Connectors and wire harnesses

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of ensuring a proper cutoff performance, and a wire harness.SOLUTION: A connector 1 and a wire harness WH comprise: a housing 10 respectively holding terminals T provided at ends of a plurality of wires W; a shield shell 20 which is assembled while being accommodated in the housing 10; and a water cutoff structure 30 forming a cutoff region 10S inside of the housing 10. The shield shell 20 includes: a first shield shell 21 which is assembled to a mating connection side of the housing 10; and a second shield shell 22 which is assembled to a wire lead-out side of the housing 10 while being conductively connected with an end 21Q of the first shield shell 21. A connection part 22b of the second shield shell 22 to the first shield shell 21 is disposed in the cutoff region 10S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a wire harness.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector in which both a collective shield connecting portion and individual core shield connecting portions are formed on a shield shell, an end of a braided body is fitted over either one of the shield connecting portions, and crimping is performed with a crimping ring in this state, so that the type of shield connecting portion to be used can be changed according to the shield structure on the device side that is the connection partner.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, the connector described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1 allows selection between a collective shield structure in which a plurality of electric wires are covered with a cylindrical braided body, and an individual shield structure in which each of the plurality of electric wires is covered with a cylindrical braided body. However, it is desired to be able to ensure proper water stopping performance for each shield structure while improving versatility.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector and a wire harness that can ensure proper water stopping performance.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the connector according to the present invention comprises: a housing that is insulating and holds terminals provided at the ends of a plurality of electric wires; a shield shell made of a conductive metal material and assembled while housed in the housing; and a watertight structure that forms a watertight region inside the housing. a rear holder formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire outlet end of the housing, and a braided body formed in a cylindrical shape from a conductive metal material The shield shell comprises a first shield shell formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the mating side of the housing to house a portion of the housing inside, and a first shield shell that is electrically connected to the end of the first shield shell and the housing The aforementioned It comprises a second shield shell assembled on the wire outlet side, and the connection portion of the second shield shell to the first shield shell is located in the watertight area. The second shield shell has a second shield shell body and a plurality of wire insertion holes through which the wires can be inserted, and is assembled with the wires inserted through each of them. The watertight structure has a first watertight member formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the second shield shell while attached to each of the wires, thereby being compressed between the wires and the second shield shell, and a second watertight member formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire-out end of the housing while attached to the outer surface of the second shield shell body, thereby being compressed between the housing and the second shield shell body. The rear holder is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the housing with the wire-out end of the second shield shell inserted through it. The braided body houses the plurality of wires together inside and is electrically connected to the second shield shell with its end positioned outside the second shield shell. The connection portion is formed protruding from the mating end of the second shield shell body and is assembled sandwiched inside the first shield shell. It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the connector according to the present invention comprises a housing that is insulating and holds terminals provided at the ends of a plurality of electric wires, a shield shell formed of a conductive metal material and assembled while housed in the housing, a watertight structure that forms a watertight region inside the housing, a rear holder formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire exit end of the housing, and a braided body formed in a cylindrical shape of a conductive metal material, wherein the shield shell is configured to include a first shield shell formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the mating side of the housing to house a part of the housing inside, and a second shield shell assembled to the wire exit side of the housing while electrically connected to the end of the first shield shell, and the connection portion of the second shield shell to the first shield shell is the watertight structure The second shield shell is arranged in a region and is formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled attached to each of the electric wires. The waterproofing structure has a plurality of wire insertion holes through which the electric wires can be inserted, and includes a first waterproofing member which is compressed between the electric wire and the rear holder when assembled to the rear holder with the electric wires inserted through it, and a second waterproofing member which is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the end of the housing on the electric wire exit side when attached to the outer surface of the rear holder, and is compressed between the housing and the rear holder. The braided body houses the core wires of the electric wires inside and is electrically connected to the second shield shell with its ends positioned inside the second shield shell. The connection portion is formed protruding from the end of the second shield shell on the electric wire exit side and is assembled sandwiched inside the first shield shell.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the wire harness according to the present invention comprises a plurality of electric wires, each of which has a terminal at its end, and a connector to which each of the electric wires is attached. The connector comprises an insulating housing that holds each of the terminals, a shield shell made of a conductive metal material and assembled while housed in the housing, and a watertight structure that forms a watertight region inside the housing. a rear holder formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire outlet end of the housing, and a braided body formed in a cylindrical shape from a conductive metal material The shield shell comprises a first shield shell formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the mating side of the housing to house a portion of the housing inside, and a first shield shell that is electrically connected to the end of the first shield shell and the housing The aforementioned It comprises a second shield shell assembled on the wire outlet side, and the connection portion of the second shield shell to the first shield shell is located in the watertight area. The second shield shell has a second shield shell body and a plurality of wire insertion holes through which the wires can be inserted, and is assembled with the wires inserted through each of them. The watertight structure has a first watertight member formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the second shield shell while attached to each of the wires, thereby being compressed between the wires and the second shield shell, and a second watertight member formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire-out end of the housing while attached to the outer surface of the second shield shell body, thereby being compressed between the housing and the second shield shell body. The rear holder is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the housing with the wire-out end of the second shield shell inserted through it. The braided body houses the plurality of wires together inside and is electrically connected to the second shield shell with its end positioned outside the second shield shell. The connection portion is formed protruding from the mating end of the second shield shell body and is assembled sandwiched inside the first shield shell. It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the wire harness according to the present invention comprises a plurality of electric wires having terminals at their ends, and a connector to which each of the electric wires is attached, the connector comprising an insulating housing that holds each of the terminals, a shield shell formed of a conductive metal material and assembled while housed in the housing, a watertight structure that forms a watertight region inside the housing, a rear holder formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the end of the housing on the electric wire exit side, and a braided body formed in a cylindrical shape of a conductive metal material, the shield shell comprising a first shield shell formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the mating side of the housing to house a part of the housing inside, and a second shield shell assembled to the electric wire exit side of the housing while electrically connected to the end of the first shield shell, and the front of the first shield shell The connection portion of the second shield shell is located in the watertight area, the second shield shell is formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled attached to each of the electric wires, the watertight structure has a plurality of wire insertion holes through which the electric wires can be inserted, and comprises a first watertight member which is compressed between the electric wire and the rear holder when assembled to the rear holder with the electric wires inserted through it, and a second watertight member which is formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the end of the housing on the electric wire exit side when attached to the outer surface of the rear holder, and is compressed between the housing and the rear holder, the braided body houses the core wires of the electric wires inside and is electrically connected to the second shield shell with its ends located inside the second shield shell, the connection portion is formed protruding from the end of the second shield shell on the electric wire exit side and assembled sandwiched inside the first shield shell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The connector and wire harness according to the present invention have the effect of ensuring proper watertight performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the wire harness to which the connector according to this embodiment is applied, and is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a connector employing a single-shield structure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing the shield structure of the first connector, which is a connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the shield structure of the second connector, which is a connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a wire harness to which the connector according to this embodiment is applied, and is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a connector having an individual shielding structure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing the shield structure of the first connector, which is a connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing the shield structure of the second connector, which is a connector according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Furthermore, some of the components in the following embodiments are substituted or substantially identical to those easily substituted by those skilled in the art.

