JP7409295B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to connectors.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some electrical equipment mounted on a vehicle is housed in a case. Such electrical equipment is electrically connected to another electrical equipment, for example, via a connector that is electrically connected to a terminal block fixed to the case. The terminal block is mounted in a mounting hole provided in the case. The mounting hole communicates between the inside and outside of the case.

As described in Patent Document 1, for example, a connector connected to a terminal block includes a connector housing having an opening, a plurality of terminals held in the connector housing, and a cover that closes the opening. There is something. When the connector is electrically connected to the terminal block, the connector housing is first placed with respect to the terminal block. At this time, the cover is not attached to the connector housing, and the opening is not closed by the cover. Thereafter, a tool is inserted into the connector housing through the opening, and the plurality of terminals are electrically connected to the plurality of mating terminals of the terminal block using the tool. Thereafter, the opening is closed with a cover.

JP2017-92418A

Incidentally, the connector is sometimes placed in a vehicle with the cover positioned above the connector housing. In this case, if the connector is exposed to liquid such as rainwater, the liquid may adhere to the top surface of the cover. If the liquid adhering to the top surface of the cover drips from the periphery of the top surface of the cover, depending on the position where the liquid drips, there is a risk that the liquid will reach the opening of the connector housing located below the cover. Therefore, there is a concern that liquid such as water may enter the inside of the connector from the opening of the connector housing.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can prevent liquid attached to the top surface of the cover from reaching the opening of the connector housing.

A connector of the present disclosure includes a connector housing having an opening, a cover that closes the opening, and a plurality of terminals held in the connector housing, wherein the plurality of terminals are mutually connected to each other. Each has a connecting portion to which different mating terminals are electrically connected, the plurality of connecting portions are arranged in a line inside the connector housing, and the cover has a first portion exposed to the outside of the connector housing. a second surface including an exposed surface exposed from the opening to the inside of the connector housing on the back side of the first surface; at least one first reinforcing rib protruding from the first surface; At least one second reinforcing rib protruding from the two surfaces, a peripheral wall portion protruding from the first surface, extending along the periphery of the first surface and surrounding the first surface, and at least one water draining portion. , a first direction is the direction in which the plurality of connecting portions are lined up, a second direction is a direction that intersects the first direction and goes from the proximal end to the distal end of the connecting portion, and a second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; Assuming that a direction perpendicular to the second direction is a third direction, the first reinforcing rib extends along the first direction when viewed from the third direction, and the second reinforcing rib extends along the first direction when viewed from the third direction. The drain portion extends along the second direction between the adjacent connection portions when viewed from the third direction, and the drain portion is located outside the exposed surface and outside the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion when viewed from the third direction. The connector is located inside and has a hole-like or notch-like shape through which liquid can pass from the first surface toward the second surface when viewed from the second direction.

According to the connector of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the liquid adhering to the upper surface of the cover from reaching the opening of the connector housing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector in one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector in one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view of the cover in one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view of the cover in one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the cover in one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover in one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cover in one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cover in one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cover in a modified example. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cover in a modified example.

[Description of embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
The connector of the present disclosure includes:
[1] A connector comprising a connector housing having an opening, a cover that closes the opening, and a plurality of terminals held in the connector housing, wherein the plurality of terminals are connected to different mating parties. Each terminal has a connecting portion to which the terminal is electrically connected, the plurality of connecting portions are arranged in a line inside the connector housing, and the cover has a first surface exposed to the outside of the connector housing. , a second surface including an exposed surface exposed from the opening to the inside of the connector housing on the back side of the first surface; at least one first reinforcing rib protruding from the first surface; and from the second surface. a plurality of protruding second reinforcing ribs, a peripheral wall portion protruding from the first surface, extending along the periphery of the first surface and surrounding the first surface, and at least one water drainage portion; A first direction is the direction in which the connecting portions are lined up, a second direction is a direction that intersects the first direction and goes from the base end to the distal end of the connecting portion, and is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. If the perpendicular direction is a third direction, the first reinforcing rib extends along the first direction when viewed from the third direction, and the second reinforcing rib extends along the first direction when viewed from the third direction. It extends along the second direction between the adjacent connection parts, and the water drain part is located outside the exposed surface and inside the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall part when viewed from the third direction. At the same time, the connector has a hole shape or a cutout shape through which liquid can pass in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface when viewed from the second direction.

According to this configuration, when the connector is arranged with the cover positioned above the connector housing, the first surface faces upward and the second surface faces downward. The liquid attached to the first surface due to liquid such as rainwater splashing on the connector is suppressed by the peripheral wall portion from dripping downward from an unintended position on the periphery of the first surface. When the liquid adhering to the first surface reaches the water draining portion along the first surface, it enters the water draining portion from the first surface side and passes through the water draining portion. It is discharged from the space inside the peripheral wall to the outside of the peripheral wall. The water draining portion has a hole shape or a notch shape through which liquid can pass from the first surface toward the second surface when viewed from the second direction. Therefore, liquid that enters the water drain section from above the first surface and passes through the water drain section can fall beyond the second surface when viewed from the second direction. In this way, the liquid adhering to the first surface can pass through the water drainage part and exit from above the first surface. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the liquid adhering to the first surface from leaking to the outer periphery of the first surface from an unintended location. Furthermore, the water draining portion is located outside the exposed surface when viewed from the third direction. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction, the exposed surface of the water draining portion is located on the outer peripheral side of the opening of the opposing connector housing. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the drain portion falls toward the outer circumference of the connector housing than the opening. For these reasons, it is possible to prevent liquid adhering to the first surface, that is, the upper surface of the cover, from reaching the opening of the connector housing.

Further, the cover has first reinforcing ribs and second reinforcing ribs on two surfaces, a first surface and a second surface located on the back side of the first surface, respectively. Furthermore, the first reinforcing ribs protruding from the first surface extend in the first direction. The second reinforcing ribs protruding from the second surface extend along the second direction, which is a direction intersecting the first direction. For this reason, the rigidity of the cover is increased compared to a case where only one of the first and second surfaces has reinforcing ribs or a case where the first reinforcing rib and the second reinforcing rib extend in the same direction. be able to. Furthermore, since the cover has the peripheral wall, the rigidity of the cover is also increased by the peripheral wall. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the cover, deformation of the cover can be suppressed.

[2] Preferably, the water drain portion has a hole shape that penetrates the cover from the first surface to the second surface.
According to this configuration, the liquid adhering to the first surface can be easily discharged from the first surface to the second surface side when viewed from the second direction by the water draining portion having a simple shape. Furthermore, compared to, for example, providing a cut-out water drain part in the peripheral wall part, there is no need to provide a chipped part of the peripheral wall part, so it is possible to provide the water drain part in the cover while suppressing a decrease in the rigidity of the cover. I can do it.

[3] It is preferable that the cover has a seal portion that protrudes from the second surface and is fitted into the opening so as to surround the exposed surface when viewed from the third direction.
According to this configuration, since the seal portion is fitted into the opening of the connector housing, it is easy to suppress liquid such as water from entering the inside of the connector housing from the opening. Further, the rigidity of the cover can also be increased by the seal portion.

[4] It is preferable to have an annular seal member for sealing between the outer circumferential surfaces of the seal portions and the connector housing that face each other.
According to this configuration, not only the seal portion but also the seal member can prevent liquid from entering the connector housing from the opening of the connector housing. Since the peripheral wall portion and the water drain portion can prevent the liquid adhering to the first surface from reaching the opening of the connector housing, it is possible to prevent the liquid adhering to the first surface from reaching the sealing member. Therefore, the deterioration of the seal member is prevented from being accelerated by the liquid.

