FITTING DEVICE

A fitting device includes a connection terminal, a tubular housing that covers an outer circumference of the connection terminal, a rubber ring attached to an outer circumferential surface of the housing, and a retainer that prevents the rubber ring from being dislodged. The retainer includes a tubular main body portion, and a plurality of arm portions extending from the main body portion in a front-rear direction. Each arm portion includes an extension portion extending from the main body portion toward the rubber ring in the front-rear direction, a first projection protruding from the extension portion toward an inner circumferential surface, and a second projection protruding from the extension portion toward the outer circumferential surface of the housing. An amount of insertion of the second projection into the recess is larger than a gap between a protruding end of the first projection and the inner circumferential surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fitting device.

BACKGROUND

Patent Document 1 discloses a connector configured to be fitted to a female connector. The connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing to which a terminal fitting is inserted, a rubber ring that waterproofs the space between the connector and the female connector, and a retainer that supports the terminal fitting and prevents the rubber ring from being dislodged. Note that the retainer is referred to as a holding member in Patent Document 1.

The housing includes a terminal accommodating portion into which the terminal fitting is inserted, and a tubular hood portion surrounding the terminal accommodating portion. The hood portion is coupled to the terminal accommodating portion via a coupling portion that bulges radially from an outer circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion. The female connector is fitted between the hood portion and the terminal accommodating portion. The rubber ring is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion.

The retainer is mounted to the terminal accommodating portion from the front, or in other words, from the distal end side of the housing. The retainer includes a tubular holding plate that covers the outer circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion. A holding protrusion that is to be engaged with a holding groove portion provided in the outer circumferential surface of the terminal accommodating portion is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the holding plate. As a result of the holding protrusion being engaged with the holding groove portion, the retainer is mounted to the terminal accommodating portion. The holding plate faces an front end face of the rubber ring. Thus, the rubber ring is prevented from being dislodged from the housing.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

Patent Document 1: JP 3968638 B

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved

Meanwhile, when a load is applied to the retainer during insertion or removal of the connector into or from the female connector, the holding protrusion of the retainer may be disengaged from the holding groove portion, thus causing the retainer to be detached from the housing.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fitting device capable of suppressing detachment of a retainer.

Means to Solve the Problem

A fitting device according to the present disclosure is a fitting device configured to be fitted to an opening provided in a case for accommodating an in-vehicle device, the fitting device including: a conductive path that is to be connected to the in-vehicle device; a tube including an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening, and that covers an outer circumference of the conductive path; a sealing member that is attached to an outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion, and that waterproofs a space between the tube and the case; and a retainer that is attached to the insertion portion, and that prevents the sealing member from being dislodged from the tube, wherein the tube has a recess provided in the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion, the retainer includes a tubular main body portion that covers the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion, and an arm portion extending from the main body portion and configured to be elastically deformable, the arm portion includes an extension portion extending from the main body portion toward the sealing member in an axial direction of the main body portion, a first projection protruding from the extension portion toward an inner circumferential surface defining the opening, and a second projection protruding from the extension portion toward an outer circumferential surface of the tube and configured to be engaged with the recess, and an amount of insertion of the second projection into the recess is larger than a gap between the first projection and the inner circumferential surface defining the opening.

Effect of the Invention

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress detachment of a retainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION TO EXECUTE THE INVENTION

Description of Embodiments of Present Disclosure

First, aspects of the present disclosure will be listed and described.[1] A fitting device according to the present disclosure is a fitting device configured to be fitted to an opening provided in a case for accommodating an in-vehicle device, the fitting device including: a conductive path that is to be connected to the in-vehicle device; a tube including an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening, and that covers an outer circumference of the conductive path; a sealing member that is attached to an outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion, and that waterproofs a space between the tube and the case; and a retainer that is attached to the insertion portion, and that prevents the sealing member from being dislodged from the tube, wherein the tube has a recess provided in the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion, the retainer includes a tubular main body portion that covers the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion, and an arm portion extending from the main body portion and configured to be elastically deformable, the arm portion includes an extension portion extending from the main body portion toward the sealing member in an axial direction of the main body portion, a first projection protruding from the extension portion toward an inner circumferential surface defining the opening, and a second projection protruding from the extension portion toward an outer circumferential surface of the tube and configured to be engaged with the recess, and an amount of insertion of the second projection into the recess is larger than a gap between the first projection and the inner circumferential surface defining the opening.

