Patent ID: 12212089

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific examples of a first connector, a second connector and a connector assembly of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, some of components may be shown in an exaggerated or simplified manner for the convenience of description. Further, a dimension ratio of each part may be different in each figure. “Parallel” and “orthogonal” in this specification mean not only strictly parallel and orthogonal, but also substantially parallel and orthogonal within a range in which functions and effects in an embodiment are achieved. Note that the present invention is not limited to these illustrations and is intended to be represented by claims and include all changes in the scope of claims and in the meaning and scope of equivalents.

(Overall Configuration of Connector Assembly10)

As shown inFIGS.1and2, a connector assembly10includes a first connector20and a second connector70attachable to and detachable from the first connector20.

Specifically, the connector assembly10is to be provided in a vehicle. For example, the vehicle includes a plurality of in-vehicle devices such as a high-voltage battery and an inverter. The plurality of in-vehicle devices are connected via a wiring harness. The connector assembly10is, for example, provided on end parts of the in-vehicle device and the wiring harness.

The first and second connectors20,70are to be assembled with each other along an assembling direction D1. Note that the assembling direction D1indicates a relative assembling direction of the second connector70with the first connector20and the first connector20is not limited as a fixed side. Further, a vertical direction in each figure does not necessarily indicate postures of the first and second connectors20,70during use.

(Configuration of First Connector20)

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the first connector20includes one or more (two in this embodiment) first terminal members21, a first connector housing30for holding and/or positioning the first terminal members21and particularly one or more (two in this embodiment) slide members60. The slide members60are held in the first connector housing30.

(Configuration of First Terminal Members21)

As shown inFIG.5, each first terminal member21includes at least one first terminal22(particularly made of a conductive material such as metal) and a protecting member25.

The first terminal22includes a base portion23and a connecting portion24substantially extending in a first direction X1from the base portion23. A tip part of the connecting portion24, i.e. a tip part of the first terminal22substantially extends in the first direction X1from the base portion23. In this embodiment, an extending direction of the tip part of the first terminal22is referred to as the first direction Z1and a direction opposite to the first direction X1is referred to as a first opposite direction X2. Note that the first direction X1and the first opposite direction X2of this embodiment are directions parallel to the assembling direction D1.

The first terminal22is, for example, a single component in which the base portion23and the connecting portion24are continuously and integrally or unitarily formed.

The first terminal22is, for example, formed by press-working a metal plate material made of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy or the like.

As shown inFIG.3, the connecting portion24particularly substantially is in the form of a flat plate. Specifically, an axial direction of the connecting portion24substantially extends along the first direction X1. A width direction of the connecting portion24substantially extends along a second direction Y1orthogonal to the first direction Z1. A thickness direction of the connecting portion24substantially extends along a third direction Z1intersecting (particularly substantially orthogonal to) both the first and second directions X1, Y1. One end surface in the width direction of the connecting portion24substantially is facing in the second direction Y1, and the other end surface in the width direction of the connecting portion24substantially is facing in a second opposite direction Y2, which is a direction opposite to the second direction Y1. One end surface in the thickness direction of the connecting portion24substantially is facing in the third direction Z1, and the other end surface in the thickness direction of the connecting portion24substantially is facing in a third opposite direction Z2, which is a direction opposite to the third direction Z1.

Out of the both end surfaces in the thickness direction of the connecting portion24, one end surface is a connection surface24A to be connected to a second terminal member71(seeFIG.1) of the second connector70, and the other end surface is a non-connection surface24B not to be connected to the second terminal member71.

The connection surface24A particularly is formed on a substantially flat surface extending in parallel to the first direction X1. The non-connection surface24B particularly is formed on a substantially flat surface extending in parallel to the first direction Z1. Note that the protecting member25in one of the two first terminal members21is not shown inFIG.3.

As shown inFIG.5, the two first terminals22are provided substantially side by side along the third direction Z1. The two first terminals22are, for example, so arranged that the two connection surfaces24A substantially face each other in the third direction Z1.

The protecting member25particularly is mounted or provided on the tip part of the connecting portion24. The protecting member25is formed to at least partly cover the tip surface of the connecting portion24. The protecting member25is, for example, made of an insulating resin material.

(Configuration of First Connector Housing30)

As shown inFIG.3, the first connector housing30includes, for example, a base portion31, a peripheral wall portion32substantially extending in the first direction X1from the base portion31and/or a protecting portion40substantially extending in the first direction X1from the base portion31particularly inside the peripheral wall portion32. The first connector housing30is, for example, a single component in which the base portion31, the peripheral wall portion32and/or the protecting portion40are integrally or unitarily formed. The first connector housing30is, for example, made of an insulating resin material.

(Configuration of Base Portion31)

The base portion31holds the one or more base portions23(seeFIG.5) of the one or more first terminals22. The base portion31includes, for example, a fixing portion31A projecting further outward than the peripheral wall portion32. The fixing portion31A is to be, for example, fixed to a case of the unillustrated in-vehicle device.

(Configuration of Peripheral Wall Portion32)

The peripheral wall portion32particularly is formed into a partially cut ring shape. The peripheral wall portion32is, for example, substantially in the form of a rectangular ring extending in the first direction X1as a whole. The peripheral wall portion32is, for example, formed by cutting a side in the first direction X1of a surface in the second direction Y1of the rectangular ring. The peripheral wall portion32collectively surrounds the outer peripheries of the two first terminal members21.

Here, the “ring” in this specification means a ring-like structure continuous without any interruption as a whole, i.e. an endless structure having a start point and an end point coinciding with each other. Further, the “ring” in this specification means an arbitrary closed shape having an outer edge shape connected by straight and/or curved lines such as a circular ring having a circular outer edge shape, a ring having an elliptical or oval outer edge shape, a polygonal ring having a polygonal outer edge shape or a ring having a rounded polygonal outer edge shape. The “ring” is a shape having a through hole in a plan view and an outer edge shape and an inner peripheral shape of the through hole may be same or may be different. The “ring” may be a ring having a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) length along an axial direction along which a center axis passing through a center of the through hole extends, and that length does not matter. Further, the “ring” in this specification only has to be regarded as a ring as a whole and may be a ring having a cut, a slit or the like in a part such as a C shape.

(Configuration of Protecting Portion40)

The protecting portion40includes one or more, particularly two protecting portions40A,40B for (particularly individually) protecting the one or more (e.g. two) first terminal members21. Each protecting portion40A,40B substantially surrounds the outer periphery of each first terminal member21.

The protecting portion40A substantially surrounds the outer periphery of the first terminal member21arranged on a side in the third direction Z1, i.e. the terminal member21on a left side inFIG.3, out of the two first terminal members21.

The protecting portion40B substantially surrounds the outer periphery of the first terminal member21arranged on a side in the third opposite direction Z2, i.e. the terminal member21on a right side inFIG.3, out of the two first terminal members21.

