Connector

Abstract

The invention provides a connector capable of protecting a terminal and improving the operability of the operation of inserting into a connector housing at the same time. The connector is provided with: a frame having an accommodating chamber; a male terminal; a connector housing (3) that holds the male terminal in a state in which the tab portion is projected, and that is inserted into the accommodating chamber; and a cylindrical protective cover (4) that is attached to the connector housing and is detached from the connector housing when the connector housing is inserted into the accommodating chamber, the frame having a guide portion (22) for positioning provided in the inlet portion of the accommodating chamber, the protective cover having a slit-shaped opening (41) and accommodating the tab portion in a state of being attached to the connector housing, the protective cover has a groove portion (43) into which the guide portion is inserted and a release rib (44) provided in the groove portion. The protective cover is deformed so as to enlarge an opening width (Wd) of the opening and is separated from the connector housing due to pressing forces (F1, F2) received by the release rib from the guide portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there was a technology for protecting terminals in connectors. Patent document 1 discloses a terminal protection cover for a connector. The terminal protection cover for a connector is installed on a connector to protect the contact portion of a terminal accessory. The connector includes a terminal accessory and a connector housing that holds the terminal accessory in a state where the contact portion provided on the front end side of the terminal accessory is exposed. The terminal protection cover for a connector includes: a cover body; and an abutment portion, which is provided on the cover body and abuts against the other component when the connector is installed on the other component.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-119074 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the above-mentioned terminal protection cover for connector, the terminal protection cover may be displaced from the counterpart member. If the terminal protection cover is displaced, the workability may be reduced due to reasons such as failure to correctly insert the connector housing.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of protecting a terminal and improving the workability of inserting the connector into a connector housing.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The connector of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a frame having a storage chamber; a male terminal, the male terminal having a protruding piece; a connector housing, the connector housing having a through hole, the through hole holding the male terminal in a state where the protruding piece protrudes, and the connector housing is inserted into the storage chamber while holding the male terminal; and a cylindrical protective cover, the protective cover is mounted on the connector housing before being inserted into the storage chamber, and the protective cover is detached from the connector housing when the connector housing is inserted into the storage chamber, the frame having a guide portion for positioning provided at an entrance portion of the storage chamber, the protective cover having a slit-shaped opening, the opening being located in the connector housing. The body extends in an insertion direction into the accommodating chamber, and the protective cover is constructed to be deformable in a manner that expands the opening width of the opening, the protective cover has a locking portion that locks the connector housing in the insertion direction, and the protective cover forms a accommodating space, and when the protective cover is installed on the connector housing, the accommodating space accommodates the protruding piece, the protective cover has: a groove portion, which is arranged at the front end of the protective cover and for the guide portion to be inserted; and a release rib, which is arranged on the groove portion in a manner that contacts the guide portion, and the protective cover is deformed and detached from the connector housing in a manner that widens the opening width of the opening due to the pressing force received by the release rib from the guide portion.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] In the connector of the present invention, the protective cover has a groove into which a guide for positioning is inserted, and a release rib provided in the groove in a manner contacting the guide. The protective cover is deformed in a manner of expanding the opening width due to the pressing force received by the release rib from the guide, and is detached from the connector housing. According to the connector of the present invention, the workability of inserting the terminal into the connector housing can be improved while protecting the terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the connector according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the sub-connector according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a frame involved in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the protection cover according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a figure explaining the cover mounting process of embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a cutaway perspective view of the connector housing and the protective cover.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the terminal insertion process in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of an assembly unit according to the embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of the positioning step of the embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a side view of the detaching process of an embodiment.

[0023] Fig.11 It is a perspective view of the detaching process of the embodiment.

[0024] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover after deformation.

[0025] Fig.13 This is a cross section of the connector insertion step according to the embodiment.

[0026] Fig.14 It is a figure which shows the frame which restricts the erroneous insertion of a connector housing.

