Connector

Abstract

Provided is a connector capable of preventing foreign matter from entering the interior of a housing and maintaining the interior of the housing in a state before initial fitting. A connector (10) is provided with a housing (20) that can be fitted to a mating connector (100), and a cover member (60) that is attached to the housing (20). The housing (20) has an elastically deformable lock arm (38) that locks the mating connector (100), and an opening (37) that exposes the lock arm (38) above the housing (20). The cover member (60) has an upper cover portion (61) that covers the opening portion (37) in a state in which the cover member (60) is attached to the housing (20).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plug connector housing that can be engaged with a cover connector housing. A sealing member for sealing between the plug connector housing and the cover connector housing is installed on the plug connector housing. An elastic latch arm is protrudingly formed on the upper surface of the plug connector housing. The elastic latch arm is latched to a latch protrusion of the cover connector housing, so that the cover connector housing and the plug connector housing are maintained in an engaged state. The elastic latch arm is exposed above the plug connector housing. A CPA (connector position assurance device) is movably installed on the cover connector housing in the front-rear direction. The elastic latch arm is partially covered by the CPA from above. Patent Documents 2 and 3 also disclose connectors having a member equivalent to the CPA. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-505113 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-307830 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-76407 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the cover connector housing and the plug connector housing in the mating state are sometimes separated due to maintenance or the like. During the separation, foreign matter such as sand and mud attached to the outer surface of the plug connector housing falls and adheres to the sealing member. If the foreign matter adheres to the sealing member, when the cover connector housing and the plug connector housing are mated again, a defect occurs, such as failure to ensure the required sealing performance.

[0005] Here, foreign matter such as sand and mud may enter the interior of the plug connector housing through the gap above the elastic latch arm that is not covered by the CPA.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector which can prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of a housing and can maintain the interior of the housing in a state before initial mating. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0007] The connector of the present invention comprises a shell that can be mated with a counterpart connector and a cover member installed on the shell, the shell has an elastically deformable locking arm that locks the counterpart connector, and an opening portion that exposes the locking arm above the shell, and the cover member has an upper covering portion that covers the opening portion when installed on the shell. Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of a housing and that can maintain the interior of the housing in a state before initial mating. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover member is held at an initial position relative to the housing in the connector of the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retained portion is arranged to be engageable with the retaining portion when the cover member is located at the initial position in the connector of the first embodiment. Figure 3 It is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the restricting portion is arranged to be engageable with the front surface of the locking hole when the cover member is located at the initial position in the connector of the first embodiment. Figure 4 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which, in the connector of Embodiment 1, the restricting portion is pushed up by the locking portion of the mating housing and the cover member is movable from the initial position to the detection position. Figure 5 It is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the restricting portion is arranged to be engageable with the front end surface of the lock arm when the cover member is located at the detection position in the connector of the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover member is held at a detection position relative to the housing in the connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 This is an enlarged rear view of the upper portion showing a state in which the cover member is held at the detection position relative to the housing in the connector of Embodiment 1. Figure 8 This is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a state in which the stopped surface of the contraction portion is arranged to be able to abut against the stopper surface of the extension portion when the cover member is located at the detection position in the connector of the first embodiment. Fig. 9 This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a rear labyrinth is formed between a fitting recess and an opposing wall when the cover member is located at the detection position in the connector according to the first embodiment. Fig.10 This is a plan view of the housing in the connector according to the first embodiment. Fig.11 This is a perspective view of the cover member in the connector according to the first embodiment. Fig.12 This is a front view of the cover member in the connector according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples. The connector of the present invention, (1) A housing capable of being mated with a mating connector and a cover member mounted on the housing, wherein the housing has an elastically deformable locking arm for locking the mating connector and an opening portion for exposing the locking arm above the housing, and the cover member has an upper covering portion for covering the opening portion when mounted on the housing.

