Covered connectors and wire harnesses

Abstract

To provide a connector with a cover capable of suppressing rattling between a connector housing and the cover.SOLUTION: A connector 30 with a cover includes a connector housing 40 having a cylindrical main body portion 41 in which terminals 31 are housed along a first direction X1, an elastic member 100 attached to the outer periphery of the main body portion 41, and a cover 70 attached to an end portion of the connector housing 40 in a first opposite direction X2. An end face of the elastic member 100 in the first direction X1 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with a mating housing 202 of a mating connector 200 that is fitted to the main body portion 41. The connector housing 40 has a guide rail portion 60 that extends along the first direction X1 and exposes an end face of the elastic member 100 in the first opposite direction X2. The cover 70 is inserted into the guide rail portion 60 along the first direction X1, and has a guide protrusion 80 formed so as to be able to come into contact with the end face of the elastic member 100 in the first opposite direction X2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector with a cover and a wire harness.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector mounted on a vehicle, a connector with a cover including a connector housing and a cover covering an electric wire drawn out from the connector housing is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The cover is assembled to an axial end portion of the connector housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the above-described connector with a cover, a gap may occur between the connector housing and the cover due to a tolerance such as a dimensional tolerance. When such a gap occurs, rattling may occur between the connector housing and the cover.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector with a cover and a wire harness that can suppress rattling between a connector housing and a cover.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The covered connector of the present disclosure comprises a terminal connected to the end of an electric wire, a connector housing having a cylindrical body portion in which the terminal is housed along a first direction, an elastic member attached to the outer circumference of the body portion, and a cover assembled to the end of the connector housing in the opposite direction to the first direction, wherein the elastic member has a first end face in the first direction and a second end face in the opposite direction, the first end face being provided so as to be in contact with the mating housing of a mating connector fitted to the body portion, the connector housing has a guide rail portion extending along the first direction from the end in the opposite direction and exposing the second end face of the elastic member, and the cover has a housing cylinder portion formed to accommodate the electric wire drawn out from the end of the connector housing in the opposite direction, and a guide projection that is inserted into the guide rail portion along the first direction and is formed so as to be in contact with the second end face of the elastic member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The covered connector and wire harness of this disclosure have the effect of suppressing rattling between the connector housing and the cover. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a wire harness of one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic front view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line 4-4 in Figure 3) showing a wire harness of one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line 5-5 in Figure 3) showing a wire harness of one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a portion of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view of line 7-7 in Figure 8) showing a wire harness of one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view of line 8-8 in Figure 3) showing a wire harness of one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line 9-9 in Figure 8) showing a wire harness of one embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line 10-10 in Figure 9) showing a wire harness of one embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a cover of one embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic plan view showing a cover of one embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic side view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic front view showing a cover of one embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic side view showing a modified wire harness. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The covered connector of the present disclosure comprises a terminal connected to the end of a wire, a connector housing having a cylindrical body portion in which the terminal is housed along a first direction, an elastic member attached to the outer circumference of the body portion, and a cover assembled to the end of the connector housing in a first opposite direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the elastic member has a first end face facing the first direction and a second end face facing the first opposite direction, the first end face being provided so as to be in contact with the mating housing of a mating connector fitted to the body portion, the connector housing has a guide rail portion extending along the first direction from the end in the first opposite direction and exposing the second end face of the elastic member, and the cover has a housing cylinder portion formed so as to be able to accommodate the wire drawn out from the end in the first opposite direction of the connector housing, and a guide projection that is inserted into the guide rail portion along the first direction and is formed so as to be in contact with the second end face of the elastic member.

[0010] In this configuration, a cover is assembled to the end of the connector housing from which the electric wire is drawn out in the first opposite direction. At this time, a guide projection provided on the cover is inserted into the guide rail portion of the connector housing along the first direction and contacts the second end face of the elastic member exposed from the guide rail portion. When the mating housing of the mating connector is fitted into the main body portion of the connector housing, the mating housing contacts the first end face of the elastic member. As a result, the elastic member is sandwiched between the guide projection of the cover and the mating housing in the first direction. The elastic member is elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the first direction by these guide projections and the mating housing. With such an elastic member, tolerances in the first direction of the connector housing and cover can be suitably absorbed. As a result, rattle between the connector housing and the cover in the first direction can be suitably suppressed.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the guide projection has a tip surface provided so as to be able to contact the second end surface of the elastic member, and a projection that protrudes from the tip surface in the first direction, The protruding portion may be provided so as to cover a third end surface of the elastic member that faces outward in the radial direction of the main body portion with the elastic member sandwiched therebetween and the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion.

[0012] According to this configuration, the elastic member is sandwiched between the protruding portion of the cover and the main body portion in the radial direction of the main body portion. The elastic member is elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the radial direction by the protruding portion and the main body portion. Such an elastic member can preferably absorb the radial dimensional tolerances of the connector housing and the cover. As a result, rattling between the connector housing and the cover in the radial direction of the main body portion can be preferably suppressed.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], the protruding portion may be provided so as to protrude in the first direction from the first end surface of the elastic member and to cover the outer peripheral surface of the mating housing in a manner of sandwiching the mating housing between the protruding portion and the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion.

[0014] According to this configuration, when the mating housing is fitted to the main body portion, the mating housing is sandwiched between the protruding portion of the cover and the main body portion in the radial direction of the main body portion. Thereby, rattling between the connector housing and the mating housing in the radial direction of the main body portion can be preferably suppressed.

[0015] [4] In any one of the above [1] to [3], the connector housing has two first side walls formed integrally with the main body portion, the two first side walls face each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, each of the two first side walls protrudes in a third direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion, the guide rail portion has a first groove provided in the first side wall and extending along the first direction, the guide protrusion has a first insertion portion inserted into the first groove along the first direction, and the first insertion portion may be sandwiched between an inner surface of the first groove in the third direction and an inner surface of the first groove in a third opposite direction, which is opposite to the third direction.

[0016] With this configuration, when the first insertion portion of the guide projection is inserted into the first groove of the guide rail portion, the first insertion portion is sandwiched between the inner surface of the first groove in the third direction and the inner surface of the first groove in the third opposite direction. In other words, the first insertion portion is sandwiched from both the third direction and the third opposite direction by the inner surface of the first groove. Therefore, the first insertion portion can be suitably supported from both the third direction and the third opposite direction by the inner surface of the first groove. This effectively suppresses rattling between the connector housing and the cover in the third direction.

[0017] [5] In the above [4], the guide rail portion may have a first rib that protrudes from the inner surface of the first groove in the third direction toward the third direction and is provided so as to be able to contact the first insertion portion, and a second rib that protrudes from the inner surface of the first groove in the opposite third direction toward the opposite third direction and is provided so as to be able to contact the first insertion portion.

[0018] With this configuration, the first and second ribs provided on the inner surface of the first groove can reduce the gap between the first insertion portion and the inner surface of the first groove in the third direction. This allows for more effective suppression of rattling between the connector housing and the cover in the third direction.

[0019] [6] In the above [4] or [5], the guide rail portion has a second groove that communicates with the first groove and is formed to expose a part of the second end face of the elastic member, and the guide projection is inserted into the second groove along the first direction and has a second insertion portion formed integrally with the first insertion portion, and the second insertion portion may have a tip surface provided so as to be able to contact the second end face of the elastic member exposed from the second groove.

