Rod connector

Abstract

A lever-type connector can suppress the force from concentrating on the locking protrusion of the holding lever and causing the locking protrusion to be damaged when the rotation restriction is released. A first housing (10) is formed with a retreat groove (14) through which a cam pin (33) can be inserted, and a locking protrusion (26) is provided on the lever (20) assembled to the first housing. The locking protrusion can keep the lever in a rotation restricted state by locking with the edge of the retreat groove. A second housing (30) is provided with: a first pressing portion (36) that abuts the lever to deform the lever in a direction away from the first housing; and a second pressing portion (40) that abuts the locking protrusion to release the rotation restricted state of the lever. The lever-type connector is configured such that: the first pressing portion first abuts the lever, and when the lever is deformed in a direction away from the first housing, the second pressing portion abuts the locking protrusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a lever-type connector. Background Art

[0002] Lever-type connectors have a lever with a cam groove mounted on one housing and a follower pin on the other. The two housings are brought together, and after the follower pin enters the cam groove, the lever is rotated, mating the two housings together through the action of a cam. Therefore, in this type of connector, the lever must be held in a predetermined initial position to ensure that the follower pin correctly enters the cam groove during initial mating.

[0003] Conventionally, as a device for holding the rod in the initial position, a device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-223539 is known. Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, a locking protrusion 6 is formed on the side edge of the entrance of the cam groove 2 in the rod 3. By locking the locking protrusion 6 with the side edge of the retreat groove 7 formed in the housing 1, the rod 3 is kept in a rotation-restricted state that restricts rotation from the initial position. On the other hand, a pressing portion 8 is formed on the base side of the follower pin 5 on the other housing 4. When the two housings 1 and 4 are initially fitted together, Figure 25 As shown by the arrow line x in the figure, the pressing part 8 enters the retreat groove 7 and steps onto the inner side of the locking protrusion 6. As shown by the arrow line y in the figure, the top end of the rod 3 is opened while the locking protrusion 6 is pushed outward of the retreat groove 7, thereby releasing the rotation restriction of the rod 3.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-223539 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, in the above structure, when the pressing portion 8 steps onto the locking protrusion 6, a strong force is applied to the locking protrusion 6, which may damage the locking protrusion 6. In order to improve the strength of the locking protrusion 6, it is conceivable to increase the size of the locking protrusion 6. However, due to the structure of the escape groove 7, increasing the size of the locking protrusion 6 will lead to an increase in the size of the rod 3 and the connector, which is not preferred.

[0009] Solutions to Problems

[0010] The technology disclosed in this specification is a lever-type connector, comprising: a first housing having a cover portion; a second housing having a cam pin that engages with the inner side of the cover portion; and a lever that can be rotatably arranged on the first housing relative to the first housing, and having a cam groove for receiving the cam pin. In the initial stage of engagement of the two housings, the cam pin is introduced into the cam groove of the lever located in the initial position, and the two housings are engaged with each other by the cam action between the cam groove and the cam pin as the lever rotates. A retreat groove is formed in the cover portion of the first housing, which is open in the front of the engagement direction and can accommodate the cam pin. A locking protrusion is provided on the lever, which protrudes toward the retreat groove and is locked by the locking protrusion with the edge of the retreat groove, thereby being able to retain the lever in a position to limit movement from the initial position. The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are provided in the second housing, and the first pressing portion protrudes toward the outside of the second housing and abuts against the rod when the cam pin enters the cam groove of the rod located in the initial position, causing the rod to be deformed in the direction away from the first housing. The second pressing portion protrudes toward the outside of the second housing and enters the retreat groove together with the cam pin and abuts against the locking protrusion, and the locking protrusion is pushed out in the direction of disengagement from the edge of the retreat groove, thereby releasing the rotation restriction state of the rod, and the rod-type connector is set as follows: when the two housings are fitted together, the first pressing portion first abuts against the rod, and in the state of causing the rod to be deformed in the direction away from the first housing, the second pressing portion abuts against the locking protrusion.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the lever-type connector disclosed in this specification, when the rotation restriction is released, it is possible to suppress the force from concentrating on the locking protrusion of the retaining lever and causing the locking protrusion to be damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the lever-type connector before mating according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the lever-type connector before fitting according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the female housing and the rod before being fitted together according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a partially enlarged perspective view of the rod according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the female housing and the rod before being fitted together according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the female housing and the rod before being fitted together according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a partially enlarged side view of the male housing of the embodiment and a side view of the cam pin.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a partially enlarged bottom view of the male housing of the embodiment and a bottom view of the cam pin.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a partially enlarged perspective view of the male housing according to the embodiment, and is a perspective view of the cam pin viewed from obliquely above.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a partially enlarged perspective view of the male housing according to the embodiment, and is a perspective view of the cam pin viewed from an oblique bottom.

