core wire are single core wires.

[0021] According to this configuration, the first core wire and the second core wire are single core wires, which makes it easy to insert the first core wire and the second core wire into the cavity.

[0022] (7) It is preferable that the terminal comprises a tubular portion that is long in the first direction and a protrusion that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the tubular portion, and that the first connection portion and the second connection portion include the protrusion.

[0023] With this configuration, inserting the first core wire and the second core wire into the tubular portion makes it easy to connect the terminal to the first core wire and the second core wire. Furthermore, since the first connection portion and the second connection portion include protrusions, the contact area between the first core wire and the second core wire and the inner surface of the tubular portion can be reduced. This reduces the force required to insert the first core wire and the second core wire into the tubular portion.

[0024] (8) The connector assembly of the present disclosure preferably includes the above-described connector and a mating connector that mates with the connector, and the mating connector preferably includes the second electric wire and a mating housing that holds the second electric wire.

[0025] With this configuration, it is possible to provide the connector assembly with waterproofing properties while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0026] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0027] <Embodiment> An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 18. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow Z is defined as upward, the direction indicated by arrow X as forward, and the direction indicated by arrow Y as leftward. In this embodiment, the front-to-rear direction is an example of the first direction. Note that, for multiple identical components, only some of the components may be designated by reference numerals, and the reference numerals for the other components may be omitted.

[0028] [Connector assembly] 1 and 2, a connector assembly 10 of this embodiment includes a connector 11 and a mating connector 12 that mates with the connector 11. The connector assembly 10 is designed to be waterproof.

[0029] [Connector, mating connector] 2, connector 11 includes a first electric wire 13, a terminal 20 connected to first electric wire 13, a rubber stopper 30, and a housing 40 that accommodates rubber stopper 30. Mating connector 12 includes a second electric wire 14 and a mating housing 60 that holds second electric wire 14. When second electric wire 14 is inserted into terminal 20, first electric wire 13 and second electric wire 14 are connected to each other.

[0030] [First wire, second wire] The first electric wire 13 includes a first core wire 13A and a first insulating coating 13B that covers the outer periphery of the first core wire 13A. In this embodiment, the first core wire 13A is a single core wire. The second electric wire 14 includes a second core wire 14A and a second insulating coating 14B that covers the outer periphery of the second core wire 14A. In this embodiment, the second core wire 14A is a single core wire.

[0031] [First wire holding part] The connector 11 includes a plurality of first electric wires 13. The plurality of first electric wires 13 are fixed to a fixing member 15 such as a nonwoven fabric while being arranged in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the first electric wires 13. The plurality of first electric wires 13 fixed to the fixing member 15 are further held by a first electric wire holding portion 43. The first electric wire holding portion 43 is made of insulating synthetic resin. The first electric wire holding portion 43 is included in the housing 40 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11 , the first electric wire holding portion 43 includes locking portions 43A that protrude to the left and right from both sides on the front side of the first electric wire holding portion 43. The plurality of first electric wires 13, the fixing member 15, and the first electric wire holding portion 43 configure a first electric wire module 16.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 12 , the first electric wire holding portion 43 includes a lower holding portion 50 formed integrally with the plurality of first electric wires 13 fixed to the fixing member 15, and an upper holding portion 51 that clamps the plurality of first electric wires 13 together with the lower holding portion 50. The lower holding portion 50 includes a lower plate portion 52 disposed below the fixing member 15 and holding protrusions 53 extending upward from the lower plate portion 52. The holding protrusions 53 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the lower plate portion 52. The holding protrusions 53 include a shaft portion 53A and an expanded diameter portion 53B disposed at the upper end of the shaft portion 53A and formed with a diameter expanded outward from the shaft portion 53A. The shaft portion 53A is inserted through a through hole 15A provided in the fixing member 15. The expanded diameter portion 53B is formed in a tapered shape.

