Connectors and methods for assembling connectors

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector and a method for assembling the connector that can suppress the deterioration of its waterproof properties. [Solution] The connector of one embodiment comprises a housing, a terminal housed in the housing and connected to an electric wire, a rubber stopper housed in the housing with the electric wire fitted inside, a rubber stopper cover through which the terminal and electric wire can be inserted and which can be fitted into the housing and into the housing from the outside of the housing when locked to the housing, and a rear cover which can temporarily house the rubber stopper together with the rubber stopper cover outside the housing when locked to the housing. The rear cover has a cylindrical portion through which the terminal and electric wire can be inserted and into which the rubber stopper temporarily housed in the rear cover can be fitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connector and a method for assembling the connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector having a low insertion force layer at the rear end portion of a rubber plug and a wire holding layer on the front side of the low insertion force layer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In assembling the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 to a wire, it is necessary to insert a terminal through a rubber plug. When inserting, if the protrusions, corners, etc. of the terminal come into contact with and rub against the surface of the rubber plug, the waterproof property of the rubber plug may deteriorate.

[0005] One embodiment is to provide a connector and a method for assembling the connector that can suppress deterioration of the waterproof property.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connector according to one embodiment comprises a housing, a terminal housed in the housing and connected to an electric wire, a rubber stopper housed in the housing with the electric wire fitted inside, a rubber stopper cover through which the terminal and the electric wire can be inserted and which can accommodate the rubber stopper in the housing and from outside the housing when locked to the housing, and a rear cover which can temporarily house the rubber stopper together with the rubber stopper cover to the outside when locked to the housing, wherein the rear cover has a cylindrical portion through which the terminal and the electric wire can be inserted and into which the rubber stopper temporarily housed in the rear cover can be fitted.

[0007] A connector assembly method according to one embodiment includes: a first step of temporarily housing the rubber stopper cover and the rubber stopper in the rear cover with the rubber stopper placed on the rubber stopper cover and fitting the rubber stopper into the cylindrical portion of the rear cover; a second step of locking the rear cover to the housing that houses the terminal to which the electric wire is connected; a third step of housing the terminal together with the electric wire in the housing by inserting the terminal through the cylindrical portion; and a fourth step of moving the rubber stopper cover toward the housing to house the rubber stopper in the housing, removing the rubber stopper from the cylindrical portion and fitting it onto the electric wire. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment, the deterioration of waterproofing can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the connector of the embodiment before the rubber stopper cover and terminals are assembled to the housing. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the connector of the embodiment, disassembled. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of the connector of the embodiment, broken along the axis. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the rear cover of the connector of the embodiment in a partially broken state. [Figure 5]A cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which the rubber stopper and rubber stopper cover are temporarily housed in the rear cover in the connector assembly method of the embodiment. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view illustrating an example of how the rear cover is secured to the base end of the housing body in the assembly method of the connector of the embodiment. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view illustrating an example of inserting terminals into the second insertion hole and cylindrical portion of the rear cover in the assembly method of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a connector assembly method according to an embodiment, in which the terminals are housed in the terminal housing chamber and the ends of the electric wires are housed in the first housing chamber. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which a rubber stopper is fitted to the end of an electric wire by housing the rubber stopper in the first housing chamber in a method for assembling a connector according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions 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 embodiments.

[0011] <1. Connectors> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, connector 1 can connect terminal 6 to the terminal of the mating connector by mating it with the mating connector. Connector 1 comprises a housing 2, a rubber stopper cover 3, a rear cover 4, a rubber stopper 5, and terminal 6.

[0012] The housing 2 may be, for example, a molded product made of an insulating resin. The housing 2 may house, for example, the rubber stopper 5, the terminal 6, and the end 7a of the electric wire 7. The rubber stopper cover 3 may be, for example, a molded product made of an insulating resin. The rubber stopper cover 3 is capable of accommodating the rubber stopper 5 and housing the positioned rubber stopper 5 inside the housing 2.

[0013] The rear cover 4 may be, for example, a molded product made of a resin having insulating properties. When the terminal 6 is housed inside the housing 2, the rubber plug 5 can be temporarily housed together with the rubber plug cover 3. The rear cover 4 can be arranged in non-contact with the terminal 6 in a state where the rubber plug 5 is temporarily housed (see FIG. 8).

