connector

Abstract

The operating lever (12) is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the housing (11) to a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position. A first locking portion (28) capable of flexural deformation is provided on either the housing (11) or the operating lever (12), and a second locking portion (53, 53A) is provided on the other. The first locking portion (28) has a first top (34) and a first locking surface (32) connected to the first top (34). The second locking portion (53, 53A) has a second locking surface (56, 56A) that contacts the first locking portion (28) to stop the operating lever (12) in the temporary locking position. The second locking surface (56, 56A) has an inclined edge (58, 58A) which is arranged inclined from the first top (34) toward the first locking surface (32) in a state where the first locking portion (28) is flexed due to the interaction between the first top (34) and the second locking portion (53, 53A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector comprising a housing and an operating rod rotatably supported on the housing. The housing has a housing-side locking portion that can flexibly deform. The operating rod has an operating rod-side locking portion. By engaging the operating rod-side locking portion with the housing-side locking portion, the operating rod is stopped in a temporary locked position relative to the housing. Such a connector is also disclosed in Patent Document 2.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-64957

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-152062 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, if an external force is accidentally applied to the operating lever while it is in the temporary locked position, the locking part on the operating lever side may sometimes disengage from the locking part on the housing side. If the locking part on the operating lever side completely disengages from the locking part on the housing side, the installer can perceive that the operating lever is not in the locked state due to the rotation of the operating lever. However, even when the locking part on the housing side is bent and deformed, there may be a situation where the protruding parts of the operating lever side and the housing side are in face-to-face contact, and the operating lever does not completely stop in the temporary locked position. Because it is difficult to grasp this state, the installer sometimes rotates the operating lever, which is in the temporary locked position but not in the locked state. As a result, the proper release feeling that should be felt when releasing the locking state of the operating lever cannot be obtained, and the connector fitting operation may not be able to be performed properly.

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a connector that can properly release the locking state of the operating lever.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The connector disclosed herein comprises: a housing; and an operating lever supported on the housing, which rotates from a temporary locking position to a permanent locking position to advance the housing into engagement with a counterpart housing. A first locking portion capable of flexure and deformation is provided on either the housing or the operating lever, and a second locking portion is provided on the other. The first locking portion has a first top and a first locking surface connected to the first top. The second locking portion has a second locking surface that contacts the first locking portion to stop the operating lever in the temporary locking position. The second locking surface has an inclined edge that is inclined from the first top toward the first locking surface when the first locking portion flexes due to the interaction between the first top and the second locking portion.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, a connector is available that can properly release the locking state of the operating lever. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the state in which the operating lever is configured relative to one end of the housing near the temporary locking position in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the state in which the operating lever is configured relative to one end of the housing in the clearance range near the temporary locking position.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional top view showing the operating lever positioned relative to the housing at the other end of the clearance range near the temporary locking position, with the first locking surface in contact with the second locking surface.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional top view showing the state in which the operating lever rotates to the other end of the clearance range in the temporary locking position, and the first locking part is temporarily flexed due to the interaction between the first top and the second locking part.

[0018] Figure 5 Is Figure 3 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the first and second locking portions in the shown state.

[0019] Figure 6 Is Figure 4 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the first and second locking portions in the shown state.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a top view of the control lever.

[0021] Figure 8 This is the front view of the other side of the shell.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first top of the first locking part and the second locking surface are in contact and locked when the operating lever is in the temporary locking position in the connector of Embodiment 2.

[0023] Figure 10 It shows the first locking part from Figure 9 The image shown is a magnified cross-sectional view of the state of temporary flexure. Detailed Implementation

[0024] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0025] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0026] The connector disclosed herein features:

[0027] (1) A housing; and an operating lever supported on the housing, which rotates from a temporary locking position to a permanent locking position to advance the housing into engagement with the opposite housing. A first locking portion capable of flexing and deforming is provided on either the housing or the operating lever, and a second locking portion is provided on the other. The first locking portion has a first top and a first locking surface connected to the first top. The second locking portion has a second locking surface that contacts the first locking portion to stop the operating lever at the temporary locking position. The second locking surface has an inclined edge that is inclined from the first top toward the first locking surface when the first locking portion flexes due to the interaction between the first top and the second locking portion.

[0028] If the operating lever is accidentally rotated within the clearance range of the temporary locking position, the first locking part temporarily becomes flexed due to the interaction between the first top and the second locking part. However, since the second locking surface of the second locking part has an inclined edge, it can withstand the pressing pressure of the first top and shift to the side opposite to the first locking surface. As a result, the first locking part and the second locking part can quickly return to the locking state, and the flexing of the first locking part can be automatically released.

