Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a connector and an attachment method.

A connector which holds a plurality of objects by a pair of fitting bodies fitted to each other so that the plurality of objects are electrically connected to each other via a relay contact inside the fitting bodies is conventionally known. For such a connector, there is a known technique that protects the connection portion between each object and the relay contact to prevent external foreign matter such as water and dust from entering the connection portion, in a state in which the fitting bodies are fitted to each other.

For example, PTL <NUM> discloses a branch connector that can effectively prevent external foreign matter from entering the relay contact side by arranging a main packing and a sub packing inside the fitting bodies.

<CIT> discloses a waterproof connector including a housing, a number of connecting terminals, a number of press contact blades, rear cover, and a seal member filling layer; <CIT> discloses a waterproof connector, wherein, in a connector housing, wires are received in grooves of a main body and encapsulated in an adhesive sealant hardened by ultrasonic vibration; and <CIT> discloses a connector having a cover, a housing, and a gelled ultraviolet-ray hardening resin at a site between the cover and the housing.

The present invention provides a connector according to claim <NUM> and an attachment method according to claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

In the branch connector described in PTL <NUM>, one of two objects terminates inside the fitting bodies, and its end is accommodated inside the fitting bodies. Protection treatment for the end, such as waterproofing, dustproofing, insulation, and rustproofing, is, however, not fully considered. It is desirable to subject the end of the object to sufficient protection treatment in such a connector. However, performing protection treatment in an additional step using insulating tape, a waterproof cap, or the like is not efficient in terms of component count, man-hour, and workability. Besides, for example when protection treatment is performed in a location where operation is difficult, operating accuracy tends to vary and consequently long-term reliability tends to vary.

With a connector and an attachment method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, protection treatment for an end of an object can be achieved with good workability, and long-term reliability for protection can be improved.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below, with reference to the attached drawings. The directions such as front, back, right, left, up, and down in the following description are based on the directions of the arrows in the drawings. The directions of the arrows are consistent throughout <FIG>.

<FIG> is an external perspective view of a connector <NUM> according to an embodiment attached to an object <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the connector <NUM> in <FIG> provisionally holding the object <NUM> in an expanded state. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the connector <NUM> and the object <NUM> in <FIG>. <FIG> is a sectional view along arrow IV-IV in <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the connector <NUM> according to this embodiment includes a housing <NUM>, a relay contact <NUM>, and a filler <NUM> as main structural elements. The connector <NUM> is a branch connector that clamps a core wire of each object <NUM> such as a cable by the relay contact <NUM> to bring the objects <NUM> into conduction with each other. For example, the connector <NUM> electrically branches one object <NUM> into two objects <NUM>. More specifically, the connector <NUM> holds two objects <NUM>. One of the objects <NUM> terminates inside the connector <NUM>, and its end is accommodated in the connector <NUM>. The other one of the objects <NUM> extends from the front and back ends of the connector <NUM> and extends in the front-back direction.

In the connector <NUM>, the housing <NUM> and the filler <NUM> surround the connection portion between the relay contact <NUM> and the object <NUM> and cover an end of the object <NUM> to isolate them from the outside, in a state of holding the object <NUM>. The connector <NUM> provides protection functions such as waterproof function, dustproof function, insulation function, and rustproof function for the connection portion between the relay contact <NUM> and the object <NUM> and the end of the object <NUM> located inside the housing <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is a molded component made of an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The housing <NUM> includes a pair of fitting bodies that are fittable to each other. More specifically, the housing <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> that are fittable to each other. The housing <NUM> includes a connection portion <NUM> as a connection that connects the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, and the connection portion <NUM> are integrally formed in the housing <NUM>.

The connection portion <NUM> includes a pair of first connection portions <NUM> at the front and the back linearly extending in the leftward direction from the first housing <NUM>. The connection portion <NUM> includes a pair of second connection portions <NUM> at the front and the back linearly extending in the rightward direction from the second housing <NUM>. The connection portion <NUM> includes bendable portions <NUM> that connect the first connection portions <NUM> and the second connection portions <NUM>. In an expanded state, the upper surfaces of the pair of first connection portions <NUM> at the front and the back and the upper surfaces of the pair of second connection portions <NUM> at the front and the back form approximately the same plane.

The bendable portions <NUM> are thinner than the first connection portions <NUM> and the second connection portions <NUM> at the front and the back. The first connection portions <NUM> and the second connection portions <NUM> at the front and the back can be valley-folded with the bendable portions <NUM> extending in the front-back direction as a folding line. The connection portion <NUM> can be bent in a direction in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> approach each other. The first housing <NUM>, the first connection portions <NUM>, the bendable portions <NUM>, the second connection portions <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> have rigidity sufficient to autonomously maintain the expanded state.

The connection portion <NUM> connects the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> to each other, thus easing the operation of attaching the connector <NUM> to the object <NUM> by an assembly operator or the like.

The filler <NUM> includes a first filler <NUM> and a second filler <NUM> with which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are respectively loaded. The filler <NUM> contains any material having cementing properties or sticking properties, such as a UV curing resin, a waterproof gel, or an adhesive. More specifically, in a state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are fitted to each other, the first filler <NUM> and the second filler <NUM> may cement to each other so as to be integral inside the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, or stick to each other to form an interface. In the following description, it is assumed that the filler <NUM> has cementing properties.

For example, the filler <NUM> is made of a UV curing resin that effectively exhibits protection functions such as waterproof function, dustproof function, insulation function, and rustproof function. Specifically, the filler <NUM> is made of a material containing, as a main ingredient, urethane acrylate, epoxy acrylate, acrylic resin acrylate, polyester acrylate, polybutadiene acrylate, silicone acrylate, amino resin acrylate, urethane vinyl ether, polyester vinyl ether, silicone elastomer, styrene elastomer, polyethylene-polystyrene elastomer, or the like. For example, the filler <NUM> is made of a material containing, as a main ingredient, urethane acrylate that has cementing properties, elasticity, and heat resistance.

With reference to <FIG>, the object <NUM> includes a first cable <NUM> and a second cable <NUM>. The first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are formed by covering the surfaces of core wires 71a and 72a with sheaths 71b and 72b, respectively. The core wires 71a and 72a are each made of a conductive and flexible material such as copper or aluminum. The core wires 71a and 72a may be stranded wires or single wires. The sheaths 71b and 72b are flexible and insulating tubular sheaths. The first cable <NUM> is a cable that is provided inside a wiring object such as an automobile from the beginning and is connected to a power source of the wiring object. The second cable <NUM> is a cable that is subsequently connected as an addition to electrically branch the first cable <NUM>. One end of the second cable <NUM> is connected to, for example, an electronic device or an electrical device such as a car navigation system.

