Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector and a connector assembly which allow improvement in assembly workability.SOLUTION: A first connector 10 has: a first terminal; a first housing 40 which holds the first terminal; and a working hole 51X which penetrates the first housing 40 in a first direction X1, and from which the first terminal is exposed. The first connector 10 has a service cover 90 which is fitted to the first housing 40 and can close the working hole 51X. The service cover 90 is provided so as to be movable between a first position for exposing the working hole 51X and a second position for closing the working hole 51X, when fitted to the first housing 40. The first housing 40 has a guide part 72 which guides a moving trajectory of the service cover 90 from the first position to the second position. The service cover 90 has a slider which is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the guide part 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle is equipped with a connector assembly including a first connector attached to an end of an electric wire, a second connector attached to a case of an electric device and electrically connected to the first connector, and a service cover (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The first connector has a first terminal connected to an end of the electric wire and a first housing holding the first terminal. The second connector has a second terminal and a second housing holding the second terminal. The service cover is attached to the first housing so as to close a work hole of the first housing.

[0003] When connecting the first connector and the second connector, first, the first housing is fitted to the second housing, and a first bolt hole provided in the first terminal and a second bolt hole provided in the second terminal are overlapped. Subsequently, a bolt is inserted into the inside of the first housing through the work hole of the first housing, and the bolt is passed through the first bolt hole and the second bolt hole. Next, by screwing the bolt into a nut, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected to each other by bolt fastening. Thereafter, the service cover is attached to the first housing so as to close the work hole of the first housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in the above connector assembly, improvement in assembly workability is desired. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector and a connector assembly capable of improving assembly workability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure includes a first terminal, a first housing that holds the first terminal, a work hole that penetrates the first housing in a first direction and exposes the first terminal, and a service cover that is attached to the first housing and can close the work hole. The service cover is provided so as to be movable between a first position where the work hole is exposed and a second position where the work hole is closed in a state of being attached to the first housing. The first housing has a guide portion that guides a movement locus of the service cover from the first position to the second position. The service cover has a slider that is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the guide portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the connector and the connector assembly of the present disclosure, there is an effect that assembly workability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 10

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Figure 14

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Figure 20

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a first terminal, a first housing that holds the first terminal, a working hole that penetrates the first housing in a first direction and exposes the first terminal, and a service cover that is attached to the first housing and can close the working hole, wherein the service cover is movable, when attached to the first housing, between a first position that exposes the working hole and a second position that closes the working hole, the first housing has a guide portion that guides the movement trajectory of the service cover from the first position to the second position, and the service cover has a slider that is slidable relative to the guide portion.

[0010] According to this configuration, when the service cover is attached to the first housing, it is attached to the first housing so as to be movable between a first position exposing the working hole and a second position closing the working hole. Therefore, the service cover can be attached to the first housing in advance before the mating connector is connected to the connector. Therefore, when connecting the connector and the mating connector, the service cover attached to the first housing in advance can be used to close the working hole. As a result, when closing the working hole, the work of attaching a service cover prepared separately from the connector and the mating connector to the connector can be omitted. This improves the assembly workability of the connector assembly. This is particularly effective when automating the connection work between the connector and the mating connector. Specifically, this reduces the number of parts to be added to the manufacturing line during the connector assembly assembly work, making it easier to automate the connector assembly assembly process.

[0011] Furthermore, the service cover can be slid from the first position to the second position by sliding the slider relative to the guide portion that guides the movement trajectory of the service cover from the first position to the second position. This allows the service cover to slide while the slider is guided by the guide portion. This allows the service cover to slide in a stable state.

[0012] [2] In the above [1], the guide portion may have a first straight portion extending linearly along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a bent portion connected to an end of the first straight portion, and a second straight portion extending linearly from the bent portion along the first direction.

[0013] According to this configuration, the service cover can be slid along the second direction by sliding the slider relative to the first linear portion. Furthermore, the service cover can be slid along the first direction by sliding the slider relative to the second linear portion. This allows the service cover to move parallel to the second direction between the first position and the second position, and also parallel to the first direction. This makes it easier to automate the process of moving the service cover from the first position to the second position. As a result, the assembly workability of the connector assembly can be improved.

[0014] [3] In the above [2], the bent portion may be formed in a curved shape that is curved in an arc shape. With this configuration, when the slider is slid relative to the bent portion, the slider can slide smoothly along the bent portion, thereby allowing the service cover to slide smoothly from the first position to the second position.

[0015] [4] In [2] or [3] above, the guide portion protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first housing in a plate shape, the slider is provided at a position facing the first direction from the first straight portion, the slider has a contact surface that can contact the end surface in the first direction of the first straight portion, and the contact surface may be formed into an arc-shaped curved surface that protrudes toward the first straight portion.

[0016] According to this configuration, the contact area between the contact surface of the slider and the guide portion when sliding with respect to the guide portion can be reduced. Therefore, the frictional force generated when the slider slides can be reduced. Accordingly, the slider can be smoothly slid along the guide portion.

[0017] [5] In any one of [1] to [4] above, the guide portion further has an engaging portion that can be engaged with the slider, and the engaging portion may be engaged with the slider in the first direction in a state where the service cover is disposed at the second position.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the service cover is disposed at the second position, the engaging portion and the slider of the service cover are engaged with each other. Thereby, the state where the service cover is disposed at the second position, that is, the state where the work hole is closed by the service cover can be preferably maintained.

[0019] [6] In any one of [1] to [5] above, the first housing has a cylindrical portion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first housing and communicates with the work hole, the connector has a seal member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, the service cover has a main body portion that closes the work hole and a fitting cylindrical portion that protrudes from the main body portion in the first direction, and the fitting cylindrical portion is provided so as to be fitted outside the cylindrical portion in a state where the service cover is disposed at the second position, and the seal member may seal between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and the inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion.

[0020] According to this configuration, when the service cover is disposed at the second position, the cylindrical portion of the first housing and the seal member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion are fitted inside the fitting cylindrical portion of the service cover. Therefore, when the service cover is disposed at the second position, the seal member can seal between the inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. Thereby, it is possible to suitably suppress liquid such as water from entering the inside of the first housing through the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0021] [7] In the above [6], a cylindrical seal holder is attached inside the cylindrical portion. The seal holder covers an end surface of the cylindrical portion in a first opposite direction which is the opposite direction of the first direction, and has a protruding portion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The seal member is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the first housing and the protruding portion in the first direction. The protruding portion may be engageable with the seal member.

