Connector housing and connector

Abstract

To provide a connector housing and a connector that reduce damage caused by a tool insertion hole and a terminal insertion hole adjacent to each other upon misinsertion of a mating terminal into the tool insertion hole and upon terminal disconnection due to failure to release a secondary lock.SOLUTION: A connector housing 1 comprises: a housing body 100 provided with a terminal insertion hole 101, a tool insertion hole and a secondary locking slot 102, the housing body having a primary locking mechanism formed therein for locking a terminal inserted into the terminal insertion hole; and a secondary lock 10 configured to move between a locking position, in which it further locks the terminal in the terminal insertion hole, and an unlocking position. The primary lock of the terminal is configured to move to an unlocking position in which it is separated from the primary locking mechanism by pressing an unlocking tool. When the secondary lock moves to the locking position, the tool insertion hole is blocked by the secondary lock so that neither the unlocking tool nor a mating terminal can be inserted into the tool insertion hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202410269091.2, filed on March 8, 2024, with the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector housing and a connector including the connector housing. [Background technology]

[0003] In the prior art, a connector housing is formed with terminal insertion holes for inserting terminals and a tool insertion hole for inserting an unlocking tool. The terminals themselves typically have a primary lock adapted to engage with a primary locking mechanism inside the terminal insertion hole to lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole. An unlocking tool inserted through the tool insertion hole can push the primary lock into an unlocked position where it disengages from the primary locking mechanism. In the prior art, the tool insertion hole is adjacent to the terminal insertion hole, which makes it easy for a mating terminal of a mating connector to be mistakenly inserted into the tool insertion hole.

