Connectors

Abstract

The connector (10) comprises: a connector housing (11) having a first cavity (16) extending in a front-to-back direction; a first terminal (12) received in the first cavity (16); a front cover (13) mounted on the front end portion of the connector housing (11); and a cover member (14) mounted on the upper surface of the connector housing (11), wherein the front cover (13) is mounted on the connector housing (11) from above, and the cover member (14) covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the front cover (13), and the front cover (13) has a front cavity (35) extending in the front-to-back direction, and the front end portion of the first terminal (12) is received in the front cavity (35).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors. Background Art

[0002] A connector described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-170723 is known. This connector comprises two stacked connector housings, with a connector front wall integrally formed in the second connector housing to close the front end of the terminal receiving chamber of the first connector housing. A terminal insertion opening in the connector front wall is positioned so as to be disengaged from the front of the first terminal when the two connector housings are held in a temporarily locked position, and to be located in front of a first lance that locks the first terminal.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-170723 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the aforementioned connector, the connector front wall deviates from the terminal insertion opening when the two connector housings are held in the temporary locking position and the final locking position. Consequently, the first terminal cannot be accommodated within the connector front wall. Consequently, the length of the connector increases by the amount of the connector front wall.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made based on the above-described circumstances, and aims to reduce the size of the connector in the front-rear direction.

[0009] Solutions to Problems

[0010] The present invention discloses a connector comprising: a connector housing having a first cavity extending in a front-to-rear direction; a first terminal received in the first cavity; a front cover mounted on a front end portion of the connector housing; and a cover member mounted on an upper surface of the connector housing, the front cover being mounted on the connector housing from above, the cover member covering at least a portion of the upper surface of the front cover, the front cover having a front cavity extending in the front-to-rear direction, the front end portion of the first terminal being received in the front cavity.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the connector can be miniaturized in the front-rear direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 The connector of embodiment 1 is Figure 9Line II cross-sectional view.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the lower surface of the cover member.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a rear view showing a state in which the cover member is held at a temporary locking position relative to the connector housing.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover member is held at a temporary locking position relative to the connector housing.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cover member is held at a temporary locking position relative to the connector housing.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a rear view showing a state in which the cover member is held at a final locking position relative to the connector housing.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover member is held at a permanent locking position relative to the connector housing.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a front view showing a state in which the cover member is held at a permanent locking position relative to the connector housing.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a connector according to embodiment 2. Figure 15 XX line sectional view in.

[0023] Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view showing the connector.

[0024] Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing the lower surface of the cover member.

[0025] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cover member is held at a temporary locking position relative to the connector housing.

[0026] Figure 14 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover member is held at a permanent locking position relative to the connector housing.

[0027] Figure 15 It is a front view showing a state in which the cover member is held at a permanent locking position relative to the connector housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0029] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0030] (1) The present disclosure is a connector comprising: a connector housing having a first cavity extending in a front-to-rear direction; a first terminal received in the first cavity; a front cover mounted on a front end portion of the connector housing; and a cover member mounted on an upper surface of the connector housing, the front cover being mounted on the connector housing from above, the cover member covering at least a portion of the upper surface of the front cover, the front cover having a front cavity extending in the front-to-rear direction, the front end portion of the first terminal being received in the front cavity.

[0031] Since the cover member covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the front cover, it is possible to suppress the front cover from being separated upward.

[0032] Since the front end of the first terminal is accommodated in the front cavity, the front-to-back length of the connector housing can be shortened, thereby miniaturizing the connector in the front-to-back direction.

[0033] (2) Preferably, a first terminal stopper insertion recess that opens upward and communicates with the first cavity is provided on the upper wall of the connector housing, and a first terminal stopper portion that protrudes downward is provided on the cover member. When the cover member is assembled to the connector housing, the first terminal stopper portion enters the first terminal stopper insertion recess and the first cavity and is locked with the first terminal accommodated in the first cavity.

[0034] Since the first terminal can be locked by the cover member, it is not necessary to provide a stopper for the first terminal.

[0035] (3) Preferably, the cover member is formed with a second cavity extending in the front-rear direction, and a second terminal different from the first terminal is accommodated in the second cavity.

[0036] Since the cover member can accommodate the second terminal, the number of terminals that can be accommodated in the connector can be increased as a whole.