[0033] The upper holding portion 51 includes an upper plate portion 54 and two protrusions 55 that protrude upward from the upper plate portion 54 and extend in the front-to-rear direction. A wire receiving portion 54A is formed on the lower surface of the upper plate portion 54 and is recessed to fit the outer peripheral surface of the first electric wire 13. The upper holding portion 51 is provided with an insertion hole 54B that penetrates the upper plate portion 54 in the vertical direction. The shaft portion 53A of the holding protrusion 53 is inserted into the insertion hole 54B. The inner wall of the insertion hole 54B is inclined so that the inner diameter of the insertion hole 54B increases downward. This makes it easier to insert the expanded diameter portion 53B of the holding protrusion 53 into the insertion hole 54B. When the lower holding portion 50 and the upper holding portion 51 are assembled, the first electric wire 13 is held by the lower plate portion 52 and the wire receiving portion 54A. The edge of the insertion hole 54B disposed on the upper surface of the upper plate portion 54 abuts against the enlarged diameter portion 53B.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3 , the mating connector 12 includes a plurality of second electric wires 14. Like the first electric wires 13, the second electric wires 14 are held by a fixing member 15 and a second electric wire holding portion 62. The second electric wire holding portion 62 is configured similarly to the first electric wire holding portion 43, and includes a locking portion 43A (see FIG. 10 ), a lower holding portion 50, and an upper holding portion 51. The second electric wire holding portion 62 is included in the mating housing 60 of this embodiment. The plurality of second electric wires 14, the fixing member 15, and the second electric wire holding portion 62 configure a second electric wire module 17.

[0035] Terminal Terminal 20 is formed by pressing a conductive metal plate or the like. The metal constituting terminal 20 can be selected from copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or any other metal as needed. A plating layer may be formed on the surface of terminal 20. The metal constituting the plating layer can be selected from tin, nickel, silver, or any other metal as needed.

[0036] [Cylindrical part, locking recess] As shown in Figure 14, the terminal 20 has a cylindrical portion 21 that is generally cylindrical. More specifically, the terminal 20 is formed by bending both left and right side edges of a metal plate material so that they approach each other at the top. A locking recess 22 is formed in the center position between the front and rear of the cylindrical portion 21. The locking recess 22 is shaped like a slit cut out from the left and right side walls of the cylindrical portion 21.

[0037] [First connection part, second connection part] As shown in Fig. 15, the terminal 20 includes a first connecting portion 23 and a second connecting portion 24. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 23 is provided on the tubular portion 21 rearward of the locking recess 22, and the second connecting portion 24 is provided on the tubular portion 21 forward of the locking recess 22. As shown in Fig. 9, the first connecting portion 23 is configured to be connected to the first core wire 13A. The second connecting portion 24 is configured to be connected to the second core wire 14A.

[0038] [Protrusion] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 , the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 21 is provided with protrusions 25 that protrude inward from the cylindrical portion 21. In this embodiment, the protrusions 25 are formed by hammering the cylindrical portion 21 inward. Therefore, recesses 26 that are recessed inward from the cylindrical portion 21 are formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 21 at positions corresponding to the protrusions 25. The recesses 26 and the protrusions 25 extend in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 16 , in this embodiment, the first connection portion 23 is composed of three protrusions 25. The first core wire 13A (indicated by the dashed dotted line in FIG. 16 ) is surrounded by the three protrusions 25 and is in line or surface contact with the three protrusions 25, thereby electrically connecting the first core wire 13A to the terminal 20.

[0039] Similar to the first connection portion 23, the second connection portion 24 is composed of three protrusions 25. The second core wire 14A is surrounded by the three protrusions 25 and is in line contact or surface contact with the three protrusions 25, thereby electrically connecting the second core wire 14A and the terminal 20.

[0040] Providing the protrusions 25 on the first connecting portion 23 and the second connecting portion 24 can reduce the contact area between the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A and the inner surface of the tubular portion 21. This can reduce the force required to insert the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A into the tubular portion 21.