[5] The second surface is wider than the exposed surface in the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction, and the connector housing has an end portion of the connector housing on the first direction side; The end portion of the connector housing on the side opposite to the first direction has a first guide portion extending along the third direction, and the cover has a first guide portion extending along the third direction. It has a second guide part that protrudes from a part on the first direction side and a part on the side opposite to the first direction from the exposed surface of the second surface, and the second guide part each protrudes from the first direction side. The guide portion engages with the concave and convex portions to restrict relative positional displacement between the connector housing and the cover in the first direction and the second direction, and each of the water drain portions is configured to have a concave-convex fit with the guide portion, It is preferable that one of the second guide parts or the other of the second guide parts be located between the seal part and the seal part.

According to this configuration, the liquid that has passed through the water draining portion from the first surface side to the second surface side is sealed by the second guide portion sandwiched between the water draining portion and the sealing portion when viewed from the third direction. It is suppressed from reaching the lower part. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the liquid adhering to the first surface from reaching the opening of the connector housing. In addition, when the cover is arranged with respect to the connector housing, by fitting the first guide part and the second guide part unevenly, the connector housing The cover can be easily positioned against the Therefore, the cover can be easily attached to the connector housing.

[6] The cover includes a portion of the cover closer to the first direction than the exposed surface and a portion of the cover opposite to the first direction than the exposed surface. It is preferable that only one of the parts has the water draining part.

According to this configuration, when the cover has the water drain portion in both the portion of the cover on the first direction side of the exposed surface and the portion of the cover on the side of the exposed surface in the first direction and the opposite direction. The rigidity of the cover can be increased compared to Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the rigidity of the cover due to the provision of the water drain portion.

[Details of embodiments of the present disclosure]
Specific examples of the connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims. Also, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensional proportions of components may differ from those in reality or from those in other drawings.

An embodiment of the connector will be described below.
The connector 10 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is electrically connected to an electrical device (not shown) mounted on a vehicle. Examples of electrical equipment include, but are not limited to, wheel drive motors that serve as power sources for vehicle travel. The electrical equipment is housed in a case (not shown). The case has a mounting hole that communicates between the inside and outside of the case. A terminal block having a plurality of mating terminals 9 is mounted in the mounting hole. Note that the mating terminal 9 is shown only in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the terminal block has, for example, three mating terminals 9. Each mating terminal 9 is electrically connected to an electrical device inside the case. Each mating terminal 9 is exposed from the terminal block to the outside of the case when the connector 10 is not connected to the terminal block.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector 10 includes a connector housing 12 having an opening 11, a cover 13 that closes the opening 11, and a plurality of terminals 14 held by the connector housing 12. . Hereinafter, the connector housing 12 will be referred to as "housing 12."

(terminal 14)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the connector 10 of this embodiment includes three terminals 14, the same number as the mating terminals 9. Note that the number of terminals 14 included in the connector 10 is not limited to three and can be changed as appropriate as long as it is plural. Each terminal 14 is made of a metal material. Examples of the material for each terminal 14 include metal materials such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy. The terminals 14 are electrically connected to different mating terminals 9, respectively.

The plurality of terminals 14 each have a connecting portion 21 to which different mating terminals 9 are electrically connected. The connecting portion 21 is a portion of the terminal 14 that is overlapped with the mating terminal 9 . Each terminal 14 has a connecting portion 21 at the end of each terminal 14 that projects inside the housing 12 . Each terminal 14 has a terminal body portion 22 held by the housing 12. In each terminal 14, the connecting portion 21 extends from an end portion of the terminal body portion 22 that projects inside the housing 12. In each terminal 14, among both ends of the connecting portion 21 in the direction in which the connecting portion 21 protrudes from the terminal body 22, the end farther from the terminal body 22 is the tip of the connecting portion 21. Furthermore, in each terminal 14, among both ends of the connecting portion 21 in the direction along the direction in which the connecting portion 21 protrudes from the terminal body portion 22, the end closer to the terminal body portion 22 is the proximal end of the connecting portion 21. .

The connection portions 21 of each of the plurality of terminals 14 have, for example, the same shape. The connecting portion 21 has, for example, a plate shape with a through hole. Each connection portion 21 has a connection surface 23 that comes into contact with the corresponding mating terminal 9 . The connecting surface 23 is, for example, one side surface of the connecting portion 21 in the thickness direction of the connecting portion 21.

The plurality of connection parts 21 are arranged in a line inside the housing 12. For example, the plurality of connection parts 21 are arranged in a line so that the connection surfaces 23 of each connection part 21 are arranged in the same plane. Further, the plurality of connecting portions 21 are arranged such that the directions from the base end to the distal end of each connecting portion 21 are parallel to each other. Adjacent connecting portions 21 are separated from each other in the direction in which the plurality of connecting portions 21 are lined up.

Here, the direction in which the plurality of connecting portions 21 are lined up is defined as a first direction X. Assuming that the three connecting portions 21 are respectively referred to as connecting portions 21a to 21c, the connecting portions 21a to 21c are arranged along the first direction X in the order of connecting portion 21a, connecting portion 21b, and connecting portion 21c. Further, the direction from the base end to the distal end of the connecting portion 21 is defined as a second direction Y. This second direction Y is a direction that intersects the first direction X. Specifically, when the directions from the proximal end to the distal end of each connecting portion 21 are parallel to each other, the direction from the proximal end to the distal end of the connecting portion 21 when viewed from the first direction X is defined as the second direction Y. Further, a direction perpendicular to the first direction X and perpendicular to the second direction Y is defined as a third direction Z. For example, the third direction Z is a direction from bottom to top when the second direction Y is a direction from left to right when viewed from the first direction X. Hereinafter, when the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are used in the description, they mean the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z in the assembled connector 10.

Electric wires 25 are electrically connected to the plurality of terminals 14, respectively. The electric wire 25 is electrically connected to a portion of the terminal 14 to which the electric wire 25 is connected, which is remote from the connection portion 21 . Each electric wire 25 is, for example, a covered electric wire having a core wire made of a conductor and an insulating coating covering the outer periphery of the core wire. The end of each electric wire 25 opposite to the end connected to the terminal 14 is electrically connected to an electrical device (not shown) that is different from the electrical device to which the connector 10 is electrically connected via the terminal block. Ru. The end of each electric wire 25 opposite to the end connected to the terminal 14 is electrically connected to, for example, an inverter that generates AC power from DC power of a battery. Note that the end of each electric wire 25 may be electrically connected to an electric device other than the inverter.

(Connector housing 12)
The housing 12 is made of resin material. The housing 12 holds each terminal 14 by placing a portion of each terminal 14 inside the housing 12, for example, by insert molding. Note that the plurality of terminals 14 may be fixed to the housing 12 after the housing 12 and the plurality of terminals 14 are formed separately.

The housing 12 has a housing body 31 in which the connecting portions 21a to 21c are arranged. The housing body 31 has a cylindrical shape. The housing body 31 has, for example, a flat shape that is long in the first direction X and thin in the second direction Y when viewed from the axial direction of the housing body 31 . End portions of the plurality of terminals 14 having the connection portions 21a to 21c protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the housing body 31 into the space inside the housing body 31. For example, the thickness direction of the connecting portions 21a to 21c is parallel to the axial direction of the housing body 31.

The housing body 31 has an opening 11 . The housing body 31 has an opening 11 at the end of the housing body 31 on the third direction Z side. For example, one of the openings at both ends of the housing body 31 in the axial direction corresponds to the opening 11 . In the housing body 31, an opening on the opposite side to the opening 11 is an insertion opening 32 arranged inside the terminal block or the case.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 12 may have a wire holding portion 33 that holds the end of the wire 25 electrically connected to each terminal 14. The wire holding portion 33 is formed integrally with the housing body 31, for example. The wire holding portion 33 protrudes from the housing body 31 to the outside of the housing body 31. The wire holding portion 33 holds the electrical connection portion between the wire 25 and the terminal 14 inside.