<FIG> is an enlarged perspective view of the first housing <NUM>. The structure of the first housing <NUM> will be described in detail below, with reference to <FIG>.

The first housing <NUM> has an outer peripheral wall 20a protruding upward from the outer peripheral edges at the bottom. The outer peripheral wall 20a encloses the inside of the first housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> has a first recess 20b recessed in an approximately rectangular shape in a top view, on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral wall 20a. The bottom surface of the first recess 20b is formed by a first facing surface 20c that is an approximately horizontal plane. The first housing <NUM> has a central recess 20d recessed downward in a stepwise manner, in the central part of the first facing surface 20c. The bottom surface of the central recess 20d is formed by a central facing surface 20e that is a plane parallel to the first facing surface 20c. The first housing <NUM> has a contact mounting groove <NUM> formed by the central recess 20d. The contact mounting groove <NUM> has an intermediate projection 21a that is located at the middle in the right-left direction to narrow the front-back width of the contact mounting groove <NUM> and delimit the contact mounting groove <NUM> into a pair of right and left parts. The intermediate projection 21a is approximately shaped to have a protrusion at its center in a front view. The contact mounting groove <NUM> has protruding portions 21b at four corners on the central facing surface 20e side. The protruding portions 21b narrow the front-back width of the contact mounting groove <NUM>, as with the intermediate projection 21a. The contact mounting groove <NUM> has a pair of positioning protrusions 21c protruding upward from the central facing surface 20e. The positioning protrusions 21c each taper down toward a tip from an approximately cylindrical base.

The first housing <NUM> has a pair of first cable mounting grooves <NUM> and a pair of second cable mounting grooves <NUM> recessed on the front and back sides of the outer peripheral wall 20a. The first cable mounting grooves <NUM> are located on the front and back sides of the left half part of the contact mounting groove <NUM>, and are approximately on the same axis. The second cable mounting grooves <NUM> are located on the front and back sides of the right half part of the contact mounting groove <NUM>, and are approximately on the same axis. The second cable mounting grooves <NUM> are parallel to the first cable mounting grooves <NUM>. The front shape of the first cable mounting grooves <NUM> and the second cable mounting grooves <NUM> is approximately a U-shape.

The first housing <NUM> has a slope 22a inclined toward the outside in the downward direction from the deepest bottom surface of the first cable mounting groove <NUM> on the back side. The first housing <NUM> has a pair of slopes 23a inclined toward the outside in the downward direction from the deepest bottom surfaces of the pair of second cable mounting grooves <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> has a platelike lid portion 24a formed at a position below the slope 23a on the front side and extending forward from the front surface of the outer peripheral wall 20a. The first housing <NUM> has a platelike lid portion 24b formed at a position below the slope 22a and the slope 23a on the back side and extending backward from the back surface of the outer peripheral wall 20a. The upper surfaces of the lid portions 24a and 24b are at the same height as the lowest parts of the slopes 22a and 23a.

The first housing <NUM> has a first wall portion 22b inclined toward the outside in the downward direction from a position slightly away downward from the deepest bottom surface of the first cable mounting groove <NUM> on the front side. The first wall portion 22b is steeper than the slope 22a. The lower end of the first wall portion 22b is located lower than the upper surface of the lid portion 24a. The first housing <NUM> has a receiving portion 22c that is continuous with the first wall portion 22b and forms a recess of a predetermined width extending in the forward direction in the lid portion 24a. The receiving portion 22c is formed by a groove continuous with the first wall portion 22b and approximately U-shaped in cross section and a slope continuous with the groove and inclined toward the outside in the upward direction.

The first housing <NUM> has a pair of first locking portions <NUM> formed on the right and left sides of the outer peripheral wall 20a and extending in the front-back direction, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The first locking portions <NUM> have elasticity. The first locking portions <NUM> protrude upward from the upper edges of the outer peripheral wall 20a on the front and back sides in a stepwise manner. The first locking portions <NUM> each have an inner surface 25a formed in the up-down direction approximately in a plane shape. The first locking portions <NUM> have first locking protrusions 25b protruding outward from the right and left surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 20a. The first locking protrusions 25b extend in the front-back direction. The first locking portions <NUM> each have a slope 25c that forms the outer surface of the first locking protrusion 25b and is inclined toward the outside of the first housing <NUM> in the downward direction. The first locking portions <NUM> each have a slope 25d that is formed at the upper edge of the inner surface 25a and inclined toward the outside of the first housing <NUM> in the upward direction. The first housing <NUM> has four notches 25e on the front and back sides of the first locking portions <NUM>. The notches 25e are each formed by cutting out the corresponding part of the outer peripheral wall 20a in the protrusion direction of the first locking portion <NUM>, i.e. the up-down direction. The notches 25e ease elastic deformation of the first locking portions <NUM>, and improve the fitting between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> has a pair of pressing portions <NUM> protruding on the first facing surface 20c between the pair of first cable mounting grooves <NUM> and the contact mounting groove <NUM> and between the pair of second cable mounting grooves <NUM> and the contact mounting groove <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The pair of pressing portions <NUM> are each formed by a pair of ribs arranged side by side in the right-left direction and extending in the front-back direction. The first housing <NUM> has recesses <NUM> that are each recessed on the inner side of the lower edge of the corresponding first locking portion <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The recesses <NUM> are each formed along the lower edge of the corresponding first locking portion <NUM> in a state of being recessed downward from the first facing surface 20c in a stepwise manner.

<FIG> is an enlarged perspective view of the second housing <NUM>. The structure of the second housing <NUM> will be described in detail below, with reference to <FIG>.

The second housing <NUM> has an outer peripheral wall 30a protruding upward from the outer peripheral edges at the bottom. The outer peripheral wall 30a encloses the inside of the second housing <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> has a second recess 30b recessed in an approximately rectangular shape in a top view, on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral wall 30a. The bottom surface of the second recess 30b is formed by a second facing surface 30c that is an approximately horizontal plane. The second housing <NUM> has a cable pressing protrusion <NUM> protruding from the central part of the second facing surface 30c. The cable pressing protrusion <NUM> has a pair of a first pressing groove 31a and a second pressing groove 31b at the right and the left, which are approximately U-shaped in cross section. The cable pressing protrusion <NUM> has a central protrusion 31c and protrusions 31d and 31e located on the left and right sides of the central protrusion 31c. The first pressing groove 31a is formed between the central protrusion 31c and the protrusion 31e. The second pressing groove 31b is formed between the central protrusion 31c and the protrusion 31d.