[0022] According to this configuration, the movement of the seal member in the first opposite direction is restricted by the protruding portion of the seal holder. Thereby, it is possible to suitably suppress the seal member from coming off from the cylindrical portion. [8] In [6] or [7] above, the connector further has a fitting detection member for detecting the fitting between the connector and a mating connector. The first housing has a fitting detection portion to which the fitting detection member is attached. The fitting detection member has a first engaging portion, and the fitting detection portion has a second engaging portion that can engage with the first engaging portion. The fitting detection member is provided so as to be movable between an engaging position where the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage with each other and a fitting detection position that is a position in the first direction from the engaging position when the fitting detection member is attached to the fitting detection portion. The first engaging portion is formed such that when a second housing of the mating connector is fitted to the first housing, the engagement with the second engaging portion is released by a protruding portion of the second housing. The service cover is provided so as to be slidable along the first direction between the first position and the second position. The service cover may have a pressing portion that protrudes from the fitting cylinder portion in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and can press the fitting detection member in the first direction.

[0023] According to this configuration, by sliding the service cover along the first direction, the fitting detection member can be pressed in the first direction by the pressing portion of the service cover. At this time, when the engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is released by fitting the second housing to the first housing, the fitting detection member can be moved to the fitting detection position by the pressing by the pressing portion. Therefore, by operating to move the service cover from the first position to the second position, the fitting detection member can be moved to the fitting detection position through the pressing portion of the service cover. As a result, compared with the case where an operation for moving the fitting detection member separately from the movement of the service cover is required, the number of work steps in the assembly work can be reduced.

[0024] [9] In [8] above, the protruding tip portion of the pressing portion may have a chamfered portion. According to this configuration, a chamfered portion is provided at the protruding tip of the pressing portion. Here, the protruding tip of the pressing portion is a portion that may come into contact with other components when, for example, the service cover slides while tilted with respect to a desired movement locus. The chamfered portion is provided at such a portion that may come into contact with other components. Therefore, even when the protruding tip of the pressing portion and other components come into contact due to the service cover sliding in a tilted state, damage to those protruding tips and other components can be preferably suppressed.

[0025]

[10] The connector assembly of the present disclosure includes a first connector that is the connector according to any one of [1] to [9] above, and a second connector connected to the first connector. The second connector includes a second terminal connected to the first terminal, and a second housing that holds the second terminal and is fitted to the first housing.

[0026] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the connector of [1] above can be obtained. [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the connector and connector assembly of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be shown exaggerated or simplified. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. The terms "orthogonal", "parallel", and "perpendicular" in this specification include not only the cases of strict orthogonality, parallelism, and perpendicularity, but also the cases that are generally orthogonal, parallel, and perpendicular within the scope where the effects of the present embodiment are achieved. The term "cylindrical" used in the description of this specification includes not only those in which a circumferential wall is continuously formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, but also those in which a plurality of parts are combined to form a cylindrical shape, and those having a notch or the like in a part of the circumferential direction such as a C shape or a U shape. The shape of the "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygon having sharp or rounded corners. Also, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in this specification are used merely to distinguish objects and do not rank the objects. Each drawing shows an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Each drawing shows a first direction X1, which is one direction in the X-axis direction along the X-axis, and a first opposite direction X2, which is the opposite direction of the first direction X1. Each drawing shows a second direction Y1, which is one direction in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis, and a second opposite direction Y2, which is the opposite direction of the second direction Y1. Each drawing shows a third direction Z1, which is one direction in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis, and a third opposite direction Z2, which is the opposite direction of the third direction Z1. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is intended to be defined by the claims and to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0027] (Overall configuration of the connector assembly 1) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the connector assembly 1 includes a first connector 10 and a second connector 200 electrically connected to the first connector 10. The connector assembly 1 is, for example, for electrically connecting electrical devices for vehicles. Examples of the electrical devices for vehicles include a high-voltage battery, an inverter, a motor, and a relay box. The first connector 10 is detachably configured with respect to the second connector 200, which is a mating connector. The second connector 200 is mounted, for example, on an attachment target such as a case of an electrical device (not shown). That is, the second connector 200 is a connector for a device.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 5, the first connector 10 has one or more (two in this embodiment) first terminals 30 respectively connected to the ends of one or more (two in this embodiment) electric wires 20, and a first housing 40 that holds the first terminals 30. The first housing 40 has, for example, an inner housing 41 and an outer housing 50. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first connector 10 has a service cover 90 attached to the first housing 40.

[0029] The second connector 200 has one or more (two in this embodiment) second terminals 210 and a second housing 220 that holds the second terminals 210. The first connector 10 and the second connector 200 are assembled to each other along a first direction X1. For example, the first housing 40 of the first connector 10 is fitted into the second housing 220 of the second connector 200 along the first direction X1. Note that the directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the postures of the first connector 10 and the second connector 200 during use. Also, the description of the directions in the second connector 200 is given based on the state in which the second connector 200 is assembled to the first connector 10.

[0030] (Specific Structure of the Second Connector 200) The two second terminals 210 are arranged side by side, for example, along the third direction Z1. The two second terminals 210 are integrally formed with the second housing 220 by insert molding, for example. Each second terminal 210 is formed in a columnar shape, for example.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, each second terminal 210 extends along the first direction X1. Each second terminal 210 has a bolt hole 211 into which a bolt 35 is inserted. The bolt hole 211 is formed, for example, to be recessed from the end face of each second terminal 210 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. The bolt hole 211 does not penetrate the second terminal 210 and has a bottom surface. Note that, as the material of each second terminal 210, for example, a metal material such as a copper-based or aluminum-based material can be used.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the second housing 220 has a fitting cylinder portion 221, a terminal holding portion 222, a fixing portion 223, and an engagement release portion 224. In the second housing 220, the fitting cylinder portion 221, the terminal holding portion 222, the fixing portion 223, and the engagement release portion 224 are continuously and integrally formed. The second housing 220 is made of synthetic resin, for example.

[0033] The fitting cylinder portion 221 is fitted inside the first housing 40, for example. The fitting cylinder portion 221 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the X-axis direction. The fitting cylinder portion 221 is formed in a flat shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction, for example. The fitting cylinder portion 221 has a bottom wall that closes the opening in the first direction X1, for example.

[0034] The second housing 220 has a plurality (two in this embodiment) of terminal holding portions 222 arranged in the third direction Z1, for example. Each terminal holding portion 222 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. Each terminal holding portion 222 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the second terminal 210. Each terminal holding portion 222 surrounds the outer periphery of the second terminal 210 over the entire circumferential direction, for example.

[0035] The fixing portion 223 is formed so as to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 221. For example, the fixing portion 223 is formed so as to protrude radially outward over the entire circumferential circumference of the fitting cylindrical portion 221. For example, the fixing portion 223 protrudes outward in a plate shape from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 221 at the end portion in the first direction X1. The fixing portion 223 is fixed, for example, to the outer surface of a case of an electrical device (not shown).

[0036] The disengaging portion 224 is provided, for example, on the fitting cylindrical portion 221. The disengaging portion 224 has a base portion 225 that protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 from the end face of the fitting cylindrical portion 221 in the first opposite direction X2, and a protruding portion 226 that protrudes from the base portion 225 in the second direction Y1.

