Connector and connector unit

Abstract

The invention provides a connector and a connector unit, which not only can protect a tab inside a cover part, but also can realize miniaturization and low cost. The connector (10) is provided with a terminal fitting (90) and a cover part (20), the terminal fitting (90) is provided with a tab (91), and the tab (91) protrudes into the cover part (20). One connector (10A) of the two connectors (10A, 10B) is provided with a first locking part (32) on the cover part (20), and the first locking part (32) is provided with a part protruding from the edge of the opening of the cover part (20). The other connector (10B) is provided with a second locking part (33). The first locking part (32) of one connector (10A) is locked to the second locking part (33) of the other connector (10B), so that the two connectors (10A, 10B) are arranged in a state in which the edges of the openings of the two connectors (10A, 10B) are butted with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector unit. Background Art

[0002] The connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a male terminal, a cover portion, and a movable plate. The male terminal has a tab that projects into the interior of the cover portion, and the movable plate is assembled inside the cover portion. Before the connector is mated with a mating connector, the tab is positioned inside the cover portion by the movable plate. Assuming that a foreign object enters the interior of the cover portion before the connector is mated, it is possible to prevent the foreign object from contacting the movable plate and the tab from being damaged. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for connecting the sides of two housings to each other. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-117578 Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 54-36787 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, each connector includes a movable plate, and the cost may be higher compared to the case where the movable plate is not provided. In addition, it is necessary to ensure a space inside the cover portion where the movable plate can be assembled, so it is sometimes difficult to apply it to a small-sized connector. On the other hand, when the connector does not include a movable plate, there is a problem that the tab cannot be protected.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector and a connector unit that can not only protect the tab but also achieve miniaturization and cost reduction. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure includes a terminal component and a cover portion. The terminal component has a tab that projects into the interior of the cover portion. The cover portion has a first locking portion and a second locking portion that are formed in a shape that can be locked to each other. The first locking portion has a portion that projects forward beyond the edge of the opening of the front surface of the cover portion. The first locking portion and the second locking portion are arranged at positions that are line-symmetrical or point-symmetrical to each other when the cover portion is viewed from the front.

[0007] The connector unit of the present disclosure is composed of two connectors of the same type or different types. Both of the two connectors include a terminal part and a cover part. The terminal part has a tab that protrudes into the interior of the cover part. One of the two connectors has a first locking part on the cover part. The first locking part has a portion that protrudes forward beyond the edge of the opening on the front surface of the cover part. The other connector has a second locking part. The two connectors are engaged such that the first locking part of one connector is locked to the second locking part of the other connector with the edges of their respective openings butted against each other. Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a connector and a connector unit can be provided that can not only protect the tab inside the cover part but also achieve miniaturization and cost reduction. Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector in Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a front view of one of the connectors in Embodiment 1, with the other connector in the connected state shown by a dashed double-dotted line. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector unit formed by connecting two connectors in Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector unit formed by connecting two connectors in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a front view of the connector in Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is a top view of the connector unit formed by connecting two connectors in Embodiment 2, with the connection part cut and shown. Figure 7 (A) is a front view of the first connector in Embodiment 3, Figure 7 (B) is a front view of the second connector in Embodiment 3. Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector unit formed by connecting the first connector and the second connector in Embodiment 3. Detailed Embodiments

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure, (1) It has a terminal part and a cover part. The terminal part has a tab that protrudes into the interior of the cover part. The cover part has a first locking part and a second locking part that are formed in a shape that can be locked to each other. The first locking part has a part that protrudes forward beyond the edge of the opening on the front surface of the cover part. The first locking part and the second locking part are arranged at positions that are line-symmetric or point-symmetric to each other when the cover part is viewed from the front.