[0029] When the installer rotates the lever, they can feel the first locking part deflecting and being released, with the first and second locking parts locked. Therefore, based on the above configuration, the lever's temporary locking position can be appropriately released.

[0030] Furthermore, the term "edge" as used in this specification refers to an edge on a surface in a cross-section that intersects a face, including not only line segments but also curves. Additionally, in the definition of an "edge" as a line connecting vertices, a "vertice" can be a vertex formed by a curve (surface).

[0031] (2) Preferably, the second locking portion has: a second upright surface disposed on the side opposite to the second locking surface; and a top portion disposed between the second upright surface and the inclined edge.

[0032] According to this configuration, by changing the relative position of the top part with respect to the first locking part, the tilt angle and forming range of the tilted edge can be easily adjusted.

[0033] (3) Preferably, the second locking surface has a locking edge that intersects the inclined edge across the second top, the locking edge being configured such that, in the temporary locking position, when the first locking portion is in its natural state, it is inclined and contacts the first locking surface more gently than the inclined edge, or is parallel to and contacts the first locking surface.

[0034] According to this configuration, even if the second locking surface has an inclined edge, the locking edge can still make good contact with the first locking surface. Therefore, it is possible to maintain or increase the locking force of the second locking portion relative to the first locking portion.

[0035] (4) Preferably, the housing has a housing-side locking portion, and the operating lever has an operating lever-side locking portion that locks with the housing-side locking portion at the temporary locking position. Either the housing-side locking portion or the operating lever-side locking portion is flexibly deformable. The locking state of the housing-side locking portion and the operating lever-side locking portion is released by the release portion of the opposite housing side. A gap is formed between the operating lever-side locking portion and the housing-side locking portion, allowing the flexing of the unilateral portion. The operating lever is in a state at the temporary locking position that is rotatable relative to the housing within the range of the gap.

[0036] According to this configuration, the operating lever can easily rotate within the clearance range of the temporary locking position, including the aforementioned gap, and the locking state of the operating lever in the temporary locking position is not easily disengaged. However, according to this disclosure, even if the operating lever rotates within the clearance range of the temporary locking position, the second locking surface does not stop at the first top, and the first locking portion and the second locking portion can return to the locking state, thus ensuring the locking state of the operating lever is well secured.

[0037] [Detailed Description of Embodiments of this Disclosure]

[0038] Specific examples of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include the meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0039] <Implementation Method 1>

[0040] The connector 10 includes a housing 11 and an operating lever 12 rotatably supported on the housing 11. The housing 11 engages with the opposing housing 100. The operating lever 12 rotates relative to the housing 11 from a temporary locking position to a permanent locking position, thereby engaging the two housings 11 and 100. Furthermore, in the following description, regarding the front-back direction, the faces of the two housings 11 and 100 that initially engage are referred to as the front side. Regarding the vertical direction, ... Figure 1 as well as Figure 8 The vertical direction is used as the reference. Regarding the width direction, excluding... Figure 1 The left and right directions of the other figures are used as the reference.

[0041] (Counterpart shell)

[0042] The opposite side housing 100 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 4 as well as Figure 8 The cover 110 has a square-shaped opening at the front. The cover 110 has a downwardly projecting cylindrical cam follower 111 at the center of the inner surface of its upper wall in the width direction. The cover 110 has a rib-shaped release portion 112 that projects downward at one end of the inner surface of its upper wall in the width direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The cover 110 has a pair of guide portions 113 at the upper ends of the inner surfaces of its left and right sidewall portions, which project opposite each other and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0043] Multiple male terminal parts 120 are protrudingly disposed within the cover portion 110. Each male terminal part 120 is tab-shaped and is arranged vertically and horizontally in the space below the guide portion 113 within the cover portion 110.

[0044] (case)

[0045] The shell 11 is made of synthetic resin and is formed into a block shape. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the housing 11 is fitted into the cover 110. Figure 1 As shown, multiple female terminal parts 20 are housed in the housing 11. Figure 1 (Only one is shown in the image). Each female terminal part 20 is positioned corresponding to each male terminal part 120. The female terminal part 20 is connected to the end of the wire 90.

[0046] The upper ends of the left and right side walls 16 and 17 of the housing 11 ( Figure 1 The attached reference numeral 17 (side) has a pair of guide grooves 13 (in) extending in the front-rear direction and opening in the front. Figure 1 (Only one is shown in the image). The guide portion 113 is inserted into the guide groove 13, thereby guiding the fitting action of the two housings 11 and 100.