[0041] [Rubber stopper] The rubber stopper 30 is made of, for example, silicone rubber. As shown in Fig. 13, the rubber stopper 30 has a generally elliptical cylindrical shape. The rubber stopper 30 includes a main body 31 and two protrusions 31A that protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the main body 31. The protrusions 31A are provided so as to go around the outer periphery of the main body 31. The rubber stopper 30 has a plurality of cavities 32 formed therein, penetrating the main body 31 in the front-rear direction.

[0042] [Cavity] As shown in Fig. 9, each cavity 32 is adapted to receive a terminal 20, a first electric wire 13, and a second electric wire 14. That is, a terminal accommodating portion 33 for accommodating the terminal 20, a first electric wire insertion portion 34 into which the first electric wire 13 is inserted, and a second electric wire insertion portion 35 into which the second electric wire 14 is inserted are provided in series within the same cavity 32. The terminal accommodating portion 33 is provided at the center between the front and rear of the cavity 32. The first electric wire insertion portion 34 is provided in the rear portion of the cavity 32. The second electric wire insertion portion 35 is provided in the front portion of the cavity 32.

[0043] [Latching protrusion] 6, the terminal accommodating portion 33 has a locking protrusion 33A that protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the cavity 32. The locking protrusion 33A is configured to be locked with the locking recess 22 of the terminal 20.

[0044] [First seal part, second seal part] 9, a first seal portion 36 that adheres tightly to the outer peripheral surface of the first insulating coating 13B is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cavity 32 that constitutes the first wire insertion portion 34. This prevents water from entering the cavity 32 from the rear. Similarly, a second seal portion 37 that adheres tightly to the outer peripheral surface of the second insulating coating 14B is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cavity 32 that constitutes the second wire insertion portion 35. This prevents water from entering the cavity 32 from the front.

[0045] In this embodiment, the second seal portion 37 is disposed inside the connector 11. Therefore, the connector assembly 10 can exhibit waterproofing properties even without providing a seal ring that seals the mating surfaces of the connector 11 and the mating connector 12. In addition, the rubber stopper 30 has both the first seal portion 36 and the second seal portion 37. Therefore, the number of parts in the connector assembly 10 can be reduced, and the configuration of the connector assembly 10 can be simplified.

[0046] On the other hand, unlike the present embodiment, in order to provide waterproofing to a connector assembly including a male connector with male terminals and a female connector with female terminals, it is necessary to provide a seal ring to seal the mating surfaces of the male connector and the female connector, and also to provide a seal part in each connector to seal the electric wire.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 13, a plurality of engagement recesses 38 recessed forward from the rear surface are provided on the rear surface of the main body 31 of the rubber stopper 30. The engagement recesses 38 are disposed at positions offset upward and downward with respect to the cavity 32. As shown in Fig. 7, a plurality of engagement recesses 38 recessed backward from the front surface are also provided on the front surface of the main body 31.

[0048] [housing] The housing 40 is made of insulating synthetic resin. As shown in Fig. 6, the housing 40 of this embodiment includes a rubber plug accommodating portion 41 that accommodates the rubber plug 30, a rear holder 42 that prevents the rubber plug 30 from slipping out of the rubber plug accommodating portion 41, and the first electric wire holding portion 43 described above.

[0049] [Rubber stopper storage section] The rubber stopper accommodating portion 41 has a generally cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41 includes a front wall 44 and a peripheral wall 45 extending rearward from the outer edge of the front wall 44. As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 31A of the rubber stopper 30 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 45. A plurality of wire insertion holes 44A are formed penetrating the front wall 44 in the front-rear direction. The wire insertion holes 44A are disposed at positions corresponding to the cavities 32 of the rubber stopper 30 accommodated in the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41. The inner wall of the wire insertion hole 44A is inclined so that the inner diameter of the wire insertion hole 44A increases toward the front. This makes it easier to guide the second wire 14 into the wire insertion hole 44A (see FIG. 9).

[0050] As shown in Fig. 9, the rubber plug accommodating portion 41 has a fitting lock portion 45A on the upper part of the peripheral wall 45. The fitting lock portion 45A is configured to engage with the fitting lock receiving portion 66 of the mating housing 60. A lock protrusion 45B is formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 45 so as to protrude outward. One lock protrusion 45B is provided on the outer surface of the lower side of the peripheral wall 45. As shown in Fig. 4, two lock protrusions 45B are provided on the outer surface of the upper side of the peripheral wall 45.

