connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of securing waterproofness.SOLUTION: A connector comprises: a housing main body 23 which has a terminal housing chamber 59, and of which an upper surface is blocked; a terminal metal fitting 11 housed in the terminal housing chamber 59; a cover 15 that is engaged to the housing main body 23, and is arranged below the terminal housing chamber 59; and an eaves part 62 protruding to a side from an upper end of the housing main body 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a male connector housing and a female connector housing that can be fitted together. The male connector housing and the female connector housing each have a terminal accommodating chamber formed therein. Technologies relating to the connector are also disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 4. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-161411 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 1-76123 [Patent Document 3] JP 2017-98019 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2020-80237 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, in a used state, the male connector housing is disposed on the upper side, and the female connector housing is disposed on the lower side. The terminal accommodating chambers of both connector housings are disposed vertically. A rubber plug is accommodated inside the terminal accommodating chamber, but if the rubber plug is deteriorated or damaged, water will enter the terminal accommodating chamber, and waterproofing will not be ensured.

[0005] In contrast, if the top surface of the male connector housing is closed, it is possible to prevent water from entering the terminal accommodating chamber. However, if a cover is placed below the terminal accommodating chamber and a gap is formed between the cover and the male connector housing, there is a concern that water may enter the terminal accommodating chamber through the gap.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can ensure waterproofing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a housing body having a terminal accommodating chamber and a closed top surface, a terminal fitting accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber, a cover engaged with the housing body and positioned below the terminal accommodating chamber, and a visor portion extending laterally from the upper end of the housing body. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector that can ensure waterproofing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a connector in a mating state in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the connector in a mated state with the mating connector. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line ZZ in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a terminal fitting connected to an end of an electric wire. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the housing. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the housing. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the housing. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the upper inner member. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the lower inner member. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure comprises: (1) A housing body having a terminal accommodating chamber and a closed top surface, a terminal fitting accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber, a cover engaged with the housing body and positioned below the terminal accommodating chamber, and a visor portion extending laterally from the upper end of the housing body. According to the above configuration, the upper surface of the housing body is closed and the eave portion extends laterally from the upper end of the housing body, thereby preventing water from entering the terminal accommodating chamber through the gap between the cover and the housing body.

[0011] (2) It is preferable that the eaves portion is shaped to protrude laterally above an engagement portion between the housing body and the cover. Although a gap is formed at the engaging portion between the housing body and the cover, the above-described configuration has the eave portion protruding laterally above the engaging portion, thereby making it possible to prevent water from entering the gap.

[0012] (3) It is preferable that the upper surface of the overhanging portion is continuous with the upper surface of the housing body without any step. According to the above configuration, water that has fallen onto the upper surface of the housing body can be smoothly moved to the upper surface of the eave portion.

[0013] (4) It is preferable to have a hanging portion that protrudes downward from the lateral protruding end of the eave portion. According to the above-described configuration, water can drop from the upper surface of the eave portion along the hanging portion, so that water can be more reliably prevented from entering the terminal accommodating chamber of the housing body.

[0014] (5) The housing body has a pair of locking walls, and a cover accommodating section with a closed upper surface is formed between the pair of locking walls in the housing body, and the cover is positioned inside the cover accommodating section and has a side wall that faces the inner surface of the locking walls and is locked to the locking walls. Although a gap is formed between the side wall and the locking wall, with the above configuration, the side wall of the cover is positioned inside the cover accommodating portion opposite the inner surface of the locking wall of the housing body, thereby preventing water from entering the gap.

[0015] (6) In a connector provided on a roof panel of a vehicle, the overhanging portion may be disposed along a lower surface of the roof panel. According to the above-described configuration, water condensed on the roof panel can freely fall directly from the eaves portion, thereby preventing water from entering the terminal accommodating chamber of the housing body.