[0037] (4) Preferably, the cover member is provided with a second terminal stopper insertion recess that opens downward and communicates with the second cavity, and the upper wall of the connector housing is provided with a second terminal stopper portion that protrudes upward. When the cover member is assembled to the connector housing, the second terminal stopper portion enters the second terminal stopper insertion recess and the second cavity and is locked with the second terminal accommodated in the second cavity.

[0038] Since the second terminal can be locked by the second terminal stopper, it is not necessary to provide a stopper for the second terminal.

[0039] (5) Preferably, a locking portion that engages with a mating connector is provided on the upper surface of the cover member.

[0040] Since the cover member is provided with the locking portion, the connector and the mating connector can be engaged with each other.

[0041] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents.

[0043] <Implementation Method 1>

[0044] While referring to Figures 1 to 9 While explaining the embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the connector 10 of this embodiment includes a connector housing 11, a first terminal 12 housed in the connector housing 11, a front cover 13 mounted on the front end of the connector housing 11, a cover member 14 mounted on the upper side of the connector housing 11, and a second terminal 15 housed in the cover member 14. The connector 10 is mated with a mating connector (not shown). In the following description, the mating direction of the connector 10 is set to the front. With respect to the up and down directions, based on Figure 1 In addition, regarding a plurality of identical components, sometimes only some of the components are marked with reference numerals, and the reference numerals are omitted for the other components.

[0045] [Connector housing 11]

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector housing 11 is formed by injection molding of an insulating synthetic resin. The connector housing 11 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flat in the vertical direction. The connector housing 11 has a plurality of first cavities 16 extending in the front-to-back direction. In the connector housing 11, a plurality of (12 in this embodiment) first cavities 16 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction, and the rows of first cavities 16 formed as described above are arranged in a plurality of layers (two layers in this embodiment) in the vertical direction. Each first cavity 16 is open in the front and rear. The first terminals 12 (see Figure 1 ).

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, a first lance 17 that projects obliquely downward and forward is formed on the upper wall of the first cavity 16. The front end of the first lance 17 is locked with the edge of the locking hole 18 formed in the first terminal 12 from the rear.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, a first terminal stopper insertion recess 19 is formed on the upper wall of the connector housing 11. The first terminal stopper insertion recess 19 communicates with the first cavity 16. The first terminal stopper insertion recess 19 is formed in the shape of a rectangular shape elongated in the left-right direction when viewed from above.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the front end of the connector housing 11 is provided with projecting walls 20 extending forward from both left and right ends. The vertical height of the projecting walls 20 is the same as the height of the connector housing 11. An engaging groove 21 extending vertically is formed on the inner side of the projecting walls 20 in the horizontal direction. The engaging groove 21 has a bottom at its lower end and is open at the top. As described later, the side guide ribs 22 of the front cover 13 extend from above into the engaging groove 21.

[0050] A front engaging recess 23, recessed from the outside in the width direction (left-right direction) toward the inside, is formed in the projecting wall 20, approximately near the center in the vertical direction. The front engaging recess 23 communicates with the engaging groove 21. As will be described later, an engaging claw 24 of the front cover 13 engages from below at the edge of the front engaging recess 23.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality (three in this embodiment) of guide grooves 25 recessed downward from the upper surface are formed at the front end of the connector housing 11. As will be described later, rear guide ribs 26 of the front cover 13 enter the guide grooves 25.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, a second terminal stopper portion 27 is formed on the upper surface of the connector housing 11, rearward of the first terminal stopper insertion recess 19, and projects upward. The second terminal stopper portion 27 is formed near both left and right ends of the connector housing 11. As will be described later, the second terminal stopper portion 27 is provided at a position corresponding to a second cavity 28 formed in the cover member 14.

[0053] like Figure 2As shown, a rear engaging recess 29 is formed on the left and right side walls of the connector housing 11 and near the rear end portion, recessed from the outside toward the inside in the width direction (left and right direction). An insertion hole 30 is formed on the upper wall of the rear engaging recess 29 and extends upward. On the side walls of the rear engaging recess 29, a temporary engaging portion 31 and a formal engaging portion 32 provided below the temporary engaging portion 31 are arranged in the vertical direction. The temporary engaging portion 31 and the formal engaging portion 32 are formed to protrude outward in the width direction of the connector housing 11. As described later, the temporary engaging portion 31 and the formal engaging portion 32 are embedded in the engaging groove 33 of the cover member 14 and engaged with the inner wall of the engaging groove 33.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, an insertion hole 30 is formed in the upper wall of the connector housing 11 near the rear end and near both left and right ends. Insertion hole 30 extends through the upper wall of the connector housing 11 and communicates with the rear engaging recess 29. Insertion hole 30 is formed in the shape of a rectangle extending elongated in the front-to-back direction. The interior of insertion hole 30 is shaped to allow insertion of a locking tab 34 of the cover member 14, described later.

