Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention provides a connector and a connector assembly that can facilitate assembly. A first connector (10) has a first terminal (30), a first housing (40) that holds the first terminal, and a work hole (51X) that passes through the first housing and exposes the first terminal. The first connector (10) has a service cover (90) attached to the first housing (40). The service cover (90) is provided to be able to move to a first position at which the work hole (51X) is exposed and a second position at which the work hole (51X) is closed. The first housing (40) has a support shaft (61) and a first guide part (62) that guides the service cover (90) when the service cover is moving in a circular motion around the support shaft. The service cover (90) has a bearing hole (94) into which the support shaft (61) is inserted. The service cover (90) is provided between the first position and the second position so as to be able to move in the circular motion.

Description

Connectors and Connector Assemblies

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors and connector assemblies.

[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 electrical 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 that holds the first terminal. The second connector has a second terminal and a second housing that holds the second terminal. The service cover is attached to the first housing so as to close an access hole in the first housing.

[0003] When connecting the first connector and the second connector, first, the first housing is fitted into the second housing, and the first bolt holes of the first terminals are aligned with the second bolt holes of the second terminals. Next, a bolt is inserted into the first housing through the work hole in the first housing and passes through the first bolt hole and the second bolt hole. Next, the bolt is screwed into a nut to electrically connect the first terminals and the second terminals to each other by bolt tightening. After that, a service cover is attached to the first housing to close the work hole in the first housing.

[0004] JP 2015-130300 A

[0005] However, in the above connector assembly, it is desirable to improve the ease of assembly. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector and a connector assembly that can improve the ease of assembly.

[0006] 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 is capable of closing 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 support shaft and a first guide portion that guides the service cover as it moves circularly around the support shaft, the service cover has a bearing hole into which the support shaft is inserted, and the service cover is capable of circular movement between the first position and the second position.

[0007] The connector and connector assembly of the present disclosure have the effect of improving assembly workability.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a first connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3) showing a portion of the connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the first connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a service cover according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a portion of the connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a method for manufacturing the connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a method for manufacturing the connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a method for manufacturing the connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view showing a method for manufacturing the connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view showing a method for manufacturing the connector assembly according to one embodiment.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] A connector of the present disclosure includes a first terminal, a first housing that holds the first terminal, an access 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 access hole, the service cover is provided so as to be movable between a first position that exposes the access hole and a second position that closes the access hole when attached to the first housing, the first housing has a support shaft and a first guide portion that guides the service cover when it makes a circular movement about the support shaft, the service cover has a bearing hole into which the support shaft is inserted, and the service cover is provided so as to be able to make the circular movement between the first position and the second position.

[0010] According to this configuration, when the service cover is attached to the first housing, it is 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 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, the work of attaching a service cover prepared separately from the connector and the mating connector to the connector when closing the working hole can be eliminated. 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 first housing is provided with a support shaft and a first guide portion that guides the service cover during circular movement around the support shaft. Therefore, when the service cover circularly moves around the support shaft of the first housing, the service cover is guided by the first guide portion of the first housing. This allows the service cover to move stably when circularly moving between the first position and the second position.

[0012] [2] In the above [1], when the service cover is attached to the first housing, it may be movable between the first position, the second position, and a third position which is a position facing a first opposite direction which is the opposite direction to the first direction from the second position, and the service cover may be arranged to be able to make the circular movement from the first position to the third position, and the service cover may be arranged to be able to slide along the first direction from the third position to the second position.

[0013] With this configuration, the service cover can be caused to circularly move from the first position to the third position and to translate along the first direction from the third position to the second position. This allows the service cover to be moved from the first position to the second position by a combination of circular movement and translation. Therefore, the occurrence of stick-slip can be reduced compared to when the service cover is moved from the first position to the second position using only translation.

[0014] [3] In the above [2], the first housing may further include a second guide portion that guides the service cover when the service cover slides along the first direction.

[0015] With this configuration, when the service cover slides in the first direction, the service cover is guided by the second guide portion of the first housing, which allows the service cover to move stably when sliding in the first direction between the third position and the second position.

[0016] [4] In any of the above [1] to [3], the first housing may further have an engaging portion that can engage with the bearing hole, and the engaging portion may engage with the bearing hole when the service cover is positioned in the second position.

[0017] With this configuration, when the service cover is disposed in the second position, the engaging portion of the first housing and the bearing hole of the service cover are engaged with each other, thereby making it possible to preferably maintain the state in which the service cover is disposed in the second position, i.e., the state in which the service hole is blocked by the service cover.

[0018] [5] In any of the above [1] to [4], the first housing may further include a support portion that supports the service cover when positioned at the first position. With this configuration, the support portion provided on the first housing can preferably maintain the posture of the service cover when positioned at the first position.

