JP7746930B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a connector.

The connector described in Patent Document 1 comprises a housing and a mating housing that can be mated with each other. The housing has a housing main body and a mating tubular portion that surrounds the outer periphery of the housing main body. The mating housing has a tubular hood portion that is mated between the housing main body and the mating tubular portion. A step is formed on the outer surface of the housing. This connector has a structure that improves vibration resistance by positioning the center of gravity of the housing toward the center of the connector mating using the step.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-125545

In the case of Patent Document 1, the stepped portion increases the external dimensions of the housing, raising concerns that the connector may become larger. In response to this, for example, a configuration in which a protrusion extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed on the inner surface of the hood portion, and a recess extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed on the side of the housing main body, with the protrusion fitting into the recess, makes it possible to improve vibration resistance while avoiding an increase in the size of the housing. However, with this configuration, if a front retainer that surrounds the side of the housing main body is attached to the housing main body, a problem arises in that the protrusion interferes with the front retainer and cannot fit into the recess.

The present disclosure therefore aims to provide a connector that can improve vibration resistance even when equipped with a front retainer.

The present disclosure relates to a connector comprising a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing has a cylindrical hood portion, and the second housing has a housing main body portion that fits inside the hood portion and a front retainer that is attached to the housing main body portion, wherein a recess is formed on one of the side surface of the housing main body facing a direction intersecting the fitting direction with the hood portion and the inner surface of the hood portion, and a protrusion that fits into the recess is formed on the other, and the front retainer is shaped to surround the side surface of the housing main body portion and has an escape portion at a position opposite the recess to allow the protrusion to escape.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a connector that can improve vibration resistance even when equipped with a front retainer.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first housing and a second housing in a connector according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the first and second housings in a mated state. FIG. 3 is a front view of the first housing and the second housing in a mated state, with the first housing side cut away. FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the recess and protrusion engaged with each other, with the protrusion side cut away. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the recess and protrusion in a mating state. FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view in which the locking portion side is cut away, showing the portion and locking arm that are engaged with each other, with a part of the locking portion disposed inside the notch. FIG. 7 is a front view of the first housing. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first housing. FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the first housing corresponding to the locking portion. FIG. 10 is a front view of the second housing. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the second housing corresponding to the lock arm and the notch. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the second housing corresponding to the recess. FIG. 13 is a front view of the front retainer. FIG. 14 is a side view of the front retainer.

Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure
First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
The connector of the present disclosure comprises:
(1) A housing having a first housing and a second housing, the first housing having a cylindrical hood portion, the second housing having a housing main body portion that fits inside the hood portion, and a front retainer that is attached to the housing main body portion, one of the side surface of the housing main body facing in a direction that intersects the fitting direction with the hood portion and the inner surface of the hood portion having a recess formed thereon, and the other of the side surface of the housing main body facing in a direction that intersects with the fitting direction with the hood portion having a protrusion formed thereon that fits into the recess, the front retainer having a shape that surrounds the side surface of the housing main body portion and having an escape portion at a position opposite the recess to allow the protrusion to escape.
In the above configuration, the projections are fitted into the recesses, thereby suppressing rattle of the housing body inside the hood, thereby improving the vibration resistance of the connector. Here, even if the front retainer surrounds the side surfaces of the housing body, the front retainer has relief portions, so a structure in which the projections are fitted into the recesses can be realized.

(2) It is preferable that a gap be formed between the outer surface of the protrusion and the inner surface of the relief portion.
According to the above configuration, the protrusion can be prevented from coming into contact with the front retainer, and therefore, the mating resistance between the first housing and the second housing can be prevented from becoming excessive.

(3) The housing main body has a cavity for accommodating the second terminal fitting, and the portion on the side surface of the housing main body where the recess or the protrusion is formed is preferably positioned at a height position that overlaps with the cavity in the height direction of the side surface.
According to the above configuration, the second terminal fitting and the mating first terminal fitting can be connected at a height position that overlaps with the mating structure of the concave and convex portions, thereby avoiding sliding wear between the first terminal fitting and the second terminal fitting.

(4) It is preferable that a small convex portion extending in the fitting direction and contacting the convex portion is formed on the inner surface of the concave portion.
In the above configuration, the small convex portion comes into contact with the convex portion, thereby more effectively suppressing rattle of the housing main body inside the hood portion.

(5) The small convex portions may be formed on opposing surfaces of the inner surface of the concave portion.
In the above configuration, the small convex portions formed on the opposing surfaces of the recess come into contact with the convex portion, thereby more effectively suppressing rattle of the housing main body inside the hood portion.

