JP7494758B2 - connector - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to connectors.

Conventionally, some electrical devices mounted on vehicles are housed in a case. For example, such electrical devices are electrically connected to other electrical devices via a connector that is electrically connected to a terminal block fixed to the case. The terminal block is attached to a mounting hole in the case. The mounting hole provides communication between the inside and outside of the case.

As an example of a connector that is connected to a terminal block, as described in Patent Document 1, there is one that includes a connector housing with an opening, multiple terminals held in the connector housing, and a cover that closes the opening. When the connector is electrically connected to the terminal block, the connector housing is first placed relative 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. Then, a tool is inserted into the inside of the connector housing through the opening, and the multiple terminals are electrically connected to the multiple mating terminals of the terminal block, respectively. The opening is then closed by the cover.

JP 2017-92418 A

However, the inside of the case can become hot due to heat generation from electrical equipment, etc. When this happens, the pressure inside the case increases, and the pressure acting on the cover from inside the case also increases. This change in pressure can cause the cover to deform. If the cover deforms, a gap can form between the cover and the connector housing. If a gap forms between the cover and the connector housing, there is a concern that liquids such as water may seep into the inside of the connector through the gap.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a connector that can suppress deformation of the cover.

The connector of the present disclosure is a connector that includes a connector housing having an opening, a cover that closes the opening, and a plurality of terminals held by the connector housing, each of the plurality of terminals having a connection portion to which a different mating terminal is electrically connected, the plurality of connection portions being arranged in a row inside the connector housing, the cover having a first surface that is exposed to the outside of the connector housing, a second surface including an exposed surface that is exposed to the inside of the connector housing from the opening on the back side of the first surface, at least one first reinforcing rib protruding from the first surface, and at least one second reinforcing rib protruding from the second surface, and assuming that the direction in which the plurality of connection portions are arranged is a first direction, the direction from the base end of the connection portion to the tip end that intersects with the first direction is a second direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and 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 second direction between adjacent connection portions when viewed from the third direction.

The connector disclosed herein can suppress deformation of the cover.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a cover in one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view of a 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 perspective view of a cover in a modified example. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cover in a modified example. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a cover in the modified example.

[Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
The connector of the present disclosure comprises:
[1] A connector comprising a connector housing having an opening, a cover closing the opening, and a plurality of terminals held in the connector housing, wherein the plurality of terminals each have a connection portion to which different mating terminals are electrically connected, the plurality of connection portions being arranged in a row inside the connector housing, the cover having 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, at least one first reinforcing rib protruding from the first surface, and at least one second reinforcing rib protruding from the second surface, wherein the direction in which the plurality of connection portions are arranged is defined as a first direction, a direction intersecting the first direction and going from a base end of the connection portion to a tip end is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction is defined as 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 second direction between adjacent connection portions when viewed from the third direction.

According to this configuration, the cover has a first reinforcing rib and a second reinforcing rib on each of two surfaces, a first surface and a second surface located on the reverse side of the first surface. Furthermore, the first reinforcing rib protruding from the first surface extends along a first direction. The second reinforcing rib protruding from the second surface extends along a second direction that intersects with the first direction. This makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the cover compared to a case where reinforcing ribs are provided on only one of the first and second surfaces, or a case where the first reinforcing rib and the second reinforcing rib extend in the same direction. Therefore, deformation of the cover can be suppressed when an external force acts on the cover.

[2] It is preferable that the cover has a seal portion that protrudes from the second surface so as to surround the exposed surface when viewed from the third direction and is fitted into the opening, and that at least one of the second reinforcing ribs is higher from the second surface than the seal portion.

With this configuration, the rigidity of the cover can also be increased by the seal. In addition, because the seal is fitted into the opening, it is easy to prevent liquids such as water from entering the inside of the connector housing through the opening.

[3] It is preferable that the cover is a resin molded product, and that the second reinforcing rib is interposed between each of the connecting portions adjacent to each other in the first direction when viewed from either the second direction or the third direction.

With this configuration, the second reinforcing rib is interposed between each of the connection parts adjacent in the first direction when viewed from the third direction, while the length of the second reinforcing rib in the third direction can be made longer than when the second reinforcing rib is not interposed between each of the connection parts adjacent in the first direction when viewed from the second direction. This can therefore further increase the rigidity of the cover.

[4] The second surface is wider than the exposed surface in the first direction and in the direction opposite to the first direction, the connector housing has 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 direction opposite to the first direction, and the cover has a second guide portion protruding from a portion of the second surface on the first direction side of the exposed surface and a portion of the second surface on the direction opposite to the first direction, and the second guide portions are preferably engaged with the first guide portions to regulate relative positional deviation between the connector housing and the cover in the first direction and the second direction.

According to this configuration, when placing the cover on the connector housing, the first guide portion and the second guide portion are engaged with each other, so that the cover can be easily positioned with respect to the connector housing in the direction along the first direction and the direction along the second direction. Therefore, the cover can be easily attached to the connector housing.

[5] It is preferable that the cover has at least one of a first reinforcing portion that extends on the second surface from the second guide portion to an end of the cover on the second direction side, and a second reinforcing portion that extends on the second surface from the second guide portion to an end of the cover on the opposite side to the second direction.

According to this configuration, the rigidity of the cover can be further increased by the second guide portion and at least one of the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion.
[6] It is preferable that the cover has a peripheral wall portion protruding from the first surface and extending along a periphery of the first surface.

According to this configuration, the rigidity of the cover can be further increased by the peripheral wall portion.
[7] It is preferable that the peripheral wall portion has an annular shape along a periphery of the first surface.
According to this configuration, by forming the peripheral wall portion in an annular shape, it is easier to increase the rigidity of the cover compared to a case in which the peripheral wall portion is not in an annular shape.

[8] It is preferable that the cover has a plurality of the second reinforcing ribs and further has at least one connecting rib connecting adjacent second reinforcing ribs in the first direction.
According to this configuration, the strength of the second reinforcing rib can be increased, and therefore the rigidity of the cover can be further increased.

[9] It is preferable that the cover has two of the first reinforcing ribs.
According to this configuration, the cover has higher rigidity than when it has only one first reinforcing rib. Also, the cover has a less complicated shape than when it has three or more first reinforcing ribs. Furthermore, the cover requires less material than when it has three or more first reinforcing ribs.

[10] At least one of the end faces of the cover on the second direction side and the end face of the cover on the opposite side to the second direction preferably includes an outward surface extending along the first direction, and the cover preferably has a seal portion that protrudes from the second surface so as to surround the exposed surface when viewed from the third direction and is fitted into the opening, an annular seal member that seals between the opposing outer peripheral surfaces of the seal portion and the connector housing, and a protrusion that protrudes from at least one of the outward surfaces in the second direction or in the opposite direction to the second direction.

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. In addition, when the cover is placed on a surface such as the ground or floor when not attached to the connector housing, the cover may be in a position in which the outward surface from which the protrusion protrudes faces the surface such as the ground or floor. In this case, the cover is placed on the surface with a gap formed between the outward surface from which the protrusion protrudes and the surface such as the ground or floor by the protrusion. In other words, the cover is placed on the surface with a part of it lifted by the protrusion. Therefore, the seal portion is easily placed above the surface such as the ground or floor. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the seal member located on the outer peripheral surface of the seal portion from contacting the surface such as the ground or floor. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as sand and dust on the surface such as the ground or floor from adhering to the seal member.

