connector unit

Abstract

The connector unit includes a connector housing having a front panel portion and two or more through holes that pass through the front panel portion and communicate with the interior of the connector housing, two of the two or more through holes being disposed in the front panel portion at positions that enclose two opposite vertices of a quadrangle that surrounds the opening portion, one of the two through holes being located at a position that is higher than the opening portion and becomes a cover mounting hole, and the other of the two through holes being located at a position that is lower than the opening portion and becomes a drain hole when the connector unit is installed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector unit, and more particularly to a connector unit in which a cover can be opened and closed to cover an opening for insertion of a counterpart connector during mating. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Document 1 discloses a connector unit capable of discharging water that enters from an opening for insertion of the other side connector to the outside. Figure 21 As shown, the connector unit includes a connector housing 1 made of insulating resin. The connector housing 1 has a cuboid-shaped housing body 2 and a rectangular front panel 3 formed at the front end of the housing body 2.

[0003] An opening 4 is formed in the front panel portion 3. When engaging with the counterpart connector, the counterpart connector is inserted into the opening 4 along the engagement axis and engages with a connector portion (not shown) disposed within the housing body portion 2. The opening 4 has an elongated oval shape extending slenderly in a predetermined direction. Drainage passages 5 to 8 are formed on the back of the front panel portion 3, extending from both ends of the opening 4 in a predetermined direction to the edge of the front panel portion 3.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-204598 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Drainage passages 5 to 8 extend from both ends of the opening 4 to the edge of the front panel 3. Therefore, even if the connector unit is arranged with the opening 4 extending in the horizontal direction, or even if the connector unit is arranged with the opening 4 extending in the vertical direction, water that enters into the connector housing 1 from the opening 4 can be discharged to the outside of the connector housing 1 through at least one of the drainage passages 5 to 8.

[0009] Furthermore, for the purpose of protecting the connector portion disposed within the housing body 2, it is preferable to install a cover that can be opened and closed to cover the opening 4 onto the connector housing 1. In this case, in order to lift the installed cover upwards to expose the opening 4, it is preferable to install the cover using the mounting holes formed in the front panel portion 3, which is located above the opening 4, depending on the orientation of the connector unit.

[0010] Therefore, in order to deal with the two situations where the connector unit is set in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the long side of the front panel 3, it is conceivable to form multiple mounting holes on the front panel 3. However, in order to drain water and install the cover, multiple drainage passages 5 to 8 and multiple mounting holes need to be formed, which makes the structure of the connector unit complicated.

[0011] The present invention was made to solve such conventional problems, and its purpose is to provide a connector unit that, although having a simple structure, can cover the opening of the connector housing with a cover that can be opened and closed, and can drain water that enters the connector housing from the opening.

[0012] Means for solving technical problems

[0013] The connector unit of the present invention utilizes a cover to closably cover an opening for insertion of a counterpart connector, the connector unit comprising:

[0014] The connector part engages with the connector on the other side.

[0015] Connector housing, retaining the connector portion and having an opening; and

[0016] Cover, installed on the connector housing,

[0017] The connector housing has a front panel portion with an opening, and two or more through holes that penetrate the front panel portion and communicate with the interior of the connector housing.

[0018] Two of the two or more through holes are located at the two vertices of a diagonal of the quadrilateral surrounding the opening in the front panel.

[0019] When a connector unit is provided, one of the two through holes is located above the opening and serves as a cover mounting hole for mounting the cover to the connector housing, while the other of the two through holes is located below the opening and serves as a drain hole relative to the connector housing.

[0020] The connector housing can be configured such that it has four through holes that penetrate the front panel portion and communicate with the interior of the connector housing.

[0021] Four through holes are positioned at the four vertices of the quadrilateral surrounding the opening.

[0022] With the connector unit in place, two of the four through holes become cover mounting holes, and the remaining two through holes become drainage holes.

[0023] Preferably, the connector housing has a drainage guide surface that, when the connector unit is provided, connects to a through hole located below the opening and slopes downward toward the outside of the connector housing.

[0024] Preferably, the cover has: a cover portion having a back surface opposite to the front panel portion; and an L-shaped arm connected to the cover portion and formed of an elastic material.

[0025] The L-shaped arm has: a rod-shaped support portion extending protruding in a direction intersecting the back of the cover portion; a curved portion formed at the front end of the support portion; and a rod-shaped hook portion extending from the curved portion in a direction intersecting the support portion.

