Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a connector and a connector assembly capable of improving assembly workability. A first connector (10) includes a first terminal (20), a first housing (30) that holds the first terminal (20), and a work hole (32X) that penetrates the first housing (30) in a first direction (X1) and exposes the first terminal (20). The first connector (10) includes a service cover (60) attached to the first housing (30) and capable of closing the work hole (32X). In a state in which the service cover (60) is attached to the first housing (30), the service cover (60) is provided so as to be movable between a first position where the work hole (32X) is exposed and a second position where the work hole (32X) is closed. The service cover (60) is provided so as to be slidable between the first position and the second position along a second direction (Y1) orthogonal to the first direction (X1).

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 a case of an electrical device, a second connector attached to an end of an electric wire and electrically connected to the first connector, and a service cover (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The first connector has a first terminal and a first housing that holds the first terminal. The second connector has a second terminal connected to an end of the electric wire 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, when attached to the first housing, is movable between a first position that exposes the working hole and a second position that closes the working hole, and the service cover is slidable between the first position and the second position along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[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 an exploded perspective view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4) showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a first connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a first connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7) showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a portion of the first connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a service cover according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector assembly according to a modified example.

[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, wherein the service cover is provided so as to be movable, when attached to the first housing, between a first position that exposes the access hole and a second position that closes the access hole, and the service cover is provided so as to be slidable between the first position and the second position along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

[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 service cover can be slid in the second direction between the first position and the second position. That is, the service cover can be translated between the first position and the second position. In other words, the service cover can be moved from the first position to the second position using translation. This facilitates automation of the operation of moving the service cover from the first position to the second position. As a result, the assembly workability of the connector assembly can be improved.

[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 that is a position separated from the second position in the first direction and a position separated from the first position in the second direction, and the service cover may be slidable along the second direction from the first position to the third position, and the service cover may be slidable along the first direction from the third position to the second position.

[0013] With this configuration, the service cover can be translated from the first position to the third position, and from the third position to the second position. This allows the service cover to be moved from the first position to the second position using only translation. This makes it easier to automate the process of moving the service cover from the first position to the second position. As a result, the assembly workability of the connector assembly can be improved.

[0014] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the first housing may have a housing main body and an attachment portion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body, the attachment portion having a rail portion extending along the second direction, and the service cover may have a main body portion that blocks the work hole and a slider that is slidable relative to the rail portion.

[0015] With this configuration, the service cover slides in the second direction when the slider slides relative to the rail portion. This allows the service cover to slide while the slider is guided by the rail portion. This allows the service cover to move in a stable parallel motion.

[0016] [4] In the above [3], the mounting portion may further have a first engagement portion, the service cover may further have a second engagement portion that is engageable with the first engagement portion, and the second engagement portion may engage with the first engagement portion 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 first engaging portion of the mounting portion and the second engaging portion 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 the above [3] or [4], the first housing may further have a first mating detection portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing body, the service cover may further have a second mating detection portion that can engage with the first mating detection portion, the second mating detection portion may be configured to engage with the first mating detection portion when the service cover is positioned at the first position, and when a second housing of a mating connector is mated with the first housing, the second mating detection portion may be disengaged from the first mating detection portion by a protrusion on the second housing.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the service cover is positioned in the first position, the first mating detection portion of the first housing and the second mating detection portion of the service cover engage with each other. This effectively prevents the service cover from moving when positioned in the first position. Furthermore, when the second housing is properly mated to the first housing, the engagement between the first mating detection portion and the second mating detection portion is released. Therefore, when the second housing is properly mated to the first housing, the service cover becomes movable. In other words, by detecting that the service cover is movable, it is possible to detect that the second housing is properly mated to the first housing.

[0020] [6] In any of [3] to [5] above, the first housing may have a tubular portion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body and communicates with the work hole, and the service cover may have a fitting tubular portion that protrudes from the main body in the first direction and can be fitted into the inside of the tubular portion, and a sealing member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion, and the fitting tubular portion is configured to be fitted into the inside 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 fitting tubular portion and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion.

[0021] With this configuration, when the service cover is positioned in the second position, the fitting cylindrical portion of the service cover and the seal member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion are fitted inside the cylindrical portion of the first housing. Therefore, when the service cover is positioned in the second position, the seal member can seal between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. This effectively prevents liquids such as water from entering the inside of the first housing through a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0022] [7] In the above [6], the service cover has a retaining protrusion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion, and the sealing member is provided between the main body portion and the retaining protrusion in the first direction, and the retaining protrusion may be engageable with the sealing member.

[0023]

[0014] According to this configuration, the anti-detachment protrusion restricts movement of the seal member in the first direction. This effectively prevents the seal member from coming off the fitting tubular portion. [8] In any of the above [3] to [7], the service cover may have an interlock connector provided on the main body portion, the connector having an internal connector provided inside the first housing and matable with the interlock connector, the interlock connector mating with the internal connector along the first direction and mating with the internal connector when the service cover is positioned at the second position.

[0024] With this configuration, by fitting the interlock connector to the internal connector, it is possible to ensure that the service cover is attached to the first housing when it is placed in the second position.

[0025] [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 along the second direction.

[0026] 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 the drawings. In this specification, "orthogonal" and "parallel" do not necessarily refer to strictly orthogonal or parallel connections, but also include approximately orthogonal or parallel connections within the scope of the present embodiment's effects. The term "cylindrical" used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical structure formed by assembling multiple components, or a cylindrical structure with a notch in the circumferential direction, such as a C-shape or U-shape. The term "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with pointed or rounded corners. 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.