[0016] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0017] (Embodiment 1) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the connector 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed below a roof panel 90 of a vehicle such as an automobile (not shown in its entirety), i.e., inside the vehicle. A mating connector 8 connected to a circuit board 100 is disposed above the roof panel 90, i.e., outside the vehicle. As shown in Figs. 2 and 6, the connector 10 and the mating connector 8 are fitted together through an opening 91 having a rectangular cross section formed in the roof panel 90. The connector 10 includes a terminal fitting 11, a housing 12, an upper inner member 13, a lower inner member 14, and a cover 15. The terminal fitting 11 is connected to an end portion of an electric wire 200. The electric wire 200 is routed along the lower surface of the roof panel 90.

[0018] In the following description, the front side refers to the side where the terminal fitting 11 is connected to the electric wire 200 in the front-rear direction. The symbol F in Figures 2, 6, 7, and 9 to 13 refers to the front side. The symbol R refers to the rear side. In the up-down direction, the side where the mating connector 8 is located with respect to the connector 10 refers to the upper side. The symbol U in Figures 1, 2, 6, 7, and 10 to 13 refers to the upper side. The symbol D refers to the lower side. The up-down direction corresponds to the vertical direction (the direction of gravity), and in this embodiment 1, it coincides with the up-down direction in use.

[0019] <Terminal fittings> The terminal fitting 11 is a shield terminal, and as shown in FIG. 7, is L-shaped in side view. The terminal fitting 11 has a conductive inner conductor (not shown), a conductive outer conductor 16, and an insulating dielectric 83 (see FIG. 7) arranged between the inner conductor and the outer conductor 16. The inner conductor and the outer conductor 16 are electrically insulated via the dielectric 83. The outer conductor 16 has a cylindrical portion 17 whose axis is oriented in the vertical direction, and an extension portion 18 that crosses the cylindrical portion 17 and extends rearward. At the rear of the extension portion 18, an open-barrel-shaped shield barrel 19 and a sheath barrel 21 are formed side by side in the front and rear directions. Although not described in detail, the terminal fitting 11 is composed of a large-diameter shield terminal having one shield barrel 19 (the terminal fitting 11 in the middle and upper rows of FIG. 6) and a small-diameter shield terminal having two shield barrels 19 (the terminal fitting 11 in the lower row of FIG. 6).

[0020] The electric wire 200 is a coaxial cable, and as shown in Fig. 1, has a conductive core wire a, an insulating coating b covering the outer periphery of the core wire a, a conductive shield part c such as a braided wire covering the outer periphery of the coating b, and an insulating sheath d covering the outer periphery of the shield part c. At the terminal part of the electric wire 200, the shield part c is exposed by removing the sheath d, and the core wire a is exposed by removing the coating b.

[0021] S The wire barrel 19 is connected to the shield part c of the electric wire 200 through a three-wire B The sheath barrel 21 is crimped and mechanically connected to the sheath d of the electric wire 200. A protrusion 22 is cut and raised on the upper wall of the front part of the extension part 18.

[0022] Although not shown, the rear part of the inner conductor is crimped and electrically connected to the core wire a of the electric wire 200. The front part of the inner conductor is arranged in the vertical direction inside the cylindrical part 17 together with the front part of the dielectric 83, and is electrically connected to the mating inner conductor of the mating terminal fitting 95 (see FIG. 6) attached to the mating connector 8.

[0023] The connector 10 also includes a general terminal (not shown) that does not have a shielding function and is made entirely of a conductive metal plate. The general terminal is connected to a coated electric wire 250 (see FIG. 1) that does not have a shield portion c, and is connected to a tab (not shown) that is attached to the mating connector 8.

