connector

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector that prevents accidental release of the locking mechanism between the housing and the front section. [Solution] The connector 10 comprises a housing 20 having a cavity 28 and a front portion 51 that locks to the housing 20 in a locked position. A pair of guide portions 32 are provided on the front side of the housing 20, positioned on both sides of the front portion 51. Locking portions 35 and 36 are recessed on the opposing surfaces of each of the guide portions 32. The front portion 51 has a tab insertion hole 61 that communicates with the cavity 28 in a locked position and a projection 64 that protrudes from the side end surface of the front portion 51. The projection 64 is positioned inside the locking portion 35 in a locked position and inside the locking portion 36 in a temporary locked position. An opening 41 is provided on the front of the guide portion 32 that communicates with the inside of the locking portions 35 and 36. The guide portion 32 has a protective portion 42 positioned between the opening 41 and the tab insertion hole 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 includes a housing body and a terminal holding member attached to the housing body. A terminal fitting is housed in the housing body. The terminal holding member is arranged to be movable between a temporary locking position and a main locking position with respect to the housing body. At the temporary locking position, insertion of the terminal fitting into the housing body is allowed. At the main locking position, withdrawal of the terminal fitting backward from the housing body is suppressed. The terminal holding member has a front wall portion facing the front surface of the housing body. The front wall portion has a tab insertion hole communicating with the cavity at the main locking position. A tab of a mating male terminal fitting is inserted into the tab insertion hole of the front wall portion. The housing body has a temporary locking holding portion and a main locking holding portion. The temporary locking holding portion and the main locking holding portion are open to the front and the left and right inner sides of the housing body. The front wall portion has holding protrusions. The holding protrusions are in the shape of claws protruding from the left and right side end faces of the front wall portion. When the holding protrusions are locked to the temporary locking holding portion, the terminal holding member is held at the temporary locking position with respect to the housing body. When the holding protrusions are locked to the main locking holding portion, the terminal holding member is held at the main locking position with respect to the housing body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If the jig or the tab of the mating terminal fitting were to accidentally interfere with the locking portion between the retaining projection and the main locking retaining part, or between the retaining projection and the temporary locking retaining part, there was a risk that the locking portion would be unintentionally released.

[0005] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a connector that can prevent accidental disengagement of the lock between the housing and the front portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of this disclosure comprises a housing having a cavity, and a front portion movable along the front side of the housing in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction and locking to the housing in a locking position, wherein a pair of guide portions are provided on the front side of the housing, arranged on both sides of the front portion, and a locking portion is recessed on the opposing surface of each of the pair of guide portions, the front portion has a tab insertion hole communicating with the cavity in the locking position, and a projection protruding from the side end surface of the front portion, the projection facing the locking portion so as to be lockable in the locking position, and the pair of guide portions are provided with an opening that opens so as to be visible to the locking portion in a front view, and a protective portion disposed between the opening and the tab insertion hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector that can prevent accidental disengagement of the lock between the housing and the front portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the housing of the connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the temporary locking portion, the permanent locking portion, and their surrounding structures in the connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the mounting member of the connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the connector mounting member according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view of the connector mounting member according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a rear view of the connector mounting member according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an enlarged front view showing the connector according to Embodiment 1 in which the protrusion is engaged with the temporary locking portion. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an enlarged front view showing the connector according to Embodiment 1 in which the protrusion is locked to the locking portion for locking. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a front view cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the connector according to Embodiment 1, in which the protrusion is locked to the locking portion for locking. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. The connector disclosed herein is (1) A housing having a cavity, and a front portion that is movable along the front side of the housing in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction and locks to the housing in a locking position, wherein a pair of guide portions are provided on the front side of the housing, arranged on both sides of the front portion, and a locking portion is recessed on the opposing surface of each of the pair of guide portions, the front portion has a tab insertion hole that communicates with the cavity in the locking position, and a projection that protrudes from the side end surface of the front portion, the projection is positioned inside the locking portion in the locking position, an opening is provided on the front of the pair of guide portions that communicates with the inside of the locking portion, and the pair of guide portions has a protective portion positioned between the opening and the tab insertion hole. According to the configuration described in (1) above, the protective part prevents the jig, the tabs of the male terminal fittings, etc. from interfering with the locking portion between the protrusion and the locking part. This prevents the locking between the housing and the front part from being accidentally released.

