Connector

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector which can easily detect incomplete operation of an operation lever that joins a connection object and a housing. The connector is provided with: a housing which can be fitted to an object to be connected; an operating lever which is rotatably provided to the housing and which engages the housing with an object to be connected by rotating from a start position to an end position; and a detection member which is held by the operation lever and can move from the standby position to the detection position when the operation lever reaches the end position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are known to engage with the housing by moving an operating lever provided on the connector housing to a locked position (for example, see Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-533684).

[0003] However, there is room for improvement in structures where incomplete operation of the operating lever that engages the connected object with the housing is easily detected. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to obtain a connector that can easily detect incomplete operation of the operating rod that causes the connected object to fit into the housing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the connector of the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a housing capable of being fitted into a connected object; an operating lever rotatably disposed on the housing, wherein the housing is fitted into the connected object by rotating from a start position to an end position; and a detection member held by the operating lever, which is movable from a standby position to a detection position when the operating lever reaches the end position.

[0006] According to the connector of the first embodiment, the operator rotates an operating lever rotatably mounted on the housing from a start position to an end position, thereby engaging the housing with the object to be connected. Furthermore, when the operating lever reaches the end position, a detection component, which can move from a standby position to a detection position, is held on the operating lever. Therefore, after rotating the operating lever from the start position to the end position, the operator can smoothly move the detection component from the standby position to the detection position. This suppresses incomplete operation of the operating lever, resulting in easier detection of incomplete operation.

[0007] Furthermore, the connector of the second aspect involved in the present invention is the connector of the first aspect, wherein the operating lever has an operating lever-side operating portion for operator operation, the detection component has a detection component-side operating portion for operator operation, and the operating lever-side operating portion is adjacent to the detection component-side operating portion.

[0008] According to the connector of the second type, the operating part on the lever side and the operating part on the detection component side are adjacent to each other. Therefore, the operator can quickly begin operating the detection component after operating the lever, thus improving operability.

[0009] Furthermore, the third-party connector involved in this invention is a second-type connector, wherein the operating surface of the detection component side operating part located in the standby position is not located further from the standby position side than the operating surface of the operating lever side operating part.

[0010] According to the third-party connector, the operating surface of the detection component side operating unit in the standby position is not further away from the operating surface of the operating lever side operating unit compared to the standby position side. That is, the operating surfaces of the detection component side operating unit and the operating lever side operating unit in the standby position are at the same height, or the operating surface of the operating lever side operating unit is further away from the standby position side compared to the operating surface of the detection component side operating unit in the standby position. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent the operator from unintentionally operating the detection component side operating unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the connector of the fourth aspect involved in this invention is a third-party connector, in which, when the operating lever is in the end position and the detection component is in the standby position, the operating part on the detection component side is located further on the start position side than the operating part on the operating lever side.

[0012] According to the connector of the fourth type, when the operating lever is in the end position and the detection unit is in the standby position, the operating part on the detection unit side is located further to the start position side than the operating part on the operating lever side. Therefore, after the operator rotates the operating lever from the start position to the end position by operating the operating part on the operating lever side with their fingertip, they can move the detection unit from the standby position to the detection position by operating the operating part on the operating lever side with the tip of their finger, thus improving operability.

[0013] Furthermore, the connector of the fifth type involved in this invention is any of the connectors of the first to fourth types. The detection component has a first movement limiting part, and the housing has a housing-side first movement limiting part. When the operating lever is in the starting position and the detection component is in the standby position, the first movement limiting part abuts against the housing-side first movement limiting part to restrict the detection component from moving from the standby position to the detection position.

[0014] According to the connector of the fifth embodiment, when the operating lever is in the start position and the detection component is in the standby position, the movement of the detection component from the standby position to the detection position is restricted by the first movement restriction part abutting against the first movement restriction part on the housing side. Therefore, when the operating lever is in the start position and the detection component is in the standby position, erroneous movement of the detection component from the standby position to the detection position is prevented.

[0015] Furthermore, the connector of the sixth aspect of the present invention is a connector of the fifth aspect, wherein the housing has a fitting portion capable of fitting into the connected object, and the first movement limiting portion on the housing side is an edge portion formed on the fitting portion facing the connected object.

[0016] According to the connector of the sixth embodiment, the edge portion of the housing that fits into the housing and faces the connected object is a housing-side first movement restriction portion. That is, the edge portion of the housing's fitting portion can be used as a housing-side first movement restriction portion. Therefore, the housing structure is simplified compared to the case where a housing-side first movement restriction portion is separately formed on the housing.

[0017] Furthermore, the connector of the seventh aspect of the present invention is a connector of the fifth or sixth aspect. The detection component has a second movement limiting part, and the housing has a housing-side second movement limiting part. When the operating lever is located between the start position and the end position and the detection component is located in the standby position, the second movement limiting part abuts against the housing-side second movement limiting part to restrict the detection component from moving from the standby position to the detection position.

[0018] According to the connector of the seventh embodiment, when the operating lever is between the start and end positions and the detection component is in the standby position, the movement of the detection component from the standby position to the detection position is restricted by the second movement restriction portion abutting against the second movement restriction portion on the housing side. Therefore, when the operating lever is between the start and end positions and the detection component is in the standby position, erroneous movement of the detection component from the standby position to the detection position is prevented.

[0019] Furthermore, the connector of the eighth aspect of the present invention is the connector of the seventh aspect, the second movement limiting part is the outer surface of the movement limiting part formed in a block shape, and the housing-side second movement limiting part is the outer surface of the housing-side movement limiting part formed in a block shape.

[0020] According to the connector of the eighth embodiment, the second movement limiting part is the outer surface of the movement limiting part formed as a block, and the housing-side second movement limiting part is the outer surface of the housing-side movement limiting part formed as a block. Therefore, the strength of the second movement limiting part and the housing-side second movement limiting part is increased. Thus, even if the operating lever is between the start and end positions and the detection member is in the standby position, and the detection member is mistakenly moved from the standby position to the detection position, at least one of the second movement limiting part and the housing-side second movement limiting part is difficult to damage, preventing misoperation.