[0026] The cover is held in place within the connector housing with the hook portion housed inside and the support portion passing through the cover mounting hole.

[0027] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the support and hook portions, the support and hook portions each have a thickness dimension smaller than the size of the cover mounting hole, the maximum dimension of the curved portion is larger than the size of the cover mounting hole, and the hook portion has a length dimension larger than the size of the cover mounting hole.

[0028] The effects of the invention:

[0029] According to the present invention, the connector housing has a front panel portion having an opening, and two or more through holes that penetrate the front panel portion and communicate with the interior of the connector housing. Two of the two or more through holes are arranged in the front panel portion at two opposing vertices of a quadrilateral surrounding the opening. When a connector unit is provided, one of the two through holes is located above the opening and serves as a cover mounting hole for mounting a cover to the connector housing, and the other of the two through holes is located below the opening and serves as a drain hole relative to the connector housing. Therefore, the mounting posture of the connector unit is not limited to one direction. Although it is a simple structure, the opening of the connector housing can be covered by the cover in an openable and closable manner, and water entering the connector housing from the opening can be drained. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the connector unit in the first posture of Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a front view showing the connector unit in the first posture of Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the connector unit in the first posture of Embodiment 1, showing the state in which the cover has been pulled out of the connector housing.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the connector housing in the first posture of Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a front view of the connector housing showing the first orientation in Embodiment 1.

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 BB line section view.

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 CC-line sectional view.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the lid.

[0038] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A sectional view along line AA.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the L-shaped arm of the cover passing through the cover mounting hole in the front panel.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the connector unit in the second posture of Embodiment 1.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the connector unit in the second posture of Embodiment 1, showing the state where the cover has been pulled out of the connector housing.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the connector housing in the second orientation of Embodiment 1.

[0043] Figure 14 This is a front view of the connector housing showing the second orientation in Embodiment 1.

[0044] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector unit in the second posture of Embodiment 1.

[0045] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the connector unit in the first posture of Embodiment 2, showing the state where the cover has been pulled out of the connector housing.

[0046] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the connector housing in the first posture of Embodiment 2.

[0047] Figure 18 This is a front view of the connector housing showing the first orientation in Embodiment 2.

[0048] Figure 19This is a perspective view of the connector unit in the second posture of Embodiment 2, showing the state where the cover has been pulled out of the connector housing.

[0049] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the connector housing in the second orientation of embodiment 2.

[0050] Figure 21 This is a front view showing the existing connector unit.

[0051] Figure Labels

[0052] 1 Connector housing, 2 Housing body, 3 Front panel, 4 Opening, 5-8 Drainage passages, 11, 41 Connector housing, 12, 42 Housing body, 13, 43 Front panel, 14, 44 Opening, 15, 45 Protrusion, 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B Through holes, 18A, 18B Drainage guide surfaces, 21, 31, 51, 61 Cover, 22, 32, 52, 62 Cover, 22A Handle, 23, 33, 53, 63 L-shaped arms, 25, 35 Support, 26, 36 Bend, 27, 37 Hook, 28 Cutout, S Quadrilateral, R Internal space, C1 Connector, H1 Cover mounting hole dimensions, D1, D2 Thickness dimensions, D3 Maximum dimension, L1 Length dimension. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Implementation Method 1

[0055] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figures show a perspective view and a front view of the connector unit according to Embodiment 1. The connector unit includes: a connector housing 11, which is formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin; and a cover 21, which is mounted on the front of the connector housing 11 and is formed of an elastic material such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber).

[0056] The connector housing 11 has: a housing body portion 12 having a generally cuboid shape; and a rectangular front panel portion 13 formed at the front end of the housing body portion 12, with a cover 21 configured to cover the front panel portion 13 of the connector housing 11.

[0057] For convenience, the direction in which the long side of the front panel portion 13 extends along the surface of the front panel portion 13 is called the X direction, the direction orthogonal to the X direction and extending from the front part of the connector housing 11 on which the front panel portion 13 is formed toward the rear part of the connector housing 11 is called the +Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the XY plane is called the Z direction.