[0011] [Embodiment] The wire harness WH to which the connector 1 according to this embodiment is applied is, for example, a bundle of multiple wires used for power supply and signal communication for connecting various devices mounted on a vehicle, and the wires are connected to each device using a connector or the like. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the wire harness WH comprises multiple conductive wires W and a connector device CN. In addition, the wire harness WH may also include a protector, an outer covering, fasteners, etc.

[0012] The electric wire W is an insulated wire in which a core wire Wa, which is made up of bundled conductive metal strands, is covered with an insulating coating Wb. At the end of the electric wire W, the insulating coating Wb is removed, exposing the core wire Wa.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the connector device CN comprises a first connector 100 and a second connector 200. The connector device CN is used as a wire-to-wire connection mechanism to electrically connect multiple wires W connected to the first connector 100 and multiple wires W connected to the second connector 200. Although the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 differ slightly in shape and configuration, their basic configurations are almost identical, and each corresponds to connector 1. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between "first connector 100" and "second connector 200," they may simply be referred to as "connector 1."

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the connector 1 includes a terminal T provided at an end of an electric wire W, a housing 10 that holds the terminal T, a shield shell 20 assembled in a state where the housing 10 is accommodated therein, a water-stop structure 30 that forms a water-stop region 10S inside the housing 10, a rear holder 40, and a braided body 50. In addition, after sharing a part of the structure, the connector 1 can be adapted selectively between a collective shield structure in which a plurality of electric wires W are covered with a cylindrical braided body 50 and an individual shield structure (each-core shield structure) in which each of the plurality of electric wires W is covered with a cylindrical braided body 50 by changing other structures, so that versatility can be improved. In the connector 1 of the present embodiment, the shield shell 20 is constituted by a member including a first shield shell 21 assembled to the connection mating side and a second shield shell 22 assembled to the electric wire drawing-out side, and a connection portion 22b of the second shield shell 22 with respect to the first shield shell 21 is arranged in the water-stop region 10S, thereby realizing a configuration that can ensure proper water-stop performance regardless of whether the collective shield structure or the individual shield structure is selected. Hereinafter, each configuration of the connector 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0015] In the following description, among a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction that intersect each other, the first direction is referred to as "axial direction X", the second direction is referred to as "width direction Y", and the third direction is referred to as "height direction Z". The axial direction X, the width direction Y, and the height direction Z are orthogonal to each other. The axial direction X typically corresponds to the extending direction of the electric wire W connected to the connector 1, etc. Unless otherwise specified, each direction used in the following description is described as a direction in a state where the wire harness WH is assembled.