[Details of the embodiment 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 claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Also, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensional ratios of components may differ from the actual ones or from those in other drawings.

An embodiment of the connector will now be described.
The connector 10 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is electrically connected to an electric device (not shown) mounted on a vehicle. An example of the electric device is a wheel drive motor that serves as a power source for driving the vehicle, but is not limited to the motor. The electric device is accommodated in a case (not shown). The case is formed with a mounting hole that communicates 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 terminals 9 are only shown in FIG. 7. The terminal block has, for example, three mating terminals 9. Each mating terminal 9 is electrically connected to an electric 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 Figures 1 and 2, the connector 10 comprises a connector housing 12 having an opening 11, a cover 13 that closes the opening 11, and a number of terminals 14 held by the connector housing 12. Hereinafter, the connector housing 12 will be referred to as "housing 12."

(Terminal 14)
2 and 7, the connector 10 of this embodiment has three terminals 14, the same number as the mating terminals 9. The number of terminals 14 provided 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 materials for each terminal 14 include metal materials such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy. Each terminal 14 is electrically connected to a different mating terminal 9.

The terminals 14 each have a connection portion 21 to which different mating terminals 9 are electrically connected. The connection portion 21 is a portion of the terminal 14 that is overlapped with the mating terminal 9. Each terminal 14 has the connection portion 21 at an end of the terminal 14 that protrudes inwardly of the housing 12. Each terminal 14 has a terminal body portion 22 that is held by the housing 12. In each terminal 14, the connection portion 21 extends from an end of the terminal body portion 22 that protrudes inwardly of the housing 12. In each terminal 14, of the two ends of the connection portion 21 in the protruding direction of the connection portion 21 from the terminal body portion 22, the end farther from the terminal body portion 22 is the tip of the connection portion 21. In addition, in each terminal 14, of the two ends of the connection portion 21 in the protruding direction of the connection portion 21 from the terminal body portion 22, the end closer to the terminal body portion 22 is the base end of the connection portion 21.

In this embodiment, the connection portions 21 of the multiple terminals 14 have the same shape. The connection portions 21 are, for example, plate-shaped with a through hole. Each connection portion 21 has a connection surface 23 that abuts against the corresponding mating terminal 9. The connection surface 23 is, for example, one side surface of the connection portion 21 in the plate thickness direction of the connection portion 21.

The multiple connection parts 21 are arranged in a row inside the housing 12. For example, the multiple connection parts 21 are arranged in a row so that the connection surfaces 23 of each connection part 21 are arranged in the same plane. The multiple connection parts 21 are also arranged so that the directions from the base end to the tip end of each connection part 21 are parallel to each other. Adjacent connection parts 21 are spaced apart in the direction in which the multiple connection parts 21 are arranged.

Here, the direction in which the multiple connection parts 21 are arranged is the first direction X. If the three connection parts 21 are respectively connection parts 21a to 21c, the connection parts 21a to 21c are arranged along the first direction X in the order of connection part 21a, connection part 21b, and connection part 21c. The direction from the base end to the tip of the connection part 21 is the second direction Y. This second direction Y is a direction that intersects with the first direction X. In more detail, when the directions from the base end to the tip of each connection part 21 are parallel to each other, the direction from the base end to the tip of the connection part 21 as viewed in the first direction X is the second direction Y. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the first direction X and perpendicular to the second direction Y is the third direction Z. For example, when the second direction Y is a direction from left to right as viewed in the first direction X, the third direction Z is a direction from bottom to top. In the following description, when the first direction X, second direction Y, and third direction Z are used, they refer to the first direction X, second direction Y, and third direction Z of the connector 10 in the assembled state.

Each of the electric wires 25 is electrically connected to the terminals 14. The electric wires 25 are electrically connected to a portion of the terminal 14 away from the connection portion 21 to which the electric wires 25 are connected. Each of the electric wires 25 is, for example, a coated electric wire having a core wire made of a conductor and an insulating coating that coats the outer periphery of the core wire. The end of each of the electric wires 25 opposite to the end connected to the terminal 14 is electrically connected to an electric device (not shown) other than the electric device to which the connector 10 is electrically connected via the terminal block. The end of each of the electric wires 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 of the electric wires 25 may be electrically connected to an electric device other than the inverter.

(Connector housing 12)
The housing 12 is, for example, a resin molded product. The housing 12 holds the terminals 14 by, for example, insert molding, in which a portion of each terminal 14 is disposed inside the resin that constitutes the housing 12. Note that the housing 12 and the multiple terminals 14 may be formed separately, and then the multiple terminals 14 may be fixed to the housing 12.

The housing 12 has a housing body 31 with the connection parts 21a to 21c arranged on the inside. The housing body 31 is cylindrical. For example, when viewed from the axial direction of the housing body 31, the housing body 31 has a flat shape that is long in the first direction X and thin in the second direction Y. The ends of the multiple terminals 14 that have the connection parts 21a to 21c protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the housing body 31 into the space inside the housing body 31. In this embodiment, the plate thickness direction of the connection parts 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 an end of the housing body 31 in the third direction Z. 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, the opening on the opposite side to the opening 11 is an insertion opening 32 that is arranged inside the terminal block or case.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the housing 12 may have a wire holding portion 33 that holds the end of the electric 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 electric wire 25 and the terminal 14 on the inside.

The housing 12 may have first guide portions 34a, 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 opposite side to the first direction X.

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 in the opposite direction to the first direction X from the tip surface of the first guide portion 34a in the first direction X. The guide recess 35a also penetrates the first guide portion 34a in the third direction Z. The cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 35a cut on a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is, for example, a square shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 35a cut on a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is not limited to a square shape and may be any shape such as a semicircular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the first guide portion 34a cut on a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is constant in the third direction Z.

The first guide portion 34b protrudes in the opposite direction to the first direction X from the end of the housing body 31 on the opposite side 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 tip surface of the first guide portion 34b in the opposite direction to the first direction X. The guide recess 35b also penetrates the first guide portion 34b in the third direction Z. The cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 35b cut on a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is, for example, a square shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 35b cut on a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is not limited to a square shape and may be any shape such as a semicircular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the first guide portion 34b cut on a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is constant in the third direction Z.

(Cover 13)
The cover 13 is, for example, a resin molded product. The cover 13 is made of, for example, a resin material having a lower conductivity than the terminal 14. The cover 13 has a blocking portion 41 that blocks the opening 11. The blocking portion 41 is in the form of a plate larger than the opening 11 when viewed in the third direction Z. Also, the blocking portion 41 is in the form of a flat plate whose width in the first direction X is wider than its width in the second direction Y. The cover 13 is disposed relative to the housing 12 so that the opening 11 is covered by the blocking portion 41. Also, in the cover 13 disposed relative to the housing 12, the plate thickness direction of the blocking portion 41 is parallel to the third direction Z. Also, in the cover 13, the plate thickness direction of the blocking portion 41 is parallel to the axial direction of the housing main body 31. Incidentally, the plate thickness direction of the blocking portion 41 and the third direction Z do not have to be strictly parallel. Also, the plate thickness direction of the blocking portion 41 and the axial direction of the housing main body 31 do not have to 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 cross-sectional view of the cover 13 cut along a plane perpendicular to the second direction Y, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3.

