Connector assembly

Abstract

A plurality of male terminals (22) of a first connector (11) are arranged in a side-by-side arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to an insertion direction (D1) into female terminals. A first housing (21) has a pair of finger-contact prevention walls, which are provided on both sides of the male terminals (22) in the Y-axis direction, corresponding to each of the plurality of male terminals (22). When two finger-contact prevention walls positioned at both ends in the Y-axis direction among a plurality of finger-contact prevention walls arranged in the Y-axis direction are defined as outer finger-contact prevention walls (31) and the finger-contact prevention walls other than the outer finger-contact prevention walls (31) are defined as inner finger-contact prevention walls (32), the outer finger-contact prevention walls (31) are configured to include guide parts (33) that are inserted into a second housing (41) and brought into contact with the inner surface of the second housing (41), thereby guiding the connection between the first connector (11) and the second connector (12).

Description

Connector Assembly

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

[0002] A conventional connector assembly, for example, disclosed in Patent Document 1, includes a first connector having a plurality of male terminals and a second connector having female terminals to which the plurality of male terminals of the first connector are respectively connected. The connector housing of the first connector has a cylindrical hood portion that forms a mating cavity into which the second connector is mated. The plurality of male terminals are provided inside the hood portion. When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the hood portion guides the second connector so as to lead it into the inside of the hood portion. This guiding of the hood portion allows the first connector and the second connector to be easily connected.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2011-524625

[0004] In the connector assembly described above, the provision of a hood portion on the first housing is a factor that hinders miniaturization, and there is still room for improvement in this respect. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector assembly that is miniaturized while still enabling guiding of the first connector and the second connector when connecting them.

[0005] The connector assembly of the present disclosure is a connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector connectable to the first connector, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing and a plurality of male terminals held in the first housing, the second connector comprises a plurality of female terminals into which the plurality of male terminals are respectively inserted and connected, and a second housing that accommodates the plurality of female terminals, the plurality of male terminals being arranged in a parallel arrangement direction perpendicular to the insertion direction into the female terminals, the first housing comprising a pair of finger-touch prevention walls provided on both sides of the male terminals in the parallel arrangement direction, corresponding to each of the plurality of male terminals, and when, of the plurality of finger-touch prevention walls arranged in the parallel arrangement direction, the two finger-touch prevention walls located at both ends of the parallel arrangement direction are outer finger-touch prevention walls and the finger-touch prevention walls other than the outer finger-touch prevention walls are inner finger-touch prevention walls, the outer finger-touch prevention wall is configured to include a guide portion that is inserted into the second housing and abuts against the inner surface of the second housing to guide the connection between the first connector and the second connector.

[0006] According to the connector assembly of the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve miniaturization while still being able to guide the first connector and the second connector when they are connected.

[0007] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly in one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly in the same embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first connector in the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view of the first connector in the same embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly in the same embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second connector in the same embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a connector assembly in a modified example. FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of FIG. 7 in an enlarged scale. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining a front retainer in the same modified example.

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector assembly of the present disclosure is: [1] a connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector connectable to the first connector, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing and a plurality of male terminals held in the first housing, the second connector comprises a plurality of female terminals into which the plurality of male terminals are respectively inserted and connected, and a second housing accommodating the plurality of female terminals, the plurality of male terminals being arranged in a parallel arrangement direction perpendicular to the insertion direction into the female terminals, the first housing comprises a pair of finger-touch prevention walls provided on both sides of the male terminals in the parallel arrangement direction, corresponding to each of the plurality of male terminals, and when, of the plurality of finger-touch prevention walls arranged in the parallel arrangement direction, two finger-touch prevention walls located at both ends of the parallel arrangement direction are outer finger-touch prevention walls and the finger-touch prevention walls other than the outer finger-touch prevention walls are inner finger-touch prevention walls, the outer finger-touch prevention wall is configured to include a guide portion that is inserted into the second housing and abuts against the inner surface of the second housing to guide the connection between the first connector and the second connector.