[0021] Furthermore, the connector of the ninth aspect of the present invention is the connector of the eighth aspect. The detection component has a rotation limiting part, and the housing has a housing-side rotation limiting part. When the operating lever is in the end position and the detection component is in the detection position, the rotation limiting part abuts against the housing-side rotation limiting part to restrict the operating lever from rotating from the end position to the start position.

[0022] According to the connector of the ninth type, when the operating lever is in the end position and the detection component is in the detection position, the rotation limiting part abuts against the rotation limiting part on the housing side to restrict the rotation of the operating lever from the end position to the start position. Therefore, rotation of the operating lever from the end position to the start position is prevented.

[0023] Furthermore, the connector of the tenth aspect of the present invention is the connector of the ninth aspect, wherein the rotation limiting part is the outer surface of the rotation blocking part formed in a block shape, and the housing-side rotation limiting part is the outer surface of the housing-side rotation blocking part formed in a block shape.

[0024] According to the connector of the tenth embodiment, the rotation limiting part is the outer surface of the block-shaped rotation blocking part, and the housing-side rotation limiting part is the outer surface of the block-shaped housing-side rotation blocking part. Therefore, the strength of both the rotation limiting part and the housing-side rotation limiting part is increased. Thus, even if the operating lever is mistakenly and forcefully rotated from the end position to the start position, at least one of the rotation limiting part and the housing-side rotation limiting part is difficult to damage, preventing such erroneous rotation operation.

[0025] Furthermore, the connector of the eleventh aspect of the present invention is the connector of the tenth aspect, wherein the detection component has a detection component-side limiting portion, the housing has a housing-side limiting portion, the movement limiting portion and the rotation preventing portion are formed on the detection component-side limiting portion, and the housing-side movement limiting portion and the housing-side rotation preventing portion are formed on the housing-side limiting portion.

[0026] According to the connector of the eleventh embodiment, the movement limiting part and the rotation preventing part are formed on the detection component side limiting part, and the housing side movement limiting part and the housing side rotation preventing part are formed on the housing side limiting part. That is, the movement limiting part and the rotation preventing part are concentrated on the detection component side limiting part, and the housing side movement limiting part and the housing side rotation preventing part are concentrated on the housing side limiting part. Therefore, the structure of the detection component and the housing is simplified.

[0027] Furthermore, the connector of the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the connector of the eleventh aspect, wherein the detection component has a plurality of detection component-side limiting portions, the housing has a plurality of housing-side limiting portions, and a recess is formed between the plurality of housing-side limiting portions.

[0028] According to the connector of the twelfth embodiment, the detection component has multiple detection component-side restrictive portions, and the housing has multiple housing-side restrictive portions. Therefore, the strong force generated due to misoperation of the detection component or operating lever is dispersed among the multiple detection component-side restrictive portions and the multiple housing-side restrictive portions, making them difficult to damage. Furthermore, since recesses are formed between the multiple housing-side restrictive portions, the housing can be miniaturized compared to a structure without recesses.

[0029] Furthermore, the connector of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a connector of any of the first to fourth aspects. The detection component has a movement limiting part, and the housing has a housing-side movement limiting part. When the operating lever is between the start position and the end position and the detection component is in the standby position, the movement limiting part abuts against the housing-side movement limiting part to restrict the movement of the detection component from the standby position to the detection position.

[0030] According to the connector of the thirteenth embodiment, when the operating lever is between the start and end positions and the detection component is in the standby position, the movement of the detection component from the standby position to the detection position is restricted by the movement restriction part abutting against the movement restriction part on the housing side. Therefore, when the operating lever is between the start and end positions and the detection component is in the standby position, erroneous movement of the detection component from the standby position to the detection position is prevented.

[0031] Furthermore, the connector of the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is any one of the first to fourth embodiments of the connector. The detection component has a rotation-stopping part, and the housing has a housing-side rotation-stopping part. When the operating lever is in the end position and the detection component is in the detection position, the rotation-stopping part abuts against the housing-side rotation-stopping part to restrict the operating lever from rotating from the end position to the start position.

[0032] According to the connector of the fourteenth embodiment, when the operating lever is in the end position and the detection component is in the detection position, the rotation of the operating lever from the end position to the start position is restricted by the rotation blocking part abutting against the rotation blocking part on the housing side. Therefore, rotation of the operating lever from the end position to the start position is prevented.

[0033] Furthermore, the connector of the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a connector of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the housing has a pre-fitting rotation limiting part, and the connector is configured such that when the operating lever is in the starting position and the detection component is in the standby position, if the operating lever is rotated from the starting position to the ending position, the detection component slides into contact with the pre-fitting rotation limiting part.

[0034] According to the connector of the fifteenth method, when the operating lever is in the start position and the detection component is in the standby position, if the operating lever is rotated from the start position to the end position, the detection component will slide into contact with the pre-fitting rotation limiting part of the housing. Therefore, when storing the connector in a state where it is not fitted with the object to be connected, the contact between the detection component and the pre-fitting rotation limiting part suppresses the rotation of the operating lever from the start position to the end position due to vibration or other reasons.

[0035] Furthermore, when the operator intentionally rotates the operating lever during the engagement of the connecting object and the connector, the detection component slides into contact with the pre-engagement rotation restriction part while simultaneously crossing the pre-engagement rotation restriction part. In other words, even when the operator intentionally operates the operating lever, the rotation of the operating lever from the start position to the end position will not be damaged by the pre-engagement rotation restriction part.

[0036] Furthermore, the connector of the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention is a connector of any one of the first to fifteenth embodiments, wherein the operating lever has a first stepped portion and the housing has a second stepped portion, and when the operating lever rotates from the starting position to the ending position, the first stepped portion crosses the second stepped portion just before the operating lever reaches the ending position.