[0051] [Rear holder] As shown in FIG. 17 , the rear holder 42 includes a retaining tubular portion 46 and an electric wire holding portion receiving portion 47. The retaining tubular portion 46 is generally cylindrical. The retaining tubular portion 46 includes a rear wall 48 and an enclosing wall 49 extending forward from the outer edge of the rear wall 48. As shown in FIG. 6 , the retaining tubular portion 46 fits into the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41 from the rear to prevent the rubber stopper 30 from being removed rearward from the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41. The enclosing wall 49 is provided with a lock receiving portion 49A that engages with the lock protrusion 45B. A plurality of openings 48A are formed in the rear wall 48, penetrating the rear wall 48 in the front-rear direction. The openings 48A are positioned corresponding to the cavities 32. The inner wall of each opening 48A is inclined so that the inner diameter of the opening 48A increases toward the rear. This facilitates guiding the first electric wire 13 into the opening 48A.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 17, the rear holder 42 has an engaging protrusion 48B protruding forward from the rear wall 48. As shown in Fig. 7, the engaging protrusion 48B is adapted to engage with the engaging recess 38 provided on the rear surface of the rubber stopper 30. Similarly, the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41 has an engaging protrusion 44B protruding rearward from the front wall 44. The engaging protrusion 44B is adapted to engage with the engaging recess 38 provided on the front surface of the rubber stopper 30. The rubber stopper 30 can be positioned in the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41 by the engagement of the engaging protrusions 44B, 48B with the engaging recess 38.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 18 , the wire holding portion receiving portion 47 is disposed behind the retaining tube portion 46. The wire holding portion receiving portion 47 has an insertion space 47A. The insertion space 47A is in communication with a plurality of openings 48A. Two protrusion receiving portions 47B are recessed upward in the upper wall of the wire holding portion receiving portion 47. Locking holes 47C are formed in the left and right wall portions of the wire holding portion receiving portion 47, penetrating in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the first wire module 16 is inserted into the insertion space 47A of the wire holding portion receiving portion 47. The protrusion receiving portions 47B slide against the protrusions 55 to guide the insertion of the first wire module 16. As shown in FIG. 8 , the inner wall of the locking hole 47C is locked with the locking portion 43A.

[0054] [Matching housing] The mating housing 60 is made of insulating synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 3, the mating housing 60 of this embodiment includes a hood portion 61 and the second electric wire holding portion 62 described above. The hood portion 61 includes a fitting tubular portion 63 and an electric wire holding portion receiving portion 64. The fitting tubular portion 63 is generally cylindrical. A plurality of openings 65A are formed in a rear wall 65 of the fitting tubular portion 63, penetrating the fitting tubular portion 63 in the front-rear direction. Within the fitting tubular portion 63, the second electric wires 14 are inserted through each opening 65A and arranged to extend rearward.

[0055] 9, the fitting cylinder portion 63 is adapted to be fitted from the front side into the rubber plug accommodating portion 41. The hood portion 61 is provided with a fitting lock receiving portion 66 that engages with the fitting lock portion 45A.

[0056] The electric wire holding portion receiving portion 64 is disposed in front of the fitting tube portion 63. As shown in Fig. 1, the electric wire holding portion receiving portion 64 has the same configuration as the electric wire holding portion receiving portion 47 of the rear holder 42, and has an insertion space 47A, a protrusion receiving portion 47B, and a locking hole 47C. The second electric wire module 17 is inserted into the insertion space 47A of the electric wire holding portion receiving portion 64.

[0057] [Assembly process for connectors and connector components] Next, an example of an assembly process for the connector 11 and the connector assembly 10 according to this embodiment will be described. First, the terminal 20 is inserted into the cavity 32 of the rubber plug 30. The locking projection 33A and the locking recess 22 are locked together, so that the terminal 20 is placed in the correct position of the terminal accommodating portion 33 in the cavity 32.