[0011] For example, when moving between wire harness processes or the like, when the edges of the openings of two connectors are butted against each other, the second locking part of the other connector can be locked to the first locking part of one connector, and the second locking part of one connector can be locked to the first locking part of the other connector. Thus, the two connectors can be connected. Tabs are respectively arranged inside the cover parts of the two connectors in the connected state, and the tabs are protected from external foreign objects. Therefore, according to the structure of the above (1), even if the connector does not have a moving plate, the tabs inside the cover part can be protected. And correspondingly to the connector not having a moving plate, low cost can be suppressed, and it can also be applied to small connectors. In addition, the above-mentioned locking refers to the following state: when the edges of the openings of two connectors are butted against each other, the two connectors maintain the connected state and are locked in a non-detaching manner.

[0012] (2) In the connector described in the above (1), preferably, the first locking part is formed in a convex shape protruding from the edge of the opening, and the second locking part is formed in a concave shape that can fit the first locking part at the edge of the opening.

[0013] According to the structure of the above (2), when forming the first locking part and the second locking part, processing such as elastic locking does not need to be performed, and the workability is excellent. In addition, the edges of the openings of the two connectors can be simply butted against each other to connect the two connectors.

[0014] (3) In the connector described in the above (2), preferably, a press-fitting rib is formed on at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the first locking part and the inner peripheral surface of the second locking part in a shape that can contact the other surface.

[0015] According to the structure of the above (3), the shapes of the first locking part and the second locking part are not particularly complicated, and the locking force (connecting force) of the first locking part and the second locking part can be improved.

[0016] (4) In the connector described in any one of the above (1) to (3), preferably, multiple groups of the first locking part and the second locking part are arranged at positions that are point-symmetric with the center of the opening as the rotation center.

[0017] According to the structure in (4) above, by means of multiple groups of the first locking portions and the second locking portions, when the edges of the openings of the two connectors are butted against each other, the reliability of maintaining the connection state of the two connectors can be improved.

[0018] (5) In the connector described in (4) above, preferably, the first locking portion is disposed on any one of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the edge of the opening, and the second locking portion is disposed on the other side opposite to the one side of the edge of the opening.

[0019] According to the structure in (5) above, an operator can easily identify the upper, lower, left, and right orientations of the connector by confirming the positions of the respective first locking portions and the second locking portions at the edge of the opening of the cover portion. As a result, the connector can be fitted with the mating connector in the corresponding orientation, and the fitting operation can be performed quickly.

[0020] In addition, the connector unit of the present disclosure (6) is composed of two connectors of the same type or different types. Both of the two connectors include a terminal part and a cover portion. The terminal part has a tab that protrudes into the interior of the cover portion. One of the two connectors has a first locking portion in the cover portion. The first locking portion has a part that protrudes forward beyond the edge of the opening on the front surface of the cover portion. The other connector has a second locking portion. The two connectors are in a state where the edges of the respective openings are butted against each other, and the first locking portion of the one connector is locked to the second locking portion of the other connector.

[0021] For example, when moving between wire harness processes, etc., by butting the edges of the openings of two connectors of the same type or different types against each other, the two connectors are connected via the first locking portion and the second locking portion, and each tab can be protected from external foreign matters inside the cover portions of the two connectors. When protecting the tab, the connector may not be provided with a moving plate, so accordingly, miniaturization and cost reduction of the connector can be achieved. In addition, the above-mentioned locking refers to the following state: when the edges of the openings of the two connectors are butted against each other, the two connectors maintain the connection state and are locked in a non-detaching manner.

[0022] [Details of the Embodiment of the Present Disclosure] The following describes specific examples of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this illustration, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0023] <Embodiment 1> As Figure 1As shown, the connector 10 of Embodiment 1 includes a terminal part 90 and a cover part 20. The terminal part 90 has a tab 91 that projects into the interior of the cover part 20. The connector 10 is exemplified as a male connector. The cover part 20 can be fitted with a mating connector (female connector) not shown. In addition, in the following description, regarding the front-rear direction, the side where the cover part 20 is fitted with the mating connector is taken as the front side. The left-right direction is based on the left-right direction of Figure 1 . The up-down direction is based on the up-down direction of Figure 1 . In Figure 1 , the front-rear direction is represented by reference numeral X, the left-right direction is represented by reference numeral Y, and the up-down direction is represented by reference numeral Z. The reference for these directions does not necessarily coincide with the reference for the direction when the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle or the like not shown.