[0023] Figure 11 It is a partially enlarged rear view of the male housing of the embodiment and a rear view of the cam pin.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a diagram of the lever-type connector according to the embodiment before fitting, as viewed from the rear surface of the male housing.

[0025] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view of the lever-type connector before fitting according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 yes Figure 2 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of .

[0027] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of .

[0028] Figure 16 It is shown from Figure 14 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first pressing portion is in contact with the connecting portion after fitting.

[0029] Figure 17 It is from Figure 15 Chimera, with Figure 16 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the second pressing portion and the locking protrusion at the same time.

[0030] Figure 18 It is shown from Figure 16 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first pressing portion presses the connecting portion during fitting.

[0031] Figure 19 The lever type connector of the embodiment Figure 18 A partial enlarged longitudinal section at the same time point.

[0032] Figure 20 It is shown from Figure 17 Chimera, with Figure 18 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the second pressing portion and the locking protrusion at the same time.

[0033] Figure 21 The lever type connector of the embodiment Figure 18 At the same time Figure 20 Enlarged longitudinal sections of different locations.

[0034] Figure 22 It is shown from Figure 18 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first pressing portion has passed over the connecting portion after mating.

[0035] Figure 23 It is shown from Figure 20 Chimera, with Figure 22 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state of the lower rib and the locking protrusion at the same time.

[0036] Figure 24 This is an exploded perspective view of a conventional lever-type connector.

[0037] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] [Overview of Embodiments]

[0039] (1) The technology disclosed in this specification is a lever-type connector comprising: a first housing having a cover portion; a second housing having a cam pin that engages with the inner side of the cover portion; and a lever rotatably provided on the first housing relative to the first housing, having a cam groove for receiving the cam pin, wherein at the initial stage of engagement of the two housings, the cam pin is introduced into the cam groove of the lever located at the initial position, and the two housings are engaged by the cam action between the cam groove and the cam pin as the lever rotates, a retreat groove is formed in the cover portion of the first housing, the retreat groove is open in the front of the engagement direction and can accommodate the cam pin, a locking protrusion is provided on the lever, the locking protrusion protrudes toward the retreat groove, and the locking protrusion can retain the lever in a restricted position by locking with the edge of the retreat groove. In the rotation restriction state of the initial position rotation, a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion are provided in the second housing, the first pressing portion protruding toward the outside of the second housing, and abutting against the rod when the cam pin enters the cam groove of the rod located in the initial position, so that the rod is deformed in the direction away from the first housing, and the second pressing portion protrudes toward the outside of the second housing, enters the retreat groove together with the cam pin and abuts against the locking protrusion, and the locking protrusion is pushed out in the direction of disengagement from the edge of the retreat groove, thereby releasing the rotation restriction state of the rod, and the rod-type connector is set as follows: when the two housings are fitted together, the first pressing portion first abuts against the rod, and in the state of causing the rod to be deformed in the direction away from the first housing, the second pressing portion abuts against the locking protrusion.

[0040] According to the above structure, by deforming the rod in two stages using the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, the locking state of the locking protrusion relative to the retreat groove can be released. Therefore, compared with the existing structure without the first pressing portion, the contact angle between the second pressing portion and the locking protrusion can be reduced, and the force applied to the second pressing portion and the locking protrusion can be reduced. Therefore, the shape destruction (crushing) of the second pressing portion and the locking protrusion can be suppressed. In addition, the force required when the two shells are fitted together can be reduced, and the workability is improved.

[0041] (2) A connecting portion may be provided at the entrance of the cam groove into which the cam pin is introduced, the connecting portion connecting the end portions of the opposing groove walls of the cam groove located on the side opposite to the first housing, and the first pressing portion abuts against the connecting portion, thereby moving the rod in a direction away from the first housing.

[0042] According to the above configuration, a specific structure for causing the first pressing portion to come into contact with the rod can be realized.

[0043] (3) The first pressing portion may protrude from the distal end of the cam pin in the protruding direction of the cam pin. According to the above configuration, the first pressing portion can be provided with a simple configuration.

[0044] (4) The connecting portion may be configured as follows: a portion of the connecting portion arranged on the inlet side of the cam groove and on the first shell side is formed as a guide surface that is inclined relative to the moving direction of the first pressing portion and guides the first pressing portion toward the inner side of the connecting portion, and a portion of the connecting portion arranged on the side opposite to the inlet is formed as a temporary engaging locking portion that intersects the moving direction of the cam pin.

[0045] According to the above structure, the first pressing portion can be smoothly used to move the rod via the guide surface. In addition, when the first pressing portion passes over the connecting portion and the rod moves toward the first housing, the temporary engagement stopper engages with the first pressing portion to prevent the first pressing portion from retreating, thereby enabling the first housing and the second housing to be placed in a temporarily engaged state that is difficult to disengage.