[0058] The rubber stopper 30 accommodating the terminal 20 is accommodated in the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41. At this time, the protrusion 31A of the rubber stopper 30 protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the main body 31 and is arranged so as to contact the inner circumferential surface of the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41. Therefore, it is easier to insert the rubber stopper 30 into the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41 than if the protrusion 31A were not provided and the entire outer circumferential surface of the main body 31 were in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41.

[0059] Next, the rear holder 42 is assembled from the rear of the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41. The retaining tube portion 46 is fitted from the outside to the rear portion of the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41. The lock receiving portion 49A and the lock protrusion 45B are engaged. The rear wall 48 prevents the rubber stopper 30 from slipping out rearward within the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41.

[0060] A predetermined length of the first core wire 13A is exposed at the terminal portion of the first electric wire 13. With the multiple first electric wires 13 lined up in the left-right direction so that the first core wire 13A is arranged at the front end, the multiple first electric wires 13 are fixed together using the fixing member 15. A lower holding portion 50 is formed integrally with the fixing member 15. The holding protrusions 53 of the lower holding portion 50 are inserted into the insertion holes 54B of the upper holding portion 51, and the multiple first electric wires 13 are clamped between the lower holding portion 50 and the upper holding portion 51. In this way, the first electric wire module 16 is formed.

[0061] The first wire module 16 is inserted into the insertion space 47A of the wire holder receiving portion 47. The first core wire 13A is inserted into the opening 48A and then into the cavity 32.

[0062] When the first electric wire 13 is further pushed forward, the first core wire 13A enters the tubular portion 21 of the terminal 20. The first core wire 13A comes into contact with the protruding portion 25, thereby electrically connecting the first electric wire 13 to the terminal 20. Because the first core wire 13A is a single-core wire, it is easier to insert into the cavity 32 and the tubular portion 21 than a core wire made up of multiple thin metal wires.

[0063] After the first core wire 13A enters the cylindrical portion 21, the first insulating coating 13B enters the cavity 32 through the opening 48A.

[0064] Furthermore, when the first electric wire holding portion 43 enters the insertion space 47A, the protrusion receiving portion 47B and the protrusion 55 come into sliding contact with each other, thereby guiding the insertion of the first electric wire module 16. The locking portion 43A locks with the inner wall of the locking hole 47C, and the first electric wire holding portion 43 is arranged in the correct position of the electric wire holding portion receiving portion 47. Furthermore, the first electric wire 13 is arranged in the correct position of the first electric wire insertion portion 34 in the cavity 32, and the outer peripheral surface of the first electric wire 13 is sealed by the first seal portion 36. With the above, the assembly of the connector 11 is completed.

[0065] The second electric wire module 17 is configured in the same manner as the first electric wire module 16. The second electric wire module 17 is inserted into the insertion space 47A of the electric wire holding portion receiving portion 64. The second electric wire 14 is inserted into the opening 65A.

[0066] When the second wire holding portion 62 enters the insertion space 47A, the protrusion receiving portion 47B and the protrusion 55 come into sliding contact with each other, thereby guiding the insertion of the second wire module 17. The locking portion 43A and the inner wall of the locking hole 47C are locked together, and the second wire holding portion 62 is arranged in the correct position of the wire holding portion receiving portion 64. With the above, assembly of the mating connector 12 is completed.

[0067] The mating connector 12 is fitted to the connector 11 from the front. The second electric wire 14 is inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 44A and then into the cavity 32.

[0068] When the second core wire 14A enters the cavity 32, the hood portion 61 begins to fit into the rubber plug accommodating portion 41 from the outside. As the mating of the connector 11 and the mating connector 12 progresses further, the second core wire 14A enters the tubular portion 21 of the terminal 20. The second core wire 14A comes into contact with the protruding portion 25, thereby electrically connecting the second electric wire 14 to the terminal 20. Because the second core wire 14A is a single-core wire, it is easier to insert into the cavity 32 and the tubular portion 21 than a core wire made up of multiple thin metal wires.