With this configuration, the retainer is attached to the tube as a result of the second projection of the arm portion being engaged with the recess of the insertion portion. In addition, the amount of insertion of the second projection into the recess is larger than the gap between the first projection and the inner circumferential surface defining the opening. Accordingly, even if the second projection is displaced in a direction away from the recess as a result of the arm portion being elastically deformed, the engagement between the second projection and the recess can be maintained by the first projection coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the opening. Accordingly, for example, even if a load is applied to the arm portion during insertion or removal of the fitting device into or from the case, it is possible to suppress the engagement between the second projection and the recess from being released. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress detachment of the tube from the retainer.[2] It is preferable that a thickness of the extension portion is smaller than a thickness of the main body portion.

With this configuration, the extension portion can be easily elastically deformed with respect to the main body portion. This facilitates attachment and removal of the retainer to and from the housing.

As a result of the extension portion being easily elastically deformed with respect to the main body portion, the engagement between the second projection and the recess is likely to be released. However, the engagement between the second projection and the recess is maintained by the first projection coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the opening. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress detachment of the retainer from the tube.[3] It is preferable that the main body portion has a notch extending in the axial direction, and cut out from an end portion of the main body portion that faces the sealing member in the axial direction, and a proximal end of the extension portion is located inside the notch.

With such a configuration, the proximal end of the extension portion is located inside the notch extending in the axial direction. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the retainer, and hence the size of the fitting device, as compared with a configuration that does not include the notch.[4] It is preferable that the main body portion includes a protruding portion protruding toward a side opposite to the sealing member in the axial direction, the notch extends to the protruding portion, and the proximal end of the extension portion is located at a portion of the notch that extends to the protruding portion.

With this configuration, the proximal end of the extension portion is located at a portion of the notch that extends to the protruding portion. This makes it possible to set the proximal end of the extension portion at a position away from the sealing member. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from acting on the arm portion when the arm portion is elastically deformed.[5] It is preferable that a protruding end of the protruding portion is provided with an inclined surface that is inclined so as to be away from the inner circumferential surface defining the opening toward the side opposite to the sealing member in the axial direction.

With this configuration, the fitting device can be easily guided to the inside of the opening by the inclined surface of the protruding portion when the fitting device is inserted into the opening of the case. Accordingly, an operation of fitting the fitting device to the case can be easily performed.[6] It is preferable that the main body portion includes a restricting projection that protrudes from an end portion thereof facing the sealing member in the axial direction toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening, and that restricts movement of the sealing member in the axial direction, and the restricting projection is provided at a position closer to the sealing member than a distal end of the arm portion in the axial direction.

With this configuration, movement of the sealing member in the axial direction is restricted by the restricting projection. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the sealing member from riding on the retainer and being detached from the tube.[7] It is preferable that a protruding end of the first projection is provided at a position arranged side by side with the restricting projection in a circumferential direction of the main body portion, and the restricting projection protrudes to a position closer to the inner circumferential surface defining the opening than the protruding end of the first projection.

With this configuration, when the retainer comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining opening by inserting the case of the fitting device into the opening, the restricting projection comes into contact with the aforementioned inner circumferential surface, preferentially over the first projection. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from acting on the arm portion as a result of the first projection coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the opening.[8] It is preferable that the main body portion includes: a general portion constituting a tubular portion that covers an outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion; and a restricting projection that protrudes from an end portion of the general portion that faces the sealing member in the axial direction toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening, and that restricts movement of the sealing member in the axial direction, and a protruding end of the first projection is provided at a position arranged side by side with the general portion in the circumferential direction of the main body portion, and the general portion protrudes to a position closer to the inner circumferential surface defining the opening than the protruding end of the first projection.

With this configuration, when the retainer comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the opening by inserting the fitting device into the opening of the case, the general portion comes into contact with the aforementioned inner circumferential surface, preferentially over the first projection. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from acting on the arm portion as a result of the first projection coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the opening.

Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure

Specific examples of the fitting device according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, portions of configurations are shown exaggerated or simplified in some cases for convenience of description. Also, dimensional proportions of the portions may be different from the actual dimensional proportions in the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications which fall within the scope of the claims and the meaning and scope of equivalents thereof. The term “parallel” or “orthogonal” as used herein includes not only being exactly parallel or orthogonal, but also being substantially parallel or orthogonal, as long as the operations and effects of the present embodiment can be achieved.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, a fitting device10according to the present embodiment is configured to be fitted to an opening103provided in a case100for accommodating an in-vehicle device. The fitting device10is to be electrically connected, for example, to a counterpart terminal (not shown) provided inside the case100.

Configuration of Case100

The case100includes a box-shaped main body portion101, and a mounting portion102that protrudes from the main body portion101and to which the fitting device10is to be mounted.

For example, a metal material such as an aluminum alloy can be used as the material of the case100.

The mounting portion102has an opening103to which the fitting device10is to be fitted. The opening103extends through the mounting portion102in a protruding direction of the mounting portion102. The opening103is formed in a flat shape as viewed in the aforementioned protruding direction. By having the opening103, the mounting portion102has an annular shape.

The mounting portion102is provided with one or more internal threads102afor fixing the fitting device10to the case100using a bolt or bolts (not shown). In the present embodiment, two internal threads102aare provided opposite to each other with the opening103interposed therebetween.

Overall Configuration of Fitting Device10

The fitting device10includes a plurality of connection terminals30that are to be electrically connected to the counterpart terminal, a tubular housing40that covers outer circumferences of the plurality of connection terminals30, a rubber ring50attached to an outer circumferential surface of the housing40, and a retainer60that prevents the rubber ring50from being dislodged. In addition, the fitting device10includes rubber stoppers70mounted to an end portion of the housing40, and a back retainer80that prevents the rubber stoppers70from being dislodged from the housing40.

Of X, Y, and Z axes in the drawings, the X axis indicates an axial direction of the fitting device10, the Y axis indicates a width direction of the fitting device10that is orthogonal to the X axis, and the Z axis indicates a height direction of the fitting device10that is orthogonal to the X-Y plane. For the sake of convenience, in the following description, a direction extending along the X axis is referred to as a front-rear direction X, a direction extending along the Y axis is referred to as a lateral direction Y, and a direction extending along the Z axis is referred to as a vertical direction Z. In addition, in the following description, the X-arrow direction is the forward direction, and the Z-arrow direction is the upward direction inFIG.1.

Here, the term “flat shape” as used herein includes, for example, a rectangular shape, an oblong shape, and an elliptic shape. The term “oblong shape” as used herein refers to a shape composed of two parallel lines having substantially equal lengths, and two semicircular shapes.

The term “ring” as used herein means a structure having an overall shape of a continuous and seamless loop, or in other words, an endless structure having a start point and an end point that coincide with each other. In addition, the term “ring” as used herein includes circular rings having a circular outer edge, rings having an ellipsoidal or oblong outer edge, polygonal rings having a polygonal outer edge, and rings having a rounded-corner polygonal outer edge, and refers to a shape constituted by any closed shape having an outer edge shape connected with a straight line or a curved line. The term “ring” refers to a shape having a through hole in a plan view, and includes rings in which the outer edge shape and the inner circumferential shape of the through hole are the same, and rings in which the outer edge shape and the inner circumferential shape of the through hole are different. The term “ring” includes rings having a predetermined length extending in an axial direction in which a central axis passing through the center of the through hole extends, and there is no limitation with respect to the size of the length. In addition, the term “annular shape” as used herein may be any shape that can be regarded as a ring as a whole, and includes annular shapes having a notch, a slit or the like in its part, such as a C-shape. The term “tubular” as used herein may be any shape that can be regarded as being tubular as a whole, and includes a tubular shape formed by a combination of a plurality of components, and a tubular shape having a notch, a slit or the like in its part, such as a C-shape.

Configuration of Connection Terminals30

Each of the connection terminals30is electrically connected to an end portion of the corresponding wire20. The fitting device10according to the present embodiment includes two connection terminals30that are respectively connected to end portions of the two wires20.

Each of the wires20is a covered wire including a core wire21made of a conductor, and an insulation covering22that covers an outer circumference of the core wire21.