[0010] (2) In the connector described in (1) above, the front portion is movable from a temporary locking position to the locking position, and the locking portion has in each of the pair of guide portions a temporary locking portion where the projection is positioned at the temporary locking position and a permanent locking portion where the projection is positioned at the locking position, and the opening and the protective portion are preferably provided corresponding to the temporary locking portion and the permanent locking portion, respectively. According to the configuration described in (2) above, the protective part prevents the jig, the tab of the male terminal fitting, etc. from interfering with the protrusion and the locking part, whether in the temporary locking position or the locked position. The locking state between the protrusion and the locking part can be visually confirmed.

[0011] (3) In the connector described in (2) above, it is preferable that the front portion has a jig insertion hole adjacent to the tab insertion hole, and the protective portion is positioned between the opening and the jig insertion hole. According to the configuration described in (3) above, the jig insertion hole can be provided in a space-efficient manner, while the protective part prevents the tabs of the jig or male terminal fittings from interfering with the protrusions and locking parts.

[0012] (4) In the connector according to any one of (1) to (3) above, it is preferable that the opening is a hole in which the entire circumference in the circumferential direction intersecting the front-rear direction is closed. According to the configuration of (4) above, it is possible to prevent a jig or a tab of a male terminal fitting from interfering with the locking portion between the protrusion and the locking portion from the circumferential direction. (5) In the connector according to (4) above, the front portion has a jig insertion hole at a position adjacent to the tab insertion hole, the opening shape of the opening is different from the opening shape of the jig insertion hole, and the opening area of the opening is preferably smaller than the opening area of the jig insertion hole. According to the configuration of (5) above, it is possible to more reliably prevent a jig or a tab of a male terminal fitting from being inserted into the opening.

[0013] [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 these examples, and is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0014] [Embodiment 1] As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes a housing 20 and a mounting member 50 that is mounted to be movable between a temporary locking position and a locking position (main locking position) with respect to the housing 20. The housing 20 is fitted with a mating connector (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, a terminal fitting 90 is accommodated in the housing 20. The mounting member 50 has a front portion 51 and a retainer portion 52. In the following description, regarding the front-rear direction, the fitting direction of the housing 20 with respect to the mating connector is taken as the front. The up-down direction is based on the up-down direction in each figure except FIG. 5. The up-down direction is synonymous with the height direction, and the left-right direction is synonymous with the width direction. The reference signs X, Y, and Z in FIGS. 1 and 2 represent the front, right, and upper directions, respectively. These direction references are for convenience and do not necessarily match the direction references in a state where the connector 10 is mounted on a vehicle or the like (not shown).

[0015] (Housing 20 and terminal fitting 90) The housing 20 is made of synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 20 is generally in the shape of a square block, with the left - right dimension being longer than the up - down dimension. At the rear end of the housing 20, a flange portion 21 is formed to project radially outward. On the upper surface of the housing 20, an elastically deformable lock arm 22 is formed to project. The lock arm 22 extends rearward from the left - right middle portion at the front end of the upper surface of the housing 20. The rear end of the lock arm 22 is disposed inside an opening hole 23 formed in the flange portion 21. The lock arm 22 locks a mating housing (not shown) of a mating connector and holds the connector 10 and the mating connector in a fitted state.

[0016] On both left - right side surfaces of the housing 20, a pair of recesses 24 are formed. Each recess 24 is formed in a shape that is recessed one step with respect to the upper part at the lower part of the side surface of the housing 20. Further, in the housing 20, a retainer mounting hole 25 is formed. The retainer mounting hole 25 opens over three surfaces from the lower surface of the housing 20 to the inner surface (the surface facing the left - right outside) of the depth of each recess 24. As shown in FIG. 2, the retainer portion 52 of the mounting member 50 is inserted into the retainer mounting hole 25 from below.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, on the inner surface of the depth of each recess 24 of the housing 20, a pair of upper - and - lower holding protrusions 26, 27 are formed. Each of the holding protrusions 26, 27 has a rib shape extending in the front - rear direction. Each of the holding protrusions 26, 27 is arranged at intervals in the up - down direction at a position in front of the retainer mounting hole 25 on the inner surface of each recess 24. Each of the holding protrusions 26, 27, together with the locking portions 35, 36 described later, serves to hold the mounting member 50 at a temporary locking position and a locking position with respect to the housing 20.