The first surface 42 is, for example, the side surface of the blocking portion 41 opposite the opening 11. The first surface 42 is flat and 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 that is the back side of the first surface 42 in the blocking 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. The second surface 43 may be wider in the first direction X side and the direction opposite to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. The second surface 43 includes, for example, the exposed surface 43a and a non-facing surface 43b that is located on the outer periphery of the exposed surface 43a and does not face the opening 11. The second surface 43 is planar and perpendicular to the third direction Z. The second surface 43 does not have to be strictly perpendicular to the third direction Z. The exposed surface 43a and the non-facing surface 43b are, for example, located in the same plane. However, the exposed surface 43a and the non-facing surface 43b may be misaligned in the third direction Z. The second surface 43 may be composed of only the exposed surface 43a.

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

The seal portion 44 has side walls 44a and 44b that face the second direction Y. The side wall 44a constitutes the end of the seal portion 44 on the second direction Y side. The side wall 44b constitutes the end of the seal portion 44 on the opposite side to the second direction Y. The side walls 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 opens to the outer peripheral side of the seal portion 44.

The cover 13 may have an annular seal member 44d that seals between the outer peripheral surfaces of the opposing seal parts 44 and the housing 12. The seal member 44d, for example, seals between the outer peripheral surface of the seal part 44 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing main body 31 that faces the outer peripheral surface. The seal member 44d is arranged in the seal groove 44c, for example. For example, a rubber ring can be used as the seal member 44d. Note that, as long as the seal member 44d forms an annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the seal part 44, a seal material other than a rubber ring may be used. When the seal part 44 is fitted into the housing main body 31, the seal member 44d adheres liquid-tight to the inner peripheral surface of the housing main body 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the seal groove 44c. The seal member 44d prevents liquid such as water that has entered the inside of the housing main body 31 from entering the terminal block to which the connector 10 is connected.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7, the cover 13 has at least one first reinforcing rib 45 protruding from the first surface 42. In this embodiment, the cover 13 has two first reinforcing ribs 45. Note that the number of first reinforcing ribs 45 that the cover 13 has is not limited to two, and 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 blocking portion 41 on the first direction X side to the end of the blocking portion 41 on the opposite side to the first direction X. Each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 is provided integrally with the blocking portion 41. The two first reinforcing ribs 45 are separated in the second direction Y. In addition, the two first reinforcing ribs 45 extend, for example, parallel to each other. Note that the multiple 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 of the first reinforcing ribs 45 cut on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X is, for example, a rectangle. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the first reinforcing rib 45 cut on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X is not limited to a rectangle as long as it is a shape protruding from the first surface 42. The cross-sectional shape of the first reinforcing rib 45 cut on a plane perpendicular to the first direction X may be, for example, any shape such as a polygon other than a rectangle, a semicircle, or a shape with a part of a circle missing.

The cover 13 may have a peripheral wall portion 46 that protrudes from the first surface 42 and extends along the periphery of the first surface 42. The peripheral wall portion 46 is, for example, annular along the periphery of the first surface 42. The term "annular" as used in this description may refer to any structure that forms a loop or a continuous shape without ends. "Annular" shapes include, but are not limited to, circles, ellipses, and polygons with sharp or rounded corners.

The peripheral wall portion 46 protrudes from the first surface 42 in the third direction Z. When viewed from the third direction Z, the peripheral wall portion 46 has a flat frame shape with a width in the first direction X greater than its width in the second direction Y. The peripheral wall portion 46 is provided integrally with the blocking portion 41. The cross-sectional shape of the peripheral wall portion 46 cut along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the peripheral wall portion 46 extends is, for example, a quadrangle. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the peripheral wall portion 46 is not limited to a quadrangle as long as it protrudes from the first surface 42. The cross-sectional shape of the peripheral wall portion 46 may be, for example, any of a polygonal shape other than a quadrangle, a semicircular shape, a shape with a part of a circle missing, or the like.

When viewed from the third direction Z, each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 is located, for example, inside the peripheral wall portion 46. 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 portion 46. That is, each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 is provided integrally with the peripheral wall portion 46. Also, each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 and the peripheral wall portion 46 have, for example, the same amount of protrusion from the first surface 42. Note that each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 and the peripheral wall portion 46 may have different amounts of protrusion from the first surface 42.

As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the cover 13 has at least one second reinforcing rib 47 protruding from the second surface 43. The cover 13 has, for example, one less second reinforcing rib 47 than the number of connection 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. In addition, 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 provided in the connector 10 is four or more, the number of second reinforcing ribs 47 may be two less than the number of terminals 14.

The cover 13 in this embodiment is made of a resin material having a lower electrical conductivity than the terminals 14. Therefore, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 has a lower electrical conductivity than the terminals 14.
Each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 protrudes from the second surface 43 in the direction opposite to the third direction Z, that is, in the direction away from the first surface 42. Furthermore, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 extends along the second direction Y between adjacent connection parts 21 as viewed from the third direction Z. For example, one second reinforcing rib 47 is provided between every two connection parts 21 adjacent in the first direction X as viewed from the third direction Z. That is, as viewed from the third direction Z, a connection part 21 is disposed on each side of each second reinforcing rib 47 in the first direction X. Specifically, as viewed from the third direction Z, one second reinforcing rib 47 is disposed between the connection parts 21a and 21b adjacent in the first direction X. Similarly, as viewed from the third direction Z, one second reinforcing rib 47 is disposed between the connection parts 21b and 21c adjacent in the first direction X.

Each of the second reinforcing ribs 47, for example, protrudes from the exposed surface 43a in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. Also, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 is provided integrally with the blocking 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. For example, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the first direction X. Note that each of the second reinforcing ribs 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. Also, 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. Furthermore, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 is connected, for example, to the seal portion 44 at its end on the second direction Y side and its end on the opposite side to the second direction Y. In detail, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 is connected to the side wall portion 44a at its end on the second direction Y side. Furthermore, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 is connected to the side wall portion 44b at its end on the opposite side to the second direction Y. In this way, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 may be provided integrally with the seal portion 44.

7, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 is higher from the second surface 43 than the connection 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, a second reinforcing rib 47 is interposed between each of the adjacent connection portions 21. For example, in the first direction X, one second reinforcing rib 47 is interposed between the adjacent connection portions 21a and 21b. And, in the connector 10, for example, when viewed from either the second direction Y or the third direction Z, a second reinforcing rib 47 is interposed between each of the connection portions 21 adjacent in the first direction X.

At least one second reinforcing rib 47 may be higher from the second surface 43 than the seal portion 44. For example, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 is higher from the second surface 43 than the seal portion 44. Therefore, each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 protrudes more from the second surface 43 in the direction opposite to the third direction Z than the seal portion 44. 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. In addition, the two second reinforcing ribs 47 may be equal in height from the second surface 43. Note that the multiple second reinforcing ribs 47 may have different heights from the second surface 43.

As shown in Figs. 4 to 7, the cover 13 may have at least one connecting rib 48 that connects the second reinforcing ribs 47 adjacent to each other in the first direction X. Incidentally, "second reinforcing ribs 47 adjacent to each other in the first direction X" refers to the second reinforcing ribs 47 adjacent to each other in the first direction X when only the second reinforcing ribs 47 are considered. The cover 13 has, for example, one connecting rib 48. The connecting rib 48 connects two second reinforcing ribs 47 located on both sides of the connection portion 21b when viewed from the third direction Z. That is, the connecting rib 48 connects the second reinforcing rib 47 located between the connection portion 21a and the connection portion 21b and the second reinforcing rib 47 located between the connection portion 21b and the connection portion 21c when viewed from the third direction Z.