[0004] In addition, in the prior art, the tool insertion hole is always open outward, and when the secondary lock is in the locked position, the primary lock may be unlocked by inserting an unlocking tool, which may sometimes lead to forgetting to unlock the secondary lock beforehand. Therefore, there is a risk of pulling out the terminal if the secondary lock is forgotten to be unlocked, which may cause damage to the terminal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above-mentioned difficulties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing comprising: a housing body formed with terminal insertion holes for inserting terminals, a tool insertion hole for inserting an unlocking tool, and a secondary lock slot, wherein the terminal insertion hole has a primary locking mechanism formed therein suitable for engaging with the primary lock of the terminal to lock the terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole; and a secondary lock formed on an outer surface of the housing body, the secondary lock being configured to move between a locked position in engagement with the secondary lock slot and an unlocked position in disengagement from the secondary lock slot to further lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole. The primary lock of the terminal is configured to move to an unlocked position where it is separated from the primary locking mechanism when an inserted unlocking tool is pressed in, and when the secondary lock moves to the locked position, the tool insertion hole is blocked by the secondary lock so that the unlocking tool and the mating terminal of the mating connector cannot be inserted into the tool insertion hole.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the secondary lock is moved to the locked position, the secondary lock engages with a secondary locking mechanism of a terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole to lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing body has a front end and a rear end that are on opposite sides in a longitudinal direction of the housing body, the tool insertion hole is formed in the rear end of the housing body, and the secondary lock includes a block portion that covers the tool insertion hole at the rear end of the housing body when the secondary lock is in a locked position.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the secondary lock further includes a spring arm portion, one end of which is connected to the housing body and the other end of which is connected to the block portion, and a hook portion connected to the other end of the spring arm portion, wherein when the secondary lock is moved to the locked position, the hook portion is configured to engage with the secondary lock slot and a secondary locking mechanism of a terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole to lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing body has a top and a bottom that are on opposite sides in a height direction of the housing body, the secondary locking slot is formed in the top of the housing body, one end of the spring arm portion is connected to the top of the housing body, one end of the spring arm portion is adjacent to the front end of the housing body, and the spring arm portion extends a predetermined length rearward and upward from the one end of the spring arm portion.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the block portion is L-shaped and includes a first plate portion, a front side of which is connected to the other end of the spring arm portion and which extends along the extension direction of the spring arm portion, and a second plate portion, a rear side of which is connected to the first plate portion and which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the spring arm portion. When the secondary lock is moved to the locked position, the first plate portion is pressed against an upper part of the housing body and the second plate portion covers the tool insertion hole at the rear end of the housing body.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide hole is formed in the second plate portion of the block portion, and when the secondary lock is in the locked position, the guide hole aligns with the terminal insertion hole to guide the mating terminal to be inserted into the terminal insertion hole.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing body has left and right sides that are opposite to each other in the lateral direction of the housing body, snap slots are formed on the left and right sides, respectively, of the rear end of the housing body, and the secondary lock further includes a pair of elastic hooks connected to the second plate portion and disposed on the left and right sides, respectively, of the housing body, and when the secondary lock moves to the locked position, the pair of elastic hooks engage with the snap slots on the left and right sides, respectively, of the rear end of the housing body to keep the secondary lock in the locked position.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of terminal insertion holes are formed in the housing body and arranged along a lateral direction of the housing body, a secondary lock slot extends along the lateral direction of the housing body and communicates with the plurality of terminal insertion holes, and when the secondary lock is moved to the locked position, the secondary lock is configured to simultaneously engage with a plurality of terminals inserted in the plurality of terminal insertion holes to simultaneously lock the plurality of terminals.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of tool insertion holes are formed at the rear end of the housing body, and the plurality of tool insertion holes are respectively connected to the plurality of terminal insertion holes, and when the secondary lock is moved to the locked position, the second plate portion of the block portion simultaneously covers the plurality of terminal insertion holes.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of guide holes are formed in the second plate portion of the block portion, and when the secondary lock is in the locked position, the plurality of guide holes are aligned with the plurality of terminal insertion holes respectively to guide the plurality of mating terminals to be inserted into the plurality of terminal insertion holes.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning groove having a semicircular cross section is formed in the rear end of the housing body, the positioning groove extending along the lateral direction of the housing body, and a positioning rib suitable for engaging with the positioning groove is formed on the second plate portion of the block portion to position the second plate portion of the block portion at the rear end of the housing body.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing body has a top and a bottom that are on opposite sides of the height of the housing body, the secondary lock slot and the tool insertion hole are formed in the top of the housing body, and the secondary lock includes a block portion that covers the tool insertion hole in the top of the housing body when the secondary lock is in the locked position.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the secondary lock further includes a spring arm portion, one end of which is connected to the upper portion of the housing body and the other end of which is connected to the block portion, and a hook portion connected to the other end of the spring arm portion, wherein when the secondary lock is moved to the locked position, the hook portion is configured to engage with the secondary lock slot and a secondary locking mechanism of a terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole to lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one end of the spring arm portion is adjacent to the front end of the housing body, and the spring arm portion extends a predetermined length rearward and upward from the one end of the spring arm portion.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the block portion is plate-shaped and is suitable for being attached to the top of the housing body to cover the tool insertion hole in the top of the housing body.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing body has left and right sides that are opposite to each other in the lateral direction of the housing body, snap slots are formed on the left and right sides, respectively, of the rear end of the housing body, and the secondary lock further includes a pair of elastic hooks connected to the block portion and disposed on the left and right sides, respectively, of the housing body, and when the secondary lock moves to the locked position, the pair of elastic hooks engage with the snap slots on the left and right sides, respectively, of the rear end of the housing body to keep the secondary lock in the locked position.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of terminal insertion holes are formed in the housing body and arranged along a lateral direction of the housing body, a secondary lock slot extends along the lateral direction of the housing body and communicates with the plurality of terminal insertion holes, and when the secondary lock is moved to the locked position, the secondary lock is configured to simultaneously engage with a plurality of terminals inserted in the plurality of terminal insertion holes to simultaneously lock the plurality of terminals.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of tool insertion holes are formed in the upper part of the housing body, the plurality of tool insertion holes are respectively connected to the plurality of terminal insertion holes, and when the secondary lock is moved to the locking position, the block portion simultaneously covers the plurality of terminal insertion holes.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning slot extending laterally along the housing body and communicating with the plurality of tool insertion holes is formed in the upper part of the housing body, and a positioning protrusion suitable for insertion into the positioning slot is formed on the bottom surface of the block part in order to position the block part on the upper part of the housing body.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing is a unitary injection molded part.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising the connector housing described above and terminals to be inserted into the terminal insertion holes of the connector housing.