Each of the connection terminals30includes a wire connection portion31that is connected to an end portion of the corresponding wire20, and a terminal connection portion32that is to be connected to a counterpart terminal (not shown). A front end portion of the terminal connection portion32protrudes from a front end portion of the housing40.

For example, a metal material such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or stainless steel can be used as the material of the connection terminal30. The connection terminal30is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate having excellent conductivity.

Each of the wire connection portions31is electrically connected to an end portion of the corresponding core wire21that is exposed from the insulation covering22. The connection terminal30is connected to the core wire21, for example, through crimping, ultrasonic welding, or the like, for example. Note that the wire20and the connection terminal30are examples of a conductive path.

Each of the terminal connection portions32is formed in a flat plate shaped, for example. The terminal connection portion32has, in a front end portion thereof, a through hole32aextending therethrough in the plate thickness direction. The terminal connection portion32is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal using, for example, a bolt (not shown) inserted into the through hole32a.

Configuration of Housing40

The housing40has a tubular shape that extends in the front-rear direction X. The housing40is formed, for example, in a flat shape that is longer in the lateral direction Y than in the vertical direction Z. Note that the housing40is an example of a tube.

For example, an insulating material such as a synthetic resin can be used as the material of the housing40.

The housing40includes an insertion portion41that is to be inserted into the opening103, and a placement portion44that is to be disposed outside of the case100. The insertion portion41is inserted into the opening103from the rear to the front in the front-rear direction X.

Configuration of Insertion Portion41

The insertion portion41is formed protruding forward from a front end portion of the placement portion44. The insertion portion41is formed, for example, in a flat shape that is longer in the lateral direction Y than in the vertical direction Z, as viewed in the front-rear direction X. The insertion portion41has an outer circumferential surface having a shape corresponding to the shape of an inner circumferential surface defining the opening103.

A protruding portion42protruding toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103is provided at a rear end portion of the insertion portion41. The protruding portion42extends in the circumferential direction of the housing40. Grooves42aare provided in portions of the protruding portion42in the circumferential direction. Each of the grooves42ais provided in a central portion of the insertion portion41in the lateral direction Y. In the present embodiment, one groove42ais provided on either side of the insertion portion41in the vertical direction Z.

A plurality of recesses41aare provided in an outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion41. Each of the recesses41ais provided in the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion41at a position away from the protruding portion42in the front-rear direction X. In the present embodiment, two recesses41athat are located so as to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction Y are respectively provided on both sides of the insertion portion41in the vertical direction Z. That is, the housing40of the present embodiment includes four recesses41a.

The insertion portion41has two holding holes43that are aligned in the lateral direction Y, for example. Each of the holding holes43is formed extending through the insertion portion41in the front-rear direction X. The terminal connection portions32of the connection terminals30are held inside the corresponding holding holes43. The two connection terminals30that are held inside the corresponding holding holes43are aligned in the lateral direction Y so as to be spaced apart from each other.

Configuration of Placement Portion44

The placement portion44is formed protruding rearward from a rear end portion of the insertion portion41. The placement portion44is formed, for example, in an annular shape that is longer in the lateral direction Y than in the vertical direction Z, as viewed in the front-rear direction X. The placement portion44is formed to have an outer shape smaller than the outer shape of the insertion portion41, for example.

An annular flange portion45protruding circumferentially outward is provided around the entire circumference of a front end portion of the placement portion44. The flange portion45protrudes circumferentially outward relative to the protruding portion42of the insertion portion41. The flange portion45is provided with two through holes45aextending therethrough in the front-rear direction X. The two through holes45aare provided at positions respectively corresponding to the two internal threads102aof the case100.

As shown inFIG.2, the placement portion44has insertion holes46into which the wires20and the connection terminals30are inserted. For example, the placement portion44has two insertion holes46that are aligned in the lateral direction Y. The insertion holes46are formed extending through the placement portion44in the front-rear direction X. The insertion holes46are in communication with the corresponding holding holes43in the front-rear direction X. For example, the wire connection portions31of the corresponding connection terminals30are located inside the insertion holes46.

A plurality of engaging holes47are provided in a rear end portion of the placement portion44. Each of the engaging holes47is formed extending through the placement portion44in the vertical direction Z. In the present embodiment, two engaging holes47that are located so as to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction Y are respectively provided on both sides of the placement portion44in the vertical direction Z. That is, the housing40of the present embodiment has four engaging holes47.