The second housing <NUM> has cable support arm portions 32a and 32b protruding in the front-back direction from the front and back sides of the outer peripheral wall 30a. The second housing <NUM> has a first cable holding groove 33a recessed in the right half part of the cable support arm portion 32b. The first cable holding groove 33a is approximately on the same axis as the first pressing groove 31a. The back part of the first cable holding groove 33a is formed by a pair of protrusion pieces 33b separated right and left by a gap. The pair of protrusion pieces 33b have a pair of claw portions 33c protruding inward from the lower end of the back end and facing each other. The pair of protrusion pieces 33b have a pair of anti-dropout protrusions 33d located inward from the pair of claw portions 33c, protruding in the right-left direction from the upper edge, and facing each other. The first cable holding groove 33a has a slope 33e located inward from the pair of anti-dropout protrusions 33d and inclined downward in the inward direction.

The second housing <NUM> has a pair of second cable holding grooves 34a recessed in the left half parts of the cable support arm portions 32a and 32b respectively. The pair of second cable holding grooves 34a are approximately on the same axis as the second pressing groove 31b. The outer part of each second cable holding groove 34a is formed by a pair of protrusion pieces 34b separated right and left by a gap. The pair of protrusion pieces 34b have a pair of claw portions 34c protruding inward from the lower end of the outer end and facing each other. The pair of protrusion pieces 34b have a pair of anti-dropout protrusions 34d located inward from the pair of claw portions 34c, protruding in the right-left direction from the upper edge, and facing each other. Each second cable holding groove 34a has a slope 34e located inward from the pair of anti-dropout protrusions 34d and inclined downward in the inward direction.

The first cable holding groove 33a and the second cable holding grooves 34a have a depth sufficient to insert and hold the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> for the whole diameter. The pairs of protrusion pieces 33b and 34b, in particular the protrusion pieces on the right and left outer sides of the cable support arm portions 32a and 32b, elastically flex in the right-left direction. The spacing between adjacent protrusion pieces is variable. The anti-dropout protrusions 33d and 34d allow the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> to be inserted respectively into the first cable holding groove 33a and the second cable holding grooves 34a. Here, the pairs of protrusion pieces 33b and 34b, that is, the pairs of anti-dropout protrusions 33d and 34d, flex so as to widen the spacing in the right-left direction.

When the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are inserted into the first cable holding groove 33a and the second cable holding grooves 34a, the pairs of anti-dropout protrusions 33d and 34d respectively clamp the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>. The pairs of protrusion pieces 33b and 34b elastically flex so as to narrow the spacing in the right-left direction. Hence, the pairs of protrusion pieces 33b and 34b allow the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> inserted in the first cable holding groove 33a and the second cable holding grooves 34a to move in the cable extending direction, while applying resistance. In addition, the pairs of protrusion pieces 33b and 34b function as retainers by applying resistance to a force which attempts to separate the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> from the first cable holding groove 33a and the second cable holding grooves 34a, thus preventing the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> from coming out easily. This retention function is maintained even when the second housing <NUM> is turned upside down. Meanwhile, the pairs of protrusion pieces 33b and 34b allow the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> to separate from the first cable holding groove 33a and the second cable holding grooves 34a when subjected to at least a predetermined external force. Thus, the connector <NUM> can be replaced easily, and the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> attached to and removed from the connector <NUM> can be changed easily.

The second housing <NUM> has an accommodating portion 35a recessed in the up-down direction in the right half part of the cable support arm portion 32a. The accommodating portion 35a is a recess approximately rectangular in a top view. The accommodating portion 35a extends over the whole up-down width of the second housing <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> has a second wall portion 35b adjacent to the accommodating portion 35a on the inner side. The second wall portion 35b is inclined toward the inside of the second housing <NUM> in the downward direction from near an opening at the upper end of the accommodating portion 35a. The second wall portion 35b is steeper than the slopes 33e and 34e. The accommodating portion 35a and the second wall portion 35b are approximately on the same axis as the first pressing groove 31a and the first cable holding groove 33a.

The second housing <NUM> has a receiving portion <NUM> that connects to the accommodating portion 35a and into which the filler <NUM> enters. The receiving portion <NUM> is a recess exposed to the outside, as illustrated in <FIG>. The receiving portion <NUM> connects to the accommodating portion 35a formed inside the second housing <NUM> through an opening at the bottom, as illustrated in <FIG>. The receiving portion <NUM> has a braking portion 36a that prevents the filler <NUM> from moving to the side opposite to the accommodating portion 35a in the receiving portion <NUM>, i.e. the back side in <FIG>. The braking portion 36a is a protrusion portion protruding from the surface of the receiving portion <NUM> in a direction approximately orthogonal to the moving direction of the filler <NUM>, i.e. the right-left direction. The receiving portion <NUM> gradually widens from the accommodating portion 35a side in the backward direction, then decreases in right-left width by the braking portion 36a, and maintains an approximately constant right-left width on the back side of the braking portion 36a.

The second housing <NUM> has a pair of second locking portions <NUM> formed on the right and left inner surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 30a, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The second locking portions <NUM> each have a second locking protrusion 37a protruding from the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 30a and extending in the front-back direction. The lower part of the second locking protrusion 37a has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. The upper part of the second locking protrusion 37a gradually decreases in right-left width in the upward direction. The second locking portions <NUM> each have a slope 37b forming the surface of the second locking protrusion 37a and inclined toward the outside of the second housing <NUM> in the upward direction. The second housing <NUM> has a pair of protrusion walls 37c protruding on the front and back sides of each second locking portion <NUM> and extending in the up-down direction. The second locking protrusion 37a is formed at the inner surface of the second housing <NUM> so as to extend between the pair of protrusion walls 37c.

The second housing <NUM> has through holes <NUM> formed at the right and left ends of the second facing surface 30c. The through holes <NUM> each extend in the front-back direction, and have the same front-back width as the second locking protrusions 37a. The second housing <NUM> has a pair of pressing portions <NUM> protruding on the second facing surface 30c between the first cable holding groove 33a and the second wall portion 35b and the cable pressing protrusion <NUM> and between the pair of second cable holding grooves 34a and the cable pressing protrusion <NUM>. The pair of pressing portions <NUM> are each formed by a pair of ribs arranged side by side in the right-left direction and extending in the front-back direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the relay contact <NUM> in isolation. The structure of the relay contact <NUM> will be described in detail below, with reference to <FIG>.

The relay contact <NUM> is obtained by forming a thin plate of a copper alloy or a corson copper alloy having spring elasticity, such as phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, into the illustrated shape using progressive molding (stamping). The surface of the relay contact <NUM> is nickel-plated to form a base, and then tin-copper-plated, tin-plated, or gold-plated.