(6) The housing main body has a plurality of cavity tower sections arranged at intervals in the height direction of the side surface, and each of the plurality of cavity tower sections has a cavity for accommodating a second terminal fitting, and the recess or protrusion is preferably formed on the side surface of each of the cavity tower sections.
According to the above configuration, a fitting structure between the recess and the protrusion is formed for each cavity tower portion, so that rattle of the housing main body inside the hood portion can be more reliably suppressed.

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

<Embodiment 1>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the connector 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 that can be mated with each other. The second housing 12 includes a main housing 13 and a front retainer 14 attached to the main housing 13. As shown in FIG. 2 , the main housing 13 accommodates a plurality of second terminal fittings 15. The first housing 11 is equipped with a plurality of first terminal fittings 16. In the following description, the front-rear direction refers to the side of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 that faces each other when mating begins. The left-right direction is synonymous with the width direction and is based on the left-right direction in FIG. 3 . The up-down direction is synonymous with the height direction and is based on the up-down direction in each drawing. In FIG. 1 and other figures, the front-rear direction is indicated by the symbol X, the left-right direction is indicated by the symbol Y, and the up-down direction is indicated by the symbol Z. These directional references are for convenience only.

In the following description, "outside" refers to the side of the relevant portion that is farther away from the central axis of the connector 10, and "inside" refers to the side of the relevant portion that is closer to the central axis of the connector 10. With respect to the radial direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, "outside" corresponds to the radially outer side of the connector 10, and "inside" corresponds to the radially inner side of the connector 10.

(First housing, first terminal fitting)
The first housing 11 is made of synthetic resin and has a rectangular cylindrical hood portion 17, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The hood portion 17 has a rear wall 18 with wall surfaces facing forward and backward, a pair of side walls 19 opposing each other on the left and right, and an upper wall 21 and a lower wall 22 opposing each other on the top and bottom. Each of the side walls 19, upper wall 21, and lower wall 22 protrudes forward from the rear wall 18. At the four corners of the hood portion 17, the left and right ends of the upper wall 21 are curvedly connected to the upper ends of the side walls 19, respectively, and the left and right ends of the lower wall 22 are curvedly connected to the lower ends of the side walls 19, respectively.

Terminal mounting holes 23 are formed through the upper and lower ends of the rear wall 18. As shown in Figure 2, a first terminal fitting 16 is press-fit into each terminal mounting hole 23.

The first terminal fitting 16 is a plate-shaped male terminal made of conductive metal. As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal fitting 16 has a terminal connection portion 24 that penetrates the rear wall 18 and protrudes inside the hood portion 17, and a board connection portion 25 that is exposed at the rear side of the hood portion 17. The terminal connection portion 24 connects to the second terminal fitting 15 when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly mated. The board connection portion 25 is connected to the circuit board P by soldering.

As shown in Figure 7, the hood portion 17 has multiple protrusions 26 protruding from the inner surface of each side wall 19. Each protrusion 26 has a rectangular cross section and protrudes horizontally from the upper and lower ends of the inner surface of each side wall 19. Each terminal mounting hole 23 in the rear wall 18 and the first terminal fittings 16 mounted in each terminal mounting hole 23 are positioned between the left and right protrusions 26 in the width direction and overlapping with the left and right protrusions 26 in the height direction; more specifically, within the height range of the left and right protrusions 26.

The hood portion 17 has a pair of partitioning protrusions 27 that protrude horizontally from the upper and lower middle portions of the inner surface of each side wall 19. Each partitioning protrusion 27 is disposed between the upper and lower protrusions 26 in the height direction. Each partitioning protrusion 27 is rectangular plate-shaped and protrudes inward from the inner surface of the side wall 19 farther than each of the protrusions 26. As shown in Figure 8, the protruding tips of each partitioning protrusion 27 are arranged along the front-to-rear direction and face each other. An engaging rib 28 extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed on the upper surface of each partitioning protrusion 27.

In addition to the protrusions 26 and partitioning protrusions 27, a plurality of ribs 29 are formed protruding from the inner surface of the hood portion 17. The ribs 29 are arranged at uneven intervals around the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the hood portion 17. Each of the protrusions 26, partitioning protrusions 27, and ribs 29 extends in the front-to-rear direction, with their rear ends connected to the rear wall 18 of the hood portion 17 and their front ends positioned rearward of the front end (opening end) of the hood portion 17. The front end of each partitioning protrusion 27 is positioned forward of the respective front ends of the protrusions 26 and ribs 29 in the portion closer to the central axis of the hood portion 17.