[0027] Description of Reference Numerals

[0028] 1: Connector

[0029] 2: frame, 2a: receiving room

[0030] 3: Connector housing, 3a: Through hole, 3b: Top surface, 3c: Side surface

[0031] 3d: end face

[0032] 4: protective cover, 4a, 4b: opposing walls, 4c, 4d: side walls, 4e: front end

[0033] 5: Male terminal

[0034] 6: Hood

[0035] 10: Sub-connector, 11: Unit

[0036] 20: outer wall, 20a, 20b: side walls, 20c: locking piece, 20d: end surface

[0037] 21: Divider Wall

[0038] 22: Guidance

[0039] 22a: first guide portion, 22b: second guide portion, 22c: third guide portion

[0040] 31: Engagement protrusion, 32: Stopper

[0041] 41: opening, 42: contact portion

[0042] 43: Groove

[0043] 43a: first groove, 43b: second groove, 43c: third groove

[0044] 44, 44a, 44c: Release the ribs

[0045] 45: locking portion, 45c: first locking portion, 45d: second locking portion

[0046] 46: Accommodation Space

[0047] 51: protruding part, 52: joint part

[0048] F1, F2, F3: Pressing force

[0049] WH: Harness

[0050] X: first direction, Y: second direction, Z: third direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Hereinafter, the connector involved in the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. In addition, the constituent elements in the following embodiment include elements that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art or substantially the same elements.

[0052] [Implementation Method]

[0053] Reference Figures 1 to 14 , an embodiment is described. This embodiment relates to a connector. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a sub-connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 2 is a diagram for explaining a cover installation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector housing and the protective cover. Figure 7 1 is a perspective view of a terminal insertion process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a perspective view of an assembly unit according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the positioning process of the embodiment, Fig.10It is a side view of the detaching process of an embodiment.

[0054] Fig.11 is a perspective view of the separation process of the embodiment, Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover after deformation. Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of a connector insertion process according to an embodiment, Fig.14 It is a figure which shows the frame which restricts the erroneous insertion of a connector housing. Figure 6 Show Figure 5 VI-VI section. Fig.12 Show Fig.10 Section XII-XII. Fig.13 Show Fig.12 Section XIII-XIII.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector 1 involved in the embodiment includes a frame 2, a connector housing 3, a protective cover 4, and a male terminal 5. The frame 2 is assembled to the cover 6. The cover 6 is a cylindrical component that holds the connector 1 and holds the other connector. The other connector has a female terminal connected to the male terminal 5. The other connector is connected to the connector 1 by fitting with the cover 6.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector housing 3 and the plurality of male terminals 5 constitute a sub-connector 10. An electric wire W is connected to each male terminal 5. Figure 1 As shown, the connector 1 and the plurality of electric wires W constitute a wire harness WH. The frame 2 of the present embodiment is configured to accommodate the plurality of sub-connectors 10 .

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the sub-connector 10 and the protective cover 4 constitute an assembly unit 11. The protective cover 4 is a component that is mounted on the connector housing 3 before being assembled to the frame 2 and protects the protruding portion 51 of the male terminal 5. As described below, the connector 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the protective cover 4 is detached from the connector housing 3 when the connector housing 3 is inserted into the frame 2.

[0058] In this specification, the insertion direction of the connector housing 3 relative to the frame 2 is referred to as the "first direction X". In addition, the width direction of the connector 1 is referred to as the "second direction Y", and the height direction of the connector 1 is referred to as the "third direction Z". The second direction Y and the third direction Z are orthogonal to the first direction X. The third direction Z is the arrangement direction of the plurality of connector housings 3 in the frame 2. The second direction Y and the third direction Z are orthogonal to each other.

[0059] The frame 2 is formed of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. Figure 3As shown, the frame 2 is a square tube-shaped member having a plurality of storage chambers 2a. More specifically, the frame 2 has an outer wall 20 having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and a partition wall 21. The outer wall 20 has side walls 20a and 20b facing each other in the second direction Y.

[0060] Inside the outer wall 20, a plurality of storage chambers 2a are formed by the partition wall 21. The partition wall 21 is a wall portion orthogonal to the third direction Z, and connects the side wall 20a and the side wall 20b. That is, a plurality of storage chambers 2a are formed in a row in the third direction Z. A locking piece 20c for locking the connector housing 3 is provided on the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 2a. The locking piece 20c is an arm-shaped locking portion extending along the first direction X. The locking piece 20c is respectively arranged on the side walls 20a and 20b.