[0024] <Housing> The housing 12 is made of synthetic resin, and as shown in Fig. 6, is L-shaped in side view, has a housing main body 23 at the rear, and has a fitting portion 24 at the front. The height dimension of the housing main body 23 is smaller than the height dimension of the fitting portion 24. As shown in Fig. 9, the width dimension of the housing main body 23 is larger than the width dimension of the fitting portion 24. As shown in FIG. 6, the fitting portion 24 is fitted inside a guide wall 9 formed on the mating connector 8. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a flexible locking arm 25 is formed on the front surface of the fitting portion 24. The locking arm 25 is formed so as to extend downward from the upper end of the fitting portion 24. The locking arm 25 is capable of locking the mating connector 8. A pair of front locking portions 26 are formed on the lower end portions of the left and right outer side surfaces of the fitting portion 24. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the front locking portions 26 is capable of locking a front locked portion 27 of the cover 15.

[0025] Although not shown in detail, a stepped portion 28 (see Figs. 6 and 9) is formed inside the fitting portion 24, which is stepped in a side cross-sectional view. The stepped portion 28 has an upper step surface 29, a middle step surface 31, and a lower step surface 32 that decrease in height from the rear side to the front side. Furthermore, a plurality of terminal insertion holes 33, each having a circular cross section and extending in the vertical direction, are formed inside the fitting portion 24. As shown in Fig. 6, the cylindrical portion 17 of the terminal fitting 11 is inserted into each terminal insertion hole 33 from below.

[0026] The rear terminal insertion holes 33 open to the upper step surface 29 of the staircase portion 28. The front-rear intermediate terminal insertion holes 33 open to the middle step surface 31 of the staircase portion 28. The front terminal insertion holes 33 open to the lower step surface 32 of the staircase portion 28. As shown in Fig. 9, recesses 34 are formed in the rear of each of the upper step surface 29, the middle step surface 31, and the lower step surface 32 of the stepped portion 28 at positions corresponding to the terminal insertion holes 33. A pair of left and right projection receiving portions 35 each having a slit-like opening are formed in a surface that is above the upper step surface 29 and continues to the lower surface of an upper wall 37 described below. As shown in Fig. 6, the projection 22 of the terminal fitting 11 is fitted into the projection receiving portions 35 to be positioned in the housing 12. Note that portions into which the projection 22 is fitted, like the projection receiving portions 35, are also formed in the upper inner member 13 and the lower inner member 14 (see Fig. 6).

[0027] As shown in Figs. 3 and 8, the housing body 23 has a pair of locking walls 36 opposed to each other in the left-right direction, and an upper wall 37 extending between the upper ends of the locking walls 36. The left and right outer side surfaces of each locking wall 36 are arranged along the up-down direction. A cover accommodating portion 38 is formed in the housing body 23 between the locking walls 36 and below the upper wall 37. As shown in Fig. 9, the cover accommodating portion 38 has an upper surface closed by the upper wall 37 and is open below and at the rear. The cover accommodating portion 38 is formed across the housing body 23 and the fitting portion 24, and communicates with each terminal insertion hole 33 of the fitting portion 24 at the front.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 9, each locking wall 36 has a front surface 39, a rear surface 41, a top surface 42, and a side surface 43 which define the rear of the cover accommodating portion 38. The front surface 39 is connected to the inner surfaces of the left and right side wall portions of the fitting portion 24 at a right angle. The rear surface 41 is disposed opposite the front surface 39 at the rear end side of the housing 12. The top surface 42 is connected to the upper ends of the front surface 39 and the rear surface 41, and is disposed flat along the left-right direction as shown in Fig. 3.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the side surface portion 43 has an upper portion 44 disposed on the upper side, a lower portion 45 disposed on the lower side, and a step portion 46 disposed between the upper portion 44 and the lower portion 45 on the left and right inner side surfaces (inner surfaces) of the engaging wall 36. The upper portion 44 and the lower portion 45 are disposed along the up-down direction. The step portion 46 is disposed along the left-right direction. The lower portion 45 is located laterally outboard of the upper portion 44 via the step portion 46.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 5, a lower inner locking portion 47 is formed on the lower portion 45 of the side surface portion 43 of the locking wall 36. As shown in Fig. 5, the lower inner locking portion 47 is claw-shaped, protrudes laterally from the main body portion of the lower portion 45, and is disposed inside the cover accommodating portion 38. A lower step extraction hole 48 resulting from the extraction of a die (not shown) for forming the upper surface of the lower inner locking portion 47 is formed in the locking wall 36 at a position corresponding to the front side of the lower portion 45 (see Fig. 2).