[0024] (Cover part 20 and terminal part 90) The cover part 20 is made of synthetic resin and has a square tubular fitting part 21. The fitting part 21 has an upper wall part 22 and a lower wall part 23 that face each other in the up-down direction and a pair of left and right side wall parts 24 that face each other in the left-right direction. The upper wall part 22 and the lower wall part 23 extend in the left-right direction. Each side wall part 24 extends in the up-down direction. Corners 25 are respectively formed between the upper end parts of the side wall parts 24 and the left and right end parts of the upper wall part 22 and between the lower end parts of the side wall parts 24 and the left and right end parts of the lower wall part 23. On the inner surface of the lower wall part 23 (the surface facing the upper wall part 22), a pair of guide ribs 26 are formed to project at intervals in the left-right direction. The two guide ribs 26 extend parallel to each other in the front-rear direction. A rib-shaped locking part 27 that extends between the two guide ribs 26 is formed at the left and right central part of the inner surface of the lower wall part 23. The mating connector is guided by the two guide ribs 26 and is fitted into the interior of the cover part 20 and is locked to the locking part 27. Thereby, the mating connector is held in a fitted state inside the cover part 20.

[0025] On the outer surface of the upper wall part 22 (the surface on the side opposite to the surface facing the lower wall part 23), a pair of guide rail parts 28 are formed to project at intervals in the left-right direction. The two guide rail parts 28 extend parallel to each other in the front-rear direction. The two guide rail parts 28 are mounted on a bracket not shown. The connector 10 is supported on the vehicle body or the like via the bracket.

[0026] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, a terminal mounting part 29 is continuously formed behind the fitting part 21. As Figure 4As shown, a plurality of terminal parts 90 are mounted on the terminal mounting portion 29. Each terminal part 90 is integrally formed by bending a conductive metal plate or the like. A tab 91 is formed to protrude from the front portion of each terminal part 90. The tabs 91 of each terminal part 90 are disposed inside the cover portion 20. The rear portion of each terminal part 90 is connected to the terminal portion of the wire W. Each wire W is led out from the rear surface of the terminal mounting portion 29. Further, a stopper 31 for preventing the terminal part 90 from falling off is mounted on the terminal mounting portion 29.

[0027] Next, as Figure 1 shown, the front surface 39 (opening end surface, top end surface) of the cover portion 20 is a portion forming the edge of the opening of the cover portion 20, and includes the front surfaces of the two guide ribs 26 and the two guide rail portions 28, and is continuous throughout the circumference at the same position in the front-rear direction. In the case of the first embodiment, the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20 is arranged along the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0028] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, a first locking portion 32 and a second locking portion 33 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20. The first locking portion 32 has a pin-shaped, specifically cylindrical locking body 34 protruding from the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20. The front surface of the locking body 34 is an end surface along the left-right direction and the up-down direction. The outer peripheral surface of the locking body 34 is continuous with a certain diameter in the front-rear direction except for the front end portion. The front end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the locking body 34 gradually tapers toward the end surface. The first locking portion 32 has a plurality of press-in ribs 35 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the locking body 34. Each press-in rib 35 is a rib extending in the front-rear direction and is formed over the entire length of the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the locking body 34 except for the front end portion. Each press-in rib 35 is disposed at four equally spaced positions in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the locking body 34. Specifically, each press-in rib 35 is disposed at the upper end portion, the lower end portion, the left end portion, and the right end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the locking body 34, respectively. The cross section (cross-sectional surface) of each press-in rib 35 orthogonal to the extending direction is semicircular.