[0009] According to this configuration, the finger-touch prevention walls of the first housing can prevent the operator's fingers or the like from touching the male terminals. When connecting the first connector and the second connector, the guide portion included in the outer finger-touch prevention wall abuts against the inner surface of the second housing, thereby guiding the connection between the first connector and the second connector. This allows for miniaturization by omitting the hood portion in the first housing into which the second connector is mated, while still providing guidance when connecting the first connector and the second connector. Furthermore, this configuration contributes to simplification and miniaturization of the configuration compared to a configuration in which the guide portion is provided separately from the finger-touch prevention walls.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the width of the outer finger-touch prevention wall, including the guide portion, in the juxtaposition direction may be larger than the width of the inner finger-touch prevention wall in the juxtaposition direction. With this configuration, among the multiple finger-touch prevention walls, the width of the outer finger-touch prevention wall necessary for guiding the connection between the first connector and the second connector can be increased to increase rigidity, while the width of the inner finger-touch prevention wall, which is the other finger-touch prevention wall, can be reduced. This makes it possible to narrow the spacing between the male terminals lined up in the juxtaposition direction. Therefore, the guide portion of the outer finger-touch prevention wall can guide the connection between the first connector and the second connector, while enabling miniaturization in the juxtaposition direction.

[0011] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the first connector may be fixed to a base member, the base member having a first side surface, a second side surface that is the reverse side of the first side surface, and a mounting hole that penetrates the base member from the first side surface to the second side surface, the first connector being configured such that the first housing is fixed to the second side surface, and the plurality of male terminals and the plurality of touch-preventing walls protrude toward the first side surface through the mounting hole, the second housing having a fitting portion that fits into the mounting hole from the first side surface side of the base member, and the second connector having a sealing member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion and sealing between the fitting portion and the mounting hole, and the plurality of male terminals may be configured to be connected to the plurality of female terminals, respectively, when the fitting portion and the sealing member are fitted into the mounting hole.

[0012] According to this configuration, the seal member of the second connector can prevent water from entering from the first side surface to the second side surface through the mounting hole. This eliminates the need to consider waterproofing between the first connector and the base member when preventing water from entering from the first side surface to the second side surface through the mounting hole in the base member. Therefore, by eliminating the waterproof structure between the first connector and the base member, the configuration can be simplified. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the multiple finger-touch prevention walls, including the outer finger-touch prevention wall, are configured to protrude toward the first side surface through the mounting hole. Therefore, when connecting the second connector to the first connector fixed to the base member, the fitting portion and seal member of the second housing can be fitted into the mounting hole with the second connector properly oriented, guided by the guide portion of the outer finger-touch prevention wall.

[0013] [4] In any of [1] to [3] above, the second housing may include a tubular insertion tube portion having an open end into which the outer finger-touch prevention wall, the inner finger-touch prevention wall, and the male terminal are inserted, and the second connector may include a front retainer attached to the inside of the insertion tube portion, and the front retainer may include a plurality of terminal holding portions that respectively hold the plurality of female terminals, and a covering portion that forms a ring along the open end and covers the open end.

[0014] With this configuration, the female terminals can be held inside the second housing by the terminal holding portions of the front retainer, and the open end of the insertion tube portion of the second housing can be covered by the covering portion of the front retainer.

[0015] [5] In the above [4], the covering portion may include an opposing portion that faces the finger-touch prevention wall in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and the inner edge of the opposing portion may be located outer than the inner surface of the opening end.

[0016] With this configuration, even if the second connector is tilted relative to the first connector (i.e., twisted), the finger-preventing wall of the first housing is less likely to come into contact with the opposing portion of the covering when the second connector is removed from the first connector. As a result, when the second connector is removed from the first connector, it is possible to prevent the front retainer from coming off the second housing due to interference with the finger-preventing wall.

[0017] [6] In the above [4], each of the multiple finger-touch prevention walls may have an opposing end facing the terminal holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and the opposing end of each of the multiple finger-touch prevention walls may be inclined so as to move away from the terminal holding portion as it approaches the insertion direction.

[0018] With this configuration, even if the second connector is tilted relative to the first connector when detaching the second connector, the opposing ends of the finger-touch prevention walls are less likely to come into contact with the terminal holding portions of the front retainer. As a result, when detaching the second connector from the first connector, it is possible to prevent the opposing ends of the finger-touch prevention walls from interfering with the terminal holding portions and causing the front retainer to come off.