[0047] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, the housing 11 has a receiving portion 14 at its upper end for accommodating the operating lever 12. The receiving portion 14 is positioned above the cavity area accommodating each female terminal component 20. The receiving portion 14 is formed by the left and right side walls 16 and 17 and the top wall 18 of the housing 11 (see [reference]). Figure 2 (Delineation.) For example... Figure 2 As shown, the housing 11 has a locking part 19 that protrudes into the storage part 14. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, a support shaft 62 for supporting the operating lever 12 is protrudingly disposed within the storage section 14.

[0048] The top wall 18 is formed into a flat plate shape. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the top wall 18 has a guide groove 21 extending in the front-rear direction and opening in the front at its central portion in the width direction. The support shaft 62 is positioned rearward of the guide groove 21. The top wall 18 has a receiving groove 22 extending in the front-rear direction and opening in the front at one end in the width direction. The receiving groove 22 has a smaller groove width than the guide groove 21 and is longer than the guide groove 21 in the front-rear direction. The guide groove 21 serves to guide the cam follower 111 through it to the cam groove 39 of the operating lever 12, which will be described later. The release part 112 enters the receiving groove 22.

[0049] The top wall 18 has a stop portion 23 on one side in the width direction, which is a thick wall protruding along the rear end of the top wall 18. The stop portion 23 has a forward-recessed recess 24 at the center of the rear end in the width direction. The top wall 18 has a recessed retractable portion 25 on the other side in the width direction of the rear end, which is more recessed than the forward-recessed stop portion 23. The locking portion 19 can be visually confirmed by passing through the retractable portion 25 from above.

[0050] The side wall 16 on the width side of the left and right side walls 16 and 17 has a housing-side locking portion 26 protruding into the receiving portion 14. The housing-side locking portion 26 can be visually confirmed from above through the receiving groove 22. The housing-side locking portion 26 is trapezoidal. The protruding end, i.e., the inner surface, of the housing-side locking portion 26 is arranged in a straight line along the front-back direction. The front surface of the housing-side locking portion 26 is inclined so that the protruding end side protrudes forward.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the side wall 17 on the other side of the width direction of the left and right side walls 16 and 17 has a pair of upper and lower slits 27 at the upper end of the storage section 14. The two slits 27 extend in the front-back direction at the rear end of the upper end of the side wall 17 and open at the rear.

[0052] The housing 11 has a first locking portion 28 between two slits 27 in the upper end of the side wall 17. The first locking portion 28 has an elastic portion 29 extending rearward in a cantilever shape from the front end between the two slits 27, and a locking protrusion 31 protruding into the receiving portion 14 from the rear end of the elastic portion 29. Figures 3-5 As shown, the elastic portion 29 forms part of the sidewall 17 and is formed with a certain thickness. The elastic portion 29 can flex and deform inward and outward with its front end as a fulcrum. Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the elastic part 29 is arranged along the front-back direction in its natural state.

[0053] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the locking protrusion 31 has a first locking surface 32, a first upright surface 33, and a first top 34 disposed between the first locking surface 32 and the first upright surface 33. The first locking surface 32 is connected to the outer surface of the elastic portion 29 (the outer surface of the sidewall 17) via a curved portion 35, and is arranged in a straight line along a direction intersecting the outer surface of the elastic portion 29. Figure 5 As shown, when the elastic part 29 is in its natural state, the first locking surface 32 is arranged along the width direction.

[0054] The first upright surface 33 is connected to the inner surface of the elastic part 29 (the inner surface of the side wall 17), and is inclined in a straight line in the width direction relative to the inner surface of the elastic part 29, in a manner that it penetrates deeper into the rearward receiving part 14. The surface direction of the first upright surface 33 and the surface direction of the first locking surface 32 intersect each other at an acute angle through the first top 34.

[0055] The first top 34 curves in an arc shape from the first locking surface 32 to the first standing surface 33. The first top 34 intersects with the first locking surface 32 and the first standing surface 33, forming a curved surface with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the curved portion 35.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, when the operating lever 12 is not assembled in the storage part 14, the rearward curved surface 36 and the first locking surface 32 of the first top 34 can be visually confirmed when viewing the housing 11 from the rear.

[0057] (Control lever)

[0058] Operating lever 12 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 7 As shown, the operating lever body 37 is plate-shaped. The operating lever body 37 has a bearing portion 38 with an opening on the lower side of the plate surface. When the operating lever 12 is assembled in the storage portion 14, the support shaft 62 is embedded in the bearing portion 38. The operating lever 12 can rotate between a temporary locking position and a permanent locking position with the support shaft 62 embedded in the bearing portion 38 as the center.