[0011] According to the configuration of (1) above, when the connector is detached, for example, the upper covering portion of the cover member can prevent foreign matter such as sand and mud attached to the outer surface of the housing from entering the interior of the housing through the opening. Therefore, when the housing and the other connector are re-engaged, the interior of the housing can be maintained in the state before the initial engagement.

[0012] (2) In the connector described in (1) above, preferably, a flexing space that allows flexing movement of the locking arm is formed in the shell, the flexing space is open to the rear of the shell, and the cover member has a rear covering portion that covers the flexing space when installed on the shell.

[0013] According to the configuration of (2) above, the rear cover portion of the cover member can prevent foreign matter adhering to the outer surface of the housing from entering the interior of the housing through the flexure space.

[0014] (3) In the connector described in (1) or (2) above, preferably, a labyrinth portion bent in a concave-convex shape is formed between mutually opposing surfaces of the housing and the cover member.

[0015] According to the configuration of (3) above, even if a gap is formed between the surfaces of the housing and the cover member that face each other, the labyrinth structure of the labyrinth portion can prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the housing through the gap.

[0016] (4) In any one of the connectors described in (1) to (3) above, it is preferred that the cover member is installed in a manner so as to be movable relative to the shell between an initial position and a detection position further forward than the initial position, and is a mating detection member that can move to the detection position when the shell and the counterpart connector are properly mated.

[0017] According to the configuration of (4) above, the cover member can have a function of detecting the mating state of the connector in addition to the function of preventing foreign matter from entering the interior of the housing.

[0018] (5) In the connector described in (4) above, preferably, a recess is formed on the upper surface of the upper cover, and an anti-slip portion is formed on a rear surface of the inner surface of the recess that is located on the rear side and faces forward.

[0019] According to the configuration of (5), when the housing and the other connector are separated, for example, when the cover member is moved from the detection position to the initial position, the operator can place a finger on the anti-slip portion to operate, and the cover member is excellent in operability. In addition, foreign matter such as sand and mud can be accumulated inside the recess.

[0020] (6) In the connector described in (4) or (5) above, preferably, a sealing member for sealing between the shell and the mating connector is installed on the shell, and the upper covering portion is configured so that the sealing member is covered from above regardless of the position of the cover member relative to the shell, that is, the initial position and the detection position.

[0021] According to the configuration of (6) above, no matter whether the cover member is located at the initial position or the detection position, the upper cover portion of the cover member can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sealing member, thereby ensuring the required sealing performance between the housing and the mating connector.

[0022] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] The following is a reference to the attached Figure 1 The present invention is not limited to the examples but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0023] <Implementation Method 1> like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 10 of the first embodiment includes a housing 20 and a cover member 60 mounted on the housing 20. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2 , the housing 20 contains the terminal parts 90. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 20 can be mated with the counterpart housing 120 of the counterpart connector 100. In addition, in the following description, regarding the front-to-back direction, the side where the housing 20 and the counterpart housing 120 are mated is referred to as the front side. Figure 1 The vertical direction is based on Figure 1 The left and right directions are taken as the reference. Figure 1 In the figure, the front-rear direction is indicated by arrow X, the left-right direction is indicated by arrow Y, and the up-down direction is indicated by arrow Z. The left-right direction is synonymous with the width direction, and the up-down direction is synonymous with the height direction.

[0024] (housing 20, terminal part 90) The housing 20 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 3 and Fig.10 As shown, the housing 20 includes a housing body 21 and a fitting cylindrical portion 22 surrounding the outer periphery of the housing body 21. The housing body 21 and the fitting cylindrical portion 22 are connected to each other via a connecting portion 23 along the radial direction on the rear side of the housing 20.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a front retainer 24 is mounted on the housing body 21 from the front. The front retainer 24 is made of synthetic resin, is in a cover shape, and has a front wall 25 covering the front surface of the housing body 21. A plurality of protrusion insertion holes 26 are formed through the front wall 25 in the front-to-back direction. Figure 4 As shown, a protrusion 191 of a mating terminal fitting 190 attached to the mating housing 120 is inserted through the protrusion insertion hole 26 from the front.