[0037] The base 225 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The protrusions 226 are provided on both ends of the base 225 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the disengaging portion 224 has a pair of protrusions 226. Each protrusion 226 protrudes in the second direction Y1 from an end face of the base 225 in the second direction Y1. Each protrusion 226 extends, for example, along the first direction X1.

[0038] (Configuration of electric wire 20) As shown in Fig. 6, each electric wire 20 has a conductive core wire 21 and an insulating coating 22 that surrounds the core wire 21 and has insulating properties. The core wire 21 may be, for example, a stranded wire made of a plurality of metal wires twisted together or a single core wire made of a single conductor. The core wire 21 in this embodiment is a single core wire. The material of the core wire 21 may be, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material.

[0039] The cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the core wire 21 with a plane orthogonal to the length direction of the core wire 21 can be of any shape. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the core wire 21 can be of any shape. The cross-sectional shape of the core wire 21 is formed, for example, in a circular shape, a semi-circular shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or a flat shape. As shown in FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape of the core wire 21 of the present embodiment is formed in a flat shape.

[0040] The insulating coating 22 covers, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the core wire 21 over the entire circumferential direction. The insulating coating 22 is constituted by, for example, a resin material having insulating properties. As shown in FIG. 6, the end portion of the core wire 21 in the second direction Y1 is exposed from the insulating coating 22. A first terminal 30 is connected to the end portion of the core wire 21 in the second direction Y1 that is exposed from the insulating coating 22.

[0041] (Specific structure of the first connector 10) As shown in FIG. 5, the two first terminals 30 are arranged side by side, for example, along the third direction Z1. The two first terminals 30 are electrically connected to the respective ones of the two electric wires 20. As the material of each first terminal 30, for example, a metal material such as a copper-based or aluminum-based material can be used.

[0042] The end portions of each first terminal 30 in the second opposite direction Y2 are connected to the end portions of the core wire 21 of each electric wire 20 in the second direction Y1. Each first terminal 30 of the present embodiment is integrally formed with the end portion of the core wire 21 in the second direction Y1. Each first terminal 30 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. As shown in FIG. 6, each first terminal 30 has a bolt hole 31 that penetrates the first terminal 30 in the first direction X1. The bolt hole 31 is provided in the end region of the first terminal 30 in the second direction Y1.

[0043] An insert nut 32 is inserted into each bolt hole 31, for example. The insert nut 32 is made of metal. The insert nut 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a bolt hole 33 that penetrates the insert nut 32 in the first direction X1.

[0044] When the first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 200, the first terminal 30 is overlapped with the second terminal 210 in the first direction X1. The first terminal 30 is bolted to the second terminal 210 by, for example, a bolt 35 and an insert nut 32. At this time, the shaft portion of the bolt 35 passes through the bolt hole 33 of the insert nut 32 and is inserted into the bolt hole 211 of the second terminal 210. Here, the bolt 35 is, for example, an anti-drop bolt. The bolt 35 has, for example, an insulating cap 36 fitted to the head of the bolt 35. The insulating cap 36 is made of synthetic resin. The insulating cap 36 protrudes from the head of the bolt 35 toward the first opposite direction X2. The insulating cap 36 has an opening 37 that exposes a part of the top surface of the head of the bolt 35.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the inner housing 41 has two terminal accommodating portions 42 that respectively accommodate two first terminals 30. Each first terminal 30 is inserted into each terminal accommodating portion 42 along the second direction Y1. For example, the end portions of the respective electric wires 20 in the second direction Y1 are inserted into each terminal accommodating portion 42. Here, a seal member 80 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of each electric wire 20. Each seal member 80 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the inner housing 41.

[0046] Each terminal accommodating portion 42 is formed so as to expose the insert nut 32 attached to each first terminal 30 to the outside. The inner housing 41 can enter the inside of the outer housing 50 along the second direction Y1. A seal member 81 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the inner housing 41. The seal member 81 is continuously formed over the entire circumferential direction of the inner housing 41. The seal member 81 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the inner housing 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer housing 50. The inner housing 41 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The seal members 80 and 81 are made of, for example, rubber.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the outer housing 50 has, for example, a main body cylinder portion 51 into which the inner housing 41 is fitted, and a fitting cylinder portion 55 onto which the fitting cylinder portion 221 of the second housing 220 of the second connector 200 is fitted on the outside.

[0048] The main body cylinder portion 51 holds, for example, the inner housing 41 in which the first terminal 30 is accommodated inside. The main body cylinder portion 51 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The main body cylinder portion 51 opens, for example, in the second opposite direction Y2. As shown in FIG. 5, the main body cylinder portion 51 is formed, for example, in a flat shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the X-axis direction.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the main body cylinder portion 51 has a working hole 51X that penetrates the main body cylinder portion 51 in the radial direction. The working hole 51X is formed so as to penetrate the peripheral wall 51A provided in the first opposite direction X2 of the main body cylinder portion 51 in the first direction X1. The working hole 51X is formed, for example, so as to expose the head of the bolt 35 in a state where the second connector 200 is properly fitted to the first connector 10. The working hole 51X is formed, for example, so as to collectively expose the heads of a plurality of bolts 35. The working hole 51X is formed, for example, so as to collectively expose a plurality of insulating caps 36.

[0050] The outer housing 50 has, for example, a cylinder portion 52 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 51A of the main body cylinder portion 51, here in the first opposite direction X2. The cylinder portion 52 is provided so as to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 51A that constitutes the working hole 51X. The cylinder portion 52 is formed so as to surround the working hole 51X in a plan view seen from the X-axis direction. The internal space of the cylinder portion 52 communicates with the working hole 51X. As shown in FIG. 5, the planar shape of the cylinder portion 52 seen from the X-axis direction is formed, for example, in a flat shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction.

[0051] 6, a seal member 82 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52. The seal member 82 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 52. The seal member 82 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52 and the inner peripheral surface of the service cover 90. The seal member 82 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0052] For example, a cylindrical seal holder 53 is attached inside the tubular portion 52. The seal holder 53 has a protrusion 53A provided at an end of the seal holder 53 in the first opposite direction X2. The protrusion 53A covers the end face of the tubular portion 52 in the first opposite direction X2 and protrudes outward beyond the outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion 52. The protrusion 53A is engageable with the seal member 82 in the first direction X1. The protrusion 53A prevents the seal member 82 from slipping out of the tubular portion 52 along the first opposite direction X2. The seal member 82 is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the main body tubular portion 51 and the protrusion 53A in the first direction X1.

[0053] The outer housing 50 has a fitting portion 54 into which the service cover 90 is fitted. The fitting portion 54 protrudes outward, for example, from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 51A of the main body tubular portion 51, in the first opposite direction X2 in this case. The fitting portion 54 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The fitting portion 54 is formed, for example, so as to surround the tubular portion 52 from the outside.