[0020] With this configuration, the insertion of the first insertion portion into the first groove effectively suppresses rattling between the connector housing and the cover in the third direction. Furthermore, the tip surface of the second insertion portion, which is integrally formed with the first insertion portion, contacts the second end surface of the elastic member exposed from the second groove, thereby effectively suppressing rattling between the connector housing and the cover in the first direction.

[0021] [7] In the above [6], the guide projection has a first projection that is formed integrally with the housing cylinder and extends in the first direction, a second projection that has a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion and extends in the first direction, and a connecting portion that connects the first opposite end of the first projection and the first opposite end of the second projection, and the first projection and the second projection may be provided so as to sandwich the first side wall from both sides in the second direction and the second opposite direction which is the direction opposite to the second direction.

[0022] In this configuration, the first side wall constituting the guide rail section is sandwiched between the first and second projections from both the second direction and the second opposite direction. Therefore, the first side wall can be suitably supported from both the second direction and the second opposite direction by the first and second projections. This effectively suppresses rattling between the connector housing and the cover in the second direction.

[0023] [8] In the above [7], the guide projection may have a third rib that protrudes toward the second projection from the inner surface of the first projection facing the second projection and is provided so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the first side wall.

[0024] With this configuration, the third rib provided on the inner surface of the first projection reduces the gap between the first side wall and the first and second projections in the second direction. This allows for more effective suppression of rattling between the connector housing and the cover in the second direction.

[0025] [9] In any of the above [4] to [8], the elastic member is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer circumference of the main body over its entire circumference, the guide rail portion is provided in the third direction from the main body, the connector housing is provided in the opposite third direction from the main body and has an insertion hole formed to expose a part of the second end face of the elastic member, the cover protrudes in the first direction from the housing cylinder portion and has an insertion projection that is inserted into the insertion hole along the first direction, and the insertion projection may be provided so as to be able to contact the second end face of the elastic member exposed from the insertion hole.

[0026] In this configuration, an insertion projection provided on the cover contacts the second end face of an elastic member exposed from an insertion hole located in a third direction opposite to the main body. Similarly, a guide projection provided on the cover contacts the second end face of an elastic member exposed from a guide rail located in a third direction opposite to the main body. This allows the guide projection and the insertion projection to contact the second end face of the cylindrical elastic member at a position third from the main body and a position third opposite to the main body, respectively. As a result, the cover can be stably contacted with the second end face of the cylindrical elastic member.

[0027]

[10] In any of the above [1] to [9], the housing cylinder is formed in a half-cylindrical shape having a bottom wall and two second side walls provided on both side edges of the bottom wall, the two second side walls facing each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each of the two second side walls protruding from the bottom wall in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions, the end face of the second side wall in the third direction having an inclined surface, the inclined surface may be formed to be inclined so as to approach the bottom wall from the end of the inclined surface in the first direction toward the end of the inclined surface in the first opposite direction.

[0028] In this configuration, an inclined surface is provided on the end face in the third direction of the second side wall of the halved cylindrical housing section. That is, the second side wall is formed such that the amount of protrusion from the bottom wall, i.e., the height dimension of the bottom wall, decreases from the end in the first direction of the inclined surface toward the end in the first opposite direction of the inclined surface. In other words, the second side wall has various height dimensions. Therefore, even if the size and number of electric wires housed in the housing section are changed in various ways, a portion of the electric wires can be suitably exposed from the second side wall. This allows for suitably wrapping a fixing member such as adhesive tape around the electric wires and the housing section while keeping the fixing member in contact with the outer surface of the electric wires. As a result, the housing section can be suitably fixed to the outer circumference of the electric wires by the fixing member.

[0029]

[11] The wire harness of the present disclosure comprises a covered connector as described in any of [1] to

[10] above, and the wire to which the terminal is connected. This configuration provides the same effect as the covered connector described in [1] above.

[0030] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the covered connectors and wire harnesses of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for the sake of explanation. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel" and "orthogonal" include not only cases where they are strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also cases where they are roughly parallel or orthogonal within the range that produces the effects of this embodiment. As used in this specification, "cylindrical" includes not only those in which a circumferential wall is formed continuously around the entire circumference, but also those formed by combining multiple parts to form a cylinder, or those having a notch or the like in the circumferential direction, such as a C-shape. The outer circumferential shape of "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with pointed or rounded corners. "Cylindrical" is a shape that has a through hole in a plan view, and includes those in which the outer circumferential shape and the inner circumferential shape of the through hole are the same, or those in which the outer circumferential shape and the inner circumferential shape of the through hole are different. "Cylindrical" includes objects having a predetermined length extending along the axial direction through which a central axis passing through the center of a through-hole extends, regardless of the magnitude of that length. "Flattened" in this specification includes rectangular, oval, and elliptical shapes. "Opposite" in this specification means that faces or members are in a position facing each other, and includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, "opposite" in this specification includes both cases where another member is interposed between the two parts, and cases where nothing is interposed between the two parts. In addition, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in this specification are used merely to distinguish objects and do not rank them. The present invention is not limited to these examples and is shown in the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0031] (Overall configuration of wire harness 11) As shown in Figure 1, the wire harness 11 has one or more (three in this embodiment) electric wires 20 and a covered connector 30 attached to the ends of the electric wires 20. The wire harness 11 is installed in a vehicle such as a hybrid car or an electric car. The wire harness 11 electrically connects vehicle electrical equipment such as a high-voltage battery, an inverter, and a motor for wheel drive. The covered connector 30 is connected to one electrical device, for example. The covered connector 30 is electrically connected to a mating connector 200. The mating connector 200 is installed on a mounting target such as the case of an electrical device. The mating connector 200 includes, for example, a plurality (three in this embodiment) of metal mating terminals 201 (see Figure 4) and a mating housing 202 that holds the mating terminals 201. The covered connector 30 and the mating connector 200 are assembled together along a first direction X1. When the covered connector 30 is properly mated with the mating connector 200, the metal terminal 31 of the covered connector 30 (see Figure 4) and the mating terminal 201 of the mating connector 200 (see Figure 4) are electrically connected to each other. Note that the vertical and horizontal directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the orientation of the covered connector 30 and the mating connector 200 inside the vehicle when in use.

[0032] In the following description, when explaining the positional relationships of each component of the covered connector 30, the direction opposite to the first direction X1 will be referred to as the first opposite direction X2. Also, the direction perpendicular to the first direction X1 that points to the right in Figure 1 will be referred to as the second direction Y1, and the direction opposite to the second direction Y1 will be referred to as the second opposite direction Y2. The direction perpendicular to both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1 that points upward in Figure 1 will be referred to as the third direction Z1, and the direction opposite to the third direction Z1 will be referred to as the third opposite direction Z2.

[0033] (Overall configuration of the covered connector 30) As shown in Figure 2, the covered connector 30 comprises a plurality of terminals 31 connected to the ends of a plurality of electric wires 20, and a connector housing 40 having a cylindrical main body 41 in which the plurality of terminals 31 are housed along a first direction X1. The covered connector 30 comprises an elastic member 100 attached to the outer circumference of the main body 41 and a cover 70 assembled to the connector housing 40. The covered connector 30 also includes, for example, a sealing member 110 attached to the outer circumference of the main body 41 and a retainer 120 that prevents the sealing member 110 from coming off.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the elastic member 100 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the main body 41 around its entire circumference. The sealing member 110 is also formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the main body 41 around its entire circumference. Note that the retainer 120 is not shown in Figure 3.

[0035] (Configuration of the 20 electric wires) As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each electric wire 20 has a conductive core wire 21 and an insulating coating 22 that surrounds the outer circumference of the core wire 21 and provides insulation.