[0014] The rubber plug 5 may be, for example, a molded product made of rubber having insulating properties. The rubber plug 5 seals (seals) between the housing 2 and the electric wire 7 when housed inside the housing 2. The terminal 6 is connected by being clamped to the end portion 7a of the electric wire 7. The tip portion 6a of the terminal 6 is exposed at the tip of the housing 2 when housed inside the housing 2.

[0015] <2. Housing> The detailed configuration of the housing 2 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing 2 includes a housing body 11, a terminal housing chamber 12, a fitting recess 13, a pair of recesses 14, a pair of first protrusions (protrusions) 15, a pair of second protrusions (other protrusions) 16, a first housing chamber 17, and a lock arm 18. One of the pair of recesses 14 is shown. One of the pair of second protrusions 16 is shown. The housing 2 houses the terminal 6 and the end portion 7a of the electric wire 7 on the axis O. Hereinafter, the axis O of the housing 2 may be simply abbreviated as "axis O".

[0016] The housing body 11 has a tip portion 11a and a base end portion 11b. The tip portion 11a of the housing body 11 is an end portion in the direction of connection to a mating connector (not shown). The base end portion 11b of the housing body 11 is an end portion in the direction of releasing the connection from the mating connector. That is, the base end portion 11b of the housing body 11 is the end portion on the side where the electric wire 7 protrudes. The housing body 11 has the tip portion 6a and the base end portion 11b at both ends in the direction of the axis O.

[0017] The terminal accommodation chamber 12 extends on the axis O inside the terminal accommodation chamber 12. The terminal accommodation chamber 12 is located between the tip portion 6a and the base end portion 11b on the axis O. The terminal accommodation chamber 12 extends from the base end portion 11b side toward the tip portion 11a side so as to be able to accommodate the terminal 6 described later. The terminal accommodation chamber 12 holds the accommodated terminal 6 inside the housing main body 11. The terminal accommodation chamber 12 has a recess 21 on its inner peripheral surface. The recess 21 is capable of locking a protrusion 61 (described later) of the terminal 6.

[0018] The fitting recess 13 is located at the tip portion 6a of the housing main body 11. The fitting recess 13 extends continuously from the terminal accommodation chamber 12 to the tip surface 11c of the housing main body 11 on the axis O. The fitting recess 13 opens to the tip surface 11c of the housing main body 11. The fitting recess 13 has a larger inner diameter than the terminal accommodation chamber 12. The tip portion 6a of the terminal 6 described later is disposed in the fitting recess 13. A mating connector (not shown) may be inserted into the gap between the tip portion 6a of the terminal 6 and the fitting recess 13, for example. In this state, the tip portion 6a of the terminal 6 is connected to a terminal (not shown) of the mating connector.

[0019] The pair of first protrusions 15 protrude from the first portion 11d on the outer periphery of the base end portion 11b of the housing main body 11. The pair of first portions 11d are flat surfaces facing each other on the first extension line L1 extending in a direction intersecting (orthogonal in the embodiment) the axis O. The pair of first protrusions 15 protrude outward from the flat first portion 11d in a direction intersecting (orthogonal in the embodiment) the axis O. That is, the pair of first protrusions 15 are protrusions facing each other in the direction intersecting the axis O. Note that the number of the first protrusions 15 is not limited to a pair.

[0020] The pair of recesses 14 avoid the pair of first projections 15 on the outer circumference of the base end portion 11b of the housing body 11. Specifically, the pair of recesses 14 are recesses facing each other on a second extension line L2 that intersects (orthogonal in this embodiment) with a first extension line L1 connecting the pair of first projections 15. The second extension line L2 is a line that extends in a direction intersecting (orthogonal in this embodiment) with the axis O. The pair of recesses 14 have a flat bottom 23. The pair of recesses 14 open toward the base end face 11e of the housing body 11. The pair of recesses 14 have a pair of guide walls 24 on both sides of the bottom 23. A pair of second protrusions 16 are arranged in the pair of recesses 14. One of the recesses 14 is shown in Figure 2.