The connecting rib 48 is provided at a position in the third direction Z closer to the connection portion 21 than the second surface 43. The connecting rib 48 extends along the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z. The connecting rib 48 is provided, for example, on the tip surface of the side wall portion 44a. The connecting rib 48 protrudes from the tip surface of the side wall portion 44a in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. The connecting rib 48 connects the ends of the two second reinforcement ribs 47 adjacent to each other in the first direction X on the second direction Y side. The connecting rib 48 is provided integrally with the two second reinforcement ribs 47 and the seal portion 44 that it connects. The tip of the connecting rib 48 and the tip of the second reinforcement rib 47 may be located at the same position in the third direction Z. The tip of the connecting rib 48 and the tip of the second reinforcement rib 47 may be located at different positions in the third direction Z.

The cover 13 may have at least one auxiliary rib 49 integrally formed with the second reinforcing rib 47. The auxiliary rib 49 is integrally formed at the end of the second reinforcing rib 47 opposite to the second direction Y. For example, the auxiliary rib 49 may be provided for each of the second reinforcing ribs 47. Each of the auxiliary ribs 49 extends along the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z. Also, each of the auxiliary ribs 49 is provided so as to form a T-shape when viewed from the third direction Z together with the second reinforcing rib 47 integrally formed. Each of the auxiliary ribs 49 is provided, for example, on the tip surface of the side wall portion 44b. Each of the auxiliary ribs 49 protrudes from the tip surface of the side wall portion 44b in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. And each of the auxiliary ribs 49 is provided integrally with the seal portion 44. The tip of the auxiliary rib 49 and the tip of the second reinforcing rib 47 may be located at the same position in the third direction Z. The tip of the auxiliary rib 49 and the tip of the second reinforcing rib 47 may be located at different positions in the third direction Z.

As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the cover 13 may have a protruding wall 51a in an end region on the first direction X side of the cover 13. The cover 13 may also have a protruding wall 51b in an end region on the opposite side to the first direction X of the cover 13. The protruding wall 51a protrudes from a portion of the second surface 43 on the first direction X side beyond the exposed surface 43a. The protruding wall 51a protrudes, for example, from an end of the second surface 43 on the first direction X side in the opposite direction to the third direction Z. The protruding wall 51b protrudes from a portion of the second surface 43 on the opposite side to the first direction X beyond the exposed surface 43a. The protruding wall 51b protrudes, for example, from an end of the second surface 43 on the opposite side to the first direction X in the opposite direction to the third direction Z. The protruding walls 51a, 51b are provided integrally with the blocking portion 41. The protruding walls 51a, 51b are, for example, flat plates perpendicular to the first direction X.

The cover 13 may have a fixing portion 52a protruding from the protruding wall 51a. The cover 13 may also have a fixing portion 52b protruding from the protruding wall 51b. The fixing portion 52a protrudes in the first direction X from the tip of the protruding wall 51a. The fixing portion 52a has a fixing hole 53a penetrating the fixing portion 52a in the third direction Z. The fixing portion 52b protrudes from the tip of the protruding wall 51b in the direction opposite to the first direction X. The fixing portion 52b has a fixing hole 53b penetrating the fixing portion 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 integral with the protruding wall 51a. The cover 13 may also have rib walls 56c and 56d that protrude from the second surface 43 and are integral with the protruding wall 51b.

When viewed from the third direction Z, the rib walls 56a and 56b are located on the first direction X side of the exposed surface 43a. The rib wall 56a protrudes from the end of the second surface 43 on the second direction Y side in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. The rib wall 56b protrudes from the end of the second surface 43 on the side opposite to the second direction Y in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. The end of the rib wall 56a on the first direction X side and the end of the rib wall 56b on the first direction X side are each connected to the protruding wall 51a. Each of the rib walls 56a and 56b is, for example, flat and perpendicular to the second direction Y. The height of each of the rib walls 56a and 56b from the second surface 43 decreases as it moves away from the protruding wall 51a in the direction opposite to the first direction X.

When viewed from the third direction Z, the rib walls 56c and 56d are located on the opposite side of the first direction X from the exposed surface 43a. The rib wall 56c protrudes from the end of the second surface 43 on the second direction Y side in the opposite direction to the third direction Z. The rib wall 56d protrudes from the end of the second surface 43 on the opposite side to the second direction Y in the opposite direction to the third direction Z. The end of the rib wall 56c on the opposite side to the first direction X and the end of the rib wall 56d on the opposite side to the first direction X are each connected to the protruding wall 51b. Each of the rib walls 56c and 56d is, for example, flat and perpendicular to the second direction Y. The height of each of the rib walls 56c and 56d from the second surface 43 decreases as it moves away from the protruding wall 51b along the first direction X.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, the cover 13 may have second guide portions 57a, 57b that protrude from a portion of the second surface 43 on the first direction X side of the exposed surface 43a and a portion of the second surface 43 on the opposite side of the first direction X of the exposed surface 43a. The second guide portion 57a protrudes in the opposite direction to the third direction Z from a portion of the non-opposing surface 43b located on the first direction X side of the exposed surface 43a. The second guide portion 57a is provided at a position where it can be fitted into the guide recess 35a along the opposite direction to the third direction Z when the cover 13 is arranged on the housing 12. The second guide portion 57b protrudes in the opposite direction to the third direction Z from a portion of the non-opposing surface 43b located on the opposite side of the first direction X of the exposed surface 43a. The second guide portion 57b is provided at a position where it can be fitted into the guide recess 35b along the opposite direction to the third direction Z when the cover 13 is arranged on 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 cut in a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z has, for example, a rectangular shape similar to the cross section of the guide recess 35a cut in a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z. Note that the cross section of the second guide portion 57a cut in a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be changed as appropriate according to the cross section of the guide recess 35a cut in a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z.

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 cut in a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z has, for example, a rectangular shape similar to the cross section of the guide recess 35b cut in a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z. Note that the cross section of the second guide portion 57b cut in a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be changed as appropriate according to the cross section of the guide recess 35b cut in a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z.

Each of the second guide portions 57a, 57b extends, for example, along the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z. 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.

When the cover 13 is placed on the housing 12, the second guide portion 57a is fitted into the guide recess 35a along the direction opposite to the third direction Z, thereby fitting in a concave-convex manner with the first guide portion 34a. When the cover 13 is placed on the housing 12, the second guide portion 57b is fitted into the guide recess 35b along the direction opposite to the third direction Z, thereby fitting in a concave-convex manner with the first guide portion 34b. The second guide portions 57a, 57b fit in a concave-convex manner with the first guide portions 34a, 34b, respectively, thereby restricting relative positional deviation between the housing 12 and the cover 13 in the first direction X and the second direction Y.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the cover 13 may have first reinforcing parts 58a, 58b that extend on the second surface 43 from the second guide parts 57a, 57b to the end of the cover 13 on the side opposite the second direction Y. The cover 13 may also have second reinforcing parts 59a, 59b that extend on the second surface 43 from the second guide parts 57a, 57b to the end of the cover 13 on the side opposite the second direction Y.