[0061] The frame 2 has a guide portion 22 for positioning provided at the entrance of the storage chamber 2a. The guide portion 22 is a positioning rib for positioning the connector housing 3 relative to the storage chamber 2a. The guide portion 22 is a protrusion protruding from the end face 20d of the outer wall 20 toward the first direction X. The connector housing 3 is inserted into the storage chamber 2a from the end face 20d side. The guide portions 22 are respectively arranged on the two side walls 20a and 20b. That is, the frame 2 has guide portions 22 for positioning at both ends in the second direction Y. The shape of the guide portion 22 of this embodiment is a prism shape.

[0062] In the frame 2 of the present embodiment, the number of guide portions 22 disposed on one side wall 20a is different from the number of guide portions 22 disposed on the other side wall 20b. Thus, the connector housing 3 is prevented from being inserted into the storage chamber 2a by mistake. In addition, the position of the guide portion 22 on the one side wall 20a is different from the position of the guide portion 22 on the other side wall 20b. Thus, the connector housing 3 is prevented from being inserted into the storage chamber 2a by mistake.

[0063] The guide portion 22 includes a first guide portion 22a, a second guide portion 22b, and a third guide portion 22c. Figure 3 As shown, two guide portions 22a and 22b are provided on one side wall 20a. The two guide portions 22a and 22b are arranged at both ends of the storage chamber 2a in the third direction Z. A guide portion 22c is provided on the other side wall 20b. The guide portion 22c is arranged at the central portion of the storage chamber 2a in the third direction Z. The guide portion 22c is arranged between the two guide portions 22a and 22b in the third direction Z.

[0064] like Figure 2As shown, the connector housing 3 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The connector housing 3 is molded of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The connector housing 3 has a plurality of through holes 3a for holding the male terminal 5. The through holes 3a penetrate the connector housing 3 along the first direction X. The plurality of through holes 3a are arranged in the second direction Y and the third direction Z.

[0065] The connector housing 3 has a locking protrusion 31 and a locking portion 32. The locking protrusion 31 is engaged with the locking piece 20c of the frame 2. The locking protrusion 31 protrudes from the side of the connector housing 3 facing the second direction Y. The locking portion 32 locks the protective cover 4 and positions the protective cover 4 relative to the connector housing 3. The locking portion 32 is provided on the top surface 3b of the connector housing 3 facing the third direction Z. The locking portion 32 is a step formed on the top surface 3b and faces the first direction X.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the protective cover 4 is a cylindrical member. The protective cover 4 is molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The protective cover 4 of this embodiment is formed into a square tube with a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. The protective cover 4 has a pair of opposing walls 4a, 4b and a pair of side walls 4c, 4d.

[0067] The opposing walls 4a, 4b are walls in the long-side direction of the rectangular cross section of the protective cover 4. When the connector housing 3 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 2a, the opposing walls 4a, 4b are opposed to each other in the third direction Z. The side walls 4c, 4d are walls in the short-side direction of the rectangular cross section of the protective cover 4. The side walls 4c, 4d are opposed to each other in the second direction Y when the connector housing 3 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 2a.

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, one of the opposing walls 4b of the protective cover 4 has a slit-shaped opening 41. The opening 41 is arranged at the central portion of the opposing wall 4b, dividing the opposing wall 4b into two. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the protective cover 4 of this embodiment is an open shape in which a part of the rectangle is interrupted. The cross-sectional shape of the protective cover 4 shown in the example is a substantially C-shaped shape. The opening 41 extends in the first direction X, which is the direction in which the connector housing 3 is inserted relative to the frame 2.

[0069] The protective cover 4 can be deformed in such a way as to expand the opening width of the opening 41. Figure 4 As shown by two arrows AR1 in the figure, this deformation is a deformation that moves the side walls 4c and 4d away from each other. The protective cover 4 is configured to be detached from the connector housing 3 by this deformation.