The relay contact <NUM> has a platelike base piece <NUM> extending in the right-left direction. The relay contact <NUM> has a pair of platelike first cable press-contact pieces <NUM> protruding at the left half part of the front and back edges of the base piece <NUM> and extending in a direction orthogonal to the base piece <NUM>. The relay contact <NUM> has a pair of platelike second cable press-contact pieces <NUM> protruding at the right half part of the front and back edges of the base piece <NUM> and extending in the direction orthogonal to the base piece <NUM>. The relay contact <NUM> has a circular positioning hole 51a at each of two locations right and left in the base piece <NUM>. The relay contact <NUM> has a first press-contact groove <NUM> formed in each of the first cable press-contact pieces <NUM> and a second press-contact groove <NUM> formed in each of the second cable press-contact pieces <NUM>. The first press-contact groove <NUM> and the second press-contact groove <NUM> are each formed by a slit linearly extending toward the base piece <NUM>. The upper opening of the first press-contact groove <NUM> is approximately V-shaped by a tip 52a, i.e. shaped to widen upward. The upper opening of the second press-contact groove <NUM> is approximately V-shaped by a tip 54a, i.e. shaped to widen upward.

The pair of first cable press-contact pieces <NUM> and the pair of second cable press-contact pieces <NUM> at the front and the back are respectively connected to the base piece <NUM> via narrow portions 52b and 54b. The spacing between the facing edges of the first cable press-contact piece <NUM> and the second cable press-contact piece <NUM> arranged in the right-left direction is narrower than the spacing between the facing edges of the narrow portion 52b and the narrow portion 54b. The relay contact <NUM> has a play portion 51b between the narrow portion 52b and the narrow portion 54b.

In a fitting state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are fitted to each other, the relay contact <NUM> is contained in a state of being electrically connected to the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>. More specifically, in the fitting state, the relay contact <NUM> brings the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> into conduction with each other as a result of the first press-contact groove <NUM> and the second press-contact groove <NUM> cutting the insulating sheaths 71b and 72b and clamping the core wires 71a and 72a, respectively.

<FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a first step in an attachment method of attaching the connector <NUM> to the object <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a second step in the attachment method of attaching the connector <NUM> to the object <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a third step in the attachment method of attaching the connector <NUM> to the object <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a fourth step in the attachment method of attaching the connector <NUM> to the object <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a fifth step in the attachment method of attaching the connector <NUM> to the object <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a sixth step in the attachment method of attaching the connector <NUM> to the object <NUM>. The attachment method for the connector <NUM> will be described in detail below, with reference to <FIG>.

An assembly operator or the like fits the lower part of the relay contact <NUM> into the contact mounting groove <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> in an expanded state illustrated in <FIG>, for example by hand. Specifically, in a state in which the right and left ends of the base piece <NUM> are aligned with the protruding portions 21b, the base piece <NUM> is fitted into the bottom of the contact mounting groove <NUM> with the intermediate projection 21a being fitted into the play portion 51b, as illustrated in <FIG>. The pair of positioning protrusions 21c of the first housing <NUM> are fitted into the pair of positioning holes 51a of the base piece <NUM>, so that the relay contact <NUM> is positioned relative to the first housing <NUM>. When the relay contact <NUM> is mounted in the first housing <NUM>, the first press-contact grooves <NUM> at the front and the back are located on an axis through the first cable mounting grooves <NUM> at the front and the back, and the second press-contact grooves <NUM> at the front and the back are located on an axis through the second cable mounting grooves <NUM> at the front and the back.

The pair of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> that are fittable to each other are loaded with the filler <NUM>. More specifically, the filler <NUM> is provided on the first facing surface 20c of the first housing <NUM> and on the second facing surface 30c of the second housing <NUM>. The filler <NUM> is provided in the accommodating portion 35a and on the second wall portion 35b of the second housing <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the shape of the lower surface of the first filler <NUM> provided on the first facing surface 20c is approximately the same as the surface shape of the first facing surface 20c. Likewise, the shape of the lower surface of the second filler <NUM> provided on the second facing surface 30c is approximately the same as the surface shape of the second facing surface 30c. The heights of the first filler <NUM> and the second filler <NUM> are such that the first filler <NUM> and the second filler <NUM> cement to each other when the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are fitted to each other. The first filler <NUM> surrounds the relay contact <NUM>. The second filler <NUM> surrounds the cable pressing protrusion <NUM>.

In such a state in which the relay contact <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM> and the housing <NUM> is loaded with the filler <NUM>, the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are attached to the housing <NUM>. In the first step illustrated in <FIG>, an end of the first cable <NUM> is inserted from above into the accommodating portion 35a formed in the second housing <NUM> and loaded with the filler <NUM>. The end of the first cable <NUM> comes into contact with or close to the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 35a. The filler <NUM> surrounds the end of the first cable <NUM> in the accommodating portion 35a.

In the second step illustrated in <FIG> following the first step, the first cable <NUM> is bent. The first cable <NUM> extends in the up-down direction in the accommodating portion 35a, extends from the accommodating portion 35a and bends, and then extends backward.

In the third step illustrated in <FIG>, the first cable <NUM> is further bent along the second wall portion 35b. In addition, the first cable <NUM> is pushed in against the resistance of the anti-dropout protrusions 33d. Thus, the first cable <NUM> is clamped between the bottom of the first cable holding groove 33a and the anti-dropout protrusions 33d, and provisionally held by the second housing <NUM>. Here, the first cable <NUM> is slightly movable in the extending direction, i.e. the front-back direction, while being subjected to resistance. This enables fine adjustment of the position of the first cable <NUM> in the extending direction relative to the connector <NUM> in the expanded state.

In the fourth step illustrated in <FIG>, the second cable <NUM> is pushed into the pair of second cable holding grooves 34a against the resistance of the pair of anti-dropout protrusions 34d at the front and the back. Thus, the second cable <NUM> is provisionally held by the second housing <NUM> in the same manner as the first cable <NUM> that is provisionally held using the first cable holding groove 33a as described above. Here, the second cable <NUM> is movable in the extending direction, i.e. the front-back direction, while being subjected to resistance. This enables adjustment of the position of the second cable <NUM> in the extending direction relative to the connector <NUM> in the expanded state.