Two rubber stoppers70each having an annular shape are accommodated in the rear end portion of the placement portion44. The wires20are inserted into the respective rubber stoppers70. Each of the rubber stoppers70waterproofs the space between the outer circumferential surface of the corresponding wire20and an inner circumferential surface defining the insertion hole46.

A back retainer80is accommodated in the rear end portion of the placement portion44. The back retainer80prevents the two rubber stoppers70from being dislodged from the housing40, for example, by coming into contact with rear end faces of the two rubber stoppers70.

The back retainer80has two through holes80aextending therethrough in the front-rear direction X. The wires20are inserted into the respective through holes80a.

As shown inFIG.2, the back retainer80includes a plurality of fixing pawls81protruding circumferentially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the back retainer80, for example. The back retainer80is fixed to the housing40as a result of the fixing pawls81engaging with the engaging holes47. Note that the wires20are drawn to the outside from a rear end portion of the housing40through the through holes80aof the back retainer80.

Configuration of Rubber Ring50

As shown inFIGS.1and2, the rubber ring50is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion41. The rubber ring50waterproofs the space between the housing40and the case100. Note that the rubber ring50is an example of a sealing member.

The rubber ring50includes a main body portion51having an annular shape, and positioning protrusions52protruding rearward from the main body portion51. The main body portion51and the positioning protrusions52are provided in one piece. In the present embodiment, one positioning protrusion52is provided on either side of the main body portion51in the vertical direction Z.

The rubber ring50is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion41, with the positioning protrusions52fitted into the grooves42a.Thus, the rubber ring50is positioned relative to the insertion portion41in the circumferential direction.

Configuration of Retainer60

The retainer60is attached to the insertion portion41. The retainer60faces the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X. Accordingly, the retainer60prevents the rubber ring50from being dislodged from the housing40by being attached to the insertion portion41.

The retainer60includes a tubular main body portion61that covers the insertion portion41, and a plurality of arm portions66extending from the main body portion61in the front-rear direction X and configured to be elastically deformable.

Configuration of Main Body Portion61

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the main body portion61is formed in a flat shape that is longer in the lateral direction Y than in the vertical direction Z, as viewed in the front-rear direction X. The main body portion61includes a general portion62constituting a tubular portion that covers the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion41, a restricting projection63protruding from the general portion62toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103, and a plurality of protruding portions64that protrude from the general portion62toward a side opposite to the rubber ring50in the axial direction of the main body portion61. Note that the axial direction of the main body portion61in the present embodiment coincides with the front-rear direction X.

As shown inFIGS.3and5, a front end portion of the general portion62protrudes circumferentially inward relative to the other portions thereof over the entire main body portion61in the circumferential direction.

The restricting projection63protrudes from an end portion of the general portion62that faces the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X, or in other words a rear end portion of the general portion62toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103. The restricting projection63extends around the entire general portion62in the circumferential direction. The restricting projection63is formed in an annular shape that is longer in the lateral direction Y than in the vertical direction Z, as viewed in the front-rear direction X.

The restricting projection63is in contact with the entire inner circumferential surface defining opening103in the circumferential direction. The restricting projection63restricts movement in the front-rear direction X, more specifically, forward movement of the rubber ring50.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the protruding portions64protrude to the above-described opposite side from an end portion of the general portion62that is located on a side opposite to the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X, or in other words, the front end portion of the general portion62. In the present embodiment, two protruding portions64that are located so as to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction Y are respectively provided on both sides of the general portion62in the vertical direction Z. That is, the main body portion61of the present embodiment includes four protruding portions64.

As shown inFIG.6, a protruding end of each of the protruding portions64is provided with an inclined surface64athat is inclined so as to be away from the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103toward the side opposite to the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X. The inclined surface64ais inclined relative to the front-rear direction X so as to be located circumferentially inward of the main body portion61toward the front side.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the main body portion61has a plurality of notches65cut out from an end portion of the main body portion61that faces the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X, or in other words, a rear end portion of the main body portion61. The notches65are provided so as to correspond to portions of the main body portion61where the protruding portions64are provided. That is, the main body portion61of the present embodiment has four notches65.