[0019] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of connector assemblies according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. The dimensional proportions of the components may differ from one drawing to another. Each drawing illustrates an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, which are mutually orthogonal. In this specification, the direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is referred to as the Z-axis direction. Note that the terms "perpendicular" and "orthogonal" used herein do not necessarily refer to strictly perpendicular or orthogonal orientations, but also include approximately perpendicular or orthogonal orientations within the scope of the functions and effects of the present embodiment. The term "annular" used in this specification includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with pointed or rounded corners. Terms such as "first" and "second" are used herein simply to distinguish between objects and do not rank them. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0020] 1 and 2, the connector assembly 10 includes a first connector 11 and a second connector 12 connectable to the first connector 11. The connector assembly 10 is installed in, for example, a vehicle. The first connector 11 is fixed to a base member 13 in the vehicle. The base member 13 constitutes, for example, a part of the housing of an in-vehicle device.

[0021] The base member 13 has a first side surface 14, a second side surface 15 which is the back surface of the first side surface 14, and an attachment hole 16 which penetrates the base member 13 from the first side surface 14 to the second side surface 15. The first side surface 14 faces the outside of the housing of the in-vehicle device which is partly constituted by the base member 13. The second side surface 15 faces the inside of the housing of the in-vehicle device which is partly constituted by the base member 13. The first connector 11 is attached to the base member 13 from the second side surface 15 side (the inside side of the housing). The second connector 12 is connected to the first connector 11 fixed to the base member 13 from the first side surface 14 side (the outside side of the housing).

[0022] (First Connector 11) The first connector 11 has a first housing 21 and a plurality of male terminals 22 held in the first housing 21. The first housing 21 is made of, for example, resin. The first housing 21 is inserted into the second connector 12 in an insertion direction D1 along the X axis. In the following description, the front and rear in the insertion direction D1 may be simply referred to as the "front" and "rear."

[0023] (First Housing 21) The first housing 21 is attached to the base member 13 from the second side surface 15 side. The first housing 21 includes a base portion 23, a fixing portion 24, and an insertion portion 25.

[0024] The base portion 23 has, for example, the same shape as the mounting hole 16 of the base member 13 when viewed from the X-axis direction. The base portion 23 is fitted into the mounting hole 16 of the base member 13. The fixing portions 24 of the first housing 21 are provided, for example, as a pair extending from a part of the outer edge of the base portion 23. The fixing portions 24 are provided with bolt insertion holes 24a that pass through the fixing portions 24 along the X-axis direction. The first housing 21 is fixed to the base member 13 by fixing bolts B that pass through the bolt insertion holes 24a and screw into female threads 17 provided on the second side surface 15 of the base member 13 (see FIG. 2 ).

[0025] The insertion portion 25 of the first housing 21 extends in the insertion direction D1 from the front end surface of the base portion 23 in the insertion direction D1. When the first housing 21 is fixed to the second side surface 15 of the base member 13 by the fixing bolt B, the insertion portion 25 is inserted into the mounting hole 16 of the base member 13. The insertion portion 25 is inserted into the second connector 12 in the insertion direction D1.

[0026] (Male terminals 22) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first connector 11 includes, for example, two male terminals 22. The two male terminals 22 are held side by side in the Y-axis direction in the insertion portion 25 of the first housing 21. Each male terminal 22 has a columnar shape extending linearly along the insertion direction D1. Each male terminal 22 has, for example, a circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the insertion direction D1. Each male terminal 22 includes, at its front end in the insertion direction D1, a cap 22a (see Figure 3) made of, for example, resin or rubber. Each male terminal 22 is electrically connected to an electrical component provided inside the housing of the in-vehicle device.

[0027] (Finger Preventive Walls 26) The insertion portion 25 of the first housing 21 includes a pair of finger preventive walls 26 provided on both sides of the male terminals 22 in the Y-axis direction, corresponding to each of the multiple male terminals 22. In the first connector 11 of this embodiment, which includes two male terminals 22, a pair of finger preventive walls 26 is provided on both sides of each male terminal 22 in the Y-axis direction, so that the first housing 21 includes a total of four finger preventive walls 26. The four finger preventive walls 26 are aligned along the Y-axis direction. Each finger preventive wall 26 extends linearly along the insertion direction D1. The finger preventive walls 26 extend along the male terminals 22 in a portion of the circumferential direction around the male terminals 22. The position of the tip of each male terminal 22 in the X-axis direction and the position of the tip of each finger preventive wall 26 in the X-axis direction are set to the same position, for example. Each finger preventive wall 26 is provided to be slightly spaced from the male terminals 22 and to cover a portion of the periphery of the male terminals 22. The distance and strength of each finger-touch prevention wall 26 relative to the male terminal 22 are set so as to satisfy the safety against finger contact required by, for example, "JIS C 0920-2003."