[0055] [Front cover 13]

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the front cover 13 is formed by injection molding of an insulating synthetic resin. The front cover 13 is formed in a plate shape that is elongated in the left-right direction and flat in the front-back direction. Figure 1 As shown, the height dimension of the front cover 13 in the vertical direction is formed to be the same as the height dimension of the connector housing 11. The front cover 13 has a plurality of front cavities 35 extending through the front-to-back direction. When the front cover 13 is assembled to the connector housing 11, the front cavities 35 are formed at positions corresponding to the first cavities 16 of the connector housing 11. The number of front cavities 35 is the same as the number of first cavities 16.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, side guide ribs 22 are formed on the left and right ends of the front cover 13, protruding outward and extending in the vertical direction. The width of the side guide ribs 22 in the front-to-back direction is set to be the same as or slightly smaller than the width of the engagement groove 21 of the connector housing 11 in the front-to-back direction. The side guide ribs 22 are formed from the upper end of the front cover 13 to a position slightly above the lower end of the front cover 13. An engagement claw 24 is formed near the center of the side guide ribs 22 in the vertical direction, protruding outward. The engagement claw 24 engages with the edge of the front engagement recess 23 of the connector housing 11 from below. This prevents the front cover 13 from being assembled to the connector housing 11 in an upwardly detached state.

[0058] like Figure 2As shown, a plurality of rear guide ribs 26 (three in this embodiment) are formed on the rear surface of the front cover 13 at intervals in the left-right direction. These ribs protrude rearward and extend in the vertical direction. When the front cover 13 is assembled with the connector housing 11, the rear guide ribs 26 are formed at positions corresponding to the guide grooves 25 of the connector housing 11. The width of the rear guide ribs 26 in the left-right direction is set to be the same as or slightly smaller than the width of the guide grooves 25 in the connector housing 11.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, when the front cover 13 is attached to the connector housing 11 , the upper surface of the front cover 13 and the upper surface of the connector housing 11 are flush with each other, and the front surface of the front cover 13 and the front surface of the connector housing 11 are flush with each other.

[0060] [1st terminal 12]

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the first terminal 12 is inserted into the interior of the first cavity 16 from the rear. The first terminal 12 is formed by stamping a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The first terminal 12 is connected to the front end of the electric wire 36. The electric wire 36 has a core wire 37 and an insulating sheath 38 made of an insulating synthetic resin that surrounds the outer periphery of the core wire 37. The core wire 37 is formed by twisting together a plurality of fine metal wires. The first terminal 12 has an insulating barrel 39 that is crimped to the outer periphery of the insulating sheath 38 of the electric wire 36, and a wire barrel 40 that is connected to the front of the insulating barrel 39 and crimped to the outer periphery of the core wire 37.

[0062] A cylindrical connecting barrel portion 41 is provided at the front of the wire barrel 40, which is connected to a mating terminal (not shown). An elastically deformable elastic piece 42 is disposed within the connecting barrel portion 41. A mating terminal inserted from the front into the connecting barrel portion 41 is sandwiched between the elastic piece 42 and the inner wall of the connecting barrel portion 41, thereby electrically connecting the mating terminal and the first terminal 12.

[0063] The connecting tube 41 is formed in a square cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-back direction. A retaining hole 18 is formed through the upper wall of the connecting tube 41. The tip of the first lance 17 is retained from the rear by the edge of the retaining hole 18, thereby retaining the first terminal 12 within the first cavity 16 while preventing rearward movement.

[0064] The front end portion of the connecting cylindrical portion 41 formed in the first terminal 12 is positioned in the front cavity 35 of the front cover 13 assembled to the connector housing 11 .