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the locking wall 36 is formed with a locking portion 51 behind the lower inner locking portion 47. The locking portion 51 has a rectangular frame shape and is formed between a pair of front and rear slits 81 formed upward from the lower end of the locking wall 36 so as to be flexible and deformable in the left-right direction. A locking hole 52 having a rectangular cross section is formed penetrating the center of the locking portion 51. An inner end of the locking hole 52 opens to the lower portion 45. As shown in FIG. 3, the locking hole 52 of each locking portion 51 is adapted to be fitted with each of the locked portions 53 of the cover 15, which will be described later.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, an upper inner locking portion 54 is formed on the upper portion 44 of the side surface portion 43 of the locking wall 36. As shown in Fig. 4, the upper inner locking portion 54 is claw-shaped, protrudes laterally from the main body of the upper portion 44, and is disposed inside the cover accommodating portion 38. An upper extraction hole 55 resulting from the extraction of a mold (not shown) for forming the upper surface of the upper inner locking portion 54 is formed in the locking wall 36 at a position corresponding to the front-rear middle side of the upper portion 44.

[0033] The upper surface of the upper wall 37 is formed flat in the front-rear and left-right directions. As shown in Fig. 9, a partition wall 57 is formed protruding from the left-right middle part of the lower surface of the upper wall 37. The partition wall 57 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction from the housing body 23 to the fitting part 24. A pair of left and right terminal accommodating chambers 59 are formed below the upper wall 37 between each side part 43 and the partition wall 57. The lower part of each terminal accommodating chamber 59 is closed by an upper base part 61 of the upper inner member 13, which will be described later, as shown in Fig. 6. In each terminal accommodating chamber 59, an extension part 18 of each upper terminal fitting 11 is arranged.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 8, the housing main body 23 has a pair of overhanging eaves 62 that extend outwardly (laterally) from the upper end. Each overhanging eaves 62 is long in the front-rear direction and is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The upper surface of each overhanging eaves 62 is disposed along the front-rear and left-right directions and is continuous with the upper surface of the upper wall 37 without any step. The overhanging ends (outer ends) on the left and right outer sides of each overhanging eaves 62 constitute the outermost end of the housing 12 in the left-right direction. In other words, each overhanging eaves 62 extends laterally above each locking wall 36 beyond the left and right outer side surfaces of each locking wall 36.

[0035] 8, housing body 23 has a pair of hanging parts 86 that protrude downward from the protruding end side of each eaves portion 62. The left and right sides of hanging part 86 are arranged along the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 2, hanging part 86 has a rectangular plate shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction in side view, and is formed over the entire length of eaves portion 62 in the front-to-rear direction. The downward protruding dimension of hanging part 86 is set to be larger than the lateral protruding dimension of eaves portion 62.

[0036] <Upper inner parts> The upper inner member 13 is made of synthetic resin, and has a flat upper base 61, a pair of upper side walls 63 protruding downward from the left and right outer ends of the upper base 61, and an upper partition wall 64 protruding downward from the left and right center of the upper base 61, as shown in FIG. 6. The upper inner member 13 is assembled inside the housing 12 and disposed between the upper terminal fittings 11 and the middle terminal fittings 11. A pair of left and right terminal accommodating chambers 59 are formed between the upper side walls 63 and the upper partition wall 64 below the upper base 61. The lower side of each terminal accommodating chamber 59 is closed by a lower base 65 of the lower inner member 14, which will be described later, as shown in FIG. 6. The extensions 18 of the middle terminal fittings 11 are accommodated in each terminal accommodating chamber 59.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 11, a rib 66 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the left-right central side of the top surface of the upper base 61. As shown in Fig. 1, the rib 66 of the upper base 61 is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the lower end of the partition wall 57 in the front-rear direction. The front end of the upper base 61 is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with a middle wall surface 67 of the stepped portion 28 on the inside of the fitting portion 24, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 11, an inclined upper guide portion 68 is formed by chamfering the left and right outer ends of the upper surface of each upper side wall 63. Also, an upper inner lock receiving portion 69 is formed below the upper guide portion 68 of each upper side wall 63. Each upper inner lock receiving portion 69 has a rectangular recess shape and is open below the upper side wall 63. As shown in Fig. 4, each upper inner lock receiving portion 69 can be engaged with each upper inner lock portion 54.

