Connector and connector unit

Abstract

To provide a connector and a connector unit that can protect a tab inside a hood portion and that can be made smaller and less expensive.SOLUTION: A connector 10 includes a terminal fitting 90 having a tab 91, and a hood portion 20 from which the tab 91 protrudes inward. From among two connectors 10A, 10B, one connector 10A includes a first locking portion 32 on the hood portion 20, the first locking portion 32 having a portion that protrudes from the edge of the opening of the hood portion 20. The other connector 10B has a second locking portion 33. The first locking portion 32 of one connector 10A is locked to the second locking portion 33 of the other connector 10B, whereby the two connectors 10A, 10B are arranged with the edges of their openings butted against each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

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 having a tab, a hood portion in which the tab protrudes inward, and a moving plate assembled inside the hood portion. Before the connector is mated with a mating connector, the tab is positioned by the moving plate inside the hood portion. If foreign matter enters inside the hood portion before the connector is mated, it is possible to avoid a situation where the foreign matter contacts the moving plate and the tab is damaged or the like. 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

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, there was a concern that the cost would be high compared to the case where the moving plate is not provided for each connector because the moving plate is provided for each connector. In addition, since it is necessary to secure a space where the moving plate can be assembled inside the hood portion, there was also a situation where it was difficult to apply to a small connector. On the other hand, if the connector does not have a moving 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 protect a tab and can be miniaturized and cost-reduced.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure includes a terminal fitting having a tab and a hood portion into which the tab protrudes. The hood portion has a first locking portion and a second locking portion having shapes that can be locked to each other. The first locking portion has a portion that protrudes forward of the edge of the opening on the front surface of the hood portion. The first locking portion and the second locking portion are arranged at positions that are line-symmetric or point-symmetric to each other when the hood portion is viewed from the front. It is a connector.

[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 fitting having a tab and a hood portion into which the tab protrudes. Among the two connectors, one connector has a first locking portion on the hood portion, which has a portion that protrudes forward of the edge of the opening on the front surface of the hood portion, and the other connector has a second locking portion. The two connectors are a connector unit in which the first locking portion of one connector is locked to the second locking portion of the other connector in a state where the edges of the mutual openings are abutted.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector and a connector unit that can protect the tab inside the hood portion and can achieve miniaturization and cost reduction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[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) includes a terminal fitting having a tab and a hood portion in which the tab protrudes inward, the hood portion has a first locking portion and a second locking portion having shapes that can be locked to each other, the first locking portion has a portion that protrudes forward from the edge of the opening on the front surface of the hood portion, and 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 hood portion is viewed from the front.

[0011] For example, when moving between harness processes, etc., when the edges of the openings of two connectors are abutted against each other, the second locking portion of one connector can be locked to the first locking portion of the other connector, and the second locking portion of the other connector can be locked to the first locking portion of one connector. Thereby, both connectors can be connected. Inside the hood portions of both connectors in the connected state, tabs are respectively arranged in a state of being protected from external foreign matters. Therefore, according to the configuration of (1) above, even if the connector does not include a moving plate, the tabs inside the hood portion can be protected. And, since the connector does not include a moving plate, the cost can be suppressed to a low level, and it can also be applied to small-sized connectors. Note that the locking described above refers to a state in which when two connectors abut the edges of their mutual openings, both connectors are moored so as to maintain the connected state and not come off.

[0012] (2) In the connector according to (1) above, it is preferable that the first locking portion has a convex shape protruding from the edge of the opening, and the second locking portion has a concave shape into which the first locking portion can be fitted at the edge of the opening.

[0013] According to the configuration of (2) above, when forming the first locking portion and the second locking portion, it is not necessary to perform processing such as elastic locking, and the workability is excellent. Also, the edges of the mutual openings of the two connectors can be easily abutted to connect both connectors.

[0014] (3) In the connector according to (2) above, it is good that press-fit ribs having a shape capable of contacting the other surface are formed on at least one surface of the outer peripheral surface of the first locking portion and the inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion.

[0015] According to the configuration of (3) above, the locking force (connecting force) of the first locking portion and the second locking portion can be improved without particularly complicating the shapes of the first locking portion and the second locking portion.

[0016] (4) In the connector according to any one of (1) to (3) above, it is preferable that 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 the rotation center.

[0017] According to the configuration of (4) above, when the edges of the openings of the two connectors are abutted against each other by the plurality of sets of the first locking portion and the second locking portion, the certainty of maintaining the connected state of the two connectors can be enhanced.