[0037] According to the connector of the sixteenth embodiment, when the operating lever rotates from the start position to the end position, just before the operating lever reaches the end position, a first step portion of the operating lever spans a second step portion of the housing. That is, when the operator operates the operating lever, they can feel the operating lever rotating to the end position through the tactile sensation of the first step portion spanning the second step portion. Furthermore, at least one of the first and second step portions can also be supported by an elastically deformable sheet. In this case, due to the generation of a clicking sound, the operator can easily feel the operating lever rotating to the end position.

[0038] As described above, according to the present invention, incomplete operation of the operating lever that engages the connected object with the housing can be easily detected. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the connector and the object to be connected according to this embodiment, viewed from the connector side.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing the connector and the object to be connected as described in this embodiment, viewed from the side of the object to be connected.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the connector involved in this embodiment, viewed from the end position side.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of the connector involved in this embodiment, viewed from the starting position side.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view showing the operating lever and detection component in the connector according to this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the operating lever and detection component in the connector according to this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 7A This is a schematic front view showing the standby position of the detection component in the connector according to this embodiment. Figure 7B This is a schematic front view showing the detection position of the detection component in the connector according to this embodiment.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view showing the detection component in the connector according to this embodiment.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic side view showing the state before the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment.

[0048] Figure 10 This is a schematic side view showing the state in which the operating lever is in the start position when the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment.

[0049] Figure 11 This is a schematic side view showing the state in which the operating lever is slightly rotated from the starting position when the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment.

[0050] Figure 12 This is a schematic side view showing the state in which the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment, the operating lever is in the end position, and the detection component is in the standby position.

[0051] Figure 13 This is a schematic side view showing the state in which the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment, so that the operating lever is in the end position and the detection component is in the detection position.

[0052] Figure 14 This is a partial enlarged cross-section showing a schematic side view of the state in which the operating lever is in the start position when the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment.

[0053] Figure 15A This is a partial cross-section showing a schematic side view of the state in which the connector is fitted into the connecting object according to this embodiment, and the operating lever is in the start position. Figure 15B This is a partial cross-section showing a schematic side view of the state in which the operating lever is slightly rotated from the starting position when the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment.

[0054] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the operating lever is slightly rotated from the starting position when the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment.

[0055] Figure 17This is a partial cross-section showing a schematic side view of the state in which the operating lever is slightly rotated from the starting position when the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment.

[0056] Figure 18 This is a partially enlarged schematic perspective view showing the state in which the operating lever is slightly rotated from the starting position when the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment.

[0057] Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view showing the standby position of the detection component in a connector that fits into the object to be connected according to this embodiment.

[0058] Figure 20 This is a schematic perspective view showing the standby position of the detection component in the connector according to this embodiment.

[0059] Figure 21 This is a partial cross-section showing a schematic side view of a state in which the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment, the operating lever is in the end position, and the detection component is in the standby position.

[0060] Figure 22 This is a schematic perspective view showing the detection position of the detection component in a connector that fits into the object to be connected according to this embodiment.

[0061] Figure 23 This is a partial cross-section showing a schematic side view of the state in which the connector is fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment, the operating lever is in the end position, and the detection component is in the standby position.

[0062] Figure 24 This is a partially enlarged schematic perspective view showing the connector being fitted into the connection object involved in this embodiment, with the operating lever in the end position and the detection component in the standby position.

[0063] Figure 25 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the housing and operating lever of the connector according to this embodiment.

[0064] Figure 26 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the state of the operating lever of the connector according to this embodiment just before it reaches the end position.

[0065] Figure 27 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the state of the operating lever of the connector according to this embodiment just after it has reached the end position.

[0066] Figure 28 This is a partially enlarged schematic perspective view showing the terminal structure of the connector involved in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, arrow UP, appropriately shown in each figure, is designated as the upper part of connector 10, and arrow RH as the right side of connector 10. Arrow FR is designated as the insertion direction of connector 10 towards the connected object, and is designated as forward. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions of up / down, front / back, and left / right are designated as up / down in the up / down direction, front / back in the front / back direction, and left / right in the left / right direction of connector 10.

[0068] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the connector 10 according to this embodiment includes: a housing 12 capable of fitting into a connected object 50; an operating lever 20 rotatably disposed on the housing 12, which fits into the connected object 50 by rotating from a start position to an end position; and a detection member 30 held by the operating lever 20, which can move from a standby position to a detection position when the operating lever 20 reaches the end position.

[0069] Furthermore, the term "starting position" refers to the position where the operating lever 20 is positioned at the front, and the term "ending position" refers to the position where the operating lever 20 is positioned at the rear. Additionally, the term "standby position" refers to the position where the detection unit 30 is positioned at the top when the operating lever 20 is in the ending position, and the term "detection position" refers to the position where the detection unit 30 is positioned at the bottom when the operating lever 20 is in the ending position.

[0070] The connecting object 50 has, for example, a rectangular flat plate-shaped base portion 52 and an integrally protruding fitting portion 54 on the rear surface 52A of the base portion 52. The fitting portion 54 is formed, for example, a generally square tube shape, and cam portions 56 protruding outward in the left and right directions are integrally provided on the outer surfaces of its left and right sidewalls 54S.

[0071] The cam portion 56 has a cylindrical cam body 56A with the left-right direction as the axis and a circular plate-shaped flange portion 56B that is coaxially and integrally formed at the front end of the cam body 56A and is larger than the diameter of the cam body 56A. Moreover, the cam portion 56 protrudes from the outer surface of each side wall 54S at approximately the center in the vertical direction and is slightly rearward than the center in the front-rear direction.

[0072] The housing 12 of the connector 10 has a generally square cylindrical fitting portion 12A (see reference) that is slightly larger than, for example, the fitting portion 54 of the connected object 50. Figure 2 The fitting part 12A is configured to be inserted into and fitted from the rear side of the fitting part 54 in such a way that it covers the fitting part 54 from the outside side.