[0059] The operating lever body 37 has a cam groove 39 that opens on the upper side of the plate. The cam groove 39 opens at the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37. Figure 4As shown, when the operating lever 12 is in the temporary locking position, the cam follower 111 of the opposite housing 100 enters the entrance of the cam groove 39. During the rotation of the operating lever 12 from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position, the cam follower 111 slides in contact with the groove surface of the cam groove 39, pulling the opposite housing 100 towards the housing 11, thus engaging the two housings 11 and 100. If the operating lever 12 reaches the permanent locking position, the cam follower 111 is positioned on the inner end side of the cam groove 39, and the two housings 11 and 100 are in a properly engaged state. If the two housings 11 and 100 are properly engaged, each female terminal component 20 is electrically connected to each male terminal component 120.

[0060] The operating lever body 37 has an operating lever-side locking portion 42 that cantilevered rearward from the base end 41 near the entrance of the cam groove 39 in the outer periphery. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the lever-side locking portion 42 has an extension 43 arranged in a straight line from the base end 41, and a locking body 44 protruding obliquely outward relative to the extension 43. The extension 43 is capable of bending and deforming inward and outward in the width direction with the base end 41 as the fulcrum.

[0061] The locking body 44 has a locking recess 45 in the shape of an L-shaped cut at the rear corner. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the locking recess 45, in the temporary locking position, faces the tip corner region 46 formed from the inner surface of the housing-side locking portion 26 to the front surface. The locking body 44 has a retraction recess 47 at the corner of the front end, which is shaped by beveling the lower surface side.

[0062] The operating lever body 37 has a locking arm 48, which is located on the side opposite to the side having the bearing portion 38, the cam groove 39, and the operating lever side locking portion 42 in the width direction. The locking arm 48 is flexibly deformably disposed between a pair of cutouts 49 formed in the operating lever body 37. The locking arm 48 is locked in the locking portion 19 in the fully locked position (see...). Figure 2 The two housings 11 and 100 are held in a locked state by the locking arm 48 and the locking part 19. In the fully locked position, the front part of the locking arm 48 is positioned within the retractable part 25. This prevents the locking arm 48 from interfering with the top wall 18.

[0063] The locking arm 48 has an unlocking portion 51 that extends in the width direction at its rear end (the rear end when in the normal locking position). The locking arm 48 and the locking portion 19 are released by pressing the unlocking portion 51. After the locking arm 48 and the locking portion 19 are released, the operating lever 12 is rotated toward the temporary locking position, thereby returning from the normal locking position to the temporary locking position.

[0064] The operating lever 12 has a bridge-shaped mounting portion 52 at the rear end of the operating lever body 37. The mounting portion 52 covers the outer side of the unlocking portion 51, thereby limiting accidental release of the unlocking portion 51. Figure 2 As shown, the inner edge of the mounting part 52 is formed into a protruding shape that fits into the recess 24 of the stop part 23 at the temporary locking position.

[0065] The operating lever 12 has a second locking portion 53 protruding from the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37. The second locking portion 53 is positioned near the front end of the locking arm 48. The second locking portion 53 is claw-shaped. The thickness of the second locking portion 53 is consistently formed within the thickness range of the operating lever body 37. Figure 7 As shown, the second locking portion 53 has a second upright surface 54, a top portion 55, and a second locking surface 56.

[0066] The top portion 55 is formed at the top end of the protruding direction of the second locking portion 53. The top portion 55 is the part where the second upright surface 54 and the second locking surface 56 intersect, and is the apex portion where the second upright surface 54 and the second locking surface 56 form an obtuse angle.

[0067] The second upright surface 54 and the top part 55 are connected on the opposite side (rear side) to the side where the operating lever 12 rotates to the final locking position. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the second upright surface 54 is arranged in a straight line from the connection position 70 of the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37 to the top 55 at a constant angle. The second upright surface 54 is an inclined surface with a gentle angle of inclination relative to the tangential direction of the connection position 70 of the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37.

[0068] The second locking surface 56 is connected to the front side (side) of the upper part 55 when the operating lever 12 rotates to the final locking position. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the second locking surface 56 has a curved edge 57 connected to the connection position 80 of the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37. The curved edge 57 is U-shaped when viewed from the front.

[0069] The second locking surface 56 has an inclined edge 58 and a locking edge 59 between the curved edge 57 and the top portion 55. The inclined edge 58 and the locking edge 59 have different inclination angles relative to the tangential direction at the connection position 80 of the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37. In addition, the second locking surface 56 has a second top 61 between the inclined edge 58 and the locking edge 59.

[0070] The locking edge 59 is arranged in a straight line from the curved edge 57 to the inclined edge 58 at a constant angle. The tangent direction of the locking edge 59 at the connection position with the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37 is at a right angle or close to a right angle. The inclined edge 58 is arranged in a straight line from the second top 61 to the top 55 at a constant angle. The inclined edge 58 is a slope with a relatively gentle angle of less than 45 degrees relative to the tangent direction at the connection position with the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37.