[0026] A plurality of cavities 27 are formed to penetrate the housing body 21 in the front-rear direction. Each cavity 27 is arranged to communicate with each protrusion insertion hole 26. The terminal fittings 90 are inserted and housed in each cavity 27 from the rear.

[0027] The terminal part 90 is formed by bending a metal plate. Figure 3-Figure 5 As shown, the rear portion of the terminal part 90 is electrically and mechanically connected to the terminal end of the electric wire 200. The front portion of the terminal part 90 receives the tab 191 inserted into the tab insertion hole 26 and is electrically connected to the mating terminal part 190.

[0028] The housing body 21 is provided with a sealing member 50. The sealing member 50 is made of rubber such as silicone rubber and is annular. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the housing 20 and the mating housing 120 are in the fitted state, the sealing member 50 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the housing 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the cover portion 121 of the mating housing 120 .

[0029] The housing body 21 has a cavity tower portion 28 protruding rearward from the connection portion 23. The cavity tower portion 28 is cylindrical and surrounds the rear portion of the cavity 27. A rubber plug 250 attached to the electric wire 200 is accommodated in the rear portion of each cavity 27. The rubber plug 250 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 200 and the inner peripheral surface of the cavity tower portion 28.

[0030] like Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown, the upper part of the fitting cylinder 22 has a pair of left and right side walls 29. The side walls 29 are opposed to each other at intervals in the left-right direction and are formed over the entire length of the front-to-back direction of the fitting cylinder 22. Each side wall 29 is formed in a rectangular plate shape when viewed from the side and is arranged along the front-to-back direction.

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , a disengagement prevention portion 32 is formed protrudingly on the left and right outer sides of each side wall portion 29. The disengagement prevention portion 32 is in the form of a small protrusion and can be locked with a disengagement prevention portion 79 of the cover member 60 described later. Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , an extension portion 33 is formed at the upper end of each side wall portion 29 so as to extend outward to the left and right sides. The extension portion 33 is rib-shaped, such as Figure 8 As shown, it is formed to extend from the front end to the rear of the side wall portion 29. The rear end surface of the extension portion 33 serves as a stopper surface 34 that restricts the forward movement of the cover member 60. The stopper surface 34 is arranged along the left-right direction and can be locked with a stopped surface 74 of the cover member 60 described later.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the fitting cylinder 22 has a bridge portion 35 connected between the front ends of the side wall portions 29. A notch portion 36 is formed in the left and right central portions of the rear ends of the bridge portion 35. Fig.10 As shown, an opening 37 is formed between the side walls 29 and behind the bridge 35. The opening 37 is arranged between the side walls 29 above a lock arm 38 and a fulcrum 31 described later, and opens from the bridge 35 to the rear.

[0033] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 2 , the housing 20 has a locking arm 38 between the side wall portions 29. The locking arm 38 is visible from above through the opening portion 37 except for a portion of the front end portion. Figure 3 and Fig.10 As shown, the locking arm 38 is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction. The locking arm 38 can be elastically displaced (can be tilted) in a seesaw-like manner in the vertical direction via a pair of left and right fulcrum parts 31 that connect the left and right end surfaces of the locking arm 38 and the left and right inner surfaces of each side wall part 29. A locking hole 39 is formed through the locking arm 38 in the vertical direction (the plate thickness direction of the locking arm 38). Figure 5 As shown, the locking portion 122 is embedded in the locking hole 39 of the locking arm 38, and the locking portion 122 is protruding from the upper surface of the cover portion 121 of the counterpart housing 120. The locking portion 122 is embedded in the locking hole 39, so that the housing 20 and the counterpart housing 120 are kept in a mating state. A release operation portion 41 is formed at the rear end of the locking arm 38, and the release operation portion 41 is pressed when the locking arm 38 and the locking portion 122 are released. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the release operation portion 41 has portions extending to both left and right sides. In the left and right middle portions of the lock arm 38, a recess 42 is formed by drawing of a mold (not shown) for forming the lock hole 39. Figure 7 As shown, the recess 42 opens on the lower surface of the release operation portion 41 and is open to the rear.