Each protecting portion40A,40B is in the form of a partially cut ring. Each protecting portion40A,40B is, for example, in the form of a rectangular ring extending in the first direction X1as a whole.

The (particularly each) protecting portion40A,40B is formed to substantially cover around the first terminal member21except a part in the second direction Y1in directions orthogonal to the first direction X1. Each protecting portion40A,40B is formed by cutting a side in the first direction X1of a surface in the second direction Y1of the rectangular ring. By this configuration, each protecting portion40A,40B particularly includes a first opening41opening in the first direction X1and a second opening42open in the second direction Y1. The tip of each protecting portion40A,40B projects further in the first direction X1than the tip of the first terminal member21.

Each protecting portion40A,40B includes one or more, particularly a pair of side walls43,44, a lower wall45and/or an upper wall46. The side walls43,44substantially are facing each other in the third direction Z1. The inner surface of the side wall43substantially is facing the connection surface24A of the connecting portion24. The inner surface of the side wall44substantially is facing the non-connection surface24B of the connecting portion24. The lower wall45is a peripheral wall on the side in the second direction Y1in each protecting portion40A,40B in the form of a rectangular ring. The upper wall46is a peripheral wall on the side in the second opposite direction Y2in each protecting portion40A,40B particularly substantially in the form of a rectangular ring. The second opening42is provided in the lower wall45. The second opening42is formed by cutting a side in the first direction X1of the lower wall45. The second opening42particularly substantially is surrounded by the pair of side walls43,44and the lower wall45.

The two protecting portions40A,40B particularly are provided substantially side by side along the third direction Z1. In this embodiment, both the side wall43of the protecting portion40A and the side wall43of the protecting portion40B substantially are provided between the two first terminal members21in the third direction Z1. The side wall43of the protecting portion40A and the side wall43of the protecting portion40B are, for example, integrally or unitarily formed by a coupling wall47.

(Configuration of First Fitting Portions50)

As shown inFIG.6, the first connector20includes, for example, one or more first fitting portions50. The one or more first fitting portions50are to be convex-concavely fit or form fit to one or more respective second fitting portions100of the second connector70. The first fitting portion(s)50is/are to be engaged with the second fitting portion(s)100in a direction intersecting the assembling direction D1of the first and second connectors20,70. The first fitting portion(s)50is/are, for example, engaged with the second fitting portion(s)100in the second direction Y, which is an opening direction of the second opening42. In other words, the first fitting portion50provided in the first connector20is engaged with the second fitting portion100provided in the second connector70in a direction (Y1in the shown example) intersecting with the assembling direction D1when the first and second connectors20,70are properly mated. Specifically, an outline of the first fitting portion (50) substantially matches with or corresponds to an outline of the second fitting portion (100). Accordingly, the first fitting portion (50) and the second fitting portion (100) mesh with each other, when the first and second connectors20,70are properly mated.

The one or more first fitting portions50are provided in the first connector housing30. The one or more first fitting portions50are, for example, provided on the peripheral wall(s) of the protecting portion(s)40A,40B.

The one or more first fitting portions50are, for example, provided on the inner surface(s) of the side wall(s)43substantially facing the connection surface(s)24A of the first terminal(s)22, out of the peripheral wall(s) of the protecting portion(s)40A,40B.

The first fitting portions50of this embodiment specifically are provided on the inner surface of the side wall43of one protecting portion40A and on the inner surface of the side wall43of the other protecting portion40B. That is, the first connector housing30of this embodiment particularly includes two first fitting portions50.

As shown inFIG.4, each first fitting portion50includes one or more (seven in this embodiment) projections51and one or more (six in this embodiment) recesses52. In each first fitting portion50, the seven projections51and the six recesses52are alternately provided substantially side by side in the second direction Y1.

As shown inFIG.7, each projection51particularly substantially projects toward the connection surface24A of the first terminal22from the bottom surface of each recess52. For example, each projection51substantially projects to extend along the third direction Z1or third opposite direction Z2from the bottom surface of each recess52. For example, each projection51substantially projects to extend along the third direction Z1orthogonal to the second direction Y1in which the second opening42is open.

In this embodiment, the projections51(first projection) provided on the side wall43of the protecting portion40A and the projections51(second projection) provided on the side wall43of the protecting portion40B particularly project in directions substantially opposite to each other.

Specifically, the projections51provided on the side wall43of the protecting portion40A substantially project in the third direction Z1from the inner surface of the side wall43, and the projections51provided on the side wall43of the protecting portion40B substantially project in the third opposite direction Z2from the inner surface of the side wall43.

Each projection51substantially extends along the first opposite direction X2particularly from a tip part of the side wall43. An axial direction of each projection51, in which a center axis of each projection51extends, substantially is parallel to the first direction X1.

Specifically, the (particularly each) projection51has a projecting end surface51A, a pair of side surfaces51B and an end surface51C. The (particularly each) projecting end surface51A is an end surface provided at a position most distant from the bottom surface of the recess52in the third direction Z1, out of end surfaces of each projection51. In other words, the (each) projecting end surface51A is an end surface provided at a position closest to the first terminal22, out of the end surfaces of each projection51.

The (particularly each) projecting end surface51A substantially is facing the first terminal22. The projecting end surface51A particularly expands in the first direction X1and/or in the second direction Y1. The (particularly each) side surface51B particularly expands in the first direction X1and/or in the third direction Z1. Each side surface51B constitutes the inner side surface of the recess52.

The end surface51C is a surface in the first direction X1in the projection51. The end surface51C is, for example, formed to be flush with the tip surface of the side wall43. Each end surface51C and the tip surface of the side wall43are facing the second connector70(seeFIG.6) in the first direction X1.

The (particularly each) recess52is formed to be recessed from the projecting end surface51A of each projection51. The (particularly each) recess52substantially extends along the first opposite direction X2from the tip surface of the side wall43.

The bottom surface of each recess52is, for example, substantially facing the connection surface24A of the first terminal22. A tip part of each recess52, i.e. an end part in the first direction X1of each recess52, particularly is open, for example, in the first direction X1parallel to the assembling direction D1.

Accordingly, when the first and second connectors20,70are properly mated, the projection(s)51on the side wall43are (particularly completely) inserted into recess(es)102of the second connector70described hereinafter and/or projection(s)101of the second connector70described hereinafter are (particularly completely) inserted into the recess(es)52so that, as a result, the one or more first fitting portions50are convex-concavely fit to or form fit with or mesh with the one or more respective second fitting portions100of the second connector70.

As shown inFIG.8, a tip part of the (each) projection51, i.e. an end part in the first direction X1of each projection51particularly includes at least one guiding portion53particularly substantially formed into a tapered shape. The guiding portion53is, for example, formed to become narrower toward the end surface51C of the projection51. The guiding portion53is provided on or near a front side in the assembling direction D1. The guiding portion53particularly has at least one inclined surface54provided on the projecting end surface51A and/or one or more inclined surfaces55provided on the respective side surfaces51B.

