Patent Description:
In a known connector, a filler is placed in each of a pair of fitting objects to be fitted together to protect a contact portion of a corresponding contact from foreign matter such as water or dust entering from outside when the fitting objects are fitted together.

For example, Patent Literature <NUM> (PTL <NUM>) discloses a connector in which a drip-proof structure is obtained by bringing a pair of elastic annular members of a grommet into close contact with each other when a cover and a body are fitted together.

Document <CIT> discloses an electric connector unit for joining at least one connector element to at least one lead and comprising a base and a cover bounding a contact space, with at least the cover accommodating a displaceable sealing compound which in assembled state of the unit surrounds the contact zones between the connector element and the lead.

Document <CIT> discloses a sealant-filled enclosure for environmentally sealing a connection, including a first cover member and a second cover member. The first cover member defines a first cavity having a first bottom. The second cover member is pivotally connected to the first cover member for movement between an open position and a closed position.

Document <CIT> discloses a system for sealing an electrical connection in a terminal block where a gel is placed in an actuator which is slidable on a connector housing between lower end and raised positions, and grease is placed in the connector housing around a pair of mounted IDC clip.

Document <CIT> discloses a connector according to the preamble of claim <NUM> with a waterproof protective cover including an upper casing member and a lower casing member pivotably connected to the upper casing member through a hinge.

Document <CIT> discloses a joint terminal, wherein seal rings are respectively coupled to a seal groove formed on a pedestal section of a case, and another seal groove formed on the inner surface of a cover.

Document <CIT> discloses a branch connector includinga pair of openable split housings connected by a connection, and a relay contact having a pressure contact groove, supported by any one of the pair of split housings.

However, when fillers are placed in a pair of fitting objects, respectively, and are in close contact with each other when the fitting objects are fitted together, a surface pressure on a bonding surface is decreased or the bonding surface is peeled off due to vibration of the fillers or thermal expansion of the fillers under a high-temperature condition. As a result, a connector cannot sufficiently prevent foreign matter from entering from outside.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a connector configured to prevent foreign matter from entering from outside even in an environment where the vibration is large or the temperature is high.

In order to solve the above problem, a connector according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is defined by claim <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a connector capable of preventing foreign matter from entering from outside even in an environment where the vibration is large or the temperature is high can be provided.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, a front-rear direction, a right-left direction and an up-down direction are based on the directions of the arrows in the figures.

A connector <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a branch connector configured to clamp core wires of cables by a press-contact groove to electrically connect the cables to each other, or a board-to-board connector configured to connect two circuit boards to each other. The connector <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may also be a connector configured to connect a plate type connection object such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) or a flexible flat cable (FFC) with a circuit board. The connector <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable to any connector configured to effectively prevent foreign matter from entering from outside.

In an embodiment described below, as an example, the connector <NUM> is illustrated as a branch connector.

First, a structure of the connector <NUM> loaded with no fillers <NUM> will be mainly described.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the connector <NUM>, a first cable <NUM> and a second cable <NUM> when an insulating housing <NUM> is in an extended state. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along arrows II-II of <FIG>. The connector <NUM> according to this embodiment includes the insulating housing <NUM> and a relay contact <NUM> (contact) as main elements.

The insulating housing <NUM> is obtained by, for example, molding a synthetic resin material having insulating properties. The insulating housing <NUM> includes a first split housing <NUM> (a first fitting object) and a second split housing <NUM> (a second fitting object). The insulating housing <NUM> includes a first connecting portion <NUM> and a second connecting portion <NUM>(connecting portions) serving as a coupling portion connecting the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM>. The insulating housing <NUM> includes the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM>, and the first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>, in an integrally molded manner.

<FIG> is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the first split housing <NUM> alone, omitting the relay contact <NUM>. The configuration of the first split housing <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

An outer peripheral edge of one surface (a top surface in <FIG>) in a thickness-direction of the first split housing <NUM> is formed by an outer peripheral wall <NUM>. In the first split housing <NUM>, the inside of the outer peripheral wall <NUM> is configured as an inner peripheral recess 17a recessed stepwise from the top surface of the first split housing <NUM>. The bottom surface of the inner peripheral recess 17a includes an inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b configured as a plane parallel to the top surface of the first split housing <NUM>. The central portion located on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b is configured as a first central recess 17c recessed stepwise from the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b. The bottom surface of the first central recess 17c includes a first central opposing surface 17d configured as a plane parallel to the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b. The first central recess 17c and the first central opposing surface 17d constitute a contact mounting groove <NUM>. The contact mounting groove <NUM> includes a fixing portion 18a and a central projection 18b, which is located at the center of the fixing portion 18a with respect to the right-left direction and configured to narrow the front-rear direction width of the fixing portion 18a while separating the fixing portion 18a into a pair of portions in the right-left direction. Each of the bottom surfaces of the fixing portion 18a (the first central opposing surface 17d) is provided with a positioning protrusion 18c having a substantially cylindrical shape.

The outer peripheral wall <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM> includes a pair of first cable mounting grooves <NUM> configured as cutouts linearly arranged on the front and rear sides of one of the fixing portions 18a. The outer peripheral wall <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM> also includes a pair of second cable mounting grooves <NUM> configured as cutouts linearly arranged on the front and rear sides of the other fixing portion 18a. The second cable mounting groove <NUM> is in parallel with the first cable mounting groove <NUM>. Each of the first cable mounting grooves <NUM> and each of the second cable mounting grooves <NUM> have a semi-circular shape in a plan view. On the front and rear surfaces of the outer peripheral wall <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM>, a pair of inclined surfaces 19a is provided inclining outward in the downward direction from the bottoms of the pair of first cable mounting grooves <NUM>. Similarly, on the front and rear surfaces of the outer peripheral wall <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM>, a pair of inclined surfaces 20a is provided inclining outward in the downward direction from the bottoms of the pair of second cable mounting grooves <NUM>. The front and rear surfaces of the outer peripheral wall <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM> are provided with cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The cover portion <NUM> has a flat-plate shape extending in the front direction from under the inclined surfaces 19a and 20a, and the cover portion <NUM> has a flat-plate shape extending in the rear direction from under the inclined surfaces 19a and 20a. The opposing surface 21a of the cover portion <NUM> and the opposing surface 22a of the cover portion <NUM> are flush with the bottom of the inclined surfaces 19a and 20a.