[0028] Of the four finger-touch prevention walls 26 aligned in the Y-axis direction, the two finger-touch prevention walls 26 located at both ends in the Y-axis direction are referred to as outer finger-touch prevention walls 31, and the two finger-touch prevention walls 26 located inside other than the outer finger-touch prevention walls 31 are referred to as inner finger-touch prevention walls 32. The male terminal 22 is located between the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 and the inner finger-touch prevention wall 32 in the Y-axis direction.

[0029] Each of the two outer finger-touch prevention walls 31 includes a guide portion 33. The guide portion 33 extends outward in the Y-axis direction, i.e., away from the male terminals 22, from the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31. As shown in FIG. 4 , each outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 and each inner finger-touch prevention wall 32 are symmetrical about a center line C1 between the two male terminals 22 in the Y-axis direction. In the juxtaposition direction (Y-axis direction) of the male terminals 22, the width W1 of each outer finger-touch prevention wall 31, including the guide portion 33, is set larger than the width W2 of each inner finger-touch prevention wall 32. Note that the insertion portion 25 of the first housing 21 of this embodiment includes a reinforcing rib 34 connecting adjacent inner finger-touch prevention walls 32 in the Y-axis direction. The length of the reinforcing rib 34 in the X-axis direction is shorter than the length of the inner finger-touch prevention walls 32 in the X-axis direction.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 in a connected state, taken along the 5-5 cross-sectional indication line in Fig. 4. For ease of explanation, Fig. 5 does not distinguish between the components (such as the first housing 21 and the male terminals 22) that make up the first connector 11, thereby simplifying the illustration of the internal structure of the first connector 11. As shown in Fig. 5, when the first housing 21 is fixed to the second side surface 15 of the base member 13, the male terminals 22, the outer finger-touch prevention walls 31, and the inner finger-touch prevention walls 32 protrude through the mounting holes 16 toward the first side surface 14 of the base member 13.

[0031] 1 and 6 , the second connector 12 includes a second housing 41 and a plurality of female terminals 42 accommodated in the second housing 41. The second connector 12 is assembled to the first connector 11 fixed to the base member 13 in the X-axis direction (more specifically, the direction opposite to the insertion direction D1).

[0032] 5 and 6 , the second housing 41 has a fitting portion 43 that fits into the mounting hole 16 from the first side surface 14 side. In the second connector 12, an annular seal member 44 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 43 of the second housing 41. The seal member 44 is made of, for example, rubber. When the fitting portion 43 is fitted into the mounting hole 16, the seal member 44 is interposed in a compressed state between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 43 and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 16. In this way, the seal member 44 seals between the fitting portion 43 and the mounting hole 16.

[0033] 2 and 6 , the second connector 12 further includes a front retainer 45 attached to the inside of the mating portion 43 of the second housing 41. The front retainer 45 is made of, for example, resin. The front retainer 45 positions each female terminal 42 inside the second housing 41, for example, in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The front retainer 45 is also engaged with the second housing 41 in the X-axis direction. The front retainer 45 prevents the seal member 44 from falling off the mating portion 43.

[0034] 1 and 6 , the second connector 12 is provided with the same number of female terminals 42 as the male terminals 22, i.e., two in this embodiment. Each female terminal 42 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate. Each female terminal 42 has an elongated shape in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1 (X-axis direction). In this embodiment, each female terminal 42 has an elongated shape in, for example, the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the insertion direction D1 (X-axis direction).

[0035] Each female terminal 42 has an insertion portion 51 into which the male terminal 22 is inserted along the insertion direction D1, and a connection portion 52 to which the electric wire 60 is connected. The connection portion 52 is formed at one end of the female terminal 42 in the Z-axis direction. The female terminal 42 has a shape that extends from the insertion portion 51 to both sides in the Z-axis direction. When the male terminal 22 is inserted into the insertion portion 51 of the female terminal 42, the insertion portion 51 and the portions of the female terminal 42 that extend from the insertion portion 51 to both sides in the Z-axis direction are located between the outer fingertip prevention wall 31 and the inner fingertip prevention wall 32.