[0028] In the above-described exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the secondary lock is in the locked position, the tool insertion hole is blocked by the secondary lock, preventing the mating terminal from being inserted into the tool insertion hole, thereby effectively preventing the mating terminal from being inserted into the tool insertion hole by mistake.

[0029] Furthermore, in the above-described exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the secondary lock is in the locked position, the tool insertion hole is blocked by the secondary lock, preventing the unlocking tool from being inserted into the tool insertion hole. Therefore, the present invention can effectively prevent the problem of forgetting to unlock the secondary lock, thereby effectively avoiding the risk of the secondary lock not being unlocked when the terminal is pulled out.

[0030] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector housing according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one angle, with a secondary lock in an unlocked position; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the connector housing according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from another angle with the secondary lock in an unlocked position; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector housing according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a secondary lock in an unlocked position. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the connector housing according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the secondary lock in the locked position. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector housing according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from an angle with the secondary lock in an unlocked position. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector housing according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from another angle, with the secondary lock in an unlocked position. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector housing according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the secondary lock in an unlocked position. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector housing according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the secondary lock in a locked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0033] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in schematic form to simplify the drawings.

[0034] According to a general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing. The connector housing includes a housing body having terminal insertion holes for inserting terminals, a tool insertion hole for inserting an unlocking tool, and a secondary lock slot for locking the secondary lock, and a secondary lock formed on an outer surface of the housing body for locking the terminal in the terminal insertion hole. The terminal insertion hole is formed with a primary locking mechanism suitable for engaging with the primary lock of the terminal to lock the terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole. The primary lock of the terminal is configured to move to an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from the primary locking mechanism in response to depression of the inserted unlocking tool, and the secondary lock is configured to move between a locked position in which it engages with the secondary locking slot and an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from the secondary locking slot. When the secondary lock is moved to the locked position, the tool insertion hole is blocked by the secondary lock, preventing the unlocking tool and the mating terminal of the mating connector from being inserted into the tool insertion hole, and when the secondary lock is moved to the unlocked position, the tool insertion hole is unblocked, allowing the unlocking tool to be inserted into the tool insertion hole.

[0035] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing comprising: a housing body having formed therein terminal insertion holes for inserting terminals, a tool insertion hole for inserting an unlocking tool, and a secondary locking slot, the terminal insertion hole having formed therein a primary locking mechanism adapted to engage with the primary lock of the terminal to lock the terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole; and a secondary lock formed on an outer surface of the housing body, the secondary lock being configured to move between a locked position in engagement with the secondary locking slot and an unlocked position in disengagement from the secondary locking slot to further lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole. The primary lock of the terminal is configured to move to an unlocked position where it is separated from the primary locking mechanism when an inserted unlocking tool is pressed in, and when the secondary lock moves to the locked position, the tool insertion hole is blocked by the secondary lock so that the unlocking tool and the mating terminal of the mating connector cannot be inserted into the tool insertion hole.

[0036] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising the connector housing described above and terminals to be inserted into the terminal insertion holes of the connector housing.