Each of the notches65extends from the rear end portion of the main body portion61to the corresponding protruding portion64in the front-rear direction X. Note that the portions of the main body portion61where the notches65are provided each have a discontinuous annular shape in the circumferential direction of the main body portion61.

Configuration of Arm Portions66

The arm portions66are provided at portions corresponding to the notches65. That is, the retainer60of the present embodiment includes four arm portions66.

A distal end of each of the arm portions66is located forward of a rear end face of the restricting projection63of the main body portion61. In other words, the restricting projection63is provided at a position closer to the rubber ring50than the distal end of the arm portion66in the front-rear direction X.

Each of the arm portions66includes an extension portion67extending from the main body portion61toward the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X, a first projection68protruding from the extension portion67toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103, and a second projection69protruding from the extension portion67toward the outer circumferential surface of the housing40.

Each of the extension portions67extends in the front-rear direction X inside the corresponding notch65. A proximal end of the extension portion67is located at a portion of the notch65that extends to the protruding portion64. More specifically, the extension portion67extends from a front end portion of the notch65.

As shown inFIG.6, the thickness of the extension portion67is smaller than the thickness of the main body portion61. The extension portion67is located circumferentially inward of the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion61. The inner circumferential surface of the extension portion67and the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion61are substantially flush with each other.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, each of the first projections68protrudes from a distal end of the corresponding extension portion67. More specifically, the first projection68protrudes from a central portion of the aforementioned distal end in the lateral direction Y. Accordingly, the width of the first projection68in the lateral direction Y is smaller than the width of the extension portion67in the lateral direction Y.

As shown inFIG.6, a front end face of the first projection68is inclined so as to be located circumferentially inward of the main body portion61toward the front. A protruding end of the first projection68is provided at a position arranged side by side with the restricting projection63in the circumferential direction of the main body portion61. In addition, the protruding end of the first projection68is located circumferentially inward of the outer circumferential surface of the restricting projection63in the main body portion61, and circumferentially outward of the outer circumferential surface of the general portion62in the main body portion61. In other words, the restricting projection63protrudes to a position closer to the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103than the protruding end of the first projection68. A slight gap is provided between the protruding end of the first projection68and the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103.

Each of the second projections69protrudes from the distal end of the extension portion67to a side opposite to the first projection68. The width of the second projection69in the lateral direction Y is the same as the width of the extension portion67in the lateral direction Y.

A rear end face of the second projection69is inclined so as to be located circumferentially inward of the main body portion61toward the front. The second projection69is provided at a position arranged side by side with the restricting projection63in the circumferential direction of the main body portion61.

The second projections69protrude circumferentially inward of the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion61. The second projections69are configured to be engaged with the recesses41aof the insertion portion41. As a result of the second projections69being engaged with the recesses41a,the retainer60is attached to the housing40.

As shown inFIG.7, the amount of insertion of each of the second projections69into the corresponding recess41ais larger than the gap between protruding end of the first projection68and the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103. The term “amount of insertion” as used herein refers to a distance in the vertical direction Z within a range in which the second projection69and the recess41aface each other in the front-rear direction X.

The operations of the present embodiment will be described.

According to the present embodiment, the retainer60is attached to the housing40as a result of the second projections69of the arm portions66being engaged with the recesses41aof the insertion portion41. In addition, the amount of insertion of each of the recesses41ainto the corresponding second projection69is larger than the gap between the corresponding first projection68and the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103. Accordingly, even if the second projection69is displaced in a direction away from the recess41aas a result of the arm portion66being elastically deformed, the engagement between the second projection69and the recess41acan be maintained by the first projection68coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103.

The effects of the present embodiment will be described.(1) Each of the arm portions66includes an extension portion67extending from the main body portion61toward the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X, a first projection68protruding from the extension portion67toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103, and a second projection69protruding from the extension portion67toward the outer circumferential surface of the housing40and configured to be engaged with the recess41a.The amount of insertion of the second projection69into the recess41ais larger than the gap between the protruding end of the first projection68and the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103.