[0021] The pair of second protrusions 16 project from the bottom 23 of the recess 14 in a direction intersecting (orthogonal in this embodiment) the axis O. That is, the pair of second protrusions 16 project outward while avoiding the pair of second protrusions 16 in the direction intersecting the axis O. One of the pair of second protrusions 16 is shown in Figure 2. Note that the number of recesses 14 is not limited to one pair. The number of second protrusions 16 is not limited to one pair. In the following explanation, the direction in which the first extension line L1 connecting the pair of first protrusions 15 extends will be described as the Y direction. The direction in which the second extension line L2 connecting the pair of second protrusions 16 extends will be described as the X direction. The Y direction is illustrated with arrow Y, and the X direction with arrow X.

[0022] The first housing chamber 17 is located at the base end 11b of the housing body 11. The first housing chamber 17 extends along axis O, continuously from the terminal housing chamber 12 to the base end face 11e of the housing body 11. The first housing chamber 17 opens onto the base end face 11e of the housing body 11. The inner diameter of the first housing chamber 17 is larger than that of the terminal housing chamber 12. The rubber stopper 5, described later, is housed in the first housing chamber 17. The first housing chamber 17 may, for example, have a circular inner circumferential surface 17a.

[0023] The locking arm 18 has an arm body 26 and a locking claw 27. The arm body 26 extends from the tip 6a of the housing body 11 along the outer surface of the housing body 11 toward the base end 11b. The arm body 26 is elastically deformable in the direction of arrow Y with the base end 11b as a pivot point. The locking claw 27 protrudes from the arm body 26 toward the opposite side of the housing body 11. The locking arm 18 locks the connector 1 to the mating connector (not shown) when the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector.

[0024] <3. Rubber stopper cover> The detailed configuration of the rubber stopper cover 3 will be described below. The rubber stopper cover 3 has a push-in portion 31, a pair of first cantilever beams 32, and a pair of finger rest portions 33. The indentation portion 31 is the part that contacts the base end surface 11e of the housing body 11. The outer circumference of the indentation portion 31 may be, for example, generally the same shape as the outer circumference of the base end surface 11e of the housing body 11. The indentation portion 31 has a first insertion hole 35 and an indentation surface 36.

[0025] The first insertion hole 35 opens on axis O in the center of the push-in portion 31. The first insertion hole 35 allows the terminal 6 (described later), the end 7a of the electric wire 7, and the cylindrical portion 42 (described later) to be inserted. The pressing surface 36 is the surface facing the base end surface 11e of the housing body 11. The pressing surface 36 is a flat surface that can contact the base end surface 11e of the housing body 11 and can also contact the side surface (described later) of the rubber stopper 5. The outer shape of the pressing surface 36 may be larger than, for example, the outer shape of the rubber stopper 5, which will be described later.

[0026] The pair of first cantilever beams 32 project from opposing points in the Y direction toward the pair of first projections 15 on the outer circumference of the push-in portion 31. That is, the base ends of the pair of first cantilever beams 32 are supported by opposing points in the Y direction on the outer circumference of the push-in portion 31. The pair of first cantilever beams 32 can contact a plurality of second lips 57 (described later) on the rubber stopper 5. The tips of the pair of first cantilever beams 32 are free ends. The pair of first cantilever beams 32 can be elastically deformed in the Y direction with the opposing points in the Y direction on the outer circumference of the push-in portion 31 as fulcrums. Note that the number of first cantilever beams 32 is not limited to one pair.

[0027] The pair of first cantilever beams 32 have first openings 37. The pair of first openings 37 penetrate in the Y direction. The pair of first openings 37 can be locked onto a pair of first projections 15 in the housing 2. The rubber stopper cover 3 is locked to the housing body 11 by locking the pair of first openings 37 onto the pair of first projections 15. The pair of finger rests 33 protrude from the opposite side of the first projection 15 on the first cantilever beam 32. Note that the number of finger rests 33 is not limited to one pair.

[0028] With this configuration, the rubber stopper cover 3 can contact the side surface (described later) of the rubber stopper 5 with the pressing surface 36 when the rubber stopper 5 is positioned between the pair of first cantilever beams 32. Hereinafter, the state in which the rubber stopper 5 is positioned between the pair of first cantilever beams 32 and its side surface is in contact with the pressing surface 36 will be referred to as "positioning the rubber stopper 5 on the rubber stopper cover 3". With the rubber stopper cover 3 locked to the housing body 11, the rubber stopper 5 can be accommodated in the first storage chamber 17 from outside the housing 2.