[0036] As the core wire 21, for example, a stranded wire made by twisting together multiple metal strands or a single-core wire consisting of a single conductor can be used. As the material of the core wire 21, for example, copper-based or aluminum-based metal materials can be used.

[0037] The insulating coating 22 covers the outer surface of the core wire 21 around its entire circumference. The insulating coating 22 is made of, for example, an insulating resin material. The axial end of the core wire 21 is exposed from the insulating coating 22. A terminal 31 is connected to the end of the core wire 21 that is exposed from the insulating coating 22.

[0038] A sealing member 23 is attached to the outer circumference of the axial end of each electric wire 20. The sealing member 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape that continuously covers the outer circumference of the electric wire 20 over its entire circumference. The sealing member 23 is attached to the outer circumference of the insulating coating 22, for example. The sealing member 23 seals the space between the outer surface of the electric wire 20 and the inner surface of the main body 41 of the connector housing 40. The sealing member 23 is made of rubber, for example.

[0039] (Configuration of terminal 31) The three terminals 31 are electrically connected to each of the three wires 20. Each terminal 31 has, for example, a wire connection portion 32 that connects to the end of the wire 20 and a terminal connection portion 33 that connects to the mating terminal 201. Each terminal 31 is formed such that, for example, the wire connection portion 32 and the terminal connection portion 33 are connected in a first direction X1. Each terminal 31 is made of, for example, metal. As the material for each terminal 31, for example, a metal material such as copper or a copper alloy can be used.

[0040] The wire connection part 32 is connected to the end of the core wire 21 that is exposed from the insulating coating 22. The wire connection part 32 is connected to the core wire 21 by, for example, crimping or ultrasonic welding. In this way, the wire connection part 32 and the core wire 21 are electrically and mechanically connected.

[0041] The terminal connector 33 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape overall. The cylindrical terminal connector 33 opens, for example, in a first direction X1. The mating terminal 201 is inserted into the cylindrical terminal connector 33, for example, along a first opposite direction X2. The terminal connector 33 is electrically and mechanically connected to the mating terminal 201.

[0042] (Configuration of connector housing 40) As shown in Figure 2, the connector housing 40 has a main body portion 41, a hood portion 43 that surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion 41, and a guide portion 50. The connector housing 40 is a single component in which the main body portion 41, the hood portion 43, and the guide portion 50 are continuously and integrally formed. The connector housing 40 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the main body 41 has three through holes 42 into which, for example, three terminals 31 (see Figure 2) are individually inserted. The main body 41 is formed as a whole in a cylindrical shape by having, for example, the through holes 42. The three through holes 42 are arranged side by side along, for example, a second direction Y1. As shown in Figure 4, each through hole 42 penetrates the main body 41 in a first direction X1. A terminal 31 and the end of the electric wire 20 connected to that terminal 31 are inserted into each through hole 42. The terminal 31 and the electric wire 20 are inserted into each through hole 42 along the first direction X1. A mating terminal 201 is inserted into each through hole 42 along the first opposite direction X2.

[0044] The main body portion 41 extends along a first direction X1. The end of the main body portion 41 in the first direction X1 protrudes in the first direction X1 more than, for example, the end face of the hood portion 43 in the first direction X1. As shown in Figure 3, the outer periphery of the main body 41 is formed in a flattened shape when viewed from the first direction X1. In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the main body 41 is formed in a rounded rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction X1.

[0045] The hood portion 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion 41. The hood portion 43 surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion 41 over its entire circumference. The inner circumferential surface of the hood portion 43 is provided separately from the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 41. That is, the inner circumferential surface of the hood portion 43 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 41 with a gap 44 between them. The gap 44 is formed continuously over the entire circumference of the hood portion 43. The inner circumferential shape of the hood portion 43 is formed to follow the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 41. The inner circumferential shape of the hood portion 43 is formed to follow the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the mating housing 202 of the mating connector 200. In this embodiment, the planar shape of the hood portion 43 as viewed from the first direction X1 is formed as a rounded rectangle.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the hood portion 43 surrounds, for example, the outer circumference of the axial intermediate portion of the main body portion 41. The hood portion 43 opens, for example, in a first direction X1. The hood portion 43 has, for example, a bottom wall 45 that closes the opening in the first opposite direction X2 of the hood portion 43. That is, the hood portion 43 in this embodiment is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with a bottom wall 45.

[0047] For example, when the mating connector 200 is connected to the covered connector 30, the mating housing 202 of the mating connector 200 is fitted to the outside of the main body 41. At this time, the end of the mating housing 202 in the first opposite direction X2 is inserted into the gap 44. That is, the end of the mating housing 202 in the first opposite direction X2 is positioned between the outer circumferential surface of the main body 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the hood 43.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the guide portion 50 is provided, for example, on a part of the circumferential direction of the hood portion 43. The guide portion 50 is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the hood portion 43, for example. In this embodiment, the guide portion 50 is provided in a third direction Z1 from the main body portion 41.

[0049] The guide section 50 has, for example, two side walls 51 that protrude in a third direction Z1 from the main body section 41 and the hood section 43, and a connecting wall 52 that connects the ends of the two side walls 51 in the third direction Z1. The guide section 50 has, for example, a wall section 53 provided in the space enclosed by the two side walls 51 and the connecting wall 52. The two side walls 51 face each other in a second direction Y1. The two side walls 51 are provided so as to sandwich the wall section 53 from both sides in the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2. Each of the two side walls 51 is provided away from the wall section 53 in the second direction Y1.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, each side wall 51 is formed integrally with the main body 41. Each side wall 51 extends along a first direction X1. Each side wall 51 protrudes, for example, in a first opposite direction X2 beyond the end face of the main body 41 in a first opposite direction X2. Each side wall 51 protrudes, for example, in a first opposite direction X2 beyond the end face of the connecting wall 52 in a first opposite direction X2.

[0051] The connecting wall 52 extends in the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. The connecting wall 52 is provided, for example, to cover a portion of the wall portion 53. The connecting wall 52 is provided, for example, at a distance from the wall portion 53 in the third direction Z1.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, the wall portion 53 is formed, for example, in a rectangular tubular shape overall. The wall portion 53 is located in the third direction Z1, beyond the outer surface of the main body portion 41 in the third direction Z1. The wall portion 53 is located, for example, away from the main body portion 41 in the third direction Z1. The wall portion 53 is supported, for example, by two support columns 54 extending in the third direction Z1 from the outer surface of the main body portion 41 in the third direction Z1. The two support columns 54 are located side by side along the second direction Y1.

[0053] Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the guide portion 50, including the wall portion 53, has a structure to which a connector position assurance (CPA) member (not shown) can be assembled. For example, when the cover 70 is not assembled to the connector housing 40, a connector position assurance member can be assembled to the guide portion 50, including the wall portion 53. In other words, the guide portion 50 of this embodiment is formed to be compatible with both the cover 70 and the connector position assurance member. The connector position assurance member is a member that guarantees the mating state between the connector housing 40 and the mating housing 202 (see Figure 4).

[0054] The guide section 50 has, for example, two guide rail sections 60. The two guide rail sections 60 are provided, for example, spaced apart from each other along the second direction Y1. The two guide rail sections 60 are provided, for example, corresponding to the two side walls 51. Each guide rail section 60 is formed so that the guide projection 80 of the cover 70 can be inserted, for example, along the first direction X1. Each guide rail section 60 is formed in a groove shape such that its planar shape, as viewed from the first direction X1, is an inverted L shape. The two guide rail sections 60 are formed in a similar shape to each other, specifically in a line-symmetrical shape. Therefore, in the following description, we will focus only on the guide rail section 60 provided on the second direction Y1 side in the figure.