[0054] The fitting cylindrical portion 55 protrudes in the first direction X1 from a peripheral wall of the main body cylindrical portion 51 that faces the first direction X1. The terminal holding portion 222 of the second housing 220 is inserted into the fitting cylindrical portion 55. The fitting cylindrical portion 221 of the second housing 220 is fitted onto the outside of the fitting cylindrical portion 55.

[0055] A seal member 83 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 55. The seal member 83 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential direction of the fitting cylindrical portion 55. The seal member 83 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 55 and the inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 221. The seal member 83 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0056] Inside the fitting cylinder portion 55, for example, a cylindrical seal holder 56 is attached. The seal holder 56 has a protruding portion 56A provided at the end portion in the first direction X1 of the seal holder 56. The protruding portion 56A covers the end face of the fitting cylinder portion 55 in the first direction X1 and protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylinder portion 55. The protruding portion 56A can be engaged with the seal member 83 in the first direction X1. The protruding portion 56A suppresses the seal member 83 from coming off the fitting cylinder portion 55 along the first direction X1. Note that the seal member 83 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the main body cylinder portion 51 and the protruding portion 56A in the first direction X1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, the outer housing 50 has a fitting detection portion 57 that detects the fitting of the first connector 10 and the second connector 200. The fitting detection portion 57 is provided on the peripheral wall provided in the second direction Y1 of the outer housing 50. The fitting detection portion 57 has an engaging portion 58 that protrudes toward the second direction Y1. A fitting detection member 60 can be attached to the fitting detection portion 57. The fitting detection member 60 is a separate part from the outer housing 50. The fitting detection member 60 has a frame body 61 and an elastic piece 62 that protrudes from the frame body 61 toward the first direction X1. The frame body 61 is formed, for example, in a rectangular frame shape. The elastic piece 62 is formed, for example, to be elastically deformable in the Y-axis direction. The elastic piece 62 is formed in a cantilever shape with the base end connected to the frame body 61 as a fixed end and the tip end on the opposite side of the base end as a free end. The elastic piece 62 is configured to be able to bend in the Y-axis direction due to elastic deformation. The elastic piece 62 has an engaging portion 63 provided at the tip end of the elastic piece 62. The engaging portion 63 is, for example, an engaging protrusion that protrudes from the tip end of the elastic piece 62 toward the second opposite direction Y2. The engaging portion 63 can be engaged with, for example, the engaging portion 58 of the fitting detection portion 57. The fitting detection member 60 is movable between an engaged position (see FIG. 7) and a fitting detection position (see FIG. 9) when attached to the fitting detection portion 57.

[0058] At the engagement position, the engaging portion 63 of the fitting detection member 60 is provided at a position facing the first opposite direction X2 with respect to the engaging portion 58 of the fitting detection portion 57. At the engagement position, the engaging portion 63 and the engaging portion 58 are engaged with each other in the first direction X1. Due to the engagement between these engaging portion 63 and engaging portion 58, the movement of the fitting detection member 60 in the first direction X1 is restricted.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, when the second housing 220 is properly fitted to the first housing 40, the engagement release portion 224 of the second housing 220 enters the inside of the fitting detection portion 57 of the first housing 40. Then, the protruding portion 226 of the engagement release portion 224 comes into contact with the elastic piece 62 of the fitting detection member 60. Due to the contact with this protruding portion 226, the elastic piece 62 is elastically deformed and bent toward the second direction Y1. As a result, the engagement between the engaging portion 63 and the engaging portion 58 is released. Therefore, the fitting detection member 60 can move in the first direction X1.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 9, when the fitting detection member 60 is operated in the first direction X1 in a state where the engagement between the engaging portion 63 and the engaging portion 58 is released, the fitting detection member 60 is moved to the fitting detection position. At the fitting detection position, the engaging portion 63 of the fitting detection member 60 is provided at a position facing the first direction X1 with respect to the engaging portion 58 of the fitting detection portion 57. In this way, the fitting detection member 60 can be moved to the fitting detection position only on the condition that the second housing 220 is properly fitted to the first housing 40. Therefore, by detecting that the fitting detection member 60 has moved to the fitting detection position, it is possible to detect that the second housing 220 is properly fitted to the first housing 40.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 10, the outer housing 50 has an attachment portion 70 to which the service cover 90 is attached. The attachment portion 70 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50. The attachment portion 70 is provided on both sides of the cylindrical portion 52 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the outer housing 50 has a pair of attachment portions 70 provided on both sides of the cylindrical portion 52 so as to sandwich the cylindrical portion 52 therebetween. Each attachment portion 70 extends, for example, along the second direction Y1.

[0062] Each attachment portion 70 has, for example, a rail portion 71 and a guide portion 72. The rail portion 71 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50, here in the first opposite direction X2. The rail portion 71 protrudes in a plate shape from the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50 in the first opposite direction X2. The rail portion 71 extends along the second direction Y1. The rail portion 71 extends, for example, from the end region in the second opposite direction Y2 of the outer housing 50 to the fitting portion 54 along the second direction Y1. The rail portion 71 has a protruding portion 71A that protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 from the end face in the first opposite direction X2 of the rail portion 71. The protruding portion 71A is provided, for example, in the end region in the second opposite direction Y2 of the rail portion 71. The protruding portion 71A protrudes in a mountain shape, for example, in the first opposite direction X2.

[0063] The guide portion 72 protrudes outward in the Z-axis direction from the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50. The guide portion 72 protrudes in a plate shape from the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50. The guide portion 72 is formed so as to guide the movement locus of the service cover 90. The guide portion 72 has, for example, a first straight portion 73 that extends along the second direction Y1, a bent portion 74 connected to the end of the first straight portion 73 in the second direction Y1, and a second straight portion 75 that extends from the bent portion 74 in the first direction X1.

[0064] The first straight portion 73 extends linearly along the second direction Y1. The first straight portion 73 extends along the second direction Y1 from the end region in the second opposite direction Y2 of the outer housing 50 to the fitting portion 54. The end region of the first straight portion 73 in the second opposite direction Y2 has an insertion port 73X into which the slider 96 of the service cover 90 is inserted. The insertion port 73X is formed so as to be cut out from the protruding front end surface of the first straight portion 73 toward the outer housing 50.

[0065] The bent portion 74 is provided so as to connect the end of the first straight portion 73 in the second direction Y1 and the end of the second straight portion 75 in the first opposite direction X2. The bent portion 74 is formed, for example, in a curved shape that is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The second straight portion 75 extends linearly along the first direction X1 from the end of the bent portion 74.