[0070] The contact portion 42 is provided on one of the facing walls 4a. The contact portion 42 is locked by the locking portion 32 of the connector housing 3. The contact portion 42 protrudes from the one facing wall 4a toward the other facing wall 4b. The contact portion 42 is arranged at the center of the facing wall 4a in the second direction Y.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, a groove 43 into which the guide portion 22 of the frame 2 is inserted is provided at the front end 4e of the protective cover 4. The front end 4e is a portion that faces the end surface 20d of the frame 2 when the connector housing 3 is inserted into the frame 2. The groove 43 extends along the first direction X and is open to the inner space of the protective cover 4. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 43 is a shape that allows the connector housing 3 to be positioned relative to the frame 2 by allowing the groove 43 to be guided by the guide portion 22. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 43 of this embodiment is substantially rectangular.

[0072] The protective cover 4 is provided with grooves 43 in a number corresponding to the number of the guides 22. The grooves 43 include a first groove 43a, a second groove 43b, and a third groove 43c. Figure 4 As shown, two grooves 43a and 43b are arranged on one side wall 4c. The grooves 43a and 43b correspond to the guides 22a and 22b of the frame 2, respectively. A third groove 43c is arranged on the other side wall 4d. The third groove 43c corresponds to the guide 22c of the frame 2.

[0073] The protective cover 4 has a release rib 44 provided in the groove portion 43. The release rib 44 is formed so as to contact the guide portion 22 when the guide portion 22 is inserted into the groove portion 43. In other words, the release rib 44 is provided so as to interfere with the trajectory of the guide portion 22 in the groove portion 43. The release rib 44 is a rib that deforms the protective cover 4 in a manner that expands the opening width of the opening 41 and causes the protective cover 4 to be detached from the connector housing 3. The release rib 44 is arranged at the end of the groove portion 43 in the second direction Y. In other words, the release rib 44 is arranged on the bottom surface of the groove portion 43 that is recessed toward the second direction Y.

[0074] The release rib 44 includes a release rib 44a disposed in the first groove portion 43a and a release rib 44c disposed in the third groove portion 43c. That is, the protective cover 4 has the release rib 44 at both ends in the second direction Y. The release rib 44 is disposed in the central portion of the groove portion 43 in the third direction Z and extends along the first direction X. The third direction Z is the groove width direction of the groove portion 43. The end surface 44s of the release rib 44 is inclined so that the release rib 44 can jump onto the guide portion 22.

[0075] The protective cover 4 has a locking portion 45 for locking the connector housing 3 in the first direction X. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the locking portion 45 has a first locking portion 45c provided on the side wall 4c and a second locking portion 45d provided on the side wall 4d. Figure 2 As shown, the first stopper 45c is disposed at the corner where the side wall 4c and the opposing wall 4b intersect. Figure 4 As shown, the second locking portion 45d is arranged at a corner where the side wall 4d and the opposing wall 4b intersect.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the locking portion 45 has a supporting surface 47 and a locking surface 48. The locking surface 48 is a surface that locks the end surface 3d of the connector housing 3. The end surface 3d is a surface that faces the storage chamber 2a when the connector housing 3 is inserted into the frame 2. The supporting surface 47 is a surface that supports the side surface 3c of the connector housing 3 when the protective cover 4 is detached from the connector housing 3. The protective cover 4 supports the connector housing 3 from both sides in the second direction Y through the supporting surface 47, thereby limiting the position deviation of the connector housing 3.

[0077] The support surface 47 of this embodiment is an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the side walls 4c and 4d. In more detail, the support surface 47 of the first stopper 45c is inclined relative to the side wall 4c in a manner that moves away from the side wall 4c as it moves from the opposing wall 4a side toward the opposing wall 4b side. The support surface 47 of the second stopper 45d is inclined relative to the side wall 4d in a manner that moves away from the side wall 4d as it moves from the opposing wall 4a side toward the opposing wall 4b side. The protective cover 4 is configured so that when the protective cover 4 is deformed and detached from the connector housing 3, the two support surfaces 47 are parallel.

[0078] A method for manufacturing a connector according to the present embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing a connector includes a cover mounting step, a terminal inserting step, a positioning step, a detaching step, and a connector inserting step.