[0065] [Cover member 14]

[0066] like Figure 2As shown, the cover member 14 is formed by injection molding of an insulating synthetic resin. The cover member 14 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flattened in the vertical direction. The front-to-back length of the cover member 14 is set to be the same as the front-to-back length of the connector housing 11, or even if different, to be substantially the same.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover member 14 is formed with a plurality of (four in this embodiment) second cavities 28 extending in the front-to-back direction. The four second cavities 28 are arranged two at a position near the left end and two at a position near the right end of the cover member 14. Each second cavity 28 is open at the front and rear. Figure 1 As shown, the second terminals 15 are housed in the second cavities 28 .

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, a locking arm 43 is formed on the cover member 14 at a central position in the left-right direction, extending rearward from the front end of the cover member 14. The front end of the locking arm 43 is connected to the upper wall of the cover member 14. The locking arm 43 is formed to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction with the front end serving as a fulcrum. A locking portion 44 is formed on the upper surface of the locking arm 43, protruding upward. The locking portion 44 engages with a mating connector (not shown), thereby maintaining the mating connector and the connector 10 in a mated state.

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown, a second lance 45 protruding obliquely upward and forward is formed on the lower wall of the second cavity 28. The front end of the second lance 45 is locked with the edge of the locking hole 46 formed in the second terminal 15 from the rear.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, a second terminal stopper insertion recess 47, recessed upward, is formed on the lower wall of the cover member 14. The second terminal stopper insertion recess 47 communicates with the second cavity 28. The outer shape of the second terminal stopper 27 formed in the connector housing 11 is the same as or slightly smaller than the inner shape of the second terminal stopper insertion recess 47. When the cover member 14 is assembled to the connector housing 11, the second terminal stopper 27 is configured to be insertable into the second terminal stopper insertion recess 47.

[0071] [First terminal stopper 48]

[0072] like Figure 3As shown, a first terminal stopper portion 48 protruding downward is formed on the lower surface of the cover member 14, in front of the second terminal stopper insertion recess 47. The first terminal stopper portion 48 is formed in a wall shape extending in the left-right direction. The outer shape of the first terminal stopper portion 48 is designed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the inner shape of the first terminal stopper insertion recess 19 of the connector housing 11. When the cover member 14 is assembled to the connector housing 11, the first terminal stopper portion 48 is formed so that it can be inserted into the first terminal stopper insertion recess 19.

[0073] [Second terminal 15]

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the second terminal 15 is inserted into the second cavity 28 from the rear. The second terminal 15 is formed by stamping a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The second terminal 15 is connected to the front end of the wire 36. The second terminal 15 includes an insulation barrel 49 crimped to the outer periphery of the insulation coating 38, and a wire barrel 50 connected to the front of the insulation barrel 49 and crimped to the outer periphery of the core wire 37.

[0075] A cylindrical connecting barrel 51 is provided at the front of the wire barrel 50, which is connected to a mating terminal (not shown). An elastically deformable elastic piece 52 is disposed within the connecting barrel 51. A mating terminal inserted from the front into the connecting barrel 51 is sandwiched between the elastic piece 52 and the inner wall of the connecting barrel 51, thereby electrically connecting the mating terminal and the second terminal 15.

[0076] The connecting tube 51 is formed in a square cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-back direction. The locking hole 46 is penetrated through the lower wall of the connecting tube 51. The tip of the second lance 45 is locked from the rear by the edge of the locking hole 46, thereby retaining the second terminal 15 in the second cavity 28 in a state where rearward movement is restricted.

[0077] [Locking piece 34]

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, locking pieces 34 projecting downward are formed on the lower surface of the cover member 14 near the rear end and near both left and right ends. The locking pieces 34 are formed in a plate shape extending in the front-back direction and flattened in the left-right direction.

[0079] A locking groove 33 is formed on the inner side of each locking piece 34 in the left-right direction, extending forward from the rear end of the locking piece 34. The locking groove 33 extends slightly rearward of the front end of the locking piece 34. The inner shape of the locking groove 33 is formed to fit into the temporary locking portion 31 and the final locking portion 32 formed on the connector housing 11.