[0073] Specifically, a front cover 13 is provided in the front side portion inside the housing 12, which has a plurality of holes 13A through which terminals (not shown) of the connected object 50 are inserted. The fitted portion 54 is inserted between the outer peripheral surface of the front cover 13 and the inner peripheral surface of the fitted portion 12A and fitted together.

[0074] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the housing 12 has an upper wall 12U and left and right side walls 12S that constitute the fitting portion 12A (see reference). Figure 4 The lower wall 12D and the rear wall 12D are integrally provided with a rear wall 12B at their rear end. In addition, the rear wall 12B is provided with a rear cover 15, which has a plurality of holes 15A through which wire terminals 17 are inserted for connecting wires.

[0075] In the front portion of the left and right sidewalls 12S of the housing 12, approximately at the center in the vertical direction, there is a cutout 12T of a predetermined width for accommodating the cam body 56A of the cam portion 56 when the fitting portion 12A is fitted into the fitted portion 54 (see reference). Figure 4 Furthermore, on the outer surface of the left and right side walls 12S of the housing 12, and on the rear side of the cutout 12T, respectively, a generally cylindrical support shaft 14 with the left-right direction as the axis is integrally provided. The operating rod 20 is rotatably supported on this pair of left and right support shafts 14.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the operating lever 20 is formed in a roughly "U" shape, having a pair of left and right sidewall portions 22 and a connecting portion 24 that connects the left and right sidewall portions 22 into one piece. Each sidewall portion 22 has a circular hole portion 22B that is rotatably fitted into the support shaft 14 and a cam body 56A that is inserted into the cam portion 56 and guides the cam body 56A in opposite directions.

[0077] The cam groove 22C is formed into an elongated hole that is roughly arc-shaped when viewed from the side. Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 is in... Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the state shown in the starting position, an extension 23 extending outward in the left and right direction is integrally formed at the front end of the side wall portion 22, which is the front side of the cam groove 22C. A generally rectangular cutout 23A for accommodating the flange portion 56B of the cam portion 56 is formed in the extension 23.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown in Figure 7, an operating lever-side operating part 26 for operation by an operator (not shown) is integrally formed at the center of the connecting portion 24 of the operating lever 20 in the left-right direction. The operating lever-side operating part 26 is formed in a generally cuboid shape with the length direction in the left-right direction, and is located when the operating lever 20 is... Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the starting position shown, it protrudes forward. Furthermore, in this state, a generally small cylindrical finger-holding step 28 with the left-right axial direction is integrally provided on the upper front end of the operating lever side operating part 26 for a predetermined length (shorter than the operating lever side operating part 26).

[0079] Furthermore, in this state, the upper surface of the connecting portion 24 is flush with the upper surface of the operating lever-side operating portion 26, with only the finger-attaching step portion 28 protruding upwards. Moreover, a detection member 30 is provided across the left and right sidewall portions 22 of the connecting portion 24. On the left and right sides of the operating lever-side operating portion 26 in the connecting portion 24 of the operating lever 20, and on each sidewall portion 22, fitting groove portions 24A and 22A are formed respectively, allowing the fitting protrusions 34A and 32A of the detection member 30 (described later) to slidably engage (or slide). Figure 6 ).

[0080] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the detection component 30 is formed in a generally "U" shape, having a pair of left and right arms 32 that serve as detection component-side limiting parts (movement limiting parts, rotation blocking parts) and a connecting part 34 that connects the left and right arms 32 into one unit. Each arm 32 is positioned when the operating lever 20 is in the position of the control lever 20. Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the starting position shown, the outer surface 32B, which serves as the rotation restriction part facing downward (see reference). Figure 6 , Figure 8 It is formed into an inelastic block shape (roughly quadrangular prism) with the front-back direction as the length direction and the top-bottom direction as the height direction.

[0081] An operating part 36 for operation by an operator (not shown) is integrally formed at the center of the connecting portion 34 of the detection component 30 in the left-right direction. The operating part 36 is formed in a generally cuboid shape with the length direction in the left-right direction, and is located at the position of the operating lever 20. Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the initial position shown, it protrudes downwards. Furthermore, in this state, the operating surface 26A of the lever-side operating section 26 facing forward and the operating surface 36A of the detection member-side operating section 36 facing forward are coplanar, and the lever-side operating section 26 and the detection member-side operating section 36 are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0082] On the left and right sides of the connecting portion 34 of the detection component 30, opposite to the operating portion 36 on the detection component side (top side), there are generally rectangular flat plate-shaped fitting protrusions 34A that are movably (slidably) fitted into the fitting groove portion 24A. Furthermore, on each pair of left and right arms 32 of the detection component 30, there are generally rectangular flat plate-shaped fitting protrusions 32A that are movably (slidably) fitted into the fitting groove portion 22A. In addition, the fitting protrusions 32A of each arm 32 are larger than the fitting protrusions 34A of the connecting portion 34, and are integrally formed on the outer side of each arm 32 in the left-right direction.

[0083] Additionally, when the operating lever 20 is located Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the starting position shown, a generally rectangular flat plate-shaped retaining portion 38 extending toward the rear is integrally formed in the center of the connecting portion 34 of the detection component 30 in the left-right direction (see reference). Figures 6 to 8 In the retaining part 38, a pair of left and right slits 38A extending in the front-back direction are formed, which are located further outward in the left-right direction than the detection component side operating part 36 and further inward in the left-right direction than the fitting protrusion 34A.

[0084] Furthermore, on the left and right sides of the retaining portion 38, at locations approximately the same in the front-rear direction as one end and the other end of the slit portion 38A along the length direction, cutout portions 38C and 38D extending along the thickness direction of the retaining portion 38 are respectively formed (see Figure 7). Figure 8 Thus, the cutout portions 38C and 38D on the left and right sides of the retaining portion 38 can elastically deform inward in the left and right directions, respectively.

[0085] Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 is in the position Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the starting position shown, on the rear side of its connecting portion 24, there are retaining protrusions 27 protruding inward in the left and right directions in a pair (see Figure 7). Each retaining protrusion 27 is configured to be able to insert into the cut portion 38C and the cut portion 38D.