The housing 12 has first guide portions 34a and 34b extending along the third direction Z at an end of the housing 12 on the first direction X side and an end of the housing 12 on the side opposite to the first direction X. You may have each.

The first guide portion 34a protrudes in the first direction X from the end of the housing body 31 on the first direction X side, and extends along the third direction Z. The first guide portion 34a has a guide recess 35a. The guide recess 35a is recessed from the distal end surface of the first guide portion 34a in the first direction X in a direction opposite to the first direction X. Further, the guide recess 35a penetrates the first guide portion 34a in the third direction Z. The cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 35a taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z has, for example, a rectangular shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 35a taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be any shape such as a semicircular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the first guide portion 34a taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is constant in the third direction Z.

The first guide portion 34b protrudes from the end of the housing body 31 on the side opposite to the first direction X in a direction opposite to the first direction X, and extends along the third direction Z. The first guide portion 34b has a guide recess 35b. The guide recess 35b is recessed in the first direction X from the distal end surface of the first guide portion 34b in the opposite direction to the first direction X. Further, the guide recess 35b penetrates the first guide portion 34b in the third direction Z. The cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 35b taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z has, for example, a rectangular shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 35b taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is not limited to a square shape, but may be any shape such as a semicircle shape. The cross-sectional shape of the first guide portion 34b cut along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is constant in the third direction Z.

(Cover 13)
The cover 13 is made of resin material. For example, the cover 13 is made of a resin material having a higher electrical resistance than the terminals 14. The cover 13 has a closing portion 41 that closes the opening 11 . The closing part 41 has a plate shape that is larger than the opening part 11 when viewed in the third direction Z. Further, the closing portion 41 has a flat plate shape, which is wider in the first direction X than in the second direction Y, for example. The cover 13 is arranged with respect to the housing 12 so that the opening 11 is covered by the closing part 41. Further, in the cover 13 disposed with respect to the housing 12, the thickness direction of the closing portion 41 is parallel to the third direction Z. Further, in the cover 13, the thickness direction of the closing portion 41 is parallel to the axial direction of the housing body 31. Incidentally, the plate thickness direction of the closing portion 41 and the third direction Z may not be strictly parallel. Furthermore, the thickness direction of the closing portion 41 and the axial direction of the housing body 31 may not be strictly parallel.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cover 13 has a first surface 42 exposed to the outside of the housing 12 and a second surface 43 located on the back side of the first surface 42. Incidentally, FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the cover 13 taken along a plane perpendicular to the second direction Y, and is a 7-7 sectional view in FIG.

The first surface 42 is, for example, a side surface of the closing portion 41 on the opposite side to the opening 11. The first surface 42 has a planar shape perpendicular to the third direction Z. Note that the first surface 42 does not have to be strictly perpendicular to the third direction Z.

The second surface 43 is, for example, a side surface on the back side of the first surface 42 in the closing portion 41. The second surface 43 faces the opening 11 . The second surface 43 includes an exposed surface 43a that is exposed from the opening 11 to the inside of the housing 12. For example, the second surface 43 may be wider in the first direction X and in the opposite direction than the exposed surface 43a. That is, the second surface 43 includes a region located on the first direction X side relative to the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z, and a region located on the opposite side to the first direction X relative to the exposed surface 43a. may include both areas. Note that the second surface 43 includes either a region located on the first direction X side with respect to the exposed surface 43a or a region located on the opposite side of the first direction It may include. For example, the second surface 43 includes an exposed surface 43a and a non-opposing surface 43b located on the outer periphery of the exposed surface 43a and not facing the opening 11. The second surface 43 has a planar shape perpendicular to the third direction Z. Note that the second surface 43 does not have to be strictly perpendicular to the third direction Z. The exposed surface 43a and the non-opposed surface 43b are located, for example, in the same plane. However, the positions of the exposed surface 43a and the non-opposing surface 43b in the third direction Z may be shifted.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the cover 13 may include a seal portion 44 that protrudes from the second surface 43 and is fitted into the opening 11 so as to surround the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z. good. The seal portion 44 has a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the second surface 43 and extends in a direction opposite to the third direction Z. The outer shape of the seal portion 44 is one size smaller than the inner peripheral surface of the housing body 31 when viewed from the third direction Z so that the seal portion 44 fits into the housing body 31 from the opening 11. . Therefore, the seal portion 44 of this embodiment has a flat shape that is long in the first direction X and thin in the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z. Incidentally, the exposed surface 43a is a portion of the second surface 43 located inside the seal portion 44 when viewed from the third direction Z.

The seal portion 44 has side wall portions 44a and 44b facing each other in the second direction Y. The side wall portion 44a constitutes an end portion of the seal portion 44 on the second direction Y side. The side wall portion 44b constitutes an end portion of the seal portion 44 on the side opposite to the second direction Y. The side wall portions 44a and 44b extend along the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z.

The seal portion 44 may have a seal groove 44c on the outer peripheral surface of the seal portion 44. The seal groove 44c extends, for example, in an annular shape when viewed from the third direction Z. The seal groove 44c is open on the outer peripheral side of the seal portion 44.

The connector 10 may include an annular seal member 44d that seals between the outer peripheral surfaces of the seal portions 44 and the housing 12 that face each other. The seal member 44d seals, for example, between the outer circumferential surface of the seal portion 44 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing body 31 that faces the outer circumferential surface. The seal member 44d is arranged, for example, in the seal groove 44c. For example, a rubber ring can be used as the seal member 44d. Note that as long as the seal member 44d has an annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the seal portion 44, a seal material other than a rubber ring may be used. The seal member 44d is in fluid-tight contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing body 31 and the inner circumferential surface of the seal groove 44c when the seal portion 44 is fitted into the housing body 31. The seal member 44d prevents liquid such as water that has entered the inside of the housing body 31 from the opening 11 from entering the terminal block to which the connector 10 is connected.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 7, the cover 13 has at least one first reinforcing rib 45 protruding from the first surface 42. As shown in FIGS. The cover 13 has, for example, two first reinforcing ribs 45. Note that the number of first reinforcing ribs 45 that the cover 13 has is not limited to two, but may be one or three or more.

Each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 protrudes from the first surface 42 in the third direction Z, that is, in the direction away from the opening 11. Furthermore, each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 extends along the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z. Each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 extends, for example, from the end of the first surface 42 on the first direction X side to the end of the first surface 42 on the opposite side to the first direction X. That is, each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 extends from the end of the closing portion 41 on the first direction X side to the end of the closing portion 41 on the opposite side to the first direction X. Each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 is provided integrally with the closing portion 41. The two first reinforcing ribs 45 are separated in the second direction Y. Furthermore, the two first reinforcing ribs 45 extend, for example, in parallel. Note that the plurality of first reinforcing ribs 45 do not necessarily have to be parallel to each other as long as they extend along the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z.

The cross-sectional shape of each first reinforcing rib 45 cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction X is, for example, square. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the first reinforcing rib 45 cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction X is not limited to a rectangular shape as long as it projects from the first surface 42. The cross-sectional shape of the first reinforcing rib 45 cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction .

The cover 13 has a peripheral wall portion 46 that protrudes from the first surface 42 , extends along the periphery of the first surface 42 , and surrounds the first surface 42 . The peripheral wall portion 46 has an annular shape along the periphery of the first surface 42 . The term "annular" as used in this description refers to any structure that forms a loop, or a continuous shape with no ends, as well as a structure that is generally loop-shaped with a gap, such as a C-shape. There is. "Annular" shapes include, but are not limited to, circles, ellipses, and polygons with pointed or rounded corners.