[0018] The housing 20 has multiple cavities 28 formed within it. As shown in Figure 2, each cavity 28 extends in the front-to-back direction, with its front end opening to the front surface of the housing 20 and its rear end opening to the rear surface of the housing 20. In this embodiment 1, each cavity 28 is arranged in three rows vertically and in multiple columns horizontally within the housing 20. Inside the housing 20, each cavity 28 is divided into a front portion 28A and a rear portion 28B, separated by a retainer mounting hole 25. The housing 20 has an elastically deformable lance 29 that protrudes from the inner wall of the front portion 28A of each cavity 28. The front end of the lance 29 is exposed on the front side of the housing 20 when the housing 20 is alone (see Figure 3), and is covered by the front portion 51 when the mounting member 50 is attached to the housing 20 (see Figure 2). A terminal fitting 90 is inserted into the cavity 28 of the housing 20 from the rear. The terminal fitting 90 is locked to the lance 29, temporarily preventing it from coming out of the cavity 28 towards the rear.

[0019] The terminal fitting 90 is made of conductive metal. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal fitting 90 has an overall elongated shape that extends in the front-to-back direction. The terminal fitting 90 has a cylindrical connecting portion 91 and a barrel portion 92 located behind the connecting portion 91. The tab 191 of the mating male terminal fitting 190 is inserted into the connecting portion 91 for connection. The lance 29 is locked into a projection at the front end of the connecting portion 91. The barrel portion 92 is crimped to the end of the electric wire W. The electric wire W extends rearward from the rear surface of the housing 20. The retainer portion 52 secondarily prevents the terminal fitting 90 from coming out of the cavity 28 to the rear.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, a rib-shaped projection 31 extending in the left-right direction is formed at the upper end of the front surface of the housing 20. The projection 31 extends across the entire width of the housing 20 in the left-right direction. The left and right intermediate portions of the projection 31 constitute the front end portion 22A of the lock arm 22. This front end portion 22A of the lock arm 22 protrudes forward from its surroundings. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the left and right intermediate portions of the front portion 51 can be locked onto the front end portion 22A of the lock arm 22 from below.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, a pair of rib-shaped guide portions 32 extending in the vertical direction are formed at the left and right ends of the front surface of the housing 20. The upper ends of each guide portion 32 are connected to the left and right ends of the protruding portion 31. Each guide portion 32 and the protruding portion 31 are formed in a gate shape when viewed from the front at the upper front surface of the housing 20. As shown in Figure 1, when the mounting member 50 is attached to the housing 20, each guide portion 32 is positioned to sandwich the front portion 51 from both the left and right sides.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, each guide portion 32 has opposing surfaces 33 (only one is shown in Figure 3) that face each other in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 4, a guide groove 34 extending in the vertical direction is recessed in the rear portion of the opposing surfaces 33 of the guide portion 32. A permanent locking portion 35 and a temporary locking portion 36 are recessed in the groove surface (the rear surface on the back side in the depth direction) of the guide groove 34 of the guide portion 32, spaced apart in the vertical direction. The temporary locking portion 36 is positioned below the permanent locking portion 35. The permanent locking portion 35 and the temporary locking portion 36 are formed across the entire width of the guide groove 34 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 11, the inner lower surfaces (the surfaces facing upward on the lower side) of the permanent locking portion 35 and the temporary locking portion 36 are both positioned horizontally along the left-right direction. The inner upper surfaces (upper surfaces facing downwards) of the main locking portion 35 and the temporary locking portion 36 are both inclined downwards toward the left and right outwards. A ride-up surface 37 is formed in the groove surface of the guide groove 34 between the inner upper surface of the temporary locking portion 36 and the inner lower surface of the main locking portion 35, oriented in the vertical direction. A retractable surface 38 is formed in the groove surface of the guide groove 34 below the inner lower surface of the temporary locking portion 36, at a position to the left and right outwards from the ride-up surface 37, oriented in the vertical direction. A sliding surface 39 is formed in the groove surface of the guide groove 34 between the inner lower surface of the temporary locking portion 36 and the retractable surface 38, at the same position in the left-right direction as the ride-up surface 37, oriented in the vertical direction. The protrusion 64 of the front section 51, described later, moves from the retractable surface 38 side over the sliding surface 39 and engages with the temporary locking portion 36 during the assembly process of the mounting member 50, and then moves over the ride-up surface 37 and engages with the permanent locking portion 35.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the front portion of the opposing surface 33 of the guide portion 32 is positioned vertically and longitudinally along the groove surface of the guide groove 34, on both the left and right sides inward. Each guide portion 32 has a pair of openings 41 spaced apart vertically on its front surface. Each opening 41 is formed by the withdrawal of a mold (not shown) that forms the main locking portion 35 and the temporary locking portion 36, respectively. Each opening 41 is positioned to fit within the left-right thickness range of each guide portion 32. Each opening 41 is formed to correspond individually to the main locking portion 35 and the temporary locking portion 36. The upper opening 41 has its rear end communicating with the internal space of the main locking portion 35, its front end opening to the front surface of the guide portion 32, and is formed as a hole with its entire circumference closed in the circumferential direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. In particular, the left and right inner sides of the upper opening 41 are closed by protective portions 42 that constitute the front left and right inner sides of the guide portion 32. As a result, the opening 41 is open only in the front-to-back direction. The protective portion 42 is formed to extend in the vertical direction. The lower opening 41 has its rear end communicating with the internal space of the temporary locking portion 36, and its front end opening to the front surface of the guide portion 32, and is also formed as a hole that is closed all around in the circumferential direction. The left and right inner sides of the lower opening 41 are closed by the protective portion 42 which also extends in the vertical direction. The protrusions 64 that are locked to the locking portions 35 and 36 are visible from the front through each opening 41. The upper and lower protective portions 42 are arranged coaxially in the vertical direction via a partition portion 43 that separates the openings 41.