[0018] (5) In the connector according to (4) above, it is good that the first locking portion is arranged on any one side of the upper, lower, left, or right at the edge of the opening, and the second locking portion is arranged on the other side opposite to the one side at the edge of the opening.

[0019] According to the configuration of (5) above, by an operator checking the positions of each first locking portion and each second locking portion at the edge of the opening of the hood portion, the up, down, left, and right orientations of the connector can be easily recognized. As a result, the connector can be fitted to a mating connector in a corresponding orientation, and the fitting operation can be advanced quickly.

[0020] Also, 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 fitting having a tab and a hood portion in which the tab protrudes inside. Among the two connectors, one connector has a first locking portion having a portion protruding forward from the edge of the opening on the front surface of the hood portion, and the other connector has a second locking portion. The two connectors lock the first locking portion of the one connector to the second locking portion of the other connector in a state where the edges of the mutual openings are abutted against each other.

[0021] For example, when moving between harness processes or the like, by butting the edges of the openings of two connectors of the same or different types against each other, the two connectors are connected via the first locking portion and the second locking portion, and the respective tabs can be protected from external foreign matter inside the hood portions of the two connectors. When protecting the tabs, the connector does not necessarily need to be provided with a moving plate, so that the connector can be miniaturized and the cost can be reduced accordingly. Note that the locking in the above refers to a state in which when the edges of the openings of two connectors are butted against each other, the two connectors are held in a connected state and are not disengaged.

[0022] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this exemplification, and is indicated by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

[0023] <Embodiment 1> As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 10 of Embodiment 1 includes a terminal fitting 90 having a tab 91, and a hood portion 20 in which the tab 91 protrudes inside. The connector 10 is exemplified as a male connector. The hood portion 20 is configured to be capable of fitting with a mating connector (female connector) not shown. In the following description, regarding the front-rear direction, the side where the hood portion 20 is fitted with the mating connector is defined as the front side. The left-right direction is based on the left-right direction in FIG. 1. The up-down direction is based on the up-down direction in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the front-rear direction is represented by the symbol X, the left-right direction is represented by the symbol Y, and the up-down direction is represented by the symbol Z. The reference of these directions does not necessarily coincide with the reference of the directions in a state where the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle or the like not shown.

[0024] (Hood Portion 20 and Terminal Fitting 90) The hood portion 20 is made of synthetic resin and has a square tube-shaped fitting portion 21. The fitting portion 21 has an upper wall portion 22 and a lower wall portion 23 that face each other in the vertical direction, and a pair of left and right side wall portions 24 that face each other in the horizontal direction. The upper wall portion 22 and the lower wall portion 23 extend in the horizontal direction. Each side wall portion 24 extends in the vertical direction. Corner portions 25 are formed between the upper end portions of each side wall portion 24 and the left and right end portions of the upper wall portion 22, and between the lower end portions of each side wall portion 24 and the left and right end portions of the lower wall portion 23, respectively. On the inner surface of the lower wall portion 23 (the surface facing the upper wall portion 22), a pair of guide ribs 26 protrude at intervals in the horizontal direction. Both guide ribs 26 extend in the front-rear direction parallel to each other. At the left and right central portions of the inner surface of the lower wall portion 23, a rib-shaped locking portion 27 extending between both guide ribs 26 is formed. The mating connector is guided by both guide ribs 26 and fitted into the hood portion 20, and is locked to the locking portion 27. Thereby, the mating connector is held in a fitted state inside the hood portion 20.

[0025] On the outer surface of the upper wall portion 22 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the lower wall portion 23), a pair of rail portions 28 protrude at intervals in the horizontal direction. Both rail portions 28 extend in the front-rear direction parallel to each other. Both rail portions 28 are attached to a bracket (not shown). The connector 10 is supported by a vehicle body or the like via the bracket.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a terminal mounting portion 29 is continuously formed behind the fitting portion 21. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of terminal fittings 90 are mounted on the terminal mounting portion 29. Each terminal fitting 90 is integrally formed by bending a conductive metal plate material or the like. At the front portion of each terminal fitting 90, a tab 91 protrudes. The tab 91 of each terminal fitting 90 is disposed inside the hood portion 20. The rear portion of each terminal fitting 90 is connected to the terminal portion of the electric wire W. Each electric wire W is drawn out from the rear surface of the terminal mounting portion 29. And a retainer 31 for preventing the terminal fitting 90 from coming off is mounted on the terminal mounting portion 29.