[0027] (Overall Configuration of Connector Assembly 1) As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the connector assembly 1 includes a first connector 10 and a second connector 100 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 attached to an attachment target, such as a case of an electrical equipment (not shown). In other words, the first connector 10 is an equipment connector. The first connector 10 is configured to be detachable from the second connector 100, which is a mating connector.

[0028] The first connector 10 has one or more (two in this embodiment) first terminals 20, a first housing 30 that holds the first terminals 20, and a service cover 60 attached to the first housing 30.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the second connector 100 has one or more (two in this embodiment) second terminals 110 connected to ends of one or more (two in this embodiment) electric wires 90, respectively, and a second housing 120 that holds the second terminals 110. The second connector 100 has anti-detachment bolts 130 assembled to the second terminals 110, and a seal member 140 that fits around the outer periphery of the second housing 120. As shown in Fig. 5, the second connector 100 has one or more (two in this embodiment) seal members 150 that fit inside the second housing 120, and a retainer 160 that prevents the seal member 150 from coming off.

[0030] 2 and 3 , the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 are assembled together along the second direction Y1. For example, the second housing 120 of the second connector 100 is fitted into the first housing 30 of the first connector 10 along the second direction Y1. Note that the directions in the drawings do not necessarily represent the orientations of the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 when in use. Furthermore, the directions in the second connector 100 are described based on the state in which the second connector 100 is assembled to the first connector 10.

[0031] (Configuration of Electric Wire 90) As shown in Fig. 5, each electric wire 90 has a conductive core wire 91 and an insulating coating 92 that surrounds the core wire 91 and has insulating properties. The core wire 91 may be, for example, a stranded wire made of a plurality of metal wires twisted together or a single-core wire made of a single conductor. The core wire 91 may be made of, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material. The insulating coating 92 covers, for example, the outer circumferential surface of the core wire 91 over the entire circumferential direction. The insulating coating 92 may be made of, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0032] An end of the core wire 91 in the second direction Y1 is exposed from the insulating coating 92. A second terminal 110 is connected to the end of the core wire 91 in the second direction Y1 exposed from the insulating coating 92. (Specific Structure of the Second Connector 100) As shown in FIG. 2 , two second terminals 110 are arranged side by side along the third direction Z1, for example. The two second terminals 110 are electrically connected to two electric wires 90, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5 , each second terminal 110 has, for example, an electric wire connection portion 111 connected to an end of the electric wire 90 and a terminal connection portion 112. The material of each second terminal 110 can be, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material.

[0033] The electric wire connection portion 111 is connected to an end of the core wire 91 exposed from the insulating coating 92. The electric wire connection portion 111 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The electric wire connection portion 111 is connected to the core wire 91 by, for example, crimping or ultrasonic welding. This electrically and mechanically connects the electric wire connection portion 111 and the core wire 91.

[0034] The terminal connection portion 112 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The terminal connection portion 112 extends, for example, from the wire connection portion 111 along the second direction Y1. The terminal connection portion 112 has a second bolt hole 113 that penetrates the terminal connection portion 112 in the first direction X1. The second bolt hole 113 is provided in an end region of the terminal connection portion 112 in the second direction Y1. A fall-off prevention bolt 130 is inserted into the second bolt hole 113 along the first direction X1.

[0035] (Configuration of Fall-Off Prevention Bolt 130) As shown in Fig. 2, fall-off prevention bolt 130 is assembled to second terminal 110 by being passed through second bolt hole 113. Fall-off prevention bolt 130 is passed through second bolt hole 113 before second connector 100 is connected to first connector 10. In other words, second connector 100 is fitted to first connector 10 with fall-off prevention bolt 130 passing through second bolt hole 113. Fall-off prevention bolt 130 is configured so as not to fall off second bolt hole 113 in first direction X1 and first opposite direction X2 after being assembled into second bolt hole 113. Fall-off prevention bolt 130 is made of metal.

[0036] (Configuration of second housing 120) The second housing 120 has, for example, a main body 121, a wire holding portion 122 protruding from the main body 121 in the second opposite direction Y2, and a terminal holding portion 123 protruding from the main body 121 in the second direction Y1. The second housing 120 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0037] The main body 121 is formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the main body 121 is formed in a flat shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the X-axis direction. A seal member 140 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 121. The seal member 140 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential direction of the main body 121. The seal member 140 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the second housing 120 and the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 30. The seal member 140 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0038] The second housing 120 has, for example, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) wire holding portions 122 arranged in the third direction Z1. Each wire holding portion 122 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 5 , each wire holding portion 122 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the electric wire 90. An end portion of the electric wire 90 in the second direction Y1 is held inside each wire holding portion 122. A connection portion between a core wire 91 of the electric wire 90 and an electric wire connection portion 111 of the second terminal 110 is housed inside each wire holding portion 122.

[0039] 2, the second housing 120 has, for example, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) terminal holding portions 123 aligned in the third direction Z1. Each terminal holding portion 123 is formed, for example, to cover a portion of the outer periphery of the terminal connection portion 112 of the second terminal 110. Each terminal holding portion 123 is formed, for example, to expose the fall-off prevention bolt 130 assembled to the second terminal 110 to the outside.

[0040] The second housing 120 has a disengagement portion 125. The disengagement portion 125 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 121. The disengagement portion 125 has a protrusion 126 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 121 and a projection 127 that protrudes from the protrusion 126 toward the first connector 10. The projection 126 protrudes, for example, from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 121 in the first opposite direction X2. The projection 127 protrudes, for example, from an end face of the protrusion 126 in the second direction Y1 in the second direction Y1.