[0079] The cover installation process is a process of installing the protective cover 4 on the connector housing 3. The cover installation process is performed by, for example, an operator. Figure 5 As shown, the connector housing 3 is inserted into the protective cover 4. Figure 6 3 shows a state where the cover installation process is completed. The connector housing 3 is inserted into the protective cover 4 with the end surface 3d as the front side. The connector housing 3 is inserted into the protective cover 4 until the abutment portion 42 of the protective cover 4 is engaged with the stop portion 32. Once the abutment portion 42 is engaged with the stop portion 32, the cover installation process is completed.

[0080] The locking portion 45 of the protective cover 4 is opposed to the end face 3d of the connector housing 3 in the first direction X, and locks the end face 3d. That is, the protective cover 4 is positioned relative to the connector housing 3 by the abutment portion 42 and the locking portion 45. The locking portion 45 restricts the movement of the connector housing 3 toward the first side X1 of the first direction X. The first side X1 is the inner side of the connector housing 3 relative to the insertion direction when the protective cover 4 is inserted. The abutment portion 42 restricts the movement of the connector housing 3 toward the second side X2 of the first direction X. The second side X2 is the side opposite to the first side X1.

[0081] The protective cover 4 attached to the connector housing 3 is formed with a housing space 46 for housing the protruding piece 51 of the male terminal 5. The housing space 46 is a space located closer to the first side X1 than the end surface 3d of the connector housing 3.

[0082] The terminal insertion process is performed after the cover installation process. The terminal insertion process is performed by an operator, for example. Figure 7 As shown, the male terminal 5 has a tab portion 51 and a joint portion 52. The tab portion 51 is a portion that is inserted into the female terminal of the other party and connected to the female terminal. The joint portion 52 is a portion that is joined to the core wire of the electric wire W. The joint portion 52 is, for example, crimped to the core wire. In the terminal insertion process, the male terminal 5 is inserted into the through hole 3a of the connector housing 3 with the tab portion 51 as the front side. The male terminal 5 is inserted into the through hole 3a until the tab portion 51 protrudes from the end surface 3d, and is held by the through hole 3a.

[0083] exist Figure 8 2 shows a state where the terminal insertion process is completed. The protruding piece 51 of the male terminal 5 is accommodated in the accommodation space 46 formed by the protective cover 4. The protective cover 4 protects the protruding piece 51 so that other devices and equipment do not come into contact with the protruding piece 51.

[0084] The positioning process is performed after the terminal insertion process. The positioning process is performed by an operator, for example. The positioning process is a process for positioning the protective cover 4 and the connector housing 3 relative to the frame 2. Fig. 9 As shown, the protective cover 4 and the connector housing 3 are positioned relative to the frame 2. More specifically, the protective cover 4 and the connector housing 3 are positioned so that the front end 4e of the protective cover 4 faces the end surface 20d of the frame 2. Fig. 9 As shown, the position of the protective cover 4 at this time is such that the first groove 43a faces the first guide 22a, and the second groove 43b faces the second guide 22b. As a result, the third groove 43c faces the third guide 22c.

[0085] In the positioning process, the operator moves the protective cover 4 from Fig. 9 The position shown is moved toward the frame 2 in the first direction X. As a result, the guide portions 22a, 22b, 22c are inserted into the corresponding groove portions 43a, 43b, 43c. The guide portion 22 is inserted into the groove portion 43 to position the protective cover 4 and the connector housing 3. At this time, the position of the connector housing 3 is a position that is opposite to the storage chamber 2a of the frame 2 and can be inserted into the storage chamber 2a.

[0086] The disengagement process is performed after the positioning process. The disengagement process is performed by, for example, an operator. The disengagement process is a process of disengaging the protective cover 4 from the connector housing 3. When the guide portion 22 is inserted deep into the groove portion 43, the guide portion 22 contacts the release rib 44 to deform the protective cover 4.

[0087] exist Fig.10 and Fig.11 2 shows the protective cover 4 after deformation. At this time, the front end 4e of the protective cover 4 abuts against the end surface 20d of the frame 2. That is, the guide portion 22 deforms the protective cover 4 before the front end 4e of the protective cover 4 abuts against the end surface 20d of the frame 2.