[0034] like Figure 3 and Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 2 , the housing 20 has an opposing wall 43 at a position below the release operation portion 41 and opposite to the release operation portion 41. The opposing wall 43 is formed in a rib shape that protrudes rearward from the connection portion 23 and extends in the left-right direction. Figure 3 As shown, a bending space 44 that allows the lock arm 38 to be bent is formed between the release operation portion 41 and the facing wall 43 and is open to the rear.

[0035] (Cover member 60) The cover member 60 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3-Figure 6 As shown, the cover member 60 is mounted on the upper part of the housing 20 and is arranged to cover the upper part and the rear part of the upper part of the housing 20. In the case of the first embodiment, the cover member 60 is configured as a mating detection member that can move in the front-to-back direction between the initial position and the detection position relative to the housing 20. The cover member 60 as the mating detection member is configured to be able to move from the initial position ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 position shown) to the detection position ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 position shown).

[0036] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the cover member 60 includes an upper cover portion 61, a rear cover portion 62 protruding downward from a rear end portion of the upper cover portion 61, a pair of left and right side plate portions 63 protruding downward from left and right ends of the upper cover portion 61, and a restricting portion 64 protruding downward from a front end portion of the upper cover portion 61. As described later, the restricting portion 64 restricts movement of the cover member 60.

[0037] The upper cover portion 61 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above (see Figure 1 and Figure 6 ), and is arranged so as to cover the opening 37 of the housing 20 from above (refer to Figure 3-Figure 5 ).like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the upper cover 61 has a recessed portion 65 in a shape in which the center of the upper surface of the upper cover 61 is recessed. The recessed portion 65 has an opening shape that is rectangular when viewed from above. An anti-slip portion 66 is formed on the rear surface of the inner surface of the recessed portion 65, which is located at the rear side and faces the front. The anti-slip portion 66 has a stepped shape that rises in a stepped manner toward the rear. The rear end of the anti-slip portion 66 is located near the rear end of the cover member 60. Fig.12 As shown, the lower surface of the upper cover portion 61 protrudes downward by a protrusion amount corresponding to the depth (recessed amount) of the recessed portion 65 .

[0038] The rear cover portion 62 has a rectangular outer shape in a main view (see Fig.12 ), so as to cover the upper portion of the housing 20 including the flexure space 44 from the rear (refer to Figure 3-Figure 5 ).like Figure 7As shown, the rear cover 62 has an engagement hole 67, and the release operation portion 41 as the rear end portion of the lock arm 38 can be engaged with the engagement hole 67 in the detection position. The engagement hole 67 has a convex portion 68 at a position corresponding to the concave portion 42 of the release operation portion 41 (see Fig.11 ).

[0039] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, at the lower end of the front surface of the rear cover 62, a fitting recess 69 is provided over the entire length in the left-right direction. The fitting recess 69 is open to the front and the bottom except for the left and right ends. The left and right ends of the fitting recess 69 form a square C-shaped shape that is open to the front when viewed from the side, and is closed at the bottom. Fig. 9 As shown, at the detection position, the facing wall 43 is arranged to fit with the fitting recess 69. A rear labyrinth 71 is formed between the left and right ends of the fitting recess 69 and the facing wall 43 that fits therewith. The labyrinth is a labyrinth bent in a concave-convex shape.

[0040] like Fig.11 As shown, each side plate portion 63 is in the shape of a rectangle that is long in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the side. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, each side plate portion 63 is formed with a constricted portion 73 that is recessed from the outer surface of the rear end portion of each side plate portion 63 toward the left and right inner sides. Figure 8 As shown, a front surface portion of the outer surface of the constricted portion 73 facing the bulging side, which is located at the front end and faces forward, serves as a stopped surface 74 that can contact the stopper surface 34 at the detection position.