[0080] like Figure 4As shown, by fitting the temporary locking portion 31 into the locking groove 33 of the locking piece 34, the cover member 14 is held at the temporary locking position relative to the connector housing 11. Figure 5 As shown, in a state where the cover member 14 is held at the temporary locking position, the lower surface of the cover member 14 and the upper surface of the connector housing 11 are separated.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, when the cover member 14 is held in the temporary locking position, the first terminal stopper 48 of the cover member 14 does not interfere with the first terminal 12 inserted from the rear into the first cavity 16 and the front cavity 35. Furthermore, when the cover member 14 is held in the temporary locking position, the second terminal stopper 48 of the connector housing 11 does not interfere with the second terminal 15 inserted from the rear into the second cavity 28.

[0082] like Figure 7 As shown, by fitting the final locking portion 32 into the locking groove 33 of the locking piece 34, the cover member 14 is held in the final locking position relative to the connector housing 11. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in a state where the cover member 14 is held at the final locking position, the lower surface of the cover member 14 is in contact with the upper surface of the connector housing 11 .

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, with the cover member 14 held in the officially locked position, the first terminal stopper 48 of the cover member 14 is locked from behind with the rear end of the connecting tube 41 of the first terminal 12 inserted into the first cavity 16 and the front cavity 35. Furthermore, with the cover member 14 held in the officially locked position, the second terminal stopper 27 of the connector housing 11 is locked from behind with the rear end of the connecting tube 51 of the second terminal 15 inserted into the second cavity 28.

[0084] [Assembly Process of Connector 10]

[0085] Next, the assembly process of the connector 10 of this embodiment will be described. First, the front cover 13 is assembled to the front end of the connector housing 11. The side guide ribs 22 of the front cover 13 are inserted from above into the engagement grooves 21 of the connector housing 11, and the rear guide ribs 26 of the front cover 13 are inserted from above into the guide grooves 25 of the connector housing 11. The engagement claws 24 of the side guide ribs 22 engage from below with the rims of the front engagement recess 23 of the connector housing 11, thereby assembling the front cover 13 to the connector housing 11 while preventing it from detaching upward. The guide grooves 25 of the front cover 13 abut against the inner walls of the engagement grooves 21 from the front or rear, positioning the front cover 13 in the front-to-back direction relative to the connector housing 11. The rear guide ribs 26 of the front cover 13 abut against the inner walls of the guide grooves 25 from the left or right, positioning the front cover 13 in the left-to-right direction relative to the connector housing 11.

[0086] Next, the cover member 14 is assembled to the connector housing 11 from above. The locking piece 34 of the cover member 14 is inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the connector housing 11 from above. By fitting the temporary locking portion 31 into the locking groove 33 of the locking piece 34, the temporary locking portion 31 is locked with the inner wall of the locking groove 33. As a result, the cover member 14 is held in the temporary locking position relative to the connector housing 11 (see Figure 4 、 Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 ).

[0087] With the cover member 14 held in the temporary locking position relative to the connector housing 11, the first terminal 12 is inserted from the rear into the first cavity 16 of the connector housing 11. With the cover member 14 held in the temporary locking position relative to the connector housing 11, the first terminal stopper 48 is located so as not to interfere with the first terminal 12 inserted from the rear into the first cavity 16.

[0088] When the first terminal 12 is inserted into the first cavity 16 from the rear, the first lance 17 contacts the connecting tube 41 of the first terminal 12 and elastically deforms upward. When the first terminal 12 is pressed further forward, the first lance 17 recovers its deformation and engages with the edge of the retaining hole 18 of the first terminal 12 from the rear. At this time, the front end of the connecting tube 41 of the first terminal 12 enters the front cavity 35 of the front cover 13.

[0089] With the cover member 14 held in the temporarily locked position relative to the connector housing 11, the second terminal 15 is inserted from the rear into the second cavity 28 of the cover member 14. With the cover member 14 held in the temporarily locked position relative to the connector housing 11, the second terminal stopper 27 is located so as not to interfere with the second terminal 15 inserted from the rear into the second cavity 28.

[0090] When the second terminal 15 is inserted into the second cavity 28 from the rear, the second lance 45 contacts the connecting tube 51 of the second terminal 15 and elastically deforms downward. When the second terminal 15 is further pressed forward, the second lance 45 recovers its deformation and engages with the edge of the locking hole 46 of the second terminal 15 from the rear.