[0046] [Details of implementation method]

[0047] The following is a reference to the attached Figure 1 While specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described, the technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0048] <Implementation Method>

[0049] While referring to Figures 1 to 23 While explaining an embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the lever-type connector 100 of this embodiment is configured to include a female connector housing 10 (an example of a first housing, hereinafter referred to as a female housing), a male connector housing 30 (an example of a second housing, hereinafter referred to as a male housing), and a lever 20 mounted on the female housing 10.

[0050] In the following description, the fitting surface side of each housing 10 , 30 is referred to as the front.

[0051] [Female housing 10]

[0052] The female housing 10 is made of synthetic resin and is formed into a rectangular block as a whole. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the female housing 10 includes a female terminal holding portion 11 for holding a terminal (not shown), and a female cover portion (an example of a cover portion) 12 that surrounds the female terminal holding portion 11 and is open at the front. The terminal held in the female terminal holding portion 11 is formed as a female terminal, for example.

[0053] The female side cover portion 12 is formed into a shape extending forward from the female side terminal holding portion 11. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a pair of support shafts 13 are protrudingly provided on the outer surfaces of the left and right side walls 12A of the female cover portion 12. Each support shaft 13 is provided at the center portion of the outer surface of the side wall 12A.

[0054] The female cover portion 12 has a retreat groove 14 through which the cam pin 33 is inserted, which extends in the front-to-back direction. The retreat groove 14 extends linearly from a position of a predetermined dimension forward of the support shaft 13 to the front end of the female cover portion 12. In addition, the lower groove wall 14A located at the bottom of the upper and lower groove walls of the retreat groove 14 is as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the female cover portion 12 is formed in an inclined shape with its diameter increasing toward the inside.

[0055] The upper wall 12B of the female cover 12 is provided with an elastic locking piece 15 extending rearwardly from the center of the front end of the upper wall 12B in a cantilevered manner. The elastic locking piece 15 locks with the rod 20 in the mating completion position to restrict the rotation of the rod 20.

[0056] [Pole 20]

[0057] Rod 20 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 1 As shown, the structure comprises a pair of cam plate portions 21 formed with cam grooves 23, and an operating portion 22 connecting the pair of cam plate portions 21. The lever 20 is a member that, as it rotates from an initial position allowing the cam pin 33 to enter the cam groove 23 to a mating completion position, draws the female housing 10 and the male housing 30 toward each other through the cam action of the cam groove 23 and the cam pin 33, thereby achieving a properly mated state.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the cam plate portion 21 viewed from the inside (the female housing 10 side). Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the cam plate portion 21 is provided with a shaft hole 24 through which the support shaft 13 of the female housing 10 extends. The cam groove 23 has an entrance 23A that is open to the front when the lever 20 is in the initial position, and is formed into an arc shape that approaches the shaft hole 24 as it moves from the entrance 23A toward the inner end 23B. The cam groove 23 extends linearly from the entrance 23A for a predetermined distance.

[0059] like Figure 4As shown, a connecting portion 25 is provided at the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23 of the rod 20, and the connecting portion 25 connects the end portion of the opposite groove wall of the cam groove 23 on the side opposite to the female housing 10. The corner portion of the connecting portion 25 on the side of the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23 and the inner side (the female housing 10 side) is formed into an inclined shape that is cut off obliquely, and is formed into a rod-side first guide surface 25A that guides the first pressing portion 36 described later to enter the inner side of the connecting portion 25. In addition, the rear surface of the connecting portion 25 located on the side opposite to the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23 is formed into a temporary interlocking stop portion 25C extending in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the cam pin 33 (see Figure 14 ).

[0060] The rod 20 is formed with a locking protrusion 26 that is locked with the retreat groove 14 of the female housing 10. Figure 4 As shown, the locking protrusion 26 is formed at a position slightly deeper from the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23 toward the inner end 23B. When the rod 20 is in the initial position, the locking protrusion 26 protrudes along the groove wall 23C disposed on the lower side of the cam groove 23 and toward the inner side of the female cover portion 12 (the side of the retreat groove 14). Figure 6 As shown, the protruding dimension of the locking protrusion 26 is formed to be approximately half the thickness dimension of the groove wall of the escape groove 14 .

[0061] The lower surface of the locking protrusion 26 when the rod 20 is arranged in the initial position is as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment shows an inclined rotation restricting surface 26A along the groove wall 14A on the lower side of the escape groove 14. The locking protrusion 26 is inserted into the escape groove 14 from the outer surface side. When the rod 20 is arranged in the initial position, the rotation restricting surface 26A is hooked on the groove wall 14A on the lower side, thereby keeping the rod 20 restricted from moving. Figure 1 The initial position is the state of rotating counterclockwise.

[0062] In addition, the locking protrusion 26 is oriented relative to the entry trajectory of the cam pin 33 when it enters the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23. Figure 6 Therefore, the locking protrusion 26 does not interfere with the cam pin 33 entering the cam groove 23.

