Rubber stoppers and connectors

Abstract

To provide rubber stoppers and connectors that can improve sealing performance. [Solution] The rubber stopper of one embodiment includes an inner circumferential portion formed to be fitted onto an electric wire, an outer circumferential lip portion that protrudes radially outward from the inner circumferential portion, an outer circumferential portion formed outside the inner circumferential portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion and connecting the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion. The intermediate portion has a plurality of columnar portions that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential portion and extend along the radial direction of the inner circumferential portion, and a plurality of thin-walled portions that are disposed between the plurality of columnar portions and are formed to be thin on both sides with respect to each of the plurality of columnar portions in the axial direction of the inner circumferential portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a rubber stopper and a connector.

Background Art

[0002] As a connector, for example, one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. In this connector, terminals are housed inside a housing. An end portion of an electric wire is connected to the terminals. A rubber stopper is assembled to the end portion of the electric wire. The rubber stopper is housed inside the housing together with the terminals in a state where the terminals are housed inside the housing.

[0003] The rubber stopper is formed in an annular shape of an elastic member. The rubber stopper has an inner peripheral portion that can be fitted into an end portion of the electric wire, and an outer peripheral lip portion formed on an outer peripheral portion. The inner peripheral portion is assembled in a state where the rubber stopper is fitted into the end portion of the electric wire. The outer peripheral lip portion is formed in an annular shape along an outer peripheral surface of the rubber stopper. The outer peripheral lip portion adheres to the inside of the housing in a state where the rubber stopper is housed inside the housing together with the terminals. Further, the inner peripheral portion of the rubber stopper adheres to the end portion of the electric wire.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, the rubber stopper of Patent Document 1 is formed, for example, by filling a liquid silicone rubber into a mold. At this time, gas is generated in the outer peripheral lip portion when the rubber stopper is injection-molded with the liquid silicone rubber. With such a configuration, the rubber stopper may have a reduced sealing performance due to the outer peripheral lip portion. Further, the rubber stopper may have poor appearance. Furthermore, rubber stoppers are formed with a thick wall overall to ensure sealing performance, for example. In other words, rubber stoppers require a relatively large amount of liquid silicone rubber during molding. Due to this configuration, the curing of the liquid silicone rubber takes a long time, making it difficult to reduce the cost of rubber stoppers.

[0006] One embodiment aims to provide a rubber stopper and connector that can improve sealing performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A rubber stopper according to one embodiment includes an inner circumferential portion formed to be fitted onto an electric wire, an outer circumferential lip portion that protrudes radially outward from the inner circumferential portion, an outer circumferential portion formed on the outside of the inner circumferential portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion and connecting the inner circumferential portion and the outer circumferential portion, wherein the intermediate portion has a plurality of columnar portions that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential portion and extend along the radial direction, and a plurality of thin-walled portions disposed between the plurality of columnar portions and formed thin on both sides with respect to each of the plurality of columnar portions in the axial direction of the inner circumferential portion which is the direction in which the axis of the inner circumferential portion extends. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment, sealing performance can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the connector of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A disassembled perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing a rubber stopper provided in the connector of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A front view showing a rubber stopper according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the fracture along the VV line in Figure 4. [Figure 6] An enlarged cross-sectional view of section VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view illustrating an example of injection molding of the rubber stopper of the first embodiment using a mold. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view illustrating an example of releasing a rubber stopper from a mold according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing a rubber stopper according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A front view showing the rubber stopper of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view illustrating an example of injection molding of the rubber stopper according to the second embodiment using a mold. [Figure 12] A cross-sectional view illustrating an example of releasing a rubber stopper from a mold according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] A cross-sectional view showing a rubber stopper according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] An enlarged cross-sectional view of section XIV in Figure 13. [Figure 15] A perspective view showing a modified rubber stopper in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a fracture along the line XVI-XVI. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The rubber stopper and connector in the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar function will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. Note that the components described below do not limit the scope of the embodiment.

[0011] (First Embodiment) <1. Connectors> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector 1 can be connected to a male housing (not shown) as another housing, for example, by fitting into it. The connector 1 includes, for example, ends 2a of a plurality of electric wires 2. In the first embodiment, the plurality of electric wires 2 will be described as two electric wires 2. The two electric wires 2 are, for example, high-voltage electric wires that electrically connect an inverter unit (not shown) and a battery. The inverter unit and the battery are mounted on a vehicle (not shown) such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), for example. The connector 1 is, for example, a high-voltage connector applied to high-voltage electric wires.