The inclined surface54particularly is provided on the projecting end surface51A on the tip part of the projection51. The inclined surface54particularly substantially is inclined to approach the center axis of the projection51toward the end surface51C of the projection51. The inclined surface54substantially is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the assembling direction D1.

Further, the inclined surface54particularly substantially is inclined with respect to a plane parallel to the assembling direction D1. The inclined surface54is, for example, formed by chamfering a corner part between the end surface51C and the projecting end surface51A. Chamfering may be R-chamfering or C-chamfering. The inclined surface54of this embodiment is formed by applying C-chamfering to the corner part between the end surface51C and the projecting end surface51A.

The inclined surface55is provided on the side surface51B on or near the tip part of the projection51. The inclined surface55particularly substantially is inclined to approach the center axis of the projection51toward the end surface51C of the projection51. The inclined surface55substantially is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the assembling direction D1.

Further, the inclined surface55particularly substantially is inclined with respect to a plane parallel to the assembling direction D1. The inclined surface55is formed to expand an opening width along the second direction Y1of the recess52in the tip part of the recess52. The inclined surface55is, for example, formed by applying R-chamfering or C-chamfering to the corner part between the end surface51C and the side surface51B. The inclined surface55of this embodiment is formed by applying C-chamfering to the corner part between the end surface51C and the side surface51B.

The bottom surface of each recess52particularly has an inclined surface56provided in the tip part of the recess52. The inclined surface56particularly substantially is inclined to approach the coupling wall47toward the tip surface of the side wall43. The inclined surface56substantially is formed to expand an opening width along the third direction Z1of the recess52in the tip part of the recess52. The inclined surface56is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the assembling direction D1.

Further, the inclined surface56particularly substantially is inclined with respect to a plane parallel to the assembling direction DE The inclined surface56is, for example, formed by applying R-chamfering or C-chamfering to a corner part between the tip surface of the side wall43and the bottom surface of the recess52. The inclined surface56of this embodiment is formed by applying C-chamfering to the corner part between the tip surface of the side wall43and the bottom surface of the recess52.

The guiding portion53, i.e. the inclined surface(s)54,55and/or56, particularly has a function of guiding a projection101(seeFIG.12) of the second fitting portion100into the recess52when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20.

As shown inFIG.5, a shortest distance L1between the projecting end surface51A of the projection51and the connection surface24A of the first terminal22in a projecting direction of the projection51toward the first terminal22, in particular, the third direction Z1or third opposite direction Z2is set as a first distance. Here, the first distance particularly is a distance in a range of about 3 mm or more and/or about 15 mm or less. In other words, the shortest distance L1between the projecting end surface51A and the connection surface24A is, for example, set to a distance in the range of about 3 mm or more and about 15 mm or less in a cross-section including the projecting end surface51A and the connection surface24A and perpendicular to a center axis of the protecting portion40. Note that the first distance is preferably a distance in a range of about 6 mm or more and/or about 12 mm or less, more preferably a distance in a range of about 6 mm or more and/or about 9 mm or less. By setting the shortest distance L1as the first distance in this way, it can be suppressed that a worker's finger enters a clearance between the projection51and the first terminal22. In this way, it can be suitably suppressed that the worker's finger contacts the connection surface24A of the first terminal22. Note that the shortest distance L1is set to such a distance that the second terminal member71(seeFIG.1) provided in the second connector70is insertable.

Further, in the third direction Z1, a shortest distance L2between the inner surface (third surface) of the side wall44and the non-connection surface24B (second surface) of the first terminal22particularly is set to a distance equal to or shorter than the shortest distance L1(L2≤L1). In other words, the shortest distance L2between the inner surface of the side wall44and the non-connection surface24B particularly is set to a distance equal to or shorter than the shortest distance L1in the cross-section including the projecting end surface51A and the connection surface24A and perpendicular to the center axis of the protecting portion40. By setting the shortest distance L2in this way, it can be suitably suppressed that the worker's finger enters a clearance between the inner surface of the side wall44and the first terminal22. In this way, it can be suitably suppressed that the worker's finger contacts the non-connection surface24B of the first terminal22. The shortest distance L2of this embodiment is shorter than the shortest distance L1. That is, the first terminal member21is arranged closer to the side wall44, out of the side walls43,44, in the third direction Z1inside the protecting portion40.

As shown inFIG.3, the first connector housing30specifically includes one or more reinforcing portions33particularly coupling the side walls43having the first fitting portions50and the base portion31. The reinforcing portion33is provided inside the (particularly each) protecting portion40A,40B.

The reinforcing portion33couples, for example, a base end part of the side wall43, i.e. an end part in the first opposite direction X2of the side wall43, and the base portion31exposed in the protecting portion40A,40B.

The reinforcing portion33substantially extends in the second direction Y1. The reinforcing portion33is, for example, not coupled to the lower wall45and the upper wall46. As shown inFIGS.5and7, the reinforcing portion33extends in the first direction X1from the base portion31.

The reinforcing portion33particularly extends from the base portion31to an intermediate position in a length direction of the side wall43along the first direction X1. The base portion33has a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) thickness in the third direction Z1.

The reinforcing portion33particularly integrates the base end part of the side wall43and the base portion31. By providing this reinforcing portion33, the rigidity of the side wall43can be enhanced.

(Configuration of Slide Members60)

As shown inFIG.3, the (particularly each) slide member60is mounted in the (particularly each) protecting portion40A,40B.

The (particularly each) slide member60is slidable from a closing position (seeFIG.1) for substantially closing the second opening42to an opening position (seeFIG.3) in the first opposite direction X2. Here, the closing position for closing the second opening42only has to be a position where the second opening42can be closed to such an extent that a finger does not reach the first terminal22through the second opening42, and the slide member60does not necessarily seal the second opening42at the closing position. Further, the opening position is a position for opening the second opening42.

The slide member60is, for example, made of an insulating resin material.

(Configuration of Second Connector70)

As shown inFIG.1, the second connector70includes one or more (two in this embodiment) second terminal members71made of a conductive material such as metal and a second connector housing80for holding or positioning the second terminal member(s)71.

In this embodiment, two second terminal members71are held in the second connector housing80while being substantially arranged along the third direction Z1.

The second connector housing80is attachable to and detachable from the first connector housing30. Note that directions including the third direction Z1in the second connector70are based on a state where the second connector70is connected to the first connector20.

(Configuration of Second Terminal Members71)

A tip part of each second terminal member71substantially extends in the second opposite direction Y2. The second terminal71is, for example, formed by press-working a metal plate material made of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy or the like.

As shown inFIG.9, the plurality of second terminal members71are respectively provided to correspond to the plurality of first terminals22. A tip part of each second terminal member71includes a connecting portion72to be connected to the connection surface24A of each first terminal22. The connecting portion72of each second terminal member71contacts and is electrically connected to the connection surface24A of the first terminal22with the second connector70assembled with the first connector20.