[0041] 5 , each seal member 150 is attached to each electric wire 90. Each seal member 150 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insulating coating 92 of each electric wire 90. Each seal member 150 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 90 and the inner peripheral surface of the electric wire holding portion 122. Each seal member 150 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0042] The retainer 160 is attached to, for example, the end of the second housing 120 in the second opposite direction Y2. The retainer 160 prevents the seal member 150 from coming off the second housing 120.

[0043] 3, the two first terminals 20 are arranged side by side in the third direction Z1. The two first terminals 20 are formed integrally with the first housing 30 by insert molding, for example. The first terminals 20 may be made of a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material, for example.

[0044] Each first terminal 20 is formed in a flat plate shape. Each first terminal 20 extends along the Y-axis direction. The end of each first terminal 20 in the second opposite direction Y2 is formed, for example, in a bifurcated fork shape. That is, each first terminal 20 is a fork-type terminal. Each first terminal 20 has, for example, a first bolt hole 21 formed in a notch shape. Each first bolt hole 21 is formed so that the first terminal 20 is notched from the end face of the first terminal 20 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the second direction Y1. Each first bolt hole 21 extends along the second direction Y1. Each first bolt hole 21 penetrates the first terminal 20 in the first direction X1. Each first bolt hole 21 is open in both the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2, and also opens in the second opposite direction Y2. Each first bolt hole 21 is provided in the middle of the first terminal 20 in the width direction (here, the Z-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 5, a fall-off prevention bolt 130 can enter each first bolt hole 21 along the second direction Y1.

[0045] When the second connector 100 is connected to the first connector 10, the first terminal 20 is overlapped with the second terminal 110 in the first direction X1. The first terminal 20 is bolt-fastened to the second terminal 110 by a fall-off prevention bolt 130 and a nut 25 provided inside the first housing 30. Note that the nut 25 is housed inside the first housing 30 before the second connector 100 is connected to the first connector 10.

[0046] 3, the first housing 30 includes, for example, a housing main body 31 and a guide member 55. The housing main body 31 is, for example, a separate part from the guide member 55. The housing main body 31 and the guide member 55 are each made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0047] 5, the housing main body 31 has, for example, a fitting cylindrical portion 32 that fits with the second housing 120, and a terminal accommodating portion 33 that protrudes in the second direction Y1 from the fitting cylindrical portion 32. The housing main body 31 has a fixing portion 34 that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 32.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3, the fitting cylindrical portion 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the fitting cylindrical portion 32 is formed in a flat shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the X-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 5, the fitting cylindrical portion 32 is formed in a size that allows a part of the main body portion 121 and the terminal holding portion 123 of the second housing 120 to be inserted therein. The fitting cylindrical portion 32 accommodates the end portion of the first terminal 20 in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0049] The fitting cylindrical portion 32 has a working hole 32X that penetrates the fitting cylindrical portion 32 in the radial direction. The working hole 32X is formed to penetrate, in the first direction X1, a peripheral wall 32A of the fitting cylindrical portion 32 that is provided in the first opposite direction X2. The working hole 32X is formed, for example, to expose the head of the fall-off prevention bolt 130 when the second connector 100 is properly mated with the first connector 10. The working hole 32X is formed, for example, to expose the heads of multiple fall-off prevention bolts 130 collectively.

[0050] 6 , the housing main body 31 has, for example, a tubular portion 35 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 32A of the fitting tubular portion 32, in this case, in the first opposite direction X2. The tubular portion 35 is provided so as to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 32A that defines the working hole 32X. In a plan view seen from the X-axis direction, the tubular portion 35 is formed to surround the working hole 32X. The internal space of the tubular portion 35 communicates with the working hole 32X. The planar shape of the tubular portion 35 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.

[0051] 2 , the housing main body 31 has, for example, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) terminal accommodating portions 33 aligned in the third direction Z1. Each terminal accommodating portion 33 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. Each terminal accommodating portion 33 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the first terminal 20. For example, each terminal accommodating portion 33 surrounds the outer periphery of the first terminal 20 over the entire circumferential direction. Note that each first terminal 20 penetrates the terminal accommodating portion 33 in the second direction Y1 and is drawn out to the outside of the first housing 30.

[0052] The fixing portion 34 is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 32. For example, the fixing portion 34 is formed to protrude radially outward over the entire circumferential circumference of the fitting cylindrical portion 32. The fixing portion 34 is fixed to, for example, the outer surface of a case of an electrical device (not shown).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6 , the housing body 31 has an attachment portion 40 to which the service cover 60 is attached, and a mating detection portion 50 for detecting the mating of the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 .

[0054] The mounting portions 40 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 32A of the fitting cylindrical portion 32, on which the cylindrical portion 35 is provided. The mounting portions 40 protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 32A, in this case, toward the first opposite direction X2. The mounting portions 40 are provided on both sides of the cylindrical portion 35 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the housing main body 31 has a pair of mounting portions 40 provided on both sides of the cylindrical portion 35 so as to sandwich the cylindrical portion 35 therebetween. Each mounting portion 40 extends, for example, along the second direction Y1. Each mounting portion 40 extends, for example, from the fixing portion 34 to a middle position of the peripheral wall 32A in the Y-axis direction.