The right and left side surfaces of the outer peripheral wall <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM> are provided with a pair of first locking portions <NUM> having resiliency. A pair of recesses 25a is formed between each first locking portion <NUM> and the front and rear surfaces of the outer peripheral wall <NUM>. Each first locking portion <NUM> is provided with a first locking protrusion <NUM> that protrudes outward from the side surface of the first split housing <NUM>. The first locking protrusions <NUM> extend in the front-rear direction. Each first locking protrusion <NUM> includes an inclined surface 26a that is inclined to the outside of the first split housing <NUM> in the downward direction. Each of the pair of first locking portions <NUM> is provided with an inclined surface 26b that is formed on the top edge of the inner surface of each of the pair of first locking portions <NUM> and inclined to the inside of the first split housing <NUM> in the downward direction.

<FIG> is an enlarged perspective view of the second split housing <NUM> alone. The configuration of the second split housing <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

An outer peripheral edge of one surface (a top surface in <FIG>) in a thickness-direction of the second split housing <NUM> is formed as a protrusion by an outer peripheral wall <NUM>. In the second split housing <NUM>, the inside of the outer peripheral wall <NUM> is configured as an inner peripheral recess 31a that is recessed stepwise from the top edge of the outer peripheral wall <NUM>. A bottom surface of the inner peripheral recess 31a includes an inner peripheral second opposing surface 31b configured as a flat plane parallel to the top surface of the second split housing <NUM>. The inner peripheral second opposing surface 31b is provided with a cable pressing protrusion <NUM> that includes a pair of a first pressing groove 32a and a second pressing groove 32b having U-shapes in cross-sections arranged in the right-left direction. The cable pressing protrusion <NUM> includes a central protrusion 32c and protrusions 32d and 32e on the right side and the left side, respectively, of the central protrusion 32c. The first pressing groove 32a is formed between the central protrusion 32c and the protrusion 32d. The second pressing groove 32b is formed between the central protrusion 32c and the protrusion 32e.

The second split housing <NUM> includes a cable supporting arm <NUM> protruding from the front surface of the second split housing <NUM> and a cable supporting arm <NUM> protruding from the rear surface thereof. The top surface of the cable supporting arm <NUM> includes a first cable holding groove 35a and a second cable holding groove 35b, and the top surface of the cable supporting arm <NUM> includes a first cable holding groove 36a and a second cable holding groove 36b. The cable supporting arm <NUM> located on the front side is provided with a pair of protruding members 37a spaced apart from each other in the right-left direction in the front end portion of the first cable holding groove 35a, and the cable supporting arm <NUM> located on the rear side is provided with a pair of protruding members 38a spaced apart from each another in the right-left direction in the rear end portion of the first cable holding groove 36a. Similarly, the cable supporting arm <NUM> located on the front side is provided with a pair of protruding members 37b spaced apart from each other in the right-left direction in the front end portion of the second cable holding groove 35b, and the cable supporting arm <NUM> located on the rear side is provided with a pair of protruding members 38b spaced apart from each other in the right-left direction in the rear end portion of the second cable holding groove 36b. Each of the pair of protruding members 37a, the pair of protruding members 38a, the pair of protruding members 37b and the pair of protruding members 38b, particularly those located on the right and left outer sides of the cable supporting arms <NUM> and <NUM>, is elastically bent in the right-left direction and the spacing from its adjacent protrusion is changeable. Each of the pair of protruding members 37a and 37b includes a pair of claws opposing each other formed at the lower front end. Also, each of the pair of protruding members 38a and 38b includes a pair of claws opposing each other formed at the lower rear end.

Each of the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and each of the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b has a depth sufficient for insertion and retention (to accommodate) of the entire diameter of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>. The first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a include inclined surfaces 35e and 36e, respectively, which are inclined upward in the outward directions. That is, when the first cable <NUM> is inserted into and held by the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a, portions of the first cable <NUM> corresponding to the inclined surface 35e of the first cable holding groove 35a and the inclined surface 36e of the first cable holding groove 36b are inclined obliquely in the up-down direction along the inclined surfaces 35e and 36e, as illustrated in <FIG>. Similarly, the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b include inclined surfaces 35f and 36f, respectively. The second cable <NUM> is inserted into and held by the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b in a manner similar to the first cable <NUM>.

A pair of retainer protrusions 35c is provided to the first cable holding groove 35a in the vicinity of a top opening of a front end portion (on the opposing surfaces provided with the pair of protruding members 37a) and a pair of retainer protrusions 36c is provided to the first cable holding groove 36a in the vicinity of a top opening of a rear end portion (on the opposing surfaces provided with the pair of protruding members 38a). Similarly, a pair of retainer protrusions 35d is provided to the second cable holding groove 35b in the vicinity of a top opening of a front end portion (on the opposing surfaces provided with the pair of protruding members 37b), and a pair of retainer protrusions 36d is provided to the second cable holding groove 36b in the vicinity of a top opening of a rear end portion (on the opposing surfaces provided with the pair of protruding members 38b). The retainer protrusions 35c and 36c allow insertion of the first cable <NUM> into the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a, and the retainer protrusions 35d and 36d allow insertion of the second cable <NUM> into the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b. At the time of the insertion, each of the pair of protruding members 37a, the pair of protruding members 38a, the pair of protruding members 37b and the pair of protruding members 38b is bent such that the gaps therebetween (i.e., the gap between the pair of retainer protrusions 35c, the gap between the pair of retainer protrusions 36c, the gap between the pair of retainer protrusions 35d, and the gap between the pair of retainer protrusions 36d) are widened in the right-left direction.