[0036] The electric wires 60 connected to each female terminal 42 have a core wire 61 and an insulating coating 62. The end of the core wire 61 exposed from the insulating coating 62 is connected to the connection portion 52 of the female terminal 42 by, for example, resistance welding. Each electric wire 60 is drawn out from a lead-out portion 46 formed in the second housing 41 to the outside of the second housing 41 along a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1 (X-axis direction). In the present embodiment, each electric wire 60 is drawn out from the lead-out portion 46 to the outside of the second housing 41, for example, along a Z-axis direction perpendicular to the insertion direction D1 (X-axis direction).

[0037] (Operation of the Present Embodiment) The operation of the connector assembly 10 configured as described above will be described. When connecting the second connector 12 to the first connector 11 fixed to the base member 13, an operator grasps the second housing 41 and assembles it relative to the first connector 11 in the X-axis direction (more specifically, the direction opposite to the insertion direction D1). At this time, the insertion portion 25 of the first housing 21, including the outer finger-touch prevention walls 31 and the inner finger-touch prevention walls 32, is inserted into the second housing 41 from inside the fitting portion 43. Here, the second connector 12 may be assembled in an inclined state relative to the first connector 11. In this case, for example, the guide portion 33 of one of the two outer finger-touch prevention walls 31 contacts the inner surface 41 a of the second housing 41 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ). This guides the second housing 41 so as to reduce the inclination of the second connector 12 relative to the first connector 11.

[0038] Thereafter, with the second connector 12 in the correct position, guided by the guide portions 33 of the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31, the mating portions 43 and seal members 44 of the second housing 41 are fitted into the mounting holes 16 of the base member 13. Then, with the mating portions 43 and seal members 44 fitted into the mounting holes 16, the male terminals 22 are inserted into the inserted portions 51 of the female terminals 42 in the insertion direction D1. This electrically connects the male terminals 22 and the female terminals 42 to each other. Note that the connection points between the male terminals 22 and the inserted portions 51 of the female terminals 42 are located outside the mounting hole 16 in the X-axis direction.

[0039] (Advantages of the Present Embodiment) The advantages of the present embodiment are described below. (1) The first housing 21 includes a pair of finger-touch prevention walls 26 provided on both sides of the male terminals 22 in the Y-axis direction, corresponding to each of the plurality of male terminals 22. The outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 of the plurality of finger-touch prevention walls 26 includes a guide portion 33 that is inserted into the second housing 41 and abuts against the inner surface 41 a of the second housing 41 to guide the connection between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12. With this configuration, the finger-touch prevention walls 26 of the first housing 21 can prevent the male terminals 22 from being touched by an operator's fingers or the like. When the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are connected, the guide portion 33 included in the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 of the finger-touch prevention walls 26 abuts against the inner surface 41 a of the second housing 41, thereby guiding the connection between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12. This allows, for example, miniaturization by omitting the hood portion of the first connector 11 into which the second connector 12 is fitted, while still enabling guiding when connecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 12. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the guide portion 33 is provided separately from the finger-touch prevention wall 26, this contributes to simplification and miniaturization of the configuration.

[0040] (2) In the parallel arrangement direction (Y-axis direction), the width W1 of the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 including the guide portion 33 is larger than the width W2 of the inner finger-touch prevention wall 32. With this configuration, in the multiple finger-touch prevention walls 26, the width W1 of the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 required to guide the connection between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 can be increased to increase rigidity, and the width W2 of the inner finger-touch prevention wall 32 can be reduced. This makes it possible to narrow the spacing between the male terminals 22 lined up along the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the guide portion 33 of the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 can guide the connection between the first connector 11 and the second connector 12, while enabling miniaturization in the Y-axis direction.