In the fifth step illustrated in <FIG>, the second housing <NUM> is rotated about the bendable portions <NUM> at the front and the back so as to approach the first housing <NUM>. As a result, the second locking protrusion 37a on the right side comes into contact with the slope 25c of the corresponding first locking protrusion 25b on the left side. When the second housing <NUM> is further rotated, the second locking protrusion 37a slides downward on the slope 25c, and the first locking portion <NUM> elastically deforms in the inward direction of the first housing <NUM>. Here, the slope 25d formed in the first locking portion <NUM> prevents the end of the first locking portion <NUM> from biting into or cutting the second filler <NUM>. The first pressing groove 31a of the cable pressing protrusion <NUM> slightly pushes the intermediate part of the first cable <NUM> into the first press-contact grooves <NUM>, i.e. downward. Consequently, the intermediate part of the first cable <NUM> enters the space between the first cable press-contact pieces <NUM> at the front and the back.

The second housing <NUM> is further rotated about the bendable portions <NUM> at the front and the back so as to approach the first housing <NUM>. Consequently, the second pressing groove 31b of the cable pressing protrusion <NUM> presses the intermediate part of the second cable <NUM> against the tips 54a of the second cable press-contact pieces <NUM> in the extending direction of the second press-contact grooves <NUM> or in a direction close to the extending direction. The second cable <NUM> is thus clamped by the tips 54a and the cable pressing protrusion <NUM>.

In the sixth step illustrated in <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are pressed approximately in parallel in a direction in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> approach each other, using a general tool such as a pair of pliers. Consequently, each second locking protrusion 37a engages with the corresponding first locking protrusion 25b. Each protrusion wall 37c is fitted into the corresponding notch 25e. Thus, the first housing <NUM> is accommodated in the second housing <NUM>, and the first locking portions <NUM> and the second locking portions <NUM> engage with each other inside the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> fitted to each other.

The first cable <NUM> is pushed from the tips 52a to approximately the center of the first press-contact grooves <NUM> by the first pressing groove 31a. As a result, the right and left inner surfaces of the first press-contact grooves <NUM> break the right and left parts of the sheath 71b of the first cable <NUM>. Accordingly, when the housing <NUM> is held in a closed state, the right and left inner surfaces of the first press-contact grooves <NUM> are in contact with the right and left sides of the core wire 71a uniformly and reliably by press contact. The second cable <NUM> is pushed from the tips 54a to approximately the center of the second press-contact grooves <NUM> by the second pressing groove 31b, and subjected to press contact as with the first cable <NUM>. Consequently, the core wire 71a of the first cable <NUM> and the core wire 72a of the second cable <NUM> are in electrical conduction with each other via the relay contact <NUM> in the connector <NUM>.

Since the inner surfaces of the first press-contact grooves <NUM> and the second press-contact grooves <NUM> do not come into contact with either of the right and left parts of the core wires 71a and 72a too strongly, the first press-contact grooves <NUM> and the second press-contact grooves <NUM> are kept from cutting respectively part of the core wires 71a and 72a. This suppresses a decrease in the mechanical strength of the core wires 71a and 72a. Therefore, even when a tensile force acts on the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>, the core wires 71a and 72a are unlikely to be completely cut. The reliability of contact between each of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> and the relay contact <NUM> can thus be enhanced.

<FIG> is a sectional view along arrow IX-IX in <FIG>. <FIG> is a sectional view along arrow X-X in <FIG>. The function of each component in a fitting state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are fitted to each other will be mainly described below, with reference to <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the ends of the first locking portions <NUM> are close to the bottom of the second housing <NUM>. Hence, in an initial stage in which the engagement between the first locking protrusions 25b and the second locking protrusions 37a starts, the ends of the first locking portions <NUM> are in contact with the outer surface of the second filler <NUM> in the right-left direction. Even when the fitting progresses and the first locking portions <NUM> are elastically deformed inward, the ends of the first locking portions <NUM> do not pierce the lower surface of the second filler <NUM>, and do not separate the second filler <NUM> right and left. The connector <NUM> can prevent the filler <NUM> from coming to the outside of the first locking portions <NUM> and burying the first locking portions <NUM> therein in the fitting state.

As a result of the filler <NUM> being in contact with the inner surface 25a of each first locking portion <NUM>, the elastic first locking portion <NUM> tries to elastically deform outward by an elastic force from the inside to the outside due to the expansion or swelling of the filler <NUM>. Since the connector <NUM> has the locking portions inside, such outward elastic deformation of the first locking portion <NUM> further strengthens the engagement between the first locking portion <NUM> and the second locking portion <NUM>.

More specifically, as a result of the engagement surface A1 between the first locking protrusion 25b and the second locking protrusion 37a being located within the up-down width of the filler <NUM> in the up-down direction, the expansion force or the like of the filler <NUM> is efficiently converted into the engagement force. As a result of the first locking protrusion 25b and the second locking protrusion 37a extending in the same direction and engaging with each other, the engagement surface A1 forms a plane extending in the same direction. This widens the area of the engagement surface A1, and further strengthens the engagement. The engagement surface A1 is approximately horizontal, which facilitates the conveyance of the engagement force between the first locking protrusion 25b and the second locking protrusion 37a. The surface of the second locking protrusion 37a in the right-left direction is in contact with the outer surface of the first locking portion <NUM>. The contact surface A2 thus formed is approximately parallel to the inner surface 25a of the first locking portion <NUM> in contact with the filler <NUM>. Hence, the expansion force or the like of the filler <NUM> is conveyed approximately perpendicularly to the surfaces of the first locking portion <NUM> and the second locking protrusion 37a in the right-left direction. The expansion force or the like of the filler <NUM> is therefore converted into the engagement force more efficiently.

Consequently, the state of adhesion between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> is enhanced. Even when subjected to an elastic force from the inside to the outside, the connector <NUM> can suppress opening of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. This effect is seen at normal temperatures but is more noticeable at high temperatures at which the expansion of the filler <NUM> is greater.

In the case where the filler <NUM> also has high viscosity, opening of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> can be further suppressed. For example, as a result of the filler <NUM> being located inside the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, the respective fillers <NUM> stick to each other in the fitting state. This sticking force serves as resistance against opening of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> when fitted to each other.

The part of the through hole <NUM> located inward from the first locking portion <NUM> in the right-left direction, the space between the protrusions 31d and 31e and the filler <NUM>, and the recess <NUM> form a space V into which an excess of the filler <NUM> enters. Hence, an excess of the filler <NUM> can be absorbed and stored. This suppresses variations due to individual differences with regard to the pressing force of the filler <NUM> on the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>.