[0037] First embodiment 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention. Among them, FIG. 1 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector housing 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one angle, with the secondary lock 10 in the unlocked position. FIG. 2 shows an explanatory perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from another angle, with the secondary lock 10 in the unlocked position. FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector housing 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the secondary lock 10 in the unlocked position. FIG. 4 shows an explanatory perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the secondary lock 10 in the locked position.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , a connector housing 1 is disclosed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector housing 1 includes a housing main body 100 and a secondary lock 10. The housing main body 100 is formed with a terminal insertion hole 101 for inserting a terminal (not shown), a tool insertion hole 103 for inserting an unlocking tool (not shown), and a secondary lock slot 102 for locking the secondary lock 10. The secondary lock 10 is formed on the outer surface of the housing main body 100 and is used to lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole 101. The terminal insertion hole 101 is formed with a primary lock mechanism 101a suitable for engaging with a primary lock (not shown, such as a lock spring) of the terminal to lock the terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary lock mechanism 101a in the terminal insertion hole 101 may be a positioning step suitable for abutting against the primary lock of the terminal.

[0039] 1-4, in the illustrated embodiment, the primary lock of the terminal is configured to move to an unlocked position where it disengages from the primary locking mechanism 101a upon depression of an inserted unlocking tool. The secondary lock 10 is adapted to move between a locked position where it engages with the secondary locking slot 102 and an unlocked position where it disengages from the secondary locking slot 102.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, when the secondary lock 10 is moved to the locked position, the tool insertion hole 103 is blocked by the secondary lock 10 so that an unlocking tool and a mating terminal (not shown) of a mating connector (not shown) cannot be inserted into the tool insertion hole 103.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, when the secondary lock 10 moves to the unlocked position, the tool insertion hole 103 is no longer blocked by the secondary lock 10, and an unlocking tool can be inserted into the tool insertion hole 103.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, when the secondary lock 10 moves to the locked position, the secondary lock 10 engages with a secondary locking mechanism (not shown, step portion, etc.) of the terminal inserted into the terminal insertion hole 101, thereby locking the terminal in the terminal insertion hole 101.

[0043] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 100 has a front end and a rear end that are opposite in the longitudinal direction Y, and the tool insertion hole 103 is formed in the rear end of the housing body 100. The secondary lock 10 includes a block portion 13 that covers the tool insertion hole 103 in the rear end of the housing body 100 when the secondary lock 10 is in the locked position.

[0044] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lock 10 further includes a spring arm portion 11 and a hook portion 12. One end of the arm portion 11 is connected to the housing body 100, and the other end is connected to the block portion 13. The hook portion 12 is connected to the other end of the spring arm portion 11. When the secondary lock 10 moves to the locked position, the hook portion 12 engages with the secondary lock slot 102 and is configured to engage with a secondary locking mechanism of a terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole 101, thereby locking the terminal in the terminal insertion hole 101.

[0045] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 100 has a top and a bottom that are on opposite sides in the height direction Z. The secondary lock slot 102 is formed in the top of the housing body 100, and one end of the spring arm 11 is connected to the top of the housing body 100. One end of the spring arm 11 is adjacent to the front end of the housing body 100, and the spring arm 11 extends a predetermined length rearward and upward from that end.

[0046] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the block portion 13 is L-shaped and includes a first plate portion 131 and a second plate portion 132. The front side of the first plate portion 131 is connected to the other end of the spring arm portion 11 and extends along the extension direction of the spring arm portion 11. The second plate portion 132 is connected to the rear side of the first plate portion 131 and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the spring arm portion 11. When the secondary lock 10 moves to the locked position, the first plate portion 131 is pressed against the upper part of the housing body 100, and the second plate portion 132 covers the tool insertion hole 103 at the rear end of the housing body 100.

[0047] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the guide hole 130 is also formed in the second plate portion 132 of the block portion 13. When the secondary lock 10 is in the locked position, the guide hole 130 aligns with the terminal insertion hole 101 and guides the mating terminal into the terminal insertion hole 101.

[0048] 1 to 4 , in the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 100 has left and right opposite sides in the lateral direction X, and snap slots 104 are formed on the left and right sides of the rear end of the housing body 100, respectively. The secondary lock 10 also includes a pair of resilient hooks 14. The pair of resilient hooks 14 are connected to the second plate portion 132 and are disposed on the left and right sides of the housing body 100, respectively. When the secondary lock 10 moves to the locked position, the pair of resilient hooks 14 engage with the snap slots 104 on the left and right sides of the rear end of the housing body 100, respectively, to keep the secondary lock 10 in the locked position.