[0041] (3) The first connector 11 is fixed to a base member 13. The base member 13 has a first side surface 14, a second side surface 15 that is the reverse side of the first side surface 14, and an attachment hole 16 that penetrates the base member 13 from the first side surface 14 to the second side surface 15. The first connector 11 is configured such that a first housing 21 is fixed to the second side surface 15, and a plurality of male terminals 22 and a plurality of touch-preventing walls 26 protrude toward the first side surface 14 through the attachment hole 16. The second housing 41 has an attachment portion 43 that is fitted into the attachment hole 16 from the first side surface 14 side. The second connector 12 has a seal member 44 that is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the attachment portion 43 and seals between the attachment portion 43 and the attachment hole 16. When the attachment portion 43 and the seal member 44 are fitted into the attachment hole 16, the plurality of male terminals 22 are connected to the plurality of female terminals 42, respectively. According to this configuration, the seal member 44 of the second connector 12 can prevent water from entering from the first side surface 14 to the second side surface 15 through the mounting hole 16. As a result, when preventing water from entering from the first side surface 14 to the second side surface 15 through the mounting hole 16 in the base member 13, it is not necessary to consider waterproofing between the first connector 11 and the base member 13. Therefore, by omitting a waterproof structure between the first connector 11 and the base member 13, the configuration can be simplified. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the multiple finger-touch prevention walls 26, including the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31, are configured to protrude toward the first side surface 14 through the mounting hole 16. Therefore, when connecting the second connector 12 to the first connector 11 fixed to the base member 13, the second connector 12 can be guided by the guide portion 33 of the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 to be oriented in an appropriate direction. In this state, the fitting portion 43 and the seal member 44 of the second housing 41 can be fitted into the mounting hole 16 .

[0042] (Other Embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0043] The configuration of the finger prevention walls 26, including the outer finger prevention walls 31 and the inner finger prevention walls 32, in the first housing 21, such as their shapes, is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the two outer finger prevention walls 31 may have asymmetric shapes. Furthermore, for example, the two inner finger prevention walls 32 may have asymmetric shapes.

[0044] In the first connector 11, the number of male terminals 22 arranged in the Y-axis direction is not limited to two as in the above embodiment and may be three or more. The configuration of the finger-touch prevention walls 26 in the first housing 21 is changed depending on the number of male terminals 22. For example, if three male terminals 22 are arranged in the Y-axis direction, a pair of finger-touch prevention walls 26 is provided on both sides of each male terminal 22 in the Y-axis direction, corresponding to each of the three male terminals 22. That is, a total of six finger-touch prevention walls 26 are provided arranged in the Y-axis direction. Of these six finger-touch prevention walls 26, the two finger-touch prevention walls 26 located at both ends in the Y-axis direction are configured as outer finger-touch prevention walls 31 including guide portions 33, and the four finger-touch prevention walls 26 located inside other than the outer finger-touch prevention walls 31 are configured as inner finger-touch prevention walls 32. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, the configuration of the second connector 12, such as the number of female terminals 42 and the number of electric wires 60, can be appropriately changed depending on the number of male terminals 22.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the base member 13 constitutes a part of the housing of the in-vehicle device, but this is not limitative and the base member 13 may be changed to another base member. For example, the base member 13 may be a vehicle panel.

[0046] The connector assembly 10 of the above embodiment may have the configuration described below with reference to Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10. Figure 7 is a plan view of the connector assembly 10 in a state in which the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are connected to each other, as viewed in a second direction D2 (see Figure 9) opposite to the insertion direction D1. For ease of explanation, Figure 7 shows only the outline of the second housing 41 with a two-dot chain line. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the second connector 12, but for ease of explanation, the second housing 41 is omitted from the drawing. For ease of explanation, the base member 13 to which the first connector 11 is fixed is omitted from each of Figures 7, 8, and 9.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 9 , the second housing 41 of the second connector 12 includes a cylindrical mating portion 43 serving as an insertion tube. The mating portion 43 has an open end 43a. The open end 43a is located at the front end of the mating portion 43 in a second direction D2, which is opposite to the insertion direction D1. The second direction D2 is the mounting direction of the second connector 12 when connecting the second connector 12 to the first connector 11. The open end 43a is annular when viewed in the insertion direction D1. The insertion portion 25, including the finger-touch prevention walls 26, and the male terminals 22 of the first housing 21 are inserted into the open end 43a of the mating portion 43 in the insertion direction D1. That is, the outer finger-touch prevention walls 31, the inner finger-touch prevention walls 32, and the male terminals 22 are inserted into the open end 43a of the mating portion 43.