When the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are inserted into the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b, respectively, the pair of retainer protrusions 35c and the pair of retainer protrusions 36c clamp the first cable <NUM>, and the pair of retainer protrusions 35d and the pair of retainer protrusions 36d clamp the second cable <NUM>. That is, each of the pair of protruding members 37a, the pair of protruding members 38a, the pair of protruding members 37b and the pair of protruding members 38b is elastically bent in directions which narrow the space therebetween in the right-left direction. Thus, the pair of protruding members 37a and the pair of protruding members 38a allow, in a resisting manner, a cable-extending-direction movement of the first cable <NUM> inserted into the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a. Also, the pair of protruding members 37b and the pair of protruding members 38b allow, in a resisting manner, a cable-extending-direction movement of the second cable <NUM> inserted into the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b. Further, the pair of protruding members 37a and the pair of protruding members 38a function as a stopper configured to resist a force acting to remove the first cable <NUM> from the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and inhibit easy removal of the first cable <NUM>, and allow removal of the first cable <NUM> upon application of an external force of a certain strength or greater. Also, the pair of protruding members 37b and the pair of protruding members 38b function as a stopper configured to resist a force acting to remove the second cable <NUM> from the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b and inhibit easy removal of the second cable <NUM>, and allow removal of the second cable <NUM> upon application of an external force of a certain strength or greater. Such retaining actions as described above are maintained even when the second split housing <NUM> is flipped over (interchange of inside and outside).

The right and left side surfaces of the outer peripheral wall <NUM> of the second split housing <NUM> include a pair of second locking portions <NUM>. The pair of second locking portions <NUM> is formed on the inner surface of the second split housing <NUM>. Each of the pair of second locking portions <NUM> includes a second locking protrusion <NUM> that protrudes inward from the side surface of the second split housing <NUM>. Each of the second locking portions <NUM> includes a pair of projection walls <NUM> extending in the up-down direction at the front and rear ends of the respective second locking portions <NUM>. Each of the second locking protrusions <NUM> has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape formed on the inner surface of the second split housing <NUM> and extends between the pair of projection walls <NUM>. That is, the second locking protrusions <NUM> extend in the front-rear direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the insulating housing <NUM> in its entirety, omitting the relay contact <NUM>.

The first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are coupled via the pair of first connecting portions <NUM> that is arranged in the front-rear direction and linearly extends from the first split housing <NUM>, a pair of second connecting portions <NUM> that is arranged in the front-rear direction and linearly extends from the second split housing <NUM>, and a pair of fold-facilitating portions <NUM>. The fold-facilitating portions <NUM> couple the pair of first connecting portions <NUM> and the pair of second connecting portions <NUM>. The pair of first connecting portions <NUM> and the pair of second connecting portions <NUM> are flushed with each other in the extended state.

The fold-facilitating portions <NUM> are thinner than the first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Each of the pair of first connecting portions <NUM> and the pair of second connecting portions <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction can be (easily) folded at the fold-facilitating portions <NUM> that extend in the front-rear direction and serve as a folding line for valley-folding (i.e., in a folding manner to bring the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> close to each other) in <FIG>, <FIG>, and the like. The pair of first connecting portions <NUM> has flexural rigidity smaller than that of the pair of second connecting portions <NUM>.

Each of the first split housing <NUM>, the first connecting portions <NUM>, the fold-facilitating portions <NUM>, the second connecting portions <NUM>, and the second split housing <NUM> has strength (rigidity) sufficient to autonomously maintain the extended state illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the relay contact <NUM> alone. A configuration of the relay contact <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The relay contact <NUM> is formed by processing of a thin plate made of a copper alloy (e.g., phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper) or Corson copper alloy into a shape as illustrated in the figure by using a progressive die (stamping). The relay contact <NUM> is plated with copper-tin alloy or tin (or gold) after nickel plate undercoating.

The relay contact <NUM> includes, in an integrated manner, a base <NUM> that has a plate-like shape and extends in the right-left direction, a pair of first cable press-contact members <NUM> each having a plate-like shape that protrudes from the front and rear edges on one side of the base <NUM> and extends in a direction perpendicular to the base <NUM>, and a pair of second cable press-contact members <NUM> each having a plate-like shape that protrudes from the front and rear edges on the other side of the base <NUM> and extends in a direction perpendicular to the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a pair of positioning holes 51a having a circular shape in the right and left portions of the base <NUM>. Each of the pair of first cable press-contact members <NUM> and each of the pair of second cable press-contact members <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction includes a first press-contact groove <NUM> and a second press-contact groove <NUM>, respectively, configured as slits linearly extending toward the base <NUM>. Each of the pair of first press-contact grooves <NUM> includes, at the top opening thereof, a top end portion 52a having a substantially V-shape opening upward. Each of the pair of second press-contact grooves <NUM> includes, at the top opening thereof, a top end portion 54a having a substantially V-shape opening upward.