The filler <NUM> adheres to the first facing surface 20c and the second facing surface 30c and encloses the relay contact <NUM>. The first filler <NUM> and the second filler <NUM> crush each other and are in a one-time compressed state so as to reliably adhere to each other. In the case where the filler <NUM> is made of a material having cementing properties, the first filler <NUM> and the second filler <NUM> are integrated by a chemical reaction such as hydrogen bonding. For example, even if the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are separated in the up-down direction, the first filler <NUM> and the second filler <NUM> which have been cemented once do not separate from each other. The cemented first filler <NUM> and second filler <NUM> do not have an interface, unlike in the case where materials having sticking properties such as a typical silicone gel are joined to each other. Therefore, interface peeling caused by a dynamic action, heat expansion, or the like does not occur, and the bonding power increases significantly. The cemented first filler <NUM> and second filler <NUM> keep providing a seal surrounding the relay contact <NUM> while extending integrally, even if the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are separated in the up-down direction. In the case where the filler <NUM> has elasticity in addition to cementing properties, the filler <NUM> expands and contracts to some extent due to, for example, vibration of the connector <NUM>. Even in such a case, the cemented first filler <NUM> and second filler <NUM> expand and contract uniformly in a state of being integrated with each other. The distribution of stress acting on the cemented first filler <NUM> and second filler <NUM> is approximately uniform throughout.

The first filler <NUM> and the second filler <NUM> need to be overlapped with each other by a predetermined thickness in the up-down direction, in order to achieve the foregoing compressed state. With reference to <FIG>, an end surface S1 of the first filler <NUM> is located on the second filler <NUM> side of a center line P of the cemented filler <NUM> in the up-down direction, in the case where the compressed state by the adhesion to the second filler <NUM> is not assumed. Likewise, an end surface S2 of the second filler <NUM> is located on the first filler <NUM> side of the center line P, in the case where the compressed state by the adhesion to the first filler <NUM> is not assumed.

The pressing portions <NUM> and <NUM> respectively press the first filler <NUM> and the second filler <NUM> toward the other housing. The pressing portions <NUM> and <NUM> press the filler <NUM> so that the respective fillers <NUM> adhere to each other in conformity with the shapes of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>. More specifically, the pressing portions are arranged so as to sandwich each cable in the right-left direction, and press the filler <NUM> toward the right and left ends of the cable. In this way, the difference in surface pressure of each filler due to the difference in shape between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> is adjusted. This improves the cementing properties between the first filler <NUM> and the second filler <NUM> around the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>.

As described above, the connector <NUM> can isolate the connection portion between each of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> and the relay contact <NUM> from the outside by the housing <NUM> and the filler <NUM>, thus providing the foregoing protection functions for the connection portion.

<FIG> is a sectional view along arrow XI-XI in <FIG>. <FIG> is a sectional view along arrow XII-XII in <FIG>. The state of the first cable <NUM> will be mainly described below while comparing a pre-fitting state in which the connector <NUM> provisionally holds the object <NUM> and a fitting state in which the connector <NUM> holds the object <NUM>, with reference to <FIG>. In <FIG>, the connector <NUM> in the fitting state is turned upside down from the state in <FIG> to correspond to the orientation of the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>, for the sake of convenience.

With reference to <FIG>, the first cable <NUM> in a state of being provisionally held by the connector <NUM> extends from the accommodating portion 35a, bends obliquely downward, and linearly extends backward. The accommodating portion 35a is a recess that is recessed in a direction different from the extending direction of the first cable <NUM>, i.e. the front-back direction. For example, the recessing direction of the accommodating portion 35a is approximately orthogonal to the extending direction of the first cable <NUM>. The end of the first cable <NUM> is in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 35a. The end of the first cable <NUM> is covered with the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 35a or the filler <NUM>, in the accommodating portion 35a. As a result of the filler <NUM> being pressed by the insertion of the first cable <NUM>, part of the filler <NUM> with which the accommodating portion 35a is loaded moves from the opening at the upper part or the bottom of the accommodating portion 35a toward the inside of the second housing <NUM> or the receiving portion <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, as a result of the first cable <NUM> being pushed in to an approximately central part of the first press-contact groove <NUM> in the fitting state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are fitted to each other, the inclination of the first cable <NUM> becomes steeper. The length of the part of the first cable <NUM> extending from the vicinity of the upper end of the accommodating portion 35a to the accommodating position of the first cable press-contact piece <NUM> on the front side is longer than that before the fitting, as indicated respectively by a dashed line and a dashed-two dotted line in <FIG>. Accordingly, the position of the end of the first cable <NUM> in the accommodating portion 35a shifts to the fitting side. The first cable <NUM> is sandwiched between the first wall portion 22b and the second wall portion 35b. More specifically, the first cable <NUM> is located between the first wall portion 22b and the second wall portion 35b, with its surface being in contact with or close to the surfaces of the first wall portion 22b and the second wall portion 35b. As compared with the pre-fitting state, the position of the end of the first cable <NUM> shifts to the fitting side and the first cable <NUM> approaches the second wall portion 35b, so that part of the filler <NUM> located near the accommodating portion 35a returns into the accommodating portion 35a. Thus, even when the position of the end of the first cable <NUM> shifts to the fitting side, the filler <NUM> covers the end of the first cable <NUM> in the accommodating portion 35a.

In the state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are fitted to each other and held, the lid portions 24a and 24b of the first housing <NUM> block the first cable holding groove 33a, the second cable holding groove 34a, and the opening on the fitting side of the accommodating portion 35a. Here, the first cable <NUM>, in a state of being held in the housing <NUM>, extends from the accommodating portion 35a and bends, and extends obliquely along the first wall portion 22b and the second wall portion 35b. The bend part of the first cable <NUM> is received by the receiving portion 22c recessed in the lid portion 24a. The intermediate part of the first cable <NUM> linearly extends in the front-back direction. The back part of the first cable <NUM> is located between the slope 33e of the first cable holding groove 33a and the slope 22a of the first housing <NUM>, in a state of being inserted and held in the first cable holding groove 33a. The first cable <NUM> extends from the first cable holding groove 33a backward to the outside of the connector <NUM>.

The second cable <NUM> arranged side by side with the first cable <NUM> in the right-left direction is inserted and held in the pair of second cable holding grooves 34a, in the same manner as the back part of the first cable <NUM>. The second cable <NUM> is located between the pair of slopes 34e and the pair of slopes 23a. The second cable <NUM> has its intermediate part linearly extending in the connector <NUM>. The second cable <NUM> bends on the front and back sides in the connector <NUM>. The second cable <NUM> extends from the pair of second cable holding grooves 34a forward and backward to the outside of the connector <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of the connector <NUM> in <FIG>. The functions of receiving portion <NUM> and the braking portion 36a for an excess of the filler <NUM> in a state in which the first cable <NUM> is attached, a fitting state, or a use state will be mainly described below, with reference to <FIG>.