The first reinforcement portion 58a and the second reinforcement portion 59a protrude from a portion of the second surface 43 that is closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. That is, the first reinforcement portion 58a and the second reinforcement portion 59a protrude in the opposite direction to the third direction Z from a portion of the non-opposing surface 43b that is closer to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. Each of the first reinforcement portion 58a and the second reinforcement portion 59a extends along the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z. Each of the first reinforcement portion 58a and the second reinforcement portion 59a has, for example, a flat plate shape perpendicular to the first direction X. Note that each of the first reinforcement portion 58a and the second reinforcement portion 59a does not have to be strictly perpendicular to the first direction X. The end of the first reinforcement portion 58a on the opposite side to the second direction Y is connected to the second guide portion 57a. The end of the first reinforcement portion 58a on the second direction Y side is connected to the rib wall 56a. In addition, the end of the second reinforcement portion 59a facing the second direction Y is connected to the second guide portion 57a. The end of the second reinforcement portion 59a facing the opposite direction to the second direction Y is connected to the rib wall 56b.

The first reinforcement portion 58b and the second reinforcement portion 59b protrude from a portion of the second surface 43 that is opposite the first direction X from the exposed surface 43a. That is, the first reinforcement portion 58b and the second reinforcement portion 59b protrude from a portion of the non-opposing surface 43b that is opposite the first direction X from the exposed surface 43a in the opposite direction to the third direction Z. Each of the first reinforcement portion 58b and the second reinforcement portion 59b extends along the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z. Each of the first reinforcement portion 58b and the second reinforcement portion 59b has, for example, a flat plate shape perpendicular to the first direction X. Note that each of the first reinforcement portion 58b and the second reinforcement portion 59b does not have to be strictly perpendicular to the first direction X. The end of the first reinforcement portion 58b opposite the second direction Y is connected to the second guide portion 57b. The end of the first reinforcement portion 58b facing the second direction Y is connected to the rib wall 56c. The end of the second reinforcement portion 59b facing the second direction Y is connected to the second guide portion 57b. The end of the second reinforcement portion 59b facing the opposite direction to the second direction Y is connected to the rib wall 56d.

The cover 13 may also have third reinforcing ribs 61a, 61b protruding from the second surface 43. The third reinforcing rib 61a extends from the second guide portion 57a to the protruding wall 51a. The end of the third reinforcing rib 61a opposite to the first direction X is connected to the second guide portion 57a. The end of the third reinforcing rib 61a opposite to the first direction X is connected to the protruding wall 51a. The third reinforcing rib 61b extends from the second guide portion 57b to the protruding wall 51b. The end of the third reinforcing rib 61b opposite to the first direction X is connected to the protruding wall 51b. Each of the third reinforcing ribs 61a, 61b extends along the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z. Each of the third reinforcing ribs 61a, 61b has a flat plate shape that is perpendicular to the second direction Y. Note that each of the third reinforcing ribs 61a, 61b does not have to be strictly perpendicular to the second direction Y.

(Connection of connector 10 to terminal block)
2 and 7, when connecting the connector 10 to the terminal block, the worker first places the housing 12 on the terminal block. At this time, the cover 13 is not placed on the housing 12, so the opening 11 is not closed by the cover 13. After that, the worker inserts a tool into the inside of the housing 12 from the opening 11 to electrically connect the terminals 14 to the mating terminals 9, respectively. The terminals 14 and the mating terminals 9 are electrically connected by, for example, a bolt that passes through the terminals 14 and the mating terminals 9 and a nut that is fastened to the bolt.

2, 6 and 7, the worker places the cover 13 on the housing 12 so that the opening 11 is closed by the cover 13. The worker places the cover 13 on the housing 12 while fitting the seal portion 44 from the opening 11 into the inside of the housing main body 31. At this time, the second guide portion 57a and the second guide portion 57b are respectively fitted into the guide recess 35a of the first guide portion 34a and the guide recess 35b of the first guide portion 34b along the direction opposite to the third direction Z. As a result, the cover 13 is positioned relative to the housing 12 in the first direction X, the direction opposite to the first direction X, the second direction Y and the direction opposite to the second direction Y. Furthermore, the cover 13 is prevented from being assembled in an inclined state relative to the housing 12. In more detail, the cover 13 is prevented from being assembled to the housing 12 in a state in which the axial direction of the seal portion 44 is inclined relative to the axial direction of the housing main body 31.

When the cover 13 is placed on the housing 12, the seal portion 44 fits inside the housing body 31. Furthermore, second reinforcing ribs 47 are placed between adjacent connection portions 21 in the first direction X. After that, the worker 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 described.
When the pressure inside the case increases due to heat generation of the electrical equipment, the pressure acting on the cover 13 from inside the case increases. In this case, an external force acts on the cover 13 from inside the case, pushing the cover 13 toward the outside of the case. In detail, an external force acts on the cover 13, pushing the exposed surface 43a toward the outside of the case, i.e., the outside of the housing 12. However, the cover 13 of this embodiment has a first reinforcing rib 45 protruding from the first surface 42 and a second reinforcing rib 47 protruding from the second surface 43. Furthermore, the first reinforcing rib 45 and the second reinforcing rib 47 extend along 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 described.
(1) The connector 10 includes a housing 12 having an opening 11, a cover 13 closing the opening 11, and a plurality of terminals 14 held by the housing 12. The plurality of terminals 14 each have a connection portion 21 to which a corresponding one of the mating terminals 9 is electrically connected. The plurality of connection portions 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 has two first reinforcing ribs 45 protruding from the first surface 42 and two second reinforcing ribs 47 protruding from the second surface 43. The direction in which the plurality of connection portions 21 are arranged is defined as a first direction X, the direction intersecting the first direction X from the base end of the connection portion 21 toward the tip end is defined as a second direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction X and perpendicular to the second direction Y is defined as a third direction Z. Each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 extends along the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z. Each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 extends along the second direction Y between adjacent connection portions 21 when viewed from the third direction Z.

According to this configuration, the cover 13 has a first reinforcing rib 45 and a second reinforcing rib 47 on two surfaces, the first surface 42 and the second surface 43 located on the back side of the first surface 42. Furthermore, the first reinforcing rib 45 protruding from the first surface 42 extends along the first direction X. The second reinforcing rib 47 protruding from the second surface 43 extends along the second direction Y, which is a direction intersecting the first direction X. Therefore, the rigidity of the cover 13 can be increased compared to a case where a reinforcing rib is provided on only one of the first surface 42 and the second surface 43, or a case where the first reinforcing rib and the second reinforcing rib extend in the same direction. Therefore, when an external force acts on the cover 13, deformation of the cover 13 can be suppressed.

And because deformation of the cover 13 is suppressed, the 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, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of liquids such as water into the inside of the housing 12. As a result, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of liquids such as water into the inside of the case.

(2) 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. Each of the second reinforcing ribs 47 is higher from the second surface 43 than the seal portion 44.

With this configuration, 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. In addition, because 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 easier to suppress the infiltration of liquids such as water into the inside of the housing 12 from the opening 11.

In addition, the cover 13 of this embodiment has a seal member 44d that seals between the outer peripheral surfaces of the opposing seal portions 44 and the housing 12. Therefore, the seal member 44d can also further prevent liquids such as water from entering the inside of the housing 12 through the opening 11.

(3) The cover 13 is a resin molded product. When viewed from either the second direction Y or the third direction Z, a second reinforcing rib 47 is interposed between each of the connection portions 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction X.