[0029] The second locking portion 33 is configured as a concave shape recessed in the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20, specifically a concave portion having a circular shape in a front view. The inner end surface in the depth direction of the second locking portion 33 (the surface located at the rear end in the front-rear direction and facing forward) is arranged along the left-right direction and the up-down direction. The inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion 33 is continuous with a certain diameter in the front-rear direction except for the front end portion described later. The front end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion 33 gradually expands toward the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20. The second locking portion 33 is configured in a shape complementary to the first locking portion 32. In the case of the first embodiment, the first locking portion 32 is fitted inside the second locking portion 33. Each press-in rib 35 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion 33 in a press-fitted state.

[0030] A plurality of first locking portions 32 are provided to protrude from the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20. The second locking portions 33 are also the same in number as the first locking portions 32, and a plurality of them are recessed in the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20. Specifically, the first locking portions 32 are respectively formed at two positions spaced apart in the left - right direction on the front surface 39 of the upper wall portion 22 of the cover portion 20. The second locking portions 33 are respectively formed at two positions spaced apart in the left - right direction on the front surface 39 of the lower wall portion 23 of the cover portion 20.

[0031] As Figure 2 shown, the first locking portions 32 and the second locking portions 33 are constituted by two sets that are paired at positions symmetric about the rotation center C1 of the opening of the cover portion 20. Specifically, the first locking portion 32 on the right side of the front surface 39 of the upper wall portion 22 of the cover portion 20 and the second locking portion 33 on the left side of the front surface 39 of the lower wall portion 23 of the cover portion 20 are arranged as a pair at positions symmetric about the rotation center C1 of the opening when viewing the cover portion 20 from the front. The first locking portion 32 on the left side of the front surface 39 of the upper wall portion 22 of the cover portion 20 and the second locking portion 33 on the right side of the front surface 39 of the lower wall portion 23 of the cover portion 20 are arranged as a pair at positions symmetric about the rotation center C1 of the opening when viewing the cover portion 20 from the front.

[0032] (Function of the connector 10) Before the connector 10 is engaged with the mating connector, for example, during movement between wire harness processes or during temporary placement of the connector 10, the two connectors 10A, 10B having the above - described structure are arranged in a state where their openings face each other, and one of the two connectors 10A, 10B is flipped 180 degrees in the up - down direction with respect to the other connector 10B (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). Starting from this state, the edges of the mutual openings of the two connectors 10A, 10B, that is, the front surfaces 39 of the cover portions 20, are docked with each other. Then, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, each first locking portion 32 of one connector 10A is fitted inside each second locking portion 33 of the other connector 10B, and each first locking portion 32 of the other connector 10B is fitted inside each second locking portion 33 of one connector 10A. Here, each first locking portion 32 is pressed into the second locking portion 33 via each press - in rib 35. Thus, the two connectors 10A, 10B are mutually locked in a state where the front surfaces 39 of the cover portions 20 are in face - to - face contact with each other, and a connector unit 60 that maintains the connection state of the two connectors 10A, 10B is formed.

[0033] In the connector unit 60, the opening of the cover portion 20 of one connector 10A is closed by the other connector 10B, and the opening of the cover portion 20 of the other connector 10B is closed by the one connector 10A. As a result, the interiors of the cover portions 20 of the two connectors 10A and 10B are sealed. A plurality of tabs 91 project into the interiors of the cover portions 20 of the two connectors 10A and 10B. Therefore, foreign matter from outside the connector 10 can be prevented from entering the interior of the cover portion 20, and the situation where each tab 91 is bent or damaged can be avoided.

[0034] Before the harness is completed and before the connector 10 is about to be engaged with the mating connector, a separating force is applied to the two connectors 10A and 10B in the separating direction, and the two connectors 10A and 10B are pulled apart from each other. In this state, the two connectors 10A and 10B are respectively engaged with the corresponding mating connectors.