[0024] Each opening 41 has a cross-sectional shape (opening shape) similar to that of the permanent locking portion 35 and the temporary locking portion 36, respectively. The vertical dimensions of the left and right inner sides of the opening 41 are larger than the vertical dimensions of the left and right outer sides of the opening 41. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 41 is inclined downward from the upper end of the opening 41 outwards to the left and right. The opening shape of the opening 41 is different from the opening shape of the jig insertion hole 63 of the mounting member 50, which will be described later. Also, the opening area of ​​the opening 41 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the jig insertion hole 63.

[0025] (Mounting member 50) The mounting member 50 is made of synthetic resin. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the mounting member 50 has a front portion 51 on the front end side and a retainer portion 52 on the rear end side. The mounting member 50 also has a pair of left and right side plate portions 53 between the front portion 51 and the retainer portion 52.

[0026] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, both the front portion 51 and the retainer portion 52 have a rectangular external shape when viewed from the front and rear, with the left-right dimension being longer than the vertical dimension. As shown in Figure 7, the front portion 51 is plate-shaped and positioned with its plate surface facing the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 8, the retainer portion 52 is lattice-shaped and positioned opposite the front portion 51 with a gap in the front-rear direction between them. As shown in Figure 6, the side plate portions 53 are plate-shaped and positioned with their plate surfaces facing the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 5, each side plate portion 53 extends in the front-rear direction, with its front end connected to the left-right end of the front portion 51 and its rear end connected to the left-right end of the retainer portion 52. Overall, the mounting member 50 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above and has an internal space 54 inside.