[0058] in addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connector unit shown is in a first orientation with the +Z direction pointing upwards along the vertical direction V. That is, the X direction of the long side of the front panel portion 13 extends horizontally.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover 21 is movably mounted on the connector housing 11 and can be pulled out from the connector housing 11 in the -Y direction.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, an opening 14 is formed approximately in the center of the front panel portion 13 of the connector housing 11. This opening 14 faces the mating direction with a mating connector (not shown) and allows the mating connector to be inserted when mated with it. For example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector can be used as the mating connector, and the mating connector is inserted into the opening 14 of the front panel portion 13 from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction.

[0061] A protrusion 15 is formed around the periphery of the opening 14, extending in the XZ plane and protruding in the -Y direction in a manner that depicts an oblong frame surrounding the opening 14.

[0062] Furthermore, in the front panel portion 13, a pair of through holes 16A and 16B are formed at positions on the -X and +X directions of the opening portion 14 and at a position biased towards the +Z direction from the opening portion 14.

[0063] Furthermore, in the front panel portion 13, a pair of through holes 17A and 17B are formed at positions on the -X and +X directions of the opening portion 14 and at a position biased towards the -Z direction from the opening portion 14.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, a pair of through holes 16A and 16B that are biased towards the +Z direction from the opening 14 and a pair of through holes 17A and 17B that are biased towards the -Z direction from the opening 14 are arranged at the four vertices of the quadrilateral S, which surrounds the opening 14 and has a pair of long sides extending in the X direction and a pair of short sides extending in the Z direction.

[0065] When the connector unit is set to the first position, the pair of through holes 16A and 16B on the +Z direction side function as cover mounting holes for mounting the cover 21 to the connector housing 11, and the pair of through holes 17A and 17B on the -Z direction side function as drain holes for draining water that enters the connector housing 11 from the opening 14.

[0066] Specifically, the through hole 16A of the pair of through holes 16A and 16B that serve as cover mounting holes, located on the -X direction side, and the through hole 17B of the pair of through holes 17A and 17B that serve as drainage holes, located on the +X direction side, are positioned at the two vertices of one of the two diagonals of quadrilateral S. The through hole 16B of the pair of through holes 16A and 16B that serve as cover mounting holes, located on the +X direction side, and the through hole 17A of the pair of through holes 17A and 17B that serve as drainage holes, located on the two vertices of the other diagonal of quadrilateral S.

[0067] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the connector unit is positioned in the first posture, the housing body 12 has a drainage guide surface 18A. This drainage guide surface 18A is connected to a through hole 17B located on the -Z direction side and functioning as a drainage hole, and is inclined downward toward the outside of the connector housing 11. The drainage guide surface 18A is inclined in such a way that it is closer to the -Z direction the further it is towards the -Y direction. Similarly, a drainage guide surface 18A that is inclined in such a way that it is closer to the -Z direction the further it is towards the -Y direction is to the through hole 17A located on the -X direction side than the through hole 17B is also connected to the through hole 17A.

[0068] Drainage guide surfaces 18A are connected to the through holes 17A and 17B respectively, so even if water enters the connector housing 11 from the opening 14 of the connector unit in the first position, the water will be guided by the drainage guide surfaces 18A and thus easily discharged from the through holes 17A and 17B to the outside of the connector housing 11.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from the Z direction, drainage guide surfaces 18B are connected to the through holes 16A and 16B respectively. The drainage guide surface 18B connected to the through hole 16A on the -X direction side of the through holes 16A and 16B is inclined such that it is closer to the -X direction as it moves towards the -Y direction, and the drainage guide surface 18B connected to the through hole 16B on the +X direction side is inclined such that it is closer to the +X direction as it moves towards the -Y direction.

[0070] When the connector unit is not set to the first position, but rather to the second position, for example, with the X direction facing the vertical direction V, these drainage guide surfaces 18B are used to guide the drainage of water that has entered the connector housing 11.

[0071] For through holes 17A and 17B located further towards the -Z direction than through holes 16A and 16B, the same drainage guide surface 18B is also connected. That is, the drainage guide surface 18B connected to the through hole 17A located on the -X direction side of through holes 17A and 17B is inclined in such a way that the closer to the -Y direction, the closer to the -X direction; and the drainage guide surface 18B connected to the through hole 17B located on the +X direction side is inclined in such a way that the closer to the -Y direction, the closer to the +X direction.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, the cover 21 has a rectangular and generally flat cover portion 22 extending along the XZ plane, and a pair of L-shaped arms 23 connected to the cover portion 22 and extending in the +Y direction. The pair of L-shaped arms 23 correspond to a pair of through holes 16A, 16B formed in the front panel portion 13 of the connector housing 11. A handle portion 22A for moving the cover 21 is formed at the -Z direction end of the cover portion 22.

