connector

Abstract

To prevent interference between a cover and a tab.SOLUTION: A stacking connector A includes: housings 21, 22, 23, 24; male terminal fittings 40 each having a tab 42 protruding forward in a cantilever manner and attached to the housing 21, 22, 23, 24 with the tab 42 protruding forward from a front surface of the housing 21, 22, 23, 24; and covers 50 each detachably attached to the housing 21, 22, 23, 24 and configured to cover the tab 42 when attached to the housing 21, 22, 23, 24. In each housing 21, 22, 23, 24 and each cover 50, guide ribs 27 and guide grooves 63 which guide the cover 50 so that the cover 50 is displaced relative to the housing 21, 22, 23, 24 in a route such that the cover 50 avoids interference with the tab 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a male connector having a plurality of stacked flat male sub-housings and male terminal fittings attached to each male sub-housing. This male connector is attached to a male holder having a hood portion, and a moving plate is accommodated in the hood portion. The tab at the tip of the male terminal fitting is positioned by the moving plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the male connector is not attached to the male holder, the tab of the male terminal fitting protrudes forward from the front of the male sub-housing and is exposed, so there is a risk that the tab may be deformed due to interference with other members. As a countermeasure, it is conceivable to attach a cover that surrounds the tab to the front end portion of the male sub-housing.

[0005] However, since the tab protrudes forward from the front surface of the male sub-housing, when removing the cover from the male sub-housing, if the cover tilts obliquely with the front surface of the male sub-housing as a fulcrum, there is a risk that the cover may interfere with the tab. Also, when attaching the cover after attaching the male terminal fitting to the male sub-housing, if the posture of the cover tilts, there is a risk that the cover may interfere with the tab.

[0006] The connector of this disclosure is completed in accordance with the circumstances described above and is intended to prevent the cover from interfering with the tab. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The connector disclosed herein is Housing and A male terminal fitting having a tab that protrudes forward in a cantilevered manner, and which is attached to the housing with the tab protruding forward from the front surface of the housing, It comprises a cover that is detachable from the housing and covers the tab when attached to the housing, The housing and the cover are formed with guide portions that guide the cover to be displaced relative to the housing in a path that does not interfere with the tab. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to prevent the cover from interfering with the tab. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the laminated connector of Example 1, taken from an oblique upward and forward angle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a back cross-sectional view of a laminated connector. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the disassembled stacked connector, seen from an oblique angle above and behind. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the stacked connector set in the jig, viewed from an oblique angle above and in front. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above and in front of the housing, showing the cover removed using a jig. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the third housing, seen from diagonally above and behind. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the third housing, seen from diagonally below and behind. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cover viewed obliquely from the upper rear. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cover viewed obliquely from the lower rear. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the process of stacking the connectors. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing the process of stacking the connectors. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan cross-sectional view showing a state in which the holding function by the receiving portion and the elastic holding piece is exhibited. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan cross-sectional view showing a state in which the holding function by the receiving portion and the elastic holding piece is released.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure (1) includes a housing, a male terminal fitting having a tab protruding in a cantilever manner forward, the tab being attached to the housing in a state of protruding forward from the front surface of the housing, and a cover that is detachable from the housing and covers the tab in a state of being attached to the housing. A guide portion is formed on the housing and the cover to guide the cover to be relatively displaced with respect to the housing along a path that does not interfere with the tab. According to the configuration of the present disclosure, since the cover is guided to move along a path that does not interfere with the tab, it is possible to prevent the cover from interfering with the tab.

[0011] (2) Preferably, the guiding path by the guiding portion is a linear path in the front-rear direction parallel to the protruding direction of the tab. According to this configuration, since the moving path of the cover is a linear path parallel to the protruding direction of the tab, it is possible to prevent interference between the cover and the tab without increasing the size of the cover. Simplification of the shape of the housing and the shape of the cover can be achieved.

[0012] (3)(2), the housing and the cover have a flat shape with a width dimension larger than the height dimension. The cover has a covering portion that covers the plurality of tabs arranged in the width direction, and arm portions that extend rearward in a cantilevered manner from both ends in the width direction of the covering portion. It is preferable that the guide portion is formed on the arm portion. According to this configuration, in the process of removing the cover from the housing, even if the cover tilts in the height direction immediately after the rear end portion of the guide portion on the cover side separates from the front end portion of the guide portion on the housing side, it is possible to prevent the covering portion from interfering with the tabs.