[0019] [6] In any of [1] to [5] above, the first housing may have a tubular portion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first housing and communicates with the work hole, the connector may have a sealing member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion, the service cover may have a main body portion that closes the work hole and a mating tubular portion that protrudes from the main body portion in the first direction, the mating tubular portion may be configured to be mated to the outside of the tubular portion when the service cover is positioned in the second position, and the sealing member may seal between the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion and the inner peripheral surface of the mating tubular portion.

[0020] With this configuration, when the service cover is positioned in 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 into the fitting cylindrical portion of the service cover. Therefore, when the service cover is positioned in 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. This effectively prevents liquids such as water from entering the first housing through a 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 tubular portion, and the seal holder covers the end face of the tubular portion in a first opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, and has a protrusion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion, and the seal member is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the first housing and the protrusion in the first direction, and the protrusion may be engageable with the seal member.

[0022]

[0013] According to this configuration, the protruding portion of the seal holder restricts movement of the seal member in the first opposite direction. This effectively prevents the seal member from slipping out of the tubular portion. [8] In the above [6] or [7], the service cover may have a frame body protruding from the main body in the first direction and a protruding piece protruding from a tip of the frame body in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the bearing hole may be provided in the frame body, and the protruding piece may be guided by the first guide portion when the service cover makes the circular movement.

[0023] With this configuration, when the service cover makes a circular movement around the support shaft of the first housing, the protruding piece of the service cover is guided by the first guide portion of the first housing, thereby allowing the service cover to move stably when making a circular movement between the first position and the second position.

[0024] [9] The connector assembly of the present disclosure comprises a first connector which is a connector described in any one of [1] to [8] above, and a second connector connected to the first connector, wherein the second connector comprises a second terminal connected to the first terminal, and a second housing which holds the second terminal and is fitted into the first housing.

[0025] This configuration can achieve the same effects as the connector described in [1] above. [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of connectors and connector assemblies of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ between drawings. In this specification, the terms "orthogonal," "parallel," and "vertical" do not necessarily refer to strictly orthogonal, parallel, or vertical, but also include roughly orthogonal, parallel, or vertical within the scope of the effects of the present embodiment. The term "cylindrical" used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical object having a continuous peripheral wall along the entire periphery, but also includes a cylindrical object formed by combining multiple components, or a cylindrical object having a notch in a circumferential direction, such as a C-shape or U-shape. The term "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape with pointed or rounded corners. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used herein simply to distinguish between objects and not to rank them. Each drawing illustrates an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, which are orthogonal to each other. Each drawing illustrates a first direction X1, which is a 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 illustrates a second direction Y1, which is a 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 illustrates a third direction Z1, which is a 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. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0026] (Overall Configuration of Connector Assembly 1) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, 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 electrically connects, for example, electrical equipment for a vehicle. Examples of electrical equipment for a vehicle include a high-voltage battery, an inverter, a motor, and a relay box. The first connector 10 is configured to be detachably connected to the second connector 200, which is a mating connector. The second connector 200 is attached to an attachment target, such as a case of an electrical equipment (not shown). In other words, the second connector 200 is an equipment connector.

[0027] 4 , the first connector 10 has one or more (two in this embodiment) first terminals 30 connected to ends of one or more (two in this embodiment) electric wires 20, respectively, and a first housing 40 that holds the first terminals 30. The first connector 10 has, for example, a retainer 75, a mating detection member 80 attached to the first housing 40, and a service cover 90 attached to the first housing 40.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , 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 together along a first direction X1. For example, the first housing 40 of the first connector 10 is mated with the second housing 220 of the second connector 200 along the first direction X1. Note that the directions in the drawings do not necessarily represent the orientations of the first connector 10 and the second connector 200 during use. Furthermore, the directions in the second connector 200 are described based on the state in which the second connector 200 is assembled to the first connector 10.

[0029] (Specific Structure of Second Connector 200) The two second terminals 210 are arranged side by side along the third direction Z1, for example. The two second terminals 210 are integrally formed with the second housing 220 by, for example, insert molding. Each second terminal 210 is formed, for example, in a columnar shape.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 5, 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, so as 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, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material can be used as the material of each second terminal 210.

[0031] 2, the second housing 220 has a fitting tubular portion 221, a terminal holding portion 222, and a fixing portion 223. The fitting tubular portion 221, the terminal holding portion 222, and the fixing portion 223 are formed continuously and integrally in the second housing 220. The second housing 220 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0032] The fitting cylinder portion 221 is fitted, for example, inside the first housing 40. The fitting cylinder portion 221 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the X-axis direction. The fitting cylinder portion 221 is formed, for example, in a flat shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. The fitting cylinder portion 221 has, for example, a bottom wall that closes an opening in the first direction X1.