[0086] That is, when the detection component 30 is in the standby position, the protrusion 27 is inserted into the cutout 38C (see reference). Figure 7A Furthermore, when the detection component 30 moves from the standby position to the detection position, the retaining protrusion 27 disengages from the cutout portion 38C, causing the left and right sides of the retaining portion 38 between the cutout portion 38C and the cutout portion 38D to elastically deform inward in the left and right directions, and simultaneously move relative to the cutout portion 38D. When the detection component 30 is in the detection position, it is inserted into the cutout portion 38D (see reference). Figure 7B ).

[0087] With the above structure, the detection component 30 can move (slide) relative to the operating lever 20. In other words, the operating lever 20 can move (slide) to hold the detection component 30. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, on the lower surface of the retaining part 38 (where the operating lever 20 is in position) Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the state shown in the starting position, a pair of left and right protrusions 40, which serve as first movement restriction parts, are integrally provided on the inner side of each slit portion 38A in the left and right directions of the face facing downwards, and at the center of the length direction of each slit portion 38A.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in FIG7, the operating surface 36A of the detection component-side operating unit 36 ​​in the standby position is configured such that it is not located further from the standby position side than the operating surface 26A of the joystick-side operating unit 26. That is, as shown in the figure, the operating surface 36A of the detection component-side operating unit 36 ​​in the standby position is at the same height as the operating surface 26A of the joystick-side operating unit 26, or although not shown in the figure, it is configured such that the operating surface 26A of the joystick-side operating unit 26 is located further from the standby position side than the operating surface 36A of the detection component-side operating unit 36 ​​in the standby position.

[0089] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 13 This describes the engagement action of connector 10 relative to the object 50 being connected.

[0090] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the connector 10 is moved forward relative to the connected object 50, causing the engaging portion 12A of the housing 12 to engage with its engaged portion 54. At this time, the operating lever 20 is positioned in the starting position. Furthermore, with this engagement, the flange portion 56B of the cam portion 56 passes through the cutout portion 23A of the protrusion portion 23 of the operating lever 20 (see reference). Figure 6 The cam body 56A of the cam portion 56 is inserted into the cutout 12T of the side wall 12S of the housing 12, and is inserted into the cam groove 22C in the side wall portion 22 of the operating lever 20 along the length direction.

[0091] Next, as Figure 11 As shown, the operating lever 20 is rotated clockwise around the support shaft 14. This causes the cam body 56A of the cam section 56 to move relative to the cam groove 22C, while simultaneously causing the housing 12 to move further forward. In other words, the housing 12 is pulled relatively towards the connected object 50.

[0092] And, as Figure 12As shown, the cam body 56A of the cam portion 56 further rotates the operating lever 20 clockwise as shown in the figure until it is located on the other side of the cam groove 22C in the length direction. As a result, the housing 12 is pulled to a predetermined position relative to the object 50 being connected, and the operating lever 20 is positioned in the end position, completing the engagement state of the fitting portion 12A in the housing 12 relative to the fitted portion 54.

[0093] Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 is in the end position and the detection unit 30 is in the standby position, from a top view, the detection unit side operating part 36 is located further to the start position side than the operating lever side operating part 26, and the outer surface 32B of each arm part 32 facing forward is located further to the rear side than the outer surface 18B of each protrusion 18 facing rearward as described later.

[0094] Then, as Figure 13 As shown, the detection component 30 is pressed down to its lowest position. Thus, the engagement action of the fitting part 12A in the housing 12 relative to the fitted part 54 is completely completed by visual inspection (identification), even if the operating rod 20 for engaging the object 50 with the housing 12 is fully operated (not partially operated).

[0095] Here, as Figure 10 As shown, when the operating lever 20 is in the initial position, for example, even if the detection component 30 is mistakenly pressed backward, the detection component 30 cannot move. Specifically, as... Figure 14 As shown, when the operating lever 20 is in the start position, the protrusion 40 is disposed in the fitting portion 12A of the housing 12, facing the edge 12F which serves as the first movement restriction portion on the housing side, in a manner that faces the edge 12F in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the operating lever 20 is in the start position and the detection member 30 is in the standby position, the movement of the detection member 30 from the standby position to the detection position can be restricted by the protrusion 40 abutting against the edge 12F.

[0096] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 14 As shown in Figure 15, a protrusion 16, serving as a rotation restriction part before fitting, is integrally provided on the central part of the front side of the upper wall 12U of the housing 12 in the left-right direction. The protrusion 16 is generally trapezoidal in side view, and its upper end 16A is generally arc-shaped in side view, and the part other than its upper end is generally vertical.

[0097] Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 is in the start position and the detection unit 30 is in the standby position, the rear surface 38B of the holding portion 38 of the detection unit 30 (refer to...) Figure 8The lower part of the protrusion 16 faces the upper part of the front surface 16A of the protrusion 16 (including the upper side of the portion that is a generally vertical plane) in the front-back direction.

[0098] Therefore, when the operating lever 20 is in the start position and the detection component 30 is in the standby position, if the operating lever 20 is to be rotated from the start position to the end position, the rear surface 38B of the holding portion 38 of the detection component 30 is configured to slide in contact (friction) with the front surface 16A (especially the upper end of the front surface 16A) of the protrusion 16.

[0099] That is, when the operator intentionally rotates the operating lever 20, the holding part 38 of the detection component 30 is configured to slide in contact with the protrusion 16 while crossing the protrusion 16. In order for the holding part 38 to be easily crossed, the upper end of the front 16A of the protrusion 16 is formed into a generally arc shape in side view.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, when the operating lever 20 is slightly rotated from the starting position (until the operating lever 20 is at approximately the midpoint between the starting and ending positions), and the cam body 56A of the cam section 56 is located at approximately the center of the cam groove 22C in the length direction, the detection member 30 cannot move even if it is mistakenly pressed to the lower rear side.