The second terminal members71particularly are arranged to pass through the second openings42of the protecting portions40A,40B with the second connector70connected to the first connector20.

(Configuration of Second Connector Housing80)

As shown inFIG.10, the second connector housing80includes an inner housing81for at least partly accommodating the one or more second terminal members71and an outer housing110for at least partly covering the inner housing81. The inner housing81and the outer housing110are separate components.

(Configuration of Inner Housing81)

The inner housing81includes, for example, a base portion82and/or a terminal accommodating portion90substantially projecting in the second opposite direction Y2particularly from the base portion82. The inner housing81is, for example, made of an insulating resin material.

As shown inFIG.11, the base portion82particularly is provided on an end part in the second direction Y1of the inner housing81. The base portion82particularly substantially is formed into a ring shape.

The base portion82includes, for example, one or more through holes82X through which one or more wires75to be electrically connected to the respective second terminal member(s)71are passed. Specifically, the base portion82includes two through holes82X through which two wires75are individually passed. Each through hole82X penetrates through the base portion82in the second direction Y1.

Specifically, the base portion82particularly includes a partition wall83at least partly partitioning the two through holes82X. The partition wall83is provided between the two through holes82X in the third direction Z1. The partition wall83is, for example, provided in a central part in the third direction Z1of the base portion82. The partition wall83substantially extends, for example, over the entire length of the base portion82in the second direction Y1.

As shown inFIG.12, the terminal accommodating portion90accommodates the two second terminal members71. The terminal accommodating portion90includes, for example, two terminal accommodating portions90A,90B for individually accommodating the two second terminal members71. The two terminal accommodating portions90A,90B particularly are commonly coupled to one base portion82. In other words, the two terminal accommodating portions90A,90B are integrally or unitarily formed through the base portion82.

Each terminal accommodating portion90A,90B substantially is, for example, in the form of a box extending along the second opposite direction Y2from the base portion82. In other words, each terminal accommodating portion90A,90B is in the form of a bottomed ring having a bottom wall91. The bottom wall91particularly is constituted by a peripheral wall in the second opposite direction Y2in the terminal accommodating portion90A,90B.

An internal space of each terminal accommodating portion90A,90B particularly communicates with the (particularly each) through hole82X (seeFIG.11) of the base portion82.

The second terminal member71at least partly is to be accommodated in the internal space of each terminal accommodating portion90A,90B. The (particularly each) terminal accommodating portion90A,90B includes an insertion hole92into which the first terminal member21of the first connector20at least partly is inserted.

Specifically, the (particularly each) insertion hole92is formed to penetrate through a peripheral wall93in the first opposite direction X2of each terminal accommodating portion90A,90B. The (each) insertion hole92penetrates through the peripheral wall93along the first direction X1parallel to the assembling direction D1. The (each) insertion hole92communicates with the internal space of each terminal accommodating portion90A,90B. The (each) terminal accommodating portion90A,90B holds the second terminal member71with the connecting portion72of each second terminal member71exposed in the internal space of each terminal accommodating portion90A,90B.

Further specifically, the two terminal accommodating portions90A,90B substantially are provided side by side along the third direction Z1. The two terminal accommodating portions90A,90B are provided away from each other in the third direction Z1. That is, a clearance is provided between the two terminal accommodating portions90A,90B.

The terminal accommodating portion90A particularly has a facing surface94A substantially facing the terminal accommodating portion90B. The facing surface94A is a surface in the third opposite direction Z2in the terminal accommodating portion90A. The terminal accommodating portion90B has a facing surface94B substantially facing the terminal accommodating portion90A.

As shown inFIG.6, the second connector housing80includes the one or more second fitting portions100to be convex-concavely fit or form fit to the first fitting portions50of the first connector20.

Specifically, the second fitting portions100are to be engaged with the first fitting portions50in a direction intersecting the assembling direction D1. The second fitting portions100are provided in the inner housing81.

As shown inFIG.12, the one or more second fitting portions100are, for example, provided on the facing surface94A of the terminal accommodating portion90A and/or the facing surface94B of the terminal accommodating portion90B. That is, the second connector housing80of this embodiment specifically includes two second fitting portions100.

As shown inFIG.9, the (each) second fitting portion100includes one or more (six in this embodiment) projections101and one or more (seven in this embodiment) recesses102. Specifically, in the (each) second fitting portion100, the plural (e.g. six) projections101and the plural (e.g. seven) recesses102are alternately provided substantially side by side in the second direction Y1. The plural (six) projections101are to be respectively fit to the plural (six) recesses52. The plural (seven) recesses102are to be respectively fit to the plural (seven) projections51.

With the second connector70assembled with the first connector20, the projections51of the first fitting portion50and the projections101of the second fitting portion100at least partly are engaged with each other in the second direction Y1.

With the second connector70connected to the first connector20, the side walls43of the two protecting portions40A,40B and the coupling wall47at least partly are fit in a clearance between the facing surfaces94A and94B of the two terminal accommodating portions90A,90B. In this embodiment, the two second fitting portions100are convex-concavely fit to the two first fitting portions50provided on the two side walls43(particularly from both sides) in the third direction Z1and/or the third opposite direction Z2.

Specifically, the second fitting portion100provided on the facing surface94A is convex-concavely fit to the first fitting portion50provided on the side wall43of the protecting portion40A, and/or the second fitting portion100provided on the facing surface94B is convex-concavely fit to the first fitting portion50provided on the side wall43of the protecting portion40B. In other words, in a condition in which the first and second connectors20,70are properly mated, the projection(s)51on of the first fitting portion50are (particularly completely) inserted into the recess(es)102of the second fitting portion100and/or the projection(s)101of the second fitting portion100are (particularly completely) inserted or fitted into the recess(es)52of the first fitting portion50so that, as a result, the one or more first fitting portions50are convex-concavely fit to or form fit or mesh with the one or more respective second fitting portions100of the second connector70.

More specifically, the one or more projections101(third projection) provided on the facing surface94A are to be fit to the one or more recesses52(first recess) provided in the side wall43of the protecting portion40A. Further, the one or more recesses102(second recess) provided in the facing surface94A are to be fit to the projections51(first projection) provided on the side wall43of the protecting portion40A.

Similarly, the one or more projections101(fourth projection) provided on the facing surface94B are to be fit to the one or more recesses52provided in the side wall43of the protecting portion40B. Further, the one or more projections51(second projection) provided on the side wall43of the protecting portion40B are to be fit to the one or more recesses102provided in the facing surface94B.

Thus, the two first fitting portions50of this embodiment particularly are sandwiched by the two second fitting portions100in the third direction Z1so that, as a result, the first fitting portions50are convex-concavely fit to or form fit with or mesh with the second fitting portions100of the second connector70once the first and second connectors20,70are properly mated or connected to each other.