[0073] Each pair of L-shaped arms 23 has: a rod-shaped support portion 25 extending protruding in the +Y direction from the back side of the cover portion 22 facing the +Y direction and biased towards the +Z direction; a curved portion 26 formed at the +Y direction end of the support portion 25; and a rod-shaped hook portion 27 extending in the -Z direction from the curved portion 26.

[0074] In addition, the curved portion 26 is the connection part between the mutually orthogonal support portion 25 and the hook portion 27, and has a corner that tapers towards the +Y and +Z directions.

[0075] Furthermore, a cutout 28 is formed in the curved portion 26, which is located in the central part of the curved portion 26 in the X direction and extends along the YZ plane. Due to the presence of this cutout 28, a thin-walled portion is formed in the curved portion 26. The cover 21 is formed of an elastic material, and because the curved portion 26 has a thin-walled portion, the curved portion 26 is configured to be more easily elastically deformable.

[0076] Although Figure 8 Not shown, but an elongated fitting recess corresponding to the protrusion 15 formed on the front panel portion 13 of the connector housing 11 is formed on the approximately central portion of the back side of the cover portion 22 facing the +Y direction. By inserting the protrusion 15 of the connector housing 11 into the fitting recess, the cover 21 is fixed to the front panel portion 13. When the cover 21 is fixed, there is a gap between the cover 21 and the front panel portion 13, which is a structure that can drain water even when the cover 21 is fixed.

[0077] like Figure 9As shown, the L-shaped arm 23 of the cover 21 located on the +X direction side passes through the through hole 16B of the connector housing 11. Similarly, the L-shaped arm 23 of the cover 21 located on the -X direction side passes through the through hole 16A of the connector housing 11. The cover 21 is held in the connector housing 11 with the hook portion 27 of the pair of L-shaped arms 23 housed in the internal space R of the housing body portion 12 and the support portion 25 passing through the through holes 16A and 16B.

[0078] In addition, a connector section C1, etc., is built into the internal space R of the housing body 12, which is fitted along the Y-axis with a counterpart connector (not shown).

[0079] When the connector on the other side is not engaged with connector part C1, such as Figure 9 As shown, the cover 21 moves in the +Y direction while the support portion 25 passes through the through holes 16A and 16B until the cover portion 22 contacts the front panel portion 13 of the connector housing 11.

[0080] like Figure 10 As shown, when viewed from the X direction perpendicular to the YZ plane of the support portion 25, the bending portion 26, and the hook portion 27 of the L-shaped arm 23 containing the cover 21, the support portion 25 and the hook portion 27 respectively have thickness dimensions D1 and D2 smaller than the dimensions H1 of the through holes 16A and 16B that become the cover mounting holes of the front panel portion 13.

[0081] Therefore, the support portion 25 and the hook portion 27 of the L-shaped arm 23 can move smoothly in the Y direction when they pass through the through holes 16A and 16B respectively.

[0082] On the other hand, the curved portion 26 of the L-shaped arm 23 has a maximum dimension D3 that is larger than the dimension H1 of the through holes 16A and 16B. Additionally, Figure 10 The maximum dimension D3 of the bent portion 26 shown is represented by the distance from the connection point between the -Z direction side edge of the support portion 25 and the -Y direction side edge of the hook portion 27 to the corner of the bent portion 26 that tapers towards the +Y and +Z directions. Furthermore, the maximum value of the cross-sectional area when the bent portion 26 is cut by a cutting plane perpendicular to the YZ plane containing the support portion 25, the bent portion 26, and the hook portion 27 is larger than the area of ​​the through holes 16A and 16B.

[0083] Therefore, once the bent portion 26 passes through the cover mounting hole 16 and is housed in the internal space R of the housing body portion 12, even if the force that causes the L-shaped arm 23 to move relative to the front panel portion 13 in the -Y direction is applied to the cover 21 to pull it out from the through holes 16A and 16B, it is not easy to pull the L-shaped arm 23 out from the through holes 16A and 16B.