[0088] exist Fig.12 The deformed protective cover 4 is shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the first guide portion 22a contacts the release rib 44a of the first groove portion 43a. The first guide portion 22a applies a pressing force F1 toward the first side Y1 of the second direction Y to the release rib 44a. On the other hand, the third guide portion 22c contacts the release rib 44c of the third groove portion 43c. The third guide portion 22c applies a pressing force F2 toward the second side Y2 of the second direction Y to the release rib 44c.

[0089] The protective cover 4 is deformed by the two pressing forces F1 and F2 so as to expand the opening width Wd of the opening 41. This deformation is a deformation that bends the opposing wall 4a toward the other opposing wall 4b. In other words, the guides 22a and 22c deform the protective cover 4 so as to move the two locking portions 45c and 45d of the protective cover 4 away from each other. As a result, the two locking portions 45c and 45d move toward the release position. The release position is a position where the connector housing 3 is not locked and the movement of the connector housing 3 toward the frame 2 is not hindered.

[0090] The connector insertion process is performed after the detachment process. The connector insertion process is performed by, for example, an operator. The connector insertion process is a process of inserting the connector housing 3 into the storage chamber 2 a of the frame 2 .

[0091] In the state where the protective cover 4 is deformed due to the detachment process, the operator applies pressure to the connector housing 3. Fig.13 The pressing force F3 is a force that pushes the connector housing 3 toward the receiving chamber 2a. The connector housing 3 is inserted into the receiving chamber 2a while sliding inside the protective cover 4 by the pressing force F3. At this time, the supporting surface 47 of the protective cover 4 supports the connector housing 3 from both sides of the second direction Y. Fig.12 As shown, the support surface 47 of the locking portion 45 is located near the side surface 3c of the connector housing 3 when viewed from the first direction X. That is, the two support surfaces 47 protect the connector housing 3 from both sides in the second direction Y so that the position of the connector housing 3 in the second direction Y does not deviate. The connector housing 3 is inserted until the locking protrusion 31 is locked with the locking piece 20c of the frame 2.

[0092] When the connector housing 3 is inserted into the storage chamber 2a, the protective cover 4 is completely detached from the connector housing 3. The operator collects the detached protective cover 4. At this time, the wire W passes through the opening 41 of the protective cover 4. The opening width of the opening 41 is set to a width that at least allows the wire W to pass through.

[0093] The connector 1 of this embodiment can prevent the connector housing 3 from being inserted into the frame 2 by mistake. Fig.14 2 shows the connector housing 3 and the protection cover 4 about to be inserted into the frame 2 in an incorrect posture. Fig.14 The protective cover 4 shown is relative to Fig. 9 The protective cover 4 shown is reversed. The first groove portion 43a and the second groove portion 43b of the protective cover 4 are opposite to the third guide portion 22c of the frame. In this case, the third guide portion 22c interferes with the protective cover 4. Similarly, at the end on the opposite side, the third groove portion 43c of the protective cover 4 is opposite to the first guide portion 22a and the second guide portion 22b of the frame 2. The first guide portion 22a and the second guide portion 22b interfere with the protective cover 4. That is, when the protective cover 4 is reversed relative to the normal posture, the guide portion 22 cannot be inserted into the corresponding groove portion 43. As a result, the incorrect insertion of the connector housing 3 relative to the frame 2 is suppressed before it occurs.

[0094] As described above, the connector 1 of the present embodiment includes a frame 2, a male terminal 5, a connector housing 3, and a cylindrical protective cover 4. The frame 2 includes a storage chamber 2a. The male terminal 5 includes a tab 51. The connector housing 3 includes a through hole 3a for holding the male terminal 5 in a state where the tab 51 protrudes. The connector housing 3 is inserted into the storage chamber 2a while holding the male terminal 5. The protective cover 4 is attached to the connector housing 3 before being inserted into the storage chamber 2a. The protective cover 4 is detached from the connector housing 3 when the connector housing 3 is inserted into the storage chamber 2a.

[0095] The frame 2 has a positioning guide 22 provided at the entrance of the storage chamber 2a. The protective cover 4 has a slit-shaped opening 41 extending in the insertion direction of the connector housing 3 into the storage chamber 2a. The protective cover 4 is configured to be deformable so as to expand the opening width Wd of the opening 41.