The (each) projection101in one of the two second fitting portions100particularly projects toward the projection101in the other second fitting portion100. For example, the (each) projection101provided on the facing surface94A projects from the bottom surface of the (each) recess102provided in the facing surface94A toward the facing surface94B. For example, the (each) projection101provided on the facing surface94B projects from the bottom surface of the (each) recess102provided in the facing surface94B toward the facing surface94A. For example, the (each) projection101substantially projects to extend along the third direction Z1or third opposite direction Z2from the bottom surface of the (each) recess102.

As shown inFIG.12, the (each) projection101substantially extends along the first direction Z1from an end surface93A in the first opposite direction X2of the peripheral wall93. An axial direction of each projection101in which a center axis of each projection101substantially extends is parallel to the first direction X1.

The (particularly each) projection101has a projecting end surface101A, one or more (particularly a pair of) side surfaces101B and/or an end surface101C. The (each) projecting end surface101A is an end surface provided at a position most distant from the bottom surface of the recess102in the third direction Z1, out of end surfaces of each projection101.

The projecting end surface101A in one of the two second fitting portions100substantially is facing the projecting end surface101A in the other second fitting portion100. The projecting end surface101A particularly expands in the first direction X1and expands in the second direction Y1. The (each) side surface101B particularly expands in the first direction X1and/or in the third direction Z1.

The (each) side surface101B particularly constitutes the inner side surface of the recess102. The end surface101C is a surface in the first opposite direction X2of the projection101.

Specifically, the (each) recess102particularly is formed to be recessed from the projecting end surface101A of the (each) projection101. The (each) recess102substantially extends along the first direction X1from the end surface93A of the peripheral wall93. The bottom surface of the (each) recess102in one of the two second fitting portions100is, for example, substantially facing the bottom surface of each recess102in the other second fitting portion100. A tip part of the (each) recess102, i.e. an end part in the first opposite direction X2of each recess102, substantially is open, for example, in the first opposite direction X2parallel to the assembling direction D1.

As shown inFIG.13, a tip part of each projection101, i.e. an end part in the first opposite direction X2of each projection101particularly includes at least one guiding portion103particularly formed into a tapered shape. The (particularly each) guiding portion103is provided on an end part of the (each) projection101closest to the first connector20(seeFIG.6). The (each) guiding portion103is, for example, formed to become narrower toward the end surface93A of the peripheral wall93. Specifically, the (each) guiding portion103has at least one inclined surface104provided on the end surface101C and/or one or more inclined surfaces105provided on the respective side surfaces101B.

Specifically, the inclined surface104is inclined to approach the bottom surface of the recess102toward the end surface93A of the peripheral wall93. The inclined surface104particularly is provided on the entire end surface101C. The inclined surface104particularly substantially is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the assembling direction D1. Further, the inclined surface104particularly substantially is inclined with respect to a plane parallel to the assembling direction D1.

Particularly, the inclined surface105is provided on the side surface101B on a tip part of the projection101. The inclined surface105particularly substantially is inclined to approach a center axis of the projection101toward the end surface101C of the projection101. The inclined surface105particularly substantially is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the assembling direction D1.

The inclined surface105particularly substantially is inclined with respect to a plane parallel to the assembling direction D1. The inclined surface105specifically is formed to expand an opening width along the second direction Y1of the recess102in the tip part of the recess102. The inclined surface105is, for example, formed by applying R-chamfering or C-chamfering to a corner part between the end surface101C and the side surface101B. The inclined surface105of this embodiment is formed by applying C-chamfering to the corner part between the end surface101C and the side surface101B.

The bottom surface of the (each) recess102particularly has an inclined surface106provided in the tip part of the recess102. The inclined surface106particularly substantially is inclined to be separated from the projecting end surface101A toward the end surface93A of the peripheral wall93. The inclined surface106particularly substantially is formed to expand an opening width along the third direction Z1of the recess102in the tip part of the recess102. The inclined surface106is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the assembling direction D1. The inclined surface106particularly substantially is inclined with respect to a plane parallel to the assembling direction D1.

The inclined surface106is, for example, formed by applying R-chamfering or C-chamfering to a corner part between the end surface93A of the peripheral wall93and the bottom surface of the recess102. The inclined surface106of this embodiment is formed by applying C-chamfering to the corner part between the end surface93A of the peripheral wall93and the bottom surface of the recess102. A part of the inclined surface106is, for example, continuously and integrally or unitarily formed to the inclined surface104.

The guiding portion103, i.e. the inclined surface(s)104,105and/or106, has a function of guiding the projection51(seeFIG.7) of the first fitting portion50into the recess102when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20.

(Configuration of Outer Housing11)

As shown inFIGS.10and14, the outer housing110at least partly surrounds the outer periphery of the inner housing81. In other words, the inner housing81at least partly is accommodated inside the outer housing110.

Specifically, the outer housing110substantially is in the form of a bottomed ring having a bottom wall111. For example, the outer housing110is in the form of a bottomed ring open in the second direction Y1and having an opening in the second opposite direction Y2closed by the bottom wall111.

The outer housing110includes an opening112for at least partly exposing the peripheral walls93of the terminal accommodating portions90A,90B. The opening112particularly is provided in a peripheral wall113in the first opposite direction X2of the outer housing110. The opening112particularly is provided on an end part in the second opposite direction Y2of the peripheral wall113, i.e. an end part of the peripheral wall113on the side of the bottom wall111. The opening112particularly penetrates through the peripheral wall113substantially along the first direction X1parallel to the assembling direction D1. The opening112particularly communicates with an internal space of the outer housing110.

One or more (four in this embodiment) engaging portions120are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing110. The one or more engaging portions120are, for example, provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall113on an end part in the second direction Y1.

As shown inFIG.10, one or more (two) engaging portions120are provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall113on the end part in the second direction Y1. The one or more (two) engaging portions120are, for example, provided away from each other in the third direction Z1. The (each) engaging portion120is, for example, formed to project radially outwardly of the outer housing110from the outer surface of the peripheral wall113. As shown inFIG.1, two engaging portions120are similarly provided on a peripheral wall in the first direction X1of the outer housing110.

(Configuration of Second Connector70)

As shown inFIG.14, the second connector70includes, for example, an inner member130for supporting the inner housing81. The second connector70includes, for example, one or more (two in this embodiment) annular sealing members140to be fit inside the inner member130and/or at least one annular sealing member150to be externally fit on the inner member130.

(Configuration of Inner Member130)

The inner member130is to be mounted on an end part in the second direction Y1of the outer housing110. The inner member130is, for example, a component separate from the inner housing81. The inner member130is, for example, a component separate from the outer housing110. A part of the inner member130particularly is to be accommodated inside the outer housing110.

The inner member130particularly supports the inner housing81inside the outer housing110. The inner member130supports the inner housing81, for example, by pressing the inner housing81toward the inner surface of the bottom wall111inside the outer housing110.