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, a fitting portion 75 is formed at both left and right ends of the rear side of the cover member 60, and the fitting portion 75 is defined as a door shape in a rear view by the left and right inner side surfaces located on the left and right inner sides of the outer surface of the bulging side of the contraction portion 73, the inner lower surface of the upper cover portion 61 connected to the upper ends of the left and right inner side surfaces, and the left and right outer side surfaces of the rear cover portion 62 connected to the left and right inner ends of the inner lower surface. The portion of the upper end of the side wall portion 29 that is more rearward than the extension portion 33 is fitted into the inside of the fitting portion 75. An upper labyrinth portion 76 that is a labyrinth portion bent in a concave-convex shape is formed between the fitting portion 75 and the side wall portion 29.

[0042] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , each side plate portion 63 has an extension portion 77 protruding from the lower end portion of each side plate portion 63 to the left and right inner sides. The extension portion 77 is formed in a rib shape extending from the rear end of the side plate portion 63 toward the front. Fig.11As shown in FIG. 1 , a sloped portion 78 is formed at the front end of the upper surface of the extension portion 77, which is inclined downward toward the top. In addition, each side plate portion 63 has a disengagement prevention portion 79, which protrudes from a portion of the upper surface of the extension portion 77 connected to the rear end of the sloped portion 78. The disengagement prevention portion 79 is in the form of a small protrusion, and is configured to be locked with the disengagement prevention portion 32 in the initial position (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ).

[0043] The limiting portion 64 is formed in a shape extending in the up-down direction, and protrudes downward from the left and right central portions of the lower surface slightly behind the front end of the upper cover portion 61. The front surface of the limiting portion 64 is arranged to face the front surface of the locking hole 39 of the locking arm 38 (the surface located on the front side of the locking hole 39 and facing the rear) from the rear in the initial position. The limiting portion 64 contacts the front surface of the locking hole 39 of the locking arm 38, thereby limiting the movement of the cover member 60 from the initial position toward the detection position in the front. The rear surface of the limiting portion 64 is arranged to face the front end surface of the locking arm 38 from the front in the detection position. The limiting portion 64 contacts the front end surface of the locking arm 38, thereby limiting the movement of the cover member 60 from the detection position toward the initial position.

[0044] (Function of connector 10) The cover member 60 is arranged at the rear and above the housing 20, and is assembled to the housing 20 in a state of being inclined from the front lower to the rear higher. During the assembly process of the cover member 60, the extension portion 77 slides on the lower surface side of the extension portion 33 while being guided by the inclined surface portion 78, and the restriction portion 64 is inserted into the locking hole 39 from above. When the cover member 60 reaches the initial position relative to the housing 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the restricting portion 64 is configured to contact the front surface of the locking hole 39, restricting the cover member 60 from further moving forward. Figure 2 As shown, the prevented portion 79 faces the prevented portion 32 from the front so as to be contactable, and also prevents the cover member 60 from falling off toward the rear.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, in the initial position, the upper cover 61 is placed on the upper surface of each extension 33 and each side wall 29, and each side plate 63 is arranged opposite to the left and right outer sides of each extension 33. The opening 37 is covered and sealed by the upper cover 61. Figure 3 As shown, the rear cover 62 is arranged behind the flexure space 44. Due to the rear cover 62, the flexure space 44 cannot be seen from the rear.

[0046] The terminal part 90 is inserted from the rear into the cavity 27 housed in the shell 20 while being connected to the terminal portion of the electric wire 200. After all the terminal parts 90 are housed in the shell 20, the shell 20 is mated with the counterpart shell 120. During the mating process of the shell 20 and the counterpart shell 120, the front end of the locking arm 38 interferes with the locking portion 122, and the locking arm 38 is elastically deformed downward. Then, the front surface of the shell 20 reaches a position in contact with the inner side surface of the cover portion 121 of the counterpart shell 120, and the shell 20 and the counterpart shell 120 are in a properly mated state. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , as the housing 20 and the mating housing 120 are properly fitted, the lock arm 38 is displaced in the reset direction, and the lock portion 122 is fitted into the lock hole 39 from below. Then, the restricting portion 64 is pushed up by the lock portion 122, and the locking state of the restricting portion 64 relative to the lock arm 38 is released. At this time, the cover member 60 is in a state of being tilted with the front higher and the rear lower as a whole within the range in which the extension portion 33 can tilt between the upper cover portion 61 and the extension portion 77.