[0035] As described above, the connector 10 of the first embodiment includes a terminal part 90 and a cover portion 20. The terminal part 90 has tabs 91 that project into the interior of the cover portion 20. The cover portion 20 has a first locking portion 32 and a second locking portion 33 that are formed in a shape that can be locked to each other. The first locking portion 32 projects forward of the edge of the opening of the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20. The first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are arranged at positions that are point-symmetrical to each other when the cover portion 20 is viewed from the front.

[0036] In addition, the connector unit 60 of the first embodiment is composed of two connectors 10A and 10B of the same type. Both of the two connectors 10A and 10B include a terminal part 90 and a cover portion 20. The terminal part 90 has tabs 91 that project into the interior of the cover portion 20. One of the two connectors 10A and 10B, i.e., the connector 10A, has a first locking portion 32 in the cover portion 20. The first locking portion 32 projects forward of the edge of the opening on the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20, and the other connector 10B has a second locking portion 33. The two connectors 10A and 10B are in a state where the edges of their respective openings are butted against each other, and the first locking portion 32 of the one connector 10A is locked to the second locking portion 33 of the other connector 10B.

[0037] For example, when moving between the wire harness processes or the like, when the edges of the openings of the two connectors 10A and 10B are butted against each other, the first locking portion 32 of one connector 10A can be locked to the second locking portion 33 of the other connector 10B. Thus, the two connectors 10A and 10B can be connected to each other. Tabs 91 are respectively disposed inside the cover portions 20 of the two connectors 10A and 10B in the connected state, and the tabs 91 are protected from external foreign matters. Therefore, according to the above structure, even if the connector 10 does not have a movable plate, the tab 91 can be protected. And correspondingly to the connector 10 not having a movable plate, cost can be suppressed to low, and it can also be applied to a small-sized connector.

[0038] In addition, in the case of the first embodiment, the first locking portion 32 is formed in a convex shape protruding from the front surface 39 (the edge of the opening) of the cover portion 20, and the second locking portion 33 is formed in a concave shape capable of fitting the first locking portion 32 on the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20. Thus, when forming the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33, processing such as elastic locking is not necessary, and the workability is excellent. In addition, the edges of the openings of the two connectors 10A and 10B can be simply butted against each other.

[0039] In addition, in the case of the first embodiment, press-fitting ribs 35 having a shape capable of contacting the inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion 33 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first locking portion 32. Thus, the shapes of the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are not particularly complicated, and the locking force (connecting force) of the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 can be improved.

[0040] In addition, in the case of the first embodiment, a plurality of sets of the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are arranged at positions that are point-symmetric with the center C1 of the opening of the cover portion 20 as the rotation center. Thus, when butting the openings of the two connectors 10A and 10B against each other, the reliability of maintaining the connected state of the two connectors 10A and 10B can be improved.

[0041] Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, the first locking portions 32 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction on the front surface 39 of the upper wall portion 22 of the cover portion 20, and the second locking portions 33 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction on the front surface 39 of the lower wall portion 23 of the cover portion 20. Thus, by confirming that each of the first locking portions 32 and each of the second locking portions 33 are respectively located on the upper wall portion 22 and the lower wall portion 23 of the cover portion 20, an operator can easily identify the up-down orientation of the connector 10. As a result, the connector 10 can be fitted with the other connector in the corresponding orientation, and the fitting operation can be rapidly advanced.

[0042] <Embodiment 2> As Figure 5 And Figure 6As shown, in the connector 10 of Embodiment 2, the arrangements of the first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 33 are different from those of the connector in the above-described Embodiment 1. For other structures that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-described Embodiment 1 (including cases where the arrangements are different), the same reference numerals are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0043] One first engaging portion 32 and one second engaging portion 33 are provided in the connector 10 respectively. As Figure 5 shown, the first engaging portion 32 protrudes from the front surface 39 of one of the two side wall portions 24 of the cover portion 20. The second engaging portion 33 is recessed in the front surface 39 of the other side wall portion 24 of the two side wall portions 24 of the cover portion 20.

[0044] The first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 33 are arranged at the height position of the central portion in the vertical direction of the two side wall portions 24. The first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 33 are arranged in pairs at positions symmetric about the symmetry axis S1 passing through the center in the left - right direction of the opening of the cover portion 20.