[0033] The second housing 220 has, for example, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) terminal holding portions 222 aligned in the third direction Z1. Each terminal holding portion 222 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. Each terminal holding portion 222 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the second terminal 210. For example, each terminal holding portion 222 surrounds the outer periphery of the second terminal 210 over the entire circumferential direction.

[0034] The fixing portion 223 is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 221. For example, the fixing portion 223 is formed to protrude radially outward around 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 to, for example, the outer surface of a case of an electrical device (not shown).

[0035] (Configuration of Electric Wire 20) As shown in Fig. 4, each electric wire 20 has a conductive core wire 21 and an insulating coating 22 that surrounds the outer periphery of the core wire 21 and has insulating properties. The core wire 21 may be, for example, a stranded wire formed by twisting together a plurality of metal wires or a single-core wire formed 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.

[0036] The insulating coating 22 covers the entire outer circumferential surface of the core wire 21. The insulating coating 22 is made of, for example, an insulating resin material. An end 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 of the core wire 21 in the second direction Y1 that is exposed from the insulating coating 22.

[0037] (Specific Structure of First Connector 10) Each of the first terminals 30 is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the electric wires 20. The material of each of the first terminals 30 may be, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material.

[0038] An end of each first terminal 30 in the second opposite direction Y2 is connected to an end of the core wire 21 of each electric wire 20 in the second direction Y1. In this embodiment, each first terminal 30 is formed integrally with the end 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. 5 , each first terminal 30 has a bolt hole 31 penetrating the first terminal 30 in the first direction X1. The bolt hole 31 is provided in an end region of the first terminal 30 in the second direction Y1.

[0039] For example, an insert nut 32 is inserted into each bolt hole 31. The insert nut 32 is made of metal and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bolt hole 33 penetrating the insert nut 32 in the first direction X1.

[0040] 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 bolt-fastened to the second terminal 210 by, for example, a bolt 35 and an insert nut 32. At this time, the shank 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, a fall-off prevention bolt. The bolt 35 has, for example, an insulating cap 36 fitted onto 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 in the first opposite direction X2. The insulating cap 36 has an opening 37 exposing a portion of the top surface of the head of the bolt 35.

[0041] The first housing 40 has, for example, a main body tubular portion 51 and a fitting tubular portion 55 into which the fitting tubular portion 221 of the second housing 220 of the second connector 200 is fitted. As shown in Figure 2, the first housing 40 has an attachment portion 60 to which the service cover 90 is attached.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 5, the main body tubular portion 51 holds, for example, the first terminal 30 therein. The main body tubular portion 51 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The main body tubular portion 51 is open, for example, in the second opposite direction Y2. As shown in Fig. 4, the main body tubular portion 51 is formed, for example, in a flat shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the X-axis direction.

[0043] 5, the main body tubular portion 51 has a working hole 51X that penetrates the main body tubular portion 51 in the radial direction. The working hole 51X is formed to penetrate a peripheral wall 51A of the main body tubular portion 51 that is provided in the first opposite direction X2 in the first direction X1. The working hole 51X is formed, for example, to expose the head of the bolt 35 when the second connector 200 is properly mated with the first connector 10. The working hole 51X is formed, for example, to expose the heads of multiple bolts 35 collectively. The working hole 51X is formed, for example, to expose multiple insulating caps 36 collectively.

[0044] The first housing 40 has, for example, a tubular portion 52 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 51A of the main body tubular portion 51, in this case, in the first opposite direction X2. The tubular portion 52 is provided to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 51A that defines the working hole 51X. The tubular portion 52 is formed to surround the working hole 51X in a plan view seen from the X-axis direction. The internal space of the tubular portion 52 communicates with the working hole 51X. As shown in FIG. 4 , the planar shape of the tubular portion 52 seen from the X-axis direction is, for example, a flat shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction.

[0045] A seal member 70 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52. The seal member 70 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 52. The seal member 70 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52 and the inner peripheral surface of the service cover 90. The seal member 70 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5 , 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 surface of the tubular portion 52 in the first opposite direction X2 and protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion 52. The protrusion 53A is engageable with the seal member 70 in the first direction X1. The protrusion 53A prevents the seal member 70 from slipping out of the tubular portion 52 along the first opposite direction X2. The seal member 70 is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the main body tubular portion 51 and the protrusion 53A in the first direction X1.

[0047] The fitting cylinder portion 55 protrudes in the first direction X1 from a peripheral wall of the main body cylinder portion 51 that faces the first direction X1. The terminal holding portion 222 of the second housing 220 is inserted into the fitting cylinder portion 55. The fitting cylinder portion 221 of the second housing 220 is fitted onto the outside of the fitting cylinder portion 55.