[0039] <Lower inner parts> The lower inner member 14 is made of synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 12, has a flat lower base portion 65 and Lower base 65 A pair of lower side walls 71 protruding downward from the left and right outer ends of the Lower base 65and a pair of left and right lower partition walls 72 protruding downward from the left and right center side of the lower inner member 14. As shown in Fig. 6, the lower inner member 14 is assembled inside the housing 12 and disposed between the terminal fittings 11 in the middle row and the terminal fittings 11 in the lower row. As shown in Fig. 12, three terminal accommodating chambers 59 are formed on the left and right sides between the lower side wall 71 and the lower partition wall 72 below the lower base 65 and between adjacent lower partition walls 72. The lower side of each terminal accommodating chamber 59 is closed by a cover wall 73 of the cover 15, which will be described later, as shown in Fig. 6. Each terminal accommodating chamber 59 accommodates the extension portion 18 of each terminal fitting 11 in the lower row and a coated electric wire 250 (see Figs. 1, 3 to 5) connected to a general terminal.

[0040] An upper surface of the lower base 65 is arranged to be in contact with a lower end of the upper partition wall 64 along the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 6, a front end of the lower base 65 is arranged to be in contact with a lower wall surface 74 of the stepped portion 28 on the inner side of the fitting portion 24.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 12, a pair of left and right protrusions 75 are formed to protrude from each lower side wall 71. Each protrusion 75 is in the shape of a square block. An inclined lower guide portion 76 is formed by chamfering the left and right outer ends of the upper surface of each protrusion 75. A lower inner lock receiving portion 77 is formed below the lower guide portion 76 of each protrusion 75. Each lower inner lock receiving portion 77 is in the shape of a square recess and opens downwardly from the lower side wall 71. As shown in Fig. 5, each lower inner lock receiving portion 77 is capable of being engaged with each lower inner lock portion 47.

[0042] <Cover> The cover 15 is made of synthetic resin, and has a flat cover wall 73 as shown in FIG. 13. The thickness (plate thickness) of the cover wall 73 in the vertical direction is thinner than the thicknesses of the upper base 61 and the lower base 65 in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the cover wall 73 is fitted inside the housing body 23 and the fitting part 24 so as to cover the lower openings of the housing body 23 and the fitting part 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower part of the cover accommodating part 38 is closed by the cover wall 73. As shown in FIG. 13, the cover wall 73 has a pair of left and right overhanging pieces 78 on the rear side that overhang laterally more than the front side. Each overhanging piece 78 is disposed in an inner space partitioned by the front part 39 of each locking wall 36 and the rear part 41, the top part 42, and the side part 43 of the cover accommodating part 38 (see FIG. 3; see FIG. 9 for the front part 39 and the rear part 41).

[0043] The cover wall 73 is formed with a pair of left and right side walls 79 protruding upward from the left and right outer ends of each overhanging piece 78. Each side wall 79 is in the form of a plate piece extending in the front-rear and up-down directions, and is disposed inside the housing main body 23, rearward of each protruding portion 75 of the lower inner member 14, and between the locking wall 36 and the lower side wall 71 in the cover accommodating portion 38, as shown in FIG. 3. The gap between the side wall 79 and the locking wall 36 is smaller than the gap between the side wall 79 and the lower side wall 71. A pair of left and right locked portions 53 are formed protruding from the outer surface of each side wall 79. Each locked portion 53 is formed in a claw shape that can be fitted into the locking hole 52 of each locking portion 51. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, a pair of front locked portions 27 are formed protruding upward from the left and right ends of the front side of the cover wall 73. The front locked portions 27 are formed in a rectangular frame shape, Left and right direction 2, the front locked portion 27 has a front locked hole 82 formed in the center thereof into which the front locked portion 26 of the housing 12 can be fitted.