[0055] The guide rail section 60 has a first groove 61 provided in the side wall 51 and a second groove 62 provided between the side wall 51 and the wall section 53. The first groove 61 is formed, for example, so as to be recessed from the inner surface of the side wall 51, that is, from the end face of the side wall 51 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the radially outward direction of the guide section 50, in this case toward the second direction Y1. The first groove 61 opens toward the radially inward direction of the guide section 50, in this case toward the second opposite direction Y2. The first groove 61 is provided, for example, in the middle part of the side wall 51 in the third direction Z1.

[0056] The second groove 62 is formed by the gap between the side wall 51 and the wall portion 53. The second groove 62 is formed to communicate directly with the first groove 61. The second groove 62 extends along the third direction Z1. The second groove 62 extends, for example, further in the third opposite direction Z2 than the first groove 61. The second groove 62 extends, for example, further in the third opposite direction Z2 than the end face of the wall portion 53 in the third opposite direction Z2. As shown in Figure 4, the second groove 62 is formed to expose the end face of the elastic member 100 attached to the outer circumference of the main body portion 41 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0057] As shown in Figure 8, each of the first groove 61 and the second groove 62 extends, for example, from the end of the connector housing 40 in the first opposite direction X2 along the first direction X1. Each of the first groove 61 and the second groove 62 extends, for example, along the entire length of the side wall 51. Each of the first groove 61 and the second groove 62 is formed to penetrate the guide portion 50 in the first direction X1, for example. Each of the first groove 61 and the second groove 62 opens in the first direction X1 and also opens in the first opposite direction X2.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the guide rail portion 60 includes, for example, a first rib 63 provided on the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third direction Z1, and a second rib 64 provided on the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third opposite direction Z2. Each of the first rib 63 and the second rib 64 is, for example, a play-reducing rib.

[0059] The first rib 63, for example, protrudes from the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third direction Z1 toward the third direction Z1. The first rib 63 extends, for example, along the first direction X1. The second rib 64, for example, protrudes from the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the third opposite direction Z2. The second rib 64 extends, for example, along the first direction X1. The second rib 64 is provided, for example, in the second direction Y1 at a position offset from the first rib 63.

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, the guide rail portion 60 has, for example, a guide projection 65. The guide projection 65 protrudes, for example, from the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the second opposite direction Y2. The guide projection 65 is provided, for example, at the end of the first groove 61 in the first opposite direction X2 that faces the wall portion 53. The end face of the guide projection 65 in the first opposite direction X2 is formed as an inclined surface 66 that slopes toward the first direction X1 as it approaches the wall portion 53 from the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the second opposite direction Y2. The inclined surface 66 is formed to guide the guide projection 80 of the cover 70 toward the first direction X1 of the guide rail portion 60.

[0061] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the connector housing 40 has one or more (two in this embodiment) insertion holes 46 into which, for example, the insertion projection 90 of the cover 70 is inserted. As shown in Figure 9, the two insertion holes 46 are arranged side by side, for example, along a second direction Y1. Each insertion hole 46 is located, for example, in a third opposite direction Z2 from the main body 41. As shown in Figure 10, each insertion hole 46 extends along a first direction X1. Each insertion hole 46 is formed to penetrate the bottom wall 45 of the hood 43 in the first direction X1. Each insertion hole 46 is formed to expose a portion of the end face in a first opposite direction X2 of the elastic member 100 attached to the outer circumference of the main body 41.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, the connector housing 40 has a plurality (in this case, two) of engaging portions 47. The two engaging portions 47 are provided one on the outer surface of the main body portion 41 in the second direction Y1 and one on the outer surface of the main body portion 41 in the second opposite direction Y2. The two engaging portions 47 project outwards from each other in the second direction Y1, for example. Each engaging portion 47 has two engaging projections that project radially outward from the outer surface of the main body portion 41.

[0063] (Structure of the elastic member 100) As shown in Figure 5, the elastic member 100 is provided in the gap 44 between the main body portion 41 and the hood portion 43, and is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 41. The elastic member 100 surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion 41 in the circumferential direction. The elastic member 100 is configured to be elastically deformable. As the material of the elastic member 100, for example, an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer can be used. In this embodiment, the elastic member 100 is made of rubber.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, the elastic member 100 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a continuous peripheral wall along its entire circumference. The inner circumferential shape of the elastic member 100 corresponds to the outer circumferential shape of the main body portion 41. The outer circumferential shape of the elastic member 100 corresponds to the inner circumferential shape of the hood portion 43. The elastic member 100 is formed, for example, in a rectangular cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the inner and outer circumferential shapes of the elastic member 100 are formed in a rounded rectangular shape.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, the elastic member 100 has an end face (first end face) facing a first direction X1 and an end face (second end face) facing a first opposite direction X2. The elastic member 100 also has an end face (third end face) facing radially outward from the main body 41. The end face of the elastic member 100 facing the first opposite direction X2 is provided so as to be able to contact, for example, the end face of the bottom wall 45 of the hood 43 facing the first direction X1. The end face of the elastic member 100 facing the first direction X1 is provided so as to be able to contact, for example, the end face of the mating housing 202 facing the first opposite direction X2. The outer circumference of the elastic member 100 is, for example, larger than the outer circumference of the sealing member 110. The end face of the elastic member 100 facing the first direction X1 is formed so as to be exposed from the sealing member 110 in a plan view from the first direction X1.

[0066] (Configuration of sealing member 110) The sealing member 110 is provided in the gap 44 between the main body portion 41 and the hood portion 43, and is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 41. The sealing member 110 surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion 41 over its entire circumference. The sealing member 110 is provided in the first direction X1 from the elastic member 100. The sealing member 110 seals the space between the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the mating housing 202. The sealing member 110 is configured to be elastically deformable. As the material of the sealing member 110, for example, an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer can be used. In this embodiment, the sealing member 110 is made of rubber.

[0067] As shown in Figure 2, the sealing member 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a continuous circumferential wall along its entire circumference. The inner circumferential shape of the sealing member 110 corresponds to the outer circumferential shape of the main body 41. The outer circumferential shape of the sealing member 110 corresponds to the inner circumferential shape of the mating housing 202 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, the sealing member 110 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape with its inner and outer circumferential shapes being rounded rectangles.

[0068] (Configuration of Retainer 120) As shown in Figure 4, the retainer 120 is attached to the outer circumference of the main body 41. The retainer 120 is attached to the end of the main body 41 in the first direction X1. The end face of the retainer 120 in the first opposite direction X2 is provided to be in contact with the end face of the sealing member 110 in the first direction X1. The retainer 120 prevents the sealing member 110 from coming off the main body 41.

[0069] (Composition of cover 70) As shown in Figure 1, the cover 70 is assembled to the first opposite end X2 of the connector housing 40. The cover 70 is configured to be detachably attached to, for example, the connector housing 40. The cover 70 is formed to accommodate the wires 20 drawn out from the first opposite end X2 of the connector housing 40. The cover 70 is provided, for example, to restrict the path of the wires 20 drawn out from the connector housing 40. The cover 70 is a separate component from the connector housing 40. The cover 70 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The material of the cover 70 may be the same as the material of the connector housing 40, or it may be a different material from the material of the connector housing 40.

[0070] As shown in Figure 11, the cover 70 has a housing cylinder portion 71 for housing the electric wire 20 (see Figure 1), a guide projection 80, an insertion projection 90, and an engaging portion 95. The cover 70 is, for example, a single component in which the housing cylinder portion 71, the guide projection 80, the insertion projection 90, and the engaging portion 95 are continuously and integrally formed.