[0055] 7, each mounting portion 40 has, for example, two rail portions 41. The two rail portions 41 are arranged side by side along the Z-axis direction. Each rail portion 41 is arranged at a middle position of the mounting portion 40 in the X-axis direction. The two rail portions 41 are arranged at the same position as each other in the X-axis direction, for example.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8 , each rail portion 41 extends along the second direction Y1. Each rail portion 41 extends linearly. Each rail portion 41 extends along the second direction Y1 from the end face of the mounting portion 40 in the second opposite direction Y2. In other words, each rail portion 41 opens in the second opposite direction Y2. The two rail portions 41 have different length dimensions in the second direction Y1. Of the two rail portions 41, the rail portion 41 located closer to the cylindrical portion 35 has a larger length dimension in the second direction Y1. The inner end of each rail portion 41, i.e., the end of each rail portion 41 in the second direction Y1, is closed. Each rail portion 41 is formed to a size that allows the slider 66 of the service cover 60 to fit therewith.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7 , each rail portion 41 has a bottom wall 42 and a ceiling wall 43. The bottom wall 42 is engageable with the slider 66 in the X-axis direction. The bottom wall 42 restricts movement of the slider 66 in the first direction X1. The ceiling wall 43 is engageable with the slider 66 in the X-axis direction. The ceiling wall 43 restricts movement of the slider 66 in the first opposite direction X2. The ceiling wall 43 is provided, for example, at the end of the mounting portion 40 in the first opposite direction X2 in the X-axis direction. The ceiling wall 43 has, for example, a slit 44 penetrating the ceiling wall 43 in the thickness direction. The slit 44 is formed to a size that allows the connecting protrusion 65 connected to the slider 66 to fit therein.

[0058] 8, a through hole 45 is provided at the innermost end of each rail portion 41. The through hole 45 is formed, for example, so as to penetrate through the bottom wall 42 in the thickness direction. The through hole 45 is formed to a size that allows the slider 66 to fit therein.

[0059] 6, each mounting portion 40 has a guide protrusion 46 provided on the outer surface of the mounting portion 40 and an engagement portion 47 provided on the outer surface of the mounting portion 40. Here, the outer surface of each mounting portion 40 is the end face of the mounting portion 40 in the Z-axis direction that is provided at a position away from the tubular portion 35.

[0060] The guide protrusion 46 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the mounting portion 40. For example, the guide protrusion 46 has an overall L-shaped planar shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. For example, the guide protrusion 46 extends along the X-axis direction from the edge of the outer surface of the mounting portion 40 in the first opposite direction X2, at the edge of the outer surface of the mounting portion 40 in the second opposite direction Y2. For example, the guide protrusion 46 extends along the second direction Y1 from the edge of the outer surface of the mounting portion 40 in the second opposite direction Y2 to a midpoint in the Y-axis direction.

[0061] The engaging portion 47 is, for example, an engaging protrusion that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the mounting portion 40. The engaging portion 47 is provided at a position spaced apart from the guide protrusion 46 in the second direction Y1. The engaging portion 47 extends along the X-axis direction. For example, the engaging portion 47 is provided at the same position in the X-axis direction as the portion of the guide protrusion 46 that extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0062] The mounting portions 40 have, for example, protrusions 48 that protrude from the inner surface of each mounting portion 40 toward the other mounting portion 40. The protrusions 48 are provided, for example, at the ends of the mounting portions 40 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0063] The fit detection portion 50 is provided, for example, on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 32A on which the cylindrical portion 35 of the fit tubular portion 32 is provided. The fit detection portion 50 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 32A, in this case, in the first opposite direction X2. The fit detection portion 50 is provided, for example, at a position facing the second opposite direction Y2 from the attachment portion 40.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9 , the fit detection unit 50 has an engagement portion 51. The engagement portion 51 is located away from the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 32A in the first opposite direction X2. The engagement portion 51 is, for example, an engagement wall extending along the X-axis direction. The fit detection unit 50 has a cylindrical portion 52 located at the protruding tip of the fit detection unit 50 and a notch 53 formed by cutting out a portion of the cylindrical portion 52. The cylindrical portion 52 penetrates, for example, in the Y-axis direction. That is, the cylindrical portion 52 opens in both the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2. The notch 53 is formed, for example, by cutting out the cylindrical portion 52 from the end face of the cylindrical portion 52 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the second direction Y1. Note that the engagement portion 51 is formed by the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 52 that is exposed by the notch 53.

[0065] (Configuration of Guide Member 55) As shown in Fig. 5, the guide member 55 is attached inside the housing main body 31. The guide member 55 has an inclined surface 56. The inclined surface 56 faces, for example, the second opposite direction Y2 and the first opposite direction X2. The inclined surface 56 is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. The inclined surface 56 is inclined toward the first opposite direction X2 from the end of the inclined surface 56 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the end of the inclined surface 56 in the second direction Y1. The inclined surface 56 guides, for example, the fall-off prevention bolt 130 to directly above the nut 25 while it is assembled to the second terminal 110.

[0066] (Configuration of the Service Cover 60) As shown in FIG. 2 , the service cover 60 is attached to the attachment portion 40 of the first housing 30. The service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 before the second connector 100 is connected to the first connector 10. That is, the service cover 60 is integrated with the first housing 30 before the second connector 100 is connected to the first connector 10. When attached to the first housing 30, the service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 so as to be movable between a first position (see FIG. 2 ) that exposes the working hole 32X of the first housing 30 and a second position (see FIG. 1 ) that closes the working hole 32X. The service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 so as to be movable to a third position (see FIG. 13 ) that is a position extending from the first position in the second direction Y1 and a position extending from the second position in the first opposite direction X2. The service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 so as to be slidable in the second direction Y1 between the first position and the third position. The service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 so as to be slidable in the first direction X1 between the third position and the second position.