[0029] <4. Rear Cover> The detailed configuration of rear cover 4 will be described below. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the rear cover 4 has a cover base 41, a cylindrical portion 42, a guide 43, a pair of second cantilever beams (other cantilever beams) 44, and a second storage chamber 45. The cover base 41 is the portion that can contact the push-in portion 31 of the rubber stopper cover 3. The cover base 41 has a second insertion hole 47. The second insertion hole 47 opens on axis O in the center of the cover base 41.

[0030] The cylindrical portion 42 protrudes from the cover base 41 toward the first housing chamber 17 of the housing body 11. The cylindrical portion 42 has a plurality of slits in its peripheral wall. The plurality of slits extend from the base end to the tip of the cylindrical portion 42 along the axis O direction. The plurality of slits open at the tip of the cylindrical portion 42. The cylindrical portion 42 opens continuously to the second insertion hole 47. The second insertion hole 47 and the cylindrical portion 42 allow the terminal 6 and the end 7a of the electric wire 7 to be inserted through them. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 42 is capable of accommodating a rubber stopper 5.

[0031] The guide 43 is capable of supporting the rubber stopper cover 3. Specifically, the guide 43 has a plurality of guide projections 48. The plurality of guide projections 48 are supported on the outer circumference of the cover base 41 in a portion that avoids the Y-direction region and the X-direction region. The plurality of guide projections 48 protrude from the portion that avoids the Y-direction region and the X-direction region toward the base end 11b of the housing body 11. The plurality of guide projections 48 protrude along the outer circumference of the push-in portion 31 and the outer circumference of the base end 11b. In this embodiment, four guide projections 48 will be described as an example. However, the plurality of guide projections 48 are not limited to four.

[0032] The pair of second cantilever beams 44 project toward the pair of second projections 16 from opposing portions of the outer circumference of the cover base 41 in the X direction. That is, the base ends of the pair of second cantilever beams 44 are supported by opposing portions of the outer circumference of the cover base 41 in the X direction. The tips of the pair of second cantilever beams 44 are free ends. The pair of second cantilever beams 44 are elastically deformable in the X direction with the opposing portions of the outer circumference of the cover base 41 as fulcrums. Note that the number of second cantilever beams 44 is not limited to one pair. The pair of second cantilever beams 44 have second openings 49. The pair of second openings 49 penetrate through the tip of the second cantilever beams 44 in the X direction. The pair of second openings 49 can be locked onto a pair of second projections 16 of the housing body 11.

[0033] The rear cover 4 is secured to the housing body 11 by engaging a pair of second openings 49 with a pair of second projections 16. When the rear cover 4 is secured to the housing body 11, the cylindrical portion 42 can be positioned outside the housing body 11.

[0034] The second storage chamber 45 is an annular space secured by the cylindrical section 42, the guide 43, and the pair of second cantilever beams 44. The second storage chamber 45 is open to accommodate the rubber stopper cover 3 and the rubber stopper 5. Here, the pair of second cantilever beams 44 and guides 43 are supported at a location on the cover base 41 that avoids the area in the Y direction. The area in the Y direction on the cover base 41 is the location that avoids the pair of first cantilever beams 32 and the pair of finger rests 33 on the rubber stopper cover 3.

[0035] With this configuration, the second storage chamber 45 can temporarily house the rubber stopper cover 3 when the rubber stopper 5 (described later) is placed on the rubber stopper cover 3. That is, the rear cover 4 can temporarily house the rubber stopper 5 together with the rubber stopper cover 3 outside the housing 2 while it is locked to the housing body 11. The rubber stopper 5 can be fitted into the cylindrical portion 42 while it is temporarily housed in the rear cover 4.

[0036] <5. Rubber stopper> The detailed configuration of the rubber stopper 5 will be described below. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rubber stopper 5 may be, for example, an annular, elastically deformable sealing member. When the rubber stopper 5 is positioned on the rubber stopper cover 3, it can be temporarily housed in the second housing chamber 45 of the rear cover 4. The rubber stopper 5 can also be housed in the first housing chamber 17 of the housing body 11. The rubber stopper 5 has a stopper body 55, a plurality of first lips 56, and a plurality of second lips 57.