[0027] The mounting member 50 is mounted to the housing 20 from below and is held in a temporary locking position and a locked position relative to the housing 20 by a locking structure described later. The mounting member 50 moves upward from the temporary locking position to the locked position relative to the housing 20. The front portion 51 is positioned along the front side of the housing 20. The retainer portion 52 is inserted into the retainer mounting hole 25 of the housing 20. Each side plate portion 53 is fitted into each recess 24 of the housing 20 and is positioned along the back side of each recess 24. As shown in Figure 2, the front portion of the housing 20 (the portion having the front portion 28A of each cavity 28) is fitted into the internal space 54 of the mounting member 50.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, the retainer portion 52 has a plurality of through holes 55. In this embodiment 1, each through hole 55 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape (opening shape) and is arranged in two rows vertically and in multiple rows horizontally. Each through hole 55 communicates with the cavities 28 of the lower two rows, excluding the uppermost row, at the temporary locking position and the locked position. A plurality of retaining portions 56 are formed protruding from the inner wall of each through hole 55 of the retainer portion 52. Each retaining portion 56 is positioned to be lockable onto each terminal fitting 90 inserted into each cavity 28 of the lower two rows (see Figure 2 for the middle cavity 28). Each retaining portion 56 is also formed protruding from the upper surface of the retainer portion 52. Each retaining portion 56 on the upper surface side of the retainer portion 52 is positioned to be lockable onto each terminal fitting 90 inserted into each cavity 28 of the uppermost row.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, each side plate portion 53 has a pair of left and right retaining bodies 57. The retaining bodies 57 are rib-shaped extending in the front-rear direction at the upper end of the side plate portion 53 and protrude into the internal space 54.

[0030] As shown in Figures 5-7, the front portion 51 has a rectangular plate-shaped front wall portion 58 and a plurality of rib-shaped end wall portions 59 that extend vertically and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the rear side of the front wall portion 58. Each end wall portion 59, although not shown, is connected in the front-rear direction to the partition between adjacent cavities 28 in the left-right direction in the housing 20, and together forms an integrated partition wall. The front end of the connection portion 91 of the terminal fitting 90 is covered on both the left and right sides by each end wall portion 59 (see Figure 2).

[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the front wall portion 58 has a plurality of tab insertion holes 61. In this embodiment 1, each tab insertion hole 61 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is arranged in three rows vertically and in multiple rows horizontally. On the front surface of the front wall portion 58, a guide surface portion 62 that expands forward is formed at the opening edge of each tab insertion hole 61. Each tab insertion hole 61 communicates with each cavity 28 in the locked position. The tabs 191 of the mating male terminal fitting 190 are guided into the guide surface portion 62 and inserted into the tab insertion hole 61, and connected to the terminal fitting 90 housed in the cavity 28.

[0032] Furthermore, the front wall portion 58 has a plurality of jig insertion holes 63 positioned to the left and right of each tab insertion hole 61. Each jig insertion hole 63 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is positioned to correspond individually to each tab insertion hole 61. In this embodiment 1, each jig insertion hole 63 is alternately positioned at the same height to the left of the corresponding tab insertion hole 61. Of the jig insertion holes 63, the leftmost one is configured as an end-side jig insertion hole 63A. The end-side jig insertion holes 63A are located close to the left side end face 68 of the front wall portion 58 and are arranged in a row of three in the vertical direction.

[0033] As shown in Figure 9, each jig insertion hole 63 is positioned opposite the front end of the lance 29 in the temporary locking position. A protective part 42 is positioned between the opening 41 and the tab insertion hole 61 (end-side jig insertion hole 63A) adjacent to the opening 41. When the mounting member 50 is in the temporary locking position, a release jig (jig) (not shown) contacts the front end of the lance 29 through the jig insertion hole 63, allowing the lance 29 to bend downwards in Figure 9 (in the direction that releases the locking with the terminal fitting 90). With the lance 29 bent downwards, the terminal fitting 90 can be removed from the cavity 28 by pulling the electric wire W backwards.