As shown inFIG.15, the inner member130includes at least one body portion131, at least one projecting portion132substantially projecting in the second opposite direction Y2from an end surface in the second opposite direction Y2of the body portion131, and/or one or more (four in this embodiment) engaging portions133. The inner member130is, for example, a single component in which the body portion131, the projecting portion132and the engaging portions133are integrally or unitarily formed. The inner member130is, for example, made of an insulating resin material.

The body portion131particularly is formed into a ring shape. The body portion131particularly is in the form of a rectangular ring as a whole. The body portion131includes, for example, one or more (e.g. two) through holes131X through which the one or more (e.g. two) wires75(seeFIG.10) are individually passed. One or more (e.g. two) sealing members140are individually fit into the respective one or more (two) through holes131X. Each through hole131X penetrates through the body portion131in the second direction Y1. The (each) through hole131X is, for example, formed to have a rectangular plan view shape when viewed from a penetration direction of the through hole131X.

The body portion131includes at least one partition wall134at least partly partitioning the plurality of (two) through holes131X. The partition wall134is provided between the adjacent (two) through holes131X in the third direction Z1.

The partition wall134is, for example, provided in a central part in the third direction Z1of the body portion131. The partition wall134extends, for example, over the entire length in the second direction Y1of the body portion131.

The body portion131includes one or more (four in this embodiment) restricting walls135provided on the inner peripheral surface of the (each) through hole131X. The (each) restricting wall135is formed to project radially inwardly of the through hole131X from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole131X in an end part in the second opposite direction Y2. For example, each restricting wall135substantially extends from a central or intermediate part in the second direction Y1of the body portion131to or towards an end surface in the second opposite direction Y2of the body portion131.

At least one groove portion136into which the sealing member150is mounted particularly is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the body portion131. The groove portion136specifically is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the body portion131on the end part in the second opposite direction Y2. The groove portion136particularly substantially is formed to be recessed radially inwardly of the body portion131from the outer peripheral surface of the body portion131. The groove portion136particularly is continuously formed over the entire periphery in a circumferential direction of the body portion131. The groove portion136substantially extends, for example, from the central or intermediate part in the second direction Y1of the body portion131to or towards the end surface in the second opposite direction Y2of the body portion131.

The projecting portion132projects, for example, in the second opposite direction Y2from an end surface in the second opposite direction Y2of the partition wall134. For example, the projecting portion132extends in the first direction X1and/or has a specified (predetermined or predetermined) thickness in the third direction Z1.

As shown inFIG.14, the projecting portion132at least partly contacts the partition wall83of the base portion82when the inner member130is mounted on the outer housing110. The tip surface of the projecting portion132, i.e. an end surface in the second opposite direction Y2of the projecting portion132, particularly contacts an end surface in the second direction Y1of the partition wall83. The projecting portion132particularly supports the inner housing81inside the outer housing110, for example, by contacting the partition wall83and pressing the inner housing81toward the bottom wall111.

One or more (e.g. four) engaging portions133are provided to correspond to the one or more (e.g. four) engaging portions120of the outer housing110. The (each) engaging portion133is, for example, formed to project in the second opposite direction Y2from an end part in the second direction Y1of the body portion131. The (each) engaging portion133is provided away from the outer peripheral surface of the body portion131in the first direction X1. The (each) engaging portion133is in the form of a cantilever having a base end part connected to the body portion131as a fixed end and a tip part on a side opposite to the base end part in the second direction Y1as a free end. The (each) engaging portion133is configured to be deflectable in the first direction X1by being resiliently deformed. The (each) engaging portion133includes an engaging hole133X, with which the engaging portion120is engaged. The engaging hole133X extends, for example, in the second direction Y1. The engaging portions133,120are engaged with each other, for example, by a snap-fit method. By engaging the engaging portions133and120with each other, the inner member130is fixed to the outer housing110.

(Configuration of Sealing Members140,150)

The two sealing members140are respectively provided to correspond to the two wires75. The two sealing members140are respectively mounted on the outer peripheral surfaces of the two wires75. The (each) sealing member140is fit inside each through hole131X. The (each) sealing member140particularly is in the form of a ring having an outer peripheral surface along the inner peripheral surface of the through hole131X. The (each) sealing member140particularly includes a through hole141through which the (each) wire75is passed. The inner peripheral surface of the through hole141particularly substantially is shaped in conformity with the outer peripheral surface of the wire75. The (each) sealing member140particularly is configured to be resiliently deformable. The (each) sealing member140is, for example, held in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the wire75and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole131X. The (each) sealing member140particularly seals between the outer peripheral surface of the wire75and the inner peripheral surface of the inner member130. Note that an end surface in the second opposite direction Y2of the (each) sealing member140is in contact with the restricting walls135shown inFIG.15inside the through hole131X. By the contact of the (each) sealing member140with the restricting walls135, an insertion amount of the (each) sealing member140into the (each) through hole131X particularly is restricted. In other words, the restricting walls135function to position the (each) sealing member140inside the (each) through hole131X.

As shown inFIG.14, the sealing member150particularly is to be mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the inner member130. The sealing member150is, for example, mounted on the bottom surface of the groove portion136of the body portion131. The sealing member150particularly is provided inside the outer housing110. The sealing member150particularly is in the form of a ring continuous over the entire periphery in a circumferential direction of the inner member130.

The outer peripheral surface of the sealing member150particularly substantially is shaped in conformity with the inner peripheral surface of the outer housing110. The inner peripheral surface of the sealing member150particularly substantially is shaped in conformity with the outer peripheral surface of the inner member130.

The sealing member150particularly is configured to be resiliently deformable. The sealing member150is, for example, to be held in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner member130and the inner peripheral surface of the outer housing110. The sealing member150particularly seals between the outer peripheral surface of the inner member130and the inner peripheral surface of the outer housing110.

The sealing members140,150are, for example, made of rubber. For example, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber and the like can be used as a material of the sealing members140,150.