The peripheral wall portion 46 protrudes from the first surface 42 in the third direction Z. The peripheral wall portion 46 has, for example, a flat frame shape that is wider in the first direction X than in the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z. The peripheral wall portion 46 is provided integrally with the closing portion 41. The cross-sectional shape of the peripheral wall 46 taken along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the peripheral wall 46 extends is, for example, square. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the peripheral wall portion 46 is not limited to a rectangular shape as long as it projects from the first surface 42. The cross-sectional shape of the peripheral wall portion 46 may be, for example, any polygonal shape other than a quadrangular shape, a semicircular shape, a shape with a partially cut off circle, or the like. The peripheral wall portion 46 has an annular outer peripheral surface 46a. The outer peripheral surface 46a is a surface of the peripheral wall portion 46 that faces outward from the peripheral wall portion 46 when viewed from the third direction Z.

When viewed from the third direction Z, each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 is located inside the peripheral wall portion 46, for example. Each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 has an end on the first direction X side and an end on the opposite side to the first direction X connected to the peripheral wall part 46 . That is, each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 is provided integrally with the peripheral wall portion 46. Furthermore, each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 and the peripheral wall portion 46 have the same amount of protrusion from the first surface 42, for example. Note that each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 and the peripheral wall portion 46 may have different protruding amounts from the first surface 42.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the cover 13 has at least one second reinforcing rib 47 protruding from the second surface 43. As shown in FIGS. The cover 13 has, for example, the number of second reinforcing ribs 47 that is one less than the number of connecting portions 21 . Specifically, since the connector 10 of this embodiment has three terminals 14, the cover 13 has two second reinforcing ribs 47. Note that the number of second reinforcing ribs 47 that the cover 13 has is not limited to two, as long as it is one or more. Further, the number of second reinforcing ribs 47 is not limited to one less than the number of terminals 14. For example, when the number of terminals 14 included in the connector 10 is four or more, the number of second reinforcing ribs 47 may be two fewer than the number of terminals 14.

Each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 protrudes from the second surface 43 in a direction opposite to the third direction Z, that is, in a direction away from the first surface 42 . Further, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 extends along the second direction Y between adjacent connecting portions 21 when viewed from the third direction. For example, when viewed from the third direction Z, one second reinforcing rib 47 is provided between any two connecting portions 21 adjacent in the first direction X. That is, when viewed from the third direction Z, the connecting portions 21 are arranged on both sides of each second reinforcing rib 47 in the first direction X, respectively. Specifically, when viewed from the third direction Z, one second reinforcing rib 47 is arranged between the connecting portion 21a and the connecting portion 21b that are adjacent to each other in the first direction X. Similarly, when viewed from the third direction Z, one second reinforcing rib 47 is arranged between the connecting portion 21b and the connecting portion 21c that are adjacent to each other in the first direction X.

Each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 protrudes from the exposed surface 43a in a direction opposite to the third direction Z, for example. Further, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 is provided integrally with the closing portion 41. Each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 has a flat plate shape extending along the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z. That is, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the first direction X. Note that each second reinforcing rib 47 does not necessarily have to be perpendicular to the first direction X. The two second reinforcing ribs 47 are separated in the first direction X. Furthermore, the two second reinforcing ribs 47 are, for example, parallel to each other. Note that the two second reinforcing ribs 47 do not necessarily have to be parallel to each other as long as they extend along the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z.

Each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 is located, for example, inside the outer peripheral surface of the seal portion 44 when viewed from the third direction Z. Further, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 has, for example, an end on the second direction Y side and an end on the opposite side to the second direction Y connected to the seal portion 44 . Specifically, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 has an end portion on the second direction Y side connected to the side wall portion 44a. Further, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 has an end portion opposite to the second direction Y connected to the side wall portion 44b. In this way, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 may be provided integrally with the seal portion 44.

As shown in FIG. 7 , each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 is higher in height from the second surface 43 than the connecting portion 21 . That is, the distance D1 between the second surface 43 and the tip of the second reinforcing rib 47 in the third direction Z is longer than the distance D2 between the second surface 43 and the connection surface 23 in the third direction Z. Therefore, in the first direction X, the second reinforcing ribs 47 are interposed between the adjacent connecting portions 21, respectively. For example, in the first direction X, one second reinforcing rib 47 is interposed between the adjacent connecting portions 21a and 21b. In the connector 10, for example, when viewed from either the second direction Y or the third direction Z, the second reinforcing ribs 47 are interposed between the connecting portions 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction X. .

At least one second reinforcing rib 47 may have a higher height from the second surface 43 than the seal portion 44 . For example, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 has a higher height from the second surface 43 than the seal portion 44 . Therefore, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 protrudes more than the seal portion 44 from the second surface 43 in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. Therefore, the distance D1 is longer than the distance D3 between the second surface 43 and the tip of the seal portion 44 in the third direction Z. Further, the two second reinforcing ribs 47 may have the same height from the second surface 43. Note that the plurality of second reinforcing ribs 47 may have different heights from the second surface 43.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the cover 13 may have a projecting wall 51a in the end region of the cover 13 on the first direction X side. Further, the cover 13 may have a protruding wall 51b in an end region of the cover 13 on the side opposite to the first direction X. The protruding wall 51a protrudes from a portion of the second surface 43 that is closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. The protruding wall 51a protrudes from the end of the second surface 43 on the first direction X side in a direction opposite to the third direction Z, for example. Further, the protruding wall 51b protrudes from a portion of the second surface 43 on the side opposite to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. The protruding wall 51b protrudes, for example, from the end of the second surface 43 on the side opposite to the first direction X in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. The protruding walls 51a, 51b are provided integrally with the closing portion 41.

The cover 13 may have a fixing portion 52a protruding from the protruding wall 51a. Further, the cover 13 may have a fixing portion 52b protruding from the protruding wall 51b. The fixing parts 52a and 52b are for fixing the cover 13 to at least one of the case, the terminal block, and the housing 12 of the electrical device. For example, the fixing parts 52a and 52b are for fixing the cover 13 to the case. The fixing portion 52a protrudes in the first direction X from the tip of the protruding wall 51a. The fixing part 52a has a fixing hole 53a passing through the fixing part 52a in the third direction Z. The fixing portion 52b protrudes in a direction opposite to the first direction X from the tip of the protruding wall 51b. The fixing part 52b has a fixing hole 53b passing through the fixing part 52b in the third direction Z.

The cover 13 may have rib walls 56a and 56b that protrude from the second surface 43 and are provided integrally with the protruding wall 51a. Further, the cover 13 may include rib walls 56c and 56d that protrude from the second surface 43 and are provided integrally with the protruding wall 51b.

The rib walls 56a and 56b are located closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z. The rib wall 56a protrudes from the end of the second surface 43 on the second direction Y side in a direction opposite to the third direction Z. The rib wall 56b protrudes in the direction opposite to the third direction Z from the end of the second surface 43 on the side opposite to the second direction Y. Each of the end portion of the rib wall 56a on the first direction X side and the end portion of the rib wall 56b on the first direction X side are connected to the protruding wall 51a. Each of the rib walls 56a, 56b has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the second direction Y, for example. The height of each of the rib walls 56a, 56b from the second surface 43 decreases as the distance from the protruding wall 51a increases in the direction opposite to the first direction X.