[0034] As shown in Figure 7, the front portion 51 has a pair of left and right projections 64. Each projection 64 is provided on the end wall portion 59 located at the left and right ends of each end wall portion 59, projecting from the left and right outer side end faces 68 of the end wall portion 59. In the vertical direction, each projection 64 is positioned within the height range between the uppermost tab insertion hole 61 (jig insertion hole 63) and the tab insertion hole 61 (jig insertion hole 63) adjacent to it below it. As shown in Figure 6, the projection 64 is rib-shaped extending in the front-rear direction and is formed over the entire thickness of the end wall portion 59 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 11, the external shape of the projection 64, in a front view, consists of a portion that slopes downward toward the left and right outwards, a portion located at the lower end that extends horizontally toward the left and right outwards, and a portion that is curved and continuous toward the left and right outwards.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, the front portion 51 has a pair of left and right deformation-allowing portions 65. In this embodiment 1, each deformation-allowing portion 65 is configured as a hole with a vertical dimension longer than the horizontal dimension, located at the end wall portion 59 at the left and right ends and at the left and right ends of the front wall portion 58. Each deformation-allowing portion 65 is positioned on the left and right sides of the end wall portion 59, inward from each projection 64. The projection 64 is positioned on the left and right outer side end faces 68 of the end wall portion 59 at a height corresponding to the upper and lower intermediate portion of the deformation-allowing portion 65.

[0036] As shown in Figure 7, the left and right inner portions of each deformation-allowing portion 65 extend continuously from the end wall portion 59 to the front wall portion 58, with their front ends opening to the front surface of the front wall portion 58. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, recesses 66 are formed as cutouts in the left and right outer side end faces 68 of the front wall portion 58, as part of each deformation-allowing portion 65. The left and right outer portions of each deformation-allowing portion 65 open to the front surface of the end wall portion 59 behind the front surface of the front wall portion 58. The rear end of each deformation-allowing portion 65 opens to the rear surface of the end wall portion 59. The recesses 66 are located at the left end of the front wall portion 58, in a range that overlaps vertically with the area between the vertically adjacent end-side jig insertion holes 63A.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7, the front portion 51 has a pair of left and right elastic portions 67. Each elastic portion 67 has a width defined between the left and right outer side end faces 68 of the end wall portion 59 and the left and right outer inner surfaces of the deformation-allowing portion 65, and is shaped to extend vertically according to the vertical dimension of the deformation-allowing portion 65. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the mounting member 50 is assembled to the housing 20, the elastic portions 67 are covered from the front by the protective portion 42. Each projection 64 is provided protruding from the upper and lower intermediate portion of the left and right outer side end faces 68 of each elastic portion 67. The elastic portions 67 are elastically deformable in a direction that narrows the left and right width of the deformation-allowing portion 65.

[0038] (Function of connector 10) The mounting member 50 is assembled to the housing 20 from below. During the assembly process, the projection 64 slides along the sliding surface 39 from the retractable surface 38, and the elastic part 67 elastically deforms toward the deformation-allowable part 65. When the mounting member 50 reaches the temporary locking position, the elastic part 67 elastically returns to its original position, and the projection 64 fits into the temporary locking part 36 (see Figure 7). As shown in Figure 9, by visually observing the state in which the projection 64 is locked in the locking part 36 from the lower opening 41, it can be determined that the mounting member 50 has reached the temporary locking position. Then, although not shown, the retaining body 57 fits between the pair of retaining protrusions 26, 27 in the vertical direction. Here, the projection 64 contacts the inner lower surface of the temporary locking part 36, and the retaining body 57 contacts the upper surface of the lower retaining protrusion 27, thereby preventing the mounting member 50, which has reached the temporary locking position, from detaching downward from the housing 20. Furthermore, the projection 64 contacts the inner upper surface of the temporary locking portion 36, and the holding body 57 contacts the lower surface of the upper holding projection 26, thereby preventing the mounting member 50, which has reached the temporary locking position, from moving to the locking position.

[0039] With the mounting member 50 held in a temporary locking position relative to the housing 20, the terminal fittings 90 are inserted into each cavity 28 of the housing 20 from the rear. The terminal fittings 90 are temporarily prevented from coming out within the cavity 28 by the lance 29.