[0071] The housing cylinder portion 71 is formed in a half-cylindrical shape as a whole. The cross-sectional shape of the housing cylinder portion 71 is, for example, formed in a U-shape as a whole. The housing cylinder portion 71 is formed in a shape that extends linearly in one direction, for example.

[0072] The housing cylinder portion 71 has a bottom wall 72 and two side walls 73 projecting from both side edges of the bottom wall 72 toward a third direction Z1. The bottom wall 72 extends linearly, for example, along a first direction X1. The bottom wall 72 is formed in a plate shape. The bottom wall 72 has thickness in the third direction Z1 and is formed to widen in the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. The bottom wall 72 is formed such that, for example, its length along the second direction Y1 decreases as it moves from the end in the first direction X1 toward the end in the first opposite direction X2.

[0073] Each side wall 73 is formed integrally with the bottom wall 72. Each side wall 73 protrudes, for example, from each of the edges of the bottom wall 72 in the width direction (here, the second direction Y1) toward the third direction Z1. Each side wall 73 is formed in a plate shape. Each side wall 73 has thickness in the second direction Y1 and is formed to widen in the first direction X1 and the third direction Z1.

[0074] As shown in Figure 12, each side wall 73 extends along the length of the bottom wall 72, along its entire length. The two side walls 73 face each other in the width direction of the bottom wall 72, in this case in the second direction Y1. The distance between the two side walls 73 is formed to decrease from the end of the housing cylinder 71 in the first direction X1 to the end in the first opposite direction X2.

[0075] Here, the housing cylinder portion 71 has, for example, a region R1 provided at the end in the first direction X1, a region R2 provided adjacent to region R1, a region R3 provided adjacent to region R2, and a region R4 provided adjacent to region R3. Region R4 is provided at the end of the housing cylinder portion 71 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0076] The distance between the two side walls 73 in region R1 is set to be the longest among regions R1, R2, R3, and R4. The distance between the two side walls 73 in region R1 is set to be a constant length along the entire length of region R1. The distance between the two side walls 73 in region R2 is formed to decrease as you move from the end connected to region R1 to the end connected to region R3. The two side walls 73 in region R2 are formed to be inclined so that they approach each other at a constant first inclination angle as you move from the end connected to region R1 to the end connected to region R3, for example, in a plan view from a third direction Z1. The distance between the two side walls 73 in region R3 is formed to decrease as you move from the end connected to region R2 to the end connected to region R4. The two side walls 73 in region R3 are formed to be inclined so that they approach each other at a constant second inclination angle as you move from the end connected to region R2 to the end connected to region R4, for example, in a plan view from a third direction Z1. Here, the second inclination angle is different from the first inclination angle. The distance between the two side walls 73 in region R4 is set to be the shortest among regions R1, R2, R3, and R4. The distance between the two side walls 73 in region R4 is set to a constant length along the entire length of region R4.

[0077] As shown in Figure 13, the height dimension of each side wall 73, that is, the dimension of each side wall 73 along the third direction Z1, is formed to decrease from the end of the housing cylinder 71 in the first direction X1 to the end in the first opposite direction X2. The end face of each side wall 73 in the third direction Z1 in region R3 has an inclined surface 74. The inclined surface 74 is formed to be inclined so as it approaches the bottom wall 72 from the end of the inclined surface 74 in the first direction X1 to the end of the inclined surface 74 in the first opposite direction X2. In a plan view from the second direction Y1, each side wall 73 in region R3 is formed to decrease in height dimension from the end of the inclined surface 74 in the first direction X1 to the end of the inclined surface 74 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0078] The housing cylinder portion 71 has an engaging projection 75 that protrudes from the outer surface of the end of the housing cylinder portion 71 in the first opposite direction X2. The engaging projection 75 protrudes radially outward from the housing cylinder portion 71 from the outer surface of the bottom wall 72 and the outer surface of the side wall 73 at the end in the first opposite direction X2.

[0079] As shown in Figure 11, the cover 70 of this embodiment has two guide protrusions 80. Each guide protrusion 80 is provided at the end of the housing cylinder portion 71 in the first direction X1. Each guide protrusion 80 is provided on the end face of each side wall 73 in the third direction Z1 at the end of the housing cylinder portion 71 in the first direction X1. Each guide protrusion 80 protrudes, for example, from the end face of the side wall 73 in the third direction Z1 toward the third direction Z1. Each guide protrusion 80 protrudes, for example, from the end face of the housing cylinder portion 71 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. As shown in Figure 12, each guide protrusion 80 protrudes radially inward of the housing cylinder portion 71 toward the inner surface of each side wall 73. The two guide protrusions 80 are formed to have similar shapes, specifically, symmetrical shapes. Therefore, in the following description, we will focus only on the guide protrusion 80 provided on the second direction Y1 side in the figure.

[0080] The guide projection 80 includes, for example, a first projection 81 extending along a first direction X1, a second projection 82 extending along the first direction X1, and a connecting portion 83 that connects the end of the first projection 81 in the first opposite direction X2 to the end of the second projection 82 in the first opposite direction X2. The planar shape of the guide projection 80, as viewed from a third direction Z1, is formed in an overall U-shape.

[0081] As shown in Figure 14, the first projection 81 protrudes, for example, from the end face of the side wall 73 in the third direction Z1 toward the third direction Z1. The first projection 81 is provided in the thickness direction of the side wall 73, in this case in part of the second direction Y1. As shown in Figure 12, the first projection 81 is provided on the end face of the side wall 73 in the third direction Z1 in region R1. The first projection 81 extends from the end of region R1 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. The first projection 81 protrudes toward the first direction X1 more than the end face of the side wall 73 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. The end of the first projection 81 in the first opposite direction X2 is connected to the connecting portion 83.

[0082] The connecting portion 83 extends, for example, from the end face of the first projection 81 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the second opposite direction Y2. The connecting portion 83 protrudes further in the second opposite direction Y2 than the end face of the side wall 73 in the second opposite direction Y2. The end of the connecting portion 83 in the second opposite direction Y2 is connected to the end of the second projection 82 in the first opposite direction X2. The connecting portion 83 is connected, for example, to the end face of the second projection 82 in the second direction Y1.

[0083] The second projection 82 extends from the connecting portion 83 along the first direction X1. The second projection 82 protrudes further toward the first direction X1 than the end face of the side wall 73 in the first direction X1. The second projection 82 protrudes further toward the first direction X1 than the end face of the first projection 81 in the first direction X1. In other words, the length dimension of the second projection 82 along the first direction X1 is greater than the length dimension of the first projection 81 along the first direction X1. The second projection 82 protrudes further toward the first direction X1 than the end face of the insertion projection 90 in the first direction X1. As shown in Figure 8, the second projection 82 is formed to be insertable into the guide rail portion 60 along the first direction X1.

[0084] As shown in Figure 14, the second projection 82 is located radially inward of the housing cylinder portion 71 from the end face of the side wall 73 in the second opposite direction Y2. The second projection 82 is located away from the side wall 73 in the second direction Y1. The planar shape of the second projection 82, as viewed from the first direction X1, is formed as an inverted L shape. As shown in Figure 7, the second projection 82 has a first insertion portion 84 formed to be insertable into the first groove 61 of the guide rail portion 60, and a second insertion portion 85 formed to be insertable into the second groove 62 of the guide rail portion 60.