The rib walls 56c and 56d are located on the side opposite to the first direction X from the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z. The rib wall 56c protrudes from the end of the second surface 43 on the second direction Y side in a direction opposite to the third direction Z. The rib wall 56d protrudes in the direction opposite to the third direction Z from the end of the second surface 43 on the side opposite to the second direction Y. An end of the rib wall 56c opposite to the first direction X and an end of the rib wall 56d opposite to the first direction X are connected to the protruding wall 51b. Each of the rib walls 56c and 56d has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the second direction Y, for example. The height of each of the rib walls 56c and 56d from the second surface 43 decreases as the distance from the protruding wall 51b increases along the first direction X.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, the cover 13 has a portion of the second surface 43 that is closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a and a portion of the second surface 43 that is closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. It may have second guide portions 57a and 57b that respectively protrude from opposite portions. The second guide portion 57a protrudes in a direction opposite to the third direction Z from a portion of the non-opposed surface 43b that is located closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. Further, the second guide portion 57a is provided at a position where it can be fitted into the guide recess 35a along the direction opposite to the third direction Z when the cover 13 is arranged with respect to the housing 12. The second guide portion 57b protrudes in the direction opposite to the third direction Z from a portion of the non-opposing surface 43b located on the side opposite to the first direction X from the exposed surface 43a. Further, the second guide portion 57b is provided at a position where it can be fitted into the guide recess 35b along the direction opposite to the third direction Z when the cover 13 is arranged with respect to the housing 12.

The outer shape of the second guide portion 57a corresponds to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the guide recess 35a. The cross section of the second guide portion 57a taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z has, for example, a rectangular shape similar to the cross section of the guide recess 35a taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the second guide portion 57a taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be appropriately shaped depending on the cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 35a taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z. May be changed.

The outer shape of the second guide portion 57b corresponds to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the guide recess 35b. The cross section of the second guide portion 57b taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z has, for example, a rectangular shape similar to the cross section of the guide recess 35b taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the second guide portion 57b taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be appropriately shaped depending on the cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 35b taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z. May be changed.

Each of the second guide portions 57a, 57b extends along the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z, for example. Furthermore, each of the second guide portions 57a, 57b may have a flat plate shape perpendicular to the first direction X. However, each of the second guide portions 57a, 57b does not have to be strictly perpendicular to the first direction X.

The second guide portion 57a is fitted into the guide recess 35a along the direction opposite to the third direction Z when the cover 13 is arranged with respect to the housing 12, thereby engaging the first guide portion 34a in a concave-convex manner. . The second guide portion 57b is fitted into the guide recess 35b along the direction opposite to the third direction Z when the cover 13 is arranged with respect to the housing 12, thereby fitting into the first guide portion 34b. The second guide portions 57a, 57b restrict relative positional deviation between the housing 12 and the cover 13 in the first direction .

Further, the cover 13 may have third reinforcing ribs 61a and 61b protruding from the second surface 43. The third reinforcing rib 61a protrudes from a portion of the second surface 43 between the second guide portion 57a and the protruding wall 51a in a direction opposite to the third direction Z. An end of the third reinforcing rib 61a on the side opposite to the first direction X is connected to the second guide portion 57a. The third reinforcing rib 61b protrudes from a portion of the second surface 43 between the second guide portion 57b and the protruding wall 51b in a direction opposite to the third direction Z. The end of the third reinforcing rib 61b on the first direction X side is connected to the second guide portion 57b. Each of the third reinforcing ribs 61a, 61b extends along the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z.

(Water drain section 71)
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and 8, the cover 13 has at least one water drain portion located outside the exposed surface 43a and inside the outer peripheral surface 46a of the peripheral wall 46 when viewed from the third direction Z. 71. The water draining portion 71 has a hole shape or a cutout shape through which liquid can pass in a direction from the first surface 42 toward the second surface 43 when viewed from the second direction Y. The water draining portion 71 has, for example, a hole shape through which liquid can pass in a direction from the first surface 42 toward the second surface 43 when viewed from the second direction Y.

The cover 13 has, for example, three drain portions 71. Note that the number of water draining portions 71 that the cover 13 has is not limited to three, but may be one or more.
The cover 13 includes a portion of the cover 13 on the first direction X side relative to the exposed surface 43a and a portion of the cover 13 on the side opposite to the first direction X from the exposed surface 43a. For example, the water drain portion 71 is provided only in a portion of the cover 13 closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. Each of the water draining parts 71 is located between the exposed surface 43a and the fixing part 52a when viewed from the third direction Z. Each of the water draining portions 71 is located, for example, in an end region of the closing portion 41 on the first direction X side.

Seen from the third direction Z, each water draining portion 71 may be located at a position sandwiching the second guide portion 57a between it and the seal portion 44. For example, the first guide part 34a and the second guide part 57a may be arranged between each drain part 71 and the seal part 44 when viewed from the third direction Z. Furthermore, each drain portion 71 may be located between the first guide portion 34a and the fixing portion 52a when viewed from the third direction Z.

Each drain portion 71 has a hole shape that penetrates the cover 13 from the first surface 42 to the second surface 43, for example. Each drain portion 71 penetrates the closing portion 41 in the thickness direction of the closing portion 41, that is, along the third direction Z. That is, each draining portion 71 penetrates through the closing portion 41 from the first surface 42 to a portion of the non-opposing surface 43b located on the first direction X side with respect to the exposed surface 43a.

Each water drain portion 71 has a size that allows liquid such as water to pass from the space inside the peripheral wall portion 46 to the outside of the peripheral wall portion 46 . That is, each drain portion 71 has a size that allows liquid to pass from the first surface 42 side to the second surface 43 side when viewed from the second direction Y.

In addition, each water drain part 71 does not overlap the seal part 44 in the third direction Z when viewed from the third direction Z. Each water drain portion 71 is located on the outer periphery of the seal portion 44 when viewed from the third direction Z. For example, each drain portion 71 is located outside the end surface of the housing 12 where the opening 11 opens, when viewed from the third direction Z. In this embodiment, the end surface of the housing 12 where the opening 11 opens corresponds to the end surface of the housing body 31 on the third direction Z side. When viewed from the third direction Z, each drain portion 71 is located, for example, between the end surface of the housing 12 where the opening 11 opens and the fixing portion 52a.

Here, the three draining sections 71 are respectively referred to as a draining section 71a, a draining section 71b, and a draining section 71c. When viewed from the third direction Z, the water draining portion 71a includes a portion of the peripheral wall portion 46 that extends along the end of the first surface 42 on the second direction Y side, and a portion of the two first reinforcing ribs 45 that extends in the second direction. It is located between one of the first reinforcing ribs 45 located on the Y side. The water draining portion 71b is located between the two first reinforcing ribs 45 when viewed from the third direction Z. When viewed from the third direction Z, the water draining portion 71c is formed between the other first reinforcing rib 45 located on the side opposite to the second direction Y among the two first reinforcing ribs 45, and the first surface of the peripheral wall portion 46. 42 and a portion extending along the end in the second direction Y and the opposite direction.

(Connection of connector 10 to terminal block)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, when connecting the connector 10 to the terminal block, the operator first places the housing 12 with respect to the terminal block. At this time, since the cover 13 is not arranged with respect to the housing 12, the opening 11 is not closed by the cover 13. Thereafter, the operator inserts a tool into the housing 12 through the opening 11 to electrically connect the terminals 14 to the respective mating terminals 9. The terminal 14 and the mating terminal 9 are electrically connected, for example, by a bolt passing through the terminal 14 and the mating terminal 9, and a nut tightened on the bolt.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, the operator places the cover 13 on the housing 12 so as to close the opening 11 with the cover 13. The operator places the cover 13 on the housing 12 while fitting the seal portion 44 inside the housing body 31 through the opening 11 . At this time, the second guide part 57a and the second guide part 57b are respectively fitted into the guide recess 35a of the first guide part 34a and the guide recess 35b of the first guide part 34b along the direction opposite to the third direction Z. . Thereby, the cover 13 is positioned with respect to the housing 12 in the first direction X, the opposite direction to the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the opposite direction to the second direction Y. Furthermore, the cover 13 is prevented from being assembled to the housing 12 in an inclined state. Specifically, the seal portion 44 is prevented from being assembled in a state where the axial direction of the seal portion 44 is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the housing body 31.