[0037] The plug body 55 is an annular portion that is elastically deformable. The plug body 55 can be individually fitted onto the cylindrical portion 42 and the end portion 7a of the electric wire 7. Furthermore, the plug body 55 can be housed in the first housing chamber 17. The multiple first lips 56 may, for example, protrude in a V-shape in cross-section from the outer circumference of the stopper body 55 radially outward from the stopper body 55. The multiple first lips 56 can contact the inner circumferential surface 17a of the first housing chamber 17 in the housing body 11. The multiple first lips 56 can also contact a pair of first cantilever beams 32 in the rubber stopper cover 3. Three first lips 56 will be described as an example in this embodiment. However, the number of first lips 56 is not limited to three.

[0038] The multiple second lips 57 may, for example, protrude from the inner circumference of the plug body 55 radially inward in a V-shaped cross-section. The multiple second lips 57 can contact the outer circumference of the end 7a of the electric wire 7, which will be described later. In this embodiment, three second lips 57 will be described as an example. However, the number of second lips 57 is not limited to three.

[0039] The rubber stopper 5 can be housed in the first housing chamber 17 when fitted onto the end 7a of the electric wire 7. By housing the rubber stopper 5 in the first housing chamber 17, multiple first lips 56 come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 17a of the first housing chamber 17. Also, by fitting the rubber stopper 5 onto the end 7a of the electric wire 7, multiple second lips 57 come into contact with the outer circumference of the end 7a of the electric wire 7. With this configuration, the rubber stopper 5 is fitted onto the end 7a of the electric wire 7 and then placed in the first housing chamber 17, thereby sealing the space between the housing body 11 and the end 7a of the electric wire 7.

[0040] <6. Terminals> The detailed configuration of terminal 6 will be described below. Terminal 6 is connected to the end 7a of the electric wire 7 by crimping it to the end 7a. Terminal 6 is housed in the terminal housing chamber 12 of the housing body 11. The tip 6a of terminal 6 is positioned in the fitting recess 13 of the housing body 11. Terminal 6 has a projection 61. The projection 61 engages with a recess 21 of the first housing chamber 17. With this configuration, terminal 6 is held in a state housed in the terminal housing chamber 12 of the housing body 11. The tip 6a of terminal 6 contacts the terminal (not shown) of the mating connector (not shown) when connector 1 is connected to the mating connector (not shown). The end 7a of the electric wire 7 is housed in the first housing chamber 17 when the terminal 6 is housed in the terminal housing chamber 12 of the housing body 11.

[0041] <7. How to assemble the connector> Next, the assembly method for connector 1 will be explained based on Figures 2 and 5 to 9. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, in the first step, with the rubber stopper 5 positioned on the rubber stopper cover 3, the rubber stopper cover 3 and the rubber stopper 5 are temporarily placed (preset) in the second housing chamber 45 of the rear cover 4. In this state, the rubber stopper 5 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 42 of the rear cover 4. That is, multiple second lips 57 on the rubber stopper 5 come into contact with the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 42 of the rear cover 4. In addition, multiple first lips 56 on the rubber stopper 5 come into contact with the pair of first cantilever beams 32 of the rubber stopper cover 3. In this state, the rear cover 4, which temporarily houses the rubber stopper cover 3 and the rubber stopper 5, is moved towards the base end 11b side of the housing 2 as indicated by arrow A.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, in the second step, a pair of second cantilever beams 44 in the rear cover 4 are inserted into a pair of recesses 14 in the housing body 11. The pair of second cantilever beams 44 come into contact with a pair of second projections 16 and undergo elastic deformation. The second openings 49 in the pair of second cantilever beams 44 engage with the second projections 16. In this state, the pair of second cantilever beams 44 are positioned along the bottom 23 of the pair of recesses 14. The pair of second cantilever beams 44 are also positioned along the guide walls 24 of the pair of recesses 14.