[0012] The connector 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of terminals 11, a plurality of rubber plugs 12, and a slider 13. In the first embodiment, two terminals 11 will be described as an example of the plurality of terminals 11, and two rubber plugs 12 will be described as an example of the plurality of rubber plugs 12.

[0013] The housing 10 is a resin-molded product having insulation. The housing 10 has an accommodation portion 16 inside. The accommodation portion 16 accommodates the ends 2a of the two electric wires 2, the two terminals 11, and the two rubber plugs 12. The terminal 11 is a metal part for electrical connection. The terminal 11 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate having conductivity. The terminal 11 is electrically connected to a conductor (not shown) at the end 2a of the electric wire 2. The rubber plug 12 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 16 together with the terminal 11 in a state of being pre-assembled to the end 2a of the electric wire 2.

[0014] Furthermore, the connector 1 includes, for example, a unit packing 21, short terminals 22, and a front folder 23 on the two terminal 11 sides. In addition, the connector 1 includes, for example, a gear 24 between the housing 10 and the slider 13. The connector 1 also includes, for example, a rear cover 25 on the end 2a side of the two wires 2.

[0015] <2. Housing> This section describes the detailed configuration of Housing 10. The housing 10 houses the ends 2a of two electric wires 2 and two rubber plugs 12, along with two terminals 11, in a housing 16. The housing 10 has a slider 13 mounted externally, movable by a gear 24. The slider 13 is movable between a mating position and an unmated position. The mating position is the position in which the connector 1 is mated to a male housing (not shown). The unmated position is the position in which the connector 1 is unmated from the male housing.

[0016] <2. Terminals> The detailed configuration of terminal 11 will be described below. The terminal 11 is housed in the housing portion 16 of the housing 10. The terminal 11 has an electrical contact portion 11a and a wire connection portion 11b. The electrical contact portion 11a is the part that is electrically connected to the terminal (not shown) of the male housing. The wire connection portion 11b is connected and fixed to the conductor (not shown) at the end 2a of the wire 2 by welding. Through this connection and fixing, the wire connection portion 11b is electrically connected to the end 2a of the wire 2.

[0017] <3. Rubber stopper> The detailed configuration of the rubber stopper 12 will be described below. The rubber stopper 12 is assembled in a state where it is fitted onto the end 2a of the electric wire 2. That is, the rubber stopper 12 is integrally assembled to the terminal 11 via the end 2a of the electric wire 2. The rubber stopper 12 is housed in the housing section 16 of the housing together with the terminal 11 and the end 2a of the electric wire 2. When housed in the housing section 16, the rubber stopper 12 is in close contact with the surface (insulation) of the electric wire 2 and the inner surface of the housing section 16. With this configuration, the rubber stopper 12 holds the electric wire 2 and prevents moisture and other substances from entering the housing section 16. Hereinafter, the rubber stopper 12 will be described with the terminal 11 side as the front surface 12a and the opposite side of the terminal 11 as the rear surface 12b. Also, in the figure, the front surface 12a side is indicated by arrow A and the rear surface 12b side is indicated by arrow B.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rubber stopper 12 is injection-molded in an annular shape using a mold, for example, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or ultrafast vulcanizing silicone rubber (mirable rubber). By injection-molding the rubber stopper 12 in an annular shape, it can be properly fitted to the surface (coating portion) of the electric wire 2 and the inner surface of the housing portion 16 (both, see Figure 2). The rubber stopper 12 includes, for example, an inner circumference portion 31, an outer circumference portion 32, and an intermediate portion 33.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the inner circumference 31 forms the inner circumference of the rubber stopper 12. The inner circumference 31 is formed in an annular shape so that it can be fitted onto the end 2a of the electric wire 2. The inner circumference 31 has an inner surface 35 and a pair of inclined surfaces 36. The inner surface 35 is formed in an annular shape and is positioned in the center of the rubber stopper 12 in the direction of the axis O1 of the inner circumference 31, which is the direction in which the axis O1 of the inner circumference 31 extends. Hereinafter, the axis O1 of the inner circumference 31 may be referred to as the "axis O1 of the rubber stopper 12". The inner surface 35 is a smooth curved surface that follows the surface of the end 2a of the electric wire 2. The inner surface 35 can be in close contact with the surface of the end 2a.