[0067] 10 , the service cover 60 includes, for example, a main body 61, fitting cylindrical portions 62 and 63, an extension portion 64, a connecting protrusion 65, a slider 66, an engaging portion 67, and a fitting detection portion 70. The service cover 60 is a single component in which, for example, the main body 61, the fitting cylindrical portions 62 and 63, the extension portion 64, the connecting protrusion 65, the slider 66, the engaging portion 67, and the fitting detection portion 70 are continuously and integrally formed. The service cover 60 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 6, the main body 61 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The main body 61 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 61 is arranged to close the working hole 32X when the service cover 60 is positioned in the second position.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10 , the fitting tubular portions 62, 63 protrude in the first direction X1 from the end surface of the main body 61 in the first direction X1. The fitting tubular portions 62, 63 are formed, for example, in a flat tubular shape that is longer in the Z-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. The fitting tubular portion 63 is arranged to surround the fitting tubular portion 62 from the outside. As shown in FIG. 5 , when the service cover 60 is positioned in the second position, the fitting tubular portion 62 is fitted inside the tubular portion 35, and the fitting tubular portion 63 is fitted outside the tubular portion 35. A seal member 80 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 62. The seal member 80 is formed continuously around the entire circumferential direction of the fitting tubular portion 62. The seal member 80 provides a seal between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 62 and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 35. The seal member 80 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0070] The fitting cylindrical portion 62 is provided with, for example, a retaining protrusion 62A that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 62. The retaining protrusion 62A is engageable with the seal member 80. The retaining protrusion 62A restricts movement of the seal member 80 in the first direction X1. The retaining protrusion 62A is provided, for example, at the end of the fitting cylindrical portion 62 in the first direction X1. The seal member 80 is provided between the main body portion 61 and the retaining protrusion 62A in the X-axis direction.

[0071] 6, a connecting wall 61A is provided at the end in the Z-axis direction of the main body 61. The connecting wall 61A protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 beyond the end face of the main body 61 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0072] The extension portions 64 are formed to extend outward in the Z-axis direction from the main body portion 61. The extension portions 64 protrude outward in the Z-axis direction from the end portion of the connecting wall 61A in the first opposite direction X2. The extension portions 64 are provided on both sides of the main body portion 61 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the service cover 60 has a pair of extension portions 64 provided on both sides of the main body portion 61 so as to sandwich the main body portion 61 therebetween. The pair of extension portions 64 are provided corresponding to the pair of mounting portions 40, respectively. Each extension portion 64 is provided, for example, at a position closer to the main body portion 61 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 , for example, two connecting protrusions 65 are provided on the end surface of each extension portion 64 in the first direction X1. Each connecting protrusion 65 connects the main body portion 61 and the slider 66. The two connecting protrusions 65 are provided between the connecting wall 61A and the engagement portion 67 in the Z-axis direction. Each connecting protrusion 65 protrudes in the first direction X1 from the end surface of the extension portion 64 in the first direction X1. The connecting protrusions 65 are formed in a columnar shape extending along the first direction X1. Each connecting protrusion 65 is formed to be able to penetrate a slit 44 formed in the ceiling wall 43 of the rail portion 41. A slider 66 is provided at the tip of each connecting protrusion 65. For example, each slider 66 is formed to protrude further than the connecting protrusion 65 in both the third direction Z1 and the third opposite direction Z2. Each slider 66 is formed to be able to fit inside the rail portion 41.

[0074] The two connecting protrusions 65 are arranged side by side along the Z-axis direction. The two sliders 66 are arranged side by side along the Z-axis direction. The two sliders 66 are arranged, for example, at the same position in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 8 , the two sliders 66 are arranged at different positions in the Y-axis direction.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 10 , for example, one engagement portion 67 is provided on the end surface of each extension portion 64 in the first direction X1. Each engagement portion 67 protrudes from the end surface of the extension portion 64 in the first direction X1 toward the first direction X1. Each engagement portion 67 is, for example, an elastic piece formed to be elastically deformable in the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 6 , each engagement portion 67 is, for example, formed on a rectangular frame body and has an engagement hole in the center of the frame body that can engage with the engagement portion 47. The engagement portion 67 and the engagement portion 47 are engaged with each other, for example, by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the engagement portion 67. When the service cover 60 is disposed in the second position, the engagement portion 67 and the engagement portion 47 are engaged with each other. The engagement between the engagement portion 67 and the engagement portion 47 maintains the service cover 60 attached to the first housing 30 in the second position.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 10, the outer surface of each connecting wall 61A is provided with one or more (two in this embodiment) engaging protrusions 68. As shown in Fig. 7, each engaging protrusion 68 protrudes from the outer surface of the connecting wall 61A toward the mounting portion 40. Each engaging protrusion 68 is provided so as to engage with the protrusion 48 of the mounting portion 40 in the first opposite direction X2 when, for example, the service cover 60 is disposed in the first position.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8 , the mating detection portion 70 protrudes from the mating cylindrical portion 63 in the second opposite direction Y2, for example. The mating detection portion 70 is, for example, an elastic piece formed to be elastically deformable in the Z-axis direction. The mating detection portion 70 is formed in a cantilever shape with a base end connected to the mating cylindrical portion 63 as a fixed end and a tip end opposite the base end as a free end. The mating detection portion 70 is configured to bend in the Z-axis direction due to elastic deformation. The mating detection portion 70 is capable of entering the interior of the cylindrical portion 52 of the mating detection portion 50. The mating detection portion 70 has an engaging protrusion 71 provided at the tip of the mating detection portion 70. The engaging protrusion 71 protrudes from the tip of the mating detection portion 70 in the third direction Z1, for example. The engaging protrusion 71 is engageable with the engaging portion 51 in the second direction Y1. When the service cover 60 is disposed in the first position, the engaging projection 71 of the mating detection unit 70 engages with the engaging portion 51 of the mating detection unit 50. When the mating detection units 50, 70 are engaged with each other, movement of the service cover 60 from the first position is restricted. Therefore, the mating detection units 50, 70 (the engaging portion 51 and the engaging projection 71) also function as a movement restriction unit that restricts movement of the service cover 60 before the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 are connected (before mating).