The pair of first cable press-contact members <NUM> and the pair of second cable press-contact members <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction are coupled to the base <NUM> via narrow portions (neck portions) 52b and 54b, respectively. The spaces between the opposing edges of the pair of first cable press-contact members <NUM> and the pair of second cable press-contact members <NUM> arranged in the right-left direction are narrower than the spaces between the opposing edges of the narrow portions 52b and the narrow portions 54b. A space 51b is formed between the narrow portion 52b and the narrow portion 54b. No other members, such as an insulator, are provided between the pair of first cable press-contact members <NUM> and the pair of second cable press-contact members <NUM>.

The relay contact <NUM> is included with electrically connected with the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> in a state in which the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together. More specifically, when the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together, the relay contact <NUM> cuts insulating sheaths <NUM> and <NUM> by a first press-contact groove <NUM> and a second press-contact groove <NUM>, respectively, to allow the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> to be electrically connected to each other. That is, when fitted together, the relay contact <NUM> allows the first press-contact groove <NUM> and the second press-contact groove <NUM> to clamp a core wire <NUM> and a core wire <NUM>, respectively, to allow the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> to be electrically connected to each other.

The first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are respectively formed from core wires <NUM> and <NUM> (stranded wires or a single wire) made of a material (e.g., copper or aluminum) that has conductivity and flexibility, the core wires are respectively covered by sheaths <NUM> and <NUM> formed into a tubular shape and having flexibility and insulating properties. The first cable <NUM> is a cable originally provided in a wiring object (e.g., an automobile or the like) configured to be connected to a power source of the wiring object. The second cable <NUM> is a cable additionally connected to the first cable <NUM>. A (front) end of the second cable <NUM> is connected to an electronic device or an electrical device (e.g., a car navigation system).

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the connector <NUM>, the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> in transition of the insulating housing <NUM> from the extended state to a locked state.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the connector <NUM>, the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> when the insulating housing <NUM> is in the locked state. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along arrows IX-IX of <FIG>.

In order to assemble the connector <NUM> by integrating the insulating housing <NUM>, the relay contact <NUM>, the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> and electrically connecting the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>, an assembling operator first manually fits the lower portion of the relay contact <NUM> into the contact mounting groove <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM> in the extended state illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. More specifically, the base <NUM> is fitted to the bottom portion of the contact mounting groove <NUM> in such a manner that the space 51b accommodates the central projection 18b. Further, each of the half portions of the first cable press-contact members <NUM> close to the base <NUM> (the lower portions in <FIG>) is fitted to a corresponding portion of the fixing portion 18a, and each of the half portions of the second cable press-contact members <NUM> close to the base <NUM> is fitted to a corresponding portion of the fixing portion 18a. Because the pair of positioning protrusions 18c of the first split housing <NUM> is fitted into the pair of positioning holes 51a of the base <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), the relay contact <NUM> is positioned relative to the first split housing <NUM>. When the relay contact <NUM> is mounted in the first split housing <NUM>, the first press-contact grooves <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction are located on the axis extending through the pair of first cable mounting grooves <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction, and the second press-contact grooves <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction are located on the axis extending through the pair of second cable mounting grooves <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction.

Subsequently the assembling operator manually pushes the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> in a manner overcoming the resistance of the retainer protrusions 35c and 36c arranged in the front-rear direction and the retainer projections 35d and 36d arranged in the front-rear direction, respectively (see <FIG>). In this case, the pair of protruding members 37a, the pair of protruding members 38a, the pair of protruding members 37b and the pair of protruding members 38b are bent against the elastic force in such a manner as to widen the space between the pair of retainer protrusions 35c, the space between the pair of retainer protrusions 36c, the space between the pair of retainer protrusions 35d and the space between the pair of retainer protrusions 36d, respectively. When the first cable <NUM> and second cable <NUM> are pushed into the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b, respectively, the space between the retainer protrusions 35c, the space between the retainer protrusions 36c, the space between the retainer protrusions 35d, and the space between the retainer protrusions 36d are narrowed. In this manner, the first cable <NUM> is clamped between the bottom of the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the retainer protrusions 35c and 36c, and the second cable <NUM> is clamped between the bottom of the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b and the retainer protrusions 35d and 36d. This enables the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> to move in the cable extending direction in a resisting manner. Thus, positions of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> can be adjusted in the extending directions thereof relative to the connector <NUM> in the extended state illustrated in <FIG>. Upon application of a force acting to remove the first cable <NUM> from the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a or a force acting to remove the second cable <NUM> from the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b, the corresponding one of first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> receives a resisting force inhibiting the removal thereof. Therefore, even when the connector <NUM> is flipped upside down, the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> do not easily fall out of the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b, respectively. The first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> can be removed from the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b, respectively, upon application of an urging force of a certain strength or greater. This facilitates replacement of the connector <NUM> and changes of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> to be mounted in or dismounted from the connector <NUM>.

In a state in which the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are arranged in the right-left direction and fitted to the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a and the second holding grooves 35b and 36b, respectively, the second split housing <NUM> (the pair of second connecting portions <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction) is rotated toward the first split housing <NUM> (the pair of first connecting portions <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction) in a manner pivoting around the fold-facilitating portions <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction. This causes each of the second locking protrusions <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM> to contact a corresponding one of the inclined surfaces 26a of the first locking protrusions <NUM>. When the second split housing <NUM> is further rotated, each of the second locking protrusions <NUM> slides downward on the corresponding one of the inclined surfaces 26a, and the first locking protrusion <NUM> is elastically deformed inward into the first split housing <NUM>. On the other hand, the second pressing groove 32b of the cable pressing protrusion <NUM> located on the side close to the second connecting portion <NUM> slightly pushes the central portion of the second cable <NUM> toward the bottom (in the downward direction) of the second press-contact groove <NUM>. This moves the central portion of the second cable <NUM> into the space between each of the pair of second cable press-contact members <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction.