[0016] In addition, in the axial direction X, the distal end side typically corresponds to the connection mating side when the connectors 1 are fitted to each other. In addition, in the axial direction X, the proximal end side typically corresponds to the electric wire W side drawn out from the housing 10 (electric wire drawing-out side), etc.

[0017] <Collective Shield Structure> The connector 1A shown in Figures 1 to 3 is a connector 1 employing a single-unit shielding structure, and comprises a terminal T provided at the end of an electric wire WA, a housing 10 that holds the terminal T, a shield shell 20A assembled with the housing 10 housed inside, a watertight structure 30A that forms a watertight region 10SA inside the housing 10, a rear holder 40A, and a braided body 50A. The shield shell 20A corresponds to the shield shell 20 described above in the connector 1A employing a single-unit shielding structure, and similarly, the watertight region 10SA, watertight structure 30A, rear holder 40A, and braided body 50A correspond to the watertight region 10S, watertight structure 30, rear holder 40, and braided body 50, respectively.

[0018] As mentioned above, the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A shown in Figure 1 have some differences in shape and configuration, but their basic configurations are almost identical, and each corresponds to connector 1A, which employs a unified shielding structure. Therefore, in the following explanation, we will mainly describe the configurations of the first connector 100A, and for the configurations of the second connector 200A, we will mainly explain the differences from the first connector 100A, and we will omit explanations of common configurations as much as possible.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the electric wire WA has a core wire Wa and an insulating coating Wb located on the outside of the core wire Wa.

[0020] Terminal T is formed from a conductive metal material such as copper, and is electrically connected to terminal T of the second connector 200A when the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A are mated together. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, terminal T has an electrical connection part and a wire connection part. The electrical connection part is located on the tip side in the axial direction X and can connect to terminal T of the second connector 200A when the first connector 100A is mated to the second connector 200A. The wire connection part Tb is located on the base side in the axial direction X and can connect to the end of the wire WA.

[0021] The housing 10 is made of an insulating synthetic resin material and houses and holds the terminal T inside. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 10 has a terminal housing portion 11, a main body portion 12, and a hood portion 13. The terminal housing portion 11 is formed along the axial direction X and can hold the terminal T by housing the electrical connection portion. The main body portion 12 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape along the axial direction X and can house the terminal housing portion 11 inside. The hood portion 13 protrudes toward the tip side from the main body portion 12 in the axial direction X and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape along the axial direction X, and can house the housing 10 of the second connector 200A inside when the first connector 100A is mated with the second connector 200A. The housing 10 is formed integrally with the terminal housing portion 11, the main body portion 12, and the hood portion 13. Furthermore, two terminal housing sections 11 are provided spaced apart along the width direction Y, and the electrical connection portion of terminal T is housed in each. Terminal T is connected to terminal T of the second connector 200A via a relay terminal RT (see Figure 1) formed in a plate shape along the axial direction X. One end of the relay terminal RT is located inside the terminal housing section 11 of the first connector 100A, and the other end is located inside the terminal housing section 11 of the second connector 200A, thereby enabling an electrical connection between terminal T of the first connector 100A and terminal T of the second connector 200A.

[0022] The shield shell 20A is made of a conductive metal material and is assembled to the housing 10 to suppress the intrusion of external noise into the terminal T and wire WA housed in the first connector 100A. In this embodiment, the shield shell 20A is assembled inside the housing 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The shield shell 20A also consists of a first shield shell 21 assembled to the tip side in the axial direction X of the main body 12 and a second shield shell 22A assembled to the base side in the axial direction X of the main body 12.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the first shield shell 21 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape along the axial direction X. In the axial direction X, the tip end 21P of the first shield shell 21 protrudes from the wall portion 10K formed between the main body portion 12 and the hood portion 13 and is located inside the hood portion 13, while the base end 21Q in the axial direction X is located inside the main body portion 12. Therefore, the first shield shell 21 can accommodate the terminal housing portion 11 inside, and when the first connector 100A is mated with the second connector 200A, the tip end 21P and the end of the shield shell 20A of the second connector 200A are assembled in a state where they partially overlap in the axial direction X and are electrically connected, thereby connecting with the shield shell 20A of the second connector 200A.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second shield shell 22A has a second shield shell body portion 22aA and a connection portion 22bA to the first shield shell 21. The second shield shell 22A also has a wire insertion hole 22h through which the electric wire WA can be inserted and a recess 22r into which a member that forms a watertight structure 30A (the first watertight member 31A, described later) can be assembled. The connection portion 22bA is formed protruding from the tip end portion 22PA in the axial direction X of the second shield shell body portion 22aA. The wire insertion hole 22h is a through hole formed along the axial direction X, extending from the second shield shell body portion 22aA to the connection portion 22bA. The recess 22r is formed at the base end portion 22QA in the axial direction X and overlaps with the wire insertion hole 22h. Therefore, the second shield shell 22A is assembled with the wires WA inserted through the wire insertion holes 22h (and recesses 22r). The second shield shell 22A is then assembled with the connecting portion 22bA sandwiched inside the first shield shell 21, and the connecting portion 22bA and the end portion 21Q of the first shield shell 21 partially overlapping, and is positioned in a conductive connection state, thereby electrically connecting with the first shield shell 21.