[0013] (4)(3), a plurality of the housings are stacked in the height direction. In the state where the plurality of housings are stacked, a plurality of the covers are arranged so as to be stacked and aligned in the height direction. It is preferable that positioning portions for restricting relative displacement in the width direction are formed on two of the covers that overlap in the stacked state by fitting with each other. According to this configuration, two covers that overlap in the stacked state are restricted from relative displacement in the width direction by the fitting of the positioning portions with each other, so it is possible to prevent some of the plurality of stacked covers from being displaced in the width direction with respect to the housing.

[0014] (5)(3) or (4), a plurality of the housings are stacked in the height direction. In the state where the plurality of housings are stacked, a plurality of the covers are stacked and aligned in the height direction. It is preferable that fixture locking portions are formed on the outer surfaces of the plurality of covers. According to this configuration, by locking a fixture to the plurality of fixture locking portions arranged in the height direction, the plurality of covers can be removed from the housing in one action.

[0015] (6)(5), it is preferable that the fixture locking portion has a protrusion shape in which at least a part of the region where the guide portion is formed on the arm portion is thickened. According to this configuration, since the rigidity of the portion of the cover where the guide portion is formed is enhanced by the protrusion-shaped fixture locking portion, it is possible to prevent jamming from occurring between the two guide portions due to deformation of the guide portion on the cover side.

[0016] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] [Example 1] A laminated connector A of Embodiment 1, embodying the present disclosure, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown in the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence to the claims are included. In Embodiment 1, the front-to-back direction is defined as the F direction in Figures 1, 3 to 13. The left-to-right direction is defined as the R direction in Figures 1 to 9, 12, and 13. The left-to-right direction and the width direction are used synonymously. The up-to-down direction is defined as the H direction in Figures 1 to 11. The up-to-down direction, the height direction, and the stacking direction are used synonymously.

[0017] <Overview of Laminated Connector A> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the stacked connector A of this embodiment 1 is equipped with multiple types (four types in this embodiment 1, from the first to the fourth) of subconnectors 11, 12, 13, and 14. As shown in Figure 11, each subconnector 11, 12, 13, and 14 is equipped with housings 21, 22, 23, and 24, multiple male terminal fittings 40 attached to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24, and a cover 50 attached to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24.

[0018] The subconnectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 as a whole have a flattened rectangular shape, with a height dimension that is smaller than the depth dimension in the front-to-back direction and the width dimension in the left-to-right direction. A stacked connector A is constructed by assembling multiple types of subconnectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 stacked in the height direction. Specifically, from bottom to top, one first subconnector 11, one second subconnector 12, three third subconnectors 13, and one fourth subconnector 14 are stacked.

[0019] The assembled stacked connector A is designed to be attached to an outer housing (not shown) with the cover 50 removed from each housing 21, 22, 23, 24, i.e., with the tabs 42 of the male terminal fittings 40 protruding forward from the front of each housing 21, 22, 23, 24. The outer housing has a frame that accommodates the stacked housings 21, 22, 23, 24 and a rectangular tubular hood portion that protrudes forward from the frame. The multiple tabs 42 protruding from the housings 21, 22, 23, 24 are collectively surrounded by the hood portion. The front ends of the multiple tabs 42 are positioned by a moving plate (not shown) housed within the hood portion.

[0020] <Configuration of Housing Units 21, 22, 23, and 24> The common structure of the first to fourth housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 will be described with reference to Figures 3, 6, 7, and 11. Each housing 21, 22, 23, and 24 as a whole has a flattened rectangular shape in which the height dimension is small relative to the depth dimension in the front-to-back direction and the width dimension in the left-to-right direction. As shown in Figure 11, each housing 21, 22, 23, and 24 has multiple elongated terminal housing chambers 25 formed in parallel in the width direction. The terminal housing chambers 25 open to both the front and rear ends of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. A lance 26 is formed inside each terminal housing chamber 25 to prevent the male terminal fittings 40, which will be described later, from being removed.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, a pair of guide ribs 27 are formed on the left and right outer surfaces of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. The guide ribs 27 function as guides for guiding the cover 50 when attaching or detaching it from the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. The guide ribs 27 protrude outward in the width direction from the outer surfaces of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 and extend linearly in the front-rear direction. The guide ribs 27 are located in the front end region of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. The rear end of the guide rib 27 functions as a receiving portion 28. The receiving portion 28 has the function of holding the cover 50 in the assembled state on the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24, and the function of restricting the relative displacement in the front-rear direction of the two housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 stacked in a stacked state.