[0066] The attachment portion 70 has an engaging portion 76. The engaging portion 76 protrudes outward in the Z-axis direction from the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50. The engaging portion 76 extends, for example, in the second opposite direction Y2 from the guide portion 72. The engaging portion 76 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the connection portion between the bent portion 74 and the second straight portion 75. The protruding amount of the engaging portion 76 from the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50 is smaller than the protruding amount of the guide portion 72 from the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50, for example.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3, the end face of the engaging portion 76 in the first opposite direction X2 has, for example, a guiding surface 76A. The guiding surface 76A is, for example, an inclined surface that is inclined such that the amount of protrusion from the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50 increases as it goes from the end of the engaging portion 76 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1 of the engaging portion 76. That is, the guiding surface 76A is formed to be inclined at a constant inclination angle with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50. The guiding surface 76A is provided to facilitate the slider 96 (see FIG. 10) of the service cover 90 to cross over the engaging portion 76 when the service cover 90 slides in the first direction X1. The end face of the engaging portion 76 in the first direction X1 is an engaging surface formed to be engageable with the slider 96 (see FIG. 10) of the service cover 90. The end face of the engaging portion 76 in the first direction X1 is formed, for example, on a vertical surface that extends perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 50.

[0068] The retainer 85 is attached, for example, to the end of the outer housing 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. The retainer 85 prevents the seal member 80 from coming off from the first housing 40. The retainer 85 has a protruding portion 86 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the retainer 85, here in the first opposite direction X2. The protruding portion 86 is provided to be engageable with the service cover 90. The protruding portion 86 regulates the movement of the service cover 90 in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0069] (Configuration of the service cover 90) As shown in FIG. 2, the service cover 90 is attached to the attachment portion 70 of the outer housing 50. The service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 in a state before the second connector 200 is connected to the first connector 10. That is, the service cover 90 is integrated with the first housing 40 in a state before the second connector 200 is connected to the first connector 10. The service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 so as to be movable between a first position (see FIG. 2) that exposes the work hole 51X of the first housing 40 and a second position (see FIG. 1) that closes the work hole 51X in a state of being attached to the first housing 40. The service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 so as to be movable to a third position (see FIG. 18) that is a position facing in the second direction Y1 from the first position and a position facing in the first opposite direction X2 from the second position. Here, the third position is a position directly above the second position and a position facing in the first direction X1 from the first position. The service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 so as to be slidable along the second direction Y1 between the first position and the third position. The service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 so as to be slidable along the first direction X1 between the third position and the second position.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 11, the service cover 90 has, for example, a main body portion 91, a fitting cylinder portion 92, an extension portion 93, a frame body 94, an elastic piece 95, a slider 96, a protruding portion 97, and a pressing portion 98. The service cover 90 is, for example, a single component in which the main body portion 91, the fitting cylinder portion 92, the extension portion 93, the frame body 94, the elastic piece 95, the slider 96, the protruding portion 97, and the pressing portion 98 are continuously formed integrally. The service cover 90 is, for example, made of synthetic resin.

[0071] The main body portion 91 is, for example, formed in a flat plate shape. The main body portion 91 is, for example, formed in a flat shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the main body portion 91 is provided so as to close the work hole 51X when the service cover 90 is disposed at the second position.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 11 , the fitting tubular portion 92 protrudes in the first direction X1 from an end face of the main body portion 91 in the first direction X1. The fitting tubular portion 92 is formed, for example, in a flat tubular shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 6 , when the service cover 90 is disposed in the second position, the fitting tubular portion 92 is fitted to the outside of the tubular portion 52, and the fitting tubular portion 92 is fitted to the inside of the fitting portion 54. At this time, the seal member 82 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 52 seals between the inner peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 92 and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 52.

[0073] 10 , the extensions 93 are formed to extend outward in the Z-axis direction from the main body 91. The extensions 93 are provided on both sides of the main body 91 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the service cover 90 has a pair of extensions 93 provided on both sides of the main body 91 so as to sandwich the main body 91 therebetween. The pair of extensions 93 are provided corresponding to the pair of mounting portions 70, respectively.

[0074] The frame bodies 94 and the elastic pieces 95 are provided on both sides of the main body portion 91 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the service cover 90 has a pair of frame bodies 94 and a pair of elastic pieces 95 provided on both sides of the main body portion 91 so as to sandwich the main body portion 91 therebetween. Each of the pair of frame bodies 94 protrudes in the first direction X1 from an end surface of the extension portion 93 in the first direction X1. Each frame body 94 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame. Each of the pair of elastic pieces 95 protrudes in the first direction X1 from an end surface of the extension portion 93 in the first direction X1. Each elastic piece 95 is provided inside the corresponding frame body 94. Each elastic piece 95 is formed, for example, to be elastically deformable in the Z-axis direction.

[0075] 11, each slider 96 protrudes from the inner surface of each elastic piece 95 facing the other elastic piece 95 toward the other elastic piece 95. Each slider 96 extends along the X-axis direction. Each slider 96 extends from the end of the elastic piece 95 in the first direction X1 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 12, each slider 96 is provided slidably with respect to the guide portion 72. Each slider 96 is provided at a position facing the first direction X1 from the end surface in the first direction X1 of the first straight portion 73 in the guide portion 72. The slider 96 has a contact surface 96A that can contact the end surface in the first direction X1 of the first straight portion 73. The contact surface 96A is the end surface in the first opposite direction X2 of the slider 96. The slider 96 is provided slidably with respect to the guide portion 72 while the contact surface 96A contacts the end surface in the first direction X1 of the first straight portion 73. The contact surface 96A is formed, for example, on a curved surface curved in an arc shape. The contact surface 96A is formed, for example, on an arc-shaped curved surface that protrudes toward the first straight portion 73 (here, toward the first opposite direction X2). Note that the guide portion 72 is formed to guide the movement locus of the service cover 90 from the first position to the second position.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 11, the protruding portion 97 protrudes, for example, in the first direction X1 from the end surface in the first direction X1 of the extension portion 93. The protruding portion 97 protrudes, for example, in a mountain shape in the first direction X1.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 13, the protruding portion 97 is provided so as to be engageable with the protruding portion 71A of the rail portion 71. The protruding portion 97 is provided so as to engage with the protruding portion 71A in the second direction Y1 when the service cover 90 is disposed at the first position. By the engagement between the protruding portion 97 and the protruding portion 71A, the movement of the service cover 90 in the second direction Y1 is restricted.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 10, the pressing portion 98, for example, protrudes from the fitting cylinder portion 92 in the second direction Y1. The pressing portion 98, for example, protrudes in a plate shape from the end portion of the fitting cylinder portion 92 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1. The pressing portion 98, for example, contacts the end face of the fitting detection member 60 in the first opposite direction X2 when the service cover 90 moves from the first position to the second position, and is provided so as to be able to press the fitting detection member 60 in the first direction X1. The pressing portion 98, for example, is provided so as to be able to make surface contact with the end face of the fitting detection member 60 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 14, the protruding tip portion of the pressing portion 98, that is, the end portion of the pressing portion 98 in the second direction Y1, has a chamfered portion 99. The chamfered portion 99 is formed, for example, in a shape obtained by chamfering the corner portion between the end face of the pressing portion 98 in the first direction X1 and the end face of the pressing portion 98 in the second direction Y1 with an R chamfer or a C chamfer. The chamfered portion 99 of the present embodiment is formed in a shape obtained by chamfering the corner portion between the end face of the pressing portion 98 in the first direction X1 and the end face of the pressing portion 98 in the second direction Y1 with a C chamfer. Here, the protruding tip portion of the pressing portion 98 is a portion that may contact other components, for example, the seal holder 53, when the service cover 90 tilts with respect to a desired movement locus during sliding. Thus, the chamfered portion 99 is provided at a portion that may contact other components, that is, the protruding tip portion of the pressing portion 98.