[0078] (Method of Manufacturing Connector Assembly 1) Next, a method of manufacturing the connector assembly 1 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 8 , a first connector 10 is prepared, which includes first terminals 20, a first housing 30 that holds the first terminals 20, and a service cover 60 attached to the first housing 30. At this time, the service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 in advance before the second connector 100 is connected to the first connector 10. That is, the service cover 60 is integrated with the first housing 30 in advance. More specifically, the service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 in advance while positioned at a first position that exposes the working hole 32X. Specifically, the service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 in advance with the sliders 66 fitted to the rail portions 41 of the first housing 30 and with the mating detection portions 50 and 70 engaged with each other in the second direction Y1. At this time, the engagement between the fitting detection portion 50 and the fitting detection portion 70 restricts movement of the service cover 60 in the second direction Y1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , the engagement projection 68 of the service cover 60 engages with the protrusion 48 of the mounting portion 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The engagement between the engagement projection 68 and the protrusion 48 restricts movement of the service cover 60 in the first opposite direction X2. The engagement portion 67 of the service cover 60 is supported by the guide projection 46 of the mounting portion 40.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 8, a second connector 100 is prepared, which includes second terminals 110 to which fall-off prevention bolts 130 are assembled, and a second housing 120 that holds the second terminals 110.

[0080] Next, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the second housing 120 of the second connector 100 is mated with the first housing 30 of the first connector 10 along the second direction Y1. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the second housing 120 is properly mated with the first housing 30, the protrusion 127 of the second housing 120 enters the interior of the mating detection portion 50 and comes into contact with the engaging protrusion 71 of the mating detection portion 70. This contact with the protrusion 127 causes the mating detection portion 70 to elastically deform and bend in the third opposite direction Z2. This disengages the mating detection portion 50 from the mating detection portion 70. This allows the service cover 60 to move in the second direction Y1. That is, when the second housing 120 is properly mated with the first housing 30, the service cover 60 can move in the second direction Y1. In other words, if the service cover 60 is able to move in the second direction Y1, it can be detected that the second housing 120 is properly fitted to the first housing 30.

[0081] Furthermore, when the second housing 120 is properly fitted to the first housing 30, the first terminal 20 and the second terminal 110 are overlapped in the X-axis direction, and the head of the fall-off prevention bolt 130 is exposed in the working hole 32X.

[0082] Next, the fall-prevention bolt 130 is screwed into the nut 25 (see FIG. 5 ). A tool for tightening the fall-prevention bolt 130 and the nut 25 is inserted into the inside of the first housing 30 through the working hole 32X of the first connector 10. When the fall-prevention bolt 130 is screwed into the nut 25, the first terminal 20 and the second terminal 110 are bolted together, and the first terminal 20 and the second terminal 110 are electrically connected to each other.

[0083] 13 , the service cover 60, which has been positioned at the first position (see FIG. 12 ), is slid in the second direction Y1 to the third position. The service cover 60 is slid in the second direction Y1 with the slider 66 (see FIG. 7 ) engaged with the rail portion 41. During this movement, the engagement portion 67 of the service cover 60 is guided by the guide protrusion 46 of the mounting portion 40. Here, in the service cover 60 positioned at the third position, the main body portion 61 faces the tubular portion 35, and the fitting tubular portion 63 is spaced apart from the tubular portion 35 in the first direction X1.

[0084] Next, in the step shown in FIG. 14 , the service cover 60, which was disposed at the third position (see FIG. 13 ), is slid in the first direction X1 to the second position. At this time, each slider 66 shown in FIG. 8 is fitted into the through-hole 45 provided at the rear end of each rail portion 41. The service cover 60 is then slid in the first direction X1 with each slider 66 fitted into the through-hole 45. As shown in FIG. 14 , when the service cover 60 is disposed at the second position, the engaging portion 47 engages with the engaging hole of the engaging portion 67. The engagement between the engaging portion 67 and the engaging portion 47 maintains the service cover 60 attached to the first housing 30 at the second position. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the service cover 60 is disposed at the second position, the fitting cylindrical portion 62 is fitted inside the cylindrical portion 35, and the fitting cylindrical portion 63 is fitted outside the cylindrical portion 35. Furthermore, when the service cover 60 is positioned in the second position, the sealing member 80 seals the gap between the outer surface of the fitting cylindrical portion 62 and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 35, and the main body portion 61 blocks the working hole 32X.

[0085] 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 first terminals 20, a first housing 30 that holds the first terminals 20, and working holes 32X that penetrate the first housing 30 in the first direction X1 and expose the first terminals 20. The first connector 10 has a service cover 60 that is attached to the first housing 30 and can close the working holes 32X. When attached to the first housing 30, the service cover 60 is movable between a first position that exposes the working holes 32X and a second position that closes the working holes 32X. The service cover 60 is slidable between the first position and the second position in a second direction Y1 that is perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0086] According to this configuration, when the service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30, it is attached so as to be movable between a first position exposing the working hole 32X and a second position closing the working hole 32X. Therefore, the service cover 60 can be attached to the first housing 30 in advance before the second connector 100, which is the mating connector, is connected to the first connector 10. Therefore, when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 100, the service cover 60 attached to the first housing 30 in advance can be used to close the working hole 32X. As a result, when closing the working hole 32X, the work of attaching a service cover 60 prepared separately from the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 to the first connector 10 can be omitted. This improves the ease of assembly of the connector assembly 1.