[0020] The pair of inclined surfaces 36 are formed on both sides of the inner circumferential surface 35 in the direction of the axis O1 of the rubber stopper 12, which is the direction in which the axis O1 of the rubber stopper 12 extends. The pair of inclined surfaces 36 are surfaces that incline radially outward from the outer edge of the inner circumferential surface 35 toward the outer edge of the rubber stopper 12. Hereinafter, the radial direction of the inner circumferential surface 31 may be referred to as the "radial direction of the rubber stopper 12".

[0021] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which the inner circumference portion 31 has a smooth inner surface 35, but the invention is not limited to this. As another example, the inner surface 35 may have one or two inner lip portions. The inner lip portion is formed in an annular shape along the inner surface 35. The inner lip portion protrudes, for example, radially inward from the inner surface of the rubber stopper 12 in a V-shaped cross-section. The inner lip portion can be in close contact with the surface at the end 2a of the electric wire 2.

[0022] The outer periphery 32 is formed, for example, in an annular shape. The outer periphery 32 is formed, for example, radially outward of the rubber stopper 12 relative to the inner periphery 31. The outer periphery 32 is arranged, for example, coaxially with respect to the inner periphery 31. The outer periphery 32 can be housed in the housing portion 16 of the housing 10. The outer periphery 32 has an outer lip portion 39 on its outer periphery surface 38. The number of outer lip portions 39 can be arbitrarily selected from multiple or single. In the first embodiment, two outer lip portions 39 are described as an example of multiple outer lip portions 39.

[0023] The two outer lip portions 39 are arranged in parallel with respect to the axis O1 direction of the rubber stopper 12. The two outer lip portions 39 are formed in an annular shape along the outer surface 38. The two outer lip portions 39 project outward radially from the outer surface 38 in a V-shaped cross-section, for example. The two outer lip portions 39 can be in close contact with the inner surface of the housing portion 16 in the housing 10.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the intermediate portion 33 is positioned between the inner circumference portion 31 and the outer circumference portion 32. The intermediate portion 33 is formed, for example, in an annular shape. The intermediate portion 33 connects the inner circumference portion 31 and the outer circumference portion 32. The intermediate portion 33 has a plurality of columnar portions 41, a plurality of thin-walled portions 42, a plurality of first recesses 43, and a plurality of second recesses 44. In the first embodiment, six columnar portions 41 are described as an example of the plurality of columnar portions 41, and six thin-walled portions 42 are described as an example of the plurality of thin-walled portions 42. Also, in the first embodiment, six first recesses 43 are described as an example of the plurality of first recesses 43, and six second recesses 44 are described as an example of the plurality of second recesses 44.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the six columnar sections 41 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner circumference 31. Hereinafter, the circumferential direction of the inner circumference 31 may be referred to as the "circumferential direction of the rubber stopper 12". The columnar sections 41 extend from the inner circumference 31 to the outer circumference 32 along the radial direction of the rubber stopper 12. The six columnar sections 41 are arranged on both sides of the axis O1 of the rubber stopper 12, on a straight line L1 passing through the axis O1 of the rubber stopper 12. In the direction of the axis O1 of the rubber stopper 12, the columnar sections 41 have the same wall thickness T1 (see Figure 6) as the inner circumference 31 and the outer circumference 32.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the six thin-walled portions 42 are arranged between the six columnar portions 41 in the circumferential direction of the rubber stopper 12. The thin-walled portions 42 are formed to be thin such that both sides are equally recessed relative to the columnar portions 41 in the axial direction O1 of the rubber stopper 12. That is, the thin-walled portions 42 have a thickness T2 that is thinner than the columnar portions 41 in the axial direction O1 of the rubber stopper 12. The thin-walled portions 42 are located in the center of the columnar portions 41 in the axial direction O1 of the rubber stopper 12.