[0025] The watertight structure 30A is made of elastic synthetic rubber and is assembled to the second shield shell 22A to prevent water or other liquids from entering the terminal housing 11. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the watertight structure 30A of this embodiment includes a first watertight member 31A that is compressed between the electric wire WA and the second shield shell 22A, and a second watertight member 32A that is compressed between the housing 10 and the second shield shell 22A.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the first water-stopping member 31A is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape along the axial direction X. When the first water-stopping member 31A is attached to the electric wire WA, it is assembled into the recess 22r of the second shield shell 22A and positioned between the outer surface of the electric wire WA, which is inserted through the through hole, and the inner surface of the recess 22r. Therefore, by being in close contact with the electric wire WA and the second shield shell 22A, the first water-stopping member 31A can prevent liquids such as water from entering the terminal housing portion 11 housed in the first shield shell 21.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the second water-stopping member 32A is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape along the axial direction X. The second water-stopping member 32A is attached to the outer surface of the tip end 22PA of the second shield shell body 22aA in the axial direction X, and assembled to the base end 10Q of the housing 10 in the axial direction X. It is positioned between the outer circumferential surface of the second shield shell body 22aA, which is inserted through the through hole, and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 10. Therefore, by being in close contact with the housing 10 and the second shield shell 22A, the second water-stopping member 32A can prevent liquids such as water from entering the terminal housing 11 housed in the first shield shell 21. As a result, the water-stopping structure 30A, which includes the first water-stopping member 31A and the second water-stopping member 32A, is in close contact with each component assembled to the housing 10 and seals the gaps, thereby forming a water-stopping region 10SA inside the housing 10.

[0028] The rear holder 40A holds the second shield shell 22A when assembled to the base end 10Q of the housing 10 in the axial direction X. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rear holder 40A is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape along the axial direction X, and is assembled to the housing 10 with the base end 22QA of the second shield shell 22A inserted through it in the axial direction X. Therefore, the rear holder 40A can fix the position of the second shield shell 22A relative to the housing 10 and the position of the watertight structure 30A relative to the housing 10, and can maintain the state in which the connection portion 22bA of the second shield shell 22A is positioned in the watertight region 10SA.

[0029] The braided body 50A is formed by weaving together conductive metal material. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the braided body 50A is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape along the axial direction X, and has a tip portion 51 located on the tip side in the axial direction X, and a base portion 52 located on the base side in the axial direction X, with the size (radial length) of the tip portion 51 being larger than the size (radial length) of the base portion 52. Therefore, the braided body 50A is positioned on the outside of the shield shell 20A, and assembled with the tip portion 51 covering the end portion 22QA of the second shield shell 22A, so that multiple electric wires WA can be housed together inside. Furthermore, the braided body 50A is fixed via the shield ring 60A by attaching a conductive shield ring 60A (crimping ring) from the outside and directly crimping the second shield shell body portion 22aA. Therefore, the braided body 50A is positioned in a conductive state and is electrically connected to the second shield shell 22A.

[0030] Although the configurations of the first connector 100A have been described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, as mentioned above, the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A share some structural commonalities. While there are slight differences in the shapes of the housing 10 and the first shield shell 21, the shapes of the second shield shell 22A, the watertight structure 30A, the rear holder 40A, and the braided body 50A are common. More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the second connector 200A comprises a terminal T, a housing 10 that holds the terminal T, a shield shell 20A assembled with the housing 10, a watertight structure 30A that forms a watertight region 10SA inside the housing 10, a rear holder 40A, and a braided body 50A. The housing 10 has a terminal housing section 11 and a main body section 12. Furthermore, the housing 10 has a recess formed between the terminal housing portions 11, and when the first connector 100A is mated with the second connector 200A, the protrusion formed protruding from the wall portion 10K of the first connector 100A can be accommodated in the recess, thereby correcting the mating position. In addition, the first shield shell 21 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape along the axial direction X, and when the first connector 100A is mated with the second connector 200A, the end on the first connector 100A side and the end 21P of the shield shell 20A of the first connector 100A are assembled in a state where they partially overlap and are electrically connected, thereby electrically connecting with the first shield shell 21 of the first connector 100A. Furthermore, since the second shield shell 22A, the watertight structure 30A, the rear holder 40A, and the braided body 50A are assembled in the same way as the first connector 100A, the second connector 200A is assembled with the connection portion 22bA of the second shield shell 22A positioned in the watertight region 210SA.