[0048] A seal member 71 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 55. The seal member 71 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential direction of the fitting cylindrical portion 55. The seal member 71 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 71 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0049] For example, a cylindrical seal holder 56 is attached inside the fitting tubular portion 55. The seal holder 56 has a protrusion 56A provided at an end of the seal holder 56 in the first direction X1. The protrusion 56A covers the end face of the fitting tubular portion 55 in the first direction X1 and protrudes outward beyond the outer circumferential surface of the fitting tubular portion 55. The protrusion 56A is engageable with the seal member 71 in the first direction X1. The protrusion 56A prevents the seal member 71 from slipping out of the fitting tubular portion 55 along the first direction X1. The seal member 71 is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the main body tubular portion 51 and the protrusion 56A in the first direction X1.

[0050] 4, the first connector 10 has a seal member 72 attached to the outer peripheral surface of each electric wire 20. Each seal member 72 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential direction of the electric wire 20. Each seal member 72 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 40. Each seal member 72 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0051] The retainer 75 is attached, for example, to the end of the first housing 40 in the second opposite direction Y2. The retainer 75 prevents the seal member 72 from coming off the first housing 40.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6 , the first housing 40 has a mating detection portion 57 that detects mating between the first connector 10 and the second connector 200 (see FIG. 2 ). The mating detection portion 57 is provided on a peripheral wall of the first housing 40 that faces the second direction Y1. A mating detection member 80 is attached to the mating detection portion 57. When the second connector 200 (see FIG. 2 ) is not properly mated to the first connector 10, the mating detection member 80 is restricted from moving in the first direction X1. As shown in FIG. 1 , when the second connector 200 is properly mated to the first connector 10, the mating detection member 80 becomes movable in the first direction X1. In other words, when the mating detection member 80 becomes movable in the first direction X1, it can be detected that the second connector 200 is properly mated to the first connector 10.

[0053] (Configuration of the Service Cover 90) As shown in FIG. 2 , the service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40. The service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 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 before the second connector 200 is connected to the first connector 10. When attached to the first housing 40, the service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 so as to be movable between a first position (see FIG. 2 ) exposing the working hole 51X of the first housing 40 and a second position (see FIG. 1 ) closing the working hole 51X. The service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 so as to be movable from the second position to a third position (see FIG. 12 ) located in the first opposite direction X2. Here, the third position is located directly above the second position. The service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 so as to be capable of circular movement between the first position and the third position. The service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 so as to be slidable in the first direction X1 between the third position and the second position. In the following description, the directions of the service cover 90 will be described based on the state in which the service cover 90 is disposed in the second position.

[0054] 7, the service cover 90 has, for example, a main body 91, a fitting tubular portion 92, a frame 93, a bearing hole 94, and a protruding piece 96. The service cover 90 is, for example, a single component in which the main body 91, the fitting tubular portion 92, the frame 93, and the protruding piece 96 are continuously and integrally formed. The service cover 90 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0055] The main body 91 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The main body 91 is formed, for example, in a flat shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the main body 91 is configured to close the working hole 51X when the service cover 90 is placed in the second position.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 7 , 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 cylindrical shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 5 , when the service cover 90 is positioned in the second position, the fitting tubular portion 92 is fitted to the outside of the tubular portion 52. At this time, the seal member 70 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.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7 , the frame bodies 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 frame bodies 93 provided on both sides of the main body 91 so as to sandwich the main body 91 therebetween. Each of the pair of frame bodies 93 protrudes in the first direction X1 from the end face of the main body 91 in the first direction X1. Each frame body 93 extends linearly along the first direction X1. Each frame body 93 is formed, for example, in a rectangular frame shape. Each frame body 93 has a bearing hole 94 provided in the center in the Y-axis direction. The bearing hole 94 penetrates the frame body 93 in the Z-axis direction. The bearing hole 94 extends along the X-axis direction. For example, the bearing hole 94 is formed as an elongated hole that is longer in the X-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. The bearing hole 94 opens in the first opposite direction X2. The bearing hole 94 is closed in the first direction X1. In other words, the frame body 93 has a closing portion 95 that closes the opening of the bearing hole 94 in the first direction X1.

[0058] The protruding piece 96 protrudes, for example, from the frame body 93 in the second opposite direction Y2. The protruding piece 96 extends along the second opposite direction Y2 from the end of the frame body 93 in the first direction X1. The dimension of the protruding piece 96 along the X-axis direction is, for example, the same as the dimension of the blocking portion 95 along the X-axis direction.

[0059] (Configuration of Mounting Portion 60) As shown in FIG. 6 , the mounting portion 60 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first housing 40. The mounting portion 60 is provided on both end surfaces of the first housing 40 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the mounting portion 60 is provided on both sides of the tubular portion 52 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the first housing 40 has a pair of mounting portions 60 provided on both sides of the tubular portion 52 so as to sandwich the tubular portion 52 therebetween. The pair of mounting portions 60 are provided, for example, symmetrically with respect to the XY plane. Because the pair of mounting portions 60 have the same structure, the following description will focus on the mounting portion 60 of the pair of mounting portions 60 provided on the end surface of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1.