The first housing 11 has a flange portion 31 that extends outward from the inner wall 18 located at the rear end of the hood portion 17 around the entire periphery.
The hood portion 17 has a pair of guide ribs 32 that protrude from the left and right ends of the upper surface of the upper wall 21. Each guide rib 32 extends the entire length of the hood portion 17 in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is connected to the flange portion 31.

The hood portion 17 has a locking portion 33 that protrudes from the left-right middle portion of the upper surface of the top wall 21. As shown in Figure 9, the locking portion 33 has an extending portion 34 that extends in the front-to-rear direction on the upper surface of the top wall 21, and a locking protrusion 35 that protrudes upward from a position near the front end of the extending portion 34. Of the front and rear portions of the extending portion 34 that are sandwiched between the locking protrusion 35, the rear portion has a thicker portion 36 that is thicker in the up-down direction than the front portion.

The rear surface of the locking projection 35 forms a locking surface 37 that rises vertically from the upper surface of the thick portion 36 and is engaged with a locking arm 46 (described later) of the second housing 12. The front surface of the locking projection 35 slopes upward from the front portion of the extension portion 34 to the top surface of the locking projection 35, forming an inclined surface 38 that guides the bending movement of the locking arm 46. The lower end of the inclined surface 38 is located below the lower end of the locking surface 37 by the height of the thick portion 36.

A collision surface 39 is formed on the upper surface of the thick portion 36, extending in the front-to-rear direction and continuing to the lower end of the engagement surface 37 of the locking projection 35. When the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly mated, the locking arm 46 collides with the collision surface 39, generating a locking sound (see Figure 2).

The locking portion 33 has a recessed groove 41 at the lower end of the extension portion 34, which is the base end in the protruding direction. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the recessed groove 41 has a rectangular cross section and is recessed into the left and right side surfaces of the lower end of the extension portion 34. The recessed groove 41 extends the entire length of the locking portion 33 in the front-to-rear direction, with its front end opening to the front surface of the locking portion 33 and its rear end closed by the flange portion 31.

Of the groove surfaces of the groove 41, the upper side (the surface facing downward) and the lower side (the surface facing upward), which face upward and downward, are arranged parallel to each other in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, while the side facing outward in the width direction is arranged in the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. The lower side of the groove 41 is formed on the upper surface of the upper wall 21 of the hood portion 17. The upper side of the groove 41 forms a pressing surface 42 that faces the opposing end 75 of a dividing wall portion 74 of the second housing 12 (described later) and is capable of contacting it from above (outside). The side of the groove 41 is arranged in the same height range as the flange portion 31.

(Main housing, second terminal fitting)
As described above, the second housing 12 is composed of the main housing 13 and the front retainer 14 which are separate bodies.
10, the main housing 13 is made of synthetic resin and has a housing body 43, a fitting tubular portion 44 surrounding the outer periphery of the housing body 43, a connecting portion 45 radially connecting the housing body 43 and the fitting tubular portion 44, a locking arm 46 disposed above (outside) the fitting tubular portion 44, and a cover portion 47 covering the locking arm 46. As shown in FIG. 2, cavities 48 extending in the front-rear direction are formed at the upper and lower ends of the housing body 43.

As shown in Figure 1, the rear portion of the housing main body 43 is formed with an enclosure portion 49 having a vertically elongated elliptical outer shape, while the front portion is formed with a pair of cavity tower portions 51 divided into upper and lower portions.

Each cavity tower portion 51 is formed for each cavity 48. As shown in FIG. 10, each cavity tower portion 51 has a front wall 52 that closes the front end of the cavity 48. The front wall 52 has a horizontally elongated insertion opening 53 through which the first terminal fitting 16 can be inserted from the front side. Each cavity tower portion 51 has lances 55 on inner walls 54 that face each other and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The lances 55 are elastically deformable in the space between the inner walls 54 of each cavity tower portion 51.

As shown in Figure 2, a rubber stopper housing portion 56 is formed at the rear end of each cavity 48, with a larger opening than the front end of each cavity 48. Each rubber stopper housing portion 56 is defined by a cylindrical portion (not shown) formed inside the surrounding portion 49.