[0047] Then, the cover member 60 moves (advances) toward the detection position. When the restriction portion 64 passes over the front end portion of the lock arm 38, the cover member 60 returns to its original position. Figure 5 As shown, when the cover member 60 reaches the detection position, the restriction portion 64 can contact and face the front end of the lock arm 38 from the front side, restricting the cover member 60 from moving backward (toward the initial position side). Figure 8 As shown, the limiting portion 64 is engaged with the notch portion 36 in a state of being positioned therein. In addition, at the detection position, the stopped surface 74 of the contraction portion 73 can be opposed to the stop surface 34 of the extension portion 33 from behind in contact (see Figure 8 ), and the inner side surface of the fitting recess 69 can be in contact with the rear end surface of the opposing wall 43 from the rear (refer to Fig. 9 ). Thus, the cover member 60 at the detection position is also restricted from moving forward.

[0048] In the above, the rear end of the opposing wall 43 is engaged with the left and right ends of the engaging recess 69, thereby forming a rear labyrinth portion 71 bent in a concave-convex shape between the left and right ends of the engaging recess 69 and the opposing wall 43 (see Fig. 9 In addition, the upper end of the side wall portion 29 is engaged with the inside of the engaging portion 75 of the contraction portion 73, thereby forming an upper labyrinth portion 76 bent in a concave-convex shape between the side wall portion 29 and the engaging portion 75 (see Figure 7 ).

[0049] In addition, at the detection position, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the upper cover portion 61 is arranged to cover the entire upper surface of the housing 20 including the mounting portion 35. The rear cover portion 62 is arranged to be sandwiched between the rear end portions of the side wall portions 29 in the left-right direction above the cavity tower portions 28 (see Figure 7 ).like Figure 7 As shown, the release operation portion 41 is engaged with the engagement hole 67 of the rear cover portion 62, and the convex portion 68 is engaged with the concave portion 42. Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the upper space of the housing 20 including the flexure space 44 is covered and closed by the rear cover 62. In addition, the rear cover 62 is positioned at the upper part of the housing 20 by the release operation portion 41 being engaged with the engagement hole 67.

[0050] Assuming that the housing 20 and the counterpart housing 120 are not properly engaged, the locking portion 122 will not be inserted into the locking hole 39, and the limiting portion 64 is maintained in a state where it can contact and face the front surface of the locking hole 39. Therefore, even if the cover member 60 is pressed forward, it does not move toward the detection position, but stays at the initial position. Therefore, based on the fact that the cover member 60 can move to the detection position, it can be judged (detected) that the housing 20 and the counterpart housing 120 are properly engaged.

[0051] In the above state, the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown) for use. When the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle, foreign matter such as sand or mud may adhere to the connector 10. Here, foreign matter that has fallen on the upper portion of the connector 10 adheres to the outer surface of the cover member 60 and is therefore prevented from entering the interior of the housing 20 through the opening 37 or the flexure space 44.

[0052] Even if foreign matter is about to enter the gap between the upper portion of the housing 20 and the cover member 60, in the case of the first embodiment, the labyrinth structure of the upper labyrinth portion 76 and the rear labyrinth portion 71 makes it difficult for foreign matter to enter the gap, thereby more reliably preventing foreign matter from entering the interior of the housing 20. In addition, foreign matter can also be accumulated in the recessed portion 65 of the upper cover portion 61.