[0027] Now, as shown in FIG. 1, the front surface 39 (opening end surface, front end surface) of the hood portion 20 is a portion that constitutes the edge of the opening of the hood portion 20, and includes the front surfaces of both guide ribs 26 and both rail portions 28, and is continuous over the entire circumference at the same position in the front-rear direction. In the case of the first embodiment, the front surface 39 of the hood portion 20 is arranged along the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first locking portion 32 and a second locking portion 33 are formed on the front surface 39 of the hood portion 20 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The first locking portion 32 has a pin-shaped, specifically cylindrical locking body 34 that protrudes from the front surface 39 of the hood 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 constant 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 decreases in diameter toward the end surface. The first locking portion 32 has a plurality of press-fit ribs 35 that protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the locking body 34. Each press-fit rib 35 is a rib that extends 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-fit rib 35 is arranged at four positions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the locking body 34. Specifically, each press-fit rib 35 is arranged at the upper end portion, lower end portion, left end portion, and right end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the locking body 34, respectively. The cross section (transverse section) of each press-fit rib 35 perpendicular to the extending direction is semicircular.

[0029] The second locking portion 33 is configured as a concave shape, specifically a circular concave shape in a front view, that is recessed in the front surface 39 of the hood portion 20. The inner end surface in the depth direction (the surface located at the rear end in the front-rear direction and facing forward) of the second locking portion 33 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 constant diameter in the front-rear direction except for the front end portion to be 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 hood 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-fit rib 35 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion 33 in a press-fitted state.

[0030] The first engaging portion 32 is provided with a plurality of protrusions on the front surface 39 of the hood portion 20. The second engaging portion 33 is also provided with a plurality of recesses on the front surface 39 of the hood portion 20 in the same number as the first engaging portion 32. Specifically, the first engaging portion 32 is formed at two positions spaced apart in the left - right direction on the front surface 39 of the upper wall portion 22 of the hood portion 20, respectively. The second engaging portion 33 is formed at two positions spaced apart in the left - right direction on the front surface 39 of the lower wall portion 23 of the hood portion 20, respectively.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 33 are constituted by two pairs that are point - symmetric with respect to the center C1 of the opening of the hood portion 20 as the rotation center. Specifically, the right - hand first engaging portion 32 on the front surface 39 of the upper wall portion 22 of the hood portion 20 and the left - hand second engaging portion 33 on the front surface 39 of the lower wall portion 23 of the hood portion 20 are arranged as one pair that is point - symmetric with respect to the center C1 of the opening as the rotation center when the hood portion 20 is viewed from the front. The left - hand first engaging portion 32 on the front surface 39 of the upper wall portion 22 of the hood portion 20 and the right - hand second engaging portion 33 on the front surface 39 of the lower wall portion 23 of the hood portion 20 are arranged as one pair that is point - symmetric with respect to the center C1 of the opening as the rotation center when the hood portion 20 is viewed from the front.

[0032] (Function of the connector 10) Before the connector 10 is mated with a mating connector, for example, during movement between harness processes or when the connector 10 is temporarily placed, two connectors 10A and 10B having the above structure are arranged with their openings facing each other, and one of the two connectors 10A and 10B, i.e., connector 10A, is inverted 180 degrees in the vertical direction with respect to the other connector 10B (see FIGS. 2 and 3). From this state, the front surfaces 39 of the hood portions 20, which are the edges of the openings of the two connectors 10A and 10B, are abutted against each other. Then, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, 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 press-fitted into the second locking portion 33 via each press-fitting rib 35. As a result, the two connectors 10A and 10B are locked to each other with the front surfaces 39 of the hood portions 20 in face-to-face contact, and a connector unit 60 is formed in which the connection state of the two connectors 10A and 10B is maintained.

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

[0034] Until the harness is completed, immediately before the connector 10 is mated with a mating connector, a separating force is applied to the two connectors 10A and 10B, and the two connectors 10A and 10B are separated from each other. In this state, each of the two connectors 10A and 10B is mated with a corresponding mating connector.

[0035] As described above, the connector 10 of the first embodiment includes a terminal fitting 90 having a tab 91 and a hood portion 20 with the tab 91 protruding therein. The hood portion 20 has a first locking portion 32 and a second locking portion 33 that are shaped to be lockable with each other. The first locking portion 32 protrudes forward of the edge of the opening on the front surface 39 of the hood 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 hood portion 20 is viewed from the front.