[0031] <Individual Shield Structure> The connector 1B shown in Figures 4 to 6 is a connector 1 employing an individual shielding structure, and comprises a terminal T provided at the end of an electric wire WB, a housing 10 that holds the terminal T, a shield shell 20B assembled with the housing 10 housed inside, a watertight structure 30B that forms a watertight region 10SB inside the housing 10, a rear holder 40B, and a braided body 50B. The shield shell 20B corresponds to the shield shell 20 described above in the connector 1B employing a single-unit shielding structure, and similarly, the watertight region 10SB, watertight structure 30B, rear holder 40B, and braided body 50B correspond to the watertight region 10S, watertight structure 30, rear holder 40, and braided body 50, respectively. Connector 1B shares some structural similarities with connector 1A. While the housing 10 and the first shield shell 21 share the same shape, connector 1B differs from connector 1A in terms of wire configuration W, the shape of the second shield shell 22, watertight structure 30, rear holder 40, and braided body 50. Therefore, the following explanation will primarily focus on the wire WB, second shield shell 22B, watertight structure 30B, rear holder 40B, and braided body 50B of connector 1B, omitting explanations of common components as much as possible. Furthermore, the first connector 100B and the second connector 200B shown in Figure 4 share almost the same basic configuration, each corresponding to a connector 1B employing an individual shield structure. Therefore, the following explanation will primarily focus on the first connector 100B, explaining the differences between the components of the second connector 200B and the first connector 100B, omitting explanations of common components as much as possible.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the electric wire WB has a core wire Wa, an insulating coating Wb located outside the core wire Wa, a braided body 50B located outside the insulating coating Wb, and a sheath Wc located outside the braided body 50B.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the shield shell 20B is assembled inside the housing 10 and comprises a first shield shell 21 which is assembled on the tip side in the axial direction X of the main body 12, and a plurality of second shield shells 22B which are each assembled on the base side in the axial direction X of the main body 12.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second shield shell 22B has a second shield shell body portion 22aB and a connection portion 22bB to the first shield shell 21. The connection portion 22bB is formed to protrude from the base end portion 22QB in the axial direction X of the second shield shell body portion 22aB. Therefore, the second shield shell 22B is assembled with the connection portion 22bB sandwiched inside the first shield shell 21, and the connection portion 22bB and the end portion 21Q of the first shield shell 21 partially overlapping, and is arranged in a conductive connection state, thereby electrically connecting to the first shield shell 21.

[0035] The watertight structure 30B is assembled to the rear holder 40B to prevent water or other liquids from entering the terminal housing 11. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the watertight structure 30B of this embodiment includes a first watertight member 31B that is compressed between the electric wire WB and the rear holder 40B, and a second watertight member 32B that is compressed between the housing 10 and the rear holder 40B.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the first water-stopping member 31B has a plurality of wire insertion holes 31h through which the electric wire WB can be inserted, and is assembled into the recess (recess 40r described later) of the rear holder 40B when attached to the electric wire WB. The first water-stopping member 31B is positioned between the outer circumferential surface of the electric wire WB and the inner circumferential surface of the recess 40r. Therefore, by being in close contact with the electric wire WB and the rear holder 40B, the first water-stopping member 31B can prevent liquids such as water from entering the terminal housing portion 11 housed in the first shield shell 21.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the second water-sealing member 32B is attached to the outer surface of the tip end 40PB of the rear holder 40B in the axial direction X, and assembled to the base end 10Q of the housing 10 in the axial direction X. It is positioned between the outer circumferential surface of the rear holder 40B, which is inserted through the through hole, and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 10. Therefore, by being in close contact with the housing 10 and the rear holder 40B, the second water-sealing member 32B can prevent liquids such as water from entering the terminal housing portion 11 housed in the first shield shell 21. As a result, the water-sealing structure 30B, which includes the first water-sealing member 31B and the second water-sealing member 32B, is in close contact with each component assembled to the housing 10 and seals the gaps, thereby forming a water-sealing region 10SB inside the housing 10.

[0038] The rear holder 40B holds the watertight structure 30B when assembled to the base end 10Q of the housing 10 in the axial direction X. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the rear holder 40B has a wire insertion hole 40h through which the electric wire WB can be inserted, and a recess 40r into which the watertight structure 30B can be assembled. The wire insertion hole 40h is a through hole formed along the axial direction X, and the recess 40r is formed at the base end 140QB in the axial direction X and overlaps with the wire insertion hole 40h. Therefore, the rear holder 40B is assembled with the electric wire WB inserted through the wire insertion hole 40h (and recess 40r), and is assembled to the housing 10 with the first watertight member 31B and the second watertight member 32B attached to each part. Therefore, the rear holder 40B can fix the position of the watertight structure 30B relative to the housing 10, and can maintain the state in which the connection portion 22bB of the second shield shell 22B, which is assembled to the end portion 21Q of the first shield shell 21, is positioned in the watertight region 10SB.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the braided body 50B is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape along the axial direction X and is assembled inside the shield shell 20B, with the electric wires WB housed inside. The tip portion 50aB of the braided body 50B is folded back outwards (towards the inner surface of the shield shell 20B) and assembled overlapping the outer surface of the second shield shell body portion 22aB of the second shield shell 22B. When the conductive shield ring 60B (crimping ring) is attached from the outside, the braided body 50B is sandwiched between the second shield shell 22B and the shield ring 60B. When the shield ring 60B is crimped, the second shield shell 22B, the braided body 50B, and the shield ring 60B are crimped together and fixed in place. In this way, the braided body 50B is electrically connected to the second shield shell 22B by being positioned in a electrically connected state.