[0063] like Figure 5 and Figure 14 As shown, the surface of the locking protrusion 26 disposed on the side of the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23 is formed as a rod-side second guide surface 26B with the base end side inclined toward the entrance 23A. In addition, the surface (rear surface) of the locking protrusion 26 that faces the rod-side second guide surface 26B is formed as a surface that stands perpendicular to the extending direction of the cam groove 23.

[0064] In addition, the groove wall 23D of the cam groove 23 that faces the groove wall 23C on which the locking protrusion 26 is provided (the groove wall 23D disposed on the upper side of the cam groove 23 when the lever 20 is disposed in the initial position) is formed in a stepped shape over the entire extending direction of the cam groove 23 (see FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 6 Specifically, the groove wall 23D has a groove width direction (from the outer surface of the cam plate portion 21 toward the inner surface side of the cam groove 23) Figure 3 and Figure 6 In the up and down direction) ( Figure 3 and Figure 6 A stepped portion 27 extending from the lower side of the step.

[0065] [Male housing 30]

[0066] The male housing 30 is made of synthetic resin and forms a square tube as a whole. Figure 2 As shown, the male housing 30 includes a male terminal holding portion 31 for holding a terminal (not shown) and a male cover portion 32 that surrounds the male terminal holding portion 31 and is open at the front. The terminal held in the male terminal holding portion 31 is, for example, a male terminal.

[0067] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pair of cam pins 33 are protrudingly provided on the outer surfaces of the left and right side walls 32A of the male cover portion 32. Figure 2 As shown, the cam pin 33 includes a shaft portion 34 extending outward from the side wall 32A of the male cover portion 32, and a locking portion 35 projecting rearward from the distal end (the distal end in the protruding direction) of the shaft portion 34. The locking portion 35 is the portion that locks with the step portion 27 of the lever 20 described above.

[0068] Figures 7 to 11 It is an enlarged view of the cam pin 33. Figure 7 The following is a partial enlarged side view of the male housing 30 as viewed from the side, that is, a view of the cam pin 33 as viewed from the top end surface (end surface in the protruding direction) 33A side. Figure 7 The upper side (Z direction) in the figure is regarded as the upper side, the lower side as the lower side, the right side (X direction) as the front, the left side as the back, and Figure 8 The upper side (Y direction) in the figure is described as the right side.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the top end surface 33A of the cam pin 33 is formed into a substantially teardrop shape. Specifically, the top end surface 33A of the cam pin 33 is formed into a semicircular first edge portion 331 disposed in the front, and a semicircular first edge portion 331 extending from the lower end ( Figure 7The second edge portion 332 extending rearward along the fitting direction (at the lower end in the middle), and the third edge portion 333 connecting the upper end of the first edge portion 331 and the rear end of the second edge portion 332 are roughly teardrop-shaped with an arc and connected.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the first pressing portions 36 for opening the pair of cam plate portions 21 of the lever 20 outward (in a direction away from each other) are provided on the distal end surfaces 33A of the pair of cam pins 33 .

[0071] Figure 8 FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged bottom view of the male housing 30, showing the cam pin 33 as viewed from the bottom side. Figure 8 As shown, the first pressing portion 36 is formed from the top end surface 33A of the cam pin 33 toward the outside of the male housing 30 (male side cover portion 32) ( Figure 8 The top of the ) is in the shape of a mountain protruding in the front and back direction. Figure 7 and Figure 11 As shown, the first pressing portion 36 is provided only on the portion of the top end surface 33A of the cam pin 33 that is arranged at the top. Hereinafter, the inclined surface arranged on the front side of the first pressing portion 36 is referred to as the male housing side first guide surface 36A, the inclined surface arranged on the rear side is referred to as the rear inclined surface 36B, and the protruding end is referred to as the top 36C. The front end 36A1 ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 The right end portion in the middle is located slightly rearward of the front end of the first edge portion 331 of the cam pin 33.

[0072] At the base end of the shaft portion 34 of the cam pin 33, Figure 7 The upper portion of the male cover 32 is provided with an upper rib 37 extending rearward. The upper rib 37 is formed in a shape vertically rising from the outer surface of the side wall 32A of the male cover 32 (see FIG. Figure 9 ). The upper rib 37 has its upper surface 37A (at Figure 7 The upper surface of the housing 10 is slidably engaged with the upper groove wall 14B of the retreat groove 14 of the female housing 10.