[0043] The pair of second cantilever beams 44 are stably locked to a predetermined position on the base end 11b of the housing body 11 by a pair of recesses 14 and a pair of second protrusions 16. In this state, the rear cover 4 is stably locked to the base end 11b of the housing body 11. With the rear cover 4 stably locked to the base end 11b of the housing body 11, the second insertion hole 47 and the cylindrical portion 42 are positioned on axis O. That is, the second insertion hole 47 and the cylindrical portion 42 are positioned coaxially with respect to the first housing chamber 17, the terminal housing chamber 12, and the fitting recess 13 of the housing body 11. The cylindrical portion 42 is positioned outside the housing body 11.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, in the third step, with the rear cover 4 securely locked to the housing body 11, the terminal 6 is inserted through the second insertion hole 47 and the cylindrical portion 42 of the rear cover 4 as indicated by arrow B. The terminal 6 is connected to the end 7a (see Figure 2) of the electric wire 7 by crimping it to the end 7a. Here, the multiple second lips 57 of the rubber stopper 5 are in contact with the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 42 of the rear cover 4. With this configuration, the terminal 6 can be inserted into the second insertion hole 47 and the cylindrical portion 42 of the rear cover 4 as shown by arrow B without the terminal 6 coming into contact with the multiple second lips 57 of the rubber stopper 5.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, after inserting the terminal 6 into the second insertion hole 47 and the cylindrical portion 42 of the rear cover 4, the terminal 6 is then continuously inserted into the first housing chamber 17, the terminal housing chamber 12, and the fitting recess 13 as indicated by arrow B. The projection 61 of the terminal 6 engages with the recess 21 in the first housing chamber 17 of the housing body 11. The terminal 6 is held in a state where it is housed in the terminal housing chamber 12 of the housing body 11. With the terminal 6 housed in the terminal housing chamber 12 of the housing body 11, the end 7a of the electric wire 7 is housed in the first housing chamber 17.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 and 9, in the fourth step, place your fingers on the pair of finger rests 33 on the rubber stopper cover 3 and press the pair of finger rests 33 with your fingers as indicated by arrow C. The rubber stopper cover 3 moves toward the base end 11b of the housing body 11 as indicated by arrow C. As the rubber stopper cover 3 moves, the rubber stopper 5 is pressed by the pressing surface 36 and moves toward the base end 11b of the housing body 11 together with the rubber stopper cover 3. As the rubber stopper cover 3 moves, the pair of first cantilever beams 32 in the rubber stopper cover 3 come into contact with the pair of first projections 15 and undergo elastic deformation. The first openings 37 in the pair of first cantilever beams 32 engage with the first projections 15. In addition, the pressing surface 36 of the rubber stopper cover 3 comes into contact with the base end surface 11e of the housing body 11.

[0047] By bringing the pressing surface 36 into contact with the base end surface 11e, the rubber stopper 5 is pushed in by the pressing surface 36 and housed in the first housing chamber 17. By housing the rubber stopper 5 in the first housing chamber 17, the rubber stopper 5 is released from the cylindrical portion 42 and fitted onto the end 7a of the electric wire 7. In this state, the rubber stopper cover 3 is stably locked to the base end portion 11b of the housing body 11. Therefore, the rubber stopper 5 is kept stably housed in the first housing chamber 17 by the pressing surface 36 of the rubber stopper cover 3.

[0048] With the rubber stopper 5 housed in the first housing chamber 17, multiple first lips 56 on the rubber stopper 5 contact the inner circumferential surface 17a of the first housing chamber 17. Multiple second lips 57 on the rubber stopper 5 contact the outer circumference of the end 7a of the electric wire 7. Therefore, the space between the housing body 11 and the end 7a of the electric wire 7 can be sealed with the rubber stopper 5. This assembly process completes the assembly method of the connector 1.

[0049] According to the assembly method of the connector 1 of this embodiment, the terminal 6 can be housed in the terminal housing chamber 12 of the housing body 11 in a non-contact state with respect to the rubber stopper 5. Furthermore, the rubber stopper 5 can be housed in the first housing chamber 17 of the housing body 11, and the rubber stopper 5 can be fitted onto the end 7a of the electric wire 7 in the first housing chamber 17.

[0050] <8. Mechanism and Effects> According to the connector 1 of the embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rear cover 4 has a cylindrical portion 42 through which the terminal 6 and the end 7a of the electric wire 7 can be inserted. When the rear cover 4 is locked to the housing body 11, the rubber stopper 5 can be fitted into the cylindrical portion 42 and temporarily housed together with the rubber stopper cover 3. With this configuration, when housing the terminal 6 in the housing body 11, the cylindrical portion 42 can be interposed between the terminal 6 and the rubber stopper 5. Therefore, the terminal 6 can be housed in the terminal housing chamber 12 of the housing body 11 without contacting the rubber stopper 5. With this configuration, deterioration of the waterproofing of the rubber stopper 5 due to protrusions 61 or corners (not shown) of the terminal 6 can be suppressed when the terminal 6 is housed in the terminal housing chamber 12.