[0040] Although the configurations of the first connector 100B have been described with reference to Figures 4 and 5, as mentioned above, the first connector 100B and the second connector 200B share some structural commonalities. While there are slight differences in the shapes of the housing 10 and the first shield shell 21, the shapes of the second shield shell 22B, the watertight structure 30B, the rear holder 40B, and the braided body 50B are common. More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the second connector 200B comprises a terminal T2 provided at the end of the electric wire WB, a housing 10 that holds the terminal T2, a shield shell 20B assembled with the housing 10 housed within it, a watertight structure 30B that forms a watertight region 10SB inside the housing 10, a rear holder 40B, and a braided body 50B. Furthermore, the shapes of the housing 10 and the first shield shell 21 are almost identical to those of the second connector 200A, and the second shield shell 22B, watertight structure 30B, rear holder 40B, and braided body 50B are assembled in the same way as the first connector 100B (see Figure 6). Therefore, the second connector 200B is assembled with the connection portion 22bB of the second shield shell 22B positioned in the watertight area 10SB.

[0041] The connector 1 and wire harness WH described above include a housing 10 that is insulating and holds terminals T provided at the ends of multiple electric wires W, a shield shell 20 made of a conductive metal material and assembled while housed in the housing 10, and a watertight structure 30 that forms a watertight region 10S inside the housing 10. The shield shell 20 is composed of a first shield shell 21 which is formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the mating side of the housing 10 so as to house a part of the housing 10 inside, and a second shield shell 22 which is assembled to the wire outlet side of the housing 10 while electrically connected to the end 21Q of the first shield shell 21, and the connection portion 22b of the second shield shell 22 to the first shield shell 21 is located in the watertight region 10S.

[0042] With this configuration, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 constituting the connector 1 are mated, the connector 1 and the wire harness WH can electrically connect the tip end of the first shield shell 21 in the axial direction X to the end of the shield shell 20 of the mating connector, and electrically connect the base end of the first shield shell 21 in the axial direction X to the connection portion 22b of the second shield shell 22. Furthermore, by placing the connection portion between the first shield shell 21 and the second shield shell 22 in a watertight region 10S formed inside the housing 10, the connector 1 and the wire harness WH can prevent liquids such as water from entering each part housed in the connector 1 (for example, inside the terminal housing portion 11). Therefore, the connector 1 and the wire harness WH can ensure proper watertight performance. Furthermore, connectors 1A and 1B, which constitute connector 1, share the same structure for the housing 10 and the first shield shell 21. By replacing the second shield shell 22, the watertight structure 30, the rear holder 40, etc., and changing some of the structure, the shield structure can be changed. In addition, connectors 1A and 1B improve versatility by placing the connection portion between the first shield shell 21, which does not need to be replaced, and the second shield shell 22, which does need to be replaced, in the watertight area 10S. This ensures that appropriate waterproofing for connector 1 can be ensured regardless of whether a unified shield structure or an individual shield structure is selected. Therefore, connector 1 and wire harness WH can ensure appropriate waterproofing regardless of the shield structure.

[0043] More specifically, the connector 1A employing a single-piece shield structure comprises a rear holder 40A formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the base end 10Q of the housing 10 in the axial direction X, and a braided body 50A formed in a cylindrical shape from a conductive metal material. The second shield shell 22A has a second shield shell body portion 22aA and a plurality of wire insertion holes 22h through which electric wires WA can be inserted, and is assembled with electric wires WA inserted into each of them. Furthermore, the watertight structure 30A includes a first watertight member 31A, which is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the second shield shell 22A while attached to the electric wires WA, thereby being compressed between the electric wires WA and the second shield shell 22A, and a second watertight member 32A, which is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the base end 10Q in the axial direction X of the housing 10 while attached to the outer surface of the second shield shell main body 22aA, thereby being compressed between the housing 10 and the second shield shell main body 22aA. The rear holder 40A is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the housing 10 with the base end 22QA of the second shield shell 22A inserted through it in the axial direction X. The braided body 50A houses the electric wires WA together on the inside and is electrically connected to the second shield shell 22A with its ends positioned on the outside of the second shield shell 22A. Furthermore, the connecting portion 22bA is formed to protrude from the tip end 22PA of the second shield shell body portion 22aA in the axial direction X, and is assembled while being sandwiched inside the first shield shell 21A. With this configuration, the connector 1A can electrically connect the connecting portion 22bA formed on the tip side of the second shield shell 22A in the axial direction X to the end of the first shield shell 21, and electrically connect the second shield shell body portion 22aA formed on the base end side of the second shield shell 22A in the axial direction X to the end of the braided body 50A. In addition, the connector 1A can adopt a unified shielding structure by electrically connecting the shield shell 20A and the braided body 50A while the braided body 50A is covering multiple wires WA together.Furthermore, the connector 1A can form a watertight region 10SA inside the housing 10 by having the watertight structure 30A, which includes the first watertight member 31A and the second watertight member 32A, in close contact with the housing 10 and each component assembled to the housing 10. In addition, the connector 1A can prevent liquids such as water from accumulating in the connection portion between the first shield shell 21 and the second shield shell 22A by placing the connection portion in the watertight region 10SA. Therefore, the connector 1A, which employs a unified shield structure, can ensure proper watertight performance.