[0071] An inclined edge 58 is disposed between the top portion 55 and the second top portion 61, and is connected to the second upright surface 54 at an obtuse angle via the top portion 55. The inclined edge 58 is connected to the locking edge 59 at an obtuse angle via the second top portion 61. When the operating lever 12 is in the temporary locking position, the inclined edge 58 is configured to tilt to one side in the width direction as it faces forward.

[0072] The length of the inclined edge 58 (length in the inclined direction) is smaller than the length of the locking edge 59. The length of the second upright surface 54 is larger than the sum of the lengths of the inclined edge 58 and the locking edge 59.

[0073] (Temporary locking mechanism and temporary locking release mechanism for the control lever)

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the operating lever 12 can rotate relative to the housing 11 within a clearance range in the temporary locking position. When the operating lever 12 is at one end of the clearance range in the temporary locking position, the inner edge of the mounting portion 52 is engaged with the recess 24 of the stop portion 23 and locked in place. Thus, the operating lever 12 is restricted from rotating from the temporary locking position to the side opposite to the permanent locking position. At this time, the locking recess 45 of the operating lever-side locking portion 42 is separated from the tip corner region 46 of the housing-side locking portion 26. Furthermore, the second locking surface 56 of the second locking portion 53 is also separated from the first locking surface 32 of the first locking portion 28.

[0075] In contrast, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the operating lever 12 is in the clearance range of the temporary locking position at the other end, the locking recess 45 of the operating lever-side locking portion 42 is engaged with the top corner region 46 of the housing-side locking portion 26 and is thus locked in place. Additionally, as... Figure 5 As shown, the locking edge 59 of the second locking surface 56 faces the first locking surface 32 and is configured to lock into it. Specifically, the locking edge 59 of the second locking surface 56 is configured to connect with or be parallel to the top region (the region on the side of the first top 34) of the first locking surface 32 at a gentle angle. Thus, the operating lever 12 is restricted from rotating from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, when the operating lever 12 is in the clearance range of the temporary locking position at one end, a gap 60 is formed between the locking recess 45 of the operating lever side locking portion 42 and the top corner region 46 of the housing side locking portion 26 to allow the flexural deformation of the extension 43 of the operating lever side locking portion 42.

[0077] Additionally, when the operating lever 12 is in the temporary locked position, the inlet of the cam groove 39 is connected to the guide groove 21. In this state, as... Figure 4 As shown, housing 11 is shallowly fitted into the opposite housing 100. Thus, cam follower 111 is positioned at the entrance of guide groove 21 and cam groove 39.

[0078] If the housing 11 is shallowly fitted into the opposite housing 100, the release part 112 is inserted into the receiving groove 22. The top of the release part 112 abuts against the locking body 44 of the operating lever-side locking part 42, and the locking body 44 is pressed by the release part 112, forcing the extension part 43 to flex and deform. Flexibility of the extension part 43 is permitted within the clearance range (gap 60) of the temporary locking position. When the extension part 43 flexes and deforms, the retraction recess 47 prevents interference between the top corner region 46 of the housing-side locking part 26 and the locking body 44.

[0079] Next, the installer presses down on the mounting section 52 to rotate the operating lever 12 from the temporary locking position to the permanent locking position. As the operating lever 12 begins to rotate, the second locking section 53 presses down on the first locking section 28, causing the elastic section 29 to flex and deform. The second top 61 passes over the first top 34, releasing the flex of the elastic section 29. As the elastic section 29 recovers its elasticity, it collides with the outer periphery of the operating lever 12, producing a knocking sound. By hearing the knocking sound or feeling the change in operating force caused by the release of the flex of the elastic section 29, the installer can recognize that the temporary locking position of the operating lever 12 has been released.

[0080] Then, the operating lever 12 reaches the final locking position, and the locking arm 48 locks the locking part 19, so that the two housings 11 and 100 are kept in a properly fitted state.

[0081] However, before the two housings 11 and 100 are fitted together, for example, sometimes foreign objects interfere with the mounting part 52, causing an external force F to be applied to the operating lever 12, which is in the temporary locking position, in the direction of rotation toward the formal locking position (see...). Figure 4If subjected to such an external force F, at the other end of the aforementioned clearance range, the second locking part 53 presses against the locking protrusion 31 of the first locking part 28, and the elastic part 29 may unexpectedly flex and deform. In this case, even if the flexing of the elastic part 29 is not released, if the elastic part 29 remains in a state of maintaining flexural deformation, the installer will not be able to obtain the aforementioned sense of release that recognizes the locking state of the operating lever 12 has been released when the operating lever 12 begins to rotate.