[0044] The cover 15 has an excessive deflection prevention portion 87 that protrudes upward from the covering wall 73. The excessive deflection prevention portion 87 has a pair of legs 88 that rise from both the left and right sides of the front end of the covering wall 73, and a bridge portion 89 that bridges between the upper ends of the legs 88. Each leg 88 is L-shaped in side view and rises upward from the covering wall 73 and then protrudes forward. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, when the cover 15 is attached to the housing 12, the excessive deflection prevention portion 87 covers the lower end side (free end side) of the lock arm 25 from the front and both sides, and plays a role in restricting excessive deflection of the lock arm 25.

[0045] <Method of assembling connector and fitting structure between connector and mating connector> First, we will explain how to assemble the connector 10. Note that the following assembly work for the housing 12 should be performed with the housing 12 facing upside down from when it was installed so that the inside of the housing 12 is open upward.

[0046] Each terminal fitting 11 is connected in advance to an end portion of an electric wire 200. In this state, the cylindrical portion 17 of each upper terminal fitting 11 is inserted into the inside of each rear terminal insertion hole 33 (see FIG. 6). The front side of the extension portion 18 of each upper terminal fitting 11 is fitted into the inside of the recess 34 of the fitting portion 24, and is inserted into the inside of each terminal accommodating chamber 59 of the housing body 23. The projection 22 is fitted into the projection receiving portion 35 of the housing 12, thereby positioning each terminal fitting 11 in the housing 12. The electric wires 200 connected to each upper terminal fitting 11 are pulled out rearward from the housing 12.

[0047] Next, the upper inner member 13 is inserted into the housing 12. During the insertion process of the upper inner member 13, the upper inner locking portion 54 slides against the upper guide portion 68. The front end of the upper base 61 abuts against the upper surface 29, and the upper inner locking portion 54 fits into the inside of the upper inner lock receiving portion 69, thereby holding the upper inner member 13 in the housing 12 (see FIG. 4). The extension portions 18 of the upper terminal fittings 11 are sandwiched between the top wall 37 of the housing body 23 and the upper inner member 13, preventing them from falling out of the terminal accommodating chambers 59 (see FIG. 6).

[0048] Next, the tube portions 17 of the middle-stage terminal fittings 11 are inserted into the terminal insertion holes 33 at the front-rear middle side, and the extension portions 18 of the middle-stage terminal fittings 11 are inserted into the terminal accommodating chambers 59 of the upper inner member 13. Next, the lower inner member 14 is inserted into the housing 12. During the insertion process of the lower inner member 14, the lower inner locking portion 47 slides against the lower guide portion 76. The front end of the lower base portion 65 abuts against the middle-stage surface 31, and the lower inner locking portion 47 is fitted into the lower inner lock receiving portion 77, so that the lower inner member 14 is held in the housing 12 (see FIG. 5). The extension portions 18 of the middle-stage terminal fittings 11 are sandwiched between the upper inner member 13 and the lower inner member 14, and are prevented from falling out of the terminal accommodating chambers 59 (see FIG. 6).