[0040] Next, the mounting member 50 is pushed upward relative to the housing 20 toward the locking position. The end wall portions 59 located at the left and right ends move along the corresponding guide grooves 34. As the mounting member 50 moves toward the locking position, the projection 64 slides along the ride surface 37 (see Figure 11), and the elastic portion 67 elastically deforms in an arc toward the deformation-allowing portion 65. When the mounting member 50 reaches the locking position, the elastic portion 67 elastically returns to its original position, and the projection 64 fits into the locking portion 35 for the main locking. Then, although not shown in the figures, the retaining body 57 is positioned on the upper side of the upper retaining projection 26. The projection 64 contacts the inner lower surface of the locking portion 35 for the main locking, and the retaining body 57 contacts the upper surface of the upper retaining projection 26, thereby preventing the mounting member 50, which has reached the locking position, from moving downward toward the temporary locking position. Furthermore, the projection 64 contacts the inner upper surface of the locking portion 35 for the main locking mechanism, and the retaining body 57 contacts the inner lower surface of the recess 24, thereby preventing the mounting member 50, which has reached the locking position, from moving any further upward. Thus, the mounting member 50 is held in the locking position relative to the housing 20. Here, the terminal fitting 90 is secondarily prevented from coming loose by the retaining portion 56. The tab insertion hole 61 is positioned to communicate with the cavity 28.

[0041] If the mounting member 50 stops at an intermediate position on its way from the temporary locking position to the locking position relative to the housing 20, the projection 64 remains in contact with the ride-on surface 37, and the elastic deformation of the elastic part 67 is not resolved. Therefore, by visually observing the elastic deformation state of the elastic part 67 (the deformation state of the deformation-allowable part 65) from a front view, it can be determined that the projection 64 is still on the ride-on surface 37 and the mounting member 50 has not yet reached the locking position. In contrast, as shown in Figure 10, by visually observing the state in which the elastic part 67 extends vertically and returns to its elastic state through the upper opening 41, it can be determined that the projection 64 has overcome the ride-on surface 37 and the mounting member 50 has reached the locking position.

[0042] For example, if the mounting member 50 repeatedly moves between a temporary locking position and a locked position relative to the housing 20, the protrusion 64 will move back and forth between the permanent locking portion 35 and the temporary locking portion 36. At this time, stress accumulates in the protrusion 64 each time it rides onto the mounting surface 37, so there is a risk that the protrusion 64 will undergo plastic deformation. However, in the case of this embodiment 1, when the protrusion 64 rides onto the mounting surface 37, the elastic portion 67 undergoes elastic deformation, which can alleviate the stress generated in the protrusion 64. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations in which the protrusion 64 undergoes plastic deformation such as fracture or breakage.

[0043] Incidentally, if, for example, the mating connector is tilted when mating with the connector, the tab of the male terminal fitting may interfere with the locking portion between the locking part and the projection, potentially releasing the locking of the locking portion. In this embodiment 1, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, with the mounting member 50 assembled to the housing 20, the protective part 42 is positioned to cover the elastic part 67 from the front in both the temporary locking position and the locked position. Therefore, the tab 191 of the male terminal fitting 190 does not interfere with the protective part 42, preventing the tab 191 of the male terminal fitting 190 from hitting the locking portion. Also, when inserting a jig through the end-side jig insertion hole in the temporary locking position, the jig may accidentally interfere with the locking portion between the locking part and the projection, potentially releasing the locking of the locking portion. In this embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 9, the protective part 42 is positioned to cover the elastic part 67 from the front in the temporary locking position. Therefore, the jig does not interfere with the protective part 42, preventing the jig from hitting the locking portion. As described above, the protective part 42 prevents the tab 191 of the male terminal fitting 190 or the jig from unintentionally interfering with the locking portion, thereby releasing the locking state between the locking portions 35, 36 and the projection 64. In other words, the tab 191 of the male terminal fitting 190 or the jig prevents the locking state of the front portion 51 to the housing 20 from being accidentally released.

[0044] The protective portion 42 is positioned between the end-side jig insertion hole 63A and the opening 41. This allows for space-efficient provision of the jig insertion hole 63 while preventing the locking of the locking portions 35, 36 and the protrusion 64 from being released by the protective portion 42.

[0045] The opening 41 is formed as a hole whose front end opens to the front surface of the guide portion 32, and whose entire circumference is closed in the circumferential direction intersecting the front-rear direction. In particular, the left and right inner sides of the opening 41 are closed off by the protective portion 42. This makes it possible to visually check the locking state between the locking portions 35, 36 and the projection 64 through the opening 41, while preventing interference from the tab 191 of the male terminal fitting 190 or the jig.