When the filler <NUM> with which the accommodating portion 35a is loaded is pressed in a state in which the first cable <NUM> is attached, a fitting state, or a use state, an excess of the filler <NUM> that cannot be accommodated in the accommodating portion 35a moves to the receiving portion <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> receives the excess of the filler <NUM> extruded from the accommodating portion 35a. The front half part of the receiving portion <NUM> gradually widens backward from the accommodating portion 35a side, so that the filler <NUM> which has moved to the receiving portion <NUM> diffuses in the receiving portion <NUM> by the pressing force of the foregoing press. When the filler <NUM> diffused in the front half part of the receiving portion <NUM> comes into contact with the braking portion 36a, the diffusion is prevented. The braking portion 36a regulates the diffusion of the filler <NUM> in the receiving portion <NUM>. Here, if the pressing force still acts on the filler <NUM>, part of the filler <NUM> moves to the back half part of the receiving portion <NUM> beyond the braking portion 36a. Meanwhile, the rest of the filler <NUM> stays near the braking portion 36a in a compressed state. In such a state, for example when the position of the end of the first cable <NUM> shifts to the fitting side and the pressing force disappears or diminishes as mentioned above, the filler <NUM> in the receiving portion <NUM> returns into the accommodating portion 35a by the elastic force of the filler <NUM> in the compressed state,.

Since the receiving portion <NUM> is exposed to the outside, the filler <NUM> which has moved to the receiving portion <NUM> from the accommodating portion 35a is visible to the assembly operator or the like. The color of the housing <NUM> may be the same as the color of the filler <NUM>, or different from the color of the filler <NUM> to ease visual observation.

The connector <NUM> according to this embodiment described above achieves protection treatment for the end of the object <NUM> with good workability, and improves long-term reliability for protection. More specifically, in the expanded state or the fitting state of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, the filler <NUM> covers the end of the object <NUM> in the accommodating portion 35a, so that the end is isolated from the outside. Thus, the connector <NUM> can achieve protection treatment such as waterproofing, dustproofing, insulation, and rustproofing for the end. Moreover, as a result of the accommodating portion 35a being formed to apply the protection treatment, the assembly operator or the like does not need to use other components such as insulating tape or a waterproof cap. For such a connector <NUM>, component count and man-hour are reduced, and workability is improved. Even in a location where operation is difficult, variations in the accuracy of the attachment operation are suppressed. Consequently, variations in long-term reliability are suppressed. The assembly operator or the like need not use a special tool, and can easily perform the attachment operation using a general tool.

In the fitting state, the object <NUM> extends from the accommodating portion 35a recessed in a direction different from the extending direction of the object <NUM> and bends. This enhances the tolerance to a tensile force acting on the object <NUM>. More specifically, even when a backward tensile force acts on the object <NUM>, the position of the object <NUM> in the backward direction is regulated because the part of the object <NUM> on the tip side of the bend part is accommodated in the accommodating portion 35a recessed in a direction different from the backward direction. The accommodating portion 35a thus functions as a retainer by applying resistance to a force which attempts to separate the object <NUM> from the connector <NUM> and preventing the object <NUM> from coming out easily. Even in the provisionally holding stage before the fitting, the accommodating portion 35a keeps the object <NUM> from being misaligned in the extending direction, i.e. the backward direction, so that the provisional holding of the object <NUM> and the adhesion of the filler <NUM> to the object <NUM> are improved.

As a result of the recessing direction of the accommodating portion 35a being approximately orthogonal to the extending direction of the object <NUM>, the foregoing retention function for the object <NUM> is further enhanced, and the provisional holding of the object <NUM> and the adhesion of the filler <NUM> to the object <NUM> are further improved.

As a result of the housing <NUM> including the second wall portion 35b adjacent to the accommodating portion 35a, variations in the bending position of the object <NUM> between before the fitting and after the fitting can be suppressed. Since the bending position and overall position of the object <NUM> are stabilized, the connector <NUM> can further enhance the retention function for the object <NUM> and the effect regarding the provisional holding of the object <NUM> and the adhesion of the filler <NUM> to the object <NUM>.

As a result of the object <NUM> being located between the first wall portion 22b and the second wall portion 35b in the fitting state, variations in the bending position of the object <NUM> are further suppressed, and the holding position of the object <NUM> in the housing <NUM> is stabilized. Accordingly, the position of the end of the object <NUM> in the accommodating portion 35a is regulated more stably. Consequently, the connector <NUM> can achieve protection treatment for the end of the object <NUM> more effectively.

The connector <NUM> can achieve stable protection effect by suppressing influence of variations in operation. More specifically, as a result of the housing <NUM> including the receiving portion <NUM>, an excess of the filler <NUM> moves from the accommodating portion 35a, so that the connector <NUM> can suppress imperfect provisional holding and holding of the object <NUM> caused by an excessive repulsive force of the filler <NUM>. Moreover, the connector <NUM> can suppress hindrance of fitting by an excess of the filler <NUM> and opening between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> after the fitting. The connector <NUM> can thus provide stable protection functions regardless of variations in operation by the assembly operator or the like.

As a result of the receiving portion <NUM> including the braking portion 36a, the flow of the filler <NUM> from the accommodating portion 35a to the receiving portion <NUM> is subjected to resistance. The filler <NUM> is therefore prevented from flowing out excessively. In addition, in the case where the amount of the filler <NUM> in the accommodating portion 35a decreases or becomes insufficient to achieve appropriate protection functions as a result of the position of the end of the object <NUM> shifting in the accommodating portion 35a or the filler <NUM> moving in the fitting state, an excess of the filler <NUM> returns into the accommodating portion 35a. The connector <NUM> can thus provide protection functions for the end of the object <NUM> more reliably.

As a result of the braking portion 36a being a protrusion portion that protrudes from the surface of the receiving portion <NUM> in a direction approximately orthogonal to the moving direction of the filler <NUM>, the connector <NUM> can achieve the foregoing effect relating to the braking portion 36a more remarkably.

As a result of the receiving portion <NUM> being a recess exposed to the outside, the assembly operator or the like can visually determine an excess of the filler <NUM>. Hence, the assembly operator or the like can visually determine proper insertion of the object <NUM> and completion of fitting of the housing <NUM> based on an excess of the filler <NUM> exposed to the outside.

As a result of the color of the housing <NUM> being different from the color of the filler <NUM>, the visibility of an excess of the filler <NUM> is further improved. The connector <NUM> can therefore achieve the foregoing effect relating to the receiving portion <NUM> exposed to the outside more remarkably. This improves the operating accuracy and yield on site by the assembly operator or the like.