Next, functions and effects of this embodiment are described.(1) The first connector housing30particularly includes the one or more first fitting portions50to be convex-concavely fit to the one or more second fitting portions100provided in the mating second connector70and engaged with the second fitting portion(s)100in the second direction Y1intersecting the assembling direction D1of the first and second connectors20,70. By engaging the first fitting portion(s)50with the second fitting portion(s)100, a movement of the first connector housing30in the second direction Y1is restricted. Thus, even if vibration is applied to the first connector20assembled with the second connector70, a relative movement of the first connector housing30with respect to the second connector70can be restricted in the second direction Y1. In this way, it is possible to suppress or reduce a relative movement of the first terminal member(s)21held in the first connector housing30with respect to the second terminal member(s)71provided in the second connector70. As a result, the wear of contact points between the first terminal member(s)21and the second terminal member(s)71can be suitably suppressed.(2) The first fitting portion50particularly includes the one or more projections51substantially extending along the third direction Z1from the inner surface of the side wall43and projecting toward the first terminal member21. The first terminal member21particularly has the connection surface24A substantially facing the projections51in the third direction Z1. The shortest distance L1between the projecting end surface(s)51A of the projection(s)51and the connection surface24A of the first terminal member21in the third direction Z1is set as the first distance. Here, the first distance particularly is a distance in the range of about 3 mm or more and about 15 mm or less. The first distance is preferably a distance in the range of about 6 mm or more and about 12 mm or less, more preferably a distance in the range of about 6 mm or more and about 9 mm or less. By setting the shortest distance L1as the first distance, it can be suppressed that the worker's finger enters the clearance between the tips of the projections51and the connection surface24A of the first terminal member21. Thus, it can be suppressed that the worker's finger contacts the connection surface24A of the first terminal member21through the clearance between the tips of the projection(s)51and the connection surface24A of the first terminal member21. In this way, the wear of the contact point can be suppressed while a measure for preventing an electric shock is taken.(3) The first connector housing30particularly includes the side wall44provided on the side opposite to the side wall43provided with the first fitting portion50across the first terminal member21in the third direction Z1. The shortest distance L2between the inner surface (third surface) of the side wall44and the non-connection surface24B (second surface) of the first terminal member21in the third direction Z1particularly is set equal to or shorter than the shortest distance L1, i.e. equal to or shorter than the first distance. In this way, it can be suppressed that the worker's finger enters the clearance between the inner surface of the side wall44and the non-connection surface24B of the first terminal member21. Thus, it can be suppressed that the worker's finger contacts the first terminal member21through the clearance between the inner surface of the side wall44and the non-connection surface24B of the first terminal member21.(4) The first fitting portions50particularly are provided on the side walls43provided between the plurality of first terminal members21. Thus, the first fitting portions50can be provided near the plurality of first terminal members21. Therefore, relative movements of the first terminal members21provided near the first fitting portions50can be suitably suppressed.(5) The first and second fitting portions50,100particularly are engaged with each other in the second direction Y1in which the second openings42of the protecting portion40are open. Here, in the case of including the second openings42open in the second direction Y1intersecting the assembling direction D1, the first connector housing30easily relatively moves with respect to the second connector70in the second direction Y1when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20. In view of this, the first fitting portion(s)50are engaged with the second fitting portion(s)100in the second direction Y1in the above configuration, wherefore a relative movement of the first connector housing30with respect to the second connector70can be suitably suppressed in the second direction Y1.(6) The first fitting portion50particularly is provided on the inner surface of the side wall43constituting the protecting portion40surrounding the outer periphery of the first terminal member21. Thus, the first fitting portion50can be provided near the first terminal member21. Therefore, a relative movement of the first terminal member21provided near the first fitting portion50can be suitably suppressed.(7) The protecting portion40particularly includes the two protecting portions40A,40B for individually protecting the two first terminal members21. Further, the first fitting portions50include the one or more projections51(first projection) provided on the protecting portion40A and the one or more projections51(second projection) provided on the protecting portion40B. In other words, the first fitting portions50particularly are provided on both of the two protecting portions40A,40B. Thus, the first fitting portion50can be provided near each of the two first terminal members21. Therefore, relative movements of the two first terminal members21can be suitably suppressed.(8) The first fitting portion50particularly includes the one or more projections51and the one or more recesses52recessed from the projecting end surface(s)51A of the projection(s)51. The projection51particularly has the one or more inclined surfaces54,55(first inclined surface) for guiding the projection101of the second fitting portion100of the second connector70into the recess52when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20. Thus, when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20, the first and second fitting portions50,100can be easily convex-concavely fit. In this way, the second connector70can be easily assembled with the first connector20.(9) The recess52particularly has the inclined surface56(second inclined surface) for guiding the projection101of the second fitting portion100of the second connector70into the recess52when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20. Thus, when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20, the first and second fitting portions50,100can be easily convex-concavely fit. In this way, the second connector70can be easily assembled with the first connector20.(10) The first connector housing30particularly includes the one or more reinforcing portions33coupling the base portion31and the base end part(s) of the side wall(s)43provided with the first fitting portion(s)50. Thus, as compared to a configuration not including the reinforcing portion(s)33, swinging movements of the side walls43can be suppressed when vibration is applied to the first connector20. In this way, a relative movement of the first connector housing30can be suppressed and, consequently, relative movements of the first terminal members21can be suppressed.(11) The second connector70particularly includes the one or more second fitting portions100to be convex-concavely fit to the one or more first fitting portions50provided in the mating first connector20and engaged with the one or more first fitting portions50in the second direction Y1intersecting the assembling direction D1of the first and second connectors20,70. The one or more second fitting portions100particularly are provided in the inner housing81for at least partly accommodating the second terminal members71. By engaging the second fitting portion(s)100with the first fitting portion(s)100, a movement of the inner housing81in the second direction Y1is restricted. Thus, even if vibration is applied to the second connector70assembled with the first connector20, a relative movement of the inner housing81with respect to the first connector20can be suppressed in the second direction Y1. In this way, it is possible to suppress relative movements of the second terminal member(s)71held in the inner housing81with respect to the first terminal member(s)21provided in the first connector20. As a result, the wear of the contact points between the first terminal members21and the second terminal members71can be suitably suppressed.(12) The inner housing81particularly includes the base portion82and the terminal accommodating portion90extending from the base portion82. The second fitting portions100particularly are provided on the outer surface of the terminal accommodating portion90for at least partly accommodating the second terminal members71inside, out of the inner housing81. Thus, the second fitting portion(s)100can be provided near the second terminal member(s)71. Therefore, relative movements of the second terminal member(s)71provided near the second fitting portion(s)100can be suitably suppressed.(13) The terminal accommodating portion90particularly includes the one or more terminal accommodating portions90A,90B for individually accommodating the one or more (e.g. two) second terminal members71. The terminal accommodating portion90A particularly has the facing surface94A facing the terminal accommodating portion90B in the third direction Z1, and the terminal accommodating portion90B particularly has the facing surface94B facing the facing surface94A. The one or more second fitting portions100particularly include the one or more projections101(third projection) provided on the facing surface94B and the one or more projections101(fourth projection) provided on the facing surface94B. In other words, the second fitting portions100particularly are provided on both of the two terminal accommodating portions90A,90B. Thus, the second fitting portion(s)100can be provided near the second terminal member(s)71accommodated in the respective terminal accommodating portion(s)90A,90B. Therefore, relative movements of the second terminal member(s)71provided near the second fitting portion(s)100can be suitably suppressed.(14) The one or more projections101(third projection) provided on the facing surface94A and the one or more projections101(fourth projection) provided on the facing surface94B particularly are provided to substantially face each other in the third direction Z1. Thus, when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20, the (e.g. two) first fitting portions50of the first connector20are sandwiched from both sides in the third direction Z1by the (e.g. two) second fitting portions100. Therefore, the two second fitting portions100specifically are convex-concavely fit or form-fit to the two first fitting portions50from both sides in the third direction Z1. In this way, movements of the first connector housing30and the inner housing81in the second direction Y1and the third direction Z1can be suitably suppressed. As a result, relative movements of the first connector housing30and the inner housing81can be more suitably suppressed and relative movements of the first and second terminal members21,71can be more suitably suppressed.(15) The second fitting portion100provided on the facing surface94A particularly includes the one or more projections101(third projection) and the one or more recesses102(second recess) recessed toward the facing surface94A from the projecting end surface(s)101A of the projection(s)101. Similarly, the second fitting portion100provided on the facing surface94B particularly includes the one or more projections101and the one or more recesses102recessed toward the facing surface94B from the projecting end surface(s)101A of the projection(s)101. The (particularly each) projection101particularly has the inclined surfaces104,105(third inclined surface) for guiding the projection51of the first fitting portion50of the first connector20into the recess102when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20. Thus, when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20, the first and second fitting portions50,100can be easily convex-concavely fit or form-fit. In this way, the second connector70can be easily assembled with the first connector20.(16) The recess102particularly has the at least one inclined surface106(fourth inclined surface) for guiding the projection51of the first fitting portion50of the first connector20into the recess102when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20. Thus, when the second connector70is assembled with the first connector20, the first and second fitting portions50,100can be easily convex-concavely fit or form-fit. In this way, the second connector70can be easily assembled with the first connector20.(17) The second connector70particularly includes the inner member130for supporting the inner housing81inside the outer housing110. Thus, as compared to a configuration not including the inner member130, it can be suppressed that the inner housing81swings inside the outer housing110when vibration is applied to the second connector70. In this way, a relative movement of the inner housing81can be suppressed and, consequently, relative movements of the second terminal members71can be suppressed.(18) The terminal accommodating portions90A,90B particularly are integrally or unitarily formed through the base portion82. Thus, the number of components can be reduced as compared to the case where the terminal accommodating portions90A,90B are configured as separate components. Further, the both terminal accommodating portions90A,90B can be supported by the contact of the inner member130with the base portion82. Thus, the structure of the inner member130can be simplified as compared to the case where structures for supporting the terminal accommodating portions90A,90B are individually provided.