[0087] (2) This is particularly effective when automating the connection work between the first connector 10 and the second connector 100. Specifically, it is possible to reduce the number of parts that need to be 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.

[0088] (3) Furthermore, the service cover 60 can be slid along the second direction Y1 between the first position and the second position. That is, the service cover 60 can be translated between the first position and the second position. In other words, the service cover 60 can be moved from the first position to the second position using translation. This makes it easier to automate the process of moving the service cover 60 from the first position to the second position. As a result, the assembly workability of the connector assembly 1 can be improved.

[0089] (4) When attached to the first housing 30, the service cover 60 is movable among a first position, a second position, and a third position that is a position separated from the second position in the first direction X1 and separated from the first position in the second direction Y1. The service cover 60 is slidable in the second direction Y1 from the first position to the third position. The service cover 60 is slidable in the first direction X1 from the third position to the second position.

[0090] With this configuration, the service cover 60 can be translated from the first position to the third position, and also from the third position to the second position. This allows the service cover 60 to be moved from the first position to the second position using only translation. This makes it easier to automate the process of moving the service cover 60 from the first position to the second position. As a result, the assembly workability of the connector assembly 1 can be improved.

[0091] (5) The first housing 30 has a housing main body 31 and an attachment portion 40 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the housing main body 31. The attachment portion 40 has a rail portion 41 that extends along the second direction Y1. The service cover 60 has a main body portion 61 that closes the working hole 32X and a slider 66 that is slidable relative to the rail portion 41.

[0092] With this configuration, the slider 66 slides in the second direction Y1 relative to the rail portion 41, causing the service cover 60 to slide in the second direction Y1. This allows the service cover 60 to slide while the slider 66 is guided by the rail portion 41. This allows the service cover 60 to move parallel in a stable manner.

[0093] (6) When the service cover 60 is positioned in the second position, the engaging portion 47 of the mounting portion 40 and the engaging portion 67 of the service cover 60 are engaged with each other. This makes it possible to preferably maintain the state in which the service cover 60 is positioned in the second position, i.e., the state in which the service hole 32X is blocked by the service cover 60.

[0094] (7) When the service cover 60 is positioned in the first position, the mating detection portion 50 of the first housing 30 and the mating detection portion 70 of the service cover 60 are engaged with each other. This effectively prevents the service cover 60 from moving when positioned in the first position. Furthermore, when the second housing 120 is properly fitted to the first housing 30, the engagement between the mating detection portion 50 and the mating detection portion 70 is released. Therefore, when the second housing 120 is properly fitted to the first housing 30, the service cover 60 becomes movable. In other words, by detecting that the service cover 60 is movable, it is possible to detect that the second housing 120 is properly fitted to the first housing 30.

[0095] (8) When the service cover 60 is disposed in the second position, the fitting tubular portion 62 of the service cover 60 and the seal member 80 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 62 are fitted inside the tubular portion 35 of the first housing 30. Therefore, when the service cover 60 is disposed in the second position, the seal member 80 can seal between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 62 and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 35. This makes it possible to effectively prevent liquids such as water from entering the inside of the first housing 30 through a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 62 and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 35.

[0096] (9) The service cover 60 has a retaining protrusion 62A that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 62. The seal member 80 is provided between the main body portion 61 and the retaining protrusion 62A in the first direction X1. The retaining protrusion 62A is engageable with the seal member 80. With this configuration, the retaining protrusion 62A restricts movement of the seal member 80 in the first direction X1. This effectively prevents the seal member 80 from coming off the fitting tubular portion 62.

[0097] (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.

[0098] For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the interlock connector 200 may be provided on the service cover 60. Also, an internal connector 210 that can mate with the interlock connector 200 may be provided inside the first housing 30. Note that FIG. 15 illustrates only the first housing 30 as a cross section of the first housing 30 and the service cover 60. The interlock connector 200 is provided, for example, on the main body 61 of the service cover 60. The interlock connector 200 can enter the inside of the first housing 30 along the first direction X1. The interlock connector 200 can mate with the internal connector 210 along the first direction X1. When the service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 in the second position, the interlock connector 200 mates with the internal connector 210. Here, when the interlock connector 200 is mated with the internal connector 210, for example, two connection terminals (not shown) of the interlock connector 200 are electrically connected to two connection terminals (not shown) of the internal connector 210, respectively. As a result, the two connection terminals of the internal connector 210 are shorted to each other. In this manner, when the service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 in the second position, the two connection terminals of the internal connector 210 are shorted to each other. This allows a predetermined circuit connected to the two connection terminals of the internal connector 210 to recognize that the service cover 60 has been attached to the first housing 30 in the second position. Therefore, the predetermined circuit can perform appropriate processing in response to the fact that the service cover 60 has been attached to the first housing 30 in the second position. In this example, mating the interlock connector 200 with the internal connector 210 ensures that the service cover 60 has been attached to the first housing 30 in the second position.

[0099] Furthermore, when the service cover 60 is slid from the third position to the second position in the first direction X1, the interlock connector 200 can be mated with the internal connector 210 in the first direction X1.

[0100] The structure of the service cover 60 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The retaining projections 62A may be omitted. The fitting cylindrical portion 63 may be omitted.

[0101] The fitting cylindrical portion 62 may be omitted. In this case, the seal member 80 may be omitted. The structure of the fitting detection portion 70 may be changed as appropriate. The fitting detection portion 70 may be omitted. In this case, the fitting detection portion 50 of the first housing 30 may be omitted. In this case, the disengagement portion 125 of the second connector 100 may be omitted.