[0060] Each mounting portion 60 has, for example, a support shaft 61 and a first guide portion 62 that guides the service cover 90 as it makes a circular movement around the support shaft 61. Each mounting portion 60 has, for example, one or more (two in this embodiment) second guide portions 63, 64 that guide the movement of the service cover 90 along the first direction X1. Each mounting portion 60 has, for example, a support portion 65 that supports the service cover 90 in the first position and an engagement portion 66 that engages with the service cover 90 in the second position.

[0061] The support shaft 61 protrudes in the third direction Z1 from an end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1. The support shaft 61 is formed in a columnar shape with its central axis oriented in the Z-axis direction. The support shaft 61 is inserted into a bearing hole 94 of the service cover 90.

[0062] The support shaft 61 has, for example, a base 61A and an engaging portion 61B. The base 61A is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 2 , the base 61A is fitted into the bearing hole 94 of the service cover 90. The engaging portion 61B has a larger planar size as viewed in the Z-axis direction than the base 61A. The engaging portion 61B is formed to be able to engage with the end face of the frame body 93 in the third direction Z1. By providing the engaging portion 61B, it is possible to preferably prevent the frame body 93 of the service cover 90 from falling off the support shaft 61.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6 , the first guide portion 62 guides the service cover 90 as it makes a circular movement from the first position to the third position. The first guide portion 62 guides the service cover 90 as it makes a circular movement around the support shaft 61. The first guide portion 62 guides the service cover 90 as it makes a circular movement around the central axis of the support shaft 61 as the axis of rotation. For example, the first guide portion 62 guides the protruding piece 96 of the service cover 90 as it makes a circular movement. The first guide portion 62 protrudes in the third direction Z1 from an end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1. The amount of protrusion of the first guide portion 62 from the end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1 is, for example, smaller than the amount of protrusion of the support shaft 61 from the end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1.

[0064] 8 , the first guide portion 62 is formed, for example, to extend parallel to the protruding piece 96 of the service cover 90 disposed in the first position. The first guide portion 62 is formed, for example, to be inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. The first guide portion 62 is formed, for example, to have a rectangular planar shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0065] The two second guide portions 63, 64 guide the service cover 90 when it slides in the first direction X1 from the third position to the second position. The two second guide portions 63, 64 guide the frame body 93 and the protruding piece 96 of the service cover 90 when it moves parallel to the first direction X1. As shown in FIG. 6 , each of the second guide portions 63, 64 protrudes in the third direction Z1 from an end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1. The amount of protrusion of each of the second guide portions 63, 64 from the end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1 is, for example, smaller than the amount of protrusion of the support shaft 61 from the end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8 , each second guide portion 63, 64 extends along the first direction X1. For example, the two second guide portions 63, 64 extend parallel to each other. For example, each second guide portion 63, 64 has a rectangular planar shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. For example, the second guide portion 63 is located away from the first guide portion 62 in the first direction X1. The second guide portion 64 is located away from the second guide portion 63 in the second direction Y1. For example, the second guide portion 64 is located offset in the first direction X1 from the second guide portion 63 in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 12 , the two second guide portions 63, 64 are located so as to sandwich the blocking portion 95 and the protruding piece 96 of the frame body 93 of the service cover 90 positioned in the third position. Note that, with the service cover 90 positioned in the third position, the frame body 93 extends straight along the first direction X1.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2 , the support portion 65 supports, for example, the frame body 93 of the service cover 90 when the service cover 90 is positioned at the first position. The support portion 65 protrudes in the third direction Z1 from the end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1. The amount of protrusion of the support portion 65 from the end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1 is, for example, smaller than the amount of protrusion of the support shaft 61 from the end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1. As shown in FIG. 8 , the support portion 65 extends along the first direction X1. The support portion 65 is, for example, located farther away in the first opposite direction X2 than the second guide portion 64. The end face of the support portion 65 in the first opposite direction X2 is a support surface 65A that can come into contact with the frame body 93 of the service cover 90. The support surface 65A is formed to extend parallel to the frame body 93 of the service cover 90 when the service cover 90 is positioned at the first position. The support surface 65A is, for example, inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. The support surface 65A is formed so as to be inclined in the first direction X1 from the end of the support surface 65A in the second direction Y1 toward the end of the support surface 65A in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1 , the engaging portion 66 is provided to be engageable with the bearing hole 94 of the frame body 93 of the service cover 90 when the service cover 90 is positioned at the second position. The engaging portion 66 is provided to be engageable with the inner surface of the bearing hole 94 of the service cover 90 when the service cover 90 is positioned at the second position, specifically, with the end surface of the blocking portion 95 in the first opposite direction X2. As shown in FIG. 6 , the engaging portion 66 protrudes in the third direction Z1 from the end surface of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1. The amount of protrusion of the engaging portion 66 from the end surface of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1 is, for example, smaller than the amount of protrusion of the support shaft 61 from the end surface of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1. The engaging portion 66 extends along the first direction X1.