When the assembling operator manually rotates the second split housing <NUM> further toward the first split housing <NUM> in a manner pivoting around the fold-facilitating portions <NUM> arranged in the front-rear direction, the first pressing groove 32a of the cable pressing protrusion <NUM> located on a side remote from the second connecting portions <NUM> pushes the central portion of the first cable <NUM> against the top end portions 52a of the first cable press-contact members <NUM> in the extending direction of the first press-contact grooves <NUM> or in a direction close thereto. In this manner, the first cable <NUM> is clamped by the top end portions 52a and the cable pressing protrusion <NUM>.

After the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are placed on the top end portion 52a and the top end portion 54a, respectively, of the relay contact <NUM>, the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are pushed together in substantially parallel directions bringing them close to each other by a generic tool (e.g., pliers), which is not illustrated. Thus, each of the second locking protrusions <NUM> is engaged with a corresponding one of the first locking protrusions <NUM>, and further, each of the projection walls <NUM> of the second locking portion <NUM> is fitted into a corresponding one of the recesses 25a. In this manner, the first split housing <NUM> is accommodated in the second split housing <NUM>, and the first locking portions <NUM> and the second locking portions <NUM> are engaged with each other inside the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> fitted together.

The cable pressing protrusion <NUM> further pushes the central portions of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> deep into (toward the bottoms of) the first press-contact groove <NUM> and the second press-contact groove <NUM>, respectively. This moves the first cable <NUM> substantially to the central portions of the first press-contact grooves <NUM> from the top end portions 52a, and the second cable <NUM> substantially to the central portions of the second press-contact grooves <NUM> from the top end portions 54a. In this case, the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are pressed by the first pressing groove 32a and the second pressing groove 32b, respectively, of the cable pressing protrusion <NUM> in directions substantially parallel to each other in the up-down direction (i.e., the extending directions of the first press-contact groove <NUM> and the second press-contact groove <NUM>). Thus, the inner surfaces (right and left surfaces) of the first press-contact groove <NUM> cut through the right and left side portions of the sheath <NUM> of the first cable <NUM>, and the inner surfaces (right and left surfaces) of the second press-contact grooves <NUM> cut through the right and left side portions of the sheath <NUM> of the second cable <NUM>. In this manner, when the insulating housing <NUM> is held in a closed state, the inner surfaces (a pair of surfaces opposing each other) of the first press-contact grooves <NUM> evenly and reliably contact (press contact) both side portions of the core wire <NUM>. Also, the inner surfaces (a pair of surfaces opposing each other) of the second press-contact grooves <NUM> evenly and reliably contact (press contact) both side portions of the core wire <NUM>. That is, the core wire <NUM> of the first cable <NUM> and the core wire <NUM> of the second cable <NUM> are electrically connected to each other via the relay contact <NUM> in the connector <NUM>.

Because the side portions of the core wire <NUM> and the side portions of the core wire <NUM> are not clamped in an excessively strong manner by the inner surfaces of the first press-contact grooves <NUM> and the inner surfaces of the second press-contact grooves <NUM>, parts of the core wire <NUM> and the core wire <NUM> are not cut by the first press-contact grooves <NUM> and the second press-contact grooves <NUM>, respectively. Thus, the core wires <NUM> and <NUM> maintain the respective mechanical strengths, thereby reducing the likelihood that the core wires <NUM> and <NUM> are completely severed by tensile forces applied to the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>. This can improve reliable contact between each of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> and the relay contact <NUM>.

In a state in which the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are closed (fitted together) and held (locked), the opposing surface 21a of the cover portion <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM> partially closes the openings (the top openings in <FIG>) of the first cable holding groove 35a and the second cable holding groove 35b, and the opposing surface 22a of the cover portion <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM> partially closes the openings of the first cable holding groove 36a and the second cable holding groove 36b. Furthermore, the first cable <NUM> is clamped in the up-down direction by the pair of inclined surfaces 19a of the first split housing <NUM> and the corresponding inclined surfaces 35e and 36e of the second split housing <NUM>. The second cable <NUM> is clamped in the up-down direction by the pair of inclined surfaces 20a of the first split housing <NUM> and the corresponding inclined surfaces 35f and 36f of the second split housing <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> in a state loaded with fillers <NUM> will be mainly described below. The fillers <NUM> (a first filler 70a and a second filler 70b) are provided in the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM>, respectively. The first filler 70a and the second filler 70b are crushed and integrated to each other when the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together. The fillers <NUM> may be any material having merging properties such as waterproof gels, UV curable resins, adhesives and the like. In particular, the fillers <NUM> may preferably be composed of UV curable resin that effectively exhibits a waterproof function. More specifically, the fillers <NUM> are composed of a material mainly comprising urethane acrylate, epoxy acrylate, acrylic resin acrylate, polyester acrylate, polybutadiene acrylate, silicon acrylate, amino resin acrylate, urethane vinyl ether, polyester vinyl ether, silicone elastomer, styrene elastomer, or polyethylene polystyrene elastomer or the like. In particular, the fillers <NUM> may preferably be composed of a material mainly comprising urethane acrylate that has merging properties, resiliency and heat resistance together.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the insulating housing <NUM> loaded with the fillers <NUM> in the extended state. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connector <NUM> loaded with the fillers <NUM> in the locked state corresponding to <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connector <NUM> loaded with the fillers <NUM> in the locked state taken along arrows XII-XII of <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view virtually illustrating the fillers <NUM> integrated to each other in the extended state.