A second terminal fitting 15 is inserted into each cavity 48 of the housing main body 43 from the rear. The second terminal fitting 15 is a female terminal formed by bending a conductive metal plate. As shown in FIG. 2 , the second terminal fitting 15 has a cylindrical box portion 57 that opens at the front and rear, a resilient contact portion 58 that protrudes inside the box portion 57, and a barrel portion 59 that connects to the electric wire W behind the box portion 57. When the second terminal fitting 15 is properly inserted into the cavity 48, the box portion 57 is engaged with the lance 55. The terminal connection portion 24 of the first terminal fitting 16 is inserted into the box portion 57 through the insertion opening 53, contacts the resilient contact portion 58, and is electrically connected to the second terminal fitting 15. The electric wire W is crimped onto the barrel portion 59 and is drawn rearward from the housing main body 43. A rubber stopper 60 is liquid-tightly housed inside the rubber stopper housing portion 56. The rubber plug 60 is made of rubber such as silicone rubber, is attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire W, and is connected to the second terminal fitting 15 by the barrel portion 59.

As shown in Figure 10, the housing main body 43 has multiple recesses 61 on its left and right side surfaces. Each recess 61 has a U-shaped cross section and is provided in pairs on the left and right side surfaces of each cavity tower section 51. As shown in Figure 12, each recess 61 extends the entire length of each cavity tower section 51 in the front-to-rear direction, with its front end opening to the front of each cavity tower section 51 and its rear end closed by the connecting section 45.

Of the groove surfaces of the recess 61, the upper side (the surface facing downward) and the lower side (the surface facing upward), which face opposite each other at the top and bottom, are arranged along the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, while the side surfaces facing outward in the width direction are arranged along the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. Of the groove surfaces of the recess 61, arc-shaped curved surfaces 63 are formed between the upper side and each side, and between the lower side and each side. Each cavity tower section 51 has rib-shaped elastic wall sections 64 at the left and right side ends that extend in the front-to-back direction and separate the upper and lower sides of the recess 61.

A number of small protrusions 62 are formed on the groove surface of the recess 61. As shown in Figure 4, each small protrusion 62 has an arc-shaped cross section and is positioned opposite the left-right middle portion of the upper and lower side surfaces of the recess 61, and is also positioned in the upper-lower middle portion of the side surfaces. As shown in Figure 12, each small protrusion 62 extends the entire length of each recess 61 in the front-to-rear direction and has a chamfered slope 65 at its front end.

As shown in Figure 10, entry grooves 66 are recessed into the opposing surfaces of the inner wall 54 of each cavity tower section 51, on both sides of the lance 55. Each entry groove 66 extends in the front-to-rear direction, with its front end opening to the front surface of the cavity tower section 51. Each cavity tower section 51 has a weir-shaped stopper section 67 that closes the entry groove 66 midway in the front-to-rear direction. The stopper section 67 engages with a retainer lock section 97 (described later) of the front retainer 14.

The fitting tube portion 44 has a rectangular cylindrical shape and, as shown in FIG. 10, has a pair of side walls 68 opposing each other laterally, and an upper wall portion 69 and a lower wall portion 71 opposing each other vertically. Guide recesses 72 are formed at the left and right ends of the inner surface of the upper wall portion 69. As shown in FIG. 3, each guide rib 32 of the hood portion 17 fits into each guide recess 72. As shown in FIG. 11, the fitting tube portion 44 has a notch 73 formed by cutting out the middle portion of the upper wall portion 69 from the left and right. The notch 73 extends in the front-to-rear direction, with its front end opening at the front end surface of the upper wall portion 69 and its rear end closed by the connecting portion 45. This notch 73 has a constant opening width in the left-to-right direction except for the front end portion, which widens toward the front.

As shown in Figure 11, the upper wall portion 69 has a pair of partition walls 74 divided into left and right portions by a cutout portion 73. Each partition wall portion 74 is plate-shaped along the front-rear and left-right directions, and the end opposite the opposing end portion 75, which is the end facing the cutout portion 73, is connected to the side wall portion 68 via a guide recess 72, and the rear end portion is connected to the connecting portion 45. The fitting cylindrical portion 44 is continuous in the circumferential direction except for the cutout portion 73.

The cover 47 has a top plate 76 that faces the upper wall 69 from above, and a pair of side plate sections 77 that face each other on the left and right. The top plate section 76 is plate-shaped along the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and has a recess 78 that opens at its rear end. The side plate sections 77 are plate-shaped along the front-to-back and up-to-down directions, and connect the top plate section 76 and the upper wall 69 (dividing wall section 74) in the height direction. A reinforcing section 79 is formed at the front end of the side plate section 77, protruding outward in the width direction. The reinforcing section 79 is triangular in front view, and is erected on the upper surface of the dividing wall section 74.