With this configuration, the second reinforcing rib 47 is interposed between each of the connection parts 21 adjacent in the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z, while the length of the second reinforcing rib 47 in the third direction Z can be made longer than when the second reinforcing rib 47 is not interposed between each of the connection parts 21 adjacent in the first direction X when viewed from the second direction Y. This makes it possible to further increase the rigidity of the cover 13. As a result, deformation of the cover 13 can be further suppressed.

In addition, since the cover 13 is a resin molded product, it can be formed using a resin material with a lower conductivity than the terminal 14. For example, when the terminal 14 and the mating terminal 9 are connected, at least one of the connection portion 21 and the mating terminal 9 may be scraped off, resulting in metal shavings. In order to prevent the connection portions 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction X from being short-circuited by the metal shavings, it is preferable to insulate the connection portions 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction X. Therefore, if the cover 13 is a resin molded product using a resin material with a lower conductivity than the terminal 14, each second reinforcing rib 47, which is a part of the cover 13, can also be formed from a resin material with a lower conductivity than the terminal 14. Therefore, the conductivity of each second reinforcing rib 47 can be easily made lower than the conductivity of the terminal 14. Therefore, the electrical insulation between the connection portions 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction X can be performed by the second reinforcing rib 47 interposed between the connection portions 21. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a separate configuration for preventing the connection portions 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction X from being short-circuited. As a result, the number of parts that make up the connector 10 can be reduced.

(4) The second surface 43 is wider in the first direction X and the opposite direction to the first direction X than the exposed surface 43a. The housing 12 has first guide portions 34a, 34b extending along the third direction Z at the end of the housing 12 on the first direction X side and the end of the housing 12 on the opposite direction to the first direction X, respectively. The cover 13 has second guide portions 57a, 57b protruding from a portion of the second surface 43 on the first direction X side of the exposed surface 43a and a portion of the second surface 43 on the opposite direction to the first direction X side of the exposed surface 43a, respectively. The second guide portions 57a, 57b are engaged with the first guide portions 34a, 34b, respectively, to regulate the relative positional deviation between the housing 12 and the cover 13 in the first direction X and the second direction Y.

With this configuration, when placing the cover 13 on the housing 12, the first guide portions 34a, 34b and the second guide portions 57a, 57b are engaged with each other, so that the cover 13 can be easily positioned with respect to the housing 12 in the direction along the first direction X and the direction along the second direction Y. Therefore, the cover 13 can be easily attached to the housing 12.

(5) The cover 13 has first reinforcing parts 58a, 58b that extend on the second surface 43 from the second guide parts 57a, 57b to the end of the cover 13 on the side opposite the second direction Y. Furthermore, the cover 13 has second reinforcing parts 59a, 59b that extend on the second surface 43 from the second guide parts 57a, 57b to the end of the cover 13 on the side opposite the second direction Y.

With this configuration, the second guide parts 57a, 57b, the first reinforcement parts 58a, 58b, and the second reinforcement parts 59a, 59b can further increase the rigidity of the cover 13. As a result, deformation of the cover 13 can be further suppressed.

(6) The cover 13 has a peripheral wall portion 46 that protrudes from the first surface 42 and extends along the periphery of the first surface 42. With this configuration, the peripheral wall portion 46 can further increase the rigidity of the cover 13. As a result, deformation of the cover 13 can be further suppressed.

(7) The peripheral wall portion 46 is annular along the periphery of the first surface 42. With this configuration, the peripheral wall portion 46 is annular, which makes it easier to increase the rigidity of the cover 13 compared to a case in which the peripheral wall portion 46 is not annular. As a result, deformation of the cover 13 can be further suppressed.

(8) The cover 13 has a plurality of second reinforcing ribs 47. Furthermore, the cover 13 has at least one connecting rib 48 that connects adjacent second reinforcing ribs 47 in the first direction X. This configuration can increase the strength of the second reinforcing ribs 47. Therefore, the rigidity of the cover 13 can be further increased. As a result, deformation of the cover 13 can be further suppressed.

(9) The cover 13 has two first reinforcing ribs 45. With this configuration, the rigidity of the cover 13 is higher than when the cover 13 has only one first reinforcing rib 45. Also, the shape of the cover 13 is less complicated than when the cover 13 has three or more first reinforcing ribs 45. Furthermore, the amount of material constituting the cover 13 can be reduced compared to when the cover 13 has three or more first reinforcing ribs 45. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the cover 13 can be reduced.

(10) The cover 13 of this embodiment does not have a reinforcing rib extending along the first direction X on the exposed surface 43a. The second reinforcing rib 47 provided on the exposed surface 43a is disposed between the connection parts 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction X when viewed from the third direction Z. Therefore, even if the distance between the exposed surface 43a and the connection parts 21 in the third direction Z is shortened, the second reinforcing rib 47 does not contact the connection parts 21 from the opposite direction to the third direction Z. In this way, the cover 13 does not have a reinforcing rib on the second surface 43 that may contact the connection parts 21 from the opposite direction to the third direction Z. Therefore, it is possible to provide a configuration on the second surface 43 to increase the rigidity of the cover 13 while suppressing the increase in size of the connector 10 in the third direction Z.

(11) The cover 13 of this embodiment is made of a resin material. The cover 13 has the first reinforcing rib 45 and the second reinforcing rib, so that the rigidity of the cover 13 is increased even though it is made of a resin material. Therefore, in order to suppress deformation of the cover 13, it is not necessary to add a separate metal part or to make the cover 13 out of metal. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the connector 10 can be reduced.

(12) Each connecting rib 48 connects the ends of two second reinforcing ribs 47 adjacent to each other in the first direction X on the second direction Y side. When viewed from the third direction Z, the end of the second reinforcing rib 47 on the second direction Y side is the end closer to the tip of the connecting portion 21 out of the tip and the base end. When the cover 13 is placed in the correct position relative to the housing 12, each connecting rib 48 is inserted between the inner surface of the housing 12 and the tip of the connecting portion 21. On the other hand, when the cover 13 is placed in the incorrect position relative to the housing 12 in which the orientation of the first direction X is the opposite direction, each connecting rib 48 contacts the terminal 14 from the direction opposite to the third direction Z near the base end of the connecting portion 21. When each connecting rib 48 contacts the terminal 14, the cover 13 is prevented from moving further along the direction opposite to the third direction Z. Therefore, the cover 13 is prevented from moving further in the direction opposite to the third direction Z when the cover 13 is disposed in a position in the third direction Z that is different from the position when the cover 13 is disposed in the correct orientation relative to the housing 12. Therefore, the worker can recognize that the cover 13 is disposed in the wrong orientation relative to the housing 12. As a result, incorrect assembly of the cover 13 to the housing 12 can be suppressed.

This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.
The number of connecting ribs 48 that the cover 13 has is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, when the cover 13 has five second reinforcing ribs 47 aligned in the first direction X, the cover 13 may have two connecting ribs 48 that connect two second reinforcing ribs 47 located on both sides of the central second reinforcing rib 47. Note that in Fig. 8, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same configurations as those in the above embodiment and corresponding configurations.

The connecting rib 48 may also protrude from the tip surface of the side wall portion 44b. If the cover 13 does not have a seal portion 44, the connecting rib 48 may protrude from the second surface 43 and connect the second reinforcing ribs 47 adjacent to each other in the first direction X. The cover 13 does not have to have the connecting rib 48.