[0027] The six first recesses 43 are located on the front surface 12a of the rubber stopper 12. The first recesses 43 are formed in a U-shape in cross-section, extending from the front surface 12a of the rubber stopper 12 to the rear surface 12b, extending to the thin-walled portion 42. The first recesses 43 are open on the front surface 12a side (one side in the direction of axis O1). The first recess 43 has a first outer wall 43a, a first inner wall 43b, and a first bottom 43c. The first outer wall 43a is formed on the inner surface of the outer peripheral portion 32 on the front surface 12a of the rubber stopper 12. The first inner wall 43b is formed on the outer surface of the inner peripheral portion 31 on the front surface 12a of the rubber stopper 12. The first bottom 43c is formed on the front surface of the thin-walled portion 42 of the rubber stopper 12.

[0028] The six second recesses 44 are located on the rear surface 12b of the rubber stopper 12. The second recesses 44 are formed in a U-shape in cross-section, extending from the rear surface 12b of the rubber stopper 12 toward the front surface 12a, extending to the thin-walled portion 42. The second recesses 44 are open on the rear surface 12b side (the other side in the direction of axis O1). The second recess 44 has a second outer wall 44a, a second inner wall 44b, and a second bottom portion 44c. The second outer wall 44a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer peripheral portion 32 on the rear surface 12b side of the rubber stopper 12. The second inner wall 44b is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner peripheral portion 31 on the rear surface 12b side of the rubber stopper 12. The second bottom portion 44c is formed on the rear surface of the thin-walled portion 42 of the rubber stopper 12.

[0029] <4. Action and Effects> According to the first embodiment of the rubber stopper 12, as shown in Figures 3, 6, and 7, the rubber stopper 12 has six thin-walled sections 42 in its intermediate section 33. With this configuration, when the rubber stopper 12 is injection molded in the mold 200, the width of the first cavity 200a corresponding to the multiple thin-walled sections 42 can be kept small. The first cavity 200a is formed inside the mold 200 when the fixed mold 201, movable mold 202, and intermediate plate 203 of the mold 200 are closed. By keeping the width of the first cavity 200a small, the fluidity of the liquid silicone rubber in the first cavity 200a can be suppressed.

[0030] By suppressing the fluidity of the liquid silicone rubber, the liquid silicone rubber can be preferentially filled into the second cavity 200b corresponding to the outer lip portion 39 of the outer circumference portion 32, rather than into the first cavity 200a. The second cavity 200b is formed inside the mold 200 when the fixed mold 201, movable mold 202, and middle plate 203 of the mold 200 are closed. By preferentially filling the second cavity 200b with liquid silicone rubber, the liquid silicone rubber can be suitably filled into the second cavity 200b. With this configuration, the generation of gas in the outer lip portion 39 of the outer circumference portion 32 can be suppressed. Therefore, the sealing performance of the rubber stopper 12 can be improved. Furthermore, the appearance of the rubber stopper 12 can be improved.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the rubber stopper 12 has six thin-walled sections 42 in its intermediate section 33, which reduces the amount of liquid silicone rubber used. In addition, by reducing the amount of liquid silicone rubber used, the curing time of the liquid silicone rubber can be shortened, thereby increasing productivity. By reducing the amount of liquid silicone rubber used and increasing productivity, the cost of the rubber stopper 12 can be reduced.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the multiple thin-walled portions 42 are formed to be thin so that both sides are evenly recessed relative to the column portion 41 in the axial direction O1 of the rubber stopper 12. That is, the multiple thin-walled portions 42 are located in the center of the rubber stopper 12 in the axial direction O1 of the rubber stopper 12. With this configuration, the multiple thin-walled portions 42 can apply force evenly to the inner circumference 31 and outer circumference 32 in the axial direction O1 of the rubber stopper 12. Therefore, the sealing performance of the rubber stopper 12 can be further improved.

[0033] Incidentally, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the rubber stopper 12 is released from the mold 200 after the liquid silicone rubber has hardened. Specifically, the rubber stopper 12 is released from the inner diameter pin 201a of the fixed mold 201 by, for example, opening the movable mold 202, which causes the inner circumference 31 to move together with the movable mold 202. However, when the liquid silicone rubber of the rubber stopper 12 hardens, the inner circumference 31 may adhere to the inner diameter pin 201a. If the inner circumference 31 adheres, it will be difficult to smoothly release the inner circumference 31 from the inner diameter pin 201a.