[0091] The cover member 14 is pressed downward, thereby moving the cover member 14 downward. The locking piece 34 of the cover member 14 abuts against the formal locking portion 32 of the connector housing 11 from above, so that the locking piece 34 elastically deforms outward in the left and right directions. When the cover member 14 is further pressed downward, the locking piece 34 recovers its deformation and fits into the formal locking portion 32 in the locking groove 33 of the locking piece 34. As a result, the formal locking portion 32 is locked with the inner wall of the locking groove 33, and the cover member 14 is maintained in the formal locking position relative to the connector housing 11 (refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 ).

[0092] When the cover member 14 is held in the fully engaged position relative to the connector housing 11, the first terminal stopper 48 enters the first cavity 16 and is positioned rearward of the rear end of the connecting barrel 41 of the first terminal 12. Therefore, when the first terminal 12 is pulled rearward via the electric wire 36, the first terminal stopper 48 engages the rear end of the connecting barrel 41 of the first terminal 12 from behind, thereby preventing the first terminal 12 from being disengaged rearward.

[0093] Furthermore, when the cover member 14 is held in the fully locked position relative to the connector housing 11, the second terminal stopper 27 enters the second cavity 28 and is positioned rearward of the rear end of the connecting barrel 51 of the second terminal 15. Consequently, when the second terminal 15 is pulled rearward via the electric wire 36, the second terminal stopper 27 and the rear end of the connecting barrel 51 of the second terminal 15 are locked from behind, thereby preventing the second terminal 15 from being disengaged rearward.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, when the cover member 14 is held in the fully locked position relative to the connector housing 11 , the front end of the cover member 14 is located above the front cover 13 and abuts against the upper surface of the front cover 13 from above. The upper surface of the front cover 13 is covered by the cover member 14 .

[0095] [Effects of this embodiment]

[0096] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. The connector 10 of this embodiment includes: a connector housing 11 having a first cavity 16 extending in the front-to-back direction; a first terminal 12 housed in the first cavity 16; a front cover 13 mounted on the front end of the connector housing 11; and a cover member 14 mounted on the upper surface of the connector housing 11. The front cover 13 is mounted on the connector housing 11 from above, and the cover member 14 covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the front cover 13. The front cover 13 has a front cavity 35 extending in the front-to-back direction, and the front end of the first terminal 12 is housed in the front cavity 35.

[0097] Since the cover member 14 covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the front cover 13 , it is possible to suppress the front cover 13 from being separated upward.

[0098] Since the front end portions of the first terminals 12 are housed in the front cavity 35, the front-to-back length of the connector housing 11 can be shortened. This allows the connector 10 to be miniaturized in the front-to-back direction.

[0099] According to this embodiment, a first terminal stopper insertion recess 19 that opens upward and communicates with the first cavity 16 is provided on the upper wall of the connector housing 11, and a first terminal stopper portion 48 that protrudes downward is provided on the cover member 14. When the cover member 14 is assembled to the connector housing 11, the first terminal stopper portion 48 enters the first terminal stopper insertion recess 19 and the first cavity 16, and engages with the first terminal 12 housed in the first cavity 16.

[0100] Since the first terminals 12 can be locked by the cover member 14, it is not necessary to provide a stopper for the first terminals 12. This can reduce the number of components of the connector 10.

[0101] According to the present embodiment, the cover member 14 is provided with the second cavity 28 extending in the front-rear direction, and the second terminal 15 , which is different from the first terminal 12 , is housed in the second cavity 28 .

[0102] Since the cover member 14 can accommodate the second terminal 15 , the number of terminals that can be accommodated in the connector 10 as a whole can be increased.

[0103] According to this embodiment, the cover member 14 is provided with a second terminal stopper insertion recess 47 that opens downward and communicates with the second cavity 28, and the upper wall of the connector housing 11 is provided with a second terminal stopper portion 27 that protrudes upward. When the cover member 14 is assembled to the connector housing 11, the second terminal stopper portion 27 enters the second terminal stopper insertion recess 47 and the second cavity 28 and engages with the second terminal 15 housed in the second cavity 28.

[0104] Since the second terminal 15 can be locked by the second terminal stopper portion 27, it is not necessary to provide a stopper for the second terminal 15. This can reduce the number of components of the connector 10.

[0105] According to the present embodiment, a locking portion 44 that engages with a mating connector is provided on the upper surface of the cover member 14 .

[0106] Since the cover member 14 is provided with the locking portion 44 , the connector 10 can be engaged with the mating connector.