[0049] Similarly, the cylindrical portion 17 of each lower terminal fitting 11 is inserted into the front terminal insertion hole 33, and the extending portion 18 of each lower terminal fitting 11 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 59 of the lower inner member 14. The general terminal is entirely inserted into the general terminal insertion hole 84 (see FIG. 9) adjacent to the terminal insertion hole 33 inside the fitting portion 24. Next, the cover 15 is inserted into the housing 12. The rear portion of the cover 15 is disposed inside the cover accommodating portion 38 of the housing body 23. The side walls 79 of the cover 15 face the inner surfaces of the locking walls 36, and after the locking portions 51 are deflected, the locked portions 53 are fitted into the locking holes 52 of the locking portions 51 and locked. At the same time, the front locking portions 26 are fitted into the front locked holes 82 of the front locked portions 27 and locked. This causes cover 15 to be held by housing 12. Extensions 18 of the lower terminal fittings 11 are sandwiched between lower inner member 14 and cover 15, preventing them from falling out of terminal accommodating chambers 59 (see FIG. 6). With the above, assembly of connector 10 is completed.

[0050] Next, the connector 10 is mated with the mating connector 8. The mating connector 8 is fixed to the circuit board 100 above the roof panel 90, and is arranged so that the mating surface for the connector 10 faces downward and the guide wall 9 penetrates the inside of the opening 91 of the roof panel 90 (see FIG. 2).

[0051] The mating portion 24 of the connector 10 is inserted from below into the inside of the guide wall 9 of the mating connector 8. When the connector 10 and the mating connector 8 are properly mated, the lock arm 25 locks the mating connector 8, and the connector 10 and the mating connector 8 are held in a mated state. Each terminal fitting 11 and general terminal is electrically connected to the corresponding mating terminal fitting 95 and tab inside the mating portion 24.

[0052] When the connector 10 and the mating connector 8 are properly mated, the upper surface of the upper wall 37 of the housing body 23 and the upper surfaces of the eave portions 62 are positioned close to and opposite the lower surface of the roof panel 90, as shown in FIG.

[0053] However, since the roof panel 90 is a metal plate made of iron or the like, an ice layer (ice film) or condensation may occur on the underside of the roof panel 90 in cold regions. If water generated by the ice layer or condensation moves inside the housing 12 and contacts the connection between each terminal fitting 11 and each electric wire 200, electrical reliability will be impaired. However, in the case of the first embodiment, a pair of eaves portions 62 are formed so as to protrude outwardly to the left and right from the upper end of the housing body 23. Furthermore, a hanging portion 86 is formed so as to protrude downward from the protruding end of each eaves portion 62. Therefore, water can freely fall from the upper surface of each eaves portion 62 along the left and right outer side surfaces of the hanging portion 86 without contacting the outer surface of the locking wall 36 of the housing 12. Therefore, water can be prevented from entering the inside of the terminal receiving chamber 59 from the outer surface of the locking wall 36, and electrical reliability between each terminal fitting 11 and each electric wire 200 can be ensured.

[0054] Even if water comes into contact with the outer surface of the locking wall 36, the side wall 79 of the cover 15 is disposed inside the locking wall 36, and the gap between the side wall 79 of the cover 15 and the locking wall 36 is also located inside the cover accommodating portion 38, the upper surface of which is closed by the top surface portion 42, so that water can be prevented from entering the gap. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, water can be more reliably prevented from entering the inside of each terminal accommodating chamber 59. Furthermore, water can be prevented from entering the lower-stage withdrawal hole 48 and the upper-stage withdrawal hole 55.

[0055] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the eaves portion 62 is formed so as to protrude laterally above the locking wall 36 that locks with the cover 15, so that it is possible to prevent water from entering the inside of the terminal accommodating chamber 59 and ensure the waterproofness of the housing 12. Also, the cover 15 is disposed inside the cover accommodating portion 38 of the housing 12, and a structure is formed in which water is unlikely to enter the gap between the locking wall 36 of the housing 12 and the side wall 79 of the cover 15, so that the waterproofness of the housing 12 can be improved.

[0056] Furthermore, because the upper surface of overhanging portion 62 is continuous with the upper surface of upper wall 37 of housing body 23 without any step, it is possible to prevent water from remaining on the upper surface of upper wall 37. Moreover, because hanging portion 86 is formed to protrude downward from overhanging portion 62, the structure makes it even more difficult for water falling from above to enter inside terminal accommodating chamber 59, thereby further improving the waterproofness of housing 12.