[0069] After the second core wire 14A has entered the cylindrical portion 21, the second insulating coating 14B passes through the wire insertion hole 44A and enters the cavity 32.

[0070] The mating of the connector 11 and the mating connector 12 is completed when the mating lock receiving portion 66 of the hood portion 61 and the mating lock portion 45A of the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41 are engaged with each other. The second electric wire 14 is placed in the correct position of the second electric wire insertion portion 35 in the cavity 32, and the outer peripheral surface of the second electric wire 14 is sealed by the second seal portion 37. With the above, the assembly of the connector assembly 10 is completed.

[0071] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the embodiment, the following actions and effects are achieved. The connector 11 according to the embodiment is a connector 11 to be connected to a second electric wire 14, and includes a first electric wire 13, a terminal 20, a rubber stopper 30, and a housing 40 that accommodates the rubber stopper 30. The first electric wire 13 includes a first core wire 13A and a first insulating coating 13B that covers the first core wire 13A. The second electric wire 14 includes a second core wire 14A and a second insulating coating 14B that covers the second core wire 14A. The terminal 20 includes a first connecting portion 23 connected to the first core wire 13A and a second connecting portion 24 connected to the second core wire 14A. The rubber plug 30 has a cavity 32 formed therein that extends in a first direction (front-to-back direction) and into which the terminal 20, the first electric wire 13, and the second electric wire 14 are inserted, and the inner surface of the cavity 32 is formed with a first seal portion 36 that is arranged on one side (rear side) in the first direction relative to the terminal 20 and seals the outer surface of the first insulating coating 13B, and a second seal portion 37 that is arranged on the other side (front side) in the first direction relative to the terminal 20 and seals the outer surface of the second insulating coating 14B.

[0072] With this configuration, the terminal 20, the first electric wire 13, and the second electric wire 14 are inserted into the cavity 32 of the rubber plug 30, and the first seal portion 36 and the second seal portion 37 are provided on the inner surface of the cavity 32, thereby making it possible to provide waterproofing to the connector 11 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0073] In this embodiment, the rubber plug 30 has a locking projection 33A that projects from the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 32 toward the inside of the cavity 32, and the terminal 20 has a locking recess 22 that locks with the locking projection 33A.

[0074] With this configuration, the locking projection 33A and the locking recess 22 are locked together, making it easier to hold the terminal 20 in the cavity 32.

[0075] In this embodiment, the rubber plug 30 includes a protrusion 31A that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the rubber plug 30 and comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing 40.

[0076] According to this configuration, the protrusions 31A are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper 30, thereby reducing the contact area between the outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper 30 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 40. Therefore, the force required to insert the rubber stopper 30 into the housing 40 can be reduced.

[0077] In the embodiment, the housing 40 comprises a rubber stopper accommodating portion 41 that accommodates the rubber stopper 30, and a rear holder 42 that is assembled to the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41 from one side in the first direction and prevents the rubber stopper 30 from coming out inside the rubber stopper accommodating portion 41.

[0078] With this configuration, the rubber plug 30 can be easily accommodated in the housing 40.

[0079] In the embodiment, the housing 40 is assembled to the rear holder 42 and includes a first electric wire holding portion 43 that holds the first electric wire 13.

[0080] With this configuration, the first wire 13 can be easily held in the housing 40.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A are single core wires.

[0082] According to this configuration, the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A are single core wires, so that the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A can be easily inserted into the cavity 32.

[0083] In the embodiment, the terminal 20 comprises a tubular portion 21 that is long in the first direction and a protrusion 25 that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the tubular portion 21, and the first connecting portion 23 and the second connecting portion 24 include the protrusion 25.

[0084] With this configuration, it becomes easy to connect the terminal 20 to the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A by inserting the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A into the cylindrical portion 21. Furthermore, since the first connecting portion 23 and the second connecting portion 24 are configured to include the protrusions 25, it is possible to reduce the contact area of ​​the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 21. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the force required to insert the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A into the cylindrical portion 21.