[0048] (Covering portion 71) The front retainer 45 includes a covering portion 71 that covers the open end 43a of the fitting portion 43. The covering portion 71 has an annular shape that follows the open end 43a of the fitting portion 43. The covering portion 71 covers the tip surface of the open end 43a in the second direction D2 and the outer peripheral surface of the open end 43a. The covering portion 71 abuts against the seal member 44 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 43 so as to restrict movement of the seal member 44 in the second direction D2. This prevents the seal member 44 from falling off the fitting portion 43.

[0049] 7 , 8 , and 9 , the covering portion 71 of the front retainer 45 includes a plurality of facing portions 72 that face the plurality of finger prevention walls 26 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction D1 (e.g., the Z-axis direction). Each facing portion 72 faces either the outer finger prevention wall 31 or the inner finger prevention wall 32 in the Z-axis direction. Each facing portion 72 has an inner edge 73 that faces the finger prevention wall 26 in the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the front retainer 45 is attached to the second housing 41, the inner edge 73 of the facing portion 72 is located outer than the inner circumferential surface 43 b of the opening end 43 a of the fitting portion 43.

[0050] (Terminal Retaining Portion 80) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 , the front retainer 45 includes a plurality of terminal retaining portions 80 that respectively hold a plurality of female terminals 42. That is, the front retainer 45 uses each terminal retaining portion 80 to retain each female terminal 42 inside the second housing 41. Each terminal retaining portion 80 includes, for example, a first standing portion 81 and a second standing portion 82 that face each other in the Y-axis direction. The first standing portion 81 and the second standing portion 82 are each erected to extend along the X-axis direction. The first standing portion 81 and the second standing portion 82 hold the female terminal 42 so as to sandwich it in the Y-axis direction. Each second standing portion 82 is provided inside the female terminal 42 in the Y-axis direction (positioned between the female terminals 42). Each first standing portion 81 is provided outside the female terminal 42 in the Y-axis direction. The front retainer 45 has, for example, locking portions 83 that are locked to the second housing 41 in the X-axis direction on the outer side of each first upright portion 81 in the Y-axis direction.

[0051] When the first connector 11 and the second connector 12 are connected to each other, the terminal holding portion 80 of the front retainer 45 faces the anti-touch wall 26 of the first housing 21 in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction), as shown in Figure 8.

[0052] More specifically, the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 has an opposing end 31a that faces the first standing portion 81 in the Z-axis direction. The side surface 81a of the first standing portion 81 in the Z-axis direction faces the opposing end 31a of the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 in the Z-axis direction. The opposing end 31a of the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 is inclined so as to move away from the side surface 81a of the first standing portion 81 as it approaches the tip of the outer finger-touch prevention wall 31 in the insertion direction D1.

[0053] 8 and 9 , the inner finger-touch prevention wall 32 has an opposing end 32a that faces the second standing portion 82 in the Z-axis direction. The side surface 82a of the second standing portion 82 in the Z-axis direction faces the opposing end 32a of the inner finger-touch prevention wall 32 in the Z-axis direction. The opposing end 32a of the inner finger-touch prevention wall 32 is inclined so as to move away from the side surface 82a of the second standing portion 82 toward the tip of the inner finger-touch prevention wall 32 in the insertion direction D1 (see FIG. 9 ).

[0054] 7, 8, 9, and 10, the terminal holding portions 80 of the front retainer 45 can hold the female terminals 42 inside the second housing 41. In addition, the covering portion 71 of the front retainer 45 can cover the open end 43a of the fitting portion 43 in the second housing 41.

[0055] Furthermore, the inner edge 73 of the facing portion 72 of the covering portion 71 is located more radially outward than the inner circumferential surface 43b of the opening end 43a. Therefore, even if the second connector 12 is tilted relative to the first connector 11 (a so-called prying state) when removing the second connector 12, the finger-touch prevention walls 26 (the outer finger-touch prevention walls 31 and the inner finger-touch prevention walls 32) of the first housing 21 are unlikely to come into contact with the facing portion 72 of the covering portion 71. As a result, when removing the second connector 12 from the first connector 11, it is possible to prevent the front retainer 45 from coming off the second housing 41 due to interference with the finger-touch prevention walls 26.