[0069] The end face of the engaging portion 66 in the first opposite direction X2 has, for example, a guide surface 66A. The guide surface 66A is, for example, an inclined surface that is inclined so that the amount of protrusion from the end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1 increases from the end face of the engaging portion 66 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the end face of the engaging portion 66 in the first direction X1. The guide surface 66A is provided to make it easier for the service cover 90 to climb over the engaging portion 66 when the service cover 90 slides along the first direction X1. The end face of the engaging portion 66 in the first direction X1 is an engaging surface formed to be able to engage with the inner surface of the bearing hole 94. The end face of the engaging portion 66 in the first direction X1 is, for example, formed as a vertical surface extending perpendicular to the end face of the first housing 40 in the third direction Z1.

[0070] 8, the engaging portion 66 is provided at a position spaced apart in the first direction X1 from the support shaft 61. The engaging portion 66 is provided at a position overlapping with the support shaft 61 in a plan view seen from the X-axis direction, for example.

[0071] (Method of Manufacturing Connector Assembly 1) Next, a method of manufacturing the connector assembly 1 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 9 , a first connector 10 is prepared, which includes a first housing 40 that holds the first terminals 30 (see FIG. 5 ) and a service cover 90 attached to the first housing 40. At this time, the service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 in advance before the second connector 200 is connected to the first connector 10. In other words, the service cover 90 is integrated with the first housing 40 in advance. More specifically, the service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40 in advance while positioned at the first position. At this time, the support shaft 61 is inserted into the inner end of the bearing hole 94 of the service cover 90, and the frame body 93 of the service cover 90 is supported by the support portion 65.

[0072] 9 , a second connector 200 is prepared, which includes second terminals 210 and a second housing 220 that holds the second terminals 210. Next, the first housing 40 of the first connector 10 is mated with the second housing 220 of the second connector 200 along the first direction X1. At this time, when the first housing 40 is properly mated with the second housing 220, the mating detection member 80 becomes movable in the first direction X1. In other words, when the service cover 90 becomes movable in the first direction X1, it can be detected that the second housing 220 is properly mated with the first housing 40.

[0073] 10 , after the second housing 220 is properly fitted to the first housing 40, the bolt 35 fitted with the insulating cap 36 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 52. However, when the bolt 35 is not completely tightened, a portion of the insulating cap 36 protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 beyond the end face of the seal holder 53 in the first opposite direction X2, as shown in FIG. 10 . Therefore, when the bolt 35 is not completely tightened, the movement of the service cover 90, specifically, the circular movement around the support shaft 61, is restricted by the insulating cap 36.

[0074] 5, 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 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 bolted together, and the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 210 are electrically connected to each other.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11, when the bolt tightening is complete, the insulating cap 36 (see Figure 10) is housed inside the tubular portion 52. This allows the service cover 90 to move circularly. In other words, when the service cover 90 is able to move circularly, it can be detected that the bolt tightening is complete.

[0076] Next, the service cover 90, which is disposed at the first position, is caused to make a circular motion around the support shaft 61. Specifically, the service cover 90 is caused to make a circular motion clockwise between the first position and the third position, with the central axis of the support shaft 61 as the axis of rotation (see the arrow in the figure). At this time, the protruding piece 96 of the service cover 90 makes a circular motion while contacting the first guide part 62. In this way, the service cover 90 makes a circular motion while being guided by the first guide part 62 due to the contact between the protruding piece 96 and the first guide part 62.

[0077] 12 , the service cover 90 is positioned at the third position by the circular motion described above. In the service cover 90 positioned at the third position, the main body 91 faces the tubular portion 52, and the fitting tubular portion 92 is spaced apart from the tubular portion 52 in the first direction X1. In addition, in the service cover 90 positioned at the third position, the frame 93 extends along the X-axis direction, and the blocking portion 95 and protruding piece 96 of the frame 93 extend along the Y-axis direction. The blocking portion 95 and protruding piece 96 are sandwiched between the two second guide portions 63, 64.

[0078] Next, in the process shown in FIG. 13 , the service cover 90, which was disposed at the third position (see FIG. 12 ), is slid in the first direction X1 to the second position. At this time, the service cover 90 slides in the first direction X1 while being guided by the two second guide portions 63, 64. The closing portion 95 of the frame body 93 moves to a position where it passes over the engaging portion 66 in the first direction X1. As a result, the inner surface of the bearing hole 94—specifically, the end face of the closing portion 95 in the first opposite direction X2 and the end face (i.e., the vertical surface) of the engaging portion 66 in the first direction X1—engage with each other in the first direction X1. The engagement between the closing portion 95 and the engaging portion 66 maintains the service cover 90 attached to the first housing 40 at the second position. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the service cover 90 is disposed at the second position, the fitting cylindrical portion 92 is fitted onto the outside of the cylindrical portion 52. Furthermore, when the service cover 90 is positioned in the second position, the sealing member 70 seals the space between the inner surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 92 and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 52, and the main body portion 91 blocks the working hole 51X.