[0082] However, in the case of Embodiment 1, when the installer rotates the operating lever 12, the deflection of the elastic part 29 is ensured to be released. Specifically, if the elastic part 29 deflects and deforms before the two housings 11 and 100 are fitted together, then... Figure 6 As shown, the inclined edge 58 of the second locking surface 56 contacts the first top 34 of the locking protrusion 31. At this time, the inclined edge 58 is arranged obliquely from the first top 34 relative to the front-back direction, facing the curved surface 36 and the first locking surface 32.

[0083] Here, the elastic portion 29 is intended to elastically recover from its flexed state in the direction of releasing the flex. The first top 34 presses against the inclined edge 58 of the second locking surface 56 in the recovery direction of the elastic portion 29. Figure 6 As shown, a pressing force P is applied to the second locking portion 53 in a direction perpendicular to the surface direction of the inclined edge 58, and a rearward component force P1 is applied as a component of the pressing force P. Therefore, the second locking portion 53 is displaced rearward relative to the first top 34 by the component force P1. On the other hand, the first top 34 slides in contact with the inclined edge 58 and shifts towards the second top 61. In this way, the deflection of the elastic portion 29 is automatically released. If the first top 34 passes the second top 61, the deflection of the elastic portion 29 is released in one go, and the elastic portion 29 returns to its natural state. If the elastic portion 29 returns to its natural state, then as Figure 5 As shown, the locking edges 59 of the first locking surface 32 and the second locking surface 56 are locked together.

[0084] In this embodiment 1, the lever 12 is configured such that, within the clearance range of the temporary locking position, even when the elastic portion 29 is flexed to its maximum extent, the first top 34 contacts the inclined edge 58. Therefore, within the clearance range of the temporary locking position, regardless of how the elastic portion 29 flexes, the first locking portion 28 and the second locking portion 53 can be locked together by the inclined edge 58.

[0085] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, since the inclined edge 58 of the second locking surface 56 is arranged inclined from the first top 34 toward the first locking surface 32, even if the operating lever 12 is accidentally rotated within the clearance range of the temporary locking position, the elastic portion 29 of the first locking portion 28 becomes temporarily flexed, and the second locking surface 56 shifts to the side opposite to the first locking surface 32, returning to the state where the first locking portion 28 and the second locking portion 53 can be locked. As a result, the flexure of the elastic portion 29 can be automatically released. Therefore, when the installer begins the rotation operation of the operating lever 12, the first locking surface 32 and the second locking surface 56 are guaranteed to be locked in a locked state. As a result, the installer can appropriately feel the flexure of the first locking portion 28 being released, and can properly perform the rotation operation of the operating lever 12.

[0086] In particular, in this embodiment 1, when the operating lever 12 is in the temporary locked position, a gap 60 is formed between the operating lever-side locking portion 42 and the housing-side locking portion 26, allowing the operating lever-side locking portion 42 to flex. This results in a situation where the range of play increases to include the gap 60. Therefore, the operating lever 12 easily rotates within the range of play in the temporary locked position. Thus, the aforementioned configuration, where the first locking portion 28 and the second locking portion 53 can return to a locked state, is more advantageous.

[0087] In addition, the second locking part 53 has a top part 55 between the inclined edge 58 and the second upright surface 54, so by changing the relative position of the top part 55 with respect to the first locking part 28, the tilt angle and forming range of the inclined edge 58 can be easily adjusted.

[0088] Furthermore, the second locking surface 56 has an inclined edge 58 and a locking edge 59 separated from the second top 61. In the temporary locking position, the locking edge 59 is inclined relative to the first locking surface 32 in a gentler manner than the inclined edge 58, or is in parallel contact with it. Therefore, the locking force of the second locking portion 53 relative to the first locking portion 28 can be well ensured.

[0089] <Implementation Method 2>

[0090] Next, combined Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described. In this embodiment 2, the shape of the second locking portion 53A differs from that of Embodiment 1 described above. Other configurations are the same as in Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for structural references that are the same as or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0091] The second locking portion 53A has a triangular cross-section and protrudes from the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37. The second locking portion 53A has a top portion 55A at the top in the protruding direction, a second upright surface 54A behind the top portion 55A, and a second locking surface 56A in front of the top portion 55A.

[0092] The top part 55A is the part where the second standing surface 54A and the second locking surface 56A intersect, and is configured as an obtuse angle between the second standing surface 54A and the second locking surface 56A.

[0093] The second upright surface 54A is arranged in a straight line from the connection position 70A of the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37 to the top 55A at a constant angle of inclination. The second upright surface 54A is a sloped surface with a gentle angle of inclination relative to the tangential direction at the connection position 70A of the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37. The length (length in the inclination direction) of the second upright surface 54A is smaller than the length of the second upright surface 54A in Embodiment 1.