[0084] Furthermore, the hook portion 27 of the L-shaped arm 23 has a length dimension L1 that is larger than the dimension H1 of the through holes 16A and 16B. Therefore, when the L-shaped arm 23 is moved relative to the front panel portion 13 in the -Y direction, the hook portion 27 contacts and hooks onto the back side of the front panel portion 13 facing the +Y direction, thereby making it impossible to easily pull the L-shaped arm 23 out of the through holes 16A and 16B.

[0085] When installing the cover 21 onto the connector housing 11, after the front ends of the hook portions 27 of the pair of L-shaped arms 23 of the cover 21 pass through the through holes 16A and 16B of the front panel portion 13 and are inserted in the +Y direction, the bent portions 26 of the pair of L-shaped arms 23 are elastically deformed and flattened by the operator's fingers, etc., while being inserted into the through holes 16A and 16B. At this time, by... Figure 8 The presence of the cut 28 shown allows the bend 26 to be easily elastically deformed, making it easy to crush the bend 26 and insert it into the through holes 16A and 16B.

[0086] By moving a pair of L-shaped arms 23 in the +Y direction and inserting the protrusion 15 of the front panel portion 13 into the fitting recess of the cover portion 22, the cover 21 is fixed to the connector housing 11.

[0087] Next, when engaging the unshown counterpart connector with the connector section C1, pull the cover 21 out from the connector housing 11 until the hooks 27 of the pair of L-shaped arms 23 of the cover 21 contact and hook with the front panel section 13 of the connector housing 11. In this state, lift the cover 22 of the cover 21 in the +Z direction and insert the unshown counterpart connector from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction through the opening 14 of the front panel section 13 exposed in the -Y direction, thereby engaging with the connector section C1.

[0088] In this way, although it is a simple structure, the cover can be opened and closed to cover the opening 14 of the connector unit in the first position, and the cover 22 of the cover 21 can be lifted to fit the other side connector. In addition, the cover 21 can be prevented from falling off the connector housing 11.

[0089] In addition, water entering the connector housing 11 from the opening 14 of the connector unit in the first position is guided by the drainage guide surface 18A connected to the through holes 17A and 17B that function as drainage holes, and discharged from the through holes 17A and 17B to the outside of the connector housing 11.

[0090] Here, Figure 11 The connector unit is shown in a second orientation, with the long side of the front panel portion 13 of the connector housing 11 extending in the X direction toward the vertical direction V. Specifically, the connector unit is positioned such that it faces upwards in the +X direction along the vertical direction V.

[0091] The connector unit includes a connector housing 11 and a cover 31 mounted on the front of the connector housing 11.

[0092] Connector housing 11 is Figure 4 The connector housing 11 shown is in the position after being rotated 90 degrees around the Y-axis. The cover 31 is different from the cover 21 used in the first position and is a special cover for the second position.

[0093] That is, regardless of whether the connector unit is set to the first posture or the second posture, a common connector housing 11 is used, and either the cover 21 or the cover 31 is used in accordance with the first posture and the second posture.

[0094] like Figure 12 As shown, the cover 31 is movably mounted on the connector housing 11 and can be pulled out from the connector housing 11 in the -Y direction.

[0095] Cover 31 and Figure 8 The cover 21 shown is also formed of an elastic material such as EPDM, and has a rectangular and generally flat cover portion 32 that extends elongatedly along the XZ plane in the X direction, and a pair of L-shaped arms 33 connected to the cover portion 32 and extending in the +Y direction.

[0096] The connector unit is arranged with the +X direction pointing upward along the vertical direction V. Therefore, the through holes 16B and 17B on the +X direction side of the four through holes 16A, 16B, 17A, and 17B formed in the front panel portion 13 of the connector housing 11 function as cover mounting holes, and the through holes 16A and 17A on the -X direction side function as drainage holes.

[0097] A pair of L-shaped arms 33 of the cover 31 are inserted into through holes 16B and 17B that serve as cover mounting holes.

[0098] Figure 13 The connector housing 11 is shown in a second orientation. Through holes 16B and 17B, which serve as cover mounting holes, are located above the opening 14 in the vertical direction V, and through holes 16A and 17A, which serve as drainage holes, are located below the opening 14 in the vertical direction V.

[0099] like Figure 14 As shown, even in the second posture, the through holes 16B and 17B located above the vertical direction V and the through holes 16A and 17A located below the vertical direction V are also positioned at the four vertices of the quadrilateral S surrounding the opening 14.