[0085] The connector assembly 10 of embodiment 1 comprises a connector 11 and a mating connector 12 that mates with the connector 11, and the mating connector 12 comprises a second electric wire 14 and a mating housing 60 that holds the second electric wire 14.

[0086] With this configuration, the connector assembly 10 can be made waterproof while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0087] <Other embodiments> (1) In the above embodiment, the first core wire 13A and the second core wire 14A are single core wires, but this is not limited to this, and at least one of the first core wire and the second core wire may be made up of multiple thin metal wires. (2) In the above embodiment, the terminal 20 has the cylindrical portion 21, but this is not limitative, and the terminal does not have to be cylindrical. (3) In the above embodiment, the first connecting portion 23 and the second connecting portion 24 are each composed of three protrusions 25, but this is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may be composed of a protrusion and the inner surface of a cylindrical portion, or may not have a protrusion. (4) In the above embodiment, the connector 11 includes a plurality of first electric wires 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connector may include a single first electric wire. (5) In the above embodiment, the first electric wire module 16 includes the fixing member 15 and the first electric wire holding portion 43, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the first electric wire module does not need to include a fixing member. Furthermore, the first electric wire holding portion may be made of a single member and formed integrally with the multiple first electric wires. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10: Connector assembly 11: Connector 12: Mating connector 13: First Wire 13A: First core wire 13B: First insulating coating 14: Second wire 14A: Second core wire 14B: Second insulating coating 15: Fixing member 15A: Through hole 16: First wire module 17: Second wire module 20: Terminal 21: Cylindrical part 22: Locking recess 23: First connection part 24: Second connection part 25: Protrusion 26: Recess 30: Rubber stopper 31: Main body 31A: Protrusion 32: Cavity 33: Terminal housing 33A: Locking protrusion 34: First wire insertion part 35: Second wire insertion section 36: First seal part 37: Second seal part 38: Engagement recess 40: Housing 41: Rubber stopper housing 42: Rear holder 43: 1st wire holding part 43A: Locking part 44: Front wall 44A: Wire insertion hole 44B: Engagement protrusion 45: Surrounding wall 45A: Mating lock part 45B: Locking protrusion 46: Retaining tube 47: Wire holder receiving part 47A: Insertion space 47B: Protrusion receiving part 47C: Locking hole 48: Back wall 48A: Aperture 48B: Engagement protrusion 49: Siege Wall 49A: Lock receiving part 50: Lower holding part 51: Upper holding part 52: Lower plate part 53: Retaining protrusion 53A: Shaft 53B: Expanded diameter part 54: Upper plate part 54A: Wire receiving part 54B: Insertion hole 55: Projection part 60: Opponent housing 61: Food Section 62: 2nd wire holding part 63: Fitting cylinder 64: Wire holder receiving part 65: Back wall 65A: Aperture 66: Mating lock receiver

Claims

1. A connector to be connected to the second electric wire, A first electric wire; The terminal and A rubber stopper, a housing that accommodates the rubber plug; The first electric wire includes a first core wire and a first insulating coating that covers the first core wire, The second electric wire includes a second core wire and a second insulating coating that covers the second core wire, the terminal includes a first connection portion connected to the first core wire and a second connection portion connected to the second core wire, The rubber plug has a cavity extending in a first direction and into which the terminal, the first electric wire, and the second electric wire are inserted; The inner peripheral surface of the cavity is formed with a first seal portion that is disposed on one side of the terminal in the first direction and seals the outer peripheral surface of the first insulating coating, and a second seal portion that is disposed on the other side of the terminal in the first direction and seals the outer peripheral surface of the second insulating coating, The first core wire and the second core wire are arranged with a gap in the first direction.

2. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the terminal has a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape, a locking recess formed at a central position in the first direction of the cylindrical portion, and the locking recess is positioned between a tip of the first core wire and a tip of the second core wire.

3. The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the rubber plug includes a locking protrusion that locks with the locking recess.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a mating connector that mates with the connector, The mating connector includes the second electric wire and a mating housing that holds the second electric wire.

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