[0081] Further, a chamfered portion 53B is provided at a portion of the seal holder 53 that may contact the pressing portion 98 of the service cover 90. The chamfered portion 53B is provided at the end portion of the seal holder 53 in the first opposite direction X2. The chamfered portion 53B is formed, for example, in a shape obtained by chamfering the corner portion between the inner surface of the seal holder 53 and the end face of the seal holder 53 in the first opposite direction X2 with an R chamfer or a C chamfer. The chamfered portion 53B of the present embodiment is formed in a shape obtained by chamfering the corner portion between the inner surface of the seal holder 53 and the end face of the seal holder 53 in the first opposite direction X2 with an R chamfer.

[0082] (Manufacturing Method of Connector Assembly 1) Next, the manufacturing method of the connector assembly 1 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 15, prepare a first connector 10 having a first housing 40 that holds a first terminal 30 (see FIG. 6) and a service cover 90 attached to the first housing 40. At this time, the service cover 90 is pre-attached to the first housing 40 in a state before the second connector 200 is connected to the first connector 10. That is, the service cover 90 is pre-integrated with the first housing 40. More specifically, the service cover 90 is pre-attached to the first housing 40 in a state of being disposed at the first position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the slider 96 of the service cover 90 is disposed inside the guide portion 72 through the insertion port 73X of the guide portion 72. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the movement of the service cover 90 in the second direction Y1 is restricted by the engagement between the protruding portion 97 of the service cover 90 and the protruding portion 71A provided on the rail portion 71 of the attachment portion 70. Also, the movement of the service cover 90 in the second opposite direction Y2 is restricted by the engagement between the end face of the service cover 90 in the second opposite direction Y2 and the protruding portion 86.

[0083] Also, as shown in FIG. 15, prepare a second connector 200 having a second terminal 210 and a second housing 220 that holds the second terminal 210. Subsequently, the first housing 40 of the first connector 10 is fitted to the second housing 220 of the second connector 200 along the first direction X1. As shown in FIG. 8, when the first housing 40 is properly fitted to the second housing 220, the protruding portion 226 of the second housing 220 enters the inside of the fitting detection portion 57, and the protruding portion 226 contacts the elastic piece 62 of the fitting detection member 60. Due to this contact with the protruding portion 226, the elastic piece 62 is elastically deformed and bends in the second direction Y1. As a result, the engagement between the engaging portion 63 of the fitting detection member 60 and the engaging portion 58 of the fitting detection portion 57 is released. Therefore, the fitting detection member 60 can move in the first direction X1. That is, when the first housing 40 is properly fitted to the second housing 220, the fitting detection member 60 can move in the first direction X1. In other words, if the fitting detection member 60 can move in the first direction X1, it can be detected that the second housing 220 is properly fitted to the first housing 40.

[0084] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, after the second housing 220 is properly fitted to the first housing 40, the bolt 35 with the insulating cap 36 fitted therein is inserted into the cylindrical portion 52. However, in a state where the bolt fastening of the bolt 35 is not completed, as shown in FIG. 16, a part of the insulating cap 36 is provided so as to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 from the end surface of the seal holder 53 in the first opposite direction X2. Therefore, in a state where the bolt fastening of the bolt 35 is not completed, the movement of the service cover 90 in the second direction Y1 is restricted by the insulating cap 36.

[0085] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6, the bolt 35 is screwed into the insert nut 32. A tool for tightening the bolt 35 and the insert nut 32 is inserted into the inside of the first housing 40 through the working hole 51X of the first connector 10. When the bolt 35 is screwed into the insert nut 32, the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 210 are bolt-fastened, and the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 210 are electrically connected to each other.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 17, when the bolt fastening is completed, the insulating cap 36 (see FIG. 16) is accommodated inside the cylindrical portion 52. For this reason, the service cover 90 can move in the second direction Y1. In other words, if the service cover 90 can move in the second direction Y1, it can be detected that the bolt fastening is completed.

[0087] Next, in the process shown in FIG. 18, the service cover 90 arranged at the first position (see FIG. 17) is slid along the first straight portion 73 and the bent portion 74 of the guide portion 72 to the third position. Specifically, the slider 96 is slid with respect to the first straight portion 73 of the guide portion 72, so that the service cover 90 is slid along the second direction Y1. At this time, the service cover 90 is slid along the second direction Y1 while the contact surface 96A of the slider 96 contacts the end surface of the first straight portion 73 in the first direction X1. In this way, the slider 96 is guided by the first straight portion 73 by coming into contact with the first straight portion 73. In this process, the service cover 90 is slid by pressing the end surface of the service cover 90 in the second opposite direction Y2. At this time, for example, the service cover 90 is pressed with a pressing force that allows the protruding portion 97 (see FIG. 13) of the service cover 90 to overcome the protruding portion 71A of the rail portion 71.

[0088] Here, in the service cover 90 arranged at the third position, the main body portion 91 faces the cylindrical portion 52, and a part of the fitting cylindrical portion 92 is fitted to the fitting portion 54. Further, in the service cover 90 arranged at the third position, the pressing portion 98 of the service cover 90 is in contact with the end surface of the fitting detection member 60 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0089] Subsequently, in the process shown in FIG. 19, the service cover 90 that was disposed at the third position (see FIG. 18) is slid along the first direction X1 to the second position. Specifically, the slider 96 is slid with respect to the second straight portion 75 of the guide portion 72, whereby the service cover 90 is slid along the first direction X1. At this time, as the pressing portion 98 is slid along the first direction X1, the fitting detection member 60 is pressed toward the first direction X1 by the pressing portion 98. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the fitting detection member 60 is moved to the fitting detection position. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, by this process, the slider 96 moves over the engaging portion 76 and moves to a position in the first direction X1 beyond the engaging portion 76. As a result, the contact surface 96A of the slider 96 and the end surface in the first direction X1 (i.e., the vertical surface) of the engaging portion 76 are engaged with each other in the first direction X1. By the engagement between the slider 96 and the engaging portion 76, the state in which the service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 at the second position is maintained. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in the service cover 90 disposed at the second position, the fitting cylinder portion 92 is fitted to the outside of the cylinder portion 52 and the fitting cylinder portion 92 is fitted to the inside of the fitting portion 54. Further, in the service cover 90 disposed at the second position, the seal member 82 seals between the inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylinder portion 92 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 52, and the main body portion 91 closes the work hole 51X.