[0100] like Figure 15As shown, the L-shaped arm 33 of the cover 31 located on the -Z direction side passes through the through hole 17B of the connector housing 11. Similarly, the L-shaped arm 33 of the cover 31 located on the +Z direction side passes through the through hole 16B of the connector housing 11. The L-shaped arm 33, like the L-shaped arm 23 of the cover 21, has: a rod-shaped support portion 35 extending protruding in the +Y direction from the back side of the cover portion 32 facing the +Y direction and biased towards the +X direction; a bent portion 36 formed at the +Y direction end of the support portion 35; and a rod-shaped hook portion 37 extending in the -X direction from the bent portion 36.

[0101] The cover 31 is held in the connector housing 11 with the hook portion 37 of a pair of L-shaped arms 33 housed in the internal space R of the housing body portion 12 and the support portion 35 passing through the through holes 16B and 17B.

[0102] Similar to the case of cover 21, when viewed from the Z direction, which is perpendicular to the XY plane of the support portion 35, the bending portion 36, and the hook portion 37 of the L-shaped arm 33 containing cover 31, the support portion 35 and the hook portion 37 have thickness dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the through holes 16B and 17B that become the cover mounting holes of the front panel portion 13, and the bending portion 36 has a maximum dimension larger than the dimensions of the through holes 16B and 17B.

[0103] Thus, although it is a simple structure, the cover 31 can be used to cover the opening 14 of the connector unit in the second position, and the cover portion 32 of the cover 31 can be lifted to fit the other side connector. In addition, the cover 31 can be prevented from falling off the connector housing 11.

[0104] In addition, water entering the connector housing 11 from the opening 14 of the connector unit in the second position is guided by the drainage guide surface 18B connected to the through holes 16A and 17A that function as drainage holes, and discharged from the through holes 16A and 17A to the outside of the connector housing 11.

[0105] Implementation Method 2

[0106] In the above embodiment 1, the cover 21 used in the connector unit in the first orientation is held in the connector housing 11 by a pair of L-shaped arms 23, and the cover 31 used in the connector unit in the second orientation is also held in the connector housing 11 by a pair of L-shaped arms 33, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be configured such that the cover is held by only one L-shaped arm.

[0107] Figure 16 The connector unit of Embodiment 2 is shown. The connector unit includes: a connector housing 41 formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin; and a cover 51, which is mounted on the front of the connector housing 41 and is formed of an elastic material such as EPDM. Figure 16This shows the state where the cover 51 has been pulled out from the connector housing 41.

[0108] also, Figure 16 The connector unit shown is in the first orientation, with the +Z direction pointing upwards along the vertical direction V.

[0109] The connector housing 41 has: a housing body portion 42 having a generally cuboid shape; and a rectangular front panel portion 43 formed at the front end of the housing body portion 42, such as... Figure 17 As shown, an opening 44 is formed in the approximately central part of the front panel portion 43 for inserting the opposite-side connector when it is engaged with the opposite-side connector (not shown). A protrusion 45 is formed around the opening 44, extending in the XZ plane and protruding in the -Y direction in a manner that depicts an elongated oval frame surrounding the opening 44.

[0110] Furthermore, in the front panel portion 43, a through hole 46A is formed on the -X direction side of the opening portion 44 and at a position biased towards the +Z direction than the opening portion 44, and a through hole 47B is formed on the +X direction side of the opening portion 44 and at a position biased towards the -Z direction than the opening portion 44.

[0111] like Figure 18 As shown, through holes 46A and 47B are located at two vertices on one diagonal of quadrilateral S, which has a pair of long sides extending in the X direction and a pair of short sides extending in the Z direction surrounding the opening 44.

[0112] When the connector unit is set to the first position, the through hole 46A located on the +Z direction side of the opening 44 functions as a cover mounting hole for mounting the cover 51 to the connector housing 41, and the through hole 47B located on the -Z direction side of the opening 44 functions as a drain hole for draining water that enters the connector housing 41 from the opening 44.

[0113] That is, in the connector housing 41 used in Embodiment 1, the connector housing 41 replaces the connector housing 11. Figure 5 The front panel portion 13 shown has four through holes 16A, 16B, 17A, and 17B, while the front panel portion 43 has only two through holes 46A and 47B. The other structures of the front panel portion 43 and the structure of the housing body portion 42 are the same as those of the connector housing 11.