[0101] If you require further explanation, then as follows: Figures 16 to 18 As shown, raised portions 18 serving as housing-side limiting portions (housing-side movement limiting portions, housing-side rotation preventing portions) are integrally formed at both the left and right ends of the upper wall 12U of the housing 12 on the rear side. For the pair of raised portions 18, the outer surface 18B of the housing-side rotation limiting portion facing the rear is generally trapezoidal and is formed as an inelastic block (generally quadrangular prism) extending in the front-rear direction for a predetermined length (for example, approximately half the front-rear length of the housing 12) (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0102] That is, the pair of left and right protrusions 18 are formed to protrude upward from the upper wall 12U of the housing 12. In other words, there is a recess 12C of a predetermined depth between the pair of left and right protrusions 18 in the upper wall 12U of the housing 12. Multiple (at least four) ridge lines 18A are formed on the pair of left and right protrusions 18 respectively, extending along the front-back direction (the normal direction of the outer surface 18B and the outer surface 18C described later).

[0103] Therefore, when the operating lever 20 is between the start and end positions and the detection unit 30 is in the standby position, the detection unit 30 can be restricted from moving from the standby position to the detection position (see reference) by the outer surface 32C of the second movement restriction portion facing the rearward and downward side of the left and right pair of arms 32 abutting against the outer surface 18C (especially the upper end of the outer surface 18C) of the second movement restriction portion on the housing side of the left and right pair of raised portions 18. Figures 16 to 18 Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, when the operating lever 20 is rotated further towards the end position, the movement of the detection component 30 from the standby position to the detection position can be restricted by the contact between the outer surface 32C of each arm 32 and the upper surface of each protrusion 18.

[0104] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, when the operating lever 20 is rotated to the end position and the detection unit 30 is in the detection position, for example, even if the operating lever 20 is mistakenly rotated to the start position, the operating lever 20 cannot rotate. Specifically, as... Figures 19 to 21 As shown, when the operating lever 20 is rotated to the end position, the outer surface 32B of each arm 32 of the detection component 30 in the standby position facing forward is located further rearward than the outer surface 18B of each protrusion 18 facing rearward when viewed from above.

[0105] Therefore, the detection component 30 can move from the standby position to the detection position, such as Figures 22 to 24 As shown, when the detection component 30 is in the detection position, a portion of the outer surface 32B of the arm portion 32 (the inner portion in the left-right direction) and a portion of the outer surface 18B of the raised portion 18 (the outer portion in the left-right direction) face each other in the front-back direction. Therefore, when the operating lever 20 is in the end position and the detection component 30 is in the detection position, the outer surfaces 32B of the left and right arm portions 32 abut against the outer surfaces 18B of the left and right raised portions 18, thereby restricting the rotation of the operating lever 20 from the end position to the start position.

[0106] In addition, such as Figure 25 As shown, on the side of each side wall 22 of the operating lever 20 opposite to the cam groove 22C, a pair of left and right claw portions 29, serving as first step portions, are formed. The left and right claw portions 29 are formed to protrude inward in the left and right direction at the front end of the elastic sheet 29A, which is configured to elastically deform outward in the left and right direction. Furthermore, the flange portions 19, which form second step portions at the rear ends of the left and right side walls 12S of the housing 12, protrude slightly outward in the left and right direction.

[0107] Therefore, as Figure 26 , Figure 27As shown, the configuration is such that when the operating lever 20 rotates from the start position to the end position, just before the operating lever 20 reaches the end position, the elastic sheet 29A undergoes elastic deformation in the left-right direction, and the claw portion 29 crosses the flange portion 19. That is, the configuration is such that the operator can perceive the end of the rotation of the operating lever 20 to the end position through the tactile sensation and clicking sound generated by the claw portion 29 crossing the flange portion 19.

[0108] In addition, such as Figure 28 As shown, the front cover 13 is mounted and secured to the housing 12 from the front side. The front cover 13 is configured to have an upper end portion 13U and a lower end portion 13D extending to the rearward side by a predetermined length, and the upper end portion 13U and the lower end portion 13D prevent the fitting-side waterproof members 42 respectively provided in the upper and lower sides of the housing 12 from falling off to the front side.

[0109] Furthermore, a plurality of ribs 13B extending rearward with a length shorter than that of the upper end 13U and lower end 13D are formed in the middle of the vertical direction of the front cover 13. By pressing each rib 13B from the upper side, a plurality of terminal retaining springs 44 disposed inside the housing 12 flex downward. As a result, the protrusions 44A of each terminal retaining spring 44 are inserted from the upper side into the holes 17A formed in the front of each wire terminal 17, thereby locking (preventing detachment) each wire terminal 17.

[0110] In addition, such as Figure 25 As shown, a generally square-cylindrical frame 12E is integrally protruding from the rear wall 12B of the housing 12. Multiple holes for inserting the wire terminal 17 are formed on the inner side of the rear wall 12B of this frame 12E. Furthermore, as... Figure 28 As shown, a wire-side waterproof component 46 is provided on the inner side of the frame 12E, and the rear cover 15 is fitted (locked) onto the rear wall 12B of the housing 12 from the rear side and fitted into the outer side of the frame 12E. That is, the rear cover 15 is configured to prevent the wire-side waterproof component 46 provided on the rear wall 12B of the housing 12 from falling off.

[0111] The function of the connector 10 in this embodiment, which has the above structure, will now be explained.

[0112] As described above, the operator rotates the operating lever 20, which is rotatably mounted on the housing 12, from the start position to the end position, to engage the housing 12 with the object to be connected 50. Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 reaches the end position, the detection component 30, which can move from the standby position to the detection position, is held by the operating lever 20.

[0113] Therefore, after the operator rotates the operating lever 20 from the start position to the end position, the detection component 30 can be smoothly moved from the standby position to the detection position. As a result, incomplete operation of the operating lever 20 can be suppressed or prevented, and incomplete operation of the operating lever 20 can be easily detected (identified).