In an embodiment, the fillers <NUM> are placed on the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b of the first split housing <NUM> and the inner peripheral second opposing surface 31b of the second split housing <NUM>, respectively, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The first filler 70a placed on the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b of the first split housing <NUM> includes a bottom surface having a planar shape in substantial conformance with the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b, and has a rectangular tubular shape surrounding the relay contact <NUM>. The height of the first filler 70a is determined such that the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b are crushed and integrated to each other when the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together.

The second filler 70b placed on the inner peripheral second opposing surface 31b of the second split housing <NUM> includes a bottom surface having a planar shape in substantial conformance with the inner peripheral second opposing surface 31b, and has a rectangular tubular shape surrounding the cable pressing protrusion <NUM>. The height of the second filler 70b is determined such that the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b are crushed and integrated to each other when the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together.

That is, when the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together, the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b are needed to be overlapped one another by a predetermined thickness along the up-down direction to obtain a compressed state described below. In other words, the height obtained by adding the height of the first filler 70a to the height of the second filler 70b before the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together is a little bit higher than the height of the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b to be crushed and integrated to each other when the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together. Therefore, before the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together, a merging surface formed by the top surface of the first filler 70a is located further on the fitted side (upper side) than the merging surface of the first filler 70a in a compressed state immediately before the fillers are crushed and integrated to each other. Similarly, before the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together, a merging surface formed by the top surface of the second filler 70b is located further on the fitted side (upper side) than the merging surface of the second filler 70b in a virtual compressed state immediately before the fillers are crushed and integrated to each other. In this case, assuming that a merging surface between the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b in a compressed state immediately before the fillers are crushed and integrated to each other is a central surface of fitting, the merging surface of the first filler 70a before the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together is located further on the fitted side (upper side) than the central surface of fitting. Similarly, the merging surface of the second filler 70b before the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together is located further on the fitted side (upper side) than a plane corresponding to the central surface of fitting.

When the connector <NUM> is transitioned to the locked state from the extended state illustrated in <FIG>, the entire interior of the first split housing <NUM> and the entire interior of the second split housing <NUM> fitted together is loaded with the fillers <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, when the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are brought into the locked state, the fillers <NUM> closely contact the inner peripheral first opposing surface 17b and the inner peripheral second opposing surface 31b and thus surround the relay contact <NUM>. In this case, the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b are crushed to each other and are brought into a compressed state once, and they are integrated through a chemical reaction such as hydrogen bonding. That is, unlike the case where materials such as a normal Si gel having adhesive properties are bonded together, no bonding surface is formed to fillers <NUM> that are crushed and integrated to each other. In this manner, the fillers <NUM> seal around the relay contact <NUM>.

In the locked state, the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> extend outward from the relay contact <NUM> arranged inside of the fillers <NUM> in the locked state. That is, the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> extend outward from the press-contact portion of the relay contact <NUM> along the front-rear direction.

Furthermore, the fillers <NUM> surround the surface of the sheath <NUM> of the first cable <NUM> and the surface of the sheath <NUM> of the second cable <NUM> (without interrupting electrical connection with the relay contact <NUM>). More specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together, the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are arranged, respectively, in the insides of the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b integrated to each other, in a cross-sectional view along the fitting direction, that is, the up-down direction. In other words, the fillers <NUM> that are crushed and integrated to each other have no bonding surface, and thus the corresponding portions of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are completely included in the fillers <NUM>. In this manner, unlike the case where materials having adhesive properties such as normal Si gel are bonded to each other, almost no gap is formed between the surface of the sheath <NUM> and the filler <NUM> and between the surface of the sheath <NUM> and the filler <NUM>.

For example, as virtually illustrated in <FIG>, even if the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are separated along the up-down direction, when the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b are crushed and integrated to each other once, they never separate from each other. That is, the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b that are crushed and integrated to each other have no bonding surface, thus no event in which a bonding surface is peeled off occurs. Even if the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are caused to be separated along the up-down direction, the first filler 70a and second filler 70b that are crushed and integrated to each other continue sealing around the relay contact <NUM> while integrally extending. When the fillers <NUM> have both merging properties and resiliency, they expand and contract to some extent due to vibration of the connector <NUM>. Even in this case, the first filler 70a and second filler 70b that are crushed and integrated to each other expand and contract homogeneously while being integrated to each other. That is, the distribution of stress acting on the first filler 70a and second filler 70b that are crushed and integrated to each other is approximately homogeneous all over the fillers.

In this manner, unlike the case where the conventional materials having adhesive properties are bonded to each other, when the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b are crushed and integrated to each other once, an event may not occur in which they separate from each other due to peeling off of the bonding surface caused by mechanical action or thermal expansion.

The first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> include a pair of spaces <NUM> and a pair of spaces <NUM>, respectively, for accommodating excessive portions of the fillers <NUM> (<FIG>). In a state in which the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together, the spaces <NUM> and the spaces <NUM> are formed along the inner surfaces of the pair of first locking portions <NUM>, and the spaces <NUM> are located under the fillers <NUM> while the spaces <NUM> are located above the fillers <NUM>. In this manner, the spaces <NUM> and the spaces <NUM> can absorb and store the excessive portions of the fillers <NUM> in the locked state. Consequently, the connector <NUM> can accommodate a difference between pressing forces applied to the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>.

The fillers <NUM> abut the inner surfaces of the pair of first locking portions <NUM> of the first split housing <NUM>. Each of the engaging surfaces <NUM> of the first locking protrusion <NUM> and the second locking protrusion <NUM> may preferably be located, with respect to the up-down direction thereof, within the up-down direction width of the fillers <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Furthermore, when the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together, the surface of the second locking protrusion <NUM> abuts the outer surface of the first locking portion <NUM>. Each of abutment surfaces <NUM> thus formed may preferably be substantially parallel to the inner surface of the first locking portion <NUM> abutting each filler <NUM>.