[0085] The first insertion portion 84 protrudes in the second direction Y1 from the end of the second insertion portion 85 in the third direction Z1. The first insertion portion 84 is formed to a size that allows it to be inserted into the first groove 61. When the first insertion portion 84 is inserted into the first groove 61, for example, it is sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the first groove 61 from both sides in the third direction Z1 and the third opposite direction Z2. Specifically, in the third direction Z1, the first insertion portion 84 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third direction Z1 and the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third opposite direction Z2. The end face of the first insertion portion 84 in the third opposite direction Z2 is in contact with, for example, the first rib 63 provided on the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third direction Z1. The end face of the first insertion portion 84 in the third direction Z1 is in contact with the second rib 64 provided on the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third opposite direction Z2.

[0086] The second insertion portion 85 protrudes from the first insertion portion 84 toward the third opposite direction Z2. The second insertion portion 85 is sized to be insertable into the second groove 62. When inserted into the second groove 62, the second insertion portion 85 is sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the second groove 62 from both sides in the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2. As shown in Figure 4, the second insertion portion 85 extends along the first direction X1. The end face of the second insertion portion 85 in the first direction X1, i.e., the tip face 85A of the second insertion portion 85, is formed to be able to contact the end face of the elastic member 100 exposed from the second groove 62 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0087] As shown in Figure 11, the second projection 82 has, for example, a projection 86 that protrudes in the first direction X1 from the tip surface 85A of the second insertion portion 85. The projection 86 is formed to protrude toward the first direction X1 from the end surface of the first insertion portion 84 toward the first direction X1, and also to protrude toward the first direction X1 from a part of the tip surface 85A of the second insertion portion 85. The overall planar shape of the projection 86, as viewed from the first direction X1, is formed in an inverted L shape. However, the length of the portion of the projection 86 that extends toward the third direction Z1 is shorter than the length of the second insertion portion 85 along the third direction Z1. As shown in Figure 14, the projection 86 is provided only in the portion of the second insertion portion 85 that overlaps with the first projection 81 in the second direction Y1 when viewed in plan from the first direction X1. In other words, the portion of the second insertion portion 85 that protrudes in the third opposite direction Z2 from the protruding portion 86 is provided so as to overlap with the side wall 73 in the second direction Y1 when viewed in a plan view from the first direction X1.

[0088] As shown in Figure 4, the protrusion 86 is provided, for example, to cover the radially outward-facing end face of the main body portion 41 of the elastic member 100, in this case the outer circumferential surface of the elastic member 100 in the third direction Z1. The protrusion 86 is provided so as to cover the outer circumferential surface of the elastic member 100 in the third direction Z1, sandwiching the elastic member 100 between itself and the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 41. The protrusion 86 protrudes further toward the first direction X1 than the end face of the elastic member 100 in the first direction X1. The protrusion 86 is provided so as to be able to cover the outer circumferential surface of the mating housing 202, in this case the outer circumferential surface of the mating housing 202 in the third direction Z1, for example. The protrusion 86 is provided so as to be able to cover the outer circumferential surface of the mating housing 202 in the third direction Z1, sandwiching the mating housing 202 between itself and the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 41.

[0089] As shown in Figure 14, the guide projection 80 has a third rib 87 projecting toward the second projection 82 from the inner surface of the first projection 81 facing the second projection 82, in this case the inner surface of the first projection 81 in the second opposite direction Y2. As shown in Figure 11, the third rib 87 extends, for example, along the first direction X1. The third rib 87 extends along the first direction X1 from the connecting portion 83 to the midpoint of the length of the first projection 81. As shown in Figure 7, the third rib 87 is provided so as to be able to contact the outer surface of the side wall 51 of the connector housing 40, in this case the end face of the side wall 51 in the second direction Y1.

[0090] As shown in Figure 11, the cover 70 of this embodiment has two insertion protrusions 90. The two insertion protrusions 90 are arranged side by side along a second direction Y1. Each insertion protrusion 90 has a projection body 91 that protrudes toward the first direction X1 from the end face of the bottom wall 72 toward the first direction X1, and an insertion projection 92 that protrudes toward the first direction X1 from a part of the end face of the projection body 91 toward the first direction X1. As shown in Figure 14, the insertion projection 92 is provided only at the end of the projection body 91 toward the third direction Z1 of the end face of the projection body 91 toward the first direction X1. As shown in Figure 10, each insertion protrusion 90 is inserted into the insertion hole 46 of the connector housing 40 toward the first direction X1. The end face of the insertion projection 92 toward the first direction X1 is provided so as to be able to contact the end face of the elastic member 100 toward the first opposite direction X2 that is exposed from the insertion hole 46.

[0091] As shown in Figure 2, each engaging portion 95 protrudes from the end face of the side wall 73 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. Each engaging portion 95 is an elastic piece formed to be elastically deformable in the radial direction of the housing cylinder portion 71, in this case in the second direction Y1 or the second opposite direction Y2. Each engaging portion 95 is formed in a rectangular frame and has an engaging hole 96 in the center of the frame that can engage with the engaging portion 47. The engaging portion 95 and the engaging portion 47 engage with each other in a snap-fit ​​manner that utilizes the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 95. The engagement of the engaging portion 95 and the engaging portion 47 maintains the state in which the cover 70 is assembled to the connector housing 40.

[0092] As shown in Figure 4, when the cover 70 is assembled to the connector housing 40, the guide projections 80 are inserted into each guide rail portion 60. At this time, the tip surface 85A of the second insertion portion 85 of the second projection 82 contacts the end surface (second end surface) of the elastic member 100 exposed from the second groove 62 in the first opposite direction X2. Here, when the mating housing 202 of the mating connector 200 is fitted to the outside of the main body portion 41, the end surface of the mating housing 202 in the first opposite direction X2 contacts the end surface (first end surface) of the elastic member 100 in the first direction X1. Therefore, in the first direction X1, the elastic member 100 is sandwiched between the second projection 82 of the cover 70 and the mating housing 202. The elastic member 100 is elastically deformed by the cover 70 and the mating housing 202 so as to be compressed in the first direction X1. With this elastic member 100, tolerances in the first direction X1 of the connector housing 40 and the cover 70 can be suitably absorbed. As a result, rattling between the connector housing 40 and the cover 70 in the first direction X1 can be suppressed.

[0093] As shown in Figure 8, when the second projection 82 of the guide projection 80 is inserted into the guide rail portion 60, the first projection 81 of the guide projection 80 is positioned to cover the outer surface of the side wall 51 constituting the guide rail portion 60 from the outside. In other words, the side wall 51 is inserted into the space enclosed by the first projection 81, the second projection 82, and the connecting portion 83. As a result, the side wall 51 is sandwiched between the first projection 81 and the second projection 82 from both sides in the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2.

[0094] (Configuration of the fixing member 130) As shown in Figure 13, the wire harness 11 has a fixing member 130 that secures the cover 70 to the outer circumference of the electric wire 20. As the fixing member 130, for example, a cable tie made of resin or metal, a crimping ring, or adhesive tape can be used. In this embodiment, the fixing member 130 is an adhesive tape 131 having an adhesive layer on one surface. The adhesive tape 131 is wrapped around the electric wire 20 and the housing cylinder portion 71 of the cover 70 with the adhesive layer facing the outer circumference of the electric wire 20. Specifically, the adhesive tape 131 is wrapped with the adhesive layer in contact with the outer surface of the bottom wall 72, the outer surface of the side wall 73 having an inclined surface 74, and the outer circumference of the electric wire 20 exposed from the housing cylinder portion 71. The adhesive tape 131 is wrapped around the electric wire 20 and the housing cylinder portion 71 multiple times. The adhesive tape 131 is provided so as to be engageable with the engaging projection 75 of the housing cylinder portion 71 in a first direction X1.