[0114] That is, when the operator operates the detection component 30, by noticing that the detection component 30 cannot move to the detection position, the operator can identify it as an incomplete engagement state, thereby suppressing or preventing the connector 10 and the connected object 50 from becoming incompletely engaged.

[0115] Furthermore, the operating lever side operating section 26 of the operating lever 20 and the detection component side operating section 36 of the detection component 30 are arranged adjacent to each other. Therefore, after the operator rotates the operating lever 20, they can quickly begin the movement operation of the detection component 30, which improves its operability.

[0116] Furthermore, when in the standby position, the operating surface 36A of the detection component-side operating unit 36 ​​is not located further from the standby position side than the operating surface 26A of the operating stick-side operating unit 26. In other words, the operating surface 36A of the detection component-side operating unit 36 ​​and the operating surface 26A of the operating stick-side operating unit 26 are at the same height when in the standby position, or the operating surface 26A of the operating stick-side operating unit 26 is located further from the standby position side than the operating surface 36A of the detection component-side operating unit 36 ​​when in the standby position. Therefore, it is also possible to suppress or prevent the operator from unintentionally operating the detection component-side operating unit 36.

[0117] Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 is in the end position and the detection unit 30 is in the standby position, the detection unit-side operating section 36 is located further to the start position side than the operating lever-side operating section 26. Therefore, the operator can rotate the operating lever 20 from the start position to the end position by operating the operating lever-side operating section 26 with their fingertip, and then move the detection unit 30 from the standby position to the detection position by operating the operating lever-side operating section 26 with the tip of their finger. This improves operability.

[0118] Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 is in the start position and the detection component 30 is in the standby position, the detection component 30 is restricted from moving from the standby position to the detection position by the protrusion 40 formed on the holding portion 38 of the detection component 30 abutting against the edge portion 12F formed on the fitting portion 12A of the housing 12 that fits into the fitting portion 54 of the connected object 50.

[0119] Therefore, when the operating lever 20 is in the start position and the detection component 30 is in the standby position, it is possible to prevent the detection component 30 from being mistakenly moved from the standby position to the detection position. In addition, since the edge portion 12F in the fitting portion 12A of the housing 12 can be used as the housing-side first movement restriction portion, the structure of the housing 12 can be simplified compared to the case where the housing-side first movement restriction portion is separately formed on the housing 12.

[0120] Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 is between the start and end positions and the detection unit 30 is in the standby position, the movement of the detection unit 30 from the standby position to the detection position is restricted by the contact between the outer surface 32C of the arm portion 32 and the outer surface 18C of the raised portion 18. Therefore, when the operating lever 20 is between the start and end positions and the detection unit 30 is in the standby position, it is possible to prevent the detection unit 30 from being mistakenly moved from the standby position to the detection position.

[0121] Furthermore, since the arm portion 32 and the raised portion 18 are each formed into an inelastic block shape, their strength is increased. Therefore, even when the operating lever 20 is between the start and end positions and the detection component 30 is in the standby position, if a misoperation occurs and the detection component 30 moves from the standby position to the detection position, at least one of the arm portion 32 and the raised portion 18 is unlikely to be damaged, effectively preventing such misoperation.

[0122] Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 is in the end position and the detection component 30 is in the detection position, the rotation of the operating lever 20 from the end position to the start position is restricted by the contact between the outer surface 32B of the arm portion 32 and the outer surface 18B of the raised portion 18. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operating lever 20 from rotating from the end position to the start position.

[0123] In particular, the outer surface 32B of the arm portion 32 takes the direction of the front-rear component of the force applied when rotating the operating lever 20 from the end position to the start position as its normal direction, and the outer surface 18B of the raised portion 18 also takes the direction of the front-rear component of the force applied when rotating the operating lever 20 from the end position to the start position as its normal direction. Moreover, multiple ridges 18A extending along their normal directions are formed on the raised portion 18.

[0124] Therefore, the strength of the arm 32 and the raised portion 18 when the operating lever 20 is rotated from the end position to the start position can be effectively improved. Thus, even if the operating lever 20 is mistakenly and forcefully rotated from the end position to the start position, at least one of the arm 32 and the raised portion 18 is unlikely to be damaged, preventing such erroneous rotation. Furthermore, the structure preventing erroneous operation (rotation) of the operating lever 20 and the detection component 30 is concentrated in the arm 32 and the raised portion 18. Therefore, the structure of the detection component 30 and the housing 12 can be simplified.

[0125] Furthermore, the detection component 30 has multiple (a pair of left and right) arms 32, and the housing 12 has multiple (a pair of left and right) protrusions 18. Therefore, the strong force generated by misoperation of the detection component 30 or the operating lever 20 can be dispersed among the multiple arms 32 and the multiple protrusions 18, making the arms 32 and protrusions 18 more difficult to damage. Additionally, since recesses 12C are formed between the multiple protrusions 18, the housing 12 can be miniaturized compared to a structure without recesses 12C.

[0126] Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 is in the start position and the detection component 30 is in the standby position, if the operating lever 20 is rotated from the start position to the end position, the rear surface 38B of the holding portion 38 of the detection component 30 will slide into contact with the front surface 16A (particularly the upper end of the front surface 16A) of the protrusion 16 of the housing 12. Therefore, when storing the connector 10 in a state where it is not engaged with the connected object 50, the contact between the detection component 30 and the protrusion 16 can suppress the rotation of the operating lever 20 from the start position to the end position due to vibration or the like.

[0127] Furthermore, when the operator intentionally rotates the operating lever 20 (intentionally causing the detection component 30 to come into strong contact with the protrusion 16) during the engagement of the connecting object 50 with the connector 10, the retaining portion 38 of the detection component 30 slides into contact with the protrusion 16 while simultaneously passing over the protrusion 16. That is, even when the operator intentionally operates the operating lever 20, the rotation of the operating lever 20 from the start position to the end position will not be damaged by the protrusion 16.