The locking arm 46 has an arm main body 81 extending in the front-rear direction and a pair of support portions 82 projecting outward in the width direction from the left and right end faces of the arm main body 81. As shown in FIG. 6, each support portion 82 is connected to the corresponding side plate portion 77. The arm main body 81 is disposed between the top plate portion 76 and the upper wall portion 69 in the height direction and is elastically deformable (swingable) like a seesaw, with each support portion 82 serving as a fulcrum. As shown in FIG. 2, a locking hole 83 is formed in the arm main body 81, penetrating it in the vertical direction. A mating detection member (not shown) is housed between the cover portion 47 and the upper wall portion 69, and on the outer periphery of the locking arm 46. This mating detection member is movable relative to the main housing 13 when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly mated, thereby detecting the mating state of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12.

(front retainer)
The front retainer 14 is made of synthetic resin and has a rectangular frame shape, and is attached to each cavity tower portion 51 of the housing main body 43 from the front side. As shown in Figure 13, the front retainer 14 has an upper portion 84 and a lower portion 85 that face each other vertically, and a pair of side portions 86 that face each other laterally. The left and right ends of the upper portion 84 are connected to the upper ends of each side portion 86 via curved upper corners 87. The left and right ends of the lower portion 85 are connected to the lower ends of each side portion 86 via curved lower corners 88.

A number of rib receiving grooves 89 are recessed into the outer surfaces of the upper and lower portions 84 and 85. Each rib receiving groove 89 extends in the front-to-rear direction, with its front end opening to the front surface of the upper and lower portions 84 and 85. As shown in Figure 3, each rib receiving groove 89 fits into one of the ribs 29 of the hood portion 17. As shown in Figure 14, rib receiving grooves 89 are also formed in the side portions 86.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the front retainer 14 has partitions 91 extending in the left-right direction, with their left and right ends connected to the upper and lower middle portions of each side portion 86. The upper and lower spaces separated by the partitions 91 in the front retainer 14 form mating spaces 92 that penetrate in the front-to-rear direction. The cavity tower portion 51 is fitted into the mating space 92 from the rear side. A pair of left and right partition recesses 93 that penetrate the side portions 86 and open outward in the width direction and to the front are formed in the upper and lower middle portions of the partition 91. As shown in FIG. 3 , each partition recess 93 is fitted with a partition protrusion 27 of the hood portion 17. Each partition recess 93 of the partition 91 is formed with a rib receiver 94 that fits into each mating rib 28 of the hood portion 17.

Regulating surfaces 95 are formed at the left and right intermediate portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the partition portion 91. As shown in FIG. 3, each regulating surface 95 faces and can come into contact with the corresponding lance 55 in the bending direction of the lance 55, restricting the bending movement of that lance 55. Protrusions 96 that define the width of each regulating surface 95 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the partition portion 91 at positions corresponding to the left and right ends of each regulating surface 95. Each protrusion 96 is rib-shaped and extends in the front-to-rear direction, and is spaced apart in the width direction by the width of the lance 55. The lance 55 is restricted from shifting in the width direction by each protrusion 96.

As shown in FIG. 13 , a retainer locking portion 97 (see FIG. 1) is formed protruding from the rear end of the upper and lower surfaces of the partition portion 91 at a position close to and on the widthwise outer side of each protrusion portion 96. During the process of assembling the front retainer 14 to the main housing 13, each retainer locking portion 97 enters each entry groove 66 of each cavity tower portion 51. Thereafter, each retainer locking portion 97 elastically overcomes each stopper portion 67 and is engaged with each stopper portion 67, thereby holding the front retainer 14 in the main housing 13.

As shown in FIG. 13, each side portion 86 has a relief portion 98 at the top and bottom of the partition recess 93. As shown in FIG. 14, each relief portion 98 is a groove extending in the front-to-rear direction, with its front end opening at the front end face of the side portion 86 and its rear end closed at the rear end of the side portion 86. The groove width of the relief portion 98 in the up-to-down direction is constant in the front-to-rear direction and is larger than the vertical dimension of the protrusion 26 of the hood portion 17. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 26 is inserted into the inside of the relief portion 98 with play in the up-to-down direction. This relief portion 98 is connected to the upper and lower middle portions of the fitting space 92 on the inside in the width direction.

(Connector action)
Prior to assembling the second housing 12, the second terminal fittings 15 are inserted from the rear into the cavities 48 of the housing body 43. The second terminal fittings 15 are locked by the lances 55 and are temporarily prevented from coming off the housing body 43.