[0034] Here, the rubber stopper 12 has a plurality of thin-walled portions 42 in the intermediate portion 33. The plurality of thin-walled portions 42 can appropriately suppress the force acting on the inner circumference portion 31. With this configuration, when the rubber stopper 12 is released from the mold, the pressing force (adhesion force) of the inner circumference portion 31 on the inner diameter pin 201a can be appropriately mitigated. Therefore, the rubber stopper 12 can reduce adhesion of the inner circumference portion 31 to the inner diameter pin 201a, and the inner circumference portion 31 can be smoothly released from the inner diameter pin 201a.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the force acting on the inner circumference 31 of the rubber stopper 12 is appropriately suppressed by the multiple thin-walled portions 42. Because the force acting on the inner circumference 31 of the rubber stopper 12 is appropriately suppressed, the inner circumference 31 can be smoothly fitted onto the end portion 2a of the electric wire 2. With this configuration, the ease of assembling the rubber stopper 12 to the end portion 2a of the electric wire 2 can be improved, and productivity can be increased.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the six columnar sections 41 are arranged on both sides of the axis O1 of the rubber stopper 12, on a straight line L1 passing through the axis O1 of the rubber stopper 12. With this configuration, the rubber stopper 12 can appropriately ensure the force applied to the inner circumference 31 and the outer circumference 32 by the six columnar sections 41. Therefore, the sealing performance of the rubber stopper 12 can be ensured.

[0037] According to the connector 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the sealing performance can be improved and costs can be reduced by providing a rubber stopper 12.

[0038] Next, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and modified examples will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 16. In the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and modified examples, the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted. Similarly, the components of the mold will be described using the same reference numerals as the mold 200 in the first embodiment.

[0039] (Second Embodiment) As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the rubber stopper 50 is the same as in the first embodiment, with the intermediate portion 33 of the rubber stopper 12 replaced by the intermediate portion 53. The other components of the rubber stopper 50 are the same as in the first embodiment. The intermediate portion 53 is positioned between the inner circumference portion 31 and the outer circumference portion 32. The intermediate portion 53 is formed, for example, in an annular shape and connects the inner circumference portion 31 and the outer circumference portion 32. The intermediate portion 53 has a plurality of columnar portions 55, a plurality of thin-walled portions 56, a plurality of first recesses 57, and a plurality of second recesses 58 (see Figure 11). In the second embodiment, five columnar portions 55 are described as an example of the plurality of columnar portions 55, and five thin-walled portions 56 are described as an example of the plurality of thin-walled portions 56. Also in the second embodiment, five first recesses 57 are described as an example of the plurality of first recesses 57, and five second recesses 58 are described as an example of the plurality of second recesses 58.

[0040] The five columnar sections 55 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the rubber stopper 50. The columnar sections 55 extend from the inner circumference 31 to the outer circumference 32 along the radial direction of the rubber stopper 50. On both sides of the axis O2 of the rubber stopper 50, the columnar sections 55 on one side are positioned on a straight line L2 passing through the axis O2, while the columnar sections 55 on the other side are positioned to avoid the straight line L2 passing through the axis O2. The columnar section 41 has the same wall thickness as the inner circumference 31 and the outer circumference 32 in the direction of the axis O2 of the rubber stopper 50, which is the direction in which the axis O2 of the rubber stopper 50 extends.

[0041] The five thin-walled sections 56 are positioned between the five columnar sections 55 in the circumferential direction of the rubber stopper 50. The thin-walled sections 56 are formed to be thin such that both sides are equally recessed relative to the columnar sections 55 in the axial direction O2 of the rubber stopper 50. In other words, the thin-walled sections 56 have a thinner wall thickness than the columnar sections 55 in the axial direction O2 of the rubber stopper 50. The thin-walled sections 56 are positioned in the center of the columnar sections 55 in the axial direction O2 of the rubber stopper 50.

[0042] The five first recesses 57 are located on the front surface 50a of the rubber stopper 50. The first recesses 57 are formed in a U-shape in cross-section, extending from the front surface 50a of the rubber stopper 50 to the rear surface 50b (see Figure 11) from the thin-walled portion 56. The first recesses 57 are open on the front surface 50a side (one side in the direction of axis O2).