[0049] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of terminal insertion holes 101 are formed in the housing body 100 and arranged along the lateral direction X of the housing body 100. The secondary lock slot 102 extends along the lateral direction X of the housing body 100 and communicates with the plurality of terminal insertion holes 101. When the secondary lock 10 moves to the locked position, the secondary lock 10 is adapted to simultaneously engage with a plurality of terminals inserted into the plurality of terminal insertion holes 101 to simultaneously lock the plurality of terminals.

[0050] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of tool insertion holes 103 are formed in the rear end portion of the housing body 100, and the plurality of tool insertion holes 103 communicate with the plurality of terminal insertion holes 101, respectively. When the secondary lock 10 moves to the locked position, the second plate portion 132 of the block portion 13 simultaneously covers the plurality of terminal insertion holes 101.

[0051] 1 to 4, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of guide holes 130 are formed in the second plate portion 132 of the block portion 13. When the secondary lock 10 is in the locked position, the plurality of guide holes 130 are aligned with the plurality of terminal insertion holes 101 and guide the plurality of mating terminals to be inserted into the plurality of terminal insertion holes 101.

[0052] 1 to 4 , in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning groove 105 having a semicircular cross section is formed in the rear end portion of the housing body 100, and the positioning groove 105 extends along the lateral direction X of the housing body 100. In order to position the second plate portion 132 of the block portion 13 at the rear end portion of the housing body 100, a positioning rib 15 suitable for fitting into the positioning groove 105 is formed in the second plate portion 132 of the block portion 13.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1-4, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 may be a one-piece injection molded part.

[0054] 1 to 4, a connector is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector includes a connector housing 1 and terminals to be inserted into terminal insertion holes 101 of the connector housing 1.

[0055] Second embodiment 5 to 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention. Of these, FIG. 5 shows an explanatory perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one angle, with the secondary lock 10 in the unlocked position. FIG. 6 shows an explanatory perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from another angle, with the secondary lock 10 in the unlocked position. FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector housing 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the secondary lock 10 in the unlocked position. FIG. 8 shows an explanatory perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the secondary lock 10 in the locked position.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 , a connector housing 1 is disclosed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector housing 1 includes a housing main body 100 and a secondary lock 10. The housing main body 100 is formed with a terminal insertion hole 101 for inserting a terminal (not shown), a tool insertion hole 103 for inserting an unlocking tool (not shown), and a secondary lock slot 102 for locking the secondary lock 10. The secondary lock 10 is formed on the outer surface of the housing main body 100 and is used to lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole 101. The terminal insertion hole 101 is formed with a primary lock mechanism 101a suitable for engaging with a primary lock (not shown, such as a lock spring) of the terminal to lock the terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary lock mechanism 101a in the terminal insertion hole 101 may be a positioning step suitable for abutting against the primary lock of the terminal.

[0057] 5-8, in the illustrated embodiment, the primary lock of the terminal is configured to move to an unlocked position where it is disengaged from the primary locking mechanism 101a upon depression of an inserted unlocking tool. The secondary lock 10 is adapted to move between a locked position where it engages with the secondary locking slot 102 and an unlocked position where it is disengaged from the secondary locking slot 102.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8, in the illustrated embodiment, when the secondary lock 10 is moved to the locked position, the tool insertion hole 103 is blocked by the secondary lock 10 so that an unlocking tool and a mating terminal (not shown) of a mating connector (not shown) cannot be inserted into the tool insertion hole 103.

[0059] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, when the secondary lock 10 moves to the unlocked position, the tool insertion hole 103 is no longer blocked by the secondary lock 10, and an unlocking tool can be inserted into the tool insertion hole 103.