[0073] In addition, the cam pin 33 is located closer to the base end of the shaft portion 34. Figure 7 A lower rib 38 is formed below the shaft portion 34 and extends in the front-rear direction. The lower rib 38 is formed in a shape that stands vertically from the outer surface of the side wall 32A of the male cover portion 32 (see Figure 8 and Figure 10The height of the lower rib 38 from the side wall 32A of the male cover portion 32 is equal to the height of the upper rib 37 from the side wall 32A of the male cover portion 32. In addition, the height of the lower rib 38 is formed to be slightly higher than the height dimension of the groove wall 14A of the retreat groove 14 of the female housing 10 (the plate thickness dimension of the side wall 12A of the female cover portion 12) (refer to Figure 23 ). The lower surface 38A of the lower rib 38 (at Figure 7 The lower surface of the recess 14 is fitted into the inner side of the groove wall 14A on the lower side of the retreat groove 14 of the female housing 10.

[0074] The front portion of the lower rib 38 is formed as a second pressing portion 40 for releasing the locking of the locking protrusion 26 relative to the escape groove 14. The second pressing portion 40 is a portion that abuts against the locking protrusion 26 when the male housing 30 and the female housing 10 are engaged, and pushes the locking protrusion 26 outward from the escape groove 14. The second pressing portion 40 has a second guide surface 40A on the male housing side at the front end. Figure 8 As shown, the second guide surface 40A on the male housing side is formed in an inclined shape toward the front and close to the side wall 32A of the male cover portion 32. In addition, the second guide surface 40A on the male housing side is formed in a substantially triangular shape with the corner portion between the front end and the lower end cut off when viewed from the side of the male housing 30 (see FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 10 ).

[0075] Furthermore, the lower rib 38 is provided with a reinforcement portion 39 that protrudes upward and is connected to the rear surface of the shaft portion 34 of the cam pin 33. In addition, the rear portions of the upper rib 37 and the lower rib 38 are formed in an inclined shape toward the rear and close to the side wall 32A of the male cover portion 32 (see FIG. Figures 8 to 10 ).

[0076] The first guide surface 36A on the male housing side of the first pressing portion 36 and the second guide surface 40A on the male housing side of the second pressing portion 40 are arranged at different positions in the front-to-back direction. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the front end 40A1 of the second guide surface 40A on the male housing side is located slightly forward of the front end 36A1 of the first guide surface 36A on the male housing side. However, the distance L1 between the front end 36A1 of the first guide surface 36A on the male housing side and the front end 40A1 of the second guide surface 40A on the male housing side is set to be shorter than the distance L2 (see FIG. 1 ) from the front end 251 of the connecting portion 25 of the rod 20 arranged in the initial position to the front end 261 of the locking protrusion 26. Figure 14 Thus, at the initial stage of engagement of the female housing 10 and the male housing 30 , the male housing-side first guide surface 36A first abuts against the connecting portion 25 of the rod 20 , and then the male housing-side second guide surface 40A abuts against the locking protrusion 26 .

[0077] The height of the upper rib 37 and the lower rib 38 from the side wall 32A of the male cover portion 32 is set to be lower than the height of the locking portion 35 of the cam pin 33 from the side wall 32A (see FIG. Figure 8 ), and is set to a height that slightly protrudes from the outer surface of the female cover portion 12 when the upper rib 37 and the lower rib 38 are engaged with the escape groove 14 of the female cover portion 12. Furthermore, the height position of the locking portion 35 of the cam pin 33, measured from the side wall 32A of the male cover portion 32, is set to a height that allows the locking portion 35 to slide against the step 27 formed in the cam groove 23 of the lever 20 when the cam pin 33 is engaged with the escape groove 14.

[0078] This embodiment is structured as above, and the fitting operation of the female housing 10 and the male housing 30 will be described below. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the female housing 10, the rod 20 is installed in the initial position. At this time, the locking protrusion 26 of the rod 20 is embedded in the retreat groove 14 from the outer surface side of the female housing 10 (female cover part 12), and the rotation limiting surface 26A is locked with the groove wall 14A on the lower side of the retreat groove 14, so that the rod 20 is kept in a state of being restricted from rotating from the initial position (refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). When the rod 20 is located at the initial position, the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23 opens toward the front.

[0079] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the female housing 10 and the male housing 30 immediately before being fitted together, as viewed from the back side of the male housing 30. In this diagram, a portion of the female housing 10 disposed on the back side of the paper and the rod 20 assembled to the female housing 10 can be seen.

[0080] in addition, Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The II-II cross-sectional view is a cross-sectional view of the female housing 10 and the male housing 30 just before being fitted together. Figure 13 In FIG. 2 , the cross section of the second pressing portion 40 and the lower rib 38 and the cross section of the locking protrusion 26 can be seen. Figure 2 yes Figure 12 In the II cross-sectional view, the cross-sectional view of the cam pin 33, the upper surface of the locking protrusion 26, and the cross-sectional view of the connecting portion 25 can be seen. Figure 14 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of Figure 15 yes Figure 13 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part.