[0051] Furthermore, when housing the terminal 6 in the terminal housing chamber 12, the end 7a of the electric wire 7 can be housed in the first housing chamber 17 of the housing body 11. Here, the rubber stopper cover 3 can house the rubber stopper 5 in the first housing chamber 17 while it is locked to the housing body 11. With this configuration, the rubber stopper 5 can be housed in the first housing chamber 17 with the rubber stopper cover 3, and the rubber stopper 5 can be removed from the cylindrical portion 42 and fitted onto the end 7a of the electric wire 7.

[0052] In other words, the connector 1 can suppress deterioration of the waterproofing of the rubber stopper 5 due to the protrusions 61 and corners (not shown) of the terminal 6, and furthermore, the rubber stopper 5 with suppressed deterioration of waterproofing can be fitted onto the end 7a of the electric wire 7. Therefore, waterproofing by the rubber stopper 5 can be ensured.

[0053] Furthermore, while the rear cover 4 is locked to the housing body 11, the rubber stopper 5 and the rubber stopper cover 3 can be temporarily housed outside the housing body 11. That is, the rear cover 4 protrudes outward from the housing body 11. In addition, the electric wire 7 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 42 of the rear cover 4. This configuration prevents the electric wire 7 from bending and tilting away from the position of the rubber stopper 5. Therefore, compression of the rubber stopper 5 by the electric wire 7 can be prevented, and the waterproofing performance of the rubber stopper 5 can be more effectively ensured.

[0054] In addition, the rubber stopper cover 3, when locked to the housing body 11, allows the rubber stopper 5 to be housed in the first housing chamber 17 of the housing body 11 via its pressing surface 36. With this configuration, the pressing surface 36 of the rubber stopper cover prevents the rubber stopper 5 from coming out of the first housing chamber 17. Furthermore, the rubber stopper cover 3 can protect the rubber stopper 5 housed in the first housing chamber 17.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the cylindrical portion 42 is positioned outside the first housing chamber 17 when the rear cover 4 is locked to the housing body 11. In this configuration, after housing the end 7a of the electric wire 7 in the first housing chamber 17, the rubber stopper 5 is housed in the first housing chamber 17 with the rubber stopper cover 3. By housing the rubber stopper 5 in the first housing chamber 17, the rubber stopper 5 can be reliably removed from the cylindrical portion 42 and fitted onto the end 7a of the electric wire 7. Therefore, the waterproofing provided by the rubber stopper 5 can be more effectively ensured.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 2 is provided with a pair of first projections 15. The pair of first projections 15 protrude outward from the base end 11b of the housing body 11 in a direction intersecting the axis O. The rubber stopper cover 3 is also provided with a pair of first cantilever beams 32. The pair of first cantilever beams 32 have first openings 37 that can be locked onto the pair of first projections 15. With this configuration, the rubber stopper cover 3 can be securely locked to the housing body 11 by locking the pair of first openings 37 onto the pair of first projections 15.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the housing 2 is provided with a pair of second projections 16. The pair of second projections 16 protrude outward in a direction intersecting the axis O, avoiding the pair of first projections 15. In addition, the rear cover 4 is provided with a pair of second cantilever beams 44. The pair of second cantilever beams 44 have second openings 49 that can be engaged with the pair of second projections 16. With this configuration, the rear cover 4 can be securely engaged with the housing body 11 by engaging the pair of second openings 49 with the pair of second projections 16.

[0058] Furthermore, the housing 2 is provided with a pair of recesses 14. A pair of second projections 16 protrude from the pair of recesses 14. With this configuration, when the second opening 49 is engaged with the pair of second projections 16, the pair of second cantilever beams 44 can be held by the pair of recesses 14 (in particular, the guide walls 24 of the recesses 14). Therefore, the rubber stopper cover 3 can be engaged with the housing body 11 more securely.

[0059] The operation and effects of the assembly method of connector 1 in the embodiment will be explained based on Figures 5 to 9. In this case, when assembling the connector, in order to suppress the deterioration of the waterproofing of the rubber stopper due to terminal contact, as an example, there is a method of connecting the terminal to the wire by fitting the rubber stopper onto the wire and then crimping the terminal onto the wire with the rubber stopper fitted inside. Alternatively, as another example, when fitting the rubber stopper onto the wire, the rubber stopper is expanded radially outward, and the expanded rubber stopper is passed through the terminal and fitted onto the wire. In these examples, the connector needs to be assembled manually.