[0094] The second locking surface 56A is arranged in a straight line from the connection position 80A of the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37 to the top part 55A at a constant angle. The second locking surface 56A is configured as an inclined edge 58A. The second locking surface 56A does not have a portion corresponding to the second top 61 of Embodiment 1. The second locking surface 56A is a sloped surface with a gentle angle of less than 45 degrees (π / 4) relative to the tangential direction at the connection position 80A of the outer periphery of the operating lever body 37. The angle of inclination of the second locking surface 56A is the same as or close to the angle of inclination of the first locking surface 32. The angle of inclination of the second locking surface 56A is larger than the angle of inclination of the inclined edge 58A of Embodiment 1, and smaller than the angle of inclination of the locking edge 59 of Embodiment 1. The length of the second locking surface 56A is smaller than the length of the second upright surface 54A.

[0095] Before the two housings 11 and 100 are engaged, when the operating lever 12 is in the temporary locking position, if the elastic part 29 unexpectedly flexes and deforms, the first top 34 will come into contact with the second locking surface 56A. When the elastic part 29 flexes and deforms to its maximum extent, the first top 34 contacts the rear of the second locking surface 56A. The second locking part 53A experiences a pressing force PA caused by the flexure of the elastic part 29, and a component force PA1, which is a component of the pressing force PA. The second locking part 53A shifts rearward relative to the first top 34 due to the component force PA1. On the other hand, the first top 34 shifts forward towards the inclined edge 58A. Thus, the flexure of the elastic part 29 is automatically released. If the elastic part 29 returns to its natural state, the first top 34 shifts towards the front side of the second locking surface 56A. In Embodiment 2, the first top 34 is a portion that can lock against the second locking surface 56A in the temporary locking position. Furthermore, the second locking surface 56A is an inclined edge 58A and is also a portion that can lock against the first top 34. Therefore, according to this embodiment 2, the first locking portion 28 and the second locking portion 53A can be appropriately constructed to lock in a temporary locking position.

[0096] [Other embodiments of this disclosure]

[0097] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than limiting in all respects.

[0098] In the cases of embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the first locking part that can be flexibly deformed is provided in the housing, and the second locking part that cannot be flexibly deformed is provided in the operating rod. However, as another embodiment, the first locking part that can be flexibly deformed may be provided in the operating rod, while the second locking part that cannot be flexibly deformed may be provided in the housing.

[0099] In the above embodiments 1 and 2, the lever-side locking part can be flexibly deformed, while the housing-side locking part has rigidity that does not flex. However, as another embodiment, it can be configured such that the lever-side locking part has rigidity that does not flex, while the housing-side locking part can be flexibly deformed.

[0100] In the cases of embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the operating lever in the temporary locking position is held firstly by the housing-side locking part and the operating lever-side locking part, and secondly by the first locking part and the second locking part. However, as another embodiment, it can be configured such that the housing-side locking part and the operating lever-side locking part are omitted from the connector, and the operating lever in the temporary locking position is held only by the first locking part and the second locking part.

[0101] In the cases of embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the first top is formed with rounded corners; however, in other embodiments, the first top may be formed with a pointed end.

[0102] In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the second top is formed into a shape with a pointed end; however, in other embodiments, the second top may be a shape with rounded corners.

[0103] In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the second locking surface is composed of an inclined edge, a locking edge, a second top, and a curved edge. However, in other embodiments, the second locking surface may not have a curved edge and may be composed of an inclined edge and a second top.

[0104] In the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the locking edge is configured to contact the first locking surface at a gentle angle relative to it in the temporary locking position. However, in another embodiment, the locking edge may be configured to contact the first locking surface parallel to it in the temporary locking position.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, the operating lever is composed of a plate-shaped operating lever body. However, in other embodiments, the operating lever may be a gate-shaped operating lever in which a pair of operating lever bodies are connected by a connecting part.