[0043] As shown in Figure 11, the five second recesses 58 are located on the rear surface 50b of the rubber stopper 50. The second recesses 58 are formed in a U-shape in cross-section, extending from the rear surface 50b of the rubber stopper 50 toward the front surface 50a, which is the thin-walled portion 56. The second recesses 58 are open on the rear surface 50b side (the other side in the direction of axis O2).

[0044] <Mechanism and Effects> According to the rubber stopper 50 of the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the rubber stopper 50 is released from the mold 200, for example, the inner circumference 31 is released from the fixed mold 201. However, if the inner circumference 31 adheres to the inner diameter pin 201a of the fixed mold 201, it is difficult to smoothly release the inner circumference 31 from the inner diameter pin 201a.

[0045] As a countermeasure, as shown in Figure 10, the multiple columnar sections 55 are positioned on both sides of the axis of the rubber stopper 50, with one columnar section 55 positioned on a straight line L2 passing through the axis O2 of the rubber stopper 50, and the other columnar section 55 positioned to avoid the straight line L2.

[0046] With this configuration, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the multiple columnar portions 55 can suppress the force generated on the inner circumference portion 31, thereby appropriately mitigating the pressing force (adhesion force) applied by the inner circumference portion 31 to the inner diameter pin 201a. In other words, the rubber stopper 50 can reduce adhesion of the inner circumference portion 31 to the fixed mold 201, and the inner circumference portion 31 can be smoothly released from the inner diameter pin 201a. Therefore, the rubber stopper 50 can improve productivity by increasing the automation of production.

[0047] Furthermore, the rubber stopper 50 of the second embodiment provides the same action and effect as the rubber stopper 12 of the first embodiment.

[0048] (Third embodiment) As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the rubber stopper 100 is modified in which the second recess 44 of the rubber stopper 12 of the first embodiment is replaced with the second recess (one of the recesses) 102. The other components of the rubber stopper 100 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0049] The second recess 102 is located on the rear surface 100b of the rubber stopper 100. The second recess 102 is formed in a U-shape in cross-section, recessed from the rear surface 100b of the rubber stopper 100 towards the front surface 100a, extending to the thin-walled portion 42. The second recess 102 opens on the rear surface 100b side (the other side in the direction of the axis O3 of the rubber stopper 100, which is the direction in which the axis O3 of the rubber stopper 100 extends). The second recess 102 has a second outer wall 102a, a second inner wall 102b, and a second bottom portion 102c.

[0050] The second outer wall 102a is formed on the inner surface of the outer peripheral portion 32 on the rear surface 100b side of the rubber stopper 100. The second outer wall 102a has a first undercut portion (undercut portion) 104. The first undercut portion 104 protrudes, for example, radially inward from the second outer wall 102a in a V-shaped cross-section. The second inner wall 102b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral portion 31 on the rear surface 100b side of the rubber stopper 100. The second inner wall 102b has a second undercut portion (undercut portion) 105. The second undercut portion 105 protrudes, for example, radially outward from the second inner wall 102b in a V-shaped cross-section. The second bottom portion 102c is formed on the rear surface of the thin-walled portion 42 of the rubber stopper 100.

[0051] Here, the first recess 43 (the other recess) has a first opening (opening) 43d. The first opening 43d is open to the front surface 100a of the rubber stopper 100. On the front surface 100a side of the rubber stopper 100, the first opening 43d has a first front edge 32a on the inner surface of the outer peripheral portion 32 and a second front edge 31a on the outer surface of the inner peripheral portion 31. The first front edge 32a is formed by a curve with radius R1 centered on axis O3. The second front edge 31a is formed by a curve with radius R2 centered on axis O3.

[0052] Furthermore, the second recess 102 has a second opening (opening) 102d. The second opening 102d is open to the rear surface 100b of the rubber stopper 100. On the rear surface 100b side of the rubber stopper 100, the second opening 102d has a first rear edge 32b on the inner surface of the outer peripheral portion 32 and a second rear edge 31b on the outer surface of the inner peripheral portion 31. The first rear edge 32b is formed by a curve with radius R1 centered on axis O3, similar to the first front edge 32a. The second rear edge 31b is formed by a curve with radius R2 centered on axis O3, similar to the second front edge 31a.