[0045] During the movement between the wiring harness processes etc., two connectors 10A, 10B having the above - described structure are arranged in a state where their openings face each other. Then, the front surfaces 39 of the cover portions 20, which are the edges of the openings of the two connectors 10A, 10B, are butted against each other. Thus, as Figure 6 shown, the first engaging portion 32 of one connector 10A is fitted inside the second engaging portion 33 of the other connector 10B, and the first engaging portion 32 of the other connector 10B is fitted inside the second engaging portion 33 of one connector 10A. Thereby, the two connectors 10A, 10B are mutually locked in a state where the front surfaces 39 of the cover portions 20 are in face - to - face contact, forming a connector unit 60 that maintains the connection state of the two connectors 10A, 10B.

[0046] According to the present Embodiment 2, similar to the above - described Embodiment 1, the respective tabs 91 arranged inside the cover portions 20 of the two connectors 10A, 10B are protected from external foreign matters. And corresponding to the connector 10 having a movable plate, the cost can be suppressed to a low level, and it can also be applied to a small - sized connector.

[0047] <Embodiment 3> As Figure 7 shown in (A) and (B) of, the connector 10 of Embodiment 3 is configured such that the arrangements of the first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 33 are different from those of the connector in the above - described Embodiment 1, and is a different type of connector with a different overall shape. For other structures that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above - described Embodiment 1 (including cases where the arrangements are different), the same reference numerals are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0048] Two connectors 10A and 10B of the above different types are connected to each other to form a connector unit 60. The basic structures of the two connectors 10A and 10B are the same as those of the connector 10 in the above-described Embodiment 1. As Figure 7 shown in (A) of [], one of the two connectors 10A and 10B, i.e., the first connector 10A, has a guide rail portion 28 formed on the upper wall portion 22, and a pair of guide ribs 26 and a locking portion 27 formed on the lower wall portion 23. In the first connector 10A, the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are arranged in pairs at intervals in the left-right direction on the front surface 39 of the upper wall portion 22 of the cover portion 20. The first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are arranged in pairs at positions symmetric about the symmetry axis S2 passing through the center in the left-right direction of the opening of the cover portion 20.

[0049] As Figure 7 shown in (B) of [], the other connector of the two connectors 10A and 10B, i.e., the second connector 10B, has a pair of guide ribs 26 and a locking portion 27 formed on the upper wall portion 22, and a guide rail portion 28 formed on the lower wall portion 23. In the second connector 10B, the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are arranged in pairs at intervals in the left-right direction on the front surface 39 of the upper wall portion 22 of the cover portion 20 in the same manner as in the first connector 10A. The first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are arranged in pairs at positions symmetric about the symmetry axis S2 passing through the center in the left-right direction of the opening of the cover portion 20. That is, the connector 10A and the connector 10B are other types of connectors in which the arrangements of the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are different.

[0050] During movement between harness processes or the like, the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are arranged in a state where their openings face each other. Then, as Figure 8 shown, the edges of the mutual openings of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B, i.e., the front surfaces 39 of the cover portions 20, are docked with each other. Thus, the first locking portion 32 of the first connector 10A is fitted inside the second locking portion 33 of the second connector 10B, and the first locking portion 32 of the second connector 10B is fitted inside the second locking portion 33 of the first connector 10A. Thereby, the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are mutually locked in a state where the front surfaces 39 of the cover portions 20 are in face-to-face contact with each other, and a connector unit 60 that maintains the connection state of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B is formed.

[0051] According to the present Embodiment 3, similar to the above-described Embodiment 1, the respective tabs 91 disposed inside the cover portions 20 of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are protected from external foreign matters. And corresponding to the connector 10 having a movable plate, the cost can be suppressed to a low level, and it can also be applied to a small-sized connector.