The auxiliary rib 49 may be provided integrally with at least one second reinforcing rib 47. For example, at least one of the multiple second reinforcing ribs 47 may not be provided integrally with the auxiliary rib 49. The auxiliary rib 49 may be provided integrally with the end of the second reinforcing rib 47 on the second direction Y side, or may be provided integrally with the end of the second reinforcing rib 47 on the side opposite to the second direction Y. The cover 13 may not include the auxiliary rib 49.

The peripheral wall portion 46 does not have to be annular. That is, the peripheral wall portion 46 may protrude from the first surface 42 and be provided along a part of the periphery of the first surface 42.
The shape of the peripheral wall portion 46 is not limited to the shape in 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 as viewed from the third direction Z can be changed according to the shape of the first surface 42. Note that the cover 13 does not necessarily have to include the peripheral wall portion 46.

- The cover 13 may have only one of the first reinforcing parts 58a, 58b. Also, the cover 13 may not have the first reinforcing parts 58a, 58b. Also, the cover 13 may have only one of the second reinforcing parts 59a, 59b. Also, the cover 13 may not have the second reinforcing parts 59a, 59b.

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

- The cover 13 may have only the first guide portion 34a and the second guide portion 57a out of the first guide portions 34a, 34b and the second guide portions 57a, 57b. Also, the cover 13 may have only the first guide portion 34b and the second guide portion 57b out of the first guide portions 34a, 34b and the second guide portions 57a, 57b. Also, the cover 13 may not have the first guide portions 34a, 34b and the second guide portions 57a, 57b.

The height of the second reinforcing rib 47 from the second surface 43 may be lower than the connecting surface 23 .
The cover 13 does not necessarily have to include the seal member 44d. Further, the cover 13 does not necessarily have to include the seal portion 44.

- As long as the cover 13 has at least one first reinforcing rib 45 and at least one second reinforcing rib 47, the shape of the cover 13 is not limited to that of the above embodiment. 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. The cover 13 may further have a reinforcing rib that protrudes from the exposed surface 43a and extends along 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 connection portion 21.

For example, the cover 13A illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 further includes a protrusion 71. Note that in Figs. 9 and 10, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding configurations as those in the above embodiment.

9 and 10, at least one of the end faces 72 of the cover 13A on the second direction Y side and the end face 73 of the cover 13A on the side opposite to the second direction Y includes an outward surface 74 extending along the first direction X. For example, both the end face 72 and the end face 73 include an outward surface 74. The outward surface 74 included in the end face 72 is referred to as the outward surface 74a, and the outward surface 74 included in the end face 73 is referred to as the outward surface 74b. For example, each of the outward surfaces 74a and 74b is planar and perpendicular to the second direction Y. Also, for example, the outward surface 74a and the outward surface 74b are parallel to each other.

The cover 13A has a protruding portion 71 that protrudes from the outward surface 74a in the second direction Y. The protruding portion 71 is located, for example, in an end region of the cover 13A on the side opposite the first direction X. In addition, the tip of the protruding portion 71 in the protruding direction, i.e., the tip of the protruding portion 71 in the second direction Y, is located on the outer periphery side of the cover 13A relative to the seal member 44d when viewed from the third direction Z.

In this way, when the cover 13A is placed on a surface S1 such as the ground or a floor without being attached to the housing 12, the cover 13A may be in a position in which the outward surface 74a from which the protrusion 71 protrudes faces the surface S1. FIG. 10 shows the cover 13A in a position in which the outward surface 74a faces the surface S1 such as the ground or a floor. In this case, the cover 13A is placed on the surface S1 with a gap formed between the outward surface 74a and the surface S1 by the protrusion 71. That is, the cover 13A is placed on the surface S1 with a part of it being lifted by the protrusion 71. Therefore, the seal portion 44 is likely to be placed above and away from the surface S1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the seal member 44d located on the outer peripheral surface of the seal portion 44 from coming into contact with the surface S1. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as sand and dust on the surface S1 from adhering to the seal member 44d. Therefore, when the cover 13A is attached to the housing 12, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being interposed between the seal member 44d and the housing 12. As a result, the seal member 44d can be well attached to the housing 12. Therefore, the seal member 44d can fully demonstrate its sealing performance.

Of the outward surfaces 74a and 74b, the protrusion 71 is provided only on the outward surface 74a. Therefore, when an operator attaches the cover 13A to the housing 12, the protrusion 71 serves as a guide for determining the orientation of the cover 13A relative to the housing 12. This prevents the cover 13A from being assembled in an incorrect orientation relative to the housing 12. This also improves the workability of attaching the cover 13A to the housing 12.

The cover 13A may have at least one protrusion 71 protruding from the outward surface 74b in the direction opposite to the second direction Y. In this case, the cover 13A may or may not have at least one protrusion 71 on the outward surface 74a.

In the cover 13A illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the fixing portion 52a protrudes in the first direction X from the tip of the protruding wall 51a. On the other hand, the fixing portion 52b protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction X from the tip of the protruding wall 51b when viewed from the third direction Z. When viewed from the third direction Z, the tip of the fixing portion 52b is, for example, located on the second direction Y side of the tip of the fixing portion 52a.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when viewed from the third direction, the fixing hole 53a of the fixing portion 52a and the fixing hole 53b of the fixing portion 52b may be misaligned in position in the second direction Y. In FIG. 10, a center line L1 that passes through the center between the outward surface 74a and the outward surface 74b in the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z and extends parallel to the first direction X is illustrated by a dashed dotted line. When viewed from the third direction Z, the center of the fixing hole 53a is located, for example, on the center line L1. On the other hand, when viewed from the third direction Z, the center of the fixing hole 53b is located, for example, on the second direction Y side of the center line L1.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the cover 13A may have fixing portion ribs 75a and 75b protruding from the fixing portions 52a and 52b, respectively.
The fixed portion rib 75a protrudes from the fixed portion 52a in the third direction Z. The fixed portion rib 75a has, for example, peripheral ribs 76a, 76b and a connecting portion 77a. The peripheral rib 76a extends along the end of the fixed portion 52a on the second direction Y side. The peripheral rib 76b extends along the end of the fixed portion 52a on the side opposite the second direction Y. The end of each of the peripheral ribs 76a, 76b on the side opposite the first direction X is connected to the protruding wall 51a. The protruding height of each of the peripheral ribs 76a, 76b from the fixed portion 52a decreases as the peripheral ribs 76a, 76b move away from the protruding wall 51a in the first direction X.

The connecting portion 77a protrudes from the fixed portion 52a in the third direction Z. The connecting portion 77a connects the peripheral rib 76a and the peripheral rib 76b on the end surface of the fixed portion 52a on the third direction Z side. The connecting portion 77a is located between the protruding wall 51a and the fixing hole 53a when viewed from the third direction Z. The connecting portion 77a has a shape, for example, an arc shape when viewed from the third direction Z. Note that the connecting portion 77a may have a shape other than an arc shape when viewed from the third direction Z, as long as it connects the peripheral rib 76a and the peripheral rib 76b. The shape of the connecting portion 77a when viewed from the third direction Z may be, for example, any shape, such as a straight shape, a bent shape, or an arbitrary curved shape.

The fixed portion rib 75b protrudes from the fixed portion 52b in the third direction Z. The fixed portion rib 75b has, for example, peripheral ribs 76c, 76d and a connecting portion 77b. The peripheral rib 76c extends along the end of the fixed portion 52b on the second direction Y side. The peripheral rib 76d extends along the end of the fixed portion 52b on the side opposite the second direction Y. The end of each of the peripheral ribs 76c, 76d on the first direction X side is connected to the protruding wall 51b. The protruding height of each of the peripheral ribs 76c, 76d from the fixed portion 52b decreases as it moves away from the protruding wall 51b in the direction opposite the first direction X.