[0107] <Implementation Method 2>

[0108] Next, refer to Figures 10 to 15 The connector 60 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 10 As shown, the connector 60 of this embodiment includes a connector housing 61 , first terminals 12 accommodated in the connector housing 61 , a front cover 62 attached to the front end of the connector housing 61 , and a cover member 63 attached to the upper side of the connector housing 61 .

[0109] [Connector housing 61]

[0110] like Figure 11 As shown, in the connector housing 61 of this embodiment, housing side projections 64 are formed near the left and right ends thereof. In the connector housing 61, a plurality of first cavities 16 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction, and the rows of first cavities 16 are arranged in multiple layers (three layers in this embodiment) in the vertical direction.

[0111] As described above, the rows of first cavities 16 arranged in the left-right direction are stacked in three layers: upper, middle, and lower. In the rows of first cavities 16 in the middle and lower layers, twelve first cavities 16 are arranged in the left-right direction, respectively, in this embodiment.

[0112] In this embodiment, the upper row includes six first cavities 16. Three of the six first cavities 16 are formed in parallel with the housing-side protrusions 64 formed on the left and right ends of the connector housing 61.

[0113] [Front cover 62]

[0114] like Figure 11 As shown, the front cover 62 of this embodiment is formed in a plate-like shape that is elongated in the left-right direction and flat in the front-back direction. Front cover side projections 65 projecting upward are formed at the left and right ends of the front cover 62 at positions corresponding to the housing side projections 64 of the connector housing 61. Front cavities 66 are formed on the front cover side projections 65 at positions corresponding to the first cavities 16 formed in the upper layer of the connector housing 61.

[0115] Front cavities 66 are also formed in the front cover 62 below the front cover side protrusions 65, corresponding to the first cavities 16 formed in the middle and lower layers of the first cavities 16 formed in the connector housing 61. The front end of the connecting barrel 41 of the first terminal 12 is located in these front cavities 66.

[0116] [Cover member 63]

[0117] like Figure 11 As shown, the cover member 63 of this embodiment is formed into a plate-like shape flat in the vertical direction. Cover-side protrusions 67 extending in the front-rear direction and protruding upward are formed at the left and right ends of the cover member 63 and at positions corresponding to the housing-side protrusions 64 of the connector housing 61.

[0118] like Figure 12 As shown, a first terminal stopper portion 69 protruding downward is formed on the lower surface of the cover member 63 at a position corresponding to the first terminal stopper insertion recess 68 of the connector housing 61. The first terminal stopper portion 69 is formed in a wall shape extending in the left-right direction. The outer shape of the first terminal stopper portion 69 is designed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the inner shape of the first terminal stopper insertion recess 68 of the connector housing 61. When the cover member 63 is assembled to the connector housing 61, the first terminal stopper portion 69 is formed so that it can be inserted into the first terminal stopper insertion recess 68.

[0119] like Figure 13 As shown, when the cover member 63 is held at the temporary locking position relative to the connector housing 61 , the first terminal stopper 69 is located so as not to interfere with the first terminal 12 inserted into the first cavity 16 from the rear.

[0120] like Figure 10 As shown, when the cover member 63 is held in the fully locked position relative to the connector housing 61, the first terminal stopper 69 enters the first cavity 16 and is positioned rearward of the rear end of the connecting barrel 41 of the first terminal 12. Therefore, when the first terminal 12 is pulled rearward via the electric wire 36, the first terminal stopper 69 and the rear end of the connecting barrel 41 of the first terminal 12 are locked from behind, thereby preventing the first terminal 12 from being disengaged rearward.

[0121] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, when the cover member 63 is held in the fully locked position relative to the connector housing 61, the front end of the cover member 63 is located above the front cover 62 and abuts against the upper surface of the front cover 62 from above. The upper surface of the front cover 62 is covered by the cover member 63.

[0122] Since the configuration other than that described above is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0123] According to the present embodiment, since the cover member 63 covers the upper surface of the front cover 62 , it is possible to suppress the front cover 62 from being separated upward.

[0124] Since the front end portions of the first terminals 12 are housed in the front cavities 66, the front-to-back length of the connector housing 61 can be shortened. This allows the connector 60 to be miniaturized in the front-to-back direction.