When the cover 13 is placed on the housing 12, the seal portion 44 fits inside the housing body 31. Further, second reinforcing ribs 47 are arranged between the connecting portions 21 adjacent in the first direction X, respectively. Thereafter, the operator fixes the cover 13 to the case of the electrical device using bolts (not shown) inserted through the fixing holes 53a and 53b. This completes the connection of the connector 10 to the terminal block.

The operation of this embodiment will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, when the connector 10 is arranged with the cover 13 positioned above the housing 12, the first surface 42 faces upward and the second surface 43 faces downward. Even if the liquid 100 adhering to the first surface 42 due to liquid such as rainwater splashing on the connector 10 in this state moves along the first surface 42 to the periphery of the first surface 42, the liquid 100 is not easily removed by the peripheral wall 46. , the peripheral edge of the first surface 42 is suppressed from hanging downward from an unintended position. In addition, in FIG. 8, an example of the liquid 100 is illustrated with a two-dot chain line.

Of the liquid 100 attached to the first surface 42 , the liquid 100 a that has flowed over the first surface 42 and reached the water draining section 71 enters the water draining section 71 from the first surface 42 side and enters the water draining section 71 from the first surface 42 side. By passing through, the liquid is discharged from the space inside the peripheral wall 46 to the outside of the peripheral wall 46. Specifically, when viewed from the third direction Z, a portion of the peripheral wall portion 46 extending along the end of the first surface 42 on the second direction Y side, and a portion of the two first reinforcing ribs 45 on the second direction Y side The liquid adhering to the first surface 42 between the first reinforcing rib 45 and the first reinforcing rib 45 located at the first reinforcing rib 45 can reach the drain portion 71a. When viewed from the third direction Z, the liquid adhering to the portion of the first surface 42 located between the two first reinforcing ribs 45 can reach the drain portion 71b. Furthermore, when viewed from the third direction Z, the other first reinforcing rib 45 located on the side opposite to the second direction Y among the two first reinforcing ribs 45 and the second reinforcing rib 45 on the first surface 42 of the peripheral wall portion 46 The liquid adhering to the first surface 42 between the direction Y and the portion extending along the opposite end can reach the drain portion 71c. The liquid that has reached each of the draining portions 71a, 71b, and 71c passes through each of the draining portions 71a, 71b, and 71c in a direction from the first surface 42 to the second surface 43 when viewed from the second direction Y. Thereafter, the liquid moves further downward beyond the second surface 43 when viewed from the second direction Y. Specifically, the liquid falls from the openings of the respective draining portions 71a, 71b, and 71c that are opened on the second surface 43. Note that in FIG. 8, the direction in which the liquid passes through the water draining portion 71 is indicated by an arrow α.

Each drain portion 71 is located outside the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z. Furthermore, when viewed from the third direction Z, each drain portion 71 is located outside the end surface of the housing 12 where the opening 11 opens. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through each drain portion 71 from the first surface 42 side to the second surface 43 side falls toward the outer circumferential side of the opening 11 when viewed from the third direction Z.

Further, when the connector 10 is connected to the terminal block, if the pressure inside the case increases due to heat generated by the electrical equipment, the pressure acting on the cover 13 from the inside of the case increases. In this case, an external force is applied to the cover 13 that pushes the cover 13 from inside the case toward the outside of the case. Specifically, an external force is applied to the cover 13 that pushes the exposed surface 43a toward the outside of the case, that is, the outside of the housing 12. However, the cover 13 has a first reinforcing rib 45 projecting from the first surface 42 , a second reinforcing rib 47 projecting from the second surface 43 , and a peripheral wall portion 46 projecting from the first surface 42 . Furthermore, the first reinforcing ribs 45 and the second reinforcing ribs 47 extend in directions that intersect with each other when viewed from the third direction Z. Therefore, the rigidity of the cover 13 is increased. Therefore, deformation of the cover 13 is suppressed.

The effects of this embodiment will be explained.
(1) The connector 10 includes a housing 12 having an opening 11, a cover 13 that closes the opening 11, and a plurality of terminals 14 held by the housing 12. The plurality of terminals 14 each have a connecting portion 21 to which different mating terminals 9 are electrically connected. The plurality of connection parts 21 are arranged in a line inside the housing 12. The cover 13 has a first surface 42 exposed to the outside of the housing 12 and a second surface 43 including an exposed surface 43a exposed to the inside of the housing 12 from the opening 11 on the back side of the first surface 42. Furthermore, the cover 13 includes at least one first reinforcing rib 45 protruding from the first surface 42 , at least one second reinforcing rib 47 protruding from the second surface 43 , and at least one second reinforcing rib 47 projecting from the first surface 42 . It has a peripheral wall part 46 extending along the periphery of and surrounding the first surface 42. Furthermore, the cover 13 has at least one water drain part 71. The direction in which the plurality of connecting portions 21 are lined up is a first direction A direction perpendicular to the second direction Y is defined as a third direction Z. The first reinforcing rib 45 extends along the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z. The second reinforcing rib 47 extends along the second direction Y between adjacent connecting portions 21 when viewed from the third direction Z. The water draining portion 71 is located outside the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z and inside from the outer peripheral surface 46a of the peripheral wall portion 46, and is located between the first surface 42 and the second surface when viewed from the second direction Y. It has a hole shape through which liquid can pass in the direction toward 43.

According to this configuration, when the connector 10 is arranged with the cover 13 positioned above the housing 12, the first surface 42 faces upward and the second surface 43 faces downward. The liquid attached to the first surface 42 due to liquid such as rainwater splashing on the connector 10 is suppressed by the peripheral wall portion 46 from dripping downward from an unintended position on the periphery of the first surface 42 . Then, when the liquid adhering to the first surface 42 reaches the water draining section 71 along the first surface 42, it enters the water draining section 71 from the first surface 42 side and enters the water draining section 71 from the first surface 42 side. By passing through 71 , the liquid is discharged from the space inside the peripheral wall 46 to the outside of the peripheral wall 46 . The water draining portion 71 has a hole shape through which liquid can pass in a direction from the first surface 42 to the second surface 43 when viewed from the second direction Y. Therefore, the liquid that enters the water drain section 71 from above the first surface 42 and passes through the water drain section 71 can fall beyond the second surface 43 when viewed from the second direction Y. In this way, the liquid adhering to the first surface 42 can pass through the water drainage part 71 and exit from above the first surface 42 . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the liquid adhering to the first surface 42 from leaking to the outer periphery of the first surface 42 from an unintended location. Furthermore, the water draining portion 71 is located outside the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction Z, the exposed surface 43a is located on the outer peripheral side of the opening 11 of the opposing housing 12. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the drain section 71 falls toward the outer circumferential side of the opening section 11. For these reasons, it is possible to suppress the liquid adhering to the first surface 42, that is, the upper surface of the cover 13, from reaching the opening 11 of the housing 12. As a result, it is possible to suppress the liquid from entering the opening 11 of the housing 12.

Further, the cover 13 has a first reinforcing rib 45 and a second reinforcing rib 47 on two surfaces, a first surface 42 and a second surface 43 located on the back side of the first surface 42, respectively. Furthermore, the first reinforcing ribs 45 protruding from the first surface 42 extend along the first direction X. The second reinforcing rib 47 protruding from the second surface 43 extends along the second direction Y, which is the direction intersecting the first direction X. Therefore, compared to a case where only one of the first surface 42 and the second surface 43 has a reinforcing rib, or a case where the first reinforcing rib and the second reinforcing rib extend in the same direction, the cover 13 is Rigidity can be increased. Furthermore, the rigidity of the cover can also be increased by the peripheral wall portion 46. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the cover 13, deformation of the cover 13 can be suppressed.