Such a configuration achieves the above-described operations. Accordingly, for example, even if a load is applied to the arm portion66during insertion or removal of the fitting device10into or from the case100, it is possible to suppress the engagement between the second projection69and the recess41afrom being released. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress detachment of the housing40from the retainer60.(2) The thickness of each of the extension portions67is smaller than the thickness of the main body portion61.

With such a configuration, the extension portion67can be easily elastically deformed with respect to the main body portion61. This facilitates attachment and removal of the retainer60to and from the housing40.

As a result of the extension portion67being easily elastically deformed with respect to the main body portion61, the engagement between the second projection69and the recess41ais likely to be released. However, the engagement between the second projection69and the recess41ais maintained by the first projection68coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress detachment of the retainer60from the housing40.(3) The main body portion61has notches65extending in the front-rear direction X, and cut out from portions of the main body portion61that face the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X. The proximal end of each of the extension portions67is located inside the corresponding notch65.

With such a configuration, the proximal end of the extension portion67is located inside the notch65extending in the front-rear direction X. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the retainer60, and hence the size of the fitting device10, as compared with a configuration that does not include the notch65.(4) The main body portion61includes protruding portions64protruding to a side opposite to the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X. Each of the notches65extends to the corresponding protruding portion64. The proximal end of each of the extension portions67is located at a portion of the notch65that extends to the protruding portion64.

With such a configuration, the proximal end of the extension portion67is located at a portion of the notch65that extends to the protruding portion64. This makes it possible to set the proximal end of the extension portion67at a position away from the rubber ring50. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from acting on the arm portion66when the arm portion66is elastically deformed.(5) The protruding end of each of the protruding portions64is provided with an inclined surface64athat is inclined so as to be away from the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103toward the side opposite to the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X.

With such a configuration, the fitting device10can be easily guided to the inside of the opening103by the inclined surface64aof the protruding portion64when the fitting device10is inserted into the opening103of the case100. Accordingly, an operation of fitting the fitting device10to the case100can be easily performed.(6) The main body portion61includes a restricting projection63that protrudes from an end portion thereof facing the rubber ring50toward the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103, and that restricts movement of the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X. The restricting projection63is provided at a position closer to the rubber ring50than a distal end of the arm portion66in the front-rear direction X.

With such a configuration, movement of the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X is restricted by the restricting projection63. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the rubber ring50from riding on the retainer60and being detached from the housing40.(7) The protruding end of each of the first projections68is provided at a position arranged side by side with the restricting projection63in the circumferential direction of the main body portion61. The restricting projection63protrudes to a position closer to the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103than the protruding end of the first projection68.

With such a configuration, when the retainer60comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining opening103by inserting the case100of the fitting device10into the opening103, the restricting projection63comes into contact with the aforementioned inner circumferential surface, preferentially over the first projection68. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from acting on the arm portion66as a result of the first projection68coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103.

Modifications

The present embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The present embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other as long as there are no technical discrepancies.As shown inFIG.8, the protruding end of the first projection68may be provided at a position that is arranged side by side with the general portion62in the circumferential direction of the main body portion61, and that is a position of the main body portion61located circumferentially inward of the outer circumferential surface of the general portion62. In other words, the general portion62may protrude to a position closer to the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103than the protruding end of the first projection68. In this case, the amount of insertion of the second projection69into the recess41amay be increased for the retainer60of the present embodiment, thus increasing the amount of insertion to be larger than the gap between the first projection68and the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103. With such a configuration, when the retainer60comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103by inserting the fitting device10into the opening103of the case100, the general portion62comes into contact with the aforementioned inner circumferential surface, preferentially over the first projection68. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from acting on the arm portion66as a result of the first projection68coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103.In the above modification, the protruding end of the first projection68may be flush with the outer circumferential surface of the general portion62.Restricting projections63may be provided discontinuously so as to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction at portions of main body portion61where the notch65is not provided.The protruding end of the first projection68may be flush with the outer circumferential surface of the restricting projection63. In this case, the protruding end of the first projection68and the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103may be in contact with each other. That is, no gap may be produced between the first projection68and the inner circumferential surface defining the opening103.The arm portion66may extend to a position closer to the rubber ring50than the restricting projection63in the front-rear direction X. In this case, a restriction portion that restricts movement of the rubber ring50in the front-rear direction X by facing the rubber ring50may be provided at the distal end of the arm portion66.The restricting projection63may be omitted from the main body portion61.The inclined surface64amay be omitted from the protruding portion64.The protruding portion64may be omitted from the main body portion61. In this case, a notch65extending to the front end portion of the general portion62may be used, and the proximal end of the extension portion67may be positioned at a portion of the notch65that extends to the front end portion of the general portion62.The notch65may be omitted from the main body portion61. In this case, the extension portion67may extend from the general portion62.The thickness of the extension portion67may be the same as the thickness of the main body portion61, or may be larger than the thickness of the main body portion61.At least either the first projection68or the second projection69may protrude from a portion of the extension portion67that is located toward the proximal end side than a portion thereof located at the distal end.The numbers and the position of the arm portions66can be be changed as appropriate.Although the conductive path of the present embodiment is formed by the wire20and the connection terminal30, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The conductive path may be formed, for example, by one or more conductors such as wires, connection terminals, and bus bars, as long as the conductive path is electrically connected to an in-vehicle device.The fitting device10may have one conductive path, or may have three or more conductive paths.The housing40may be made of, for example, a metal material such as an aluminum alloy.The housing40need not hold the connection terminal30. That is, the housing40may simply cover the outer circumference of the conductive path.