It is to be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed technique may also be realized in specific forms other than the foregoing embodiments without departing from the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the accompanying claims rather than by the above description. Amongst all modifications, those falling within the corresponding equivalent scope are encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the shape, position, and number of each component described above are not limited to those in the above description and the illustration in the drawings. The shape, position, and number of each component may be freely set as long as its functions can be achieved. The method of attaching the connector <NUM> to the object <NUM> is not limited to that in the above description. The method of attaching the connector <NUM> to the object <NUM> may be any method with which the connector <NUM> can be attached to the object <NUM> so as to achieve its functions. For example, the connector <NUM> may not include the connection portion <NUM> as long as fittability can be maintained. In this case, for example, the second housing <NUM> separate from the first housing <NUM> may be fitted to the first housing <NUM> downward from above.

Although the above describes the case where the housing <NUM> holds the object <NUM> in a state in which the object <NUM> extends from the accommodating portion 35a recessed in a direction different from the extending direction of the object <NUM> and bends, the method of holding the object <NUM> by the housing <NUM> and the recessing direction of the accommodating portion 35a are not limited to such. The holding method and the recessing direction may be any method and direction as long as the filler <NUM> covers the end of the object <NUM> in the accommodating portion 35a. For example, the housing <NUM> may hold the object <NUM> without bending the object <NUM>. For example, the accommodating portion 35a may be a recess that is recessed in the same direction as the extending direction of the object <NUM>.

Although the above describes the case where the accommodating portion 35a is a recess that is approximately rectangular in a top view, the shape of the accommodating portion 35a is not limited to such. The accommodating portion 35a may be a recess of a mortar shape. Such an accommodating portion 35a can appropriately accommodate objects <NUM> of different diameters. This enhances the versatility of the connector <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of a connector <NUM> according to a first modification. <FIG> is a top view of a connector <NUM> according to a second modification. Although the above describes the case where the braking portion 36a is a protrusion portion that protrudes from the surface of the receiving portion <NUM> in the right-left direction, the shape of the braking portion 36a is not limited to such. The shape of the braking portion 36a may be any shape as long as the diffusion of the filler <NUM> can be regulated. For example, a pair of right and left protrusions forming the braking portion 36a may have an inverse tapered shape that is obliquely inclined toward the inside of the receiving portion <NUM> in the forward direction, as illustrated in <FIG>. The right-left spacing between the pair of protrusions may gradually narrow in the forward direction. Alternatively, a pair of right and left protrusions forming the braking portion 36a may have a tapered shape that is obliquely inclined toward the inside of the receiving portion <NUM> in the backward direction, as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a top view of a connector <NUM> according to a third modification. <FIG> is a top view of a connector <NUM> according to a fourth modification. Although the above describes the case where the receiving portion <NUM> has the protrusion-shaped braking portion 36a, the receiving portion <NUM> is not limited to such. The receiving portion <NUM> may not include a protrusion portion. In such a case, the braking portion 36a may be a part in the receiving portion <NUM> where the width in a direction approximately orthogonal to the moving direction of the filler <NUM> narrows in the moving direction. For example, the braking portion 36a may be a taper portion in which the width of the receiving portion <NUM> in a direction approximately orthogonal to the moving direction of the filler <NUM> gradually narrows toward the side opposite to the accommodating portion 35a. For example, the braking portion 36a may be a taper portion that is formed in the back half part of the receiving portion <NUM> and in which the right-left width of the whole receiving portion <NUM> gradually narrows in the backward direction, as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the braking portion 36a may be two taper portions in which the spacing between each of the right and left surfaces of a protrusion of an inverse tapered shape formed in the back half part of the receiving portion <NUM> and the corresponding one of the right and left inner surfaces of the receiving portion <NUM> gradually narrows in the backward direction, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Although the above describes the case where the receiving portion <NUM> is a recess exposed to the outside, the receiving portion <NUM> is not limited to such. The receiving portion <NUM> may be formed inside the housing <NUM> as long as it can receive an excess of the filler <NUM> extruded from the accommodating portion 35a.

Although the engagement surface A1 between the first locking protrusion 25b and the second locking protrusion 37a is an approximately horizontal plane extending in the front-back direction in <FIG>, the shape of the engagement surface A1 is not limited to such. For example, the engagement surface A1 may be inclined downward from the inside toward the outside of the fitted first housing <NUM> and second housing <NUM>. With such a cross-sectional shape, the engagement force is enhanced, and the possibility of unlocking of the first locking protrusion 25b and the second locking protrusion 37a is further reduced.

Although the above describes the case where the first locking portion <NUM> is formed in the first housing <NUM> and the second locking portion <NUM> is formed in the second housing <NUM>, the first locking portion <NUM> and the second locking portion <NUM> are not limited to such. The first locking portion <NUM> having elasticity may be formed in the second housing <NUM> not including the relay contact <NUM>, and the second locking portion <NUM> may be formed in the first housing <NUM> including the relay contact <NUM>. The formation positions of the first locking portion <NUM> and the second locking portion <NUM> in the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are not limited to the positions described above. The formation positions may be any positions with which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are fitted and held in a locked state.

Although the above describes the case where the first locking portion <NUM> and the second locking portion <NUM> respectively have the first locking protrusion 25b and the second locking protrusion 37a and the first locking protrusion 25b and the second locking protrusion 37a engage with each other, the locking means is not limited to such. The first locking portion <NUM> and the second locking portion <NUM> may have any locking means.

Claim 1:
A connector (<NUM>) configured to bring an object (<NUM>), particularly two cables (<NUM>, <NUM>), into electrical conduction, the connector (<NUM>) comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>) and a second housing (<NUM>) fittable to each other; and
a filler (<NUM>) with which at least one of said first and second housings (<NUM>, <NUM>) is loaded,
wherein
said second housing (<NUM>) includes an accommodating portion (35a) configured to accommodate an end of said object (<NUM>),
said filler (<NUM>) is configured to cover the end of said object (<NUM>) in said accommodating portion (35a),
said accommodating portion (35a) is a recess that is recessed in a direction different from an extending direction of said object (<NUM>),
said second housing (<NUM>) is configured to hold said object (<NUM>) in a state in which said object (<NUM>) extends from said accommodating portion (35a) and bends, characterized in that
said second housing (<NUM>) has object support arm portions (32a and 32b) protruding in the extending direction of said object (<NUM>) from front and back sides of an outer peripheral wall (30a) of said second housing (<NUM>), and
said outer peripheral
wall (30a) is protruding upward from outer peripheral edges located at a bottom of said second housing (<NUM>), enclosing an inside of said second housing (<NUM>).