[0022] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, bulging portions 29 projecting outward in the width direction are formed in the rear end regions of both the left and right outer surfaces. The upper surface of the bulging portion 29 is located below the upper surfaces of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 and the receiving portion 28, and this difference in height forms an upper recess 30 above the bulging portion 29. In a plan view of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 viewed from above, the receiving portion 28 and the upper recess 30 are arranged adjacent to each other in the front-to-back direction. A jig fixing portion 31 with a shape that projects outward in the width direction is formed at the rear end of the bulging portion 29. As shown in Figures 2 and 7, locking protrusions 32 extending in a rib-like manner in the front-to-back direction are formed on both the left and right outer surfaces of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. The above is the common structure of the first to fourth housings 21, 22, 23, and 24.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 6, elastic locking pieces 33, which protrude upward in a wall-like shape, are formed at both the left and right ends of the upper surfaces of the first to third housings 21, 22, and 23. The elastic locking pieces 33 can be elastically deformed to tilt in the left and right directions. As shown in Figure 2, the elastic locking pieces 33 lock the stacked housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 together by engaging with the locking projections.

[0024] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 10, the second to fourth housings 22, 23, and 24 have release portions 34 formed therein. The release portion 34 is the part of the bulge 29 that protrudes below the lower surface of the housings 22, 23, and 24. In a plan view, the release portion 34 is located in the same area as the upper recess 30. The release portion 34 has the function of releasing the locking between the first to third housings 21, 22, and 23 and the cover 50.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 11, the second housing 22 and the third housing 23 have a plurality of protrusions 35 formed thereon. The plurality of protrusions 35 are arranged on the upper surfaces of the second housing 22 and the third housing 23 at a predetermined pitch in the width direction. In the width direction, the plurality of protrusions 35 are located in the same positions as the plurality of terminal housing chambers 25 formed in the third housing 23 and the fourth housing 24. In the front-rear direction, the protrusions 35 are located behind the lance 26.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 7, and 11, the third housing 23 and the fourth housing 24 have a plurality of notches 36 formed therein. Each notch 36 is shaped by cutting out an elongated section in the front-rear direction from the bottom wall of the third housing 23 and the fourth housing 24, along the terminal housing chamber 25. As shown in Figure 11, the front edge 36F of the notch 36 is located behind the lance 26. The notch 36 communicates with the terminal housing chamber 25 along its entire length. The rear end of the notch 36 communicates with the opening of the terminal housing chamber 25 at the rear end surface of the third housing 23 and the fourth housing 24.

[0027] <Configuration of male terminal fitting 40> The male terminal fitting 40 has an overall elongated shape in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 11, the male terminal fitting 40 has a terminal body portion 41, an elongated tab 42 that cantilevered forward from the terminal body portion 41, and a crimping portion 43 that extends rearward from the terminal body portion 41. The crimping portion 43 is connected to the front end of the electric wire 46 by crimping. A protruding primary locking portion 44 is formed in the central region of the terminal body portion 41 in the front-to-back direction. A stepped secondary locking portion 45 is formed at the rear end of the terminal body portion 41.

[0028] <Composition of Cover 50> The cover 50 is a common part for the first to fourth housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. The cover 50 is a single part made of synthetic resin. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cover 50 has a flattened shape in which the height dimension is small relative to the depth dimension in the front-to-back direction and the width dimension in the left-to-right direction. The cover 50 has one flattened rectangular tube-shaped covering part 51 and a pair of symmetrical arm parts 60.

[0029] The cover portion 51 has an upper wall portion 52, a lower wall portion 53, and a pair of left and right side wall portions 54. As shown in Figure 11, an elongated inspection opening 55 is formed on the front surface of the cover portion 51 in the left-right direction. The inspection opening 55 is an opening that connects the internal space of the cover portion 51 to the front outside of the cover portion 51. The left and right side wall portions 54 have a width dimension that is approximately the same as the height dimension of the side wall portion 54, and as a whole form a thick block shape. Positioning recesses 56 are formed on both side wall portions 54, with the upper surface of the side wall portion 54 being elongated in the front-rear direction. Positioning protrusions 57 are formed on both side wall portions 54, projecting downward from the lower surface of the side wall portion 54. In a plan view of the cover 50 from above, the positioning protrusions 57 are located in the same area as the positioning recesses 56.

[0030] The pair of arm portions 60 are cantilevered and extend rearward from both left and right ends of the cover portion 51, i.e., from the rear ends of the side wall portions 54. The upper surface of the arm portion 60 is set higher than the upper surface of the side wall portion 54, and this difference in height creates a stepped abutment portion 61 facing forward at the front end of the arm portion 60. The lower surface of the arm portion 60 is set higher than the lower surface of the side wall portion 54, and this difference in height creates a stepped release restricting portion 62 facing rearward at the rear end of the side wall portion 54.