[0056] Furthermore, each of the plurality of finger-touch prevention walls 26 has opposing ends 31 a, 32 a that face the terminal holding portion 80 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction D1. The opposing ends 31 a, 32 a are inclined so as to move away from the terminal holding portion 80 in the insertion direction D1. With this configuration, even if the second connector 12 is tilted with respect to the first connector 11 when removing the second connector 12, the opposing ends 31 a, 32 a of each finger-touch prevention wall 26 are unlikely to come into contact with the terminal holding portion 80. As a result, when removing the second connector 12 from the first connector 11, the opposing ends 31 a, 32 a of each finger-touch prevention wall 26 are unlikely to interfere with the terminal holding portion 80 of the front retainer 45, which would cause the front retainer 45 to be detached.

[0057] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. That is, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0058] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Connector assembly 11 First connector 12 Second connector 13 Base member 14 First side surface 15 Second side surface 16 Mounting hole 17 Female screw 21 First housing 22 Male terminal 22a Cap 23 Base portion 24 Fixing portion 24a Bolt insertion hole 25 Insertion portion 26 Finger-touch prevention wall 31 Outer finger-touch prevention wall 31a Opposing end portion 32 Inner finger-touch prevention wall 32a Opposing end portion 33 Guide portion 34 Reinforcing rib 41 Second housing 41a Inner surface of second housing 42 Female terminal 43 Fitting portion (insertion tube portion) 43a Opening end portion 43b Inner peripheral surface 44 Seal member 45 Front retainer 46 Lead-out portion 51 Inserted portion 52 Connection portion 60 Electric wire 61 Core wire 62 Insulating coating 71 Covering portion 72 Opposing portion 73 Inner edge 80 Terminal holding portion 81 First standing portion 81a Side surface 82 Second standing portion 82a Side surface 83 Locking portion B Fixing bolt C1 Center line D1 Insertion direction D2 Second direction W1 Width of outer finger-touch prevention wall W2 Width of inner finger-touch prevention wall

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector connectable to the first connector, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing and a plurality of male terminals held in the first housing, the second connector comprises a plurality of female terminals into which the plurality of male terminals are respectively inserted and connected, and a second housing accommodating the plurality of female terminals, the plurality of male terminals are arranged in a juxtaposition direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion into the female terminals, the first housing comprises a pair of touch prevention walls provided on both sides of the male terminals in the juxtaposition direction corresponding to each of the plurality of male terminals, and when, of the plurality of touch prevention walls arranged in the juxtaposition direction, two touch prevention walls located at both ends in the juxtaposition direction are outer touch prevention walls and the touch prevention walls other than the outer touch prevention walls are inner touch prevention walls, the outer touch prevention wall includes a guide portion that is inserted into the second housing and abuts against the inner surface of the second housing to guide the connection between the first connector and the second connector.

2. A connector assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the width in the parallel installation direction of the outer finger-touch prevention wall including the guide portion is greater than the width in the parallel installation direction of the inner finger-touch prevention wall.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first connector is fixed to a base member, the base member having a first side surface, a second side surface which is the reverse side of the first side surface, and a mounting hole which penetrates the base member from the first side surface to the second side surface, the first connector is configured such that the first housing is fixed to the second side surface and the multiple male terminals and the multiple touch prevention walls protrude toward the first side surface through the mounting hole, the second housing has a fitting portion which is fitted into the mounting hole from the first side surface side of the base member, and the second connector has a sealing member which is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion and which seals between the fitting portion and the mounting hole, and the multiple male terminals are respectively connected to the multiple female terminals when the fitting portion and the sealing member are fitted into the mounting hole.

4. A connector assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the second housing comprises a cylindrical insertion tube portion having an open end into which the outer finger-touch prevention wall, the inner finger-touch prevention wall, and the male terminal are inserted, the second connector comprises a front retainer attached to the inside of the insertion tube portion, and the front retainer comprises a plurality of terminal holding portions which respectively hold the plurality of female terminals, and a covering portion which forms a ring along the open end and covers the open end.

5. A connector assembly as described in claim 4, wherein the covering portion includes an opposing portion that faces the touch prevention wall in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and an inner edge of the opposing portion is located outer than the inner surface of the opening end.

6. A connector assembly as described in claim 4, wherein each of the multiple finger-touch prevention walls has an opposing end that faces the terminal holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and the opposing end of each of the multiple finger-touch prevention walls is inclined so as to move away from the terminal holding portion as it approaches the insertion direction.

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