[0079] Thereafter, the fitting detection member 80 is pressed in the first direction X1 to move the fitting detection member 80 along the first direction X1. The fitting detection member 80 may be moved immediately after the first housing 40 and the second housing 220 are fitted together.

[0080] The connector assembly 1 of this embodiment can be manufactured through the above manufacturing process. Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The first connector 10 has the first terminals 30, the first housing 40 that holds the first terminals 30, and the working holes 51X that penetrate the first housing 40 in the first direction X1 and expose the first terminals 30. The first connector 10 has a service cover 90 that is attached to the first housing 40 and is capable of closing the working holes 51X. When attached to the first housing 40, the service cover 90 is movable between a first position that exposes the working holes 51X and a second position that closes the working holes 51X. The first housing 40 has a support shaft 61 and a first guide portion 62 that guides the service cover 90 as it makes a circular movement around the support shaft 61. The service cover 90 has a bearing hole 94 into which the support shaft 61 is inserted. The service cover 90 is provided so as to be capable of circular movement around the support shaft 61 between a first position and a second position.

[0081] According to this configuration, when the service cover 90 is attached to the first housing 40, it is attached to the first housing 40 so as to be movable between a first position exposing the working hole 51X and a second position closing the working hole 51X. Therefore, the service cover 90 can be attached to the first housing 40 in advance before the mating second connector 200 is connected to the first connector 10. Therefore, when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 200, the service cover 90 attached to the first housing 40 in advance can be used to close the working hole 51X. As a result, when closing the working hole 51X, the work 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. This improves the assembly workability of the connector assembly 1. This is particularly effective when automating the connection work between the first connector 10 and the second connector 200. Specifically, this reduces the number of parts added to the manufacturing line during the assembly work of the connector assembly 1, making it easier to automate the assembly process of the connector assembly 1.

[0082] (2) Furthermore, the first housing 40 is provided with a support shaft 61 and a first guide portion 62 that guides the service cover 90 as it makes a circular motion around the support shaft 61. Therefore, as the service cover 90 makes a circular motion around the support shaft 61 of the first housing 40, the service cover 90 is guided by the first guide portion 62 of the first housing 40. This allows the service cover 90 to move stably when making a circular motion between the first position and the second position.

[0083] (3) When attached to the first housing 40, the service cover 90 is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position, which is a position closer to the second position in a first opposite direction X2 that is the opposite direction to the first direction X1. The service cover 90 is capable of circular movement from the first position to the third position. The service cover 90 is slidable from the third position to the second position along the first direction X1.

[0084] With this configuration, the service cover 90 can be caused to circularly move from the first position to the third position and can also be caused to translate from the third position to the second position along the first direction X1. This allows the service cover 90 to move from the first position to the second position using a combination of circular movement and translation. Therefore, the occurrence of stick-slip can be reduced compared to when the service cover 90 is moved from the first position to the second position using only translation.

[0085] (4) When the service cover 90 slides in the first direction X1, the service cover 90 is guided by the second guide portions 63, 64 of the first housing 40. This allows the service cover 90 to move stably when sliding the service cover 90 in the first direction X1 between the third position and the second position.

[0086] (5) When the service cover 90 is disposed in the second position, the engaging portion 66 of the first housing 40 and the bearing hole 94 of the service cover 90 are engaged with each other. This makes it possible to preferably maintain the state in which the service cover 90 is disposed in the second position, i.e., the state in which the service hole 51X is blocked by the service cover 90.

[0087] (6) The first housing 40 has a support portion 65 that supports the service cover 90 when it is positioned in the first position. The support portion 65 allows the service cover 90 to maintain a suitable position when it is positioned in the first position.

[0088] (7) When the service cover 90 is positioned in the second position, the tubular portion 52 of the first housing 40 and the seal member 70 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 52 are fitted into the fitting tubular portion 92 of the service cover 90. Therefore, when the service cover 90 is positioned in the second position, the seal member 70 can seal between the inner peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 92 and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 52. This effectively prevents liquids such as water from entering the inside of the first housing 40 through a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 92 and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 52.

[0089] (8) The seal holder 53 attached to the inside of the tubular portion 52 has a protruding portion 53A that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 52 and is engageable with the seal member 70. With this configuration, the protruding portion 53A of the seal holder 53 restricts movement of the seal member 70 in the first opposite direction X2. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the seal member 70 from coming out of the tubular portion 52.