[0031] Each arm portion 60 has a guide groove 63 that extends linearly in the front-rear direction. The guide groove 63 is composed of a side plate portion 64, an upper plate portion 65, and a lower plate portion 66, and opens to the inner side surface of the arm portion 60 (the surface where the arm portions 60 face each other). The front end of the guide groove 63 opens to the front end surface of the arm portion 60, and the rear end of the guide groove 63 opens to the rear end surface of the arm portion 60. The guide groove 63 is a guide portion that performs the function of stabilizing the position of the cover 50 relative to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 when attaching and detaching the cover 50 to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24, and the function of guiding the cover 50 along a predetermined path. The front-rear dimension from the rear end surface of the cover portion 51 to the rear end of the guide groove 63 is set to be larger than the dimension from the front end surface of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 to the front end of the tab 42 (the protruding dimension of the tab 42).

[0032] A pair of elastic retaining pieces 67 are formed on each of the pair of arm portions 60. The elastic retaining pieces 67 are positioned at the rear end of the guide groove 63 and have a cantilevered shape extending rearward. A retaining projection 68 is formed at the rear end of each elastic retaining piece 67, projecting inward in the width direction (towards the opposite elastic retaining piece 67). The elastic retaining piece 67 can be elastically deformed in the width direction with its front end as a fulcrum. The portion of the elastic retaining piece 67 in front of the retaining projection 68 constitutes the rear end of the side plate portion 64. The rear end of the elastic retaining piece 67 on which the retaining projection 68 is formed is positioned behind the rear end of the upper plate portion 65.

[0033] A protective portion 69 is formed at the rear end of the arm portion 60 to protect the elastic retaining piece 67. The protective portion 69 is a wall-like portion positioned wider than the elastic retaining piece 67. The front end of the protective portion 69 is connected to the outer surface of the side plate portion 64. The front end region of the protective portion 69 is connected to the upper plate portion 65 and the lower plate portion 66. A jig locking portion 70 is formed on the arm portion 60. The jig locking portion 70 has a block-like shape that protrudes outward in the width direction from the outer surface of the front end of the protective portion 69. The jig locking portion 70 is positioned within the area of ​​the arm portion 60 in which the guide groove 63 is formed in the front-rear direction. The jig locking portion 70, which has a large width dimension, increases the strength and rigidity of the part of the arm portion 60 in which the guide groove 63 is formed.

[0034] <Installation procedure for cover 50 on housings 21, 22, 23, and 24> The cover 50 is assembled to the first to fourth housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 before the male terminal fittings 40 are attached to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. During assembly, the cover 50 is brought close to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 from the front, the rear end of the arm portion 60 is aligned with the outer surface of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24, and the rear end of the guide groove 63 is fitted to the front end of the guide rib 27. The fitting of the guide rib 27 and the guide groove 63 positions the cover 50 in the vertical and horizontal directions relative to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. At this time, the retaining projection 68 interferes with the guide rib 27, causing the elastic retaining piece 67 to elastically deform outward in the width direction.

[0035] As the cover 50 is moved backward from this position, the sliding contact between the guide rib 27 and the guide groove 63 keeps the cover 50 in a constant position, and the assembly of the cover 50 to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 proceeds. When the cover 50 reaches the correct assembly position, the retaining projection 68 passes the rear end of the guide rib 27, so as shown in Figure 12, the elastic retaining piece 67 elastically returns inward in the width direction, and the retaining projection 68 locks onto the receiving portion 28 from the rear. This locking prevents the cover 50 from moving forward away from the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. When the cover 50 has reached the correct assembly position, the rear end surface of the covering portion 51 abuts against the front end surfaces of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 in a surface contact state. This abutment prevents the cover 50 from moving backward relative to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. As a result, the cover 50 is held in the assembled state relative to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24.

[0036] After the cover 50 is assembled to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24, the male terminal fittings 40 are attached to each housing 21, 22, 23, and 24. As shown in Figure 11, the male terminal fitting 40 is attached to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 with the terminal body portion 41 and the crimp portion 43 housed in the terminal housing chamber 25, and the tabs 42 protruding forward from the front end faces of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. The male terminal fitting 40 attached to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 is held in a state where its movement backward is restricted by engaging the primary locking portion 44 formed on the terminal body portion 41 with the lance 26. In each housing 21, 22, 23, and 24, the multiple tabs 42 protruding forward from the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 are collectively covered by a single cover portion 51, and are surrounded all around from the vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, there is no risk of foreign matter interfering with tab 42. With this, the assembly of the first to fourth subconnectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 is completed.

[0037] <Assembly procedure for stacked connector A> When stacking the first to fourth subconnectors 11, 12, 13, and 14, first the second subconnector 12 is placed on top of the first subconnector 11. During the process of stacking the second subconnector 12 on the first subconnector 11, as shown in Figure 13, the release portion 34 of the second subconnector 12 interferes with the retaining projection 68 of the first subconnector 11, causing the elastic retaining piece 67 to elastically deform outward in the width direction. This elastic deformation releases the locking between the elastic retaining piece 67 (retaining projection 68) and the receiving portion 28, and the holding of the elastic retaining piece 67 in the first subconnector 11 is released. Also during the stacking process, as shown in Figure 10, the detachment restricting portion 62 of the cover 50 of the second subconnector 12 locks from the front against the abutment portion 61 of the cover 50 of the first subconnector 11, thereby restricting the cover 50 of the first subconnector 11 from moving forward from the first housing 21. Therefore, the cover 50 of the first subconnector 11 remains assembled to the first housing 21, that is, the tab 42 of the first subconnector 11 is protected by the cover 50.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the first subconnector 11 and the second subconnector 12, stacked vertically, are held in a stacked state by the locking of the elastic lock piece 33 of the first housing 21 and the lock projection 32 of the second housing 22. When the first subconnector 11 and the second subconnector 12 are stacked, the release portion 34 of the second housing 22 fits into the upper recess 30 of the first housing 21, thereby positioning both housings 21 and 22 in the left-right direction. At the same time, the release portion 34 of the second housing 22 locks from the rear against the receiving portion 28 of the first housing 21, restricting the second housing 22 from moving forward relative to the first housing 21.

[0039] Next, the third subconnector 13 is placed on top of the second subconnector 12. At this time, similar to when the second subconnector 12 was placed on top of the first subconnector 11, the release portion 34 of the third subconnector 13 releases the elastic retaining piece 67 of the second subconnector 12, and the locking of the detachment restricting portion 62 and the abutment portion 61 restricts the cover 50 of the second subconnector 12 from moving forward from the second housing 22. The stacked second subconnector 12 and third subconnector 13 are held in a stacked state and positioned in the left-right direction.

[0040] Furthermore, the locking of the release portion 34 and the receiving portion 28 restricts the relative forward movement of the third housing 23 relative to the second housing 22. As shown in Figure 11, the projection 35 of the second housing 22 faces the front end edge 36F of the notch 36 of the third housing 23 in a position close to it from the rear, thus restricting the relative rearward displacement of the third housing 23 relative to the second housing 22. In addition, the projection 35 of the second housing 22 enters the terminal housing chamber 25 from the notch 36 of the third housing 23, and can be locked from the rear to the secondary locking portion 45 of the male terminal fitting 40 inside the third housing 23. As a result, the male terminal fitting 40 inside the third housing 23 is securely held in a locked state by the lance 26 and the projection 35.

[0041] Next, another third subconnector 13 is placed on top of the upper surface of the third subconnector 13. At this time, similar to when the third subconnector 13 was placed on top of the second subconnector 12, the release portion 34 of the upper third subconnector 13 releases the elastic retaining piece 67 of the lower third subconnector 13, and the locking of the detachment restricting portion 62 and the abutment portion 61 restricts the cover 50 of the lower third subconnector 13 from moving forward from the third housing 23. The stacked third subconnectors 13 are held in a stacked state and positioned in the left-right direction.

[0042] After stacking the three third subconnectors 13, the fourth subconnector 14 is placed on top of the uppermost third subconnector 13. At this time, similar to when the third subconnectors 13 are stacked together, the release portion 34 of the fourth subconnector 14 releases the elastic retaining piece 67 of the uppermost third subconnector 13, and the locking of the detachment restricting portion 62 and the abutment portion 61 restricts the cover 50 of the uppermost third subconnector 13 from moving forward from the third housing 23. The stacked third subconnectors 13 and fourth subconnector 14 are held in a stacked state and positioned in the left-right direction. The elastic retaining piece 67 of the cover 50 of the fourth subconnector 14 remains locked to the receiving portion 28 of the fourth housing 24. With this, the stacking process of the subconnectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 is completed, and the assembly of the stacked connector A is completed.

[0043] <Procedure for removing cover 50 from housings 21, 22, 23, and 24> When attaching the assembled laminated connector A to the outer housing (not shown), the cover 50 is removed from the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 using a jig 75. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the jig 75 comprises a fixing member 76 and a movable member 77. The fixing member 76 has a fixing groove 78 extending in the vertical direction, and the movable member 77 has a locking groove 79 extending in the vertical direction. The laminated connector A is set in the jig 75 with the jig fixing parts 31 of the first to fourth housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 fitted into the fixing groove 78, and the jig locking parts 70 of the cover 50 attached to the first to fourth housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 fitted into the locking groove 79 (see Figure 4).

[0044] After setting the laminated connector A into the jig 75, the elastic retaining piece 67 of the cover 50 of the fourth subconnector 14 is detached from the receiving part 28 using an operating tool (not shown), thereby releasing the hold of the elastic retaining piece 67 in the fourth subconnector 14. This release of the hold in the fourth subconnector 14 makes it possible to detach the cover 50 of the fourth subconnector 14 forward from the fourth housing 24, and consequently, fixed-side protrusions are made that allow the covers 50 of the first to third subconnectors 11, 12, and 13 to detach forward from the first to third housings 21, 22, and 23. With the hold of the elastic retaining piece 67 in the fourth subconnector 14 still released, the movable member 77 is slid forward relative to the fixed member 76, as shown in Figure 5. This allows all the covers 50 to be detached forward from the first to fourth housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 in a single action.

[0045] During the process of the cover 50 detaching from the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24, the engagement of the guide rib 27 and the guide groove 63 maintains the position of the cover 50 relative to the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 in a constant position. Furthermore, since the guide rib 27 and the guide groove 63 extend in a front-rear direction parallel to the direction in which the tab 42 protrudes from the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24, the covering portion 51 does not interfere with the tab 42 during the process of detaching the cover 50 from the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24.

[0046] Furthermore, if the cover 50 shifts position vertically or tilts vertically relative to the housings 21, 22, 23, 24 immediately before or after detaching from the housings 21, 22, 23, 24, there is a concern that the covering portion 51 may interfere with the tab 42. However, since the length from the rear end of the covering portion 51 to the rear end of the guide groove 63 is set to be greater than the protrusion dimension of the tab 42 from the housings 21, 22, 23, 24, there is no risk of the covering portion 51 interfering with the tab 42.

[0047] The stacked connector A of this embodiment 1 comprises a plurality of housings 21, 22, 23, 24, a plurality of male terminal fittings 40, and a plurality of covers 50. The plurality of housings 21, 22, 23, 24 are assembled in a stacked state in the height direction. The male terminal fittings 40 have an elongated tab 42 at their front end and are attached to the housings 21, 22, 23, 24 with the tab 42 protruding forward from the housings 21, 22, 23, 24. The covers 50 have a covering portion 51 that covers the tab 42 and are attached to the housings 21, 22, 23, 24. When the covers 50 are attached to the housings 21, 22, 23, 24, the tab 42 can be protected by the covering portion 51.

[0048] Housings 21, 22, 23, 24 and cover 50 are formed with a receiving portion 28 and an elastic retaining piece 67 as retaining parts that hold the housings 21, 22, 23, 24 and cover 50 in an attached state. Of the two overlapping housings 21, 22, 23, 24 in a stacked state, the upper (one) housing 22, 23, 24 is formed with a retaining release portion 34 that releases the retaining function of the receiving portion 28 and elastic retaining piece 67 in the lower housing 21, 22, 23 when stacked on the lower (other) housing 21, 22, 23. With this configuration, the retaining function of the receiving portion 28 and elastic retaining piece 67 is released simply by stacking the housings 21, 22, 23, 24, so no separate process (separate work) is required to release the retaining function of the receiving portion 28 and elastic retaining piece 67.

[0049] Of the two overlapping covers 50 in a stacked state, the upper cover 50, which is attached to the upper housing 22, 23, 24, has a detachment restricting portion 62 formed on it. The detachment restricting portion 62 restricts the lower cover 50 from detaching forward from the lower housing 21, 22, 23. If the lower cover 50 were to detach immediately from the lower housing 21, 22, 23 as soon as the holding by the receiving portion 28 and the elastic retaining piece 67 was released, the tabs 42 of the lower subconnectors 11, 12, 13 would be left exposed during the subsequent stacking process of the subconnectors 12, 13, 14 (housings 22, 23, 24). In view of this, the lower cover 50, after being released from the holding by the receiving portion 28 and the elastic retaining piece 67, is kept in a state where it does not detach from the lower housing 21, 22, 23 by the detachment restricting portion 62. This prevents the tabs 42 from being exposed during the process of stacking the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24. After all the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 have been stacked, the last stacked uppermost layer (one side) of the fourth housing 24 and the uppermost layer (one side) of the cover 50 can be released, allowing all the covers 50 to be removed from the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24.

[0050] The receiving portion 28 and elastic retaining piece 67 formed on the upper (one) housing 22, 23, 24 and the upper (one) cover 50 are arranged to be exposed on the outer (top) surfaces of the upper housing 22, 23, 24 and the upper cover 50. With this configuration, when all the housings 21, 22, 23, 24 are stacked, the retention between the last stacked uppermost fourth housing 24 and the uppermost cover 50 can be easily released.

[0051] An inspection opening 55 is formed on the front surface of the covering portion 51 of the cover 50 for inserting a probe P (see Figure 11) for continuity testing that contacts the tab 42. With this configuration, the probe P can be inserted into the covering portion 51 from the front of the cover 50 and brought into contact with the front end of the tab 42 while the tab 42 remains surrounded by the cover 50. In other words, a continuity test can be performed while the tab 42 remains protected by the cover 50.

[0052] Guide ribs 27 and guide grooves 63 are formed on the housings 21, 22, 23, 24 and the cover 50, serving as guides to guide the cover 50 to move relative to the housings 21, 22, 23, 24 in a path that does not interfere with the tab 42. With this configuration, the cover 50 is guided to move in a path that does not interfere with the tab 42, so that the cover 50 does not interfere with the tab 42 during the process of attaching and detaching the cover 50 to the housings 21, 22, 23, 24.

[0053] The guide path provided by the guide rib 27 and guide groove 63 is a straight path in the front-rear direction parallel to the protruding direction of the tab 42. With this configuration, interference between the cover 50 and the tab 42 can be prevented without increasing the size of the cover 50 in the vertical or horizontal directions. Therefore, the shapes of the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 and the cover 50 can be simplified.

[0054] The housings 21, 22, 23, 24 and the cover 50 have a flattened shape with a width dimension that is larger than the height dimension. The cover 50 has a covering portion 51 that covers multiple tabs 42 arranged in the width direction all at once, and arm portions 60 that extend cantilevered rearward from both ends of the covering portion 51 in the width direction. The guide groove 63 is formed in the arm portion 60. With this configuration, even if the cover 50 tilts or moves in the height direction immediately after the rear end of the guide groove 63 of the cover 50 separates from the front end of the guide rib 27 of the housings 21, 22, 23, 24 during the process of removing the cover 50 from the housings 21, 22, 23, 24, the covering portion 51 can be prevented from interfering with the tabs 42.

[0055] Multiple subconnectors 11, 12, 13, 14 (housings 21, 22, 23, 24) are stacked in the height direction. When the multiple housings 21, 22, 23, 24 are stacked, multiple covers 50 are arranged so as to be stacked and aligned in the height direction. Two overlapping covers 50 in the stacked state have a positioning recess 56 and a positioning projection 57 formed on them as positioning parts that restrict relative displacement in the width direction by fitting together. With this configuration, the relative displacement in the width direction of two overlapping covers 50 in the stacked state is restricted by the fitting of the positioning projection 57 and the positioning recess 56. This prevents some of the stacked covers 50 from shifting in the width direction relative to the housings 21, 22, 23, 24.

[0056] The cover 50 has jig locking portions 70 formed therein, which are arranged in the stacking direction when the subconnectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 are stacked. With this configuration, when all the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 and all the covers 50 are stacked, all the covers 50 can be removed from the housings 21, 22, 23, and 24 in a single action by locking the locking grooves 79 of the jig 75 into all the jig locking portions 70.

[0057] The jig locking portion 70 has a protruding shape, which is made thicker in at least a portion of the area of ​​the arm portion 60 in which the guide groove 63 is formed. With this configuration, the rigidity of the part of the cover 50 in which the guide groove 63 is formed is increased by the protruding jig locking portion 70. Therefore, it is possible to prevent twisting between the guide rib 27 and the guide groove 63 due to deformation of the part of the cover 50 in which the guide groove 63 is formed (the guide portion on the cover 50 side).