Since deformation of the cover 13 is suppressed, formation of a gap between the cover 13 and the housing 12 around the opening 11 is suppressed. As a result, even if the inside of the case housing the electrical device to which the connector 10 is electrically connected via the terminal block becomes hot, liquid such as water can be prevented from entering the inside of the housing 12. In turn, it is possible to prevent liquids such as water from entering the inside of the case.

(2) The drain portion 71 has a hole shape that penetrates the cover 13 from the first surface 42 to the second surface 43.
According to this configuration, the liquid adhering to the first surface 42 can be easily discharged from the first surface 42 to the second surface 43 side when viewed from the second direction Y by the water draining portion 71 having a simple shape. In addition, compared to the case where a notch-shaped water drainage part is provided in the peripheral wall part 46, for example, since there is no need to provide a chipped part of the peripheral wall part 46, water can be drained into the cover 13 while suppressing a decrease in the rigidity of the cover 13. A section 71 can be provided.

(3) The cover 13 has a seal portion 44 that protrudes from the second surface 43 and is fitted into the opening 11 so as to surround the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z.
According to this configuration, since the seal portion 44 is fitted into the opening 11, the gap between the seal portion 44 and the inner peripheral edge of the opening 11 can be further reduced. Therefore, it is easy to prevent liquid such as water from entering the housing 12 from the opening 11. Further, the rigidity of the cover 13 can also be increased by the seal portion 44. Therefore, deformation of the cover 13 can be further suppressed.

(4) The connector 10 has an annular seal member 44d that seals between the outer circumferential surface of the seal portion 44 and the housing 12, which face each other.
According to this configuration, not only the seal portion 44 but also the seal member 44d can prevent liquid from entering the housing 12 from the opening 11. Since the peripheral wall portion 46 and the water drain portion 71 can prevent the liquid adhering to the first surface 42 from reaching the opening 11, the liquid adhering to the first surface 42 can be suppressed from reaching the sealing member 44d. . If the liquid adhering to the first surface 42 reaches the sealing member 44d, for example, the liquid adhering to the sealing member 44d may freeze or become high temperature, which may accelerate the deterioration of the sealing member 44d. . However, in this embodiment, since the liquid adhering to the first surface 42 can be suppressed from reaching the seal member 44d, a large amount of liquid is suppressed from adhering to the seal member 44d. Therefore, the deterioration of the seal member is prevented from being accelerated by the liquid.

(5) The second surface 43 is wider in the first direction X and in the opposite direction than the exposed surface 43a. The housing 12 has first guide portions 34a and 34b extending along the third direction Z at an end of the housing 12 on the first direction X side and an end of the housing 12 on the side opposite to the first direction X. Each has its own. The cover 13 includes second guide portions that protrude from a portion of the second surface 43 on the side closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a and a portion of the second surface 43 on the side opposite to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. It has 57a and 57b. The second guide portions 57a and 57b engage the first guide portions 34a and 34b in a concave and convex manner, respectively, and restrict relative positional displacement between the housing 12 and the cover 13 in the first direction X and the second direction Y. Each of the water draining portions 71 is located at a position sandwiching the second guide portion 57a between the water draining portions 71 and the sealing portion 44 when viewed from the third direction Z.

According to this configuration, the liquid that has passed through the drain section 71 from the first surface 42 side to the second surface 43 side is sandwiched between the drain section 71 and the seal section 44 when viewed from the third direction Z. The second guide portion 57a prevents the second guide portion 57a from reaching the seal portion 44. For example, when liquid that has passed through the draining part 71 from the first surface 42 side to the second surface 43 side moves along the second surface 43 toward the sealing part 44, the liquid flows into the second guide part 57a. reach. Then, the liquid moves downward along the surface of the second guide section 57a, and then falls from the tip of the second guide section 57a. In this way, the liquid is prevented from reaching the seal portion 44 by the second guide portion 57a. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the liquid adhering to the first surface 42 from reaching the opening 11.

Furthermore, when disposing the cover 13 with respect to the housing 12, the first guide portions 34a, 34b and the second guide portions 57a, 57b are fitted in a concave and convex manner, so that the direction along the first direction The cover 13 can be easily positioned with respect to the housing 12 in the direction Y. Therefore, the cover 13 can be easily attached to the housing 12.

(6) The cover 13 has the drain portion 71 only in a portion of the cover 13 closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z.
According to this configuration, the cover 13 includes both a portion of the cover 13 closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a and a portion of the cover 13 closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. The rigidity of the cover 13 can be increased compared to the case where the water drain part 71 is provided in the cover 13. Therefore, a decrease in the rigidity of the cover 13 due to the provision of the water drain portion 71 can be suppressed.

(7) The cover 13 of this embodiment is made of resin. By having the first reinforcing rib 45, the second reinforcing rib, and the peripheral wall portion 46, the cover 13 has increased rigidity even though it is made of a resin material. Therefore, in order to suppress the deformation of the cover 13, there is no need to add a separate metal component or make the cover 13 made of metal. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the connector 10 can be reduced.

This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
- The cover 13 should just have at least one water drain part 71 located outside the exposed surface 43a and inside the outer circumferential surface 46a of the peripheral wall part 46 when viewed from the third direction Z. For example, the cover 13 has a portion of the cover 13 closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a and a portion of the cover 13 that is closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. Of these, the drain portion 71 may be provided only in a portion of the cover 13 on the side opposite to the first direction X from the exposed surface 43a. Further, the cover 13 includes a portion of the cover 13 on the first direction X side relative to the exposed surface 43a and a portion of the cover 13 on the side opposite to the first direction X from the exposed surface 43a. It is also possible to have a water drain part 71 in both parts.

- In the above embodiment, the first guide portions 34a, 34b have guide recesses 35a, 35b, respectively. Then, the second guide portions 57a, 57b are fitted into the guide recesses 35a, 35b, respectively. However, the second guide portions 57a, 57b may have guide recesses into which the first guide portions 34a, 34b are fitted, respectively.

- The cover 13 may include only the first guide part 34a and the second guide part 57a among the first guide parts 34a, 34b and the second guide parts 57a, 57b. Moreover, the cover 13 may include only the first guide part 34b and the second guide part 57b among the first guide parts 34a, 34b and the second guide parts 57a, 57b. Moreover, the cover 13 does not need to include the first guide parts 34a, 34b and the second guide parts 57a, 57b.

- In the above embodiment, the seal member 44d is attached to the seal portion 44. However, the seal member 44d may be attached to the housing 12. For example, the seal member 44d may be attached to the inner peripheral surface of the housing body 31. Further, the connector 10 does not necessarily need to include the seal member 44d.

- The cover 13 does not need to include the seal portion 44.
- The shape of the peripheral wall portion 46 is not limited to the shape of the above embodiment. Since the peripheral wall portion 46 extends along the periphery of the first surface 42, the shape of the peripheral wall portion 46 viewed from the third direction Z can also be changed according to the shape of the first surface 42.

- The water draining portion 71 may have a notch shape through which liquid can pass in a direction from the first surface 42 toward the second surface 43 when viewed from the second direction Y.
For example, the cover 13A shown in FIG. 9 has a water drain portion 72 in the shape of a notch through which liquid can pass in a direction from the first surface 42 toward the second surface 43 when viewed from the second direction Y. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are given to the structures corresponding to and the same structures as those in the above embodiment. The cover 13A includes, for example, one first reinforcing rib 45.

The cover 13A has, for example, two drain portions 72. The number of water draining parts 72 that the cover 13A has is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more. Each of the water draining portions 72 is located outside the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z. Further, each of the water draining portions 72 is located inside the outer circumferential surface 46a when viewed from the third direction Z. In this example, each drain portion 72 is provided in a portion of the cover 13 closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a when viewed from the third direction Z. Further, each of the water draining portions 72 is located between the exposed surface 43a and the fixing portion 52a when viewed from the third direction Z. More specifically, each of the water draining portions 72 is located between the end surface of the housing 12 where the opening 11 opens and the fixing portion 52a when viewed from the third direction Z.