[0053] When the housing 20 and the other housing 120 are to be separated due to maintenance or the like, a finger is placed on the anti-slip portion 66 of the recess 65, and the rear end of the cover member 60 is pressed down from the state of being slightly pulled backward. As a result, the cover member 60 is tilted with the front higher and the rear lower, and the locking state of the limiting portion 64 relative to the locking arm 38 is released, and the cover member 60 becomes movable toward the initial position. Then, the anti-slip portion 66 is pressed backward, and the cover member 60 moves toward the initial position (backward). In addition, the release operation portion 41 is pressed by the cover member 60 and shifted toward the flexure space 44, and the locking state of the locking arm 38 relative to the locking portion 122 is also released. As a result, the housing 20 becomes detachable from the other housing 120. When the cover member 60 reaches the initial position, as described above, the limiting portion 64 is embedded in the locking hole 39, and the tilt of the cover member 60 can be eliminated.

[0054] When the cover member 60 is located at the detection position and the initial position, or when the cover member 60 moves between the detection position and the initial position, the upper part of the sealing member 50 is always covered by the upper cover portion 61 of the cover member 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from falling onto the sealing member 50 from above. In addition, since the state in which the opening portion 37 is covered by the upper cover portion 61 and the flexure space 44 is covered by the rear cover portion 62 is also maintained, it is possible to always prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the housing 20.

[0055] After the housing 20 is separated from the counterpart housing 120, it can be re-engaged with the counterpart housing 120. At this time, as described above, foreign matter is difficult to enter the interior of the housing 20 through the cover member 60, so the interior of the housing 20 can maintain the same state as before the initial engagement. Therefore, the housing 20 and the counterpart housing 120 can be re-engaged with each other without any obstacles.

[0056] As described above, the connector 10 of the first embodiment includes the housing 20 that can be mated with the mating housing 120 of the mating connector 100, and the cover member 60 mounted on the housing 20. The housing 20 includes the elastically deformable lock arm 38 that locks the mating housing 120, and the opening 37 that exposes the lock arm 38 above the housing 20. In addition, the cover member 60 includes the upper cover portion 61 that covers the opening 37 when mounted on the housing 20. Thus, when the connector 10 is detached, foreign matter such as sand and mud attached to the outer surface of the housing 20 can be prevented from entering the interior of the housing 20 through the opening 37 by the upper cover portion 61 of the cover member 60. Therefore, even when the housing 20 and the mating housing 120 are mated again, the interior of the housing 20 can be maintained in the state before the initial mating.

[0057] In the case of the first embodiment, the housing 20 is provided with a flexing space 44 that allows the lock arm 38 to flex, and the flexing space 44 is open to the rear of the housing 20. Furthermore, the cover member 60 has a rear cover portion 62 that covers the flexing space 44 when attached to the housing 20. Thus, the rear cover portion 62 of the cover member 60 can prevent foreign matter attached to the outer surface of the housing 20 from entering the interior of the housing 20 through the flexing space 44.

[0058] In addition, in the case of the first embodiment, the upper labyrinth portion 76 and the rear labyrinth portion 71, which are labyrinth portions bent in a concave-convex shape, are formed between the mutually opposing surfaces of the housing 20 and the cover member 60. Accordingly, even if a gap is formed between the mutually opposing surfaces of the housing 20 and the cover member 60, the labyrinth structure of the upper labyrinth portion 76 and the rear labyrinth portion 71 can prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the housing 20 through the gap.

[0059] In the case of the first embodiment, the cover member 60 is installed so as to be movable between an initial position and a detection position forward of the initial position relative to the housing 20, and is a mating detection member that can move to the detection position when the housing 20 and the mating housing 120 are properly mated. Thus, the cover member 60 has the function of detecting the mating state of the connector 10 in addition to the function of preventing foreign matter from intruding into the interior of the housing.

[0060] In the case of the first embodiment, a recessed portion 65 is formed on the upper surface of the upper cover portion 61, and a concavo-convex anti-slip portion 66 is formed on the rear surface of the recessed portion 65. As a result, when the housing 20 and the counterpart housing 120 are separated, the cover member 60 can be moved from the detection position to the initial position by placing a finger on the anti-slip portion 66 for operation, and the cover member 60 has excellent operability. In addition, foreign matter such as sand and mud can be accumulated inside the recessed portion 65.