[0053] In other words, the first trailing edge 32b is formed in the same way as the first leading edge 32a. The second trailing edge 31b is formed in the same way as the second leading edge 31a. With this configuration, among the plurality of first recesses 43 and plurality of second recesses 102, the second opening 102d of the second recess 102, which is one of the related pairs of first recesses 43 and second recesses 102, has the same shape as the first opening 43d of the first recess 43, which is the other of the related pairs of first recesses 43 and second recesses 102.

[0054] <Mechanism and Effects> According to the third embodiment of the rubber stopper 100, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, when the rubber stopper 100 is released from the mold, for example, it is released from the fixed mold first, and then from the movable mold. However, when the rubber stopper 100 is released from the fixed mold, there is a risk that the rubber stopper 100 may be released from the movable mold. Here, the rubber stopper 100 has a plurality of first recesses 43 on the front surface 100a side and a plurality of second recesses 102 on the rear surface 100b side. Furthermore, the plurality of second recesses 102 have first undercut portions 104 and second undercut portions 105 that protrude inward. The rubber stopper 100 is an elastically deformable member.

[0055] With this configuration, the rubber stopper 100 can be positioned on the movable mold by aligning the second recess 102 with the movable mold, thereby allowing the first undercut portion 104 and the second undercut portion 105 to be positioned on the movable mold. In other words, the rubber stopper 100 can be stably held on the movable mold by the first undercut portion 104 and the second undercut portion 105. Therefore, when releasing the rubber stopper 100 from the mold, the rubber stopper 100 can be moved together with the movable mold, allowing for proper release from the fixed mold.

[0056] Furthermore, after being released from the fixed mold, the rubber stopper 100 can be properly released from the movable mold by elastically deforming the first undercut portion 104 and the second undercut portion 105. Therefore, the rubber stopper 100 can improve productivity by increasing the automation of production.

[0057] Furthermore, the second opening 102d of the second recess 102 is formed in the same way as the first opening 43d of the first recess 43. With this configuration, the second recess 102 can be made as visible as the first recess 43. Therefore, the rubber stopper 100 can be made to have a good appearance.

[0058] Furthermore, by forming the first opening 43d of the second recess 102 in the same way as the first opening of the first recess 43, the visibility of the rubber stopper 100 from the front and from the rear can be made equal. With this configuration, the rubber stopper 100 can be fitted onto the end 2a of the electric wire 2 from both the front 100a side and the rear 100b side. Therefore, the direction in which the rubber stopper 100 is fitted onto the end 2a of the electric wire 2 can be eliminated, thereby improving workability.

[0059] Furthermore, the rubber stopper 100 of the third embodiment provides the same action and effect as the rubber stopper 12 of the first embodiment.

[0060] (modified version) As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the rubber stopper 150 has a pair of inner circumferential portions 31 that can be fitted onto the ends 2a of two electric wires 2 (both, see Figure 2). Specifically, the rubber stopper 150 has an outer circumferential portion 152, a pair of inner circumferential portions 31, a pair of first recesses 153 (one of which is shown in Figure 16), and a pair of second recesses 154.

[0061] The outer periphery 152 is formed, for example, in a generally elliptical shape and is accommodable in the housing portion 16 of the housing 10 (both, see Figure 2). The outer periphery 152 has, for example, two outer lip portions 161. The outer lip portions 161 project outwards from the outer surface of the outer periphery 152 in a V-shaped cross-section to the outside of the rubber stopper 150. The pair of inner peripheries 31 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction (i.e., the direction of arrow AB).

[0062] The pair of second recesses 154 are located between the pair of inner circumferential portions 31 on the rear surface 150b of the rubber stopper 150. The pair of second recesses 154 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of inner circumferential portions 31 are located. Each second recess 154 has an inner circumferential wall 154a, a second opening (opening) 154b, and an undercut portion 163.

[0063] The inner circumferential wall 154a is formed in a circular shape. The second opening 154b is circularly opened on the rear surface 150b of the rubber stopper 150. The undercut portion 163 is formed in an annular shape along the inner circumferential wall 154a. The undercut portion 163 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential wall 154a in a V-shaped cross-section. The undercut portion 163 is formed with a diameter D.