The present disclosure encompasses the following aspects. Reference numerals are assigned to some of the constituent elements of the exemplary embodiments, not for limiting purpose, but for better understanding. Some of the matters described in the following aspects may be omitted, and some of the matters described in the aspects may be selected or extracted for combination.

[Appendix 1] A fitting device (10) according to some aspects of the present disclosure is a fitting device (10) configured to be fitted to an inner circumferential surface (opening103) of a case (100) for accommodating an in-vehicle device, the fitting device (10) including:a conductive path (20,30) that is to be connected to the in-vehicle device;a fitting body (tube40) through which the conductive path (20,30) extends, and that has an outer circumferential surface (insertion portion41) disposed inside of the inner circumferential surface (103) and one or more recesses (41a) open to the outer circumferential surface (41);a sealing member (50) disposed between the outer circumferential surface (41) and the inner circumferential surface (103); anda retainer (60) that is attached to the outer circumferential surface (41), and that is configured to prevent the sealing member (50) from being dislodged from the fitting body (40),wherein the retainer (60) includes:one or more elastic arms (arm portions66) extending toward the sealing member (50);a first projection (68) protruding from a distal end of each of the elastic arms (66) toward the inner circumferential surface (103); anda second projection (69) protruding from the distal end toward inside of the corresponding recess (41a),a length of insertion of the second projection (69) into the recess (41a) is larger than a distance between the first projection (68) and the inner circumferential surface (103).

[Appendix 2] In some implementation examples, the one or more recesses (41a) may include a plurality of recesses (41a) disposed spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface (41), and the one or more elastic arms (arm portions66) may include a plurality of elastic arms (arm portions66) disposed spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface (103).

[Appendix 3] In some implementation examples, the retainer (60) may include a peripheral wall (general portion62) extending along an outer circumference of the outer circumferential surface (41).

[Appendix 4] In some implementation examples, the inner circumferential surface (103), the outer circumferential surface (41), the sealing member (50), and the peripheral wall (general portion62) may have shapes similar to each other.

[Appendix 5] In some implementation examples, the inner circumferential surface (103) may have an elongated hole extending through the case (100).

[Appendix 6] In some implementation examples, the retainer (60) may have a pressing portion (restricting projection63) located at a position closer to the sealing member (50) than the elastic arms (66), and the pressing portion (63) may extend along an edge of the peripheral wall (general portion62).

[Appendix 7] In some implementation examples, the retainer (60) may have a first edge (63) extending along the sealing member (50), and a second edge opposite the first edge (63).

[Appendix 8] In some implementation examples, the second edge may include one or more protruding portions (64) protruding from the peripheral wall (general portion62) in a direction opposite to the elastic arms (66), and each of the protruding portions (64) may have a trapezoidal shape surrounding a proximal end of each of the elastic arms (66).

[Appendix 9] In some implementation examples, a width of the second projection (69) may be equal to a width of the elastic arm (66).

[Appendix 10] In some implementation examples, a width of the first projection (68) may be smaller than a width of the elastic arm (66).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS