First connector, second connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The first connector (20) has a first terminal (21) whose tip portion extends in a first direction (X1), a first connector housing (30) that holds the first terminal, and a sliding member (60) held by the first connector housing. The first connector housing has a protection portion (40) that covers a portion other than a second direction (Y1) in a periphery of the first terminal in a direction orthogonal to the first direction, a first opening portion (41) that is open in the first direction, and a second opening portion (42) that is open in the second direction. The sliding member is slidably moved between a closed position that closes the second opening portion and an open position in a first opposite direction (X2). The sliding member has a sliding main body portion (61) that closes the second opening portion in the closed position, and a tip protection portion (80) that is formed integrally with the sliding main body portion and protects the tip portion of the first terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a first connector, a second connector, and a connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, wiring harnesses used in vehicles such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles are known to have wires and connectors attached to the ends of the wires. The connector has a metal terminal that connects to the end of the wire and a connector housing that holds the terminal. This connector housing generally has a protective portion covering the periphery beyond the end direction of the terminal; however, to allow the terminals of the connector on the opposite side connected to the terminal to be arranged in an orthogonal direction, sometimes a portion of the protective portion is cut off (for example, see Patent Document 1). In such connectors, to prevent electric shock due to contact with the terminal by fingers or the like, a resin protective member is provided not only on the end side of the terminal but also on the side of the terminal orthogonal to the direction in which the terminal extends. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-522550 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, in the connectors described above, it is desirable to reduce the number of parts. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a first connector, a second connector, and a connector assembly that can reduce the number of parts. Solution for solving the problem

[0005] The first connector disclosed herein has: a first terminal having an end portion extending toward a first direction; a first connector housing holding the first terminal; and a sliding member held by the first connector housing, the first connector housing having: a protective portion covering a portion of the first terminal surrounding a direction orthogonal to the first direction, excluding a second direction; a first opening in the protective portion opening in the first direction; and a second opening in the protective portion opening in the second direction, the sliding member being slidably movable between a closed position blocking the second opening and an open position being a first opposite direction to the first direction, the sliding member having a sliding body portion blocking the second opening in the closed position, and an end protective portion integrally formed with the sliding body portion and protecting the end portion of the first terminal in the closed position.

[0006] The second connector disclosed herein is detachable relative to the first connector, wherein the first connector has: a first terminal whose end extends toward a first direction; a first connector housing that holds the first terminal; and a sliding member held by the first connector housing, the first connector housing having: a protective portion that covers a portion of the first terminal surrounding a direction orthogonal to the first direction, excluding a second direction; a first opening that opens in the protective portion in the first direction; and a second opening that opens in the protective portion in the second direction, the sliding member being slidably movable between a closed position blocking the second opening and an open position being a first opposite direction to the first direction, the sliding member having a sliding body portion blocking the second opening in the closed position, and an end protective portion integrally formed with the sliding body portion and protecting the end portion of the first terminal in the closed position, the second connector having a pressing portion that, when the second connector is assembled with the first connector, presses against the pressed portion of the sliding member to cause the sliding member to slide to the open position.

[0007] The connector assembly disclosed herein has a first connector and a second connector detachable relative to the first connector, wherein the first connector has: a first terminal having an end portion extending toward a first direction; a first connector housing holding the first terminal; and a sliding member held by the first connector housing, the first connector housing having: a protective portion covering a portion of the first terminal surrounding a direction orthogonal to the first direction, excluding a second direction; a first opening in the protective portion opening in the first direction; and a second opening in the protective portion opening in the second direction, the sliding member being slidably movable between a closed position blocking the second opening and an open position being a first opposite direction to the first direction, the sliding member having a sliding body portion blocking the second opening in the closed position, and an end protective portion integrally formed with the sliding body portion and protecting the end portion of the first terminal in the closed position. The effects of the invention

[0008] The first connector, second connector, and connector assembly disclosed herein achieve the effect of reducing the number of parts. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing a first connector according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view showing a first connector according to one embodiment. Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first connector of one embodiment ( Figure 8 (Sectional view along line 5-5). Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the first connector in one embodiment, enlarged. Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged portion of a first connector in one embodiment. Figure 8 This is a top view showing an enlarged view of a portion of the first connector in one embodiment. Figure 9 This is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the first connector in one embodiment. Figure 8 (Sectional view along line 9-9 in the diagram). Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view showing a partial cross-section of a first connector according to one embodiment. Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view showing a sliding component according to one embodiment. Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view showing a sliding component according to one embodiment. Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a connector assembly according to one embodiment, enlarged. Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a connector assembly according to one embodiment, enlarged. Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of a second connector in one embodiment, enlarged. Figure 18 This is a schematic perspective view showing a partial cross-section of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view showing a partial cross-section of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 20 This is a schematic perspective view showing a partial cross-section of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0010] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described. The first connector disclosed herein has: a first terminal having an end portion extending toward a first direction; a first connector housing holding the first terminal; and a sliding member held by the first connector housing, the first connector housing having: a protective portion covering a portion of the first terminal surrounding a direction orthogonal to the first direction, excluding a second direction; a first opening in the protective portion opening in the first direction; and a second opening in the protective portion opening in the second direction, the sliding member being slidably movable between a closed position blocking the second opening and an open position being a first opposite direction to the first direction, the sliding member having a sliding body portion blocking the second opening in the closed position, and an end protective portion integrally formed with the sliding body portion and protecting the end portion of the first terminal in the closed position.

[0011] According to this structure, a sliding member is provided that can slide between a closed position and an open position, blocking the second opening in the second direction. Furthermore, the sliding member integrally forms a sliding main body portion that blocks the second opening in the closed position and an end protection portion that protects the end portion of the first terminal in the closed position. Therefore, when the sliding member is in the closed position, since the second opening is blocked by the sliding main body portion, it is possible to prevent, for example, an installer's finger from contacting the first terminal through the second opening. Additionally, when the sliding member is in the closed position, the end protection portion protects the end portion of the first terminal. Therefore, even if, for example, an installer's finger enters the interior of the protection portion through the first opening, the end protection portion can prevent the installer's finger from contacting the first terminal. Furthermore, since the sliding main body portion and the end protection portion are integrally formed, the number of components can be reduced compared to having the sliding main body portion and the end protection portion as separate components. Thus, anti-electric shock measures can be implemented and the number of components can be reduced.

[0012] Preferably, in the open position, the end protection portion is positioned on the opposite side to the first terminal than the connection portion between the second terminal and the first terminal in the second connector assembled with the first connector.

[0013] According to this structure, in the open position, the end protection portion is positioned in a position opposite to the connection portion between the first terminal and the second terminal of the second connector. Therefore, for example, when the first and second connectors are assembled, the sliding member is not positioned near the connection portion between the first and second terminals. Thus, even if the end protection portion is damaged due to durability degradation, the damage to the end protection portion can be prevented from adversely affecting the electrical connection between the first and second terminals. In other words, the reduction in the reliability of the electrical connection between the first and second terminals can be suppressed.

[0014] Preferably, the protective portion has a pair of first guide grooves disposed on a pair of sidewalls constituting the second opening, and the sliding member has a pair of first guide portions embedded in the pair of first guide grooves. The sliding member is guided by the first guide grooves through the first guide portions and can slide in the first direction and the first opposite direction. According to this structure, by guiding the first guide portions through the first guide grooves, the sliding member can be smoothly slid in the first direction and the first opposite direction. In addition, when the sliding member slides, tilting of the sliding member can be suppressed.

[0015] Preferably, the protective portion has a pair of second guide grooves disposed on a pair of sidewalls, the second guide grooves being separately disposed from the first guide grooves in the second direction, and the sliding member having a pair of second guide portions embedded in the pair of second guide grooves. According to this structure, by guiding the second guide portions through the second guide grooves, the sliding member can be smoothly slidably moved in the first direction and the first opposite direction. Furthermore, when the sliding member slides, the first guide portion and the second guide portion are respectively guided by the first guide groove and the second guide groove, which are separated from each other in the second direction, thus appropriately suppressing tilting of the sliding member.

[0016] Preferably, the planar shape of the sliding member, viewed from the first direction, is non-point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of the sliding member extending parallel to the first direction. Only one of the pair of first guide portions has a groove in its first guide portion. In one of the pair of first guide grooves, the first guide portion having the groove can be inserted into the first guide groove, but not into the first guide portion without the groove. According to this structure, the groove is provided only in the first guide portion of one of the pair of first guide portions. Furthermore, in one of the pair of first guide grooves, only the first guide portion with the groove can be inserted into the first guide groove, but not into the first guide portion without the groove. Therefore, the sliding member can be assembled to the first connector housing only in an orientation where the first guide portion with the groove is inserted relative to one of the first guide grooves. Therefore, misassembly of the sliding member can be suppressed.

[0017] Preferably, the sliding member has a pressed portion that is pressed by a pressing portion provided on a second connector assembled with the first connector. When the second connector is assembled with the first connector, the sliding member slides to the open position by being pressed by the pressed portion. According to this structure, when the second connector is assembled with the first connector, the sliding member slides to the open position by being pressed by the pressed portion of the second connector. Therefore, it is not necessary to use, for example, a clamp to slide the sliding member to the open position. That is, the installer can slide the sliding member to the open position simply by assembling the second connector with the first connector, without performing any other steps.

[0018] Preferably, the pressed portion is in contact with the surface of the pressing portion. With this structure, since the pressed portion is in contact with the surface of the pressing portion, the sliding member can be moved to the open position more smoothly and stably compared to the case where the pressed portion is in point contact with the pressing portion.

[0019] Preferably, the sliding member has a engaged portion that engages with an engaged portion provided on the second connector. When the second connector is removed from the first connector, the sliding member is pulled to the closed position by the engaged portion through the engaged portion. According to this structure, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, the sliding member slides to the closed position by being pulled by the engaged portion of the second connector. Therefore, it is not necessary to use, for example, a clamp or similar device to slide the sliding member to the closed position. That is, the installer can slide the sliding member to the closed position simply by removing the second connector from the first connector, without performing any other steps. Alternatively, for example, if a structure is provided in which a force-applying member such as a spring pre-applies force to the sliding member in a first direction, then the sliding member can slide to the closed position without performing any other steps, but compared to this structure, no force-applying member is required.

[0020] Preferably, the sliding member has a flexible sheet extending at its end in the first direction and flexible in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The engaging portion is provided at the end of the flexible sheet, and in the closed position, the engaging portion is positioned to protrude further in the first direction than the end of the first terminal. According to this structure, the flexible sheet is flexible in a direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the engaging portion is provided at its end. Furthermore, in the closed position, the engaging portion is positioned to protrude further in the first direction than the end of the first terminal. Therefore, when the flexible sheet flexes in a direction orthogonal to the first direction, contact between the engaging portion and the first terminal can be suppressed, thereby allowing the flexible sheet to flex appropriately. Moreover, by flexing the flexible sheet, the engaging portion provided at the end of the flexible sheet can easily engage with the engaging portion of the second connector. That is, when assembling the second connector with the first connector, by flexing the flexible sheet, the engaging portion can easily engage with the engaging portion. In addition, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, the engagement between the engaging part and the engaged part can be easily released by bending the flexible piece.

[0021] Preferably, the end protection portion is formed as an annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the first terminal. In the closed position, the end portion of the end protection portion protrudes further in the first direction than the end portion of the first terminal, and the engaging portion is provided on a portion of the end portion of the end protection portion. According to this structure, when the sliding member is in the closed position, the end portion of the annular end protection portion surrounding the outer periphery of the first terminal protrudes further in the first direction than the end portion of the first terminal. Therefore, even if an installer's finger enters the interior of the protection portion through the first opening, the end protection portion can be used to appropriately prevent the installer's finger from contacting the first terminal. Furthermore, the engaging portion forms part of the end protection portion. Therefore, the engaging portion has the function of engaging with the engaging portion of the second connector and also has the function of preventing the installer's finger from contacting the first terminal.

[0022] In this specification, "ring" refers to a structure that is entirely connected to form a loop without any slits, i.e., a ring-shaped structure with the same starting and ending points. Furthermore, "ring" in this specification includes rings with circular outer edges, rings with elliptical or oblong outer edges, polygonal rings with polygonal outer edges, and rings with rounded polygonal outer edges; it refers to any closed shape formed by connecting outer edges with straight lines or curves. "Ring" is a shape with a through hole when viewed from above, including shapes where the outer edge shape and the inner circumference of the through hole are the same, and shapes where the outer edge shape and the inner circumference of the through hole are different. "Ring" includes shapes that extend axially along a central axis passing through the center of the through hole and have a predetermined length; the length is not limited. Additionally, "ring-shaped" in this specification can be considered as a ring as a whole, including shapes such as a C-shape with slits, cuts, etc., in some parts.

[0023] Preferably, the surface in the first direction of the engaging portion is disposed on the same plane as the surface in the first direction of the end protection portion, or disposed at a position closer to the first opposite direction than the surface in the first direction of the end protection portion. According to this structure, the surface in the first direction of the engaging portion does not protrude further in the first direction than the surface in the first direction of the end protection portion. Therefore, when the second connector is assembled with the first connector, stress concentration in the engaging portion due to contact with the second connector can be suppressed. This helps to prevent damage to the engaging portion.

[0024] Preferably, the first terminal has a connecting surface that connects to the second terminal provided on the second connector, and the sliding member has a recess provided on the inner peripheral surface of the end protection portion, the recess facing the connecting surface. According to this structure, a recess facing the connecting surface of the first terminal is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the end protection portion. By providing this recess, when the sliding member slides, contact between the inner peripheral surface of the end protection portion and the connecting surface of the first terminal can be suppressed. Therefore, wear on the connecting surface of the first terminal due to contact with the inner peripheral surface of the end protection portion can be suppressed. As a result, for example, the reduction in the contact area between the first terminal and the second terminal due to wear on the connecting surface of the first terminal can be suppressed, thus appropriately suppressing the increase in contact resistance at the connection portion between the first terminal and the second terminal. Furthermore, heat generation at the connection portion between the first terminal and the second terminal can be suppressed.

[0025] In this specification, "opposite" refers to a position where surfaces or components are facing each other, including not only positions where they are completely facing each other, but also positions where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, "opposite" in this specification includes both cases where a component different from the two parts is sandwiched between them, and cases where no component is sandwiched between the two parts.

[0026] Preferably, the first terminal has a non-connecting surface located on a side opposite to the connecting surface in the third-order direction, and the engaging portion is located on a side opposite to the recess in the third-order direction, separated from the first terminal. According to this structure, the engaging portion is located on a side opposite to the recess in the third-order direction, separated from the first terminal. Therefore, the engaging portion is located on the non-connecting surface side of the first terminal, so that the engaging portion does not face the connecting surface of the first terminal. Therefore, when the sliding member slides, contact between the engaging portion and the connecting surface of the first terminal can be suppressed. Therefore, wear on the connecting surface of the first terminal due to contact with the engaging portion can be suppressed. As a result, the increase in contact resistance at the connection portion between the first and second terminals can be appropriately suppressed, thereby suppressing heat generation at the connection portion between the first and second terminals.

[0027] Preferably, the sliding member has a first inclined surface inclined relative to a plane orthogonal to the assembly directions of the first connector and the second connector. When the second connector is removed from the first connector, the first inclined surface is guided so that the engaging portion and the engaged portion become non-engaged when the sliding member is in the closed position. According to this structure, the sliding member has a first inclined surface that is guided when the second connector is removed from the first connector so that the engaging portion and the engaged portion become non-engaged when the sliding member is in the closed position. Therefore, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion can be easily released. Thus, the second connector can be easily and normally removed from the first connector.

[0028] Preferably, the sliding member has a second inclined surface inclined relative to a plane orthogonal to the assembly directions of the first connector and the second connector. When the second connector is assembled with the first connector, the second inclined surface guides the engaging portion to a position where it can engage with the engaged portion. According to this structure, the sliding member has a second inclined surface that guides the engaging portion to a position where it can engage with the engaged portion when the second connector is assembled with the first connector. Therefore, when the second connector is assembled with the first connector, the engaging portion can easily engage with the engaged portion. Thus, the second connector can be easily and normally assembled with the first connector.

[0029] Preferably, the end protection portion has a third inclined surface disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the end protection portion. This third inclined surface is inclined relative to a plane orthogonal to the assembly direction of the first connector and the second connector. When the second connector is assembled with the first connector, the third inclined surface guides the second connector into the interior of the first connector housing. According to this structure, the end protection portion has a third inclined surface that guides the second connector into the interior of the first connector housing when the second connector is assembled with the first connector, thus allowing the second connector to easily engage with the first connector. Therefore, the second connector can be easily and normally assembled with the first connector.

[0030] Preferably, the sliding member has a plurality of engaging portions. According to this structure, since the sliding member has a plurality of engaging portions, compared to a structure with a single engaging portion, the sliding member can be slidably and stably moved to the closed position.

[0031] Preferably, the sliding member has a limiting protrusion provided at the end of the flexible sheet, the limiting protrusion protruding in the direction in which the flexible sheet flexes and toward the first terminal, and the engaging portion protruding in the opposite direction to the direction in which the limiting protrusion protrudes. According to this structure, a limiting protrusion protruding in the direction in which the flexible sheet flexes and toward the first terminal is provided at the end of the flexible sheet. Therefore, when the sliding member is in the open position, the limiting protrusion faces the first terminal. Therefore, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, even if the flexible sheet flexes significantly toward the first terminal, the contact between the limiting protrusion and the first terminal can suppress the significant flexing of the flexible sheet. Thus, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaging portion from being released due to significant flexing of the flexible sheet. That is, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaging portion can be appropriately prevented from being released midway through the sliding member's movement from the open position to the closed position. Therefore, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, the sliding component can be properly reset to the closed position by pulling the engaged part by the engaged part.

[0032] Preferably, the limiting protrusion has a top surface facing the first terminal, and the protrusion amount of the limiting protrusion is set such that, when the sliding member is in the open position, the gap between the top surface of the limiting protrusion and the first terminal is smaller than the overlap between the engaged portion and the engaging portion. According to this structure, the protrusion amount of the limiting protrusion is set such that, when the sliding member is in the open position, the gap between the top surface of the limiting protrusion and the first terminal is smaller than the overlap between the engaged portion and the engaging portion. Here, the overlap between the engaged portion and the engaging portion is the distance along the direction of the flexible sheet's flexing in the area where the engaged portion and the engaging portion overlap in the first direction. By setting the protrusion amount of the limiting protrusion in this way, for example, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, even if the flexible sheet flexes towards the first terminal, the top surface of the limiting protrusion can contact the first terminal before the engagement between the engaged portion and the engaging portion is released. Therefore, further flexing of the flexible sheet can be limited, and thus the release of the engagement between the engaged portion and the engaging portion can be appropriately suppressed.

[0033] Preferably, the top surface of the limiting protrusion is formed as a plane parallel to the first direction, and the first terminal is formed as a plate within the movable range of the limiting protrusion in the first direction and the first opposite direction. According to this structure, the top surface of the limiting protrusion is formed as a plane parallel to the first direction, and the first terminal is formed as a plate within the movable range of the limiting protrusion. Therefore, the top surface of the limiting protrusion and the first terminal can be made to contact each other planarly. Thus, for example, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, the top surface of the limiting protrusion can be appropriately made to contact the first terminal, thereby appropriately limiting the deflection of the flexible sheet. Therefore, the disengagement of the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaging portion can be appropriately suppressed.

[0034] The second connector disclosed herein is detachable relative to the first connector, wherein the first connector has: a first terminal whose end extends toward a first direction; a first connector housing that holds the first terminal; and a sliding member held by the first connector housing, the first connector housing having: a protective portion that covers a portion of the first terminal surrounding a direction orthogonal to the first direction, excluding a second direction; a first opening that opens in the protective portion in the first direction; and a second opening that opens in the protective portion in the second direction, the sliding member being slidably movable between a closed position blocking the second opening and an open position being a first opposite direction to the first direction, the sliding member having a sliding body portion blocking the second opening in the closed position, and an end protective portion integrally formed with the sliding body portion and protecting the end portion of the first terminal in the closed position, the second connector having a pressing portion that, when the second connector is assembled with the first connector, presses against the pressed portion of the sliding member to cause the sliding member to slide to the open position.

[0035] According to this structure, the second connector has a pressing part that presses against the pressed part of the sliding member when the second connector is assembled with the first connector, causing the sliding member to slide to the open position. Therefore, it is not necessary to use, for example, a clamp to move the sliding member to the open position. That is, the installer can move the sliding member to the open position simply by assembling the second connector with the first connector, without any other steps. Furthermore, since there is no need to include a component in the first connector for moving the sliding member to the open position, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0036] Preferably, the second connector has a locking portion that, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, pulls on the locking portion of the sliding member, causing the sliding member to slide to the closed position. According to this structure, the second connector has a locking portion that, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, pulls on the locking portion of the sliding member, causing the sliding member to move to the closed position. Therefore, it is not necessary to use, for example, a clamp to slide the sliding member to the closed position. That is, the installer can slide the sliding member to the closed position simply by removing the second connector from the first connector, without performing any other steps.

[0037] The connector assembly disclosed herein has a first connector and a second connector detachable relative to the first connector, wherein the first connector has: a first terminal having an end portion extending toward a first direction; a first connector housing holding the first terminal; and a sliding member held by the first connector housing, the first connector housing having: a protective portion covering a portion of the first terminal surrounding a direction orthogonal to the first direction, excluding a second direction; a first opening in the protective portion opening in the first direction; and a second opening in the protective portion opening in the second direction, the sliding member being slidably movable between a closed position blocking the second opening and an open position being a first opposite direction to the first direction, the sliding member having a sliding body portion blocking the second opening in the closed position, and an end protective portion integrally formed with the sliding body portion and protecting the end portion of the first terminal in the closed position.

[0038] According to this structure, a sliding member is provided that can slide between a closed position and an open position, blocking the second opening in the second direction. Furthermore, the sliding member integrally forms a sliding main body portion that blocks the second opening in the closed position and an end protection portion that protects the end portion of the first terminal in the closed position. Therefore, when the sliding member is in the closed position, since the second opening is blocked by the sliding main body portion, it is possible to prevent, for example, an installer's finger from contacting the first terminal through the second opening. Additionally, when the sliding member is in the closed position, the end protection portion protects the end portion of the first terminal. Therefore, even if, for example, an installer's finger enters the interior of the protection portion through the first opening, the end protection portion can prevent the installer's finger from contacting the first terminal. Furthermore, since the sliding main body portion and the end protection portion are integrally formed, the number of components can be reduced compared to having the sliding main body portion and the end protection portion as separate components. Thus, anti-electric shock measures can be implemented and the number of components can be reduced.

[0039] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein] Hereinafter, specific examples of the first connector, second connector, and connector assembly of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, for ease of explanation, a portion of the structure is sometimes exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the parts may differ in different drawings. The terms "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification refer not only to strictly parallel or orthogonal situations but also to generally parallel or orthogonal situations within the scope of the effects achieved by this embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to these examples but refers to the invention as set forth in the claims and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0040] (Structure of connector assembly 10) like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, connector assembly 10 has a first connector 20 and a second connector 100 that can be attached to and detached relative to the first connector 20. Connector assembly 10 is provided in a vehicle. For example, the vehicle has multiple on-board devices such as a high-voltage battery and an inverter. The multiple on-board devices are connected to each other via wiring harnesses. Moreover, connector assembly 10 is provided at the end of the wiring harness connected to the on-board devices. The first connector 20 and the second connector 100 are assembled to each other along an assembly direction D1. The second connector 100, for example, engages with the first connector 20 along the assembly direction D1. If the second connector 100 is properly engaged relative to the first connector 20, the first connector 20 and the second connector 100 are electrically connected to each other. In addition, the assembly direction D1 indicates the relative assembly direction of the second connector 100 relative to the first connector 20, and does not limit the first connector 20 to a fixed side. In addition, the up and down directions in the figures do not necessarily indicate the posture of the first connector 20 and the second connector 100 during use.

[0041] (Structure of the first connector 20) like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first connector 20 has one or more (two in this embodiment) metal first terminals 21, a first connector housing 30 that holds the first terminals 21, and a sliding member 60. The sliding member 60 is held by the first connector housing 30.

[0042] (Structure of the first terminal 21) like Figure 5 As shown, each first terminal 21 has a base 22 and a connecting portion 23 extending from the base 22 toward a first direction X1. The end portion of the connecting portion 23, i.e., the end portion of each first terminal 21, extends from the base 22 toward the first direction X1. In this embodiment, the direction in which the end portion of the first terminal 21 extends is referred to as the first direction X1, and the opposite direction of the first direction X1 is referred to as the first opposite direction X2. In addition, the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2 in this embodiment are directions parallel to the assembly direction D1. The first terminal 21 is, for example, a single component formed by continuously forming the base 22 and the connecting portion 23. The first terminal 21 is formed, for example, by stamping a metal sheet made of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy.

[0043] like Figure 4As shown, the connecting portion 23 is formed in a flat plate shape. The axial direction of the connecting portion 23 extends along a first direction X1. The width direction of the connecting portion 23 extends along a second direction Y1 orthogonal to the first direction X1. The thickness direction of the connecting portion 23 extends along a third direction Z1 orthogonal to both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. One end face of the connecting portion 23 in the width direction faces the second direction Y1, and the other end face of the connecting portion 23 in the width direction faces a second opposite direction Y2, which is the opposite direction to the second direction Y1. One end face of the connecting portion 23 in the thickness direction faces the third direction Z1, and the other end face of the connecting portion 23 in the thickness direction faces a third opposite direction Z2, which is the opposite direction to the third direction Z1. One of the two end faces in the thickness direction of the connecting portion 23 is connected to the second terminal 101 of the second connector 100 (see reference). Figure 1 The connecting surface 23A of the connecting part 23 is connected to the other end surface of the two end surfaces in the thickness direction of the connecting part 23, and the non-connecting surface 23B is not connected to the second terminal 101.

[0044] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the connecting surface 23A is formed as a plane extending parallel to the first direction X1. The non-connecting surface 23B is formed as a plane extending parallel to the first direction X1. Furthermore, Figure 6 Enlarged display Figure 5 A portion of the first connector 20 shown.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, two first terminals 21 are arranged along a third direction Z1. For example, the two first terminals 21 are configured such that two connecting surfaces 23A are opposite each other on the third direction Z1.

[0046] (Structure of the first connector housing 30) like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first connector housing 30 has, for example, a base 31, a peripheral wall portion 32 extending from the base 31 in a first direction X1, and a protective portion 40 extending from the base 31 inside the peripheral wall portion 32 in the first direction X1. The first connector housing 30 is, for example, a single component formed by integrating the base 31, the peripheral wall portion 32, and the protective portion 40. The first connector housing 30 is, for example, made of an insulating resin material.

[0047] (Structure of base 31) Base 31 retains base 22 of first terminal 21 (see reference) Figure 5 The base 31 has a fixing part 31A that protrudes outward, for example, from the peripheral wall part 32. The fixing part 31A is fixed to the housing of a vehicle-mounted device, for example, not shown.

[0048] (Structure of the peripheral wall portion 32) The peripheral wall portion 32 is formed as a partially cut ring. For example, the peripheral wall portion 32 is integrally formed as a four-sided ring extending in the first direction X1. For example, the peripheral wall portion 32 is formed as a shape in which the surface of the four-sided ring in the second direction Y1 is cut in the first direction X1 side. The peripheral wall portion 32 together surrounds the outer periphery of the two first terminals 21.

[0049] (Structure of Protection Section 40) The protection unit 40 has two protection units 40A and 40B that respectively protect the two first terminals 21. Each protection unit 40A and 40B surrounds the outer periphery of each first terminal 21. Protection unit 40A surrounds the outer periphery of the first terminal 21 located on the third direction Z1 side, i.e., the first terminal 21 on the left side of the figure. Protection unit 40B surrounds the outer periphery of the first terminal 21 located on the third opposite direction Z2 side, i.e., the first terminal 21 on the right side of the figure.

[0050] Each protective portion 40A, 40B is formed as a partially cut-off ring. Each protective portion 40A, 40B is, for example, integrally formed as a quadrilateral ring extending in the first direction X1. Each protective portion 40A, 40B is formed to cover the portion of the first terminal 21 surrounding the direction orthogonal to the first direction X1, excluding the portion in the second direction Y1. Each protective portion 40A, 40B is formed with a shape where the surface of the quadrilateral ring in the second direction Y1 is cut off on the first direction X1 side. With this structure, each protective portion 40A, 40B has a first opening 41 opening in the first direction X1 and a second opening 42 opening in the second direction Y1. The ends of each protective portion 40A, 40B protrude further in the first direction X1 than the ends of the first terminal 21.

[0051] like Figure 7 As shown, each protective part 40A, 40B has a pair of sidewalls 43, 44, a lower wall 45, and an upper wall 46. Sidewalls 43 and 44 face each other in the third direction Z1. The inner surface of sidewall 43 faces the connecting surface 23A of the connecting part 23. The inner surface of sidewall 44 faces the non-connecting surface 23B of the connecting part 23. The lower wall 45 is a peripheral wall in the second direction Y1 of each of the protective parts 40A, 40B, which are in a quadrilateral ring shape. The upper wall 46 is a peripheral wall in the second opposite direction Y2 of each of the protective parts 40A, 40B, which are in a quadrilateral ring shape. A second opening 42 is provided on the lower wall 45. The second opening 42 is formed by cutting the lower wall 45 in the first direction X1. The second opening 42 is surrounded by the pair of sidewalls 43, 44 and the lower wall 45.

[0052] Two protective portions 40A and 40B are arranged along a third direction Z1. In this embodiment, the sidewalls 43 of both protective portions 40A and 40B are disposed between the two first terminals 21 along the third direction Z1. The sidewalls 43 of protective portions 40A and 40B are formed integrally, for example, by a connecting wall 47.

[0053] Each protective part 40A, 40B has a pair of guide grooves 48A, 48B provided on a pair of sidewalls 43, 44 constituting the second opening 42. Guide grooves 48A and 48B are opposite to each other in the third direction Z1. For example, one guide groove 48A is provided on the inner surface of the sidewall of the pair of sidewalls 43, 44 on the third direction Z1 side, and the other guide groove 48B is provided on the inner surface of the sidewall of the pair of sidewalls 43, 44 on the third opposite direction Z2 side. Specifically, in protective part 40A, guide groove 48A is provided on the inner surface of sidewall 44, and guide groove 48B is provided on the inner surface of sidewall 43. In protective part 40B, guide groove 48A is provided on the inner surface of sidewall 43, and guide groove 48B is provided on the inner surface of sidewall 44. Guide grooves 48A and 48B are provided on the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 43, 44 on the second direction Y1 side. Guide grooves 48A and 48B extend from the ends of each protective part 40A and 40B in the first opposite direction X2.

[0054] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, guide groove 48A and guide groove 48B are formed with different shapes. For example, guide groove 48A has a protrusion 49, while guide groove 48B does not have a protrusion 49. Figure 7 As shown, the protrusion 49 is provided, for example, on the bottom surface of the guide groove 48A in both the first opposite direction X2 side and the second direction Y1 side. The protrusion 49 extends, for example, from the base 31 toward the first direction X1. The protrusion 49 is formed, for example, on the bottom surface of the guide groove 48A and on the inner surface of the lower wall 45. Furthermore, Figure 7 A portion of the first connector housing 30 is shown in a state where the sliding member 60 is not held.

[0055] Each protective unit 40A, 40B has a pair of guide grooves 50A, 50B disposed on a pair of sidewalls 43, 44. Guide grooves 50A and 50B are opposite to each other in a third direction Z1. For example, one guide groove 50A is disposed on the inner surface of the sidewall of the pair of sidewalls 43, 44 on the third direction Z1 side, and the other guide groove 50B is disposed on the inner surface of the sidewall of the pair of sidewalls 43, 44 on the third opposite direction Z2 side. Specifically, in protective unit 40A, guide groove 50A is disposed on the inner surface of sidewall 44, and guide groove 50B is disposed on the inner surface of sidewall 43. In protective unit 40B, guide groove 50A is disposed on the inner surface of sidewall 43, and guide groove 50B is disposed on the inner surface of sidewall 44. Guide grooves 50A and 50B are disposed on the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 43, 44 on the second opposite direction Y2 side. Guide grooves 50A and 50B extend from the ends of each protective part 40A and 40B in the first opposite direction X2.

[0056] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, each protection part 40A, 40B has, for example, a connector-side suppression part 51 and a connector-side restriction part 55. The connector-side suppression part 51 and the connector-side restriction part 55 are provided, for example, on the inner surface of the lower wall 45 of each protection part 40A, 40B.

[0057] (Structure of connector-side suppression part 51) Each lower wall 45 has a suppressing protrusion 52 protruding from the inner surface of the lower wall 45 in a second opposite direction Y2. The surface of the suppressing protrusion 52 in the first direction X1 constitutes a connector-side suppressing portion 51. The connector-side suppressing portion 51 is formed as an inclined surface that is slightly inclined in the first opposite direction X2 toward the top of the suppressing protrusion 52. The surface of the suppressing protrusion 52 in the first opposite direction X2 is formed as an inclined surface 53 that is inclined in the first direction X1 toward the top of the suppressing protrusion 52.

[0058] (Structure of connector-side limiting part 55) like Figure 7 As shown, each lower wall 45 has one or more (two in this embodiment) restrictive protrusions 56 protruding from the inner surface of the lower wall 45 in a second opposite direction Y2. The two restrictive protrusions 56 are configured, for example, to clamp a restraining protrusion 52 between them in a third direction Z1. Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, each limiting protrusion 56 is, for example, positioned closer to the first direction X1 than the suppressing protrusion 52. The surface of each limiting protrusion 56 in the first opposite direction X2 constitutes a connector-side limiting portion 55. The connector-side limiting portion 55 is, for example, formed to extend vertically from the inner surface of the lower wall 45. For example, the connector-side limiting portion 55 is formed as a plane orthogonal to the first direction X1. The surface of each limiting protrusion 56 in the first direction X1 is formed as an inclined surface 57 that slopes towards the top of the limiting protrusion 56 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, in the first connector housing 30 of this embodiment, the protective portion 40A and the protective portion 40B are integrally formed by connecting the connecting wall 47. For example, when viewed from above in the first direction X1, the protective portions 40A and 40B are formed asymmetrically with respect to an imaginary line E1 extending through the connecting wall 47 and into the second direction Y1. For example, in the protective portions 40A and 40B, the protrusion 49 is provided in a position asymmetrically with respect to the imaginary line E1. Inside each of the protective portions 40A and 40B, for example, the connecting portion 23 of the first terminal 21 is held in the third direction Z1 near the sidewall 44 of the sidewalls 43 and 44.

[0060] (Structure of sliding component 60) The sliding member 60 has two sliding members 60A and 60B respectively mounted on the two protective parts 40A and 40B. Sliding member 60A is mounted on the protective part 40A. Sliding member 60B is mounted on the protective part 40B.

[0061] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each sliding component 60A and 60B can be in the closed position that blocks the second opening 42 (refer to...). Figure 3 The opening position of X2 in the opposite direction to the first (refer to) Figure 4 The sliding members 60A and 60B slide between the two openings. Here, the closed position of the second opening 42 is sufficient to seal it to a degree that prevents a finger from reaching the first terminal 21 through the second opening 42; therefore, even in the closed position, the sliding members 60A and 60B do not necessarily completely seal the second opening 42. The open position is the position where the second opening 42 is open. Furthermore, each sliding member 60A and 60B is, for example, made of an insulating resin material.

[0062] like Figure 8As shown, the planar shapes of each sliding component 60A and 60B, when viewed from the first direction X1, are non-point-symmetric with respect to the central axis of each sliding component 60A and 60B extending parallel to the first direction X1. The planar shapes of each sliding component 60A and 60B, when viewed from the first direction X1, are shapes without an axis of rotational symmetry. Furthermore, sliding components 60A and 60B are formed with different shapes. For example, when viewed from the first direction X1 in a top view, sliding components 60A and 60B are non-linearly symmetric with respect to the imaginary line E1.

[0063] (Structure of sliding component 60A) First, the specific structure of the sliding component 60A will be explained. like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the sliding member 60A includes, for example, a sliding main body 61, an end protection portion 80 that protects the end of the first terminal 21, and a locking portion 90. The sliding member 60A is a single component formed by integrating the sliding main body 61, the end protection portion 80, and the locking portion 90. Hereinafter, the structure of the sliding member 60A in the closed position will be described in detail.

[0064] (Structure of the sliding main body 61) The sliding main body 61 has a base portion 62, a base portion 63 disposed separately from the base portion 62, and a connecting portion 64 connecting the base portion 62 and the base portion 63. The planar shape of the sliding main body 61, for example, when viewed from the first direction X1, is generally formed in an H-shape.

[0065] The base portion 62 is plate-shaped. The axial direction of the base portion 62 extends along a first direction X1. The width direction of the base portion 62 extends along a third direction Z1, and the thickness direction of the base portion 62 extends along a second direction Y1.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, the base portion 62 has a pair of guide portions 62A and 62B that are respectively embedded in a pair of guide grooves 48A and 48B of the protective portion 40A. The sliding main body portion 61 is guided by the guide portions 62A and 62B through the guide grooves 48A and 48B, respectively, and can slide in the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2. The guide portions 62A and 62B are provided at both ends in the width direction of the base portion 62. The guide portion 62A is provided at the end of the base portion 62 in the third opposite direction Z1 in the width direction. The guide portion 62B is provided at the end of the base portion 62 in the third opposite direction Z2 in the width direction.

[0067] like Figure 11As shown, guide portions 62A and 62B are formed with different shapes. Guide portion 62A is, for example, thinner than guide portion 62B. Guide portion 62A is thinner than guide portion 62B, for example, by having a groove 65. The groove 65 is formed to be recessed from its end face on the second direction Y1 side in the thickness direction of the base portion 62 to the second opposite direction Y2 side. The groove 65 extends along the first direction X1. The groove 65 extends along the entire axial length of the base portion 62. Figure 8 As shown, one guide portion 62A can be inserted into the guide groove 48A with the protrusion 49 by having a groove 65, while the other guide portion 62B cannot be inserted into the guide groove 48A. This prevents misassembly of the sliding member 60A with the first connector housing 30.

[0068] like Figure 11 As shown, the base portion 62 has a groove 66 disposed at the center of the base portion 62 in the width direction. The groove 66 is formed to be recessed from the end face of the base portion 62 in the second direction Y1 in the thickness direction to the second opposite direction Y2. The groove 66 extends along the first direction X1. The groove 66 extends along the entire axial length of the base portion 62.

[0069] The base portion 62, for example, has a through portion 67 extending through the middle portion of the groove portion 66 in the axial direction along the thickness direction, i.e., the second direction Y1, and a locking piece 68 extending from the inner edge of the through portion 67. The through portion 67 is, for example, located closer to the first opposite direction X2 than the central portion of the groove portion 66 in the axial direction. The locking piece 68 has a base piece 69, two side pieces 70, and a connecting piece 71. The base piece 69 extends from the inner edge of the through portion 67 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. Each side piece 70 extends from both sides of the end portion of the base piece 69 toward the first direction X1 in the second direction Y1 with a slight height difference. The connecting piece 71 connects the end portions of the two side pieces 70 to each other.

[0070] like Figure 9As shown, the surface on the first opposite direction X2 of the connecting piece 71 engages with the connector-side suppression part 51, functioning as a sliding-side suppression part 72 to suppress the movement of the sliding member 60A in the first opposite direction X2. The sliding-side suppression part 72 is, for example, formed as a plane orthogonal to the first direction X1. When the sliding member 60A is in the closed position, the sliding-side suppression part 72 engages with the surface on the first direction X1 of the connector-side suppression part 51, i.e., the suppression protrusion 52. By engaging the sliding-side suppression part 72 with the connector-side suppression part 51, the movement of the sliding member 60A in the first opposite direction X2 is suppressed, maintaining the sliding member 60A in the closed position. Even if the sliding member 60A is subjected to force in the first opposite direction X2 from the closed position, by engaging the sliding-side suppression part 72 with the connector-side suppression part 51, movement in the first opposite direction X2 is suppressed until a force exceeding a set value is applied. Furthermore, if the sliding member 60A is subjected to a force exceeding a set value in the first opposite direction X2 from its closed position, the engaging piece 68 flexes and the connecting piece 71 passes over the suppressing protrusion 52, causing the sliding-side suppressing part 72 and the connector-side suppressing part 51 to disengage, thereby moving in the first opposite direction X2. At this time, the base part 62 is inserted into the insertion hole 31X provided in the base part 31.

[0071] like Figure 10 As shown, the surfaces of the two side plates 70 of the engaging piece 68 in the first direction X1 engage with the connector-side limiting portion 55, functioning as sliding-side limiting portions 73 to restrict the movement of the sliding member 60A in the first direction X1. The sliding-side limiting portion 73 is, for example, formed as a plane orthogonal to the first direction X1. When the sliding member 60A is in the closed position, the sliding-side limiting portion 73 engages with the surface of the connector-side limiting portion 55, i.e., the limiting protrusion 56, in the first opposite direction X2. By engaging the sliding-side limiting portion 73 with the connector-side limiting portion 55, the movement of the sliding member 60A in the first direction X1 is restricted, maintaining the sliding member 60A in the closed position. Even when the sliding member 60A is subjected to force in the first direction X1 from the closed position, the engagement of the sliding-side limiting portion 73 with the connector-side limiting portion 55 restricts its movement in the first direction X1. At this time, since the sliding side limiting part 73 and the connector side limiting part 55 engage with each other through a plane orthogonal to the first direction X1, the situation where the engaging piece 68 flexes and the two side pieces 70 cross the limiting protrusion 56 is suppressed. As a result, the sliding member 60A is prevented from falling off the first connector housing 30.

[0072] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the base portion 63 is provided, for example, at a position separated from the base portion 62 in the second opposite direction Y2. The base portion 63 is plate-shaped. The base portion 63 is, for example, shorter than the base portion 62 in the first direction X1. The base portion 63 is, for example, opposite to the base portion 62 in the second direction Y1. The base portion 63 is, for example, formed parallel to the base portion 62. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the axial direction of the base portion 63 is defined as the direction extending along the first direction X1, the width direction of the base portion 63 is defined as the direction extending along the third direction Z1, and the thickness direction of the base portion 63 is defined as the direction extending along the second direction Y1. In this embodiment, the base portion 63 is only provided at the end portion of the base portion 62, that is, at a position opposite to the end portion of the base portion 62 on the first direction X1 side.

[0073] like Figure 8 As shown, the base portion 63 has a pair of guide portions 63A and 63B that are respectively embedded in a pair of guide grooves 50A and 50B of the protective portion 40A. The sliding main body portion 61 is guided by the guide portions 63A and 63B through the guide grooves 50A and 50B, respectively, and can slide in a first direction X1 and a first opposite direction X2. The guide portions 63A and 63B are provided at both ends in the width direction of the base portion 63. The guide portion 63A is provided at the end of the base portion 63 in the third opposite direction Z1 in the width direction. The guide portion 63B is provided at the end of the base portion 63 in the third opposite direction Z2 in the width direction. The guide portions 63A and 63B are formed with the same shape. For example, the thickness dimension of the guide portion 63A is equal to the thickness dimension of the guide portion 63B, and the axial length dimension of the guide portion 63A is equal to the axial length dimension of the guide portion 63B. Furthermore, in this specification, "equal" includes not only cases where they are correctly equal, but also cases where the compared objects differ slightly from each other due to factors such as dimensional tolerances. For example, a pair of guide portions 63A and 63B may be formed with a different shape than a pair of guide portions 62A and 62B.

[0074] like Figure 11As shown, the connecting portion 64 extends from the base portion 62 toward the base portion 63 in the second opposite direction Y2. The connecting portion 64 connects the end portion of the base portion 62 to the end portion of the base portion 63. The connecting portion 64 has a predetermined thickness extending along the first direction X1. The dimension of the connecting portion 64 along the first direction X1 is, for example, equal to the dimension of the base portion 63 along the first direction X1. The connecting portion 64 is disposed at the middle portion in the width direction of the base portions 62 and 63. For example, in the width direction of the base portions 62 and 63, the connecting portion 64 is disposed at a position slightly closer to the guide portions 62A and 63A, i.e., the third opposite direction Z1 side, from the center in this width direction. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the base portions 62 and 63 from the surface of the connecting portion 64 in the third opposite direction Z2 toward the third opposite direction Z2 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the base portions 62 and 63 from the surface of the connecting portion 64 in the third opposite direction Z1 toward the third opposite direction Z1.

[0075] The connecting portion 64 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the connecting portion 23 of the first terminal 21. The connecting portion 64 circumferentially surrounds the outer periphery of the connecting portion 23. The connecting portion 64 has a through hole 64X through which the connecting portion 23 passes. The connecting portion 64 is formed in an annular shape by having the through hole 64X. The through hole 64X has an inner peripheral surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 23. The connecting portion 64 is, for example, formed as a quadrilateral annular shape in which the outer edge shape and the inner peripheral shape of the through hole 64X are quadrilateral.

[0076] Here, as Figure 8 As shown, the end faces of the base portion 62, the base portion 63, and the connecting portion 64 are provided on the pressing portion 130 of the second connector 100 when the second connector 100 is assembled from the first connector 20 (see reference). Figure 17 The pressed portion 75 functions as such. For example, when pressed by the pressed portion 130, the sliding member 60A slides to the open position. The pressed portion 75 is formed in an H-shape, for example, when viewed from above in the first direction X1. Furthermore, Figure 8 In the center, the area marked with dots indicates the area where the pressed part 75 functions.

[0077] (Structure of the end protection section 80) like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the end protection portion 80 is integrally formed with the end surface of the sliding main body portion 61. The end protection portion 80 is, for example, integrally formed with the end surface of the connecting portion 64. The end protection portion 80 is, for example, formed to protrude further in the first direction X1 than the pressed portion 75. The end protection portion 80 protrudes from the end surface of the connecting portion 64 in the first direction X1. When the sliding main body portion 61 slides along the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2, the end protection portion 80 slides together with the sliding main body portion 61 along the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2. Figure 3 As shown, with the sliding member 60A in the closed position, the end protection part 80 is positioned in a protective position to protect the end of the connecting part 23. Figure 4 As shown, when the sliding member 60A is in the open position, the end protection portion 80 is positioned at an exposed position that exposes the end portion of the connecting portion 23 and the connecting surface 23A of the connecting portion 23. For example, when the sliding member 60A is in the open position, the end protection portion 80 is positioned between the connecting surface 23A and the second terminal 101 of the second connector 100 (see reference 100). Figure 2 The connecting portion is positioned on the side opposite to the first direction X2. In this way, the end protection portion 80 can be in the protected position (see reference) in contrast to the sliding movement of the sliding main body portion 61. Figure 3 ) and the location of exposure (refer to) Figure 4 The end protection part 80 slides between the sliding member 60A and the sliding member 60A. Hereinafter, the structure of the end protection part 80 in the protected position, that is, the structure of the end protection part 80 in the closed position, will be described with a focus on the structure of the end protection part 80 in the protected position.

[0078] like Figure 11 As shown, the end protection portion 80 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the end portion of the connecting portion 23. The end protection portion 80 surrounds the outer periphery of the end portion of the connecting portion 23 in the circumferential direction. The end protection portion 80 has a through hole 80X through which the connecting portion 23 passes. The end protection portion 80 is formed in an annular shape by having the through hole 80X. The through hole 80X has an inner peripheral surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 23. The end protection portion 80 is formed, for example, as a quadrilateral annular shape in which the outer edge shape and the inner peripheral shape of the through hole 80X are quadrilaterals. The through hole 80X communicates with the through hole 64X. The inner peripheral surface of the through hole 80X is formed continuously with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 64X without any difference in elevation. The outer peripheral surface of the end protection portion 80 is formed, for example, such that its planar shape when viewed from the first direction X1 is smaller than that of the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 64. The end protection portion 80 is formed, for example, such that a portion of the end surface of the connecting portion 64 is exposed. In other words, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the end protection portion 80 constituting the through hole 80X in the third direction Z1 is thinner than that of the peripheral wall of the connecting portion 64 constituting the through hole 64X.

[0079] like Figure 6As shown, the end protection portion 80 protrudes further in the first direction X1 than the end face of the connecting portion 23. That is, the end face of the end protection portion 80 is positioned to protrude further in the first direction X1 than the end face of the connecting portion 23. The outer peripheral surface at the end of the end protection portion 80 has an inclined surface 81, which slopes towards the central axis of the end protection portion 80 from the base end side (i.e., the connecting portion 64 side) toward the end face of the end protection portion 80. The inclined surface 81 is, for example, formed as a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the end protection portion 80 that protrudes further in the first direction X1 than the end face of the connecting portion 23. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the inclined surface 81 is formed, for example, around the entire circumference of the end protection portion 80.

[0080] A recess 82 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 80X. The recess 82 is formed to be recessed radially outward from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 80X towards the end protection portion 80. The recess 82 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 80X in the third opposite direction Z2, that is, on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 80X opposite to the connecting surface 23A of the connecting portion 23. The recess 82 is provided at the middle portion of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 80X in the second direction Y1 in the third opposite direction Z2. The recess 82 extends, for example, from the end surface of the end protection portion 80 to the surface of the connecting portion 64 in the first opposite direction X2. That is, the recess 82 is also formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 64X in the third opposite direction Z2, that is, on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 64X opposite to the connecting surface 23A. Figure 6 As shown, the bottom surface of the recess 82 faces the connecting surface 23A. The bottom surface of the recess 82 is separated from the connecting surface 23A in the third direction Z1. By providing the recess 82, contact between the inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes 64X and 80X and the connecting surface 23A can be suppressed. Therefore, by contacting the inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes 64X and 80X, wear on the connecting surface 23A can be suppressed.

[0081] (The structure of the locking part 90) like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the engaging portion 90 is the part that is pulled by the engaging portion 140 of the second connector 100 when the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20. The sliding member 60A slides to the closed position because the engaging portion 90 is pulled by the engaging portion 140. Furthermore, Figure 14 Enlarged display Figure 13 A portion of the connector assembly 10 shown.

[0082] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the sliding member 60A has one or more (two in this embodiment) engaging tabs 91. Engaging portions 90 are provided on each of the two engaging tabs 91. Therefore, the sliding member 60A of this embodiment has two engaging portions 90.

[0083] Each latching tab 91 is provided, for example, in the connecting portion 64 and the end protection portion 80. Each latching tab 91 is provided in the peripheral wall of the end protection portion 80, on a side not facing the connecting surface 23A of the connecting portion 23. Each latching tab 91 is provided, for example, in the peripheral wall of the end protection portion 80 in the third direction Z1, that is, in the peripheral wall of the end protection portion 80 opposite to the non-connecting surface 23B of the connecting portion 23. Each latching tab 91 is provided, for example, in the peripheral wall of the connecting portion 64 in the third direction Z1, that is, in the peripheral wall of the connecting portion 64 opposite to the non-connecting surface 23B. Each latching tab 91 is provided, for example, on the opposite side of the recess 82. Each latching tab 91 is provided on the third direction Z1 on the side opposite to the recess 82, separated by the first terminal 21. Each latching tab 91 is opposite to the recess 82. Two locking tabs 91 are disposed at the middle portion of the peripheral wall in the third direction Z1 of the end protection portion 80 in the second direction Y1. The two locking tabs 91 are disposed separately from each other in the second direction Y1.

[0084] Each engaging tab 91 has, for example, a base 92, a flexible tab 93 extending from the base 92 in a first direction X1, an engaging portion 90 disposed at the end of the flexible tab 93, and a limiting protrusion 94 disposed at the end of the flexible tab 93. The base 92 is integrally connected to the base end of the connecting portion 64. The thickness of the base 92 in the third direction Z1 is thinner than the thickness of the peripheral wall of the connecting portion 64 in the third direction Z1. For example, the thickness of the base 92 in the third direction Z1 is thinner than the thickness of the peripheral wall of the end protection portion 80 in the third direction Z1.

[0085] The flexible sheet 93 has a base end portion connected to the base portion 92 and an end portion disposed on the side opposite to the base end portion in the first direction X1. The flexible sheet 93 is formed in a cantilever shape, with the base end portion as a fixed end and the end portion as a free end. The flexible sheet 93 is flexible in a direction orthogonal to the first direction X1, which in this embodiment is a third direction Z1 and a third opposite direction Z2. The flexible sheet 93 is configured to be able to flex in the third direction Z1 and the third opposite direction Z2 by elastic deformation. The flexible sheet 93 is disposed separately from the peripheral wall of the connecting portion 64 and the peripheral wall of the end protection portion 80. That is, a gap is provided between the outer surface of the flexible sheet 93 and the peripheral wall of the connecting portion 64 and the peripheral wall of the end protection portion 80. In other words, the length of the flexible sheet 93 in the second direction Y1 is shorter than the length of the base portion 92 in the second direction Y1. In addition, the thickness of the flexible sheet 93 in the third direction Z1 is equal to the thickness of the base portion 92 in the third direction Z1.

[0086] like Figure 14 As shown, the end portion of the flexible piece 93 protrudes further in the first direction X1 than the end face of the connecting portion 23. For example, even when the sliding member 60A is in the closed position, and the flexible piece 93 flexes in the third opposite direction Z2, the end portion of the flexible piece 93 protrudes further in the first direction X1 than the end face of the connecting portion 23 to prevent the protrusion 94 from contacting the connecting portion 23. The end face of the flexible piece 93 does not, for example, protrude further in the first direction X1 than the end face of the end protection portion 80. That is, the end face of the flexible piece 93 does not protrude further in the assembly direction D1 towards the front, i.e., towards the second connector 100, than the end face of the end protection portion 80. In other words, the end face of the flexible piece 93 is formed on the same plane as the end face of the end protection portion 80, or is provided in a position that is recessed further in the first opposite direction X2 than the end face of the end protection portion 80. In this embodiment, the end face of the flexible piece 93 is formed on the same plane as the end face of the end protection portion 80.

[0087] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the engaging portion 90 protrudes in the third direction Z1. The engaging portion 90 protrudes from the end face of the flexible sheet 93 in the third direction Z1 in the third direction Z1. The engaging portion 90 protrudes further in the third direction Z1 than the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall in the end protection portion 80 in the third direction Z1. The engaging portion 90 does not protrude further in the third direction Z1 than the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall in the connecting portion 64 in the third direction Z1. The engaging portion 90 extends, for example, along the entire length of the flexible sheet 93 in the second direction Y1.

[0088] like Figure 14 As shown, the surface in the engaging portion 90 in the first opposite direction X2 is formed as an inclined surface 95 that slopes towards the top of the engaging portion 90 in the first direction X1. The inclined surface 95 is inclined relative to a plane orthogonal to the assembly direction D1. The inclined surface 95 is provided, for example, on the entire surface in the engaging portion 90 in the first opposite direction X2. When the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, the engaging portion 140 provided on the second connector 100 engages with the inclined surface 95 of the engaging portion 90. When the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, the inclined surface 95 is guided so that the engaging portion 140 and the engaging portion 90 are not engaged when the sliding member 60A is in the closed position.

[0089] The surface of the engaging portion 90 in the first direction X1 is formed as an inclined surface 96 that slopes towards the top of the engaging portion 90 and in the first opposite direction X2. The inclined surface 96 is inclined relative to a plane orthogonal to the assembly direction D1. The inclined surface 96 is provided on the entire surface of the engaging portion 90 in the first direction X1. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 96 is, for example, larger than the inclination angle of the inclined surface 95. Here, in a top view viewed from the second direction Y1, the inclination angles of the inclined surfaces 95 and 96 are acute angles in the angles formed by the directions extending from the inclined surfaces 95 and 96 and the third direction Z1. When the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20, the inclined surface 96 guides the engaging portion 140 to a position where it can engage with the engaging portion 90.

[0090] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, when the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, the limiting protrusion 94 restricts the deflection of the flexible piece 93 so that the engagement between the engaging portion 140 and the engaged portion 90 is not released before the sliding member 60A returns from the open position to the closed position. The limiting protrusion 94 protrudes in a third opposite direction Z2. The limiting protrusion 94 protrudes further in the third opposite direction Z2 than the end face of the flexible piece 93 in the third opposite direction Z2. Figure 8 As shown, the limiting protrusion 94 protrudes slightly in the third opposite direction Z2 from the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall in the third direction Z1 of the end protection portion 80. The limiting protrusion 94 is formed such that, for example, in a top view viewed from the first direction X1, it overlaps with a portion of the connecting portion 23. The limiting protrusion 94 is provided only in a portion of the flexible sheet 93 in the second direction Y1, for example. In this embodiment, the limiting protrusion 94 is provided only in the middle portion of the flexible sheet 93 in the second direction Y1. The length of the limiting protrusion 94 in the second direction Y1 is shorter than the length of the engaging portion 90 in the second direction Y1. The surface of the limiting protrusion 94 in the third opposite direction Z2, i.e., the top surface 97 of the limiting protrusion 94, is formed as a plane orthogonal to the assembly direction D1.

[0091] like Figure 16 As shown, when the sliding member 60A slides between the open and closed positions, the limiting protrusion 94 faces the non-connecting surface 23B of the connecting portion 23. The limiting protrusion 94 is configured such that when the end protection portion 80 slides between the protected position and the exposed position, its top surface 97 contacts the non-connecting surface 23B while sliding in the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2. At this time, the flexible sheet 93 flexes in the third direction Z1 through the contact between the top surface 97 and the non-connecting surface 23B. The contact between the top surface 97 and the non-connecting surface 23B can be any form of surface contact, line contact, or point contact. Here, the non-connecting surface 23B is formed as a plane extending parallel to the first direction X1 within the movable range of the limiting protrusion 94 in the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2.

[0092] The protrusion amount of the limiting protrusion 94 is set, for example, such that, when viewed from above in the second direction Y1, the gap between the top surface 97 and the non-connecting surface 23B when they are facing each other is smaller than the overlap between the engaging portion 140 and the engaged portion 90. The protrusion amount of the limiting protrusion 94 is set such that, when the sliding member 60A is in the open position, the gap between the top surface 97 and the non-connecting surface 23B is smaller than the overlap between the engaging portion 140 and the engaged portion 90. Here, the overlap between the engaging portion 140 and the engaged portion 90 is the distance along the direction of the flexure of the flexible piece 93, specifically along the third direction Z1, in the area where the engaging portion 140 and the engaged portion 90 overlap in the first direction X1. By setting the protrusion amount of the limiting protrusion 94 in this way, the top surface 97 of the limiting protrusion 94 contacts the non-connecting surface 23B before the engagement between the engaging portion 140 and the engaged portion 90 is released. Therefore, the flexible sheet 93 is restricted from flexing in the third opposite direction Z2, thereby preventing the engagement between the engaging portion 140 and the engaged portion 90 from being released.

[0093] (Structure of sliding component 60B) Next, according to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The specific structure of the sliding member 60B will be described. Here, the differences from the sliding member 60A will be mainly explained; the same reference numerals will be used for structures identical to those in the sliding member 60A, and sometimes part or all of the description will be omitted. Furthermore, the description will focus on the structure of the sliding member 60B in the closed position.

[0094] Similar to the sliding member 60A, the sliding member 60B has a sliding main body 61, an end protection part 80, and a locking part 90. (Structure of the sliding main body 61) The sliding body 61 of the sliding member 60B has a base portion 62, a base portion 63, and a connecting portion 64. The base portions 62 and 63 have the same structure as the base portions 62 and 63 of the sliding member 60A.

[0095] The connecting portion 64 of the sliding member 60B extends from the base portion 62 to the base portion 63 along the second opposite direction Y2. The connecting portion 64 is provided at the middle portion in the width direction of the base portions 62 and 63. For example, the connecting portion 64 is provided in the width direction of the base portions 62 and 63 at a position slightly closer to the guide portion 62B, 63B side, i.e., the third opposite direction Z2 side, from the center of the width direction. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the base portions 62 and 63 from the third opposite direction Z1 surface of the connecting portion 64 towards the third opposite direction Z1 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the base portions 62 and 63 from the third opposite direction Z2 surface of the connecting portion 64 towards the third opposite direction Z2.

[0096] like Figure 8 As shown, in the sliding member 60B, the end face of the base portion 62, the end face of the base portion 63, and the end face of the connecting portion 64 serve as the pressing portion 130 of the second connector 100 when the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20 (see reference). Figure 17 The pressed portion 75 functions as a pressing part. For example, when pressed by the pressed portion 130, the sliding member 60B slides to the open position. Similar to the pressed portion 75 of the sliding member 60A, the planar shape of the pressed portion 75 of the sliding member 60B, when viewed from the first direction X1, is H-shaped.

[0097] (Structure of the end protection section 80) like Figure 12 As shown, the end protection portion 80 of the sliding member 60B is formed in an annular shape through a through hole 80X through which the connecting portion 23 passes. An inner circumferential surface in the third direction Z1 of the through hole 80X is provided, that is, the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 80X that faces the connecting surface 23A of the connecting portion 23. The bottom surface of the recess 82 faces the connecting surface 23A. The bottom surface of the recess 82 is provided separately from the connecting surface 23A in the third direction Z1.

[0098] (The structure of the locking part 90) like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the sliding member 60B has one or more (two in this embodiment) engaging tabs 91. Engaging portions 90 are provided on each of the two engaging tabs 91. Therefore, the sliding member 60B of this embodiment has two engaging portions 90.

[0099] The engaging tab 91 of the sliding member 60B is, for example, provided on the peripheral wall of the end protection portion 80 in the third opposite direction Z2, that is, the peripheral wall of the end protection portion 80 opposite to the non-connecting surface 23B of the connecting portion 23. Each engaging tab 91 is provided on the side opposite to the recess 82 in the third direction Z1, separated by the first terminal 21. Each engaging tab 91 is opposite to the recess 82.

[0100] Similar to each engaging piece 91 of the sliding member 60A, each engaging piece 91 of the sliding member 60B has a base 92, a flexible piece 93, an engaging portion 90 disposed at the end of the flexible piece 93, and a limiting protrusion 94.

[0101] (Structure of the second connector 100) like Figure 17As shown, the second connector 100 has one or more (two in this embodiment) metal second terminals 101 and a second connector housing 110 that holds the second terminals 101. In this embodiment, the two second terminals 101 are held by the second connector housing 110 in a state arranged along a third direction Z1. The second connector housing 110 is detachable from the first connector housing 30. Furthermore, the description of the direction including the third direction Z1 in the second connector 100 is based on the state in which the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20.

[0102] Each second terminal 101 extends at its end toward the second opposite direction Y2. Each second terminal 101 is formed, for example, by stamping a metal sheet made of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy.

[0103] like Figure 15 As shown, a plurality of second terminals 101 are respectively provided corresponding to a plurality of first terminals 21. The end portion of each second terminal 101 has a connecting portion 102 that connects to the connecting surface 23A of each first terminal 21. When the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20, each connecting portion 102 contacts the connecting surface 23A of the first terminal 21 and is electrically connected to the first terminal 21.

[0104] like Figure 17 As shown, the second connector housing 110 has one or more (two in this embodiment) terminal receiving portions 120 for receiving the second terminals 101, a pressing portion 130, and a locking portion 140. The plurality of terminal receiving portions 120 are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of second terminals 101. Each terminal receiving portion 120 has a space for each first terminal 21 (see reference 140). Figure 16 Insertion hole 121 is inserted. Insertion hole 121 is open in a direction parallel to the assembly direction D1, specifically in the first opposite direction X2. Each terminal storage part 120 holds the second terminal 101 in a state in which the connection part 102 of each second terminal 101 is exposed within the internal space of each terminal storage part 120.

[0105] Pressing portions 130 are respectively provided in the plurality of terminal storage portions 120. Therefore, the second connector housing 110 of this embodiment has two pressing portions 130. like Figure 18 As shown, each pressing part 130 is disposed in the second connector housing 110 at a position corresponding to the pressed part 75 of each sliding member 60A, 60B. Each pressing part 130 is, for example, formed by a surface in the terminal receiving part 120 in the first opposite direction X2. Each pressing part 130 is, for example, formed by a surface in the terminal receiving part 120 opposite to the first connector 20. Figure 14As shown, each pressing part 130 makes line contact or surface contact with each pressed part 75. That is, each pressing part 130 makes multi-point contact with each pressed part 75. When the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20, each pressing part 130 of this embodiment presses the pressed part 75 in a state of surface contact with each pressed part 75, causing each sliding member 60A, 60B to slide to the open position.

[0106] like Figure 18 As shown, engaging portions 140 are respectively provided in multiple terminal receiving portions 120. Two engaging portions 140 are provided in each terminal receiving portion 120 corresponding to two engaged portions 90. Therefore, the second connector housing 110 of this embodiment has four engaging portions 140. Each engaging portion 140 is provided in the second connector housing 110 at a position corresponding to the engaged portion 90 of each sliding member 60A, 60B. When the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, each engaging portion 140 pulls the engaged portion 90, thereby causing each sliding member 60A, 60B to slide to the closed position.

[0107] like Figure 14 As shown, each engaging portion 140 has, for example, a claw 141 protruding from the same plane as the pressing portion 130 toward the central axis of the insertion hole 121. The claw 141 protrudes, for example, from the pressing portion 130 located near the sidewall 44 of the protective portion 40, toward a direction approaching the sidewall 43, specifically toward a third direction Z1 or a third opposite direction Z2. The claw 141 protrudes, for example, toward the inside of the insertion hole 121. The engaging portion 140 is formed by a surface in the first direction X1 of the claw 141. The surface in the first direction X1 and the surface in the first opposite direction X2 of the claw 141 are, for example, formed as a plane orthogonal to the first direction X1. When the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, each engaging portion 140 pulls the engaged portion 90 in a state where the surface in the first direction X1 of the claw 141 engages with the inclined surface 95 of the engaged portion 90, thereby causing each sliding member 60A, 60B to slide to the closed position.

[0108] Next, the function of connector assembly 10 will be explained. like Figure 3 As shown, in the second connector 100 (refer to...) Figure 1Before being assembled with the first connector 20, the sliding member 60 is positioned in a closed position, blocking the second opening 42. This prevents, for example, an installer's finger from contacting the first terminal 21 through the second opening 42. Furthermore, with the sliding member 60 in the closed position, its end protection portion 80 is positioned to protect the end portion of the first terminal 21. Therefore, even if an installer's finger enters the protection portion 40 through the first opening 41, the end protection portion 80 prevents the installer's finger from contacting the first terminal 21.

[0109] Next, according to Figure 16 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 The loading and unloading operations of the first connector 20 and the second connector 100 are described. like Figure 18 As shown, when the second connector 100 is assembled along the assembly direction D1 of the first connector 20, firstly, the surface of the claw 141 in the first opposite direction X2 contacts the end surface of the flexible piece 93. At this time, due to the action of the surface of the claw 141 in the first opposite direction X2 and the inclined surface 96 of the engaged portion 90, the flexible piece 93 flexes towards the first terminal 21, thereby causing the claw 141 to pass over the engaged portion 90. Thus, as Figure 19 As shown, the engaging portion 140 is positioned to engage with the engaged portion 90, specifically, the surface of the claw 141 in the first direction X1 is positioned to engage with the inclined surface 95 of the engaged portion 90. That is, the claw 141 of the engaging portion 140 is guided by the inclined surface 96 of the engaged portion 90 to a position where it can engage with the inclined surface 95 of the engaged portion 90. Here, when the sliding member 60 is in the closed position, the end portion of the flexible piece 93 protrudes further in the first direction X1 than the end surface of the first terminal 21, thus preventing the limiting protrusion 94 from contacting the first terminal 21 when the flexible piece 93 flexes towards the first terminal 21. Furthermore, when the flexible piece 93 flexes towards the first terminal 21, the engagement of the sliding-side limiting portion 72 and the connector-side limiting portion 51 maintains the sliding member 60 in the closed position.

[0110] Next, if the first connector 20 and the second connector 100 are engaged, the pressing part 130 presses the pressed part 75 in the first opposite direction X2 while in contact with the surface of the pressed part 75. At this time, a force greater than a set value is applied to the sliding member 60 in the closed position in the first opposite direction X2. As a result, the engaging piece 68 of the sliding member 60 flexes and the connecting piece 71 passes over the inhibiting protrusion 52, the sliding side inhibiting part 72 and the connector side inhibiting part 51 become disengaged, and the sliding member 60 moves in the first opposite direction X2.

[0111] Next, as Figure 16 and Figure 20 As shown, the pressed part 75 is pressed by the pressed part 130, thereby causing the sliding member 60 to slide to the open position. At this time, the end protection part 80 also moves in the first opposite direction X2 together with the sliding body part 61. As a result, the end part of the first terminal 21 is exposed from the end protection part 80. Here, since a recess 82 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the end protection part 80 opposite to the connecting surface 23A of the first terminal 21, wear caused by contact between the connecting surface 23A and the inner circumferential surface of the end protection part 80 can be suppressed when the sliding member 60 slides. Then, in the state where the first connector 20 and the second connector 100 are assembled, the connecting surface 23A of the first terminal 21 and the connecting part 102 of the second terminal 101 are in contact with each other, and the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101 are electrically connected. In addition, in the state where the first connector 20 and the second connector 100 are assembled, the sliding member 60 is positioned in the open position. Here, with the sliding member 60 in the open position, the end protection portion 80 is positioned on the side further in the first opposite direction X2 than the connection portion between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101. Furthermore, in the open position, the sliding member 60 is entirely positioned on the side further in the first opposite direction X2 than the connection portion between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101. Therefore, when the first connector 20 and the second connector 100 are assembled, the sliding member 60 does not enter the vicinity of the connection portion between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101 within the internal space of the terminal storage portion 120. Therefore, even if the sliding member 60 breaks due to durability degradation, etc., it is possible to prevent the broken sliding member 60 from adversely affecting the electrical connection between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101.

[0112] Next, when the second connector 100 is detached from the first connector 20, the claw 141 of the engaging portion 140 engages with the inclined surface 95 of the engaged portion 90, thereby pulling the engaged portion 90 in the first direction X1 using the engaging portion 140. As a result, the sliding member 60 slides from the open position to the closed position. At this time, due to the engagement of the inclined surface 95 with the claw 141, the flexible piece 93 flexes towards the first terminal 21. A limiting protrusion 94 protruding towards the first terminal 21 is provided at the end of the flexible piece 93. Furthermore, the gap between the top surface 97 of the limiting protrusion 94 and the non-connecting surface 23B of the first terminal 21 is set to be smaller than the overlap between the claw 141 and the engaged portion 90. Therefore, even when the flexible piece 93 flexes towards the first terminal 21, the top surface 97 of the limiting protrusion 94 can contact the non-connecting surface 23B before the claw 141 disengages from the engaging portion 90, thus limiting the amount of flexural deflection of the flexible piece 93. As a result, the disengagement of the engaging portion 140 from the engaging portion 90 can be prevented during the sliding movement of the sliding member 60 from the open position to the closed position. In other words, by engaging the engaging portion 140 with the engaging portion 90 and pulling the engaging portion 90, the sliding member 60 can be appropriately slidably moved to the closed position.

[0113] like Figure 19 As shown, if the sliding member 60 moves to the closed position, the sliding-side inhibiting part 72 engages with the connector-side inhibiting part 51, and the sliding-side limiting part 73 engages with the connector-side limiting part 55. This restricts the movement of the sliding member 60 in the first direction X1. Next, if the action of detaching the second connector 100 from the first connector 20 is further performed, the flexible piece 93 flexes towards the first terminal 21 due to the action of the surface of the claw 141 in the first direction X1 and the inclined surface 95 of the engaged portion 90, thereby disengaging the claw 141 from the engaged portion 90. Thus, as... Figure 18 As shown, the engaging portion 140 and the engaged portion 90 are disengaged, and the second connector 100 is detached from the first connector 20. That is, the claw 141 of the engaging portion 140 is guided by the inclined surface 95 of the engaged portion 90 to a position where it is disengaged from the inclined surface 95 of the engaged portion 90. Then, in the state after the second connector 100 has been detached from the first connector 20, the sliding member 60 returns to the closed position that blocks the second opening 42. This, for example, prevents an installer's finger from contacting the first terminal 21 through the second opening 42.

[0114] Next, the effects of this implementation method will be explained. (1) A sliding member 60 is provided that can slide between a closed position and an open position, blocking a second opening 42 that opens in the second direction Y1. The sliding member 60 integrally forms a sliding main body 61 that blocks the second opening 42 in the closed position and an end protection portion 80 that protects the end portion of the first terminal 21 in the closed position. Therefore, when the sliding members 60A and 60B are in the closed position, the second opening 42 is blocked by the sliding main body 61, thus preventing, for example, an installer's finger from contacting the first terminal 21 through the second opening 42. Furthermore, when the sliding member 60 is in the closed position, the end protection portion 80 protects the end portion of the first terminal 21. Therefore, even if an installer's finger enters the interior of the protection portion 40 through the first opening 41, the end protection portion 80 can be used to prevent the installer's finger from contacting the first terminal 21. Furthermore, since the sliding main body 61 and the end protection part 80 are integrally formed, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where the sliding main body 61 and the end protection part 80 are separate components. Therefore, anti-electric shock measures can be implemented while reducing the number of parts.

[0115] (2) When the sliding member 60 slides from the closed position to the open position, the end protection part 80 slides together with the sliding body part 61 in the first opposite direction X2. Then, the end protection part 80 is positioned in the open position closer to the first opposite direction X2 side than the connection portion between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101. Therefore, when the first connector 20 and the second connector 100 are assembled, the sliding member 60 does not enter the vicinity of the connection portion between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101 within the internal space of the terminal storage part 120. Therefore, even if the end protection part 80 is damaged due to durability deterioration, the damage to the end protection part 80 can be suppressed from adversely affecting the electrical connection between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101. That is, the reduction in the reliability of the electrical connection between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101 can be suppressed.

[0116] (3) The protective part 40 has a pair of guide grooves 48A and 48B, and the sliding member 60 has a pair of guide parts 62A and 62B embedded in the pair of guide grooves 48A and 48B. According to this structure, the guide parts 62A and 62B are guided by the guide grooves 48A and 48B, which enables the sliding member 60 to slide smoothly in the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2. In addition, when the sliding member 60 slides, tilting of the sliding member 60 can be suppressed.

[0117] (4) The protective part 40 has a pair of guide grooves 50A and 50B that are separated from the guide grooves 48A and 48B in the second direction Y1, and the sliding member 60 has a pair of guide parts 63A and 63B that are embedded in the pair of guide grooves 50A and 50B. According to this structure, the guide parts 63A and 63B are guided by the guide grooves 50A and 50B, which allows the sliding member 60 to slide smoothly in the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2. In addition, when the sliding member 60 slides, since the guide parts 62A and 62B and the guide parts 63A and 63B are guided by the guide grooves 48A and 48B and the guide grooves 50A and 50B that are separated from each other in the second direction Y1, the tilting of the sliding member 60 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0118] (5) A groove 65 is provided only in one of the pair of guide portions 62A and 62B. Furthermore, in one of the pair of guide grooves 48A and 48B, only the guide portion 62A with the groove 65 can be inserted into the guide groove 48A, and the guide portion 62B without the groove 65 cannot be inserted. Therefore, the sliding member 60 can be assembled to the first connector housing 30 only in a position where the guide portion 62A with the groove 65 is inserted relative to one of the guide grooves 48A. Therefore, misassembly of the sliding member 60 can be suppressed.

[0119] (6) When the second connector 100 is assembled on the first connector 20, the sliding member 60 is slidably moved to the open position by being pressed by the pressing part 130 of the second connector 100 through the pressing part 75. Therefore, it is not necessary to use, for example, a clamp or the like, to slide the sliding member 60 to the open position. That is, the installer can slide the sliding member 60 to the open position simply by assembling the second connector 100 on the first connector 20, without performing any other steps.

[0120] (7) Since the pressed part 75 is in contact with the surface of the pressing part 130, compared with the case where the pressed part 75 is in contact with the point of the pressing part 130, the sliding part 60 can be moved smoothly and stably to the open position.

[0121] (8) When the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, the engaging portion 90 is pulled by the engaging portion 140 of the second connector 100, thereby causing the sliding member 60 to slide to the closed position. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a clamp or the like to slide the sliding member 60 to the closed position. That is, the installer can slide the sliding member 60 to the closed position simply by removing the second connector 100 from the first connector 20 without performing any other steps. In addition, for example, if the structure is designed such that a force-applying member such as a spring applies force to the sliding member 60 in the first direction X1 in advance, the sliding member 60 can slide to the closed position without performing any other steps, but compared with this structure, no force-applying member is required.

[0122] (9) The flexible sheet 93 is flexible in a direction orthogonal to the first direction X1 (here, the third direction Z1), and a locking portion 90 is provided at the end of the flexible sheet 93. Furthermore, when the sliding member 60 is in the closed position, the locking portion 90 is positioned to protrude further in the first direction X1 than the end of the first terminal 21. Therefore, when the flexible sheet 93 flexes in the third direction Z1 orthogonal to the first direction X1, contact between the locking portion 90 and the first terminal 21 can be suppressed, thereby allowing the flexible sheet 93 to flex appropriately. Moreover, by flexing the flexible sheet 93, the locking portion 90 provided at the end of the flexible sheet 93 can easily engage with the locking portion 140 of the second connector 100. That is, when assembling the second connector 100 with the first connector 20, by flexing the flexible sheet 93, the locking portion 140 can easily engage with the locking portion 90. Furthermore, when the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, the engagement between the engaging part 140 and the engaged part 90 can be easily released by bending the flexible piece 93.

[0123] (10) When the sliding member 60 is in the closed position, the end portion of the annular end protection portion 80 surrounding the outer periphery of the first terminal 21 is formed to protrude further in the first direction X1 than the end portion of the first terminal 21. Therefore, even if, for example, an installer's finger enters the interior of the protection portion 40 through the first opening 41, the end protection portion 80 can be used to appropriately prevent the installer's finger from contacting the first terminal 21. In addition, the engaging portion 90 forms part of the end protection portion 80. Therefore, the engaging portion 90 has the function of engaging with the engaging portion 140 of the second connector 100 and has the function of preventing the installer's finger from contacting the first terminal 21.

[0124] (11) The surface in the engaging portion 90 in the first direction X1 does not protrude further in the first direction X1 than the surface in the end protection portion 80 in the first direction X1. Therefore, when the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20, stress concentration in the engaging portion 90 due to contact with the second connector 100 can be suppressed. As a result, damage to the engaging portion 90 can be suppressed.

[0125] (12) A recess 82 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the end protection portion 80, opposite to the connecting surface 23A of the first terminal 21. By providing this recess 82, when the sliding member 60 slides, contact between the inner peripheral surface of the end protection portion 80 and the connecting surface 23A of the first terminal 21 can be suppressed. Therefore, wear of the connecting surface 23A of the first terminal 21 due to contact with the inner peripheral surface of the end protection portion 80 can be suppressed. As a result, for example, the reduction of the contact area between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101 due to wear of the connecting surface 23A of the first terminal 21 can be suppressed, and thus the increase in contact resistance at the connection portion between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101 can be appropriately suppressed. Furthermore, heat generation at the connection portion between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101 can be suppressed.

[0126] (13) The engaging portion 90 is provided on the third direction Z1 on the side opposite to the recess 82, separated from the first terminal 21. Therefore, the engaging portion 90 is provided on the non-connecting surface 23B side of the first terminal 21, and thus the engaging portion 90 does not face the connecting surface 23A of the first terminal 21. Therefore, when the sliding member 60 slides, contact between the engaging portion 90 and the connecting surface 23A of the first terminal 21 can be suppressed. Therefore, wear on the connecting surface 23A of the first terminal 21 due to contact with the engaging portion 90 can be suppressed. As a result, the increase in contact resistance at the connection portion between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101 can be appropriately suppressed, thereby suppressing heat generation at the connection portion between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 101.

[0127] (14) The sliding member 60 has an inclined surface 95, which guides the sliding member 60 to disengage the engaging portion 140 from the engaged portion 90 when the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20. Therefore, when the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, the engagement between the engaging portion 140 and the engaged portion 90 can be easily released. Thus, the second connector 100 can be easily and normally removed from the first connector 20.

[0128] (15) The sliding member 60 has an inclined surface 96, which guides the engaging portion 140 to a position where it can engage with the engaged portion 90 when the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20. Therefore, when the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20, the engaging portion 140 can be easily engaged with the engaged portion 90. Thus, the second connector 100 can be easily and normally assembled with the first connector 20.

[0129] (16) The end protection portion 80 has an inclined surface 81 that guides the second connector 100 into the interior of the first connector housing 30 when the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20. Therefore, the second connector 100 can be easily fitted with the first connector 20 when the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20.

[0130] (17) Since the sliding member 60 has multiple engaging portions 90, it can slide smoothly and stably to the closed position compared to a structure with a single engaging portion 90. In addition, even if the engagement between one engaging portion 90 and the engaging portion 140 is accidentally disengaged, the sliding member 60 can still slide to the closed position by pulling the remaining engaging portions 90 by the engaging portion 140.

[0131] (18) A limiting protrusion 94 is provided at the end of the flexible piece 93, protruding in the direction of bending towards the first terminal 21. Therefore, when the sliding member 60 is in the open position, the limiting protrusion 94 faces the first terminal 21. Therefore, when the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, even if the flexible piece 93 bends significantly towards the first terminal 21, the contact between the limiting protrusion 94 and the first terminal 21 can suppress the significant bending of the flexible piece 93. Thus, for example, it is possible to appropriately suppress the disengagement of the engagement between the engaging part 140 and the engaged part 90 due to the significant bending of the flexible piece 93. That is, when the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, the disengagement of the engagement between the engaging part 140 and the engaged part 90 can be appropriately suppressed during the sliding movement of the sliding member 60 from the open position to the closed position. Therefore, when the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, the sliding member 60 can be properly reset to the closed position by pulling the engaged part 90 by the engaging part 140.

[0132] (19) The protrusion amount of the limiting protrusion 94 is set such that, when the sliding member 60 is in the open position, the gap between the top surface 97 of the limiting protrusion 94 and the first terminal 21 is smaller than the overlap amount between the engaging portion 90 and the engaging portion 140. Here, the overlap amount between the engaging portion 90 and the engaging portion 140 is the distance along the direction of the flexural section 93 in the area where the engaging portion 90 and the engaging portion 140 overlap in the first direction X1. By setting the protrusion amount of the limiting protrusion 94 in this way, for example, when the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, even if the flexible section 93 flexes toward the first terminal 21, the top surface 97 of the limiting protrusion 94 can contact the first terminal 21 before the engagement between the engaging portion 90 and the engaging portion 140 is released. As a result, further flexing of the flexible section 93 can be limited, and thus the release of the engagement between the engaging portion 90 and the engaging portion 140 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0133] (20) The top surface 97 of the limiting protrusion 94 is formed as a plane parallel to the first direction X1, and the first terminal 21 is formed as a flat plate within the movable range of the limiting protrusion 94. Therefore, the top surface 97 of the limiting protrusion 94 and the first terminal 21 can be made to contact each other in a planar manner. Thus, for example, when the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, the top surface 97 of the limiting protrusion 94 can be appropriately made to contact the first terminal 21, thereby appropriately limiting the deflection of the flexible sheet 93. Therefore, the disengagement of the engagement between the engaging portion 90 and the engaging portion 140 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0134] (21) The second connector 100 has a pressing portion 130, which presses against the pressed portion 75 of the sliding member 60 when the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20, causing the sliding member 60 to slide to the open position. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a clamp or the like to slide the sliding member 60 to the open position. That is, the installer can slide the sliding member 60 to the open position simply by assembling the second connector 100 with the first connector 20, without performing any other steps.

[0135] (22) The second connector 100 has a locking portion 140. When the second connector 100 is removed from the first connector 20, the locking portion 140 pulls the locking portion 90 provided on the sliding member 60, causing the sliding member 60 to move to the closed position. Therefore, it is not necessary to use, for example, a clamp to slide the sliding member 60 to the closed position. That is, the installer can slide the sliding member 60 to the closed position simply by removing the second connector 100 from the first connector 20 without performing any other steps.

[0136] (Other implementation methods) The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to implement them within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0137] The sliding member 60 in the above embodiment is configured to have a limiting protrusion 94 provided at the end of the flexible sheet 93, but the structure of the limiting protrusion 94 can be appropriately modified. For example, the limiting protrusion 94 can be provided at the middle part in the length direction of the flexible sheet 93. In addition, the top surface 97 of the limiting protrusion 94 can be formed as a curved surface. Alternatively, the limiting protrusion 94 can be omitted.

[0138] The outer peripheral surface of the end protection portion 80 in the above embodiment is configured to have an inclined surface 81, but it is not limited thereto and may also be configured not to have an inclined surface 81. The inner peripheral surface of the end protection portion 80 in the above embodiment is configured to have a recess 82, but it is not limited thereto and may also be configured not to have a recess 82.

[0139] The sliding member 60 in the above embodiment is configured to have a locking portion 90. When the second connector 100 is detached from the first connector 20, the locking portion 90 is pulled by the locking portion 140 of the second connector 100. However, the structure of the locking portion 90 can be appropriately modified. For example, the locking portion 90 is configured to have an inclined surface 95, but it is not limited to this and can also be configured to not have an inclined surface 95. For example, the locking portion 90 is configured to have an inclined surface 96, but it is not limited to this and can also be configured to not have an inclined surface 96.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the engaging portion 90 is provided at the end of the flexible sheet 93, but it is not limited to this; the engaging portion 90 may also be provided at a non-flexible location. In this case, it is preferable to provide the engaging portion 140 at a flexible location.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the engaging portion 90 is provided on the side opposite to the recess 82 in the third direction Z1, separated from the first terminal 21, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the engaging portion 90 may also be provided on the peripheral wall in the end protection portion 80 in the second direction Y1 or the second opposite direction Y2.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the engaging portion 90 is provided on the end protection portion 80, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the engaging portion 90 may also be provided on the base portion 62 or the base portion 63.

[0143] The number of engaging portions 90 in the above embodiment can also be changed to one or more. Alternatively, the engaging portions 90 can be omitted. The sliding member 60 in the above embodiment is configured to have a pressing portion 75. When the first connector 20 is assembled with the second connector 100, the pressing portion 75 is pressed by the pressing portion 130 of the second connector 100. However, the structure of the pressing portion 75 can be appropriately modified. For example, the pressing portion 75 can be formed into an H-shape in planar shape when viewed from the first direction X1, but it is not limited to this. The planar shape of the pressing portion 75 can be set to any shape. In addition, the pressing portion 75 can be divided into two or more parts.

[0144] The planar shape of the sliding member 60 in the above embodiment, when viewed from the first direction X1, is non-point symmetric with respect to the central axis of the sliding member 60 extending parallel to the first direction X1, but is not limited thereto. For example, the planar shape of the sliding member 60, when viewed from the first direction X1, may also be point symmetric with respect to the central axis of the sliding member 60 extending parallel to the first direction X1.

[0145] In the sliding member 60 of the above embodiment, the groove 65 is provided only in the guide portion 62A of one of the pair of guide portions 62A and 62B, but it is not limited to this. For example, the groove 65 may also be provided in the guide portion 62B. Alternatively, both guide portions 62A and 62B may be configured not to have the groove 65.

[0146] The sliding member 60 in the above embodiment is configured to have a pair of guide portions 62A, 62B and a pair of guide portions 63A, 63B, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sliding member 60 may also be configured not to have a pair of guide portions 63A, 63B.

[0147] In the first connector 20 of the above embodiment, two sliding members 60A and 60B are respectively installed on the two protective portions 40A and 40B, but this is not a limitation. For example, a single sliding member 60 may be installed relative to the two protective portions 40A and 40B. In this case, the sliding member 60 has a sliding body portion 61 that blocks the second opening portion 42 of the protective portion 40A and the second opening portion 42 of the protective portion 40B in the closed position, and two end protective portions 80 that respectively protect the ends of the two first terminals 21.

[0148] In the protection portion 40 of the above embodiment, the side wall 43 of the protection portion 40A and the side wall 43 of the protection portion 40B are formed as one unit via the connecting wall 47, but this is not a limitation. For example, the connecting wall 47 may be omitted from the protection portion 40, and the side wall 43 of the protection portion 40A and the side wall 43 of the protection portion 40B may not be formed as one unit.

[0149] The first connector housing 30 in the above embodiment is configured to have a connector-side suppression part 51 that suppresses the movement of the sliding member 60 in the closed position in the first opposite direction X2, but the structure of the connector-side suppression part 51 may be appropriately modified.

[0150] The first connector housing 30 in the above embodiment is configured to have a connector-side limiting part 55 that restricts the movement of the sliding member 60 in the closed position in the first direction X1, but the structure of the connector-side limiting part 55 may be modified appropriately.

[0151] In the second connector 100 of the above embodiment, it is configured to have a pressing portion 130 that presses against the pressing portion 75 provided on the sliding member 60 when the second connector 100 is assembled with the first connector 20. However, the structure of the pressing portion 130 may be modified appropriately. For example, the pressing portion 130 may also be configured to be provided on the second terminal 101.

[0152] In the second connector 100 of the above embodiment, it is configured to have an engaging portion 140 that is pulled and engaged in the sliding member 60 when it is detached from the first connector 20. However, the structure of the engaging portion 140 may be modified appropriately. For example, the engaging portion 140 may also be configured to be provided on the second terminal 101.

[0153] The first connector 20 in the above embodiment is configured to have two first terminals 21, but it may also be configured to have one or more first terminals 21. The second connector 100 in the above embodiment is configured to have two second terminals 101, but it may also be configured to have one or more second terminals 101.

[0154] It can also be like Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, except for the portion where the second opening 42 is provided, the protective portion 40 extends from the base 31 in the first direction X1 in a manner that protrudes further in the first direction X1 than the end portion of the connecting portion 23 of the first terminal 21. That is, the pair of sidewalls 43, 44 and the upper wall 46 can also protrude from the base 31 in the first direction X1 in a manner that protrudes further in the first direction X1 than the end portion of the connecting portion 23.

[0155] It can also be like Figure 9 As shown, the length of the base portion 62 of the sliding member 60 along the first direction X1 is longer than the length of the portion of the connecting portion 23 of the first terminal 21 exposed through the second opening 42 along the first direction X1. Alternatively, as... Figure 8 As shown, the length of the base portion 62 along the third direction Z1 is longer than the length of the connecting portion 23 along the third direction Z1. Therefore, when viewed from the second direction Y1, the base portion 62 of the sliding member 60 can also cover the entire portion of the connecting portion 23 of the first terminal 21 that is exposed through the second opening 42.

[0156] It can also be like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the combined length of the connecting portion 64 and the end protection portion 80 along the first direction X1 of the sliding member 60 is shorter than the length of the connecting portion 23 of the first terminal 21 along the first direction X1, specifically the length of the portion of the connecting portion 23 exposed through the second opening 42 along the first direction X1. The sliding member 60 can also be roughly L-shaped when viewed from a third direction Z1.

[0157] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is not as defined above, but rather as set forth in the claims, encompassing all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0158] 10 Connector Assembly 20 First Connector 21 First terminal 22 Base 23 Connecting parts 23A Connection Surface 23B Non-connected surface 30 First connector housing 31 Base 31A Fixing Part 31X Insertion Hole 32. Perimeter wall Protection sections for 40, 40A, and 40B 41 First opening 42 Second opening 43, 44 sidewalls 45 lower wall 46 upper wall 47 Connecting Wall 48A, 48B guide grooves (first guide groove) 49 bulge 50A, 50B guide grooves (second guide grooves) 51 Connector-side suppression section 52 Suppress convex part 53 Inclined Surface 55 Connector-side limiting part 56. Restricting the protrusion 57 Inclined Surface 60, 60A, 60B sliding components 61 Sliding main body 62. Base section 62A and 62B guide sections (first guide section) 63. Base section 63A, 63B Guide Sections (Second Guide Sections) 64 Connecting parts 64X Through Hole 65 Groove 66. Groove 67. Through Section 68-card combination 69 base plates 70 Side panels 71 Connecting pieces 72 Sliding side inhibition part 73 Sliding side limiting part 75 Pressed area 80 End Protection Section 80X Through Hole 81 Inclined Surface (Third Inclined Surface) 82 recess 90 were stuck in the middle. 91 pieces were stuck together 92 Base 93 Flexible film 94. Restricting the protrusion 95 Inclined surface (first inclined surface) 96 Inclined surface (second inclined surface) 97 Top surface 100 Second Connector 101 Second Terminal 102 Connecting part 110 Second Connector Housing 120 Terminal Storage Section 121 Insertion Hole 130 Pressing Section 140 Card Section 141 Claw D1 Assembly Direction E1 Imaginary Line

Claims

1. A first connector, comprising: The first terminal has its end portion extending toward a first direction; A first connector housing that holds the first terminal; and The sliding component is held by the first connector housing. The first connector housing has: A protective portion that covers the portion of the first terminal surrounding the direction orthogonal to the first direction, excluding the second direction; A first opening, which opens in the protective portion in the first direction; as well as The second opening is located in the protective portion and opens in the second direction. The sliding component is capable of sliding between a closed position that blocks the second opening and an open position that is in a first opposite direction to the first direction. The sliding component has a sliding main body portion that blocks the second opening in the closed position, and an end protection portion integrally formed with the sliding main body portion and protecting the end portion of the first terminal in the closed position. The protective portion has a pair of first guide grooves disposed on a pair of sidewalls constituting the second opening. The sliding component has a pair of first guide portions embedded in a pair of first guide grooves. The sliding component is guided by the first guide groove through the first guide portion and can slide in the first direction and the first opposite direction.

2. The first connector according to claim 1, wherein, In the open position, the end protection portion is positioned on the opposite side to the first terminal than the connection portion between the second terminal and the first terminal in the second connector assembled with the first connector.

3. The first connector according to claim 1, wherein, The protective part has a pair of second guide grooves disposed on the pair of sidewalls. The second guide groove is separately disposed from the first guide groove in the second direction. The sliding component has a pair of second guide portions embedded in a pair of second guide grooves.

4. The first connector according to claim 1, wherein, The planar shape of the sliding component, when viewed from the first direction, is non-point symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the sliding component, which extends parallel to the first direction. Only one of the pair of first guide portions has a groove. In one of a pair of first guide slots, the first guide slot can be inserted into the first guide portion having the slot, but cannot be inserted into the first guide portion not having the slot.

5. The first connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The sliding component has a pressing portion, which is pressed by a pressing portion provided on a second connector assembled to the first connector. When the second connector is assembled with the first connector, the sliding member slides to the open position by being pressed by the pressed part.

6. The first connector according to claim 5, wherein, The pressed part is in contact with the pressing part surface.

7. The first connector according to claim 5, wherein, The sliding component has a engaged portion that engages with an engaged portion disposed on the second connector. When the second connector is removed from the first connector, the sliding component is pulled by the engaging part and slides to the closed position.

8. The first connector according to claim 7, wherein, The sliding component has a flexible sheet extending at its end in the first direction and having flexibility in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The engaging portion is located at the end of the flexible sheet. In the closed position, the engaging portion is positioned to protrude further in the first direction than the end portion of the first terminal.

9. The first connector according to claim 8, wherein, The end protection portion is formed as a ring surrounding the outer periphery of the first terminal. In the closed position, the end portion of the end protection portion is formed to protrude further in the first direction than the end portion of the first terminal. The engaging portion is located on a portion of the end portion of the end protection portion.

10. The first connector according to claim 9, wherein, The surface in the first direction of the engaging portion is disposed on the same plane as the surface in the first direction of the end protection portion, or disposed on the side opposite to the first direction than the surface in the first direction of the end protection portion.

11. The first connector according to claim 9, wherein, The first terminal has a connection surface that connects to the second terminal disposed on the second connector. The sliding component has a recess on the inner peripheral surface of the end protection portion. The recess faces the connecting surface.

12. The first connector according to claim 11, wherein, The first terminal has a non-connecting surface located on the side opposite to the connecting surface in a third-order orientation. The engaging portion is positioned on the third-party side, opposite to the recess, across the first terminal.

13. The first connector according to claim 8, wherein, The sliding component has a first inclined surface that is inclined relative to a plane orthogonal to the assembly directions of the first connector and the second connector. When the second connector is removed from the first connector, the first inclined surface guides the engagement portion to become disengaged from the engaged portion when the sliding member is in the closed position.

14. The first connector according to claim 8, wherein, The sliding component has a second inclined surface that is inclined relative to a plane orthogonal to the assembly directions of the first connector and the second connector. When the second connector is assembled with the first connector, the second inclined surface guides the engaging portion to a position where it can engage with the engaged portion.

15. The first connector according to claim 8, wherein, The end protection portion has a third inclined surface disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the end protection portion. The third inclined surface is inclined relative to a plane orthogonal to the assembly directions of the first connector and the second connector. When the second connector is assembled in the first connector, the third inclined surface guides the second connector into the interior of the first connector housing.

16. The first connector according to claim 8, wherein, The sliding component has a plurality of the engaging portions.

17. The first connector according to claim 8, wherein, The sliding component has a limiting protrusion disposed at the end portion of the flexible sheet. The limiting protrusion flexes toward the flexible sheet and protrudes toward the first terminal. The engaging portion protrudes in the opposite direction to the direction in which the restricting protrusion protrudes.

18. The first connector according to claim 17, wherein, The limiting protrusion has a top surface facing the first terminal. The protrusion amount of the limiting protrusion is set such that, when the sliding member is in the open position, the gap between the top surface of the limiting protrusion and the first terminal is smaller than the overlap between the engaged portion and the engaged portion.

19. The first connector according to claim 18, wherein, The top surface of the limiting protrusion is formed as a plane parallel to the first direction. Within the movable range of the first direction and the first opposite direction of the limiting protrusion, the first terminal is formed in the shape of a plate.

20. A second connector, detachable relative to a first connector, The first connector is the first connector according to any one of claims 1 to 19. The second connector has a pressing part. When the second connector is assembled with the first connector, the pressing part presses against the pressed part of the sliding member, causing the sliding member to slide to the open position.

21. The second connector according to claim 20, wherein, It has a locking part, which, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, causes the sliding member to slide to the closed position by pulling the locking part provided on the sliding member.

22. A connector assembly having a first connector and a second connector detachable relative to the first connector, wherein, The first connector is the first connector according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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