[0061] Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, the housing 20 is provided with a sealing member 50 for sealing between the housing 20 and the counterpart housing 120, and the upper covering portion 61 is configured to cover the sealing member 50 from above regardless of whether the cover member 60 is located at the initial position or the detection position relative to the housing 20. Accordingly, regardless of whether the cover member 60 is located at the initial position or the detection position, the upper covering portion 61 of the cover member 60 can prevent foreign matter from falling from above and adhering to the sealing member 50. Therefore, the required sealing performance between the housing 20 and the counterpart housing 120 can be ensured.

[0062] [Other embodiments of the present invention] The above-mentioned Embodiment 1 disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. In the case of the above-mentioned first embodiment, the cover member 60 is configured as a fitting detection member that can move between an initial position and a detection position relative to the housing 20. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the cover member may be a member that is mounted in a manner that does not temporarily stop at the initial position relative to the housing and does not have a fitting detection function. For example, the cover member may be a dedicated cover member having an upper cover portion, etc., or may be a wire cover having a portion that surrounds the wire together with the upper cover portion, etc. In the case of the above-mentioned first embodiment, the cover member 60 has the upper cover portion 61 and the rear cover portion 62. On the other hand, according to other embodiments, the cover member only needs to have at least the upper cover portion and may not have the rear cover portion. In the case of the above-mentioned first embodiment, the labyrinth section is composed of the upper labyrinth section 76 and the rear labyrinth section 71. On the other hand, according to other embodiments, the labyrinth section may be composed of only one of the upper labyrinth section and the rear labyrinth section. Description of Reference Numerals

[0063] 10: Connector 20: Shell 21: Shell body 22: Fitting barrel 23: Connection 24: Front retainer 25: Anterior wall 26: Tab insertion hole 27: Cavity 28: Cavity tower 29: Side wall 31: Fulcrum Department 32: Anti-slip part 33: Extension 34: Stop surface 35: Erection Department 36: Notch 37: Opening 38: Locking arm 39: Locking hole 41: Release operation unit 42: Concave 43: Opposing wall 44: Flexing Space 50: Sealing components 60: Cover member 61: Upper covering part 62: Rear cover 63: Side panel 64: Restriction Department 65: Concave 66: Anti-slip part 67: Fitting hole 68: convex 69: Fitting recess 71: Rear Labyrinth Department (Labyrinth Department) 73: Contraction 74: Stopped surface 75: Chimeric part 76: Upper Labyrinth Department (Labyrinth Department) 77: Extension 78: Bevel face 79: Anti-slip part 90: Terminal parts 100: Other connector 120: Other shell 121: Hood 122: Locking part 190: Other terminal parts 191: Tab 200: Wire 250: Rubber plug

Claims

1. A connector comprising a housing that can be mated with a mating connector and a cover member mounted on the housing, The housing has an elastically deformable lock arm for locking the mating connector, and an opening for exposing the lock arm above the housing. The cover member includes an upper cover portion that covers the opening portion when attached to the housing.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: A flexing space is formed in the housing to allow the locking arm to flex, and the flexing space is open to the rear of the housing. The cover member has a rear cover portion that covers the flexure space when attached to the housing.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: A labyrinth portion bent in a concave-convex shape is formed between mutually opposing surfaces of the housing and the cover member.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The cover member is mounted to the housing so as to be movable between an initial position and a detection position forward of the initial position, and is a mating detection member that is movable to the detection position when the housing and the mating connector are properly mated.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: A recess is formed on the upper surface of the upper cover portion. An anti-slip portion is formed on a rear surface located at the rear side and facing forward among the inner surfaces of the recessed portion.

6. The connector according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: A sealing member is installed on the housing to seal between the housing and the mating connector. The upper covering portion is arranged to cover the sealing member from above regardless of whether the cover member is located at the initial position or the detection position relative to the housing.

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