[0081] With the rod 20 held at its initial position, the female housing 10 and the male housing 30 are shallowly engaged with each other. Figure 16As shown, as the cam pin 33 enters the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23, the first pressing portion 36 provided on the top end surface of the cam pin 33 abuts against the connecting portion 25 provided at the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23 of the rod 20, and by pressing the inner side of a pair of connecting portions 25, the cam plate portion 21 is gradually pushed toward the outside.

[0082] At this time, the first pressing portion 36 is provided with a first guide surface 36A on the male housing side, and the connecting portion 25 is provided with a first guide surface 25A on the rod side. Therefore, the first pressing portion 36 smoothly enters the inner side of the connecting portion 25, and the inclined surfaces slide against each other, dispersing the stress applied to the contact portion. The pair of cam plate portions 21 are slowly pushed apart by the first pressing portion 36.

[0083] In addition, at the time point when the first pressing portion 36 abuts against the connecting portion 25, as shown in FIG. Figure 17 As shown, the second pressing portion 40 has not yet reached the locking protrusion 26. In addition, the locking protrusion 26 is arranged in the escape groove 14, and the rotation restriction state of the lever 20 has not yet been released.

[0084] When the two housings 10 and 30 are pressed together as they are, the second pressing portion 40 of the male housing 30 abuts against the locking protrusion 26 of the rod 20 (see FIG. Figure 20 ).

[0085] In this embodiment, when the second pressing portion 40 abuts against the locking protrusion 26, the top portion 36C of the first pressing portion 36 abuts against the inner surface of the connecting portion 25 (see Figure 18 and Figure 19 ). In addition, at the same time, the cam plate portion 21 is deformed to a position where the locking protrusion 26 is pushed out from the retreat groove 14 to the outside of the female side cover portion 12 (refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 ). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the application of a large force to the mutually abutting locking protrusion 26 and the second pressing portion 40. In addition, at the same time, the cam plate portion 21 is deformed to a position where the corner of the rear end of the second guide surface 40A on the male housing side of the second pressing portion 40 abuts against the corner on the inlet 23A side of the locking protrusion 26 (refer to Figure 20 ).

[0086] Furthermore, when the second pressing portion 40 abuts against the locking protrusion 26, the locking protrusion 26 is pushed out from the escape groove 14 as described above, thereby releasing the rotation restriction state of the lever 20 (see FIG. Figure 20 and Figure 21 ).

[0087] in addition, Figure 19It is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion where the first pressing portion 36 of the male housing 30 and the connecting portion 25 of the rod 20 abut against each other. Figure 21 A partially cutaway longitudinal sectional view including the protruding end of the locking protrusion 26 of the lever 20 is shown. Figure 19 and Figure 21 It is a longitudinal section cut at the same time point.

[0088] After the rotation restriction of the rod 20 is released, when the rod 20 is rotated, as shown in FIG. Figure 22 As shown, the coupling portion 25 passes over the top portion 36C of the first pressing portion 36 and then moves along the rear inclined surface 36B, whereby the pressing (deformation) of the first pressing portion 36 against the cam plate portion 21 is gradually released.

[0089] On the other hand, Figure 23 As shown, the rear end of the locking protrusion 26 passes over the second guide surface 40A on the male housing side and straddles the second pressing portion 40, slidingly engaging the lower rib 38 connected to the second pressing portion 40. As a result, the cam plate portion 21 continues to be deformed outward. At this time, as described above, the protrusion of the lower rib 38 is set to a height that slightly bulges from the outer surface of the female cover portion 12, so the locking protrusion 26 continues to be fully pushed out of the retreat groove 14.

[0090] However, in this embodiment, when the connecting portion 25 passes over the top portion 36C of the first pressing portion 36, Figure 22 As shown, the protruding height of the lower rib 38 is set so that the corner between the inner surface of the connecting portion 25 and the temporary engagement stop portion 25C is located further inward (closer to the side of the female housing 10) than the top 36C of the first pressing portion 36. In other words, when the two housings 10 and 30 are about to move in the mating or disengaging direction, the connecting portion 25 and the rear inclined surface 36B of the first pressing portion abut against each other, thereby forming a temporary mating state in which the two housings 10 and 30 are prevented from easily disengaging.

[0091] After the rotation restriction of the lever 20 is released, the female housing 10 and the male housing 30 are drawn together and engaged with each other by the cam action of the cam groove 23 and the cam pin 33 as the lever 20 rotates. Furthermore, as the cam pin 33 moves inwardly into the cam groove 23, the locking portion 35 of the cam pin 33 locks with the step portion 27 of the cam groove 23.

[0092] When the lever 20 rotates to the mating completion position, the mating of the female housing 10 and the male housing 30 is completed, and the operating portion 22 of the lever 20 is locked by the elastic locking piece 15 of the female housing 10. Thus, the rotation of the lever 20 is restricted.