[0060] 5-8, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 100 has a top and a bottom that are on opposite sides in the height direction Z. The secondary lock slot 102 and the tool insertion hole 103 are formed in the top of the housing body 100. The secondary lock 10 includes a block portion 13 that covers the tool insertion hole 103 in the top of the housing body 100 when the secondary lock 10 is in the locked position.

[0061] 5 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the secondary lock 10 further includes a spring arm portion 11 and a hook portion 12. One end of the arm portion 11 is connected to the top of the housing body 100, and the other end is connected to the block portion 13. The hook portion 12 is connected to the other end of the spring arm portion 11. When the secondary lock 10 moves to the locked position, the hook portion 12 engages with the secondary lock slot 102 and is configured to engage with a secondary lock mechanism of a terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole 101, thereby locking the terminal in the terminal insertion hole 101.

[0062] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, one end of the spring arm portion 11 is adjacent to the front end of the housing main body 100, and the spring arm portion 11 extends a predetermined length rearward and upward from that end.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the block portion 13 is plate-shaped and is suitable for being attached to the top of the housing body 100 to cover the tool insertion hole 103 in the top of the housing body 100.

[0064] 5 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 100 has opposite left and right sides in the lateral direction X, and snap slots 104 are formed on the left and right sides, respectively, of the rear end of the housing body 100. The secondary lock 10 also includes a pair of resilient hooks 14. The pair of resilient hooks 14 are connected to the block portion 13 and are disposed on the left and right sides, respectively, of the housing body 100. When the secondary lock 10 moves to the locked position, the pair of resilient hooks 14 engage with the snap slots 104 on the left and right sides, respectively, of the rear end of the housing body 100, to keep the secondary lock 10 in the locked position.

[0065] 5 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of terminal insertion holes 101 are formed in the housing body 100 and arranged along the lateral direction X of the housing body 100. The secondary lock slot 102 extends along the lateral direction X of the housing body 100 and communicates with the plurality of terminal insertion holes 101. When the secondary lock 10 moves to the locked position, the secondary lock 10 is adapted to simultaneously engage with a plurality of terminals inserted into the plurality of terminal insertion holes 101 to simultaneously lock the plurality of terminals.

[0066] 5 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of tool insertion holes 103 communicating with the plurality of terminal insertion holes 101 are formed in the upper part of the housing body 100. When the secondary lock 10 moves to the locked position, the block portion 13 covers the plurality of terminal insertion holes 101 simultaneously.

[0067] 5 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, positioning slots 106 extending along the lateral direction X of the housing body 100 and communicating with the multiple tool insertion holes 103 are formed in the upper part of the housing body 100. In order to position the block portion 13 in the upper part of the housing body 100, positioning protrusions 16 suitable for insertion into the positioning slots 106 are formed on the bottom surface of the block portion 13.

[0068] As shown in Figures 5-8, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 may be a one-piece injection molded part.

[0069] 5 to 8, a connector is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector includes the connector housing 1 described above and terminals to be inserted into terminal insertion holes 101 of the connector housing 1.

[0070] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments without any contradiction in structure or principle, and can freely combine various features described in different embodiments with each other.

[0071] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0072] As used herein, elements described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims

1. A connector housing, - a housing body (100) formed with a terminal insertion hole (101) for inserting a terminal, a tool insertion hole (103) for inserting an unlocking tool, and a secondary lock slot (102), wherein a primary locking mechanism (101a) suitable for engaging with a primary lock of the terminal to lock the terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole (101) is formed in the terminal insertion hole (101); a secondary lock (10) formed on the outer surface of the housing body (100) and configured to move between a locked position in which it engages with the secondary lock slot (102) and an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from the secondary lock slot (102) to further lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole (101); Equipped with the primary lock of the terminal is configured to move to an unlocked position in response to depression of the inserted unlocking tool, in which the primary lock is disengaged from the primary locking mechanism (101 a); When the secondary lock (10) is moved to the locked position, the tool insertion hole (103) is blocked by the secondary lock (10) so that the unlocking tool and the mating terminal of the mating connector cannot be inserted into the tool insertion hole (103). Connector housing.