[0114] like Figure 16 As shown, the cover 51 has: a rectangular and generally flat cover portion 52 that extends elongatedly along the XZ plane in the X direction; and an L-shaped arm 53 that extends protruding in the +Y direction from a position of the cover portion 52 facing the back side in the +Y direction that is biased towards the -X and +Z directions.

[0115] The L-shaped arm 53 has the same characteristics as used in Embodiment 1 and Figure 8 The cover 21 shown has the same structure as the L-shaped arm 23, having: a rod-shaped support portion extending protruding from the back of the cover portion 52 in the +Y direction; a curved portion formed at the +Y end of the support portion; and a rod-shaped hook portion extending from the curved portion in the -Z direction.

[0116] The L-shaped arm 53 is inserted into the through hole 46A, which serves as the cover mounting hole. The cover 51 is held in the connector housing 41 with the hook portion of the L-shaped arm 53 housed inside the housing body portion 42 and the support portion passing through the through hole 46A.

[0117] Even if the cover 51 has only one L-shaped arm 53, it can cover the opening 44 of the connector unit set in the first position by opening and closing, and the cover portion 52 of the cover 51 can be lifted to fit into the opposite connector. In addition, it can prevent the cover 51 from falling off the connector housing 41.

[0118] In addition, water that enters the connector housing 41 from the opening 44 of the connector unit in the first position is discharged to the outside of the connector housing 41 through the through hole 47B, which functions as a drain hole.

[0119] Here, Figure 19 The connector unit is shown in a second orientation, with the long side of the front panel portion 43 of the connector housing 41 extending in the X direction toward the vertical direction V. Specifically, the connector unit is positioned such that it faces upwards in the +X direction along the vertical direction V.

[0120] The connector unit includes a connector housing 41 and a cover 61 mounted on the front of the connector housing 41.

[0121] Connector housing 41 is Figure 17 The connector housing 41 shown is in the position after being rotated 90 degrees around the Y-axis. The cover 61 is different from the cover 51 used in the first position and is a special cover for the second position.

[0122] That is, regardless of whether the connector unit is set to the first posture or the second posture, a common connector housing 41 is used, and either cover 51 or cover 61 is used in accordance with the first posture and the second posture.

[0123] When the connector unit is set to the second orientation, such as Figure 20As shown, the through hole 47B is located further to the +Z direction than the opening 44 and functions as a cover mounting hole for mounting the cover 61 to the connector housing 41. The through hole 46A is located further to the -Z direction than the opening 44 and functions as a drain hole for draining water that enters the connector housing 41 from the opening 44.

[0124] like Figure 19 As shown, the cover 61 is movably mounted on the connector housing 41 and can be pulled out from the connector housing 41 in the -Y direction.

[0125] The cover 61 is formed of an elastic material such as EPDM and has: a rectangular and generally flat cover portion 62 that extends elongatedly along the XZ plane in the X direction; and an L-shaped arm 63 that extends protruding in the +Y direction from the back of the cover portion 62 facing the +Y direction and biased towards the +X and -Z directions.

[0126] The L-shaped arm 63 has the same characteristics as used in Embodiment 1 and Figure 15 The cover 31 shown has the same structure as the L-shaped arm 33, having: a rod-shaped support portion extending protruding from the back of the cover portion 62 in the +Y direction; a curved portion formed at the +Y end of the support portion; and a rod-shaped hook portion extending from the curved portion in the -X direction.

[0127] The L-shaped arm 63 is inserted into the through hole 47B, which serves as the cover mounting hole. The cover 61 is held in the connector housing 41 with the hook portion of the L-shaped arm 63 housed inside the housing body portion 42 and the support portion passing through the through hole 47B.

[0128] Even if the cover 61 has only one L-shaped arm 63, it can cover the opening 44 of the connector unit in the second position by opening and closing the cover 61, and can lift the cover portion 62 of the cover 61 to fit the opposite connector. In addition, it can prevent the cover 61 from falling off the connector housing 41.

[0129] In addition, water that enters the connector housing 41 from the opening 44 of the connector unit in the second position is discharged to the outside of the connector housing 41 through the through hole 6A, which functions as a drain hole.