[0106] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0107] 10… connectors

[0108] 11…shell

[0109] 12… control lever

[0110] 13…Guide groove

[0111] 14…Storage Department

[0112] 16, 17...left and right side walls

[0113] 18…Top Wall

[0114] 19… Lockdown Department

[0115] 20… Female terminal parts

[0116] 21…Import slot

[0117] 22…receiving groove

[0118] 23…stop section

[0119] 24…recess

[0120] 25…Retreat Department

[0121] 26…Housing side locking part

[0122] 27…slit

[0123] 28…First Stop Section

[0124] 29…elastic part

[0125] 31…stop protrusion

[0126] 32…First card stop surface

[0127] 33…First Elevation

[0128] 34…Top 1

[0129] 35…bend

[0130] 36…curved face

[0131] 37… Control lever body

[0132] 38…Bearing section

[0133] 39…cam groove

[0134] 41…base end

[0135] 42…Operating lever side locking part

[0136] 43… Extension

[0137] 44…stopping the main body

[0138] 45…Latching recess

[0139] 46…apex corner area

[0140] 47…Retreat from the concave part

[0141] 48… Locking arm

[0142] 49… incision

[0143] 51…Unlocking Department

[0144] 52…Erection Department

[0145] 53, 53A…Second stop section

[0146] 54, 54A… Second Elevation

[0147] 55, 55A… Top part

[0148] 56, 56A…Second card stop surface

[0149] 57…Curved edge

[0150] 58, 58A… Slanted side

[0151] 59…stop edge

[0152] 60…gap

[0153] 61…Top 2

[0154] 62… Support shaft

[0155] 70, 70A, 80, 80A… connection positions

[0156] 90… wire

[0157] 100… Opposite side shell

[0158] 110…cover

[0159] 111…Cam follower

[0160] 112…Lifting Department

[0161] 113…Guide Section

[0162] 120… Male terminal component

[0163] F…external force

[0164] P, PA... by pressure

[0165] P1, PA1... Component forces

Claims

1. A connector, wherein, have: shell; and The operating lever, supported by the housing, rotates from a temporary locking position to a permanent locking position to advance the engagement of the housing with the opposing housing. A first locking part capable of bending and deformation is provided on either the housing or the operating lever, and a second locking part is provided on the other. The first locking portion has a first top and a first locking surface connected to the first top. The second locking part has a second locking surface that contacts the first locking part to stop the operating lever at the temporary locking position. The second locking surface has an inclined edge, which is disposed obliquely from the first locking portion toward the first locking surface side when the first locking portion is flexed due to the interaction between the first top and the second locking portion. The second locking portion has: a second upright surface disposed on the side opposite to the second locking surface; and a top portion disposed between the second upright surface and the inclined edge.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The second locking surface has a locking edge that intersects the inclined edge across the second top. The locking edge is configured such that, in the temporary locking position, when the first locking portion is in its natural state, it is inclined more gently than the inclined edge relative to the first locking surface and contacts it, or is parallel to and contacts the first locking surface.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The housing has a housing-side locking portion, and the operating lever has an operating lever-side locking portion that locks with the housing-side locking portion at the temporary locking position. Either the housing-side locking portion or the operating lever-side locking portion is flexibly deformable. The locking state of the housing-side locking portion and the operating lever-side locking portion is released by the release portion of the opposite housing side. A gap is formed between the operating lever-side locking portion and the housing-side locking portion, allowing the flexing of the single component. The operating lever is in a state at the temporary locking position that allows it to rotate relative to the housing within the range of the gap.

4. A connector, wherein, have: shell; and The operating lever, supported by the housing, rotates from a temporary locking position to a permanent locking position to advance the engagement of the housing with the opposing housing. A first locking part capable of bending and deformation is provided on either the housing or the operating lever, and a second locking part is provided on the other. The first locking portion has a first top and a first locking surface connected to the first top. The second locking part has a second locking surface that contacts the first locking part to stop the operating lever at the temporary locking position. The second locking surface has an inclined edge, which is disposed obliquely from the first locking portion toward the first locking surface side when the first locking portion is flexed due to the interaction between the first top and the second locking portion. The second locking surface has a locking edge that intersects the inclined edge across the second top. The locking edge is configured such that, in the temporary locking position, when the first locking portion is in its natural state, it is inclined more gently than the inclined edge relative to the first locking surface and contacts it, or is parallel to and contacts the first locking surface.

5. A connector, wherein, have: shell; and The operating lever, supported by the housing, rotates from a temporary locking position to a permanent locking position to advance the engagement of the housing with the opposing housing. A first locking part capable of bending and deformation is provided on either the housing or the operating lever, and a second locking part is provided on the other. The first locking portion has a first top and a first locking surface connected to the first top. The second locking part has a second locking surface that contacts the first locking part to stop the operating lever at the temporary locking position. The second locking surface has an inclined edge, which is disposed obliquely from the first locking portion toward the first locking surface side when the first locking portion is flexed due to the interaction between the first top and the second locking portion. The housing has a housing-side locking portion, and the operating lever has an operating lever-side locking portion that locks with the housing-side locking portion at the temporary locking position. Either the housing-side locking portion or the operating lever-side locking portion is flexibly deformable. The locking state of the housing-side locking portion and the operating lever-side locking portion is released by the release portion of the opposite housing side. A gap is formed between the operating lever-side locking portion and the housing-side locking portion, allowing the flexing of the single component. The operating lever is in a state at the temporary locking position that allows it to rotate relative to the housing within the range of the gap.

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