[0096] The protective cover 4 has an abutment portion 42 that is locked by the connector housing 3 in the insertion direction. When the protective cover 4 is mounted on the connector housing 3, an accommodation space 46 for accommodating the protruding piece 51 is formed. The protective cover 4 has a groove portion 43 for inserting the guide portion 22 and a release rib 44. The groove portion 43 is arranged at the front end 4e of the protective cover 4. The release rib 44 is provided in the groove portion 43 in a manner that contacts the guide portion 22. The protective cover 4 is deformed in a manner that expands the opening width Wd of the opening 41 due to the pressing forces F1 and F2 received by the release rib 44 from the guide portion 22, and is detached from the connector housing 3.

[0097] In the connector 1 of the present embodiment, by inserting the guide portion 22 for positioning into the groove portion 43 of the protective cover 4, it is possible not only to position the connector housing 3 relative to the frame 2 but also to detach the protective cover 4 from the connector housing 3. Therefore, the connector 1 of the present embodiment can improve the workability of inserting the connector housing 3 into the frame 2.

[0098] The protective cover 4 of this embodiment is deformed so that the locking portion 45 moves to the release position due to the pressing forces F1 and F2 received by the release rib 44 from the guide portion 22. The release position of the locking portion 45 is a position that does not lock the connector housing 3 and allows the connector housing 3 to move toward the storage chamber 2a. With such a structure, the connector housing 3 can be moved toward the storage chamber 2a while the protective cover 4 is in contact with the frame 2.

[0099] The protective cover 4 of this embodiment has two locking portions 45c and 45d. The two locking portions 45c and 45d are arranged on both sides of the width direction of the protective cover 4 with respect to the opening 41. The two locking portions 45c and 45d protect the connector housing 3 moving toward the storage chamber 2a from both sides in the width direction, thereby limiting the position deviation of the connector housing 3. With such a structure, the posture of the connector housing 3 can be stabilized so that it can be properly inserted into the storage chamber 2a.

[0100] In addition, the shape of the protective cover 4 is not limited to the shape illustrated in the embodiment. For example, the number of grooves 43 arranged on the side wall 4c and the number of grooves 43 arranged on the side wall 4d may be the same. In this case, the position of the groove 43 of the side wall 4c and the position of the groove 43 of the side wall 4d can be staggered in the third direction Z, thereby preventing the connector housing 3 from being inserted incorrectly.

[0101] The contents disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments can be executed in combination as appropriate.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that: have: a frame having a receiving chamber; a male terminal having a tab portion; a connector housing having a through hole, the through hole holding the male terminal in a state where the protruding piece protrudes, and the connector housing being inserted into the accommodating chamber in a state where the male terminal is held; as well as a cylindrical protective cover which is mounted on the connector housing before being inserted into the accommodating chamber and is detached from the connector housing when the connector housing is inserted into the accommodating chamber, The frame has a guide portion for positioning provided at an entrance portion of the accommodation chamber, The protective cover has a slit-shaped opening extending in an insertion direction of the connector housing into the accommodating chamber, and the protective cover is configured to be deformable in a manner to expand an opening width of the opening. The protective cover has a locking portion that locks the connector housing in the insertion direction, and the protective cover is formed with a storage space that accommodates the protruding piece when the protective cover is mounted on the connector housing. The protective cover has: a groove portion, which is arranged at the front end of the protective cover and into which the guide portion is inserted; and a release rib provided on the groove portion in a manner contacting the guide portion, and The protective cover is deformed so as to widen the opening width of the opening due to the pressing force received by the release rib from the guide portion, and is detached from the connector housing.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The protective cover is deformed in such a manner that the locking portion moves to a released position due to the pressing force received by the release rib from the guide portion. The release position of the locking portion is a position where the connector housing is not locked and the connector housing is allowed to move toward the storage chamber.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that The protective cover has two locking parts. The two locking portions are arranged on both sides of the opening in the width direction of the protective cover, and The two locking portions protect the connector housing moving toward the accommodation chamber from both sides in the width direction, thereby restricting positional deviation of the connector housing.

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