The connecting portion 77b protrudes from the fixed portion 52b in the third direction Z. The connecting portion 77b connects the peripheral rib 76c and the peripheral rib 76d on the end surface of the fixed portion 52b on the third direction Z side. The connecting portion 77b is located between the protruding wall 51b and the fixing hole 53b when viewed from the third direction Z. The connecting portion 77b has, for example, an arc shape when viewed from the third direction Z. Note that the connecting portion 77b may have a shape other than an arc shape when viewed from the third direction Z, as long as it connects the peripheral rib 76c and the peripheral rib 76d. The shape of the connecting portion 77b when viewed from the third direction Z may be, for example, any shape such as a straight line, a bent shape, or an arbitrary curved shape.

In this way, the fixing portion ribs 75a, 75b can increase the rigidity of the cover 13A near the fixing portions 52a, 52b. Therefore, when an external force acts on the cover 13A, deformation of the cover 13A can be further suppressed.

9 and 10, the positions of the fixing holes 53a and 53b are shifted in the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z as described above. Therefore, when an external force that pushes the exposed surface 43a toward the outside of the housing 12 acts on the cover 13A, the cover 13A may be more susceptible to stress concentration than a cover in which the positions of the fixing holes 53a and 53b are not shifted in the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z. For example, in the cover 13A, stress may be concentrated in one of the fixing parts 52a having the fixing hole 53a and the fixing part 52b having the fixing hole 53b. However, the rigidity of the fixing parts 52a and 52b and the vicinity of the fixing parts 52a and 52b in the cover 13A is increased by the fixing part ribs 75a and 75b. Therefore, even if the positions of the fixing holes 53a and 53b are shifted in the second direction Y when viewed from the third direction Z, deformation of the cover 13A can be suppressed when an external force acts on the cover 13A.

The cover 13A may have only the fixing portion rib 75a or only the fixing portion rib 75b.
9 and 10 is formed by injection molding. The cover 13A has a gate mark 78 on the first surface 42. The gate mark 78 is due to the gate being set to be located on the first surface 42 when the cover 13A is injection molded. When viewed from the third direction Z, the gate mark 78 is located at a position shifted from the first reinforcing rib 45 in the second direction Y. When viewed from the third direction Z, the gate mark 78 is located at a position not aligned with the first reinforcing rib 45 in the first direction X. For example, when viewed from the third direction Z, the gate mark 78 is located between the two first reinforcing ribs 45. Note that, when viewed from the third direction Z, the gate mark 78 may be located between one of the two first reinforcing ribs 45 and a part of the peripheral wall portion 46 adjacent to the first reinforcing rib 45 in the second direction Y.

In this way, the gate mark 78 is located away from the first reinforcing rib 45. Therefore, each of the first reinforcing ribs 45 can extend continuously along the first direction X 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. Therefore, the rigidity of the cover 13A can be increased compared to when the first reinforcing rib is divided into multiple parts in the first direction X.

The shape of the housing 12 is not limited to that of the above embodiment as long as the housing 12 has the opening 11 and can hold the terminals 14 .
In the above embodiment, the first direction X is the direction from the connection portion 21a to the connection portion 21c. However, the direction from the connection portion 21c to the connection portion 21a may also be the first direction X. In the above embodiment, the second direction Y intersects with the first direction X perpendicularly. However, the angle at which the second direction Y intersects with the first direction X is appropriately changed according to the shape of the connection portion 21. In addition, the third direction Z may be a direction different from that in the above embodiment as long as it intersects with the first direction X perpendicularly and with the second direction Y perpendicularly.

9 Mating terminal 10 Connector 11 Opening 12 Connector housing (housing)
Reference Signs List 13, 13A Cover 14 Terminal 21, 21a to 21c Connection portion 22 Terminal body portion 23 Connection surface 25 Electric wire 31 Housing body 32 Insertion opening 33 Electric wire holding portion 34a, 34b First guide portion 35a, 35b Guide recess 41 Closing portion 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 47 Second reinforcing rib 48 Connecting rib 49 Auxiliary rib 51a, 51b Protruding wall 52a, 52b Fixing portion 53a, 53b Fixing hole 56a to 56d Rib wall 57a, 57b Second guide portion 58a, 58b First reinforcing portion 59a, 59b Second reinforcing portion 61a, 61b Third reinforcing rib 71 Protruding portion 72, 73 End face 74, 74a, 74b Outer face 75a, 75b Fixing portion rib 76a to 76d Peripheral edge rib 77a, 77b Connecting portion 78 Gate mark D1, D2, D3 Distance L1 Center line S1 Surface X First direction Y Second direction Z Third direction

Claims (9)

a connector housing having an opening;
A cover that closes the opening;
A plurality of terminals held in the connector housing;
A connector comprising:
The plurality of terminals each have a connection portion to which a different mating terminal is electrically connected,
The plurality of connection portions are aligned in a row 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, at least one first reinforcing rib protruding from the first surface, and at least one second reinforcing rib protruding from the second surface,
A direction in which the plurality of connection portions are arranged is defined as a first direction, a direction intersecting the first direction and going from a base end to a tip end of the connection portion is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction is defined as a 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 adjacent connection portions when viewed from the third direction ,
The cover is a resin molded product,
A connector in which the second reinforcing rib is interposed between each of the connection portions adjacent to each other in the first direction when viewed from either the second direction or the third direction. the cover has a seal portion that protrudes from the second surface so as to surround the exposed surface when viewed from the third direction and is fitted into the opening,
The connector according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the second reinforcing ribs has a height from the second surface that is greater than the seal portion. The second surface is wider on the first direction side and on the opposite direction side to the first direction than the exposed surface,
the connector housing has 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 a side opposite to the first direction,
the cover has a second guide portion protruding from a portion of the second surface on the first direction side of the exposed surface and a portion of the second surface on the opposite direction side of the exposed surface to the first direction,
3. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the second guide portions are fitted into the first guide portions in a projection-projection manner to regulate relative positional deviation between the connector housing and the cover in the first direction and the second direction. The connector of claim 3, wherein the cover has at least one of a first reinforcing portion extending on the second surface from the second guide portion to an end of the cover on the second direction side, and a second reinforcing portion extending on the second surface from the second guide portion to an end of the cover on the opposite direction side to the second direction. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the cover has a peripheral wall portion that protrudes from the first surface and extends along a periphery of the first surface. The connector according to claim 5 , wherein the peripheral wall portion has an annular shape along a periphery of the first surface. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the cover has a plurality of the second reinforcement ribs and further has at least one connecting rib connecting adjacent second reinforcement ribs in the first direction. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the cover has two of the first reinforcing ribs. At least one of an end surface of the cover on the second direction side and an end surface of the cover on the opposite direction side to the second direction includes an outward surface extending along the first direction,
A connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover has a sealing portion protruding from the second surface so as to surround the exposed surface when viewed from the third direction and being inserted into the opening, an annular sealing member sealing between the opposing outer peripheral surfaces of the sealing portion and the connector housing, and a protrusion protruding from at least one of the outward surfaces in the second direction or in a direction opposite to the second direction.