When assembling the second housing 12, the front retainer 14 is attached to the housing main body 43 from the front side. The retainer locking portions 97 engage with the stopper portions 67, properly attaching the front retainer 14 to the housing main body 43. At this time, each cavity tower portion 51 is fitted into its corresponding fitting space 92, and the outer periphery of each cavity tower portion 51 is surrounded by the front retainer 14 (see Figure 2). The partition portion 91 of the front retainer 14 is fitted into the space between the inner walls 54 of each cavity tower portion 51. The restricting surfaces 95 of the partition portion 91 face each lance 55, restricting the flexing movement of each lance 55, thereby allowing the second terminal fittings 15 to secondarily slip out of and into the housing main body 43. Each relief portion 98 of the front retainer 14 is positioned at a height that overlaps with the corresponding recess 61 of the cavity tower portion 51, and faces and communicates with that recess 61.

Next, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are fitted together. During the fitting process of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the ribs 29 of the hood portion 17 are inserted into the rib receiving grooves 89 of the front retainer 14 in a fitted state, and the protrusions 26 of the hood portion 17 are inserted into the recesses 61 of the housing main body 43 in a fitted state while being allowed to escape into the relief portions 98 of the front retainer 14.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base portion of the protrusion 26, which is the base end in the direction of protrusion from the side wall 19, is positioned away from the upper and lower opposing surfaces (inner surfaces) of the relief portion 98 while avoiding contact with the opposing surfaces. Meanwhile, the tip portion of the protrusion 26, which is the tip end in the direction of protrusion from the side wall 19, contacts each small protrusion 62 when engaged with the recess 61. Specifically, the upper and lower surfaces and the tip surface in the protruding direction of the protrusion 26 contact the corresponding small protrusion 62 over a long distance along the front-to-rear direction (see FIG. 5). This reduces rattling between the hood portion 17 and the housing main body 43. Furthermore, when the upper and lower small protrusions 62 are in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the protrusion 26, the upper and lower elastic wall portions 64 can elastically deform in directions away from each other, thereby preventing each small protrusion 62 from being crushed.

During the mating process between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the lower end of the locking portion 33 of the hood portion 17 enters the inside of the notch 73 of the mating tubular portion 44, and the opposing end 75 of each partition wall portion 74 is inserted into the groove 41 of the locking portion 33 in a mating state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the opposing end 75 of the partition wall portion 74 is sandwiched vertically within the groove 41 by the first housing 11, with the pressing surface 42 of the groove 41 facing and contacting the upper surface of the opposing end 75 of the partition wall portion 74, and the lower surface of the groove 41 facing and contacting the lower surface of the opposing end 75 of the partition end. As a result, each partition wall portion 74 is positioned in the first housing 11 and maintains a fixed shape as the upper wall portion 69 of the mating tubular portion 44. Therefore, even if a notch 73 is formed in the upper wall portion 69 of the fitting tubular portion 44, the dividing wall portion 74 can be prevented from expanding and deforming in a direction that increases the opening width of the notch 73.

Furthermore, during the mating process between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the tip (front end) of the arm main body 81 of the locking arm 46 contacts the inclined surface 38 of the locking projection 35 midway up the slope, and the locking arm 46 is configured not to come into contact with any part of the hood portion 17 other than the locking projection 35. In this way, the tip of the arm main body 81 slides over the inclined surface 38 of the locking projection 35, causing the locking arm 46 to flex and deform appropriately, preventing unnecessary frictional resistance from occurring between the locking arm 46 and the first housing 11.

Then, the lock arm 46 elastically returns to its original position, and the lock protrusion 35 fits into the lock hole 83, maintaining the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 in a mated state. At the same time, the first terminal fittings 16 and the second terminal fittings 15 are properly connected (see Figure 2). The lock arm 46 can be released from its engagement with the lock portion 33 by pressing the rear end of the lock arm 46 through the recess 78.

If the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are not facing each other when mating begins, for example, if the second housing 12 is tilted relative to the first housing 11, the leading end (front end) of each protrusion 26 will interfere with the opposing wall surface of the second housing 12, restricting the mating operation of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. This prevents the terminal connection portion 24 of the first terminal fitting 16 from being twisted and deformed due to interference with the second housing 12. Furthermore, because the opposing end 75 of the dividing wall portion 74 is engaged with the recessed groove 41 in the initial stage of mating, the tilted orientation of the second housing 12 relative to the first housing 11 can be quickly corrected, thereby also preventing the above-mentioned twisted mating.

When the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are properly mated, the aforementioned convex portions 26 remain engaged with their respective concave portions 61, and the opposing ends 75 of the aforementioned dividing wall portions 74 remain engaged with their respective concave grooves 41 of the locking portion 33. This prevents rattle between the first housing 11 and the main housing 13, even when the connector 10 is subjected to vibration. In particular, on both sides of the connection between the terminal connection portion 24 of the first terminal fitting 16 and the resilient contact portion 58 of the second terminal fitting 15, a mating structure between the concave portion 61 and the convex portion 26 is formed at a height that overlaps with the connection, specifically, in a height range that includes the connection. Furthermore, this mating structure between the concave portion 61 and the convex portion 26 is also formed at a height that overlaps with the connection in the front-to-rear direction, specifically, in a range that includes the connection. Therefore, when the connector 10 is exposed to vibration, the impact on the connection between the first terminal fittings 16 and the second terminal fittings 15 is reduced, and rattle between the first housing 11 and the main housing 13 can be suppressed.