[0036] Also, 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 fitting 90 having a tab 91 and a hood portion 20 with the tab 91 protruding therein. Among the two connectors 10A and 10B, one connector 10A has a first locking portion 32 that protrudes forward of the edge of the opening on the front surface 39 of the hood portion 20, and the other connector 10B has a second locking portion 33. The two connectors 10A and 10B lock the first locking portion 32 of one connector 10A to the second locking portion 33 of the other connector 10B in a state where the edges of their respective openings are butted against each other.

[0037] For example, when moving between harness processes, etc., 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. Thereby, the two connectors 10A and 10B can be connected to each other. Inside the hood portions 20 of both connectors 10A and 10B in the connected state, the tabs 91 are respectively arranged in a state of being protected from external foreign matters. Therefore, according to the above configuration, even if the connector 10 does not include a moving plate, the tab 91 can be protected. And since the connector 10 does not include a moving plate, the cost can be suppressed to a low level, and it can also be applied to small-sized connectors.

[0038] Also, in the case of the first embodiment, the first locking portion 32 has a convex shape protruding from the front surface 39 (edge of the opening) of the hood portion 20, and the second locking portion 33 has a concave shape in which the first locking portion 32 can be fitted on the front surface 39 of the hood portion 20. According to this, when forming the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33, it is not necessary to perform processing such as elastic locking, and the workability is excellent. In addition, the edges of the openings of the two connectors 10A and 10B can be easily butted against each other.

[0039] Also, in the case of the first embodiment, a press-fit rib 35 having a shape that can contact the inner peripheral surface of the second locking portion 33 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first locking portion 32. According to this, without particularly complicating the shapes of the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33, the locking force (connecting force) of the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 can be improved.

[0040] Also, 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-symmetrical about the center C1 of the opening of the hood portion 20. According to this, when the edges of the openings of the two connectors 10A and 10B are butted against each other, the certainty of maintaining the connected state of both connectors 10A and 10B can be enhanced.

[0041] Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, the first locking portion 32 is arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the front surface 39 of the upper wall portion 22 of the hood portion 20, and the second locking portion 33 is arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the front surface 39 of the lower wall portion 23 of the hood portion 20. According to this, by the operator confirming that each first locking portion 32 and each second locking portion 33 are located on the upper wall portion 22 and the lower wall portion 23 of the hood portion 20 respectively, the up-down orientation of the connector 10 can be easily recognized. As a result, the connector 10 can be fitted to the mating connector in the corresponding orientation, and the fitting operation can be advanced quickly.

[0042] <Embodiment 2> As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connector 10 of Embodiment 2 has different arrangements of the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 from those of the above-described Embodiment 1. Otherwise, it is the same as Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding structures (including cases where the arrangements are different) as those of Embodiment 1, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0043] One first locking portion 32 and one second locking portion 33 are provided in the connector 10 respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, the first locking portion 32 projects from the front surface 39 of one of the side wall portions 24 of the both side wall portions 24 of the hood portion 20. The second locking portion 33 is recessed in the front surface 39 of the other side wall portion 24 of the both side wall portions 24 of the hood portion 20.

[0044] The first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are arranged at the height positions at the vertical centers of the both side wall portions 24. The first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are arranged in pairs at positions symmetric with respect to the symmetry axis S1 passing through the center in the left-right direction of the opening of the hood portion 20.

[0045] When moving between harness processes or the like, two connectors 10A and 10B having the above structure are arranged with their openings facing each other. Next, the front surfaces 39 of the hood portions 20, which are the edges of the mutual openings of both connectors 10A and 10B, are abutted against each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the first locking portion 32 of one connector 10A is fitted inside the second locking portion 33 of the other connector 10B, and the first locking portion 32 of the other connector 10B is fitted inside the second locking portion 33 of one connector 10A. Thereby, a connector unit 60 is configured in which both connectors 10A and 10B are locked to each other with the front surfaces 39 of the hood portions 20 in face-to-face contact with each other, and the connection state of both connectors 10A and 10B is maintained.

[0046] According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, each tab 91 disposed inside the hood portion 20 of both connectors 10A and 10B is protected from external foreign matter. And since the connector 10 does not include a moving plate, the cost can be reduced, and it can also be applied to a small-sized connector.

[0047] <Embodiment 3> As shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), the connector 10 of the third embodiment is configured as a different type of connector in which the arrangements of the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are different from those of the first embodiment and the overall shape is different. Otherwise, it is the same as the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding structures (including the case where the arrangements are different) as those of the first embodiment, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0048] The two different types of connectors 10A and 10B 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 of the first embodiment. Among the two connectors 10A and 10B, the first connector 10A, which is one of the connectors, has a rail portion 28 formed on the upper wall portion 22 and a pair of guide ribs 26 and a lock portion 27 formed on the lower wall portion 23, as shown in FIG. 7(A). 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 hood portion 20. The first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 are arranged in pairs at positions symmetric with respect to the symmetry axis S2 passing through the center in the left-right direction of the opening of the hood portion 20.