[0102] The engaging protrusion 68 may be omitted. The structure of the engaging portion 67 may be modified as appropriate. For example, the engaging portion 67 may be modified to an engaging protrusion that engages with the engaging portion 47 of the attachment portion 40.

[0103] The number of sliders 66 is not particularly limited. The number of sliders 66 may be one, or may be three or more. In the above embodiment, the service cover 60 is attached to the first housing 30 so as to be slidable in the second direction Y1 from the first position to the third position, and so as to be slidable in the first direction X1 from the third position to the second position. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the service cover 60 may be attached to the first housing 30 so as to be slidable in the second direction Y1 from the first position to the second position.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the seal member 80 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 62 of the service cover 60, but this is not limiting. For example, the seal member 80 may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 35. In this case, the seal member 80 may be provided to seal between the inner peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion 63 of the service cover 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 35.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the fitting cylindrical portion 62 of the service cover 60 is fitted inside the cylindrical portion 35 of the first housing 30. However, this is not limiting. For example, the fitting cylindrical portion 62 may be fitted outside the cylindrical portion 35.

[0106] The structure of the first housing 30 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The structure of the mounting portion 40 may be modified as appropriate. For example, the number of rail portions 41 is not particularly limited. The number of rail portions 41 may be one, or may be three or more.

[0107] The protruding portion 48 may be omitted. The cylindrical portion 35 may be omitted. The guide member 55 may be omitted.

[0108] The structure of the second connector 100 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. The structure of the disengagement portion 125 may also be modified as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the fall-off prevention bolt 130 is attached to the second terminal 110 in advance, but this is not limiting. For example, the bolt may be attached to the first terminal 20 and the second terminal 110 after the second housing 120 is fitted to the first housing 30.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 1...connector assembly, 10...first connector, 20...first terminal, 21...first bolt hole, 25...nut, 30...first housing, 31...housing body, 32...fitting cylindrical portion, 32A...peripheral wall, 32X...work hole, 33...terminal accommodating portion, 34...fixing portion, 35...cylindrical portion, 40...mounting portion, 41...rail portion, 42...bottom wall, 43...ceiling wall, 44...slit, 45...through hole, 4 6...Guide protrusion, 47...Engaging portion (first engaging portion), 48...Protrusion, 50...Fitting detection portion (first fitting detection portion), 51...Engaging portion, 52...Cylindrical portion, 53...Notch portion, 55...Guide member, 56...Inclined surface, 60...Service cover, 61...Main body portion, 61A...Connecting wall, 62...Fitting cylindrical portion, 62A...Prevention protrusion, 63...Fitting cylindrical portion, 64...Extension portion, 65...Connecting protrusion, 66...Slider , 67...engaging portion (second engaging portion), 68...engaging protrusion, 70...fitting detection portion (second fitting detection portion), 71...engaging protrusion, 80...sealing member, 90...electric wire, 91...core wire, 92...insulating coating, 100...second connector, 110...second terminal, 111...electric wire connecting portion, 112...terminal connecting portion, 113...second bolt hole, 120...second housing, 121...main body portion, 122...electric wire holding portion , 123...terminal holding portion, 125...disengagement portion, 126...protrusion, 127...protrusion, 130...anti-fall-out bolt, 140...sealing member, 150...sealing member, 160...retainer, 200...interlock connector, 210...internal connector, X1...first direction, X2...first opposite direction, Y1...second direction, Y2...second opposite direction, Z1...third direction, Z2...third opposite direction.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: 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, and the service cover is slidably provided along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction between the first position and the second position.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the service cover is movably provided between the first position, the second position, and a third position that is away from the second position in the first direction and away from the first position in the second direction in a state of being attached to the first housing. The service cover is slidably provided along the second direction from the first position to the third position, and the service cover is slidably provided along the first direction from the third position to the second position.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first housing includes a housing body and a mounting portion that protrudes outward from an outer peripheral surface of the housing body. The mounting portion has a rail portion that extends along the second direction, and the service cover has a main body portion that closes the working hole and a slider that is slidably provided with respect to the rail portion.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the mounting portion further has a first engaging portion, the service cover further has a second engaging portion that can engage with the first engaging portion, and the second engaging portion is engaged with the first engaging portion in a state where the service cover is disposed at the second position.

5. The first housing further has a first fitting detection portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing body. The service cover further has a second fitting detection portion engageable with the first fitting detection portion. The second fitting detection portion is provided to be engaged with the first fitting detection portion when the service cover is disposed at the first position. The second fitting detection portion has its engagement with the first fitting detection portion released by a protrusion portion of the second housing when the second housing of the mating connector is fitted to the first housing. The connector according to claim 3.

6. The first housing has a cylindrical portion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the housing body and communicating with the working hole. The service cover has a fitting cylindrical portion protruding from the main body portion in the first direction and being fitted inside the cylindrical portion, and a seal member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion. The fitting cylindrical portion is provided to be fitted inside the cylindrical portion when the service cover is disposed at the second position. The seal member seals between the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The connector according to claim 3.

7. The service cover has a retaining protrusion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting cylindrical portion. The seal member is provided between the main body portion and the retaining protrusion in the first direction. The retaining protrusion is engageable with the seal member. The connector according to claim 6.

8. The service cover has an interlock connector provided on the main body portion. The connector has an internal connector provided inside the first housing and engageable with the interlock connector. The interlock connector is fitted to the internal connector along the first direction and is fitted to the internal connector when the service cover is disposed at the second position. The connector according to claim 3. A first connector which is the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a second connector connected to the first connector, wherein 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 along the second direction. A connector assembly.

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