As explained above, according to this embodiment 1, the protrusion 26 fits into the recess 61, thereby reducing rattle of the housing main body 43 inside the hood portion 17 and improving vibration resistance. In particular, in this embodiment 1, the left and right side surfaces of the housing main body 43 are covered by the front retainer 14, and the front retainer 14 is interposed between the protrusion 26 and the recess 61. However, because the protrusion 26 can escape into the relief portion 98 of the front retainer 14, it is possible to achieve an engagement structure between the recess 61 and the protrusion 26.

In addition, a clearance (gap) is formed between the outer surface of the protrusion 26 and the inner surface of the relief portion 98, preventing excessive mating resistance between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. Furthermore, because the recess 61 is positioned at a height that overlaps with the cavity 48 in the housing main body 43, sliding wear between the first terminal fitting 16 and the second terminal fitting 15 can be avoided.

Furthermore, small protrusions 62 that extend in the front-to-rear direction and contact the protrusions 26 are formed on the inner surface of the recess 61, which more effectively prevents the housing main body 43 from rattling inside the hood portion 17. In particular, small protrusions 62 are formed on the opposing upper and lower end surfaces of the inner surface of the recess 61, which more effectively prevents the housing main body 43 from rattling inside the hood portion 17.

In addition, the housing main body 43 has multiple cavity tower sections 51 spaced apart in the vertical direction, and recesses 61 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of each cavity tower section 51. By fitting each protrusion 26 into each recess 61, rattle of the housing main body 43 inside the hood section 17 can be more reliably suppressed.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment 1, the fitting tubular portion 44 of the second housing 12 does not have a locking arm 46, and the locking arm 46 is positioned above the fitting tubular portion 44 so that it can engage with the locking portion 33. This prevents the thickness of the fitting tubular portion 44 from increasing, thereby reducing the amount of resin required to mold the fitting protrusion. In particular, even if the locking arm 46 is positioned above the fitting tubular portion 44, the fitting tubular portion 44 has a cutout portion 73, which makes it possible for the locking arm 46 to engage with the locking portion 33.

In addition, because the second housing 12 has a pressing surface 42 that faces the dividing wall portion 74 of the fitting tubular portion 44 from above and is capable of contacting it, the dividing wall portion 74 is prevented from expanding and deforming in a direction that would increase the opening width of the notch 73. In particular, because the opposing end portion 75 of the dividing wall portion 74 is fitted into the recessed groove 41 of the locking portion 33 and the pressing surface 42 is formed on the groove surface of the recessed groove 41, the structure of the first housing 11 is prevented from becoming complicated. Furthermore, because the opposing end portion 75 of the dividing wall portion 74 is fitted into the recessed groove 41, rattle between the fitting tubular portion 44 and the first housing 11 is reduced, further improving vibration resistance.

Furthermore, because the notch 73 and recess 61 both extend in the front-to-rear direction, the range over which the opposing end 75 of the dividing wall 74 fits into the recessed groove 41 can be set to be longer in the front-to-rear direction. As a result, rattle between the fitting tubular portion 44 and the first housing 11 can be effectively suppressed, further improving vibration resistance.

In addition, the locking arm 46 is positioned above the mating tubular portion 44, allowing the mating tubular portion 44 and the housing main body portion 43 to be formed with less restriction from the locking arm 46, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the shape of each of the mating tubular portion 44 and the housing main body portion 43.

Furthermore, the second housing 12 has a cover portion 47 that covers the lock arm 46, and the cover portion 47 is connected to the dividing wall portion 74, so the lock arm 46 can be protected by the cover portion 47 and the dividing wall portion 74 can be reinforced by the cover portion 47.