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

[0050] When moving between harness processes or the like, the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B are arranged with their openings facing each other. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the front surfaces 39 of the hood portions 20, which are the edges of the mutual openings of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B, are abutted against each other. Then, 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 locked to each other with the front surfaces 39 of the hood portions 20 in contact with each other, and a connector unit 60 is configured in which the connection state of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B is maintained.

[0051] According to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, each tab 91 disposed inside the hood portion 20 of the first connector 10A and the second connector 10B is protected from external foreign matter. And since the connector 10 does not include a moving 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 first to third embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the case of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, the press-fitting rib 35 protruded from the outer peripheral surface of the first engaging portion. On the other hand, according to other embodiments, the press-fitting rib may be recessed in the inner peripheral surface of the second engaging portion. Further, the press-fitting rib may protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the first engaging portion and may be recessed in the inner peripheral surface of the second engaging portion. In the case of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, the first locking portion 32 protruded from the front surface 39 of the hood portion 20. On the other hand, 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 hood portion and protrudes forward from the front surface of the hood portion. In short, it is sufficient that the tip portion in the protruding direction of the first locking portion is located in front of the front surface of the hood portion. In the case of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, the first locking portion 32 and the second locking portion 33 were formed on any one of the upper wall portion, the lower wall portion, and the left and right side wall portions of the hood portion. On the other hand, according to other embodiments, the first locking portion and the second locking portion may be formed at the corner portion of the hood portion. In the case of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, the first locking portion 32 had a convex shape protruding from the front surface 39 of the hood portion 20, and the second locking portion 33 was formed in a concave shape capable of fitting the first locking portion 32 on the front surface 39 of the hood portion 20. On the other hand, according to other embodiments, the first locking portion may be configured as an elastic locking portion having a lock hole or a lock claw, and the second locking portion may have a shape that is elastically hooked by 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 were arranged in pairs at positions symmetrical with respect to the symmetry axes S1 and S2 passing through the center in the left-right direction of the opening of the hood portion 20. On the other hand, according to other embodiments, the first locking portion and the second locking portion may be arranged in pairs at positions symmetrical with respect to the symmetry axis passing through the center in the up-down direction of the opening of the hood 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 point-symmetrical positions on the hood portion that are opposite to each other. In the case of the above-described Embodiment 2, one set of the first locking portion and the second locking portion is provided at line-symmetrical positions on the hood portion that are opposite to each other. On the other hand, according to other embodiments, three or more sets of the first locking portion and the second locking portion may be provided at point-symmetrical positions or line-symmetrical positions on the hood portion that are opposite to each other.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0053] 10…Connector 10A…One connector (first connector) 10B…The other connector (second connector) 20…Hood 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…Rail portion 29…Terminal mounting portion 31…Retainer 32…First locking portion 33…Second locking portion 34…Locking body 35…Press-fitting rib 39…Front surface of the hood portion 60…Connector unit 90…Terminal fitting 91…Tab C1…Center S1…Axis of symmetry S1,S2…Axes of symmetry S2…Axis of symmetry W…Electric wire

Claims

1. a terminal fitting having a tab; a hood portion in which the tab protrudes inward; and, the hood portion has a first locking portion and a second locking portion that are lockable with each other, the first locking portion has a portion that protrudes forward of an edge of an opening on the front surface of the hood portion, the first locking portion and the second locking portion are arranged at positions that are line-symmetrical or point-symmetrical with each other when the hood portion is viewed from the front, a connector.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first locking portion has a convex shape protruding from an edge of the opening, and the second locking portion has a concave shape into which the first locking portion can be fitted at the edge of the opening.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein press-fit ribs having a shape capable of contacting the other surface are formed on at least one of an outer peripheral surface of the first locking portion and an 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 center of rotation.

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

6. composed of two connectors of the same type or different types, both of the two connectors include a terminal fitting having a tab and a hood portion in which the tab protrudes inward, of the two connectors, one connector has a first locking portion having a portion that protrudes forward of an edge of an opening on the front surface of the hood portion in the hood portion, and the other connector has a second locking portion, a connector unit in which, in a state where edges of the openings of the two connectors are butted against each other, the first locking portion of the one connector is locked to the second locking portion of the other connector.

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