[0064] The pair of first recesses 153 are located between the pair of inner circumferential portions 31 on the front surface 150a of the rubber stopper 150. The pair of first recesses 153 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of inner circumferential portions 31 are located. Each pair of first recesses 153 has an inner circumferential wall 153a and a first opening 153b. The inner circumferential wall 153a is formed in a circular shape. The inner circumferential wall 153a is formed with a diameter D. The first opening 153b is circularly opened on the front surface 150a of the rubber stopper 150.

[0065] In other words, the inner circumferential wall 153a and the undercut portion 163 are formed to a diameter D. With this configuration, the rubber stopper 150 has the first opening 153b of the first recess 153 and the second opening 154b of the second recess 154 formed similarly.

[0066] <Mechanism and Effects> According to the modified rubber stopper 150, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the undercut portion 163 can be positioned on the movable mold by aligning the second recess 154 with the movable mold. That is, the rubber stopper 150 can be stably held on the movable mold by the undercut portion 163. Therefore, when releasing the rubber stopper 150 from the mold, the rubber stopper 150 can be moved together with the movable mold to properly release it from the fixed mold. Furthermore, after being released from the fixed mold, the rubber stopper 150 can be elastically deformed at the undercut portion 163, allowing it to be properly released from the movable mold. Therefore, the rubber stopper 150 can improve productivity by increasing the automation of production.

[0067] Furthermore, the second opening 154b of the second recess 154 is formed in the same way as the first opening 153b of the first recess 153. With this configuration, the second recess 154 can be made as visible as the first recess 153. Therefore, the rubber stopper 150 can be made to have a good appearance.

[0068] Furthermore, the rubber stopper 150 can be made equally visible from the front and the rear. With this configuration, the rubber stopper 150 can be fitted onto the end 2a of the electric wire 2 from both the front 150a side and the rear 150b side. Therefore, the direction in which the rubber stopper 150 is fitted onto the end 2a of the electric wire 2 (both sides, see Figure 2) can be eliminated, thereby improving workability.

[0069] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1 Connector 2 electric wire 2a End of electric wire 10 Housing 11 terminals 12, 50, 100, 150 rubber stoppers 31 Inner circumference 32,152 Outer perimeter 33,53 Middle section 38 Outer surface 39,161 Outer lip section 41,55 Column section 42, 56 Thin-walled section 43, 57 First recess 43d 1st opening (opening) 44, 58, 102, Second recess 102d,154b 2nd opening (opening) 104 First undercut section (undercut section) 105 Second undercut section (undercut section) 163 Undercut section L1,L2 straight line O1,O2,O3 axis

Claims

1. An inner circumference formed to be fitted onto an electric wire, It has an outer peripheral lip portion that protrudes radially outward from the inner circumference, and the outer peripheral portion formed on the outside of the inner circumference, An intermediate portion is positioned between the inner circumference and the outer circumference, connecting the inner circumference and the outer circumference, Includes, The aforementioned intermediate section is The aforementioned inner circumference is spaced apart in the circumferential direction and comprises a plurality of columnar portions extending along the radial direction, A plurality of thin-walled portions are arranged between the plurality of columnar portions and are formed to be thin on both sides relative to each of the plurality of columnar portions in the axial direction of the inner circumference, which is the direction in which the axis of the inner circumference extends, Having, Rubber stopper.

2. The plurality of columnar sections are arranged on both sides of the axis, on a straight line passing through the axis. The rubber stopper according to claim 1.

3. On both sides of the axis, one column of the plurality of column sections is positioned on a straight line passing through the axis, and the other column of the plurality of column sections is positioned to avoid the straight line. The rubber stopper according to claim 1.

4. The intermediate portion has a plurality of first recesses opening on one side in the axial direction and a plurality of second recesses opening on the other side in the axial direction. Of the plurality of first recesses and the plurality of second recesses, one of the related pairs of first and second recesses has an undercut portion that protrudes inward. The rubber stopper according to claim 1.

5. The opening of one of the recesses has the same shape as the opening of the other recess in the pair of first and second recesses. The rubber stopper according to claim 4.

6. A rubber stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A housing for accommodating the aforementioned rubber stopper, The housing is housed in the aforementioned housing and has terminals connected to the aforementioned electric wires, Equipped with, connector.

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