Other Embodiments of the Present Disclosure
The first embodiment disclosed herein is to be considered as an example in all respects and is not restrictive.
In the first embodiment, the recess is formed on the side surface of the housing main body, and the protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the hood. However, in another embodiment, the recess may be formed on the inner surface of the hood, and the protrusion may be formed on the side surface of the housing main body, which is the opposite of the first embodiment.
According to the first embodiment, small convex portions are formed on the groove surface of the recess. In contrast to this, according to other embodiments, small convex portions may not be formed on the groove surface of the recess, and the convex portions may be in surface contact with the groove surface of the recess.
In the first embodiment, the pressing surface is formed on the groove surface of the recessed groove of the locking portion. However, in other embodiments, the pressing surface may be formed on a portion of the first housing other than the groove surface of the recessed groove of the locking portion.
In the first embodiment, the first terminal fittings have the board connecting portions and the first housing is mounted on the circuit board. In contrast to this, in other embodiments, the first terminal fittings may not have the board connecting portions and the first housing may not be mounted on the circuit board.
In the first embodiment, the first housing is configured as a male housing for receiving first terminal fittings as male terminals, and the second housing is configured as a female housing for accommodating second terminal fittings as female terminals. However, in another embodiment, the first housing may be configured as a female housing for receiving first terminal fittings as female terminals, and the second housing may be configured as a male housing for receiving second terminal fittings as male terminals, in contrast to the first embodiment.
According to the first embodiment, a clearance (gap) is formed between the outer surface of the protrusion and the inner surface of the relief portion. In contrast, according to other embodiments, a clearance (gap) does not have to be formed between the outer surface of the protrusion and the inner surface of the relief portion. For example, the outer surface of the protrusion may be in partial contact with the inner surface of the relief portion.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Connector 11...First housing 12...Second housing 13...Main housing 14...Front retainer 15...Second terminal fitting 16...First terminal fitting 17...Hood portion 18...Rear wall 19...Side wall 21...Upper wall 22...Lower wall 23...Terminal mounting hole 24...Terminal connection portion 25...Board connection portion 26...Convex portion 27...Partition convex portion 28...Mating rib 29...Rib 31...Flange portion 32...Guide rib 33...Locking portion 34...Extending portion 35...Lock protrusion 36...Thick portion 37...Engaging surface 38...Inclined surface 39...Collision surface 41...Groove 42...Pressing surface 43...Housing main body portion 44...Mating cylindrical portion 45...Connecting portion 46...Lock arm 47...Covering portion 48...Cavity 49...Enclosure portion 51...Cavity tower portion 52...Front wall 53...Insertion opening 54...Inner wall 55...Lance 56...Rubber stopper accommodating portion 57...Box portion 58...Elastic contact portion 59...Barrel portion 60...Rubber stopper 61...Concave portion 62...Small convex portion 63...Curved surface 64...Elastic wall portion 65...Sloped surface 66...Entrance groove 67...Stopper portion 68...Side wall portion 69...Upper wall portion 71...Lower wall portion 72...Guide concave portion 73...Notch portion 74...Dividing wall portion 75...Opposite end portion 76...Top plate portion 77...Side plate portion 78...Recess 79...Reinforcement portion 81...Arm main body portion 82...Support portion 83...Lock hole 84...Upper portion 85...Lower portion 86...Side portion 87...Upper corner portion 88...Lower corner portion 89...Rib receiving groove 91: Partition portion 92: Fitting space 93: Partition recess 94: Rib receiving portion 95: Restriction surface 96: Protrusion portion 97: Retainer lock portion 98: Relief portion P: Circuit board

Claims (7)

a first housing and a second housing;
The first housing has a cylindrical hood portion,
the second housing has a housing main body portion fitted inside the hood portion and a front retainer attached to the housing main body portion,
a recess is formed on one of a side surface of the housing main body facing a direction intersecting the fitting direction with the hood portion and an inner surface of the hood portion, and a protrusion that fits into the recess is formed on the other,
The front retainer has a shape that surrounds the side surface of the housing body, and has an escape portion at a position opposite the recess for accommodating the protrusion. The connector of claim 1, wherein a gap is formed between the outer surface of the protrusion and the inner surface of the relief portion. the housing body has a cavity for accommodating a second terminal fitting;
The connector according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the side surface of the housing main body where the recess or the protrusion is formed is positioned at a height position that overlaps with the cavity in the height direction of the side surface. The connector according to claim 1, wherein a small protrusion extending in the mating direction and contacting the protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the recess. The connector described in claim 4, wherein the small protrusions are formed on opposing inner surfaces of the recess. the housing main body has a plurality of cavity towers arranged at intervals in a height direction of the side surface,
Each of the plurality of cavity tower portions has a cavity for accommodating a second terminal metal fitting,
The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the recessed portion or the protruding portion is formed on the side surface of each of the cavity tower portions. The connector described in claim 6, wherein the portion of the side surface of each of the cavity tower sections where the recess or protrusion is formed is positioned at a height position that overlaps with the cavity in the height direction of the side surface.