[0052] [Other Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] It should be considered that the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3 of the present disclosure are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. In the case of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, the press-in rib 35 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the first locking portion. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the press-in rib may be recessed in the inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion. Additionally, the press-in rib may protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the first locking portion and be recessed in the inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion. In the case of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, the first locking portion 32 protrudes from the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the first locking portion only needs to include a portion that extends in a rib shape on the outer periphery of the cover portion and protrudes forward from the front surface of the cover portion. In short, as long as the tip portion in the protruding direction of the first locking portion is located forward of the front surface of the cover portion. In the case of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are formed on any one of the upper wall portion, the lower wall portion, and the left and right side wall portions in the cover portion. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the first locking portion and the second locking portion may also be formed at the corners of the cover portion. In the case of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, the first locking portion 32 is formed in a convex shape protruding from the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20, and the second locking portion 33 is formed in a concave shape that can fit the first locking portion 32 on the front surface 39 of the cover portion 20. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the first locking portion may be configured as an elastic locking portion having a locking hole or a locking claw, and the second locking portion is formed in a shape that elastically hooks onto the first locking portion. In the case of the above-described Embodiments 2 and 3, the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are arranged in pairs at positions that are symmetric about the symmetry axes S1 and S2 passing through the center in the left-right direction of the opening of the cover portion 20. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the first locking portion and the second locking portion may also be arranged in pairs at positions that are symmetric about the symmetry axis passing through the center in the up-down direction of the opening of the cover portion. In the case of the above-described Embodiment 1, two sets of the first locking portion and the second locking portion are provided at pointsymmetric positions that are paired with each other in the cover portion. In the case of the above-described Embodiment 2, one set of the first locking portion and the second locking portion is provided at linesymmetric positions that are paired with each other in the cover portion. In contrast, according to other embodiments, three or more sets of the first locking portion and the second locking portion may also be provided at pointsymmetric positions or linesymmetric positions that are paired with each other in the cover portion. Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0053] 10: Connector 10A: One Connector (First Connector) 10B: The other connector (the second connector) 20: Cover portion 21: Fitting portion 22: Upper wall portion 23: Lower wall portion 24: Side wall portion 25: Corner portion 26: Guide rib 27: Locking portion 28: Guide rail portion 29: Terminal mounting portion 31: Stopper 32: First latching portion 33: Second latching portion 34: Latching body 35: Pressing rib 39: Front surface of the cover portion 60: Connector unit 90: Terminal part 91: Tab C1: Center S1: Axis of symmetry S1, S2: Axes of symmetry S2: Axis of symmetry W: Electric wire

Claims

1. A connector comprising a terminal part and a cover, The terminal part has a tab, The tab protrudes into the interior of the cover, The cover portion has a first locking portion and a second locking portion formed in a shape capable of locking with each other, The first locking portion has a portion protruding forward of an edge of the opening of the front surface of the cover portion. The first locking portion and the second locking portion are arranged at positions that are line-symmetrical or point-symmetrical to each other when the cover portion is viewed from the front.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first locking portion is formed in a convex shape protruding from the edge of the opening, and the second locking portion is formed in a concave shape capable of fitting the first locking portion at the edge of the opening.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: A press-fit rib having a shape capable of contacting the other surface is formed on at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the first locking portion and the inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A plurality of sets of the first locking portion and the second locking portion are arranged at positions that are point-symmetrical about the center of the opening as a rotation center.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: The first locking portion is disposed on one of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the edge of the opening, and the second locking portion is disposed on the other side of the edge of the opening opposite to the one side.

6. A connector unit consisting of two connectors of the same type or of different types, The two connectors each include a terminal part and a cover, wherein the terminal part has a protrusion that protrudes into the interior of the cover. One of the two connectors has a first locking portion on the cover, the first locking portion having a portion protruding forward of an edge of an opening on a front surface of the cover, and the other connector has a second locking portion. The two connectors are configured such that the first locking portion of one connector is locked to the second locking portion of the other connector in a state in which the edges of the openings thereof are butted against each other.

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