[0057] [Another embodiment of the present disclosure] The first embodiment disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the first embodiment, the housing is formed separably from the upper inner member and the lower inner member. However, the housing may be formed integrally with the corresponding portions of the upper inner member and the lower inner member inseparably. In the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the eaves portion is formed so as to protrude outward to the left and right from the upper end of the housing main body. However, it is sufficient that the eaves portion is formed so as to protrude from the upper end of the housing main body in a direction intersecting the up-down direction (lateral direction), and may include, for example, a portion protruding rearward from the upper end of the housing main body. Furthermore, the eaves portion may be formed so as to protrude laterally from the upper end of the housing over the entire circumference. In the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the eaves portion is formed flat along the front-rear and left-right directions. However, the eaves portion may be formed in a curved or inclined shape, for example, the outer surfaces of the left and right outer ends may be inclined downward to encourage water to fall. Also, the hanging part may be inclined. In the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the housing has a hanging portion that protrudes downward from the eaves portion. However, in some cases, the hanging portion may be omitted from the housing. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, a connector disposed below a roof panel is exemplified. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned first embodiment, and can be widely applied to connectors used in environments where water may fall from above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 8…Mating connector 9. Guide wall 10…Connector 11...Terminal fitting 12. Housing 13…Upper inner member 14…Lower inner member 15…Cover 16...Outer conductor 17...Cylinder part 18...Extending part 19…Shield Barrel 21…Sheath barrel 22…projection piece 23…Housing body 24…Fitting part 25…Lock arm 26…Front locking part 27...Front locked part 28...Stairs section 29…Upper level 31...Middle surface 32…Lower surface 33...Terminal insertion hole 34…Recess 35…Projection piece receiving part 36…Retaining wall 37…Upper wall 38…Cover housing section 39…Front part 41...Rear section 42...Top section 43...Side part 44…Upper 45…Lower 46...Double part 47…Lower inner lock section 48…Lower extraction hole 51...Latching part 52...Latching hole 53…Locked part 54…Upper inner lock section 55...Upper extraction hole 57...Bulkhead 59...Terminal chamber 61…Upper base 62...Eaves 63…Upper side wall 64…Upper bulkhead 65…Lower base 66…Rib 67...Middle wall 68…Upper guide section 69…Upper inner lock receiver 71…Lower side wall 72…Lower bulkhead 73…Covering wall 74…Lower wall 75...Protrusion 76…Lower guide part 77…Lower inner lock receiver 78... overhang piece 79…Side wall 81...Slit 82...Front locked hole 83...Dielectric 84...General terminal insertion hole 85…Sleeve 86…Drooping part 87…Excessive deflection prevention section 88...legs 89…Erection part 90…Roof panel 91…Opening 95…Mating terminal fitting 100...Circuit board 200...Electric wire 250…Coated wire a…Core wire b…Covering c…Shield part d…Sheath

Claims

1. a housing body having a terminal receiving chamber and a closed top surface; A terminal fitting accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber; a cover that is engaged with the housing body and covers a bottom opening of the housing body, The housing body has a pair of locking walls, and a cover accommodating portion having a closed top surface is formed between the pair of locking walls of the housing body, the cover is disposed inside the cover accommodating portion and has a side wall that faces an inner surface of the locking wall and is locked to the locking wall; The housing body has an eave portion above the locking wall that protrudes laterally beyond a side surface of the locking wall.

2. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the eave portion is shaped to protrude laterally above an engagement portion between the housing body and the cover.

3. The connector according to claim 2 , wherein an upper surface of the eave portion is continuous with an upper surface of the housing body without any step.

4. The connector according to claim 1 , further comprising a hanging portion that projects downward from a lateral protruding end of the eave portion.

5. A connector provided on a roof panel of a vehicle, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the eave portion is disposed along a lower surface of the roof panel.

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