With the fillers <NUM> configured in the above described manner, the connector <NUM> can effectively prevent foreign matter such as water or dust from entering from outside. In particular, because the fillers <NUM> that are crushed and integrated to each other surround the relay contact <NUM>, the likelihood that the foreign matter may contact the core wires <NUM> and <NUM> of the first cable <NUM> and the core wires <NUM> and <NUM> of the second cable <NUM> can be reduced. In particular, because corresponding portions of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are arranged in the fillers <NUM> with almost no gap formed between the surface of the sheath <NUM> and the filler <NUM> and between the surface of the sheath <NUM> and the filler <NUM>, the connector <NUM> has an excellent waterproof properties. In this manner, the connector <NUM> can improve waterproof properties even if it holds the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>, and thus can effectively prevent other foreign matters from entering from outside.

The first filler 70a and the second filler 70b are crushed and integrated to each other. Thus, compared with the case where the conventional materials having adhesive properties are bonded to each other, a binding force will be significantly increased. In other words, the bonding surface between the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b disappears, and thus peeling off of a bonding surface may not occur. Therefore, the connector <NUM> can significantly increase a resistance against a force acting to cause the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b to be separated from each other.

Because the bonding surface disappears, unlike the case where the conventional materials having adhesive properties are bonded to each other, an event in which water enters from a small gap formed in a portion of the bonding surface due to a decreased adhesive power may not occur in the connector <NUM>. That is, the connector <NUM> can effectively protect the contact portion between the relay contact <NUM> and each of core wires <NUM> and <NUM> against the hydraulic pressure applied over the fillers <NUM>. In this manner, the connector <NUM> contributes to an improvement of waterproof properties.

Although a relatively large pressure was needed to be applied to maintain bonding between materials having adhesive properties in the past, according to the connector <NUM>, it is not necessary to apply a large pressure because a bonding surface disappears and the fillers can be integrated to each other. That is, the connector <NUM> can obtain sufficient waterproof properties without increasing, more than necessary, a force to hold fitting between the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM>.

Because the first filler 70a and the second filler 70b that are crushed and integrated to each other expand and contract homogeneously while being integrated to each other, they are not separated by mechanical action or thermal expansion. In this manner, the connector <NUM> can maintain waterproof properties. For example, under high-vibration or high-temperature environment, an event may occur in which a pressure of a bonding surface between materials having adhesive properties may decrease or the bonding surface may be peeled off, which causes a decrease in waterproof properties. However, the connector <NUM> can eliminate such event. The connector <NUM> can maintain sufficient waterproof properties even under high-vibration or high-temperature environment.

By using a material composed mainly of urethane acrylate as fillers <NUM> of the connector <NUM>, an optimal waterproof member that simultaneously has merging properties, resiliency and heat resistance properties can be provided. In this manner, the connector <NUM> can significantly exhibit a variety of above described effects.

Because the fillers <NUM> closely contact the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM>, even if the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> are shaken and bent by an external force applied to the outside of the connector <NUM>, transmission of action or stress caused by the bent of the first cable <NUM> and the second cable <NUM> to the press-contact portion with the relay contact <NUM> can be prevented. Consequently reliable contact can be maintained.

When the filler <NUM> abuts the inner surfaces of the pair of first locking portions <NUM>, the first locking portions <NUM> having resiliency are elastically deformed outward by an elastic force acting from the inside to the outside caused by the expansion or swelling of the filler <NUM>. Because the connector <NUM> includes the locking portions formed therein, the connector <NUM> enables stronger engagement between the first locking portion <NUM> and the second locking portion <NUM> by their outward elastic deformation. More specifically, because the engaging surfaces <NUM> of the first locking protrusions <NUM> and the second locking protrusions <NUM> are located within the up-down-direction width of the inner surface of the first locking portion <NUM> abutting the filler <NUM>, an expansion force or the like of the fillers <NUM> is efficiently converted into an engaging force. Further, when the abutment surfaces <NUM> are substantially parallel to the inner surfaces of the pair of first locking portions <NUM> abutting the fillers <NUM>, the expansion forces and the like of the fillers <NUM> are transmitted to the surfaces of the first locking portion <NUM> and the second locking protrusion <NUM> in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto. This enables further efficient conversion of the expansion force or the like of the filler <NUM> into an engaging force. Consequently, the connector <NUM> can further strengthen the close contact between the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM>. In this manner, even in a state in which an elastic force acts from the inside to the outside, the connector <NUM> can inhibit opening of the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM>. Consequently, the connector <NUM> can maintain the waterproof properties. Although the above described effect is demonstrated at a room temperature, the effect becomes more noticeable when expansion of the filler <NUM> is increased at high temperature.

When the fillers <NUM> have also high viscosity, the connector <NUM> can further suppress the opening between the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM>. That is, when the fillers <NUM> are loaded to each of inner surfaces of the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM>, the fillers <NUM> stick to each other in the locked state. This adhesive force acts as a force resisting against the opening of the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> fitted together.

Because the connector <NUM> includes the locking mechanism inside the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> fitted together, the outer peripheral wall <NUM> can be formed in a substantially planar shape with less unevenness or through holes. This enables the connector <NUM> to have improved waterproof properties and to prevent other foreign matters such as dust and oil from entering from outside.