[0095] Here, the housing cylinder portion 71 has a side wall 73 having an inclined surface 74. Therefore, even if the size (e.g., outer diameter) of the electric wire 20 housed in the housing cylinder portion 71 is changed, a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the electric wire 20 can be suitably provided to protrude in the third direction Z1 beyond the end face of the side wall 73 in the third direction Z1. Furthermore, even if the number of electric wires 20 housed in the housing cylinder portion 71 is changed, a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the electric wire 20 can be suitably provided to protrude in the third direction Z1 beyond the end face of the side wall 73 in the third direction Z1.

[0096] For example, as shown in Figure 15, even when there is only one electric wire 20 housed in the housing cylinder 71, the outer surface of the electric wire 20 can be suitably exposed from the side wall 73 in the vicinity of region R4 within region R3 and in region R4. This allows the adhesive tape 131 to be wrapped around the electric wire 20 and the housing cylinder 71 with the adhesive layer of the adhesive tape 131 in contact with the outer surface of the electric wire 20, even when the number and size of the electric wires 20 are changed in various ways.

[0097] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be explained. (1) The covered connector 30 comprises a terminal 31 connected to the end of the electric wire 20, a connector housing 40 having a cylindrical main body portion 41 in which the terminal 31 is housed along a first direction X1, and an elastic member 100 attached to the outer circumference of the main body portion 41. The covered connector 30 comprises a cover 70 assembled to the end of the connector housing 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The end face of the elastic member 100 in the first direction X1 is provided to be in contact with the mating housing 202 of the mating connector 200 that is fitted into the main body portion 41. The connector housing 40 has a guide rail portion 60 that extends along the first direction X1 from the end in the first opposite direction X2 and exposes the end face of the elastic member 100 in the first opposite direction X2. The cover 70 has a guide projection 80 that is inserted into the guide rail portion 60 along the first direction X1 and is formed to be in contact with the end face of the elastic member 100 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0098] In this configuration, the cover 70 is assembled to the end of the connector housing 40 in the first opposite direction X2 from which the electric wire 20 is drawn out. At this time, the guide projection 80 provided on the cover 70 is inserted into the guide rail portion 60 of the connector housing 40 along the first direction X1 and contacts the end face of the elastic member 100 exposed from the guide rail portion 60 in the first opposite direction X2. When the mating housing 202 of the mating connector 200 is fitted into the main body portion 41 of the connector housing 40, the mating housing 202 contacts the end face of the elastic member 100 in the first direction X1. Therefore, in the first direction X1, the elastic member 100 is sandwiched between the guide projection 80 of the cover 70 and the mating housing 202. The elastic member 100 is elastically deformed by these guide projection 80 and mating housing 202 so as to be compressed in the first direction X1. With such an elastic member 100, tolerances in the first direction X1 of the connector housing 40 and the cover 70 can be suitably absorbed. As a result, rattling between the connector housing 40 and the cover 70 in the first direction X1 can be effectively suppressed.

[0099] (2) The elastic member 100 is sandwiched between the protruding portion 86 of the cover 70 and the main body 41 in the radial direction of the main body 41 (here, in the third direction Z1). The elastic member 100 is elastically deformed by these protruding portion 86 and the main body 41 so as to be compressed in the third direction Z1. The elastic member 100 can suitably absorb the tolerance of the connector housing 40 and the cover 70 in the third direction Z1. As a result, rattle between the connector housing 40 and the cover 70 in the third direction Z1 can be suitably suppressed.

[0100] (3) The mating housing 202 fitted into the main body 41 is sandwiched between the protruding portion 86 of the cover 70 and the main body 41 in the radial direction of the main body 41 (here, in the third direction Z1). This effectively suppresses rattling between the connector housing 40 and the mating housing 202 in the third direction Z1.

[0101] (4) When the first insertion portion 84 of the guide projection 80 is inserted into the first groove 61 of the guide rail portion 60, the first insertion portion 84 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third direction Z1 and the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third opposite direction Z2. That is, the first insertion portion 84 is sandwiched from both sides of the third direction Z1 and the third opposite direction Z2 by the inner surface of the first groove 61. As a result, the first insertion portion 84 can be suitably supported from both sides of the third direction Z1 and the third opposite direction Z2 by the inner surface of the first groove 61. This effectively suppresses rattling between the connector housing 40 and the cover 70 in the third direction Z1.

[0102] (5) The guide rail portion 60 has a first rib 63 that protrudes from the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third direction Z1 toward the third direction Z1 and is provided to be in contact with the first insertion portion 84. The guide rail portion 60 has a second rib 64 that protrudes from the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the third opposite direction Z2 and is provided to be in contact with the first insertion portion 84. With this configuration, the first rib 63 and the second rib 64 can reduce the gap between the first insertion portion 84 and the inner surface of the first groove 61 in the third direction Z1. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress rattling between the connector housing 40 and the cover 70 in the third direction Z1.

[0103] (6) The side wall 51 constituting the guide rail portion 60 is sandwiched between the first projection 81 and the second projection 82 from both sides in the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2. As a result, the side wall 51 can be suitably supported from both sides in the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2 by the first projection 81 and the second projection 82. This effectively suppresses rattling between the connector housing 40 and the cover 70 in the second direction Y1.

[0104] (7) The guide projection 80 has a third rib 87 that protrudes toward the second projection 82 from the inner surface of the first projection 81 facing the second projection 82 and is provided so as to be able to contact the outer surface of the side wall 51. With this configuration, the third rib 87 can reduce the gap between the side wall 51 and the first projection 81 and the second projection 82 in the second direction Y1. As a result, rattling between the connector housing 40 and the cover 70 in the second direction Y1 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0105] (8) The insertion projection 90 provided on the cover 70 contacts the end face of the elastic member 100 in the first opposite direction X2, which is exposed from the insertion hole 46 located in the third opposite direction Z2 from the main body 41. The guide projection 80 provided on the cover 70 contacts the end face of the elastic member 100 in the first opposite direction X2, which is exposed from the guide rail portion 60 located in the third direction Z1 from the main body 41. As a result, the guide projection 80 and the insertion projection 90 can be brought into contact with the end face of the tubular elastic member 100 in the first opposite direction X2, at the position in the third direction Z1 from the main body 41 and the position in the third opposite direction Z2 from the main body 41, respectively. As a result, the cover 70 can be stably brought into contact with the end face of the tubular elastic member 100 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0106] (9) An inclined surface 74 is provided at the end face in the third direction Z1 of the side wall 73 of the halved cylindrical housing section 71. That is, the side wall 73 is formed such that the amount of protrusion from the bottom wall 72, i.e., the height dimension of the bottom wall 72, decreases as it moves from the end in the first direction X1 of the inclined surface 74 toward the end in the first opposite direction X2 of the inclined surface 74. In other words, the side wall 73 has various height dimensions. Therefore, even if the size and number of electric wires 20 housed in the housing section 71 are changed in various ways, a portion of the electric wires 20 can be suitably exposed from the side wall 73. This allows the fixing member 130, such as adhesive tape 131, to be suitably wrapped around the electric wires 20 and the housing section 71 while in contact with the outer surface of the electric wires 20. As a result, the housing section 71 can be suitably fixed to the outer circumference of the electric wires 20 by the fixing member 130.