Accordingly, in order to suppress the wear of contact points, there is provided a first connector20attachable to and detachable from a second connector70which includes one or more, particularly a plurality of first terminal members21having tip parts substantially extending in a first direction X1, and a first connector housing30for holding or positioning the plurality of first terminal members21. The first connector housing30includes one or more side walls43having tip parts extending in the first direction X1. The side wall43includes a first fitting portion50to be convex-concavely fit or form-fit to a second fitting portion100provided in the second connector70. The first fitting portion50is engaged with the second fitting portion100in a second direction Y1intersecting an assembling direction D1of the first and second connectors20,70.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The above embodiment can be modified and carried out as follows. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be carried out in combination without technically contradicting each other.Although the projection51of the above embodiment particularly has the inclined surfaces54,55, there is no limitation to this. For example, the projection51may not have the inclined surface54. For example, the projection51may not have the inclined surfaces55. For example, the projection51may have none of the inclined surfaces54,55.Although the recess52of the above embodiment particularly has the inclined surface56, there is no limitation to this. For example, the recess52may not have the inclined surface56.The numbers of the projections51and the recesses52in the first fitting portion50of the above embodiment are not particularly limited. For example, the first fitting portion50may be configured to include only one projection51.The number of the first fitting portions50of the above embodiment is not limited to two and may be changed to one, three or more.Although the first fitting portions50particularly are provided on the side walls43provided between the plurality of first terminal members21, out of the protecting portion40, in the first connector housing30of the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this.For example, the first fitting portions50may be provided on the side walls44of the protecting portion40. In this case, the first fitting portions50may be provided on the inner surfaces of the side walls44or may be provided on the outer surfaces of the side walls44.For example, the first fitting portions50may be provided on the upper walls46of the protecting portion40. In this case, the first fitting portions50may be provided on the inner surfaces of the upper walls46or may be provided on the outer surfaces of the upper walls46.Although the first fitting portions50particularly are provided on the peripheral walls constituting the protecting portion40, out of walls having the tip parts extending in the first direction X1, in the first connector housing30of the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, the first fitting portions50may be provided on the peripheral wall portion32.Although the side wall43of the protecting portion40A and the side wall43of the protecting portion40B particularly are integrally formed via the coupling wall47in the protecting portions40, there is no limitation to this. For example, the coupling wall47may be omitted from the protecting portion40so that the side wall43of the protecting portion40A and the side wall43of the protecting portion40B are not integrated.Although the protecting portion40particularly is configured to include the one or more second openings42open in the second direction Y1in the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. The protecting portion40may be configured not to include the second openings42. The protecting portion40in this case particularly surrounds the first terminal members21over the entire periphery in the directions orthogonal to the first direction X1, and is open only in the first direction X1by having the first openings41. In this case, the slide members60are omitted.The reinforcing portions33in the first connector housing30of the above embodiment may be omitted.Although the first terminal member21of the above embodiment is configured to include the first terminal22and the protecting member25, there is no limitation to this. For example, the first terminal member21may be configured not to include the protecting member25, i.e. configured to include only the first terminal22.Although the projection101of the above embodiment particularly is configured to have the one or more inclined surfaces104,105, there is no limitation to this. For example, the projection101may be configured not to have the inclined surface104. For example, the projection101may be configured not to have the inclined surfaces105. For example, the projection101may be configured to have none of the inclined surfaces104,105.Although the recess102of the above embodiment particularly is configured to have the inclined surface106, there is no limitation to this. For example, the recess102may be configured not to have the inclined surface106.The numbers of the projections101and the recesses102in the second fitting portion100of the above embodiment are not particularly limited. For example, the second fitting portion100may be configured to include only one projection101.The number of the second fitting portions100of the above embodiment is not limited to two and may be changed to one, three or more.Although the second fitting portions100particularly are provided on the facing surfaces94A,94B substantially facing each other in the third direction Z1, out of the two terminal accommodating portions90A,90B, in the inner housing81of the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, the second fitting portions100may be provided on outer surfaces not facing the other terminal accommodating portions90, out of the terminal accommodating portions90A,90B.Although the terminal accommodating portions90A,90B particularly are integrally formed through the base portion82in the inner housing81of the above embodiment, there is no limitation to this. For example, the terminal accommodating portions90A,90B may be separate components.The inner member130in the second connector70of the above embodiment may be omitted.The sealing members140,150in the second connector70of the above embodiment may be omitted.Although the first connector20of the above embodiment particularly is configured to include two first terminal members21, the first connector20may be configured to include one, three or more first terminal members21.Although the second connector70of the above embodiment particularly is configured to include two second terminal members71, the second connector70may be configured to include one, three or more second terminal members71.The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered illustrative in all aspects, rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention is intended to be represented not by the above meaning, but by the scope of claims and include all changes in the scope of claims and in the meaning and scope of equivalents.