When the pair of first locking protrusions <NUM> extending in one direction and the pair of second locking protrusions <NUM> extending in the same direction are engaged with each other, and the engaging surfaces <NUM> form flat surfaces extending in the same direction, the connector <NUM> can increase an area of the engaging surfaces <NUM> and thus strengthen the engagement. Because the engaging surfaces <NUM> in the connector <NUM> are substantially horizontal as illustrated in <FIG>, the engaging force can be easily transmitted between the first locking protrusion <NUM> and the second locking protrusion <NUM>. In this manner, the first locking protrusion <NUM> and the second locking protrusion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> can have larger widths than those of conventional locking portions formed externally. This further increases a locking force and strengthens the locking. Because the strengths of the first locking portion <NUM> and the second locking portion <NUM> themselves are also increased, the connector <NUM> can inhibit damages to the locking portions.

Because the first locking portion <NUM> includes the inclined surface 26b, the connector <NUM> can prevent the top end of the first locking portion <NUM> from being pushed into or scraping the fillers <NUM> when the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are fitted together.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be realized in forms other than the embodiment described above. Accordingly, the foregoing description is merely illustrative and not limiting in any manner. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, not by the foregoing description.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an engaging portion between the first locking portion <NUM> and the second locking portion <NUM> corresponding to <FIG> according to a variation. In the above embodiment, each of the engaging surfaces <NUM> between the first locking protrusion <NUM> and the second locking protrusion <NUM> is a horizontal flat surface extending in the front-rear direction, as illustrated in <FIG>. However, this is not restrictive. For example, each of the engaging surfaces <NUM> may be inclined downward toward the outside from the inside of the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> fitted together, as illustrated in <FIG>. This cross-sectional shape of the connector <NUM> can further reduce the likelihood of disengagement.

In the embodiment, although the first locking portions <NUM> are formed in the first split housing <NUM> and the second locking portions <NUM> are formed in the second split housing <NUM>, this is not restrictive. The first locking portions <NUM> having resiliency may be formed in the second split housing <NUM> that does not include the relay contacts <NUM>, and the second locking portions <NUM> may be formed in the first split housing <NUM> that includes the relay contact <NUM>. Further, the respective positions of the first locking portions <NUM> and the second locking portions <NUM> in the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> are not limited to the above description. The first locking portions <NUM> and the second locking portions <NUM> may be formed in any position as long as the first split housing <NUM> and the second split housing <NUM> can be fitted together and the locked state can be secured.

In the embodiment, the first locking portions <NUM> and the second locking portions <NUM> include the first locking protrusions <NUM> and the second locking protrusions <NUM>, respectively, which engage with each other and function as locking means. However, this is not restrictive. The first locking portions <NUM> and the second locking portions <NUM> may have any locking means.

In the embodiment, although the pair of retainer protrusions 35c and the pair of retainer protrusions 36c configured to prevent the first cable <NUM> from coming off are provided to the first cable holding grooves 35a and 36a, respectively, and the pair of retainer protrusions 35d and the pair of retainer protrusions 36d configured to prevent the second cable <NUM> from coming off are provided to the second cable holding grooves 35b and 36b, respectively, the retainer protrusions may be provided to each of the first pressing groove 32a and the second pressing groove 32b of the cable pressing protrusion <NUM>.

Although the relay contact <NUM> is configured to clamp the second cable <NUM>, the relay contact <NUM> may be configured to crimp the second cable <NUM>. In this case, the second cable <NUM> is connected in a crimped manner to the relay contact <NUM> in advance and, in this state, the relay contact <NUM> is mounted in the first split housing <NUM>. In this embodiment, cable crimp terminals are formed in place of one of the pair of first press-contact grooves <NUM> and the pair of second press-contact grooves <NUM> of the relay contact <NUM>. The second split housing <NUM> is provided with the cable supporting arm <NUM> or <NUM> corresponding to the remaining one of the press-contact grooves.

On the contrary, the connector <NUM> may connect three or more cables together that are arranged in a direction orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the portions of the cables supported by the connector <NUM>. In this case, a relay contact may include a set of three or more press-contact grooves (arranged in the right-left direction). Further, a plurality of relay contacts may include the respective press-contact grooves, and at least one of the relay contacts includes two or more pairs of press-contact grooves, each of which is configured to clamp a cable (a core wire).

Claim 1:
A connector (<NUM>), comprising:
An insulating housing (<NUM>) including a first split housing (<NUM>), a second split housing (<NUM>) and connecting portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) in an integrally molded manner, wherein the first split housing (<NUM>) and the second split housing (<NUM>) are capable of being fitted together and are connected to each other by the connecting portions (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first outer peripheral wall (<NUM>) and a second outer peripheral wall (<NUM>) to form outer peripheral edge portions of said first split housing (<NUM>) and said second split housing (<NUM>), respectively;
a contact (<NUM>) located inside said first outer peripheral wall (<NUM>) and having an electrically connecting portion (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
wherein said second split housing (<NUM>) is configured to hold a cable (<NUM>, <NUM>) and said contact (<NUM>) is configured to be electrically connected to said cable (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a state where said first split housing (<NUM>) and said second split housing (<NUM>) are fitted together;
a first filler (70a) and a second filler (70b) provided respectively to said first split housing (<NUM>) and said second split housing (<NUM>), characterized in that
in an extended state of the insulating housing (<NUM>) in which the first split housing (<NUM>) and the second split housing (<NUM>) are not fitted together:
said entire first outer peripheral wall (<NUM>) is located on a fitting side with respect to said connecting portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a fitting direction in which said first split housing (<NUM>) and said second split housing (<NUM>) are fitted to each other; and
said entire second outer peripheral wall (<NUM>) is located on an opposite side of said fitting side with respect to said connecting portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) in said fitting direction;
wherein when said first split housing (<NUM>) and said second split housing (<NUM>) are fitted together, said first filler (70a) and said second filler (70b) are crushed and integrated to each other around said contact (<NUM>), and said entire second outer peripheral wall (<NUM>) is located outside said first outer peripheral wall (<NUM>).