[0090] (9) When the service cover 90 makes a circular movement around the support shaft 61 of the first housing 40, the protruding piece 96 of the service cover 90 is guided by the first guide portion 62 of the first housing 40. This allows the service cover 90 to move stably when making a circular movement between the first position and the second position.

[0091] (Modifications) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0092] The structure of the service cover 90 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The protruding piece 96 may be omitted. The number of bearing holes 94 is not particularly limited. The number of bearing holes 94 may be one, or may be three or more.

[0093] The fitting cylindrical portion 92 may be omitted. In this case, the seal member 70 may be omitted. The structure of the first housing 40 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The seal holder 56 may be omitted.

[0094] The seal holder 53 may be omitted. The cylindrical portion 52 may be omitted. The structure of the fit detection portion 57 may be changed as appropriate.

[0095] The fit detection portion 57 may be omitted. In this case, the fit detection member 80 may be omitted. The structure of the attachment portion 60 may be modified as appropriate.

[0096] The support portion 65 may be omitted. The second guide portion 64 may be omitted. The second guide portion 63 may be omitted.

[0097] The guide surface 66A of the engaging portion 66 may be omitted. The engaging portion 66 may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the fitting cylindrical portion 92 of the service cover 90 is fitted to the outside of the cylindrical portion 52 of the first housing 40, but this is not limiting. For example, the fitting cylindrical portion 92 may be fitted to the inside of the cylindrical portion 52. In this case, the seal member 70 may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 92.

[0098] The structure of the bolt 35 in the above embodiment may be modified as needed. For example, the insulating cap 36 may be omitted. The structure of the retainer 75 in the above embodiment may be modified as needed.

[0099] The retainer 75 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 this is not limiting. The first terminal 30 and the core wire 21 may be separate components, and the first terminal 30 and the core wire 21 may be joined by crimping, welding, or the like.

[0100] The structure of the second connector 200 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The bolt holes 211 may be formed to penetrate the second terminals 210 in the first direction X1.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 200 along the first direction X1, but this is not limiting. For example, the first connector 10 may be connected to the second connector 200 along the second direction Y1.

[0102] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0103] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 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, 51...main body cylindrical portion, 51A...circumferential wall, 51X...operation hole, 52...cylindrical portion, 53...seal holder, 53A...protrusion, 55...fitting cylindrical portion, 56...seal holder, 56A...protrusion, 57...fitting detection portion, 60...mounting portion, 61...support shaft, 61A...base portion, 61B...engaging portion, 62...first guide portion, 63, 64 ...second guide portion, 65...support portion, 65A...support surface, 66...engagement portion, 66A...guiding surface, 70, 71, 72...sealing member, 75...retainer, 80...mating detection member, 90...service cover, 91...main body, 92...mating cylindrical portion, 93...frame body, 94...bearing hole, 95...blocking portion, 96...protruding piece, 200...second connector, 210...second terminal, 211...bolt hole, 220...second housing, 221...mating cylindrical portion, 222...terminal holding portion, 223...fixing portion, 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, and a service cover that is attached to the first housing and can close the working hole. 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 of being attached to the first housing. The first housing has a support shaft and a first guide portion that guides the service cover when the service cover moves in a circular motion about the support shaft. The service cover has a bearing hole into which the support shaft is inserted, and the service cover is provided so as to be capable of the circular motion between the first position and the second position. Connector.

2. The service cover is movably provided between the first position, the second position, and a third position that is a position in the opposite direction of the first direction (the first opposite direction) from the second position in a state of being attached to the first housing. The service cover is provided so as to be capable of the circular motion from the first position to the third position, and the service cover is provided so as to be slidable along the first direction from the third position to the second position. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The first housing further has a second guide portion that guides the service cover when the service cover slides along the first direction. The connector according to claim 2.

4. The first housing further has an engaging portion that can engage with the bearing hole, and the engaging portion engages with the bearing hole in a state where the service cover is disposed at the second position. The connector according to claim 1.

5. The first housing further has a support portion that supports the service cover disposed at the first position. The connector according to claim 1.

6. The first housing has a cylindrical portion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first housing and communicates with the working 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 working hole and a fitting cylindrical portion that protrudes from the main body portion in the first direction. 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. The seal member seals between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and the inner peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion. The connector according to claim 1.

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 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 is engageable with the seal member. The connector according to claim 6.

8. The service cover has a frame body that protrudes from the main body portion in the first direction and a protruding piece that protrudes from the tip of the frame body in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The bearing hole is provided in the frame body. The protruding piece is guided by the first guide portion when the service cover performs the circular motion. The connector according to claim 6.

9. A first connector that is the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a second connector connected to the first connector. The second connector has a second terminal connected to the first terminal and a second housing that holds the second terminal and is fitted to the first housing. A connector assembly.

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