2. When the secondary lock (10) moves to the locked position, the secondary lock (10) engages with a secondary locking mechanism of the terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole (101) to lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole (101). The connector housing according to claim 1 .

3. The housing body (100) has a front end and a rear end that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing body (100), and the tool insertion hole (103) is formed in the rear end of the housing body (100); The secondary lock (10) includes a block portion (13) that covers the tool insertion hole (103) at the rear end of the housing body (100) when the secondary lock (10) is in the locked position. The connector housing according to claim 2 .

4. The secondary lock (10) a spring arm portion (11) having one end connected to the housing main body (100) and the other end connected to the block portion (13); a hook portion (12) connected to the other end of the spring arm portion (11); Furthermore, When the secondary lock (10) is moved to the locked position, the hook portion (12) engages with the secondary lock slot (102) and is configured to engage with the secondary lock mechanism of the terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole (101) to lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole (101). The connector housing according to claim 3 .

5. The housing body (100) has a top and a bottom that are on opposite sides in a height direction (Z) of the housing body (100), the secondary lock slot (102) is formed in the top of the housing body (100), and one end of the spring arm portion (11) is connected to the top of the housing body (100); One end of the spring arm portion (11) is adjacent to the front end of the housing body (100), and the spring arm portion (11) extends a predetermined length rearward and upward from the one end of the spring arm portion (11). The connector housing according to claim 4.

6. The block portion (13) is L-shaped, and the block portion (13) a first plate portion (131), a front side of which is connected to the other end of the spring arm portion (11), and which extends along the extension direction of the spring arm portion (11); a second plate portion (132) connected to the rear side of the first plate portion (131) and perpendicular to the extension direction of the spring arm portion (11); Including, When the secondary lock (10) is moved to the locked position, the first plate portion (131) is pressed against the upper part of the housing body (100), and the second plate portion (132) covers the tool insertion hole (103) at the rear end of the housing body (100). The connector housing according to claim 4.

7. A guide hole (130) is formed in the second plate portion (132) of the block portion (13); When the secondary lock (10) is in the locked position, the guide hole (130) is aligned with the terminal insertion hole (101) to guide the mating terminal to be inserted into the terminal insertion hole (101).

7. The connector housing according to claim 6.

8. The housing body (100) has a left side and a right side that are opposite to each other in a lateral direction (X) of the housing body (100), and snap slots (104) are formed on the left side and the right side of the rear end of the housing body (100), respectively; The secondary lock (10) A pair of elastic hooks (14) connected to the second plate portion (132) and disposed on the left and right sides of the housing body (100), respectively. Furthermore, When the secondary lock (10) moves to the locked position, the pair of resilient hooks (14) engage with the snap slots (104) on the left and right sides of the rear end of the housing body (100), respectively, to keep the secondary lock (10) in the locked position.

7. The connector housing according to claim 6.

9. A plurality of terminal insertion holes (101) are formed in the housing body (100) and arranged along a lateral direction (X) of the housing body (100), and the secondary lock slot (102) extends along the lateral direction (X) of the housing body (100) and communicates with the plurality of terminal insertion holes (101); When the secondary lock (10) moves to the locking position, the secondary lock (10) is configured to simultaneously engage with the terminals inserted into the terminal insertion holes (101) and lock the terminals simultaneously. The connector housing according to claim 7.

10. A plurality of tool insertion holes (103) are formed in the rear end portion of the housing body (100), and the plurality of tool insertion holes (103) are respectively connected to the plurality of terminal insertion holes (101); When the secondary lock (10) is moved to the locking position, the second plate portion (132) of the block portion (13) simultaneously covers the plurality of terminal insertion holes (101). The connector housing according to claim 9.