[0090] Through the above manufacturing process, the connector assembly 1 of the present embodiment can be manufactured. Next, the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described. (1) The first connector 10 includes a first terminal 30, a first housing 40 that holds the first terminal 30, and a working hole 51X that penetrates the first housing 40 in the first direction X1 and exposes the first terminal 30. The first connector 10 has a service cover 90 that is attached to the first housing 40 and can close the working hole 51X. The service cover 90 is movably provided between a first position where the working hole 51X is exposed and a second position where the working hole 51X is closed in a state of being attached to the first housing 40. The first housing 40 has a guide portion 72 that guides the movement locus of the service cover 90 from the first position to the second position. The service cover 90 has a slider 96 that is slidably provided with respect to the guide portion 72.

[0091] According to this configuration, the service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 so as to be movable between a first position where the working hole 51X is exposed and a second position where the working hole 51X is closed in a state of being attached to the first housing 40. Therefore, before the second connector 200, which is a mating connector, is connected to the first connector 10, the service cover 90 can be attached to the first housing 40 in advance. Thus, when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 200, the working hole 51X can be closed by using the service cover 90 that has been attached to the first housing 40 in advance. As a result, when closing the working hole 51X, the operation of attaching a service cover prepared separately from the first connector 10 and the second connector 200 to the first connector 10 can be omitted. Thereby, the assembly workability of the connector assembly 1 can be improved. In particular, it is effective when automating the connection work between the first connector 10 and the second connector 200. Specifically, since the number of parts added to the production line during the assembly work of the connector assembly 1 can be reduced, the assembly process of the connector assembly 1 can be easily automated.

[0092] (2) Further, by sliding the slider 96 with respect to the guide portion 72 that guides the movement locus of the service cover 90 from the first position to the second position, the service cover 90 can be slid from the first position to the second position. Thereby, the service cover 90 can be slid in a state where the slider 96 is guided by the guide portion 72. For this reason, the service cover 90 can be slid in a stable state.

[0093] (3) The guide portion 72 has a first straight portion 73 that linearly extends along a second direction Y1 orthogonal to the first direction X1, a bent portion 74 connected to an end of the first straight portion 73, and a second straight portion 75 that linearly extends from the bent portion 74 along the first direction X1. According to this configuration, by sliding the slider 96 with respect to the first straight portion 73, the service cover 90 can be slid along the second direction Y1. Further, by sliding the slider 96 with respect to the second straight portion 75, the service cover 90 can be slid along the first direction X1. Thereby, the service cover 90 can be translated along the second direction Y1 and can be translated along the first direction X1 between the first position and the second position. For this reason, it becomes easy to automate the operation when moving the service cover 90 from the first position to the second position. As a result, the assembly workability of the connector assembly 1 can be improved.

[0094] (4) The bent portion 74 is formed in a curved shape that is curved in an arc shape. According to this configuration, when the slider 96 is slid with respect to the bent portion 74, the slider 96 can be smoothly slid along the bent portion 74. Thereby, the service cover 90 can be smoothly slid from the first position to the second position.

[0095] (5) The contact surface 96A of the slider 96 is formed as an arcuate curved surface that protrudes toward the first straight portion 73 of the guide portion 72. According to this configuration, the contact area between the contact surface 96A of the slider 96 and the guide portion 72 when sliding with respect to the guide portion 72 can be reduced. Therefore, the frictional force generated when the slider 96 slides can be reduced. Accordingly, the slider 96 can be smoothly slid along the guide portion 72.

[0096] (6) Furthermore, since the frictional force generated when the slider 96 slides can be reduced, the occurrence of stick-slip can be suitably suppressed. (7) When the service cover 90 is disposed at the second position, the engaging portion 76 of the first housing 40 and the slider 96 of the service cover 90 are engaged with each other. Thereby, the state in which the service cover 90 is disposed at the second position, that is, the state in which the work hole 51X is closed by the service cover 90 can be suitably maintained.

[0097] (8) When the service cover 90 is disposed at the second position, the cylindrical portion 52 of the first housing 40 and the seal member 82 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52 are fitted inside the fitting cylindrical portion 92 of the service cover 90. For this reason, when the service cover 90 is disposed at the second position, the seal member 82 can seal between the inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 92 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52. Thereby, it is possible to suitably suppress the intrusion of liquid such as water into the inside of the first housing 40 through the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 92 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52.

[0098] (9) The seal holder 53 attached inside the cylindrical portion 52 has a protruding portion 53A that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52 and can engage with the seal member 82. According to this configuration, the movement of the seal member 82 in the first opposite direction X2 is restricted by the protruding portion 53A of the seal holder 53. Thereby, it is possible to suitably suppress the seal member 82 from coming off the cylindrical portion 52.

[0099] (10) By sliding the service cover 90 along the first direction X1, the fitting detection member 60 is pressed in the first direction X1 through the pressing portion 98 of the service cover 90. At this time, when the second housing 220 is fitted to the first housing 40 and the engagement between the engaging portion 58 and the engaging portion 63 is released, the fitting detection member 60 can be moved to the fitting detection position by the pressing by the pressing portion 98. Therefore, by operating the service cover 90 to move from the first position to the second position, the fitting detection member 60 can be moved to the fitting detection position through the pressing portion 98 provided on the service cover 90. As a result, compared with the case where an operation for moving the fitting detection member 60 separately from the movement of the service cover 90 is required, the number of work steps in the assembly work can be reduced.

[0100] (11) A chamfered portion 99 is provided at the protruding tip of the pressing portion 98. Here, the protruding tip of the pressing portion 98 is a portion that may come into contact with other parts, for example, when the service cover 90 slides and is inclined with respect to a desired movement locus. The chamfered portion 99 is provided at a portion that may come into contact with such other parts. Therefore, even when the protruding tip of the pressing portion 98 comes into contact with other parts due to the service cover 90 sliding in an inclined state, it is possible to preferably suppress damage to the protruding tips and other parts.

[0101] (Modified example) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range.

[0102] · The structure of the service cover 90 in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed. · The chamfered portion 99 of the pressing portion 98 may be omitted. · The pressing portion 98 may be omitted. In this case, separately from the sliding of the service cover 90, the fitting detection member 60 is pressed in the first direction X1.

[0103] ·The protrusion 97 may be omitted. ·The number of the sliders 96 is not particularly limited. The number of the sliders 96 may be one or three or more.

[0104] ·The shape of the contact surface 96A of the slider 96 may be appropriately changed. For example, the contact surface 96A may be changed to a plane extending along the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. ·The extension portion 93 may be omitted. In this case, the frame body 94 and the elastic piece 95 may be formed so as to protrude from the end surface of the main body portion 91 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1.

[0105] ·The frame body 94 may be omitted. ·The fitting cylinder portion 92 may be omitted. In this case, the seal member 82 may be omitted. ·The structure of the first housing 40 in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed.