[0093] Next, the effects will be described. The lever-type connector 100 of this embodiment comprises: a female housing 10 having a female side cover portion 12; a male housing 30 having a cam pin 33 that engages with the inner side of the female side cover portion 12; and a lever 20 that is rotatably provided on the female housing 10 and has a cam groove 23 for receiving the cam pin 33. At the initial stage of engagement of the two housings 10 and 30, the cam pin 33 is introduced into the cam groove 23 of the lever 20 that is located at the initial position. As the lever 20 is rotated, the two housings 10 and 30 are engaged by the cam action between the cam groove 23 and the cam pin 33. A retraction groove 14 that opens forward in the engagement direction and through which the cam pin 33 can be inserted is formed on the female side cover portion 12 of the female housing 10. A locking protrusion 26 is provided on the lever 20. The locking protrusion 26 protrudes toward the retraction groove 14 and is locked with the edge of the retraction groove 14, thereby maintaining the lever 20 in a fixed position. In the rotation limiting state that limits rotation from the initial position, a first pressing portion 36 and a second pressing portion 40 are provided on the male housing 30. The first pressing portion 36 protrudes toward the outside of the male housing 30, and abuts against the rod 20 when the cam pin 33 enters the cam groove 23 of the rod 20 set to the initial position, causing the rod 20 to deform in the direction away from the female housing 10. The second pressing portion 40 protrudes toward the outside of the male housing 30, enters the retreat groove 14 together with the cam pin 33, and abuts against the locking protrusion 26. By pushing the locking protrusion 26 in the direction of disengagement from the edge of the retreat groove 14, the rotation limiting state of the rod 20 is released. The rod-type connector 100 is set so that: when the two housings 10 and 30 are mated, the first pressing portion 36 first abuts against the rod 20, and in the state where the rod 20 is deformed in the direction away from the female housing 10, the second pressing portion 40 abuts against the locking protrusion.

[0094] According to the above structure, the rod 20 is deformed in two stages using the first pressing portion 36 and the second pressing portion 40, thereby releasing the locking state of the locking protrusion 26 relative to the retreat groove 14. Therefore, compared with the existing structure without the first pressing portion 36, the contact angle between the second pressing portion 40 and the locking protrusion 26 can be reduced compared to the past, and the force applied to the second pressing portion 40 and the locking protrusion 26 can be reduced. Therefore, the shape destruction (crushing) of the second pressing portion 40 and the locking protrusion 26 can be suppressed. In addition, the force required when the two shells 10 and 30 are fitted together can be reduced, and the workability is improved.

[0095] Furthermore, a connecting portion 25 is provided at the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23 into which the cam pin 33 is introduced. The connecting portion 25 connects the ends of the opposing groove walls 23C and 23D of the cam groove 23 that are located on the opposite side of the female housing 10. The first pressing portion 36 abuts against the connecting portion 25, thereby moving the rod 20 away from the female housing 10.

[0096] According to the above configuration, a specific configuration in which the first pressing portion 36 comes into contact with the rod 20 can be realized.

[0097] Furthermore, the first pressing portion 36 protrudes from the distal end of the cam pin 33 in the protruding direction of the cam pin 33. According to such a configuration, the first pressing portion 36 can be provided with a simple configuration.

[0098] In addition, the portion of the connecting portion 25 arranged on the side of the entrance 23A of the cam groove 23 and the side of the female housing 10 may be formed as a rod-side first guide surface 25A that is inclined relative to the moving direction of the first pressing portion 36 and guides the first pressing portion 36 toward the inner side of the connecting portion 25, and the portion of the connecting portion 25 arranged on the side opposite to the entrance 23A may be formed as a temporary interlocking locking portion 25C that intersects the moving direction of the cam pin 33.

[0099] According to the above structure, the first rod-side guide surface 25A allows the rod 20 to be smoothly deformed by the first pressing portion 36. In addition, when the first pressing portion 36 passes over the connecting portion 25, the connecting portion 25 is hooked on the rear inclined surface 36B of the first pressing portion 36, thereby suppressing the retreat of the first pressing portion 36. Therefore, the female housing 10 and the male housing 30 can be formed into a temporary fitting state that is not easy to disengage.

[0100] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0101] (1) In the above embodiment, the front end 40A1 of the second guide surface 40A on the male housing side is shown as being located slightly forward of the front end 36A1 of the first guide surface 36A on the male housing side. However, the positional relationship between the first guide surface on the male housing side and the second guide surface on the male housing side is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a structure in which the first guide surface on the male housing side is located forward of the second guide surface on the male housing side, or a structure in which the first guide surface on the male housing side and the second guide surface on the male housing side are located at the same position, can also be used. In short, any structure in which the first pressing portion first contacts the connecting portion and then the second pressing portion contacts the locking protrusion can be used.

[0102] (2) In the above embodiment, the second pressing portion 40 is provided at the tip of the cam pin 33 . However, the second pressing portion may be provided at a portion other than the tip of the cam pin.