[0107] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0108] The structure of the housing cylinder portion 71 in the cover 70 of the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the engaging projection portion 75 may be omitted. For example, the inclined surface 74 of the side wall 73 may be omitted. That is, the height dimension of the side wall 73 may be made constant over the entire length of the housing cylinder portion 71 in the axial direction. Also, the planar shape of the housing cylinder portion 71 as viewed from the third direction Z1 may be changed to a structure having a bent shape. Furthermore, the housing cylinder portion 71 may be formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer circumference of the electric wire 20 over its entire circumference.

[0109] The insertion projection 90 in the cover 70 of the above embodiment may be omitted. In this case, the insertion hole 46 of the connector housing 40 can be omitted. The structure of the guide projection 80 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the third rib 87 may be omitted. The first projection 81 may also be omitted. The projection 86 may also be made shorter so as to cover only the outer circumferential surface of the elastic member 100 in the third direction Z1. That is, the projection 86 may be formed so as not to cover the outer circumferential surface of the mating housing 202 in the third direction Z1. The projection 86 may also be omitted. The guide projection 80 may also be composed of only the second projection 82. Furthermore, the guide projection 80 may be composed of only one of the first insertion portion 84 and the second insertion portion 85, as long as it has a tip surface 85A that can contact the end face of the elastic member 100 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0110] The structure of the guide section 50 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the connecting wall 52 may be omitted. The wall section 53 may also be omitted. Furthermore, the guide section 50 may be modified to a structure to which a CPA member (not shown) cannot be assembled.

[0111] The structure of the guide rail section 60 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the guide projection 65 may be omitted. The first rib 63 may also be omitted. The second rib 64 may also be omitted.

[0112] The structure of the connector housing 40 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the hood portion 43 may be omitted. The structure of the elastic member 100 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the elastic member 100 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the elastic member 100 may be modified to be provided only on a part of the circumferential direction of the main body 41.

[0113] The sealing member 110 in the above embodiment may be omitted. In this case, the retainer 120 can be omitted. The structure of the terminal 31 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate.

[0114] The structure of the electric wire 20 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. The sealing member 23 in the above embodiment may be omitted. The number of terminals 31 in the covered connector 30 of the above embodiment is not limited to three. For example, the number of terminals 31 in the covered connector 30 may be one, two, or four or more. The number of wires 20 can be appropriately changed according to the number of terminals 31.

[0115] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications are intended to be in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 11 Wire Harness 20 Electric wire 21 core wires 22 Insulating coating 23. Sealing member 30 Covered Connectors 31 terminals 32 Wire connection section 33 Terminal connection section 40 Connector Housing 41 Main body 42 Through hole 43 Food Section 44 gaps 45 Bottom wall 46 Insertion holes 47 Engagement part 50 Guide section 51 Side wall (first side wall) 52 Connecting wall 53 Wall 54 Post 60 Guide rail section 61 First groove 62 2nd groove 63. First Rib 64. Second Rib 65 Guide protrusion 66 Slope 70 Cover 71. Enclosure section 72 Bottom wall 73 Side wall (second side wall) 74 Slope 75 Engagement protrusion 80 Guide projection 81 1st protrusion 82 Second protrusion 83 Connecting part 84. First Insertion Section 85 Second insertion section 85A Tip surface 86 Protrusion 87 Third Rib 90 Insertion projection 91 Protruding body 92 Insertion protrusion 95 Engaging part 96 Engagement holes 100 Elastic member 110 Sealing member 120 retainer 130 Fixing member 131 Adhesive Tape 200 mating connector 201 Mating terminal 202 Opponent Housing R1,R2,R3,R4 area X1 1st direction X2 First opposite direction Y1 2nd direction Y2 Second opposite direction Z1 3rd direction Z2 Third opposite direction

Claims

1. A terminal connected to the end of the electric wire, A connector housing having a cylindrical main body portion in which the terminals are housed along a first direction, An elastic member attached to the outer circumference of the main body, The connector housing comprises a cover attached to the end in the first opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, The elastic member has a first end face facing the first direction and a second end face facing the opposite first direction. The first end face is provided so as to be able to contact the mating housing of the mating connector that is fitted into the main body, The connector housing has a guide rail portion that extends from the first opposite end along the first direction and exposes the second end face of the elastic member, The cover is a connector with a cover, the cover having a housing cylinder portion formed to accommodate the electric wire drawn out from the first opposite end of the connector housing, and a guide projection that is inserted into the guide rail portion along the first direction and is formed to contact the second end face of the elastic member.

2. The guide projection has a tip surface provided so as to be able to contact the second end surface of the elastic member, and a projection that protrudes from the tip surface in the first direction, The connector with a cover according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is provided such that it sandwiches the elastic member between itself and the outer circumferential surface of the main body, and covers the third end face of the elastic member that faces radially outward of the main body.

3. The connector with a cover according to claim 2, wherein the protruding portion protrudes in a first direction from the first end face of the elastic member and is provided so as to be able to cover the outer surface of the mating housing in such a manner that it sandwiches the mating housing between itself and the outer surface of the main body.

4. The connector housing has two first side walls formed integrally with the main body, The two first side walls face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the two first side walls protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the main body toward a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The guide rail portion extends along the first direction and has a first groove provided on the first side wall. The guide projection has a first insertion portion that is inserted into the first groove along the first direction, The connector with a cover according to claim 1, wherein the first insertion portion is sandwiched in the third direction by the inner surface of the first groove in the third direction and the inner surface of the first groove in the third opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the third direction.

5. The cover connector according to claim 4, wherein the guide rail portion comprises a first rib that protrudes from the inner surface of the first groove in the third direction toward the third direction and is provided to be in contact with the first insertion portion, and a second rib that protrudes from the inner surface of the first groove in the opposite third direction toward the third direction and is provided to be in contact with the first insertion portion.

6. The guide rail portion has a second groove that communicates with the first groove and is formed to expose a part of the second end face of the elastic member. The guide projection is inserted into the second groove along the first direction and has a second insertion portion formed integrally with the first insertion portion. The connector with a cover according to claim 4, wherein the second insertion portion has a tip surface provided so as to be able to contact the second end surface of the elastic member exposed from the second groove.

7. The guide projection has a first projection that is formed integrally with the housing cylinder and extends in the first direction, a second projection that has a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion and extends in the first direction, and a connecting portion that connects the first opposite end of the first projection and the first opposite end of the second projection. The connector with a cover according to claim 6, wherein the first projection and the second projection are provided so as to sandwich the first side wall from both sides in the second direction and the second opposite direction which is opposite to the second direction.

8. The cover connector according to claim 7, wherein the guide projection has a third rib that protrudes toward the second projection from the inner surface of the first projection facing the second projection and is provided so as to be able to contact the outer surface of the first side wall.

9. The elastic member is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion over its entire circumference. The guide rail portion is provided in the third direction from the main body portion, The connector housing is provided in the third opposite direction from the main body and has an insertion hole formed so as to expose a part of the second end face of the elastic member. The cover has an insertion projection that protrudes in the first direction from the housing cylinder portion and is inserted into the insertion hole along the first direction. The connector with a cover according to claim 4, wherein the insertion projection is provided so as to be able to contact the second end face of the elastic member that is exposed from the insertion hole.

10. The aforementioned storage cylinder is formed in a half-cylindrical shape having a bottom wall and two second side walls provided on both side edges of the bottom wall. The two second side walls face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the two second side walls protrudes from the bottom wall toward a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The end face of the second side wall in the third direction has an inclined surface, The connector with a cover according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface is formed to be inclined so as it approaches the bottom wall from the end of the inclined surface in the first direction toward the end of the inclined surface in the first opposite direction.

11. A covered connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A wire harness comprising the electric wire to which the terminal is connected.

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