[0128] Furthermore, when the operating lever 20 is rotated from the start position to the end position, the claw portion 29 provided on the operating lever 20 crosses the flange portion 19 provided on the housing 12 just before the operating lever 20 reaches the end position. That is, when the operator rotates the operating lever 20, they can feel the operating lever 20 rotating to the end position by the tactile sensation of the claw portion 29 crossing the flange portion 19. In addition, in this case, since a clicking sound is also generated by the claw portion 29, it is easy to sense that the operating lever 20 has rotated to the end position.

[0129] Alternatively, although the illustration is omitted, the operating lever 20 may have a flange portion forming a first step portion, and the housing 12 may have a claw portion forming a second step portion, with the flange portion extending across the claw portion. Alternatively, the operating lever 20 may have a claw portion 29 forming a first step portion, and the housing 12 may have a claw portion forming a second step portion. Thus, it is sufficient that at least one of the first and second step portions is a claw portion capable of elastic deformation.

[0130] Furthermore, when disengaging the connection between the object 50 and the connector 10, the detection unit 30, located in the detection position, is first moved to the standby position, and then the operating lever 20, located in the end position, is rotated to the start position. As a result, the connector 10 moves rearward relative to the object 50, disengaging from it. Thus, by rotating the operating lever 20, the operator can engage and disengage the object 50 and the connector 10 with relatively little force.

[0131] In particular, in this embodiment, due to the waterproof component 42 on the mating side and the plurality of wire terminals 17 (tin-plated terminals) installed on the connector 10, there is a tendency for the insertion and extraction force to increase when mating with and when disassembling the connected object 50. However, by using the connector 10 equipped with the operating lever 20, the mating and disassembling operations can be easily performed.

[0132] The connector 10 according to this embodiment has been described above based on the accompanying drawings. However, the connector 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to the connector 10 shown in the drawings. Design changes can be made appropriately without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the connector 10 according to this embodiment can also be applied to connectors that do not have a waterproof component 42 on the mating side or tin-plated terminals.

[0133] Furthermore, the structure enabling the detection component 30 to move relative to the operating lever 20 is not limited to the structure shown in the figure, and may be other structures. Additionally, other components may be sandwiched between the operating lever-side operating portion 26 and the detection component-side operating portion 36, and the structure is not limited to a configuration where the operating lever-side operating portion 26 and the detection component-side operating portion 36 are adjacent. Furthermore, the fitting portion 54 of the connected object 50, the fitting portion 12A of the housing 12, and the frame 12E are not limited to the generally square cylindrical shape shown in the figure, and may also be formed into a generally cylindrical shape, etc.

Claims

1. A connector comprising: The shell, which can be fitted into the object to be connected; An operating lever, rotatably mounted on the housing, allows the housing to engage with the object to be connected by rotating it from a starting position to an ending position; and The detection component is held by the operating lever and can move from the standby position to the detection position when the operating lever reaches the end position.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The control lever has a control lever-side operating section for operator operation. The detection component has a detection component-side operating section for operator use. The operating part on the lever side is adjacent to the operating part on the detection component side.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The operating surface of the detection component side operating part located in the standby position is not located further from the operating surface of the operating lever side operating part than in the standby position position.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, When the operating lever is in the end position and the detection component is in the standby position, the operating part on the detection component side is located further to the start position side than the operating part on the operating lever side.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The detection component has a first movement restriction part. The housing has a first movement limiting part on the housing side. When the operating lever is in the starting position and the detection component is in the standby position, the first movement limiting part abuts against the first movement limiting part on the housing side, thereby restricting the detection component from moving from the standby position to the detection position.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein, The housing has a fitting portion that can be fitted into the object to be connected. The first movement restriction portion on the housing side is an edge portion formed on the side of the fitting portion facing the connected object.

7. The connector according to claim 5, wherein, The detection component has a second movement restriction part. The housing has a second movement limiting part on the housing side. When the operating lever is between the start position and the end position and the detection component is in the standby position, the second movement limiting part abuts against the second movement limiting part on the housing side, thereby restricting the movement of the detection component from the standby position to the detection position.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein, The second movement limiting part is the outer surface of the movement limiting part formed in a block shape. The second movement restriction part on the housing side is the outer surface of the housing side movement restriction part formed in a block shape.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein, The detection component has a rotation limiting part. The housing has a housing-side rotation limiting part. When the operating lever is in the end position and the detection component is in the detection position, the rotation limiting part abuts against the rotation limiting part on the housing side, thereby restricting the operating lever from rotating from the end position to the start position.

10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein, The rotation limiting part is the outer surface of the rotation-stopping part formed as a block. The housing-side rotation limiting part is the outer surface of the housing-side rotation preventing part, which is formed as a block.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein, The detection component has a detection component-side limiting portion. The housing has a housing-side limiting portion. The movement limiting part and the rotation preventing part are formed on the detection component side limiting part, and the housing side movement limiting part and the housing side rotation preventing part are formed on the housing side limiting part.

12. The connector according to claim 11, wherein, The detection component has a plurality of detection component-side limiting portions. The housing has a plurality of housing-side limiting portions. Recesses are formed between the plurality of housing-side limiting portions.

13. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The detection component has a movement restriction part. The housing has a housing-side movement restriction part. When the operating lever is between the start position and the end position and the detection component is in the standby position, the movement of the detection component from the standby position to the detection position is restricted by the movement restriction part abutting against the movement restriction part on the housing side.

14. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The detection component has a rotation-preventing part. The housing has a rotation-preventing part on the housing side. When the operating lever is in the end position and the detection component is in the detection position, the rotation blocking part abuts against the rotation blocking part on the housing side, restricting the operating lever from rotating from the end position to the start position.

15. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The housing has a rotation restriction part before fitting. The connector is configured such that when the operating lever is in the starting position and the detection component is in the standby position, if the operating lever is rotated from the starting position to the ending position, the detection component will slide into contact with the pre-fitting rotation limiting part.

16. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The operating lever has a first stepped portion. The housing has a second stepped portion. As the operating lever rotates from the starting position to the ending position, the first step portion crosses the second step portion just before the operating lever reaches the ending position.

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