Each water drain portion 72 is provided on the peripheral wall portion 46. Each drainage portion 72 has a concave shape recessed from the tip of the peripheral wall 46 toward the base end of the peripheral wall 46 . Furthermore, each drain portion 72 penetrates the peripheral wall portion 46 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the peripheral wall portion 46 extends when viewed from the third direction Z. For example, each drain portion 72 penetrates the peripheral wall portion 46 in the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z. Further, the bottom surface of each draining portion 72 is located, for example, in the same plane as the first surface 42. Further, each drain portion 72 has a size that allows liquid such as water to pass from the space inside the peripheral wall portion 46 to the outside of the peripheral wall portion 46 . That is, each of the water draining portions 72 has a size that allows liquid to pass from the first surface 42 side to the second surface 43 side when viewed from the second direction Y. Each draining portion 72 has a shape that allows liquid that has passed through each draining portion 72 from the inside to the outside of the peripheral wall portion 46 to flow toward the second surface 43 when viewed from the second direction Y.

Here, the two water draining portions 72 are referred to as a water draining portion 72a and a water draining portion 72b, respectively. The water draining portion 72a is provided in a portion of the peripheral wall portion 46 that extends along the end of the first surface 42 on the second direction Y side when viewed from the third direction Z. The water draining portion 72b is provided in a portion of the peripheral wall portion 46 that extends along the end of the first surface 42 on the side opposite to the second direction Y.

Among the liquids 100 such as water adhering to the first surface 42 , those that reach the water draining portion 72 can pass through the water draining portion 72 from the inside to the outside of the peripheral wall portion 46 . The liquid 100 that has passed through the water draining portion 72 travels on the outer peripheral surface of the cover 13A in a direction from the first surface 42 to the second surface 43 when viewed from the second direction Y, and then falls from the cover 13A. Even in this case, the same effect as (1) of the above embodiment can be achieved.

- The first reinforcing rib 45 may have at least one notch through which liquid can pass in the second direction Y or in the opposite direction to the second direction Y. The cutout portion communicates the spaces on both sides of the first reinforcing rib 45 in the second direction Y.

- The height of the second reinforcing rib 47 from the second surface 43 may be lower than the connection surface 23.
- If the cover 13 includes at least one first reinforcing rib 45, at least one second reinforcing rib 47, the peripheral wall part 46, and at least one water drain part 71, the shape of the cover 13 is the same as in the above embodiment. It is not limited to the shape of

For example, the cover 13B shown in FIG. 10 has five second reinforcing ribs 47 arranged in the first direction X. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the structures corresponding to and the same structures as those in the above embodiment. In this case, the housing 12 holds, for example, six terminals 14. When viewed from the third direction Z, one second reinforcing rib 47 is arranged between the connecting portions 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction X. That is, when viewed from the third direction Z, the connecting portions 21 and the second reinforcing ribs 47 are arranged alternately along the first direction X.

Further, for example, the shapes of the protruding walls 51a, 51b, the fixing portions 52a, 52b, and the rib walls 56a to 56d may be changed. Further, the cover 13 may further include reinforcing ribs that protrude from the exposed surface 43a and extend in the first direction X. In this case, the height of the reinforcing rib in the third direction Z is set to a height that does not contact the connecting portion 21.

- The housing 12 is not limited to the shape of the above embodiment as long as it has the opening 11 and can hold the terminal 14.
- In the above embodiment, the first direction X is the direction from the connecting portion 21a to the connecting portion 21c. However, the first direction X may also be the direction from the connecting portion 21c to the connecting portion 21a. Further, in the embodiment described above, the second direction Y intersects the first direction X perpendicularly. However, the angle at which the second direction Y and the first direction X intersect may be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the connecting portion 21. Further, the third direction Z may be a direction different from that in the above embodiment as long as it is a direction that intersects perpendicularly with the first direction X and perpendicularly intersects with the second direction Y.

9 Mating terminal 10 Connector 11 Opening 12 Connector housing (housing)
13, 13A, 13B Cover 14 Terminal 21, 21a to 21c Connection part 22 Terminal body part 23 Connection surface 25 Electric wire 31 Housing body 32 Insertion opening 33 Wire holding part 34a, 34b First guide part 35a, 35b Guide recess 41 Closure part 42 First surface 43 Second surface 43a Exposed surface 43b Non-opposing surface 44 Seal portion 44a, 44b Side wall portion 44c Seal groove 44d Seal member 45 First reinforcing rib 46 Peripheral wall portion 46a Outer peripheral surface 47 Second reinforcing rib 51a, 51b Projecting wall 52a, 52b Fixing part 53a, 53b Fixing hole 56a to 56d Rib wall 57a, 57b Second guide part 61a, 61b Third reinforcing rib 71, 71a to 71c Water drain part 72, 72a, 72b Water drain part 100, 100a Liquid D1 ,D2,D3 Distance X 1st direction Y 2nd direction Z 3rd direction

Claims (6)

a connector housing having an opening;
a cover that closes the opening;
a plurality of terminals held in the connector housing;
A connector comprising:
Each of the plurality of terminals has a connection portion to which mutually different mating terminals are electrically connected,
The plurality of connection parts are arranged in a line inside the connector housing,
The cover has a first surface exposed to the outside of the connector housing, a second surface including an exposed surface exposed to the inside of the connector housing from the opening on the back side of the first surface, and a second surface including a surface exposed from the first surface to the inside of the connector housing. at least one first reinforcing rib that protrudes; at least one second reinforcing rib that protrudes from the second surface; and a peripheral wall that protrudes from the first surface, extends along the periphery of the first surface, and surrounds the first surface. and at least one drainage part,
A first direction is the direction in which the plurality of connecting portions are lined up, a second direction is a direction that intersects the first direction and goes from the base end to the distal end of the connecting portion, and is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. If the direction perpendicular to the direction is the third direction,
The first reinforcing rib extends along the first direction when viewed from the third direction,
The second reinforcing rib extends along the second direction between the adjacent connection parts when viewed from the third direction,
The water draining portion is located outside the exposed surface and inside the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall when viewed from the third direction, and extends from the first surface to the second surface when viewed from the second direction. A connector that has a hole or notch shape that allows liquid to pass through in the direction of. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the water drain portion has a hole shape that penetrates the cover from the first surface to the second surface. 3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the cover includes a seal portion that protrudes from the second surface and is fitted into the opening so as to surround the exposed surface when viewed from the third direction. 4. The connector according to claim 3, further comprising an annular seal member that seals between the outer circumferential surface of the seal portion and the connector housing that face each other. The second surface is wider than the exposed surface in the first direction and in the opposite direction to the first direction,
The connector housing includes a first guide portion extending along the third direction at an end of the connector housing on the first direction side and an end of the connector housing on the opposite side to the first direction. Each has
The cover includes a second guide portion protruding from a portion of the second surface closer to the first direction than the exposed surface and a portion of the second surface opposite to the first direction than the exposed surface. has
The second guide portions each have a concave-convex fit with the first guide portion to restrict relative positional displacement between the connector housing and the cover in the first direction and the second direction,
Each of the water draining portions is located at a position sandwiching one of the second guide portions or the other of the second guide portions between it and the seal portion, when viewed from the third direction. 4. The connector described in 4. When viewed from the third direction, the cover includes a portion of the cover that is closer to the first direction than the exposed surface, and a portion of the cover that is closer to the opposite direction than the exposed surface of the cover. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drain portion is provided only in one portion.