[0044] On the other hand, the connector 1B employing an individual shield structure comprises a rear holder 40B formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire exit end 10Q of the housing 10, and a braided body 50B formed in a cylindrical shape from a conductive metal material, and the second shield shell 22B is formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled while attached to each of the wires WB. Furthermore, the watertight structure 30B has a plurality of wire insertion holes 31h through which the wires WB can be inserted, and comprises a first watertight member 31B which is compressed between the wires WB and the rear holder 40B when assembled to the rear holder 40B with the wires WB inserted, and a second watertight member 32B which is formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire exit end of the housing 10 while attached to the outer surface of the rear holder 140B, and is compressed between the housing 10 and the rear holder 40B. Furthermore, the braided body 50B houses the core wires Wa of the electric wires WB inside, and is electrically connected to the second shield shell 22B with its ends positioned inside the second shield shell 22B. The connecting portion 22bB is formed protruding from the end 22QB on the electric wire exit side of the second shield shell body 22aB and is assembled while being sandwiched inside the first shield shell 21. With this configuration, the connector 1B can electrically connect the second shield shell body 22aB, which is formed on the tip side in the axial direction X of the second shield shell 22B, to the end of the braided body 50B, and can electrically connect the connecting portion 22bB, which is formed on the base side in the axial direction X of the second shield shell 22B, to the end of the first shield shell 21. In addition, the connector 1B can have an individual shielding structure by electrically connecting the shield shell 20B and the braided body 50B while the braided body 50B is covering multiple electric wires WB individually (single electric wires). Furthermore, the connector 1B can form a watertight region 10SB inside the housing 10 by having the watertight structure 30B, which includes the first watertight member 31B and the second watertight member 32B, in close contact with the housing 10 and each component assembled to the housing 10. In addition, the connector 1B can prevent liquids such as water from accumulating in the connection portion between the first shield shell 21 and the second shield shell 22B by placing the connection portion in the watertight region 10SB.Therefore, connector 1B, which employs an individual shield structure, can ensure proper watertight performance.

[0045] Furthermore, the connectors 1, 1A, 1B and wire harness WH according to the embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0046] For example, in connector device CN, either one of the connectors can be the aforementioned connectors 1, 1A, or 1B, and the form of the other connector is not particularly limited.

[0047] Furthermore, although connectors 1, 1A, and 1B have been described as connectors used in connection mechanisms for wire-to-wire connections, the form of each connector is not particularly limited. For example, connectors 1, 1A, and 1B may be connectors used in connection mechanisms for wire-to-electrical equipment connections.

[0048] Furthermore, the connectors 1, 1A, 1B, and wire harness WH according to this embodiment may be constructed by appropriately combining the components of the embodiment described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1, 1A, 1B connectors 10 Housing 10Q End of the housing on the wire exit side 10S, 10SA, 10SB Water stop area 11 Terminal housing section 20, 20A, 20B Shield Shells 21. First Shield Shell 21Q End of the first shield shell 22, 22A, 22B Second Shield Shell 22aA, 22aB Second Shield Shell Main Body 22b, 22bA, 22bB connection section 22h Wire insertion hole 22PA Second Shield Shell Main Body - Connecting End 22QA, 22QB Second Shield Shell Body End on the Wire Outlet Side 30, 30A, 30B Water stop structure 31A, 31B First water-stopping member 31h Wire insertion hole 32A, 32B Second water-stopping member 40, 40A, 40B Rear Holder 50, 50A, 50B braided body 100A, 100B First Connector 200A, 200B Second Connector CN connector device T terminal W electric wire WH Wire Harness X-axis direction Y width direction Z (height direction)

Claims

1. A housing that has insulating properties and holds terminals provided at the ends of multiple electric wires, A shield shell formed of a conductive metallic material and assembled while housed in the housing, A watertight structure that forms a watertight region inside the housing, A rear holder formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire-out end of the housing, It comprises a braided body formed in a cylindrical shape from a conductive metal material, The shield shell comprises a first shield shell formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the mating side of the housing to house a portion of the housing inside, and a second shield shell assembled to the wire outlet side of the housing in a state of electrical connection with the end of the first shield shell. The connection portion of the second shield shell to the first shield shell is located in the watertight area. The second shield shell has a second shield shell body and a plurality of wire insertion holes through which the electric wires can be inserted, and is assembled with the electric wires inserted into each of them. The aforementioned water-stopping structure is A first water-stopping member, formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the second shield shell while attached to the respective electric wires, is compressed between the electric wire and the second shield shell. It has a second water-stopping member which is formed in a cylindrical shape and is attached to the outer surface of the second shield shell body and assembled to the wire-out end of the housing, thereby being compressed between the housing and the second shield shell body, The rear holder is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the housing with the wire-out end of the second shield shell inserted through it. The braided body houses the multiple electric wires together on the inside, and its ends are positioned outside the second shield shell, with the braided body electrically connected to the second shield shell. The connecting portion is formed to protrude from the mating end of the second shield shell body and is assembled in a state where it is sandwiched inside the first shield shell. connector.