[0130] Thus, in Embodiment 2, instead of forming four through holes, only two through holes 46A and 47B are formed on the front panel portion 43 of the connector housing 41. However, these through holes 46A and 47B are positioned at two vertices on a diagonal line surrounding the quadrilateral S that surrounds the opening 44. Therefore, regardless of whether the connector housing 41 is in a certain position... Figure 17 In the first posture shown, or in the position shown Figure 20In the second orientation shown, one of the two through holes 46A and 47B can be positioned higher than the opening 44 to become a cover mounting hole, and the other of the two through holes 46A and 47B can be positioned lower than the opening 44 to become a drainage hole.

[0131] Therefore, even if the connector unit is set in either the first or the second posture, the opening 44 can be covered by the cover 51 with only one L-shaped arm 53 or the cover 61 with only one L-shaped arm 63, and the cover portions 52 and 62 of the covers 51 and 61 can be lifted to fit the connector on the other side. In addition, water that enters into the connector housing 41 from the opening 44 can be discharged to the outside of the connector housing 41.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments 1 and 2, as follows: Figure 11 and Figure 19 As shown, the orientation of the connector unit with the +X direction pointing upwards along the vertical direction V is designated as the "second orientation," but the orientation of the connector unit with the -X direction pointing upwards along the vertical direction V can also be designated as the "second orientation." In this case, in Embodiment 1, the through holes 16A and 17A of the connector housing 11 are located above the opening 14 in the vertical direction V and serve as cover mounting holes, while the through holes 16B and 17B are located below the opening 14 in the vertical direction V and serve as drainage holes. In Embodiment 2, the through hole 46A of the connector housing 41 is located above the opening 44 in the vertical direction V and serves as a cover mounting hole, while the through hole 47B is located below the opening 44 in the vertical direction V and serves as a drainage hole.

[0133] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 2, the orientation of the connector unit with the Z direction facing the vertical direction V is designated as the "first orientation," and the orientation of the connector unit with the X direction facing the vertical direction V is designated as the "second orientation." However, the Z or X direction of the connector unit does not necessarily need to face the vertical direction V. For example, the orientation of the connector unit with the Z direction tilted at an angle of 45 degrees or less relative to the vertical direction V can also be designated as the "first orientation," and the orientation of the connector unit with the X direction tilted at an angle of 45 degrees or less relative to the vertical direction V can also be designated as the "second orientation." By applying the present invention, although it is a simple structure, the openings 14 and 44 of the connector unit can be opened and closed using the covers 21, 31, 51, and 61, and water entering the connector housing 11 and 41 from the openings 14 and 44 can be discharged to the outside of the connector housing 11 and 41 through the through holes that serve as drainage holes.

Claims

1. A connector unit, characterized in that a cover can be opened and closed to cover an opening for insertion of a counterpart connector, wherein... The connector unit includes: The connector portion engages with the counterpart connector. Connector housing, holding the connector portion and having the opening; and The cover is mounted on the connector housing. The connector housing has a front panel portion with the opening formed therein, and two or more through holes that penetrate the front panel portion and communicate with the interior of the connector housing. Two of the two or more through holes are positioned in the front panel at two vertices on a diagonal of the quadrilateral surrounding the opening. With the connector unit provided, one of the two through holes is located above the opening and serves as a cover mounting hole for mounting the cover to the connector housing, while the other of the two through holes is located below the opening and serves as a drain hole relative to the connector housing.

2. The connector unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector housing has four through holes that respectively penetrate the front panel portion and communicate with the interior of the connector housing. The four through holes are positioned at the four vertices of the quadrilateral surrounding the opening. With the connector unit provided, two of the four through holes become the cover mounting holes, and the remaining two of the four through holes become the drainage holes.

3. The connector unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connector housing has a drainage guide surface that, when the connector unit is provided, connects to the through hole located below the opening and slopes downward toward the outside of the connector housing.

4. The connector unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover has: a cover portion having a back surface opposite to the front panel portion; and an L-shaped arm connected to the cover portion and formed of an elastic material. The L-shaped arm has: a rod-shaped support portion extending protruding in a direction intersecting the back side of the cover portion; a curved portion formed at the front end of the support portion; and a rod-shaped hook portion extending from the curved portion in a direction intersecting the support portion. The cover is held in the connector housing with the hook portion housed inside the connector housing and the support portion passing through the cover mounting hole. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the support portion, the bend portion, and the hook portion, the support portion and the hook portion each have a thickness dimension smaller than the size of the cover mounting hole, the maximum dimension of the bend portion is larger than the size of the cover mounting hole, and the hook portion has a length dimension larger than the size of the cover mounting hole.

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