11. A plurality of guide holes (130) are formed in the second plate portion (132) of the block portion (13); When the secondary lock (10) is in the locked position, the guide holes (130) are aligned with the terminal insertion holes (101) respectively to guide the mating terminals to be inserted into the terminal insertion holes (101). The connector housing according to claim 10.

12. A positioning groove (105) having a semicircular cross section is formed in the rear end portion of the housing body (100), and the positioning groove (105) extends along the lateral direction (X) of the housing body (100); a positioning rib (15) adapted to fit into the positioning groove (105) is formed on the second plate portion (132) of the block portion (13) to position the second plate portion (132) of the block portion (13) at the rear end portion of the housing body (100); 7. The connector housing according to claim 6.

13. The housing body (100) has a top and a bottom that are on opposite sides in a height direction (Z) of the housing body (100), and the secondary lock slot (102) and the tool insertion hole (103) are formed in the top of the housing body (100); The secondary lock (10) includes a block portion (13) that covers the tool insertion hole (103) in the upper portion of the housing body (100) when the secondary lock (10) is in the locked position. The connector housing according to claim 2 .

14. The secondary lock (10) a spring arm portion (11), one end of which is connected to the upper portion of the housing body (100) and the other end of which is connected to the block portion (13); a hook portion (12) connected to the other end of the spring arm portion (11); Furthermore, When the secondary lock (10) is moved to the locked position, the hook portion (12) engages with the secondary lock slot (102) and is configured to engage with the secondary lock mechanism of the terminal inserted in the terminal insertion hole (101) to lock the terminal in the terminal insertion hole (101). The connector housing according to claim 13.

15. One end of the spring arm portion (11) is adjacent to the front end of the housing body (100), and the spring arm portion (11) extends a predetermined length rearward and upward from the one end of the spring arm portion (11). The connector housing according to claim 14.

16. The block portion (13) is plate-shaped and is suitable for being attached to the upper portion of the housing body (100) to cover the tool insertion hole (103) in the upper portion of the housing body (100). The connector housing according to claim 14.

17. The housing body (100) has a left side and a right side that are opposite to each other in a lateral direction (X) of the housing body (100), and snap slots (104) are formed on the left side and the right side of a rear end of the housing body (100), respectively; The secondary lock (10) A pair of elastic hooks (14) connected to the block portion (13) and disposed on the left and right sides of the housing body (100), respectively. Furthermore, When the secondary lock (10) moves to the locked position, the pair of resilient hooks (14) engage with the snap slots (104) on the left and right sides of the rear end of the housing body (100), respectively, to keep the secondary lock (10) in the locked position.

17. The connector housing of claim 16.

18. A plurality of terminal insertion holes (101) are formed in the housing body (100) and arranged along a lateral direction (X) of the housing body (100), and the secondary lock slot (102) extends along the lateral direction (X) of the housing body (100) and communicates with the plurality of terminal insertion holes (101); When the secondary lock (10) moves to the locking position, the secondary lock (10) is configured to simultaneously engage with the terminals inserted into the terminal insertion holes (101) and lock the terminals simultaneously.

17. The connector housing of claim 16.

19. A plurality of tool insertion holes (103) are formed in the upper portion of the housing body (100), and the plurality of tool insertion holes (103) are respectively connected to the plurality of terminal insertion holes (101); When the secondary lock (10) is moved to the locking position, the block portion (13) simultaneously covers a plurality of terminal insertion holes (101).

19. The connector housing of claim 18.

20. Positioning slots (106) extending along the lateral direction (X) of the housing body (100) and communicating with the plurality of tool insertion holes (103) are formed in the upper part of the housing body (100); A positioning protrusion (16) suitable for insertion into the positioning slot (106) is formed on the bottom surface of the block portion (13) to position the block portion (13) on the upper part of the housing body (100).

20. The connector housing of claim 19.

21. A connector housing according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the connector housing (1) is a one-piece injection molded part.

22. The connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21; A terminal to be inserted into the terminal insertion hole (101) of the connector housing (1); A connector comprising:

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