2. A housing having insulating properties and holding terminals provided at the ends of multiple electric wires, A shield shell formed of a conductive metallic material and assembled while housed in the housing, A watertight structure that forms a watertight region inside the housing, A rear holder formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire-out end of the housing, It comprises a braided body formed in a cylindrical shape from a conductive metal material, The shield shell comprises a first shield shell formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the mating side of the housing to house a portion of the housing inside, and a second shield shell assembled to the wire outlet side of the housing in a state of electrical connection with the end of the first shield shell. The connection portion of the second shield shell to the first shield shell is located in the watertight area. The second shield shell is formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled while attached to each of the electric wires. The aforementioned water-stopping structure is A first water-stopping member having a plurality of wire insertion holes through which the aforementioned wires can be inserted, and which is compressed between the wires and the rear holder when assembled to the rear holder with the wires inserted through each of the holes, It has a second water-stopping member which is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the end of the housing on the wire exit side when attached to the outer surface of the rear holder, so that it is compressed between the housing and the rear holder, The braided body houses the core wires of the electric wires on its interior, and its ends are electrically connected to the second shield shell with the ends positioned inside the second shield shell. The connecting portion is formed to protrude from the wire-out end of the second shield shell and is assembled in a state where it is sandwiched inside the first shield shell. connector.

3. Multiple wires with terminals attached to the end, Each of the aforementioned electric wires is fitted with a connector, The aforementioned connector is A housing that has insulating properties and holds each of the terminals, A shield shell formed of a conductive metallic material and assembled while housed in the housing, A watertight structure that forms a watertight region inside the housing, A rear holder formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire-out end of the housing, It comprises a braided body formed in a cylindrical shape from a conductive metal material, The shield shell comprises a first shield shell formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the mating side of the housing to house a portion of the housing inside, and a second shield shell assembled to the wire outlet side of the housing in a state of electrical connection with the end of the first shield shell. The connection portion of the second shield shell to the first shield shell is located in the watertight area. The second shield shell has a second shield shell body and a plurality of wire insertion holes through which the electric wires can be inserted, and is assembled with the electric wires inserted into each of them. The aforementioned water-stopping structure is A first water-stopping member, formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the second shield shell while attached to the respective electric wires, is compressed between the electric wire and the second shield shell. It has a second water-stopping member which is formed in a cylindrical shape and is attached to the outer surface of the second shield shell body and assembled to the wire-out end of the housing, thereby being compressed between the housing and the second shield shell body, The rear holder is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the housing with the wire-out end of the second shield shell inserted through it. The braided body houses the multiple electric wires together on the inside, and its ends are positioned outside the second shield shell, with the braided body electrically connected to the second shield shell. The connecting portion is formed to protrude from the mating end of the second shield shell body and is assembled in a state where it is sandwiched inside the first shield shell. Wire harness.

4. A plurality of electric wires, each having a terminal at its end, Each of the aforementioned electric wires is fitted with a connector, The aforementioned connector is A housing that has insulating properties and holds each of the terminals, A shield shell formed of a conductive metallic material and assembled while housed in the housing, A watertight structure that forms a watertight region inside the housing, A rear holder formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the wire-out end of the housing, It comprises a braided body formed in a cylindrical shape from a conductive metal material, The shield shell comprises a first shield shell formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled to the mating side of the housing to house a portion of the housing inside, and a second shield shell assembled to the wire outlet side of the housing in a state of electrical connection with the end of the first shield shell. The connection portion of the second shield shell to the first shield shell is located in the watertight area. The second shield shell is formed in a cylindrical shape and assembled while attached to each of the electric wires. The aforementioned water-stopping structure is A first water-stopping member having a plurality of wire insertion holes through which the aforementioned wires can be inserted, and which is compressed between the wires and the rear holder when assembled to the rear holder with the wires inserted through each of the holes, It has a second water-stopping member which is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled to the end of the housing on the wire exit side when attached to the outer surface of the rear holder, so that it is compressed between the housing and the rear holder, The braided body houses the core wires of the electric wires on its interior, and its ends are electrically connected to the second shield shell with the ends positioned inside the second shield shell. The connecting portion is formed to protrude from the wire-out end of the second shield shell and is assembled in a state where it is sandwiched inside the first shield shell. Wire harness.

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