[0125] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0126] (1) The connector housing may be provided with only one layer of multiple cavities arranged in a row in the horizontal direction, or may be provided with four or more layers of cavity rows stacked in the vertical direction.

[0127] (2) The cover member 14 of the first embodiment has the second cavities 28 arranged in a horizontal row. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The cover member 14 may have the second cavities 28 stacked in two or more layers in the vertical direction.

[0128] (3) In the first and second embodiments, the cover members 14 and 63 cover the upper surfaces of the front covers 13 and 62 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A portion of the upper surface of the front cover 13 and 62 may be covered by the cover members 14 and 63 , while the other portion is exposed.

[0129] Description of Reference Numerals

[0130] 10, 60: Connector

[0131] 11, 61: Connector housing

[0132] 12: Terminal 1

[0133] 13, 62: front cover

[0134] 14, 63: Cover member

[0135] 15: Terminal 2

[0136] 16: Cavity 1

[0137] 17: First Spear

[0138] 18: Locking hole

[0139] 19, 68: First terminal stopper insertion recess

[0140] 20: Extending out of the wall

[0141] 21: snap-fit slot

[0142] 22: Side guide ribs

[0143] 23: Front engagement recess

[0144] 24: Engaging claw

[0145] 25: Guide groove

[0146] 26: Rear guide rib

[0147] 27: Second terminal stopper

[0148] 28: Cavity 2

[0149] 29: Rear engagement recess

[0150] 30: Insert hole

[0151] 31: Temporary stop

[0152] 32: Formal stop

[0153] 33: Locking groove

[0154] 34: Stopper

[0155] 35, 66: front cavity

[0156] 36: Wires

[0157] 37: Core wire

[0158] 38: Insulation coating

[0159] 39, 49: Insulation tube

[0160] 40, 50: spools

[0161] 41, 51: Connecting tube

[0162] 42, 52: elastic sheet

[0163] 43: Arm Lock

[0164] 44: Locking part

[0165] 45: Second spear

[0166] 46: Locking hole

[0167] 47: Second terminal stopper insert recess

[0168] 48, 69: First terminal stopper

[0169] 64: Shell side convex part

[0170] 65: Front cover side convex part

[0171] 67: Cover side protrusion

Claims

1. A connector comprising: The connector housing is formed with a first cavity extending in the front-to-back direction; a first terminal received in the first cavity; a front cover mounted on a front end portion of the connector housing; and a cover member mounted on the upper surface of the connector housing, wherein The front cover is assembled to the connector housing from above, The cover member covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the front cover. The front cover has a front cavity extending in the front-to-back direction. The front end portion of the first terminal is housed in the front cavity. A first terminal stopper insertion recess is provided on the upper wall of the connector housing and is open upward and communicates with the first cavity. The cover member is provided with a first terminal stopper portion protruding downward. When the cover member is assembled to the connector housing, the first terminal stopper portion enters the first terminal stopper insertion recess and the first cavity, and is locked with the first terminal accommodated in the first cavity.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein A second cavity extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the cover member, and a second terminal different from the first terminal is accommodated in the second cavity.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The cover member is provided with a second terminal stopper insertion recess that opens downward and communicates with the second cavity. A second terminal stopper portion protruding upward is provided on the upper wall of the connector housing. When the cover member is assembled to the connector housing, the second terminal stopper portion enters the second terminal stopper insertion recess and the second cavity, and is locked with the second terminal accommodated in the second cavity.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A locking portion that engages with a mating connector is provided on an upper surface of the cover member.

5. A connector comprising: The connector housing is formed with a first cavity extending in the front-to-back direction; a first terminal received in the first cavity; a front cover mounted on a front end portion of the connector housing; and a cover member mounted on the upper surface of the connector housing, wherein The front cover is assembled to the connector housing from above, The cover member covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the front cover. The front cover has a front cavity extending in the front-to-back direction. The front end portion of the first terminal is housed in the front cavity. The cover member is formed with a second cavity extending in the front-rear direction, and a second terminal different from the first terminal is accommodated in the second cavity. The cover member is provided with a second terminal stopper insertion recess that opens downward and communicates with the second cavity. A second terminal stopper portion protruding upward is provided on the upper wall of the connector housing. When the cover member is assembled to the connector housing, the second terminal stopper portion enters the second terminal stopper insertion recess and the second cavity, and is locked with the second terminal accommodated in the second cavity.

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