[0106] ·The inner housing 41 may be omitted. ·The seal holder 56 may be omitted. ·The fitting portion 54 may be omitted.

[0107] ·The seal holder 53 may be omitted. ·The cylinder portion 52 may be omitted. ·The structure of the fitting detection portion 57 can be appropriately changed.

[0108] ·The fitting detection portion 57 may be omitted. In this case, the fitting detection member 60 may be omitted. In this case, the engagement release portion 224 of the second connector 200 may be omitted. ·The structure of the attachment portion 70 can be appropriately changed.

[0109] ·The protrusion 71A of the rail portion 71 may be omitted. ·The rail portion 71 may be omitted. ·The structure of the guide portion 72 can be changed as appropriate. The guide portion 72 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure capable of guiding the movement locus of the service cover 90 from the first position to the second position. For example, although the bent portion 74 is formed in a curved shape, it may be formed in a shape where the bent portion 74 is bent at a right angle.

[0110] ·In the above embodiment, the fitting cylinder portion 92 of the service cover 90 is fitted to the outside of the cylinder portion 52 of the first housing 40, but it is not limited to this. For example, the fitting cylinder portion 92 may be fitted inside the cylinder portion 52. In this case, the seal member 82 may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylinder portion 92.

[0111] ·The structure of the bolt 35 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. For example, the insulating cap 36 may be omitted. ·The structure of the retainer 85 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. For example, the protruding portion 86 may be omitted.

[0112] ·The retainer 85 may be omitted. ·In the above embodiment, the first terminal 30 is formed integrally with the core wire 21 of the electric wire 20, but it is not limited to this. The first terminal 30 and the core wire 21 may be separate parts, and the first terminal 30 and the core wire 21 may be joined by crimping, welding, or the like.

[0113] ·The cross-sectional shape of the electric wire 20 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. ·For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the cross-sectional shape of the electric wire 20 may be changed to a circular shape. ·The structure of the second connector 200 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate.

[0114] ·The structure of the engagement release portion 224 may be changed as appropriate. ·The bolt hole 211 may be formed so that the second terminal 210 penetrates in the first direction X1.

[0115] ·In the above embodiment, the first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 200 along the first direction X1, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the first connector 10 may be connected to the second connector 200 along the second direction Y1.

[0116] ·The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above meaning, but by the scope of claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims are intended to be included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0117] 1...connector assembly, 10...first connector (connector), 20...electric wire, 21...core wire, 22...insulating coating, 30...first terminal, 31...bolt hole, 32...insert nut, 33...bolt hole, 35...bolt, 36...insulating cap, 37...opening, 40...first housing, 41...inner housing, 42...terminal accommodating portion, 50...outer housing, 51...main body cylinder portion, 51A...peripheral wall, 51X...working hole, 52...cylinder portion, 53...seal holder, 53A...protrusion, 53B...chamfered portion, 54...fitting portion, 55...fitting cylinder portion, 56...seal holder, 56A...protrusion, 57...fitting detection portion, 58...engagement portion (second engagement portion), 60...fitting detection member, 61...frame body, 62...elastic piece, 63...engagement portion (first engagement portion), 70...attachment portion, 71...rail portion, 71A...protrusion, 72...guide portion, 73...first straight portion, 73X...insertion port, 74...bent portion, 75...second straight portion, 76...engagement portion, 76A...induction surface, 80, 81, 82, 83...seal member, 85...retainer, 86...protrusion, 90...service cover, 91...main body portion, 92...fitting cylinder portion, 93...extension portion, 94...frame body, 95...elastic piece, 96...slider, 96A...contact surface, 97...protrusion, 98...pressing portion, 99...chamfered portion, 200...second connector, 210...second terminal, 211...bolt hole, 220...second housing, 221...fitting cylinder portion, 222...terminal holding portion, 223...fixing portion, 224...engagement release portion, 225...base portion, 226...protrusion, X1...first direction, X2...first opposite direction, Y1...second direction, Y2...second opposite direction, Z1...third direction, Z2...third opposite direction.

Claims

1. a first terminal; a first housing that holds the first terminal; a working hole that penetrates the first housing in a first direction and exposes the first terminal; a service cover that is attached to the first housing and can close the working hole; and the service cover is movably provided between a first position where the working hole is exposed and a second position where the working hole is closed in a state where the service cover is attached to the first housing, the first housing has a guide portion that guides a movement locus of the service cover from the first position to the second position, the service cover has a slider slidably provided with respect to the guide portion, a connector.

2. The guide portion has a first linear portion linearly extending along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a bent portion connected to an end of the first linear portion, and a second linear portion linearly extending from the bent portion along the first direction. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The bent portion is formed in a curved shape curved in an arc shape. The connector according to claim 2.

4. The guide portion protrudes outward in a plate shape from an outer peripheral surface of the first housing, the slider is provided at a position facing the first direction rather than the first linear portion, the slider has a contact surface that can contact an end surface in the first direction of the first linear portion, the contact surface is formed in an arc-shaped curved surface convex toward the first linear portion. The connector according to claim 2.

5. The guide portion further has an engaging portion engageable with the slider, the engaging portion is engaged with the slider in the first direction in a state where the service cover is disposed at the second position. The connector according to claim 1.

6. The first housing has a cylindrical portion protruding outward from an outer peripheral surface of the first housing and communicating with the working hole, the connector has a seal member attached to an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, the service cover has a main body portion that closes the working hole and a fitting cylindrical portion protruding from the main body portion toward the first direction, the fitting cylindrical portion is provided to be fitted outside the cylindrical portion in a state where the service cover is disposed at the second position. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the seal member seals between an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and an inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion.

7. A cylindrical seal holder is attached inside the cylindrical portion, The seal holder covers an end surface of the cylindrical portion in a first opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, and has a protruding portion that protrudes outward from an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The seal member is provided between an outer peripheral surface of the first housing and the protruding portion in the first direction. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the protruding portion is engageable with the seal member.

8. The connector further includes a fitting detection member that detects fitting between the connector and a mating connector, The first housing has a fitting detection portion to which the fitting detection member is attached. The fitting detection member has a first engaging portion. The fitting detection portion has a second engaging portion that can engage with the first engaging portion. The fitting detection member is provided so as to be movable between an engaging position where the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage with each other and a fitting detection position that is a position in the first direction from the engaging position when the fitting detection member is attached to the fitting detection portion. The first engaging portion is formed such that when a second housing of the mating connector is fitted to the first housing, engagement with the second engaging portion is released by a protruding portion of the second housing. The service cover is provided so as to be slidable along the first direction between the first position and the second position. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the service cover protrudes from the fitting cylindrical portion in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and has a pressing portion that can press the fitting detection member in the first direction.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein a protruding tip portion of the pressing portion has a chamfered portion.

10. A first connector that is the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and A second connector connected to the first connector, and has The second connector A second terminal connected to the first terminal, and A connector assembly having a second housing that holds the second terminal and is fitted to the first housing.

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