[0103] (3) In the above embodiment, the lever 20 is deformed to a position where the first pressing portion 36 just pushes the locking protrusion 26 out of the escape groove 14. However, a configuration may be employed in which the first pressing portion does not completely push the locking protrusion out of the escape groove, but the second pressing portion completely pushes the locking protrusion out of the escape groove. In short, any configuration may be employed in which the presence of the first pressing portion can reduce the force applied to the second pressing portion.

[0104] Description of Reference Numerals

[0105] 1, 4: Shell

[0106] 2: Cam groove

[0107] 3: Rod

[0108] 5: Follower pin

[0109] 6: Locking protrusion

[0110] 7: Retreat slot

[0111] 8: Pressing part

[0112] 10: Female housing (first housing)

[0113] 11: Female terminal retaining portion

[0114] 12: Female side cover

[0115] 12A: Sidewall

[0116] 12B: Upper Wall

[0117] 13: Support shaft

[0118] 14: Retreat slot

[0119] 14A, 14B: groove wall

[0120] 15: Elastic locking piece

[0121] 20: Rod

[0122] 21: Cam plate

[0123] 22: Operation Department

[0124] 23: Cam groove

[0125] 23A: Entrance

[0126] 23B: inner end

[0127] 23C, 23D: groove wall

[0128] 24: Shaft hole

[0129] 25: Connection

[0130] 25A: Rod side first guide surface (guide surface)

[0131] 25C: Temporary engagement stop

[0132] 26: Locking protrusion

[0133] 26A: Rotation limiting surface

[0134] 26B: Rod side second guide surface

[0135] 27: Step

[0136] 30: Male housing (second housing)

[0137] 31: Male terminal holding portion

[0138] 32: Male side cover

[0139] 32A: Sidewall

[0140] 33: Cam pin

[0141] 33A: Top surface

[0142] 34: Shaft

[0143] 35: Stopper

[0144] 36: First pressing part

[0145] 36A1: Front end

[0146] 36A: First guide surface on the male housing side

[0147] 36B: rear bevel

[0148] 36C: Top

[0149] 37: Upper ribs

[0150] 37A: Upper surface

[0151] 38: Lower ribs

[0152] 38A: Lower surface

[0153] 39: Strengthening Department

[0154] 40: Second pressing part

[0155] 40A1: Front end

[0156] 40A: Second guide surface on the male housing side

[0157] 100: Rod connector

[0158] 251: Front-end

[0159] 261: Front-end

[0160] 331: The first edge

[0161] 332: Second Edge

[0162] 333: The third edge

[0163] L1, L2: distance

Claims

1. A rod-type connector comprising: A first housing having a cover portion; a second housing including a cam pin engaged with the inner side of the cover portion; and a lever rotatably provided on the first housing relative to the first housing and having a cam groove for receiving the cam pin; At the initial stage of engagement of the two housings, the cam pin is introduced into the cam groove of the lever at the initial position, and the two housings are engaged by the cam action between the cam groove and the cam pin as the lever rotates. The cover portion of the first housing is formed with a retreat groove, which opens forward in the fitting direction and allows the cam pin to be inserted therethrough. The lever is provided with a locking protrusion, which protrudes toward the retreat groove and is locked with the edge of the retreat groove to maintain the lever in a rotation-restricted state in which the lever is restricted from rotating from the initial position. The second housing is provided with a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion, the first pressing portion protruding toward the outside of the second housing and abutting against the rod when the cam pin enters the cam groove of the rod located in the initial position, causing the rod to deform in the direction away from the first housing, and the second pressing portion protruding toward the outside of the second housing and entering the retreat groove together with the cam pin and abutting against the locking protrusion, and the locking protrusion is pushed out in the direction of disengaging from the edge of the retreat groove, thereby releasing the rotation restriction state of the rod. The lever-type connector is configured such that when the two housings are fitted together, the first pressing portion first abuts against the lever, and the second pressing portion abuts against the locking projection while the lever is deformed in a direction away from the first housing.

2. The rod-type connector according to claim 1, wherein A connecting portion is provided at the entrance of the cam groove into which the cam pin is introduced, the connecting portion connecting the ends of the opposing groove walls of the cam groove located on the side opposite to the first housing. The first pressing portion abuts against the connecting portion to move the lever away from the first housing.

3. The rod-type connector according to claim 2, wherein: The first pressing portion protrudes from a distal end of the cam pin in a protruding direction of the cam pin.

4. The rod-type connector according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The connecting portion is constructed as follows: the portion of the connecting portion arranged on the inlet side of the cam groove and on the first shell side is formed as a guide surface that is inclined relative to the moving direction of the first pressing portion and guides the first pressing portion toward the inner side of the connecting portion, and the portion of the connecting portion arranged on the side opposite to the inlet is formed as a temporary interlocking locking portion that intersects the moving direction of the cam pin.

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