[0046] The opening shape of the opening 41 is different from the opening shape of the jig insertion hole 63. Also, the opening area of ​​the opening 41 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the jig insertion hole 63. As a result, it is more difficult for the tab 191 of the male terminal fitting 190 or the jig to be inserted through the opening 41 than through the jig insertion hole 63. Therefore, interference between the tab 191 of the male terminal fitting 190 or the jig and the locking portion 35, 36 and the projection 64 can be prevented more reliably.

[0047] [Other embodiments of this disclosure] Embodiment 1 disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. In the first embodiment described above, the front portion 51 was configured as part of the mounting member 50. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the front portion may consist only of the part located on the front side of the housing. For example, the front portion may consist of a front mask, a front holder, and a front retainer. In the first embodiment described above, the mounting member 50 (front portion 51) was movable between a temporary locking position and a locking position (permanent locking position) relative to the housing 20. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the mounting member (front portion) may be configured to reach the locking position directly relative to the housing without passing through a temporary locking position. In the first embodiment described above, each opening 41 has an opening shape similar to that of each of the locking portions 35 and 36. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the opening shape of each opening and the opening shape of the locking portion may be different. In the first embodiment described above, each opening 41 is closed all around in the circumferential direction. In contrast, according to other embodiments, the opening does not have to be closed all around in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the opening may have a notched shape in a part of its circumferential direction (for example, the left and right outer edges of the opening), leaving a part of its circumferential direction open. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10… Connectors 20… Housing 21... Tsuba (guard) 22... Lock Arm 22A... Front end of the lock arm 23...Opening hole 24…recess 25…Retainer mounting hole 26…Upper retaining projection 27...Lower retaining projection 28... Cavity 28A... Front of the cavity 28B... Rear of the cavity 29... Lance 31...Protruding part 32… Guide Section 33… Opposite side 34… Guide groove 35... Locking part for this purpose (locking part) 36... Temporary locking part 37… Ride surface 38…Evacuation area 39... Sliding surface 41…Opening 42...Protection part 43... Partition section 50… Mounting component 51…Front section 52... Retainer part 53…Side plate part 54…Interior space 55... Through hole 56... Retaining part 57...Holding body 58...Front wall part 59…End wall section 61... Tab insertion hole 62... Invitation surface 63... Jig insertion hole 63A... End-side jig insertion hole 64… protrusion 65...Deformation tolerance area 66...dent 67...Elastic part 68...Side end surface 90…Terminal fittings 91...Connection part 92... Barrel section 190...Male terminal fittings 191... Tab W…Electric wire

Claims

1. A housing with a cavity, The housing comprises a front portion that is movable along the front side of the housing in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction and that locks to the housing in a locking position, The front side of the housing is provided with a pair of guide portions arranged on both sides of the front portion. A locking portion is recessed in each of the opposing surfaces of the pair of guide portions. The front portion has a tab insertion hole that communicates with the cavity at the locking position, and a projection that protrudes from the side end face of the front portion. The projection is positioned inside the locking portion at the locking position. An opening is provided on the front surface of the pair of guide portions, which communicates with the inside of the locking portion. The pair of guide portions have protective portions positioned between the opening and the tab insertion hole, wherein each guide portion is a connector.

2. The front portion is movable from the temporary locking position to the locking position. The locking portion has, in each of the pair of guide portions, a temporary locking portion where the projection is positioned at the temporary locking position and a permanent locking portion where the projection is positioned at the locking position. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the opening and the protective portion are provided corresponding to the temporary locking portion and the permanent locking portion, respectively.

3. The front portion has a jig insertion hole adjacent to the tab insertion hole, The connector according to claim 2, wherein the protective portion is disposed between the opening and the jig insertion hole.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening is a hole that is closed all around in the circumferential direction intersecting the front-rear direction.

5. The front portion has a jig insertion hole adjacent to the tab insertion hole, The opening shape of the aforementioned opening differs from the opening shape of the jig insertion hole. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the opening area of ​​the opening is smaller than the opening area of ​​the jig insertion hole.

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