[0060] Therefore, the connector 1 is assembled according to the first to fourth steps of the assembly method for the connector 1 of the embodiment. Specifically, in the first step shown in Figure 5, the rubber stopper cover 3 and rubber stopper 5 are temporarily housed in the rear cover 4, and the rubber stopper 5 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 42. Next, in the second step shown in Figure 6, the rear cover 4 is locked to the housing body 11. Then, in the third step shown in Figures 7 and 8, the terminal 6 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 42, thereby housing the terminal 6 in the terminal housing chamber 12, and the end 7a of the electric wire 7 is housed in the first housing chamber 17. Subsequently, in the fourth step shown in Figure 9, the rubber stopper cover 3 is moved towards the housing body 11, housing the rubber stopper 5 in the first housing chamber 17, and the rubber stopper 5 is removed from the cylindrical portion 42 and fitted onto the end 7a of the electric wire 7.

[0061] This assembly method for connector 1 allows the rubber stopper 5 to be easily housed in the first housing chamber 17 of the housing body 11 by moving the rubber stopper cover 3 with an automated assembly machine. Therefore, it contributes to automation in the assembly method of connector 1.

[0062] Furthermore, by inserting the terminal 6 into the cylindrical portion 42, the end 7a of the electric wire 7 is housed in the first housing chamber 17. In addition, the rubber stopper cover 3 is moved towards the housing body 11 to house the rubber stopper 5 in the first housing chamber 17, and the rubber stopper 5 is removed from the cylindrical portion 42 and fitted onto the end 7a of the electric wire 7. With this configuration, when housing the terminal 6 in the terminal housing chamber 12 of the housing body 11, deterioration of the waterproofing of the rubber stopper 5 due to contact with the protrusions 61 or corners (not shown) of the terminal 6 can be suppressed. Therefore, waterproofing by the rubber stopper 5 can be ensured.

[0063] The embodiments have been described in terms of several aspects. However, some embodiments are not limited to the examples described above. For example, some embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 Connector 2 Housing 3. Rubber stopper cover 4 Rear cover 5. Rubber stopper 6 terminals 7 Electric wire 7a End 14 Recessed area 15 1st protrusion (protrusion) 16. Second process (other process) 32. First cantilever beam (cantilever beam) 37. First opening (opening) 42 Cylinder part 44. Second cantilever beam (other cantilever beams) 49. Second opening (opening) O axis

Claims

1. Housing and The housing is housed in the aforementioned housing and has terminals connected to the electric wires, A rubber stopper housed in the housing while fitted onto the aforementioned electric wire, A rubber stopper cover that allows the terminal and the electric wire to be inserted and, when locked to the housing, can accommodate the rubber stopper in the housing from the outside of the housing, A rear cover that allows the rubber stopper to be temporarily housed outside together with the rubber stopper cover while locked to the housing, Equipped with, The aforementioned rear cover is It has a cylindrical portion through which the terminal and the electric wire can be inserted, and into which the rubber stopper temporarily housed in the rear cover can be fitted, connector.

2. The cylindrical portion is positioned outside when the rear cover is locked to the housing. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned housing is The housing is provided with a pair of projections that protrude outward in a direction intersecting the axis of the housing, The aforementioned rubber stopper cover is The system comprises a pair of cantilever beams having openings that can be engaged with the pair of projections, The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned housing is In the aforementioned direction, the pair of projections is avoided and the pair of projections are provided with a pair of other projections that protrude outwards, The aforementioned rear cover is The system comprises a pair of other cantilever beams having openings that can be engaged with the aforementioned pair of other protrusions, The connector according to claim 3.

5. The housing comprises a pair of recesses for arranging the pair of other protrusions, The connector according to claim 4.

6. With the rubber stopper in place in the rubber stopper cover, the first step is to temporarily house the rubber stopper cover and the rubber stopper in the rear cover and fit the rubber stopper into the cylindrical part of the rear cover, The second step involves locking the rear cover onto the housing that contains the terminals to which the electric wires are connected, A third step involves inserting the terminal into the cylindrical portion, thereby housing the terminal together with the electric wire in the housing. A fourth step involves moving the rubber stopper cover toward the housing to house the rubber stopper in the housing, removing the rubber stopper from the cylindrical portion, and fitting it onto the electric wire. including, How to assemble the connector.

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