[0058] [Other examples] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings, but is shown in the claims. The present invention includes the meaning of equivalents of the claims and all modifications within the claims, and also includes the following embodiments. The male terminal fittings may be attached to the housing before the cover is attached to the housing. The cover portion is not limited to a rectangular tube shape that completely encloses the tab on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right); it may also have an open shape on any of the top, bottom, left, or right sides. The covering portion is not limited to a shape that encloses multiple tabs collectively; it may also be a shape that covers multiple tabs individually. The guidance path provided by the guide section is not limited to a straight path parallel to the protruding direction of the tab in the front-to-back direction; it may also be a curved path or an L-shaped bend. Guide grooves may be formed in the housing, and guide ribs may be formed in the cover. The jig locking portion is not limited to a protruding shape; it may also be recessed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] A...Laminated connector (connector) P...Probe 11…First subconnector 12…Second subconnector 13…Third subconnector 14…Fourth subconnector 21…1st Housing 22...Second Housing 23…3rd Housing 24…Fourth Housing 25…Terminal housing room 26... Lance 27… Guide rib (guide part on the housing side) 28...receiving part 29…bulge 30…Upper recess 31... Jig fixing part 32... Locking protrusion 33...Elastic lock piece 34...Holding release section 35...Protrusion 36... Notch 36F: Front edge of the notch 40...Male terminal fittings 41...Terminal body 42... Tabs 43... Crimping section 44... Primary locking part 45...Secondary locking part 46...Electric wire 50...cover 51... Covering part 52...Top wall part 53…Lower wall part 54... Side wall section 55...Inspection opening 56…Positioning recess (positioning part) 57…Positioning projection (positioning part) 60... Arm section 61... Assault Unit 62…Withdrawal Regulatory Department 63... Guide groove (guide part on the cover side) 64…Side plate part 65... Upper plate section 66…Lower plate part 67...Elastic retaining piece 68...Retaining protrusion 69…Protection Department 70... Jig locking part 75... Jig 76… Fixing member 77…Movable parts 78…Fixing groove 79… Locking groove

Claims

1. Housing and A male terminal fitting having a tab that protrudes forward in a cantilevered manner, and which is attached to the housing with the tab protruding forward from the front surface of the housing, It comprises a cover that is detachable from the housing and covers the tab when attached to the housing, The housing and the cover are formed with guide portions that guide the cover to be displaced relative to the housing in a path that does not interfere with the tab. The guidance path provided by the guide portion is a straight path in the front-rear direction parallel to the protruding direction of the tab. The housing and the cover have a flattened shape with a width dimension that is larger than the height dimension. The cover has a covering portion that covers a plurality of tabs arranged in the width direction, and arm portions that extend cantilevered backward from both ends in the width direction of the covering portion. The guide portion is formed on the arm portion, Multiple of the housings are stacked in the height direction, In the state in which the multiple housings are stacked, the multiple covers are arranged so as to be stacked in the height direction. The connector has positioning portions formed in the two overlapping covers in a stacked state, which restrict relative displacement in the width direction by fitting together.

2. Housing and A male terminal fitting having a tab that protrudes forward in a cantilevered manner, and which is attached to the housing with the tab protruding forward from the front surface of the housing, It comprises a cover that is detachable from the housing and covers the tab when attached to the housing, The housing and the cover are formed with guide portions that guide the cover to be displaced relative to the housing in a path that does not interfere with the tab. The guidance path provided by the guide portion is a straight path in the front-rear direction parallel to the protruding direction of the tab. The housing and the cover have a flattened shape with a width dimension that is larger than the height dimension. The cover has a covering portion that covers a plurality of tabs arranged in the width direction, and arm portions that extend cantilevered backward from both ends in the width direction of the covering portion. The guide portion is formed on the arm portion, Multiple of the housings are stacked in the height direction, In the state in which the multiple housings are stacked, the multiple covers are stacked and arranged in the height direction. A connector in which a jig locking portion is formed on the outer surface of the plurality of covers.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the jig locking portion has a protruding shape, with at least a portion of the area of ​​the arm portion in which the guide portion is formed being thickened.

4. Housing and, A male terminal fitting having a tab that protrudes forward in a cantilevered manner, and which is attached to the housing with the tab protruding forward from the front surface of the housing, It comprises a cover that is detachable from the housing and covers the tab when attached to the housing, The cover is provided with guide grooves that guide the cover to be displaced relative to the housing in a path that does not interfere with the tab. The guide path provided by the guide groove is a straight path in the front-rear direction parallel to the protruding direction of the tab. The housing and the cover have a flattened shape with a width dimension that is larger than the height dimension. The cover has a covering portion that covers a plurality of tabs arranged in the width direction, and a pair of arm portions that extend cantilevered backward from both ends of the covering portion in the width direction. A connector in which the guide grooves are formed on the mutually opposing inner surfaces of a pair of arm portions.

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